Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Archive for October, 2014

imgres

Happy Samhain! Please enjoy my post for Samhain on the Womb of Light Blog and may the blessings of the ancestors be realized on this most sacred of seasons…

Crackling leaves are burning
Transformed from life to death
The crow calls out relentlessly
To those unseen and life withers
In the blasting of its issue.

The Crone’s outstretched hand
Pulls me tightly to her breast
The air chills at her touch
Long icy fingers tapping out the
Heart beat of life’s pulse within.

The solemn silence of darkness
The pause of silent breath
Power and strength drawn
From the sinewy strands of time.

Quartered path of
Gravel and stone
Flesh and blood
Moonlight and stars.

The wellspring of Earth and
The light of the cosmos above
Host the spirits who walk
Along Her sacred path.

Read more at: The Wisdom of the Underworld

Read Full Post »

dragonfly-wind-tunnel_26492
Image: Paul Chelsley

The veils are thinning and the air is dense and thick with energy that dips into many planes and forms of being. We glimpse the shadowscape in the periphery of physical vision and soften our gaze seeking out what stands just out of sight. We honor the transition into death and we envision the calm of rest from corporeal form. We are acutely aware of own mortality and metaphorically summon the hand of death to remove from us those things that hold us inert and unproductive. We call to a vision of wisdom and inner knowing as we move through our mundane lives hoping to be ever connected to what has passed beyond as source of eternal love and gentle guiding hand, Contemplation and inner reflection are our persistent companions and we make good use of this brief space of time to offer up call to our ancestors and beloveds for guidance and wisdom.

 

Seek out the quiet of a space
Cloaked in the mantel of darkness
Attend to what lay hidden reaching
Out from silent places still unknown.

Breathe deeply into the silence
The sound of your breath the only
Resonance of echo that mirrors
Back to you your place of surrender.

Allow the hollow bone of emptiness
To offer up its vessel as space of
Wisdom’s downpour.

Breathe deeply into the darkness
You are never alone and have
But to call out for the veils
To lift and ancestor will
Heed the tender call.

Soften your eyes as you seek
Shape in the formless and the
Gift of vision will unfold
Metamorphic in its transformation
As gossamer wings of light
Flutter in ascending.

Attend to your hearing as the
Whispers of Soul’s yearning
Find the key to unlock
The mysteries of your being.

Feel the gentle kiss of a long
Gone loved one brush against
Cheek or lips receptive to the
Tenderness held in death’s embrace.

The visions flow and move like
Spectres of light bodied spirits
That seek the memory of physical
Flesh and bone.

The visions seek out those who
Would not fear their pointed
Truths and revelations honed
By time’s eternal hand.

The visions come when all is
Readied.

The Visions come when mind is
Distracted and heart is pounding wildly.

The visions come to refine and
Clarify a hidden need.

The visions come unrelentless in
The compelling need to tell their stories.

The visions come when you finally
Surrender to letting loose the
Reins of willful control.

The only thing asked in return is that you
Simply open to the power of their gifts.

Open your hearts to the space of awakening
Open your minds to the breath of inspiration
Open yourself to death’s transformative hand
Knowing that physical death is only one form
Of this vision’s mastery.

Open yourself to a greater death that holds the
Vision Of your spiritual re-making as you willingly
Offer what needs final release to its watery gates.

Read Full Post »

diamonds-tweezer_456

As we focus on advancing in spiritual growth and our magickal skills the general goal is one of doing the work needed to connect with that Divinity which is non-corporeal, transcendent and more highly evolved than we perceive ourselves to be. We are always seeking what is the deeper mystery and hidden from our human perceptions. We generally consider ourselves to be the blessed and privileged ones when we experience the presence of the Divine as we invoke the Gods into our work and our lives. And, indeed we are blessed to be able to engage with those unseen beings. The thought that they are just as richly blessed in the commune with corporeal beings such as ourselves is a concept largely overlooked.

You see the fact of the matter is that we have something they desire just as we aspire towards the rare forms that they are. We have been gifted with manifest form that can experience the physical pleasures of touch, the ability to hold someone or something with our flesh and bones, the ability to walk on the surface of a living planet and the ability to create physical life from our own. I have talked before about the role of the Soul as being a stream of the essence of our pure Spirit that descends into physical form and takes in all the lessons of a human life to return these to the formlessness of our Spirit. In many ways this concept punctuates the phrase that “we are Divine Beings having a human experience”.

We are indeed twice blessed to be able to walk between the worlds of the non-corporeal and the physical. As we grow and expand in our work of learning the nuances of energy, vibration and the cyclical rhythms that flow in, around and through us our perceptions of those realms of the non-corporeal opens. It is this work and action that trains us in the receptivity of being able to move in synchronicity with those realms to the degree that we “feel” the presence of Deity in our devotional and ritual work. This is also the space of opening that allows Deity to experience a portion of our human-ness.

So, next you seek out the presence of the Divine, remember…

We work with flesh and bone
The flexing of muscle supports
The action of our daily work.

We touch our beloved ones with care
We see the pain of a suffering world
We hear the music of stars and planets
We taste the products of loving hands
We smell the changing of the seasons
All of these and more the gift of
Manifest human form.

We call out to our Gods and Goddesses
The Limitless All and the Divine
Yearning for their essence to mingle
Join and be as one with our own.

The bliss of union enfolds us in
Its ephemeral embrace and we
Surrender to the loosening of
Flesh and bone absorbed into
The vastness of ocean Divine.

We move on waves of ecstasy
Gently kissing shorelines of
Humanity’s sculpted form
Moving into every life giving
Crevice that has served as the
Astral inroad for time immortal.

The Human hungers for what
He/She has lost the memory
Of its treasure and value.

The Divine yearns for the tales
Of life in form that its progeny
Settles into burrowing deeply
Into the body of Spirit’s lover.

Each seeks the embrace of the other 
To more deeply know the pleasure
Pain and sacrifice of the other’s existence.

Read Full Post »

imgres

We all have those moments, days or weeks where we are simply uninspired by all that we know. We slow down a bit, slipping into a haze of boredom  or become restless and antsy, trying to create our own place of excitement. When this occurs within our mundane life, we seek out the company of others, hoping that some of their enthusiasm may rub off. When we feel uninspired at a spiritual level, things become a bit trickier, given that the source of spiritual inspiration has less to do with what outer stimuli you encounter and everything to do with the attitude in which you process it.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives these two definitions of the word “uninspired”:

  1. lacking in imagination or originality
  2. (of a person) not filled with excitement

The imagination aspect is what feeds our ability to visualize, create and bring into manifestation what we will to be. The originality occurs in the resulting product of that imagination. All and everything that is created is unique to the source of its creation; despite the appearances at times of it being the same.

Excitement becomes the passionate, freely flowing fuel that ignites and catalyzes the will. Desire is the necessary ingredient to produce what the imagination has created and strives to create within the space of true originality.

Feeling uninspired stops the flow of creative action cold in its tracks as we wait out the inner turmoil that arises over such a state and pray to our Gods and Goddesses that this time will pass quickly. So, what are some of the ways we can push through and shorten the hiatus?

When I think about the concept of inspiration, I immediately relate it to breathing. And, in support of this idea, I have noticed that when I am feeling uninspired and just plain apathetic about my spiritual practices, there is a certain shallowness and tenseness in my breathing patterns. The air does not flow as smoothly, and my mind is a little less clear.

For me, to be inspired is to feel expansive in what I am receiving and therefore expansive in what I have to give.  Thoughts, feelings and actions flow in a light and airy way and gently find their corners of interest and creative awareness to fill. When I am feeling inspired, I feel connected to a source that is continually available for me to drink deeply from. For me, Inspiration is the filling up with the breath of life; taking it all in and allowing it to move through mind and heart.

Now , here is the catch.  As productive and life changing as being inspired feels, the truth is that those times of feeling less than inspired are the breeding grounds of what most often become a surging forward that pushes through emerging with a fresh perspective and greater dynamic. I see them as the necessary kick-starters that allow a re-think on what I consider to be my motivations, philosophies and core beliefs. The apathy that is felt, becomes passion when seen from a different view. The boredom becomes the enthusiastic need to move and act.  And, using the analogy of the light bulb seen to represent inspired and inventive mind:

When the glass shatters and the light is no longer viable, the inspired view is a little less visible. And, in this darkened state, we rest, strategize, take a deep breath and the first response becomes the inspired action that is cleaning up the shards of glass and replacing the bulb anew!

Read Full Post »

The Path

maxresdefault

This lengthy poem was inspired after last weekend’s Climbing the Tree ritual. The Climbing the Tree weekend is hosted by the Tradition to which I belong, The Assembly of the Sacred Wheel. This is a large event requiring much planning, so it is only held every several years (the last being in 2009) and provides the experience of walking the lightning flash of the Qabalisic Tree of Life as an experiential grouping of 10 mini-rituals.

The Tree is laid out on the grounds of Seelie Court and participants move through the Tree, walking the paths and having a ritual experience in each of the spheres in accord with that sphere’s energy. I have had the honor of taking on the role of as one of the spheres for the past 3 runs, but never had the opportunity to actually walk the Tree in its entirety as a participant. This year, I had the good fortune to be able to experience the full Tree!

I wanted to share this writing as a source of inspiration for seeing the potential that is held in being a participant in your own spiritual journey. The lessons of the Qabalistic Tree are ones that are relatable to everyone’s mundane and spiritual experiences and the goal of study is one of self-knowledge and growth.

I invite you to walk with me on the Path of my experience of the Tree. The beauty is that you do not have to know anything about Qabalah to appreciate what this writing has to relate. You have but to set your foot upon the Path and be open to where that path may lead…….

I step upon the Path
And Earth’s energy
Stands as fertile ground.

Water flows from
Deeply hidden wells
Fire streams from
Sun’s quickened light
Air breathes life into
Earth that rises and shifts
Urging me onward.

The tool of my re-making
In heart –body –mind
And will is found.

I move along the path
Into the night sky temple
Of the moon where star
And dreamscape weave
A tapestry that tells of
Cycles of knowing and
Illusion’s sacrificial release.

The path is lit from celestial sky
And all clears with each step
Forward into clarity of mind
That holds creation’s intent
Breathed into life from
Library’s inspired great halls.

I move now with mind
Seeking the victory of
Beauty’s face and come
To pause in awe of Mother
Nature’s surrounding gifts.

Their power and wild beauty
Held within my own physical
Form now awakened and verdant
Mantle claimed as Gaia’s own.

I walk with tears of gnosis
Streaming from gates long
Needing the power of heart’s
Release and step out into the
Vast potential of the unknown.

Into Sun’s great downpour
Harmonious center of
Golden strands that demand
The sacrifice of full light’s scrutiny.

I scream into a breath that offers
Up true release and heat rising
From within empowers my intent
As I leave this place of synthesis
Ablaze with strength newly found.

The sun sets behind me as
Sharpened knife and the
Sword of truth challenge
And give fearsome dare.

Tears now flow freely
Reflected in shimmering
Blade of light and what I
Knew of myself is surrendered
To the pointed test of true worth.

From these fires of tempering
Comes new form that will wield
Its measure of might as warrior
As Goddess and as guardian
Of the sacred Great Work of self.

Courage has been tested
And mercy now awaits
What has been purposefully
Broken down to be birthed anew.

I walk to a place of mercy
I stand crowned as King of
My worldly and spiritual domains
The choice of ruler-ship and weight of
Responsibility now mine to claim.

Like pieces on a chess board
Each move affects the next
Each calculation of mind
Brings reality of heart’s consequence.

There is no winning play as the
Board continually changes and
The pieces transmute as the
Players evolve and grow.

Flexibility and mastery over
What holds me in chains as servant
Rather than ruler over how I would
Construct and command my
Worldly and spiritual domains.

The final realization is one hidden
In plain sight and boldly echoes
The truth of free will’s choice to move
Confidently in changing course and
Not lose sight of drawing to me
What is held dear in those conquests.

I breath deeply taking in all that has
Been learned as the next challenge
Awaits and the choice now at hand
To cross the abyss deep and wide.

I step moving cautiously along a
Path whose end cannot be seen
So great the veiling of light and dark
Faith and a silent promise my only guides
As I stand precariously balanced mid-point
Shedding the last of my mortal identity.

Mother’s voice calls to me gently
Into arms of dark black sea softly
Reminding of all that has been given
And what more remains in hopes
And wishes and dreams.

Time holds no false enchantment
As lifetimes flow as one and every
Pearl of dark sea’s creation has
Potential to be the great manifest one.

Dip deep into the waters
Drink freely from their source
Take one dream as heart’s most cherished
And bring it through the womb of manifest birth.

I breathe into the vision of potential’s hope
The path now one of nebula and galaxy
Of cosmos and starry birth.

I move as witness to the birthing of the Universe
The light of my being scattered as seeds
Of star-filled light moving and flowing
The memory of this potent exchange
Holding the understanding of re-union
And dissolution of what is contained in
Body of light and flesh and bone.

From this eternal cycle of cosmos
An awakening of key held within
Human’s birthing light and deeper
Place of manifesting star’s gift of sight.

I breathe out the light of wisdom
And enter the brilliance of liminal space
That blinds me from the child of the
Limitless All that I am.

What lays hidden in my being
That cries out to be brought
Into the crown of immanence.

I stand in the silence
No words or thoughts
No emotions or action
Can articulate the gnosis
That fills by Spirit and Soul.

All and nothing awaits
The next step upon this
Never ending Path.

The journey begins anew
The possibilities change
And every step has been taken
In all of its many forms.

And as the return of worldly
Affairs and knowledge of my
Place within.

I remain steadfast in my devotion to the Great Work
As the Kingdom of my manifest being
Seeks the Foundation that has been created
By the Glory-filled Victory of my inner Beauty.

Beauty that has been forged by my will to action honed
By the courage of justifiable Might
And cooled in the expansive waters of Mercy.

I have seen the fear of my own reflection in the
Knowledge of all parts of myself claimed by the Great Abyss
And these fears have been soothed by the ebb and flow of
The Dark Mother’s Understanding and my Celestial Father’s
Cosmic Wisdom.

I have experienced this and more in my journey upon the Path
Where the Crown of my Divine Kingship shines in brilliance
For all to see.

Read Full Post »

I am fascinated by Trees. Not only by the energy they exude but also by their almost human-like quality in the stories that are told when you look more closely. I have quite a collection of tree photos taken over serval year’s time and I never tire of being inspired to write about what I see. Maybe these will inspire you to stop, and take a closer look. Enjoy!

Having A Bad Hair Day *

Bad Hair

Tendrils are flying everywhere
And not a breeze in sight
I’m just a mass of tangled wisps.

I tried to keep it all contained and finely coiffed
But I kept growing and so did my mane of branches
But, soon you’ll see me in all my glory
Green leaves, full and swaying in the breeze.

I guess it’s not a bad hair day after all
Just my wild and natural side coming through.

Just Blowing Smoke

20130120_160613

Quick! Before they see me
One more puff in and
Hold it – hold it – hold it!

I just can’t help myself
Clouds are billowy and
The temptation of smokey taste
Is too much to resist.

Make Way *

SAMSUNG

Look Out
Coming Through
Make Way As I Stretch
My Limbs In Circle Wide.

I Reach With Some
And Dig With Others
Some Lay In Rest And Repose
And Others Hold Me Strong And Straight.

Everyone Knows Me
And My Deft Handiwork
Has Spread Far And Wide
Of All The Trees In The Forest
I Cover The Most Ground.

The Gathering

The Gathering

Gather round and lean in closer
There’s work to be done.

We are much stronger
When we stand together.

Look out and see that
One standing all alone.

Nothing to bolster
Nothing to shelter
No one to turn to
Such a shame
So all alone.

But if we stand even
Taller and stronger
Together we can
Shelter from the winds
That one who stands all alone.

If we dig deeper we may even
Be able to reach with rooty
Support and help to anchor.

If we stretch even further branchy
Limb may just be able to touch.

But for now we are only together
And the one still stands alone.

Lady Slipper *

Slide4

Tap- tap, sounds out the heel
Curve of arch and long high top
Space open and wide enough for
delicate curve of mossy foot.

There is no price I can put upon it
And none shall wear it as you will
The Great Mother crafted it just for you.
* Excerpted from:
The Enchanted Gate by Robin Fennelly

Read Full Post »

Inspirations of Life

Petals of Creative Change

78 Keys of Tarot

Opening the Gates of Inner Sight

Musings From the Mystic Path

A Monthly Newsletter published by Coven of the Mystic Path, ASW

From Psychic / Medium Danielle Egnew

The Call to Light Press - Spiritual Messages for Changing Times.

The Pagan Experience

Writings From the Pagan Community

Teachings on the Path

A Path of Continued Learning

symbolreader

Sharing My Love of Symbols

Otrazhenie

Reflection

Magickally Human

A Blog of Experience

breathofgreenair

mindfulness, relaxation, thought provoking images and poems

300 stories

A continuing mission to produce flash fiction stories in 300 words (or less)

jmlibby

Trials and Tribulations of a Novice Writer

%d bloggers like this: