Summer Solstice Edition of EarthMotherMoon Journal- June 21, 2007
I'm writing to you here from the shores of Lake Michigan... and oh is it beautiful! I am feeling quite fortunate to find some rejuvenation on such a special week as the first day of summer, the peak of the Sun, and the beginning of the cycle's return slowly to darkness... most importantly I am reminded of the sacredness of all places and times. I hope you are all finding the radiance of summer touching your own soul... warming and healing what needs to be cared for.
I am switching to a full moon cycle I think of writing the journal, instead of the new moon cycle. And for the transition month it's perfect timing with the Summer Solstice. This month's journal shares information about a Sun Goddess, ideas for Solstice Celebrations, creative light, first quarter moon, and also information on a women's circle that will be forming in the fall. Enjoy, and have a wonderful Summer Solstice:) May the sunshine fill your heart:)
Namaste,
Calesta Ana
I am switching to a full moon cycle I think of writing the journal, instead of the new moon cycle. And for the transition month it's perfect timing with the Summer Solstice. This month's journal shares information about a Sun Goddess, ideas for Solstice Celebrations, creative light, first quarter moon, and also information on a women's circle that will be forming in the fall. Enjoy, and have a wonderful Summer Solstice:) May the sunshine fill your heart:)
Namaste,
Calesta Ana
Sun Goddess: Laxmi
Quoted from Kala Trobe's book, How to Find Your Inner Priestess
"Laxmi is a Goddess of beauty and prosperity. Her aura is ghee-yellow and she glows from the inside like a candlelit altar viewed through a window. The window is of course our mundane reality. Traditionally she is flanked by elephants, which represent her regal status, and golden coins flow from her upturned hands. Her presence brings lief-sustenance, prana. She represents fertility, beneficence of all kinds and nurture. On a mundane level, she can bring money, or opportunities to gain it. Most importantly, however, she is the ever-kind, ever-blessing Goddess. The gifts conferred by Laxmi include kama, 'supreme carnal pleasure', moksa, 'beauty', dharma, 'spiritual righteousness', and of course, artha, 'wealth'. It goes without saying that Laxmi is one of the most popular deities in India, being a prime giver of life-enhancing boons. In many ways she performs the functions of a solar deity, bringing the conditions necessary for growth."
Ideas for Celebrating the Light:
Below are listed a few websites with ideas for celebrations of the summer solstice!
http://www.ewebtribe.com/BearTribe/news-events/summer/summer.html
http://www.shamaniccircles.org/ceremonies.html
http://www.schooloftheseasons.com/midsummer.html
http://www.thegoddesseffect.com/solstice.htm
First Quarter Moon
"The Moon is in her First Quarter from the seventh through the tenth day after the Dark Moon. During this phase, the right half of the Moon apears to be illuminated by direct sunlight. The First Quarter Moon is visible throughout her course in the night sky. She rises in the east at noon, is in her apex in the sky at dusk, and sets in the west around midnight. Energetically, ths is a time for emerging into the light, planting seeds for manifestation and seeking outer balance." Quoted from Avalon Within by Jhenah Telyndru
During this time of the month, we notice our energy begin to increase, and our focus go outward. A time of fertility and hope. Take some time to discover what you would like to see grow in your life, and put your attention towards that. Ask yourself the following questions: What is it I truly want in my life? Like a seed newly planted... how do I nurture myself, and the desires I have for my life? Am I getting the sunlight, the water, and the nutrients I need? Notice what it is you need, and tend to those needs, bringing the needed sunlight to your life.
The Light of Creativity- some musings....
"No one lights a lamp in order to hide it behind the door: the purpose of light is to create more light, to open people's eyes, to reveal the marvels around." quoted from Paulo Coelho's The Witch of Portobello.
I read this sentence in the beginning of this novel, while on vacation. I was so struck by it, I sat the book down, staring in to the shimmering ripples on the water... hearing the seagull call to each other. It's rare a novel strikes me so on the first page! My first thought was of the hermit card in tarot. There is this hermit (or crone, depending on the deck)- who's purpose is to do the inner searching. But as he holds his lantern up in the darkness, it lights the way not only for himself, but inadvertently for those around him. This hermit is an archetype that holds true in some way in all of our lives at some time. Then, I thought of the power of inspiration, and who/what I have found inspiring in my own life.
I am amazed by creativity... art as some call it... inspiration is another word... love, intuition, there must be many words we use. I think that light, as suggested by this quote, is an even better term. When we open ourselves to this divine spark, and follow our hearts... be it by loving eachother, by creating art, by working in a career we love, dancing, gardening, re-decorating, etc.- whatever it is- this light really does shine out to all of those around us. I have seen this so frequently in my life... where one's passion has inspired another. I was very blessed to see this at the 212 arts center just last week. I was able to share in a very special day for a group of creative artist women- and the joy, love and support from everyone's light shining was truly remarkable. I was reminded of the importance of not just community- but the community of those walking in this light/creativity. And how when one lets there light shine... it really does inspire all those around to shine as well... and well, then you've got an abundance of love and light! So this month, lets think of what lights you up, so to speak:) And give yourself permission to enjoy that light, and not to hide it behind a door, but to allow it to radiate to those around you in that joy.
On another note, this book, the Witch of Portebello was a really great new novel- inspiring and thought provoking, I'd definitely recommend it to the Goddess- reader!
Beginning A New Women's Circle!
Coming this fall, the Divine Feminine School will begin a local women's circle. We will meet monthly, but connect through the internet (and possibly distance healing or meditations) in between each full moon. If you are interested in joining this circle, please email me to sign up, space is limited!
And for those of you wanting a little more information... here's some really nice reasons why women need this work, and the support of eachother, by Sharron Rose in her book The Path of the Priestess. I found it very inspiring!
"In ancient times there were sacred schools, temples, and traditions that held women and the feminine principle in high esteem. The most important reason for the existence of these schools was to assist women in understanding and aligning themselves with the spiritual nature of the world around them. Having been created by women and for women, the schools were based on a direct transmission of knowledge from generation to generation An essential part of this knowledge, which we now refer to as women's mysteries, was learning to perceive and maintain the psychic- energetic- emotional landscape of society, the subtle realm of energy, emotion, vibration, and sensation that is recognized by healers and mystics as penetrating all reality and linking the spiritual planes with the material. To fulfill this crucial function women underwent years of physical artistic and intellectual training, as well as intensive personal reflection... These priestesses, temple dancers, yoginis, wise women, and visionaries would perform a crucial role in society by constantly elevating the human condition to one of grace and aligning it with the essential feminine qualities of courage, elegance, refinement, joy and receptivity. As teachers, guides, healers, mediators, consorts, and initiators into the sacred mysteries of sexuality and spiritual transformation, they transmitted the spiritual light that sustained civilization."
I wish you the best during this Moon Time:)
Feel free to email me using the contact form.
<< Previous Moon Journal Entry
Next Moon Journal Entry >>
Quoted from Kala Trobe's book, How to Find Your Inner Priestess
"Laxmi is a Goddess of beauty and prosperity. Her aura is ghee-yellow and she glows from the inside like a candlelit altar viewed through a window. The window is of course our mundane reality. Traditionally she is flanked by elephants, which represent her regal status, and golden coins flow from her upturned hands. Her presence brings lief-sustenance, prana. She represents fertility, beneficence of all kinds and nurture. On a mundane level, she can bring money, or opportunities to gain it. Most importantly, however, she is the ever-kind, ever-blessing Goddess. The gifts conferred by Laxmi include kama, 'supreme carnal pleasure', moksa, 'beauty', dharma, 'spiritual righteousness', and of course, artha, 'wealth'. It goes without saying that Laxmi is one of the most popular deities in India, being a prime giver of life-enhancing boons. In many ways she performs the functions of a solar deity, bringing the conditions necessary for growth."
Ideas for Celebrating the Light:
Below are listed a few websites with ideas for celebrations of the summer solstice!
http://www.ewebtribe.com/BearTribe/news-events/summer/summer.html
http://www.shamaniccircles.org/ceremonies.html
http://www.schooloftheseasons.com/midsummer.html
http://www.thegoddesseffect.com/solstice.htm
First Quarter Moon
"The Moon is in her First Quarter from the seventh through the tenth day after the Dark Moon. During this phase, the right half of the Moon apears to be illuminated by direct sunlight. The First Quarter Moon is visible throughout her course in the night sky. She rises in the east at noon, is in her apex in the sky at dusk, and sets in the west around midnight. Energetically, ths is a time for emerging into the light, planting seeds for manifestation and seeking outer balance." Quoted from Avalon Within by Jhenah Telyndru
During this time of the month, we notice our energy begin to increase, and our focus go outward. A time of fertility and hope. Take some time to discover what you would like to see grow in your life, and put your attention towards that. Ask yourself the following questions: What is it I truly want in my life? Like a seed newly planted... how do I nurture myself, and the desires I have for my life? Am I getting the sunlight, the water, and the nutrients I need? Notice what it is you need, and tend to those needs, bringing the needed sunlight to your life.
The Light of Creativity- some musings....
"No one lights a lamp in order to hide it behind the door: the purpose of light is to create more light, to open people's eyes, to reveal the marvels around." quoted from Paulo Coelho's The Witch of Portobello.
I read this sentence in the beginning of this novel, while on vacation. I was so struck by it, I sat the book down, staring in to the shimmering ripples on the water... hearing the seagull call to each other. It's rare a novel strikes me so on the first page! My first thought was of the hermit card in tarot. There is this hermit (or crone, depending on the deck)- who's purpose is to do the inner searching. But as he holds his lantern up in the darkness, it lights the way not only for himself, but inadvertently for those around him. This hermit is an archetype that holds true in some way in all of our lives at some time. Then, I thought of the power of inspiration, and who/what I have found inspiring in my own life.
I am amazed by creativity... art as some call it... inspiration is another word... love, intuition, there must be many words we use. I think that light, as suggested by this quote, is an even better term. When we open ourselves to this divine spark, and follow our hearts... be it by loving eachother, by creating art, by working in a career we love, dancing, gardening, re-decorating, etc.- whatever it is- this light really does shine out to all of those around us. I have seen this so frequently in my life... where one's passion has inspired another. I was very blessed to see this at the 212 arts center just last week. I was able to share in a very special day for a group of creative artist women- and the joy, love and support from everyone's light shining was truly remarkable. I was reminded of the importance of not just community- but the community of those walking in this light/creativity. And how when one lets there light shine... it really does inspire all those around to shine as well... and well, then you've got an abundance of love and light! So this month, lets think of what lights you up, so to speak:) And give yourself permission to enjoy that light, and not to hide it behind a door, but to allow it to radiate to those around you in that joy.
On another note, this book, the Witch of Portebello was a really great new novel- inspiring and thought provoking, I'd definitely recommend it to the Goddess- reader!
Beginning A New Women's Circle!
Coming this fall, the Divine Feminine School will begin a local women's circle. We will meet monthly, but connect through the internet (and possibly distance healing or meditations) in between each full moon. If you are interested in joining this circle, please email me to sign up, space is limited!
And for those of you wanting a little more information... here's some really nice reasons why women need this work, and the support of eachother, by Sharron Rose in her book The Path of the Priestess. I found it very inspiring!
"In ancient times there were sacred schools, temples, and traditions that held women and the feminine principle in high esteem. The most important reason for the existence of these schools was to assist women in understanding and aligning themselves with the spiritual nature of the world around them. Having been created by women and for women, the schools were based on a direct transmission of knowledge from generation to generation An essential part of this knowledge, which we now refer to as women's mysteries, was learning to perceive and maintain the psychic- energetic- emotional landscape of society, the subtle realm of energy, emotion, vibration, and sensation that is recognized by healers and mystics as penetrating all reality and linking the spiritual planes with the material. To fulfill this crucial function women underwent years of physical artistic and intellectual training, as well as intensive personal reflection... These priestesses, temple dancers, yoginis, wise women, and visionaries would perform a crucial role in society by constantly elevating the human condition to one of grace and aligning it with the essential feminine qualities of courage, elegance, refinement, joy and receptivity. As teachers, guides, healers, mediators, consorts, and initiators into the sacred mysteries of sexuality and spiritual transformation, they transmitted the spiritual light that sustained civilization."
I wish you the best during this Moon Time:)
Feel free to email me using the contact form.
<< Previous Moon Journal Entry
Next Moon Journal Entry >>