Oakwillow

Image copyright © 2008 Wytchy Ways. Used with permission

Before connecting with Goddess communities I had over twenty years of magick working in small groups, in solitary or with close friends. It had never occurred to me that the term Goddess could be used in reference to define exclusively female spirituality. Goddess to me is a wonderful term of love for our Mother Earth and a sacred path of wisdom and respect. To me it has never been a term to define ‘women’s spirituality’ or claim the Earth path as a spirituality for women. However, my journey into Goddess communities over the last few years has left me quite perplexed. Wonderful circles of women fill the spaces, yet no men? I have experienced great workshops, conferences, training and ceremonies, but my brothers who honour Goddess cannot be there. I have been told time and time again that women need gender specific space, and while I believe that to be true for BOTH men and women, there is also a great need to bring balance back to our Earth and to our lives.

We cannot replace patriarchy with matriarchy; we do not do the Earth Mother or ourselves any service by this act. Matri-focal Goddess cultures did not have women ruling at the expense of men.  In Celtic cultures, women were great Priestesses, War chiefs, Mothers, leaders, weavers, artists and warriors, but this by no means represents a culture that holds their men to the side of their magick or society. Celtic men too were leaders, warriors, fathers, war chiefs and artists. Druids who devoted their lives to the Mother, even kings could not be crowned until partaking in the rites of Beltaine with Priestesses.

Some claim men will take over ‘our’ spirituality. But we do not allow ego and dominance in circles from women when it occurs, we deal with it, and we cannot be afraid of male strength. We need men to lead as well as support. We should also not confuse strong men with dominant and abusive forms of patriarchy. Strong women need strong men and strong men need strong women.

However too often men of the Goddess who could be great leaders in our community, are left to ‘help’ with cleaning up after ceremony or wait outside until circle is finished. While I respect and honour many men who help and support their women with Goddess work, we must remember that there are also men who wish to live their lives in the transformative power that is Earth based magick and Goddess Law. Yet, experienced men who have devoted their lives to Goddess are expected to wait outside or stand quiet in circle, while women new to Goddess are asked to facilitate. Eventually they drift away to more meaningful circles or they abandon Earth-based magick entirely.

We are losing our sacred sons at a time when balance and healing is critical.

I believe we are going through a time of transition and healing. Many of the women who have found Earth based spirituality are often using it as sanctuary from patriarchy and a place to heal from past violence and affirm the rights of women in a safe space. Sometimes it is simply a kind of spiritual ‘time out’ from the demands of life as a mother, wife or daughter. We must maintain these very important spaces of women’s strength and healing. The red tent movement has been a great testament to creating powerful healing spaces for women and facilitating great insight and change.

But we cannot afford to make women’s space our centre. It is time to make the centre of Goddess spirituality a place of service, clarity, community and balance. A place where both male and female specific space is honored, but the centre point is OUR community for all. This centre is a place of leaders, a place where the needs of both men and women are met, and a place where the Goddesses and the Gods walk together in honour and celebration.

Maybe it’s the sociologist in me, driving this, identifying gaps and wanting change- or maybe it’s the Priestess in me, watching the Earth spin in fertile circles of light and dark, male and female and the dance of the Sun and Moon across our skies- yet watching the Goddess community sing to one song  with no polarity, interplay or dance. For me when I want to understand something I always go back to the Earth, what am I seeing? Is my life practice in harmony with the song of the Earth Mother? In this area the community is too far from how the Earth spins her beauty.

Just as the Moon dances across the sky with the Sun, and light and dark dance together across the seasons and in ourselves, so too must we call for men and women to stand together and bring a truly fertile and rich spirituality to our community and to our Mother Earth.  The seasons do not spin on female spirituality alone, the Earth Mother and our bodies blossom in their fertility in this sacred union. Sun Gods and forest Gods spin in a respectful and beautiful union with the Goddess.  The Earth operates in this beautiful divinity, and so must we.

In Indigenous Earth based spirituality Gods, male leaders, male sexuality and the male body are sacred. He is potent and strong, emotional , tender and wild. He is not to be confused with the abusive and socially constructed forms of masculinity that have plagued patriachical society, or newer sky based Gods of the book religions who ‘rule over’ rather than lead with women. He is the untamed wild stag, the warrior, the Sun warming the Earth Mother, the trickster faerie, the divine son, the forest dweller, the loving Father, and the Beltaine lover bringing fertility to the land. The God of many names spins in an intimate dance with the Goddess across the seasons,  giving, living dying and being reborn.

As Starhawk so eloquently put it; “ At Winter Solstice he is born as the embodiment of innocence and joy, of a childlike delight of all things. He is the triumph of the returning light. At Bridget… his growth is celebrated, as the days grow visibly longer. At the Spring Equinox, He is the green, flourishing youth who dances with the Goddess in her maiden aspect. On Beltaine…their marriage is celebrated with maypoles and bonfires, and on Summer Solstice it is consummated, in a union so complete it becomes a death…He is mourned at Lughnasad and at Fall Equinox he sleeps in the womb of the Goddess, sailing over the sunless sea that is her womb. At Samhain…He arrives at the land of youth, the shining land in which souls of the dead grow young again, as they wait to be reborn…He too grows young, until at Winter Solstice He is again reborn. (Spiral dance: 1989; 114)

Our men are crucial elements in the divine dance with our Goddess. We can no longer lose our sacred sons. The doors need to open, with all the transition and messiness that will mean. We have powerful strong men out there, ready to be our warriors for the Goddess and we leave them at the door. It is time to not invite the sacred masculine in, but realize this was also their space all along. This is the way it was always done. Research any Indigenous culture on this planet and you will find women AND MEN, in strong sacred roles, representing their community in respect and honour of our Earth Mother. Men have lived for our Earth Mother, died for our Earth Mother, and have been part of the sacred and beautiful union that brings balance to our Earth and to ourselves. Men are the fertile balance of both humanity and the representation of gods in the divine son, warrior and lover to our Goddess. 

Our Earth Mother has always had her Sacred Sons and Daughters in her service, and she does not simply prefer it that way- she requires it. The sacred spinning of Goddess spirituality is not women’s spirituality, it belongs to us all.

Copyright 2010 Oakwillow. All rights reserved. http://www.oakwillow.com.au

 Timing of Imbolc 

Sun moves into Aquarius (Uranus and Saturn energy) usually falls 40 days after Winter Solstice and is midway between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox.  It is usually celebrated August 1^st /2^nd in the Southern Hemisphere and the start of February in the Northern Hemisphere.

The most accurate timing for Imbolc 2010 is August 8 (00:45 Sydney time)

http://archaeoastronomy.com/2010.html

Stories and history of Imbolc

In Irish, Imbolc (pronounced im’olk) from the Old Irish, meaning “in the belly” (i mbolg), refers to the turn in the season and the subsequent pregnancy of ewes, and is also a Celtic term for Spring. Another name is Oimelc, meaning “ewe’s milk”. Milk was poured into the ground at this time, nurturing the Mother.

It is known as the ‘feast of the waxing light’ as the Goddess returns from the underworld a pregnant virgin. It is the time of new beginnings, as the land is made pure to prepare for spring. It is the rite of the maiden, a time for celebrating new beginnings, purity and initiations. The maiden passes through the country blessing the land. It is a fire and moon rite. Goddesses that feature are Bridget (fire, women’s magick, fertility) and Blodewedd (maiden initiator, lunar mysteries and owl) Brighid’s Crosses are made from wheat stalks and exchanged as symbols of protection and prosperity in the coming year. The Maiden is honored, and traditionally Straw Brideo’gas (corn dollies) were created from oat or wheat straw and placed in baskets with white flowers. Young girls carried the Brideo’gas door to door, and collected gifts. The dolls were layed on sacred bark of birch, broom, or white willow.  Older women made special acorn wands for the dollies to hold.

The Winter Crone Calleach sends a dragon to kill the maiden Bridget of spring. Brigit sends a lamb and wins, thus becoming the time of the maiden. We celebrate the growth of the young horned God and chant the Mother back to the Earth. The next waning moon is said to take away the rains.

Fire and purification rites have been used for centuries during Imbolc. Fire represents the increasing Sun, and also the power to transform and cleanse the spirit.

In Australia Wattle day is also celebrated around this season, and is a highly appropriate use of flower for Imbolc as the land bursts into this bright, joyous and abundant flower. This rich maiden time is often used as a time to bless the home and garden, let go of the old and prepare for new growth. Herbs, mixed with milk, honey and white or yellow flowers are used to bless the garden and traditionally young girls in white would bless the fields.

Candles burn in house and garden for Fire Goddess Brigit, and to welcome and lure back the sunshine. Honey cakes are baked, to share and to leave as an offering with candles during the night.  A white silk ribbon or clothing was also hung outside the doorstep for blessing on this night. Traditionally Celts use ribbons to tie/knot a wish or commitment and tie ribbons into the trees to send the wish on the wind. The clothes or ribbon were kept for 12 months as protection from harm.

Symbols

Peacock, moon, white or yellow flowers (I use white eucalypt and wattle)  and symbols of the maiden

Herbs and Trees

Birch-renewal, new beginnings 

Basil- initiations, cleansing

Ash-re-birth/ continual circle between worlds

Angelica- visions, joy

Heather and white and pink flowers- alter decorations

Rosemary- enhance memory, protection of home and purification, enhances energy

Myrrh- spiritual awareness, brings peace

Things to do at Imbolc

·         Use herbs, mixed with milk, honey and white flowers and bless your garden or local lakes and parks.

·         Burn candles in the house and garden for Fire goddess Brigit, and to welcome and lure back the sunshine.

·         Bake honey cakes and leave as an offering with candles during the night. Buttered bread and milk may also be left.

·         Make straw brigets crosses

·         Put white flowers and light white candles throughout the house\

·         Write or read poetry and tell stories.

·         Hang a white silk ribbon or piece of lace outside the doorstep for blessing on this night. 

·         Decorate or build a new alter in white for the season(white shells, white feathers, sage, quartz crystals etc)

·         Cleanse and bless your home

·         Think about what is new and being dreamed or birthed in your life and celebrate that beginning in ritual

·         Dance, sing,  play

·         Spend time with young children, or host a special children’s Imbolc sleep over with everyone dressed in white and play games into the night

·         Make corn dollies for Bridget

·         Self purification rites eg smudging and water blessings

·         Write a blessing or poem for your child, or a child close to you

·         Make Priapic Wands (acorn tipped) made as the season warms to spring as a symbol of male fertility

·         have a group of women over dressed in white and plan something creative, writing, art, clay (maybe bring a change of clothes for messy art) J

·         Build a bon fire, celebrate, burn the old, cleansed and new from the Imbolc season

·         Place a candle in each room to welcome Bridget and to also welcome the rebirth of the Sun

·         Place a besom (Broom) by the front door to symbolize sweeping out the old and welcoming the new (Celtic custom)

The milk flows - as the Sun grows

The maiden sweeps in with her sweet, cool, crisp breath

and we are cleansed, washed clean….

Blessed with flowers, honey and the power of Her light

Reborn we are now seen…

I was traveling abroad, while my husband was at home, so I knew I wasn’t pregnant. It dawned on me that this was the Gateway to Menopause, the first sign of my bodily clock winding down.

Finally, after 40 days, my womb flowed again.

Relief and sadness intermingled within me.

The relief stemmed from the freedom I remember feeling during my pregnancy and breastfeeding years… The grief grew out of realizing that my flow is preparing to halt.

Are you still cycling?

Are you in the midst of menopause?

And if not, are you aware that one day your flow will stop…?

What is your relationship with any of the flowing stages you’re in, or with the lack there of?

Following my adolescence and early womanhood of cursing my menstruation, and seeing it as a bother and a nuisance, I have spent years familiarizing myself with my flow. I learned to embrace it and draw strength from it. I started appreciating its gifts of intuition, and its invitation to take time for resting, dreaming, creating, delving into my core, and simply Being.

Part of this journey for me was reclaiming different names for the menstrual cycle. MoonTime, Moon Flow, or simply my Flow, are words I use in honor of the connection between our cycles as women, and the cycles of the moon (both 28.5 days long).

These words acknowledge the similarities our bodies share with the moon: the cyclical nature, the ebb and flow, the emotional tides we experience… these are all natural rhythms, which we can ride as waves if we embrace them (or suffer from if we choose to fight them…)

If my cycle is a Moon Flow, than its ceasing is best described as Moon Pause!

Now that I’m faced with my Moon’s inevitable Pause, I am committed to be as conscious as I can during this journey of waning, partly in order to compensate, as best I can, for the unconsciousness that surrounded my first period…

Since most of us were not welcomed into womanhood when we came of age, we each have an opportunity to meet the ending of our cycling years with as much consciousness as we can muster.

How would you honor your transition, when it comes?

Or if your Moon has already paused, how can you honor the years you spent cycling?

When my Moon pauses, I will create a necklace, on which I want to dangle charms that represent my gratitude to the power of our blood to give life, and to open the veil into the depth of the Great Mystery.

I’m collecting these charms, individually, along my trails, in preparation for my Moon Pause.

The onset of my first period was an unconscious act, barely witnessed, and certainly not honored. The journey of saying goodbye to my cycling years is emerging as the exact opposite: a conscious journey of acknowledgment and reverence to the sacredness of my MoonTime.

I invite you to open the doorways of honoring your journey toward your Moon Pause…

As I write this, I still cycle regularly. I realize, once again, that I am not in control… Birthing took place in my body’s own good time, not mine. And so is the winding down of my cyclical clock, being carried out by its own good rhythm. Teaching me patience and humbling me, yet again, to its miracle.

*** This article was published in my e-newsletter, ‘Inspire!’
And I invite you to subscribe… It’s FREE
Here’s the link to sign up:
http://deannalam.com/deannalam_018.htm

DeAnna L’am

You are Invited to a
Goddess Gathering in Melbourne
April 9-11th 2010

AUSTRALIAN GODDESS CONFERENCE

15, 16, 17 October 2010 

at the Community Hall
Albert Park Waterways
BROADBEACH
QLD

Full details of Glastonbury Goddess Conference 2010

Celebrating the Goddess of Love 28^th July-1^st August with Fringe events from 26^thJuly

Now available on our website www.goddessconference.com With contributions from Alessandra Belloni, Barbara Meiklejohn-Free, Deonesea la Fey, Freddie Foosiya Miller, Georgina Sirett-Hardie, Grael Corsini, Isabella Verbruggen, Isabella Weber, Jacqui Woodward-Smith, Jane Meredith, Jay Keshava, Joanne Foucher, Julie Felix, Kathy Jones, Katinka Soetens, Kay Dayton, Kellianna, Koko Newport, Lady Olivia Durdin Robertson, Loes Moezelaar, Lydia Lite, Lynne Orchard, Marguerite Rigoglioso, Mike Jones, Miriam Wallraven, Natasha Wardle, Nicki Mackay, Oona McFarlane, Oshia Drury, Peter Wood, Rose Flint, Sally Pullinger, Tegwyn Hyndman and Trevor Nuthall. Plus priestesses of the Goddess and Avalon and other traditions, helpful Melissas and lots lovely more women and men.

With Ceremonies, Adorations and Praise Songs to the Goddess of Love, Sensuality, Sexuality and Beauty, the Goddess as Lover. We honour Her as the beautiful Flower Goddess Blodeuwedd, who is also Owlface, as Nimue of the Glass Isle, Elen of the Trackways, Ertha the Earth, Sheela na Gig of the Gateways, Arianrhod of the Silver Wheel, Gerwyn the Virgin Foot-holder, Eostre of Springtime and Nolava the Lover, Lady of Avalon. We will celebrate many aspects of Love, from self love, to the love in our relationships, sexual love, and spiritual love.

Participate in inspiring workshops, listen to fascinating presentations, see beautiful artwork & stalls, performances, music, song, poetry and dance. Fill your heart with Her Love and Beauty. Join one of Nine Heart Circles for support and to participate fully in Ceremonies throughout the Conference. Dance the night away at the Goddess Gala Buffet and Masque and join our Procession through the Landscape to Chalice Hill with a Red Fruit and Chocolate Feast!  

Email goddesconference@ukonline.co.uk for further information

Image of Blodeuwedd, Goddess of Flowers by Yuri Leitch, www,yurileitch.co.uk 

THE JOURNEY OF THE FEMININE

Is a 3 DAY WEEKEND RETREAT held at Bornhoffen PCYC

near the Natural Bridge inland from Nerang

Held from Friday 31 July to 2^nd August 2009

This is an opportunity to come and experience a workshop program presented by many wonderful facilitators

sharing their gifts and experience throughout a weekend of many and varied activities.

This is a chance to dance, play, relax and rediscover your

See the attached brochure for information on registration and workshop program and presenters sacred self. 

Participate in a wonderful workshop program intended to awaken the body, mind and spirit.

Leave the cooking to someone else as you enjoy the primarily vegetarian cuisine that your body will love.

or

check out the website for full details of the weekend event .

http://www.womenswellbeing.org/calendar.php

Be welcome…Come join us

as we immerse ourselves in Ceremony, Ritual, Song,

Music, Dance, Creative Play, Spoken Word, Laughter

& Five Flames of the Sacred Temple of Magdalena

GAIA

GODDESS ASSOCIATION IN AUSTRALIA Inc AUSTRALIAN

Celebrates, Unites & Supports Women in the Wider Community

GODDESS CONFERENCE 2009

Sat Oct 31^st, Sun Nov 1^st 2009

Platters of Exotic delights: Delicious, fresh Morning

& AfternoonTea & Lunch Tea & coffee provided

SPECIAL GUESTS& P R E S E N T E R S

Wendy Rule-Thea Gaia - Patricia Corner - Julie Walton-Tess Elliott - Louise Bell - Bilawara Lee

Anique Radiant Heart - Alicia Sherwood-Mel Creamer - Tricia Szirom - Lynn Guy-Amrita Hobbs - Elizabeth Jane Lotscher

Lucy Cavendish - Tanna Kjaer-Dona-Ganga Ashworth - Glenys Livingstone-Lynne Sinclair-Wood - Jane Meredith

Jane Hardwicke Collings – Tanishka- Dede Callichy - Barbara Sheehy

G A I A  i s  a  not - f o r - pr o f i t or g an i s a ti o n

Wendy Rule Concert $25

Friday Evening  7.30 PM, 30 October

GAIA INC MEMBERSHIP:

Standard $50 Associate $35(available for under 18’s)

Stalls available to conference participants for $70

Alicia 0402 656 243 Patricia 07 5545 4837 - 0424 713 959 / GAIA Inc PO Box 60 Nth Tamborine QLD 4272

CONFERENCE PRICES:* A l l t i ck ets a r e Pr e - Pa i d

*3 day ticket & concer t Member $220 Non-Member $270

*Day only Sat or Sun Member $160 Non-Member $190

*Full Conference & Membership Standard $260 Renewal &250

Venue

ALBERT WATERWAYS COMMUNITY CENTRE Cnr Hooker & Sunshine Blvds, Mermaid Waters QLD

CONTACT

info@goddessassociation.com.au / www.goddessassociation.com.au / conferenceregistration@goddessassociation.com.au

Dear MoonTree Sisters,

You are invited to the first 2009 MoonTree Ancient History Workshop!

If you are interested in ancient religion, and its timeless significance for our lives and Paths today, and if you are hungry for some sacred time for yourself in the company of like-minded women, then please do come along to this special event, facilitated by Alicia Sherwood (M.A.) …

The Greek Eleusinian Mystery Cult

This Classical Greek mystery cult, which hearkens back to far earlier times, occupied a very important place in the religious and spiritual experience of the people of the time. In this workshop, we will explore ancient information and Lore about the:

 *Temple *Rites *Administration, priesthood and role of women *Mythology and spiritual significance of this cult of the Earth and the Mother /Daughter Goddesses Demeter and Persephone….

As with all MoonTree workshops, the day consists of a wonderful depth and array of information, as well as sacred experiential, creative and interactive aspects. Truly a rich and magical day!

When: Saturday 21^st March, 10am-3pm

Where: North Tamborine (directions will be forward with confirmation of registration).

 Cost: $90 per woman, which includes all materials. Please bring a plate of vegetarian food to share for lunch…

Registrations must be finalised one week prior to event. To confirm your place, please email Alicia at alicia@moontree.net or phone 0402 656 243.

I look forward to welcoming you there!

Blessings,

Alicia Sherwood

M.A. (Ancient History)

MoonTree

PO Box 60 North Tamborine Q 4272

M: 0402 656 243

E: alicia@moontree.net

W: www.moontree.net

Lughnasadh

 Timing…

Traditional date is August 1^st in northern hemisphere, when the Sun moves into Leo for the strength of the solar energy. In southern hemisphere is celebrated February 2^nd. It is the midpoint between Summer Solstice and the Autumn Equinox.

Stories of Lughnasadh (Luh guh’ nahs eye or Loo nas saw)

Lughnasadh is a deep, dark time of reflection and journey, and is the Celtic harvest festival. The wheat from the first harvest is cut with Lughs sword and used to bake the first loaf of bread. This marks the harvest and a time to give thanks. Saxons had a Christian rite called Lammas (loaf mass). The first bread from the harvest was brought to church and broken. Lughnasadh is the Fourth Gaelic Fire Festival (female) and first harvest festival. It is the wake of Lugh- Sun God and High King and bright god of the Tuatha de Danaan, who died in ecstasy at Summer Solstice.

It is a time to celebrate the fruits of the Earth Mother and fertility of the Earth and a time of markets, community gatherings and feasts. Lughnasadh means “Lugh’s assembly” and celebrates the beginning of harvest season, the decline of summer to winter. It is a funeral feast but also a time to commemorate the mother and the ripening of her fruits. Lughs foster mother may be honoured (Tailti) who died working and preparing the land for agriculture. Lughnasadh celebrations in Ireland are often called the “Tailltean Games” a time to honour Tailti in which funeral games were held on this day. It is a time of games and celebration. Ireland’s oldest festival the ‘Puck festival’ is also celebrated during this time.

Ritual activities

It is a season of dismissing regrets, farewells and preparation for winter. Bread is often baked, often in symbolised shapes, and thrown into the fire to release fear. It is a time of letting go and releasing of fear and is especially good for good for divorce ceremonies and letting go of the past.

Other activities may include the making of harvest corn dolls, wheat weaving, baking bread or meditating on an ear of wheat. Meditations and rituals often focus on releasing fear or anger. It is also a time of feasting and dancing

Among its activities, couples could enter into a “trial marriage” known as a “Brehon wedding.” The two would clasp hands and thrust them through a circular opening in a special stone, while announcing to the Brehons — judges and lawyers — that they intended to live together for a trial period of one year, after which the marriage would be formalised. Either party could break the marriage by a public announcement during the feast of Beltaine in the Spring. No harsh words were allowed between wives and husbands at this time. The levying or collecting of debts was also not allowed during Lughnasadh.

Herbs and symbols

Colours: greens, browns and oranges

Barley- to symbolise earth, wealth and love and for making corn dolls

Hazel Tree- Ruled by Mercury- used in water rites

Hollyhock-to offer to the land- also sacred to faerie

Corn and other fruit and vegetables of the season 

Things you could do at Lughnasadh

• Bake bread and feast
• Think of regrets that have not been released and bake bread into figures that represent your thoughts and burn what you want to release into the fire
• Divorce ceremonies/ or self blessings to deal with past relationships
• Make corn dolls from corn husks, dolls can be used to honour the Goddess, as decoration of the season or as aspects of yourself you wish to burn and release. You can make one corn doll to represent the Grain Goddess and keep it in your home to represent your own personal harvest and joys in your life.
• Weave braids/threads with wheat with an intent of something you are weaving in your life
• Meditation, journey and reflection
• Make gingerbread, eat corn or popcorn
• Write in a diary, or write poetry about what you are farewelling in your own life and what you see as your harvest and the joy building in your life