WiseWomanhood School

Supporting Women - Body, Mind, & Soul

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Shamanism with Terra

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Shamanism is a timeless practice that connects us to Heaven, to Earth, AND our Deepest Self. These practices seem to be inherent in those who try it, yet generally dormant in our culture. It was dominant for the thousands of years that humans lived sustainably on the planet as part of Nature, rather than apart from Nature.

  • Want to make the belief that all of life is sacred more than an opinion?
  • Looking for a practice that sustains you….and may help sustain the Earth too?
  • Ready to delve into the unseen realms?

You can enjoy and experience the power, protection, and nurturance of Shamanism in your life. Terra offers these supportive guides to creating your own practice:

MONTHLY SHAMANIC STUDY GROUP

Step One – Understand how shamanism is healing for people and the planet.  Learn basics about the Lower, Middle, and Upper Worlds and what they are like.  Find out more about what journeying is and how to do it. A lecture by Terra on YouTube.

Step Two – a guided journey to meet your Power Animal in the Lower World. Terra will meet with you privately via Zoom to help you journey. Meeting and relating with your Power Animal is a crucial part of journeying safely. Your Power Animal is your power and protection. This is a session by donation and you can sign up by emailing Terra at wisewomanhood@gmail.com  with your schedule and wish. This session takes up to one hour, maybe less.

Step Three – Once you have a Power Animal, you can join our free monthly Shamanic Study Group. A group meeting creates a community, as well as way to learn from each other. We meet the 4th Sunday of the month, 10 am Mountain Time for up to 1 ½ hour. Terra leads a topic share and discussion, then rattles for everyone to journey. After the journey, participants take notes on their experiences and share with the group. Register at wisewomanhood@gmail.com .  There is also a similar group the 2nd Sunday, same time with Jyoti Wind, another practitioner, which you can sign up for at wind.jyoti@gmail.com .

Apprenticeship with Terra: Shamanic Practice

Wish guidance in exploring the Shamanic worlds?

Terra offers you guidance through recorded and live journeying, recommendations for readings and further studies, and support in finding/strengthening your relationship with your Spirit Helpers.

Apprenticeship with Terra includes 2 personal monthly sessions, approximately 1 hr live zoom or in person meetings; access to all her shamanic recordings of past study groups;  attendance at monthly group study group on zoom , and Text/email correspondence, both personal and group, on relevant topics.

$300/ 3 month session, can be extended month to month after that or another 3 months if desired.

Available on demand.

YOUR SACRED GARDEN

Live Zoom class, next session TBD – email with interest in individual session

Imagine a place in Nature that’s special to you – real or imaginary. We will use this in creating a Sacred, Safe place in the Middle/Dream World  to do Shamanic work.  It is another technique for accessing and interacting with the Spirit World.

  • This is a place to begin and end journeys.
  • Meet helpful spirits here, ancestors & saints, gods & goddesses.
  • Participate in healing work here.
  • Increase your personal power and spiritual immunity.
  • Initiate changes in your personality and habits.
  • Keep gifts and tools from spirit journeys here.

To indicate interest and register with Terra Be sure the type of session you’re interested in as the subject line.

RITE OF THE WOMB

Next Zoom session , TBD , email interest, Individual sessions possible

In this beautiful ceremony we will cleanse our wombs of old emotional baggage, allowing for more radiant health of our physical AND our spiritual wombs. This will support our creativity on all levels. (Especially helpful if you’ve had a hysterectomy.)

Terra received this ceremony and was empowered to pass it on by the woman who received it from the Grandmothers who have conquered death – Terra sees them as the Ancient Mothers.

You’ll receive further instructions on how to continue the ceremony to fully empower yourself and pass it on to other women.

To register (free) email Terra at wisewomanhood@gmail.com

SHAMANIC JOURNEY TO DEEP LIGHT AND LOVE

Live Zoom class, next session, TBD, email interest, Individual session are possible

A guided journey to your deep self, your light and love self, your Atman, Guardian Angel, or Oversoul. In this way, you can more easily remember it and reconnect to it.

Part One – Getting Acquainted with Your Atman, Oversoul, Aumakua, Or Guardian Angel

Part Two – Shamanic Journey and Meditation Practices To Strengthen Your Connection

REGISTER HERE

CHANDRA SHAKTI – CONNECTING TO THE FEMININE POWER OF THE MOON

Next Zoom session TBD, Individual sessions are possible

We will begin with talking about the Feminine Power of the Moon and go on two journeys to the Moon:  One to meet an embodiment of the Feminine Power for direct, personal teachings and another journey to fill and empty and fill again with the Light of the Moon, entraining to the spiritual as well as physical light.

If you haven’t journeyed before this class, contact Terra at least one week before class to have a journey experience.

Email Terra at wisewomanhood@gmail.com to know when this is next offered. Be sure the name of the class you’re interested is in the subject line.

PRIVATE SHAMANIC MENTORING

Starting on your Shamanic path? Want some structured guidance? Meet privately with Terra via zoom for teachings and journey. Donations accepted via PayPal or Venmo, register at wisewomanhood@gmail.com

Terra Rafael has been exploring shamanism spontaneously for decades. During the last 7 years she’s practiced more consciously with mentor, Jyoti Wind. And since COVID Terra took classes with Sandra Ingerman, Alberto Villaldo, Itzhak Beery, and Hank Wesselman (nine months weekly).She is now studying regularly with Paul Francis at the Three Ravens College via zoom classes. Paul offers many resources free, as well as classes.

Connect with the Feminine Power of the Moon

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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

Ayurveda and Shamanism

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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

Preventing Miscarriages

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Preventing Miscarriages BEFORE Pregnancy

The BEST way to prevent miscarriages is by holistic preconception care. In Ayurveda we promote fertility and healthy pregnancy by first supporting :

  • regular, comfortable menstrual cycles
  • general good health
  • balanced lifestyle, including appropriate exercise
  • healthy downward energies – shown by menstrual, bladder and bowel health
  • overcoming vaginal infections
  • having balanced energies in the body – in Ayurveda this means Vata, Pitta,  and Kapha that suit YOUR constitution

Ayurveda does this with individualized care plans, utilizing food choice, eating habits, herbs, treatments, and energy point therapy (marma). For specifics see this class. Learn Ayurveda basics here.

Preventing Miscarriages DURING Pregnancy

Once you are pregnant it becomes trickier to work with long-standing problems because supporting the pregnancy becomes the focus. Some herbs and therapies may be too stimulating for the uterus at this time. There are still many gentle things to do to support a pregnancy to term.

Miscarriage happens in 10-20% of known pregnancies. There are also episodes of spotting that some women experience that are not building into a full-blown miscarriage. A majority of miscarriages happen when there is a mistake in the development of the wee one. In Ayurveda, this is related to an energy imbalance in Vata, which rules the energies in the pelvic area of the body.

Women are more vulnerable to miscarriage at the times when they would usually have a menstrual period.  Also, if you have any cramping or bleeding you may want to take some prevention steps. Western Medicine has little to stop with this.   Consulting a Certified Ayurveda Practitioner (like myself  ) or Ayurvedic Doctor can help you balance your energies. First trimester is often a Vata / apana problem, while later it is often a Pitta problem.

Helpful Self Care

Here are some self care helps until you get to see her or him:

  • Rescue Remedy flower essence can help you through the emotional aspects of this threat.
  • Pelvic rest. Avoid problem constipation, bumpy activities, orgasms.
  • Energy point to balance your downward energy: massage the area in the middle of your pubic bone with pure essential oil of rose, ylang ylang, patchouli or lavender, properly diluted.
  • WELCOME WOMB tincture by WishGarden Herbs has helped clients for decades. Follow the recommended directions or get help from your health practitioner.
  • Talk with the spirit of the baby. This may soothe you, and may give you more information about anything the baby needs to make it easier for her/him to stay.

Pregnancy can be a time of joyful anticipation. Take the help of Ayurveda to support that journey!

Sing Your Subtle Body to Pregnancy

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Women trying for pregnancy can sometimes become disheartened. It takes time and effort to become balanced for fertility in some cases. One technique I use to emotionally support them is singing silly songs for them. Or giving them silly songs to sing to themselves.
Singing supports the body in many ways – with breath, with rhythm, with brain chemistry. Affirmations can enter more deeply when sung.

Here are some songs you can use or share for fertility affirmation:
Fertility Songs By Terra Rafael

( tune of Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star)
Ripen, Ripen Ovaries
Lots of Eggs for Babies, please!
Work your fertile magic now
You’ll get to rest while the baby grow.
Ripen, Ripen Ovaries
Lots of Eggs for Babies, please!

***

(tune of Row, Row, Row Your boat)
Ripe- en well my eggs
In my ovaries.
Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily
My baby you will be!

***

(tune of “Pop goes the weasel)
Hormones bathe the fol-licles
All around the ov-aries
And just when everything is right-
POP goes the best egg.
Fimbrae gently guide its way
Towards the welcome womb
And when she meets the happy sperm-
POP comes the baby!

***

For Implantation –(tune of “Away in the Manger”)
Away in my mother womb, juicy and warm
My baby-to-be firmly plants in its home.
The lining prepared to give nurturance there
Welcomes the Wee One to grow strong and fair.

Spring Time – Cleanse Time

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Why do a spring cleanse?

Springtime is the moist, cool time beginning the season of new growth.  This happen is  the Kapha season, February through May in Colorado. The snow becomes heavy & wet at the same time that the warmth is returning. This lets loose the accumulated heaviness of winter in a flood of liquidity. Kapha’s main qualities are heaviness, coolness, wetness. It is the densest dosha, made up of water & earth. It is mother to our physical form.

Most of us notice heaviness in us when entering springtime. This comes from the sweet & fat that we craved & ate to sustain us in the dry cold Colorado fall & early winter. As the warmth & activity of spring arrives, mucous & toxins ( a common result of such a diet over time) become ready to move. This can bring on spring colds and toxic grogginess if we don’t do a spring cleanse soon.

How to cleanse

The fresh new foods of spring—bitter greens— begin to bring us the gentle spring cleanse we need. We commonly wish to eat lighter. For some, because our digestion is too bogged down, so we have lost our appetite. Others feel or see the extra weight from winter eating. By going with the natural cleansing & lightening trends of spring we receive many benefits, including more energy, better digestion, and a balancing of our weight.

Ayurveda offers cleansing & rejuvenation programs (with varying levels of commitment needed) to enhance this natural spring transformation time. From a simple kitcheree diet to a full on pancha karma program, we can adjust to your health & lifestyle needs, always following a cleanse with a rejuvenation program to nurture your  inherent weaknesses.

This is the great strength of Ayurvedic cleanses compared to more western fasts and cleanses—the individualization to your body helps protect your body’s integrity.  The rejuvenation phase ends up on a note of building health rather than just stripping away toxins.

Set up your personalized cleansing program with Terra . Or work out your own with this free class on Ayurvedic Cleanses.