Crone HeArt Wisdom

I Wonder

I sit and wonder what it all means.  I am an inquiring soul.

The synchronicities, glimpses of streaks of light and images, a timely tarot card, the path taken and the path not, the chance meeting of a friend, the words to a song, the random opening of a book, the article long forgotten that suddenly falls out of the journal, faded photos that spring to life, a haunting melody, the long lost letter you suddenly see sticking out from behind the dresser.

Dreams of days gone by--all separate happenings--but not!  All strung together crossing the boundaries of past, present and future.  The kite of my life that soars ever higher into unknown space.

The eternal spiraling in and out-ceaseless-ever changing.  A mindful soul--a loving heart--a mind hungry for truth and wisdom.  The winds of chance and change add to the mix and again the direction is different.  The deep resonance of the drum that transports me to another dimension-another world-a place where my spirit guides dwell--a place of peace and calm.

The perfect question asked of me and the answer that storms from my depths, that has been waiting a lifetime to be released.  

Someone, somewhere is calling my name--ever so softly. Where are you?  What do you want?  

Confusion gives way to clarity and I actually hear the "click" as the puzzle piece snaps into place.  

I wonder, do you?

Time Ticks By

It has been four months since my last post!  Time certainly ticks by.

A dear friend of mine, who periodically checks my blog, recently commented that I have not blogged in a long time and thought it odd, since so much has been happening in my life of late.  My response was that I did not really know what I was comfortable sharing, and so much of my time since my last post has been consumed with what has been happening in my life!  Hmmmmmmm.

Let me share some of what has been going on.

On October 31, 2008, I committed myself to a year of "calling the crone".  This year will culminate on October 31, 2009, with my Croning Ceremony.  Another friend and sister-priestess, Bryn, suggested I take the year to prepare and go deep into my soul to make myself ready to pass through these gates of transformation and step onto a new path as Crone.  I have also prayed to my Matrona, Hecate, to guide me in this endeavor.  

Well, much has been happening--dreams, wide awake experiences, images in my mind's eye, and amazing tarot cards.  I know that I have asked for all of this when I prayed to Hecate to mold and temper me this year--but I never expected it to be so very intense, sometimes painful and always emotional.  To this sentiment, my wise friend replied:

"I am surprised at that statement my Dear.  What did you expect?  You have crossed a threshold and it should be intense.  Every emotion must come into full play.  What good would experience in only one emotion be?  How can one become a true spiritual person without first knowing where their mind can go in all directions?  How can one hope to understand someone else's emotions if they have never experienced it for themselves?  I know you have felt pain, sorrow, happiness, and other emotions, but now you are experiencing them in a spiritual sense."

What did I expect---indeed!!  To be sure, I have taken these very wise words to heart and I have really slowed down and been more in the moment.  I am quiet and listen more.  I do a lot of sitting outside. There is a lot of energy around and in me right now.  It sometimes feels like I have the Northern Lights INSIDE me--swirling and changing colors!

My tarot cards have all been about change, transformation and letting go of the old.  All so very appropriate for me, especially now.

I look back along the path and I can no longer see my beginning point, for it is shrouded in the mist of yesterday.  I know better than to worry about tomorrow--but, alas, I am but human, and I do sometimes yearn to know what is yet to be.  And then Hecate gently reminds me that my life and my tasks are here on the road just in front of me, not up ahead around the bend.  Her torches light the small section of the path that I am on--not the entire way.

My emotions are on high alert and I have been just going with them.  It is powerful to accept what one is feeling and allow those feelings to emerge, unashamed.

So, though I journey on toward what waits around the bend, I relish each step more, being in the moment and listening with my whole being for that which is offered by the Great Mother in love, wisdom and perfection.

Blessed be--Rue  

Into the Light

It's Imbolc Eve and tomorrow we start our journey back into the light.  

The days are longer, I am already making plans for my garden and a friend told me he heard a Robin's song the other day.

As the light returns we begin to spiral out from the long winter's rest; renewed and ready for the journey ahead.  

That "fresh sheets on the cloths-line" smell is in the air.

The promise of spring brings excitement and we pull out our lists of projects to be done.

It is a time of renewal and fresh beginnings--a time of anticipation and joy--a time of hope. 

Wherever you go, whatever you do, as you travel on the road ahead; may you always find that which you need, may your path always be lit, and may you always feel warmed by the Mother's love.

Bright blessings--Rue

My Wish . . . Peace

What is peace?  

The American Heritage Dictionary says peace is: "the absence of war or other hostilities; an agreement or treaty to end hostilities; freedom from quarrels and disagreement; harmony; public security and order; serenity; peace of mind".

Where does one find peace?

In the words of a treaty or cease fire?  In the final settlement papers of a divorce?  In the words of an impassioned speech? Seeing police cars cruising your neighborhood?

Can peace ever be attained?

I don't know the big answers.  I don't know if there will be peace on earth.  I don't know if all wars will cease.  I don't know if inhumanity will be replaced with love and kindness.

I don't know.

I do know that I choose to cultivate peace in my life, and in so doing, I believe it will grow.  Why?  Because the seeds of peace are hardy!  Because so long as one person believes in peace it will not die.  

What can we do to practice peace?

First, forgive yourself for whatever needs forgiving and let it go.  Stop warring with yourself and find the joy that is surely there.  Then, smile from your heart at those you meet.

Share your joy and peace will follow!

May you have a most blessed Yule.

Peace--Rue

Trees--Their Souls are Timeless

Ever present, ever graceful always watching. . . 

in their summer splendor

in the beauty of autumn's colors

in their winter bareness

swaying in the breeze of spring

buffeted in the wind of storms

TREES. . .  their souls are timeless.

First Women Foundation Retreat Maplelag Resort Detroit Lakes MN

This weekend past I attended my first women's retreat at Maplelag Resort.  What a sacred, energizing, and enriching experience!!  There were about 60 women gathered together to step into their power and step out of their comfort zones.

The energy and power were palpable and there was a steady "spiritual hum".

The grounds are simply beautiful.  The light reflecting off of Little Sugar Bush Lake was like liquid diamonds.  Another beautiful sight were the Trumpeter Swans that graced us with their presence all weekend!!

I am a great friend and lover of trees, and in my wanderings, I found these beautiful trees full of such quiet strength and majesty.

  

The amazing handiwork of the Great Mother is everywhere. 

 We have only to look and listen to be filled with Her power and majesty.  For me the key is emptying myself of everything that would prohibit the Great Goddess from filling my vessel with Her gifts.  What is it that is keeping you from receiving Her gifts?





   

     
 

Does Your Heart Beat . . .

to the music of your soul?  

A question I have been asking myself of late.  

What IS the music of my soul?

I find that when I actually stop to think about the question, there are many answers.

It is the melody of my grandchild's laughter

and the beautiful serenade of autumn leaves

It is the harmony of two hearts living and loving

and the anthem of beliefs and vocation

It is the waltz of friendships

and the rock and roll of life and death

It is the crescendo of creativity

and the lullaby of lessons learned

It is the march of wisdom

and the ballad of understanding

The Power of Love

She had the power,

it was piercing, but understanding.

She slipped above glowing night,

She had mingled with wonderful love.

She remained

Brilliant!

Complete!

Mysterious!

Time was her friend.

Medicine Wheel Retreat

I spent this past weekend at a Medicine Wheel Retreat, hosted by my friend Becky in northern Minnesota.  The picture above shows the Medicine Wheel as constructed by her using Sun Bears' Medicine Wheel.  The creation of this wheel was a long-time dream fulfilled for Becky.

To stand in this wheel, was to stand in the midst of love and power.  As I walked the wheel, I noticed that several deer had also walked the wheel!  You could see how the deer actually walked around the stones without disturbing anything.   

As I was standing there alone in the wheel, I thought about how the healing energy that emanates from the it is so needed in our lives.  And every person who walks there takes a bit of that energy with them when they leave, allowing it to ripple from one to another.  

With the kind permission of the author, I leave you with a poem written by Becky describing the wheel's creation.  Blessed be.

A Medicine Wheel Story
Trees and smaller plants gave their lives
The land cleared
Grieving, healing ceremonies and songs of gratitude
A crown and root of a tooth extracted
Disease, death, healing
Inspiration
Young Red Pines transplanted
A new circle formed
Strength anew in every level of being
The rocks of the grounds and shoreline patiently awaited
A Farther Shore assignment
Reminded of a deep desire
The ground spiraled pulling in our place in the
Coming of the Golden Age
10,000 years of Peace
Place the Medicine Wheel in this loved space
I sang to the rocks
Connecting with each one
Painting Sun Bears Medicine Wheel names
Upon each rock
And now another magical Medicine Wheel is made

Love is Eternal

Sing to me the song of life,

of love that has no ending;

of time that passes oh so slowly,

of hearts that need no mending.

Sing to me the sweet refrain of happily ever after;

of peace and joy and dreams come true,

of thoughtfulness and laughter.

Sing my sadness far away,

lull my fears to sleep;

paint my soul with rainbow colors,

and pull me from the deep.