Friday, March 22, 2024

signs & symbols

The latest release of Denis Villeneuve's Dune: Part Two fulfills my considerable fan girl dreams. The film lays bare what it takes for a precautious and vulnerable young heir uprooted from his privileged water logged life to become a mythic figure in the harsh desert environment of Frank Herbert's famed Dune

As Paul Atreides brings his enemies to their knees, shattering years of strangle hold - we cheer him on. The film adds more to the Bene Gesserit story through the women closest to Paul and provides even more insight into the sisterhood’s deep history and its goals. 

behind the scenes & creative process - images capture the making of the movie

I so reverently wished I could have a Bene Gesserit cult of my own! The Bene Gesserit knack for survival and scheming is most brilliantly personified in Lady Jessica - just as swiftly absorbed into the Fremen fold who view her abilities as yet another sign of Paul’s godhead. 

Monday, March 4, 2024

women & girls worldwide

March is Women's History Month and 2024 commemorates 104 years of the struggle for women's rights. Celebrating the political, social, economic and cultural achievements of women throughout history


A focal point this 2024 of the movement for women's rights is "gender equality and empowerment." This women's movement that advocates and champions reforms on women's issues created by inequality. Addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing for women and girls worldwide. 


notable women - Joan of Arc, Virginia Woolf, Cleopatra, Ada King Lovelace, Jackie O, Indira Gandhi


Every woman has a story to tell and gifts to share with the world. I recently celebrated our golden at my alma matter homecoming. Bringing home a central theme here at Change Warrior - the celebration of magnificent women of all ages.


Tuesday, February 13, 2024

2024 green wood dragon

Chinese New Year holiday is traditionally seven days long - from lunar new year's eve to the sixth day of the first lunar month. This falls on February 10 to 17 in 2024 - the Year of the Green Wood Dragon

Celebrations last up to 16 days although only the first seven days are considered a public holiday which culminate with the Lantern Festival on February 24th, 2024.

art by Issa Urra

The festival began over 2000 years ago developing many meanings through the ages. It celebrates family reunions and community - featuring ancient spiritual traditions. Some also call this the “true” Chinese Valentine’s Day. 

Sunday, February 11, 2024

ora et labora

What exactly is the electromagnetic spectrum? In case you believe we are such geniuses, humans experience less than one percent of the spectrum. Yet within that narrow range there are awesome glories to behold. 

Do we really know best?

From low to high frequency the spectrum ranges are - radio wavesmicrowavesinfraredvisible lightultravioletX-rays, and gamma rays. The electromagnetic waves in each of these bands have different characteristics. 

Such as how they are produced, how they interact with matter, and their practical applications. Most are invisible to us - they are beyond human ability to perceive and even deadly for humans to absorb. 

Sunday, January 7, 2024

healing as being

Being back in this class with Sandra Ingerman is a much anticipated return home. Being amidst our community, our circle, and our work is a welcome homecoming. 

starting 2024 with the best intentions

I was first introduced to shamanic work back in 1985 when the Foundation for Shamanic Studies created by Michael Harner was still called something else and not known to many. 

I experienced my first few journeys and eventually learned how to journey for myself as well as others. Then there was a few years of apprenticeship with my teacher before I started monthly shamanic circles for our different communities in the Philippines and the United States. 

I am eternally grateful to Sandra for her workshops through the years that have sustained and supported me in my personal path and practice. Shamanism is a way of life that feeds Spirit through direct revelation. Keeping the vessel cleansed and clear as best as possible is key to this ever evolving process. 

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Ulali | all my relations

The last day of 2023 and New Year's Eve 2024 is most definitely a special occasion - 123123.

May the works of our hands be rooted in reverence for Mother Nature. May we be sustained by the grace of the Sun, the Wind, the Waters, the sacred Land - and by each other.

The Ulali Project founders

to our elders who teach us

of our creation and our past

so we may preserve Mother Earth

for ancestors yet to come

we are the land

this is dedicated to our relatives 

 

"All Our Relations" sang by Ulali, lyrics by Pura Fe

Ulali's "All Our Relations" refers to the Garryowen March or Hale as it is known in the US. It was often used by the American military as they marched to massacre the Native Americans.

Friday, December 15, 2023

a good night

Noche Buena. Simbang Gabi. Misa de Gallo. All are cherished Filipino Christmas holiday traditions we hold warmly in our hearts. 

Simbang Gabi is the night mass Filipinos attend mass either late at night or in the early morning hours. It is a series of masses held daily for all nine days before Christmas. The belief holds that attending all nine masses will grant ones wish.

@dokmarkus via Instagram

Simbang Gabi can also have a nine-day novena procession that is a reenactment of the nativity of Christ known as the Panunulúyan.