Egypt Travelers, Suggested Reading
Egypt, Egyptian Mystery School Teachings, suggested reading August 26th, 2009
Morocco’s Seminar & 70th Birthday
Uncategorized April 25th, 2010
I just returned from a seminar with the great Morocco of NYC; legend in the Middle Eastern dance world. The event, a combination seminar and birthday celebration for both the fabulous Morocco and iconic local violinist Freddie Elias, was organized by Za-Beth of Boston. It was held at the Courtyard Marriott in Woburn; a perfect location made even more beautiful by the sparkling array of vending by Mahira and Suad.
Morocco has been performing and teaching in the US and worldwide for 50 years and she is still going strong, with her raucous humor and razor sharp wit. After a long day of teaching two choreographies, Morocco then returned an hour later in full glorious attire to delight us with two performances which included Raqs Aseyya and Oriental, and of course her masterful
zagat playing.
Thank you Za-Beth for all your organizing work and Happy Birthday to Morocco and Freddie!
You are great inspirations to all of us who love this dance and the rich heritage from which it has evolved.
Family of Light-Return from Egypt
Egypt, Healing, sacred sites, spirit family, spiritual inspiration November 17th, 2009
Luxor Temple at Night
Back from another, my 36th!, group to Egypt. Each of us returned gradually during this week, floating and swirling like leaves back down to earth. The sense of comraderie and caring amongst the group was evident from the first gathering at Logan to begin our long flight. This was a harmonious gathering of old souls, each being a strong individual and yet able to work in co operation with others. There were no big egos or reincarnated Ramses or Nefertitis, no spiritual snobbery or elitism. Just a kind and compassionate group of seekers and adventurers, open to the moment.
Egypt was wondrous as always, and the only unpleasant weather was the day we toured Giza Plateau. There was a fierce wind and sandstorm, most unusual for this time of year. It made the pyramids look as if they were fading into another dimension and caused us to rush the startled vendors in search of cotton scarves to protect our faces.
Oddly, only a few were up for climbing inside to the King’s Chamber, but those who did were blessed with a special gift. As we ascended to the top of the Grand Gallery, we heard the most beautiful, etherial chanting echoing from the granite walls. Inside there were three women and one man, eyes closed and in deep meditative state. A few of us silently took places seated on the floor and we were bathed in this heavenly sound and vibration. Their voices were magnificent and when the chanting ended, all bowed to one another and departed without a word. It was one of those magical synchronistic moments that doesn’t call for words, only an open heart and deep sense of gratitude. I have no idea who these lovely people were or what country they came from, but I thank them for sharing those sacred moments with strangers. It is so true that there are no strangers, only friends we have not yet met…
The above photo revealed literally hundreds of energy orbs, as did every photo taken in the temple that night. We were also thrilled by an enormous golden/orange shooting star as we entered the temple; this spectacular site passed too quickly for anyone to catch a photo.
The next tour is already forming, to take place in late January 2010. It will be my last for some time, as I am involved in other projects. If your heart calls you to come home to Egypt, you are most welcome to join me.
See website for all details.
Message and Soul Journey Workshops with Katrina
Healing, certification, spiritual inspiration, workshops August 26th, 2009
span style=”font-size: xx-small;”>
photo credit: Martin_Finlayson
I am posting the Fall 2009 schedule for those who visit my blog but are not on my main mailing list. The Soul Journey workshops, which I created and have taught since 1980 covering wide range of topics, are intended to guide and instruct others along the spiritual path.
I have had many of the same students now for over 25 years who come and go, always touching back for a renewal of energy and affirmation of their own inner guidance. Many now have practices and schools of their own throughout the US. Some have become mentoring students who will soon receive certification as Transformational Healers through the Thoth School of Transformational Healing. I do not endorse guru worship or the following of any dogma, but greatly enjoy assisting others in finding their own unique soul path. Enlightenment is available to all, no matter what faith or calling, no matter where you have been or what burdens you carry. I am honored to serve in this process.
In this time of great testing and challenge, we are being called to step fully upon the path and to stand in the light of our own Being. As a world community of Light, we are making a difference in the outcome of this great experiment that is human life on Earth. Yes, you are an essential part of the grid encircling and holding our precious planet and you are greatly needed here to hold your unique vibration.
Stand firmly in what you know to be Truth, be Fully Present, radiate Love. All is unfolding in Divine and Perfect Order.
Peace is at hand. Read the rest of this entry »
Egyptian Folkloric Dance
Egyptian Dance August 18th, 2009
Belly Dancing Basics: Book Review
book reviews August 13th, 2009
With the wide array of dance DVDs now available, one might not think to choose a book in learning the basics of the dance. After all, a moving art in static form does not seem so inspiring; that is until you open the cover and see the clear and beautiful photos. No effort has been spared in photographing the diverse and beautifully costumed dancers for this book, with each step broken down into photos at differing angles. Read the rest of this entry »
Belly Dance: Celebrating the Sacred Feminine: Book Review
Egyptian Dance, book reviews August 13th, 2009
Book Review:
By Khadija (Katrina Valenzuela) 9/21/08
Belly Dance – Celebrating the Sacred Feminine
By Martha Elena Burns
Foreword by
Christiane Northrup, MD
Published 2009
If you are searching for the perfect gift for your favorite dancer, photographer or just a special treat for yourself, stop right there! This big, lush book is a delight to the senses, a magical journey of breathtaking beauty that will leave you in tears. The moment I held the book and gazed at the cover, I was mesmerized and transported. Two hundred and twelve pages glorious pages later; I reluctantly came back to reality. The beautiful foreword by well known MD and writer, Christiane Northrup leads us into a touching preface from author/photographer Martha Elena Burns describing her personal experiences with the dance. Exquisite quotes from Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Alice Walker, Jean Shinoda Bolen and Jalaja Bonheim weave their way through photographs filled with motion, spirit and energy. Thick vellum overlays slowly reveal shimmering images, like veils being lifted into the secret, sacred world of the dancer. Not instructional, it is instead nourishment for the dancer’s soul. Read the rest of this entry »
National Guild of Hypnotists Convention
hypnosis August 13th, 2009
photo credit: Rebecca L. Daily
I just returned from three exciting and information filled days at the annual NGH (National Guild of Hypnotists) It was held in Marlborough, MA this year and so very well organized and orderly especially considering there were 1200+ attendees. The NGH convention is a must for alternative healers and anyone in the field of hypnotherapy.
Many new studies of the effects of hypnosis were presented, my favorites this year being Metaphor Mind with Peter Blum, Hypnosis and Intuition with Michael Hathaway and Weight Management with Tom Nicoli. I am so inspired to move into the next level of my practice. I will write more about these new techniques later.
Peace and Healing to All,
Katrina
Sacred Dance of The Goddess
Women's Empowerment & Healing July 16th, 2009
Sacred Dance of the Goddess
by
Katrina Valenzuela
“We come spinning out of nothingness, scattering stars…the stars form a circle, and in the center we dance.” Rumi, 13th century
My first contact with Middle Eastern culture and dance was in my early teen years, when due to a series of unfortunate family events, I went to live with an Egyptian relative. As fate would have it, he became not only my guardian, but also my guide for a lifelong journey into ancient cultures and spiritual practices. Read the rest of this entry »
The Ritual of Awakening
Egypt, sacred sites, writing June 21st, 2009
This is the opening of one chapter in the autobiographical book I am writing. This chapter gives a glimpse into the ongoing adventure and spiritual journey that has been my life for so many years; a life lived between two countries and many dimensions. If you have not been to Egypt, I guarantee that it is nothing like you imagine, does not remotely resemble what the US media would have you believe. And it is a million times more dizzying and mystical than the mind alone can fathom. One of my favorite travel guidebooks for Egypt can be found here.
It requires one to suspend all preconceptions and surrender to the present moment, while at the same time adjusting to the odd sense of experiencing life multi-dimensionally. In spite of growing up in the 1960s in Harvard Square, I never touched drugs, yet the mild-altering effect of Egypt sounds similar to those ‘trips’ described by users of hallucinogens. It flows over and through you, naturally altering and enhancing every moment. Sounds scary? Not at all. Read on… Read the rest of this entry »
