Today I am feeling a bit lonely and separatedĀ from my SoulCollage Facilitator community. Today is the first day of the 4th International SoulCollage Facilitators’ Conference in Baltimore, MD, and I am not able to be there because of the health issues I’ve had this summer.
I am especially feeling lots of strong emotion right now because I worked for almost 2 years as co-chair of the Planning Circle team to bring this Conference to life, and today is the day that everyone is gathering for lots of SoulCollage workshops, ceremonies, learning, fun, joy, camaraderie and blessings of community.
So I drew two cards from my deck this morning to see what they had to share with me.Ā As usual, I got just what I needed!
Person huddled in orange blanket, fire, white/clear vases in background–
I am the one who is warm, who is basking in the glow of the fire and flames in front of me. I am the one who is wrapped in the fiery color of orange, the color of heat and life and joy.Ā I am the one who is standing in front of vases and containers made of milk glass and clear glass.Ā I am the one whose back is turned to the fragile glass containers.Ā I am the one who is focusing on the heat, on the light, on the fire.
My message to you today is this: Even though you are alone, you are wrapped in the soft blanket of community warmth and spirit.Ā The fire you are focusing on is the same fire that those at the Conference are focusing on: the fire of passion for this process (SoulCollage) and this community.
Keep your back to that which is fragile and self-contained and will easily shatter.Ā Keep yourself wrapped in this blanket of joyful community and warm fire. You are not alone, never alone. Just keep the focus where it should be.
Crow Woman
I am the one who is surrounded by crows- one is on top of the Book of All Knowing.Ā Many are flying in heart formation beside me. And I have warrior painted crows on my face and neck and chest.Ā I am the one who is adorned with, surrounded by and infused with Crow Medicine, Crow Energy.Ā
My message for you today is this: Crow is your Animal Medicine of the heart chakra.Ā Take some time today with sit with Crow as you meditate. Invite Crow into your imagery this afternoon.Ā Listen to what Crow tells you. Listen to what your Heart tells you.Ā
I know that you are feeling lonely today because you are not at the conference with everyone else. The secret to lifting this feeling of loneliness is to acknowledge it, welcome it into your heart. Crow symbolizes community and in your heart, know that you are connected to this SoulCollage community in the deepest, most visceral of ways.Ā You are not alone, dear one, you are part of Crow Tribe also.
Ah… Anne Marie, synchronicity! Driving home from work just now, listening to Saint-Sean’s Swan, I noticed crows flying by, and thought about the usual association of swans with elegance and beauty, and crows with ungainly ugliness at times, and saw the beauty and grace in the flight of the crows, the sweep of their wings.
Dear sister, I am with you this weekend more than ever.
Dear Anne Marie, Your shining presence is indeed right here with us at the conference. Your beautiful and thoughtful words read to us were moving and loving just like a hug. I was one who was looking forward to meeting you, and I still am! It is lovely getting to know you better through the reflections of those who know you well. Love and light to you, Anne Marie!
Hi Anne Marie ~ Sending you healing Reiki energy ~ also to tell you I signed up for the year on your website ~ Have a page on my website for my soul collage cards that I just began and am also having an informal group (small) soul collage group at my home that I just began ~ It is all enhancing my creativity ~ Wishing you well each day ~ namaste, Carol McKenna
It was a pleasure to discovery your site and process as I have been searching for what type of card deck I want to make as the solstice nears and I prepare for 2012. While many prepackaged decks have their appeal, I know I must make my own as I find the path. Synchronicity seems to have led me here. I have also been studying the principles of the Oblique Strategies decks.
Hello Anne Marie,
Usually Crows don’t represent the Heart Chakra as this chakra is associated with Air element and in Kundalini awakening it is represented by an Antelope.
Thuogh in Indian scriptures Crows/Ravens are forms which souls of the ancestors take on during the time of their visit to physical plane, during the festival of PitrPuja,which usually takes place during early-mid Oct(Like halloween)during this times crows are fed by family members as they are the spirits of dead ancestors.
In India all gods/goddesses have their own vehicles and Crow is the vehicle of god Shani(planet Saturn),which in Indian astrology is the god of Justice.It is this planet which brings out all your bad karmas during its period in your horoscope.
And by feeding the Crows/Ravens one is trying to nutrilise the negative karmas by invoking he blessings of one’s ancestors.
-Rajesh.ND.India.
Hi Raj! Thanks for your wonderful comments on my Animal Totem, Crow. I love the idea of inviting Crow to invoke the blessings of my ancestors, which feels to me very much like Heart Chakra energy! By the way, the Animal Companions suit of one’s SoulCollage Deck is based on the writings of Stephan Gallegos in his book “Personal Totem Pole.” It is this deep inner imagery work that I’ve done to invite my inner animal guides to come forward. Peace and joy, Anne Marie
Hello,
I have literally stumbled on this website just now. It’s 5.57pm South Australian time 28/4/12. I just googled soul reading I think I cant’ quite remember, and this website is what came up. I can’t believe the Crow Woman post! I have put a post on my facebook page asking for any ideas about seeing three crows two times this week. Waht messages did the crows have for me? How the universe works still amazes me. š
Hi Susan! It’s so good to hear from you. There’s SoulCollage going on in a couple of places in Australia. If you go to http://www.soulcollage.com.au/html/s01_home/home.asp you will find more info. Yes, the Universe is able to work fluidly through the internet, I have found! Peace and joy, Anne Marie (www.kaleidosoul.com)