This past weekend was our first visit for annual class event Listening to Zoo Animal Ambassadors, and it took place at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. We had incredible support from the Wayras (Wind/Weather Beings) and Windwalker; there were Rainbows for beginning, middle, and end of day!

Of course, we had heartfelt encounters with the Zoo Animal Ambassadors (ZAA) themselves as we collected their prayers into our prayer sticks. There were poignant moments: this was our first visit without the presence of Asian Elephant Master Teacher Suki (in spirit) and increased awareness of how close Red Wolves are to going extinct in the wild (but the Red Wolf captive breeding program is successful). Bringing the prayers of the ZAA to ceremony assists the captive species in maximizing their roles as ambassadors and increasing their quality of life as ambassadors while also creating better lives for their wild relatives.

But the ZAA prefer that we focus on the present and not get too serious so we can connect fully, and in support, many showed us their playful sides. The standout was a horned puffin that we nicknamed “Golden Retriever Puffin” due to his antics with a stick. In past visits, we have witnessed what I call “Puffin Pandemonium” where many puffins get a case of the “zoomies” which seems to be partly inspired by the energy of our meeting. In all my visits to date, this is the first time I have witnessed a puffin chasing and retrieving a stick. And he was having so much fun! With stick clasped firmly in his bill, he would upend himself so that his head was underwater, and then use his wings to whirl himself around. It looked like he was caught in a whirlpool! And no worries if he dropped the stick. Golden Retriever Puffin would “fly” underwater and chase it down! I took quite a few pictures, but it was after our visit that I noticed the rainbows painted all around him. Wow, what joy and beauty! So inspirational.

Speaking of inspiration, immediately after the November election I wrote Coyote Wisdom for Challenging Times based on the wise words of coyote Pimpernel, and mentioned that I was working on plans for creating community and guidance on healing.

Spirit put that on the fast track and the result is a mini workshop The Monthly Shaman which debuts on December 26 (yes, I know, the day after Christmas, but Spirit gets what Spirit wants which is to get us geared up for the New Year).

I will be hosting (something I said I would never do, but again, Spirit gets…), and there are (so far) two guest shamans that will alternate months. The guidance for each month’s topic comes directly from Spirit to each medicine person through shamanic journeying. The intention is to offer practices and insights for greatest support and growth as we head into what may be our most challenging times of all.

But before I sign off, I wanted to mention it quickly became clear that Coyote is very much a part of this work. Coyote is often referred to as The Trickster in Native American mythology, but there is a lot more to him including the ability to learn from mistakes.

Other key aspects of Coyote’s spiritual gifts as summarized by AI:

• Shape-shifting and Transformation: In many stories, Coyote can change his form, allowing him to adapt to different situations and access different realms.
• Communication and Storytelling: Coyote is often portrayed as a master storyteller, using his narratives to convey important lessons and cultural knowledge.
• Breaking Taboos and Challenging Authority: By pushing boundaries and defying rules, Coyote can represent the need to question societal norms and sometimes bring about necessary change.
• Bringing Fire to Humanity: In some Native American cultures, Coyote is credited with stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humans, symbolizing the gift of knowledge and progress.

I resonated deeply with this quote: “Coyote has a gift from creation, the ability to transform or overcome people-eating monsters. Monsters are technologies, practices, ideas and/or cultural patterns that are destructive and unsustainable.” I recommend taking a look at Coyote, the Trickster where this quote came from if you would like to understand Coyote’s gifts more fully (and they have a good story, too).

I hope that you will join Claudine and I for December’s The Monthly Shaman, Shamanic Bootcamp for Challenging Times: Activate Your Energy for Total Badassery. Let’s create some transformation!

Blessings for a beautiful and easeful holiday season,
Rose De Dan, Night Sky, Tamerlan, Noctua, and Sadiya

Photo above: “Golden Retriever Puffin” plays with stick at PDZA for Listening to ZAA

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New Mini Workshop: The Monthly Shaman

Shamanic Energy Bootcamp for Challenging Times:
Activate Your Energy Body for Total Badassery

with Guest Shaman Claudine Records
Hosted by Rose De Dan

December 26, 2024, 6:00 p.m. Pacific (US and Canada)
Live Zoom webinar/call with replay available

Ready to stop letting everyone and everything drain your energy?

In this workshop, you’ll learn powerful Peruvian techniques for managing and protecting your energy—because, let’s be real, not everyone deserves access to your peace of mind.

Say goodbye to allowing family drama, that soul-crushing meeting with your boss, and the endless cycle of road rage and rage-inducing news, to steal your peace.

Take control of your energy like the badass you are. Step into the new year with strength, clarity, and an aura that “won’t be messed with.”

Protect your energy from those who want to steal it, and instead, use it to thrive through life’s challenges. Ring in the New Year from a place of strength and power and start living on your own terms.

Claudine Records is a shamanic healer, Reiki Master, and licensed massage therapist with extensive training in Peruvian, Celtic, and Core shamanism. With a deep passion for helping both people and animals, she works to empower individuals to reconnect with their true selves, nature, and Spirit. Through her healing practice, Claudine combines ancient wisdom and modern techniques to guide clients on their journey toward wellness, balance, and spiritual growth. Her mission is to inspire and support others in realizing their dreams and living in harmony with the world around them.

How Often and the Intention
The Monthly Shaman is a mini workshop that will be offered (you guessed it) once a month led by a guest shaman and hosted by Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing. It was created by Spirit with the intention of empowering people to stand tall in challenging times. Each presentation is a standalone; registration is for this workshop only.

Details: Length, Replay, and Q&A
During the workshop attendees do not have to manage their screens, only the host and guest shaman will be visible to reduce distraction. This workshop will be 60-90 minutes in length, with time at the end for Q&A via chat. There will be a replay available afterward for those who cannot attend live or to watch again.

The Fee Allows for Tipping
We wanted to try to keep cost reasonable so that more folks might benefit, so at checkout you will see a box to input the fee amount (minumum is set at $25) which means you have the option to increase the amount. Tipping the shaman(s) is allowed!

Click here to register for The Monthly Shaman December 2024.

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Want to learn how to connect more deeply with animals, restore balance to your life, increase intuitive skills, and help heal the Earth? Take a look at my live Reiki and shamanic virtual classes, available worldwide.

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A WILD WAY TO HEAL
Rose De Dan, Wild Reiki and Shamanic Healing LLC is an animal communicator, Reiki Master Teacher, shamanic energy healer, and author. Her classes, sessions, and ceremonial work are inspired by wild and domestic animals who have issued a call to action for personal and global healing.