When the journey began, the stillness of the sunny day quickly shifted.  The wind came up, caressing the walls of the arena, creating sounds of soft creaks and folds. Sand blew through the big door and along the floor as the snow capped Long’s Peak watched over the land from a distance.  I focused on my footsteps and the sounds of the rhythm beads I held to my hip. Birds, suddenly chirping louder, invading the inside of my being. Wind now blowing in gusts; butterflies twirled in my belly.  My big buckskin, Moon, walked next to me.  His head dropped as we both moved around the outside of the round pen.  My mustang, Corazon, with his stout powerful body followed behind me with Suzanne, and behind them my big, soft, curious mare Sylvie, with Reggie.

My dear friend and shamanic healer, Kate, sat with the group of participants inside the round pen, drumming steadily. Each participant had ceremoniously created their space with blankets and drawings in the sand.  They lay peacefully and trusting, allowing the beating of the drum and the rhythms of the horses’ hooves to carry them to the underworld.  I could feel the shifting. I could feel the travels begin, breath moving deeper, Moon slowing the pace.  We were all now entering another zone.  This is the zone where the participants could connect with their spiritual guides, animal totems, and seek wise counsel.

For twenty minutes, I with my herd and assistants circled and held space.  A hot jolt came into my heart and tears stung my eyes.  This space, the indoor arena at my new facility, allows complete privacy for creative and spiritual expression.  My herd and I were finally free to explore deep levels of consciousness without distractions. We have arrived. I glanced back with affection to see each of them, walking, holding space, fully present.

We continued to circle until I felt the shift and the lifting of energy.  We were beginning the journey back out.  I deliberately changed the direction and we circled clockwise, aiding in bringing everyone back to earth time, present time.

Slowly, each participant rose and moved to the horse they were drawn to and painted the energy that was emerging onto the horses to honor the horse, the way of the horse, and the spirit of Horse. It was a powerful space, pregnant with possibilities and openings. Once completed, we all then completed our journey with a quiet walk to the lake.

It was not until the next day that the participants were ready to share their experiences.  They were mighty powerful and vivid with totem animals, landscapes, horses, colors and messages.

Sharing their experiences took me back to my own “first” shamanic journey with horses that I experienced years ago.  I would like to share this journey with you.

Download Kathy’s story of White Horse Dancing: A Shamanic Journey

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