Solstice: Earth Renewal Moon

The drum set the pace with a slow, steady beat while we walked in a single line and took our place next to one of the twelve moons that made up part of the outer circle in the medicine wheel. The 7 stones making up the inner circle were dark. The fire had not yet been lit.

The center stone in the medicine wheel represents the Creator and creation. In this case, the firepit would soon burn brightly to remind us of creation, death and rebirth of all things.

Solstice is a time to go within and reflect on all of our blessings. We learn gratitude for the challenges and release what is holding us back from creating a whole life.

Today begins a new moon on the medicine wheel, the Earth Renewal Moon. From her we learn to receive what the universe is giving us. We also learn that what we receive is a gift for sharing with others.

The totems representing this moon are Snow Goose, Quartz, Birch and the Color is White. The elemental influence comes from the Turtle clan. I could go in depth about what each of these represents, however, I'm drawn to Quartz and Birch at the moment.

I recall many lessons taught to me by my grandfather while he and I walked in the woods; he sharing stories while pointing to the birch trees telling me to be careful what I said around them because they never forgot and hold our ancient knowledge deep within them. From him, I learned about so many trees and other plants I would later come to respect and develop relationships with.

Quartz - specifically Rose Quartz, speaks of love and opening your heart to whatever the universe has to offer.I've learned to let go and now the universe is showing me a brand new world; full of creation and love.

After we sat quietly listening to the drum and reflecting, I began singing a song about a new journey. When I finished, I lit the fire in the pit. There were twelve small votive candles placed in a circle surrounding the inner spoke. We each picked a candle up. Taking a stick from the fire, I lit my candle. I turned to the person next to me and lit his candle, telling him I share my light from within so that it may shine without; may he do the same. This continued until all of the candles were lit. We ended the ceremony with song and dance, followed with food and drink.

Wishing you all an abundance of light, love, joy, and creation in the new year!

A Door Closed, But the Universe Opened Up Wide For Me

Yesterday, Eighteen days before Christmas, I was walked out of my job. Never once was I told I did something wrong, nor was I ever reprimanded for anything. The reason given to me was that they no longer needed the position and were eliminating it. Oh, and by the way, did I have any questions?

No, not one question. I did, however, see through the BS.

Not too long ago, a young man was promoted from within to the exact same title as me. In fact, I was the one he came to gather information on what and how to do things. Shortly after he was promoted, I felt the energy shift within the department. I tried ignoring the signs, thinking I was being ridiculous, however, I know better than to ignore the flags.

I was given a two-week severance agreement to look over. In the agreement, there are two mentions that if I chose to file an age discrimination claim or an Older Person’s Act Claim; both of which I am protected, then I will waive my rights to a severance check.

With that said, I’m told I should be angry and go after the company for promoting this young man and kicking me out. But as a very close person once shared with me; “Don’t let others’ ‘should’ on you.”

So, as of today, I am sticking to my ground and taking what the company is offering me without putting up a fight. My energy is meant for another journey; one that I set in motion 4 months ago and the universe is now answering. I wasn’t prepared for how I was going to travel down this new path, but I know that the universe is opening up the sky for me.

Knock, Knock
Photograph by r.l.karman. Venice, Italy
Copyright. All Rights Reserved.

A door closed on me, so I started knocking and I fully believe the universe set the plan in motion. I am now journeying down a path that I created for my own well-being rather than the path others think I should be traveling.

Follow Your Dreams.
Photograph by r.l.karman.
Venice, Italy
Copyright. All Rights Reserved.

I won’t deny I’m a bit anxious, but I know that by following the wind, I’ll be led to the correct nest…

Namaste