Hi everyone,
I cannot believe another summer is nearly ended. Yesterday I smelled autumn in the air for the first time, but I feel ready too - it has been an excellent summer. Hope yours has been great too!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, imagine that we are together, summoning the spirits of the East, spirits of Springtime, new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East. We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of summer, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. We call the spirits of the South. And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of deep feelings, strong emotions, a sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, power of love, true love. Spirits of our intuition and our empathy. We call to the spirits of the West. Now we call the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North. And we call to those spirits above us, angels, starts, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express herself.
Where is the Moon?
The moon is in Virgo, and it is a really great time to clear out the old, take stock, center, and ground. This moon has me focusing on those little things that are both easy to overlook and impossible to overlook. It is a great time to clean out all of the closets: physical and otherwise!
Talking stick
I have been away this weekend and got to have a great meditation while lying on the ground looking up at the moonless night sky, which is a rare treat for me – although it seems it should be easy for me to make that happen more often. Still, lying there I was able to contemplate the theme of this moon, which isn’t hard as I’ve really felt its energy for numerous reasons. Owen is going back to school in a few days. Gary is going back to school in two weeks. I am working a great deal and in a kind of fast and furious way lately. I have all these other business responsibilities looming that really need my attention. But that night it still felt like summer with all of its carefree, in-the-moment energy. I feel the autumn winds ready to blow but I just want a few more days before I focus on them.
I’ve been thinking a lot about the little things, as I mentioned above. When I say little things I don’t actually mean trivial things; I mean those things that in the grand scheme of things are not life or death, they are the ordinary things that we need to work through as we go along – some more consuming than others. If it were the last moment of your life you might regret having spent so much time thinking about them and worrying about them. Those things. Yet they do make up a big part of what I am focused on, particularly lately, and like it or not, they are there. Virgo is always a bit of a detail-oriented and sometimes perfectionistic time for me so I am bearing that in mind, but whatever the reason, I find myself running the next month over and over in my mind and trying to figure out how I’m going to make it all add up. I have this idea that if I focus on those things too much then they will become something more than they are. They will become more and more empowered and I really don’t want that to happen. At the same time, I am hugely tempted to just stick my head in the sand and hope they go away and, having tried that approach a few times, know that it won’t make a difference. So, I have reached this compromise: I am going to wait until Owen starts school this week, then spend the very first day of it facing up to all the business administration issues, taxes, paperwork and otherwise scary and hopelessly dull stuff that has been cluttering up my desk for the last few weeks. And I will make it right and probably will find that it isn’t as bad as I thought it was. At least I hope that’s what happens!
Despite this sort of loose anxiety, I am feeling really grateful for our summer, which was so relaxing and fulfilling on many levels. These last two weeks I have been particularly forced to slow down and relax, having rather embarrassingly sprained my ankle while trampolining. I am particularly struck by how much Owen has changed these last six months. He has become so much more independent in every possible way. At the beach with friends yesterday there were seven children, and I saw him for about 15 minutes the entire day. Later, he and I took a canoe out onto a small lake, and I found myself so grateful for the time alone with him. There was a time when I wondered if he would ever let go of me, and now it is all I can do sometimes not to hold onto him sometimes. It is the way it should be, and I’m just so proud of his growth, but it is intense and new for me too. I’m sure he will not always be so brave and independent, but more and more of the time he is, which is wonderful.
For the new moon this month, I think this: I love this life we are living with all of its richness and abundance and I need to remind myself of that often. My goal is to love and support both of my men as they embark on new adventures, and to try to reign in my worries by facing them head on!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying on the ground beneath a craggly ancient oak tree. Its branches reach all around you as rest beneath it. The ground is soft, the air is cool, but comfortable and smells of the approaching autumn. As you breathe in and out feel that you are breathing in time with the gentle breeze around you, that you are a part of the setting that surrounds you. Then allow yourself to imagine that you are getting smaller – smaller and smaller until you are so small that you can stand up and walk into the oak 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 are greeted by a guide who has come to accompany you on your journey. It may be a person, a spiritual energy, an animal – but it is a guide that you know well and with whom you feel very safe. You step out into the light of day together, heading across a vast field, toward a hill in the distance. The sea is to your right, crashing against the shore, and the hills are alive with animals and insects. You talk freely with your guide about anything on your mind as you walk toward the hill. As you get closer, you are aware that you are heading to a dwelling, both ancient and familiar; the home of your wise woman.
When you reach the door, your guide moves to the side to wait for you. As you are about to knock, the door swings open and you are greeted by your wise woman. She leads you to the kitchen where she is cooking for you, and the two of you sit and chat for a few moments, catching up about anything that is going on in your life, asking her any questions that you may have or just asking for her general advice.
When you are ready, she leads you away from the kitchen, down a hallway with many doors. You reach out for the doorway that calls to you and walk through it. In the centre of the room is a mirror – one that you have seen before. It is the mirror that reveals your true self. As you look at yourself you are able to see all of who you are – those things that you love and embrace and perhaps some things that present challenges to you. Then, as you watch yourself in the mirror you are able to change the vision of yourself to exactly who you want to be. Adding anything that needs adding, taking away what is no longer needed. When you are happy with the image, your wise woman joins you. As you watch together, the image shifts to the person that you will become if you follow that path – the one that you created. You can see yourself in some place in the future and are able to speak to yourself about the changes that you made, where you are heading, where it has brought you. If you have any questions, you can also ask your wise woman for help. As you ready yourself to go, your future self offers you one piece of wisdom, something to carry with you on your path. Once that message has been conveyed to you, the image fades and returns to your self. When you are ready, you leave the room knowing that this is a place to which you can always return.
You get up, leaving the room, walking back toward the front of the house, sharing any last minute conversation with your wise woman. She leads you to the door, says goodbye, offering you one word or phrase to help you to create your heart’s desire. You give her a big hug, then open the door, greeted again by your guide, who leads you back down the path, toward the doorway that you walked through. You make your way back along the path, until you are back at the doorway.
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 twelth 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 air and safety of the old oak. Then feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
Much love and support to all of our children, in particular those little ones starting school for the first time this year. And for all of the moms and dads that will have to cope with their loss!
Much love to all of you!!
Tara
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Full Moon in Aquarius, 16th, August 2008
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t believe how beautiful the moon looked last night, gigantic and hanging low in the sky. It felt so full and powerful! I hope it is beautiful where you are too.
Calling the circle
We call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we summon the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children, and to the brightest of moons. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Where is the Moon?
The full moon is in Aquarius, fanning the Leo flames and making all things seem possible. Those activities and goals that serve the world and a higher good are particularly highlighted. For me it feels like a powerful energy but perhaps a bit volatile – like a bonfire on a windy beach. You want to be on the right side of the flames! But a big beautiful fire under control is an intense power, and that is the fire of this moon!
Talking stick
Once again, I am struck by the similarity of my experience during the same time of year in years past. I was looking at my post from two years ago, the first week in my new house and I said then that while I was feeling immensely grateful and calm, I didn’t feel like I had much to say beyond that. That I just wanted to rest, be, enjoy the garden, pick herbs, be quiet. That is just how I was feeling tonight, sitting down to write this; there is always plenty to say, but I don’t actually feel like talking - I feel like just being. So, while the moon is so immensely full I will enjoy feeling full myself. I’m just so terribly grateful for my life. And full of love. I think I just want to be still with that. I'll try and have more to say at the new moon!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a craggly hawthorn tree, just beginning to berry, on a warm summer evening. As you look up, you can see the light of the full moon reaching between the branches, shining down until it is touching you, reaching right into your heart. With each breath, the moonlight feels as though it is reaching through you, deep into the earth, then upward into the sky again. As it moves through you and into the earth, you feel it spiraling deep below you, into something of a staircase. You stand up, and begin to wind your way down the staircase of moonlight, beginning on the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then spiraling around to the twelfth and the eleventh, then around to the tenth, then spiraling down and around and inward to the ninth, then the eighth, and around and inward to the seventh, then the sixth. You pause for a moment on the sixth step, leaving anything behind that you don’t choose to take along with you. Then continuing to spiral down and around to the fifth step, then the fourth, then the third. And around and inward to the second, and then finally the first step. You step off the staircase onto firm ground and head out toward the north.
You step out into a lush field as the moon is rising in the sky, to a place that feels somehow out of time. You walk along the path, which is heading upward, onto a plateau of sorts. From the top of the plateau you can see far into the distance, as well as behind you. You can see the many places you’ve been and the many places you may go. Right in the centre of the plateau is a dwelling, one that is ancient but always familiar; you have reached the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door opens, and she greets you warmly. She brings you into the kitchen, where she is cooking for you, and you talk freely about whatever comes to mind, maybe asking questions, maybe just listening to her thoughts for you. When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway with many doors. You walk through the door and in the centre of the room is a large comfortable chair, which you sit in. You are alone as your wise woman moves into the distance. Above you, the moon shines full and as you look at it, you feel its fullness inside of you, almost as if you too have a moon within your body. You reach down and remove the moon from within yourself and realize that it is a kind of orb, a crystal ball; a keeper of the knowledge that you need. You are able to look into it and receive any information that you need about this time in your life – about what is new, the path you are on, about relationships, about your destiny – anything that you need to know is contained within that orb. As the moon shines on it, it grows brighter and brighter, until your whole body is filled with that light. Finally, when you are ready, you take that light orb and bring it back into yourself – but knowing that its wisdom is always within you. Your wise woman joins you in the room now – and you can ask her any questions that came up for you. When you are ready, you walk back out of the room, knowing that this is a place that you can return to whenever you need to.
She leads you back to the front of the house, back to the path that lead you here. She gives you a big hug goodbye, and while in her embrace, she whispers one word or phrase that will help you to remember what you saw and what you need at this time in your life. You thank her and then head back out into the park, back into the busy city. When you reach the doorway, you step back through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the fourth step and the fifth. Then spiraling around to 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 hawthorn. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
Love and prayers to all of you – I am thinking of you all tonight.
Lots of love and blessings to Jenny too – happy birthday! I hope your new year is amazing. You too Karee!!
Much love to all of you!
Tara
I couldn’t believe how beautiful the moon looked last night, gigantic and hanging low in the sky. It felt so full and powerful! I hope it is beautiful where you are too.
Calling the circle
We call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we summon the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children, and to the brightest of moons. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Where is the Moon?
The full moon is in Aquarius, fanning the Leo flames and making all things seem possible. Those activities and goals that serve the world and a higher good are particularly highlighted. For me it feels like a powerful energy but perhaps a bit volatile – like a bonfire on a windy beach. You want to be on the right side of the flames! But a big beautiful fire under control is an intense power, and that is the fire of this moon!
Talking stick
Once again, I am struck by the similarity of my experience during the same time of year in years past. I was looking at my post from two years ago, the first week in my new house and I said then that while I was feeling immensely grateful and calm, I didn’t feel like I had much to say beyond that. That I just wanted to rest, be, enjoy the garden, pick herbs, be quiet. That is just how I was feeling tonight, sitting down to write this; there is always plenty to say, but I don’t actually feel like talking - I feel like just being. So, while the moon is so immensely full I will enjoy feeling full myself. I’m just so terribly grateful for my life. And full of love. I think I just want to be still with that. I'll try and have more to say at the new moon!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a craggly hawthorn tree, just beginning to berry, on a warm summer evening. As you look up, you can see the light of the full moon reaching between the branches, shining down until it is touching you, reaching right into your heart. With each breath, the moonlight feels as though it is reaching through you, deep into the earth, then upward into the sky again. As it moves through you and into the earth, you feel it spiraling deep below you, into something of a staircase. You stand up, and begin to wind your way down the staircase of moonlight, beginning on the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then spiraling around to the twelfth and the eleventh, then around to the tenth, then spiraling down and around and inward to the ninth, then the eighth, and around and inward to the seventh, then the sixth. You pause for a moment on the sixth step, leaving anything behind that you don’t choose to take along with you. Then continuing to spiral down and around to the fifth step, then the fourth, then the third. And around and inward to the second, and then finally the first step. You step off the staircase onto firm ground and head out toward the north.
You step out into a lush field as the moon is rising in the sky, to a place that feels somehow out of time. You walk along the path, which is heading upward, onto a plateau of sorts. From the top of the plateau you can see far into the distance, as well as behind you. You can see the many places you’ve been and the many places you may go. Right in the centre of the plateau is a dwelling, one that is ancient but always familiar; you have reached the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door opens, and she greets you warmly. She brings you into the kitchen, where she is cooking for you, and you talk freely about whatever comes to mind, maybe asking questions, maybe just listening to her thoughts for you. When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway with many doors. You walk through the door and in the centre of the room is a large comfortable chair, which you sit in. You are alone as your wise woman moves into the distance. Above you, the moon shines full and as you look at it, you feel its fullness inside of you, almost as if you too have a moon within your body. You reach down and remove the moon from within yourself and realize that it is a kind of orb, a crystal ball; a keeper of the knowledge that you need. You are able to look into it and receive any information that you need about this time in your life – about what is new, the path you are on, about relationships, about your destiny – anything that you need to know is contained within that orb. As the moon shines on it, it grows brighter and brighter, until your whole body is filled with that light. Finally, when you are ready, you take that light orb and bring it back into yourself – but knowing that its wisdom is always within you. Your wise woman joins you in the room now – and you can ask her any questions that came up for you. When you are ready, you walk back out of the room, knowing that this is a place that you can return to whenever you need to.
She leads you back to the front of the house, back to the path that lead you here. She gives you a big hug goodbye, and while in her embrace, she whispers one word or phrase that will help you to remember what you saw and what you need at this time in your life. You thank her and then head back out into the park, back into the busy city. When you reach the doorway, you step back through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the fourth step and the fifth. Then spiraling around to 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 hawthorn. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
Love and prayers to all of you – I am thinking of you all tonight.
Lots of love and blessings to Jenny too – happy birthday! I hope your new year is amazing. You too Karee!!
Much love to all of you!
Tara
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Lammas, 2008
Hi everyone,
Well, I’m a few days late for Lammas, but have been very busy sorting out the fruits of my labours – so very Lammas-like activity. Hope you are doing the same!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate Lammas, 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 that are getting closer as we enter August.. the 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.
Lammas thoughts/Talking stick
I am probably boring everyone to tears with my garden this summer, but I can’t help it. It’s such a perfect metaphor for my life (sorry Nicholas – I have to indulge in metaphors.) I’ve got this one plant that pops out a courgette every day or so (a zucchini for you non-Brits) and it is so beautiful; it just grows along happily. I have literally done nothing for it all summer except make sure it was watered. I have these kale plants and broccolis that have grown so well, but now they’ve been attacked by worms and caterpillars and I’m struggling to keep them going. I have a greenhouse full of tomatoes that will ripen soon and peppers yet to grow – they are only now flowering. And somehow it all seems to fit into this symmetry of input, revision, output, revision – and continual growth and change. I know that life is a lot more emotionally charged and high stakes than a garden. But these rhythms do seem to map to my own, if I were able to be that distant from them.
At any rate, at this Lammas time I really want to give thanks for just the overwhelming amount of life I feel and see and witness around me.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying on soft ground, on a hill, in the middle of a lush field, under a starry, windless sky. The moon is just 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 right into a small crevice in the hill. Walking into the ground, looking down, you can see a staircase, made of the earth itself. 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 perfect moment in time. 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 afternoon the sun still strong in the sky. You can see people spiraling around the hill, each carrying a basket. At your feet is a basket for you, which you pick up. You wind your way to the top, around the hill, slowly, until you finally arrive.
You make your way into the ceremonial circle at the top and find a place in the circle. You are joined by those you love, your friends, family, ancestors, guides, each carrying a basket as well. One by one, those present carry their basket to the centre, where your wise woman is standing. When you look down at your basket, it has filled with those things that you have harvested this year, to present as an offering. It is filled with objects that represent all that you have to be thankful for. You move to the centre of the circle and present your basket to your wise woman. She takes it from you and puts it with the others.
Stepping back into the circle you stand together silently, feeling the power build. Your wise woman stands in the centre of the offerings and as the energy increases so does the offering – the bounty in the centre of the circle growing and growing until it overflows from the circle and is sent outward to circle the entire world. In that moment, you know that your abundance is everyone’s abundance and you focus your energy on increasing that abundance for yourself and for the world. You send whatever energy you believe the world needs out into the world and feeling it multiplied tenfold as it is received and passed on.
When the blessing is complete, you look at the centre of the circle and it has turned into a beautiful feast, filled with all kinds of food and drink, and those in your circle join you in 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. It is a time of pure love, pure gratitude. When you are finished, you leave your circle, walking back to the path. Your wise woman accompanies you and then gives you a hug goodbye. She hands you one object to take back with you, to remind you of your harvest.
You walk back down the path into the twilight of summer. 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 out of the ground and back onto the hill where you are laying. Then feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready, opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
I want to send out a prayer tonight for a friend struggling through a painful breakup, that he is able to connect to the abundance of love that he has to give as his gift this Lammas.
All my love and many blessings,
Tara
Well, I’m a few days late for Lammas, but have been very busy sorting out the fruits of my labours – so very Lammas-like activity. Hope you are doing the same!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate Lammas, 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 that are getting closer as we enter August.. the 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.
Lammas thoughts/Talking stick
I am probably boring everyone to tears with my garden this summer, but I can’t help it. It’s such a perfect metaphor for my life (sorry Nicholas – I have to indulge in metaphors.) I’ve got this one plant that pops out a courgette every day or so (a zucchini for you non-Brits) and it is so beautiful; it just grows along happily. I have literally done nothing for it all summer except make sure it was watered. I have these kale plants and broccolis that have grown so well, but now they’ve been attacked by worms and caterpillars and I’m struggling to keep them going. I have a greenhouse full of tomatoes that will ripen soon and peppers yet to grow – they are only now flowering. And somehow it all seems to fit into this symmetry of input, revision, output, revision – and continual growth and change. I know that life is a lot more emotionally charged and high stakes than a garden. But these rhythms do seem to map to my own, if I were able to be that distant from them.
At any rate, at this Lammas time I really want to give thanks for just the overwhelming amount of life I feel and see and witness around me.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying on soft ground, on a hill, in the middle of a lush field, under a starry, windless sky. The moon is just 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 right into a small crevice in the hill. Walking into the ground, looking down, you can see a staircase, made of the earth itself. 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 perfect moment in time. 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 afternoon the sun still strong in the sky. You can see people spiraling around the hill, each carrying a basket. At your feet is a basket for you, which you pick up. You wind your way to the top, around the hill, slowly, until you finally arrive.
You make your way into the ceremonial circle at the top and find a place in the circle. You are joined by those you love, your friends, family, ancestors, guides, each carrying a basket as well. One by one, those present carry their basket to the centre, where your wise woman is standing. When you look down at your basket, it has filled with those things that you have harvested this year, to present as an offering. It is filled with objects that represent all that you have to be thankful for. You move to the centre of the circle and present your basket to your wise woman. She takes it from you and puts it with the others.
Stepping back into the circle you stand together silently, feeling the power build. Your wise woman stands in the centre of the offerings and as the energy increases so does the offering – the bounty in the centre of the circle growing and growing until it overflows from the circle and is sent outward to circle the entire world. In that moment, you know that your abundance is everyone’s abundance and you focus your energy on increasing that abundance for yourself and for the world. You send whatever energy you believe the world needs out into the world and feeling it multiplied tenfold as it is received and passed on.
When the blessing is complete, you look at the centre of the circle and it has turned into a beautiful feast, filled with all kinds of food and drink, and those in your circle join you in 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. It is a time of pure love, pure gratitude. When you are finished, you leave your circle, walking back to the path. Your wise woman accompanies you and then gives you a hug goodbye. She hands you one object to take back with you, to remind you of your harvest.
You walk back down the path into the twilight of summer. 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 out of the ground and back onto the hill where you are laying. Then feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready, opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
I want to send out a prayer tonight for a friend struggling through a painful breakup, that he is able to connect to the abundance of love that he has to give as his gift this Lammas.
All my love and many blessings,
Tara
Friday, August 01, 2008
New Moon in Leo, 1st August, 2008
Hi everyone,
Happy new moon – it’s a lovely summer day here so far although there a big rainstorm is on its way. I’m fine with that though; we are planning a day in of just hanging out and relaxing, which sounds perfect.
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, imagine that we are together, summoning the spirits of the East, spirits of Springtime, new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East. We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of summer, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. We call the spirits of the South. And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of deep feelings, strong emotions, a sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, power of love, true love. Spirits of our intuition and our empathy. We call to the spirits of the West. Now we call the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North. And we call to those spirits above us, angels, starts, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express herself.
Where is the Moon?
The moon is in Leo and is focused on our selves – who are we, who do we want to be, what will we do? The Mountain Astrologer talks about how the root of the word destiny is the same root as the word destination. Where are we going and is it where we want to be? Is it where we need to be? Is it the path with a heart? Follow your love this month!
Talking stick
I love a good Leo new moon. I always feel full of optimism and creativity. And intensity. Certainly there are times when that intensity does not necessarily conjure optimism and light, but, with deep gratitude, at this moon it is.
I just got back from Scotland and the Lakes at the start of this week. We had a great trip and I was blown away by the beauty of Scotland in particular, and soothed by climbing a few mountains and looking at life from a few thousand feet up. It was there on the mountaintops and sitting contemplating life without the distractions of computers, phones, deadlines, etc. that I began to think about the word “calling” again, contemplating whether I am honoring mine. In many ways, I think I am. As a parent and the person primarily financially responsible for our lives, I think that I’ve definitely done as well as possible to listen, to serve, to give, given the demands on my time. And I am taking steps to align my business work with my social values – slowly but surely, and I feel great about that. But – it always comes to me, like a drum beating in my ears, “write, write, write, write..” And I remember that I haven’t finished my book yet. I can feel several of you nodding your heads, as I know you are in the middle of writing projects too (I can’t help thinking of Parties, Parades and Protests, Sparkles!). For me, I need to finish it to see what’s behind it. I am not thinking that the book is going to be some great catalyst in the world, with Oprah visits, Dalai Lama meetings, checks flying in – not at all, although that would be fine too! No – it is a personal catalyst for me somehow. I feel like I have to get it done to understand what is next and it is time for that next thing – whatever it is. Even in my business, the way I work is, I think, I think, I think, I think, I check Facebook, I think, I think and then, finally, I write. And I am there now. What I love is that it is a book about this, about all of you, about this journey, these meditations, which even in the busiest of months, and at the most stressful of times forces me to pause and reflect and tune in and forget all the other clutter – even if just for a few hours. I am so grateful to all of you for continuing to create this space for me and for yourselves. It is truly sacred and I feel so blessed by it. And it is time for me to get it done.
I’d like to go on about how great we all are, but my little boy is patiently waiting for me to go on the trampoline with him, and I must oblige because he doesn’t care anything about my work – it is a beautiful sunny Leo day and he needs the in-the-moment me, and I’m equally happy to be that this afternoon.
I will contemplate my calling later, when the moon rises and until the full moon!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying on the ground in a field full of plants, in their height of summer growth. The tallest of them tower over you, with their beautiful white umbels open to the sky. The ground feels perfectly comfortable, the air warm and fragrant. As you breathe in and out feel that you are breathing in time with the gentle breeze around you, that you are a part of the setting that surrounds you. Then allow yourself to imagine that you are getting smaller – smaller and smaller until you are so small that you can stand up and walk into one of the tall plants that you were lying underneath. Walking into the plant, looking up, note how it reaches skyward – to the new moon. Looking down, note its roots, reaching into the earth farther than you can see. Then, notice that one of the roots is larger than the others, and resembles a spiral staircase. Imagine stepping onto the 13th step, the step of transformation, then spiraling down and around and inward to the 12th step, then down and around to the 11th and the 10th, spiraling down and around and inward to the 9th, then the 8th, then around and inward to the 7th and the 6th step. Then, pausing on the sixth step, note that as you look up you can no longer see the top, and looking down, that you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of the spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. If there is anything that you are carrying that you don’t want to take with you on your journey, you can leave it on this step. Continuing then to the 5th step and the 4th, spiraling around to the 3rd and the 2nd and then finally the 1st step, then stepping into a clearing with four doorways, each pointing in one of the four directions. Imagine yourself walking down the pathway that heads south.
When you step through the doorway, the sunlight greets you, warming you. It is midday, in a beautiful meadow, filled with wild flowers, buzzing with bees and butterflies. The grass and plants are taller than you, making it difficult to see beyond the path, but it is so alive with life that you feel immersed in the earth and all of its life. You are drawn into the sounds and smells, making note of any messages that the landscape or its life may hold for you. The pathway winds through the meadow and then begins to head upward, a soft hill rising over the meadow. In the distance you can begin to make out a dwelling place. You walk in that direction, until finally you are upon it. You recognize it as a home that is ancient and familiar to you – the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door swings open and you are greeted by your wise woman. She leads you to the kitchen where she is cooking for you, and the two of you sit and chat for a few moments, catching up about anything that is going on in your life, asking her any questions that you may have or just asking for her general advice.
When you are ready, your wise woman leads you to a hallway with many doors. You choose the door that feels right to you and walk through. In that room is a table and on that table is a book. You walk over to the book and pick it up. It is the book of your life, the book of your soul. You can write in the book, or you can read the book, which contains information about anything that you need to answer, any truth, any wisdom resides in the book. You read or write until you are satisfied. Your wise woman then turns to a part of the book that you haven’t read before; something that you need to know about this time in your life. If you have any questions, you can ask her anything you like about this part of the book. When you are ready, you close the book, knowing that it is always here for you if you need it.
You get up, leaving the room, walking back toward the front of the house with your wise woman. She leads you to the door, says goodbye, offering you one word or phrase to help you remember what you read. You give her a big hug then open the door, greeted again by the landscape, and all of its life. You head back down the path, toward the doorway that you walked through. When you reach the doorway, you step through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that moment of infinite perfection. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then back into to the tall plant. Stepping out of the plant, you find your place beneath it, again enjoying the sweet night air. Then feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
I’ve had no specific calls for prayers, so lots of love to all of you!!
Tara
Happy new moon – it’s a lovely summer day here so far although there a big rainstorm is on its way. I’m fine with that though; we are planning a day in of just hanging out and relaxing, which sounds perfect.
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, imagine that we are together, summoning the spirits of the East, spirits of Springtime, new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East. We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of summer, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. We call the spirits of the South. And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of deep feelings, strong emotions, a sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, power of love, true love. Spirits of our intuition and our empathy. We call to the spirits of the West. Now we call the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North. And we call to those spirits above us, angels, starts, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express herself.
Where is the Moon?
The moon is in Leo and is focused on our selves – who are we, who do we want to be, what will we do? The Mountain Astrologer talks about how the root of the word destiny is the same root as the word destination. Where are we going and is it where we want to be? Is it where we need to be? Is it the path with a heart? Follow your love this month!
Talking stick
I love a good Leo new moon. I always feel full of optimism and creativity. And intensity. Certainly there are times when that intensity does not necessarily conjure optimism and light, but, with deep gratitude, at this moon it is.
I just got back from Scotland and the Lakes at the start of this week. We had a great trip and I was blown away by the beauty of Scotland in particular, and soothed by climbing a few mountains and looking at life from a few thousand feet up. It was there on the mountaintops and sitting contemplating life without the distractions of computers, phones, deadlines, etc. that I began to think about the word “calling” again, contemplating whether I am honoring mine. In many ways, I think I am. As a parent and the person primarily financially responsible for our lives, I think that I’ve definitely done as well as possible to listen, to serve, to give, given the demands on my time. And I am taking steps to align my business work with my social values – slowly but surely, and I feel great about that. But – it always comes to me, like a drum beating in my ears, “write, write, write, write..” And I remember that I haven’t finished my book yet. I can feel several of you nodding your heads, as I know you are in the middle of writing projects too (I can’t help thinking of Parties, Parades and Protests, Sparkles!). For me, I need to finish it to see what’s behind it. I am not thinking that the book is going to be some great catalyst in the world, with Oprah visits, Dalai Lama meetings, checks flying in – not at all, although that would be fine too! No – it is a personal catalyst for me somehow. I feel like I have to get it done to understand what is next and it is time for that next thing – whatever it is. Even in my business, the way I work is, I think, I think, I think, I think, I check Facebook, I think, I think and then, finally, I write. And I am there now. What I love is that it is a book about this, about all of you, about this journey, these meditations, which even in the busiest of months, and at the most stressful of times forces me to pause and reflect and tune in and forget all the other clutter – even if just for a few hours. I am so grateful to all of you for continuing to create this space for me and for yourselves. It is truly sacred and I feel so blessed by it. And it is time for me to get it done.
I’d like to go on about how great we all are, but my little boy is patiently waiting for me to go on the trampoline with him, and I must oblige because he doesn’t care anything about my work – it is a beautiful sunny Leo day and he needs the in-the-moment me, and I’m equally happy to be that this afternoon.
I will contemplate my calling later, when the moon rises and until the full moon!
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying on the ground in a field full of plants, in their height of summer growth. The tallest of them tower over you, with their beautiful white umbels open to the sky. The ground feels perfectly comfortable, the air warm and fragrant. As you breathe in and out feel that you are breathing in time with the gentle breeze around you, that you are a part of the setting that surrounds you. Then allow yourself to imagine that you are getting smaller – smaller and smaller until you are so small that you can stand up and walk into one of the tall plants that you were lying underneath. Walking into the plant, looking up, note how it reaches skyward – to the new moon. Looking down, note its roots, reaching into the earth farther than you can see. Then, notice that one of the roots is larger than the others, and resembles a spiral staircase. Imagine stepping onto the 13th step, the step of transformation, then spiraling down and around and inward to the 12th step, then down and around to the 11th and the 10th, spiraling down and around and inward to the 9th, then the 8th, then around and inward to the 7th and the 6th step. Then, pausing on the sixth step, note that as you look up you can no longer see the top, and looking down, that you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of the spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. If there is anything that you are carrying that you don’t want to take with you on your journey, you can leave it on this step. Continuing then to the 5th step and the 4th, spiraling around to the 3rd and the 2nd and then finally the 1st step, then stepping into a clearing with four doorways, each pointing in one of the four directions. Imagine yourself walking down the pathway that heads south.
When you step through the doorway, the sunlight greets you, warming you. It is midday, in a beautiful meadow, filled with wild flowers, buzzing with bees and butterflies. The grass and plants are taller than you, making it difficult to see beyond the path, but it is so alive with life that you feel immersed in the earth and all of its life. You are drawn into the sounds and smells, making note of any messages that the landscape or its life may hold for you. The pathway winds through the meadow and then begins to head upward, a soft hill rising over the meadow. In the distance you can begin to make out a dwelling place. You walk in that direction, until finally you are upon it. You recognize it as a home that is ancient and familiar to you – the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door swings open and you are greeted by your wise woman. She leads you to the kitchen where she is cooking for you, and the two of you sit and chat for a few moments, catching up about anything that is going on in your life, asking her any questions that you may have or just asking for her general advice.
When you are ready, your wise woman leads you to a hallway with many doors. You choose the door that feels right to you and walk through. In that room is a table and on that table is a book. You walk over to the book and pick it up. It is the book of your life, the book of your soul. You can write in the book, or you can read the book, which contains information about anything that you need to answer, any truth, any wisdom resides in the book. You read or write until you are satisfied. Your wise woman then turns to a part of the book that you haven’t read before; something that you need to know about this time in your life. If you have any questions, you can ask her anything you like about this part of the book. When you are ready, you close the book, knowing that it is always here for you if you need it.
You get up, leaving the room, walking back toward the front of the house with your wise woman. She leads you to the door, says goodbye, offering you one word or phrase to help you remember what you read. You give her a big hug then open the door, greeted again by the landscape, and all of its life. You head back down the path, toward the doorway that you walked through. When you reach the doorway, you step through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that moment of infinite perfection. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then back into to the tall plant. Stepping out of the plant, you find your place beneath it, again enjoying the sweet night air. Then feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
I’ve had no specific calls for prayers, so lots of love to all of you!!
Tara
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