Hi everyone,
I am sure there are those of you who are thinking, ‘my Goddess, not another one!’ But yes, it is another Scorpio moon and a really powerful one too. Lots of double whammy truth-telling to be had, for those who dare!
Also, just wanted to let you know that one of our lovely NY circlers (and my dear friend) Georgina has started a new blog, so check it out! http://motherofarockstar.blogspot.com – it chronicles life as the mother of a teenage son and I’m sure those of you who have been there will appreciate it and those of us not yet there will try and prepare for what lies ahead!
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?
If you thought the last moon was compelling you to tell the truth to yourself, it turns out that was just a warm-up. This one asks us to look even deeper, and also asks where we were expecting results without putting in the time or work needed to see those results. But remember, the truth will set you free! You will feel the wind in your sails once you have been incredibly honest!!
Talking stick
I used to have much more of a knack for seeing and intuiting where my life is going than I do at this time of my life. I am not sure why it is: less self-confidence, awareness of a vulnerability that I didn’t know I had when I was younger, the outcome feeling like higher stakes, maybe. I remember hearing a song once that had a line that talked about crossing a bridge over a high chasm, and it was comparing it to walking along a similar bridge lower to the ground, and it said, “the balance is no harder; it’s just that you’ve got farther to fall.” That probably is a fair amount of it. But also, I’ve made a conscious effort over the last few years not to have such a strong opinion of where I’m going, and go where I am led to go and cooperate with those energies that are working well. Let the river carry me where it will and only steer to avoid pitfalls. But now, and somewhat in the context of that, I really want to make a particular thing happen, so I am looking again at my faith, my belief that I can do anything, make anything, my powerful self. In fact, I can think of two things like this that I’d like to make happen, only one of them I’m putting more energy into right now. As I write this I realize that I’m looking at not the countless things that have worked out, but the several that haven’t – and still feeling stung by those (fine I’ll say it) failures of the past.
I think I need to come to grips with my beliefs around failing as my truth telling exercise at this full moon. If someone else told me that they had failed at this or that, I’m sure I’d be quick to point out all the ways in which it hadn’t failed, or the ways in which it wasn’t meant to succeed or the next thing wouldn’t have happened, etc. Or how sometimes we don’t know for a long time why something doesn’t work out. Yada yada yada. All well and good but it doesn’t mean that these things that failed aren’t things that I really hoped would succeed and that I wasn’t horribly disappointed by them when they (seemingly) didn’t. To a large extent, I have learned to cope with the difficulties that have been thrust upon me by life, those things outside of my control, but for those that were seemingly in my control but still went awry – well. That is a lot harder. I feel there is someone or something to forgive in all this – myself? Maybe it is the Universe, God/dess – for “disappointing” me?
Maybe there is some remnants of that there, but if there is it is old because I genuinely do not believe that the God/dess/Universe has “made something happen” for me any more than I believe that it is responsible for putting difficulties in my path. What I know surely is that I am a spiritual being and that the love that I feel connected to goes with me, supporting me, helping me and holding me no matter what the experiences that I have; that it is my constant source of energy, love, light to connect to and hopefully to reflect in the world. So if there are remnants of blame in me, I want to root them out.
Also, I have noticed my son’s tendency to give up in frustration when something is difficult. If I get really to the bottom of myself, I know that I have a lot of that in me too, followed by the inevitable rationalizations that sound a lot like sour grapes. Sometimes I give up when things get hard. Not always, but sometimes. I can be also be completely tenacious about things, so this isn’t a trip on myself, but there is a particular type of thing that seems to produce a lot of insecurity in me – and that is where my initiative crumbles more easily. And often it is when I have to directly promote myself. I am so terribly uncomfortable with it. Better to quit than to fail? I don’t know. But I am going to look at this at this moon as well.
In deep faith, I want to use all of my energy and power to get me where I most want to be. I can maturely see that each thing has led me in a direction that is now really and truly right for me. I also don’t want to give up because of fear or insecurity. Into the full moon I will release this past and embrace the fullness of all that is possible. And not worry that I’m a million miles off the ground – if I fall, I’ll just have to learn to fly!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a beautiful and fully flowering hawthorn tree, its petals all around you on the ground. The night is cool and clear; as you breathe in and out feel that you are breathing in time with the stars, that you are a part of the setting that surrounds you. . It is a warm night, and as you look up, the light of the full moon shines down until it is touching you, reaching right into your heart. With each breath, the moonlight feels as though it is reaching through you, deep into the earth, then upward into the sky again. As it moves through you and into the earth, you feel it spiraling deep below you, into something of a staircase. You stand up, and begin to wind your way down the staircase of moonlight, beginning on the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then spiraling around to the twelfth and the eleventh, then around to the tenth, then spiraling down and around and inward to the ninth, then the eighth, and around and inward to the seventh, then the sixth. You pause for a moment on the sixth step, leaving anything behind that you don’t choose to take along with you. You note that if you look up you can no longer see the top – and if you look down, you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of a perfect light spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. You left that feeling really move through you before going on. Then continuing to spiral down and around to the fifth step, then the fourth, then the third. And around and inward to the second, and then finally the first step. You step off the staircase onto firm ground and head out toward the east.
It is a mistly and drizzly morning as you make your way into a forest. The rain taps the leaves above your head, but the canopy of the trees keeps you mostly dry and protected. You can see the path ahead, but not well – it is shrouded in fine mist. As you make your way further into the forest the mists get even thicker, until you are walking in almost a fog. The air feels full and thick around you and you just know that you are moving in the right direction, despite not being able to see very well. Finally you come to a clearing and in one moment, the mist lifts and you see that you are standing in front of the home of your wise woman, where all paths lead.
When you arrive, as you are about to knock, the door swings open and your wise woman greets you warmly. She leads you to the kitchen where she has cooked for you and you speak freely with her about anything that comes to mind, or just listen to what she has to say to you.
When you are ready, she leads you from the kitchen to a hallway with many doors. You walk to the doorway that feels right for you, and walking through, you step into an empty room, with only a chair in it that reclines backwards. Your wise woman brings you to the chair and you lie back in it. Suddenly, you notice that the ceiling of the room is changing – following your thoughts and projecting them back to you. Your wise woman asks you to imagine anything that you need to see about your life: this can be the past, the present, the future – or any path not taken. It can show you the outcome of paths that were abandoned for others, or paths that might occur in the future as a result of those past choices. This can be about yourself, others in your life, the world, whatever you need to see. She stays at your side, answering any questions that you might have.
When you have seen as much as you need to, she asks you to create an image that will empower and inspire you forward when you leave this room. Maybe it is something that you are trying to manifest, or maybe just a vision of power that will carry you forward. When you have done that, she leans forward and whispers one word or phrase to you to help you remember this image. She asks you to hold the image and the word or phrase in your mind whenever you need inspiration.
Finally, when you are ready the scene goes blank again, and she leads you out of the chair and back to the door, but reminds you that this is a place to which you can return whenever you need.
She leads you back to the front of the house, back to path that took you here. She gives you a big hug goodbye, and while in her embrace, you thank her and then head back to the path, plunged once again into the mists but moving even more confidently now, holding the image of power in your mind. Then, as the mist clears, you see that you are standing in front of the doorway again, and step through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then lying back down onto the earth where you began, under the beautiful hawthorn tree. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
I’ve had no specific calls to prayer this month, so let’s just hold each other and our world in love and light.
Much love to all of you!
Tara
Monday, May 19, 2008
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
New Moon in Taurus, 6th May, 2008
Hi Everyone,
Spring has certainly arrived here in the UK, and must be blamed for the late post – it was just too nice to sit and the computer – plus I must be really sun-addled because I was convinced the new moon was today! Happy new moon – hope it finds you basking in spring’s light and energy as well!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, we call to the spirits of our season, the spirits of the East. of the East Spirits of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, the power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, the power of light, bright and powerful. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we call to the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express herself.
Where is the Moon?
The moon is in Taurus and this moon is focused on what matters to us, and how we relate to the world around us. It also provides us with the opportunity to let go of those things that hold us back, which, of course, all new moons do, but this one is really well positioned for that.
The other big theme is the earth – and what we can do for it. Someone sent me this today, and it made me think of the Taurus moon. It is a great reminder to send love and light to the earth always (even if I found the music a smidge on the cheesy side..) http://www.thesecret.tv/planet-earth/
Talking stick I have had a really amazing weekend of sun and outdoors with friends and family, which is always so welcome here. Although it has been a pretty bright winter, the cold was going on too long. And a bit of sun really does wonders but this month, more so than ever before, I have been really connected to this life that we’re creating: our house, our friends, our garden – I wrote about this at Beltane too, but I am still in this place of really appreciating my life, and it is a great place to be.
I am going to keep this post a bit short though, beause:
a) it is late
b) I need to go get Owen soon
c) I want to get back outside!
But my intention for this moon is to tend my various gardens, both the physical ones and the more ethereal ones. And to remain in this glorious state of gratitude. I heard a wonderful thing today on a podcast as part of a meditation, it asked you to set aside all of your resistance and really imagine your life the way you want it to be for one minute – it is actually not as easy as it sounds, but I think that I accomplished it for about 15 seconds. And it was amazing – I really, really connected to the possibility of those things that I am trying to make happen! So I’m also going to work on that every day until I can hold it in my mind for that full minute. If anyone is already doing this successfully and can pass on any tips, please email me!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying in a field, on a bed of dandelion flowers, on clear spring evening. The smell of the night air surrounds you, rich with the new spring life all around you – it fills your senses as you breathe in and out in time with the breeze, in time with the stars. As you breathe, you feel yourself getting smaller and smaller, until you are so small that you are able to walk right into the one of the dandelions. As you look up, you note how tall its flowers seem to reach, looking down, you note the depth of its roots reaching into the earth farther than you can see. Then, notice that one of the roots is larger than the others, and resembles a spiral staircase that you can walk down. Imagine then stepping onto the 13th step, the step of transformation, then spiraling down and around and inward to the 12th step, then down and around to the 11th and the 10th, spiraling down and around and inward to the 9th, then the 8th, then around and inward to the 7th and the 6th step. Then, pausing on the sixth step, note that as you look up you can no longer see the top, and looking down, that you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of the spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. If there is anything that you are carrying that you don't want to take with you on your journey, you can leave it on this step. Continuing then to the 5th step and the 4th, spiraling around to the 3rd and the 2nd and then finally the 1st step, then stepping into a clearing with four doorways, each pointing in one of the four directions. Imagine yourself walking down the pathway that heads east.
The time of day is morning, a warm spring dawn, as you step out into a lush meadow. The ground is soft and dewy, and you follow the path that leads across. It winds a bit, and when you look back you realize that you cannot see where you started, but you continue to head forward, knowing that the doorway is there even when you can’t see it. You become aware of a hut in the distance, built into the grass and covered with wild flowers, so that it is almost imperceptible. You head toward the dwelling, feeling it call to you. When you get closer you realize that you have reached a place both ancient and familiar; you have arrived at the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door opens and your wise woman greets you, welcoming you in. Her home is warm and cozy, and she leads you to the kitchen where she is cooking. She offers you whatever it is that she has cooked for you, and you sit and eat or drink with her, asking any questions that you may have, or asking for any wisdom that she might wish to share with you.
When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway, with many doors. You walk to the doorway at the end of the hall, noticing anything in particular about the door as you walk through. You step into an enormous greenhouse, where there are all sorts of plants growing. Some are small, some well established, but all different. Each of them represents a part of your life and you are drawn to those plants that need your attention for whatever reason that they do, and whatever they need you are able to give to them. Or perhaps you are able to just listen to whatever it is that they have to say to you. Your wise woman joins you, answering any questions that you might have along the way, and adding her wisdom to that of the plants.
When you are just about ready to leave, your wise woman gives you a gift to help you with your intentions. You can take it with you, or it can stay in this room, knowing that you can come back to visit it anytime. When you are ready, your wise woman leads you to the door.
You head back toward the kitchen, sharing any last minute thoughts, asking any last minute questions. As you reach the door of the house you say your goodbyes, and while in her embrace, she whispers one word or phrase and presses an object into your hand that will help you to remember how beautiful you are. You thank her, then head back along the path through the meadow, knowing that the doorway is in front of you, although you cannot see it. When you do come to the doorway, when you are ready, you walk through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then back into to the tree. Stepping out of the dandelion, you find your place beneath it, again enjoying the cold night air. Then, feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
Lots of love, light and support to Riley who has just had an operation (but is fine and now just needs to recover!) – I am picturing you running around happily and playing in the spring sun!
Lots of love also to my mom – today would have been her anniversary with my dad – not sure how many years, but I’m sure she’s missing him. Lots of love!
Much love to everyone,
Tara
Spring has certainly arrived here in the UK, and must be blamed for the late post – it was just too nice to sit and the computer – plus I must be really sun-addled because I was convinced the new moon was today! Happy new moon – hope it finds you basking in spring’s light and energy as well!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, we call to the spirits of our season, the spirits of the East. of the East Spirits of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, the power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, the power of light, bright and powerful. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we call to the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express herself.
Where is the Moon?
The moon is in Taurus and this moon is focused on what matters to us, and how we relate to the world around us. It also provides us with the opportunity to let go of those things that hold us back, which, of course, all new moons do, but this one is really well positioned for that.
The other big theme is the earth – and what we can do for it. Someone sent me this today, and it made me think of the Taurus moon. It is a great reminder to send love and light to the earth always (even if I found the music a smidge on the cheesy side..) http://www.thesecret.tv/planet-earth/
Talking stick I have had a really amazing weekend of sun and outdoors with friends and family, which is always so welcome here. Although it has been a pretty bright winter, the cold was going on too long. And a bit of sun really does wonders but this month, more so than ever before, I have been really connected to this life that we’re creating: our house, our friends, our garden – I wrote about this at Beltane too, but I am still in this place of really appreciating my life, and it is a great place to be.
I am going to keep this post a bit short though, beause:
a) it is late
b) I need to go get Owen soon
c) I want to get back outside!
But my intention for this moon is to tend my various gardens, both the physical ones and the more ethereal ones. And to remain in this glorious state of gratitude. I heard a wonderful thing today on a podcast as part of a meditation, it asked you to set aside all of your resistance and really imagine your life the way you want it to be for one minute – it is actually not as easy as it sounds, but I think that I accomplished it for about 15 seconds. And it was amazing – I really, really connected to the possibility of those things that I am trying to make happen! So I’m also going to work on that every day until I can hold it in my mind for that full minute. If anyone is already doing this successfully and can pass on any tips, please email me!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying in a field, on a bed of dandelion flowers, on clear spring evening. The smell of the night air surrounds you, rich with the new spring life all around you – it fills your senses as you breathe in and out in time with the breeze, in time with the stars. As you breathe, you feel yourself getting smaller and smaller, until you are so small that you are able to walk right into the one of the dandelions. As you look up, you note how tall its flowers seem to reach, looking down, you note the depth of its roots reaching into the earth farther than you can see. Then, notice that one of the roots is larger than the others, and resembles a spiral staircase that you can walk down. Imagine then stepping onto the 13th step, the step of transformation, then spiraling down and around and inward to the 12th step, then down and around to the 11th and the 10th, spiraling down and around and inward to the 9th, then the 8th, then around and inward to the 7th and the 6th step. Then, pausing on the sixth step, note that as you look up you can no longer see the top, and looking down, that you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of the spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. If there is anything that you are carrying that you don't want to take with you on your journey, you can leave it on this step. Continuing then to the 5th step and the 4th, spiraling around to the 3rd and the 2nd and then finally the 1st step, then stepping into a clearing with four doorways, each pointing in one of the four directions. Imagine yourself walking down the pathway that heads east.
The time of day is morning, a warm spring dawn, as you step out into a lush meadow. The ground is soft and dewy, and you follow the path that leads across. It winds a bit, and when you look back you realize that you cannot see where you started, but you continue to head forward, knowing that the doorway is there even when you can’t see it. You become aware of a hut in the distance, built into the grass and covered with wild flowers, so that it is almost imperceptible. You head toward the dwelling, feeling it call to you. When you get closer you realize that you have reached a place both ancient and familiar; you have arrived at the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door opens and your wise woman greets you, welcoming you in. Her home is warm and cozy, and she leads you to the kitchen where she is cooking. She offers you whatever it is that she has cooked for you, and you sit and eat or drink with her, asking any questions that you may have, or asking for any wisdom that she might wish to share with you.
When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway, with many doors. You walk to the doorway at the end of the hall, noticing anything in particular about the door as you walk through. You step into an enormous greenhouse, where there are all sorts of plants growing. Some are small, some well established, but all different. Each of them represents a part of your life and you are drawn to those plants that need your attention for whatever reason that they do, and whatever they need you are able to give to them. Or perhaps you are able to just listen to whatever it is that they have to say to you. Your wise woman joins you, answering any questions that you might have along the way, and adding her wisdom to that of the plants.
When you are just about ready to leave, your wise woman gives you a gift to help you with your intentions. You can take it with you, or it can stay in this room, knowing that you can come back to visit it anytime. When you are ready, your wise woman leads you to the door.
You head back toward the kitchen, sharing any last minute thoughts, asking any last minute questions. As you reach the door of the house you say your goodbyes, and while in her embrace, she whispers one word or phrase and presses an object into your hand that will help you to remember how beautiful you are. You thank her, then head back along the path through the meadow, knowing that the doorway is in front of you, although you cannot see it. When you do come to the doorway, when you are ready, you walk through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then back into to the tree. Stepping out of the dandelion, you find your place beneath it, again enjoying the cold night air. Then, feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
Lots of love, light and support to Riley who has just had an operation (but is fine and now just needs to recover!) – I am picturing you running around happily and playing in the spring sun!
Lots of love also to my mom – today would have been her anniversary with my dad – not sure how many years, but I’m sure she’s missing him. Lots of love!
Much love to everyone,
Tara
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Beltane, 2008
Happy Beltane! Spring is getting here slowly but surely this year – but the energy definitely feels like it is moving. Hope you are all enjoying it!!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate Beltane, we summon the spirits of the East, spirits of Springtime, new beginnings, new starts. Spirits of the first light, of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within is always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we call the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, the moon in her many faces, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Beltane thoughts/Talking stick
Beltane always puts me in the mind of wishes although, of course, it is more than that. I’m a bit tired today, and it is a little on the cold side and rainy, so I haven’t been all the way into the whole Beltane vibe. I went back and re-read my entry from two years ago though, and looked at the wishes I made that night:
“A house, successful life, friendship in my new area, happiness with my family, steps toward the centre I hope to one day run, abundant unbearable joy in all things. And I will remember to believe in wishes and cast my doubts into the Beltane fire.”
And, right now, the amazing thing is that I’ve found my way to a lot of those things. I am so blessed to have a house that I love. And this year in particular I feel so in tune with the land as our garden has transformed into a place where we can be, play games, grow things and just generally enjoy. We have very good friends here now. We are happy together as a family – and Gary and I as a couple. The centre hasn’t happened but I have somewhat decided to put that behind what I’m working on now, so that part hasn’t happened yet – but lots of amazing work things are happening. I am just so fortunate, so blessed and so deep in gratitude – it is hard to feel anything other than unbearable joy.
I’m not sure if the weather will hold tonight but if it does, we will build a Beltane fire, tired or no, and make our wishes in the night. I feel like Gary and I are both at the cusp of a new start in our lives and putting our deep intention into it can only help to bring it about.
Reminding myself of all that has made me brave enough for a wish tonight: I want to continue to incubate and grow this business idea that I’ve been kicking around for over a year now. I’d love to look back in two years and say that that wish had not only come true but had come true beyond my wildest dreams. And I’d like to make a wish for Owen – that he continue to grow, thrive, find himself, enjoy his life and his relationships and just ultimately be himself.
And then more broadly, big wishes for this extended circle – may our light reach around the entire world!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a flowering apple tree, its petals all around you on the ground. The night is cool and clear; as you breathe in and out feel that you are breathing in time with the stars, that you are a part of the setting that surrounds you. Then allow yourself to imagine that you are getting smaller – smaller and smaller until you are so small that you can stand up and walk into the tree that you were lying underneath. Walking into the tree, looking up, note the vast branch system, how tall and high it is, looking down, note the vast root system, reaching down into the earth farther than you can see. Then, notice that one of the roots is larger than the others, and resembles a spiral staircase. Imagine then stepping onto the 13th step, the step of transformation, then spiraling down and around and inward to the 12th step, then down and around to the 11th and the 10th, spiraling down and around and inward to the 9th, then the 8th, then around and inward to the 7th and the 6th step. Then, pausing on the sixth step, note that as you look up you can no longer see the top, and looking down, that you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of the spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. If there is anything that you are carrying that you don’t want to take with you on your journey, you can leave it on this step. Continuing then to the 5th step and the 4th, spiraling around to the 3rd and the 2nd and then finally the 1st step, then stepping into a clearing with four doorways, each pointing in one of the four directions. Imagine yourself walking down the pathway that heads east.
It is midday, and you step out onto a path that leads into a thick grove, the trees tall and dense. The earth is rich and dark, and you follow the path deeper and deeper into the grove. You become aware of the beating of drums in the distance and head toward the sound. You feel the beating of your heart within you timing to the beat of the drum, evoking your truly wild self forth, joining your rhythm to the rhythm of the earth, the universe, God/dess.
The drum sounds get stronger as you come toward a clearing. Looking into the clearing, you see that a gathering is taking place. There is a circle of stones with a large fire in the center. You note that the drummers are positioned in each of the four directions. In the clearing there are friends, family, ancestors, guides, and other light beings dancing to the drums. You step into the clearing and join the dance for a while, losing yourself in it. After a while, the drumming slows and the dancing subsides and you find the right place for you to be within the circle, as do the others. Finally, your wise woman comes into the circle. She comes to stand next to you. As she closes the circle, the drumming stops.
For a few moments, it is absolutely still. The sound of the stillness is as rich and deep as the sound of the drums had been only moments before. Your wise woman beckons you to come into the center of the circle, right in front of the fire. The drummers begin to play again, one at a time, starting from the east, then south, then west, then north. As the drums begin to get stronger, you start to dance again, a wild, freeing dance that comes from the core of you. A dance that weaves magic all around you, a dance filled with gratitude, love, longing, desire, passion. You feel the magic building as you dance, and as you move east, south, west, north, it moves all throughout the circle, the dance builds a life force that comes through you and out of you and up to the heavens and then down deep to the center of the earth. Then, when you are ready, you reach out and let that wild magical vital life force extend out of your body, throughout the whole of the grove, and outward, reaching into the hearts of everyone you love, and finally surrounding the entire earth in a loving embrace. The drums stop again, and you are again able to feel the depth of the energy even more profoundly in the stillness. You can move the energy just by willing it, and you will it anywhere you feel it needs to go. You feel completely whole and strong. Questions silenced. Needs met. Dreams real.
Your wise woman takes you by the hand, leading you to face the fire. She asks you to tell the fire your greatest wish or wishes. You whisper the words to the fire. The fire seems to grow hotter now that it has received your wishes. Then, you cast whatever resistance you feel to having your wishes met into the fire as well. The fire reaches inside of you – removing anything that no longer belongs, leaving only a perfect, hot white light. When you feel ready, you find your place in the circle again.
When you feel that your time in the circle is complete, your wise woman leads you out of the circle and to a beautiful stone table that has appeared, filled with all kinds of food and drink, and those in your circle join you at the table for a wild celebration. You meet and enjoy those gathered, dancing, singing, making love, laughing. The celebration goes long into the night.
When it is finished and is time to go, you say your goodbyes to your guides, friends, ancestors. Finally, you say goodbye to your wise woman, and head away from the circle, back into the grove. The moon has risen, and you let the moonlight guide you back to where you entered the grove. When you get back to the doorway, you give one last look, then walk through the door.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then back into to the tree. Stepping out of the tree, you find your place beneath it, again enjoying the sweet night air. Then feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
A special shout out to Sarah and her crew communing somewhere down south – happiest of Beltane, Sparkles!
Peace and hope for our earth, and for each of us!
Love and many blessings,
Tara
Calling the circle
As we contemplate Beltane, we summon the spirits of the East, spirits of Springtime, new beginnings, new starts. Spirits of the first light, of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within is always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we call the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, the moon in her many faces, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Beltane thoughts/Talking stick
Beltane always puts me in the mind of wishes although, of course, it is more than that. I’m a bit tired today, and it is a little on the cold side and rainy, so I haven’t been all the way into the whole Beltane vibe. I went back and re-read my entry from two years ago though, and looked at the wishes I made that night:
“A house, successful life, friendship in my new area, happiness with my family, steps toward the centre I hope to one day run, abundant unbearable joy in all things. And I will remember to believe in wishes and cast my doubts into the Beltane fire.”
And, right now, the amazing thing is that I’ve found my way to a lot of those things. I am so blessed to have a house that I love. And this year in particular I feel so in tune with the land as our garden has transformed into a place where we can be, play games, grow things and just generally enjoy. We have very good friends here now. We are happy together as a family – and Gary and I as a couple. The centre hasn’t happened but I have somewhat decided to put that behind what I’m working on now, so that part hasn’t happened yet – but lots of amazing work things are happening. I am just so fortunate, so blessed and so deep in gratitude – it is hard to feel anything other than unbearable joy.
I’m not sure if the weather will hold tonight but if it does, we will build a Beltane fire, tired or no, and make our wishes in the night. I feel like Gary and I are both at the cusp of a new start in our lives and putting our deep intention into it can only help to bring it about.
Reminding myself of all that has made me brave enough for a wish tonight: I want to continue to incubate and grow this business idea that I’ve been kicking around for over a year now. I’d love to look back in two years and say that that wish had not only come true but had come true beyond my wildest dreams. And I’d like to make a wish for Owen – that he continue to grow, thrive, find himself, enjoy his life and his relationships and just ultimately be himself.
And then more broadly, big wishes for this extended circle – may our light reach around the entire world!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a flowering apple tree, its petals all around you on the ground. The night is cool and clear; as you breathe in and out feel that you are breathing in time with the stars, that you are a part of the setting that surrounds you. Then allow yourself to imagine that you are getting smaller – smaller and smaller until you are so small that you can stand up and walk into the tree that you were lying underneath. Walking into the tree, looking up, note the vast branch system, how tall and high it is, looking down, note the vast root system, reaching down into the earth farther than you can see. Then, notice that one of the roots is larger than the others, and resembles a spiral staircase. Imagine then stepping onto the 13th step, the step of transformation, then spiraling down and around and inward to the 12th step, then down and around to the 11th and the 10th, spiraling down and around and inward to the 9th, then the 8th, then around and inward to the 7th and the 6th step. Then, pausing on the sixth step, note that as you look up you can no longer see the top, and looking down, that you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of the spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. If there is anything that you are carrying that you don’t want to take with you on your journey, you can leave it on this step. Continuing then to the 5th step and the 4th, spiraling around to the 3rd and the 2nd and then finally the 1st step, then stepping into a clearing with four doorways, each pointing in one of the four directions. Imagine yourself walking down the pathway that heads east.
It is midday, and you step out onto a path that leads into a thick grove, the trees tall and dense. The earth is rich and dark, and you follow the path deeper and deeper into the grove. You become aware of the beating of drums in the distance and head toward the sound. You feel the beating of your heart within you timing to the beat of the drum, evoking your truly wild self forth, joining your rhythm to the rhythm of the earth, the universe, God/dess.
The drum sounds get stronger as you come toward a clearing. Looking into the clearing, you see that a gathering is taking place. There is a circle of stones with a large fire in the center. You note that the drummers are positioned in each of the four directions. In the clearing there are friends, family, ancestors, guides, and other light beings dancing to the drums. You step into the clearing and join the dance for a while, losing yourself in it. After a while, the drumming slows and the dancing subsides and you find the right place for you to be within the circle, as do the others. Finally, your wise woman comes into the circle. She comes to stand next to you. As she closes the circle, the drumming stops.
For a few moments, it is absolutely still. The sound of the stillness is as rich and deep as the sound of the drums had been only moments before. Your wise woman beckons you to come into the center of the circle, right in front of the fire. The drummers begin to play again, one at a time, starting from the east, then south, then west, then north. As the drums begin to get stronger, you start to dance again, a wild, freeing dance that comes from the core of you. A dance that weaves magic all around you, a dance filled with gratitude, love, longing, desire, passion. You feel the magic building as you dance, and as you move east, south, west, north, it moves all throughout the circle, the dance builds a life force that comes through you and out of you and up to the heavens and then down deep to the center of the earth. Then, when you are ready, you reach out and let that wild magical vital life force extend out of your body, throughout the whole of the grove, and outward, reaching into the hearts of everyone you love, and finally surrounding the entire earth in a loving embrace. The drums stop again, and you are again able to feel the depth of the energy even more profoundly in the stillness. You can move the energy just by willing it, and you will it anywhere you feel it needs to go. You feel completely whole and strong. Questions silenced. Needs met. Dreams real.
Your wise woman takes you by the hand, leading you to face the fire. She asks you to tell the fire your greatest wish or wishes. You whisper the words to the fire. The fire seems to grow hotter now that it has received your wishes. Then, you cast whatever resistance you feel to having your wishes met into the fire as well. The fire reaches inside of you – removing anything that no longer belongs, leaving only a perfect, hot white light. When you feel ready, you find your place in the circle again.
When you feel that your time in the circle is complete, your wise woman leads you out of the circle and to a beautiful stone table that has appeared, filled with all kinds of food and drink, and those in your circle join you at the table for a wild celebration. You meet and enjoy those gathered, dancing, singing, making love, laughing. The celebration goes long into the night.
When it is finished and is time to go, you say your goodbyes to your guides, friends, ancestors. Finally, you say goodbye to your wise woman, and head away from the circle, back into the grove. The moon has risen, and you let the moonlight guide you back to where you entered the grove. When you get back to the doorway, you give one last look, then walk through the door.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then back into to the tree. Stepping out of the tree, you find your place beneath it, again enjoying the sweet night air. Then feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
A special shout out to Sarah and her crew communing somewhere down south – happiest of Beltane, Sparkles!
Peace and hope for our earth, and for each of us!
Love and many blessings,
Tara
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