“Horses offer the deepest love you’ll ever know” - Jan Anderson

 The Healing Herd is a result of consciously choosing to enter the transformative world of the healing spirit of horse. I knew this decision would change me forever. I made it anyway while fear ran through my veins like Secretariat down the racetrack.

Therefore, these “painted presences” of my Equine Spirit guides extend an open invitation to enter a new level of receptivity. Each equine guide utilizes the spiritual horsepower of love in restoring the fractured human heart. When a horse is allowed to choose whom they will work with for healing, the encounter is always mutual. Beginning in 2012, I continue to explore new realms of “real presence,” the heart of spirituality, with this healing herd in their Minnesota pastures.

When Lilia commissioned me to paint their portraits “for those who can’t come to us,” I instantly agreed. When a horse speaks, they are never wrong, and Lilia is the no nonsense, lead mare of the herd that has championed my healing since 2012. Guided to Canadian equine artist Diane Williams, I learned a new painting approach that focuses on light and layering pure colors of a limited palette to illuminate the soul light or spirit of the horse.

Not only does the living spirit of the horse come through being experienced by the viewer, but this approach aligns with my Reiki energy healing practice. The colors I “see” in the energy are the same as the paint palette making the invisible visible - expressing the body that lives within the soul. I imbue each painting with the Reiki while setting a healing intention.  The compositions are designed to establish an “eye-to-eye” or “soul-to-soul” connection between viewer and the horse replicating how an “equine encounter” happens out in the pasture.

Close your eyes, drop your mind to your heart and ask it to connect with the heart of one of the Equine spirit guides. Simply become receptive and let Spirit guide you and listen deeply. I am grateful to the horses who trusted me with their hearts, and I am grateful to you for opening yours to experience spiritual unity.

NOTE: Since the original Healing Herd paintings are not for sale, I am offering 4 types of prints: Fine Art Prints on paper, Canvas Prints on stretcher bars or as a Gallery Wrap, and Metal Prints. If you are interested, please contact me at: helenmichaelsart@gmail.com for a no obligation print price sheet.