Hi everyone,
I am getting it together to leave for America this week, so I may need to cut this one a bit short – but I am hoping that the Capricorn moon will help to organise me!
Calling the circle
As we come to another full moon in summer, we call to and honor the spirits of the East, , power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we summon the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children, and to the brightest of moons. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Where is the Moon?
The full moon is in Capricorn, and for me, this one has been about taking stock and figuring out what I need to do to own up to, embrace and face all of my responsibilities. I am aware that the intensity of this particular moon charged with a lunar eclipse may be exaggerating some of this experience, but probably not much. This has been a time for figuring out the five-year plan and not feeling like things have to happen immediately to be right. Happy planning!
Talking stick
A year ago I was off to the woods to contemplate my calling. Now, a year later, I have a good sense where I am going. It took a year to even see the path, really, and now it will take a few more to walk down it. Maybe it is getting older, but as quickly as time seems to move, I am also much more patient with it. I am content for something to take five years now, as long as it isn’t filled with massive discomfort or misery of course, and in fact, I think I’m enjoying the journey more.
That said, this has been a strenuous month, filled with all manner of distress from the mundane to the profound, and I am spending an enormous amount of effort every day to try to remain Zen about it. It should all subside by the week’s end, but then we are off to NY for a longer spell than usual, and while I am looking forward to it, I’m also wondering what it will be like to return to a very similar version of the life I left behind. Maybe we aren’t staying long enough for it to truly infiltrate and I can float along, not quite sinking into it. We’ll see.
That is the day to day. In the background though, I know that for the first time in five years since I left, the drumbeat in my head that pounds out “calling, calling, calling” is being answered. And I’m very grateful. I think that it would be very wise for me to focus on that for this moon!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a young oak tree, on a warm summer evening. As you look up, you can see the light of the full moon reaching between the branches, so vibrant and full, shining down until it is touching you, reaching right into your heart. With each breath, the moonlight feels as though it is reaching through you, deep into the earth, then upward into the sky again. As it moves through you and into the earth, you feel it spiraling deep below you, into something of a staircase. You stand up, and begin to wind your way down the staircase of moonlight, beginning on the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then spiraling around to the twelfth and the eleventh, then around to the tenth, then spiraling down and around and inward to the ninth, then the eighth, and around and inward to the seventh, then the sixth. You pause for a moment on the sixth step, leaving anything behind that you don’t choose to take along with you. Then continuing to spiral down and around to the fifth step, then the fourth, then the third. And around and inward to the second, and then finally the first step. You step off the staircase onto firm ground and head out toward the south.
You step out into the light of day, into the world in which you live. Your environment – with all of its duties, its responsibilities, its beauty, all of it – knowing that this is the world that you have created for yourself. As you walk along the path you look at all the things in your world, the people and the places, seeing what they are, and how you feel about them. You make your way to a refuge in the centre of your world – the place where you go to find sanctuary. When you get there, you recognize it as a place ancient and familiar; you have reached the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door swings open and your wise woman greets you, giving you a big kiss and hug. She leads you to the kitchen where she has cooked for you and you speak freely with her about anything that comes to mind, or just listen to what she has to say to you.
When you are ready, she leads you from the kitchen to a hallway with many doors. You are drawn to a door at the end of the hallway, noticing anything about it in particular before opening it. You step through into a room that is completely filled with light, powerful kinetic light shimmering with magic and power. You let yourself relax into the light at first, as you feel the power and magic unite with your own light until you are completely one energy. You find that you are able to create anything that you want with that light, but are also aware of the responsibility that comes with it. With that in mind, you are able to create all that you would like to see in your life. As it appears, there may be messages for you to hear too. You listen carefully, in case the energy has other plans for you then the plans you have for yourself. When you are ready, you come away from the room, the light, but knowing that this is a place to which you can always return.
Your wise woman leads you back to the front of the house, sharing any last minute thoughts. She gives you a big hug goodbye, and while in her embrace, she whispers one word or phrase that will help you to remember your guide’s gift to you. You thank her and then head back out onto the path into the world that you have created. You make your way back to the doorway and when you are ready, you step through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then lying back down onto the earth where you began, under the beautiful oak. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
I haven’t had any specific calls to prayers, but lots of love and light to Tim and Jeremy, and Sacha and her family. Encouragement and clarity for Chad!!
Much love and light to all of you!
Tara
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
New Moon in Cancer, 22nd July 2009/Summer Solstice
New Moon in Cancer, 22nd June 2009/Summer Solstice (two days late!!)
Hi Everyone,
This marks the five-year anniversary of the start of these meditations – thanks to all of you who continue to share your thoughts, dreams, inspirations and experiences with me. I realize it is a bit of a cheat to combine the new moon and the solstice, but they feel like they go together for me. This night feels filled with new beginnings – I hope you are feeling that too!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, we call to the spirits of the East. Spirits of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, the power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of our season, the spirits of the South. Spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, the power of light, bright and powerful. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we call to the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express herself.
Where is the Moon?
The new moon is in Cancer this month, a deep loving moon – warm, nurturing, mothering and caring. It is a time to go within and to hold yourself in perfect love, free from judgment, free from doubt, free from any of the experiences that have come before that can sometimes hold us back. With that love as your guide, and the power of a summer, you are an unstoppable force!
Talking stick
I had a great experience yesterday that took me out of my everyday for a moment. I was tending to my garden, which is very lush this time of year and was pulling out the plants that were choking my raspberry canes. I was standing in the middle of them and suddenly realized that they were as tall as me and I was engulfed by them almost and I suddenly felt so loved, so cared for and most of all so fully provided for. It brought me back to the days when I first started gathering plants, and how, over the years I have found it normal to find that kind of spiritual peace and fulfillment that way. There was a time in my life when I felt that my soul was always reaching upward and out, toward the sky, toward a way back to some vague idea I have about a limitless energetic state, perhaps because that is where so many people that I loved had gone before me. It was herbalism that brought all what I thought I was seeking down to earth for me – and the wise woman tradition in particular. I am very grateful.
I wrote recently that I felt change coming and I think it has arrived, taking the form of what I am calling the year that we face our demons, at least in my house. Gary and I both have some obstacles from the past that have sometimes reached forward to trip us up in the present and we are both going back a few steps to correct them – in order to go forward again. It is funny how when you decide to do something like that, it seems like the most natural thing in the world to do – yet it takes years to come to the conclusion.
This new moon and beautiful first real day of summer, I will be making a phone call to head down a slightly different path. It is going to take a while to get there, but I’m in no real hurry. There are beautiful moments everywhere, and I want to make sure that I don’t let myself get so swept up that I am not receptive to them. So – with an eye to the future I will love and embrace this moment – and feel myself very loved.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a dense oak tree on soft mossy earth, with a gentle rain falling above you. The leaf cover is so thick that the rain doesn’t reach you, but the air sweet with new rain. You are aware of your breath, breathing in and out in time with the sound of the wind, carrying the rain. As you breathe, you feel yourself getting smaller and smaller, until you are so small that you are able to walk right into the tree. As you look up, you note the vast branch system, how tall and high it is, looking down, you note the vast root system, reaching down into the earth farther than you can see. Then, notice that one of the roots is larger than the others, and resembles a spiral staircase that you can walk down. Imagine then stepping onto the 13th step, the step of transformation, then spiraling down and around and inward to the 12th step, then down and around to the 11th and the 10th, spiraling down and around and inward to the 9th, then the 8th, then around and inward to the 7th and the 6th step. Then, pausing on the sixth step, note that as you look up you can no longer see the top, and looking down, that you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of the spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. If there is anything that you are carrying that you don't want to take with you on your journey, you can leave it on this step. Continuing then to the 5th step and the 4th, spiraling around to the 3rd and the 2nd and then finally the 1st step, then stepping into a clearing with four doorways, each pointing in one of the four directions. Imagine yourself walking down the pathway that heads south
It is midday, warm but comfortable and with a gentle rain. The rain softens the landscape as well, a lush forest. You walk along a pathway that heads into the centre of the forest, following the path of a small stream. The sound of the water calls to you, speaking to you as you walk along. You can speak back, or just listen to the wisdom of the summer waters. The stream winds around and around into the centre of the forest, until you reach the very start of the spring, where it bubbles up out of the ground. You realize that this place is very sacred, noting that others who have passed this way have left offerings at the stream’s birthplace. Then, although you didn’t notice it before, you realize that you are standing in front of a dwelling place, one as familiar as it is ancient; you have reached the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door opens and your wise woman greets you, welcoming you in. Her home is comfortable and dry after being out in the rain, and she leads you to the kitchen where she is cooking. She offers you whatever it is that she has cooked for you, and you sit and eat or drink with her, asking any questions that you may have, or asking for any wisdom that she might wish to share with you.
When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway, with many doors. You walk to the doorway at the end of the hall. Stepping through the door you find yourself in a forest clearing, with a small, still pool in the centre of it. Your wise woman leads you to the pool and you look into the water. It is still and perfectly reflective. You are able to see yourself very clearly, noticing anything about yourself that perhaps you need to see. Your wise woman holds out a crystal, and begins to stir the water with it and your reflection changes to swirling images, and you are able to look into the pool and see whatever it is that you need to see at this time in your life. When you are ready for the scene to change, your wise woman stirs the pool again until you have seen everything that you need to see. She then hands you the crystal, and offers you a word or phrase to remind you of this place and what you learned here. When you are ready, she leads you back to the door, but reminds you that this place is always here for you if you need it.
You head back toward the kitchen, sharing any last minute thoughts, asking any last minute questions. As you reach the door of the house you say goodbye, knowing that you can return whenever you need. When you step out of the house you return to the stream’s source, leaving the object there that was given to you as a reminder of what you most need as an offering to the Goddess, the Universe, God, however you choose to see it. Knowing that your vision will be well looked after here in this sacred space. When you feel ready you make your way back along the path until you get back to the doorway, and then the staircase.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then back into to the tree. Stepping out of the tree, you find your place beneath it, again enjoying the cold night air. Then, feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
Prayers for Sacha and her mom – thinking of you.
Prayers for Tim and Jeremy, always thinking of you.
Prayers for Chad – don’t worry, just let it flow. You are an amazing writer with lots of insight!!
Much love to everyone,
Tara
Hi Everyone,
This marks the five-year anniversary of the start of these meditations – thanks to all of you who continue to share your thoughts, dreams, inspirations and experiences with me. I realize it is a bit of a cheat to combine the new moon and the solstice, but they feel like they go together for me. This night feels filled with new beginnings – I hope you are feeling that too!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, we call to the spirits of the East. Spirits of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, the power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of our season, the spirits of the South. Spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, the power of light, bright and powerful. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we call to the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express herself.
Where is the Moon?
The new moon is in Cancer this month, a deep loving moon – warm, nurturing, mothering and caring. It is a time to go within and to hold yourself in perfect love, free from judgment, free from doubt, free from any of the experiences that have come before that can sometimes hold us back. With that love as your guide, and the power of a summer, you are an unstoppable force!
Talking stick
I had a great experience yesterday that took me out of my everyday for a moment. I was tending to my garden, which is very lush this time of year and was pulling out the plants that were choking my raspberry canes. I was standing in the middle of them and suddenly realized that they were as tall as me and I was engulfed by them almost and I suddenly felt so loved, so cared for and most of all so fully provided for. It brought me back to the days when I first started gathering plants, and how, over the years I have found it normal to find that kind of spiritual peace and fulfillment that way. There was a time in my life when I felt that my soul was always reaching upward and out, toward the sky, toward a way back to some vague idea I have about a limitless energetic state, perhaps because that is where so many people that I loved had gone before me. It was herbalism that brought all what I thought I was seeking down to earth for me – and the wise woman tradition in particular. I am very grateful.
I wrote recently that I felt change coming and I think it has arrived, taking the form of what I am calling the year that we face our demons, at least in my house. Gary and I both have some obstacles from the past that have sometimes reached forward to trip us up in the present and we are both going back a few steps to correct them – in order to go forward again. It is funny how when you decide to do something like that, it seems like the most natural thing in the world to do – yet it takes years to come to the conclusion.
This new moon and beautiful first real day of summer, I will be making a phone call to head down a slightly different path. It is going to take a while to get there, but I’m in no real hurry. There are beautiful moments everywhere, and I want to make sure that I don’t let myself get so swept up that I am not receptive to them. So – with an eye to the future I will love and embrace this moment – and feel myself very loved.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a dense oak tree on soft mossy earth, with a gentle rain falling above you. The leaf cover is so thick that the rain doesn’t reach you, but the air sweet with new rain. You are aware of your breath, breathing in and out in time with the sound of the wind, carrying the rain. As you breathe, you feel yourself getting smaller and smaller, until you are so small that you are able to walk right into the tree. As you look up, you note the vast branch system, how tall and high it is, looking down, you note the vast root system, reaching down into the earth farther than you can see. Then, notice that one of the roots is larger than the others, and resembles a spiral staircase that you can walk down. Imagine then stepping onto the 13th step, the step of transformation, then spiraling down and around and inward to the 12th step, then down and around to the 11th and the 10th, spiraling down and around and inward to the 9th, then the 8th, then around and inward to the 7th and the 6th step. Then, pausing on the sixth step, note that as you look up you can no longer see the top, and looking down, that you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of the spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. If there is anything that you are carrying that you don't want to take with you on your journey, you can leave it on this step. Continuing then to the 5th step and the 4th, spiraling around to the 3rd and the 2nd and then finally the 1st step, then stepping into a clearing with four doorways, each pointing in one of the four directions. Imagine yourself walking down the pathway that heads south
It is midday, warm but comfortable and with a gentle rain. The rain softens the landscape as well, a lush forest. You walk along a pathway that heads into the centre of the forest, following the path of a small stream. The sound of the water calls to you, speaking to you as you walk along. You can speak back, or just listen to the wisdom of the summer waters. The stream winds around and around into the centre of the forest, until you reach the very start of the spring, where it bubbles up out of the ground. You realize that this place is very sacred, noting that others who have passed this way have left offerings at the stream’s birthplace. Then, although you didn’t notice it before, you realize that you are standing in front of a dwelling place, one as familiar as it is ancient; you have reached the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door opens and your wise woman greets you, welcoming you in. Her home is comfortable and dry after being out in the rain, and she leads you to the kitchen where she is cooking. She offers you whatever it is that she has cooked for you, and you sit and eat or drink with her, asking any questions that you may have, or asking for any wisdom that she might wish to share with you.
When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway, with many doors. You walk to the doorway at the end of the hall. Stepping through the door you find yourself in a forest clearing, with a small, still pool in the centre of it. Your wise woman leads you to the pool and you look into the water. It is still and perfectly reflective. You are able to see yourself very clearly, noticing anything about yourself that perhaps you need to see. Your wise woman holds out a crystal, and begins to stir the water with it and your reflection changes to swirling images, and you are able to look into the pool and see whatever it is that you need to see at this time in your life. When you are ready for the scene to change, your wise woman stirs the pool again until you have seen everything that you need to see. She then hands you the crystal, and offers you a word or phrase to remind you of this place and what you learned here. When you are ready, she leads you back to the door, but reminds you that this place is always here for you if you need it.
You head back toward the kitchen, sharing any last minute thoughts, asking any last minute questions. As you reach the door of the house you say goodbye, knowing that you can return whenever you need. When you step out of the house you return to the stream’s source, leaving the object there that was given to you as a reminder of what you most need as an offering to the Goddess, the Universe, God, however you choose to see it. Knowing that your vision will be well looked after here in this sacred space. When you feel ready you make your way back along the path until you get back to the doorway, and then the staircase.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then back into to the tree. Stepping out of the tree, you find your place beneath it, again enjoying the cold night air. Then, feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
Prayers for Sacha and her mom – thinking of you.
Prayers for Tim and Jeremy, always thinking of you.
Prayers for Chad – don’t worry, just let it flow. You are an amazing writer with lots of insight!!
Much love to everyone,
Tara
Monday, June 08, 2009
Full Moon in Sagittarius, June 8, 2009
Hi everyone,
Sorry I’m a day late - and that I missed the new moon!! I was away and forgot to mention it in my last post. I was having a much needed break from electronics but I’m back and hoping that your new moons were filled with powerful intentions that are starting to bear fruit here at the full one!
Calling the circle
As we come to another full moon in Spring, we call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits of this season, of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we summon the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children, and to the brightest of moons. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Where is the Moon?
The full moon is in Sagittarius, asking us to look at what we believe and facing the truth, whatever the truth may be for us. Sagittarius also gives us a good boost of energy, enthusiasm, and with any luck a bit of levity. I love Sagittarius for its infectious energy and power to inspire. I can feel my faith restoring!
Talking stick
It has been a very intense month in many ways and for a lot of people I know too. I have written two meditations this month for two different friends for their passing-away mothers – one of whom has now passed away, another who will before too long, and it has reminded me that I have amazing spiritual people in my life who are bringing light, meaning and beautiful rituals to these transformative life events. I feel honoured by your commitment and amazing faith. Especially where faith has not always been easy. My love and prayers are with both of you.
I am interested that faith is a theme of this month, because I do feel my faith is restoring, but it is after a period of real questioning of where my beliefs are now. What I have realized comes to this: what I know with my mind cannot replace what I know with my soul. And even if science can explain some of that, it cannot explain away the love, the light, the integrity and the wholeness that being connected to that energy makes me feel. Nor can it explain the thousands of right steps and connections made that have led me to this day. I am grateful.
I have to leave it here because it is getting late – but for this full moon I want to feel the fullness of my faith in its complete simplicity.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath an ancient oak tree, on a cool but perfectly comfortable spring evening. As you look up, you can see the light of the full moon reaching between the branches, shining down until it is touching you, reaching right into your heart. With each breath, the moonlight feels as though it is reaching through you, deep into the earth, then upward into the sky again. As it moves through you and into the earth, you feel it spiraling deep below you, into something of a staircase. You stand up, and begin to wind your way down the staircase of moonlight, beginning on the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then spiraling around to the twelfth and the eleventh, then around to the tenth, then spiraling down and around and inward to the ninth, then the eighth, and around and inward to the seventh, then the sixth. You pause for a moment on the sixth step, leaving anything behind that you don’t choose to take along with you. Then continuing to spiral down and around to the fifth step, then the fourth, then the third. And around and inward to the second, and then finally the first step. You step off the staircase onto firm ground and head out toward the east.
You step out to a place that is very familiar to you, perhaps it is a place that you now call home, or maybe once did. Or maybe it is just a place that makes you feel at home. It is early morning and the light is just beginning to warm the air as you walk along, feeling completely peaceful and happy to be in this place. As the path winds along, you come to a small stream and pause for a moment to notice it before stepping carefully over it to the other side, noticing anything interesting in the water, or in your reflection. Once on the other side, the path continues, leading you to a home that you know well, a place that you have been many, many times before, as it is the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door swings open and your wise woman greets you, giving you a big kiss and hug. Her home feels particularly familiar today, the most at home you have ever felt here. She leads you to the kitchen where she has cooked for you and you speak freely with her about anything that comes to mind, or just listen to what she has to say to you.
When you are ready, she leads you from the kitchen to a hallway with many doors. You are drawn to a door at the end of the hallway, noticing anything about it in particular before opening it. Then, walking through, you step out into a forest clearing on a warm summer evening. In the centre of the clearing a small altar set up and you go and sit in front of it, adding anything to it that you may have brought. Your wise woman sits across from you and asks you what you need to know the truth about in your life. You are able to ask her any questions, and in this place, you are truly able to hear the answers. Then, your wise woman asks you questions, which you are able to answer with your truth as well. Some are easy, some are difficult, but all are truthful. When all the questions have been answered, she reaches down onto the altar and picks up an object to give to you – one that will remind you of the truth. You take it and put it in your pocket. You can stay as long as you like, resting in this place. When you are ready, you head back through the door.
She leads you back to the front of the house, back to path that lead you here. She gives you a big hug goodbye, and while in her embrace, she whispers one word or phrase that will help you to remember your intentions and what you need to do to make them manifest. You thank her and then head back to the path, drinking in the feeling of peace and home. You step across the stream again, heading back toward the doorway that brought you here. When you reach the doorway, you step back through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then lying back down onto the earth where you began, under the beautiful oak. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
For Nicholas, Cindy and Nicholas’s family – prayers for healing, peace, love, grace.
For Felicity Jack, Sacha’s mother – our circle surrounds you with love and light as you move closer toward your transition. You will be a part of us always.
Much love to all of you!
Tara
Sorry I’m a day late - and that I missed the new moon!! I was away and forgot to mention it in my last post. I was having a much needed break from electronics but I’m back and hoping that your new moons were filled with powerful intentions that are starting to bear fruit here at the full one!
Calling the circle
As we come to another full moon in Spring, we call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits of this season, of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we summon the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children, and to the brightest of moons. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Where is the Moon?
The full moon is in Sagittarius, asking us to look at what we believe and facing the truth, whatever the truth may be for us. Sagittarius also gives us a good boost of energy, enthusiasm, and with any luck a bit of levity. I love Sagittarius for its infectious energy and power to inspire. I can feel my faith restoring!
Talking stick
It has been a very intense month in many ways and for a lot of people I know too. I have written two meditations this month for two different friends for their passing-away mothers – one of whom has now passed away, another who will before too long, and it has reminded me that I have amazing spiritual people in my life who are bringing light, meaning and beautiful rituals to these transformative life events. I feel honoured by your commitment and amazing faith. Especially where faith has not always been easy. My love and prayers are with both of you.
I am interested that faith is a theme of this month, because I do feel my faith is restoring, but it is after a period of real questioning of where my beliefs are now. What I have realized comes to this: what I know with my mind cannot replace what I know with my soul. And even if science can explain some of that, it cannot explain away the love, the light, the integrity and the wholeness that being connected to that energy makes me feel. Nor can it explain the thousands of right steps and connections made that have led me to this day. I am grateful.
I have to leave it here because it is getting late – but for this full moon I want to feel the fullness of my faith in its complete simplicity.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath an ancient oak tree, on a cool but perfectly comfortable spring evening. As you look up, you can see the light of the full moon reaching between the branches, shining down until it is touching you, reaching right into your heart. With each breath, the moonlight feels as though it is reaching through you, deep into the earth, then upward into the sky again. As it moves through you and into the earth, you feel it spiraling deep below you, into something of a staircase. You stand up, and begin to wind your way down the staircase of moonlight, beginning on the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then spiraling around to the twelfth and the eleventh, then around to the tenth, then spiraling down and around and inward to the ninth, then the eighth, and around and inward to the seventh, then the sixth. You pause for a moment on the sixth step, leaving anything behind that you don’t choose to take along with you. Then continuing to spiral down and around to the fifth step, then the fourth, then the third. And around and inward to the second, and then finally the first step. You step off the staircase onto firm ground and head out toward the east.
You step out to a place that is very familiar to you, perhaps it is a place that you now call home, or maybe once did. Or maybe it is just a place that makes you feel at home. It is early morning and the light is just beginning to warm the air as you walk along, feeling completely peaceful and happy to be in this place. As the path winds along, you come to a small stream and pause for a moment to notice it before stepping carefully over it to the other side, noticing anything interesting in the water, or in your reflection. Once on the other side, the path continues, leading you to a home that you know well, a place that you have been many, many times before, as it is the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door swings open and your wise woman greets you, giving you a big kiss and hug. Her home feels particularly familiar today, the most at home you have ever felt here. She leads you to the kitchen where she has cooked for you and you speak freely with her about anything that comes to mind, or just listen to what she has to say to you.
When you are ready, she leads you from the kitchen to a hallway with many doors. You are drawn to a door at the end of the hallway, noticing anything about it in particular before opening it. Then, walking through, you step out into a forest clearing on a warm summer evening. In the centre of the clearing a small altar set up and you go and sit in front of it, adding anything to it that you may have brought. Your wise woman sits across from you and asks you what you need to know the truth about in your life. You are able to ask her any questions, and in this place, you are truly able to hear the answers. Then, your wise woman asks you questions, which you are able to answer with your truth as well. Some are easy, some are difficult, but all are truthful. When all the questions have been answered, she reaches down onto the altar and picks up an object to give to you – one that will remind you of the truth. You take it and put it in your pocket. You can stay as long as you like, resting in this place. When you are ready, you head back through the door.
She leads you back to the front of the house, back to path that lead you here. She gives you a big hug goodbye, and while in her embrace, she whispers one word or phrase that will help you to remember your intentions and what you need to do to make them manifest. You thank her and then head back to the path, drinking in the feeling of peace and home. You step across the stream again, heading back toward the doorway that brought you here. When you reach the doorway, you step back through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then lying back down onto the earth where you began, under the beautiful oak. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
For Nicholas, Cindy and Nicholas’s family – prayers for healing, peace, love, grace.
For Felicity Jack, Sacha’s mother – our circle surrounds you with love and light as you move closer toward your transition. You will be a part of us always.
Much love to all of you!
Tara
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Full Moon in Scorpio, 9th May 2009
Hi everyone,
A very happy mother’s day to all of you mom’s out there – and those of you who play that role for others in your life without having given birth!
Calling the circle
As we come to another full moon in Spring, we call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits of this season, of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we summon the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children, and to the brightest of moons. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Where is the Moon?
Scorpio moons are always big truth telling moons – truths that we tell others, and ourselves. They are intense and powerful, but can deliver big insight, bursts of inspiration and intuition, deep love and deep loyalty. As a Scorpio myself I am drawn to these full moons and feel relaxed in all that intensity!
Talking stick
I had an interesting moment earlier this week with Owen. He was asking about spirituality, or, more specifically, what we “are”, meaning, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, etc. So I naturally launched into an incomprehensible, long-winded, nebulous response about being everything and nothing, introducing paganism into the mix, talking about the energy of the God and Goddess. It turns out he was only asking because we had a village newsletter in the back of the car that said it was Christian Giving week, and, since he figured he was a Christian, he wanted me to say I was one too so that I would do the giving and he could hang onto his hard-earned pounds. It made me laugh because here I was, trying to shove all this deep parenting into a two-minute conversation and while driving in the car no less when all he wanted was a simple answer for a simple reason. It reminded me that as a parent and in life in general, I need to take my time. There is time. I don’t have to do and say everything this moment. With parenting in particular, there is time for deeper conversations and understanding when those times are right.
Today, on American Mother’s Day (it is celebrated in March here in the UK) I had my second excellent parenting experience this week. With spirituality still very much on his mind, Owen for the first time took notice of the angel cards on my altar. He was really excited to look at them and to choose one. Probably because of the conversation about Christianity earlier in the week, I told him that I also have Goddess cards if he wanted to choose one of those, which he did. He really liked both of them, but then was like, ‘Where are the cards with Gods on them?’ So we did a web search, and it turns out there isn’t one – no cards for boys to access information about the pantheon of male gods. So we made one! We found 21 prominent Gods from different cultures (including Jesus) and made our own set, with an image and a description. It was amazing, but it really struck me that I am raising a boy, and a boy who wants and needs male energy in his spirituality to relate to it. And I need to give him that. Like so many things about parenting, this took me by surprise. I thought I would get to share my spirituality the way I see it and he would perhaps adopt that, but that just isn’t the way it works. And I’m glad – but humbled and surprised.
Whether overestimating Owen or underestimating him, parenting remains the greatest joy and challenge of my life.
I have more to say about true love and loyalty, but I will save that for another day. Except to say that I love my husband very much and feel very happy with my family this weekend.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a beautiful and fully flowering hawthorn tree, its petals all around you on the ground. The night is cool and clear; as you breathe in and out feel that you are breathing in time with the stars, that you are a part of the setting that surrounds you. . It is a warm night, and as you look up, the light of the full moon shines down until it is touching you, reaching right into your heart. With each breath, the moonlight feels as though it is reaching through you, deep into the earth, then upward into the sky again. As it moves through you and into the earth, you feel it spiraling deep below you, into something of a staircase. You stand up, and begin to wind your way down the staircase of moonlight, beginning on the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then spiraling around to the twelfth and the eleventh, then around to the tenth, then spiraling down and around and inward to the ninth, then the eighth, and around and inward to the seventh, then the sixth. You pause for a moment on the sixth step, leaving anything behind that you don’t choose to take along with you. You note that if you look up you can no longer see the top – and if you look down, you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of a perfect light spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. You left that feeling really move through you before going on. Then continuing to spiral down and around to the fifth step, then the fourth, then the third. And around and inward to the second, and then finally the first step. You step off the staircase onto firm ground and head out toward the east.
It is a misty and drizzly morning as you make your way into a forest. The rain taps the leaves above your head, but the canopy of the trees keeps you mostly dry and protected. You can see the path ahead, but not well – it is shrouded in fine mist. As you make your way further into the forest the mists get even thicker, until you are walking in almost a fog. The air feels full and thick around you and you just know that you are moving in the right direction, despite not being able to see very well. Finally you come to a clearing and in one moment, the mist lifts and you see that you are standing in front of the home of your wise woman, where all paths lead.
When you arrive, as you are about to knock, the door swings open and your wise woman greets you warmly. She leads you to the kitchen where she has cooked for you and you speak freely with her about anything that comes to mind, or just listen to what she has to say to you.
When you are ready, she leads you from the kitchen to a hallway with many doors. You walk to the doorway that feels right for you, and stepping through, you are welcomed into a room where you can feel completely mothered. Perhaps you are with your mother, or with someone who always makes you feel completely mothered. She is able to take care of you and mother you in exactly the way you need, allowing you to feel completely fulfilled and taken care of.
If there are any questions that need answering in your life, this mothering figure is able to listen and to give you advice – the kind that only a wise mother can give. When you are through asking questions, the mothering figure gives you a book – and asks you to think of something that you need to know. With a question in your mind, she asks you to open the book and when you do, the answer is there. You try it again – and with the same result. This book is your gift for this mother’s day. When you are ready you say goodbye to the mother figure, but know that this is a place to which you can always return.
Your wise woman leads you back to the front of the house, back to path that took you here. She gives you a big hug goodbye, and while in her embrace, you thank her and then head back to the path, plunged once again into the mists but moving even more confidently now, holding the image of power in your mind. Then, as the mist clears, you see that you are standing in front of the doorway again, and step through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then lying back down onto the earth where you began, under the beautiful hawthorn tree. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
I’ve had no specific calls to prayer this month, so let’s just hold each other and our world in love and light.
Much love to all of you!
Tara
A very happy mother’s day to all of you mom’s out there – and those of you who play that role for others in your life without having given birth!
Calling the circle
As we come to another full moon in Spring, we call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits of this season, of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we summon the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children, and to the brightest of moons. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Where is the Moon?
Scorpio moons are always big truth telling moons – truths that we tell others, and ourselves. They are intense and powerful, but can deliver big insight, bursts of inspiration and intuition, deep love and deep loyalty. As a Scorpio myself I am drawn to these full moons and feel relaxed in all that intensity!
Talking stick
I had an interesting moment earlier this week with Owen. He was asking about spirituality, or, more specifically, what we “are”, meaning, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, etc. So I naturally launched into an incomprehensible, long-winded, nebulous response about being everything and nothing, introducing paganism into the mix, talking about the energy of the God and Goddess. It turns out he was only asking because we had a village newsletter in the back of the car that said it was Christian Giving week, and, since he figured he was a Christian, he wanted me to say I was one too so that I would do the giving and he could hang onto his hard-earned pounds. It made me laugh because here I was, trying to shove all this deep parenting into a two-minute conversation and while driving in the car no less when all he wanted was a simple answer for a simple reason. It reminded me that as a parent and in life in general, I need to take my time. There is time. I don’t have to do and say everything this moment. With parenting in particular, there is time for deeper conversations and understanding when those times are right.
Today, on American Mother’s Day (it is celebrated in March here in the UK) I had my second excellent parenting experience this week. With spirituality still very much on his mind, Owen for the first time took notice of the angel cards on my altar. He was really excited to look at them and to choose one. Probably because of the conversation about Christianity earlier in the week, I told him that I also have Goddess cards if he wanted to choose one of those, which he did. He really liked both of them, but then was like, ‘Where are the cards with Gods on them?’ So we did a web search, and it turns out there isn’t one – no cards for boys to access information about the pantheon of male gods. So we made one! We found 21 prominent Gods from different cultures (including Jesus) and made our own set, with an image and a description. It was amazing, but it really struck me that I am raising a boy, and a boy who wants and needs male energy in his spirituality to relate to it. And I need to give him that. Like so many things about parenting, this took me by surprise. I thought I would get to share my spirituality the way I see it and he would perhaps adopt that, but that just isn’t the way it works. And I’m glad – but humbled and surprised.
Whether overestimating Owen or underestimating him, parenting remains the greatest joy and challenge of my life.
I have more to say about true love and loyalty, but I will save that for another day. Except to say that I love my husband very much and feel very happy with my family this weekend.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a beautiful and fully flowering hawthorn tree, its petals all around you on the ground. The night is cool and clear; as you breathe in and out feel that you are breathing in time with the stars, that you are a part of the setting that surrounds you. . It is a warm night, and as you look up, the light of the full moon shines down until it is touching you, reaching right into your heart. With each breath, the moonlight feels as though it is reaching through you, deep into the earth, then upward into the sky again. As it moves through you and into the earth, you feel it spiraling deep below you, into something of a staircase. You stand up, and begin to wind your way down the staircase of moonlight, beginning on the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then spiraling around to the twelfth and the eleventh, then around to the tenth, then spiraling down and around and inward to the ninth, then the eighth, and around and inward to the seventh, then the sixth. You pause for a moment on the sixth step, leaving anything behind that you don’t choose to take along with you. You note that if you look up you can no longer see the top – and if you look down, you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of a perfect light spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. You left that feeling really move through you before going on. Then continuing to spiral down and around to the fifth step, then the fourth, then the third. And around and inward to the second, and then finally the first step. You step off the staircase onto firm ground and head out toward the east.
It is a misty and drizzly morning as you make your way into a forest. The rain taps the leaves above your head, but the canopy of the trees keeps you mostly dry and protected. You can see the path ahead, but not well – it is shrouded in fine mist. As you make your way further into the forest the mists get even thicker, until you are walking in almost a fog. The air feels full and thick around you and you just know that you are moving in the right direction, despite not being able to see very well. Finally you come to a clearing and in one moment, the mist lifts and you see that you are standing in front of the home of your wise woman, where all paths lead.
When you arrive, as you are about to knock, the door swings open and your wise woman greets you warmly. She leads you to the kitchen where she has cooked for you and you speak freely with her about anything that comes to mind, or just listen to what she has to say to you.
When you are ready, she leads you from the kitchen to a hallway with many doors. You walk to the doorway that feels right for you, and stepping through, you are welcomed into a room where you can feel completely mothered. Perhaps you are with your mother, or with someone who always makes you feel completely mothered. She is able to take care of you and mother you in exactly the way you need, allowing you to feel completely fulfilled and taken care of.
If there are any questions that need answering in your life, this mothering figure is able to listen and to give you advice – the kind that only a wise mother can give. When you are through asking questions, the mothering figure gives you a book – and asks you to think of something that you need to know. With a question in your mind, she asks you to open the book and when you do, the answer is there. You try it again – and with the same result. This book is your gift for this mother’s day. When you are ready you say goodbye to the mother figure, but know that this is a place to which you can always return.
Your wise woman leads you back to the front of the house, back to path that took you here. She gives you a big hug goodbye, and while in her embrace, you thank her and then head back to the path, plunged once again into the mists but moving even more confidently now, holding the image of power in your mind. Then, as the mist clears, you see that you are standing in front of the doorway again, and step through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then lying back down onto the earth where you began, under the beautiful hawthorn tree. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
I’ve had no specific calls to prayer this month, so let’s just hold each other and our world in love and light.
Much love to all of you!
Tara
Friday, May 01, 2009
Beltane, 2009
It is such a beautiful day here – full of life, a perfect Beltane. Hope it is where you are as well! The meditation below is similar to last year – I wanted to change it but couldn’t – it still feels like the right one for the day!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate Beltane, we summon the spirits of the East, spirits of Springtime, new beginnings, new starts. Spirits of the first light, of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within is always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we call the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, the moon in her many faces, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Beltane thoughts/Talking stick
I was looking over my post from last year, which was about wishes mostly. I had forgotten that part of Beltane until just now. I’ve been thinking about it so much more as a celebration of the fertility of the land, which is so easy to do where I now live. It is rich and alive and buzzing. Gary and I just watched two mating dragonflies in the pond, flowers are blooming everywhere, the air is heavy with the smell of hawthorn and we ate our first fresh spinach from the garden last night. I was walking around the field behind our house to celebrate the day, to calm my mind and to forget that I was on conference calls until midnight last night, and what occurred to me is that despite all the things that can distract me from it, the truth of my life is that I am profoundly happy and deeply fulfilled. I love where I am, I love my family, my home, my work, my garden, my dreams for the future, all of it. I appreciate how lucky that makes me, too.
It is real life: there are real problems, real demands, real chaos sometimes, but underneath that, my spirit is quietly soaring along – fulfilled, singing, happy. A few weeks ago I wrote that I believe the energy of the God/dess as one that is ultimately genderless, but in this season, for me, it is hard not to be deep into the Goddess and all her many faces. I feel a part of the land and the traditions that date back for thousands of years on this day in particular and I am proud to say that I feel and celebrate the green witch in me.
My mind also turned to the Goddess Elen, whose ancient statue was found in the field that I was walking around, and thinking of how the people that worked and loved this land before me left their love for her in the earth along with the objects that represented her. I am honored to walk in their footsteps. Elen of the Ways is the protectress of paths in all their forms. At this Beltane I am asking Elen to bless my paths, wherever they may lead. Some paths I can see, others I can’t, but I know and remember that I am always being led.
Back to wishes. My wish tonight will be for Owen – and for myself to remember that every day with him is a gift and to treasure it that way. For myself, I think I only want to offer prayers of gratitude. I think a wish that the headlines of the world would return to something more balanced than crisis and plagues might be nice though – please join me in that one!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a flowering hawthorn tree, its fragrance rich and thick all around you. The night is cool and clear; as you breathe in and out feel that you are breathing in time with the stars, that you are a part of the setting that surrounds you. Then allow yourself to imagine that you are getting smaller – smaller and smaller until you are so small that you can stand up and walk into the tree that you were lying underneath. Walking into the tree, looking up, note the vast branch system, how tall and high it is, looking down, note the vast root system, reaching down into the earth farther than you can see. Then, notice that one of the roots is larger than the others, and resembles a spiral staircase. Imagine then stepping onto the 13th step, the step of transformation, then spiraling down and around and inward to the 12th step, then down and around to the 11th and the 10th, spiraling down and around and inward to the 9th, then the 8th, then around and inward to the 7th and the 6th step. Then, pausing on the sixth step, note that as you look up you can no longer see the top, and looking down, that you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of the spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. If there is anything that you are carrying that you don’t want to take with you on your journey, you can leave it on this step. Continuing then to the 5th step and the 4th, spiraling around to the 3rd and the 2nd and then finally the 1st step, then stepping into a clearing with four doorways, each pointing in one of the four directions. Imagine yourself walking down the pathway that heads east.
It is midday, and you step out onto a path that leads into a grove, hawthorn, fruit trees, old oaks, the flowers and green branches reaching down to touch you as you walk past. The earth is rich and dark, and you follow the path deeper and deeper into the grove. You become aware of the beating of drums in the distance and head toward the sound. You feel the beating of your heart within you timing to the beat of the drum, evoking your truly wild self forth, joining your rhythm to the rhythm of the earth, the universe, God/dess.
The drum sounds get stronger as you come toward a large clearing. Looking into the clearing, you see that a gathering is taking place. There is a circle of stones with a large fire in the center. You note that the drummers are positioned in each of the four directions. In the clearing there are friends, family, ancestors, guides, and other light beings dancing to the drums. You step into the clearing and join the dance for a while, losing yourself in it. After a while, the drumming slows and the dancing subsides and you find the right place for you to be within the circle, as do the others. Finally, your wise woman comes into the circle. She comes to stand next to you. As she closes the circle, the drumming stops.
For a few moments, it is absolutely still. The sound of the stillness is as rich and deep as the sound of the drums had been only moments before. Your wise woman beckons you to come into the center of the circle, right in front of the fire. The drummers begin to play again, one at a time, starting from the east, then south, then west, then north. As the drums begin to get stronger, you start to dance again, a wild, freeing dance that comes from the core of you. A dance that weaves magic all around you, a dance filled with gratitude, love, longing, desire, passion. You feel the magic building as you dance, and as you move east, south, west, north, it moves all throughout the circle, the dance builds a life force that comes through you and out of you and up to the heavens and then down deep to the center of the earth. Then, when you are ready, you reach out and let that wild magical vital life force extend out of your body, throughout the whole of the grove, and outward, reaching into the hearts of everyone you love, and finally surrounding the entire earth in a loving embrace. The drums stop again, and you are again able to feel the depth of the energy even more profoundly in the stillness. You can move the energy just by willing it, and you will it anywhere you feel it needs to go. You feel completely whole and strong. Questions silenced. Needs met. Dreams real.
Your wise woman takes you by the hand, leading you to face the fire. She asks you to tell the fire your greatest wish or wishes. You whisper the words to the fire. The fire seems to grow hotter now that it has received your wishes. Then, you cast whatever resistance you feel to having your wishes met into the fire as well. The fire reaches inside of you – removing anything that no longer belongs, leaving only a perfect, hot white light. When you feel ready, you find your place in the circle again.
When you feel that your time in the circle is complete, your wise woman leads you out of the circle and to a beautiful stone table that has appeared, filled with all kinds of food and drink, and those in your circle join you at the table for a wild celebration. You meet and enjoy those gathered, dancing, singing, making love, laughing. The celebration goes long into the night.
When it is finished and is time to go, you say your goodbyes to your guides, friends, ancestors. Finally, you say goodbye to your wise woman, and head away from the circle, back into the grove. The moon has risen, and you let the moonlight guide you back to where you entered the grove. When you get back to the doorway, you give one last look, then walk through the door.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then back into to the tree. Stepping out of the tree, you find your place beneath it, again enjoying the sweet night air. Then feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
Peace and hope for our earth, and for each of us!
Love and many blessings,
Tara
Calling the circle
As we contemplate Beltane, we summon the spirits of the East, spirits of Springtime, new beginnings, new starts. Spirits of the first light, of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within is always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we call the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, the moon in her many faces, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Beltane thoughts/Talking stick
I was looking over my post from last year, which was about wishes mostly. I had forgotten that part of Beltane until just now. I’ve been thinking about it so much more as a celebration of the fertility of the land, which is so easy to do where I now live. It is rich and alive and buzzing. Gary and I just watched two mating dragonflies in the pond, flowers are blooming everywhere, the air is heavy with the smell of hawthorn and we ate our first fresh spinach from the garden last night. I was walking around the field behind our house to celebrate the day, to calm my mind and to forget that I was on conference calls until midnight last night, and what occurred to me is that despite all the things that can distract me from it, the truth of my life is that I am profoundly happy and deeply fulfilled. I love where I am, I love my family, my home, my work, my garden, my dreams for the future, all of it. I appreciate how lucky that makes me, too.
It is real life: there are real problems, real demands, real chaos sometimes, but underneath that, my spirit is quietly soaring along – fulfilled, singing, happy. A few weeks ago I wrote that I believe the energy of the God/dess as one that is ultimately genderless, but in this season, for me, it is hard not to be deep into the Goddess and all her many faces. I feel a part of the land and the traditions that date back for thousands of years on this day in particular and I am proud to say that I feel and celebrate the green witch in me.
My mind also turned to the Goddess Elen, whose ancient statue was found in the field that I was walking around, and thinking of how the people that worked and loved this land before me left their love for her in the earth along with the objects that represented her. I am honored to walk in their footsteps. Elen of the Ways is the protectress of paths in all their forms. At this Beltane I am asking Elen to bless my paths, wherever they may lead. Some paths I can see, others I can’t, but I know and remember that I am always being led.
Back to wishes. My wish tonight will be for Owen – and for myself to remember that every day with him is a gift and to treasure it that way. For myself, I think I only want to offer prayers of gratitude. I think a wish that the headlines of the world would return to something more balanced than crisis and plagues might be nice though – please join me in that one!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a flowering hawthorn tree, its fragrance rich and thick all around you. The night is cool and clear; as you breathe in and out feel that you are breathing in time with the stars, that you are a part of the setting that surrounds you. Then allow yourself to imagine that you are getting smaller – smaller and smaller until you are so small that you can stand up and walk into the tree that you were lying underneath. Walking into the tree, looking up, note the vast branch system, how tall and high it is, looking down, note the vast root system, reaching down into the earth farther than you can see. Then, notice that one of the roots is larger than the others, and resembles a spiral staircase. Imagine then stepping onto the 13th step, the step of transformation, then spiraling down and around and inward to the 12th step, then down and around to the 11th and the 10th, spiraling down and around and inward to the 9th, then the 8th, then around and inward to the 7th and the 6th step. Then, pausing on the sixth step, note that as you look up you can no longer see the top, and looking down, that you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of the spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. If there is anything that you are carrying that you don’t want to take with you on your journey, you can leave it on this step. Continuing then to the 5th step and the 4th, spiraling around to the 3rd and the 2nd and then finally the 1st step, then stepping into a clearing with four doorways, each pointing in one of the four directions. Imagine yourself walking down the pathway that heads east.
It is midday, and you step out onto a path that leads into a grove, hawthorn, fruit trees, old oaks, the flowers and green branches reaching down to touch you as you walk past. The earth is rich and dark, and you follow the path deeper and deeper into the grove. You become aware of the beating of drums in the distance and head toward the sound. You feel the beating of your heart within you timing to the beat of the drum, evoking your truly wild self forth, joining your rhythm to the rhythm of the earth, the universe, God/dess.
The drum sounds get stronger as you come toward a large clearing. Looking into the clearing, you see that a gathering is taking place. There is a circle of stones with a large fire in the center. You note that the drummers are positioned in each of the four directions. In the clearing there are friends, family, ancestors, guides, and other light beings dancing to the drums. You step into the clearing and join the dance for a while, losing yourself in it. After a while, the drumming slows and the dancing subsides and you find the right place for you to be within the circle, as do the others. Finally, your wise woman comes into the circle. She comes to stand next to you. As she closes the circle, the drumming stops.
For a few moments, it is absolutely still. The sound of the stillness is as rich and deep as the sound of the drums had been only moments before. Your wise woman beckons you to come into the center of the circle, right in front of the fire. The drummers begin to play again, one at a time, starting from the east, then south, then west, then north. As the drums begin to get stronger, you start to dance again, a wild, freeing dance that comes from the core of you. A dance that weaves magic all around you, a dance filled with gratitude, love, longing, desire, passion. You feel the magic building as you dance, and as you move east, south, west, north, it moves all throughout the circle, the dance builds a life force that comes through you and out of you and up to the heavens and then down deep to the center of the earth. Then, when you are ready, you reach out and let that wild magical vital life force extend out of your body, throughout the whole of the grove, and outward, reaching into the hearts of everyone you love, and finally surrounding the entire earth in a loving embrace. The drums stop again, and you are again able to feel the depth of the energy even more profoundly in the stillness. You can move the energy just by willing it, and you will it anywhere you feel it needs to go. You feel completely whole and strong. Questions silenced. Needs met. Dreams real.
Your wise woman takes you by the hand, leading you to face the fire. She asks you to tell the fire your greatest wish or wishes. You whisper the words to the fire. The fire seems to grow hotter now that it has received your wishes. Then, you cast whatever resistance you feel to having your wishes met into the fire as well. The fire reaches inside of you – removing anything that no longer belongs, leaving only a perfect, hot white light. When you feel ready, you find your place in the circle again.
When you feel that your time in the circle is complete, your wise woman leads you out of the circle and to a beautiful stone table that has appeared, filled with all kinds of food and drink, and those in your circle join you at the table for a wild celebration. You meet and enjoy those gathered, dancing, singing, making love, laughing. The celebration goes long into the night.
When it is finished and is time to go, you say your goodbyes to your guides, friends, ancestors. Finally, you say goodbye to your wise woman, and head away from the circle, back into the grove. The moon has risen, and you let the moonlight guide you back to where you entered the grove. When you get back to the doorway, you give one last look, then walk through the door.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then back into to the tree. Stepping out of the tree, you find your place beneath it, again enjoying the sweet night air. Then feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
Peace and hope for our earth, and for each of us!
Love and many blessings,
Tara
Monday, April 27, 2009
New Moon in Taurus, 24th April, 2009
Hi Everyone,
Sorry this post is so late – I looked and last year’s post at this time was late too! Unfortunately procrastination is the downside of a Taurus new moon! Hope you are all enjoying spring, which is definitely sprung in force now, at least here in the UK!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, we call to the spirits of our season, the spirits of the East. of the East Spirits of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, the power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, the power of light, bright and powerful. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we call to the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express herself.
Where is the Moon?
The moon is in Taurus and this moon is focused on what matters to us, and how we relate to the world around us. It also provides us with the opportunity to let go of those things that hold us back, which, of course, all new moons do, but this one is really well positioned for that.
Taurus new moons are also good times to think about finances, responsibilities, where we are and where we want to be. Watch out for that procrastination though!
Talking stick
I have talked about this before, but lately I am finding it even harder to write my posts as clearly and honestly as I used to, because I find that more and more I want to talk about the things that are going on with Owen, but for many reasons cannot, not the least of which being that I feel that I would be violating his privacy by sharing his struggles, or my struggles that relate to him. I think that one day he’ll want to read all of this and would be surprised and perhaps hurt if I shared so much of his life this way. Yet he factors heavily into my life experience, since mothering is such a big part of me.
This month it feels impossible to write about much else at this new moon. He is what is on my mind, he is what I’m thinking about today, and many of my intentions at this moon relate to him. I will need to leave it at that though.
I will add though, that I feel a kind of spring thaw in myself; it has been a very emotional month. I have been really experiencing the loss of my niece, been emotional about things at work, and in general letting out some of what feels like it has been held in too long. Part of it is that I’ve been really allowing myself space this cycle to just sit, meditate, release – let go.
One last thought – I had started a daily blog – but I have to stop it, unfortunately. I found that it was killing my daily practice! I was beginning to put all of my practice into the blog and not achieving what I mentioned just above about just allowing myself space to be quiet and see what comes. It felt it had too much purpose. My practice is back to being fulfilling now – so, a good exercise, but not one I can keep up!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying in a field, on a bed of dandelion flowers, on clear spring evening. The smell of the night air surrounds you, rich with the new spring life all around you – it fills your senses as you breathe in and out in time with the breeze, in time with the stars. As you breathe, you feel yourself getting smaller and smaller, until you are so small that you are able to walk right into the one of the dandelions. As you look up, you note how tall its flowers seem to reach, looking down, you note the depth of its roots reaching into the earth farther than you can see. Then, notice that one of the roots is larger than the others, and resembles a spiral staircase that you can walk down. Imagine then stepping onto the 13th step, the step of transformation, then spiraling down and around and inward to the 12th step, then down and around to the 11th and the 10th, spiraling down and around and inward to the 9th, then the 8th, then around and inward to the 7th and the 6th step. Then, pausing on the sixth step, note that as you look up you can no longer see the top, and looking down, that you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of the spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. If there is anything that you are carrying that you don't want to take with you on your journey, you can leave it on this step. Continuing then to the 5th step and the 4th, spiraling around to the 3rd and the 2nd and then finally the 1st step, then stepping into a clearing with four doorways, each pointing in one of the four directions. Imagine yourself walking down the pathway that heads east.
The time of day is morning, a warm spring dawn, as you step out into a lush meadow. The ground is soft and dewy, and you follow the path that leads across. It winds a bit, and when you look back you realize that you cannot see where you started, but you continue to head forward, knowing that the doorway is there even when you can’t see it. You become aware of a hut in the distance, built into the grass and covered with wild flowers, so that it is almost imperceptible. You head toward the dwelling, feeling it call to you. When you get closer you realize that you have reached a place both ancient and familiar; you have arrived at the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door opens and your wise woman greets you, welcoming you in. Her home is warm and cozy, and she leads you to the kitchen where she is cooking. She offers you whatever it is that she has cooked for you, and you sit and eat or drink with her, asking any questions that you may have, or asking for any wisdom that she might wish to share with you.
When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway, with many doors. You walk to the doorway at the end of the hall, noticing anything in particular about the door as you walk through. You step into an enormous greenhouse, where there are all sorts of plants growing. Some are small, some well established, but all different. Each of them represents a part of your life and you are drawn to those plants that need your attention for whatever reason that they do, and whatever they need you are able to give to them. Or perhaps you are able to just listen to whatever it is that they have to say to you. Your wise woman joins you, answering any questions that you might have along the way, and adding her wisdom to that of the plants.
When you are just about ready to leave, your wise woman gives you a gift to help you with your intentions. You can take it with you, or it can stay in this room, knowing that you can come back to visit it anytime. When you are ready, your wise woman leads you to the door.
You head back toward the kitchen, sharing any last minute thoughts, asking any last minute questions. As you reach the door of the house you say your goodbyes, and while in her embrace, she whispers one word or phrase and presses an object into your hand that will help you to remember how beautiful you are. You thank her, then head back along the path through the meadow, knowing that the doorway is in front of you, although you cannot see it. When you do come to the doorway, when you are ready, you walk through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then back into to the tree. Stepping out of the dandelion, you find your place beneath it, again enjoying the cold night air. Then, feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
I haven’t had any specific calls for prayers, but want to send out energy and light to those in our circle, and in my life, who are in recovery from addiction. I’m so proud of all of you for the ways in which you have looked yourselves in the eye and healed your lives. We should all be so brave.
Much love to everyone,
Tara
Sorry this post is so late – I looked and last year’s post at this time was late too! Unfortunately procrastination is the downside of a Taurus new moon! Hope you are all enjoying spring, which is definitely sprung in force now, at least here in the UK!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, we call to the spirits of our season, the spirits of the East. of the East Spirits of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, the power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, the power of light, bright and powerful. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we call to the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express herself.
Where is the Moon?
The moon is in Taurus and this moon is focused on what matters to us, and how we relate to the world around us. It also provides us with the opportunity to let go of those things that hold us back, which, of course, all new moons do, but this one is really well positioned for that.
Taurus new moons are also good times to think about finances, responsibilities, where we are and where we want to be. Watch out for that procrastination though!
Talking stick
I have talked about this before, but lately I am finding it even harder to write my posts as clearly and honestly as I used to, because I find that more and more I want to talk about the things that are going on with Owen, but for many reasons cannot, not the least of which being that I feel that I would be violating his privacy by sharing his struggles, or my struggles that relate to him. I think that one day he’ll want to read all of this and would be surprised and perhaps hurt if I shared so much of his life this way. Yet he factors heavily into my life experience, since mothering is such a big part of me.
This month it feels impossible to write about much else at this new moon. He is what is on my mind, he is what I’m thinking about today, and many of my intentions at this moon relate to him. I will need to leave it at that though.
I will add though, that I feel a kind of spring thaw in myself; it has been a very emotional month. I have been really experiencing the loss of my niece, been emotional about things at work, and in general letting out some of what feels like it has been held in too long. Part of it is that I’ve been really allowing myself space this cycle to just sit, meditate, release – let go.
One last thought – I had started a daily blog – but I have to stop it, unfortunately. I found that it was killing my daily practice! I was beginning to put all of my practice into the blog and not achieving what I mentioned just above about just allowing myself space to be quiet and see what comes. It felt it had too much purpose. My practice is back to being fulfilling now – so, a good exercise, but not one I can keep up!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying in a field, on a bed of dandelion flowers, on clear spring evening. The smell of the night air surrounds you, rich with the new spring life all around you – it fills your senses as you breathe in and out in time with the breeze, in time with the stars. As you breathe, you feel yourself getting smaller and smaller, until you are so small that you are able to walk right into the one of the dandelions. As you look up, you note how tall its flowers seem to reach, looking down, you note the depth of its roots reaching into the earth farther than you can see. Then, notice that one of the roots is larger than the others, and resembles a spiral staircase that you can walk down. Imagine then stepping onto the 13th step, the step of transformation, then spiraling down and around and inward to the 12th step, then down and around to the 11th and the 10th, spiraling down and around and inward to the 9th, then the 8th, then around and inward to the 7th and the 6th step. Then, pausing on the sixth step, note that as you look up you can no longer see the top, and looking down, that you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of the spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. If there is anything that you are carrying that you don't want to take with you on your journey, you can leave it on this step. Continuing then to the 5th step and the 4th, spiraling around to the 3rd and the 2nd and then finally the 1st step, then stepping into a clearing with four doorways, each pointing in one of the four directions. Imagine yourself walking down the pathway that heads east.
The time of day is morning, a warm spring dawn, as you step out into a lush meadow. The ground is soft and dewy, and you follow the path that leads across. It winds a bit, and when you look back you realize that you cannot see where you started, but you continue to head forward, knowing that the doorway is there even when you can’t see it. You become aware of a hut in the distance, built into the grass and covered with wild flowers, so that it is almost imperceptible. You head toward the dwelling, feeling it call to you. When you get closer you realize that you have reached a place both ancient and familiar; you have arrived at the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door opens and your wise woman greets you, welcoming you in. Her home is warm and cozy, and she leads you to the kitchen where she is cooking. She offers you whatever it is that she has cooked for you, and you sit and eat or drink with her, asking any questions that you may have, or asking for any wisdom that she might wish to share with you.
When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway, with many doors. You walk to the doorway at the end of the hall, noticing anything in particular about the door as you walk through. You step into an enormous greenhouse, where there are all sorts of plants growing. Some are small, some well established, but all different. Each of them represents a part of your life and you are drawn to those plants that need your attention for whatever reason that they do, and whatever they need you are able to give to them. Or perhaps you are able to just listen to whatever it is that they have to say to you. Your wise woman joins you, answering any questions that you might have along the way, and adding her wisdom to that of the plants.
When you are just about ready to leave, your wise woman gives you a gift to help you with your intentions. You can take it with you, or it can stay in this room, knowing that you can come back to visit it anytime. When you are ready, your wise woman leads you to the door.
You head back toward the kitchen, sharing any last minute thoughts, asking any last minute questions. As you reach the door of the house you say your goodbyes, and while in her embrace, she whispers one word or phrase and presses an object into your hand that will help you to remember how beautiful you are. You thank her, then head back along the path through the meadow, knowing that the doorway is in front of you, although you cannot see it. When you do come to the doorway, when you are ready, you walk through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then back into to the tree. Stepping out of the dandelion, you find your place beneath it, again enjoying the cold night air. Then, feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
I haven’t had any specific calls for prayers, but want to send out energy and light to those in our circle, and in my life, who are in recovery from addiction. I’m so proud of all of you for the ways in which you have looked yourselves in the eye and healed your lives. We should all be so brave.
Much love to everyone,
Tara
Friday, April 10, 2009
Full Moon in Libra, 9th April, 2009
Hi everyone,
It’s been a bit crazy this week and I apologize for this getting out a bit late! It is a beautiful full moon though, and at least in the UK, definitely feeling more like spring every day!
Calling the circle
As we come to another full moon in Spring, we call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits of this season, of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we summon the the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children, and to the brightest of moons. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Where is the Moon?
The full moon is in Libra, a deep balancing moon, but also a peace maker. It calls us to know ourselves, honor ourselves, and speak our truth but with deep compassion and love.
Talking stick
I have been thinking about faith for the last day or so, because in the last year several close friends have gone through times when their faith felt far away. I know that feeling so well and it is the loneliest and saddest place to be. My biggest faith crisis occurred while living in LA. I was on the heels of so much tragedy: the death of my father, my brother and a close friend; the end of my first marriage; Lyme’s disease; and then, finally, life in LA. I struggled to connect to people, to find meaningful work, and was in such a devastated place really couldn’t see my way clear of it. I wanted to be writing screenplays more than anything, and I think I felt that I’d been through so much that now I deserved it all to go my way. The more it continued to not go my way the worse it got until finally one night I shouted to God/dess that I was done – I no longer was going to pray or believe in anything until my life changed. I woke at 4am or so to the biggest earthquake LA had experienced in about 20 years and clinging to my doorway while struggling to get some clothes on (if the house collapsed thought it would be unseemly to be pulled out on CNN like that) I railed at God/dess that while I was now once again on speaking terms, it wasn’t for me but just to pray for anyone who might be hurt and suffering.
And in fact my life did change after that, but my faith crisis was not entirely over yet. Not until I got to NY and in a state of complete financial ruin on top of all the other things that I had going on in my life I finally came to a place of surrender, where I realized that they way out wasn’t going to be easy, it was going to take hard work, but that it was time for me to stop, face where I was and not where I kept wanting to be and start finding a way to live in the moment of my life in a way that would make me feel happy and contented. In that moment of surrender, I remember it vividly – it is as if all the love, all the power, all the energy of all creation came rushing back into me. Nothing had changed but everything had changed because I was finally at peace.
For me, being in faith, in harmony with the God/dess energy of all things is more about surrender than anything else. Every time in my life that I’ve tried to dictate how something “should” go, it goes wrong. When I flow with what happens, it goes well. It doesn’t mean that hard things don’t happen, but those hard things are no more a test from God/dess then the good times are a gift. The energy is there, timeless, faceless, genderless (no matter how I choose to experience it), and the source of power, light, love – the fullness of God/dess – to deal with whatever comes along. I believe it flows through me and guides me and is what I am – all the time. We can choose to be tapped into it or not, but whether we are or aren’t it is there.
For this full moon, I want to remember that holding the reins too tightly and trying to steer everything where I would have it go is just as much folly in good times (which I feel these are for me right now) as it is in harder times. I want to be reminded to be in faith all the time, listening, believing, trusting that I am that divine – I am that light – I couldn’t be anything else if I tried. And neither could you.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying in a thick forest, under a beautiful old willow tree – green with new leaves. You can hear rain falling gently above you, but it doesn’t quite reach you on the ground. It is a lush, comfortable warm evening. The wind stirs gently, moving the branches of the willow back and forth. As you look up, you can see the light of the full moon reaching between the branches, shining down until it is touching you, reaching right into your heart. With each breath, the moonlight feels as though it is reaching through you, deep into the earth, then upward into the sky again. As it moves through you and into the earth, you feel it spiraling deep below you, into something of a staircase. You stand up, and begin to wind your way down the staircase of moonlight, beginning on the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then spiraling around to the twelfth and the eleventh, then around to the tenth, then spiraling down and around and inward to the ninth, then the eighth, and around and inward to the seventh, then the sixth. You pause for a moment on the sixth step, leaving anything behind that you don’t choose to take along with you. Then continuing to spiral down and around to the fifth step, then the fourth, then the third. And around and inward to the second, and then finally the first step. You step off the staircase onto firm ground and head out toward the west.
You step out onto a beach – a beautiful and calm sea with a long sandy shore. You are aware that you are the only person for miles – that it is a beach seemingly just for you. As you come to the water’s edge, you feel compelled to enter the water, and you swim out into the sea. The water feels perfectly warm, perfectly comfortable as you swim out, feeling your cares release into the water. You become aware that there is an island that you didn’t notice before, and you make your way toward it. When you reach the shore, you see a dwelling set back from the shore and you make your way to it. The dwelling is ancient and familiar, a home that you have been to many times before. You have reached the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door swings open and your wise woman greets you, happy to see you as always. She brings you into the kitchen, where she is cooking for you – and you are able to talk with her about your life. When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway with many doors. You find the doorway that seems right to you and open the door. You step through into a place that offers you the most comfort possible – a place so much like home, so familiar, so full of warmth and love that any resistance that you have melts away. You might be alone in this place, or maybe there are others who complete this feeling of home for you. Whatever the place, you step in and let yourself really relax into its comfort. When you are ready, your wise woman leads you to a spring that has appeared into your environment – she leads you to the spring and asks what it is that you most need to make your life work right now. You tell her, and as you do, she draws you a glass of water from the spring. As you drink the water, you feel yourself filling with exactly what you need. When you have finished, she leads you back to the place that is home for you to relax and enjoy for as long as you need to. When you are ready, you leave this room, knowing that it is a place to which you can always return.
When you have stepped back through the doorway, you head back to the door of the house to say your goodbyes. While in her embrace, she whispers one word or phrase that will help you to remember what it was that you needed and what was fulfilled by the spring, and the place of rest. You thank her and then head back to the sea for the swim back. Feeling refreshed, you take your time, really enjoying the water, the sun, the air, the life all around you. When you reach the shore, you head back to the doorway where your journey began.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then lying back down onto the earth where you began. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
I would like to ask for powerful prayers for a friend today who will be facing a very difficult situation. Please pray that the light will shine strongly for him, around him and through him – as it always does.
Much love to all of you as well – I hope to see some of you very soon!
Tara
It’s been a bit crazy this week and I apologize for this getting out a bit late! It is a beautiful full moon though, and at least in the UK, definitely feeling more like spring every day!
Calling the circle
As we come to another full moon in Spring, we call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits of this season, of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we summon the the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children, and to the brightest of moons. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Where is the Moon?
The full moon is in Libra, a deep balancing moon, but also a peace maker. It calls us to know ourselves, honor ourselves, and speak our truth but with deep compassion and love.
Talking stick
I have been thinking about faith for the last day or so, because in the last year several close friends have gone through times when their faith felt far away. I know that feeling so well and it is the loneliest and saddest place to be. My biggest faith crisis occurred while living in LA. I was on the heels of so much tragedy: the death of my father, my brother and a close friend; the end of my first marriage; Lyme’s disease; and then, finally, life in LA. I struggled to connect to people, to find meaningful work, and was in such a devastated place really couldn’t see my way clear of it. I wanted to be writing screenplays more than anything, and I think I felt that I’d been through so much that now I deserved it all to go my way. The more it continued to not go my way the worse it got until finally one night I shouted to God/dess that I was done – I no longer was going to pray or believe in anything until my life changed. I woke at 4am or so to the biggest earthquake LA had experienced in about 20 years and clinging to my doorway while struggling to get some clothes on (if the house collapsed thought it would be unseemly to be pulled out on CNN like that) I railed at God/dess that while I was now once again on speaking terms, it wasn’t for me but just to pray for anyone who might be hurt and suffering.
And in fact my life did change after that, but my faith crisis was not entirely over yet. Not until I got to NY and in a state of complete financial ruin on top of all the other things that I had going on in my life I finally came to a place of surrender, where I realized that they way out wasn’t going to be easy, it was going to take hard work, but that it was time for me to stop, face where I was and not where I kept wanting to be and start finding a way to live in the moment of my life in a way that would make me feel happy and contented. In that moment of surrender, I remember it vividly – it is as if all the love, all the power, all the energy of all creation came rushing back into me. Nothing had changed but everything had changed because I was finally at peace.
For me, being in faith, in harmony with the God/dess energy of all things is more about surrender than anything else. Every time in my life that I’ve tried to dictate how something “should” go, it goes wrong. When I flow with what happens, it goes well. It doesn’t mean that hard things don’t happen, but those hard things are no more a test from God/dess then the good times are a gift. The energy is there, timeless, faceless, genderless (no matter how I choose to experience it), and the source of power, light, love – the fullness of God/dess – to deal with whatever comes along. I believe it flows through me and guides me and is what I am – all the time. We can choose to be tapped into it or not, but whether we are or aren’t it is there.
For this full moon, I want to remember that holding the reins too tightly and trying to steer everything where I would have it go is just as much folly in good times (which I feel these are for me right now) as it is in harder times. I want to be reminded to be in faith all the time, listening, believing, trusting that I am that divine – I am that light – I couldn’t be anything else if I tried. And neither could you.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying in a thick forest, under a beautiful old willow tree – green with new leaves. You can hear rain falling gently above you, but it doesn’t quite reach you on the ground. It is a lush, comfortable warm evening. The wind stirs gently, moving the branches of the willow back and forth. As you look up, you can see the light of the full moon reaching between the branches, shining down until it is touching you, reaching right into your heart. With each breath, the moonlight feels as though it is reaching through you, deep into the earth, then upward into the sky again. As it moves through you and into the earth, you feel it spiraling deep below you, into something of a staircase. You stand up, and begin to wind your way down the staircase of moonlight, beginning on the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then spiraling around to the twelfth and the eleventh, then around to the tenth, then spiraling down and around and inward to the ninth, then the eighth, and around and inward to the seventh, then the sixth. You pause for a moment on the sixth step, leaving anything behind that you don’t choose to take along with you. Then continuing to spiral down and around to the fifth step, then the fourth, then the third. And around and inward to the second, and then finally the first step. You step off the staircase onto firm ground and head out toward the west.
You step out onto a beach – a beautiful and calm sea with a long sandy shore. You are aware that you are the only person for miles – that it is a beach seemingly just for you. As you come to the water’s edge, you feel compelled to enter the water, and you swim out into the sea. The water feels perfectly warm, perfectly comfortable as you swim out, feeling your cares release into the water. You become aware that there is an island that you didn’t notice before, and you make your way toward it. When you reach the shore, you see a dwelling set back from the shore and you make your way to it. The dwelling is ancient and familiar, a home that you have been to many times before. You have reached the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door swings open and your wise woman greets you, happy to see you as always. She brings you into the kitchen, where she is cooking for you – and you are able to talk with her about your life. When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway with many doors. You find the doorway that seems right to you and open the door. You step through into a place that offers you the most comfort possible – a place so much like home, so familiar, so full of warmth and love that any resistance that you have melts away. You might be alone in this place, or maybe there are others who complete this feeling of home for you. Whatever the place, you step in and let yourself really relax into its comfort. When you are ready, your wise woman leads you to a spring that has appeared into your environment – she leads you to the spring and asks what it is that you most need to make your life work right now. You tell her, and as you do, she draws you a glass of water from the spring. As you drink the water, you feel yourself filling with exactly what you need. When you have finished, she leads you back to the place that is home for you to relax and enjoy for as long as you need to. When you are ready, you leave this room, knowing that it is a place to which you can always return.
When you have stepped back through the doorway, you head back to the door of the house to say your goodbyes. While in her embrace, she whispers one word or phrase that will help you to remember what it was that you needed and what was fulfilled by the spring, and the place of rest. You thank her and then head back to the sea for the swim back. Feeling refreshed, you take your time, really enjoying the water, the sun, the air, the life all around you. When you reach the shore, you head back to the doorway where your journey began.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then lying back down onto the earth where you began. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
I would like to ask for powerful prayers for a friend today who will be facing a very difficult situation. Please pray that the light will shine strongly for him, around him and through him – as it always does.
Much love to all of you as well – I hope to see some of you very soon!
Tara
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
