My Mystical Training. A Master of Nothing, A Student of Everything.

I started actively pursuing mystical and spiritual knowledge around the same time that I started driving a car, at 15 or 16.  That's when I started going to the bookstore that sold crystals, Tarot cards, runes and the like.  It was my secret escape.  Even though it was filled with dragons, daggers and pentagrams, all of these things that I had been programmed to be afraid of, this bookstore was always a safe place for me.
"Mysticism" by
Evelyn Underhill
An amazing book!

 Through that community, my mystical journey began when I was gifted the book, "Mysticism" by Evelyn Hill, when I was 17 by a Wiccan and astrologist who became my first teacher.  I studied under her, learning about the Tarot and the pagan way, until I moved far away when I was 22.  In the 20 years since then, I have continued to meditate daily, observe pagan holidays and practice my own version of an Earth-based spirituality.  

 Over the years, I have sought information on the esoteric through a variety of avenues - lectures, books, workshops and lots of worldwide adventures. 

 I have also completed a class in Curanderismo, Traditional Mexican Healing, offered through the University of New Mexico.  I have learned many valuable healing techniques through my studies of the Curanderos (Traditional Mexican Healers), such as firecupping, juicing and creating herbal tinctures and salves. 
Curanderos (Mexican Healers)
use a firecupping method that
leaves no marks.

 In addition to this course, I have also completed, or am enrolled in, a couple of others, including a course I took in Bioelectricty from Duke University, and an upcoming class on Buddhist Meditation taught through an extension program of University of Virginia. 

 The most memorable class I have ever taken, or ever will, was a Buddhism 101 course at Emory University taught by the His Holiness The Dalai Lama, himself. 
Taking Refuge in Buddha, Dharma & Sangha.
To me, translates as God, Nature & Community.

While I am not a practicing Buddhist, those teachings are a very important part of my spiritual practice. I have been Taking Refuge on and off for ten years - a Buddhist practice of going inward to seek solace and to answer some of life's questions. 

 In Taking Refuge, I will typically pray to the Buddha, Dharma and Sangha, releasing everything into these symbols of God, Nature & Community, for the purpose of achieving greater clarity. 

 I spent a short time in Japan in 2002. On that visit, I was able to go to many sacred places near Tokyo, learning some Buddhist ways in Temples and Sacred Gardens there. 

 My spiritual work has also included Yoga, shamanism and Reiki.  I have the least training in Yoga of those 3 practices.  I consider myself a yogini, in that I have dedicated my life to pursuing mystical and spiritual knowledge for the purpose being open to whatever my intended enlightenment in this lifetime.  However, I am not trained as a Yoga teacher and actually know very little about The Way of Yoga.  I have practiced Hatha and Bikram on and off for 15 years.  I would consider myself very much still a beginner.  I have the most experience with Bikram as far as practicing in a studio, but I have never had a formal teacher other than that.  That's all about to change though - read on...
Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat

 I recently visited The Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas in the pursuit of this knowledge.  I wasn't able to stay long, but I am open to learning more and have plans to visit the Ashram again several times in the next year.  While my lifestyle wouldn't allow me to live at the Ashram full time, my service is in raising awareness and bringing revenue and donations to this community.

 There are a few other things in the works right now, that I expect will open up many more pathways for me to explore The Way of Yoga.  
I am starting the year with a Yoga Vision Quest at Candler Park Yoga. I'm looking forward to this experience, as well as being open to really letting Yoga work in my life in the coming year. 
~~~
A sweet & short video from my recent trip to
The Sivananda Ashram in the Bahamas
A video posted by Katy (@earthreiki) on

As far as Reiki goes, I received my Usui Reiki I and II degrees from the same Master Teacher, Mary Jahntz.  Her Master Teacher was William Rand.  I took about a year between degrees.  I've never had a desire to teach Reiki, so I have not pursued advanced training beyond Choden (Reiki Level II).  I do have a very close relationship with my RMT (Reiki Master Teacher) and she continues to teach and guide me as Reiki moves with me through life.  
Reiki I Class - My dear teacher,
Mary Jahntz, in the middle
CLICK HERE TO SEE HER SITE

I love Reiki so much and am very disciplined in my daily practice.  I share Reiki with family, friends, my pets, my garden, trees and all of Nature.  I don't accept Reiki clients, but have provided it professionally at festivals and in workshops.  I mainly practice what I call "Earth Reiki" - I send Reiki to Mother Earth to heal global problems.  I also coordinate Whole Earth Healings and distance Reiki events.

 There is another Reiki Master Teacher, Rebecca Hay, in my life that has not technically become my teacher yet.  In fact, we've never met in person, but we have communicated enough for me to know that she will be another Reiki teacher of mine, in what capacity, Spirit has not yet made clear.

 As far as my shamanic practice, I have been working with spirit guides in Nature since I was a little girl.  I recall being 4 or 5 and talking to trees, rocks, ladybugs, clouds, and the such.  I consider certain guides, Turtle, Bear and Rosemary, to be just as much my teachers as any human being ever has been.  :)
The Reiki Principles I recite twice daily


 I have also studied formally under my dear teacher, Dr. Steven Serr since 2012.  I have attended and taught a number workshops on shamanism over the past 3 years and would consider myself a knowledgeable and disciplined shamanic practitioner.  I have shamanic clients and students, but have not built a formal business around shamanism, nor do I have any desire to ever do that.  With the exception of writing a book, that is.  I recently made major work changes to accommodate the intention I set to write one in 2015 on shamanic journeying.

 Well, I guess that summarizes my experience of pursuing mystical and spiritual knowledge.

 Although I do have certificates and degrees in some of this stuff and have had some incredible teachers, I would consider myself a master of nothing, and a student of everything.
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