Issue #219 - September 2023 |
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Greetings, and welcome to Soul Songs, the official KaleidoSoul Newsletter, focusing on SoulCollage® ideas, resources and cards. Our intention is to fill each issue (and your life) with inspiration, soul-solace and delight.
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to any friends, colleagues, or family members who will enjoy it.
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Hi! I'm Anne Marie, the creator of KaleidoSoul.com, and a SoulCollage® Facilitator in Massachusetts and worldwide online. |
You’ve just read the title of my column and you’re probably raising your eyebrows. Let me assure you—I haven't suddenly sprouted eight legs and the ability to spin my way through thin air, rescuing lost orphans and pulling good citizens from burning buildings.
What has happened is that I've been sighting spiders for the last several months. The first few times I saw a spider, it was in our bathtub. “I've never seen a spider there,” I thought to myself as I went on my way, forgetting about it almost immediately. But it was not long forgotten, because that spider stayed there for a few months. And the more I saw it, the more I wondered.
As a passionate SoulCollager, I now know something about paying attention to messages from the Animal world—if we pay attention, the Animals have messages and gifts for us.
So I began paying attention. The more aware I became, the more I started seeing spiders everywhere over the next few months. I mean, everywhere! The kitchen sink. A living room window. The ceiling in our laundry room. Several locations on our front porch. Almost every spider I saw was in some stage of spinning a web. One had even caught a juicy little fly for breakfast! One week I observed a tiny one on the other side of my car window while I was driving down the highway.
At first it seemed like a strange coincidence. Then I started thinking I should look up Spider as an animal totem and see if there was a message for me. But I kept putting it off. I've never really liked spiders, and frankly, it was taking all my energy not to squash them like I used to!
A few days ago, I looked up some information on Spider to see what messages She has for us. I used a few of Ted Andrew's books as well as some online sites. In reading about this marvelous little creature, I was surprised to find that my initial repulsion had disappeared and I created my She Who Weaves the Web card (shown above).
Now I'm off to journal about what Spider really means to me in my life right now, and to see if I can weave my own life into the web that was destined for me!
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Learning about our Animal Companions is all about awareness; it’s about paying attention. Make a note of any animals that you've been seeing lately. Perhaps one of them is one of your Animal Companions. On the other hand, maybe it simply has a message to share with you, like Spider had for me. Make a promise to yourself to be open to whatever gifts the Animals want to give you, even if the Animal who comes to you at first is not one that you particularly like.
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Anne Marie Bennett is a SoulCollage® Facilitator / Trainer, published author, website goddess, and two-time cancer survivor who was mentored directly by Seena Frost.Anne Marie lives in eastern Massachusetts with her middle-aged husband, one adolescent feline, and a treasury of birds, squirrels and chipmunks who keep them hopping. Her books about SoulCollage® are available here.
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90-minute SoulCollage® Zoom
with SoulCollage® Facilitator
Heather Conn from Canada
Date: Thursday, September 14
Time: 4 pm Eastern
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FR*EE for our
Only $10 for non-members
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Your Companions as Wilderness Guides
We must reconnect our souls with the vitality of nature.
~ Seena Frost
The SoulCollage® Companion suit is home to animal energies that we embody and befriend. Seena Frost stressed two crucial aspects of these Neters. First, they join us with our physical body and the energies within. Second, they connect us with the natural world where we can, perhaps, “right” our relationship with Nature.
To enjoy our Companions’ natural world expertise, it helps to take an ecocentric (nature centered) perspective. When we set aside anthropogenic concepts such as chakras and animal spirit interpretations, we can better focus on these Neters as species and beings. To assist, we might call on our Inner Naturalist or Lifetime Learner. As we deepen our understanding of each Companion’s place in the natural world, we expand the breadth of communication and embodiment we may seek and receive.
Observe a Companion species and get better acquainted. Whenever possible, observe a helper in its natural habitat. You may more easily find some species in a zoo or game park; if they’re domesticated, it may be in a pasture or pen. Be on the lookout for photographs or videos that include the species. Look carefully and heartfully at the animal, its movements, and its preferred habitat. Ask your Neter what they’d like you to notice about its kind. Invite it to clarify any misconceptions.
Research what’s known about habitats and habits. Informative publications range from the entertaining to the densely scientific. Also, a huge spectrum of documentaries allows us to eavesdrop on our helpers’ natural lives. For example, those with a penguin Neter can revisit the delightful “March of the Penguins.” As you collect information about the species and its home environment, invite your Neter to refine or expand upon it in ways that are important to your relationship.
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Gather all your Companion cards for a viewing. Are there any visual elements in common, particularly in the backgrounds? If so, might this reflect a possible exploration or excursion? Invite one or more Neters to make suggestions. In my exploration, I found the night sky on several cards. Bat reminded me “You cannot expect to visit with me or the owl if you don’t come out at night!” Also, I realized I’ve not taken time to explore the night sky wilderness for over a year.
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Take time to review each card individually to see whether they reflect each Companion Neter authentically for you now. Seena stressed that we include the “right” images that express the energies of the animal. Perhaps your growing understanding will lead to modifications or even a new card. Again, ask the Neter for advice. I noticed that my Hummingbird card is lacking a source of nectar; quite ironic since each day I watch and hear them at my wildflowers and feeder. Revision time!
Request travel recommendations from your Companions. You might ask a Neter of your choice to recommend a nature excursion that will be helpful and healing for you. If one of your Companions feels inactive or somewhat disconnected, ask it how and where you can nourish and reconnect with it. These can be “live” excursions or done through viewing a film or even looking through a book of photographs. Last week, my Raven reminded me to take some initiative to visit their territory if I’d like to make contact. The crows in my yard are not sufficient stand-ins!
I hope you’ll consider engaging with your Companions as expert wilderness guides. May your excursions, whether in the wild or virtual, deepen your relationships with your Companions, yourself, and the natural world.
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Dr. Michele Manos lives in Marin County, California and is the developer of SoulCollage® Card Games and Playing with a Full Deck Retreats. She trained as a Facilitator in 2008 with Seena Frost and has enthusiastically shared the magic of SoulCollage® ever since. Learn about her upcoming virtual gatherings and courses on her web page.
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Deep Dynamic Wisdom:
Listening to Your Cards in New Ways
with Michele Manos
October 7 and 14, 2023
1-3:30 pm Eastern
Beyond “I Am One Who …” and “What I say about your question …” is a bounty of ways to access wisdom with your SoulCollage® cards. From questions to prompts to short forms of writing, many innovative possibilities await you. Discover imaginative approaches to gain relevant, poignant insights from your Neters. Learn how to create questions and prompts to serve your specific goals. Get what you need explicitly by requesting it from your cards!
Topics include getting to know new cards, including light and shadowed; tailoring questions by suit; refreshing your deck through intentional listening; and focused, unambiguous prompts for multi-card readings.
Early bird discount: $89.00
Price goes up to $99.00 on September 21
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ARIZONA
Communing at the Casa: A SoulCollage® Card Games Retreat
Scottsdale, Arizona
December 1-3, 2023
Facilitator: Michele Manos
This weekend—at the Franciscan Renewal Center—offers meaningful play and creativity as we connect with our younger selves. Enjoy Michele's "Playing with a Full Deck" activities, and some sessions led by others. You'll come away with enthusiasm for your personal practice, and if you're a Facilitator, for your own workshops. Plenty of free time for card making and enjoying the sanctuary spaces of the Center, including a pool and labyrinth. This gathering includes learning, sharing, individual activities and group rituals - imagine the perfect blend of a retreat, workshop, community of peers, and meeting of friends.
Kindred Spirits save $50.
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MASSACHUSETTS
SoulCollage®
Facilitator Training
Westfield, Massachusetts
October 25-29, 2023
Trainer: Isabel Phillps
Do you long to contribute to a greater sense of well-being in the world, by deepening your own practice and supporting the personal growth and self-discovery of others? If so, this troubled world needs you! By learning how to facilitate SoulCollage® in community, you can empower others to flourish into their full soul expression. For information about registration and how to prepare for the Training,
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ENGLAND
Return to Avalon Goddess Retreat
and Pilgrimage
Glastonbury, England
May 9-17, 2024
Facilitator: Cat Caracelo
Travel to the place of myth and memories, where the landscape is a mirror of the Soul. Glastonbury, the ancient isle of Avalon is rich with sacred and ancient sites. Explore the earth-based, mystic energies; honor the Goddess in the bounty of Spring. Make inspired art with SoulCollage® and more as you deepen your story in this all-inclusive women's retreat!
We will celebrate the lingering Spring with Beltane Energies still influencing our hearts. This is a special season that evokes soul growth and beauty.
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Here are some of our readers' Animal Companion cards: |
Hear, Speak,
See No Evil
Companions Suit
Bea, California
I am the one who seeks common ground; common welfare should come first. I am the one who puts aside my human five senses, quiet. Intuitive willingness. I believe in universal connectivity and the concept that everyone can be a winner.
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Lemur
Heart Chakra Companion
Dee
Wisconsin
I am the one who protects my family, my tribe, my community, my territory. I am one who appreciates the earth and the solidness of my rock home. I want you to sink your roots into mother earth. When you are grounded in the earth, your inward expansion and outward expression is limitless.
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Rattlesnake- Hear Me
Throat Chakra Companion
Maggie
Washington
I am the one who shed my protective layer and started speaking my truth. My well-honed predator avoidance system keeps me safe while warning others not to push my boundaries. My ‘rattle’ grew strong enough to be taken seriously and now I am able to get out of the corner and move forward in freedom without any need to attack.
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Heartphant/Elephant
Heart Chakra Companion
Katelijn
Belgium
I am one who takes you on my back to follow your passion. I am the one who takes you to an oasis. I am the one who is there to just be and enjoy the circle. I am the one who is loved as he is.
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Wolf
Throat Chakra Companion
Anne
Maryland
I am the one who speaks the truth fearlessly. I am the one who does not hide my voice, does not slink quietly away. I am the one who keeps the discussion going even if it is uncomfortable. I am the one who sounds the alarm, who warns of danger.
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Gorilla- Winter of My Experience
Companions Suit
Chigoke
Georgia
I am one who gives you strength to sit out in the cold to deal with the magnitude of reality. I am one who teaches you to approach this dilemma from a place of “thirst for knowledge of thy self.”
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Cheetah- Heart Chakra Companion
Susan
Massachusetts
I am one who is playful and thrives in a natural environment. I look with eyes that speak to your heart. I am protective and will not lead you astray. You are safely nestled within your animal body. Play, rest, pay attention.
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Sister Mary Jaguar
Companions Suit
Edith
New Mexico
I am your new teacher. I have come to you today because it's time to learn new things that will help your passion and true calling. My gift to you is to help you study and learn with the discipline and passion you had as a teenager. You cannot put this off any longer. This is a spiritual, emotional, and intellectual journey. You need to learn from the nighttime hunters, owls, bats and other creatures. This is why you moved to New Mexico.
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Turtle - Heart Chakra Companion
Linda
Alabama
I am one who moves slowly and cautiously toward the light. I carry protection at all times.
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Sea Lion
Sacral Chakra Companion
Anne Marie
Massachusetts
I am the one who teaches you about flow and being in the moment. Laugh! Play! Feel what you feel! Life is for enjoying!
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Please feel free to submit one of your cards for a future issue by sending a reply email to this newsletter.
Future themes include:
October: Healing
November: Death
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Noteworthy resources for anyone interested in SoulCollage®
KaleidoSoul - Spinning the fragments of your world into wholeness and beauty through SoulCollage®.
Membership- Worldwide connections with SoulCollagers, plus 24/7 inspiration and ideas for card making and working with your cards!
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Just look for whatever SoulCollage® topic you are interested in,
and read to your heart's content!
SoulCollage® is a trademarked process created by Seena B. Frost.
For more information about Seena and the origins of SoulCollage®,
SoulCollage® cards are made either from one's own art or from images found in materials which have been bought by or given to the SoulCollage® card maker. These collaged cards are used only for the cardmaker's own inner exploration. SoulCollage® cards are not sold, traded, bartered, or copied (except as a back-up for the cardmakers own use) as is stated in the "Principles of SoulCollage®."
Where SoulCollage® cards are available to be seen by others, it is for the purposes either of demonstrating the SoulCollage® process or of sharing the cardmakers' inner process in the context of community. SoulCollage® is grateful to the artists and photographers who make this deep awakening process possible and in all ways SoulCollage® seeks to be respectful of their rights.
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All articles in SOUL SONGS are copyrighted 2023,
by Anne Marie Bennett, Cat Caracelo, Linda Woolfson,
Michaela Daystar, or Michele Manos.
Articles may be reprinted by permission only.
Image of singing birds Copyright: Kudryashka from Deposit Photos.
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