Chastaneyka...talking with the dead

Just in time for the Day of the Dead, an interview with my friend at 12Listen, Chastaneyka. She is a gifted Medium and Energetic Healer as well as a mother of four! The first time I encountered her, I was struck by the absolute passion she has for spiritual work. She gave me a healing and was so quick and efficient that I had a cynical moment of doubt. Within days, I felt a shift and was surprised and delighted with the changes she helped me make. She is so filled with love and light that it really blows me away.

Whether or not the topic of communicating with souls who have passed over is something you believe is possible, I think there's plenty here to provoke thought and hopefully inspire. ENJOY!

1. Tell me a little about being a MEDIUM.
Being a medium is definitely an interesting lifestyle. In the beginning it was a little confusing and sometimes spooky. I remember as a child seeing the ghost of my cat on the stairs and strange people visiting me in my dreams. My mom didn’t really care too much for the idea and kind of brushed it under the rug.
I learned to set up boundaries. They have to wait outside my house for me because they used to come so frequently it was a bit bothersome. Mainly they come to me for help with transitioning and letting go of trauma they experienced or caused someone else. There are a few who come just to chat and give their loved ones messages.

2. Are there misconceptions about this area of psychic work?
There are definitely misconceptions about this type of work. It's easy to see why. This work is totally necessary in this day and age where death is feared by most and avoided by more. The ceremonies and prayers that were in place in the past are used very rarely these days, so spirits may feel lost. As a Shamanic Medium, I love helping them process, say their peace and cross over. I have even taken a few the whole distance, watched them wave at everyone they desired to see and move on. It is fun what we create for ourselves even after death. We are totally amazing beings.
I helped my mother transition. She threw herself quite a party – with a big tent and tables and tons of ice cream! I told my dad about it and he was surprised. He said that he had thrown her a party just like that in Hawaii. It is important to remember in questionable situations, that everything has a reason, a purpose and that it might help you one day.

3. What is your favorite color and why?
This is a hard question. A year ago it would have been white/pure light, because it encompasses all colors. When pure light is separated out it makes a rainbow and I like being all inclusive and harmonious like the rainbow. Two months ago – I would have said Purple – as I love the spiritual depth and the metamorphoses purple provides. Today I am definitely enjoying what black and red offer. Black is such a warm color. It is a place you can just be. It allows for deep and restful sleep. It is confident and all-knowing and an unknowable void all at the same time. It's sad that it has been associated with evil for so long that people are afraid to embrace it. Red offers passion and movement. It is full of life and direction. These colors offer so much richness and verve to my life. I am grateful for them.

4. Tell me a little about the best reading you've ever done?
The best reading I had the honor of doing was for a young man about 11 years ago. This young man had a handicap; his thumbs where not functional but he had an aura and spirit that was so present. He was beautiful. He came with a sad heart and huge disappointment. Another reader told him that he was living a blank life with no purpose and it was basically a soul-less life. He was very dismayed and needed help so I took a moment and channeled a short letter to him from his guides. I don’t remember what it said, all I know is, he read it and began to weep tears of thankfulness. He was so grateful for the message. About a week later this boy (who’s thumbs didn't work) made me a dream catcher that I still have in my window today. My gift is for moments like that; to touch a life, to inspire hope, to break through a barrier, to create a happier more joyful life for myself and others.

5. Which famous person (dead or alive) would you most like to work with?
Well, I’m going to choose a living person. I would love to work with Louise Hay. I love her and her work. She is an amazing woman who has subtly and simply changed the world. She has a mind fine-tuned to the simple energies of life and is open with such a force of inspiring love. I’m sure she is human and has her moments, but I am also sure that she is ok with it! She accepts her humanness with humble honor and moves on. I would love to sit and share with her and know her.

6. Name one thing you can't live without.
Well, there are actually two. Chocolate and Baths. Without either I tend to be a little off kilter. Chocolate soothes the savage beast, and baths offer regeneration, a great place to meditate and of course the ability to smell good. I am a Virgo and love to be clean! It is my thing. So give me chocolate and a hot bath and life is good for everyone.

7. What is the one message you wish to give to the world?
It is important for people to know that there really is no cosmic answer to who you are and what you are supposed to do with your life. Searching for the answer is really the greatest distraction we ever invented to keep us from just doing and being what we already are. The only answer is the one you choose for yourself. Know that you already are your greatest passion, your greatest love, your greatest act of kindness. You already are! Live it!

8. What was your most compelling past life?
I was a woman in an underground army against the occupying Germans. The birth mark on my back is where I carried my weapon. I would hide in trees and ambush them. It makes so much sense why in this life I love the military. As a girl, I loved to play war games and was a great shot with a gun!

9. What is your psychic stage name? (first pet+ street you grew up on)
Ok. This is funny – using your formula my name would have been Bear Royal.

Chastaneyka would be the closest thing to a psychic stage name for me. When I decided to dedicate myself to the passion of my spiritual life I changed my name to my medicine name Chastaneyka. It was hard for my family to deal with, but they got it when I explained it was just like the disciples changing their names when they decided to walk their spiritual path. I love my name and am so totally glad I changed it.

So there you have it! No need to be afraid my friends...your great Uncle Mortie just wants to tell you he loves you! Let's stop running from our spirit friends and get a spiritual hello!

To learn more about Chastaneyka, visit her website chastaneyka.com
or for a reading, go to 12Listen.