Week 2 - Natalie Velazquez

This weeks theme centers around the “spirit realm” as the readings and the show OA tie to the spirit world and traveling through the different dimensions in this world. The reading of “ The Pa Lor Story- Journey Between Two Worlds” focuses on the life of Pa Lor a Hmong Shaman and the events that led her to discovering and embracing her gift. Pa Lor is a healer, as she travels to the spirit world searching for lost spirits or ways to help people living in the real world connect to the spirit world and their ancestors. It is noted in the article that shaman customs and rituals are not taught therefore she connects to visions such as one she had of a man “wearing a white pantsuit with a red sash”. In which she later began to wear a similar outfit when she performs ceremonies. She also notes hearing the sounds of a drum and flute in which she later repeats the sounds in her ceremonies. During her presentation she states that incense, white candles and flowers are some crucial elements to have during ceremonies. Can other objects such as crystals be utilized during these ceremonies for healing and thus connecting to spirit realms? As they are too believed to have energy and healing powers. Overall the readings and Pa Lor’s presentation inspired me to further get in touch with the spirit realm and my higher self in order to embrace gifts of my own.