Linda Backes | A Radiant Light

Stepping into Empowerment when Old Family Issues Surface.

When old issues from childhood come up to haunt you, remember that this is coming up for a reason. Get in touch with how you feel. Observe your thoughts and how you are reacting physically (are you tense and irritable? intimidated? ready to throw in the towel? angry and resentful?) See how much your thoughts are getting in your way of happiness in the moment.
Now…shift your body- change what you are doing.  Leave the room perhaps, listen to uplifting music, if possible.  This is a Tony Robbins’ technique that works– shift your body and it is much easier to shift your thoughts.
The point is to step out of the same ol’ story that, chances are, you’ve repeated in your head over and over.  Or perhaps, you’ve heard your parents or family tell you repeatedly.  Whatever the case, it’s time to shift and move on.
Focus on the breath; breathe slowing and purposefully.  Chances are your stress is causing you to breathe shallow and, to move on, the deep breaths begin to change your mental and physical body and release blockages within.
Now, with a big inhalation, imagine opening your heart center.  
Envision your heart as expansive and filled with love.  Mentally go into gratitude.  
Look around and think of all that you have, right now, to be grateful for.  
Repeat positive affirmations- either silently or aloud- to replace the chatty negative thoughts of unworthiness, self-doubt, or fear that moments ago that were going on in your head….  
Feel intimately with your heart’s inner knowing:
  • I am safe and sovereign
  • I am worthy of love, happiness, and success
  • I am supported in all ways, in all circumstances.
  • Abundance is my birthright.
If you find yourself unable to get through negative childhood experiences then, by all means, seek help from someone who specializes in inner-child healing.  Psychotherapy, energetic cord cutting, forgiveness ceremony… all kinds of ways of releasing self sabotaging thoughts and patterns of behavior exist.  Find a practitioner who specializes in this type of spiritual work. I enjoy facilitating such sessions because of their transforming results.
Many individuals feel defeated after they’ve dealt with childhood issues and, yet again, self sabotage shows itself. This happens particularly during family get togethers.
Do not dismay, if challenges persist.  Especially if parents and family members are still a part of you life and continue to remind you of your faults or dig into old wounds.  Holidays, in particular, tend to bring out the sore spots in our psyches. However, our expectations of family gatherings can make a difference in the outcome.  
To help you cope during the holidays, remember…
Your soul’s destiny depends upon the lessons you learn, and that makes forgiveness a necessary component of stepping out of judgement.  When you change your perspective of your role and also the roles of your parents and family, it makes forgiveness easier.  
When each of us plans our reincarnation, we create our lessons and choose our parents, family and friends- our primary soul group- who will help us with what we need to learn when we “come in to this earthplane. Those close to us lovingly agree to incarnate with us and create the scenerio that we need to overcome what we will come to believe are our shortcomings. 
With the illusory veil in place, preventing us from remembering who we are and whence we came, we tend to take our life’s experiences as a justification of who we are- not fully knowing the whole story.  This change of perspective, far different from the traditional teachings of man experiencing only one lifetime and then facing heaven or hell, helps your mind to expand on other possibilities that not only make sense but help us to eliminate blame and victimhood. and embrace empowerment!
In these times of Ascension, everyone is having their “buttons pushed,” to make sure that old issues that we thought were gone, are truly transformed for good.  These little tests provide us another chance to stand in our power and overcome whatever perceived blockages prevent us from getting what we want and deserve.
Boundaries are necessary, especially for our own well being.  Knowing when you’ve had enough time exposed to self-defeating talk or, perhaps, destructive comments is crucial. Break free of any pity party, so that you step out of victimhood. Speak your truth with kindness and compassion. And stay free of judgement and criticism, lest you be the target of both in return. 
Enjoy each and every moment of what is happening NOW.  Even those times when you are tested- for ultimately they are gifts to celebrate your growth and expansion– and shift into higher consciousness and joy!
Happy Thanksgiving — and, oh, what blessings are yours!

My Shamanic Journey at Sacred Grove Retreat, October 28, 2012

The day began with my oversleeping, due to the alarm clock incorrectly switching to daylight savings time.  Needless to say, when I got my wits about me, I connected with Kimberly and my dear friend saved the day, offering to pick me up and drive to Sacred Grove Retreat Center together.

The air was crisp when we arrived at the yurt early Sunday morning; the autumn leaves gently falling in the breeze reminded us that winter is patiently waiting around the corner, biding its time while Autumn proudly displays her brilliant colors of orange, red and yellow. 

All who entered the yurt formed a circle seated on the floor facing a decorous alter in the center lavishly adorned with a candle, ring of sage, feathers, wine offering and various items representing the elements of earth and sky. Our circle of introductions revealed that we came from all walks of live, individually carrying our heritage that originated in various lands across the globe. We each spoke the common belief that we are all One, inter-connected as an integral part of All That Is. 

Robin Tekwelus Youngblood- our Native American guide and teacher for this special event- began talking to us about Shamanic ways and traditions, and immediately we began to understand the sacredness of the day’s journey ahead.  We each spoke of our ancestry and what we were asking now of the universe. We learned a great deal about each other in the time we were given to speak.  Many felt like old friends… and we most likely are.

Learning about the Medicine Wheel was enlightening, and I am looking forward to exploring more of this in my studies.  Some of the participants were familiar with aspects of Shamanism.  I was a newcomer eager to learn.


Our journey began as all Shamanic ceremonies do, with the steady beat of the drum– the heartbeat of Mother Earth– setting the pace of our experience. We met a guardian to lead our way deep into the Mother, and greeted various guides, who appeared at each of the four directional corners, bearing gifts and messages. 
A wolf met me in the East, an area filled with pink quartz.  I only remember his eyes, and that I gave him a chunk of red meat as a gift of gratitude. My bear, Ben, greeted me in the South, and I was shown red ruby and given the message to go into rest and hibernation. I gave Ben a string of white light, and he played with the fluid strand as I turned to the West.  Conaire, my eagle revealed a beautiful black obsidian. I gave a shining star, tossing it to Conaire in the heavens. Finally, I caught a glimpse of the White Buffalo, and my heart raced at the presence of White Buffalo Calf Woman. “Welcome back… welcome back,” she said. My body tingled. The expansiveness of Her presence and the expansive opening of my heart felt truly amazing.  White Buffalo Calf Woman leaned forward and presented me with a glowing strand of pure white pearl., She then place the necklace upon me, and off to the side I saw the silver crystal from Michigan that my Reiki Initiate had gifted me the day before.  This journey was now complete.  The return upward through the layers of Earth and then back into the room brought a pleasant goodbye and grateful ending. Wow, I thought… this is only the beginning!

Then, we all ventured outside to the large medicine wheel that encircles soft white sand with boulders strategically placed to indicate the directions and quarter the wheel.  We were shown the power of placing individuals in the circle who represent our family, close friends, and others involved in our life’s lessons.  I think this is a form of creating what the Native Americans call family constellations. After two people demonstrated this type of Medicine Wheel process– which was not only fascinating to witness but amazingly revealing, we moved onto the next festivity– dancing.

Off came the shoes, the heavy sweaters and all non-essentails so that dancing could be fluid and comfortable.  The beat of the drum began and Robin showed us in a gesture how to take in Mother Earth’s energies upward into our feet and then into the rest of our body.  I grabbed my rattles and dried corn stalks and began the steady dance of native Indians that came coursing through me. I cried out in an ancient tongue and embraced the cellular ancestry in my body as my feet carried me into the quadrants of the wheel of sand beneath my feet.  The songs of the ancients poured through me, and deeply rooted sensations emerged throughout my physical and emotional body.  I became the dance, and the dance was a part of me.

We all danced our emotions, let go of our grief, sadness and tensions, and celebrated our lives all within the steps and full array of our bodys’ movements.  An endless flow of releasing and accepting; sometimes in slow deliberate motion and,, at other times fast and swirling with frenzied gestures… until finally, the others began to step out of the wheel; only I was left in the circle.  I ended the dance with the final beat of the drum and collapsed on the sand, satiated and exhausted; overflowing with happiness, gratitude and boundless love.

Some of our group said goodbye at this point, separating our circle and leaving only those who were to join together in the sweat lodge.  This was my first time “doing a sweat,” — another spiritually beautiful and deeply touching ceremony that will be forever etched in my memory.  My dear friend and spiritual sister Mindy explained to me that the outside of the sweat is built in the image of a turtle. I could see the torso which was formed by the covered round tent where we would sit amidst the fire, and then my eyes traced the head of the turtle, which formed the fire pit for roasting the hot stones.  A line of corn meal (or tobacco is also used), connected the soaring fire to the sweat lodge and only the Keeper of the Fire was allowed to cross the line. Robin taught us and that strict ancient rules apply to keep the sacredness of the sweat lodge honored through time. Our group comprised a mixed-gendered sweat. Girls were to be covered in dresses or wraps and t-shirts and must sit out if they are in their monthly moon cycle. Men were allowed to wear shorts. 

Once inside, we huddled together, welcoming the penetrating heat and singing native verses while the drum beat in the darkness. Then we focused on our breath and, our intentions, and said prayers- both aloud and silent- into our sacred space. More hot stones stoked the fiery heat and as the temperature rose, so did our voices and our hearts’ cry to peace, love, the end of suffering, and awakening of all being to its true nature. After four rounds of adding white hot stones to the fire and continuing our incantation, we emerged thoroughly soaked in cleansing perspiration and altered perception to the world outside.  The cool fall breeze sent chills down our spines, and suddenly everyone felt the exposure to the elements and the desire for clean, dry clothing. Experiencing this ancient and sacred tradition of cleansing as well as manifesting, was powerful and transforming. What an amazing way to complete the day’s memorable Shamanic journey.

                                 








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“We meet ourselves time and again in a thousand

 disguises on the paths of life.” Carl Jung


Many of us are facing personal challenges of all sorts during this time of tremendous transition on the planet.  Mine recently has been a Trial by Fire Initiation into the realm of recognition.  What I have come to realize is the true meaning of Carl Jung’s quote about meeting ourselves in others.

When you are a healer and experience a setback in your own health, an opportunity for self examination presents itself in full force.  Light workers, especially, must diligently hold the same energies and encompass the same principles that we show others, and when we are out of alignment- in body, mind or spirit- the mirror of the Universe reflects what we need to do. 

My recent cold put an abrupt stop to a very busy schedule that resulted in my being way out of alignment with my physical body.  How many times does it take for me to realize that delicate balance between helping others and taking care of my own needs?  Typical, I suppose, among those of us dedicated to helping others … yet this awareness does not assuage the tough lesson that finally drags me into the doctor’s office, humbled by the nagging cough (throat chakra discordance) and incessant symptoms that linger.

Three weeks ago, I inadvertently burned a hole in an alter cloth with incense during sacred ceremony, and soon after accidentally burned my face– like a strong acid peel– from the water in a cleansing bath soak.  I instinctively knew that what was to come would be “in my face” and illuminating.  What I didn’t realize then, but absolutely know now, is that I would be facing every criticism and judgement that I’ve ever cast upon others. 

When we truly understand that the Universe sends back to us what we project, there is a light that shines on both the positive and the negative that we create.  I grew up in a loving home, albeit with a very masculine critical voice. And, although I pride myself on not saying the outrageous degrading remarks that I heard as a child, my Trial by Fire shows me the many judgmental thoughts and comments I HAVE made… not only of others but, especially, toward myself!  What an awakening to discover that I have, indeed, mirrored my critical parent unconsciously. And, whether we are aware of it or not, the throat engages what the mind perceives!

Every single comment that I have ever made about others has come back to show me that same quality in myself– in some degree, at some place and time in my life.  The Fire of Illumination shows me there is absolutely NOTHING “out there” in the world that does not exist within me.  I have heard this in all spiritual venues, but to truly know this truth is sobering. What we see in others is truly a mirror of ourselves!

And, yes. with awareness comes responsibility.  Another inescapable truth that tests our knowing with our actions.  My critical voice is softened now, caught mid-stream between the thought and ensuing word.  With practice, the critical voice will dissipate altogether. And when gone, the mirror will reflect the full acceptance and unconditional love of Self and others on our path.

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Tumultuous Times are What We Asked For!

I can’t begin to count all of the phone calls that I’ve received in the past few weeks from powerful Light Workers who are experiencing tremendous energetic shifts in their bodies and consciousness. In the course of our conversations, I’m always reminded by Spirit that 2012 is prophesied as the Ascension, and, indeed, we are experiencing the growing pains associated with the huge energetic shifts occurring all over the planet.

The emotional body seems to be in havoc for many, as clearing is in the process of uncovering deep-seated emotions not only from our inner child subconscious, but also from karmic issues which are imbedded in our own DNA.  Sometimes we cry for ourselves and those we love, and sometimes we feel deep emotions of loss and pain for the planet herself, as Gaia is certainly clearing in tandem with us.  The outer really in the world accurately and painstakingly mirrors the inner turmoil we are facing.

“Going with the flow” is simply the best and only way to ride these tumultuous waves with any sort of sanity and success.  Letting go of expectations and resistance to change seems a small price compared to the pain experienced with our control issues.  And taking care of the body is now as important as taking care of our spiritual connection and mindfulness.  The Body/Mind/Spirit balance is Key, as we have been guided so well for so long.

This is the time for us to “cowboy up,” as they say… and know that raising consciousness, as we must do in order to create the paradigm shift of Ascension, is going to engulf us with severe growing pains in any area where we are not in alignment with the Love and Joy energies of creation.  Just as I know those who are experiencing great agony in life, so too are those who are enjoying a boon of wishes come true and dreams manifesting!  Much IS of our own choosing, through our perspective and our own letting go.

If you are a Light Worker, make sure to spend time giving healing Light to yourself!  Meditate and stay connected to Source throughout the day. Keep the flow of giving and acceptance for ease and grace during the difficult times of shift.  And, above all, stay in gratitude of knowing everything is PERFECT in so far as our experiences of both joyful and difficult times.

Live and embrace the peace within, so that our world mirrors just that.  When you find yourself out of balance, reel yourself back in, patch up the wounds as best you can, and keep moving with focus on the Light that resides in your heart and opens the door to raising us all… as we certainly are all in this together!

Namaste.  Linda Carter Backes

Meditation: Clearing & Sacred Creation through Divine Unity

Meditation Steps:

Invocation of Spirit:
In whatever personal way you connect to God/Source/Light, invoke your guardian angels, spirit guides and St. Germaine of the Blue Violet Flame of Forgiveness and Transformation with the Intention of helping you locate and eliminate areas of discordance within your auric field:  the mental, emotional and physical bodies.

Discovering Source of Discordance:
Relax into a meditative state and proceed to discover the source of your irritation, sadness, depression, anxiety or any other discordant feeling. As you remember the origin of those feelings, re-view the scenarios surrounding these emotions.  Where you with others? Did a painful memory surface? Did you push aside irritations because of a sense of guilt, shame or inability to speak your truth?  Go deeply into this discovery of cause and effect.

Scanning the Body
Once re-connected with your feelings, then mentally scan your entire body, from head to toe, to feel where those energies may have settled in your physical form. 

Invoking White Light
When you become aware of the area(s) of your body that hold the tension of your emotions, focus on the breath and invoke the flow of White Light from Spirit. 
Envision this Light energy entering through your crown atop your head and traveling down your body, spreading luminous Light throughout your system. Intentionally focus on the healing Light illuminating the locations where your tensions are buried.


Invoking the Blue-Violet Rays of Transformation
As the Light illumines your body, now ask St. Germaine to begin the flow of the Blue-Violet Flame to transmute and release any and all discordant energies within your fields; on all levels, in all dimensions.
Stay in this state as long as necessary to feel, see, or sense a powerful clearing.

Envisioning the Ascension Key Image
NOW focus on your Radiant Heart and envision the 2nd Ascension Key.  Imagine this beautiful cup entering you, and see your Self as the Divine Temple of the Golden Chalice. 

Bringing in the Flame
NOW envision the flame of Holy Spirit (as shown in the image of the Ascension Key) blazing above your head.
Breathe in this powerful flame, bringing the fire into your crown, then Third Eye, then the Throat- further illuminating as the flame travels downward through the upper charkas (energy fields) of your body. 

Envisioning Divine Union
The Divine Flame now enters your Heart, where it combines with your own Flame of Passion, and the energies are magnified tenfold!  See the fire within and send the Light outward, to your surroundings, your city, your state… and continuing further until this beautiful Light surrounds the entire planet.

Balancing Male / Female Energies; Creating Sacred Relationship
Envision the Light traveling down through the Solar Plexus, illuminating your Power Center, just above your navel.
Send the Light further down below the belly, igniting and balancing the Male/Female energies of the Sacral Chakra within your sexual organs; center of creativity.
NOW intend that all of your relationships be in alignment with your Heart.
Once again, invoke St. Germaine to assist with any forgiveness issues with Self or others, through the transmuting Blue Violet Flame.  Feel the powerful transformation as you consciously breathe this eternal Flame within! 

Grounding the Energies
Send the flame downward into the Root Chakra at the base of the spine, then further into your hips, thighs, legs, and down to your feet. 

Envisioning the Circular Flow of Energy:  The Torus
NOW, as the Light travels to the ends of your toes, envision the flow coming out of your toes and curving upward, in a circle that goes back up and reunites with Source and, once again, travels downward into your Crown.
This pattern is shown in the image of the Key. And the continual circular flow of Divine Light, is a pattern called the Torus- the eternal and ever-present flow of Creational energy of Source! 
Spend as much time as you can, envisioning this flow, in unison with your flow of your own breath.
Sacred Creation in Divine Union
NOW, as you continue to witness the torus flow of Divine Light, envision your desires manifesting in your life.  See your wishes coming true.  Watch how your life changes as your desires unfold. 
Breathe your powerful Light into your visions and energize the scenarios with the passion of your Radiant Heart.
Ignite your dreams with Love and Compassion and connect to the Joy that your creations bring to you and the world.  Then, envision the world embracing peace, brotherhood, kindness, compassion, and unity.. embodied with the Love from your Radiant Heart!

Closing in Gratitude
Send deep-felt gratitude to all of the Spirits you invoked for assistance in this sacred meditation. 
NOW  (mentally or aloud) affirm:
I AM the Light, I AM the Flame, I AM thy Holy, Holy Name
__________________________________

This meditation brings us back to the awareness that we ARE a sacred Temple of the Light.  This is the Key to bringing ourselves out of feeling disconnected; dissolving any notion that we are less than a creation of the Divine.  This is a Key to fully embodying your Light, raising your personal vibration and that of the collective consciousness.

Please feel free to contact me, if you feel inclined to share your powerful experience of this meditation.

Namaste.  Linda Carter Backes

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