Last night was the first time I've done anything for the full moon in several months. I'm not sure where my disconnect was. I simply was lost. I'm not even really sure what made me go out last night. Partly, I felt spiritually bankrupt. I got out my basket, carefully adding a lighter, a small candle, some incense, a bottle of mead, some water from the Amicolola River, my newly carved hawthorn wand, donned my heavy wool cloak and headed out to Aran. [Aran is the name of the Spirit who resides in the oak tree in my front yard. There is a small stone altar, a bench and 4 standing stones in the four directions.] I set my things out on the altar, not so much in the way I was taught but the way that felt right. I welcomed the directions and all the spirits that dwell in those places. I walked 'round the circle three times to honor the Moon as Maiden, Mother and Crone. As I walked I thought about all the stages of life that women really go through and realized, had I walked 'round once for each, I have been walking a lot more. I wrapped my arms around Aran and gave thanks to the Moon for all the blessings in my life. Then, I simply sat there, gazing at Her. I'd forgotten how bright She is, how soothing Her light (a reflection of the Sun who shines on Her), how truly lovely She is. I remembered a song I had sang with friends many years ago as we danced in Her light and I started to sing: "Under the full moon light we dance Spirits dance, we dance. Joining hands we dance. Joining souls, rejoice!" I sang it over and over and as I sang my heart started to swell. I could feel the joy, the love the peace I had missed for so long. She let me know that no matter how far you go, it's not so far from Home.
This is my very first blog. So please be gentle.
Welcome to Heart's Haven. That's what my husband and I call our home. You can't tell from the photo but the shutters and front door are a soft purple. One of my two favorite colors, the other being green. For the past 12 years this place has been the happiest place I've ever been in my entire life. It's also the place I've lived the longest. Till I married my husband 12 years ago and moved into this home I had previously moved 29 times. The longest I had lived in one house was 7 years. I mark a purposeful distinction between the words house and home.
This home has been much like me, evolving slowly over the years. As my life grew more peaceful, I grew more peaceful. The rooms have changed, rearranged, been painted, re-painted, and renamed (son's room,spare room, guest room, ritual room, Club House, LIVING room); much like me. I look at pictures of myself over the last 12 years and see so many different faces. Only now am I starting to see me.
My husband has taken to a real love of photography. He wanted to take some pictures of me based on a painting he saw. I was nervous. I hate pictures. Ok, let me correct that. I hate pictures that aren't flattering (ah vanity). Because I love and trust him, I went along with this venture. What happened surprised me. I actually liked the pictures. Another metaphor for my life. I'm starting to actually like me.
Thought for the day: Don't forget to look at the moon.
Last night was the first time I've done anything for the full moon in several months. I'm not sure where my disconnect was. I simply was lost. I'm not even really sure what made me go out last night. Partly, I felt spiritually bankrupt. I got out my basket, carefully adding a lighter, a small candle, some incense, a bottle of mead, some water from the Amicolola River, my newly carved hawthorn wand, donned my heavy wool cloak and headed out to Aran. [Aran is the name of the Spirit who resides in the oak tree in my front yard. There is a small stone altar, a bench and 4 standing stones in the four directions.] I set my things out on the altar, not so much in the way I was taught but the way that felt right. I welcomed the directions and all the spirits that dwell in those places. I walked 'round the circle three times to honor the Moon as Maiden, Mother and Crone. As I walked I thought about all the stages of life that women really go through and realized, had I walked 'round once for each, I have been walking a lot more. I wrapped my arms around Aran and gave thanks to the Moon for all the blessings in my life. Then, I simply sat there, gazing at Her. I'd forgotten how bright She is, how soothing Her light (a reflection of the Sun who shines on Her), how truly lovely She is. I remembered a song I had sang with friends many years ago as we danced in Her light and I started to sing: "Under the full moon light we dance Spirits dance, we dance. Joining hands we dance. Joining souls, rejoice!" I sang it over and over and as I sang my heart started to swell. I could feel the joy, the love the peace I had missed for so long. She let me know that no matter how far you go, it's not so far from Home.
