NEW YEAR'S GREETING FROM STAR WOLF AND BRAD

Greetings from Brad and Star Wolf as we sit here by our cozy wood fire stove in our magical round house with our dogs Vision Wolf and Anubis sleeping lazily at our feet, and the smells of a hearty soup cooking on the stove. We gaze out of our large windows in amazement at the beautiful blue mountains that surround Isis Cove and we count our many blessings.
This time last year our home was under construction and we could hardly wait to move in. Just four years after our exodus from California we are living in our dream home on our land, named Loveland. We chose the name Loveland because it has multi layered meanings - like most things in our shamanic lives. Loveland was the name of the town Brad lived in when we began our relationship and we were married in Loveland on the Gross Family Farm on Summer Solstice, 2002. "Loveland"is also the name of one of our favorite CDs by Jai Uttal. We feel that all those who come to Venus Rising programs at Isis Cove are loved by this sacred land and in turn learn to love it back. We certainly do and the rewards have been great!
Never in recorded history has the land or the earth been in such need of our love and conscious care. We humans are also in urgent need of the healing energies given so freely by mother earth. We believe that at least some of the incredible healing experienced by people here at Isis Cove happens simply as a result of being in nature and communing with the land, animals, and elemental energies. These mountains are the oldest mountain range in the world and Isis Cove is situated on a crystal core mountain. The downloads of energy received by people here are amplified by the wisdom that is innate to this area.
About five years ago, while still living in the San Francisco Bay area of California, our spirits felt a calling to move to these magical blue mountains, home to the Eastern Band of Cherokees. We are just a "stone's throw",as they say in the mountains, from the Cherokee reservation. When we first heard the call to move here, we were a bit confused and not sure about the huge undertaking of transplanting ourselves from a place we had really grown to love in Marin County, California. The call was strong and clear, however, and being who we are we followed our hearts and our soul's insistent message. Since that time, the fog has lifted and the reasons for our move have become much clearer.
With our move we discovered that it was time for us to put down roots and to invite others to join us in creating the dream of a sustainable community based on Shamanic~Psychological~Spiritual principles. We were looking for grounded folks with vision, a sense of adventure, and spiritually mature. People who were committed to doing the work (and play) of birthing this dream into a living reality. These folks would need to know how to deal with shadow as well as light and be willing to work through their "stuff"and learn lessons about integrity, directness, honesty, kindness, and patience.
We completed our 5-year plan to sell ten lots in less than two years! Last year we acquired eight more lots. There are six left waiting for new earth stewards to join us. Other folks have bought the land around us on three sides of Isis Cove. This community now covers over 60 acres and is still expanding.
Our programs are growing steadily. Our training program has taken a marvelous leap with Ruby Falconer, our incredible training supervisor, at the helm of our SHIP (Shamanic Healing Initiatory Process) programs. We now have our own 501c3 status as a non-profit spiritual organization and we recently created the Shamanic Ministers'Global Network. We opened Transformation House Residential Program, a place those who need support for deep healing can come for an extended stay. We have offered a variety of workshops ranging from one day, eight days, and a month long. We offer CEUs for individuals in the healing professions. Last year I co-authored a book with Nicki Scully - Shamanic Mysteries of Egypt: Awakening the Healing Power of the Heart. Nicki and I are now completing the Anubis Oracle Deck which will be published by Inner Traditions in the fall of 2008. We did all of this while we developed this land, created community and built our home.
Brad and I can assure you that it has been worth all that it has taken to step into this new incarnation in western North Carolina with our soul friends. While we treasure our privacy as individuals and as a married couple, we also know the value of living in sacred community with kindred spirits who share values regarding the sacredness of this earth, our own spiritual growth, and being of service to our family, friends, and the world. We are still learning the balance that Grandma Twylah (my adopted Seneca Wolf Clan Grandmother who passed from this world August of 2007) spoke of in so many of her teachings: how to live in balance with all our relations, walk in dignity and to remember that trust has a US in it! Our New Year's wish for everyone is that you will make healing, opening and listening to your heart a priority! We hope that this is the year you find your people, know where you are supposed to be upon the face of this earth, and step fully into your soul purpose and offer what is yours to do in the world! We continue to follow the call we heard five years ago and know we will be led to unimagined realms right here on earth and in these sacred mountains.
Happy, Joyous, & Blessed 2008 to All!
In Love and In Service,
Star Wolf and Brad Collins

SHINE THE LIGHT

Each month Venus Rising will shine the light on one or more of our ordained Shamanic Ministers who are a part of our Shamanic Ministers' Global Network. It gives us great pleasure to introduce to you these beautiful souls and their work in the world. As our planet struggles with crisis, turmoil and rebirth these amazing individuals courageously step forth to share their wisdom, strength and hope with the world. They Shine The Light of their love upon us all remind us that "It is not too late"!
This month we present Laura Wolf, an extraordinary young woman from Kansas City who is a single mother, actress, yoga teacher and a recently ordained Shamanic Minister. In her article about her experience with Persephone Laura shares with us a truth that we all need to hear, especially at the Winter Solstice as the light shines out of the darkness.May we all remember that it is through the descent into the unknown mysteries of our being that we will discover the alchemical gold and richness of our very souls.

Persephone by Laura Wolf

It's true what they say about Persephone, that she goes to Underworld willingly each year.I met Persephone for the first time in October of last year. I recognized her when she came for me and knew that I needed to go with her to the Underworld. I took her hand cautiously and began to follow her down the path. I quickly became frightened, though, of what she might show me. What demons might be lurking in the dark places of my soul. I didn't really want to find out. I let go her hand and scampered back up to the comfort of familiar surroundings. I wasn't ready at that point to go alone, to face the deepest parts of me. I spent the next year working my process, at Isis Cove, and in community at home, with people who could hold space and reflect for me the truth of who I really am. I practiced loving myself, over and over again as the seasons turned, building up my strength.
When Persephone came for me this October, I took Her hand and followed Her all the way down the path. I dropped to my knees and crawled through the muck of sorrow and despair, childhood wounds that I've carried into my adult relationships. When the grief ultimately became too intense, when I couldn't take it any more, I finally hit my emotional bottom. That's when I really surrendered. Spirit lifted me up and gave me a reprieve, allowing me to integrate the gifts of my Underworld journey.
Grief doesn't have as much power over me as it did in October. I'm stronger now, more healed and whole. I'm more able to allow my feelings to come up, to acknowledge them, to accept them. Because I accept them, they don't have the power to hold me hostage. I still get out of balance, triggered by memories and fears. Little pieces of grief or intense emotion come up almost every day. But I'm so much more connected to Spirit now, it doesn't take me nearly as long to surrender, to turn it over and know that I am loved.
Persephone must have known that, too. She went back to the Underworld each year because of the deep transformation she found there. Once you face your demons, you find out that they are really just little children, little parts of yourself that want to be accepted and loved. If you can stay with those children, hang out with them, listen to what they need to say to you, they will lead you to God. That's Persephone's promise.

Venus Rising's 2008 Shamanic Healing Initiatory Process (SHIP) Programs

The SHIP beginning Jan 2008 is full, The SHIP beginning Feb 2008 still has a few spaces available. To apply, contact us at venusrising@shamanicbreathwork.org and an interview will be scheduled. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the program and explore whether SHIP is the next right step on your path to embodying shamanic-psycho-spirtual wholeness in everyday life. SHIP is the first level of training and healing required for certification as a Shamanic Breathwork (tm) Facilitator. Graduates of SHIP are eligible to apply for ordination as a Shamanic Minister and membership in the Shamanic Ministers' Global Network.

JOIN STAR WOLF, BRAD and LONNIE IN MEXICO ON JANUARY26 - FEBRUARY1, 2008!

We are sending out a big Wolf Howl to our shamanic soul friends to join us for an amazing adventure at the sacred sites of Teotihuacan in Mexico. We will be staying at Dreaming House, which offers beautiful accommodations, delicious catered meals and the sacred temples and pyramids right next door. At night we will slumber surrounded by these incredible energies and with specific instructions to take into the dream time. Each night we will ask our spirit guides to take us to the inner realms and activate our soul's memory of the mysteries of this sacred place. We will learn not only what is already known about these sacred sites but will also explore from within our own intuition. We will learn to trust our inner voice, our Inner Shaman, to lead us to the healing secrets that vibrate through this land and its monuments. We will enter into the mysteries with the powerful Shamanic Breathwork Process as our ally and surrender into the mystery as it unfolds. This place is about learning to trust and open to the power of unconditional love. Several members of the Isis Cove community and Venus Rising soul family are going on this trip. We welcome you to join us for sacred ritual, ceremony, as well as fun and relaxation. If you are interested in making this journey with us and would like more information, please click on the link below, email or call us at 828-631-2305. Blessings, Star Wolf , Brad and Lonnie

Congratulations to our new Shamanic Ministers

December 2, 2007
Marla Frantum - Adel, IA
Ryan Brooks - Isis Cove, NC
SuSahn Smith - Gainesville, GA

Shamanic Ministers Ordained

December 13, 2007
Becky O'Kelley - Kansas City, MO
Laura Wolf - Kansas City, MO
Eden Hersh - Alpharetta, Ga
Myrna Clarice Munchus - Isis Cove, NC
Deb Irestone - Prior Lake, MN

Recent Shamanic Breathwork Facilitator Graduates

December 13, 2007
Pam Hamilton - Isi Cove, NC
Myrna Clarice Munchus - Isis Cove, NC
Becky O'Kelley - Kansas City, MO

Ship Graduates

October20, 2007
Miranda Bostroem
Vanya Bostroem
Jamie Jarrett
Nancy Jenkins
Pam Hamilton
Paul Henderson
Shari Lowe
Jan Tessling

Apprentices: Deborah Jackson
Myrna Clarice Munchus
Stephanie Schwinn

In This Issue:

Transformation House

Venus Rising Institute for the Shamanic Healing Arts has birthed a new shamanic psychospiritual healing process, the Dove Mountain Transformation House and Process. Affectionately called the Transformation House and Transformation Process, both have been created to offer a place and a process for those desiring a deeper level of intensive mind-body-spirit healing and sacred purpose rejuvenation away from the daily routines of every day life.
The Transformation Process transformation team provides shamanic psychospiritual healing through the Venus Rising signature modalities of the Shamanic Breathwork TM, the Shamanic Art Process, the 30 Shamanic Questions for Healing, Shamanic Healing of Codependency and Shame, Inner Child healing work, the Shamanic 12-Steps of Recovery and Discovery (a re-languaging of the traditional 12-Steps), and more.The body is ministered to with massage, acupuncture, Shamanic Reiki. The Transformation Team is trained and certified Shamanic BreathworkTM Facilitators and Shamanic Ministers who reside at Isis Cove. From time-to-time, visiting Shamanic BreathworkTM Facilitators and Shamanic Ministers will offer their expertise in sessions. All Shamanic BreathworkTM Facilitators and Shamanic Ministers continue their own healing processes. All healing processes are delivered through the heart opening of love and holding sacred space for the Shamanic Healer within each of us.

Transformation House at Dove Mountain

Venus Rising and Isis Cove is excited to welcome Myrna Munchus (also known as Amai)pictured above,as our new Resident Assistant at Transformation House. Amai will be living at and caring for Transformation House as well as ministering to those who participate in Transformation House programs with her own unique style and gifts. We are happy to welcome Amai as part of the Transformation House team and a new member of the Isis Cove Community!

To Learn more about the Transformation House Program

Invitation to Become a Sacred Earth Steward at Dove Mountain in WNC

Greetings to our Soul Friends and Soul Family across the country and abroad. Over the last 41/2 years many of you have spoken to Brad and I about your heart's desire to become more of a part of the Isis Cove/Dove Mountain Soul Community. We are happy to announce that we have recently created 8 separate beautiful parcels of land (from 1-3 acres each) on Dove Mountain.Two of the parcels have already been acquired by a couple of our dear soul friends from Iowa and Minnesota. The sites also have a new road that connects them to the Isis Cove Spiritual Community. Dove Mountain is the land adjacent to where Blackberry, now affectionately called Transformation House, is situated. Just a 'holler' away!
To learn more about this offering click here
Earth Stewards Announcment
Here's another way to become a sacred earth steward at Isis Cove: Anyaa's Magdalene Perch available! Anyaa has manifested her sacred partner, Gary Stamper, an amazingman who will be joining her to live at Isis Cove in mid-March, just in time for Wise Wolf Men and Women Councils!They have acquired the land next door to Magdalene Perch and are planning to build their dream home and new temple. If you are interested in having a presence at Isis Cove, living in the beautiful Smoky Mountains full time, or having a space to rent out to students, or use while you are building your own new home.

For more information on this beautiful cabin and yurt

Founders

Star Wolf and Brad Collins
Co Directors of Venus Rising Institute for Shamanic Healing Arts
Co Founders of Shamanic Ministers'Global Network
Co Founders of Isis Cove/Dove Mountain Communities and Retreat Center
Co Directors of Transformation House Programs
www.shamanicbreathwork.org
828-631-2305

WISE WOLF WOMEN'S COUNCIL

A Gathering to Envision and Plant the Seeds for Birthing the New World As We Dream It, So It Will Be.In the spirit of the Wolf: teacher, visionary, healer, trailblazer and peacemaker, we call our wise wolf sisters to the WISE WOLF WOMEN'S COUNCIL March 27 - 30 ,2008

WISE WOLF MEN'S COUNCIL
- Note to all Wise Wolf Men: Inspired by the success of the Wise Wolf Women's Council, which has meet at Isis Cove for the last two years, Brad has decided to create a Wise Wolf Men's Council. It will be held March 27 -30, 2008 - the same time as the Wise Wolf Women's Council. The WWMC will be held next door on Dove Mountain.We invite all men of vision to gather together for ceremony, celebration and to envision a new world. On the last day the Wise Wolf Women and Wise Wolf Men will join together for a Sacred Union Ceremony.Be sure to watch for more information in upcoming newsletters and on the events page of our web site at www.shamanicbreathwork.org. or click here Hope to see you here for an amazing time this spring! Let us join together and create a new world - one we all want to live in! With Love from Brad's Wolf Woman, Star Wolf

click here for info on Wise Wolf Women

Workshops and Training

Please click on the link below to veiw our upcoming Events and Workshops. 

To view our upcoming Events,Workshops and Training....

One Day Shamanic Breathwork (tm) Workshop

As we enter sacred space and shamanic time to awaken the vision of our Soul's Purpose. One day workshops provide an introduction to the Shamanic Breathwork (tm) Process for those who have never experienced this powerful process and, for experienced "breathers", an effective way to stay in touch with the Shaman Within.Facilitator:Ruby Falconer,Shamanic Breathwork (tm) Master Practitioner and Student Supervisor of Venus Rising.

For one day click here...

Awakening the Sexual Priestess:Embodying Shakti to Heal Your World

A Unique Retreat for Women in Costa Rica March 1-8, 2008. At this Turning of the Ages, women are not only finding themselves drawn to the Divine Feminine, but are fully claiming their sexuality. You will discover your own unique Inner Sexual Priestess. She knows the connection between feminine~masculine, heaven~earth, body~ Eros, soul~sexuality, and the sacred~human. As She awakens we become a radiant healing force in the world, a force that deeply calls for the balance of Feminine Love. This retreat offers the luxuries of a tropical spa with deep and healing personal work to create the transformational experience of a lifetime. For women who want to more fully experience their own sensual~sexual nature and heal past sexual abuse in a safe circle of women. Join us for 7 days at the exquisite Pura Vida Spa.
Anyaa McAndrew, MA, NCC, LPC is High Priestesses and seasoned facilitator of the Shamanic Priestess Process™ nationwide. As a seasoned Shamanic Breathwork Practitioner, Tantric Educator, Shamanic Astrologer and a Transpersonal~Shamanic Psychotherapist, Anyaa has been providing safe transformational space for women for over 30 years.

Anyaa can be reached at Anyaa@verizon.net or 404-432-1499. Visit www.goddessontheloose.comfor articles and more information.