TOUGH CHICKS-LOL - RUSTY DENNIS & ME

                   “I have been inspired by June’s ability to awaken the 

awareness of many people and to train them to use their metaphysical gifts 

productively. Her readings and classes allowed me to recognize my own gifts 

and taught me how to utilize them effectively. Now I successfully do reading and 

healing for others. June is a loving and knowledgeable person.  

We could all benefit through the information she shares with us. 

                                         - Rusty Dennis -                                       

NOTE: All photos of Rusty with me are subject to permission from June Ahern to copy in any form.

When I was scheduled to read at San Francisco The Whole Life Expo 1991, I encouraged 

Rusty to do tarot readings with me. There she sat in her “colors” reading the cards and loving it! 

Like many Gemini’s, she was a bit of a ham. 

 On the morning of October 14, 2006, Rusty was driving her three-wheel motorcycle - one which 

had been in the process of being built for quite a few years -  when she lost control and was thrown 

from the motorcycle after it struck a curb and hit a telephone pole. Rusty suffered serious injuries - 

both legs broken and a punctured lung. My friend died of an infection on November 11. She was 

70years of age.

Rusty Dennis will always remain a powerful influence on my life’s work.

You might remember her from the movie Mask, which was based on life as a mother of her son, Rocky. Cher played Rusty in the movie and did quite a good job, but wasn’t quite tough enough, I learned after meeting Rusty.

Today would have been my friend, Rusty Dennis’ 75th birthday. I first met Rusty in 1984 while she was living in San Francisco. A mutual friend invited me to Rusty’s flat to be part of a study group of Louise Hay’s book, “You Can Heal Your Life” – and indeed Ms. Hay’s book was an inspiration connection to a most vivacious unique 

woman who would become a good friend.

Rusty had a complex personality with many roles to play. One she talked about with love 

and pride was being a mother of two children. Sadly both were to die before her.  

I never met Rocky in person although I did meet her eldest son, Joshua, before he died. 

When Joshua’s illness progressed and he was hospitalized, Rusty asked if I’d spend time with 

him at San Francisco's General Hospital to help him transition be easier, which I did. She bravely 

accepted his death with her usual, I must go on, attitude.  

When people would offer Rusty  condolences for the loss of her sons, she’d reply, 

they’re not lost. I know exactly where they are. They’re dead. 

She knew her boys’ spirits stayed around her. One time she showed me a small studio portrait 

of her and Joshua. Behind them appeared a whitish "ghostly" image of Rocky who had been 

dead for some time. Was it the photographer's addition? Rusty denied that. Was it truly the spirit 

of Rocky? Strange and unusual story, but that’s what I saw. 

In addition to being a bodacious chick, Rusty was very funny–quick to laugh out loud!  She was 

an original LOL gal. She would puff up and challenge people and when doing so with me–testing 

my toughness–I met her it squarely on.  She laughed heartily declaring, "You’re okay!"

And darn if she didn’t test my toughness more than once. With her, you had to be on your toes, 

and shake off her puffing with a  laugh. I could dig it and we got along just fine.

Besides a desire to heal our spirits, she and I quickly learned we had more in common  

–– we liked motorcycles (1975 bought my own motorcycle, a Honda 550 Super Sport

– big enough for me). Both of us were Geminis, and had a great thirst for adventure. And then the glue of the friendship–both had a keen interest in the psyche and parapsychology.

After Joshua’s death Rusty’s interest in spiritual and psychic realm deepened. When she learned I was a psychic reader and ESP and tarot card teacher, she was eager to learn about her own abilities. It wasn’t long before she became one of my star students.

When she moved back to Los Angeles I visited her a few times, driving down with my young son. We'd had fun with psychic experiences. Once she was offered to teach a psychic workshop at a fair. I encouraged her to go for it and to my surprise she was shy and uncertain–bold and shy Rusty.

Once on stage, she rocked.  

Another time we stopped by her father’s house and she asked me to show him and her sister 

an ESP game. I opened two coat hangers, held separately in two but straight forward side by side

pointed at first her sister to measure her energy.  I don’t think she or her rather were all that impressed 

with me, but Rusty and I had fun playing with the experiment and her family. 

We tripped around LA in her old beat-up VW bug going to metaphysical bookstores and meet 

other psychic readers. We were wild psychic girls!

I think if I had been out of broom closet with my witchcraft back then she would have declared 

she too was a witch just to enjoy spicing up conversation that challenged the image of “society’s norm.”

That was Rusty.

In time, distance and my growing family and business eventually caused us to lose touch. 

I know I inspired Rusty to trust her ESP and psychic abilities but in return, she also inspired me 

to “show” myself more to the world because she had faith in me. Thank you, girlfriend.

Rusty’s review of my book, The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading. 

I know she'd have loved my latest book, "How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums, Ghost Hunts". 

Although retired from private practice, still teaching. Review more about my books and myself  www.juneahern.com

All photos of Rusty and me are subject to permission of me to copy in any form.

The Priests Paved my Witch Path

On numerous occasions I’ve been condemned for being a pagan and witch by those professing to be God loving religious folks.

After years of avoiding inquiries about my spiritual path I became forthcoming to disapproving faces of those chastising my spiritual practice.

I’ve been asked how could a nice Catholic woman forsake God for a heathen practice? What demon seduced you to prance around under the moon naked to the world? What evil spirit took control of your soul calling you to cast spells?

“Honestly,” say I, “it was a progression rather than a possession.”

It wasn't the spirituality of Catholicism that started my soul’s exodus and detachment from it, but rather the "old boy" attitude.

I began to view my religion as stuck in outdated dogmas. I questioned such things as, why women
weren’t involved with electing a new pope?

For centuries Catholic women have accepted backseat roles to male members, proving to me that they, my sisters, bought into men as superior to lead. As I looked around the church at a majority of women, girls and boys with a sprinkling of, mostly, senior men, I wondered why I supported a religion that didn’t allow for powerful decision-making roles for females.

But it was these incidents at Mass that finalized my decision to leave the Church. During a sermon a priest addressed the role of women as mothers and daughters. He said they were to serve their husbands and fathers’ needs (cook, clean) and not question his decisions for he was the head of the family as the priest is the father of his flock. Later at another sermon on Mother’s Day the congregation was told to condemn abortionist. Done deal for me, said I, a pro-choicer. At the age of 44 I left my family’s religion forever.

It was a most difficult and sad choice because religion was a large connection to, and part of, my family. But my spirit sought, amongst other needs, a spiritual group that contained equality of sexes in power roles.

Some former Catholics hold a grudge against the religion. I do not. There is no reason to be stuck in what didn’t fulfill me. I am thankful for my religious upbringing and continue to appreciate some reasonable philosophical and spiritual concepts from it. Through the faith I learned to have a deep caring for, and practice in, spirituality and ritual.

Attending parochial school my memories are mainly cherished ones of my teachers, the nuns. Most were good women and very interesting teachers who taught me to enjoy literature, geography, history and theology.

I’ve created a satisfying spiritual practice through mixing and matching philosophical and spiritual teachings from Buddhism, Rosy Croix, Native American spirituality, paganism, Wicca and witchcraft. I am open to learning about religions that support women in strong decision-making roles in regards to making laws and dogmas for I am a devoted student of living with spirit, spirituality and  theology.

My books - An excellent consumer's guide: “The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading” and novel:  "The Skye in June” & "City of Redemption.
juneahern dot com

Do the Dead in Hereafter Really Talk?

I just watched the movie Hereafter with Matt Damon as George, a retired psychic medium, who is called back into service against his will. I know how he felt.

I’m one of those people who easily sees and talks to the dead––those who have passed over. In the movie George tells another how he became psychic: As a child he had become very ill and needed surgery on the back of his head. Because of it something happened in his brain resulting in him “knowing and seeing” things about people he had no prior access to and this information was told to him by dead people.

I appreciated how the scriptwriter presented a correlation between head/brain surgery and changes in one’s psychic abilities. I also had a similar experience where a head injury had awoken my psychic abilities.

When I was nineteen I was in a very serious car accident and received grave injuries to my face and head and for a moment in the ambulance I “died”. That brief moment profoundly changed the course of my life forever, although it took me years to, not only understand what happened, but talk about it openly. Like one character in Hereafter I went to the“otherside”. My experience was like what some others had as described in Life after Life by Dr. Raymond Moody.

The attending physician told my parents that it was nothing short of a miracle that I came through as well as I did. I had blasted through the windshield, bounced back inside the car with glass embedded in my face and eyes. A leg hit the gearbox with such force that it broke it out. No broken bones, no blindness (the biggest concern). The face scars were deep and ugly, but I lived through the initial freaking out. The physical part in time healed but the true miracle was what happened afterward.

Within a couple of months I began to have strong premonitions, about people’s past (recognition) visions of future events (precognition) and dead people spoke to me. It was not pleasant. Heck it scared the bejeevus out of me! Not that I was new to accepting psychic occurrences. My mother had a curiosity in it, even having a few prophetic a few dreams and for fun read tealeaves, but my experiences surpassed this greatly.

Quite a few years later I read in the Time-Warner popular book series “Mysterious of the Unknown” how a head injury often happened before one experienced psychic abilities. The knock opened a part of the brain resulting in this phenomenon.

One of my strong abilities is mediumship and I rather enjoy it. I’ve mostly given up giving spirit communication (aka séances) because of the physically living beings as George experienced.

Of course the dead can be an annoyance as Oda Mae Brown (Whoopi Goldberg) in the movie “Ghosts” learned where she was deluged by spirits all coming through (talking) at one time––it can happen like that when they find a person who can see and hear them.

Do they haunt you like Oda Mae was by the dead character Sam, Patrick Swayze? You bethca! This happened to me once. The spirit didn’t lighten up until the police contacted me for all her information (her killer was successfully prosecuted.)

There are many rewards having these abilities’ and talents. I’ve met people from all over the world and been invited to travel to share my abilities. People have told me the information I shared changed their lives. Then again there’s a downside. In the movie George says that some people say he has a gift, but he thought of it more as a curse. I can relate. The curse is seeing and knowing too much as George says. Psychics do become tired.

Its takes a lot of energy, much focus and a certain detachment as information surges through. I’ve worked with law enforcement and even the believers have a particular way that can make one feel a bit blocked. There’s the need and expectations of clients to fulfill (or not) and neediness of the people seeking help and connections to dead loved ones. Let’s not forget the testing doubters, the ridiculing critics and the condemning haters (oh yes!) of psychics.

After having used my abilities for 40 years I believe that psychic energy must retire and the person must live for her or himself. But then, like George, there’s always that one more person who truly needs that information.

My book, The Timeless Counselor, tells it all - how psychics receive information, psychic readings, how to have a positive experience with and take my ESP test in The Timeless Counselor available as an ebook at www.smashwords.com & Amazon Kindle. See more at www.juneahern.com

WITCH MOON FACE?

(about image)
In the moon light, on a magic night

All the moonlight, on a magic night

Can I just have one more moondance with you, my love?

Van Morrison’s Moondance

The moon is greatly revered by a witch. She (or he) is connected to the forever shifting face of it. The moon is akin to the changes women experience monthly. Most females understand that the changing or the raging hormones, is much more than the physical body expelling blood––there's also a heightened emotional time––a time where many women experience a different space and time affecting their psyche.

Some cultures refer to a woman's menstrual cycle as her “moon".

Spells and moons go hand in hand. A witch keeps her eye on the phases of it when preparing to cast a spell. If she wishes to begin or grow a vision or goal the best time is during a waxing moon (growing in size and light.) The spell might be for opportunities to receive money, career prospects, and love to blossom or promote good health. It’s said to be a good time to grow your hair and nails, but cut them during the waning moon.

The waxing moon swells in size, shinning brighter––culminating in a very round moon. During the full moon celebrate. Cast spells that demonstrate your gratitude––even if your goal has yet to manifest to fullness––and faith in the universal flow of creation. On your altar or while under the full moon, have a flower in full bloom to symbolize your belief in what is coming to fruition. Also light a candle and visualize a prosperous life and count your blessings aloud or write them in your journal or book of shadows.

This creates a positive, joyful energy supporting your goals.

In its cycle the full moon will diminish in size and we see her darker side as her bright face wanes. This is a time to rid, release and put to rest that, which is not needed, finished or must go from your life. It really makes sense if you think of your closets and drawers too full of “stuff” and not allowing for new things. What can you cleanse, be that a thing, person, thought and/or behavior that impedes progress in your life or goal?

Eventually the skies will go black during a void moon – no moon. This, like life, is a phase where we enter a dark or fallow time where growth or joy ceases and, confusion, fear or depression is often experienced. It is a natural flow of one’s psyche. Do not panic. Too often in our society there is a false belief about happiness. One must be balanced and happy at all times is not true to the growth of the soul as Gary Zukav reflects in The Seat of the Soul. If your life is in a fallow time - feeling at loss and empty - cast a spell to release your fears and sadness and have faith that light will return to your life. Take heed to retreat, rest and meditate daily.

The witch's love of the energetic moon invokes her to dance, often naked, under the light of Luna-Moon and throw herself into a frenzy in the energetic moon light -- twirling around and around, waving her arms and howling -- Come dance with me in a wild moon dance, won't you?

Excerpt from "The Skye In June" 

The jittery butterflies of anticipation flew widely through June’s arms. Imagining a party of them fluttering from her fingertips up into the night sky, she spread her delicate fingers toward the moon to release the pent-up energy. At that moment, the moon reappeared from behind a dark cloud, as though accepting her energy. Its powerful beams penetrated through the leaves of the trees, beaming a brilliant light onto the upturned face of the little girl. She trembled in awe, with her fingertips pulsating, feeling as though she and the moon were touching. In the fullness of the night, June felt her aura grow large. She began to dance with the moon. Slowly, she waved her arms back and then swept them outward and overhead, posing like a ballerina. . .

READ THE FULL STORY – now also available in eBook. For more info: www.juneahern.com

THE MADONNA INSPIRED SPIRITUAL PATH

When I was in Italy I fell in love with the artwork, which is everywhere - churches, fountains, town centers, buildings.

It's awesomely beautiful. The most popular person painted and carved is the Madonna who was, not only in churches, but out and about throughout cities and towns.

The Madonna aka Mary, Queen of the Angels, Blessed Virgin, Our Lady, God's mother, Jesus' mother, was the central image to behold in much of the artworks. 

It had me wondering why men felt a great need to create a female deity over and over again. Can this be that even back when these men were creating there was more than a deep appreciation for the mother and the woman? Could it be an innate and inner understanding and faith in the female principle as the source of all life?

For my mother and her daughters, we were very inspired by the power of the Madonna, the love for her, the faith and that led to a different spiritual path for me.

As a former Catholic from a European country, we were taught to pray to and put faith in  Our Lady, the Blessed Mother, Mary, Jesus' mother to guide us.

When we emigrated to the United States, the focus appeared to be more on God and Jesus for guidance and help. Still, in our household images - pictures and small statues of Mary outdid the cross or Jesus; this doesn't mean we did not respect and honor Jesus or God as we did. 

The devotion to Mary, the Madonna eventually through, at times, difficult decisions, translated to my spiritual pathway today as a Wiccan and no doubt this deep connection and relationship to a female deity.  In fact, my spiritual enjoyment was my inspiration for writing  my first novel, The Skye in June. 

In the story there's a strong connection between two main characters, Cathy, the mother and June, her youngest daughter to Our Lady. The connection leads to June discovery of a spiritual path outside their family's Catholic religion. Although this is a fictional story it is also a thinly veiled autobiography.

A PERFECT! story for those from San Francisco and might have grown up in San Francisco during the 1950's and early days of the 60's and those who have wanted to visit San Francisco  It's a great look at one of the city's most famous neighborhoods, known as "The Castro." 

Do you know that before it was The Castro and this neighborhood was known as Eureka Valley and sits just about in the heart of the city?

Another hot topic at book events is from those who went to parochial school when the nuns wore the habit and religion ruled the home - you will understand. And also, people who were "outside the box" in the family.

What, if anything, was dissatisfying with the family religion had you seeking spirituality elsewhere?

Read more about my four books at www.juneahern.com  Amazon.com and smashwords.com

SPELLS: INDIE WRITER

When people learn I'm a witch they curiously and at times, humorously ask if I cast spells - bad spells they are mostly interested in. 

Not bad spells although at times as tempered as I have been, I don't but  I've had to do a turn around or banishing or binding spell;Very seldom though because I do believe and have a negative backlash.

 Once time, in anger, I did cast -  an angry red hot spell. And once burned....and I was warned not to do it! A said, it will return three fold times and I paid my dues for that one time.

 Periodically I do cast spells to advance a project, like for my books. 

Magic continues to swirl around The Skye in June as well as my first book self-published, The Timeless Counselor: The Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading.  

In 1990 a tarot reading revealed that The Timeless Counselor would lead to more writing success. If you don't know it is very challenging and difficult to make any money as an author, and especially a self-published author. My first book led to the writing of my second. 

I knew the difficulties but believed that I could sell it. Both my books have continued to sell. The Skye in June has sold every month since it's release -well I did do a glamour spell on that one! And surprise! I found it at this site http://thebookorbust.blogspot.com on the top 500 Indie books selling. That's right! My amazon and smashword reviews of both books are overwhelmingly five stars. 

So, tonight I will sit at my altar and give my thanks to the Moneta the goddess for my good fortune and cast a spell to continue to attract book lovers to my book. Blessed be. 

 What do you want to cast a spell for?

Update: 2020 added writings: one more fiction and another non-fiction. Read more on my website june ahern dot com.

SO MOTE IT BE. LET THE MAGIC BEGIN!

 Paul Borda at moonlight mysteries. com

The Word for today is Mote. State your '15 goals then end them with So Mote it Be.

I'm often asked what "so mote it be" means. It's the same as saying, "amen' or "it's my word, and that's is as good as gold." What you declare to be true, is and you are bound by your word.

The actual meaning of mote is based upon old Anglo-Saxon language - thank you. Also, similar to ending a prayer with, amen. 

It can also be used to as "The truth has been spoken or That's the truth" hence said when an agreement has been made and like a handshake, seals the deal. Perhaps saying this precluded written contracts.

In essence one is confident and committed to what she has just declared as good and truthful.

In certain spiritual groups the phrase So Mote it Be is said at the end of a statement or ritual. Wiccans or witches or those who cast spells say it with the thought of “So might it be” or “So be it” or “Let it be" meaning, let the magic begin, the manifestation is in motion.

Saying it shows confidence that what you are creating will manifest.  

My complete consumer's guide to a psychic reading: The Timeless

Counselor: the Best Guide to a Successful Psychic Reading and  my overwhelmingly rated five star novels, The Skye in June and City of Redemption go to Amazon.  Or,  june ahern dot com.

New Book How to Talk With Spirits: Seances, Mediums and Ghost Hunts now available. 

Take a ghostly historical walk with me through San Francisco's infamous Barbary Coast, meet a wee gent in an alley and more on youtube.com "The Haunted Bay." Links found at my website. june ahern dot com