helping the helpers

On Friday evening, a candlelight vigil was held in downtown Half Moon Bay in the wake of the mass shooting in our small town just a few days before. Hundreds in our coastside community came together with open hearts to support those who have been most affected - namely our local farmworker families.

A few hours before the vigil was to begin, I got a call from Pastor Lisa Warner-Carey who was coordinating leaders from the Interfaith Community to share prayers and thoughts at the gathering. She requested that I offer a prayer from the shamanic tradition to open this segment of the vigil with an acknowledgement of the land on which we live and the need for healing. I was honored to be asked to contribute in this way.

“As a shamanic practitioner, I do not speak for the First Nations people. I honor and respect their profound relationship with our mother earth, with the spirits of nature and of the land. This is an ancient wisdom that our modern world needs to understand and cherish now more than ever. 

During this time of shock and grief in our small community, I call to the spirit of this sacred land on which we each stand. I call to the ancient ancestors in spirit who guard and protect this land. I honor the Ramaytush Ohlone people who inhabited this land as First Nations people. And I acknowledge the many cultures of people who have chosen this sacred land as our home in modern times.

We offer our blessings and gratitude to this sacred land for her beauty and sustenance. And we ask that the heavy energies present in this moment be transmuted to the higher vibration of love, so that we may all experience healing and peace. Ajo”

As we attend to these pressing concerns, we must also remember to take care of our own well-being so that we can stay centered and strong for our community in times of crisis. 

Our spiritual work together will help the helpers to be uplifted and renewed during the Full Moon Ceremony ~ Native Flute Meditation and Shamanic Journey at the Community United Methodist Church in Half Moon Bay CA this Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 7:00-9:00 p.m.

Suggested donation of $50 accepted in the spirit of sacred reciprocity. I appreciate your generous donation of whatever amount is appropriate for you.

A portion of your gift will be shared with Coastside Hope’s Farmworker Fund to assist those affected by the Half Moon Bay mass shooting as well as with the Lakota People’s Law Project which partners with Native communities to protect sacred lands, safeguard human rights, promote sustainability, reunite indigenous families, and much more.

Let go of everyday concerns and rest in peaceful meditation to the soothing sounds of Native American Flute music played live.

Journey with the drum to the unseen realms to connect with compassionate guardian spirits for guidance and healing through direct revelation.

Space is limited, so please register in advance. This will allow us to prepare for you and to offer suggestions to make this a more meaningful experience.

Hugs and blessings,

Sonya