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The Queen's Chronicles
January 2015
In This Issue
OUR JANUARY SPONSOR
Two Hearts Tarot Special
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For any pair: Lovers, partners, friends, family members.

1/3 off a couples reading booked during the first two weeks of February (February 1 - 15).
 
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 ABOUT QUEEN 
MAMA DONNA

Donnanewsidebar

Donna Henes is an internationally renowned urban shaman, award-winning author, popular speaker and workshop leader whose joyful celebrations of celestial events have introduced ancient traditional rituals and contemporary ceremonies to millions of people in more than 100 cities since 1972. She has published four books and currently writes for the Huffington Post, Beliefnet and UPI (United Press International) Religion and Spirituality Forum, and serves as ritual consultant for television and films. Mama Donna, as she is affectionately called, maintains a ceremonial center, spirit shop, ritual practice and consultancy in Exotic Brooklyn, NY where she offers intuitive tarot readings and spiritual counseling and works with individuals, groups, institutions, municipalities and corporations to create meaningful ceremonies for every imaginable occasion.
 GOOD NEWS!

 

"Queen Donna Henes explores the historical and modern expectations of women in maturity, and offers wisdom and spark for creating a new story where risk-taking, personal conviction and noisy joy are affirmed. If you are interested in recognizing your inner Queen, let this book be your empowerment manual!"


- Women Withinsight

 

 

 

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The Queen of My Self is now available in all E-book formats: Kindle, Nook Book and Apple 
from:
 
QUEEN BOOK SALE!

Do you have a Kindle? 

 

Buy The Queen of My Self
print edition on Amazon and get the Kindle ebook for only $1.99 
(normally $6.99).
 

Over 70% savings!

 

Bonus! 
The offer also applies to readers who have already purchased the print version through Amazon!   

 

Visit the Kindle Store 
for details. 

 

Buy the print version  HERE.
BUY THE BOOK!

 
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I love the Queen! The archetype resonated with me, like finding a missing piece of the puzzle. As a once married, now single, childless-by-choice 41-year old, I am realizing that there is no established fit for women like myself. I suspect there are a lot of 40-something Queen aspirants out there, either people like me or those that married very young, divorced, and whose children are now grown. Anyway, thanks for sharing your insight about the Queen! -

- Lisa, FL

 

 CALLING ALL QUEENS

The Queen's Chronicles

Offers upbeat, practical and ceremonial inspiration for all women who want to enjoy
the fruits of an influential, passionate, and powerful maturity.
 

 


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A very grateful welcome to all our new donors this month!  

 
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TO MAKE A TAX DEDUCTABLE
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and help The Queen's Chronicles maintain its mission to promote meaning, moxie, magic, and majesty to women in midlife.

 

THANK YOU!  
 CONSULT THE 
MIDLIFE MIDWIFE™

 

Your guidance and calm in what have undoubtedly been the largest storms of my life will never, ever be forgotten. You've played an instrumental role in how I stand today- which is more graceful, aware, and powerful than I was before. A million thanks for all that you are, and all that you do.

- Megan, NY

 

 
Are you looking for
meaning, moxie, magic & majesty in midlife?

Consult
The Midlife Midwife™ 

bio portrait  

The transition from Maiden and Mother to Queen can be a difficult one, fraught with hard lessons and lots of loss. It takes great determination and courage to confront and embrace the changes brought about by the midlife passage.

 

It can be really helpful during this confusing time to have the inspiration, advice and encouragement of a counselor/coach/mentor - someone who has been there and done that and is ready to help you do the same.

 

Queen Mama Donna offers upbeat, practical and ceremonial guidance for individual women and groups who want to enjoy the fruits of an enriching, influential, purposeful, passionate, and powerful maturity.

 

TURN YOUR MIDLIFE CRISIS  
INTO YOUR  
CROWNING ACHIEVEMENT!

   

For further information, click HERE.
 
Sessions are available in person, by phone and skype.  
To make an appointment,  
call 718-857-1343  
or email the Queen at TheQueenOfMySelf@aol.com 

  

"We must not allow other people's limited perceptions to define us.  

- Virginia Satir

 
 SPIRIT SUPPORT SKILLS
TELESEMINARS
with Mama Donna

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A SERIES OF RELAXED

TELESEMINARS


FOR YOU TO DOWNLOAD

Lessons in practical spirituality
that offer no-nonsense approaches and practices to help you live your daily life in a consciously
(and conscientiously)

sacred manner.

$25 PER Download
$60 SERIES OF ANY 3
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ALWAYS IN SEASON
Back Issues Sale!


Always in Season 
Living in Sync with the Cycles

A Quarterly Journal by Mama Donna Henes, Urban Shaman

1999 - 2006  

"A Gem.

A fresh highlight
of the independent
and alternative media."

- Utne Reader 

 
Order the complete 32-issue set for only $32

Free shipping! 
(U.S. only)

Order HERE.
A QUEEN EVENT
NEAR YOU

WomonGathering Queens, PA
group
Universalist Unitarian Queens, NC

someday farm
Someday Farm Queens, CT
 
Israel
Moshav Modi'im Queens, Israel

Seva Retreat
Seva Retreat Queens, PA
q group
Los Angeles Queens. CA
Glastonbury Queens, England
Where Women Gather Queens, PA
Private Queening
crowned queens
Omega Institute Queens, NY

* 

FEBRUARY
 
GLOBAL

FEBRUARY 1-15
VALENTINE'S SPECIAL -
COUPLES TAROT READING

Deepen the meaning of your relationship. 1/3 off reading during the first two weeks of February. For any pair: lovers, friends or family members. Treat yourself and a loved one. 

In person or by phone. 

 

~ Gift Certificates Available ~   

 

For info: 718-857-1343
cityshaman@aol.com

$150 for a 1 hour reading for two people (plus PayPal fee).

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*
 
FEBRUARY 1 - 28
MAMA DONNA'S HAPPY BIRTHDAY 
TAROT CLUB  

1/3 off for February Birthdays. In person, by phone, or by Skype.
Click HERE to learn more.  
 ~ Gift Certificates Available ~ 

  

For info: 718-857-1343

  

$120 plus paypal fee  
 
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 *

NEW YORK

FEBRUARY 7
Saturday, 1:00 - 4:00 PM
TAROT 101
 
Learn the basics about the tarot. Connect with your inner wisdom 
and intuition to do simple readings for yourself and others. This class is required for further tarot studies.
 
Mama Donna's Tea Garden
& Healing Haven
Park Slope, Exotic Brooklyn, NY
For info: 718-857-1343
$50.

CLICK HERE to register

*

FEBRUARY 23
MARCH 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 
7 MONDAYS, 7:00 - 9:30 PM 
IT'S IN THE CARDS!

An in-depth study of the tarot. (The beginners Tarot 101 workshop 
is required for this series.) Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, Suits, Numerology, Royal Cards, and Spreads are covered.  
 

Mama Donna's Tea Garden
& Healing Haven
Park Slope, Exotic Brooklyn, NY
For info: 718-857-1343  

$420 ($60 per class) 
 
Register by February 13, 2015 and save $70! 
$350 Early Bird (+ PayPal fee)
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Students from past tarot classes are welcome to take single make-up classes.


*

GLOBAL  

FEBRUARY 25

Wednesday, 4:00 PM EST

Interview on Conversations with Wild Wisdom Keepers  

Register HERE 

 

*

NEW YORK

  

FEBRUARY 28
Saturday, 1:00 - 4:00 PM

PSYCHIC PROTECTION FROM ENERGY VAMPIRES

 

Learn how to protect yourself against the predators and parasites that steal away your personal power and resolve. 

Empower yourself with a sense of spiritual safety.  

Mama Donna's Tea Garden
& Healing Haven

Park Slope, Exotic Brooklyn, NY 

For info: 718-857-1343 

$50.

CLICK HERE to register

 

MARCH    

GLOBAL

MARCH 1-31
MAMA DONNA'S HAPPY BIRTHDAY TAROT CLUB  

1/3 off reading for March Birthdays. In person or by phone. 

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Tarot Special! 
~ Gift Certificates Available ~ 

For info: 718-857-1343 cityshaman@aol.com
 
$120 plus paypal fee  
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NEW YORK  

MARCH 13
Friday, 7:30PM

THE LIVES AND LOVES OF LADY LUCK:

A Sizzling Shakti Ceremony for women who would tempt fate on Friday the 13th! With Red Hot Mama Donna Henes, Urban Shaman.

On this sacred day in honor of the Feminine Divine, let us bless and chant, drum up and dance our highest and holiest Goddess Selves. 

Red libations of the fruit and the vine, and ruby sweet treats will be served. Prepare to ascend to your highest and holiest Self!

Please wear your reddest finery and bring a symbol of your hearts desire for our altar.

Mama Donna's Tea Garden 
& Healing Haven
Park Slope, Exotic Brooklyn, NY

For info: 718-857-1343

cityshaman@aol.com

 
Advance reservation required.

$40 (plus PayPal fee).  Before 3/6 
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$50. at the door

 

*

MARCH 17, 24, 31

APRIL 7, 14, 21
6 Tuesdays, 7:00 PM

SISTER SPIRIT SUPPORT CIRCLE   

Today's troubled times demand that we reach out to each other in a sincere and compassionate spiritual community. We will work collectively as an intimate group to help each other achieve our 
intentions to create spiritually meaningful and effective lives.

These ceremonial circles offer us the understanding, affirmation, encouragement, and support that we all need in order to empower ourselves to succeed in obtaining our goals and to sustain our spiritual perspective in the process.   

Mama Donna's Tea Garden 
& Healing Haven
Park Slope, Exotic Brooklyn, NY
For info: 718-857-1343
 
  
Advance reservation required. 
$300 ($50 per session) 


Register by March 3, 2015 and save $60! 
$240 Early Bird (or $40 per session + PayPal fee) 

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*
 
MARCH 28 

Saturday 3pm-6pm and 7:30pm - 10pm
VISIONARY SALON:
Creating Contemporary Ritual for Every Occasion

Hosted by Alex & Allyson Grey

  


Mama Donna guides you through the meaning, the mind-set, the  

mood, the method, and the magic of establishing a ceremonial 
order to your life.

  

CoSM, Chapel of Sacred Mirrors 

46 Deer Hill Road
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590  

  

To register, CLICK HERE  

  

$50. online 
$65. at the door

 
HAVE CROWN,
WILL TRAVEL!

crownalone
Bring the Queen to You!

Book Queen Mama Donna
for a reading, presentation, ritual, workshop, or keynote address at your next meeting, conference or retreat. 

 
Call her at 718-857-1343
or e-mail her.

More info here.
 
donna speaking

 

   

"Mama Donna's presentation was a wonderful gift and blessing. She offers a wealth of inspiration, encouragement, and empowerment for each person to reach her greatest potential."

- Vicki Fox, President

Women of Intention

Harrisburg, PA

  
THE QUEEN'S EMPORIUM


GIFT  
THE QUEEN OF YOUR SELF!

Queenlogolavendar

specializing in all manner of elegant, practical, and frivolous goods to fulfill all the royal needs and fantasies of
The Queen of Your Self. Therein you will find a choice collection of goods to augment and accessorize your royal prerogative.


Anoint, Adorn, Enjoy! 

 
NEW! 
THE QUEEN OF MY SELF 
SHOP on CafePress

In addition to the elegant offerings at

There is now also a
 

Kitchenware, business accoutrements, stylish accessories, and assorted items both useful and whimsical. 
Travel Mug
 
Shop till you drop without ever having to get dressed! 
THE QUEEN
ON THE RECORD

Read and listen to  
Queen Mama Donna's words  
of information
& inspiration.
Red indicates new additions.

Regular Syndicated Columns:

Always in Season
Ask Your Mama

The Queen of My Self: Meaning, Moxie and Majesty for Midlife Women


Recent Articles by QMD:

Recent Radio Interviews:

  

Awards:
The Queen of My Self
was named as a Best Ezine!

Mama Donna's website www.DonnaHenes.net
received a
Best Spiritual Site Award!

Queen Mama Donna and The Queen's Chronicles were named Baby Boom Woman Blogger To Watch Out For
by Virtual Woman's Day!

Rewards:
You!
 
 


It is my hope that as more and more women
rise to reign
in the fullest potential 
of our supremacy, we will harness our purpose,
passion, and power and direct it toward
creating a more balanced and peaceful world. 
This is the legacy of Her majesty.
- QMD 
Turn Your  
Midlife Crisis
into  
Your Crowning Achievement! 
 
Happy Birthday to the Queen!  

   The Queen is 10 this month! 
January 2005 - January 2015
Stay tuned for exciting new developments.
The Back Story  

Crow Flag  
 
Hail Queens!

  

  

  

  

   

 

It is now a decade since the publication of The Queen of My Self. This auspicious anniversary has sparked introspection, provoked evaluation, and evoked some amazing memories.

 

I was, of course, thrilled when The Queen of MY Self was sold to a prestigious publisher with an advance that would allow me to write full time for several months without worrying about the rent. The best part was that they committed to a vigorous promotion plan - rare in publishing even back then.

 

My deadline was brutally tight, but necessary in order to have a big launch on Mother's Day as they had planned. I handed in the completed manuscript exactly on time. And then waited for six weeks with no word whatsoever.

 

Something was wrong. They could never keep to the schedule at this rate. Finally I received a twelve page, single-spaced, eight point type letter critiquing the book. Not the writing so much as the premise, the title even. "'The Queen of my Self.' Isn't that selfish?"

 

Uh oh.

 

This was odd and extremely frustrating since they bought the book based on a detailed outline and a full chapter synopsis, title and all, which they loved. And I delivered them precisely what I had contacted to.

 

The criticism was contradictory: on the one hand the rituals I described were too personal, too spiritual. And on the other hand, my private life wasn't personal enough. What are the names and stories of my lovers and my son? Basically, they wanted me to be identified by my relations to the men in my life. Please! A Queen is Her Own Self.

 

My editor was a man, not yet 40. He was palpably threatened by the concept of the midlife Queen. He finally admitted, "I just can't relate to this book." Duh! No kidding. But since when do you need to have diabetes to publish a book about diabetes?

 

It was clear that there would be no publisher support for The Queen whatsoever. I could not just sit back and let it die on the vine. Besides, how could I deign to write a book about empowerment if I let that little twerp stand on my neck?

 

The Queen takes charge. She steps up to the situations of Her life and takes back the reins of Her power

 

So after much research and soul searching, I paid back the advance and bought back my rights. My first three books spanned the spectrum of publishers: one with Astro Artz, an obscure, now-defunct California house; one with Avalon, a distinguished mid-level consortium; and one with Putnam, a huge publisher with many imprints. My experience with them all led me to believe that I could not do worse.  

 

No sooner did I make the terrifying decision to establish a publishing company and publish the book myself, than I received an amazing affirmation of the correctness of my decision. On my way home from filing the registration papers for Monarch Press, I stopped at the post office. There in my box was a handwritten blurb for the cover of The Queen of My Self sent in completely unsolicited by Dr. Christiane Northrup:

 

"Finally, an archetype of midlife power and maturity that I can relate to - The Queen. Thank you Donna for providing this much-needed missing piece of women's wisdom."

 

So, with my partner, Daile Kaplan, I founded Monarch Press and assembled a Dream Queen Team. Daile generously shared her resources and business acumen and came up the name, Monarch Press. Deirdre Mullane, my literary agent, supplied twenty-five years of publishing experience and know how, as well as brilliant editing. Patricia Smith created the gorgeous, elegant book design and branding logo, as well as the template for The Queen's Chronicles. Janet Fish designed the website and keeps it running. Janice Pemberton and Sarah Reynolds took on the administration and distribution.

 

Together we made a book that has won a very wide audience, critical acclaim, awards, and Amazon.com bestseller status. But most important, we operated out of our ideals and we learned invaluable lessons in the process. We were all empowered in our personal lives in one way or another by having chosen to do what we believed in.

 

The Queen chooses always to involve Herself fully in the process of Her life and living, and to actively direct the drama of Her own myth.

 

Now a decade later, 77 issues of The Queen's Chronicles, 619 blogs, hundreds of gatherings, and countless letters and emails later, I can see the rewards of my determination to take the Queen to the women, at whatever cost.

 

You! You are the reward. You all. Us. You and me together, mature wise women changing the world from the inside out.

 

I send you regal blessings, 


signature   

Knowing through Her personal experience what is true and valuable, and having learned, usually the hard way, to be proactive, The Queen pledges Her royal Self to defend and promote all that is precious.

Before I Begin

I came across this essay in an old Queen computer file. I wrote it on the evening that I began to write The Queen of My Self.

 

I have been collecting the material for this book for more than eight years now. Ever since my 50th birthday when I first began to have the un-Crone-like revelations that eventually led me to the Queen, I have been preparing to write about Her: clipping articles, doing online and library research, talking with many hundreds of sisters-of-a-certain-age, presenting Queen Workshops and Crowning Ceremonies; spending unending hours with my thoughts, ideas, insights, conversations and dreams. But when the time came for me to think about actually sitting down to write, I realized that there were still more preparations that I needed to make.

 

Before I could write about the Queen with any moral authority, I felt strongly that I needed to be able meet Her as an equal, face-to-face, Queen-to-Queen. I believed it was crucial for the integrity of the book that I be perfectly fluent in Her language, that I consistently walk in her footprints and see out of her eyes. I needed to know that I could live up to Her lofty standards - and my own. I needed, in fact, to be Her, to personify Her with all of my being, heart, mind, body and soul.

 

For it to be possible to sort through and assemble all of the sections of this Queenly project, it is imperative that all of the parts of my own life be in prime working order, as well. My spiritual, emotional, intellectual, creative, social, political selves were all functioning just fine. It was my physical self, my own body and my domestic environment that needed urgent upgrading.

 

I needed a healthy, strong and supple body to support me in my growth and it was high time that I took myself in hand. One month ago, on the New Buck Moon, I made a promise to myself to do some sort of exercise for at least an hour a day for six days a week. I was afraid that when I began to write, I would sit down at the computer in the early morning and not budge until late at night and ultimately explode into a blob of royal protoplasmic jelly. For four weeks now, I have kept to my regime of clean eating and daily-without-fail movement. And it has begun, ever so slightly, to pay off. I sleep less, and have much more energy. I am gradually firming up and svelting down. I figure that by the time the book comes out, I will be fit for a Queen.

 

Next, I cut my hair, a most common rite of passage among women. I had worn my hair short and spiky for many years and felt that it suited me well. But then, sometime during my midlife traumas I got bored with my hairdo, symbolic, no doubt, of a much deeper discontentment. I kept thinking, "Is this the way I am going to wear my hair for the rest of my life?" So for the sake of variety, I let it grow wild and I hated it for all of the three years that it was long. Then, one day, it was time and I took back control of my own self-image.

 

I most especially longed for a beautiful palace in which I could entertain the Queen and luxuriate in her exclusive company. I had been living in a series of lofts-in-constant-progress for more than three decades and I was tired of life in a construction zone. I absolutely could not write this book ankle deep in sheet rock dust. My soul cried out for a domain that both soothed and energized me. I lusted for color, so I painted a beautiful Tuscan palette of ochre, terra cotta and teal- a gigantic and daunting job for a 3150-square foot space with 20' ceilings housing a multitude of stuff. Life was hell for two months, disgustingly filthy, exhausting and way beyond my economic means, but like most important things, so worth the trouble. While I suppose this detour away from writing could be mistaken for procrastination, the Queen in me insisted on Her due.

 

As wonderful as it is to have such a large space, a palace really isn't particularly conducive to introspective ponderings and intensely concentrated writing. So I carved out a tiny 6-foot square space in a corner of my studio using soji screens. I jury-rigged a desk arrangement and a place for my files and books. The screens are covered with my collection of fabulous 1940s bark cloth that I had been saving for years in order to use for something really special. This would be it. The Queen's Chambers, I call it.

 

The wall to my right sports a cloth tapestry of Queen Nefertiti holding the Goddess Isis by the hand. And on the arched brick wall directly across from my seat hangs an old-fashioned wooden medicine cabinet with a mirrored door. The first thing I see when I enter my small retreat, is my own reflection. Inside, is my altar dedicated to the Queen. Its glass shelves are filled with images, amulets, totems and tokens of majestic power. On the desk are two ceramic goblets, gifts that say, "It is great to be Queen," along with two pewter crowns rescued from the Salvation Army, meant, perhaps, to be candleholders. My own golden wreaths, crowns and coronets from various Crowning Ceremonies are pinned to my lampshade, where they are dramatically backlit. There is a vase of dried roses and a red candle in the shape of a woman.

 

Now, just as in my fantasy: I, Queen Mama Donna, freshly showered and coiffed, wearingdonna crown a lovely silk caftan, a Kir Royale in a beautiful glass within reach, sit down to consort with the Queen.

 

I light the candle.

 

And begin.

 

  

 

New Thunder Moon

July 17, 2004

Exotic Brooklyn, NY

 

The Queen's Court

your throne!  

The Queen's Court is a gathering of sovereign women of a certain age - our dear peers - who graciously offer information, guidance, inspiration and encourage- ment to each other.

 

We Queens know what we know. And we know a great deal. Our experience has made us wise. So, feel free to consult with our cyber council/counsel when you are need of sage advice or wish to explore a particular topic of interest.  

  


I have received a flurry of letters over the years from women both asking for and offering definitions and descriptions of Queendom. Here are a few. I hope that they will spark some response from you, the loyal, royal sisterhood who comprise The Queen's Court.

 

Questions on Queendom:

 

Hi Queen Donna

I'm not sure if this is an appropriate question. Are you really sure you are a Queen? Are you in the Royal Bloodline? If so, can you call yourself Queen because your ancestors were once related to a Royal Bloodline? But that doesn't mean you are Queen in modern days. Does it? Please clarify for me, because I am about to do research on my family Royal Bloodline also. Thanks,

-Dawn, TX

 

Dear Queen Dawn,

I am not a Queen with the sort of royal bloodline that you refer to. My royal bloodline is the one that runs through my own veins. I am the self-chosen Queen of Me. The reining Queen of My Self.

 

The Queen is an archetype that I use in my book, The Queen of My Self, to describe a woman who steps into her sovereignty in midlife. The Queen is the ruler of Her own domain. I see her as being not yet old, yet no longer young; but still active and sexy, vital with the enthusiasm and energy of youth. The Queen is tempered with hard-earned experience and the leavening attitudes of age. She has been forced to face and overcome obstacles and hard lessons, including Her own self-limiting tendencies, and in so doing has outgrown the boundaries of Her old self. Impatient with the unessential and restless for authenticity, She sheds all attachment to the opinions of others and accepts complete responsibility and control over Her life. She is the Queen of Her Self, the mature monarch, the sole sovereign of Her own life and destiny.

 

And you, my sister Queen, are the Queen of your own life, as well, whether or not you discover ancestral royal blood. Every woman can ascend to her own throne and crown her own head. Our world needs as many Queens as there are women. There can't be too many Queens.

With royal regards,

xxQueen Mama Donna

 

The mighty Queen, the great and wise, brave and compassionate woman ruler, the reigning commander of Her domain, is an expansive, expressive, accessible, energetic archetype who represents a mature female power, authority, responsibility, and influence worthy of our emulation.

-QMD

 

Dear Queen Mama Donna,

Just out of curiosity, what is the age range to be included as a Queen? Is it only from midlife on? I'm confused on this.

- Debby, OH

 

Dear Queen Debby,

How old is a Queen? It depends. I usually think of the Queen as a woman in her middle years, which covers a very large age range from the mid-40s through the mid 70s. But as in all things, there can be exceptions. Women who had children very young and are experiencing the empty nest in their 30s and women who have experienced premature medical menopause have told m

e that they face the same transitional life issues as women who are older. This emotional and physical transformation urges them toward Queendom.

 

By the same token, women in their late 70s and even 80s have expressed a strong identification with the active and energetic Queen. Two years ago at in a ceremony at a goddess conference in Glastonbury, England, a 90- year old woman insisted on being crowned as a queen rather than a Crone.

 

So the bottom line is if you feel like you are a Queen, then you are! It is never too early or too late to ascend to your true power.

Your Declarations of Queendom:

 

I just coined the word regaliciously. I like the way it sounds. If Rachel Ray can get in the dictionary for EVOO, maybe I should contact the dictionary people with the new word: regalicious. What do you think?

- Linda, NY & NJ

 

When I told my partner, Sheriden about "regalicious" from the December Queen's Chronicles this morning, she coined another word. "Well," she said, "it's Queendomonium around here today!" It's all yours! Queendomonium! We laughed till she cried. Congrats on another swell newsletter as always,

-Susan, MA

 

I am a Queen. I now wear my crown. My thorns turn to jewels.

Thank you! I think I've been mostly missing the sovereignty aspect... getting it now though.

- Lisa, NY


 

What I have seen very clearly, right before my eyes over the years, is that women can indeed mature to very advanced ages, while staying lively and vital and full of fire and spunk. My great aunts and distant cousins twice removed were pistols. They didn't cause harm, but they didn't take guff from anyone. They stood their ground gracefully and powerfully and with unmatched poise. They traveled the world - alone or in pairs - when the world expected them to be propped up in a chair at a rest home. They learned foreign languages "late in life." They taught rough-and-tumble college students twice their size and weight how to conjugate verbs. They could fend for themselves, they could make their way unafraid in the world, and they weren't dependent on the approval of men or the dominant paradigm to validate their choices. They ruled their lives with an iron fist in a velvet glove, and they were deeply respected by all. Long before Donna Henes did us the wonderful service of voicing the vital concept of Queendom, these elder women of my youth were Queens. They were Queens in the purest sense of the word, and they remained so well into their 60s, 70s, even 80s.

- Kay, MA

 

I just celebrated my 69th birthday on December 4th, so I guess I am a Queen!!! If being a Queen is part of your state-of-mind, then, Queen Donna, I too, am definitely a Queen, and I hope to remain one for many years.

- Debbie, OH

 

I thought about you when during a yoga class we did the Queen pose. How appropriate that there is a Queen pose!

- Susan, CA

 

You were right when you wrote in The Queen of My Self, "there are no 10 easy steps to sovereignty." Becoming the Queen of my own life has been the hardest thing I have ever done, and also the most rewarding. It seemed natural to love and honor my husband. It was easy to love and nurture my children. But it has been a struggle to come to love, honor and nurture myself. I am still working on it, and every day I feel more like a Queen.

- Queen Isabella, VA

 

As a little girl I wondered what it would be like to be a Queen, after reading The Queen's Chronicles I have a much deeper and broader understanding of just how good it is to be the Queen. Being a Queen is knowing yourself and loving yourself, so that you can move through your life with confidence and a sense of purpose. Not by any means a perfect state, it requires a willingness to learn, a willingness to dialog and more important to listen, to change when needs be. To value others and their ideas, but to know which ones are true for herself. To carry with you, in your heart, what time has shown and taught you. To love and live tolerance. And to understand that timeworn is not careworn. Being loyal and true to yourself, loving yourself is the root of selflessness, not selfishness.

- Lois, PA

 

Being a Queen is having enough life experience to truly know what I want, coupled with the motivation and ability to make it happen. Valuing myself enough to allow myself to expend time and resources on my own development. Realizing that doing these things will provide a role model for my 17-yr-old daughter as she enters adulthood.

- Cyndi, TX

 

A Queen is one who has the ability to show no mercy but decides on mercy and giving of blessings even though I have the ability to curse and hold back on those blessings. A Queen must not look at things from only one point of view. She must be able to make judgment calls without malice. She must not think she is the most important. As a Queen I realize that those who look up to me are far more important than they think they are.

- Karen, IN

 

A Queen rules her court with love, never fear.

Anne Marie, NM

 

A Queen believes in what she is doing without any doubt or fear:-)

- Sanaz, Malaysia

 

I will be 47 this year. I have considered myself a Queen for many years. Queens know themselves completely, even the bad stuff. Queens are fully confident in their powers, boundaries, intuition, strengths, talents and feelings. However, I am also a mother to my six-year old daughter so I feel very much like a mother. So, I consider myself a Queen Mother, actually. I once read about a Polynesian culture whose ruler was a Queen Mother Who Sits on Her Golden Throne. That's me! Yeah!

- Sheryll, CA

 

I sent this letter out to my friends on February 16:

"In connection with being asked by my friend Beth, who is approaching her fiftieth birthday, to help her do a ceremony, I discovered all over again the wonderful book, The Queen of My Self, by Donna Henes, the Urban Shaman. Among other ingredients, it has one of my poems, "Penelope" in it. If you don't like to think of yourself as a crone, this is IT - think of yourself as a Queen, and here is how to do it. I can't recommend it strongly enough! You'll want a copy, and I'm not letting my copy out of my sight again."

- Karen, NJ

 

As a sister-Queen, I proudly stand in the authentic truth of my own talents and abilities and I proudly proclaim my desires to help transform the world (and shift the patriarchal paradigm) through my thoughts, words, deeds and actions (including my writings!).

- Queen Mary Immaculata, CO

 

I think the most important thing is that becoming the Queen of My Self is a process and an ongoing one at that. The confidence and self esteem that a Queen radiates makes her beautiful. Her beauty comes from within and shines through her eyes, her smile, her words, and her gestures. It comes from being your own unique self.

L.a., PA

 

I am coming into my Queendom and I am so proud. I have been through hell and back, and now I am finally able to proclaim that I am the boss of me. How liberating that is.

- Lisa, MI

 

I am 40 this year. I have been looking forward to this birthday since I turned 30. That was a traumatic year. I thought I was maybe a little off for being so anxious to get to what so many of my school friends and countless other women seem so horrified by. Then I started hearing about this Queen archetype. It suddenly made sense. I know 40 isn't a magic number, but to me it is a signal of great things to come.

- Kim, IA

 

Being a Queen means knowing how to access my life force energy, what activates it, what zaps it, AND granting myself permission to do whatever it takes to stay connected to this inner fountain of youth!

- Daina, MI

 

A Queen knows she is worthy based on nothing but the truth that she IS Goddess in Form

-Phoebe, NC

 

I suppose Queening is self-proclaimed,

- Lauree, NY

 

You got it, girlfriend! You are the Queen, because you say you are the Queen. You feel it and think it, and show it, and therefore you are! The Yoruba have a saying, "You crown your own head."

- QMD

  

   

 

 

 

The thing women have yet to learn is nobody
gives you power. You just take it. 

- Roseanne Barr

 

I would love to further this discussion. Do send in your definitions, descriptions and declarations of Queendom.

 

Please send your responses or questions to thequeenofmyself@aol.com 

Your letters will be printed in the next Queen's Chronicles.

 

The Queen's Correspondence

correspondence


Thanks so much for taking the time to respond to
The Queen's Chronicles. It is a joy to connect with you and to share your comments with our sister Queens.




 

 

Letters in response to the DECEMBER 2014 Issue:

  

 I enjoyed your chronicle today. I loved Eve Ensler's poem. I am very happy that you posted an announcement of the book Merlin Stone Remembered. I hope people will respond to it. It is almost a fairy tale--how they met and stayed together so long--a very unlikely pair, but one that was surely guided to meet. I send blessings and light, and many thanks for the great spiritual work that you do. You seem to have endless energy.... and the work obviously gives energy back to you, too.  

- Gloria, CA

 

The story about the cheeky airlines agent was a scream! Would that I could think on my feet so quickly and with such effective, cutting humor. "Tell it like it is" indeed!

_ Sharlene, LA

 

It is amazing to me that you put out one after another newsletter of such high quality. And you have been doing it for such a long time. You are a great role model for me, and I am sure for others, as well.

-Eleanor, WA

 

Always beautiful to read your research of truth.

- Linda, NY

 

I want to thank you for all you do on behalf of women everywhere. Goddess blessings for 2015 and beyond.

- Linda, FL

 

Every issue is a gem. I feel so privileged to be in this network of wonderful older women who you have gathered and continue to inspire.

- Shirley, NE

 

You are doing such wonderful work. The world really needs you. God bless you,

- Kaye, AZ

 

Please keep your letters coming. And do feel free to make suggestions about content you would like to see. Or anything else, for that matter. 

 

Please send your responses to thequeenofmyself@aol.com
 
Your letters will be printed in the next
Queen's Chronicles
.
 
Kudos to the Queens!

clapping hands rotated

 

 

 

We extend hearty congratulations to our multi-talented circle of Sister Queens for their impressive accomplishments and successes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What I really need is for people to know that  

I don't just do this, I do this and this and this and this. We all have creativity in us and we all are  

multi-dimensional and we are all interested in  

a lot of things and that women are fabulous.  

We can handle a lot of things.

- Suzanne Somers

 

Alessandra Belloni, NJ; Barbara Hammer; NY; Annie Lanzillotto, NY; Linda Montano, NY; and Laura Simms, NY; on their performances and/or performances of their work.

 

Jerri Allyn, CA; Emma Amos, NY; Eleanor Antin, CA; Ida Applebroog, NY; Suzanne Benton, CT; Cristina Biaggi, NY; Dara Birnbaum, NY; Darla Bjork, NY; Stephanie Brody-Lederman, NY; Lauren Curtis, NJ; Joyce Cutler-Shaw, CA; Anne Gauldin, CA; Cheri Gaulke, CA; Janet Goldner, NY; Julie Harrison, NY; Sheila Pepe, NY; Chrissie Schlessinger, NY; Anna Shapiro, RI; Robin Tewes, NY; Linda VAllejo, CA; and Martha Wilon, NY; on the exhibitions of their artwork.

 

Sandy Boucher, CA, She Appears: Encounters with Kwan Yin Goddess of Compassion (book); Naomi Hunter, Australia, A Secret Safe to Tell, (Children's Book)  on their new publications.

 

Silvie Jensen, CA, on her cross country move.

 

Denise and Patricia Adams-Wright, NS, Canada, on their marriage.

 

Asari Beale, NY; Gabrielle Engh, NY; Susan Glusica, NY; Monique Lang, NY; and Carol Sun, NY; on their new jobs.

 

Lorraine O'Grady, NY, on her Creative Capital 2015 Award.

 

Susan Leonard, NY, on receiving the Sara Frazer Ellis Award In honor of her commitment to education, philanthropy, community service, and leadership.

 

Cynthia Carr, NY; Annie Lanzillotto. NY; and Patricia Smith, NY; on their New York Foundation for the Arts grants.

 

Please send your good news, achievements, accomplishments, successes and celebrations so that our international circle of sovereign sisters can send you blessings and accolades. 


And we are glad to so. It is a joy and a privilege to share in the fortune of another woman. I recently heard Oprah say the saddest thing ever - "The hardest thing about being successful is having someone to be glad for you."

It takes a centered and confident Queen to break that pattern. There are 60 million thrones out there. One for each of us. There is plenty of purpose, passion and power for us all. May we use it well! 
 
Circle of Concern

Helping Hands Circle


Please Offer Your Purest Thoughts, Your Heart-Felt Prayers, Your Great Good Feelings, And Your Very Best Blessings For Healing and Peace of Mind To:

 

 

 

 

 

Adrianne, NY; Alison, TN; Amy, NY; Babs, NY; Barbara, NJ; Bebee, DE; Berenice, NY; Bettye, NY Betty, AL; Chrissie, NY; Christine, NY; Dana, CA;  Darla, NY; Diane, NY; Dolly, NY; Dominique, NM; Donna, NY; Gail, WA; Jo, AZ; Joan, ME; Joan, NY; Judi, FL; Judith, NY; Karen, NJ; Kathleen, PA; Kaylin, MD; Kazuko, NY; Kim, NY; Kimi, NJ; Laura, NY; Linda, FL; Linda, SC; Lisa, NJ; Lorie, KY; Lydia, CO; Lisa, PA; Lucia, TX; Mari, VA; Marna, NY; Mary, MD; Mary, NY; Mary, OH; Mary, CO; Nancy, NY; Nancy, NC; Nona, LA; Pat, MA; Patsy, NY; Paula, NT; Pearl, NY; Rebecca, NY; Reynolds, NY; Roberta, NY; Sandy, CA; Serpentessa, NY; Sharon, NY; Shelley, NY; Sheriden, MA; Shirley, IN; Sherli, CA; Sid, PA; Smriti, CA; Sue, CA; Susan, MA; Susan, NC; Terese, NY; Terri, FL; Urvashi, NY; Vicki, MN; Weslea, ME; and Yvette, NY; who are in the process of healing themselves from illness, accident, injury, or surgery.

 

Amy, NY; D. Barbara, NY; Beverly, NY; Carol, NY; Diana, FL; Eleni, NY; Gaetana, NY; Glenys, Australia; Joanne, NY; Kimberly, NY; Kimi, NJ; Kyia, MN; Linda, NY; Linda, NY; Maureen, NY; Meryl, NY; Dee, NY; Patricia, Australia; Regi, CA; Sheryll, CA;Susan, NY; and Svetlana, NY; who would benefit greatly from some spiritual support.

 

Ali, VT; Andrea, NY; Annie, NY; Barbara, NY; Barbara, CA; Arol, NY; Chrys, NY; Deni, NY; Diane, NY; Erica, New Zealand; Erica, CT; Gaetana, NY; Gail, NY; Hemetra, PA; Janet, CT; Kat, NY; Kate, NY; Kathrine, Denmark; Laurie, OH; Lois, NY; Marla, NY; Mary, CO; Marya, NY; Meryl, NY; Nancy, NC; and Roslyn, NJ; the caregivers who are in weary need of care themselves.

 

May Their Spirits Rest in Peace:

Shirley Petten, BC, Canada

  

Heartfelt Condolences:  

Andrea Biggs, NY

Susan Hamovitch, NY

Paula Murgia, NY

 

Prayer requests:

Please add Andrew Rothkin and his roommates to the list of those needing healing. Their apartment burned down and his kitty was killed and he got some injuries while trying to stop the fire unsuccessfully. All of his stuff is gone and he is still in the hospital, though apparently not with major injuries. He is an actor, director, and writer friend who recently lost his job and insurance because of that. Also please add Quinn M. Bass, who died recently, and his partner Eddie Marrero who is in mourning. Thanks.

-Margi, NY

 

Please pray for the healing of my friend and mentor, Moriah, who is desperately ill. I appreciate your spiritual support.

- Eleni, MA

 

Please send your deepest blessings for Laurie, my best friend from Junior High School in Cleveland. She faces a dreaded disease and heroic surgery. Please also keep Tiffany in your prayers for her surgery. They are both marvelous Queens. Merci,

xxQMD  

                    Helping Hands

 

Please send your requests for physical and spiritual healing and positive energy so that the powerful women of The Queen's Court might send their prayers and blessings to you in your time of need. 
   

 

The love of our neighbor in all its fullness simply means

being able to say, "What are you going through?"

- Simone Weil

Where the Queens Are

 

crownglobewhite   

 

The International Court of Kick Ass QueensTM
 

 

The Queen's Chronicles has subscribers in:

 

The United States - Every state  

Canada

British Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec,  

  

As well as: 

  

Austria

Australia

Belgium

Brazil

Chile

Costa Rica

Denmark

Egypt

England

France

Germany

Greece

Greenland

Holland

Honduras

Hungary

India

Ireland

Israel

Italy

Luxembourg

Malaysia

Mexico

Morocco

New Zealand

Panama

Poland

Russia

Scotland

Slovenia

Spain

South Africa

Wales

  

Have I left you out?

Where do you live?

 

CALLING ALL QUEENS.

WHERE ARE YOU?

 

Please Submit Your Royal Reports

 

Tell us about your Self and/or your Queen Group:  

who, what, where, when, why?

What Queenly topics do you explore?

What projects do you engage in?

Describe some golden regal moments.

Send pictures!


~ ROYAL RESOURCES FOR QUEENLY WOMEN ~


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