Issue #208 - October 2022 |
|
|
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. Whether you are new to SoulCollage®, or already immersed in the creation of your deck, Soul Songs is for you!
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. This column is all about presenting ways to get your soul singing with the deep, wide, wonder-full process that is SoulCollage®.
|
As this issue goes to "press," I am busy preparing for a short vacation and our annual Fall KaleidoSoul Retreat, so I am taking this month off from my regular Soul Songs column.
Please enjoy Michele’s column below, and pay special attention to the cards sent in from our readers. Note that the animals on our readers’ cards show up in all of the suits, as Michele explains in her column.
|
Anne Marie Bennett is a SoulCollage® Facilitator / Trainer, published author, website goddess, and two-time cancer survivor who was mentored directly by Seena Frost. In 2005, she fell in love with SoulCollage® and was inspired to use her professional experience along with web technology as a means to serve the world by putting SoulCollage® "out there" in a really big way with KaleidoSoul. 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® Facilitators
Jessica Snow and Somsara Rielly
from California
|
Date: Thursday, October 13, 2022
Time: 2 pm Eastern
Easily Accessible from Anywhere
in the World!
FR*EE for our
Only $10 for non-members
|
Where the Animals Roam (Everywhere!)
Some people talk
to animals.
Not many listen though.
That's the problem.
~ A. A. MILNE, Winnie-the-Pooh
You probably have quite a few animals in your SoulCollage® deck; I certainly do. We expect to find them in the Companions suit, representing animal energies that we embody in specific chakras or in other ways we have chosen. We may create Community cards for animals we have known, such as pets or even wildlife (like mine for the squirrels and crows in my yard). I also have a card with several of the favorite animals I have known as a veterinarian.
My deck is full of animal images! I have animals in each suit, with at least one owl in each of them. Animal images and the energies they represent for us can be meaningful in any suit. They may serve to reflect the archetypal energy of a Council member, or they may perfectly express an aspect of us in the Committee suit, such as an emotion, trait, or a role we play.
|
In my Council suit, I have ten cards where one or more animals serve as a central image. Shared here is my “Ruler/Leader” card, which includes an eagle (ruler of the day sky) and an owl (ruler of the night sky). These images felt perfect for the archetype of The Ruler; I wasn’t drawn to any human images for this card. I decided to ask this Neter why these two raptors were serving this role for me. They explained that they allowed me to see this archetypal energy in a context that was acceptable and expected, that is, within nature. They remarked We know our time and place. And we are unapologetic.
More than one quarter of my Committee cards include an animal image, and it’s the central image (reflecting me) in almost half of those. My “Playful Self” card has two animal images, including a fictional character, and it exudes the ability to let go and be ridiculous. I did not find any human images that served me as well as these two, and it remains one of my most cherished cards.
|
My “Determined” card, shared here, includes a hippo who feels more determined to me than any image I’d seen. It recently said “I am one who stays on track, sometimes frightening those in my way. I really don’t intend any harm.”
Animal images, particularly when they seem to be making eye contact with us, can be quite captivating. They may invite and permit us to fully recognize certain feelings and emotions. They can provide the freedom and safety to recognize and welcome uncomfortable or intense energies that we carry within us. And they can be such fun to work with, unleashing our childlike ability to play and explore. Sometimes it’s easier to find an animal image that “says” exactly what we need rather than to settle on a human or human-like image that’s not quite right. Below are three ways to explore the magic of animal images.
|
1. Animals may reflect archetypes for you. Browse your Council cards, looking for any animal images. Are any of these Neters represented by a central image of an animal? If so, observe and reflect on how animal images specifically serve these archetypal representations. Is there a special quality, perspective, or intensity that the animal image provides? You might contemplate whether human or human-like images could have served as well. Invite the animal(s) to add some perspective by asking them “Why you?” If there aren’t animals in your Council, look over your cards and ponder whether an animal image might have been used.
2. How do animals serve in your Committee? Look through your Committee cards and gather those on which animals appear. Notice what role the animal images play. Do any reflect an emotion or a personality trait? Are some representing a role you play or a skill you have? Consider whether an animal image gave you freedom or permission to express something intense or challenging on any of these cards. Ask an animal image “Why you?” in order to learn more about its special gift in reflecting a Neter’s energy.
3. Welcome an emotion: create a quick card with an animal image. Begin by selecting an animal image that strongly evokes or reflects an emotion that feels of importance to you right now. Can you name the feeling or emotion? If not, that’s fine. Ask the animal to tell you.
You might want to give yourself fifteen minutes for card making, setting a soft intention that you’ll be creating a Committee card. Of course, remain open to whatever comes forth. Invite the animal image to be the central image on the card, with just that image on a background that feels right to you.
When you have your card, ask it to introduce itself in a few sentences by asking it “Who are you?” and letting it respond with “I am one who …” or simply, “I am …” If possible, name the Neter and note its suit. Then ask it to complete the following sentences:
Don’t confuse me with …
I am essential to your …
I allow you …
Please don’t restrict my …
Beware: too much of me could …
Close this adventure by randomly pulling a card from your deck as you set an intention to welcome this new Neter. Note the name of the pulled card and place it next to your new Neter. Ask it to speak to your new card by completing the sentence: Welcome, you’re here just in time to help …
As your SoulCollage® journey continues, may animal images bring you new insights, unexpected wisdom, and lots of meaningful fun.
|
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.
|
Online Series of 3 Zoom Workshops
with Anne Marie Bennett
November 5-19, 2022
All Workshops Recorded
if You Can't Attend "Live"
Have you made some challenging SoulCollage® cards and are curious about how to work with them?
Are there beautiful parts of yourself that you’ve locked away because once upon a time someone told you they weren’t acceptable?
Are you fearful of making cards that might show some shadowed parts of your personality?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this new Zoom series might be just what you need to take your SoulCollage® work to a beautiful new depth.
* Use your special coupon code
when you register *
|
6-week Series with
Stephanie Anderson Ladd
Starts November 4
Do you need help with self-care as the year winds down and the holidays approach?
The holidays can be challenging, with respect to family issues, past experiences, and feelings of loneliness and alienation. In this upcoming series, you will meet and work with 7 goddesses to guide you.
They're here to help you with...
• Anxiety and Fear
• Reparenting: Learning to Mother Yourself
• Resting and Being Present (Just in time for the holidays!)
Come join the fun with a group of like-minded creatives!
|
These mini-decks of questions are perfect for your individual work with your own SoulCollage® deck
and for Facilitators to use in workshops!
Each deck comes in a pretty little organza bag tied in a coordinating ribbon... you choose the color! You'll also receive password access to a private page of additional resources, videos, and ideas for ways to use the cards/questions. The decks also come with a 5×7 postcard of suggestions for ways to use the deck with your cards. More info here.
|
|
Here are some of our readers' cards on the theme of Animals. |
Elephant (Root Chakra)
Companions Suit
Kali
West Virginia
I Am One Who will walk with you on your Journey—following when you feel strong, leading when you are unsure, and circling you when you feel afraid. I am the bonds of kinship…the strength of kin-dom. I want you to know that you are strong on your own, but that your true strength is in your connectedness, and you are connected. If you need us, just trumpet and we’ll come running!
|
Dragonfly
Council Suit
Natalie
Colorado
I am one who can take things lightly in my feelings and thoughts. I am one who explores my emotions in a curious and joyful way. I represent transformation and am connected to the Nature Spirits.
|
Avoidance
Committee Suit
Maryann
New Jersey
I Am One Who knows I am powerful and imbued with strength, but prefers to cover my eyes to avoid engaging in indiscriminate conflict. Although I am perceived as a fierce predator, I do not hunt indiscriminately. I am in search of truth and will devour what I need to sustain me. I will trust my instincts to inform me where my strength can be used most effectively.
|
My Bunny Muffin
Community Suit
Shelley
Canada
I am One Who was your trusty pal for a decade. I was a geriatric miniature rabbit who lived in his bunny condo and often played with you on the sofa. I am one who is grateful for years of love. I want you to be aware of those who only seek to gain from you or you will lose what’s important to you. Hold fast to your dignity.
|
Groundhog Day/Imbolc
Council Suit
Dot
Pennsylvania
I am one who represents Imbolc, the midpoint on the Celtic Wheel of the Year between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. I am one who stands with Brigid to celebrate that Spring will certainly come again.
|
Shapeshifter/Rabbit
Council Suit
Cat
North Carolina
I am one who lives peacefully where sun-warmed meadow meets the dark cool forest. I stay still, watchfully weighing the dangers and options. My inner compass guides when I must swiftly zig-zag to escape harm. I want you to know where you stand so you will always know which way to turn. Trust your instincts, be aware, and enjoy the rich wonder of the world.
|
The Animals in My Care
Community Suit
Lindsey
Illinois
I am one who knows that the animals in my care have understood me as trustworthy and they bless me with their presence.
|
Behind the Emotional Mask
Council Suit
Chigoke
Georgia
I am one who allows you to hide your emotional scars behind layers of “phantom” mask. I am one who intuitively keeps the mask in place while you heal. Do not let the winter of injustice alter your appearance. Get on board the spiritual train and meet your healing self at the next wellness station, and take some friends with you!
|
Flamingo
Companions Suit
Stephanie
North Carolina
I am one whose pink feather finds you near the sea to remind you of your own unique spirit and connection to the divine. I remind you to honor your emotions, to let them be your guide, and to allow them to flow back out to sea when it's time to release them. I am aligned with Mary Magdalen. Like her, I am an abiding presence whom you can call on when you need to remember the beauty and peace that resides within.
|
Divine Navigators
Council Suit
Sara
Iowa
We are the ones who go with you, carrying the treasure map of your life and reminding you of the treasure your journey holds. We are the ones who hold your destinations sacred and guide you toward that which helps you move forward into love, identity, and wholeness. We are the ones who encourage you in Truth along The Way.
|
When Geese Fly
Committee Suit
Susan
Massachusetts
I am the one who looks to the heavens to watch geese in flight. I am the one who is on a journey of discovery. I am the one who has a lightness of being. I am the one who has a new perspective on where I am headed. I am the one who can land gently and begin anew.
|
Feline Triumverate
Community Suit
Anne Marie
Massachusetts
We are the ones who were a part of your life during a difficult time. We are the ones who gave you unconditional love. We are the ones who chose YOU when the stepchildren made other choices. We are the ones who soothed your aching heart. We are the ones who still choose you, love you, comfort you.
|
Raven
Council Suit
Karen
Ohio
I am Raven, mysterious, mythical, inky black. I’m a spirit messenger, roaming the vast unknowns of the subconscious to retrieve divine wisdom. Once I was white, in a world of darkness. So, I stole Sun from Eagle and hurled it into the sky. In the process, I turned black, covered with soot. My message: go into the dark and bring back the light. Native Americans honor me by carving my visage on totem poles.
|
Please feel free to submit one of your cards for a future issue by sending a reply email to this newsletter.
Future themes include:
November: Fictional Characters
December: Council Suit
|
Noteworthy resources for anyone interested in SoulCollage®
KaleidoSoul - Spinning the fragments of your world into wholeness and beauty through SoulCollage®.
|
|
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 2022,
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
