In the latest edition of MysitcMag interviews, we delve into the profound journey of Rhonda Kuykendall-Jabari, a third-generation healer whose work seamlessly blends ancestral wisdom with modern healing practices. From her rich family heritage in Louisiana to founding Wellness Uprising in Los Angeles, Rhonda shares her insights on intuitive healing, revolutionary self-care, and the transformative power of holistic wellness.
What can you tell me about yourself and your professional journey?
As a third-generation healer, I possess a rich legacy of wisdom and intuition. My maternal grandfather, a farmer and preacher of Blackfoot and African American heritage, made his home in Houma, Louisiana. He had a remarkable gift: using a homemade pendulum to dowse, he helped neighboring farmers determine the best times and places to plant their crops. His deep connection to the land and his intuitive skills were legendary in his community.
My mother followed a similar path, becoming a nurse whose practice and parenting were often guided by her powerful intuition. She always seemed to know exactly what was needed, providing care that went beyond the physical to touch the spiritual and emotional.
And then there’s me. I am a certified Reiki master teacher, chakra therapist, ritualist, Tarot reader, and author. My journey began to unfold during the years 1973-74 when I first noticed my intuitive abilities starting to develop. By the 1980s, I was deeply interested in holistic and nature-based self-care as a foundation for whole-body healing. This passion would shape my future.
In 2002, I was guided to learn Reiki, starting with Reiki I and II. By 2004, I had advanced to Master level. My commitment to spiritual growth continued, and in 2011, I earned a Bachelor’s degree in spiritual healing. Over the years, I have come to understand the profound difference between healing and insight and how these two modalities can work together to achieve whole-life healing. This realization sparked my deep dive into the study of Tarot.
In 2002, I took a significant step by opening Wellness Uprising, a healing studio located in the Westchester/LAX neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. At Wellness Uprising, we advocate for what we call “revolutionary self-care.” This philosophy teaches that one must learn to give to, nurture, and support oneself before extending that love and care to others.
Through Wellness Uprising, I strive to honor the legacy of my grandfather and mother by helping others tap into their own intuitive abilities and achieve holistic wellness. It’s a journey that brings together the wisdom of the past with the healing practices of the present, creating a path towards a balanced and fulfilling life.
How does Tarot by email work and how much is it different from in-person tarot?
In the realm of energy healing, there’s only one Source of energy. This universal source is where all energy healers, lightworkers, and readers tap into for information and insights. Similar to how distance Reiki or prayer allows us to send energy across vast distances, I seek permission from my querents to explore what’s happening within their energy bodies. By doing so, we uncover insights that might otherwise be lost in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
When it comes to Tarot readings, the main difference between in-person sessions and my approach is the delivery method. I provide detailed written narratives, which allow my querents to revisit their readings whenever they need further clarification or insights as their situations evolve. I prefer working via email because it offers me the flexibility to connect with Spirit at times that are most conducive to clarity and high vibrations for me.
By choosing this method, I ensure that each reading is delivered with the utmost precision and depth, providing a lasting resource for those seeking guidance and understanding.
What other services and modalities do you offer?
At Wellness Uprising, our practitioners are hand-selected and personally trained by me to help people restore balance and regain wellness using Reiki, chakra balancing, and essential oil touch therapies, all designed to support your journey to a balanced life.
I also lead a meditation practice called Meditation and Moonbeams, which is part of a program funded by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health. In these free weekly Zoom sessions, I provide insights about the current moon phase and guide a brief meditation focused on mental health and well-being. Additionally, I facilitate a live Reiki meditation group at a local library, offering a space for communal healing and mindfulness.
What are your classes and workshops like?
I facilitate live Reiki I and II certification classes around the solstices and equinoxes, offering four sessions each year. Each weekend class includes lectures, hands-on and distance healing practice, and a clinical practicum where students work on two actual Reiki clients. I feel the most unique aspect of my live Reiki certification classes is that it culminates into a clinical practicum, offering opportunities for learners to explore the many ways Reiki may show up in a healing session.
For those who prefer a more self-managed learning experience, I offer a Reiki Master self-paced, home study program. My classes emphasize extensive hands-on practice, as I expect my practitioners to go on to practice Reiki on others, rather than solely for self-care.
You are also an author. What books have you written and what are they about?
I have written two books that are available on Amazon.
1. Beguiled & Bewitching: 26 Essential Oil Rituals (A-to-Z). This is a deeply personal offering of fictional short stories and 26 step-by-step essential oil rituals to harness the power of intention for manifesting, healing, and self-care.
2. 66 Days of Remote Reiki for Personal Transformation is a guidebook and journal that will guide you through transformative exercises, invoking the powerful forces of Reiki, affirmations, crystals, and essential oils. Together, they create an alchemical symphony, cleansing and transmuting negative psychic energy while harmonizing your mind, body, soul, and spirit. In this sublime alignment with higher vibrations, the flow of positive energy intensifies, resulting in a better you—accomplished, renewed, and utterly rejuvenated.
How can interested readers support your work and learn more about it?
Join my global Patreon community, Powerful Rituals and Magick, where you can explore my curated collection of spells, recipes, rituals, meditations, and more. This is where I share my ancestral alchemy. It’s your gateway to a realm beyond the physical, where magic, manifesting, and healing unite.
To learn more about Rhonda’s work, you can also visit www.wellnessuprising.com
