Elaine Sonne

There was a time when I believed I was an expert in many things - spiritual practices, personal growth and evolution, counseling and guidance, and love.

Turns out my expertise was love. As I now walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death I rest in the memories of being an expert in loving my husband, soulmate, and partner for 33 years. The love of my life, John, passed away on February 7 due to hospital malpractice and all my ideas about being an 'expert' vanished as quickly and certainly as the beautiful blue eyes that looked at me with love day after day. His loving looks are gone and every hour is barren without is adoring looks.

In the darkness of my despair I would like to reveal my 'expert' opinion: Love really is all there is. When the spark of love is extinguished it matters not who you think you are or what your goals are. Spiritual growth and evolution are found in loving totally and completely. I am lost now, wandering in a void of grief I am unfamiliar with. But I am grateful for one thing....that John and I focused on our love together and demonstrated it every day in every way. We never wasted a day. And so I have no regrets, no words left unsaid. I have memories of a great love, but I will tell you that memories are not enough to guard you in the night. John's side of the bed is vacant and so is my heart when I awaken to his absence.

Here are my words of advise. Love much, love every day. Leave nothing left unsaid, Hug as much as you can. Laugh together. And treasure every moment. Life does not last. And when a great love dies, there is no reprieve from grief.

I have never been one to tread the 'normal' ways of life or living....John and I were and are seekers of expanded awareness. We have been our entire lives. Therefore my grief support is in seeking a reconnection with my love...in shaman jou eying, in jou aling, in OBE's and whatever else I can try. I am trying to pierce the veils of other realities or dimensions. I don't know how successful I will be, but I must try.

I have cried a river of tears, read hundreds of books on how to communicate with loved ones who have passed on to another existence. If they do. I will keep you informed if I succeed. If I do not succeed, remember this. Love is all there is. Hold it to you and never let go.

BOOKS: My books can be purchased on my website www.AncientDesign.com. Click on books.

Legends of the Stones - gems and myths explained

Stellar Secrets - your purpose through your astrological sign

Personal Alchemy - falling down and getting up

Prodigal Daughter - coming home to authenticity

Step One to Personal Power - how to embrace your power

My original, one of a kind, handmade jewelry tells a story, a Mythical Story that reveals itself to you as you wear it. You begin to write your own myth and courageously step into your power and purpose. I'm particulary fond of horses, not only the physical but their metaphysical and ancient symbol for journey. Check out my Epona Horse Goddess jewelry on my website. www.AncientDesign.com/Epona.html. Healing Stones Jewelry is unique and I've made it my joy to translate the vocabulary of the stones and let you in on their secrets. Wearing my jewelry adds beauty, power, wisdom and magnetic energy to the wearer. You may purchase your own mythical Talisman at www.AncientDesign.com. click on Jewelry. Also on Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5829957

JOU ALS/PERSONAL FAIRY TALE: My e-books, jou als and fairy tales an be found there too. Click on Jou als. Several of the jou als include: How to journal to get Through Pain, How to Feng Shui Your Living (and Loving) Space and my 40 Day Wealth Pilgrimage. Also my Solstice/Equinox newsletter The Alchemist can be accessed on my site. Storybooks are mini art books that inspire.

DESTINY: The LifeMap is very revealing of aspects of your personality you may not be consciously aware of. Lifemap works with the energy of Destiny and The Akashic Records to reveal your purpose. You provide me with your astrological sign and other information and I utilize the Tarot Cards, I Ching, Numerology, Power Animals, Reiki, and your Sun Sign and Rising Sign to help you and I assess your sacred purpose. I'm convinced that ancient wisdom can reveal your role in this modern world. You can read more about the Life Map journey at www.AncientDesign.com. Click on Life Map

My learning experience began as yours did as New Born, then progressed to Child, Teenager, Adult, (eye-opening experiences) and then followed the path of Wife, Mother and now Grandmother. It is thought that our schooling begins in the womb; we know for certain that our mind is progammable from infancy on. Frequently it is our journey to de-program from those misguided teachings of family, peers, teachers, and religions of our youth. My Irish/Gypsy/German ancestry has spurred my curiosity about ancient wisdom which I am convinced is one of the keys to prosperous modern living. We can and we must write our own myth and bring back the magic of creating and living our purpose. It is my purpose to be a travel guide for your unique journey.

DR. MICHAEL BECKWITH (of The Secret): One significant highlight for my spiritual growth was being a student of Rev. Michael Beckwith (of The Secret) at Agape. Under his tutelage I became a Licensed Practitior, was the founding Editor and Graphic Designer of Inner Visions, their daily meditation guide and became Editor of Science of Mind magazine. A giant step for my growth.

HOW I LEARN: Just a few of my interests, teachers and studies include: The Tao, Buddhism, Hinduism, I Ching, The Sacred Path of the Warrior at Shambhala, meditation, jouranling, Reiki (I'm a Reiki Master), walking the Labyrinth, drumming, Gurdjieff & Ouspensky, Carl Jung, Chakras, Runes, Goddesses, Dreams, Astrology, Numerolody, Power Animals, and much more.

Job Descriptions: These are the jobs I've inherited in my DNA or jobs I have studied to be proficient in. I gratefully accept them as joyful and fulfilling. I am:

Alchemist

Midwife

Scribe

Weaver

Tea Leaf Reader (compliments of my grandmother)

Heirophant

Storyteller

Magician

The amazing part is that YOU are all of those too! (Well, maybe not tea leaf reader!)

THE TRUTH: The Truth is you are more powerful than you know. And many times you are afraid of your power. In Numerology, 2008 is the year of New Beginnings (the Cycle of 1 - and 2007 was "Closure") and the magnetic energy of the earth is primed to accelerate personal growth. Now is the time to unleash your power. You have the courage and the smarts to do it. I'll accompany you if you wish. The journey to your enlightenment is fascinating.

Namaste. And the richest blessings to you in 2008 and beyond.