The Jury: James Ray Caused Emotional Harm

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

The jury deliberated for the better part of two days over charges of aggravating circumstances. This afternoon found them deadlocked on a number of issues and unwilling to deliberate further. The one thing they all agreed upon: James Ray caused emotional harm to the families of all three decedents. That is to say, guilty on three counts of the aggravating factor of emotional harm.

They also agreed that Ray held a unique position of trust in the case of Liz Neuman. So one count of unique position of trust. On the rest of the aggravators, the unique position of trust for Kirby Brown and James Shore, and pecuniary gain, they were hopelessly deadlocked.

Judge Darrow has set a sentencing date of July 25th, 2011. He declined a motion from prosecutor Sheila Polk that Ray be taken into custody immediately. 

A little reminder from Cosmic Connie: July 25th will be the second anniversary of Colleen Conaway's death in a San Diego mall; or as she was known on that day, Jane Doe. How darkly fitting. 

A very special thanks to April Santiago of Dateline and Rachel Stockman of NBC Channel 12 in Arizona, for tweeting the news live from the courtroom. And my heartfelt thanks also to the rest of my James Ray trial peeps for being an excellent grapevine of information, even during the near media blackout on this trial.

James Ray Sweat Lodge Trial: Aggravating Tom Kelly

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Right up to the bitter end, James Ray's defense team is sticking with that arrogance and condescension thing that has served them so well throughout this trial. As the jury went off to deliberate over aggravating circumstances Tom Kelly took them to task in his closing argument for reaching the wrong verdict.

"I have difficulty finding there was any criminal act," he said, "so that makes it difficult ... to stand up here and talk about aggravating circumstances."

He presented his client as the hapless victim and implied that the jurors would have to live with what their finding did to him for the rest of their lives. For good measure he sought to intimidate them with the press scrutiny they would face for their decisions, telling them that the media would "assault" them as they left the court.

I think this was a miscalculation. He's insulted jurors who still have some decision making power over Ray's fate and who have already decided that he has some culpability. A lack of contrition is unappealing in a convicted criminal and, for now, Tom Kelly is the only voice James Ray has in that courtroom. If he comes off as arrogant, unapologetic, and unconcerned about the loss of life, so does Ray. If he comes off as disrespecting the jury, so does Ray.

James Ray Sweat Lodge Trial: Aggravating CNN

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Where's Waldo? Where's Megan? And Where's CNN?

Despite their having the James Ray "aggravation stage" on their schedule all weekend and up to 12:16 EDT today, CNN did a runner. Turns out the gouge on Connie Joy's Facebook page -- that they'd pulled their equipment and skipped town last week -- was correct. CNN's own employees who even confirmed via email were wrong. But that sort of total incompetence is par for the course when it comes to CNN's coverage of this trial.

And Megan Fredrickson whose testimony we were hotly anticipating? In the wind. Both she and her husband Josh took a powder. They are nowhere to be found. Through their attorney, the State learned that she was refusing to cooperate. She and her husband are afraid of being indicted. I expect they'll be avoiding the state of Arizona indefinitely.

Throughout the early part of the day, there were legal arguments which kept the jury in a holding pattern outside the courtroom. In an unsurprising move, the defense made another motion for mistrial. I'm starting to think that shouting "mistrial" is just some strange verbal tic that Luis Li can't really control.

Motions had already been flying back and forth with the defense moving to strike four of five aggravating factors proposed by the State. Prosecutors agreed to dismiss two: presence of an accomplice and the heinous, cruel, and depraved nature of the crime. No doubt these things would have been hard to prove without Megan Fredrickson's testimony.

The list of witnesses offered by the State was winnowed down to three; all family members of the deceased. Andrea Puckett is Liz Neuman's daughter. Ginny Brown is Kirby Brown's mother. Alyssa Gillespie is James Shore's widow.

And then the testimony began.

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"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

Shamanism and Recovery

Shamanism offers several tiers for engagement for anyone committed to the process of their own recovery. Shamanism is first the working relationship with spirit. At its root, shamanism offers the skills for you to create your own relationship with your helping spirits. This opens a world of healing opportunities, both individual and social, in ordinary and non-ordinary reality that support the ebb and flow that is the nature of a recovery process. Shamanism is the shaman. The shaman as healer offers both a way to get at the aspects of self who remain out of reach and a way to clear and release invasive and provocative energies that often coalesce around the addict. Shamanism is also a way of living a spirit engaged life. Shamanism offers a way for the individual to repair his or her spiritual life on his or her own terms, based on personal experiences and practical teachings that have supported the cultivation of well-being for thousands of years. Join host and shaman, Christina Pratt, as she explores the multiple levels a person in recovery can access through shamanism to restore their relationship with everyday spirit help, mend their battered and abandoned relationship with their soul, and engage in a dynamic, ever-growing relationship with life and the courage to live it with an open heart.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

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Horoscope for June 27 - July 3

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
Taking faith-based actions or following your personal values will be an important part of your week, Aries. Your sign believes in what it can personally see or do. Connecting to something bigger than yourself by going within and then trusting your feelings to guide you may be a different method for you than acting on logic and fact. The new moon and eclipse take place in your 4th house of home, family, and psychological foundations. When you operate from your heart and gut responses, interesting things may happen. You love a new beginning of any kind - I think you will really like the excitement and emotional stimulation this week.

Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
Although the new moon and partial eclipse occur in your 3rd house of local travel, siblings, communication, and imagination, the week begins with the moon in your 1st house of self. Therefore, you may feel as though you have begun anew before the energy of the new moon even gets here! Jupiter and Pluto may make you feel larger than life, smarter, and more sure of things than you have ever been before. That's a very good thing because you will be juggling money, chores, communications, and either pursuing what you want aggressively or expanding your boundaries very, very fast. Only a Taurus completely full of him- or herself can have enough stamina for the week.

Gemini (May 21st - June 21st)
Your nervous system is a bit high-strung lately, Gemini, thanks to a heavily-aspected Mars in your sign. You may be doing much more on the physical level than you usually do, and this week will be just as active. You can tap into extra reserves of energy and an abundant, generous source of creative ideas that can help you work smarter - not harder - if you take a day at the beginning of the week to rest, dream, journal, meditate, and connect with nature. This will also help you weather the new moon and eclipse in your 2nd house of money and personal values. When you remove yourself from distractions, you can see what is important to you and find creative ways to meet your needs.

Astrological Trends for June 27 - July 3

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Emotional stability and mental certainty steer the day on Monday, June 27th. The moon in the fixed, steady earth sign of Taurus is sextile Mercury in the cardinal water sign of sensitive Cancer. Moon semi-sextile Venus in the mutable air sign of Gemini enhances your sense of well-being. Venus semi-sextile Mercury boosts your ability to hold a positive mindset. The sun in the cardinal water sign of Cancer leads you into a busy summer week with aspects to almost every planet today. The sun opposes Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn, makes a trine to Chiron in the mutable water sign of Pisces, a square to Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of Aries, and a sextile to Jupiter in the fixed earth sign of Taurus. Pluto is intensifying everything through aspects to other planets, as well. Besides the opposition to the sun, Pluto also forms a square to Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of Aries, a quincunx to Mars in the mutable air sign of Gemini, a very beneficial trine to Jupiter in the fixed earth sign of Taurus, and a sextile to Chiron in Pisces. With so much activity between planets in different elements and qualities, I like to simplify and look at the sun and Pluto as the dominant factors. They are the planets most affected and the planets most likely to affect you. At times, you will tap into the trines and sextiles and things will flow easily, but when one of the squares, or the opposition, is active, you may experience challenges. The sun represents the sense of self and Pluto is essentially power. Situations this week will make you look to yourself and connect to your own inner power. That sounds wonderful - and ultimately it is - but it won't always be easy! The cardinal T-square between the sun in Cancer, Uranus in Aries, and Pluto in Capricorn that was in place last week continues to be in effect until this Thursday. You have adjusted to this energy, and the predominance of other aspects may diminish its effect, too, but be prepared for an element of friction wherever rules and order are challenged by a need for adjustment to change and progress.

"Feisty" is the word of the day on Tuesday, June 28th. The moon in the mutable air sign of Gemini joins Mars in Gemini and, together, they form a square to Neptune and Chiron, loosely conjunct in Pisces. You may want to be perverse or difficult in an ornery way just to disturb the boring or complacent. Act out or vent your feelings now. Don't censor the silly or absurd - that's the stuff future anecdotes are made of. The moon also forms a supportive sextile to Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of Aries, increasing hyperactivity and restless emotions. At lunchtime, the moon and Mars, conjunct in Gemini, form a quincunx to Pluto in Capricorn. Present new ideas logically and calmly if you wish them to be accepted. If you attempt to do anything without getting all your ducks in a row and anticipating the "what-ifs," you are liable to be shot down or be sent back to the drawing board before you can proceed further. That moon/Mars conjunction is very impetuous and emotionally child-like. As the conjunction interacts with Pluto in Capricorn, it will poke a stick at the patriarchal, strict energy of Capricorn, which can be easily irritated by youthful zeal, so easy does it! At dinnertime, the moon and Mars in Gemini form a favorable trine to Saturn in Libra. This active aspect supports couples doing things together socially. With the sun in Cancer sextile to Jupiter in Taurus, a picnic or barbeque with family and friends is a perfect way to enjoy a summer evening.

James Ray: Aggravating Circumstances, Mitigating JETs -- UPDATED

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: See below.

Next week the James Ray trial will enter the aggravation phase. I doubt highly that CNN will stream it which is unfortunate. It could prove to be some of the most explosive testimony yet. Why do I say that? Two words: Megan Fredrickson. I was a little thrown when I saw her name on the list. I thought, either she's done quite an about-face or her testimony is being compelled. I'm inclined towards the latter possibility.

As per Lynn LaMaster of eNewAZ, the aggravation phase is a necessary step in determining sentencing. She has been updating this page as new information has come in on the verdict and post-verdict phase.

According to A.R.S. § 13-701 (C), "The minimum or maximum term imposed... may be imposed only if one or more of the circumstances alleged to be in aggravation of the crime are found to be true by the trier of fact beyond a reasonable doubt or are admitted by the defendant..."

The 'trier of fact' in this case is the jury.

Many circumstances are listed in A.R.S. § 13-701, but Yavapai County Attorney Sheila Polk, in a motion filed with the court on February 16, alleges four aggravating circumstances:

1. The presence of an accomplice (A.R.S. § 13-701 (D)( 4)).
2. The especially heinous, cruel or depraved manner in which the offense was committed (A.R.S. § 13-701(D)(5)).
3. Defendant committed the offense as consideration for the receipt, or in the expectation of the receipt, of anything of pecuniary value (A.R.S. § 13-701(D)(6)).
4. The victim or, if the victim has died as a result of the conduct of Defendant, the victim's immediate family suffered physical, emotional or financial harm (A.R.S. § 13- 701 (D)(9)).

If the jury finds the aggravating circumstances are true, James Ray could be sentenced to 3.75 years in prison for each count. If the jury does not find any of the above aggravating circumstances to be true, Ray could receive a sentence that only includes probation.

James Arthur Ray: Guilty Verdicts and Responsibility

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Bob Proctor, he of Secret fame, is putting his mouth front and center in the wake of James Ray's guilty verdict.

"Anybody had the right to leave there (the sweat lodge), and they didn't. Some did," Proctor said. "It was a tragic thing that happened, but I don't think (Ray) should be the one that's held responsible.

Earlier, when he was interviewed on In Session, Proctor allowed that Ray had law of attracted this for some reason. I guess the most generous reading of Proctor's logic is to say that Ray was spiritually responsible but not materially or legally responsible. He attracted this debacle, maybe because he let himself think some unhappy thoughts. Why, oh why, didn't he put on some happy music and chase the negativity from his mind?

In a 2007 interview with Dan Harris James Ray articulated his views on the issue of personal responsibility. He even put the statement on his website.

In an interview, Ray answered about personal responsibility, “I fully know, for me, that there is no blame. Every single thing is your responsibility … and nothing is your fault. Because every single thing that comes to you is gift … a lesson.”

James Ray Found Guilty in Sweat Lodge Deaths

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

James Arthur Ray was found guilty on all three counts at the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide.

Self-help guru James Arthur Ray was found guilty of negligent homicide Wednesday, nearly two years after three people died in a sweltering sweat lodge for one of his exercises.

The Camp Verde, Ariz., jury, which deliberated for barely a day, chose not to convict Ray of the more serious charge of manslaughter, as the prosecution had urged.

He will remain free on bond at least until the jury addresses "aggravating circumstances" next week. It almost goes without saying that Judge Darrow rejected the most recent mistrial motion, which the defense filed earlier today.

I'm still digesting this. I'm sure I will have much more to say at a later date. For now, I'm just savoring the sweet taste of justice.

James Ray Trial: In the Hands of the Jury

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Sheila Polk Delivers Rebuttal

As expected, Sheila Polk's final rebuttal was brilliant. Despite the nearly four hours she had available to her, she took only a couple... and managed to cover more ground than Luis Li did in over six. This is because Polk is a good public speaker, where Li -- and I say this as a former competitive public speaker -- is terrible.

I have much to say about Polk's close but I find that even after two blog posts on the subject, Li's closing argument is still stuck in my craw. I'm actually a little amazed at how much it irritated me. And not just because it was six hours of my life I'll never get back. Upon consideration, I realize that it comes down this: Narcissists really push my buttons. That was one of the most self-indulgent speeches I've ever heard, and I'm including speeches that are intended to be autobiographical.

The Salty Droid put together a great, little video of some of the lowlights. It really underscores the hypocrisy of Li's refrain, "But this isn't about me." Of course it was all about Li and I'm realizing that that has been an observable pattern throughout this trial.

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"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

The Power of Joy

In a culture that can barely sort out the distinction between wants, needs, desires, addictions and obsessions, the power of Joy remains strong, but largely untouched. Joy touches us when we are accountable to our true selves, even our darkest most challenging selves. Joy touches us at the core of our well-being. "Not that we need to be well to experience joy. Serious illness, a sudden turn of fate that exposes us, or the clean cut of truth can bring us to joy," explains host and shaman, Christina Pratt. "We must be willing to be accountable to our true self, no matter what we find there." To cultivate a long-term relationship with joy we must reforge that original relationship with our soul's purpose. We must shape our character, our appetites, and our longings with the wisdom of each of the four bodies: the physical, the heart, the mind, and the spirit. In doing this we accept the energetic reality of our world: We are energy beings first. We live in the Tao. If we want joy-and not the cheap or the expensive imitations-we must choose to live in a way that tends the essence of joy. We must cultivate our energy, the expressions of our soul's purpose, and the accountability to self in all of its many manifestations. When we live in this way our joy travels in our thoughts, words and actions, cultivating heart and inspiring joy in others.

Tuesday, June 21, 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.