Song Playing: "Lean Back" ~Jax Streeter

August 8, 2008

Guest: Annette Wilder, CEO

WILDER Public Relations

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August 1, 2008

Applonia Criss

CEO NU VIEW Magazine

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July 25, 2008

Michi Lumin

Founder of Luskwood, A Furry Community

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Friday July 18, 2008

Topic: RP Mafia

Guest: TheDonTonyGambino Ronzoni,

RP Mafia Don

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07/11-08-- Tira Greenwood - Faery Shaman.

06/27-08-Nyla Rossini & TOKO Voom--VAIN Inc.

06/20/08- PhoebeAnn Theas, Erin68 Frog, Satin Galli,

Damian Carbenell, Harmonia Trefoil- SL Musicians.

06/13/08-Poulet Koenkamp - co-owner of Caribbean Sensations.

06/06/08- Natalie Niven- SLinworldtoday.com (revisit)

05/23/-Gincarlo Takacs - Costa Rica Sim.

05/16/-Anika Blue, Quinn Lanzius, -comedians: The Last Laugh

05/09/-Tiny Empires-Gianfar RFL team

05/02/- Frolic Mills; Best of SL Boulevard.

04/18/-Karine Koba: Averlast Boxing Gym

04/11/- AWM Mars: WBA Advertising

04/04/08-Catalina Streeter: BABEL

03/28/08-Intlibber Brautigan= Chairman of Ancapistan Capital Exchange.

03/21/08- Minx Mousehold=Sensual Stoneworks

03/14/08- Star Perenti= Seduction Magazine

02/29/08-Nitrojen Riel= owner of a lesbian only sim and a club called:

A Woman's Touch 2.

02/22/08- Anthony Stuart= owner of the IMA, Indiana Motorsports Association.

02/15/08-Jvizzle Jacques= King of Tiny Empires; Krystal Jaques, and Pagan Warrior Dart Wolfe.

02/08/08- Ultralite Soleil = Developer of Tiny Empires.

01/18/08- Bender Benedict = Benders Palace

01/11/08- Dennis Slowcombe = AAA Travels

01/04/08- Sarah Nerd = Freebie Paradise & more

12/28/07-Anika Heart= strip club/clothing/lingerie/furniture business. /custom build work on everything from micro-prim jewelry to 1/3 sim sized buildings, mall complexes and various vehicles/

/custom avatars, and avatar customization for existing av's.

12/14/07-Owner Maltese=Seclimine creator

12/07/07-Natalie Niven&Rawly Rouselot = Proud CEOwner of the inworld and online second life news paper www.slinworldtoday.com and co-Writer of 'What Natalie Did Next..."

11/30/07-Butterfly Laa&Jesper Prinz= RL/SL Author/Writer.

11/23/07-Rezago Kokorin= Abyss Museum of Ocean Science.

11/09/07- Una Ewing- model/owner: EWING Fashion Agency

11/02/07- Grim Bracken & Nika Bracken - Grimworx/Serenade/Second Cinema/

10/19- Cellestia Underwood= Crimson Shadow, goth sim/club, USA manager

10/26/07- Angel Baxter=Germania Port;Seagull Haven

10/12-Brando Dingson = Anti Griefer Spec Ops

10/05-Sundevildaddy Streeter=Lucifers Nightclub

9/21- Strawberry Holiday= Peachy Clothing and Accessories.

9/7- Buckaroo Mu = Dragons of Pern RP

8/31- Angela Eclipse= Take Action

What is a Shaman?

Shamans can be found all over the world from Celtics to Native Americans.The one common thing that they all share is a belief and practice concerned with the Spiritual World. Basically what is found in all religions, unless there is no belief at all.

Shamans participate in a variety of techniques to entice different levels of trance by chanting, dancing, meditation and even using musical instruments like drums.

Other ways that seem to be more depicted by those unfamiliar with this practice is the use of mind altering drugs. Like a cactus Plant called Peyote, still used by some Native American Shamans. When consumed it has a hallucinogenic effect that Shamans claim enhances their ability to cross over into a “Heavenly place” State of consciousness. The more commonly known drugs associated with this is LSD, methamphetamine and marijuana. Some Shamans use drugs as part of their practice but many do not need drugs at all to communicate with their guides and other spiritual energies.

  It’s a misconception that Shamans are just modern day, strung out hippies that claim powers that can’t be seen or explained. Unfortunately to Shamans, false prophets and those that abuse the practice cause many to dismiss claims of “Psychics” or Supernatural happenings, Create Skepticism…

"The Supernatural realm is one that holds great mystery to those that do not understand the veil between our real world and the Spiritual. You do not have to have a religion to have a faith in something you can feel within yourself with that said let me Introduce Tira Greenwood aka Tira Brandon-Evans (c) 1997-2007)

 She is a fairy Shaman, teacher & Healer who has come to Second Life to spread the enlightenment.. " ~Wurlitzer

On Friday July 11, 2008

Friday Night Talkshow With Wurlitzer just got a little bit more interesting this week when guest Tira greenwood, A Practicing Celtic Shaman and teacher appeared on the show. At First Glance she appeared to be a Role Player, with her long white hair and cloaked ensemble until she began to explain what Shamanism is and what she does.

In her mellow tone, Tira explained that Second Life was a place where it was easier for her to communicate with other Practicing Shamans on a broader scale rather then using local publications and resources to reach out to help, heal and teach..

  When asked by Wurlitzer how long she has been a Shaman, Tira shared a childhood experience that ultimately changed her. Suffering from Meningitis at a very young age she was “taken” to a place with rolling hills of grass and from each strand illuminated lights ,as she sat on the hill glowing giants approached her and took her off to where they lived, She described it as a peaceful and perfect nation where they kept her for a while and presented her with a choice to stay in her current world and go back to the mother she had chosen for her life or immediately be reborn (reincarnated). She chose to stay and when she came to, with no prior religious teachings she had no other way to describe what she had seen in her dreamlike state but to call them “The Shiny People’. She said if she had gone to church, she would have called them Angels.

  Once Tira explained this, it seemed some of the audience members were uncomfortable with this and began to dismiss her claims as not true with witty comments and gestures, but Tira kept her composure and went on explaining her beliefs.

During the Audience participation segment, Stray Underwood asked a good question,

“You touched on the things you will not council people on, doctors are binded by patient confidentiality, you are not binded by that, if faced with information of a dangerous situation do you contact the proper authorities?”

Tira replied,, In a situation were it was cancer or another life threatening illness she would never advise to go against doctor’s orders or tell anyone to stop their medications. If it had to do with a crime, she certainly would contact authorities, if she felt there was harm coming to another person but said it was very difficult and depended on the situation.

This question caused a bit of a concern because it goes against what people consider normal procedure for authorities as well as bring up the common notion that if a psychic claimed a crime or murder that turned out to be true or had something to do with a death .They would become a suspect resulting in being arrested.

After hearing more on the Shaman topic I decided to raise my hand and ask a Question more towards understanding then dismissing. I wanted to know what advice she would give to those interested in practicing Shamanism for protection when dealing in the Spiritual realm.

Tira explained how we have Spirit/animal Guides and protectors. Describing the bear as the most protective. Tira went on to say our guides are very giving and want to help us in this life or use us to fix the mistakes of their past lives. They may or may not be ancestors. But everyone has them. A very important thing she made clear was that our guides are not our slaves and should not be mistreated or bad things can happen, anyone dealing in the Spirit realm understands this. She also warned against using drugs to trance into the spirit realm because it makes you accessible to bad energies. And the more drugs are used the harder it is to return to that heavenly place.

At the End of the Show, Tira departed but a group consisting of Trapped Underwood, Stray Underwood (No Relation), Nalrune Ansar, Wurlitzer, Myself and a couple audience members who silently listened while Strong opinions on this topic and religion (gasps* omg religion…) was Discussed.

 At first, I thought it was going to turn into a Jerry Springer Scene with chairs flying but it eventually piped down to “The View” Scene with the exception of three opinionated Guys (and Yall thought women had a lot to say). I didn’t participate in the live discussing instead I listened in and threw in an occasional comment via room chat.

 What Began at 9:30 pm SLT ended at 1:30 am SLT (5 HOURS AND WORTH EVERY MINUTE!!!!) Officially breaking the Unofficial Record for longest segment on a Second Life Talkshow, making Friday Night Talkshow’s With Wurlitzer Seisenbacher one of the Hottest places to be on Friday Night!

FINAL THOUGHT:

Whether you are a believer or not on the topic of Shamanism or have strong opinions on topics you read here or see at Friday Night Talkshows... if it moves you enough to express yourself then it is a topic worth discussing….

See Yall Next Week!

~Lanai Jarrico

PreShow Transcript

1. You're a Celtic Shaman, what exactly is a Shaman, and what other kinds are there?

Shamans are women and men who act as intermediaries between the material world and the spirit realms. We travel between worlds in a state of trance and engage with our ancestors, animal totems and guides, and Otherworld allies to make and mend, to help and heal.

2. How Long have you been a Practicing Shaman?

I am sixty-three and have been a practicing shaman most of my life. I was 'taken' when I was five, during a serious illness. I had what is today called a near death experience and during that gained my shamanic gifts.

3. What brought you to second Life?

The communication aspect of Second Life. I have been teaching on-line since 1997 and moderate several Celtic Shamans' groups. As soon as I became aware of Second Life I realized this was a way to communicate with my students and apprentices in a more immediate way then through email. My ancestor guide led me to Second Life and showed me this.

4. What advice would you give to someone who is just beginning or interested in becoming a shaman?

Read, read, read -- and don't just surf the net for information. Read real books. But do remember that even books may be full of misinformation.

Connect -- find a group on-line or in SL where you feel comfortable. Be careful and don't take any wooden nickels. There are a lot of well meaning folks who really know little or nothing about shamanism who claim to be shamans. Beware of anyone who wants to control you. If you find someone who says you have to believe exactly as they do, run.

Experience -- discover you own guides and guardians. Let them guide and advise you. You do have guides and guardians, even if you have not been introduced. You will never find better teachers then these.

5. Do you offer classes for anyone interested?

The Society of Celtic Shamans offers on-line programs for serious students. We also have a public discussion group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/celticshaman

I lead classes and discussion at least once a week in Emain Ablach in the region of Pan Shamana:

http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tethra/86/119/23

6. Where could Avies find more information ?

We have a webpage at: http://www.faeryshaman.org/sitemap.htm

We have an information center in Second Life at the Emain Ablach School of Shamanic Wisdom: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tethra/86/119/23

There you will find a library and some other information. Most of the articles in the library come from the achives of "Earthsongs" our 'zine: http://www.faeryshaman.org/erthsong.htm

7. Do you offer reading or spiritual advice here or must you visit the site?

I offer readings, healings, soul part retrievals and counselling here in Second Life. Anyone can find full information in my Profile Picks.

8. Do you have other interests here in Second life?

I enjoy visiting the many spiritual centres here such as Anam Turas, Wisdom and Enlightenment Center, and Mystic Academy.

9. Your profile states that you are an Oghams Master, what exactly does that mean?

I have studied and mastered the Oghams. Oghams (said oh-ams) are sometimes called the Druid alphabet. This is the sacred Druid lettering system used on monuments in Ireland and Great Britain. This is a mystical alphabet similar to the Kabbalah in that each letter is a symbol of an underlying sacred truth or principle. The mystical wisdom of the Druids is expressed through the Oghams. It is also the lettering system upon which Robert Graves based his book "The White Goddess" and from which he developed the "Celtic Tree Calendar." But there is a great deal more to the Oghams then Graves ever imagined. The wisdom of our Celtic speaking ancestors is contained in the Oghams.

10. Are there any groups that you have created in Second Life that deals with Shamanism?

Yes, "Celticshamans in SL" is our Second Life public group. I lead classes with discussions at least once week in Emain Ablach that are open to all: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Tethra/86/119/23

11. Tira, some of the groups that you have created in SL are for students enrolled in the Society of Celtic Shamans program...what are these programs?

We offer several programs but the two entry level courses are the Hazel Grove and the Oak Grove. The Hazel Grove School of Bardic Wisdom is a year long program in which we read and study the ancient Celtic myths. Year one is devoted to the Irish tales and year two to the Welsh. The other entry level program is the Oak Grove Ogham Masters Program. This is a heavy duty, year long program in which we study the Oghams. We read from the original sources, learn about the inscribed stones, and delve into ways the Oghams may have actually be used by the Druids in their ritual lives.

You can find out more about these programs at:

http://www.faeryshaman.org/joinhazel.htm and http://www.faeryshaman.org/joinoak.htm

12. What is the group Merlins Garden?

Merlins Garden is a group for people who are interested in the flowers, herbs, trees and garden objects I create and sell.

13. Your profile explains that you are also available for shamanic healing and soul part retrieval by appointment only......what are the prerequisites before the actual session begins?

I need to meet with each client for a half hour, a day or two before the session, so we can assess the issues and decide what treatments would be best. This allows me to understand the issues involved and allows the client to understand the healing modalities available. It also gives the client a chance to assess me and decide if they wish to work with me or not.

14. Tira, you are the Founder/Moderator of Society of Celtic Shamans; editor of Earthsongs and you have many books published by Elder Grove Press. How has this helped you reach new heights with dealing with the spiritual and finding new clients in Second Life?

When I started the Society in 1997 I was the only person formally teaching Celtic Shamanism on-line. The 'zine, Earthsongs, started a sort of newletter but soon became a venue for many who walk the path of the Celtic shaman. The books all grew out of my research, the many articles I have written, and extensive correspondence with my students over the years. I am not sure this writing has helped me reach new spiritual heights, but it has helped me organize my thoughts and express my belief system. I am not sure how the 'zine or the books relate to Second Life except in so far as I may meet people here who will wish to read my books.

15. Where do you see the future of Shamanism in SL and what are your goals?

I hope to see the shamanic community grow in Second Life, but that will depend on how many others wish to see this happen. Sitting back and waiting for it will not get us very far. I am limited in the number of hours a week I can teach or be present with students and clients in SL. I hope there may be others who have shamanic wisdom they wish to share and these are welcome to contact me about teaching their own classes in Emain Ablach. My goals are simple. I want to make myself and my path available in Second Life and break even on the tier fee.

16. Just as in real life, there seems to be alot of skeptics in Second Life... do you come across them often and how do you handle that situation?

Everyone should believe exactly as they wish. I meet with skeptics in Second Life and in real life. Whenever I do I agree with them quickly. This means I agree they should be skeptical and have the right to question or scoff as they wish. It takes two people to make an argument and I find arguments tedious.

17. Have you ever converted a skeptic into a believer?

I do not try. I am willing to explain my path in detail to anyone who wants to understand my version of Celtic shamanism better. Beyond that everyone is free to agree with me or not and they have my blessing either way.

18. Have you ever held any special events in SL to draw a bigger crowd towards Shamanism?

Our Beltane gathering was very nice. We drew about a dozen people and you may read about that here: http://www.faeryshaman.org/sl/slevents.htm

I am very busy with the Society of Celtic Shamans in real life. I also practice yoga everyday and teach yoga. So I do not have as much time to spend in organizing events in SL as I would like. I only just this month completed the construction of Pan Shamana and Emain Ablach so am just catching my breath before plunging into the next phase -- building community.

19A. Right now you offer several free basic classes on shamanism, what is the feedback you have gotten from this project,

Some people are quite committed to path work with me in SL. Others attend a class or two and decide it is not for them. This is as I expected. Not everyone is called to the shaman's way, and of those called not all are called to the Celtic tradition.

19B. Do you have anything new being offered in your next session?

The Shaman's Way and Green Wisdom classes always contain new information. The Unremembered Gate is pretty well the same every week.

19C. Are your classes flexible where one can join in at any time, or is it more for a followup class?

Anyone can join in at any time, in the sense that each class can stand alone. The more classes one attends, of course, the more they all make sense, the more everything fits together.

If you mean are my classes flexible in the sense of "... if you come late that is cool because we are just sitting around talking..." then, no, you have to come on time. We discuss the topic of the class and then undertake a journey -- a sort of guided meditation -- and if you are late you disrupt the class.

20. How do you go about promoting Celtic Shamanism in Second Life?

I do what I am doing. I have created a very special sim, Pan Shamana with Emain Ablach, for everyone to enjoy. I don't really have a clear idea on how much more one can do beyond what I am doing now. I have the Celticshamans in SL group, teach one or more classes a week, make myself available for private talks and beyond that I'm not sure what else I should be doing.

21. What Shamanic Organizations do you volunteer for in RL?

I barely have time for my own organization. *~)

22. How similar is the practice of Shamanism in Second life comparable to real life?

As far as I can see there is little difference. The shaman works in another world in real life to. In fact, I would say the shamanic journey is enhanced in SL.

23. What was your first Shamanic experience in SL like?

Surprisingly intense and vivid. I think this is because we are already in a light trance state whenever we are engaged in Second Life. When we formally enter into a shamanic trance from that light SL trance, the trance state is deeper then if we began from scratch in real life.

24. Are the Shamanic experiences in SL more interactive with a group, or should it be experienced as a one-on-one session?

I would think they are about the same. Groups are nice because of the extra energy a group generates. But one-on-one is nice too because sometimes we can have trust issues in groups that keep us from really relaxing and letting go.

25. What are some popular spots to go visit concerning Shamanism in SL?

Again, I am not sure. I know Shaman Lightstone of Anam Turas has journey circles and there are others too. Anyone who is interested in shamanism in Second Life should Search 'shaman' and see what they discover. I would say that if anyone is serious about pursuing a shamanic path it is probably better to not get involved in shaman role play. Not that there is anything wrong with role play, but just that if one is serious one should approach their path work in as themselves and avoid role play. text here ...

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