Inkwell: Authors and Artists

    
> Oops.  The question was for Francesca.  Shutting up, now.

Naw, if I can ask you questions, why shouldn't you answer Linda's?

I'll answer, too:

The god within is the male aspect of yourself, raised, as my teacher
Victor would say, to the power of divinity. Ditto the goddess within.
Through their power we can create fulfillment in our lives and help
others in a way that does not suppress self-expression.

Examples of inner blocks to that divine power: inability to nurture
oneself, lack of healthy pride, fear of sexuality. A love of self is a
love of god within and god without.

As to how to decide whether to call on god or goddess, there is no
strict guideline that will always work. Intuition might guide me, or my
common sense. Or I will ask a colleague or teacher. 

Sometimes I have to decide which to ask for, sometimes I can just call
home and see which one picks up!

'I always know what is right, the Bible tells me' is horrible, *and*
is no worse than 'My inner self always tells me what is right.' Wisdom
is a process, it is not a static object that one acquires. As soon as
one stops being in process -- consulting with others, meditating,
praying for guidance, serving others selflessly, cleansing away the
fear about one's new boss, cleansing away the false ego about a
possible new lover, etc etc  -- one loses wisdom because one is no
longer clear enough to find it.

So there is not one, sure-fire way of knowing which inner deity to
call on. 
  

    

The converse then, is, how do you know which one answers?
  

    
Linda, I tried to make a larger point in which was also the answer to
the inner deity question. Maybe I made a hash of it. I'll try again.
But the larger point, made in a post format, might be full of inanities
that only make sense with lengthy development. So everyone, don't
judge what I am writing; take it with a grain of salt. In fact, take it
with the whole salt lick. If you want more clarity: I  go into this in
depth in GI.

The larger point:  there is no human mode of perception by which we
can be sure of *anything.* 

It is horrible that this society tells us to not trust ourselves, so
my lessons are filled with tools to come to better trust your inner
voice, common sense, and other modes of inner guidance. But  to go to
the other extreme and trust yourself as always right, is horrible, too.
A man who believed his inner voice was unerring was Hitler. Mass
murder! That is an extreme example, but it indicates a spiritual trap
anyone can fall into, and thereby really hurt oneself and others.

I trust my expertise and fill entire books with answers to questions
like "how can I tell which god is showing up?" But I know that
expertise and infallibility are not the same. Think of how doctors are
supposed to be expert and instead think they are god. Ick! Fact is, our
memories play tricks on us, witnesses to crimes see details
incorrectly, and so on. The psychic modes of perception are not exempt
from this human failing. 

As a counselor, I'm one of the most accurate psychics around. I'm
amazing that way!  But I am not invested in being infallible.
  

    
Maybe my original remarks, badly worded though they were, about how to
know which god to call, are clearer if you reread them in light of my
newer answer. I hope so, because my point that wisdom remains only if
one stays in process is key to "the larger point." And it is also
fundamental to spiritual sanity and mundane happiness. I saw a great
spiritual leader go down the emotional and spiritual drain because he
missed that key. 

So, let me know, folks, if my earlier answer now makes sense!
  

    

Francesca, I know that you have graciously agreed to extend your interview
until today, in view of your absence earlier this week, and we thank you
for that.  But, it turns out, I have at least one more question!

So let me first thank you and Sherry for bringing us so much to ponder and
doing it in such a thoughtful way.

Then let me ask a question about the kind of counseling you do.  What does
it say on your shingle?  Are you certified in more traditional therapies,
and do you bring shamanism and psychic senses to the task?  Or are you
exclusively a shaman and a psychic who also offers counseling?

Thanks in advance for sticking it out long enough to respond, and let me
also say that you are welcome to stick around for as long as you like!
  

    
I also want to thank you.  This has been wonderful, and your comments
about wisdom remaining only if you stay in process, and cautioning
about looking exclusively to inner or to outer, are a great send-off to
whatever's next.  I'll keep a few loose ends on hand to get started!

No, I guess I do have two more things I really want to say first:

Back on the topic of trance -- what I'm wondering now is, is it
perhaps accurate to say that trance is when your senses are registering
the experience (or meaning/movement/stuff/relationships)  *behind* the
experience?  That it's *through* ordinary reality instead of
elsewhere?  

And finally, Francesca comments:
>I have learned lots in this topic, because everyone is coming from
their hearts and earnest desires. In that, you have all functioned as
shamans, and I have been taught shamanic lessons.

I see that this topic has been instructive (and yes, warming) to me
exactly because I decided to take on the challenge of this being a
different realm for working to do that.  Making the effort to stay
attentive to ones own heart and earnest desires, and at the same time
to try to communicate them, to hear the responses, and continue, to not
loose yourself, but be yourself, again and again, and again -- so
hard, so often something it seems better to reserve for certain corners
of life where it is safe and understood...

Furthur!
  

    
I call what I do "pastoral counseling, pagan style!" It is not a
psychologically based treatment mode, but a psychically and spiritually
based means of counseling, and/or healing and/or empowerment. In a
session I come from a spiritual, not a religious, place -- I counsel
people from all religions all over the world by phone, and sessions are
tailored to the client's lifestyle and agenda. 

I trained shamanically to do this work, and went through a rare
lengthy shamanic training, but healing is also one of my gifts. Healing
is what my life and all my work is basically about. 

My counseling and teaching are somewhat like what I've done here.

>welcome to stick around for as long as you like

Oh, I wish I could!!!!!!! Fact is, I have been musing on that for
days, because I have loved this so much. I loved it! It comes down to
1)  an insane (!!!!!!) schedule and having to prioritize strictly so
as to be of most service. I am of most use if I refocus on writing the
next book, counseling, teaching, etc.
2) telling myself that the above priorities are in fact all activities
whereby we can continue to share our journey as much as we want!
Yay! There are ways we can still do our thing!

1) Drop me an email now and then! I am useless as a pen pal, b/c I get
massive amounts of email, but we can touch down now and again!

2) If any of the active participants are ever in SF, let's do coffee!
I mean that.

3) If anyone needs more than books: I always counsel and teacher. 

4) I even teach shamanic teleseminars, which you can take anywhere in
the country. In them I teach a group by phone. Its kind of like this
topic, but more immediate and tailored to your needs. 

5) If anyone wants on my emailing list for monthly newsletters with
free spells and spiritual suggestions, as well as calendars of events,
send me your email addie. 

Perhaps those of you who want to work "Goddess Initiation" might keep
going on this topic together to support each others' journey. You're so
amazing, I think you could keep this journey going deeper and deeper,
and create all sorts of happiness and healing in your lives by
traveling The Third Road together! 

>That it's *through* ordinary reality instead of elsewhere?  

Wow! I Love that!!! I am not sure I agree, but I love it. The only
reason I'm not sure I agree is that I can't for the life of me come up
with a definition of trance that seems all embracing enough. Any
definition seems limited. Maybe trance, at least for me, is
indefinable.

Thank you for a journey only possible by us all sharing bravery, risk,
love and, well, fun!

Wow, it is amazing. I get sad when a three month training group that I
am teaching ends, but I am sad after only two weeks. This has been
something we really *shared!* And it has been something *real* that we
shared! 

Whah!!!!!!! Whah!!!!!!! Whah!!!!!!!  

Okay, Francesca, it is not an ending, just a new beginning. Anyone who
wants to keep playing with you has options by which they may do so.
Its ok.

Whah!!!!!!! Whah!!!!!!! Whah!!!!!!!  

I'll check back more today. 
  

    

Francesca, thank you for being here with us through this interview process.
It was hardly an interview, by any normal standard, but was a sharing of
learning and experiences by a very gifted teacher.  Thank you for allowing
it to go that way.  And you, too, Linda.  Thanks for not asking this
interview to pigeonhole in any way.  What a unique experience!!  Thanks for
asking me to come on board.  I appreciate it very much.

And, uh, Francesca.  You rock.
  

    
Linda, ditto the thing about not pigeonholing! Good point! *You* know
how to set up live action-figure web-shamanism! Thank you!

No one pigeonholed it! Yay!

Sherry, thank you for being a fellow seeker instead of an
"interviewer." And for your kind words.

Rip, I want be you when I grow up!

Hm, I'll end the "interview", the ritual, the moment, with a poem. Be
back in a second, I need to write it. <tick> <tick> <tick> goes the
clock while she is writing. Um, this may end up a bad poem, it will
surely be a sentimental poem because I am feeling very emotional, but
it will be heartfelt. Hey, maybe it will be Hallmark card shamanism! 
<tick> <tick> <tick>  <tick> <tick> <tick> <tick> <tick> <tick> 

The moment ends  <tick> 
followed by the moment. 
Each precious with your presence.
Your breath is infinity 
in each moment 
that you hold me.
I will see you again
in a moment.

Goodnight, 

Love, 

Francesca
  

    

That's the best exit I've ever seen!
  

    
E-mail from Francesca herself!

I'm gonna be on TV!!! Oh!!!!!! On the Iyanla show.

The show airs tomorrow Thurs. Nov. 29, (I learned the air date today).

Iyanla's show airs *everywhere!* Omigoddess! If one goes to
http://tvplex.go.com/buenavista/iyanla/rd/today.html and clicks on the left
where it says "Time and Channel" one can find the channel and time for
one's city. But below are a few times for some major cities.

I'm guessing, gulp, at least 20 million viewers will see me -- I am glad no
one gave me that figure before we did the shoot!! -- and my new book
"Goddess Initiation"!!! Yay!!!!

In San Francisco Iyanla is on 12:35 at night on ABC's KGO after Politically
Incorrect.
Atlanta 10 AM WGCL/C
Boston 11 AM WHDH/N
Chicago 3 PM WBBM/C
Seattle 3 PM KING/N
New York 12:35 AM WABC/A
Portland Oregon 10 AM KGW/N
San Diego 11 AM KUSI/I

Everyone who pep talked me, coached me, held my hand around this, everyone
who lit a candle, said a prayer, crossed their fingers that the show would
air, thank you thank you thank you!

The show was respectful of the goddess movement, and uplifting. Though it
was straight ahead commercial talk-show TV, that can be a venue for special
moments. It gave an intro to the Goddess that was not scary for folks. It
was a blessing to have had this opportunity to help empower viewers.

And it was a fun, silly segment -- who, moi?

Francesca
  

    
This is an important personal update about Francesca.

Shortly after this topic concluded, she became bedridden with a
herniated disc.  At first, she was quite cheeful and lively.  I spoke
with her on the phone a couple of times, and scheduled a wonderful
telephone-session reading with her in February.

Today, I called her because I had not heard back about my enrollment
in a "teleseminar" she had announced for May/June.

She sounded awful.  She's been in bed now for 5 months, and she
sounded weak, and frail, and so weary of the ordeal.  She assured me
that the doctors promise she will fully recover, but stated that she is
in fact doing worse at this point than she was a month ago.

She has plenty of faith, but she needs help.  For one thing, she needs
financial help, because she can't write, and it seems now she can
barely work on the telephone.  She said that originally she had been
reluctant to accept help, but at this point she would very much
appreciate if I let the people at the WELL know that she needs it.

The next post is an e-mail that Annie Sprinkle began to circulate on
Francesca's behalf.  My observation is that the situation is now worse
than it was when Annie wrote it.

I know that many here appreciate how remarkable a woman Francesca is -
please help her as you can, financially, in your prayers, and further
circulating Annie's appeal.

Thanks.
  

    
PLEASE FORWARD THIS TO FRIENDS OF FRANCESCA De GRANDIS
and/or post it on community bulletin boards.

Dear Friend of Francesca De Grandis,

    Perhaps you are unaware that our dear Francesca De Grandis has
been going through an extremely challenging time as of late. She has a
nasty herniated disc and as of 3/22 has been virtually bed-ridden for
three months. She is unable to write, which is a major part of her
income.  She has had to spend much time and money on medical
treatments.  She needs to spend at least two more months healing, and
then has to take it easy for several months after that.  But then
should be better than new.

   Naturally Francesca has been a super-trooper throughout all of
this, has made the very best of the situation, and has managed
miraculously well doing all her counseling and teaching work from her
bed. Nevertheless, we happen to know that she could really use some
support.  Here are some suggestions how to give back some of what
Francesca has given to us, through her friendship, books, sessions,
music, rituals and more.

1. Sign up for a fun, enlightening and therapeutic psychic/shamanic
counseling session, which she will give you by phone.  It's $125 for
one hour, and well worth it.  Her number is 415-750-1205.

2. Help her to pay medical bills, and other expenses. Send her some
dough as a gift. Any amount is appreciated.  Send to--Francesca De
Grandis, POB 210307, S.F, Ca. 94121.


Let's show Francesca that we love her, and care about her recovery.

Sincerely,
Annie Sprinkle

Oberon Zell-Ravenheart

MaryColleen MacDougall


PS
For more info about Francesca, see
http://www.well.com/user/zthirdrd/WiccanMiscellany.html
  

    
Oh, what sad news about Francesca!
  

    

   She's had on-and-off back trouble for as long as I've known her
(coming up on six years, I think), but so far as I know never this
bad.  Healing thoughts to you, Francesca, and money when I have it
to send!!!
  

    

Major beamage to Francesca.
  

    
For those who know her personally, I think she could also really use
some help with the coordination of her physical assistance.
  

    

  Well, those who know her *and* are within five hundred miles of her.

   {grin}
  

    

What kind of help, keta?  If you are in touch with her, please tell her I 
said I'm really sorry to hear about this, and I'd call or send e-mail but 
both sound equally uncomfortable for her.
  

    
e-mail sent.  I'm not at all sure myself, but I will be calling her
again myself today or tomorrow, and will post more information here.
  

    
I just spoke to Francesca again.  Phone calls are definitely better.
If she is too tired to talk, she just won't answer the phone.

Also, she will be beginning a "teleseminar" next week, and there are
still a couple of spaces available.  Information posted below.
  

    
This is information on a course Francesca is going to conduct by
telephone beginning May 8th.  IF you are interested, please call her at
(415) 750-1205 to reserve your space.

HOLY SWEATY JOY: a Tele-seminar on
ECSTATIC SPIRITUALITY and SACRED SEXUALITY
All you need is your telephone to enjoy this shamanic telephone
seminar.

Learn shamanic rituals and teachings that will help you:
* discover, and revel in, your own unique, bewitching sexuality
* create passion, confidence and joy in all your activities
* learn your innate power and truths through your body's wisdom
* celebrate your inner God(dess)!
* unite with all of life, as a loving, wondrous cosmos embraces you
* heal through celebration, love your body, and find the healthy,
sacred sensuality that exists past our fears and self-defeating beliefs
* practice ecstasy as a disciplined spiritual path, according to the
teachings of the Celtic shaman and the Faerie Folk. Learn their
mysteries, rituals, spells and meditations.

Francesca creates a virtual-temple with a gentle opening ritual and
wholesome environment. With long experience as a spiritual guide, she
builds a sacred grove where we can learn, celebrate and heal our
spirits. Francesca trained to be a tele-seminar leader; this helps her
facilitate meaningful dialogues.

All are welcome! Whether you simply want more joy or need in-depth
healing, -- or both -- you enjoy a safe, ethical, relaxed and fun
space. Francesca LIMITS ENROLLMENT TO TEN SEEKERS: instead of
impersonal, glib teachings, she offers you relevant ideas and practical
tools, and, if you desire, directly address your personal issues. This
tele-class is right for *your* unique goals, challenges, and dreams.

CLASS MEETS ON CONSECUTIVE WEDNESDAYS FROM 6 PM (California time, 9 PM
New York time) TO 6:55 PM STARTING WEDS MAY 8TH. THE EXCEPTION IS JUNE
5TH, WHEN WE WILL SKIP CLASS. RESERVE WEDS JULY 3RD, 6 PM, for a
makeup class in case Francesca is unavailable for one of the planned
sessions.

After our first meeting, you'll receive free class handouts through
postal mail!

TOTAL COST for the seven weeks is $240 plus long distance charges to
Las Vegas (the area code for the event's "tele-bridge".) Just call long
distance then pay the charges on your phone bill. Long distance rates
for a 55 minute class can be $6.00.

SAVE $75 IF YOU REGISTER EARLY. TO REGISTER:
* send check or money order for $240
* or mail payment of $165 by April 14th
Also enclose:
* e-mail address, home address and phone number
* the title of the desired event: HOLY SWEATY JOY
 to
Francesca De Grandis
POB 210307
SF CA 94121

Upon receipt of payment, your place is reserved, and tele-bridge phone
number, etc is mailed to you. Scholarship and work trade available.
Refunds unavailable. The Third Road reserves the right to terminate
anyone's involvement in an event at any time; in which case, refund
will be prorated according to time attended, minus $30 for
registration.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT TELE-SEMINARS: Holy Sweaty Joy is an entry
level course, multi-leveled to accommodate any degree of experience and
education. A complete training of itself, it is also part of the Third
Road's two-year Stellar Rose training, and is a prerequisite for
advanced Stellar Rose lessons. The Stellar Rose is one of three
branches of the Third Road, each with its own distinct powers and
initiation. Francesca says, "I so believe in tele-seminars as a valid
means of transmitting shamanism that the Stellar Rose material is
available only by tele-seminar, even to my local students."

"...Francesca is such a warm, loving, and giving person... After
experiencing the energy in two of these tele-seminars, I know that she
has a keen sense of what will work and what won't. She has a true gift
of reading the environment and of pulling together a very diverse
collection of people into a cohesive, supportive, loving, and
productive group... Very quickly, during a tele-seminar, you stop
thinking of yourself as being in a phone conference and are drawn into
the warmth, magic, and joy..."  --Kathi Somers

"...I felt the need to reach out to a community of others walking this
path.  The tele-seminar was a perfect solution.  I've learned so much
... from the elder wisdom and personal attention that Francesca offers.
 I am grateful for her guidance and integrity."  --Liz Cherniak,
Calgary, Canada

Copyright, 2001, F. De Grandis. Duplication of this without written
permission is illegal. The Third Road® is a registered service mark
owned by F. De Grandis.
  

    
Francesca deGrandis will be offering a writing class starting next
week.  She's still suffering from her back injury, so she asks that any
inquiries be by telephone, not e-mail.
Course is by telephone conference-call, Thursdays, 6-7pm (Pacific
Time), starting 10/16/03.

************* 

Writing Magic!
Word-Craft That Transforms 
Your Spirit And Your Life

The ancient bards were mystics who studied vigorously until their
original poems, songs, rituals, and tales could magically shape reality
for themselves and others. Come learn the bards’ skills! Use creative
writing not only to enrich your inner & outer life, but also to make a
difference in the world.

In this 6-week teleseminar for writers, we’ll draw on traditional
wisdoms to:
* Meet the Muse and find inspiration
* Overcome challenges to authentic self-expression
* Use writing as a tool for inner and outer transformation
* Learn how to get pen to paper -- or hands to keyboard! 

Whether you’re a professional writer or complete novice, expect to
grow as a wordsmith and person! As a word-magician, your language will
express life’s unique moments and come alive with power & joy. You’ll
create a new world, both on the page & in reality.

All you need is your phone to enjoy this teleseminar (telephone-class)
suited to all levels of experience.                                   
                                   

I LIMIT ENROLLMENT TO TWELVE PARTICIPANTS.
 
The group will meet SIX CONSECUTIVE THURSDAYS from 6 PM (California
time, 9 PM New York time) to 6:55 PM starting THURS, OCT 16. RESERVE
THURS, DEC 4, 6 PM, for a makeup class in case I’m unavailable for one
of the planned sessions.

TOTAL COST for the six classes is $240 plus long distance charges to
Las Vegas (the area code for the event’s “tele-bridge”.) Just call long
distance then pay the charges on your phone bill. Long distance rates
for a 55-minute class can be $6. Phone me for info about scholarship,
trade, or payment plan.

TO REGISTER, go to
http://www.well.com/user/zthirdrd/paypalteleregistration.html  

OR TO REGISTER BY POSTAL MAIL:
* send check or money order for $240
Also enclose:
* e-mail address, home address, and phone number
* the title of the desired event: Writing Magic!
to
Francesca De Grandis
POB 210307
SF CA 94121

Upon receipt of payment, your place is reserved, and tele-bridge phone
number, etc is mailed to you. Refunds unavailable. Ms. De Grandis
reserves the right to terminate anyone’s involvement in an event at any
time; in which case, refund will be prorated according to time
attended.

For more information, call (415) 750-1205, between 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Pacific Time, Mon -- Fri. I’m happy to talk as long as you need by
phone but please do not email me. Current injuries limit email usage. 

Francesca De Grandis is a dynamic and motivating author, poet, editor,
and speaker. Along with poetry, she writes humor, spirituality,
fiction, and self-help. Her second book, "Be A Goddess,"
(HarperSanFrancisco) is now in its 13th printing and a classic in its
genre. (And yes, she is quite happy with the advance she received.) Her
writing has appeared in widely diverse magazines ranging from Sequoia,
the Stanford literary journal; to Green Egg, a journal of the
awakening earth. Francesca has been featured in The New York Times, USA
Today, and on NPR, and served as a frequent guest and host on KGO. She
has lectured throughout the USA and UK since 1975. An acclaimed
wordsmith, her work has shaped the liturgy and culture of the Goddess
Spirituality movement. She also has been cited in “How To Write a Book
Proposal” and “Guerilla Marketing For Writers” for her publishing
savvy. She is program chair for Northern California American Society of
Journalists and Authors. Her lyrical album of original songs, “Pick
The Apple From The Tree,” was a top ten in New Age Voice.

“Francesca De Grandis is a writer's best friend. Her edit of my
manuscript was the best writing lesson I've ever had, and, because of
her guidance, my project was then picked up by a top literary agent.”
--Phoebe Wray

"Francesca De Grandis has a keen sense of what marketing is. She
understands that good publicity and exposure doesn't just happen, you
have to work at it. Nobody works harder than Francesca! Energy,
persistence and optimism --- and a bit of magic. That's Francesca." --
Margery Buchanan, Marketing Director, Harper San Francisco

“I wrote a Holy Book called "The Book Of Nub"…I owe much thanks to
Francesca …who…edited the piece extensively. Wee! I'm finally
published!” --Scott

“
Francesca De Grandis has a gift for understanding how to market and
promote …and she will teach you how to be a pro at being proactive. Her
savvy about grassroots marketing is extraordinary--and she's
wonderfully entertaining as well!” --Mark Chimsky, Editorial
Consultant, Mark Chimsky Editorial Plus, and former Editorial Director,
HarperSanFrancisco

Copyright, 2003, F. De Grandis. Duplication of this email without
written permission is illegal. Exception: you may forward this email in
personal correspondence if you duplicate it in its entirety including
this copyright statement.