Following the Path of the Universe: Annalee Jackofsky (Lefty Oracle Spotlight)

I am delighted to introduce you to Annalee Jackofsky who I've known for many years through her goddess studies, yoga teachings and now, as a Lefty Oracle Deck intuitive reader. Enjoy!

What originally got you started as a healer, intuitive, spiritual guide?

I feel I was born with the natural ability to do hands on healing. I didn’t know what I was doing when I was younger, but it felt natural to me. When I was 21, a friend of the family, who was a Reiki Master, invited my mom, sister, and myself to take a Reiki 1 training with her. Over the next 4 years, I would take Reiki trainings with several different people, finally getting my Master/Teacher training at 25. I was also born an empath with the ability to feel other’s emotions, which helped with being a healer. 

How does the Lefty Oracle Deck fit into your healing/spiritual/intuitive work with yourself and/or with your clients? What do you like best about this deck? How do you use this deck in your readings?

I like to use the Lefty Oracle as a clarifier and for advice in a reading. I use other decks to get the situation, but then use the Lefty for advice as to what to do in order to move forward from the situation.

How has the Lefty Oracle Deck helped you develop personally and/or professionally?

Even though I’ve been using tarot cards for 24 years and Oracle cards for 8 years it wasn’t until last year, when I bought Kathy’s Lefty Oracle, that I began reading the cards more seriously. Trusting my intuition when reading the cards without relying on a book's definition of the cards — the Lefty Oracle opened that door for me. 

Spiritually, intuitively, or creatively, who has inspired you the most, and why or how?

I’ve had many spiritual leaders over the years. Years ago, when I was just starting my spiritual journey after having been in a bad relationship, I took a goddess empowerment course with Kathy Crabbe. That course really inspired me and helped me a lot on my journey. Also, the spiritual and written works of Sharon Gannon and David Life, the founders of Jivamukti yoga, have been fundamental in showing me how I can live my yoga. Combining my spiritual beliefs with my physical practice also inspired me to become a vegan. Lastly, my yoga teacher, Jackie Incorvia Corrigan, who I work privately with. She helps me connect mind, body, and soul when I start to lose my way. 

How did you decide what specialty to focus on as an intuitive/healer/spiritual leader?

I’m not sure I ever really “decided” what specialty to focus on. I just follow the path the Universe puts out in front of me. One thing just leads to another. The path evolves as it goes along.

Have you ever thought about creating your own oracle or tarot deck? If you have created your own deck, tell us more!

I have thought about it, but unfortunately can not draw. Still trying to figure out how to work around that. Maybe one day! 

If you had to choose a spirit animal to describe yourself, what would you choose and why?

I have two spirit animals. The first one has been with me since my first shamanic journey when I was six: the turtle — slow and steady wins that race! The second one came to me a few months ago, also during a shamanic journey. That’s a snake, which is a symbol of rebirth: shedding your skin to grow; spiritual journey; raising kundalini. 

What advice do you have for others who are just starting to develop their intuitive, spiritual, healing side? (or, if you prefer) - What advice do you have for intuitives/healers who are considering taking it to the next level and becoming professionals?

I’m going to share a quote here that has become my motto. “Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.” - Joseph Campbell. Have faith, take a chance. Believe in yourself. 

What’s next?

My main focus right now is studying the chakras and how they relate to everything in life. I’m working on a workshop right now on manifesting the life you want with the chakras. I’m also working on a tarot/oracle card spread to get messages from the chakras.

About Annalee

Annalee is a yoga teacher in the tantra tradition, and Reiki master/teacher in both the traditional Usui tradition and the kundalini tradition. She is also a professional musician, works in the children’s room of her local library, has a booth at the local farmers market selling homemade soap, and is an activist. You can check out her work online at annaleejackofsky.com; @the_lotus_yogini; and @athenawatersong on instagram.

To learn more about the Lefty Oracle Deck click here.
To see more Lefty Oracle Spotlights click here.

Lefty Oracle Deck + 92 Page Guidebook

$50.00

How To Meditate

How to Relax and Meditate

Meditation is simple … really! It’s about letting go, relaxing the body, freeing the mind and releasing all worries (ahhh…) as you allow peace and love to gently flood your being.

Meditation can be practiced by just about anyone and involves muscle relaxation, focus on breathing and visualization techniques. It doesn’t have to be weighty or as serious! It’s really just another way to relax and release all your tensions and worries.

Meditation can help you quiet your mind and is one of the best techniques to improve your mood, sharpen your concentration and help you manage stress and even chronic pain.

I began my own meditation practice in 1991 when I joined a group in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada run by a lovely woman by the name of “Om” who had studied meditation with Sri Chinmoy. Meditating in a group can be a truly powerful experience and I recommend it highly, especially when you’re starting out!

Simple Meditation How-To

1. Find a space with few distractions. Close your eyes and relax your breathing. Focus on the physical sensation of your breath. Notice any tension or changes in your breathing. If your mind feels overwhelmed, return your attention to your breath: In. Out. In. Out.

Often your breathing will be shallow or irregular if you are feeling nervous or tense so spend a few minutes practicing and breathing slowly and steadily to restore a balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide to your body. You can also breathe in to a count of four and out for another count of four until you become relaxed. Make sure that you are comfortable and breathing gently without taking in big gulps of air.

2. Let your mind relax along with your muscles. If an emotion comes forward such as anxiety or anger, try not to attach to it, just let it float on by and disappear. In. Out. In. Out. You can also practice tensing and relaxing various muscle groups starting with your head and working your way down to your feet. Try tensing for five seconds and then relaxing for ten seconds. This is called progressive muscle relaxation and it can lead to deep levels of physical and mental relaxation.

3. Try visualizing scenes that are peaceful, calming, safe and. The more senses you can awaken, the more relaxing your meditation will be. For example, try imagining yourself walking down a tree lined path on a beautiful spring day, you can hear the birds tweet and you can see the light dancing through the trees and alighting in interesting patterns on your arm. Imagine that you can feel the cooling touch of a gentle spring breeze and smell the delicious scent of spring flowers in bloom.

Need more help? Here are two more meditations from my website:

A Quick Meditation Pick-Me-Up

How to Calm and Center (short and sweet!)