Last night as I was leaving the library with my Mother, my daughter and my daughters friend I felt this . . .  Every Thursday night we go to our local library for family story time. And every night after story we head out to the courtyard and the kids race to through the space as we head to the parking structure.  As they began to run I said “stop!” searching for a reason that they stop their usual activity I said “let me hold your crafts while you run.”  As they took off I felt I wish there was a “valid” reason that I could get them to walk. . . not 30 seconds later we saw them collide and my daughter hit a cement planter (larger than her) with her face and she fell to the floor screaming.

I ran over and scooped her up, took her to the light to get a good look.  Though I was freaked out and she was hurting and scared I saw immediately that it wasn’t near as bad as it looked like it was gonna be.  She sustained scratches, bruising, bleeding and a little chip off her front tooth.  But we didn’t have to go to urgent care which I am so grateful for. And though she can only eat soft food that doesn’t require chewing, we are on the mend . . . Thank Artemis.

It’s the synchronicity that assures me that she was being watched over . . . That morning I drew my Goddess card (as I do every morning) and on that day it was the Artemis card. She is a protectress of women & children . . . the card I drew says this “Artemis      Gaurdian      You and your family are safe and spiritually protected.” Of this I am sure! 

Zea's personal seasonal table & altar . . . reflecting the summer seasons offerings

After two years at our local Waldorf campus, I am more convinced than ever that this style of learning is what is correct for my child and our family. My daughter began Waldorf at the same time I was getting more involved with the Goddess Temple of Orange County & my Priestess training, the two have worked very well together for our family. And it shows in how we live, communicate and honor each other and all that surrounds us.

We had the pleasure of being in playgroup with Ms Uschi and then moving into bridge group with her . . .  we learned to follow the rhythms of the year and the seasons and as we moved through the years our home began to reflect the most beautiful combination of a Waldorf classroom &  The Goddess Temple.  Our family has found it’s place in the cycles of the earth, our selves, and our community . . . it is such a blessing.

In Playgroup and bridge group we were able to learn crafting skills and gift our children with the most natural & beautiful keepsake treasures for play.  We have fused together the fine art of altar making with Waldorf’s seasonal tables. And I have seen how Zea has opened up her body and her spirit to the natural world, filled with a profound trust in her loved ones and teachers.

Our Autumn Apple Gnome

As we move into schooling at home on our own I am so happy to see how it flows so well . . . we spend our days getting in the groove of living, enjoying nature and learning life long skills.   We cook together, clean together, pick fresh flowers from the garden & gather items for our altars, paint, learn crafting and read seasonal stories.  As a parent I take such pleasure knowing that the rhythms and “Chores” (which she loves to do) are setting the foundation for healthy life long habits, happy & magical memories and a foundation for her to grow on.

Delicous & Healthy Romaine Lettuce and star flower (white borage) salad

There is no greater joy for me as a parent than to be able to teach her which plants are edible, how to turn it into a magical fairy teas party and share that with her great grandmother as we talk over tea and snacks and see how we can learn so much from those Wise Elders and how in turn we can now bring them a little bit of those fairy dust filled childhood moments that adults tend to forget and write off as “of no use to us now as adults.” But there is so much to be learned in those timeless moments . . . “just being” in the moment, enjoying the peace . . . those cloudless blue skies, the taste of a home grown rose in a fairy sandwich and memories that will sustain us when those skies turn cloudy and the roses fade.

Rose petal fairy sandwhiches with butter & honey . . . and a pinch of fairy dust *

Friday morning I thought it important personally for me and my daughter to light a candle on my altar together and say a simple and short prayer for those affected. My almost four-year old really got into it and even went to her room and brought a sea shell to add to the altar for the people and animals of Japan . . . I felt that for us in that moment it was important for us to do.  I do feel as though it’s important for me as a Priestess Mama to set an example of caring, and doing prayer work for those who need it.

As we discussed this situation in our parents group Friday morning, our facilitator spoke on how they don’t need to know.  I wasn’t sure how I felt about that . . . as I thought it over and the week went on and the disasters progressed I began to see more clearly how important this is.

I remember when I was a child I was so terrified of  “The End Times”, as we had learned in Sabbath School there would come a time when those who worshiped on the Sabbath (instead of Sunday) would be singled out by a National Sunday Law and we would be forced to flee the cities and go into hiding. When I was in grade school, I found this so very frightening! I remember having dreams about running through the wilderness and so I had a bag packed under my bed in case we had to flee at night. I didn’t want to wear glasses because I was afraid in an emergency I might lose or break them and then I’d be lost since I wouldn’t be able to see.

Things happen we can’t deny that, but there is no need to worry the children over it. There will be plenty of time for them to have to deal with these things when they are older . . . I believe it’s my job as a parent to give her a childhood free from undo worry and anxiety.  Childhood is short enough and there will always be a time to face challenges as they grow older and grow into being able to handle those things.

Children’s emotions are so intense, it’s my opinion that we should allow them time to learn about their emotions and their selves long before we introduce them to any additional stresses on that front.  They are not ready yet.  It doesn’t do them any good or us any good to tell them all.

I must confess that I felt angry that when people came to visit our home this past weekend everyone was speaking about how many people had been found dead so far, or about their fears of nuclear meltdown and it hitting the west coast where we live all in front of young children.

As adults we must strive to find a proper place and time to discuss our fears, concerns etc without alarming our young. We must allow them the peace and freedom that comes with childhood, it doesn’t last very long as we all know now . . . this is a huge gift that we can give to our future generation to ensure that when they grow older they will look back and thank us for giving them that time to just be.  In this way I believe they will feel better able and more ready & willing to move into the “adult” phases of their lives.

If your child asks you a question give them a very simple and short answer, you don’t need to lie.

Try to keep your routines as “normal” as possible, this provides so much comfort to children.

If you must say something, keep your voice calm.

Women still do more work for less pay, not only in the work place but all the way around.  In large part women are still expected to do the majority of the housework, the majority of the child rearing and now to also hold down a full time job. Let me give some love to all the father’s out there who do split the house work and child care, you are so valued and appreciated.

As women get older they are no longer honored for all that they have done, they are not seen as Wise Women and they are not protected and taken care of as they should be . . . It breaks my heart to see and old women alone, whether living alone or alone and living on the streets. Our Wise Elder Women need and deserve support, not only financially, but also in regard to getting where they need to go for groceries or appointments, help cleaning their homes and in my opinion young adults should spend time with our elder women to hear there wisdom and stories so that the wisdom they have gained in this lifetime is not lost.

Though multi-generational homes are not highly regarded in our society, I have found immense value in them.  In this way our elders are not alone, they have help with the everyday if they need it, and younger families can benefit from having this wisdom in home, having an extra set of eyes and arms (which is invaluable with young children around) and this teaches our children how to honor our Wise Women.

So on this International Women’s day, make sure you do something whether large or small for the women in your life. Honor them, Love them, Hug them, Thank them and remember all the women who came before us and made changes so that we may be more equal and free.

Why is it that when young girls are being told about their  Moon Time  (menarche/menstruation) ,if they are told anything at all, it’s all bad?  How did something so natural, something so powerful and beautiful get turned into a dreaded curse?  It is after all the thing from which life comes . .. from which humanity is continuously birthed.

In speaking with my Grandmother I found that she wasn’t told anything at all, that had it not been for her older sister she would have been even more frightened and confused.  And Women, this in not just a thing of the past! I remember when I began my first Moon . . . I was very excited inwardly since I was the last girl in my class to get it. I wanted to be a “woman” like the other girls I knew, but yet I had not idea what it really meant, the responsibility that would come with . . . I was even too embarrassed to ask my mom for supplies. I just stole from her stash.  And when I finally worked up the courage to ask for tampons, I was greatly discouraged and told to use pads.

Coming up we all heard about how “moody and bitchy” girls get when they are “on the rag.”  It never sat right with me to hear that and it took me many years to figure out why . . . I read somewhere once that perhaps we’re not being moody or bitchy, perhaps we’re finally able in the power of our Moon Time to say exactly how we feel to those who need to hear it most.  What a shift! Think about that the next time you let someone know what you really want or think.  Why do we keep these things suppressed the rest of the time?  Could it possible be because we are not encouraged to truly speak our feelings and desires unless the are in line with how society dictates that we act and speak? I believe so.

I was so empowered by this knowing, and continued to look deeper.  In ancient times menstruating women were the great seers and guides of their tribe. They were honored, revered . . . and allowed to go deep into their Moon Time to dream and talk with other women as they bled together and then gave insights and wisdom to their people.

Have you ever noticed if your dreams become more vivid or more “potent” when you are on your Moon? Perhaps this would be a good time to allow yourself the gift of going into your Moon Time instead of trying to hide it or carry on as though nothing is happening.  Take time for yourself!  Drink special teas, wrap yourself in a lush, warm blanket (I have a velvety, dark red Moon Time blanket just for this), go to bed earlier, allow yourself to remember your dreams and gain insight, and eat whatever you crave!

Get to know and love your Moon Time, it’s not as hard to track your cycles as I thought it would be.   And with a little attention you can soon use your knowledge to gauge when you are ovulating and prevent conception or achieve conception.   Check out:  http://www.tcoyf.com/ this book has great info! One of my favorites, though other great books include : “The Natural Birth Control Book” by A. Rosenblum and “Herbal for the Childbearing Year” by Susun Weed

Let me preface this by saying that I’ve always had a little bit of trouble being “in charge” . . . . being a parent, this doesn’t fly at all!  There are times when no matter how much you want to be the fun parent, you’re gonna have to suck it up and be the disciplinarian instead.

Our parenting style has always been very relaxed and pretty in line with “Attachment Parenting” techniques.  Now we’re being put to the test . . . with a toddler who is testing her and mine boundaries almost all day everyday.  We finally had to institute time outs, not as punishments but as time for us both to take a moment to regain our balance, talk and think things through.

There have been many moments recently when my patience is REALLY  put to the test . . . I need time outs just as much as she does.  My saving grace has been trying to get back into working more, using my creativity to make things, to write and to remember that I’m more than Mama . . . I am my own woman.  The beauty lies in all the things I can and will accomplish, not to mention the things I have already accomplished. Those things remind me that even when my world consists of doling out the time outs and being the peace maker amidst the temper tantrums, I’m capable of so much . . . and this is just one more example of an amazing gift and experience that will propel me into my next phase of excellence.

Try this exercise: make a list of your accomplishments . . . sounds easy and trivial. But I’m pretty sure you’ll be amazed at your variety and talents. Then anytime your feeling less than worthy, or tested or just plain lousy . . . pull that list out and be reminded of how amazing you are . . . how amazing we ALL are!

Light & Love

My job is still to protect her, though now I realise that I can’t and shouldn’t protect her from everything.  The new job title I have is “Queen of Preparation,” now I must make sure that she is equipped to deal with some of the surprises that life and the world throw our way.

Last week she heard soemthing on TV that REALLY scared her, it was Obama’s speech and she heard the bit about Iraq and a bomb, she translated it into “a rock falling on a city” and she screamed and cried.  For many days I felt like a failure as a mother . . . I should have protected her. Even though someone else in our house was watching it and we weren’t.  As I thought about it more and put more distance between that heart wrenching moment, I began to realize that yes it was horrible that she was frightened. But thank goodness she bounced right back and seemed to forget about it, though I still worry that the image will be etched her mind always . . . I came to realize that my new job is to help her deal with these scary images and emotions in a healthy way.

This is the time that sets a foundation for how she will deal with stress and frustration . . . and is the cornerstone to her functionality as an adult in an ever changing world.  It gives me a strange sense of peace and purpose.  A bit of a safety net, that even though sad and even horrible things happen there is always something positive we can find to do to either make the situation better or change it completely. 

It’s an important lesson for me as well, to learn how to take charge of my feelings and express them in a constructive way.  When we’re both frustrated with the situation or getting fed up we connect foreheads and begin our deep breathing exercise . . . and it helps us both . . . after any upset or disagreement that ends in a toddlers tears we make sure to look into eachothers eyes, hug and say “I Love You.” Imagine if we all handled our intense moments this way . . . so much hurt and misunderstanding could be avoided, just rememeber that we’re all in this together and it’s all love trying to find it’s place.

One thing that I absolutely love is that my friends are the same way also . . . Bunmi, Christy, Amy, and Morrighan.  We inspire and feed one another with energy and love.  We all create, but we create differently and each one is amazing and wondrous in a very special way. I’m totally in love with watching all this beauty from strong & independent women unfold.  We are creating a new world with our actions and creations! Thank you for all your hard work and passion my magick mama’s!