LEGACY 41 – Hannelore Thiel
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve had a powerful connection and respect for nature.
In my heart I believe that Nature is God made Visible!”
Hannelore Thiel
Last year, in my PORTAL 52 series, I did two paintings and blogs about a vision quest I embarked on (Weeks 18 and 25). I overcame much resistance in order to step into what, for me, was unknown territory. It involved travelling with 10 complete strangers to a remote oceanfront camp in the Narrows Inlet, north of Vancouver, British Columbia. Participating in this quest pushed at every comfort zone I had, but I did it anyway.
Nestled between the ocean and an old growth forest, we were guided by a wonderfully gifted teacher named Hannelore Thiel. Skillfully weaving us through group discussions, introspective exercises, and shared meals, to 24 hours of fasting, complete silence and solitude, Hannelore created a safe space for this deeply explorative spiritual journey. I connected with nature in new and exciting ways, ultimately discovering my own divine nature. The whole experience had a profound impact on me, and I think much of the credit for that goes to Hannelore’s expertise, as she intuitively shared her giftedness and wisdom.
It all began with an ‘Opening Ceremony’. With Hannelore’s permission, I repeat it here in the hopes that it will help you understand this week’s painting.
———————
Calling in the blessings of the six directions as we honour Mother Earth and invite the presence of the Divine Spirit.
I call the power of Mother Earth, symbolized by the great turtle, the one who carries us on her shoulders. Guide us so we may have patience and take one step at a time on our journey here. Powers of the earth come in.
I call to the east, place of air and of Spring and the place of illumination and visionary truth. Home of the Eagle, the bird that flies highest and sees the farthest. Teach us to transform what does not serve us and to see the greater picture of all that occurs in our daily lives.
I call to the south, place of fire, and of summer. It is the place of trust and innocence and the home of the sacred mouse and the playful dolphin. Teach us to trust, to find again our innocent eyes, our childlike wonder of the world. Teach us to see what is right in front of our eyes so that we may gather learning, gather trust, gather the power of touching others in gentle healing ways.
I call to the west; place of water, autumn and intuition. It is home of the great bear. Teach us to go within and to hear our inner voice and distinguish our voice of intuition from the false voices of fear, doubt and indecision.
I call the powers of the north; place of earth and winter and of storms, wisdom and knowledge. Home of the great white Buffalo. Provide us with the wisdom to share what we have learned and to nourish others with the bounty of our being.
I call forth the angels of light to encircle us and with their wings of love, light and protection.
I call on the powers of the Sky, the Great Spirit, and beings of the highest vibration of light. Fill us with your bright light, love and compassion and may we experience the power of your gentle healing ways. Nourish us, enlighten us, allow the powers of the earth, the east, south, west and north to shine in and through us, as you teach us peace, joy and wisdom so that we may experience joy, love and laughter.
So Be it and so it is!
As I began this painting I was, once again, stepping into unknown territory. I was experimenting with different acrylic mediums and trying new techniques. I have not had many experiences when I’ve “channelled” art, but there is no other way for me to describe how this painting took shape. I was so deeply lost in the creative process that all sense of time disappeared. It has many layers, laid down over a period of days. The animals “appeared” on the crackled surface one at a time, and before I even realized what was happening, it became a representation of this ceremonial invocation.
It is clear to me that the positive and lasting imprint of Hannelore’s legacy remains with me to this day.
***Check out Hannelore’s website at https://hannelore.ca/ to get information on the retreats, workshops, books she’s written, and more….