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From the January 2008 Newsletter

Feliticas, Jung, The Shaman ... And the Gift of Wonder
By Joanne Rossi, M.A.  

When our mind ponders the word wonder what arises? Present memories, past recollections, or psyche providing us with a surprise. Perhaps, our body responds in some subtle fashion -- alerting us to some known or unknown form of awareness. And who enters with wonder as our guide, confidante, mentor?

For those of us engaged in our own inner work (and workings) the names mentioned in the title of this article may surely come to mind. Felicitas Goodman, and her work with Ecstatic Trance; Carl G. Jung, and the inner world of archetypes and the collective unconsciousness. And the Shaman, across time, and across cultures. All three bearers of wonder -- healing, insight,inspiration. And what allows us to discern and integrate the gifts that may be offered to us-- allowing us to metabolize our own healing medicine. Most spiritual and healing traditions frequently mention the need for receptivity: to be open to the unexpected, and to be ready for the arrival. Both Felicitas and Jung believed in the presence of an Invisible World, and explored and provided others through their work and literature psychic identifiers and maps of inner terrains. And the Shaman in all diverse cultures knows and has the ability to walk between the worlds at will, discerning, divining, and providing healing for others and community.

During Ecstatic Trance Postures participants are prepared to enter Alternate Reality, they are given information how their different senses may respond, how their body may react, and how we all have our own unique inner landscape. As a Jungian-oriented psychotherapist and practitioner of folk healing here in New Mexico~ I am fortunate to be able to share and learn from indigenous healers. I was once told how there is a similarity between the kachinas and the santos (saints). This certainly made sense to me --- inhabitants, archetypes of the Invisible World, there to guide and protect us. The Lady of Cholula is certainly part of this company.

It remains a deep honor to assist and bear witness to the presence of wonder in another's life. Felicitas mentions in her book, "Ecstasy, Ritual, and Alternate Reality," how modern society may be out of touch with the numinous, the otherworldly, the realm of ecstasy. How wonderful to know though that there are many, many, individuals seeking access to their own inner landscape in healthy and dedicated ways, and that they are provided with teachings, places, people, and the desire to be receptive to healing and wonder when they are encountered. And it is also at this time that threshold guardians and impasses may emerge.

A threshold guardian may be defined as an inhabitant, or a theme, within our inner world preventing us from moving forward --- creating an impasse. The threshold guardian may have been with us for many years, perhaps in the past serving a purpose. It may have shielded us from painful memories, created certain forms of boundaries, or provided a sense of familiarity. But, there comes a time when this guardian must move out of the way to allow for newness and wholeness. The Bear Posture may certainly be an ally at this time, along with a trusted advisor, friends, and community.

In the coming summer of 2008, I will again be teaching a workshop on Limpias, Soul Retrieval and Folk Healing at Cuyamunge. Teaching there has truly been a soul-enriching experience for me, and for others who have shared their experiences with me. The Spirit of the Land welcomes and obliges participants as they seek to learn, experience, and embody personal healing. Archetypes, ancestors, kachinas may make their presence known --- in waking or dream time. Their purpose is to aid, empower, inspire, and banish threshold guardian that maybe impeding our personal paths and destinies. In a wondrous teaching kiva, spirit-filled land, and dedicated community, sacred objects will be divined, dreamstending will be explored, hands will heal, herbs win soothe, trance postures will rattle, and Wonder will reign.

Joanne Rossi is a licensed psychotherapist and teacher and practitioner of folk healing in New Mexico. She lives in a rural village in the Rio Grande Valley, surrounded by nature's beauty and mystery. She may be reached by e-mail: jrtransper@ao1.com and www.psychesoma.org

Suggested Readings:
Goodman, Felicitas: "Ecstasy. Ritual. and Alternate Reality"
Gore, Belinda: "Ecstatic Body Postures"
Jung, C.J.: "Memories. Dreams. Reflections"
Rowling, J.K: Harry Potter All 7 Books

View more from the January 2008 Newsletter

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