Experience with Shape-Shifting

There I was traveling with a friend and we were staying with her teacher for a few days, a Cherokee medicine woman. It had not occurred to me to check out the accommodations ahead of time. I was glad to experience Sedona and have a place to stay. Unfortunately, the home had between four and seven resident cats, depending on the time frame, and I am extremely allergic to cats. I develop severe asthma when I am around them. There is no medication that helps with this and I have tried them all including inhalers, antihistamines, and anti-allergy medications. The first night of my stay was the closest I have ever come to being hospitalized for not being able to breathe.

My host was aware of the problem and during that first night and every night of my stay, she shape-shifted and came to my room in the form of an eagle, hawk, or owl. I never saw the bird physically, but clearly felt its five foot wingspan hovering over my body. The beat of the large wings sent rushes of air onto my face and neck as they flapped back and forth. I was never frightened by the visits. I knew my host was there to heal me.

I awoke early in the morning after my first night and only the lower left lung was clear enough for me to breath. I got dressed and went out walking. The fresh air always seems to clear my lungs and by the time I returned an hour later, I was feeling much better. The medicine woman was up and having breakfast. She told me she had done her best the night before, but was only able to clear the lower part of my left lung. Her description was exactly what I was feeling when I awoke.
 

Excerpt from Heart Journey