Lori Hines's Blog

November 13, 2022

Q Ranch Pueblo: Connecting to the Ancient Past

Psychic mediums are the lifeline between the living and the dead – whether connecting the living to deceased loved ones – or removing disruptive ghosts from homes or land.

I have had abilities as a psychic medium for the past ten years or so, and they started when I was working on my second novel in The Ancient Ones series. Yes, creative abilities are an amazing way to connect with the other side – angels and spirit guides included. Along with meditation, these are probably the two strongest ways to build your bond with the afterlife.

I enjoy using my abilities to work with paranormal investigators, historians, law enforcement and other professionals to help locate and tell stories for the living and the dead, including missing people/cold cases, detecting history associated with objects, homes, or land, and investigating/exploring ancient civilizations.

So, when I was invited by Tom Foster, Executive Director of the Bullion Plaza Cultural Center and Museum in Miami, Az., to come up and use my abilities as a psychic medium to pick up on some of the history of the area and Q Ranch Pueblo, I jumped at the chance. It is a four-hour drive from North Phoenix to Young, Arizona (land of the Pleasant Valley War, which is the infamous feud between the Graham family and the Tewksbury family in the late 1800s).

The scenery on 288 to Young was spectacular, beginning with some harrowing turns going uphill, which rewards the adventurous off roader with high desert vistas providing views of Roosevelt Lake, then transitioning to gently rolling hills and dark red canyons with a peek of the lake beyond. One particular turn guides the driver through a tucked away, shady riparian area. It was one of my favorite parts of the drive as it sneaks up suddenly and unexpectedly.

The ever-winding, highly scenic road transitions after about 15-20 miles into the forest and eventually dips back down into the quiet valley of Young after another 20 miles. Young is a charming, peaceful town with great sites and places to see, including the Pleasant Valley Historical Museum, Bruzzi Vineyard, quaint restaurants, and endless wilderness exploring.

Q Ranch (once home to the Mogollon or now called Prehistoric Western Pueblo people) is in the midst of a Ponderosa Pine and Oak valley surrounded by the Tonto National Forest offering four seasons with mountain meadows and hidden history awaiting the curious explorer.

Elk, coyote, black bear, and mountain lion inhabit the region (a scary thought when you are out roaming in waist high prairie grass at night). We were fortunate enough to spot a couple of elk crossing Forest Road 202 as we returned in the early evening upon exploring the gravesite of John Payne and Hampton Blevins on the land of what was once the Middleton Ranch. The only remnant of the ranch includes the marker honoring the two who died in a gun battle, and an old brick fireplace. Yet there was more than meets the eye. A heavy vibe – perhaps from this complicated and unfortunate incident resulting from the Pleasant Valley War – hung in the pine-scented and tranquil atmosphere. I noticed the spirit of a young man standing next to a tree as we approached the marker, and we could both feel eyes upon us as we wandered through the forest.

Middleton Ranch – Cabin Fireplace

The Pueblo, which is located on the Q Ranch, is composed of two main pueblo room blocks divided by what is now a deep drainage divider/arroyo. According to the archaeologists who have been studying the site for 30 years, these pueblos include well-constructed, banded masonry walls with living and storage rooms surrounding large interior courtyards or plazas. Overall, the pueblo complex covers about four acres.

Pueblo I, the larger of the two pueblo units (picture above) has approximately 90 ground-floor rooms, with 43 being two stories in height and up to six rooms being three stories tall. The smaller Pueblo II has approximately 65 ground-floor rooms, 25 of which were probably two stories tall. Additionally, there appear to be several outlier rooms. Thus, the total site complex appears to have once had over 260 rooms.

Evidence of daily life lie scattered throughout the wide open expanse of meadow. Potshards and lithics are remnants of the ancient past. My spirit guides warned me repeatedly to not take anything other than rocks since that would not go over well with the prehistoric spirits who resided in the area. There is so much more under the surface that is not meant to be revealed. Nor should it be. The archaeologists working at the Q ranch for the past 30 years have catalogued thousands of ceramics, body ornaments and stone tools. Room size and room numbers, along with the number of artifacts found suggests at its height of occupation, the pueblo had from 800 – 1,000 people living there. Not to mention the number of ancient inhabitants living at other nearby sites.

According to the article on the Q Ranch website, absolute dating results (radiocarbon and archaeomagnetic), along with ceramic analysis, suggests site construction began at approximately A.D. 1270 and that site abandonment occurred around A.D. 1385-1390. Both pueblos are theorized to have been abandoned when a large forest fire burned the structures down, as there is no evidence of warfare. The residents appeared to have escaped the fire but did not rebuild either of the pueblos. It is believed the prehistoric residents of Q Ranch moved to Grasshopper Pueblo and lived there until that site was abandoned.

Q Ranch Pueblo II

I could detect quite a few ancient residents who still called this pueblo home, both before and after the night investigation on Saturday. There were some prehistoric inhabitants who roamed the property (not just where the pueblos were located) and I noticed three spirits standing on the back patio of the ranch house when we first arrived. Apparently, they were curious to the newcomer, which happened to be me. John’s affectionate Chocolate Lab, Chloe, must have noticed something also, for she went to the sliding glass doors and was staring at something by John’s vegetable garden. My spirit guides stated that there were no animals out at the time, only the ghosts from the past.

After exploring the Q Ranch property Saturday afternoon and taking a tour with the owner of Q Ranch, John Rogers, (whose father Jefferson purchased the property in 1956 and ran it as a cattle operation until his retirement in 1988) to some nearby remnants of the Flying V Ranch, Tom and I returned to the Q Ranch for an amazing dinner prepared by John, which included homemade meatloaf and potatoes and the most decadent and light chocolate mousse I’ve ever had. About 10p or so, we headed out with EMF Meters and flashlights in hand for an interesting investigation.

Pueblo I is close to the ranch house and though it was too dark to really see most of the features, I was able to see the square shapes of the pueblo. We spent a few minutes wandering around Pueblo I; however, I didn’t really sense too much spirit energy. Not to mention, the EMF Meters didn’t pick up much either, other than a couple of quick bursts of electricity.

We found our way down into the arroyo dividing the pueblos (keep in mind, that drainage ditch would not have been there during the time) and scrambled up the other side to Pueblo II. We had asked if any ghosts or spirits could let us know of their existence by touching myself or Tom or reaching out to the equipment so that their energy would set the meters off.

They didn’t disappoint. I could see a young male reaching out to touch Tom’s Mel-Meter, then he would giggle and run away. A few others continued to do the same, letting us know we weren’t alone.

Keep in mind, as a medium, I was aware before the investigation that we were not in any danger. If so, my guides would have told me not to go at night. I was actually more concerned about the local wildlife than spirits. At one point, I believe the ancient residents outnumbered my spirit guides, as I could see my guides trying to keep an eye on myself and Tom.

I also sensed a spirit standing about ten feet behind us – one of the Shaman of the tribe. His head looked to be shaved except for a strip of dark hair in the center and he wore what looked like robes, though later I found out they were animal skins. He did keep a watchful eye on us but was not a threatening presence. He followed us around the next day around the pueblo and provided some additional information about the land. Apparently, the first image above with the Alligator Juniper growing through part of the pueblo, acts as a portal (it was also a portal prior to the tree being there). Interesting since that is where I first sensed the Shaman.

An interesting note: about a week after the trip to Young and Q Ranch, my spirit guides told me that the pueblos had a couple of Shaman or medicine men; however, the one I picked up on looked quite different than most of the other inhabitants, which really surprised me and my guides. He didn’t seem to fit into the general population of prehistoric people. My own Native American spirit guides informed me that he actually looked more Iroquois than the Western Pueblo Culture (the people who built and inhabited the pueblos) from about 1270 AD to 1380 AD. Of course, the Iroquois appeared about two- three-hundred years after the prehistoric era, so perhaps this is coincidental.

What I originally thought to be robes, were buffalo hides. According to the Arizona Game & Fish Department’s article on Bison, several recent studies in the southwest have concluded plains bison are native to the southwest, placing northern and eastern Arizona within the species’ historical continental range. However, I am unsure if buffalo would have resided in the region at the time when the pueblos were thriving.

The residents of the Pueblos did not have an official medicine man at the time, and they were in desperate need since sickness had been running rampant. The Shaman had unexpectedly appeared to the residents of the pueblo where the Alligator Juniper (not there at the time of the ancients) and portal is located during the end of the Pueblo’s hey-dey. He informed my guides that he had stayed on as their medicine man for the last ten years at the Q Ranch Pueblo. Yes, I did previously mention the portal there so who’s to say if his sudden appearance and the portal are related.

The Q Ranch has a house with 8 rooms upstairs (bathrooms are not attached but there are 3 or 4 available), if you want a tranquil place to explore, hike, bird-watch, and learn about the ancient history as well as the Pleasant Valley War. The town of Young is about 22 miles west.

This is an amazing respite for those escaping from the city, those looking for a spiritual retreat, or for group outings. John does reside in Phoenix but he will return to the ranch with his adorable chocolate lab, Chloe, for those who make reservations. Check out their website as they also have archaeological-related events.

https://www.qranch.com/how-to-get-here

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Published on November 13, 2022 20:49

June 1, 2022

Paranormal 411

Exploring the Unknown with David Reagan and Jason Scott

https://paranormal411.org/Introduction

I have had the pleasure of being on Paranormal 411 three times last year. You can find my shows and a list of all the other fascinating guests at Paranormal411.org (click the image above). David and Jason co-host a live show featuring guests and experts in the paranormal, conspiracy theory, UFOs or Unidentified Aerial Phenomena, all things cryptid, and much more!

This show has come a long way in the last year that I’ve known them and I have no doubt it will continue to gain momentum! These two are also paranormal investigators from the Appalachian Region. Since Jason and David make every one of their guests feel like experts in their fields, I wanted to provide the same perspective for them. I am very fortunate that they found my website and offered the opportunity to be on their show!

Your show talks about some fascinating subjects, including all things paranormal, cryptozoology, and UFOs (all my favorites). What brought you both into the world of the unknown?

Jason: We worked together for a while and one day David said, “hey there is something going on at my house, and then the rest was history.”

David: My story starts as a very young child at the age of 3, when I started seeing people that no one else could. These strange people would visit me in my room every night at 3am like clockwork, which would wake me up. I was scared and would run through the house screaming, telling my mom the spirits were chasing me again. This happened until I was 5 years old when one morning, I awoke and was chased through the house, then I stopped and told them I was not afraid anymore. That’s when they stopped waking me up; however, the house was still very haunted.

You are both paranormal investigators and live in the Appalachians. That is such beautiful country with its own engaging myths and folklore, such as Mothman, Bigfoot, and the Bell Witch, not to mention all of the paranormal-related folklore. Have either of you witnessed unusual phenomena, or had a face-to-face encounter with Bigfoot?

Jason: I have only witnessed it through equipment now David is a true sensitive. lol

David: Well besides the story I told about when I was young. Yes, I did have more encounters. I had a house that was haunted; Jason and I are finishing a book that will have the story in it. But to hit the highlights on the house, I had a ghost of a little girl that we played a game on the weekends of her turning up the surround sound system. Then me turning it back down with the remote. We have a picture in the book of what I believe is her. I also saw her come out of the bedroom on Easter night wearing a big pretty Easter dress. She looked at me and then was not there anymore. So many things happened in that house.

On the Bigfoot side of things, I do believe I had an encounter but not really a face-to-face encounter. I am a truck driver by trade and was driving one night in Washington state on I90 and had an encounter that I could only explain as humbling and exciting. I was driving and had just gone through Spokane heading to Redmond. It was about 11 PM and it was just a little foggy out. There were hardly any cars on the road. As I was driving I saw something moving in the median to my left. It came out of the trees and crossed in front of me. It walked like a man but was Gigantic. It was just far enough to where I could not see a lot of detail but I did see this massive thing take 3 steps and cross the Interstate and go up the bank on the other side. It was fast and I want to guess if it stood next to my truck it would be able to look me in the eyes.

Many stories of bizarre creatures are based on Native American legend, such as the Moon-Eyed People with large blue eyes and fair skin. Yet there are stories of such experiences today. What do you both think we all can learn from these legends?

Jason: Mythology plays an important part in Native American religion. Myths and legends explain how their tribe came to be. creating and sharing myths people were able to explain their day to day lives and interaction with different creatures.

David: I believe we could learn not to dismiss things just because we do not understand them. We also need to look into these legends and see most have profound meanings to the indigenous tribes that talk about them. Why do they still talk about them today? Maybe they do not close themselves off to the supernatural world and therefore they will see and experience more things. We have become too complacent and rely on our technology more than our own gut feelings. If we would take the time and listen we could better understand these things.

Is there a particular legend – whether in the Appalachians or other parts of the world – that interests you the most? And why?

Jason: I guess it would have to be the Native legend of the Paiutes. The red headed giants that they encountered. Why, because it was one of the first topics that I researched pertaining to giants.

David: I would have to say Bigfoot is a legend I am very interested in. The reason is I believe with all the witness testimony and DNA evidence, and the academic community, the belief is strengthening that there is the possibility of a large hominid that could possibly be living around as. This is just a few of the reasons. As I told the story above, I may have also had an encounter of my own. I also like to look at the history side of things. We have accounts in this country as far back as we have newspapers. Just in the Appalachian Mountains where we live, they went by many names.

Whistle Jack was just one of the names and if you put that with some of the stories we get even today they seem to whistle and cam mock most sounds. The Wild Man stories are also told about people that are covered with hair that live in the woods. I do not want to leave out the Native legends of these creatures. They are by some benevolent watchers of the forest, and by others they are said to be cannibalistic and stealers of women and children. I think the evidence is out there.

What is your interpretation of shadow people as it pertains to the paranormal?

Jason: I believe Shadow people or Shadow beings are not necessarily all bad. Could be just the way they want to appear. To me, all things that are considered paranormal especially coming from the spirit realm are dimensional.

David: The shadow people are a hard bunch to tie down I think. Over the years we have interviewed quite a few people on this phenomenon. I have a few thoughts about them myself. I do believe they are real, my wife has had an encounter with the Hat man herself. I believe they are almost here in a watcher capacity. What I mean by that is they are always just out of view; you usually only catch them out of your peripheral vision or the corner of your eye. When they notice that you see them they tend to go away or make themselves not seen. So this leads me to think they are watchers. Now I do not profess to know everything but only make assumptions based on the knowledge I have. I do think they could be interdimensional. This is a very possible thing also. They live in a higher dimension than ours and can come to observe the lower lifeforms. I do know some people seem to say they are demonic in nature and get bad feelings when they are around. I will not dismiss anything, I just say let’s keep getting data and then we can come to a better understating of the phenomenon.

Many people fear that which they cannot see, such as ghosts and spirits. How have you both protected yourselves during investigations? What advice would you give to those who are interested in investigating?

Jason: I think you need to protect yourself according to your beliefs. Whatever you think you may need for armor, use it. Whether the Holy Cross, prayer, chants, minerals or herbs.

David: I would have to be honest I have never protected myself during an investigation. But I also have to say, I set an intention before going that things can interact with me but they have to stay where they are and they can not attach to me. This has worked very well so far.

If you are wanting to enter this fascinating world of Paranormal Investigation? Well, do your research for the field you are interested in. Do not just jump into this because there can be things that come home with you, Entities can attach to you, your home, and your family. So be cautious about these things. I say have fun and share with the world what you find only together can we try and make heads or tales about what is going on out there.

One of your favorite subjects is bigfoot! Why is that? Do you think this cryptid is from another world? As you know, there are many stories that mention lights and UFOs when a bigfoot is encountered.

Jason: Bigfoot to me is the holy grail if that could be proven to exist everything else would follow. I think bigfoot, UFOs, and now maybe due to some new evidence I have seen, even shadow people are all intertwined together.

David: I like Bigfoot because he is so real and even in the eyes of the academic community is possibly out there.

I do believe that is really possible Bigfoot is from another dimension or from a different planet. Because as you mentioned there have been many sightings of UFOs. Then they see a Bigfoot or there have been stories of people seeing Bigfoot with the little grey aliens next to a ship. Now some may also say they get abducted as we do and that may be what those witnesses are seeing. I also want to say about the interdimensional ability of these beings. There is a place called Skinwalker Ranch, they have witness testimony of Bigfoot coming out of portals onto the ranch. So I think anything is possible.

What is your interpretation of portals and inter-dimensional realms? Do you both believe that this is the explanation of many unexplained disappearances in National Parks?

Jason: Yes, they exist. It probably has a lot to do with disappearances or abductions. These are my two favorite subjects.

David: I believe there are many dimensions. Science says there are at least 10 and they say if that is possible then there could be an infinite number stacked on top of each other. I do believe this could explain some of the missing people in the National Park System. I think David Paulides does a great job of bringing up this subject. His investigations into the missing people are 2nd to none. I was at a conference and he even said this is one of the possibilities to these missing people.

I also believe we have other evidence out there. The missing plains on flight 19 where the fighter bombers were taking a routine run over the Bermuda triangle and disappeared. Then the searcher plain that was sent to find them also went missing and they never found any wreckage of any plains to this day. I do believe in dimensional portals.

Do you feel that the veils between dimensions are getting thinner? More people do seem to be experiencing ghostly activity.

Jason: I’ve often said that all things that are considered paranormal are dimensional and that the veil or the wall between dimensions are getting thinner. Maybe it’s because a lot more people are meditating:)

David: I do believe veils are getting thinner.

But I believe it is because we are starting to open our eyes to the real world around us. We have been so closed off from our true intentions for so long that maybe we will see what is in store for us if we keep looking into the unknown. The paranormal field keeps getting bigger with a larger following. We can openly talk about all these things now. That just 10 years ago people would look at you funny, label you a crazy person and walk away. We believers only had a few places to go and discuss such topics. So I believe this has a little to do with why we are getting more experiences now.

If you could wake up tomorrow with any ability, what would it be? (Ability to move objects, move water or earth, create lightning etc.)

Jason: My ability would be to become enlightened. To understand the meaning of things past, present and future. I want answers lol.

David: I would have to say that would be the ability to fly. I have had dreams since I was a kid on flying. It was just me the sky and the birds. I can still remember the feeling of getting close to the ground and then shooting back into the sky. I would definitely love the ability to fly. Just think about all the money you could save.

What makes Paranormal 411 different from many of the other paranormal-related shows?

Jason: We are a completely live show, no editing. We are straight up live. Plus, we take the interview out of the interview it’s just a discussion amongst friends.

David: I believe we have a format that not too many people have. Jason and I just have a conversation with the guest. No set questions, just real people talking and having a conversation. Now we have gotten a little flack about that because we sometimes go off-topic for a minute or two but it is genuine conversation. We enjoy learning things from all of our guests and hopefully bring information to our listeners. We also do not shy away from the WOO topics such as INTERDIMENSIONAL BIGFOOT and things like that. We believe if we bring all aspects of the subject out then maybe we could learn something new.

How has your show grown over the past 5 years?

Jason: In the past five years we have seen a lot of changes – some for the good some not – but our show has grown more than we had expected over the last five years. Thanks to all our listeners and our guests.

David: WOW is all I have to say about that we have grown a tremendous amount. Our new website and other places like Facebook Twitter and YouTube have grown a lot and we want to thank all of our listeners for the opportunity to entertain them. Last year in 2021 we were nominated for the Best new Podcast and also the Best Interview Podcast. We also could not have done that without all of our loyal listeners.

What are your goals for the future as far as Paranormal 411? It would be interesting if there were a television spinoff based on your radio show!

Jason: Our goal is to do this for a living. It is something I love to do. Television show that would be awesome!!

David: We are trying to get ourselves out there more every year; this year, we will not only be at the 4th annual Gatlinburg Bigfoot Festival. We have a boot presence there. But we will also have a booth at the ScreamFest in Athens, Tennessee in October of 2022.

On the TV aspect, we have been approached by someone on doing that very thing. We told them that it would be nice and something we will look at in the future.

What do you feel people can gain from having an open mind?

Jason: Knowledge, we have a lot of very knowledgeable guests. I know that I learn something new during every show.

David: I feel by opening your mind up to all things and all possibilities, we as the human race will become more than what we are. I think it is what we were originally designed for spiritual growth. When you close your mind to the Spirituality of this planet ,you can not hear her speak to you. I believe there is much more to this world than what we see with our eyes. We all have the ability but over time we stop listening to our intuition and it will sometimes bite us in the butt for doing so. In those times you have to wonder if I opened all the way up, what could I be? What could I accomplish? Then we should wonder if everyone thought like this what kind of world would I live in? Just some food for thought.

What are some of the most important things that you’ve learned from your guests? Perhaps life changing?

Jason: Don’t always follow the mainstream, make up your own mind, we may all believe in different ways, but we still can be friends.

David: You know I have learned to not judge because you may not have the same beliefs as others do. But to take time and listen and you may actually find out that you are not much different in your beliefs. We tend to not want to listen to views that are opposite to our own. But by doing so you can learn something new every time. I am grateful to every Guest that Is part of Paranormal 411 and for all the conversations we have had. As we go and seek new guests, and hopefully have our friends that were on as past guests, we and our audience will continue to learn and grow.

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Published on June 01, 2022 17:28

March 17, 2022

Interview: Ahulani (Lani) from Visions of Time

https://writtendreams.com/store/Visions-of-Time-by-Lori-Hines-p266083214

Hi Ahulani! Thanks so much for being here with me today! I admire your determination and strength for being able to handle the myriad of paranormal and supernatural cases that come your way!

Absolutely! We all have our own interesting abilities. And we all bring forth our own strengths to get us through the tough times.

How did you develop your own abilities with crystals and as a psychic medium?

Well, I started seeing spirits at a very young age. I believe 3 or 4. For some reason, I was never that scared. Perhaps because my parents provided comfort and encouragement in handling the situation. My father was a healer to the locals, and I sometimes wonder if he himself would talk to the visiting spirits, and help protect me, maybe send some of the scarier ones on their way. I recall falling asleep some nights with a group of ghosts surrounding my bed–two young boys about ten years old and their parents. They would be smiling at me, and I found out they were a family who had died together on the land about twenty years prior. I suppose they were drawn to my energy and that of my father’s. I never saw them again after I left home.

The more I communicated with the family and others who came to me for help in moving on, the stronger the abilities became. Plus, I’ve always had a way with crystals. Sometimes, I am able to see the future through my Lemurian Seed Crystal. I have had numerous dreams of working with crystals and stones during my past life as a medicine woman in the Northeast U.S. Meditation is a pretty powerful tool as well since that quiet time enables spirit guides and angels to communicate – whether through the third eye with visions, hearing messages, or sometimes both.

Do you feel that everyone has the ability to become a psychic medium? I believe so. I mean, all any of us have to do is talk and the other side–whether spirit guides, angels, deceased loved one–they will hear. The more you communicate, the stronger the bond there is. And of course, there are tools like crystals, pendulums, energy work, and meditation to build that relationship.

However, not everyone should be a medium. It comes with quite a bit of responsibility, and many are only interested in what it can do for them. Including making money. Not that people with those abilities shouldn’t make money considering the time, energy and talent it can take but when you’re guided to give a free reading, you should. Perhaps there is someone that the Universe has you cross paths with so that you can provide hope. I don’t believe in holding back. If you use your talents for good, it will come back to you.

Like myself, you and David travel to National Parks and Monuments throughout Arizona and the U.S. What is your favorite park? And why?

As you know, we met in Petrified Forest while I was working a case regarding a missing archaeologist. That led to the case pertaining to Eric and his parents. We were so happy to get them all back home safely. Anyways, I digress.

Because that is where David and I met, and he used to work as a ranger there, it will always hold a special place in our hearts. We have since visited many other spectacular, sacred spaces in Arizona, including Walnut Canyon and Sunset Crater National Monument.

Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico is one of our favorites. David and I saw some of the ancient spirits as we walked the main trail along the soft rock cliffs and dwellings. He was never able to really see spirits or ghosts until after he opened up to his own abilities while working the Torres family case with me. He has access to all sorts of symbols, some of which we believe are other-worldly in origin. It has enabled him to help heal himself and others – both spiritually, physically, and emotionally. He has grown so much.

How did you get the opportunity to start working with the police as a psychic investigator?

My first case was soon after I left Hawaii. The police in Hawaii heard about my abilities from a client of mine whose husband worked at the precinct. After exhausting all other resources, the police decided to try working with a medium. My client’s husband told the chief about me.

The police contacted me about a young woman who had gone missing from her home in Hawaii. Unfortunately, this college student had vanished and right before the call from the police, I started receiving visions of a woman lying in between a thicket of bushes in the desert. Not Hawaii, right? There are different stories – some say she took off with her boyfriend and others say she was kidnapped.

Anyways, my spirit guides kept telling me that her body was in the Mohave Desert. Not exactly a small region to focus on, and I went to bed that night seeing a bunch of numbers. Turns out it was latitude and longitude coordinates. It took a week or so to validate the numbers, but I provided those to the Hawaiian Police and they contacted the Las Vegas Police. Her body was found at the coordinates provided by spirit.

It wasn’t a happy ending by any means. At least the family had some closure. I kept dreaming about that poor girl’s body for weeks after.

Was the case with Eric, the young child who vanished amid the ancient ruins in Peru, your toughest case?

Absolutely! Any type of case involving the supernatural is always challenging. Eric and his parents vanished in Peru at the Kuelap Citadel. It’s crazy not having solid evidence. I have to rely on my own talents and trust what I’m hearing from my spirit guides, in combination with information the witnesses can provide. It was spiritually, emotionally, and physically exhausting.

The wildest part was when we ended up on another planet! I still can’t quite comprehend how that one happened. I mean, I know that David and my abilities somehow combined to get us off Earth but it’s unbelievable to think that humans can accomplish such feats. I have heard of people manipulating the Earth’s elements, including water, wind and fire! Not to mention those who can meditate with such focus, that they can actually call other-worldly beings to Earth! Many talents lie hidden and undiscovered, simply because people don’t want to believe they can achieve such feats. I personally think some abilities come forward from past lives.

What advice would you give to those who want to learn how to communicate with their guides or loved ones?

Lori, as you know, all we have to do is talk and they hear. They love to connect with us at a much deeper level. Some aren’t necessarily comfortable with communicating with the dead, whether due to religion or fear of retaliation from the other side. Pendulums work well. All you have to do is set the intent for direction, such as circular motion for no and vertical or horizontal for yes. Then start asking questions. It has worked very well for many of my clients.

Absolutely, Lani! That is exactly how I enhanced communication with my guides! It took about 4 months or so until I got to the point where I could talk with them without it. Then my spirit guides had me gift it to another person.

I understand you’re living in Oak Creek Canyon with David! And you recently traveled back to Mokolai to spend some time with your family. Have you had thoughts of returning to your homeland?

I love Hawaii and it will always bring memories of the ocean and time spent alone with my father, fishing out on our small boat. Sea turtles and Manta Rays would frequently approach the boat and I would just reach down and touch them. My father said I was the only person who could do that. I guess I knew at that point that I had a way with the ocean wildlife. As well as a way with the beyond!

My father and I did do another brief fishing trip together, probably his last as he and my mother are older and enjoy walks on the beach and visiting with friends on Oahu. And David and I had an amazing time. But my home is Oak Creek Canyon with David and his family. We will return to Hawaii and Mokolai every few years. My parents consider David to be the son they never had.

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Published on March 17, 2022 20:35

March 4, 2022

Interview with Letty Mundt, Author of Water & Earth

Water & Earth, Book 1 of the Messengers TrilogySeventy-five years ago, the modern world suffocated under the watchful eyes of the gods, who looked on as Earth’s people began to rip their planet apart. Gods and demons alike arrived to intervene: the gods to help the humans, the land-hungry demons to fight the gods. The war between them blasted the planet beyond recognition.Frozen and altered under a postwar blanket of supernatural energy, the world now accelerates and evolves in strange new ways. It must be rebuilt if humankind is to survive. Siblings Majest and Aletta Skylark are the last hope of god Komi the Deliverer to revive their world and confront its rising evils. He gifts them with elemental powers to become Messengers of peace. But when a dark new organization wages war against abilities like theirs, the Skylarks become reluctant runaways in the danger-riddled northern wilderness, hunted by assassins and demons who often wear the faces of friends. Majest and Aletta must master their new abilities to defeat their enemies and prove to their land, as well as their gods, that war does not have to pave the path to peace. But what might they sacrifice to succeed?Most authors have a character they identify with, sometimes the main character. Which one do you most identify with?

You might expect that the answer would be Letty Skylark, since she is the character who gave me my nickname, but it was actually Raizu I identified with the most—especially writing the early drafts of the novel when I was still in high school. I had a miserable hoard of insecurities and fears about my abilities and relationships when I was younger, even though I hid them well, and those feelings wormed their way into the creation of my soft-spoken worrywart Raizu. On the surface, our personalities aren’t much alike, but I was able to write from the heart along his path of bravery and self-acceptance—and watching him face monsters helped me find new bravery in myself, too.

Your friends call you Letty, but your real name is Alaina. Can you provide the story behind your ‘nickname?’

As I mentioned, it was the character of Letty who gave me my name—I like to joke that I’m based on her, not the other way around, because I get that question a lot. My childhood friends and I (one of whom remains my partner in crime and designed the Water & Earth cover!) created characters for fun when we were very young, and mine was named Letty, so my friends jokingly started calling me Letty, too. I liked it so much that it stuck around—and so did Letty the character! As an homage to that, Letty Skylark looks a bit like me and has a few of my childhood traits (i.e. her stubbornness and reckless, emotional heart), but she and I are completely our own species. I think it’s important not to put too much of yourself in your characters, and to let them breathe life on their own.

Were any of your characters based off people you know, whether relatives, friends or acquaintances?

The same rule I have about not putting too much of myself in a character, I have for friends and family as well—except, I didn’t have this rule yet when I was writing Messengers. The minor characters of Sunny, Coda, Sylver, and Kallica are all tributes to those characters my friends and I created way back when. They have the original character names, as well as quirks and elements of those real friends. It would have been frankly dishonest of me not to include them in some manner, even the ones I’m no longer in touch with, as they are the reason these books exist! I also suspect the relationship between the Skylarks’ parents, Maxine and Dagur, absorbed some of the dynamic between my own parents, whether intentionally or not.

If you were able to manipulate the elements, which one would it be (Earth, Water, Fire, Wind)? And why?

Definitely Earth for me, especially the way Maji uses it in Messengers. I had (still have, admittedly) such a huge dream of one day being able to communicate with plants and animals. I’m much more of an animal person than a people person, and I think even the smallest mouse or ladybug would have novels’ worth of stories to tell. As for the actual manipulation of the earth, I think having power over the ground we walk on would feel extraordinarily important, and would not be a responsibility to take lightly. Maybe that part wouldn’t be for me—too much pressure to do right by our planet.

It’s obvious reading this book that you have an appreciation and love of the outdoors. Did you grow up in a rural area? Or spend a lot of time in Mother Nature as a child?

I grew up in a small town that started off rural and was slowly colonized by the city. As new families and retirees swarmed in from larger areas like Milwaukee, looking for peace, I feel like our idyllic lake town became exactly what it was trying to escape. My friends and I grew up in the woods at the end of the block, running free-form down yellowed hills and hopping across streams on our tiptoes, always forging new paths and coming home with scraped-up knees. Many story ideas were born there, or in other parts of nature. Though much of our city has become condos and bank branches, thankfully, that woods remains (though now as an official trail center rather than untamed public land). I still visit whenever I can, and hike new trails all the time—and bumble off those trails to chase squirrels and interesting rock formations, too. I suppose, in a way, Messengers represents that still-present childhood love of the wild, and the desire to do all I can to appreciate it and heal it as it changes.

What do you feel that we all can learn from Mother Nature and the Outdoors?

I believe the natural world is where we see the truest colors of our existence. I spend most of my day-to-day squinting at screens and cozying up between four walls, so I always look forward to the moments when I can get outside for a walk or a breath of fresh air. I genuinely believe that just existing in the outdoors, even for a minute, no matter how swarming of a city you live in, can refocus you. Watch sparrows going about their business or leaves racing each other across the street in a wind-gust, and it’s like an instant handful of peace. There’s so much going on outside of our human bodies and day-to-days, so many processes and survival stories at work, and taking a moment to realize that can really reorient you to what’s important, and where humankind is in relationship to the rest of the world. Even if sometimes the natural moment you get is watching a couple geese scream at each other over a hunk of corn.

How many books are going to be in the Messengers series? Do we get to see the two main characters progress with their abilities?

Messengers is a trilogy, with Ashes & Ice and Shadow & Sky (tentative titles) making up the remainder of the series. There is a bit of a time-skip between the first and second books, where we see the Skylarks a few years in the future, believing the danger has passed and going about their island lives. But when the Messenger of Fire is chosen and the Organization returns, the Skylarks and their elements regroup. There are a few really fun scenes of the four Messengers together, practicing new innovations in their powers, and a surprise in the third book about the history of Deliverer Komi’s Messenger powers. Even once Messengers is over, I’m not leaving their universe—I already have the draft for a prequel that takes place back in a modified 2012, and an in-progress sister trilogy that takes place the same time as Messengers but in a young kingdom in Southeastern Europe.

You have been working on this book since you were 10 years old! How do you feel it has progressed from concept to publication?

It’s seriously insane how much Messengers has evolved. The first draft of this book was yes, based on plot and characters my friends and I conjured up in elementary school, and written in 2011 when I was a freshman in high school. It was also almost twice as long, riddled with plot holes and inconsistencies, and stuffed full of dense, unnecessary, and frankly ineffective descriptions. I guess you could say that over the years, Messengers has trimmed its hair, lost some weight, and finally found a style of fashion that worked for it. Ultimately, it’s grown up. Those who’ve stuck with me as an author over the years know that Water & Earth was originally published in 2017 under a different company, and was never edited or revised during that time. It wasn’t until I brought the trilogy to Written Dreams that my publisher and I worked together to carve Water & Earth’s best form out of the massive hunk of wood it started as. But in many ways, Messengers is the same as it was when my friends and I first created Letty, Majest, Sedona, and the rest—a story about a family who learns to overcome darkness for the sake of their world. All the character names, places, major plot points, and relationship dynamics have stayed the same for almost fifteen years, and I’m proud of the way I was able to keep that core intact while still maturing the content, writing, and value of the books.

Letty had more of a difficult time coming to terms with and learning to use her ‘hydrokinetic’ abilities compared to her brother. I thought that was a great way to define and differentiate the two main characters. Do you feel Letty’s struggles correlate to any challenges in your own life?

I didn’t intentionally model Letty’s struggles after my own, but they’re meant to resonate with any kids questioning their abilities, comparing themselves to others, and wondering what might be hidden under their surfaces. Young girls especially struggle so much with self-image, and the grief and resentment of not feeling like they’re able to do what their brothers can—not realizing that they do have the same abilities, even if the world around them can make it harder to actualize them. I will say that part of Letty’s struggle, the dark voice that speaks to her about strength and control when she attempts to use her element, is not just a metaphor: It’s part of the upcoming plot in the second book!

What advice would you give to someone interested in writing fantasy fiction? Are there any lessons you’ve learned during the writing process?

When I was in high school, I did a presentation in front of my AP English class called “How to Write a Book.” I found the script for it in my computer a year or two ago and had the most embarrassing laughing fit reading it—oh, to know then what I know now. The biggest piece of advice I gave in that presentation, and that you’ll hear time and time again from authors and experts, is to write every day, no matter what. I’ve learned now that writing every day is a privilege, a gift when it happens, not an expectation (unless it is your actual job and you have an actual deadline!). Being an adult with a full-time career, or a family, or a physical or mental illness, or other time-consuming passions, is not always conducive to drafting. You are no less of a writer if you don’t put words in the document every single day. But here’s another secret: Writing is so much more than that document. If you are in line at the grocery store thinking about your characters, you’re writing. If you’re in the shower and you think up a funny one-liner, you’re writing. If you’re researching, you’re writing. As long as you have that passion, that drive to create even when you don’t have the time or mental energy to make “real” progress, you are a writer. Just remember that if you’re serious about publishing, you do have to finish the draft eventually! As for fantasy in particular, I only have one piece of advice: Create a world for your story that excites, frightens, and teaches you.

How do you feel your major in Publishing/Editing will help you with your own books? What are your goals in the publishing industry?

I wish I could say I had a real publishing or editing major, but my college only offered two creative writing courses in its English degree, so I had to work with what I was given. When I graduated high school, I had no desire to attend college at all—“You don’t need a degree to write a book,” I’d always snipe. But I went, because my parents wanted me to, and I did have some great publishing experiences working for my college’s literary journal and digital magazine. However, most of what I’ve learned of the industry has come from my work after college as an editor, copyeditor, and proofreader of novels. After balancing that freelance editing work with a full-time office job for the past few years, I finally decided to pursue a more formal editing job as a project editor for a larger company. I currently have an internship at W.W. Norton where I am assisting with college textbooks and new editions of classic novels and enjoying it very much. Editing has absolutely made me a better writer, and not just because of the extra practice with grammar and style, but because so much of editing is reading, and reading other people’s work is the best way to catch onto the beginnings of ideas for your own. Even editing textbooks, you learn so much about storytelling, and squirreling away new facts in any subject can be super helpful for future writing. It would be my dream to have a part-time remote editing job where I could sit in the sunshine with my cat and help other authors’ dreams come true and spend the rest of the day reading for fun and working on the drafts of my own novels. We will see!

How do you define success?

Success is peace in who you are and what you are doing. It is the journey to happiness, and nowhere else. If you can take pride in yourself, if you can find joy and knowledge every day, if you are doing your best—not the best others may expect of you—you are successful. There is no quantitative measure for that.

Author Bio

A.L. Mundt has been putting stories to paper since she was just three years old. Admittedly, though, they weren’t any good back then. A love for the sublime in the northern wilderness fuels the Messengers trilogy, as well as her day-to-day adventures. Aside from writing, she paints figure skating cats, pretends often to be a pirate, and eats Spaghettios like it’s 2005. She dreams of one day owning a pet squirrel named Daniel, visiting Eyjafjallajökull (and learning how to pronounce it), and recovering from a lifetime of having Chicken Run as her favorite movie. Water & Earth is her first novel. She lives with her family in Wisconsin. You can find her at @ALMundt on Facebook and @AuthorALMundt on Twitter, or visit her website at http://ALMundt.com.

Praise for Water & Earth:

“Unique world-building coupled with an exciting story make this YA novel hard to put down. It has something for everyone. A.L. Mundt is definitely an author to follow!”

—Lisanne Norman, Author of the Sholan Alliance Series

“Water& Earth is a non-stop fantasy adventure beginning in the prologue and continuing into the realms of magic and possibility. Fascinating characters with super-human abilities in tandem with the elements of the earth!”

—Lori Hines, Psychic Medium and Author of Visions of Time, Award-winning finalist in the International Book Awards

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Published on March 04, 2022 19:57

February 25, 2021

The Magic of the Universe: Vortexes, Portals, and Leylines

Photo by Johannes Plenio on Pexels.com

Vortexes and Portals

The terms vortex and portal in and of themselves give off an enigmatic vibe—and for good reason.

The terms vortex and portal are used interchangeably on occasion; however, based on some research and verification from my spirit guides, vortexes are whirlpools of energy from the earth’s core that has risen to the surface. This energy sometimes creates a portal, or doorway to other realms or dimensions.

Consider just a few of the following well-known hot spots:

Bermuda Triangle, also known as the Devil’s Triangle, is a mysterious region in the western part of the North Atlantic Ocean where a number of aircraft and ships are said to have disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Other infamous triangles include the Alaska Triangle and the Bridgewater TriangleThe Oregon Vortex where the House of Mystery is located. Built by the Old Grey Eagle Mining Company in 1904, it was originally used as an assay office. Bizarre phenomena was already present when the house was built. John Litster, geologist, mining engineer, and physicist, conducted thousands of experiments in the area until his death in 1959, and developed the area in the early 1920’s. He opened it to the public in 1930. Balls rolling uphill, a broom standing on its own, and people changing height in particular spots on the property.Sedona, Arizona also has some rather powerful hotspots said to help with enhancing energy and healing properties of crystals and people. The Sedona Vortex Map pinpoints many of the primary locations for the spiritually and metaphysically minded: Bell Rock, Red Rock Crossing, and Airport Mesa. The breathtaking beauty, ancient history, and geology of the region only add to the mystery.

Typically, portal areas have some type of electromagnetic significance and are located near large deposits of quartz or other minerals with piezoelectric properties. Portals can be opened by Mother Earth’s own energy (crossing of leylines) or by human intervention (perhaps by spiritual gridworks or witchcraft).

Energetic fields and hotspots were also detected by ancient Native Americans and indigenous cultures. Our ancestors were able to pick up on energetically anomalous regions; in these areas, one might find temples, gothic cathedrals, other types of prehistoric or ancient structures that could be aligned astronomically.

The Gate of the Gods in Peru is a large stone wall believed to be a direct link to the gods. According to the ancient Incas, there was a device said to look like a golden disk that could be used by a priest to activate the doorway. It was thought that not only could priests go through but whatever lay on the other side could as well. Yet this is true of any portal. If humans can mysteriously vanish into the unknown, then perhaps whatever is on the other side can easily access our dimension! David Hatcher Childress is an author of many books, some of which delve into the ancient, mysterious architecture around the world. He has been on many shows, including The Ancient Aliens.

Portals to Other Dimensions

The idea of being able to walk through a portal – or perhaps be yanked into another dimension – is frightening. There are things that can emerge from such rifts, and they might not be very peaceful. Could such portals be the reason for all of the disappearances in forests, parks, and other locations across the world? Ex police officer, David Paulides, has been researching these types of cases. Hunters, hikers, experienced adventurers have all gone missing among the National Forests and Parks, which he details in his Missing 411: Disappearances in the Wilderness | Historic Mysteries.

According to the Historic Mysteries article referenced above, missing 411 cases refer to those where the disappearance occurred in a national park, rural area, or large reserve of public land; exceptionally odd circumstances; and where mental illness or voluntary disappearance has been eliminated as the cause.

There are thousands of cases that fall into the 411 category – some victims vanish within a short distance of the groups or other people they were traveling with. And many unfortunate souls are familiar with the back woods and are avid hunters or hikers. Could they be getting snatched into the portal by unseen assailants? Could it be UFOs coming through the portals? Could they just be wandering into the right location at the wrong time? My spirit guides tell me that there are some rather horrific events awaiting those who dare to enter where their intuition is telling them not to. There are more portals and paranormal-related occurrences throughout the world today, and we need to heed the rule of safety in numbers. Bigfoot is a teddy bear compared to what is really out there!

Science Fact Versus Science Fiction

Inter-dimensional travel, black holes, and dark matter. Millions of dollars are being invested so scientists can re-create the stuff of science fiction. But what if these experiments were causing havoc in the atmosphere? The Large Hadron Collider (LHC), operated by The European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), has been a source of numerous stories involving portals and vortexes. Located below the CERN Control Center in Geneva Switzerland, the LHC is a 17-mile loop used to hurl subatomic particles at extreme speeds.

ALICE (A Large Ion Collider Experiment) is a detector dedicated to heavy-ion physics at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC). It is designed to study the physics of strongly interacting matter at extreme energy densities, where a phase of matter called quark-gluon plasma forms. Collisions in the LHC generate temperatures more than 100,000 times hotter than the center of the sun. For part of each year, the LHC provides collisions between lead ions, simulating conditions similar to those just after the big bang.

According to an article published by Mysterious Universe, UFOS, strange vortices, and other unexplained aerial phenomena have been photographed or video-taped over the skies of CERN. That’s not all. Blackouts are associated with many of the bizarre, atmospheric occurrences. Supposedly, an experiment disrupted the earth’s magnetic field, distorting space and time. A Russian report claimed this caused the teleportation of an Airbus headed to Bolivia to somehow travel thousands of miles away to the Canary Islands.

Discovery of Portals – Hard Facts

University of Iowa physicist Jack Scudder found hard evidence of portals created by the interaction between the Earth and Sun’s magnetospheres. These portals are extremely volatile and unpredictable, opening and closing in the matter of an instant, though some do stay open for longer periods of time. Scudder found markers, called x-points or electron diffusion regions (located a few tens of thousands of kilometers from Earth), which allowed NASA probes to locate and study them. Scudder says that these portals create an uninterrupted path leading from our own planet to the sun’s atmosphere 93 million miles away.

According to a Gizmodo article, titled Scientist Finds Hidden Portals in Earth’s Magnetic Field, lines of magnetic force from both Sun and the Earth mingle and criss-cross through space, creating the x-points. To date, only electrons have been observed to travel through these portals, generating auroras and the occasional magnetic storm near Earth’s poles. However, this discovery could be the key to uncovering the function of some of the legendary portals on Earth that are said to act as gateways to other dimensions.

Leylines – History and Possibilities

Alfred Watkins coined the term ‘Ley lines’, to define a complex network of straight lines of energy connecting ‘sacred sites’ around the world. These ley lines follow the great faults and waterways on the surface of our earth, and the lines of cosmic energy in the Earth which can be detected through the use of dowsing rods. In the 1960’s three Russians continued with Watkin’s work. They discovered the Earth’s Energy Grid to be an electromagnetic field that wraps around our planet with a geometric pattern of magnetic lines of force (ley lines) – similar to the acupuncture meridians within our own bodies.

As a rule, major ley lines do not cross each other, but when they do, a ‘cross is formed’ (+) and a ‘Nexus Point’ is created at its center or intersection. It is at this intersection where a vortex can form. The result of such powerful energy can be portals or gateways to the multi-dimensional worlds. An area such as Stonehenge, which has a number of very strong major ley lines crossing it and numerous minor ones, tend to create more significant rifts.

According to geologist Rory Duff with the Bristol Mapping Project – Society of Bristol Dowsers, true leylines have a pair of energy lines running the length of the leyline. Upon further study, Duff found that there is natural movement from side to side; six hours moving one way and six hours moving the opposite direction.

Refer to the video: Earth Energy lines / Ley lines explained

Duff also discovered some leylines are 75 feet wide, with the largest being 125 feet wide—known as Emperor Dragon lines. There are only six in the world that wide, which are powerful sacred sites. The Templars found that such lines helped with prayer and meditation, and provided opportunity for a new reality.

What is so interesting about leylines? Duff emphasized the increased power where the lines cross. There are some amazing benefits to living and working on energy lines. They can help accentuate human emotions – for better or worse. For example, if you are a happy, positive person, then such energy can help with manifesting your desires and enable powerful healing. Yet, Mother Nature’s unseen source of power (at the sub-quantum level) can also create more chaos for those who are depressed or have a negative mindset.

Duff’s studies and research pertains to sites in England where there are distinct links between churches, cathedrals, and ancient sacred places. It is thought that some leylines were used as ancient paths and pilgrimage trekways. Could this be the purpose of the system of roads within Chaco Canyon and outlying sites? Were they once roads to other powerful sites?

Vortexes and leylines can both provide the fodder for formation of portals. However, there are other energy sources that can cause a rift in our dimension. Perhaps the cause of some portals is from another dimension, maybe from another world.

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Published on February 25, 2021 22:41

February 3, 2021

Bigfoot: A Message of Fear or Hope?

I was asked during a podcast appearance recently if I had trained with a medicine man to develop my medium abilities. I responded no. The talent developed while writing my books.

Yet, it hit me after the show—I have several spirit guides who are medicine men and women from a variety of different tribes. Some of which no longer exist. I may fight it from time to time, and struggle to believe, but they still seek to take me to a higher level.

I started by giving past life readings, which transitioned into psychic readings and spiritual guidance. The past year or so has taken me to a new level with animal communication and readings—usually wild animals that come to me during meditations (or while out in nature). One such experience was a Mako shark that showed itself; however, it didn’t come to give a message. This one from the Caribbean needed help giving birth to three pups. I was strongly guided to help this beautiful animal since Mako sharks are a dying breed—being hunted for food and sport.

Something even more powerful came to me a month or so later. Probably the most infamous cryptid in existence today. Yes, I am referring to Bigfoot. It was a senior, 9-foot tall male with massive shoulders and silver-grey hair. He came to give me some interesting messages regarding his species. I started to do this as an interview with one of my characters to hide behind my talents. My Native American spirit guides and this Bigfoot wanted me to do it from my perspective.

For some, this message will not be a surprise. For others, it will provide hope.

This cryptid—named Sohorhu—is about 40 years of age. He mentioned that he is one of the oldest in existence. I asked if his species had cosmic origins. His reply was yes. However, not all Bigfoot are from outer space. There are some earthly Bigfoot that reside all over the world as well. Some highly dangerous, some simply curious.

Other-worldly Bigfoot are not Greys or other aliens disguised as Bigfoot, rather their own true species from another Universe. The resident Bigfoot of Earth are supposedly unrelated to the Cosmic version. Sohorhu mentioned he had the ability to blend into the forest; okay, we all know their dark coloration provides camouflage. This Cosmic Bigfoot said he could hide through the usage of portals as well as altering the perception of humans! That could explain why so many people might hear strange sounds of stomping, screaming, yells, or perhaps wood knocking—yet never be able to see anything.

This powerhouse lives near the coast of Oregon and maintains his own territory. We always hear stories of how people are chased out by rock throwing, threatening pursuit, or perhaps menacing grunts or screams. Yet this isn’t always because they are protecting territory. It is because they are helping us. They are working as elementals of sorts. Guardians. Many of these cosmic cryptids are here as protectors of the forests, valleys, and other ecosystems.

Part of the reason for such protection? There are things much more dangerous than Bigfoot in the forests. There are portals that are rather easy to step into—or step through—and never be seen again. Or supernatural, paranormal-related dangers.

Sure, we’ve all heard stories on Travel Channel or Discovery Channel featuring the Alaska Triangle, the Bermuda Triangle, Bridgewater Triangle, or other hotspots including Mount Shasta where people vanish without a trace. My spirit guides and Sohorhu mention such portals and hotspots are becoming more common. The paranormal is becoming more normal. Those who didn’t used to believe have an entirely different perspective these days. Why? Because they are having their own encounters—terrifying or otherwise. This could be why so many people are gaining more of an interest and opening themselves to the spiritual world, including spirit guides and mediumship.

Am I telling you that it is safe to approach a Bigfoot and shake hands? Absolutely not. I am providing a new perspective. A couple of weeks after this conversation with Sohorhu, I was watching a television show about Bigfoot. Toward the end, one of the interviewees mentioned that these monstrous cryptids could be acting as guardians.

Some of my Native American spirit guides lived on the very land as Bigfoot hundreds of years ago. They offered food and gifts to live in peace with the species. They mentioned that in return, the Bigfoot respected them and offered protection for themselves, and their sacred lands.

Was Sohorhu guided to the energy of my Native American spirit guides? Did it somehow connect with my energy? Perhaps some of both.

Sure, some of these cryptids are dangerous. Many are not. I prefer to believe that in some instances, this creature is watcher, a protector of sorts. Perhaps from more than just the supernatural and paranormal. Just maybe, Bigfoot can help preserve and protect our resources and lands through its very presence!

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Published on February 03, 2021 17:52

January 25, 2021

Basics of the Beyond: Angels, Ghosts & Guides

Many people go throughout their lives not understanding the difference between a spirit, a ghost, and a spirit guide. Or the meaning behind a guardian angel, or an animal guide. Yet if you want to develop a bond with the other side, it’s good to know who, or what, you are communicating with.

A ghost is earthbound, perhaps attached to an object or person. Not all ghosts are negative entities that need to be moved on. Some act as protectors!

A spirit has passed over and sometimes becomes a spirit guide (my father). Spirit Guides can be human, animal, other worldly, or elementals (fairies, dragons, elves, unicorns or other mythological creatures who protect the Earth’s water, plants, atmosphere and environment). An angel is another type of guardian who has never lived, though some considered Mother Theresa to be an earth angel.

A Spirit Guide’s purpose is to keep us on our path, help us figure out our destiny, and try to keep us safe and well protected. Perhaps even help us keep our commitment regarding a past life contract. Guides and angels are around us at all times! We have to be open and willing to listen.

Not everyone is an intuitive nor does everyone want to be. That’s okay. For those who aspire to connect with the higher dimensions, there are ways to tell when our angels and guides are trying to communicate:

Do you ever feel as if you are not alone? Perhaps the energy in your house, or around you, feels different.Have you seen light forms, caught movement, or caught sight of a human or other non-threatening figure?Do you get a strong vision of an object, location, or person out of nowhere?Do you feel a connection to a complete stranger? This could be indicative of a past life recall. And this meeting could have been initiated by a guide or angel.Do you feel a hot spot or cold spot on your face or arms, tingling sensation, or feel as if you are wrapped in the wings of an angel?Do you feel like you are being watched, protected?Have you received messages in your dreams? Many experience visits from deceased loved ones. Keep in mind, your guides and angels appear in dreams as well but you won’t necessarily recognize them.

Meeting your Guides or Angels in Person

Have you ever met a person who seems to recognize you, but you don’t remember them? Spirit Guides and Angels can appear in human form and will usually provide hints that they know you. A guide I call ‘the princess’ and her brother, Honati (both connections from a past life) appeared at The Garlic Festival—an annual event at The Triangle T Ranch in Dragoon Arizona. I saw them approaching and thought they both looked to be Native American. She was about my height only thinner with straight dark hair. The man accompanying her was a few inches taller with slightly wavy hair. I saw them walk through the door, stop at a few other vendors for a few seconds, then head toward my table.

When they stopped at my booth, I explained the details and locations of the series—including the historic Triangle T Ranch—as well as the idea of past lives. They weren’t at the table for long, but the woman said, “I feel like we’ve known each other.” I looked at her quizzically and said, “oh, really.” Then she smiled and nodded her head.

I thought it strange but didn’t connect the dots right then. A few days later, the thought struck me out of nowhere (as usually happens when my muses are involved). The mysterious visitors were spirit guides.

The energy on the ranch is quite prominent with the granite boulders and extensive history. My guides mentioned (voices in my head) they were able to use that energy to appear as solid and real as those around them. I found out a couple months later that these two Native American guides were from the Menominee tribe and lived in Wisconsin. I had met them both—along with their grandmother—after getting lost on a drive.

A dirt road had led me to an old, small house on the reservation; the only one in the immediate vicinity. I stopped for help since I was nearly out of gas, and knocked on the door. The princess, a dark-haired beauty, answered. Her brother Honati, stood behind her, watching me. I met them on my birthday—March 14, 1935, and I was 35 years old. Interesting since March 14, 1966 is the day I was born in this life.

The princess and Honati said there were no roads going directly to their grandmother’s home, yet I had managed to find their place on a mysterious jeep trail. When we first met in 1935, they asked me how I had found the house and I turned to point to the rough road I came in on—it wasn’t there. They invited me into their grandmother’s home and to lunch. This was the first day of a deep, lasting friendship until I passed in my mid-sixties.

This was the most recent past life of mine—before I was born as Lori Hines. All three of us had become close. They considered me part of their family. Still do.

Keep in mind, our guides are as individual as we are; after all, they are still human, just in a new dimension. You may not be able to see your protectors, but they are there, waiting to communicate—whether as past life husbands, wives, friends, loved ones, past pets, other animals—just open your heart and mind to see them.

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Published on January 25, 2021 21:09

December 9, 2015

Imagination or Inspiration from Beyond?

We’ve all had that creative breakthrough! Whether that is a chapter that writes itself, a character in our books that create their own destiny (like Shannon at the end of my second book, Caves of the Watchers) or even a complete fiction or non-fiction book that writes itself. And this doesn’t only apply to writers. Such inspiration can strikes artists and non-artists alike.

So why are we inexplicably drawn to certain interests, people or objects? What makes us sometimes veer of course of our planned destiny? Perhaps it is our own impatience and frustration with life. Or perhaps, it is calling of a different kind.

I started writing my series of paranormal mystery novels mostly out of my interest in ghost hunting. “Ghost Hunters” was one of my favorite shows and I was fascinated with the idea of life after death. Then one day in Sedona, Arizona, I had an encounter with something unseen–something or someone that placed its hand on my shoulder from behind. From that day forward, I never stopped thinking about that minute and what it might have been.

I never knew that the completion of my first book, “The Ancient Ones,” would initiate not only a series of books based on a group of paranormal investigators working with the FBI, but psychic medium abilities as well. The characters I thought had originated from my imagination turned out to be spirit guides. Joe Luna, who is my Navajo medicine man and FBI agent, was inspired by a Native spirit guide from the plains. And Ian Healy was inspired by a blond man named Lars from a past life.

How do I know this, you ask?? Because I can talk to them and I occasionally channel them to help others. Teaching others how to communicate with spirit has been very rewarding, for those that are open to it.

Does this mean that our guides, (whether relatives, those associated with us from past lives, or those guides who simply choose to help us on our journey because of who they were while alive), ARE the ones who are writing our books or creating that particular piece of art? Absolutely not. They are our inspiration. Just like us, they have something important to say. Sometimes, they will try and inspire you through dreams. Sometimes, it is through those you meet. And occasionally, inspiration comes through everyday events; finding a beautiful river rock, experiencing a moment of deja vu OR maybe even coming across something unexplainable, yet amazing.

How can you connect with your spirit guides?

Ask them to join you during meditation. Mine have shown me visuals and have even channeled me.
Keep a dream log. The most important messages from my guides come right before I wake up in the morning. These dreams could involve past life memories, your future or they could simply be introducing themselves.
Talk to them, acknowledge them. Many start open communication with a pendulum. Many others can hear their guides.
Healing stones, such as Lapis and Amethyst, are very strong tools to help open the psychic gateway!

For additional information or questions pertaining to this blog post, contact me at LH_Author@yahoo.com.

Filed under: Arizona, author, characters, Creative Writing, fiction, metaphysical, Mystery Novels

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Published on December 09, 2015 16:19

December 1, 2015

Rhythm, Magic and Meaning of the Drum

LH_Author:

As you may know, I am taking part in the Holiday Author Event for the next 9 days. PLEASE BE SURE to stop by the Holiday Author Event page today to read the blog posts from a some of our other authors. Great stuff – and you will be entered in today’s drawing for every comment/share/like you make on the posts!

I thought about writing a separate post about who I am as an author, why I develop novels pertaining to Native history, culture and archaeology and why I have created such engaging characters, including Joe Luna, a Navajo medicine man and FBI agent featured in “The Ancient Ones” series. Instead, I saw this previous article that I wrote for a pow-wow band and thought it would explain my infatuation with the Southwest and the Native cultures who inspire through dance, history, art and commitment to their culture.

Pow wows are about camaraderie and competition, gathering with family and friends, and appreciation and reverence of native culture and dance. The smell of fry bread so strong you can almost taste the honey and powdered sugar, seeing the brilliant colors and designs of the extravagant regalia, listening to the tinkling of dance bells on the contestants clothing, and hearing childrens’ excited laughter as well as encouraging yells of the crowd for the proud dancers.

Perhaps one of the most important sounds? The drum groups who come to inspire the performers and instill a powerful sense of spirituality for the myriad of Native cultures present who greatly value their traditions, which have been passed down from generation to generation. For many pow wow dancers and drummers, the circuit is their life.

For Young Buffalo Horse, a drum group with 13 members from Oklahoma, New Mexico, Montana, Kansas, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, the pow wow is an opportunity to inspire the dancers, families, elders and audience to move, dance or tap their feet to the highly engaging, awe-inspiring rhythm and magic of the drum.

According to Robert Lincoln with Young Buffalo Horse, “For many American Indians, the drum is an important part of our lives, and has been for thousands of years. The drum is our heartbeat, our grandpa, a healer – the songs that we sing around it are sacred and all have meaning. The role of a singer is significant as we keep the heartbeat of our people alive and make the people happy and reverent, or even evoke the strong emotions to empower them to get up and dance as they feel the spirit that is the songs we sing.”

With members representing the Sioux, Choctaw, Creek, Ojibwe Cree, Lakota, Dakota and Sac & Fox Nations, they have performed all over the country at pow wows, the Gathering of Nations in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the Comanche Nation Fair, the Red Earth Native American Cultural Festival—one of the biggest pow wows in Oklahoma as well as at schools and special ceremonies. The drum group sings Northern style pow wow, a high-pitched style originating from tribes in the Northern Plains, Great Lakes, Great Basin, Upper Northwest and all of Canada. Northern singing was shunned in Oklahoma and the rest of the Southern Plains until the late 1960’s and early 1970’s. Slight physical differences distinguish northern and southern drums, with a northern drum sometimes being smaller. The corresponding dance styles are also different than northern style, generally slower with a different accent beat pattern (called “honor beats”).

Robert Lincoln, lead singer with YBH, learned to sing by traveling with his grandfather and performing with other drum groups, such as Whitefish Bay Singers, Red Spirit from Utah, and the Eagleheart Singers and Drummers during his time with the military.

Young Buffalo Horse’s first album, “A New Beginning” was recorded live at the Cherokee Nation Holiday Powwow and was submitted in the “Aboriginal Peoples Choice Awards in 2013. The album includes 17 individual tracks of Northern Style songs. Watch for their second album, named “Debwewin—Sincerity In Action,” will be released in July 2014. The title of their latest release comes from their desire to be true to their cultures and the people.

The pow wow drum carries the heartbeat of Mother Earth and the Indian nation, calling the spirits and nations together. The drum is often thought to help bring the physical and mental side of a person back in touch with his or her spiritual or heart side. As with many things in the Indian culture, the drum is used to bring balance and rejuvenation to a person through their participation in dancing, singing or listening to the heartbeat. For the 13 members of Young Buffalo Horse, it isn’t about the money. It’s about connecting with the pow wow contestants, their families and the Native and non-Native audience through the meditative force of the drum.

“Singing is our life and we set out each day to be the best that we can to make the people on the trail feel good. It’s our goal in life to make our Elders and all the people across pow wow country get up out of their chairs and dance. We’d like to say thanks to all the people across the U.S. and Canada for all the support we receive each day, to all of our brothers that sit at their drums attempting to do the same, and special thanks to all the dancers who jam to our music, and most of all to all the people who travel late into the evenings playing our music trying to stay awake. We thank the Creator for keeping us real and humble, always striving to set a good example for the younger generation.”

For thousands of years, indigenous peoples of all cultures have used the drum to alter consciousness and travel into alternate realities to receive answers. The Medicine Man or Shaman would travel to the upper, middle, or lower world, to plant or mineral, to receive these answers. Many scientists and doctors are coming to understand this altered state of the drum, and meditation, to assist in the healing process. I had my own personal experience with the power of the drum at the ASU pow wow in Tempe, Arizona on Easter weekend—it was 92 degrees that day and every time the drums started, a breeze would blow through the stands. Coincidence? Could be, but I prefer to think of it as the magic of the drum.

About the author: Lori Hines is a paranormal mystery author living in Goodyear, Arizona. She is the author of three fiction novels, The Ancient Ones, Caves of the Watchers and Whispers Among the Ruins. Awards include honorable mention in the general fiction category for “Caves of the Watchers” in the 2013 Great Southwest Book Festival. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Desert Sleuths Chapter, the Arizona Archaeological Society, Aqua Fria Chapter, and the Arizona Authors Association.

Lori is also the host of “Under the Surface,” a radio program focused on Native American history and culture. Her show features Native American artists, musicians, actors, activists and politicians as well as shamans and healers, historians, authors and archaeologists. The program is on the ‘History Channel’ on WHVR Digital Broadcasting—whvrdigital.com.

Great youtube videos of YBH:

IICOT 2013

Women’s Fancy Shawl at Sac & Fox Pow Wow 2013

YBH Knocking out a midnight express song in Stillwater, OK

YBH Facebook Page

Originally posted on Lori Hines - Paranormal Mystery Author:

Pow wows are about camaraderie and competition, gathering with family and friends, and appreciation and reverence of native culture and dance. The smell of fry bread so strong you can almost taste the honey and powdered sugar, seeing the brilliant colors and designs of the extravagant regalia, listening to the tinkling of dance bells on the contestants clothing, and hearing childrens’ excited laughter as well as encouraging yells of the crowd for the proud dancers.

Perhaps one of the most important sounds? The drum groups who come to inspire the performers and instill a powerful sense of spirituality for the myriad of Native cultures present who greatly value their traditions, which have been passed down from generation to generation. For many pow wow dancers and drummers, the circuit is their life.

For Young Buffalo Horse, a drum group with 13 members from Oklahoma, New Mexico, Montana, Kansas, North Dakota, and…

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Published on December 01, 2015 19:08

February 17, 2015

Interview with Joe Luna from The Ancient Ones series

1. How do you feel growing up on such a remote reservation �� Mystery Valley in Monument Valley �� impacted your decision to become an FBI Agent? The main influence was the regular beatings I received from my father and that my mother received from my father. I told myself during one of his more serious drunken rages that I would not allow this to happen to another family. There is violence on reservations and in rural areas, but there is also violence everywhere. There is good and bad everywhere.

2. Are there any conflicts between your career as an FBI Agent and that of a medicine man? Being an FBI Agent involves physical ability and mental ability, a medicine man requires a certain amount of mental focus, but also calls upon the spiritual and that aspect doesn��t necessarily coincide with the skills of an FBI Agent. I love the fact that I can use the physical component, keep my mental faculties sharp while retaining and utilizing the aspects of a medicine man. I would never give up being able to help heal people holistically through mind, body and spirit.

3. In what kind of place do you feel most at home? The big city of Phoenix or the rugged, rural environment of the reservation? Definitely the rural setting of Monument Valley. It��s my home and sacred land. It is where I learned to become a medicine man, where I met my first love and where I learned who I really was.

4. Has living in the big city taken away from your Navajo values? No, like many other Natives of different tribes, living in such a big city challenges you to keep your values. Many feel they have to ��blend in�� by becoming like their non-native friends or Native friends who know nothing of their culture. I have learned much about my Dine�� past and my culture through my education as a medicine man and by living among the beauty of Monument Valley.

5. How do you feel about social interaction? Does it feed you or drain you? It can do both. It feeds me when I require it and drains me when I don��t. Social interaction is an important part of life and makes you who you are. Of course, there are varying levels of social interaction��from hanging out with a friend or friends to attending parties or functions with hundreds of people. Though it can be challenging at times to interact with others, it is necessary to learn about ourselves and who we want to be.

6. What has been your most challenging case as an agent? They are all challenging, yet rewarding when the cases are solved. I suppose the most difficult was that involving a shapeshifter. It��s rather hard to gather evidence when the criminal has the ability to change form at will. He took the form of a skinwalker one minute, running alongside cars on the road, and the next, he transformed into a raven flying above. We had multiple witnesses who saw his metamorphosis�� from one form to another, but no one ever saw him in human form. Turned out he was a shaman turned witch from another state. Took us a year to solve that case, but one of our agents was undercover on the res and saw him change from human to a raven. He tailed him very closely and caught up with him when he changed back to human form at a politician��s home.

7. Native language and culture is disappearing from many societies �� what do you think parents, tribal government and society can do to prevent young adults from forgetting who they are? Parents, communities, schools and young people themselves are responsible for holding on to their culture and values. Some grow up in traditional homes and learn about their culture starting when they are born, some grow up unaware of who they are and their history, but learn as they get older and some never learn. I believe there is more acceptance of Native culture than there used to be, but many are still afraid to become who they really are. Many schools have adopted a curriculum based on Native American culture and language. This is a good sign but there is still much work to be done.

8. Is one sense more highly developed than another? Has your career as an FBI Agent enhanced those senses? Sight and sound are necessary as an agent; however, intuition, or the sixth sense, must be very keen as well. People must take their hunches more seriously��everyone has them, whether it��s deciding to date a particular individual or a decision that could result in their death. For example, intuition tells them to avoid getting on a plane, only to find out later, the plane crashed.

9. Why did you decide to become a hoop dancer? Why did you give it up? The hoops symbolize a sacred part of the Native American life. It represents the circle of life with no beginning and no ending. The dancer begins with one hoop and keeps adding and weaving the hoops into formations that represent our journey through life. Each added hoop represents another thread in the web of life. I started hoop dancing when I was fifteen and made it to the World Championships at the Heard by the age of 18. It kept me in great shape, helped me learn more about myself and what I was capable of and provided much needed confidence. I lost the love of my life before the championships and didn��t have the heart to continue. Not to mention, I also began to focus more on becoming a police officer and working toward a career with the FBI. In a way, Hoop Dancing paved the way for a career in law enforcement.

10. Many Navajo are against visiting ruins where Chindi might be living �� yet you visit prehistoric ruins for cases. Have you had any problems or do you do anything special before or after you visit such sites? One of our beliefs is that an evil spirit known as Chindi, ch��idii, leaves the dying person��s body with their last breath. This spirit represents everything that was bad about this person so we have customs that protect us from contact. If this happens it can cause a ��ghost sickness�� or even death. I offer corn pollen to the spirits and say a prayer. My job occasionally requires visitation to such sites, and personally, I enjoy the peace, serenity and history. Actually, many archaeological sites are identified as the homes of the gods or as places of importance; for instance, Sun Temple on Mesa Verde, White House Ruin in Canyon de Chelly and Chetro Ketl in Chaco Canyon are all places where Navajo deities live. Haasch��ee��ooghaan (Calling God) is noted for living in old cliff dwellings.

Filed under: Mystery Novels