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July 2007

Healing The Earth/Ourselves

Vol. 7, No. 11
Osiyo!
Welcome to our new newsletter!

In This Issue
New Newsletter!
Star Happenings
Waya's Jewelry News
Now In Bookstores!
Quick Links

New Newsletter!

By Jim PathFinder Ewing (Nvnehi Awatisgi)

So, we hope you like the new newsletter!

As with most things involving PathFinder, there is a story to this.

About two months ago, I started receiving increasing numbers of e-mails from people saying that they weren't receiving their monthly newsletter. I would check the e-mail list, and usually the person would be listed there. So, I would write back saying the usual "check to make sure we're on the 'buddy' or 'safe' list of your provider," etc. But in the past six weeks or so, it seems to have gotten worse. I've sent three e-mailings - to say the new book it out, to announce the schedule of the Solstice ceremonies, and the regular newsletters - and only a small percentage of people received them - including me!!!

How's that? You see, I have five e-mail addresses, and I send a newsletter to each one of them as sort of a "back up" to see if they are going out like they should. Well, the last three times, I've only received the newsletter on three of them. And the three has shifted each time. Even when I resent the newsletter, it only went to three. Each time, I received no "bounce back" notifications that the newsletters weren't going through - to me, or anyone.

Very Baffling
The only thing I can figure is that the proliferation of people's SPAM filters and firewalls - and maybe even my server, too - has made sending out a mass mailing almost impossible for the small user. I had read all the protocols and complied with them all, to no avail.
So, Annette Waya and I decided that if we're going to have a newsletter, we'll have to do what it takes to get it out, and that was to enlist with a commercial mailer. We chose Constant Contact because people we trust use it and it has a privacy policy we like - not sharing names or addresses with anyone, in keeping with what we have done all these years.

Naturally, since it now costs us money to send out the newsletter, we'll have to try to figure out a way to fund it. And having to conform to its format is something of a challenge -- so bear with us while we learn! :-) We appreciate any constructive feedback.

Long Road To Here
It's been a long road to this spot. I never thought seven years ago, it would evolve to what is before you now. It started out as a weekly 2-3 page newsletter that was nothing but type!

I produced it for almost three years, then, I realized it seemed all I was doing was writing the newsletter! Everything else, including my spiritual practice, was becoming secondary. So, in 2003, it became monthly.

When it started, it was sent out to about 80 people who had either come to the Drum Circle or attended the first shamanic courses we sponsored, or in some other way interested in spiritual matters. Then, it started going out to members of the Rainbow Whole Food Co-op, where I was a board member. Then, it became the official newsletter of the now-defunct Jackson Wellness Circle (a rather loose confederation of alternative health practitioners; back then, there were only a handful of us in Jackson; now it's mainstream!!!). Then, it just kind of took off.

It now goes out - including various message boards - to more than 1,200 people each month, with readers literally around the globe. There were 23 countries, last time I checked.

This diversity has been reflected in the newsletter itself. Each issue in the past has been rather eclectic, with events listed here and afar. We are listing fewer events now so as not to be redundant, because newsletters, blogs and websites proliferate.

So, we've adapted to this changing scene by making the newsletter part newsletter, part shaman's blog, so to speak, part "keeping in touch" with what we're doing and others are doing.

We Continue to Grow and Change with the Times
We're just changing with the times. Healing The Earth/Ourselves: A Guide to Inner/Outer Transmutation was written in 1999 and it was meant to be a book. But it grew into the Web site which debuted in 2000. Now, more than 100,00 people have read it as an e-book -- and people tell me its just as powerful now as it was then.

So, we're not taking away from anything by changing, but building on what we have. We've had to shift and adapt and change with the demands of the times, but we haven't lost anything; everyone gains. There's more -- including, now, whole books I'm writing that I hope people will find as enlightening as anything written in these newsletters. You might even recognize a few things from them in the books!

Speaking of Which
Since so many of the past three newsletters have disappeared into cyber space, I'm repeating some of what was sent before. I apologize to those who did receive the newsletter, but hope that those who didn't receive them will appreciate what's sent. (Remember, you can always read past newsletters under "newsletter" on the Web page: www.blueskywaters.com)

Foremost is the announcement that my new book, Finding Sanctuary in Nature: Simple Ceremonies in the Native American Tradition for Healing Yourself and Others is now out in stores. It was delayed a bit; but all the glitches seem worked out. This is a major book, for me, anyway. It gives you simple ceremonies for healing, as the name implies.

This is the second book in the trilogy I'm writing on shamanism. The first book Clearing: A Guide to Liberating Energies Trapped in Buildings and Lands, is about places. This book, Finding Sanctuary, is about people. The third book, which should be out in the fall, is about things (specifically, the Plant and Animal Nations). So, the trilogy is about shamanism, environmental shamanism to be precise, involving people, places and things.

I hope that you will buy a copy, read it, then write me to share what you think for the newsletter! :-)

We did hold our Solstice Event, by the way, and it was great!!! We have a new Asi/Inipi (sweat lodge) built that's larger and can hold more people; Medicine Bull from Arkansas poured water with his wife Bright Star; and Memphis wisdomkeeper Peter Bloom gave incredible teachings about finding one's unique heart song. Annette Waya has a summer sale going on. Check out her new necklaces (http://www.blueskywaters.com/animaltotemnecklaces.htm).

We hope you enjoy our new newsletter!

-- PathFinder

Star Happenings
Reconfiguration Under Way This Month!
By Allison Rae (http://www.StarPriestess.com)

Chaos. Disintegration. Death. Rebirth. Creation.
That's the forecast for the coming month. It's actually the agenda for the next 20 years or so, but somehow the Divine Plan has managed to compress all those elements into the next 31 days. The magnitude of this cosmic meltdown has all the dimensions abuzz. You can positively feel it. The pulse, the frenzy, the flutter. How is your body behaving? Are you agitated, jittery, edgy, confused?

That's par for the course. Something's about to POP.
'Fire The Grid' July 17

If your inbox is jammed about this "Fire the Grid" thing (http://www.firethegrid.org/) on July 17, pay attention. (July 17, 2007at11:11 Greenwich Mean Time, or 6:11 AM in Central Daylight Time zone - to add your energy to this project).

On July 17, Pluto - that tiny, icy powerhouse out there on the fringes of our solar system - will be exactly aligned with the center of our galaxy, something that only happens every 248 years. He's been passing back and forth over the Galactic Center since December. This is the second exact conjunction, with Pluto traveling "backward" or "retrograde" this time. Which means our stuff is up - all that subconscious sludge we've been harboring for millennia - in all of its manifestations. The opportunity for release is profound. Reconfiguration at a higher level is possible, in the wink of an eye.

Ready or not, it's time to step into your power. Where have you given yours away? The Evolution of Consciousness doesn't care who wronged you as a child or back in the Dark Ages or on Atlantis. It's time to let go of the baggage from this or any lifetime that has kept you from expressing your Divine Creative Essence Self.

Release the fear. Breathe. Allow the matrix of Divine Love to infuse your being. What awaits is pure bliss.

When planets and stars align, energetic portals are created that amplify our thought vibrations throughout the cosmos. It's always important to monitor our thoughts and stay focused on what we choose to support and create. On these dates, the energies go quantum.

Star Portal - Sun-Sirius Conjunction - July 1-6

Every year at this time, our Sun aligns with the magnificent blue star Sirius, creating an initiation portal linked to the Great Pyramid at Giza, the Egyptian goddess Isis and the all-seeing, all-knowing Eye of Cosmic Wisdom. The rising of Sirius with the Sun near the Summer Solstice marks the beginning of the Egyptian New Year and heralds the annual flooding of the Nile, replenishing the physical and spiritual fertility of the motherland. The brightest star in our sky, Sirius streams the cosmic frequencies of Love-Wisdom to Earth. As Sothis, she catalyzes the purification of ego so we may embody Divine Essence.

To read more about the Sun-Sirius connection, go to this link: http://www.souledout.org/nightsky/fourthofjuly/fourthofjuly.html

Cross-Quarter July 31-Aug. 1

The grand finale of this month comes with the cross-quarter gateway of Lammas (or Lughnasad). This is the mid-point between the Summer Solstice and Autumn Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere. As fall approaches, we begin to reap the first fruits of the harvest. Father Sky and Mother Earth grace us with gifts of nourishment and sustenance. We share with each other as they have blessed us, with gratitude.

Excerpted; For more, see:

http://www.StarPriestess.com.

Reprinted By Permission; Copyright 2007 Allison Rae/www.StarPriestess.com
beads Waya's Jewelry News...

* I have added a dozen new necklaces to Gallery 21, so there are new styles to choose from.
* The Summer Sale of 15% off the base price of necklaces has been very successful, so I am extending it to all of the custom-made jewelry and crafts.
* NEW! Ready-made necklaces, available for immediate purchase, more will be added soon.

THANK YOU for your patronage!
Please Forward to Your Friends & Relations ...


What People Are Saying About 'Finding Sanctuary'

"If you're looking for practical, simple, stunningly effective ceremonies to assist you in your life - Jim PathFinder Ewing's work will never let you down. I know from the amount of traffic we receive to his articles that our readers think so, too. Ceremonies is a powerful 'listening walk' into spiritual awareness that provides delight at every turn. Ancient knowledge considered esoteric is made simple, obvious and completely understood, as step-by-step instructions for healing rituals suitable and effective for modern times are spelled out along with personal examples of their use. Ceremonies no doubt will be a valuable textbook on shamanism and Native American spirituality for many years to come."

-Sandi Sedgbeer

Editor of PlanetLightworker Magazine

"In 'Finding Sanctuary in Nature: Simple Ceremonies for Healing Yourself & Others,' author Jim PathFinder Ewing shows us the real meaning of sanctuary - a sacred and healing space of tranquility - and gives us the tools for harnessing the power of ceremonies, in order to create our own special, healing connection with nature and within ourselves."

-- Darby Davis,Editor of Awareness Magazine

"With this book, PathFinder gives a great gift to the world, the blessing of opening a doorway for all peoples to enter the world of Spirit. It's a piece of mastery, of beauty and power. Pathfinder allows the reader to experience the magic of ritual in every living moment. Ritual is a sacred experience that he teaches how to share, as way home to Spirit. Through Pathfinder, the reader is able to embrace life as the most sacred ritual and serving Spirit as the greatest ceremony. He walks in beauty. Achukmahoke! ("This is good!")."

-- Boe "Many Knives" Glasschild (Bvshpolawa), Choctaw shaman, author of "The Shores Within."

"Jim Pathfinder Ewing's book will assist people in creating a personal relationship with Wakan Tanka, the Great Spirit. People need this type of instruction at this time, to let them know the possibilities that exist within themselves. Also, by fully explaining how ceremonies are performed, and why, it will protect people from being taken advantage of by those 'selling' ceremony. This book provides for the right relationship with Creator."

-- Suzanne Looking Back Woman Dupree, Miniconjou Sioux Pipe Carrier (C'anapa Wakan), Cheyenne River Agency, author of "Looking Back Woman Speaks" (www.lookingbackwoman.com)

"This book is a valuable manual for those seeking to become whole. The teachings within ignite the desire to remember our purpose for living, our path as Caretakers of Mother Earth. Jim PathFinder Ewing takes the reader on a journey to learn the Truth about life found on the Medicine Wheel. He then provides a foundation for constructing ceremonies working with sacred elements, drumming, singing, ceremonial objects and ways of honoring. Through personal examples, he passes along a most important lesson about medicine -- that prayer, or intent to create good relationship, is our greatest tool."
-- Kathleen Spider Lawrence, Taino,
Caney Indian Spiritual Circle
Author of "Songs Of Bleeding"

"Simply written and expertly explained, Ewing speaks in a universal language to include all religions. Through a series of shamanic teachings, Ewing shows us how to appreciate the spiritual forces in every living thing. Exercises in prayer, singing, rituals, ceremony, sacred space, the elements, symbolism and connecting with spirit guides only begin to cover the scope of this small yet powerful guide."

-- The Clarion-Ledger, Jackson, Miss.

"Jim PathFinder Ewing . . . takes you through a series of teachings designed to awaken an appreciation of the spiritual forces at large in the natural world. These teachings are drawn from the shamanic techniques found in Native American spirituality, and include hands-on exercises and ceremonies, illustrated by extracts from the author's own notebooks. You learn to create sacred spaces - not just in nature but in your own inner world - in which you can connect with spirit guides and angels, and perform simple yet beautiful ceremonies for bringing sacredness into your daily living, returning an individual's lost soul-pieces (soul retrieval), healing the earth, and much more. Jim also shares his understanding of how to harness the power of the medicine wheel, and increase the effectiveness of the ceremonies you perform through right thinking, prayer and other techniques."
-- Cygnus Books, United Kingdom

"The message of this book is both beautiful and practical. The sanctuary of nature is all around us and within us; whether we are in rural Virginia or downtown Washington we can find sacred spaces for simple healing ceremonies. Jim Pathfinder Ewing has studied with teachers from Native American tribes and the spiritual traditions of the East, but the ceremonies of his book are not specific to any group. Instead, his purpose was to help readers find and create practices that are personally meaningful.

Pathfinder Ewing takes a balanced, non-dogmatic approach to his material. Both the anger some Native Americans feel about their ceremonies being "stolen" and the desire of outsiders to enrich their lives by adopting native beliefs are acknowledged and respected. Pathfinder Ewing takes a middle way, honoring the spirit of native ancestors by adapting ancient ceremonies for today's world. He weaves world history, personal experience, modern science and ancient myth into his narrative.

'Finding Sanctuary in Nature' is well organized. The first three chapters end with review points and internet key words for further research. The information and exercises in these chapters provide the principles, tools and techniques for performing Native American based ceremonies. Subsections include Tricking the Trickster, Harnessing the Power of the Medicine Wheel, and How to Pray. The heart of the book, the fourth, largest and final chapter, contains the ceremonies. These include distance healing, creating a sweat or moon lodge, soul retrieval, vision quests, and becoming your power animal through dance."

-- Pathways Magazine

To read an excerpt, see:

http://www.blueskywaters.com/sanctuaryexcerpt.pdf

Or:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/1844090957/ref=sib_dp_pop_ex/104-7161087-8231901?ie=UTF8&p=S00O#reader-link

To order, Click HERE,

Or:

http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Sanctuary-Nature-Ceremonies-Tradition/dp/1844090957/sr=1-1/qid=1168551737/ref=sr_1_1/103-8272305-1963854?ie=UTF8&s=books

Or Check a Bookstore Near You!

On CLEARING

"Jim is a voice for the Earth, giving us much needed inspiration and information about living in harmony.... A marvelous guide."
-Brooke Medicine Eagle,
Author of Buffalo Woman Comes Singing
and The Last Ghost Dance.

Description

Working from the premise that every natural and human-made space has an energy of its own that can physically and emotionally effect anyone in that space, this introduction to ancient practices of environmental shamanism-or transformation of the energy of spaces-explains in practical terms how to liberate old, unproductive energy that may be stored in any space, making room for new vibrations to circulate and increase inhabitants' well-being. Combining timeless traditions with the author's vast experience in energy transformation, this manual offers step-by-step guidance for recognizing and manipulating the unseen forces that affect everyday life. Real-life examples, guided exercises, annotated endnotes, and an extensive glossary to supplement case studies making the book both informative and accessible for practical use.

Comments on 'Clearing'

" 'Clearing' is 'The Secret' for real estate brokers, business people, anyone who wants to attract more customers and positive results."

"Should be required reading in the wake of Hurricane Katrina!"

"A real-life 'ghostbuster' shares his secrets."

"Spiritually, every time I read this, I find something new."

(Five Stars) "Clearing" Spiritually enlightening, June 1, 2007
Reviewer: Lee A. Forrester "Little Dove" (Torrington, WY)

"Pathfinder gives an excellent explanation of learning to see the reality that we are seldom aware of in our hurry-up world of science and 'if I can't touch it and explain it, it doesn't exist.' In our society, we talk of 'sick building syndrome.' Here is a spiritual way to clear our lands and buildings of the very essence of that sickness. In doing so, we can begin to heal ourselves and our earth."

Thank you! Wado!

May You Walk in Peace and Harmony!
Aisv Nvwhetoheyada ale Nvwedoheyadv

Many Blessings!
PathFinder

Medicine Wheel Drum Circle Prayer Ceremony Set For July 14
(See: Protocol for the Drum Circle: http://www.blueskywaters.com/drumcircle.html)

The Drum Circle will be held Saturday, July 14 in Lena.

We will drum at 7 p.m.
It's Pot Luck, as usual; bring a covered dish or food of some kind to share if you want to participate in the meal.
We will drum first, eat later. If you get lost, call 601-654-3301. Some may wish to fast beforehand. If you can't attend and have prayers to enter in the medicine wheel's prayer basket, send them (blueskywaters@bellsouth.net). Bring a drum or rattle if you have one; if not, come as the Creator guides you. We are in our 7th year now of holding the monthly Medicine Wheel Prayer Ceremony.

Note: There is no charge of any kind for the prayer ceremonies; all gifts and/or donations are greatly appreciated. We depeind on the generous donations of those who believe they receive a benefit from our services. All are welcome, especially children! This is a family-friendly event. No drugs or alcohol.

Aho.

Related Items:
Protocol for the Bear Lodge (Asi/Inipi): http://www.blueskywaters.com/bearlodgeprotocol.html
The History of the American Indian Sweat Lodge: http://www.blueskywaters.com/page_46.htm
Also: 'Ugista 'ti: The 'Pay' of Medicine Men' -- http://www.blueskywaters.com/ugistati.pdf
Also, see: Using the Medicine Wheel to Bring Balance to Earth: www.blueskywaters.com/page_41.htm

'Peace Village' Trip
Annette Waya and I are hoping to attend the 'Peace Village' in Bristol, Vt., for the 23rd Annual Native American Elders' Gathering hosted by the venerable Cherokee Chief Dhyani Ywahoo at the end of this month. Donations are welcome. Please click the "donate" button on the newsletter or on the Web page, if inclined. We thank you! Wado!

To read more about the event, see:
http://www.sunray.org/20th_Native_American_Elders__G/20th_native_american_elders__g.html

Karuna Reiki®Class
Karuna Reiki® class will be offered in August, for those who have been a practicing Reiki master for at least a year. I haven't offered the class since last year; and probably won't for another year, as my schedule has been too demanding. So, if you were considering it, now's the time. For those who don't know, Karuna Reiki® is like "graduate school" for Reiki. As a Registered Karuna Reiki® Master Teacher, we teach in strict accordance with the International Center for Reiki Training. Class will be held on a weekend, Aug. 11-12. Please email Annette Waya or see the Web site if you are interested and want to learn more. Those who graduate will be registered with the ICRT and qualified to teach, as well. For more information, see the Web page under Services.

Many Blessings!
PathFinder

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Interesting Links:

Great, Up-To-Date Stories/News
Bookmark this:
http://www.mayanmajix.com/art_in.html

Polar Ice Melting Quicker Than Previously Thought
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/05/03/tech/main2757478.shtml

Polar Bears Endangered
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/connelly/308043_joel19.html

Look Out For Stolen Regalia

http://www.gatheringofnations.com/native_american_news/stolen_regalia.htm

Check out Sustainable Products:

http://www.blueskywaters.com/affiliateshome.html

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Ascension Test: Breathing

As natural as breathing. You've heard that expression before. But did you know that most people don't fully breathe? They take shallow breaths that sustain life, but don't fully utilize this powerful way of becoming whole and present that is offered each and every moment. If you took the time to breathe from the diaphragm, taking a slow, long inbreath, say 7 seconds, then holding it 7 seconds, then releasing it 7 seconds, you would marvel at the power of this simple act of breathing. The world shifts and changes as your breathing shifts and changes. Just breathe.

Aho.

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Thought for The Day:

"Inside of every person - man, woman, and child - is the knowledge that there is a Supreme Being. Many of us have been taught that the Creator is a punishing God. We have been taught about feelings of guilt and shame when we do things wrong. We have been taught that God gets angry and disappointed with us. The Elders teach us that the Creator is a loving and forgiving God. He loves us during our good days and He loves us during our bad days. He doesn't know how to do anything but love. If I really want to find out about the true God, I only need to ask in prayer. There is one thing that God cannot do and that is refuse help to one of His children who asks. My Creator, I ask You to be a part of my life today. Whisper to me Your wisdom. Let me feel Your presence. If I am doubtful and afraid, show me, in terms I can understand, You are real."

-- Elder's Meditation of the Day - June 21, www.whitebison.org

This newsletter is offered
with prayers for healing, growth and development. Namaste!
Mitakuye Oyasin, Gus dii dada dv ni, Sa'ah, Naaghaí, Bik'eh, Hozhoon.
Blessings To You and All In Your Sacred Circle
and "Keep in touch . . ." -- PathFinder
Contact Us
Jim PathFinder Ewing blueskywaters@att.net
Annette Waya Ewing bisonsmile@bellsouth.net
POB 387, Lena, MS 39094
601-654-3301
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