Autumn Equinox 2004 arranged by ---Shining Spider- 2004 The signifigance of the Fall Equinox: Night and day are once again at a balance. The sun is descending in the west, and as each day shortens, the time of night and introspection lengthens. In this area we have seen an abundance of apples and the beginnings of other harvest foods from chain store grocers to independant road stands. So while we are gathering the fruits of our labor, we are noticing how soon the sun sets, and the limitations of this growth and bounty. I. Creating A Sacred Space A. Smudge Space Group smudges and focuses on clean and safe space B. Introductions Names and truths C. Ground and Center Group meditation D. Call Elements East to North deosil E. Create Space Group meditation II. Calling And Honoring the Divine A. To call the Goddess (Aspect Mother) a participant reads: Apple Goddess; Goddess of fullness, ripe scent and being share with us your fruit and your beauty. Mother Goddess of progression show us the way to change without fear so that we too, can grow to our fullest. Goddess of divine transformation ronight we honor thee. B. To call the God (aspect Father) a participant reads: Tree God; God of process offer us the shade that our worn weary bodies desire. Father God and sun light the way to so that we to can live to our fullest Father of experience tonight we honor thee C. To call Spirit *group meditation/calling* D. Honor those who came before *group meditation/calling* E. Myth: When the Romans conquered Britain they brought with them the apple tree which in Roman culture represented the Goddess Pamona, a patron of fruit trees. As the Apple Mother she was known for her great beauty and fertility; a goddess who gave the apples of eternal life. Roman banquets ended with apples and an invocation of PomonaŐs blessing. The apple tree spread through Europe, and with early settlers was brought to the Northern American settlements. So along with myths of ancient deity, we also have cultural myths like Johnny Apple seed, and family traditions including fall meals ending with apple pie. Another bridge between continents and cultural myths would be the GrimmsTale of Snow White. Like so many fairy tales or cultural folklore there is a lot of goddess imagery in this story: the old crone-like stepmother and the young innocent youth. What was Snow White's downfall? Not the woodcutter who spared her life, not the elves who could have represented nature, or instincts to cloister, but rather a poisoned apple delivered by a woman in disguise. Within western society the apple is one of the oldest archetypes for wisdom and life, and arguably a newer icon of evil (or human downfall). The beauty of folk lore and fairy tales is the many interpertations they are open to. It could just be a cautionary tale of tainted food, or a warning against the old medicine women outside of the village that were suddenly no longer trusted in throughout medieval Europe when these tales were first recorded. Another interpertation still is this: Cloistering oneself, staying in the woods, or in our homes alone does us no good. With out a variety of experiences and interactions we lose some of our ability to sift fact from fiction. Soon we too are the isolated Snow White bored and lonely in our homes, excited and open to visitors bearing gifts. We can not take the old lady at face value, or the crone, the priestess, the pagan author, or any person just met. Sitting here in intentionally safe space, and spiritual community this could be odd advice to hear. But as we change, and grow into our spiritual path, we should be finiding new circles, experimenting with new paths to reassure our own impusles and desires. Sadly there will be times in our lives that we take advice not entirely unlike the poison apple. It is not that we should all become untrusting or bitter people (after all there is enough of that in the world) instead I offer that every choice we make should be informed, and we should always keep in mind that what was good for us a year ago, may now have gone bad, or may not be the right match for us anymore. In the center of the circle is an apple basket. This is a spiritual offering to her, the apple mother, and to ourselves. As we leave tonight, we will take an apple with us. These are untainted apples, apples blessed by ourselves and our intrinsic wisdom the pure knowledge of our self. It is in knowing ourselves, and our own limitations that we know who we can rely on. III. Pathwork A.--- Ideas of inspiration, gatekeepers and sorting the two to find our true selves. B. Meditation*** Close your eyes. Listen to your breath. Extend each inhale until your whole ribcage is full of breath. Exhale. Feel your diaphram push in, and your body empty of air. You are relaxed. What was once the black of your eyes closed, is really a dark fireplace. You are sitting in a dark room; the only room of a small cabin. You must have nodded out, and let the fire go out. Go to the fireplace, and relight the kindling, adding a new peice of wood to the fire. Sit back in your chair, and feel the silence that is around you. How does this silence make you feel, what qualities does this room have? In the midst of your thoughts, there is a sharp knock at the door. You get up, and 1/2 open the door so that you may peek outside. A woman with wrinkles around her eyes and shrouded by a green cloak is staring back at you. With her left hand she offers a red fruit. Talk to her. Ask her what you need to know before you decide on what to do with the fruit. Do not fear her, or trust her. yourself, and your instincts. When you are ready, dismiss the visitor. Sit in your chair, and stare into the fire you so skillfully built. Let yourself relax, let yourself be warmed. Close your eyes. Feel the dark calmness surround you once again. Listen to your breath. Feel the connection you have to your body, and its rhythms. When you are ready, open your eyes. IV. Spell-work - A. Raising Energy- We cut the apple to itŐs core we saw our fate and braved door Credits: All poetry, and meditation by Shining Spider/ Laura, 2004. |