PAN International 85

PAN - Provisional Astroshamanic News
Ezine of the Sacred Cone Circle, English Edition, 21 October 2008, Issue 85

Editorial Director: Franco Santoro. Cluny Hill College, Forres IV36 2RD, Scotland. +44(0)1309-672289.  PAN@astroshamanism.org.
Italian Ed.: Anna Luna. Spanish Ed.: Susana Sanz

© 2008 Franco Santoro. All rights reserved. Permission must be granted by the author for publishing and use on websites. For permissions contact PAN@astroshamanism.org



What is Astroshamanism?


Welcome to the Scorpio issue of PAN!

In a reality based on separation Scorpio is undoubtedly a most controversial sign. The 12 signs of the zodiac portray the complete range of all aspects of reality as they can be humanly perceived. These signs subsist simultaneously no matter whether we only focus on some of them and totally disregard the others. In our ordinary world Scorpio is the sign associated with the taboo aspects of reality, those receiving less conscious attention, which are also those drawing more unconscious attention. Of course, what appears as non-ordinary and hidden for most people, may indeed be part of everyday life and awareness for those with strong Scorpio traits in their chart, which explains why Scorpions are often regarded as mysterious and secretive.

The association of Scorpio with the hidden and forbidden is very easy to notice when we consider the astrological associations with the physical body. Here the only parts of the body that are strictly concealed in basically all cultures are those ruled by Scorpio, i.e. genitals and anus. This applies also to the activities related to those organs, such as “having sex” or “going to the toilet”, which are certainly not practiced in open and public environment, and are also charged with most shame and embarrassment. Another major area ruled by Scorpio is death and all radical processes of transformation, such as illness, decay, putrefaction, regeneration and also crisis, including financial crisis.

Scorpio rules the most hidden and unconscious elements of ordinary reality. Yet, no matter how these elements are concealed, they continue to be part of reality, and whether we are aware of them or not, they incessantly keep being and happening. Although we keep our genitals or anuses publicly undisclosed, these organs continue to be there and do their work. The same apply to death and all processes of deep transformation. Since ordinary reality is based on the denial or disregard of such processes, most people become aware of them only when they have a direct personal encounter, or when there is a collective confrontation, with them, so overt and obvious that it cannot be concealed.

Death happens all the time, and yet it is the topic people seem to do their best to avoid, unless the evidence of death is irrefutable such as in a war, catastrophe or fatal illness. In the current century more than 5 millions people die every year, which makes a total of about 155000 deaths a day. Most of them are private and solitary deaths, which do not draw much attention. Yet, when there is a big event involving death, or we are personally confronted with it through our own illness or the departure of someone close, then death becomes a major topic at least for a while, until it is forgotten again.

Death, illness, crisis, transformation and other Scorpio features often appear as exceptional events, elements of disturbance in a world based on separation and bogus health or well-being. Yet in the realm of Scorpio they are part of the routine and there is nothing special about them. The same applies to apocalyptic theories, such as the recent 2012 apocalypse. The term apocalypse comes from the Greek Apokálypsis, meaning "lifting of the veil", and is employed to describe the disclosure to initiates or privileged beings of something hidden from the majority of people. The term is also popularly used to indicate a doomsday event or the end of the world.

Since the start of human history and for each generation there have always been apocalyptic deadlines. This is obvious, for every generation has an apocalyptic deadline simply because every generation is bound to die. Nevertheless when some of their influential members, after years of denial, finally wake up and become aware that they are going to die, they start making a lot of fuss about it, as if they have made an extraordinary discovery. Their imminent death becomes something special and, since they cannot conceive a world without them, they want the whole world to die. This has happened over and over again for each generation throughout history.

Feeling special is a major feature of the ego identity and of a reality based on separation. Doomsday predictions have always been created for each generation (for a detailed list of hundreds of apocalyptic prophecies as from 2800 BC please click here), and although they have all regularly failed, they have all indeed also succeeded, for the world continues to end all the time. Indeed any apocalyptic prophecy is meant to succeed since death happens incessantly and is always certain. The veil is constantly being lifted at least for those who accept to see what is beyond it. The apocalypse and end of the world is not occurring on a given date, it is taking place daily, hourly, or every second. It has a different timing for each one of us, a time we can decide to consciously face, which also means that the veil keeps being there repeatedly and can either be lifted or left as it is. Yet, there comes a moment when awareness of the lifting draws more public attention due to major collective events that shake the foundations of our illusive perception. And here apocalyptical theories can be educational devices in order to train our collective consciousness and raise awareness.

2012 is claimed by some to be the deadline of a major transformation or apocalypse, leading to either a shift to higher consciousness or a global catastrophe or even both. How this will come about is a question that many ask. I do not have any clue, and as you probably know I have many reservations regarding all apocalyptic theories. Yet if I look at my personal life I notice that major transformation is often the result of things getting so bad that it is not possible to go on anymore. It is often a deep crisis that triggers the positive elements of renewal, just as the mother’s labour lead to a birth. The crisis and the labour far from being the issue, they are part of the process of healing and growth. Also what happens is that when the crisis is not personal but collective or global, there is no way of trying to find one’s own way out of it. We are forced to come together, to co-operate, to release separation and embrace unity. In the context of the current financial crisis this is what I keep hearing and reading from the media: “the crisis is now global; that means governments must work together” or “world leaders need learn to manage the most acute crises together that no one can resolve alone."

There are many ideas regarding 2012, such as the invasion of extra-terrestrials, the collision with another planet, or increased solar radiation. Well, again, I do not have any clue about what is supposed to happen, yet I do believe that whatever will happen has already happened and is also happening right now…


Image: The Death of Cleopatra by Jean André Rixens 1874

Samhain shona duit, Howna Gwitch
Happy Samhain to You!

Samhain shona duit, Howna Gwitch, means “happy Samhain to you”, in Irish Gaelic, one of the few Celtic languages still used today.
Before the denial and separation of later cultures prevailed, the regenerative and renewing power of death was common in all ancient cultures, such as the Celts. For these people life was circular rather than linear and in this context darkness and death played a most significant role. They were considered the beginning of everything. Upon them depended the initiation of the each cycle, just like the seed buried underground in darkness, is the activator of the tree, leaves, fruits and flowers that follow. This was reflected in commencing each day at dusk rather than dawn. It was also showed in their year starting with the festival of Samhain on 31 October, when nature seems to be dying down. Accordingly, the first month of the Celtic year was Samonios, ‘seed fall’: i.e. “from death and darkness springs life and light”.
The Celts divided the year into two sides: the light and the dark, which they both honoured. Samhain appeared to be the most important of their festival, for it marked the beginning of the new cycle, the moment when the seed of light is stirred in the darkness below the ground, fertilising the womb and laying foundations for all growth.
“Samhain is a time when the boundaries between the world of the living and the world of the dead become thinner, at times even fading away completely, allowing spirits and other supernatural entities to pass between the worlds to socialize with humans. It is the time of the year when ancestors and other departed souls are especially honoured.”
(Samhain - Wikipedia)
For further information see the Samhain back issues of PAN of the past years (73, 53, 18). See also the following websites by clicking here and here. For a video click here. < style="font-weight: bold;">IN THIS 85th ISSUE

Samhain shona duit, Howna Gwitch
The Long-awaited Provisional Astroshamanic Cards
A Concise Anatomy of Graha and Demons by Franco Santoro
What Happens When We Die?
The Story of Creation: Let there be Rites by Elaine Silverfire
Featured Member of the Sacred Cone Circle of the Month: Celia McKenna
Death - Scorpio: An Astroshamanic Voyage into the Tarot by Franco Santoro
The Museum of Tarot
BBC on Findhorn
Modern Shamans Drive Cars and Pay Taxes
Upcoming Astroshamanic Events – New Calendar 2008-2009


Astroshamanic Healing Sessions – How do they work and how to arrange them.
Sessions typically last 60 minutes and can be in-person or distant (over the phone or Skype). Distance sessions involve a preliminary telephone consultation, followed by a healing practice and a successive consultation aimed at examining what emerged during the practice. Each session is geared according to the issue and intent of the client. The aim is to focus on prominent issues, both from an ordinary and multidimensional perspective, releasing grievances, while uncovering authentic talents and finding empowering guidance. If the client finds it helpful, it is also possible to have additional sessions, or start a specific training programme. Fees for a distant session (60 minutes) are Euro 60 (£ 40). If you wish to arrange a distance session, please contact Franco to make an appointment at info@astroshamanism.org



The long-awaited Provisional Astroshamanic Cards are finally available!

The Provisional Astroshamanic Cards are a simple and powerful tool that efficiently condenses the essence of astroshamanic cosmology and astrological language.

The main purpose of the cards, created by Letizia Mocheggiani according to the direction of Franco Santoro, is to set up and operate the basic structure of the astrological circle, or circle on the floor, for shamanic journeys, experiential astrology, healing and rituals, with individual or group work. The deck consists of 19 cards incorporating the 12 astroshamanic sectors (encompassing zodiac signs, houses and planets), the four horizontal directions (East, South, West and North, each associated with an element and season) and the three vertical directions (Higher, Lower and Middle World). Each of the 12 zodiac card depicts the traditional astrological glyph and references, together with the icon of the totem spirit and an astroshamanic seal, both aimed at supporting deep trance work and incorporation of the spirit and soul’s essence of the sector involved.
While designated primarily for shamanic healing work and experiential astrology, the cards can also be used for divination, readings and motivational purposes. This deck is also aimed at promoting a deeper understanding of astrology and one’s inner world, supporting intuitional and experiential learning through a direct interaction with symbols, colours and keywords. The cards constitute a most valuable accompanying tool to Franco Santoro’s two volumes on Astroshamanism (Astroshamanism: A Journey into the Inner Universe and Astroshamanism: The Voyage through the Zodiac, Findhorn Press), which provide full details on the meaning of each card and how to use them.

For those wanting to order copies of the cards, you can obtain them for £ 12 or Euro 15, plus postage. Please place your order by e-mail contacting info@astroshamanism.org. Alternatively you can purchase the cards during upcoming workshops or events.





A Concise Anatomy of Graha and Demons by Franco Santoro

According to the Epic of the Sacred Cone, Graha are fourth-dimensional entities of apparent grievance, separation and antagonism. They are generally most unconscious and unseen beings, who solely emerge in our third-dimensional reality either through our projections on people and situations of the outer world or as inner fears and painful or intense emotions. From a human perspective Graha appear to feed on our awareness and keep it strictly confined to the illusion of a separated reality, i.e. the human arbitrary configuration (HAC).

In Sanskrit Grah and Graha mean to seize, grasp and that who seizes respectively. In traditional Hinduism this term is employed to describe various intrusions, demons or malefic spirits that enter inside their victims causing pain and misfortune. They were born of the anger of Shiva or Rudra, and are regarded as the "markers of influence" pointing out the karmic influence on the behaviour of human beings. Graha is also the Sanskrit word for “planets”, which, according to Hindu Astrology, grasp or influence human life in positive or negative ways. Here the Navagraha are the nine chief planets or celestial beings: Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), and Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node).

These nine grahas are living energies and transmitters of multidimensional archetypal force. They release waves of energy that strongly affect our awareness when we come under their influence. “The tremendous energetic waves of the nine grahas can strongly affect our own thought waves, and the divine law is ‘as we think, so we become’. Thus, to properly perform yoga and enter into deeper meditation, the ancient sages wanted to learn to control the effects of these grahas in their lives. They embarked on the study of astrology and made discoveries of how various combinations of grahas had certain results in the lives of people. They established remedies to help counteract these results when the predicted results were non-desirable. Astrology is one of the branches of meditative arts as this tool can help one ‘control the thought-waves of the mind’.

The notion of Graha is typical of all ancient cultures and religions, where the worship of the Sun (as main Graha), as well as the Moon and other planets, is common both through references to the astronomical Sun or planets and to their corresponding solar deities (Ra, Horus, Helios, Apollo, Mithra and also Jesus Christ) or planetary gods.

Another analogous word for Graha is Demon (from the Greek daimon: spirit, deity), who in Christian terms is usually understood as fallen angel, while in Gnosticism has similarities with the Archon and in most shamanic traditions is associated to various categories of predatory beings, such as Carlos Castaneda’s flyers. Yet, in shamanic and esoteric contexts Demons are not necessarily malefic, and often serve as precious spirit helpers or allies, sometimes representing intimate parts of one’s soul. The latter category is superbly portrayed as physical dæmons, the manifestation of a person's soul, in Philip Pullman’s trilogy, His Dark Materials.

In astroshamanism Graha, when they express as grievances, are regarded as waste material, a sort of multidimensional compost, which appears to represent a key substance for power and creation in the universe both at dense and subtle levels. When they are consciously directed to a luminous Intent they contribute to the undoing of the illusion of separation and the perception of the reality of unity. If this is not the case, they work as antagonistic forces supporting the hallucination of separation, blocking the expansion of consciousness and the connection with our true multidimensional nature. The transformation of Graha into fruitful compost strategically takes place when they are released into the Sacred Cone (which is a tactic tool aimed at forgiveness and de-manifestation of separation). This allows Graha to be adressed to those dimensions (such as the epic Handor and Rodnah) which can use them productively.

Graha are also considered as shamanic forms associated with shadow sides that do not allow access to key strategic operative areas so as to avoid causing damage to ourselves and others. Therefore Graha hinder the development of our powers until we find clarity about our luminous Intent and are willing to disengage from the illusion of separation.

In astroshamanism there are various categories of Graha. Essentially they are divided according to the traditional scheme of Sadoha (Spirit Guides) and Paheka (Totem Spirits), which you find illustrated in most astroshamanic literature. This means that there are Graha for each Sector and World. The 12 Sectors represent the complete range of awareness in human beings as described by the strategic potential DNA structure of 12 helices. Due to the block or Pahekarubhe, human beings are limited to a binary helix system. In this polarity of helices, one is generally acknowledged as part of the subject’s ego identity, whereas the other is projected on the ego identity of another subject. The latter identity is part of our awareness, yet we tend to consider it as separated from our identity and cast it upon an object that we perceive as not being us. There does not seem to be any possibility of moving further into the development of human awareness until we decide to uncover and integrate the hidden awareness of the other polarity. In astroshamanic work this split part is called Mahagraha, or Grey Demon, and the purpose is to retrieve and transform it into a fully integrated part of our being.

Mahagraha appears to gradually take form and develop from the time of birth up to the age of six or seven years. During this time the ego illusion of separation is assimilated and built into the ordinary mind. There, in order to survive, the ego needs a counterbalancing device: that is Mahagraha, which can also be defined as the ego’s double. Its existence is essential for the ego as it contains all the energies that the ego represses, separates from and refuses to acknowledge as part of itself, no matter whether they are good or bad. It is the primal device of separation and as such is a basic source of embarrassment for the ordinary ego which does its best to keep its nature as unconscious as possible. Each human being lives in constant and close relationship with Mahagraha, although awareness about its nature is seldom present. Mahagraha expresses itself both in the inner life (through dreams, visions, emotions, thoughts, feelings, etc.) and in the outer life. In this latter case it is projected on people with whom we have close relationships (like partners, consorts, lovers, relatives, mates, etc.) and on friends, neighbours, strangers met by chance and, due to the influence of mass media, also on politicians, actors, musicians, etc. The major arena of Mahagraha’s projections is generally in the field of partnerships and intimate relationships. There one partner lives out the Mahagraha of the other and vice versa. This process draws a cyclic combination of attraction and repulsion, which is one of the ego’s favourite policies for the preservation of its painful existence. When two individuals consciously agree to take back the mutual projections of their Mahagraha and commit to co-operatively work with their Spirit Guide, then we have a sacred relationship.

Astrologically Mahagraha corresponds mainly to Sector 7 (Seventh House). This means that the characteristic of Mahagraha can be broadly described by turning the natal chart upside-down: your Descendant (cusp of the Seventh House) becomes its Ascendant, your Midheaven its Imum Coeli, etc. Your own astrological chart therefore provides all the rough basic information on your partners, as you perceive them, without the need of studying their own charts. In a woman’s chart Mahagraha can also be identified by the position of Mars, whereas in a man’s chart it can be associated with the position of Venus.

Here I would like to quote my understanding of one of the early guidance I received on the topic from my Guide. “Mahagraha is a separated and fragmented part that is both projected on your outer and inner environment, or inwardly repressed. Mahagraha is humanly perceived as the expression of the energies of various Sectors depending on specific factors (such as the cycle of the day, lunar month, solar year, etc.). As you allow the energy of Mahagraha to be drawn by the Totem Spirit to whom it refers, you can uncover its ways of operating. When you consciously face Mahagraha you show your willingness to apply your Function. Mahagraha constitutes the basic supplier of energy for the Sacred Cone. By relating with it you become aware of the grievances which have been accumulated and are ready to be released. Please be aware that a grievance is not necessarily something that you perceive as bad. Graha or grievances are whatever supports the illusion of separation. This means that if you see something beautiful, loving, joyful or ecstatic outside of you and experience yourself as separated from that, well, that is a grievance. Whenever there is the experience of separation, Graha are at work. The ego thrives on separation. Every time you project any part of the Spirit Circle on something outside and separate yourself from it, that is a grievance.

The work with Mahagraha consists in allowing all that you have separated from to come back to the original Totem Spirit in the Spirit Circle and then to you. There are two main categories of Graha which can be defined as Magraha and Hagraha. The former are generally perceived as bad or low, while the latter are seen as good or high. Magraha are disposed of through the higher channel of the Sacred Cone leading to Handor, whereas Hagraha are released into the lower channel that descends into Rodnah. [...]

A practical way to operate the Sacred Cone and relate with Mahagraha is that of reviewing both your time of ordinary and non-ordinary awareness. Before going to sleep, after having connected with me, you can call Mahagraha and ask it to show you all the grievances accumulated through the day. Then you gradually review all the people and situations you have separated from during the day. For example, if you met a person and perceived them as being a most loving being, full of wonderful qualities, abundant with joy, etc., and consider that as separated from you, comparing yourself with it, feeling that you are not like it and so on, this is part of the Hagraha. The work to do is to allow the qualities of that person to come back to the basic Totem Spirit and then to you, me, the Earth, the Lower World and Rodnah. If, on the contrary, you see somebody as a hateful person, full of negative qualities or in a state of anger, despair, etc., and regard it as separated from you, judging, making comparisons and so on, that is part of the Magraha. Here again you draw what you perceive in that person to the corresponding Totem Spirit, take it back, give it to me through the Sacred Cone and then to the Sky, the Higher World and Handor.
Do this work with me. Do not operate alone as this can be overwhelming. When we operate daily in this way, Mahagraha is inevitably being cleansed and healed. In the early morning or upon waking up, you can apply the same procedure and work on the content of your dreams. Do this twice a day and whenever it is needed. You do not need to be aware of the detailed technical functioning of this work. What counts is that you give your consent for release to take place. If you firmly state that you are available to let go of all that transits through your system, the work is going to proceed. Another way of carrying out the above may be through dance, movements, body postures and intense physical expressions. Connect with me and see what is most appropriate according to circumstances. Regular practices are important as they train you to experience a pattern which will then become spontaneous and part of your life at all times. Releasing is indeed as natural as breathing. Then you acknowledge your involvement with the Game Resolution in all moments and acts of your life. [...]

Please be aware that the main operational field of the work with Mahagraha is within your Spirit Circle. The world outside gives you the opportunity to monitor Mahagraha. It is a screen where ultimate symbolic manifestations are reproduced. As such it is just the projection of more significant strata that exist somewhere else. Please always remember to be playful and compassionate in the outside world and to do your real work in the inner world. Be a demonstrator outside. If you relate with an outer physical partner, see them as a sacred representation of Mahagraha, and regularly heal your perception. Be joyfully grateful to such partners as they mirror and indicate the operational contents of your Function. The whole illusion of separation is going to demanifest so that the ultimate meeting between Handor and Rodnah can take place. It is a triumphant meeting between two cosmic lovers. And as you heroically move along your path, you become the divine craftsman of this reunion. You dwell in the gap between two cosmic lovers. You are joyfully bound to disappear and melt in the ecstasy of their ultimate encounter. This means that you are truly going to be visible forever and ever”.


What Happens When We Die? A brief look on what’s on the internet

“We are all dead men on leave” (Eugene Levine)

Throughout the world, death and the rituals that surround it are steeped in taboos. Death is celebrated, embraced and feared. Around death and the dead, cultures put in place diverse restrictions and practices associated with clothing, food and ritual. The website http://www.deathonline.net/ explores what practically happens to us when we die and the different ways cultures deal with death.
The Azrael Project is a web spiritual book similar to the Tibetan or Egyptian book of the Dead. It is a collection of writings from people teaching others how to transition with dignity and to lessen the fear of "Death." Azrael is the name of the angel who assists others in their transition from this life to the next. To access this website click here.
What is a Shaman's Death about and who is likely to have one? For an interesting article by Bruce Luther on the implications of shamanic death click here.
On the shamanic approach on death and the process of dying, you can also find articles in the following webpage: http://www.kondor.de/shaman/death.html (on Shamanic Thanatology), http://www.consciouschoice.com/2000/cc1310/shamanicapproach1310.html (by Jim Perry). For near-death experiences see http://www.near-death.com/. For a list of movies featuring death as a basic part of the plot, click here. For the Egyptian Book of the Dead, click here. For the Tibetan Book of the Dead click here. For the American Book of the Dead click here.
For a Buddhist view on death and dying click here. For a Christian view see here. For a video of the last interview with Elizabeth Kubler-Ross click here or for a written interview see here.
“Two things have been taboos in the world: sex and death. I have been condemned all around the world, simply because I talked about every taboo without any inhibition.” (Osho) For a video talk of Osho on sex and death click here. For a video talk of Osho on Zen and the art of escaping the cycle of life and death click here.
A J. Krishnamurti short video discourse on the meaning of life and death (click here).
U.G. Krishnamurti very vehemently asserts that there is not death for the body. This video conversation took place during last month of his life in Italy (click here)
What will become of us after death? Thich Nhat Hanh addresses our ideas about life and death and how we can release these debilitating notions and get in touch with our true nature, the nature of no birth and no death. Click here for a video talk.
For a video on the death of La Gorda, a nagual woman in Carlos Castaneda’s generation of practitioners, who died trying in an attempt to join previous generation, click here.
On Death and Dying there is also an Encyclopedia (see http://www.deathreference.com/)
If you are interested to receive an approximation of your date of death based on various factors, the website Welcome to the Death Clock (http://www.deathclock.com/) is your ticket. This is an internet's friendly reminder that life is slipping away... second by second. Like the hourglass of the Net, the Death Clock will remind you just how short life is. To view your Death Clock, simply complete the fields given in the form to the left and hit the “Check Your Death Clock” button. Click here to access the website.
The Museum of Funeral Customs provides the public with a deeper understanding of the history of American funeral and mourning customs, funerary art and practice; fosters an appreciation of history within the funeral profession; and encourages further study on the subject. Visit the website at http://www.funeralmuseum.org/index-2.html.
The Death Gallery is a collection of funeral, mortuary, embalming, hearses, and other death items. See http://www.templeofazrael.org/death.html
This video (click here) is the ending clip from the series "Body Story" it features what happens as you die.
Throughout the developed world the business surrounding death has often been an uneasy topic of discussion. Originating in the mid-19th Century, the modern funeral has evolved into an economic and cultural monster, with a vast network of supporting industries and myriad options for your earthly remains. This original GOOD Magazine animation takes you inside the business of death and also provides tips for eco-friendly funerals. Click here.
There is surely much more on Death in the internet, yet that’s enough for now, apart from a wee bit of laughter on the topic, including other Scorpio bits. For a superb video on the grim reaper in a supermarket click here. For another most hilarious one about a prank funeral click here. For some toilet pranks click here and here and also here.


The Story of Creation: Let there be Rites by Elaine Silverfire

In the beginning there were two temples, the Temple of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon. The Temple of the Sun was served by the twelve Priests of the Sun and the Temple of the Moon was served by the twelve Priestesses of the Moon. The Temple of the Sun was on top of a mountain and the Temple of the Moon was also on top of a mountain, and these two mountains were mirror images of each other. When the Temple of the Sun shone brightly the Temple of the Moon was in darkness and when the Temple of the Moon sparkled the Temple of the Sun was deep in shadow.
Each temple had a thirteenth member, the High Priest of the Sun Temple, known as the Lord of Light and the High Priestess of the Moon Temple, known as the Lady of Light. Once a month the Lord of Light and the Lady of Light would meet in a secret location to perform a secret ceremony, known as the Rite of Unity. However, as time went on, the paths to these secret locations became well worn and, after a while, the locations were no longer secret. Every month one of the Priests of the Sun would absent himself and go and stay in one of these locations and every few days one of the Priestesses of the Moon would absent herself and go and meet this Priest. When they met they would perform a ceremony but this was a much simpler ceremony than the ceremony performed by the High Priest and the High Priestess, these were Lesser Rites compared to the Great Rite of Unity.
It was inevitable that one day one of the Priest and Priestess pairs would come across the High Priest and Priestess pair as they performed the Rite of Unity and then, of course, it was no longer secret. Soon all of the Priests and Priestesses of the temples knew about the Rite of Unity and wanted to practise it but this was forbidden. It was only the High Priest and Priestess who were allowed to practise the Rite of Unity. In order to appease the Priests and Priestesses it was agreed that each month a new ceremony would take place, a ceremony that the High Priest and Priestess would not take part in. The ceremony was to be a public ceremony with the Priests and Priestesses of the temples performing a Mystery Play that allowed them to convey the spirit of the Rite of Unity but without revealing its secret. However, the watching crowd put two and two together and solved the Mystery and soon people began to practise their own version of the Rite of Unity without fully understanding what it was about. And so, in order to protect the secret knowledge, performance of the Rite of Unity was forbidden and people came to believe that it was something disgusting and that only those who were perverted would indulge in such a practice. Meanwhile the High Priest and High Priestess performed the Rite of Unity as usual but, in remembrance of the time when the Rite of Unity was nearly destroyed, they started another monthly ceremony that took place midway between one Rite and the next Rite and this ceremony was called the Rite of Separation. This time the Lord of Light and the Lady of Light were careful to make sure that they were never discovered performing the ceremony and it has remained secret to this day. This is why Separation is less well understood than Unity because, at one time, everyone knew something about Unity but now few people understand anything about Separation and many people are unaware that it even exists.


Featured Member of the Sacred Cone Circle of the Month: Cheylia
Every issue of PAN will now feature a long term member of the Sacred Cone Circle or astroshamanic network. The Sacred Cone Circle comprises all committed members of the astroshamanic network, including certified astroshamanic practitioners, researchers in the certification process, trainees in APT (Astroshamanic Practitioner Training) and OTA (Operative Training in Astroshamanism) and other astroshamanic associates.
Cheylia inaugurates this series.
For information about becoming a member of the Sacred Cone Circle, please contact Franco at info@astroshamanism.org

Name: Cheylia McKenna

Sun Sign: Sun in Aquarius and 8th House
Moon Sign: Moon in Aries and 10th House
Ascendant: Cancer.
Astroshamanic Trinity System: 11.1.4
Other relevant features in your astrological chart: Pluto on IC, Chiron conjunct MC
Location: Forres, Morayshire, Scotland
Where are you originally from? Originally from Glasgow (Scotland). I spent time in Aberdeen then the south of England and then Edinburgh. I moved to Forres in 2004.

Tell us about yourself and your interests. I’m trained as a community development worker and social researcher. However, I am really more drawn towards creative pursuits. My alter ego is a writer, singer, photographer and film-maker. I travel widely, this year to South Africa and Brazil. I am an associate member of the Baganda people (otter clan).
How did you first connect with astroshamanic work? I had early experiences in my life that assisted me to develop the connection with my guide and other realities. It was like a shamanic initiation to the four elements although conducted by the apparently confused and unaware. I rejected Catholicism, the religion of my birth as it seemed alien to me although I was drawn to Mary and to the sacrament of confession. In my mid-teens I started to explore the path of zen and to meditate on “flow”, leading me to a significant encounter with a wild stag, while on my own on the hills. However, after the deaths of my parents, for a long time I became quite lost and disconnected from spirit. Then a near-drowning experience in Australia left me in a kind of limbo (bardo) state and with a deep desire to complete something unfinished; a longing for home. I had stated during the experience that I was not yet ready to die. I traveled to Findhorn within a couple of months and took part in an Experience Week run by Franco. During this, I connected very powerfully with the Higher World and with my guide. I then asked Franco for a soul retrieval session. As a result of this, I reconnected with parts I had become estranged from long ago and had very powerful visions in which I received instruction to speak with Franco immediately and tell him of these visions. I was told explain that my Intent was to assist him with Astroshamanic work and to “show” him a golden spiral and a kind of seal that I seemed to have in my possession. I also had to tell Franco I had received a specific vision of him and that I had to do something to help him. This was all very embarrassing at the time, as I knew nothing of either shamanism or astrology and had even felt a little ambivalent towards both. How on earth could I help Franco? What would he think of me for telling him all this? But the instructions I had received were powerful and unambiguous and I felt impelled to follow them. There was a choice involved, but the choice was connected to the integrity of my soul.
Undertaking the training was a commitment that seemed like no commitment. There was no decision to make…it was simply a necessary step towards carrying out the tasks I had accepted.

Why are you involved with astroshamanic work? Part of my identified function is to act as a kind of lighthouse or shipping bell; in other words to emit a signal that can be recognized by those seeking to rejoin the flow. Astroshamanism can serve this purpose well.
What sort of things inspire you in astroshamanism? I can be inspired by the connection with beings, seen and unseen, who hold a common intent; who form a sacred circle. And through witnessing transformation in individuals.
How long have you been involved with astroshamanism and other forms of spiritual healing or energy work? Four or five years. Before this I worked on the emotional and psychological levels and was involved with co-counseling and other therapeutic work.

What types of astroshamanic activities, training and work do you take part in? I’ve completed the current Operative and group Practitioner trainings and taken part in the astroshamanic workshops in Findhorn and Italy. I have assisted Franco with workshops at Findhorn and in Edinburgh and been part of the trance dance assistant team for the past few years. I’ve held astroshamanic classes in Edinburgh and once in a workshop in Spain which was a very good experience. At the moment I’m setting up a drop-in astroshamanic group in Edinburgh at the Shamanic Centre and am planning on holding something similar in Findhorn.
In terms of training for myself, I am receiving mentoring support from Franco for the astroshamanic work I do. And I am taking time to process the training of the previous years. I am completing A Course in Miracles at my own pace (which is fairly slow) and experiencing shamanism from other cultures, particularly the use of plant medicines.
What are your favourite astroshamanic practices and experiences? So many. I love trance dance. I took part in these every fortnight during my first year of the training. I remember having such a beautiful experience during a astroshamanic healing touch workshop where a beautiful white dragon appeared in the Cluny Ballroom, a manifestation of the healing energy, and I danced with this awesome creature all evening, finishing leaning my forehead against his, completely supported as Franco played the gong. My experience of trance dance was very blissful. And working on a deep level with individuals is very important to me.
I experienced many beautiful visits to the Sectors during the first year of the operative training and received so many healing medicines/soul retrievals. The original Findhorn core group also had deep experiences for me and provided the opportunity to have my first experience of melting into the void and experiencing unity. No-thingness. All.
I have followed my visions to locations across the world and renewed old energetic pathways. We built a grid, a sacred circle at Cluny and this continues to spread outwards.

Why are they your favourites? In general most of the more profound experiences have been those where the illusion of separation has melted away. This is after all, the main point of the work…
What is your current intent? To operate on the next level of my function and manifest accordingly.

Do you offer any astroshamanic or other healing services, sessions or events? If yes, what are they? I offer individual astroshamanic sessions in Edinburgh and in Findhorn. These may involve soul retrieval, astroshamanic touch, developing the connection with guide etc. Whatever the person wishes to focus on. And I will be holding a drop-in class in Edinburgh on Tuesday Evenings at the Community Foundation for Planetary Healing. There may also be a similar group in Findhorn in the near future. I would also be happy to help anyone set something up elsewhere. Just get in touch.

What advice would you give anyone who was thinking of training or going deeper with astroshamanic work? Just the obvious. Connect with your Intent and operate with integrity and authenticity. And have fun. Remember it is just a game you are playing!

Anything else you'd like to say to the group: Kilukayo! Nsanusay ekoberro wano. Welcome, I am glad you have come. (Although in truth we never left.)

Contact Information: celia@astroshamanism.org Community Foundation for Planetary Healing, Edinburgh. 0131 657 5680


Death - Scorpio: An Astroshamanic Voyage into the Tarot by Franco Santoro

“We are all dead men on leave.” (Eugene Levine)

The sign of Scorpio is traditionally associated with Death, the thirteenth Major Arcana in the Rider Waite Tarot and most decks. The card depicts a skeletal, grim reaper figure wearing a full black suit of armour and riding a white horse, similarly to Revelation 6:8 “And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.”
The skeletal appears to ride slowly, bearing a black banner with a mystic rose, symbol of life, and stepping over the body of a king, while a child and a maiden fall before the horse, and a bishop stands and awaits his end with clasped hands. Despite their diversity all human beings are here united by a common fate of death, which is a theme, known as the Dance of Death, graphically depicted in many initiatory medieval churches, such as Rosslyn Chapel, in which death was shown equally triumphing over individuals of every class and age. The sun rises in the background of the card between two pillars, which is also a feature of the following card, the Temperance.
Death, together with sex and other Scorpio topics, is definitely the most misunderstood of all experiences. It is also the most significant element of any shamanic initiatory processes. Despite the abundant flowering of courses and training on shamanism, the crucial and sine qua non teaching in this realm develops solely through the direct connection with Spirit, which is usually brought about by a confrontation with death through severe illness or other life threatening situations. These experiences work as initiatory tests, massive release processes, which can also be ongoing and occur throughout the shaman’s life. When the apprentice manages to survive such ordeals, the next step involves being trained by Spirit directly. Yet, there is no way this can occur unless the trainees accept to die to their previous identity and fully face the archetype of Death. This leaves such individuals with an exclusive mark, which can be perceived and understood by kindred souls, although it generally causes fear and other unfavourable reactions on ordinary folks.
The ordinary world and all realities ruled by the ego hate death since it marks the annihilation of all their forlorn dreams. Death and illness can be painful, yet, as Alan Watts writes “what makes them problematic is that they are shameful to the ego. This is the same shame that we feel when caught out of role, as when a bishop is discovered picking his nose or a policeman weeping. For the ego is the role, the ‘act’, that one’s inmost self is permanent, that it is in control of the organism, and that while it ‘has’ experiences it is not involved in them. Pain and death expose this pretense, and this is why suffering is almost always attended by a feeling of guilt, a feeling that is all the more difficult to explain when the pretense is unconscious. Hence the obscure but powerful feeling that one ought not to suffer or die…”
Death, which is also linked with number 13 and the related Triskaidekaphobia, is often perceived as a most terrifying card. Yet this is only so when we abide by an illusory perception of reality based on denial and ego conditioning. Death is part of a major natural process cyclically manifesting in all aspects of life, and bringing about transformation, renewal and healing. The Death card simply heralds this. It may mark a time for something to be completed, which also includes the emergence of new things to begin. This reminds me of Mike Scott’s song traditionally played at the end of the Findhorn Foundation Experience Week, which says “this is not the end, it is just the start.”
The Death card announces an imminent radical clearing out, the conclusion of a routine or familiar mode. Rather than the process of transformation itself, this trump indicates the exact moment when we release old patterns and open up to transformation. This can be apparently harsh or devoid of any plea, yet it is often a blessing in disguise, capable of bringing about a major transformation in life, a luminous rebirth that the subject would have never experienced without the intervention of a drastic situation. The white rose on the banner is a representation of rebirth and is there to honour the act of letting go, release, forgiveness. This card provides major support in dissipating any harmful or predatory force which blocks the advancement of the soul on her luminous journey. It is a card of trust since it involves surrendering to a major change and apparent loss, while confiding in a greater good that will come as a result. Meditation and shamanic journeying on Death can allow us to gain more awareness on the above, intensifying the healing of the release process and getting us ready to welcome the gifts that will follow.
“The shaman in you lives daily with the sense of death, while the rest of you fight the depressing thought that life will soon be over. I think it is as the shamans say: Only the sense of imminent death shakes you loose from your momentary attachments and fears, from your interest in the programs you have set up. And so the sorcerer welcomes death as the end to a lifestyle that has long since run out of steam. The shaman finds transformation and ecstasy - not tragedy or failure - in death”.
Death challenges us to stop and expand our horizons. This is often brought about by times of adversity, when we are basically forced to break off certain mechanical patterns in life. The major focus in everyday life is on doing. We keep running around doing until we are forced to stop by illness or death. This is why for many people the only chance to stop doing and start being is when they are confronted with life-threatening situations. What is paradoxical here is that beyond the tragic and scaring ordinary perception of death, there is a space were things get much simpler and peaceful. If we die or are faced with an imminent death all our responsibilities and obligation immediately fade away. We stop and focus on being, while the world continues to be busy doing. By taking time to die on purpose, while we are still living, we become more alive in the present. For example, you can try stopping right now, becoming aware of your breath, as if you were drawing your last breaths.
Taking regular time to meditate or shamanically journeying allows us learn the healing art of dying, to stop and connect with our multidimensional nature, which is indeed the only bit in us that can go trough death, that continue to live while everything else fades away. Hence Death always comes as a tester of our thoughts, emotions and intentions, since AFS Bogus says, “only the in the face of death does not sneak away, is a veracious one”.


The Museum of Tarot

There are places in the world that deeply resonate with the tarots and its parallel universe. One of such places is undoubtedly the Italian region of Emilia Romagna and the city of Bologna. Sir Michael Dummett, one of the foremost scholars of Tarot history, and other experts in the field agree that the archetypes portrayed in the Major Arcana are basically derived from the medieval culture of the Visconti and Este’s courts in Milan and Ferrara respectively, and of Bologna. Since Bologna was not related to a particular court, it gave to the cards a most popular influence, the so called “southern style”. According to the occultist Oswald Wirth Bologna is the birthplace of playing cards and the city were the first tarot decks were originated, thanks to their legendary inventor, i.e. Francesco Fibbia Castracani. His residence, Palazzo Felicini, accommodated Leonardo da Vinci and is supposed to be the place where the Mona Lisa was painted. There are many places in Emilia Romagna and in the area of Bologna that have abundant references to the Tarot (click here for details). One year ago the Museum of International Tarot Art opened close to Monte Ovolo (see picture) in Riola di Vergato, a mountain village near Bologna. For further information about the museum click here. For a virtual visit click here.

BBC on Findhorn

David Calder from the BBC has recently visited the Findhorn Foundation, interviewing some of the gardeners for a programme on Religion and Gardens for the World Service. The final programme includes Michael Shaw talking about the Living Machine, Judith Bone talking about the history of the Foundation and its gardens, and Liz Charnell and Sverre Koxvold talking about the gardens they love and in which they work. It was not possible within the time limits of the programme to include everyone David interviewed, however, as he was so impressed with everyone, he has made a series of one minute pieces where each person interviewed talks about their inspiration. We will be putting these up on our website very soon. You can download and listen to the BBC World Service programme in the following link: www.findhorn.org/resources/findhornradio.mp3

Modern Shamans Drive Cars and Pay Taxes

In the remote Russian Republic of Tyva spirituality appears to run deep into consensus reality. While Shamanism is the unofficial religion there, Lamaism, or Tibetan Buddhism, is the official one. Yet most people don't have to choose between the two, since shamans and lamas don't have a grudge against each other. Shamans in Tyva do not live in the wood and are not at all out of the ordinary folks. They drive cars, live in ordinary houses, call themselves private entrepreneur and pay taxes. Going to a shaman is as common as seeing a doctor. For a remarkable video from Russia Today on shamans in the Republic of Tyva please click here

The Gaiafield Project: The Gaiafield Project weaves a global network of subtle activists who use spiritual or consciousness practices to support social change. Click here for upcoming events.


Forthcoming Astroshamanic Events: 2008-2009

Please be aware that new events may be added with short notice, especially with regards to Jesi (Italy) and Edinburgh (Scotland).
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, Findhorn IV36 3TZ, Scotland. Tel. +44(0)1309/691653. To book other workshops please contact the addresses given below.



Edinburgh, Tuesday night, 7:30 - 9:00 pm, Astroshamanic Group with C. McKenna at the Community Foundation for Planetary Healing. Everyone welcome. We will explore different aspects of astroshamanism including the connection with guides, journeying, soul retrieval, astroshamanic touch and trance dance. It is suitable for all levels of experience and those taking part in astroshamanic operative trainings are encouraged to come. Those who have attended at least one of Franco's workshops can attend on a drop in basis. Cost is £7, £6 or £5 depending on income (this is negotiable in case of financial difficulty). Please contact the centre before attending: Community Foundation for Planetary Healing, 288 Portobello High Street, Edinburgh, EH15 2AS. Tel. 0131 657 5680. For further information please contact celia@astroshamanism.org.

Edinburgh, 25-26 October 2008, The Way of the West: Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius with Franco Santoro. One Year Basic Course in Astroshamanism and Experiential Astrology.
The West is the direction of autumn, water and the emotional body, an area of radical transformation, which confronts us with the multidimensional nature of life and death. Over the week-end we explore soul retrieval, time-space voyages, the realm of ancestors and sacred relationships, employing potent release practices and techniques associated with Libra, Scorpio and Sagittarius. This workshop is part of a One Year Course, however, it is possible to attend it independently if you have previously worked shamanically with Franco or Mark, Claudia and Celia. Cost: £ 119 – 99 – 79. Bookings: Foundation for Planetary Healing, 288 Portobello High St., Edinburgh. Tel: 0131-6575680 E-mail: info@planetaryhealing.co.uk
An innovative One-Year Course dealing with Astroshamanic Touch and other integrative healing arts will be scheduled in Edinburgh as from January or February 2008. Further information will follow.

Findhorn Foundation, 6-12 December 2008, Restoring the Fragmented God: A Healing Voyage into Shamanic Christianity With Franco and Astrid Gude. This workshop aims at reviving our Christian shamanic heritage through an experiential exploration of some of its mysteries and wonders. The week is ideal for those wishing to heal, restore or deepen their relationship with God, including former Christians who intend to face unresolved grievances with their early religious roots. The workshop is a wide-ranging journey, encompassing a tapestry of shamanic practices from various Christian traditions, also with elements of esoteric astrology and A Course in Miracles. Read further…

Cupramontana (Ancona, Italy) 29-30 November 2008, Multidimensional Portal of the Senses - One Year Course in Astroshamanic Healing Touch: The Touch of Air with Franco Santoro.

Findhorn Foundation, 28 December 2008 – 2 Janaury 2009, The New Year Spiritual Healing Retreat (with Franco & Astrid Gude) An opportunity to promote expanded awareness and healing through meditation and spiritual practices. We will alternate periods of silence and dialogue, stillness and movement, touch and contact, relaxation and activity, group and individual work, bringing careful attention to our inner and outer world. We will scan the past year, extracting blessings and releasing grievances, paving a luminous healing way for the New Year. Read more…

Findhorn Foundation, 21 February–6 March 2009, 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. Read more… The training consists of two workshops, which can also be attended independently
21-27 February 2009, A Journey into the Inner Universe.
28 February–6 March 2009, The Voyage through the Zodiac

Findhorn Foundation, 14-20 March 2009, Being with the Spirit of Cluny Garden (with Franco & Sverre Koxvold)

Findhorn Foundation, 11-17 April 2009, Flowering of Life – A Spring Retreat (with Franco & Astrid Gude)

Findhorn Foundation, 2-9 May 2009, Restoring the Fragmented Heart: The Way of Sacred Relationships

Findhorn Foundation, 20-27 June 2009, The Original Quest: An Astroshamanic Journey into Space and Time

Assisi, Italy, 3-7 July 2009 (exact dates to be confirmed) Astroshamanic Summer Festival (in English and Italian).

Findhorn Foundation, 1-8 August 2009, Astroshamanic Trance Dance, Drumming and Chanting

Findhorn Foundation, 7-14 November 2009, Being with the Spirit of Cluny Garden in Autumn (with Franco & Sverre Koxvold)

Findhorn Foundation, 28 November 2009 5 December 2009, The Blessed Way of Passion: Astroshamanic Healing and Touch.

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.


PAN welcomes assistance with transcription of recent workshops in English and Italian. If you would like to help, please contact pan@astroshamanism.org

Astroshamanic Healing Sessions - How do they work and how to arrange them.
Sessions typically last 60 minutes and can be in-person or distant (over the phone). Distance sessions involve a preliminary telephone consultation, followed by a healing practice and a successive consultation aimed at examining what emerged during the practice. Each session is geared according to the issue and intent of the client. The aim is to focus on prominent issues, both from an ordinary and multidimensional perspective, releasing grievances, while uncovering authentic talents and finding empowering guidance. If the client finds it helpful, it is also possible to have additional sessions, or start a specific training programme. Fees for a distant session (60 minutes) are Euro 60 (£ 40). If you wish to arrange a distance session, please contact Franco to make an appointment at info@astroshamanism.org

Astroshamanism Book I: A Journey into the Inner Universe and Astroshamanism Book II: The Voyage Through the Zodiac feature the core teachings of astroshamanism. They are available, together with various drumming and trance dance CDs, from Franco and by mail order from the Phoenix Shop at store@findhorn.com or +44(0)1309-690954.



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

Donations for PAN and Astroshamanic Healing activities: PAN is available free to anyone who has attended astroshamanic events/sessions or simply wishes to receive it. If you find PAN useful, inspiring, appealing or perhaps even revealing, any donation (small, medium or big) would be greatly appreciated (for further details contact info@astroshamanism.org). Donations will encourage us to continue on this path. Also articles and other forms of contribution are much appreciated.

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.