Ever wondered why people exchange chocolate on romantic occasions? Like Valentines Day for example? Long before Willie Wonka came around, it was known among the ancient Maya as the “food of the gods,” because chocolate, or cacao, can act as a powerful aphrodisiac that awakens the “love hormones” in ...
Two thousand years ago, the following words of truth were spoken by one of the world’s legendary healers: “Whoever wishes to investigate medicine properly, should proceed thus… Consider the seasons of the year, and what effects each of them produces – for they are not at all alike, but differ ...
A big misconception about shamanism and native medicine is that it’s a cosmic thrill ride into the spiritual realms that magically helps you overcome anything you’re struggling with. Sometimes it can be. But the journey involves a lot more than reality-altering ceremonies. In authentic Amazonian ...
Have you ever noticed that when you walk into any place of worship or sacred ceremony, there is always one repeating theme? Yes, the symbols and prayers spoken may be different, but one thing is universally present – the use of smoke. Beyond its pleasing aromatic qualities, smoke is viewed in many ...
The longest night. The shortest day. Winter solstice is a sacred time to express our gratitude to the yellow dwarf star at the center of our solar system – the sun. For without it, life could not exist. It has been celebrated by our ancestors for centuries. From Scandinavian Norsemen, we gain the ...
As the winter solstice approaches, there is an ancient tradition that many of us still practice. Many adults and children alike here in the States and around the world get into the holiday spirit by hauling a bushy evergreen tree into the living room, standing it up in a prominent location and decorating it ...
Something stunning happened while I was driving my son to school yesterday morning. My eyes were fixed on the dark, dawn-lit road ahead as my mind was busy mulling over the various things on my schedule for the day. Then I noticed a gigantic ball of flame creeping over the trees into the sky. A sense of ...
Did you know that it’s almost impossible to be upset and grateful at the same time? It’s one of those universal truths that is easy to prove – just try it yourself. Being thankful flips a switch inside of you that clears out any negative feelings you were experiencing a few moments before. “Gratitude ...
Sometimes the one thing that is slowly sabotaging our lives is right under our noses. When we feel “out of whack”, our monkey minds tend to blame someone or something outside of ourselves – the over demanding boss, the guy who cut you off in traffic, the child who refuses to listen, the ...
With the onset of autumn here in the northern hemisphere, the cold dark mornings can make it difficult to jumpstart your day. This is where a morning mindfulness prayer can really come in handy. I recently came across a beautiful, short Ayurvedic prayer that is a reminder of the beauty and wonders of the ...
This morning, I came across a bit of wisdom from the Dagara people of West Africa that really struck a chord. The words below were spoken by Malidoma Patrice Somé, a spiritualist and writer from this tribe, whose work is centered on the ancestral healing traditions and sacred rituals of his people. In Dagara...
A few days ago, I had the honor of speaking with a woman who has made a profound impact on the world of shamanic healing over the past 30 years. Her name is Sandra Ingerman and her wisdom stems from ancient healing traditions deep in Siberia, the land where the word “shaman” originates. The presence she ...