Cindy Magnuson

A simple request for spiritual guidance opened some surprising doors for Cindy Magnuson.

Already an experienced physical therapist, with a degree in physical education, Magnuson, a Tinley Park resident, also believes in the power of the spirit.

She said she is a believer in the use of reiki sessions for both humans and animals.Recently, she tapped in to a new talent that allows her to communicate with animals.

"I'm also a healing practitioner and use animal numerology to help determine information about the animal," Magnuson said.

That information includes the animal's identity, connections with humans and the animal's purpose.

These changes in Magnuson's life began in 1995, when she developed a general interest in spirituality.

"I made a willful intentional statement to the Universe, and experienced an intense energy experience.I haven't been the same person since that time," Magnuson said.

"I practically became a hermit for the next 10 years, reading as many books about religion, metaphysics and spirituality I could get my hands on."

About three years ago, Magnuson started TrinityCroft Enterprises, and provided numerology charts and reiki energy sessions for people.

According to www.reiki.org, reiki is a Japanese technique that promotes stress reduction and relaxation.

Believers consider it a method of spiritual healing, and the practice works with other medical or therapeutic techniques to relieve side effects and promote recovery from a variety of illnesses.

In October, after visiting Kopping Farms in Lemont, Magnuson began to receive messages in her dreams.

"The dreams told me I was going to become very good communicating with animals," she said.

"A beautiful black horse, Walter, I think, looked directly at me and winked at me in the dream.

"And that's how it all began.I found the reiki and numerology didn't take long to adapt to the animals."

Magnuson said she spent many hours at the barn studying animal behavior and getting comfortable with their presence.

"It seemed as if the horses chose me, and they have many exciting stories to relate."

According to Magnuson, animals are spiritual beings dedicated to the humans who care for them.

They also can benefit from the spiritual energies that facilitate the healing process on many levels, including mental, spiritual, physical and emotional.

She said Native Americans also feel strong connections with horses and all animals.

"Our society moved away from that practice, but we can learn quite a bit from the animal kingdom."

The horses residing at the Lemont barn are "tuned in" to their human riders, Magnuson said.

She also "communicates" with domestic pets.

During a recent interview, Magnuson had a communicative session with Molly, a black Labrador retriever mixed breed that has not fully recovered from a leg injury suffered in 2005.

According to Magnuson, Molly sends pictures to her that share the dog's stories and issues.

"Molly has been feeling sluggish and unhealthy for a while," she said."She told me she had an out-of-body experience during the recent surgery for the leg injury."

The 9-year-old Molly was quite frightened by the surgery and wants to regain her vitality, Magnuson said.

"Molly is very organized and likes to make sure the house is secure," she said."She doesn't beg at the table, and also told me she can be stubborn."

While Magnuson related the information to this reporter, Molly walked to her and outstretched her paw, letting it rest on the communicator's knee.

"She's a very even-tempered dog, but she doesn't like when someone tells her to 'go and lay down.' "

Animals give us unconditional love, Magnuson said, adding that they also have decided tastes and interests.

At Kopping Farms, Magnuson worked with several horses with minor health issues.
...
But after a few sessions with Magnuson, the horse's condition improved.

"He also told me (through visual imaging) he missed his brother," she said.
...
Cindy Magnuson, of TrinityCroft Enterprises, may be reached through e-mail at trinitycroft22@sbcglobal.net.