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Higher Versions
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Awakening 2019
In the summer of 2019, I found myself sitting at the headwaters of the Mississippi River in Itasca State Park, Minnesota. At that quiet place where the river begins, I felt something stirring within me—a subtle but undeniable shift.
Just as the Mississippi begins as a small, unassuming stream and journeys toward something vast and expansive, I sensed that I, too, was standing at a threshold. Something was calling me forward. I did not yet know what it would become or how it would unfold—but I could feel the invitation to expand.
What I didn’t realize at the time was that I had stepped into what Joseph Campbell described as the Hero’s Journey—a path of awakening, transformation, and return.
The first steps revealed themselves through synchronicities—subtle at first, then impossible to ignore. I was led to the drum, and with it, into a world that had once been hidden beyond my awareness. A deeper dimension of life began to open.
As I followed the signs, the omens, and what felt like breadcrumbs placed just for me, I moved further along this path. What unfolded was not something I could deny—a profound awakening of consciousness that guided me toward understanding my true self.
Through this journey, I came to experience something I had never fully known before:
Magic.
Miracles.
Grace.
And I discovered that these are not rare or distant forces—but living realities that exist within all of us.
Paranormal Activity Starts to Happen
In October 2019, I was deep in practice—drumming and building the Pachakuti Mesa altar—continuing a journey that was not only about learning, but about re-membering.
As something within me began to awaken, I felt an activation of an inner geometry—an intelligence that seemed both ancient and familiar. With it came an opening… a threshold into the unseen.
What followed was not something I had language for at the time.
Subtle at first, then unmistakable, I began to experience phenomena that challenged everything I thought I understood about reality. There was a presence—playful, disruptive, and at times deeply confusing—that entered my life during this period of awakening.
I did not yet understand its purpose.
But as the experiences unfolded, what once felt like chaos began to reveal a deeper pattern—one that ultimately guided me toward greater clarity, self-recognition, and an unexpected turning point on my path.
Much of this journey is shared in Magic, Miracles, and Moments of Grace. Here, I offer glimpses—images, reflections, and traces—for those who feel called to explore alongside the story.
Connecting to Spirit
At a certain point in my journey, I began to take deeper leaps of faith—saying yes to what I didn’t yet fully understand, but could feel was calling me forward.
I joined Become a Wind Alchemist with Renée Baribeau. At the time, I had not yet fully embraced the idea that everything was Spirit, yet something in her teachings resonated deeply within me. When she would blow her Wind Whistle, it stirred something ancient—something I recognized, even if I couldn’t explain why.
I was drawn further in. I ordered her book Winds of Spirit, began working with the Wind Cards, and received my first Wind Whistle—one of many that would find their way to me over time. Under her guidance, I was introduced to the practice of building a Wind Altar, both indoors and out.
At the same time, I continued deepening my Pachakuti Mesa altar through the teachings of don Oscar Miro-Quesada, particularly through his work Healing Light.
The threads continued to weave.
I began drumming lessons with Marla Leigh Goldstein, where rhythm and toning opened yet another doorway within me. I also continued my practice of shamanic journeying under the guidance of Sandra Ingerman.
Throughout this time, a single intention quietly anchored me: I wanted to discover my Power Animal Guide—and perhaps other guides as well.
That desire had been planted years earlier when I encountered the teachings of Sylvia Browne, who spoke of power animals and spiritual companions as something each of us carries.
Looking back now, I can see that none of this was chance.
Each teacher, each practice, each calling was part of a greater unfolding—guiding me, step by step, toward an initiation I did not yet know I was entering.
The discovery of my Power Animal Guide became a threshold—one that opened the door to a deeper truth of who I am, and the path I was always meant to walk.
Winter Solstice 2019-2020
As I continued my journey through the Wind course, I felt a growing call to engage more fully with the sacred practices and energies unfolding around me. Each day, I added objects to the altars, letting the act itself become a meditation and a prayer.
I cannot fully explain how powerful the transformation was. The course guided us to recognize patterns in our lives—both the light and the shadow—and I found myself facing many of the traumas I had carried. Yet alongside the challenges, I also witnessed the remarkable transitions and growth that had shaped my path. I felt myself slipping into an almost trancelike state, moving deeper and deeper within.
Then, Renée announced that she would be hosting the IAM Symposium for the Winter Solstice. I had never celebrated the Winter Solstice before, and my understanding of moon cycles, Equinoxes, and Solstices was minimal. She mentioned that Fire Tenders were needed to volunteer. Curious, I asked what would be required and learned that I would need to keep a candle burning—and that battery-operated candles were acceptable. I agreed without hesitation. I have always felt called to participate, to show up fully, and this was yet another way to honor that calling.
In that moment, tending the flame became more than a task—it became a symbol of presence, commitment, and the steady illumination of my own inner journey.
Powerful Transformation
There was much unfolding during the Winter Solstice of 2019. The IAM Symposium had begun, and Renee was drawing “Wind Spirit” cards. Many participants were calling in the Winds, and the energy was becoming noticeably “windy.” At the time, I didn’t fully understand these synchronicities and dismissed them as odd coincidences.
I was excited to attend the live opening ceremony with Sandra Ingerman and to hear a few presenters, including Lori Morrison, author of The Shaman’s Guide to Power Animals. She offered the Owl Spirit for the Symposium.
Shortly after, I ran out to do errands, and as I turned the corner, I was stunned to see a bird lying in the middle of the road. At first glance, it seemed like it could be an owl. “That can’t be an owl…can it?” Its feathers were vibrant and stunning.
I brought it home and, upon closer inspection, realized it was actually a hawk. I carefully removed its feathers, laying them upon my alter and then intuitively offered the Hawk back to the universe in reverence.
The energy I felt in that moment was profound. It raised my vibration in a way I had little understanding of at the time, but it marked the beginning of a series of synchronicities and a deepening trancelike state within myself—preparing me for what was about to unfold on my spiritual journey.
Moments of Miracles and Grace
On December 30, 2019, I continued my Fire Tending practice—keeping candles lit and tending my altars through the Winter Solstice.
At one point, Renée Baribeau asked a simple question:
“Have you made your talisman?”
I hadn’t.
As I began to explore the practice, I felt called to gather items from around my home—seeds, dried flowers, pine branches—each one carrying meaning I didn’t yet fully understand. Over several days, I prepared them with intention, allowing the process itself to guide me.
That evening, I entered into ceremony.
With drumming playing, I began the ritual of release and invitation—letting go of what I had carried, and opening space for what was ready to emerge. The experience was deeply emotional, moving through memory, grief, and something that felt like reconciliation beyond words.
When the talisman was complete, I placed it on my altar.
I then photographed an angel figurine my mother had once collected.
What appeared in that image…
was something I could not explain at the time.
It would become one of several moments that marked a profound turning point in my journey—an opening into a deeper understanding that was only just beginning to unfold.
Much more of this experience is shared in Magic, Miracles, and Moments of Grace. Here, I offer the image as it was received.
The Fire Ceremony
December 31, 2019
A photo of myself and Brandy who loves doing ceremony with me. I drummed and tossed the Talisman into the fire. As you view these miraculous photos, I point out the highlights but one should gaze into the images and see what is meant to be seen.
In this image one can see the image of a face peaking out of the flames to the left side of the fire and the image of a man wearing a shroud beneath him. I was told by a psychic friend that these are the Fire Spirits.
The Fire is just starting and I took this photo.
The image of what I believe is my mother's face is in the smoke.
As the Talisman burned, I captured an image that felt sacred—an image of Yeshua, guiding the miraculous energy as a heart formed beneath him. I have always felt a profound connection with Yeshua, and in that moment that I viewed this photo, it felt as though his presence was blessing the ceremony and the intentions I had set.
The world we see is only a shadow of what truly is.
All is Spirit, alive and conscious—Earth, Water, Wind, and Fire.
We are never alone; Guides and helping Spirits surround us, unseen yet present.
The possibilities of existence stretch beyond imagination, infinite and eternal.
This is an amazing photographic image of the Fire altered my perception of reality and my entire worldview.
It was a miracle that I know the spirits assisted with creating for those who view it, can look upon it and integrate the remembering that all of God's creation is spirit and includes everything in nature and the cosmos.
The image has the shape of a teepee. In the center there is a Shaman under a tree rattling and in front of the Shaman is a Hawk sitting on a Heart.
To the right running down the teepee is a squirrel and its tail is shaped like a hand reaching up toward the heavens. A sprite, a nature being is just to the right of the squirrel. One can see its image, the head and body and wings.
Below the Squirrel is two birds that represent the "Condor and Eagle".
To the left of the Hawk standing on the Heart is a tall Raven with another bird sitting on top of its head with a creature possibly a bird or dragon with the long tail. To the left side of the Raven, one can see the image of an Eye.
Just behind the creature on the
Raven's head is a deer.
There are other images within the layers of this miraculous photo. One only needs to gaze within it to see. These images represent in my interpretation, the answer to the Who Am I as I was experiencing a Shamanic awakening and the Hawk is my Spirit Guide. I have a strong connection to nature and many spirit animal guides, and I am called to be part of the predictions of these times of the Condor and the Eagle.
Miracles and Validations 2020
This "All Seeing Eye" or otherwise called the "Eye of Horus" was an amazing synchronicity and validation of my path and discovery my true self.
I was taking courses with Sandra Ingerman, don Oscar Miro-Quesada, and Hank Wesselman. It was a lot to absorb, but I felt guided by the synchronicity of learning from some of the most revered shamanic teachers—an honor beyond words.
During this time, I was working on connecting with my Spirit Guides.
I became aware of who one of my guides was and was grapling with the possibility that was outside my understanding.
Only a week later, while running an errand with my husband, he suddenly said, “Look up, LeeOra.” Above our house, in the clouds, appeared the image of an eye—an unmistakable Egyptian or All Seeing eye.
In that moment, I knew this miraculous vision was a confirmation that it was true and a validation of what I had discovered.
This was only the beginning of understanding the connections I have to the other Spirits who guide me.
During the summer of 2020, while taking a course with don Oscar Miro-Quesada, I experienced a cascade of synchronicities and miracles. The intensity of it all was overwhelming, and I knew my life had changed forever.
Shortly before the course, I visited my oldest son to share what had been unfolding in my life. Just a few days later, he stepped outside his apartment and saw 20–30 eagles soaring above. He captured a few photos and sent them to me, leaving me in awe.
During the course, I sent prayers to a younger brother. He went fishing along the river that has been a place of family and ancestral significance—and where our parents are buried. There, he captured an image of at least 30 soaring eagles. In the photograph, two light beings appear facing one another, a clear message from the Spirits and a profound affirmation of my path.
My son capturing the Eagles when stepping outside his apartment. There are no lakes or waters in this area. It's within the city. Quite a surprise for him and another validation for me.
Connecting to the Universe and Nature 2020
One of my favorite stories comes from a time when I was integrating all that was happening in my life—the shifting perceptions of reality and my growing awareness of the world around me. Naturally, I was asking the big questions: Why me? Who am I? What is all of this about? I hadn’t yet fully integrated the answers, and as I’ve learned, they unfold in their own time.
One day, in a moment of defiance, I spoke to the Spirits: “Okay, will I continue to awaken to my true self and the knowing of who I am and what this is all about? If the answer is yes, show me. Bring me a deer, and have it stand between the two trees I’m pointing at.”
About a month later, my son’s girlfriend called me to see a deer outside the living room window. A beautiful fawn appeared, and then, astonishingly, it walked over to the exact two trees I had indicated and defiantly stomped its hoof on the ground. It was a magical, playful, and unforgettable confirmation—a direct message from the Spirits.
Connecting with Kahuna and
Mongoliam Shaminism
2020
During the height of the pandemic, I felt drawn to participate in a ceremony with Mongolian Shamans from around the world to “cut the tail off the Dragon” and was told it was for the betterment of humanity.
I have later learned I have connection to Mongolian Shamanism, another profound discovery of my true self and my Cosmic Name, Ibalehsa—a name I had sought through Rama Mission meditations that I felt called to embrace.
Earlier that day, I had immersed myself in the study of Kahuna Shamanism, reading Bowel of Light by Hank Wesselman. During the ceremony, I offered milk to the four directions, drummed beside the fire, and listened to Krishna Indian music. Then, unexpectedly, the music shifted to “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” sung by Israel “IZ” Kamakawiwo’ole—a beautiful validation of the studies I had been engulfed in all day.
And then, as if the universe itself was confirming everything, I looked into the sky—and there it was: the dragon.
Kahuna Nui Hale Kealohalani Makua
I felt called to Hawaii, the ancient home of the Lemurians, and manifested a family trip to Maui in the summer of 2024. The island’s energy was magical, connecting me to both ancient wisdom and the beauty of the present moment.
Cloud Mirroring
2020
A weekend of ceremony that I was conducting. I ran out for errands and captured these images near my home.
Turtle Medicine and Angels
Turtle has significant spiritual symbolism in many cultures including the Native Americans.
An example is one that I share below.
Thirteen moons of the Turtles back
https://turtle-snorkeling-oahu.com/13-squares-and-13-moons-the-hidden-language-of-turtle-shells/
I have learned that as a Sky Walker, I am able to experience synchronicities through the clouds showing me "you are seen and heard" and validating my experiences as I learn to navigate my new reality and journey of discovery.
I had completed the summer course with don Oscar and was at a resort. I went down to the beech to soak in the sun. My vibration was high, and the synchronicities in my life were intensifying
As I looked up at the sky, images began to reveal themselves: I was fortunate to capture two—a whale and a Pterodactyl-like bird. My heart was filled with joy, wonder, and amazement at these miraculous signs from the universe.
A friend journeyed for me and had a vision of 3 Pterodactyls flying towards her "bringing in the light".
Interestingly, the Pterodactyls is a retrieved power animal that has brought me a remembering of re-membering of ancient times.
I journeyed with my Spirit Guide and connected deeply with the Whale. It was a beautiful and profound experience. I noticed a baby swimming beside her, and I could feel the deep bond between them. I sensed the gracefulness of this massive being moving through the water.
The Whale is a guardian of wisdom and higher consciousness on this planet.
Later, I discovered an even deeper truth: I share a connection with the Whales on a cosmic level. I come from the same place they do—a place I can call home.
Journey with the Winds -
Wind Walker Apprenticeship 2021-2022
Creative Expression is done through the Arts and Music and being human. We creatively express ourselves in multifacets of our everyday activities and it is uniquely expressed through our own individuality as a fractal of
God, the creator.
I found myself drumming, creating Wind Flags, making rattles, and painting among other things.
This is the true essence of who we are.
We are Creators.
Blessed to have my granddaughter and her friend connecting to the Winds through making Wind Flags
Wind Whistles
PUMA- WHISTLE CALLED "SARAH"
When I awakened on December 31st, 2019, the perception of my reality of the world was changed and my life was forever changed.
There are so many words of knowledge that Renee Baribeau writes in her book "Winds of Spirits" but what I share is quoted here.
"Working with your winds of change will require you to visit your inner cave to develop and strengthen your resolve. During this stage of awakening, you will develop spiritual resilience by learning to cooperate with nature."
The breathe - the first to be taken in upon birth and is
the last to be release upon transitioning.
The breathe is also what connects one to Great Spirit
(God, Source, Creator-Creatrix. Christ-Consciousness)
The wind has existed on this planet and has circled around the earth since the beginning of its existence. The existence of the Wind Spirits has been passed down through storytelling in many of the cultures around the world.
I apprenticed for two years with the Wind Work and observed not only my transformation but others too, including my family members. The Wind Spirits have way of entering your being, your mind, body and soul and deepening the transformation needed to shift into the Higher Version of yourself.
In my experience, I was awakened by Wind and Fire. There is no doubt that the Wind Spirits played a vital role in systematically guiding me through my awakening, assisting to connect me to my Spirit Guides, my Spirit Animals and to release traumas to become hallow bone.
I have experiences sorrow and joy working with the winds and most importantly, the expansion of my consciousness that continually teaches and guides me.The Wind Spirits guided me to understanding my ancestry and the true nature of who I am and why I came to this planet at this time, in these times.
When I made my first Wind Flags and hung them, I drummed and offered my gratitude and the wind whipped up and the flags started clapping in unison.
It was amazing and difficult to describe, that feeling, other than a moment of grace.
I have been blessed that my husband and my family members
have all supported me in my transformation.
I have been blessed to enter in community with the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition and the Wind Walker Wisdom tribe and with this, the many blessings of connection with those who I align with that are like me and understand me.
The story isn't finished, it is just beginning.
Renee Baribeau - The Practical Shaman
Author of The Winds of Spirits
https://thepracticalshaman.com/
My Wind Flags
My Wind Alter
Wind Oracle Cards
https://thepracticalshaman.com/store/
My 1st Pachakuti Mesa Tradition Retreat Jan 2021
My first retreat with the Pachakuti Mesa tradition with don Oscar Miro-Quasada, January of 2021 at the Sedona Mago Retreat Center.
sedonamagoretreat.org
I had never been to a retreat like this before. I was apprehensive, as it felt so out of character for me—but deep down, I knew it was my calling. And it was truly amazing.
When we step beyond our comfort zones, the potential for expansion of consciousness becomes limitless.
After a morning of ceremony, I captured photos of the sky.
Sedona Arizona has been populated with the ancients going back to 8,000 BC. Navajo people spoke of the "Anasazi" as the "ancient ones" and now are referred to as the “Ancestral Puebloans.”.
The Sinagua, hunter-gatherers, arrived around AD 650.
Numerous other tribes inhabited Sedona and the surrounding region. Many can still be found today, including the Yavapai and the Tonto Apaches, as well as the Hopi and Navajo. Some researchers believe that the Hopi and Yavapai are descendants of the Sinagua.
https://www.backroads.com/blog/destinations/sedona-arizona-native-american-history
An image of the Hummingbird
a significant symbolism of resilience and beauty for the Andean culture.
The Pachakuti Mesa Tradition and the Heart Of The Healer Mystery School was founded by don Oscar Miro-Quesada
https://heartofthehealer.org/shamanism-pachakuti-mesa-tradition/
Despacho Ceremony
The Despacho Ceremony is a sacred weaving of prayers, gratitude, and love into the fabric of the Universe. Through these offerings, I have witnessed healing unfold, transformation take root, and the presence of true magic and miracles
How to perform a basic Despacho Ceremony:
https://heartofthehealer.org/wp-content/uploads/basic-despacho-8june2018.pdf
Calling to the PMT Foundational Training for the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition 2021-2022
Sanctioned teacher
Rev. Anna Marie is a founding minister at New Thought Community Church and co-creator of the Centre for Harmony in Fresno, California.
https://heartofthehealer.org/sanctioned-teacher/anna-maria-lopez/
Despacho Ceremony
Heather Weingartner Despacho Ceremony.
She is founder of Earth Flower Wisdom and a Sanctioned Teacher of the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition
https://www.earthflowerwisdom.com/heather.html
Sanctioned Teachers
Anna Maria Lopez and
Heather Weingartner
Fire Ceremony.
Burning the Despacho and offering our prayers.
When I had my Shamanic awakening there was no doubt that I was being called to the Pachakuti Mesa Tradition of cross-cultural shamanism to learn how to conduct Earth-honoring spiritual practices and to connect to the higher version of myself.
The foundational apprenticeship provides tools to develop connection to nature, spirit, and heartfelt community, offering a practical, compassionate path for navigating these times.
Each time I flew out to Sedona for the Foundational apprenticeship trainings over the course of 2021-2022, I experienced Magic, Miracles and synchronicities. It was a whirlwind of events for me as I was undergoing great transformation and discovery of my true self.
It is through these practices and my connection to nature, the winds, the earth and all things that I came to know we all have that connection as we
collectively expand our consciousness.
Heart of the Healer Mystery School
Pachakuti Tradition Mesa apprenticing to build an apacheta in ceremony.
Learn to build an Apacheta:
My Apacheta
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Egypt 2022
A Magical Experience.
This is when I stepped out of the Giza Pyramid. I knew that my energy had been changed forever.
I stayed at the Marriott Mena House the first few days in Egypt and ended the trip with the last few nights at the Radisson Hotel in Cairo. I don't think I have ever stayed at such a luxurious hotels in my lifetime. Looking off in the distance from the Radisson Hotel, there was a full moon I was viewing on the morning that I would visit the Giza Pyramid. I was full of anticipation and excitement as I stood on the 17th floor balcony. I filmed orbs zooming in and out all around me. And then, I heard the lions roar from the zoo just below me. I will never forget the sounds, the smells and the Magic of Egypt.
THEO
The Temple of Horus At Edfu
When I arrived at the Temple of Edfu, I was on the Nile River. I felt an expansion of my third eye, a knowing that I was somewhere of significant remembering for me.
We travelled to the temple by horse and carriage and the horse was gifted with two apples that day. I know this was a blessing.
As I walked through the Temple unknowing of its significance, I later learned that this temple told the story of old. A Story of the Followers of Horus. The “The Shemsu-Hor” - a group of advanced beings sometimes associated with survivors of primordial catastrophe and crediting with preserving sacred knowledge and re-establishing order.
Karnak and Luxor
I had a visitation with Sekhmet, the lioness goddess, at the Temple of Ptah. What followed became a blessing of healing and transformation.
The Sphinx - Our first day. I couldn't believe I was here! We were blessed to stand between its paws and receive blessings and annointments .
Temple of Philae
The Temple of Isis
280 BCE
The Temple of Phalae near Aswan, Egypt. A sacred temple complex that honors Isis, Osiris and Horus and the story of resurrection and renewal and the divine child and awakened consciousness. Although not historically acknowledged. I resonate with the knowledge that Mary Magdalene carried the essence of the Isis mysteries and even as an Isis initiate. This is an ancient wisdom that lived in temples such as Phalae and continues to reveal itself even to this day.
Temple of Kom Ombo
Aswan
The southern half of the temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, god of fertility and creator of the world with Hathor and Khonsu. The northern half of the Temple is dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris , Horus the Elder
I always looked forward to what creation would sit on my bed each morning too!
Ten days on the Nile is indescribable. I felt at home and I pondered everyday about ancient times on these waters. The sunrises and the sunsets - So Beautiful.
A Miracle and Magic With Returning From Egypt on 10-22-2022 at 3:33 PM
I returned from Egypt and I performed a Despacho Ceremony in gratitude for the trip and the abundance. Having been able to recognize the calling and strike out on my own across the world is something I never thought I would do and I did it.
I gave gratitude for each temple we visited, gratitude to many of the dieties of Egypt. I offered spices, mint and Hibiscus flower that I brought back from Egypt. The spices were purchased from the Temple of Phelae.
I like to use Roses, the highest vibrational flower for some Despachos. The white roses represent the Angelic Realms, the Red representing the blood of Isis and the Yellow represented Ra.
I completed the ceremony, and I picked up the Rose stems to put them in my firepit and as I turned around, I saw a a mans face in the cloud. He looked to be laughing and jovial. I had to laugh because I couldn't believe what I was seeing and said "let me run and get my camera" knowing perhaps the man would be gone when I came back. And then, it was a "knowing" to turn to the North and there was this woman that looked to be an Angel, a Childs face looking up at the Cross, a man looking reverently down in prayer and the face of a cat in the left-hand corner!
And then I looked to the Northwest and there was a light being - wearing a crown and holding some kind of staff!
And, the same cat peeking in on the top of the right hand corner! One cannot make this stuff up.
It is with the
Divine Masculine
Divine Feminine
Divine Child
The God Energy
As one gazes into the photos, more is revealed, more than I speak of.
I did a reading with someone that told me that this miracle occurred as I performed a ceremony of Gratitude. I called in a collective of beings that were Egyptian among other beings.
It is a mirroring of my inner self.
Elizabeth Wysen told me this is something that occurred more often in ancient times called Blue Magic.
I have been called to share these photos for those who view them to know that the world is not what we believe it to be and that what resides within us is the Divine
Magic and Callings
I had no sooner announced the trip to Egypt and another miracle occurred in my life. I was cleaning out my dresser drawers and purging items throughout the house. It was a few weeks later that I was looking for something and got the notion I had placed it in a drawer I recently cleared out. When I opened the drawer, there was a post card laying in it of Machu Pichu. Truthfully, I knew very little about Machu Pichu and have never been there and I don't know anyone in my family that knows of Machu Pichu. It was a blank post card, printed in Peru. And it is unique because above the mountain is a lion and celestial being.
I pondered how that post card got into my dresser drawer and a psychic friend of mine said "your aunt placed it there for you". It's funny because I do live in my aunts house and I do remember an evening when I was laying in bed and both of my dogs sat up and started barking at that dresser drawer and I sat up and wondered "what the heck are you guys barking at?"
Peru became another planned trip for me for that immediately manifested through an acquaintance, Judy Ramsey, that just happens to take people down to Peru to tour. The trip would include going to Machu Pichu. As I prepared to fly out in October 2022 to Egypt, I booked the trip to Peru for the summer of 2023.
I stayed at the Pisac Inn for most of the duration of my touring of Peru. I could have posted photos of the food I ate everyday because it was out of this world. Coming from the United States, I don't think I ever experienced the joy of eating so many fresh fruits, juices and organically grown vegetables.
The country is abundant with food and cuisine.
In this photo, Roman, the owner of the hotel is showing us the Squash that is used to make the soup I show here. It was delicious.
The hotel is situated in Pisac with many shops and markets to visit. I ate mostly at the Hotel and the food was exceptional to the point that I had no desire to go anywhere else! Of course, we did our day trips and few overnight trips and ate in restaurants throughout Peru.
Peru and Machu Picchu 2023
Machu Pichu - inhabited pre-Incan for approximately 10,000 years.
"A place of initiation of Shamans"
Dr. Alberto Villoldo
Amaru
Visiting Machu Picchu was not just a trip—it was a calling. When a postcard mysteriously appeared in my drawer, I could only take it as a sign that I was being summoned.
I still ponder the meaning of that call. I’ve since heard from many that as we awaken, we are called to return to the ancient sites, to retrieve the memories we left there long ago.
In earlier times, visitors could linger, meditate, and truly take in the energy of these sacred places. Now, with millions making the pilgrimage each year, the experience is different. For me, it was rushed and exhausting—and yet, at the same time, it was exhilarating.
Machu Picchu is unmistakably magical. Standing among its stones, one cannot help but wonder: Who built this place, and how? Though I have not yet fully uncovered my own connection to it, I trust that in time, the mystery will reveal itself.
Kusi Kawsay School, which means happy life in the native language of Quechua, is made up of students that range from kindergarten to 8th grade with an upper grade study group. I was fortunate to tour this school and meet the founder, Roman. The students learn through music, storytelling and hands on activities specific to the Quechua Culture.
When I visited Peru, what stood out most to me was how important it is to the Peruvian peoples to preserve their culture despite all the odds. I posted these photos of the Artwork that the children hung in the classrooms because they are a beautiful representation of the community the Andean peoples hold in their hearts.
Donating to the Kusi Kawsay School helps the Peruvian's to preserve their culture, music and ancient teachings for years to come. I cannot express how important this is and ask that if you find it in your heart - learn more about this school and the amazing work they do for the community and donate.
Kusi Kawsay School in Peru: Winner of the 2021 UNESCO-Japan Prize on ESD
To make a donation,
please visit
https://pisacinn.com/kusi-kawsay-andean-school/
All over Peru, there are megalithic structures and their are entirely two different types of architecture built one on top of the other. Tour guides will say it was all built by the Incans and when one witnesses these structures, one knows this cannot be true. There are people all over the world that are connecting Peru to many of the Megalithic structures all over the world, its an unfolding and history will be rewritten about our planet and civilizations that have resided on it.
One of my favorite images I captured. The Llama, a representation of "being in service", the highest calling for our soul's purpose.
The Llama provides transportation, clothing and wool for their beautiful textiles and meat and as they feed on the grasses they also provide the fertilizer, a perfect Ayni. Ayni in Andean culture, represents interconnectedness and mutual support "Today for you, tomorrow for me".
The Llama and Alpaca served a great purpose to keeping Machu Picchu's grasses well groomed.
This trip was one of a lifetime that tested my resilience. Peru is quite mountainous and seemed everything was "up hill". We visited the Mandor Waterfall that was a walk up the hill. If it hadn't been for the encouragement and constant help from my tour guide (Angel), I don't know that I could have made it. She often offered to carry something for me, encouraged me "you can do this" and looked after me in a special way.
As one can see by the look on my face, I was a little stressed. Between the climb, walking along a short and narrow path along the side of a mountain - well, that is about as close to an "Indiana Jones" thing I will ever do. I am glad I did it, another example of pushing against resistence and coming out on the other side better for it. I would recommend anyone that wants to visit Peru to reach out to Hilayne. She is amazing!
Hilayne Mercedes Camala Anamuro
I highly recommend Hilayne to assist with booking a tour of Peru. She is truly an Angel that will look after you as she guides you through Peru and ensure that you have the best time of your life.
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I participated with a communal agrarian workday. The altitude, as I remember it was approximately 11-12 thousand feet. We participated with plowing the field with a hand pick and then we ate lunch that was prepared for us. Then women demonstrated for us how they spin the textiles and some in our group participated with the spinning.
Music and dance plays a vital role in the Andean culture. The owner of Inn we stayed at brought his students that are dedicated to preserving the Andean culture to come play for us.
Coca leaves have been used for thousands of years by the Incans and continues to be used throughout Peru in ceremony for divination and for readings. I drank coca tea every morning and chewed a lot of coca leaves in Peru to prevent altitude sickness and I never got sick. This picture was hanging in a restaurant and captures the essence of the coca leaves.
I started my trip in Lima to meet with the group I would be traveling with. Absolutely loved the few days stay there. I was able to visit a textile museum and ate at a few amazing restaurants prior to flying to Cusco. I was immersed within the culture as I traveled through Peru. Having come from the United States, I don't think I have had fresh fruits and vegetables like what I ate in Peru. Fresh juices in the morning and numerous meats. I plowed the field, cooked fish in an outdoor kitchen and shucked corn. In the photo, I'm holding up my two tone corn that is good luck to find. I visited Tambomachay, Kenko, Sacsayhuaman and Cusco City. Visiting Amaru was a day of working in the field and taking in the beautiful culture of the Andeans that have planted and harvested those fields for centuries. And then I visited Machu Pichu, the reason I went to Peru. I was exhausted afterward and emotional and grateful to be able to have had this experience. We then went to Santa Teresa and deeper into the rainforest to a natural hot springs of thermal glacial water. From Santa Teresa, we went to Quillabamba and the 7 Tinajas waterfall and then a five hour crossing the jungle to high mountain pass and then back down to the Sacred Valley. We stopped to visit Mandor Waterfall on the way.
I was able to visit Tipon Archeological site, an extraordinarily beautiful place with terraces and water channels that came from an underground spring. It was so peaceful. We visited Cusco and the main pre-Columbian Inca Temple Coricancha, the Inka Museo and the Chocolate factory. I also was able to visit the amazing museum, Inkariy on our way to Ollantaytambo and Urubamba, a town shaped like a corncob. Lastly, we visited Chincheros and the Native Museum where we again were shown how the textiles have been weaved and played a vital role in the Andean culture and then off to the Salt Mines. I took in a massage and the splendor of experiencing the Unucha Spa. I had a coca reading and also had a took part in a reading using eggs. This was a spiritual calling for me. I wished I could have shared all the photos becasue this is just the tip of the iceberg. I know one day I will return to Peru!
Weaving textiles in Peru dates back thousands of years, with evidence of textile production from pre-Inca cultures like the Paracas and Nazca. Textiles can be found throughout Peru. On two occasions, I was able to visit with Andean women that demonstrated their weaving skills that has been passed down for generations.
The above photo of textiles were found intact and dated back thousands of years.
For the practice of the Pachakuti Mesa, a Mesa cloth is used that is weaved with patterns and colors that are symbolic, representing the weaver's origin, status, or local environment. I have Mesa cloths that I chose because of the symbolism that is represented within the practice as a Mesa carrier.
Fire Ceremony and Earth Honoring Ceremony
Ceremonial offering at the Palatki Heritage Site, Red Rock Ranger District, Coconino National Forest, Arizona
I performed a Despacho Ceremony with one of my nieces around Mother's Day.
There were many prayers of gratitude and prayers for transformational change for my niece and blessings for the family.
I didn't expect to capture such an amazing photograph.
We had a few visitors!
Watching the Full Moon Eclipse September 17, 2024.
These Orbs were captured in front of our home.
