Today, February 28, 2008, Ruth passed over to the Spirit World. At 91 years old, she had earned the right to leave this dimension. We all have been touched by this incredible woman who was only 5' 4" tall and 110 pounds. I hope you will leave COMMENTS, signed by yourself, about how Ruth has touched your life.
I chose a picture of her at Machu Picchu in Peru. It was one of the best journeys of her life and it mean so much to her on a spiritual level. She is standing on the 'old' mountain/apu, Machu Picchu and in the background, behind her, is Huynu Picchu, the 'young' apu.
While Ruth was on this magnificent and sacred Incan complex, she was gifted with a Condor flying over head as well as a rainbow across the Tree of Life that lives in the temple area. She smoked the pipe for all her relations there and it was a beautiful spiritual give and take between her and the spirit world at this one-of-a-kind magical place on Mother Earth.
Here is the altar where Ruth's ashes reside in the hogan. Today, when I placed them there, lit the sage and wafted it around the 8-sided sacred space, the western sun streamed through the WEST window (the place of death and rebirth) and shone exclusively on her urns atop the altar. You can see for yourself. What a beautiful moment! Truly, she is blessed by the Great Spirit.
Here is a close up of Mom's ashes on the altar. A corn goddess Hopi Kachina, carved from the sacred Cottonwood tree, sits on top of the urns that bear her ashes. A South American Condor's feather graces the urns as well, to honor Ruth's spiritual journey to Machu Picchu in 2000. Ruth worked a lot in this hogan, drumming while shamanic journeys were undertaken for others. She also helped teach young apprentice shamans, too. And what an inspiring Grandmother she was to all those students who have passed through this hogan in the last twenty years. Aho.
Please share your thoughts, your heart, your feelings and rememberances of her and how she has touched your life.
Much love, Eileen
25 comments:
I first met Ruth in 1987. I loved her energy, her warmth, her joy. I can recall hugging the big tree in her backyard in order to learn how to ground! I saw her again in 2001, and remember with joy the time I spent walking with her in Sedona around Eileen's land, being blessed to be in her altar room, watching the birds and animals with her...and sitting at her kitchen table as we laughed about my big "bear sighting" at West Fork. I loved Ruth, and I honor and revere her memory.
"Requiem aeternam dona ei, O Sophia, et lux perpetua luceat ei. Requiescat in pace."
Eileen, may you and Dave and all your family be blessed and comforted.
JoAnn K. Prater
Ruth brought the magic of birds and birds nests into our lives. I still remember the wonder in Manuel and Francisca's eyes after Ruth showed them how to collect abandoned bird's nests down at the creek. When they returned, it was pure discovery and joy with the three of them examining their new found delicate treasures. At 89, Ruth was just like a kid; vibrating with delight. Eileen told us of how Ruth collected nests all her life. It was true magic. That day, Ruth became Grandma Ruth. That day, Ruth nurtured the souls of my children and I will forever be grateful to her kindness and wisdom.
We love you and we will miss you Grandma Ruth. You honored us with your teachings. We feel blessed to have known you. When we watch the birds we will think of you and celebrate your life.
Ruth, thank you for celebrating my 40th birthday with me. Thank you for all the conversations.
Yolande Grill and Family
Ruth Gent- well she just was you know. A character. A bit of a trickster. She made me want to joke with her. A gentle soul and incredibly friendly and helpful. She gave me a pouch filled of sacred sand which I shall cherish forever.
I know I will met her again. Its been a privilege to spend a little time with you.
barbara ward/New Zealand
Marina van Haalen
Dear Ruth I saw your at Machu Pichu, now I know the way you where so feeling as a compagnon. I have been in Machu Pichu and I walk ther by my own the Inca trail and i feld the native energie over there. So when I Opend the blog and saw You There That was my connection with this wonderfull women RUTH.
Thank You for knowig you.
love Marina van Haalen
I never met Ruth, but I have the greatest admiration and respect for the daughter she shared her joy of life with. She had to have been a remarkable woman to nurture Eileen's many and varied gifts.
Eileen, her spirit lives on in you.
I had to smile about Eileen's comment that they called her the "Weed Queen" because one of my favorite memories of Ruth is weed-connected.
Eileen and Dave had just recently moved to AZ and I was visiting from Austria. I couldn't sleep in because of the time difference, and Ruth and I spent a lot of early morning hours weeding the patch that later became her vegetable garden, with Boots keeping us company.
Safe journey and much love,
Nina
We met Ruth very infrequently - our loss! She did a wonderful drumming at an SRE ceremony that Eileen led, and that was very much enhanced by Ruth's wonderful drumming. Thanks to both of you for that wonderful experience. And on to better things, Ruth. Thanks also for taking the time and going through your journey in the last months to teach so many of us more about the dying process.
Good adventures, with lots of birds, now that you're on the other side!
Patrick and Lesley.
I got to know Ruth May as my partner in 1984 to do the healing on when it came to be my turn in Eileen’s Shamanic Training, and her surprise at our close connection at that moment. That connection developed into an easy friendship over these many years. Thanks to Eileen that connection was strengthened and kept alive.
The morning that Ruth May passed over, I awoke at what turned out to be the very time she made her transition. I saw her smiling face very clearly, and wondered what message she was sending me. The last time we spoke on the phone she had called me from Austin House, and I called her back on my line. It seemed like always, a strong bond between us, an understanding that we were friends on a similar path. And that we would see each other again when it came my turn to join her on the Other Side. I send her my love, and all good wishes to Eileen and Dave, and all the family.
Gracie
I met Ruth in spring of 2001 when I also met Eileen for the first time. I was with them to learn about walking the Good Red Road, and Eileen included Ruth in the teaching team. I remember the good energy I felt from her when we met, and I also remember with delight being introduced to the racing doves she was raising at the time. I was fascinated with these snow white birds whose cooing sounded like water over stones, and who could fly like the wind in spite of their gentle demeanor. Ruth enjoyed telling me all about them and how she raised them, and I was entranced. I remember seeing them circling the canyon when I arrived, and for me, they will always be connected with my memories of Ruth.
I believe those doves helped escort her to the Other Side Camp and that along with all the other creatures and plant beings she loved, surround her with loving energy and beauty.
I also treasure the wonderful gift of a bear-headed staff Ruth gifted me with, and it still stands by my door and goes out with me on hikes, especially when I intend to work in a sacred manner with the spirits of the land.
I am grateful for being given the gift of knowing Ruth, and of having her remarkable daughter Eileen as a friend and teacher. I see Eileen carrying on Ruth's legacy in some very special ways, and I am moved and inspired by her heart felt devotion to her mother over these last years of her life.
On the night of Ruth's passing, I saw a brilliant shooting star, and felt it was a sign of her departure to the Other Side Camp. A teacher once told me some ancient tribes believed the stars are the campfires of the ancestors on the Other Side....I love that idea and imagine Ruth sitting with the ancestors around a star-campfire in the sky, laughing and telling stories, all the while keeping a watchful eye on those she loves who are still over here----not far away, just in a different dimension. Blessed Be.......Marty Rienstra
hello there,
Such big changes come about.
Such big transitions just come through.
Such big spaces all of a sudden.
So many energies ready to fill.
Eileen, I send you and your family love and prayers. Prayers of gratitude for what looks to me like wonderful soulful sharing in your life. And prayers for your holding when you miss your mom.
After your moms long hard road to passing, I am sure she is in a fine state of grace.
Lyn de la Motte/South Africa
Dear Eileen,
Received your message. Of course it is always so difficult to know what to say at such times. I think given how much you have talked about your mother over the years--that she used to drum for you and lived with you. How lovely that you had so much 'good' to share, that your life journey was so intertwined, such a strong bond. Such a legacy!
I think of you often--would you believe almost daily? Really. I am always grateful for the gifts, life altering gifts, you have given me. Recently, because I knew your mother didnt have so much time left, I have been thinking of her too.
I send you both lots of love and peaceful energy.
Love and bear hugs
Sylvia
hello there,
Such big changes come about.
Such big transitions just come through.
Such big spaces all of a sudden.
So many energies ready to fill.
Eileen, I send you and your family love and prayers. Prayers of gratitude for what looks to me like wonderful soulful sharing in your life. And prayers for your holding when you miss your mom.
After your moms long hard road to passing, I am sure she is in a fine state of grace.
lots of love,
Lyn de la Motte/South Africa
I met Ruth in spring of 2001 when I also met Eileen for the first time. I was with them to learn about walking the Good Red Road, and Eileen included Ruth in the teaching team. I remember the good energy I felt from her when we met, and I also remember with delight being introduced to the racing doves she was raising at the time. I was fascinated with these snow white birds whose cooing sounded like water over stones, and who could fly like the wind in spite of their gentle demeanor. Ruth enjoyed telling me all about them and how she raised them, and I was entranced. I remember seeing them circling the canyon when I arrived, and for me, they will always be connected with my memories of Ruth.
I believe those doves helped escort her to the Other Side Camp and that along with all the other creatures and plant beings she loved, surround her with loving energy and beauty.
I also treasure the wonderful gift of a bear-headed staff Ruth gifted me with, and it still stands by my door and goes out with me on hikes, especially when I intend to work in a sacred manner with the spirits of the land.
I am grateful for being given the gift of knowing Ruth, and of having her remarkable daughter Eileen as a friend and teacher. I see Eileen carrying on Ruth's legacy in some very special ways, and I am moved and inspired by her heart felt devotion to her mother over these last years of her life.
On the night of Ruth's passing, I saw a brilliant shooting star, and felt it was a sign of her departure to the Other Side Camp. A teacher once told me some ancient tribes believed the stars are the campfires of the ancestors on the Other Side....I love that idea and imagine Ruth sitting with the ancestors around a star-campfire in the sky, laughing and telling stories, all the while keeping a watchful eye on those she loves who are still over here----not far away, just in a different dimension. Blessed Be.......Marty Rienstra
The morning that Ruth May passed over, I awoke at what turned out to be the very time she made her transition. I saw her smiling face very clearly, and wondered what message she was sending me. The last time we spoke on the phone she had called me from Austin House, and I called her back on my line. It seemed like always, a strong bond between us, an understanding that we were friends on a similar path. And that we would see each other again when it came my turn to join her on the Other Side. I send her my love, and all good wishes to Eileen and Dave, and all the family.
Gracie
I first met Ruth about 10 years ago, weeding in the garden at Eileen's. As one of our special gifts as students, Eileen invited us into her Hogan, and Ruth and Eileen both drummed for us. It was THE most magical experience of my life, as Ruth's drumming carried us on a most remarkable journey, singing with Eileen's amazing Tibetan drum.
Years later I was invited into deeper training with Eileen. Many times, sitting in the sacred Hogan, as students we would hear Ruth's drum play from where it hung on the Hogan wall. One morning about mid-way thru our training week, my fellow students and I were gathering on the floor in the sacred Hogan, eagerly awaiting another day of intensive study. As I centered myself in my new spot for the day, and we began, there was a loud "ping" and Ruth's drum lifted itself from the wall, literally flew over the heads of two other students missing them completely, and landed square on the right side of my head. We were all amazed, and I, for one, was a great deal stunned and a bit woozy.
I have been learning ever since about the mystery of this "hit", and the incredible openings in my own life, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. I know in my heart that Ruth's Medicine entered my body at that moment, and lives within me to this day. What a sense of humor!!!!
I have cherished each time that I have been able to connect with Ruth, and am grateful to have been a part of her passing and eulogy.
Thank you Eileen.. You know I love you and Dave and all the critters... and of course, Ruth.
warmth
Robin Cunningham Myers
FOUR BATCH 3.3.08
I first met Ruth about 10 years ago, weeding in the garden at Eileen's. As one of our special gifts as students, Eileen invited us into her Hogan, and Ruth and Eileen both drummed for us. It was THE most magical experience of my life, as Ruth's drumming carried us on a most remarkable journey, singing with Eileen's amazing Tibetan drum.
Years later I was invited into deeper training with Eileen. Many times, sitting in the sacred Hogan, as students we would hear Ruth's drum play from where it hung on the Hogan wall. One morning about mid-way thru our training week, my fellow students and I were gathering on the floor in the sacred Hogan, eagerly awaiting another day of intensive study. As I centered myself in my new spot for the day, and we began, there was a loud "ping" and Ruth's drum lifted itself from the wall, literally flew over the heads of two other students missing them completely, and landed square on the right side of my head. We were all amazed, and I, for one, was a great deal stunned and a bit woozy.
I have been learning ever since about the mystery of this "hit", and the incredible openings in my own life, spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically. I know in my heart that Ruth's Medicine entered my body at that moment, and lives within me to this day. What a sense of humor!!!!
I have cherished each time that I have been able to connect with Ruth, and am grateful to have been a part of her passing and eulogy.
Thank you Eileen.. You know I love you and Dave and all the critters... and of course, Ruth.
warmth
Robin Cunningham Myers
KAREN DAVID:
"Although sad for me, as I will miss Ruth here on the physical plane I also am happy for her that she is truly home and free now.
I will miss the many phone conversations she and I had over the years, as well as the times I visited with her too. I will never forget the way she laughede and would playfully slap me on the arm at the same time. It was special, humorous, and we'd laugh--a lot.
I'll always remember the first time I met her in San Diego when I was with you, Eileen, and we were lecturing. She used to play the organ then. I remember it was a trailer like mobile home type setting. I remember the inside cozy feeling of the place. I remember the flowers and plants both inside and outside there, then too.
I'll also remember the times spent down at your place there in Arizona, and when I'd visit her in the living room area and/or on the porch. I also remember the trips to town.
I'll always remember her meditation room and the time she sat with me on the floor and laid her hand on my knee. Of course she slapped it down on the injured knee and I smiled, expressing a playful "ouch" and we'd laugh. Then a true healing took place. It really did, and I will continue to be a witness to that.
I liked listening to the sound of your Mom's voice whenever we talked. I always have, always will.
I'm glad I've had the chance, through you, to have known your mom, Ruth. She was very special to me. " Karen David, DD
Gary and Debbie Gent:
For many years I have been honored to be Ruth's "daughter". We have laughed and cried together over the antics of our children and our lives. When my mother made her transition several years ago, Ruth was there to fill the void for me. So, when she began to make ready for her transition, it seemed so natural to offer to ceremonially celebrate her re-birth and to honor and anoint her physical being for it's final return to Mother Earth. She was absolutely delighted and I was honored to be able to show my love for her one last time. My "birthing bag" was packed and ready for many moons so that I could attend to her quickly. But be it just my own "senior moments" or the trickster who lives in our family tree, an important piece was not available -- a poem that I had written for Ruth's transition. I remembered the jest in my emotion at the time and wanted to share the words as they were prepared. ~ Debbie
"Knocking on the Door"
You stand alone
Before the door of Death
And gently knock
Fear, trepidation,
Excitement and anticipation
Wash through you as you wait.
The door opens slowly
The Goddess smiles
And lovingly welcomes you home.
Welcome home Ruth
Jean Pierre and Marina Jansen/Netherlands:
Dear Dave and Eileen,
It is a big thing to go over this all, I'm wishing you have a realy,realy nice trip today to pick out a lovely dog.
We will hug him/her next year. Take your day together.
And you know when i see the realy lovely foto of Ruth with the nice flowers on her 90 birthday.
I can feel her spirit and here body just sitting besite to me when we had thanksgiving day, Ruth did cooke here things too in here mobile home, and we had have the birthday party of Jean Pierre, we were giggling and holding eachother as two little kids, because of the surprising face for his lovely present a verry nice glassscale with flowers in the glass it is seen every day staying in the light and sun.
And then here tinkling eyes when there came a present for me!!!! my birthday was a week later when we should be home again.
I have got a verry nice and lovely nickles and earrings in silver it are grapeleaves with little grapes on them it feels me like home onder our grapes. Dave and Eileen remembers them. And I did feel myself home with all 3 off you.
I pout them in my ears and round my neck immideatly and Ruth and I were making a little dance.
The last time I didn't have them on so much I almost allways did, but the day you maild Ruth flew over I feld taers and a smile and I had to do them in again and now I'm wearing them with a smile and giggling around my mouth and say thank you Eileen and David for stayng with you and have knwown RUTH.
Big Hugs and kissis Marina
Dear Eileen -
Thank you for sending the picture of the altar for your mother - it is truly beautiful. Your experience with your mother just goes to show how important it is for the ill and elderly to have someone who cares for them emotionally, who will advocate for them. There will be a big gap in your life now, though initially it is a relief that your mother is now free.
The Maori people have a concept that after the death of a loved one the people are still for a time in or very close to the world of the spirits - as if the veils are naturally thinner at that time as the loved one's spirit departs and farewells are taken. I had quite a sense of that when my mother died and that it was a sacred time for us. The birth of my youngest (who is called Ruth incidentally) was like that too, sacred and close to death and the other world.
Hugs and love,
Raewyn.
Title: Giving Thanks for Ruth
I met Ruth during a 5 or 6 day initiation back in 1996, when Eileen had invited myself and a group of other healers and Jungians for initiation into SR/E healing work. It was an intensive and powerful experience that deepened my life and strengthened my heart path. Gary, Ardella, Rosemarie where there to help us apprentices out with putting the teaching into practice. I am thankful for all my teachers from that time, and remember you in my heart as smiling rays of sunshine, and I thank you.
But it was Ruth Gent that I owe gratitude for putting her trust in me in my first journey as a hollow bone healer. She was the first for me to offer an SR/E for. She had been suffering from a loss of feeling in her arm, and didn't know why. Before the journey I looked into her eyes, they were unfocused and clouded or smokey. When I journeyed my guides revealed a little black and smooth tube shaped dart in her elbow that was blocking the energy flow and feeling. Trusting what I saw there, odd as it seemed to me at the time [the mind of a novice finds anything it isn't familiar with to be weird :].
To make a long story short, I extracted that dart as I was prompted to do. In concluding the ceremony looking into her eyes I saw immediately that they were wide awake and clear, and Ruth was smiling. She gave a husky laugh and said “my arm is on fire, I can feel again.” I was amazed. Eileen said she had seen the dart too. This experience encouraged me to trust Spirit and the heart and brush the doubting mind aside. I will always feel gratitude to Ruth for giving me that opportunity and trusting me. Because of it, I learned my first lesson in hollow boning.
I don't have many memories of Ruth to share---just those five days or so was my direct experience of her. When Eileen invited me to come to her place, she gave me directions for finding her road, that really long dirt road with a huge canyon drop off….I remember her telling me there'd be hell to pay if I killed one of “mom's roosters.” This put the fear of God in me about Ruth, and I drove ever so carefully. But meeting Ruth quickly melted that tension all that had set up. She was alive, open hearted, easy to be with, and invited me into her trailer, told me about her husband and her prayer pipe, and I could see she walked the Good Red Road and loved the simple life there, living in cose connection with the Earth Mother.
So I give thanks for Ruth and count her one of my important teachers. And to all of you who have been my teachers. Thank you. Thank you!
Mike
C. Michael Smith
Formerly known as Crow Boy
CLAIRE GERUS
Ruth Gent was one of the sweetest, most loving women I've met. Although we
didn't see each other often, she often came to my mind as the ideal
Mom--supportive and caring, yet cultivating an independent spirit with
everyone she cared for.
She clearly doted on her children and they on her; as I get older myself, I
truly respect and honor such love. It doesn't come to all of us, and when it
does, we need to give thanks for such a gift. Eileen and her family were
really blessed to have her in their lives, and I'm so glad that I had the
opportunity to share a bit of time with her. A little bit of Ruth went, for
me, a long, long way.
Claire Gerus
LINDA SKIBA--the scent of roses and Mom’s visits
I burn the candle on the altar most of the day starting around 9:00 a.m. in
the morning until early evening. When I light the candle I pray for Ruth
and of course your family. This morning the smell of roses was almost
intoxicating for a few minutes at the altar. I smelled the candle wondering
if it had rose in it, but no it wasn't that. I have some rose buds on the
altar behind the feather, but they didn't have that intense rose and heart
smell that rose oil does. The smell has dissipated now, but it sure was
special this morning. I think your mother came to visit me as I was praying
for her.
You can share the info on the altar. The only thing it doesn't state is
that you sent me the photo of you and your mom. I LOVE that photo of both
of you. Thanks again for sending it! :-)
xoxo
Love
Linda
INGRID and ANNEKE/ Witte Parden, Netherlands
Hi Eileen
Anneke and I want to say our condolances to you and Dave. We hope that the both of you have the strength to deal with the new situation. Eileen, since your mother lived with you for some months and after that you had a lot of concerns for her to look after her in the hospice. And for Dave there was a lot of taking care too we suppose. So both of your live will change and that's only the common daily facts.
Besites that, Eileen will miss her mother. Although she tought us that she will go to another dimension, and we know you are right by teaching us that. It will be a change.
Hugs and our condolances.
Anneke en Ingrid
Hello Eileen,
There are usually an assortment of emotions that one experiences at these moments of change. Wether the change is expected or planned for.
Knowing you yet not knowing you, I have observed that you have honored your Mother in life in and in your heart. Dave has supported you in
this and together you have honored life and the ancestors. I hold all of you in my prayers and in ceremony. In the event you feel that I can be of
service to you and Dave, please let me know.
Aho,
Cora - Running Bear
From Mary Buckner, Shaman who ran a journey for Ruth after her passing:
"
Eileen,
After you called I did journey and see what I could find.
Amazingly I did find Ruth, sitting in the bench close to the
hogan. She waved and was HOLDING a blue bird and a gray
cat was sitting next to her. What surprised me most was who
was at her feet...........Rockey. Now how about that. We did not
talk but I mentally told her as we have often said to one another,
"See ya on the other side". Would have called but can't speak
for the emotion when I describe the scene and to know she is happy.
much love to all. Will talk to you soon
Mary"
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