Provisional Astroshamanic News by Franco Santoro (www.astroshamanism.org)
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Please visit our page on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/Astroshamanism) for the latest issues of our eZine, PAN
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Provisional Astroshamanic Network
Ezine of the Sacred
Editorial Director:
Edizione italiana: Anna Luna. For astroshamanic links in Facebook click here En español aqui. In italiano qui..
© 2009
Welcome to this summer issue of PAN provisionally reaching you on the approaching eve of Lughnasadh.
Lughnasadh, or Lammas, is one of the eight so called Celtic festivals, traditionally associated with the first of August. It originated as a feast celebrating the Irish deity of light, Lugh, later encompassing all harvest godheads, honouring the beginning of the reaping season with community gatherings and markets. This is the climax of warmth and luminosity, exuberance and performance. It is as well the funerary feast of the god of light, which also involves acknowledging cold and darkness, the other polarity of the cycle. When life appears to be at its peak on one side, death is thriving on the other. Hence at Lughnasadh, as in all truly holistic celebrations, all polarities are encompassed, with everyone and everything, holy and profane, finding their sacred space on the wheel of existence. Our completion feast in the main
Death and life, day and night, light and darkness, all pairs of opposites engage simultaneously at all times. While the northern hemisphere is in the midst of summer, in the southern hemisphere winter reigns supreme, as the sun rises in one part of the world it sets in another. With our limited perception we experience life as linear, getting used and attached to one polarity, while neglecting the other until with time, often to our discomfort and disbelief, what is ignored inevitably takes over. We may even work hard to prevent the opposite side from emerging, denying and repressing it, obdurately holding onto a separate reality. We may be dead, and yet we believe we are living, or we may be living, though we assume we are dead.
Just as there is a part in us thriving with life, another is dead. While a side is joyful, another is sad, one is dark and the other luminous, poor and rich, ill and healthy, and so on. All opposites live within us, constantly interacting and merging. Some shine on stage, while others lurk behind the wings, waiting for their turn to come. Yet they keep all being here at the same time.
At the heart of ancient ceremonies and gatherings, shamanic rituals and events, as well as their contemporary equivalents, lies the awareness of life as a vast multidimensional theatre production. These events were and are times of deep reunion, with all actors and characters coming together and being acknowledged, while also providing opportunities for swapping roles, exploring new stories, establishing novel connections or releasing old ones. And, most importantly, these gatherings also draw the directors and producers, those who manage the entire comedy or drama of life.
Leo is the traditional sign of theatre, drama, actors and of all those who shine in the limelight of life. It is associated with royal power, the alchemical gold and the Sun. Yet, with all respect, this is not the sun that comes and goes, drastically changing its effects according to seasonal or daily shifts. Nor it is solely the sun of monarchs and show stars, academic awards and political leaders. It is a deep inner Sun, capable of bestowing generous gifts at all times.
We may find this ongoing Sun by retrieving our hidden and denied parts, by acknowledging what was formerly eliminated from our consciousness. Surprisingly, in order to find the veritable source of light we need to travel into the darkness, facing all apparent areas of anguish and distress. We need to suspend our judgments and truly getting to know the areas we find difficult to accept, ceasing to act as if they don't exist or to regard them as horrible or nonsense.
What if the bits that we find harder to accept in ourselves end up being our best qualities and gifts?
We may be so frightened by true light and life, so full of shame and prejudices about our authentic treasures that we bury them away, displaying instead our worst bits to the world, paradoxically believing that they are the best. Many of us strain to express what is dead in their life, while repressing what is alive, serving a world obsessed with conventional appearances and missing the brightness of their inner Sun.
Yet, no matter how we try to conceal it, this light regularly returns and shines upon us. It glows upon all the crucial cross-roads on our path. It encourages us to let go of our decayed scripts and roles, of what is dead and long to take its course. It shines upon the blooming parts we are truly meant to play and dance in the theatre of life.
I wish you a most fruitful ripening of all the treasures generously available for you to enjoy and share with your beloved ones.
Franco
On the astroshamanic front of events and workshops the main feature in August is the Astroshamanic Trance Dance, Drumming and Chanting at Findhorn from 1 to
In September the most prominent and recommended event is the Course in Astroshamanic Healing Touch and Energy Work at Malvern (Worcester) from 12 to
For information on these and other events (including some dates for 2010) see details in the calendar below.
IN THIS 94th ISSUE
Scenes od Death and Life by Astrid Gude
Mystery Play in
and
The Great Sperm Race
The Sun: An Astroshamanic Voyage into the Tarot by
Shamanic Art for
Featured Member of the Sacred
Cosmos and Psyche (review by Astrid Gude)
Where the Heart Is by Elaine Silverfire
Upcoming Astroshamanic Events & News
Astrological Data: Please click here for Moon's ingresses in 2009. Click here for planetary ingresses.
PAN welcomes assistance with transcription of recent workshops in English, Italian and Spanish. If you would like to help, please contact pan@astroshamanism.org
Scenes of Death and Life by Astrid Gude
This year's Astroshamanic Summer Retreat took part at the beginning of July, for the second time in Casa Faustina near
In the caption of the movie documentation published on Facebook Franco refers to the continuum work we did over three days during the
The specific set-up that was created: "shooting" scenes for a movie, where the action was not necessarily sequential, allowed for a very healthy level of detachment in my perception. I did feel fully involved, yet at the same time, due to the collective process, the archetypal element that was involved and the "movie making" I maintained a perspective of some kind neutrality or of understanding with compassion that was beyond the personal.
Practices that prepare us for death are part of many shamanic and spiritual traditions. My experience this time was of a light-filled beauty and grace yet unknown to me, containing lots of archetypal elements. All I consciously did at the beginning was call for assistance and it was the presence of a light-being that guided me through the following stages: a process of forgiveness and release of burdens still in this realm, entering a boat that took me over a dark river towards a brightly shining mountain on the other side, and, before reaching the mountain, an ascension into the light and a condensation of energy that turned me into pulsating, radiant light feeling breathed by the universe. We do come from the stars.
Birth, entering into life, a challenging and traumatic experience in my life. Often when re-living it in a healing context, there was also the re-occurrence of a no-exit situation and the resulting despair and hopelessness. The work we did brought a radical change of perspective, since, due to the role I was assigned, I was part of the womb, the uterus and experienced it as my task to provide the contractions that eventually allowed this new being to enter the world. And I felt I was "just doing my job" not more, not less, and that it was the natural way to happen, with no emotions or judgments attached, whereas, when on the "other side" I had often experienced a threatening or even evil quality. I believe this set a huge process of liberation and reconciliation into motion, an experience on a deep inner level that expressed itself in following practices as more freedom from old concepts in the mental realm and more fluidity and openness in the physical and emotional.
Within the cycle of procreation and creation that we went through as a group, these were the two stages that stood out for me. All in all, during this well-orchestrated workshop, mixing playfulness with depth, and in the stunningly beautiful environment of Casa Faustina that brought us into a very fruitful connection with all the elements, I feel a lot of healing and transformative seeds have been sown for my journey.
Mystery Play in
In the following Facebook links you can find a selection of scenes from the mystery play we created at Casa Faustina (
The mystery play involved several scenes, and in the links below we have included only some fragments recorded with a mobile phone.
All actors went into deep inner spaces which are impossible to grasp from the perspective of the spectator. We share these images trusting that they will be treated with respect, while also bearing in mind that the participants operate as actors playing specific roles, and that
this is a mystery. These scenes are suitable for viewing only by a mature and initiated audience. Please watch solely at your own risk
Void 1 - Part 1: In this scene all the elements of life, still unconscious, are preparing for conception. Before Life there was no consciousness, but the elements existed for Life to begin...
Void 2 Part 2: "The elements of life become aware of the Void and interact..."
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1133614915014&saved#/video/video.php?v=1125165743790
Anticipation Part 3: "Spirits touch and get involved at the prospect of Unity..."
Critical Mass Part 4 a healing climax leading to an eruption of energy...
http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1133614915014&saved#/video/video.php?v=1125169823892
Explosion Part 5: "All the elements of life force are released and blindly move to reach their natural goal.
Intermezzo: This is a spontaneous dance in Piazza del Comune,
http://www.facebook.com/francosantoro.uk?ref=profile#/video/video.php?v=1124245280779&ref=mf
For our provisional album see:
And
the Great Sperm Race
This, as Channel 4 describes it, is "the most extreme race on earth - a contest with 250 million competitors, only one winner and relentless obstacles thrown in for good measure." Guided by top scientists and funded by the Wellcome Trust, The Great Sperm Race was broadcast on Channel 4 on
This is how Channel 4 features it:
"The Great Sperm Race tells the story of human conception as it's never been told before using helicopter-mounted cameras, world-renowned scientists,
With the microscopic world of sperm and egg accurately scaled up by 34,000 times, we see the human-sized heroes negotiate some of the world's most striking landscapes when the epic proportions of the vagina become the Canadian Rockies and the buildings on London's South Bank symbolise the intricacies of the cervix.
With the female body designed to repel and destroy invaders, from acidic vaginal walls to impassable cervical crypts, the sperm face unremitting obstacles. 'The battle that sperm have in order to find and fertilise an egg is just immense,' explains Dr
Huge swathes perish and only one will reach the ultimate goal - fertilisation of the egg and the beginnings of new life.
Made in conjunction with the Wellcome Trust and consulting the world's leading reproductive scientists, The Great Sperm Race demonstrates the extraordinary intricacies of our bodies and the giant lottery of luck that is our reproductive process."
See trailers at http://www.channel4.com/programmes/the-great-sperm-race and
The Sun: An Astroshamanic Voyage into the Tarot by
Please be aware that the articles in this series are merely an introductory overview on the topic. More plausible implications of the astroshamanic voyage through the Tarot are provided with individual experiential sessions or specific training. For a complete list of Astrology and Tarot correspondences according to the model used in these articles please see: http://www.astrologyweekly.com/astrology-articles/astrology-tarot.php
Before you read what follows please close your eyes for a while and imagine the Sun standing before you. Sense its presence and power. Be aware of how you feel as you face it. Notice if/how it looks at you and how you feel about it. Pay attention to whatever you perceive. Allow the Sun to express if it has something to tell you or show to you. If there is something you want to say or ask, please feel free to do so, and be aware of its response or silence.
The Sun is the nineteenth trump of the Major Arcana and is obviously associated with the astrological Sun and Leo. In the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot deck, the card portrays a naked child riding a white horse and holding a red flag, while in the background there are sunflowers and a large shining sun.
In the voyage through the Tarot, the Sun follows the Moon and exemplifies the shift from unconsciousness to consciousness. Hence the card portrays the shift from darkness to light, yet in a way that acknowledges the venture through the Moon as the essential step of the process.
The Moon is the counterpart of the Sun, what allows it to emerge and shine in its full glory. The lunar spirit has the power to reflect the deep hidden power of the Sun. She mirrors terrific forces, whose function is to drastically dismember the conventional self, our inadequate notion of light and whatever is regarded as conscious in consensus reality. The principle here is that in order to access true consciousness we need to let go of bogus consciousness. This is a most controversial process within reach only to those who are willing to expand beyond the limits of ordinary human configurations. When this is the case the dark path of the Moon lays the foundations for authentic light to glow at its best, together with all the generous and creative gifts of the Sun.
The Moon stirs terrific amounts of energy. which can either devastate or empower us. This mainly depends on whether we are capable of holding the connection with the seed of our intention, no matter what the Moon appears to do, and this seed must be surrendered to the Moon in order to mature, just as the male semen surrenders to the female womb.
The Sun is what follows once the Moon has done its labour. It is the birth of the radiant and innocent child, the luminosity within the darkness brought into light. Darkness and luminosity, Moon and Sun are major areas of paradox where things appear different once unveiled. Common to all mythologies is the awareness that the Sun comes from darkness, which is also the place where it returns every night. This has been written in the sky throughout the ages, teaching us that the light belongs to darkness, just as darkness pertains to light. Hence there is no way we can reach light by refusing darkness.
The Sun is merely the other side of the Moon, the daylight as opposed to the night. Both are essential in life, though since most people sleep at night, the realm of darkness ends up being relegated to the distant periphery of our awareness, if not virtually repressed. As a result also the nature of the Sun is affected, becoming a fake representation of light, based on denial and deceptiveness. Indeed, the Sun in this card unveils a far more authentic source of luminosity.
A.E. Waite, the co-creator of the Rider-Waite Tarot deck, describes the Sun as signifying "the transit from the manifest light of this world, represented by the glorious sun of earth, to the light of the world to come, which goes before aspiration and is typified by the heart of a child." This is a liberating experience, the release from the captivity of consensus awareness or bogus light, and the emergence of true illumination. It is the end of the gestation time and the final birth, a sudden rupture of vitality and joy out of a dead placenta. Here the Sun portrays the innocence and exuberance of the restored child, the retrieval of the original unity in its basic simplicity and purity. The child releases the obsolete sense of a separated identity, triumphing as a glorious unexpurgated part of the whole.
It is 'the stone that was rejected by you builders, which has become the cornerstone." (Acts
A major teaching in the voyage through the Tarot is that we can uncover authentic creativity and power only by facing and coming to terms with areas of darkness. Enlightenment is paradoxically the result of embracing darkness. The general tendency is to believe that we can achieve success, happiness and our full potential only if we lay aside what we don't like about ourselves, our dark zones. This journey, as well as all major myths, tells us instead that our most precious gifts abide in the darkness, and this darkness is merely the place where we meet our ongoing dramas in life. Whether the dramas are based on illness, abuse, addiction, depression, difficult relationships, sexual frustration or any other major grievance, this is the very darkness from which the Sun will emerge.
In tarot readings the card of the Sun brings an inevitable sense of delight and beauty, providing abundant elements of joy, splendour, optimism and power in any situation. It is therefore a most welcome trump, bringing wonder, contentment and assurance. On a deeper level the Sun indicates a radical shift in perception, the capacity or potential to look at life in a completely different way, to move beyond apparent grievances and acknowledge a deep loving light longing to be unveiled. The pictorial impact of the card itself is able to transmit its profound message, coming as a surprising blessing of unconditional love.
When the Sun hits we are bound to experience the bright side of life. Grievances and gloomy memories burn away, disclosing clarity, trust and even the startling manifestation of the dreams we most wish for. Its power is all-encompassing, shining with its rays of abundant bliss and vitality. Indeed with the Sun everything comes up roses! This is surely a state in which we would like to dwell forever. And yet the main lesson here is that although the Sun continues to be there at all times, at a certain stage it will appear to vanish again from our narrow sight. The presence of the Sun is steady, as the Earth circles around it, yet from our perspective it comes and goes, bringing an unavoidable end to all worldly joys and powers. When the outer Sun shines in our life, it points to the inner Sun, the one that stays with us wherever we go, including darkness.
Where the Heart is by Elaine Silverfire
continuing the series on the Five Elements in Chinese Philosophy
"The heart is the home of the Spirit (Shen), and the Blood houses the mind."
"Senseless babbling and disjointed thoughts are the outcome of...homelessness of the Spirit"
from Between Heaven and Earth: a Guide to Chinese Medicine by Beinfield and Korngold.
Summer is the Season of the Heart and Fire is the element associated with the Heart and Fire can easily become unstable. Peacefulness of Spirit, tranquillity of mind, calmness, clarity, love and compassion are all positive qualities of the Heart and the negative qualities of impatience, hate and jealousy can injure the Heart as much as Heat damages the Heart. There can be a pull between the desire for unity, fusion, merging and the desire for separation and withdrawal from the world. A secure, peaceful environment and a regular routine will balance the expansive tendency of the Heart and finding time and space for solitude will help to restore inner calm.
Suggested Fire Practices for Summer:
The Three Fold Flame Meditation: Create a golden flame at your heart, will and intend a beautiful golden flame and, with your imagination, step inside this golden flame and find yourself in the golden temple of your heart.
Look around you and see to your left a pale pink and magenta flame and pull this flame towards you and draw it into your heart.
See to your right a pale blue and electric blue flame and draw this flame into your heart.
Create one single flame from the golden flame, the pale pink and magenta flame and the pale blue and electric blue flame and have it burning in your heart and through your heart and around your heart.
Place a clear quartz crystal around the flame and allow the colours to filter through the crystal, filling your aura with gold, magenta and blue.Take the crystal away and allow the flame to grow higher, filling your entire body and your aura with colour.
Bring the flame back to the size it was.Give thanks to the universe for the blessing of this ancient meditation.
With Thanks to Anne Ward: www.worldbridger.biz
The Unity Breath Meditation
Unify with The Mother: Breathe and allow yourself to consciously relax the jaw, the shoulders and the body.Closing the eyes and opening to a most beautiful place in Nature, see as much detail as you can and open to the FEELING of being there.
Begin to Choose LOVE for this place, for the Earth, then open to Feel the Love for this space.
Continue to grow into this feeling of love, feel your heart beat and let it beat with the rhythm of the earth.
When the time feels right,, Send your Love into the Earth, to the centre, the core. Use INTENTION that the Mother Earth may feel your love streaming to her heart. You may want to imagine a beautiful Sphere of Light that you fill with your love and send that to her core.
Then wait like a child, with no expectation, wait in peace.
Wait until The Mother Earth sends her love back to you. Open to this, let yourself feel it... allow it... receive it with gratitude. Feel this beautiful Love that The Mother has surrounded you with, holding you and remain in this union with Her until it feels complete.
Unify with The Father: When the right moment comes to you, without breaking the Love Union with The Mother, Look to The Father, The Heavenly Father, look to the rest of Creation beyond the Earth. Open to The Love for The Father, Feel your Love for the Heavenly Father, Remember your deep love for Spirit. When this Love is real and felt then send you love to the Father. Again you may wish to put your love into a beautiful Sphere and send it to the Heavens.
Once your love has been sent, again you wait, wait until The Father sends his love back to You. Be still and know you are loved.
Become aware of God, God emanates out from this place and at the same time is everywhere and within everything. Simply OPEN YOUR HEART TO THE PRESENCE OF GOD.
With Thanks to Drunvalo Melchizedek and Sri Yukteswar.
Shortened version of this meditation taken from: www.sionone.com/inspirations.htm
(Review by Astrid Gude).
I came upon this book when reading "When the impossible happens", the autobiography of the famous pioneer into the research of altered states Stanislav Grof. Grof, in his long professional life open to exploring the most unusual non-ordinary states and realms of consciousness, writes that he had been very skeptical about astrology for a long time and that it was mainly his personal and professional connection with Richard Tarnas that made him discover and subsequently confirm through research the impact of the archetypal influence on the individual and collective level, connections "which are so complex, intricate, creative, and highly imaginative that they leave not doubt of their divine origin".
In a three weeks' holiday in January I dived into "Cosmos and Psyche", merely scanning in that time the more than 500 pages that are the result of 30 years of research, and fully agreeing with what it says on the cover, that the book "opens up a new cosmic horizon that reunites science and religion, intellect and soul, modern reason and ancient wisdom."
On many pages, especially in the first part, I had this feeling of: "Oh, this is what we deeply explore in Astroshamanism. Astroshamanism is one of the pathways that experientially allows us to move through this 'enchanted universe' in which we bridge the individual and the collective."
This is far from a comprehensive book report which would take me probably some more months to write. I would just like to highlight some aspects that made it very inspiring and educational reading for me and that make me believe that it might be of similar value to others in the astroshamanic environment, mainly to those who are mentally inclined.
The book opens with contrasting the primal world, which was ensouled and in which "participation is multi-directional and multi-dimensional, pervasive and encompassing" to the modern Western world view that has become "disenchanted", "void of any spiritual, symbolic, or expressive dimension that provides a cosmic order in which human existence finds its ground of meaning and purpose." This is traced back through the history of the Western mind, which over a long period of time has led to more and more alienation and fragmentation. In a beautiful parable called the "Two Suitors" the reader is invited to move into the place of the universe and asked who, as the universe he/she would open up to, reveal its authentic nature: to the suitor: the one who denies your interior dimension and wants to control you or the one who values you, wishes to unite with you and seeks a "responsive and empowered participation in an co-creative unfolding of new realities" and opens to a "process of mutual discovery".
The soul started to re-enter modern academic awareness through Jung's research into archetypes, seeing them as "innate symbolic forms and psychological dispositions that unconsciously structure and impel human behaviour and experience both at a personal and a collective level" and subsequently studying the ancient cosmological perspective of astrology which establishes symbolic correspondences between planetary positions and events in human existence. The archetypal cosmos, known in ancient cultures, was rediscovered by the modern world.
The chapter "Through the Archetypal Telescope" introduces the celestial bodies as "possessing an intrinsic association with specific universal principles."
A quote by Plotinus in this chapter: "The stars are like letters which inscribe themselves at every moment in the sky... Everything in the world is full of signs... All events are co-ordinated... All things depend on each other; as has been said, "Everything breathes together."
The names assigned to the planets that were known in antiquity reflect an intuitive knowledge of their archetypal qualities - the chapter on archetypal principles describes their multidimensionality as well as their multivalence - whereas the outer planets, discovered in modern times, were named by scientists. Tarnas explains why he thinks that Uranus has mostly Promethean features.
The bulk of the book is devoted to an analysis of planetary cycles and aspects throughout
Western civilization as they affected science, politics, cultural phenomena, the world view, an immense accumulation of data, yet written in a very approachable, sometimes poetical way, also including a lot of evidence how transits manifested in the lives of people whose biographies are well known. The focus is on the aspects Uranus, Pluto, Saturn and
The planetary forces are not solely determining powers. We have a choice. In the epilogue, cosmos and psyche are described as a mysterious marriage, mutually interpenetrating each other and representing a fertile tension of opposites.
Explore the book: Table of Contents; Preface; The Birth of the Modern Self; The Dawn of a New Universe; Two Suitors: A Parable
Shamanic Art for
I am a healer and a textile artist who works in shamanic ways. I live within the Findhorn community. A piece of my art work, dedicated to my experiences of Astroshamanism, is looking for a new home.
The piece depicts a particular crop circle pattern that featured in my art during my training years. That pattern kept on talking to me about community from a prehistoric point of view. Back in 2005, I spent several weeks focused on rituals involving that crop circle pattern just before I attended a November Astroshamanism workshop with Franco. That crop circle strongly contributed its presence to my personal healing process. It was a powerful culmination of my week's of focus.
However the workshop also led me into a week-long altered mental state, greatly stressing my poor husband and really shaking up our relationship. I had experienced one before when my healing work became focused on sacred geometry. I was disturbed now about continuing the shamanic path and maintaining my mental balance and my relationship. Rather than back off the shamanic path I made a commitment to gain full control over any future altered mental states. This involved attending the next two workshops. The first had a New Year focus (most appropriate) and then another to consolidate my continued path as a shamanic person. This was followed up with a year of focusing on the phases of the moon as it moved through the various sectors and studying Franco's books. The whole 13 months was a time of disruption leading to greater peace.
Around this time I was invited to enter the Henry Foyle national competition for completing Textile Art students. The theme for the exhibition was 'Maelstrom', the name of a major oceanic whirlpool off the coast of
Several features were important. It had to be big for this was a big issue for me. It had to include lights to emphasise the crop circle pattern. It had to be complex and present me with a big challenge. It was dedicated to the art of healing.
The making of the piece drew my husband into my art work. We worked together on the complexities of the design of the background framework, the mounting of a bank of fairy lights, the safety features so that it wouldn't overheat or burn fabric and the complex geometry involved in depicting the pattern. Malcolm constructed all the timber framing, drilled numerous holes to support the lights and provided places to attach the fabrics, and did the electrical wiring. He helped me find mathematical support to create the pattern.
The machine embroidered centre represents a spiralling galaxy. The crop circle pattern was superimposed by cutting it out of the acrylic fabric with a soldering iron. Translucent fabrics were laid underneath through which the lights would show. The pattern was then stitched in numerous spirals to depict the way that plants in the crop circles are laid down. Finally a swirling border of velvet fabrics set off a series of medallions depicting the signs of the zodiac. Finally, we added an interactive element to the art work - a control box holding a timer switch which automatically turns off the lights. The geometry was so complex, and the construction required so much practical problem solving that it kept me really grounded for several months. It got me through my fear of going public about my shamanic path.
The final result was worth all the work. Entitled 'Order and Chaos', it won a prize for technical excellence in the 'Maelstrom' competition and set my husband and I on a far more interactive path together, each contributing to, and supporting the creativity of the other.
Why does it want a new home? We are moving to
The artwork is more purple in colour than the photo depicts. It measures 49 inches/1,250 mm across the octagon, has a depth of 3in/75mm, and is quite heavy. There is also a control box for the lights measuring 22mm x 13mm x 13mm. We are asking £500 for it plus packing and transport but are open to offers.
If you are interested my phone number is: +44 (0)1309 676 994
email: christineconnelly0@googlemail.com
Love to all in the Astroshamanism world.
Featured Member of the Sacred
Every issue of PAN features a member of the
For information about becoming a member of the
Name: Beate Schneeberger
Sun Sign: Pisces
Moon Sign: Sagittarius
Ascendant: Leo
Astroshamanic Trinity System:
Other relevant features in your astrological chart: Jupiter in conjunction to Pisces, Mars in Leo, Medium Coeli in Aries, Sun, Jupiter, Mercury, Chiron in Pisces, Uranus, Ceres, Pluto, Juno, Vesta,
Location:
Where are you originally from?
1.Tell us about yourself and your interests.
I am interested in singing, walking, travelling, cycling, making a pilgrimage, meditating, taking pictures, creativity, children, nurturing relationships( for both sides), connecting to nature itself and our true nature, to develop my healing, creative, loving, wise qualities and to retrieve my heritage and potentials to fulfill my life purpose and to help other people, energetic work, shamanism, healing, finding truth
2. How did you first connect with astroshamanic work?
4 years agon during my experience week in
3.Why are you involved with astroshamanic work?
Because I am interested in coming into an experimental contact with astrology, it`s real meaning and I feel very attuned to shamanism. So I have found a wonderful combination of these two interests.
4.What sort of things inspire you in astroshamanism?
- getting known spirits and to build up a good relationship through shamanic voyages,
- getting into contact with my natal chart in an playful, experimental way and to recognise, how to
handle this different kinds of energies,
- getting known spirits and to build up a good relationship through shamanic voyages and daily contact
in meditation,
- unveiling more and more the layers to feel the deep unity of all,
- to recognise more and more that my subtle perception isn´t weird, but rather my true nature,
- this wide range of tools,
5.How long have you been involved with astroshamanism and other forms of spiritual healing or energetic work?
- The first workshop with Franco was in autumn 2005, 2007/8 first level of the operative training in Astroshamanism, from June 2009 intermediary level, 2002: Metamorphic method, 2003 :Osho meditation-leadership-training, 2008: Reiki, third degree, 2004/5: masterclass with Dr. med. Brenda Davies to improve the ability of intuition and transformation, 2005/6: introduction spiritual-energetical healer on shamanic foundation, 2005/6: training in terminal care, 2005/6: training in sacred dances with Gabriele Wosien, since 2005 Zen-meditation, 2007 till now: masterclass TriFormBalance - vibration, 2008
6.What types of astroshamanic activities, training and work do you take part in?
education see above workshops.
7. What are your favourite astroshamanic practices and experiences?
the Astroshamanic Basic Ritual of the Sacred Cone, working with my Guide/ Totems, using the chants, singing vowels, trance dance, smudging,
8. Why are they your favourites?
the
9. What is your current intent?
I want to develop my multidimensional being more and more, to experience and live my life purpose.
10. Do you offer any astroshamanic or other healing services, sessions or events? If yes, what are they?
Energetic healing (see5), TriFormBalance sessions,
11. What advice would you give anyone who was thinking of training or going deeper with astroshamanic work?
Be a curious, playful child, but never forget to take regularity
12. Anything else you'd like to say to the group:
Astroshamanism is a powerful, rich healing device. Let´s help to spread it out over the world!!!
Thank you, Franco, for your love, wisdom and knowledge
13. Contact Information
Beate Schneeberger, D-10829 Berlin, Tel. 0049-30-78712085, sterntaler1703@web.de
Please be aware that new events may be added with short notice. For further details or information please contact Franco info@astroshamanism.org or alternatively go to www.astroshamanism.org
To book Findhorn Foundation workshops, please contact bookings@findhorn.org or Bookings, The Park,
All events are held by
Findhorn Foundation, 1-8 August 2009, Astroshamanic Trance Dance, Drumming and Chanting Reshaping the World Through the Healing Dynamic of Sound
This is one of the most popular events in our calendar. In this workshop trance dance and sound are used as transformational tools to open the pathway to expanded states of consciousness and a profound awareness of ourselves and our environment. During the week we employ movement to animate deep emotions and stagnant energies, redirecting them to support highest potentials, empowering our authentic visions and stepping into the healing flow that allows us to reshape the world within which we live. The programme also includes astroshamanic chants, planetary alignment dances, sound healing, shape-shifting rituals and the exploration of the basic astroshamanic drumming method. Please book early. Income related price (click here for more information) £495 / £625 / £735. Bursaries may be available if you book early. If you wish to attend please book at bookings@findhorn.org or +44(0)1309/691653.
For a video with an example of an astroshamanic trance dance click:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0lPKyvriQ8
Edinburgh (Scotland), 1 August 2009, Astroshamanic Celebration of Summer, with Celia McKenna, Salisbury Centre (10am-
Findhorn Foundation, 15-21 August 2009, Settimana di Guarigione Spirituale (Spiritual Healing Week) in Italian, with
Malvern, Worcs. (
Malvern, Worcs. (
Malvern (
During this seminar participants are initiated into basic astroshamanic healing touch. The programme includes a complete experiential introduction to the three stages of shamanic healing and aims at defining and deepening the relationship with one's inner core and its connection with the outer reality. This is the first introductory seminar of the One-Year Course in Astroshamanic Healing Touch & Energy Work. It is possible to take part also if you are not attending the Course.
The assumption of energy work is that our body consists of energy fields, all deeply connected with the web of life. There are many techniques that allow us to become aware of these energy fields. These tools, besides promoting health, well-being and spiritual growth at an individual level, vigorously contribute to create major positive changes at a collective and planetary level. Energy work is the basic feature of the oldest therapeutic systems, which all involve the use of astrology and shamanism. This workshop will integrate methods of the Eastern and Western tradition into a pragmatic and healing whole.
About the One Year Course in Malvern: Astrology and shamanism demonstrate that our reality is a smaller scale duplication of a vaster universe, from which we appear to have separated themselves. Astroshamanic Touch is an energetic bodywork application of astroshamanism meant as a tool for bridging the physical with our multidimensional nature. During the Course we will discover ways of employing the physical body to foster expanded states of consciousness, retrieve soul parts, reawaken healing talents and integrate them in everyday life. Through healing practices derived from various traditions we will receive visions and insights to deepen the work. We will also explore the multidimensional features of relationships, sharing ways to release intense feelings, promoting forgiveness, transformation and unconditional love. The Course consists of four week-end workshops. Each workshop deals with a particular aspect of astroshamanic healing touch as applied to the elements and the astrological wheel.
Findhorn Foundation, 17-24 October 2009, Spiritual Practice and Manifestation
Findhorn Foundation, 13 26 March 2010, FOUNDATION TRAINING in ASTROSHAMANISM
This programme introduces participants to astroshamanism in a practical and effective way. Participants will experience tools for opening, discovering and supporting the relationship with their core identity and essential Intent. They will also focus on releasing blocks and retrieving hidden potentials, learning to bring shamanic healing work in their life and relationship with others. The training consists of two workshops, which can also be attended independently
13-20 March 2010, A Journey into the Inner Universe.
20-27 March 2010, The Voyage through the Zodiac
Findhorn Foundation, 17-24 April 2010, Being with the Spirit of Cluny Garden (with Sverre Koxvold & Franco).
Findhorn Foundation, 15-22 May 2010, Spiritual Practice and Manifestation
Findhorn Foundation, 26 June
Findhorn Foundation, 31 July
Findhorn Foundation, 2-9 October 2010, Restoring the Fragmented Heart: The Way of Sacred Relationships
Findhorn Foundation, 23-30 October 2010, The Blessed Way of Passion: Astroshamanic Healing Touch
Astroshamanic Trainings:
For details on some distant learning courses please click here.
Astroshamanism Book I: A Journey into the Inner Universe and Astroshamanism Book II: The Voyage Throuh the Zodiac feature the core teachings of astroshamanism. Our newly published CD, Astroshamanic Basic Ritual, provides an excellent support for astroshamanic trance dance and rituals. Books, various CDs and the Provisional Astroshamanic Cards are available from info@astroshamanism.org
The Operative Training in Astroshamanism (OTA) is a certificate course in core astroshamanism which allows you to study at home as part of an ongoing interactive training. Participants will learn a wide range of techniques, exploring all aspects of their soul, individual and collective, as they are reflected in the astroshamanic cosmology of the 12 Sectors, the 4 Directions and the 3 Worlds. They will receive initiation into specific healing and ceremonial practices according to each zodiac sign, integrating shamanic experiences with information drawn from astrology and other esoteric sources. The OTA can ideally be integrated with the One Year Course in Astroshamanism and the Astroshamanic Practitioner Training. For information contact: info@astroshamanism.org
We warmly encourage our readers to comment on the articles in PAN. If you wish to write a comment or share your experiences related with the themes of our articles, please contact pan@astroshamanism.org.
PAN on-line: You can find an abridged edition of the latest issues of PAN on-line at http://www.facebook.com/note.php?saved&&suggest¬e_id=94765108328&id=44471338710#/note.php?note_id=94765108328&ref=mf and http://panissue.blogspot.com/. The abridged Italian edition is at http://panitalico.blogspot.com/, while the full edition is available on request. The abridged Spanish edition is at http://panhispano.blogspot.com/ and the full edition is available on request.
Disclaimer: All information provided in PAN is presented solely for inspirational or recreational reading, and it is not meant to substitute the recipient's direct experience and investigation. The information is also given to strategically exemplify the different features of astroshamanic cosmology and is not intended to reflect Franco's opinion or astroshamanism in general. Franco does not necessarily endorse any of the ideas and views expressed in this literature, including his own.
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Provisional Astroshamanic Network
Ezine of the Sacred
Editorial Director:
Edizione italiana: Anna Luna. For astroshamanic links in Facebook click here En español aqui. In italiano qui..
© 2009
Welcome to PAN in Gemini, the realm of wholehearted communication and distribution of healing thoughts, upon which we indulge a wee bit in the Editorial. This PAN also features Geminian flavours in our reports on recent astroshamanic corporate developments in
Gemini is the magical time of preparation for Summer, marked again this year at the Findhorn Foundation by the traditional Summer Solstice workshop The Original Quest: An Astroshamanic Journey into Space and Time from 20 to
For information on these and other events see details in the calendar below.
Also I am delighted to inform you that Celia McKenna has recently produced a video featuring one of our astroshamanic trance dances. We will cover in details this topic with our next issue, yet in the meantime you can see the video at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Forres-United-Kingdom/Astroshamanism/44471338710?sid=272892504eeb5c739891815e4cb3a0f7&ref=s#/video/video.php?v=1098219750157&ref=mf or http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0lPKyvriQ8
There are other nuggets, which you can find in this PAN. Please also bear in mind that we are always open to welcome anything you feel inspired to contribute, comment and suggest.
Blessings, Franco
Editorial
Humankind has been plagued by many diseases, famines, recessions, swine-flu and other disasters, and yet the most crucial and ongoing pestilence continues to affect our mind rather than our body. This is the scourge of separation, the incapacity to truly relate with other human beings, genuinely expressing ourselves and allowing others to do the same. And yet the major consequence of this plague, far from being communication with others, may rather be an inability to truly communicate with ourselves, to connect with whom we truly are.
Throughout human history many healing tools have been used to cure the above plague. Astrologically there is a tool for each zodiac sign, which applies to all human beings regardless of what their sun sign or ascendant is. Here Gemini plays a major role, for it is the keeper of the circulation of thoughts, information and all types of communication or mental activities.
Words and thoughts cause substantial effects in the environment and generate most of our human experiences, and the way we perceive them. Communication is an ongoing process, regardless of whether I'm absorbed in my own thoughts or I express them with others. And yet, although there seems to be a large variety of communication, in the end there are simply two categories, one based on the separation and the other on unity. We are communicating at all times, and in any second of life, we have the opportunity to choose between these two.
As human beings we are affected by an ego mind, which constantly promotes separation, employing a huge assortment of devices aimed at sidetracking our perception. As a result it is inevitable to experience negative thoughts or emotions, and all types of grievance. Yet the problem is not experiencing grievances, the issue is what we do with them. Since we live in a consensus reality based on separation, we are bound to come across harmful emotions and thoughts. Getting rid of them completely is beyond doubt a forlorn enterprise. Yet we have the capacity to be aware of those thoughts, while tenaciously being engaged with the healing network of life. This entails employing practical ways to transform infected thoughts and emotions instead of dumping them on others or ourselves. In this way although we still experience grievances, we do not get stuck with them, nor do we forward them to others. On the contrary we convert grievances in healing thoughts and distribute them through the web of life.
In our forthcoming workshops and trainings we will explore pragmatic ways to transform emotions and thoughts, using a large variety of tools according to the seasonal cycles and the topic of the courses.
The challenge of Gemini is to steadily transmute toxic thoughts and emotions into blessings, up to the original toxic thought, which is also the gateway into the ultimate blessing.
Photo: a group meditation at the Universal Hall, Findhorn Foundation (photo by Sverre Koxvold)
IN THIS 92nd ISSUE
Scottish Government Workers Treated to Astroshamanism
Working with the Rhythm of the Big Corporations by Celia McKenna
The Astroshamanic Zodiac: Retrieving 12 Sectors of the Soul by
Restoring the Fragmented Heart: Report on the Workshop by Dave Mountjoy
Keep Clear – Access to Marriage Room – Road Ahead Closed by
Featured Member of the Sacred
The Magician - Mercury: An Astroshamanic Voyage into the Tarot by
Homecoming Scotland 2009: A Big Year for
What is Home to Me
The Singular Adventures of Mandarino Kid by Sergio Di Martino
Upcoming Astroshamanic Events & News
Scottish Government workers treated to Astroshamanism
This is what the Edinburgh Evening News, the Scottish capital evening daily newspaper on
Government staff get courses
SCOTTISH Government workers are being treated to courses in new age "astroshamanism", papercraft and Tai Chi, it is reported today.
More than 60 classes are being laid on for civil servants at Victoria Quay, St Andrew's House and Saughton House this week.
Other lessons included in the Learning at Work week include light-aircraft flying, adventure motor-cycling and line dancing.
In a country where the issue of politicians' lavish allowances and bizarre expenses has been for weeks the major focus of debate, the above seemed to imply further controversy. The following day on The Firm, Scotland's only independent legal magazine, a more measured article titled "Meditation time… meditation time" appeared, which also included an official response from the Scottish government (see below and also at: http://www.firmmagazine.com/news/1493/%22Meditation_time..meditation_time%22.html
Workers at Scottish Government offices - including the three main sites of Victoria Quay, St Andrew's House and Saughton House- are being given the opportunity to take part in transcendental meditation-style astroshamanism as part of 'Learning at Work' week.
Astroshamanism classes are available to the 2,000 workforce at Victoria Quay. Sources who disclosed emails sent to staff said the course was described as "a system of healing and empowerment that uses shamanic techniques in conjunction with experiential astrology to enable people to develop connection with their inner sources of strength and achieve balance and harmony in their life".
Other skills on offer include jive and line dancing, Tai Chi, snooker, bowls, adventure motor-cycling and light-aircraft flying.
St Andrews House is offering aerobics and a two-hour line-dancing class. Gaelic lessons, anger management classes and guided walks through
A Scottish Government spokesman said: "We are leading by example in encouraging employers to develop skills at work. This is about staff offering to share skills from outside of work with their colleagues, at no cost. These events are predominantly run in-house so that we do not incur costs for venues. No costs are incurred in relation to trainers — activities are run by staff for staff. This is a very low-cost learning opportunity and the total cost is approximately £200."
See: http://www.firmmagazine.com/news/1493/%22Meditation_time..meditation_time%22.html
Working with the Rhythm of the Big Corporations... by Celia McKenna
For some time I have been seeking a way of introducing the principles of astroshamanism within my work setting; a world that lies very much on the mental plane, concerned with matters of organisation, administration and leadership. There is a week held each year, dedicated to employees expanding their horizons and skills and learning from one another. For the second year I offered to run something on the programme, and this time I was a little more courageous and boldly proclaimed the title of the course "Astroshamanism"! I knew well that this would certainly get people talking and raise some eyebrows far beyond the hairline. To my great delight it appeared on the front page of the internal website and I was not unduly surprised that it made it from there onto the pages of the Scottish press. On the whole I think the coverage has been quite positive, although I am a little glad that I am away at conferences for a couple of weeks.
The event itself proved quite small in the end. But a full Ritual of the Sacred Cone took place; intents were set, grievances were released and blessings were received by participants. My drum echoed through corridors unaccustomed to noticing the beat of the human heart. The processes of the three stages were stimulated by some of my favourite pieces of Italian music that Franco has introduced me to over the years. You probably know which ones. I imagined the sounds seeping up through all the floors of the grand and sedate building... and inched the volume up just that little bit more. I felt a sense of joyous, glorious freedom and personal release.
It may well be the last time that a course entitled "Astroshamanism" takes place in this particular location! But the processes will continue. They will use different names and visible forms. Maybe the music won't even be Italian. And maybe I'll relinquish the drum... But translating this work into forms accessible to people at large, who occupy corporate as well as "spiritual" locations is very important. The work is just as relevant here as anywhere else and has the potential to have far-reaching effects. I have learnt that people are receptive everywhere. Where they appear not to be, we are just not explaining it right.
Blessings and keen to hear all your ideas and experiences.
Celia: celia@astroshamanism.org
The Astroshamanic Zodiac: Retrieving the 12 Sectors of the Soul by
In the previous article ("Towards an Energetic Use of the
Astrology in astroshamanism is merely a didactic device designed to remove the blocks to our expanded perception. In this respect while it starts off from our limited awareness of reality its aim is to lead us far beyond, yet if we are not ready it still provides our regular cup of tea. In other words astrology first employs a language familiar to our ordinary mind, working with the issues of everyday life, strategically appeasing all major fears, wishes and needs of consensus reality. Yet, as it does so, it gradually unveils other possibilities, which mature seekers can detect and assimilate through direct experience.
Astroshamanism is not interested in arguing about the existence of other realities, nor does it seek to desert the schemes of everyday life. Its aim is to offer tools aimed at expanding our awareness and to provide a direct experience, devoid of interpretations, trusting that the experience will ultimately speak for itself. Nevertheless, astroshamanism also includes a vast body of categories, structures and analytical options. Their function is merely provisional and strategic, helping the seekers to move through different stages of experience and assisting them in the process of integration.
The astroshamanic zodiac circle, or circle on the floor, is one of the main strategic structures used in astroshamanism. The astrological chart is grounded on the floor in a wide circle where the person sits, lies, stands or moves, directly experiencing the energy of the astrological signs. In astroshamanism the zodiac signs represent 12 energy centres, which strategically make up the complete make-up of our multidimensional identity. In other terms the zodiac signs embody the entire configuration of our original nature, with all its possible realities, which is meant to be recovered and restored.
A rather common shamanic term used to describe this recovery process is soul retrieval. This is a traditional practice based on the premise that our soul was once whole and then it fragmented. Some or most of its parts left, went astray, or perhaps were stolen or even borrowed by other beings. The task of the shaman here is to travel into alternate realities, which also include the past or parallel universes, in order to locate the missing parts, and then find a way to retrieve and restore them to where they originally belonged. This is basically a strategic metaphor aimed at describing a far more complex issue, which is essentially inaccessible to our contemporary minds. Yet ordinary people can resonate with this metaphor and make some sense of the whole process.
Many people experience something missing in their psyche, and this may often cause great pain. Psychologically this is mainly regarded as the result of traumatic events that overwhelm those involved, preventing them from facing or integrating what happened and being unable to cope with their lives. Such traumas can be caused by a large variety of factors, and yet the common trend seems always to imply an infringement of the individual's familiar ideas about themselves and the world, causing severe confusion, insecurity and upheaval. In this respect, from a multidimensional perspective, these traumatic circumstances have occurred to all human beings during childhood when they were trained to perceive the world according to conventional reality.
At a more ordinary level the traditional psychologist and the psychologically oriented shaman both operate so as to allow the client to properly function in everyday reality. Then once the emergency is over, and as long as this fits with their, and their client's, intention, they may work at a deeper level so as to retrieve more vital parts of the soul. In traditional shamanism various techniques are used, and they generally involve the client being passive and basically unaware, while the shaman carries out the retrieval work.
In astroshamanism the client is the active protagonist of the soul retrieval and the "shaman" operates as a facilitator. His aim is to help clients identify an area of power and, once they have had a direct experience of this, gradually support and fortify its expression in everyday life. Once the client has gained sufficient awareness and mastery of this area of power, the second stage involves facing more troubled zones, the critical missed parts of the soul.
Each part of our soul is strategically identified in astroshamanism with one of the twelve zodiac signs. According to various traditions, which are astroshamanically exemplified by the so called Epic of the Sacred Cone (for some fragments see:
These 12 pieces, which in astroshamanism are called the 12 Sectors, constitute the original matrix or, again in astroshamanic terms, our Core Multidimensional Identity. The strategic aim of the 12 Sectors is to make our Core Multidimensional Identity understandable for minds conditioned by the illusion of separation.
Often during individual or group sessions a deck of 12 cards or stones is employed to represent the 12 Sectors. Additional pieces can at times be used to identify the directions, planets and astrological houses. It is not at all necessary to know astrology to be involved in these sessions. The intellectual or cultural understanding of signs and planets is irrelevant, and can even be a hindrance, to the effective outcome of the work. What counts is instead to be open to contact that part, within us, that has an innate and authentic awareness of these energies. Usually, only a few moments of silence are enough, and it is amazing how significant emotions and experiences come out and easily take form, without the need of descriptions or interpretations.
For example, in the position of Mars or Sector 1, most people feel a great force, connect with their basic drives, find the courage to be themselves, manage to express what they feel, release anger, take the initiative and become self-assertive. Yet, they may also feel something totally different and this does not matter, for what counts is to have a direct experience and not to manipulate it according to intellectual understanding.[i]
We will provide further information on this astroshamanic approach in other articles in PAN. A lot of things can be written on this topic, yet in the end they are totally ineffectual if a direct experience is missing. All the writing about astroshamanism and similar topics serves mainly the purpose of stimulating an experience, and there is no way in which anything in this realm can be grasped intellectually. In this respect a major arena for experiences are the astroshamanic workshops, trainings (see calendar below), and individual sessions.
Photo: some members of the newly open astroshamanic healing centre, Provordo, in Jesi (
Restoring the Fragmented Heart: Soul Retrieval and the Way of Sacred Relationships - Report on the Workshop by Dave Mountjoy
A very quiet
So there we had it, right at the very beginning, from the horse's mouth so to speak. A clear message from the multidimensional broadcasting company that nothing is fixed. The structure is provisional and spontaneity a guiding force. The subject of death was also introduced during the initial stages. What relationships did we wish to give life to? To which ones could we give the kiss of death?
Yet another major focus for the week was the exploration and practice of recapitulation – the deleting of unnecessary folders full of file upon file of flotsam and jetsam. Such data continues to be recycled and replayed on the screen of everyday life until the moment of physical death. Practices such as recapitulation can provide opportunities for breaking this vicious circle and in so doing, creating space on the inner hard drive for a more authentic experience of life.
The richly laden banks of personal memory were trawled for human and non-human encounters which were then deposited into three differing categories: those that provided empowerment; ones which continued to create tension and finally, those that produced a neutral response. Twelve memory lists were thus created, with a loosely chronological structure. Each list could be seen as a folder, with the name of each person involved in the memory representing a file. After using the zodiac circle to discover which astrological sector of
Such intense work, which continued outside actual group meeting time with various practices and 'homework assignments', was balanced with periods of silence and rest. Franco encouraged us to be aware of how much energy we invest in maintaining what we might see as our social identity. Abstinence from such interaction and the temptation to tell one or all about personal feelings and 'the life story' can lead to the redirection of energy towards the Intent and the gaining of clarity regarding our essence and Function. During one such period of silence and the subsequent recycling of energy, it became apparent to me that the hidden forces populating the environment of
A trip to the coast [sorry, no buckets and spades] provided an opportunity for more silence and connection with the landscape. The wind blew and the sun really shone. Perhaps a time to begin to integrate some of what had happened in the earlier stages of the week? Perhaps an opportunity to wander with the waves, sit deep in the caves and relate with the shimmering beauty of nature? Perhaps, perhaps, a chance to question just what would be worth dying for? To what cause would I give my life, the breath and blood and bone? If death awaits and die I must, what deeds can be done before I rust? Such can be thoughts at the seaside.
As usual in most astroshamanic workshops held at
And so came completion and the official end of the workshop. Each member of the group chose their own way to express what had been experienced, achieved and discovered during a week of retrieval, restoration and recapitulation. And the work continues... (D.Mountjoy)
The songs Mi fido di te (I trust you) and A te (To you) by the Italian singer-songwriter Jovanotti were major hits during the above workshop. You can find A te online with English subtitles at: http://video.google.co.uk/videosearch?q=jovanotti&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wv#q=jovanotti+english&hl=en&emb=0&client=firefox-a
Keep Clear: Access to Marriage Room – Road Ahead Closed by
This is what I saw (see photo) a couple of weeks ago in front of the access to the marriage room at the
On that occasion I was there for a ceremony, though it was not a marriage in the conventional sense. It didn't involve a woman or a man. It was a wedding with the spirit of a land. Well, you may find more details towards the end of this ezine, yet now let's consider Gemini.
This entrance to the marriage room reminds me of Gemini, the master of free circulation and movement. Gemini is Air at its best, thriving through unconditional viability and despising stagnation or blocks of any kind. In the art of Tarot, Gemini is the sign associated with The Lovers: a very glamorous card, featuring a handsome couple standing in blameless nudity, with the sun shining upon them and a radiant angel dispensing blessings.
The Lovers and Gemini convey the idea of a couple far beyond standard romantic or social connotations. Gemini immediately suggests a light, innocent and playful rapport, rather than a traditional relationship or marriage. It is brotherhood and sisterhood that the angel appears to bless. This is also the essence that emerges out of deep relationships, when the outer layers are stripped and the couple can finally stand in authentic nudity.
The Lovers teach that love is primarily an act of sacred communication and alignment with the web of life. It is about responding to one's life authentic calling and to what or who we are truly passionately drawn, regardless of whether this fits with a conditioning or belief system. It means courageously standing by whomever and whatever deeply motivates us, be it a woman, a man, a country, an ideal, a vision...
The Lovers are an invitation to trust the heart, no matter how irrational or paradoxical it seems to be. They exhibit the access to a gateway, gently inciting to go for it. Yet, there is deep purity and responsibility at work here, which can easily be misled by conventional implications of the term "heart" and cause confusion. What inspires the Lovers' heart is not a romantic, sexual or earthly orientation. It is a state of pristine transparency, a graceful and natural surrender to infinity, through which the Lovers spontaneously blossom.
The nakedness of the lovers is a sign of multidimensional transparency. This implies an alternate commitment having often little to do with what lovers or couples traditionally do or are expected to do. Since this commitment rarely receives official acknowledgment in our ordinary reality, those who experience it may easily feel confused or out of place. And yet it is this unlabelled bonding that continues to inspire and generate true love throughout all ages on this planet.
The Lovers illustrate a multidimensional connection, which on one hand is beyond human understanding, while on the other is profoundly anchored in the quality of the human heart. It inevitably triggers a conflict between two parts of our nature and yet its function is to encourage them to communicate and finally join in their original wholeness. The association with Gemini emphasizes sacred communication, the profound need of the soul to get in touch with her twin, retrieving the fragmented self in the evident awareness of its immaculate original conception.
And most of all Gemini here stresses the need to keep the access clear, while also having the power to leaving the road ahead either open or closed.
Now some words of Osho on marriage:
"Love marriage' came into existence but is not going to survive, for the simple reason that love comes, happens, and one day suddenly goes. It was not in your hands to bring it; neither is it in your hands to keep it. The old marriage failed because the insistence was that you should love your wife, you should love your husband. It was a `should'. And you could not even conceive how you could love; at the most you could pretend, you could act. But love is not a pretension, is not an acting. You cannot do anything. You are absolutely powerless as far as love is concerned. The old marriage failed.
The new marriage is failing because the new marriage is simply a reaction to the old marriage. It is not out of understanding, but only out of reaction, revolt -- `love marriage.' You don't know what love is. You simply see some beautiful face, you see some beautiful body and you think, "My God, I am in love!" This love is not going to last, because after two days, seeing the same face for twenty-four hours a day, you will get bored. The same body... you have explored the whole topography; now there is nothing to explore. Exploring the same geography again and again, you feel like an idiot. What is the point? This love affair, this love marriage is failing, it has already failed. The reason is that you don't know how to wait so that love can happen.
I am not against marriage -- I am for love. If love becomes your marriage, good; but don't hope that marriage can bring love. That is not possible. Love can become a marriage. You have to work very consciously to transform your love into a marriage. Ordinarily, people destroy their love. They do EVERYTHING to destroy it and then they suffer. And they go on saying, "What went wrong?" They destroy -- they do everything to destroy it.
There is a tremendous desire and longing for love, but love needs great awareness. Only then can it reach its highest climax -- and that highest climax IS marriage. It has nothing to do with law. It is a merging of two hearts into totality. It is the functioning of two persons in synchronicity -- that is marriage.
But people try love and because they are unconscious...their longing is good, but their love is full of jealousy, full of possessiveness, full of anger, full of nastiness. Soon they destroy it. Hence for centuries they have depended on marriage. Better to start by marriage so that the law can protect you from destroying it. The society, the government, the court, the policeman, the priest, they will all force you to live in the institution of marriage, and you will be just a slave. If marriage is an institution, you are going to be a slave in it. Only slaves want to live in institutions.
Marriage is a totally different phenomenon: it is the climax of love. Then it is good. I am not against marriage -- I am for the
Image: Access to Marriage Room at the
The Magician (Mercury): An Astroshamanic Voyage into the Tarot by
Please be aware that the articles in this series are merely an introductory overview on the topic. More plausible implications of the astroshamanic voyage through the Tarot are provided with individual experiential sessions or specific training. For a complete list of Astrology and Tarot correspondences according to the model used in these articles please see: http://www.astrologyweekly.com/astrology-articles/astrology-tarot.php
Before you read what follows please close your eyes for a while and imagine a Magician standing before you. Sense his presence and power. Be aware of how you feel as you face him. Notice if/how he looks at you and how you feel about him. Pay attention to whatever you perceive. Allow him to express if he has something to tell you or show to you. If there is something you want to say or ask, please feel free to do so, and be aware of his response or silence.
The journey through the Major Arcana meets here the Magician, associated with Mercury, ruler of Gemini and Virgo. This is one of the most alluring trumps within the customary idea most people have of the tarot, for it may conjures up references to Merlin, Gandalf, in The Lord of the Rings, Albus Dumbledore in the Harry Potter series, Don Juan Matus, the sorcerer in Castaneda's books, or other wizards throughout history, fantasy or both. Well, there is also a famous French tennis player, F. Santoro, nicknamed the Magician, yet that's another story.
In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the Magician stands in front of a table, on which are placed the four suits of the Minor Arcana, i.e. Cup, Pentacle, Sword, and Wand. His right hand is raised heavenwards holding a magic wand while the left hand points downwards to the earth. This personifies the Hermetic concept set out in the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus, "That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above, and that which is Above, corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracles of the One Thing.", which is also the essential principle of astrology.
From the Magician's perspective Heaven and Earth reflect each other, so that whatever exists at any level constitutes the replication of the same system. The basic experiential notion here is that through the unbending awareness of opposites, with their apparent separation, it is possible to grasp and even accomplish the miracle of unity. In contrast ordinary human beings, while also being aware of opposites and separation, end up remaining only at that level, even promoting further opposition and separation. The Magician sees separation as a strategic game, in which he plays with focused intention, juggling the pawns on the board and directing them accordingly. Ordinary people instead are merely pawns, at the mercy of conditioned emotions and thoughts, moving within the board, yet unable to acknowledge the board itself.
The Magician is the official starting point of the Major Arcana, the first trump, number one, and the formal entrance into the mystery voyage through the Tarot. It is a card of primary initiation. Its basic teaching points to the awareness that the access into the mystery occurs at two levels: the above and the below, the invisible and the visible, the inner and the outer, the physical and the multidimensional. On one side there are the external tools, such as the tarot cards, with their images, details and meaning. There are also books, teachers, courses, schools, orders, traditions and communities, providing tangible teachings and implements to facilitate the shamanic journey. On the other side there is your own connection with the unseen features of the initiation process, your inner guide, the core multidimensional identity and the vast spectrum of alternate realities. It is in this realm that the real understanding and power of the initiation is meant to emerge, and it is here that the apprentice is required to engage once he moves through the first gate.
The Magician also portrays the power of unity through manifestation, the capacity to use the basic ingredients of creation (the elemental emblems of the four suits) in order to give form to one's intention, yet in accordance with a vertical and multidimensional alignment, which his pose immediately conveys. Hence he represents the faculty to go beyond separation by putting together different ingredients and giving shape to a coherent unit, so as "to accomplish the miracles of the One Thing."
It is a card of magical skills, authority, refined persuasion, implying the power to influence people and their environment. The quality of this power is neutrality, which includes the capacity not to be drawn by confrontation and duality, keeping an unbending intent that transcends the limited perception of our separate world. When this quality is absent the Magician can easily become an avid manipulator, operating beyond the curtain so as to achieve personal gains or promote those of alien forces. And yet, from a human limited perspective, it is impossible to judge where the Magician stands, whether his aims are low or high, and what is truly behind his activities.
There are elements of unavoidable contradictions in his perceptible behaviour: illusionist-genuine, trickster-liberator, misleading-trustworthy, demonic-angelic… He is a champion of duplicity, always bringing awareness to both sides of the coin, yet with the aim of unveiling the ultimate unity beyond oppositions, which also involves the transformative power to shift from one polarity to the other. This allows him to face any challenge and convert all adversities to his advantage.
The domain of the Magician is the one of shamans and sorcerers, lying far beyond ordinary human awareness. "To be a sorcerer doesn't mean to practice witchcraft, or to work to affect people, or to be possessed by demons. To be a sorcerer means to reach a level of awareness that makes inconceivable things available. The term 'sorcery' is inadequate to express what sorcerers do, and so is the term 'shamanism.' The actions of sorcerers are exclusively in the realm of the abstract, the impersonal. Sorcerers struggle to reach a goal that has nothing to do with the quests of an average man. Sorcerers' aspirations are to reach infinity, and to be conscious of it." (Carlos Castaneda, The Active Side of Infinity, p. 69).
The symbol of infinity, the Lemniscate, abides above the Magician's head exemplifying the nature of his unbending intention. There are only three cards in the tarot deck that shows the symbol of infinity and these are the Magician, Strength and the Two of Cups, three basically different cards, constituting a trinity through which infinity can express. The Magician stands here as infinite creative willpower, the unifying factor of all possible aspects of creation and the massive force of adamant focused intention. When this card appears in a reading it brings awareness to these elements either in ourselves, as we project them on other people or as they exist in the universe.
The emergence of the Magician in a reading emphasises the potential for an empowering new course of action and abundant energy to take creative initiatives according to the intention of the person involved. It can also mean that someone else is exercising this power, perhaps in a manipulative and controversial way, and yet this person may simply be strategically there as a mirror to show us what we need to acquire and integrate within ourselves. Whether we feel it within or perceive it through other people, the lesson here is how to incorporate the power of the Magician and use it in accordance with our intention, possibly connected with the wider function of this universe at its best.
Featured Member of the Sacred
Every issue of PAN will now feature a long term member of the
For information about becoming a member of the
Name: Letizia Mocchegiani
Sun Sign: Virgo 4th House
Moon Sign: Scorpio 5th house
Ascendant: Gemini
Astroshamanic Trinity System: 6.8.3
Other relevant features in your astrological chart: Uranus alien power,
Location: Jesi –
Where are you originally from? I was born in Senigallia, yet I've always lived in Jesi.
Tell us about yourself and your interests. I am a graphic designer. I have always loved design and creativity, since the primary school I expressed my passion drawing imaginary symbols and pictures, then translated in spiritual themes.
How did you first connect with astroshamanic work?
A special event when I was 4 years old marked the beginning of my journey. My childhood was full of unusual and uncommon situations, mainly at night, which brought me far from reality, with moments of loneliness and detachment. These experiences with "other dimensions" have increased through time and now as an adult woman I understand the importance of expanding my perception and seeking for knowledge. After many practices of meditation, reiki, crystal therapy and psychological counseling, the unceasing need for knowledge inspired me to participate in a workshop where I met Franco and astroshamanic work, my most important teacher and mission.
Why are you involved with astroshamanic work?
I need to seek freedom from the illusions of this world. Astroshamanic work can help me in this respect.
What sorts of things inspire you in astroshamanism?
My Intent is to go beyond the appearances, harmonizing Heaven and Earth, maintaining the relationship of exchange between multi-dimensional and ordinary reality, and creating balance between worlds.
How long have you been involved with astroshamanism and other forms of spiritual healing or energy work?
What types of astroshamanic activities, training and work do you take part in?
I'm concluding my third year of training, following three years of courses with Franco in Jesi, where I actually organize regular astroshamanic meetings. I helped to create and manage FLY, a Google group to share experiences and opinions on astroshamanic work. I give healing sessions on astroshamanic touch and core astroshamanism, using the circle on the floor and shamanic journeys. I designed the astroshamanic cards inspired by the energies of the Totem Spirits. I hold basic astroshamanic courses, events and rituals.
What are your favorite astroshamanic practices and experiences?
The Sacred Cone Ritual is my favourite practise. Initially I explored the Sacred Cone alone, now I refer to the cycles of Full/New Moon, and use group rituals to boost the energy of the practice, promoting exchanges between the multi-dimensional worlds. I am available to help those who are on their way and need support and encouragement to continue.
Why are they your favourites?
The Sacred Cone brings me back to ancient knowledge on the existing relationship between Heaven and Earth. The Sacred Cone solves my ancestral problems with the world differences and distances. I believe in a world of love and unity, where the truth is manifest, and finally the veil of illusions raised and I think that these Rituals can help me.
What is your current intent? becoming a competent astroshamanic facilitator, through Franco's coaching
Do you offer any astroshamanic or other healing services, sessions or events? If yes, what are they?
I offer a service and support for astroshamanic healing and release work, as an individual and collective, for the recovery of lost parts of the soul and to develop hidden potential.
What advice would you give anyone who was thinking of training or going deeper with astroshamanic work?
Join the game, and find your multidimensional self. It is essential to trust your energy, your experience. The change is absolutely possible, and depends on you. Thanks for the infinite beauty of life and thanks all those who live it with me.
Anything else you'd like to say to the group:
There is a divine plan that we don't understand and if we look only at our feet, we will not see it. Open your heart, mind, eyes! Only by saying it, it feels good. Try it!
Contact Information: Letizia@astroshamanism.org zone25@tele2.it
tel.+ 39 (0)731.206687 +39 348.9231998
Homecoming Scotland 2009: A Big Year for
2009 is a big year for
For the occasion various Scottish stars are featured in a television advert as they sing the
For more information see the official website of the programme: www.homecomingscotland.com.
What is Home to Me?
The place that feels familiar both in my dreams and in everyday life.
The place where I feel welcome and accepted,
the place that makes me happy,
for which I can live and die for,
and most of all,
the place where my deepest calling,
provisionally
and strategically,
leads me to be….
.....while beyond the playing shadows on the screen of death and life
at all times and spaces
the supreme abode keeps on being,
vanishing any trace of I
into infinity
A Memorable Time,
the vision of a life span, which I greet with an elfin tribute, yet without hesitation
for it deeply stirs in my vein.
I will not go into the details of this event, and its profound connotations, though I may perhaps one day articulate more.
As for now, I move into a reverent silence, allowing the picture to speak for itself, and the words to do so as well, conveying what they mean for me, and also what cannot be conveyed, what the pictures and sounds fail to unveil, what is most intimate and can only be grasped, when the eyes that look, with the ears that listen to, fade away, and the eyes that see, and the ears that hear,
finally emerge….
With all the very best of love, AFS
See also: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?saved&&suggest¬e_id=97883611631#/note.php?note_id=97883611631&ref=mf and: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCG7xuV6MIw
The Singular Adventures of Mandarino Kid by Sergio Di Martino
I'm not really sure what this photo blog is all about… Mandarino Kid was initially meant as a showcase for pictures of plants and gardens I would take quite casually while at work in gardens. Soon I realized there were more pictures I was going to show that would reveal quite a lot about me as well as the subjects I was trying to portray.
And who was this character slowly emerging through my pictures? With his own personality, similar but slightly different from my own, and his own way of relating with people… It's all been very interesting, this photo blog turned out to be a wonderful tool to explore personal issues, recover long forgotten aspects of myself and release old stuff.
I was not alone on this journey since a photo blog is designed to share our pictures and bear witness of whatever is meaningful and important to us, like the days I spent in Findhorn, attending Franco's and Sverre's workshop "Being with the Spirit of Cluny Gardens" http://www.flickr.com/photos/mandarinokid/sets/72157616820940962/
Please be aware that new events may be added with short notice. For further details or information please contact Franco info@astroshamanism.org or alternatively go to www.astroshamanism.org
To book Findhorn Foundation workshops, please contact bookings@findhorn.org or Bookings, The Park,
All events are held by
Income related price: Euro 496 - 466 - 436. The cost includes half-board (breakfast and dinner), accommodation in two or three-bedded rooms with bathroom and kitchen. The Gathering starts at
If you wish to attend please contact Letizia (see details below).
Findhorn Foundation, 1-8 August 2009, Astroshamanic Trance Dance, Drumming and Chanting Reshaping the World Through the Healing Dynamic of Sound
This is one of the most popular events in our calendar. In this workshop trance dance and sound are used as transformational tools to open the pathway to expanded states of consciousness and a profound awareness of ourselves and our environment. During the week we employ movement to animate deep emotions and stagnant energies, redirecting them to support highest potentials, empowering our authentic visions and stepping into the healing flow that allows us to reshape the world within which we live. The programme also includes astroshamanic chants, planetary alignment dances, sound healing, shape-shifting rituals and the exploration of the basic astroshamanic drumming method. Please book early. Income related price (click here for more information) £495 / £625 / £735. Bursaries may be available if you book early. If you wish to attend please book at bookings@findhorn.org or +44(0)1309/691653.
For a video with an example of an astroshamanic trance dance click:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0lPKyvriQ8
Findhorn Foundation, 15-21 August 2009, Settimana di Guarigione Spirituale (Spiritual Healing Week) in Italian (yet also in Spanish, if required) with
Malvern (
During this seminar participants are initiated into basic astroshamanic healing touch. The programme includes a complete experiential introduction to the three stages of shamanic healing and aims at defining and deepening the relationship with one's inner core and its connection with the outer reality. This is the first introductory seminar of the One-Year Course in Astroshamanic Healing Touch & Energy Work. It is possible to take part also if you are not attending the Course.
The assumption of energy work is that our body consists of energy fields, all deeply connected with the web of life. There are many techniques that allow us to become aware of these energy fields. These tools, besides promoting health, well-being and spiritual growth at an individual level, vigorously contribute to create major positive changes at a collective and planetary level. Energy work is the basic feature of the oldest therapeutic systems, which all involve the use of astrology and shamanism. This workshop will integrate methods of the Eastern and Western tradition into a pragmatic and healing whole.
About the One Year Course in Malvern: Astrology and shamanism demonstrate that our reality is a smaller scale duplication of a vaster universe, from which we appear to have separated themselves. Astroshamanic Touch is an energetic bodywork application of astroshamanism meant as a tool for bridging the physical with our multidimensional nature. During the Course we will discover ways of employing the physical body to foster expanded states of consciousness, retrieve soul parts, reawaken healing talents and integrate them in everyday life. Through healing practices derived from various traditions we will receive visions and insights to deepen the work. We will also explore the multidimensional features of relationships, sharing ways to release intense feelings, promoting forgiveness, transformation and unconditional love. The Course consists of four week-end workshops. Each workshop deals with a particular aspect of astroshamanic healing touch as applied to the elements and the astrological wheel.
Astroshamanic Trainings:
For details on some distant learning courses please click here.
Astroshamanism Book I: A Journey into the Inner Universe and Astroshamanism Book II: The Voyage Throuh the Zodiac feature the core teachings of astroshamanism. Our newly published CD, Astroshamanic Basic Ritual, provides an excellent support for astroshamanic trance dance and rituals. Books, various CDs and the Provisional Astroshamanic Cards are available from info@astroshamanism.org
The Operative Training in Astroshamanism (OTA) is a certificate course in core astroshamanism which allows you to study at home as part of an ongoing interactive training. Participants will learn a wide range of techniques, exploring all aspects of their soul, individual and collective, as they are reflected in the astroshamanic cosmology of the 12 Sectors, the 4 Directions and the 3 Worlds. They will receive initiation into specific healing and ceremonial practices according to each zodiac sign, integrating shamanic experiences with information drawn from astrology and other esoteric sources. The OTA can ideally be integrated with the One Year Course in Astroshamanism and the Astroshamanic Practitioner Training. For information contact: info@astroshamanism.org
We warmly encourage our readers to comment on the articles in PAN. If you wish to write a comment or share your experiences related with the themes of our articles, please contact pan@astroshamanism.org.
PAN on-line: You can find an abridged edition of the latest issues of PAN on-line at http://panissue.blogspot.com/. The abridged Italian edition is at http://panitalico.blogspot.com/, while the full edition is available on request. The abridged Spanish edition is at http://panhispano.blogspot.com/ and the full edition is available on request.
Disclaimer: All information provided in PAN is presented solely for inspirational or recreational reading, and it is not meant to substitute the recipient's direct experience and investigation. The information is also given to strategically exemplify the different features of astroshamanic cosmology and is not intended to reflect Franco's opinion or astroshamanism in general. Franco does not necessarily endorse any of the ideas and views expressed in this literature, including his own.
[i] To help the above experiences a deck called Provisional Astroshamanic Cards has been recently designed. This is a simple and powerful tool that efficiently condenses the essence of astroshamanic cosmology and astrological language. Created by Letizia Mocchegiani and
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PAN International
The earth comes fully back to outer life after its winter slumber and spring definitely settles as the Sun enters Taurus on
The blooming and refreshing extravaganza of spring inevitably stirs up what within us truly longs to blossom and grow. There are certainly most beautiful plants and fruits ready to emerge and shine in our garden, and these can bring most long wished-for, as well as unexpected, gifts, if we are ready to welcome them in our life.
Beyond the veiled routine of ordinary perception astonishing things take place on our planet, and this has been the case in all times and ages, and not only in the current 2012 paradigm. While many human beings keep lingering within the limited boundaries of everyday reality, others venture through novel paths, uncovering extraordinary world, still ignored by the trance of ordinary life.
There is no way in which consciousness can expand as long as it continues to cling to its limitations. Our awareness need to encompass what abides beyond the narrow frames of our minds, aligning us with the stream of power that can eventually restore the multidimensional face of mankind. Those who are on the path of knowledge have the tender responsibility to release their conditioned perception and expand their awareness. This is a giant stride into consciousness which involves relinquishing a biased understanding of the world. This entails letting go of the insatiable compulsion to define and interpret reality according to our human cognition, and give reality the chance to define what it is by itself…
Receive abundant blessings, Franco
Image:
UPCOMING ASTROSHAMANIC EVENTS
Findhorn, 2-9 May 2009, Restoring the Fragmented Heart: The Way of Sacred Relationships
Findhorn, 20-27 June 2009, The Original Quest: An Astroshamanic Journey into Space and Time
Findhorn, 1-8 August 2009, Astroshamanic Trance Dance, Drumming and Chanting
Franco and Sverre have just concluded Flowering of Life: A Spring Healing Retreat, the Easter workshop here at Findhorn. The next workshop is Restoring the Fragmented Heart: Soul Retrieval and the Way of Sacred Relationships from 2 to
Finding fulfilment through intimate love associations may be one of our greatest desires, yet this search often causes major conflicts and pain. In this workshop we explore relationships from a multidimensional and shamanic perspective, tracking and releasing blocks to our capacity to love. The week encompasses both couples and celibates, the paths of sexuality and chastity, and all types of relationships, including those with friends, relatives, colleagues, etc. (click here for more information). If you feel inspired by the topic you are most welcome to join by booking at bookings@findhorn.org or +44(0)1309/691653.
The start of summer is marked by The Original Quest: An Astroshamanic Journey into Space and Time from 20 to
Photo by Sverre Koxvold
IN THIS 91st ISSUE
Towards an Energetic Use of the
Communicating with Money
Kiss your Money Monsters Goodbye: 4 steps to overcome your economic fears by Cindy Ashton
Featured Member of the Sacred
The Empress – Venus: An Astroshamanic Voyage into the Tarot by Franco Santoro
Masks as Tools for Personal and Planetary Transformation by Sandra Hughes
My Dinner with André
Being Energetic: Wood by Elaine Silverfire
Upcoming Astroshamanic Events & News
We warmly encourage our readers to comment on the articles in PAN. If you wish to write a comment or share your experiences related with the themes of our articles, please contact pan@astroshamanism.org.
Astrological Data: Please click here for Moon's ingresses in 2009. Click here for planetary ingresses.
Towards an Energetic Use of the
A typical trait of our ordinary reality is to function as a separate arbitrary configuration. This sort of configuration holds fixed edges preventing free circulation of energy. As a result the limited amount of energy available inside this separate reality is all we can apparently rely on. On the other hand, from a multidimensional perspective, energy existing in this and other universes is basically infinite, and it is only the human separate paradigm itself that inhibits us from accessing it.
The customary tendency of most human beings is to ignore major areas of vitality located in the physical body, which could potentially allow us to tap into an infinite reservoir of energies. These areas when properly invigorated could definitely assist in moving beyond the confinement of this separate reality. Yet this is rarely the case since energies from such centres are regularly poured out or kept back by our conditioned mental construct which forces us to succumb to the draining demands of our social identity. This arbitrary identity requires constant maintenance and enormous investment of energy. It basically sucks all our conscious awareness with ongoing internal dialogues, which literally chase away whatever does not pertain to our conditioned paradigm of reality.
All our energy is used to defend or increase our social identity, its mental or emotional loops and overbearing sense of importance. This applies to all trends of life, including those that are miserable and those that promote personal growth. Whether we conform to social standards, fail to do so and feel unhappy, process our feelings and try to release blocks, or find ways to stand out as maverick individuals, we still keep promoting our separate identity and sense of self-importance. We continue to be locked into an ongoing inner dialogue, preoccupied by trivial and vain issues about the arbitrary idea we have of ourselves and others. The consequence of this is an continual stress preventing any possibility of gaining awareness of whatever lies beyond our arbitrary mental construct.
One of the aims of astroshamanism is to learn to disengage from the doings and undoing of ordinary life, focusing upon what abides beyond the arbitrary sphere of linear time and tapping into the realm of pure energy. In this respect astroshamanism emphasizes the strategic importance of the energy centres in our physical body and their capacity to work as bridges between ordinary and non-ordinary realities. This emphasis is obvious in the astroshamanic approach to astrology. Here the horoscope, or astroshamanic circle, far from being intellectually analysed or used to corroborate our sense of self-importance, reveals itself as a multidimensional keyboard, which provides the strategic setting for a direct and unexpurgated experience of energy. Employing the astroshamanic circle and its ongoing related practices produces the effect of releasing the noise of the ordinary mind, paving the way to the pragmatic awareness of our multidimensional self.
In astroshamanism astrology is employed as a symbolic and strategic structure aimed at moving beyond our limited perception of reality. The natal chart, the human psyche, the material world, etc. are here regarded as mere symbols. This means that they are external or visible forms through which I can perceive an inner or unseen meaning. The planets, the universe and all human beings exist at a visible level, yet beyond this context they have multi-dimensional natures and a core essence. The symbolic key is properly at work when we manage to perceive this essence beyond the visible or material form. Transformation, meant as healing, integration or expansion of awareness, as we see it in the astroshamanic context, takes place when we establish a rapport with what lies beyond the symbolic form and have a direct experience of pure energy and of its unity with whatever exists. In order to use astrology in this process astroshamanism considers the natal chart as a reflex of the totality of the inner and outer world, or of shamanic and ordinary states of consciousness, rather than as a device aimed at inflating our separated self and all its personal issues.
Apart from what we think, or are conditioned to believe, we are, our authentic nature is connected with a specific Intent which represents the foundation of our veritable potentials and of all that truly makes sense of who we are. During life this Intent develops through various stages of transformation and key events that are fully relevant to our multidimensional self, although they may be difficult to understand for the ordinary personality. The advantage of astrology lies in providing a codified language able to identify and define some of the basic components and dynamics of human existence. This language, when examined through a person's inner experience, can promote a wide and clear vision as regards the direction of his cycles. In brief, astrology offers the possibility of understanding the energies at play and the opportunity of identifying, not only the modalities, but also the specific times in which they express and transform themselves during life.
The development of astrology dates back to the first appearance of man on Earth and has been developing ever since. The need of man to communicate with his fellows produced a series of gestures and sounds that was later translated into specific alphabetical languages. The need to transmit deeper meanings and to relate with invisible forces determined the birth and the successive development of the astrological language.
Astroshamanism employs the astrological language in its essential features as a strategic energy grid aimed at reawakening, stimulating and operating our multidimensional nature. In this context it is not necessary to consider the numerous techniques and methods of interpretation on which astrological literature thrives. The essence of astrological language is extremely simple. Its applications can become unnecessarily complex. And here it is important to be clear about what we want to do with this language, i.e. our Intent. For example, if I want to write a text on a computer, I just need to know how to use the word processor programme and this will suffice to complete my task. I do not need to study other features of the programme, the software for graphics and algebraic calculations or the internal functioning of the word processor, not to mention the hardware. What counts is to manifest my Intent of writing a text. Of course, it could be useful to know a bit more about the computer and its various functions, especially when the machine does not work properly and prevents me from writing the text. And yet, if I still intend to write a text, in the event of the computer malfunctioning, I can still do this by hand or with an old typewriter.
The astroshamanic circle, or circle on the floor, is the primary astrological reference used in astroshamanism. Here the natal chart is reproduced on the floor in an ample circle where the person can directly experience the energy of the astrological signs. In astroshamanism the zodiac signs represent 12 energy centres, which strategically make up the complete structure of our multidimensional identity. Once we learn to retrieve, reawaken and operate those centres then we are able to expand our awareness beyond the confines of our human arbitrary configuration and access what lies beyond. What lies beyond, our multidimensional self is always there, yet the demands of our social identity do not leave enough energy to be intentionally conscious of its existence. The astroshamanic circle serves the purpose of breaking the fixation of our awareness and gaining the necessary fluidity that can allow a tangible expansion of our perception.
You will find more details on the astroshamanic circle in the next issue of PAN.
If you are drawn to have pragmatic experiences of the astroshamanic circle I recommend the following workshops:
Findhorn Foundation, 1-8 August 2009, Astroshamanic Trance Dance, Drumming and Chanting (click here for more information)
Communicating with Money
An interesting feature about money is that it constitutes the basic overt or underlying thought and intent for the majority of human beings. Since most people work many hours in order to get money, and when they do not work also spend a lot of time to think or worry about it, the focus around money is definitely what takes most of human energy. Money is in itself the major symbolic representation of energy that has been devised on this planet. Despite this, only a small minority of individuals find the time to create a true connection or communicate with money.
Establishing a direct relationship with money may be the essential step for getting to know what it really implies, and perhaps also to get it with less effort and time. A group of people lead by Roberto Assaggioli, the founder of Psychosynthesis, at the end of each day used a practice that consisted in placing all the money they had in their purses or pockets on an altar. Then these people would place their hands on that money, transmitting love and blessings. In this way, money, once spent, would continue to carry that beneficial energy. Such practices are useful for those who have problems with money or who wish to contribute to the general well-being of the planet.
Money is the visible material that has the most circulation among human beings. It moves from hand to hand, purse to purse, unceasingly charging itself with the vibrations and intents of many beings. If we employ money according to my Intent connected with the Function. When I do that, money becomes the carrier of my sacred motivations and allows them to be guided in all directions. This is an extremely powerful operation, whose implications constitute one of the essential parts of our work on Earth. Each evening or at least three days per week, take out all the money you have in your purse or with you. Place it on your altar or in the centre of your
The above is just on example of a practice that allows money to be used as a tool of power and transformation. In this way, money, once spent or put in a bank, will contribute to communicate your Intent.
(Excerpts from Franco Santoro, Astroshamanism Book II: The Voyage Throuh the Zodiac)
Kiss Your Money Monsters Goodbye: 4 steps to overcome your economic fears by Cindy Ashton
The Voice of Courage
Life is a series of mountains and valleys and with our current economy struggling in the valley, our money fears come out to play. In attempting to crush these monsters, just like an animal, when our basic needs seem threatened, our defenses appear and we tend to go into fight mode. Now, using our survival instincts are not a bad thing as it keeps us protected, focused and on target with staying alive. But because it often comes from fear, it also means that we tend to behave in ways that compromise our values and worth. How many times have we not spoken up because we were afraid we would lose our job, disappoint a friend or fail in some way? How many times have we done something we didn't feel good about because we felt we had no choice or that we were backed into a corner?
When we attempt to generate income from a survival perspective, our minds race in panic and we create crazy scenarios in our head about all the terrible things that could happen. The body gets heightened, responding in symptoms such as a racing heart, muscle pains and a lack of sleep. In searching for a solution, we start to try all kinds of new things, new businesses and maybe even get roped into some 'get rich quick' schemes. Next thing you know, 2 possible things happen:
1. We actually create income but our body/mind/soul is completely imbalanced and stressed. And because of our desperation, we may have bargained our souls in the process.
2. We are still chasing our tails, the bad debt is getting worse, nothing is getting solved and we feel worse about ourselves.
Now what would happen if we could conquer the money monster in a way that allows us to maintain our integrity and values while energizing us into action in a positive way?
Let's look at this challenge from the perspective of an exciting adventure we get to take. In viewing it as a wonderful opportunity to create something new, we can approach the monster with ease. Our body will still be heightened but instead we feel an overall relaxed sense while being completely aware, fresh and full of energy.
Step One: Identify when the Monsters are on the Loose! Throughout the steps, it is essential to develop awareness of when your body is responding from fear and when it is responding from excitement. Then you have the power to take positive action. Start by mentally scanning your body from head to toe several times a day. Without judgment, take note of the parts of your body that feel tense or out of balance (and therefore holding fear) and when and where you feel relaxed and in flow.
Step Two: Re-Ignite Your Passions
When you take action towards getting a new job, creating side income or attracting new clients, it is essential that you approach from a place of passion. Just like dogs can tell when a person is afraid or not, prospective customers and employers will respond positively to you when they feel your excitement, not your fear. Make a list of all the things in your work that make you feel happy, relaxed, passionate and so on. If you are struggling to find items, make a general list and then ask yourself how you can apply those qualities to your current work. You can also refer to your body scans. Take note of what activities you were engaged in when your body was energized and in flow. It is a big clue as to what your passions are and what kind of work you may want to create for yourself.
Step Three: Kiss Your Monsters Goodbye by Establishing Proof of Possibility
Our monsters, those negative beasts in our minds, say things like "I will never get a job, new clients or a raise in this economy. I have to pinch every penny to survive. I have to give into my bosses unreasonable demands, even though I am exhausted." Okay things are a little crazy right now but there are companies still hiring; some businesses are being built into multimillion dollar corporations; People are standing up to their bosses and instead of getting fired, are actually being respected and treated with dignity; and many did thrive in the depression of 1929! Now I want you to make a list of all the reasons WHY you can succeed and people and businesses who
Step Four: Take Action
Coming from your place of passion and excitement, apply for work, take action on getting new clients or create a new side business. Whenever you notice your body holding fear, re-establish your proof of possibility, re-ignite your passion and start again. Remember –people will want to play on your team when they experience the positive you, not the false, fear based you.
The money monster can keep you in the valley, but you know better now. You can kiss your monsters goodbye, live with passion and take positive action to overcome your economic fears. So are you ready to rise to the top of the mountain and achieve the success you deserve?
Cindy Ashton is a Speaker, Performer & Author of Kiss Your Monsters Goodbye: Overcome Your Obstacles & Achieve the Success You Deserve! Born with heart failure and a 20% chance of living, Cindy has recovered well beyond what doctor's believed was possible. Now she is dedicated to empowering others to conquer their barriers. "I share this story with you because I want you to know that you too can overcome your obstacles, which I like to call monsters. Even though my circumstances may seem unique, this story is also your story. We all have dreams and desires, things we want to conquer and accomplish. Through the valleys and the mountains on this journey of life, we must face our monsters. These monsters are our fears, our negative beliefs and the obstacles that stand in our way. And their incessant voices create doubt within ourselves, cause us to question our dreams and leave us to wonder if we truly can be everything we once believed we could be. My own life experience has taught me that you can kiss any monster and achieve the success you deserve! I am humbled by my own recovery and now I am determined to empower you to feel so safe and validated in yourself that you also have the power to overcome any obstacle."
"Kiss Your Monsters Goodbye" combines my real life stories and insights of overcoming obstacles with simple and practical tools that you can apply to your life instantly!
Imagine what your life would be like if you could quickly and easily…
· Get the inside track on how to take charge of those monsters in any situation.
· Discover the difference between real and false fears, beliefs and obstacles.
· Unleash the hidden monsters blocking your success.
· Transform obstacles into reigning triumphs.
I invite you to visit this link now and step into the success you deserve:
www.kissyourmonstersgoodbye.com
The Empress (Venus): An Astroshamanic Voyage into the Tarot
Please be aware that the articles in this series are merely an introductory overview on the topic. More plausible implications of the astroshamanic voyage through the Tarot are provided with individual experiential sessions or specific training. For a complete list of Astrology and Tarot correspondences according to the model used in these articles please see: http://www.astrologyweekly.com/astrology-articles/astrology-tarot.php
The previous article on the Tower (see PAN 90) started the exploration of the association of astrological planets with the Major Arcana. We continue the voyage through the Tarot with the trump linked with Venus, ruler of Taurus and Libra.
In the Rider-Waite-Smith deck, the card of the Empress depicts a regal woman with ample vestments, wearing a crown of twelve stars on her head. She sits near a heart-shaped shield with the symbol of Venus, holding a rod surmounted by a globe with her right hand. There is a field of corn ripening in her foreground, while in the background there are trees and a river.
In ordinary tarot readings the Empress traditionally refers to love, pleasure, passion and relationship. For a man the card may show the type of woman or physical feminine energy he feels more attracted to, whereas for a woman it may represent the particular feminine archetype she identifies with or aspire to. The Empress also relates to how we connect with physical life, especially with regards to the capacity of enjoying earthly experiences and the ability to bring to manifestation our aspirations. In readings it may indicate a time when we face life through feelings, physical involvement and pleasure rather than through mental activity, and also a period of strong passions, which can be sexual or maternal.
From a less ordinary perspective the Empress represents Nature, and the experience of being sensitive to all the patterns of the earth and elements as they are reflected in the cycle of the seasons and whatever surrounds us. The Empress portrays an ancient and sensuous spirituality, which is not based on doctrines or sacred texts, and develops simply out of a deep connection with Nature. Its common feature is a profound respect for all living creatures and things, and a sense of reverent wonder at the beauty of the earth. This includes animals, plants, trees and the hidden mysteries of the landscape, the sky and the stars, altogether experienced as a deity itself, which is what the Empress primarily depicts. Life calls to Life, through the melodies orchestrated by the earth, the wind in the trees, the taste of fresh fruits, the sight of blossoming flowers, it bestows its gifts at every turn.
The Empress is the best exemplification of the life force that manifests all creation and of Mother Nature herself. She holds the phallic rod in her right hand, portraying the intention to be fertilised and then pursue her gestation till complete earthly fulfilment. Her womb is fruitful and generous in manifesting all features of physical creation, as represented by the natural cycle of the twelve zodiac signs, with which she is crowned.
The Empress confers the gentle, benign and sensual aspects of manifestation and involvement with physical reality. In her realm everything is acknowledged according to its most direct relationship to the physical dimension. There is no space for abstractions and intellectual considerations. Everything is seen in a factual way as either black or white. What counts is only the tangible reality that is accepted by most human beings. This represents a test zone for mystics or very idealistic people, as it confronts them with their physical presence and data that can only be measured and touched at the level of pragmatic experience.
A.E. Waite describes the Empress as the inferior Garden of Eden, the Earthly Paradise, not Regina Coeli (Queen of Heaven), but the refugium peccatorum (shelter of sinners). This trump portrays the complete acceptance of the natural world and the passionate attitude to life. In this respect there is no way we can transcend the physical reality unless we are able to have a full experience of the physical world. "Therefore the first step to enlightenment is sensuality. Only through passion, can we sense, from deep inside rather than through intellectual argument, the spirit that fills all existence".[i]
The life of Siddharta Gautama (the Buddha) is a perfect example. The path that led him to enlightenment was not the result of sacrifice or repression of material life. On the contrary, it was the outcome of a spontaneous dissatisfaction stemming from 29 years spent in a most wealthy and pleasant environment. According to Buddhist traditions Buddha was born in Taurus and also achieved enlightenment on a full moon with the Sun in Taurus.
Featured Member of the Sacred
Every issue of PAN will now feature a long term member of the
We return to Britain in this series and we continue with Nicholas Jones
For information about becoming a member of the
NAME: Nicholas Jones
MOON SIGN: Virgo- 9th house
ASCENDANT: Sagittarius
ASTROSHAMANIC TRINITY SYSTEM: 5:6:9
OTHER RELEVANT FEATURES IN YOUR ASTROLOGICAL CHART: Aquarius on MC conjunct Venus, Pluto and Moon
LOCATION:
WHERE
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
WHY
WHAT
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN INVOLVED WITH ASTROSHAMANISM
WHAT TYPES OF ASTROSHAMANIC ACTIVITIES, TRAINING
WHY
WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT INTENT: with my current intent I feel there are two major archetypes at work in my life. They are the warrior and the thief archetypes, the warrior expresses clearly my intent to go beyond my limits and express my power within with an unbending willingness to hold and manifest my intent. This is existential courage "this is my life" I have the right to seek whatever experiences I need to have, nothing will stand between me and my spiritual growth not any situation or circumstance not even my own fears. It is my freedom not to get lost in feeling, all that binds my intention is the power of will to shape my life. The thief prods me to learn to generate power from within as the thief silently slips into the underworld and steals back parts of my true authentic nature.
DO YOU OFFER ANY ASTROSHAMANIC OR OTHER HEALING SERVICES: yes, i offer a healing service of soul retrieval and chi-kung medical healing.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE ANYONE WHO WAS THINKING OF TRAINING OR GOING DEEPER WITH ASTROSHAMANISM: astroshamanism is easily accessible and deepens spiritual growth and maturity within a safe a nurturing environment, grounding ourselves in daily life with keeping on top of your intent and aligning your intent with the function. It can be an adventure and it you need existential courage to climb to the top of the summit it takes nerve, it invokes courage, natural emotions are overcome and the structure of consciousness is altered to experience the divinity of our inner landscape.
ANYTHING
it is time to enter the desert, it is time to enter into utter unknowing and by unknowing you will come to know truly.
CONTACT: nick.jones.mod@hotmail.com
with blessings, Nicholas
Masks as Tools for Personal and Planetary Transformation by Sandra Hughes
I was nine years old when I discovered the transformative power of masks. The soaring emotions I felt for my 4th grade teacher Mr. Davis lay dormant until the 31st day of October when I arrived at the schoolyard costumed and masked as a brown and white pinto pony. I stood and stared at the rows of red brick that comprised the playground's surface. Suddenly, time and space shifted. I became knowable and magical. An energy that possessed a fluent, physical trans-global language reverberated through the cold autumn air.
With my peripheral vision I watched my thin, sparsely bearded teacher. As I circled him I noted his threadbare coat and slightly blotched skin. Would I penetrate the mystery? What was it I longed to tell Mr. Davis?
I whipped, dipped and challenged to reveal that I was not only the well-behaved student that dutifully studied and did her homework. I was also wind, fire, earth and water. Mr. Davis receded from my consciousness as movement, dance and mime merged into a greater reality. I danced myself into being. I mimed myself into my future. I pranced, trotted and galloped.
I manifested everything I would become and insisted Mr. Davis bear witness to my rite. He now knew my new persona. I'd become a masked being who'd dance into the next century with an old art made new on a planet greatly altered and in need of healing.
Gwyneth Bragdon - a member of East Lake Commons Co-housing Community in
During the workshop we utilized very neutral white masks that powerfully unified all participants through a bond of commonality. The ease of looking like everyone else created a profound liberty- that seemed to stretch well beyond time and space as we commonly experience it. As a collective conscious the group participants felt they had been transported to a space beyond Earth, where by freeing our attachments to physical impressions and identities, we were able to communicate very simply- and became through this simplicity- the creators of our own universe- a place of genesis. All participants felt they would like to continue this work...
To don a mask is to invite transcendence. Masks are potent gateways to transformation able to create a synergy that opens doors to individual and collective possibilities. They reward with ever-growing realizations of truth and connection to the Divine.
To learn more visit: www.masktheatre.org
Sandra will perform with Gateway Performance Productions and also teach a master class at the International Mask Festival in
Photo: Sandra Hughes in one of her masks, photo by Sverre Koxvold
My Dinner with André:
This is a 1981 movie by French director Louis Malle, starring Wallace Shawn. It consists almost entirely of a long conversation between two friends in an upscale restaurant in
In the following link you can find a clip of the conversation on the Findhorn Community: http://www.metacafe.com/watch/yt-qRnUbEJueus/my_dinner_with_andre_clip_1_of_3_findhorn/
We are energetic beings and we are affected by the energy of all things and all people.
In Chinese philosophy Spring is associated with the Liver and the Eyes. Spring is the time for expansion, energy rises upwards, the sap rises in the trees and the power of Wood is arousing. It is the time for adventure, the time to be spontaneous, to start new things, but too much change can lead to feeling ungrounded and losing body awareness and losing touch with the emotions. The Wood element has a strong influence on the right side of the body and the left-brain regulates the right side of the body with the Liver as its centre point. A tendency towards anger is associated with negative Liver energy and the Liver can be damaged by anger. The positive emotion of the Liver is kindness.
Some Spring Practices:
Blindfold Practice: Close your eyes and practise feeling the life force of things (and people - try doing this with a partner or with yourself). Learn to be comfortable with the feeling of energy and holding that energy without having to express it right away.
Standing like a Tree Practice: Be kind to whatever or whoever comes to you rather than being angry because you don't like what you see in front of you. Trees are grounded into the earth but are flexible and move with the wind so try Standing like a Tree and feeling the wind moving you without trying to control it.
Astroshamanic Trainings:
For details on some distant learning courses please click here.
Please be aware that new events may be added with short notice. For further details or information please contact Franco info@astroshamanism.org or alternatively go to www.astroshamanism.org
To book Findhorn Foundation workshops, please contact bookings@findhorn.org or Bookings, The Park,
All events are held by Franco Santoro, except where otherwise indicated.
Findhorn Foundation, 2-9 May 2009, Restoring the Fragmented Heart: The Way of Sacred Relationships (with Franco Santoro) All relationships are a path to wholeness. Finding fulfilment through intimate love associations may be one of our greatest desires, yet this search can also cause acute conflict and pain. In this workshop we explore relationships from a spiritual and shamanic perspective, tracking and releasing blocks to our capacity to love. When the power of sacred relationships is strong it can bring incredible healing and manifest miraculous effects in our life and the whole environment. We encompass both couples and celibates, the paths of sexuality and chastity.
Income related price: Euro 496 - 466 - 436. The cost includes half-board (breakfast and dinner), accommodation in two or three-bedded rooms with bathroom and kitchen. The Gathering starts at
There are only few places left. If you want to attend please contact Letizia at your earliest convenience (see details below).
Findhorn Foundation, 1-8 August 2009, Astroshamanic Trance Dance, Drumming and Chanting Reshaping the World Through the Healing Dynamic of Sound
In this workshop trance dance and sound are used as transformational tools to open the pathway to expanded states of consciousness and a profound awareness of ourselves and our environment. During the week we employ movement to animate deep emotions and stagnant energies, redirecting them to support highest potentials, empowering our authentic visions and stepping into the healing flow that allows us to reshape the world within which we live. The programme also includes astroshamanic chants, planetary alignment dances, sound healing, shape-shifting rituals and the exploration of the basic astroshamanic drumming method. Please book early. Income related price (click here for more information) £495 / £625 / £735. Bursaries may be available if you book early. If you wish to attend please book at bookings@findhorn.org or +44(0)1309/691653
Findhorn Foundation, 15-21 August 2009, Settimana di Guarigione Spirituale (Spiritual Healing Week) in Italian (yet also in Spanish, if required) with
Jesi (Ancona, Italy) 5-6 September 2009, Sacred Circle Management - Formazione in Metodologie di Guarigione Astrosciamanica. Corso Base di Gestion
Malvern (
During this seminar participants are initiated into basic astroshamanic healing touch. The programme includes a complete experiential introduction to the three stages of shamanic healing and aims at defining and deepening the relationship with one's inner core and its connection with the outer reality. This is the first introductory seminar of the One-Year Course in Astroshamanic Healing Touch & Energy Work. It is possible to take part also if you are not attending the Course.
The assumption of energy work is that our body consists of energy fields, all deeply connected with the web of life. There are many techniques that allow us to become aware of these energy fields. These tools, besides promoting health, well-being and spiritual growth at an individual level, vigorously contribute to create major positive changes at a collective and planetary level. Energy work is the basic feature of the oldest therapeutic systems, which all involve the use of astrology and shamanism. This workshop will integrate methods of the Eastern and Western tradition into a pragmatic and healing whole.
About the One Year Course in Malvern: Astrology and shamanism demonstrate that our reality is a smaller scale duplication of a vaster universe, from which we appear to have separated themselves. Astroshamanic Touch is an energetic bodywork application of astroshamanism meant as a tool for bridging the physical with our multidimensional nature. During the Course we will discover ways of employing the physical body to foster expanded states of consciousness, retrieve soul parts, reawaken healing talents and integrate them in everyday life. Through healing practices derived from various traditions we will receive visions and insights to deepen the work. We will also explore the multidimensional features of relationships, sharing ways to release intense feelings, promoting forgiveness, transformation and unconditional love. The Course consists of four week-end workshops. Each workshop deals with a particular aspect of astroshamanic healing touch as applied to the elements and the astrological wheel.
PAN welcomes assistance with transcription of recent workshops in English and Italian. If you would like to help, please contact pan@astroshamanism.org
Astroshamanism Book I: A Journey into the Inner Universe and Astroshamanism Book II: The Voyage Throuh the Zodiac feature the core teachings of astroshamanism. They are available, together with various drumming and trance dance CDs, and the astroshamanic cards from info@astroshamanism.org
The Operative Training in Astroshamanism (OTA) is a certificate course in core astroshamanism which allows you to study at home as part of an ongoing interactive training. Participants will learn a wide range of techniques, exploring all aspects of their soul, individual and collective, as they are reflected in the astroshamanic cosmology of the 12 Sectors, the 4 Directions and the 3 Worlds. They will receive initiation into specific healing and ceremonial practices according to each zodiac sign, integrating shamanic experiences with information drawn from astrology and other esoteric sources. The OTA can ideally be integrated with the One Year Course in Astroshamanism and the Astroshamanic Practitioner Training. For information contact: info@astroshamanism.org
Astroshamanic Elements in Facebook
In Facebook there are currently the following pages with relevant astroshamanic focus:
Astroshamanism: an education page with plenty of information, description of events, and also issues of PAN. See: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Forres-United-Kingdom/Astroshamanism/44471338710?sid=272892504eeb5c739891815e4cb3a0f7&ref=s
Astroshamanism (open group) This is an open discussion group. Anyone can join and invite others to join. See: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=74889361162&ref=mf
Astroshamanic Network (closed group), This is a closed group open only to trainee, associates and participants to astroshamanic workshops. See: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43632547833&ref=mf
Shamanic Trance Dance (open group) with a particular emphasis on Astroshamanic Trance Dance. See: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=43632547833&ref=mf#/group.php?gid=55727467487&ref=ts
Franco Santoro: This is Franco's public profile as astroshamanic facilitator, author, etc. See: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Franco-Santoro/39839552437?ref=s
Astrosciamanesimo: an education page in Italian. See: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Astrosciamanesimo/72881046040
Astrochamanismo: an education page in Spanish. See: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Astrochamanismo/73859718997
Malvern Astroshamanic Network (closed group): created by Dave Mountjoy, for anyone living in the south west
There are also other pages and groups, which you will find if this is meant to be.
In order to access all the above you need to be a Facebook user. This is very easy and all you need to do is to visit http://www.facebook.com
PAN on-line: You can find an abridged edition of the latest issues of PAN on-line at http://panissue.blogspot.com/. The abridged Italian edition is at http://panitalico.blogspot.com/, while the full edition is available on request. The abridged Spanish edition is at http://panhispano.blogspot.com/ and the full edition is available on request.
Back Issues of PAN: You can find all back issues of PAN, in English, Italian and Spanish, in this link: http://elbalcondechessman.googlepages.com/astrochamanismo managed by Chema from
Disclaimer: All information provided in PAN is presented solely for inspirational or recreational reading, and it is not meant to substitute the recipient's direct experience and investigation. The information is also given to strategically exemplify the different features of astroshamanic cosmology and is not intended to reflect Franco's opinion or astroshamanism in general. Franco does not necessarily endorse any of the ideas and views expressed in this literature, including his own.
[i] Rachel Pollack, Seventy-Eight Degrees of Wisdom: A Book of Tarot, Part I, p. 42
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PAN International, Ezine of the Sacred Cone Circle, Issue 90, 20 March 2009
The Sun moves through the gateway of Aries, and Spring is at last emerging! Its glorious spirit roams and roars like the legendary sabre-toothed tiger, the embodiment of the warrior paving its fiery way through the ocean of awareness.
This tiger was a very fierce predator that lived long time past when the earth was stuck in the Ice Age. It became extinct around 11000 years ago. All that is left of its organic form can now be seen only in the showcases of natural history museums. And yet from an energetic perspective it would be more correct to say that we, as human beings, are the ones who are energetically extinct, mummified in the showcases of a separate configuration, while the sabre-toothed tiger is indeed roving free, gliding from reality to reality.
This tiger, as it is described by Carlos Castaneda, breathes with its whole body and perceives with its entire being. It exemplifies the passion of the warrior; it is aware that each moment could be its last, and yet it never gives up its purpose, holding the courage, competence and grace to pursue its unbending intent.
As the beginning of spring and the entrance of the Sun into Aries fires up a new cycle of the year, this can be a crucial time for claiming a pure and unadulterated sense of clarity, bravely engaging with the authentic Intent that keeps roaring in the very core of our being.
For the valiant seeker on the path this Intent has nothing to do with struggling to achieve objectives and desires in the physical reality, as we humanly perceive it. Goals, purposes, manifestation, or self-assertion, as they apply in everyday life, are merely pale shadows of the Intent. This does not abide in our conditioned awareness of the world and is entirely unrelated to our identification with the body, as we see it. The Intent is a pure energy wave flowing through the empty spaces left vacant by our ordinary sensory perception. It is far beyond the world we purport to know, existing in an unseen realm, which is completely alien to our cognition, and yet paradoxically it is the matrix that produces every aspect of our life.
The unveiling of this Intent requires an enormous investment of energy, an unattainable task as long as we keep using energy to sustain our conditioned perception of reality. When all our energy goes into supporting our separate identity, and its sense of self-importance, there is no space for anything else.
Self-importance was regarded by Don Juan Matus as the supreme enemy of the shaman and the nemesis of mankind. This is evident in the unceasing concern for the way we present ourselves to the world, the focus on being liked by people, the desire to be acknowledged, which also compels us to invest massive energy in the acknowledgement of others, so that they can then acknowledge us.
Don Juan argued that if we were capable of letting go of some of that preoccupation with self-acknowledgment, "two extraordinary things would happen to us. One, we would free our energy from trying to maintain the illusory idea of our grandeur; and, two, we would provide ourselves with enough energy to enter into the second attention to catch a glimpse of the actual grandeur of the universe." (Carlos Castaneda, The Art of Dreaming, p.37).
This grandeur of the universe becomes available when we tap into our core Intent, aligning with a field of energy we all have in the matrix of our being. This force can be identified by many names: Intent, Higher Self, God, Core Multidimensional Identity, or whatever term you feel happy about. Yet here this term has nothing to do with the torpid manner in which our separate reality interprets God and the like. It describes a vibrant, living and most liberating force, entirely unrelated to the mummified deities of consensus worship. Developing awareness of this force as the primary energy in the universe is the only chance for any true human evolution
A flaming blessing on your Spring!
Franco
Image: Emerging by Catherine Phoenix Manos, PhD (www.phoenixportals.com)
IN THIS 90th ISSUE
Healing Sounds from the Findhorn Sacred
Working on a Dream by Max Mattoni