Today I lifted my nose from the proverbial grindstone to breathe. Relax. Widen out. Allow. In this easeful liminality, the wonder of Creation crept gently into my Crown chakra. It curled in subtle spirals through my mind, swirling down into my Heart, inviting it to open. Take time for Wonder, my Spirit whispered. Take time to remember your place in this magnificent All.
When's the last time you stopped to reflect on all you've accomplished? What you've achieved with your personal skills & gifts? Too often we fixate on what we have yet to attain.
Today, on this sacred Earth Holiday (named for the ancient Irish God of All Skills), take a few mindful moments to make a list of at least 3 (or 9!) things you do well. That's "well" - not necessarily perfectly.
We tend to overlook the things that come easily to us, so be sure to include your most natural qualities & talents, not just the ones you'd had to work hard to develop. This list represents just a few of the ways you are sharing your medicine with the world. Put your list in a place where you will see it every day (on the fridge or on your phone perhaps.)
Now it's time to celebrate & energize these pathways of medicine. For the next 3 (or 9!) days, reflect on one of these qualities or skills. Name it out loud. Energize a candle (a charm candle or tealight will do) with your appreciation for all you have achieved with this skill, your sense of accomplishment & your intention to continue to grow & share your gifts with the world. Set the candle ablaze & let your Light shine!
~ Ananaia O'Leary
Has your heart been heavy, holding the record of past sorrows, disappointments or dashed hopes? The Spirits of Water & Willow stand ready to help you release the heaviness in your heart. Of course, healing of deep dynamics does not happen all at once, but this ceremony can help you lighten your heart & step toward a brighter future.
Fill a bowl with clear, cool water. Sit comfortably with the bowl in your lap. Honor the Spirit of Water rippling in the bowl. Prepare to welcome the Spirit of Willow. Sense Sister Willow’s leaves dancing above your Crown as her sweeping branches enfold you. Throughout the ages, Willow has reached into the human heart & called forth the deep flow of emotion. Invite her to share her heart-healing medicine with you.
Willow eases her healing roots gently into your heart, stirring the stagnant energies that pool in its depths, emotions that have burdened your heart for too long. She is not afraid. She shares this fearlessness with you. It is time to release. Lift the bowl & hold it beneath your heart chakra. Breathe in, deeply welcoming Willow. Breathe out, sensing the heaviness in your heart begin to rise in a muddy stream. As you continue to breathe, sense this stream flowing out of your heart into the bowl.
“More room out than in,” Willow whispers. “This is the pain that was. It is no longer yours. No need to keep it. Let it go with love.” Continue to breathe & sense the stream flowing into the bowl. Breathe & allow your heart to be deeply cleansed. Willow is with you. Continue until you sense the flow clear & quiet.
Carry your bowl outside & face West. Reflect upon the contents of your bowl. “This was your past,” Willow reminds you. “It need not be your future.” Lift your bowl & allow its contents to pour out onto the Earth. Ask the Spirit of Water to carry these energies into the past. Sense the lightening in your heart. Thank the Spirits of Water & Willow. Celebrate!
~ Ananaia Rose O'Leary
Many years ago, I read wise words from a Native American elder. Regrettably, I do not recall this wise man's name, but I remember his words. He told of the many young people who came to him, eager to tell him of their mystical experiences. He would say to them: "Do not tell me your visions unless they can grow corn."
Ever since reading this, I have taken this wisdom to heart. Dreams and visions do not have substance unless we utilize the power of these experiences to create positive, tangible contributions to our lives and our world.
The principle of "growing corn" has become an integral part of my personal journey and my teaching. I have come to know and love Corn Plant Spirit -- an amazing ally, who has been helping me spiritually grow corn and bring forth my authentic expression.
This year, for the first time, I am living in a place where it is possible to literally grow corn. No, not a big farm or field, simply a little strip of earth around my patio in my apartment garden with enough sun to fuel its growth. With the help of a spirit sister with green-thumb magic, 3 beautiful stalks of heirloom corn grew all Summer in my tiny garden.
Harvesting the ears of corn at Summer's end has been a joyful and magical experience. This multi-colored corn is stunning. A reminder of the beauty we add to the world when we grow corn.
by Ananaia R O'Leary
Shock and stress can cause pieces of your energy field to scatter. When that happens, it's time to reassemble yourself. This shamanic practice calls back scattered pieces that have become hooked outside yourself and supports reintegration and wholeness.
In stressful times, it is supportive to reassemble yourself daily. Doing this regularly helps your energy field maintain its cohesion, even when things are challenging.
REASSEMBLING YOURSELF
Traditionally, this practice is done with a rattle. If you don't have a rattle, you can improvise. Create a rattle by putting a few small objects, such as beans, small pebbles, rice, etc., in a small container like a jar, pill bottle, etc. I once reassembled myself, in a pinch, with a bag of jelly beans. Get creative!
Instructions:
~ Ananaia R O'Leary
When we're experiencing shock, Star of Bethlehem is a powerful plant ally. When taken in flower essence form, the energy of Star of Bethlehem deeply permeates our energy fields to soothe and stabilize our systems.Star of Bethlehem brings ease and comfort to the places in our psyche which have been recently disrupted and to the deeper places where we hold the memory of past shock. This beautiful plant ally helps to strengthen our capacity to be calm, centered and resilient in the presence of intensity,
Flower essences provide a tangible way to connect to the spiritual energy of plants. Unlike essential oils and tinctures, they do not contain physical plant material. They are water infused with the energetic pattern of the plant (along with a little bit of alcohol as a preservative.) A few drops of the essence under your tongue or in your drinking water delivers the spiritual essence of the plant to your energy field. Star of Bethlehem flower essence is available in most health food stores locally or online. Bach Flower remedies are an established brand, but other options are also available.
~ Ananaia O'Leary
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