This is several days late – so sorry but I was away for the new moon, then thought I’d combine them – then it got away from me! Obviously I could use some autumnal balance!!!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate equinox, we summon the fresh breath of the spirits of the East, spirits of springtime, new beginnings, new starts. The promise of the sunrise, the strength and energy of youth – the cool air, blowing away doubt and stagnation. The power of life. 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 summer – the power of the sun at midday as it creates passion, motivation, energy, movement. strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. 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. The power and truth of our deepest intuition – our love, our emotions. 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.
Equinox thoughts/Talking stick
Some of you know this – but I’ve felt for a while now that perhaps it is time for me to let go of writing this blog, at least on a committed regular basis, writing it in a more free-flowing way. I have been trying to commit through Samhain, which feels a good time to let the structure go – but then at this new moon and equinox, it became logistically difficult to write this in time – so maybe that new, more freely flowing state has already begun.
I have decided to make a few new commitments in the next few months, some of which I’ll write about as they happen, but that is a lot of it – but much of this decision revolves around my inability to be as open and honest with my writing as I used to be. So much of my life is about Gary and Owen, and their growth right now is very vivid and many times intense, and, as such, quite personal, and I just can’t violate their privacy by sharing it here. So, I am left writing in generalities in a way that doesn’t feel authentic.
So, I believe the next phase begins on its own accord, and this phase comes to a natural end. I’ve said this before, but I am very open to the meditation and sharing of others for this blog – feel free to send along anything you’d like posted. And in the meantime, I will post as the Goddess moves me – which may be at every moon – and may not. As the flow goes!
Thank you all for your ongoing love, support and tremendous feedback over these 5+ years. It continues to be the most rewarding part of doing this.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying on the ground beneath a beautiful but leafless old oak tree, in the middle of a field, under a starry, windless sky. The ground feels warm but the breeze is cool, whispering in the breath of autumn. 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 west.
It is sunset, and it is magnificent. The sky is muted palette of colour; gold, blue, purple, pink, orange, lit by the final moments of the setting sun, disappearing beneath a tall hill, behind a lake. You begin to walk the pathway around the lake, a soft, winding path that leads to the lake’s source, a stream where a natural pool has formed. The light is reflecting off of the pool, shining gold and pink. Around the pool a circle is gathering, preparing for a ceremony. You step into the circle, finding your place within it, as do the others – friends, ancestors, guides who have come to this place to share this moment with you. The last one to enter the circle is your wise woman, who comes to stand beside you.
You stand in the power of the setting sun, feeling it fill you with peace. The air is still, but full of the power of change – the change of light, the change of seasons. You are aware of the passing of summer – the time of manifestation as your wise woman asks you to step forward to the center of the circle, toward the pool. You step into the pool, which is deep enough for you to be fully immersed. Letting go completely, you feel your body relaxing into the water – floating gently and feeling the beautiful gold and pink light completely fill you. Then, you go deeper into the water, finding that you can breathe quite easily. You find your way all the way to the bottom. It is hard to see there, but as you reach the bottom, you feel that you have also reached the core of yourself. All the truth that you need to know about yourself, your life, those around you is revealed to you here at the bottom of the lake. Anything that you no longer need, that no longer serves you, can be let go of here as well. When you are ready, you return to the surface to rest in the light of the sunset, filling with deep love as you contemplate your new knowledge. When you are ready, you return to the circle. Others in the circle go into the pool as well and return lit by the light of sunset and their own truth. Finally, when everyone is ready, your wise woman steps forward and the energy of love and light becomes so powerful that you find you can direct it wherever it needs to go – to all the people and places that need that light.
When you feel that your time in the circle is complete, your wise woman leads you 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 beautiful celebration. You can converse freely with them here.
When the meal is finished and it is time to go, you step back into the circle with the others. The love is powerfully emanating from the pool and you are able to take that energy once again and direct it wherever it needs to go, knowing that love heals everything. When you are ready, you say your goodbyes to your guides, friends, ancestors. Finally, you say goodbye to your wise woman, and head away from the circle, back along the soft path to the beach. 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
Love to all of you – this whole circle. I am so lucky to have you.
Love and many blessings,
Tara
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Full Moon in Pisces, 5th, September 2009
Hi everyone,
This is the last full moon of summer – it feels like autumn here in the UK now too, under a big dreamy moon. Hope you are enjoying it!
Calling the circle
We call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits 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 our season – soon passing away, 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, offering our gratitude for their support this season 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 now in Pisces. It is a powerful, dreamy moon and one that can help you tap into your intuitive self. Trust your intuition and listen to your inner calling.
Talking stick
I read an interesting article the other day, that rather than clip in here verbatim I will paraphrase. It was written by a man who works with people to help them find their way to true happiness and it all revolved around getting people to see what it is that they really want. Not the things that they say they want, or think they should want, but what they really, really want. He said that when they talk about the things that they want, their eyes light up, their hearts are on fire, they are in that moment their true selves.
I have thought a lot about this and I realized that I am so fortunate to have gotten two of the things that I wanted more than anything else in my life: one was to be a mother, which I am and am so profoundly grateful for; another was to reunite and be happy with Gary after we separated, now over eight years ago, and that happened too. There are three more things that I deeply want. Two are somewhat career-related, and I think they could actually happen if I set my mind to it. They are more about how I want to see myself and where I fit in the world than anything else – but they will require some shifting and I’m going to think about that.
The third is an intense desire to simply walk around the world. I remember thinking in the year before I had Owen that this was the time to choose that, or motherhood – and my desire for motherhood was stronger. But my desire to wander remains – but I think it can be shelved until I am a bit older.
I am sure that I am able to experience peace and contentment from time to time in my life because I have followed my heart. I must never forget that it is a continual choice, not a one off.
Finally, and speaking of following one’s heart, I need to share with especially our NY group that Kelly and Ali have decided to get married!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Those of you who have been a part of our circle in New York will understand how beautiful this is, given Kelly’s journey to find the love that is the truest for her. I reminded her of this yesterday, but once when she was coming to visit me over here, she was on the airplane and looked out of the window and saw the northern lights and simply thought, “Ali”. They were broken up at the time, but I think it was then I knew that he would always be her miraculous light and the love of her life. There was a reunion, another breakup and another reunion between then and now – but here they are. And I feel pretty sure that I don’t need to wish her every happiness because I think it will be theirs anyway – but I know that Kelly will feel the wave of joy that this creates coming her way and blessing their union!!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a big, full willow tree, whose branches reach all the way to ground so that you can lie inside its embrace. It is a warm summer night, and 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 south.
You step out into a forest, green and lush, but with just a hint of autumn in the air. The sun is still high in the sky, but past midday, and the breeze is cool. You walk into the forest, following a clear path heading right into the centre. You notice anything of interest around you, the animals, the trees, the plants. As you near the centre, you come to a stream. You look into the stream, noticing anything of interest there as well – the life within it, your reflection. When you are ready, you cross the stream and walk onto the path on the other side. It brings you to the centre of the forest, and a dwelling there, one that is ancient but always familiar. You have reached the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door opens, and she greets you warmly. She brings you into the kitchen, where she is cooking for you, and you talk freely about whatever comes to mind, maybe asking questions, maybe just listening to her thoughts for you. When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway with many doors. You walk to the end of the hallway and when you are ready, you open the door and enter the room.
You step out into pure moonlight – as if you are a part of it. You feel yourself as if you are made of particles of light, floating in the sky, illuminating the heavens. You are outside of time and can see, feel and create the past, the present, and the future. Your power to create is the power of creation itself and you are the world that you would birth. Anything that you imagine in this place immediately becomes your reality. When you are through creating, you are able to just relax in the light, joined with the light of everything. The light fills you with love, peace, hope, joy – anything that you need right now. When you are ready, you allow your form to return and head toward the door, but knowing this is a place to which you can always return.
Your wise woman leads you back to the front of the house, back to the path that took 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 intention for this moon, or just something that you need to hear. You thank her and then head back out into the forest, winding your way along the path, back toward the doorway. You cross the stream again, then step back onto the path on the other side. 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 willow. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
Special prayers for all of those with new beginnings this autumn – may they bring deep fulfillment!
Much love to all of you,
Tara
This is the last full moon of summer – it feels like autumn here in the UK now too, under a big dreamy moon. Hope you are enjoying it!
Calling the circle
We call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits 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 our season – soon passing away, 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, offering our gratitude for their support this season 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 now in Pisces. It is a powerful, dreamy moon and one that can help you tap into your intuitive self. Trust your intuition and listen to your inner calling.
Talking stick
I read an interesting article the other day, that rather than clip in here verbatim I will paraphrase. It was written by a man who works with people to help them find their way to true happiness and it all revolved around getting people to see what it is that they really want. Not the things that they say they want, or think they should want, but what they really, really want. He said that when they talk about the things that they want, their eyes light up, their hearts are on fire, they are in that moment their true selves.
I have thought a lot about this and I realized that I am so fortunate to have gotten two of the things that I wanted more than anything else in my life: one was to be a mother, which I am and am so profoundly grateful for; another was to reunite and be happy with Gary after we separated, now over eight years ago, and that happened too. There are three more things that I deeply want. Two are somewhat career-related, and I think they could actually happen if I set my mind to it. They are more about how I want to see myself and where I fit in the world than anything else – but they will require some shifting and I’m going to think about that.
The third is an intense desire to simply walk around the world. I remember thinking in the year before I had Owen that this was the time to choose that, or motherhood – and my desire for motherhood was stronger. But my desire to wander remains – but I think it can be shelved until I am a bit older.
I am sure that I am able to experience peace and contentment from time to time in my life because I have followed my heart. I must never forget that it is a continual choice, not a one off.
Finally, and speaking of following one’s heart, I need to share with especially our NY group that Kelly and Ali have decided to get married!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Those of you who have been a part of our circle in New York will understand how beautiful this is, given Kelly’s journey to find the love that is the truest for her. I reminded her of this yesterday, but once when she was coming to visit me over here, she was on the airplane and looked out of the window and saw the northern lights and simply thought, “Ali”. They were broken up at the time, but I think it was then I knew that he would always be her miraculous light and the love of her life. There was a reunion, another breakup and another reunion between then and now – but here they are. And I feel pretty sure that I don’t need to wish her every happiness because I think it will be theirs anyway – but I know that Kelly will feel the wave of joy that this creates coming her way and blessing their union!!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a big, full willow tree, whose branches reach all the way to ground so that you can lie inside its embrace. It is a warm summer night, and 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 south.
You step out into a forest, green and lush, but with just a hint of autumn in the air. The sun is still high in the sky, but past midday, and the breeze is cool. You walk into the forest, following a clear path heading right into the centre. You notice anything of interest around you, the animals, the trees, the plants. As you near the centre, you come to a stream. You look into the stream, noticing anything of interest there as well – the life within it, your reflection. When you are ready, you cross the stream and walk onto the path on the other side. It brings you to the centre of the forest, and a dwelling there, one that is ancient but always familiar. You have reached the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door opens, and she greets you warmly. She brings you into the kitchen, where she is cooking for you, and you talk freely about whatever comes to mind, maybe asking questions, maybe just listening to her thoughts for you. When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway with many doors. You walk to the end of the hallway and when you are ready, you open the door and enter the room.
You step out into pure moonlight – as if you are a part of it. You feel yourself as if you are made of particles of light, floating in the sky, illuminating the heavens. You are outside of time and can see, feel and create the past, the present, and the future. Your power to create is the power of creation itself and you are the world that you would birth. Anything that you imagine in this place immediately becomes your reality. When you are through creating, you are able to just relax in the light, joined with the light of everything. The light fills you with love, peace, hope, joy – anything that you need right now. When you are ready, you allow your form to return and head toward the door, but knowing this is a place to which you can always return.
Your wise woman leads you back to the front of the house, back to the path that took 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 intention for this moon, or just something that you need to hear. You thank her and then head back out into the forest, winding your way along the path, back toward the doorway. You cross the stream again, then step back onto the path on the other side. 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 willow. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
Special prayers for all of those with new beginnings this autumn – may they bring deep fulfillment!
Much love to all of you,
Tara
Thursday, August 20, 2009
New Moon in Leo, 20th August, 2009
Hi everyone,
Happy new moon – hope you are enjoying this fiery summer evening. It just got cooler here in the UK – but I feel the fire anyway!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, imagine that we are together, summoning the spirits of the East, spirits of Springtime, new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East. We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of summer, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. We call the spirits of the South. And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of deep feelings, strong emotions, a sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, power of love, true love. Spirits of our intuition and our empathy. We call to the spirits of the West. 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 call to those spirits above us, angels, starts, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions 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. 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 Leo and is focused on our selves – who are we, who do we want to be: what will we do? Where are we going and is it where we want to be? It is a night for visions, love, truth telling, dreams and powerful intentions. Make the most of it!
Talking stick
My moon is in Leo and so I feel close to this one. It is kind of chilly here tonight and I always like these nights in summer that feel a bit like autumn. The garden has felt a bit like that too, since returning. There is still so much abundance, but also some plants are finished now and I am slowly raking over the soil, getting it ready for winter. Soon we’ll have a marathon cook off of all the apples and vegetables, harvest festival around the corner too, and then – autumn.
This year has been amazing. Challenging and sad in parts, especially with the deaths in both of our lives and a lot of challenges in my family, intense with school for both Gary and Owen, full and rich and challenging as we continue our theme of going backwards to go forward. I think we’ve done that now; we are almost there, back to where we want to get on a different path, and then will head in that direction.
With all the bounty and barrenness, the love and the loss, the intense growth and then feelings of stagnation, I am, tonight, profoundly aware of being alive – a soul on fire – a soul with so much passion. I sometimes get these fleeting glimpses of the truth, which is, the machinations don’t matter, but it is the life, the dance, the love in my soul that matters. I just felt a shimmer of that again and it feels so much like healing. We are eternal.
I think I better leave it there, except for this: at this new moon, I will remember to take active steps toward my goals, but also to leave room for the magic and the unexpected to play its role. No matter what I think of where I am now, I know that I am precisely where I have been led to be. And any resistance that I feel is just the natural feelings of growth occurring, that will eventually lead me down the next right path. And I will follow, because no matter what, my faith remains the strongest part of me. And I am so so grateful for that.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying on the ground in a field full of plants, in their height of summer growth. The tallest of them tower over you, with their beautiful white umbels open to the sky. The ground feels perfectly comfortable, the air warm and fragrant. As you breathe in and out feel that you are breathing in time with the gentle breeze around you, 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 one of the tall plants that you were lying underneath. Walking into the plant, looking up, note how it reaches skyward – to the new moon. Looking down, note 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. Imagine 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.
When you step through the doorway, the sunlight greets you, warming you. It is midday, in a beautiful meadow, filled with wild flowers, buzzing with bees and butterflies. The grass and plants are taller than you, making it difficult to see beyond the path, but it is so alive with life that you feel immersed in the earth and all of its life. You are drawn into the sounds and smells, making note of any messages that the landscape or its life may hold for you. The pathway winds through the meadow and then begins to head upward, a soft hill rising over the meadow. In the distance you can begin to make out a dwelling place. You walk in that direction, until finally you are upon it. You recognize it as a home that is ancient and familiar to you – the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door swings open and you are greeted by your wise woman. She leads you to the kitchen where she is cooking for you, and the two of you sit and chat for a few moments, catching up about anything that is going on in your life, asking her any questions that you may have or just asking for her general advice.
When you are ready, your wise woman leads you to a hallway with many doors. You choose the door that feels right to you and walk through. In that room is a table and on that table is a book. You walk over to the book and pick it up. It is the book of your life, the book of your soul. You can write in the book, or you can read the book, which contains information about anything that you need to answer, any truth, any wisdom resides in the book. You read or write until you are satisfied. Your wise woman then turns to a part of the book that you haven’t read before; something that you need to know about this time in your life. If you have any questions, you can ask her anything you like about this part of the book. When you are ready, you close the book, knowing that it is always here for you if you need it.
You get up, leaving the room, walking back toward the front of the house with your wise woman. She leads you to the door, says goodbye, offering you one word or phrase to help you remember what you read. You give her a big hug then open the door, greeted again by the landscape, and all of its life. You head back down the path, toward the doorway that you walked through. When you reach the doorway, 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 moment of infinite perfection. 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 tall plant. Stepping out of the plant, 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
I’ve had no specific calls for prayers, so lots of love to all of you!!
Tara
Happy new moon – hope you are enjoying this fiery summer evening. It just got cooler here in the UK – but I feel the fire anyway!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, imagine that we are together, summoning the spirits of the East, spirits of Springtime, new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East. We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of summer, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. We call the spirits of the South. And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of deep feelings, strong emotions, a sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, power of love, true love. Spirits of our intuition and our empathy. We call to the spirits of the West. 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 call to those spirits above us, angels, starts, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions 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. 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 Leo and is focused on our selves – who are we, who do we want to be: what will we do? Where are we going and is it where we want to be? It is a night for visions, love, truth telling, dreams and powerful intentions. Make the most of it!
Talking stick
My moon is in Leo and so I feel close to this one. It is kind of chilly here tonight and I always like these nights in summer that feel a bit like autumn. The garden has felt a bit like that too, since returning. There is still so much abundance, but also some plants are finished now and I am slowly raking over the soil, getting it ready for winter. Soon we’ll have a marathon cook off of all the apples and vegetables, harvest festival around the corner too, and then – autumn.
This year has been amazing. Challenging and sad in parts, especially with the deaths in both of our lives and a lot of challenges in my family, intense with school for both Gary and Owen, full and rich and challenging as we continue our theme of going backwards to go forward. I think we’ve done that now; we are almost there, back to where we want to get on a different path, and then will head in that direction.
With all the bounty and barrenness, the love and the loss, the intense growth and then feelings of stagnation, I am, tonight, profoundly aware of being alive – a soul on fire – a soul with so much passion. I sometimes get these fleeting glimpses of the truth, which is, the machinations don’t matter, but it is the life, the dance, the love in my soul that matters. I just felt a shimmer of that again and it feels so much like healing. We are eternal.
I think I better leave it there, except for this: at this new moon, I will remember to take active steps toward my goals, but also to leave room for the magic and the unexpected to play its role. No matter what I think of where I am now, I know that I am precisely where I have been led to be. And any resistance that I feel is just the natural feelings of growth occurring, that will eventually lead me down the next right path. And I will follow, because no matter what, my faith remains the strongest part of me. And I am so so grateful for that.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying on the ground in a field full of plants, in their height of summer growth. The tallest of them tower over you, with their beautiful white umbels open to the sky. The ground feels perfectly comfortable, the air warm and fragrant. As you breathe in and out feel that you are breathing in time with the gentle breeze around you, 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 one of the tall plants that you were lying underneath. Walking into the plant, looking up, note how it reaches skyward – to the new moon. Looking down, note 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. Imagine 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.
When you step through the doorway, the sunlight greets you, warming you. It is midday, in a beautiful meadow, filled with wild flowers, buzzing with bees and butterflies. The grass and plants are taller than you, making it difficult to see beyond the path, but it is so alive with life that you feel immersed in the earth and all of its life. You are drawn into the sounds and smells, making note of any messages that the landscape or its life may hold for you. The pathway winds through the meadow and then begins to head upward, a soft hill rising over the meadow. In the distance you can begin to make out a dwelling place. You walk in that direction, until finally you are upon it. You recognize it as a home that is ancient and familiar to you – the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door swings open and you are greeted by your wise woman. She leads you to the kitchen where she is cooking for you, and the two of you sit and chat for a few moments, catching up about anything that is going on in your life, asking her any questions that you may have or just asking for her general advice.
When you are ready, your wise woman leads you to a hallway with many doors. You choose the door that feels right to you and walk through. In that room is a table and on that table is a book. You walk over to the book and pick it up. It is the book of your life, the book of your soul. You can write in the book, or you can read the book, which contains information about anything that you need to answer, any truth, any wisdom resides in the book. You read or write until you are satisfied. Your wise woman then turns to a part of the book that you haven’t read before; something that you need to know about this time in your life. If you have any questions, you can ask her anything you like about this part of the book. When you are ready, you close the book, knowing that it is always here for you if you need it.
You get up, leaving the room, walking back toward the front of the house with your wise woman. She leads you to the door, says goodbye, offering you one word or phrase to help you remember what you read. You give her a big hug then open the door, greeted again by the landscape, and all of its life. You head back down the path, toward the doorway that you walked through. When you reach the doorway, 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 moment of infinite perfection. 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 tall plant. Stepping out of the plant, 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
I’ve had no specific calls for prayers, so lots of love to all of you!!
Tara
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Full Moon in Aquarius, 5th, August 2009
Hi everyone,
What a whirlwind of a month! I looked up at the big yellow moon last night over the new Mets stadium on a hot August night and couldn’t believe that it was here already. Sorry for missing the new moon – it has just been too busy, but hope that this big important moon is blowing positive winds of change your way!
Calling the circle
We call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits 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 Aquarius, fanning the Leo flames and making all things seem possible. Those activities and goals that serve the world and a higher good are particularly highlighted. This is a powerful energy – I would not want to stand in resistance to it, but harnessing it for all the good that you’d like to see in your life is where the heart of this moon lies.
Talking stick
In order to get this out the door at all I am having to sneak 15 minutes into my otherwise crammed day. I would never have been able to write this blog while living in New York; the days are so full and I am reminded of the reasons I had to leave to find balance. Given what I do for a living it is not uncommon to see people in the office until 8/9/10 pm then back at 7/8 am – every day. I am really proud that I’ve changed my life and shifted my priorities.
It is inspiring though, and I am grateful for the clarity that this energy provides. It has seriously been like taking a dose of fantastic medicine – soul restoring, mind clearing, vision providing medicine that has helped me sort out my future path. The theme of this last year has been going backward to go forward. For both me and Gary. We are each reaching back to the point at which we made certain decisions and are going back to that point to take a new path with different choices. I feel very clear that this is what I need to do now and for the foreseeable future and I feel great about it.
But – I love New York so much. I love it here and I will miss it again tragically, and for the first time miss it for how it could be now – not as an old lover that I left so that I could regain my life. If I were to live here again it would be a new city with new people and new experiences. The past is starting to feel far away now. But then, reuniting with NY might seem good on the surface, but I have seen my son all of 2 hours this week so far, and that is terribly unacceptable. And I got splashed by a disgusting puddle by a taxi. And some nasty dripping scaffolding whatever got on my pretty dress. And a girl in a bar spilled her margarita on my Vera Wang sandals. Etc. Etc. It is still that same old demanding and intense lover that I am better off only visiting. But it has been fun to have such a long visit!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath an enormous flowering linden tree, flowers long since ripe, berries formed, on a warm summer 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 north.
You step out into a lush field as the moon is rising in the sky, to a place that feels somehow out of time. You walk along the path, which is heading upward, onto a plateau of sorts. From the top of the plateau you can see far into the distance, as well as behind you. You can see the many places you’ve been and the many places you may go. Right in the centre of the plateau is a dwelling, one that is ancient but always familiar; you have reached the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door opens, and she greets you warmly. She brings you into the kitchen, where she is cooking for you, and you talk freely about whatever comes to mind, maybe asking questions, maybe just listening to her thoughts for you. When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway with many doors. You walk through the door and in the centre of the room is a large comfortable chair, which you sit in. You are alone as your wise woman moves into the distance. Above you, the moon shines full and as you look at it, you feel its fullness inside of you, almost as if you too have a moon within your body. You reach down and remove the moon from within yourself and realize that it is a kind of orb, a crystal ball; a keeper of the knowledge that you need. You are able to look into it and receive any information that you need about this time in your life – about what is new, the path you are on, about relationships, about your destiny – anything that you need to know is contained within that orb. As the moon shines on it, it grows brighter and brighter, until your whole body is filled with that light. Finally, when you are ready, you take that light orb and bring it back into yourself – but knowing that its wisdom is always within you. Your wise woman joins you in the room now – and you can ask her any questions that came up for you. When you are ready, you walk back out of the room, knowing that this is a place that you can return to whenever you need to.
She leads you back to the front of the house, back to the 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 what you saw and what you need at this time in your life. You thank her and then head back out into the park, back into the busy city. 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
Love and prayers to all of you – I am thinking of you all tonight.
Much love to all of you!
Tara
What a whirlwind of a month! I looked up at the big yellow moon last night over the new Mets stadium on a hot August night and couldn’t believe that it was here already. Sorry for missing the new moon – it has just been too busy, but hope that this big important moon is blowing positive winds of change your way!
Calling the circle
We call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits 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 Aquarius, fanning the Leo flames and making all things seem possible. Those activities and goals that serve the world and a higher good are particularly highlighted. This is a powerful energy – I would not want to stand in resistance to it, but harnessing it for all the good that you’d like to see in your life is where the heart of this moon lies.
Talking stick
In order to get this out the door at all I am having to sneak 15 minutes into my otherwise crammed day. I would never have been able to write this blog while living in New York; the days are so full and I am reminded of the reasons I had to leave to find balance. Given what I do for a living it is not uncommon to see people in the office until 8/9/10 pm then back at 7/8 am – every day. I am really proud that I’ve changed my life and shifted my priorities.
It is inspiring though, and I am grateful for the clarity that this energy provides. It has seriously been like taking a dose of fantastic medicine – soul restoring, mind clearing, vision providing medicine that has helped me sort out my future path. The theme of this last year has been going backward to go forward. For both me and Gary. We are each reaching back to the point at which we made certain decisions and are going back to that point to take a new path with different choices. I feel very clear that this is what I need to do now and for the foreseeable future and I feel great about it.
But – I love New York so much. I love it here and I will miss it again tragically, and for the first time miss it for how it could be now – not as an old lover that I left so that I could regain my life. If I were to live here again it would be a new city with new people and new experiences. The past is starting to feel far away now. But then, reuniting with NY might seem good on the surface, but I have seen my son all of 2 hours this week so far, and that is terribly unacceptable. And I got splashed by a disgusting puddle by a taxi. And some nasty dripping scaffolding whatever got on my pretty dress. And a girl in a bar spilled her margarita on my Vera Wang sandals. Etc. Etc. It is still that same old demanding and intense lover that I am better off only visiting. But it has been fun to have such a long visit!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath an enormous flowering linden tree, flowers long since ripe, berries formed, on a warm summer 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 north.
You step out into a lush field as the moon is rising in the sky, to a place that feels somehow out of time. You walk along the path, which is heading upward, onto a plateau of sorts. From the top of the plateau you can see far into the distance, as well as behind you. You can see the many places you’ve been and the many places you may go. Right in the centre of the plateau is a dwelling, one that is ancient but always familiar; you have reached the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door opens, and she greets you warmly. She brings you into the kitchen, where she is cooking for you, and you talk freely about whatever comes to mind, maybe asking questions, maybe just listening to her thoughts for you. When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway with many doors. You walk through the door and in the centre of the room is a large comfortable chair, which you sit in. You are alone as your wise woman moves into the distance. Above you, the moon shines full and as you look at it, you feel its fullness inside of you, almost as if you too have a moon within your body. You reach down and remove the moon from within yourself and realize that it is a kind of orb, a crystal ball; a keeper of the knowledge that you need. You are able to look into it and receive any information that you need about this time in your life – about what is new, the path you are on, about relationships, about your destiny – anything that you need to know is contained within that orb. As the moon shines on it, it grows brighter and brighter, until your whole body is filled with that light. Finally, when you are ready, you take that light orb and bring it back into yourself – but knowing that its wisdom is always within you. Your wise woman joins you in the room now – and you can ask her any questions that came up for you. When you are ready, you walk back out of the room, knowing that this is a place that you can return to whenever you need to.
She leads you back to the front of the house, back to the 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 what you saw and what you need at this time in your life. You thank her and then head back out into the park, back into the busy city. 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
Love and prayers to all of you – I am thinking of you all tonight.
Much love to all of you!
Tara
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Full Moon in Capricorn, 7th July, 2009
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
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
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
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