Hi everyone,
Happy summer solstice! I realise this is my second post in two days, but so fell the moon and the solstice. Hope you are enjoying this bright and sunny day!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate the solstice, we summon 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 and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, the spirits of our summer season, 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.
Solstice thoughts/Talking stick
I am back home now although just barely, and really tired from my trip to NY, but I do feel energized by the light of the sun. I was sitting on the plane coming home and the man next to me asked if I was flying to London for work and I explained it was the opposite, I was flying back from work in New York. And he said, ‘oh, you’re going home’. And I realized that I really was, on every level. This is my home now. Maybe not forever, but it is now. And seeing Gary and Owen was just like I wanted it to be and as I expected: they are my home, wherever it would be.
As summer kicks off, I want to put as much energy and effort as I can into the project that I want to see take off. Think creatively of ways to make it happen. I also want to just enjoy where I am. Watch all my vegetables grow (some of them are getting out of control!), figure out what herbs to put where, stay outside late when it is warm, camp in pretty places – just really enjoy it and ride the power of the sun.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying on the ground beneath a beautiful, flowering Linden tree, in the middle of a lush field, under a starry, windless sky. The moon is rising, and it is warm and light, as you breathe in and out. 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 south.
When you step through the doorway, you see a path in front of you, very clearly leading up a hill in the distance. It is midday, the sun strong in the sky. You are aware of how far you are able to see in this light, noticing every detail of your path. The sun feels as if it is bending down to you, infusing you with its fullness as you walk, until you feel your body becoming an extension of that light.
You wind your way to the top of the hill now, around the hill, slowly, until you finally arrive. You make your way into the ceremonial circle at the top, where you stand in the centre of the circle. You are joined by others, some known to you – ancestors, friends, guides, some who you do not know, but all are so infused with light that they are glowing as well. You move to the place in the circle where you feel called to be. The others find their places in the circle as well. The final person to join the circle is your wise woman, who comes to stand by your side.
You stand silently, feeling the power of the light in the circle build. It moves from east, to west, to south, to north, from above it shines down, reaches through you into the earth below, and aligns and unites the hearts of everyone present. The light warms you as the love builds in the circle as well until you are filled with complete and overwhelming love – for yourself, for those in your life, for the world, for the others in the circle – the love builds inside of you and around you as your wise woman calls you into the centre of the circle.
Once in the centre, she asks you to reach inside, looking for those places that you wish to energise. Looking for places that require power, strength, growth and manifestation. You picture them one by one and imagine that one by one, each is being fed an infusion of love, light, and power. You become aware that you are surrounded by those in the circle, receiving their full support, listening to their encouragement and guidance as you yourself transform into a being of pure power, love and light too – your true state of being. You stay in the centre for as long as you like, basking in that energy. When you are ready, you step back into your place in the circle. With the power of that love so strong, the circle directs the love outward, surrounding all those that you believe need that light as well, finally, surrounding the entire world.
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 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 one more time, joined by everyone present. Once again, you are held in the light between all of you, feeling that light spread from your circle, out into the universe, joining with all of the other light beings. It is a time of pure joy, of pure power. When you are finished, you leave your circle, walking silently back to the path. Your wise woman accompanies you then gives you a hug goodbye. She presses an object into your hand to take along with you and whispers a word of pure power to remind you of this day.
You walk back down the path, heading back to the doorway, contemplating the object in your hand, but also just filled body and soul with joyous light. The path leads you back to the doorway where you began. 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 and light to all of you at this solstice!
Tara
Friday, June 20, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Full Moon in Sagittarius, 18th June, 2008
Hi everyone,
The full moon is in Sagittarius and it always comes with a big burst of optimism. Hope that is reaching you where you are!
Calling the circle
As we come to our last full moon of 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 is a powerful and optimistic one and I think this one feels particularly strong for manifesting with the power of our beliefs, hopes and dreams as inspiration. I am always a bit travel-hungry at this particular full moon, and well-timed, as I am leaving New York!
Talking stick
I am on my way to NY (a quick work trip NY-moon lodgers, sorry!) – will be leaving NY the day I post this actually, but I’m getting an early start, because I had such a startling and powerful conversation with Owen this morning I wanted to write about it. I am going to NY on my own, something that is easier on one level, but really not on another. Gary and Owen are a big part of me and I feel their loss really deeply when we are not all together. Plus I genuinely don’t like leaving Owen behind nor the idea that something unthinkable could happen that would leave him without me. It was this thought that had plagued me this week until speaking to Gary about it, who reminded me that anything can happen anywhere/anytime and that I just need to have faith that there is a path that we are all on and whatever happens, that is the right path. Whether I like the sound of some of those possible paths or not.
These feelings of fear of the unthinkable were shared by Owen too, as it turns out, who for the first time really asked me what would happen if, in his words, “I fell out of the plane”. After making light of it a bit and reinforcing the unlikelihood of that happening, I explained that his dad would continue to take care of him, and that I would forever be his guardian angel, always watching over him and caring for him – and that I’d never really leave him. (All of this with a big smile and without tears, which was difficult.) He thought about that for a while and then said, “Ok – but I think you should wear a parachute just in case.” It was so touching, but what really got me about it (apart from the fact that I wouldn’t have a parachute in actuality) was that I have no parachute in any respect when it comes to my love for him. I am continually feeling thrust from the plane; hurtling toward the earth to crack open my heart again, which somehow only reveals more love. How could anyone ever be prepared for parenthood with its thousands of deaths and an equal number of glorious re-births?
It is also father’s day, and having not had a father of my own for 17 years now (which I can’t believe, actually), I think of Gary and what a fantastic, inspired, patient and loving father he is to Owen. Those of you who know us well understand even more clearly the miracle of that for us. He is the best parent for Owen that I can imagine. We met 14 years ago this week, actually, which seem impossible but it is true and he is truly the love of my life.
I am heading off to NY knowing that this is the life that I have waiting for me when I return. And I just love it. I love my family, I love my work, I love my home, I love the earth around me. I think it is important to remember that, going into NY, with all its energy and intensity because this is the life that I authentically want to be living. Parachute or no.
And so, at this full moon, I want to remember to fight my fear of losing it all and all that it creates. And make the choices that I need to make in order to continue to create and nurture this family of mine. I will update this part as I leave NY – but I know it will be with joy to be heading home to the happiest home I can imagine.
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 south.
You step out into a brightly lit meadow in full flower. It is alive and vibrant; teeming with new life, closer now to summer than to spring. It feels empowering to walk through it as though the life force around you is so powerful that it is empowering you too. If you feel depleted in any way, it restores you as you make your way across, bring you back to your strongest self. Your most ideal self. In the distance you see a dwelling, one that is both ancient and familiar and you head in that direction. As you approach, the house itself seems to be alive with energy as you approach the door to the house 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 extremely comfortable today giving you a sense of instant peace. 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. When you find the door that is right for you, you step through straight into a celebration, and it is for you! Friends, loved ones, guides, your past and future selves have all come together to celebrate with you. It might be to celebrate an event, an accomplishment, a beginning, an end, or maybe they are just there to celebrate you. Each has brought you a gift, and as you open them, they explain what the gift means and why they chose it for you. Your wise woman gives you the last gift and offers one word or phrase for you to carry with you to remember this experience. Once all of the gifts are open you stay to enjoy the celebration for a while longer, and you can ask any questions that you may have of those gathered. Finally, when you are ready to leave, you make your way back to the door with your wise woman, but knowing that you can return to this place at any time.
Your wise woman leads you back to the front of the house. She gives you a big hug goodbye, and while in her embrace, she whispers the same word or phrase to help you remember her gift and all the gifts that you received. When you are ready, you step back out into the vibrant meadow, enjoying and absorbing the powerful life force around you. You follow it back toward the doorway that brought you here, and when you are ready you step through then back onto 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 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 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 didn’t get any specific calls to prayer so much love to all of you!
Tara
The full moon is in Sagittarius and it always comes with a big burst of optimism. Hope that is reaching you where you are!
Calling the circle
As we come to our last full moon of 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 is a powerful and optimistic one and I think this one feels particularly strong for manifesting with the power of our beliefs, hopes and dreams as inspiration. I am always a bit travel-hungry at this particular full moon, and well-timed, as I am leaving New York!
Talking stick
I am on my way to NY (a quick work trip NY-moon lodgers, sorry!) – will be leaving NY the day I post this actually, but I’m getting an early start, because I had such a startling and powerful conversation with Owen this morning I wanted to write about it. I am going to NY on my own, something that is easier on one level, but really not on another. Gary and Owen are a big part of me and I feel their loss really deeply when we are not all together. Plus I genuinely don’t like leaving Owen behind nor the idea that something unthinkable could happen that would leave him without me. It was this thought that had plagued me this week until speaking to Gary about it, who reminded me that anything can happen anywhere/anytime and that I just need to have faith that there is a path that we are all on and whatever happens, that is the right path. Whether I like the sound of some of those possible paths or not.
These feelings of fear of the unthinkable were shared by Owen too, as it turns out, who for the first time really asked me what would happen if, in his words, “I fell out of the plane”. After making light of it a bit and reinforcing the unlikelihood of that happening, I explained that his dad would continue to take care of him, and that I would forever be his guardian angel, always watching over him and caring for him – and that I’d never really leave him. (All of this with a big smile and without tears, which was difficult.) He thought about that for a while and then said, “Ok – but I think you should wear a parachute just in case.” It was so touching, but what really got me about it (apart from the fact that I wouldn’t have a parachute in actuality) was that I have no parachute in any respect when it comes to my love for him. I am continually feeling thrust from the plane; hurtling toward the earth to crack open my heart again, which somehow only reveals more love. How could anyone ever be prepared for parenthood with its thousands of deaths and an equal number of glorious re-births?
It is also father’s day, and having not had a father of my own for 17 years now (which I can’t believe, actually), I think of Gary and what a fantastic, inspired, patient and loving father he is to Owen. Those of you who know us well understand even more clearly the miracle of that for us. He is the best parent for Owen that I can imagine. We met 14 years ago this week, actually, which seem impossible but it is true and he is truly the love of my life.
I am heading off to NY knowing that this is the life that I have waiting for me when I return. And I just love it. I love my family, I love my work, I love my home, I love the earth around me. I think it is important to remember that, going into NY, with all its energy and intensity because this is the life that I authentically want to be living. Parachute or no.
And so, at this full moon, I want to remember to fight my fear of losing it all and all that it creates. And make the choices that I need to make in order to continue to create and nurture this family of mine. I will update this part as I leave NY – but I know it will be with joy to be heading home to the happiest home I can imagine.
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 south.
You step out into a brightly lit meadow in full flower. It is alive and vibrant; teeming with new life, closer now to summer than to spring. It feels empowering to walk through it as though the life force around you is so powerful that it is empowering you too. If you feel depleted in any way, it restores you as you make your way across, bring you back to your strongest self. Your most ideal self. In the distance you see a dwelling, one that is both ancient and familiar and you head in that direction. As you approach, the house itself seems to be alive with energy as you approach the door to the house 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 extremely comfortable today giving you a sense of instant peace. 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. When you find the door that is right for you, you step through straight into a celebration, and it is for you! Friends, loved ones, guides, your past and future selves have all come together to celebrate with you. It might be to celebrate an event, an accomplishment, a beginning, an end, or maybe they are just there to celebrate you. Each has brought you a gift, and as you open them, they explain what the gift means and why they chose it for you. Your wise woman gives you the last gift and offers one word or phrase for you to carry with you to remember this experience. Once all of the gifts are open you stay to enjoy the celebration for a while longer, and you can ask any questions that you may have of those gathered. Finally, when you are ready to leave, you make your way back to the door with your wise woman, but knowing that you can return to this place at any time.
Your wise woman leads you back to the front of the house. She gives you a big hug goodbye, and while in her embrace, she whispers the same word or phrase to help you remember her gift and all the gifts that you received. When you are ready, you step back out into the vibrant meadow, enjoying and absorbing the powerful life force around you. You follow it back toward the doorway that brought you here, and when you are ready you step through then back onto 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 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 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 didn’t get any specific calls to prayer so much love to all of you!
Tara
Tuesday, June 03, 2008
New moon in Gemini, 3rd June, 2008
Hi Everyone,
It is hard to believe it is June already – this year is just racing by! I just noticed that this post completes four years of this blog, which is just amazing. Thank you all again and always for your continued feedback, love, stories and support. I am always so moved and humbled to hear your reactions to my posts – although I like to think that it comes through me rather than from me!
The meditation in this post is one I've used at this moon before - I keep trying to write a new one but when I open the door this is what I always see! So it must be the right one. Hope it works for you!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, we call to the spirits of our season, 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 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 Gemini, and it is definitely a thinking month – one to look at our thoughts and actions to see how well they line up. Also, it is a month to accept, acknowledge and welcome change, a particular challenge for me sometimes! Finally – stay focused! This energy can be a bit electric and sometimes can lead us in three different directions at the same time. Follow the ones that you can but prioritise if possible. All the writers out there: it is a particularly good month for you. Write and write and write, and also ask for help when you need it! What message would you send out, with Mercury as your messenger?
Talking stick
I have started and stopped writing this a few times already and I just can’t seem to get happy with what I have to say. I am having a very powerful and energetic week, which is a nice departure from the feelings of vulnerability and doubt that I was having at the full moon. But I am so into that energy that I really need to get back to what I was doing, I think, even if that makes this an unusually short and not very interesting talking stick! In short: my goal for this new moon is to keep going with this intensity and put all my heart and hope and creativity into forging my own direction. I want to not reach back in fear because I don’t know what lies ahead. I want to let this exuberance take on a momentum of its own and carry me to where I need to be.
Meditation Imagine yourself lying beneath a fragrant apple tree, at the height of blossoming. The air is thick with the smell of earth and flowers, and 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 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 east.
It is early morning, the light strong and warm as the path leads out into the sky. You are flying, floating, surveying the landscape below. You can see everything for miles, it is so crisp and clear. You can also see the paths you’ve walked from here and where they have led you to. The sky is huge and blue, open, as if the heavens are reaching down to meet you as you fly. In the distance you spot a dwelling, and feel compelled to fly toward it The dwelling looks as if it created from the earth, reaching up to meet you; you feel it is a home completely familiar to you, and one that is always welcome and available to you. You fly down to 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. Stepping through the door you enter a sacred circle. In the centre of the circle is a spiritual guide, perhaps one you know, or maybe a guide you have never met before. Your guide calls you to the centre to join him or her. S/he explains that s/he is a messenger, ready to carry the message that you most need to communicate and release it to the universe, the Goddess, God, however you choose to experience that energy. You tell your messenger what it is that you most need, what you are working toward manifesting in your life. When you have done that, your guide tells you that they are also carrying a message for you, one that you need to hear the most right now, and shares that message with you. Once you have received the message, if there are any other thoughts that you would like to share with your guide, you can do so. Otherwise, your guide leaves the circle, taking your messages with him/her. You are joined in the centre of the circle by your wise woman. She asks you to carefully repeat the message that you received, then asks if you have any questions about it. You converse with her for as long as necessary. When you are ready, your wise woman leads you from the sacred circle and back through 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 your message. You thank her, then head back out into the desert, heading toward the doorway in the distance. When you do come to the doorway, and 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 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
Today I would just ask that we pray for each other – that we each have the courage and strength and vision to create the lives that we want for ourselves.
With all my love,
Tara
It is hard to believe it is June already – this year is just racing by! I just noticed that this post completes four years of this blog, which is just amazing. Thank you all again and always for your continued feedback, love, stories and support. I am always so moved and humbled to hear your reactions to my posts – although I like to think that it comes through me rather than from me!
The meditation in this post is one I've used at this moon before - I keep trying to write a new one but when I open the door this is what I always see! So it must be the right one. Hope it works for you!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, we call to the spirits of our season, 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 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 Gemini, and it is definitely a thinking month – one to look at our thoughts and actions to see how well they line up. Also, it is a month to accept, acknowledge and welcome change, a particular challenge for me sometimes! Finally – stay focused! This energy can be a bit electric and sometimes can lead us in three different directions at the same time. Follow the ones that you can but prioritise if possible. All the writers out there: it is a particularly good month for you. Write and write and write, and also ask for help when you need it! What message would you send out, with Mercury as your messenger?
Talking stick
I have started and stopped writing this a few times already and I just can’t seem to get happy with what I have to say. I am having a very powerful and energetic week, which is a nice departure from the feelings of vulnerability and doubt that I was having at the full moon. But I am so into that energy that I really need to get back to what I was doing, I think, even if that makes this an unusually short and not very interesting talking stick! In short: my goal for this new moon is to keep going with this intensity and put all my heart and hope and creativity into forging my own direction. I want to not reach back in fear because I don’t know what lies ahead. I want to let this exuberance take on a momentum of its own and carry me to where I need to be.
Meditation Imagine yourself lying beneath a fragrant apple tree, at the height of blossoming. The air is thick with the smell of earth and flowers, and 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 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 east.
It is early morning, the light strong and warm as the path leads out into the sky. You are flying, floating, surveying the landscape below. You can see everything for miles, it is so crisp and clear. You can also see the paths you’ve walked from here and where they have led you to. The sky is huge and blue, open, as if the heavens are reaching down to meet you as you fly. In the distance you spot a dwelling, and feel compelled to fly toward it The dwelling looks as if it created from the earth, reaching up to meet you; you feel it is a home completely familiar to you, and one that is always welcome and available to you. You fly down to 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. Stepping through the door you enter a sacred circle. In the centre of the circle is a spiritual guide, perhaps one you know, or maybe a guide you have never met before. Your guide calls you to the centre to join him or her. S/he explains that s/he is a messenger, ready to carry the message that you most need to communicate and release it to the universe, the Goddess, God, however you choose to experience that energy. You tell your messenger what it is that you most need, what you are working toward manifesting in your life. When you have done that, your guide tells you that they are also carrying a message for you, one that you need to hear the most right now, and shares that message with you. Once you have received the message, if there are any other thoughts that you would like to share with your guide, you can do so. Otherwise, your guide leaves the circle, taking your messages with him/her. You are joined in the centre of the circle by your wise woman. She asks you to carefully repeat the message that you received, then asks if you have any questions about it. You converse with her for as long as necessary. When you are ready, your wise woman leads you from the sacred circle and back through 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 your message. You thank her, then head back out into the desert, heading toward the doorway in the distance. When you do come to the doorway, and 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 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
Today I would just ask that we pray for each other – that we each have the courage and strength and vision to create the lives that we want for ourselves.
With all my love,
Tara
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