The Spiritual Spider

Here Comes The Sun

2012-02-02T14:59:00.006-05:00

Imbolc, also known as St. Brigid's Day: A Celtic celebration of the 'hearth and home,' said to mark the beginning of spring, that promises lengthening days and therefore, eventually more Light than darkness (after the Vernal Equinox). Not that darkness is bad, especially if one looks at darkness as a time to rest and regain energy. But nature has a way of balancing all things out, and now it's the Light's turn to pick up momentum. Nice.

Most calenders I've seen mark the beginning of spring to officially begin at the March or Vernal Equinox. But I like it, if only for psychological reasons, that the Celts felt it began earlier. This somehow makes it easier for me to get through the last of winter. So perhaps Imbolc can best be seen as a 'promise' of spring...but no matter what, it makes me happy.

When I was younger, winter didn't bother me so much. Now, however, the cold literally causes me to hunch over, as if I'm protecting my innards. I find my sensitive spinal cord area becomes extremely uncomfortable when the temperature dips low. Not good. Chris has never been much of a cold weather person, but good man that he is, knew that for years my interest was working with sheep's wool and that cold weather was just the thing to inspire that creative work. Not that I've given up being a spinner or anything, I just don't feel the need to live anymore in areas that subject us to weather that's not the best for our bodies. So chances are, our next move down the line will be to where there's an abundance of warm weather filled with Light, with perhaps a milder, or at least shorter, winter than what we've been used to.

Beautiful composition by the incomparable, mystic/prophet of the 12th century, Blessed Hildegard von Bingen. Enjoy!

Finishing

2012-01-29T15:08:00.004-05:00

When I'm feeling down and find that I'm scolding my own self for procrastinating, or being slow, or being simply scattered, it's important to remind myself that in my life I've finished plenty of things. Just from a school standpoint, I got through Catholic grade school, graduated from a Catholic high school, and have been proud of my hard-earned art education degree from a Catholic university. Tucked in those years was even an awarded certificate in dental assisting, no less. During my formal education, plenty of papers and projects were completed, and lots of tests were tackled, sometimes all on the same day!

Job-wise, I've tasted quite a few different jobs; beginning them and ultimately finishing with them either because we moved or by honestly allowing myself to acknowledge that the job wasn't something I wanted to do for any long period of time. There were the occasions that I realized this after one day of working at a place, so in those cases the finishing came on the same day I started. So be it. I somehow always knew that I was not going to be someone who would work at the same place for 30+ years or more, not that I didn't admire folks who did. No need to beat myself up about it. I just need to accept that this has been so.

Personal projects that were finished may have been spun, knitted, and dyed, for the fiber arts have played a big part in my adult years. Or back in my university days they may have been in the form of a completed drawing or painting. For many years some personal projects were in the form of writing, just as they often are presently, be it an article for a magazine, a chapter in another author's or editor's book...even unto completing my own book more than a year ago.

As a kid it was drilled into me not to get too big of a head over anything I accomplished. In fact, I distinctly got the feeling that much of what I did was 'no big deal' at all to those that mattered most to me. (Even worse was to literally hear the sarcastic remark, "Big deal." Such an awful, degrading thing to say to someone.) Sadly, I think this can have a tendency to unfortunately result in a person never being proud of anything that is finished; never being satisfied with themselves. They never get the feeling that they're ever good enough. But thankfully for the most part I realized early on that it's not egotistical at all to pat your own back that you are capable and excellent at finishing things. It's lovely to celebrate a job well done even if those around you don't join in your enthusiasm. I'm still working at doing this healthily but perhaps I will always have to guard against others bringing me down. A wonderful, recent quote I came upon is:

"Don't let someone who gave up on their dreams talk you out of going after yours."

~ Author Unknown.

I sometimes tease that as a Sagittarius Sun with Aquarius Rising, it's a darn good thing I have a Capricorn Moon or I may not have ever finished anything at all. Without that grounded Moon, I may have been content with shooting my esoteric arrows every which way, never worrying about where they fell and certainly not being concerned with carrying through anything at all, nor caring about any lessons learned. But I have found profound growth CAN be gained by finishing what has been started, and conversely by at least acknowledging that some things are better off not finished at all!

Speaking of finishing, I can now see the finish line towards full ordination, full metaphysical certification, and graduation at FOTS. One of my required essays has already been presented and handed in the last time I was at school. My required service project and the project's accompanying paper have recently been completed, as well as a final essay on prayer beads...both of which will be presented when I go to school in February. All of my readings required for graduation were done quite awhile ago (I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE facilitating readings). All that's left are 10 healings to facilitate, meaning that 60 are already completed for the year. If you're reading this post and would like to receive one of these distance healings for no charge, e-mail me at spinningjenny57@hotmail.com. Once I have facilitated all that I need for school, I'll note it here on this post. Thank you, for helping me to finish!!! Much appreciated!

Will I Ever Be Good Enough?

2012-01-21T10:29:00.000-05:00

I am reading a book, "Will I Ever Be Good Enough - Healing The Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers," by Karyl McBride, PhD. This book may be one of the most important books that I've ever read. If you can relate to the title in any way, I strong urge you to get yourself your own personal copy. I say this because I'm not usually one to write in books, but this book's side margins are being filled with notes from my life.

And if in reading the book you find yourself crying your eyes out, you may want to get in touch with a therapist. I did. Recovery is possible. I know, because my recovery has already begun.

What's In A Name?

2012-01-14T19:30:00.004-05:00

On the weekend that I wasn't able to attend school (Fellowships Of The Spirit - FOTS) back in November, my class learned, among many other things, the importance of one's name. I know this because I was able to view the DVDs of the weekend's worth of classes at a later date. Our name may be one of the most important things we own. Whether you stick with what you were named by your parents...or go by a nickname...or whether you've changed either your first name, last name, or both...your name is incredibly meaningful and significant.

I learned that how you say your name is crucial, as well. For instance, if you pronounce your name one way and a person says your name and totally pronounces it in an entirely different way, or puts emphasis on a different syllable(s) than you do, there's a chance that it'll feel to you like fingernails screeching as they travel down the face of a chalkboard. And what about someone who knows your nickname, but assumes your full name is something else, and gets it totally wrong? Eeeeeesh. This is what happens to me when folks figure my name is Jennifer because I go by the nickname, Jenny. I think Jennifer is a very pretty name. It just doesn't happen to be my name.

To demonstrate how important a name is, I'll relay a story straight out of my university days. After a semester of living at home, I found a way to move into the dorms. When a gal who had a room kitty-corner to me asked me my name, I found myself hesitating a moment. Here was my chance to proclaim control of my own life. I blurted out, "Jenny." I had never used that nickname before this. But I was having control issues with my Ma at that time, and it seemed the perfect way to state my independence. I also figured it would mightily bother my Ma...which it did...and which, at the time, I didn't mind one bit. I actually love my full name, Jeannine Marie Antoinette, but it was thought of to be decidedly rather snooty-sounding by some friends of mine and they kept giving me nicknames I didn't like. So Jenny I am. And Jeannine I'll go by, as well, especially in-print. And some folks like to call me Jen, Chris included.

Another thing to consider is who, if anyone, were you named for? I know my Ma had a younger sister that died as a baby and her name was Jeanette. I also know that Ma's best friend, Ann, had a baby named Jeannine. Ma always said that Ann went to live in another state, so she felt the name was up for grabs. Ma also said that the spelling of my name came from France, tho' I don't believe we have a French bone in our bodies. I do know that Ma had considered naming me Debbie or Rita...both fine names but it's hard to picture myself going by either one of them. Oh...almost forgot to mention that a huge reason for their choice of calling me Jeannine had to do with both Ma and Dad liking the old tune, "Jeannine, I Dream of Lilac Time."

One of my own personal pet peeves is when someone does not care enough to use a salutation at the beginning of a letter or e-mail and include my name in that greeting. No problem if they don't know my name, but if it's right there in my letter to them from me, what's up with that? 'course this isn't an issue when I know a person really well or if we've got an ongoing conversation going back and forth. But otherwise, I always wonder what the person really thinks of me when they don't even say hello and include my name. Hmmm.

I know that I don't want to be just another person. I know that I don't want to be considered just another number on a page or another body standing in a line. I have a feeling most folks feel the same way. Let's consider honoring each other, and as we do so, let's do our best to honor each others' names. It'll put smiles all around!

Changing One's Mind

2012-01-07T22:42:00.007-05:00

Throughout our lives we make MANY decisions and are faced with MANY choices. There are times when there are possibilities before us and we must choose, or perhaps we simply feel inclined to choose. Sometimes we're standing at a fork in the road and in order to stay on a path, we trot off one way or the other. There are times we venture off the beat and track, where it appears that no path has yet been made and, then, it is us who are the pioneers...well, at least as far as we know we're pioneers... In any case, these decisions we make definitely affect our lives, hopefully for the good, but now and then it feels the opposite is true. And often it's not just our own lives that are affected by our choices. Sometimes the harvest or repercussions of our choices are immediate, though often their full effect doesn't show up 'til down the line. Either way, the decisions we make are felt, at some point or another, in our lives and in that of others.

When I ponder how MANY decisions I've made in my lifetime, it boggles my mind. If one is a fearful person, the thought of how often a decision made could go wrong may certainly stop that person dead in their tracks from making any decisions at all. But if no choices are made and if decisions are not reached time and time again, chances are life isn't lived fully and would get very stale, very fast. And let's face it, making no decision IS a decision in and of itself, sometimes at the expense of giving your own power away.

On thinking about career choices I've made... No, let's back up and consider the major I picked once I got to university... In the 1970's I was standing in the office of the Dean of Students, ready to sign up for a curriculum that would lead to the 'stable' job of dental hygienist. This wise Dean of a man asked me if I liked working with patients as a dental assistant? I had shown him my transcripts boasting a certificate in dental assisting from a community college. Why, no! I hated staring in people's mouths, dealing with their oft' mucky teeth. Decision made. How could I have even conceived of doing more of this type of work for a living? Well, because I knew I'd be able to have a respectable income with such a job. I knew I'd be safe. Never mind that I would have been miserable and safe. I instead chose art to study at university. My Dad shook his head in dismay. He asked, "How can one make a living in art?" So I tacked on the education component for a K-12 teaching certification. This served me well in rather unorthodox ways since I spent a big chunk of my life teaching and writing about fiber arts, and other parts of my life substitute teaching in various school systems. On looking back...good decision!

Speaking of jobs, there have been times when I've had to stay in a position I disliked for at least awhile because to leave would leave bills unpaid and people in my family hungry and/or without shelter. Good choice to stick it out, given the alternative. But when in such situations, I always choose to be pro-active and trust I'll find something better, preferably something that makes my soul sing...or at least hum a nice tune. Staying in icky situations for too long, jobs and otherwise, is never something that's good for me...physically, mentally, and emotionally. And let's face it, when I'm miserable those around me aren't having the best of times either.

We all have the right to change one's mind, or at least I'd like to think so. If something is not quite right, then hopefully the way is clear to change it in some way, shape, or form...if not right away, then asap. The LAST thing I would want to be saddled with is a choice that doesn't work for me anymore.

Here's a recent decision that I've made which actually surprised me. I have been interested in Past Life Regression Therapy and Life Between Lives Regression Therapy for some time now; years, actually. I even did a paper for school (Fellowships Of The Spirit - FOTS) on these two types of therapy. I researched the topics, fully expecting to be smitten with them both, wanting to go forward towards becoming a therapist myself. About 3/4 through working on the paper, it became crystal clear that this was not the path for me. I KNEW I didn't want to sit in an office for several hours (often 3 - 4 hours) with just one client at a time. At least not now. No one could have been more surprised than me by this revelation. And the amazing thing is, what I realized that I really needed to be doing in addition to facilitating Psychic Mediumship and Tarot readings...which, btw, I LOVE to do...was to get serious about doing the necessary study towards becoming an Astrologer. And so, even before school ends this coming June, I have started daily reading and studying towards this goal.

Was Chris surprised over my change of mind? No, he just smiled. It is nice to be with someone who doesn't mind when I change my mind.

"If you never change your mind, why have one?"

~ Edward de Bono (Maltese Psychologist and Writer, Leading Authority in Field of Creative Thinking)

Perspective

2011-12-31T12:22:00.002-05:00

A friend of mine, Sandi, posted the above sentence on her wall on Facebook. I found myself going back to it, intrigued in a big way. This thought-provoker and other interesting sentiments providing additional food for thought comes from I Speak Female.

I don't know about you, but 2011 has been quite the year on so many fronts. There's a big part of me that wants to shout, "Good riddance!" However, this boxed sentiment settles me down somewhat and makes me look at what happened...good and bad...light and shadow...easy and hard...with grace and gratitude.

The hard stuff I went through HAS strengthened me. The difficult times have made me truly appreciate the easier times, rather than just taking them for granted. I found out who and what had to go from my life, and bid it/them all the very best, knowing that there is rhyme and reason to why situations and people change. I feel blessed for those who continue to share of themselves in my life and I in their lives; grateful for those who came back into my life; excited by those that are new in my life; and nurtured by the mutual love that has been and continues to be shared by friends and family members.

When it comes down to it, how you view the way a year has gone is all a matter of perspective. The choice is up to us. Wishing all a very Happy New Year!

"Won't you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you."

~Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Pedestals

2011-12-27T18:46:00.001-05:00

2011 has been my year of learning some really BIG lessons. Rather than lamenting over that which was sorrowful or feeling guilty about when I didn't handle something well, or crying over relationships lost, I shall be grateful for that which helped me grow stronger, more healthy, and much more positive. "Standing in my truth no matter what" most definitely is the phrase best describing my personal 2011.

A major lesson I have learned this year has to do with pedestals. It's become clear that I've put some folks on gloriously lofty pedestals. I realized this after such people didn't measure up to the high ideals I attributed to them. I realized this when I got angry when these crowned-by-me people acted less than I saw fitting. I realized this when they hurt me. However what I truly now understand is that they are beautiful souls in a human body just like I am, coping as best as they can on a not always fair playing ground, with baggage of their own and burdens that only they know of. The biggest thing I learned is that these folks DID NOT ASK TO BE PUT ON A PEDESTAL by me. This is my issue, not their issue. It is unfair that I expected more from them than what they could give. It is unfair that I judged them. I trust that this lesson is now finally learned by me, but I shall remain ever vigilant in the future not to make the same error.

I'll end with a prayer that was posted on Facebook awhile back by Doreen Virtue. It's deals when one walks away from a friend, but can also be important when one has to walk away from a family member or anyone else for the betterment of all concerned.

"Beloved Creator, I know, deep down, that my friendship (relationship) with _________ is ending (has ended). I ask Your help to accept this transition with grace and peace. I ask that You and the angels help me be honest in a loving way, with myself, and with my friend (family member, etc.). Please help me be true to myself so that my actions stem from love instead of from fear, guilt, or obligation. Please comfort my friend (family member, etc.) so that we can both accept this change in a positive way."

~ Doreen Virtue

Christmas Blessings!

2011-12-24T18:45:00.000-05:00

Wishing all readers a joyous, Happy Holidays! Bright blessings for you and your loved ones!

Merry Christmas Animations provided by MySpaceGraphicsandAnimations.com

Where I Sit Is Holy

2011-12-10T14:34:00.000-05:00

Thank you, Janet Nohavec, for recommending this song in your book, "Where Two Worlds Meet - How To Develop Evidential Mediumship." The song is both beautiful and inspiring.

More On Symbols

2011-12-09T12:55:00.001-05:00

The topic of symbols has been recently popping up in various ways for me. I did write about symbolism in a past post: Symbolic or Literal?, however I can't help but pay attention to symbolism resurfacing in a continued sort of way.

For instance, one of my classmates, Joanne, sent out a survey on how symbols are personally important in our work as psychic mediums. This piqued my interest greatly. She asked if we had certain symbols that show up and/or recur in our readings, and wondered what we associated them with. She listed various, possible symbols such as actual things, colors, places, and more and wondered what they meant to us in a symbolic context. It was grand fun filling out the survey. I can't wait to find out what Joanne learned from compiling the results of the completed surveys.

Then there's the advice that author and psychic medium, Janet Nohavec, wrote about in her excellent book, "Where Two Worlds Meet - How To Develop Evidential Mediumship." She suggested we add to our own personal symbolic 'dictionary' by studying the book, "The Encyclopedia of Symbolism," (also called "Dream Images and Symbols" in later editions), by Kevin J. Todeschi. EXCELLENT ADVICE. Once I finished reading the intro pages, I noticed that the rest of the pages were filled with symbols in alphabetical order. Rather than go through the book from A to Z, I've chosen to daily open it up to a random page or two, reading what's listed and trusting that the symbols and their various meanings and ways they're used in metaphors are being absorbed into my being. I've already seen wonderful results of doing this daily practice in the readings I've given to clients. It's a painless way to add to your knowledge of symbols, requiring only minutes a day, and pays off big-time with clear and accurate readings. I, too, now cannot recommend studying symbols enough.

Finally, it occurred to me, as I embark on serious astrology study, how symbols are part of the horoscope and natal charts in the form of glyphs. Glyphs are pictorial symbols that can be used to quickly depict the zodiac signs, planets, aspects, lunar nodes, etc. Such glyphs allow for A LOT of information to be portrayed without having to fit tons of writing on the chart. These glyphs, with a bit of determination and effort by the astrology student, can be committed to memory quite easily. Comparing astrological glyphs to the many, varied symbols that pop up in readings, such symbols help a psychic medium to quickly get to the heart of the reading; be that the information relayed through the symbols is coming from a crossed-over spirit or from an even higher plane of wisdom. Symbolism is a language that efficiently and speedily informs the psychic medium what needs to be relayed to the client for their highest and best good. That said, symbols are definitely worthwhile paying attention to and studying, in my honest and humble opinion.

A Bit Of This 'n That

2011-12-07T14:49:00.014-05:00

Am resting at home this week after having attended my beloved school, Fellowships Of The Spirit (FOTS), this past weekend. I've never previously experienced the aftereffects of pneumonia since I had never experienced pneumonia before last October. Now that I'm an (unfortunate) old hand where pneumonia is concerned, I can say that when I overdo anything...be it physical or mental or whatever...I pay for it with a huge energy drop. A word that would describe such a drop is WHOMP. Geesh. Folks have been kindly reminding me that I need to guard against relapse, and I'm taking their advice seriously, which is why I won't be back substitute teaching (day-job) until after December 12th. And while attending my own school was as wonderful as it always is...plain and simple, I'm exhausted.

Speaking of school, I was sooooo glad to be back amongst my classmates and teachers. I missed them and even mourned that I had to forego November's session. Thankfully, taped DVD's of that class helped me to catch up on what I couldn't witness in person.

This December, however, we learned an amazing technique from Rev. Elaine D. Thomas that advanced our mediumship to new levels. And we learned incredible healing modes from Rev. Tom Cratsley (scroll down link for name) that expanded on what we already have in our personal, healing toolbox. We also enjoyed a holiday party, complete with a gift exchange somewhat along the lines of a Yankee Swap, except for us it was a lesson in non-attachment. The gifts were not unwrapped until all the swapping (more like snatching!) was over. I received a wonderful perpetual calendar called, "Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life," by Dr. Wayne W. Dyer, based on the Tao Te Ching. And even before class formally began, one of our mentors, Rev. Dave Orloski, brought copper rods that we were instructed to cut based on the extensive studies of Slim Spurling, to reduce the effects of Geopathic Stress around our homes. VERY INTERESTING STUFF!! Last but not least, I was able to hand in my first paper towards the school's graduating requirements. The paper compared and contrasted my experiential research on past life regression therapy and life between lives regression therapy. I gave a short presentation about my paper to the 'small group' that I'm part of. It was an action-packed weekend at school, no less!! No wonder I'm tired. LOL!

Will end this post with a decision made after some soul searching. Basically, I've been pondering "What next?" after school ends with full ordination into the Spiritualist church this coming June. Of course, I'll continue to offer my readings via Skype and phone, and hopefully sooner than later in-person, as well. I'll no doubt continue to study and read about psychic mediumship and anything related that will help me to be the clearest and most accurate facilitator of readings possible for clients. But what I'm adding, and planning to do so in a major way, is self-study (and beyond...meaning taking classes and even eventually enrolling in a program) in astrology, a discipline near and dear to my heart. Yes, I've attempted self-study of astrology before, ending when I found myself skipping down other paths, related tho' they may have been. This time, however, I'm serious about actually becoming an astrologer. Additional studies of numerology will also be included in this plan. So, we'll see where this all goes. Right now, a step at a time towards my ever-evolving dreams.

The Nose Knows

2011-11-25T20:09:00.001-05:00

Whenever my Dad is around, and perhaps it's important to know that he crossed over in 1983, I smell cigarettes. Even tho' I intensely dislike cigarettes and their smoke, I love when I smell this 'cause I know that Dad is making a visit. You see, he was an enthusiastic chain smoker. I always state that he died from this addiction, even tho' a massive heart attack was noted as the official cause of death. In fact, my Ma and my oldest brother died from their enthusiastic smoking, too, in my opinion...even tho' Ma's demise is listed as congestive heart failure and Alzheimer's Disease and my brother, Jack, left due to a brain tumor. So given all this it's quite ironic that I love when I smell cigarette smoke (albeit, only when no one alive is around me smoking), knowing that Dad is close by.

When I was in the hospital recently, Dad was around A LOT. And when I drove home from the hospital, he came along with us, not to mention coming right into our house and staying close for days on end. I have to admit, that the intense cigarette smoke started to get to me when I was still so sick. I didn't want to offend Dad or anything, but I did beg that he use some other smell to announce his presence. I didn't want to equate gagging with Dad being around! So what came to me to specifically ask him to try was this rather odd deodorant he was fond of using. It was actually a deodorant for women, in a pink bottle, called "Chantilly." I Googled it to see if it's even available anymore. It is! It's by Dana and was introduced in 1941. It is listed as being an oriental fragrance with a refined blend of sandalwood, moss, and orange blossom. Now I'm guessing not many, if any, of my friend's fathers wore such a deodorant. I remember questioning Dad about it and he simply said he liked it. Well anyways, I asked telepathically if Dad could announce himself with Chantilly's fragrance, which I, too, always liked and associated just with him.

Now Dad came several times after this request still smelling like an ashtray. No matter. I love him. But last night, as Chris and I were about to fall asleep, there it was...Chantilly. I asked Chris if he could smell it but he said he could not. For the record, sometimes Chris could smell the cigarette smoke, especially during the time when I was sick. I smiled and said, "Hi Dad! Bravo! You figured out how to smell better!! Much nicer. Thank you!"

Compassion-In-Action

2011-11-22T18:19:00.005-05:00

My Dad always said that if you had your health, that was more important than just about anything else. 'course when he'd go on about this back when I was a teenager, I'd say to myself, "Yeah, yeah, Dad. Whatever." I had no clue what he was talking about. I do now.

Yesterday I was extremely lucky that I was able to be seen by a kind and gentle doctor at a local (25 miles away...local is relative when you live in Vermont) free, medical clinic. I was given some antibiotics to help with the urinary tract infection I am currently suffering from, caused by all the various antibiotics I was prescribed during last month's bout with pneumonia. I found it quite ironic to be now taking something which caused the problem in the first place. No matter, a few pills later and I'm not climbing the walls anymore from the intense burning. To say I am grateful and thankful would be an understatement. This wonderful doctor, along with the three nurses who were present, all volunteer their time at the free clinic twice a week. There ARE people who care that millions of people in this country are without health insurance. They are an example of what I like to call Compassion-In-Action. The clinic is in existence due to a number of interfaith folks who stepped up when they saw a dire need. They are truly Angels on Earth.

Whilst I was being seen by the doctor, Chris was talking to a woman in another office in the Baptist Church where the clinic is located. As we were leaving Chris told me that he had offered his services to play piano at a "Put People First" gathering organized by the Vermont Workers' Center, where members believe that "all people have a right to healthcare, education, housing, and dignified work. Compassion-In-Action.

I'll be going back to the clinic soon because the doctor is ordering an ultrasound to get to the bottom of what we think are gallbladder attacks...periods of intense stomach pain coupled with horrendous back pain. I did a little research and know major diet changes have to be agreed to if I'm going to beat this...no more grease or fat-laden foods. It's high time. I'm ready to be well. And I'm glad that health professionals care enough to get me on the road to being well.

Oh, and btw, the doc said the pneumonia is now down to a few 'squeaks.' I know that soon all will be peacefully quiet in that left lung. Success due to Compassion-In-Action from the medical staff at the hospital I was recently in, not to mention the friends who made sure I got to the hospital in the first place.

Wishing YOU bountiful, bright, and beautiful blessings on Thanksgiving and always!

Many Paths

2011-11-15T14:08:00.007-05:00

Chris and I have a subscription to the wonderful magazine, Parabola. I actually look forward to additionally getting any e-mails from them, because their web newsletter often contains wonderful quotes or passages, and it's no secret that I love quotes and passages that make me think.

Recently, this beautiful-to-me passage was in Parabola's e-newletter:

"God has made different religions to suit different aspirations, times, and countries. All doctrines are only so many paths; but a path is by no means God Himself. Indeed, one can reach God if one follows any of the paths with wholehearted devotion…

As one can ascend to the top of a house by means of a ladder or a bamboo or a staircase or a rope, so diverse are the ways and means to approach God, and every religion in the world shows one of these ways. … People partition off their lands by means of boundaries, but no one can partition off the all-embracing sky overhead. The indivisible sky surrounds all and includes all. … When a heart is illumined by true knowledge, it knows that above all these wars of sects and sectarians presides the one indivisible, eternal, all-knowing bliss.” ~ Ramakrishna, a 19th-century Hindu saint

Parabola's most recent magazine issue, Winter 2011, has articles all dealing with the theme of "Many Paths, One Truth." It's no wonder the above passage appeared in their e-newsletter, supporting this same theme.

The moment I read Ramakrishna's words, I flashed back to when I was about 7 years old. Raised Catholic and enrolled in a Catholic grade school, I distinctly remember one (and knowing me, no doubt more than one) night, tossing and turning over how at least some of what we were taught at school (and from my Ma at home) could not have been correct. I must admit that even as a small child, I firmly believed that God loved ALL folks who were good, kind, loving people, no matter what religion or not they were. And I somehow KNEW that God didn't care which path folks took because all the good spiritual and/or religious paths led to Spirit/Source/Father God/Mother God/etc. Perhaps this is not what all 7 year old's ponder about, but there you have it...these were the kinds of things I've had on my mind during much of my life.

A past post, hell, also addressed these issues. Obviously they're something that I feel strongly and deeply about, considering here they've surfaced once again on the blog, this time near the end of '11.

'course I had to keep my mouth zipped shut over these 'revelations' back in the 60's, lest my very Catholic Ma and the nuns at school get wind of what was really going on in my mind. Now I'm not nearly so careful to keep my mouth shut tight...hopefully for the better...lol.

Pondering Pneumonia

2011-11-11T09:02:00.010-05:00

I've been considering how I'd write about the weeks that led up to my pneumonia, the days the pneumonia took center stage, and the weeks of on-going recuperation. Usually I can just tap out thoughts as I see/feel them. After all, I'm a self-prescribed, often-audacious spider, pretty much not afraid of standing up for what I am, what I believe in, and what I think about. But writing about these recent weeks gets a bit complicated when there are very personal situations to discuss, involving friends whose identity I'd rather not divulge because I know they'd prefer it that way. Well, here goes. Since writing is and has always been a form of therapy for me, I can only trust that whatever comes out will be for the highest and best good of all, including me.

Chris accused me of 'burning the candle at both ends,' especially in the months preceding the pneumonia that filled up my entire left lung. I'd have to agree. I make no excuses because I simply expected my body to know that it had to keep up with what I wanted to do. Such keeping up may have worked 40 years ago...30 years ago...20 years ago...even 10 years ago...but obviously not this time. Here's what I was doing for months: Getting up anywhere between 3-4 am to meditate, pray, and enjoy the quiet by reading the books I was hankering to inhale. Waiting for the call to substitute teach and getting ready when it came in. Or if I knew I was already scheduled to teach, eating breakfast and drinking a few cups of tea before I headed out the door. Then there was the day-job of sub teaching...not a job for the faint-hearted, but one I immensely like...gotta hand it to those kids...they keep a teacher like me on her toes. Once home I did breathing exercises, yoga, and always enjoyed taking walks with Chris, talking over whatever was on our minds. Eventually, I prepared for the evening's work of psychic mediumship readings and/or energy work/healings. Even as I type this schedule, it doesn't seem too grueling. My body obviously insisted otherwise.

On the Monday prior to the following Monday that found me in the hospital, I came home from work and said to Chris, "I don't feel very well." I uncharacteristically went to bed in the early hours of the evening. The next days which followed remain a blur. Severe flu symptoms wracked my body, including what turned out to be a full-blown sinus and ear infection. Perhaps you're wondering if I got myself to the doctor? Well, no. You see, people who don't have health insurance tend not to go to the doctor. Yes, we fall into the category of working adults, but having no benefits. Those who are not in this category haven't a clue what this is like. They haven't any idea what kind of decisions that people without health insurance find themselves making. Just as well, it would make the hair on their backs stand up. That said, things were so bad sickness-wise by Thursday, we did call the doctor. When that wasn't helpful, I had Chris call a friend whose advice I revere. She said to get to the hospital NOW. Which we did. Uh oh...wonder what the ER trip will cost?... By that time, I was so sick I didn't care.

I arrived at ER only to throw up. And throw up some more. They said my flu symptoms were severe. Yep, that they were. They started an IV to rehydrate me. They wanted to take a chest x-ray. I said, "No." Now that may sound ridiculous, but I somehow thought that an x-ray would be exorbitantly expensive. I obviously wasn't thinking clearly nor correctly. In my defense I can only say that folks without insurance make strange decisions, and Chris did not override me 'cause he, too, worried about not being able to pay the medical bills. The ER folks said, "OK," with regards to my no-x-ray-decision, and sent me on my way with a prescription for antibiotics and anti-nausea pills.

I did not get better. I got much worse. SCARY WORSE. I could barely walk. I could barely make it to the bathroom. "Why weren't the antibiotics working?", was all I could think. By Monday, Chris had to get to one of the schools he teaches at in order to prepare for that week's classes, taking him away from me for a few hours. Whilst in bed I heard the phone ring in the other room. I couldn't get up to answer it. I heard messages being recorded from two friends of mine. Both are incredible psychic mediums. I do not want to say who they are because this is very private to all concerned. I will call them Medium #1 and Medium #2, labeled in the order they called me. Medium #1 said that she saw I would be in an EMS vehicle, with oxygen and an IV attached to me. I said out loud in response to the message coming from the other room, "Yes, yes. I have to wait 'til Chris gets home." Soon after, a message from Medium #2 came in. She said I needed to be in the hospital right away. Again, I said out loud that I have to wait for Chris. Some time passed. I had to make it to the bathroom even if I had to crawl. The phone rang again. This time I answered. It was another friend who we'll call Medium #3. She said, "I want you to hang up and call 911 right now." I asked her what she saw. She said never mind what she saw, I was to hang up immediately and call 911. I argued. She wouldn't take no for an answer. In fact, when I called 911, she was calling 911 to make sure I called and she lives in the Midwest, not in VT where I am at. I had to make my way downstairs to open the doors for EMS. How I got down there, I still have no idea. Medium #3 called back and kept talking to me until EMS arrived. I have hardly any memory of what I said to her. I do know I rocked and rocked my body as I sat on the lower step of the stairs, head in hand. As EMS was getting ready to take me away, Chris arrived home. He followed us to the hospital. Exactly what Medium #1 said came true. They slapped oxygen on me and they started an IV immediately as I lay in the EMS truck.

I remember saying to the folks in ER, I have no idea how we're going to pay for any of this. I remember telling anyone within earshot that we have no health insurance. Hours later I was admitted to the hospital, pneumonia being the diagnosis. I spent nearly a week there, being visited regularly by the wonderful respiratory therapy staff and many compassionate, caring nurses, doctors, etc. Once home, I unfortunately had a horrible reaction to the oral antibiotics I had to take. This landed me back in ER 5 days later. Note that I had been in ER 3 separate times during this whole ordeal...and this from someone who hadn't been in a hospital in many a year.

Medium #1 AND Medium #3 later said that if EMS had not come when they did, Chris would have found me dead. It was that much of a close call. I was in respiratory distress, fast heading towards respiratory failure. On talking to Medium #1 and 3, we KNEW that this experience was one of my 'exit' points, decided upon by my Spirit, in conjunction with my Guides and Angels, in-between lives. I do remember that I did have dreams/visions involving Angels that made this clear. I know I kept saying "No" when asked if I wanted to go "Home." I kept telling them that I had things I needed to do on Earth. I love my life. I love my husband, children, friends, school, and my work as a psychic medium and fiber artist. No, thank you very much, but I'd like to stay and see this lifetime out, please.

Now that said, I somehow never totally consciously realized I was on the brink of actually dying. I know that this sounds contradictory to what I wrote in the paragraph above, but I truly didn't think I was dying. Funny, but when I had a near death experience when my oldest son was born, I didn't realize I was dying then, either...until Hungarian Lady came and spoke to me (please see the past post, The Hungarian Lady). Interesting.

Another thing that's been discussed with a friend...let's call her the Herbalist...is that all physical illnesses have their association with mental causes, and as such there are metaphysical ways to overcome them. The book that came to mind when the Herbalist and I were discussing this was none other than Louise Hay's classic, ground-breaking, "Heal Your Body." About pneumonia Louise writes of the mental cause: "Desperate. Tired of life. Emotional wounds that are not allowed to heal." She gives as an affirmation to heal pneumonia: "I freely take in Divine ideas that are filled with the breath and the intelligence of Life. This is a new moment." Also, regarding lung issues, the mental cause is listed as, "Depression. Grief. Fear of taking in life. Not feeling worthy of living life fully." The affirmation Louise gives to heal lung issues is: "I have the capacity to take in the fullness of life. I lovingly live life to the fullest." The Herbalist pointed out an indisputable fact that I had experienced EXTREME grief, especially regarding various people and situations I had encountered as I worked on a major writing project that took me 5 years to complete. Over this past year I knew I was healing VERY slowly emotionally, but my body didn't lie that I hadn't totally rid myself of the sadness, bitterness, and trauma associated with what I had experienced in the past 5 years and tucked away ever so deeply. Whenever I'd get sad or depressed over what had happened (not to mention what was still happening regarding the book project, if one can believe that!), I'd immerse myself further into my school work and psychic mediumship work, learning all I could about that which is spiritual...for THAT gave me total joy. Unfortunately this joy couldn't take away that which I had hidden inside my body and not totally got rid of. The result for me was the physical ailment known as pneumonia. When push comes to shove, I can now see that the emotional suffering over the book truly did nearly kill me. Never will I again underestimate the power of emotions held within one's being...both those that are positive, as well as those that are negative. I trust that the happy ending to this story is that after I totally recover from my physical illness, I'll be done with the grief that, until now, I couldn't seem to let go. Knowledge and acknowledgment is a big step on the road to wisdom.

Now as for our medical bills, Chris and I have "Let go, Let God." We know that whatever happens is for our highest and best in the long run.

"Where there is great love there are always miracles." ~ Willa Cather

Reading Testimonials

2011-11-03T14:42:00.123-04:00

Below, dear reader, you will find testimonials from clients who have had Psychic Mediumship Readings and/or Energy Work/Healing facilitated by me. Thank you to all who have taken the time to give me permission to include their lovely quotes. I am very grateful. Considering that there are over 75 quotes, I trust that folks who are contemplating whether or not to have a reading facilitated by me will be able to decide based on what others have said about their own experiences having done so. For the two types of readings I offer, please see the right sidebar of this blog. Look for the red type.

I have done many Tarot Readings over the years...in local shops, via e-mail, and over the phone...but unfortunately I had not gathered any quotes from folks regarding these readings. Know that many clients continue to be 'repeat customers,' coming back for additional Tarot readings after they receive their first one. You'll just have to consider trusting me on that fact! LOL!

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "My father, who had recently died (came through). He was easily recognisable by the fact that he died of lung cancer and that the message he gave was about my mother and events that were happening with her. I was very impressed with Jeannine's reading. She is a lovely person and a compassionate and accurate reader. I would highly recommend her to anyone." ~ Jeane, Ireland

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "She contacted my husband's grandmother who popped in and was accurately able to give me 4 names of other family members. I was amazed! Best reading I've EVER had! Right on with everything she said! Already looking forward to another one, and will be recommending to everyone!" ~ Danielle, Florida

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "Jenny was friendly, helpful, professional and approachable. It was nice being able to be interactive with the reading and ask questions and comment rather than simply being "read to." At no point did Jenny impose her own views but simply presented the information for consideration in a non-judgmental, factual way. Jenny explained clearly how she worked and the whole experience was very enjoyable and supporting." ~ Nicola, England

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "What was most significant to me was Jenny's ability to help me feel empowered and encouraged by what she revealed. Regardless of anything else that a reading may entail, I believe the ability to help someone feel like I felt afterward is invaluable! Thank you Jenny! :)" ~ Cheryl, New Jersey

Psychic Mediumship Reading: Opened up the possibility of guidance from someone I knew and made me think about that relationship. I liked Jeannine's open and communicative nature." ~ Steven, New York

Energy Work/Healing: "When session started, felt pressure/presence like a blanket over me. I felt a bit unsettled, but could feel my crown opening. Felt/saw the image of a woman, who I did not recognize but I knew was the mother of a friend, with me. Seemed as though there were many voices near the top of my head, lots of energy rushing around, but I could not make anything out. Some pressure on the bridge of my nose. Toward the end, feeling of peace and calm swept over me, and it felt almost like there were green plants growing out of the back of my head/neck. Saw a blue pinpoint of light opposite me. Felt a bit lightheaded, but very calm." ~ Miranda, Maryland

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "It was very significant to me that a spirit I did not remember made the effort to come through to tell me that I had helped him during his illness. Jenny was wonderful! I would recommend her to my friends and family. I would love to have another reading with her in the future." ~ Francesca, New Jersey

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "Having my Father come through for me. Was very emotional for me. Feels wonderful to know that we never lose the people who have passed on. That there is guidance from them even when they are spirit. Being a sensitive myself, had another one of my Father's little signals that he told me to look for, right after I hung up. It's a great feeling." ~ Caroline, New Jersey

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "It made me think about taking the things I do in my life more seriously...and to put me first. I enjoyed my first ever reading. Now I would do this again...and not fear the unknown!" ~ Ellen, Pennsylvania

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "My mother, who passed away two months ago, was clearly identified and had many wonderful things to say that were deeply moving. The moment when Jeannine said she was getting an image of the horse next door, stamping its foot and creating an "equal" sign was profound... Mom has appeared in dreams, in other symbols, as a horse, and she wrote horse books for young girls, tamed a young colt herself, and the first paragraph of the first book that was published was about a wild horse in Neolithic times... so this was startling confirmation that Mom wants the siblings to treat one another as "equals" which is exactly why I've been butting heads with them... Mom also advised me to walk away if I feel my blood pressure rising, it's not worth risking my health, better to be patient or to leave...! It was very moving to "talk" with Mom this way. She gave me "gifts" that I didnt recognize... perhaps they will become clear in time. Thanks....!!! Jeannine, I'll be sure to recommend you to others, and I feel that we should have more sessions." ~ Annie, Vermont

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "It was exactly the conversation that I expected to have with the person contacted so it made me feel good that they do see things differently now." ~ Al, New York

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "What was most significant was the insight into a breakup." ~ James, Ireland

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "The symbolic images that were discussed as well as the contact with the spirit. They were very interesting, beautiful, and spiritual." ~ Dominic, New York

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "My father's family had a huge impact on my life and knowing they are watching gives me a sense of peace. Jeannine was great and made the experience welcoming. She left me wanting more." ~ Lisa, New Jersey

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "My mom was contacted and she had just passed in June. She was very specific with details so I knew it was her. This was amazing to me. My mom allowed me to know she is OK and happy. It is a closure I think we all need after a death. She was patient and guided me slowly until all the pieces fit. She truly has a gift to make people see there is life after here and that their loved ones are really OK. It was a weight lifting experience." ~ Tara, New Jersey

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "It's hard to say since there was so much. Here's a few - the part about me learning to stand up for myself, the part about empathic abilities and being a teacher, specifics about my career in the future, and the spirit contact. There were a lot of moments that just felt right and rang true for me. I was a bit surprised about the spirit contact because I haven't had a reading like that before. I was a bit wary at first because of all the connotations of that and being told its dangerous. But it turned out much more calm than before, and I was surprised that the name of the person to contact was correct on the first try. Great reading. I'm impressed. I personally read tarot, and I've know how hard it is to get messages without any kind of tool." ~ Anna, New York

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "I have been wondering for a long time, why my father always appears so distant to me and through this reading I managed to learn a lot about my father that I was unaware of. It was empowering and I believe that I now have the knowledge I need to improve my relationship with my father. Another significant part of this reading is that I finally got to release my guilt towards my grandmother who passed on. Recently, I have been contemplating on developing my clairaudient/empathic side of myself but I have been holding back out of fear. The reading with Jeannine has made me realize how helpful this could be for others and how much I could possibly learn from going down this spiritual path. This reading has given me the faith and the push I needed to go forward with my plans." ~ Melanie, Singapore

Energy Work/Healing: "The experience was perfect for me. I got to know my spirit guide through this healing process. I never had any idea of my guides prior to this but everything she described about my guide made perfect sense about how I feel about certain things (the ocean and shells). I have suspected that I might be clairaudient and empathic and this reading clarified it for me. I've also been dealing with throat problems for a very long time and the fact that it came up during the healing made me more aware that I should go to a doctor and seek medical help for it." ~ Melanie, Singapore

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "The mention of an accordion and her asking me if I ever considered becoming a nun. I have always been drawn to the accordion since childhood and there is a funny story in my family about me becoming a nun." ~ Linda, Rhode Island

Energy Work/Healing: "When I read your description of what you saw and heard I was moved to tears. Thank you for a beautiful and meaningful healing interpretation." ~ Judy, Rhode Island

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "The reference to my grandmother's famous potatoes and the name 'Angela.' Jenny was very warm, sensitive and insightful. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a very unique and comfortable experience that I would definitely do again." ~ Concetta, New Jersey

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "Contact with my mother's parents, especially my Nana. Jenny was amazing. I cannot express how much this reading meant to me and my family!" ~ Mark, Vermont

Psychic Mediumship Reading: I had the opportunity to make peace with my father..." ~ Bonnie, British Columbia, Canada

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "The spirit of my father was contacted who has been deceased for 12 years. The specifics of the thoughts he expressed were astounding to me. I really appreciated the way Jenny worked with me and asked me questions to help me make solid connections with his words. This was an extraordinary experience for me and I am very thankful to have the session recorded so I can come back to it over and over as I begin to understand it." ~ Jess, Vermont

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "Everything that came through about my grandmother was so very accurate and touching. Wonderful reading!" ~ Alicia, Missouri

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "It was a wonderful affirmation for the morning I had on the day of the reading. It was an amazing set of circumstances that everything happened on the day it did. Thank you Jenny." ~ Trisha, Maryland

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "Her insight of the type of person I am. And she knew how I feel about myself. I appreciate Ms. Bakriges' time. She is a lovely woman with really good energy!" ~ Shannon, New York

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "Confirmation of beliefs and issues in my life. Reassurance and trust in path and in guides. Wonderful personality and professional manner. Very insightful, not only of herself, but also of spirit and of the readee. Gifted!" ~ Miranda, Maryland

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "Validation of who I am as a person and my personality. To have a new spirit guide come to me and to offer assistance as I move forward in my spiritual path. To be given a symbol. To be given a direction and time frame for an energy shift that I've been anticipating. To know that it's OK and how it should be that I am alone and that I need to be alone to do the work I have to do. It was such a pleasure to be given a reading by Jeannine!" ~ Mindi, Alabama

Energy Work/Healing: "Jeannine's insight and gift is a blessing to me. I will carry these words of insight day-to-day to help me achieve what I am searching for in my life. Thank you!" ~ Patti, Michigan

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "Jeannine's clarity, being totally correct in what she said. I could tell that she was "seeing" and "hearing" something very valid for me, specifically. She was professional and I trusted her immediately and knew that I would be getting a true reading. I was totally impressed by the overall reading. I am inspired and motivated after this reading." ~ Carol, New Jersey

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "Coming to the realization that I need to go outside my present comfort zone to locate the answers that only I can find using my own self exploration. The thought of it is truly scary." ~ Fran, New Jersey

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "What a beautiful kind lady; the peace and calm coming from her. The surprise that little David came through and she was right what she told me. I felt him also. I have not thought of him since he passed 5yrs ago. She was also right what she said about my self and family and David's mam. SHE IS A SPECIAL LADY and I wish her well on her path in life. Thank you." ~ Ella, Ireland

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "She gave me hope to look forward to my future and calmed my fears with my career." ~ Melissa, Michigan

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "My great granny had a special love for me when I was little, she died when I was still very young. The fact that she came through and to know that she is still watching me and that she understands and recognizes my struggles is so meaningful to me. I didn't expect for her to come through." ~ Tara, British Columbia, Canada

Energy Work/Healing: "This Healing was very accurate and helps me to understand myself better during a time when there is some inner struggles. It reminded me of things about myself that are so very true that I maybe didn't even realize, or wouldn't otherwise give any clout. I feel more relaxed now and am thinking a little more clearly than I was prior to the Healing." ~ Tara, British Columbia, Canada

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "I was not sure what to expect but I have to say the whole experience was amazing and I felt that Jenny sounded so familiar to me in a sense that I was very comfortable with her during the reading. I will definitely contact Jenny again in the future. I will also see if any of my family members want to received a reading." ~ Margaret, New Jersey

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "I considered the whole experience significant. Jeannine was extremely insightful throughout my entire reading. This reading was very helpful to me in understanding myself and what I need to do to move forward in a positive fashion. My father came through in our reading and I was most grateful for that connection. My reading was 100 percent accurate." ~ Patti, Michigan

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "She very quickly honed in on the issue I am most concerned about. She connected with someone she said was one of my guides. I did not know who he was, but the information he gave her for me was right on. It was significant and very helpful to me. Everything Jeannine talked about resonated with me. She was very accurate concerning my personality, how I react to things, how hard I am on myself. She not only shared the information from her guides and mine, she also gave me some practical things to do after the reading that will be helpful to me. Especially about self-worth and the law of attraction. She picked up on my concerns about writing a book and gave me some guidance and confidence to go for it. She was able to talk to me like she knew how I think even though we had never met. She was a delight and I enjoyed the reading very much." ~ Sharon, New Jersey

Energy Work/Healing: "It's been an hour since the healing. I am very, very sleepy. I don't usually go to sleep before midnight, but it's 9:47 and I am going to get in bed. I can't keep my eyes open. Totally relaxed during and after. I felt a lot of tingling. At one point I felt a shift or release somewhere between my chest and throat and also in my solar plexus. The written feedback that Jenny sent to me after the session was very meaningful to me and brought tears to my eyes. I think that she is very gifted, a very special lady. Thank you." ~ Sharon, New Jersey

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "When Jeannine said I was very adaptive- my family has moved from country to country and I also happen to be transgendered- something Jeannine didn't know till I told her. Her specifics on countries I could do my residency were shocking- they mirrored how I felt. Truly healing! I feel empowered...so much love and my path is illuminated thanks to Jenny." ~ Anastasia, Romania

Energy Work/Healing: "She's excellent! I don't see how she can 'improve' perfection. :) She was right on about all the insights she received- in retrospect they do seem to tie in with the reading I had earlier with her! I experienced clarity, peace and a sense that everything will be fine and that I'm always supported- very reassuring indeed! :) Thanks Jeannine- you're a doll! :)" ~ Anastasia, Romania

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "Jenny talked about a gathering of women for ceremonial purpose and said it was comfortable. I was going to a blessing way for my pregnant sister-in-law that day and had some anxiety about it so was comforted. Jenny also talked about my abilities as a receptive person and as a writer, which are both very important to me so it was nice to have that encouragement. I really loved it though and feel I will remember Jeannine's wonderful presence for a long time." ~ Shonna, British Columbia, Canada

Energy Work/Healing: I noticed that I sunk into a deep relaxation very quickly, almost instantly. I felt very peaceful and protected. My cat came and lay with me for the entire time and licked my feet near the end (something he never does). I noticed afterward that I looked and felt very relaxed and loving towards myself and others. Thank you Jenny : )" ~ Shonna, British Columbia, Canada

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "Jeannine is very gifted. I had a psychic medium reading which was spot on; she received information from my grandmother which later proved invaluable. Thank you so much for sharing your gift with us all, Jeannine." ~ Jennifer, New Hampshire

Psychic Mediumship Reading and Energy Work/Healing: "It was lovely how calming Jeannine was throughout the reading. The reading was very specific to me and the most significant bit of information was the three beings that she saw (mother, maiden, crone). I would love to have another session with her in the future." ~ Katrina, Michigan

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "The validation that my intuition is leading me in the right direction and that the fruition of it is near. Jeannine was spot on in everything we touched on. From her first impression/image I knew I was going to gain some interesting insights and guidance." ~ Liz, Colorado

Energy Work/ Healing: "I felt a lot of different sensations. At first it felt like a scanning up and down of my body. I felt a lot of sensation at my head, around my eyes and nose area and then my low back. Hot and cold sensations, energy flows. It was very interesting. These experiences seem to go with what Jenny wrote too. I have been having some sinus issues and suffer from low back pain. She is not the first person to get a reading about kidneys, so I will pay more attention to drinking more fluids! I love the music and prayer, thank you!" ~ Liz, Colorado

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "Jenny is an alert, in-tune & very warm reader. She communicates clearly & describes things vividly. She expanded the reading for additional details and information when needed. Jenny has an easy, comfortable style of bringing forth messages, simply confirming connection while maintaining focus. Lovely experience. Thank you." ~ Cheryl, Utah

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "The innate insightful reading as a whole. Jeannine really did do a fantastic job. The reading made a whole lot of sense, was in-depth, accurate, a treasure to keep and come back to." ~ Dari, Vermont

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "It was most significant to hear in words things that I have thought about, but shared with no one. It was meaningful to begin with prayer. I believe that this is truly Jenny's calling - she is gifted indeed. I was relaxed and energized at the same time at the end of the reading. I have some work to do, and it will take some time to get past some of the things we spoke of, however I feel that the guidance and direction are beyond having someone telling me to "just do it." I understand that I have some ownership as well and in doing so, I will be able to "just do it" :) Thank you so much!" ~ Kat, Michigan

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "Excellent work! She was able to receive spirit, describe him very accurately, and give an object of importance. I enjoyed the exchange very much. She also had a message, that I will need to express to someone. Bravo!" ~ Marilyn, Ontario, Canada

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "The information regarding my own Spiritual abilities that are validating and life affirming with direction on how best to hone these skills via further specific education. We did the reading over Skype and Jenny was able to record and send me a copy. I look forward to hearing it again to glean further bits I may have missed. Jenny feels like a friend and I am very blessed to have had this opportunity to sit with her in Energy, Spirit and Connection." ~ Heather, Maine

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "Although I did not know the woman described per se she fits what I do know of my father's mother so I will say I recognize her. All of it was significant, Jeannine gives her messages from such a place of love that it is beautiful and I felt she was very connected with me and with Spirit. Being open to being more aware of the males around me and of my own beauty and worth was really the most significant and affirming as well as healing. I pray that you continue with your work as you bring comfort, healing and joy to those you read and heal for at least from my experience with you and from connecting with your energy. You are a wonderful healer and reader and have such a loving presence, I hope to meet you face to face in person one day but Skype was great too." ~ Mary, New York

Energy Work/Healing: "I saw a rainbow and a bridge. The rainbow is an image I connect with and in a way symbolized the work that has been done as I have grown spiritually. The bridge to me means there will be more movement. Physically I felt waves of energy and felt a lot of shifting in the root chakra area." ~ Mary, New York

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "I was able to get some continuity from past readings and tie some things together. Some interesting past life events that help to explain some aspects of this life for me. Jenny is a very gifted healer. She has very effective way of connecting with the higher planes and getting significant relevant information. She is very gentle and insightful. I really enjoyed my experience!" ~ Jeff, Ontario, Canada

Energy Work/Healing: "Amazing that this healing can happen at such a distance. I felt energy all around my head and neck. Also the pain in the right hand side of my neck disappeared! It felt like a thumb was massaging the spot." ~ Jeff, Ontario, Canada

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "How absolutely right on Jeannine was on this reading. Jeannine is very gifted. I am excited to follow her journey. If she is every back in the Detroit area, I would love for her to speak at my church. I also would love to get a healing from Jeannine sometime." ~ Carole Lynn, Michigan

Energy Work/Healing: "Along with feeling extremely peaceful and relaxed, there was a powerful and pleasurable sensation of a current of energy moving gently up and down my whole body. It was a feeling of compassion, trust and affection that flowed back and forth to each other. I could feel my spirit and a Divine connection." ~ Janice, Ontario, Canada

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "Jenny and I 'clicked' immediately which set the scene. Her calm and friendly nature made her instantly trustworthy for me. I'm slightly skeptical about readings and readers but she 'homed in' immediately on questions I had considered the night before, but not asked! Her attention to detail and explanation of the insights was clear and if not understood immediately by me - explained to my satisfaction. I must say that I consider a reading to form part of a healing experience. Her gift is and will be a blessing to those she meets." ~ Mary, Ireland

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "Getting in touch with my Grandma and finding out I have an Archangel around me that I wasn't aware of!" The reading was fantastic! I have had several readings and this one ranks at the top! I will be calling Jeannine (Jenny) again and will definitely refer other people to her. I am also interested in a healing session." ~ Michele, Michigan

Energy Work/Healing: "I felt Jeannine's energy very strong, especially in my hands. She was so on target with everything she said. I was very pleased to find out my guide's name. I am still overwhelmed with the healing. I feel very good this morning after having the reading last night. I'm still processing but it was absolutely fantastic!!! I am very, very happy with the healing session!!!" ~ Michele, Michigan

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "Jenny tuned into a time in my life I have been thinking about a lot and signaled her connection to that period with a very personal symbol for me. As I think about this more, I realize that it was at that time I was beginning to get interested in spirituality and first started attending a Spiritualist church. This is highly significant and what brought me to SIT (Spiritual Insight Training). A reading or healing with Jenny is an uplifting experience. She brings out the best in those around her. Working with her is a joy--she is open and full of connectivity and energy." ~ Joanne, New Jersey

Energy Work/Healing: "Jenny has the gift of being able to help others she works with reach higher. Very relaxed and would be a great SIT (Spiritual Insight Training) mentor." ~ Joanne, New Jersey

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "Jenny brought through my great Grandmother who I have never met, but comes through often for me. This was the most personal message I have ever received from her and it helped to confirm some things I had been curious about. Jenny is so warm and healing in nature. From the first moment we spoke I felt both loved and honoured by Jenny. This was a truly beautiful experience for me and listening to the reading was not only informative, but fun, and Jenny shared her visuals; which helped me to see the messages for myself. Jenny, thank you again from the bottom of my heart." ~ Lara, Ontario, Canada

Energy Work/Healing: "This was one of the best healings I have ever had the opportunity to experience! Jenny brings such a warm and loving nature to her healing and I felt completely embraced from the moment we started. I felt as though I was held still by the warmth and energy and with that feeling came complete peace and silence. I could still hear the sounds of the environment around me, but it was as though none of it mattered and for those moments, I was completely separate from the city and yet one with everything. I experiences great clarity and new insights and was able to release after achieving such clarity. This healing brought me to tears because it was such a beautiful experience and provided much desired clarity. I feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Jenny. Thank you again!" ~ Lara, Ontario, Canada

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "The many messages that Jenny gave me were pertinent to where I am at and in my life. Especially, the message directly from Spirit that related to my stomach area: a flutter, a feeling of joy and excitement, yet something I had been secretly second guessing. This affirmation was very much needed, but also very validating for my own internal compass, to remind me how in-tune I am with reading the messages of my own life. Jenny was thorough, warm and very compassionate in her delivery. I love to receive readings from her! Thank you so much!" ~ Annie, New Hampshire

Energy Work/Healing: "This was my first distant healing. I was not sure what to expect, so I just allowed whatever I felt to come. I felt various physical sensations through out my body, but specifically on my head area. I allowed myself to go in - so much so that I felt other beings around me, and some in fact, spoke to me. My observation of this - clearly shows how wonderful healing Jenny's delivery was for me. She helped me to relax, and to let go.... in the middle of the day! I never do that!! Thank you!" ~ Annie, New Hampshire

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "A description of a childhood scene which included a "slang" reference which resonated with me. I was moved with emotion when Jenny commented that the "who-evers" commended me on my empathetic ways... It was at this time I felt a mental and emotional shift that I would call healing. When I use a psychic medium, I often "tag" any generalities in my head. It's the combination of "this and that" that leads me from designating a reading as fluff vs substance. I feel Jenny focused very well and somehow was able to narrow what she received to pertinent info that spoke directly to my question. In fact, she was the most focused one. FYI, they usually tell me I am psychic, empathetic... But Jenny framed things in a way that help me understand what went wrong and how I can fix it. I thank her for that. I will recommend her." ~ Irene, New Jersey

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "Jenny brought through a loving colleague in spirit. I hadn't known this woman had passed, but upon a look-see through the internet, I found out it was so. Jenny brought through restorative messages reminding me to be out in nature and with my animals as much as possible." ~ Robin, Massachusetts

Energy Work/Healing: "Thank you, Jenny. I felt restored and peaceful." ~ Robin, Massachusetts

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "I guess my Grandmother explaining how proud of me she was for my beliefs and that she supports me. I am happy to know that I have empathic tendencies. :) I really enjoyed this! Thank you for doing this for me! I learned a lot on how to improve myself both mentally and emotionally. Thank you so much!" ~ Megan, Florida

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "I think the most significant part of the reading was when I sensed my grandmother when Jeannine mentioned a 'purse, handkerchief, etc' in her vision. I always feel comforted and I know when she appears either in thought or visually in dream that everything is all right the way it should be, and I am strong enough to overcome whatever challenge is in my path at the current moment. Also, it was very important to hear that I have psychic abilities as well because time to time my logical mind tries to push this back inside and think logically instead of 'sensing' and trusting those feelings. It was an excellent session, what I had with Jeannine. It is really important to evoke emotions in the sitter - and as tough as I always am, I just shed tears out at the last minutes because it was very personal, comforting and inspiring, and I felt blessed to have this reading with Jeannine. I had a reading done, but I also feel there was healing there as well. I felt completely in peace and solitude (my mind is usually racing like F1 in Indianapolis). I really found a balance I was trying to restore after unpleasant information earlier of this week. As for me - I don't have any comments on how to improve healing experience. I got exactly what I needed. Reassurance in things I already know, but just needed to hear it from someone else as well. I feel very positive and sure of myself that I am really on a right track on my life path. I was not seeking any specific advice, just a general 'what comes along the reading'. Jeannine was very specific, helpful, and kind. I think the most important things were said very well, and I felt very comfortable,confident, and in peace with myself and my situation I am currently in. Thank you, Jeannine, for your words!" ~ Chilla, New Jersey

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "You were able to provide information regarding my personal relationship problems and gave me a new way to view the events that have taken place. Most significantly, you were able to convey "feelings" through words! Your link with Spirit is very smooth and it seems to come easily to you. You provided advice for me on different behaviors to "try on" in the future. Thank you for these suggestions." ~ Caroline, Pennsylvania

Energy Work/Healing: "All was good and very relaxing. During the healing I saw a stretching exercise that could help me relieve the pressure on my neck and shoulders. It was very specific and I am anxious to try it. Thanks Jenny!!!" ~ Caroline, Pennsylvania

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "Getting confirmation of what I was thinking on certain things. There was much enlightenment on the situation. This was quite eye opening and reaffirming. You are a wonderfully talented person. The readings are accurate, helpful as well as enjoyable. Thanks muchly!" ~ Cheryl, Vermont

Energy Work/Healing: "Incredible calm. Thanks, much needed. After listening to 'Send In the Clowns' several times and looking up meanings for the song...Oh my goodness. It is THE most appropriate song that describes me right now. It fits like a kid glove. Jenny, you have a knack of really zeroing in on things. 90% of this was right on target. Thanks bunches." ~ Cheryl, Vermont

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "My father always seems to come through, but this time a whole group of relatives were there too, like a cheering section. Reminded me that there are many on the other side that want to help and are in support of what I am doing now. And I guess I am still my mother's dumpling! And I would like to comment that Jenny is very good at connecting with spirit and bringing them through." ~ Eileen, Pennsylvania

Energy Work/Healing: "The healing cleared out an emotional ugly that needed to be removed. I felt lighter and brighter afterward. Brought about much inner peace." ~ Eileen, Pennsylvania

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "It was a wonderful present to be released of the guilt I felt about my son with respect to my daughters. Jenny is amazing." ~ Jofran, Michigan

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "The briefcase. Many of the "tools" mentioned were meaningful to me, especially the brown winged-tipped shoes. She did a wonderful job." ~ Jim, New Hampshire

Energy Work/Healing: "My first remote healing, and I still found it to be so comforting." ~ Jim, New Hampshire

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "The feeling I came away with...I felt as if I were floating. I had a slight smile the whole time and didn't realize it until we were done. I was very relaxed. It acknowledged what I feel has been happening to me on a deep level. It was revealing-my first exposure to past lives and it was very telling and relevant. Jeannine did a good job explaining things about this as well. I understood. The information provided is helpful to me. It felt like perfect timing for me. I feel happy. I am going to recommend Jeannine to the people in my life. It was very special and significant. I look forward to the healing." ~ Linda, Michigan

Energy Work/Healing: "I seemed to relax very, very quickly. I felt warmth throughout my body, but then it focused on some pain in my right shoulder. My shoulder kept getting warmer and warmer. I felt tingles go through my entire body twice. the second time lasted for awhile. I also felt warmth in my hip joints. I felt very good afterward. Relaxed and happy." ~ Linda, Michigan

Psychic Mediumship Reading: What was most significant to you? "The information about my three boys future. Assistance in dealing with some recent bad events. I was a bit nervous about doing a reading, and had chickened out several times before asking for one. I was totally blown away by some of the information that was shared, especially small insignificant (to others) that meant a lot to me. The lines of communication were open both ways at all times. I was pleasantly surprised at how relaxed I was afterward, in spite of some pretty heavy information." ~ Loraine, Florida

Psychic Mediumship Reading: "There was contact with a recognized Spirit which was my Father. I felt his energy very much and was pleased to have confirmation that he was in fact present. There was also another Spirit present with him and at this time I'm unsure who this was. I find myself wondering about this and hope that I will recognize who this energy was and the reason for coming through at this time. I was also excited to learn that one of my Spirit Guides came through and remained for what I think was most if not all of the session. I've always been interested in verifying the existence of my Guide(s)and sensing a stronger connection to them. It was also confirmed that this particular Guide is not the only one I have working with me since he was referred to as "one" of them. However,I do feel that he is extremely important. I strongly suspect that the session was accurate but as I am still thinking through the reading that I received, I can't say at this time that all of the information is clear to me yet. Certainly much of what I heard I know to be true." ~ Pamela, Ontario, Canada

Energy Work/Healing: "I don't have a great deal of experience with healings and so am unsure what suggestions to make. I feel that this is a more difficult situation for me to connect with as I'm naturally more familiar with activities where I'm actively participating. It's difficult for me to relax and allow this process to unfold. I feel unsure of what to do. However, the healing definitely brought strong emotions to the surface even as my body felt quite still. I feel some lasting effects from the reading or the healing - likely from both. It feels as though I've shifted a bit. Very hard to describe but I feel a bit different physically and more sensitive to my environment. I'm very thankful to Jenny for her time and her insights." ~ Pamela, Ontario, Canada

Grateful

2011-10-31T14:49:00.000-04:00

Happy Halloween... the Eve when the veil is the thinnest between Earth and the Other Side. Halloween remains to be my favorite holiday of the year. Perhaps it is a fave of yours, too?

After the last few weeks of battling pneumonia throughout my left lung, I am grateful to be breathing more freely. I will be eternally grateful to all who have been kind, compassionate and beyond helpful, putting me on the path to recovery. You know who you are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Sometime next week or soon thereafter, I will contact those to whom I have already promised a reading and/or energy work. Thank you for your understanding.

That said, an interesting thing happened during these past weeks. Several people I highly respect insisted I start only offering my services for a fixed donation (as seen on the right sidebar of this blog). No more 'five free readings a month.' It seems that giving away my readings/energy work for free depletes my energy and does not allow for the necessary 'energy exchange' that occurs when people donate $ for services rendered. It was pointed out that folks on Earth, of which I am a part, have to pay bills and do so via getting paid for jobs they perform. I am no exception, and believe me, after my hospital stay, let's not even talk about the bills... In any case, thank you for your understanding. If you've received a reading and/or energy work from me in the past, please consider recommending my services to anyone who you think might be interested in what I offer. Thank you.

Samhain Blessings!

ALL SESSIONS CANCELED

2011-10-12T18:47:00.004-04:00

All readings and energy work/healings canceled from today onward. I will be back in touch with you to reschedule. Thank you.

UPDATE 10/15/11: I have been experiencing severe flu symptoms, plus have a sinus infection, ear infection, and if that wasn't bad enough, I now have either bronchitis or pneumonia. Have already made one trip to the ER. Please send healing prayers and thoughts my way. Thank you!

UPDATE 10/25/11: I went to the hospital via ambulance on Monday, 10/17, and was admitted in the wee hours of 10/18. Pneumonia of my left lung was the diagnosis. I was released from the hospital on Sunday afternoon, 10/23, but unfortunately there was no improvement shown in the last chest x-ray. That said, I am grateful to be getting proper rest at home, as it's pretty hard to sleep in a hospital. I am grateful for all my friends, the fabulous hospital staff, and my loving husband. Presently have zero energy, little to no appetite, and it is an effort to even breathe. One thing I found I can do at home is meditate, and it has given me great comfort. I will not be able to resume readings and/or energy work for awhile, but as soon as I can do so again, I will post it here. I appreciate all your prayers and good thoughts. Best wishes to all.

Oh, one thing that is hitting home is that I cannot burn the candle at both ends on a consistent basis, as I had been doing. It's clear that I'm not super woman. LOL! It's not easy for someone who goes, goes, and goes some more to be forced to a complete halt. A life learning lesson if there ever was one...

UPDATE 11/8/11: Thankfully, I am recovering well from my pneumonia ordeal. I have contacted folks and rescheduled appointments that had to be canceled during my illness. I am now available for all readings and energy work/healing sessions. For reading options, please see the right sidebar of this blog, all displayed in red text. Thank you.

Precious Life

2011-10-08T06:03:00.004-04:00

When I was a little girl...5 year's old to be exact...I remember waiting on the front porch of my girlfriend Terry's house after knocking, hoping she was home and able to play with me. As I stood there in the summer sun, a housefly hovered near my foot. I specifically remember raising my foot, wondering what would happen if I stomped on it. Quick as a wink, I did so. I'll never forget the intensely sad feeling I experienced deep in the pit of my stomach as I looked at that squashed fly, oozing its insides, literally seeing red blood, the life squashed out of it by ME. In that moment I realized I had taken a life. You may say, "Well, it's only a fly." But all these years later I've not forgotten this incident and it serves to remind me that ALL life is precious.

Chris and the kids can assure you that I never allow them to kill spiders in our house. We could take them outside or allow them to roam free in my dye studio (if it was winter), but never kill them on purpose. Even our cat, Chloe, knows not to go after them. I would always tell the kids that spiders help us by eating other bugs that we may not want indoors, and that by leaving them be they'll leave us alone, and the circle of life goes on in a natural way. And when I do accidentally end the life of a spider...perhaps by too quick of a wipe of a cloth without seeing it...I tell it I'm sorry. Because I am sorry.

Road kill, too, upsets me. Yes, it's an accident that animals get killed in this way...no sane person sets out to wipe out animals on the road...but at least we can acknowledge the spirits of these animals and send them our respect. A funny aside in all this is how I have found myself thinking I was surrounding road kill with Love and Light, envisioning them embraced by God...only to look closer and find I was praying for a blown out tire. Such is life with less than 20/20 vision.

Now I'm no saint, and don't profess to be holier than thou. And I certainly don't mean to be standing high on a soapbox preaching to anyone. But I do think if people were taught as kids to respect ALL life when they are young, there wouldn't be a need for wars and senseless killing. Needless to say I abhor video games, TV shows, and movies that depict violence. They only serve to numb the public about the beauty of life and living. Hasn't anyone ever wondered what goes on in the mind of the folks who develop such 'entertainment?' If there is a moral to this post, perhaps it is to think before you act. Who are we to decide what is to live and what is to die? Who/What gave us that right?

"The most important human endeavor is the striving for morality in our actions. Our inner balance and even our very existence depend on it. Only morality in our actions can give beauty and dignity to life." ~ Albert Einstein

Simplify

2011-10-06T18:01:00.010-04:00

As time goes on I'm learning more and more about the benefits of simplifying. For instance, as a knitter, it's the less complicated projects that often make my heart sing. Oh, don't get me wrong, I appreciate and enjoy amazing knitted construction, and lovely, intricate lace and textured stitches. It's just that I'm increasingly drawn to the beauty of that which allows my mind to wander where it will, as my hands happily repeat that which needs to be done to complete the project at hand. These days, there's got to be a gosh darn good reason for me to embark on something in knitting that takes my full concentration, allowing no room for mental meandering. It takes a lot for me to consider subjecting my mind to such tying down.

Same goes with my own meditation and prayer practice. Over the last few years I've read a lot of spiritual and metaphysical books. Sometimes the authors go into great detail over...say, clearing and aligning the chakras. Goodness sakes, with some of them it would take an hour just to do this clearing and aligning if one followed their directions, let alone all the other things I hoped to cover in my personal prayer and meditation sessions! It didn't take me long to come up with ways to do chakra clearing/aligning, for instance, that were both meaningful to me and also got quickly right to the heart of the matter. Being succinct can be a good thing, especially when one has to catch the Moo-ver, our cow-spot-painted local bus, to get to work to substitute teach in the morning.

When I first began meditating, I practiced some elaborate steps myself. One of the things I enjoyed was meeting up with my own crossed over loved ones, such as my Ma, Dad, my brother Jack, Aunt Loraine, and even my beloved pets who have trotted over the rainbow bridge. Now I realize that they are but a thought away, so my meditation practice has gotten much simpler, given that I don't feel inclined to have a family reunion each time I meditate. My current practice includes taking a deep breath or two, as I sit very straight in a chair*, shoulders back, feet flat on the floor, my back not touching the back of the chair, tongue (at least at the beginning) at the roof of my mouth, touching the inside of my upper, front teeth (thank you Rev. Elaine). I envision the White Light of the Holy Spirit coming into my body through the top of my head. I make an 'o' with my pointer and thumb of each hand and rest my hands on my lap. I repeat the mantra, "Sat Nam," for as long as I want (usually about 10 minutes), in order to focus and go quickly within. According to Kundalini Yoga: SAT NAM is the Seed Mantra or Bij Mantra and it is the most widely used in the practice of Kundalini Yoga. Sat means the Truth; Nam means to call upon, name or identify with. Sat Nam means Truth is my identity and I call upon the eternal Truth that resides in all of us. Chanting this mantra awakens the Soul, and more simply means "really". It is pronounced to rhyme with "But Mom!" And when I feel ready, I begin to slowly recite the Sutras as I've been taught at school. Time slips away at this point, so it's hard to say how long this takes. In any case, my meditation time varies from session to session, with a total of 45 minutes being about average. Afterward, I either sit in the silence or I go back to chanting Sat Nam for awhile. At the end, I gently wiggle fingers and toes, count backward from 5 to 1, and slowly open my eyes.

Some things to consider: There may be more than one way to achieve what it is you're looking to achieve. You are the best person to decide what works for you or not; what is for your highest and best good. You have the right to change anything you think or do at any point, and that includes your opinion. There are authors/teachers/etc. who can help you along the way, but I love the adage we learned at Fellowships Of The Spirit (FOTS), "Take the best and leave the rest."

Thank you, Patti (Old Goat Woman), for inspiring me with thoughts of simplifying.

"Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough." ~ Author Unknown

*I do enjoy sitting cross-legged on the floor, but for some reason, no matter how I try not to let this happen, my feet fall asleep after awhile. That's why I decided on meditating in a chair. And anyways, that's how we meditate at school as a group.

Five FREE Skype Or Phone Readings - October

2011-10-01T06:29:00.008-04:00

It's October! Time again for my offer of 5 free Skype or phone readings. The first 5 people to respond to this offer will get a free 30-minute reading during the month of October. PLUS, I can...for no extra charge...send a MP3 recording of your reading to you via e-mail. Send your request with the type of reading you prefer to my e-mail address: spinningjenny57@hotmail. If you have a webcam and are signed up with Skype, this is as close to an in-person reading as we can presently get. Skype-to-Skype does not cost anything for either of us. If you do not have a webcam, a phone reading is instead offered. In either case, we simply agree on a day/time that is convenient for each of us. With regards to phone readings, if you are one of the 5, you will be required to call me on the day and at the time we agree upon.

I will list the first names of the first five people who respond to this offer on this post. Once the five people are listed, that's it for the FREE readings for that particular month. I'll re-post this offer at the beginning of each month and the process will begin again. One free reading per year, per individual, please. However, do tell your friends and family about the offer.

Please note that now that I am in seminary (see My First Week Of School), I can count my Skype/phone readings for my homework reading requirement. I will send a brief questionnaire t0 each person who requests a reading to kindly fill out and send back to me after they receive their reading. These questionnaires are then handed in to my teachers as proof that a reading has been completed.

An additional service of free distance healing energy work (distance Reiki) is offered to all who request a Skype/phone reading. This is optional on your part but hopefully something that you will desire. Once your reading is done and the questionnaire is filled out, just let me know if you're interested in the distance healing energy work and we'll schedule it. Please note that it only requires that we are in touch via e-mail (not phone or Skype, as in the reading). Again, I can use this energy work for my healing homework assignment and so will ask that you fill out a brief questionnaire relating to it.

#1. Paul - completed
#2. Carol - completed
#3. Sandi
#4. Kelly - completed
#5. Julia

Thank you! I look forward to doing a reading and healing energy work for YOU!

There Are No Mistakes

2011-09-25T17:53:00.012-04:00

Recently Chris, who was returning from a weekend of gigging as a jazz musician, was on a flight from St. Louis to Hartford. When gigging in the Midwest, he usually travels via Continental, with the typical lay-over being in Chicago, but this time the tickets were on Delta, and the lay-over was in Detroit. I relay this difference because it is an important element in the following story. There are no mistakes. There are no coincidences.

As Chris boarded the 7:14 am flight and settled into his seat, he noticed a couple, husband and wife, coming down the aisle with their heavy carry-on luggage. Chris said he KNEW that they were going to occupy the other two seats right next to him. Interestingly, the flight wasn't full and he had earlier contemplated picking a different seat, but something made him stay put where he was. As the couple began to lift their luggage into the overhead storage compartment, Chris rose to help them. When the couple took their seats, with the wife window-side, her husband in the middle, and Chris on the end, the man said that he KNEW Chris and he would get along 'famously' because Chris had offered to help with the bags.

Soon after sitting down, the man said to Chris that he felt Chris was an artist. Then, he showed Chris his own hands and began showing him how to do a deep massage regimen for each of his finger joints. With the palm up, he explained to exert firm but not excessive pressure on each finger joint, holding the pressure for 7 seconds...counting one thousand and one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three, etc. Then he showed Chris trigger points in the palm to release tension and increase flexibility. The man said to do this each day and you'll never have problems with flexibility in your hands. Good advice for Chris, given he's a pianist...although this was not told to the man prior to him showing Chris the hand-health techniques.

There are no mistakes.

Only then did this trio introduce themselves to each other. The man's name is Om. His wife's name was beautiful, but Chris didn't get a spelling of the name and so I cannot relay it here.

According to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary: Om is a mantra consisting of the sound \ˈōm\ and used in contemplation of ultimate reality. It is Sanskrit and its first known use was in 1788. The Mimi-hu online site says: Om (also written Aum) is the oldest and most sacred sound found in yoga, Hinduism and Buddhism. Not only does Om represent the entire universe, known as Brahman, it is also said to be the source of all creation.

As Chris was telling me his story about Om and Om's wife, he paused and mentioned that across the aisle from them there was another woman with a large, hardcover book on spirituality. Chris had Dan Millman's book, "Way of the Peaceful Warrior," with him on the plane and actually wrote in pencil on the inside cover some of the tips and thoughts Om had talked about. Chris also placed Om's address label next to mine on the inside cover...I often put such a label into my books so that if they get lost, they'll be returned to me...KNOWING that we'd be visiting Om and his wife in the not too distant future.

There are no mistakes.

As Om and Chris chatted, Om's wife was rather quiet, but very pleasant, and nodded off to sleep now and again. Chris relayed that the famous sax player, John Coltrane, had named an entire album, "Om." This album is described on Wikipedia: In October, 1965, Coltrane recorded Om, referring to the sacred syllable in Hindu religion, which symbolizes the infinite or the entire Universe. Coltrane described Om as the "first syllable, the primal word, the word of power". The 29-minute recording contains chants from the Bhagavad-Gita, a Hindu epic. The 1965 recording, issued posthumously, has Coltrane and Pharoah Sanders chanting from a Buddhist text, The Tibetan Book of the Dead, and reciting a passage describing the primal verbalization "om" as a cosmic/spiritual common denominator in all things. Chris also told Om that John Coltrane named his son, Ravi, after Ravi Shankar, the legendary Indian sitar player, however, John died before he had the chance to play music with his musician son. And on that note, please know that Om and his wife were originally from India and are now living in the States.

Chris learned that the couple were continuing on to Toronto, in order to visit with their son. Interesting that Chris and I, and our sons, also had lived in Toronto for a time ('95-'98).

Throughout the flight, Om and Chris engaged in pleasant conversation. Om also showed Chris how to use his two palms, held horizontally...the left hand on the back of the neck and the right hand on the top of the forehead, held for 7 seconds (count 1001, 1002, 1003, etc.)...in order to relieve headaches. Om asked if Chris' hands were heating up. They were. Chris said that Om smiled knowingly.

Chris explained to Om that besides being a jazz pianist/performer, he also taught music at two schools. Om asked Chris to guess what he was? Chris told Om that he might have held any highly respected position...a doctor, a lawyer, etc. Om said he is a retired librarian, having retired 11 years ago from the Wethersfield Library in Connecticut. He talked about his retirement party, pleased that someone had said that there were more folks at his party than any they had previously seen at other such retirement parties. Om was understandably moved and proud about this fact.

Eventually Om brought out food from a bag to eat. He had brought homemade, spicy chapati, which he shared with Chris. Om said his wife did all the cooking. Chris told her that that was an art in and of itself. Chris declared the chapati...Indian unleavened flatbread...DELICIOUS! Om relayed that they always took home-prepared food with them when traveling. Chris asked the couple about their diets. Om said it was simple, consisting of nuts, yogurt, fruit (fresh and dried), dal (preparation of dried pulses: lentils, peas, or beans), very little rice, naan (leavened flatbread), fish or lean chicken (only once every two weeks or so), and vegetables in light sauces. Chris noted how svelte both Om and his wife were.

Om talked about what he did for a living when he first arrived in the States. A placement officer in NYC hired him to be an English teacher. Om asked the officer if he found it ironic that he, just coming from India, was to be an English teacher in NYC. The officer stated that Om had more command of the English language than many others he had seen.

Om asked Chris about our children. When Chris said his oldest son is 31 years old , Om appeared wide-eyed and asked him how it was possible, given how young Chris looks. They had a great laugh over that!

In between talking, Om said that he'd best allow Chris to rest, saying he often talks too much. I KNOW that Chris treasured all that Om shared and most definitely didn't want Om to stop.

One last thing that Chris remembered to tell me had to do with a book that Om recommended. It is "Body Reflexology: Healing At Your Fingertips," by Mildred Carter. Never one to take a book recommendation lightly, I looked it up on Amazon and placed an order for a used copy. Funny, but I had been recently nudged about reflexology and how it might be important to learn in addition to what I'm learning at school. Hmmm...

When all were ready to depart the plane, Chris helped Om and his wife get their bags down from the overhead compartment. They walked together to their respective connecting gates. Chris' gate came first. Before they parted company, Om patiently repeated what he had previously shown Chris about maintaining flexibility in his finger joints and hands, as well as the technique to ease a headache.

What an amazing couple. We're going to contact them soon and set up a visit. I can't wait!

At one point in their conversation on the plane, Om exclaimed that there are no mistakes in life. Indeed, there are no coincidences.

Reverence

2011-09-16T11:17:00.007-04:00

Several years ago Chris received a book from a friend and fellow musician: "Reverence - Renewing A Forgotten Virtue," by Paul Woodruff. If memory serves me, this friend gave the book to Chris because, among other things, it struck him that Chris displays undeniable reverence whenever he sits down at the piano to play jazz...be it his 'own' compositions that he's playing or scores written by others...a deep reverence given by Chris to that which is, that which was, and that which is coming, and all who have made it and will make it so.

I fished the book out of the library in Chris' music room, thinking it may be time to read it myself since the virtue of reverence has been on my mind of late. On the back cover, one of the plugs for the book was: "Woodruff sets himself two large tasks: to revive an appreciation for reverence in a culture that celebrates irreverence, and to rescue the idea of virtue from its proponents on the right and its proponents on the left. He succeeds admirably in both." ~ Christian Science Monitor. This plug reminds me of how Chris quotes another musician/teacher of his: "If the right don't get ya, the left surely will...be wary of both." Ha!

Here's some paragraphs from the intro of the above book:
Reverence is an ancient virtue that survives among us in half forgotten patterns of civility, in moments of inarticulate awe, and in nostalgia for the lost ways of traditions cultures. We have the word "reverence" in our language, but we scarcely know how to use it. Right now it has no place in secular discussions of ethics or political theory. Even more surprisingly, reverence is missing from modern discussions of ancient cultures that prized it.

Reverence begins in a deep understanding of human limitations; from this grows the capacity to be in awe of whatever we believe lies outside our control - God, truth, justice, nature, even death. The capacity for awe, as it grows, brings with it the capacity for respecting fellow human beings, flaws and all. This in turn fosters the ability to be ashamed when we show moral flaws exceeding the normal human allotment. The Greeks before Plato saw reverence as one of the bulwarks of society, and the immediate followers of Confucius in China thought much the same. Both groups wanted to see reverence in their leaders, because reverence is the virtue that keeps leaders from trying to take tight control of other people's lives. Simply put, reverence is the virtue that keeps human beings from trying to act like gods.

Whew! Lots of food for thought just in those two paragraphs. Yep, I think this book is gonna have to be tackled soon!

Thinking about myself, I can say that I've a healthy respect for many, various paths (fiber arts, the metaphysical, etc.) that I've studied and been involved with over the years and for the people who have contributed to the joy I feel regarding this involvement. That said, the above author discusses the difference between 'respect' and 'reverence.' He writes, "Another easy mistake to make about reverence is to confuse it with respect. Respect is sometimes good and sometimes bad, sometimes wise and sometimes silly. It is silly to respect the pratings of a pompous fool; it is wise to respect the intelligence of any student. Reverence calls for respect only when respect is really the right attitude. To pay respect to a tyrant would not be reverent; it would be weak and cowardly. The most reverent response to a tyrant is to mock him. All of this because reverence is a kind of virtue. A virtue is a capacity to do what is right, and what is right in a given case - say, respect or mockery of an authority figure - depends on many things."

Hmmm... This author gets my mind going...

On further thinking about myself, I know that my youngest son, Alex, has teased me that I literally often bow to people I'm talking to and in front of. In fact, the whole family has recognized that I do this. Alex is just more sarcastically vocal about it. Prior to my recent Life Between Lives session, I'd never been able to completely explain why I bow to people. It just happens. However, perhaps reverence has something to do with it. In my Life Between Lives session, I alluded that this bowing has to do with me not thinking I am above anyone in any way, shape, or form. It certainly has to do with having respect for the person before me, especially given that no matter how they are acting at the time or what mask they are wearing, I am recognizing and honoring that they are amazingly wonderful as the soul they truly are.

Related, Chris early on in our 31-year marriage and even now has questioned me why I am often attracted to folks who seem to him to be the unlikeliest of friends. I have always answered him that I don't analyze just surface info. I look deep into their eyes, "the mirror of the soul," as proclaimed by the old Yiddish proverb. Doing so has helped me look past so-called 'flaws' in the person's incarnated body and get to the good stuff waaaay deeeeeeep.

Reverence. A good topic to study.

Please Celebrate Me Home

2011-09-13T12:15:00.002-04:00

Personally, a double entendre tune if ever there was one! Nice!!

Hierarchy And Lack Thereof

2011-09-07T15:30:00.011-04:00

NOTICE: In case anyone is looking to book a reading with me, I will be gone at school from 9/8/11 until 9/12/11. I will not have access to a computer and will get back in touch with you once I return home. Thank you.

Ever since I returned from having experienced my Life Between Lives Regression Therapy session in August, I have been thinking about hierarchy. As I transcribe the CD's of my four-hour hypnotherapy session, I am struck by how many times, whilst being in an altered state, I said that hierarchy is not something that even exists for souls. In other words, wherever we are at on our journey towards enlightenment, one soul is not better than another. One soul's path is not better than another soul's path. One soul is not working on something more important than another. One soul is not in a study group 'on the Other Side' that is of greater importance than a soul in a totally different study group. Yes, some souls have progressed further along than other souls, but this does not make one soul better than another. All souls, and the work they are doing, are equally important. Personally, I found such information incredibly profound.

This all got me thinking back to college where some friends made me feel less than good about my choice of being in art education; instead of, for instance, pursuing a so-called 'worthy' path of study in mathematics or the sciences. I never could understand how they could feel that one discipline of study was better and/or higher than another. After all, how can one compare apples and oranges? Apples are apples and oranges are oranges. One type of fruit isn't better than another, just different. Why would excelling in art be considered less by some folks than excelling in math? This notion, it seems to me, stems from the value that various groups of humans (especially power-driven humans) have given to various disciplines of studies and jobs utilizing such disciplines. It's come down to an absurd belief that, for many at least, one thing is of more value than another thing based on the money tag placed on it...or in the case of a job well done, the salary paid for doing such a job. Who decides on earth what something is worth? Why us humans, of course!!! We've done this to ourselves! This is a heavy EARTHLY issue, not a UNIVERSAL issue. Nor is it a Light-filled SPIRITUAL issue. We have decided on these issues as humans inhabiting a heavy, temporary body while we're living on an earth plane which itself is based on illusion...not as the loving souls we truly are, unencumbered by such a body, inhabiting our eternal, spiritual home.

One personal example I can give regarding my frustration over this earthly issue is when I was working at a mill job and my Chris was finishing up a Doctorate in Ethnomusicology. The road to achieving such a degree was not an easy nor a smooth one for Chris and our family, but persevere he did. I remember a co-worker flippantly saying to me, "Well, a PhD in music is certainly NOT the same thing, value-wise, as a PhD in science (which some relative of her's was working on). I was astounded. What does one say to someone who spouts the ridiculous apple vs orange comparison? I quickly decided it was not worth the effort to even discuss.

Also, I got to thinking how my Ma had turned her nose up at my study of the fiber arts: knitting, spinning, dyeing, etc. She once said to me more than snarkily, "Is THAT how you're going to use your degree?" Well Ma, after 30-some years in the fiber arts field, where I wrote and taught and had fun brewing indigo urine vats, I can say it was a very nice way, indeed, to utilize my degree. LOL!

"People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they're not on your road doesn't mean they've gotten lost." ~ H. Jackson Brown

Ha! Just noticed today's 'Law of Attraction' quote. Nice! Appropos!:

"Get out into the sunlight — out where everything is — with a vibration that is so dominant that those who annoy you; those who don't agree with you; those who make your life feel uncomfortable don't come into your experience, because your vibration — through your practice — has become so clear, so pure, so clean, so in keeping with what you want, that the world that revolves around you just feels like that. That's what you planned." ~ Abraham

Excerpted from the workshop in San Rafael, CA on Friday, March 9th, 2001 #189

Five FREE Skype Or Phone Readings - September

2011-09-01T11:45:00.012-04:00

It's September! Time again for my offer of 5 free Skype or phone readings. The first 5 people to respond to this offer will get a free 30-minute reading during the month of September. PLUS, I can...for no extra charge...send a MP3 recording of your reading to you via e-mail. Send your request with the type of reading you prefer to my e-mail address: spinningjenny57@hotmail. If you have a webcam and are signed up with Skype, this is as close to an in-person reading as we can presently get. Skype-to-Skype does not cost anything for either of us. If you do not have a webcam, a phone reading is instead offered. In either case, we simply agree on a day/time that is convenient for each of us. With regards to phone readings, if you are one of the 5, you will be required to call me on the day and at the time we agree upon.

I will list the first names of the first five people who respond to this offer on this post. Once the five people are listed, that's it for the FREE readings for that particular month. I'll re-post this offer at the beginning of each month and the process will begin again. One free reading per year, per individual, please. However, do tell your friends and family about the offer.

Please note that now that I am in seminary (see My First Week Of School), I can count my Skype/phone readings for my homework reading requirement. I will send a brief questionnaire t0 each person who requests a reading to kindly fill out and send back to me after they receive their reading. These questionnaires are then handed in to my teachers as proof that a reading has been completed.

An additional service of free distance healing energy work (distance Reiki) is offered to all who request a Skype/phone reading. This is optional on your part but hopefully something that you will desire. Once your reading is done and the questionnaire is filled out, just let me know if you're interested in the distance healing energy work and we'll schedule it. Please note that it only requires that we are in touch via e-mail (not phone or Skype, as in the reading). Again, I can use this energy work for my healing homework assignment and so will ask that you fill out a brief questionnaire relating to it.

#1. Bonnie ~ completed
#2. Jaye
#3. Mon
#4. Linda ~ completed
#5. Alicia ~ completed

Thank you! I look forward to doing a reading and healing energy work for YOU!

New FAVE Book

2011-08-22T12:57:00.005-04:00

I was just outside with our Chloe, most excellent black cat. She was munching tender grass tips and I was spinning some Bluefaced Leicester wool on my Golding "spider" spindle, gifted to me by the Golding's themselves a few years ago. All of a sudden I got the strange urgency to come upstairs, sit myself down at the computer, and write a blog post. About what? My fave new book, that's what!

Now it's not like I've read this entire book through or anything. However, something tells me this is going to be one of those books I'll refer to so much it's going to get dog-eared...or is that cat-eared?... I'll back up a moment and explain why I think this is so.

A dear friend and mentor, Ravenstar, author of The Healing Room, has been introducing me over the years to the wonders of many metaphysical topics, numerology included. In fact, we 'met' now years ago on a wonderful Tarot site, Aeclectic Tarot. You know when you KNOW that someone is going to be important in your life? Well, I KNEW that was the case with Ravenstar. She is one of the most generous (especially with her time), caring, and loving people I know.
We've been delving into numerology a bit more of late, especially with regards to folks who are in my life that are not having an easy time of it. Ravenstar is a patient teacher who never fails to get my thinking juices flowing. She mentioned a book, Dan Millman's, "The Life You Were Born To Live," and I remembered she had quoted from this same book before. That alone sent me to Amazon (one recommendation for a book is one thing; a second recommendation for the same book sets me into action...) and I found what appears to be a decent copy for the tidy sum of .22 cents plus the $3.99 shipping. So I ordered it. Among other things the book focuses on numerology and I'm looking forward to when it arrives in my mailbox.

An 'aside' thought...What on earth did I do before Amazon and Alibris offered used books for sale?????? I cannot imagine life without them. And as much as I love libraries, sometimes ya just have to have a book that resides in your own house.

And yes, I know I haven't told you what my newest FAVE book is yet. Consider that I'm giving a necessary, climactic, build-up to the name... Don't mind me, Sagittarius Suns are like that.

Not content to wait for the book that Ravenstar recommended, my current numerology interest was piqued enough to send me to my own home library for a book on the same topic. Hmmmm. Didn't I purchase a numerology book when I was at school at FOTS at some point? I ALWAYS try to purchase at least one book at FOTS as my way of 'giving back.' But let's face it, I don't need much of a reason to purchase a book that has caught my eye! LOL! So I searched through my books and found, "Numerology and The Divine Triangle," by Faith Javane and Dusty Bunker, Whitford Press, 1979. I had indeed purchased this a few months back at FOTS and was planning to delve when the mood struck.

THE MOOD HAS STRUCK. Oh my goodness! What on earth was I waiting for? This book has received fabulous reviews on Amazon AND deals with three of my favorite topics: Astrology, Tarot, and now, Numerology. I sat down with it this morning and couldn't tear myself away to even get dressed. Now that's a good book. BTW, I'm still in my jammies.

One of the things I did was figure out my 4 personal numbers: the Life Lesson Number the Soul Number, the Outer Personality Number, and the Path of Destiny Number. Even me, with a math disability, can do these calculations easily. So what was so profound? This was the first time that the entire journey I'm on now, as well as what led up to this journey, was spelled out for me. And I mean spelled out like a neon, flashing sign. I was so moved I started to cry with intense emotion as I was reading.

I can only imagine how helpful this book will be in my work as a Minister and Spiritual Medium. I have a feeling the book will be equally important to anyone who is reading this post and finds themselves drawn to it. After all, it's no mistake when a book falls out of the bookshelf and hits you on the foot. Consider this post just that, except you won't have to ice your foot!

Minister-In-Residence At Lily Dale

2011-08-14T15:39:00.013-04:00

Last week I was Minister-In-Residence for Fellowships Of The Spirit (FOTS), where I go to school, on the grounds of Lily Dale. Happily, Chris joined me for the entire week and was, as always, loving and supportive. We stayed in the comfortable apartment above the FOTS' office in the Dale. My adopted brother, friend, and fellow classmate, Jeff Dragon Star stayed in second bedroom of the apartment during our first night but after that we had the whole apartment to ourselves. Hands down, it was the BEST working vacation we have ever had!!! Chris had done some cooking prior to us leaving on our trip, so we enjoyed oodles of vegetables, rice, and other dishes that made us feel right at home even tho' we were away from home.

FOTS hosts the morning meditation in Lily Dale's Healing Temple all through the active summer season, and one of my duties as M-I-R was to lead this meditation. On the first morning I was a bit anxious...after all, I had never led meditation for anyone but myself! The folks who showed up each morning were delightful, patient, and helpful. They even put their chairs back once meditation was over. I met many wonderful visitors, including a friendly ginger cat who made its way nearly every morning over to the Temple as I was setting up. I started to call him the 'Healing Temple Cat,' and never did learn his given name. Chris commented that what I called him would make a dandy title for a children's book. Indeed, it would!!! May have to act on that sometime down the line... One such morning this spunky, orange cat sat on my lap as I recited my morning rosary on the bench outside the Temple. He literally fell asleep on the rosary for over a half hour. I had one hand gently laying on his back. I think he was truly enjoying the Reiki healing energy being sent!!

BTW, each morning I would get up at 4 am, as I usually do at home, and have my own personal meditation session. Then I'd get to the Temple around 7 am, set up, say my rosary, hang out with the Healing Temple Cat, and lead group meditation. Not a bad way to start a day if you ask me!

Other jobs performed as M-I-R included making sure the FOTS' brochures were distributed all over Lily Dale. Chris said he didn't mind at all helping me deliver the brochures. I told him there was no paper boy more handsome than he! Ha!

On the Sunday evening I was in Lily Dale, I was to be chairperson for a Spiritualist service at the FOTS' Lakeside Learning Center. This, too, in addition to leading meditation, was a 'first' for me. I was so excited I giggled as I began. Geesh...like a little kid! Once again the folks present were patient and kind, even unto helping me when I got into a bit of a jam. For some unknown reason I called the names of the mediums to come up all at once, instead of one at a time. What was I thinking, for goodness sakes? In unison the congregation corrected me and thankfully no havoc of mediums tripping over each other ensued! LOL!

Wednesday evening found me helping out with the Home Circle at FOTS. According to the FOTS' brochure, a Home Circle is where you can: "Learn to meditate and/or deepen the process and experience the silence for yourself; Unfold and develop your gifts of mediumship and healing; Experience the rewards of spiritual community when praying and meditating with others." During the summer, Rev. Greg Kehn runs the Home Circle. The FOTS' brochure lists Rev. Kehn as "...an acclaimed 4th generation Spiritualist medium and compassionate counselor. He has dedicated himself to spiritual work since his ordination in 1980. Greg's highly detailed and accurate work has made him a regular guest throughout the U.S. on radio and TV. He maintains offices in Lily Dale, NY and Ft. Myers, FL." I had great fun in this Home Circle and gave several messages myself. Plus, I received a spot-on message from Tony, who brought through my Ma. I knew my Ma had been visiting me when I was at the Healing Temple for meditation each morning, but apparently she followed me to other places around Lily Dale, as well. Nice!

I also attended Lily Dale's Thursday Development Class run by Patricia Price. Wonderful! The theme for that evening was nature spirits and elementals. Patricia is a lovely, sincere, and caring woman, with a great sense of humor and beautiful, twinkling eyes. I enjoyed being in the fabulous energy that flowed in and around our class.

Now all the above was truly memorable but the icing on the cake had to be that I had the chance to do platform readings in front of very large audiences for 5 of the days I was M-I-R. All in all, I read at least once during those days...sometimes at a second session...and sometimes I gave more than one reading per session. I read at the Auditorium, Assembly Hall, Forest Temple, and at the beloved Inspiration Stump. For more about these Lily Dale places, please see: Inside Lily Dale. These experiences were worth no less than GOLD to me. Amazing things happened at each one, but they were of such a personal nature, both for me and the people I read for, that I cannot relay them here on the blog. However I think it would be correct to call what I experienced a LEAP in my psychic mediumship development. Also, I carefully watched, studied, and inhaled the varied ways each incredible medium relayed information, be they registered Lily Dale mediums or visiting mediums, learning more than I ever could have from just reading books. It was EXHILARATING!

Add to all the above the fact that Chris and I took regular walks each day and evening (stopping to chat with the various Dale cats), swung daily on the swing set, had fun sipping excellent coffee and tea at Cup-a-Joes (where the conversation is always excellent), unwound by watching old videos left for our enjoyment in the apartment, and truly appreciated each other's company. Yes, it was a vacation both of us treasured and neither of us shall ever forget.

Five FREE Skype Or Phone Readings - August

2011-08-14T15:31:00.011-04:00

It's August! Time again for my offer of 5 free Skype or phone readings. I've been away for most of the first two weeks of August and so this month's offer is occurring later than usual. The first 5 people to respond to this offer will get a free 30-minute reading during the month of August. PLUS, I can...for no extra charge...send a MP3 recording of your reading to you via e-mail. Send your request with the type of reading you prefer to my e-mail address: spinningjenny57@hotmail. If you have a webcam and are signed up with Skype, this is as close to an in-person reading as we can presently get. Skype-to-Skype does not cost anything for either of us. If you do not have a webcam, a phone reading is instead offered. In either case, we simply agree on a day/time that is convenient for each of us. With regards to phone readings, if you are one of the 5, you will be required to call me on the day and at the time we agree upon.

I will list the first names of the first five people who respond to this offer on this post. Once the five people are listed, that's it for the FREE readings for that particular month. I'll re-post this offer at the beginning of each month and the process will begin again. One free reading per year, per individual, please. However, do tell your friends and family about the offer.

Please note that now that I am in seminary (see My First Week Of School), I can count my Skype/phone readings for my homework reading requirement. I will send a brief questionnaire t0 each person who requests a reading to kindly fill out and send back to me after they receive their reading. These questionnaires are then handed in to my teachers as proof that a reading has been completed.

An additional service of free distance healing energy work (distance Reiki) is offered to all who request a Skype/phone reading. This is optional on your part but hopefully something that you will desire. Once your reading is done and the questionnaire is filled out, just let me know if you're interested in the distance healing energy work and we'll schedule it. Please note that it only requires that we are in touch via e-mail (not phone or Skype as in the reading). Again, I can use this energy work for my healing homework assignment and so will ask that you fill out a brief questionnaire relating to it.

#1. Mark ~ completed
#2. Shirley ~ completed
#3. Tabbie
#4. Judy ~ completed
#5. Erin ~ completed

Thank you! I look forward to doing a reading and healing energy work for YOU!

The Nudge

2011-08-04T11:38:00.007-04:00

It's not usual for me to write two posts on the same day, but rather than overloading the first post today (as I often did when I wrote the 'Spinning Spider Jenny' blog), I have chosen to relate in today's second post something important and rather unusual that happened to me at the Ft. Wayne, Indian airport on the way home after my Life Between Lives Regression Therapy Session with Tina Zion.

I had just gotten through security at the tiny Ft. Wayne International Airport, where for the first time in my life I experienced a 'pat down.' A bit discombobulated after that, I settled into my seat, ready to while away the time with book in hand until my plane departure. I found myself nodding off here and there, but soon became acutely aware that there were some problems at the service desk of the gate I was at.

An employee of the airport was paging, over and over again, two people who were about to miss their flight. I watched with one eye on my book and one eye at the service desk. Soon the employee left and a woman toting her luggage arrived at the desk. A while later a man showed up at the desk, as well, and clearly they were together. When the employee returned, she told the couple that they had, indeed, missed their flight (even tho' their plane was standing there; still attached to the tunnel thingy that makes it possible for passengers to get from the terminal to the plane).

The woman who missed her plane burst out crying. The man tried to comfort her. I overheard her saying how it was all her fault...something about misconstruing that the time the plane was boarding was instead the time the plane was taking off. I tried not to eavesdrop but it became clear that the couple had just had their wedding ceremony and this was just another thing that didn't go right on their trip. The employee made things worse by saying they both may be charged a fee for this whole mishap (thankfully, that did not happen...whew!).

Next thing I knew I had this STRONG...and I mean strong...feeling that this couple was supposed to miss their flight. They were NOT meant to get on that airplane. I was not told why, and it didn't mean that the plane would necessarily encounter anything dire, however...this couple was NOT to get on that plane. I had the strong feeling it had to do with timing...perhaps as they headed home to their final destination from the airport via car or whatever...

Now let me just say that I've never gone up to anyone I don't know and give them a reading/message. But that's just what I was nudged to do. By this time the couple had gone to another gate (just a few gates down from me...there's only like 4 or 5 gates total in this wee airport anyways! lol!). I argued with Ken, my Guide. I told him I cannot just go up to these people who don't know me and I don't know them. I said telepathically to Ken, "If I'm supposed to tell them that no mistake was made, I need a sign, please." Well, I just about fell off my chair when I immediately saw the sign in the form of a butterfly, flying around the plane that still hadn't left...the plane which the folks who missed their flight were not get on to. Let's just say that in my just-facilitated Life Between Lives Regression Session, I was shown that the butterfly is my sign for me to trust and follow my intuition. Still I argued with Ken. I told him I'd be embarrassed to just go up to them. His reply came in the form of the butterfly going right up to the window that was in front of me. I think I mumbled something out loud like, "Bloody hell..." (I may be a Reverend, but I'm no Saint!) I grabbed my stuff and walked over to the couple.

The woman was still crying. I carefully sat down by them and told them that I was the woman sitting near the service desk. I introduced myself, told them I was a psychic medium, and reassured them both that they were NOT to get on that particular plane. I told the woman that she did not make a mistake and has no need to feel bad. I told them that this was not a coincidence; that it was important they didn't take that plane. I added that I didn't know exactly why, but it was so. I congratulated them on their recent wedding. They both thanked me and I walked back over to my original gate.

"Oh my goodness," I thought. Did I just do what I think I just did? I couldn't help but worry that Chris was going to think I've gone off my rocker. It took me awhile to settle down again.

A little while later the woman walked over to me. She said how very thankful she was that I...a complete stranger...came up to her to comfort her. She said her husband warned her not to get involved but she felt compelled to come over and thank me. We talked awhile. I was nudged to give her my contact card (good ol' Ken again!).

Soon I was getting ready to board my plane. What a blessing of a day. Perhaps little did this woman know what a gift she had bestowed on ME. Indeed, blessings all around!

Turning Point

2011-08-04T10:44:00.009-04:00

I am now home after having traveled to Ft. Wayne, Indiana for a whirlwind overnight trip. I had a Life Between Lives Regression Therapy Session with Tina Zion. I thought I might be able to share this incredible journey here on the blog, but it was sooooo personal and sooooo sacred that words, at least at this time, won't be able to do it justice. I can say that Tina is one of the most loving and caring individuals I have ever met. She said more than once that it felt like we already knew each other and I agree wholeheartedly. If you are even thinking about having a Past Life or a Life Between Lives Regression Therapy Session, consider looking no further than Tina. Being with Tina is like being held in some of the most capable, loving arms you could imagine. I felt safe and honored. Thank you, dear Tina. Oh, and btw, you may want to consider purchasing any of her excellent CD's and books. I highly recommend her book, The Reiki Teacher's Manual: A Guide For Teachers, Students, and Practitioners...it is my FAVORITE Reiki book! Also, Past Life Regression - Entering into Your Own History (CD Version), with Tina's beautiful voice guiding you all the way.

From my friend and mentor, Janice, comes a parable. Janice wrote, "...something my dad loved to tell years ago. I'm getting shivers as I think of it." Janice said, "It had me in tears when I re-read it and it definitely made me think of you." The original parable was written by James Aggrey, "The Parable of the Eagle," in the 1920's. Janice added, "I like the way my dad told it. :))" Thank you, dear Janice.

"Once upon a time, while walking through the forest, a certain man found a young eagle. He took it home and put it in his barnyard where it soon learned to eat chicken feed and to behave as chickens behave. One day a naturalist who was passing by inquired of the owner why it was that an eagle, king of all birds, should be confined to live in the barnyard with chickens. 'Since I have given it chicken feed and trained it to be a chicken, it has never learned to fly.' replied the owner. 'It behaves a chickens behave, as it is no longer an eagle.' 'Still,' insisted the naturalist, 'it has the heart of an eagle and can surely be taught to fly.' After talking it over, the two men agreed to find out where this was possible. Gently the naturalist took the eagle in his arms and said, 'You belong to the sky and not the earth. Stretch forth your wings and fly.' The eagle, however, was confused, he did not know who he was and, and seeing the chickens eating their food, he jumped down to be with them again. Undismayed the naturalist took the eagle on the following day, up on the roof of the house and urged him again, saying, "You are an eagle, stretch forth your wings and fly.' But the eagle was afraid of his unknown self and world and jumped down once more for the chicken food. On the third day the naturalist rose early and took the eagle out of the barnyard to a high mountain. There he held the king of birds high above him and encouraged him again by saying, 'You are an eagle. You belong to the sky as well as the earth. Stretch forth your wings now and fly.' The eagle looked around, back towards the barnyard and up to the sky. Still he did not fly. Then the naturalist lifted him straight towards the sun and it happened that the eagle began to tremble, slowly he stretched his wings. At last with a triumphant cry, he soared away into the heavens. It may be that the eagle still remembers the chickens with nostalgia, it may even be that he occasionally revisits the barnyard. But as far as anyone knows, he has never returned to lead the life of a chicken. He was an eagle though he had been kept and tamed as a chicken. Just like the eagle, a person can become aware and discover their own life plan....for many this isn't easy...it can be painful and involves much work. Sometimes this is when we need the help of a rescuer to show us the way to our true potential."

Trust And Timing

2011-07-29T12:18:00.008-04:00

I've found myself saying more than once, especially over this last year, that I could never have guessed in my younger days that I'd be doing what I'm doing, studying what I'm studying, and finding interesting what I'm finding interesting. I feel so blessed to be what I am and where I am right now at this very minute.

"Learning is movement from moment to moment." ~ J Krishnamurti

I'm about 3/4's through with reading John Edward's, "Crossing Over - The Stories Behind The Stories." It's excellent. Tho' ANYTHING by John is wonderful reading. In fact, I believe I've mentioned in a past post how important his book, "Practical Praying - Using The Rosary To Enhance Your Life," has personally been for me...thankfully responsible for my happy saying-of-the-rosary on a daily basis.

I've noticed that a book often comes into my life when I most need it. This same thought can extend to a person entering OR leaving my personal realm of life, not to mention an event/situation taking place at a particular point in time...things happen for a reason and once the bigger picture can be seen it becomes evident that what has happened is often for the highest and best for all concerned. And let's face it, the big pic is sometimes not always immediately known up-front.

Right now, I couldn't imagine a book being more important to me than "Crossing Over." Why? Because as a Spiritual Medium it's gives me a 'behind-the-scenes' peek into John's life as a professional. The abundant info in this book's pages have literally addressed countless situations I've already encountered when I do readings and energy work/healing and is even heading future questions off at the pass...as if John knew I'd be having questions and here is the possible answer to them for my consideration. I KNOW that this book wasn't written personally for me, but that's what it feels like. Now THAT'S a good book...well, at least for me...lol!

Timing and trust are so important. A good friend of mine recently said that the years of work I put into my spinning/dyeing/knitting book, with all the ups and dowwwnnnnnssss, have prepared me for what I'm doing now and what's to come. My friend has added more than once, "You haven't seen nothin' yet...!" It's become increasingly clear that I HAD to write the book and go through all that I went through over the 5 years spanning from the original lightbulb-moment of what the book would entail to riding the rollercoaster all the way to actual publication. I HAD to do this to be emotionally and mentally strong enough for my work as a Spiritual Medium.

The easily-bruised Jenny of even a few years ago could not have handled the 'misses' (as in hits and misses) that inevitably occur when readings are given. After all, only Spirit/Mother God - Father God/Divine/Universe/I AM/One/etc. is correct 100% of the time. Another way to say it is that Spirit is never incorrect, but my interpretation of the information could be off OR...as John points out, all sorts of other reasons could be responsible for the information not hitting a home-run. In fact, John listed five reasons on why a client might not acknowledge/understand information given by a psychic medium, such as myself, in a reading: 1) As the psychic medium, I might be misinterpreting what I saw clairvoyantly and/or heard clairaudiently and/or felt clairsentiently/empathically; 2) If there's more than one person in the room, the info given might be meant for the person I'm not reading for; 3) The client might be unfamiliar with their own family tree or just might not be aware of what was being discussed in the reading, even tho' it may be true; 4) There may be personal reasons the client does not want to acknowledge something; and 5) John suggests the client might have a form of what he calls temporary "psychic amnesia" when being read for. This makes it hard for clients to remember their own middle name let alone the names of people and pets in their own family, etc...lol...

As a psychic medium I'm happy when the info I relay in readings is 75% correct and above, with my average in the 85-90%+ range on good days when the readings are spot-on and the information flowing freely. I was too much of a control freak for much of my life to have handled when the 'misses' occurred in readings before now, however this last year I have been consciously practicing my wise Aunt Loraine's "Let Go; Let God" advice. Add to that the important encouragement that's reinforced at FOTS, time and time again: to trust that Spirit will never let us down and to get out of our own way so we can be simply a clear and compassionate conduit for readings that are loving, healing, and helpful to the client.

Would a person who is not a professional or aspiring professional psychic medium like John's book, "Crossing Over?" I think so. However, for practicing psychic mediums, the book is GOLDEN.

August 2011 Notice

2011-07-28T20:24:00.002-04:00

Please note that I will be away for much of the first two weeks of August. I will post August's 5 free Skype or phone readings offer when I return, sometime after August 13th. Thank you!

"She's Alive... Beautiful... Finite... Hurting..."

2011-07-20T19:28:00.003-04:00

Thank you, Merike, for sharing this important video on Facebook. A MUST WATCH!!!!!!

Symbolic or Literal?

2011-07-18T14:48:00.006-04:00

I love stories. Chris and I often read passages to each other from the books we're reading. Yesterday he read to me from "The Oldest Story In The World," by Phil Cousineau. Chris read a chapter called, "The Mountain Man." The story was wonderful but the quote that caught my attention was by Carl Jung, "Never say just a symbol."

When I heard this quote my head perked up because I've been knee-deep in symbolism and metaphors as I do my work as a Spiritual Psychic Medium. Often, when I've begun a reading for a client I see a clairvoyant visual, which could be a single picture or it could be moving like on a movie screen. Sometimes the visual is accompanied by clairaudient words and/or clairsentient feelings. Often when I begin a reading these days, I simply explain, as clearly as possible, what Spirit has given me to relay to the client. I tell them that what I'm relaying could be symbolic or it could be literal...or it could be a bit of both. Whether the client can relate to what I'm saying or not, I ask Spirit for more information and delve deeper into the 'story.' Thankfully, I get a power surge of Kundalini energy up my spine when what I've presented is on-target, letting me know to continue down that path. Otherwise, I continue to ask for help from Spirit to put us on the path that is for the best and highest good of the client.

So anyways, hearing Jung's quote read by Chris got me thinking about how Spirit gives me a story-of-sorts to gift the client who has trusted me to read for them. I have come to the conclusion that symbols are no less important than literal facts. That which is symbolic and that which is literal intertwine to tell a person's story. In that story there are many, many chapters already written...as well as chapters happening right now...and chapters yet to unfold in the future. Each person who encounters a story, be it their own or that of someone else, may interpret the story in any variety of ways. We all have free will to play out the chapters. We all have free will to decide how we will respond.

Here's another 2 quotes that caught my eye in Mr. Cousineau's excellent book:

"There are only two or three human stories,
and they go on repeating themselves as fiercely
as if they had never happened before;
like the larks in this country,
that have been singing the same five notes
over for thousands of years."
~Willa Cather, O Pioneers!

"If you miss the story, you miss your life."
~ Phil Cousineau, The Oldest Story In The World

Breathe

2011-07-09T13:46:00.005-04:00

If someone had mentioned back when I was a kid, or a teen, or even during much of my adulthood, that I'd be interested in learning how to properly breathe, I would have thought they were pulling my leg. However, learning to breathe is exactly what one of my interests are these days.

For much of last year, whenever I had a session at school (FOTS), a small group of my classmates and I would go early (6:30 am) to class for a wonderful yoga session, led by Rev. Don Scott. For a bit about Rev. Don, scroll to his name on this page. So much has been positively life changing over this last year, and my introduction to yoga via Rev. Don is right up there at the top of the list. I would always leave FOTS after each school session determined to fit yoga into my life at home and for months I wasn't exactly successful at doing so. Well, I can finally say that yoga practice is now firmly ensconced into my daily ritual. Presently, I'm using DVDs to help with my yoga sessions, but down the line I'd like to go to local classes and study under a teacher, when finances permit. DVDs are particularly nice, however, in that you can use them at whatever time is most convenient for you...something not always the case with a live-person class.

Some of the really beneficial exercises that Rev. Don includes in his yoga sessions have to do with breathing. On the first day back of each school session, I would have a hard time holding my breath and even attempting what was suggested. If we were at school for a weekend tho', by the last day such breathing exercises were most definitely easier. This rightfully led me to believe that if I practiced breathing, I would get better at the exercises. And the benefits of such exercises include a calm, focused energy that's almost hard to describe unless you've felt it before.

I went a'searching on Amazon for breathing DVDs. I found only one where its primary goal was to teach correct breathing. What a wonderful DVD it is: "Max Strom - Learn To Breath." I had never heard of this Yoga Master who I have already come to respect. The breathing exercises are fabulous and do-able. Each day I practice, I get better and better at doing the techniques. I've now settled in to first working through Max's practice session (which takes less than 1/2 hour) and then moving on to one of my other yoga DVDs. Beginning with the breathing and moving on to yoga positions/stretching is a combo that works really well together. Eventually, when finances permit, I want to get Max's yoga 2-DVD set, "Max Strom Yoga - Strength, Grace, Healing," because I'm sure it's equally as good as his breathing DVD. He's also recently published a book that's getting great reviews entitled, "A Life Worth Breathing - A Yoga Master's Handbook of Strength, Grace, and Healing."

Now when I go back to school in September, perhaps I won't be struggling as much with Rev. Don's excellent breathing exercises. Here's hoping we can nudge Rev. Don into getting a breathing/yoga DVD collection ready and available for his groupies and to-be-groupies to purchase!

My friend and teacher, ravenstar, wrote a wonderful past post on breathing: CONSCIOUS BREATHING. Please do check it out!!!

My New Business Card

2011-07-07T15:42:00.004-04:00

My new business cards arrived in the mail today. I'm quite pleased with them. I like the black 'n white photos and the taddy bit of blue lettering. It's wonderful that the cards have all the pertinent info...all my cards prior to this were usually missing something important...not these...they're just right. Nice!

The front of the card.

The back of the card.

Five FREE Skype Or Phone Readings - July

2011-07-01T12:45:00.011-04:00

It's July! Time again for my offer of 5 free Skype or phone readings. The first 5 people to respond to this offer will get a free 30-minute reading during the month of July. PLUS, I can...for no extra charge...send a MP3 recording of your reading to you via e-mail. Send your request with the type of reading you prefer to my e-mail address: spinningjenny57@hotmail. If you have a webcam and are signed up with Skype, this is as close to an in-person reading as we can presently get. Skype-to-Skype does not cost anything for either of us. If you do not have a webcam, a phone reading is instead offered. In either case, we simply agree on a day/time that is convenient for each of us. With regards to phone readings, if you are one of the 5, you will be required to call me on the day and at the time we agree upon.

I will list the first names of the first five people who respond to this offer on this post. Once the five people are listed, that's it for the FREE readings for that particular month. I'll re-post this offer at the beginning of each month and the process will begin again. One free reading per year, per individual, please. However, do tell your friends and family about the offer.

Please note that now that I am in seminary (see My First Week Of School), I can count my Skype/phone readings for my homework reading requirement. I will send a brief questionnaire t0 each person who requests a reading to kindly fill out and send back to me after they receive their reading. These questionnaires are then handed in to my teachers as proof that a reading has been completed.

An additional service of free distance healing energy work (distance Reiki) will be offered to all who request a Skype/phone reading. This is optional on your part but hopefully something that you will desire. Once your reading is done and the questionnaire is filled out, I will set up a 1/2 hour time slot with you to facilitate the distance healing energy work. Again, I can use this energy work for my healing homework assignment and so will ask that you fill out a brief questionnaire relating to it.

#1. Nic - completed
#2. Anna - completed
#3. Melanie - completed
#4. Tina - completed
#5. Michelle

Thank you! I look forward to doing a reading and healing energy work for YOU!

Of Rosary Beads And Spiders

2011-06-23T09:38:00.004-04:00

My Ma crossed over in 1995 at the age of 80. I was greatly proud of how she took care of herself during her lifetime, especially in the classy way she dressed. In fact, 'classic' would be a term I'd use to describe her taste in clothes, shoes, etc. I have a vivid memory of how a classmate of mine in grade school was, for some reason, jealous of me and my Ma. On the playground, this classmate taunted that my Ma was ugly and didn't know how to dress. It was the first and only time I had ever gotten into a fist fight. I was so enraged, friends had to pull me off her as I was yanking HARD on that girl's hair. This was when I was in 4th grade or so. To say I was loyal to my family would be an understatement! LOL!

A favorite memory of mine was how Ma would let me 'play' in her jewelry drawer. We most definitely were anything but wealthy, but Ma had a drawer full of treasures. Hands-down, two of my favorite pieces of her jewelry are in the above picture: the spider pin (bottom) and the rosary bead bracelet (lower right corner). Also kept safe in Ma's drawer was her rosary (upper right corner). I wouldn't be surprised if drool was coming out of my mouth every time I looked at and handled these three pieces as a kid.

Now it's hard to say just how old Ma's pin, bracelet, and rosary are. They probably all go back to at least the 1930's-40's, if not earlier. It would not matter if an appraiser labeled them worthless, for they are priceless to me. There's a certain heft to holding each one of them and the beautiful energy they emit is hard to describe.

In the upper left corner of the pic is a rosary bead necklace. This would not have been found in Ma's drawer, for it was mine. In fact, I made it when I was in 5th grade in the after-school rosary making class. Yes, being in such a class was my idea of a good time. All year we learned how to make rosaries for the missions. Since we were going to be confirmed in the Catholic church that year, we were also allowed to make a necklace to wear on Confirmation. I was the only kid, if my memory serves me well, to choose clear beads. Everyone else picked pretty colored beads. I, of course, chose the clear beads because they reminded me of Ma's rosary and rosary bracelet. Somehow I felt closer to Ma for doing so.

Fast forward to recently... I wore Ma's spider pin and her rosary bracelet when I was ordained as an Associate Minister in the Spiritualist church. I also wore my rosary necklace. Please see past post: Expect The Unexpected.

When my my friend and teacher, Janice, saw from my pic that I had worn this jewelry at ordination, Janice wrote to me:

"When I envisioned you as a child admiring, hankering for your mom's rosary, it was almost as if this was a very crucial moment; a knowing; a goal you'd be heading towards, though at the time it was hidden. Kind of like a dream we remember upon waking and then suddenly it's gone. Though you didn't know it, you have been blindly following its trail. But to get to it we have to do our homework, find your signature so to speak....ha look at the necklace you made in school! And even the pin is symbolic. You've gone from spinning spider to spiritual spider and it too was worn on your graduation. Yup, I'd say that's pretty cool!"

Pretty cool, indeed.

Of note: As a spinner, I've been wearing spider pins for years and years. Often when I taught spinning I would have one pinned to my outfit. For more on spider and her gifts, please see the past post: Spiders.

Also, I've begun a little business making rosaries and prayer beads that honor various religions and spiritual paths. There will even be a line of 'good intention beads' for those who are squeamish with the word 'prayer.' I've not actually listed any rosaries/prayer beads for sale yet in my Etsy shop, which goes by the name...of course..."The Spiritual Spider"...for I've first been making prayer beads for friends, family, etc. But eventually there will be offerings for sale in the shop. Coming "Full Circle" seem to be a term that describes this journey to a T.

Adiemus - Songs Of Sanctuary

2011-06-21T18:30:00.014-04:00

"Adiemus," by Karl Jenkins

"Hymn" by Karl Jenkins

"Amate Adea," by Karl Jenkins

Several years ago, sometime after we had arrived back in the States and after having lived in Toronto for three years, I was needing something to balance all the fiber work I was doing both at home and in my day job. In fact, I found myself aching for creative balance...looking for something decidedly tipped away from fibers. I joined the Brattleboro Women's Chorus and one of our productions was to sing the entirety of "Adiemus - Songs of Sanctuary." All songs are in non-lexical vocables...meaning the words have no standardized meaning, per se. It was challenging to learn and sing these musical pieces of art. Beautiful, beautiful tunes. I've never forgotten this amazing experience, nor this comforting, timeless music. Above are three of the wonderful songs for you to enjoy. It was hard to pick just three, as the whole original CD is incredible and so worth owning.

More Recorded Dreams

2011-06-16T15:20:00.003-04:00

Here are a few of the latest dreams that I recorded...

2/25/11
I was in a large house where Mick Jagger and I were packaging a tobacco product that apparently was superior to anything on the market. We had to mix and combine it with a sort of rock salt and other ingredients. I had no interest in the product regarding using it myself, although Mick was clearly excited about trying it, as well as selling it.

3/7/11
I had just begun working in a K-mart-like store in the woman's clothing department. A manager in that department was complaining about how one of her workers had put clothing in the back storage room that was on or about to go on sale. The manager was irritated and talked badly about the worker because of this. I made a mental not to myself not to do what the worker did but also how badly the manager, herself, had acted right at the beginning of beginning to know me and train me.

4/19/11
Chris and I were teaching and living at a school where it was a tradition to have faculty and students dress up in wacky costumes for graduation. In the dream I was looking at the graduation procession, as if I was a fly on the wall, and noted that it was outrageous!

4/22/11
Chris and I were in a HUGE, luxurious ship owned and run by George Harrison (...of the Beatles' fame...who was still alive on this earth plane in my dream). There was a lake-sized pool on the ship. Apparently the ship was still docked because it had a hole in it that was being repaired. There were all sorts of little shops on board...all of them selling candles. The color of the candle in each shop dictated the theme of what else was sold in that particular shop. I overheard a mother and daughter speaking with a heavy Cockney accent. In a rather sarcastic way (the mother worked in one of the shops) the mother said, "Well, if there's a bloody leak in this boat we're not heading out to sea with him. That's all there is to it!"

5/29/11
Dreams came and went all night but I only remembered this one... I was teaching a very large class as a substitute teacher. I was arranging the class in rows of chairs as to each student's astrological Sun sign. Two 'officials' came in from the school district to inspect me. One, not very nicely said, "Are you aware of the air quality in here? It's stifling and students may faint." I responded that I'd open a few windows.

6/16/11
I was at an amusement park and all the rides were there to advance my own and other people's spiritual development. I found myself on a roller coaster...not of my own choosing, I might add...and realized I did NOT need to go on this particular ride right now. The ride was being orchestrated by someone who chose the ride for himself, not for my highest and best. I asked to get off and found myself perched on metal walkways that were very narrow and hard to walk on. I knew I had to get away from the ride so I reminded myself to be careful and to walk away slowly.

Expect The Unexpected

2011-06-11T12:55:00.015-04:00

Beloved FOTS

The FOTS building...where I go to school in Lily Dale, New York

Reverend Jeannine M. Bakriges, Associate Minister of the Spiritualist Church AND Certified Associate Metaphysician

Last Saturday I was finishing up an entire week at FOTS, culminating with our year-one graduation ceremony. I am now an Associate Minister in the Spiritualist Church...Reverend Jenny Bakriges at your service. I can now marry, bury, and be admitted into ICU units of the hospital, if needed. Next year at this same time, my classmates and I will be graduating as lifetime Ministers of the Spiritualist Church.

I have to admit, in my wildest dreams I couldn't have guessed I'd ever be a reverend in this lifetime. For one thing, I was raised Catholic and women reverends aren't accepted in that church. But I must admit I LOVE being Reverend Jenny and look forward to all that it entails. Of course this won't be difficult when celebrating the happy times with folks, but if I can be of help to folks in their difficult times, then I will be doing my job well.

Chris arrived in Lily Dale, NY on the early afternoon of my graduation. At first I could tell he was decidedly uncomfortable. After all, Lily Dale is no average sort of place. But also I think he was inundated by my enthusiastic-and-beyond-high-vibrational energy, accumulated to a near-fever pitch after a full week of meditation, yoga, and hanging with my classmates, mentors, and instructors...all of whom raised the vibrations to BEYOND HIGH levels. It was enough energy...albeit, positive energy...to knock anyone for a loop, especially someone who wasn't expecting it! But once he took a walk around Lily Dale's beautiful grounds and settled in, he was soon his old self...loving, supportive, and friendly. In fact, he turned into a proud, picture-taking-maniac on the night of the graduation. I'd venture to bet that many of the flashes in the Healing Temple, where our ceremony took place on the grounds of Lily Dale, were from his camera.

The week leading up to our graduation was busy, busy, busy. We had three 'visiting' instructors, as well as offerings from our amazing in-house mentors and instructors. All three of the visiting instructors are listed on this page by name, so take a peek to read about each one: Rev. Neal Repzkowski, M.D.; Rev. Gregory Kehn; and Caroline Boddie.

Both Rev. Neal and Rev. Greg gave us priceless instruction in giving psychic mediumship readings. I can absolutely say that each of them gave me tips that have already taken my readings up several notches. What profound gifts they gave us! Thank you, Rev. Neal and Rev. Greg!

Also, I sooooooo enjoyed our class with Reiki Master and healing crystal expert, Caroline Boddie. The healing techniques she showed us using crystals are excellent and do-able. And added to that, she sold high quality crystals and crystal jewelry at incredibly affordable prices. I'll admit that I came home with two pendants...a gold-flecked lapis lazuli set in sterling silver and a very light-colored, high vibrational amethyst, also set in sterling silver. Plus, I chose two clear quartz crystal points for my healing work. Nice!!! Thank you, Caroline!

There were many, many moments from my last week of year-one at school of a nature that are too personal to share here. I hold ALL these moments close to my heart and am thankful for them. I did get permission, however, to share one experience on the blog from the other two classmates that I was with when it all happened. The story follows...

One late evening after class, two of my classmates suggested I go with them for ice cream. We headed to Walmart for their Ben and Jerry's pint that they had planned to share, and to Mickey D's for my soft-serve snack cup. On the way back to FOTS, I was busy eating my ice cream in the back seat, when the classmate who was driving gasped at what she had seen on the side of the road. As she described the woman, she quickly turned the car around and headed back to where the woman was. The woman appeared very intoxicated on drugs or alcohol, and had been weaving back and forth into the busy highway traffic. My classmate in the passenger's seat rolled her side of the window down and what was apparent was that all was not right with the woman. Her voice was oddly high pitched...squeeky and downright squeely...and her face was red and raw, almost as if someone had taken sandpaper to the skin. The woman was busily puffing away on a cigarette. It was hard to tell what her age was, tho' we later found out that she was in her 30's. Thankfully, she had been dressed in all white, because otherwise she may have been an accident casualty before we had reached her. Our driver explained that we were all ministers and women in the car, and told her she was also an RN and we just wanted to help her. After several more questions, our driver got on the phone to call one of our main instructors, Rev. Elaine, who is one of the co-founders of FOTS, for advice. As she did so, my classmate in the passenger's seat kept asking the woman questions, doing so in a gentle and kind fashion which insured that the woman would not bolt or get scared. The decision was made for the woman to be taken to the hospital and she slid in next to me in the back seat. I shall not divulge the particulars of what we found out about the woman, but suffice to say there was more to the story that made it imperative this woman get help for her and her family. Once we got to the hospital, I took her in to get admitted. Between the woman and I, we were able to let the hospital admitting staff know that it was important she be listened to and receive help. Once in the hospital staff's capable hands, I went back out to the car.

I am very proud of the three of us and how, together, we handled the situation with delicacy and love. We are all grateful for Rev. Elaine's advice at a most crucial time. We are all grateful for Spirit's guidance and help. I teased my two classmates about how we operated together like 'Charlie's Angels'...but should, instead, be called 'Rev. Elaine's Angels.' LOL! Blessings all around.

Five FREE Skype Or Phone Readings - June

2011-06-06T21:14:00.008-04:00

It's June! Time again for my offer of 5 free Skype or phone readings. The first 5 people to respond to this offer will get a free 30-minute reading during the month of June. PLUS, I can...for no extra charge...send a MP3 recording of your reading to you via e-mail. Send your request with the type of reading you prefer to my e-mail address: spinningjenny57@hotmail. If you have a webcam and are signed up with Skype, this is as close to an in-person reading as we can presently get. Skype-to-Skype does not cost anything for either of us. If you do not have a webcam, a phone reading is instead offered. In either case, we simply agree on a day/time that is convenient for each of us. With regards to phone readings, if you are one of the 5, you will be required to call me on the day and at the time we agree upon.

I will list the first names of the first five people who respond to this offer on this post. Once the five people are listed, that's it for the FREE readings for that particular month. I'll re-post this offer at the beginning of each month and the process will begin again. One free reading per year, per individual, please. However, do tell your friends and family about the offer.

Please note that now that I am in seminary (see My First Week Of School), I can count my Skype/phone readings for my homework reading requirement. I will send a brief questionnaire t0 each person who requests a reading to kindly fill out and send back to me after they receive their reading. These questionnaires are then handed in to my teachers as proof that a reading has been completed.

An additional service of free distance healing energy work (distance Reiki) will be offered to all who request a Skype/phone reading. This is optional on your part but hopefully something that you will desire. Once your reading is done and the questionnaire is filled out, I will set up a 1/2 hour time slot with you to facilitate the distance healing energy work. Again, I can use this energy work for my healing homework assignment and so will ask that you fill out a brief questionnaire relating to it.

#1. Chilla - completed
#2. Patti
#3. Tara - completed
#4. Miranda - completed
#5. Brian - completed

Thank you! I look forward to doing a reading and healing energy work for YOU!

Please note that Empath Readings are still available for a fixed donation. See the right sidebar of this blog for more information about Empath Readings.

June 2011 Notice

2011-05-27T21:28:00.003-04:00

Hello Spiritual Spider readers! I will be away at school for the first week of June. My offer of 5 Free Readings for the month of June will be posted sometime after I get back. Please stay tuned.
Thank you!

Bright Blessings,
Jenny

An Unforgettable Meditation Experience

2011-05-26T13:29:00.010-04:00

The last time I was at school at FOTS I had a few hours before the person who I drive with, Marie (one of the mentors at FOTS who just happens to live in New Hampshire, state neighbor to where I live in Vermont), and I were to leave for home.

The morning was bright and beautiful at Lily Dale, where all my classmates and mentors stay when attending school. I did as I always do when the weather is nice...took a nice long 'swing' on the swingset. Afterward, I decided to pray as I walked Lily Dale's labyrinth. For a brief, but excellent, write-up on labyrinths by Sig Lonegren (one of our amazing teachers at FOTS) and/or others at the The Labyrinth Society, please read: About Labyrinths.

Afterward, I settled on a bench near the labrynth to meditate with the Sutras. Somewhere during that time I felt a STRONG presence of someone standing in front of me. The air around me had changed drastically. I resisted the feeling to open my eyes, knowing that a lot of earthbound spirits (perhaps you call them 'ghosts') walk the grounds of Lily Dale, and figured it was one of them. I have rarely, if ever, encountered earthbound spirits outside of Lily Dale...I'm no 'ghost buster' type and have a strong feeling that such work is not my calling. Let's face it, I don't go looking for ghosts and I know Chris would rather NOT have such uninvited guests in or anywhere near our house. But there was one, right in front of me.

I spoke to the man, for that is what he was...a middle-aged man with what I determined were intense stomach problems from his last incarnation. I asked him telepathically to sit next to me on the bench, which he did. He didn't feel scary in any way...just lonely. As he sat with me, I could feel his heavy energy lighten a bit. Next thing you know, other earthbound spirits joined him. It was getting...well...a bit too crowded for my liking. I then said a prayer to send them ALL to the Light. Then I literally SAW, albeit momentarily, an intense orange-yellow light with my eyes closed. I knew that they all had crossed over together and I felt very peaceful knowing they were finally where they needed to be. Nice.

Two Kinds Of Intelligence

2011-05-25T05:30:00.009-04:00

Two Kinds Of Intelligence

There are two kinds of intelligence: One acquired,
as a child in school memorizes facts and concepts
from books and from what the teacher says,
collecting information from the traditional sciences
as well as from the new sciences.

With such intelligence you rise in the world.
You get ranked ahead or behind others
in regard to your competence in retaining
information. You stroll with this intelligence
in and out of fields of knowledge, getting always more
marks on your preserving tablets.

There is another kind of tablet, one
already completed and preserved inside you.
A spring overflowing its springbox. A freshness
in the center of the chest. This other intelligence
does not turn yellow or stagnate. It's fluid,
and it doesn't move from outside to inside
through the conduits of plumbing-learning.

This second knowing is a fountainhead
from within you, moving out.
Rumi

Thank you, ravenstar, for sharing this wonderful poem.

The 'Sour Grapes' Syndrome

2011-05-18T13:55:00.016-04:00

As a kid growing up in Detroit I spent most of my elementary school days at a Catholic Parochial school. I was at one, particular school from 3rd grade to 8th grade. My family lived approximately a mile from the school and while I would get a ride in the morning, usually by my girlfriend's mom who lived across the alley from me, I was...for some reason or t'other...on my own to walk home each day.

Most of the kids in my class lived much closer to the school, and only a few went my way. There was one girl who occasionally would walk with me part of the way home. For the first few times things went nicely. We chatted and walked and chatted and walked. But for some unknown reason (at the time) to me, she became what I'll term as 'sour grapes.' In fact, let's call her 'Sour Grapes' to keep her anonymous.

Being just a little kid, I had no idea why this change in her happened. And being the deep-thinking, introspective child that I was (and still am) I pondered and pondered some more on why this occurred. Now I'm no fool to think that I'm everyone's cuppa tea (let it not be said that I think I'm everyone's darling*), BUT for the life of me, I couldn't figure this girl out, nor her reaction to me...at least not at first. What was really weird was that I actually thought that this girl and I had some neat things in common. It must have been somewhere around 3rd or 4th grade that I actually named a syndrome after her. No joke. Because it's best to stick with her name as being 'Sour Grapes' (tho' please know that I used her actual full name for the syndrome), whenever I encountered in my life someone who just plain didn't like me, I called it the 'Sour Grapes Syndrome.' My kids have heard her name more than once over the years and just accept it as family legend. I'm 53 now so that's a long time to be bantering this girl's (now woman's) name about. I wonder what she'd think if she knew that she's gone down in the history of my family as the title for a not-so-nice syndrome. Sets me 'a worrying that it's possible that maybe I, too, am the name of some family's syndrome. eesh...hope not...lol... Keeps me on my best-behavior-toes...well, at least as much as a spider can be...LOL!

Over my 31 years of marriage to Chris, he's heard me use the name of this syndrome whenever any of our family encountered folks we knew didn't like us. So over those years, Chris and I have chatted about the 'why-might-this-be-so' regarding each situation. I'd say that 99 times out of 100 (more or less) it had to do with jealousy of some sort. Jealousy is a real son-of-a-gun-tough-cookie because the person who the other is jealous about feels nigh to helpless to do anything about it. After all, jealousy often crops up when a person dislikes someone for simply being who they are and what they, themselves, are often not. It involves all sorts of issues, including lack of self esteem, insecurity, resentment, possibly even fear, and the potential for MUCH more on the part of the jealous person. Jealousy can be downright dangerous. It's a lose-lose situation because everyone feels bad when jealousy enters the picture.

Nowadays I know I CAN do something positive when I encounter the 'Sour Grapes Syndrome.' I quietly say the prayer taught to our class by Rev. Elaine at FOTS: May the God Power in me greet the God Power in thee, in the name of the Holy Spirit, for the Highest Good of all. This amazing...and I mean amazing...prayer allows my Higher Self to address the other person's Higher Self, where no jealousy or other untoward attributes exist. A good prayer indeed, that can be repeated as often as you like, for as long as you like, in whatever situation you deem it will help with. And know that it WILL HELP. You'll see...

* An aside, tho' related, and speaking primarily about myself...I've been known to say that one blazing Sagittarius Sun (that would be me) is about all an entire roomful of water signs (Scorpio, Pisces, and Cancer...who for some reason I am surrounded by in my lifetime; Chris included as a Cancer Sun) could take (shall we say 'stomach'?) in any given moment. As for the other signs and what they think about us Sag's...well, I think it may go downhill from there...lol... Oh, and then adding the fact that I have Aquarius rising may lead one to the conclude that I'm a bit too...well, toooo something...for some folks to handle, let alone tolerate.

No 'Buts' Allowed

2011-05-14T13:41:00.019-04:00

Last weekend, once again, I was able to inhale all the wonderful energy and knowledge that is imparted at FOTS. Presently, I'm excited that a fellow spinning friend is taking Spiritual Insight Training I as I tap this post out. AND, another spinning friend who is finishing up Second Year School and will soon be a lifetime Minister of the Spiritualist Church, is actually mentoring the SIT 1 class the next weekend following this first session. How cool is that?!!!

During my last session at FOTS we were taught by three different instructors. On Friday evening and for the morning and afternoon of Saturday, Dr. Kenneth Koles amazed us with the depth and breadth of his wisdom. I've never seen anyone do what Dr. Koles does and I'm not sure I can adequately explain it. Among other things, he practices Applied Kinesiology. I've never seen anyone speak as fast as he does when he's doing alternative healing on someone. And I'd be hard pressed to say I know anyone who has such an extensive meditation practice when he wakes up in the morning...not that I've interviewed a whole lot of folks about this...lol. Let's just say it's mind-blowing. At the end of our Friday session with him, I found myself scratching my head wondering what I've been doing with the majority of my 53 years on this planet, for goodness sakes! But after our Saturday workshop with him, I settled in to realize that what Dr. Kole does is a synthesis of MUCH rigorous study in various alternative healing practices and spiritual paths...perfect for him...and not necessarily something I have to do, nor would even want to do. That said, if I'm ever in the Cleveland, Ohio area, I would not hesitate to book a check-up appointment with this incredible man.

On Saturday evening at FOTS, we were led by Rev. Tom Cratsley, my school's Assistant Director, in group distance healing. It was an incredibly powerful experience, to say the least. I'm regularly involved in doing distance healing for clients myself, but when you gather a circle of healers together to send such healing energy to those in need...well, I'm surprised the roof didn't blow off the top of the building because the collective vibrations were indescribably heightened. We were encouraged to share what we were seeing and/or hearing and/or feeling throughout this work, and that, in and of itself, was a learning experience. WOW!

During the day on Sunday at FOTS we were instructed by Ed McGaa. What an honor to be in the same room as this man. I was situated front and center as he spoke, and I found myself mesmerized by the stories he told and the personal experiences he relayed. From his website: "Ed McGaa (Eagle Man) is a registered tribal member of the Oglala Sioux and was born on the Pine Ridge reservation." I hadn't planned on buying one of his books, but having this gentleman right there with us and knowing then and there that I'd love to own a book autographed by him, led me to purchase, "Creator's Code: Planetary Survival & Beyond," Four Directions Publishing, Minneapolis, 2007. I'm presently reading this book and savoring each word.

After our class on Sunday I was blessed to be part of a Sweat Lodge, led by Dr. Neil Rzepkowski. Here's what is written about Dr. Neil on the FOTS website: "Dr. Neal Rzepkowski has been interested in Spiritualism since he came to Lily Dale when he was 16 and received his first reading. That started a spiritual journey of adventure. He was ordained as a Spiritualist minister in June of 1978, one month after graduating as an "M.D.", and is also a registered medium in Lily Dale. Spirit led him to begin doing sweat lodges in Lily Dale 15 yrs. ago, and he continues to do them. As a medical doctor, his specialties include HIV Medicine and Family Practice with a holistic approach. He himself has been HIV positive for over 24 yrs., and in part credits the healing vibrations around Lily Dale to his continuing good health."
Dr. Neil is a knowledgeable, gentle, caring, and loving person. He set up, patiently instructed, and led several of us...all newbies to the particulars of what happens in a Sweat Lodge...in this incredible healing ritual. I shall never, ever, forget his kindness and my first experience in a Sweat Lodge. For more info on Sweat Lodges, please see: Sweat Lodge.

Last but not least, I had a wonderful talk with the owner of the Sunset View Guest House (please see: Lily Dale Assembly » Guest Homes), where I have lodging reserved during both years of school. We were chatting about next year's schooling and beyond. She reminded me of our earlier NLP training at school. We had been taught to remove the word 'but' from our vocabularies. Why? Because 'but' negates everything said prior to it. We were encouraged to replace 'but' with 'and.' Good, positive advice. Not easy to do...and...worth striving for.

I'll end with a quote I saw on the fridge of the FOTS office. I'm not sure who is the author of this quote. It tickles me so much that I laugh out loud whenever I think of it.

"Enlightenment takes a long time - unless it doesn't."

Oh...one more thing...consider checking out this inspiring video: Carrots, Eggs, or Coffee Beans
Thank you, Neil, for posting this little gem on Facebook!

Witchi-Tai-To

2011-05-10T17:45:00.010-04:00

Many years ago my husband, Chris, a jazz pianist, was gigging in Turkey. One evening Chris went to Naima Jazz Club in Istanbul, where the great jazz saxophonist, Jim Pepper (1941-1992), was playing. Jim was the son of a Creek Indian mother and a Kaw father. At the time Chris saw him, Jim was already very ill. Chris was asked to sit in and play with him. It was an experience my husband has talked about many times since, and goes down as one of the highlights of his life.

Here's a YouTube video that celebrates one of Jim Pepper's wonderful tunes, "Witchi-Tai-To":

Witchi Tai To

Five FREE Skype Or Phone Readings - May

2011-05-01T05:41:00.009-04:00

It's May! Time again for my offer of 5 free Skype or phone readings. The first 5 people to respond to this offer will get a free 30-minute reading during the month of May. PLUS, I can...for no extra charge...send a MP3 recording of your reading to you via e-mail. Send your request with the type of reading you prefer to my e-mail address: spinningjenny57@hotmail. If you have a webcam and are signed up with Skype, this is as close to an in-person reading as we can presently get. Skype-to-Skype does not cost anything for either of us. If you do not have a webcam, a phone reading is instead offered. In either case, we simply agree on a day/time that is convenient for each of us. With regards to phone readings, if you are one of the 5, you will be required to call me on the day and at the time we agree upon.

I will list the first names of the first five people who respond to this offer on this post. Once the five people are listed, that's it for the FREE readings for that particular month. I'll re-post this offer at the beginning of each month and the process will begin again. One free reading per year, per individual, please. However, do tell your friends and family about the offer.

Please note that now that I am in seminary (see My First Week Of School), I can count my Skype/phone readings for my homework reading requirement. I will send a brief questionnaire t0 each person who requests a reading to kindly fill out and send back to me after they receive their reading. These questionnaires are then handed in to my teachers as proof that a reading has been completed.

An additional service of free distance healing energy work (distance Reiki) will be offered to all who request a Skype/phone reading. This is optional on your part but hopefully something that you will desire. Once your reading is done and the questionnaire is filled out, I will set up a 1/2 hour time slot with you to facilitate the distance healing energy work. Again, I can use this energy work for my healing homework assignment and so will ask that you fill out a brief questionnaire relating to it.

#1. Winifred ~ completed
#2. Shonna ~ completed
#3. Kris
#4. Jean ~ completed
#5. Patti ~ completed

Thank you! I look forward to doing a reading and healing energy work for YOU!

Please note that Empath Readings are still available for a fixed donation. See the right sidebar of this blog for more information about Empath Readings.

Standing In Your Truth

2011-04-28T19:16:00.007-04:00

During my life, most especially during the school years, to say I struggled with math would be an understatement. No one in my family could help me with my math homework, least of all my Dad. My Ma would give the excuse that Dad simply didn't understand the 'new' math, as it was then presented in the 1960's, and she suggested not to even discuss it with him because it made him upset. What I realized much later was that he just felt bad that he couldn't help me, and was embarrassed by the fact. It wasn't until a kind, 6th grade teacher, Sister Carol, took me aside and gave me individual mini-lessons in math, teaching me differently than anyone prior to her, that I could finally somewhat pass my math tests and quizzes. And it was not again until 9th grade algebra, did I have an equally patient teacher, Sister Justitia, who was able to teach me in a way that made math not seem quite so daunting, enabling me to finish with an 'A' in the class. Alas, that was the last instructor I encountered who was able to help me with math. Tenth grade geometry was a huge bust. And let's not even talk about any math classes after that.

I couldn't understand why I could not do math equations at all in my head. No instructor whatsoever seemed to question this issue. I was never tested for anything. I hid that I used my fingers to count as best as I could. Let's face it...as I grew into an adult, I hid that I still had to use my fingers to count and to this day I cannot add, subtract, multiply, nor divide in my head pretty much at all...and I cannot compute equations on paper too well, either!

Both of our sons had difficulty with math, but it wasn't until my youngest son was extensively tested did we find out he had a MATH LEARNING DISABILITY. Everything that my son had difficulty with regarding math, I did so, as well. And like my Dad, I felt useless and ashamed at not being able to help our sons in math. (BTW, Chris isn't all that great at math, either!) But after our youngest son was diagnosed, it finally dawned on me that I, too, had a MATH LEARNING DISABILITY. What was so liberating was learning that my struggle had a name. Nothing to be ashamed of. Nothing to have to hide anymore. I didn't have to be embarrassed that math was difficult for me ever again. I was out of the closet in no time, telling people if need be about my math disability, and I've never looked back. And once I learned this, I was able to empower others to stand in their truth, including our sons. As they say, the buck stops here...well, let's also say the shame stops here.

Recently, as a substitute teacher, I encountered a child with whom I was required to work one-on-one with in math. My employers know I have a math disability, so they do not put me in regular math classes to work with students. But, in this case, the situation was where a student came to the special education room, where I was working that day, and it just happened to be math he was to work on for a bit. Imagine...ME being asked to help someone in math! As with everything, I believe it was no mistake that it was me who was to work with this child, albeit for only a half hour of his life. This child was in middle school, and yet was struggling with elementary math. Boy, could I relate. Instead of trying to hide my own math disability from him, I took a moment to share that I understood what he was going through. I explained how I had coped all the 30+ years I was a fiber artist, tackling math as a spinning, dyeing, and knitting practitioner and instructor...after all, math is in everything, one way or the other... I explained to this child how I often approached mathematical tasks in 'other' ways than what is generally taught in school. I explained how, to this day, I am not ashamed to ask math-whiz friends for help with equations, if need be, after I have explained to them what I was aiming to accomplish. I told him I actually wrote a book on the fiber arts, and there was plenty of math tucked inside the pages! I told him that if I could do it, anyone could!!! I encouraged this child so that he, too, would not only be able to cope in this math-minded world, but that he would figure out ways to succeed at whatever it was he set his mind to. I saw how he had his 'counting' fingers below the table as he was working on division problems. I let him know that I, too, still use my fingers to count and wasn't ashamed to tell him so. We smiled knowingly to each other. We stood in our truth, knowing we were much more than beings who were math-challenged. MUCH MORE.

I believe my math disability has helped me over the years to be a better teacher. After having two math instructors who took the time and were able to get through to me, I realized that there's more than one way to tackle problems than just what's considered the norm. As a teacher, I feel it's up to me to try to explain whatever it is that I'm teaching in a way that folks will understand. Yes, this is a challenge for a teacher, but so worth it in the end when you see the smile on the face of someone who successfully understands and accomplishes what they're aiming for.

Forget

2011-04-23T09:01:00.003-04:00

Forget

Forget the suffering
You caused others.
Forget the suffering
Others caused you.
The waters run and run,
Springs sparkle and are done,
You walk the earth you are forgetting.

Sometimes you hear a distant refrain.
What does it mean, you ask, who is singing?
A childlike sun grows warm.
A grandson and a great-grandson are born.
You are led by the hand once again.

The names of the rivers remain with you.
How endless those rivers seem!
Your fields lie fallow,
The city towers are not as they were.
You stand at the threshold mute.

—Czesław Miłosz

As seen in today's Parabola newsletter. Parabola, btw, is a magazine worth getting a subscription to, in my humble opinion. Recently got a gift subscription for Chris!

Begin With One Small Step

2011-04-20T13:40:00.004-04:00

"On the other side of your greatest fears lives your greatest life." ~Robin Sharma

A website worth visiting: Lead Out Loud

2011 Whole Health Expo In Northampton, MA

2011-04-19T14:36:00.016-04:00

This past Saturday I spent the whole of my day at another excellent Whole Health Expo, which utilizes the facilities of the Clarion Hotel in Northampton, Massachusetts for a glorious weekend. I always look forward to this event, because for very little cash outlay, I get to go to workshops of my choosing all day long.

This time, as in last year, I chose to spend a little extra $ and signed up for a "Practical Mediumship" workshop given by Gary McKinstry. I first saw Gary at last spring's Expo in the same location, where he was doing platform/gallery-style psychic mediumship readings for people in the audience (see past post: The Spring '10 Whole Health Expo; Gary McKinstry -...). This time 'round, he gave a group of us good tips on giving readings ourselves. I really appreciate Gary's always-ethical approach and his honesty on how occasionally he asks his wife and himself just WHY is he in this profession...LOL! After all, choosing to give readings is hardly the easiest way to make a living. Fulfilling: yes; a bed of roses: no. I will admit that I was a tad disappointed that his presentation was cut 15 minutes short and that no "demonstration" was given as promised, as was listed in Gary's full-page ad in the Spring issue of Many Hands Magazine. Still, I'm glad I took the workshop, as I came away with much to ponder and several good suggestions to help my own giving of readings, all shared with Gary's ever-present sense of humor and generous offering of mediumship techniques.

Here's the classes I took on Saturday, April 16, 2011 (each workshop was 45 minutes long, except for Gary McKinstry's, which lasted an hour and a half):

"Love's Path to Empowerment," by Mary Grace of The Wounded Chalice.
"Discovering Your Psychic Ability," by Lisa Campion of Lisa Campion ~ Psychic, Spiritual Counselor & Energy Healer.
"Practical Mediumship Workshop," by Gary McKinstry of Gary McKinstry G.V.M Productions.
"10 Ways to Preserve Eyesight Naturally," by Dr. Marc Grossman of Natural Eye Care.
"Light Body Activation, Clearing Imbalances, Raising Your Vibration," by Cathy Pedevillano of Heart of Shamanism.
"Facing Adversity and Finding Hope in Each Other," by Patricia Meserve Gauvin of Hope through the Eyes of Love.

I could say really good things about all of the workshops I took, but I'd like to talk specifically about two of them, because they both proved to be very powerful for me on a personal level.

I loved Mary Grace's workshop on love. In fact, the only thing I purchased beyond my tickets at the Expo was her book, "The Wounded Chalice." Mary is a practicing Catholic who is very open-minded and sincere in all that she IS. She channels readings from Mother Mary, and believe me, I can relate because the Madonna has come during quite a few of my energy work/healing sessions. I found Mary Grace to be warm, loving, and a very interesting speaker, conveying the oh-so-important message about, "...honoring the Divinity of the Womb, the instrument fashioned by God to procreate human beings on this planet." When I was purchasing her book at her booth, Mary Grace and I had a nice chat and I immediately felt very comfortable with her and enjoyed our wonderful, shared moment together. On the back of Mary Grace's book, she writes, "Follow Mary Grace along her path as she finds her voice and courage after feeling dominated by the patriarchy of our society. It is time for all women to honor their femininity and role on this planet Earth. Women are born healers who must begin by healing themselves. Depression is rampant among the nurturers of life becasue women are not aware of their special gifts."

The other class that hit home personally was that of Dr. Marc Grossman, O.D., L.Ac.. For the first time in my life I was in the presence of a holistic eye doctor who looked above and beyond giving yet another new prescription for vision that was getting ever worse from visit to visit. I knew I was in the right place when I heard that his research has been on depth perception issues, something I've been dealing with ALL of my life. In the 45 minutes of the workshop, which was packed with participants btw, I knew he couldn't focus on just depth perception because folks had come with concerns about macular degeneration, glaucoma, nearsightedness, farsightedness, and much more. BUT, among many other things, we did an eye exercise where one was supposed to see something...a hotdog shape, to be exact...that I wasn't seeing. Yep, that would be because of my depth perception problem...a problem which keeps me from being able to drive, being able to go down an escalator because I can't see where to step (especially if it's going fast), being able to get down stairs easily (at the very least, I must go slow and feel more comfortable when I'm able to hold on to a railing), and much more. Well, after the eye care workshop, rather than going to another of the workshops I'd been thinking of attending, I went to Dr. Grossman's booth. I found out about a series of books, many now oop but available on Amazon, that he had written that may be of help to me. When I got home, I immediately ordered a copy of one of the books in this series, "Beyond 3D: Improve Your Vision with Magic Eye." Also, over the course of the next few days after the Expo I did more digging on Google. I found this: Irlen Syndrome. When I showed Chris a list of the symptoms regarding spatial awareness and depth perception, he was as astounded as I was. I have EVERY SINGLE SYMPTOM on that list. Sooo, Chris told me to order the books available dealing with this syndrome. For the first time in my life I'm happy to know that what I have dealt with over the years has a name and can be researched. That, in and of itself, is a relief.

To say my visit to the Whole Health Expo was a resounding success would be an understatement. Well worth the $10 admission, eh?!!!

Flying Dreams

2011-04-14T11:44:00.006-04:00

Have you ever had a dream where you, yourself, flew? I've been thinking of some of these 'flying dreams' that I've had in my lifetime.

There's one such dream that occurred more than once when I was a child of 4 or 5, that I still VIVIDLY remember to this day. My family was living in Maryland at the time. I dreamed that I was flying on my back, low to the ground, with my head pointing towards where I was going, and using my flapping arms and legs to guide me where I wanted to go. The dream was SO REAL. The dream was 'lucid,' where I've had obviously excellent recall, being still vivid after all these years.

I poked around on Google to find out more about flying dreams and here's an interesting site I came upon: Dreams of Flying
Check out what "Mystical Blaze" ( Mystical Blaze is an interesting mother-daughter team) said about the type of flying dream I had that I had described above:

"Flying or Floating at Low Altitudes: Floating just above the ground by flapping your hands or arms or peddling your feet is an indication that you have lots of determination and that no matter how hard it gets, you feel you will succeed if you stay on course. This dream is an indication that relief from any setbacks is imminent."

In meditation I have also experienced flying dreams of various types, mostly of the 'free flying' variety (a la Peter Pan), where I travel to or above the clouds, to other planets, and sometimes to other galaxies. Mystical Blaze called these 'free flying' dreams:

"Flying Free: Freely flying as high or as low as you wish using your arms or feet for direction, often with the ability to do acrobatics in the air is an indication that you feel really good about something in your life. You are likely very proud of an achievement at work or at home, and life is good."

Now I'm not sure how Mystical Blaze has learned that these flying dreams are about the situations they've described. After all, just because one finds something on the internet, does not mean it's true. That said, contemplating the meaning of such flying dreams is fascinating. For me, what's tended to work is to go with what I, myself, felt/intuited the dream was about. By keeping a dream journal, which I've done for some time now, I've been able to see patterns in my dreams, helping me to figure out my own language to interpret my personal dreams. 'course there are also those who have been trained in dream work. Once such person who comes to mind is my friend, Patti Frankel. Among many other qualifications, Patti is a graduate of The Haden Institute Dream Leader program..."an intensive 2-year, multi-faceted professional certificate program for dream work and spiritual direction."

Here's a YouTube video of the tune, "Flying Dreams," by Jerry Goldsmith. It comes from the animated movie, "The Secret of Nimh." Yes, this is a children's film...perhaps even a favorite of some...but no matter what, the words in the tune are worth listening to whatever your age.

MY Fine Line Between Criticism and Critique

2011-04-06T11:14:00.011-04:00

I've recently spent another fabulous weekend being immersed in the goodness that is FOTS. Being among my fellow classmates, mentors, and amazing instructors inspires me like nothing else. I am so very grateful to be attending that particular school, which I consider to be the BEST of the BEST for anyone interested in spiritual healing and spiritual mediumship.

We were blessed to be instructed for part of the weekend again by Rev. Barbara Sanson. This is the second time our first-year class was able to soak up all the incredible information that she has to share. Rev. Barbara has been, among other many other things, THE chairperson of Lily Dale's Healing Temple for the last 19 years. She has also been the President of the Mediums League (please see NSAC - Lily Dale) for the last 11 years, as well as an ongoing registered Medium in Lily Dale. Add to this her DELIGHTFUL personality, full of love, wit, and wisdom. I just love her to pieces and admire/respect her greatly.

This time 'round Rev. Barbara taught us more of the 'fine points' regarding doing spiritual readings for clients. What strikes me is how there's no one way to do readings and that all the mediums we have been taught by have their own techniques and personal beliefs that inform them on how to proceed with readings. And the cool thing is that we've been taught by nothing but excellent mediums, even tho' they may differ on the 'fine points.' What we're reminded to do at school is to "take the best and leave the rest"...good advice, indeed...for what works for one person may not be correct for another. That said, I file away in the microfiche that is my brain (now THAT dates me, eh?!) ALL of the excellent advice and consider all the many techniques I'm learning as tools in my toolbox, to be pulled out and used as needed.

One particular incident got me pondering deeply about something that I've been struggling with for much of my life, namely the difference between criticism and critique. Let me explain... For the first time, two of us in class were asked to come up in front of the entire class, with one of the two giving a reading to the other. We've, of course, given MANY readings to each other, but never in front of the whole group. Yikes! Now I'm not afraid of speaking in front of groups and I'm quite comfortable with all of my classmates...BUT...this was a daunting proposition, in part because Rev. Barbara...who I've already admitted that I admire and respect greatly...was literally right next to me as I gave the reading to my classmate. Double Yikes! No, make that Triple Yikes!

Well, I'm not sure what I was nudged by Spirit to give to my classmate (let's call her 'the client'). I rarely remember what comes out of my mouth when I read, even right afterward. However, I always trust that Spirit will have me say what is for the client's best and highest good, and I know Spirit won't leave me hanging. But apparently, as told to me by another classmate, I was literally shaking as I spoke, tho' I didn't even realize this. That is not typical of me to "shake" at all, but totally understandable given the daunting circumstance I found myself in. Well anyways, to make a long story short, apparently I gave the same message in three different ways. I wasn't surprised by this, because I do remember that I didn't 'read' that the client got it the first time 'round. As a teacher in the fiber arts over the years, I've often had to explain something in more than one way. Rev. Barbara gently and kindly explained that she felt my client DID get the message, which was an excellent critique. Also, Rev. Barbara could 'read' me enough to know that critique can easily be misconstrued for criticism, where I'm concerned. Wise Rev. Barbara.

You see, I'm an extremely sensitive soul. As a kid, when I'd get criticized by ANYONE, most particularly by my Ma, I felt it waaayyyyyyy deep and it cut like a knife. So all through the years, it was hard for me to handle criticism in any way, shape, or form. And let's face it, even when someone is attempting nothing more than a critique, they're not always doing so in the gentlest of ways. It's not like the vast majority of humans have been instructed in the finer points of dishing out constructive critique. I KNOW that I have a personal fine line separating criticism from critique. I also know that it's my job to discern the difference between the two, so that the hairs on my back don't stand up in alarm and defense when someone is only attempting to instruct me or relay their own opinion via critique. Not easy...at least not for me.

So that said, I knew that Rev. Barbara was there to help and make me a better spiritual medium. I thought over long and hard what she had said and, let's face it, it's good advice not to waste my time "flogging the proverbial dead horse" if I know I've gotten across the point the first time around. I looked up this expression of "flogging/beating a dead horse" on Wikipedia and found: an idiom that means a particular request or line of conversation is already foreclosed or otherwise resolved, and any attempt to continue it is futile; or that to continue in any endeavour (physical, mental, etc.) is a waste of time as the outcome is already decided. Good advice, indeed! Not easy to follow, but worthwhile to work on.

There was much more that we learned at school this past weekend. All excellent. School at FOTS is and continues to be a life changing experience for me. What a blessing!

Five FREE Skype Or Phone Readings - April

2011-04-04T17:57:00.012-04:00

It's April! Time again for my offer of 5 free Skype or phone readings. The first 5 people to respond to this offer will get a free 30-minute reading during the month of April. PLUS, I can...for no extra charge...send a MP3 recording of your reading to you via e-mail. Send your request with the type of reading you prefer to my e-mail address: spinningjenny57@hotmail. If you have a webcam and are signed up with Skype, this is as close to an in-person reading as we can presently get. Skype-to-Skype does not cost anything for either of us. If you do not have a webcam, a phone reading is instead offered. In either case, we simply agree on a day/time that is convenient for each of us. With regards to phone readings, if you are one of the 5, you will be required to call me on the day and at the time we agree upon.

I will list the first names of the first five people who respond to this offer on this post. Once the five people are listed, that's it for the FREE readings for that particular month. I'll re-post this offer at the beginning of each month and the process will begin again. One free reading per year, per individual, please. However, do tell your friends and family about the offer.

Please note that now that I am in seminary (see My First Week Of School), I can count my Skype/phone readings for my homework reading requirement. I will send a brief questionnaire t0 each person who requests a reading to kindly fill out and send back to me after they receive their reading. These questionnaires are then handed in to my teachers as proof that a reading has been completed.

An additional service of free distance healing energy work (distance Reiki) will be offered to all who request a Skype/phone reading. This is optional on your part but hopefully something that you will desire. Once your reading is done and the questionnaire is filled out, I will set up a 1/2 hour time slot with you to facilitate the distance healing energy work. Again, I can use this energy work for my healing homework assignment and so will ask that you fill out a brief questionnaire relating to it.

#1. Megan - completed
#2. Maya - completed
#3. Kat - completed
#4. Kathy - completed
#5. Elizabeth - completed

Thank you! I look forward to doing a reading and healing energy work for YOU!

Please note that Empath Readings are still available for a fixed donation. See the right sidebar of this blog for more information about Empath Readings.

A Gift

2011-03-26T12:16:00.002-04:00

A beautiful gift was given to me today. A kind reader had sent me a heartfelt e-mail that included this lovely YouTube video. Because she has done so, I can put into motion the positive ripple effect and gift you, dear readers, with this video, as well. Thank you, Nancy, with all my love and a basketful of gratitude.

Here is what Nancy e-mailed to me this morning:
You have shared so many blessings with us, Jenny. This is one for you today.

After I asked if I could share her words and the video, Nancy e-mailed:
Certainly share it, Jenny. In your spinning blog you opened your heart and shared your fiber knowledge, your family and your friends with all of us. In the spiritual blog you go even further, opening your soul and your journey for all of us to travel with you. It is a beautiful thing.

Please consider passing on this video to others. Keep the loving 'flame' going.

I Choose Love

2011-03-22T08:10:00.012-04:00

Have been pondering many of the various choices I have made in my life. One could categorize these choices in many ways, but for now I'll simply stick to big and small choices.

There are the BIG-picture choices that have profoundly affected my life, with the effects of such decisions influencing anything from one particular aspect of my life...to the coloring (for better or worse) of my entire life. Often these big choices have to do with my relationships with people, such as deciding which ones are healthy and good for all concerned, and which ones are best to be terminated. Being married for 31 years, many of my big-picture choices are made in tandem with my Chris and tend to deal with jobs/employment for one or both of us. And often attached to jobs are decisions that have to be made regarding where to live life. Some people stay in one place at one job for most of their lives. Chris and I, on the other hand, are nomadic-by-nature, and thus such choices are made much more frequently than what's probably the norm...if there IS such a thing as the 'norm.' In any case, BIG-picture choices for ME tend to have to do with: 1) The overall HOW do I want to live life? Will I stand in my truth or will I worry about what others want me to be?; 2) WHAT will I be/do in life? Will I spend most of my day/night miserable at what I'm doing or will I choose situations that make my soul sing and make my life feel like the true blessing that it is?; 3) WHERE do I want to live life? What environment allows me to be all that I can be?; 4) WHEN should I do this or that? As I get older, I realize just how important timing is. Thankfully, I'm getting much better at timing, which may seem relatively minor in the scheme of things, but which can make or break a situation in the blink of an eye.

Life's smaller choices have the ability to affect my day-to-day existence either positively or negatively, often setting the stage for a good day, or conversely, a bad day. For instance, there are the wee choices one makes just as the day begins or are even decided upon the night before. In my case, when I'm not sure if I'm going to be called in to substitute teach in the morning, I can choose to get my day off on a positive note by rising at 5 am to make sure I can fit in my oh-so-important meditation, with a hot cuppa tea sipped leisurely afterward, coupled with a light breakfast OR I can sleep to the last minute, awakened by the phone ringing and the person on the other end calling me in to work, forcing me to have to literally run to catch the bus, brushing my hair as I go. I'll leave it to you to decide which scenario gets me off on better footing...lol!

Some seemingly small choices are actually big choices in disguise. Case in point is what one eats. In my case, it's disastrous for me to choose overly fatty and greasy foods because I'll pay sooner than later with horrendous indigestion, but if such a food choice is repeated oft-enough, the damage to my organs could go so far to take its toll on my life span...or at the very least, the quality of my life.

What follows is a video about more choices we all encounter at one point or another. What will you choose? Love or fear?

Practical Praying

2011-03-17T16:04:00.010-04:00

For those who are friends with me on Facebook and otherwise, you KNOW how happy I am that my youngest son, Alexander, and his wife, Emi, landed in NYC this morning, leaving temporarily their home in Japan. They are staying with our oldest son, David, in Brooklyn for a few days. Chris and I will pick them up and bring them back to our home in Vermont after Chris' musical gig in Manhattan on the weekend.

It is no accident that this trip of Alexander's and Emi's was planned months ago. Thank GOD for making sure it was so and that their airplane was able to take off, despite the recent disasters in the country they live in.

Of course it goes without saying that many of my recent prayers have centered around the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, with pleas of help for all of Japan's people, animals, land, water, and air...not to mention the cooling of the damaged nuclear reactors...and for all the people, like Chris and I, who have family and friends in Japan.

If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you'll know that I pray the rosary regularly because I've written about the rosary several times, such as in the past post: Raising Vibrations.

Today, not able to substitute teach because the call came in too late for me to catch a ride to work, I found myself reading the entirety of a used (but in brand new condition, including an accompanying CD that was never listened to) book that I had purchased not long ago: "Practical Praying - Using the Rosary to Enhance Your Life," by John Edward. Yes, THE John Edward who is an internationally famous psychic medium. The book is not long, with the 2005 edition being 103 pages, not counting the blank pages to be used for your own 'prayer notes' at the end.

I LOVE THIS BOOK. I love that it discusses not only the traditional way to say a Catholic rosary, but also John's 'practical praying' way, which suggests one add personal intentions for each decade said. Given John's suggestions, one can 'practically pray' either without the traditional way being followed, or in addition to it...your choice. I also love the way John openly and honestly wrote about how the book came about...which you'll come to know that it was his Spirit Guides, who he fondly calls 'The Boys,' who gave him 'the nudge.' AND, he relays true stories surrounding his experiences with Mary (in her various forms as Mother of All).

Now please note that there have not been that many famous people I've admired in my life whom I have personally written to, to say how much I appreciated what they have contributed, either by writing and/or teaching and/or just by being a positive example and inspiration for me. The few who come to mind include Rita Buchanan, Elizabeth Zimmermann, Meg Swansen, plus a few psychic mediums and spiritually-minded people I particularly respect. Today, I was nudged to write to John Edward to relay just how much I loved this book. I know he doesn't directly get my e-mail, but maybe...maybe...some staff member will pass on what I wrote. And even if not, I've put out in the Universe that he has influenced me for the better. Such an intent has a positive ripple effect for all.

Have YOU let someone know...whether they be famous or not... that they mean A LOT to you? Have YOU let them know that what they've contributed to the world means A LOT to you? Perhaps the time is now to let them know. It's fun to be a true, sincere fan. It's neat to have true, sincere fans. I'm blessed to know this firsthand on both counts. Thank you.

Don't Take Anything Personally

2011-03-15T07:08:00.019-04:00

This is one of the most important and most helpful truths to come my way in a long time. I've been taking things personally for the majority of my life. NO MORE. From here on out I will aim to break this bad 'habit'...for a bad habit is what it is. It's not my issue, whatever someone else's issue is. Never has been. Why is this not taught in grade school? Why was this not taught to me as a young child? If it had been, I would have been able to pass on this truth to my children right from the start. Knowing this truth would have saved me so much grief. It would save everyone much grief.

And one more revelation...I will NOT be embarrassed, as I have been time and time again, over someone else's actions. I am not responsible for what others do or say. I am only responsible for what I do and say.

For the text of where this truth came from, do yourself a supreme favor and consider getting yourself your own copy of "The Four Agreements," by Don Miguel Ruiz.

People Come Into Your Life...

2011-03-14T07:01:00.005-04:00

Am dealing with one of my BIG life lessons: Detachment. Maybe you are, too. Here's a thoughtful video that may help.

Piglet sidled up to Pooh from behind. "Pooh!" he whispered. "Yes, Piglet?" "Nothing," said Piglet, taking Pooh's paw. "I just wanted to be sure of you." ~A.A. Milne

Jenny's Recent TV Appearance

2011-03-12T13:06:00.007-05:00

This may end up being just a temporary post because I'm not sure how long the link below is good for. A video of a "Spinning Around" event that occurred in January '11 at Brooks Memorial Library in Brattleboro, VT has been aired several times on BCTV (Brattleboro Community Television). The event focuses on my book, "Spinning Around - Spinning, Dyeing & Knitting Elizabeth Zimmermann's Classics," and can be viewed by going to where the link below takes you:

http://www.brattleborotv.org/?q=content%2Fwatch

Scroll down the categories in the box at the right on BCTV's website. Click on "Lectures and Readings" and look for my full name: Spinning Around: Jeannine Bakriges. If you're having trouble hearing the video, click on the little sound icon on the bottom right of the screen and slide your mouse to the right to get full volume.

If you've wanted to know how I look, sound, and act, this is your big opportunity...LOL... Thanks!

For Japan And All Her Inhabitants

2011-03-11T20:31:00.005-05:00

May Love and Light and Healing envelope everyone in Japan and affected areas now and forever.

O our Father, the Sky, hear us
and make us strong.
O our Mother, the Earth, hear us
and give us support.
O Spirit of the East,
send us your Wisdom.
O Spirit of the South,
may we tread your path of life.
O Spirit of the West,
may we always be ready for the long journey.
O Spirit of the North, purify us
with your cleansing winds.

~ Sioux Prayer

Thank you to ALL who have called, e-mailed, and commented on Facebook regarding our son, Alexander, his wife, Emi, as well as her parents and relatives. Your kindness is very much appreciated. As far as Chris and I know, all of them are safe and sound after Japan's devastating earthquake on March 11th. Our hearts go out to all who have lost loved ones in this disaster. Prayers of love and healing are being sent your way.

UPDATE: 3/13/11 Sadly, I've found out that the parents of one of our daughter-in-law's aunts have not been found. They lived in the Miyaga prefecture, where the tsunami had hit so very hard. Please pray that they'll be found. Please pray for ALL in Japan and for their family, friends, etc. who love them. Thank you.

On The Road To Find Out

2011-03-07T20:33:00.011-05:00

“The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence calls forth your best.” ~ Epictetus (Greek philosopher associated with the Stoics, AD 55-c.135)

Sometimes a tune brilliantly captures the journey.

Five FREE Skype Or Phone Readings - March

2011-03-01T07:54:00.011-05:00

It's March! Time again for my offer of 5 free Skype or phone readings. The first 5 people to respond to this offer will get a free 30-minute reading during the month of March. PLUS, I can...for no extra charge...send a MP3 recording of your reading to you via e-mail. Send your request with the type of reading you prefer to my e-mail address: spinningjenny57@hotmail. If you have a webcam and are signed up with Skype, this is as close to an in-person reading as we can presently get. Skype-to-Skype does not cost anything for either of us. If you do not have a webcam, a phone reading is instead offered. In either case, we simply agree on a day/time that is convenient for each of us. With regards to phone readings, if you are one of the 5, you will be required to call me on the day and at the time we agree upon.

I will list the first names of the first five people who respond to this offer on this post. Once the five people are listed, that's it for the FREE readings for that particular month. I'll re-post this offer at the beginning of each month and the process will begin again. One free reading per year, per individual, please. However, do tell your friends and family about the offer.

Please note that now that I am in seminary (see My First Week Of School), I can count my Skype/phone readings for my homework reading requirement. I will send a brief questionnaire t0 each person who requests a reading to kindly fill out and send back to me after they receive their reading. These questionnaires are then handed in to my teachers as proof that a reading has been completed.

An additional service of free distance healing energy work (distance Reiki) will be offered to all who request a Skype/phone reading. This is optional on your part but hopefully something that you will desire. Once your reading is done and the questionnaire is filled out, I will set up a 1/2 hour time slot with you to facilitate the distance healing energy work. Again, I can use this energy work for my healing homework assignment and so will ask that you fill out a brief questionnaire relating to it.

#1. Lisa ~ completed
#2. Liz ~ completed
#3. Amanda
#4. Linda ~ completed
#5. Jennifer ~ completed

Thank you! I look forward to doing a reading and healing energy work for YOU!

Please note that Empath Readings are still available for a fixed donation. See the right sidebar of this blog for more information about Empath Readings.

Quietly

2011-02-28T11:13:00.008-05:00

Interesting, how in the proverbial 'blink of an eye' something that seemed so permanent, so given, has changed forever. Made me think of the wisdom that my Chris shared with me so long ago...the only thing constant IS change (a known translation variation for a quote by Heraclitus, 500BC, Greek philosopher).

On thinking about how to proceed when in the throes of change, the word 'quietly' came to mind. I found myself searching for quotes about this word and its root. Here are the quotes that sang to me today:

“There is always music amongst the trees in the garden, but our hearts must be very quiet to hear it.” ~ Minnie Aumonier

“Love is friendship that has caught fire. It is quiet understanding, mutual confidence, sharing and forgiving. It is loyalty through good and bad times. It settles for less than perfection and makes allowances for human weaknesses.” ~ Ann Landers

“Quiet people are well able to look after themselves.” ~ Irish Proverb

“Men would live exceedingly quiet if these two words, mine and thine were taken away.” ~ Anaxagoras (Greek philosopher of nature, 500-428 BC)

“In quiet moments when you think about it, you recognize what is critically important in life and what isn't. Be wise and don't let good things crowd out those that are essential.” ~ Elder Richard G. Scott

“Only in quiet waters do things mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world.” ~ Hans Margolius

“Learn to be quiet enough to hear the genuine within yourself so that you can hear it in others.” ~ Marian Wright Edelman

“Wise men, when in doubt whether to speak or to keep quiet, give themselves the benefit of the doubt, and remain silent.” ~ Napoleon Hill

“The fastest way to succeed is to look as if you're playing by somebody else's rules, while quietly playing by your own.” ~ Michael Konda

“Sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself.” ~ Zen Proverb

And seguing into 'silence,' I found a quote that my Chris has said and lived many a time. It's now the time I pay attention and do the same....

“There are times when silence has the loudest voice.” ~ Leroy Brownlow

Joyful Work

2011-02-24T11:31:00.006-05:00

Prior to meditation I often pick up one of the inspirational/prayer books that I keep by my altar. Today I picked up "The Gift ~ Poems By Hafiz...The Great Sufi Master," Translations by Daniel Ladinsky. The poem I randomly went to made me smile and laugh out loud at the truth of it.

A Hard Decree

Last

Night

God
Posted
On the Tavern wall

A hard decree for all of love's inmates

Which read:

If your heart cannot find a joyful work

The jaws of this world
Will probably

Grab hold of your

Sweet
Ass.

~ Hafiz

The poem got me thinking. How many times in my life was I truly involved in "joyful work?" How many times did I feel trapped in a dreadful job? The difference between the two is astoundingly huge. One can make no mistake if you're in the midst of one or the other. You either love what you're doing or you don't...two opposite ends of the spectrum.

'course there's that ambivalent, emotion-numbing kind of situation when you can tolerate the work...just...because it pays the bills and/or is temporary and hopefully leading to a better scenario in the future. The 'glad-you-have-a-job-right-now-kind-of-work.' That's somewhat tolerable for a wee minute...but...I for one, never do too well in this type of work, at least not for long. Often this work has me get up in a fog, pray that the day goes by fast, and come home in a fog...ultimately leading to utter unhappiness. There was one such job I was in where the only way I survived it was by dividing my work day into quarters. I used to pat myself on the back when I got through the first quarter of the day...saying to myself, "Way to go. You got through the first one...now let's tackle the second quarter of the day..." The surprising thing is, I've met A LOT of people in my life who are in such jobs for large portions, if not all, of their lives. And they've resigned themselves that this is what they have to do. Believe me, I'm not criticizing them...I'm just amazed that they can do it. No thanks. When I've been in such a job, I EXPECT it to be temporary. I'm always looking over the horizon to create something better.

What I don't understand, however, are folks who are in high paying jobs but despise what they're doing, staying only for their many-digit-paycheck. Speaking only for myself, NO amount of money is worth being in a job of that sort. I love life waayyyy too much for that. I love myself too much for that.

I TREASURE each moment I'm alive. I don't want to spend it in default-mode. I choose to spend it in 'create' mode. I choose how I want to spend my day. And if I don't like the path I'm currently on, I take a different one...and keep searching until I find joyful work.

"The greatest gift that you could ever give to another, is your own happiness, for when you are in a state of joy, happiness, or appreciation, you are fully connected to the Stream of pure, positive, Source Energy that is truly who you are. And when you are in that state of connection, anything or anyone that you are holding as your object of attention benefits from your attention." ~ Hicks - Abraham; "Ask and It is Given - Learning to Manifest Your Desires."

W.A.I.T.

2011-02-20T10:38:00.003-05:00

I was just chatting on Facebook with my cousin, Mary Pat, and we got to talking about her amazing mom's...my beloved Aunt Loraine's...concept of W.A.I.T. What does W.A.I.T. stand for? Image, Attitude, Wisdom, and Time.

Rather than try and explain W.A.I.T. in my own words, I found a letter from Aunt Loraine that explains it from the author herself. The letter was dated June 16, '04.

Dear Jeannine,
It suddenly occurred to me that you'd made a request for the "Wait" words. Now that I'm feeling better and my mind is becoming activated, I thought I'd better honor your request. So - here 'tis...

Each of us has a personalized way of "seeing" in our mind's eye that which is an IMAGE of: what we plan to do; what someone or something looks like; just where we are; etc.

ATTITUDE also is an individual response to that image. It is, or can be, what our brain or what our heart reacts to, resulting in our general overall feeling, emotionally, and part of this is our character. Each person (or perhaps "animal") induces its own unique response.

WISDOM, which we all try to seek, is more or less like an open end to knowledge that truth and time provide. It's beyond ourselves.

TIME must be God's dimension. This, too, is beyond ourselves.

We've had the guidelines presented to us and it's up to us, each individual, as to whether or not we choose to recognize "it."

And that's how I "see" it. Hope that this makes sense to you and may be a reference or guide. So, for what it's worth, I trust it may be a clue to Life in general.

With my love and my prayers always,
Aunt Loraine

Aunt Loraine insisted that she was going to put on her husband's grave stone: "Hurry Up," and on her grave stone, "Wait." And she did.

Here are several posts that I've written either about my Aunt Loraine, or where she's included in some way: In Memoriam To Aunt Loraine; More Revelation...The Hard Way; Prayer Shawl; Letting Go. Letting God.; Yesterday's ADC; The Spring '10 Whole Health Expo; Gary McKinstry -...; and Spiritual Insight Training 1.

Singh Kaur Crimson Vol. 6, Ardas

2011-02-17T17:03:00.002-05:00

Some Dreams

2011-02-17T10:48:00.006-05:00

Here goes with the last batch of recorded dreams. If you are someone who always says that you never remember dreams but hanker to do so, consider keeping a dream journal next to your bed with the intention of writing out your dreams before you even jump out of bed in the morning. Before you go to sleep each night, strengthen that intention by saying that you most definitely want to remember your dreams, and keep reinforcing this intention each night. Before long, you, too, will know what you're dreaming about!

11/22/10 (an afternoon nap)
I was looking down at land that had been divided into sections. Into each section was a cauldron with a figure standing over the cauldron, stirring with a long stick. At first I thought that the figures were all different beings, but then I knew that the figures were all various parts of myself.

11/24/10
Caroline from my FOTS class came to say, "You know this. You've done this thousands of times."

12/8/10
Dream began as a recurring one where I was at Eastland Mall in Harper Woods, MI searching for 'something'...trying on perfume at Hudson's Department Store...roaming the Concourse...etc.
Then, I found myself at a party in rural Whitingham, VT. The party was in someone's house. A woman was all excited, handing out sheet music so we could sing-a-long with June Carter tunes and the like. Hardly anyone sang with the first tune and the idea fizzled away. I found it hard to find a chair. I was going to sit in one chair and thought it best to ask two women if that one was OK. I heard someone in the bathroom. The two women said, "No, better not." They pointed to the bathroom and said 'that' person was sitting there. In an adjoining room I saw a chair and these same women said, "Oh, that's OK because Gordon Floyd was at a Guernsey cow meeting and he wouldn't mind." Metal frames were passed around and we were to glue cabachon gems in the frame. I couldn't help thinking how lame a craft this was and that art had been reduced to this ridiculousness.

12/22/10
I was lying down and my hand hung down over the bed. A polar bear mouthed my hand, as if to bite it.

12/24/10
I was at a friend from-0ur-past, John's, house and he had made breakfast for himself, scarfing it down in front of me. He said, "This is for you,"pointing to spare ribs wrapped in a pancake on his plate. He called the pancake a waffle. I said, "No thank you." I told him how kittens like playing with pop bottle caps, as I took a piece of garbage bag away from his kitten for fear she would choke. Another friend-from-my-past, Michelle, walked into John's kitchen saying that she would clean under his sink as it was so messy. She said, "Folks would think a 'witch' lived there."

12/30/10
For what seemed like all night, I dreamed I was designing and making jewelry. I literally got up to go to the bathroom and when I got back into bed the dream resumed where I left off. I woke up feeling very satisfied that I had made A LOT of jewelry.

1/1/11 (mid-day nap)
I dreamed of a tree with long, spear-like leaves that were brilliantly tri-colored. I noticed as the wind blew the leaves in one direction, that the tree looked like one of the leaves' colors. As the wind blew a different direction, the tree turned a different color present in the leaves.

1/18/11
I had a rather large tick in the middle of my hand. At first I didn't know what it was and worried that it was a cancerous mole. But then I saw its face move and knew it was a tick. Chris got out pink, plastic tweezers and he dipped them in alcohol. Just as he was ready to remove the tick, I woke up.

1/31/11
I was a teacher and encountered a student who inadvertently acted selfish, always putting herself first in the mix of things. I tried to explain to her what she was doing, but she seemed clueless as to anything being wrong with her behavior.

A Snowy Owl

2011-02-08T18:37:00.012-05:00

This past weekend was delightfully spent with 18 other classmates, several mentors, staff, a guest instructor, and co-directors of FOTS.

This month's featured, guest instructor was Shirley Calkins Smith. As her website states, among many other things she is a "...facilitator and teacher of the Transformational Breath work and the Healing Breath." For a good portion of the weekend my classmates and I experienced the personal benefits of such amazing breath work techniques, and we, too, learned to facilitate the healing breath technique for others. I KNEW that I'd be using these techniques with clients myself in the future; they're THAT good.

And if that wasn't enough, we were blessed to witness her beyond-amazing mediumship gifts as she read for each of us. These were no ordinary readings. In fact, I've never seen anything quite like what she does. Shirley uses her vast knowledge...in fact, she uses everything she owns...when she reads. And she does this with love and compassion that is so huge and deep, it's incredible she doesn't burst! Words can't adequately describe this wonderful woman.

One activity that Shirley introduced us to that I know none of us will ever forget was an "Angel Walk." Picture all the people present at FOTS divided in half, facing each other, with a small walkway between them. At the front of the room, the first person on one of the sides closes his/her eyes and Shirley whispers something loving and kind to them; specifically just for them. This person, with eyes continuing to be closed, is then guided to the next person, also at the front but on the other side of the line, who whispers into the ear of the same person. As this happens, Shirley takes the next in line to her and begins them on their closed-eyed journey through the walkway. The first person continues through the walkway with the second person (and subsequent folks) close behind, for the length of all the people, each lined-up person whispering one-at-a-time into the ear of each closed-eyed person coming through. Once a person reaches the end of the line, they, too, join the others to whisper to the next person coming through. This goes on until all folks present have gone through the line of love. I sobbed like a baby as one person after another told me loving, beautiful sentiments. Never have I been told so many nice things in such a short period of time. Both as a receiver and a giver, there were many revelations and a-ha moments. Life changing.

There's much more that I could share regarding the weekend, but for now I'll fast-forward to the drive home with Marie, one of the mentors, who so kindly agreed to having me as a passenger to and from school. To say we had REVELATIONS between the two of us would be an understatement. I had so many truth tingles (Kundalini) flying up my spine, I'm surprised I didn't shoot right through the roof of the car. I know that neither Marie nor I will ever forget that wild drive home.

Chris picked me up in West Brattleboro, and on the way back to our house, he talked of an amazing siting. A white, Snowy Owl, flew right past his windshield when he was near to our pick-up point. I told him I'd look up what Snowy Owl meant from a metaphysical standpoint. Chris and I were both gobsmacked when we read what I had found at this link:

Birth Totem - Owl - My Power Animals

BTW, December 21st is my birthday.

Spiders

2011-02-04T08:25:00.008-05:00

I'm waiting 'til it's time to get picked up for my ride to school this weekend. As I do so, I've been perusing sites online that have to do with spiders...oft' misunderstood...eight-legged creatures which are obviously near and dear to me. Here's what I found (Please note that links where I found this information online are in red.):

SPIDER

Grandmother spider is a wise old teacher and weaver of many stories. Her unique tapestry of life offers many paths to the center of oneself and creation. Her medicine speaks of connections and unity of spirit.

SPIDER MEDICINE

Spiders are light, delicate and not hostile to humans unless threatened. To those who require this special medicine of the spider, it teaches us to maintain a gentle and kind nature.
A poisonous spider signifies death and rebirth. As the poison of age and life's perils threaten our life, we use the venom to ward off future attacks or die.
The spider's web connects itself by silky threads to physical objects creating a net creating its home and place for harvesting food. The web reminds us of our connectedness to all things on earth - that we are related to everything in creation. The spokes of the web remind us to build links between ourselves and the Creator and all things.
When the spider appears, it is a sign to connect with the ways of spirit in the ways designed by the Creator.
The eight legs of the spider are unique from other insects who have only six legs. And unlike other insects, their bodies are divided into two parts instead of three. Two represents unity and a union of polarities.
In American Indian tradition, the first dream catcher was made by Grandmother Spider to catch the bad dreams of children. This legend reveals our belief that negative elements of ones life may be screened out if we remember to keep the links between the Creator and ourselves strong and to always remember that all things in creation are one.

Link: http://www.manataka.org/page236.html#SPIDER

God and the Spider

Spiritual Story by Unknown

During World War II, a US marine was separated from his unit on a Pacific island. The fighting had been intense, and in the smoke and the crossfire he had lost touch with his comrades.

Alone in the jungle, he could hear enemy soldiers coming in his direction. Scrambling for cover, he found his way up a high ridge to several small caves in the rock. Quickly he crawled inside one of the caves. Although safe for the moment, he realized that once the enemy soldiers looking for him swept up the ridge, they would quickly search all the caves and he would be killed.

As he waited, he prayed, "Lord, if it be your will, please protect me. Whatever your will though, I love you and trust you. Amen."

After praying, he lay quietly listening to the enemy begin to draw close. He thought, "Well, I guess the Lord isn't going to help me out of this one." Then he saw a spider begin to build a web over the front of his cave.

As he watched, listening to the enemy searching for him all the while, the spider layered strand after strand of web across the opening of the cave.

"Hah," he thought. "What I need is a brick wall and what the Lord has sent me is a spider web. God does have a sense of humor."

As the enemy drew closer he watched from the darkness of his hideout and could see them searching one cave after another. As they came to his, he got ready to make his last stand. To his amazement, however, after glancing in the direction of his cave, they moved on. Suddenly, he realized that with the spider web over the entrance, his cave looked as if no one had entered for quite a while.

"Lord, forgive me," prayed the young man. "I had forgotten that in you a spider's web is stronger than a brick wall."

Thanks to Malladi for sharing this spiritual story!

Link: http://www.Spiritual-Short-Stories.com

SPIDER - teaches us to weave our lives. As Spider weaves her web so we weave our realities. This medicine teaches to remember that we are the creators of our lives. When spider appears in your life think about writing down your thoughts, telling your story.
Link: http://www.theearthangelconnection.com/Power%20%20Animals.htm

Spider Totem

My shamanic practitioner says the spider bite was a "wake up call from Spirit" telling me it was time to "get serious" about my spiritual practice. My shamanic practitioner is a Native American woman; in her culture, Spider Woman is a very powerful Spirit, and the bite of a spider can be seen as an initiatory experience. What doesn't kill you will lead you to something new!!

"The Spider:

Many stories exist about the weaver, Grandmother spider. She carried on her back the gift of fire in a basket that she wove and presented it to the people. In another story it is said that her web bound all things together and formed the foundation of earth.

These legends give the spider a link to the past and the future, birth and creation. When the spider crawls into our awareness it is asking us to rebuild the web of our life in accordance with the design the creator gave us.

Spiders differ from insects in having eight legs rather than six and in having the body divided into two parts rather than three. The number eight laid on its side is the symbol for infinity. The number two implies the union of two forces joined together. Together they equal ten. Drop the zero and you are back to the starting point of one. The hidden message of spider is unity. The study of numerology is beneficial for those who hold this medicine.

The construction of a web is linked to the geometry of creation. In the construction of an orb web the spider releases a sticky silken thread into the wind. If the breeze carries the thread to a spot where it sticks the first bridge is formed. Spider cautiously crosses the line reinforcing it with a second. This process continues until a frame is constructed in which the web can secure itself. Bridges serve as a link tying all things together and remind us of our interconnectedness to all life.

The spider shows us that the past, the present and the future are all interwoven. It awakens our intuitive creative senses and encourages us to design the fabric of our lives from our souls original intention. If you see a spider in its web, or creating a new one, pay attention. It symbolizes where you are in the weaving of your own destiny. A study of the medicine wheel and the four directions is helpful.

Because spiders are actually very delicate they embody the energy of gentleness. Spiders are not usually aggressive unless they are defending their lives. Moving forward in all situations with a gentle strength is a skill that often needs to be learned for those with this totem. In man, the bite of a poisonous spider symbolizes a death, rebirth process. Poison enters the nervous system and the body either transmutes it or falls victim to its venom and dies.

The spider signifies the tapestry of life. The web we weave is the reality we experience. Choosing the appropriate path is one of the lessons associated with this medicine. "

Link: http://curezone.com/blogs/fm.asp?i=1193658

There are obviously more such stories and explanations about spider and her medicine online, but I found those above to be particularly interesting. I avoided all the negative, icky sites dealing with spiders, talking of how they're deceitful and such...sometimes thought so just because they have to catch food for survival in their webs. It's sad to me when they're depicted as evil creatures in movies and books. Perhaps that's why I love the book, "Charlotte's Web," by E.B. White, as Charlotte is how I have come to know spiders. Another fave book of mine is "Sophie's Masterpiece: A Spider's Tale," by Eileen Spinelli. It was written as a children's book, but every time I read it, I find myself having to run for tissues because I'm overcome with emotion.

A bit of personal spider background: I used to go out to the garage as a child and talk to the spiders on their webs in the window. I loved it when their babies were "hatched." I've always considered spider my friend. I KNOW that they KNOW that our home is a safe haven for them. I love spiders.

Skepticism

2011-02-03T09:50:00.005-05:00

Have been thinking about skepticism of late. In particular, I've been pondering folks who are skeptical of who I am and the path I'm traveling down. I've got to say right up front, that skeptics and their skepticism bother me not even in the least little bit.

Why? Well, I'll explain in the same way I've discussed it with my Chris. Chris, of course, wants to protect me from being hurt, ridiculed, or laughed at. I've assured him that I don't seek to put myself in that position at all. That said, I must stand in my own truth; on my own two feet and within my own skin. I am what I am. I'm obviously not afraid to write about what I believe in nor what I am; this blog being evidence of my lack of fear. I'm also not ashamed that I've been gifted with clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, and empathy. After all, such gifts are a blessing, not a curse. It's only when folks don't understand such gifts and have not developed them within themselves, that they lash out and call my gifts what they are not. It's only in ignorance that people say my gifts come from anything but the Highest Source of Light and Love.

I've told Chris that if folks could see what I see, hear what I hear, and know within my heart what I know, their skepticism would be put to rest. How ridiculous for someone to say they don't see what I see and proclaim that it is not so. It's a moot point. It's not my problem. They have made it their problem.

I do not have to prove anything to anyone. My mission on earth is not to prove the spiritual, nor the metaphysical. For this reason I would simply walk away from someone who asked me to read for them and said, "Prove it!" It would be obvious to me that a person spouting this statement was not ready for a reading, and certainly not from me.

I am grateful to experience such an abundance of gifts and to be able to utilize these gifts on my journey.

Consider these wise quotes:
"For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." ~ Stuart Chase.

"Faith is knowledge within the heart, beyond the reach of proof." ~ Kahlil Gibran

"Do you need proof of God? Does one light a torch to see the sun?" ~ Japanese Proverb

February's 5 Free Skype Or Phone Readings

2011-01-31T22:19:00.017-05:00

Starting this February I am offering 5 free Skype or phone readings. The first 5 people to respond to this offer will get a free 30-minute reading during the month of February. PLUS, I can...for no extra charge...send a MP3 recording of your reading to you via e-mail. Send your request with the type of reading you prefer to my e-mail address: spinningjenny57@hotmail. If you have a webcam and are signed up with Skype, this is as close to an in-person reading as we can presently get. Skype-to-Skype does not cost anything for either of us. If you do not have a webcam, a phone reading is instead offered. In either case, we simply agree on a day/time that is convenient for each of us. With regards to phone readings, if you are one of the 5, you will be required to call me on the day and at the time we agree upon.

I will list the first names of the first five people who respond to this offer on this post. Once the five people are listed, that's it for the FREE readings for that particular month. I'll re-post this offer at the beginning of each month and the process will begin again. One free reading per year, per individual, please. However, do tell your friends and family about the offer.

Please note that now that I am in seminary (see My First Week Of School), I can count my Skype/phone readings for my homework reading requirement. I will send a brief questionnaire t0 each person who requests a reading to kindly fill out and send back to me after they receive their reading. These questionnaires are then handed in to my teachers as proof that a reading has been completed.

An additional service of free distance healing energy work (distance Reiki) will be offered to all who request a Skype/phone reading. This is optional on your part but hopefully something that you will desire. Once your reading is done and the questionnaire is filled out, I will set up a 1/2 hour time slot with you to facilitate the distance healing energy work. Again, I can use this energy work for my healing homework assignment and so will ask that you fill out a brief questionnaire relating to it.

#1. Loraine ~ completed
#2. Liz ~ completed
#3. Caroline ~ completed
#4. Patti ~ completed
#5. Mildred ~ completed

Thank you! I look forward to doing a reading and healing energy work for YOU!

Please note that Empath Readings are still available for a fee. See the right sidebar of this blog for more information about Empath Readings.

Sharing What You See, Hear, and Know!

2011-01-30T17:07:00.003-05:00

Patti is a friend, fellow spinner, and Reiki practitioner. I received a lovely, uplifting, e-mail from her recently that she has agreed to allow me to share. Thank you, Patti. I think it's particularly helpful for those of us who worry about sharing what we see, hear, and know. If you're nudged to tell someone what you're experiencing, please consider doing so! When we share, the benefits outweigh the potential risk involved.

Patti wrote:
I attended a spinning workshop in Harveyville, KS, south west of Topeka, KS. I had a great time. One of the 16 spinners there taking the class with me was an energy worker, Laura; she said what type of energy she used, but I was not familiar with it on Friday night. I did not say anything about me and Reiki.

On Sunday afternoon she came up to me and seemed embarrassed about something, but she wanted to tell me something as she was so excited. I finally got her to tell me that on Saturday she saw three symbols over my head and an entity over my left shoulder! She kept apologizing for seeing something so personal and was embarrassed if I didn't believe what she had to say. I told her I was a Reiki Master; she visibly exhaled relief! I asked her what the symbols looked like and what color. She said she saw sticks and squiggly symbols, and there were 3 of them, Chinese looking. I told her they must be Reiki symbols I used, and that I always asked for angel help when I did Reiki. Again, she was so relieved - YES, it was an angel over your shoulder! She didn't know which angel. She again said she hesitated to say angel because so many people wouldn't admit to knowing angels were around us. Laura had never used Reiki, so didn't know the symbols.

I asked, again, what was the color of what you saw? She said bright gold. And, she also said it was so obvious above my head that she asked the lady sitting next to her if she saw what she was seeing! They had been talking earlier of energy work, so the other lady also knew something. She said, yes, she saw gold, but nothing real clear.

A Number 9 Kind Of Year

2011-01-29T15:23:00.004-05:00

A recent e-mail from my beloved friend and teacher, ravenstar, was so helpful to me, I felt it had to be shared. Thankfully, she agreed that it could be posted on my blog. Hugs to you, ravenstar!

Here's a website link that you may find interesting, especially if numerology is as fascinating to you as it is to me. It will help you calculate your own personal year cycle: Soulful Living

Now as for me, here's what ravenstar shared. It resonated deeply within me...

You're in a 9 year cycle. Your last birthday December 21, 2010 (1 + 2 + 2 +1 + 2 + 1 + 0) = 9

The 9 year cycle brings you to the end of a complete nine year cycle of your life. This is a time of completing unfinished business, reaching conclusions, tying up loose ends, and cleaning up behind you. These actions will enable you to step into the next nine years of your life without the pressure of unresolved matters of the past pulling you back.

Everything happens for a reason Jenny. In this case, you're moving to a new level...which you already know. Speaking esoterically...in Hebrew, nine is called Tzaddi (Tsaw-Day); its hieroglyph means 'fishing hook'. Fish in esoteric teachings means 'food for the Initatie'. The fishing hook is the FORCE that draws us and connects us to the Spiritual...it's about a higher and nobler purpose.

Jesus was this drawing power when he taught his disciples to be 'fishers among men'. The fishing hook can also be words from a guiding teacher or minister (school)...or it can be from an awakening within us. Ring any bells? Fishing hook also has to do with taste and swallowing...if we like the taste, we swallow the belief pattern...it's like eating the right foods to keep our body healthy. We could also swallow a belief pattern that isn't us!

9 is also a humanitarian number. The 9 is the hermit's lamp that lights the way...it holds all the numbers before it...it speaks of understanding and feelings of brotherly love and spiritual dedication. 9 is able to draw from all the previous numbers...it has been called 'the stage where the drama unfolds'. Turn 9 upside down and you have 6...the voice that must be heard. Pythagoras called 9 'good and evil.' Being enlightened, 9 should understand and balance the two. You see, 9 is all about LOVE in its highest and sees only GOOD...this offsets the pendulum, causing it to swing the other way. When good and evil are eclipsed we see the Truth in a situation...AND SAG is the 9th planet of the zodiac!!! So Phew! Talk of a double whammy!

A 9 year says there will be alterations as well as improvements to all areas of your life, even though you may not see it now, when the 'old' is released, life suddenly becomes a much lighter experience...as well as being understood and enjoyed. So there ya have it!

My Resume

2011-01-25T11:49:00.037-05:00

I'm being nudged to post my resume on my blog. I have no idea why. Folks...whoever they may be...will be able to access it via a link on the right sidebar. Ya know, sometimes you just go with whatever Spirit is telling you to do. Hey, maybe readers will find it wildly interesting, eh?! LOL! I'll remove my "Published Ponderings" on the sidebar and replace it with this full-blown resume. Note that wherever there are gaps in years of employment, I was working at whatever job I could get to pay the bills: retail clerk; office assistant (once at Wesleyan University's Campus Center and once for a Community Action Head Start program); accounts payable (Eesh! Heaven help this math-disabled-person-that-I-am so I don't have to do THAT again...); substitute teacher; milk mom; bingo caller; you-name-it; etc. And if one wants to go back to pre-1980, the year I was married, we can include resident assistant at the University of Detroit, barmaid, mail room helper, dental assistant (Again, eesh...), photographer at Olan Mills, up-front product promoter at Hickory Farms, and counter girl at a bakery. Here goes...

Jeannine Bakriges
spinningjenny57@hotmail.com

Education:

2010-present Fellowships of the Spirit, Lily Dale, New York
As of June 2011, I was ordained by FOTS as an Associate Minister and Associate Metaphysician in the Spiritualist Church. Lifetime ordination and full Metaphysician status will take place in June 2012; post-seminary plans to study and get certified in hypnosis therapy, past-life regression therapy, and life-between-lives therapy

1981 The University of Detroit, Detroit, Michigan
B.A.: Art Education K-12 (Magna cum laude)

Recent Employment:

1997-Dec.'10 Self-employed author and instructor
Wrote first book, Authored magazine articles and chapters in books, Taught workshops nationally 'til '08 when I stopped to put all effort into finishing my book

2002-Dec.'05 Adams Farm, Wilmington, Vermont
Resident Fiber Artist, Fiber Program Development/Implementation,
Production Dyeing, Spinning and Knitting Instructor

2002-Dec.04 The Copper Moth, co-founder and co-owner
Natural Dyeing on silk and other fibers for handspinners

2001-2002 Green Mountain Spinnery, Putney, Vermont
Finishing Department, Yarn Development, Pattern Editing

1995-1998 Black Creek Pioneer Village, Toronto & Region Conservation Authority, Downsview, Ontario, Canada
Historical Interpreter, Hand Spinner, Natural Dyer, Rag Rug Weaver

Publications:

2011 "Seven Drafting Techniques." Interweave Knit & Spin: 38-41 (Special Issue 2011).

2011 "Funky Faroese Socks." Interweave Knit & Spin: 93-95 (Special Issue 2011).

2010 Spinning Around - Spinning, Dyeing & Knitting Elizabeth Zimmermann's Classics. Published Dec. 2010. Elizabeth Mrofka, layout. Meg Swansen, publisher. Wisconsin: Schoolhouse Press.

2010 "Drafting Techniques: The long and short of it." Spin-Off 34/2: 64-67 (Summer).

2009 “Seven Drafting Techniques.” Spin-Off 33/4: 66-70 (Winter).

2009 “Indigo and Lichen Beret.” All New Homespun Handknit: 25 Small Projects to Knit with Handspun Yarn, by Amy Clarke Moore. Colorado: Interweave Press.

2008 Daddy's Little Girl: Stories of the Special Bond Between Fathers and Daughters. Gregory Lang, editor. New York: HarperOne, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers. A few of my personal stories are embedded in the text.

2007 "Spider Scarf."Article co-written with Beth-Ann Vogt. Spin-Off 31/2: 58-62 (Summer).

2005 "Sun Kissed Dyeing." Spin-Off 29/2: 68-72 (Summer). "Snazzy Solar-Brewed Half-Mitts." Spin-Off 29/2: 74-76 (Summer).

2005 KnitLit the Third. "Eye of the Grouse." Linda Roghaar and Molly Wolf, editors. New York: Three Rivers Press/Random House.

2004 "Significant Soy." Spin-Off 28/1: 46-47 (Spring). "Soy Shells Shawlette." Spin-Off 28/1: 42-44 (Spring).

2004 KnitLit Too. "Knit Two Together." Linda Roghaar and Molly Wolf, editors. New York: Three Rivers Press/Random House.

2003 "Sister Sweaters." Article co-written with Susan Krahling. Spin-Off 27/4: 36-42 (Winter).

2003 "Naturally Dyed Funky Faroese Socks." Spin-Off 27/2: 80-83 (Summer).

2002 "Scandinavian-Inspired Mittens and Hat." Article co-written with Deborah Newton. Spin-Off 26/2: 66-72 (Summer).

2001 "Dog's Paw Shawl." Article co-written with Nancy Bush. Spin-Off 25/3: 54-60 (Fall).

2001 "A Collaboration Between a Handspinner and a Sweater Designer."Article and cover photo, co-written with Meg Swansen. Spin-Off 25/1:62-67 and cover (Spring).

2000 "Drop Spindle Basics." Photographic demonstration of drop spindle techniques reprinted from feature article by Rita Buchanan. Spin-Off 19/1: 54-59 (Spring). Reprinted in A Handspindle Treasury - 20 Years of Spinning Wisdom from Spin-Off Magazine. Colorado:
Interweave Press.

2000 "Bobble-cuffed Socks." In Handspun Treasures from Rare Wools, Deborah Robson, editor. Colorado: Interweave Press.

2000 Winning entry in the traveling "Save the Sheep Exhibit," produced by Interweave Press. "Bobble-cuffed Socks" were chosen as one of 29 touring pieces that were shown in the various galleries and museums throughout the U.S. through 2002.

1999 "Shaded Lattice." In Tops with a Twist, Judith Durant, editor. Colorado: Interweave Press.

1999 Three original hats included in traveling slide show produced by Interweave Press: "Indigo and Lichen Tam," "Shaded Lattice," and "Turkish Patterned Pillbox Hat."

1998 "The Briefcase Charkha." Indian charkha spinning overview. Ontario Handspinners and Weavers Bulletin 41/1: 8,10 (Spring).

1997 "Spinning and Dyeing in Haliburton." Haliburton School of the Arts. Ontario Handspinners and Weavers Bulletin 40/1: 28-29 (Spring).

1995 "Drop Spindle Basics." Photographic demonstration of drop spindle techniques in feature article by Rita Buchanan. Spin-Off 19/1: 54-59 (Spring).

1993 "Spin-Off Challenge." Rose and leaf tam. Spin-Off 17/4: 98-99
(Winter).

Reviews:

2008 Coat of Many Scrumbles: Or Just Stop Worrying and Sew the Dang Things Together. By Prudence Mapstone and 64 Members of the International Free Form Crochet Guild. Brisbane, Australia, 2007. 100 pgs. Spin-Off 32/2: 20-21 (Spring).

2003 Sweaters from Camp. By Amy Detjen, Meg Swansen, and Joyce Williams. Pittsville, Wisconsin, 2002. 215 pgs. Spin-Off 27/3: 16 (Fall).

2003 Handpaint Country. Narrated by Cheryl Potter. Sioux Falls, South Dakota, 2002. 233 pgs. Spin-Off 27/1: 19 (Spring).

Selected Teaching Experience:

'99-'08 "Learn to Spin." 3-day intensive workshop. Harrisville Designs. Harrisville, New Hampshire.

'02-'08 "Beginning Spinning Plus." 3-day intensive workshop. Fletcher Farm School for the Arts and Crafts. Ludlow, Vermont.

'04-'08 "Hand Spindling." Fletcher Farm School for the Arts & Crafts. Ludlow, Vermont.

2007 "New Age Fibers," "Thick, Medium and Thin," "Wheel Plying for Beautiful Yarns." The Spinning Loft, Howell, Michigan.

2007 "A Knitter's Thick, Medium and Thin Spinning Intensive." Harrisville, New Hampshire.

2007 "Fiber Prep." 2-day workshop. Harrisville Designs. Harrisville, New Hampshire.

2006 "Silken Fibers" and "New Age Fiber Sampler." SOAR. Tahoe City, California.

2006 "Silken Fibers." Peters Valley Craft Center. Layton, New Jersey.

2006 "Hand Spindling," "Wheel Plying for Beautiful Yarns," "Spinning a Specific Size Yarn," "Solar Dyeing Lecture." Fiberfest at Lake Metroparks Farmpark. Kirtland, Ohio.

2006 "Solar Dyeing Lecture," "Solar Panel Workshop," "Wheel Plying Workshop." Nutmeg Spinners. Asnuntuck, Connecticut and Winsted, Connecticut.

2006 "Thick to Thin Spinning." Brookfield Craft Center. Brookfield, Connecticut.

2005 "Spinning Refined - The Next Level" and "New Age Fibers." Vermont Fiber Retreat. Wilmington, Vermont.

2005 "Solar Dyeing Lecture." Northeast Handspinners Association "Open House." Asnuntuck, Connecticut.

2004 "Brewing Natural Dyes with a Solar Twist" and "Complete Fiber Preparation: From Shearing to Scouring." Vermont Fiber Retreat. Wilmington, Vermont.

2002 "Brewing Natural Dyes with a Solar Twist," and "Hand Spindling." Northeast Hanspinners Association "Gathering." Lake George, NY.

Media Appearances:
(Television)

2011 "Spinning Around: Jeannine Bakriges." Videotaped lecture about Spinning Around - Spinning, Dyeing & Knitting Elizabeth Zimmermann's Classics. "BCTV." Brattleboro Community Television (Taped in January '11. Aired in February '11 to present). Brattleboro, Vermont.

1997 "Pioneer Thanksgiving." Segment in the weaver's shop. "Sahar." Iran Cable Television, Global Network (October). Canada.

1997 "Weaving Rugs on a Nineteenth Century Barn Loom." Toronto Cable "Craftscapes" (Summer). Canada.

1996 "Pioneer Christmas Activities." "Real Life," Life Channel (December). Canada.

1996 "Natural and Solar Dyeing." City TV's Breakfast Television (May). Canada.

1995 "A Pioneer Christmas." Discovery Channel (December). Canada.

(Newsprint)

'95-'98 Features in interview segments at Black Creek Pioneer Village in historical interpretation, natural and solar dyeing, and weaving including Korean Times, Thornhill Reporter, etc.

Honors and Awards:

2001 Scholarship awarded by the Coupeville Arts Center to attend a Navajo Weaving workshop with Sarah Natani in Coupeville, Washington. 'twas canceled due to lack of enrollment, but at least I got the scholarship!

2001 1st Place Handspinning. Bothwell International Sock Knitting Competition. Hobart, Tazmania, Australia.

1999 Scholarship awarded by Interweave Press to attend SOAR in Potosi, Missouri.

1997 Bursary awarded by Toronto Weaving and Spinning Guild to attend the Haliburton School of Fine Arts in spinning and dyeing.

1996 Best of Show. New York Sheep and Wool Festival. Rhinebeck, New York.

Organizations

2004-2008 Member of the SOAR Scholarship Committee which chooses scholarship recipients to attend the Spin-Off Autumn Retreat.

'99-present Founder and member of the River Spinners. Brattleboro, Vermont

1984 Founder of the Green Mountain Knitting Guild. Bennington, Vermont.

SKYPE READINGS NOW AVAILABLE!

2011-01-20T11:12:00.005-05:00

Yes, it's true!!! I can now offer psychic mediumship readings via Skype, in addition to my phone and e-mail offerings. PLUS, I can...for no extra fixed donation...send a recording of your reading to you via e-mail. Skype-to-Skype readings incur no extra phone charges for the client. Skype readings are recorded as a MP3 audio file. Please see the right sidebar of this blog for the Skype and phone psychic mediumship reading fee button.

Until I graduate from FOTS in June of 2012, 30 minute readings will be offered at the reduced fixed donation of $45 for a reading alone, or $60 for a reading + distance energy work/healing (total of about 45 minutes). The only thing additional that I will ask of the client is to, once services are rendered, fill out my simple, online homework form and send it back to me via e-mail. Thank you! I look forward to doing a reading for YOU! If interested, please e-mail me at: spinningjenny57@hotmail.com

Boulders

2011-01-15T17:19:00.006-05:00

As wonderful as I know 2011 is going to be, these first few weeks of January have been doozies, emotionally and otherwise.

I was warned.

My beloved Reiki teacher gently hinted that stuff which needing to be cleared out was going to surface once I received my Reiki Level II.

It has.

My teachers at FOTS have mentioned more than once that big boulders were going to surface as the months of school go on.

They have.

And as I clear the big dawg boulders, there may be more such rocks waiting to rise from the dirt to see the light of day for complete removal. After all, to be the best we can be, that which no longer is for our Highest Good has to go. Hoooo boooyyyyy...onward...

These difficulties I've experienced have thrown me off a bit. Or have they? Yes, I'm behind on things I normally would have done by now. But how does one define "behind" anyways? And life hasn't ended, nor has anyone died, because I haven't completed what I aimed to do on a schedule that I, myself, decided upon.

What HAS happened is that I'm more informed than I was a month ago. My eyes are seeing more clearly than they were a month ago. And I'm more at peace than I was a month ago. I now see that the detachments that I've experienced were "in the cards" a long time ago. I can also see that the detachments which took place were in the best possible interest for all concerned...I'm sad, but knowing, when all is said and done, that good will rise out of the detachments helps immensely. And my heart is warmed by the many friends who have stood by my side during all the difficulties...sending sparklies, giving hugs, phoning, e-mailing...letting each other know how important and special our relationships are.

So now life continues. The webcam and headphones/microphone I've been waiting for have arrived. By next week I'll have figured out how this new-to-me technology works and be able to officially post that I'm a psychic medium who is up and running on Skype, allowing me to do as close to in-person readings as one can possibly achieve at this time, THROUGHOUT THE WORLD! How cool is that?!!! Also know that I CAN officially record even long phone readings and send them successfully as an audio file via e-mail, with no voice distortion or degradation, on "yousendit." Thank you, Jeff. "Yousendit" works GREAT! You can teach this 53 year old new tricks after all!

Let It Be

2011-01-10T17:18:00.003-05:00

Blissfully simple advice. So welcome at this time in my life. I'll be back with my longer posts soon, but until then, please inhale these wonderful words of wisdom, and exhale what no longer makes your soul sing.

How Could Anyone

2011-01-04T22:55:00.003-05:00

This beautiful song was sung to me tonight on the phone by a woman I have never met in person. In fact, I have never spoken to her on the phone prior to tonight. Thank you, dear Mary.

New Reading Offer!

2011-01-04T08:09:00.010-05:00

Please take a peek at the right sidebar of this blog to see my NEW Psychic Mediumship Reading offer. Whilst I am in school (until June 2012) at Fellowships Of The Spirit School Of Spiritual Healing And Prophecy, the fee for this style of reading will be at a reduced rate. NOTE AS OF 1/20/11: Readings can be done via Skype, over the phone, or via e-mail. Skype and phone readings can be recorded on my end and e-mailed to you as a MP3 for no extra charge.

The 30 minute reading can be done alone or in combination with energy work/healing (total of approximately 45 minutes), for a slightly higher fee. See drop-down options on sidebar. If you would like a recording of the reading, this can be sent to you via e-mail for no extra fee, in the form of a MP3 file. Please know that I am not to be held responsible should technical difficulties occur during the recording, but I'll do my best to get this recording to you should you want it. Know that you always have the option of recording the reading on your end.

I'm very excited to be moving in the direction of being able to offer this type of reading. I trust that this style of reading will please you, too!

Five FREE Empath Readings - January

2011-01-01T00:02:00.010-05:00

It's January! Time again for my offer of 5 free Empath readings. The FIRST FIVE PEOPLE who not only contact me via e-mail but send a pic that follows my pic requirements as described in this past post, Empath Readings + Testimonials, will be chosen. See the same past post for info on what an empath reading is. Send your request AND pic to my e-mail address: spinningjenny57@hotmail.

I will list the first names of the first five people who respond to this offer on this post. Once the five people are listed, that's it for the FREE readings for that particular month. I'll re-post this offer at the beginning of each month and the process will begin again. One free reading per year, per individual, please. However, do tell your friends and family about the offer.

Please note that now that I am in seminary (see My First Week Of School), I can count my Empath Readings for my homework reading requirement. I will send a brief questionnaire t0 each person who requests an Empath Reading to kindly fill out and send back to me after they receive their reading. These questionnaires are then handed in to my teachers as proof that a reading has been completed.

An additional service of free distance healing energy work (distance Reiki) will be offered to all who request an Empath Reading. This is optional on your part but hopefully something that you will desire. Once your Empath Reading is done and the questionnaire is filled out, I will set up a 1/2 hour time slot with you to facilitate the distance healing energy work. Again, I can use this energy work for my healing homework assignment and so will ask that you fill out a brief questionnaire relating to it.

#1. Claudia - pic?
#2. Cynthia - new pic?
#3. Carole - completed
#4. Dari - completed
#5. Amy - completed

Thank you! I look forward to doing a reading and healing energy work for YOU!