Grief, Loss and a Shaman’s Viewpoint

Grief-No rules Emotional expression is a social taboo. We are taught from an early age the “Ladies don’t get angry” and “Boys don’t cry”. Anger, grief, resentment, joy, love, sadness, shame, helplessness, pride, jealousy, excitement … We are taught to stuff these emotions starting in early childhood. Now, fear on the other hand, is spoon fed to us daily by government, religious organizations, school, media, internet and even the weather forecasters seem to have gotten into the game now. It’s not a wonder that society is exploding. All the emotions that have been bottled up and fermenting are quite literally “blowing their cork”.

Today, we’re going to discuss grief. This is one of the emotions we don’t deal with well as a society. Continue reading

It’s Groundhog’s Day! – Groundhog Medicine

Groundhog MedicineGroundhog’s day is coming! No, not the Bill Murray movie AGAIN (the movie seems to return almost as much as Groundhog’s Day does in it). February 2 is the celebration of Imbolc, Candlemas and Groundhog’s Day. The underlying theme of each of these festivals in the beginning of February is the coming of spring, renewal and hope.

Groundhog Day is derived from earlier celebrations held on February 2, dates variously known as Brigid’s Night in Ireland (festival of the Celtic goddess of poetry, birth, weddings, smithcraft, and healing), Oimelc/Imbolc/Imbolg in Scotland, and Candlemas in England. Ancient celebration were often associated with divination. Continue reading

Exciting news from Shaman’s Grove

chairsAgain I’ve fallen behind on blogging. Amazing how life gets in the way. But we’ve been busy here at Shamanic Connection and wanted to share with you what’s been happening.

Our retreat space here at Shaman’s Grove is up and running! Last fall we purchased an 18 foot travel trailer to house our retreat guests. Affectionately known as “The Rockwood”, (those are the big letters on the side from the manufacturer, but it seemed appropriate as we have rocks in them there woods), it lives in a quiet, out of the way space in our forest. And it tags along behind Gary’s truck nicely when we go off to teach and play. Continue reading

Aspects of Self Playshop in New Jersey

Aspects of SelfAspects of Self −
A Shamanic Exploration

with Gary Gent of Shamanic Connection
March 18-20, 2016
Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10am – 5pm approx.
Mt. Laurel, NJ (Private Residence)

Energy Exchange: $350 ($100 deposit due by February 19, 2016)
Pre-requisite – You must have a working relationship with
your Animal Spirit Guide. No Guide? Contact Debbie Overholt below for more information on the next upcoming Animal Spirit Guide Playshop.

What are ‘Aspects of Self’?
‘Aspects of Self’ are parts of one’s personality that allow and assist a person to function and respond to their environment and daily life experiences. Continue reading

The Good Things Jar

Good Things Jar

Wow, I can’t believe it’s New Years already! Where has this year gone? Time flys when you’re having fun. So, how much fun have YOU had? Can’t remember all the good times? Well, for 2016, we’ll give you an idea to help you remember – a Good Things Jar.

Giving a quick look back, like most years, it’s had its ups and not so ups. There has been a lot of transformation here at Shaman’s Grove with a new deck on our house and the retreat getting built (not done yet, but at least housing is in place).   Continue reading

Holiday Greetings From Shamanic Connection

Holiday Greetings

Mother Nature chose to blanket us with snow today and we want to share the peace and calm she brought to “The Grove”.

We wish you a peace filled holiday and a happy and abundant 2016.

Happy Holidays from all of us here at Shaman’s Grove ~
Gary, Debbie, Annie (the cat), Oscar (the gnome), and all the Spirits and Elementals that reside here at the grove.

 

10 Billion Beats Special Solstice Drumming 2015

Join us in a drumming celebration for peace and healing this Winter Solstice.

10 Billion Beats Winter Solstice

10 Billion Beats

Dec. 21st., 2015

The need for peace and healing has only increased since the last newsletter.  With the need comes the temptation to be discouraged, to question our efforts.  How can people of goodwill make a difference?

Difficult times cause us to retreat into our belief systems.  It is there we find solace and the strength but we must not let it become a way to divide us one tradition against another.

In two weeks, on Dec. 21st. our drums and our intention will sound.  Continue reading

How To Choose Your Shaman

The other day, I got sucked into an internet “rabbit hole”. You know, one of those times when you click on a link and then another until you’ve followed it into Wonderland and you never know what’s going to pop up …

Well, this journey yielded a great article on choosing your shaman. It’s called 11 Ways to Know a Good Shaman When You Meet One  written by Jessica Brinton.  So, I thought it was worth sharing. My own comments are in red. Continue reading