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"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

Spirit Teachers and Better Humans

"The spirits are teachers, not therapists. They are here to teach us to be better humans," explains host and shaman, Christina Pratt. The helping spirits are here to help us sort out how to live well in our time. Even Death and the Trickster along with plants, animals, and the elements are part of this cast of compassionate characters who are tirelessly committed to teaching us to be better humans. The spirits do not come to assist us for self-help or enlightenment; they come to assist us in doing the precious, unique thing we have come here to do in a way that is good for all living things. The idea that first contact peoples were a barbaric lot who were civilized by their colonizers has thankfully been dispelled, especially now that we see all around the globe the greed, toxic hazards, and ignorance at the heart of the colonizer's unsustainable plans. It was the spirits who brought the ways to live morally and ethically together, rescuing humanity from its most base nature and teaching us the enlightened self-interest inherent in truly living as One with all things. Join us this week as we explore why we need the dark, inscrutable, and luminous world of spirit to be truly human and why we should bother to be better.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

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Horoscope for April 11-17

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
Headstrong Aries, please have some patience with yourself and other people this week. People who live with you and those who work with you may all be unsure of how to behave around you because you are quick to react. If you have been making changes at home or work, you may not be entirely happy with the results yet. Part of the feeling that something is not quite right comes from unrealistic expectations or a lack of clarity in how you imagine things should be. Instead of pointing fingers or complaining, connect with your inner self and allow some creativity and imagination to flow. Laughter and play can work miracles for you and make people more cooperative. The middle of the week holds some highly productive energy for you. Imagine you are acting in a play called "My Life" and performing in front of an audience. Would you dress up more? Smile more? Complain less? How can you give your best performance? The full moon in your 7th house of relationship helps you define boundaries and find balance in relationship or acknowledge your own shadow side.

Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
"Is anybody listening to me?" could be your lament at the beginning of the week, Taurus. It's not just your imagination or Mercury retrograde that make communication feel difficult. There are some tough but short-lived aspects to communication houses in your chart. If you happen to be a writer, it is not the time to submit manuscripts. It is also not the time to buy tickets for a long-dreamed-of trip to a foreign country. I believe there is a perfect order to everything, so there must be a good reason the planets are inclining you to think and rethink, explore options, and enjoy the pleasures of home rather than scurry about. Family and friends are there for you and keep your frame of mind positive. Just before the weekend, something good happens when the energy shifts forward, communication and creativity flow, and you say, "Now things are looking up." One of the rules of manifestation is that we can specify the "what," but we can't always control the "when" or "how" of what we wish to receive. The full moon this weekend in your 6th house of health, service, and work may help you see the correlation between your health and your thoughts and beliefs. You could decide to explore alternative healing methods. If work is an issue, then you may want to meditate on your life purpose or integrate your spirituality into your job.

Astrological Trends for April 11-17

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

You may feel at loose ends emotionally, and even uncomfortable in your own skin, the morning of Monday, April 11th. The moon in the cardinal water sign of Cancer makes a challenging square to the sun conjunct Jupiter and Mercury retrograde in the cardinal fire sign of Aries. Your emotions could be resisting what your mind and body know you have to do. Mars conjunct Uranus in Aries is still creating tension and possible conflict between the new and the old through a square to Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn. This problematic energy arrived last week, but finally dissipates this Saturday, so hang in there! If something needs to be reformed, by all means, charge head-on, but avoid stirring up trouble just because you feel like it. Also, remember that other people may be affected by this tension and you will be more tolerant when faced with difficult people. The square between the Cancer moon and the Aries trio of planets fades later this afternoon and the day becomes calmer. Your emotions may still be sensitive due to the Cancer influence, but you feel more self-contained now, with less resistance to taking care of what needs to be done. Love and romance may be in the air as Venus forms a parallel to Chiron and Jupiter forms a contra-parallel to Chiron. The chance to meet a lifelong partner or true soul mate is enhanced by this energy. Existing relationships can weather the stressful aspects and the Mercury retrograde with the patience and forgiveness this energy imparts. Later this evening, the moon in Cancer forms both a quincunx to Neptune/Chiron in Pisces and a scintillating trine to Uranus in Aries. Falling in love at first sight or some exciting, spontaneous romantic encounter is possible. The moon contra-parallel Pluto intensifies the feeling, nurturing Cancer energy and also helps you validate your own emotions. Trust your intuition and follow through on hunches.

What a difference a day makes! A dynamic and positive aspect pattern makes Tuesday, April 12th, feel like the complete opposite of yesterday morning. The moon is now in the fixed fire sign of Leo, where it makes a supportive trine to Mars, the planet of action, in the cardinal fire sign of Aries. The moon also forms two quincunx aspects: one to purposeful Chiron in the mutable water sign of Pisces, and the other to intense Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn. Knowing your purpose and making big things happen is what this energy is all about. It greatly increases your stamina, creativity, self-direction, and follow-through, enabling you to succeed at almost any task. Late this afternoon, a sextile between the Leo moon and stabilizing Saturn in the cardinal air sign of Libra is like the final finishing touch to your day. If you utilized the power of today's aspects, you will be bringing something to a highly satisfying close by dinnertime. Leo loves to play and Libra loves to relate, so use the sextile between the Leo moon and Saturn in Libra to reaffirm a relationship by doing something fun, like dancing, playing tennis, or taking a walk together.

James Arthur Ray Sweat Lodge Trial: Day 26

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Luis Li Attempting Not to Raise the Judge's Ire

The day started with a bit more legal wrangling. I missed most of it due to other pressing news events taking up all the CNN feeds... and of course the Cayce Anthony pretrial hearings. I did catch bits and pieces, however, on In Session. The major concern seemed to be getting on with the limiting instruction so that the jury has some idea in what context to view the testimony of all these ghastly, horrifying, very bad for James Arthur Ray, prior sweat lodges.

Luis Li broke the issue down for Judge Darrow.

Li: I think the jury has to be reminded that the state must prove everything beyond a reasonable doubt. And so this instruction hued very closely to not only rule 404b but to the court's ruling of uh, of February 3rd, 2011. And it's critical that it be given because what's happening is the evidence is getting just so...

Darrow: Just a minute Mr. Li. Thank-you.

Li: Well, it's a good chance for me to use a different word than mushed. The evidence is getting conflated and, and, and, combined into an unidentifiable mess. And it's up to the court t' -- we' -- and what I mean by that your Honor is that, uh

Darrow: Again, I'm thinking about everything that came in the opening and all the other evidence and, and I'm just puzzled by that, but go ahead.

Li: Your honor, I apologize for the characterization if it...

Darrow: No, I see a lot of characterizations in things that get filed and believe me I'm gonna only look at the substance...

Li: And I appreciate that.

Darrow: You can characterize it how you wish.

Li: I appreciate that your honor and I will, I will attempt to characterize it in a way that doesn't raise the court's ire.

James Arthur Ray Sweat Lodge Trial: Day 25

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Luis Li Demonstrates Impressive Printing Skills

Luis Li began his cross examination of Ted Mercer by asking a bunch of questions about the Hamiltons regarding things he wouldn't know anything about. He asked if he knew Angel Valley was registered as a ministry or if he knew that the Hamiltons were ordained ministers in the Order of Melchizedek. Mercer knew they were ordained but didn't know in what. Of course Li's absolute murder of the word Melchizedek probably didn't help. Did Mercer know that Angel Valley has tax exempt status? No.

Then Li asked him if he knew that Angel Valley charged Spiritual Warrior participants who stayed there $1600? He had no idea what they charged. Were they allowed to charge like that as a ministry? Mercer did not know that either.

Wouldn't those be better questions for, I don't know, the Hamiltons? But of course Li's not asking to get answers. He's asking to get that information in front of a jury without qualified answers.

It amuses me that Li is acting like he has sticker shock over the Angel Valley rates when he's representing a client who was charging nearly $10,000 a head... not including room and board.

James Arthur Ray Sweat Lodge Trial: Day 24

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

James Ray: Hunk or Charlatan? Discuss.

Connie Joy and Lori Lovens are two of the bright, capable survivors of James Ray's self-improvement program who give the lie to stereotypes of Ray's followers as weak, gullible, and desperate. Both have written books sharing what drew them in to Ray's web and the events that caused them both to extricate themselves.

Connie Joy is a veteran of numerous James Arthur Ray events and seminars, including the 2007 sweat lodge. Like many people that year, she was made quite ill by the heat. Even so, it took the discovery that money she and her husband Richard had "invested" in the World Wealth Society all went to lining Ray's pockets, instead of charitable purposes, to finally break from Ray. In this wonderful interview on A Book and a Chat Joy breaks down the realizations she had before and after separating from Ray. I highly recommend taking in this one hour discussion which can still be heard on BlogTalk Radio.

I originally posted on Connie Joy here after hearing her interviewed on In Session. I find her first-hand observations on Ray's machinations to be astute, insightful, and compelling. She speaks from a place of having been immersed in something only to later understand how much she and her husband had manipulated. In this interview she explains how Ray utilizes Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and group hypnosis in his seminars. She and her husband, who have always been cautious and conservative with their money, found themselves very uncharacteristically paying out huge sums to Ray before having their rude awakening.

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Around the Web, Around the World

"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

Shamanism and the Trickster

"The Trickster cannot be trusted," writes author Lewis Hyde, "It is a contact that puts us slightly at risk; we open ourselves to disruption whenever we call on him." But it is that opening that allows miracles, the impossible, surprise and the reversal of fortunes. Work with the Teacher supports us in our mastery along the steady path of our lives. However it is the Trickster who reveals the short cuts that allow us to get there-to the full, loving expression of our soul's true purpose-while we are still young enough to enjoy the fruits of our labors. Join host and shaman, Christina Pratt, this week as we explore the ways that we unwittingly cut off The Teacher in our lives, relying instead on old, soul-killing patterns of judgment, control, and distrust. Yet even when we are at our most wretched, positional and righteous in our suffering the Teacher-usually in the guise of the Trickster-is there to open the way back to balance and wholeness. Author Lewis Hyde explains that the trickster made the world as we actually find it. Other gods set out to create a world more perfect and ideal, but this world--with its complexity and ambiguity, its beauty and its dirt--was trickster's creation, and the work is not yet finished. Join us as we explore the art of the Teacher and within that, the life saving, sacrifice demanding, crazy logic of the Trickster.

Tuesday, April 5, 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.

Mr. Deity Explains the Barbecue

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

My daughter has been coming home with concerns about heaven and hell. The things kids pick up on the streets these days. You try to protect them from dangerous ideas but, honestly, it gets more and more challenging all the time.

Horoscope for April 4-10

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
An overhaul unlike any you have ever had before is possible this week, Aries. You are likely to be in an extremely alert, critical frame of mind that won't let anything slide by if you feel a reaction to it. Obviously, this will create some interesting situations when you begin to examine work mates, house mates, or life mates. Reinventing yourself affects everyone in your sphere of influence. Some may be surprised by your behavior or the things you are beginning to express. On the job, you could begin doing tasks for which you have no formal training, but possess a natural talent. Your work situation may become complicated if you outperform someone and they feel insecure or jealous. Asking for a raise or increasing your fees could stir things up, too. Your partner and family will be running behind you, trying to slow you down or irritating you with their dense questions or limiting views. You may feel like a super-human, but they're afraid you will crash and burn. If you think it may help, assure them you have a sky full of planets in your sign backing you up now.

Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
Issues of faith, belief, and trust may arise for you this week, Taurus. Security is very important to you and lately you may be feeling unstable. Perhaps the little material, worldly concerns have been piling up or the bigger "meaning of life" question has been turning your attention within for answers. How can life be so wonderful and beautiful and terrifying and ugly all at the same time? You may be dealing with dishonesty or misrepresentation or discovering that doctrines you believed are false or organizations you thought were legitimate are not. It may be your job to call attention to something that just isn't right. Only you can decide for yourself what is best for you, no matter what the issue. As the week progresses, you stand strong in your new course of action, feel better about yourself, and address the things that are making you feel unhappy or insecure.

Astrological Trends for April 4-10

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Mercury retrograde issues may annoy or upset you on Monday, April 4th, as the moon in the cardinal fire sign of Aries joins retrograde Mercury, the planet of thought and communication, in Aries. On the positive side, this conjunction can help you identify which things need the most going over by tuning in to your emotional responses when you think about them. Mars is also conjunct Uranus in the sign of Aries, adding more quickness, impulsiveness, and fire to the already strong Aries energy. Genius solutions or ideas may stay in the planning stage until Mercury turns direct on the 23rd of April. Like the expression goes, "The faster you hurry, the behinder you get." But wait! There's even more Aries energy with Jupiter, the benevolent planet of growth and expansion, conjunct the sun in Aries. Worried that all the fire is heating your life up too much? This is one instance where an opposition can be a good thing. Currently, the sun and Jupiter in Aries oppose Saturn in Libra. The icy coolness of Saturn and the critical, reasoning nature of Libra will act like air conditioning when all the Aries planets get you fired up or hot under the collar. All those Aries planets would like to do things without considering the consequences, but a retrograde Mercury and an opposition to Saturn put some safety measures and stopgaps in place. The earthy, romantic, sensual sextile between Venus in Pisces and Pluto in Capricorn is still in place, blessing lovers, artists, and hedonists with heightened senses. Inspirational Neptune in the final degree of the inventive and future-oriented fixed air sign of Aquarius is semi-sextile the pairing of Mars and Uranus in Aries. This "weak" minor aspect could actually bring changes in technology or political reform that have a significant long-lasting effect. Later this afternoon, the Aries moon forms a supportive sextile to Neptune as Neptune leaves Aquarius and enters the mutable water sign of Pisces and joins Chiron in Pisces. You may feel romantic or nostalgic as a result of this aspect. Make new memories with your family or revisit old ones by pulling out the photos or videos. It is also an excellent influence for healing broken communication or misunderstandings between family members or turning your own problems over to a Higher Power for healing. Sometimes giving up is the best way to win a battle. The moon conjunct Mercury is also semi-sextile the Mars/Uranus conjunction in Aries, indicating that when you release your attachment to something, a change in circumstances can happen swiftly and unexpectedly. At bedtime, the moon enters the grounded fixed earth sign of Taurus. With the Taurus moon sextile Neptune and Chiron, you are practically guaranteed a restful sleep full of sweet dreams, especially if you act on the romantic and sensual energy of this lunar aspect. It has me humming "Sweet Dreams" by the Eurythmics.

James Arthur Ray Sweat Lodge Trial: Day 23

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Fawn Foster

The day started with more legal wrangling, with Tom Kelly looking like the cat who'd swallowed the canary through most of it. He got little to no resistance to his request to use the prior acts of today's witness for impeachment purposes. Judge Darrow excluded an old DUI and one other, but he was left with a couple of felony convictions he could work with. He looked cheerful and even engaged in a little friendly banter with Bill Hughes.

Prosecutor Sheila Polk quickly seized the high ground, however, by starting her direct examination laying out the witness's convictions for false reporting to police and drug paraphernalia. And witness, Fawn Foster, completely seized the day by being forthright, honest, and humble about her own history. Going to prison was the "biggest blessing that ever happened," she said. She had left prison with "a new attitude, a new set of teeth, and just a whole new life." She owes her sobriety to the criminal justice system and she's been clean and sober since 2006.

It's hard to impeach someone who is as open as Fawn Foster. And there is just no artifice to this woman.

Foster is an employee of Angel Valley Ranch and brims with affection and gratitude for her opportunity to clean toilets, kill weeds, and work in the kitchen. In 2008, her stepson was working there as a chef and called her in when they were short-staffed. She has been there ever since.