Years ago, I spent much time researching the history of chocolate, and learning
how to make traditional drinking elixirs. Originating in Central and South America,
"the food of the gods" became highly prized in European countries.
Favored in the royal courts and by wealthy merchants, Theobroma Cacao, was
made into sacred aromatic drinks. The Spanish preferred a spicy floral version of:
cacao seeds and nibs, raw sugar, cinnamon, chile, cloves, dried and fresh roses
This very old cedar had fallen across the shore and into the sea.
Saturated from being under water, the wood was intensely red.
The shocking color inspired me to gather a kind of
honey calcite stone along the shore. Similar in translucence to amber, the stone
has this luminous glow and magical soft energy.
The cedar's exposed fiery red core felt like a raw wound.
{ The tree is about 45' in length. }
Laying on of stones was a simple salve in acknowledging the majesty of the cedar.
It was only later while going thru the photos, that
I saw the heart beneath my offering.
During the past two years I've been a weekly volunteer at Sardis Raptor Center. It is a privilege to be able to work with these birds of prey.
This is the beautiful and "saintly" Tundra.
Her highness prefers to be carried above my head. Usually she has a very hyper disposition, but here she is in deep stillness and contemplation.
Here are more images from my Sardis Collection.
inverted image of original photo
The Santuario de Guadalupe, begun in 1795, is the oldest still standing church honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe in the U.S.
In August 2008, the new Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe was unveiled in a full day ceremony following the arrival of the sculpture from Mexico City.
This is an incredible gift to Northern New Mexico. The radiant energy that the shrine infuses to the heart of Santa Fe is extraordinary. The sculpture is 12' high on the altar. There are vases for daily offerings of flowers, an "intention" box for prayers, and the Inlaid bronze Holy Rosary Walk in the pavement surrounding the statue
Our Lady's Feast Day is December 12th.
For a remarkable tribute, see this documentation of her journey.
Gorgeous fall afternoon of bliss, picking sage along the Rio Grande near Embudo and Pilar.
herbal magic: lavender, rosemary, echinacea, cedar, marigold, sunflower, wheat
