The Witch's Ball

We see things like this every year at Christmas time. Bobbles and balls hanging from wreaths, Christmas trees and even ears! But did you know that this form of decoration had a particular purpose centuries ago? Yes, indeed. This was known as the Witch's Ball. It was used to scry, much as the pendulum is used today. The only thing is that inside the ball would be herbs and crystals and the like. Sometimes even Holy Water was put inside. It was then dangled from a cord and used to ask Spirit questions. It was said that the Witch's Ball would never be able to lie as that was not in its nature. So in a way, it was the very first truth serum!

The Witch's Ball was usually hung around the neck when not in use, and when there was danger afoot, it would signal the wearer with a high pitched squeal. It was also used to create light in the darkness and to guide the witch to his or her destination when travelling or seeking to find someone or something.

I always find it amazing how the ancient usages of things may get lost but the actual symbol itself lives on. I also find it important to remind folks of some of the origins of certain things such as these. The more educated we become, the more likely it is that we can reincorporate the ancient ways into our modern world.

Blessed Be
Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

The Shruti Box

What the heck is a Shruti Box? Well, it is an instrument that is sort of like a small version of the Harmonium. It creates a droning sound to which chant and sacred toning are easily applies. The word "shruti" is a Sanskrit word that, loosely translated, means "sacred sound". The Universe itself was created from sacred sound. Humans have known this for thousands of years. The Shruti Box, which functions somewhat like an accordion, creates combinations of tones that simulate that sacred sound.

The possibilities are endless! I love to just sit and play the Shruti Box, or chant to the droning sounds of it. I find that it lifts my spirits and takes me places on shamanic journeys that other sounds just are unable to accomplish.

I first encountered one of these delightful instruments at a sound workshop I attended that was put on by Pam Gerand. This incredible woman with an amazing voice brought out this instrument close to the end of the workshop and played it while we chanted Sanskrit mantras. It was incredible. Afterward, I asked her where I could get one and she directed me to the store in Toronto. I ordered it, had it delivered to my brother-in-law's house in Toronto, and my in-laws flew it back with them after visiting Toronto that same week to visit their grandchildren and (Poof!) there was my Shruti Box! I just love it when a plan comes together.

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

It's a Gong Show out there!

My Love and I went to finish our Christmas shopping today. It was crazy busy everywhere. That is to be expected, I suppose. I am more used to having my shopping done by July. I like being prepared in advance. The only issue is that sometimes I spend a bit more money because I forgot what I got for whom and then purchase something else that is perfect for that person. I never worry about that though, because if it is perfect, then they will love it and the other gift as well. I purchase what resonates with that person's energy.

It is difficult, however, when you know what you want to get for a person and there is nowhere in the city that has that special item. Whenever that happens, I decide to get very creative with my gifting. I have been known to make and build things that I have seen in my mind and can't find in the stores. People tend to like those gifts even more than the store bought ones. Heck, I prefer handmade gifts as well! No, that is not a hint. It is just a factual statement.

What I most look forward to at Christmas is the Turkey dinner. I love the food aspect. This time of year I get a major yen for turkey. I also get real tired of it by the day after Boxing Day. By then I am very ready to head back to the Pizza parlour and order an extra large to go.

But I ramble. What I was really getting to, before being distracted by food yet again, was that the stores and streets are extremely busy. I want to encourage everyone to breathe and have patience when shopping and especially when driving. I witnessed some pretty crazy driving styles today, and frankly I think that this could lead us to nowhere good. Icy roads and impatient drivers are not a good mix.

Having said that, last night we were at a party at a friends house. It was a blast to sing Christmas carols and have guitar backup. Then a young fellow brought out a fiddle and played stuff that was exceptionally good. I backed him up with the drum and someone even played the spoons! Now that was just like an old fashioned Christmas!

Blessed Be
Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Defense Systems

Have you ever noticed the barbs on a cactus? It amazes me sometimes how such a beautiful plant can have such sharp barbs! I wonder if Roses are in the cactus family? Sometimes in life the most beautiful things have to have the sharpest defenses, I guess. I remember being a child and having to create within myself a defense system to deal with violent aspects of my home and school. I didn't like having to do that, but it was a necessary just to survive it all.

So then we have to look at what the medicine teachings of this must be. I think sometimes it is human nature to pick at the beautiful things and people in life. It must make us feel very big and important to be able to destroy something beautiful, otherwise, why would we do it? I think that we have to look at what truly motivates us to be destructive. What are we accomplishing in the destruction? Are we feeling threatened? What can we do to allow ourselves to be defended without constantly being defensive? Where do we feel safe to just have room to grow and be our big and beautiful selves?

I think another medicine that the spirit of the cactus brings to us is the knowledge that life can indeed be filled with a bunch of pricks. And when we encounter them, we really need to glove up so that we don't get poked too much. I call it "donning my best 'Kill Bill' outfit". That way we are impervious to harm and won't be setting ourselves up for attack. One look and the adversary pulls away in utter fear! Take that! Ha!

Some cacti are edible. This shows us that even from the most prickly of circumstances we can glean personal nourishment. The trick is to know which prickly circumstance is promoting nourishment and which is not. Then we can respond appropriately.

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Look up....look way up!

In addition to the regular fantasy escape to a warmer location on these very cold days, I also find it to be quite helpful to visit the solarium at the Mendel Art Gallery here in Saskatoon. Yes, there is an excellent gift shop, and yes, there is usually a set of really funky art displays, all of which makes the journey down to the riverbank gallery worth while. The thing I have always enjoyed the most, however, is the solarium.

This has a year round abundance of that green stuff we call plant life. I like to go into the warm and humid environment and just sit there, listening to the water in the fountain and smelling the rich, fertile soil and the deeply musky scents of the plants and flowers. I quiet my mind and sit for a moment and, before I know it, I can connect with the consciousness of all the plant kingdom that is assembled there. Some of the regulars, such as the trees, are always happy to see me. Others, like the seasonal flowers, are just as intrigued by me as I am by them. When they realize that I hear their voices, they are thrilled. I ask them stuff like where they are from and they give me actual geographic information, not just things like, "A nursery in British Columbia" or anything like that, but where they as a species reside on the earth. One of them, a variety of orchid, actually shared with me that its ancestors began on another planet in another solar system and the spores drifted when the planet exploded. Some of the spores made it here and found a nice ecosystem in which to live. I found that to be fascinating. Considering that plants do not lie (they don't know how to), I had to believe it.

Sometimes they will also tell me that they need something in particular in addition to what they are also receiving in their care at the solarium. This happens very rarely as they are very well cared for. But now and then I must say that adjustments are made. In a public location, this can be challenging, but this shaman loves the adventure of it all.

Yes, plant life in the middle of frigid winter. You gotta love it. If you live around here I highly recommend a trip to the Mendel Art Gallery to visit the solarium. It puts that Vitamin D3 back into your system!

Blessed Be
Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Patterns

I have always found patterns to be fascinating. From the time I was a wee boy and my mother would have quilting bees, I have found that patterns have told many things. I now am able to see patterns in very different ways. Very early on, I discovered this thing called "Patterns of Behaviour". I was fascinated to find that there are certain stimuli that can induce certain responses in certain people. For example, if I am watching a movie and there is an intense chase or fight scene, I bite my finger nails. I do my best to not bite, but that is a stimulus that induces that behaviour pattern in me.

Patterns can tell us beautiful stories. Whether they are quilted or beaded or placed in sand with a rake, the patterns can tell us things. Blood splatter patterns can be the determining factor in solving a murder scene. Paint splatter can tell us what mood the artist was in when he or she painted the picture.

I find the behaviour patterns to be the most fascinating. For example, we have all had situations that resemble the bomb that is dropped in a Friday meeting just before the weekend when those who have dropped the bomb can then escape the wrath of the rest of the people at the meeting, then they come back on Monday morning and act as though all is well. That kind of stuff is a passive aggressive pattern of behaviour, and it is abusive.

Patterns of behaviour that are also interesting are those in which a loving sentiment is shared. For example, someone always gives you roses on your birthday. This is a pattern of behaviour that says, "I love you" and makes you feel great inside. Or how about that wonderful person who leaves love notes in unexpected places for you, or the child who always brings you a handful of dandelion flowers for a bouquet every weekend.

Yes, behaviours are patterns that speak volumes to those who are astute enough to observe and see the connections.

Blessed Be
Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

A Warm Location

On cold days like these last ones have been (-26 to -30 degrees Celsius) it is always fun to think about a nice warm location. I understand the "Snowbirds" completely. After all, although we in Canada tend to be a hardy bunch of folks when it comes to extreme weather, why would we want to hang around in parkas and snow boots if we could be sunning on a warm beach?

I do like winter. The air is cleaner and more crisp and there are no mosquitoes to have to deal with. But on the really cold days it is essential to have a place to go to, even if it is in your own thoughts. Mine is a very sunny beach with beautiful blue water rolling in. Sometimes it is a warm summer's day beside a pool. Okay, so it usually involves steel drum sounds and grass skirts on the women folk, but really, I guy's gotta have some fun!

I invite everyone out there to dive in. Go ahead! See what your warmest fantasies can conjure up for you in your mind. Let not even the sky be the limit. And let me know how it goes!

Blessed Be
Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Wizards At War

When I looked at this photo of space, I saw two wizards at war with each other. It brings to mind a scene from a Harry Potter film. I also began to think about how often we not only experience but also expect conflict. I have seen this happen amongst people in spiritual communities as well. It is so unfortunate that we are, as humans, so desperate to be right, even if that makes us dead right.

A spiritual community is supposed to provide some safety for people to gather, share, and heal. It is an opportunity for participants to experience a deepening in their relationships with each other and with their God or Goddess. Yet, human as we can all be, conflict eventually arises. It is not so much the conflict as how it is dealt with that makes the world of difference. Too often petty differences between people not only escalate, but are encouraged to escalate by those around the ones with the differences. Why do we always feel such a need to take sides instead of taking a deep breath? Sheesh! That is a deeply shamanic term...."sheesh!".

I have always preferred to address things up front. That way everyone can trust that they will always know how I feel and what I think. Yes, sometimes it is challenging to address the things that need addressing. But we have to make the effort if we are ever going to grow. As my sister used to say, "It's now time to put the big girl panties on." We sometimes just have to buck up and be mature about addressing things before they get out of hand and before we lose some sacred part of ourselves. When we let things eat away at us or allow others to take advantage of us, we diminish ourselves until there is nothing left of us. Why wait for such a crisis to happen? It is so much easier to just say what you think and feel. Yes, we can be kind and compassionate about it as well. But we must be authentic and have some personal integrity in life. After all, if we have no integrity, then we really have nothing at all.

Blessed Be
Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Space....the final frontier....

When I see photos like these of things happening in space, it makes me realize just how small we really are. There is so much that we really don't know about going on in our neighbourhood. Something like this can send out enough energy through the universe to eventually impact what happens on our own little rock in space. But for now, it is really quite beautiful to see.

Some of my paintings turn out like this. I remember one in particular that I sold a number of years ago. When I created it I felt like there was something pretty big that I was tapping into. It ended up being bought by an astronomer who told me that they just got a photo of that "event" in space the week before. He was astounded to find that I had painted it over a year prior to the show. He couldn't help but purchase it. I did not know what it was that I was painting. I just painted it.

We all have that ability. When we go into the "zone", which for me is painting, we access information that is beyond that of which we are currently conscious. It doesn't have to be painting. It could be doing anything creative. Working with mechanics or carpentry is also creative work. Stirring the sugar in the sugar bowl is creative. Knitting is creative. Whatever it is that gets us in the zone is what will lead us to that connection.

Blessed Be
Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Still Waters 4

Comfort levels are something that a lot of people struggle with. It is often difficult to have a comfort zone honoured when dealing with other people, be it at work or at home. We often need to create skills in declaring our personal space and boundaries in order to be able to function. Too often people end up just clamming up instead of utilizing their interpersonal skills.

The problem with clamming up is that it allows things to fester beneath the surface. Those things that fester end up creating deeper problems for ourselves. We end up having random physical symptoms surface up that annoy us and, over time, can destroy us when they go unattended. What we really need to do is to come out of our shells and say how we really feel. When we speak our truth we allow ourselves to let go of what is bothering us. We also need to speak our truths in kind and respectful ways, otherwise we end up creating more turbulent waters between ourselves and those around us. When we allow kindness and compassion to be expressed through us, even when we are speaking difficult truths, we create a flow of loving energy that honours others as well as ourselves and that flow heals the situation. As kindness and gentleness emerge from our beings we are able to melt the coldest of hearts. That melt down can be something that the other person feels, but it can also be something that we experience through the process. As our hearts melt we are strengthened because what is actually melting down is the level of anger and bitterness that has been carried by us, sometimes for years at a stretch.

Shells, like those of turtles, need to be put to proper use. They are meant to be a safe haven, a protection, and a home that walks with us wherever we journey. That is a state of being. It is a state of confidence that resides in our own hearts and allows others to become inspired to find their own confidence. As that ripple moves out through the world, the world heals, one person at a time.

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Still Waters 3

No matter what we think, say or do in this world, there is a ripple effect that happens as a result. My mother taught me that with water. She had me throw a stone into the pond that had very still water. Then she asked me what I noticed? I said, "It splashed." "What else?" she asked. "Well, it made ripples," I said. "And where are the ripples going?" she asked. "To the shore," was my reply. "Yes," she said, very gently. There was then a time of silence between us. Then she looked at me....and I looked at her.....and then I said, "Fine, I'll go apologize to my brother." Her mission was accomplished.

The thing is that, no matter how deep or how still the waters are, when you drop something into it, such as a rain drop or a stone, it makes a splash. It will always ripple outward, in all directions, as well as back to you, right where you are standing. In life, the same applies to our thoughts, actions and words. It might take a while for it to ripple back to us, but most often it is what I have coined "insta-karma". So if we are going to make a splash at all we might as well make it a good splash instead of a negative one.

Oh, and one more thing. Do you see the "eye" watching you from within the photo? There is always someone watching you. Even if no one is in the room, spirit watches us. I know that freaks some people out because they associate that with a stalker syndrome or something. But really, it is a comfort. Someone has to keep a record of our behaviour and that way we will, when we ask the question, be answered as to what we need to repair in our lives and how to do it. The guidance is always there, gently waiting for us to open up and receive it. At the very least, we can always remember that just at the time when we think that no one is watching, we are setting an example for someone who is there, unbeknownst to us. My mom always used to say, "You can tell the character of a man by what he is doing when he thinks no one is watching." So true.

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Still Waters 2

Have you ever noticed when you look at water that there is so much beneath the surface? In this photo you can find all sorts of plant life and the rain drops almost make it look like there are eyes looking up at you from within the water. An entire ecosystem is functioning beneath the surface!

My mom was right when she would observe the stuff beneath the surface of people. I learned to do that very early on in my childhood. My challenge was to not blab my mouth about what I saw. I remember telling a woman who stopped by for tea that she didn't have to worry because her husband was going to leave that other lady soon. She burst into tears. My mom scooted me out of the room and told her to stay there and she would be right back. I was around 3 perhaps, and that was my first lesson in that thing called "tact". I learned to not spill my guts about everything of which I was aware because not everyone wanted to know, not everyone was ready to know, and I would not know how they would respond.

That is a lot different from how some people, as they are growing up, learn to just block it out because "it isn't real" or "you must be crazy to think that" or "If we don't know that, then there is no way you possibly can know that". These types of messages actually cause people to shut down their intuitive processes. This harms them beginning at a very early age and onward through their lives until they reclaim their own gifts, abilities and powers.

My mother never doubted my abilities. She did, however, do her best to teach me how to use them ethically and tactfully. The other shamanic teachers that I have had along the way have also been rather impressed that I have been able to develop so strongly and not have my ego get in the way of my ethics. Okay, so I admit it, there has been a time or two when I have utilized my abilities to create something of personal gain that would otherwise not have been able to happen. They were few and far between, but each time I also learned yet another reason why not to do that. I have always said that if we cannot learn from our mistakes, then there is really no reason to make them. I am probably not the first one to say that, but I have always said it. So now and then I too make mistakes. But that is another blog entry altogether.

What I am getting at is that sometimes people expect complete transparency and then when they actually get that expectation fulfilled, they are horrified at what they have learned. People sometimes think that it is my job to tell them everything right now. It is not. That would deny them the opportunity to learn at their own pace. It would also, quite frankly, screw them up. Those of you who are gifted out there know that what I am about to say is true. Most people are actually afraid of the truth and the expansive capacity of it. So for people to think that I should tell them absolutely everything I know in, say, a one hour session of talking, is not only unreasonable, it is delusional. I have learned what I have learned in so far 46 years of my life on this planet, plus numerous past lives of which I have recall. It would still take lifetimes to share all that I know. I only hope that I will be able to share enough of it with enough people to make a positive difference on this earth one day. But that won't happen in an hour....or two....or three.

I will share this though. Love is the greatest power of all. And that is why I am inviting all of you to share with me, and all the readers, a true love story. This can be a love story from your personal past, or one that is about a family member or a friend. The theme, though, needs to be "Love". Now, you will not need to just put it in the "comments" section of this blog. If you like, you can email it to me directly at deerhorn@sasktel.net. I do encourage you though, to share your story with the rest of the readers. Love stories inspire us. They motivate us to become better people than we ever thought that we would be. And please only send me stuff that you don't mind having shared with others. I plan to collect the stories and perhaps publish them, either in the blog or in a journal. I want as many stories as you can think of because I will also use them as teaching tools in sessions and workshops. So there it is. The invitation is there for you. Do with it as you will!

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Still Waters;

They do run deep. This is what my mother used to say to me. "Still waters run very deep," she would say as she observed someone. At first I thought that what she was saying was that shy and quiet people have much more going on inside of them than they tend to let on to those around them. I think that this is the version of that saying that most people think it means. My mother, however, would sometimes talk in spiritual code.

I learned that she was not necessarily talking about shy people. She was actually referring to the "dark passenger" that she would observe in others. We all have a dark passenger. This is the hitchhiker that tries to sway us into self-destructive behaviour. It is the one who does not seem to care who else they harm along their path of destruction. For myself, the dark passenger is the one who is thrilled by a morbid sense of humour. Black comedy sometimes absolutely cracks me up. The War of the Roses was a movie that a lot of people didn't like, but I found to be hilarious. And seeing someone slip on ice renders me useless to help them because I can't stop laughing. I can't stop laughing even if it is myself who has slipped on the ice!

As I have walked through this life I have discovered an even darker side to humanity. This is the side of humanity that creates rapists, murderers and child molesters. These ones have a particularly darker passenger. I sometimes cringe when I pick that vibe up off a person. It is not easy being gifted and getting visions of what people actually are capable of or have done. Sometimes it leaves one feeling slimed.

But there are reasons for every gift. Although they can sometimes seem like curses, we also have to experience them to truly come into our power. That way we can still help the innocent as they encounter others' dark passengers. They help us to come into our own power so that we can become of more service to our people.

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

The Castle Keep

All my life I wanted to live in a castle. The one in my vision was much like this one that my friend photographed in Scotland. There had to be hills and a lake and turrets and stuff. A very magical place it was. In my mind there was nothing that could penetrate the walls of the castle other than the power of love itself.

It seems, however, that to date all the past lives that I have remembered where I have actually lived in a castle ended very badly. In a castle I was burned as a witch. In a castle I was slain for having an affair with the queen. In a castle I was smothered before I was even 8 years of age because some idiot wanted the crown and thought that he needed it more than I. Castles, castles, castles! Death, death, death! Sheesh.

One day, when I am king and live in a castle, I am going to make life easier for everybody. I will decree that people must pull into the outside lane on the freeway and allow merging traffic to merge. I will decree that, for fear of instant death, people will no longer be allowed to talk on cell phones or text each other while driving! I will decree that people who generally drive in idiotic ways loose their licenses immediately....or be imprisoned with those of their kind. Can you tell I have had a few close calls lately? I will also decree that stupid people who don't accelerate to the freeway speed limit when merging will have their cars impounded...just because they are stupid and holding up the flow of traffic. Oh, the list goes on! But enough of that. Perhaps there is a reason why I am not king and don't live in a castle this lifetime. Besides, not living in a castle allows me certain liberties that I would otherwise not have.

Liberties you say? Why yeeeeesssss. Liberties! I can, without living in a castle, not worry about the paparazzi. I can also go to the grocery store and not worry about anyone trying to slay me on the way there or back....well...other than the stupid drivers that is. I can come home after a long day at work and remove my socks (which I despise wearing anyway), kick back and watch a movie. I don't have to be saddled down with signing any decrees with the royal seal. I don't have to worry about anyone smothering me in my sleep because they want the crown. They may, of course, try to for other reasons, but not that reason. I can take a quick trip out of town and not worry about my absence being detrimental to the well being of my country. Whew! I am so glad I don't live in a castle!

Blessed Be
Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Got my eye on you, baby!

That is what one of my Spirit Guides said to me today. I was doing energy healing work at a health fair at a college in town when it happened. There was a young guy who was having issues of stress and anxiety and I was talking with him about it while streaming energy into his system. The conversation turned to a moment of grief in his past. As this unfolded, the blockage of the energy in his heart chakra also released and fresh energy was able to then get in.

At that point, the Spirit Guide (a cat/human image) showed up and said to me, "I got my eye on you, baby!" I knew that he was quite proud of what I had done to assist this young fellow. But he was also saying that I needed to apply some of my knowledge, wisdom and expertise toward myself in order to move the healing of the passing of my sister along.

The other day I picked up a birthday card for another sister and it hit me that I had always picked up two, because the sister that had just died had a birthday within 2 weeks of the one for whom I was currently getting a card. Ouch.

It is little rituals like this that bring home the loss for a person when a loved one dies. That is why events such as Christmas and Thanksgiving tend to be emotionally charged for people after a death in the family. So part of the healing that I will be doing is that on her birthday I will be lighting a candle for her and asking her spirit to make a wish for itself on her healing journey on the other side. This will be something I may do once, or it may be something that I do each year for a while. That all depends upon what I sense I need to do. And I have the help of my Spirit Guide to assist me in that process.

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

My Sister

You all may have noticed that I have not blogged a lot of late. I have been a wee bit busy with life and with death. My life is always quite busy with family and friends, but recently I have also been very busy with the death of my sister. As a shaman work sometimes just gets going when a person crosses over.

There are a couple of things that I would like to share about her. First off, as you can see, we have sported, for different reasons, the same hair style. Mine was more by choice. Hers, not so much. Secondly, it is pretty obvious by looks that we are so genetically linked that we could not possibly disown each other and hope that no one would know we were related.

Leith had a very tough exterior, but inside she was a marshmallow. I had a way of making her share her marshmallows with me. She spent her life striving for excellence and perfection, which on a professional level she achieved. Let's face it, on a personal level no one is perfect. I think that her drive to achieve came from a little girl within who always wanted to please her dad.

When I was about 2 or 3 years of age, my family took a trip to Ottawa to visit my older sister. During that visit my older sister made bread. When it was in the final stage of rising, I came into the kitchen and saw it sitting there, just waiting to be poked and pinched. No one saw me do it. But when it was discovered, my older sister went crazy (also a perfectionist). I chose to implement the old "Keep your mouth shut until it all blows over" trick that I had learned about a year earlier. Leith, however, upon seeing the bread, burst out laughing! She took the heat for the offense. She swore her innocence, but no one believed her. I figured that my older sister's cat, Sir Henry, had already attacked me, so I would let this one belong to someone else. I was sure that it would blow over. It became, however, the topic of conversation during family gatherings. Every time it came up, Leith professed her innocence. For 20 years this went on! I could not believe that my family could hold onto something like that! I have seen pit bulls let go faster! So finally, I couldn't take the guilt any longer and I confessed. You should have seen the stunned looks on the faces of my family! They were shocked that it was me (being a model child and all!). Finally the truth came out and they let it go. Leith, however, had mixed feelings. She was relieved that the truth was revealed. She was also angry that I had let it go on for so long. But most of all, she was impressed that I could keep a secret for so long!

Leith was also the one in the family who invented "Happy Nothing's Day". This was a result of her not wanting to feel pressure to purchase a gift for anyone just because of some arbitrary date, such as Christmas or a birthday. But throughout the year, she would certainly make up for it. You would suddenly hear her say, "Happy Nothing's Day!" and she would present you with some gift that she picked up just for you because it made her think of you when she saw it. This is a tradition I continue with my own children, although they really cash in because I also gift them on birthdays and Christmas.

Yes, we also had our differences. But the good stuff will certainly be missed. I hope she finds peace on the other side of the Veil.

Blessed Be
Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Every Time I See Your Face...

This photo is from this last Halloween. I actually had three costumes for Halloween this year. This is unusual for me. For the day at work I went as a Gypsy fortune teller, expressing my family ties to the Gypsy line. For the drumming circle I went as a cave man, thus expressing my primordial self. For the evening of handing out candy to kids and the Halloween party that my Love and I put on, we went as Cowboy and Indian. I did not include the beautiful Indian on my arm in this photo, because for this entry I needed a close up. But trust me when I say that she was the most beautiful Indian! We had considered switching roles, but we couldn't find me a feather large enough for....uhem....coverage. So I went as the cowboy.

What struck me in the photo was how much my face looks like my dad's. Even the expression on it is like he would have. He never had a moustache, to my knowledge, but even with it I look like him. If our relationship had been better than it was, I would be complimented by the observation. It is weird how we can sometimes look so much like someone in our families with whom we didn't really have anything else in common.

I had an opportunity, however, this Halloween, during a simple ceremony for the dead, to embrace some healing between my dad and I. Initially it was a ceremony to help my sister, who died the next day, to cross over peacefully. As it turns out, the ceremony was not just for her. Rarely is a ceremony with only one purpose! As she was able to see how people change on the other side of the Veil, I was able to see how my dad had also changed in the last few years on the other side. It was good to see. I still don't wish to share any future lives with him, but at least I can find some comfort in the fact that he is finally evolving on a spiritual level.

I see his face every time I look in the mirror. Perhaps that is why he had been so hard on me...because he saw his own wounded inner child every time he looked at me. Instead of nurturing, well, let's just say he chose not to nurture very often. Now I have to show some nurturing for my own adult male. I remind myself of him so much at times that it freaks me out inside. But I have to nurture that part of me, for it is in my blood and I can't get it out. So making it a friend instead of an enemy is my task on a daily basis. Lately this task has been going much better. It would seem that once you pick up a task at any point at all in the process, then the rest can more easily fall into place. That is a good thing, considering every time I see his face!

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

The Goddess Lives

It is amazing to me sometimes how we can find ourselves in a seemingly average situation or gathering and then suddenly, there she is again! The Goddess in all her divinity is portrayed right there, on the shelf!

No matter how much patriarchal society and religion try, they cannot get rid of this feminine force. They should not even be trying, but try they have and try they do. Just the fear mongering about Halloween itself is a testimony to how much they are still trying to keep this most powerful force of nature down. But no matter how many rain forests they chop down, no matter how many rivers they pollute, She lives on and very gently whispers, "Come to me, my child!"

Her voice can be heard in the wind swept trees, the babbling brook, and the thunder storm. Her heart beat can be felt as we lay our bodies down upon hers in our back yard and breathe. She embraces us now, and always has, and always will.

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Getting Your Ducks In A Row

When I was given this photo of my dear friend's daughter, it made me laugh out loud. And it also warmed my heart. It brought to mind how I would love to have a bath every time I visited my grandmother's house. She only lived till I was around 8 or 9 I think. But our relationship was very close. She taught me so much about life in such a short period of time.

Whenever I would go over to her house there were a few things that I really enjoyed. One was "sneaking" chocolate kisses from her candy jar. This was before they were called "kisses". Another was playing with her hand made blocks. The third thing was taking those blocks into her pantry closet and playing in there. And then there was her bath tub. It was bigger than the one we had at home, which was a large wash tub. This was an actual bath tub. The possibilities were endless! And, like this little girl, I loved rubber duckies. So I had my own collection back then. They had relationships with one another and would talk to each other. Then they would have to adjust to the introduction of my boat and the fishermen on it. I had a blast!

It is experiences like these that truly help children to get their "ducks in a row". Creative play helps us all. But the fun part of it is that we don't have to be really young to enjoy creative play. That is what costume parties at Halloween is all about. That is what art and music and dance are all about. These things all help us as adults to get our ducks in a row!

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Pumpkin Teachings

There are ancient teachings around the traditions of carving pumpkins for Halloween. Some of these teachings have recently been "claimed" by the Christian Church as their own, which is only a pathetic attempt to justify the fact that they cannot control their people. Their people resonate with some of the ancient traditions and so in order to not lose their parishioners, they take the original teachings and spin it in a way that "feels good" and claim it as their own. Whatever.

So in the original traditions, feasts were laid out at night to feed the ancestral spirits. Samhain, or Halloween, is a time when the Veils are very thin between this world and the Otherworlds. In order for our modern society to be able to "predict" the event, it is marked as October 31st on our calendars. But Samhain actually is the full moon closest to the 31st of October. So this year the time is actually on the 2nd of November. The spirits were honored by having a feast laid out. This was a sacrificial feast of gourds, corn, grains, cooked foods etc. These feasts were never consumed by the people. They were laid out overnight and then composted the next day. To feed on the feast was considered to be very poor form, much like theft. It would bring about very bad karma. And for anyone who has actually fed on a feast that was meant for the Spirits, you will know that the food has a dead or depleted taste anyway and really does not nourish the living body.

So then there was the issue of helping the spirits find their way to the food. Candles were lit, but the wind could easily blow out the candle. So shelter for the candle was needed as well as a protection for the feast so that passers by would not just up and take the food. Pumpkin lanterns were made so that all would know that this food was sacred for the spirits and to not take any, lest you set yourself up for some nasty consequences.

When creating a pumpkin lantern, or Jack'0'Lantern, one first opens it up, much like opening up one's mind for any form of sacred undertaking. Then one scoops out the pulp, the mind clutter. Once the clutter is expelled from the mind, one's eyes and ears can open to see and hear what is actually right there in front of us all the time, that being the guidance of Spirit. Some carve out a nose, so that it opens the breath, which is the flow of energy, as well. Then there is a mouth that is carved so that we are able to "spread the word" of Spirit. All this is then lit up with a candle in order to allow Spirit to shine forth from within. The lantern is then set out with the food to invite Spirit to join in the feast. Energetically the feast is consumed and then the remains, or "left overs", are composted, honoring the cycle of birth, life, death and decay, and rebirth.

So there you have it. Here is wishing you all a vibrant Samhain!

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Many Strong and Beautiful Women

On the far left, you will find my Love. Next to her is my good friend Sandhya, and on the far right is a new friend, Andrea. I have found that through my life I have typically been surrounded by strong and beautiful women. This is but one example.

For me, I think it started with my mother and my grandmother. They both taught me quite a lot about life and our connection with nature. They taught me that the world itself and all of us who live here are magical. That understanding is a big part of what has made me who I am today. My sisters were some of the first feminists. They helped me to understand that gender plays no part in capability. Yes, there are differences in the general sense, but we are all capable of becoming and achieving whatever it is to which we put our minds.

Each woman who has ever been romantically connected to me has taught me more and more about relationships and matters of the heart. Every sister of every friend has taught me to one degree or another about the importance of honoring each other.

Now, this is not to say that I have not had strong and beautiful men in my life. I have. I have also found, however and unfortunately, that the truly strong and beautiful men are fewer and farther between. I like to surround myself with men of quality and integrity. But these are not aspects that are nurtured in our culture. What is nurtured is more the capitalistic mentality. This breeds competition and one-upmanship. I don't particularly like those qualities, so it takes longer for me to find men who resonate with me. They are out there, though. I have some very good male friends. These are the types of fellas who support me and my endeavors and who also kick my butt when I need it.

Really though, it has been the women in my life who have impacted me the most. I think the ones who are going to continue to do so the most are my daughters. Each one is unique unto herself and quite strong in her own way. I feel blessed and honored to have them in my life. I know that we are only vessels through which they arrive in the world and that there is no ownership of our children (something else I learned from my mother and grandmother), but I also look forward to many years of discovery as they learn and grow and become each a strong and beautiful woman.

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

St. Tropez Event

The other night a dear friend invited my Love and I to her birthday party that was taking place at the St. Tropez Bistro in Saskatoon. First off, if there is anyone out there who has never tried out this wonderful establishment, it is my recommendation that you do. If you have not been there in a while, go again. The food is exquisite and the service is excellent.

Sometime in the last year it was revealed to me by my Love that she knows Andrea Menard. Well, as it turns out, my other friend also knows her and so guess who I am sitting beside at this event! I have wanted to meet this local talent for a very long time, and, as she also mentioned, it has been crazy that we have taken so long to meet considering that we have many similar social circles. Well, we finally met at exactly the right time. She is fabulous! Thank you Andrea for making this event even more special!

I find it interesting how we so often will meet someone and realize that we could have met them years ago with the many six degrees of separation that there have been, yet it takes until now to meet them. I truly think that there is a Divine plan in when we encounter folks in our lives. For all intents and purposes, we could meet anyone at any time, but we don't. We meet them when we are meant to meet them. Where it goes from there is completely up to us. I look forward to possible friendship stemming from my recent encounter. But there have also been some people that I have met that the friendship thing just doesn't take. There is reason for that as well. Paths take people off in different directions all the time. And sometimes there are undercurrents of reasons in energy form that prevent us from connecting further. Then there are times that undercurrents of energies propel us to connect further and deepen some relationship. The Universe has many plans for us. Sometimes it is just a matter of recognizing when we need to respond. That, indeed, is the trick.

Blessed Be
Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Block 1912 "C"

In addition to the art on the walls of Block 1912, there is also chalk art on the menu boards. This is done by local artists as well. I love chalk art and feel that it does not get enough attention as an art form. it takes a lot to make chalk art look realistic. These people have mastered it as far as I am concerned.

Something else that is quite interesting about Block 1912 is the notes that people leave. There is a coffee table with a drawer in it. When you open the drawer, you find napkins and papers that are full of notes that people leave. The owners, Peter and Komala Pepin, keep these notes in boxes on another level once the drawers get full. So now and then, it is an empty drawer to fill and people continue to leave notes. One of the notes was from a foreign exchange student who wrote that he was homesick and hated winter in Canada and thank God he found this cafe!

Block 1912, at 10361 Whyte Ave in Edmonton, is a place that celebrates community and celebrates people's eccentricities. There is a well known cartoonist who has said that upon his death he wants Block 1912 to have his cartoon drawings and to hang them. Peter asked where exactly he wanted them to be hung, considering that the walls are full of local art. The cartoonist said, "They are cartoons! Hang them on the ceiling!" Peter is considering that to be a very funky idea.

Well folks, that is all I have to say about Block 1912 at this point in time. You may now know more than you ever wanted to know, but I hope that these last 3 blog entries have inspired you to stop in when next you are in Edmonton. I hope that they have also inspired you to travel to Edmonton just to experience the best French Vanilla latte you will ever taste!

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Block 1912 "B"

In addition to great food and drink, Block 1912 on Whyte Ave in Edmonton, Alberta is rich with stories from the community. There are people who have frequented this cafe for years. Peter Pepin, owner of Block 1912, shared a number of stories with us as he had coffee with us at our table.

One of the stories was about a set of Italian lounge chairs that are in the cafe. Now it is important first off to understand that absolutely nothing in the cafe matches. The tables don't match, the sofas don't match, the chairs don't match and the cutlery doesn't match. That is all part of the eclectic charm of this location. All the furniture is recycled from other places. So purchasing a matching set of Italian chairs (no, they don't have an accent....I asked!), was somewhat of a different venture. Peter's wife and business partner, Komala, was dealing with the furniture sales person. These chairs were very expensive. The sales person was not wanting to alter the price whatsoever....that is, until Komala mentioned that they own Block 1912. "Block 1912! You own Block 1912?! I met my wife at Block 1912!" Suddenly the chairs were not so expensive at all. This speaks to how this cafe touches the hearts of many people.

Whether you are there for a designer coffee with lunch, or simply a scone and tea, this place becomes a part of you. When I entered it I could feel the spirit of this place, warm and gentle, inviting me in. The delicious food is often prepared on a 2 burner stove in a very small kitchen, and the baking is done on another level in this fabulous heritage building.

The art that is on the walls is by local artists who also frequent the establishment. When the art is sold, the money goes to the artists to help support them and the local community. There is a violin player and a guitar player who each will come in, sit down and play music. At this point the music on the sound system is turned off so that everyone can enjoy the live performance. Block 1912 is a place of gathering with friends and family, but it is also a place that has become interwoven with the entire community. This may be why when there were riots on Whyte Ave, Block 1912 was the only place that did not get vandalized. Believe me, if I were a rioter, I would not stand for anyone messing with my favorite coffee shop!

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com

Block 1912 "A"

There will also be a "B" and "C" to this story. So keep checking in. What is Block 1912? It is a very trendy cafe in Edmonton, Alberta. My love (on the far right) and I were in Edmonton this last weekend for the wedding of a dear friend of ours. There will also be photos and bloggings about that. While in Edmonton, we just had to stop in to visit our friends, Komala and Peter Pepin (left and centre), owners and operators of Block 1912, located at 10361 Whyte Ave.

For those of you who have not been to Edmonton, Whyte Ave is the artsy, trendy shopping street. There are numerous shops along Whyte. One of my favorites is A Sense of Serenity, located just off of Whyte and around the corner from Block 1912. I will write more about that as time goes on here.

Block 1912 is open seven days a week from 9 am to midnight. It is fully licensed and has all sorts of home made food and baking, including some Indian food like samoosas. The beef lasagna was so good that I ordered it for supper one evening and then for lunch again the next day! They also have a gelato bar with the best gelato that you will ever taste. I also experience something that I can only describe as an oral gasm. It was the French Vanilla latte. OMG! I think that I had maybe three of them in a 24 hour period. I kept saying to myself that I was not going to let that stuff go to waste, especially mine! A medium was about the size of a small soup bowl. It went down so smooth that I was done sucking it back before I even realized I had started. So I had to learn to savour the moment, otherwise I would end up with a caffeine twitch.

As my Love says, "You cannot see from the outside the treasures that lie within" when looking at Block 1912 from the street. But once you walk in, it is a feast for all the senses. As you can tell, I highly recommend stopping in whenever you are in Edmonton. But don't rush the experience. Be prepared to wait in line (yes, that popular) and to relax once you are in and have ordered your treats.

Blessed Be

Trent
www.deerhornshamanic.com