Landscape in Metallics

I did a three section painting in the metallic paint, an abstract piece. I did this one for a friend. I liked it so much I added the landscape to the sectional painting.

Journey of the Butterfly Moon

Journey Of The Butterfly Moon

You are hiking down the forest path, stopping occasionally to admire
the thickets of ferns, unusual rock faces, and the beautiful array of
flowers. You see butterflies frolicking in the air, resting
occasionally on a flower to get a drink of nectar. Birds dance in the
sky singing happy songs above you. The rushing of water from a nearby
stream playfully calls you to take a break and cool off its inviting
waters. You come across a narrow break in the path that leads down to
a large pool of water fed by gentle cascading falls along the stream.
Reaching the waters edge you are pleased to discover to the left of
the pond is a graceful waterfall that showers into the pond rippling
its sky mirrored surface. You decide to stop and refresh yourself in
the cool clear pond. You undress and poke a toe in to test the waters
and find it quite comfortable. Carefully wading in as you are not sure
of the depth, you find the bottom gently slopes until you are chest
deep and then drops off to a depth of about 20 feet. Diving in deeply
you enjoy your time in the clear waters playing and splashing as
dragonflies skim over the surface and frogs lay in wait on lily pads.
You flip over on your back to float feeling completely relaxed and
refreshed. Moving closer to the cascading waters of the fall you
notice that there appears to be an opening behind the sheeting water.
You decide to get dressed and investigate what appears to be the
opening of a cave behind the above waterfall.

You carefully climb the narrow path leading up to the lip of the
waterfall. You are thrilled to find a small empty cave. The opening is
not much larger than a door and is camouflaged by trailing vines and
large boulders. Realizing it is a perfect place to cocoon you from the
elements, you decide to set up camp there and make your way back down
to gather your things. Others have been here before and you discover a
pile of wood to start a small fire with and you begin making your camp
fire in a stone enclosed circle near the cave entrance so that the
smoke will not engulf the cave and also to keep unwanted creatures
from making a surprise entrance during the night. After eating a light
dinner of fresh fruit, vegetables, bread, and cheese, you decide to
create a circle and meditate upon the beauty and blessings of the day.

You lay out a circle just outside the cave entrance but directly
behind the falling water so that you can see the Moon and stars make
their grand entrance into the evening sky. Sitting inside your small
circle, created with small stones, feathers, and other trinkets you
found along the path, your mind starts to drift. In your minds eye,
you see your journey of the day, the tall pines, the ferns, flowers…
You hear the birds, smell the richness of the soil…. You feel relaxed.
As you once again embrace the beauty and joy of the day you begin to
journey back to coolness of the pond and the waterfall. Your mind
takes a new direction and you see yourself standing at the edge of the
waterfall. As you look down over the moonlit water below you see that
you are no longer clothed in your shorts and t-shirt, but are now
dressed in a sheer flowing gossamer robe cut down the front to the
navel, the soft folds delicately covering your nakedness. There is a
silver link belt embedded with rainbow crystals and moonstones loosely
curving about your hips and trailing down the front to your ankles. On
your brow set's a silver tiara with the three phases of the moon at
center and encrusted with tiny moonstones and crystals. Your arms are
bare except for silver wrist cuffs engraved with runes. About your
neck, a silver chain, resting comfortably between your breast is a
pendant of the goddess within the phases of the moon. You see yourself
inside the fullness of the moon reflected in the waters below. You
embrace your reflection that of the Triune Goddess and the knowledge
that the you, as well as the phases of the moon and the Goddess
herself transition through aspects of growth, reflection, strength,
and understanding. Each aspect is part of our journey to be whom we
are yet to be. Each aspect teaches us, shape us and guides us. You
feel loved, and capable of loving. You feel open, refreshed, and
centered. As you embrace this feeling and knowledge, a ripple gently
moves across the surface of the water caused by a butterfly resting on
the surface to drink. You know that all that you do creates a ripple
in the very fabric of the Universe. All that you do, say, and think,
can bring about chaos, or beauty. You feel secure in the love you have
found and as you reflect on what you have learned, you lean forward
and dive from the lip of the falls into the pond below purposefully
creating a wave. This wave gradually becomes but a ripple, but this
ripple is of love, and understanding.

As you come to the surface, you find yourself sitting safely inside
your circle inside the cave. It is now dawn. You are refreshed and
relaxed. You sit back and watch the sun make its way into its day
home. After eating a light meal you gather your things, and extinguish
the fire. As you make your way down from the waterfall, down to the
edge of the pond, and back to the path that leads home, you glance
back and see the a butterfly drying its glorious new wings in the sun
on a flower at the edge of the pond and know that you too have been
transformed are ready to try out your new wings.

By: Lady Kiya

Sacred Wheel of Life

The Sacred Wheel of Life

You are on a well worn path in a forest of large majestic redwoods.
The moonlight glimmers on the moist fronds of the dense ferns that
border the trees. You can smell the damp moist soil and decaying
leaves under your feet. The moon and stars blanket the evening sky
above. You are dressed in a white velveteen cloak that shimmers in the
moonlight. It is early spring and the air is slightly cool still but
you are comfortable in just your cloak.

In the distance you here the beating of drums and barely audible
chanting in a language you are not familiar with. There is a slight
hint of sage and cedar wafting in the gentle breeze. As you near the
edge of the thicket you see the warm glow of a bonfire. The sacred
scents are stronger and the drumming and chanting louder. As you step
from the trees you see that there are 5 figures dancing around a
bonfire in a small clearing in the midst of the forest. They suddenly
stop dancing and drumming and look in your direction. As they again
begin their drumming you see yet another figure coming towards you.
She is dressed in a white buckskin dress and moccasin boots. The beads
and feathers on the fringe of her dress dance in the gentle breeze.
Her black hair hangs long and loose about her waist. Not saying a
word, she holds out her hand and you take it. As you near the fire,
you see that the five figures dancing about the fire are men dressed
also in buckskins. Four of the men have painted faces, one in yellow,
one in red, one in black, and one in white. The fifth man's face has
symbols in all four colors on his face. The young woman brings you to
the edge of the circle where the men have stopped dancing, but the
chanting continues. She picks up a smudge stick of cedar and sage and
begins to smudge you with using a feather to push the smoke. She then
paints your face with yellow, red, black and white. As she turns to
go, the man with the yellow painted face steps forward and asks you to
sit next to him at the East of the circle.

He picks up a beautifully carved pipe and loads it with tobacco. There
are many animals carved into the pipestone bowl. The begin by offering
the smoke from the pipe to the five directions, as well as above and
below. As the pass the pipe amongst themselves it in turn comes to you
and you take your turn also. They begin chanting again, but softly. As
the sage and cedar fill your nostrils, the chanting and drumming fill
your head and heart and a vision comes to you.

An eagle appears before you where the fire had moments ago been. You
hear the eagle speaking inside your head, "From the East, we begin to
seek knowledge, the direction where everything is fresh and new. To
greet the sun and appreciate the potential for new learning
experiences. The new day that enables us to see the miracles and
harmony of the Creators creations. Take this wisdom and keep it in
your heart."

You find that you are now seated at the South of the circle next to
the man with his face painted red. A mouse appears where the eagle had
just been. You hear mouse speaking inside your head. "From the south
we experience growth, the direction where everything in life is
replenished and in full bloom. To taste the ripe fruit of appreciation
and not take what we have for granted. Take this wisdom and keep it in
your heart."

Again, moved in the circle, but this time you are seated in the West
next to the man with his face painted black. A grizzly bear stands
before you now, you hear her words inside your head. " From the west
we encounter reflection and spiritual insight, the direction where
dreams and visions allow you to go within and appreciate yourself and
your Creator. Take this wisdom and keep it in your heart."

As you are now seated next to the man with the painted face of white
at the North of the circle, a buffalo appears before you. Again you
hear the words of the animal spirit before you as you. " From the
North we experience purity, the direction where the secret to many
cures are found for healing. Like the white snow that resembles the
white hair of our elders we honor wisdom. Take this wisdom and keep it
in your heart."
Now you are standing in front of the man with the symbols in the four
colors of the directions. He points to the circle and you suddenly are
aware that this is not a circle but a Medicine Wheel, each man
signifying a sacred direction, the fire representing the center, Great
Mystery, Spirit. He is still speaking in his own tongue but we are
able to understand each word. "Each of us is deeply connected to
everything that exists and therefore we are a critical part of the
sacred medicine wheel. Because of this interconnectedness, what we do
to other life forms, we are doing to ourselves. This is the Law of
One. The wheel can give us visions for our life. True visions benefit
all our relations on Mother Earth, not just human relations, but all
the beings in all the kingdoms. Take this wisdom and share it from
your heart."

He turns back to the wheel, the others once again stand and begin
dancing and chanting. The young lady that accompanied you here appears
and again takes your hand. As you reach the beginning of the path home
at the entrance of the forest she presses into your hand a small
doeskin pouch and turns to go. As you step onto the path, you glance
back and see not but redwood trees and ferns behind you. Turning back
to begin your journey home you discover that you are back in your own
yard, the sun beginning its slow ascent. You sit down to look at the
pouch in your hand and discover that it has a beaded design of the
Medicine Wheel with two small feathers dangling decorating the
outside. At each compass point are the sacred animals representing the
four directions. You open the pouch and find that it is quite empty.
You realize that it in fact it is a symbol of life. It is up to you to
fill it with love, light, and beauty. As with life, what you put into
it you will also receive. We as the pouch, have marks on the outside
but it is what is inside that counts. Begin now to fill the pouch. You
are ready to embrace each day with love and trust and begin now by
greeting today with a prayer of thanks as you sit and watch the day
begin.

4-18-05
Lady Kiya

For The Children

The past stands now before me
Within a babies eyes
Breathing down it's horrors
A small part within me dies
I light a healing candle
And send out love and prayer
That body, mind, and spirit
May know complete repair
As others add their candles
As others face their past
May our light grow in energy
Lighting shadows cast.
Releasing fear, pain, sorrow
Diminishing the hold
Enabling the victims
To stand up proud and bold
So light now another candle
And send out love and prayer
That all the world receive healing
And all know complete repair.

August 18, 2010
For the little 2 year old in Tennessee.

Spirit Lake

Spirit Lake
A Meditation by Lady Kiya

You are in the safety of your own yard laying in your hammock under
the trees. You gently swing to and fro while dangling your left leg
over the side, your toes just brush the tips of the grass beneath you.
On a nearby flat topped rock sage, sweet grass, and lavender smolder
in an abalone shell, next to a crystal cluster. Dressed in your
favorite, well worn cutoff shorts and a baggy t-shirt, you have an old
throw pillow to support your head and neck as you watch the morning
sun play hide and seek with the clouds. Squirrels flick their tails
nervously, barking their annoyance from neighboring trees. A chipmunk
peeks from its burrow waiting to see if it's safe for him to come out.
Morning doves pick at the seeds on the ground that the cardinals,
wrens, and an occasional titmouse have scattered about under the
feeders. Glistening dewdrops fall about you as a gentle breeze causes
the leaves above to dance and flutter. The fragrances of azalea,
wisteria, gardenia and magnolia perfume the air. Absorbing the comfort
and beauty, the sights and sounds, you close your eyes and relax. Your
minds begins to drift.

You are laying under a willow tree on a grassy embankment at the edge
of a vast lake. Beside you, on a large flat rock are the crystal
cluster and the shell containing smoldering embers of sage, sweet
grass, and lavender. Looking about, you see woods encompass both sides
of the lake and that a path enters the dense forest behind you.
Standing, you notice that you are dressed in a hooded robe of rich
green velvet. About your waist, the knotted ends dangling below the
knee is braided belt of green, brown, and white cording. You walk down
to the waters edge and see that it is clear and though shallow at the
bank, appears deep at the center. You remove your robe and wade into
the cool, calm water. You feel refreshed, clear, and alive. After a
brief swim, you climb back on the bank and sit cross-legged on the
grass enjoying the warm rays of the sun on your cool damp skin. You
gather your robe back about you when you hear a rustling in the bushes
upstream, you look up to see an animal making its way towards the
water. There are some trees and bushes between you so you can't quite
make out what it is. You sit very still so as not to disturb or
frighten it as it has not seen you yet.

Suddenly, it is standing directly in front of you. Before you can
react, you hear a voice in your head telling you that you are safe.
You realize that this is no ordinary animal, it is a spirit guide.

Take some time to get to know this power animal. Ask if this is your
guardian or if they are there to teach you a lesson. Ask if they will
become your guide and protector in rituals. Ask what you will, but be
respectful, and listen closely. When you are done, give thanks.

As suddenly as it appeared, it is gone. You feel connected and secure
in the knowledge that the animal kingdom has seen your heart.
Standing, you walk back to the willow tree and the rock where your
crystal and smudge lay. Leaning against the trunk of the willow tree,
you sit before the makeshift altar contemplating what you have seen
and heard this day. As you wait for the smudge to burn out completely,
once again your mind begins to drift.

Hearing the soft cooing of doves, you open your eyes to find that you
are in the safety of your own yard once again, gently swaying to and
fro in the hammock. The rays of the sun peek at you through the
branches of the shade tree. The clouds are gone and the sky is clear
and bright. Stretching, you swing your legs off the side of the
hammock and slowly stand. Raising your arms above your head, you give
thanks to the Lady and Lord and again to your spirit animal.

I strongly urge you to write down your experience while it is fresh in
your memory. Write down every detail you can. Now you can research
your spirit animal being sure to include predators, prey, environment,
and look into as many cultures associations as you can. You may see
something you missed. How can you apply these attributes to your life?
What do I have in common with this animal? How does this animal
overcome its obstacles? What senses does it rely on? What are it's
weaknesses and strengths? Even the gender and color will have special
attributes.

I would love to hear your experiences.

Love and Light,
Lady Kiya

Guidance

Guidance
I am an old spirit,
I have waged war and lost many battles,
I have shifted design and intent through cultures and environment.
What has called me out before, beckons yet again.
I am broken through idealistic restraint.
Resurrect me Native America, the drum and the flute fan my flame.
Glimpses of Celtic Borders bar my way.
The first life giving and purposeful,
The other wafts sporadically, a storm front.
Ancestral traits, not visible,
Treasure troves of desire smitten with confusion,
Promises of completeness scattering like ashes where they may be lost forever.
No, hope still lingers on spirit wings.
Carry them above to Great Mystery.
All medicines gather to mend this tired shattered spirit.
No more senseless battles,
Healing is my friend and sight my glory,
A blessed gift for the great of all seekers.
I'm hearing, I'm seeing, I'm reaching.
I am an old spirit but my work is not done.

I wrote this many years ago, right about the time I made the decision to begin my journey, to find my path.
By: Lady Kiya

Within

Within

I am love and light

Gone are fear and pain

Replaced by compassion.

I am now

Neither past nor future

I have understanding.

I am able

No longer constrained

I have opportunity.

I am complete

No longer scattered shards

But a new creation.

All that I dreamt of

All that is necessary

Has always been within

You are love and light,

Release fear and pain

Discover compassion

You are now

Neither past nor future

Seek understanding

You are able

Break free

Discover opportunity

You are complete

Not scattered shards

The perfect self

Stop dreaming

All you need

Is within.

Lady Kiya

2/8/05