Interviewer: Shawn Schikora
Q 1: Do you feel during the past year, due to so many issues, that our “spirit” tapped us on our respective shoulders, giving us a wake-up call?
A: For sure! In 2021, the macro and the micro are very much in synch which means we cannot not notice that in our daily lives. The “inconvenience” of it all is the wake-up call, spirit in this case being our Higher Selves.
Q 2: What would you suggest to those frightened or hesitant to “look deeper” during these challenging times?
A: In times like these, we have no choice but to look deep inside. Of course, one can always choose to divert one’s attention elsewhere but that only works for short periods of time. Spiritual journeys never stop; the only difference is that (often due to outside happenings or circumstances) they suddenly become highlighted, meaning we notice them and either accept or reject that they are extant. Bottom line: you are on a spiritual journey that began at first breath. It is always happening on a subconscious level. To what extent you become conscious of it is up to you.
Q 3: Unfortunately, it seems many people don’t make concrete changes until some problem serves as a catalyst. Do you feel that in a way problems are blessings? Can one utilize a healing crisis to begin their spiritual growth, and if so, how?
A: Problems are opportunities in search of solutions, and often we don’t know something is a problem until we get a clear sense of what not having it looks like. It’s the idea of contrast. Catalysts are endemic to the human experience; they are constant and the extent to which we interact with them is a decision that is yours to make. Any crisis can fuel positive outcomes should we decide to utilize it in a constructive way.
Q 4: Many people hope to begin their spiritual journeys, but genuinely fear and believe spiritual growth encompasses the more spectacular elements they’ve either read about or seen depicted in films, TV, videos, and the media. On the opposite end, there are those seeking a wild, supernatural “thrill show,” hoping something truly “mind blowing” happens, and feeling disappointed spiritual growth might be mundane. What are your thoughts on this topic?
A: Spiritual growth is never mundane but, true, it often occurs by taking baby steps. Any wild, supernatural, thrill show will be the result of you being ready for it, and desiring its manifestation. It does not “just happen.” On some level you have given your permission and are a full participant in the experience. You refer to gossamers in your question, wisps of supposition. If you do not imbue them with substance they can never factor into your determinations or beliefs. Ghosts, whatever you make of the term, are just that, and nothing more.
Q 5: Many people believe in traditional religion and the place it occupies in their lives. If this is altered due to exploring less traditional spiritual methods, they might experience an “existential crisis” of sorts re: faith, their concept of God/Higher power, etc. Have you encountered individuals who have experienced this uneasy and possibly even unsettling dichotomy or schism in their so-called “spiritual psyches”?
A: When are you not evolving, moving away from something while at the same time moving toward something else? To answer your question, yes, I have, but I believe it to be a “faux” choice. We are only in an existential crisis if we decide to look at it that way. I respect everyone’s religious preference yet I urge you to not be boxed in by any particular dogma. Mental stimulation and exploration of ideas are keys to happiness. You can also be associated with a religion for any number of reasons unrelated to its teachings. That almost everyone experiences at least one crisis of faith during a lifetime is pretty much a given.
Q 6: You’ve been a teacher for most of your professional life. Do you feel that in exploring new areas, such as spirituality, channeling, and subsequently the world of self-publishing, you are continuing your role as a teacher? Or, have you also become a student of sorts? Do you feel the best teachers are perpetual students?
A: I was a public school French and Spanish teacher for approximately two thirds of my professional life. And I could claim to be a teacher in my personal life as well, certainly in regards to the books I have published. They are meant to inform the reader and expand consciousness. The famous “Chicken Soup for the Soul” comes to mind however my books are not based on one dish but many, a smorgasbord of ideas rooted in spirituality and metaphysics that are sometimes also great fun! In exploring the areas you mention, I have been both student and teacher, and continue to be. Indeed, I have always been studying something, whether it eventually became a profession or not. So, a life-long student, yes; also (a) teacher, and I contend that most people participate in that same paradigm. Human interaction is about learning, and spontaneous teacher/student role-playing between any two individuals is a major factor in achieving that goal.
Regarding self-publishing, I fortunately came across an excellent provider, re: formatting and design. My first book was traditionally published; those that followed are self-published. It is a gift of this age that much more material can now be shared with the public, as opposed to the days when publishers and editors acted as funnels to limit what could be imparted.
Q 7: What prompted, or served as a catalyst for, your own spiritual exploration?
A: Curiosity, the sense that all is not what it seems, and that there are greater plans and machinations in motion such as those symbolized by the movement of the planets. Never one to fully embrace any given religion I explored several in my youth, noted their respective vitalities, and then moved on. My first metaphysical foray was into the world of astrology when I lived in Boston. I then learned to read Tarot cards and realized that to some extent I was an empathic. Channeling did not come until later in life.
Q 8: You use the term “empath” to describe yourself. How exactly would you describe or define that term? Is it a talent, an expertise, an inborn trait, or was it something you “honed” and developed?
A. To some extent, all of the above. I first noticed as a child that I was able to tune into other people’s moods which translated into knowing when to keep my mouth shut or speak up, as the case may be. I believe if one is born predisposed to psychic sensitivity (which is how I define being an empath) more esoteric pursuits like channeling can easily be pursued, honed and flexed like a muscle. Astrology supports this contention as Neptune, ruler of cross-dimensional communication, is prominent in my chart, and in conjunction with both Sun and Mars.
Q 9: What advice would you share with those interested in channeling a deceased loved one, or a former business partner, co-worker, friend, etc.?
A: To effect communication with the Other Side, you must first feel grounded, secure, and comfortable within. And, I would suggest a few specifics in terms of setting the stage. Plan to channel late at night when Earth Plane “wires” are less busy. Cleanse your setting however you wish: via verbal incantation, burning sage, etc. Have one lit candle on the table or more. Pray if you wish. Ask that any extraneous entities be gone. Then call the entity in question to be present by speaking its name with the intention of allowing it to move the pen on the paper before you. If contact has been made you of course will be moving the pen yourself, but it will feel like someone else is really guiding it. The handwriting is likely to be different from your ordinary style and sometimes very fast. These are solely my ideas and suggestions, not ironclad fact. I am simply sharing what has worked for me. By the way, I only feel comfortable calling forth specific entities with which I already feel rapport. Ouija boards are not my style as who knows who may appear, and the information may therefore be dubious. Do not attempt to channel if ever you are feeling afraid of doing so. Everyone can channel, but it is not for everyone.
Q 10: How do we know when we are aligned with spirit? Is “spiritual alignment” a myth?
A: It is definitely not a myth, although there is no foolproof method to determine if you and a given spirit are momentarily in alignment. You may indeed experience physical manifestations, shivers, for example, or simply sense a ‘presence.’ In such instances, picture all concerned surrounded by Light and ask internally or out loud if there is any guidance or inspiration wanting to be imparted.
Q 11: Related to the above question, do you feel too many expect to be “aligned” as if it’s a kind of spiritual honeymoon? Is spiritual work difficult? Where does the “blissful” feeling of alignment come into play, if at all? Are only a few “gifted” with this spiritual bliss?
A: Cross dimensional alignment can and does take place all the time, but it is not automatic nor any sort of reward for spiritual work. In each instance, a great deal of maneuvering is required, akin to hitting the jackpot on a slot machine and usually very fleeting. I have never found spiritual work troubling though challenging at times, yes, because we are being called upon to reframe our thinking and/or step outside of our comfort zones. Spiritual bliss is available to all, and to some extent it is a product of our own volitions. If we want to be in that space, we can!
Q 12: You have gotten spiritual messages and guidance from none other than the late silent film actor, legend, and sex symbol Rudolph Valentino; in fact, he has helped you in the writing of several books. Why do you think he chose to work with you? Were you initially hesitant, or disbelieving, starting a “spiritual relationship” with him?
A: Rudolph Valentino was not the first entity I channeled. Prior to working with his ‘Greater Self’ (defined as the sum total of all his experiences thus far, in the body and out) I used automatic writing to contact my friend Janice who had passed unexpectedly at age 34. In the initial writing session it immediately became clear that we were in touch. Upon sharing what I had received, mutual friends vouched: yes, that sure sounds like Janice! The book we co-wrote, “Letters from Janice,” is about her experiences with the transition called death. Like all of my books, it is available via amazon.com or valentinospeaks.com.
To explain further about Rodolfo: his aforementioned “Greater Self” uses the personality that was as a vehicle or framework for communication. So what comes through is Rudy, his wit and wisdom for sure, but also his wider knowledge and experience.
After the Janice book was published, my channeling abilities lay fallow for some years. Then, in 2005, in a very compressed time period, my attention was suddenly directed to a wealth of information about Rudolph Valentino, his life and career. I paid attention and was inspired to attempt an automatic writing session to see if we could connect. It turned out that we could! To confirm what I already believed true, I made it a point to read the book of poetry he wrote in 1923 and discovered that the syntax, style, and tone were quite similar to the material I had been receiving. That was also the case with the booklet he wrote in the 1920’s entitled “How to Stay Fit.” By the third automatic writing session, it was clear that we were writing a book, Rudy providing the source material and me acting as scribe. That effort became “Valentino Speaks.” We have since collaborated on 3 other books, “Going for Excelsior,” “Rudolph Valentino: The Untold Story,” and “Beauty Wanted.” Though an experience requiring a certain amount of rigor as is the case with all book projects, working together is great fun! There is always a sense of wonder and delight each time we do an automatic writing session. I do know why we are in synch but it is also true that Rodolfo’s essence is in synch and in communication with many other people as well. So in that respect I am not unique. Given my previous experiences with Janice, I was not hesitant or afraid to start a “spiritual relationship” with Rodolfo.
Q 13: Would you be at the same place today, on spiritual, professional, creative, and emotional levels, if Rudolph Valentino were not an influence in your life?
A: Absolutely not! My interactions with Rodolfo are rich, layered, intellectually stimulating and above all always very collegial. Additionally, there is a “birds of a feather” aspect to them, sense of dovetailing, even though the personality that was his is quite different from the one I have adopted in this lifetime. In working with Rudy’s essence, I have consistently expanded my horizons and continue to do so in all the arenas you mention. Of course, every life experience is enhancing, but the ones involving Rodolfo have been nothing short of dazzling, loads of personal and professional growth having ensued. The thrust of our work is to enlighten others, but I am also continually enlightened by the information imparted, for our books, and to me personally.
Q 14: Do you feel your spiritual life and growth in this area would be different without your inner work with and guidance from Valentino?
I cannot say how my life would be different had I never channeled Rudolph Valentino, for there would have surely been lots of other learning opportunities. For me, channeling has truly been an apex, perhaps the most important highlight of my life, and a way of using my skills in the service of others, sources and readers alike.
Indeed, I find myself rather Rudy-centric these days, relishing my role as portavoce (spokesperson) in terms of bringing our book projects to fruition. Rodolfo has a lot to say, and I am grateful to be able to give him voice!