Dancing Your Dream with the Medicine Wheel

To Dance, as most people know it, is to express physical emotion through movement, an activity that most have experienced at some time in their lives. It brings happiness, a joy in movement, which helps us to truly feel our feet on this earth and feel the joy of being alive.  Dancing your Dream, is not unlike that physical expression, except it takes place on all levels of your being.  A time when your life becomes The Dance, an expression of your Truth, grounded on this physical plane through walking this life with integrity, clarity and grace; knowing that you are here, doing what you came here to do, and that brings both happiness and contentment.

When we begin to Dance the Medicine Wheel, we see our life as a series of cycles and pathways, we see how they interact and overlap, we begin to see how we weave  our journey more clearly than we ever have before.  It becomes a true physical representation of how our life cycles evolve, how we progress and how we create, explore, experience, then how we reap and sow the blessings that come from our journey.

In 2011, I was gifted with this tool from Spirit to use in my work with others, in the form of Medicine Wheel Readings.  To my knowledge, this tool is unique and involves your Spiritual Team giving symbols and pictures which I’m told to place in strategic positions on the Medicine Wheel that in turn, affect their meaning.  After all of the symbols have been given, I then intuitively interpret the information for you by looking at both the position and meaning of the symbol or image.  I then look inside of the picture psychically, where I’m shown a brief video of how it relates to you personally.

Symbols are often multi-faceted in their meaning, therefore different elements of the energies portrayed within the symbol can come into play in new ways as the Wheel cycles through the seasons and the elements.  Since I was given this way or working, I have given readings to Medicine Women and Men in the USA who are currently working with their readings which continue to unfold.
Part of my Dance, is to help you to Dance too!  By bringing clarity through the Medicine Wheel Reading, I can help you to see more clearly the paths you are walking presently, but also energies that are present in your life now and unfolding.  Through this, you can gain deeper insight but also have the opportunity to follow up your reading by working with me to discover how to work with those energies in a positive and empowering way.

After working with your wheel for a year or so, we can also do a review of it, to enable you to see where the aspects of the symbolism shown by Spirit unfolded in ways that weren't apparent at the time of your reading.

What can I do after my reading?

A very powerful way of working with your completed Medicine Wheel is to follow up your reading with Soul Path Therapy & Healing sessions.  During these sessions, we can work together to deepen your understanding of the symbols for you personally.  Using tools and techniques I’ve gathered over my 20 + years of healing and development work I can help you to focus on your life in relation to what you’ve been shown by your Spiritual Team, to discover new ways of walking in harmony and balance.  I will gently support your path through change, while you discover ways to both improve your experience of life and bring balance where it is needed.

Healing is part of this experience and I work closely with Spirit and the Angelic realm to both clear energetic blocks, repair or balance your auric field and ultimately raise your vibration bringing you into the highest balance that is possible for you at this time, enabling you to walk forward in harmony.

You can find more information about Soul Path Therapy and Healing on my website:
http://www.bluebutterflyspirit.com/14.html

If you would like to have a reading in person, I would love to do that for you at the Ilkley Happiness Centre. Please contact me to make an appointment.  However, if you can’t make an appointment at Ilkley, Skype and emailed readings are also available, all readings are recorded for you.  There’s more information on my web page :
http://www.bluebutterflyspirit.com/10.html
I will also be available for readings at the Ilkley Complementary Medicine Festival 23rd and 24th March and Harrogate Health & Healing Festival in September.

Please contact me to arrange an appointment or for further information:
Phone:  01943 466647 
Email: info@bluebutterflyspirit.com

Many Blessings to you, may you walk in Beauty,
Kam

Moths to a flame

Life is an unknown quantity, no matter how much we wish we could see the future, will my son or daughter pass their exams, will I get the new job, will a risk be worth it ... at best we can have glimpses of the bigger picture. We are all to

some extent, flying in the dark, but flying nevertheless. Therefore, we are all courageous, every one of us, every living thing on this earth, together.

As pioneers of our own lives, every new day has potential and promise and each time we feel like we're flying blind in the dark, we can be sure it will be followed by the new light of dawn and therefore clarity. Moving through these periods constantly, with different threads of our lives at different stages of evolution, we become aware of how complex life is, and yet, if we can accept that there is a natural folding and unfolding within and around each of us and the threads that we weave, so we can accept that all we need to do is accept, allow our lives to flow, and accept the process. It is what it is .. no more and no less. 

Moth, the night butterfly, brings us faith in times of darkness, he shows us how to spread our wings and fly through the dark, always aiming toward the light.  By flying toward the light, we move closer to dancing with our Joy.  Like Butterfly, Moth is symbolic of transformation and emergence through their metamorphic nature.  Allow yourself to move forward, to grow and evolve, through all the natural stages that takes, from the beginings at the egg stage, through caterpillar and cocoon, to finally spreading your wings to dry before take off. 


Blessings, Kam ♥ www.bluebutterflyspirit.com

White Beauty

White Beauty

When the White Horse first appeared to me, I was surprised, he’d always been a beautiful deep brown, his coat satin smooth and warm to the touch.   I’d ridden him many times through beautiful wildflower meadows, across blustery hills and through dense mists where I had to rest and be aware that he knew the way, he stepped sure footedly across the rocky terrain and brought us through to sunnier times, smoother pathways … these were times I walked in my Power and knew that I was in control.

When my beautiful companion turned White .. it came at a time where I was going through a period of what can only be called ‘trials’ … those things we face on rare occasions that bring a whole new level of fears to the surface to be healed .. when you shift your consciousness and deepen your connection with Self and Spirit …and the only way you can heal is to reclaim your power on a higher and deeper level … and move forward that way. The change marked the time where I had to bring together not only the depth of my own inner power, but also now to bring that together with my Spiritual Power in a very marked way.

My confirmation that this was so, came when one of my Spiritual Guides led me towards my Beauty.   My Beauty, in this case, is not the name for my Horse, but rather describes a way of being, when you walk gently in your Power.  My Beauty had turned White … he waited patiently while I effortlessly jumped onto his back and we once again rode through the misty landscape.

The acknowledgment of this shift both physically and Spiritually, led to much soul searching on my part, to arrive physically, at what I did and didn’t want to experience at this juncture.  I placed this into Great Spirits’ care and sat back, having taken control in the most Powerful way I could, and watched events begin to unfold.

Within 2 days of my making my desires known and setting within my circle what I would accept, what was in place was removed from my physical reality … and I now await its replacement and the new outcome, which as I see it,  will be a far more loving experience now that I have set my boundaries with consciousness.

Along side of this issue, another cycle of experience and desired manifestation was coming to fruition.  Something that I’ve waited for, and received so much Guidance on, both through the Dream Space and with Spirit physically, for what seems a very long time now, has finally come within my circle.  It’s so close I can touch it and have, fleetingly, but is also in some ways, so far away as to be frustrating on a deep level. 

Once again, Spirit have sat with me, to calm and reassure, healing received on all levels to confirm through words and physical pictures that yet again, this is the next stage of manifestation, the manifestation that is physical.  The planted seed has sprouted, grown and has buds, so much potential … all it needs now is to unfold and flower gently at it’s own pace. 

And so it is … I am working with my Power in a whole new way .. now my Beauty has turned White.

(The image source is unknown - if you are the owner - please let me know if you'd like it removed. Thanks)

Spirit River

Spirit River 
by Kam Tunningley aka Peaceful River

There are times in life

when the outward breath of the River, flows with such intensity and ferocity,

we surrender ourselves gladly, into Spirit's embrace

           and Know

                    we will be lifted,

                             held,

                                                           as a babe, swaddled in the softest robe;

                                                                   nurtured and Loved,

until such time as the flow reaches 

                   the point of balance 

                    between the in and the out breath 

          when, imperceptibly, gently,

                   we’re placed back from stillness into calm,

         

                   and having been Loved and Graced in ways we may not                                                      comprehend,

         

                   we reach an Understanding. 

          As we gaze into the crystal clear depths of who we are,

into the River’s Love and Beauty

we know Truth

          We are the Flow,

         

          We are the River,

         

          We are the Love,

         

                             We are unending and unyielding

                   Aho

                  

                                                                                     

                                                                          Kam Tunningley

                                                                             aka Peaceful River ~ Facebook

When the Geese Speak

Since the last post, where Blackbird spoke of the Gateway, the Gateway has indeed been passed through and a host of other Spiritual Guides have stepped forward in the guise of Bird, Animal or Insects ...

It’s been a very, very busy time, as the Gateway heralded the beginning of a new way of life, a step deeper into what already exists within and yet a feeling of innocence and newness pervades it. 

I couldn’t have known when the Blackbird spoke, quite what a whirlwind of activity the Gateway would bring about, nor could I have suspected the massive and positive changes that would come with it. 

But, that was then, and this is now.  Now, the Geese have been calling to me, as they fly high over my space, moving from here to there, wherever there is.  Every year, I hear them, wherever I am, I stop what I’m doing and look skywards.  Their harsh call, always getting my attention and provoking mixed feelings of joy to see them and sadness that they’re leaving.  It’s almost as though they leave me behind to face the winter alone.  But this year, three times, the Geese have called me, flown over my space and, rather than sadness this year, I was purely happy to see them, they made me smile.

This year, I see the Geese reflecting my transition, the space between the In Breath and the Out Breath ... the space where all things are created.   They fly from their home and stop only to regroup and feed until they reach their destination, much like I myself have been doing in recent weeks.  I am moving to my new life destination, I am transitional, like the Geese.  All of the work that preceded the Blackbird and The Gateway, a lifetime of preparation for this time, is about to manifest in a new beginning.

Ted Andrews - Animal Speak says of the Geese, that their keynote is the “The Call of the Quest and Travels to Legendary Places”

“ There are eight species of geese in North America. This is very symbolic in that the number 8 is so similar to the symbol for infinity. It reflects an ability to move forward or backward. It reflects movement, and in the case of the goose, a call to the spiritual quest.

This is further exemplified by its migration patterns and behaviours. Their leaving in the autumn stirs our imagination and makes us want to search out new worlds and dimensions. Their incessant honking seems to be calling us to follow them on the great spiritual quest. Their return is a harbinger of spring second only to the robin. It speaks of the fulfilled promises that great quests bring.

The goose epitomizes the mystery of migration. They constantly shift formation, creating wind drafts and easier flights for those behind them in the formation. This reminds us that as any one individual makes his or her quest, it becomes easier for others to do so as well. They never fly directly behind one another. Each goose's view is unobstructed, reminding us that we should not undertake any quest in life without having a full view of what it entails. In this way the journey is facilitated for others.

The V-formation is very symbolic itself. It reflects by its shape an opening to new possibilities. It's like an arrowhead, pointing to new directions and new possibilities, and with one end open, it also reflects an openness to new ideas. The "v" as a letter comes from the Hebrew "vau" meaning "nail." This formation usually indicates we are about to affix ourselves to a new path. It is a letter and symbol that reflects great fertility that should be acted upon if growth is desired. ”

So, once again, a new beginning, but this time one that is life changing and filled with Spiritual Purpose. 

Mary Oliver’s poem “Wild Geese” has been a favourite of mine for many years.  She talks about life from a real and honest perspective.  I read it at this time every year, when the Geese call to me and I honour her depth of understanding and ability to portray what it is to be human.  This year, I look at it and see the journey that’s gone before but the excitement of what lies ahead too and as she writes in the final line, I am, “announcing my place in the family of things”.

Wild Geese

Mary Oliver

You do not have to be good.
You do not have to walk on your knees
for a hundred miles through the desert repenting.
You only have to let the soft animal of your body
love what it loves.
Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine.
Meanwhile the world goes on.
Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain
are moving across the landscapes,
over the prairies and the deep trees,
the mountains and the rivers.
Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air,
are heading home again.
Whoever you are, no matter how lonely,
the world offers itself to your imagination,
calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting -
over and over announcing your place
in the family of things.

The Blackbird & The Inner Journey

At the back of my secret garden is a very large, overgrown privet hedge which at this time of year is heavy with blossom and fills the air with its scent.  It's perfume brings all manner of flying things from bees to butterflies, and the garden is buzzing.  People tend not to know that the common privet flowers, simply because most people are intent on keeping it neat and tidy and not allowing it to be it’s true self .. it just shows what they’re missing! ;-)

Today, when I went down into my space, it was a beautiful, hot summer’s day.  I sat there quietly listening to a soft bird call, coming from the rambly hedge. On investigating, not 3 feet from where I sat, hidden in the tangle of branches, was a male blackbird, sat with 2 very round and still quite fluffy, tail-less as yet, babies.  He seemed to be almost comforting them, just cooing, while they hopped around the branches in the hedge. 

I sat totally absorbed in the little scene before me, before realising that this was the second time in the past week that I’d been presented with blackbird energy.  A friend had sent me a photo to draw, of a blackbird, I saw it as a bit of a challenge and agreed to do it, however, as my week progressed, I’d forgotten all about it.  It reminded me and made me realise that I ought to check out what blackbird was showing me.

I’ve always loved the blackbirds in my garden, but being privy to sharing my space with their young is indeed a blessing.

The Inner Journey

Before I go into the symbolism/energies of blackbird, perhaps I should first explain that the past week has been bumpy.  My journey has been very solitary this week, the only painting I’ve done has been of meditation visions and at times it’s been very emotional, leading up to the solar eclipse energy at the weekend.  Only today do I feel like I’m coming out the other side of another transitional shift in my energy.

It’s been a week where I’ve meditated deeply and been shown things I’ve never seen before, I’ve been higher and deeper.  But, most importantly, I now know, that from this point on, my foremost guide in life will be my higher heart.

It’s hard to put into words, for those that don’t experience in this way, but the only way I can describe the experience of my higher heart leading me forward is to liken it to being both pulled forward along a powerful searchlight … but being aware too, that the searchlight is coming from my heart and is only activated when something is for my highest good.

If I sit quietly, with no distractions, focus and ask my heart a question about my path and the way forward .. I know I can move forward if and where the searchlight is lighting up the way.  If you’ve never tried to do this, I recommend you give it a try, nothing ventured, nothing gained…

The Blackbird

Very often, guidance will come to you in various ways, for me, it often comes through dreams and nature.  But, if we miss it, we’re given it again and again, often in different ways.  

According to “The Druid Animal Oracle by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm”

The blackbird represents “Enchantment, The Gateway and The Inner Call”

“'Blackbird' calls to us from the gateway between two worlds, urging us to follow a spiritual path or to become more self-aware.  .. pointing out the ways in which we can discover more about our hidden motivations and potential.  There are times in life when it is important to concentrate on the outer world and your responsibilities in that world, but there are also times when you must attend to the haunting song of your soul which calls you to a study of spiritual truths and to an exploration of the inner world through dreams and myths.  In heeding the ‘blackbird’s’ song, you will discover healing and new depths in your soul.”

The balance to this, or the contrary message is this .. you are being reminded that ..

“..the blackbird is the smith's bird, and his song may be calling you to work in the forge of your own heart - to create a life of passion and purpose. All four elements are used in metal-working, and to create a healthy and balanced life we must work with the power of the four elements, integrating and developing our minds and hearts, our instinct and our intuition. Just standing at the gateway between two worlds, without truly working in either, is a denial of our own power and responsibility.”

Putting it all together

So you see, blackbird for me, is a reminder that I need now to move forward and follow my heart in a more focused, definite way, knowing that it will only lead me places that are in tune with my higher purpose and passion. 

Are you listening to your heart?  Do you give yourself time to enjoy quiet moments?  Next time you see a blackbird, listen to its song and let him lead you to your own soul song.

The Quiet Moments

The Quiet Moments

The quiet moments are always the best, those moments when all you can hear is the sound of your own breath, gentle birdsong and the gentle hum of insects.  If the sun is shining, the light adds a glorious element, but likely as not, it will be overcast and the greens will shine deeper, and I can drink it in.  My studio space is at the bottom of my garden, where there is a little secret garden hiding behind a jasmine covered trellis and through a pretty, wrought iron, arched gateway, just outside my special space.

I often sit quietly before I begin my day whether in or out of the studio space, but not before saying hello to and acknowledging all the beautiful life that lives with me here in my tiny secret garden, wild and overgrown as it is right now.  I haven’t been able to work out there for a while, and while it’s frustrating to have weakness in my body, it also reminds me through its reflection, that there is much abundance in my life and therefore much to be grateful for.  

Reflections of my abundance and growth are everywhere here. The tiny pink geranium that was planted several years ago now, overflows from its original home, flowing out and across the earth and into the gravel, like foamy sea water at incoming high-tide. What was one plant has grown and flourished to the size of thirty. The butterfly bush, coming into bud, towers over the pond, tall and strong, bending to the light, while the long, stately Iris leaves wave gracefully on the breeze, barely disturbing the deep-green, pondweed and the residents below.  In the corner, jostling for space, tight, silver buds of anemone flowers on tall branching stems, seem to be springing-up everywhere around; the promise of much happiness for foraging bees! It’s as though the bushes are alive and singing, humming at least, once the flowers are open.  It never fails to make me smile ..

I breathe in the greenness and the fresh air and give thanks, for my garden, for my abundance and for a life that allows me time to be here in this place.  The past several months have been a great healing time for me, and I wonder as I look at the wildness, if I ought to prune and pull up, in the same way I’ve examined my own Self, and pruned, pulled up and let go of all those things that no longer serve me for my greater good. Maybe I will. But part of me likes it wild, and that’s the part that resists the change, that wants to continue with the old ways of being, even though I’ve outgrown them and they hold me back.  The other part of me knows that if it is indeed a true reflection, then it surely needs to be tamed, to still retain that element of wildness and freedom, which is an essential part of my character, but also allow space for new things to grow.  I need to let the sunlight into the shadows to allow new growth in new places and create a stronger, more vibrant garden just like the stronger, more vibrant me.

My question for you is this, if you take a look at your life, your immediate surroundings, what does it tell you about yourself?

The Calling - Copyright Kam Tunningley

The Calling

A painting I did a few years ago that I feel is appropriate to share at this beginning point, as the wolf is symbolic of the pathfinder...  .. showing the way. 

There's always a new beginning ...

There are always times in our lives of transition, those strange places between endings and beginnings, the places where we feel lost and alone, places where we wonder how we actually got here and why.

I think for me, the how has been self evident, I’ve been working toward this time for many years now.  The why?  Well, the why is the same for all of us, the why is because this is what we’re meant to do, Dance our Dreams.

Each of us comes here to this earth to ‘Dance their Dream’, but sadly, so many of us don’t get to do that, so many are ‘sleeping’ or don’t realise quite what their Dream is in the first place.  I think that’s where I’m very lucky, because over the years, I’ve developed my inner life, my spiritual connection and my creativity to a point where at last, it’s all coming together so that I can ‘Dance my Dream’.

For some, a dream is something you have while you sleep, oftentimes not remembered, or only fleetingly.  For myself, it’s something that I associate both with sleeping and waking, both being equally important, both being influenced and woven by our deepest wishes and desires.  Sometimes those wishes bring us joy, sometimes the opposite, but the one thing that we can be certain about, is that we have influenced our outcome through our thoughts, wishes, words and actions.

So, you might wonder, what is Blue Butterfly’s dream?  It’s simple really, I want to be able to touch other people’s lives in a positive, healing way, with my art and perhaps too with words.  My art is a reflection of many things. In nature, I feel the beauty within of the subject I’m drawing or painting, and I do my best to let that essence flow out from me, onto the paper, so that hopefully, other’s can both see and feel the spirit of the living thing I have put onto paper or canvas.  Sometimes, I create paintings for others for their journey, to strengthen them or to heal them, but always to increase their awareness and therefore their healing.

So .. this is my new beginning .. I’m beginning to Dance my Dream, even though I’m still feeling slightly transitional .. but .. this too shall pass.