When the journey began, the stillness of the sunny day quickly shifted. The wind came up, caressing the walls of the arena, creating sounds of soft creaks and folds. Sand blew through the big door and along the floor as the snow capped Long’s Peak watched over the land from a distance. I focused on my footsteps and the sounds of the rhythm beads I held to my hip. Birds, suddenly chirping louder, invading the inside of my being. Wind now blowing in gusts; butterflies twirled in my belly. My big buckskin, Moon, walked next to me. His head dropped as we both moved around the outside of the round pen. My mustang, Corazon, with his stout powerful body followed behind me with Suzanne, and behind them my big, soft, curious mare Sylvie, with Reggie.
My dear friend and shamanic healer, Kate, sat with the group of participants inside the round pen, drumming steadily. Each participant had ceremoniously created their space with blankets and drawings in the sand. They lay peacefully and trusting, allowing the beating of the drum and the rhythms of the horses’ hooves to carry them to the underworld. I could feel the shifting. I could feel the travels begin, breath moving deeper, Moon slowing the pace. We were all now entering another zone. This is the zone where the participants could connect with their spiritual guides, animal totems, and seek wise counsel.
For twenty minutes, I with my herd and assistants circled and held space. A hot jolt came into my heart and tears stung my eyes. This space, the indoor arena at my new facility, allows complete privacy for creative and spiritual expression. My herd and I were finally free to explore deep levels of consciousness without distractions. We have arrived. I glanced back with affection to see each of them, walking, holding space, fully present.
We continued to circle until I felt the shift and the lifting of energy. We were beginning the journey back out. I deliberately changed the direction and we circled clockwise, aiding in bringing everyone back to earth time, present time.
Slowly, each participant rose and moved to the horse they were drawn to and painted the energy that was emerging onto the horses to honor the horse, the way of the horse, and the spirit of Horse. It was a powerful space, pregnant with possibilities and openings. Once completed, we all then completed our journey with a quiet walk to the lake.
It was not until the next day that the participants were ready to share their experiences. They were mighty powerful and vivid with totem animals, landscapes, horses, colors and messages.
Sharing their experiences took me back to my own “first” shamanic journey with horses that I experienced years ago. I would like to share this journey with you.
Download Kathy’s story of White Horse Dancing: A Shamanic Journey
Come to the next program with a Shamanic Journey:
August 26-28 – Flying on the Wings of Horses, A Shamanic Journey With Horses
Click links below for:
Program Description
Travel Information and Onsite Lodging
Register Online, or Email Tracy
Sylvie enjoys grazing. The brightly painted body demonstrates the energy and life of the journeys she helped to facilitate.
Through all of the programs we have experienced a deep connection with the land and all of the wild life around it. Our lake offers abundant bird life and brings a serene energy to the land at the farm. A mindfulness walk to the lake was a perfect ending to the journey.
A Tribute to the Majestic Cajun
With deep gratitude and sadness last month I said good bye to one of the masters of this work. Cajun, the horse who elicited heart-felt song from a client is now resting in deep peace. We also helped to rehab his injured leg two summers ago. Unfortunately he recently re-injured the same leg. Cajun was a master in this work, and a horse who touched many lives. He was loved my many children, carried heavy loads at times, and opened many hearts. He touched more people than he had spots. May Cajun fly free with the ancestors. I will call on him in my prayers and during programs.
More Upcoming Programs
Hearts in Harmony – The Dance of Horse and Human – Workshop
July 23-24,2011
Longmont, Colorado
This program introduces EFLC (Equine Facilitated Learning and Coaching) to those who are interested in the new emerging field and are considering integrating key EFLC tools and processes into their life or work. The horse teaches you how to be deeply centered in your strength and awareness and how to gain understanding and intimacy in relationships. The Hearts in Harmony workshop honors the horse as a teacher and guide for humans and applies both an experiential level of learning along with a logical and cognitive understanding.
Click links below for:
Program Description
Travel Information and Onsite Lodging
Register Online, or Email Tracy
Passion, Purpose and Horse as Partner – Workshop
August 5-7, 2011
Longmont, Colorado
If you feel strongly that the horses are calling for you — but you are uncertain of which direction to take, the Passion, Purpose and Horse as Partner program will give you clarity. This program combines deep transformation work in areas of equine facilitated learning, natural horsemanship, healing work, and life coaching to help you clarify the best path for you to take with horses.
Click links below for:
Program Description
Travel Information and Onsite Lodging
Register Online, or Email Tracy
Dance of Authenticity through the Wisdom of the Horse – Workshop
September 17-18, 2011
Longmont, Colorado
The path to authenticity requires one to move from simply functioning in the world do becoming connected to all aspects of life and self. The horses will move you through the steps of revealing your true self. Let the horse teach you to become more emotionally, physically and mentally aware.
Click links below for:
Program Description
Travel Information and Onsite Lodging
Register Online, or Email Tracy
The Dance of Authenticity workshop is also part of the EFLC Level One Training Week, which is the foundation of all work taught by Kathy. The Level One from September 17 to September 22 includes the workshop and four days of “train the trainer” instruction. Click here to learn more about Level One.
