Hello and Happy Samhain to You!
As we enter the “Dark Half of the Year” [OCT 31-MAY 1st], or simply ‘winter,’ we are called at this time to slow down. We relish, maybe even take pride in the full sentence of “No, thank you” [I need to rest, be by myself, do nothing]. We tug and then gently pull the threads of gratitude and thinking-about-what-matters through our prayer shawl.
What prayers are you muttering over the wool? Is it for community, for love to prevail? Maybe you are calling in your tribe to weather the change…maybe you just want things to settle down.
As I tee-up this most profound essay written by my dear friend and teacher, Lucille Meltz, I want to invite everyone who reads this newsletter to know that ultimately, we are all responsible for the quality of our relationships, the health of the planet, the cleanliness of our water, and the mental, intellectual and physical health of our children. Prayers for a brighter world are great but it takes action, too. Calls to action can be found anywhere, if you’re looking and listening. For this newsletter, I am gladly handing over my usual space to Lucille who, indeed, is calling out to each of us.
A brief introduction: Lucille is an author, an intuitive guide and the owner of Touch The Soul Life Coaching. She also performs hand analysis and is a dedicated protector of the natural world. Her writing over the years has brought me much joy, inspiration and a few tears and that is why I am so thrilled to offer you her insights this month.
In the essay below, she shares but a small snippet albeit a powerful one of her experience living through the recent hurricane that ravaged the Western Mountains of North Carolina. This area of my beloved home state is a soul home if there ever was one. It took me about 5 times to get through this essay, so you’ve been forewarned: Get your box of tissues and read on.
From Lucille:
Hurricane Helene has been a powerful teacher.
Living in the aftermath of a natural disaster in the mountains of Western North Carolina brings me to a deep reflection of all that was, all that is yet to be, and all that we may still need to learn.
The first hit of this unprecedented storm with torrential rainfalls of up to 30 inches and gale force 90 plus mph winds, causing thousands of ancient towering trees to crash over roadways, cars and homes, was all a devastatingly sudden shock. Buildings, streets, houses, steel and concrete bridges, interstates and all manner of roads and driveways washed out in a flash destroying lives, homes, businesses and all security for untold numbers of residents in mountain towns. And then there were the hundreds of terrifying monstrous landslides whose sound and roar alone traumatized so many, if they were fortunate enough to survive.
The power and terrorizing drama of this epic event has been dubbed by many as one of Biblical proportions.
Now, weeks later, as life resumes and each of us attempts to rebuild “normal”, the process of recovery begins. But what does that look like?
How do we learn from our experience on the most profound level?
The days immediately after the storm with virtually no or little cell communication, with all power and internet out, no refrigeration for perishable food, no hot water or no water at all, none of us could count on outside help. Fire and police rescue were already overloaded, barely able to handle life and death emergencies. We could not reach family in or out of the state.
Without our neighbors, many of whom, pre-storm, were almost strangers, life would have been impossible.
In my small condo complex, as the storm ended, people wandered hesitantly outdoors to survey the now almost unrecognizable landscape and immediately reached out to one another. “Are you OK?” “What do you need?” were the questions I heard over and over during those first post storm days.
One neighbor with an outdoor grill bringing a cooked breakfast to another who had no food in the house. Another chasing down and dragging back all the lost recycling and trash bins dangerously close to floating away in the nearby creek. Several of us mopping up the flooded living room of a single neighbor. Many of us checking on the slightly disabled elder resident whose doorway was blocked by an enormous downed tree. A new resident who I had never met knocking on my door to offer me a spare phone charger because she had heard I did not have one. Those with any extra cash giving or loaning it to others without funds, as we all struggled in a new cash only society, with all banks closed.
Simple, kind, helping deeds and reminders that we were not alone.
We shared meals, rides, checking in on one another about family missing or trapped in other parts of the mountains. Tears were frequent, but so were hugs, and surprisingly enough, at times, even laughter.
In the midst of a total lack of security, many of us forged a new community without regard for age, political values, lifestyle or religious beliefs. It was a terrifying time of uncertainty and yet, also, of saving connections that still lives in my heart as we all seek to return to a more settled life.
And as I now walk my once beautifully tree lined neighborhood, I am deeply saddened by the sight of the gigantic corpses and chopped up remnants of dozens of majestic gigantic oaks and pines that had graced our walkways. The vacuum created by their destruction fills me with a sorrow for their hundreds of years of life, gone in a whiplash, and destroying, with their lives, the habitats of countless birds and land based creatures.
My grief is not only for our human habitat. We share a planet with a bountiful number of beings who also now feel the tragic impact of this unprecedented event.
As human neighbors we came together to survive and assist one another in that survival. Now, individually and collectively, as we look to rebuild, what and how are we rebuilding? What qualities and provisions do we cultivate and store within and without, to create a more complete, prepared future for what may yet come for all of us, every living being?
None of what Hurricane Helene brought us should have been a surprise. On varied levels, through estimates and warnings by countless scientists, we have been told for decades of the process of climate change, what it means, and how it will increase and intensify hurricanes, floods, wildfires, tornadoes, all manner of natural disasters. And for those of us tuned into it, astrological, psychic predictions and Biblical prophecies have been forewarning us of these times.
We are no longer living in the times of warnings.The future is now; it has arrived.
As our outer landscape has been ravaged, we are being called to cultivate the awareness of our inner landscape, our emotional and spiritual patterns needed to guide us forward.
Almost three weeks after the storm I continually hear of the strength of WNC communities who put aside all differences to help one another. This alone may be one of the most important lessons of our lives. It is the essence of who we are, the primal need to help and support one another. It is the basic power of love that we have been taught in various faiths and beliefs systems, a universal truth. And it may be what saves our world.
While I stood in three hour long grocery lines and waited in mile-long gas lines, a quality which I immediately observed was patience. No one rushed anyone. No one rushed at all. Customers leaving the market routinely walked up and down the long waiting lines to offer their now empty carts to strangers. Store employees cruised the same lines offering bottled water at a time when it was a precious commodity. Phones were barely working, so interpersonal communication surged, smiles happened and all the waiting times felt infinitely shorter.
One of the most delightful events I witnessed was seeing so many children playing outside, biking, running, laughing, engaging in free form physical activity. Schools were closed, phones pretty much useless and kids became kids again. Never had I known that there were so many children in my neighborhood! Nor had I ever seen so many hikers, bike riders, dog walkers, and joggers.
The outdoors, decimated as it felt, called to all of us and we felt not just the refreshing calming peace of sunshine, but the common experience of being together, of all of us having survived a singular disaster.
Patience during a common shared catastrophe built kinder, more united communities in the wake of Helene. Also, compassionate understanding for the fears we all faced. Empathy for those who suffered with us. These are the qualities that reside deep within each of us and surface when we allow ourselves to let go of differences.
Helene is asking us: Why did you have to wait for me to come along to actually exhibit those qualities wholeheartedly, without restraint?
Do we have to keep reliving our fears to remember a basic spiritual tenet, that we are all one?
How and when do we universally acknowledge that patience, compassionate understanding and empathy also are needed by those who do not belong to the human race, but suffer along with us on our shared planet?
In the midst of survival tasks of finding food, caring for another and seeking safety, there is no thought of yesterday’s sorrows or tomorrow’s agenda. The spiritual concept of being present, living in the now is all there is. It becomes essential to focus on only the task at hand, and in doing so, a sense of peace and calm prevails.
Like so many Helene survivors,I am already gathering physical supplies for future possible disasters. My own consciousness has shifted dramatically in truly recognizing that the scientific predictions and prophecies are playing out right now. That is all important but my greatest, most valuable preparation is from within.
Here in the mountains of Western North Carolina, Helene has come to teach us that the tools of survival are not confined to the physical plane.
Finding peace in the midst of the storm requires first tapping into the peace reserve within our hearts and spirits. All the spiritual practices I have practiced and used for over 45 years served me in more profoundly effective ways than my ice cooler or my flashlights. My decades of meditation, practicing gratitude, positive affirmations, daily prayers, utilizing and expanding my intuition, tuning into nature and offerings of unconditional love are what kept me centered as the chaos swirled around me. And when the almost paralyzing fear arose, as it did for each of us in differing ways, I was usually able to separate out from my ego and seek a place of quiet inner contemplation to recharge and continue on.
My intention post-Helene is not just to stock up on solar lanterns. It is to plunge deeper into my own reserve of spiritual development, to explore and increase my own light within.
Helene has forged an awareness of the strength of my inner landscape, as it has for all who have come together in community, sharing resources, ingenuity, support, helping hands, supplies, sorrow, hopes, and especially, love.
Is it conceivable, in a world of ever increasing catastrophes, that if we actually learn and embrace the lessons that Helene has offered us, we may not need the teachings of more catastrophes? Is it possible that we can defy all the predictions and as an inner and outer connected species, uniting in love and acceptance, we might create a universal conscious energy of light instead of more darkness?
Might we redefine our survival?
~Lucille Meltz, October, 2024
FEATURED PRACTITIONER: MARSHA STULTZ
and the HEART LOTUS EVOLUTION
The Heart Lotus Evolution certification program is a deep and powerful transformational process that will change your life. HLE is the original work of Marsha Stultz, having mined her 30-year career of being an energy healer in order to develop it. She works closely with her guides, and they have taught and advised her well. This 12-day program is offered in 6 weekends over 6 months January-June for healers, artists, parents and anyone ready to transform. It begins in January of 2025.
Based in quantum science, this training is for women and provides techniques to over-ride past programming and let go of old unhealthy patterns. In a safe and nurturing environment, you will learn to: shift to 5th dimensional energy, heal wounded inner child aspects, create paradigm shifts in thinking and living, release thought forms others project on to you, shed limiting belief systems, learn soul retrieval, heal past life trauma, evolve your energy systems, manifest consciously, channel, as well as learn practical hands-on healing techniques, and so much more.
In this time of the Divine Feminine rising, and as the Earth herself is going through a great shift, these tools are essential.
Read this testimony from my dear friend Martha:
“I initially resisted enrolling in the Heart Lotus Evolution program; I’ve taken a number of trainings over the years and felt like my toolbox was pretty full. Then I remembered what my private session with Marsha was like: such a broad offering of channelling, healing, releasing, reframing and even connecting with my dad who had passed away a year before.
The training offered guidance in all those practices but also healing and clearing for myself, an amazing upleveling of my own vibration, and a tremendous sense of community and safety in our circle. Marsha is a gifted and skilled teacher and healer; she met each of our needs with a generous and loving spirit along with her years of experience as a teacher and practitioner.
It was a profound, uplifting and inspiring experience.”
~Martha Williams, Founder of Soulfire Associates, Shamanic Practitioner, Yoga Instructor and Heart Lotus Evolution certified practitioner
Intrigued? Interested? For more information go to Marsha’s website marshastultz.com or email at marshas@maine.rr.com (you may also text at 207-653-8284)
WISE WOMEN (NOT*) TALKING
Honoring the Women (and Men) Who Came Before
Sunday, November 24th, 2024
Avalon Acres, 12:30-3:30 PM
Join us on Sunday, 11/24 for a very Special WWT as we build an Ancestor Altar, learn about the old tradition of a dumb supper, and take a guided journey to gather the wisdom of our lines
November. Ah, sweet Samhain. On November 1st, we enter the ‘dark half of the year.’ This heralds a time of slowing down, inner reflection and counting our blessings.
The leaves are now barely hanging on to their branches as if to ask: What are you clutching that holds no purpose for you now?
As wise women, we know we must LET GO for things to settle into their rich darkness, compost themselves and grow again come Spring.
November, then, seems like a perfect time to honor the Dead. In fact, I’m very much looking forward to my annual viewing of Coco on Friday night (11/01). “Dia de los Muertos” is a beloved holiday in Mexico and the Latin American countries. How often do you remember the stories your grandmother told you or the hymns your grandfather sang? What special “family tradition” do you recall with pride that your family incorporated into the upcoming holidays?
On Sunday, November 24th, we will have a slightly more formal circle so that we can take a “time out of time” moment and celebrate the blood and bone ancestors we came from. We will also create a table of our “gratitude” replete with family recipes, favorite dishes your family is fond of, or any other “special treat” that brings to mind family and home.
WHEN: Sunday, November 24th at Avalon Acres
TIME: 12:30-3:30 PM* [a little longer than usual]
WHAT TO BRING:
- A dish to share that is somehow special to you: A family favorite, or a dish that was beloved by an ancestor.
- Something that one of your ancestors made OR something that they gave you OR something that represents them (in your eyes)
- A picture of an ancestor
- Comfortable clothes for sitting in the barn and a camp chair that is comfortable
- Your travel mug for hot tea or coffee, which I will provide
The farm table will be set with REAL CHINA–I am not messing around! In this vein, feel free to dress up a little, as if you were welcoming a dear family member to supper.
FMI: Email me! ninepillarshealing@gmail.com
To read more about what we do in this circle, check out my website page!
WATER HONORING RITUAL
PINE POINT BEACH, SCARBORO
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10th at 1 PM
Join my dear friend and fellow shamanic practitioner, Amylia Jayne, to honor water, one of the four sacred elements!
We will create a medicine mandala on the beach with shells, driftwood and whatever we find. A brief discussion about the elements and their associated direction will follow, as well as the importance of doing ceremony outside and engaging in ritual with GAIA. Lastly, we will dance! And Sing! Welcoming the changing tides of the ocean and all her beings.
Amylia is a talented shamanic practitioner and newly accredited Journey Dance Facilitator. I have longed for a partner to conduct ceremony in public space, so that all may witness and “feel the vibe.” Come to witness or participate!
FMI, email me or text! This event is FREE!
(*Meet at 12:50 PM in the municipal parking lot of Pine Point–no need to RSVP, just come!)
(BELOW: Although you can’t see the ocean, this is me drumming up seals at Biddeford Pool. They came! Katy McLaren can attest! She was there!)
A PERFECT GIFT FOR THAT PERFECT INTROVERT:
The SWEET SUITE!
(what a deal!!!)
Are you looking to give that special someone “an experience,” something that you just can’t find on Amazon? Great! Avalon Acres has the perfect gift!
WINTER GETAWAY at the SWEET SUITE! For $275! (normally $400!)
- 2-night stay
- Enlightened Energy Healing Session with Mary Katherine
- Breakfast (Both Mornings!)
(Other sundries are optional: snow shoes, ceremonial fire, a bottle of wine waiting for you! Offer good for December of 2024, January of 2025, and February of 2025)
WOW! Book it now! This deal will fill up for week-end slots and the winter school vaca week!
FMI: email avalonacresofhollis@gmai.com
AND LASTLY…If it needs to be said, here it is:
Embodying the Divine Feminine 