Memories from the back of a Honda!

Hello all, 

I was with a friend/client the first part of last week and was just beginning to move into reading mode, the cards were for the most part laid out and we were engaging in some idle chit chat as the spirits were shuffling for position in the room.  

I was looking at the cards on the table and as I had not begun the reading yet a thought raced through my mind, more like a memory that took no more than a second to process.  I remembered back almost 20 years ago, I was offering readings out of the back of my Honda CRX at a music festival in NY state, my cat, Hannah, was laying across my shoulders and the rickety card table was weighted down with way too many crystals and divination tools.  A couple of girls came up and asked for readings and said, "we have nothing to pay you with except a kiss or a $5 gas card, those who know me know I took the Card!  I finished with what I was doing and turned back to them, now seated and we began the reading.  I used, for them, a regular deck of playing cards as they said they believed the Tarot to be of the devil.  ***Not willing to get into that, I spent about 30 minutes, gave them what I could and answered questions......  When they stood up to walk away I felt a sense of dread, like I had lost something important to me.  I knew it was not a message concerning them them so, I went about my day and had a great time. 

Later that night as I was packing things up I noticed I was short a deck of cards, my favorite cards, cards I considered special.  They were not old but they spoke to me and the rapport was a good one.  I knew then that one of the girls from earlier in the day had took them.  I felt anger at first, but then it was as if the universe stepped in and said, "for whatever reason she wanted them so badly, she had to have them".  Now please don't get me wrong I have no problems assertively addressing someone when I feel an injustice has occurred, but for some reason I could only feel concern for the young red headed girl.  For so many years later I would think about her and offer prayers on her behalf, and wishes that she have a good life.  

I was brought back to the present as my friend said, "these are really nice cards".  I thanked her and briefly referenced the deck that had been taken from me so many years ago.  We then proceed with the reading and went about our day.  

Well just three days later she sent me a text and stated that she had something she wanted to drop by to me, we arranged a time and she walked in and handed me a beautiful new deck of cards, the exact type of deck I lost so many years ago.  It was such an unselfish act on her part and I could not come up with the words, I just said thank you.

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Later that night as I sat holding the cards and meditating on their beauty, I was reminded of the times in my life were I had not taken the same path as I had with those girls so long ago, when I had felt compelled to act from a place of revenge and not from a place of love.  Those times, while I may have received some immediate satisfaction, I have almost always lived to regret that I had not allowed the universe to work her magic and balance the scales.  

So to the sweet hand of spirit, Ara, you have my thanks and will be a solid positive memory as I continue upon this path of lessons.  I am reminded of the times I have been the hero, and times I have been the villain and I am humbled.  

Continued Bliss 

St. Expedite, Thank You

My work as a spiritual advisor is one that I believe to be a part of my nature.  Regardless of the path life takes me, my belief in cosmic interaction with all life forms will be paramount.  I work with many spirits and archetypes of many faiths.  One that has been a consistent and important companion along my spiritual walk is St. Expeditus or St. Expedite.  

While some in the catholic church attempted to discredit the beloved as the product of a shipping error, yes that's correct, the saint has dug his heels in and pushed over obsticals for people of all faiths and nationalities.  So you see as I have said before, the church does not have exclusive rights or connections with a strong spirit, the spirits decide with whom they work.  

As the legend goes, at the moment of his conversion, Expedite was visited by a crow, the representation of evil, who told him “Cras!”, which is the literal translation of tomorrow or wait.  Expedite responded, “Hodie!” which is today or now.  Up to this point most traditions agree however while it is most widely held that St. Expedite killed the crow, it is the belief of my tradition that he "converted" the crow as a familiar and assistant.  

Our Beloved St will work on behalf of anyone who has an concret understanding of his nature and approaches him with respect.  At the same time be assured that those who would make light of his goodness would be advised not to do so.  

Thus, St. Expedite defeats procrastination, ensures rapid solutions to problems, and promises an end to delays. He gives strength to the faithful in combating unfair deadlines.

Some also believe that Saint Expedite will speed up the arrival of money in your bank account and he will hasten communication with loved ones.  He is not a fix all, however he is a St. who will provide an extra boost to resolution of open issues.  

Always remember to Thank him publicly and privately.  You may post a picture or place an ad in a local paper thanking him for assistance.  After he aids you it is always good to offer him Pound Cake, yes I said Pound Cake, his favorite is Sara Lee.  

St Expedite I am posting this note in recognition of your assistance with three individuals this week who came to you requesting your strong help.  They have each contacted me stating they have made huge strides this week and know that your strength and sense of spiritual urgency have been the reason for this.  Thank you.  

Blessings 

Winter is beautiful, but can be a challenge for man and beast!

Hello All,

It seems as if the winter apocalypse is headed our way, no matter where you live in the northern hemisphere Mother Nature is sending cold and cleansing weather to her children.  While this is necessary on a physical and spiritual plane, it also can prove deadly to human and animal alike if caught unaware or unable to prepare.

I encourage each of you to check in on your neighbors and offer assistance as you are able.  Many times people are too proud to admit they need help and every winter you hear of folks dying in their own homes as they did not have sufficient heat or supplies. 

Also please be considerate of the animals who are living in the elements.  Yes they do have innate tools to protect themselves but we, as stewards of the land, have the ability to aid them and make their lives more full.     

First make sure your own animals are protected, warm and have plenty of food and water.  Bringing them inside is a must when the type of weather we are expecting is coming.  Here in Louisville the low tomorrow is suppose to be minus -4 with wind chills down to -40.  While we aren't the frozen tundra typically, temps such as these are very intense even for the most adequately prepared.  Some extra hay or straw strategically scattered around your homes porches and steps may also provide some additional bedding for your furry friends.

Listed below are some ways to provide some creature comforts to the birds and other wildlife around your environment.

• Sunflower seeds—black oil, striped, and hulled—safflower seeds, and white proso millet
• Vegetarian suet and suet mixes
• Peanut butter mixed with cornmeal, pressed into cracks of bark or spread on a pinecone and rolled in seeds
• Pumpkin seeds (washed and dried in the sun or oven)
• Cut pumpkin shell in pieces
• A straw feeding wreath with wild flower or grass seed heads (sunflowers, purple coneflowers, grass, wheat, rye, barley, safflower)
• Dried, untreated corn on the cob or whole or cracked kernels
• Unsalted popcorn and cranberries, threaded onto cotton string and draped on trees

• Don't forget the water! In winter, water can be hard to find. Make sure your wild neighbors have.

For those who are so inclined, it is also a good thing to do spirit work to offer protection and additional comfort for the animal kingdom during this time.  Listed below are some suggestions and techniques.  Remember when working with spirit there is no right or wrong, you may alter these as you wish.  These are prayers and methods time tested by my ancestors, yet the intent is where the true power lies. Living a spiritual and magical life is very much specific to your own connection with the cosmic mind and spirit understanding. 

There are primarily three Saints who offer animal assistance and protection, there are others but I will limit this to the ones I work with. While they are recognized by the catholic church, the church does not own the rights to work with them nor can the church claim exclusivity.  

1.  St Francis of Assisi:  Francis was born of wealthy Italian parents in 1181 and is seen as the GO TO saint in regard to spiritual assistance with the animals.  He focuses on the animals of the wild.  During times of intense challenges in nature it is said he can be seen walking among the trees, with creatures of all kinds following along behind.  Francis has a genuine and incredibly powerful love of animals, especially those who are misunderstood or feared by man.  Most statues you see in the European church show him surrounded by butterflies and little birds.  In truth he would be surrounded by Wolves, Bears, Birds of Prey and other members of the Bad Boys and Girls of Nature Club.  Be not deceived Francis is a strong and powerful force to be reckoned with when you threaten his children.  

I recommend lighting a brown candle with a symbol of St Francis.  This symbol can be one of the small statues offered forth from the church, this works fine and carries with it his energy and archetypal characteristics.  Keeping in mind his true nature, you may use something more imposing for his representation.  I have used He Man action figures, pieces of wood or stone.  The important thing is that you honor him in a manner befitting a powerful spirit such as St Francis.  While envisioning the wildlife being protected and nurtured in your area so words such as, "St Francis, one who is strong, caring and protective.  I ask that you come quickly to the aid of all wildlife in (state the area you are addressing).  I fear they are suffering and with your assistance this need not be.  Please, you have the power to aid and I have the faith that you will".     Watch the candle burn and look for signs of chatter.  

Know that by the time you have finished this ritual Francis is already at work. 

2.  `St. Martin De Porres:  St Martin was born in Peru in the 1500's.  His father was a Spanish gentleman and his mother a free woman of color.  Martin was a tireless advocate for those who had little, this included animals, primarily domesticated and household pets.  During his time is was common to look at any animal which did not produce milk or food in some way vermin.  St Martin saw the spirit of god in all living creatures, he even had a dog and cat hospital for a while in the house of his well to do sister.  St. Martin will intervene quickly in situations where a household animal is in a dangerous situation.  It was not uncommon for his spirit to be called upon by religious folks of many kinds.  He is a strong component of many southern hoodoo folks and root workers.  

When calling upon help from St. Martin I recommend lighting a silver candle.  If able it is OK to use a statue obtained at a local church supply store, however if you want to do it old school many root workers use a simple bowl of water mixed with sugar and a few drops of cherry juice for color.  When working with St. Martin say these words, "St Martin, beloved companion and champion for those who live among us, yet suffer the weight of oppression.  We know your love for the creatures of the hearth and home.  I ask your help during this time and petition your assistance with_______________.  I trust your judgement and my heart is warmed by your strength".    As always meditate on the wanted outcome and watch your meditation candle and the surface of the water for chatter.  Many tell stories of the power of St Martin and his desire to assist when asked.  

3.  St. Kateri Tekakwitha was born in 1575 in upstate New York.  She survived small pox and lived until the young age of 24 with horrible scars on her face.  Upon her death the scars went away and she was said to have transformed from a caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly upon transition.  Her early childhood with her Algonquin people forged a bond of loyalty and protection to all of Gods creations, especially those of the wood and stream.  She is known to work without tiring when asked to help protect creatures of the wood and is known to appear in the leaves and bark of trees when a portion of land is set to be cleared.  It is believed she is there to usher the animals to safety.  

When Calling upon St. Kateri for assistance an orange candle should be used.  To represent  Kateri it is best to used a fine portion of cloth or beaded material.  As you look at the candle and hold the cloth in your hand recite the following words, "Kateri, Sainted one of beauty. You understand the fear and need of the the animals around me.  Even as you listen to my words you are already working toprotect those of wing and tail.  Your beauty is of never ending and on behalf of our friends you help, I offer thanks and respect".  Kateri will often mark her work with the appearance of a fox or coyote.  Many believe that she arrives and leaves in this form to be unnoticed.  After you work with St Kateri the area you are focusing on is left more enchanted to the point of feeling sacred.  

I encourage you to use these methods to ask for protection and comfort for our animal  companions.  Remember that intent is what truly matters and the nature of these strong spirits stand at the ready to assist when called upon.  I believe it is good spiritual manners to thank them by an offering of sorts, the best a public thank you.  As simple as Thank you St Kateri for your loving help, written on a slip of paper and placed in a public place.  

As I sit writing I hear the wind blowing and pulling at the windows of my home, the only other sounds are the steady breathing of my little spaniel.  I am certain he is dreaming of chasing the cat or going for a ride in the car.  Pulling him closer to my leg I am warmed by thoughts of thankfulness.  I am thankful for my humble, yet warm home.  I am thankful for my loving friends and fur friends who share my life.  I am thankful for a partner who loves me and brings light to the cold dark days of winter and I am thankful to the creator and all those of ascended spiritual stature who bring more magick into my life.  

Until next time stay warm and continued Bliss,

Andrew