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Blog Posts

Connect with the Feminine Power of the Moon

May 15, 2021 By Terra

Women are naturally connected with the Moon. When unexposed to artificial lights, women tend to bleed on the new moon and ovulate on the full moon. Our female cycles mirror the Moon cycles. The creativity of our wombs is strongly related to the power of the Moon. And the creativity of our wombs goes far beyond the creation of physical children – all our creative endeavors gain force from our womb energy.

By becoming more aware of the Moon cycles we can ride the tides of the creative Moon energy – enhancing our own part in the web of life.

How to Connect to the Moon

Some women sleep where the Moon light will shine on them. In fact, to get menstrual cycles to follow the Moon, it works best to sleep in total darkness except for during the full Moon, then having light shine on you while you sleep. Some women finds this gets irregular cycles synced up, giving them more awareness of when they are fertile.

I seem to often wake when the Moon is at her zenith, at the top of the sky. This means about midnight at Full and about 3 am when Half Moon. I see her out my bathroom window and say hello. Sometimes I chant to Her.

Following the Moon Cycles

Traditionally, the New Moon is a time of inwardness and contemplation. A good time to do intuitive, shamanic work. Time to talk with the spirit world, with the spirits of plants. Women in the Moon Hut would share their dreams to increase the tribe’s wisdom. They would isolate, not so much because bleeding was nasty but because at this time the downward flow of the blood would open them so much that they might pull energy from others. By staying near the Earth, they could draw on the deep energies of Mother Nature, renewing their physical and spiritual selves. Setting intentions for the following Moon cycle works well at this time.

With the waxing, growing Moon light, a woman becomes more outward, bringing her intentions more into reality.

At the Full Moon, women may find themselves ovulating – and full of pheromones and the desire to mate. This brings her out into the light, out into social settings to find the proper way to express her fullness. It’s a great time to give birth to the projects of intention, as well as is often a time for childbirth to happen.

With the waning, declining Moon light, women may complete what needs to be completed, let go of what needs to be let go of, culminating in the deep inner state of the New Moon, associated with menstrual time.

Other Ways to Connect

There are many other ways to connect to the Moon Power-

~Drinking pure water that was left in the Moon light overnight.

~Chanting “Chandra Shakti” (power of the Moon) especially when gazing at the Moon.

~Watching for the Moon to appear in the sky. I love my first siting of the “Baby Moon” which is when it is a new sliver after the New Moon.

~Journeying to the Moon in a shamanic journey – What does Her Spirit look like to you? What does She have to tell you? What guidance does She give you to personally connect more fully with Her power?

Watch for upcoming live classes on Women’s Womb Power

Filed Under: Blog Posts, Uncategorized

Ayurveda and Shamanism

March 25, 2021 By Terra

Pathway to the Spirit Worlds

As an Ayurveda & Shamanism Practitioner, I’ve been asked how they go together.

Shamanic Roots of Ayurveda?

I’m quite confident that the sages who originally received the teachings of Ayurveda did so from the unseen world. Shamanism is an ancient tradition throughout most of the world…we all have shamanic ancestors. Hunter gatherers seem to have tuned into Nature (as the Ayurveda Sages did) to know what was safe to eat, where to find their food, and how to heal those with disease.

Subtle causes of disease addressed

Ayurveda makes it clear that most disease starts with disturbances of the mental, emotional, and/or spiritual bodies. Shamanic healing follows time-tested processes to strengthen our spiritual energies to repel such assaults. And when that doesn’t happen, shamanism give us ways to repair the energetic template. It does not require a person to subscribe to spiritual practices outside their own religion.

Connecting to our Highest

Shamanism is best practiced as self care on a daily basis. It is about connecting to the highest in ourselves and in Nature, just as Ayurveda is. Simple ceremonies focus us on the forces of our lives. Inner journeys can connect with the Lower World of Nature, the Middle World of Human, and the Upper World of Spirit and Soul. Our spiritual life is then based on our personal direct experience, rather than belief in what others tell us.

Progressing through our Experiences

Shamanism realizes the blessing of being incarnated here on Earth and facing our challenges here to learn what we came here to learn and progress – the experience of the senses, responsibility, respect, and Love. Journeying is much like a guided meditation, while ceremonies abound in both Vedic and Shamanic realms.

Connecting

Through journeys we can tune into ourselves and others on a subtle level. Slowing down enough and being quiet enough we can hear the wise spirits of plants to support the physical beings. The Spirits of the Elements can speak to us – guiding everyday choices. We can meet our Atman or other spiritual beings in the Upper World. All this I have done.

This is why I am sharing shamanism with people – it has strengthened my life and feels in accord with using Ayurveda techniques to support them.

For More about on-going shamanic experience group

For a Basic Shamanic Journey

Filed Under: Blog Posts, Inner Work, Mind-Clear & Full, Self Care, Shamanic, Soul Nurture, Uncategorized

Increase Your Strength & Stamina

January 21, 2021 By Terra

This vlog shares two energy healing techniques to improve your strength & stamina – One costs nothing, the second is minimal cost. And they are simple. We can all use more strength & stamina as we move forward through the pandemic chaos. ENJOY!

Filed Under: Blog Posts, Free Intro Classes, Meditation, Mind-Clear & Full, Self Care Tagged With: flower essence, meditation techniques, stamina, strength

Ancestor Season

October 30, 2020 By Terra

Ancestor Altar

Ancestor season is now. So many cultures find the veils to be thin between the land of living and those gone from Earth in this season. From the roots of Halloween in Europe to Mexican Day of the Dead to Hindu Pitru Paksha – all are about honoring those who have died before us, especially our beloved ancestors.

We can remember them.

One simple way is to make an Ancestor Altar. With photos, objects reminiscent of them, even their favorite foods and drinks, we can create space to remember.

We can honor them.

One tradition is to deck their graves with flowers and decorations. Another is to contribute or work for a charity in their name. And certainly we may send our best love and wishes to them, to sustain them in the Other World they are now in.

We can commune with them.

Whether you might use a Ouiji board or go on a shamanic inner journey to the land of the dead, you can still contact you ancestors , now in spirit form. They may give you a sign, showing up symbolically to you in the form of an animal, a rainbow, or finding a coin like those they often gave you when you were a child. Your love for them is a pathway between you.

However you choose to relate to your ancestors, this is the prime time for it. Know that you are the result of hundreds and hundreds of ancestors, known and unknown. And they can be there for you now.

For more about Shamanic Journeying contact Terra.

Filed Under: Blog Posts, Shamanic, Soul Nurture Tagged With: ancestors, shamanic

About Menopause and Hot Flashes. . .

October 30, 2020 By Terra

This audio interview of Terra, hosted by Karen Spies of THE EVOLVING WOMEN PODCAST, is a brief but informative conversation about menopause.

Hear about Terra’s origins as an Ayurveda Practitioner, some facts about Menopause, and explanation about Hot Flashes and what can help.

Enjoy it Here!

If you want a WiseWomanhood class about menopause, try GRACEFUL MENOPAUSE WITH AYURVEDA or IS THIS MENOPAUSE? KNOW IT TO BETTER SURF IT

Filed Under: Ayurveda, Blog Posts, Menopausal Change Tagged With: hot flash, menopause, origin story for Terra, Terra Rafael

Thriving Through “the Change”

September 30, 2020 By Terra

Statue of voluptuous, faceless woman in a sacred pose of the moon

Perimenopause, the Change, is like adolescence in reverse. And we all remember the wonder and craziness of adolescence. So don’t be surprised when you hit your late 40s and life gets more life-y for you.

It’s not written in stone that the Change be uncomfortable and mentally disorienting. By learning more about it and preparing it can be a smoother ride.

The Change is usually a gradual process – unless you have a hysterectomy. Then it comes on fast and furious. It happens when your ovaries no longer respond to hormones telling them to develop eggs so well.

Patterns of Perimenopause

Some women’s bodies respond by creating more and more hormones, stimulating more and more eggs to develop, making more and more estrogen. This sometimes means they get super periods – lots of blood and cramps may ensue. They might bleed every two weeks. Anger may ensue. A Pitta problem according to Ayurveda.

Other women have lighter and further apart periods. The ovaries are already retiring. Estrogen is already dropping. Anxiety and forgetfulness may accompany this Vata problem.

Then some women just stop bleeding. No biggie. This is more likely with Kapha women.

How Ayurveda Helps

Ayurveda can help you by balancing your Pitta, Vata, and Kapha BEFORE (best) or during the Change to allow the natural transition to happen more gracefully. Diet, herbs, and lifestyle make a big difference. And symptoms can be met with something besides artificial hormones.

After the Change, a program of rejuvenation can be instituted to keep you at your peak through the menopausal years.

Learn more about the Change and how to surf its ups and down in these WiseWomanhood classes:

Is This Menopause? Know it to Better Surf It. Perfect if you’re new to Ayurveda.

Graceful Menopause with Ayurveda First presented to the Colorado Ayurvedic Medicine Association, so some Ayurvedic understanding helps.

You might want an Initial Consultation with Terra Rafael CAP to get a personalized plan to prepare / surf your perimenopause or menopause.

Or if you’re an Ayurveda Practitioner and want to increase your knowledge about the Change time or consult about your clients – sign up for Mentoring with Terra

Filed Under: Ayurveda, Blog Posts, Menopausal Change Tagged With: ayurveda for menopause, ayurveda for perimenopause, menopause, perimenopause, the Change

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