I did not want him.
Even as my husband asked ever-so-sweetly
and my step-son promised to take care of him.
It was not that I did not like him
As a Shamanic practictioner and Goddess follower,
I have great reverence and respect for his species.
I just don't think snakes make good pets.
And the idea of buying live animals to feed him just turned my stomach.
So I swore I would never take part in his care
and agreed to let him live with us.
I tried to ignore him.
He lived in the corner of my step-son's room
I avoided him if I could
For a while, the boys took care of him
But slowly, the time between his feedings grew longer
his cage stayed dirtier
I demanded they handle it
but as my mother reminded me when she insisited on buying him a rat any time she came to town
the "mother" always ends up caring for the animals.
We had our moments
I even tried to hold him
and show him to any willing friends
sometimes I even felt drawn to check in on him
or his dancing on the full moon night would catch my eye as I walked down the hall
but remained seperate, resistant to this reponsibility.
Last month we decided to move
and the snake was not supposed to come.
Then I had a dream.
A snake dream,
which is not unusual, I have them a lot
but when I woke up, a decision had been made
I would keep the snake.
I would commit to his care, feeding and cleaning.
So I put his cage in the big window with lots of light and company.
I talked to him
fed him
It seems impossible, but he has started to look for me
come out when I get home
watch me in the kitchen
lets me hold him without recoiling
and even curls into my arms
I just realized we are on the same... shedding cycle!
I have noticed other things, too
that we both seek the sun spot at the same moment
are effected by the cycles of the moon
We are restless in the middle of the night
and want to hide in the morning
I don't know what this connection means
or where it might lead
I know snakes have been a symbol of the Goddess for millenia
and no other creature better represents such power
I don't know what agreement was made in that dream
but I feel like I am tapping into something
something magical, ancient, precious
and I am grateful.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Taurus Full Moon & Hallowmas October 2012
Taurus Full Moon & Hallowmas~ Back to Earth
~We all come from the earth and we all return to the earth~
Hard to believe that mid-autumn is nearly here. This time of year brings much cooler days and longer nights. In many cultures, the holy day of Hallowmas (aka Hallow's Eve, Samhain and yes, Halloween) meant the end of the current year. From November 1st to December 21st (Winter Solstice) was a "timeless time, " a complete deathing of the old cycle and immersion of darkness and rest before the light was re-born at Solstice. This is also considered the most powerful time for prophetic dreams, connecting with the spirit realm and honoring all those that have passed on. Overall, this holy day is symbolized by death, dark and divination. If we were to link this particular celebration with the lunar cycle, Hallowmas would most closely relate to the dark moon, the end of a cycle.
How interesting that in the auspicious year of 2012, this Hallowed eve will be experienced under a full moon and not just any full moon, the consummate mother goddess full moon, Taurus.
Taurus, like Libra, is ruled by Venus, and here she is much more at home. Moving from the mental realm of cardinal air to the sensual roots of fixed earth, this is the sign where Venus luxuriates in the gifts of the physical. Slow, steady, sweet and stubborn, Taurus venerates beauty, food, sex, touch and comfort. The Taurus new moon happens in May, generally around the decadent May day festivals, where everything is blossoming, everyone is flirting and love is in the air. In her full moon expression, always in the autumn months, Venus/Taurus again asks us to appreciate the changing earth, offer gratitude for the harvest and abundance of the year passing and start to settle back into our roots for a long winter's rest.
What is the message of the Earth Goddess as she appears in the full moon light so close to the spirit ruled Hallow's eve?
Trick or treat, my friends. That is for you to find out, if you dare. (Insert evil laugh here)
Kidding, kidding. But not really. This holy day is incredibly personal and can be the most powerful of all holy days if you choose to tune in and connect. Plus, a huge reason there is so much dis-ease of every possible kind is because we are so disconnected from the earth. We hardly have a personal relationship with the planet that we are born on, live on and eventually, die on.
I once thought, because I hiked a lot, sat outside and planted a few veggies, that I knew the earth, that I had this really close relationship with her. Now, we did have a relationship and to some extent it was a deeper connection than many have the chance to cultivate; but it was not until I spent 5 days alone in a 10 foot circle with nothing but water, toilet paper, extra clothes and a sleeping bag that I got some idea of what it actually would be like to truly live according to the rhythms of the earth. It was terrifying, challenging, humbling, inspiring, beautiful and more pure than anything I have ever done to date. For the first time in my whole life, I was completely reliant on the planet to keep me safe, no technology or modern comforts, no one to else to take care of me. And she did.
Now I am NOT telling you to go spend 5 days fasting next week. That practices takes lots of prayer and preparation, but this cycle, full moon/hallowmas has all the power and potential of a vision quest. So, what is something you can do between 10/29 and 11/4 that could connect you more fully to earth than ever before? A hike, gardening or simply sitting outside are all great places to begin. This lunation is a magical vortex, because for a few rare, precious days, we are invited to love and celebrate our roots, plants, stones and flesh and at the same time, receive wisdom, guidance and vision from our spirit guides and ancestors. I can't think of any sweeter opportunity.
Perhaps take a little time to adorn your body with oils or delicious scents, then create an earth altar in a natural setting that feels sacred to you. Place pictures of loved ones passed and items that represent the gifts of your life. Collect beautiful stones, fall leaves or sticks that call to you and decorate them. Cook or bake something delicious and offer it the spirits, and then dance, meditate, make love or sit sky clad under the full moon.
Since my 5 days in nature, I no longer use a flash light. I did not have any light other sun or moon and actually found that in open nature, it never gets that dark. I have found I love to walk and hike in just moonlight. That could be something you experiment with next week, too (in a safe way, please). It can heighten the senses to be in the dark, and softens our vision to truly see the world around us.
If nothing else, simply make a mantra of the opening words: We all come from the earth and we all return to the earth.
At this pivotal moment where another year is ending and the darkness comes closer, it is important to return to practices that deeply honor and connect us with this beautiful planet. We must respect our roots, all of them, from our families of origin to the roots of our species and the roots of all earthly beings up to the roots of our soul journeys. We must care for all these roots, acknowledge the relationships between them and revere them in every aspect of our lives. We are hearing this plea from the earth Goddess herself! From our roots come wisdom, strength and healing. This is the time to go back to the earth and trust her to guide and nurture you in the dark months ahead.
Let her speak to you, let all the earth spirits speak to you, through the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands. Through the base of your spine or the softness of your belly. Get out on the earth under this full moon and let your body and spirit dance.
~We all come from the earth and we all return to the earth~
Hard to believe that mid-autumn is nearly here. This time of year brings much cooler days and longer nights. In many cultures, the holy day of Hallowmas (aka Hallow's Eve, Samhain and yes, Halloween) meant the end of the current year. From November 1st to December 21st (Winter Solstice) was a "timeless time, " a complete deathing of the old cycle and immersion of darkness and rest before the light was re-born at Solstice. This is also considered the most powerful time for prophetic dreams, connecting with the spirit realm and honoring all those that have passed on. Overall, this holy day is symbolized by death, dark and divination. If we were to link this particular celebration with the lunar cycle, Hallowmas would most closely relate to the dark moon, the end of a cycle.
How interesting that in the auspicious year of 2012, this Hallowed eve will be experienced under a full moon and not just any full moon, the consummate mother goddess full moon, Taurus.
Taurus, like Libra, is ruled by Venus, and here she is much more at home. Moving from the mental realm of cardinal air to the sensual roots of fixed earth, this is the sign where Venus luxuriates in the gifts of the physical. Slow, steady, sweet and stubborn, Taurus venerates beauty, food, sex, touch and comfort. The Taurus new moon happens in May, generally around the decadent May day festivals, where everything is blossoming, everyone is flirting and love is in the air. In her full moon expression, always in the autumn months, Venus/Taurus again asks us to appreciate the changing earth, offer gratitude for the harvest and abundance of the year passing and start to settle back into our roots for a long winter's rest.
What is the message of the Earth Goddess as she appears in the full moon light so close to the spirit ruled Hallow's eve?
Trick or treat, my friends. That is for you to find out, if you dare. (Insert evil laugh here)
Kidding, kidding. But not really. This holy day is incredibly personal and can be the most powerful of all holy days if you choose to tune in and connect. Plus, a huge reason there is so much dis-ease of every possible kind is because we are so disconnected from the earth. We hardly have a personal relationship with the planet that we are born on, live on and eventually, die on.
I once thought, because I hiked a lot, sat outside and planted a few veggies, that I knew the earth, that I had this really close relationship with her. Now, we did have a relationship and to some extent it was a deeper connection than many have the chance to cultivate; but it was not until I spent 5 days alone in a 10 foot circle with nothing but water, toilet paper, extra clothes and a sleeping bag that I got some idea of what it actually would be like to truly live according to the rhythms of the earth. It was terrifying, challenging, humbling, inspiring, beautiful and more pure than anything I have ever done to date. For the first time in my whole life, I was completely reliant on the planet to keep me safe, no technology or modern comforts, no one to else to take care of me. And she did.
Now I am NOT telling you to go spend 5 days fasting next week. That practices takes lots of prayer and preparation, but this cycle, full moon/hallowmas has all the power and potential of a vision quest. So, what is something you can do between 10/29 and 11/4 that could connect you more fully to earth than ever before? A hike, gardening or simply sitting outside are all great places to begin. This lunation is a magical vortex, because for a few rare, precious days, we are invited to love and celebrate our roots, plants, stones and flesh and at the same time, receive wisdom, guidance and vision from our spirit guides and ancestors. I can't think of any sweeter opportunity.
Perhaps take a little time to adorn your body with oils or delicious scents, then create an earth altar in a natural setting that feels sacred to you. Place pictures of loved ones passed and items that represent the gifts of your life. Collect beautiful stones, fall leaves or sticks that call to you and decorate them. Cook or bake something delicious and offer it the spirits, and then dance, meditate, make love or sit sky clad under the full moon.
Since my 5 days in nature, I no longer use a flash light. I did not have any light other sun or moon and actually found that in open nature, it never gets that dark. I have found I love to walk and hike in just moonlight. That could be something you experiment with next week, too (in a safe way, please). It can heighten the senses to be in the dark, and softens our vision to truly see the world around us.
If nothing else, simply make a mantra of the opening words: We all come from the earth and we all return to the earth.
At this pivotal moment where another year is ending and the darkness comes closer, it is important to return to practices that deeply honor and connect us with this beautiful planet. We must respect our roots, all of them, from our families of origin to the roots of our species and the roots of all earthly beings up to the roots of our soul journeys. We must care for all these roots, acknowledge the relationships between them and revere them in every aspect of our lives. We are hearing this plea from the earth Goddess herself! From our roots come wisdom, strength and healing. This is the time to go back to the earth and trust her to guide and nurture you in the dark months ahead.
Let her speak to you, let all the earth spirits speak to you, through the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands. Through the base of your spine or the softness of your belly. Get out on the earth under this full moon and let your body and spirit dance.
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