Navigating the Mysteries - Finding authenticity and the way to a more loving world.
This week has taken us across the threshold of the longest / shortest day with celebrations for the solstice and in Spain the feast day of San Juan (John the Baptist).
In Galicia, San Juan traditions are steeped in magic and mysticism and are based around the theme of purification through fire and water.
Fires are lit, especially along the coast. They burn up the old and when skipped through seven times attract good luck for the year ahead.
Queimada*, a locally distilled herbal liquor, is ritually prepared and shared. Faces are washed with an elixir of water steeped with medicinal and aromatic herbs to ward off witches and the evil eye.
This tradition reminds us that, here in the Northern Hemisphere, we are now deeply into the season of growth and maturation and moving towards the July full, and first super moon of 2023. The Old Farmer’s Almanac names the July full moon the Buck Moon in recognition of young buck growing their antlers. Other names, the berry moon, the month of the corn ripening moon and the salmon moon speak to the maturing abundance of the season, whilst Thunder Moon also recognises the potential for storms.
I have been traversing this week of growth and turbulence – Navigating Mystifying Change with two groups, spanning the globe from Hawaii, through the US and Europe to Australia.
We have been submerged in an ancient story. Through listening, active imagination and enquiry, each participant has received new insights from the wisdom held within. We are finding ourselves anew, freshly equipped to continue the journey towards greater authenticity and freedom as we navigate changes in our lives.
To meet requests for a re-run of the Navigating Mystifying Change series of workshops, read on – I have just set dates on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in September and would love to see you there!