Photo: George Pitts (January 2005)

On the general, mundane plane, everyone seems to be getting whiped out by some flu that’s going around. Everyone’s exhausted, depleted, torn down. I myself feel physically fantastic but on a metaphyisical plane, as though I’m fighting off an onslaught of negative energy. About a month ago, my friend Dennis said he saw a shadow hanging over me. Funny enough I felt that shadow. You can sense when people are trying to suck energy from you, even if it’s remotely and on a subconscious level.

In other words, I know when I’m grounded, strong and have the use of all my energy and creativity. I feel alive, in the moment, beautiful. On the other hand, when a person or people are psychically tugging at my energy, I sense this too. Only some of you are probably conscious enough to understand what I’m talking about. For those of you who do, there are myriad methods of psychic self-defence that you can employ:

-Become as physically strong and healthy as possible. The physical realm is challenged by this onslought as well. If you are robust, you can withstand anything (mental stress or psychic vampires).

-Do some sort of balancing excercise via yoga, tai-chi, breathing meditation or just sitting amidst nature. Outside energies will tend to “unhinge” you and screw with your personal balance (and thus your personal power).

-If the nature of the energy is negative, surround yourself with positive people so you can hear affirmations. If the energy is neutral or positive, surround yourself with things and sounds that are distinctly ‘you’ (i.e. favorite music, clothing and other items). This anchors you in your sense of self and does not allow psychic pollutants to permeate.

-Drink kombucha. This is the ‘miracle’ life force tea from Asia. Alleged to stop the aging process and renew energy (proven as a panacea for centuries in small communities throughout Asia), it will renew the light inside you, allowing you to combat dark energies.

If this all sounds like a bunch of bullshit, write it off…so be it. But I suspect that for many intuitive inviduals, you can sense when energies (via individuals) are vying for your attention, attempting to suck the life out of you, obsessing over you, or trying to get a rise out of you. This is just part of life. Having the right defense mechanisms (while remaining open to life’s positive influences) is vital to continued growth, balance and happiness.

Photo: Barbara Ann Crumm

The storming in Laurel Canyon has forced many, including yours truly to stay in. But I must say I’ve enjoyed this. Last week they closed the canyon off at both ends. There was a power outage. It was glorious–a flashback to the days when I was a teen in LA and it was just a few locals–not every wannabe reality TV show star from every red state. Alas, I went down to the Country Store to get fire wood. They were in the dark sitting there in front of a few scented candles (cute!)

Today was nasty. Two houses collapsed. Meanwhile, I was snuggly entrenched in Lifetime Movie Network heaven. Two Sam Elliott movies were shown back to back (”A Death in California” and “Woman Undone”). The former was by far Elliott’s sexiest, hottest performance. He was the rugged, sensuous drifter (well actually murderer and rapist but he’s Sam Elliott so he played it with his usual inner grace). Cheryl Ladd was perfect as the pathetic, subservient, mind-controlled victim. Anyway, me and my significant other two-buck Chuck (a.k.a. the best and cheapest vino from TJ’s) were holed up in the casa today. I hope the storming clears up…

I just watched “Billy Jack” (1971)–after watching the end of Roadhouse on VH1 (to catch a glimpse of old rugged hippie hottie Sam Elliott). I’ve got to say that the 70’s half-native American hero packs quite a punch, even for a little guy. I really enjoyed the snake initiation scene (call me sado-masochistic). I was surprised to see Johnny Fever (”Howard Hesseman“) from WKRP in the movie. There’s something kind of cool about him. I think it’s the voice. The woman who play’s Jack’s love interest is a little bit homely but I chalk it up to a weird early seventies aesthetic. I truly enjoyed the crooning young chick vocals of the theme song, “One Tin Soldier” (my version would naturally be, “One Ting Soldier”).

Most poignant for me is the fact that I didn’t start to find Jack attractive (his petite stature notwithstanding) until the end when he reveals his weakness. He cannot control his anger. Up until then he was this Fonz-like hero, popping up whenever there was trouble, even-keeled, perfect karate chops, all the answers. But to me perfection does not appear strong or sexy. It’s the flaws that make him so human, likeable and almost of Grecian godlike stature (the tragic flaw). He goes out a martyr and all the kids from the peace and love school thrust their fists up as if to say, “right on man.” This one is a Canyon Movie Classic (CMC). I give it a fist up (please don’t read that the wrong way seeing as Laurel Canyon is West Hollywood adjacent).