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.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Aries Full Moon 9/29/12~ Ceremony of Fire
Aries Full Moon~ Ceremony of Fire
Welcome to Autumn! How have you felt over these last two weeks of waxing lunar and waning solar energies? The transitional seasons, autumn and spring, give us a chance to find our balance between the extreme cycles of summer and winter. Spring is ushered in by the Aries new moon. Like lighting a brand new candle that lights up a dusty room, urging us to action, the Aries cycle is inspiring, energizing and full of promise. Autumn is generally brought in by Libra, and while the day of equinox is still the day the sun entered Libra, if you recall, we had a Virgo new moon this month. The mutable earth powers of Virgo have felt extremely appropriate for me the last couple weeks as I have been cleaning, sorting, packing and moving.
Plus, not sure if you felt it, but last week we had some celestial action as Pluto, ruler of sex, death, power and transformation, came out of retrograde in Capricorn and squared equally intense Uranus, our lord of electricity and liberation, who is rockin out in Aries. These 2 outer planets don't square very often, but this was the 2nd of four face-off's they will have in the next couple years. Even if this was the only major celestial event of 2012, which it's not, it would signal that we are in a time of great, great change. In case you had not noticed.
Virgo brought in lunar Autumn; Pluto, Uranus, Aries and Capricorn line ups and we had the equinox in less than 14 days. Everything is being shaken up and we need, now more than ever ever ever, to let go. To let go of what is not true, real, appropriate or sustainable for you, your loved ones and the planet.
Enter the Aries Full Moon.
I have been reading a lot of other astrology reports about the final chapter of 2012. I am not an astrologer and am happy to recommend my peeps who are if you want to get the authentic low down of what is happening, but I feel pretty sound in stating that this full moon is an opportunity to really let some s&^# go. Aries new moon brings in Spring, Aries full moon releases summer and welcomes Autumn. Fire initiates the waxing cycle of each year, illuminating our goals and keeping us hot and bothered enough to take action. Now, let fire be your guide in burning away that which does not need to continue into the rest of the year or into the next one. Let fire either soothe you or singe you, as is necessary to really get honest and brave about what is required for your spiritual growth. Fire does rule the spirit, as air rules the mind or earth the body.
The veils between the worlds get thinner and thinner as we move towards Samhain (Oct 31st/Nov 1st) the traditional end of the year when we are able to fully immerse ourself in spirit and deep rest during the darkest weeks before Winter solstice brings back the light. What do you really need to keep you warm in the cold and the dark? Initially, that question might make you want to actually pack in all you can to make you feel safe. No one likes to be alone on a cold, dark night. But if you really meditate on it, real comfort is not brought on by material or surface gratification. Real cold gets into your bones, and only the fire of true love and spirit can warm that.
The Aries full moon requires a sacrifice, a fire ceremony. Fire ceremonies have been practiced with awe and reverence for as long as we have had the gift of fire. I have been truly blessed to participate in a variety of fire ceremonies, from Peruvian Shamans to Native Americans to Goddess practice. Not to mention the ceremony of watching a wild fire or even the fire you make in your fireplace. Fire is sacred, no matter where it burns. Fire is true alchemy, it changes EVERYTHING it touches! Are you willing to let it touch your spirit this weekend? Are you willing to stand under the brilliant harvest full moon and say to the flames "Please take this from me! Please accept this offering of all that does not truly serve me." These offerings should not just be easy ones. Dig deep, which should not be too hard as Pluto has pulled so much of our wounds and fears to the surface, but we still might not want to look at that stuff. Aries demands raw honesty. Nothing else will satisfy this moon.
Your ceremony can be done however you want. What makes a ceremony a ceremony is intention. Rituals are usually done the same way every time. I am not asking you to do a ritual, I am asking you to do a ceremony, which means there is no right or wrong. It is a dance between you, spirit and the Aries full moon and as long as you do it honestly and fully, it is perfect. Aries is also represented by the child, being the youngest of the signs, and as the warrior, since she is rules by Mars, as well, of course, as an aspect of the lover: passionate, heated, unsatiable. This gives us a broad spectrum of how to approach our offering. Sit with what you want to let go of. Fall is a great time for inventory. Write out where you are right now, where you have been this year and where you really want to be, looking at spirituality before anything else. Then, think about what and how you can release. Maybe you have gotten too serious and lost your joy. Make your ceremony bright and fun. Light candles, dance, sing and play as you feed the flames slips of paper or autumn leaves that represent what you are offering up. Or, if you have had too much play, not enough focus or discipline, create a bigger fire, call in your strength, your inner warrior and hold that image as you burn away what you need to. Or, perhaps you have been too much child and too much warrior. This is a great moon for "sexual healing," which can be done alone, or with someone else, of course. Create a steamy space, candles, music, whatever connects you to desire, an aspect of fire. I would recommend some kind of heating movement, ahem, take that as you will, and let your sweat be the offering and release. But you gotta work up a sweat! and consciously, as you get hotter and hotter, feel yourself burning off the old, purifying body, mind and spirit.
You get the idea, yeah? It can be anything you want, as long as it is both an offering to the fire and a sacrifice of something you know you don't need. There are going to be a lot of witnesses to this full moon, Uranus, Pluto, Mars and the moon herself are just a few of the honored guests. The whole universe is paying attention right now and we need to stand up and show our courage and commitment to growing, transforming and evolving. If we can honestly and thoroughly honor the ceremony of fire for ourselves, I truly feel our individual flames will grow collectively and we can create a purificaton for this whole planet. Whether you invoke the child, lover or warrior on Saturday night, do it with conviction and passion. Meet fire with fire and surrender to the heat of spirit. This release has to happen, understand that, please. As always, we have the choice to go with the flow of earth/moon/universe or to resist, which is futile. Welcome this chance for communion, catharsis and cleansing with everything you have, and let go of the rest. I will be with you in the circle of fire.
Welcome to Autumn! How have you felt over these last two weeks of waxing lunar and waning solar energies? The transitional seasons, autumn and spring, give us a chance to find our balance between the extreme cycles of summer and winter. Spring is ushered in by the Aries new moon. Like lighting a brand new candle that lights up a dusty room, urging us to action, the Aries cycle is inspiring, energizing and full of promise. Autumn is generally brought in by Libra, and while the day of equinox is still the day the sun entered Libra, if you recall, we had a Virgo new moon this month. The mutable earth powers of Virgo have felt extremely appropriate for me the last couple weeks as I have been cleaning, sorting, packing and moving.
Plus, not sure if you felt it, but last week we had some celestial action as Pluto, ruler of sex, death, power and transformation, came out of retrograde in Capricorn and squared equally intense Uranus, our lord of electricity and liberation, who is rockin out in Aries. These 2 outer planets don't square very often, but this was the 2nd of four face-off's they will have in the next couple years. Even if this was the only major celestial event of 2012, which it's not, it would signal that we are in a time of great, great change. In case you had not noticed.
Virgo brought in lunar Autumn; Pluto, Uranus, Aries and Capricorn line ups and we had the equinox in less than 14 days. Everything is being shaken up and we need, now more than ever ever ever, to let go. To let go of what is not true, real, appropriate or sustainable for you, your loved ones and the planet.
Enter the Aries Full Moon.
I have been reading a lot of other astrology reports about the final chapter of 2012. I am not an astrologer and am happy to recommend my peeps who are if you want to get the authentic low down of what is happening, but I feel pretty sound in stating that this full moon is an opportunity to really let some s&^# go. Aries new moon brings in Spring, Aries full moon releases summer and welcomes Autumn. Fire initiates the waxing cycle of each year, illuminating our goals and keeping us hot and bothered enough to take action. Now, let fire be your guide in burning away that which does not need to continue into the rest of the year or into the next one. Let fire either soothe you or singe you, as is necessary to really get honest and brave about what is required for your spiritual growth. Fire does rule the spirit, as air rules the mind or earth the body.
The veils between the worlds get thinner and thinner as we move towards Samhain (Oct 31st/Nov 1st) the traditional end of the year when we are able to fully immerse ourself in spirit and deep rest during the darkest weeks before Winter solstice brings back the light. What do you really need to keep you warm in the cold and the dark? Initially, that question might make you want to actually pack in all you can to make you feel safe. No one likes to be alone on a cold, dark night. But if you really meditate on it, real comfort is not brought on by material or surface gratification. Real cold gets into your bones, and only the fire of true love and spirit can warm that.
The Aries full moon requires a sacrifice, a fire ceremony. Fire ceremonies have been practiced with awe and reverence for as long as we have had the gift of fire. I have been truly blessed to participate in a variety of fire ceremonies, from Peruvian Shamans to Native Americans to Goddess practice. Not to mention the ceremony of watching a wild fire or even the fire you make in your fireplace. Fire is sacred, no matter where it burns. Fire is true alchemy, it changes EVERYTHING it touches! Are you willing to let it touch your spirit this weekend? Are you willing to stand under the brilliant harvest full moon and say to the flames "Please take this from me! Please accept this offering of all that does not truly serve me." These offerings should not just be easy ones. Dig deep, which should not be too hard as Pluto has pulled so much of our wounds and fears to the surface, but we still might not want to look at that stuff. Aries demands raw honesty. Nothing else will satisfy this moon.
Your ceremony can be done however you want. What makes a ceremony a ceremony is intention. Rituals are usually done the same way every time. I am not asking you to do a ritual, I am asking you to do a ceremony, which means there is no right or wrong. It is a dance between you, spirit and the Aries full moon and as long as you do it honestly and fully, it is perfect. Aries is also represented by the child, being the youngest of the signs, and as the warrior, since she is rules by Mars, as well, of course, as an aspect of the lover: passionate, heated, unsatiable. This gives us a broad spectrum of how to approach our offering. Sit with what you want to let go of. Fall is a great time for inventory. Write out where you are right now, where you have been this year and where you really want to be, looking at spirituality before anything else. Then, think about what and how you can release. Maybe you have gotten too serious and lost your joy. Make your ceremony bright and fun. Light candles, dance, sing and play as you feed the flames slips of paper or autumn leaves that represent what you are offering up. Or, if you have had too much play, not enough focus or discipline, create a bigger fire, call in your strength, your inner warrior and hold that image as you burn away what you need to. Or, perhaps you have been too much child and too much warrior. This is a great moon for "sexual healing," which can be done alone, or with someone else, of course. Create a steamy space, candles, music, whatever connects you to desire, an aspect of fire. I would recommend some kind of heating movement, ahem, take that as you will, and let your sweat be the offering and release. But you gotta work up a sweat! and consciously, as you get hotter and hotter, feel yourself burning off the old, purifying body, mind and spirit.
You get the idea, yeah? It can be anything you want, as long as it is both an offering to the fire and a sacrifice of something you know you don't need. There are going to be a lot of witnesses to this full moon, Uranus, Pluto, Mars and the moon herself are just a few of the honored guests. The whole universe is paying attention right now and we need to stand up and show our courage and commitment to growing, transforming and evolving. If we can honestly and thoroughly honor the ceremony of fire for ourselves, I truly feel our individual flames will grow collectively and we can create a purificaton for this whole planet. Whether you invoke the child, lover or warrior on Saturday night, do it with conviction and passion. Meet fire with fire and surrender to the heat of spirit. This release has to happen, understand that, please. As always, we have the choice to go with the flow of earth/moon/universe or to resist, which is futile. Welcome this chance for communion, catharsis and cleansing with everything you have, and let go of the rest. I will be with you in the circle of fire.
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