First, I’d like to welcome all my new readers who have joined me from the Animal and Human Awakening Summit. I’m so glad you’re here!

The Summit, hosted by Sandy Rakowitz, brought together 28 remarkable women from various fields, with attendees, all of whom share a deep love for animals. It was a joy to be part of such a heartfelt gathering.

Before my interview with Sandy, however, I had one of those all-too-human moments of self-doubt. I wondered who I was to carry these stories and whether I could do justice to the messages and experiences entrusted to me. Then, in no uncertain terms, my allies and the animals gave me a strong, energetic paw swat and a loud, clear message:

“We chose you.”

That quieted my nerves immediately.

After my talk was released, I was deeply touched by the responses people shared. One comment felt like an affirmation of that moment:

“Such captivating and transporting stories. Thank you, Rose. The animals chose you very well.”

Another brought tears to my eyes because it reflected exactly the tradition I hold in my heart whenever I tell these stories:

“Incredibly Beautiful. Powerful & poignant. Transported to the bush around a campfire listening to you both, breathing it in, could have listened all night under the stars till daybreak. Thank you.”

And perhaps the comment that meant the most to me was this:

“…gave me a vision of how I can deepen my work.”

That has always been my hope—not simply to tell meaningful stories, but to encourage others to trust their own intuition, deepen their own relationship with Nature and All Our Relations, and discover the stories waiting for them.

Although the Summit has concluded, you can still experience all of the presentations with an All Access Pass if you missed them.

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The Apple Tree

It has been a very busy last few weeks, but I managed to take a day to enjoy the annual West Seattle Garden Tour, and I’d like to share a story from that.

One of our visits was to a garden featuring a 100-year-old apple tree, which I was excited to see because it is very rare for an orchard tree to be part of a residential garden.

At first glance, I admired the tree’s beauty, the strength of her thick, curving branches, and felt her wisdom. I greeted her with a hand on her trunk. I then took a photo of one of her apples.

My friend and I slowly made our way to the other side of the tree to speak with the homeowner. While waiting our turn, I noticed that one of the branches had a large upward-extending crack. The homeowner shared that they had been concerned and had called in many arborists for consultations. They all told her to take the tree down. The last man was someone they had worked with regularly, and he had a different opinion.

The homeowner could tell a good story. She did an impression of him, leaning back, cigarette in hand, while saying, “Apple wood is very strong. You don’t have to worry.” He then jumped up and down on the branch to demonstrate. The homeowner said that now he comes every year to prune the tree so she can stay strong, and he calls her Lady Apple. As I was absorbing the respect for the tree that came with that title, I was suddenly struck in my heart chakra by a huge surge of energy. I was awash with feelings of love and gratitude so strong that tears welled in my eyes.

I turned to my friend to ask if she felt it too, and saw that she was also deeply affected. The feeling of love came from the Tree Spirit, who was now right in front of us. It was Lady Apple. She was so happy that so many people had come to visit and admire her that day, and also grateful that her people, whom she cared for (the homeowner and her family), believed in her and took excellent care of her health.

I did my best to keep my emotions in check while letting the homeowner know what was happening, hoping she didn’t think I was completely bonkers, since there had been no mention of woo-woo in our conversation. I also did my best to thank Lady Apple for the generous gift she gave us. When we left, both of us were still reeling from our heart chakras being blasted open by a very excited Lady Apple; we kind of staggered out of the yard and back to the car. It took a while to recover, but I would not trade that moment for anything. I still get teary thinking about it.

When I got back home and checked my photos from the day, I discovered that Lady Apple had given us an additional gift. She revealed herself to my camera. I can feel the full strength of her presence in the photo above. You may be able to as well if you hold your hand a bit above the image and lower it slowly until you sense a density. And if you see energy (which I don’t usually), perhaps you can see her, too. If you do, I’d love to know how she appears to you.

Thank you, Lady Apple!

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Celebrating Independence Day

If you’ve been reading my newsletters for a while, you’ll know that I believe spiritual practice isn’t something we only do at special times. It is something we carry into the world through our thoughts, our actions, and the relationships we nurture—with one another, with the land, with the animals, and with the communities we call home.

Many people are feeling unsettled right now. It can be easy to believe that one person can’t make much difference. Yet Nature teaches us otherwise. A single seed becomes a forest. One bird’s song awakens the dawn chorus. Every act of kindness, every prayer, every moment of courage sends ripples farther than we can see.

As we move into Independence Day celebrations, I’d like to share some simple spiritual practices below. Practices that are not rooted in fear or anger, but in the hope of restoring balance, compassion, justice, and freedom for all.

May your holiday weekend be a calm and safe one, filled with fun things to do with loved ones and good things to eat!

Rose De Dan, Night Sky, and Tamerlan

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Time Special Issue: Released on June 25, the cover of this special issue celebrating the 250th anniversary features artwork by Shepard Fairey, the American artist, activist, and founder of OBEY Clothing.

“The cover depicts a reimagined multi-ethnic Statue of Liberty, her dress adorned with moments and symbols from American history, including an image of Martin Luther King Jr., accompanied by the words ‘I Have a Dream;’ the moon landing; symbols of jazz; and a portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Together, these images represent what Fairey calls ‘the promise of pluralism in a more fair and just society.’ Reflecting on the piece, the artist says that he wanted to reinterpret the Statue of Liberty because she is ‘iconic and has wide appeal, making it a powerful and universal symbol.’”

I ordered a copy, and Lady Liberty now has a place of honor on my altar where it is connected to the shamanic work mentioned below.

Let Freedom Sing

Today is the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Shamanically speaking, that makes the day a powerful one for taking energetic and physical actions.

In concert with other shamans, we have set some things in place that you can join in today and every day thereafter—simple spiritual practices that help restore balance and support the highest good of this country. Real change rarely happens overnight, but every prayer, blessing, and compassionate action contributes to the larger field. Nature reminds us that balance has a way of reasserting itself, even when we cannot yet see the outcome.

Here are some things you can do today and in the days that follow:

1) Let freedom ring by singing “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” (click here for why and lyrics).

2) Place an image of the Statue of Liberty on your altar. She holds the dreams of all who came to this land in hope. Lady Liberty is a powerful symbol worldwide, and she is pissed at the current state of affairs. Take a look at the words engraved on her base. Let’s support her in her fight for all by including blessings for all that she stands for in your prayers.

3) Mention the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution of the United States, the Bill of Rights, and the amendments, plus Democracy in your daily prayers. Ask for blessings upon them (and the land). Ask for blessings for those who stand up for freedom and justice for all, and for those who struggle with adversity due to their lack thereof.

4) If you are a Reiki 2 practitioner, you can send Reiki daily to the situation for highest and best good. Remember that Spirit takes the long view, so let go of expectations and simply allow shift and healing to happen in its own way.

And you might find inspiration (as I do) in an article resulting in the signing of the Declaration of Independence by historian Heather Cox Richardson and the one-minute video series 250 to 250 which covers the story of America from the time of its founding through the constant efforts of Americans—from all races, ethnicities, genders, and abilities—to make real the belief that we are all created equal and have a right to have a say in our democracy.

Blessings for a safe, strong, and fruitful 4th of July,
Rose De Dan, Night Sky and Tamerlan

P.S. A reminder that you are also stronger and calmer when you grow connections with the land and All Our Relations. The elements contained in July’s Sacred Rhythms can help with that.

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Animal Messages for the 4th of July:

Cat Gracie has an important message about fireworks and how you can help. Click here to read.

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Sometimes we think we have to travel somewhere wild to reconnect with Nature. But what if the invitation has been waiting just outside the front door?

The Tree People that line our streets, shade our backyards, and grow in neighborhood parks have been quietly witnessing our lives all along. What if we paused long enough to listen? That’s the heart of July’s Sacred Rhythms.

This month, we explore the wisdom of Trees—not as scenery, but as living beings who share our communities. You’ll also spend time with some Wild Reiki Spa visitors, including Mama Raccoon and her playful babies.

We’ve also refreshed July with beautiful new section headers, additional quotes, and new music to enrich the experience.

Is there a tree you pass every day that seems to call to you? 🌿

This month’s guided shamanic journey offers an opportunity to connect with that Tree and discover what wisdom it may have to share.

To learn more about Sacred Rhythms, click here.

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Learn how to walk in harmony with the natural world, connect more deeply with animals, restore balance to your life, enhance your intuitive skills, and help heal the Earth through my live Reiki and shamanic virtual classes and digital workshops.

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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 of Tails of a Healer: Animals, Reiki and Shamanism and Out of the Darkness and Other Animal Tails. 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.