A call for support

In times of buffered algorithms, sharing everywhere helps immensely.

https://www.supportnow.org/the-givehand-family

In lieu of a “normal” Newsletter or update, I’m putting out a call for support to help amplify visibility. Community shows up where systems fall short.

If you’ve been in my orbit for a while— you’ll know that I do a lot of guest teaching with Kiala Givehand in her Life Alchemy Academy. From the online community that is Pull, Pen, Paint aka “PPP”, to the Artsy Meetup Marathon, to the in-person retreat that is Sacred Makers and more. Kiala and Damon are conduits to magical community connection.

Please visit the above link to read what they are currently facing. It’s been a tryin 14 months to say the least.

🫂

I have known Kiala for about 6-7 years… I can’t remember the actual date because it feels as if I’ve known her for lifetimes. When I talked, nudged(?) Kiala into submitting an application for The International Divination Event (T.I.D.E) in Dallas in 2023; I finally got to meet her and Damon in person for the first time. Kiala’s partnership with Damon is one of pure love and support, he is an integral partner to the work they do and share with the world. I’m grateful to know them.

Kiala is also featured as the 4 of Pentacles in Pocket of Peers Tarot. When I asked if she wanted to be in the deck, she didn’t hesitate to say “Yes!”, we discussed what “needed” to be in the card to honor tradition as well as adding in some personal symbols to make it unique for her…

I want to share her words from the guidebook:

The 4 of Pentacles is a card that has a lot to teach me, so when I selected it, I was thinking about things like...”the more you give, the more you get” and thinking about how often I sit in awe of the things I do have and often feel unworthy of them.

The 4 of pentacles is also the card that reminds me to use my art supplies and fountain pen inks because I can always get more, even when I fear the possibility that I won’t ever acquire the same items again. That behavior makes me feel like (and maybe look like) a hoarder. Others might see 4 of Pentacles energy as greedy or materialistic, it’s not, yet, we’ve likely all experienced the fear that creates that kind of energy.

This is the perfect card for me in 2020 because I’ve released the old ways of thinking about money, worth, wealth, and work. It’s been an interesting self-study and I’m definitely the 4 of Pentacles focused on stability without harm to others, structure for the sake of my sanity, and boundaries in order to protect my empathic energy. I am arms wide open and outstretched instead of holding it all close to the chest. — Kiala

In these times of technology, shared shut-downs and navigating trying times… online communities have become a life line. It’s where we can share space regardless of where we live. Kiala has created a community that I’m grateful to be a part of, one that I can’t see myself not showing up for— now an essential part of that community needs our help. I owe a lot of my own personal creative growth to Kiala, she has time and time again sparked inspiration and helped to talk me through my own limitations and imposter syndrome. I know she’d do the same for any of those in her community if the tables were turned.

🕯️💜- J

ps-

I know I don’t normally use this space for stuff like this, but I can’t sit here and claim to be about cultivating community and connection then not share when one of our own needs us. Since algorithms on other social sites buffer or limit anything with links, I figure the more places we share the better.

If you can donate, please do— however if all you have the capacity for is sharing in your social media spaces, that also helps. If you’re the type for prayer and healing, please hold Damon in your thoughts. Light a candle for his health and wellness so that he may be back home — Happy, healthy, whole and well with his loved ones soon.