Oneness Ministry

An Expression of Inner Self

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The essence of gender transition is an expression of inner self. A process of living authentically as the person you are. It is throwing societal dualistic expectations to the wind and being true to your soul. It could be described as a deep spiritual experience accented by physical changes. The journey is painful, loss is always involved, and the rewards are felt deep within your soul.

Gender transition is much like any transition. Take ultimate transition for instance, the above paragraph could just as easily be describing what happens at death! There is no choice about it, once you realize that your destiny is to transition it is a forgone conclusion. The choice becomes, “How will I experience the transition”.

A common statement I have heard over the last few years working at the Gender Identity Center coming from new people who are inquiring of their services. “I want to be a woman, do you provide hormones?” A clear demonstration of misunderstanding! It is not about wanting anything; it is about being who you are! It is not fixed by taking a pill or having surgery, those are treatments for symptoms that may or may not be apparent at this point.

Gender Incongruency is the present terminology for describing “an incongruence between, on the one hand, what identity one experiences and/or expresses and, on the other hand, how one is expected to live based on one’s assigned gender (usually at birth) (Meyer-Bahlburg, 2009a; Winters, 2005)”. Gender Identity is self-determined; meaning the person seeking treatment must tell the provider how they identify. There are personality tests, feedback from family and friends, and general behavior markers that give a clue as to the gender identity, but those are only guidelines. The individual must look within their heart, see the path they are already on, and then choose to walk it. Meditation is a great tool for achieving this.

Once the choice is made to walk the destined path, then treatment is appropriate! Professional guidance makes the journey much easier and more rewarding as does treatment with hormones and surgery. A person can walk this path alone and many have, but that is like crossing the Himalayas on your own, instead do your homework, make the appropriate preparations, and then with the help of a guide make the journey a fun and exciting one that leads to Shambala!

Please remember that everything we do is ultimately for the feeling it brings us. In the case of gender transition for the gender incongruent it brings relief, contentment, and joy!

😀 Sequoia Elisabeth

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Makeup Application

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Lipstick Beauty

BASIC COSMETIC APPLICATION GUIDE

Makeup is an important part of any woman’s wardrobe; although now-a-days it depends on how you identify and where you live as to how important it is. Since I grew up in the southern USA, it is very important to me. Just how much you wear is up to you and will depend on the occasion you are preparing to attend. For instance, my daily wear consists of moisturizing lotion, mascara and lipstick only. Sometime I add eye shadow for a bolder look and if it is a formal event I use foundation and the works.

It is important to always clean your face first and then use a good moisturizing lotion to protect your skin. Foundation can dry out the skin and cause wrinkles over time. From this point just follow the guide below, leaving out any steps you deem unnecessary.

1. CONCEALER

· Purpose: to hide dark shadows and under eye circles.

·Selection: a shade that’s slightly lighter than your skin tone.

·Application: dot in the inner corners of your eyes and gently blend out with your ring finger.

NOTE: can be applied a second time over foundation for additional coverage.

2. FOUNDATION

· Purpose: to provide a smooth base for long-lasting application, add color, even skin tone and hide imperfections.

·Selection:

a. Shade: warm undertones or cool undertones to match your skin. If you have to blend with your neck, it’s too dark!

b. Skin type: normal, oily, dry or sensitive?

·Application: Apply sparingly to forehead, nose, checks and chin using fingertips or sponge. Blend gently downward to the jawline. Never apply below jawline.

NOTE: some foundations change color after application. Wait a few minutes and check color. It should blend so well it’s almost invisible.

3. POWDER

·Purpose: to “set” makeup, reduce shine and help foundation last longer. Also helps blush apply more smoothly and evenly.

·Selection: match intensity of foundation

· Application:

a. apply after foundation and before blush.

b. as a finishing touch after completion of makeup.

Apply with a puff or loose powder brush. Dust lightly across forehead, down the nose and across the cheeks and chin concentrating on shiny parts of the face.

4. BLUSH

· Purpose: To add color and glow and accent bone structure. Adds a vertical lift to the face.

· Selection: select to match coloring and skin tone. Drier skins often do better with a cream rather than powder form.

·Application: Apply blush starting at the center of the cheek, blending up the cheekbone and diagonally out and up toward the hairline right above the ear.

NOTE: Blush and lip color should be selected from the same color family

5. EYES

Purpose: To accent the face and make you be noticed. Eyes are the most important feature on your face in terms of makeup. Using mascara alone will make a big difference.

Selection: Choose a color that matches your hair color, unless you desire a dramatic effect.

Application:

put eyebrow mascara (if needed) on first and go lightly, should blend naturally, while making the brows more noticeable.
Apply mascara next and use curler. Choose colors that accent your clothes and hair color.
Professionals at the makeup counter in dept. stores or specialty stores are good at assisting with color selection and application techniques.
Also look on youtube.com for visual instructions. The more you see it done the easier will be to develop your own style.

6. LIPS

Purpose: To accent the face and enhance your beauty. Lips are very personal so experiment to find your favorite.

Selection: Choose a color that compliments your eye color and makeup.

Application:

Use a lipliner when using traditional lipsticks and cover the entire lip with lipliner after it is applied along the edge of lips. This hides the use of lip liner when the lipstick wears off.
Lip inks or other lasting lipsticks really do not need lip liner.
Apply traditional lipstick after eating, drink, or kissing. Will need to be touched up every few hours unless a long lasting version is used. This is again personal preference. Have FUN 😉

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Gender Related Transitions

Second Year Anniversary

by Sequoia Elisabeth

It has been over two years now that we have been bringing you Transitions Blog, so to celebrate I am offering one of the first blogs I wrote. The message is timeless… What transition are you in right now? How is it going? My ministry is focused on raising the awareness of each person I meet or that visits my website. For those who are aware of the life journey so much the simpler, richer and more meaningful.

I love to sit and think about how much I adore the people in my life and how much I love a world where Love is the rule and not the exception. The older I become the deeper this realization becomes. Life is not about what you see is what you get, but rather what you believe is what you see!

We all want our illusion to match our dream and unfortunately things do not work that way in this world. It is often difficult to discover the Truth, but rest assured it does exist. In fact it is the only thing that does exist! All that we see is an illusion. I often feel like I live in a house of mirrors with this illusion being reflected in so many different ways. Part of the journey of change we are all on is to let go of the illusions and get to the Truth.

The simple awareness of your journey and acceptance of your authorship will open many doors. ACIM (A Course In Miracles) teaches that the ego is the master of illusions and when we feel distant or something is happening to create separation in our lives then the ego is at work. All that need be done is acknowledge this and laugh to yourself with a calm reserve. “Resistance is Futile”.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

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Competition vs Cooperation

by Sequoia Elisabeth

What if we took the profit motive out of corporations? How would life change if all businesses where “non-profit”? Each business would have to vow to share the profits equally with all employees. There would still be pay grades but with limits (to start with). No more million dollar salaries or minimum wage.

Would this change your behavior at work? How so? Please share in the comments section below. Companies like Wal-Mart are great because they have buying power and can offer products through the benefits of mass production. When these companies act responsibly it is good for everyone in the chain including the environment. Society working together in a cooperative fashion is a win-win.

Today competition drives the economy which means someone always loses. The concept of cooperative business is not new and has been used on a small scale all over the world. It is great for community and the individuals who participate in the community; however a cooperative attitude takes maturity. Not everyone is ready for this level of sharing, collaboration, and good will. This is OK, because as the number of people embracing cooperation reaches a tipping point it will spread like wildfire.

I believe we are close to the tipping point right now. Just look around and see the changes! Current competitive business models are failing on a major world wide scale that boggles the mind! If it were not for the Federal Government the major banks and automakers in the USA would be out of business. (Probably many other big businesses, too) This includes almost every other major country in the world. Consider the message of Occupy Wall Street. The time has come to put business as usual aside and start being cooperative. Forget the brainwashing you got in school, from your Government, and from your family and friends. It is time to get creative folks!

There are several models for cooperative business emerging and we will take a look at them in the next blog! We must ask ourselves, “How important is money in the working of society?” Is money really necessary? Everything you purchase is a statement of your beliefs. What are you supporting? Why?

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Coming Out Process

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Coming out is a tiered process that starts with a personal admittance. It then touches those closest to you and branches out. The depth of your personal admittance determines the effect you experience and in many ways determines the reactions others show you.

It is like an explosion with shock waves which reverberates out and back again. The energy you put out will come back to you! This is why it is so important to do your inner work or shadow work and forgive yourself to start with. (Even though there is nothing to forgive, but the illusion forgiveness is necessary.)

Coming out is usually a LGBTQ thing, however it can apply to any aspect of your life that you have denied. It is a way of getting to know yourself; a labeling process if you will. Self-identity is so important in society and will determine your success in this world. The reason is simple, as a beacon of energy your thoughts are transmitted out to the world and come back to you in your experiences. Love yourself and the world loves you back!! Hate yourself and watch out!

Are you aware of your inner feelings? Have you sat in front of a mirror and looked deep within your soul (eyes)? This is the first step in coming out! The next step is to embrace this identity and live it. Live the life you know is right for you! Share with those close to you… “I have great news…etc.”.

The next tier of coming out is to dress and act in a fashion that is authentic to your soul. Allow those close to you to see the person you truly are within. It may be like coming out all over again so be patient with them. Maintain your positive attitude and allow them space to adjust to the new you. Ask them not to jump to conclusions and offer to educate them or for them to do it themselves. This is why websites like this one exist, to educate on gender and sexual orientation. This is a soulful, spiritual journey, thus the Spiritual Learning Center is offered as well.

As the journey progresses you will get to know yourself better and so will your friends and family. It is a win-win because we are all in this together! So, coming out is a process that begins within and is shared with close friends, family, and associates (conceptual level). It then progresses to the visual and interactive level where you are living the life you desire in the fashion you choose. After a time, this will become natural and the process goes deeper and sometimes goes full circle leading back to where you started, although now this state has been processed and everyone is comfortable with it, most importantly you!

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Thanks Giving

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Thank you for staying here by my side over the years! It has almost been two years since I began Transitions Blog and it seems like much longer (giggle). As we all know Transition is a process that happens over a long period of time often without us even knowing the change is occurring and then bam something big happens and we realize how far we have actually come!

Grace and Gratitude are two traits I have been developing all my life and I suspect you have also been developing these muscles maybe without even noticing! Without Gratitude life simply stops working. It is the grease that keeps the engine running. Grace is the way in which we do this.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays because I feel gratitude is so important and because I feel that I am pretty good at it. The food is not bad either (grin). The Native American’s taught us several important things about this holiday and here they are.

The food you eat is a gift from Great Spirit (even if you paid for it). Life is being converted to a Higher form by us eating it and giving our grace to the animal or plant that is offering it up. We always thank the animal or plant for giving its life so that we may live. It is a thought and a feeling that becomes a habit every time you consume something. “Grace isn’t a little prayer you chant before receiving a meal. It’s a way to live.” Attributed to Jacqueline Winspear.

Thanksgiving is a daily event, not one day a year! Of course holidays are about family and friends sharing gratitude for each other as well as all their other gifts. In this busy world of diverse business and world travel many families no longer live in close proximity so the holidays are an excuse to come together. As far as gratitude and grace, well these are daily practices which we are reminded of and celebrate once a year on the third Thursday of November.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity Free eBooks click here

ps. Remember that Thanksgiving comes before Christmas for a reason. Gratitude and Grace before Giving and Receiving!

Medically Necessary?

by Sequoia Elisabeth

What exactly does this mean? I posit that it is a very dangerous term being slung around, at, and by the transgender community. I ask you to consider the ramifications of using this phrase.

In the transgender/transsexual world the treatment for Gender Incongruency or Gender Dysphoria is to transition from one gender role to the other including surgically altering both primary and secondary sexual characteristics. This includes for MtoF, Facial Feminization Surgery (FFS), Breast Augmentation (Breast implants), and GRS/SRS (Genital Reassignment Surgery/Sexual Reassignment Surgery). For FtoM, the surgeries include, Breast reduction/reconstruction, Hysterectomy, Metoidioplasty with urethral lengthening, Scrotoplasty with testicular implants, and Vaginectomy. And this is list does not include all possible surgeries, for instance other cosmetic surgeries could also be included.

The question is… does the above surgery fall into the “Medically Necessary” box? And I would have to say it depends on which model of medicine you follow. It also depends on your Spiritual beliefs and understandings. The body you were given at birth is a gift, plain and simple. What you do with your gift is up to you; or your parents more realistically, at least to the age of 16 (18 in some locations).

Each person is perfect in the eyes of God! If birth defects are present it means they are meant to be there for the benefit of the individual and the people involved – family, medical professionals, friends, etc. It is an opportunity to express who you are, to learn and to grow (expand this self).

Would it be right to surgically change this body to conform to societal “norms”? Do we really have to stay within the gender binary? Is this not the point of being transgender in the first place? Meaning there is no binary and in fact it is a gender spectrum. How an individual expresses their gender and sexuality is a personal statement of either non-conformity or conformity. There are many factors involved, however ultimately this is simply a fact of individuality. There is no right or wrong!

“Medically Necessary” is a phrase used by the insurance and medical community to substantiate surgically altering the body or not. Is it really medically necessary to surgically alter the body? To whom is it necessary and for what purpose? Is being Transgender or Transsexual a life threatening medical disease? Based on past medical precedent surgery is used to correct the bodies function to maintain life. It is also used for cosmetic reasons to make the body more attractive.

Makeup Questions

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Let’s do something fun for a change! There are six questions below that I have answered and I am asking you to answer as well. You can post the answers in comments section. The question is in Hot Pink, the answer is in Neon Green. Think not only of the answer, but why that is the answer…why do you use that product or why do you use make-up in the first place? We can get to know each other, but most important you will get to know yourself.

1. What Brand of Make-up do you use and what types, like Foundation: Powders, Creams, Airbrush, Liquids, or stick on?

I use different Brands depending on the purpose, so for basic use I prefer Mary Kay and have both liquid foundation and mineral powder. For a more dramatic effect I have Mac foundation with a complete brush set, blush, concealer and cream foundation.

2. What brands, colors, & styles of eye shadows do you like? Example: Smoky, Natural, Animal, Punk, Classic, Trends 1930’s—1970’ and so on… YOU have Gothic, Drag Queens, Move stars, you get the point. (three part question)

I used to sell Mary Kay so I have lots of their product, so that is the brand. The colors accent my reddish hair and light skin tone, so I use a lot of earth tones, browns, reds, & greens. As a natural type girl I do not dress up very often, but when I do I like the Egyptian Goddess look, or Mayan/Amazon Princess.

3. Do you wear False Eyelashes? If so, what brand and types.

I do not wear falsies usually, but have when I had make overs done by a professional. So I am not sure what the brand or type was. My latest mascara is “The Falsies” by Mabelline which I like very much, especially the curved and angled brush because it lifts and separates the lashes making them fuller.

4. What brands, types, colors, of Blushes do you use? For example creams, powders etc… you get the point.

I also do not normally wear blush, but when I do it is Mac cream in a natural medium shade skin color or I simply use lipstick so it matches the color scheme I am using.

5. Lipsticks: What is your color…. Brand, or flavor?

Lipstick is by far my favorite and I used to wear it even as a boy. I no longer do boy mode, and continue to wear lipstick at all times. At the very least I have Chapstick on. My favorite brand of lipstick so far is Avon, My Lip Miracle Lipcolor. I also have Mary Kay, L’Oreal, Revlon, Maybelline, and some off brands which I chose for the unusual colors. The colors I prefer are Corals, Pinks, Purples and Lavender. I used to have light blue but that is gone. I would love to have the entire rainbow! The lips are our sensual window to the soul – feeling! Nothing more sensual than a juicy lesbian lipstick kiss! However, guys kiss pretty good too 😉

6. When was the first time you ever put on Make-up?

Around the age of 9-10 with my Mom’s makeup I dressed up. It felt good, but I was also very afraid of being caught, so I did not do this very often. Now I wear make-up, at least mascara and lipstick, every day. It is something I enjoy, because I like feeling pretty. On a deeper level I think it connects me to the women I most love, my Mom, Grandmother, and Aunts. I cannot imagine not wearing make-up!

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Gender Related Transitions

Man, I Feel Like a Woman

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Do you feel like a man or like a woman? What is a certain gender supposed to feel like? How do you know? I realize that most cisgender people have not considered these questions, but for a transgender or transsexual individual it is of constant concern. Gender incongruency is something ~98% of the population can’t even fathom. Consider the possibility the concept of gender as taught in the schools is inaccurate?

First understand the difference between sex and gender. Sex is determined by the parts between the legs and gender is determined by the parts between the ears. At least this is the modern or current understanding by science. Consider the possibility that each person is here in this world for a purpose and they have chosen the roles they are to live before they are even born.

What if in fact gender is determined by consciousness, the Source Field which surrounds the body and makes up everything in this world? What if no one has a gender until they acquire one? Much like sexual orientation it must be discovered by the individual. I cannot tell my brother that he is gay or straight or if he is man or woman. These are things he must discover. Life is a discovery! And we are explorers.

The prevalent teaching about God, Great Spirit, Universal Mind, Infinite Intelligence (or whatever you choose to call this energy) is that it has no sex or gender. Eastern philosophies have known this for centuries and slowly the western philosophies are accepting that God is not a man sitting on a throne up in heaven. Our philosophies are merging, especially here in the USA where we are surrounded by both all the time. A new understanding is emerging and I call it Oneness. We are all One.

The idea I present here today is that God is all there is and since God is all, so are we. This means that no one has a gender or a sex in reality! Those things only exist in the reality we call life on earth. We are indeed all androgynous beings of light! You may have seen this image presented before as alien life, for instance in the movie Cocoon (1985) or in episodes of Star Trek and in multiple instances in the media. Everything is energy.

I mention the idea of androgyny here because I feel this is the truth of nature. I believe that hetero and homo sexuality are creations of the human mind or the mind of man. This goes for the concept of man or woman also. How do you know what a man or woman feels like? You do not know any more than anyone else does! Just because you seem to have been born male or female does not mean you know what a man or woman feels like. It is what you say it is.

The core of our being is pansexual androgyny, meaning we are characterized by the potential for aesthetic attraction, romantic love and/or sexual desire for people, regardless of their gender identity or biological sex. And we are neither men nor women, but a combination of both to varying degrees across a spectrum. In some individuals this can shift back and forth as well. You will define it as is comfortable for you.

In the end you feel like YOU. Accept this feeling and get comfortable with it; it is all you will ever have in this lifetime. No matter what you change on the outside, the inner core remains the same. The experience will change as this is the point of the material world. Enjoy the ride, act with authenticity, and live with pride! This is your role in life and it is mine.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

We Are One Consciousness

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Transition as we know affects each of us in our own personal ways, so today I would like to look at this a little closer and point out the similarities of Human growth. Transition is really a Universal Consciousness phenomenon. While you may have very intimate personal experiences in your life, you are not alone in these experiences!

Everything your senses sense are recorded in the Akashic records for later soul review (after life review) and these experiences are linked to the greater race consciousness and Universal consciousness as well. So thoughts and experiences can be shared. Each chakra represents a level of consciousness and you may not be aware of all 12 at this time, however there are many more things in heaven and earth….

This sounds complex and indeed it is. It is also a miraculous process as well. Take gender transition for example, modern science as told us that the brain is wired female, while the body is constructed male (or vice versa) and this is the cause behind the human experience of being Transgender. I submit that this is a gross oversimplification of a multi-dimensional phenomenon. The dysphoria runs much deeper than gender or even sex. From my experience it is something that spans many dimensional levels and not just one chakra level (gender/sex is the second chakra).

We have all been experiencing changes in life over the past few decades and in fact the entire Universe is experiencing these energetic shifts. It is a proven fact that every planet in our solar system is experiencing global warming for instance. Everyone I know is experiencing some sort of transition and some are experiencing multiple transitions! By transition I mean major change in your life. This can be change of career, moving to a new country, sex change, relationship changes, health changes, etc.

Now it is true that life here on earth is all about change, however I venture to say that these are affecting more of us than ever at one time, thus proving the inter-connection of everyone on earth. What you do effects everyone else at some level and when we work together for a certain change, like Occupy Wall Street, or World Peace. The change is even more rapid and profound. Know that by embracing your life’s purpose or calling you empower others. Just the simply act of following your dreams opens countless doors! As you say YES, it echoes throughout the land (conscious mind). We are One.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Only the Shadow Knows Too

by Sequoia Elisabeth

This two part blog on the Shadow has taken us from the obvious to the metaphysical and on to the metaphorical. The practical aspect of “Shadow work”, as it is called in psychology and self-help, is the simple examination of your personality traits which you don’t like. This is simple but not necessarily easy. It requires you to look deep into your soul and see yourself as you are! Not pleasant for most people.

The traits I speak of are things like anger, jealousy, spitefulness, vindictiveness, loathing, meanness, cruelty, apathy, etc, etc. Whatever upsets you about other people are the traits within you that are at issue. It is not very often and usually only in drastic events that you can see these shadows within yourself. Usually the ego mind projects these traits on others so you can see them better. Think of it like a movie projector. The ego projects you…out there (the movie screen called life) for you to watch and embrace.

What kind of movies do you like? What kind do you wish to avoid? This is called getting to know yourself better and it is a lifetime process so don’t worry if things change. They will, I can assure you! It is part of the growth process.

There are several ways to explore the shadow (ego mind). One is as described above, by simple observation; others include meditation and creative visualization (I am sure there are others too). The mind is a tool which is used by ego or by Spirit (higher self). As you explore this will become clearer. Remember a few important points, the ego is a part of you and it is not “bad” although it may be negative. Without it you could not interact in this world of shadows. Spirit only knows light! Ego does not exist in the Spirit realms because it has fully been integrated into the soul. Here on earth they are separate or at least that is the illusion.

Meditate on your Higher qualities, the ones you like, the ones you aspire to. As you do this the others fall away because you are not focusing on them. The shadows will appear and you are to make notice of them, visualize yourself embracing them and then releasing them. So what you are doing, and this can be done throughout your life, not just in meditation, is acknowledging the shadows and saying “I see you” “I love you” and “I release you” “You no longer serve me” then you consciously redirect your attention to traits you desire, admire, and feel attracted to.

This process sounds really beautiful and it is, but in reality it will often be ugly. It will manifest as arguments, temper tantrums, confrontations, fights, embarrassment, harassment, and the many challenges we face every day! There is nothing wrong with this and in fact to avoid these is to avoid yourself! Now there is a difference between embracing the issues as they arise and seeking punishment.

Be gentle in your explorations by listening to your inner voice. Some lessons will repeat and can get stuck in a feedback loop if you are not aware of what is going on. Examples are the man who always gets in fights, or the woman who goes from abusive relationship to abusive relationship. The key here is to be awake and aware of what is going on! This is the purpose of this Blog! By being aware of your shadows you can dissolve them and move on as we spoke about in the previous blog, moving from one attribute in the Labyrinth to the next till you reach pure light, Agape. Blessings on your Journey of Love.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Only The Shadow Knows

by Sequoia Elisabeth

When was the last time you took a really close look at your shadow? Have you ever considered why we have shadows? There is the obvious physical reason of an object blocking the light so a dark outline of the object is projected in relation to the light source, but have you considered the metaphysical reasons or symbology that shadows represent?

The shadow represents the dark side of life, the mysterious and unknown. Humans are naturally frightened by this and for good reason. Everyone knows that creatures lurk in the dark waiting to consume you! Carnivorous animals hunt at night because pray is easy to take. …Of course this is a barbaric notion that served us many centuries ago, but in this age of enlightenment how do shadows figure in?

To understand shadows fully you need to understand your ego mind. This is the part of you that believes in separation and in order to prove its existence it is constantly showing you how bad things are, how people die and that death exists. The ego mind is your “small self” the part of you that is fearful and afraid.

While this does serve you in this dualistic world, it is not really you. The ego is a manifestation of this 3d low vibration material world. The world of illusion, fear, and separation! Halloween and Dia de la Muerta are holidays that exploit and celebrate the ego mind. It is a part of the Human ritual and a rite of passage if you will. Our journey here on Earth is to navigate the shadows and emerge the other side in the light. The shadows can lead the way if you know how to follow them.

On a more Metaphysical side of it shadow represents your negative traits; parts of your personality that you do not like and do not wish to deal with. They are aspects of you that are deeply suppressed. The shadow is still a part of you in this world just like the yin and yang; the dark and light that which makes up the whole. In order to know the light one must embrace the darkness!

To do this takes Courage, Patience, Wisdom, Certainty, Compassion, Joy, Clarity, Understanding, Depth, Generosity, Abundance and Agape. Each is a step into the darkness till pure light is achieved at Agape.

Think of a Labyrinth, where the turns are folding back on themselves and the path is dimly lit. It is the shadows that show the way, because as you follow the shadows the source light is behind the shadow. Each step takes you closer to the light. Till you reach the center to discover that you must return to the outer edge to fully be in the light. Each discovery, insight, and revelation brings more light to the path till it is unmistakable which direction to go. It then becomes an exercise in determination and persistence, putting one foot in front of the other experiencing each attribute on the path fully till the next one pops up and spurs you on.

Shadow work is so important in Spiritual development that many psychology programs are teaching it now and any self-help lesson is incomplete without it. Next time I will get more specific and practical with this two part discussion on Shadows.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

The Illusion of Loss

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The process of transition often leads to the illusion of loss through rejection of family members, friends, co-workers and of the former self. So what is loss? Loss is “the state of being deprived of or of being without something that one has had: the loss of old friends.” (Dictionary.com) It can also refer to the death of a loved one.

If we look further at this definition we see that it involves possession, “that one has had”. Straight from these simple words it becomes clear that this is an illusion because possessing another human being is simply not possible. You do not own your parents and they do not own you. This goes for every relationship in your life. It can even be extended to other living things such as pets or plants, although the definition becomes hazier at this point. You can own a beautiful rose bush, but if you do not love it and care for it then you will lose it. The same goes for your best friend!

Even if you do love and care, nothing is permanent so eventually it will be lost. What is really happening of course is that it is changing forms, and the energy still exists just not as it did before. When you die, your body decays and “you” move on to other experiences either beyond this world or in another form right here in this world. Often this is why we choose to have children so that our form or essence has a vehicle to continue on.

The illusion of loss can bring profound pain and feelings of despair to the individual who believes that something horrific has just happened. Fear is a gripping emotion that can consume your life if allowed to. In a way you have indeed lost something and that is a particular expression of self. We often identify with the person or object of loss and feel like a part of ourselves was lost and indeed it has been. Grieving is expected, so please do not fight this. Honor the life you identified with as if it were your own. While at the same time realize that nothing is really lost it has only changed form.

Life is always changing and evolving. When this process is embraced and honored wonderful experiences result. There is no way to find anything better till what you “have” is lost. For a child to lose a parent this signals a time for the child to step up and replace the parent as best they can, but more importantly the child has the opportunity to fully express their essence, or be themselves!

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

A Cell In The Body Of God

by Sequoia Elisabeth

A group was discussing how we relate to god.

Is he out there and we here? What do we mean by oneness? Many other questions were raised. I have always loved that we are a wave in the ocean of God, but then a more ‘scientific’ and realistic analogy came to me. I shared I felt we were a cell in the body of god. Many different cells living, dying, and all a part with a purpose in this body of god.

Another thought I have shared and wondered about is how our energies as a peacemaker help humanity even when we are not ‘doing’ anything – just being. I believe this is true but how?

These two ideas came together when I read: Just as there are specialized cells in the physical heart that set the rate and tone of heart activity, so do we affect those around us and beyond us now as we radiate the energy, vibration and consciousness of peace.

The footnote explained that these cells are called the SA (sinoatrial) pacemaker cells and are located in the SA node in the upper right section of the heart. Although all of the heart’s cells possess the potential to generate these electrical impulses (or ‘action potentials’) that trigger cardiac activity, the sinoatrial node is what normally initiates it, simply because it generates impulses slightly faster (higher frequency) than the other areas. Because the sinoatrial node is responsible for the rest of the heart’s electrical activity, it is sometimes called the primary pacemaker. We, as higher energy peace beings in the world act similarly in the “Heart of Humanity”.

Now look at this closer. Each person plays different roles in life, just as different cells in the body play their roles. Leucocytes (White Blood Cells) are the “cops” involved in defending the body against both infectious disease and foreign materials. Erythrocytes (Red Blood Cells) are the delivery persons of the body bringing oxygen to the body. And the list goes on with each cell type of the body corresponding to a function in life! Brain cells are simply neurochemical translators so they function to provide commands and interpret signals like lawyers do. I will allow you to be creative here because I think you get the point. Each person is who they are and this is their purpose! Even criminals serve a purpose. Just as bacteria and viruses do. Without them it would not be earth.

Look closely at your life and ask what type of cell you are. Does this serve you? Are you reaching your full potential? What can you do to fully live your purpose? There are two sides to every coin so if you are giving, someone else is receiving, and we all play both parts at one time or the other. If you are an angel it means at some point you were a devil or will be. This is how we gain the wisdom to be compassionate!

When going through your day understand that the stupid politician on TV or jerk who cuts you off in traffic are just playing their role and you have a choice as to how you react or even better act in response. You may be the antagonist or the protagonist! You may forgive or condemn. The choice is yours, but then maybe that is your purpose.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

The Meaning Of Life

by Sequoia Elisabeth

What if you have thousands if not millions of purposes in life and not just one? New books on the purpose of life or finding your true purpose in life come out all the time. We all feel a need for life to have meaning! What if that meaning is in the mix and simply by breathing and engaging in this realm your purpose is served?

Think about this for a minute. It could be your purpose is to smile at that certain person at work at just the right time to give them hope when they are feeling down. Or take your granddaughter to the zoo and indirectly inspire her to be a zoologist or simply to love her. Your purpose could be simply to think positively and love each person you meet with an open heart and kind words.

Super Heroes are one of our favorite subjects for the movies, however we are each a super hero in ways that really matter to those we love and care about! The movies are just there to inspire and entertain you. We each have our gifts to offer the world and what I am offering here today is the realization that you cannot miss your purpose as long as you wake up in the morning and live your life. The details take care of themselves.

Humanity has a higher purpose also that each of us is here to share. Some people call them principles to live by, but I see them as Universal Purpose. The first one is to “Be Here Now”. This simply means to be awake and aware of as much as possible at all times. The easiest way to know you are aware is to feel your breath as it moves in and out of your body. This can be done as you go about your daily activities. Simply feel your body, every cell is alive, pulsating with energy and carrying you to your destination – Feel It!

The next Universal Purpose is to “Love Unconditionally”. I think this is self explanatory; however I will point out some key points here. Love has no limits, and it is your very essence. Love is who you are! When you are embracing this gift you serve your purpose. Love feels good always and all ways, so if you are feeling pain that is a sin or a sign you have missed the mark. Loving is actually the easiest path or the path of least resistance, so go with the flow and stop trying so hard. Remember Love is your nature, it is as easy as breathing and as close as your heart beat.

The third Universal Purpose is to “Tell the Truth – as you see it”. We each come from a place of our personal understanding and knowledge. It is important to always operate from this point of Truth. Lying is a deliberate avoidance or aversion from this place of Truth and it harms you every time you do it. A layer of separation or veil is created each time you lie and on the journey home you must clean through these layers to reach source. All humans have a certain number of layers; it is simply an occupational hazard of being human. We make mistakes, do not fret. Instead focus on the Truth and be honest with yourself and others always.

We each have personal purposes as well as the Universal and these are discovered by listening closely to your heart and being observant of life and that which inspires you. What brings you Joy? I am not talking about having fun; I am talking about a deep feeling of blissful satisfaction and serenity. The answer to every question is always right there and all you have to do is look, listen and feel.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

http://blog.beliefnet.com/astrologicalmusings/2011/07/androgyny-and-the-aquarian-age.html

Aquarian Androgyny

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Many do not realize that there are forces far beyond our little selves that not only influence our direction they often control it. These times are indeed remarkable and the reason most of us chose to be here. We are in Transition from the Piscean age to the Aquarian.

What exactly this means will vary depending on the Astrologer you speak to but there are some common threads presented here. This has been my personal experience as I discover who I am and how this relates to the rest of the world. Let me share what I have learned of the Aquarian age and you can put the pieces together.

“Aquarians are not “gawky nerdy”, “absent-minded professors” or “mad scientists. The characteristics that better describe them are iconoclasm, emotional “hardness”, bisexual, asexual or androgynous orientation, teambuilding, innovation and perhaps some social anarchy (from behavior that shocks conservative people to a general disregard for rules). In addition, we may see a gradual replacement of the icon of Jesus with something that is indicative of Aquarian values, such as the computer, the committee, the scientist, the group, the mind or the iconoclast.” (Nancy R. Fenn)

Androgyny and the Aquarian Age

by Lynn Hayes | Wednesday July 13, 2011

I have always found it interesting that the worldly definition of “Uranian” according to Wikipedia is:

Uranian is a nineteenth century term that referred to a person of a third sex — originally, someone with “a female psyche in a male body” who is sexually attracted to men, and later extended to cover homosexual gender variant females, and a number of other sexual types.

Delving a little deeper, I find that the origin of this association with the word Uranian with the “third sex” originated with a German scholar named Karl Heinrich Ulrich who was what we could today call transgender, meaning he identified as a woman in a man’s body. The term Uranian was picked up by Victorian writers such as Oscar Wilde, who wrote: “”To have altered my life would have been to have admitted that Uranian love is ignoble. I hold it to be noble – more noble than other forms.” (Ulrich’s chart shows Venus opposite Uranus, and Uranus squares the Moon in Wilde’s chart.)

As we transition into the Aquarian age , it’s not surprising that gender roles are blurring and homosexuality is becoming more openly accepted. Aquarius is ruled by Uranus, the planet that inspires us to live a life that is as authentically true to us as possible. Uranus governs radical behavior and rebellion against the status quo, and this includes greater acceptance of lifestyles that don’t fit into the rigid social norms that fall under Saturn’s domain. With Pluto, lord of destruction and regeneration, traveling through Capricorn, Saturn’s sign, these rigid social structures (Capricorn) are being pummeled and demolished.

As an astrologer I use the term “Uranian” to describe any person or trait that reflects this desire to move past old ways of thinking and manifest an authenticity in one’s thoughts and behavior patterns and this goes far beyond gender issues. But a strong Uranus in a birth chart does tend to indicate a person whose gender identification is less than rigid although this doesn’t always manifest as homosexuality.

Androgyny is nothing new in the rock world (David Bowie, Marilyn Manson), but a new singer has taken gender neutrality to a new level. Justin Vivian Bond (Moon square Uranus) is not only transgender, but uses the neutral pronoun of “v” to describe “vself” and says: “I like my penis, and I am keeping it, but I am creating a transbody — a physical record on my body and a medical record that I am a transgendered person.”

IndyWeek.com reviewed a recent performance by Justin Vivian Bond, saying:

The gender-ambiguous voice is unrepentant, a queer mixture of the sexes, “monstrous.” Monster comes from the Latin monstrum, meaning an aberration within the natural order. In other words, the so-called monster defies categories. Not surprisingly, what we call monsters are often only reflections of our most profound terrors and desires. Less obviously, monsters reveal the fact that we each contain something of the other; elements of “you” lurk within “me.”

And with the hermaphroditic, we are reminded that even in our differences, we all possess male and female attributes. Writing about Michael Jackson’s violation of the rules governing racial and gender identity, James Baldwin offered that perhaps what is truly monstrous is not ambiguity but the fight against androgyny in an effort to reinforce conventional gender roles. What is terrible is a restrictive gender regime; a terrorist is someone who polices the borders of gender.

This is just the beginning, and the more radical societal changes become the stronger the backlash of conservatives who fear this kind of extreme alteration to their world view. This is part of what we will be seeing over the next four years as Uranus squares Pluto and takes us deeper into the Aquarian Age.

The article is very revealing to me and gives me another label to play with,” Uranian”. Upon further investigation I discovered that Edward Carpenter also identified with this term which is significant to me as my birth name includes Edward Carpenter. He was a Gay activist, a pioneering socialist and radical prophet of a new age of fellowship in which social relations would be transformed by a new spiritual consciousness.

Conclusions drawn from this on my part are simply that my life is a part of a greater whole influenced not only by my life here on earth, but by the entire Universe and span of time. The message I wish to convey is that your life too is a part of the Greater Whole, the Cosmos! The forces guiding us are much larger than most realize and to resist is an act of futility. GLBT is the wave of the future! It is a sign of the Aquarian times! We are in the transitional period now where Piscean traits are giving way to the Aquarian and 2012 is the Tipping Point! Embrace this destiny and keep an open eye (Third Eye). Seek with the heart (soul) for it always leads to salvation (Higher Self). Pain is beside the point, if you can see the purpose in your folly.

😉 Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity Discover Sex and Sexuality click here

Variety Is The Spice Of Life

by Sequoia Elisabeth

Perspective is as diverse as the observer. Each individual is unique on to themself. And with that said consciousness also tends to group with like perspectives attracting like. Thus we have Tennis Clubs, Christian bookstores, and Alcoholics Anonymous. Gender and Sexuality are no different. Those of like mind tend to socialize together with each person adding their own unique perspective.

Gender Identity is one’s own personal, inner perspective of who they are in terms of gender, i.e. man, woman, or other. Gender is best described as a spectrum or scale. Just as a rainbow has many colors, shades and grades so does gender. This also works for sexual orientation, while physical sex is more concrete, however even this is a spectrum too. Human beings are complex creatures indeed!

When a child is born the doctor looks between the legs and declares male, female or gee I don’t know! It is not till DNA chromosome and other medical testing is done does the doctor know if the child is truly male, female or intersex. The external genitalia are sometimes ambiguous, or not fully developed. The genetic, physical and mental traits this child is born with are the filter through which they see the world – their perspective! As this child grows into adulthood the filter is constantly being shaped and polished by the world. The amazing fact is that it is less the world outside this person that shapes them than it is the individual’s responses, reactions, and thoughts.

The important factor to understand and always remember is that each person is individual and offers something unique to every situation. It is your job as an individual to listen and learn who this person is and then honor them for the uniqueness they represent. Accept them for their perspective and refrain from pushing yours on them. This is a free will society so you are certainly free to offer your perspective and in fact you are obligated to do so, however whether and what others do with this perspective is entirely up to them.

Some may see you as a crossdressing gay male, others as transgender woman, all while you identify as a transsexual. Others may simply think that you are crazy. Each person will see you as they choose and understand. This does not change who you are, although it may have you questioning who you are, which is a good thing, because part of the human experience is constantly questioning reality.

One last point here is groups that think alike can sometimes have beliefs that seem opposed to other groups. If some believe that chromosomes and genitalia determine a person’s gender then it is their right to believe that. It is other group’s obligation to share their perspective so that each individual can more intelligently determine which group they are aligned with. This is not about right or wrong, because that does not exist. It is about expressing individual uniqueness in a way that is constructive to the greater whole of society and life on earth. We all know that variety is the spice of life!

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth

Enema for the Mind

by Sequoia Elisabeth

When going in for any medical procedure requiring anesthesia you are required to stop eating or consuming anything by mouth and if the procedure involves the abdomen or pelvic area a complete colon cleansing is required as well. There are both medical and Spiritual reasons for this requirement.

Adult patients (= or > 18 years)

SOLIDS + MILK: stop eating and drinking after MIDNIGHT the night before your surgery.
ORANGE/citrus JUICE or OTHER JUICES with PULP: stop drinking after MIDNIGHT the night before your surgery.
CLEAR LIQUIDS: stop drinking FOUR (4) HOURS before your scheduled surgery time.
ALCOHOL: no alcohol-containing beverages after 8pm the night before your scheduled surgery time. (http://www.anesthesia.wisc.edu/Clinic/providerinfo/npo/npo_main.html)

When sedated or under anesthesia, your body’s normal protective airway reflexes, such as coughing, that prevent the aspiration of any regurgitated stomach contents is impaired. The aspiration of acidic or solid gastric contents can cause serious and even life threatening lung inflammation and infection. If your stomach is full, the chances or regurgitating are greater, and the amount regurgitated will be greater which increases the likelihood of aspiration. (http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_NPO_before_and_after_surgery#ixzz1Gb5GwFDC)

OK, so now we know the physical/medical risks of having food in the GI track during anesthesia, and we are going to move on to the metaphysical reasons to empty the GI track. Since the mind, body and spirit are intimately connected it is important to understand the Spiritual aspects of surgery or other medical procedures.

The body is a vessel for the Spirit to express in the material world or 3rd dimension and thus the actions taken with the body create ripples in the spirit world much as they do in the physical one. Eating is the act of fueling the body or literally taking in the materials to build a new body! You are what you eat after all. Metaphysically speaking during surgery the goal is to suspend this process as much as possible so that the invasive procedure does not interfere with the process of digestion and assimilation. The body will then be focused on healing the shock of the surgical procedure, be able to allocate more resources to the immune system and it will be more flexible to changes.

To experience this wonderful and uplifting energy try fasting for three days and cleansing the colon completely. The body literally has less weighing it down and thus feels lighter as does the Spirit. The ironic thing is that eating is a major source of stress and aging on the body. So the less you eat the longer you will live. It is a balancing act between the material world and the Spiritual.

The more dense and complex the food; the more work required to digest it, which is not necessarily a bad thing, because it brings needed nutrients to the system. The food you eat is metaphorical to the thoughts you think. You have heard of digesting a thought? The saying comes from this very fact. Heavy thoughts take a longer time to process, just as heavier food does. Your diet reflects your thoughts and vice versa.

Another aspect to this is the natural cleansing the body does before the final transition. The soul knows when the time is coming and thus directs the body to cleanse itself and to take in less to digest, thus making transition easier.

The body is symbolic or representative of the soul. As is the body, so is the soul and vice versa. (As above, so below) Cleansing the body both inside and out is literally cleansing the soul! (I use the word soul here to indicate the Spiritual aspect of the body that exists in multi-dimensions. It is not God per se, but like the body and mind, Spirit/God flows through. The soul then has access to a greater flow than the body or mind can handle. The soul is still individuated, however God/Spirit is universal energy making all creation and is not individuated.)

I like to think of my body as a sensing organ for experiencing the 3rd dimension. It also works as a tool for making changes in multiple dimensions. May your transition be Blessed.

😉 Sequoia Elisabeth

Unity in Gender Diversity Discover Sex and Sexuality click here

Labels, Good or Bad?

by Sequoia Elisabeth

The labels we speak of today are the ones we put on our identity and the identity of others. We are not discussing if it is a good idea to label our food with contents and source, although that is always a good idea in my humble opinion. Upon further reflection though maybe we are talking about all the labels we use whether they are for food, pets, neighbors, or house plants.

This world is obsessed with labeling everything!! Even “Good” or “Bad” are labels, so let’s begin by considering what label means. The meaning we discuss here is “to put in a certain class; classify.” (Dictionary.com) Consider the role labels play in Gender Identity and any identity really. What about roles and role playing?

Everyone plays roles and sometimes more than one at a time. Mother, Father, Child, Engineer, Doctor, Maid, Saint, Sinner, Biscuit eater! Roles and thus labels provide definition in life. Imagine an actor being asked to act without a script or a director. How would that movie turn out? It could be good, but most likely it would be confusing and you would not even watch. Life is a one person show!

You are the writer, director and actor! This means the labels you choose are personal. If you choose labels others can relate to then you will find popularity and acceptance, however if you choose labels others see as absurd then your experience will be very different. Have you ever seen a cat that acts like a dog? Following you around, fetching a ball, and chewing on shoes? I have and it is funny, although it also sends a message that labels always fall short on accuracy. Why? Because life is personal, and of your creation so each person will experience life differently.

Labels do serve to provide a point of reference and provide a suggested experience, but they do not determine the outcome, that is up to the individual. Try this exercise, go for a walk in the woods or anywhere really, and let go of your definitions of the world around you. Label nothing and instead find an object and become it by saying “I am that, I am”. The maple tree becomes you, and you become a maple tree. Feel the energy and imagine the processes going on inside you (just as you probably do with your human body). Feel the sap flowing, the sun energizing your leaves and the wind moving your branches! Labels suddenly lose their importance, and Spiritual essence takes over.

Yes, labels serve the purpose of defining life, but do you really want to have everything boxed up and neat? What about the joy of discovery? The surprise in finding a treasure you never knew existed! As my mom always told me, there is a time and place for everything. Be careful how you use labels.

🙂 Sequoia Elisabeth