How to use the power of the animal totems?

The animal totems are guides, teachers, they are signs or symbols in our life.

The Native Americans believe that we all have many animal totems walking through our life. Each animal has many lessons and teachings for us. For simplicity I highlight mostly one each time. But feel free to give more meaning or research on one specific animal that ‘speaks’ to you.

This is the way that I use the animal totems in my life; I become super vigilant about my surroundings and my environment, if I go on a hike and see an unusual bird, I would take the time to observe it. In Native American Culture, birds are often a symbol of freedom or a messenger. What’s going on in your life? Do you need to break free from an overwhelmed life?

From a toxic relationship? From a place you don’t like? Do you need to take some space, and have a more elevated and global vision? (contrary to the mouse, which is asking you to pay attention to details, or is warning you about paying too much attention to details...!)

The message might be that an opportunity is coming your way, so pay attention to the signs and to what is happening in your life and to what people are telling you.

Is a Butterfly flirting with you? Or asking for your attention? The butterfly is a symbol of transformation. Life is about cycles; cycles of the earth, with its seasons, days and nights, the cycle of life and its different ages; childhood, youth, manhood and old age. Maybe you need to take an important decision in your life, maybe you are inspired to write a new song or to write a book which will affect another person’s life…

The last time I was in Chaco Canyon, I had an extraordinary encounter with the most beautiful lizard. I was fascinated by it. It took me about fifteen minutes to finally leave it behind.

I realized that Lizard is the messenger of the dreams, so I paid special attention to my dreams for the few following nights. In general barely remember my dreams generally. Three nights after this encounter I had a really meaningful dream, I noted it, then many things begin to make sense and huge breakthrough happened!

Last year a very unusual spider kept coming into my life, by the kitchen window (hard not to see her!) Again although I am not a big lover of spiders… This one fascinated me. Spiders are weavers, and a symbol of creativity; they urge you to get creative and create your life just like they create their webs… Last year I was developing Travel Heart and needed to be extremely creative, I took the appearing of Miss Spider as a reminder and as an encouragement.

Discover the animal totems, discover the ones that “speak to you” and inspire you, they will support you in your struggle, they will help you to find answers to your questions, and they will help you to take a new approach or perspective to live your life at its best.

I would love to hear from you about your encounters and experiences…share them with us!

Chaco Canyon, a sacred place!

We went to Chaco Canyon, in June, our visit was extraordinary. First because the site is exceptional! It is a sacred place. I think anybody can feel the energy which is there, but also the connection with the ancient and their wisdom. And then because we accomplish few things we didn't know it was possible!

For some it was getting up at 5:30AM to witness the beauty of the sunrise and experience the peace of this moment, and enjoying it!

For others it was climbing vertical rocks to go from the bottom of the canyon to the top of the Mesa, which was widely rewarded with stunning views and encounter!

For some it was hiking under very hot temperatures, and with no shade whatsoever.

Whatever the challenge was Chaco Canyon is an experience by itself, that continues long after you left the canyon (yes it's that powerful).

Chaco was also a center of cosmology, and a place of ceremonies, if you take the time to 'sink' into this sacred place, the place will 'sink' into you...

Watch the video and let me know how it makes you feel? Can you see the animals "hiding" in the rocks? What inspired you the most?

Chaco Canyon, the Heritage...

Chaco Canyon was a spiritual Mecca, a major place of trading. The Anasazi society was based ton Service...

Chaco Canyon is an immense heritage of the Native American Culture...

Mitakuye Oyasin: We are all related!

Breaking habits allows us to call for renewal.
Mitakuye Oyasin: We are all related; this was the name of the last workshop with Cathy Smith that I announced few weeks ago. And I keep seeing this phrase all over, in books, on the Internet. It is a very strong and powerful statement.

For Native Americans, it includes everything: the human race, the plants, the animals, stones, earth and sky; we are all ONE!

That's why being in Nature is so powerful and important to help us reconnect with who we are and with our environment.

To help you break up with old habits and put new ones in place, we choose one of the most beautiful settings of America to be sure to inspire you.


Between Montana and Wyoming the Beartooth pass is breathtaking and profoundly inspiring. Read this week's article about this unique place, and register today for these 6 days ofrejuvenation and empowerment!

You will also learn how Indian art and Nature will help you reconnect with the powerful YOU.

http://travelheart.net/Up_Coming_Trips.html

Our trip in Sedona, AZ

I'd like to share with you the beauty, magic and energy of Sedona, from our trip in April. Sedona is Always a Unique and empowering experience. You are in direct connection with Mother Earth, but it's also the Old west...with its abandoned mines...

Have you ever been to Sedona, AZ. What is your favorite experience there?

Eagle Feather

Did you know?

If the eagle feather is dropped during a powwow, everything comes to a halt until the feather is honored. Eagle feathers are treasured and precious to Indian people.

Historically and traditionally, it is the right of any wounded warrior to retrieve a fallen eagle feather.

The eagle feather is the spirit of a fallen warrior and can only be matched in power by the same. Recording and photographing such a ceremony is strictly forbidden.

Source: Rocky Boy Tribe

Canyon Road

Walking through the streets of Santa Fe is walking through History.
Each street has stories to tell. Some buildings still hold their secrets behind their walls. Some were the houses of famous personalities and some were the gathering places of unscrupulous affluent residents…

Palace Avenue was the home of the building to welcome all the scientists hired to work on the Manhattan project…1943…yes the project to develop the secret weapons laboratory.

Billy the Kid… yes the famous outlaw of the Southwest was once a resident of on San Francisco Street, where…the jail stood!

Burro Alley, you can’t miss it with its steel burro guarding the entrance! Was once the main trading place of Santa Fe, and also famous for its gambling house owned and managed by the famous (or infamous) La Dona Tules…Interesting character of Santa Fe, if you want to read more about her, Barbara recommends: The wind leaves no Shadows written by Ruth Laughin.

The Plaza: besides being the heart and center of Santa Fe the Plaza was the end of the journey from the Santa Fe Trail (a 19th-century transportation route through central North America that connected Missouri with Santa Fe, NM) and the Camino Real (The Royal Road - an historic road that went from Mexico City to Santa Fe, New Mexico).
Today, the Plaza is a National Historic Landmark and the gathering place for unique events like the renowned Indian Market and Spanish Market.

The Plaza is also the setting of the oldest public building in the US, the Palace of the Governors, where many Indian vendors sell their arts and jewelry under its portal.

From the Plaza few streets will lead you to very interesting churches: the cathedral basilica of St Francis de Assisi built from the plan of the cathedral of Clermont Ferrand (France), the Loretto Chapel, built from the plan of the Ste Chapelle (Paris, France), and St Miguel Mission, the oldest church built in the US in 1610, by the Tlaxcalan Indians of Mexico.
Many shops surround the Plaza where you can find all kinds of ‘souvenirs’, arts, Native American jewelry, and southwestern clothing.

If you are into Art, let me take you to Lincoln Street, where there are three stunning galleries featuring of Native American artists.

Washington Street is the address of the libraries, the public library and the History library: Fray Angelico Chavez History library, on the opposite side of this library you can admire the Inn of the Anasazi, and its very fine architectural style which combines the pueblo style with the Spanish style. This type of architecture is found a little bit all over Santa Fe, but this building is particularly nice.


Then walk up to Canyon Road, which is the ‘street of the Art’. You can spend hours strolling along this most charming street and wandering in the exclusive galleries’ gardens, before taking a break for lunch, dinner or tea and you’ll have the choice of few places for that, right on Canyon Road.

One Gallery-boutique is definitely worth the detour: Nathalie Home.
Nathalie is known for her exquisite taste in all things western, and you will find also beautiful Navajo jewelry, as well as buckle sets and a one of the kind cowboy boot collection.

You can’t miss Paseo de Peralta (Don Diego de Peralta was the third governor of New Mexico), this street almost forms a beltway around the Downtown area, and will lead you to major places like the New Mexico State Capitol (the only round Capitol building in the US), the Farmers Market where you’ll find exclusively products from New Mexico, Site Santa Fe, a contemporary Art Space.

There are so many more other interesting streets to walk around in Santa Fe. You need to come and I’ll guide you…

If you wonder why I didn’t speak about the Historic Route 66…It deserve an article on its own.