Preparing for spring...

It's been 19 years since we ran the program "Medicine Wheel Garden" under the auspices of the aboriginal healing grants. This was way back in Wolverton Ontario when we were newly married, childless and expecting to spend our retirement years teaching the traditions  we love so much. It was before the farm, before contracting with corrections, before Angeni...  Little did we know that in addition to lots of wonderful plant foods and medicines  we would end up with a 5 lbs. 8 oz. screaming bundle of child, all courtesy of some well-timed plant-based hormones.

So we've decided to once again run the gardening class but in a different format. There are no funds available from any of the granting agencies this time so we're not going to actually build gardens or supply the plants. We will provide the knowledge and help people with the sources of plants and teach them the how to's of planting by the moon cycles, dowsing for medicine wheel vortices, companion planting and all those good things.  I'm quite excited to do this again and I'll be equally excited to visit all the gardens that people come up with by the end of the summer!

I juxtapose the Medicine Wheel Garden teachings with "Psychospiritual Development" which runs again starting this Thursday, |March 3rd.  This is the course we facilitate most often, and I would imagine (if memory serves me) we've had at least 50 classes of it in the last 35 years.  What goes around comes around I guess...

Preparing for classes takes me away from my focus on health issues. I ended up in hospital again last Wednesday after speaking with my doctor who wanted to rule out whether I was having a coronary. It was not a fun day and I still bear the bruises and scars of all the extensive workup in the trauma room. I am grateful to the Creator that I was not having a coronary but suffering from a very serious virus that was causing cardiac distress.

It's my birthday on March 2 and I'm really looking forward to a quiet day of working on some purses in my studio. I've also got some orders to finish for healing bracelets, turtle rattles and a couple of shamanic wands.  This is the first birthday I've spent in a wheelchair, but better that than not being around at all. 

I also plan to work in a newsletter for the spring and summer courses now that I've let the proverbial cat out of the bag regarding the medicine wheel garden program. It will be fun to change things up.

Have a blessed transition into the month of March. May this change of weather put a "spring" in your step... 

Changes

Wow...  what a month...  pneumonia (possibly twice - about to find out) and consultation with an orthopedic surgeon after an 8.5 month wait.  It took me 8 months to conceive and deliver Angeni!  So I've been away from my blog and I apologize for the disruption...

We're off school and work today (Wednesday) because of a nasty storm threatening to blanket us with ice for the next 36 hours.  Even our doctor has changed our appointment from in-office to Skype!  I love automation...  it's nice for Brian to not have the chore of loading my electric wheelchair into the van.  He needed to do the on/off loading thing when I saw the orthopedic surgeon last week, along with another doctor.  I believe in all he on/off loaded it 5 times in 8 hours - that's hard on a guy turning 70 this year.  However, according to the surgeon, I am in this wheelchair for life.  He cannot do any surgery on me to repair/replace/rejuvenate or otherwise get me walking as I used to do.  This life change requires more permanent renovations to our home in an effort to accommodate.  I am still processing all the implications.

More to come - can't keep the family doctor waiting!

Classes and the journey...

Now that folks are in their post-holiday reality check place, I'm starting to get questions about how one makes the best choices from the courses we offer… I think this is an excellent time to review the larger picture of what we do and why we do it.

I formed Moonstar Lodge initially in 1982 as a way of promoting my solo healing practice and teaching.  I was also teaching craft classes and some management classes through community college in those years.  I found the 2 pathways quite divergent and perfectly suited to the separate parts of my life. However, after taking Therapeutic Touch, Reiki and other more formal healing modalities I decided to merge what I taught into my practice. Becoming a licensed minister in the early 90’s and being conferred Elder status changed everything. The overarching umbrella that is Moonstar Lodge [and ultimately Wolfe Island Métis Charitable Association] revolves around "aboriginal arts, spirituality, and education".  All 3 things are part of one continuum. Therefore the courses we teach follow these 3 streams, if you will.

When people ask me about the best course to start them on their journey the #1 thing which applies to all 3 streams is "Psychospiritual Development".  Developing the connection with one's soul/spirit aligns them with their purpose on earth. This course is aimed directly at helping an individual define and improve their intuitive gifts and apply them to all the parts of their life. It is a spiritual icing on the soul cake. So then what's next? It depends on what you want to focus on…

If you are looking at the artist end of it, then I would suggest any of the courses which relate to: quilting, knitting, jewelry, doll/bear making, dream catchers and similar.




If you are more interested in the healing end of the spectrum, I would suggest: crystals, medicine plants, shamanism, ceremonies and rituals, drum making, aboriginal healing practitioner program, dowsing, medicine blankets, wands and similar.

Finally, if it is truly a channeling or spiritual direction, then the psychospiritual development, followed by Angels and finally the dowsing course are important to hone clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, clairolfaction, and psychokinetic skills. Additionally one can choose to take the courses on regression, soul retrieval and advanced levels of psychospiritual development when you feel ready.

Of course in this continuum many of the courses apply to all 3 streams of endeavour.  I'm happy to discuss individual guidelines with you.


The classes coming up starting next week are:

1. Dream Catchers - Sunday, January 17, 1 - 4 PM $44
2. Angels - Saturday January 23 & 30, 1 - 4 PM $75
3. Quilting a medicine blanket Sundays, January 24 and February 7, 1 - 4 PM $100
4. Crystal Wands - Saturday, February 13, 1 - 4 PM $44
5. Shield Making - Sunday, Feb. 21, 1 - 4 PM $44
6. Drum Making - Saturday, Feb, 20 & 27, 1 - 4 PM  $175.00
7. Psychospiritual Development - Thursdays, March 3 - May 5, 7 - 9:30 PM $125.00
8. Medicine Bag - Sunday March 6, 1 - 4 PM $55

There is a gathering to make sacred objects on Saturday, March 26...  it is no charge, but you must register.  More information is available on the website.

We are also starting gatherings on a monthly basis just for the purpose of fellowship in connection with our community members. Visit the website www.moonstarlodge.com for further information.

I hope this helps clarify how the courses are organized based on the parameters of art, spirituality and education. Registrations are coming in so we hope to see you. Feel free to email Brian or myself if there are questions you need answers to... 

Blessings and have a wonderful week! Kathryn

Right in the middle of the holidays...

So here we are - December 28th - it is Larry's 5th birthday.  We worked with clients today, and entertained some surprise visitors.  Angeni went with friends to see "The Nutcracker" at Centre in the Square (Kitchener).  She's home now, but was on the road a loooonnnggg time for a teenager.  Brian went out to exchange his Christmas gift from me (a router) for a model that fits his tool lift - he's chomping at the bit to start making feather boxes and a requested jewellery box for my cousin.  Larry and I tried a wee nap.  Methinks I should back up a little...

Our solstice gathering on the 20th was fabulous - amazing - heartfelt and joyful.  We had about 21 people crammed in the livingroom.  There was ample, diverse food and really interesting spirit gifts.  Passing the talking stick is a novel thing for some folks, and it is amazing how much sheer love was felt in the room, even though some were comparative strangers.  I brought forward some teachings about the sacred tree, and the correlation of the Tungus shamanic traditions to the legend of Santa Claus. We did a couple of naming ceremonies as well, complete with megis shells to the heart of the recipients.  This was one of the best gatherings we've had in some time...

Also on the 20th, Angeni participated in a church cantata in Midland at St. Paul's.  She and 3 other guest high school students brought instruments from Penetanguishene Secondary to bolster the choir and orchestra.  Angeni does percussion, and so had numerous instruments to maneuver between for the hour-long performance.  Judging from her recapitulation of the event, this was a one-time experience for these students. Penetanguishene Secondary closes in June and she graduates from grade 12, so it is a moot point.

Christmas day was epic - we had an 18 pound turkey!  We invited a friend (who would otherwise have been alone) and it was like the old days...  we used to always have extra people visit.  There is a big bag of turkey now frozen, ready to pull out when we're wondering about dinner somewhere around Family Day...  I do love my turkey and mayo sandwiches.

It is rare for the 3 of us to be in the same room together at the same time...  even as I write this, the other 2 are watching "Shaun the Sheep".  It isn't my thing, but this is where my lift chair resides.  I wouldn't leave the room if I could...  it is hard getting us all together, and that's what the holidays are about (even if it takes a stop-motion, cartoonish movie).

I'm still dreaming of all the purses I'm in the throes of making (albeit the early stages).  I secretly go to the studio and gently caress all my bag-making hardware.  I coo loving words to it...  I've been threatened to avoid making a Hello Kitty purse.  I don't abide these threats...  Hello Kitty is in the queue - bwahahahahaaa.  

Well, this needs to wrap up.  I wish all who read my blog a very blessed, wonderful, joy-filled 2016.  It is an extra-special leap year, and one of the last angelic harmonic convergences for awhile.  I am optimistic about the state of the world, peace emerging and general ascension...  it is finally coming all together.  Hold me to that prognostication... Love and light, Kathryn

Larry as a new puppy in 2011...

Larry playing the stupid shoe game last night...

December Open House

Just to be confusing, I'm posting things out of order...  Here is the information for our upcoming open house:

Open House Saturday Dec. 5^th and Sunday Dec. 6^th

Greetings! Wolfe Island Métis Charitable Association and Moonstar Lodge are pleased to host an Open House for the community on Saturday Dec. 5 and Sunday Dec. 6, 2015, 10 AM to 4 PM both days.  We will be offering hot cider and seasonal treats.  All are welcome to the studio located at 302 Lafontaine Rd. West, Tiny (Lafontaine). 

December is an exciting month in our schedule… we have new moon on Dec. 11^th, which is like our “New Year’s”.  December 20^th is our solstice gathering, where we celebrate with traditional stories and a gifting ceremony.  We look forward to sharing our traditions with the community.

If you'd like information on these events, just send Brian an email at brian@moonstarlodge.com and we'll get back to you ASAP.

Blessings, Kathryn

Upcoming Classes

Hello!  To say it was a busy month is an understatement - 2 whole days off (sort of) in 40 days...  for me it actually slows down over the holidays...  However, one of the things accomplished is our slate of winter courses and gatherings...  here it is!

Moonstar Lodge

Aboriginal Traditional and Alternative

Spiritual and Educational Services

2016 Winter Courses & Gatherings

Dreamcatchers: We supply the basic materials: hoop, sinew, feathers, cornets, etc., and ask you to bring those items of personal value that you might want to weave into your creation. We instruct you in the correct historical methods.  Please bring: needle nose pliers, SHARP scissors, wire snips and a tapestry needle.  Sunday January 17, 1 - 4 PM.  $44.00

Quilting a Medicine Blanket: One of our most sacred traditions, in this workshop we will make the basic blanket (materials are provided), journey for instruction, and otherwise begin the surface embellishment. It is not expected that the blankets will be completed on this day — that is a spiritual journey unto itself.  We will provide: cotton muslin and interior batting, beeswax and 100% cotton quilting thread. Students to bring: needles for sewing, including quilting needles (the smaller the needle, the nicer the stitches), scissors, paper for sketching, sacred objects of your choice and items for surface embellishment i.e. embroidery threads, ribbon, yarns, beads made of natural materials (wood, stone, glass, bone, ceramic, etc.), fur, leather, crystals, sea shells, driftwood, feathers, fabric paints/markers, baby teeth, bone fragments. Bringing your objects will help you plan their placement.  Sundays January 24 and February 7, 1 - 4 PM.  $100.00

Crystal Wands: In north-eastern Shamanism, the copper wand is a necessary tool.  In this course we supply the copper, crystal, leather and resin.  Students need to bring any embellishments they have for the wand.  After the wands are completed, students will learn how to use them.  Saturday February 13, 1 - 4 PM.  $44.00

Drum Making: Instruction and all materials required to make a single-sided ceremonial drum provided.  You also make a drumstick called “grandmother’s arm”. On the first afternoon together we put together the drum and drumstick.  After allowing a week between classes for the drums to cure, we get together to decorate and perform ceremonies for the drums.  Saturdays , February 20 and 27, 1 - 4 PM.  $175.00 

Shield Making: During this workshop, we will make a traditional shield.  This is of special interest for students of Shamanism, and Aboriginal Healing.  We will supply: ring, leather, feathers, wool roving, and some tools.  Students to bring: scissors, tapestry needle, beads, special feathers, and any items you may wish to add.  Paints should be acrylic, and are the responsibility of the student.  Please - no plastic beads or fluorescent feathers!  Sunday February 21, 1 - 4 P.M.  $44.00

Zay - In the Company of Angels: is the pan-cultural, pan-theological study of angels.  This is not a course of anecdotes nor religious doctrine - we study this complex subject with a systematic approach.  Topics include: the differences between angels and guides; meeting your angel; communication; grounding; the chakras; and, angelic healing practices.  Fee includes notes.  Please bring a binder, and a crystal if you have one.  Dress comfortably and please do NOT wear perfume.  Saturdays January 23 and 30, 1 - 4 PM.  $75

Psychospiritual Development - Beginner Level:  This is the most popular, intense and exciting of our courses.  Developing psychically and spiritually go hand-in-hand, and happen in a safe (if swift) format.  This is not for the faint-of-heart; you must be ready to try mediumship, trance work, and psychokinetic practices.  The beginner level works at a quick pace through the metaphysical basics to understand the possible paths of psychospiritual development, and acts as the foundation for the advanced level which focuses only on mediumship, trance work, healing, and meditation practices.

 Psychospiritual development is THE foundation for every other course we have, and will, ever teach.  It is a directed, formal study of clairvoyance, clairaudience, clairsentience, clairolfaction and psychokinesis through a variety of practices: levitation, spirit photography and recordings, learning to see the aura (aurvoyance), apparitions, psychometry, meditation, altered states of consciousness, psychomantium (scrying), out-of-body experiences, karma, phases of spiritual growth, types of spiritual beings and more. Mediumship techniques and channelling are practised weekly. Historic techniques and modern, scientific parameters are studied. This course changes people - be prepared for many new life experiences, and homework! Students are to bring to each class: a binder, pen, any course notes from earlier development groups and PLEASE DO NOT WEAR PERFUME. Do dress comfortably. 80% attendance is required for a certificate. Class size is limited - register early to ensure your space!  Thursdays for 10 weeks, March 3, to May 5, 7 PM to 9:30 PM.  $125.00

Making Medicine Bags:  We provide leather, sinew, and tools to make a standard medicine bag.  Students are to bring whatever materials suit the decoration of their bag, and if you’re unsure, check with me.  Scissors, pliers and needles are also needed.  Sunday March 6, 1 - 4 PM.  $55.00

Making Sacred Objects / General Crafting:  Students who want to finish sacred objects and work among friends are welcome.  Please bring your own tools!  While there is no fee, donations are appreciated.  Preregistration is necessary as space is limited.  Saturday March 26, 1 - 4 PM.

Gift Certificates are available and may be used towards course fees, services or anything in the studio.

Receipts are issued first night of class.  Classes fill quickly!  Payment can be made through the website (PayPal), Interac e-transfer, cash or cheque (payable to "Rev. Kathryn Gorman-Lovelady".).  We take Visa or Mastercard if you drop by the studio (call ahead). 

Courses are being held at 302 Lafontaine Rd. West, Tiny (formerly Lafontaine), Ontario, L9M 0H1. 

Register online here: www.moonstarlodge.com/courses.htmla

Gatherings:  We will be meeting Sundays January 31, February 20 and March 20, 2016 for sharing, teachings, and equinox celebrations.  While there is no charge, please let us know if you plan to attend so we can arrange seating.