My body is a wilderness

Posted on by Della Ratcliffe

Oh how I love these words from Ojibway author Richard Wagamese, who left us earlier this year to walk with The Ancestors. His words inspire me daily, especially in his book Embers: One Ojibway's Meditations.

"My body is a wilderness. To understand that I need to inhabit it. I need to contemplate, meditate, and reflect on it just as I need to feed, water and exercise it for optimum fulfillment. When I do that, when I allow myself to fully inhabit my body I come to understand it as a wilderness; as a wild mix of sunlight and water, blood and bone and minerals, humus from oaks and pines, the residual dreams of my ancestors, the sound of songs on distant hills, of drums and petitions to Creation, wolf song and the random particles of exploded stars. When I know my body in this way I know myself and can celebrate the immense miracle of my being. Yoga gives me that. So does breath work. Silence. Ceremony and my feet planted softly on the skin of the planet…"

I must confess that my relationship with my body has definitely changed . . . and it's long overdue! I was always very strong and healed quickly from any illness and injury (I did a lot of extreme sports and was active as a mountain biker, hiker, equestrian, and more). I felt impervious!

And so I did not always take care of my body as well as I should have. I took it for granted. I trusted that it would always be this way . . . that it could support me, that together we would always overcome anything.

So, over the years, I ignored so many warning signs. . . Until I could no longer walk and needed two total knee replacements.

So now I ask my body for forgiveness, for not honouring its needs, and have vowed to treat it with respect.

Now I honour my body in how I eat and drink and move. . . eating "clean foods" and hydrating . . . meditating . . . breathing . . . basking in the sunlight . . . nurturing its agility through yoga, weights/resistance exercises, long walks in Nature, riding my bike and swimming. I celebrate mid-life fitness and have competed in walks and triathlons since my knee surgeries.

So that is my story, so far. I have a long way to go and much to repair. . . but I am getting there, literally one step at a time. I am reclaiming my wilderness.

How do you celebrate the miracle of YOUR being?

How do you care for YOUR body?

sidebar graphics 7If you love working with Mother Earth, following the energies of Grandmother Moon (Seanmháthair Gealach), aligning with the energy of the Celtic Wheel of The Year, or are interested in learning more about this path, you will find great resources – and the opportunity to ask questions, share rituals, and more – in our NEWprivate Facebook Group, the Wise Woman Bean Gealach Circle. Limited to those who identify as women. For more information about the Circle, CLICK HERE

WP Sidebar graphics-5Connect to your purpose, your medicine, eliminate self-limiting beliefs, and integrate the new wisdom into your life through this unique you-centered blend of shamanic coaching and journeys, energy healing, alchemical healing, Earth Medicine, PSYCH-K® and PER-K® balancing, and six-sensory work. Together we draw on the modalities that best support your journey. Click on the picture for more information or visit our website:  www.innerjourneyevents.com

WP Sidebar graphics, resized to 300 x 213 pxDo you want a better understanding of the Wheel of the Year and how its shifting energies can support your own transformation and growth, support you in aligning with the rhythms of Nature itself? Subscribers receive regular free ebooks and articles, such as Celebrating the Equinox, along with tips for their personal practices, advance notice on free events and webinars, and much much more! 

Coeur-ageous Magic for the New Moon in Leo

Posted on by Della Ratcliffe

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Getting ready to make a Courage Essential Oil Blend

The New Moon in Leo arrives 23-July @ 02:45 AM Pacific Time / 09:45 UTC. Are you ready to enter this new doorway of transformation?

Silver RavenWolf, in her book The Ultimate Book of Shadows for the New Generation Solitary Witch, suggests the New Moon in Leo is a good time for spells for courage, strength, success, and leadership.

Sounds good to me, as I’m working with coeur-age this month!

There are very many Courage Spells and rituals but I like this simple Enhancing Courage Spell from Ann Moura’s Grimoire for the Green Witch (p. 279)

ENHANCING COURAGE SPELL
For this ritual, done in a Waxing to Full Moon, you will need a red candle and either some Rosemary Essential Oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) or a Courage Essential Oil Blend.

I like this recipe for Courage Essential Oil Blend from Scott Cunningham’s The Complete Book of Incense Oils & Brews (p. 112):

  • 3 drops Ginger Essential Oil (Zingiber officinale)
  • 1 drop Black Pepper EO (Piper nigrum)
  • 1 drop Clove/Clove Bud EO (see NOTE  below)
    • NOTE: Mountain Rose Herbs lists their Clove Bud as Syzygium aromaticum but Aromatics International labels their Clove bud as Eugenia Caryophyllata (as does mine in the picture above).

If you prefer not to touch these oils directly, add the drops to one tablespoon of your preferred carrier oil. You can then use this diluted blend on your skin for a little bump of courage when needed.

No essential oils? No problem! If you have any dragon’s blood or frankincense, light these in an appropriate burner and waft your candle through the smoke. Or pick up a sprig of rosemary from your grocery store or garden, and use it as a smudge.

START THE RITUAL

Before you begin the ritual, meditate on the Strength and Courage you are seeking and create an affirmation for it.

Then, begin with your own personal rituals for spell crafting or ceremonies such as grounding and centering; casting the circle; calling in the directions; calling in your guides, ancestors, angels, goddess(es), etc.

Anoint/rub the candle with your oil (or smudge it with your incense), then inscribe with an appropriate runic (or other) symbol.

I love working with the WomenRunes created by Shekhinah Mountainwater (perhaps The Flying Woman, the Rune of Transformation, or The Heart, the Rune of Love & Passion?) or these choices recommended by Moura:

FEOH (aka FEHU) for energy
THORN (aka THOR) for protection and willpower
MANNAZ (aka MAN) or self-improvement
KEN (aka CEN) for opening of positive energy
UR for personal strength
DAEG for a fresh start
SIGEL for achievement and self-confidence
TYR (aka TIW) for victory, courage, and success

You can also choose to etch in your personal sun sign or ruling planet sign.

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Rune names and meanings

Light the candle and wave your wand, or favourite crystal, above it while saying these words from Ann Moura or something in your own words with the same/similar meaning:

“I call upon the Powers of Earth, Air, Fire and Water; the energies of the ancient runes; the spirits of the hoary planets! As this candle melts, may these qualities __________________ [insert your qualities or affirmation here] I seek enter into me, that as I will, So Mote It Be!”

Close the ritual with your preferred way (closing the circle, directions, etc), and be sure to give your gratitude to those you called upon for guidance during the ritual.

NEW MOON BLESSINGS!

Click HERE for Part One of our New Moon in Leo post with our Soul Questions and more for the New Moon: Coeur-ageous Transformation with the New Moon in Leo

sidebar graphics 7If you love working with Mother Earth, following the energies of Grandmother Moon (Seanmháthair Gealach), aligning with the energy of the Celtic Wheel of The Year, or are interested in learning more about this path, you will find great resources – and the opportunity to ask questions, share rituals, and more – in our NEW private Facebook Group, the Wise Woman Bean Gealach Circle. Limited to those who identify as women. For more information about the Circle, CLICK HERE

WP Sidebar graphics-5Connect to your purpose, your medicine, eliminate self-limiting beliefs, and integrate the new wisdom into your life through this unique you-centered blend of shamanic coaching and journeys, energy healing, alchemical healing, Earth Medicine, PSYCH-K® and PER-K® balancing, and six-sensory work. Together we draw on the modalities that best support your journey. Click on the picture for more information or visit our website:  www.innerjourneyevents.com

WP Sidebar graphics, resized to 300 x 213 pxDo you want a better understanding of the Wheel of the Year and how its shifting energies can support your own transformation and growth, support you in aligning with the rhythms of Nature itself? Subscribers receive regular free ebooks and articles, such as Celebrating the Equinox, along with tips for their personal practices, advance notice on free events and webinars, and much much more! 

Coeur-ageous Transformation with the New Moon in Leo

Posted on by Della Ratcliffe

Wisdom from Seanmháthair Gealach (Grandmother Moon)
New Moon in Leo (Fire, Fixed) at 23-July @ 02:45 AM Pacific Time / 09:45 UTC
Moon Mansion Al-Jabhah until 3:36 PM PT (Essence: Recovery. Benevolence. Help against enemies.)
Theme for this Lunar Journey: Coeur-ageous transformation

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PART ONE: MOON ENERGIES

This New Moon in July is always one near to my heart, for many reasons. It is in the Fire sign of Leo, a sign of courage, creativity and passion… and the heart (“coeur“-age), both physically and energetically. And it arrives just a week before Lughnasadh, the cross-quarter date associated with the First Harvest (grain) commonly celebrated on August 1st or thereabouts… more on Lammas traditions and dates in posts within the next week.

The Wheel of the Year is turning towards Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, the Third /Waxing Quarter, the West of the year. This is a time to reflect on the goals, intentions or words created roughly six months ago at Imbolc or at the New Year…. a mid-point review, as it were.

Did you know that the questions we ask of the Moon Phases in the New Moon Medicine Wheel layout can also be applied to our Soul Work at the Cross-Quarter Days?

East & Imbolc: What is beginning?
South & Beltaine: what is flourishing?
West & Lughnasadh: What is transforming?
North & Samhain: What is the lesson?

And this gave me my theme for this month… not just Coeur-age but Coeur-ageous transformation… looking at how I have transformed this year, what transformation is still shifting, moving, changing and how my connection to Heart supports that.

Perhaps one of these themes works for you… or perhaps something you create will resonate even more, based on your Soul Work so far this year?

SOUL QUESTIONS FOR THE NEW MOON

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The New Moon has been described as an energetic doorway, inviting us in to connect with what we want to create. During these days of the Dark Moon / New Moon, I will step through that energetic doorway and journey to my own transformation and into my Heart to find my specific goals for this lunar journey (to be confirmed by the Waxing Crescent).

Last year, I created these Soul Questions for the New Moon in Leo. If you resonate with the theme Coeur-age, consider asking these when doing your New Moon layout or journey:

  • How do I honour my Heart and my Self?
  • How do I honour others in relationships such as my partner, friends, and family
  • Where (and when) might I need to raise my awareness (and practise) of self-care, self-love?

And let’s not ignore the Shadow side of love, especially when we are in the Dark/New Moon:

  • Where and when do I love too much or give too much?
  • Where and when do I expect too much or need too much?

Or perhaps these Soul Questions for Coeur-ageous transformation may work for you:

  • What has transformed in me or in my world since setting my goals (words, intentions) at Imbolc/New Year?
  • What actions did I take to support, honour and manifest those goals (words, intentions)?
  • What else must I do to continue supporting, honouring, and manifesting that which is still transforming?
  • How has my Heart supported me in my transformation… and how have I supported my Heart?

And let’s not ignore the Shadow side of Coeur-ageous transformation, especially when we are in the Dark/New Moon:

  • What part of my transformation or manifestations took me to a place of discomfort?
  • How did I resolve that discomfort… bury it again? bring it to the light? heal it? change it?

EXTRAS

To enhance your Soul Work this month, consider making this New Moon Essential Oil blend to add to your diffuser when meditating or journeying.

You can also add to one tbsp (15 ml) of your favourite carrier oil and use for anointing new spiritual tools. (Blend Source: Pagan Portals – Moon Magic (Kindle Edition)

  • 4 drops Patchouli Essential Oil (Pogostemon cablin)
  • 3 drops Cedarwood EO (ATLAS – Cedrus atlantica; VIRGINIA – Juniperus virginiana)
  • 4 drops Sweet Orange EO (Citrus sinensis )

New Moon Blessings !

Click HERE for Part Two of our New Moon in Leo posts: Coeur-ageous Magic for the New Moon in Leo

sidebar graphics 7If you love working with Mother Earth, following the energies of Grandmother Moon (Seanmháthair Gealach), aligning with the energy of the Celtic Wheel of The Year, or are interested in learning more about this path, you will find great resources – and the opportunity to ask questions, share rituals, and more – in our NEW private Facebook Group, the Wise Woman Bean Gealach Circle. Limited to those who identify as women. For more information about the Circle, CLICK HERE

WP Sidebar graphics-5Connect to your purpose, your medicine, eliminate self-limiting beliefs, and integrate the new wisdom into your life through this unique you-centered blend of shamanic coaching and journeys, energy healing, alchemical healing, Earth Medicine, PSYCH-K® and PER-K® balancing, and six-sensory work. Together we draw on the modalities that best support your journey. Click on the picture for more information or visit our website:  www.innerjourneyevents.com

WP Sidebar graphics, resized to 300 x 213 pxDo you want a better understanding of the Wheel of the Year and how its shifting energies can support your own transformation and growth, support you in aligning with the rhythms of Nature itself? Subscribers receive regular free ebooks and articles, such as Celebrating the Equinox, along with tips for their personal practices, advance notice on free events and webinars, and much much more! 

Staycation!

Posted on by Della Ratcliffe

Summer Holidays! YES!

This week I'm taking a staycation here in beautiful Vancouver with my husband, so I'm also trying to take a social media vacation and will be active once again on Monday July 24th.🌞

This pic of the Gathering of the Canoes was taken Friday on English Bay here in Vancouver. Such a moving experience.

Close to 30 canoes and 350 pullers from the Musqueam, Squamish and Tseuil-Watuth Nations canoed from Ambleside, across English Bay from the landing site at Vanier Park / Kitsilano .

This was the final landing of the Pulling Together Canoe Journey, a 10-day journey along traditional highways from the Sunshine Coast to the City of Vancouver, with pullers from the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations.

After the lead canoe came to the beach, and asked permission to land, the others circled the landing site and raised their oars to honour the home of the Musqueam People. After all canoes had come up to the beach, the welcoming ceremony and rituals began and — when complete— the canoes were beached and the festivities (and eating) began!

sidebar graphics 7If you love working with Mother Earth, following the energies of Grandmother Moon (Seanmháthair Gealach), aligning with the energy of the Celtic Wheel of The Year, or are interested in learning more about this path, you will find great resources – and the opportunity to ask questions, share rituals, and more – in our NEWprivate Facebook Group, the Wise Woman Bean Gealach Circle. Limited to those who identify as women. For more information about the Circle, CLICK HERE

WP Sidebar graphics-5Connect to your purpose, your medicine, eliminate self-limiting beliefs, and integrate the new wisdom into your life through this unique you-centered blend of shamanic coaching and journeys, energy healing, alchemical healing, Earth Medicine, PSYCH-K® and PER-K® balancing, and six-sensory work. Together we draw on the modalities that best support your journey. Click on the picture for more information or visit our website:  www.innerjourneyevents.com

WP Sidebar graphics, resized to 300 x 213 pxDo you want a better understanding of the Wheel of the Year and how its shifting energies can support your own transformation and growth, support you in aligning with the rhythms of Nature itself? Subscribers receive regular free ebooks and articles, such as Celebrating the Equinox, along with tips for their personal practices, advance notice on free events and webinars, and much much more! 

A Sweet Release Ritual for the Third Quarter Moon

Posted on by Della Ratcliffe

Wisdom from Seanmháthair Gealach (Grandmother Moon), Part Two
Third Quarter Moon in Aries arrives on Day 22 at:
16-July @ 12:25 PM Pacific Time  / 16-July @ 20:25 UTC

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My Home Altar, ready for the Sweet Release

Once you have read Part One of the Third Quarter Moon Wisdom, Third Quarter Moon: Your Dark Mother allies, you may want to try this gentle release as part of your work or ritual.

A 🐝 SWEET 🐝 RELEASE RITUAL FOR THE THIRD QUARTER MOON
This sweet release Ritual is perfect any time during the Waning Moon, after you’ve completed your Soul Work.

It requires only a dark candle, honey, and paper (I always use my “Zoo Poo” paper!). I adapted it from a “Dispel Sadness” spell I had found online. That author attributed the spell to Judika Illes and her Encyclopedia of 5,000 Spells. But here’s the thing… I now have that book but literally can’t find it amongst those 5000 spells or the index! So, if you find it, do let me know the page!

Pull together the items you need for this release:

  • A candle of any type (pillar, taper, celebration, etc).
    • In Candle Magick, Black is associated with releasing, transitions, endings & beginnings, deeper consciousness. But white is also OK and is associated with both purification and lunar energy.
  • A dab of honey (I’m using an organic honey infused with thyme)
  • A small piece of paper and a pen
  • A chant, spell or blessing for your release or affirmation

Start the release ritual by breathing deeply and slowly until you feel the tensions of the day ebbing away. Focus on your breath, feeling that slow deep inhalation reaching into every part of your body and into your chakras. Feel the Air energy reaching into every cell of your body, inspiring you, cleansing you. With each breath you exhale, feel any toxins, aches, pains, or unwanted thoughts to leave your body to be accepted by the outside Air for cleansing and returning to Mama Earth.

Open your Sacred Space in your preferred way, such as Calling in the Directions and/or casting a circle.

Call in your guides and allies, and all directions and elements, asking for their support. And call in the Dark Mother with whom you connect.

  • Hold the candle in your hands.
  • Reflect back on your Soul Questions and what you will now release.
  • Write these onto your paper. I love the dramatic flair of red ink, but anything is fine!
  • When complete, anoint the page(s) with dabs of honey, then fold to seal.
  • Light the candle and offer your small paper bundle to the flames, while chanting your affirmation, release statement or spell.

CAUTION: Be sure to do this safely, preferably on a heatproof plate or vessel such as a cauldron, and watch out for smoke/flames from the honeyed paper.

Use or modify these Release Statements / Spell Examples so they reflect YOU or create your own:

  1. That which I now release, go away from me.
    I thank you for all you did for me.
    Never come back, as I have set you free.
    So mote it be.
  2. With the Dark Mother (or Goddess name of your choice), this is my aim:
    to give (my) __________ to the candle flame
    The fire consumes what I no longer need
    I become my True Self, in word and deed!
  3. I release all that I no longer need, to be consumed by Father Sun and returned to Mother Earth.
  4. And the original example, for dispelling sadness:
    I give my sadness to the flames,
    The fire eats my grief and pain.

The ashes can be given to the Earth to complete the release.

Again, be sure to practise fire safety. Dowse and cool the ashes before safely burying. If in doubt, flush instead!! 

When complete, thank your guides and allies, the Moon, the Goddess(es) and any other deities that have come forward for you.

Close your circle/sacred space as you opened it. Thank the directions, elements, allies, guides, etc.

NOTE: If more convenient, dispose of the ashes once you have closed your Sacred Space.

sidebar graphics 7If you love working with Mother Earth, following the energies of Grandmother Moon (Seanmháthair Gealach), aligning with the energy of the Celtic Wheel of The Year, or are interested in learning more about this path, you will find great resources – and the opportunity to ask questions, share rituals, and more – in our NEW private Facebook Group, the Wise Woman Bean Gealach Circle. Limited to those who identify as women. For more information about the Circle, CLICK HERE

WP Sidebar graphics-5Connect to your purpose, your medicine, eliminate self-limiting beliefs, and integrate the new wisdom into your life through this unique you-centered blend of shamanic coaching and journeys, energy healing, alchemical healing, Earth Medicine, PSYCH-K® and PER-K® balancing, and six-sensory work. Together we draw on the modalities that best support your journey. Click on the picture for more information or visit our website:  www.innerjourneyevents.com

WP Sidebar graphics, resized to 300 x 213 pxDo you want a better understanding of the Wheel of the Year and how its shifting energies can support your own transformation and growth, support you in aligning with the rhythms of Nature itself? Subscribers receive regular free ebooks and articles, such as Celebrating the Equinox, along with tips for their personal practices, advance notice on free events and webinars, and much much more! 

Third Quarter Moon: Your Dark Mother Allies

Posted on by Della Ratcliffe

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Selene, by Susan Seddon-Boulet

Wisdom from Seanmháthair Gealach (Grandmother Moon)
Third Quarter Moon in Aries arrives on Day 22 at:
16-July @ 12:25 PM Pacific Time / 16-July @ 20:25 UTC
Moon Rise 12:33 AM PT
Full Moon Set 1:37 PM PT
Moon Mansion 2 Al-Butain until 4:01 PM PT (Essence: Effort, courage, will and energy. Conflict.)
Theme for this Lunar Journey: Authentic Self (Re)Born

Sunday, July 16th finds us three-quarters of our way through this month’s lunar journey… a journey of rebirth and reconnection to our Authentic Self.

At the Third Quarter, we connect most strongly to The Matriarch within… confident… secure… balanced between light and dark like LaLuna. Having started this journey with the rising Yang energy we now can see the result — the shifts and the outcomes — of the rising upward and outward Waxing energy. And now we are once again embracing the increasing Yin energy of the lunar darkness as the moon’s illuminations wane and decrease, as the Yin pulls us deeply inward.

This is the time to shed, to release, and to integrate and deepen our understanding… to ponder on our learning and wisdom from the journey.

SOUL WORK FOR THE THIRD QUARTER: Working with the Darkness
So let’s speak a moment of the darkness of this Waning Moon, as we approach the deep, deep darkness of the Dark Moon / New Moon on July 22nd.

When we talk of darkness, we often are speaking of the Shadow side of our work and our Self… of the “stuff” we have buried deep within, of the “stuff” we hide. But perhaps it’s more…

Jung reminds us that each archetype has a shadow side and a light side. Like a magnet, each has a positive and a negative pole. Not good nor bad… more like opposing qualities which ultimately work together for balance and strength. This is also true of the Mother and the Matriarch — the Dark Mother — as the lunar darkness increases.

The Dark Mothers are the Goddesses of our transitions… the liminal moments between life and death, between the conscious and unconscious, between the shadows and reality. They are creation and destruction. Kali. Hecate. Cerridwen. Arianrhod. The Morrigan. These are the Dark Mothers.

And they are your allies in the Waning and Dark Moon, these Matriarchs and Mothers of the Dark, because their darkness is not just shadow… but power and knowledge.

Their Yin intuitive energy is the deep moist womb where the seeds of promise and growth are planted… the Dark Matter of our internal cosmos, birthing the Goddess within each of us. (Judith Laura’s book Goddess Spirituality for the 21st Century explores this idea in depth.)

This is where we transform.

SOUL QUESTIONS FOR THE WANING MOON

In our New Moon Medicine Wheel layout, the Third Quarter moon represents the West… Water… emotion… intuition… the Autumn. We ask the question, What is Transforming? Such a profound question for our theme of Authentic Self (Re)Born!

As you meditate on this question and this journey, as the dark intuitive Yin energy of the Moon pulls you deeply within your Self, ask additional questions (and pull additional tarot or oracle cards) that will integrate the wisdom and prepare you for any releases required.

Create your own questions or consider using these:

  • How do you feel as you step into the darker intuitive Yin energy?
  • What is revealed as you step away from the light of the Full Moon and embrace the deep wisdom of the Dark?
  • What part of you is being (re)born in the Dark Matter of your Inner Self?
  • From the reborn Goddess you now are, what can now be released? (a belief, an emotion, a behaviour, a relationship, etc.)

Time to release!

In PART TWO of the Third-Quarter Moon Wisdom, the Soul Work continues with A Sweet Release Ritual for the Third Quarter Moon.

sidebar graphics 7If you love working with Mother Earth, following the energies of Grandmother Moon (Seanmháthair Gealach), aligning with the energy of the Celtic Wheel of The Year, or are interested in learning more about this path, you will find great resources – and the opportunity to ask questions, share rituals, and more – in our NEW private Facebook Group, the Wise Woman Bean Gealach Circle. Limited to those who identify as women. For more information about the Circle, CLICK HERE

WP Sidebar graphics-5Connect to your purpose, your medicine, eliminate self-limiting beliefs, and integrate the new wisdom into your life through this unique you-centered blend of shamanic coaching and journeys, energy healing, alchemical healing, Earth Medicine, PSYCH-K® and PER-K® balancing, and six-sensory work. Together we draw on the modalities that best support your journey. Click on the picture for more information or visit our website:  www.innerjourneyevents.com

WP Sidebar graphics, resized to 300 x 213 pxDo you want a better understanding of the Wheel of the Year and how its shifting energies can support your own transformation and growth, support you in aligning with the rhythms of Nature itself? Subscribers receive regular free ebooks and articles, such as Celebrating the Equinox, along with tips for their personal practices, advance notice on free events and webinars, and much much more! 

Life is Ceremony

Posted on by Della Ratcliffe

Yesterday I attended a workshop led by The Medicine Collective, a group of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge-Keepers, at the xʷc̓ic̓əsəm Indigenous Health Garden at the UBC Farm. Such a profound and healing experience.

I attended a workshop led by The Medicine Collective, a group of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge-Keepers, at the xʷc̓ic̓əsəm Indigenous Health Garden at the UBC Farm. Such a profound and healing experience. This image is from the heart of the garden: sacred tobacco.

We began with ritual… with ceremony… with sharing… standing in Circle, honouring our ancestors and the unceded land of the Musqueam People, upon whose land we were standing. And as we each stood on boughs of cedar, we smudged our Self and gave blessings of tobacco to Mama Earth while our Sisters drummed and sang.

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We then walked the garden to connect with the plants, collecting from those that spoke to us… from those with whom we felt relationship or connection. There were so many plants, some new to me and some familiar favourites. The pollinators were busily working and a bald-headed eagle soared above us. Pure magick!

After our garden walk, we returned to the UBC Farm yurt and made medicinal creams using tinctures prepared from plants harvested from the garden, a hormone cream and a pain relief cream. We each made extras for giving back to the community.

It’s hard to describe my feelings throughout the opening Ritual…. sheer joy… connection to Mama Earth… connection to all others participating… connection to the Ancestors and those who walked this land before us. a profound sense of community.

As we completed the opening ceremony, one of the Grandmothers looked around the Circle and quietly said,

“Life is Ceremony.” 

YES! Embracing Ritual and ceremony has been a huge shift in my work and in how I walk with Mama Earth. I bring Ritual into my work and spiritual practices and into my daily life… when I am working with plants, making magic, wildcrafting, meditating, creating, cooking, writing, crafting…

How does Ritual or ceremony weave through your life?

For me, Ritual brings the sacred into my life. It expresses my gratitude. It honours my place in this Universe and lights my path.

And in a lovely moment of synchronicity, this morning I read this quote:

“I wish for you a life full of ritual and community.”
–Flaming Rainbow Woman, Spiritual Warrior
From her book “The Thundering Years: Rituals and Sacred Wisdom for Teens“

This is what I wish you.

sidebar graphics 7If you love working with Mother Earth, following the energies of Grandmother Moon (Seanmháthair Gealach), aligning with the energy of the Celtic Wheel of The Year, or are interested in learning more about this path, you will find great resources – and the opportunity to ask questions, share rituals, and more – in our NEW private Facebook Group, the Wise Woman Bean Gealach Circle. Limited to those who identify as women. For more information about the Circle, CLICK HERE

WP Sidebar graphics-5Connect to your purpose, your medicine, eliminate self-limiting beliefs, and integrate the new wisdom into your life through this unique you-centered blend of shamanic coaching and journeys, energy healing, alchemical healing, Earth Medicine, PSYCH-K® and PER-K® balancing, and six-sensory work. Together we draw on the modalities that best support your journey. Click on the picture for more information or visit our website:  www.innerjourneyevents.com

WP Sidebar graphics, resized to 300 x 213 pxDo you want a better understanding of the Wheel of the Year and how its shifting energies can support your own transformation and growth, support you in aligning with the rhythms of Nature itself? Subscribers receive regular free ebooks and articles, such as Celebrating the Equinox, along with tips for their personal practices, advance notice on free events and webinars, and much much more!