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What is a Wounded Healer?

Today being "the wounded healer" has become the excuse for poor discernment in contemporary practitioners around boundaries, responsibility, and personal healing. In western thought the concept of the wounded healer began with Karl Jung who used the phrase to refer psychologically to the capacity "to be at home in the darkness of suffering and there to find germs of light and recovery with which, as though by enchantment, to bring forth Asclepius, the sun-like healer" and to assist healing. However before Jung, before Asclepius, and even before western thought there were shamans, the first wounded healers. Shamanically speaking the wounded healer is the initiated shaman, the person who has entered her own death, illness, or madness and found the path through it with the help of Spirit. And in that journey the wound is healed for the shaman and because of that journey the shaman is able to work with the spirits to assist the healing of others. Join host and shaman, Christina Pratt, as we explore the concept of the wounded healer, bust some myths, and consider the reality through the eyes of spiritual maturity.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

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James Ray Sweat Lodge Trial Resumes

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

James Ray with Defense Attorney Tom Kelly

Thanks to CNN's abandonment of the James Ray trial, we missed what looks to have been an exciting couple days of testimony. The trial resumed from its Luis Li induced hiatus on Thursday and ended the week in the high drama of perjury charges and another announcement from the team Ray that they will attempt to have the case thrown out.

What follows is a round-up of the meager news coverage available.

From the Associated Press we learn that Brandy Rainey found the sweat lodge unbearably hot and that Tom Kelly covered at least two of the three pillars of the defense's strategy as outlined here.

There are three major pillars to the defense's cross examination strategy: 1)You signed a waiver so you knew what you were getting into. 2) You are a grown-up and you are responsible for all your choices to participate in these activities. 3) Some questions may seem obscure but they lay the groundwork for the poisoning, as opposed to heat related death, theory.

Horoscope for May 30 - June 5

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
The energy of forward motion and the power of communication are evident in your life this week, Aries. The new moon and partial eclipse fall in your 3rd house of ideas, communication, siblings, and local neighborhood. There is an aspect that helps you connect with your Higher Self, guides, and angels. Let go of the need to order and control. Look, listen, and allow. Initiate conversations with your mate, family members, friends, and new people. Cultivate the art of listening to deepen your connections and learn information or skills that can help you grow emotionally, become more materially abundant, and lead a more effective life.

Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
Your finances and needs must be examined this week, Taurus. Big changes in your life are indicated by the new moon in your 2nd house of money and personal values. Self-love, self-worth, acceptance of healing, and new beginnings is your primary focus. Your negative self-talk and years of wrong thinking can be undone this week. I'm not telling you it will be a cake walk, but it can be a profoundly healing and enduring change. Whatever you begin this week will establish itself quickly and become a foundation or supportive structure in your life.

Astrological Trends for May 30 - June 5

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

A powerful problem solving day begins on Monday, May 30th, with the moon in the fixed earth sign of Taurus conjunct Mars, the planet of action, in Taurus. Together, they form a steadying and polite quincunx to hard-working Saturn in diplomatic Libra. This combination allows you to flow easily from thinking to doing. Saturn receives support from a trine to the sun in Gemini until June 4th. Constructive communication is favored now and anyone who writes or sells for a living can have a few very productive and satisfying days. Your physical energy should be high and your willpower will be strong, as well, with the air sign Gemini sun receiving a shot of strength from a quincunx to powerful Pluto in Capricorn. Some conflict between old and new may arise from time to time this week due to Uranus in upstart Aries making a challenging square to Pluto in traditional Capricorn. But Pluto is also involved in a sextile to Chiron in Pisces, indicating there will be opportunities for healing transformation. Jupiter, now in the final degree of Aries, is sextile Neptune in Pisces. Jupiter and Neptune in favorable aspect to each other act as a protective and blessing energy. Grace will be present if you have any difficult situations to handle this week. Mars, Venus, and Mercury are all in the sensual fixed earth sign of Taurus. They help you create things that are useful or beautiful, follow through on projects, and enjoy the material pleasures of life. The quincunx between the moon and Saturn fades as the day progresses. Your mood will lighten up as you move from work to leisure pursuits. The pleasure-seeking Taurus moon joins Venus and Mars by the evening. You may be singing, "All You Need is Love." And maybe a good meal, wine, music, and a partner to make the most of a potentially romantic evening.

Negotiations and formalizing plans are favored activities on Tuesday, May 31st, when the Taurus moon joins Mercury in Taurus. The fixed earth energy of Taurus, when filtered through the emotions and intellect, makes you practical, purposeful, and steady. Monday's quincunx between the sun in Gemini and Pluto in Capricorn is gone at lunchtime, removing some pressure or feeling of urgency. You no longer feel as though everything rests on you alone or is a test of your capability. Later this afternoon, the moon in Taurus forms a square to Neptune in Pisces. For some, this may bring up feelings of unrequited love, a yearning for something you can't have, or nostalgia for things from the past. As you bring a project to a close, you may also feel that you weren't able to do a perfect job. The less-than-perfect impression is just a Neptune illusion. In reality, you have probably done the best that you could, and after this square fades, you will see that this is so. When the square begins to dissolve between the moon and Neptune later this evening, the moon leaves Taurus and enters the mutable air sign of Gemini. Gemini curiosity looks ahead to new ideas and fresh beginnings. You feel the tickle of the Gemini new moon approaching.

Oprah, James Ray, and the Media Effect

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

As Oprah wrapped her history-making show this week, amidst the cascade of media coverage could be found a lot of ambivalence about her impact on society. On the one hand, she had an undeniably positive impact on public perception of what a woman of color can accomplish in America. She broke a lot of ground for women, period. For that we can all be grateful. On the other hand, she foisted a lot of pop psychology and dumbed down spiritual teaching on an eager public. It ranged from the helpful to the useless to the destructive to the deadly. I'm referring, of course, to James Arthur Ray, on whose watch -- during his post-Oprah years -- four people have died. Many people are angry with Oprah for enabling Ray's success and subsequent recklessness.

So is it fair to blame a woman who simply had someone on her talk show for the deaths of his students? I don't think there's an easy answer to that but in the final analysis I have to say, "with great power comes great responsibility."

Oprah is singular in her ability to sell books, ideas, and social trends. This is something the New York Post referred to as the "Oprah Effect."

The “Oprah effect” has shaped our national consciousness in profound ways. “There are a lot of people whose lives are better, thanks to what she’s done,” says Robert Thompson, founding director of the Bleier Center for Television and Popular Culture at Syracuse University. “Her whole message of empowerment is the idea that you can change your circumstances.”

Occasionally, however, that influence has seriously misfired. “Oprah has mainstreamed a lot of very questionable characters in my opinion,” anti-cult therapist Steven Hassan has said, pointing to Oprah acolyte James Arthur Ray whose infamous sweat lodge led to the deaths of three people in 2009.

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"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

Intimate Apprenticeship with Paula Denham

"It is your commitment to be in your highest level of integrity, to teach what you are and not what you want to be." So begins Paula Denham's covenant with the Spirits to teach. "This means that you teach authenticity by being authentic. While you may speak of your aspirations, you are true to where you are in your approach to them." Paula Denham, founder and director of the Sacramento Shamanic Center joins host and shaman, Christina Pratt, to share her experience with local and intimate apprenticeship. Working with the guidance of her helping spirits, Paula has cultivated an ongoing system for teaching and apprenticeship that steps out of the workshop format and back into the power of the circle, of community, and of the personal growth and accountability inherent in authentic shamanic practice. Paula is our next guest for the Society of Shamanic Practitioners sponsored interview series. Through these monthly shows we explore how contemporary shamans are meeting the challenge of their world where the relations of things-the living and the dead, the humans and nature, and Western Way and the spirit world-are profoundly out of balance. It is the ancient role of the shaman in all cultures to tend the balance of things. How are these shamans meeting this extraordinary need today?

This week's guest:
Paula Denham

Paula Denham, CSC (Harner Method Certified Shamanic Counselor), has been practicing shamanism for 19 years. She is a founder and Director of the Sacramento Shamanic Center, and a Minister of the Circle of the Sacred Earth Church. She is a Foundation for Shamanic Studies Three-Year Apprenticeship Program graduate (1996); studied with Carol Proudfoot-Edgar in her first Bear Medicine Circle (1995-2001); with Tom Cowan in the Celtic shaman's ways and perspective, and with a number of indigenous shamans internationally. She says, "This work is the great joy of my life. It fills my heart every day."

Tuesday, May 24, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

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Horoscope for May 23-29

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
When you look back on this week, Aries, it may stand out as a pivotal moment in your life. There is a distinct difference between you at the beginning of the week and you at the end of the week, which will always be a before-and-after kind of thing. An event or internal shift will precipitate this. It may be meeting a life mate or marrying, achieving a title you have worked hard for, finding your life purpose, or simply feeling like you have finally met yourself and knowing you are meant to be.

Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
You've still got the planets on your side, Taurus. They are almost as good as a magic spell or charm if you are bold enough to go after the things you want. The more you pull together into a cohesive Taurus whole, the less your vibration will match with certain people or groups now. In the past, when you were a follower, going along with others to keep the peace or be accepted, you may have made allowances for differences in values or overlooked incompatibilities because you wanted to belong. Your self-esteem is healthier now and you are not afraid to express yourself. Now it is up to the others to decide how to respond to the full you and it may be up to you to let go of the ones who choose to leave.

Astrological Trends for May 23-29

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Significant advancement in work is possible on Monday, May 23rd. The moon is in the fixed air sign of Aquarius, which gives you an extra dose of genius and a vision of how your completed project will serve in the future, which helps it to manifest in the present reality quickly. Venus, the planet of affection and pleasure, Mars, the planet of action and drive, and Mercury, the planet of thought and communication, are all conjunct in the fixed and stable earth sign of Taurus, where they form a supportive trine to Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn and a favorable quincunx to Saturn, the planet of discipline, in the cardinal, relationship-minded air sign of Libra. This potent combination of aspects works well for both work and romance. It enables you to stay on task and cooperate well with other people. It also outweighs the potentially confusing effect of the sun recently arrived in the mutable air sign of Gemini square to Neptune in the mutable water sign of Pisces. This sun/Neptune square settled in last week and continues to be with you this week. Doubt and confusion are the primary energies it may create. I have heard people mention a feeling of stagnation or plateauing where suddenly they feel as though nothing is happening or energy is not moving. I believe the earthy Taurus planets can contribute to this feeling of slowness or stuck-ness, as well, if earth is an element that is lacking or afflicted in your own natal chart. I have personally noticed that manifestations are happening in a backward sort of way for me or the signs I receive as confirmations of things come after the fact. I attribute this to the distorting effect of Neptune, which can make everything feel like you are looking in a funhouse mirror. You may be feeling this sun/Neptune square profoundly on an emotional level or you may not notice it other than some odd little events or people behaving strangely. You may be frustrated by your inability to see around the corner or you may not be bothered at all. It is an aspect that is best interpreted through a look at how it applies to your own planets. Today, the strength of the other planets and aspects keeps the strangeness of the square in the background. The planets are telling you to keep working and stay focused. A sextile between the sun and Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of Aries indicates that there may be flashes of genius-like clarity or visions of the upcoming future that will encourage you to keep going through any doubt or fog. In the early evening, the Aquarius moon makes a square to Jupiter in the cardinal fire sign of Aries. This is a "biting off more than you can chew" aspect. It is not a negative aspect because Jupiter is generally benevolent, even when squared or opposed by another planet, but it is an aspect of emotional overwhelm. Chillaxing may not be easy due to the electrifying, unsettling effect of an Aquarius moon. You may find that playing video games or surfing the Internet are good ways to unwind gradually after a busy, productive day.

How to Lie with Statistics for Church Money

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

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I've been following more of the coverage on the John Jay Causes and Contexts study commissioned by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops. I am definitely not the only one having a huge problem with what reads more like apologia for the Church than a serious study of their sexual abuse problem.

An excellent column by Debra W. Haffner in the Washington Post points to some of the excruciating illogic.

It is nearly silent about the abusing priests’ flagrant disregard for the church’s teachings on sexuality and sexual behaviors, while condemning the culture of the 1960’s and 1970’s for these crimes against children. The extensive sections about other agencies serving youth and other denominations facing similar problems, and the concluding paragraphs that these others should take steps to prevent child sexual abuse seem to obviate at least in part what I wished would have been an urgent call for reform, lamentation, and restitution by the Catholic Church.

I can’t help but wonder if a single sexologist was asked to read and comment on the report before it was published. Although I was pleased to see that the writers directly address the fact that there is no evidence that gay priests are any more likely to abuse children than heterosexual priests, it was odd that they didn’t call then for the Catholic Church to end its proposed ban on gay seminarians. Further, the writers (inaccurately) define pedophilia as sex with children ten and younger--and then criticize the media for talking about “pedophile priests” when 22 percent of the victims--nearly one in four! --were these ages. Using the more accepted definition for pedophilia, their own data reveal that 73 percent of the victims were under the age of 14. These children and early adolescents were not capable of consent, regardless of the ages used.

Lies, Damned Lies, and the Catholic Church

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

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There is nothing new about the Catholic Church blaming society for its sex abuse problem. What is new is a study from John Jay College that seems to support that tiresome excuse.

Released yesterday was a $1.8 million study prepared by the John Jay College of Criminal Justice on the subject of sexual abuse by Catholic priests. The report “Causes and Context of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Catholic Priests in the United States, 1950-2010,” was commissioned by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and seemingly makes attempts to blame society for criminal acts of sexual abuse committed by Catholic priests.

The report makes gross attempts to blame the “liberal” society of the 1960’s. Researchers at John Jay College of Criminal Justice state that the peak incidence of sexual abuse by Catholic priests in the 1960’s and 70’s reflected the increased level of other “deviant behaviors” in American society including drug use, crime, an increase in premarital sex, and divorce. The sexually abusive priests were ordained in the 1940’s and 50’s and therefore were not properly trained to confront the social upheavals of the 1960’s.

When I read early reports and outrage over the scapegoating of the '60s counter-culture, I thought it was the kind of leap so often made by soundbite seeking reporters, probably based on an equally sensational press release, and that the paper itself would be more cautious and even-handed.

Vatican Continues to Disappoint on Abusive Priests

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Cardinal William Levada

A Vatican directive for bishops to set national policies for dealing with abusive priests has been characterized as dangerously flawed and toothless by victim advocates.

The world’s Catholic bishops have one year to set national policies on clerical sex abuse of minors, the Vatican said on Monday (May 16), but such policies may vary significantly in each country, and will not be binding on individual bishops.

All national bishops’ conferences are to prepare “guidelines” on preventing abuse, caring for victims, disciplining abusive priests, and reporting suspected abuse to local police, according to a letter from Cardinal William Levada, head of the Vatican’s doctrinal office.

. . .

Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi called the May 2012 deadline a “very strong and eloquent statement” on the need to address sex abuse “promptly and effectively” around the world.

The Vatican's definition of "prompt" is to allow another year to address a problem that's been known for decades. It's definition of "effective" is a plan that is not universal, does not include a zero-tolerance policy, and does not penalize bishops who drop the ball.

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"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

Shamanism and the Spiritual Warrior

Spiritual Warriorship is more than a metaphor that your therapist drags out every time you are challenged to take the actions necessary to change. Our attitudes and behaviors of self-denial and self-aggrandizement are challenging to change precisely because they have become habits of thought, feeling and memory. It is the internal realm of these habits within each of us that is the perpetual battleground of the spirit warrior and the insidious, enemy-within. Our everyday actions in the outer world are also potentially actions of the spirit warrior, but they are a direct reflection of our actions in this inner world. Without change in here, we can't change out there. Join host and shaman, Christina Pratt, as she explores how the basic shamanic relationship between human and helping spirit brings precisely the support your spirit warrior needs today. Humanity has offered many paths to support the conscientious dedication and skills need by the spirit warrior, but most of these paths are unreachable by the ordinary contemporary individual. Your helping spirits-if engaged regularly and skillfully-offer the flexibility, creativity, and clever persistence to bring the path to you.

Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

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Horoscope for May 16-22

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
Hard work has never scared you, Aries. That's a good thing because you will be doing a lot of it this week. Even when you are socializing with friends or meeting new people, career advancement and increased sales or income are never far from your mind. You identify strongly with what you do now and are eager to share your talents with others. Have plenty of business cards handy to give away when you introduce yourself at gatherings. Despite the effort, there may still be a feeling of something lacking that stands between you and the lifestyle or professional success you would like to have. The full moon in Scorpio falling in your 8th house can help you see yourself through the eyes of another, both romantically and business-wise. This can help you see what you must do to gain a solid reputation of trustworthiness and stability. It can also help you see how you might undermine your own prosperity consciousness.

Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
Communicating where you stand in relationship to others is your work of the week, Taurus. Defining boundaries and clarifying roles in work, romance, and friendship can clear up any misunderstandings and help you work with others cooperatively. The planets are making you full of yourself in a good way, giving you greater confidence and sense of purpose. Some who think they know you well may be confused by what they perceive as a change in you. You haven't changed, you've simply emerged. The full moon in your 7th house may bring relationships that have outlived their purpose to an end. Any secrets or painful situations in a relationship will be exposed. Forgiveness, healing, or a new way of relating is all possible. Career success or a new position requiring more communication or travel is possible.

Astrological Trends for May 16-22

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

A subdued and introspective start to the day is likely on Monday, May 16th, when the moon in the secretive fixed water sign of Scorpio forms a mild semi-sextile to Saturn in Libra. This minor aspect may enhance a short interlude of revealing intimacy between lovers. I see the energy of today represented by an image of two people attired in proper fencing outfits enjoying a finely-executed duel. Method and precision is your primary motivation. On the emotional level, you are adjusting to the release of strong fiery Aries energy and integrating the more grounded earthiness of Taurus, as Venus and Mercury settle into the sensual sign of the Bull. In the early evening, Mars in the fixed earth sign of steady Taurus makes a favorable trine to Pluto in responsible Capricorn. As the week unfolds, Mercury, the planet of thought and communication, and Venus, the planet of pleasure and affection, will also trine Pluto. This potent aspect pattern is an alchemy of realization. All the planning and new beginnings of the past Aries transits are giving way to concrete and material things in your life. You don't mind putting forth extra effort this week because you can easily see the finish line and the prize that awaits you there. Pat yourself on the back for making it through some trying times. The season and the planets are a bit mellower now than they have been as of late. Compliment others, share your bounty, and lift people up in whatever way you can. Neptune and Chiron, loosely conjunct in the mutable, gentle water sign of Pisces, are sextile to Mars, Mercury, and Venus in Taurus, increasing kindness, creativity, hope, an appreciation of beauty, and the flow of healing and nurturing energy. The more gratitude you can express now, the greater the blessings this energy can flow to you and through you to other people. Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of Aries is engaged all week with the Taurus trio of planets and also Neptune and Chiron through supportive semi-sextile aspects. This dynamic encourages us all to work at changing things for the better for everyone, to open our hearts more, and to become more tolerant and forgiving of human weaknesses. The Taurus sun is semi-sextile Jupiter in Aries, supporting positive and practical growth. Saturn continues its transit of the cardinal air sign of Libra, reminding you to walk your talk in all your relationships. The full moon tension begins to build today. It has been my experience that a Scorpio full moon is a lot like an extreme low tide on the emotional level. All kinds of stuff that hides in the deeps is exposed. You will want to check your own natal chart to see what house, or area of life, this full moon will affect.

James Ray and the "Bruenett Asian"

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Truc Do

Well, I've been waiting for this particular penny to drop for a while. I've thought since fairly early in the trial that there was some weird metacommunication between James Ray and Truc Do. What exactly is going on there is something I've discussed privately and speculated about. But James Ray's recent and quickly deleted tweet is the first tangible demonstration that something might be up between Ray and Do.

The tweet was noted by Jean D on the Salty Droid:

Cannot believe this. This tweet was just sent from JamesARayJames Arthur Ray’s phone. Seriously?

“I am friggin in love w/the bruenett asian.”

By the time I saw her post a few hours later, the tweet in question had been deleted, but Jean's not the only one who saw it. One of the people who noted and retweeted it is ABC reporter Dan Harris, who has been following the James Ray sweat lodge story for a while. He's done some of the better reportage on this fiasco. He caught Ray's very risky tweet as did someone named Kimberly Ratliff.

James Arthur Ray Sweat Lodge Trial: Day 42

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Tom Kelly Argues Against Ginny Brown's Testimony

Legal arguments this morning revolved around the State's intent to call Ginny Brown, mother of the late Kirby Brown, as a witness. Victim testimony has been excluded from this case in an earlier ruling -- one Kelly described as "well-written," in a moment of transparent sycophancy. But there are a handful of exceptions Sheila Polk invoked in her argument to allow Mrs. Brown to testify. Brown was in town and available this week observing the trial. Much of it revolved around getting her to verify signatures on documents that the prosecutors want to get into evidence. Ultimately, they did not call her, and in listening to argument throughout the day, I tend to think that those signatures were the primary issue, and the State was able to get the defense to stipulate to some of them. Much of it revolves around money and the fact that a lot of the prejudicial information about JRI's sales practices has been excluded. One thing brought out in legal arguments this morning that the jury will definitely not hear, is that Ginny Brown is suing James Ray to recover Kirby Brown's prepayment for the canceled Quantum Leap conference.

I posted on this issue some time ago. James Ray never refunded the prepayments for events that were canceled after the sweat lodge fiasco. He even put out this comical statement regarding the issue of these "investments." A lot of self-help personalities describe payment for events as investments, the idea being that you are investing in yourself and your future. In James Ray's case, I guess it's more like investing in a risky stock. You could win big, or you could lose it all… including your life, it would seem.

Later, Ray offered a series of teleconferences to people who were willing to drop their law suits and stop trying to get their money back.

Keeping payments for services never delivered is absurdly bad business practice but withholding those funds from a dead woman's family is beyond the pale. How exactly is Kirby Brown supposed to collect on her "investment" even conceptually. Where's her teleconference? Valhalla?

James Arthur Ray Sweat Lodge Trial: Day 41

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Judge Darrow Discusses Trial Schedule

Time is becoming a key issue for this trial. The State filed a motion to defend its current witness list and poll the jury about extending the trial if necessary. Judge Darrow stated in legal arguments this morning that he can't constrain one or the other of the parties to time limitations. It would have to be both. But it's very obvious which side is wasting the most time. Truc Do and Luis Li have the longest, most laborious, and most confusing cross examinations imaginable. It's obvious their objective is to confuse the State's witnesses until they get a "gotcha" moment. This has never been more nakedly apparently than during Do's cross examination of the unshakable Dr. Dickson, but more on that further down.

Today there was a lot of discussion of the calendar and of whether they could bring this trial in on time. It turns out that the trial is actually scheduled to run until June 21; not that June 10 date that has been much discussed. It had been adjusted to accommodate Luis Li's scheduled break, which runs from this Friday, through next week and the following Tuesday. This creates a conflict, however, with juror 10's request for a two day vacation, which was mentioned in his initial voir dire. Judge Darrow apprised the parties that he needed to address the juror's concerns and find out whether or not he could remain undistracted even if his request remained up in the air for a while. Sheila Polk recommended giving him his time and using those two days for other legal matters. But Judge Darrow was not comfortable committing to anything.

Luis Li's suggestion? Excuse the juror. His motivations seem fairly transparent. There are only two remaining alternates. Winnow them down to nothing and maybe Ray will get his mistrial. For Li to whine about anybody needing breaks or extensions is about the height of hubris, but to hear him tell it, a two day break is unacceptable. His own scheduled break is costing the trial a week and a half. But he was unrepentant, reminding Judge Darrow that he had deferred to the court on that. He had only pressed the issue because he needed to decide about the potential financial outlay.

James Arthur Ray Sweat Lodge Trial: Day 40

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Judge Darrow Hears Arguments

Judge Darrow made a written ruling on the most recent mistrial motion yesterday, without even hearing oral arguments this morning. I read it last night and I think it was a big defeat for the defense. Not just because they did not get the requested mistrial but because they didn't get much of anything they wanted. And I'm reading between the lines but I pick up a certain impatience from Judge Darrow, with the defense team.

He did preclude Richard Haddow from testifying for the prosecution as requested by the defense. Personally, I don't think the prosecutors were serious about that. I think they were just calling the defense's bluff. They forced the defense to discredit him as an expert and state once and for all that they would not be calling him. Very well played, I must say. Not only did Judge Darrow affirm that the defense will not be calling Haddow, he stated that the defense has chosen not to call another expert on the matter. He also reiterated that they can't cite the Haddow report in a way that doesn't comply with the rules of evidence. Finally, he ruled that there will be no further sanction against the State over this Brady violation, beyond his preclusion as a State witness. So this decision all but completely puts the Haddow matter to bed.

Also settled in this ruling, is the matter of the prosecutorial misconduct claim that I described here as their accusing the prosecution of lawyering. He ruled that whatever occasional, leading questions were asked or hearsay evidence elicited were properly dealt with through objections and stricken testimony.

Judge Darrow also reiterated his now clear understanding that there is nothing new or novel in the carbon dioxide issue, nor the matter of where participants were seated in the sweat lodge. This means the defense can no longer argue that the State is using Brady material every time they talk about carbon dioxide poisoning, which was largely their basis for this last mistrial motion. Frankly, they looked like fools, arguing passionately that carbon dioxide had never been mentioned and then having transcripts of their own year old discussions of carbon dioxide read to them.

Washington Times Takes On Air Force Pagans

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Photo: Jerilee Bennett/The Gazette

The Founding Fathers: What a bunch of PC tree huggers, what with all their kooky ideas about religious freedom and tolerance. So sayeth the Washington Times. Alright... I'm paraphrasing.

I'm not surprised but I am dismayed to see the albeit ludicrous paper take aim at religious freedom in the military. Early last year I reported impressive strides in the Air Force when a Pagan temple was constructed at the installation in Colorado Springs. Well, the Washington Times isn't taking this lefty incursion into our ranks lying down and, somewhat unsuprisingly, has even found a way to work in a glorification of the imperial conquest of indigenous peoples.

The U.S. military’s success in Pakistan this week proved the importance of maintaining a team focused on accomplishing dangerous missions. Others on the left prefer to look upon the armed forces as a playground to experiment with fringe ideas. Take the Air Force Academy which reportedly held a ceremony on Tuesday to dedicate a pile of rocks in the academy’s “worship area for followers of Earth-centered religions.”

. . .

All of the actual Wiccans and Druids died out hundreds of years ago. The religions of the barbaric tribes of Europe faded away as the Roman conquest brought civilization to the region. Teachings once handed down by oral tradition were entirely forgotten over time. Around the 1950s, fringe leftists enamored by the concept of worshipping the Earth adopted the ancient labels and pretended to follow the old ways. They just left out the inconvenient bits, like human sacrifice. “They have likenesses of immense size, the limbs of which are composed of wicker, that they fill with living men,” wrote Julius Caesar, describing a Druid ceremony. “After these are set on fire, the men inside perish in the flames.”

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"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

Power and Responsibility with Jonathan Horwitz

"With great power comes great responsibility." What will come of contemporary shamanism if we only focus on learning new skills to access greater and greater power? The helping spirits are trying to teach us to be better humans, but are we listening? Traditionally, the practice of shamanism requires significant and constant personal sacrifice, not so much to gain power, but to be come the person who can weld that power with responsibility. The responsible use of power is no small task when each act must be good for all living things. Join us this week as host Christina Pratt explores the relationship between shamanic power and responsibility with Jonathan Horwitz, co-founder of the Scandinavian Centre for Shamanic Studies with Annette Høst. Jonathan is an elder and teacher in the UK, Scandinavia, Russia, and Hungary. His teaching focuses on shamanism as a spiritual path and is centered around his Three R's - Re-connecting with being alive, Re-discovering the spiritual power we are all born with, and Re-learning what it means to be a part of the whole. The shamanic path is excellent for learning these things about being human and learning how to use these gifts and powers with responsibility.

This week's guest:
Jonathan Horwitz

Jonathan Horwitz has studied and worked with shamanism since 1972. For eight years he was on the staff of The Foundation for Shamanic Studies, USA. Jonathan has an M.A. in anthropology, and is a shamanic counselor (HMSC).

In 1986 Jonathan and Annette Høst began the Scandinavian Center for Shamanic Studies where the courses are centered on learning to use the ritual tools of shamanism, experiencing shamanism as a spiritual path, shamanic healing, and embracing the Circle and all of Nature. He also runs a small retreat centre, Åsbacka, in southern Sweden where her offers training in personal healing retreats, Sitting Out weekends and shamanic guidance for those who have previously worked with him.

Jonathan now lives in southern Sweden at the Åsbacka Center for Shamanic Healing with his partner Zara Waldebäck. He feels his role in life is to help people to see where they are in the world, in their lives. "We never get anywhere alone. We're always being helped, although often we do not recognize this. But the shaman works by asking for help."

Tuesday, May 10, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

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Why Shamanism Now? on Co-Creator Network
Questions? Comments? Call: 1-512-772-1938

All episodes are now available in the iTunes Podcast Library.

Horoscope for May 9-15

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
Pulling out all the stops and going for broke are two expressions that can apply to you this week, Aries. You may shock yourself and people around you with your aggression and resourcefulness when it comes to achieving your desires now. I think you may be sensing the approaching shift of three planets from your sign to that of Taurus this week, which is making you scramble for creative ways to make your plans work at the last minute. Images of various game shows where contestants are racing against a clock flash through my mind. A major shift in a relationship or your own feelings about relationship and romance may occur later in the week.

Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
The planets are giving you lots of power this week, Taurus. First Mars, the planet of action, then Venus, the planet of pleasure and affection, and Mercury, the planet of communication, all enter your sign. The moon will move through your houses of home and family, creativity, work and health, and relationship as the week unfolds. The best part of things going your way, creativity flowing, and wishes coming true is that other people are loving you and sincerely want you to be happy. Everything you have done so selflessly for others tips the scales in your favor now. Say, "Yes, please," and, "Thank you!" Appreciate the goodness in other people, too.

Astrological Trends for May 9-15

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

A stimulating start to the week is promised on Monday, May 9th, as the moon in the fixed fire sign of creative Leo forms a supportive trine to Uranus, the planet of change and genius, in the cardinal fire sign of Aries, encouraging big, bold plans or projects that are innovative, dramatic, or exciting. If you are taking a vacation this week, you are sure to enjoy anything that involves physical action or exploration under this planetary influence. The moon also exchanges a favorable quincunx with Neptune and Chiron in the inspirational sign of Pisces, indicating that you may have a major breakthrough or realize a lifetime goal or dream now. This morning brings the right combination of faith, courage, and openness to change required to manifest something wonderful. Transformation, healing, and dreams are stabilized and rooted in reality thanks to a supportive sextile between Neptune conjunct Chiron in Pisces and Pluto in Capricorn bringing an element of Divine grace and right use of will. Neptune and Chiron are activated even more by Mars, the planet of action, conjunct Jupiter, the planet of growth, in the cardinal fire sign of Aries. You can easily take a leap of faith in any new endeavor or situation where you feel you must take a stand, and you can expect to win or succeed. The planets say, "Go for it!" today. More strength to follow through on plans comes your way later this afternoon, when the Leo moon makes a quincunx to potent Pluto in enduring Capricorn. You may feel this as a deepening of your emotional conviction or a physical "second wind." In the early evening, a yod, or "Hand of God," forms with the Leo moon quincunx both Pluto in Capricorn and Neptune conjunct Chiron in Pisces that feels like a crowning or ordination to me. Success, accompanied by a feeling of "This is how it was meant to be," is a strong potential if you have used the dynamic energy gifted to you by the planets today. Later this evening, the yod fades, but the Leo moon now forms a sextile to stabilizing Saturn in diplomatic Libra. On some level, you have written a new law or personal ordinance into being. On the emotional level, you have completed something or achieved a level of success that has brought you to a new maturity and inner wisdom.

The royal crowning energy of Monday's Leo moon spills over into Tuesday, May 10th. The moon is still in the fixed fire sign of Leo on Tuesday morning, but makes no major aspects until the afternoon. The moon is contra-parallel Neptune, and the sun is contra-parallel Pluto, though, indicating that some potent impressionable, dramatic energy is present today. Personal presence matters more than action now. Sit like a queen or a king on a throne and radiate the new state of being you achieved yesterday. Don't do, just be. A test of your new inner strength may come around lunchtime, when the Leo moon forms a challenging square to the sun in Taurus. At the very core of this square, the humble Taurus sun is telling you that you are just one of the herd and you should work quietly alongside everyone else. The Leo moon is creative, dramatic, and craves personal attention and recognition when it performs. Pride versus humility - you may have a lesson in one or the other, or both. A favorable flowing trine forms early this evening between the moon in Leo and Venus, the planet of pleasure and affection, conjunct Mercury, the planet of communication. Agreeable, stimulating conversation combines with an ardent pursuit of play. Pursuing a new romantic interest or competing in sports or games that test your physical or mental skills can be a great stress release.

James Arthur Ray Sweat Lodge Trial: Day 39

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Truc Do Continues Cross of Dr. Mosley

Whenever I watch Truc Do in action, I find myself wondering how this could possibly be the LA prosecutor with a spotless conviction record, who brought down Phil Spector. She's insufferable. The sound of her voice actually makes my eyes ache. I don't even know how that's possible.

Do invariably makes me think of a really snotty teenager pretending to be a grown-up. I can't help wondering if this isn't some Freaky Friday, body-swap, kind of thing. Could the real Truc Do be sitting in junior high school classroom somewhere wondering how she's going to get her body and impressive law career back?

I also don't know what to make of the dynamics between Do and Dr. Mosley. At times he seems like he's toying with her; even openly mocking her. At other times I think they're flirting in this really disturbing way. That too feels like some weird, teen comedy, in which the geeky, science nerd, and comic book fanboy, is awkwardly trying to get the attention of the pretty cheerleader who is way out of his league. Meanwhile, the cheerleader wants him to do her science homework so she's manipulating him with a game of come here, go away -- alternately insulting him and taunting him with casual flips of her shiny, shiny hair.

James Arthur Ray Sweat Lodge Trial: Day 38

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Judge Darrow Hears Mistrial Motions

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't feeling agitated today. The possibility of losing the CNN feed hangs over all our heads as does the possibility of mistrial. Tom Kelly moved for a mistrial twice today. The first such motion, Judge Darrow dismissed immediately. The second, he took under advisement, but continued with the trial for the day.

Tom Kelly's first mistrial motion started out the day. He argued that during Det. Diskin's redirect yesterday, improper questioning introduced inculpatory material from the Haddow email.

Sheila Polk maintained that her questions were in response to the carbon dioxide question I noted last Friday, in which Kelly said he'd look at the transcript, but never did.

Judge Darrow quickly dispensed with that motion. But later in the day, Kelly argued that the situation created by the Brady violation was "unworkable." I must confess that once again I missed a chunk of this. CNN is less and less concerned with starting the stream on time.

Kelly said that the whole process has been "infected" by the Brady violation. His motion, though, appeared to be at least partly based on erroneous information. He asserted that the defense has been disallowed from using the Haddow report. Judge Darrow disagreed saying that he has never said that they couldn't talk about it but warned that it opened the door to redirect by the State.

James Arthur Ray Sweat Lodge Trial: Day 37

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

James Ray and His Defense Team

ALERT: CNN is planning to pull the plug on its live coverage of the James Ray trial as of Friday. If you enjoy these updates, which are based almost entirely on that live footage, please contact CNN and ask them to continue its coverage. Thanks to Connie Joy for finding the contact information for Viewer Communication Management on the CNN website. They don't make it easy. Here's the email address: VCN@cnn.com

James Ray's defense team never ceases to amaze me. Over the weekend I downloaded their motion to preclude Dr. Kent from testifying. It seems a bit thin to me but I'll wait and see what Judge Darrow has to say on that. More to the point, attached to that motion is a list of every person who has ever attended Spiritual Warrior since 2003, including their addresses, phone numbers, and email. Connie Joy posted an alert on her Facebook page and the State was apparently deluged with complaints from people who were unhappy about having their private data available for download from the court website. Prosecutor Sheila Polk filed a motion and Judge Darrow ordered it removed and sealed. But, for the love of God, this thing was available all weekend because it was posted on a Friday. They're very vigorous about protecting Ray's data and incredibly cavalier about everybody else's.

I don't know if any of that was addressed in legal arguments this morning because legal arguments were well underway when CNN finally started the live feed this morning. This and failing to turn on the sound were recurring themes throughout the broadcast day. I do know that two jurors have been excused -- one, no doubt, was the sick juror for whom court was canceled yesterday.  I also know that the defense is objecting to prosecution witness Douglas Sundling but this was not discussed in depth.

The day was fraught with legal argument, throughout, as Det. Diskin continued his testimony. There continued to be multiple objections, sidebars, and arguments over the breaks. So the actual testimony was rather limited.

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"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

Why You Need to Heal Your Ancestral Lines

What does it really mean to heal our ancestral lines? To truly heal what lies unresolved in the ancestral lines, we must go to the source of the problem. We must go to the first person by journeying back who knows how far in time, explains host and shaman, Christina Pratt, to that first person who made that one bad decision that changed his or her life and then all of the lives of all of the descendants who followed. These decisions become the unresolved energies of the ancestors. If left unresolved they continue to limit, manipulate, and overshadow our lives today. Why do we need to heal the ancestral lines? It is the only way that we-the living-will ever be truly free to make new decisions. The only way we will ever be able to engage our wisdom, innovation, and co-operation and make the high quality decisions needed today is to clear this unresolved ancestral energy. If we want a different answer for healthcare, war, economics, how we treat the environment, education, homelessness, joblessness, and child poverty we must stop living the answers of our ancestors. Join us this week as we explore what it could mean for our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual heath to heal the ancestral lines?

Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

Log on to Listen
Why Shamanism Now? on Co-Creator Network
Questions? Comments? Call: 1-512-772-1938

All episodes are now available in the iTunes Podcast Library.

Horoscope for May 2-8

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
Career, money, and success have been important areas of life for you in the last few months, Aries. You love success because it usually means having money, and money opens doors to experiences, which is what Aries loves the most. This week, meaning, purpose, values, and spirituality become as important as money to you. You may infuse your work with spirituality or become more vocal in expressing your own individual values when the new moon activates your 2nd house of money and personal values on the 3rd. Expect some backlash and be prepared to walk your talk. Those who don't support you now will either come to accept the new you or be replaced by new friends in the weeks to come.

Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
Some things are still going on behind the scenes for you, Taurus, but when the new moon arrives in your 1st house of self this week in your sign, it's time to shine. Even if you don't feel all-together yet, or fully confident in new plans, put a big smile on your face and fake it. Affirmations of your self-worth and internal pep-talks can go a long way toward making you feel better and helping you achieve goals. Why not coin a cheer for yourself. It may sound silly, but some silliness is what you need most now. Just because you can't see something doesn't mean it isn't real, and just because something you desire hasn't arrived yet doesn't mean it won't. Keep focused on the desired result.

Astrological Trends for May 2-8

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

The month of May begins steadily and confidently with the sun in the fixed and stable earth sign of Taurus and five planets in the cardinal air sign of pioneering Aries. Uranus, the planet of change, is still in the early degrees of Aries. Venus, the planet of comfort and affection, and Mercury, the planet of thought and communication, are conjunct in the middle degrees of Aries, opposing Saturn in the cardinal air sign of Libra. This opposition, which has been holding relationships in a critical light, loses its effect after today, and relationship issues should be gentler this week as a result. Jupiter, the planet of growth, and Mars, the planet of action, are also conjunct in Aries, but in later degrees. The potent force of Mars and Jupiter combined in initiating Aries can give you the extra physical stamina and optimism you may need to launch new endeavors or break through your own self-imposed limitations. On Monday, May 2nd, the day begins with the moon in the fixed earth sign of Taurus sextile Chiron conjunct Neptune in the mutable water sign of Pisces. This aspect pattern can tone down the usual Monday morning frantic rush or Monday blues. You may be feeling the afterglow of a pleasant weekend, which makes you more patient, kind, and forgiving of others. The Neptune/Chiron conjunction forms a supportive sextile to Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn. This aspect holds a special promise of success and rewards if you apply your energy consistently, steadily, and purposefully to a given task. The Neptune/Pluto sextile will be assisting you to succeed all week long, giving you another good reason to put plans in action now and follow through. At midday, the Taurus moon makes a favorable trine to powerful Pluto in serious Capricorn. The key word for this aspect is endurance. Like the Little Engine, you can do much more than anyone else might think is possible - as long as you think you can and stay on track. On the mundane level, this aspect also deepens your appreciation of nature, so do some gardening now or enjoy the splendor of spring. The moon is also semi-sextile Uranus in Aries, which encourages a mild degree of originality and can be the spark that ignites your creativity and desire to begin a new project. A pleasant semi-sextile between the sun in Taurus and Venus in Aries further supports appreciation of art, beauty, and design and can make work feel like a pleasant and satisfying pastime. The sun, planet of presence, in Taurus is quincunx Saturn, the planet of work, in Libra until the 4th, encouraging people to cooperate with each other and do substantial things. Ideas or theories are nothing unless they can be put to good use or create something material or useful under the influence of this energy. Later this evening, as the Taurus moon joins the sun, it also forms a quincunx to Saturn. You, and everyone else, will have a greater emotional desire to connect with purpose and bring harmony to relationships of all kinds.