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 

Traditional Southern Folk Meditation and Prayer

Blessings,

I offer a weekly meditation/journey called; Cosmic Journey and Meditation, this is done in a very traditional southern folk method.  Over the last 20 years I have offered this group in homes, churches and educational venues.  I have received many emails wanting details on what the group entails.  Often folks really do not have a concept of what it is and what to expect, this blog should provide some clarification.  Since there are many variations to this technique I will just share some of the steps you may take when you come to our group.  

One of my earliest childhood memories is that of listening from an adjoining room as groups of women and men would spend hours meditating and communing with spirit. It was not unusual for this to last overnight if needed.   Sometimes it would take the appearance of an old school prayer meeting, however as I grew up I realized it was a mix of many traditions that were melded together to form a primarily geographic form of spirituality/meditation and prayer.  Learning this, and accepting the beauty in the uniqueness of this path, allowed me to continue my exploration of the complexities of spirit while holding onto and honoring my familial traditions.  

Traditional Southern Folk Meditation derives its core from a geographical belt extending from central Oklahoma east to the Appalachians and south to the Gulf of Mexico, native American practice, primarily of the Choctaw and Cherokee tribes and more mainline faith based traditions, Ranging from Catholicism to the Apostolic (from the 1900's and charismatic movements from the 1970's).  Sprinkled in will be aspects of Wicca and TM components. It has been used for hundreds of years and has evolved into a format not only to meditate in the traditional sense, it is also used to speak with spirit and journey in other realms and planes.  If you were to observe a group of practitioners in the midst of FM, it may appear more like a old style prayer meeting or perhaps a shaman led spirit journey group, with Folk Meditation it can take many faces and is only done properly when led by spirit. No two groups are the same and they will vary greatly depending on the participants, this is one of the beauties of this form of meditation.  Folk Meditation is also key in community and group building,  encouraging us to not only meditate for our own benefit, but be concerned with the well being of our brothers and sisters.  

First it is important to note that there are no rules related to folk meditation, any guidelines are ones that are handed down via family or community traditions.  In my tradition it is very much driven by the elements, astrological timing and assertive traditional prayer techniques.  Realizing there are no rules globally to Folk Meditation, there are time tested steps in each individual tradition.  Keep in mind at this time, you will not likely find groups on every corner.  This technique tended to be closely guarded among the elder of any said group.  It has only been recently that I have found others offering this outlet for spiritual expression.  This meditation is not a religion, therefore it is not unusual for a fundamentalist christian to be seated next to a die hard Buddhist or Wiccan.  There is not judgment, only acceptance only a shared desire for betterment.  

Currently this group is being offered on Thursday evenings from 8:30-9:30 at Urban Unwind.  The address is 812 Clarks Lane, Louisville.  You are always welcome and there is no charge for this group.  

A word of caution, this is not your Aunt Sallies prayer or meditation group.  We are passionate about our work and it is not for the faint of heart! 

  

Here are a few things you may notice if you were to join us for a Folk Meditation group.  

• There will be a cleansing and blessing of the space.  If done properly meditation will make you open to celestial communication and it is important the proper steps are taken to ensure purity. 

• You are encouraged to make yourself comfortable.  You may lie down, sit in a chair or take a more traditional meditative pose.  

• It is usually done by candlelight.  Meditating in this fashion is a sacred experience and the element of fire is considered a holy component.

• Incense will be used.  The incense will correspond with the purpose of the FM and will be reconciled with the other elements of the experience.  The aroma, depending on what scent we are using will also serve to help you journey within or connect with the universal mind. 

• There is often music, chosen in advance to enhance the spiritual connection.  Music not only acts to evoke emotion (water) but it also provides additional vibratory aspects.  (air)  The music may contain words or be tonal only.  

• Colors will generally be involved as they are additional ways to make the connection to spirit.  The understanding of Color in meditation is universal, but in Folk Meditation it is taken a step further by connecting with spirit and acting as a workmate when needed later. 

• A group may consist of one person or one thousand.  The efficacy of the Journey is not judged by the number in attendance, but it is judged by the sincerity of those who are there.  

• The meditation may be a general time to commune with spirit (silent) or it may be specifically driven and directed to an issue or concern (journey).  

• You will be counted down to and Alpha state to encourage the activation of the pineal gland, this is the closest physical representation of the Third Eye. (Silva and TM)

• Spirits will be welcomed and encouraged to participate, and all entities of the light will be accepted.  (Added in the 1890's as a result of the spiritual awakening of the time)

• The person who leads the group will continue to do meditation and journey work for you well beyond the session.  (This will vary and if you have questions please ask your group leader)  Also remember we encourage participants from all paths and we do not judge.  

• On any given day the meditation will change depending on the need.  What remains consistent are the physical, mental and spiritual advantages to basic meditation practices.  

• Each of the above aspects may be altered or planned around the moon or the season.  While these things are important, the need of the individual, group or global need trumps all.  It is not unusual for a member of the group to contact the leader and advise them of an issue needing spiritual attention.  Often this will be incorporated into the guided meditation.  

These aspects cover some of the ways in which we practice Traditional Southern Folk Meditation.  While I can not say each session will include them all, I can assure you that it will be a unique experience and will be good for you in many ways  

Well, I hope that gives you an idea of what Cosmic Journey and Folk Meditation involve.  Bottom line is that the meditation will provide you with spiritual and physical benefits and is a positive way to meet open minded folks on a path to enlightenment.  

If you have any questions just message me and I will be happy to clarify or expand on any of the information provided.Please join us, if you are unable to do so feel free to forward any issues or request you would like worked on during our meditation time.  We are always happy to assist. 

And so it is, 

Reverend Andrew Jaycen 

Why Meditate?

Hello Fellow Seekers,

Anyone I have provided an intuitive reading for knows one of my first questions is, Are you meditating?  If I have read for you a second time the question is, How many times a week are you meditating?  It is my own personal, magical mission to encourage everyone I come in contact with to meditate at least one time a day.  Why...I really don't have the space here to discuss all the reasons, physical, mental, spiritual and on and on so I will stick to why it is relative to meditate if you seek spiritual advice.

When you enter into an agreement with an intuitive or other spiritual advisor, you not only agree to listen with your ears, contemplate with your mind and move accordingly, you agree to open a connection of vibratory realness, hmmm "vibratory realness".

This goes for any type of advisor advisee relationship.  This does not mean that you accept everything you are told, quite the opposite, in fact you should mentally question every word.  However if you take the time to meditate, while contemplating the advice or information you are given the advantages are multiple, just a few:

1.  There is a more clear connection each time you meet with the advisor.  This allows for a more complete flow of information and spiritual connection.  You will have a constant flow of energy with your advisor that is less likely to be polluted by outside static.

2.  Your spirit guides will be more attuned to the situations and realities of your discussions and will appear more clear in relation to your next steps.  Meditation is like having a follow up session with your intuitive.  Keeps everyone on the same page as it were. 

3.  There is less likely to be misinterpretation of the advice given.

Now for my advisor friends, please allow me this indulgence to say; if we are not mediating shame on us.  While we can never be 100% on all our advice, we are not the creator and we deal with free will, we owe it to anyone seeking our advice to be as spiritually attuned and connected as we can.  There are a few things in our daily walk that we can have `100% control of, and this is one of those things. What are the benefits to us? I'm glad you asked!

1.  Meditating helps to clear the way for a free flow of triad communication.

2.  Increasing our ability to focus

3.  Places us in a reverent state of mind and makes us more receptive to the spiritual messages we receive.

OK, I know most of us would love to be sitting on a mountain somewhere or on the beach contemplating the universal mysteries, for most of us that is not possible, so how do we balance our meditative walk.  Keep in mind Andrews Axioms in relation to Meditation:

• There is no right or wrong way to meditate.  The fact that you do it is the most important step.  The correct way will be revealed to you in time, the correct way for you! 
• If nothing else closing your eyes for three minutes in contemplation will be a start.  By doing this you activate your Pineal Gland to become receptive to light without the aid of your physical sight.  This gland is the closest physical representation to the spiritual third eye. 
• Complete quite and the proper posture is not essential.  I do believe they are preferable, but you will achieve your most complete meditative return on investment by meditating as you feel most comfortable.  In my mediation groups I tell everyone this...be comfortable. 
• Incorporate words, colors, sounds and aromas into your mediation when able.  

So there, three minutes with your eyes closed, simply that is it if your goal in improved spiritual communication and clarity.  

In my tradition there are multiple meditations for specific requests, I am happy to share these with you if you contact me.  Better yet consider joining me for mediation, email me for times and locations.  These meditation groups are guided and come from a southern folk magic tradition.  Email me with questions.

My you be blessed beyond your wildest dreams!    

Many blessings

Andrew Jaycen