The Alighted Way

In Episode 13 of The Alighted Way, Colleen welcomes Renee, also known as Sagittarius Way, for a heartfelt conversation about dragons as guides, guardians, and companions on the spiritual path. Drawing from her work as a meditation teacher and shamanic practitioner, Renee shares how dragons gradually entered her life through Celtic wisdom studies, meditation, and journey work.Together, they explore the role dragons can play in supporting emotional balance, grounding the nervous system, strengthening personal sovereignty, and encouraging gentle courage. Renee introduces listeners to Igor, the red dragon who serves as one of her primary guides, and discusses how dragon energy can help people feel supported, connected, and safe as they navigate everyday life.The conversation highlights imagination as a sacred tool for spiritual growth and encourages listeners to develop their own direct relationship with dragon energy through meditation, nature connection, and trust in their personal experiences.🔥 Key Moments• 00:00 — Introduction to Renee (Sagittarius Way) and her dragon-centered meditation work• 02:53 — How dragons first appeared through Celtic wisdom studies and shamanic training• 03:35 — Meeting Igor, the red dragon guide• 04:53 — Dragons as grounding allies for boundaries and personal sovereignty• 07:16 — Why dragons may be appearing more prominently in people's lives• 09:55 — Connecting dragon energy with nature, clouds, and the elements• 12:05 — Dragons as companions, guides, and sources of support• 13:57 — The importance of imagination, play, and joy• 14:24 — Practical ways to begin connecting with dragon energy• 16:44 — Experiences of healing, comfort, and kindness from dragons• 18:09 — Invitation to continue exploring the dragon path💬 Memorable Quotes• “Dragons will connect with us in a way that we understand.”• “It helps me stay grounded without losing my own sovereignty.”• “Play and joy are where the conversation starts.”• “Trust that the truth that comes from the connection is your truth.”🪶 Themes ExploredDragon Energy • Grounding & Nervous System Regulation • Personal Sovereignty • Meditation & Intuition • Celtic Wisdom • Imagination & Play • Nature Connection • Spiritual Guidance💠 Takeaway MessageDragons invite us into a relationship built on trust, patience, imagination, and personal experience. Whether viewed as spiritual allies, symbolic guides, or archetypal energies, they offer a pathway toward greater grounding, courage, emotional balance, and connection with the natural world.🔗 Resources • Sagittarius Way Website• Sagittarius Way on Insight Timer✨ Call to ActionIf this episode inspired you to explore dragons, intuition, or meditation, share The Alighted Way with a friend. Follow the podcast for future conversations exploring spiritual growth, symbolism, and the unseen forces that help guide us through life.

🎙️ Episode SummaryIn this episode of The Alighted Way, recorded on International Women’s Day, Colleen sits down with Edie — a counselor, educator, and Soul Coaching® practitioner — to explore her remarkable journey into the world of dragons. What began with a gifted book and a Reiki vision became a living relationship with a baby dragon named Folly, discovered at the sacred site of Newgrange in Ireland.Edie shares how the fire and water dragon came into her life, what it means to work with the elements through Soul Coaching®, and how Diana Cooper’s dragon teachings connected her spiritual dots. She reflects on the playful, creative energy Folly carries — a reminder not to take life too seriously — and shares her vision of writing dragon fables inspired by these encounters.The conversation also touches on the divine feminine, the goddess connections to dragon energy, and why dragons may be showing up in so many people’s lives right now.🔥 Key Moments00:01 — Welcome and International Women’s Day shout-out00:28 — Introduction to Edie: counselor, educator, and Soul Coaching® practitioner01:29 — How Edie first encountered dragons — a gifted book and a Reiki vision02:08 — Seeing through dragon eyes: orange eyes and visioning during a Reiki session03:13 — Diana Cooper’s dragon work and connecting dragons to the elements03:51 — Oracle card reading: the Earth Dragon arrives05:00 — Newgrange, Ireland and the discovery of Folly at the Folly hut07:00 — A medium confirms the baby dragon — fire, water, and color08:18 — Naming the dragon: how “Folly” came to be09:51 — Dragon meditations and the vision of “The Fables of Folly”11:00 — Folly’s message: more play, more creativity, less seriousness12:21 — Fairy Doors, portals, and weaving elements into storytelling13:17 — Does Folly have a message for the audience today?14:14 — Why are dragons here? Clearing energy, dimensions, and the bigger picture15:56 — Dragons, courage, and the divine feminine on International Women’s Day16:52 — Visualizations in Diana Cooper’s dragon book17:18 — Closing reflections on fire, water, and being a Sagittarian fire horse💬 Memorable Quotes“The fire dragon burns off lower energies. The water dragon brings love and play.”“Folly is all about play. We need to play more.”“It’s connected to the divine feminine, the matriarchal, the goddesses.”“Sometimes I’m on the back of a dragon going to different places — I want to bring that into stories.”“She’s your touchstone, your keystone.”🪶 Themes ExploredFire & Water Dragons • Soul Coaching® & the Elements • Sacred Sites & Spiritual Encounters • Playfulness & Creative Expression • The Divine Feminine • Dragon Communication • Newgrange & Celtic Mysticism • International Women’s Day💠 Takeaway MessageDragons meet us where we are. For Edie, Folly arrived not with thunder and fire but with colour, warmth, and a gentle nudge toward play. Whether through Reiki visions, oracle cards, or sacred sites halfway around the world, dragon energy invites us to lighten our step, trust our creative instincts, and remember that the divine feminine — and a little bit of folly — might be exactly what the world needs right now.🔗 Resources & MentionsDiana Cooper — Dragons: Your Celestial Guardians (book & oracle cards)Newgrange, County Meath, Ireland — a sacred Neolithic passage tombSoul Coaching® — a four-element personal transformation process✨ Call to ActionDid Folly’s story spark something in you? Share The Alighted Way with someone who could use a reminder to play more. Follow the podcast for upcoming episodes exploring dragons, symbolism, and the forces that shape our inner landscapes.

🎙️ Episode SummaryIn Episode 11 of The Alighted Way, Janelle explores the powerful and mysterious Michael–Apollo line—an energetic alignment of sacred sites stretching from Ireland to Mount Carmel in Israel. Through storytelling, mythology, and personal experience, she examines how this line connects ancient pagan sites, Christian shrines, and enduring Earth energies.The episode expands beyond explanation into lived experience, as Colleen joins for a reflective discussion. Together, they explore what it feels like to stand on these sites, how energy is perceived and worked with, and whether mythology should be understood as symbolic, literal, or something in between.Janelle shares her journey into dowsing, the role of ley lines in Earth’s energetic system, and how these lines may require activation, healing, or alignment. The conversation also explores the layering of belief systems over time, and the relationship between humans and landscape as a co-creative force.🔥 Key Moments00:07 — Introduction and overview of the Michael–Apollo line02:00 — Archangel Michael, Apollo, and dragon symbolism03:14 — Pagan sites and Christian overlays04:20 — Dowsing explained and Janelle’s origin story07:40 — Feng Shui school and teaching journey07:50 — Key sites from Ireland to Italy12:10 — Transition into the Apollo line in Greece12:39 — Delphi, Athens, and Delos exploration17:00 — Apollo origin story and Delos mythology21:18 — Dragons: literal beings or energy metaphors?22:21 — Chit chat begins: personal experiences on the line25:30 — Energetic shifts and working with ley lines27:40 — Myth vs lived experience29:20 — Were these sites intentionally aligned?31:50 — Pagan foundations and religious layering33:30 — Skepticism and direct experience36:10 — Do landscapes shape belief—or vice versa?💬 Memorable Quotes“It’s a living energy—you’re working with something real in that moment.”“Every time I’ve worked on the line, it changes you.”“The land is alive—it works in partnership with us.”“It’s good to be skeptical—come experience it for yourself.”🪶 Themes ExploredLey Lines & Energy Work • Sacred Geography • Archangel Michael & Apollo • Mythology & Meaning • Dowsing • Human–Landscape Relationship • Spiritual Layering💠 Takeaway MessageSacred sites are not just remnants of the past—they may be part of an ongoing energetic dialogue between Earth and humanity. Whether approached through myth, personal experience, or skepticism, these places invite us into deeper awareness, connection, and curiosity about the unseen forces shaping our world.🔗 Resources & MentionsThe Michael–Apollo Line (St. Michael’s Line)Ley lines and dragon linesDowsing and Feng Shui practicesSacred sites: Skellig Michael, St. Michael’s Mount, Delphi, Delos, Mount Carmel✨ Call to ActionIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone curious about sacred sites, energy work, or ancient mysteries. Follow The Alighted Way for more conversations that explore the intersection of mythology, lived experience, and the unseen world.

🎙️ Episode SummaryIn Episode 10, Janelle welcomes Annette Rugolo, a practical mystic and soul whisperer, to explore the world of dragons through the lens of vibrational healing and universal connection. Annette shares her lifelong relationship with dragons, describing them as powerful protectors, healers, and guardians of energetic portals. The conversation dives into how dragons assist with clearing energy fields, both globally and within individuals, and how connecting with them can elevate consciousness and personal power.🔥 Key Moments00:08 — Introduction to Annette Rugolo02:26 — First experiences connecting with dragons04:15 — Dragons and etheric field clearing06:10 — Dragons as protectors of portals07:30 — Personal transformation through dragon connection09:11 — Lifelong relationships with dragons10:18 — Dragon healing vs Reiki13:57 — Misconceptions and fear of dragons15:46 — Dragons and planetary evolution20:50 — How to connect with your dragon💬 Memorable Quotes“Everyone has a dragon they can connect with.”“Dragons are powerful healers and protectors.”“They help clear the energy of the Earth.”“Connection begins in the heart.”🪶 Themes ExploredDragons & Healing • Energy Fields • Protection & Portals • Consciousness Expansion • Universal Connection💠 Takeaway MessageWorking with dragon energy can open pathways to healing, protection, and expanded awareness. By connecting through the heart, individuals can access guidance and support from these powerful beings.🔗 Resources & MentionsAnnette Rugolo • Vibrational healing • Dragon energy practices✨ Call to ActionIf you’re curious about connecting with dragon energy, explore further and stay open to the unseen. Follow The Alighted Way for more episodes that illuminate hidden dimensions of experience.

🎙️ Episode SummaryIn Episode 09, Janelle speaks with Janet about her lifelong connection with dragons, including a powerful past-life experience as a dragon rider and squad leader. Janet shares how reconnecting with her dragon deepened her sense of protection, emotional resilience, and spiritual awareness. The conversation explores dragons as wise, multidimensional beings who offer companionship, guidance, and energetic support. Through personal stories, Janet reflects on healing, leadership, and the role dragons may play in humanity’s awakening.🔥 Key Moments00:09 — Introduction to Janet and her dragon rider past02:16 — Dragons as protectors and companions03:31 — Emotional support and safety through dragon connection05:01 — Past-life injury and energetic healing08:12 — Communication with dragons through thought and emotion09:04 — Dragons and global awakening10:33 — Dragons as intelligent spiritual beings13:47 — Light and dark dragons in history16:01 — Roles and hierarchy among dragons18:54 — Lifelong connection and guidance💬 Memorable Quotes“They’re not mine—they choose to be with me.”“When I feel afraid, I know I’m safe with them.”“They communicate through thought and feeling.”“Dragons are wise, caring, and deeply protective.”🪶 Themes ExploredDragons & Protection • Multidimensional Connection • Leadership & Roles • Emotional Healing • Awakening & Balance💠 Takeaway MessageDragons can serve as powerful allies in both seen and unseen realms, offering protection, wisdom, and emotional grounding. Connection to these beings may reflect deeper aspects of self, leadership, and healing across lifetimes.🔗 Resources & MentionsDragon energy • Multidimensional awareness • Personal protection practices✨ Call to ActionIf this episode resonated with you, share it with someone exploring spiritual connection or personal growth. Follow The Alighted Way for more conversations that expand perception and deepen awareness.

In Episode 08 of The Alighted Way, Janelle and Colleen revisit and thoughtfully recreate one of Janelle’s earliest recorded conversations—an interview with Marilyn that was too meaningful to leave behind, despite technical challenges.Through this reconstructed dialogue, listeners are invited into Marilyn’s lived experience of working with dragons—not as myth, but as a consistent, supportive presence in her everyday life. What begins as an unconscious “dragon breath” during Reiki evolves into a deeply embodied relationship with a full “dragon entourage” that surrounds, protects, and guides her.The conversation explores how these connections emerge organically through breath, intuition, and openness. Dragons are described not as something to summon, but as beings already present—offering protection, guidance, and energetic support, especially in moments of vulnerability or transition.Woven throughout the episode are themes of trust, spiritual partnership, and the quiet knowing that we are not alone. The discussion also touches on dragons as protectors, their role across realms, and how they may work alongside other spiritual allies such as angels.This episode gently expands the listener’s perception of what is possible, encouraging curiosity about the unseen forces that may already be walking beside us.Key Moments(00:08) - — Introduction and context: recreating Marilyn’s original interview (02:18) - — Entering the role-play format to retell Marilyn’s experience (03:08) - — First encounters: Reiki, breathwork, and the emergence of “dragon breath” (04:45) - — The Sedona experience and first conscious dragon sighting (05:02) - — Dragons appearing in dreams and energy work (06:13) - — The concept of a “dragon entourage” and constant presence (07:25) - — The significance of Marilyn’s dragon tattoo and feminine energy (08:56) - — Interaction vs. peaceful knowing: how Marilyn relates to her dragons (10:07) - — Calling in dragons for protection during travel (10:39) - — Dragons as guides rather than beings to fear (11:01) - — Dragons existing in another realm (11:51) - — A fall, protection, and unseen intervention (14:15) - — Working with both dragons and angels (including Archangel Michael) (15:13) - — Patterns emerging: dragons as protectors and guides (16:05) - — Curiosity around “dragon breath” and embodied practice (17:32) - — Closing reflections and invitation into future dragon stories Memorable Quotes“You don’t have control over it—it just happens when you’re in your essence.”“They’re around all of the time… my dragon team, my dragon entourage.”“If something needs reinforced, then she brings them in to feel very protected.”“Instead of being afraid of them, be open to being guided by them.”Themes ExploredDragons as Protectors • Spiritual Partnership • Breath & Embodiment • Intuitive Knowing • Multidimensional Realms • Energetic Safety • Angels & Dragons Working Together • Everyday MysticismTakeaway MessageDragons, in this context, are not distant or mythical—they are present, relational, and responsive. Whether experienced through breath, dreams, or intuitive awareness, they represent a form of support that is already available.This episode invites a subtle but powerful shift: rather than seeking extraordinary encounters, begin by noticing what may already be surrounding you—guiding, protecting, and waiting to be acknowledged.Resources & MentionsThealightedway.comDragon breath Archangel MichaelDragon courses available through The Alighted WayCall to ActionIf this episode sparked reflection or curiosity, share it with someone who feels drawn to the unseen and the symbolic. Follow The Alighted Way as we continue exploring real experiences that stretch beyond conventional boundaries—always grounded in awareness, curiosity, and safety.

✨ Episode OverviewIn this deeply reflective conversation, Janelle speaks with Joyce about her lifelong relationship with dragons—not as mythic beasts, but as protectors, companions, and ancestral presences. Drawing from Indonesian cultural roots, Eastern cosmology, and lived spiritual experience, Joyce shares how dragons have always been part of her world: guarding sleep, offering guidance, and helping her stay true to herself.This episode invites listeners to soften rigid beliefs, question Hollywood narratives, and consider dragons as ancient intelligences woven into Earth, fire, stars, and human ancestry.🐉 Key Themes & Reflections01:09 Dragons as protectors rather than aggressors03:45 Dragons as companions06:50 Dragons power can’t be taken 08:00 Ancestral memory and spiritual inheritance06:50 Dragons power can’t be taken 13:48 Fire, volcanoes, and Earth-based cosmology15:54 Mythology as fragments of lived truth20:02 Eastern vs. Western cultural understandings of dragons21:35 Wisdom without dominance or control28:19 Personal responsibility that comes with spiritual gifts🔥 Highlights from the ConversationJoyce describes dragons as being “like dogs”—always present, loyal, and protective, especially during vulnerability such as sleep.Dragons are portrayed as non-judgmental guides, helping redirect Joyce when she strays from her authentic path.The episode explores how Komodo dragons and volcanoes shaped Indonesian cosmology and spiritual understanding.Joyce reflects on how gifts like intuition or spiritual sight are not “special powers,” but responsibilities.Dragons are framed as beings that share wisdom only when invited, never through force or domination.The discussion touches on dragons as ancient energies—possibly star-born—who have “always been.”🌱 Notable Quotes“They don’t hoard gold. They don’t want your trinkets. They’re just doing their thing.”“It’s not a gift—it’s a responsibility.”“You don’t have to change the whole world. Just keep your little corner safe.”🌍 Cultural & Spiritual ContextIndonesian ancestral traditions and daily gratitude ritualsFire, volcanoes, and Earth guardianshipFeng Shui symbolism of dragon and tiger energiesMythology as lived cosmology rather than fantasy🔔 What’s NextThe next episode continues the dragon theme with Marilyn’s story of dragon breath during Reiki and her dragon tattoo.📅 Drops March 26

🎙️ Episode SummaryIn Episode 06 of The Alighted Way, Janelle and Colleen move fully into the Eastern understanding of dragons and serpents as benevolent, ancient forces of creation rather than monsters to be conquered. This episode explores cosmology and creation myths in which chaos, darkness, water, and the void are not threats, but fertile, maternal conditions from which life itself emerges.Janelle traces global serpent and dragon lineages—from primordial water dragons and cosmic eggs to Nagas who are half human, half serpent kings—revealing how these beings have long been revered as protectors of wisdom, thresholds, sacred knowledge, and life giving forces. Drawing on Buddhist, Hindu, Egyptian, Greek, and Indigenous traditions, the episode reframes regeneration, shedding, and cyclical destruction as necessary stages of creation.A reflective closing conversation grounds these myths in lived experience, exploring how chaos, messiness, balance, and renewal show up in everyday life, creative work, and personal transformation.🔥 Key Moments00:00 — Eastern dragons as allies, protectors, and symbols of prosperity01:10 — Cosmology, oneness, and the birth of duality02:30 — The void, chaos, and maternal creation forces03:40 — The cosmic egg, caterpillar transformation, and regeneration04:55 — The great mother serpent and cyclical creation and destruction06:50 — Symbolism of the egg, fertility, and rebirth07:20 — Nagas, mermaids, and ancient serpent lineages09:40 — Dragons as protectors of Buddha, wisdom, and sacred texts11:40 — Serpent symbolism across Hindu, Egyptian, and Greek traditions14:05 — Archaeological evidence of serpent ritual and deep human history16:30 — Wholeness, masculine and feminine principles, and eternal cyclesChit chatJanelle shares her experience with a Chinese New Year egg ritual, using the peeling of an egg to reflect on the year that has passed and the year emergingA grounded discussion on how perfection looks different for everyone—and how “productive chaos” can be its own form of orderEveryday examples of how creation often arises from messiness, whether in art, craft, or life itself💬 Memorable Quotes“Chaos holds all potential before form exists.”“Perfection cannot be sustained—life moves between order and mess.”“There is a perfection in my messy piles.”“Dragons guard the thresholds where creation and transformation happen.”🪶 Themes ExploredEastern Dragon Mythology • Creation Myths • Cosmology • Chaos & Order • Regeneration • Sacred Serpents • Guardianship • Balance • Transformation💠 Takeaway MessageEastern dragon and serpent traditions remind us that chaos is not something to eliminate, but something to honor. Creation, destruction, and renewal exist in an eternal cycle, and transformation often arises from darkness, uncertainty, and messiness. These myths invite us to soften our need for control and trust the regenerative forces at work within and around us.✨ Call to ActionIf this episode shifted how you understand chaos, creation, or transformation, share The Alighted Way with someone navigating change. Join us as we continue exploring dragons as mirrors, guardians, and guides through the great cycles of becoming.What’s NextIn the next episode, Janelle will be joined by Joyce, who shares her personal dragon experiences and how dragons are said to have protected her family—stories that weave myth, memory, and survival.Stay ConnectedVisit thealightedway.com to explore upcoming offerings, including Janelle’s Introductory Dragon Course launching February 2026Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to help others find their way to the flameNew episodes drop twice monthly on ThursdaysUntil next time, keep the flame of curiosity burning. 🔥

🎙️ Episode SummaryIn Episode 05 of The Alighted Way, Janelle and Colleen step into the Western mythological tradition to examine how dragons came to be framed as monsters—and why heroes were celebrated for slaying them. Through stories drawn from Christian, Norse, and Greek mythology, this episode explores the cultural roots of the dragon-slayer narrative and what it reveals about power, fear, and moral storytelling.From St. George and Archangel Michael to Thor, Apollo, Medusa, Typhon, and Python, Janelle traces how dragons were defeated, subdued, imprisoned, or killed, and questions whether these victories were truly heroic—or simply a matter of who survived to tell the story. The conversation expands into Joseph Campbell’s hero’s journey and the blurred line between good and evil, asking listeners to reconsider who the real monsters might be.A reflective dialogue follows, where Janelle and Colleen unpack these myths through lived experience, travel, and personal reflection, setting the stage for a future shift toward Eastern perspectives where dragons are revered as guardians, allies, and teachers rather than enemies.🔥 Key Moments00:00 — Entering the Western lens on dragons and hero myths01:00 — Monsters, perspective, and who gets to tell the story03:30 — Origins of the word ‘dragon’ and ancient interpretations06:20 — St. George, Christianity, and conditional salvation08:45 — Archangel Michael and the myth of cosmic battle11:00 — Norse mythology: Thor, the World Serpent, and Ragnarök14:00 — Greek dragon myths: Medusa, Typhon, and Apollo17:30 — Blood, purification, and the cost of dragon-slaying19:00 — Reflective dialogue: story-making and lived experience24:30 — Medusa reconsidered and reframing villain narratives28:30 — Setting up the Eastern perspective on dragons💬 Memorable Quotes“It is a condition of monsters that they do not perceive themselves as such.”“People fear what they don’t understand—and call it a monster.”“The victor is usually the one who gets to tell the story.”“The line between good and evil is rarely as clean as fairy tales suggest.”🪶 Themes ExploredWestern Dragon Mythology • Hero’s Journey • Monsters & Morality • Power & Perspective • Storytelling & Cultural Memory • Fear vs. Understanding💠 Takeaway MessageWestern dragon myths often frame destruction as heroism, reinforcing the idea that what we fear must be conquered. By revisiting these stories with discernment, we can begin to see how narrative, power, and perspective shape belief—and open the door to more nuanced ways of understanding both dragons and ourselves.🔗 Resources & MentionsSt. George and the Dragonhttp://www.saintgeorges.ca/our-patronArchangel Michael and Michaelmashttps://www.nts.org.uk/stories/st-michaels-day-and-michaelmas-traditionsNorse mythology: Thor and Jörmungandrhttps://www.norsegarde.com/en-ca/blogs/lore-and-mythology/thor-and-jormungandr-the-eternal-rivalry-that-ends-in-ragnarok?srsltid=AfmBOorZeWc5UXk984Ike8I1SspPsEaAFpzYUCoH8Czz4OdRSYV2Ppj2Greek mythology: Medusa, Typhon, Apollo, Delphihttps://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Creatures/Medusa/medusa.htmlhttps://www.theoi.com/Gigante/Typhoeus.htmlhttps://www.theoi.com/Ther/DrakainaPython.htmlJoseph Campbell – The Hero’s Journeyhttps://www.jcf.org/learn/joseph-campbell-heros-journey✨ Call to ActionIf this episode challenged how you think about heroes and monsters, share The Alighted Way with someone who enjoys myth, meaning, and re-examining old stories. Join us next as we turn toward the Eastern reverence of dragons as allies, guardians, and guides.

In this episode, Colleen joins Janelle to share a deeply personal and unexpected spiritual experience: meeting a dragon guide during her Master Reiki training. What began as a meditation to connect with a Reiki guide became the start of an ongoing relationship with Praxis—a green and gold dragon whose presence offers healing, protection, humour, and grounded support.This conversation explores how spiritual guides can arrive in surprising forms, how readiness and trust shape these relationships, and why dragons may be appearing more frequently during times of collective healing.Key Themes & Discussion PointsFirst encounters with spiritual guides during Reiki practiceWhat it means to work with a dragon guideTrust, timing, and spiritual readinessDragons as symbols of protection and healingHow guides evolve alongside usSubtle versus vivid spiritual experiencesPersonal boundaries and consent in sharing spiritual connectionsEpisode Timeline02:20 – Welcome & Introduction02:41 – First Meeting Praxis03:27 – Who Is Praxis?04:10 – Comparing Reiki Guides05:00 – What Was Most Surprising06:14 – Looking Back: Dragons Then and Now07:02 – The House Guardian Dragon08:10 – Messages, Readiness, and Consent09:32 – How Communication Happens10:18 – Do Others Have Dragon Guides?10:57 – Abilities and Surprises11:45 – The Dragon Realm12:29 – Why Dragons Now?13:06 – ClosingResources mentioned:Colleen's website: omspirit.caNotable Quotes“He’s my Reiki guide, but he’s also just a regular guide—and he’s not going anywhere.”“It’s about levels of readiness, not just mine, but the dragon’s too.”“The world needs a lot of healing—and for me, that healing came in the form of a dragon.”Listener Reflection PromptHave you ever had a guide, symbol, or presence show up in a way you didn’t expect?What helped—or hindered—you in trusting that experience?

In this vivid and culturally rich episode, Janelle returns to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon, weaving together humour, awe, anthropology, and mysticism. She explores Bhutan’s unapologetic phallus symbolism, tracing how penises and testicles appear in art, architecture, rites, and everyday life as agents of fertility, protection, and good luck. From wooden phalluses placed on rooftops to blessings bestowed by monks, she unpacks how ancient traditions endure despite modern shifts.Janelle expands the conversation globally, touching on phallic rites in Greece, Italy, Nepal, Japan, and beyond, before transitioning into the deep mythic heart of Bhutan: dragons. With striking storytelling, she recounts her powerful dragon initiation at Burning Lake, where a vision of a small dragon named Orchow became a transformative companion during her shamanic training. The episode closes on themes of guardianship, spiritual relationship, and how beings of myth offer wisdom for a season, a reason, or a lifetime.🔥 Key Moments02:03 — Welcome to Bhutan: Land of thunder dragons, and unabashed phallic reverence.03:16 — Phallus Culture Explained: Protection rituals, fertility symbols, house blessings, and rural traditions.04:52 — A Global Pattern: Parallels in Greece, Nepal, Italy, Japan, and even modern Iceland.10:20 — The Divine Madman: Drukpa Kunley, his flaming thunderbolt of wisdom, and the temple rituals linked to his legacy.12:30 — Festival of the Naked Man Dance: A sacred cultural rite.13:40 — Dragons & Bhutanese Mythology: Thunder, lightning, protection, and national identity.14:20 — Burning Lake Vision: Encountering a guardian serpent and receiving permission.15:12 — Dragon Initiation: Meeting Orchow, exchanging essence, forging connection.16:16 — Power Animals & Shamanic Training: How Orchow participated and evolved.17:38 — Endings & Return: Orchow’s healing departure, and lasting presence.💬 Memorable Quotes“It symbolizes fertility, protection, and good luck. In Bhutan, the phallus is never just a phallus.”“He struck the demoness with the thunderbolt of flaming wisdom.”“The dragon ran straight toward me. We circled each other, eye to eye, soul to soul.”“They come for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. For Orchow it was a season.”🪶 Themes ExploredCultural Symbolism • Tradition and Modernity • Mythic Beings as Teachers • Vision States • Fertility & Creation💠 Takeaway MessageSymbols endure because they hold cultural memory, spiritual power, and collective meaning. When we meet these symbols with openness, we step into deeper relationship with ourselves and the unseen world.🔗 Resources & Mentions• Fertility temples of Bhutan• Divine Madman (Drukpa Kunley) • Phallic festivals worldwide• Icelandic Phallological Museum• Burning Lake (Mebar Tsho)• Dragon symbolism in Bhutan✨ Call to ActionIf this journey into Bhutan’s mysteries stirred something for you, share The Alighted Way with a friend, leave a review, and follow the show for upcoming episodes exploring symbolism, spirit allies, and the extraordinary woven into everyday life.

In Episode 02 of The Alighted Way, Janelle is joined by award-winning photographer Mark Laurie of Inner Spirit Photography for a deep and thoughtful exploration of fire, photography, and the mysterious beings known as sprites. Together, they examine how working with fire becomes a powerful tool for empowerment, confidence-building, healing, and self-trust—particularly for women stepping into embodied courage.Mark shares decades of experience capturing fine art photography and describes how sprites—animal, mythic, and symbolic forms—emerge within flames during body fire sessions. These shapes, often perceived differently by each viewer, appear to mirror the inner world of the person working with fire, revealing deeply personal meanings and emotional truths.The conversation moves beyond spectacle into psychology, boundaries, and integration. Fire becomes a marker experience—a high-water point that recalibrates how fear is measured in everyday life. Through stories of transformation, healing, and reclaimed agency, this episode highlights how consciously chosen challenges can reshape identity and restore personal power.🔥 Key Moments00:07 — Welcome back to The Alighted Way and introduction of Mark Laurie02:19 — Elementals and body fire: empowerment through safe fire work03:09 — What are sprites? Animals, mythic beings, and meaning in flames05:36 — Perception and symbolism: how sprites differ for each viewer06:36 — Witnessing body fire: fear, awe, and rapid transformation08:29 — Trusting the fire practitioner and the importance of safety09:23 — Fire as a playful but powerful initiatory tool10:49 — Fire as a personal benchmark for fear and resilience12:34 — Boundaries, discernment, and conscious risk-taking15:36 — Integration, healing, and reclaiming agency after trauma17:14 — Closing reflections and invitation to the dragon path💬 Memorable Quotes“The flames speak to different people on different wavelengths.”“Fire becomes the high-water mark for fear.”“Once you push one boundary, the next one gets easier.”“Safety always comes first.”🪶 Themes ExploredSprites & Elementals • Empowerment Through Fire • Perception & Symbolism • Boundaries & Consent • Fear Recalibration • Healing & Integration💠 Takeaway MessageFire, when approached with preparation and trust, becomes a mirror rather than a threat. The courage cultivated through embodied experiences does not end in the moment itself—it continues as a reference point, reminding us that we are capable, resilient, and far more powerful than we once believed.🔗 Resources & MentionsInner Spirit Photography – Mark LaurieBody fire photographyElementals and sprites in flameFire as an empowerment practicePublic speaking and confidence-building through challenge✨ Call to ActionIf this episode sparked curiosity or reflection, share The Alighted Way with someone who values conscious transformation. Follow the podcast for upcoming episodes exploring dragons, symbolism, and the forces that shape our inner landscapes.

In the inaugural episode of The Alighted Way, Janelle and Colleen invite listeners into a raw and reflective exploration of fire—not just as an element, but as a teacher. Through firsthand stories of fire eating, fire walking, volcanic landscapes, cultural fire performance, and the visceral experience of being lit on fire during a professional photoshoot, Janelle examines how fear, preparation, and presence shape transformative moments.The episode weaves together personal narrative, cultural observation, and philosophical reflection, moving from glowing coal paths to erupting volcanoes in Hawai‘i and Iceland, from sacred fire dances in Bali and Polynesia to the controlled intensity of a live lava show. At its core, this episode asks what it truly means to take calculated risks, to know one’s limits, and to step willingly into experiences that demand trust, focus, and surrender.The conversation closes by reframing fire not as reckless danger, but as an initiatory force—one that reveals resilience, sharpens self-knowledge, and leaves behind sparks of insight for those willing to walk through it.🔥 Key Moments00:07 — Welcome to The Alighted Way: Adventure, transformation, and the call of fire01:10 — Fire Eating & Fire Walking: Technique, trust, and mind-over-matter01:48 — Coal Walking: Entering the “mind palace” and committing fully04:40 — Volcano Encounters: Lava flows in Hawai‘i and risk awareness06:45 — Icelandic Fire Experiences: Lava shows and the line between awe and safety08:25 — Fire Performance Traditions: Polynesia, Māori poi, and Balinese Kecak dance10:28 — Being Lit on Fire: The photoshoot, expectations vs. reality12:25 — Sprites & Dragons in the Flames: What reveals itself in fire13:20 — Closing Reflections: Courage, boundaries, and walking beside one another💬 Memorable Quotes“Those who have walked through the fire leave sparks of light everywhere they go.”“Some fear the fire. Some become it.”“The fire which enlightens is the same fire which consumes.”“Safety always comes first.”🪶 Themes ExploredFear & Courage • Calculated Risk • Embodied Presence • Fire as Teacher • Cultural Fire Traditions • Transformation Through Experience💠 Takeaway MessageTransformation does not come from recklessness, but from conscious choice. Fire teaches us that clarity, preparation, and self-awareness determine whether we are burned—or illuminated. Knowing when to step forward, and when to step back, is part of walking an aligned path.🔗 Resources & MentionsFire walking and fire eating traditionsActive volcano experiences in Hawai’i: https://www.nps.gov/havo/index.htmLive lava shows in Iceland: https://www.lavashow.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21031327585&gbraid=0AAAAAC8xrHeUBLvnLevk0pYlui-oJz2_x&gclid=CjwKCAiAmp3LBhAkEiwAJM2JUBIsiJgwIhzcfHWTpWOs_FJ_XoVJnSq1xdCgk5C6XJWGGITbCXU_0hoCaqUQAvD_BwEPolynesian fire performance: https://www.polynesia.com/packages?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19311784&gbraid=0AAAAAD_ZKoa-BfJE8-GkhcYus6QogM5_b&gclid=CjwKCAiAmp3LBhAkEiwAJM2JUNoGz615ZARW7c66qZHt9yo0poEtmSMa7qd1F4zyTRsI-9v0CF_y3RoChAIQAvD_BwEMāori poi spinningBalinese Kecak (fire) dance: https://www.theungasan.com/blog/the-kecak-dance-a-fiery-display-of-balinese-culture/Cultural fire rituals across the world✨ Call to ActionIf this episode sparked reflection for you, share The Alighted Way with someone who appreciates meaningful risk and deep listening. Follow the podcast for future episodes exploring elemental wisdom, spirit encounters, and the stories that shape who we become

We explore stories of mystical adventure, inner transformation, and a little bit of fire – sometimes literally.This show is about pushing limits into the unknown, discovering who we really are in the process, and celebrating the moments of connection that make us feel more alive.—Contact Janelle & Colleen: TheAlightedWay.comInstagram: @TheAlightedWayEmail: [email protected]