August has arrived with a new moon tomorrow night, thankfully the nights are cool and sleep is easy. With each day we are slowly heading into the darkest nights and shortest days as well as the coldest time. I remind myself to stay present to enjoy these last days of summer and not to jump ahead as many of us often do. Staying present means being present in this moment, whatever that may be for you, whether you are doing the dishes or going on a hike. When you learn to become more present with this moment, you become more grounded, centered and focused in life. It is a gift to be present and it does take practice. A good mantra to remember is "With each breath, I am present". Use this as a gentle reminder and remember that it is a practice.
It is the end of July, my roses have completed yet another season of beautiful blooms and it is wonderfully warm outside. Last night, the moon was full and for me it was another opportunity for me to perform a fire ceremony. In sacred space, I do my prayer work dreaming a world of beauty, peace, and love on this powerful day while releasing what does not serve me to the universe. Blowing those prayers into a stick and letting the element of fire release those prayers to the quantum field of possibilities. My space is opened up for infinite potential and possibilities, all I need to do is be present.
"Little Brown Bird" 5" x 5" oil on canvas |
It is so exciting to see all the little sparrows outside getting their
nesting supplies from my backyard. I was delighted to paint what I call 'little
brown bird'. I think that I will be doing a few more of these birds in their brown attire.
Spring brings about new cycles of blossoms, growth and expansion for all living things. As I look out my second floor office window, I get to be in a thicket of aspen trees with their newly emerged bright green leaves. Just last week there were no leaves and now all of a sudden they have appeared. Our beautiful sun warming the earth and the increased hours of daylight has coaxed them emerge.
New cycles of growth depend on what has been tended to well before last winter. Shamanic processes help guide you to weed your garden and nurture those seeds that you wish to grow.
If I had to make a list of why each month was important, February would be on the top of my list. It is now the end of the month and I can see that the grip of winter is loosening and early spring is emerging. Most of the Aspen trees would agree with me as I can see them breaking open their buds of pussy willows. We are beginning to move into another season and with tonight's full moon it is a perfect time for a fire ceremony. A time to release those emotions, thoughts or feelings that no longer serve us into the fire. By releasing those energies on a full moon in the sacred space of a fire I create space, a fertile void so to speak, where I can grow and change the way of my being.