Sesh, my familiar, RIP
By Christina Wilke-Burbach PhD, RMT, CA
Mind, Soul, and Self LLC
mindsoulandself.com
My PhotoBlog: I have come to understand, true ways to heal spiritually, psychologically and emotionally are non-verbal: through art, music, movement, meditative states, and bodywork/energy work. The language of the soul/psyche is symbols, images, colors, vibrations, sensations, and patterns; we communicate this non-verbally. I have been on an incredible personal growth journey of my own the past few years into the world of art. I have become very involved with John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC) in Sheboygan, WI. I am the chair of the JMKAC Indoor Gardens, a member of the Friends of the Arts Council, and a museum docent (teacher/tour guide). I try to take a new art class every month. I started joining my artist husband in his art studio to paint and experiment with making art. Coincidentally, my old office space was located in an art gallery and my current office space is in an entire building of art studios. My preferred social media has become Instagram. I try to post a new photograph every day. I have enjoyed experimenting with art and photography as ways to express myself. So I have decided to have a photoblog to complement this personal and professional journey that I am on.
In European folklore, animal familiars, sometimes called animal guides, help witches and healers conduct their magic. They typically assume animal forms of the likes of cats, dogs, or birds. Familiars assist healers in spreading health and wellness. My beautiful familiar, Session (Sesh) returned to the world of spirit on July 22, 2020. My heart is broken into a million pieces and my grief is profound. Sesh was 13 years old when he passed. I adopted him from the Sauk County Wisconsin Humane Society in June of 2008. He was 9 months old. He was the Pet of the Week in the newspaper. As soon as I saw his photo, I knew he had to be mine. He was the perfect dog. Sesh journeyed with me through the start of my business, my spiritual awakening, my breakdown, and my breakthrough. I would never be the healing facilitator who I am today without him by my side. Sesh was attuned to Reiki Level 2, had his own crystals and essential oils, and even had his own set of Doggie Oracle Cards. He developed a mast cell tumor when he was just a pup and I completely healed it with essential oils. But that same cancer came back 12 years later with a vengeance and claimed his life. There will never ever be another dog like him. You will always be in my heart and soul. I love you forever Sesh.
*All photos are the property of Christina Wilke-Burbach. All rights reserved *
