Freedom of the Skies

by Kerry Dalzotto, Advanced Soul Coaching(R) Practitioner

We took one another’s hand and offered tobacco to the six directions with an inner knowing that this moment would be one that we would both cherish forever. Immersed in a field of sage at Mato Paha (or “Bear Mountain”) where sacred ceremonies by the Lakota and other American Indian tribes had taken place time after time, this place is now etched in my mind for eternity.

I revert myself back to 2015, as a young Australian woman on a deep spiritual path of soul discovery, taking to the lands of South Dakota in search of reclaiming a lost part of me that I so longingly needed for my onward soul’s journey. I knew back home in Australia that this solo trip of mine was going to change me forever, a part of me was fearful and somewhat apprehensive but there was a greater part of me that was ravenous for my soul’s truth. Perhaps you recognise that same feeling within you when something calls from the inner stirrings of your soul?

Bear Butte in the Black Hills of South Dakota is such a sacred place and one fitting to end my voyage of inner discovery during this adventure. With prayer ties adorning the trees throughout the mountain area and stunning views across the vast Black Hills and the town of Sturgis below I was mesmerised at the beauty surrounding me. While these lands were new to me, it were as if my soul remembered them.  I believe that that there are parts of the world within each of us, fragments of memories of ancient times in foreign lands. The beauty found in nature has the ability to heal all wounds and return us closer to our authentic selves.

My wonderful guide throughout my entire stay in South Dakota, travelling from the bustling city scenes of town through to the rugged Badlands and beyond was fortunately spent with a wise gentleman like no other. A Minnicoujou Lakota, born and raised on the Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, a university instructor, author and historian – I couldn’t have selected a more knowledgeable tour guide if I tried!

Together we shared stories of our lives, him being a descendent of both Chief Hump and Crazy Horse and myself a wife, a mother, a freedom seeker and heart centred world traveller. I was on a pilgrimage to continue my exploration of learning from the land and imparting Mother Earth’s teachings to others in the years to follow.

It was up on Bear Mountain after climbing higher and higher that I felt a sense of closeness to Great Spirit and the heart-warming sense of feeling free. Freedom is one of my core values in life and on expansive Bear Mountain, this sense of freedom within me was abundant. I stopped to pray in various locations and it was during my final prayer that a felt a wild gust of wind blow up from the East. Gifting tobacco during my spate of prayers I sheltered from the wind albeit briefly to call for a sign. All the while, listening intently, with all senses heightened as the air from the winds blew around me. In time, I slowly started my descent down to meet my endearing guide below.

It was while standing together in prayer in the field of sage that we both stood in awe at the vision above us…an Eagle appeared, soaring high in the vivid blue sky. It continued to circle above us as we watched as it soared toward the sun, toward the brightest of glowing light where it slowly vanished from our vision.

What I learned from this sacred experience as the eagle soared high above, was to open my eyes more to expand my conscious awareness, what we see in life isn’t always as it is. I had much to learn from the spirit of Eagle, the ruler of the air. The eagle often flies at such a height that it gives her a 360-degree view of the horizon, allowing her to witness life from a whole new perspective. With her strength and sharp-eyed vision she can set her sights on all she wants in life. The eagle being the symbolic link between heaven and earth.

One of eagle’s teachings is to allow us to understand the strength and power that comes from spiritual vision.

I was now being shown a way forward, to discover the vision I had within me – a vision to reclaim more of my essence with the power and light to ignite creative energy within, ultimately leading to success in all its forms. Whenever I think about, or see an image of an eagle it now reminds me of my travels and to keep expanding my horizons, in my search to be even more in alignment with my dreams and the freedom to be uniquely me.

Where in your own life have you lost sight of your dreams? Allow eagle medicine to sharpen your vision so that it becomes unmistakably crystal clear, enabling you to feel its power growing within you. Enabling you to bring clarity back so that your dreams are at the forefront of your vision as you continue to bring action to making these dreams your reality.

Allow yourself to conjure up the image of an eagle, with its keen piercing eyes, long hooked talons – full of mighty strength. Visualise its wingspan widening as it glides and soars majestically over the land, shifting between Mother Earth and Father Sky. Notice how you feel as you become one with the Eagle, the sharp vision, the strength and power to see everything around you with clarity. Notice and feel into what is reflected back to you as you witness and acknowledge these same freedom seeking qualities of strength and power within you also.

If you were to ask eagle the message it has for you today, what would it be? What would the majestic Queen of the skies have you know? What would she have you do as you move forward in life?

Eagle gifts us resilience, strength and stamina. It also gifts the ability to create our dreams in the world of spirit and yet stay connected, centred and at one with the earth in order to make these dreams a physical reality.

It’s time to follow your joy by manifesting your dreams and desires with the power of eagle at your side. Golden opportunities await. Knowing and trusting that you may overcome any obstacle by looking at life through a different lens, just like that of an eagle. It’s time to use your wings as she does, with the ability to allow life to soar on your terms with effortless grace and infinite freedom of the skies.

“I am the owner of Sacred Wellness here in my beautiful home town of Adelaide, South Australia where I provide a safe space for healing the body, mind and soul. I understand the importance of nourishing ourselves from the inside out and acknowledge that each individual has their own unique stories of wisdom, strength, courage and triumph in an often fast paced world full of challenges and wondrous beauty..”

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