tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27096612124885270532024-03-05T21:31:14.536-08:00The Bard's GroveCathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-7886738815927643112021-10-31T07:44:00.001-07:002021-10-31T07:44:45.177-07:00All Hallow's Eve: Samhain -- Honoring Death<p>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus, serif; font-size: large;"><span><b>Samhain: Honoring Death<br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Papyrus, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Papyrus, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Samhain,
the Celtic festival that marks the beginning of winter, is still
celebrated in many countries. Samhain, meaning 'Summer's End,' is
the time when the Sun's power wanes, and the forces of winter and
darkness - and therefore of the gods of the Underworld - grow in
strength. It is a celebration of the Dead, when the veils between
the worlds open and the spirits of the dead can come into our world.
During this time, all fires are extinguished, and the new fires can
only be rekindled from the 'sacred' fire of the Druids. Herne the
Hunter and his White Hounds sweep through the skies as they hunt the
souls of the Dead and of the Dark. Samhain stands opposite Beltane,
the festival of the beginning of summer, on the Wheel of the Year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> In
English-speaking countries, we celebrate Samhain as All Hallows’
Eve, or Halloween. Halloween is a time when sprites, trolls and
nature spirits, as well as the spirits of the dead, can commune with
human beings. These spirits demand some form of nourishment to
propitiate them, for all spirits, both good and evil, crave life.
Hence, our custom of 'trick or treat'. </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In Latin countries, the
memory of this festival is celebrated throughout the Roman Catholic
Church as the Feast of All Saints or Hallowmas, celebrated on
November 1</span></span><sup><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">st</span></span></sup><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">,
and the Feast of All Soul's Day celebrated on November 2</span></span><sup><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">nd</span></span></sup><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> as well as The Day of the Dead. These are celebrations commemorating the dead, and many cultures
believe that the dead need to be nourished on these days, both
literally and spiritually. And so prayers are offered for the souls
of the dead, while families leave out extra food to feed the
wandering spirits in the night.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKbKLkc8Eosp83F3_oKxJG9QcyXdv8dhmaJie_Hx3r11fjpbFfSGsvwzwdQ-rjjKEXT8Fwsn7JS7HUrXK6i0G-eUVqMgVqTtnHnOvrvFoGG_koaNXisON-W0u3wVbgVrUzRsPSihB55Y/s552/Day+of+the+Dead.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="552" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKbKLkc8Eosp83F3_oKxJG9QcyXdv8dhmaJie_Hx3r11fjpbFfSGsvwzwdQ-rjjKEXT8Fwsn7JS7HUrXK6i0G-eUVqMgVqTtnHnOvrvFoGG_koaNXisON-W0u3wVbgVrUzRsPSihB55Y/w400-h211/Day+of+the+Dead.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> </span></span></div>
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<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;">Especially on this </span></span><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Samhain, we are reminded that we too, as children of the Earth
Mother, must face Death, and acknowledge that Death is the other face
of Life. In facing the death of another year, as well as the
possibility of our own deaths, we acknowledge that the rhythm of life
is slowing down. Now, the darkness is most evident, and the life
force turns within, retreating into the Underworld until the nadir is
reached on Winter Solstice, when the Light of the World is reborn
once again. The gift that Samhain brings is the knowledge that in
accepting Death, the possibility of change and new life is just
around the corner.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~~~ <br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
so it begins.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBmmscgs98TS0sPXdzOmarxTHho9c1zOynOJUzNpMVKUCoXPoMO8T4pcTItEddAaWHrB1_ZG-VZAr7iLSFRh2nIWNM-f_sfV0dtqBorc5ySIb1gF0ZVkQqnt8c4Y_QIW4eQrWszhyAYg/s300/Herne+the+Hunter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="172" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBmmscgs98TS0sPXdzOmarxTHho9c1zOynOJUzNpMVKUCoXPoMO8T4pcTItEddAaWHrB1_ZG-VZAr7iLSFRh2nIWNM-f_sfV0dtqBorc5ySIb1gF0ZVkQqnt8c4Y_QIW4eQrWszhyAYg/w229-h400/Herne+the+Hunter.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>Herne the Hunter<br /> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
cold, silvery light of the full Moon reflected off the bone-white
bodies of his hunting dogs as they raced the wind through the clouds.
With a smile cold enough to match the moonlight, he slowly raised
his arm above his head, and sent out his call to the winds, and they
silently began to gather 'round him. Blood-red eyes shone with an
hypnotic intensity as his hounds raised their heads to him, eagerly
awaiting his command. The moonlight reflecting off the top of the
cloud banks was blinding, and all he could see of his pack were
gleaming red coals of fire, flaming out of that field of white. He
waited as the winds gathered their fury, now moaning and shrieking in
the airy heights. The column of air funneled high into the
atmosphere above his arm, straining to be let loose upon the world
below. With a cold, triumphant cry, he finally flung out his arm,
and with an explosion of sound and movement, the Hunt was on!</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
old woman huddled more deeply into her cloak as the winds tugged at
it with angry fingers. The coldness stung her eyes and then froze
the tears as they formed. The winds shook the trees above her until
the last remaining leaves flew free to brush against her on their
wild ride to the forest floor. </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNlzIrQQYnzasjcFIf9v0wjsnJw7rCpREOysbXdIUtnYGZ7h-BYDhXuXqNQakyyJ5OEPpq6uDRkhcJ_mxdBGAO_9y0EcPgQfFr6AUe6Ob7IVncv4iNROv3pkcXAL_ZCzRLwkSb7blZM0/s805/Crone.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNlzIrQQYnzasjcFIf9v0wjsnJw7rCpREOysbXdIUtnYGZ7h-BYDhXuXqNQakyyJ5OEPpq6uDRkhcJ_mxdBGAO_9y0EcPgQfFr6AUe6Ob7IVncv4iNROv3pkcXAL_ZCzRLwkSb7blZM0/s320/Crone.webp" width="227" /></a></div>Crone <br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> "It
will take more than a strong wind to scare me on this black night,"
the woman thought with a grin. Wiping her eyes and pulling the hood
of her cloak closer around her head, she looked up. Through now-bare
branches, she watched as the Moon sailed in and out of swiftly moving
clouds, then looked back down at the forest path that shifted in
shadows with the comings and goings of the light. Slowly, she
continued on her way through the darkening forest.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Before
she emerged into the hidden meadow, the woman stood within the shadow
of the trees to stare out at the dark Mound rising into the sky on
the far end of the field. With cries and groans, shrieks and howls,
the winds swept through the treetops in a wild, dark dance. In the
sudden wide expanse of sky, she could see how the clouds formed dark
masses whose tops became snow-white fields as the light of the hidden
Moon shone down upon the moving clouds.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> "Ah!
Sweet Lady of the Night!" The woman felt her heart swell as the
Moon suddenly shone out into the clear cold night, turning everything
to enchantment. </span></span>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> She
released her breath as the dark veiling was drawn once again over the
Lady's bright face, but that momentary vision had given the old woman
new sight. Looking at the whitened fields above her, she saw ruby
eyes and blood-red ears as Herne's hunting hounds rampaged through
the night sky. Herne's cold laughter sounded in her ears and she
thought, "So it begins!"</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoSACuih4h-pXhUeC4jLwm3abrMwNFZVRNLjk9k3_vLk_1S4CkjaiOpYUZ6YBdyUeZ4qLo6pmShnURT8bAoqclaVVYN-pszzQ3abhyphenhyphenoATGMDm9cipIAoPCd_miem3k6AJWB7ylJ5P3cY/s282/wisewomanart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="236" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoSACuih4h-pXhUeC4jLwm3abrMwNFZVRNLjk9k3_vLk_1S4CkjaiOpYUZ6YBdyUeZ4qLo6pmShnURT8bAoqclaVVYN-pszzQ3abhyphenhyphenoATGMDm9cipIAoPCd_miem3k6AJWB7ylJ5P3cY/w335-h400/wisewomanart.jpg" width="335" /></a></div></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Susan Seddon Boulet ~ Wise Woman</span></span><br /></div></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Another
woman walked through the forest on her way to the Mound. As the Moon
revealed Herself to the old woman, Her light found its way to the
forest floor as this woman stepped onto an old wooden bridge crossing
a stream. An ancient being watched her stop to look up at the sky,
and saw that the woman was of middle years, with a strong face
bleached white by the moonlight. As the woman watched the cloudy
veils hide away the light, the Ancient One scampered under the
bridge. "There," he thought, "I am hidden away from
the human woman's sight. It wouldn't do for her to see me on this
night of nights." And with a chuckle, he hunched down into the
shadows beneath the bridge, and faded into the boulders that held up
its wooden beams. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
woman threw back the hood of her cloak as she looked up into the face
of her Mistress. "Ah! The Goddess plays with us tonight!"
And the woman smiled in pure delight as the winds tossed leaves back
and forth over the stream, sending them in twirling dances high into
the sky, left to gently spin down as they were forgotten and left
behind. As the clouds raced by, creating shadows only to spear them
again with light, the woman caught sight of a gnarled figure
scampering away under the bridge, and her breath caught in surprise.
To see an Ancient One, on this night of all nights! Her Mistress was
indeed with her tonight!</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ybTNSM18whQm5R0HZthObBYdBHUkecZQfdQT4UY47l1auWPzEWjwshqeFs63WEmljZNv1Bxc-RNH1-KXgGKSI0klOMqANTd9qz5mK-HRNTQfKLNgdAKuNUNdWAfovJoRR8yH8p-nwmk/s736/Troll+under+bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="736" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ybTNSM18whQm5R0HZthObBYdBHUkecZQfdQT4UY47l1auWPzEWjwshqeFs63WEmljZNv1Bxc-RNH1-KXgGKSI0klOMqANTd9qz5mK-HRNTQfKLNgdAKuNUNdWAfovJoRR8yH8p-nwmk/s320/Troll+under+bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Keeping
her eyes on the tumbled boulders, the woman stepped off the bridge
and climbed down to the rocky stream bed. Leaning down into the
darkness beneath the bridge, she looked directly at a large grey
boulder and said, "Good evening, old troll. Will you come with
me to the Faerie Mound?" With a grumble and a groan, the Old One
threw off the illusion and tumbled out from his rocky nest. "What
else can I do, on this night of nights, with the moon-sight on you?"
And pulling up her hood to hide her smile, the woman reached down a
hand to help the troll up.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> A
third woman hurried through the night. She lifted her cloak as she
leapt over a fallen tree-trunk that lay in her path. She ran through
the shadows and she ran through the silvery light, afraid that she
was late. It seemed like she was always late, and always hurrying,
like those clouds sweeping through the sky overhead. <br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> "But,
there are so many things to see; so many interesting places to
explore," she thought with a sigh, as she slowed down to watch
the flowing moonlight dance in and out among the tree trunks. The
young woman stopped, entranced, as a dark shadow flew through a
moonbeam. And then the Moon threw off Her veils, and flooded the
forest with light. There, off to her left, sat a white owl, staring
at her out of the lowest branches of an oak tree. When the light
suddenly vanished, the young woman stepped off the path and found her
way to the tree.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> It
was an ancient tree, a grandmother tree, and the wind barely moved
its upper branches. The young woman went and put her face up to the
rough bark, and breathing softly, sent out tendrils of awareness into
its core. In silence, the woman felt how the tree absorbed the
wind's violence, taking it in and transforming it into vibration as
it carried its message down into the Earth. The woman heard it as it
moved through the tree - Herne the Hunter was riding with his Hounds.
The Wild Hunt was abroad in the night!</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
As soon as the young woman came out of her silence, the winds
shrieked around her head and then flew off in the direction of the
Mound. Looking up into the shadows, the woman found the owl staring
down at her. And as she stepped away from the tree, it silently took
wing to settle heavily onto her shoulder. The woman looked into
wild, fierce yellow eyes for a moment before it lifted away and flew
before her into the night. Hurrying back to the path, she swiftly
followed the ghostly shadow as it flew to the hidden meadow at the
center of the forest.</span></span></div>
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<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Samhain Night ~ Elana Gibeault</span></span></div>
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<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
so, the three women finally came to stand at the very edges of the
forest, one at the North, one at the South, and one at the East. On
the Western end of the meadow rose up the Mound, darkly brooding
beneath the moving skies. The women silently watched as the winds
gathered in a whirlwind above the dark Mound, where Mighty Herne sat
on his own dark steed, as the old Crone saw clearly enough. Then
Herne's arm pointed to the North, and the winds were suddenly baying
with the voices of many hounds, while with a wild tossing of leaves,
the released winds blew away the last of the clouds.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Then
the Lady of the Night, the White Pearl of Heaven, looked down upon
Her Child, the living Earth, Whom She nourished and sustained with
Her light, and governed with Her rhythms. One rhythm had been struck
that night, a rhythm of power and terror - the rhythm of Death. </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsqOvnxw0FCSmg3WBnGsSW-Gisk0WnRUimijLiyaaEDwMUmxIn2fMhpFzj3ZV7hCZ5edUcB_y1T8SpdBCChap2BNy5ppeAr9QV7tfuCgIwKFlcRIAnhD2oktcKB7M6g4ZoDeJJ23_CvI/s400/MoonGoddess.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsqOvnxw0FCSmg3WBnGsSW-Gisk0WnRUimijLiyaaEDwMUmxIn2fMhpFzj3ZV7hCZ5edUcB_y1T8SpdBCChap2BNy5ppeAr9QV7tfuCgIwKFlcRIAnhD2oktcKB7M6g4ZoDeJJ23_CvI/s320/MoonGoddess.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Night of the Dead was upon the Earth, and the Moon Mother offered Her
light to help strengthen Her Child's children as they met their Fate
- as the Earth Herself walked through the veil to meet with Death.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
<br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
three women came forward and stood before the Mound. With hands
uplifted, they prayed in the silence of their hearts. Their prayers
were offered to their Mothers, for the strength and courage to meet
their task: to look upon the face of Death and live.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> While
the women prayed in the bright moonlit breath of the Mother, the
Mound before them drank in the light. And started to move! The
earth on the hillside rippled and shuddered, and exploded in little
volcanoes of dirt. Then, as if two giant hands slowly ripped apart a
woven veil, the Mound split open. A dim light outlined the breach
for a moment, but was suddenly blocked by a dark figure stepping up
to the opening. </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> For
a moment, the women felt the warm, fragrant winds of Springtime and
smelled the intoxicating scents of lilacs and roses as they looked on
the face of the Bright One standing before the Mound. They saw
plants and vines grow and decay, leaving the fruits of the fields
lying at her feet. But when one last cloud swept over the face of
the Moon, the cold breath of winter blew away the last memories of
summer, and the women huddled deeper into their cloaks.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> When
they looked back to the Mound, they saw that the Woman was now veiled
in black. Silently, the four women waited, while the Moon poured
down Her light and blessings upon them.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6D95Btu87x9Agbyz_3lqL36SUI_QKhiG1LkGip-sTJpVMeKmnkVqp65bsc1CWWzApdkF3udZfdveWf7GNSQ7GcAV9JyyYyHHkXlju2M1N6CyC4yw5tEHi-BHZjZ8tDVprRu5Fl0LNT8/s900/persephone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="702" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6D95Btu87x9Agbyz_3lqL36SUI_QKhiG1LkGip-sTJpVMeKmnkVqp65bsc1CWWzApdkF3udZfdveWf7GNSQ7GcAV9JyyYyHHkXlju2M1N6CyC4yw5tEHi-BHZjZ8tDVprRu5Fl0LNT8/s320/persephone.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>Persephone ~ Susan Seddon Boulet <br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Slowly,
a vast silence sucked away the last breath of sound in the meadow,
and the veil between the worlds opened further upon the night. The
dark figure in front of the Mound slowly turned away from the three
women and walked through that torn veil - walked into the land of the
dead.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> In
the place where she had disappeared, there now shimmered above the
Mound a Presence of terror and splendor, dark wings outstretched into
the starry sky above. The Crone quickly stepped forward, and raising
her arms, began to chant an ancient song, a song of power to hold the
Angel of Death at the door which had opened between the worlds.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
second woman turned to the troll, who had been watching, in terror
and delight, the opening of the veil. Calling to the other sprites,
gnomes and trolls rollicking on the far end of the meadow, he hurried
forward to stand next to the woman who had called to him beneath his
bridge. Now he was compelled to do her bidding, as the others were
compelled to do his. And with much tumbling and tossing, shrieking
and laughter, the spirits of the Earth took a stand in front of the
torn veil. And with the lightness of a laughing heart, the woman
turned to confront the demons who were trying to force their way out
of the rift.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-cvULSPi6KuvsTkZ9QoQyUkcFIabHH6EYVbmsftXt7iEfayaCgyqZLgJ98rl038qXKnODXMWTiX_F8ksBy3ludWNsQNuR3gZfNa8_cnI57rNK-AERXtf1v0rXGfY4ksQaogfwjLAQzw/s570/samhain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="570" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-cvULSPi6KuvsTkZ9QoQyUkcFIabHH6EYVbmsftXt7iEfayaCgyqZLgJ98rl038qXKnODXMWTiX_F8ksBy3ludWNsQNuR3gZfNa8_cnI57rNK-AERXtf1v0rXGfY4ksQaogfwjLAQzw/s320/samhain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
demons took on all the faces of fear, trying to get by that line of
imps. But just as terror began to overwhelm the woman, a troll would
tumble forward with a loud and smelly fart, and the demon would
dissolve in the mists. Or a sprite would imitate the fierce and
deadly faces before them, and soon they were rocking with laughter at
her antics. The demons, being unable to produce one tremble of true
fear, shrunk and shriveled up and ran shrieking back to hell!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
still the old woman kept up her song, and the Angel of Death stood
guard before that dark door.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
third woman, the youngest, also set about her task. Looking into the
eyes of the owl once again sitting on her shoulder, her vision
followed after the Wild Hunt, as it gathered in the souls of the
dead. There was one she especially looked for; one who was the other
half of her own soul. When it was time, it was with joy and sorrow
that she finally caught sight of him, flying before the Hounds. "He
was always quick, and even death has not taken that away." The
tear that rolled down her cheek fell to the ground unnoticed.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
so she called to him, who led the dead on their last journey.
Called, he came to where his heart still lived. Called, he led the
souls a merry dance before the hunting hounds. Called by love, the
other souls remembered and so flew before the winds to that dark
door.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Baying
and belling, the white hounds ran upon the winds, their master riding
behind, driving the souls toward the broken veil. Herne's horn
resounded through the cold night air as they came to rest high above
the secret meadow. The bone-white bodies leapt and danced beneath
the prancing feet of Herne's dark mount, while the souls descended to
the earth like a lowering mist.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
owl flew off to settle on an oak branch, as the young woman turned to
face that misty gathering of souls. The terror of the Dead was
settling over the forest, yet she stood forth to meet them unafraid,
for there before them all stood her beloved. With love and sorrow,
she looked upon his face once more, but while his face and figure
were known to her, his eyes were already full of stars. He, for his
part, recognized the woman, and knew her for his love, and yet it
seemed a far and distant love, for there was no warmth left in him.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
as they stood there, the living and the dead, something happened. A
little imp, one who had clung to his mother as they tossed and
tumbled before the torn veil, approached those two lost lovers, and
shaping his face to their lose and love, he bridged the two worlds.
In his face, he showed the fire and ice of their love, and for a
moment, they knew their love for what it was in truth. And were set
free.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> When
the young ghost finally turned toward the veil, the host of dead
souls moved through the night with him. The three women saw there
souls of great ugliness and of greater beauty, of twisted lives and
full; saw faces full of great sorrows and of great strengths. They
stood and witnessed the ghosts of young and old float silently
through the waiting veil, while the dark Angel of Death held open the
gate.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> When
the last of the dead had disappeared through the veil, a great light
shone from within the rift, as if the souls themselves had turned to
light. Then with a mighty shaking of wings, the towering Angel cried
out, "It is finished!" and like a dark flame, sank back
into the rift.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclrskg1yLLKSf2lkMtAL9qfth0byQiMdTd2MHYCebYAnA5w-Ah5QLCfa57fB1O_DILWU7RxMav1FAvMtBfG3kkG7Y1Tz_pRLdkdnUVRnBm5hMMRXy3spVrVCRScUI7vqaEiaEZ-1lD9s/s570/Hecate+image+with+dogs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="401" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclrskg1yLLKSf2lkMtAL9qfth0byQiMdTd2MHYCebYAnA5w-Ah5QLCfa57fB1O_DILWU7RxMav1FAvMtBfG3kkG7Y1Tz_pRLdkdnUVRnBm5hMMRXy3spVrVCRScUI7vqaEiaEZ-1lD9s/s320/Hecate+image+with+dogs.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
three women, deserted now by all the imps and sprites except for the
old troll, watched as the veil began to reweave itself in the gray
morning light. The Moon looked down upon Her children with a final
blessing before vanishing beneath the horizon. The jack-o-lanterns
the imps had fashioned to frighten away the demons were scattered
around the Mound. Then just before the veil was whole once more, a
great light shone out from that hidden world and began to burn within
the hollow faces.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
so it was with quiet laughter that the women took up the
jack-o-lanterns with the new light to carry it home. The light would
light their hearths, and others in the village would come to them,
and the fire of the souls of the dead would live on to bring warmth
and light to those they left behind. And the old troll took up his
light, and departed for his bridge above the stream.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
Herne the Hunter looked out across the fields of heaven, and called
his hounds home as the Sun rose over the winter forest.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
So It Is!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From my ebook,<a href="http://www.wisdom-of-astrology.com/public/page/books-stories-earth" target="_blank"> <u><i><b>Stories of the Earth: 8 Tales of the Wheel of the Year.</b></i></u></a> </span></span></div>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-71697886131165841652021-05-14T08:55:00.001-07:002021-05-15T14:08:08.465-07:00Re-Storying the World: The Language of Flowers<p> <b><i><span style="font-size: large;">There are many sites that tell of the language of flowers. So I decided to share pictures of the Beauty of Spring here in Rhode Island -- in my village of Wickford.</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> A woman was walking around Wickford when I was talking pictures and she said: "this village is like a children's story book."</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">It is in Springtime -- and Autumn! <br /></span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy the flowers. Use your imagination to smell their fragrances.</span></i></b></p><p><b><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></b></p><p><b><i></i></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxPuiWHGRS41KDyXJwBn7gDt3PDYpY7u68ZiJVZMIkvff3Kk5tUUOAi4q0jN1j097fR4xVN-KLCut12Tu-Nj8YjQ2ZdvsQYOFDnO5Yv8mCzFyIyRp_A1t6h0xYy8EOFXf6jQByTC-py8/s640/IMG_0775%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxxPuiWHGRS41KDyXJwBn7gDt3PDYpY7u68ZiJVZMIkvff3Kk5tUUOAi4q0jN1j097fR4xVN-KLCut12Tu-Nj8YjQ2ZdvsQYOFDnO5Yv8mCzFyIyRp_A1t6h0xYy8EOFXf6jQByTC-py8/s320/IMG_0775%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></i></b></div><b><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZSqkfP7_kL2F4jhyphenhyphenZMRo2d_UAMHUzYoFdotrNTAoQjcZPatevXIn4lXIL1DXlI00EnjUeSMMNj5HifFrYN4p_4IHUCWX3N6VU4egYkjoxKjFXDu5hvyrsrGrJ1-6Jv9KpgGRr7tzimcQ/s640/IMG_0776.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; 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text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmanBIXvbN8UILfSM1d35-K3UDtx7fZvIQL4HzWsAWHqPSjCTF2T4MP8qEO7bOb74mHu-HeqsbguknIP_6MabwaYGsN9WUQOYo3SmCa0pnCIhFctFG3sropsucpYzhb0NB0VjdTGZxP4Q/s640/IMG_0823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmanBIXvbN8UILfSM1d35-K3UDtx7fZvIQL4HzWsAWHqPSjCTF2T4MP8qEO7bOb74mHu-HeqsbguknIP_6MabwaYGsN9WUQOYo3SmCa0pnCIhFctFG3sropsucpYzhb0NB0VjdTGZxP4Q/s320/IMG_0823.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlbqJ6f2uM872mHx9_TfIYajZ4ZnMn022-WA_7hblUOQzBD5AoztjTln_UNpfOunDN1nVN9nkzktIlEUNzU_rFHXk-hJlLKWpuaT0K2Fuqgvrqm4HjcLIv94nao7S9_CJlkKhGt9zRYk/s640/IMG_0812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMlbqJ6f2uM872mHx9_TfIYajZ4ZnMn022-WA_7hblUOQzBD5AoztjTln_UNpfOunDN1nVN9nkzktIlEUNzU_rFHXk-hJlLKWpuaT0K2Fuqgvrqm4HjcLIv94nao7S9_CJlkKhGt9zRYk/s320/IMG_0812.jpg" /></a></div><br /></b><p></p>Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-73376087976062059202021-04-23T17:16:00.005-07:002023-04-24T14:17:12.068-07:00Re-Storying the World. Beltane: the Rites of Spring<p> </p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
</p>
<h1 align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-right: 0.63in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span>Beltane: The Rites of Spring</span></span></span></i></span><br /></h1><h1 align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-right: 0.63in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHchdRFlML75cFBQfqcQY77y7z5D-vGZ1sC0kPqNhcsqHZFCAa0C-dvCplMnZe2fmvga-RypNKUo9DHlpu2lFtz8AijBdvCkCh4BqfysWEqVP6PY6rvU0WO8GBynyK3Xw5PrCiWb6qUFk/s720/Maypole3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="528" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHchdRFlML75cFBQfqcQY77y7z5D-vGZ1sC0kPqNhcsqHZFCAa0C-dvCplMnZe2fmvga-RypNKUo9DHlpu2lFtz8AijBdvCkCh4BqfysWEqVP6PY6rvU0WO8GBynyK3Xw5PrCiWb6qUFk/s320/Maypole3.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></i></h1><i>
</i><h1 align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-right: 0.63in; margin-top: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><i><a name="_Toc372813268"></a><a name="_Toc406330550"></a></i></h1><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"> <span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Goddess May Pole<br /></span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Celts considered Beltane, or May Eve, the beginning of summer and we
still celebrate it by building bonfires—on hillsides or our back
yards. Beltane is the fourth gateway of the Wheel of the Year, a
time when "sweet desire weds wild delight." It is the
season when the first glorious burst of springtime causes our hearts
to rejoice in life and perhaps love. Our passions are re-ignited at
Beltane. We engage in the wild flow of life, regardless of age. Our
blood pumps through our veins with renewed strength, our hearts open
to delight and we become one with the blossoming Earth. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It
is in the 'lusty month of May' that our imaginations take flight with
hope. Perhaps this year. . . ! And so we dance around the Maypole,
weaving the energies of life and love, hope and expectation for the
coming year. We weave the feminine and masculine energies of Life
and dance in renewal. Amidst the flowering shrubs and birdsong, we
also engage in the dance of light and life, calling in for ourselves
ever greater light and deeper and fuller life. Winter is behind us
and a new round of life awaits us. What do we desire to be and do
this year?</span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4EEjceixopoP49ZIwOn-as1OlDafEsc-uhlU7UjSpxmEQ2DCSZJ8qLOu-5cxPSaVdtk3D5y0sZYgj92OD93XBUfAeVr98TKLAtCioZ0ljdPv1BE547sySl9onwnhrLlf-vTjxMxMqdY/s720/Dot%252C+Jen+and+Cathy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4EEjceixopoP49ZIwOn-as1OlDafEsc-uhlU7UjSpxmEQ2DCSZJ8qLOu-5cxPSaVdtk3D5y0sZYgj92OD93XBUfAeVr98TKLAtCioZ0ljdPv1BE547sySl9onwnhrLlf-vTjxMxMqdY/w400-h300/Dot%252C+Jen+and+Cathy.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span></span><p></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
bonfires of Beltane bless us with the fire of desire, and when we
jump through and over them, the fires cleanse us of any lingering
winter darkness, and bring us luck and fertility.</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
are many traditions that say that during Beltane, the veils between
the worlds become thin and the Faerie Folk come into our world to
dance and give the Earth their blessings. </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">In
</span><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Celtic</span></i><span style="font-size: medium;">
mythology, the </span><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Otherworld</span></i><span style="font-size: medium;">
is the realm of the deities a</span><span style="font-size: medium;">s
well as</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> of the dead. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">
The </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Otherworld</i></span><span style="font-size: medium;">
is usually described as a supernatural realm of everlasting youth,
beauty, health, abundance and joy. </span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(A
happier vision of the afterlife than our western religions offer us.)</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Perhaps
this belief in a bridging of worlds contains a memory of a time when
priestesses and shamans celebrated the opening of the veils between
the worlds and the powers of the Earth took on form and walked
amongst humans.</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Because
once upon a time, they did! </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLyC8v_kUnXCO27HogePucBHXhkBOGiQkgJf86wf5VzcJrWx-UMyfjs4hEt_6AVKwNFBWJLf0V7BbRF7cz-A0mzgeW8qxfK85E5Iq0cND9auAY05V2Txl1FaGAdj0foxY4wAeSn7IIxw/s864/magical+gateways.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="864" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJLyC8v_kUnXCO27HogePucBHXhkBOGiQkgJf86wf5VzcJrWx-UMyfjs4hEt_6AVKwNFBWJLf0V7BbRF7cz-A0mzgeW8qxfK85E5Iq0cND9auAY05V2Txl1FaGAdj0foxY4wAeSn7IIxw/w400-h296/magical+gateways.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
<p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When
April turns to May, the Mother and her newly returned Daughter roam
the woods, looking for the portal where the veils thin and the
<i>Otherworld </i><span style="font-style: normal;">draws near </span>every
May Day and Samhain. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They
came to watch the Great Beings bless the re-blossoming of Life here
on Earth.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
two women walk through a wispy fog as darkness slowly dissolves the
light. In this twilight hour, the glowing green of new grass and
tender new buds turn silvery-grey. Birds dart overhead through the
stark tree branches, flashes of bright color to the growing dark.
The sounds of animals settling in for the night whisper through the
forest. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
women slip into a hidden forest glade. Before them rises the Faerie
Mound. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;">Under a trio of birch trees, the </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">women sit across from the Mound, breathing in the scent of Spring.
As darkness fills the wooded valley, and silence spreads her silken
wings, the women keep watch, enfolded in the sweet-smelling darkness,
waiting for Moonrise. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
the waiting darkness, the Mother is remembering. Sinking into the
silence of the night, she sinks down into the silence of her heart.
The painful memories take shape like a dense, gray fog in her mind,
only to shred and blow away with the coming of Joy. For lo! Her
daughter, who had been lost, is found again! The memory flows
through her like a bubbling brook, whose song is the sound of joy.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Daughter sits in the growing dark, sharpening her eyes on the shadowy
shapes gathering around her. As her eyes adjust to the darkness, her
ears attune themselves to the night. The quiet rustlings of the
night forest gives way to the quicksilver melody of a brook leaping
and tumbling on the forest floor, while nightingales sing praises on
the other side of the rounded hill. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Looking
at her mother, the daughter knows a moment of wonder. Some comfort
she thought lost forever is found again. At peace, she shifts her
gaze to the starry heavens. The pressure of the light is building on
her skin, and she looks to the East for the rising of the Moon.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
sudden appearance of that glowing light, flowing down from the
heavens, cuts through the trees to fall on the Faerie Mound. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1JmJ2957ub-Bsr0j5Y30bo_L-aIVZRACjvD4BEfLNTDioBATwpfzamZJDjZJP-IwF2CmaGsKLxQWZIJsqsr8g0WoxK5RNOIE96G9hYq4oAIY8qEL2TfnnauNY8BmEyRUQwZTJOE25a4/s547/Moonrise+in+forest.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="547" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs1JmJ2957ub-Bsr0j5Y30bo_L-aIVZRACjvD4BEfLNTDioBATwpfzamZJDjZJP-IwF2CmaGsKLxQWZIJsqsr8g0WoxK5RNOIE96G9hYq4oAIY8qEL2TfnnauNY8BmEyRUQwZTJOE25a4/w400-h264/Moonrise+in+forest.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span></span><p></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now,
the sound of moonlight falling on a Faerie Mound is indescribable;
it’s as if the most delicate bells are set ringing by the most
delectable breezes of Spring. Both Mother and Daughter let the sound
wash over them like a waterfall before they turn to look at each
other with identical grins. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
it begins!</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
music of the light and of the night weave soft melodies, tossed by
playful winds high above the forest only to sink down through the
unfurling leaves to dance on the new green grass of the hill before
them. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
women stand to greet the Moon Mother as her light flows through the
forest, reaching toward them like a blessing. When the Moon herself
finally rises above the trees, they open their arms in welcome.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then
they turn toward the Faerie Mound. And wait.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
they wait, they add their voices to the wind's melody. There in the
glowing dark, Nature’s song calls out through the veils to the
Invisible Powers, to the Shining Ones. The song deepens and swells,
and with arms outstretched to send forth the call, the two women
watch as the veils between the worlds fray and shred like mist
dissolving in morning light.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Faerie Mound is slowly splitting open, and light pours out of the rift,
brighter than the moonbeams that dance through the dark forest. A
hidden Sun shines from the other side of the veil and takes shape as
a Tree, a great shining Tree of crystal light, with its roots sunk in
the Earth and its branches reaching to the heavens.</span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_IAESyLA0GSZDqaA1NOALPzozcBVpjkqjNKc5Xsa_Hyb62HCo5TH3NS2yS191x4vAtCm2jlFWajhFDE3etTSDxmDogF_i3sR-bu4vv9ZH0_LmgmXuYNmXr67Xn6y3nUDIAKNq6Ah3vUE/s466/Faerie+tree+of+life.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="418" data-original-width="466" height="359" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_IAESyLA0GSZDqaA1NOALPzozcBVpjkqjNKc5Xsa_Hyb62HCo5TH3NS2yS191x4vAtCm2jlFWajhFDE3etTSDxmDogF_i3sR-bu4vv9ZH0_LmgmXuYNmXr67Xn6y3nUDIAKNq6Ah3vUE/w400-h359/Faerie+tree+of+life.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span></span><p></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Tree glimmers with all the colors of the rainbow as the winds of the
<i>Otherworld</i> blow through its branches. As the music of the
Faerie Mound winds through the clearing, another sound faintly
echoes, the deep note of a drumbeat woven beneath the enchantment of
the bells.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With
each drumbeat, the Tree puts forth leaves of silver and of gold,
until a great canopy of brilliant light hangs overhead. Then, as if
the Tree can no longer contain the fullness of the light within
itself, a flash of light erupts from it into the forest, and a fire
flares up among the dead limbs the women have gathered.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><p></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
drumbeat bec</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">o</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">me</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">s</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
the sound of thunder in the night sky, and the fire burn</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">s</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
with the brightness of the Tree. </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;">Suddenly,</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">the
</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">wome</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">n</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">feel</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
a Presence approaching. Through the rift, flying on strong breezes,
c</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">o</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">me
flocks of different birds; small wrens and robins, brilliantly
colored parrots, white swans and stately egrets, fierce hawks and
majestic eagles. All the birds of the air c</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">o</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">me
as the vanguard of the Mighty One who follow</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">s</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">,
Lord of the Air, Guardian of the Dawn, He who gives the breath of
life to all living beings. </span></span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VqyqH7zFshD94p5w1tPirlouzqayxZ-OS8oNt6amjv9t6CD2qQ7ofN9dK08EeUskRsF-f_e1fFomgaMcO9OdS2DUVDsamhOQ-kTHMwxfUoNZpzfOs6otPt41zVFyZfcrKuXU4WviiHI/s1920/bald_eagle.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0VqyqH7zFshD94p5w1tPirlouzqayxZ-OS8oNt6amjv9t6CD2qQ7ofN9dK08EeUskRsF-f_e1fFomgaMcO9OdS2DUVDsamhOQ-kTHMwxfUoNZpzfOs6otPt41zVFyZfcrKuXU4WviiHI/w400-h225/bald_eagle.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span></span></span></span><p></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With
Him walks One who wears the light of Heaven upon Her face. Stars
pulse on her cloak, and her eyes are shining galaxies, full of the
Wisdom of the Universe. As these two Beings pass through the veils,
the women see Justice tempered with Mercy on the Lord of Life’s
face and feel safe. When the Queen of Heaven looks down upon them,
they know the face of Compassion and Love and are content. Then
these two Mighty Ones pass on into the woods.</span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVet4Os3bP4cqsDmJB8BYZx7bE26QJTDRMNvbqZYmHEsh8rp1dJzRfA5-Gcex9nnfMT_qRYH_xq5Q0Nk9XEOs6fV27c8mEfo0aXSXqPN2CyNgPMRTiZb6oO9G2udTjooEV9CjxRXrUB6Q/s666/foaming+wave.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="442" data-original-width="666" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVet4Os3bP4cqsDmJB8BYZx7bE26QJTDRMNvbqZYmHEsh8rp1dJzRfA5-Gcex9nnfMT_qRYH_xq5Q0Nk9XEOs6fV27c8mEfo0aXSXqPN2CyNgPMRTiZb6oO9G2udTjooEV9CjxRXrUB6Q/w400-h265/foaming+wave.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span></span><p></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Next
comes a Power who takes the form of a mounting green wave,
foam-crested and shimmering in watery blue-greens. He wears it like
a cloak, and with Him flows the music of all the waters which sing
upon the Earth. Within the waters, the women see the wildness of
ocean waves, the rolling flow of rivers, the silence of a hidden
forest pool, the roaring of sleek waterfalls, and the bubbling up of
springs. As this Mighty Presence passes by, the women are engulfed
by the wave, and emerging, are washed clean by its joyful life.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With
a laugh, shaking out their hair over the fire, they watch the flames
lick at the wood. Then the ground starts to shake. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;">A</span><span style="color: black;">
gnarled, </span><span style="color: black;">little</span><span style="color: black;">
gnome </span><span style="color: black;">is</span><span style="color: black;">
pulling his leg out of the dark soil of the Faerie </span><span style="color: black;">Mound</span><span style="color: black;">
at the point where the rift emerged from the Earth. The </span><span style="color: black;">women
can’t contain their</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">j</span><span style="color: black;">oy
and delight </span><span style="color: black;">when they s</span><span style="color: black;">ee</span><span style="color: black;">
what caused the rukus.</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">The</span><span style="color: black;">
</span><span style="color: black;">Dwarf</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">is
</span><span style="color: black;">clothed in browns and greens,</span> and
brings to mind the damp coolness and musty smells of fertile earth
and forest tracks. He turns to them with a deep-throated laugh, and
reaching down into the hole, begins pulling up a wealth of gemstones
and metal objects, each one a creation of rare and astonishing
beauty. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: left; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL1VooAR9zB8aHTqESLHaZGjcGuZs_b4M5ar_sxPba90GrDqT8H2_Kw_v4mxEI6BIqCrooFvcAk-1uUvsm7QseEvNu4CC4vj59570EjPxgITdG1K27jABuxNr2Z5mgsiyFzC1Itxi57k/s551/-sapphire.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="416" data-original-width="551" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHL1VooAR9zB8aHTqESLHaZGjcGuZs_b4M5ar_sxPba90GrDqT8H2_Kw_v4mxEI6BIqCrooFvcAk-1uUvsm7QseEvNu4CC4vj59570EjPxgITdG1K27jABuxNr2Z5mgsiyFzC1Itxi57k/s320/-sapphire.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></span></span></div><p></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Master Craftsman looks at the beauty he’s created, and then lifting
his arms, he gives a jaunty whistle. Soon the women hear the noise of
many feet, and see a procession of men, women and children come
through the trees. One by one they accept one of the Master's
creations. When He has distributed all his store, the procession
continues on into the forest, the gifts of the Master Craftsman held
with reverence and honor at heart and breast.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
women turn back to the rift, staring in wonder and delight at the
glorious Being stepping through the veils. She brings with Her the
green livingness of the Earth. Dressed in a glorious robe of glowing
green, She carries within herself the forms of all the countless
lives that grow upon the Earth. The Mother sees trees the size of
towers in forests long forgotten, and the flowering blossoms of trees
that will soon bear sweet fruits. The Daughter sees soft dark moss
growing over stones, and the secret life which moves the growth of
corn and reeds, of root and stalk. As this Queen of the Greening
passes by, She hands each woman a seed, and blows her breath upon
their brows in blessing.</span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6-EJdFwSOHf_35NVrxhXDVXVxM0puzzkmNx3qDStmllaqy8i1u08TpNLQHg91RYijihlDl1TBV3hy___KUIkXb3tEYnYu9ZHn2d7Ic-u9fmrIxfr34yuX9VXMlEtmnsBqCOg7GuBGCQ/s894/Green+Goddess.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="444" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6-EJdFwSOHf_35NVrxhXDVXVxM0puzzkmNx3qDStmllaqy8i1u08TpNLQHg91RYijihlDl1TBV3hy___KUIkXb3tEYnYu9ZHn2d7Ic-u9fmrIxfr34yuX9VXMlEtmnsBqCOg7GuBGCQ/w199-h400/Green+Goddess.jpg" width="199" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /></span></span><p></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Meanwhile,
the fire burns on and the thunder rumbles overhead, and the breezes,
carrying moisture from the brook, swirl around the eddies of the
flames, and teardrops fall onto the burning wood. The women watch
the fire sizzle and crackle in silence. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
then they feel it: a great and gentle Spirit stands over them,
wrapping them in love mixed with sorrow and pity With the Sorrowful
Mother comes endurance and hope, and the wisdom that understands that
life grows through suffering and sacrifice. A sudden breath of wind
stirs the fire, and it blazes up to the sound of thunder until it
seems to consume the whole world. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now
a new rarified sight takes hold of them and they see they are
surrounded by countless Beings of exotic grace and beauty, swaying to
the music that floats on the night breezes that sweep across the
boundary of the worlds. And before they have time to wonder where
all these Shining Folk have come from, they’re swept away in a wild
dance. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All
through the night they dance around the magical Tree, weaving strands
of energy and light into patterns which echo their dancing steps.
The light comes from the Shining Ones themselves, each individual
creating part of the pattern, all connected in an intricate weave of
light and life. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Far
into the night, the Mother looks into the eyes of her dancing
partner, and sees her fate written there. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOb5YMYsVqIHGNuGoCI8PXCxKc4bAZdha2NsOzSFXgbpT9z4c8JrVIJgFXrLXC-LbbvbOhEuQ7bi6_uoIkKxcf66tr4wKsV3TP3ZBNcvSCG7Xom8ESJmITIrkF3BPHUUqPa0-89NZszA/s240/Goddess+in+star+cloak.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="192" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglOb5YMYsVqIHGNuGoCI8PXCxKc4bAZdha2NsOzSFXgbpT9z4c8JrVIJgFXrLXC-LbbvbOhEuQ7bi6_uoIkKxcf66tr4wKsV3TP3ZBNcvSCG7Xom8ESJmITIrkF3BPHUUqPa0-89NZszA/w320-h400/Goddess+in+star+cloak.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span></span>
<p></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
it is to the Daughter that the Shining Ones now turn their gazes
toward. In a sudden silence, the Queen of Earth takes the Daughter
by the hand and leads her into the center of their enchanted circle.
Spreading her arms over the girl, She bestows the blessings of the
growing green upon her in a shower of emerald crystals. Next, the
Queen of Heaven lays her starry robe around the girl's shoulders, and
kisses her on the lips. And finally, the Dark Queen comes to bind
the Daughter's hands, for sorrow is ever a companion on the Way. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Drawing
closer, the Shining Ones behold their chosen Queen of May. And with
solemn, stately steps, they dance to weave the strands of life and
love, fertility and death, light and darkness around her. They
bestow upon her the blessings of the <i>OtherWorld</i>.</span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWg6esvAGMR9erWS7XFEfAu5DO0bQUOaqIBa9o6uu26Ik-0WimZglXj608v9F7i108sUEcmFL5DwEJomRa0KNX0ElZXF2PYqlWYuz_YOQ8qibx0lpS4PUcrRMoLHDF8kSCK-lyBm3WTE/s316/Dancinggirls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="316" data-original-width="236" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWg6esvAGMR9erWS7XFEfAu5DO0bQUOaqIBa9o6uu26Ik-0WimZglXj608v9F7i108sUEcmFL5DwEJomRa0KNX0ElZXF2PYqlWYuz_YOQ8qibx0lpS4PUcrRMoLHDF8kSCK-lyBm3WTE/w299-h400/Dancinggirls.jpg" width="299" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /></span></span><p></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then
as when a dream begins to slowly shred, once again the Tree began to
glow, still growing in both this world and in all the others. The
drumbeat calls to the thunder, and soon small clouds gather in the
grayness before dawn. Under the light of the Tree, the grass grows
greener and the air grows sweeter as the breezes of dawn sweep
through the glade. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
ghostly dancers silently fade into the morning mists, until only the
Mother and Daughter wait, feeling the heat of the rising Sun
reflected in the fire at their feet. The Moon, having traveled the
heavens throughout the night, sends her last rays soaring high upon
the leaves of the Tree in the <i>Otherworld</i>, so that the lights
of both blend, the silver and the gold. And the music of that
blending sends a shiver of delight and a sweetness flaming through
the living Earth, so that all are renewed and reborn.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
the sweet delight of that music sweeps through the women, the Sun
rises. A golden shaft of light spears the heart of the fire,
re-awakening the glowing embers to life. The Daughter feeds the fire
and smiles to herself, for she understands the fire and its need.
And reaching down, she places the Earth Mother's seed in the midst of
the flames. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wh</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">en
she look</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">s</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
up, her mother </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">is
</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">smiling
down at her. A moment more and she f</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">i</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">nd</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">s</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
herself in her mother's arms. She </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">i</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">s
kissed with great love and tenderness, and then her mother turn</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">s</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
away, swiftly stepping </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">toward</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
the rift </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">that</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">i</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">s
slowly closing in the light of the new day. The last of the Shining
Ones ha</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ve</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
slipped through the glowing rift already. </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">someone
stands there</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
at the rift, his drum hanging from his shoulder and his hand held out
to her mother, who </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">has
chosen</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
to follow him. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yet
for a moment more, her mother holds the veils open, as a shadowy form
slipped around her body and steps to the foot of the Faerie Mound.
When her mother sends her wink and a smile, the Daughter casts one
last loving look at her mother as her body dissolves in the crystal
light of the Tree. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
then the Tree and the light are gone. With a crack of thunder, the
hillside reforms itself and the veils are once again closed.</span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-u0zW7xFTBTXUFd9QDvTUblnxVDjL9cMMZWJ4AO3YqhM2NCS-xeS6j61UylMJ4iQAUD-UtSLe9_byRvvPRMDMJZVQvhSZlLLFjcqdk6dnLlurqSEeCRMWhyphenhyphenlO05WE3VemuSxIpvq_6uw/s1076/Greenman_mask_with_eyes.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1076" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-u0zW7xFTBTXUFd9QDvTUblnxVDjL9cMMZWJ4AO3YqhM2NCS-xeS6j61UylMJ4iQAUD-UtSLe9_byRvvPRMDMJZVQvhSZlLLFjcqdk6dnLlurqSEeCRMWhyphenhyphenlO05WE3VemuSxIpvq_6uw/s320/Greenman_mask_with_eyes.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /></span></span><p></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now
the Daughter looks at the Being standing silent and still on the
hillside. A man, strong and broad-shouldered, looks back at her.
The Sun's beams move up well-shaped legs and torso, until his dark
eyes and strong face are lit with a golden glow. In his eyes, she
reads a love of the Earth and of growing things, a desire to defend
the lands that he loves, and the will to hunt down all that is
hurtful to that life. And as she looks deeper, she sees herself as
he sees her, and knows that she is loved and desired.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
graceful and proud as a king stag, he comes to her, and taking her
hand in his, kisses her. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Times, serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Then
with a shout of joy, he embraces this beautiful woman stand</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ing</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
before him.</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
the Sun lights up the forest glade,</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
the </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wom</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">an
</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and
</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">M</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">an</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
walk hand and hand into the forest. Where she walk</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">s</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">,
the </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Woman</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
le</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">aves</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
behind a trail of flowers - blue forget-me-nots, red anemones and
purple pansies. With the Man, the animals of that place—stag, fox,
wolf and bear – </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">follow.</span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Soon
their laughter floats out through the moist morning air, smelling of
sweet desire and wild delight! </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While
thunder rolls to the beat of the drum, clouds sweep in to cover the
morning Sun. Soft rain falls like music on delicate leaves and
drowns in rich, dark soil. And the shimmering drops quench the fires
of Beltane, so they might water the seeds both Mother and Daughter
had set in the heart of the fire. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
the Faerie glade grew green with life. </span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWcmTDCUNSpwbAxQ9mUvigjyrhtZZ67eRpHmlrjMshngx3WIo4ilwESJN0ZJAVOXnWjhaSF2qbQrP0fV4qM8d1ZYrNIPPMEtap1L1cnpbCx_Wj6YZnJXtCMv7ICxX3X6KU0t4qDzFLKo/s640/Green+tree.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTWcmTDCUNSpwbAxQ9mUvigjyrhtZZ67eRpHmlrjMshngx3WIo4ilwESJN0ZJAVOXnWjhaSF2qbQrP0fV4qM8d1ZYrNIPPMEtap1L1cnpbCx_Wj6YZnJXtCMv7ICxX3X6KU0t4qDzFLKo/w400-h265/Green+tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span></span>
<p></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<br />
</p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">Copyright 2021 Cathy Pagano. All rights reserved.<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-58184760501932771272021-04-08T14:42:00.011-07:002021-04-10T11:49:08.242-07:00Re-Storying the World: The Magic of Fire<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Re-Storying the World: The
Magic Of Fire</span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmol3ie9VO3J2RFniM-pAGQw7qPIpj94dopZrE4S1C8u_p2zeTju_7RHxDNeb_P4WxHZKQamlBItTHTuLWUgsL1vBRMgBhGM45YWqn6ZDr0SxTlYckEY2XXasQ1EgfGm3G_7VBYWeYhhI/s800/fire2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmol3ie9VO3J2RFniM-pAGQw7qPIpj94dopZrE4S1C8u_p2zeTju_7RHxDNeb_P4WxHZKQamlBItTHTuLWUgsL1vBRMgBhGM45YWqn6ZDr0SxTlYckEY2XXasQ1EgfGm3G_7VBYWeYhhI/s320/fire2.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While
Spring Equinox is dedicated to the East and to the element Air –
and therefore Wind and sound – it takes place in the sign of Aries, the
cardinal FIRE sign that signifies primal fire! It is the original
spark of the divine that finds itself in human form – and searches
for its IDENTITY. Fire helps us to see!<br /></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All
the elements – Air, Fire, Water, Earth – are channels for
communicating with Spirit. Fire, though, symbolizes the life-giving
and vital force of life within us. It is our kundalini energy within
our bodies as well as our connection to Spirit.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Fire
is dynamic, both creative and destructive, transformative and
energetic. Fire can burn down forests or cook a meal, soften metal
to be forged or light our way in the dark. Fire can hurt us or heal
us, inspire us or fuel our anger. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ancient
peoples knew that fire was magical, and although we have alternative
methods to warm ourselves and cook our food and light our way, we
still are easily captivated by the magic of an open fire, where we
can see visions in the flames.</span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G9d6Hb4GyYA2i6FDq9AxdOFMux3MoOSubVM0qvC_qvmCnOniHUM_zUHBLRl8pxdV0OB2DsJlU4gQzU32RMXX_SoIAnFJKuu-oJzTVpAYY1GKBX7I1rjCUttIwcQOUSE8VER_ANp-NSM/s450/samhain+fire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5G9d6Hb4GyYA2i6FDq9AxdOFMux3MoOSubVM0qvC_qvmCnOniHUM_zUHBLRl8pxdV0OB2DsJlU4gQzU32RMXX_SoIAnFJKuu-oJzTVpAYY1GKBX7I1rjCUttIwcQOUSE8VER_ANp-NSM/s320/samhain+fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><p></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
are many gods and goddesses of Fire, but for now, let’s work with
four archetypal patterns of this Primal Fire Energy. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1.
Pele – Original fire She who shapes the Sacred Land</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2.
Prometheus – gave fire to humans. Consciousness</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3.
Hestia – the communal hearth fire. Community</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4.
Brigit – Creative Fire. Creativity</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">These
four archetypal patterns are found throughout the world, because they
are part of Mother Earth’s cosmic laws of life. These archetypal
patterns appear to us as gods or goddesses, symbolic representations
of energies that we can relate to.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While
archetypes are collective energies that shape life, each of us can
connect with them on an inner level and ask them for help. As
Caroline Casey says “Co-operators are standing by.” </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
let’s take a quick look at our four archetypal patterns of Fire.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u><b>PELE:
She Who Shapes The Land</b></u></i></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidq3LPsqJAGoOZ_gnNX1mzKfqW4M5E4yKBFSZZjoZ5b06gR86B6eQNnz01eegryffYu09uyRN9nICjmgYV_sd18fdOSThd9iu7iWg-y1GYHYmutZwYHMxKCY4ef5vTuyf7yghBWi_qkE4/s720/Volcano+Pele.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzEfa8FLYWiuuXZnxgh5yxcFJZTrQX5UXO0rEJuDGkmueiVogGEm4ghTL4RM-MiwBOkw8nBv8H6fsJAfA28D2y28kz0fMQzbqK14D1k4ly2b6mu2dRbLBb0ZgCZ23xH8JIQl6oBdKUHw/s2048/024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFzEfa8FLYWiuuXZnxgh5yxcFJZTrQX5UXO0rEJuDGkmueiVogGEm4ghTL4RM-MiwBOkw8nBv8H6fsJAfA28D2y28kz0fMQzbqK14D1k4ly2b6mu2dRbLBb0ZgCZ23xH8JIQl6oBdKUHw/s320/024.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Pele</b>
(pronounced peh-leh) is the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, dance
and volcanoes. Otherwise known as <i><b>ka wahine ai honua</b></i><i>,
the woman who devours the land</i>, Pele’s home is believed to be
Halemaumau crater at the summit of Kilauea, one of the world’s most
active volcanoes. Her fires devour the land with her lava flows
which then become new land. Out of her destructive energies comes
new life.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">According
to many of her legends, any volcanic eruption in Hawaii is attributed
to Pele’s longing to be with her true love. Pele was known for her
many lovers and violent breakups with them. So she’s still looking
for that true love. </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OliYeWSu0MaCLlOI3f_-qq14txBXqx0eSIvQp0BKKB71TKG5tyuvAY5YpUdJ1iZ7aDILnR5ZVxfjKwDWGGQCd0SG_x62WsBlMRg82_68fMvYkD3baNmY86xsJc2z3kDDhntjMoXmt70/s756/Pele.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6OliYeWSu0MaCLlOI3f_-qq14txBXqx0eSIvQp0BKKB71TKG5tyuvAY5YpUdJ1iZ7aDILnR5ZVxfjKwDWGGQCd0SG_x62WsBlMRg82_68fMvYkD3baNmY86xsJc2z3kDDhntjMoXmt70/s320/Pele.webp" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><p></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pele
is the daughter of the Earth goddess Haimea </span><span style="font-size: medium;">and
Kane Milohai (creator of the sky, earth and heavens), and was</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
born in Honua-Mea in Tahiti. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Pele
</span><span style="font-size: medium;">was sent away by her
father because of her difficult temper and for seducing her sister,
Namakaokahai’s, husband. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">
Pele’s older brother Kamohoalii (the king of sharks) provided Pele
with a large canoe which she and her brothers took and </span><span style="font-size: medium;">paddled
across the Pacific Ocean</span><span style="font-size: medium;">,
eventually coming to Hawai’i. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After
many battles with her siblings all along the island chain, Pele
finally arrive on the island of Hawai’i and settled on Kilauea’s
fiery mountain. </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2GcYMc-ypE0Br-20fwWAqqqCG4ov8dwqYSnOgErXqY4eikBfRumzD7tcCxP8C1Xx7dSNUJ71DqKGlk_EbTA_96O-diE-hg7DBJ_WuuzKinozrWldOzNSh7teoZQChTAlRdClXov_qUE/s6000/DSC_1482.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2GcYMc-ypE0Br-20fwWAqqqCG4ov8dwqYSnOgErXqY4eikBfRumzD7tcCxP8C1Xx7dSNUJ71DqKGlk_EbTA_96O-diE-hg7DBJ_WuuzKinozrWldOzNSh7teoZQChTAlRdClXov_qUE/s320/DSC_1482.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span>
<p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pele
is </span><span style="font-size: medium;">known to be </span><span style="font-size: medium;">a
wanderer and is often sighted around the islands, either as a
beautiful young woman or as an old crone. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">If
she comes to you as a crone, it is a test of your generosity. So
watch for her.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
why would you invoke Pele? Her fires and lava streams </span><span style="font-size: medium;">destroy
what’s grown on the land, but then they</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
provide us with new land. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">W</span><span style="font-size: medium;">hen
you want your fires to create something concrete, turn to Pele for
help. If you want land to create your vision </span><span style="font-size: medium;">upon</span><span style="font-size: medium;">,
call on Pele. Just watch your step with her – she is known for her
violent passions. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">This
is the intense passion of love that can bring the greatest joy and
the darkest emotional devastation. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><span style="font-size: medium;">This is a primal and
often violent energy of fire, coming up from the depths of the Earth.
Handle with Care!</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
with all archetypal energies, y</span><span style="font-size: medium;">ou’ll
need to bargain with </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Pele</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
for her help. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Energy
exchange is always a two-way street.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><u><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Prometheus:
Gi</span><span style="font-size: medium;">ft</span><span style="font-size: medium;">er
of the Fire of Self-Awareness</span></b></u></i></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8azts3NAQ5wC0rIEs6OezW0Q34ZZ9hhrfwbQsfKuiK5n6t_tIAhi7iYvUkwNAUDI2FsA_beCGlmOTF0dHzjWkn8pgxaa09GvfsFj9bW8oyeHrVN9VUSbe3RYBAB9VOeGP4DNU8RtmXKw/s270/Prometheus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="270" data-original-width="187" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8azts3NAQ5wC0rIEs6OezW0Q34ZZ9hhrfwbQsfKuiK5n6t_tIAhi7iYvUkwNAUDI2FsA_beCGlmOTF0dHzjWkn8pgxaa09GvfsFj9bW8oyeHrVN9VUSbe3RYBAB9VOeGP4DNU8RtmXKw/w277-h400/Prometheus.jpg" width="277" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Prometheus
(forethought) was the Titan god of Fire in Greek mythology. He was
the god who realized there was no creature yet on earth who could
house the Spirit and in turn work to create something more in life.
He was a trickster and crafty, and knew that the seed form of
consciousness was within all of life, so he took some clay, moistened
it with river water and shaped it into the image of the gods. Then he
took both good and evil from the animals and put them into his
creation’s heart. His friend, the goddess Athena, breathed the
divine breath into this creature and brought it to consciousness.
Humanity was now aware of itself. And Prometheus became their guide
and protector.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Once
the other gods became aware of humanity, they demanded sacrifices
from them. To protect humanity, Prometheus tricked Zeus into
choosing a sacrifice of bones and fat instead of ones with meat,
which then became humanity’s portion. Zeus in his anger at being
tricked, took away fire from humanity. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-wuZpGxHCKdSo0_77G6LKF2pYs-BtqptnapTWxWpIUmRYt7I7yh9QvY3QatDdc7cSCZjqJL0uuImhM7_s5hffy1yC52dgC-iBT4JaLhwuJKT1mePl5tf6s3qcXSxw1jQ64g09mTr3vQ/s690/Prometheus-Bound-canvas-Jacob-Jordaens-Germany.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="388" data-original-width="690" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-wuZpGxHCKdSo0_77G6LKF2pYs-BtqptnapTWxWpIUmRYt7I7yh9QvY3QatDdc7cSCZjqJL0uuImhM7_s5hffy1yC52dgC-iBT4JaLhwuJKT1mePl5tf6s3qcXSxw1jQ64g09mTr3vQ/w400-h225/Prometheus-Bound-canvas-Jacob-Jordaens-Germany.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
Prometheus took his fire and gave it back to humans. And he was
punished for it by being chained to a rock on a volcanic mountain,
where Zeus’ eagle ate his liver each day – and it would grow back
each night. The Greeks believed the liver was the seat of emotions,
so it indicates that Zeus was trying to cure him of his kindness and
emotional attachment to humanity. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At
some point in his punishment, Chiron the great teacher, who was
wounded by a poisoned arrow but could not die because he was
immortal, offered to take his place.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Prometheus
</span><span style="font-size: medium;">i</span><span style="font-size: medium;">s
seen as </span><span style="font-size: medium;">the bringer of
fire and civilization to mortals but also their preserver, giving
them all the arts and sciences as well as the means of survival. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
in many ways, Prometheus symbolizes humanity’s self-awareness, our
ability to strive and grow and become like the gods.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If
you pick Prometheus to connect with, acknowledge his suffering as
your own to become a more conscious human being. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u><b>Hestia,
Goddess of the Hearth Fire</b></u></i></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXE54-kHNkSqZrRH4KOm3z4cTKOfc7Uhn4Vd_msl_ojdmAqVwWSpXEuYS8D98T3qtJAXFb1KwZiSCmidCOMH-yIu0XQSyPvc6VclUsS0PmGsyfdT91Qxy1HdSJxctjbZAXmawpb11fV5c/s1385/hestia.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXE54-kHNkSqZrRH4KOm3z4cTKOfc7Uhn4Vd_msl_ojdmAqVwWSpXEuYS8D98T3qtJAXFb1KwZiSCmidCOMH-yIu0XQSyPvc6VclUsS0PmGsyfdT91Qxy1HdSJxctjbZAXmawpb11fV5c/w174-h400/hestia.jpg" width="174" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">This is part of the Homeric
hymn to Hestia:</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Hestia, in the high
dwellings of all, both deathless gods and men who walk on earth, you
have gained an everlasting abode and highest honor: glorious is your
portion and your right. For without you mortals hold no banquet,
—where one does not duly pour sweet wine in offering to Hestia both
first and last. </i></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Hestia
was one of the oldest matriarchal goddess, and was the Greek goddess
of the Hearth. She had no temple </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">n</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">or
image except for the fire itself. She was the communal fire in a
home or community and she symbolized the home place – where we
belong and are nurtured. Pythagoras said that the fire of Hestia was
the center of the world, the navel of the world wherever it was
found.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">She was the fire that glowed
at the center of a home or community, and she received the richest
parts of sacrifices and was honored before all the other gods. She
was the primal fire of creation.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhgrz0TQys4PUepxeiAz_wFfdyVkureHHcI8n1IdQ0qEC8l4w-SmzOk25Wag7u4ERgnAyFupGjM8C-iDC5ORoSm1qVDge0DHgzeTidU1kFIugh2d7r2I2bcDlP7PAZUyLwjrT3JH5lCI/s768/camp-fire.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="768" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxhgrz0TQys4PUepxeiAz_wFfdyVkureHHcI8n1IdQ0qEC8l4w-SmzOk25Wag7u4ERgnAyFupGjM8C-iDC5ORoSm1qVDge0DHgzeTidU1kFIugh2d7r2I2bcDlP7PAZUyLwjrT3JH5lCI/s320/camp-fire.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">All prayers and offerings
began and ended with her since she is the guardian of the innermost
center of ourselves. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">If you choose to connect with
Hestia, you are seeking the connection of community and a sense of
your own place in the web of life. Honor her with reverence for the
warmth, light and presence she brings to you.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u><b>Brigit:
Celtic Goddess of the Creative Fires</b></u></i></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXtQaFrpIR7kEIlDLIWe4XOnn87jQ9bN71jcw7-fgxFYJeMAW-fSo0rE3sQotOi0a9cuRAw5JYk0LR2biHzHr9TjpIY4K14AV2AoE6uq3lnzL9sCMg2adSivDP9Yl2sgqRnlenzXfp08/s700/brighid-the-flaming-arrow-helena-nelson-reed.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="490" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXtQaFrpIR7kEIlDLIWe4XOnn87jQ9bN71jcw7-fgxFYJeMAW-fSo0rE3sQotOi0a9cuRAw5JYk0LR2biHzHr9TjpIY4K14AV2AoE6uq3lnzL9sCMg2adSivDP9Yl2sgqRnlenzXfp08/w280-h400/brighid-the-flaming-arrow-helena-nelson-reed.jpg" width="280" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brigid
was a goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann. She was a daughter of the
chief of the gods, The Dagda, and was known as a goddess of healers,
poets, smiths, childbirth and inspiration. Her name means "exalted
one". </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Her
connection to fire also connects her to the Sun.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">She
was another </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Goddess
of Fire and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Hearth and </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">was
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">a
patron of warfare or </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Briga</span></span></i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Her soldiers were called Brigands, </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">who
were later called outlaws by Christians, such as Robin Hood’s merry
men. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Brigit,
as the Celtic goddess of Fire, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">was
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">a
triple goddess who ruled </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">with
her </span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">sisters</span></span></i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
arts of healing and smith craft as well as poetry. She was such a
popular goddess that the Catholics </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">had
to </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">turn
her into a saint when people </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">refused
to </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">stop
worshiping her.</span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPf8hyphenhyphenzxS86PzEOG1iFBQQPpD13Pl-lXhni9PV7Xy5qC-1FJ1TUhCNfpocmgdqfokPmL4vGz-D-Go1dqOSiOKIe0maVu754CIYX-4E4KiEVmaAia7Tx0LBwTg8mnkaigcqMOsbap40oXk/s545/Brigid+triple+goddess.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPf8hyphenhyphenzxS86PzEOG1iFBQQPpD13Pl-lXhni9PV7Xy5qC-1FJ1TUhCNfpocmgdqfokPmL4vGz-D-Go1dqOSiOKIe0maVu754CIYX-4E4KiEVmaAia7Tx0LBwTg8mnkaigcqMOsbap40oXk/w294-h400/Brigid+triple+goddess.png" width="294" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">She
is the goddess who is celebrated at the cross-quarter holiday of
Imbolc on February </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">1</span></span></span><sup><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">st</span></span></span></sup><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
the old Celtic first day of Spring</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
There was an ancient ‘college’ </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">or
shrine at Kildare, where her 19 priestesses kept an eternal sacred
flame burning. She always was more than a Catholic saint, constantly
re-emerging as the Great Goddess of fertility in both people and
animals.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Once
again, we have a deity who uses fire for creation and to help
humanity. As patron of smiths, she helped men turn raw metals into
tools and weapons. As the patron of poetry, she </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">inspired
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">poets
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">to
write stories, and</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">she
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">supported
the bards who were the memory keepers of the Celtic people. As
patron of healing, her healing springs were venerated by the people
who received miraculous healings from them.</span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FxIXm3rUSTqRMwUhTQJF98kImdfcxMJy9HzQesfhyphenhyphenxPEhkP5xWlR0rbudur2xVXsrLhDJMY1Wyr29aWUP_Hq3wkQAsMKo7lVPnyFkkyQBLlRnR1LvjMEOSbgmgRWimoy-j86adS4gfo/s713/Brigid.Emily+Balivet.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FxIXm3rUSTqRMwUhTQJF98kImdfcxMJy9HzQesfhyphenhyphenxPEhkP5xWlR0rbudur2xVXsrLhDJMY1Wyr29aWUP_Hq3wkQAsMKo7lVPnyFkkyQBLlRnR1LvjMEOSbgmgRWimoy-j86adS4gfo/w320-h400/Brigid.Emily+Balivet.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">f
you decide to call on Brigit with help for your creative vision, make
an offering to the fire and look for a vision. And in return, offer
to be a brigand/outlaw who stands by the people in their need.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Fire
is such a powerful element of life. With all the gifts it bestows,
we need to honor all that it does for us and for life itself</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While
Aries is the Primal Fire of Creation, </span><span style="font-size: medium;">if
we look at </span><span style="font-size: medium;">the houses
</span><span style="font-size: medium;">in our natal charts, we
find that they each</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
belong to the elementals. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
if Aries is in your 1<sup>st</sup>, 5<sup>th</sup> and 9<sup>th</sup>
houses, you get a double dose of Fire. You have energy and vitality
to spare. You want to create something, do something, journey
somewhere where you’ll finally find your Self.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Aries
Fire in an Earth house – the 2<sup>nd</sup>, 6<sup>th</sup> and
10<sup>th</sup> houses – creates pottery and useful tools and
crafts. These are the houses where you can use your fire to create
something that is tangible and which lasts.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Aries
Fire in an Air House – the 3<sup>rd</sup>, 7<sup>th</sup>, &
11<sup>th</sup> houses – helps you spread your ideas and creative
vision as well as your enthusiasm abroad. Communicate, teach,
network, find your tribe.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Aries
Fire in a Water House – the 4<sup>th</sup>, 8<sup>th</sup>, &
12<sup>th</sup> houses – will fire up your passions. Putting your
intention toward the inner dimensions of life, you will ignite your
imagination. Become someone who is ‘imagining’ the new story
into being. Don’t be the actor, but rather the creator of the New
Story.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">May
the power of Fire</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Inspire
you to </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Create
community</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Discover
your passions</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
welcome you back home!</span></p>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-52122773376492267252021-03-31T16:05:00.023-07:002021-04-05T14:38:03.488-07:00Re-Storying the World: The Wind Calls My Name<p> </p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;">The Wind Call My Name</span><br /></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; break-before: auto; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0.88in; page-break-before: auto;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Osiris teaches us how to think
like a river, how to think like an ecosystem of interconnection. We
need to make decisions from the standpoint of relationships, rather
than the fictional idea of isolated species. As we think differently,
pray differently, we might just be able to hear differently, too.
</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Suddenly, on</i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>e
day, the river overflows, and the fields explode in laughter. </i></span>
</p>
<p style="background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 0%; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 0.5in; margin-right: 0.88in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>(</i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Sophie
Strand, </i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u>Osiris:
The Original Green Man)</u></i></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_pEag-v0ac37avXPwlbXIqAQdzqX3XyqMyTCImr1OERpFKJ2S-jWjb06s1yUYNO0Lp0RqmcOedfc95xYk-z_6gk1ZPrQOgdzadqCXVaby8ressE_9jVsf2yABWDDKM273tv7bKFERlU/s2048/Cooper+Hawk.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_pEag-v0ac37avXPwlbXIqAQdzqX3XyqMyTCImr1OERpFKJ2S-jWjb06s1yUYNO0Lp0RqmcOedfc95xYk-z_6gk1ZPrQOgdzadqCXVaby8ressE_9jVsf2yABWDDKM273tv7bKFERlU/s320/Cooper+Hawk.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>Cooper Hawk<br /><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>The
Wind calls my name today. </i></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> Looking up, I see a graceful arc of Wing,
dancing with<b> my</b> Wind.</i></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> He’s hooked me now!</i></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> I see wings
outstretched on a downdraft to the green field in front of me.</i></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> In
the cloudy light, I see Blue under wings. And think. </i><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">P</span><span style="font-style: normal;">erhaps
it’s a seagull</span><i>. </i></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Then my eyes remember to look up, and I
see his hawk wings circling, circling, preparing himself to descend
in a quick strike. </i></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>He falls through the wind, coming up in an inverse
arc, with a little mouse in his claws. </i></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>With an exultant cry, he
wings away to the North. </i></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>On <b>his</b> River of Wind. </i></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another thing we have to remember about AIR and WIND is that 1) we need air to survive -- our breath of life. And 2) air carries SOUNDS. </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i>It is the very air that speaks our name.<i> </i></span>
</p>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-28867462216597666742021-03-25T11:40:00.003-07:002021-03-25T11:40:53.449-07:00Re-Storying the World: The Power of Wind<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;">Re-Storying the World: The
Power of Wind.</span> </span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOX-0SVHqPzZlzXRPPgXcaDshqykM3iKtAuce40v15VlEF_6NR15E51z61TrNSJBtJD47N9BQcuAjR5IRPg4elpG8jwTAgnCPnQvo6Y4qXZKBtp_HfE4ek0KP15ZbCcU9Z0LT2Mn98OY/s401/Wind+Gods.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="123" data-original-width="401" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzOX-0SVHqPzZlzXRPPgXcaDshqykM3iKtAuce40v15VlEF_6NR15E51z61TrNSJBtJD47N9BQcuAjR5IRPg4elpG8jwTAgnCPnQvo6Y4qXZKBtp_HfE4ek0KP15ZbCcU9Z0LT2Mn98OY/w400-h122/Wind+Gods.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Wind Gods<br /></span><p></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
we come out of our Covid isolation, this Spring Equinox will bring
with it the <i>Winds of Change. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">Hugging,
getting together, traveling, going to church or concerts – all the
things we’ve missed out on in this past year are going to be our
top priorities. And yet, we are different than we were last year at
this time. </span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Winds of Change are blowing strongly now. Will we try to ‘go back’
to an old way of living, or have we begun to see life differently?</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If
so, we’ll need the Wind at our backs to help us set our new course.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Spring
Equinox is associated with the East and with the power of Air. I
began to feel the power of Air once again in the winds blowing this
week here in Rhode Island. The tree tops sway and the cold air gets
down my neck and makes me shiver, moving me like the trees with an
invisible dance partner. The only way we can see the invisible Wind
is by how it affects things like birds’ flight or trees or sails or
blowing hair and seed pods. </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSHfanF4V5d4ELk2n3UadHd_w9da_N5PnRVNZIdXJ7UdqkdN7n2-t2o2vtaeeEj4MO_xzy-AmSxfLf37dMKvVzlZmSR48ros7zrpCZuZ8zTNFeBmIGEDkQ6-WdzlEKkG2nRnBe3bTau4/s1920/Wind+thru+trees..jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpSHfanF4V5d4ELk2n3UadHd_w9da_N5PnRVNZIdXJ7UdqkdN7n2-t2o2vtaeeEj4MO_xzy-AmSxfLf37dMKvVzlZmSR48ros7zrpCZuZ8zTNFeBmIGEDkQ6-WdzlEKkG2nRnBe3bTau4/w400-h225/Wind+thru+trees..jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span>
<p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
also experienced the power of the Wind when I lived out West and the
winds would blow off the mountain overlooking our home. I would
stand in the wind and then move side to side to discover how wide a
particular gust was. The wind came at me in streams, both wide and
narrow. Sometimes the wind would create little twisters, twirling
dust and leaves, following me as I walked. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
think I made friends with the wind when I was a child. I loved to
stand out in the wind as we waited for hurricanes to arrive. There
was something so invigorating about letting the wind pummel me like a
great massage. Or I would imagine the winds under my arms lifting me
into the air so I could fly.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wind
is the movement of Air around the planet. All life here on Earth
begins and ends with Wind and Breath. The wind keeps the air cool
and clean. The wind brings us the clouds that give us the rains
Mother Earth needs to thrive. The wind moves the waters to keep them
fresh and sweet.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If
there were no winds, the planet would heat up, scum would cover
rivers, lakes and oceans, fish would die, crops would fail and so
people would starve. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There
is a Hopi legend about their Wind God, Yaponcha. It is a story about
the dangers of trying to control or stop the winds.</span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVujTKwoOOe5ha8XcxvX3GUlY89rMYf2VspFDH9CnvMudGefpuz5YZLGlK0ZJWmDwnUOv_n0DyBNgLReshWvko-UXuKNgPmdXcFVajwaR2Cr08tjBmGPsTmeA93z-Ba0-Srrl3tTsrCeg/s300/Wind-God+Yaponcha+Hopi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVujTKwoOOe5ha8XcxvX3GUlY89rMYf2VspFDH9CnvMudGefpuz5YZLGlK0ZJWmDwnUOv_n0DyBNgLReshWvko-UXuKNgPmdXcFVajwaR2Cr08tjBmGPsTmeA93z-Ba0-Srrl3tTsrCeg/s0/Wind-God+Yaponcha+Hopi.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Yaponcha <br /></span><p></p><p> </p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Long
again, the Hopis were troubled by strong winds. They planted seeds
but the wind came and blew the seeds and soil away before the seeds
could sprout.</i></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>The
old men came together in their kivas and debated what to do. They
finally decided to call on the Little Fellows – two of Spider
Grandmother’s grandsons. So while the men prayed, the Little
Fellows went to see their wise grandmother. They asked her to make
them some cornmeal mush for a long journey. When they had it, they
went back to the elders and gathered the offerings they had made.</i></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>They
set out for the mountains, for all wind gods live on mountains in
caves. Yaponcha blew through a crack in the mountains, so the Little
Fellows covered the opening with the cornmeal mush. When it
hardened, it sealed the Wind God’s door. Although he huffed and
puffed, his wind could not get out. The Little Fellows laughed and
went home. </i></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>But
after awhile, the villagers became very hot. There were no breezes
and no clouds. They thought they would suffocate. The heat was much
worse then the winds. So they called on the Little Fellows again and
told them to ask Yaponcha if they could have peace between them.
They gave them prayer offerings to give to Yaponcha.</i></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>After
traveling to the Wind God’s cave, the two Little Fellows decided to
just make a small hole in the cornmeal so that he could breathe
again. Immediately a nice cool breeze came out and a small cloud
gathered in the sky. </i></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>When
the Little Fellows reached the village, everyone was pleased. There
was enough wind to make everyone happy but not enough to blow away
the seeds.</i></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Every
March, when the winds blow, the Elders and Priests of the villages
give prayer offerings to <a href="https://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/Yaponcha_The_Wind_God-Hopi.html">Yaponca,
the Wind God</a>, in thanks. </span></i></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIZ8CkU-FBWcQsG-BdzjKT2zCyB8EjHM1ksQgGc_ge89wgoXUUmnpU7Cpgei6jtuEAIodFCgy9jWdTGaPggm6bM1D37xkKYeB_MDOry6pr15Y3EqyH6q1O8mGwnp0qChi2l8S0qhcVzs/s278/Winds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="181" data-original-width="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIZ8CkU-FBWcQsG-BdzjKT2zCyB8EjHM1ksQgGc_ge89wgoXUUmnpU7Cpgei6jtuEAIodFCgy9jWdTGaPggm6bM1D37xkKYeB_MDOry6pr15Y3EqyH6q1O8mGwnp0qChi2l8S0qhcVzs/s0/Winds.jpg" /></a></div><p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I</span><span style="font-style: normal;">n
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">so</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
many of those </span><span style="font-style: normal;">wind</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
legends, we find this human tendency to try to stop or control the
wind. But once they do, the air gets hot, the water stagnates and
it’s hard to breathe. In all these stories, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">the
lesson is</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> to learn the proper
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">relationship to wind.</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I</span><span style="font-style: normal;">n
the same way, we cannot stop life from changing. If we try to, life
becomes sterile and dead. In this season of beginnings and change,
do not try to stop the winds of change from blowing at your back.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
winds move and change things, and without them, life itself would
die. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">T</span><span style="font-style: normal;">he
Winds respond to </span><span style="font-style: normal;">Mother
Earth’s</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> needs, not ours.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">Just as the winds of change
come because it is TIME – our soul’s time to get moving.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wind
connects us to Life and to Spirit. In the Bible, God breathes upon
the face of the waters to start the creation process. For the
Hebrews, the word <i>ruach</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> means
‘breath & Spirit’. In many ancient belief systems, breath,
soul and life are the same.</span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9psyAQ0Vdzv4qGrfoLOHA7s2fj0BBD7XlykmNQbqIRC_xULlVit7tPZAEwRejjB_x9ZgGRhl-nYCMsfsLzStgWJewFVgXGcvaaKZEqVtzYkyBijlgYpQAQUDqwcDyK8jsyhbTboERkQ/s290/galactic_wave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="290" data-original-width="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ9psyAQ0Vdzv4qGrfoLOHA7s2fj0BBD7XlykmNQbqIRC_xULlVit7tPZAEwRejjB_x9ZgGRhl-nYCMsfsLzStgWJewFVgXGcvaaKZEqVtzYkyBijlgYpQAQUDqwcDyK8jsyhbTboERkQ/s0/galactic_wave.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><p></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Air
and its winds are as necessary to life here on Earth as is our
breath. As a matter of fact, our breath is our personal wind. Just
breathe in and feel the air coming into your body; then breathe out
through your mouth and feel the wind of that breath. As we breathe
out, we send our personal wind into the world to connect to the
collective winds.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When
my grandson was young, I would entertain him with the story of ‘The
3 Little Pigs’ – how the big, bad wolf would huff and puff and
blow their houses down. My breaths created the wind in that story. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Most
of us don’t know how to breathe right, do we? It was only through
yoga and qi gong that I discovered the right way to breathe. If
you’re a singer or musician, you already know. You breathe through
your diaphragm. Your diaphragm draws the air into your lungs so they
and your ribs expand and then as you release the diaphragm, your
breath slowly or quickly moves out of your body. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Breathing
brings oxygen into our bodies and cells, which we need to spark our
energy. Without our ability to breathe, we die. Without the winds,
the Earth dies.</i></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u><b>Wind
Gods and Goddesses</b></u></i></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All
ancient cultures saw the power of Spirit in Nature. There are wind
gods and goddesses from all cultures just as there are many different
types of winds.</span></p><p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAk7OJGuMW8BZg-VCiAHvgCWF2nyVra-MdCKmaIwfcu-ZJocqbxXogGdBk4uxXwM2S6l66kUU9hrf5cXZaZfisJjfE-GXBT6RzOefMGvhsDKGuJGj_FA8zwDCZuJoPkkbkVLteEBDFW7M/s237/Wind+-+Boreas+North.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="237" data-original-width="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAk7OJGuMW8BZg-VCiAHvgCWF2nyVra-MdCKmaIwfcu-ZJocqbxXogGdBk4uxXwM2S6l66kUU9hrf5cXZaZfisJjfE-GXBT6RzOefMGvhsDKGuJGj_FA8zwDCZuJoPkkbkVLteEBDFW7M/s0/Wind+-+Boreas+North.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Boreas, the North Wind<br /> </span><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
ancient Greece, the <i>Anemoi</i><i> </i>were the gods of the four
cardinal winds--namely <i>Boreas</i> the North-Wind, <i>Zephryos
(Zephyrus)</i> the West-Wind, <i>Notos (Notus)</i> the South-Wind,
and <i>Euros (Eurus)</i> the East-Wind. Each of these winds was
associated with a season--<i>Boreas</i> was the cold breath of
winter, <i>Zephyros</i> was the god of spring breezes, <i>Notos</i>
was the god of summer rain-storms and <i>Euros</i> was the god of
autumn’s warm rainy weather.</span></p><p style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9Z9-jPwsSok5qfRJNlnS_A5DP1IUseAXpzOFntyA22BhDlcmFGwDvh8n4oCsHDZOQoOEL1WhsGrYEK7md1Tiki-bDVpeKSKD6LEgQ7Ld5pUPAw8dF1RMhaXiwW4Ch9sdJH0ROZXRlsc/s232/Wind+spring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="232" data-original-width="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ9Z9-jPwsSok5qfRJNlnS_A5DP1IUseAXpzOFntyA22BhDlcmFGwDvh8n4oCsHDZOQoOEL1WhsGrYEK7md1Tiki-bDVpeKSKD6LEgQ7Ld5pUPAw8dF1RMhaXiwW4Ch9sdJH0ROZXRlsc/s0/Wind+spring.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Euros -- East Wind</span><br /></div><p style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
ancient Mesopotamians believed in a central wind god that was also
the highest god in the pantheon of the Sumerians. <i>Enlil (Ellil)</i>
was considered the god of the atmosphere and his name itself meant
‘Lord Wind’. This wind deity was extremely powerful in Sumerian
mythology and all facets of wind from gentle breezes to mighty
hurricanes were attributed to his force. He was the supreme deity,
who granted fates and kingships. He was the deity who administered
all earthly laws, that outlined social structures and duties. </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span>
</p>
<h5 class="western" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">While
there are many diverse cultures and mythologies among the indigenous
peoples of North America, a story of </span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Gaoh</span></i></span><span style="font-weight: normal;">,the
wind god from the Iroquois Confederation has remained a legend to
this day. </span></span></h5><h5 class="western" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></h5><h5 class="western" style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCWn-zXh7F0_aJLoFT7e_q6VZouAeVEiW6miNHpB7ykO4Pb9tuEY2J7zc_MKbtapd-T2pccts2KXFrGzalDfs9qxxI8dQjaRcyROE3xsYOBvuKDvdWqwHSydfBNQSnWoI_umuz60rq-k/s290/Winds+-+Goah+Iraqois.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="290" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCWn-zXh7F0_aJLoFT7e_q6VZouAeVEiW6miNHpB7ykO4Pb9tuEY2J7zc_MKbtapd-T2pccts2KXFrGzalDfs9qxxI8dQjaRcyROE3xsYOBvuKDvdWqwHSydfBNQSnWoI_umuz60rq-k/w400-h240/Winds+-+Goah+Iraqois.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /> </span></span></h5>
<h5 class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Gaoh
was considered the master of winds that were too powerful for Earth,
so he summoned 4 creatures from earth to help him rule the earthly
winds. Gaoh opened a door in each cardinal direction to summon the
creatures of Earth to help him contain the winds. He chained an
animal from each direction to keep them in his servitude. Yaogah was
a bear from the north chosen for bringing in cold wind, snow and ice.
The strong winds from the west were allocated to Dajoji the panther.
Oyandone the moose was given dominion over the rain and mist from the
east. Finally, the fawn Neoga brought in warmth, fragrance, peace and
joy from the south.</i></span></h5><h5 class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> </i></span></h5><h5 class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqANO8MXrbKIUt1uKXFeuY_5NLHTzDyI0aZnv9MLZzFPC9F0OG-bJBq2O8XrPKJCn8Oay2tqrXAIOjesNaIfK9FLFlP0rAEoC52-RVcD9wFu4oBZukOi6hSgrM-n0stswZ_AhnKaeR9S8/s608/Wind+god+mexican.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqANO8MXrbKIUt1uKXFeuY_5NLHTzDyI0aZnv9MLZzFPC9F0OG-bJBq2O8XrPKJCn8Oay2tqrXAIOjesNaIfK9FLFlP0rAEoC52-RVcD9wFu4oBZukOi6hSgrM-n0stswZ_AhnKaeR9S8/s320/Wind+god+mexican.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </i></span></h5>
<p style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Aztec people believed in a god of air and wind to whom they dedicated
many round pyramids. <i>Ethecatl/</i><i>Quetzalcoatl</i> was
personified by a great feathered serpent and his name itself means ‘4
winds’ referring to the 4 cardinal direction in the Nahuatl
language. He was believed to have helped create humanity and the
maguey plant (agave), which was an invaluable resource to the people
of the time and is still in use today in parts of Mexico. </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2yXG2opzucfkbZcjW9Iw6D9vYJ9LCFsPkMlQOfpCFbOkxuLQsEe_hf98OUNraQXZzq_WV21zLpyWbwLmNfj2qeIzEgRYwBrkEx4QPlAGGW3nqLP_ofVma3K0hffTKDgQvtnJzxAURgI/s600/Wind+goddess+Feng-Po-Po_Rebecca_Guay.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="488" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf2yXG2opzucfkbZcjW9Iw6D9vYJ9LCFsPkMlQOfpCFbOkxuLQsEe_hf98OUNraQXZzq_WV21zLpyWbwLmNfj2qeIzEgRYwBrkEx4QPlAGGW3nqLP_ofVma3K0hffTKDgQvtnJzxAURgI/s320/Wind+goddess+Feng-Po-Po_Rebecca_Guay.webp" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
ancient Chinese believed in a Mistress of the Winds that was
responsible for containing or releasing the winds from the sky. <i>Feng
Po </i><i>P</i><i>o,</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span><span style="font-style: normal;">depicted
as an old woman</span><i>,</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span>was
also known as <i>Madame Wind</i> and was believed to ride on a tiger
through the clouds. Madame Wind carried the winds in a bag over her
shoulder that she would release when they became too heavy to bear or
she was in a foul mood. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
wind shaman Renee Baribeau’s book, <i><u>Winds of Spirit</u></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
she talks about the 4 cardinal winds as well as how to work with the
many gods and goddesses of the Winds.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><b>The
Wind of the East is the Wind of the Mind</b></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">.
Like the Sun that rises in the East, this wind is the source of new
beginnings. This is the Wind we’ll be working with as we leave our
shelters and emerge back into a changed world.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The East Wind is often
symbolized by the Eagle, the totem of our connection to Spirit. The
East Wind represents different qualities of the Mind – meaning both
brains and heart mind, such as mental acuity or confusion, the
ability to envision the future and make plans, as well as our
perception and discernment.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">This
is the Wind of </span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">intention</span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
our ability to focus on what we want to accomplish.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
Wind of the South is the Wind of the Emotions.</span></b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Like
the Sun at noon, this warm wind evokes hope, joy and harmony in us.
The South represents youth, innocence, patience, forgiveness and
self-exploration. The South Wind also brings up those emotions that
bring us fear and pain and sooths them. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Since South Winds are often
unpredictable, they are like adolescent winds, bringing in emotional
storms that quickly pass. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
is the Wind of </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
emotional power</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
that helps manifest your goals.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
Wind of the West is the Wind of the Body.</span></b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Like the Sun at sunset and in the autumn, this wind </span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">evokes
the need to let go, to release what no longer serves you as you wait
for rebirth. </span></span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
West Wind signifies the harvest, the end of a cycle, destruction as
well as the physical body. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">This is the Wind that points
out how healthy we are, as well as how we’re handling our life.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
is the Wind of </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">manifestation.</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
We reap what we’ve sown.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><span style="text-decoration: none;">The
Wind of the North is the Wind of Spirit. </span></b></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Like
the Sun at midnight and Winter, this wind is the wind of the
</span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Imagination</span></span></i><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
our connection to Spirit. The North Wind, in connecting us to
Spirit, also calls on us to look at our Shadows and embrace them. As
Carl Jung said, </span></span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
shadow is 99% gold. </span></span></i></span>
</p>
<p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The North is the place of
service to Spirit and to our communities.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
is the Wind of </span></span><i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">spiritual
purpose</span></span></i><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The Winds are an important
spiritual energy that, like breath itself, is necessary for Life. We
modern people often forget that we are all connected to each other
through the <i>breath</i>, through the <i>winds</i>.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">So go outside and dance with
the Winds of Change as they blow through your neighborhood and send
your wishes and hopes along with them, so they scatter like seeds
throughout the world.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-66141174421484364302021-03-10T08:00:00.034-08:002021-03-18T09:19:18.191-07:00Re-Storying the World: The Sun and Spring Equinox<p> </p><p align="center" style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype, serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i>Re-Storying
the World: Spring Equinox</i></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Palatino Linotype, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>The
Sun’s Powerful Presence</i></span></span></p>
<p align="center" style="background: none 0% 0% repeat scroll transparent; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<h3 style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Here comes the sun do,
do, do</i></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Here comes the sun</i></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And I say it's all right</i></div></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Here comes the sun</i></div></span><span style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And I say it's all right</i></div></span><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Little
darling, it's been a long cold lonely winter</span></i></div></i><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Little darling, it
seems like years since it's been here.”</span></i></div></i></h3>
<i>
</i><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Spring
Equinox is right around the corner. The sunlight grows everyday and
after the March 20<sup>th</sup> Equinox (at least here in the north)
the days will continue to grow lighter and longer. While our friends
in the southern hemisphere will be dropping into Autumn and Winter, we
will expand into Spring and Summer. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Spring
Equinox begins here in the northern hemisphere when the Sun rises
above the Equator on its journey back North. In some ways, it is the
birthday of the Sun. Spring Equinox is when the length of our days
and nights become equal once again. </span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Spring Equinox begins the astrological New Year and we say that the
Sun is exalted (its most powerful) in Aries. Because it brings back
Nature’s life force. </span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQofghFTCGic8QChJSlqq5M_XhjMH3AEU2e1N4ELLmy9an6fk6REMfa7Cvgec5lLWVCxK92Evp3kqgBngbORVDmHdbLR4zmtDoFEYr0G-t1WrcLOULPgJRYn3-35LuewFT9r8PKnD8slM/s499/Sunrise+2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="333" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQofghFTCGic8QChJSlqq5M_XhjMH3AEU2e1N4ELLmy9an6fk6REMfa7Cvgec5lLWVCxK92Evp3kqgBngbORVDmHdbLR4zmtDoFEYr0G-t1WrcLOULPgJRYn3-35LuewFT9r8PKnD8slM/w214-h320/Sunrise+2.jpg" width="214" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><p></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
have a new appreciation of the Sun rising over the horizon/Equator.
My older brother recently died from Covid related issues. He was
born just at sunrise and if you look at his birth chart, you see the
Sun just rising above his ascendant. And this image fits exactly who
he was. He’d walk into a room and shine. He was warm, kind, funny
and charismatic. He could charm you with a story and leave you
laughing from a joke.</span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><span style="font-size: medium;">This
is what the Sun feels like when it’s newly risen, both at sunrise
and at Spring Equinox. Everything has the potential for new life.
It’s light spreads joy!</span>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Re-Storying
the Sun at Spring Equinox</b></i></span></p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<h3 style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">“<span style="font-size: small;"><i>The Sun is a mass of incandescent gas</i></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A thermo-nuclear
explosion.”</i></div></span></h3>
<p align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></p><p align="center" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiVasBidBPKVwxmWWQaO7cSkjDnjv5aV2T8Ph-mTolTmAt4M8tgvJe9yBwBlkB1MgSM9Ho_vHGlTXNbDM6_xjNj2cx0CrGSJ4wI_cFl0viqEVaeda17-5srYAITi9QwivCOSnnQboz4w/s300/Sun+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTiVasBidBPKVwxmWWQaO7cSkjDnjv5aV2T8Ph-mTolTmAt4M8tgvJe9yBwBlkB1MgSM9Ho_vHGlTXNbDM6_xjNj2cx0CrGSJ4wI_cFl0viqEVaeda17-5srYAITi9QwivCOSnnQboz4w/w320-h179/Sun+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></span></div><span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /> <br /></i></span><p></p>
<p align="center" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
can still sing that little ditty </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">from</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
45 years </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ago </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">when
my daughter came home from kindergarten with that scientific fact!
And yet it is so much more.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Sun gives us light and warmth – </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
source of</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">L</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">ife
itself. Without it, Mother Earth wouldn’t have been able to create
this beautiful garden planet.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You
can read about the Sun, it’s history and composition at <a href="https://www.space.com/58-the-sun-formation-facts-and-characteristics.html">Space.com</a></span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">The Sun is Earth’s star.
Even at a distance of 150 million kilometers (93 million miles), its
gravitational pull holds all the planets in our solar system in
orbit. It radiates light and heat, or solar energy, making life
possible on Earth. <br />
<br />
Plants need sunlight to grow. Animals,
including humans, need plants for food and the oxygen they produce.
Without heat from the sun, Earth would freeze. There would be no
winds, ocean currents, or clouds to transport water. </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br />
</p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<img alt="The Buds of Spring – Nature's Depths" class="n3VNCb" data-noaft="1" height="150" src="https://naturesdepths.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/Big-Leaf-Unfurling-A-350_edited.jpg" style="height: 390.75px; margin: 0px; width: 521px;" width="200" />
</p><p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Spring Sun coaxes </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">life out
of the ‘dead’ winter ground. As its light warms Mother Earth,
trees and plants awaken and grow. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">It
is the most dramatic instance of the power of the Sun to change our
lives.</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></span><br />
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Every
Spring we</span><span style="font-weight: normal;"> can see how the
Sun is the source of Life </span><span style="font-weight: normal;">developing</span><span style="font-weight: normal;">
here on Earth.</span></span>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>The
Spring Equinox 2021 Chart</b></i></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Spring Equinox occurs on March
20, 2021 at 1:40 am Alaska time/ 2:40 am PDT/ 7:40 EDT/ 11:40 am GMT.</span></p><p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wFCjqdDiVP42YKc1Qm_xxiBSo7lNnyZM7o15dbvSXj6RfJWD6teuJk8VUk__Gk-fsZ6PltqCzINAkTOfqVDZbLrmohNKrCJNjRpbbFBvXt8le5xmAzL-kss30oNOsfIYS-Uetzgh8K0/s973/SpEquin2021.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="738" data-original-width="973" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3wFCjqdDiVP42YKc1Qm_xxiBSo7lNnyZM7o15dbvSXj6RfJWD6teuJk8VUk__Gk-fsZ6PltqCzINAkTOfqVDZbLrmohNKrCJNjRpbbFBvXt8le5xmAzL-kss30oNOsfIYS-Uetzgh8K0/w320-h243/SpEquin2021.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Spring Equinox Chart 2021 <br /></span><p></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">This is a time of Balance, when the Light and the Dark hold equal sway. It's a great time to re-balance yourself as well. </span></p><p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This year, as the Sun enters
Aries, the Moon is in Gemini, the sign of the Twins. This year, with
the Moon in the sign of the Mind, it will get help from Mars in Gemini. Mars will energize our
search for information and new ways to communicate. This in turn
will energize the new Aries fire with ideas and possibilities that
the Aquarian planets are sending its way. It is an especially open
Moon since it’s close to the North Node in Gemini. So our
assignment for the New Year is to continue to search for knowledge
that will help us prosper and grow, individually and collectively.</span></p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Symbolic
Meaning of the Sun </b></i></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
the Tarot, the Sun card is a big YES to life. </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Under
this Sun card, everything becomes joyful and simple, </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">a
feeling state</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
we </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">lived
in</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
as children. We become children of the Sun, full of joy and Light.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It’s
as if we see Life again as pure and whole, blissful and full of
wonder and delight.</span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRll1Ji17abYtfM6YHNIBZiGJ6NUF-ucBnUKhXuuSruT8pScfeCUTdih72IZ0dLzF8OUAfuZvzqyCNjNpzniOadIYzjCc87Oaq5Kx0sBzre6qQiHpTeoA8e9Fdlx1BpgwuOuH3ttSicc/s510/the+Sun.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="300" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYRll1Ji17abYtfM6YHNIBZiGJ6NUF-ucBnUKhXuuSruT8pScfeCUTdih72IZ0dLzF8OUAfuZvzqyCNjNpzniOadIYzjCc87Oaq5Kx0sBzre6qQiHpTeoA8e9Fdlx1BpgwuOuH3ttSicc/w188-h320/the+Sun.jpg" width="188" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><p></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Sun, as it travels across the sky everyday, sees everything, and so
it symbolizes knowledge and consciousness. The Sun sparks</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
enlightenment, </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">which
is an experience that happens to us, that we awaken to. We suddenly
know that life is full of Spirit and grace and that we are meant to
feel fulfillment.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">P</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">sychologically,
the Sun symbolizes the masculine left brain consciousness of rational
thought. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It
symbolizes our modern ego consciousness, which is so dependent on the
rational side of life. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
left hemisphere is predominantly involved with analytical, logical
thinking, whose method of operation is primarily linear and
sequential. We associate </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">clarity</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">light,</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
day, time, action, will, focus and the masculine with solar
consciousness.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It’s
interesting th</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">at</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
the god Apollo became the Sun god after Helios and his father
Hyperion, the Titan Sun god. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
two older gods symbolized the power of the Sun to bring light and warmth and life to the world.<br /></span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sW74QztqtBFXR1q2JJBEh3XK2JEpWpkRJXZsQScTcEDg473pxg5rL4kev6JSY3Lmel-PRBFcjhuhZGdm2Ky5xhgelt7iOPnXLHFlVX2thZMIQWaOzbthZJAujVr3TpMEh102CfkAnWw/s259/Helio.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3sW74QztqtBFXR1q2JJBEh3XK2JEpWpkRJXZsQScTcEDg473pxg5rL4kev6JSY3Lmel-PRBFcjhuhZGdm2Ky5xhgelt7iOPnXLHFlVX2thZMIQWaOzbthZJAujVr3TpMEh102CfkAnWw/w320-h240/Helio.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Helios </span><br /></div><div><p></p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">A</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">pollo
was different from these earlier Sun gods because he was also the god
of </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">m</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">usic,
of </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">h</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ealing/</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">disease</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and of </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">p</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">rophecy.
As the god of Light, he brought light to many dark or unconscious
aspects of life. When he killed the Python at the oracle of Delphi,
he took over the guardianship of the role of prophecy in Greek life.</span></span></span><p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">You can see that the ancient
Greeks, just like our modern society, wanted to do away with the dark
mysteries of the Feminine, of the Unconscious, of intuitive prophetic
wisdom. They wanted to control the Feminine energies rather than
listen to them and work with them for greater clarity.</span></p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Sometimes the Sun brings death
and plague, especially at the height of summer, when its heat
overwhelms us. It happens too when we use our rational thinking to
negate what our heart is telling us. It take the sword of reason and
cuts out our heart.</span></p><p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> But if we balance the light of consciousness with the mysteries of the unconscious, we discover the Wisdom of life. <br /></span></p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b>Spring
Equinox: The Return of Persephone</b></i></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b> </b></i></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b></b></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5muosa5Jek0bpaDV1G5rKlCMuy7gGk5kEulai1oWuC9RpsHkUPJYFOqfvEqW811L2bVSJomf8sstaFLMzLmyZBL1IL5VpSnFoFgavjAs0Rept-iKMxIBVJPb4C7pY9_l79CftG02fto4/s403/Persephone+awakening.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="403" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5muosa5Jek0bpaDV1G5rKlCMuy7gGk5kEulai1oWuC9RpsHkUPJYFOqfvEqW811L2bVSJomf8sstaFLMzLmyZBL1IL5VpSnFoFgavjAs0Rept-iKMxIBVJPb4C7pY9_l79CftG02fto4/w320-h320/Persephone+awakening.jpg" width="320" /></a></b></i></span></div><p></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><b> Persephone Awakening<br /></b></i></span></p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">On of the myths associated
with the Spring Equinox is the return of Persephone from the
Underworld.</span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
ancient Greece, Demeter </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">was
a Mother Goddess</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">specifically</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
the goddess of </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
harvest, grain</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">s</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
and the fertility of the earth. She had a daughter whose name was
Kore – which meant The Maiden. One day as Kore was out in the
fields, gathering flowers with her friends, the god Hades, Lord of
the Underworld, came up through the Earth and ravished her away. You
see, he had her father Zeus’ permission to take her without her
Mother’s knowledge.</span></span></i></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Demeter
was devastated by her loss. Nobody except for the goddess Hecate saw
</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Kore</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
taken, and when Demeter found out that Zeus had allowed Hades to
</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">abduct</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
her daughter, she was furious. In her mourning, everything stopped
growing. </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">No
births occurred. The land became a wasteland. </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
And so the gods </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">agreed
that Kore must be returned to her mother.</span></span></i></p>
<p align="left" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><i>But while she was in the
Underworld, Kore ate the seeds of a pomegranate and discovered her
name – Persephone. And since she had eaten those seeds, she had to
return there part of the year. </i></span>
</p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">S</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">o
in the Spring, Persephone returned to her mother and all of Nature
blossomed </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">again.
The Spring Maiden had returned.</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
But in the Autumn, </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Persephone
</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">returned
to her husband and once again became Queen of the Underworld, helping
her husband welcome </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
gather in</span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
the dead.</span></span></i></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></i>
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKWfeyuuIQ8jFrIPwE_lV6p11XD49xAE-VKBth55bnhnXSvNKWFnAxFXtSUj5Ux9r8CcwxDlm7tef9PvO3JxC0trhFZunToG-Ct-EknqhFO6fTrVpcOmi222zb9VNbsFf2pe2z66iss4/s700/Persephone+spring+maiden.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="700" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKWfeyuuIQ8jFrIPwE_lV6p11XD49xAE-VKBth55bnhnXSvNKWFnAxFXtSUj5Ux9r8CcwxDlm7tef9PvO3JxC0trhFZunToG-Ct-EknqhFO6fTrVpcOmi222zb9VNbsFf2pe2z66iss4/w320-h174/Persephone+spring+maiden.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
myth of the Mother and Daughter who b</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ring</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Life to Nature describ</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">es</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
not only the seasonal changes but also became the central focus of
the <a href="https://www.ancient.eu/article/32/the-eleusinian-mysteries-the-rites-of-demeter/">Eleusinian
Mysteries</a>, a </span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">2000
year old</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
secret mystery cult which promised its initiates a passage to a
blessed afterlife.</span></span></span></p><p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> It's also a psychological story about the development of the feminine. Mothers and daughters share a history, a biology and connection that is really a blossoming of a new form of being out of the old. A new birth. When Persephone comes back from the underworld, she is New. She has her own name. She cannot just be a replica of her mother. She is the next incarnation of her mother -- old and new all at once. As we all emerge out of the underworld of 2020, we are also called to be the next stage, the next incarnation of ourselves. The same but different. Changed by our underworld journey. <br /></span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">T</span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">his
mythic story of the soul’s eternal life is also important to us
now, just as it was in ancient Greece. As we face so much death in our
world with COVID and environmental deterioration, it helps us to
understand that our souls are eternal, that this lifetime is not our
only chance to live in the human state. That when we die, we will be
reborn.</span></span></span></p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Just as the Sun is reborn
every morning. Just as the Sun is birthed every Spring Equinox!</span></p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Once we truly know that death
holds no fear for us, we become free to live our soul’s purpose.
Which is to live a meaningful life here on Earth.</span></p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">And so we can rejoice at
Spring Equinox, knowing that Persephone is returning to bring life
back to us after the darkness of Winter.</span></p>
<p align="left" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">May we all rediscover and
embrace the joy of Life this Spring.</span></p>
<p align="left" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
</div>Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-6593596455765042792021-02-24T08:57:00.002-08:002021-02-24T08:57:59.240-08:00Re-Storying the World: The Days of the Week<p> </p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Re-Storying the World: The
Days of the Week </span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKAI17zNH9SrwA8_Tbt9IcXTFNQ3HysmwGWMyaBSvRKH9gIaLFEbzA1s_xsvtuBmjZJwR88BQwyu285wVk0pUW6m6xZoa4D8bTHmSznCMzBjjLUqatY1TDZ0McyCzP2H5RQWkX7qcm8s/s584/Days+of+the+Week.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="584" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWKAI17zNH9SrwA8_Tbt9IcXTFNQ3HysmwGWMyaBSvRKH9gIaLFEbzA1s_xsvtuBmjZJwR88BQwyu285wVk0pUW6m6xZoa4D8bTHmSznCMzBjjLUqatY1TDZ0McyCzP2H5RQWkX7qcm8s/w400-h223/Days+of+the+Week.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /> <span style="font-size: medium;">Days of the Week and Hours of the Day</span></span>
<p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Have
you ever thought about the days of the week? Why are there 7 days and
not 10 in a week? How did they get their names? Does each day have
a flavor, an energy, a unique frequency that shapes it? Have you
ever paid attention to what Monday feels like, every week of every
year?</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Don’t
think I’m strange for wondering. To re-story the world, we need to
look at everything as if for the first time. Childlike curiosity and
wonder is a must. Because what kid doesn’t love a story. An
explanation of the weird world we ended up in.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So,
I was thinking about those 7 days and I envisioned them in a straight
line heading off into the sunset. Then I saw them in a circle,
endlessly repeating themselves, over and over again. Finally I saw
them as a combination of that line and circle. I saw them spiraling
into the future, like an image I once saw of our solar system
speeding and spiraling around as the galaxy turned.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
days of the week shape our lives. We live within them, don’t we?</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
live within each day, unconsciously moving through our lives at the
dictates of society. Doing what we’re ‘supposed’ to do.
Monday we all head back to work, while on Friday we can’t wait to
start the weekend off. Wednesday feels like the halfway point and it
is, while Tuesday and Thursday sometimes get lost in the shuffle.
Saturday and Sunday we get to pay attention to our own lives. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
with the pandemic keeping us at home, we have developed different
habits. Our old habits no longer serve us, do they? Have you
changed your habits this year? Or are you still stuck in the old
weekly pattern? Consider this: what if we wrestled this energy away
from our economic concerns, opening to and working with the energies
available each day. At work or at play, we shape our own days. How
would your days be different?</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One
way is to know the power of the name of the day, and the energy
attributed to it. Do you remember that Tuesday is named as Mars’
Day? You can certainly tap into his active, assertive power if you
imagine it. When you do, you actively work with the planetary power
that shapes that day, in your work and most especially when you’re
doing your own thing. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That’s
what astrology does when we look at the transiting Moon sign as the
Moon waxes and wanes or when planets aspect each other as they move
through the sky. We pay attention to the energy of that astrological
day.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let’s
say that astrologically, Saturn is aspecting Mars. We can say that
Saturn restrains Mars’ actions, limiting them or perhaps shutting
them down. Frustration ensues.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
what happens when you pay attention to the planetary energy that
rules the name day? If Tuesday is Mars’ day, will his energy be
available to us if we call on him and take action? Perhaps he’ll
lend his strength to overcoming Saturn’s obstacles? Perhaps his
energy can be used to re-organize or restructure things. Why not
experiment and give it a try.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Do
you remember this childhood rhyme? It suggests a meaning for each
day of the week. And the meaning is closely related to the gods and
goddesses who rule each day.</span></p>
<dl><dd><span style="font-size: medium;">Monday's child is fair of
face </span>
</dd><dd>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Tuesday's child is full of
grace </span>
</dd><dd>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Wednesday's child is full of
woe </span>
</dd><dd>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Thursday's child has far to
go, </span>
</dd><dd>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Friday's child is loving and
giving, </span>
</dd><dd>
<span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday's child works hard
for a living, </span>
</dd><dd>
<span style="font-size: medium;">And the child that is born on
the Sabbath day </span>
</dd><dd style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Is bonny and blithe, and good
and gay.</span></dd></dl>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Re-Storying the world gives it
meaning once again. If we can slow down and disengage from our
technological prison, clean out our media-induces images and learn to
find meaning again in the everyday, we can find a deep pleasure in
living life to the fullest. There are many ways to begin to live
more consciously connected to Mother Earth and our souls. And one of
these ways is to ask the planetary energies that rule the days of the
week for help.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All
it takes is an openness to listening to your imagination.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
let’s look at the days of the week. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">There
are 7 days in a week because of the Moon’s cycle – every 7 days
the light changes by a quarter. The names of the week come from the
7 planetary gods that people knew about in ancient times. (The newer
planets were discovered when telescopes were invented.) </span><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><span style="font-size: medium;">The names I </span><span style="font-size: medium;">provide
as examples</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> are </span><span style="font-size: medium;">French,</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><span style="font-size: medium;">just one of</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
the romance languages, </span><span style="font-size: medium;">and
then the </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Old
English</span><span style="font-size: medium;">/Norse name.</span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinES5fQzM0MTXYZ049iUSWwJntyZ8hfVtti07OmY8tbPahc_XVK5Hi4QevebT2ermQkwIjozKw7wKrf9_IxInr4i3SiHb56093_AWVCKzBLQUiNRRCopOkcGPZarkBHLXeVx1MneMDuVI/s600/la+Luna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="442" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinES5fQzM0MTXYZ049iUSWwJntyZ8hfVtti07OmY8tbPahc_XVK5Hi4QevebT2ermQkwIjozKw7wKrf9_IxInr4i3SiHb56093_AWVCKzBLQUiNRRCopOkcGPZarkBHLXeVx1MneMDuVI/w295-h400/la+Luna.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">La Luna<br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1.
<i><b>Monday </b></i><i><b>(Lundi/</b></i><i><b>Monandæg</b></i><i><b>)</b></i><i><b>
</b></i>starts our week off. Monday is Moon Day – the day of the
Moon. Named after the Roman Moon goddess Luna – many of the words
for Moon mean ‘light, brightness’ – it starts off our week with
our emotional habits and expectations unconsciously steering us
through the day. We all have issues with Monday.<i> “Monday.
Monday. Can’t trust that day.” ~ Mammas and the Pappas.</i></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
</span><span style="font-size: medium;">if we attune ourselves
to the Moon’s energy,</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><span style="font-size: medium;">which comes to us in
dreams, visions, images, </span><span style="font-size: medium;">feelings,
instincts</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> and the
rhythms in our bones, we make a connection to our Unconscious and
give it a place at the table. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">
Our unconscious moods often steer our days, trying to speak to us in
the only language they know. If we would only listen.</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Moon is always re-balancing her relationship with the Sun by
changing. The power to change will come easier to us if we learn it
through our bodies. Monday is a great day to go slow, meditate,
listen to your body and trust your instincts regarding what needs to
get done. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also,
on each Monday the literal Moon is in a different phase of her </span><span style="font-size: medium;">cycle</span><span style="font-size: medium;">:
New, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full, Waning
Gibbous, last Quarter, Waning Crescent. Each phase has a different
feel to it. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">A
different perspective. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">In
the evening when you can see the Moon, you might weave this part in</span><span style="font-size: medium;">to
what you learned about yourself that day.</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
on Mondays embrace your inner Lunar landscape. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">
Meet it and dance with it. It will </span><span style="font-size: medium;">make</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
the rest of the week </span><span style="font-size: medium;">flow</span><span style="font-size: medium;">.
The Moon dispe</span><span style="font-size: medium;">r</span><span style="font-size: medium;">ses
the planets’ energies as they make aspects to each other </span><span style="font-size: medium;">over
time</span><span style="font-size: medium;">. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">In
many ways, t</span><span style="font-size: medium;">he Moon
births us each day out of our dreams. So keep a dream journal close
by </span><span style="font-size: medium;">and start to speak
with your Soul.</span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsOSD0qVIsDEYeNKF4gIAyA-dUILg0EI_OPVVVv2miXDuIlrb5Do87FGsl-A7Z3FS61BDSaIj3TRYqkW0kxLcm6Vn8Q2D9ghyphenhyphenx2Nobv9uSAmg7teOndOnFfyJWUAuJlewkPwwX3IQ1pI/s1200/Tyr-Norse-god-of-law.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="1200" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXsOSD0qVIsDEYeNKF4gIAyA-dUILg0EI_OPVVVv2miXDuIlrb5Do87FGsl-A7Z3FS61BDSaIj3TRYqkW0kxLcm6Vn8Q2D9ghyphenhyphenx2Nobv9uSAmg7teOndOnFfyJWUAuJlewkPwwX3IQ1pI/w400-h210/Tyr-Norse-god-of-law.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">Tyr -- Norse God of Justice, Law and War <br /></span><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2.
<i><b>Tuesday is Mars’ Day </b></i><i><b>(Mardi/</b></i><i><b>T</b></i><i><b>ysdagr</b></i><i><b>)</b></i>.
The English word is named for the Norse god 'Tyr', the god of war
and law. Tyr wasn’t just a warrior god, he was willing to sacrifice
himself for the greater good – he bound the giant wolf Fenris by
sacrificing his arm to capture him. Protection and courage are his
gifts. In ancient times, to be a warrior required dedication and
skill, discipline and concentration. Imagine a master martial
artist/warrior.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tuesdays
can be filled with activity and energy when you call on the Warrior
god’s strength and determination. Instead of going to battle on
Tuesdays, try focusing your energy, with Tai Chi or Qi Gong or
breathing, and then get going. You can make Tuesday a day dedicated
to accomplishing your goals for the week. The Roman Mars was
originally a god who grappled with things. Use Tuesdays to call up
your spiritual warrior: first ground and center (you don’t need
wild Mars energy causing trouble), and then organize your week and
get some real work done.</span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSD_7_wggsdWcL715hUbWjt6Q861BPdezR79HuaDYfxaNDo555JoIMQDEojRxY-Z6rGR6V35Lf6jqFTohefV4dtvCkqCVvGq5MSHGUfkZ6wD02N6kofP3CYm1P5bwM3WsVwUtCSFQFbU/s384/Hermes+alchemical.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCSD_7_wggsdWcL715hUbWjt6Q861BPdezR79HuaDYfxaNDo555JoIMQDEojRxY-Z6rGR6V35Lf6jqFTohefV4dtvCkqCVvGq5MSHGUfkZ6wD02N6kofP3CYm1P5bwM3WsVwUtCSFQFbU/s320/Hermes+alchemical.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> Alchemical Hermes<br /></span><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3.
<i><b>Wednesday is Mercury’s Day </b></i><i><b>(Mercredi/</b></i><i><b>Wodensday</b></i><i><b>)</b></i>
– or Woden/Odin’s day. While Odin was the Norse king of the gods,
he was also the wandering god, who disguised himself to visit humans.
He freely chose to hang on the World Tree for 9 days, and to
sacrifice his eye to learn to read the runes of prophecy. He had two
ravens called Memory and Thought.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Astrological
Mercury rules our Mind and mythologically, he is the Messenger god,
as well as the god of business, boundaries, commerce and travellers.
This idea of being able to cross boundaries also went along with his
role as a psychopomp, a guide of souls. And like the Greek Hermes,
he is the god of alchemy – of transformation. For how we use our
minds can change our lives for the better or keep it stuck in the
worse hell.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wednesdays
</span><span style="font-size: medium;">are a good</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
time to make sure your plans are moving forward. This is the day
things can change for you. M</span><span style="font-size: medium;">ake
contact with those you need to do business with, </span><span style="font-size: medium;">with
family and friends. P</span><span style="font-size: medium;">ay
attention to the news. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">S</span><span style="font-size: medium;">pend
some time praying for those who have passed on. And move around!</span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9eeIzl-GjmiLqbQ8dEwcjbVxNta62X7aWk-FafHxUNjt8KVlQJqzqvbyLuJc_x2MWLXzlT76snmrIGKCw_DJx-Pmzv6cUMjuRPWYKWOd2JhCmwRkmrP3bvEtmS0U0KTpipbXbSYrvuQ/s640/Jupiter.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="427" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE9eeIzl-GjmiLqbQ8dEwcjbVxNta62X7aWk-FafHxUNjt8KVlQJqzqvbyLuJc_x2MWLXzlT76snmrIGKCw_DJx-Pmzv6cUMjuRPWYKWOd2JhCmwRkmrP3bvEtmS0U0KTpipbXbSYrvuQ/s320/Jupiter.jpg" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Jupiter with Thunderbolt<br /></span></p><p> <br /></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4.
<i><b> Thursday is Jove or Jupiter’s Days (J</b></i><i><b>eudi/Thunor)</b></i>.
Thunor or Thor was the Norse god of thunder and battle like Jupiter.
Jupiter/Zeus, though, was king of the gods and a source of spiritual
vitality and power as well. His thunder brings the fertilizing rain.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Astrological
Jupiter brings luck and expansion of possibilities, as well as
helping you connect with foreign places. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
is a good day to think of new possibilities for your business or your
personal life. Get inspired by imaging you’re visiting a foreign
country. Or doing something outside your comfort zone. Or try your
luck and buy a lottery ticket. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
is a great day to express gratitude (although it’s good everyday).
Jupiter as the source of luck and blessings deserves a little thank
you for all the good things you really do have in life.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On
Thursdays, step into your inner CEO and open to power if you need to
– even if it entails throwing a thunderbolt into things. The work
week is almost over and you have to finish up what you started. This
is the day to get yourself and others moving towards that goal. </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfidf7sWaLG1gycKBiz-xkuL1hhXggEEj6-VE6A2FLMWcXUxtEOWwfZmZJCjRJ_PJVKXF2IYf__yrx-ZQAXB7i6id309Sx9qPRsmb19jOSy2Az1CHIv1mGQxdt0nQ1Smpq-S1LV1OmZIE/s681/Aprhodite%2527s+Bath+William+Blake+Richmond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="681" data-original-width="564" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfidf7sWaLG1gycKBiz-xkuL1hhXggEEj6-VE6A2FLMWcXUxtEOWwfZmZJCjRJ_PJVKXF2IYf__yrx-ZQAXB7i6id309Sx9qPRsmb19jOSy2Az1CHIv1mGQxdt0nQ1Smpq-S1LV1OmZIE/s320/Aprhodite%2527s+Bath+William+Blake+Richmond.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> Aphrodite's Bath</span>
<p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">5.
<i><b>Friday is Venus’ Day (</b></i><i><b>V</b></i><i><b>endredi/
Frigedæg</b></i><i><b>),</b></i> named for the goddess of Love,
Venus/Aphrodite, as well as the Norse goddesses Frigg or Freya,
the wife of Odin.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Aphrodite’s
birth in the primordial waters, fertilized by the heavens, gave us the
cosmic <i>gift of connection and attraction. </i><span style="font-style: normal;">This
attraction connects us to the Other and new life comes of it. The
power of attraction manifests as love and caring, sympathy and
compassion. This heavenly love infuses our body and soul. And we
</span><i>know</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> love.</span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All
of us can honor Venus/Aphrodite/ Frigg/Freya on Fridays by taking
some time for self-care and connecting with others. After COVID,
everyone should Fridays off so we can reconnect with each other! </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That’s
why Friday is date night. Venus rules beauty, love, sexuality,
artistry, fashion, compassion and wisdom – as well as money or
things you value. On Friday, you get your paycheck. It’s also the
time to plan your two days off so you can relax and enjoy life. It
was always considered a great time for sacred love-making. So if you have a
partner, make delicious love to each other. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We
have one day a week that honors Love and Beauty, as well as honoring
the female body. Let’s take this day back!</span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNFCSW7Iqhc5HEpykUQ2xiZYuvKm1iepWQm0cgWzmgG0OL_FRSvYnnQnr4c0cwn8lpDN5U0f6OJYfwaGF3dCmJ2XDdSxpFuvTDdaKaxqEfxe68n0RUCvvyOiM9XtGVOzP0mA2OV1fLzk/s394/Saturn_god_card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="394" data-original-width="214" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNFCSW7Iqhc5HEpykUQ2xiZYuvKm1iepWQm0cgWzmgG0OL_FRSvYnnQnr4c0cwn8lpDN5U0f6OJYfwaGF3dCmJ2XDdSxpFuvTDdaKaxqEfxe68n0RUCvvyOiM9XtGVOzP0mA2OV1fLzk/w217-h400/Saturn_god_card.jpg" width="217" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">6.
<i><b>Saturday is Saturn’s Day (</b></i><i><b>S</b></i><i><b>amedi</b></i><i><b>/
</b></i><i><b>Sæternesdæg</b></i><i><b>)</b></i>. Saturn was a god
of agriculture and was associated with a ‘golden age’ as well as
with the Titan Chronos, Time. Saturn is often depicted as ‘Father
Time’ with his threshing scythe. In old Norse, it was called
<i>L</i><i>augardagr</i>, meaning ‘wash day’ – whether it meant
it was time to take a bath or do the wash is up for grabs.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Saturday
is the day to get your errands done – do the wash, clean the house,
buy the food, get things fixed. Saturn is the planet of discipline,
form, structure and limits, and so gives us the focus and energy for
a busy Saturn Day.</span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctMRIqL-Aous3qx7gczG_YRQzGo-quC2lTM9TjMCMJkV7KEf-LmYDrnRdq5uRUpE6TbOuZ_DEqZMpkzCtIa1tLZ29WBCGYbSHGepu2S-ZXkvHyF-zBJzgDoSpn3gMaQcvGMZwzWbGEsY/s1300/Sun+God.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1016" data-original-width="1300" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjctMRIqL-Aous3qx7gczG_YRQzGo-quC2lTM9TjMCMJkV7KEf-LmYDrnRdq5uRUpE6TbOuZ_DEqZMpkzCtIa1tLZ29WBCGYbSHGepu2S-ZXkvHyF-zBJzgDoSpn3gMaQcvGMZwzWbGEsY/w400-h313/Sun+God.jpg" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">7.
<i><b> Sunday is the Sun’s Day (Dia Solis/</b></i><i><b>Sunnandæg</b></i><i><b>)</b></i>
The romance languages called it <i>The Lord’s Day</i> so in French
it’s Dimanche. This is our day of rest <i>(oh sweet rest – to
really remember how that feels!)</i> or at least it was when I was a
child. Everything was closed on Sundays and it was the day to spend
time with your family. That has gone by the wayside.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
is the day to let your inner Goddess or God shine out. Who are we
when we rest, when we stay in the silence and live in the center?
While westerns see the Sun as masculine, in many ancient societies,
the Sun was feminine. Perhaps that’s why we still see it as a day
of rest and relaxation, family and friends, fun and food. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
is the day to recenter into your Self – know yourself and what you
desire. Because the wheel of the weeks keeps turning and tomorrow
you head back into Monday!</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That’s
our trip around the week. Let your imagination play!</span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-24133945523849956052021-02-10T09:01:00.004-08:002021-02-10T09:01:58.559-08:00Re-Storying the World: Valentine's Day<p> </p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Valentine’s Day</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16d5vr_hgkYafttCvxKXJbv5xz5tXLFa-FffPE8SetPxPBUYTnPlwOLlhSkB_VoPE3GOaKQzPa48SjjPctAWLj2gFzfG1Z-RCxmeVsr9mOz7Asgvl6jqwKKzBUfULUXPSiPJCIF4594M/s630/Valentines-Day_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="472" data-original-width="630" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg16d5vr_hgkYafttCvxKXJbv5xz5tXLFa-FffPE8SetPxPBUYTnPlwOLlhSkB_VoPE3GOaKQzPa48SjjPctAWLj2gFzfG1Z-RCxmeVsr9mOz7Asgvl6jqwKKzBUfULUXPSiPJCIF4594M/s320/Valentines-Day_01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
don’t know about you, but I’ll admit up front that Valentine’s
Day has never been a favorite of mine. In grade school, we had to
pass out cards to everyone, so yes, I got my share. But even when I
was married, I never got into the whole experience of cards, flowers,
romantic dinners or lots of sex. We had kids, which often put a
damper on things.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
of course, it felt like a made up holiday, whose sole purpose was to
sell schmaltzy cards and expensive flowers. We didn’t have enough
money to waste on a Hallmark moment.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
later I discovered that this lovers day started back in the past –
in the Roman past.</span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="Image result for juno februata" class="n3VNCb" data-noaft="1" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v497/RaptorRed/PaganStuff/juno_goddess.jpg" style="height: 400px; margin: 0px; width: 257px;" /> <br /></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Juno Februata<br /></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
original Valentine’s day occurred during the festival of
<i>Lupercalia</i>, on the ides of February, from February 13 -15.
February was sacred to <i>Juno Februata,</i> the Goddess of erotic
love, the ‘fever’ (<i>febris</i>) of love. You can see how Cupid
came to be associated with this festival of passionate lovers.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Originally,
Lupercalia was a fertility festival dedicated to Faunus, the Roman
god of agriculture, as well as to the founders of Rome, Romulus and
Remus. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
festival began with the priests of Luperci gathering in the sacred
cave where the infants Romulus and Remus were cared for by a she-wolf
or lupa. There they sacrificed a goat for fertility and a dog for
purification. Once they cut the goat’s hide into strips, they
dipped them in the sacrificial blood and went out on the streets to
slap women and the fields with the goat hide to ensure fertility. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Since
that wasn’t an issue for us, that might have been a good reason not
to celebrate Valentine's Day.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
there was more. After this bloody blessing, they held a sex lottery.
The single women put their name in a jar and they would be paired
off with single men and have wild sex. Supposedly the men were drunk
and naked, so I hope the women got to play too. After the partying
stopped, if they liked each other, they ended up getting married. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Of
course, once the Catholic Church took control of things, they tried
to stop the orgy, but people didn’t want to give up the fun. So
they decided to name the day after a martyred priest or two who were
executed on February 14<sup>th</sup>. Both were named Valentinius,
which is Latin for ‘worthy, strong or powerful’. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">According
to one legend, </span><span style="font-size: medium;">the</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
imprisoned Valentine actually sent the first “valentine” greeting
himself after he fell in love with a young girl—possibly his
jailor’s daughter—who visited him during his confinement. Before
his death, alleged</span><span style="font-size: medium;">ly</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
he wrote her a letter signed “From your Valentine,” an expression
</span><span style="font-size: medium;">we</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
still use today. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">As
murky as these legends are</span><span style="font-size: medium;">,
the stories all emphasize his appeal as a sympathetic, heroic an</span><span style="font-size: medium;">d</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
romantic figure. By the Middle Ages, Valentine bec</span><span style="font-size: medium;">a</span><span style="font-size: medium;">me
one of the most popular saints in England and France. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While
Valentine greeting</span><span style="font-size: medium;">s</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, it seems that the
English poet Chaucer started the fashion </span><span style="font-size: medium;">of
greeting cards</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> when he
wrote a poem called ‘Parliament of Foules’ where he links a
tradition of courtly love with the celebration of St. Valentine’s
Day. Back then, they celebrated February 14 as the day that birds
(foules) came together to find a mate. And so, it seems, humans
followed suit.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">These
customs continued through the centuries until we find ourselves here
in the present, still engaging in this ancient ceremony of love and
desire.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now
for that little trouble-maker Cupid. Before he became the
mischievous, chubby child we see on Valentine’s card</span><span style="font-size: medium;">s</span><span style="font-size: medium;">,
he was the Great God Eros, the god of love and desire. Some say he
was the son of Nyx (Night) and her mate, Erebus (Darkness) who were
Greek creation deities. Later he was named the son of Aphrodite and
Zeus. Either way, he was a mighty </span><span style="font-size: medium;">god</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
of divine love. If you want an interesting take on him, read C.S.
Lewis’ story of Psyche and Eros called </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u>Til
We Have Faces.</u></i></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u> </u></i></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u><img alt="Image result for Eros God of Love" class="n3VNCb" data-noaft="1" src="https://d1kvkzjpuym02z.cloudfront.net/54c17642e4b07268105efbe5.jpg?Expires=2000249835&Signature=YfpPpjcQxqlFv~ZWvMlwP8sgoK8i99otcYwF0MpLFCpnD56pCI61IbKjdBBaQoBFsWWsYFoJOYf2qA2VsM4bha92uaX1ZxplxqqhAdzp1Cczv45J8-9za0YXbFZ~LtbhVsFWfvLA80CMqPIvrNG0wfxM-MazJxB2ESy53ENDL~g_&Key-Pair-Id=APKAJXYWFXCDTRLR3EFA" style="height: 270.99px; margin: 0px; width: 521px;" /> <br /></u></i></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Whether
Valentine’s Day is your thing or not, I’m actually happy that we
retain a bit of mythic history regarding love and desire. This year,
try some self-love as well as that higher love that can encompass the
whole world. With 5 or 6 planets in Aquarius, what we send out into
the world can spread. So send out a love virus this year. We need
it.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-31702164395920525722021-01-27T12:38:00.002-08:002021-01-27T12:38:11.419-08:00 Re-mythologizing the World: St. Brigit's Day -- February 1st - 4th, 2021<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"> Re-Storying the World: Imbolc<br /></span></p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrl1Y5I3NHHacTFw812QJJavHSRIJ0b3YNCphTRAe8GL0xSvQBtfA2x7wFC7K8P6otxhQsFUCJvehyphenhyphencNGVprxgekcVj0UQCgwpiA8dfEicdb3_NkxALUQp5iBY-KiDS4y21wqI-yJJA4/s713/Brigid.Emily+Balivet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="713" data-original-width="570" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrl1Y5I3NHHacTFw812QJJavHSRIJ0b3YNCphTRAe8GL0xSvQBtfA2x7wFC7K8P6otxhQsFUCJvehyphenhyphencNGVprxgekcVj0UQCgwpiA8dfEicdb3_NkxALUQp5iBY-KiDS4y21wqI-yJJA4/w320-h400/Brigid.Emily+Balivet.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><u><b>St.
Brigit’s Day/Candlemas/Imbolc – February 1 – 4</b></u></i></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Perhaps it’s time to
‘re-story’ the world. So much of our American culture is new and
cutting edge that we’ve lost touch with the old, ancient meaning of
the important things in life.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Like
the seasons, </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">for
one thing. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Do you know that we are about
to enter the second phase of Winter, the time when the light will
grow quickly now? </span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">We keep a remnant of the old
beliefs about this time of year in our celebration of Groundhog’s
Day, when the groundhog peeks out of his hole and determines if
Spring is on its way. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">What
is actually happening is that the Sun, on its </span></span></span></span><i><u><b><a href="https://journeynorth.org/tm/mclass/ReasonsBack.html">journey
back North,</a></b></u></i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
has reached a point where it can now bring more light to the northern
hemisphere.</span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">There were many ancient
festivals celebrating this fact.</span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-decoration: none;">
<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
ancient Rome, February was the month to clean out your </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">inner
and outer</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
living space, letting go of the old year </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">to
make</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
space for </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">a
new beginning in</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
your life.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span></span></span></span></p><p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ugNWT8qXnXqVJSAM9o23Me8qw6f5t54GKqtyGj1S18XUw6W1bTsXUKFegHGJnQj_KNAfftsLK4pFyYnIHHCGre3CAbmeQAXRQ6H4pHelwbvu2t6X2yvSFDdgAK9eoMnRoQ5yeYtsTbM/s360/Wheel+of+the+Year.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="359" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ugNWT8qXnXqVJSAM9o23Me8qw6f5t54GKqtyGj1S18XUw6W1bTsXUKFegHGJnQj_KNAfftsLK4pFyYnIHHCGre3CAbmeQAXRQ6H4pHelwbvu2t6X2yvSFDdgAK9eoMnRoQ5yeYtsTbM/s320/Wheel+of+the+Year.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">In
the Celtic Wheel of the Year, this is the celebration of </span></span></span></span><i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Imbolc</span></span></span></i><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
one of the four cross-quarter </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">fire
holi</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">days
that occur halfway between the solstices and equinoxes at 15* of the
fixed, power signs of Aquarius, Taurus, Leo and Scorpio. </span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Imbolc
or St. Brigit’s Day, signals the first signs of Spring and the
return of light and life. It is the quickening of the year, the
time of pregnancy and expectancy of life which is still hidden but
just beginning to be seen. It’s the promise of renewal and the
awakening of Earth’s life-force. </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It
is also a time of prophecy </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">and
vision</span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
– the groundhog looking for his shadow!</span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 115%;"><strong><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">St.
Brigit/Bridget/Bride was the ancient Irish Mother Goddess, who was so
beloved that the Catholic Church turned her into a saint.</span></span></span></span></span></strong><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
She is the Triple Goddess, but at Imbolc she is in her Maiden aspect.
She is a Goddess of healing, poetry and smithcraft. She is a Goddess
of Fire, of the Sun and of the Hearth. She brings fertility to the
land and its people and is closely connected to midwives and new-born
babies. </span></span></span></span></span>
</p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Finally
the Catholic Church called this festival Candlemas, celebrating the
purification of Mary, the Lightbearer. This is the time when the
Church blesses all the candles they use during the year in ritual,
and they have a ritual where they bless people’s throats to protect
them from colds during the late winter months.</span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; text-align: center; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTO6TQuvnrQk8zETkVYpJMX_llDd5QXaEp8RsbD8VivLAkoq5KRgczwZW0I4PVWOBDlya9d8Nuhclo7CVgPTpUCjy2XXdMh4urn3kb9R8B8R6C2gfB5lUVJz0z-hEtX7ME7CvPMwhG17s/s700/brighid-the-flaming-arrow-helena-nelson-reed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="490" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTO6TQuvnrQk8zETkVYpJMX_llDd5QXaEp8RsbD8VivLAkoq5KRgczwZW0I4PVWOBDlya9d8Nuhclo7CVgPTpUCjy2XXdMh4urn3kb9R8B8R6C2gfB5lUVJz0z-hEtX7ME7CvPMwhG17s/w280-h400/brighid-the-flaming-arrow-helena-nelson-reed.jpg" width="280" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"><br /></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brigit/Brigid/Bride <br /></span></span></p><p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.56in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brigid,
the Celtic goddess of the fires of the forge and the hearth, of
poetry, healing, childbirth, and unity, is celebrated in many
European countries. She is known by many names, including that of
Saint Brigid who is, perhaps, the most powerful religious figure in
Irish history. Her cult was so powerful that the Celtic Christian
Church had to adopt her as a Saint, and the Roman Catholic Church
followed suit, for her people would not abandon her. Along with St.
Patrick, she is the patron Saint of Ireland. St. Brigid is often
referred to as Muire na nGael ‘Mary of the Gael’. The name
Brigit itself means either ‘Fiery Arrow’, ‘Bright One’, or
‘High One’ in the ancient Celtic language, referring to her solar
aspect, as she is a goddess of Light and Flame. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brigid,
Brigit or Brighid (pronounced Breed) is an important Celtic Triple
goddess, changing form from Maiden to Mother to Crone. She is the
patroness of poetry, healing and smithcraft, all different forms of
using the creative fires of life with practical and inspired wisdom.
As a solar deity Her attributes are light, inspiration and all skills
associated with fire. Although She might not be identified with the
physical Sun, She is certainly the benefactress of inner healing and
vital energy.</span></span></p><p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6cVpKxmhk8tfri__sU-b5W9tRZ68W2YwOjiZgtEO163FmtdsZc3PzYBiEMuo4fHDV4MoCybYkJ7W-UoJ_S07nh393LNwf1eafLkQ5WPB9DOfERQT_aCR6y-cglRzWb_N9aByTWSjFZA/s545/Brigid+triple+goddess.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="545" data-original-width="400" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ6cVpKxmhk8tfri__sU-b5W9tRZ68W2YwOjiZgtEO163FmtdsZc3PzYBiEMuo4fHDV4MoCybYkJ7W-UoJ_S07nh393LNwf1eafLkQ5WPB9DOfERQT_aCR6y-cglRzWb_N9aByTWSjFZA/w294-h400/Brigid+triple+goddess.png" width="294" /></a></span></span></div><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><p></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Robert
Graves calls her 'the White Goddess' but she's not all sweetness and
light—she has her dark side, especially if we don't hold up our
part of the bargain. She is a Muse that inspires, but can also be
fickle if we prove unworthy of her gift. We must do something with
that gift of creativity or we will lose it. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brigid
is a goddess of natural springs, those magical places on the Earth
where sacred and life-giving waters suddenly flow out of the Earth.
A gift of Life from Mother Earth. Ireland is full of springs and
wells named after the goddess Brigid. As Water deity, Brigid is the
patroness of healers, with many healing springs and wells dedicated
to Her throughout the British Isles. Symbolically, water is a portal
to the Otherworld and a source of wisdom and healing. Water is also
associated with psychic ability, music, and poetry. Natural bodies
of water were also sacred to her, particularly where three streams
join together. There is a saying that Brigid rewards any offering to
her, so offerings of coins were tossed into her wells...the
forerunner of the modern custom of throwing a penny into a fountain
while you make a wish. </span></span>
</p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One
of the most popular tales of the goddess Brigid involved two lepers
who appeared at her sacred well at Kildare and asked to be healed.
She told them that they were to bathe each other until the skin
healed. After the first one was healed, he felt only revulsion for
the other and would not touch him to bathe him. Angered, Brigid
caused his leprosy to return. Then she gently placed her mantle
(cloak) around the other leper who was immediately healed.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
story of Brigid's birth says a lot about her powers of vision, hope
and new life.</span></span></p>
<p align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Born
at the exact moment of daybreak, Brigid rose into the sky with the
sun, rays of fire beaming from her head. She was the daughter of
Dagda, the great 'father-god' of Ireland. Or perhaps in truth she
was here before the Dagda and was his solar mother.</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
infant goddess was fed with milk from a sacred cow from the
Otherworld. Brigid also owned an apple orchard in the Otherworld and
her bees would bring their magical nectar back to earth. It is said
that wherever she walked, small flowers and shamrocks would appear.
As a sun goddess her gifts are light (consciousness), inspiration,
and the vital and healing energy of the sun.</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> At
her most famous shrine Brigid taught humans how to gather and use
herbs for their healing properties, how to care for their livestock,
and how to forge iron into tools. As for this art of smithcraft, we
need both the hottest fires and cooling waters to temper our swords
and our plowshares. Both these elements spring from acting with
Love. As a goddess of childbirth and protector of all children, she
is the patroness of midwifery.</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> This
shrine, near Kildare, was located near an ancient Oak that was
considered to be sacred by the Druids, so sacred in fact that no one
was allowed to bring a weapon there. The shrine is believed to have
been an ancient college of priestesses who were committed to thirty
years of service, after which they were free to leave and marry.
During their first ten years they received training, the next ten
were spent tending the sacred wells, groves and hills of the goddess
Brigid, and the last decade was spent in teaching others. Nineteen
priestesses were assigned to tend the perpetual flame of the sacred
fire of Brigid. Each was assigned to keep the flames alive for one
day. On the twentieth day, the goddess Brigid herself kept the fire
burning brightly.</span></span></p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
Christian monastery eventually built upon the site of her sacred
shrine continued this tradition and became known as a great European
center of learning and culture. Indeed, it was instrumental in
preserving much ancient learning and literature during the Dark Ages.
</span></span>
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
goddess Brigid was also revered as the Irish goddess of poetry and
song. Known for her hospitality to poets, musicians, and scholars,
she is known as the Irish muse of poetry. So Brigid is the goddess
of Bards, musicians and poets, the Muse who inspires. Brigid's fire
and water nurtures our inspiration, our ability to 'breath in spirit'
which helps us create poetry as well as healing. She is our Muse,
who inspires our soul. </span></span>
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Brigit
is patroness of poetry and bardic lore as well as bards themselves,
who were the oral transmitters of the Celtic culture. This includes
storytellers, folklorists, mythologists, balladeers, singers,
composers, poets, musicians, particularly harpers, historians and
clan genealogists. She provided the ‘fire in the head’ of poetic
inspiration. The Bards are the surviving class of the Druids, keeping
the ancient traditions alive until the present day. Bards were the
honoured guests from cottage to castle, patronized and supported by a
network of clientele. The word </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>file</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
– poet, is related to the word </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>faic</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
– </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>to
see.</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Poets are inspired by the Other World, and have the gift of prophecy.
</span></span>
</p>
<p class="western" style="line-height: 150%; orphans: 0; text-indent: 0.5in; widows: 0;">
<span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
the patroness of poetry and bardic lore, she is the primal retainer
of culture and learning. The bansidhe and the filidh, Woman of the
Fairy Hills and the class of Seer-poets, respectively, preserve the
poetic function of Brigid by keeping the oral tradition alive. It is
widely believed that those poets who have gone before inhabit the
realms between the worlds, overlapping into ours so that the old
songs and stories will be heard and repeated. Thus does Brigid
fulfill the function of providing a continuity by inspiring and
encouraging us.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <b><i>Ritual Celebration:</i></b> <br /></span></span></p><p style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">If you want to start to ‘re-story’ your world, take time out</span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Liberation Serif, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> this Imbolc
to create a ritual to envision what your year will bring to you.
Light a candle, take a journey to the goddess’ cauldron of life and
let your creative imagination give you the clue to the next stage of
your life.</span></span></span></span></span>
</p>Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-32960586036448793292020-11-22T11:11:00.003-08:002020-11-23T07:57:48.622-08:00Enola Holmes: A Story of the emerging New Feminine Spirit<p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Enola Holmes: The Alone Girl</span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p align="center" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3bo8rdKCMkoNP6MT0TIPsbPqw9KJCGxjRhfIC5HGFMo0Voe7v5aDYNWgtpXTubbS_tCJlJuLvOKfe0yJZY_BamDcfK1G1v5zTcIDReMudAviyb5xo9AlAyPZ4fgacT7y0eQzXX6qLJ8/s1200/enola-holmes-movie-review-2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_3bo8rdKCMkoNP6MT0TIPsbPqw9KJCGxjRhfIC5HGFMo0Voe7v5aDYNWgtpXTubbS_tCJlJuLvOKfe0yJZY_BamDcfK1G1v5zTcIDReMudAviyb5xo9AlAyPZ4fgacT7y0eQzXX6qLJ8/s320/enola-holmes-movie-review-2020.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sherlock
Homes’ little sister. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just
as smart. Just as courageous. Just as curious. <i>(</i><i>but not
as valued</i><i>)</i></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She’s
a new type of girl, having to deal with an old-fashioned male mindset
and a sexist society. (<i>Sound familiar?</i>)</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She’s
a girl, raised by the wild and free feminine. (<i>I know some of
these wild maidens being raised by wild and free moms. They rock.</i>)</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
they’ll never get her to fit into their tidy little boxes.
(</span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Although capitalism
has us buying things in boxes, which keeps us boxe</i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>d
in</i></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>.)</i></span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TJWDaZaf59tIPwTxn0VbRa2evHfFfVvgY7SVzRQaY4R8s9e62L3B_q-2yRRrFaJAWcjSQ7qpzEXfNr80mPQCpmf5YfLTNlU7rkVX6QR61WZGKIVTFh07HGxYcCegF3jrO56ZLJtBnLI/s1280/Holmes+family.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2TJWDaZaf59tIPwTxn0VbRa2evHfFfVvgY7SVzRQaY4R8s9e62L3B_q-2yRRrFaJAWcjSQ7qpzEXfNr80mPQCpmf5YfLTNlU7rkVX6QR61WZGKIVTFh07HGxYcCegF3jrO56ZLJtBnLI/s320/Holmes+family.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
was so surprised at how much I enjoyed Enola Holmes. I hadn’t
heard anything about this movie and just chose it out of curiosity.
I always liked Sherlock’s stories. And the blurb said she solved
mysteries. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I
was pleasantly surprised because it was so much more than a mystery.
This is a great story about the rise of Feminine Spirit and how it
supports this young woman’s innate sense of freedom. (There are
some early feminist story threads throughout it.)</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Goddess really made a comeback in the 1970’s but we lost sight of
her a few decades later. Back then, the major thrust of the
feminist movement was into the outer world, demanding gender
equality. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In
the past 10 years, though, more women are finding their way to the
Goddess and to a reconnection to the Divine Feminine. They are taking
the inner, heroine’s journey to reconnect to our lost gifts and
wisdom. And now we are turning back out into the world with a new
vision and a new wisdom. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A
truly feminine wisdom. A triple Goddess type of wisdom.</span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNobOPj6o-sj_nz0r-y3OYcUcaRxv3gjyqMMlYHyyuUhor5arv6bExarcy7MB3y6UUA9QoY-Ani8jHAD-kap-bbOKfYxNCrX8DCO9EN8mN6A3lkkMOigowCI4t_4-7s-b7W8qNWXbvueI/s429/triple-goddess.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="429" data-original-width="266" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNobOPj6o-sj_nz0r-y3OYcUcaRxv3gjyqMMlYHyyuUhor5arv6bExarcy7MB3y6UUA9QoY-Ani8jHAD-kap-bbOKfYxNCrX8DCO9EN8mN6A3lkkMOigowCI4t_4-7s-b7W8qNWXbvueI/s320/triple-goddess.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Enola Holmes is the young Maiden, trained in feminine
consciousness along with masculine intellect, and then left to face
her initiation into womanhood.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Enola
was raised by a single mom who taught Enola how to activate and
integrate her body, mind and spirit. Her mom allowed Enola to
explore how to find her way naturally, awakening her native
intelligence. She let Enola’s curiosity and sense of fun steer her
studies, whether in learning tennis or reading the house’s entire
library. Science, learned in nature and in a lab, sparked her
curiosity further. </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3frlZ0tMuMHJ6QBJVSv7SR5njVA9Zs1v0FYzWkwj6WAG8auKv8Pw4thlz63f1nQZJ3sQAe_eiGtOu73wMdEAn-4mv7VdeisoCs3bWZXS1szk3DeVDO4lJNknfO8DkpfJGixOl129pd4/s600/demeter%2526persephone.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO3frlZ0tMuMHJ6QBJVSv7SR5njVA9Zs1v0FYzWkwj6WAG8auKv8Pw4thlz63f1nQZJ3sQAe_eiGtOu73wMdEAn-4mv7VdeisoCs3bWZXS1szk3DeVDO4lJNknfO8DkpfJGixOl129pd4/s320/demeter%2526persephone.png" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="font-size: small;">Demeter & Persephone</span></span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mother
and daughter were as close as close can be. Very much like Demeter
and Kore in ancient Greece. Bonded in love and mutual respect. But
like that ancient myth, this idyllic life had to be broken. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On
her 16<sup>th</sup> birthday, Enola wakes to find her mother gone
from the house. Disappeared, leaving all her belongings behind,
along with her daughter. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Enola,
so much younger than her two older brothers, hasn’t seen them in
years, but with her mother’s disappearance, they arrive to take
care of the house as well as Enola’s life.</span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99pySGA8kZxWJPxsTxhLrgcMyPAHh8yseq0hwGeU4MClmms63iCwZQfN4m_ShF8hpjnpDzkiiyoHRMXvFsrLyeShczprjEC0gfqdV2CJC9r4i8R205fwGj9TkdnnkjNC7YjU6c1I6Dj0/s600/enola-holmes-.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99pySGA8kZxWJPxsTxhLrgcMyPAHh8yseq0hwGeU4MClmms63iCwZQfN4m_ShF8hpjnpDzkiiyoHRMXvFsrLyeShczprjEC0gfqdV2CJC9r4i8R205fwGj9TkdnnkjNC7YjU6c1I6Dj0/s320/enola-holmes-.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: medium;"> <br /></span></span></div><p></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;">Sherlock, Mycroft and Enola<br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sherlock
is the brother Enola respects and emulates, collecting and studying
any news story about the crimes he’s solved. Sherlock is amused
and bemused, and intrigued by her wit. Watching to see who she is.
Often sympathizing with her.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mycroft
is another matter. He’s a stereotype of patriarchy – fussy,
dominating and sort of stupid. He becomes her guardian and is
appalled by her apparent lack of civilized manners. He’s the one
who plans to put her in a box, a girls’ finishing school, so she
can be married off.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
here is patriarchy thrown in Enola’s face. What will she do? How
will her upbringing help her?</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One
part of Elona’s initiation story is to find her lost mother.
Through many adventures and narrow escapes, Enola travels to London
seeking her. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: medium;">The
other part of her initiation story is to help a young man develop a
spine and face his power. In following the clues and trusting her
intuition and her logic, she proves herself the equal of Sherlock and
the ban of Mycroft!</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m
sure there are lots of women and their daughters who will love this
movie.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So
many women today are teaching their daughters the magic of feminine
nature and power – to let instinct guide, to learn through
connection, to let curiosity lead the way – as well as the mastery
of masculine logic and will.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At
some point, these young women will be thrust into the world and have
to face patriarchal rules and opinions. If they use their feminine
wits, charm, grace and intelligence, as Enola did, they will maneuver
quite well in the world. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They
need to be fearless yet cautious. Smart yet willing to learn.
Secretive yet open to help. They need a vision to follow into the
world. And they have to deal with whatever adventures come their way
as they follow their path. These are the fairy tale tests the hero
or heroine must deal with on her way to her goal. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
of course, all women need training in martial arts – each of us needs
to know how to defend ourselves if we get in scary situations.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Let’s
recognize what</span><span style="font-size: medium;"> feminine
consciousness </span><span style="font-size: medium;">achieves</span><span style="font-size: medium;">.
</span><span style="font-size: medium;">By </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Enola,</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
the feminine, holding true to herself,</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span><span style="font-size: medium;">she</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
frees the young masculine </span><span style="font-size: medium;">lord</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
and sets him on his course to do the right thing. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Because</span><span style="font-size: medium;">
he listens to her. </span><span style="font-size: medium;">Because
he respects her. </span>
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She
is the new feminine spirit at work in the world.</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
Enola and her mom state, “Our future is up to us!”</span></p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><br />
</p>
<p style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Enola
Holmes, based on a YA series by Nancy Springer, is on Netflix. I
highly recommend it to women and girls. And the men who love them.</span></p>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-9702236978899782822020-06-01T16:59:00.004-07:002020-06-01T16:59:49.451-07:00The Great Realisation: How 2020 changed our lives.<span style="font-size: large;">This is a wonderful little story. About Us. About the old world and the new one we're creating.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> Enjoy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>
<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Nw5KQMXDiM4" width="560"></iframe>Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-50119343355615057912019-12-23T08:15:00.002-08:002023-12-21T08:34:46.130-08:00Winter Solstice: The ReBirth of the Light<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">This is a story
about Grace. Do you know what Grace is? No? Well, Grace is a gift
that Spirit bestows on all of us, regardless of whether we deserve it
or not. It is an unexpected gift of Love, which we need to recognize
and be thankful for. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-wzPy08LvAq0AqLApS_3bWErFFtSO4xphy03MxI02eewyYhLE4QAuBdxarspH0gOUmUBmavPbfzoSvE_0oa5hRRmZhUtzJ2OhwTkasPveE26shgZXSUCvWZt1E_91FvZRCMsJ8ob7aw/s1600/Winter+Solstic+Mother+and+Child.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="237" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-wzPy08LvAq0AqLApS_3bWErFFtSO4xphy03MxI02eewyYhLE4QAuBdxarspH0gOUmUBmavPbfzoSvE_0oa5hRRmZhUtzJ2OhwTkasPveE26shgZXSUCvWZt1E_91FvZRCMsJ8ob7aw/s320/Winter+Solstic+Mother+and+Child.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Once upon a time,
there was a land shrouded in darkness. This was not always so; at
one time, it had been a land of great Light and warmth and beauty. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Until the Darkness
appeared. And things began to change.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">At first, the
Darkness was just a vague impression on the edge of sight, an
uneasiness that tickled awareness—then fled. Over time, the tickle
turned into a shiver as the Darkness sent out tendrils, like
premonitions, in the night. People were not afraid, however, for one
reason: this Darkness made the Light in the land even more beautiful
and radiant. The Darkness became a riddle that called out for an
answer. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">But as time went on
and the riddle went unanswered, people forgot to notice and give
thanks for the Light, for they were fascinated by the Darkness. And
slowly, over time, the Darkness spread and the Light became dimmer
and dimmer, though the people didn't even notice that the Light had
changed. You see, their eyes became accustomed to the dimness and
they could see just as well as ever, or so they thought.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">But not everyone
forgot the beauty of the Light that used to cover the land.
Sometimes these people read about it in old books; oftentimes they
dreamed about it; and some passed the knowledge of it down within
their families from generation to generation. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">And in not
forgetting the Light, it turned out that it lived on in their
imaginations so brightly that it filled their eyes with its very own
clarity, and they could see things that other people could not see.
But the ones who remembered were only a few compared to the others,
and if they talked about what they could see, they were most often
ignored and sometimes reviled.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Eventually the land
grew so dark that more people began to acknowledge that they really
couldn't see very well at all! But since there were so many others
still stumbling around in the dark, everything became even more
chaotic and frantic. In short, things got even worse! </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">And the Darkness
deepened.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">One day, a woman sat
watching her children at play. This woman was neither young nor yet
very old, and her children were not babes nor yet were they grown.
And because she was one of those who loved the memory of the Light,
and imagined it and longed for it until it shone in her eyes, she saw
something no one else saw. She saw her children, who were filled
with a sense of her own inner Light, growing dimmer and dimmer with
each passing day, for the full weight of the Darkness around them was
too hard to fight off. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Gradually a resolve
grew in this mother until one night when she put her children to bed,
she told them she was leaving on a journey to find the Light. Since
she didn’t know how long she’d be gone, she wanted them to take
care of each other, to love each other, and to remember her own love
for them every day. She promised she’d come back to them as soon
as she could.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvbkshkdi_x48uVMjaRJB1Pnjg4xycg8Gy7aWu0GJoCDYBoESviEUZUjufbAZQPrDml2sC_qtzsKmY7Z9kWv8gtR3XDENdBtlIO1CAIdei-7tIeuikv_sZaTJnbd_f0XVhBzXwNDo204/s1600/Winter+solstice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="361" data-original-width="500" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvbkshkdi_x48uVMjaRJB1Pnjg4xycg8Gy7aWu0GJoCDYBoESviEUZUjufbAZQPrDml2sC_qtzsKmY7Z9kWv8gtR3XDENdBtlIO1CAIdei-7tIeuikv_sZaTJnbd_f0XVhBzXwNDo204/s320/Winter+solstice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The woman set out
that very night, determined to travel to the source of the Light
which used to cover the land, and entreat it to come back with her.
Although she had no idea where to begin her search, she walked
through the cold lonely winter night with great joy in her heart,
despite her worry at leaving her children. For she rejoiced in the
thought of seeing the Light at last, the Light she had loved and
imagined all her life. She soon found herself singing to the Light
in the dark of the night. And although their own light was very much
dimmed in that land, still the stars and the Moon in heaven heard
that mother's song, and they sang back to her melodies of the glory
she was searching for.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">In the morning, the
woman came to the outskirts of a village. But something was terribly
wrong! Trees had been uprooted and left to rot; the fields had been
dug up in piles of dirt, while all the animals in the fields looked
as if no one had taken them back to the barn for weeks! In the
village, it was even worse. People scurried around like unsettled
ants. They were so focused on looking for </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>something
</i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">they completely
ignored the woman, even when she called out to them. She had never
seen such chaos! </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The villagers were
dismantling their homes, turning up the streets, peering into dark
places. When she finally managed to get someone to stop and speak to
her, she was told there was a great treasure of gold hidden somewhere
within the village, and whoever found it would be rich beyond
imagining. Then before she could ask another question, the villager
rushed off to continue his search.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Shaken by what she
was seeing, the woman came upon the village green—a small patch of
undisturbed green grass with one white bare-branched birch tree. As
she walked over to rest under the tree, she saw the most beautiful
golden glow (like the glow of a summer sunrise in our world!). When
she came to the tree, she saw within the golden light a carved wooden
chest full of gold coins! </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibP1QJwN0z97WbUCKHZRcLIh735HGjk0Wi6_HJVdr657IHnr-sHVM6y9wCzFF0Vh2WRHzYZXos-192Qi6qi7diDZo43gPNoYZJWbiKcioiq5OYMa4bfCTUkhKdbChknfV7Xbz9E1EW6BI/s1600/Paper_Birch_Tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibP1QJwN0z97WbUCKHZRcLIh735HGjk0Wi6_HJVdr657IHnr-sHVM6y9wCzFF0Vh2WRHzYZXos-192Qi6qi7diDZo43gPNoYZJWbiKcioiq5OYMa4bfCTUkhKdbChknfV7Xbz9E1EW6BI/s320/Paper_Birch_Tree.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">There, right in the
midst of the village, was the gold in plain sight! Yet obviously, no
one saw it. As a matter of fact, she began to notice that people's
eyes glazed over as they looked in the direction of the green, as if
they couldn't even see the tree—as if they saw nothing at all!
Then they quickly turned their gaze away and began seriously
squinting at the ground they had already gone over. The woman watched
this for a while, then sighing, shook her head, silently turning to
go. It was not for her to take the gold, even if she could carry it
away. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">At the edge of the
green she stopped, for she noticed a young man </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-style: normal;">building</span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">a house. As she
watched him, she saw that he had the eyes of a dreamer, and that
there was some Light in him. So she went to him and brought him to
the tree, and asked what he could see. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Why,
the tree of course! And the green, green grass.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The mother looked in
his eyes and asked if he could see anything else. He held her gaze
and then blinked and looked again. </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Well,
he couldn’t say for sure, but he did imagine there was a hazy
golden something in the air. </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">So
he asked the woman to describe the gold to him and perhaps he could
imagine what it looked like. The woman described the light and the
gold, and before very long the young man could see the skillful
workmanship of the carved chest, and the abundance and goldenness of
the coins. The woman told him to take the gold and use it to help
the villagers rebuild their homes after the madness of the search
passed. And the young man solemnly promised to do it.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienCGXhPGOeNUYrVYGiVAsCQTxaam_RW4IA90RfqYggm-d8gO2xxMu9hQXK9WxIWCyGGOu2R4Cue08mv2cHGIRLDH5xQVu04da9Juz0aZc1tRw3yOtaNmGSt9NqmevukVQWamhDw8gOAQ/s1600/icy+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="672" data-original-width="1007" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEienCGXhPGOeNUYrVYGiVAsCQTxaam_RW4IA90RfqYggm-d8gO2xxMu9hQXK9WxIWCyGGOu2R4Cue08mv2cHGIRLDH5xQVu04da9Juz0aZc1tRw3yOtaNmGSt9NqmevukVQWamhDw8gOAQ/s320/icy+road.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">At nightfall, the
woman found herself deep in the woods near an ash tree on a grassy
knoll. Pulling her cloak tightly around her, she lay down under the
tree, planning to rest for a few hours before continuing on her way. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">As she slept, she
dreamed a luminous Moon came down out of the heavens and sank into
the Earth beneath the tree. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMhnYoj4VM-OtgrJ_D_woKs719YAvzDj_ChhZk1VTIIO3C32esdoF4b8aGQUoMD7OjFs8kI5gDCyqKiGye9ndxwomau02tr7G2AOtloJaXkqy4rjeZl__nFTKZyEcAZf2CyfwtrlZrBw/s1600/WinterSolstice2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1243" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMhnYoj4VM-OtgrJ_D_woKs719YAvzDj_ChhZk1VTIIO3C32esdoF4b8aGQUoMD7OjFs8kI5gDCyqKiGye9ndxwomau02tr7G2AOtloJaXkqy4rjeZl__nFTKZyEcAZf2CyfwtrlZrBw/s320/WinterSolstice2.jpg" width="248" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> Elana Gibeault</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">She got up to search
for it and started digging up the dirt around the roots, until she
came upon a pearl-like crystal, which shed its milky light upon the
tree, giving it a glimmering sheen. The light grew brighter and her
heart filled with hope that she had finally found what she was
seeking. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Suddenly the
villagers were all around her and when they saw the light-giving
crystal, they took out their pick-axes and hammers and began chipping
away at the stone, until all the light disappeared and there were
only shards of crystal left scattered on the ground.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The woman awoke,
crying. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">She desperately
searched the darkness of the surrounding forest, fearful that the
villagers had come, but there were only the animals and birds of that
place, making little adjustments in their dens and nests. She looked
at the knoll beneath the tree, and without thinking began digging in
the ground. Very soon she came upon the shining stone of her dream,
and with an anguished cry, she stopped. She didn't want to expose
the light, but it was her only clue to finding the Light. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">What should she do?
What should she do? </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">She sat there,
waiting . . . waiting for an answer. And before long it came. She
heard a gentle voice telling her to </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Come
in</i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">. But </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>come
in </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">where? </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Why
into the stone, of course! </i></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i> </i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">
</span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">And once again
without thinking, the woman stretched out her hand to the stone and
suddenly found herself slipping into its pearly light. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Once inside the
luminous light, she was filled with such sweet warmth that it brought
to mind an old memory of a time when her grandmother rocked her to
sleep. In truth, she felt as if she was being held within a woman's
arms, all safe and snug and listening to a lullaby about the beauty
of the Light that used to shine upon the land. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Her quest! And
with the memory came a voice that bide her to </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>go
on</i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">, on through the
luminescence in search of the source of the Light. She felt a gentle
shove on her back and started walking, even though she could discern
no path for her feet to follow. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Quite unexpectedly,
she found herself in darkness again, but this time a very warm,
almost cozy darkness. Before long, she realized she could see what
was around her, because unlike the upper world, this lower world's
darkness was very alive! She saw all the flower bulbs tucked into
the Earth for the winter, just as snug as her own children in their
beds at night. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">She saw the roots of
trees stretching down into the Earth, just as their branches reached
up to the heavens above. There were rivers and streams of pure
water, flowing through crystal rocks, as well as solid rivers of
gold, silver and copper veining the ledge. The stones themselves
were so colorful, they rivaled our most beautiful sunsets, and there
were gem stones that twinkled like the stars in heaven! She walked
past all these wonders until she came to the center of the Earth, and
in that crystal cavern, beyond a pool of azure water, she saw a
glorious Light.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Gazing across the
watery depths, her heart thundered and tears flowed down her cheeks.
Here was the Light she was seeking. On the wings of that joy, she
suddenly found herself standing before the source of that Light.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">There, in the heart
of a shining halo, was a Baby, a most wondrous and beautiful Child.
And just as mothers always do, that mother couldn't help but smile
with love at the sight of the tiny baby enfolded in the Light. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The
Child looked at the woman with a tender smile and she seemed to hear
it say to her, </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I’ve
waited for you so long! How glad I am you’ve finally come." </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i> </i></span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">With these words,
the woman's heart grew large with love and she bent over to pick up
the Child, cradling the baby in her arms. She wrapped the baby
inside her cloak and turning, left the cavern. She made her way back
to the pearly chamber, and as she passed through, she felt a
feather-light kiss upon her brow and knew that she was loved just as
surely as she loved the small baby in her arms. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">She couldn’t say
for sure when she finally left the luminous light behind and emerged
into the wintry night, because the pearly light and the first
snowflakes blended into each other. As she hurried home with her
precious burden, the snowflakes drifted down faster and faster from
the night sky, and she had to go slower and slower. But a Light
shone from within her cloak where the Child lay next to her heart,
and as she went on, the animals of the forest and the winged ones of
the air saw the Light and followed after her.</span></span></div>
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<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">She silently passed
through the village, now quiet and cozy under its blanket of snow.
As she passed, the young dreamer suddenly awoke in his chair next to
his hearth, and with a cry of delight, ran out into the snowy night.
Then the children of the village woke up from their sleep and ran to
their windows to see the Light filling the night with splendor, and
they called joyously to their parents to </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Come
out! Come out!</i></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>And
see the great wonder.</i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">The mother finally
approached her own village, followed by a great crowd of humans and
animals. She was so intent on getting home to her own children that
she didn’t see they were already hurrying down the road to meet
her, for the Light now flew before her and filled the night. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">When the mother saw
her children standing there in the snowy night, her face lit up and
she stumbled through the snow to embrace them. Then, gently
unclasping her cloak, she bent down to show them the baby. A great
glory shone from the Child, and all the creatures there that night
imagined that they each sheltered the baby from the storm. Everyone
felt their hearts open and they smiled, just as anyone would smile at
the sight of a beautiful newborn baby, and the Child smiled
contentedly back. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">No one could quite
remember when the Child and the Light began to fade away with the
storm, except the mother who heard the silent farewell in her heart.
The stars glittered brightly in the cold dark sky and the Moon sent
down her blessing. Blessed with this unexpected grace, the people
felt a great peace and joy descend upon them, the Light once again
shining in their eyes. The animals and the birds sang out their own
joy, and there was great rejoicing all around. And in the days that
followed, the humans and animals made a peace which exists to this
day.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">And from that night,
the Light and the image of the Child lived on in their hearts, and it
spread from heart to heart, until the Light was as bright as it had
once been in the land. Now, all people could see and love the Light,
but they didn’t reject the Darkness, for they had finally solved
the riddle. They knew that the Darkness had a beauty all its own. </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh444IKSP7wOnHMPvKVaWe-rSl-2wSCzzq6ljdzevVFB8weM_LVvgN8cmrMFxkYxLrQqwnT3IjRsCnEhZ-N9qgJlDWjovrR2fD-WQK7deSHgByt1Ub-wZwC5ZccJvRjDlsXi4wmDrCK_Q/s1600/starry+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="403" data-original-width="403" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh444IKSP7wOnHMPvKVaWe-rSl-2wSCzzq6ljdzevVFB8weM_LVvgN8cmrMFxkYxLrQqwnT3IjRsCnEhZ-N9qgJlDWjovrR2fD-WQK7deSHgByt1Ub-wZwC5ZccJvRjDlsXi4wmDrCK_Q/s320/starry+night.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span> </div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">For it was in the
Darkness that the light of the stars and the Moon brought to mind the
Child of Light who had come back to them on that cold and snowy
winter's night. </span></span>
</div>
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Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-56833318626208487832019-10-20T12:35:00.002-07:002019-10-20T12:35:54.715-07:00The Grimm's Fairy Tale Allerleirauh told by Cathy PaganoI recently was on my friend Kelly Beard's class call, talking about the different goddesses who traveled to the Underworld for transformation. Venus is in Scorpio now so she is making her own descent to release old love wounds.<br />
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As an example of this type of descent is the Grimm Brothers' fairy tale "Allerleirauh". It is a story of how modern women are father's daughters and how we have to 'leave the father's house' behind if we want to be free.<br />
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Here's is my audio version of <a href="https://drive.google.com/open?id=1vP05DQmI5lC32N6LL0K8rwdwMbN3XG3l" target="_blank">Allerleirauh</a>:(click link)<br />
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<br />Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-29619414332710663082018-05-30T17:13:00.000-07:002018-05-30T17:12:59.996-07:00Storytelling Video Blog on hold for now.I jumped the gun on this one. And the computer isn't helping.<br />
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Watch for the video coming soon.<br />
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CathyCathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-17006144861533906032017-04-08T09:24:00.002-07:002017-05-02T08:55:33.098-07:00The Goddess Speaks: Mother Eve's Tale, Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">The Goddess Speaks </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Mother Eve's Tale, Part 1</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
World Soul</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
Goddess Speaks</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
is time, and past time, don’t you think? Many men have worked to
create an amazing world, but they did it without women’s guiding
hand. And in the end, they've created death rather than Life. Now the Earth is
dying: her waters polluted, her air poisoned, her fires fierce and
destructive, her body ripped opened and abused, her people afraid and unsure.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">It
is time, and past time, for </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>women
of spirit</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"> to step
forward </span><span style="font-size: small;">and reclaim our
ancient powers:</span><span style="font-size: small;"> to help
the old die and </span><span style="font-size: small;">to
</span><span style="font-size: small;">guide us into a new
birth. </span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Therefore,
I ask you to join me in calling on the <i>Divine Feminine Spirit of
Life</i>, who holds the feminine powers that we’ll need to
re-create our society. </span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Each
and every </span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>goddess
and heroine of legend</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
has had her story stolen by patriarchy. So now it is time for us to
hear their true stories, for these stories will give us courage to
face the future, compassion to help the world and power to accomplish
it.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">L</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">et
us begin at the beginning. The </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>First
One, Mother Eve</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
wants to set her story straight. </span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><u><b>Eve,
the Mother of Us All</b></u></i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
look at my world and weep. </span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
weep that my human children have chosen to be so cruel and
unconscious that they are killing my beautiful creation. I weep for
my healing waters and fresh air; I weep for the web of life broken; I
weep for all my children, dying so that a few might live. </span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For
those children who can hear me, I will tell my true story so you may
know what I created for you. </span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">
</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Eve
Speaks:</i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Don’t
believe all the stories you’ve heard about Eve,</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Adam, the
Serpent and the Garden. They are twisted out of shape, just as part
of Adam is twisted and broken. What happened to Adam changed him on
a cellular level. Do you know that all </i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>my
</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>human children
start life with 2 X chromosomes (female)? And that it is only after
a few months </i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i>of
gestating</i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i> that
one of the X chromosomes mutates into a Y chromosome (male)? </i></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>When
the Father of Lies mutated Adam’s second X chromosome into a Y,
Adam lost his innate ability to go within to connect with Spirit.
He lost his connection to the Source and cursed his sons to live in servitude to an outer god, rather than to their own inner Spirit. </i></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Through
the millennia, my sons have struggled to find that Source within, but
most have seen it as sacrifice and struggle rather than as acceptance
and joy. And they have grown jealous of and fear my daughters, who
have retained their connection, for they are the Life-Givers. And so
they hid the Truth behind their lies, and now they believe those
lies.</i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>It’s
time to set the story straight. Adam’s sons have tried to stop my
daughters from living by their natural connection to Source. Eve’s
daughters are still vilified, ignored, enslaved and abused around the
world. But now many of my daughters are strong, and they stand up
for themselves. They are acknowledging their connection to each
other and to Mother Earth, and they are again living from their
Source. They will do wonders. </i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Blessed Be! </i></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>That
is why we need to tell these stories – the stories of our feminine
powers, so that women and men will know their true nature. And
what is our true nature? Adam’s sons would have it be War. But
our true nature is Love!</i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>So
Yes. It happened in the Garden. Adam banished himself from our
blissful existence. That part’s true. But that old story you grew
up with gives you a bit of the truth, but it points you in the wrong
direction. </i></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Fake
News indeed!</b></i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>In
the Beginning...</b></i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
am Eve, an avatar of the life-force of this glorious cosmos. I have
danced with galaxies, made love with gods and given birth to worlds,
and so I was sent to nurture a jewel amongst planets. I was sent here
to </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">this
planet</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
to bring it </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">LIFE</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
Specifically, I was sent to Earth to create a </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">GARDEN,</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
a place of beauty and grace and peace. It’s what I do best.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">danced</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
the cosmic rhythms of life upon this planet, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">seeing</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
its potentials,</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
singing</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">LIFE
</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">into
the dirt, the waters, the fires and the air. I woke the planet’s
energy body and watched it coalesce. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When
my Earth was born, She lit up the heavens with her energy. </span></span>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ41mQ5scIw7O12uw6In8vcx8LiZmJ02O2n_fZ1DeA45rAm154twHpUZKfGAbOBgl9vTIdUOpPT99qf36peurtQLZLsJiKRy4IWg5Jw74hzLoWNXGnG7pmCaTraxn5XApUBjxhzRxm1FU/s1600/Goddess+of+the+Earth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ41mQ5scIw7O12uw6In8vcx8LiZmJ02O2n_fZ1DeA45rAm154twHpUZKfGAbOBgl9vTIdUOpPT99qf36peurtQLZLsJiKRy4IWg5Jw74hzLoWNXGnG7pmCaTraxn5XApUBjxhzRxm1FU/s320/Goddess+of+the+Earth.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></span> </div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then
I began to channel Her energies into more life.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
enticed plants to grow and thrive on sunlight, just as I did. I gave
them colors to play with and shapes to best suit them. And then
asked the trees to grow tall to shade us from the fierce heat of my
young sun. <i>And it was good.</i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
leapt and let the air currents sweep me where they would, dispersing
seeds, spreading abundant life. Churning the oceans. Refreshing my
Earth. I birthed my winged children to help. I gathered moisture and
wove clouds and danced on them. <i>And it rained.</i></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MU_pRf0qtAVJeC1vDwm-yEgEPT6IlU5yWAdq9vsKmeDmY1lLq525Pdq60tHF2ci0jE7YNG1PfmcM9wTK7-W9JxcoOWF1e5ddIqRzg2StBUzOrk4g4LYKSX3T3tMjTwLi-1Y6cKXMGoI/s1600/dolphins.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MU_pRf0qtAVJeC1vDwm-yEgEPT6IlU5yWAdq9vsKmeDmY1lLq525Pdq60tHF2ci0jE7YNG1PfmcM9wTK7-W9JxcoOWF1e5ddIqRzg2StBUzOrk4g4LYKSX3T3tMjTwLi-1Y6cKXMGoI/s1600/dolphins.jpg" /></a></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i> </span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
swam in the deep waters of Earth and gave birth to magnificent
children who knew how to go with the flow and when to stay rooted. I
blessed the springs that quenched my thirst with healing and delight.
<i>And it was good</i>.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I
traveled the lava roads, midwifing new lands from fire and earth.
Each land had a voice I listened to. I discovered what it wanted to
bear—forests and meadows, blossoms and fruits, deserts and plains.
<i>And so it did.</i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTnZmCCKHpbgi4aTvDN0jLQX3Hr3fYaOBw1oSV9hULXzQZNhfj8xXS1nlWpdIYHAob_0cIo6xBCyikMI2z6UIw4amUhoWL9w7R1nDhcp8j4-vSSvFBpYrpBoGkDDpv8YyNESHLRbxpAs/s1600/Magical+Forestg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTnZmCCKHpbgi4aTvDN0jLQX3Hr3fYaOBw1oSV9hULXzQZNhfj8xXS1nlWpdIYHAob_0cIo6xBCyikMI2z6UIw4amUhoWL9w7R1nDhcp8j4-vSSvFBpYrpBoGkDDpv8YyNESHLRbxpAs/s1600/Magical+Forestg.jpg" /></a></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then
I blessed the holy ground I walked on, called on the rains, drew in
the fires of creation and asked the World Tree to gather us in Her
arms. To hold and sustain us, as She does with all the worlds. And
She did. </span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiW-coCYz6J5A5puiwfEGhXa9MKGOpNUoptpW02HcrtnKSzTxsy-VnaU5ybF68AV713wnQWd7WdhjwlRzxscLkNCSL6giJYkHE8qqTQVnc1gS-YfliQ3BqpDbItE12NafQ54FFUI5wHd8/s1600/Dancing+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiW-coCYz6J5A5puiwfEGhXa9MKGOpNUoptpW02HcrtnKSzTxsy-VnaU5ybF68AV713wnQWd7WdhjwlRzxscLkNCSL6giJYkHE8qqTQVnc1gS-YfliQ3BqpDbItE12NafQ54FFUI5wHd8/s320/Dancing+tree.jpg" width="287" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
my Beloved Earth took hold of herself, I shaped my Garden around the
Tree, with sights and sounds and tastes and smells to delight and
refresh the senses. For the blessings of life are joy and beauty.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Thus,
I called forth the foundation of this Earth of ours – Nature, which
is a single entity, a unified whole. A living presence. And Earth
herself awoke.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then
Earth gave birth to more children, for now she was a co-creator with
me. <i>And </i><i>it was good.</i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">For
an eternity, I walked in my Garden with Strength and Pride, Subtlety
and Loyalty. You know their forms as lioness, horse, snake and wolf.
Innocence came to me as a unicorn and power flew over me in the
shape of a mighty dragon. Each <i>being</i> in my Garden was a source
of living light and knowledge, part of Earth’s dance of life. <i>And
it was glorious</i>.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCa2o7qgxJC7P0BNEbu-qi1e3OdjNvd_PgOJLjsxWNi_22IACxwdY6msHmGW6LDWmYKOnlCNLNaG5SSma7bPp2OnIAtAoE6zmfUJNvFyb2RtD_In0ygnx_5lnop1ubhH8RmLKVQnw7fjs/s1600/Lioness+goddess.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCa2o7qgxJC7P0BNEbu-qi1e3OdjNvd_PgOJLjsxWNi_22IACxwdY6msHmGW6LDWmYKOnlCNLNaG5SSma7bPp2OnIAtAoE6zmfUJNvFyb2RtD_In0ygnx_5lnop1ubhH8RmLKVQnw7fjs/s320/Lioness+goddess.jpg" width="226" /></a></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So
abundant is my Beloved Earth’s imagination that soon my Garden was
home to every variety of Life that we could imagine and shape. Our
children came and went, learned to hunt, to couple and to die.
<i>And it was all good</i>. </span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Everywhere
I walked, I walked in beauty. All my children lived in beauty and
harmony, life and death flowing in cycles as we orbited our sun in an
eternity of bliss. But even bliss can deepen.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdzMMYsQJz9s-8XQ05IVQbWmO44kMmhY-_-cNX5LR9Umb-64ZjghCHI6nhRzUyy5cMgN0BNdNE12dvsfpwWhpykvGouFBKP_vnQNoprZ01xSowuMSvIXmAkup3OhstumiNp7d_Gqbdhk/s1600/light_body.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZdzMMYsQJz9s-8XQ05IVQbWmO44kMmhY-_-cNX5LR9Umb-64ZjghCHI6nhRzUyy5cMgN0BNdNE12dvsfpwWhpykvGouFBKP_vnQNoprZ01xSowuMSvIXmAkup3OhstumiNp7d_Gqbdhk/s320/light_body.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">One
day as I walked alone, a </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">sudden
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">wish
of my heart grew strong in me. It soon overflowed my heart and
filled me with such delight that I shaped it into a song. As I gave
it my voice, the song rang out into my Garden, a </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">star burst
of energy, like the birth of a sun</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">And
it was </span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">very
</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">good.</span></i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As
my song filled the Garden, my Beloved Earth rose up and gathered the
song to Herself, shaping a form of clay and dirt, green leaves and
warm sunshine, clear water and soft breezes. Shaping her response to
my longing. Offering her gift to me.</span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Adam. My mate. My Green Man. He who would share this paradise with
me. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And
so we did, for many eternities. Surrounded by our living Garden, we
knew each other and </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">all
our relations who </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">lived
within</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Mother Earth’</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">s
sheltering arms</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
We shared our blessings and</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
it was </span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">very
</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">good.</span></i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Your
Genesis book turns the truth around. Their story says that Adam
named the animals and plants, and was to have dominion over them, but
that is not true. My beautiful Earth is alive and each of her
aspects has its own name. We are part of one being. Together Adam
and I communed in our Garden with the spirits of the trees and
plants; of the shape shifting waters, the rain, the snow; of the
8-fold winds, the divine fragrances; the wild flames, the secret
fires. The magic and mystery of this Earth was your blessing. </span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
the Garden, we shared our essence and we knew our grace and
blessings. </span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Later,
I watched in sorrow as Adam put a name to their essence, locking them
into a singular form by the power of his newly acquired Word. Naming
was only the beginning. I watched Adam learn to dominate instead of
cultivate. My heart cried to see him so. </span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">And
where did he learn that? From the Father of Lies. Oh yes, there was
a serpent in my Garden, but it wasn’t mine. <span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">He
came down from the heavens in his chariot of fire. When he stepped
onto my Earth, she cried out in pain. For </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">she
felt his great fear and will to dominate the creative</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
chaos </span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">of
life</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Her
life. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And
so it was that Adam came to be tested. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">And
he </span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">chose
power over Love</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
cosmic being</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
came to test, to dominate, to destroy. If he could. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">You
know him by the </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">name
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">of</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Yahweh, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">the
demi-god who call</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">s</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
himself – </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
AM THAT I AM</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
He came and seduced Adam, with his tricks and illusions, his ideas
and delusions. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">When
he first appeared, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Adam
was wary of him. He didn’t trust his </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">smell</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
And I told him truthfully what I knew </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">from
other worlds. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">That
Yahweh</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
is a</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
demi</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">-god,
a cosmic principle, shaped</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">on</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
a desert planet, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">harsh
in judgment, jealous of his power, eloquent in his use of words. He
is </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">one</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
who travels the galaxies looking for followers. He lives off their
energy and they keep him alive. Your Christian Gnostics knew him as
such. </span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yahweh
bewitches</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
with Words – </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">in
the beginning was the Word and the Word was God-- </span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">spoken
with power. He told Adam he would teach him to create in a new way –
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">with
words of Power, and </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">by
the power of Naming. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">He
</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">promised</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
him </span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">a
new</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">
magic, </span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">one
that would give him power over life instead of just creating </span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">life</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">He
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">seduced
Adam and</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
capture</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">d</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
his heart </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">with
the desire to </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Name</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">which</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
Adam was </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">already</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">beginning
to discover on his own</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
But instead of growing into his new consciousness naturally, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">he
allowed </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yahweh
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">to</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
forc</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">e</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">his
growth. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yahweh
did it by stealing one of my apples and offering it to Adam. He told
him I was keeping a great secret from Adam, a power I refused to
share. He created a division in Adam’s heart, and whispered lies.
And finally, Adam believed him. And asked for Yawhew’s </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">blessing.</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Yahweh
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">mutated
Adam as he ate the apple until all that he heard </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">within
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">was</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
– </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
am that I am</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">,
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
am that I am, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
am that I am. </span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">The
Father of Lies</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
enticed Adam to go against his </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">own
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">nature
– </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">he
commanded Adam to</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
stop listening within to the voice of S</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">ource</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And
to only</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
listen to Yahweh’s voice. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">And
to Yawhew's rules. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">I
am that I am. I am that I am. I am that I am.</span></i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">Adam
listened and obeyed.</span></i></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">He
</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-weight: normal;">destroyed
the Balance</span></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>Truthfully,
</b></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>t</b></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>his</b></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>
is the original sin</b></i></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><b>.
So stop blaming it on me and my snakes. </b></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></span>
</div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "liberation" serif , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Th</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">is</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
wound has been passed down to Adam’s sons. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">This
is the Fisher King’s wound and only the Grail – Love – will
redeem them. </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I</span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">t
is my hope that my daughters will help them heal this mutation, this
wound. So they can reclaim their inheritance, </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">so
we can all heal this wondrous Garden.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "lucida sans unicode" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>Copyright 2017 Cathy Pagano All Rights Reserved. </i> </span></span></span></span></div>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-6764679570873253122016-10-24T15:55:00.004-07:002021-10-31T07:41:53.032-07:00Samhain: All Hallow's Eve: Honoring Death
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus, serif; font-size: large;"><span><b>Samhain: Honoring Death<br /></b></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG153QM4xE3WRMNHA3LoLx4WflcHKWmnzFM9lORTYcwxQwxjdjYCmuwzeDHkPl5zkFNcwUJCeIwD7NjAOK4QsAArFLAaAEZ7HZ840NBiiIfsLIEJWyl0astXiFwZ0My5_agjZuhxMsgOo/s367/Samhain%252520witch_big.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="367" data-original-width="260" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG153QM4xE3WRMNHA3LoLx4WflcHKWmnzFM9lORTYcwxQwxjdjYCmuwzeDHkPl5zkFNcwUJCeIwD7NjAOK4QsAArFLAaAEZ7HZ840NBiiIfsLIEJWyl0astXiFwZ0My5_agjZuhxMsgOo/s320/Samhain%252520witch_big.jpg" width="227" /></a></div><br /><br />
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Papyrus, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="font-family: Papyrus, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>
</b></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Samhain,
the Celtic festival that marks the beginning of winter, is still
celebrated in many countries. Samhain, meaning 'Summer's End,' is
the time when the Sun's power wanes, and the forces of winter and
darkness - and therefore of the gods of the Underworld - grow in
strength. It is a celebration of the Dead, when the veils between
the worlds open and the spirits of the dead can come into our world.
During this time, all fires are extinguished, and the new fires can
only be rekindled from the 'sacred' fire of the Druids. Herne the
Hunter and his White Hounds sweep through the skies as they hunt the
souls of the Dead and of the Dark. Samhain stands opposite Beltane,
the festival of the beginning of summer, on the Wheel of the Year.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> In
English-speaking countries, we celebrate Samhain as All Hallows’
Eve, or Halloween. Halloween is a time when sprites, trolls and
nature spirits, as well as the spirits of the dead, can commune with
human beings. These spirits demand some form of nourishment to
propitiate them, for all spirits, both good and evil, crave life.
Hence, our custom of 'trick or treat'. </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In Latin countries, the
memory of this festival is celebrated throughout the Roman Catholic
Church as the Feast of All Saints or Hallowmas, celebrated on
November 1</span></span><sup><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">st</span></span></sup><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">,
and the Feast of All Soul's Day celebrated on November 2</span></span><sup><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">nd</span></span></sup><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> as well as The Day of the Dead. These are celebrations commemorating the dead, and many cultures
believe that the dead need to be nourished on these days, both
literally and spiritually. And so prayers are offered for the souls
of the dead, while families leave out extra food to feed the
wandering spirits in the night.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKbKLkc8Eosp83F3_oKxJG9QcyXdv8dhmaJie_Hx3r11fjpbFfSGsvwzwdQ-rjjKEXT8Fwsn7JS7HUrXK6i0G-eUVqMgVqTtnHnOvrvFoGG_koaNXisON-W0u3wVbgVrUzRsPSihB55Y/s552/Day+of+the+Dead.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="291" data-original-width="552" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMKbKLkc8Eosp83F3_oKxJG9QcyXdv8dhmaJie_Hx3r11fjpbFfSGsvwzwdQ-rjjKEXT8Fwsn7JS7HUrXK6i0G-eUVqMgVqTtnHnOvrvFoGG_koaNXisON-W0u3wVbgVrUzRsPSihB55Y/w400-h211/Day+of+the+Dead.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"> <span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;">Especially on this </span></span><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Samhain, we are reminded that we too, as children of the Earth
Mother, must face Death, and acknowledge that Death is the other face
of Life. In facing the death of another year, as well as the
possibility of our own deaths, we acknowledge that the rhythm of life
is slowing down. Now, the darkness is most evident, and the life
force turns within, retreating into the Underworld until the nadir is
reached on Winter Solstice, when the Light of the World is reborn
once again. The gift that Samhain brings is the knowledge that in
accepting Death, the possibility of change and new life is just
around the corner.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~~~ <br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
so it begins.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBmmscgs98TS0sPXdzOmarxTHho9c1zOynOJUzNpMVKUCoXPoMO8T4pcTItEddAaWHrB1_ZG-VZAr7iLSFRh2nIWNM-f_sfV0dtqBorc5ySIb1gF0ZVkQqnt8c4Y_QIW4eQrWszhyAYg/s300/Herne+the+Hunter.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="172" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQBmmscgs98TS0sPXdzOmarxTHho9c1zOynOJUzNpMVKUCoXPoMO8T4pcTItEddAaWHrB1_ZG-VZAr7iLSFRh2nIWNM-f_sfV0dtqBorc5ySIb1gF0ZVkQqnt8c4Y_QIW4eQrWszhyAYg/w229-h400/Herne+the+Hunter.jpg" width="229" /></a></div>Herne the Hunter<br /> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
cold, silvery light of the full Moon reflected off the bone-white
bodies of his hunting dogs as they raced the wind through the clouds.
With a smile cold enough to match the moonlight, he slowly raised
his arm above his head, and sent out his call to the winds, and they
silently began to gather 'round him. Blood-red eyes shone with an
hypnotic intensity as his hounds raised their heads to him, eagerly
awaiting his command. The moonlight reflecting off the top of the
cloud banks was blinding, and all he could see of his pack were
gleaming red coals of fire, flaming out of that field of white. He
waited as the winds gathered their fury, now moaning and shrieking in
the airy heights. The column of air funneled high into the
atmosphere above his arm, straining to be let loose upon the world
below. With a cold, triumphant cry, he finally flung out his arm,
and with an explosion of sound and movement, the Hunt was on!</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
old woman huddled more deeply into her cloak as the winds tugged at
it with angry fingers. The coldness stung her eyes and then froze
the tears as they formed. The winds shook the trees above her until
the last remaining leaves flew free to brush against her on their
wild ride to the forest floor. </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNlzIrQQYnzasjcFIf9v0wjsnJw7rCpREOysbXdIUtnYGZ7h-BYDhXuXqNQakyyJ5OEPpq6uDRkhcJ_mxdBGAO_9y0EcPgQfFr6AUe6Ob7IVncv4iNROv3pkcXAL_ZCzRLwkSb7blZM0/s805/Crone.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="805" data-original-width="570" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwNlzIrQQYnzasjcFIf9v0wjsnJw7rCpREOysbXdIUtnYGZ7h-BYDhXuXqNQakyyJ5OEPpq6uDRkhcJ_mxdBGAO_9y0EcPgQfFr6AUe6Ob7IVncv4iNROv3pkcXAL_ZCzRLwkSb7blZM0/s320/Crone.webp" width="227" /></a></div>Crone <br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> "It
will take more than a strong wind to scare me on this black night,"
the woman thought with a grin. Wiping her eyes and pulling the hood
of her cloak closer around her head, she looked up. Through now-bare
branches, she watched as the Moon sailed in and out of swiftly moving
clouds, then looked back down at the forest path that shifted in
shadows with the comings and goings of the light. Slowly, she
continued on her way through the darkening forest.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Before
she emerged into the hidden meadow, the woman stood within the shadow
of the trees to stare out at the dark Mound rising into the sky on
the far end of the field. With cries and groans, shrieks and howls,
the winds swept through the treetops in a wild, dark dance. In the
sudden wide expanse of sky, she could see how the clouds formed dark
masses whose tops became snow-white fields as the light of the hidden
Moon shone down upon the moving clouds.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> "Ah!
Sweet Lady of the Night!" The woman felt her heart swell as the
Moon suddenly shone out into the clear cold night, turning everything
to enchantment. </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> She
released her breath as the dark veiling was drawn once again over the
Lady's bright face, but that momentary vision had given the old woman
new sight. Looking at the whitened fields above her, she saw ruby
eyes and blood-red ears as Herne's hunting hounds rampaged through
the night sky. Herne's cold laughter sounded in her ears and she
thought, "So it begins!"</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoSACuih4h-pXhUeC4jLwm3abrMwNFZVRNLjk9k3_vLk_1S4CkjaiOpYUZ6YBdyUeZ4qLo6pmShnURT8bAoqclaVVYN-pszzQ3abhyphenhyphenoATGMDm9cipIAoPCd_miem3k6AJWB7ylJ5P3cY/s282/wisewomanart.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="282" data-original-width="236" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWoSACuih4h-pXhUeC4jLwm3abrMwNFZVRNLjk9k3_vLk_1S4CkjaiOpYUZ6YBdyUeZ4qLo6pmShnURT8bAoqclaVVYN-pszzQ3abhyphenhyphenoATGMDm9cipIAoPCd_miem3k6AJWB7ylJ5P3cY/w335-h400/wisewomanart.jpg" width="335" /></a></div></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Susan Seddon Boulet ~ Wise Woman</span></span><br /></div></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Another
woman walked through the forest on her way to the Mound. As the Moon
revealed Herself to the old woman, Her light found its way to the
forest floor as this woman stepped onto an old wooden bridge crossing
a stream. An ancient being watched her stop to look up at the sky,
and saw that the woman was of middle years, with a strong face
bleached white by the moonlight. As the woman watched the cloudy
veils hide away the light, the Ancient One scampered under the
bridge. "There," he thought, "I am hidden away from
the human woman's sight. It wouldn't do for her to see me on this
night of nights." And with a chuckle, he hunched down into the
shadows beneath the bridge, and faded into the boulders that held up
its wooden beams. </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
woman threw back the hood of her cloak as she looked up into the face
of her Mistress. "Ah! The Goddess plays with us tonight!"
And the woman smiled in pure delight as the winds tossed leaves back
and forth over the stream, sending them in twirling dances high into
the sky, left to gently spin down as they were forgotten and left
behind. As the clouds raced by, creating shadows only to spear them
again with light, the woman caught sight of a gnarled figure
scampering away under the bridge, and her breath caught in surprise.
To see an Ancient One, on this night of all nights! Her Mistress was
indeed with her tonight!</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ybTNSM18whQm5R0HZthObBYdBHUkecZQfdQT4UY47l1auWPzEWjwshqeFs63WEmljZNv1Bxc-RNH1-KXgGKSI0klOMqANTd9qz5mK-HRNTQfKLNgdAKuNUNdWAfovJoRR8yH8p-nwmk/s736/Troll+under+bridge.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="628" data-original-width="736" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ybTNSM18whQm5R0HZthObBYdBHUkecZQfdQT4UY47l1auWPzEWjwshqeFs63WEmljZNv1Bxc-RNH1-KXgGKSI0klOMqANTd9qz5mK-HRNTQfKLNgdAKuNUNdWAfovJoRR8yH8p-nwmk/s320/Troll+under+bridge.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Keeping
her eyes on the tumbled boulders, the woman stepped off the bridge
and climbed down to the rocky stream bed. Leaning down into the
darkness beneath the bridge, she looked directly at a large grey
boulder and said, "Good evening, old troll. Will you come with
me to the Faerie Mound?" With a grumble and a groan, the Old One
threw off the illusion and tumbled out from his rocky nest. "What
else can I do, on this night of nights, with the moon-sight on you?"
And pulling up her hood to hide her smile, the woman reached down a
hand to help the troll up.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> A
third woman hurried through the night. She lifted her cloak as she
leapt over a fallen tree-trunk that lay in her path. She ran through
the shadows and she ran through the silvery light, afraid that she
was late. It seemed like she was always late, and always hurrying,
like those clouds sweeping through the sky overhead. <br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> "But,
there are so many things to see; so many interesting places to
explore," she thought with a sigh, as she slowed down to watch
the flowing moonlight dance in and out among the tree trunks. The
young woman stopped, entranced, as a dark shadow flew through a
moonbeam. And then the Moon threw off Her veils, and flooded the
forest with light. There, off to her left, sat a white owl, staring
at her out of the lowest branches of an oak tree. When the light
suddenly vanished, the young woman stepped off the path and found her
way to the tree.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> It
was an ancient tree, a grandmother tree, and the wind barely moved
its upper branches. The young woman went and put her face up to the
rough bark, and breathing softly, sent out tendrils of awareness into
its core. In silence, the woman felt how the tree absorbed the
wind's violence, taking it in and transforming it into vibration as
it carried its message down into the Earth. The woman heard it as it
moved through the tree - Herne the Hunter was riding with his Hounds.
The Wild Hunt was abroad in the night!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
As soon as the young woman came out of her silence, the winds
shrieked around her head and then flew off in the direction of the
Mound. Looking up into the shadows, the woman found the owl staring
down at her. And as she stepped away from the tree, it silently took
wing to settle heavily onto her shoulder. The woman looked into
wild, fierce yellow eyes for a moment before it lifted away and flew
before her into the night. Hurrying back to the path, she swiftly
followed the ghostly shadow as it flew to the hidden meadow at the
center of the forest.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ90ASnE5JGSKMGc6oNG4i-PrVA9TB3mK1zAqVZzv2H14AeAPEmrWidIvsAhMPnMXJ-7l_gwXkTBwny1172RXoUWKYLKDg-nLm4PKB3cZYuGn_y_6yqNtM0v-ZG8WyNtAWgodo5z_Rv0/s1600/Samhain2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQZ90ASnE5JGSKMGc6oNG4i-PrVA9TB3mK1zAqVZzv2H14AeAPEmrWidIvsAhMPnMXJ-7l_gwXkTBwny1172RXoUWKYLKDg-nLm4PKB3cZYuGn_y_6yqNtM0v-ZG8WyNtAWgodo5z_Rv0/s640/Samhain2.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"> <span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Samhain Night ~ Elana Gibeault</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
so, the three women finally came to stand at the very edges of the
forest, one at the North, one at the South, and one at the East. On
the Western end of the meadow rose up the Mound, darkly brooding
beneath the moving skies. The women silently watched as the winds
gathered in a whirlwind above the dark Mound, where Mighty Herne sat
on his own dark steed, as the old Crone saw clearly enough. Then
Herne's arm pointed to the North, and the winds were suddenly baying
with the voices of many hounds, while with a wild tossing of leaves,
the released winds blew away the last of the clouds.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Then
the Lady of the Night, the White Pearl of Heaven, looked down upon
Her Child, the living Earth, Whom She nourished and sustained with
Her light, and governed with Her rhythms. One rhythm had been struck
that night, a rhythm of power and terror - the rhythm of Death. </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsqOvnxw0FCSmg3WBnGsSW-Gisk0WnRUimijLiyaaEDwMUmxIn2fMhpFzj3ZV7hCZ5edUcB_y1T8SpdBCChap2BNy5ppeAr9QV7tfuCgIwKFlcRIAnhD2oktcKB7M6g4ZoDeJJ23_CvI/s400/MoonGoddess.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="320" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrsqOvnxw0FCSmg3WBnGsSW-Gisk0WnRUimijLiyaaEDwMUmxIn2fMhpFzj3ZV7hCZ5edUcB_y1T8SpdBCChap2BNy5ppeAr9QV7tfuCgIwKFlcRIAnhD2oktcKB7M6g4ZoDeJJ23_CvI/s320/MoonGoddess.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Night of the Dead was upon the Earth, and the Moon Mother offered Her
light to help strengthen Her Child's children as they met their Fate
- as the Earth Herself walked through the veil to meet with Death.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
<br />
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
three women came forward and stood before the Mound. With hands
uplifted, they prayed in the silence of their hearts. Their prayers
were offered to their Mothers, for the strength and courage to meet
their task: to look upon the face of Death and live.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> While
the women prayed in the bright moonlit breath of the Mother, the
Mound before them drank in the light. And started to move! The
earth on the hillside rippled and shuddered, and exploded in little
volcanoes of dirt. Then, as if two giant hands slowly ripped apart a
woven veil, the Mound split open. A dim light outlined the breach
for a moment, but was suddenly blocked by a dark figure stepping up
to the opening. </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> For
a moment, the women felt the warm, fragrant winds of Springtime and
smelled the intoxicating scents of lilacs and roses as they looked on
the face of the Bright One standing before the Mound. They saw
plants and vines grow and decay, leaving the fruits of the fields
lying at her feet. But when one last cloud swept over the face of
the Moon, the cold breath of winter blew away the last memories of
summer, and the women huddled deeper into their cloaks.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> When
they looked back to the Mound, they saw that the Woman was now veiled
in black. Silently, the four women waited, while the Moon poured
down Her light and blessings upon them.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6D95Btu87x9Agbyz_3lqL36SUI_QKhiG1LkGip-sTJpVMeKmnkVqp65bsc1CWWzApdkF3udZfdveWf7GNSQ7GcAV9JyyYyHHkXlju2M1N6CyC4yw5tEHi-BHZjZ8tDVprRu5Fl0LNT8/s900/persephone.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="702" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6D95Btu87x9Agbyz_3lqL36SUI_QKhiG1LkGip-sTJpVMeKmnkVqp65bsc1CWWzApdkF3udZfdveWf7GNSQ7GcAV9JyyYyHHkXlju2M1N6CyC4yw5tEHi-BHZjZ8tDVprRu5Fl0LNT8/s320/persephone.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>Persephone ~ Susan Seddon Boulet <br /></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Slowly,
a vast silence sucked away the last breath of sound in the meadow,
and the veil between the worlds opened further upon the night. The
dark figure in front of the Mound slowly turned away from the three
women and walked through that torn veil - walked into the land of the
dead.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> In
the place where she had disappeared, there now shimmered above the
Mound a Presence of terror and splendor, dark wings outstretched into
the starry sky above. The Crone quickly stepped forward, and raising
her arms, began to chant an ancient song, a song of power to hold the
Angel of Death at the door which had opened between the worlds.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
second woman turned to the troll, who had been watching, in terror
and delight, the opening of the veil. Calling to the other sprites,
gnomes and trolls rollicking on the far end of the meadow, he hurried
forward to stand next to the woman who had called to him beneath his
bridge. Now he was compelled to do her bidding, as the others were
compelled to do his. And with much tumbling and tossing, shrieking
and laughter, the spirits of the Earth took a stand in front of the
torn veil. And with the lightness of a laughing heart, the woman
turned to confront the demons who were trying to force their way out
of the rift.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-cvULSPi6KuvsTkZ9QoQyUkcFIabHH6EYVbmsftXt7iEfayaCgyqZLgJ98rl038qXKnODXMWTiX_F8ksBy3ludWNsQNuR3gZfNa8_cnI57rNK-AERXtf1v0rXGfY4ksQaogfwjLAQzw/s570/samhain.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="380" data-original-width="570" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz-cvULSPi6KuvsTkZ9QoQyUkcFIabHH6EYVbmsftXt7iEfayaCgyqZLgJ98rl038qXKnODXMWTiX_F8ksBy3ludWNsQNuR3gZfNa8_cnI57rNK-AERXtf1v0rXGfY4ksQaogfwjLAQzw/s320/samhain.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
demons took on all the faces of fear, trying to get by that line of
imps. But just as terror began to overwhelm the woman, a troll would
tumble forward with a loud and smelly fart, and the demon would
dissolve in the mists. Or a sprite would imitate the fierce and
deadly faces before them, and soon they were rocking with laughter at
her antics. The demons, being unable to produce one tremble of true
fear, shrunk and shriveled up and ran shrieking back to hell!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
still the old woman kept up her song, and the Angel of Death stood
guard before that dark door.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
third woman, the youngest, also set about her task. Looking into the
eyes of the owl once again sitting on her shoulder, her vision
followed after the Wild Hunt, as it gathered in the souls of the
dead. There was one she especially looked for; one who was the other
half of her own soul. When it was time, it was with joy and sorrow
that she finally caught sight of him, flying before the Hounds. "He
was always quick, and even death has not taken that away." The
tear that rolled down her cheek fell to the ground unnoticed.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
so she called to him, who led the dead on their last journey.
Called, he came to where his heart still lived. Called, he led the
souls a merry dance before the hunting hounds. Called by love, the
other souls remembered and so flew before the winds to that dark
door.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Baying
and belling, the white hounds ran upon the winds, their master riding
behind, driving the souls toward the broken veil. Herne's horn
resounded through the cold night air as they came to rest high above
the secret meadow. The bone-white bodies leapt and danced beneath
the prancing feet of Herne's dark mount, while the souls descended to
the earth like a lowering mist.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
owl flew off to settle on an oak branch, as the young woman turned to
face that misty gathering of souls. The terror of the Dead was
settling over the forest, yet she stood forth to meet them unafraid,
for there before them all stood her beloved. With love and sorrow,
she looked upon his face once more, but while his face and figure
were known to her, his eyes were already full of stars. He, for his
part, recognized the woman, and knew her for his love, and yet it
seemed a far and distant love, for there was no warmth left in him.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
as they stood there, the living and the dead, something happened. A
little imp, one who had clung to his mother as they tossed and
tumbled before the torn veil, approached those two lost lovers, and
shaping his face to their lose and love, he bridged the two worlds.
In his face, he showed the fire and ice of their love, and for a
moment, they knew their love for what it was in truth. And were set
free.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> When
the young ghost finally turned toward the veil, the host of dead
souls moved through the night with him. The three women saw there
souls of great ugliness and of greater beauty, of twisted lives and
full; saw faces full of great sorrows and of great strengths. They
stood and witnessed the ghosts of young and old float silently
through the waiting veil, while the dark Angel of Death held open the
gate.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> When
the last of the dead had disappeared through the veil, a great light
shone from within the rift, as if the souls themselves had turned to
light. Then with a mighty shaking of wings, the towering Angel cried
out, "It is finished!" and like a dark flame, sank back
into the rift.</span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div><div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclrskg1yLLKSf2lkMtAL9qfth0byQiMdTd2MHYCebYAnA5w-Ah5QLCfa57fB1O_DILWU7RxMav1FAvMtBfG3kkG7Y1Tz_pRLdkdnUVRnBm5hMMRXy3spVrVCRScUI7vqaEiaEZ-1lD9s/s570/Hecate+image+with+dogs.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="570" data-original-width="401" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhclrskg1yLLKSf2lkMtAL9qfth0byQiMdTd2MHYCebYAnA5w-Ah5QLCfa57fB1O_DILWU7RxMav1FAvMtBfG3kkG7Y1Tz_pRLdkdnUVRnBm5hMMRXy3spVrVCRScUI7vqaEiaEZ-1lD9s/s320/Hecate+image+with+dogs.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The
three women, deserted now by all the imps and sprites except for the
old troll, watched as the veil began to reweave itself in the gray
morning light. The Moon looked down upon Her children with a final
blessing before vanishing beneath the horizon. The jack-o-lanterns
the imps had fashioned to frighten away the demons were scattered
around the Mound. Then just before the veil was whole once more, a
great light shone out from that hidden world and began to burn within
the hollow faces.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
so it was with quiet laughter that the women took up the
jack-o-lanterns with the new light to carry it home. The light would
light their hearths, and others in the village would come to them,
and the fire of the souls of the dead would live on to bring warmth
and light to those they left behind. And the old troll took up his
light, and departed for his bridge above the stream.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Garnet, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> And
Herne the Hunter looked out across the fields of heaven, and called
his hounds home as the Sun rose over the winter forest.</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
So It Is!</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From my ebook,<a href="http://www.wisdom-of-astrology.com/public/page/books-stories-earth" target="_blank"> <u><i><b>Stories of the Earth: 8 Tales of the Wheel of the Year.</b></i></u></a> </span></span></div>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-11492045879903702252016-09-22T07:36:00.000-07:002017-04-08T10:50:45.803-07:00Autumn Equinox: Harvesting the Seeds of the Future<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
Drummer sits in the topmost branches of the great Tree, his hair
blowing in the wind created by the whirling of the galaxies turning
around his head. The Tree itself stretches through the center of a
brightly glowing spiral of stars, with roots firmly grounded in the
earth of many planets. He cocks his head to listen in the silence for
the music of the dancing giants, and his hands keep time on one of
the many drums hanging from the Tree’s branches. Slowly a smile
lights his eyes until they gleam with the fires of heaven. Standing,
he stretches his arms above his head as he begins to sing. He sings
his name, the power that moves the dancers, for he is the Lord of
Time, and it is a moment in the dance when he is called to mark a
turning, to shape a Balance.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp-0xRyin5Khi4sMjQLD1NZEmerj4p3TBXILZImP_GKR7mYlIica82JAV4KNGESkJexzvKvFfNmzcfKR7vczVEUuQE82GEB7G3uMNUoI-_A73SXAZm1p9IhpgqAkI4fXRdmTIJYJqZKhI/s1600/AutumnEquinox2.jpg">
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" width="307" />
</a>
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">Elana
Gibeault</span></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With
the grace of a dancer, he leaps and swings down the branches of that
wondrous Tree. Now this Tree is known by many names on many worlds,
for it is the Cosmic Tree, the Tree of Life whose branches hold the
blazing stars and whose roots descend to the waters which give birth
to the dreams of the soul. Yet to the Drummer, it is truly and simply
the Mother, who shelters life within Her many layers and who gives
form to the dreams of all Her children. Now one of Her oldest
children is being called to his task: to turn the Wheel of Life and
witness the result of that movement. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.56in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As
the Drummer descends to the lower branches, he sings his song which
is his name and the power of Time draws near. The rhythm of his
singing grows slower as the great Change approaches, for the uprush
of life which he called forth in the Spring is now turning within and
approaching a new Balance. As he descends and draws near to one
blue-green world, he gathers in the Light and he gathers in the
Darkness, for these are the tools of the power of Time.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He
sits in the lowest branches of that great and mysterious Tree, his
leg swinging to the beat of his drum, his eyes searching the horizon.
With his descent, his song has taken on a depth and a longing that
belongs to the heart of this world, and his name becomes a beseeching
whisper carried on the back of the winds. The power of his song and
the power of his drumming become the power of his loving as a figure
appears. As He is Lord of Time, so She is the Lady of Life, alive and
glowing with both Darkness and Light. She comes to him now—Dark as
night, Dark as Earth, moving like the cat-creature that paces at her
side.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">She
stops at the foot of the Tree, swaying to the rhythm of his music,
and then, lifting her arms to him, the Lady begins her own song, a
song of fullness and depths, of mystery and emptiness. She sings her
name—</span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Mara</i></span>—<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">rich
with the textures, tastes, smells, sights and sounds of nature. And
when she sings her beloved’s name – </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Mabon
</i></span>— <span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;">he
leaps to the ground with a shout of gladness.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now
Mabon plays a new rhythm, one that binds them together in love. In
that moment, as Lady Mara and her Lord, Mabon, hold the Balance
between them, sinking into a deep silence, the Tree shakes itself
from its crown to its roots, and the Balance of Time is achieved once
again. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Within
that infinite moment of looking and loving, the Change blows through
them. And then the Lord of Time and Lady of Life send out their song,
and call their children to gather around the Tree. And the children
come with the fruits of their labor, for the Balance being struck
between the Light and the Darkness is the moment of Harvest for this
beloved Earth. To the rhythm of Time, they come to offer the fruits
of the year; and stand in the silence as the moment of balance flows
away, the Light receding before the Darkness. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lady
Mara looks upon her children with love and sorrow, for the ways of
the world are secret and holy, and not all of her children have
believed the senses which tell them of the ways of Spirit. For her
world is now entering into the dark times, the season when death and
decay need to be faced so that new life can be born in the future. Of
all her children gathered there, she can only hope that a few have
gathered in a harvest worthy of the gifts she and Mabon bestowed upon
them in the springtime of the year. For although the Balance has been
struck, the Dark is rising and the hope of the New Year lay in the
harvest gathered in now.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One
by one, their children dance before their eyes to the rhythm of their
names and the sounding of the drum. The first to come by is an older
man, dignified and self-important, with empty eyes and babbling
mouth. Around his neck hang the skulls of women and children, and the
skulls cry out against him. His is a harvest of death and there are
no seeds to be gotten from him. Mabon’s hands fly over the drumhead
and the dancer is forced to twirl and gyrate until the cries of the
skulls are silenced as the figure explodes into dust.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Twisting
from side to side in frantic haste, a woman scurries around the
circle, with wide-opened mouth and a hole where her heart should be.
She grabs at the air and THINGS appear—clothes, food, jewels—which
she immediately stuffs down her throat. Unfortunately, they fly right
out of the hole in her chest. The more she eats, the more frantically
she grabs. There will never be enough. Sorrowfully, Mabon plays
deeply and widely as the THINGS she desires overwhelm her and she is
eaten by their nothingness. No seeds there.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">One
after another, their children dance their harvests, and they are too
often harvests of greed and destruction, unconsciousness and
small-heartedness, and soon the Tree is surrounded by corpses and
bones dancing themselves to dust. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But
just as sorrow has achieved its full measure, a woman appears with a
small child at her side. As they dance, Mabon and Mara hear the young
mother tell her little girl a story about a great Tree whose branches
stretch to the very heavens and whose roots are nourished by the
dreams of the world, and the child laughs for pure pleasure. And the
hearts of the Lady and Lord lighten with laughter, for here at last
is a bountiful harvest, with seeds for the future. As the woman and
child dance before their parents, the abundance of their harvest is
made clear to them, and they accept their blessings with grateful
hearts. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Next
comes an older woman, weighed down with years, who bares the fruits
of the earth in her hands, and it is good. With her are many others,
bringing the healing herbs and food they nurture by their daylong
toil, and all are accepted with great gladness as seeds for the
future. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Soon
a man appears, broad of shoulder, with strong hands that are good at
making and building. He carries the things which his heart has
imagined and his hands have crafted—he brings with him the beauty
he has created. And the Lord and Lady smile with delight, for here is
a true son, bearing the harvest of his soul. The man lays the work of
his hands at their feet, seeds of the future.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With
him are others, whose harvests are of the heart and the mind as well
as of their hands, and their daylong labors are blessed. And these
children dance on the bones and the dust of their brothers and
sisters, and their seeds rest in the decay of the dead, to sleep
their winter sleep.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-right: 0.63in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And
Mabon and Mara look out over the harvest and see that it is
bountiful, and their hearts rejoice, for in the silence of the
Balance of Light and Dark, the seeds of the future are singing their
names. </span></span></div>
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<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
This story is from my book, <i><u>Stories of the Earth: 8 Tales of the Wheel of the Year.</u> </i>It's an eBook and you can buy it here: <br />
<a href="http://www.wisdom-of-astrology.com/public/page/books-stories-earth">http://www.wisdom-of-astrology.com/public/page/books-stories-earth</a><br />
<i> </i><i><u> </u></i><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-83098651056057884912016-08-06T09:19:00.002-07:002016-08-06T09:24:50.743-07:00Captain Fantastic: Living, Breathing Truth
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Captain
Fantastic: Living, Breathing Truth</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
“<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">May
the Light bless us all, and make true our tongues,</span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">and
truer our hearts, and truest of all our deeds.” </span></span>
</div>
<div align="center" class="western" style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>(Alison
Croggon, </i><i><u>The Riddle</u></i><i><span style="text-decoration: none;">,
p.64)</span></i> </span></span>
</div>
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<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
new movie, <i>Captain Fantastic,</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
is </span><i><b>fantastic</b></i><span style="font-style: normal;">
because it actually tells us a story our world needs to hear and see
and understand right now. And it tells it to us with beauty, grace,
wit, sorrow and keen insight. It is a story about </span><i>Truth</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
and how we never know what that </span><i>Truth</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
really is until we fully live it, especially when it comes up against
another's </span><i>Truth.</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
cast is amazing as well. </span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001557/?ref_=tt_cl_t1"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Viggo
Mortensen</span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
is intense as Ben, the father, wholly believing in his philosophy of
our modern world. He's the old hippie, unwilling to bend to the
world. He's dedicated to enriching his children's minds and hearts
and bodies. He's a drill sargent, a college professor, a trickster
and a loving father all roled into one character. As I mentioned.
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Intense</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
He believes in the rightness of his truth, even when others see it
as wrong. He is a revolutionary and he is raising his kids to be
revolutionaries as well. When he holds a celebration with his kids,
it's called </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Noam
Chomsky's birthday.</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
Every time. Enough said!</span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vG5LUTSA8YL1-Fn41GkNTlq7o7Jy-pUB12wB7PoA-QF5FZtfrquoBdG4w9_D5uTd3m09orX3G7DvNC5rRRyHfSKmLEzaU749i8kIkc811lcMphY6nwcgVrjZxFPWwwcOvCOlAQdV0FY/s1600/Captain+Fantastic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vG5LUTSA8YL1-Fn41GkNTlq7o7Jy-pUB12wB7PoA-QF5FZtfrquoBdG4w9_D5uTd3m09orX3G7DvNC5rRRyHfSKmLEzaU749i8kIkc811lcMphY6nwcgVrjZxFPWwwcOvCOlAQdV0FY/s320/Captain+Fantastic.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
children are all a delight: training, learning, creating, being
brave, speaking the </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Truth</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">.
The oldest, Bo (</span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1126657/?ref_=tt_cl_t2"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">George
MacKay</span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
) is brilliant and brave and kind, and yet socially inept for an 18
year old. The two older sisters, Kielyr (</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4705966/?ref_=tt_cl_t3"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Samantha
Isler </span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">)
and Vespyr (</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2399383/?ref_=tt_cl_t4"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Annalise
Basso</span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">),
both redheads, look and act like sisters, and both take on the older
sister mothering role—fierce and creative and wise—very much as I
imagine the priestesses of Artemis were back in ancient Greece. The
troublemaker Rellian (</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5640595/?ref_=tt_cl_t5"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nicholas
Hamilton</span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
) is just as smart and creative as the others, but the secret </span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Truth</i></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
he knows is eating him up. The two youngest kids, Zaja, (</span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5369197/?ref_=tt_cl_t6"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Shree
Crooks</span></span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
) and Nai (</span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm6339026/?ref_=tt_cl_t7"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Charlie
Shotwell</span></span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">)
are still young enough to show us the rigorous standards Ben sets for
all of them, regardless of their ages or strengths. And how well
they learn and prosper, especially when life, including sex, is
explained to them matter-of-factly. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Truth
is the central value of this amazing family.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">And
then there is their missing mother. In a fairy tale, when the mother
or queen is dead, it indicates a lack of the feeling values of life,
the waters of life having vanished. There is something brittle about
life without the nurturing Mother's presence. And so it is in this
'off the grid' primal paradise Ben and Leslie (</span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4407268/?ref_=tt_cl_t8"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Trin
Miller</span></span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
) created once she's gone. We discover that Leslie is being treated
for bi-polar disorder. The kids miss her but Ben is stoic about it;
she's sick. A fact is a fact is a fact... But as a astrologer, I'd
rather think that she's got some Gemini doubts going on. We find out
that she goes back and forth, changing her mind, about the rightness
of this life they've created. She gets excited and then depressed
about their life experiment. And the writer/director </span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0743671?ref_=tt_ov_dr"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Matt
Ross</span></span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
chose a perfect metaphor for the shadow aspect of this rigorous
lifestyle—its extreme position gives rise to its opposite. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Every
</span><i>Truth </i><span style="font-style: normal;">has a shadow.
Too rigidly holding to our </span><i>Truth</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
can hurt and even kill life. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">When
Leslie takes her own life, Ben and the children leave their Pacific
Northwest forest home and travel down to Las Vegas (?) for the
funeral. This is the journey and the testing for both Ben and the
children. For Ben, we see that his memories of Leslie are all about
her love for him. Is this the total truth </span><span style="font-style: normal;">or
just part of it</span><span style="font-style: normal;">? For the
children, we get to see how well they deal with the world their
parents left behind. We see how they hold to their father's moral
sense of right and wrong by stealing food from a store since there's
no game off the roads to be killed and cooked. When they meet their
aunt's family, we see the depth of their education and knowledge of
life as opposed to two adolescent boys playing their video games and
being jerks. As Ben says, his children will be philosopher kings –
and queens.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">But
it's when they get to the funeral that we meet their biggest
challenge. Their mother's parents. We've heard that their
grandfather, Jack (</span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001449/?ref_=tt_cl_t15"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Frank
Langella</span></span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
) doesn't want Ben at the funeral. So when he shows up with the
children, we expect a showdown, which Ben percipitates by reading
Leslie's will at the altar, which states she wants to be cremated and
doesn't want to be buried by the Church. He is taken out of the
church and the kids follow. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">But
the surprise comes when we see the love Leslie's mother Abigail (</span></span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0235652/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t16"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Ann
Dowd</span></span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">
) has for Ben and the children. And that Jack loves them too.
That's why he's going to sue for custody of them. He's worried for
their safety. Then Rellian says he wants to stay with his
grandparents. He's the most upset over his mother's death and the
secret he's carried makes him turn against his father. The secret:
that they argued over the life they'd created for themselves and the
children. That Ben hadn't listened. And now Mom was dead. </span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This
is what happens when we can't see how our Truth might not be someone
else's truth. Perhaps Ben couldn't compromise his truth even though
Leslie needed him to hear her. Something about their life was too
hard and Leslie couldn't sustain it. But Ben wouldn't listen.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">There
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">i</span><span style="font-style: normal;">s
a </span><i>feeling</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> componant
that is missing in Ben and his teaching and truth. It's only when
the family tries to kidnap Rellian back and Vespyr gets hurt that he
understands that his children are vulnerable and could be hurt by his
truth. Then he steps away and actually cries for his wife and
children. And that's when he gets everything back, even Rellian's
love. Because </span><i>Love</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> is
just as necessary as the </span><i>Truth</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">I
won't spoil the movie by letting you in on what happens. But I will
say that I was living in the desert when they filmed this </span><span style="font-style: normal;">movie</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
and there's one shot of the night sky that I remember quite well.
The Moon, Venus and Jupiter in Leo formed a bright triangle in the
sky in June of 2015. Look for it in the movie. It's magical! You
might also think about how we express our truth, faith and love in
the most generous and open-hearted way. Isn't that what this movie
is about? </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoTCVSq8kgJAkNK1GzcVKPHoAqdbDpGZGRuVisFggD0osX2jAfHKFIoXDM2_y3OMgHHJ5Bk2WiNbElycz-iD6baJl_fEOwsYfFWdif88R6aFt0CRQIKWb25943tG1CvDIKqbvAydEoWw/s1600/JupiterMoonVenus+6.2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoTCVSq8kgJAkNK1GzcVKPHoAqdbDpGZGRuVisFggD0osX2jAfHKFIoXDM2_y3OMgHHJ5Bk2WiNbElycz-iD6baJl_fEOwsYfFWdif88R6aFt0CRQIKWb25943tG1CvDIKqbvAydEoWw/s320/JupiterMoonVenus+6.2015.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="child"><span class="source"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/srahn/7579009156/" target="_blank">Source (www.flickr.com)</a></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Speaking
of this unusual configuration in the sky, I'd like to speak a bit
about how this movie resonants with what's happening in our skies at
the present moment. Once again, sychronicity comes into play. </span><i>As
Above, So Below. As Within, So Without</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span></span></span>
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Whenever
we compare the connection between two planets, we talk of cycles
because of their orbits around the Sun. Since November 26, 2015
(Thanksgiving), Neptune and Saturn have been at a roughly 90* angle
to each other, in what we call a waning square. If you think in
terms of the Moon's cycle with the Sun, it is like the last quarter
Moon that rises after midnight. At this part of the cycle, we
astrologers say that we have to face a </span><i>crisis in
consciousness</i><span style="font-style: normal;">, an important
turning point in our beliefs. We have to look at what we know and
believe and see if it's still viable. If you think of the cycle of a
plant's life, this is the time when the plant dies and drops its
seeds to be the beginning of a new cycle of life. What's important
enough to seed the future? </span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This
is what is happening between Neptune in Pisces and Saturn in
Sagittarius. Saturn is at its last quarter square to Neptune while
in the sign of the Truth-speaker and Truth-seeker. Sagittarius is
where we look at Cosmic Law, the foundational truths of the universe
we live in. Saturn sets limits and tests us to make us responsible
for ourselves and our choices. In Sagittarius, Saturn asks us to
stand up for our </span><i>Truth</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">For what we really believe
in. </span><span style="font-style: normal;"> Of course, it is only
our </span><i>truth, </i><span style="font-style: normal;">perhaps a
part of a larger </span><i>Truth</i><span style="font-style: normal;">,
so the test is how we use that </span><i>truth</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
to shape our lives. </span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">Neptune
in Pisces invites us into the world of Spirit and the Creative
Imagination. On one hand, it takes us deep into the Collective
Unconscious, those aspects of collective Life that our culture
rejects and ignores, while on the other hand it invites us into the
storehouse of Life, the repository of life experiences here on Earth,
</span><i>the Anima Mundi or World Soul.</i><span style="font-style: normal;">
</span></span></span>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">The
aspect between these two planets calls for some kind of action—the
action of conscious choice. We can fall into delusions and illusion
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">and martyrdom</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
(Neptune in Pisces) about our </span><span style="font-style: normal;">beliefs
and our truth</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> (Saturn in
Sagittarius) or we can open ourselves to new possibilities that our
imagination shows us (Neptune again) and find ways to integrate this
new awareness and possibility into our belief system (Saturn).
That's what Ben ultimately does. He takes in both sides of the story
and finds a new balance so the kids get to be both brilliant and
socially adept. He does this by bringing in the feminine feelings
that were missing before. </span><span style="font-style: normal;">He
listened to his children and saw their needs.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This
face-off between Neptune and Saturn is about our apparent reality vs.
our true reality. The question is, '</span><i>What is true and what
is false?</i><span style="font-style: normal;">', not just about
American politicians but about our own lives. Sometimes we hold onto
our truth without thought of real-life ramifications, like Ben does.
Sometimes we can look at our truth and let our imagination take us to
new places and new visions of that truth. Just like Ben does. The
lesson of this Saturn/Neptune square is to value both realities and
find the transcendent third way that Jung spoke about. It's about
finding the </span><i>balance</i><span style="font-style: normal;">.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="left" class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-style: normal;">This
month of August will bring us face to face with the challenge of this
Saturn/ Neptune square, as Mercury, Venus and Mars all come into
contact with th</span><span style="font-style: normal;">ese energies</span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
How will our minds </span><span style="font-style: normal;">(Mercury)</span><span style="font-style: normal;">,
our hearts </span><span style="font-style: normal;">(Venus)</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
and our actions </span><span style="font-style: normal;">(Mars)</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
address our </span><i>Truth</i><span style="font-style: normal;">?
These planets met </span><span style="font-style: normal;">for a 2</span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;">nd</span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;">
time</span><span style="font-style: normal;"> on June 17</span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;">th</span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;">
and will meet for the 3</span><sup><span style="font-style: normal;">rd</span></sup><span style="font-style: normal;">
and last time on September 10, 2016. We are face</span><span style="font-style: normal;">d</span><span style="font-style: normal;">
with the cosmic task of finding and owning our Truth, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">because
the planet is at a tipping point</span><span style="font-style: normal;">.
</span><span style="font-style: normal;">Will we </span><i>make true
our tongues,</i><i> </i><i>and truer our hearts, and truest of all
our deeds?</i><span style="font-style: normal;"> This story, like the
old mythic stories, </span><span style="font-style: normal;">can be a
guiding light for that task.</span></span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Weaving
the magical unity of Above and Below, I urge you to go out and see
this marvelous film. And then think about your own relationship to
your Truth.</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From
the Bard's Grove,</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Cathy
Pagano</span></span></div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
<div class="western" style="font-style: normal; line-height: 120%; text-indent: 0.5in;">
</div>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-31363403177663668072014-06-24T20:07:00.001-07:002014-06-24T20:07:22.793-07:00Maleficent: Reconnecting to the Divine Feminine Cathy Pagano, M.A.<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have to admit I loved Maleficent the first time I saw
Disney’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sleeping Beauty</i> in 1959.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She had power and a dark beauty that was
fascinating.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved her even more when
I took my daughter to see a Disney retrospective at Lincoln Center in New York
City in the early 70s—before VHSs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
3-year-old daughter decided she loved Maleficent, was going to dye her blond
curls black and then went about terrorizing the other kids at the playground by
jumping up and shouting, “I am Maleficent!” </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s why I went to see <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maleficent</i>
and I came away more enchanted with her than ever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Linda Woolverton’s script shows a deep
knowledge of the various sources of the mythic <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sleeping beauty</i> motif.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her script
is an imaginative, archetypal tale that speaks to our times, finally telling
the truth about our patriarchal society’s wounding and rejection of
Feminine Spirit, the original wound that caused the tale to be told.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Fairy tales show us the most basic, archetypal story patterns
that have shaped our human development through the ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Archetypal patterns are the shared instincts
that make us all human. And the best way to understand them is through
stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Just as it is always a storyteller’s prerogative to shape the
story to her tribe’s needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Linda
Woolverton has done just that with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maleficent</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tells a story of what was, what is and
what might be if we learn to love the things we have been taught to fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tells the truth about how our patriarchal
society has sought to strip women of our freedom and power, just as Stefan
strips Maleficent of her wings. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Patriarchal religions have suppressed our relationship to the
Earth and any knowledge of our true interconnection with it, because the
ancients worshipped the Earth as a Goddess.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleeping Beauty, Briar Rose, The Sleeping
Beauty of the Woods</i> are all tales about feminine values, Earth values, that
are rejected and ‘put to sleep’ by a patriarchal society that doesn’t value the
Feminine Spirit of Life or our right-brain consciousness that sees the magic
and beauty of the Earth through the eyes of the imagination.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even worse, patriarchy creates the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">female witch,</i> turning and twisting our
feeling, intuitive life into something harmful and evil—something we are taught
to fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the Grimm Brothers’ version of the story, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little Briar Rose</i>, we find a King and
Queen who long for a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This kingdom
needs new life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A baby daughter is
finally born to them and they name her Briar Rose. At her christening, the King
invites Wise Women to come and bless his child, acknowledging that there is
still wisdom in the land, wanting his child to be blessed with appropriate
feminine virtues. However, the king has only 12 golden plate settings, and
there are 13 Wise Women.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So he doesn’t
invite the 13<sup>th</sup> Wise Woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ypDmP6FIDKXkk3xue3CjDMrGaAPAxVNlSDi_e-Gn7uy2mmkMZVT6c83mAe1HzRgmoFFShwgkqG3r1scYxTRWP12rtHSeIh3ozVQVA13CXyLnOHT_MDHrKcmbQsp_HdFVt0crixHP5ss/s1600/maleficent_curse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-ypDmP6FIDKXkk3xue3CjDMrGaAPAxVNlSDi_e-Gn7uy2mmkMZVT6c83mAe1HzRgmoFFShwgkqG3r1scYxTRWP12rtHSeIh3ozVQVA13CXyLnOHT_MDHrKcmbQsp_HdFVt0crixHP5ss/s1600/maleficent_curse.jpg" height="259" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The fact that the King leaves out this 13<sup>th</sup> Wise
Woman tells us that this tale is about the rejection of some aspect of Feminine
Wisdom—the part that doesn’t fit into patriarchal expectations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patriarchy only wants the wisdom of the wise
women when it serves its purpose. The fact that the Wise Woman or Fairy is
insulted belittles the truth: in rejecting this aspect of the feminine psyche,
patriarchy cuts off a woman’s wildness and freedom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course there’ll be payback.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The number 13 symbolizes the ancient Moon Goddess (whose
power lay in the 13 Moon cycles of the year), the feminine wisdom of change and
transformation as well as sexuality and psychic power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since patriarchy is a solar paradigm, 12 is
the number of masculine completion, but 13 becomes a number of evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Really?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And so we get all the stories about the evil fairy, evil stepmother,
evil Maleficent!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a mythologist and symbologist, I love the symbolism of the
13<sup>th</sup> Wise Woman becoming Maleficent, the spirit and protector of her
land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a young fairy, Maleficent is
beautiful, kind, funny, courteous, strong, curious and powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also has an open heart, developing a
friendship with Stefan because of his own original kindness to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maleficent is a unique fairy, with strong horns on her head
and giant eagle wings that help her soar to the heavens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Horns symbolize supernatural powers, the
power of the soul arising from the head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Horns are attributed to all Mother Goddesses and are often symbolized by
the lunar crescent, the power of eternal change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maleficent’s horns are magnificent, attesting
to her generative power and strong life force.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This connects her to the Moon Goddess as well as the Earth Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No other fairy has them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her wings are another indication of her
spiritual origins, for eagle wings are attributes of Wisdom and Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s so interesting that patriarchy turned
those lunar horns into something to be feared—unless they appeared on Michelangelo’s
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Moses</i>.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKnI5neAQMXgFMe0xycpvWkBfTotDmumQjpS2LYzbCi9JfAacho7TRSbeJHVZqTo0BjodkXmAn1pPbKzrwI1qVzks9-3og4-iS7P4irTL-g1CQjtQ9HhUM9E-awG4T00W71MvR9lIWcM/s1600/Maleficent3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKnI5neAQMXgFMe0xycpvWkBfTotDmumQjpS2LYzbCi9JfAacho7TRSbeJHVZqTo0BjodkXmAn1pPbKzrwI1qVzks9-3og4-iS7P4irTL-g1CQjtQ9HhUM9E-awG4T00W71MvR9lIWcM/s1600/Maleficent3.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This Maleficent is a nature spirit who guards and protects
her land from the greed and violence of the patriarchal king.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Unfortunately, Stefan desires that
patriarchal power, just as the king desires to destroy and conquer Maleficent’s
land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite their loving connection,
Stefan is willing to do anything to achieve power, most hurtfully when he goes
against his love and his heart. No wonder he goes crazy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Stefan is the most stereotypical character in the story,
seemingly a mouthpiece for the violence and madness of the patriarchal
paradigm. It’s hard to have any sympathy for a mindset that only wants
power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Stefan and his predecessor
have no connection to the feminine—we barely see Briar Rose’s mother, Stefan
willingly gives his daughter over to the 3 fairies instead of defending Aurora
himself, he disregards the Queen when she is dying in his madness and his fear,
and when Aurora comes back to him, he locks her in a room instead of welcoming
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is the concern for others?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where is the love? Stefan is the very image
of the negative father, which is what patriarchy has become.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Stefan represents a mindset where there are no redeeming
feminine feeling values, creating an imbalance that needs to be rectified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is tuned to violence, and
perceptions are based on fear and projection because Stefan has stolen
Maleficent’s wings and imprisoned them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He has repressed his own feeling life and his soul’s power, and now it
is turned against him and his kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His power cannot last in such a state.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYnL3g8_Td1iBg831IlrpgEKaIBAO-Cm7DNAhquShgcYfIiGs8JyGqNZ40XgGPsKBk8RvdXAVaYAHb-e1l9I8TSuJS-Q8Dnb88Fo6x2lEP3eGbxpL0WUW1ASgYF59rIoqjbex2CjclY8/s1600/wings+maleficent-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYnL3g8_Td1iBg831IlrpgEKaIBAO-Cm7DNAhquShgcYfIiGs8JyGqNZ40XgGPsKBk8RvdXAVaYAHb-e1l9I8TSuJS-Q8Dnb88Fo6x2lEP3eGbxpL0WUW1ASgYF59rIoqjbex2CjclY8/s1600/wings+maleficent-lg.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After Stefan’s betrayal, devastated by the loss of her wings,
Maleficent makes Diaval, the Raven, her companion and her wings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Diaval is a marvelously sympathetic character
to both Maleficent and Aurora, ready with advice and concern. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In fact, Diaval is the redeeming masculine
figure in the story. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He represents a new
masculine energy that is aligned with Feminine Spirit.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Who would have thought that old grouchy cartoon raven would
be so wonderful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ravens are magical
birds with the ability to shape-shift—they are birds who are connected to birth
and death, magic and mysticism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two
ravens were Odin’s messengers—Hugin (thought) and Munin (memory).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ravens are Moon birds and companions of great
magicians, giving them the intuitive information they need to make decisions
and create spells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Diaval does this for
Maleficent, shape-shifting to accommodate her needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Awakening her memories, questioning her
purposes.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAD6JkfeW9XgxhZOHfvJM0QLs_Q1dNAWSlCAi1L6MGKRBATqbhppQC3TwMRSL0BpXCvGkSBxwgPV3XxyKb4BjsBfSDi9fjXTLkMkW38bTa9JqaZ7PETKx9zYo7FGpL9DpBklSejuaoGU/s1600/maleficent+curse.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAD6JkfeW9XgxhZOHfvJM0QLs_Q1dNAWSlCAi1L6MGKRBATqbhppQC3TwMRSL0BpXCvGkSBxwgPV3XxyKb4BjsBfSDi9fjXTLkMkW38bTa9JqaZ7PETKx9zYo7FGpL9DpBklSejuaoGU/s1600/maleficent+curse.gif" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The scene where Maleficent arrives at Aurora’s christening
has been modeled on the cartoon version, and it is well done indeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when Maleficent curses the baby, she is
the one, instead of the last fairy, who changes the curse from eternal sleep,
giving Aurora the chance to awaken with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">true
love’s kiss</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She does this to spite
Stefan, since after her betrayal, Maleficent no longer believes in true
love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And of course, Love is the main issue in the
story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Without the nurturing power of
Love, nothing grows. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I enjoy the fact that Maleficent and Diaval find the 3
fairies and baby right away instead of on Aurora’s 16<sup>th</sup> birthday.
These fairies want to help Stefan—an apt symbol of how patriarchy uses feminine
gifts for its own purposes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 3
fairies are dim-witted, argumentative and self-absorbed, and seemingly have
very little to do with raising Aurora—another result of suppressing the
feminine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patriarchal women often forget
how to nurture life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is left to
Maleficent and Diaval, an interesting and quite accurate archetypal
transformation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the beginning of
the healing between Aurora, who symbolizes the new feminine feeling life, and
Maleficent, who personifies Nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EtNEp7i1mT2SeVJLSSzYmjjNYdiIvynrodP7KxohpNvGShkNj7kn81PUY-ICWrKKBMxDHnRF0lwZncHzp7yg1qrUQtQLZnoupuYYKycuPeZec0WBxBacSjpsHzBaQjXHmlixDDpWkac/s1600/maleficent-feat.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_EtNEp7i1mT2SeVJLSSzYmjjNYdiIvynrodP7KxohpNvGShkNj7kn81PUY-ICWrKKBMxDHnRF0lwZncHzp7yg1qrUQtQLZnoupuYYKycuPeZec0WBxBacSjpsHzBaQjXHmlixDDpWkac/s1600/maleficent-feat.jpeg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Angelina Jolie is a perfect Maleficent, facing Aurora with a
cool distain that masks her wounded love nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She falls in love with Aurora.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Aurora falls in love with her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maleficent is afraid to love again but
Aurora’s trusting nature sees Maleficent’s beauty and kindness beneath her
gruff exterior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we see the truth of
Maleficent’s love when she tries to revoke her own curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But to her sorrow, it holds.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As the curse takes effect, we see some role reversals from
the original story—giving us a clue of what is to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is Maleficent who must make her way
through the iron thorns that Stefan has erected around his castle to save Aurora,
braving pain and iron burns to get inside to the sleeping beauty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is the one who brings Prince Phillip to
Aurora’s bedside to break the curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
how can such young ‘love’ be true love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is not tested yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is all
projection and expectation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so
Phillip fails.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aurora sleeps on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">True love’s kiss can only come from a complete knowing and
acceptance of a person’s soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So it is
very satisfying that it is Maleficent’s kiss that awakens Aurora, just as it is
archetypally perfect that it is Aurora who frees Maleficent’s wings and brings
about Maleficent’s healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Divine
Feminine can only heal us and be healed through our human feminine nature and
consciousness.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Aurora is the vehicle of Maleficent’s transformation and
healing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the spirit child and the
human child form a bond of love, magic happens. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Aurora—the new dawn—brings about a healing in
the kingdom as well, uniting both her father’s world and the world of
Faerie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This wonderful story is about reclaiming the 13<sup>th</sup>
disregarded Wise Woman—the Wise Woman of the Moon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope women everywhere reclaim our own 13<sup>th</sup>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">fairy</i>, renewing our connection with
the Divine Feminine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will bring
healing to all our lives if we do!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maleficent </span></i><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">gets 3 thumbs up.</span></div>
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Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-72934015277969022772014-06-15T20:40:00.005-07:002014-06-15T20:56:30.324-07:00Emerging Archetypal Themes: Maleficent: Reclaiming the 13th Fairy and Our Relationship to the Divine Feminine <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Emerging
Archetypal Themes:</span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Maleficent</span></i><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">: </span>
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Reclaiming
the 13<sup>th</sup> Fairy and Our Relationship to the Divine Feminine</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have to begin this essay about
the film <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maleficent</i> with praise for
Linda Woolverton’s storytelling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her
script is a beautiful, imaginative and archetypal re-telling of the mythic<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> sleeping beauty</i> motif. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ms. Woolverton obviously has a deep knowledge
of all the variants of this fairy tale and has come up with a splendid version
that speaks to our times and is visually enchanting. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the real impact comes from <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Maleficent’</i>s symbolic layers, which show
us the truth about our patriarchal society’s wounding and rejection of feminine
spirit, the wounding that caused the original tale to be told.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvAYmItRs528SI6AwxJocFL6oAKU7WuhtxZA19L7fSCMZllzY4MrcAsiCxzs866sGnwOdCXRxeHlkiVEeyMUoL6ilQSp9dvL-RoRzirUSV2uSBZbdkyKkdERoqvgrDJ8S7vuKMdpwXyU/s1600/Maleficent_zps258ee2db.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifvAYmItRs528SI6AwxJocFL6oAKU7WuhtxZA19L7fSCMZllzY4MrcAsiCxzs866sGnwOdCXRxeHlkiVEeyMUoL6ilQSp9dvL-RoRzirUSV2uSBZbdkyKkdERoqvgrDJ8S7vuKMdpwXyU/s1600/Maleficent_zps258ee2db.jpg" height="320" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In fairy tales, we find the most
basic, archetypal story patterns that have shaped our human development through
the ages.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Archetypal patterns show us
the shared instincts that make us all human. Just as a King represents a
dominant collective belief, a Queen represents the feelings we have about that
belief. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>New feelings and beliefs arise as
self-awareness grows among the people, and fairy tales change to reflect the new
awareness and how to achieve it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And it’s
a storyteller’s prerogative to shape the story to her tribe’s needs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Linda Woolverton has done just that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She tells a story of what was, what is and
what might be if we learn to love the things we have been taught to fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Patriarchal religions have worked
to suppress our relationship to the Earth and any knowledge of our true interconnection,
because the ancients worshipped the Earth as a Goddess.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sleeping Beauty, Briar Rose, The
Sleeping Beauty of the Woods</i> are all tales about feminine values, Earth
values, that are rejected and ‘put to sleep’ by a patriarchal society that does
not value the Feminine Spirit of Life or our right-brain feminine consciousness
that sees through the eyes of the imagination the magic and beauty of the Earth.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And even worse, patriarchy creates a
female villainess, turning our feeling, intuitive life into something
harmful—something we should fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So this story of the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Sleeping Beauty</i> deals with what happens
to our feminine feeling consciousness when it is repressed, ravaged and
rejected by both our society and our own ego-consciousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we reject this feeling and imaginative
aspect of life, it gets twisted and becomes the negative mother—the witch who
wants to kill us or curse us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we are
left cursed with our masculine, left-brain thinking that cuts off our feminine
wings and power, grounding us in a masculine reality that hates and fears the
Divine Feminine’s beauty, freedom and power.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">But the negative mother doesn’t
just make our lives miserable: she pushes us to become more conscious.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her curse ultimately becomes a blessing, since
it makes each of us face our fate and live our purpose. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s the purpose of archetypal stories—they show
us a path to travel that will bring us to greater consciousness. </span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In the Grimm Brothers’ story of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Little Briar Rose</i>, we find a King and
Queen who long for a child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This kingdom
needs new life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A frog hops out of the
water and tells the Queen her wish is about to come true.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Frogs were known to bring the rains, to bring
fertility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the fateful time is now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A baby daughter is born and called Briar
Rose. This kingdom needs to be infused with new feelings. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This princess symbolizes the feeling renewal
of the possibilities of love as a healing agent. A briar rose has sharp thorns
though, so she’s not all sweetness and light, although those are the gifts the
fairies give her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Although in this tale, the
fairies are called Wise Women and there are 13 of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But the king only has 12 golden plate
settings, and so he doesn’t invite the 13<sup>th</sup> Wise Woman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This 13<sup>th</sup> fairy symbolizes the
ancient Goddess of the Moon (whose power lay in the 13 Moon cycles of the
year), the feminine wisdom of change and transformation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patriarchy is a solar paradigm, and so 12 is
the number of masculine completion. Patriarchy only wants Wisdom that serves
its purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">In other tales, the number of
fairies varies from 3 to 7 to 9, but this version makes perfect archetypal
sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patriarchal thinking has a hard
time with the energy of 13, the feminine Moon energy of mystery, reflection and
change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see remnants of this kind of
patriarchal thinking in the US Congress today, where ‘conservative’ men are rejecting
the truths we must face about our world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Originally, the<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>allotted time that this princess must
sleep is 100 years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then it is not just
the prince’s kiss that wakes Briar Rose—it is also the right time!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When this tale was first told, something
beautiful and new could not enter collective consciousness because they
couldn’t make room for the 13<sup>th</sup> Fairy. This is a fairy tale that
also speaks to our times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Can women
bring back the old Moon wisdom?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later
versions of the tale made it a more individual task—rather than 100 years, the
princess can only be awakened by ‘true love’s kiss’.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Love is now the key, even to Moon
wisdom. </span><br />
</div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maleficent</span></u></i><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I have to admit I loved
Maleficent the first time I saw the Disney movie back in 1959.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved her even more when I took my daughter
to see a Disney retrospective at Lincoln Center in New York City in the early
70s—before VHSs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My 3-year-old daughter
decided she loved Maleficent, was going to dye her blond curls black and then
went about terrorizing the other kids at the playground by jumping up and
shouting, “I am Maleficent!” </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As a mythologist and symbologist,
I love seeing the symbolism of the 13<sup>th</sup> Wise Woman mesh with Maleficent,
the spirit and protector of her land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
a young fairy, Maleficent is beautiful, kind, funny, courteous, strong, and
powerful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She also has an open heart, developing
a friendship with Stefan because of his own original kindness to her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Maleficent is a unique fairy, with
strong horns on her head and giant eagle wings to soar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Horns symbolize supernatural powers, the
power of the soul arising from the head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Horns are attributed to all Mother Goddesses, often symbolized by the
lunar crescent, the power of the eternal change.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maleficent’s horns are magnificent, attesting
to her generative power and life force.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This connects her to the Moon Goddess as well as the Earth Mother.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No other fairy has them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her wings are another indication of her spiritual
origins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And eagle wings are attributes
of Wisdom and Spirit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So we see that Maleficent is a
nature spirit who guards and protects her land from the greed and violence of the
patriarchal king. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, as history
has shown us, patriarchy won hands down on that battle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just look at what our patriarchal culture has
done to nature and to our world. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Since
the Industrial Revolution, it has raped and pillaged the land and the people,
all for greed and domination. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately, Stefan desires that
patriarchal power, just as the king desires to destroy and conquer Maleficent’s
land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Despite their loving connection,
Stefan is willing to do anything to achieve that power, most hurtfully when he
goes against his love and his heart. No wonder he goes crazy!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Stefan is the most stereotypical character in
the story, seemingly a mouthpiece for the nastiness and craziness of the patriarchal
paradigm. But it’s hard to have any sympathy for a mindset that only wants
power. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Both Stefan and the earlier king
have no connection to the feminine--we barely see Briar Rose’s mother, Stefan
willingly gives his daughter over to the 3 fairies instead of defending Aurora
himself, he disregards the Queen completely in his madness and his fear when
she is dying, and when Aurora comes back to him, he locks her in a room instead
of welcoming her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is a mindset where there are
no redeeming feminine feeling values, creating an imbalance that needs to be
rectified.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everything is tuned to violence, and perceptions
are based on fear and projection because Stefan has stolen Maleficent’s wings
and imprisoned them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has repressed
his own feeling life and now it is turned against him and his kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His power cannot last in such a state.</span><br />
<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">After Stefan’s betrayal,
Maleficent is devastated by the loss of her wings, and so takes on Diaval, the Raven,
as her companion and her wings. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Diaval
is a marvelously sympathetic character to both Maleficent and Aurora.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Who would have thought that old grouchy
cartoon raven would be so wonderful!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ravens are magical birds with the ability to shapeshift—they are birds who
are connected to birth and death, magic and mysticism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two ravens were Odin’s messengers—Hugin (thought)
and Munin (memory).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ravens are Moon
birds and companions of great magicians, giving them the intuitive information
they need to make decisions and create spells.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Diaval does this for Maleficent.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The scene where Maleficent
arrives at the christening has been modeled on the cartoon version, and it is
well done indeed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But when Maleficent
curses the baby, she is the one who changes the curse from eternal sleep, giving
Aurora the chance to awaken with <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">true
love’s kiss</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But after Maleficent’s
experience with Stefan, she does not believe in such things, and so she feels
her revenge will be satisfied.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">I love the fact that Maleficent
and Diaval find the 3 fairies and Aurora right away instead of on her 16<sup>th</sup>
birthday. These fairies want to help Stefan—an apt symbol of how patriarchy
uses feminine gifts for its own purposes. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The 3 fairies are dim-witted and self-absorbed
and seemingly have very little to do with raising Aurora—another result of
suppressing the feminine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Patriarchal women
often forgot how to nurture life!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is
left to Maleficent and Diaval, an interesting and quite accurate archetypal transformation.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the beginning of the healing
between Aurora, who symbolizes the new feminine feeling life, and Maleficent,
who personifies Nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Angelina Jolie is a perfect Maleficent,
facing Aurora with a cool disdain that masks her wounded love
nature.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She falls in love with
Aurora.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Aurora falls in love with
her. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maleficent is afraid to love again
but Aurora’s trusting nature sees Maleficent’s beauty and kindness beneath her
gruff exterior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we see the truth of Maleficent’s
love when she tries to revoke her own curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But to her sorrow, it holds.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As the curse takes effect, we see role reversals from the original story—giving us a clue of what is to come.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is Maleficent who must make her way
through the iron thorns that Stefan has erected around his castle, braving pains and burns to get inside to the sleeping Aurora. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is the one who brings Prince Phillip to
Aurora’s bedside to break the curse.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But
how can such young ‘love’ be true love?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is not tested yet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is all
projection and expectation. Phillip cannot wake her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">True love’s kiss can only come
from a complete knowing and acceptance of a person’s soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so it is so satisfying that it is
Maleficent’s kiss that awakens Aurora, just as it is so perfect that it is
Aurora who frees Maleficent’s wings and brings about Maleficent’s healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Divine Feminine can only heal us and be
healed through our human feminine nature and consciousness.</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Aurora is the vehicle of
Maleficent’s transformation and healing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Aurora—the new dawn—brings about a healing in the kingdom as well,
uniting both her father’s world and the world of Faerie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">This is a story about reclaiming
the 13<sup>th</sup>, disregarded fairy—the Wise Woman of the Moon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope women everywhere reclaim their own 13<sup>th</sup>
Fairy and renew their connection with the Divine Feminine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will bring healing to all our lives if we
do!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Blessed Be!</span><br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cathy Pagano </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-544955842926859172014-02-17T12:51:00.003-08:002014-02-17T12:51:20.672-08:00Living the Symbolic Life: The Pisces Challenge<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> Pisces: The Fish</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">While the Sun is in Pisces, our awareness is called back to
the Source, after traveling around the whole zodiac.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ocean is an apt symbol of the womb of the
Collective Unconscious—the place of memory where we find the essence of what it
means to live here on Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Love and
anger, hardship and plenty, death and birth, family and country—it contains memories
of all of life’s experiences, human and otherwise. This is where new life gestates.
It is the source of the Wisdom of Life, the World Soul.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So after flying to Aquarius’ starry heights, we are called to
dive into the deepest oceans to regenerate our lives through the agency of
those heavenly lights.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we take that
photo of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Earthrise</i> to heart, we need
to get out of the old patriarchal story that refuses to take that image
seriously.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">We can dissolve the old patriarchal story within us during the
Sun’s journey through Pisces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like the
Catholic’s Lent or Ra’s nighttime journey through the Underworld, humans need
to take the time to let go of, withdraw from and dissolve what no longer serves
our new vision in preparation for the new life of spring. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Your new story of life will shape your energies this year,
energies which will emerge into the world with the Spring Equinox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So consider <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">sacrificing and making sacred (Pisces)</i> your daily schedule for the
next month by adding some spiritual practices into your day: </span></div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Find quality quiet time to listen to your body,
your heart and your mind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Meditate on letting go of old fears and
patriarchal beliefs. </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Comic Sans MS";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Imagine the gift you want to give to the world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">2014 is a 7 year, a year of completion, initiation and
conscious choice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The energies are
building toward a strong stellar configuration in April, so taking the time now
to get balanced and centered will help you tremendously in a few months. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">If Winter Solstice 2012 was the end of a great age, then 2013
was the beginning of the next stage—the gestation of a new age.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Back in the 60s we sang about it as the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Age of Aquarius</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our vision was very idealistic and full of
fun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Baby Boomers are the Pluto in
Leo generation, and we not only want to stay young till we die, we want to give
our creativity to the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that we’re
becoming senior citizens, don’t you think we’re called to step into the world
with wisdom and compassion to help our children bring about the changes we
envisioned back in the 60s, since the same issues are confronting us once again
at this turning point in the cycle between Pluto and Uranus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When we let the Cosmic Story inspire us and choose to live a
symbolic life, we can more easily bring that heavenly energy down to earth. The
other option is to remain caught up in the fears and illusions of patriarchy,
fighting the energy of change. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are some images to meditate on for Pisces.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNEWRH0E6aLn-G5lhOeT3BcK4qfR18OtQPyI50hKbM_Vca9XKK1Fw3KP-1NfzQjP1JHfAs_JEsmQOCd8I74XjbiqW4CIidV4674FhofhrYVbaCtja22PO1kBwq7Tq_pmFWoaiGDszXGo/s1600/Sedna.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPNEWRH0E6aLn-G5lhOeT3BcK4qfR18OtQPyI50hKbM_Vca9XKK1Fw3KP-1NfzQjP1JHfAs_JEsmQOCd8I74XjbiqW4CIidV4674FhofhrYVbaCtja22PO1kBwq7Tq_pmFWoaiGDszXGo/s1600/Sedna.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span class="irc_su" dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;">Genevieve Cseh, Sedna, Inuit Goddess of the Sea </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Sedna symbolizes some of the goddess energy of Pisces.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sacrificed (Pisces) her fingers to create
the bounty of the seas, exemplifying the need sacrifice our ego’s perceptions
and open to what comes to us from the deep unconscious. When we turn our
attention to our dreams, we find new life and new sustenance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Collective Unconscious is open to us
during Pisces. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Kali is a good example of Plutonian goddess energy with her
demand that we release the old life so we can engender the new life waiting to
emerge in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But first we have to die
to the old vision. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNUnGoEfPPFTkddq6WE53bSQHKK1fG9cDFbvNO5jViQ5SmosNB0vDLc0K1yF4x7DcSWT_S2tgOsEdtcsKjjsfOULRn9oJGmSS2iNtRBdmMnDdHXPx-H6rbFpOroxDfZIaSC7Z5AwAKrs/s1600/Christ.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNUnGoEfPPFTkddq6WE53bSQHKK1fG9cDFbvNO5jViQ5SmosNB0vDLc0K1yF4x7DcSWT_S2tgOsEdtcsKjjsfOULRn9oJGmSS2iNtRBdmMnDdHXPx-H6rbFpOroxDfZIaSC7Z5AwAKrs/s1600/Christ.jpg" height="320" width="244" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Christ embodies the energies of Pisces—the need to say, ‘Not
my will but thine’, to surrender to the Source of Life, to sacrifice our ego
desires for the good of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Christ speaks to our need to become the light of the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">These two energies—feminine and masculine—encourage us with
the knowledge that sacrifice is part of our human heritage, that life is not
all about our desires and needs, but about the needs we share with others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The more compassion and imagination we bring
to our own time of ‘letting go’, the more wisdom we will gain from our sojourn
through Pisces.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">So who will engage in the Pisces challenge with me?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The challenge involves releasing the old
stories of separation, domination, and violence because we have discovered the
new story that we are all one family sharing Mother Earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through these times of crisis and transition,
we will learn to live together in a very different way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will create a new civilization which is
founded on absolute equality between feminine perceptions of life and masculine
ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We will live in the mystical brain
where right and left sides of the brain work together to give us a better
vision of how we can live in harmony with the Earth and each other.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let us create a world full of depth and light
and beauty, where we take responsibility for our actions and treat each other
and the Earth with courtesy and respect. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Starting on Tuesday, February 18<sup>th</sup>, when the Sun
goes into Pisces for a month, create a different daily routine for yourself,
one which includes playing in those creative, inner spaces where we can touch
the Source and imagine a different way to live in the world.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Merry meet, and merry part, and merry meet again!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blessed Be!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Cathy</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-45587627346918830142014-02-06T14:58:00.000-08:002014-02-06T14:58:03.194-08:00Living the Symbol Life: The Archetype of Wholeness<h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Living the Symbol Life: The Archetype of
Wholeness</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Living
the symbolic life means that we inhabit an image to find its meaning.
Since meaning is rarely valued in patriarchy, we have to re-learn how to use
our imaginations to do this. So one of the first images we can meditate
on is the image of Earth in the photograph called 'Earthrise'.<i> </i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCs2Rqk0XJhU1em115MkZqt_KO_3P1eMYYCEVihXI5pbhsWofNAeDFUBsv93eOuis3Ixfa8JOAHGps8KHjKAWXx6gJVrZpSjSkCY0MyqdkSqUW5TrYlcCKvbhmSTQDMWNGMRJMVKkaoY/s1600/earthrise_originalphoto-thumb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZCs2Rqk0XJhU1em115MkZqt_KO_3P1eMYYCEVihXI5pbhsWofNAeDFUBsv93eOuis3Ixfa8JOAHGps8KHjKAWXx6gJVrZpSjSkCY0MyqdkSqUW5TrYlcCKvbhmSTQDMWNGMRJMVKkaoY/s1600/earthrise_originalphoto-thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even
after seeing the amazing images of our universe taken by the Hubble space
telescope, it is no surprise that the picture of <i>Earthrise</i> is still a
powerful image after almost 50 years (the crew of Apollo 8 took the photo on
Christmas Eve Day, 1968).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our universe is vast, mysterious, a bit scary
as well as breath-taking, but there's something <i>hopeful</i> about that image
of our beautiful Earth shining in the darkness of space that touches my heart
and soul. Do you feel that way too?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I've been
drawn to that photo since the first time I saw it back in 1968. I put it
on the front page of our college year-book the next year; it's on the cover of
my book of seasonal fairy tales, <a href="http://www.wisdom-of-astrology.com/stories-of-the-earth-e-book" target="_blank"><i>Stories of the Earth</i></a>, and for
me at least, it is connected with my vision of Lady Wisdom as the ‘<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Woman clothed with the Sun’</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our Mother Earth is indeed ‘clothed with the
Sun’ in this iconic photograph.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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This image of our Earth evokes what the Ancients called the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Anima Mundi</i> or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">World Soul</i>, the idea that there is an intrinsic connection between
all living things on the planet, which relates to our world in much the same
way as the soul is connected to the human body. (Also see Lynn Margulis
and James Lovelock's <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaia_hypothesis" target="_blank">Gaia theory</a>.) When we look at
this picture of our home planet, we can sense the truth of that belief.
There's only one world shining out in space.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTUYh8sGdDvtsg4V_CCpWQzD6YPCJfP7I4fUCWetHtuyuy3JtQWDUdMMyE0k9wreflV0OCe6Zmr2MGcYdszeorBtv5BaAGl8aeqJCRIBr3VPQoH_IaucEtKVWxjXUrLQsNW1l4b9DPTI/s1600/anima+mundi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTUYh8sGdDvtsg4V_CCpWQzD6YPCJfP7I4fUCWetHtuyuy3JtQWDUdMMyE0k9wreflV0OCe6Zmr2MGcYdszeorBtv5BaAGl8aeqJCRIBr3VPQoH_IaucEtKVWxjXUrLQsNW1l4b9DPTI/s1600/anima+mundi.jpg" width="294" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
Western idea originated with Plato in the <i>Timaeus</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Therefore,
we may consequently state that: this world is indeed a living being endowed
with a soul and intelligence ... a single visible living entity containing all
other living entities, which by their nature are all related. (Timaeus:29/30)</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">An
Eastern image of this connection is called <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Indra’s
Net</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>‘When Indra fashioned the
world, he made it as a web, and at every knot in the web he tied a pearl.
Everything that exists, or has ever existed, every idea that can be thought
about, every dharma and destiny that is true, is a pearl in Indra's net. Not
only is every pearl tied to every other pearl by virtue of the web on which
they hang, but on the surface of every pearl is reflected every other jewel on
the net. Everything that exists in Indra's web implies all else that exists.’</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gRXKfFYA7EfnPh5Lj6ZZIRd31nA_24YmBCimyUy-e0uMmlTAM7SpZM61IOjCfy1WPTK2Vklqw2bdOVTVuvibJU04wwVEsQwXPK2Z3AyVIykPxl84yewq7K45rnp10IFFdcdQBJ9wlzM/s1600/Indra's+Net.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6gRXKfFYA7EfnPh5Lj6ZZIRd31nA_24YmBCimyUy-e0uMmlTAM7SpZM61IOjCfy1WPTK2Vklqw2bdOVTVuvibJU04wwVEsQwXPK2Z3AyVIykPxl84yewq7K45rnp10IFFdcdQBJ9wlzM/s1600/Indra's+Net.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"Imagine a multidimensional spider's
web in the early morning covered with dew drops. And every dew drop contains
the reflection of all the other dew drops. And, in each reflected dew drop, the
reflections of all the other dew drops in that reflection. And so ad infinitum.
That is the Buddhist conception of the universe in an image." –Alan Watts</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Carl
Jung called the archetype of wholeness in a person the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Self</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Anima Mundi </i>is the archetype of
wholeness for our planet. This Feminine principle manifests within us as the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">collective unconscious</i>, which contains
all the images and feelings and experiences of humanity throughout the ages. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is it any wonder that this image of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Earthrise</i> speaks to us of the Wisdom
that creates worlds and galaxies and conscious beings?</span></div>
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Joseph Campbell felt that the image of <i>Earthrise</i> was a symbol of new
myths arising in the future. I believe it, because the image has worked
upon my unconscious to open me to the mystery of Lady Wisdom. There is an
image of the returning Divine Feminine that shares this image of <i>Earthrise</i>. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>And a portent appeared in the heavens: A
woman, clothed with the Sun, standing on the Moon, crowned with Stars, in
labor...giving birth to the Savior.</i></span></div>
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The Cosmic Story is calling us back to re-work the soil and tend
the plants that were seeded in the 60s. As Uranus and Pluto square (90*)
each other seven times, we find ourselves at a crossroads. Will we let
the powers of repression and domination continue to shape us?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">'If myth is a storied way to feel out our
place in the world, then we can grasp the significance of ‘<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Earthrise’</span> by considering what it
rode in on. The Environmental Movement, Ecopsychology, Systems Theory, the
Internet that joins us across the globe, global structures of finance, the
Goddess movement, the push toward sustainability, organic agriculture, Brian
Swimme's inspiring cosmological reveries: these and other worldly-circling
matters grew up in the light of <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">Earthrise</span>.
This image did not "cause" these movements so much as announce them
as they swarmed into collective consciousness.' <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></i>(Craig
Chalquist, Ph.D. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/craig-chalquist-phd/earthrise-a-mythic-image_b_4661247.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#sb=730435b=facebook" target="_blank">Earthrise: A Mythic Image for Our Times.</a>) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Images
are not owned by any one religion or corporation. Symbols are universal
and they come to us pure in our dreams and through synchronicities in our
waking life, and through true myths, music, art and stories.<i> </i> Of
course, patriarchy is very aware of how to use images to capture our attention,
but they use it to lie, manipulate and control. When we look at an image
and let it speak to us—just as we can let this image of Earthrise or that of
the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Woman clothed with the Sun </i>speak
to us—we really can arrive at the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">wise</i>
answer to any question.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If we
want to evolve, we all have to undertake a Heroine's Journey. It is an
inner journey that can free us from the patriarchal corsets and straightjackets
we've been shaped by. And the gift we receive and the treasure we bring
back will be the Wisdom of the World Soul—the wisdom to find solutions to the
personal and collective crisis which face the world. </span></div>
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</span><div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some of
those solutions involve the archetype of community. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In patriarchy, community was usually centered
around the tribe, the nation, the race, the gender, the religion, the army, the
family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Usually it involved being
separate from others, being special in some way, being <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">chosen</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we
look at this image of Mother Earth and see that we are one world, opportunities
for community expands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our new
communities are connected via the Internet—much like Indra’s Net—where we
connect with like-minded individuals around the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These communities are based on common ideals,
interests and beliefs and make no distinction between races, religious beliefs or
genders.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are
other communities being formed, much like the communes of the 60s.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Family now consists of close friends as well
as blood relatives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People feel they
are citizens of the world rather than just one country. Patriarchal religions
are losing ground to spiritual communities comprised of Christians, Moslems,
Jews, Pagans, Buddhists, Hindus, etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sports teams honor the player, not his or her race.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this new idea of community, no one needs
to be the leader, because each of us can lead when our expertise is
needed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This re-birthed archetype of
community is all about equality.</span></div>
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</span><div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Community
gardens, business co-ops, and charter schools are just a few ways to be in
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People with common skills form
guilds or unions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People with common
ideals gather to stand up for what they believe in, such as the Occupy
Movement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We still have spiritual
communities, although these are different from the patriarchal monastery or convent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a common bond between the members of
the armed forces just as there was with the ancient Irish warband called the
Fianna; and of course, we have the image of the Knights of the Round Table.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we
look at this image of our one world, we can imagine a multitude of new ways to
be in community. </span></div>
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We are
living in a time of choice. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Cosmic
Story is supporting transformation and rebirth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Will we stand with the Earth, with the Anima Mundi and with our souls?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Will we find new ways to be in community?</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: .5in;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="separator" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Perhaps
we need to meditate on this picture of our Mother, the Earth and remember that
we are indeed all connected. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div class="separator" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cathy </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span><div style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-26831657713204276992014-01-30T13:08:00.003-08:002024-03-04T13:04:59.416-08:00Living the Symbolic Life: The World Needs a New Story<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span>You see, man is in
need of a symbolic life - badly in need. We only live banal, ordinary,
rational, or irrational things . . . but we have no symbolic life. Where do we
live symbolically? Nowhere except where we participate in the ritual of life. .
. We have no symbolic life, and we are all badly in need of the symbolic life.
Only the symbolic life can express the need of the soul - the daily need of the
soul, mind you! And because people have no such thing, they can never step out
of this mill - this awful, banal, grinding life in which they are "nothing
but." . . . C.G. Jung, <a href="http://www.jung.org/readingcorner.html">The
Symbolic Life</a></span></span></div>
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</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I believe it’s
time to take the idea of the symbolic life seriously.<span> </span>That means it’s time we see our lives as
meaningful.<span> </span>This is the first of a
series of essays that will look at the old archetypal stories and see how they
might be renewed within each of us.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It’s time to
tell a new story about life, love, community, power, responsibility and
re-birth.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6mJNHDB91StvIMCycbrx0Q3NO2zO-PbGczWC-n3x25E0bY9Y_k6hhEOFskJiVJI5a3A_GB2A9sdEyYbuDLQGKKg7w-3XKhyf6PNv0TKQAOPSp3fMMSGYhtVs2zdfBeTno3pTG-lKMmc/s1600/Eye+of+the+Coll.+Uncon..jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6mJNHDB91StvIMCycbrx0Q3NO2zO-PbGczWC-n3x25E0bY9Y_k6hhEOFskJiVJI5a3A_GB2A9sdEyYbuDLQGKKg7w-3XKhyf6PNv0TKQAOPSp3fMMSGYhtVs2zdfBeTno3pTG-lKMmc/s1600/Eye+of+the+Coll.+Uncon..jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Today’s New
Moon in Aquarius is a new beginning for the collective Mind.<span> </span>Each year this New Moon gives us an opportunity
to transform the collective Mind, but this year something bigger is happening.<span> </span>This year’s Aquarius New Moon is gestating in
the womb of a cosmic grand cross; the 5<sup>th</sup> cosmic challenge between Pluto
in Capricorn and Uranus in Aries, invoking the continuing story of the
revolution and evolution that started in the 60s.<span> </span>The challenge becomes an energy generator
with the addition of Jupiter in Cancer and Mars in Libra this Spring.<span> </span><span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The Cosmic
Story is telling us to work with these energies now, because our challenge is
to become conscious forces of evolution.<span>
</span>It’s time for us to bring our gifts into collective awareness. We are
challenged to change a whole world view that was once necessary and good, but
which has become lop-sided and detrimental to the health of the entire bio-field
of Earth. <span> </span>We are facing Death: the death
of our environment as we know it, the death of patriarchy, and the death of the
belief that we are separate from each other.<span>
</span>If the knowledge of Death doesn’t get us out doing something, I don’t
know what will.<span> </span>Are we really willing to
let ourselves to lead to the slaughterhouses without protest?<span> </span>Without doing something about it with
originality, honor and courage? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Aquarius
symbolizes humanity’s ability to consciously connect with the archetypal
patterns, the cosmic laws of the universe. <span> </span>These laws are instinctual, built into the
fabric of our world and cosmos. <span> </span>Archetypes are energy fields which structure
plants and animals and human beings, rocks and trees, wind and rain, light and
dark.<span> </span>And as far as we know, human
beings are the only ones here on Earth who can become conscious of these
archetypal patterns. <span> </span>And as Carl Jung
demonstrated, once we become aware of these archetypal instincts, we can change
how we relate to them.<span> </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Archetypes
can only be known through an image, a symbol which contains many layers of
meaning.<span> </span>As we work with the archetypal
symbols of the collective unconscious, we rediscover the original intent of the
archetypes.<span> </span>And when we are aware of the
archetype’s primal power, we can consciously let it shape us.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Yes, we have
to be balanced to do this—we need a sharp mind that can discern what is
delusion (<i>God told me to sacrifice my son</i>,
and then try to literally do it) and wisdom (<i>I sense that I need to let my son live his own life now and stop trying
to make him into someone I want him to be</i>).<span>
</span>But if we hold true to our values and our truth, the archetypes can
gently shape us with a true story.<span> </span>Right
now, we have all been shaped by the patriarchal stereotypes of what life is all
about. <span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The freed-up
archetypes can tell us a new story, which can inspire our imagination and in
turn, give us the courage to take action.<span>
</span>For example, <b>the archetype of the
leader has become the stereotype of the politician.</b><span> </span>When archetypes lose their feeling aspect
(when people no longer believe it) they become dry stereotypes.<span> </span>Once we stop ceding the archetypal power of
leadership to this stereotype, the archetypal energy of leadership becomes
accessible to us.<span> </span>I’ve often talked
about how the archetype of the Bard, whose word is law and inspiration, has become
the stereotype of the entertainer, who takes our minds off reality. <span> </span>The good news is that the archetypes of leader
and bard are still accessible to us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">So the New
Moon in Aquarius is an ideal time to nurture an archetypal seed lying within
you.<span> </span>Where do your talents lie?<span> </span>How do you use them now?<span> </span>How would you like to use them?<span> </span>To change your life, you need to change the
story.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The ancient
myths show us collective archetypal patterns that shaped cultures and people’s
perceptions of life.<span> </span>Which pattern calls
to you?<span> </span> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I just wrote a <a href="http://ladywisdomchronicles.blogspot.com/">blog</a> after I read an
article by Craig Chalquist, Ph.D. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/craig-chalquist-phd/earthrise-a-mythic-image_b_4661247.html?utm_hp_ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#sb=730435b=facebook" target="_blank">"Earthrise: A Mythic Image for Our Times.</a>" on the
image of <i>Earthrise,</i> that first
mystical picture of our Earth floating in the heavens.<span> </span>This image, while unique to modern times,
derives some of its power from the archetype of the <i>Anima Mundi</i>, the World Soul.<span>
</span>You can just see that beautiful soul shining out into space, can’t
you?<span> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4AU0Hn7tTdv7pv1Djsp4YuJXGXzxWqervkK5wcaxfIgNmRBRgpCdFamB7FochkLmXHW2IjI36Aij-qcShG3zsfLiE6uEQcItGcijb_qUtKj0Y2uVRF9hAF0-n8UMSwtqtvJyw9jFLK0/s1600/earthrise_originalphoto-thumb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4AU0Hn7tTdv7pv1Djsp4YuJXGXzxWqervkK5wcaxfIgNmRBRgpCdFamB7FochkLmXHW2IjI36Aij-qcShG3zsfLiE6uEQcItGcijb_qUtKj0Y2uVRF9hAF0-n8UMSwtqtvJyw9jFLK0/s1600/earthrise_originalphoto-thumb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Archetypes
get renewed in our consciousness when there is a need for new perspectives and
new actions and new growth.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">With Pluto
in Capricorn breaking down belief in our collective social structures—patriarchy,
finance, government, religion, capitalism—we have an opportunity to create
something different because the archetypal patterns are also being renewed.<span> </span>Of course, the old ways aren’t dying easily,
but that’s Saturn—archetype of patriarchy—for you!<span> </span>In Greek mythology, Saturn ate his own
children, swallowing them until Rhea, the Earth Mother, gave him a rock to swallow
instead of her youngest child, Zeus.<span>
</span>Zeus grew up and went on to lead the revolution against Saturn.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">At this New
Moon, Pluto is joined by Venus, stationing and about to go direct.<span> </span>Venus has just come through her conjunction
with the Sun, reborn as the Morning Star.<span>
</span>The energy of a planet in retrograde motion feels like it’s going into
the inner/under world.<span> </span>So at this New
Moon, Venus has just emerged from the Underworld, bringing new heart knowledge
to this collective breakdown.<span> </span>Joining
Pluto, we might imagine that Venus takes on the role of Persephone, wife of
Pluto as well as the Spring Maiden.<span> </span>Venus
and Pluto are around 13* Capricorn, in the second 10* of Capricorn, ready for
rebirth—ready to start rebuilding a new cultural foundation.<span> </span>A strong foundation that gives equal weight
to the feminine aspects of life, something sorely lacking in patriarchy at the
moment! <span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">When we add
Venus to Pluto’s energy of rebirth, we could say that Lady Wisdom is guiding us
with the truth and the beauty of the Morning Star.<span> </span>The Cosmic Story is telling us that it’s time
for us ‘to be as wise as a serpent and as gentle as a dove’. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Another new
archetypal pattern concerns Uranus in Aries.<span>
</span>Aries is the sign of self-discovery, a brilliant flash of fire that
illumines new ground for action. Why have we incarnated?<span> </span><span> </span>Uranus
brings sudden changes, opening us to the archetypal fields (Uranus rules
Aquarius).<span> </span>This energy once again offers
us a choice: who do we want to be, what do we want to discover, what is our
purpose in life?<span> </span>The breakdown of the
system (Pluto) calls for individuals (Aries) to become their archetypal Selves,
living their soul’s purpose (Uranus).<span>
</span>That’s our personal challenge.</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">What will
really get this challenge moving is the addition of Jupiter in Cancer and Mars
in Libra.<span> </span>These four planets are in the
four cardinal signs, energy generating signs, action oriented and energizing.<span> </span>The addition of these two planets moves the square’s
challenge forward.<span> </span></span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Jupiter is
the Roman aspect of Zeus, leader of the rebellion against Saturn.<span> </span>Jupiter awakens our curiosity, expands our
vision, and opens us to spirit. <span> </span>In the
sign of Cancer, it broadens our appreciation of the archetype of the Mother and
her nurturing qualities. <span> </span>Jupiter pushes
us to explore our inner depths (Cancer) and discover who we really are and what
we really want—instead of what patriarchy has shaped us to be and want. <span> </span>And as a mother, I can tell you that nobody
is as fierce as a mother defending her children.<span> </span>We need to become fierce in defense of
ourselves, our people and our planet.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The last to
connect with the upcoming grand cross is Mars retrograde in Libra.<span> </span>At this New Moon, Mars is still moving
forward in Libra, away from the other four planets, but it is going to turn
retrograde on March 1<sup>st</sup> and will be very tightly bound to the grand
cross in April.<span> </span>Mars is the archetypal
energy of desire and assertion, the energy that moves us and shakes us and
tells us that we’re alive.<span> </span>With Mars in
Libra, we are learning that we feel more alive when we partner up with others,
when we take their needs and desires into consideration and learn to be fair
and balanced.<span> </span>A true balance of
masculine and feminine consciousness opens us to Wisdom.<span> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: small;">
</span><div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">There are
many archetypal patterns being renewed now—perhaps all of them with the
changing of the ages.<span> </span>We are at the
beginning of that change, and so we are responsible for how those new
archetypal stories begin.<span> </span>Will we rise
up and meet the challenge in new and creative ways?<span> </span>Unnecessary war is patriarchal.<span> </span>A grown up doesn’t have to literally fight to
win a battle.<span> </span>With intelligence,
creativity, courage, intuition and wisdom, we will change our world.</span></span></div>
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Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2709661212488527053.post-83330573880477493032013-11-11T19:09:00.003-08:002013-11-11T19:23:36.821-08:00Emerging Archetypal Themes: Scorpio, Death & Rebirth and Guy Gavriel Kay’s The Fionavar Tapestry<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrgmxAcFkX3eSdlkdEY0S6vJZQP5mvaLOHUag-sdCcTBq4vooLVwGZDzDMNpfxD-j12KvuFAx89dfI6qR7F0qzQuhwGgv-Jq63kPmmuBqxilgitNhqANQDymVQ6aHF36dkJkNdUZcMk4/s1600/autumn+leaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPrgmxAcFkX3eSdlkdEY0S6vJZQP5mvaLOHUag-sdCcTBq4vooLVwGZDzDMNpfxD-j12KvuFAx89dfI6qR7F0qzQuhwGgv-Jq63kPmmuBqxilgitNhqANQDymVQ6aHF36dkJkNdUZcMk4/s320/autumn+leaves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The sign of
Scorpio ushers in the cold and dark part of the year in the northern
hemisphere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Coming after the last
harvest, people celebrated year’s ending and honored their dead in holidays
such as Samhain, All Hallow’s Eve and the Day of the Dead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rising of the dark during this time makes
Scorpio the perfect time to honor the fact of death as part of life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Scorpio is
called the sign of death and rebirth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ancient
star maps show a giant scorpion with its tail raised to sting the heel of the
hero Ophiuchus or Aesculapius, the great healer, called the Serpent Bearer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Death, healing and rebirth are all part of
Scorpio’s cosmic story.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The most
intense of the three water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces), Scorpio
symbolizes our inner struggle to open up and allow intimacy with others, to
acknowledge someone else’s values, and to learn how to work in deep emotional
partnership.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Saturn in Scorpio
these past two years, we have been given a lesson in dropping old emotional
patterns that no longer serve us and opening ourselves to an emotional healing
and rebirth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We are
experiencing a breakdown in our culture, and we need to accept the Scorpio
initiation of death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Scorpio’s
ruling planet, Pluto, in Capricorn, the sign of our cultural institutions, and
Capricorn’s ruler, Saturn, in Pluto’s sign, it’s a cosmic wake-up call to all
of us. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The force is with us on this
one.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s time to see that death is not the end,
but merely a transitional phase to another type of life, whether here on Earth
or in the spiritual realms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have to
get over our fear of death so we can bring new life to our planet and our
people.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We have to help
patriarchy die.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Guy Gavriel Kay’s The Fionavar Tapestry </span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Once again, I
want to talk about a series of fantasy books by my favorite author. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, this trilogy is even more my favorite
than Tolkien’s LOTR, which I must have read 40 times throughout the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It makes sense, since Mr. Kay helped
Christopher Tolkien edit his father’s work after his death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWEckaAddQMtJnHYAeJOPFSFEjJIxOrGODArDd5NL8TJIigxprZDi0NABFkTIQvNZejO_96Ca2kGuSF9KLeCrLJslhUgPEGIsbAOMVNBF4SUXK0cdH195NyCr4a-e3i69997565ARSyQ/s1600/Fionavar+summer+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtWEckaAddQMtJnHYAeJOPFSFEjJIxOrGODArDd5NL8TJIigxprZDi0NABFkTIQvNZejO_96Ca2kGuSF9KLeCrLJslhUgPEGIsbAOMVNBF4SUXK0cdH195NyCr4a-e3i69997565ARSyQ/s320/Fionavar+summer+tree.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Martin Springett--artist</span><br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Fionavar Tapestry</i> is Mr. Kay’s first
fantasy novel, but don’t stop there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He’s
written 10 of my favorite historical fantasies.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I’m sure I’ll get a chance to talk about a few others at The Bard’s
Grove in the future.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Fionavar Tapestry</i> is a trilogy
comprised of: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Summer Tree, The
Wandering Fire & The Darkest Road.</i><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>It
resonates with our times, because 5 of the many wonderful characters in the
books are modern college students who find that they have big roles to play in
saving the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">first world</i> of Fionavar
from a deep-seated darkness whose only passion is to unravel the tapestry of
Life in all worlds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Sounds like
some of the issues we face as we work to get rid of the end game of patriarchy—its
monolithic corporations which are destroying our Earth and taking our freedom
away!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With Uranus in Aries, we are each
being called to our heroic selves, to stand up and help change the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In these books, these five college students
find that they have a place in the last battle again evil alongside great
heroes and heroines in a world where magic and mystery are still acknowledged
and valued.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilm8K992dc5fqHy2GyMJ8gr7n4l_OBmmcc3kE8G_CN7H5bpmmOQ_BveULbM6m6w13e9nJyMlsMINl1te0dqxA0FK9cGvPOA_xR-yAKFO-24cVP5g9HNFyBDi6bBiEwhEzr3q8M4N8YS6Q/s1600/Fionavar+WanderingFire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilm8K992dc5fqHy2GyMJ8gr7n4l_OBmmcc3kE8G_CN7H5bpmmOQ_BveULbM6m6w13e9nJyMlsMINl1te0dqxA0FK9cGvPOA_xR-yAKFO-24cVP5g9HNFyBDi6bBiEwhEzr3q8M4N8YS6Q/s320/Fionavar+WanderingFire.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>We meet the
main characters in <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">The Summer Tree.</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Four friends attend a summer lecture by a
mysterious and reclusive genius and along with a fifth student, Dave, get
invited after the lecture to his rooms, where he tells them he’s from another world—the
first world of all worlds, Fionavar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
has been sent to bring back five people to attend a great celebration in their
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The five, for various reasons,
all accept his invitation and are taken to a world of magic and wizards, kings
and princesses, priestesses and seers, and an ancient evil which is rising
again with intentions of destroying all the worlds.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Each of these
young people discovers who they are truly meant to be when they accept their
roles in the army of Light which gathers in Fionavar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fionavar is the home of many races: the Kings
of Men in Brennin and Cathal, the Dalrei, the native tribes of the Plains, the
gentile Giants and people of Eridu, and the stalwart dwarves as well as the
beautiful Lios Alfar, the Fair Folk. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This
brief explanation tells you nothing about the finely drawn characters who I
know will stay in your imaginations for a long time.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The five chosen
ones are all uniquely themselves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kimberly is a med student who discovers she
has been <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">seen</i> and awaited for many
years in Fionavar, and who must bear the burden of the War Stone. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then there’s Kevin, the brilliant lawyer who
goes so deep in lovemaking that he touches a goddess.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Paul is called to an especially hard task—to be
tied to the Summer Tree and so become the Arrow of the God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jennifer, whose beauty enchants even the
immortal Lios Alfar, must pay a debt from past lives and come through the fires
of death and transformation to a new life. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And the fifth is Dave, who has always felt
himself an outsider and who gets separated from the other four upon their
arrival in Fionavar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He finds himself
called to become a warrior when he is found on the Plains by one of the Dalrei tribes.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwBuIGJ2Lukv_GbPJuRzU-DtBs8fy_vZ6CZVw99GuKM6AqADFhO0IkBMSHIySkyI_Gau55ouV_ERGaEzJ_cBy9qfT2u6W4-E-KhN6dq7Jtiq6Oqkg40qfA8jMjJDfNcMD3OfKVLSGXYo/s1600/fionavar+Darkest+Road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfwBuIGJ2Lukv_GbPJuRzU-DtBs8fy_vZ6CZVw99GuKM6AqADFhO0IkBMSHIySkyI_Gau55ouV_ERGaEzJ_cBy9qfT2u6W4-E-KhN6dq7Jtiq6Oqkg40qfA8jMjJDfNcMD3OfKVLSGXYo/s320/fionavar+Darkest+Road.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>And those are
just the modern Canadian characters!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In
Fionavor, we find out that the mysterious lecturer is none other than the
wizard Loren Silvercloak along with his <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">source</i>,
Matt, who </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">was </span><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">once King of the Dwarves.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The wizards of Fionavar get their power from their source, and we see
both the good and the evil of this in the stories.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Then we have
some of the most marvelous warriors I’ve ever encountered in any story. The brilliant,
daring, romantic and defiant Diarmuid, the youngest son of King Ailell and his solemn
exiled older brother; the warriors of the Dalrei—Ivor, Levon, Torc and Tabor;
Shalhassan, the Lord of Cathal and his beautiful, dangerous daughter Sharra;
Na-Brendel and the host of the Lios Alfar; the goddesses and gods of Fionavar;
the shamans and seers and the priestess of the Mother, Jaelle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so many other brave and interesting
characters—a few which I will leave as a surprise for you. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The main story
is that Rakoth Maugrim the Unraveller, who has been chained under a mountain
for millennia, plots to break free from his prison with the help of his
lieutenant Galadan and the usual host of evil beings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even these characters are never
one-dimensional and sometimes even sympathetic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Rakoth does break free, all our heroes and heroines must work to
overthrow him on many fronts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This they
do, with great sacrifice and honor.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Scorpio’s
energies are part of this story of renewal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Fionavar, the old world is dying and everyone has to take up their
archetypal roll if they are to defeat great evil and bring peace to the land
again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This can happen within an individual
and within a society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we all make
sure that we go through the death and rebirth ourselves, we stand a good chance
of re-shaping our own world into a higher, better version of itself. And this story of cultural renewal is a great guide for us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>I can’t tell
you anymore about the story because I don’t want to spoil your enjoyment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is the absolute best ‘end of the world’
fantasy you’ll read since you read the Lord of the Rings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suggest you order your copies now and spend
the holidays inside a story that contains many aspects of our Celtic myths rolled
into one in the most satisfying way. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">For more information about Guy Gavriel Kay, go to: <a href="http://www.brightweavings.com/index.htm">http://www.brightweavings.com/index.htm</a>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>From The Bard’s
Grove,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Cathy</span></div>
Cathy Paganohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05402371168747757627noreply@blogger.com0