I'm giving a Lecture about the Runes THIS Saturday

I'm giving a FREE lecture on the topic of the Runes Saturday, May 3rd from 5pm to 6pm at The Path.

"TALK ABOUT WYRD! Demystifying the Runes"
An introduction to the mysterious, mystical & magical Scandinavian Runes.
We will discuss the theories of their origin, what they are, their uses (divination, self-knowledge, healing...etc) and what they can do.

See you there ;).

The Inner Alchemy of Spring

"I am the Spirit of Air. I am the Spirit of communication and of initiation. I am in all new beginnings, in all new seeds that grow. I am in the springtime as the new growth cycle begins, I am in the words that are spoken and the thoughts that are open. I am the Spirit of change, blowing away old concepts, old limitations and old ideas, making way for new understanding, new perceptions and new shifts in awareness. I am my conscious breath. I am my conscious communication, speaking truth and seeking Unity, initiating positive and healthy new beginnings.

I am the Spirit of Fire, bringing passion and inspiration to new beginnings! I am spontaneity and the freedom to run and, to celebrate expansion and self-expression. I am laughter and joy. I am the warmth of the Sun and the active growth cycle. I am action, the generosity of giving. I am active energy seeking Unity. I unite my outer Fire with my inner Sacred Fire to bring transformation from within to inspire actions out in the world.

I am the Spirit of Water, the fluidity and quickening of Life. I am the flowing power of the spiral, the vortex, the self-cleansing energy of movement. I am the Spirit and Life of healing that flows and seeks equilibrium. I am the rain that swells the new seeds so that they grow. I am the fertility of reflection. I am the power of the heart, the fuel of Love that creates freedom of movement through loving actions and through release of the emotions. I am receptivity and intuition seeking Unity, so that all things find balance and equilibrium.

I am the Spirit of Earth, awakening energy of the land. I am the stabilizing force, bringing new Life from Union. I am the potent force, the Fertile Force and the creation force seeking Unity. I am alive, the living Spirit of Gaia, and I bring transformation and change, death and rebirth in continuous cycles. I am the Spirit of regeneration and I am the continuous Spirit of new Life and growth.

I am Spirit in all things, the interconnected Web of Life. I am Unconditional Love and Light, the spark of Life and creation, the Source of Life. I am Limitless, Infinite, Eternal, the Omnipresent, Quintessence. I am Unity. I am Within and Without. I am the circle, open and yet unbroken, encompassing the All and the Nothing. I am."

From "Earth Alchemy" by Glennie Kindred

On Healing & Illness...

"Healing and illness are part of the same thing. Illness is energy that is disconnected from Unity and has become stuck. All things are connected and our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual selves contribute to any illness and therefore all contribute to the healing. Like a magnet our consciousness draws towards us what we truly believe. Ideas attract, as do strong convictions or beliefs and strong intentions. We attract illness and we attract healing. Releasing our trapped and buried emotions breathes Life into the healing process, creates movement, flow and freedom to find equilibrium again. From this comes new Life, the gift of continuance.

Illness can be transmuted. Healing can be instant. I have experienced this miracle and know that it is possible. Healing begins when all separations dissolve, bringing a reconnection to the Oneness of Life. Positive thoughts open our psyches to healing. Body, mind and Soul are connected by imagination, and imagery can alter the intelligence of our cells. Either subconsciously or consciously, we are always in communication with every part of ourselves and every cell responds to the messages we are sending every day. From this perspective we are our own Fertile Force for healing; we are own own healers."

From "Earth Alchemy - A Dynamic Fusion Between Alchemy and the Eight Celtic Festivals" by Glennie Kindred 

The Sound of Silence OR 3 Months Without Computer...And the Latest News.

Some of you may have thought that this blog was really dead this time! Surprise, I'm back!
Zenseer's Secret Garden is like a phoenix rebirthing itself from its ashes...

A lot of things have happen, some good, some less good, but a lot of personal reflection has occurred for sure.

The Runes remains part of my life that I believe is going to become increasingly more important as I develop other Runic abilities, gifts and specialties. Don't get me wrong, I'm still very much into Runic Energy Healing but I believe I need to have access & learn about the full spectrum range of their uses to fully understand and use them (though I am fully aware that it is a lifetime occupation and even then I'd have only scratched the surface of their secrets).

Divination is what comes first to mind when one talks about the Runes. Yep, I know I tried to avoid it somehow but it is an unavoidable aspect of the Runes. I think that avoidance has to do mostly with self doubt though I've done many intuitive readings for friends and family. Maybe it also has to do about sticking too much to the traditional/scholar interpretations of the same Runes that is blocking me. Yet I know full well that interpretation is personal, Runes have an energetic imprint that rings differently from one person to another.

Anyway! I have decided to learn & train myself in Runic Palmistry (but shhh! It's still a bit of a secret). The little I have already learned about it is amazingly right on target! Plus it's fun ;).

Projects and ideas I have plenty! Now it's all about organizing these ideas and see what is worthwhile pursuing and developing. We'll see what the next few months have in store for me...

Now if the topic of Runes interest you, here are a few dates to mark in your calendar:

1. Saturday, April 12th (this weekend), I have a FREE Runic Energy Event at The Path Spiritual Learning Center, from 3pm to 5pm. More details HERE.
2. For those of you who don't know much about the Runes but would like to learn a few things about them, I will have a FREE Lecture scheduled on Saturday, May 3rd from 5pm to 6pm about "Demystifying the Runes" in which I will discuss their origin, what they are, what they are used for, etc... More details HERE. It's also at The Path in Redondo Beach, CA.
3. I am still available at The Path on Wednesday and Saturday Afternoons for Runic Energy Healing sessions By Appointment Only. Please feel free to contact Marie at The Path or myself to schedule an appointment.

Meanwhile I will make a conscious effort to make this blog a little bit more lively, which shouldn't be a problem now that I have a brand new computer ;).

I thank you for your support, dear readers, and for continuing to follow it. Though I admit that I've been spending a bit more time on Facebook these past few months. There are a few things I only post there so if you're interested to follow me on Facebook as well, here's where you can find me: Zenseer WalkingCrow .

New Year, New Projects & New Year Sale: Get Doubly Spoiled!

The year just started and I already feel swirling & rising energy around...It's like entering the Faery dance, can't escape! I just prepare my first flower essence of the year, infused with magic...I'll tell you more about it soon. I already have my new projects for this year written on paper, there are many things I'd like to achieve but I need to decide of a reasonable timeline in order to not overburden myself. As far as energy work & healing goes, I'm getting more and more involved with telluric energies which make perfect sense since we vibrate at the same frequency than Mother Earth (which is why this type of medicine works and has been practiced for millenia...No side effects besides feeling good & happy!). I haven't forgotten about my Runes, both Runes & Oghams are inherently connected to telluric energies. The Ancients knew it instinctively and they weren't mistaken...

Now in the spirit of celebration I offer you a special double deal:

1. If you buy 2 of my artisan flower & leaf essences in my Etsy Shop, I offer you a 3rd one for free! This offer is valid until January 5th, you don't want to miss this opportunity! 
2. *~*Borage (Borago Officinalis)*~*
   Courage, Finding Inner Peace, Emotional Protection, Healing/Mending the Heart
   
   
   *~*Orange Blossom (Citrus Sinensis)*~*
   Sensuality, Womanhood, Self Love, Joie de Vivre
   
   
   *~*Nasturtium (Tropaeolum Majus)*~*
   Joy, Lightness of Being, Playfulness, Thriving, Inner Child
   
   
   *~*Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea)*~*
   Protection, Cleansing, “Do no Evil, Feel no Evil”
   
   
   *~*Rosemary (Rosmarinus Officinalis)*~*
   Focus, Memory, Willpower, Purpose, Protection
   
   
   *~*White Sage (Salvia Apiana)*~*
   Physical & Spiritual Cleansing, Protection, Intuition, Immune System Booster
3. For the locals & +/- regulars at The Path, I offer $10 off for a 30 minutes Runic Healing Session (so that's $35 instead of $45...Sounds like a good deal to me!). Now this offer is valid until a January 10th (note that I'm only available on Wednesdays & Fridays afternoons).

Bright blessings & good wishes to you and yours ;).

▶ Zenseer - Shamanic Folk Herbalist and Runic Healer at the Path in Redondo Beach, CA - YouTube

▶ Zenseer - Shamanic Folk Herbalist and Runic Healer at the Path in Redondo Beach, CA - YouTube

The Lost Female Figures of Christmas - Part II

The Lost Female Figures of Christmas - Part II

The Lost Female Figures of Christmas - Part I

The Lost Female Figures of Christmas - Part I

Plant Medicine's Seguro Ally: Helping You Deepen Your Link To The Sacred | The Shaman's Well

Plant Medicine's Seguro Ally: Helping You Deepen Your Link To The Sacred | The Shaman's Well

What I've Been Up To...

I know this blog has been more active and lively in the past but I've been busy. Busy with new & exiting projects...And a lot of learning (topics that are dear to me and which I am very passionate about). I'm getting a sudden sense of clarity as I now understand the hows & the whys in my life as well as my purpose.

I've been making Artisan Flower & Leaf Essences (similar to the Bach Remedies) in small batches (I usually make about 3 new ones/month) that are all available on my Etsy Shop and at The Path, for the locals ;). It's something that I would never have considered just a year ago. I've been into herbalism for a long time but I have developed a growing interested in what I call esoteric herbalism (the effect of plants on emotions, the psyche and on a spiritual level) and I find it much more fascinating than regular herbalism. I like challenges and this is pretty much Terra Incognita, not much literature on the topic. If you want to know, you need to ask the plants themselves and trust your intuition & spiritual connection. I believe a similar approach is possible with stones & crystals, though I'm much less knowledgeable about these. But I like the idea of making crystal elixirs with a few of my favorite & trusty stones.

While on the topic of vibrational remedies, let's stretch further to Energy Healing. Energy Medicine is the Medicine of the Earth, it is probably as old as the world and I believe it is also the Medicine of the Future. Whether we like it or not, accept it or not, we are all connected the Earth. It gives us life, sustenance and medicine (real food, herbs, crystals), it recharges our batteries when they are depleted (energetically with work, stress or disease). Anybody can tap into this energy but you need to ground & reconnect yourself first.

And everything on this Earth & the Universe is Energy. Even words have a vibration and emit energy, especially ancient (magical) alphabets. I'm studying the Runes which are powerful teachers and healers. I am aware that this type of study can take a lifetime of learning and even then I won't master them, just barely scratch the surface. I've been attracted/connected to them for a long time (past lives included). Most people use them for divination but that's just the tip of the iceberg, and to me the least interesting part.

I am offering my services & help as a Runic Energy Worker (combining both Runes in various ways with Energy Healing Techniques) at the Path Spiritual Learning Center, here in Redondo Beach. I'm doing this because this is my purpose in this life and one cannot simply turn one's back on a gift because then this is a waste of a gift (which can be lost or taken back over time).

Here's a picture of me "in action" that was taken recently, during a "Spiritual Spa Day" event (you can see my flower essences on display as well):

You can find me at the Path every Wednesdays & Fridays (Afternoons), see flyer below for more details:

Be well ;).

The Power of a Curse | ContemporaryShaman

The Power of a Curse | ContemporaryShaman

On Runes and Healing...

"...Degrees and certifications look good on paper and to the physical eyes of the world. They state that the person has attained a certain amount of knowledge and know-how. But these things without the desire to heal, without compassion, and without the ability to practice, are worthless. All to often, doctors flaunt their "right" to practice medicine and are overlooking the cause of illness to get at the symptoms. They simply provide to the ailing patient a quick fix to relieve the pains and physical manifestations of the disease.
This is wrong. Disease is much deeper than that. It goes into the mental and emotional levels of being as well. It lives within the neglect of ourselves and of nature, within the stress that is encountered each day, and in the food we eat. The mind must be cared for, the emotions must be nurtured, "whole"-ly treating the person as a single unit. Holistic medicine like Naturopathy, Homeopathy, Aromatherapy, Herbal Medicine, and Runic Healing treat the whole person..."

From "Limb Runes" by Adam Hoyt

La Grande Santé | Rencontre avec l’ethnobotaniste François Couplan

La Grande Santé | Rencontre avec l’ethnobotaniste François Couplan

About Ancient Knowledge, Natural Therapies & Energy Healing...

"There were once people who lived profoundly on this planet, essentially without the self consciousness of doing so, and some survive precariously in a few isolated places today. They were people who lived in reciprocal, respectful relationship within ecosystems of which they recognized themselves a part and whose sacred nature they knew and understood. They lived lives in which the everyday activities of living were more akin to ritual or sacrament, paced by the rhythms of nature and linked to and in harmony with the greater movements of the cosmos - blending the sacred and the profane, past and future, time and timelessness, in the present moment. They were people who inherited an uninterrupted transmission of the knowledge of a way of being that stretched back to their distant ancestors. They knew the anatomy of the land in which they lived, dreamed its dreams, learned what it taught, and felt the same pulse stream of life flowing through the veins of the universe that they heard singing within their own bodies.
It is the lives and the beliefs of such people, who in the West until recently were considered as merely 'superstitious', 'primitive' or 'backward', which we are now beginning to realize were dynamic and vivid ways of experiencing and understanding the universe, ways that we have forgotten, and which were far more precious, far truer and far beyond anything our modern scientific belief systems or our pale interpretations of religion have been able to give or teach us.
In the West we have created a 'culture' of anaesthesia and amnesia, a 'culture' that encourages us to stop feeding our bodies and minds and prevents us from experiencing and realizing ourselves as part of the universe, instead of existing as paranoid strangers within, and divests us of all the knowledge of our spiritual destinies - our true natures. This is a result of our having developed philosophies or descriptions of reality that are based on an egocentric dualistic rationalism. For the paths of innate wisdom and insight we have substituted the schools of acquisitive, second-hand knowledge, placing intellect over intuition and raising it to the center point of human endeavour. By doing so, we have disinherited ourselves of our own insight and of our wise ones, our Elders, the custodians of true knowledge of the Way and of those paths that could lead us, with all the self-evident and terrifying consequences.
We need to relearn and assimilate into our own lives what has survived of this ancient knowledge, in order to begin to heal ourselves, each other and the planet on which we live. In so doing we may also in some part, pay homage and respect to those peoples and their traditions and cultures that were banished and forbidden a place under the sun and the moon..."

From "The Shamanic Healer - The Healing World of Ikuko Osumi and the Traditional Art of Seiki-Jutsu" by Ikuko Osumi and Malcom Ritchie

Zenseer's Products at the Path

Yesterday I brought some of my flower & leaf essences as well as some liquid smudges to my friend's boutique "The Path", here in Redondo Beach. The energy was good and the lingering Full Moon energy as well as some fog made this day very spiritual.
Each flower essence bottle has a little red ribbon rose on it and each liquid smudge has a sari silk ribbon (I try to match color and plant as much as possible). I brought a tester for each liquid smudge, as you can see above. And I added a few (fake, alas) matching red roses to beautify the display (and attract the eyes).
I have another little project in mind that would complement these products, but can't talk about it yet because...the silence is golden ;). But if everything goes well, this last category of products should find its way both to my Etsy shop and my friend's boutique very soon... 

This Morning's Herbal Harvest

From left to right: orange mint, french tarragon, sage, lemon verbena and lemon thyme.

Don't let my silence fool you...

I've been busy. I've been reading and learning a lot, (re)questioning what I do and which directions to take...And as always, I have enough ideas and projects to make people's head spin.
Right now I'm working again on flower and leaf essences that I make using local plants (wild and cultivated). I have redone the packaging and my bottles look really lovely. I currently have 3 of them (wild purslane, borage & rosemary) listed HERE, on my Etsy shop, in great detail as to how to use them and what they are good for. I'll be having some more soon (the advantage of living in California).

Another thing I've been working on is liquid smudges. Most people use essential oils, I don't. I prefer to use a strongly scented tincture as a base for my sprays. There's something very alchemical about the whole process (which can take up to 2 months): it doesn't just extract the scent of the plant, it gets its soul and energy as well. If you are a sensitive, like I am, you will see & feel what I mean when you'll get to use them. I'm hoping to have a few listed within the next couple weeks.
However I have to tell you that I prepare both my flower essence and my liquid smudges in small amounts, so they are available in limited quantities. This allows me to offer a wider choice of essences and scents throughout the seasons.

On Water...

"...97% of the total supply of fresh water on our planet is contained inside the earth from which it emerges in springs and geysers or though wells and boreholes, sometimes boiling hot and sometimes icy cold, sometimes sluggishly and sometimes with enormous force, sometimes containing a rich variety of minerals and salts and sometimes containing almost nothing at all.
It is this fresh water, bubbling up from the ground, tumbling down hillsides in fast flowing streams, flowing more sedately through great rivers and forming pools and lakes that has been accorded particular spiritual significance and venerated through human history.
The much greater quantity of salt water that makes up the seas and oceans has, on the whole, inspired rather different emotions - awe and wonder, certainly, but also fear and dread. The sea, conceived as "the deep", has been seen as something other, a remnant of the chaos that existed before creation, untamed, savage and associated with danger and death.
Fresh water has, for the most part, been conceived of in much more positive and benign terms, although it too has not been wholly without negative and demonic associations..."

From "Water - A Spiritual History" by Ian Bradley

My Very Own Flower Essences

Lately I've been diverging from the traditional/academic uses of plants to delve into the energetic/esoteric uses of these (vibrational remedies, alchemy. gemmotherapy...) especially on an emotional and spiritual level. This is a whole new world for me with so many possibilities, and I find all this very exciting.

Along these lines I am starting to make my own flower & leaf essences and I also plan to have a small line of liquid smudges (but that's another story and a future project).

I currently have some Rosemary flower essence listed on my shop (with its uses); Borage should be following shortly...And more to come ;).

My flower and leaf essences are made in small batches, seasonally, with organically homegrown and ethically wildcrafted local herbs and plants, spring water and (grain free) brandy (as a preservative). I only harvest plants during waxing moon (between New Moon and Full Moon) when the energy is at its highest and choose the day depending on which planet rules the plant (Rosemary is ruled by the Sun so I prepared the essence on a Sunday).

I obtain the therapeutic uses directly from the plants' spirits themselves, as shamans have done for thousands of years. All my flower & leaf essences are blessed.

Feeling slightly off balance...

...But I know it's temporary and I always fall back on both my feet then keep going, moving forward...Always.
My first class didn't go quite the way I expected, even though I knew what I was doing and saying. An acquaintance of mine said I looked as ease and in my element but I had a student I wasn't prepared for.
This student was autistic and didn't show any emotion. I don't know whether she was interested in what I was saying, and even less about what she might have been thinking. She was just staring at me the whole time with inexpressive eyes and I felt like I had a wall in front of me. I managed to make her smile a couple times so I guess I must have reached her somehow, even just a little bit. I don't know if I'll see her again at the next class, that will be a surprise...
So I got a challenge for my first class. But I like challenges, that won't deter me. There will be a 2nd class as planned. Funny how life can play tricks on you: when you think you've figured out what you want, what works for you, how do to things and which way to go, then comes a spiritual storm out of nowhere which brings new insights and the direction you were taking suddenly changes...
I know what I'm saying is a bit esoteric here but the people who have gone though something similar will understand.