Last October in Wonderland
As temperatures began to drop here in Scranton I started to remember a very specific day in October one year ago, pondering over what was happening in my world and how far I have come since then. Then, this morning, the photo of me from that day popped up on my social media “memories” feed and so much of it came rushing back.
On this day, one year ago, I sat on a bench outside of the VAMPA museum letting the warmth of the sun heat up the side of my face. While others around me sat around casually, I was perched on high alert on the edge of the bench. Funny enough, this was the most relaxed I had been in more than a month.
Around me were wondrous pieces of art placed strategically throughout the expansive grounds of this special and unique museum. I sat near figures from Alice & Wonderland, with life-size ceramic mushroom houses nearby. Everywhere I turned my gaze I landed on different statues and interesting pieces.
I remember that morning James had invited me with him on the two hour drive to the museum. Being a curator, he was going to meet with the VAMPA curator and discuss some pieces. I was reluctant, barely able to keep my eyes open from exhaustion, fear and depression. Contemplating the situation, I decided a car ride would be a nice change from what lingered in our home.
If you have been following my work and articles, then you are already familiar with the demonic battle that ensued when we moved into our new home. By early October I was in the thick of it, and it was becoming a struggle to continue in my current state. Sleep escaped me every night, as once the clock turned a certain hour some vicious attacks would occur by multiple beings that dwelled in the home. When James and I would go away to a hotel, they would follow me. I could not escape.
No matter what I did, they stayed … in fact, they became bolder the more I turned up the volume. I later learned that the only way out was facing them head on in a tremendous battle of courage, strength and trust from a very vulnerable space.
So this day I had decided I would try and nap in the car while James went inside since I was seriously sleep-deprived. When we pulled up to the museum I was in awe. So many different items to take in all across the land, from dinosaur statues to ones of Mother Mary with Jesus. The scene was breathtaking and unexpected. We parked around the back under some trees and I tried to rest but it just wasn’t happening. Eventually I ventured out into the lawn area and walked around, amazed by it all.
That was when I sat at a table and bench, collecting myself and grounding the best I could in a way that I had not been able to for quite some time. There were nature spirits hanging around and it felt so magical. I felt inspired to take a photo of myself and I am so glad that I did. It serves as a marker to a very significant time in my life and today I reflect back at what I endured and what I overcame.
Dawn outside the VAMPA Museum, Oct. 9th, 2024
You can see in my eyes and on my face how tired and defeated I felt. Yet, I was still going. I knew I would not give up and that I would continue to push through this initiation (yes, my spirit team called it an “initiation” where I called it “terrifying.”).
I rose from the bench and walked further. As I rounded a corner James and the VAMPA owner, Ed, came out the side doors headed straight towards me. I knew right away that I liked Ed … he was like me. I felt safe and happy. He understood that I was energetically overwhelmed and hesitant to step inside a museum filled with so many paranormal artifacts but he promised my safety and whisked me into his “Archangel Michael” room. And how beautiful this room is. Devoted to Saint Michael, the energy is high and healing. In that moment, I began to feel a much-needed hope. And though it would take a few more months before I took back my home, I knew that there was a shift on the horizon.
Recently I saw Ed at the Everhart Museum and I felt that same kind of happy, safe feeling all over again. I marvel at how much has changed and transformed for me since last October. And while it has not even been a year since everything transpired, it sometimes feels like a lifetime ago. I am still healing from this experience … I have moments where the trauma is right there at the surface when I walk into my dark bedroom, and other times it doesn’t even phase me. There is work to do still, but I am in a much better space.
On every Dark Night of the Soul Journey that I have endured, the one phrase that always got me through is the reminder that “this is temporary.” No matter how much pain, suffering or despair it always passes. I hold onto that knowing when I need help pushing through, and I hope for it to be of assistance to you, as well.
Just as the tarot card Wheel of Fortune, when the wheel comes down it always comes back up when it is ready, in its own time. Your wheel will turn, too, just as mine always does.
Rabbits!
444
Journal Thoughts: Think of a recent trial you have endured. How did you feel during? How have you grown since then? What did you do that kept you strong? What have you learned about yourself from that experience? Take a moment to give yourself recognition for your accomplishments and strength.
Journal Prompts
Those of you who live around here, if you can’t make it to the VAMPA museum right now, there are some pieces on display for an exhibit at the Everhart Museum all through this month of October! Definitely check it out.
Dawn Marino is a Spiritual Medium & Channeler, Dark Night of the Soul Guide, Certified Crystal Healer, Crystal Messenger, Trance Healer, Intuitive Tarot Reader, Healing Artist and Professional Writer. Dawn has published two books, the “Tarot Journal for Beginners” and the “Complete Guide to Tarot.” Dawn supports people feeling disconnected from their Higher Selves, feeling stuck and lost on their spiritual journey. She works with people to help them through the Dark Night, working with them to reclaim their independence and unlock their potential. Dawn also helps beginner mediums on their path to mediumship. You can work with Dawn remotely or in-person at Now and Zen Wellness in Throop, PA.
Visit healbydawn.com to learn more.
