I have been thinking and talking with Athena about what Water Drake means and it's message for me. I have come to some conclusions. The Water Drake is a dragon, a predator, and unites and balances fire and water. Although strength, growth, adaptability, communication, and the other gifts of Oak, Spider, and Swallow have served me well, I am moving into a time when I need to add more assertiveness to my repertoire.
With Water Drake comes movement, aggression, being a predator, fighting, and taking charge. Not in a negative way but in a positive way: I will need to actively seek out what I want and need, and take positive action to make it my own. I think this applies to many parts of my life:
In work, it means being more assertive and showing greater leadership. I need to demand more responsibility, and fight for the projects and directions that I think are important.
Spiritually, it means trying new things and being more adventurous. Embracing the aspects of manhood and predator that I tend to shy away from: power, sexuality, and the warrior archetype. And at the same time to explore the obverse: to learn more about the eternal feminine and what it means.
In my relationship it means being less passive. It is a call to work harder to enhance and enrich our relationship, and again to embrace and express the energies of the lover, the warrior, the master, to enliven and enhance our relationship. Likewise the obverse, to get more in touch with my inner feminine aspect and gain greater understanding of it, and the "dark, dumb, belly attention" that stirs the sparks to fire.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Monday, February 18, 2013
Feather work
Last weekend I went into the hospital for a colon
blockage. While I was there Athena
brought me a turkey feather which she had purified and smoked. She is working on bird magic, and I have
helped her with some rituals. She
suggested that I work with the feather and try bird magic to assist the work
the doctors were doing. Alternative
healing is not a substitute for standard medicine - but it can support and
assist standard medicine.
I blew over the feather and played it, to stimulate the
energy, and then brushed it down over my body, repeatedly over my abdomen and
down my legs, trying to encourage the energy to flow through my body. I felt the energy tingle and move a bit. I could feel the wind the feather raised; it
is amazing how easily the feather moves air, with almost no effort!
I worked the feather clockwise over my abdomen, urging
things to move normally. I tried to
bring in bird magic, and direct it towards healing and health. I could really feel things reacting inside;
subtle but noticeable. I continued this
for 5 or 10 minutes, and repeated it several times over the next couple of
days.
My blockage cleared after a couple of days, without
surgery. I am recovering nicely at home
now. I really think that the energy work
helped speed things, along with some of the other work Athena did.
I will continue to do the feather work daily, until everything is running smooth inside :)
Monday, February 11, 2013
Trees - The Alder
To deepen my understanding of trees and my Green Man oracle cards, I will periodically be drawing one card and spending a few weeks learning and studying the tree, both in natural science and in spiritual meanings.
The Alder
Associated with Fire and Water (significant, given my recent connection with Water Drake), the alder grows in wet areas and reclaims ravaged or swampy land. Foresters call it a "pioneer" species, because it is often the first tree to establish itself after a fire or flood. Alders fix nitrogen in the soil, naturally fertilizing poor soil and preparing it for other plants. The alder is said to represent the power of Fire to free Earth from Water.
Alder wood is oily and waterproof, and was often used for foundations and pilings, for bridges, and for making pails (one of the names for alder is "milk-guard"). Alder wood burns poorly, but makes excellent charcoal, much favored by metal smiths and weapon makers. This, together with the red sap that drips when the wood is cut, may be why alder is called the "The very battle-witch of all woods, tree that is the hottest in a fight".
Alder is associated with Ravens and Crows. It is the tree of the god Bran, and is linked to resurrection. According to Irish legend, the first man was created from an alder tree. Three dyes are made from alder: red from the bark, green from the flowers, and brown from the twigs. The red dye was used by the ancient Welsh "crimson-stained heroes", sacred kings connected with Bran.
Young alder stems make excellent whistles, so the tree is also called the "whistle-tree". This may be associated with the legend that after Bran's death his "singing head" was cut off and preserved, and provided good advice and prophesy to his followers for 87 years before being buried at the present site of the Tower of London. Bran's sacred ravens remain at the Tower to this day, and are said to keep Britain safe from invasion still. If they ever leave, disaster will follow. (nowadays, the practical British keep their wing feathers clipped so that they will not fly away).
Alder trees provide shelter to many small woodland creatures. It is said that no harm will come to a traveler who sleeps beneath an alder, and carrying some alder wood in your pocket will bring good luck. The alder tree is especially favored by the Fairies, and acts as a gateway to their realm as well as repelling bad Fairies. The association with Fairies and with Bran make this an especially sacred tree, and felling an alder brings a terrible curse.
Meaning in divination:
According to the Green Man Oracle - "Defense keeps clear the territory". Watch your boundaries, and protect yourself against invaders. According to other sources, alder shows that you will win a battle. It is a powerful protection in battles and conflicts. It also is a reminder to balance strength and courage with compassion and generosity. Its role in the wild also suggests the need to nurture and provide care for those that come after.
Resources:
http://www.thegoddesstree.com/trees/Alder.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alder
http://www.thornr.demon.co.uk/bran/alderims.html
http://www.merciangathering.com/alder.htm
The Alder
Associated with Fire and Water (significant, given my recent connection with Water Drake), the alder grows in wet areas and reclaims ravaged or swampy land. Foresters call it a "pioneer" species, because it is often the first tree to establish itself after a fire or flood. Alders fix nitrogen in the soil, naturally fertilizing poor soil and preparing it for other plants. The alder is said to represent the power of Fire to free Earth from Water.
Alder wood is oily and waterproof, and was often used for foundations and pilings, for bridges, and for making pails (one of the names for alder is "milk-guard"). Alder wood burns poorly, but makes excellent charcoal, much favored by metal smiths and weapon makers. This, together with the red sap that drips when the wood is cut, may be why alder is called the "The very battle-witch of all woods, tree that is the hottest in a fight".
Alder is associated with Ravens and Crows. It is the tree of the god Bran, and is linked to resurrection. According to Irish legend, the first man was created from an alder tree. Three dyes are made from alder: red from the bark, green from the flowers, and brown from the twigs. The red dye was used by the ancient Welsh "crimson-stained heroes", sacred kings connected with Bran.
Young alder stems make excellent whistles, so the tree is also called the "whistle-tree". This may be associated with the legend that after Bran's death his "singing head" was cut off and preserved, and provided good advice and prophesy to his followers for 87 years before being buried at the present site of the Tower of London. Bran's sacred ravens remain at the Tower to this day, and are said to keep Britain safe from invasion still. If they ever leave, disaster will follow. (nowadays, the practical British keep their wing feathers clipped so that they will not fly away).
Alder trees provide shelter to many small woodland creatures. It is said that no harm will come to a traveler who sleeps beneath an alder, and carrying some alder wood in your pocket will bring good luck. The alder tree is especially favored by the Fairies, and acts as a gateway to their realm as well as repelling bad Fairies. The association with Fairies and with Bran make this an especially sacred tree, and felling an alder brings a terrible curse.
Meaning in divination:
According to the Green Man Oracle - "Defense keeps clear the territory". Watch your boundaries, and protect yourself against invaders. According to other sources, alder shows that you will win a battle. It is a powerful protection in battles and conflicts. It also is a reminder to balance strength and courage with compassion and generosity. Its role in the wild also suggests the need to nurture and provide care for those that come after.
Resources:
http://www.thegoddesstree.com/trees/Alder.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alder
http://www.thornr.demon.co.uk/bran/alderims.html
http://www.merciangathering.com/alder.htm
Friday, February 8, 2013
Riding Water Drake
I took a spirit journey, to get to know Water Drake better. I started on the beach and walked up the path through the woods; it was dark and the stars were bright.
When I got to the clearing and looked in the entrance, instead of a wide meadow of green grass was a wide sea of sunny green water, with small waves splashing. As I looked, it shifted back and forth; from sea to water over green grass to dry land and back. I stepped in it, and splashed ankle deep in the bright water. I could see Oak a little ways ahead, seeming unconcerned that he was growing in the sea now. Water Drake raised its head up out of the water above me; it was HUGE, shining blue and silver. His head was large and elegant, like a Chinese dragon.
I asked if it would let me ride him; to wherever it chose to take me. Water Drake assented, and sank down in the water, then his head rose up below me and I was astride his neck. I expected it to dive down and swim into the depths of the sea, but instead it kept rising and swam up into the sky above. We quickly left the earth behind and swam among the bright stars, in the black night of the sea of stars. It was glorious to feel Water Drake's strength and confidence.
After a bit I suggested we return. Instead of diving back down to earth, Water Drake gave a shiver and dash up and we broke through the surface of the sea and were in my meadow again. I wondered where we had been - in the sky? Below the sea? And then I understood that to Water Drake all these were the same. The sea, the sky, the earth, near, far, all were united and only our limited perceptions separated them. By just changing our perspective we can shift from one place to another - but really only our perception shifts.
When I got to the clearing and looked in the entrance, instead of a wide meadow of green grass was a wide sea of sunny green water, with small waves splashing. As I looked, it shifted back and forth; from sea to water over green grass to dry land and back. I stepped in it, and splashed ankle deep in the bright water. I could see Oak a little ways ahead, seeming unconcerned that he was growing in the sea now. Water Drake raised its head up out of the water above me; it was HUGE, shining blue and silver. His head was large and elegant, like a Chinese dragon.
I asked if it would let me ride him; to wherever it chose to take me. Water Drake assented, and sank down in the water, then his head rose up below me and I was astride his neck. I expected it to dive down and swim into the depths of the sea, but instead it kept rising and swam up into the sky above. We quickly left the earth behind and swam among the bright stars, in the black night of the sea of stars. It was glorious to feel Water Drake's strength and confidence.
After a bit I suggested we return. Instead of diving back down to earth, Water Drake gave a shiver and dash up and we broke through the surface of the sea and were in my meadow again. I wondered where we had been - in the sky? Below the sea? And then I understood that to Water Drake all these were the same. The sea, the sky, the earth, near, far, all were united and only our limited perceptions separated them. By just changing our perspective we can shift from one place to another - but really only our perception shifts.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Water Drake
I have been researching the Water Drake (the dragon, not the duck :)) to see what it's medicine is and what it will bring me in this new year.
The attributes usually associated with water dragons are: passion, courage, depth of feeling, connection with life, change and transformation Long memory, and the possibility of revisiting past decisions and wishes to achieve balance and healing. In Chinese traditions, the dragon brings good luck, power, charisma, and an atmosphere of surprise and transformation; the water aspect cools some of the impetuousness and helps with a cool head and better decision making.
There are a few references to dragons ability to travel between the worlds. If you have a dragon spirit guide, you should ask to ride it and see where it takes you. Water Drake is too small to ride, but I will ask it to lead me somewhere.
Dragons are definitely very lucky, with very strong magic, and are all about transformation and growth. I look forward to seeing where it takes me!
The attributes usually associated with water dragons are: passion, courage, depth of feeling, connection with life, change and transformation Long memory, and the possibility of revisiting past decisions and wishes to achieve balance and healing. In Chinese traditions, the dragon brings good luck, power, charisma, and an atmosphere of surprise and transformation; the water aspect cools some of the impetuousness and helps with a cool head and better decision making.
There are a few references to dragons ability to travel between the worlds. If you have a dragon spirit guide, you should ask to ride it and see where it takes you. Water Drake is too small to ride, but I will ask it to lead me somewhere.
Dragons are definitely very lucky, with very strong magic, and are all about transformation and growth. I look forward to seeing where it takes me!
Saturday, January 5, 2013
Signs and Portents and Omens, Oh My!
We have been swamped with signs over the last month or so, that some major change is about to happen. Not necessarily bad, but definitely big. Athena has been reading the Tarot, and the same cards keep coming up over and over: The Tower, The Hanged Man, The Ace of Cups, The High Priestess, The Six of Swords, The Ten of Cups, and several others. We saw a pair of hawks sitting side by side facing opposite directions, and later another pair of hawks sitting together facing the same way, and nearby an owl on a fence during the day. Athena also saw a shooting star. There was a huge ring around the moon on Winter Solstice. Enough already, I get the idea!
The only things I can get from this is that something big is coming (or is already in progress), which will turn our world upside down. We may have some painful trials to get through, which will reveal to us some hidden knowledge, but in the end we will have peace and happiness in our home. Some of this I suspect revolves around Athena and her job search; last year was my season for change and turmoil, this may be hers. I hope I have learned enough to be a strong support and aid for her, as she moves towards her heart's desire.
There are some signs already that the settled order of nature is being inverted, appropriate I guess for the season of misrule. A brother-in-law, a very hard worker who has never liked his jobs, has found a job that he enjoys. An estranged and difficult relative is offering financial assistance. Cats and dogs living together, total chaos!
The only things I can get from this is that something big is coming (or is already in progress), which will turn our world upside down. We may have some painful trials to get through, which will reveal to us some hidden knowledge, but in the end we will have peace and happiness in our home. Some of this I suspect revolves around Athena and her job search; last year was my season for change and turmoil, this may be hers. I hope I have learned enough to be a strong support and aid for her, as she moves towards her heart's desire.
There are some signs already that the settled order of nature is being inverted, appropriate I guess for the season of misrule. A brother-in-law, a very hard worker who has never liked his jobs, has found a job that he enjoys. An estranged and difficult relative is offering financial assistance. Cats and dogs living together, total chaos!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
Winter Solstice 2012
Money was tight and December was rushed this year, which paradoxically meant that Solstice was very nice -- just family, quiet, darkness and fire. We are in our back-woods house with no internet or TV. I made a big fire in my newly rebuilt firepit. It is great to be able to have a real, big fire, burning actual logs instead of bits of branches!
The blazing fire of peachwood from our old house and aged oak from our new house was beautiful on the cold night, and drew out Athena and the kids to sit around and talk, and roast marshmallows. Too much mist and scattered clouds for stargazing, but a gorgeous almost-full moon sporting a huge ring - at least 35 degrees wide, fat and silvery, lasting most of the evening.
Athena sat with me a while, then Aurora came out and talked with me and we shared stories about shamanic journeys. We played some with the bells and drums, Cercatore and Aurora made smores, and we all sat out for a long time talking and enjoying the fire.
Later, after the others went in, I sat by the fire and beat a steady rhythm with the bells Athena had bought, and drifted into non-ordinary reality. As I listened to the bells jingle, I started to hear other bells, like harness bells approaching and jingling across the fire. I could very clearly hear them come close and settle near the fire. The visitors felt like travelling Sidhe, riding some kind of antlered steeds, attracted by my fire. I welcomed them to share the fire, and put out some of my snacks and offered them freely to share. I offered, as my part of the nights tale-telling, for them to watch the spirit journey I was about to undertake.
I took a journey to find a spirit animal to help me in the coming year. The seaside was dark and cold, but the sea looked like clear glass and reflected the flames of my fire; as I walked into the woods I could still feel the warmth of the fire. As I passed the ring of trees and entered the meadow, I could see the sun and moon above bathing everything in light of mingled silver and gold. Oak and I embraced, and I thanked him for his support and strength. Spider met me and I thanked her for her gifts and aid in the past year, and I greeted and thanked Barn Swallow. Then I walked on to the crystalline, tumbling stream and sat beside it, looking across to the edge of the woods beyond, and waited for someone/something to emerge.
After a bit, I could feel something hesitating just beyond sight, unsure if it should appear - apparently because it was not sure I would believe it it. To try and lure it out, I tried asking it what it was, and tried a number of animals without getting a firm response - some recognition at snake and bird, but still not quite right. Next I asked about its element; definitely not earth or air, positive response on both water and fire.
It finally crept out from the trees into the stream, and let me see it - it was a water-drake, a small dragon; a creature of fire and water, very snakelike, standing about 3-4 feet on two hind legs. It said that Water had been a good friend to me and helped me a lot this last year with adaptability and acceptance of change as I moved and started a new job, but that for the challenges in front of me now I will need to add Fire to my gifts. I thanked it, and admired its beauty; it was sometimes transparent, disappearing into the water, sometimes blue and white, curling its neck. I could tell it could also breath flame when it needs to!
I look forward to learning more from Water-Drake, and learning to use its gifts. What a surprising patron!
After returning to my fire, my visitors had moved on. I doused the fire with many thanks, and left my food as a free gift to any that passed that way, and went inside.
The blazing fire of peachwood from our old house and aged oak from our new house was beautiful on the cold night, and drew out Athena and the kids to sit around and talk, and roast marshmallows. Too much mist and scattered clouds for stargazing, but a gorgeous almost-full moon sporting a huge ring - at least 35 degrees wide, fat and silvery, lasting most of the evening.
Athena sat with me a while, then Aurora came out and talked with me and we shared stories about shamanic journeys. We played some with the bells and drums, Cercatore and Aurora made smores, and we all sat out for a long time talking and enjoying the fire.
Later, after the others went in, I sat by the fire and beat a steady rhythm with the bells Athena had bought, and drifted into non-ordinary reality. As I listened to the bells jingle, I started to hear other bells, like harness bells approaching and jingling across the fire. I could very clearly hear them come close and settle near the fire. The visitors felt like travelling Sidhe, riding some kind of antlered steeds, attracted by my fire. I welcomed them to share the fire, and put out some of my snacks and offered them freely to share. I offered, as my part of the nights tale-telling, for them to watch the spirit journey I was about to undertake.
I took a journey to find a spirit animal to help me in the coming year. The seaside was dark and cold, but the sea looked like clear glass and reflected the flames of my fire; as I walked into the woods I could still feel the warmth of the fire. As I passed the ring of trees and entered the meadow, I could see the sun and moon above bathing everything in light of mingled silver and gold. Oak and I embraced, and I thanked him for his support and strength. Spider met me and I thanked her for her gifts and aid in the past year, and I greeted and thanked Barn Swallow. Then I walked on to the crystalline, tumbling stream and sat beside it, looking across to the edge of the woods beyond, and waited for someone/something to emerge.
After a bit, I could feel something hesitating just beyond sight, unsure if it should appear - apparently because it was not sure I would believe it it. To try and lure it out, I tried asking it what it was, and tried a number of animals without getting a firm response - some recognition at snake and bird, but still not quite right. Next I asked about its element; definitely not earth or air, positive response on both water and fire.
It finally crept out from the trees into the stream, and let me see it - it was a water-drake, a small dragon; a creature of fire and water, very snakelike, standing about 3-4 feet on two hind legs. It said that Water had been a good friend to me and helped me a lot this last year with adaptability and acceptance of change as I moved and started a new job, but that for the challenges in front of me now I will need to add Fire to my gifts. I thanked it, and admired its beauty; it was sometimes transparent, disappearing into the water, sometimes blue and white, curling its neck. I could tell it could also breath flame when it needs to!
I look forward to learning more from Water-Drake, and learning to use its gifts. What a surprising patron!
After returning to my fire, my visitors had moved on. I doused the fire with many thanks, and left my food as a free gift to any that passed that way, and went inside.
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