New Moon in Cancer, 22nd June 2009/Summer Solstice (two days late!!)
Hi Everyone,
This marks the five-year anniversary of the start of these meditations – thanks to all of you who continue to share your thoughts, dreams, inspirations and experiences with me. I realize it is a bit of a cheat to combine the new moon and the solstice, but they feel like they go together for me. This night feels filled with new beginnings – I hope you are feeling that too!
Calling the circle
As we contemplate this new moon, we call to the spirits of the East. Spirits of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, the power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of our season, the spirits of the South. Spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, the power of light, bright and powerful. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we call to the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express herself.
Where is the Moon?
The new moon is in Cancer this month, a deep loving moon – warm, nurturing, mothering and caring. It is a time to go within and to hold yourself in perfect love, free from judgment, free from doubt, free from any of the experiences that have come before that can sometimes hold us back. With that love as your guide, and the power of a summer, you are an unstoppable force!
Talking stick
I had a great experience yesterday that took me out of my everyday for a moment. I was tending to my garden, which is very lush this time of year and was pulling out the plants that were choking my raspberry canes. I was standing in the middle of them and suddenly realized that they were as tall as me and I was engulfed by them almost and I suddenly felt so loved, so cared for and most of all so fully provided for. It brought me back to the days when I first started gathering plants, and how, over the years I have found it normal to find that kind of spiritual peace and fulfillment that way. There was a time in my life when I felt that my soul was always reaching upward and out, toward the sky, toward a way back to some vague idea I have about a limitless energetic state, perhaps because that is where so many people that I loved had gone before me. It was herbalism that brought all what I thought I was seeking down to earth for me – and the wise woman tradition in particular. I am very grateful.
I wrote recently that I felt change coming and I think it has arrived, taking the form of what I am calling the year that we face our demons, at least in my house. Gary and I both have some obstacles from the past that have sometimes reached forward to trip us up in the present and we are both going back a few steps to correct them – in order to go forward again. It is funny how when you decide to do something like that, it seems like the most natural thing in the world to do – yet it takes years to come to the conclusion.
This new moon and beautiful first real day of summer, I will be making a phone call to head down a slightly different path. It is going to take a while to get there, but I’m in no real hurry. There are beautiful moments everywhere, and I want to make sure that I don’t let myself get so swept up that I am not receptive to them. So – with an eye to the future I will love and embrace this moment – and feel myself very loved.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath a dense oak tree on soft mossy earth, with a gentle rain falling above you. The leaf cover is so thick that the rain doesn’t reach you, but the air sweet with new rain. You are aware of your breath, breathing in and out in time with the sound of the wind, carrying the rain. As you breathe, you feel yourself getting smaller and smaller, until you are so small that you are able to walk right into the tree. As you look up, you note the vast branch system, how tall and high it is, looking down, you note the vast root system, reaching down into the earth farther than you can see. Then, notice that one of the roots is larger than the others, and resembles a spiral staircase that you can walk down. Imagine then stepping onto the 13th step, the step of transformation, then spiraling down and around and inward to the 12th step, then down and around to the 11th and the 10th, spiraling down and around and inward to the 9th, then the 8th, then around and inward to the 7th and the 6th step. Then, pausing on the sixth step, note that as you look up you can no longer see the top, and looking down, that you can no longer see the bottom. You are standing in the middle of the spiral, in a moment of infinite perfection. If there is anything that you are carrying that you don't want to take with you on your journey, you can leave it on this step. Continuing then to the 5th step and the 4th, spiraling around to the 3rd and the 2nd and then finally the 1st step, then stepping into a clearing with four doorways, each pointing in one of the four directions. Imagine yourself walking down the pathway that heads south
It is midday, warm but comfortable and with a gentle rain. The rain softens the landscape as well, a lush forest. You walk along a pathway that heads into the centre of the forest, following the path of a small stream. The sound of the water calls to you, speaking to you as you walk along. You can speak back, or just listen to the wisdom of the summer waters. The stream winds around and around into the centre of the forest, until you reach the very start of the spring, where it bubbles up out of the ground. You realize that this place is very sacred, noting that others who have passed this way have left offerings at the stream’s birthplace. Then, although you didn’t notice it before, you realize that you are standing in front of a dwelling place, one as familiar as it is ancient; you have reached the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door opens and your wise woman greets you, welcoming you in. Her home is comfortable and dry after being out in the rain, and she leads you to the kitchen where she is cooking. She offers you whatever it is that she has cooked for you, and you sit and eat or drink with her, asking any questions that you may have, or asking for any wisdom that she might wish to share with you.
When you are ready, she leads you down a hallway, with many doors. You walk to the doorway at the end of the hall. Stepping through the door you find yourself in a forest clearing, with a small, still pool in the centre of it. Your wise woman leads you to the pool and you look into the water. It is still and perfectly reflective. You are able to see yourself very clearly, noticing anything about yourself that perhaps you need to see. Your wise woman holds out a crystal, and begins to stir the water with it and your reflection changes to swirling images, and you are able to look into the pool and see whatever it is that you need to see at this time in your life. When you are ready for the scene to change, your wise woman stirs the pool again until you have seen everything that you need to see. She then hands you the crystal, and offers you a word or phrase to remind you of this place and what you learned here. When you are ready, she leads you back to the door, but reminds you that this place is always here for you if you need it.
You head back toward the kitchen, sharing any last minute thoughts, asking any last minute questions. As you reach the door of the house you say goodbye, knowing that you can return whenever you need. When you step out of the house you return to the stream’s source, leaving the object there that was given to you as a reminder of what you most need as an offering to the Goddess, the Universe, God, however you choose to see it. Knowing that your vision will be well looked after here in this sacred space. When you feel ready you make your way back along the path until you get back to the doorway, and then the staircase.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then back into to the tree. Stepping out of the tree, you find your place beneath it, again enjoying the cold night air. Then, feeling your consciousness return to the space you are in, and, when ready opening your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
Prayers for Sacha and her mom – thinking of you.
Prayers for Tim and Jeremy, always thinking of you.
Prayers for Chad – don’t worry, just let it flow. You are an amazing writer with lots of insight!!
Much love to everyone,
Tara
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, June 08, 2009
Full Moon in Sagittarius, June 8, 2009
Hi everyone,
Sorry I’m a day late - and that I missed the new moon!! I was away and forgot to mention it in my last post. I was having a much needed break from electronics but I’m back and hoping that your new moons were filled with powerful intentions that are starting to bear fruit here at the full one!
Calling the circle
As we come to another full moon in Spring, we call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits of this season, of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we summon the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children, and to the brightest of moons. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Where is the Moon?
The full moon is in Sagittarius, asking us to look at what we believe and facing the truth, whatever the truth may be for us. Sagittarius also gives us a good boost of energy, enthusiasm, and with any luck a bit of levity. I love Sagittarius for its infectious energy and power to inspire. I can feel my faith restoring!
Talking stick
It has been a very intense month in many ways and for a lot of people I know too. I have written two meditations this month for two different friends for their passing-away mothers – one of whom has now passed away, another who will before too long, and it has reminded me that I have amazing spiritual people in my life who are bringing light, meaning and beautiful rituals to these transformative life events. I feel honoured by your commitment and amazing faith. Especially where faith has not always been easy. My love and prayers are with both of you.
I am interested that faith is a theme of this month, because I do feel my faith is restoring, but it is after a period of real questioning of where my beliefs are now. What I have realized comes to this: what I know with my mind cannot replace what I know with my soul. And even if science can explain some of that, it cannot explain away the love, the light, the integrity and the wholeness that being connected to that energy makes me feel. Nor can it explain the thousands of right steps and connections made that have led me to this day. I am grateful.
I have to leave it here because it is getting late – but for this full moon I want to feel the fullness of my faith in its complete simplicity.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath an ancient oak tree, on a cool but perfectly comfortable spring evening. As you look up, you can see the light of the full moon reaching between the branches, shining down until it is touching you, reaching right into your heart. With each breath, the moonlight feels as though it is reaching through you, deep into the earth, then upward into the sky again. As it moves through you and into the earth, you feel it spiraling deep below you, into something of a staircase. You stand up, and begin to wind your way down the staircase of moonlight, beginning on the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then spiraling around to the twelfth and the eleventh, then around to the tenth, then spiraling down and around and inward to the ninth, then the eighth, and around and inward to the seventh, then the sixth. You pause for a moment on the sixth step, leaving anything behind that you don’t choose to take along with you. Then continuing to spiral down and around to the fifth step, then the fourth, then the third. And around and inward to the second, and then finally the first step. You step off the staircase onto firm ground and head out toward the east.
You step out to a place that is very familiar to you, perhaps it is a place that you now call home, or maybe once did. Or maybe it is just a place that makes you feel at home. It is early morning and the light is just beginning to warm the air as you walk along, feeling completely peaceful and happy to be in this place. As the path winds along, you come to a small stream and pause for a moment to notice it before stepping carefully over it to the other side, noticing anything interesting in the water, or in your reflection. Once on the other side, the path continues, leading you to a home that you know well, a place that you have been many, many times before, as it is the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door swings open and your wise woman greets you, giving you a big kiss and hug. Her home feels particularly familiar today, the most at home you have ever felt here. She leads you to the kitchen where she has cooked for you and you speak freely with her about anything that comes to mind, or just listen to what she has to say to you.
When you are ready, she leads you from the kitchen to a hallway with many doors. You are drawn to a door at the end of the hallway, noticing anything about it in particular before opening it. Then, walking through, you step out into a forest clearing on a warm summer evening. In the centre of the clearing a small altar set up and you go and sit in front of it, adding anything to it that you may have brought. Your wise woman sits across from you and asks you what you need to know the truth about in your life. You are able to ask her any questions, and in this place, you are truly able to hear the answers. Then, your wise woman asks you questions, which you are able to answer with your truth as well. Some are easy, some are difficult, but all are truthful. When all the questions have been answered, she reaches down onto the altar and picks up an object to give to you – one that will remind you of the truth. You take it and put it in your pocket. You can stay as long as you like, resting in this place. When you are ready, you head back through the door.
She leads you back to the front of the house, back to path that lead you here. She gives you a big hug goodbye, and while in her embrace, she whispers one word or phrase that will help you to remember your intentions and what you need to do to make them manifest. You thank her and then head back to the path, drinking in the feeling of peace and home. You step across the stream again, heading back toward the doorway that brought you here. When you reach the doorway, you step back through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then lying back down onto the earth where you began, under the beautiful oak. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
For Nicholas, Cindy and Nicholas’s family – prayers for healing, peace, love, grace.
For Felicity Jack, Sacha’s mother – our circle surrounds you with love and light as you move closer toward your transition. You will be a part of us always.
Much love to all of you!
Tara
Sorry I’m a day late - and that I missed the new moon!! I was away and forgot to mention it in my last post. I was having a much needed break from electronics but I’m back and hoping that your new moons were filled with powerful intentions that are starting to bear fruit here at the full one!
Calling the circle
As we come to another full moon in Spring, we call to and honor the spirits of the East, spirits of this season, of new beginnings, new starts. Element of air, first breath, cool dawn. The power of life, springing forth. We call the spirits of the East and ask them to join our circle.
We call now to the spirits of the South, spirits of strength, power, warmth, clarity, motivation, energy, movement. Element of fire, bright fires lit at midday. The power of light, illuminating us. The fire that is our passion, burning deeply within us always. We call the spirits of the South and ask them to join our circle.
And we call to the Spirits of the West. Spirits of our deepest feelings, our strongest emotions, our truest love. A sunset over a calm ocean, a still lake reflecting back the sky, the still waters that run deep, deep within. Element of water, emanating the power of love. We call to the spirits of the West and ask them to join our circle.
Now we summon the spirits of the North. Spirits of midnight, dark moonless skies in winter, places where truths are told, where laws are made. Element of earth, grounding us. Power of law, karma, ancestral wisdom, we call to the spirits of the North and we ask them to join our circle.
And we call to those spirits above us, angels, stars, heavens, light beings everywhere, those souls not yet incarnate. Children of our children, and to the brightest of moons. We call the spirits above and ask them to join us.
And we call to the spirits below us, to the earth that grounds us and keeps us steady, the green kingdom with its deep roots and to the lava beneath the crust that impassions us. We call the spirits below and ask them to join us.
Finally, we call to the spirits of the center, where all the directions meet and merge and where they meet and merge in each one of us. The central flame. The sacred spirit. This circle is closed, a safe and sacred circle where everyone is welcome and free to express themselves.
Where is the Moon?
The full moon is in Sagittarius, asking us to look at what we believe and facing the truth, whatever the truth may be for us. Sagittarius also gives us a good boost of energy, enthusiasm, and with any luck a bit of levity. I love Sagittarius for its infectious energy and power to inspire. I can feel my faith restoring!
Talking stick
It has been a very intense month in many ways and for a lot of people I know too. I have written two meditations this month for two different friends for their passing-away mothers – one of whom has now passed away, another who will before too long, and it has reminded me that I have amazing spiritual people in my life who are bringing light, meaning and beautiful rituals to these transformative life events. I feel honoured by your commitment and amazing faith. Especially where faith has not always been easy. My love and prayers are with both of you.
I am interested that faith is a theme of this month, because I do feel my faith is restoring, but it is after a period of real questioning of where my beliefs are now. What I have realized comes to this: what I know with my mind cannot replace what I know with my soul. And even if science can explain some of that, it cannot explain away the love, the light, the integrity and the wholeness that being connected to that energy makes me feel. Nor can it explain the thousands of right steps and connections made that have led me to this day. I am grateful.
I have to leave it here because it is getting late – but for this full moon I want to feel the fullness of my faith in its complete simplicity.
Meditation
Imagine yourself lying beneath an ancient oak tree, on a cool but perfectly comfortable spring evening. As you look up, you can see the light of the full moon reaching between the branches, shining down until it is touching you, reaching right into your heart. With each breath, the moonlight feels as though it is reaching through you, deep into the earth, then upward into the sky again. As it moves through you and into the earth, you feel it spiraling deep below you, into something of a staircase. You stand up, and begin to wind your way down the staircase of moonlight, beginning on the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then spiraling around to the twelfth and the eleventh, then around to the tenth, then spiraling down and around and inward to the ninth, then the eighth, and around and inward to the seventh, then the sixth. You pause for a moment on the sixth step, leaving anything behind that you don’t choose to take along with you. Then continuing to spiral down and around to the fifth step, then the fourth, then the third. And around and inward to the second, and then finally the first step. You step off the staircase onto firm ground and head out toward the east.
You step out to a place that is very familiar to you, perhaps it is a place that you now call home, or maybe once did. Or maybe it is just a place that makes you feel at home. It is early morning and the light is just beginning to warm the air as you walk along, feeling completely peaceful and happy to be in this place. As the path winds along, you come to a small stream and pause for a moment to notice it before stepping carefully over it to the other side, noticing anything interesting in the water, or in your reflection. Once on the other side, the path continues, leading you to a home that you know well, a place that you have been many, many times before, as it is the home of your wise woman.
As you are about to knock, the door swings open and your wise woman greets you, giving you a big kiss and hug. Her home feels particularly familiar today, the most at home you have ever felt here. She leads you to the kitchen where she has cooked for you and you speak freely with her about anything that comes to mind, or just listen to what she has to say to you.
When you are ready, she leads you from the kitchen to a hallway with many doors. You are drawn to a door at the end of the hallway, noticing anything about it in particular before opening it. Then, walking through, you step out into a forest clearing on a warm summer evening. In the centre of the clearing a small altar set up and you go and sit in front of it, adding anything to it that you may have brought. Your wise woman sits across from you and asks you what you need to know the truth about in your life. You are able to ask her any questions, and in this place, you are truly able to hear the answers. Then, your wise woman asks you questions, which you are able to answer with your truth as well. Some are easy, some are difficult, but all are truthful. When all the questions have been answered, she reaches down onto the altar and picks up an object to give to you – one that will remind you of the truth. You take it and put it in your pocket. You can stay as long as you like, resting in this place. When you are ready, you head back through the door.
She leads you back to the front of the house, back to path that lead you here. She gives you a big hug goodbye, and while in her embrace, she whispers one word or phrase that will help you to remember your intentions and what you need to do to make them manifest. You thank her and then head back to the path, drinking in the feeling of peace and home. You step across the stream again, heading back toward the doorway that brought you here. When you reach the doorway, you step back through.
Stepping back up onto the first step, spiraling upward and outward to the second step and the third, and upward and outward to the third step and the fourth. Then spiraling around to the fifth and the sixth step, and pausing now on the sixth step, retrieving anything that you left behind before, or just leaving it behind in that perfect moment in infinity. Climbing now to the seventh and upward to the eighth, upward and outward to the ninth, then the tenth, and around to the eleventh and the twelfth and then finally to the thirteenth step, the step of transformation, then lying back down onto the earth where you began, under the beautiful oak. And when you are ready you open your eyes.
Prayers for our circle
For Nicholas, Cindy and Nicholas’s family – prayers for healing, peace, love, grace.
For Felicity Jack, Sacha’s mother – our circle surrounds you with love and light as you move closer toward your transition. You will be a part of us always.
Much love to all of you!
Tara
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