Neptune Landing

        Not to be confused with a daytrip to Hades, the lower world journey is an essential component of coming to know your power animals and inner teachers in shamanic practice. The Lower World Journey has wormed its way into literary culture, most famously with Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland," when Alice falls down the rabbit hole and embarks on a great adventure. There is one thing that Carroll misrepresented; the characters she encountered were more middle world spirits (with personalities and intents ranging from neutral to hostile) rather than loving lower world spirits. The spirits in the lower world are magnanimous; they do not wish you any harm and are there to help. Drugs, too, are not necessary for a trip to the lower world (and can actually be a hindrance). There are, however, six essential steps to make this a fruitful journey.         1. Soundtrack. No, not Beyonce or even Beethoven, but rather a CD or MP3 of shamanic drumming, a steady

        Formerly known as Eureka Valley, the Castro district is one of the larger neighborhoods in the central city and increasingly one of its most well-heeled. In the 19th century, The Castro and nearby Duboce Triangle were known as Little Scandinavia before being taken over by the Irish in the 1930's. In the 1970's, the gays started moving in, most notably, Harvey Milk, a camera store owner who later went on to become the city's most famous district supervisor. The Castro has some lovely hills, homes and bougainvillea bushes as well as several clothing stores, cafes, bars and a few decent restaurants. The F Line trolley ends here, giving the neighborhood a certain 'over the rainbow' feel.                      If anything, the Castro proves that this town can still throw a damn good party! Twice, recently, revelers descended on Castro Street to throw a political extravaganza; once on Wednesday evening, June 26th following the favorable Prop 8 and DOMA de