A beloved author from my childhood once wrote: "A story, too, can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe.” Our lives are made up of the stories we tell ourselves, the stories we hear and the stories we share with others. We are not stuck, because our stories are still unfolding. 

My Story.

As a little girl, I believed in magic and miracles. I loved music, dancing and exploring. I found adventure in walks in the woods and sometimes ate my lunch in trees.

The world pushes practicality. So, I got my law school degree. I ended up filling my days with legal constructs, paperwork and litigation. Buried in an avalanche of demands at work, deadlines and obligations commanded my attention. I became detached from my childhood brushes with magic and that early dream of knowing the names of the stars. Until I stopped to ask two questions: who am I?; and what do I want? My heart and soul answered: to help people, to expand my spiritual gifts and to support the planet/universe. I want to enjoy my life. I want to live in authenticity.

Stories can inspire us. At the core, as a shamanic practitioner, I listen to and hold space for the stories of others. Have you forgotten any important part of your story? What stories are you telling yourself?

Certifications? I've got them - Reiki Master Teacher, an Akashic Records Practitioner, and a graduate of psychic development classes. My life and story truly changed with my first shamanic* apprenticeship in Celtic and Norse traditions. I meditated, worked with my guides, journeyed, and healed emotionally and energetically. Then, I followed it up with a lengthy apprenticeship with that same Celtic shaman as an advanced practitioner who is grounded in my path, understands ego work and knows my shadow work. I was honored and excited to work with her one-on-one for a few years. I learned more about my connection to ancient galactic wisdom, planetary and dimensional energies. I continued to travel - walking in the physical and spiritual worlds. So, the certifications aren't what is important. My training through and my connection with Spirit, plus my positive intentions, are what's important. 

Now, as a Soul Care Practitioner, I'm following in the footsteps of my Baba who was a healer from the Carpathian Mountains and moving forward with respect to the ancient Celtic lineage I hold and with respect to the celestial energies I’ve worked with. I seek to share kindness, to honor the path of my ancestors and to empower others. We all have stories to tell, to expand on and to grow with. 

Everyone deserves to sparkle, to feel empowered, and to get to know themselves better. Exploring spirituality connects me with my authentic self. I want to share my insights and gifts with others. I welcome you to join me to balance, strengthen or to take more control of your life story.

*NOTE ON BEING A SHAMAN: I respect East Asian spiritual practices, which are not my specialty. Some American academics argue that the use of the word “Shaman” should only apply to East Asian practices, since the Siberian Tungus first used it to describe their Medicine Men/Women (“Cam” or “Saman”) An even deeper root of the word “Shaman” is found in ancient Vedic Sanskrit - the word “Śrām,” which is also about a person choosing a spiritually-dedicated life path. So, as Shakespeare said: “what is in a name?” To me, it is important not to over-intellectualize and narrowly define or limit what constitutes spiritual practice. EVERY culture has traditions centering around energy healers who use their gifts for the betterment of the community. A theme in these practices is often oneness - the unity of energy work. In modern practice, the commitment to the use of a variety of energy tools and medicines as life path is summed up by the word “Shaman.” So, on my personal practice, I embrace the use of the word Shaman, because people understand that it is more than me using just one tool. And, in addition to Celtic and Norse practices, I work with star and dimensional energies. I do carry those lineages.

Also, using the word “Shaman” demands more than a person declaring a sense of spiritual connection or alignment. Yes, to be a Shaman, you must commit yourself to spiritual work. You also must do ego work and engage actively in your own individual and spiritual growth. As the saying goes: “You can’t give water from an empty cup.” AND you must train, ultimately being initiated into the practice through the teachings of Source and a skilled Shaman.

My apprenticeships were lead by Source, my guides and truly magical, dedicated practitioners. I celebrate my opportunities to learn and am forever grateful to my mentors. I continue on a path of expansion as I work with my guides and connect with a variety of positive, healthy energies both connected to this Earth and to the Universe. I am honored to help others through my energy work.