Kestrel the Druid

Follow me on my druidic journey

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  • Starting a Healthy Journey: Druidry and Well-Being

    Starting a Healthy Journey: Druidry and Well-Being

    One my druidry journey, I have come to learn many things. The first thing I am learning is the need to take care of myself. Part of druidry is taking care of the earth. It is difficult to do so, if my health and vitality is not at its optimal. This concept reminds me of the phrase, “Put on your own oxygen mask before helping those around you.” Taking care of the earth is no different. The good news is that doing so will also allow the earth to nurture and care for us. She can provide us with clean air and water through her natural cleansing process. She also provides us with nurturing wholesome food, if we just let her.

    So, starting today I am beginning a journey of healthy eating and exercise. Along with this, will be mental health exercises like meditation and gratitude.

  • Lessons from Blue Jays and Catbirds

    Lessons from Blue Jays and Catbirds

    Today’s visitors were a catbird and a blue jay. The jay is part of the crow family and signals the coming into one’s power. Blue jay can teach me to use my power to its fullest and correctly. The blue jay symbolizes working in two worlds, like heaven and earth. Since jays do not migrate it can symbolize that there is plenty of time to develop your gifts. It can also caution that if you dabble in too many areas, you will master none of them. So, it is most likely telling me to focus on one path. And to let my power shine through.

    As for the catbird, it is a sign of communication. It is a sign to be careful of your communications. It can also signify new people coming into your life, that you will need to effectively communicate with.

    I am putting the two birds together. I believe that I am going to find a new person that will help me learn my druidic path. I’ve noticed that I’ve had a lot of birds come visit me lately. Cardinal, finch, hawk, blue jay, and catbird have all come to visit my sacred circle lately. I feel like I’m on the cusp of something big about to happen.

  • Signs of Good Luck: The Finch’s Symbolism Explained

    Signs of Good Luck: The Finch’s Symbolism Explained

    Today I heard “It is time”. When I responded, “Time for what”, it repeated “It is time”. So, I guess something is either happening or going to happen. The fun part of getting messages is trying to figure out what they mean. If I figure this one out, I’ll let you know.

    I was also joined by a finch today. Finches are a sign of good things to come. It can be anything from simple good luck to negative things being removed from your life. All in all, I would say it was a good day today.

  • Confronting Your Spiritual Shadow: Finding Your True Self

    Confronting Your Spiritual Shadow: Finding Your True Self

    It took a very painful fight, but this weekend I discovered the biggest part of my shadow is my spirituality. I had to keep my magical gifts hidden as a child due to my very religious upbringing. And then after getting married, I pushed it down even further out of fear for my children and husband. Now that I have finally come to terms with that part of myself it is wreaking havoc in my life.

    I am uncomfortable with those I’ve known for decades seeing me do my work. And when I meet new people, I’m afraid to show my true self out of fear of ridicule and rejection. Even with people who are on a similar spiritual path, it feels awkward and uncomfortable, painful even.

    I used to ridicule those who talked about raising vibrations, talking to plants, and full moon rituals. Now here I am, doing all the same things. It can be very difficult to confront that aspect of yourself that you’ve most denied. How does one even start? Acknowledging? Possibly, but it seems heretical to acknowledge it internally but not profess your beliefs. Maybe start with trusted friends and family? These same people who used to call the psychic a scam artist and the spiritual vegan crazy? Doesn’t seem like a safe place. Maybe go online and meet like-minded people? How do you know they are who they say they are. Again, not very safe. Especially with the trolls on the internet these days.

    The truth is many of us feel completely and utterly alone on this journey. We don’t know who to talk to, nor where to turn. I am discovering to keep my relationships and my sanity, I will need to open up more. This is not easy to do. Especially for me.

  • Exploring Shadow Work: Embracing Your Hidden Self

    Exploring Shadow Work: Embracing Your Hidden Self

    Today’s meditation brought another visit from a butterfly. This time it was a black swallowtail. Again, it symbolizes rebirth and transformation. Yet, since it is black in color, it also symbolizes shadow work and the shadow self. I was carrying a lot of frustration and anger today. So, this is probably a symbol of my darker emotions, and a need to better understand them. I have been thinking about doing this for a while. I guess this is my sign to dig in further.

    Shadow work is the practice of discovering and exploring all the parts of yourself that you have hidden. Often times, these aspects you have hidden even from yourself. I once heard someone say, “To find your shadow, think about a person you can’t stand to be around. Now list everything that you don’t like about that person. Those are the aspects of yourself that you dislike. So, you have pushed them down to the dark depths, hoping that no one will ever see it.” I have done this often. Especially with coworkers. Each time, I have found a part of me that I have tried to deny. I know that I have so much more shadow work to do. The question is, “Where to start?”.

  • Transformative Insights from a Monarch Butterfly Visit

    Transformative Insights from a Monarch Butterfly Visit

    Today I was visited by a Monarch butterfly. Butterflies are generally symbols of transformation and this is also true of the Monarch. I was also told that my world will be shaken and disrupted in the future. While this may seem scary at first, I am hopeful this will be a good disruption. Like the ability to leave my current employment, or an awakening of my soul and mind. Either way, I am curious to see what the future has in store for me.

  • How to Focus Your Mind: Tips for Meditation

    How to Focus Your Mind: Tips for Meditation

    I have 2 thoughts for today. The first is about racing thoughts and the second is about what we truly want.

    Have you ever tried to meditate only to find your mind running a marathon of thoughts and ideas. It’s racing so fast that you can’t’ keep up with it. You’re trying to think of love and peace. All of a sudden, your brain brings up an embarrassing moment from 10 years ago. Then, it flits to the cringey thing you said to a coworker this morning. After that, it’s off to a 2nd grade presentation you messed up. How do you meditate if your mind won’t calm down. I have a couple suggestions. First, don’t try to stop the thoughts, pay attention to them and make note of them. These thoughts that pop up when you are trying to be empty of thought are your subconscious screaming for attention. Even if you have no clue what it’s trying to say, just pay attention to where your mind wanders. It will give you direction on what part of you needs the most work. Start a journal of these thoughts. After some time, you may notice a pattern. Do they all somehow involve perceived financial indiscretions? Maybe the center around times you felt extreme embarrassment or shame? These will be traumas you have not yet healed from. And still need to work on. Ask your higher power for help to heal and move past.

    The second step to help slow a racing mind is to focus on the now. Pay attention to your surroundings. Study the plant in front of you in detail. Analyze a bug walking across the ground. Take inventory of every inch of your body. Focus on things directly in front of you. This can help to slow and stop those racing thoughts. Also start small. Set a timer for 1 minute. Work on being able to go distraction free for that amount of time. Then slowly increase it.

    My second thought of the day is about knowing what we truly want. I have been getting signs. The reason I’m not where I want to be is that I don’t know where I want to be. So, I dug deep and analyzed what I truly want and came up with very specific desires. I want to be able to retire. That will take a passive income of $5000/month and have all my debts paid off. I don’t know exactly how I will achieve that. But having spoken that desire out loud and knowing that I am worthy of it, I know it will happen.

  • Exploring Astral Realms: Tips for Lucid Dreaming Beginners

    Exploring Astral Realms: Tips for Lucid Dreaming Beginners

    Today I was given a direction. I am to start learning and attempting to travel the astral realm. This will help me to work with the magic when it comes. I was told that dreaming is a form of astral travel and that is where I will begin.

    I believe the first step is to learn and practice lucid dreaming. First, I need to control and remember my dreams every day. Then I will have a better understanding of my astral self. I am not certain where to begin. But I do have a few resources I can look into. Have any of you practiced lucid dreaming? If you have any advice or suggestions, leave a comment. I would love to hear from you.

  • Balancing Science and Spirituality in Everyday Life

    Balancing Science and Spirituality in Everyday Life

    “The Magic is coming!” No, it is not some GOT reference. This was the message in today’s meditation. I was told that I would be coming into my magic soon. It would be like a tidal wave. I was warned not to get overwhelmed and to take it in with moderation. It will be easy for me to get hurt when the floodgates open. I can drown in the power and lose myself. So, I will need to practice with caution and intention. I was also told that I need to continue to walk in both worlds. These are the scientific world and the spiritual world. When I asked, “How long?”, the answer was “Forever”. That I would always need to be aware of people in the physical world and their need for science. And because I was in that world for so long, I can understand them. I would love to hear your thoughts on how to achieve this balance. Leave a comment and start a conversation.

    It has become so much easier to connect with spiritual beings and messages since I started doing daily meditations. Today, after my preparations and initiation, it took mere seconds for my spirit guide to reach out to me. In the past it would take several minutes. Or maybe they always reached out in seconds, but it took me several minutes to be able to hear them. The point is that like everything, it takes practice. Do not get discouraged if in the beginning you are not feeling your progress. It will come, and when it does, it will be phenomenal!

    May you have Peace in your heart, Love in your life and abundance overflowing!

  • Meditation Magic: Feeling Love and Support from Beings of Light

    Meditation Magic: Feeling Love and Support from Beings of Light

    Today’s meditation was a much happier one. It was all about love. My mind was able to stay calm and free from most distractions. And I could feel many beings of light around me, encouraging me. I kept feeling love. The phrase “I love you and I am loved” kept repeating itself in my head. I have never felt so good, peaceful and content. I felt a goddess (not sure which one), faeries and gnomes gathered in the space where I was meditating. I could feel their support and encouragement. I felt the worries of the day melt away.

    Have you ever had a similar experience? Leave a comment and share your experience.