Hummingbird Shaman

Walking with Wings

The Hummingbird holds a special place in our shamanic world, serving as a link between the physical worldly plane and the higher spiritual plane.

Greatness is not based upon our size, but on our presence. Be here, in the moment, and experience the lightness of being as you walk with wings.

Archive for the ‘Healing Events’ Category

Puma, Cougar, Shadow Cat across my path

Posted by Hummingbird Shaman On April - 27 - 2009 ADD COMMENTS Subscribe here

With a shift in my schedule I decided to relocate for a week or so to the desert. The intent centered around letting go of the alluring draw of my surroundings as an excuse to put aside the writing of my storybook on the Mayan Tzolkin spiritual life cycle.

During my time in these dry desert days I was expecting my writings to focus on the vultures that are returning to the area. I’ll save that for another posting. Instead I would like to share the story of an evening that was both enlightening and enriching.

It was Saturday, and my friend had picked up tickets for a fund raising concert in Sisters, Oregon. The concert was great, featuring Hal Ketchum, and several students from Sisters High School performed as well. Everyone was amazing. During this concert I watched the flow of energy on the stage as well as the connectivity in the audience. I too felt a surge of emotions, creativity, and inspiration.

Many life experiences re-entered my consciousness that evening, and I took the opportunity to lift myself into my next step, something I had been speaking of in prior days but yet to achieve. I knew the next few days would be rich with ideas, release, and insights.

As all things must the concert ended, and we transitioned out to the car. The drive would be at least an hour. On the drive we conversed, and I shared with my friend some of my insights. Many of those insightful thoughts centered around the direction I would take in my work, and how strong a footprint I could leave in the sand.

In the final stretch of our drive we wound through a curving section of the back roads. Suddenly we spotted a form in the headlights. A cougar was crossing, leaping up the hillside and quickly disappearing. It’s presence was astounding, and its movement was graceful and certain, with each step within its own timing, with no concern given to the approaching vehicle.

As we continued the last few minutes of our drive, and I gave quiet thought to this encounter. Just on the wildlife perspective this was an amazing sighting. As an intuitive worker of the spirit realm I also turned to the shamanic meaning.

The cougar represents a state of solitude, and the art of following one’s own path. Many of us, when we focus on power, think of our career and business choices. But personal power, or the act of standing in one’s own footprints, is something that is carried into each waking moment. It is the depth of awareness, the silent observation, and the precise moment that follows that give the cougar such power.

“Walk your path”, shared the cougar spirit. “You cannot strike and recoil in the same movement, to do so would only bring havoc within yourself, and neither completion or separation will be achieved, and you will be lost in the mixed-up middle world of indecisiveness.”

Later that night, as I transitioned from the waking world into the dream state, I felt the presence of the cougar, and as I type this story I see the eyes upon my back.

Totem spirits or animal totems have offered us so much in our millenniums of learning. Many of us have forgotten how to learn on such a simple yet powerful way, turning away from the living representation of our world to a manufactured substitute. Find your totems, be it cougar, antelope or hummingbird. The qualities they possess are only a fraction of your own capabilities, but they serve you as you turn within and focus on your own power. You are the master of the art of living, not the your car, or your computer, or the money in your pocket.

Learn more about your totem spirit guidance and the insights that await you. Intuitive Sessions are available by phone, by appointment, with Author and Teacher Estee Taschereau (Hummingbird Shaman). Use our contact form to schedule your session.

Be Gentle with your Heart

Posted by Hummingbird Shaman On March - 20 - 2009 4 COMMENTS Subscribe here

This morning I prepared myself for this weekend’s event, the Healing Drum Retreat. I finished packing my notes, drums, and personal items, and placed them by the door. This morning passed quickly. With a million things I could do, and only a handful of should do, I opted for the lighter path.

“Lunch would be good”, I reminded myself, and decided to bring the remaining homemade soup along with me to share with Kaye, my healing drum retreat co-organizer. We will have a little work ahead of us preparing for tonight’s drum making class.

While my soup was heating I loaded my car. I’m a little more organized this trip, packing by room instead of a mish-mash stuffed in the back. As I brought bags and boxes to the car I heard the chirping of the chickadees and sparrows. “Feed us before you go”. That message was clearly stated. There was another familiar voice in the vicinity as well. I looked around but did not see her yet. Then as I locked the car (city girl that I am) and returned to the house I saw her, my little hummingbird friend that so often greets me at my office window.

“Say hello to everyone for me”, she shared, “Give them my love”. The love that radiates from a hummingbird is amazingly clear and nourishing to the soul. “Of course I will”, I returned. Then she continued on, sharing images and thoughts with me. “Let them know: Be gentle in your quest”, she offered, “The doorway opens so easily, you never have to force it”. I thought about those times I have stepped forward to glide quickly through a door only to find resistance, but the door could be so easily opened if only I stopped and pulled it toward me. Ah, a wonderful lesson came from this little bird in a simple note.

Sometimes we push away the things we don’t understand, or the parts of us that feel bigger than we perceive our spirit to be. There is grace in drawing closer those parts of us, embracing each moment of our lives. As we do so we have opportunity to find whatever is contained in that challenge. It could be a special part of us that is swirled within the chaos. We never want to throw away a part of us. What we seek is a clearer perspective and an accepting light. Be gentle with your heart, for your heart is your greatest ally.

Estee Taschereau is a clairvoyant counselor and consultant providing live, private sessions via phone. Each session brings insights with the gentle tone of the hummingbird shaman.

When You Need it the Most, Who Stands With You?

Posted by Hummingbird Shaman On September - 28 - 2008 ADD COMMENTS Subscribe here

Last weekend we completed the third Healing Drum Retreat in Yelm, Washington.  It was an incredible weekend, with an amazing EFT class, drumming, drum making, medicine bag making, equinox meditation, herb information, and so much more.

This time I allowed myself all of Friday morning to take care of small, non-critical tasks before my drive to the retreat center.  One of those tasks was refilling the small hummingbird feeders.

One of the favorites is attached to my office window.  This feeder has small tubes that are quickly emptied by the visiting hummingbirds.  I exchanged the empty tubes for fresh ones, and as I turned to walk back to the house I whistled to announce the new supply of nectar.

Within two or three footsteps I heard a loud chatter behind me.  As I turned I saw a little bird moving from the upper branches of the lilacs downward toward the typical perching place.  The chatter continued, fast and furious.  I listened silently.  Just as a person sometimes expresses themselves with great vigor, then calm down once they had made their point, this little bird soon slowed in its chattering expression to the point of silence as well.  He just talked himself out.  Then, as if embarrassed by his amusing exuberant behavior, he turned and flew away.

Later that morning as I finished packing my car I heard him again, chattering loudly from his safe haven in the lilacs.  They all make a point of getting my attention, usually through the silent network of spirit-to-spirit communication before any physical contact occurs. This delightful spirit in a tiny winged body made it a point to wish me well in the Healing Drum event.

When you need it the most, who stands by you?  Sometimes we see them, sometimes we are focused or consumed by our events so much that we forget to see those who support us in our endeavors.  Whether they come to us winged or walking, we never stand alone.

Estee Taschereau is an intuitive spiritual counselor and teacher in the Pacific Northwest. Informational sessions, or readings, are available by phone.

Making the Most of the Moment

Posted by Hummingbird Shaman On September - 13 - 2008 2 COMMENTS Subscribe here

Yesterday morning I found myself returning to my routine after a few days absence.  As usual, I was making the most of my morning, moving gracefully between writing, breakfast, and tasks around the house. One task that would not wait was refilling the preferred hummingbird feeders in my garden.  One of those feeders is the old attached to the window of my office.

Later that morning I returned to my desk and glanced at the feeder.  I could tell it’s new content had been discovered, for one side of the feeder was noticeably lower in its level of sugar water.  Just then the little male who frequents this feeder came by for a drink.

He perched and drank deeply.  From out of no where my thought went to him, “you’re going to stay all winter, aren’t you?”  Immediately I felt a wave of energy come toward me, sitting there only a few feet from this feeder and the little hummingbird, and I felt its warmth in my heart.  “Thank you”, and he drank again.  “I am fulfilled, and grateful for this nourishment”, and I knew he was far more in the moment than I.

“You’re welcome”, I conveyed to him.  I knew that this little bird could not associate me in my office with the food in his belly.  But the big spirit knew different, and engorged himself with the moment.  To taste the sweetness of the nectar, to satiate the body and enrich the soul in this experience.  There was far more to be gained than just a quick meal.  He was making the most of the moment, and in this instance, so was I.

Estee Taschereau is a Successful Living Coach and Intuitive Counselor. Private phone appointments are available for informational & self-healing assistance sessions.

The Healing Drum Retreat for the Fall Equinox takes place the weekend of September 19-21, 2008 in Roy, Washington.  Join us for this hummingbird endorsed event!

Little Body, Amazing Spirit: You Do Remind Me of Who I Am

Posted by Hummingbird Shaman On September - 9 - 2008 ADD COMMENTS Subscribe here

Hummingbirds are amazing.  As small as they are they are ferocious warriors, willing and able to fight for their territory.  They captivate our soul with the almost hypnotic fluttering of their wings.  Their design is amazing, and they are the only bird capable of flying backward, or stopping instantly.

Yesterday I spent the entire day on the computer, writing posts and articles on personal empowerment.  The act of writing, sharing with others, and bringing light to our abilities offers me the chance to strengthen my message in preparation for the upcoming Healing Drum Retreat in Yelm, Washington September 19-21, 2008.

I chose to work in my living room this day.  While the office overlooks the feeder shown in this picture, and presents me with many an opportunity to see the hummingbirds each day, it was feeling more claustrophobic.  Change is good!  From the sofa in my living room I can see out the patio windows, to at least one of the feeders in the back of my house.

I spend entirely too much time working.  Even now I am typing this posting when I should be driving south to drop off flyer’s for the retreat, and visit with friends.  I do what I must do, even beyond my own reason.  As I typed something seemingly relevant an image caught my attention.  From across the the living space, and dining room as well, I could see a little flutter.  How could something so small capture my vision, especially when I am so focused on my actions?  Ah, we all know who it was, and we understand how simple it is to captivate the soul of another.

This little body, and amazing spirit spoke out to me.  “Psst”, and she moved from view.  “Psst”, and she moves back toward the window, looking toward me as though I too was a feeder.  “It’s about time you wake up”.  “Hello little one”, I said, and she shifted up, and back, and turned to fly away.  “You do remind me of who I am, and I thank you for this”.

Estee Taschereau is a Successful Living Coach and Intuitive Counselor. Private phone appointments are available for informational & self-healing assistance sessions.

The Healing Drum Retreat – Sept 2008

Posted by Hummingbird Shaman On September - 7 - 2008 ADD COMMENTS Subscribe here

The next Healing Drum Retreat in Yelm, WA is approaching!  We begin on Friday evening, September 19, with a drum making and moccasin making workshop. This evening event is open to anyone, attendance for the full weekend is not required.  The costs vary depending on the kit you choose, from $115 to $135.  The great part is that people will be transitioning in to their cabins for the weekend, and everyone will have the opportunity to socialize and see these classes in action!

The rest of the weekend will be filled with workshops, meditations, exercises in transitioning and release, and activities like a dream-catcher making class.  Each participant will have the chance to make their own dreamcatcher and take their creation home. 

This event, for the entire weekend, is only $160.  This price includes meals from saturday morning to sunday lunch, and lodging friday and saturday nights.  What a deal!!  The drum or moccasin kit is extra.  We will have ready-made custom drum beaters available for purchase as well, and a few custom-built, already made drums. 

Of course no Healing Drum event would be complete without drumming!  We will have the ceremonial drum and several drumming and singing sessions led by our Drum Making instructor Kaye Tahwakeena. 

Hummingbird Shaman’s own Intuitive Counselor Estee Taschereau will be leading a dream walk, guided meditations, and will teach tools for self awareness and maintaining your own energy in a busy world.  We’ll have healing demo’s, information about healing herbs, and a powerful group session on creating change in our patterns and thinking.

Registration is still open, you can register by calling the Brighton Creek Conference Center: 360-458-3910.

The Healing Drum Retreat: June 20-22, 2008

Posted by Hummingbird Shaman On June - 9 - 2008 1 COMMENT Subscribe here

The Healing Drum Retreat is approaching!  This event is an opportunity to explore spiritual concepts and learn and practice tools for energy healing.  

We open the event Friday evening with a Drum Making Workshop and Medicine Bag Workshop.  These workshops are open to the public, and are optional for those attending the weekend event.  This will be a fun evening for exploration of your own abilities and life focus.

On Saturday we will have workshops on meditation, energy healing techniques and drumming, creating a synergetic experience and healing experience.  Meals and lodging are included for weekend attendance, and lunch is included in the day-pass.  Sunday will continue the healing process, with more drumming and meditations for self awareness and personal growth. 

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Hide & Seek – Hummingbird Style

Posted by Hummingbird Shaman On May - 16 - 2008 ADD COMMENTS Subscribe here

He sang out to me, and I looked around trying to see where he was calling from. As he rose into the air I could see, he had hidden in the small tree a few feet from me. He flew away, landing high up in a huge tree, barely within sight. “Come back”, I said. “No”, he replied, “From here I can see so much, all through the eyes of heaven.” I knew a lesson would follow. “When you rise up to the level of spirit you can see all around you, and revel in its beauty. When you are captivated by the world you see only your own little part, and wonder what you are missing.”

Join us for The Healing Drum Retreat, an event in Yelm, Washington June 20-22, 2008. Weekend passes includes lodging and meals. Day passes include lunch and dinner. Friday evening drum making and medicine bag making is open to everyone, $10 to attend, plus costs for kits. Stories, offerings, safe space for spiritual exploration.

Estee Taschereau is a medical intuitive and clairvoyant counselor and consultant, offering sessions for personal and professional growth toward a healthier self. Sessions can be scheduled through the shopping cart or through the contact form.

The Healing Drum- The Sound of Silence

Posted by Hummingbird Shaman On May - 15 - 2008 ADD COMMENTS Subscribe here

Did you think “The Healing Drum” is all about pounding on a drum and finding a synchronized pattern, a rush of energy, a release through movement? To benefit fully from the tones arising from the drums we also need the silence in-between.

Our cultures have pulled us away from silence. We’ve filled our heads with commercials, traffic, music, and an endless loop of thoughts. This is a sad road to take, into the never-ending stream of activity contained within all this noise.

The Sound of Silence is a meditation process we will include in The Healing Drum, a weekend long event we will be offering in Yelm, WA over the Summer Solstice weekend of June 21-22, 2008. In this meditation we will guide you to a clearer, quiet space, where you can hear your own inner guidance.

To reserve for this event see our posting in the Marketplace section of this website.

Is Anything What It Appears To Be?: Part 3 of 3

Posted by Hummingbird Shaman On May - 14 - 2008 ADD COMMENTS Subscribe here

RainierThe Great Spirit Hummingbird flew quickly down the road, with great care taken to assure my attention. He rounded a small tree, and as he emerged from the other side a hawk appeared. The hawk could not have come from this tiny tree, it was far too small and unable to support the weight of a hawk. I would have seen this hawk as well as I passed within feet of this tree a minute before. My mind tried to reason through this experience, but I quickly caught hold of my rampant thoughts and accepted the vision.

What message was shared with me that day, and why did it take me all evening to finally hear it? The totem spirit Hummingbird manifested from the energy of joy. The totem spirit hawk is a messenger, a teller of truths, and brought clarity and conclusion within my vision.

“It is that easy.” Ah, of course I could not hear it earlier, I was trying too hard! Catch-22, isn’t it, trying so hard to hear something so simple? This was a story of shape-shifting, but to bring it into a new light, it’s just about change. Change within our heart, mind or soul and the concept of shape shifting are so much alike: one moment it is one thing, the next moment it is different. As I walked up the hill I spoke to Great Spirit, and I knew this interaction was a powerful one. The communication given to me was amazing as is, but hey, why not bring it to form and really make a point? Thank you Great Spirit!

My conclusion on this interaction with hummingbird, hawk, and Great Spirit:

1. This gift came to me when I was most receptive to receiving. I was enjoying my physical environment, yet had my connection to my source. For that moment I stepped out of trying.

2. I was open and in-the-moment. Sometimes I jump ahead of myself, and form a conclusion or opinion of what I should be receiving. That’s a very limiting way of receiving, and gives no grace to the giver, but how often do we use this tactic? Far too often. Some call this state of openness as “come as a little child”.

This was a thrilling experience, one I hope to experience again. I don’t think I could ever lose the state of excitement and awe in seeing this transformation. I do, at times, cloud over the beauty of my own transformations. This event took place in April 2008, and yet today, May 13, as I complete my rendition of the story, I remind myself of that feeling, of complete surrender to the guidance of the Great Spirit in whatever form it may take.

The photo shown above is a view of Mt. Rainier in Western Washington State. The tree that the hummingbird circled around is next to the shelter at the bottom of the picture. This tree has delicate branches, not able to support the weight of a hawk.

Estee Taschereau is a Spiritual Counselor, providing individual sessions in Life Optimization and Energy Release through Awareness. Phone Sessions can be scheduled through the marketplace at:

www.shamanstore.hummingbirdshaman.com