Spinning Like Crow- October 2023
Corvids, Samhain, Upcoming Courses, Meditation, Writing Update, & so much more!
Good afternoon!
Many years ago, while I was picnicking in Rocky Mountain National Park, a magpie tried to rip a silver bracelet from my arm. Her huge wings flapped as she attempted to bite and claw the bracelet from me. I’m sure I screamed and flayed my arm. She gave up, fluttered to a boulder, and cawed her displeasure.
Thus began my fascination with members of the Corvid family. More than 135 species are in this family, the best known of which are crows, ravens, rooks, magpies, jackdaws, jays, treepies, choughs, and nutcrackers.
Over the past year or so, crows have appeared to me in odd ways and left me feathers in odd places. In meditation, I’m learning that Crow is teaching me to trust the unknown, to trust my own skills, and to delve deeply into studies that are new to me.
Every time I mention a crow experience to someone, the response is “Me too!” Recently I taught a workshop focused on connecting with our Animal People guides. When I asked participants if they had similar experiences with crows, almost everyone said “Yes!”
I’ve been diving deeply into the science and mythology associated with these birds, particularly crows and ravens. I have meditated about both our universal and personal connections. I’ve asked for information about the messages we’re being given, and why now, among other questions.
Here are some interesting facts I’ve been learning (and many more!):
- Crows recognize individual human faces
- Crows problem-solve, and make and use tools to accomplish complex tasks
- Crows warn others of potential danger
- Crows teach us how to connect with magic in our lives
- In some cultures, Crows and Ravens are associated with both birth and death
- Crows and Ravens are credited with being the creator of the world, and its trickster
- Crows are the keepers of universal secrets of magic, and are a messenger of Spirit, in a way different from Hawk.
I’d love to share more about crows and their friends with you. I hope you’ll join me for the workshop I’ve scheduled. Here’s the link: https://debbowen.com/product-category/new-category/
Celebrate Samhain with a Silent Dinner
All Hallow’s Eve is called Samhain (pronounced sow-in or sah-vin) in Celtic cultures. It is a night for honoring and connecting with our loved ones who have crossed the veil and I invite you to consider the lovely practice of a Silent Supper at Samhain. In the old days, this was called “a dumb supper.” (“Dumb” in this context meant “silent.”)
Here’s what you do:
Prepare a meal with foods that celebrate the season. Include a dish or two that were favorites of your departed loved ones. Set the table with flowers, candles, and holiday decorations. Add one additional place setting and chair that will represent a place at the table for your departed loved one(s).
Bring food and drink to the table, being sure you have everything you need so that no one has to leave the room after you begin. (Remember matches for lighting the candles!)
Create a circle of energy around the table by offering prayers or thoughts, and inviting those guests from beyond the veil who you are willing to have join you. Simply holding hands around the table and speaking your desire is a lovely way to do this.
Light the candles. From this moment forward, not a word is to be spoken. As dishes are passed around the table, each person serves him/herself, with the person nearest the empty place setting putting a spoonful of each food on the plate reserved for the departed.
Eat in silence, meditating on kind thoughts of those who have crossed the veil, and listening for their communication with you.
At the end of the meal, hold hands again, offer thanks for the visit (whether you sensed someone or not), and thanks for the time together. When the circle is opened, someone should take food from the plate for the departed one(s) that is safe to do so, outside for the four-legged, winged, and crawling people.
Meditation Thoughts
I offer you this month my meditation entitled “Spinning Like Crow” as we transition from one season to the next. I hope you enjoy it!
I’m so happy to connect with you and I’m grateful that you have taken a course with me and subscribe to this newsletter!
If you missed my last newsletter, you can read it here.
UPCOMING!
Registration for all courses below:
https://debbowen.com/product-category/new-category/
Deeper Mysteries of Tarot
Three-Session Course
Tuesdays, November 28, December 5, 12, 2023
Join either afternoon or evening section
Prerequisite: Completion of “Unlocking the Mysteries of Tarot”
The fee for this course is less than for my introductory course in gratitude to you!
This course is not only a continuation of Unlocking the Mysteries of Tarot but offers more depth to your working knowledge of Tarot. Please note that you must have completed my Unlocking the Mysteries of Tarot introductory course in order to enroll in this course.
In this course you’ll learn how to:
1. strengthen your intuitive skills in working with and reading the keys
2. incorporate other psychic tools into your work (crystals, pendulums…)
3. use the keys for prompts in writing, story-telling, and more
4. examine legends and myths associated with Tarot that are still relevant today
5. work with the keys in meditation and more!
Your Numbers: How They Guide You from Zero To Infinity
Tuesday, November 14, 2023
Join either afternoon or evening section
You see 11:11 or 999999 all the time! How do you know the meaning of your birth/life path number? You’re moving into a new house – what does the house number tell you? You’re making a decision about a lifestyle change – how might the date matter? And why is 13 such an unlucky number (or is it?)? And soooo much more in this workshop!
Crow Knows: How To Connect with Corvid Wisdom
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Join either afternoon or evening section
Over the past few months I, and many others, have had intense encounters with Crow. Why? What’s making our relationship with birds of the Corvid family so profound these days? I’ve spent much time researching, studying, meditating, and listening to my Guides for answers. In this information-packed workshop, I share what I’ve learned with you. I believe what I’ve been taught is helpful to us as individuals, and to our work of caring for Mother Earth.
Registration for all courses above:
https://debbowen.com/product-category/new-category/
Join Me at Edgar Cayce A.R.E. Psychic Development Conference in November!
November 3-5, 2023
I’m so honored to be back at the Edgar Cayce A.R.E.! I’m presenting at the Psychic Development conference this year! You can join us in person at the beautiful A.R.E. headquarters in Virginia Beach, VA, or online. This weekend event is packed with some of the best teachers in the field. Please join us!
Here’s the link to the A.R.E. website information about this event. All registration information can be found here:
Writing Update
Click on the links below to read my most recent works in Salvation South:
“Where I’m From: Seven Decades in Seven Scenes”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/where-im-from-seven-decades-in-seven-scenes-deb-bowen-poem/
“Mending Nets”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/mending-nets-north-carolina-barrier-island/?mc_cid=c4bb217ffc&mc_eid=fae2a9a622
“A Talisman for Poseidon”
https://www.salvationsouth.com/a-talisman-from-poseidon-hurricane-donna-1960/
Podcast
Deb’s Facebook Pages
Another way you and I can connect is through my Facebook pages. I’d be honored if you’d follow my pages. They are a great way to see up-to-the-minute news! I so hope you’ll LIKE and FOLLOW and feel free to comment and share posts!
Deb Bowen, Author
PsychicTeachers
Witches of the Shore
Just One More Thing Before You Go
As the Wheel of the Year spins as it always has from one season to the next, may we remember to honor the simple things in our lives.
Thank you!
Deb, thanks so much for the idea of the dumb supper. I've never heard of it, and I think it's a ceremony that I want to try.
The timing is perfect. Growing up in Montana magpies were my childhood friend. I am so connected to crows and ravens. We moved a couple of years ago to NM . We don’t have magpies here. We are preparing to return home to Montana when our house sells here, hopefully very soon. My first joy will be to see magpies again!!
I’m so excited for this class. My mother as a child had a pet magpie, Maggie.