Winter Workshop - June 1, 2008
Each season interfaces with the next one, each season brings a new discovery, a new journey. Winter is the season of death and rebirth, with the focus on rebirth. Samhain marks the Celtic New Year and winter. This is a period when we focus on death. In Samhain the birthing from the physical death into the spiritual realm takes place. At winter the spiritual rebirth occurs. At Samhain we die and leave our material form and reenter the womb, the cave, the great abyss of the great Dark Goddess. Winter the most metaphysical of the seasons, is a time when we can commune with our ancestors, a time when the veil is thin and we can move between the spiritual and the physical. At the Winter Solstice, the Dark Goddess rebirths us into the spiritual realm of light.
Come on a journey of discovery into the magic of winter and learn how to use its energy to enhance your own magic and spiritual work. Connect with Medusa, the Serpent Goddess who symbolizes the bridge between the worlds, death, and renewal.
A collection of photos* from the winter workshop and a brief outline of the day's activities...
Becoming connected to the Earth
In order to better connect to the earth it's important to do things that truly get you in touch with the earth. This can be as simple as taking time to connect to nature, whether in your yard, a park or any secluded natural area. While standing, imagine a cord of energy going from the bottoms of your feet deep into the earth. Feel your connection with the center of the earth. This can help you feel more stable and centered in your daily life...
Above: Connecting to the Earth and sensing Winter.
While outside we also collected items we felt drawn to, for inclusion on our Winter altar...
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Above: A beautiful white flower growing on a nearby vine, chosen by Foxy as her altar decoration.
Left & Below: The altar, showing the whole collection of items chosen to represent the energy or feeling of winter. |
Meditation: The Cave - Womb and Tomb
Winter is the season of death and rebirth, and on our first meditation we were taken on a journey into the cave. The concept of death and rebirth is what cave magic most fundamentally addresses. What frightens us most about the dark is the unknown. Entering the cave is a journey both to the cold, earthen tomb and to the fertile womb of the mother. When you enter the cave you are facing your shadow self, and through the process of overcoming yours fears you free yourself from the entrapments of mortality.
The Goddess that we connected to on the day was the Medusa. Medusa has historically been seen as the archetype of the nasty mother; the Gorgon with a perpetual bad hair day that would turn one to stone if one should stare upon her face. However what we realized through the process of our meditation is that she is a Goddess that is far more complex than portrayed. Medusa is a recluse, not accustomed to be called upon. A no nonsense woman that tells things as they are; this in itself can be very confronting.
Medusa reflects harmony in nature; and a primal energy that is neither good nor bad, but simply powerful. She represents the liberation of death but more than that she represents a force that can disentangle you from your own delusions. Perhaps in reality Medusa reminds us that it is our own fear that immobilizes us, and it is our own shadow that when looked upon turns us to stone.
Altar Tile
The day ended with an activity which was the making of a clay tile for our Altar. The intent was that we would all take home a representation of the interconnectedness of the elements of life as a ritual tool, which during the making would be impregnated with our own energy and would represent the Element Earth and the power of manifestation.
* Photos by Jenwytch and Janine
