Spiritual Awakening, Shamanic Healing and Death
Last week, my partner and I lost our 20 year old cat, Chandra.
She left her body very quickly, without assistance, and the whole process was about as graceful as it could have possibly been.
As my vet friend offered, “A long life and a short end of life process is a blessing.”
Absolutely.
I have been present with many animals as they left their bodies — from the lizards and birds I had as a child, to the animals of roommates and partners, to a harbor seal on a stretch of otherwise empty beach.
But the most impactful crossing I supported was my childhood dog, Ginger.
Ginger was the being who called forth my healing and psychic gifts and guided my whole family towards holistic wellness. She was my first teacher, and the catalyst for my awakening as a healer.
I was 12 years old when she was diagnosed with diabetes, and it prompted me to put my hands on her and imagine colored light flowing from me into her body to offer healing and vitality. A few years later, my mom took Ginger to a new vet that happened to be next door to a massage clinic, where they also offered Reiki. That was where I learned about energy healing, took my very first Shamanic journey class, and began mentoring with a very skilled healer and psychic who guided me to pursue formal training for my abilities.
While I was away at university, I would practice distance energy healing with Ginger. When I went to Costa Rica in 2007 for my undergrad research, I told Ginger I would understand if she had to leave while I was gone, but I asked if she was able to, could she please wait for me to get back so I could be with her. While I was away, I continued to offer her healing light and love.
She made her crossing about a month after I returned. I got the call from my mom and booked it for the 3 hour drive straight to the vet’s office, praying the whole way.
My family spent Ginger’s last hour or so with her in a cozy room at the vet. I, along with my mom (who had also begun her training in energy healing by that time), offered healing work and prayers the entire time, until the room felt absolutely saturated with glowing light, warmth and peace.
The vet came in to perform the euthanasia. Ginger was ready.
I will never forget what happened next.
A minute or so after the shot, I felt the room suddenly go completely cold and my ears started to ring. It felt as if a giant vacuum had sucked every bit of light, warmth and fullness out of the space.
I knew instantly that Ginger’s spirit had left her body and taken all that energy with her to support her crossing. Even before the vet checked her heart with a stethoscope and confirmed that she had passed, I felt her absence acutely.
That was the first time I supported the rite of Death as a healer, in total devotion to a spirit leaving the body. Even in her final moments, Ginger offered me an awakening opportunity and initiation into death work.
(My death work now mostly expresses as supporting human clients through life chapter transition and energetic death cycles. In the 18 years since Ginger’s crossing, I have supported many people in their energetic deaths as they shed old versions of themselves and embody the next chapter.)
I have since supported many animals in leaving their bodies. Chandra’s crossing was so smooth and I am beyond grateful for the blessing of her easy passage.
Chandra appeared to me in a dream that same night. She looked vibrant, healthy and completely clear, and I knew she was telling me that she was totally okay. I woke up with a smile, and the vision of her trotting around with me and my dog, Athena.
Chandra sunbathing with Athena, days before her crossing.
I am so grateful for the many animal teachers who have allowed me to support their crossings. Each experience has helped me deepen my practice with trust, humility and reverence for the soul journey.
Are you looking for support or guidance through a life transition moment?
Are you ready for Shamanic healing to help you shift into the next version of yourself?
>>>Book a call with me to talk about what type of support is right for you!
