Star Nations Magazine September 2020 Issue 88

S tar N ations

Yo u r B r i d g e t o A n c i e n t a n d M o d e r n S p i r i t u a l I n f o r m a t i o n

ACT OF POWER CEREMONY NATIVE AMERICAN DAY 2020

WELCOMES YOU

HIGH HOLY DAYS 2020 ELDERSHIP SERIES:

THE

ROOKIE ELDER

September 2020 | Issue 88 Credit: Egon Filkor | Dreamstime.com

THE SUN’S ROLE IN

SPIRITUALITY

B O N U S:

COMING HOME

Contents Featured Articles On Our Cover: High Holy Days 2020

Sharon Rosenblum (Nourishing Body & Soul)

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Sharon shares about Rosh Hashanah which begins at sunset on September 18 this year. The Jewish New Year is always a time of festivities and gratitude. Please read about the meaning and celebrations of one of the High Holy Days of the Jewish people. And try the Holiday Berry Cake recipe Sharon includes in her article.

Coming Home

Ortrun Franklin (The Mystery School)

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It’s harvest time! The famous Oktoberfest kicks off the season around the middle of September and runs for two weeks. Ortrun shares her experience with Octoberfest and why the celebration occurs. She also includes a beautiful guided meditation to assist you. Please read about the feeling of coming home and its spiritual connection during this time of year.

The Sun’s Role in Spirituality

Karen Crowley-Susani (Earth Energies)

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As we move toward the Equinox energy, it is important to remember our connection to the Sun. Karen shares with us about The Sun and its immense power and energy.

The Sun has intertwined with our spirituality throughout the ages. Read this insightful article to gain spiritual insight into the Earth and the Sun.

Native American Day 2020 Welcomes You! Tony Cherette (Sacred Masculine)

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Tony shares why a little known American observance called Native American Day is important. Native American people may seem somewhat mysterious, given that they are the lowest census number of all groups. It is not surprising to find that they take every opportunity to deepen their culture, expand their language skills through socializing, and uphold life’s very sacred gift.

Act of Power Ceremony

Minnie Kansman (Nature Connections)

36

Would you like to prepare a ceremony for the Equinox? Minnie shares with us a ceremony she learned from author Lynn Andrews—called Act of Power Ceremony— which allows you to consciously connect with the Earth and with your Self. Minnie shares her experiences with the ceremony and how it has changed over the years.

Eldership Series: The Rookie Elder Yvette Neshi Lokotz (The Sacred Hoop)

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In honor of Native American Day, Neshi continues her Eldership series with The Rookie Elder. She shares her perspective as a Native American female Elder and how we can best make our way through that phase of our lives. Read this article for more information about being a generous Elder.

Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA | Robert Frost Photo via WikiCommons Public Domain

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 2

Contents Monthly Columns From the Editor: Neshi Lokotz

Earth Energies

The Witch's Cauldron

Communicating with Sacred Animals

4

Nourishing Body & Soul

7 11 14

The Mystery School

16

25

Cosmic Conversations

Sacred Masculine

28 32

The Sacred Hoop

36

40

Communications from Home

43

Highlights of Next Issue

48

Credit: Egon Filkor | Dreamstime.com

Angel Therapy

20

Nature Connections

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 3

From the Editor

Can You Believe What You Hear?

By Yvette Neshi Lokotz

I remember the first time I heard the voices of spirits.

It scared me!

I was around seven years old. It was a late hot summer night. I slept with my bedroom window open as my family didn’t have air conditioning in the 1960s.

I woke up to loud voices. At first, I thought it was my brothers talking. As I came fully awake, the voices lowered to a loud whisper. I laid there trying to discern where the voices were coming from and what they were saying.

I realized the voices were coming from outside my window.

Who was outside my window? I got up to peek at who was outside, but there was no one there.

I reached up and slammed the window shut. I ran and dove into my bed, pulling up the covers over my head to hide.

I had no idea what hearing those voices meant. Since I couldn’t see a real person or recognize those voices as someone I knew, how could I share that experience? Even growing up in a traditional Native American home did not allow me the leeway for this sharing. I even felt uneasy saying anything to

my mother about the voices I heard that night.

It took me a very long time to learn what “hearing” voices meant. I didn’t know that others also heard the voice of spirit. I thought having intuition meant you had to be clairvoyant, to “see” spirit.

On occasion, I would see images of places and people like looking through a camera

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 4

lens or a window. When I tried to see the image more clearly or got excited that I saw something, the camera lens or window would close.

I spent years honing my clairvoyant ability with little satisfaction.

At the same time, my “hearing” spirit became clearer and more understandable. Much later in my spiritual studies, I learned that clairaudience was a more sacred feminine way of receiving

Credit: SzilárdSzabó_Pixabay.com

How many of you have had similar experiences with your clairaudience, your clear hearing intuition?

From the Editor

spiritual information while clairvoyance came from the sacred masculine side.

As I aged, I began to embrace my clairaudient gift rather than change the way spirit gave me information. I finally relaxed into receiving it! Once I relaxed, I found that is when my clairvoyant gift also came more into focus. At that time, I realized that all the “clairs” were available to me in different degrees.

Now, when my Spiritual Team (my guides, guardians, teachers, allies, power animals, totems, nature spirits, ancestors, and star beings who work with me) speaks to me, I hear them clearly as if a human being is standing or sitting next to me having a conversation.

There are times when I have heard a voice behind or next to me while doing mundane things.

Sometimes in the wee hours of the morning, I am awakened to hear Native American drumming and singing.

What does hearing voices mean? My rule of thumb is those in spirit, speaking to me, are kind and helpful. If I hear a spirit that is less than kind, offering something through fear, I know this is not one of my Spiritual Team members. I then ask my Spiritual Team to escort the intruder away.

This discerning has helped me to establish a good boundary with spirit.

In this issue of Star Nations Magazine, we have articles about Labor Day, Clairaudience, Equinox, Mabon, Rosh Hashanah, Native American Day, Yom Kippur, and Oktoberfest. every day, twice a day. Being grounded, centered, and protected was the best way to discern that the assistance spirit was offering me was for my highest good.

I consciously activated my MerKaBa in 2001 and it became permanent in 2002. My MerKaBa, my ascension vehicle, became my most important tool and ally for my spiritual growth.

The MerKaBa has five layers of light and is impervious. Any

energy coming through my MerKaBa is meant for my highest good and my soul growth. This knowledge aids me in my discernment and allows me to relax to receive spiritual information.

Accepting and remembering how to rely on my clairaudience as a gift is an important spiritual tool that took me years. The life lessons included in remembering how to use clairaudience intuition are some of my most profound periods of soul growth.

I have included a video about clairaudience for you. Enjoy by clicking this link or the blue “Play” button on the image.

This month’s Star Nations Magazine cover image is our nod to the Equinox.

Enjoy your time with us as you read the articles, listen to the guided meditation audios, and watch the videos.

Jage Nangonan, (Potawatomi for All My Relatives) Neshi

A helpful habit I took up was to be grounded, centered, and protected. I use meditation Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 5

S tar N ations Yo u r B r i d g e t o A n c i e n t a n d M o d e r n S p i r i t u a l I n f o r m a t i o n

MORE INFO:

The Witch’s Cauldron

Song to the Siren

By Adriane Campbell

Credit: JeremyBishop_Unsplash.com

Do you pay attention to the songs that stream through your mindspace at various times of the day? Do you listen to the messages in the lyrics or how the sound spirals throughout specific parts of your body? These are all the gifts of clairaudience, but there is so much more that extends in this energy.

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 7

The Witch’s Cauldron

Clairaudience is the sense of receiving wisdom and messages from Spirit through sound. It’s meaning originates from the French-Latin roots of “clair” which translates to clear, and “audience” which comes from “audientia” which means listening or hearing. Pairing these together we get clear hearing.

Sometimes, I will hear whispers or someone speaking my name to grab my attention as I walk through my home. Initially I would ignore it, or pause briefly before deciding that it was just my imagination. Then I continue my day without considering any further what just happened. This is when I discovered clairaudience, because the more I ignored it the louder it became and moved on to various methods.

Voices and songs are not the only ways that we experience clairaudience. You may hear high pitched ringing in your ears, humming, fire, wind, or even the sound of water running. After recently moving to the coast, I have found myself hearing the ocean and the wind. The tides flowing in and out of my ear canals, the wind swirling through my mind’s eye as I close my eyes to breathe it through.

It has been such a cleansing and releasing time to work with the ocean again. The sounds of the waves, the birds, the wind, and even the tunes that other visitors play around me. The other day I had just gotten out of the salty cleansing waters and was laying on the sand, the sun was warming my aura and I began to drift into a meditative trance.

It was as if I was in a lucid dream, not asleep but not awake either.

SONG TO THE SIREN RITUAL Items that you will need: 1 cup olive oil 1 cup sea salt 8 drop lavender essential oil 4 drops eucalyptus essential oil 1 seashell 1 white candle Begin by clearing your conjuring space with incense or a smudge of your choice.

Focus on the ocean and mermaid energy.

Setting the intention now to bring in the mermaids. When you are ready begin.

In a large mixing bowl, add your olive oil and sea salt. Mix thoroughly and then add your essential oils. Blend until the ingredients are well combined. Go into your bathing area and carefully light your white candle. Place

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 8

the seashell beside the candle and bring forth the mermaids, offering a song to them for the healing they provide.

Carry your salt scrub mixture into the shower and begin to scrub your body.

As you are scrubbing begin to sing to the mermaids—any song and any words or sound that you wish. This is your time and your ritual. Run your shower and submerse in your cleansing song. Rinse the salt from your skin and when you are ready step from your shower. Try to air dry if you are comfortable doing so. Extinguish your candle as you thank the mermaids and yourself.

You can relight the candle with your shell accompanying the flame whenever you wish to reconnect.

Enjoy unlocking your magic and the magic of the sea, your clairaudience gifts.

The Witch’s Cauldron

I began to hear a soft female voice singing a tale of the sea. It was so romantic, calming, and soothing. I could feel seaweed being brought to my feet. Gently wrapping them in the grounding mineral; I knew that it was the mermaids visiting to heal.

Credit: cCkhel30Jd4_Unsplash.com

The magic of song is that every voice carries breath and the notes of Spirit uniting us with the outer world and other dimensions. It carries messages from and to the soul, reading stories to our chakras and igniting our beings. The most magnificent thing about clairaudience is that we cannot avoid the feeling of sound. It moves beyond the veil and shatters the boundary of the thinking mind. We cannot comprehend it and we do not need to. We simply feel it and obtain the messages being sent.

All elemental creatures and beings wish for us to free our voice, to wildly sing our song to contribute to the energy of the world. What we speak and what we sing is someone else’s messages as well and we are spreading the magic with the spells of our words. The mermaids want us to sing more than any other elemental in any world.

The music and mermaids go hand in hand and swim together in one stream throughout all directions.

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 9

The Witch’s Cauldron

The song of the mermaid connects us fully to the ebb and flow of the moon, the tides, the sea, and to the rhythm dances of our bodies. The mermaid song is nourishing, healing, and cleanses us to balance our chakras, creating an open space for who we truly are.

Most of us are brought into this world with a voice and we hold the natural ability to sing. I cannot tell you how many times a day I walk around singing my words versus speaking them. It makes me giggle and feel joy. It connects me to my inner child, and I can feel us twirling in song together.

It is so easy to lose track of the magic within our voice since we typically communicate through electronic devices, but there is a song in every word and sound.

Every note and syllable that we speak moves with energies and to the world around us. When I first started my witchcraft journey, I remember a friend telling me to always be careful with my words. To always remember that what we speak is an incantation. We can hex as well as enchant numerous times a day without even realizing what we are doing.

This is the power that each of us hold, another form of clairaudience.

When we use this power to sing to the creatures of the sea or to the ocean, we are singing a portion of ourselves back to being whole. The song is both a spell and the casting. Allow us to partake in the song to the siren ritual to sing to the mermaids and enchant our bodies with ocean healing.

Let us begin.

Blessings,

Adriane Adriane Campbell

is a solitary witch who works with plant spirits and herbs, believing everyone and everything is very much alive—a single blade of grass is just as alive as we are. Adriane uses the energies of living plants to invoke their magic.

She creates ceremonial items and concoctions to aid spiritual growth, and has a passion for teaching individuals how to do their own spell work as she understands the powerful magic of personal intention. She doesn’t categorize herself as a particular type of witch, but rather embraces every aspect of herself and the Craft.

She welcomes everyone to free their inner witch and surf their water of truth.

Contact: www.moonstonedalchemy.com moonstonedalchemy@gmail.com

For ritual products please visit my shop at www.etsy.com/shop/MoonstonedAlchemy

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 10

Nourishing Body & Soul

by Sharon Rosenblum

High Holy Days 2020 This year Rosh Hashanah falls on September 18th and begins at sunset. The Jewish New Year is always a time of festivities and gratitude for all that we have and have learned this past year. While this year it may be challenging or different due to COVID 19, we will still embrace the meaning and festivities of this holiday as it is one of the High Holy Days the Jewish people celebrate. along with the Cantor. Different yes, but still full of meaning that is felt in the heart.

atonement will still take place though not in our Temples or Synagogues.

The same will be true of the Yom Kippur holiday which this year begins on Sunday, September 27 at sundown. This day of

We will again participate in our usual fasting and prayers while we join in the readings from the Torah and singing of songs,

It will be a time of good food and celebrations that are fitting for our grandchildren as we teach them the meaning of these holidays.

Credit: Denisgo_Dreamstime.com (left), Sharon Rosenblu, (right)

It will look different and be celebrated in a slightly more reserved manner while we socially distance and watch our services virtually in our own homes. It also means we will be participating more fully as we light our own candles and sign

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 11

Nourishing Body & Soul

as we teach this next generation the meaning of these holidays.

It will be fun to teach them the traditions that are so meaningful to all of us.

along with the blowing of the Shofar in our own homes. As children, we all have learned how to blow the Shofar and each of us has our very own ram’s horn to produce the blasts— Teki’ah, Teru’ah, and Shevarim!

Ending with the very long blast—Teruah!

It saddens me to be unable to go to services—the music is so moving, it is wonderful to be there in Temple participating in the kissing of the Torah, and reciting the prayers in Hebrew.

Yet, I know that it is what I feel in my heart that matters. I have often said that I do not need to be in Temple or Synagogue

to practice my faith and feel closer to G-d.

Most of all, this year I look forward to spending time with my family as we celebrate the High Holy Days in this slightly different way. It will be a time of good food and celebrations that are fitting for our grandchildren Sharon Rosenblum

I will, of course, be busy in the kitchen cooking and baking.

This year I am making a cake that celebrates the harvest of the berries of late summer.

The “frosting” is a low sugar one with hints of citrus that make it very light and creamy.

It has become my new favorite cake and frosting recipe. I hope you will try making it and enjoy it as much as my family does!

(If you don’t want to make the cake from scratch you can always substitute a box version of your choice.)

This cake got rave reviews from my taste testers! It is perfect for any fall occasion!  Enjoy and L’shana tova!

Sharon

adopted a Gluten Free and Whole Food lifestyle and is adept at modifying recipes to suit different dietary needs.

A healthy approach to eating also serves her as an Empath and Intuitive. Eating “clean” foods brings clarity when working with her guides and spirit. Her joints are no longer achy or sore.

Sharon is an Assistant Editor on our Star Nations Magazine Executive Staff and has her own editing business—The Feathering Quill. | FB: FeatheringQuillEdits

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 12

Nourishing Body & Soul

SUMMER HOLIDAY BERRY CAKE Cake Ingredients: 2 cups all purpose gluten free flour (I used Better Batter) 1 tsp xanthan gum (omit if your blend already contains it) ¼ cup + 2 Tbsp (54 g) cornstarch* ½ tsp baking soda 2 tsp baking powder ½ tsp kosher salt 10 Tbsp (140 g) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar 2 tsp pure vanilla extract 4 egg whites (100 g) + 1 whole egg (50 g, weighed out of shell), at room temperature** 1 ¹⁄₃ cups (10 ²⁄₃ fluid ounces) buttermilk, at room temperature * Note: If you are using a higher starch, all purpose, gluten free flour blend like Cup4Cup, replace the cornstarch in this recipe with an additional 54 grams of your flour blend.

Directions: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease 2 8-inch round cake pans and line the bottom of each with parchment paper. Set the pans aside.

Into a medium-size bowl, sift (this is important) the flour,

xanthan gum, cornstarch, baking soda and baking powder. Add the salt and whisk to combine well. Set the dry ingredients aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer using the paddle attachment (or a large bowl with a handheld mixer), beat the butter, sugar, and vanilla on medium-high speed for at least 3 minutes, stopping at least once to scrape the mixture off the sides and bottom of the bowl, or until very light and fluffy.

Combine the egg whites, egg and buttermilk in a small bowl, and whisk to combine well. To the large bowl with the butter and sugar mixture, add the dry ingredients in 4 equal portions, alternating with the buttermilk and egg mixture in 3 parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients and mixing to combine in between additions.

The batter will sometimes look a bit curdled. Once all of the ingredients have been added, beat for another minute on medium speed to ensure that everything is combined, then turn over the batter a few times by hand. It should be very thick though pourable and relatively smooth.

Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared baking pans and smooth each into an even layer with a spatula. Place the baking pans in the center of the preheated

oven and bake for 20 minutes.

Rotate the pans, continue to bake until the cakes are lightly golden brown all over, and have begun to pull away from the sides of the pan and do not jiggle in the center at all (about another 10 minutes).

Remove the cakes from the oven and allow to cool in the pans for 15 minutes before turning out onto a wire rack, remove the parchment paper liners, to cool completely before frosting and serving.

Lite Frosting Ingredients 1 ¼ cups of low fat Greek yogurt 6 oz. full fat cream cheese 1 tsp powdered sugar 1 tsp cornstarch 3 Tbsp maple syrup ½ tsp vanilla extract grated zest of ½ a lemon (9 oz. mixed berries for topping and to go in center filling) Directions: Bring cream cheese to room temperature. Stir all the ingredients together except the berries. Spread 2/3 of the mixture over the bottom layer of the cake. Add berries to your desired amount then place the second cake on top. Spread the remaining cream frosting on top. Decorate with the remaining berries and flowers if you are using them. I suggest chilling the cake for 30–60 minutes before serving.

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 13

Angel Therapy

By Maureen Mann

Listening with the Angels

In our everyday lives we are often bombarded with noise.

Learning how to tune our ear antennae to signals of what is most pertinent to pay attention to and to absorb the inherent messages makes life significantly easier and less overwhelming.

Let me share with you an experience from my recent vacation which demonstrates how calling on our Angels and listening to their subtle guidance allows us to live more

peacefully despite the storms of life. Hurricane Isaias was making its way through the beach community where my grandfather built our family’s cottage 65 years ago. That day, I had asked my grandparents for signs of their respective presences. My symbol for my grandmother has always been a butterfly, as at the moment of her passing a butterfly flew across my face.

Within five minutes of my request, a butterfly fluttered between my Mom and I, where we sat on the

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 14

deck. I told my parents I’d bet my grandfather’s sign would be related to electricity, as he often comes through with messages via turning lights and appliances on and off.

Later that evening, as the storm’s force increased, I called on the Angels for protection.

Doing this helped me intuitively know I would be alerted to what was important to notice and feel confident any resulting damage from the storm would be minimal.

Credit: All photos Maureen Mann unless otherwise indicated.

Merriam-Webster defines the word listen as: “to pay attention to someone or something in order to hear what is being said, sung, played, etc.” Clairaudience means to hear what is happening with both our spiritual and physical ears. We are all capable of enhancing our abilities to hear and listen through mindfulness, meditation, and by calling on the assistance of our Angels.

Angel Therapy

I heard the wind howling, the chairs being blown across the deck, and the outside shower door opening and closing. These sounds with an inner nudge gave me the impetus to more safely secure the property.

Suddenly there was a still-

Hurricane Isaias was making its way through the beach community where our family’s cottage stood. I heard wind howling and chairs being blown across the deck. Suddenly there was a stillness, followed by a loud crack. ness, followed by a loud crack.

A large limb from a tree in the side yard fell against the cottage and onto the lawn. Shortly after that, I heard the oven clock beeping, indicating I had lost power. When I got up from the couch to assess the damage, the oven’s digital clock was flashing 5:37. I began laughing, as 5:37 is a meaningful Angel number for me due to it being the time of my daughter’s birth. A bit later, when my parents and I checked in on one another, they informed me their electricity, three towns over, had also gone out at 5:37.

I smiled, realizing Pa had let us know he was there, protecting us in both homes.

In addition to calling on loved ones to deliver clairaudient messages, there are three Archangels who are particularly adept at enhancing our hearing.

Zadkiel, whose name means “Righteousness of God”, is the Archangel of freedom, benevolence, and mercy. He is also known as the Patron Angel of all who forgive. Call on him for clarification of what you are hearing and what actions need to be taken. I recommend calling on Zadkiel as well as Archangel Gabriel to help you listen with ears of love. This will allow you to hear the divine messages being relayed to you through other people, songs, and ambient sounds.

Lastly, Archangel Raphael will help to heal any maladies

to your physical ears. You can envision filling your ear canals with his emerald green light, or with white foaming energetic cleanser to flush out any blockages. He and the Angels may also prompt you to listen more closely by making your ears ring or itch. Once they have your attention, they are often happy to turn down the sensation when you ask.

Hearing and listening are essential life-enhancing skills.

Practice giving your attention to the sounds of the world around you. Use discernment to mindfully acknowledge what you notice, and then respond as guided. By asking to hear what is for you, you increase your ability to be receptive to repetitive, direct, and loving clairaudient messages.  Take care,

Maureen

Maureen Mann

Private practice specialties include navigating life transitions; stress management; and developing a spiritual practice to support a healthy and fulfilling life.

AAP, EMP, LICSW, RMT maureenmann.com FB: Angel Therapy with Maureen Mann FB: maureenmannlicsw

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 15

The Mystery School

By Ortrun Franklin Fall is in the air. Across North America, temperatures are dropping. There’s a chill in the air and the green leaves of the trees are shifting, taking on their bright maroon and golden colors. Can’t you smell the smoke from bonfires of hot crackling wood or apple pie baking in the oven?

The animals are on the move: the monarch butterflies leave their breeding ground and head for Mexico; the birds and geese

head south for the winter; and of course, the “human snow birds” settle into their warmer winter destinations.

It’s harvest time. The popular Oktoberfest kicks off the season. It starts around the middle of September and runs

Credit: Free-Photos_Pixabay.com

Coming Home

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 16

The Mystery School

for two weeks. Thousands of people come to the Bavarian town of Munich, Germany, to partake in the festivities in “die Weisn” (Therese’s field). This tradition is now celebrated throughout the world. In reality, Oktoberfest wasn’t a harvest festival at all but the marriage celebration of soon-to-be King Ludwig I and Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hilburghausen in

October 1810. It took place in “die Weisn”, the field named after Princess Therese.

Being of German descent and having grown up around Oompah music, dirndls, leder hosen, bratwurst and sauerkraut, in addition to beer—they all conjure up fond autumnal memories.

It is a time for Coming Home!

It has become our family tradition to gather together in late September or early October to partake in the camaraderie of family and friends. We dress up in our unique outfits, provide lots of delicious foods and drinks and play lively music. Then the shout of “O’zapt is” occurs. It literally translates to party time—“the keg is tapped”.

One of the traditional Oompah songs is Ein Prosit. It goes like this, “Ein Prosit, Ein Prosit, Der Gemütlichkeit, Ein Prosit, Ein Prosit, Der Gemütlichkeit.”

It translates, “A salute to our friendship and relaxing time.”

It then follows with, “Eins, Zwei, Drei, Zuffa.”

It translates, “One, two, three, drink a little beer.” This little ditty spontaneously occurs throughout the day. I enjoy singing along, but have never liked beer.

People will say “What kind of German are you”?

My heart is joy-filled to have the family together and partake

in an ancestral tradition. I can just see Mutti (Mommy) smiling down on us. She taught me about Gemütlichkeit (rest and relaxation) and likewise, I now pass it along.

Harvest is a time of connecting with family, for community, to help one another in gathering their bounty, to celebrate and give thanks. Throughout history, Earth’s bountiful harvest has been celebrated by a variety of ceremonies: The hieroglyphs of ancient Egypt depict farmers harvesting their corn. After harvesting was completed and fearing that the spirits of the corn would be angry with them, the farmers cried and pretended to be grieving. They hoped with this ritual, the spirits would forgive them and allow for a bountiful harvest the following year.

The Egyptian Pharaoh and his court dedicated their harvest festival to Min, the God of Vegetation; they participated in parades, making music and thanksgiving feasts.

The Romans celebrated Cerelia, the Goddess of Corn.

They always offered the first fruits of the harvest to her. Along with this ritual, they included a celebration with music and a thanksgiving feast.

Celebrated primarily in East and Southeast Asia, a Moon festival takes place in autumn.

This tradition goes back to the ancient Chinese Emperors who worshiped the moon. Its purpose is to give thanks for the harvest.

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 17

The Mystery School

It’s harvest time [and] Oktoberfest kicks off the season. Being of German descent this conjures up fond memories of Oompah music, dirndls, leder hosen, bratwurst and sauerkraut—in addition to beer.

Harvest and the Fall Equinox is a time of reaping what we’ve sown. The Autumnal or September Equinox is the astronomical start of the fall season in the Northern Hemisphere. The word equinox comes from the Latin word aequus which means equal and nox which means night. It is when day and night are roughly equal in length. The Sun crosses the celestial equator, an imaginary extension into the space of Earth’s equator demarcation. The Sun crossing the equator from north to south, marks the Autumnal Equinox.

This causes the sun to rise later and nightfall comes earlier.

The ancient Egyptians celebrated the New Year with the Autumnal Equinox; when the hours of daylight and darkness reached equilibrium. In China, the Autumnal Equinox is a day of balance between yin (darkness) and yang (light). As the autumn leaves drift by your window, be

reminded that it is time for you to look inside and take inventory of what needs to be released from your consciousness.

For the spiritual seeker, it is a time of introspection: letting go of old, no longer needed thoughts; gathering together spiritual achievements; bringing them into balance and alignment; reflecting upon them, giving thanks for them, and preparing for the next leg of their Ascension Journey. It is the time of year to activate the new growth cycle.

The Indigenous Peoples saw their inner-self reflected in the heavens. They knew the seasons of the year illuminated a stage of an inner spiritual journey. The Fall Equinox was no exception.

The ancient arcane cultures of India, Egypt, Mexico and Peru understood this well. They erected monuments to align with the seasons in which the adepts would descend into their own inner darkness.

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 18

As the days get shorter and the nights grow longer, enter the descending passageway of your pyramid temple. Slowly, walk down the incline until you reach the pit. In the pit, prepare to meet the darkness or “dark night of the soul”. Greet your subconscious (Ego Self) so that you might give birth to the super-conscious (Light). In the womb of darkness, gestation takes place. The crescendo to the birth of the Light occurs at the winter solstice; the Divine Babe is born. The Celestial Heavens open up to celebrate the New You. Your Ascension path is a personal one. It takes time, occurs within and is invisible to the outer world. Incorporating a physical ritual along with your inner practice anchors your Heaven on Earth. Acknowledge your path. You deserve to do so. By doing so, you honor yourself and the ancient wisdom of those that came before you.

Welcome Home!

Credit: piqsels.com

“Moon pie” is a favorite on the thanksgiving table.

Music Credit: Mesmerize by Kevin MacLeod | Link: https://filmmusic.io/song/4994-mesmerize

The Mystery School

To assist you in experiencing Coming Home, I have prepared a guided meditation/visualization for you. Make yourself comfortable, become still…. * Remember that being in the meditative state slows down your reflexes. It is advised that you do not listen to the meditation while driving or performing services where acute attention is required.

Look for Ortrun’s New Book: Key of Life

References: https://www.theholidayspot. com/thanksgiving/around_the_ world/egyptian.htm https://www.soulhealingacademy.com/spiritual-significance-autumn-equinox/

Ortrun Franklin is a columnist for Star Nations Magazine. She is the co-host of the live stream show “Living in Two Worlds” which focuses on the connecting the physical world with the spiritual world. It airs the last Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT. www.ourspiritualascension.com Ortrun71@aol.com FB: Living in Two Worlds

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 19

Earth Energies

By Karen Crowley Susani

Exploring the connection between heaven and earth.

The Sun's Role in Spirituality

The sun and its immense power and energy have been intimately intertwined with our spirituality throughout the ages. Solar deities and sun worship can be found throughout the history of the world. Most of us know the names of a few ancient sun gods, such as the Roman god, Apollo, or the Greek god, Helios, or Ra and Aten of the Egyptian pantheon. Even Christ is regarded as a solar deity.

Humans are tuned from the very beginning of life to look up to the heavens. We track the sun as it moves through the sky each day.

When night falls, the moon steps into focus as it dances through the heavens with the stars and planets. We have familiar daily

rhythms connected to the sun, and many of us love watching it sink into the darkness at night.

Others enjoy seeing the sun’s first rays illuminating the morning sky.

Ancient man, not only tracked the daily travels of the sun, but also observed the annual movements of the sun. Giant stone structures were erected to capture these movements. Many megalithic structures around the world are connected to the sun’s yearly rhythm and other heavenly bodies. Dolmens, passage tombs, long barrows, stone circles, and stone alignments are oriented to the sun, the moon, the stars, the planets, and some, even to the constellations. Most of us know that Stonehenge is a giant solar and lunar calendar.

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 20

One of its dramatic sun alignments is to the summer solstice sunrise.

Other examples are dolmens and passage tombs oriented, so the first morning sunlight illuminates a passageway carefully aligned to a solstice sunrise or oriented to a sunset. As the sun rose or set, carvings on stones or bowls in the back were lit up with the essence of the sun’s power.

Megalithic builders were clever.

They didn’t choose just any sunrise or sunset - they caught the sun at the most pivotal times of the year; the solstice sunrise and sunset, and the equinox.

Imagine for a moment that you traveled back in time and are tracking the sun’s movements.

Credit: All images credit Karen Crowley-Susani unless otherwise noted

But not many people know the secret of how the sun was used to build sacred sites or its ability to help us access a clearer connection to spirit. Of course, many of us know how sacred places are aligned with the sun.

Stonehenge and Newgrange are well-known examples of sacred places built with solar alignments. But there is something else, even more important going on with the sun at sacred sites.

Earth Energies

Over the years, you realize that during the solstices, the sun reverses direction, and creates a pattern. Next, like ancient man, you would also discover that the earth has a pattern too. Electromagnetic energy emanates up from the center of the planet in a grid-like pattern.

This unique grid or net is called the ‘Solar Net.’ The Hopis call it the ‘Path of the Sun’, and after a child’s birth, the mother would introduce her baby to the sun using this solar path or net.

It was very well known by the ancient people and was rediscovered in modern times by French Dr. Peyre in the 1930s.

People realized over time that they could connect the solstice pattern of the sun to the Solar Net. If you combine the sun’s angle with this net, a shape takes form; depending on your latitude, a rectangle or a square emerges.

In the European Master Builder tradition, this shape is called the solsticial quadrilateral. It is a geometrical figure representing the yearly rhythm of the sun’s movement in the sky, and is a way for man to bring the sacred power of the sun to the earth.

The solsticial quadrilateral is no ordinary figure; it has some very unique and exciting qualities. Because it contains a geometry born out of the union of the earth and the sun, using it gives man the possibility to build real sacred space. It is a place where he could access the spiritual power of the sun. Inside this ‘sacred space,’ special things

Equinox stone at Cairn T, Loughcrew Complex, Ireland occurred. The energies inside become organized, balanced, and harmonious. A vortex of energy appears in the center of the solsticial quadrilateral, where nothing existed before.

This vortex is, in itself, is impressive and mystifying. Luckily for us, our ancestors figured out how to utilize this vortex of energy.

They realized that something extraordinary had been created, and their shamans saw or felt the

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 21

Earth Energies

vortex. In modern times, people gifted with ‘sight’ can see energy vortexes everywhere. There are many different types of energy vortexes; some are powerful and healing, but others are dark and can make you sick.

The solsticial quadrilateral

Another way to discover vortexes of energy is to feel them in your body. We now have a language surrounding the energy systems of our body, specifically the chakra system. These vortexes can be felt in our chakra system, and we can balance and align our chakras with them.

These vortexes are healing and beneficial to use.

One surprising way is to help us access a deeper connection to spirituality and all life around us.

Imagine for a moment that you are standing at the center of a solsticial quadrilateral, one with huge stones defining it and marking the positions of them.

Each corner is aligned to a winter or summer solstice sunrise or sunset. Suppose you stand in the center and just be neutral and allow your body to feel what is happening. In this case, you will begin to notice something unusual.

For most people, the vortex energy begins as a feeling of connection to the earth. Your feet feel solidly planted on the ground, with roots growing down towards the center of the earth. As the energy begins to move upward, you may feel a heaviness or a solid feeling at the perineum area, which is a sign that your first chakra is starting to open.

The sensations move up, opening sacral chakra, and sexual energy begins to flow. As the energy rises towards the solar plexus, you may feel your belly begin to unwind and open. Next, the energy rises to the heart, and as this fourth chakra begins to open and expand your heart energy, you may feel a connection and love for all life.

When the energy reaches the throat, it can be very emotional for many. This chakra is the gateway to higher levels of consciousness and spirituality.

For some, when it begins to open, it is the first time they have felt their connection to spirit – which is awe-inspiring.

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 22

Earth Energies

From the throat, the energy travels further up to the 3rd eye.

When this chakra is balanced and aligned, colors become brighter and sparkly. As the energy reaches the crown and you may feel a swirling, tickling sensation at the top of your head as your 7th chakra opens.

This vortex and column of energy opens, aligns, and balances the chakras as it rises through your energy system. It also establishes a connection between the earth and the heavens through the center of your body. Visualize this connection as a pipeline in the middle of your body. The energies of the earth travel up to the cosmos and back down again. A fluid exchange of energies between heaven and earth is running through you!

This powerful energetic exchange is the hallmark of all harmonious and healing structures or sacred sites. They facilitate a stronger connection to spirituality, which why using the solsticial quadrilateral to build sacred places was fundamental. When you are within a solar rectangle, besides feeling connected to both the earth and cosmos, you feel aligned, and your energy system is recharged.

Historical examples of the use of the solsticial quadrilateral are everywhere. The Ziggurat of Ur Nammu, Iraq, features two, one inside the other, which is a common way to increase the power and energy at the center of the temple. The Temple

of Dionysus in Teos, Turkey, employs one as its basic form.

Western churches included the solsticial quadrilateral as well, sometimes enveloping the entire church. At other times it was used as one of the elements creating the nave, apse, or column spacing. The Egyptians, Chinese, Indians, Mayans, and Incans were also among the many who incorporated it into their sacred structures.

Capturing the pattern of the sun’s yearly rhythm and combining it with the earth’s net of energy was, and still is, a time-tested way to create sacred space. A place is created, which is balanced and harmonious. This place helps us to align our energy system. It is a place that raises our vibration - and ultimately connects us to the divine.

If you are interested learning how you can use the pattern of the sun to create sacred harmonious places, access a higher consciousness and spiritual connection, check out Karen’s new

Woman with vortex and chakras online class called the Solsticial Quadrilateral Revealed.

Just click https://energeticgeometry.com/online-classes/ to learn more.

Karen Crowley Susani

is a Master Builder specializing in energetic solar geometry.

She loves sharing her wisdom in online classes, sacred site tours, and by creating energetic healing structures.

Her love for sacred sites began with a passion for art history. She received her degree from UC Santa Barbara, and this began her exploration of religious and sacred sites.

She also is the owner of Sacred Geometry World and blogs about her adventures. Karen is excited to be one of the authors of the book: Secrets of Sacred Geometry: Solar Geometry for Health and Life https://energeticgeometry.com Pinterest: @energeticgeometry Facebook: @EnergeticGeometry YouTube: Energetic Geometry Instagram: @energetic_geometry

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 23

You Asked! We Delivered!

Different ways to purchase and read our magazine!

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you Take your Star Nations Magazine with no matter where you are in the world!

www.starnations.org

Communicating with Sacred Animals

by Leslie Cirinesi

A Labor of Love

I know that parents aren’t supposed to have favorite children, people aren’t supposed to have favorite pets, and I suppose I’m not supposed to have favorite clients. But I will be very transparent and say that I have the good fortune of having some truly beautiful souls for clients.

Credit: Leslie Cirinesi

I cannot pretend that spending time communicating with them (or even better, being face-toface with them) doesn’t lift my spirit and fill my soul with joy. I count myself extremely blessed to have some really beautiful Bear clients that have changed my life for the better.

Labor day is a celebration of the contributions that workers make to the well-being of our country.

I was surprised to discover that Canada also has a Labor Day at the same time that the United States does. I found this out because for the last few years I have given up my Labor Day weekend celebrations to travel to Canada to see some of those favorite clients. It is one of my favorite things to do.

B onk e r s I always looked forward to the time that I spend with these amazing beings (both human and Animal).

This time is so special that I never charge them for my travel or for my services. It is truly a “labor of love” and it certainly does contribute to the well-being of my business.

I have had the great gift of being able to use one of the Bears there in much of my marketing materials. If you have read even a few of my articles, you most likely have seen a photo of me and “Bonkers”, the North

& L eslie

American Black Bear. He is a well-trained famous actor and his specialty is working very closely with human actors.

Because of this super gentle soul, I have been so very fortunate to be able to hug him, hold his hand, kiss his beautiful face, cuddle up next to him, and have endless photo shoots with him.

Bonkers is even on my billboard because I knew that a photo of me up-close and personal with a Bear would draw attention

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 25

Communicating with Sacred Animals

(which is the mark of a good billboard).

Because he is such a special soul, he endured (and even enjoyed) the many times that we spent hours taking photos together and I proudly display them whenever I can. Besides some Bear Cubs that I was lucky enough to play with, I have never been able to touch another Bear like I could with Bonkers. He is truly one-of-a-kind.

This year, I’m sad to say that I won’t be making my annual trek to Canada for the “labor of love” tour. I won’t be going for two reasons—the first reason is obvious. I cannot go because of the China flu that has both countries in a tizzy. Canada has shut its borders to the U.S. and I am not allowed to travel there.

The second reason is that my heart is broken. It is literally in physical pain. A couple of weeks ago, I got the call from Bonker’s trainer and human “mom” that he was having some physical issues and she needed to find out if he was in pain. I quickly dropped what I was doing and connected in with Bonkers to find out if he was okay. He actually was having a difficult time walking.

Over the next days I kept in very close contact with Bonkers as he endured many vet visits and tests (where they found a tumor on his spine) until he told me that it was time to give-up fighting and to let him go to the other side of the bridge. I was devastated. But, I had an obligation to him to pass his message on to his mom.

It came as no surprise to her because after raising Bonkers and being with him every day for 28 years, she knew him better than anyone. We cried together for a couple of days while arrangements could be made and we both spent hours communicating with Bonkers to make sure that all of his needs were met.

Bonkers is now on the other side of the bridge and I cannot bring myself to go to Canada (if it was allowed) when he is not there to greet me. It is still too new and far too raw at this point, and I wouldn’t have the strength to go and see his empty enclosure.

I mentioned to a friend of mine that I was grieving the loss of this beautiful soul in my life and he said, “Can’t you talk to him whenever you want?” The truth is,

Leslie Cirinesi

yes, I certainly can and yes, that absolutely does make it easier on me than for most people who don’t have that option. I am extremely grateful for that ability but, talking to someone in the afterlife is like talking to someone on the phone.

It is so great to have the ability to communicate with them and see how they are doing, but it just can’t possibly replace being able to give someone a hug.

I have cried a lot over the loss of his life, but now it is time to celebrate. Celebrate his life, celebrate the memories that I am so fortunate to have, and celebrate my relationship with such a sweet, sweet soul. I will be eternally grateful that his face is next to mine in so many wonderful photos. My favorite is the one where he kissed me, I laughed, and his tongue went right into my mouth. I have never valued a French kiss more! This Labor Day instead of traveling so far to see him, I will be celebrating his life and our relationship here in my heart.  Speaking for your pets,

Leslie

is an Animal Communicator and Reiki Master/Teacher located in Clarkston, MI. She volunteers at the Detroit Zoo and with many Animal rescues. She is available to communicate with your Animals by using a photo and does phone consultations all over the world.

Leslie@AETherapy.com www.AdvancedEnergyTherapy.com www.ISpeakToAnimals.com FB: Advanced-Energy-Therapy-and-wwwispeaktoanimalscom

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 26

Lulu.com - http://bit.ly/2odfa6m

Cosmic Conversations

Explore The Cosmos Within You! WITH

JULIE HEDGES

Service, Satisfaction & Sensibility

“

When we consciously tune into the Stars and Planets for a cosmic conversation,

we can draw upon the power of the Cosmos.

Virgo in Profile

”

—Julie Hedges

She is known the virgin because she is unencumbered by traditional constructs of life and social management. Particularly, she is Virgo, the One Beholden to No One. She is whole unto herself, without or social authority rulership. For an historical perspective, Virgin meant that a woman was under no male rulership, not father, brother or

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 28

husband. Virgo, though, aligns her Spirit with devotion to proper living, health and general wellbeing.

During the month of Virgo, three important Christian feasts are held to honor Mother Mary, the mother of Jesus. On August 22 each year is the celebration of the Queenship of Mary, as

Credit: © Elena Shah | Dreamstime.com

September is the month of Virgo when the heat begins to wane and the sunsets bring the promise of cooler evening breezes. Virgo is the Virgin Queen, hosting the Sun in her mansion from August 22 – September 22 each year. She is devoted to the Earth and all her inhabitants, willingly serving humanity and all creatures with her gifts of sensibility, discernment and purity.

Cosmic Conversations

the Catholic Church gave her the distinction of being the Queen of Heaven. On September 8, the Church celebrates the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and on September 15, there is the honoring of Mary as Our Lady of Sorrows and the acknowledging of her seven sufferings1. It is not a coincidence that the modern Catholic, Christian Church celebrates these holy days honoring Mary during the month that the Sun is in Virgo.

The modern teaching holds that Mary was “conceived without sin2,” meaning that Mary was held apart from the social construct that all human beings fall short of the glory of God. This understanding of Mary as being ‘set apart’ is the key attribute of Virgo, the virgin. Mary, Mother of Jesus, is also known for her piety, patience and longsuffering peaceful attitude in service of mankind. These attributes of service and sensibility also apply to the Earthy queen, Virgo.

Virgo is ruled by the swift-moving planet, Mercury.

This earthy aspect of Mercury, which rules the Earth sign Virgo, is associated with the nervous system and how the Body carries nutrients to all the cells and organs. Mercury, the fastest planet in our Solar System, is the ruler of Virgo to ensure expediency and proper alignment of the Body-MindSpirit mechanism.

However, if out of alignment, Virgo energy tends to be nervous, twitchy, unfocused and debilitated by anxiety-ridden perfectionism. Grounding is a good practice for everybody. However, for those born with strong Virgo influences, Grounding is as essential as breathing.

Virgo Attributes: Discernment Devotion Health-Conscious Service-Oriented Analytical Efficient

Find Virgo in your personal astrology chart ...to understand the area of life wisdom that is calling for you be devoted to your Body-Mind-Spirit groundedness.

This domain of your personal astrology chart is asking you to: Ground with Earth energy Analyze & Efficiently structure your daily tasks Be Prepared!

Focus on what serves your Body Organize

Each of us has Virgo energy within our personal make-up, whether we were born during the time of Virgo or not. We demonstrate Virgo attributes through our individual Soul charts (our personal Astrology natal charts) and by our personal choices.

Cosmic Conversations – Personal Sessions – Soul Path Empowerment

Available to support you. I’m an author, healer and seer. I create meaningful dialogue with The Soul. Visit my website to schedule your session, www.4SoulEmpowerment.com. Let’s have a Cosmic Conversation to empower your sacred journey.

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 29

Cosmic Conversations

P lanets In Transit The Astro-Energy of September 2020 is about Being Awake and Aware. The planets are asking us to fine-tune our inner resilience in order to have Balanced and Responsive contact with the outer world, instead of reactionary ‘kick back.’

It’s the time to strengthen spiritual Patience.

9 September: Mars retrograde in Aries until November 14. Mars has been in its home domain of fiery Aries since June 27, 2020. We’ve certainly seen a building of FIRE energy across the planet! Mars has been slowing down and will turn retrograde on the 9th, moving from 28° back to 15° Aries before marching forward again. Yet, Mars will stay within the mansion of Aries through the rest of 2020. This means we are all learning Mars lessons more intimately. Mars teaches us how the Body handles tension, stress and how we dissipate strong emotions. Mars IS the Life-Force, the Chi, the Yang energy of Being.

This sojourn through Aries is about how you use your Life Force Energy. Do you want to use your Chi to fight with strangers on social media or pump iron at the gym? The energy is yours to do what you will.

17 September: New Moon 25° Virgo: This Moon is about getting your personal priorities in order. Decide what is most important.

Organize and list what needs to be done and when. Set a schedule and then do it. Elbow grease is needed here. No coasting. This is the time that “City Mouse” needs to make sure that he has his own house in order.

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 30

22 September: Sun moves to Libra; The Sun moves from the mansion of the Discerning Queen into the domain of The Divine Balancer.

Be prepared. Be integrous. Be discerning. Be willing to let go with grace.

Sources: 1 “Marian Feast Days.” Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. 24 Aug. 2020. Web. 27 Aug. 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/ wiki/Marian_feast_days 2 Rhoades, Kevin C., Bishop. “O Mary, Conceived without Sin, Pray for Us Who Have Recourse to Thee.” Today’s Catholic. org. 5 Dec 2018. Web 28 Aug. 2020. https://todayscatholic. org/o-mary-conceived-without-sin-pray-for-us-who-have-recourse-to-thee/ “September 2020: Planetary Overview – Major Astrological Aspects and Transits.” Tarot-Astrology.Co. 1 Jun. 2020. Web. 27 Aug. 2020. https://tarot-astrology.co.uk/2020/06/01/ september-2020-planetary-overview-major-astrological-aspects-and-transits/

Julie Hedges

is an author, Evolutionary Astrologer, Reiki Master/ Teacher and seer. She is the host of Cosmic Conversations live stream show on Star Nations Live Stream Shows the third Monday each month at 8pm ET. She offers readings and healing sessions to those around the globe.

Julie’s breakthrough book, The Tarot Journey Volume 1, is full of practical Tarot tips and tools to help readers develop a deeper relationship with the Tarot.

TheTarotJourney@gmail.com TheTarotJourneyVolume1.weebly.com JulieSoliloquy.weebly.com FB: CosmicConversationsWithJulieHedges

Credit: Chad Leader | The Elephant’s Trunk Nebula in Cepheus

2 September: Full Moon 10° Pisces; This Full Moon in the watery sign of Pisces can bring bubbling tensions from underneath the surface. Sudden enlightening information can knock emotions off kilter but also provide clarity to pave a new path forward. JUST BE during this Moon. Then, get back to Action in the coming days, as the Moon wanes.

Podcasts available on iTunes!

Show Hosts io d a R te ri vo Join Your Fa Live Stream k o o b e c a F on via Be.Live

Sacred Masculine

By Tony Cherette

Native American Day 2020 Welcomes You!

Let’s explore why this day is certainly special, but first, we must kick off the article referencing Columbus Day (which is the second week in October) to place Native American Day in the correct format. As this federally recognized “holiday” is known, Columbus Day marks the date

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 32

when Mr. Colombo landed in the islands on his quest for land and resources.

This holiday was established as a national holiday in 1937 by the sitting United States President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, in honor and recognition of Mr. Columbo’s “contributions to civilization.”

Credit: AndrewJames_Unsplash.com

In 2020, a year unlike many of us have ever seen, the date Friday, September 20th may seem somewhat obscure as well a long way off; however, it’s right around the corner and holds a special place in the heart of Native American citizens. I am referring to Native American Day and the cultural history involved with it.

Sacred Masculine

When enacted, the holiday was cause for celebration within religious circles as well as others.

In 1971 it morphed into a federal holiday.

History tells us that Mr. Colombo, on his journey after some time out at sea, found himself a bit lost and out of sorts when he hit a spot he thought was the goalpost and perhaps shouted the first ‘alleluia’ or ‘merde’—witness dependent—heard in those parts.

Alas, he was disappointed when he figured out his bearings; however, he decided to continue planting the conqueror’s flag where he landed, and in the sand, it went.

Given his quest’s ongoing contentious nature, we’ll quickly exit his story in history and return to a more civilized and sacred honoring day for the Original People. Here is a little further backstory.

Speaking of that state, at present, there are at least 109 federally recognized tribes in California.

You can see the positive impact of the 1939 decision is one from that era that held up well in that it provided tribes wider media recognition and a current place in the lineup of known celebrations.

You may have wondered what exactly the Original People (Native Americans) need that holiday for? Is it a replacement of Colombo Day (yes in some places), or is it simply a placeholder to honor the people in the U.S. who survived earlier genocidal actions and reservation life? Well, yes, that also. It’s a little more complex than what is listed, so let’s dive deeper.

Credit: DulceyLima_Unsplash.com

In 1939, the State of California initiated “Indian Day” at the request of then-Governor Olson. It

remained that name until many decades later in 1968 when former actor and swimsuit model Ronald Reagan—then Governor of California— declared this day “American Indian Day.” So, you can see it has gone through a few administrations along the way.

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 33

Sacred Masculine

During May 2020, there was much civil unrest across the United States with the spotlight on civil servants and some of their roles in community policing. Many marches occurred, speeches were made, immense media attention was paid, and some citizens took that time to raise their consciousness with regard to race and cultural knowledge. Powerful moments!

Within the Native American population and during that particular month as well the one following, Colombo (Columbus) Day became a magnified topic of interest and discussion as statues were toppled, and the decades of Native American effort saw movement with a renewed call to action.

Someone asked me directly why the toppling was celebrated. I explained it was due to history being reviewed on the world stage. Native Americans are the only U.S. citizens who find a federally recognized holiday honoring our genocide, on the books. So, with that holiday holding an unwelcome place in our community, we look to the idea of “Native American Day” as a vast reframing of inequity and turn the focus to resilience, place holding, and joyful moments.

What exactly do we do on this particular day in our communities to celebrate? With 567 (roughly) federally recognized Tribes on Turtle Island (North/South America), we traditionally engage in moments of silence to honor our ancestors, food offerings to them, and sometimes gatherings with others to share stories of survival and prosperity. We offer prayers, state intentions, and make plans for the future.

Anthony D. Cherette

Further, this particular ‘holiday’ helps ensure that we take the time to dress in our regalia, speak our cultural stories, and feast our loved ones. For me, in the future, I would love to see more educational opportunities for the community at large during this day, across the U.S. With Covid19, the celebrations, as you can imagine, are impacted, and online gatherings look far more likely than in-person ones. That said, I imagine there will be several backyard fires where we celebrate the four cardinal directions and even folks walking the nearest medicine wheel with prayers and offerings.

At times, to the general populace, Native American people may seem somewhat mysterious in the meeting. Given we have the lowest census number of all groups, it is not surprising to find that we take any and all opportunities to deepen our culture, expand our language skills through socializing and uphold the very sacred gift of life we have good to fortune to possess.

This circles right around to the great appreciation of a safe, honorable day, to acknowledge the presence of, as well the value, of the Original People.

Please join us in whatever way you celebrate and send a good thought for our continued survival.

It remains challenging at times, so we greatly appreciate the chance to share a little insight into our ways of life.  Migweetch!

Tony

is a Medium with 35 years of experience. He is also an Elder and registered tribal member of the Annishnabeg Nation. Anthony is also a legal professional, a parent, a community activist and Two-Spirit human.

He is a contributing writer of Star Nations Magazine who is happy you are reading his articles. www.starnations.org

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 34

Star Nations Academy Classes & Workshops The list of Star Nations Academy classes dates for 2020. More detailed information will be posted on the Star Nations Organization website.

Please watch for promotions on social media. Classes are held at the Star Nations Academy in Tomah WI except where noted. https://starnations.org/star-nations-academy/ Sept 20–Oct 25 Journey of Remembering 6-Week Online Class with Neshi Lokotz Sept. 19 & 26 Karmic Communication & Conscious Expression with Julie Hedges (Zoom Course) Oct 3–4 A Deep Dive into Manifesting Weekend – (Zoom Class) Oct 17 What Your Soul Wants You to Know with Ed Langan (online class) Oct 16–18 The Journey to Remembering with Neshi Lokotz (in-person class)

ature onnections

By Minnie Kansman

Act of Power Ceremony wenty eight years ago I was first introduced to the idea of Acts of Power by the author Lynn Andrews. At that time I was immersed in reading her bestselling books Medicine Woman, Jaguar Woman and Crystal Woman. I envisioned myself in her place as she trained with her wise Native American teachers, Agnes and Ruby.

One of her later books, titled Teachings Around the Sacred Wheel, became a study guide for me. This workbook was the first to inspire me to create sacred ceremony for myself.

What I cherish about this book now is it has become a record keeper for me. Being a workbook it had blank space to write down my experiences with each

ceremony. Over the years, I have added notes and bits of paper with additional ceremonies I have done.

Her Act of Power Ceremony is an Autumnal Equinox event I have participated in almost every year.

My First Ceremony

At the age of 33, I was a young mother just beginning to consciously walk the path of my spiritual life. My son Stephan was six years old, and I desperately was searching for a steady foundation in order to teach him about life. Andrew’s Act of Power Ceremony called to me as it teaches about building the foundation of your Spirit Lodge, which is your physical life and

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 36

also contributes to how well you are grounded. Andrews speaks of doing this ceremony on New Year’s, but anxious to begin, I chose a warm September day near the Equinox and that time of year has stuck.

Of course I have modified it over the years, depending on where I have lived and my intentions at that time. My first ceremony was held on a high sand dune across the street from my home in rural Michigan. I have performed this deep in the woods on 12 acres of land we once owned, in a Medicine Wheel I created, and on a grassy knoll under a Maple tree. This year I will be in my small garden at the front of the Colorado condo I moved to. I could go to the mountains and

Credit: pixabay.com

T

Nature Connections

perform it there, but the garden is asking for sacred ceremony to happen in this very urban environment, so I am listening.

Steps for the Act of Power Ceremony

Credit: All Photos by Minnie Kansman unless otherwise indicated,

Life Prayer Arrow List— Make a list of 10 things you are going to do by this time next year to make your Act of Power happen. These need to be very specific, and will help to build and ground the foundation of your physical life. Take your time making this list.

Death Prayer Arrow List—Make a list as long as your want of things you are going to give away. Those beliefs that have kept you all your life from making your Acts of Power happen.

Some examples might be: I’m not good enough, fear of being successful, not enough money, time, etc.

Once you have your lists written, roll them up like scrolls around dry wood sticks, and decorate any way you prefer. The addition of ribbons or streamers on one end make them resemble arrows.

Prayer Bundles—For your ceremony you will also need to make two prayer bundles. These are offering you make to the Spirits of Place to wake them up and ask for their assistance in your ceremony. Take a small square of red cloth and inside wrap a tea light candle, flowers, and a

sprinkling of loose tobacco and cornmeal. Wrap them up and tie with a string.

The Ceremony

Gather together—Life and Death Prayer Arrows, prayer bundles, altar blanket, power objects, fire-proof container for burning Death Prayer Arrow, matches, and extra corn meal and/ or tobacco

Life and Death Prayer Arrows

Go someplace outside where you will not be disturbed and find a hill or rise in the land and go to the bottom of that rise. Locate a power spot here, a place that feels good to you. Create a Sacred Circle here in any way you choose.

Some might use tobacco or cornmeal to circle the edges, others might set up a temporary Medicine Wheel.

Enter your Sacred Circle and lay your altar blanket on the ground. Stick your Death Prayer Arrow into the ground nearby.

Open up your prayer bundle and place your power objects around it.

Carefully light your candle and then light your incense. Be mindful you are working with the Fire Element at this time. Smudge yourself with the sage and then your altar, your arrows and the circle.

Now is the time you are waking up the Spirits of Place. They are drawn to the candle light and to your blessings with the sage.

Make them an offering with your flowers and tobacco and

Prayer Bundles cornmeal, asking for their assistance. You can pray out loud, sing or even drum and sing. It is important that they hear you and they are awakened. They have been asleep in this place since the last time Sacred Ceremony was performed here. To awaken them they must see the light of your candle and hear your voice.

Once you feel their presence say a prayer thanking them and asking assistance with releasing those items on your Death Prayer Arrow list. You could say these words from Lynn Andrews:

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 37

Nature Connections

and ask for their assistance as you read out loud and with conviction your Life Prayer Arrow List.

Start with these words, “Within the next year I will...”

When you are done wrap your list back onto the stick and tie it to the branch of a tree or bush in your Sacred Circle. Some years I have also brought mine home and placed it in a sacred location in my garden. Listen to what Spirit wants you to do with it. This is a Ceremony not a Ritual. If done with heart filled intentions, this ceremony will take on a life of its own. I can honestly say I have never done this Act of Power ceremony the same way twice. What is most important is that you take the time and space to make this commitment to Great Spirit, the Universe and yourself. It will keep your grounded and steady on your Spirit Path.

Thank you for being a part of my Nature Connections Community. May you find solace and deep connection with the more than human world all around us.

Prayer Urn “This is a ceremony for my act of power. Thank you for being with me. I honor your presence within my circle, my sacred circle. This is my Death Prayer Arrow. These are the things that have kept me from my act of power all this long time. These are the things I am willing to give away so that I may accomplish my act of power, my act of destiny in this lifetime. Within the next year I will begin.”

Then read out loud and with conviction your list from your Death Prayer Arrow. When done, wrap it back up and burn it in a fire safe container like my Prayer Urn, or a ceramic bowl. Once this is complete, bury the cooled ashes carefully in the center of your sacred circle.

Now close this circle and walk to the top of the hill and create a second Sacred Circle. Setting up your altar as before, place your Life Prayer Arrow in the ground nearby. Open your prayer bundle and repeat the blessings and offerings as you did before. Thank the Spirits of Place for awakening

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 38

I will be offering Spirit of Place Ceremonies at several sacred sites in the Scottish Highlands in May of 2021. Nature Travel Adventures has four remaining spots available for this trip of a lifetime.

Please visit my website for more details – www. minniekansman.com.

Minnie Kansman

Est. 1994, her business Eco~Balance Humanity in Harmony with Nature assists others with Feng Shui, Sacred Space Clearing, and Nature Spirit Connection. A certified Master Feng Shui Consultant and Educator and Nature and Forest Therapy Guide, Minnie lives lightly on the land and honors the power of Spirit in all things.

Author of Spirit Gardens: Rekindling our Nature Connection, and Missing Nana: Lessons from the Nature Spirits, a playful children’s story about the afterlife based on love.

Join Minnie for her Nature Connections live stream the fourth Weds. of the month at 4 pm ET, and contact her for long distance and on-site Feng Shui Consultations and Space Clearing Ceremonies.

Check out her website for a Forest Therapy walk near you. www.minniekansman.com | ecobalance99@gmail.com FB: minniekansman99 | FB: Nature Connections with Minnie Kansman

THE SACRED HOOP

By Yvette Neshi Lokotz

ELDERS SERIES:

The Rookie Elder In honor of Native American Day, I would like to share with you, dear reader, about my perspective of Eldership as a Native American female Elder.

Just finding an appropriate female Native American Elder quote for this article took some time and effort. I could find many Native American quotes on the internet and many of those quotes would have been excellent. However, all of those quotes were by Native American men, and some of them were Elders.

Also, most of the male quotes came out of the far past rather

than the modern-day. Quotes that support the stereotype that Native Americans are found in history, not in modern-day.

my experience, I had to do some introspection. As a modern-day, Native American female, what does all that mean?

So, I continued my search to find a modern-day Native American Female Elder quote. I believe Faith Spotted Eagle gave all of us, whether you are Native American or not, something to consider. We can consider how we define our success by how we take care of those we care about, whom we love.

I can say that in 6 decades, there have been shifts and changes in what it means to be a Native female. I find this change is due in some extent due to the erosion of traditional culture and language. Some of the change is due to survival in the “overculture.”

Being a Native American Elder has many nuances and caveats attached to the meaning of Native American and Elder. In

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 40

This survival is really no different than what our Native ancestors faced with the invasion of the European military and settlers.

We adapted to survive. Thank

Credit: ngelaSkullman_Pixabay.com

“In the old days, they said that you were measured by your generosity, not how much money you earned… you were measured by how you could feed the people…how you could house them, how you could take care of them.”

— Elder, Faith Spotted Eagle

The Sacred Hoop

goodness, because without my ancestor’s adaptation, I wouldn’t be here!

Elders who embrace their life experience and share it with others out of a generous heart are those who become respected and beloved. This is my definition and my intended path. Notice, I didn’t attach any race or gender to my base definition.

When I add my race and gender to my definition, we begin to notice colorful nuances that make me unique. When I add the gifts that the Creator blessed me with upon entering this physical life, I began to radiate my soul song.

Now, you have to know that my definition has taken me some time, decades, to realize. I had to grow into myself. This growth, put in this way, sounds funny but it is true.

Another insight I found is we never stop growing into the true self. As long as we are in the physical world, we are meant to grow, experience, and share ourselves with our community. We continue to travel the Sacred Hoop, our unique Medicine Wheel.

In one of my recent Communications from Home live stream shows, I shared about the Rookie Elder. I drew on my own experience and the writings of author Clarissa Pinkola Estes.

“a Rookie Elder is an Elder with experience, but not adept at sharing their experience.”

Credit: SunnyLove_Pixabay.com

Growing into yourself means you are maturing physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

We must master each of our bodies, and that involves our life lessons. As we grow and mature, we begin to focus on the aspects of ourselves that gives us depth.

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 41

The Sacred Hoop

Clarissa writes, “a Rookie Elder is an Elder with experience, but not adept at sharing their experience.” Rookie Elders have stories, life stories, this is their wisdom, but they may not recognize or believe these stories are worthy. Rookies will share their stories when asked but seldom reach out in a mature way to offer insight. Rookie Elders are learning and can be defined as an elder in the making.

Rookie Elders are stepping into their Eldership.

They are learning how to balance being generous with good boundaries and the courage to embrace and share their life experiences.

Rookie Elders are growing into themselves. They are surviving in a world that does not necessarily respect or value their Eldership. Rookie Elders must learn how to, “ Do not go gentle into that good night”, as Dylan Thomas, the Welsh poet wrote.

As a Native American female and as an Elder, I can see how I have allowed others to define what I need to exist. I allowed school systems, governments, health care agencies, employers, etc. to define what I need to survive, to exist.

As I grow into myself, I must heal my emotional and mental traumas so that I may readily use my gifts and to fully use my chakras to establish what I need to thrive.

When I thrive, my soul illuminates my path in my physical life. This stage of maturing is what Jung called, “Self Actualization”. This maturing is also what Elder Faith Spotted Eagle called, “learning how to be generous”.

If you would like to listen to my recorded live stream show about the Rookie Elder, please click HERE or the play button on the image.

I learned that a Rookie Elder could be any linear age. We begin our Eldership much earlier in our physical aging. The boundaries we learn to establish is one of the maturing steps. We teach others how to treat us as Elders when we are in our 30’s and 40’s. Learning how to set healthy, loving boundaries is so helpful at any age.

As Rookie Elders, we have life lessons that include using our voice, throat chakra, and telling others our needs, wants, and desires. When we are not courageous or brave enough to state our needs in a good way from our hearts, we end up relying on others (usually a younger generation) to deem what we desire or need is necessary.

When we allow others to decided what we need, we hand our power over to them, and we no longer thrive. We merely exist.

Yvette Neshi Lokotz

Next month, we continue down the path of Eldership with the Unrecognized Elder.

Until then, Bama Mine (until we meet again).

Neshi

A tribal member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, with Ho-Chunk Nation and Yaqui Nation descent, she was raised in the traditions of Ho-Chunk and Potawatomi cultures. Neshi is a publisher, drum maker, and a Medicine Dress Dancer.

Neshi is the C.E.O. of Star Nations Organization, which includes Star Nations Publishing, Star Nations Magazine, Star Nations Live Stream, & Star Nations Academy. She holds a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in Management and Organizational Behavior. starnationspublishing@gmail.com | FB: StarNationsOrganization

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 42

Communications from Home

By Yvette Neshi Lokotz

Star Nations Publishing News We are proud to announce the book, Key of Life, by Ortrun Franklin!

to recognize the connection of outer life experience with inner knowing, all the while, more fully understanding that you are part of the WHOLE.

Ortrun gently leads you into discovering who it is you truly are. Her intent is for the reader

Reading Key of Life will enhance your life experience and assist you in your spiritual growth.

You can purchase her book by visiting our website: https://starnations.org/ star-nations-publishing/books/

Star Nations Academy News Karmic Communication & Conscious Expression with Julie Hedges Online Course – Sept. 19 and 26 Join Julie Hedges for her 2-part course to discover your inner Karmic Communicator that was divinely designed within your personal astrology blueprint.

Your Soul and the Creator-OfAll knew just the right skills and “spices” to add into the beautiful blueprint of You. Let’s awaken and revitalize your Karmic Communicator, so that you know that you are Seen and Heard for Who You Truly Are! Journey of Remembering This is a 6-Week Online Class with Neshi Lokotz September 20 to October 25, 2020, Sundays at 2–3pm EDT/1–4pm CDT. This online class is all about identifying the blocks interfering with and stopping you from

remembering how to manifest from your heart. Join Neshi for her first time ever online course about how to create from your “Tiny Space of Your Heart”.

Special Manifesting Online Class “Star Nations Deep Dive Manifesting Weekend” is an online weekend workshop on October 3–4, 2020.

The bundled manifesting classes held previously are the foundational work to the weekend class in October. The earlier bundled manifesting online classes were meant to assist students in identifying their blocks and frustrations with creating the best life they would like to live.

In the October online class, the 4 teachers will take this foundational information even deeper for students. The primary class work in October is about removing or healing what is necessary

to bring the student’s manifesting into the physical world.

Our 4 teachers are: Maureen Mann, Ed Langan, Polly Jo Labbe, and Neshi Lokotz. Each have very unique perspectives regarding manifesting.

Join us for Mastery, Manifesting, and Merriment!

Sacred Drum Making with Neshi This workshop with Neshi Lokotz is coming up on Saturday, June 2021, at Wood’s Edge Retreat near Hastings, Michigan.

We continue to offer free, miniclasses on the Facebook Star Nations Academy closed group. Join the closed group to have access to the free mini-classes.

Star Nations Academy also offers classes at our physical location in Tomah, Wisconsin.

For more information, see the Events page in this issue.

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 43

Communications from Home

Star Nations Academy Recorded Classes Check out the new Academy classes for purchase. The online

classes held at Star Nations Academy are available for you to purchase, for you to study at your own pace.

Please visit our website for more details on all academy classes: http://starnations.org/ star-nations-academy/

Star Nations Magazine – Your Bridge Between Ancient and Modern Spiritual Information Star Nations proudly partners with Issuu.com for mobile devices, PDF, and web viewer versions of Star Nations Magazine. You will need to download their free app, then visit our publishing page: http://bit.ly/SNMIssuu.

Existing iTunes Connect and Google Play Store subscriptions will be converted to our

new partners. Please contact Deborah, Star Nations Magazine Assistant with your name, email address, Apple ID subscription number. starnationsmagazineassistant@gmail.com Visit our website to purchase your subscription of Star Nations Magazine: starnations.org/star-nations-magazine/ purchase-star-nations-magazine/

We understand that our readership enjoys their reading material in very specific ways. To accommodate everyone’s needs, our partners at MagCloud continue to assist us in providing our print on demand version. www.magcloud.com/user/ starnationsmagazine

Star Nations Live Stream Shows News Great News! Our partners at Be.Live launched an additional tool for live streaming. We are now able to simulcast to multiple online venues. This simulcasting means when there is a live stream show we broadcast at our Facebook pages and to the Star Nations YouTube Channel.

This makes our live stream shows even more convenient for our audience to catch the live and recorded shows.

Live Stream Shows are recorded as video and audio. For those who prefer to listen to a recorded show; visit us at our SoundCloud page. Here is the link to the Star Nations Radio

Network SoundCloud account.

Please “like” and follow us on SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/ starnationsradionetwork We have archived all of the Star Nations Live Stream Shows at the Star Nations Organization YouTube channel. Many people in the Star Nations community share the shows’ YouTube video links with others outside of Facebook.

We would appreciate it if you would take the time to visit our YouTube channel and click the “like” button to “like” the channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/ StarNationsRadio8

Star Nations Magazine • September 2020 • 44

From all of us at Star Nations, we wish you a beautiful Equinox!

Bama Mine (Potawatomi for Until We See Each Other Again),

Neshi Lokotz—C.E.O. Star Nations Organization, LLC www.starnations.org

S tar N ations

Yo u r B r i d g e t o A n c i e n t a n d M o d e r n S p i r i t u a l I n f o r m a t i o n

www.starnations.org @StarNationsOrganization

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Yo u r B r i d g e t o A n c i e n t a n d M o d e r n S p i r i t u a l I n f o r m a t i o n

www.starnations.org @StarNationsOrganization

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Yo u r B r i d g e t o A n c i e n t a n d M o d e r n S p i r i t u a l I n f o r m a t i o n

Star Nations Magazine Guest Contributing Writers Leslie Cirinesi Sharon Rosenblum

Star Nations Publishing Staff Executive Staff C.E.O. & Executive Publisher: Neshi Lokotz, Tomah, WI Neshi@starnations.org

Adriane Campbell Karen Crowley Susani Tony Cherette

Star Nations Live Stream Contributing Writers Neshi Lokotz Ed Langan Ortrun Franklin Polly Jo Labbé Julie Hedges Minnie Kansman

Star Nations Academy Manager:

Julie Shumway Hill, Wisconsin Dells, WI AcademyManager@starnations.org

BIAR (Beans in a Row): Bookkeeping and Organizing beansinarow@gmail.com 608-477-1162

Associate Editor:

Sharon Rosenblum, Fox Point, WI TheFeatheringQuill@gmail.com

Live Stream Producer: Robert Colter, Detroit, MI

Maureen Mann www.starnations.org

Subscriptions Assistant:

Deborah Clark Clemens, New Lisbon, WI

Graphic Layout:

Elf Elm Publishing www.elfelmpublishing.com

Website & Bkgd Photos:

Dan McCormack, www.elfelm.com

S tar N ations

Yo u r B r i d g e t o A n c i e n t a n d M o d e r n S p i r i t u a l I n f o r m a t i o n

OCTOBER ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS Indigenous People’s Day, Halloween, Samhain, Vegetarian, Sukkot, Spirit of Water, Wolf

“

Amazing the things you find when you bother to search for them.

— Sacagawea, Shoshone

”