I hadn’t posted in a while, and I had been posting frequently. Posting frequently is more in alignment with my joy; however, I have been extra busy–and I’m not even sure how time is organizing itself right now. As far as I am intuiting: The official start of the New Year, in terms of momentum, will come after this New Moon in Aquarius that also lines up with the Lunar New Year, 2023: the year of the Water Rabbit. I will be adding a lot of links today because there’s a lot of ground that I want to cover, and I’m not going to create all the content by myself. This might even become another post. First let’s get to the inspiration for today’s blog post. I am coming to the writing block today to bring you Maori artist Sofia Minson and the poet Fred Lamotte. A couple of weeks ago, in December, before the New Year, Fred and I had a brief exchange on email. I told him about how his poetry strikes me in a powerful way. I used different words. Words that were special, and just for him. As a result, I got a reply that I made his day (morning, as is was the first email he read that day). As you can imagine my elation, that I managed to make the day of this most wonderful poet. I’m going to post below one of his most well known poems, and for good reason:
My ancestry DNA results came in.
Just as I suspected, my great great grandfather was a monarch butterfly. Much of who I am is still wriggling under a stone. I am part larva, but part hummingbird too. There is dinosaur tar in my bone marrow. My golden hair sprang out of a meadow in Palestine.
Genghis Khan is my fourth cousin, but I didn’t get his dimples. My loins are loaded with banyan seeds from Sri Lanka, but I descended from Ravanna, not Ram. My uncle is a mastodon.
There are traces of white people in my saliva. 3.7 billion years ago I swirled in hydrogen dust, dreaming of a planet overgrown with lingams and yonis.
More recently, say 60,000 B.C. I walked on hairy paws across a land bridge joining Sweden to Botswana. I am the bastard of the sun and moon. I can no longer hide my heritage of raindrops and cougar scat.
My mud was molded with your grandmother’s tears. I was the brother who marched you to the sea and sold you. I was the merchant from Savannah and the cargo of blackness. I was the chain.
Admit it, you have wings, vast and crystal, like mine, like mine. You have sweat, dark and salty, like mine, like mine. You have secrets silently singing in your blood, like mine, like mine.
Don’t pretend that earth is not one family. Don’t pretend we never hung from the same branch. Don’t pretend we do not ripen on each other’s breath. Don’t pretend we didn’t come here to forgive.
Ancestry by Fred LaMotte for Earth Day
Here is the link for Sofia Minson’s artwork that is combined with Fred LaMotte’s poem.
About me:
I have been working closely with the Medicine Woman Centre for Shamanic and Esoteric Studies for several years, under the tutelage of FRANCHELLE OFSOSKÉ-WYBER. I completed my first Rite of the Six Moons (28 week journey) in July 2019–3 months after my first child was born. For the last year, I have been acting in my esteemed role as an elder for 2 of the 3 programs that I had completed since then, one of which was rich with astrology and magic in the Rite of the Twelve Celestial Regents. In 2023, I was chosen to serve as an elder for another year and support those who are currently embarking on their journeys. This is my lineage under the House of Bee.
This is just one of my shamanic traditions that I am a practitioner in. My other tradition I have also been studying and practicing formally for over 7 years. This is in the tradition of the Four Winds. The Q’ero people passed on their sacred knowledge to Alberto Villodo a former anthropologist. What I have in common with Alberto Villodo is my studies as an anthropology student in my early years, which was really guidance for me to walk the shamanic path. Therefore my “shamanic training” began with education at University while I was undergoing deep processes in my Mind/Body/Spirit. The culmination of my University education was my traveling around the world to locations that were specifically off limits for many travelers–due to boycotts/embargos/political reasons, and also safety reasons. It was then that I also traveled from temple to temple exploring deeply my calling.
I am not a shaman in a particular tradition but I have an assemblage of my own lineage and traditions; ancestry to the ancient Italian practices, began being revealed to me in 2016 when I visited my grandparents’ respective home villages. I have a strong connection with the Maori (and the Polynesian cultures) since I was a young teen (and my soul of course), and was guided eventually to working with Franchelle as an apprentice. Franchelle is a Medicine Woman who teaches within her mystery school where our teachers are the NZ First Light Essences that are created from our teacher plants. My work and studies continue, and my life grows in its magic. My soul, born in balsamic moon phase, is quite an ancient one. It wasn’t until I traveled to Kauai in 2011 that I received my full transmission of my new spiritual name and my surrender to living a life in complete guidance by Spirit. This was the same year that I began this blog. I have since ended up with many spiritual names. One is Tibetan Buddhist Dechen Llamo, given to me by a Lama, and another is Shamanic within the Four Winds, given as Sees Through Water.
Some of you may know that I am now a Doctor of Acupuncture with a specialization in Chinese herbal medicine (DAcCHM). For the next 3 years, I will be delving deeper into my training within Western herbs by the guidance of Rosemary Gladstar, the foremost leader in Western herbal medicine, and working on my land where I currently live with my little family in S. California.
The reason I have for my blog: while it changes over time, I would say that my earliest expression of my Spirit as a child was that of an artist. I was also a writer and a poet. In 2017 I published my first book. My goal is to publish another poetry book before the end of the year. Astrology is also a theme throughout my blog– it is, to quote Shakespeare, “this brave o’erhanging firmament.” Basically, I want to write and connect, and just be me. I want to share my art in whatever form it arises.
I hope those of you who are new followers have enjoyed this introduction. For those of you who have known me a while but don’t really know some of the details, here is your “more.” I truly hope and believe it’s a ‘given’ that you have enjoyed Fred LaMotte’s poem and Sofia Minson’s art. I will close with two of my favorite pieces of hers that I just discovered today. One is Midnight Rose, and the other is about her portraiture.
Wonderful Ka….. Firstly Happy 2023…. Loved reading more about your journey Ka.. and thank you for introducing me to so Maori Artist Sofia, I have saved to log back into to watch the videos.. I can see why that poem so resonates with you Ka.
May your Shamanic Journey continue to Unify all Fragments of ourselves…
Sending Love and well wishes… ❤
Thank you for sharing more of yourself and path Ka. I admire your dedication to learning and growth. And I love the exquisite poem by Fred and the beautiful art by Sofia!
Thank you for reading here, and for being in my life! I love sharing blogging with you. A little bit more and more comes out from me as I seemingly reach deeper inside, down and out, and forge through to clearer awareness. It’s not always easy to put so much into words. 🙏🏼💜
You’re most welcome. I can be hard to share deeply, but I often find it freeing to be vulnerable here on WP and am amazed at the level of care and support. 💕
Yes, I do find that I am increasingly experiencing that care and support, too! We are all on this journey together, woven in some way. I delight over the connections!
Isn’t Fred’s poem just stunning?! And Sofia’s artwork draws me in. 🌸
My daughter did some DNA testing as she is very interested in her heritage. I’ve thought about it, but don’t really need to. I mean, what good will it do me? So, the poem made me chuckle in my head as it brings awareness of deeper insights to the broader family. I appreciated reading more about your work and passions which open windows to alternative possibilities for exploration beyond the mundane.
First off, I am in loooove with that Poem! It sang in my soul in a way that let me know I have heard this message before in a some fashion. Secondly, you continue to inspire me with the breadth and depth of your passions and talents. Lastly, a while back I inquired on a comment about wanting to more about your shamanism journey. And here it is…. yea!
I do not recall how but I am on Alberto Villodo’s email list and he send me somethin at least weekly. Maybe he’s on the Shift Network. I haven’t a clue, but I find him intriguing. Many years ago around the same time a channeled I frequented yearly and my friend Robert who passed and I dedicated this blog to, told me I have a connection to shamanism or perhaps am a shaman. I did not believe them but was led to take some workshops and befriended a shaman or two locally. I figure I may have had this role in a different incarnation but not this one. Like you, many healers have healed before and will heal again, in various manifestations. Wow this is a long comment so I will end it here. I relish learning more about you my friend. This was such a profound share ❤
This poem is amazing, isn’t it. Really his poetry has become a muse of mine. His writing reaches me, clearly. I didn’t study with Four Winds directly. My shamanic teacher was a student of Four Winds. I’m not feeling called to go directly to Four Winds although some of my fellow counterparts have. I always felt connected to you in your friend Robert’s urgings for you. I sense the depth of your friendship with him. That type of special friendship lasts far beyond the human life, for sure. I’m curious how you will explore the possibilities for further connections. Before I even formally ended up training on the shamanic path, Spirit was already getting me ready and directly connected with me via feathers and very specific timing to things related to the feathers. That came after the first Reiki attunement. It (and all paths) was a path I could not ignore.
I really appreciate your reading this blog post and seeing that I was sharing more, as it can be a challenge sometimes to hone it in or focus on some aspects because of the depth and width of the journey. As you know, with your recent post and link that triggered my memories of my Orisha connections, there seems to be no end to the traditions that we become acquainted with (or deeply immersed in) on this mystical path. It’s really a mystical path. xo
What a wonderful post, Ka! I was blown away by Fred’s poem. The first two lines drew a gasp of surprise, and I knew I was in for a thrill. I also wrote a poem about my DNA results, but it wasn’t nearly so… magical. And Sophia’s artwork is fabulous. What a beautiful combination in the reading. Thanks so much for the dip into beauty on multiple levels. I wish you a new year full of delight. ❤ ❤
Isn’t Fred’s poem just amazing! He touches the truth with clear eyes and it flows through his words. Where can I see your poem about your DNA results? I’m glad you also enjoyed Sophia’s artwork. It’s really special, and it affects me on a cellular level. My daughter and I just watched Moana yesterday and it was so fun that now she can watch movies and gets to enjoy knowing the Polynesia heart, as well as she was introduced to Maui! I often see so many ‘normal events’ as layers and weavings into one extraordinary tapestry that I’m always eager to try to see as a whole.
It was a truly beautiful poem! I could not find the place to comment, which was a bit odd!! Such a wonderful way to write and embrace your history and connection with your ancestors!
Maui is a trickster god! He’s a good one to know ☺️ and keep your eye 👁️ on!
I’ve been to Maui and enjoyed very much the Road to Hana among other mystical places and experiences there. So glad you were able to enjoy the movie ‘Moana’ with your grandson! 💗
Oh, I forgot that I’ve been closing comments after a year (trying to cut down on thousands of spam every week). I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading and letting me know. ❤ ❤ ❤
I can't wait to spend some time in Maui! Someday.
All things at the right time 🙂 ❤
I just love and resonate with Fred’s poem… it confirms how I perceive us all… coming back into unity too. AND loved reading about you! How so different yet similar we all are as we weave through life absorbing nourishment to our heart and soul. So very nice being part of your life… even a little❤️ much love and blessing to you dear Ka🥰
Your comment made me really happy to see, Barbara! I love your takeaways from reading; and, it’s so wonderful to be a part of your life, too! Love and blessings returned ten-fold!!! HUGS
Fiesta Estrellas 
Ka, we’ve missed you! Wow, this is really intriguing – thank you for sharing this!
Thank You, Kathleen! 💗🌟
The poem is SO beautiful! Thanks for sharing
Yes, it really, really is. Thank you, Leigh, for reading. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this poem.Anita
You are welcome! I hope you liked it 😃 Thank you for reading 🙏🏼
Wonderful Ka….. Firstly Happy 2023…. Loved reading more about your journey Ka.. and thank you for introducing me to so Maori Artist Sofia, I have saved to log back into to watch the videos.. I can see why that poem so resonates with you Ka.
May your Shamanic Journey continue to Unify all Fragments of ourselves…
Sending Love and well wishes… ❤
An intriguing post, full of old and new alike. Well done!
Thank you so much, Eddie ❤
You’re welcome Ka
🙂
smiling back to you!
😀 😀
Thank you for sharing more of yourself and path Ka. I admire your dedication to learning and growth. And I love the exquisite poem by Fred and the beautiful art by Sofia!
Thank you for reading here, and for being in my life! I love sharing blogging with you. A little bit more and more comes out from me as I seemingly reach deeper inside, down and out, and forge through to clearer awareness. It’s not always easy to put so much into words. 🙏🏼💜
You’re most welcome. I can be hard to share deeply, but I often find it freeing to be vulnerable here on WP and am amazed at the level of care and support. 💕
Yes, I do find that I am increasingly experiencing that care and support, too! We are all on this journey together, woven in some way. I delight over the connections!
Isn’t Fred’s poem just stunning?! And Sofia’s artwork draws me in. 🌸
Yes!
What a gorgeous poem, yet I especially love the story behind it and how it came to be shared here! ❤
Wow, fab post. I loved Fred’s poem, and the video of the wall hanging, and your sharing your wonderful, mystical life with us. ❤
My daughter did some DNA testing as she is very interested in her heritage. I’ve thought about it, but don’t really need to. I mean, what good will it do me? So, the poem made me chuckle in my head as it brings awareness of deeper insights to the broader family. I appreciated reading more about your work and passions which open windows to alternative possibilities for exploration beyond the mundane.
First off, I am in loooove with that Poem! It sang in my soul in a way that let me know I have heard this message before in a some fashion. Secondly, you continue to inspire me with the breadth and depth of your passions and talents. Lastly, a while back I inquired on a comment about wanting to more about your shamanism journey. And here it is…. yea!
I do not recall how but I am on Alberto Villodo’s email list and he send me somethin at least weekly. Maybe he’s on the Shift Network. I haven’t a clue, but I find him intriguing. Many years ago around the same time a channeled I frequented yearly and my friend Robert who passed and I dedicated this blog to, told me I have a connection to shamanism or perhaps am a shaman. I did not believe them but was led to take some workshops and befriended a shaman or two locally. I figure I may have had this role in a different incarnation but not this one. Like you, many healers have healed before and will heal again, in various manifestations. Wow this is a long comment so I will end it here. I relish learning more about you my friend. This was such a profound share ❤
I’m looking forward to replying to you comment! Thank you! 💜
I am too! You are welcome ❤
This poem is amazing, isn’t it. Really his poetry has become a muse of mine. His writing reaches me, clearly. I didn’t study with Four Winds directly. My shamanic teacher was a student of Four Winds. I’m not feeling called to go directly to Four Winds although some of my fellow counterparts have. I always felt connected to you in your friend Robert’s urgings for you. I sense the depth of your friendship with him. That type of special friendship lasts far beyond the human life, for sure. I’m curious how you will explore the possibilities for further connections. Before I even formally ended up training on the shamanic path, Spirit was already getting me ready and directly connected with me via feathers and very specific timing to things related to the feathers. That came after the first Reiki attunement. It (and all paths) was a path I could not ignore.
I really appreciate your reading this blog post and seeing that I was sharing more, as it can be a challenge sometimes to hone it in or focus on some aspects because of the depth and width of the journey. As you know, with your recent post and link that triggered my memories of my Orisha connections, there seems to be no end to the traditions that we become acquainted with (or deeply immersed in) on this mystical path. It’s really a mystical path. xo
What a wonderful post, Ka! I was blown away by Fred’s poem. The first two lines drew a gasp of surprise, and I knew I was in for a thrill. I also wrote a poem about my DNA results, but it wasn’t nearly so… magical. And Sophia’s artwork is fabulous. What a beautiful combination in the reading. Thanks so much for the dip into beauty on multiple levels. I wish you a new year full of delight. ❤ ❤
Isn’t Fred’s poem just amazing! He touches the truth with clear eyes and it flows through his words. Where can I see your poem about your DNA results? I’m glad you also enjoyed Sophia’s artwork. It’s really special, and it affects me on a cellular level. My daughter and I just watched Moana yesterday and it was so fun that now she can watch movies and gets to enjoy knowing the Polynesia heart, as well as she was introduced to Maui! I often see so many ‘normal events’ as layers and weavings into one extraordinary tapestry that I’m always eager to try to see as a whole.
Fred’s poem was stunning! I loved it. Kind of blown away, really.
I haven’t been to Muai, Ka, but it’s on my list. And I’ve watched the movie several times with my grandson. Great fun.
And here’s a link to my DNA poem if you’re interested. 🙂 Hugs for asking, my friend. https://mythsofthemirror.com/2018/04/22/ancestral-portals-writephoto/
It was a truly beautiful poem! I could not find the place to comment, which was a bit odd!! Such a wonderful way to write and embrace your history and connection with your ancestors!
Maui is a trickster god! He’s a good one to know ☺️ and keep your eye 👁️ on!
I’ve been to Maui and enjoyed very much the Road to Hana among other mystical places and experiences there. So glad you were able to enjoy the movie ‘Moana’ with your grandson! 💗
Oh, I forgot that I’ve been closing comments after a year (trying to cut down on thousands of spam every week). I’m glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for reading and letting me know. ❤ ❤ ❤
I can't wait to spend some time in Maui! Someday.
All things at the right time 🙂 ❤
I just love and resonate with Fred’s poem… it confirms how I perceive us all… coming back into unity too. AND loved reading about you! How so different yet similar we all are as we weave through life absorbing nourishment to our heart and soul. So very nice being part of your life… even a little❤️ much love and blessing to you dear Ka🥰
Your comment made me really happy to see, Barbara! I love your takeaways from reading; and, it’s so wonderful to be a part of your life, too! Love and blessings returned ten-fold!!! HUGS
Also Happy, Happy, Happy Birthday to you dear Barbara ❤ You are amazing and you shine so bright 😀