An Inner Pilgrimage to Brigid’s Well

As I had touched on in my prior post, I did not just do a pilgrimage to a place I could physically get to, but to a place through inner travel.  Because of the fact that I have become a dedicant of the Goddess Brigid,  I decided to do my other pilgrimage to Brigid’s Well in Kildare.  Someday, I will be able to visit this very sacred site in person, but the magic of it reached me all of the way in Southern California on December 28th, 2011 when I sat in meditation.

Yet again, I had a deeply enriching sacred experience with this great manifestation of the Divine Feminine.  I had gone into my meditation wanting to gain a more adequate understanding of the work I need to do to HEAL completely, and live my life to the utmost.    When I “arrived” at the Well, She appeared almost instantly and calmed me…reassuring me that all is well.

Brigid’s Well in Kildare

She guided me into Her waters and pulled the energy blockages from my body and soothed me.  She told me there were three things that I needed to do in order to heal:

• RELEASE ANGER
• HAVE COMPASSION
• FIND BALANCE

It seems so simple, doesn’t it?  But, the simplicity and authenticity of her words hit me like a wave…I sobbed, letting everything go.  I was overcome with emotions and an immense release. 

As I sat there in Her healing waters, I grabbed some reeds from the banks of the waterway and began to craft a Brigid’s Cross to give to Her.  I sat with Her, like I would an old friend.  I asked her what the cross actually meant…since I had found many different sources with many different interpretations.  She said that it was a symbol of BALANCE.  “It is of the utmost importance to find balance in all parts of your life…” she whispered, “that is the only way you are going to feel complete and accomplish your goals”.

It was as if the heavens opened up.  It was really a simple solution, and one that was easy enough to accomplish if I maintained focus.  I knew I had been out-of-whack for month–not spending enough time on being in ritual, taking care of myself physically, or keeping a regular schedule to get things accomplished.  Sitting there with Her made me realize that I could DO all of those things…and that Her energy would continue to be there with me to keep me on track.

Before I left, she gave me an amazing hug.  I felt golden light swimming over the surface of my body and that comforting feeling you get when you hug a friend you haven’t seen in years.  We spent some time in that embrace before I faded away and back into my house.

It was important to me to capture that energy that I had experienced and create a piece wearable art that displayed my devotion to the Goddess–something reminiscent of that beautiful moon necklace from Mists of Avalon.  A Priestess necklace if you will. 

So, the following day I drew a Brigid’s Cross to turn into a pendant.  Last week I was finally able to create the copper piece and I haven’t taken it off since then.  I adorned it with green garnet, red horn and wood.

Garnet extracts negative energy from the body and promotes health.  It is a powerful stone for putting “force” behind creativity that leads to action and results.  Garnet aids in the process of self-discovery by integrating one’s experiences and emotions with the intellect.  When worn or carried, garnet can provide protection and vitality. ( http://www.shopgemstones.com/garnet-meaning-and-symbology.html#ixzz1kPGkXxXS)  The red horn symbolizes stability and strength and the wood represents natural wisdom.

I made each of the three drops off of the piece different to represent the three different aspects of Brigid as craftswoman, healer, and keeper of knowledge.   Upon the back I inscribed the mantra she gave me…

I have begun to find BALANCE in my life–creating a schedule for my weeks that allows me to attend to my creative work, take care of my body through yoga, take care of my space through particular chores each day, devotion of time to intellectual pursuits and ritual each and every day.

I feel like a new person!  I am forever grateful for the energies I received from this pilgrimage inward to a foreign land.  2012 had gotten off to a fruitful start and I am thankful to Brigid for all of her help.

If you are interested in having your own Brigid’s Cross Priestess necklace…please let me know…and I will be listing it on ETSY as well. 

May many blissful days befall you.

In Bliss,

P 

 

A Pilgrimage Within

Pilgrimage:  A pilgrimage is a journey or search of great moral or spiritual significance. Typically, it is a journey to a shrine or other location of importance to a person’s beliefs and faith. (wiki)

The study I have been doing led me to do a pilgrimage to an actual location, as well as to a location via-mediation.  On Saturday, January 7th, I chose to do my physical pilgrimage to the Kali Mandir in Laguna Beach. 

That morning, when I woke up…I felt in my bones that something was afoot.  My hubby and I headed to our local morning hang-out spot – a coffee shop in town – and we sat munching on breakfast sandwiches.  I had brought with me a book I had just gotten entitled:  The Rites of Brigid, Goddess and Saint.  I had planned on reading it a bit before I left for my drive down to the beach.  I had actually done my pilgrimage via-mediation to Brigid’s Well…but that is a blog for another time.

As we sat there…another local came up and started talking to us.  She saw my book and exclaimed, “I’ve BEEN THERE!…To Brigid’s Well!  It was such a powerful place.”  That made me a bit sad, considering the fact that I had NO idea when I was going to make it to Ireland–to the land of the Goddess with whom I felt so close.  More discussion with this sweet local woman continued…about King Arthur, Ireland, Fairy Folk, and Brigid herself.  At the end of the conversation the lady told us we MUST go to Ireland and see the Well.  I told her that I knew I had to go, but money was tight and we were pooling all of our resources to go to school.  At which point she put her fist down and said, “You must go…when I sell my next script (she’s an entertainment writer), I will send you two!”

WOW!  Really?  Well, I’m not going to get my hopes up…but what a wonderful affirmation that I am truly in contact with the Goddess Brigid.  I know that I will get there, and if this is the right way, it will happen. 

After that encounter I started to feel fear about my trip to Kali Mandir.  I wasn’t sure why I was going anymore…I was confused and felt as though I should just go back to the Apple Orchard where I felt Brigid’s presence…or not go anywhere at all.  I was overwhelmed.  But, I didn’t want to give up on something I had planned…so off I went.

I listened to the album The Distance to Here by Live in the car.  Surprising choice for sacred music, I know…but the lyrics to the song “The Distance” has always stirred in me as much as any chant:

I’ve been to pretty buildings, all in search of you
I have lit all the candles, sat in all the pews
the desert had been done before, but I didn’t even care
I got sand in both my shoes and scorpions in my hair
I saw that…

oh the distance is not do-able
in these bodies of clay my brother
oh the distance, it makes me uncomfortable
guess it’s natural to feel this way
oh, let’s hold out for somethin’ sweeter
spread your wings and fly

my car became the church and I
the worshipper of silence there
in a moment peace came over me
and the one who was beatin’ my heart appeared and….

oh the distance is not do-able
in these bodies of clay my brother
oh the distance, it makes me uncomfortable
guess it’s natural to feel this way
oh, are we locked into these bodies?
let’s hold out for somethin’ sweeter
spread your wings and fly

oh, are we locked into these bodies?
are we anything at all?
let’s hold out for somethin’ sweeter
spread your wings and fly
this distance is dreamin’
we’re already there tonight
[ These are The Distance Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]

I listened to the song on repeat and really tried to focus on my need to visit with the Goddess Kali.  I had done much work with her during college, in some very rough patches in my life.  I felt like this was a type of closure for that…and I wanted to once and for all release the pain and fear I had been experiencing in my life.

When I arrived to my destination according to my GPS, I couldn’t find the address…back and forth I drove until I finally found the place…a beatiful house down in a little residential area before you get into Laguna Beach proper.  I felt tension in my body…and I tried to meditate and relax in the car.  I didn’t understand what I was feeling.  The Temple didn’t open for evening service until 6:00pm…and there I was at 5:17, having to pee!  I took my chances and walked up to the door…letting myself in.  A pale man in orange clothes greeted me and I asked where the bathroom was.  He told me and I went in.  When I came back out he told me they didn’t open until 6 and I said I’d go to my car.  He said I didn’t have to do that and I sat in the Temple, in front of Kali, by myself.

NOTHING…

I felt nothing.  All of that WOW! factor of an altar built to Kali…and I felt nothing.  In fact, I felt like a bit of an alien.  The people who meandered in and out of adjoining rooms were nice, but a bit odd to me…and when I’d interact with them…I felt alien. 

I found out that the ritual for the night was going to start at 6:30…so I had over an hour to sit there in Her presence…and so I did.  I tried to hear Her…talk to Her…feel Her…and nothing…

I was baffled…and uncomfortable.  Shocked even.  I knew it couldn’t strictly be because I was from a different culture…because the most powerful experiences I had ever had were among Tibetan Buddhists…

I was so uncomfortable in fact, that when other people, predominately Hindus, started to arrive I fled.  I just bolted.  I took off…got in my car, and left. 

Confused and feeling out of sorts I decided to eat some dinner to ground myself…and so I went to my favorite restaurant: Native Foods.  It was packed, bustling with OC folks out for the evening.  I ordered, sat down and began to write about my feelings in my Book of Shadows.  My food came and I ate the yummy goodness up.  I started to feel more myself.  It was then time to go and I knew I should do a quick potty break before the long drive back.

Into a stall I went and to my surprise found a message written on the TP holder:

Ahhhhhhhh hahhhhhh!  Struck by the simplicity of it all I started to cry.  This was the reason for my pilgrimage.  A simple answer to the burning questions that always plague my mind.  Everything you need to know is within yourself.  You have the capacity to find your own peace–regardless of the situation–because it is always within.

I went home feeling better, but still a bit off kilter.  So, on my way home I called my hubby and requested a bottle of wine.  I wanted to just sit and let the day kind of dissolve around me.

When I arrived home I found a fire roaring and a bottle of Pinot Noir on the dining room table.  I told my hubby about the day’s events…cried some more and integrated the message into my soul.

It is interesting how the Goddess chooses to show you things…as we drank our wine, we listened to the album Dive Deep by Morcheeba.  Yet another message came through – The day that you stop running is the day that you arrive…stop chasing shadows, just enjoy the ride…

Here is the video for the Morcheeba song:  Enjoy the Ride

What a wild and wonderful ride it is…

It has been almost a week since my pilgrimage…and I’m still learning how to really live my life in the manner I was shown during this adventure.  But, I know the Goddess knows my desires to be a good, whole, powerful woman.  And I know that I already am…

WILLING TO MAKE THE EFFORT

Life is a struggle—only because we have agreed to be in this form and take on these lessons.  Over the last five years I have been going through some extraordinary learning experiences.  Of course, at the time, I felt like my world was ending…but as I look back on things—OR as soon as I got past the pain/stress/b.s./whatever I was able to see why I was going through the experience and work on the LESSON part of it.

 As we approach 2012, I felt that it was my duty, as a Woman of the Goddess, to share my experiences with others and share with you what She has taught me. 

 The #1 thing I have learned from both what has happened to me, and from the shift that is taking place globally is this:  All you need to do is BE WILLING TO MAKE THE EFFORT TO BE ALL THAT YOU CAN BE, and the Goddess (or Universe, however you prefer to look at Divinity) WILL PROVIDE YOU WITH THE CHALLENGES TO LEARN THE LESSONS YOU NEED TO LEARN!

 Life is, after all, one big lesson.  It is a journey, not a destination…and that journey is all about LEARNING!

 As things come up in your life that appear to be “PROBLEMS”—remember to evaluate the WHY.  That is how we LEARN from what is going on.  Look at them as challenges.  Every little thing that comes up in your life that makes your blood boil, makes you sick, makes your head hurt, or even makes you stop and think—is a lesson from the Divine.  That lady who cut you off in the Post Office parking lot—yes, she is a lesson.  Are you moving too fast, are you not taking time for yourself, what could it be that you need to learn from her?  You will KNOW intuitively what the lesson is if you stop and think. 

 Being able to STEP BACK from your situation and take a look at why things are happening is the first step to mastering this.  I wish I could give you some sort of equation on HOW to do that…but it is something that I continue to struggle with too. 

 Making time for the Divine is a possible solution to this matter.  When I do my morning meditations, or if I don’t have time, do my evening magical work instead—I notice a significant difference in HOW I handle challenges. 

 Being willing to share your life with the Divine—in whatever form you feel closest with—is integral to this journey and deciphering the lessons that make you a better person. 

 Five years ago I took a very bad fall…I ended up going to the Chiropractor because my ribcage was in excruciating pain.  Turned out I had dislocated some ribs.  But when he did the X-Ray he discovered something else, something not as easy to fix.  I had developed a Staghorn Calculi.  A Staghorn Calculi is essentially the entirety of the kidney becoming calcified.  The urologist, to which I was referred, was immensely concerned.  He said that if I didn’t come in to him immediately and have my kidney scraped out, that I might die. 

 This was one of those LESSON moments—thrown violently in my face and of course I freaked the frack out!  So, how did I react, you ask?  Well, first of all, due to my lack of trust in the Western Medical establishment…I did not instantly go to him and say, “Yes please, cut me open and scrape at me.”  Instead I said, “No thank you, I am going to look into other options”.

 That is exactly what I did.  First, I examined my diet by going to a nutritionist and turned vegan…then I found out every herb that I could to help cleanse my kidneys…then I learned about the power of lemon juice and orange juice in breaking up calcium deposits…I did yoga…I exercised…and I looked for the ROOT OF THE CHALLENGE.  This is what I was talking about above.  This was the STEPPING BACK component. 

 I am of the belief that EVERYTHING happens for a reason.  EVERYTHING! 

 This is where I started with my work on the WHY part of things in relation to my kidney.  My “Bible” on anything relating to my physical body is Heal Your Body by Louise Hay.  So, I read through that, wrote down the affirmation on how to change my thought patterns in regards to what physically manifests in the kidneys, and said them every day.  I also spent a lot of time in meditation and working with the Blue Medicine Buddha—an aspect of the Divine who helps people heal. 

 It took years for me to work through the pain, the frustration, and the emotional baggage of having something so severely wrong with my physical vessel.  It was never easy and I was constantly growing.  But, I did work through it.  I DID THE WORK…I listened to the WHY and am now almost completely healed.  There are a couple remnants (stones) of the full calcification…but I am working on clearing out the last bits of energy that I needed to address.  And, I am making sure to TAKE CARE OF MYSELF. 

 I know, that everything that has happened in my life has been a lesson from Her (the Divine).  Life shoots these crazy laser beams at you in order to see how you are going to react.

So the question now is:  HOW ARE YOU GOING TO REACT TO THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE?

 Remember, there is no quick fix.  You have to do the work.  That is why you are here.

 Listen to the Divine.  She/He/It is more than happy to talk to you about whatever it is you are facing.  The Divine doesn’t want you to suffer…The Divine wants you to learn and evolve past this existence.  I have faith that you can do it…If I can, anyone can! 

In the following months I hope to add more to this concept.  Please contact me if you would like to discuss any part of it further at:  pamela@thesacredhive.com

Many Yule Blessings to You!

-P

A New Flame

Summer Solstice is only a couple of days behind us now.  For Solstice I went to the Goddess Temple of Orange County with my dear friend Jen and there we participated in a Commitment Ceremony to the Self.  Each woman involved was married to their Self–making a permanent bond with the inner divine and making vows to the Self.  It was an amazing experience, one that has helped me to focus my intentions and hear the Goddess and my OWN wisdom more clearly. 

For the month of June I have also been focusing on becoming more in touch with ONE particular Goddess.  Choosing ONE was a hard decision to make, as I love many aspects of the Goddess…and have tried on several occasions to do this exact task.

Upon MUCH self-reflection and communion with the Divine…I finally decided upon Brigid.  As you can see in my prior posts, I had made a deep connection to her during Imbolc and was sad to say goodbye to her at the turn of the year to Spring Equinox.  So, it was more a reunion than anything else. 

So, to make a deeper connection to her I did three things this weekend.  I found a place out in nature where I saw and felt HER presence; I created an icon of HER; and I redesigned my altar to be dedicated to HER again and to honor my new marriage to myself.  Brigid is my NEW FLAME! 

A NEW FLAME (IN NATURE):

“In Druid mythology, the infant goddess was fed with milk from a sacred cow from the Otherworld. Brigid owned an apple orchard in the Otherworld and her bees would bring their magical nectar back to earth…”  http://www.goddessgift.com/goddess-myths/celtic-goddess-brigid.htm

 I immediately felt drawn to go to Orchard Bay on Lake Arrowhead…where there is a 100+-year-old Apple Orchard.  I sat with the trees, felt them, communed directly with Brigid, and wrote in my Book of Shadows about my connection with Her there.  I also gathered three fallen baby apples to place upon my altar and a fourth one to open up and plant the seeds. 

Brigid's Apple Orchard

Brigid's Orchard Apple Tree

Brigid's Baby Apples

I also placed a fallen baby apple inside the amazing yoni-shaped hollow of one of the Apple Trees–an offering back to HER of Her sacred fruit.  As I wandered among Her trees, I found a spring that ran right through the middle of the Orchard…I knew then that She was there, sitting with me.

Brigid's Spring

 I left Lake Arrowhead after about two hours of communion in this place…I proceeded home and gathered up the pieces to make my icon.

 

A NEW FLAME (IN VIEW):

i·con/ˈīkän/Noun

1. A painting of Christ or another holy figure, used as an aid to devotion in the Byzantine and other Eastern Churches.

 

The air was warm in my studio as I sat down with my bits and baubles from the local scrapbooking store.  I had wandered into that shop the day before to get some adhesive…and as I started to look around, I knew that I could piece together an amazing visage of my New Flame with items I found there. 

Brigid Icon

 I wanted to focus on two aspects of Brigid with my ICON, but didn’t want it to be the typical depiction.  First of all was her offerings of INSPIRATION in ART.  This was done through the FLAME at the bottom of the piece and her offering up one of her magical Apples from her Orchard.  The second aspect that I wanted to show was her HEALING.  This is depicted with her magical BEES and the dandelion, one of her magical healing herbs.  I actually used a BRIDE scrapbooking supply for Brigid herself (very apropos, don’t you think)…and hand painted her dress to be FLAME COLORS, painted her hair RED (to be more IRISH) and painted her eyes green…

 

A NEW FLAME (A PLACE TO CONNECT):

The end of my day was spent in deep connection with Her at my altar…which was shifted around to include my new icon and the offering of the baby apples from the Orchard, and asked her to help me focus my intention on my vows from Summer Solstice…

The New ICON - in Her place of honor... The Offering Dish with Baby Apples and Gems from the Vows Ceremony

Here You can see the New Offering Dish Mat of Irish Green

My scrimshawed BEE, representing Brigid’s Healing Power charges here…

I sat at this place of power this morning, feeling Her curling around me like tendrils of exotic smoke.  All day I have felt driven to FOCUS on what is important in my life and I know that is because She is there next to me…whispering Divine Truth in my ear…

May your Summer be full of discovering your true focus.  I know for a fact that the Goddess Brigid smiles upon all who seek Her help…

Many Blissings,

Pamela W.  

 

Spring Equinox 2011

Though I still haven’t seen any real proof that Spring is here…I can feel the Earth shedding Her energetic coat and inspiring Her creatures to grow and change.  In my 31 years on this planet, this Spring Equinox has been one of the most influential to me thus far.  I have completely embraced my training as a Woman of the Goddess and have gone through an interesting two days of ritual in honor of the turning of the wheel.

I had a unique opportunity to get some sacred tattoo work done by one of my best friends, Jen Schichi–a healer, shaman, and tattoo artist.  She got asked by a film student to do a documentary on her and her Sacred Tattooing.  She asked me to be the person receiving the work–I was honored–and immediately said yes!

Find more out about her here:

• http://www.mermaidtale.net/
• http://www.shamanicsynergy.com/
• http://desertfreedom.org/

What is interesting is that this all happened to fall right on the weekend of Spring Equinox.  I headed down to Jen’s house to go to a full-moon drum circle at the Goddess Temple of Orange County and to engage in ritual with my community.  And then, this awesome opportunity was presented. 

I had brought my Crane Bag (A Crane Bag is a small to large bag–Druidic in origin–made of leather, skin, hide, cotton, linen, wool or other cloth capable of holding a collection of things inside it. Similar to the Native American medicine bundle, the crane bag is used to carry ritual items and other objects of spiritual importance.) with the items that I wanted to charge at Temple, for my home altar.  I had the chance to create an altar to center the energy that I wanted for my Sacred Tattoo–so I pulled from my Crane Bag–my Venus, fossil, quartz, crystal skull, bone, and Athena’s Messenger necklace. 

I have been in the process of working deeply with the symbols that I chose for my Gaia Mandala…and last month, when I was charged with creating a magical tool–I made a rattle with the same symbols as I had included in my mandala.  So, I knew that continuing my sacred work with one of those symbols was a vital part of my path.  I chose the triskelion.  I knew I needed the progress, growth, and healing that this symbol imbues into its user.

THE PROCESS:

1)  First Jen cleansed me with sage.  Using shamanic techniques to clear out any negativity stuck in my energy field.    

2)  Then I created the altar the grounds in the energy for the tattoo. 

(The rattle is the item closest to the end of the shelf in front.  You can kind of see the triskelion facing forward.)

3)  Then Jen did a card reading, with the deck of my choice–I chose to use the Animal Oracle…since Spring Equinox is a time of animal energy and blessings.

(Here you can see the very sweet film student…he was totally not intrusive at all, and showed genuine interest in the whole process.  I can’t wait to see what he produces!) 

4)  Then Jen anointed me with oil…bringing the energy from the altar and the reading into my third eye chakra and preparing me for the sacred work ahead.

5)  Then she spent about an hour and a half creating the Sacred Tattoo…here is the finished product:

(As you can see, this triskelion is part of a larger piece…but it sits right smack dab in the middle of my arm on the front side…moving out any energy blocking my path…Jen also finished two of my paisley water drops, also symbols for movement of energy…with a little bit of Pennsylvania Dutch Magic flowers in there for growth.  If you are interested in knowing more about the rest of this tattoo, please contact me!)

THE PROCESS DOESN’T END THERE HOWEVER…

Unfortunately, due to a huge storm engulfing Southern California that day, my husband and I had to leave Jen’s house early and head for the hills.  We didn’t want to get snowed-out of our house.  So, we left Orange County Saturday evening and returned to the mountains.

The next day ON Spring Equinox I rose early and said goodbye to my Brigid Altar.  I must admit that I am still sad about this…I have never had such a deep connection with an aspect of the Divine Feminine before.  Brigid is AWESOME!  She has helped me get through the end of the Winter and realize my dreams, keep me grounded, heal me, and so much more.  So, I did my last morning devotion to her and then went to brunch with one of my good friends and her husband.

When I arrived back home I immediately went to work on my Spring Equinox altar where I am honoring Eostre and the Venus of Willendorf.

EOSTRE – Eostre is the Germanic Goddess of Spring. Also called Ostara or Eastre, She gave Her name to the Christian festival of Easter (which is an older Pagan festival appropriated by the Church), whose timing is still dictated by the Moon. Modern pagans celebrate Her festival on the Vernal Equinox, usually around March 21, the first day of Spring.

Eostre is connected with renewal and fertility. Eggs and rabbits are sacred to Her, as is the full moon, since the ancients saw in its markings the image of a rabbit or hare. She is also a dawn goddess, and may be related to the Greek Goddess of the dawn Eos.  (http://www.thaliatook.com/AMGG/eostre.html)

&

VENUS OF WILLENDORF - In archeology, the term “Venus Figurines” is an umbrella description relating to Stone Age statuettes of women, created during the Aurignacian or Gravettian cultures of the upper Palaeolithic (c.32,000-20,000 BCE), throughout Europe from France to Siberia. The general similarity of these sculptures – in size and shape [obese or pregnant] – is extraordinary. They were carved by Stone Age sculptors in all manner of different materials, ranging from soft stone (steatite, calcite or limestone), bone, ivory, wood, or ceramic clays. The latter type are among the oldest ceramic works yet discovered. (http://www.visual-arts-cork.com/prehistoric/venus-figurines.htm)  She is the symbol birth, growth, good luck and the Goddess of the Earth.

SO…here is my new HOME ALTAR…in includes all of the items that I used in the ceremony with Jen as well as the same ELEMENTAL TOOLS that I got for the Brigid Altar.  I have replaced the EARTH cauldron with a stone orb however:

This is the whole altar...with the new foliage adornments of budding fruit and peacock feathers. The new insert with the painting I did, and new arrangement of my offering dish, as well as a copy of the Animal Oracle card that I chose during my Sacred Tattoo session.

This is a bit of a closer shot...showing my offering of coltsfoot and acorns, fish fossil, bone, quartz and amethyst. The large stone that the Venus is sitting upon is an amazing piece of granite and quartz I found in our back yard, about 5 feet away from the waterfall--it has very grounding and manifesting energy. Recently I finished The Mother card for my Tarot Stones. I then took pictures of it with dried daisies on either side of the seated figure. I thought this would be a wonderful representation of the Goddess Eostre to work with...since she is the Goddess of Spring and rebirth!

An Altar for All Seasons

Altars are a large part of a Witch’s life.  They are used for a multitude of reasons.  My husband and I created a whole room…we call Sanctuary Lodge…that is one big devotional space.  It is wonderful for deep magical work, meditation time, vigils, and healing.  However, I wanted an altar of my own that I could use in my daily practice.  Something that changes with the Seasons…and can be my foundation.  Sooooooooo…I create a new altar space in our bedroom.  My new altar is RIGHT next to my side of the bed, and it makes it very easy for me to slide (literally) out of bed in the morning and use it.  Let me tell you all about it!

It is a small space…about 18″X18″…it is located right below my favorite painting of all time (which is of a moth, but you can’t see it in this pic).  There are two shelves below the top that house my Tarot Cards, my signing bowl, my Gaia Mandala, and my notebook for the Ninth Wave.

The ITEMS:

1)  The Brigid Altar Piece–I decided, that since this Altar is going to change seasonally, and since I am on a tight budget…that having a plastic holder where I could switch out deity images and invocations would be the best way to go!  So, I made this Brigid piece from an amazing art piece I found online, with a beautiful orange and white background and Brigid invocation.  This piece was created to be the centering point for the altar–the energy I want to invoke and honor.

2)  The candle holders from my Grandma’s house-turned into “greenery” holders–with natural died dried floral accents in red and yellow.  These items were chosen to invoke a sense of ancestry and energy from Her.  They are elegant and useful, much like my Grandma…plus, they were extra special because I knew my Grandpa painted them to make them “better” for my Grandma.  The colors of the dried greenery were chosen to represent the energy of flame, fire and passion.  Plus they act as a beauty offering to the Goddess–so their purpose is multi-fold.

3)  The Centerpiece:

  A) Flower-Shaped piece of paper–chosen for its color and beauty.  I found it imperative to include things that were visually inviting to both attract me and the energy of a creative Goddess to my space.

  B) The Offering Dish–Made from a terracotta dish that would normally be placed under a flower-pot.  To be honest, I wanted to remain frugal in this altar creation, but also, in my research into Imbolc-related altars, it mentioned that gardening tools are good altar items at this time.  So, to honor a Goddess who helps things to grow, I thought terracotta would be a cute and appropriate offering dish.  And, the color looks amazing with the rest of the warm tones!

  C) My Goddess Bowl–This is one of my oldest pieces.  I got this back in 1994 or 1995 when I was a baby witch :)  I LOVE this piece.  It is simple and somehow regal, and adds a great place for me to set prayers or further offerings.  It is also a wonderful multi-dimensional representation of the Goddess and a reminder to be open and ready to receive.

  D) Amethyst–This is a wonderful large piece of amethyst that I was able to tumble myself.  This piece has always been a wonderful stone ally.  I placed it at the back of my Goddess Offering Bowl to symbolize support.  Amethyst is a strong stone of truth, love, and healing.  All energies I call upon at this power center.

  E) The Offering–Coltsfoot, Chamomile and Acorns.  Coltsfoot for love and visions, Chamomile for ease and calm decision-making, and Acorns for growth and prosperity.  All of these were given to both honor Brigid and invoke these energies into my life.

  F) Athena’s Messenger Necklace–Athena is a Goddess I am also honoring and recognizing upon this altar.  I want to charge this piece with all of the energy that is swirling around it.

  4) Elemental Items:

• WATER – Copper Watering Can
• FIRE – Victorian Votive Holder
• AIR – Mom’s Antique Incense Burner
• EARTH – Cauldron

I wanted to have new energy present with these very important items…so I got several new pieces!  I again went with the gardening theme with the WATER element representation…then I found an amazing little Victorian inspired votive holder with butterflies on it for FIRE.  I went with a simple older piece with AIR and used my new Cauldron for EARTH.  These items FEEL so good and I love interacting with them!

5) Charging Item:

Jeff’s home-made Echinacea.  I wanted to do some charging on the new altar as well…something we could use physically and spiritually and something to represent Jeff’s work.  This was the very first tincture he made.  My intention is that it gets super charged on this altar and that I can use it in my healing.

SO there you have it…MY NEW ALTAR FOR ALL SEASONS…I will be changing it out at Spring Equinox…but for now, I have made a deep and meaningful connection with Brigid through this process.  I am amazed at how calm and centered I feel when I am there.  Sometime soon I would like to be able to spend at least an hour in meditation before it…perhaps this weekend.

Many Witchey Blessings,

Pamela W.

Different Types of Prayer and Devotions

I have been in the process of studying many different systems of prayer this month.  In fact—I read a bunch of articles on Wikipedia regarding different religions’ types of prayer.  But, I also have experienced different types of devotional acts—first of which being Gregorian Chants.

(Background from Wikipedia: a form of music that accompanied Mass and other ritual services…It is named after Pope Gregory I, Bishop of Rome from 590 to 640, who is traditionally credited for having ordered the simplification and cataloging of music assigned to specific celebrations in the church calendar…Gregorian chant originated in monastic life, in which celebrating the ‘Divine Office’ eight times a day at the proper hours was upheld…Signing psalms made up a large part of life in a monastic community.)

I realize that it is hard to evaluate the entirety of this devotional system based on my encounter at the Integratron (see: http://www.artmonastery.org/home/visione/artmonks & http://www.integratron.com for more about both), but I do believe it is a powerful and healing way to connect to the Divine.  The tones are what moved me—the content, not-so-much.  But, any musical form of devotion touches me because of the POWER of sound.  Even hearing the Islamic salah can stir something in me…but that is just because of the SOUND. 

 I feel the Gregorian Chants connect the participant through focus (as most of these practices do) and through cosmic SOUND—after all, the Universe is in a constant state of chant: OOOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMMM. 

 The main thing for me to learn from the Art Monk Gregorian Chants in relation to my spiritual quest was that you can use ANY type of devotion—it is where you are coming from that truly connects you to the Divine.  Gregorian Chants in general have brought up the idea of the use of voice and tone in prayer as well as the importance of constant connection; which was shown in the monks’ eight-time-a-day prayers.

 So, the second devotional practice I would like to address is the Mandala.  In my devotional practice this month, I have been asked to use three different types of devotion, and do each for a one week period of time.  The Mandala is what I’ve chose to use as part of my practice this week.

 (Background from Wikipedia: Mandala is a Sanskrit word that means “circle.”  In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, their sacred art often takes a mandala form.  They have spiritual and ritual significance as concentric diagrams.  In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of aspirants and adepts, as a spiritual teaching tool, for establishing a sacred space, and to aid meditation and trance induction.  According to David Fontana, its symbolic nature can help one to, “access progressively deeper levels of the unconscious, ultimately assisting the meditator to experience a mystical sense of oneness with the ultimate unity from which the cosmos in all its manifold forms arises.”…A microcosm of the Universe from a human perspective.)

 I have always been fascinated with the Mandala—even before I went to a Tibetan Buddhist exhibit during college.  So, when I was tasked with using three different types of devotional practices—that was the first one I thought of.  Thus, I embarked on a journey to create my own Mandala; not an easy task.  But, I have now finished the sketch, spent three hours painting it, and it still isn’t done.  I intend to have it completed by the end of the week.  

My Work on the Gaia Mandala Thus Far

The whole concept of sacred art moves me unlike ANYTHING else.  If I could be a Tibetan Monk creating sand-painting mandalas all day, I think I’d do it!  When it comes to what moves me about Mandalas during the work I’m doing—I would say that the whole process has moved me thus far.  I chose to create my own Goddess Mandala exemplifying the energies that I identify and work with.  It has been wonderful to research different Goddess symbols, determine how to visually convey the energies, and draw the whole thing out. 

 Regarding what doesn’t “move me”: well, I will be honest, it is hard for me to meditate.  I have only just started this process, but so far, it confuses me as to how it is supposed to do all kinds of cosmic things—but, I’m excited to try nonetheless!

 I feel that the way in which this type of devotion connects the participant to the Divine is yet again FOCUS!  Our lives and everything that goes on around us are so distracting that we NEED focus.  But not only that, Mandalas work through BEAUTY—since they are normally wonderfully intricate artistic representations of the Divine!  They act as another representation of the Divine through art.  And, for me, it is a wonderful reminder that I must focus and do a meditation practice…I just hope that this is the one for me and that it helps me to calm my busy mind.

 Next week I will be doing the devotional practice of the Tantric Dance of Feminine Power as taught to me by the Priestess Vajra Ma…this is something that I have found almost impossible to describe in words when I have used this practice in the past…so if you are interested in knowing more about this powerful system, please see http://www.greatgoddess.org/.

 As for all the different types of prayer that I’ve studied during this month…I must say that I’ve enjoyed this more in depth look at all of the different types of ritual and how they are at the core, the same.  Most all of them have been two-fold:  needs & worship.  Most all religions use it as a way to communicate directly with the Divine regarding a specific request, while the other aspect of it is showing reverence.  I think that instead of it being just these two things, prayer should be a constant conversation with the Divine.  Over the past few weeks, I’ve tried to use this practice and the results were very satisfying.  When I don’t go into it with needs and just talk to Her as my best friend and confidant, I genuinely hear (feel) Her within me—discussing back.

 I have come away from this research and involvement with wonderful information from very different traditions that I can integrate into my life as a whole:  1) The need for focus, 2) Connection to the Divine through Art=Beauty, 3) Sound, 4) Constant Contact and REGULAR Devotion is KEY!

Our lives are a Divine Expression.  It is imperative to live life as a devotional practice.  Being happy, focused and doing what you love is essential.  Connecting as often and in as many different ways as you possible, can help you truly exemplify your true nature as one with Source.

 Namaste,

P

A Year and A Day

I have begun a journey to the Goddess through a program called the Ninth Wave through the Sisterhood of the Silver Branch http://www.thesilverbranch.org/contents.html… in this blog I intend to not only post my musings during this first year of study…but also spells, talismans, or any other Gaia Witchery that I feel should be shared with Her world.  I first started posting my progress on my ART BLOG:  www.gnomehomeliving.wordpress.com, but I thought it would be much better to share my thoughts in a completely different venue.  Here was my first post:

JANUARY 11th, 2011

I think to properly share this journey that I am on…I must first tell you a bit of what I believe.  I am working on a book right now where I tried to SUPER simplify my beliefs…distill them down to a manageable tangible story to convey to others…so I’m going to paste in here a couple of paragraphs of that:

(PLEASE REMEMBER THAT THE ABOVE  IS COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL AND SHOULD NOT BE USED WITHOUT PERMISSION–LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT TO USE IT, THANK YOU!)

So…I went into my Goddess Journey training in the Ninth Wave with this view-point.  Knowing EVERYTHING as energy and wanting to tap deeper into my source…my Feminine Divine SELF.  I feel a growing within me, now that I’ve taken vows to pursue Her in all that I do.  I feel a deeper connection with everything around me and I have become more aware.  I am trying to listen more…and be in the moment…and think before I speak or act.  It is an interesting place to be…the first time I’ve been so aware in my whole life. 

Throughout my journey I am going to be giving you little offerings from my New Moon work along this year-and-a-day.  They will be prayers, or spells, or art…Please feel free to use them in your daily routine…and let me know how they affect your life. 

TODAY’S OFFERING:

I wanted to share a prayer with you that I wrote at the beginning of this path.  This first month is focused on devotions, prayers, and creativity.

MORNING PRAYER

Goddess of Ten-Thousand Names–known to me as Gaia.  I come before You–as Father Sun crests your belly:  in complete reverence for You and all of your creations.  Be with me in my journey today.  Help me to know your mysteries, teach your lessons, and to create from the same space You created, when You made me in your image.  Help me to take the right steps, speak the right words, make the right decisions, and love everything as your Divine Creation.  So Mote it Be!

Namaste,

P