This is the place that I love the best,

“The Mountains are calling, and I must go”

~John Muir

Mountains seem to answer an increasing imaginative need. More and more people are discovering a desire for them, and a powerful solace in them. At bottom, mountains, like all wildernesses, challenge our complacent conviction - so easy to lapse into - that the world has been made for humans by humans. Most of us exist for most of the time in worlds which are humanly arranged, themed and controlled. One forgets that there are environments which do not respond to the flick of a switch or the twist of a dial, and which have their own rhythms and orders of existence. Mountains correct this amnesia. By speaking of greater forces than we can possibly invoke, and by confronting us with greater spans of time than we can possibly envisage, mountains refute our excessive trust in the man-made. They pose profound questions about our durability and the importance of our schemes. They induce, I suppose, a modesty in us.

Mountains often serve as geographic features that define natural borders of countries. Their height can influence weather patterns, stalling storms that roll off the oceans and squeezing water from the clouds. The rugged landscapes even provide refuge—and protection. Mountains provide 60-80 percent of freshwater worldwide and are home to 13 percent of the world’s population. They are hotspots of biodiversity, often home to endemic species that only live on a certain mountain. They are havens for wildlife that’s threatened by human development.

For centuries people have adhered to spiritual and environmental values to maintain the delicate balance of life across the high plateau of the mountains. Inspired by the Buddha's message of non-violence, compassion and protected by our mountains, we have sought to respect every form of life, while our neighbors live undisturbed.

These days when we talk about preservation of the environment, whether we mean wildlife, forests, oceans, rivers, or mountains, the decision to act must come from our hearts. So, the key point, I think, is for all of us to develop a genuine sense of universal responsibility, not only towards this beautiful blue planet that is our home, but also towards the innumerable sentient beings with' whom we share it.

"July is hollyhocks and hammocks, fireworks and vacations, hot and steamy weather, cool and refreshing swims, beach picnics, and vegetables all out of the garden."

~Jean Hersey

Happy July! Fireworks and barbeques. July is a marvelous month here in the Appalachian Mountains. It really is our one month of true summer. Long, lazy, hot days often humid. In the country, where we live, the still evening and morning air is filled with the scent of roses and fresh mown grass. The entire side of our home is covered with fragrant cloud climbing roses. After a good rain, or heavy dew, when the hot sun comes out the entire garden smells of fresh roses.

June seemed to come and go quickly. The weather played havoc with lots of rain and up and down temperatures. Towards the latter part of June, we saw temperatures rise into the 90s from where we were moving from to the mid-80s where we were moving to.

We spent a good portion of June moving. Over the past year the family decided to move from our present location to each of our ideas of a dream home and area. We all decided to come up with different cities or areas we might like to live in, and each person had to narrow that decision down to three areas and then we put everything together to see if any of our choices matched. We initially agreed on northern Vermont but due to some unforeseen medical issues we decided to go with our second choice which was in the Appalachian area of North Carolina. We spent many days driving around from city to city starting in Virginia and working our way into North Carolina. As we drove deeper into North Carolina we simply fell in love with the small city feel and rolling hills leading to the mountains. The home and property we chose was the last one we looked at and immediately fell in love with. The road to our home starts out paved leading into gravel to a one lane drive the closer to our home you get. Once you arrive at our home the driveway is roughly a twelve percent grade up, over about a hundred and fifty foot climb. We may have to invest in a four-wheel drive. Thank goodness for Patrick as he has walked down the drive a few times and driven my car up the driveway.

Our son was able to take a tour of his new school and pick his classes for the next school year. He is excited about being a part of his new school. It is still hard to believe he will be entering the tenth grade. He has taken a huge interest in cooking and I simply love it. He asked for a cookbook the other day. We all try very hard to spark his interest and take it to the next level. His cookbook arrived just prior to the end of the month and he was so excited.

My mom and dad paid us a visit during the month to see the new place and help us out as best they could. My mom seemed in good spirits still remembering who we are but no recollection as to where she was or why she was here. I do believe she enjoyed her brief stay. I savor every moment I get with mom, living each moment as if it may not be here tomorrow.

Spirit, thank you for all you have given us, for all that is to come, and all that has been taken away.

Well, I've talked your ear off. Hope you're enjoying your summer as much as we are. The family sends love, our dog Trouble sends many licks and I send endless thanks for your glad company, my friend. Talk to you next month. Be well.

Love,

Ed

July 1 is Canada Day, a Canadian federal holiday that celebrates the creation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867.

July 3 occurs on a Monday and is the Full Buck Moon. It reaches peak illumination at 7:39 A.M. (EDT), rising above the horizon after sunrise—but it will still be spectacular in the night sky. Plus, it is the biggest and brightest supermoon of the year. The full Moon in July is called the Buck Moon because the antlers of male deer (bucks) are in full-growth mode at this time. Bucks shed and regrow their antlers each year, producing a larger and more impressive set as the years go by.

July 3 brings the start of the hot and sultry Dog Days of Summer! Read all about the Dog Days of Summer.

July 4 is Independence Day in the United States. On the fourth of July, we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.

July 14 is Bastille Day, which commemorates the storming of the Bastille and the start of the French Revolution.

July 18 marks Islamic New Year, which begins with the first sighting of the crescent Moon after the new Moon in the month of Muharram. This event signals the start of the Islamic lunar calendar year.

Here are a few more fun days: July 11: International Town Criers Day; July 17: World Emoji Day; July 22: Spooner’s Day; July 23: National Day of the Cowboy; July 27: Take Your Houseplants for a Walk Day.

July is also National Ice Cream month and National Peach month.

July’s birth flowers are the larkspur and water lily. The larkspur, especially white forms, generally indicates lightheartedness; pink, fickleness; purple, first love. The water lily symbolizes purity of heart.

The July birthstone is the ruby, which is believed to protect its wearer from evil.

July’s zodiac signs are Cancer (June 21 to July 22) and Leo (July 23 to August 22).

As a Cancer you are the Patriarchs and Matriarchs of the Zodiac. Family means everything to you. You watch over your brood with determination and zeal. You can be counted upon to be at every graduation, wedding, surprise party, or barbecue that has anything to do with your relatives. They are definitely your tribe, and you are very generous with all of them.

Leos are the leaders of the Zodiac; you have the ability to light up a room. It is as if your ruling planet, the Sun, has entered when you walk into a space. Others can be counted upon to notice.

Do you believe in or follow astrology?

Hello!

Astrology is more of an interest and hobby of mine. I am not an astrologer, but yes. A huge believer and follower.

I best explain astrology as our cheat code to life. If life is a game, then your astrological chart is your cheat code to it.

We are not meant to be just one singular thing, you know. You are not meant to be just an Aquarius (for example). You are meant to be multi-dimensional and use your cheat code (astrology signs) as a way to better understand yourself and transcend.

My greatest cheat code hack: look up your Chiron sign. It lets you know what wound you are healing in this life.

Katelyn.

Be sure to book your Psych-K® session with me in-person, at our office, and at its limited special pricing of $100.

You can schedule with me here.

IF YOU HAVE A QUESTION YOU WOULD LIKE ANSWERED BY KATELYN PLEASE EMAIL US AND YOUR QUESTION MAY BE ANSWERED ON ONE OF OUR NEWSLETTERS!!**

July can be intense with heat and energy. A little Self sacrifice will help you reap your rewards. July is time to push yourself in a new challenge and enjoy the amazement of something exciting.

The three cards pulled are for the 31 days. The first card being the first ten days, the second card being the next ten days, and the last card being the remaining eleven days. (Faerie Tarot Published by U.S. GAMES SYSTEMS, INC. By Nathalie Hertz)

1st Card: The Hanged Man:

This small fairy imp, symbol of purity and innocence, is hung by the left heel to a branch. He is held in the balance, between need and freedom. He would like to seize this strawberry, but he can’t reach it. To succeed, he would have to free himself from his bonds. Giving up and letting the bird get the strawberry would mean a sacrifice for the sake of harmony. Thus, with a clear mind, he would become receptive to the vibrations of nature surrounding him. Divinatory Meanings: Period of waiting and prudence, transition, adaptation, tests, acceptance of events. Great sensitivity, moral values, spirituality, meditation, receptivity to cosmic forces. Internalized love, devotion. Illusions, uncertainties, troubles, remorse, sadness, depression, self-destruction. Renouncements, escape from daily life, sacrifices, defeats, painful tests. Detachment, separation, traps and lies.

2nd Card: King of Pentacles :

This patient king with his honest face symbolizes power and wealth. His richly ornamented clothing reveals his refinement. His pentacle shows the results of his efforts, but also his generosity. Having successfully built his life, he is now free to enjoy and share the abundance. Divinatory meaning: Favorable finances, profits, good bargains, flourishing ventures. Determination, an enviable position, a reliable friend, an intelligent and considerate person. Reversed meaning: Corruption, greed, unreliability. A rich but vicious person, false, a speculator and a gambler.

3rd Card: The Moon:

This intriguing full moon with its enigmatic smile is the symbol of mystery, sensitivity, dreams, and unconsciousness. It also represents the female passages of life related to fertility. Wrapped in a starlit night, the moon reigns over the world of darkness, protecting all the fairies. It reveals to us our hidden forces and invites us to communicate with our inner self. This card of the night lights up the world of imagination and leads to the whimsical illusions. The water running below symbolizes the Moon’s power upon the water, which reflects it. But appearances can be misleading, since its light is merely a reflection of the sun Divination Meanings: The unconscious, imagination, intuition, dreams, clairvoyance. The night, sensitivity, secret desires, childhood memories. Family, pregnancy, voyages on water. Withdrawal into oneself, and idleness. Reversed meaning: Illusions, hallucinations, obsessions, depression. Concern, susceptibility, hypocrisy, lies, confusion.

Ed,

~There is always another level up. There is always another ascension. More grace, more light, more generosity, more compassion, more to shed, more to grow.

Everything is always evolving to the next level of potential. Evolution is not a straight line though. Like a river it winds and sometimes falsely appears to be backtracking or regressing to a lower level of potential. One aspect of evolution is spiritual. It may not always appear that humans are evolving spiritually but it is the most significant level of growth on earth.

People often seek enlightenment and enlightened paths through ancient techniques. This can provide many ways to grow spiritually. However, if you think of enlightenment as an evolving process, going into the past to find it may not be the most effective way. What we need today is unique to the present, though we find precursors of it in the past.

Historically people have used techniques which pull us out of our bodies to achieve clarity of spirit without the distraction of the physical. This is an effective way to get a clear spiritual perspective on life. It allows people to be more peaceful and respond to life with more objectivity. It provides vision and understanding and is truly enlightening.

However, the spiritual evolution of our current time requires something additional. We need objectivity and clarity within our physical bodies, emotions, and mind to spiritualize our human experience. Doing this allows our human selves to ascend to a higher vibration creating unity with eternal spirit which brings enlightenment into our world. Through that unity we partner body, emotion, mind, soul, and spirit to co-create a better reality.

This is a challenging path. Those who have enjoyed the clarity and peace of a spiritual focus which has lifted them out of their body want to have that experience in everything they do. However, the lower energies of our human body and consciousness can temporarily overwhelm our spiritual peace.

Awakening eternal spirit within our human selves is like pouring pure water into a glass of dirty water. The dirty water rises and is flushed out, initially giving the appearance of more dirt! However, that is just the process of clearing. We need to be strong in our Inner Wisdom to hold steady and allow the lower vibrations of our bodies, emotions, and minds to release the heavy old stuff and ascend to greater clarity and peace. This is a journey of many deepening’s and clearings leading to the experience known as ascension into the new world.

It helps to remember as we work on awakening enlightenment within our human capacities, why we chose to separate our experience from our spiritual oneness in the first place! From that spiritual perspective on the evolution of humanity and spiritual enlightenment people can find courage and strength to ascend and become free of so much that causes suffering. We are evolving to be able to co-create life from unconditional love and realize the potential we have always known was possible within humanity and our world.

~“Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.”

– Henri Nouwen

What is joy? In our process of maturing, we often think that joy is the result of happy circumstances. And it may be. I saw a little rabbit run across the sidewalk and into the grass, and I had a feeling of joy.

We find joy in happy experiences and in our relationships with our loved ones. But joy is a deeper thing than just the result of happy circumstances. If it were only such a result, there would be times when we could not have joy; and in Truth, joy is always ours.

A more mature view of joy is that it is a by-product of serving others, of sharing good.

It may be the sense of a job well and honestly done. But joy is even more than this. It is not a result of anything—of good deeds, of doing work well, of anything else. Joy is not a result; it is a cause. It can happen to us, but we can also make it happen and make other things happen because of it.

Joy is a spiritual principle that we can lay hold of and use. It is a principle that we can use all the time, whether outer conditions are as favorable as we would like them to be or not. And if they are not what we wish, we can do more than put up with them; we can make them improve by using the principle of spiritual joy.

Joy is a good influence in any situation, and there are many ways we can express joy—with positive thoughts, pleasant words, a smile, even by using our sense of humor. …

… We cannot wait for circumstances to bring us joy; we must make our own joy and let it act upon circumstances.

One of the paradoxes of Truth is that a happy heart draws to itself all that it needs for happiness. And we can keep our hearts happy by drawing on the wellspring of joy that is a part of our spiritual nature.

Any problem or trouble can be overcome by the power of joy. Some overcoming’s take longer than others. But even if we are dealing with a problem of long standing, that is no reason to despair or to give up hope of solving new problems that come along.

Use is the law of increase. If we want more joy, we must use joy. We must lay hold on joy and let it well up from within us through thought, word, and action.

First, we must realize that Spirit is the source of our joy, the only Source. People and things and situations are wonderful when all is well, but since they may change, we must not place our spiritual dependence on them. We must depend on the Source which cannot change and from which all good flows.

Second, we must be poised and centered in the mind to use the power of joy. We can make our work and play alike, pleasant, and creative, if we practice the presence of Spirit. When we realize that we are always one with Spirit, we work with the joy and ease of the power of Spirit within us. Even when our attention is on the work at hand, we can learn to go through every day with the feeling of Spirit’s presence, with the knowledge of Spirit’s love, power, and joy flowing through us.

Third, being centered in the Spirit’s mind, we can speak the word and do what is needed to bring forth joy. Remember: ... But suppose we cannot feel any joy in our being? Are there ways we can make it spring up? Indeed, there are! There are material ways, such as cheering ourselves up with bright clothes, a bouquet of flowers, a good dinner, or some other pleasant experience.

We should also, however, use the spiritual ways of cultivating joy. We can stop turning our attention so far inward on our own personal universe and its problems. We can turn outward instead, to consider others and what we can do for them. When we can bring joy to others, we always find joy ourselves. …

Another way we can increase in our hearts is by counting our blessings and giving thanks for them.

We do not need a great stimulus to feel the joy of giving thanks. If we appreciate the smallest blessing that comes to us or that has always been with us, and take nothing for granted, we find that we are living in a constant state of joy.

There are three chief things to remember about joy if we want its power to live by. It is the cause, not the effect, of good in our lives. It increases for us through use, because when we speak, think, and act with joy, there is no room for anything else in our lives. We can cultivate joy with material help and by serving others, turning our attention outward rather than inward, and giving sincere thanks to Spirit for all our blessings.

Patrick....

Ed (Psychic Medium Ed) will be in the office at Wise Wolf Wellness July 21 and July 22. He will also be available for 30 minute sessions only virtually throughout the month.

Katelyn will be in the office at Wise Wolf Wellness and virtually all month.

To schedule any appointments go directly to PsychicMediumEd.fullslate.com.