My Shamanic Life with Debbie Philp

Lawn Sunshine? Sheri said what she said. In this episode, monthly podcast guest Sheri Kurdakul shares some surprising benefits of dandelion, a plant vilified by those who want a perfect green lawn (why?!?). Sheri and I both think it’s a magical plant that spreads happiness. Sheri once again starts us off with an awesome herbal poem. Enjoy!  Episode links:Find Sheri at Glitter Witch Gardens:  https://sherikurdakul.com/Sheri’s post about dandelion:  https://sherikurdakul.com/dandelion/Sheri’s company, Victims Voice:  https://victimsvoice.app/ April 30th Virtual Beltane Ceremony:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/online-beltane-ceremony/Find all upcoming in-person and virtual events on my calendar:  https://debbiephilp.com/events/ Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.

Earth Day is coming and I had great plans to do a special episode for that. Then I got caught up in recording a presentation of the paper I am writing for one of my grad school classes. It is a good topic for Earth Day, though, so I’m sharing the audio as part of the episode, after a bit of history about Earth Day to set the stage. Be sure to check out the links below for the events I mention, especially if you live near me. Happy Earth Day! Episode links:April 20th North Country Wild Care fundraiser in South Glens Falls, NY:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/birds-bikes-and-beers-fundraiser-for-north-country-wild-care/April 21st UU service in Queensbury, NY:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/uu-service-love-letter-to-the-earth/April 21st Mountain River Circle in Queensbury, NY:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/mountain-river-circle-at-uucgf-8/ Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Event calendar:  https://debbiephilp.com/events/Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.

Jen and I were both buzzing during the solar eclipse. Listen as Jen shares more about her experience in the totality. Then Jen treats you to an awesome tarot spread you can use in the reemerging energy of spring. Episode links:April 30th Virtual Beltane Ceremony:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/online-beltane-ceremony/Find all upcoming in-person and virtual events on my calendar:  https://debbiephilp.com/events/ Jen’s course, Tarot for Everyone, beginning May 8th:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tarot-for-everyone-tickets-880867106227?aff=oddtdtcreatorJen VanBenschoten, Hot Mess Healing:  https://www.facebook.com/hotmesshealingJen’s new online shop, which has some beautifully wrapped labradorite pieces:  https://wisewoman.bigcartel.com/ Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.

Building on the sit spot practice in episode 117, I am sharing how I journal about nature. This includes recording what I observe and how I feel when I am out there. Have a listen and begin your own practice of journaling nature.Episode links:Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Event calendar:  https://debbiephilp.com/events/Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.

In the northern hemisphere spring has sprung! I’m feeling into Ostara season’s energy of potential and sharing that and other Ostara things in this episode. Episode links:Ostara Season blog post: https://debbiephilp.com/blog/ostara-season-potential/Upcoming virtual Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/ Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Event calendar:  https://debbiephilp.com/events/Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.

Is it good to be a weed? Purple dead nettle thinks so and shows us how to be a weed that is a gentle garden companion. Regular guest Sheri Kurdakul shares about this early spring plant and how it benefits its ecosystem and you even though it is not native to North America. Of course Sheri starts us off with another of her awesome herbal poems. Enjoy the episode! Episode links:Find Sheri at Glitter Witch Gardens:  https://sherikurdakul.com/Sheri’s post about purple dead nettle:  https://sherikurdakul.com/purple-dead-nettle/Sheri’s company, Victims Voice:  https://victimsvoice.app/ March 24th Mountain River Circle in Queensbury, NY:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/mountain-river-circle-at-uucgf-7/Shamanic Reiki Master Practitioner virtual training beginning April 3rd:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/shamanic-reiki-master-practitioner-virtual-training/2024-04-03/ Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.Photo in episode image by Wolfgang Hasselmann on Unsplash

Who are these healers I keep talking about? You, for one. In this episode I’ll share who I believe healers are (some may surprise you) and why their evolutionary work is so important in the world right now. Curious about how it feels to do energy work? I guide you through a simple, effective, one-breath technique to direct energy to other beings. Listen on, healer. Episode links:March 20th Virtual Ostara Ceremony:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/online-ostara-ceremony/2024 Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/Dana O’Driscoll’s book: Land Healing Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Event calendar:  https://debbiephilp.com/events/Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.   Episode image photo by Christopher Campbell on Unsplash  

I slipped a piece of labradorite into my pocket after Jen and I finished recording this episode to go along with the nice buzz I had from doing bee breath along with her. We both have been finding ways to work with struggle and Jen’s way of making space is through music. She shares ways you can chanting and singing into your spiritual practice even if you think, like I do, that you can’t sing.Episode links:March 20th Virtual Ostara Ceremony:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/online-ostara-ceremony/2024 Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/Find all upcoming in-person and virtual events on my calendar:  https://debbiephilp.com/events/ Jen VanBenschoten, Hot Mess Healing:  https://www.facebook.com/hotmesshealingJen’s new online shop, which has some beautifully wrapped labradorite pieces:  https://wisewoman.bigcartel.com/ Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.Episode image by Content Pixie on Unsplash

I believe the world is best served when healers step up as leaders, but many of us who are drawn to the healing arts don’t feel safe speaking with the voice of a leader. I’ve been working on being courageous with my authentic expression of my bold, revolutionary ideas, with the help of my energetic shield. After I share some of my own challenges in stepping into leadership, I’ll guide you through a short energy practice so you can create or charge your own shield. Episode links:March 20th Virtual Ostara Ceremony:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/online-ostara-ceremony/Moonbow Metaphysical Expo:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/moonbow-metaphysical-spring-expo/2024-03-30/2024 Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/ Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Event calendar:  https://debbiephilp.com/events/Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.   

The last thing I expected to hear when Sheri Kurdakul, of Glitter Witch Gardens, shared about the eastern white pine was that it once caused a riot! You’ll hear about that plus the ecological, medicinal, and magical properties of this common but absolutely wonderful tree. Sheri starts us off with another of her herbal poems, which are always so good. Enjoy the episode!  Episode links:Find Sheri at Glitter Witch Gardens:  https://sherikurdakul.com/category/gardens/Sheri’s post about eastern white pine:  https://sherikurdakul.com/eastern-white-pine/Sheri’s company, Victims Voice:  https://victimsvoice.app/ February 25th Mountain River Circle in Queensbury, NY:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/mountain-river-circle-at-uucgf-6/March 20th online Ostara Ceremony:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/online-ostara-ceremony/Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.Episode image by Joshua Ralph on Unsplash  

Valentine’s Day turned my thoughts to love while I was also contemplating the web of life and making dream webs for an upcoming metaphysical expo. They all fit together, and I tried to explain how in this episode, although it was a challenge to do so. In the end, I fell back to a practice from Shamanic Reiki that I hope will help you feel what I mean, even if I cannot find the right words.Episode links:Moonbow Metaphysical Expo:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/moonbow-metaphysical-spring-expo/2024-03-30/2024 Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/ Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Event calendar:  https://debbiephilp.com/events/Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.   

Somehow I knew Jen VanBenschoten was going to bring you another wonderful episode. To help you find some clarity, Jen shares about intuition – what it is and how to develop yours so it becomes something you can trust. Listen and you’ll find out why I’m digging into my bowl of gemstones for my piece of amazonite. Enjoy!Episode links:Moonbow Metaphysical Expo:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/moonbow-metaphysical-spring-expo/2024-03-30/2024 Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/Jen VanBenschoten, Hot Mess Healing:  https://www.facebook.com/hotmesshealingJen’s new online shop:  https://wisewoman.bigcartel.com/Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.

Imbolc, the Celtic festival that marks the midpoint between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, was last week. Although I didn’t get this episode published ahead of time, the energy of the season continues. I’ll share some ways we can work with Imbolc energy, a bit about Brigid, the goddess associated with Imbolc, and the origins of Groundhog Day, which falls at the same time. Blessed Imbolc!  Episode links:Imbolc Season blog post:  https://debbiephilp.com/blog/imbolc-season-clarify/Upcoming virtual Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/ Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Event calendar:  https://debbiephilp.com/events/Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission. 

Sheri Kurdakul, of Glitter Witch Gardens, brings us lots of goodness about a winter-blooming herb, witch hazel. You’ll hear about the origins of commercial witch hazel production and why witch hazel is a favorite for dowsing. I also revisit bones, this time from a garden perspective. Enjoy listening!  Episode links:Find Sheri at Glitter Witch Gardens:  https://sherikurdakul.com/category/gardens/Sheri’s post about witch hazel:  https://sherikurdakul.com/witch-hazel/Sheri’s company, Victims Voice:  https://victimsvoice.app/February 2nd online Imbolc Ceremony:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/online-imbolc-ceremony/2024 Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission. 

It finally looks and feels like winter where I live, and I am leaning into the stillness and magic of the season. One of the magical winter beings is the snowy owl. I’ll share some information about this unique owl and then lead you into the stillness practice of progressive relaxation from Yoga Nidra. This practice should be done where you can be still and uninterrupted for 20 minutes. Please do not practice while driving.Episode links:Upcoming virtual Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Event calendar:  https://debbiephilp.com/events/Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission. Episode image by Tim Zänkert on Unsplash

Jen VanBenschoten and I talk bones in this episode. Winter is a good time to get into the deep mystery and power of bones. Jen shares a wonderful, week-long, card-a-day tarot practice you can use to work with energy of bones and winter.Episode links:February 2nd online Imbolc Ceremony:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/online-imbolc-ceremony/2024 Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/Jen VanBenschoten, Hot Mess Healing:  https://www.facebook.com/hotmesshealingHere are the resources Jen mentioned:Speaking With Nature by Sandra Ingerman and Llyn RobertsThe Linestrider TarotWinterseer Animal OracleEmail newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.

Happy 2024! After a pause for the holiday, I am back and feeling into the stillness of winter as a time to reflect on routines, habits, and practices that will create a resilient foundation for whatever craziness this year brings. In this episode, I’ll share some of what I’m doing mundanely, then deepen into the spiritual with a guided journey to visit your bones. The practice is best done without distractions, so save the second half of the episode until you can focus on just that.Episode links:Upcoming virtual Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/Emma Martens AstroBranding: https://www.theemmamartens.com/Social Justice for the Sensitive Soul on AmazonEmail newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Event calendar:  https://debbiephilp.com/events/Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission. Original drum and rattle background music by Debbie Philp.

The Glitter Witch herself, Sheri Kurdakul, is back with the perfect herb for Winter Solstice, mistletoe. There’s the medicinal and ecological stuff, but also lots of seasonal lore. And wait until you find out how mistletoe got its name, because it had me giggling the whole time. I also share a bit about the magic in my practice of gathering evergreen boughs for my Yule altar. Enjoy and have a happy holiday season!  Episode links:Find Sheri at Glitter Witch Gardens:  https://sherikurdakul.com/category/gardens/Sheri’s post about mistletoe:  https://sherikurdakul.com/mistletoe/Sheri’s company, Victims Voice:  https://victimsvoice.app/2024 Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.

The Winter Solstice is approaching in the northern hemisphere, where I am. Listen to the second-to-last episode of 2023 and hear me reflect on some Yule traditions that show up in the celebration of Christmas and how we can find meaning in them in the modern Pagan revival. I also share some of my observations of the beginning of winter where I live and talk about North America’s wild wolves who, as I say, know how to do winter. Blessed Yule! Episode links:Virtual Yule Ceremony on Dec 21, 2023:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/yule-ceremony/Yule Season blog post:  https://debbiephilp.com/blog/yule-season-reflect/Upcoming virtual Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/ Email newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Event calendar:  https://debbiephilp.com/events/Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.

Winter is coming. It is time to turn inward and get cozy. Jen VanBenschoten shares how to do that with the Scandinavian concept of hygge. Then she pulls The Hermit out of her Tarot deck and guides you through a spread that helps you discover your best approach to the winter season. Grab your favorite fluffy blanket and have a listen.Episode links:December 21st online Yule Ceremony:  https://debbiephilp.com/event/yule-ceremony/2024 Shamanic Reiki trainings:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-reiki-training/Jen VanBenschoten, Hot Mess Healing:  https://www.facebook.com/hotmesshealingEmail newsletter sign-up:  https://zfrmz.com/hzEVTHbu9jMYw90M7vOyThe Shamanic Flow Circle Facebook group:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1722776598019767Virtual Shamanic Reiki sessions:  https://debbiephilp.com/shamanic-energy-sessions/Original intro and background music by Blair Sutherland, used with permission.