Issue #218 - August 2023 |
|
|
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.
|
|
Hi! I'm Anne Marie, the creator of KaleidoSoul.com, and a SoulCollage® Facilitator in Massachusetts and worldwide online. |
Hi everyone! I’m taking a summer break from my Soul Songs column this month as I prepare to launch my new women’s fiction, Sea Glass Memories this fall. Please spend some time with Michele Manos’s column below.
|
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.
|
90-minute SoulCollage® Zoom
with SoulCollage® Facilitator
Heather Conn from British Columbia, Canada
Date: Thursday, September 14
Time: 4 pm Eastern
|
FR*EE for our
Only $10 for non-members
|
Cultural Influences in Our Selves and Decks
When Carl Jung popularized the power of archetypes and the collective unconscious, he could not have imagined just how collective humanity would become. As connections have grown through technology and social media, so has common information through constant 24/7 access. We needn’t read a newspaper, attend a theater, or watch television – we can tap a wristwatch and receive input shared with millions of others. We can immediately share our opinions with unlimited global “friends” and “followers.” The collective “larger story” is larger than ever; social and cultural archetypes are simply unavoidable. In a global dance of reciprocity, these archetypes continually reshape us as our behaviors and norms redesign them.
We are bombarded with masses of influential news, misinformation, opinions, ads, and entertainment. We have influencers, social media celebrities with large followings who create trends and chatter. Even if we limit our time in virtual spaces, this expanding collective increasingly impacts us, the people in our lives, and the world around us.
Since our SoulCollage® decks are meant to reflect our inner and outer worlds, these cultural and social forces are worth exploring, understanding, and befriending. Sadly, many of today’s archetypal themes are discouraging: Misogyny, Dishonesty, Greed, Tribalism, Distrust, and many others. But some inspire and provide hope: Peacemakers, Earth Protectors, Truth Tellers, Women Warriors. Whether positive or negative, these pervasive archetypes are at work within. It’s helpful to be aware of these universal forces. Denying them might even deny us some useful insights and allies.
For me, the normalization of overt and strident misogyny is not only unbearable; it triggers a rage like no other. Whether it’s legislation to limit women’s autonomy, to ongoing double standards for women in power, to denying support for struggling families, it’s not what I expected in the 2020s. This devolution can be depressing, and exhausting. So, yuck! Why would I want to acknowledge this in my SoulCollage® deck? Well, it’s a reality and there are enough alternative realities out there - so I took a journey with my cards to explore Misogyny (and its partner, Patriarchy) as a looming archetype in today’s world.
|
First (top left), my Council card The Patriarchy: Never Enough reminded me it was a prohibitive force throughout my life, but “you have always been a determined fighter.” This led me to Athena who, as a father’s daughter, became a respected leader in a man’s world. “This is not the time to give up. Don’t do that!” she pleaded. My Community card (bottom right) called True Leaders includes accomplished, impactful women I admire. To the card’s left are some overdue updates to come: Nicola Sturgeon and Ketanji Brown Jackson. This group suggested: 1) relish success in bringing more women into local government and, 2) prepare for the next battle. This quick three-card consultation was good medicine for the misogyny overwhelm I was feeling.
World wars aside, there are few events more universal than pandemics. Plagues are ancient, likely prehistoric, archetypal human experiences. In 2020, we began our journey through a coronavirus pandemic juxtaposed with exploding social media and combative politics. How did our recent Plague impact or change you? Did any new horizons present themselves in the prison of your home? On a larger scale, how did the dialogue, responses, and reactions impact you? Many social and cultural archetypes grew during that time, intertwined in fears, heroism, untruths, hubris, and humility. Nothing will ever be “the same,” including us as individuals and as parts of the collective. Some of that’s good and perhaps some is not so good – it’s a both/and worthy of consideration.
|
My first pandemic card (top left) is Defiers and Deniers, a Community card for all those who were stridently doing just that. Today, it’s a reminder that we must find ways to reach those people, and that we must be willing to admit when we are failing in our approaches. To the right is Miracles Happen, a Community card celebrating scientific miracles such as the rapid development of robust vaccines. It makes me happy to remember I’m among the many who laid the groundwork. At the bottom is Oh, Please - I Can’t Take Anymore! which is a favorite go-to Committee Neter. While created in response to pandemic misinformation and conspiracy mongering, it still encourages me to “Turn it off, shut it out, take a break. Ridiculousness always will be there to behold.” I will periodically review these cards to understand how The Plague’s impacts are evolving for me.
Here are some explorations for you to try as you become aware of cultural and social archetypes:
- Which current archetypes are frustrating, aggravating or otherwise disturbing your well-being? Peruse your deck to identify any Neters that help you cope with such forces. Are there other balancing or antidotal allies that are not yet represented in your deck?
- Which positive, helpful archetypes are rising within our societies to meet these times? (The Sacred Fool is one I see growing in breadth, reach and urgency.) Consider creating new Council cards to represent the healing energies that you have observed in current culture. You may also express these as they manifest in yourself (Committee) or in others (Community).
-
Take some time to reflect on how technology serves you and your well-being. Perhaps there are new cards to be made, or some updates of existing cards, to include these aspects of your life in your deck. (I am considering a new Community card for the place I visit constantly: cyberspace.)
- Look back at how the pandemic has impacted your skills, preferences, activities, and perspectives. Consider making a Committee card for a pandemic-acquired skill or interest. (I became a decent bread maker and a more adventurous reader.) You might also honor people or groups with whom you connected virtually during lockdowns. Perhaps some heroes’ journeys or other storylines are relevant to your pandemic experience.
Enjoy your adventures with the archetypes that have infused our current culture. Remember, we’re all in this together. Please share what you discover!
|
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.
|
September 2023 – January 2024
Align with your own Cosmic Creatrix
and archetypal energies
(Possibility, Potential, Purpose, Power, and Passion)
to make a change
or start something new in your life
wherever you’ve been feeling blocked or stuck.
In this 5-month journey, Kata brings together SoulCollage®, art making, journaling, prompted inquiry, guided visualization, mindfulness exercises, and group coaching to support you wherever you are on your life's journey.
|
Using SoulCollage® to Create Your Grief Toolbox
with Facilitator
Patti Lockenbach
4-Session Zoom Series
September 9 – December 2
In this four-part series,you’ll be guided to create a toolbox that will provide grounding support when using the SoulCollage® process to explore Grief through the four suits. In the Community suit, we’ll use our cards to identify those who are able to walk with us on our grief journey. We will also use the Committee suit to discover the parts of our selves where grief shows up. The Companions suit will help us discern where grief lives in our bodies, and within the Council suit, we’ll explore the archetypal energy of Grief that touches everyone.
Please use your special coupon code when you register.
|
MA/SSACHUSETTS
SoulCollage®
Facilitator Training
Westfield, Massachusetts
October 25-29, 2023
Trainer: Isabel Phillps
Early Bird Discount Deadline 9/1/23. 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, costs and how to prepare for the Training, please visit this page for more information now.
|
ENGLAND
Return to Avalon Goddess Retreat + 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. More information here.
|
|
Here are some of our readers' cards: |
The Observer
Committee Suit
Brandy
California
I am the one who sees clearly, who understands everything and knows what is happening. I am the one who flies and is free. I am powerful. I am the one who has single focus and knows secrets. I'm coming to give you guidance and lend you strength. I'm here to impart understanding and wisdom and so that you can see clearly. So you can feel free. My gift to you is strength, beauty and clarity. My gift to you is understanding, peace and strength.
|
Tear Catcher
Committee Suit
Kayle
Michigan
I Am the One Whom as a minister held the tears, seen and unseen, of so many. I Am the One Who held those tears and hearts with no judgement and with compassion. I Am One who learned to catch those tears, hear the stories, and
released them to the Universe.
|
Crone
Council Suit
Maggie
Washington
I am the consciousness that has been sown by experience. I was once the impulsive youth, but have learned to pause and deliberate before choosing a path. I am aware of influences linking past experiences with present choices. I am an eternal light that guides you from the darkness and guides you when you feel you’re lost in the woods.
|
Equanimity
Council
Julie
Washington
I am standing in the middle. I am not happy or sad. I am observing you, reserving any judgement. I am trying to stay balanced.
|
Lis Gordon
Community Suit
Anne Marie
Massachusetts
I am the one who was one of your very first SoulCollage® supporters. I am the one who mentored your stepdaughter and served on the altar at your wedding in 1995. I am the one who left my body in 2011. I am the one who is still present at your SoulCollage gatherings and retreats.
|
Oracle Card
Committee Suit
Susan
Massachusetts
I am the one who receives guidance from my ancestors and animal guides. I hear clearly what they want me to know.
|
Faith
Committee Suit
Keli
Texas
I am one who has faith in the improbable and the unseen. I am one who is not afraid of taking risks. I am one who is willing to step into the unknown, I have faith I will find assistance to guide me safely.
|
Wolf
Companions Suit
Anne Marie
Massachusetts
I am the one who guards and inhabits your root chakra energy. I am the one who keeps you grounded when you have a tendency to go off into your dreamy imagination. I am the one with all feet on the ground!
|
Prickly
Committee Suit
Maggie
Washington
I am the one who can be prickly! I am the one who thrives in a set routine and is easily thrown when things change unexpectedly. When the prickly mood is awakened, I try to control my environment and can become standoffish while looking for blame in others. When I’m this frame of mind, I am the one who finds it difficult to lighten up.
|
Please feel free to submit one of your cards for a future issue by sending a reply email to this newsletter.
Future themes include:
September: Companions
Suit
October: Healing
|
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!
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
