Maintaining our connection throughout the seasons

I am sitting here in early Sagittarius and wondering how I write about a time that hasn’t even occurred yet, about shifting into Capricorn and what it is to be in this time. Do I recite factual information gathered from articles and books or do I simply delve into my imagination about what I picture it might be a few weeks from now? Most of what I write about is from my direct experience with a mix of information posted on sites I follow. So, how do I write about a future that does not even exist?

Funny, but we seem to do that in our heads all the time. We “create” a future based on fantasies we have stirring around  in our heads. Fantasies about possible future outcomes. We make conclusions of what may occur if we do A,B and C and then we plan, categorize, systemize and beat the hell out of an idea until we decide it is the best path to follow.  We create images of what our life may look like in the future. We feel worry and fear based on these illusions, or alternatively we hold on to hope and expectation.

We choose paths based on stories we have constructed in our minds, often creating discordance in our lives as we frequently create these life stories from a place of complete unconsciousness. We develop beliefs about situations based on what we physically see happening in our external world, or from memories of how we experienced similar situations in the past.  We don’t even realize that most of the time our ego is the one in charge and our soul is so far in the corner we don’t even know it is speaking.

So, how can we create these stories differently? It is certainly the time. The beginning of a new year. The birth of a new cycle. The sun is slowly making its return. It is as if  we are all embryos in the womb waiting to be born…and... we are the pregnant woman waiting to give birth. We want so much for this year, this cycle to be different, to be more than or less than what we have previously experienced.

I could talk about resolutions, how to manifest what we want or what things we can do to stick to our goals. Yet, I feel a stirring, a different story emerging. A story that is about manifesting yet it is not. One that is about creating yet surrendering. About paradoxes. The power of “being with” the center of all things. Of choosing to be with the possibility of everything and doing nothing. 

I have been “fortunate” in gaining a very clear understanding of standing in the centre, getting out of the way and allowing Life to steer a course; rather than living a life that is directed by ego. It took me a long time to even recognize how often i (ego) was always trying to be in control and design a life that I truly believed would manifest my dreams and provide me with a life that was “totally awesome”. I would see something I desired and begin chasing it. Like a predator after a prey. A predator that did not tire, would not rest and would ruthlessly hunt until it got exactly what it was hunting for. Unfortunately, this predator tended to have a deep rooted pattern, a program within her brain telling her the most ‘nourishing’ prey were the ones that were dangerous and very toxic. “Fortunately”, we can only feed on toxic prey for so long before it starts to destroy us.….and all those within our tribe. We all have wake-up calls in one way or another. Sometimes we listen and other times not. I chose to listen…..eventually. It was that or slowly die.

After my last ingestion of toxins I made a commitment. I committed that from that moment forward I would listen very carefully to Life’s feedback and wisdom before I made any further choices. I would surrender my life to Her and trust that She knew much more than my little human mind. New life is now starting to emerge in ways that I never would have imagined.

So, how do we step aside? How do we create a future that is aligned with Life? How do we become co-creators focused on the good of all, instead of humans driven by self-centred needs and wants?

Very, very.... very carefully. With one foot in front of the other. We remain flexible. Unattached. Open. We create community. In a sense we let go of ‘hope’, as hope is based on expectations and clinging to an idea. Clinging to control, being attached to outcome.

 A friend of mine recently compared life a little bit to the game of snakes and ladders. We all love when we get big numbers and can move forward long distances or when we land on that square that takes us up the ladder. Its not very often we get excited by having to slide down the back of the snake and return to the beginning (or close to it anyway). Thing is thats life. Its full of ebbs and flows. Sometimes we need to return to old ground to finish….even if we have no idea why. There is no need to always be clear about what path to follow or how to get there.

It will unfold.

Recently I have received some amazing insights about the power of sitting with something before I make a move. Something I read really resounded within me - that once I choose one thing over another, the other gets cancelled out. It disappears into the ethers. In a sense it dies. That reality no longer exists. I wondered what would happen if I stayed with an idea and opened my mind to an alternate one and did not choose immediately which step to take? Not to move but instead, to sit and listen for the moment to move me. I would clearly ask for signs and symbols of what would be the next step to take. I would consciously let go of any preconceived notions about which path to follow. I must admit I have been very surprised with some of the choices I ultimately made. Sometimes I ended up doing exactly the opposite of what I “thought” was the best action to take. I am consistently guided every single time.

I have discovered first hand that out of the stillness, synchronicities happen, symbols repeat themselves or people say things that arouse my interest. Often something new arises that I would never have thought of on my own. Yes, I certainly had to address any resistance that arose. Resistance that is completely natural as the ego simply wants us to feel safe and secure, and this path is definitely not one of security. It is one of living on the edge. The unknown. Being the Fool as in the Tarot. Stepping forward off a cliff with complete and utter trust.

As Antonio Machado writes:

“Travellers,there is no path.Paths are made by walking.”

Walking this path takes time, practice and an immense amount of patience. We are so conditioned to make those resolutions, set those goals and go after them. From experience I can say that I truly believe this is not a sustainable way to live. Living in the moment, though, allowing one step to lead us to the next is not the norm in our society. Quite the opposite actually. Makes me think of a teacher I studied with years ago. She always said that the way of the patriarchy was to understand first and act later and the way of the Feminine was to go within, listen for insight, take the action and then understand. I get that now.

It is not an easy path and sometimes I think to myself it would be so much simpler if I just made those resolutions like everyone else. Then I remember. I remember the difference between living a life from ego and living the life I am living now.

I choose this one hands down.I encourage you to consider the idea as well.

Blessed be.

Ana Ravenstar

Intuitive Coaching, Herbal Living, Tarot Wisdom, Rituals and ceremonies
ana@theheartofthewitch.com
www.thehearthofthewitch.com

Autumn Equinox - Contemplations from an herbalist

Wow. As I write this in just short of two weeks we will be moving into the Autumn Equinox... or as some people refer to it; “Mabon”. By the time you read this we will already be there. I wrote last time about the importance of choosing one herb at a time as we begin opening to the plants. I would like to incorporate a broader perspective this month which encompasses all which I choose to call Herbal Living. You might discover as I write these articles that often the ideas and thoughts flow through me like waves washing over the rocks at the edge of a shore. There are definitely times where it is important to focus on the minute details of life and take things from a very simplistic standpoint, however, waves do come washing in that are much larger and all encompassing. These are just as important to honor and pay attention to.

In my life it is paramount for me to adhere to Life Herself and parallel my movements with the cycles of nature. This might be honoring the shifting of the moon and rising and setting of the sun each day or it could be checking in where I am in the turning of the wheel of the seasons. It might also be in comparing my own evolution to the cycle of life as it naturally evolves. Often I have to ground myself as my self-will; my ego,  attempts to seize the moment of immediate gratification and pulls me into a whirlwind of activity and perpetual motion.

Life Herself has much to teach us in the way we choose to move and take our next step forward. One such way is to stop and contemplate at the turning of the wheel at the Sabbats. To some these are holidays and weekends off or perhaps just a change in the weather. For some of us, however, these Sabbats are great moments of time to stop and assess where we are on the wheel; to celebrate, contemplate and give gratitude. Different Sabbats gift us with significant checkmarks, similar to an inukshuk placed in the middle of a vast field. Right now we are entering the time of the Fall Equinox or Mabon.

I found a couple great quotes explaining the essence of this time; 

“This is a moment of perfect balance, for day and night are equal. Mabon is the ritual of rejoicing in the richness of the earth, and the power of the Sun, without which we could not live. It is the time to give thanks for their gifts and rejoice in the bounty we have harvested for ourselves in our work, our relationships, our spiritual journeys. This is also the time we reflect upon those aspects of our lives that no longer serve our growth and happiness and we let go of them so we may continue to grow.”  (“Witch Crafting” Phyllis Curott )

“....We take the time to give thanks for that which we have achieved. Like the grain gathered in the harvest and stored for the following spring, each achievement can be seen as the seed for the coming year’s activities”                                             (“The Wicca Handbook” by Sheena Morgan)

In my own life I see this being paralleled in many different layers. As I grow In my business I give thanks for all the support, love and insight I have received since its birth in the early spring. I stop and  observe the seeds/ the new plants I have sown and look at how I am nurturing them. I am open to the feedback that I might be giving them too much water and food, that perhaps I should back off a little bit and allow them to grow at their natural pace. I remember that how I nurture my business is a mirror to how I might nurture a new baby, or a little seed that has emerged into this world. Learning to walk takes time. Growing is a slow, steady process. New life needs to be nourished, respected and blessed. For life to evolve abundantly and to its full potential it is imperative we honor the natural cycle of Life Herself. We have to start off as infants. We have to be a child before we are an adolescent. We cannot be a crone or wise one if we never experienced life. 

Its September; new courses, new programs, new classes, new, new, new. Yet in nature's time it is actually the balance between night and day, the time just before the plants and animals begin to withdraw and go within. This is the way of our ancestors. It was a time to honor the gifts of the previous season, to gather the harvest and get ready for the winter months. Soon after they would retreat into their homes and pray for the warmth to return.

Unfortunately, (or fortunately) this is not so realistic in these times in which we live, considering we do have grocery stores and jobs and such to account for and depend on. It is realistic, however, to tap into the ways of our ancestors in the small choices we make, in how we choose to move doing ordinary everyday things. There are many ways we can do this.

As this article’s intention is to share the teachings of the plants, one thing we can focus on is how you could incorporate the herbs into your life in such a way that is in tune with the turning of the wheel.  Perhaps you can take an inventory of the equipment/tools in your kitchen that are necessary for creating herbal remedies. Are there things you need to get rid of (or give away) in order to start something new? If you have already begun, what will you take forth that is useful for herbal living as you step into this next season? Your windows will be closed soon, keeping out the cold of the winter months. Literally, you can wash away the old stagnant energy and make way for healthy vibrant living.

Unfortunately, I have maximized my space here and cannot share a list of tools for herbal living or recipes for herbal/ chemical free cleaners. You could, however,  research on the internet or in books….or…...within the next couple weeks you could read it on my blog!

For now, I simply invite you to stop and contemplate these words; to be present for this time of the year, then from that place take the next little step to become aligned and one with all of Life that evolves within and around you.

Blessed Be!

Ana Ravenstar

Ana can be reached on

facebook: the hearth of the witch

e-mail: ana@thehearthofthewitch.com

website: thehearthofthewitch.com

Blog can be read at : thesagewomyn.blogspot.ca

From the Hearth of The Witch - Opening to the World Of Plants

By: Ana Ravenstar

My first article for Gusto! Perhaps it  would be best for me to share a little bit about how I came about being here before I begin diving in and chatting away.  I met Amy recently at the Meet, Great and Eat July 22, and was intrigued by the work she and the whole Gusto community were doing.

My experience of this group is that they are individuals coming together questioning how they might give back to their community and wanting to do what they could to create positive change. I have heard so much about peaceful or spiritual activism and this felt very much to me like a chance to be part of something that is growing from the grass roots.  After a thought provoking conversation with Amy we both agreed it would be great to add a little of ‘The Hearth of The Witch’ to the community and share some wisdom about the ways of the witches and our ancestors.....about herbal practices and remedies as well as insights about what it truly is to be a witch and how we can all live more in alignment with the cycles of Nature and understand how we can bring this into our daily lives.

In my recent blog I shared with people how I was channelling my energy into talking more about herbs and sharing remedies and teachings from the plants themselves. I have never done this before.  I had no idea where to begin...it just felt clear this was the path to follow. There is such a broad world to talk about and explore!  Someone suggested I speak from the heart and begin where I am, so this afternoon I went for a walk asking the plants themselves what they wanted me to share.

I ventured out and walked towards the woods just beyond the rail trail.  I met the willow with its broken limbs and bent trunk. I saw garlic mustard everywhere, some pretty little flowers that looked like dragons, dandelion leaves and wild lettuce. There was some Queen Anne’s lace and a lot of goldenrod that has not come into bloom yet. I saw thistle with its tip of purple beauty crowning a stem of thorns and a giant burdock behind the garbage bin. Wild grape vines were sweeping all over the chain link fence with little yellow flowers peeking out the metal holes and motherwort scattered amongst them. Close to my door I was greeted by plantain and purslane. 

So what were they saying? What do these plants want to tell me? Could it be they are saying, “Here we are, right in your own back yards, on your city streets. We are here to feed you and provide you with medicines you need!  We are everywhere! You just have to see and know us for who we are! We are not the “obnoxious” weeds that grow beside the garbage and the roadside. We have value, truly we do! The medicines and nutrients we have to offer are beyond measure. Just come out and see. Be with us. Just look and listen”

So, where do I begin? What shall I tell? I think about our relationships with the plants and I go back in my mind to my own journey with the plants. I have always had a relationship with the plants however I never truly saw them. They were like constant acquaintances that I might see every day. Some I talked to and said hi, others I sought for support and nurturing, and some I just admired their beauty.  

I never truly sought them out to understand them at a deeper level until about 7 years ago. I wanted to know everything! I ran right out and started a course on Practical Herbalism. I was determined to learn these plants and know their medicine. I signed up for workshops and went to classes. I was going to know how to identify the plants and make my own remedies! 

Well...I can certainly say that I have definitely learned a thing or two since that time.I have done some studying with Susun Weed and she has said repeatedly how the best way to start is with one plant at a time. At the time I thought that was crazy. One at a time!? I was almost 50! I would be 80 years old before I learned anything! I now understand that bit of wisdom much more. Developing a relationship with the plants is somewhat similar to developing relationships with people. If you choose to meet 25 people at the same time you would know much less about them than if you met 1 or 2. 

Your level of intimacy would be dramatically different and you would have much less opportunity to understand the vast array of gifts and talents they might have to offer. You just wouldn’t have the time to invest in the relationship. I would imagine the trust level between you would also be much stronger if you only met 1 or 2.  

Have you also ever considered the possibility that the plants may also ‘choose’ to share their gifts with you.... or not? Is it possible they also need a level of intimacy to show themselves? It may sound strange, however, if we are in fact all energy then would it not make sense that the more time you spend with someone and honour them the more they open and resonate with your vibration? 

I invite you to consider it for a time and think about a plant that you have felt close to, one you love or have admired from afar.  Spend some time with it, sing or talk with it, sit, draw or meditate and really begin to listen and be with the plant. See what arises and notice a world opening up that you took for granted before. 

I am noticing there is a world that is opening here as well. I feel like the plants have begun their teaching. I still have no set agenda about what I will share specifically from this point on; however, I have a feeling if I keep all my senses open that will become very clear. I am intrigued and excited to begin the journey and hope you are as well!
Enjoy your new found relationships!

For enquiries about workshops with the plants (and other services) Ana can be reached at:
www.thehearthofthewitch.com
ana@thehearthofthewitch.com
thesagewomyn.blogspot.ca