What a month August has been not only for me but for so many others that I know and work with, Leo Season has really lived up to it's fiery intensity clearing the way and birthing big changes. In the midst of the chaotic energy I celebrated my birthday and then left for beautiful Bali on a Primal Women's Retreat facilitated by the wonderful Deb Macintyre, here are a few images of some of my highlights.
Mumma Bali delivered wonderful adventures, beautiful weather, such warm gentle Balinese people so ready to share their culture and answer all my questions. We stayed in an incredible resort that grows its own food located away from the busyness and the week of workshops was so powerful and deeply nourishing. Honestly apart from some issues with my knees after descending and ascending 370 steps (each way) at Gunung Kwai Temple the whole experience from beginning to end was truly amazing.
Prior to the call to go to Bali over the last 12 months I have never had it on my radar as a destination, I guess I had misjudged it as a chaotic tourist area full of drunk westerners and very over commercial, and it can be that if you stay in certain areas but once you get out into the countryside and away from the hot spots, it is breathtakingly beautiful and full of history and culture and deeply spiritual people.
Deb and Jasmine guided and supported us through very deep shamanic practices designed to reconnect us to self, ancestors and guides, to birth healing through shadows, to find our voices, to allow us to embrace the primal woman deep within us. Both women are so incredibly powerful yet so very humble, it really was an honour to be in their space and to also share it with a group of lovely down to earth women who sit together in a non judgmental space of absolute respect for each other.
Bali Photo Highlights:
Tanah Lot Sea Temple - meeting the sacred sea snakes in the caves that protect it and the hugs Burmese python above them, a special surprise organised for me by my friend Carla who knows how important serpent medicine is to me.
Tirta Empul Water Temple (926 AD) and Purification Ceremony (Melukat) under the sacred water fountains flowing from the holy spring. The Temple is dedicated to Vishnu, god of water and protection and Shiva and Brahma also have shrines there and the flow of water was created by Indra's staff striking the ground to cleanse his troops of poisoning. (no photos yet) apart from group image on the steps.
Gunung Kwai Funerary Shrines Complex located above Tirta Empul (NE of Ubud), high up in the moutains with a spectacular view over rice terraces and valleys, reached by descending 370 stairs into the base of the valley dripping with moss and the Pakerisan river flowing between Candi's (shrine reliefs). The Balinese Valley of the Kings is dedicated to king King Anak Wungsu, his father and their concubines. (11th Century)
Since returning so much has happened in not even a week, it's been a roller-coaster of family emergencies, new deathcare roles, knee xrays and other very big things that have been in the works for several yeas finally coming to fruition. Amongst it all I have found time for quiet moments to journal, process and sit in all that unfolded for me in Bali and all that is unfurling since my journey back home. Breath, movement and grounding time in Nature has/is supporting this process.
As August draws towards close and Leo Season gives way to Virgo and the flow towards Equinox I have conjured up some offerings to share with those that feel called to share space with me.
2nd September Online - Introduction to Witchcraft (13 Weeks)
22nd September Inperson (Northern Rivers) Spring Equinox - honouring Persephones transition back to Kore.
If any of these are of interest please head to the Workshop section( see the menu at the top) of this website and/or head to my ticketing provider Humanitix for more info and to secure your space:
Rose Healing Sessions:
I am also making some time for Rose Healing Sessions to support and nourish as the journey of re-emergence from winter stagnation unfolds into newness and reclamation of energy, empowering women to deepen their connections to self with the beautiful, powerful restorative energies of the Rose.
Spring (Vernal Equinox):
Celebrated in the Southern Hemisphere on 21st September (Autumn in the North) and is called Ostara by some, this year it is exact 22nd September 10.43pm. At this beautiful time of year darkness and light are in equilibrium and we honour the balance of the darker months receding and the lighter warmer months entering and birthing new growth and abundance. It is also the time of Persephone's ascent and the reclamation of her roles as Kore, Spring Maiden.
Spring Equinox Correspondences:
Here in the Northern Rivers Caldera we are hitting the high 20's already and the birdsong is filling the air and I have already seen a snake, it was sitting by me as I enjoyed a pick nick by the river, a lovely little non venomous Keelback, not doubt hunting for frogs. Its such a beautiful time of year before the often oppressive heat and humidity kicks in and a lovely time to be outside in Nature observing the changes as they happen in their own time.
A wonderful time to undergo initiation to dedicate to your practices as the season changes, to release anything that you no longer need to carry forward with you and time to recharge and refill ready to receive that which you desire.
Traditional Correspondences:
Colours: White, Bright Yellow, Green and Pink
Altar Decorations: flowers, fruits, feathers, wool, seeds, eggs.
Deities: Eostre, Aphrodite, Flora, Freya, Maia, Isis and Persephone. Odin, Apollo, Cernunnos, Odin's, Attis.
Stones: Amethyst, Aquamarine, Moss Agate,
Botanicals: Ashpodel, lavender, Thyme, Rosehip, Daffodil, Honeysuckle, Iris, Gorse, Violet and Rose.
Scents: Cedarwood, All Citruses, Patchouli, Jasmine and Rose.
The Hare - In Celtic tradition, the hare is sacred to the Goddess and is the totem animal of many lunar goddesses such as Freyja and Holda - the hare is a symbol for the moon and it was once thought that a Hare could be seen in the glow of the Full Moon. This powerful animal is a symbol of abundance and fertility being able to conceive whilst still pregnant.
The Egg - in many cultures is a symbol of life and often associated with birthing deities, new eras and sometimes whole cultures.
Aussie Correspondences:
Bottlebrush - Red - Vibrancy, Strength, Life force energy.
Grevillea - Orange/Yellow - Boldness, Creativity, Sustenance Joy, Success.
Unfurling Leaves - Green - Growth, Promise.
Lavender - Purple - Clarity of Mind - Spiritual Connection.
Citrus Blossoms- White - Renewal - Freshness.
Animals: Bowerbirds = Spring Bowers/Creation/Courtship, Snakes = appearing from hibernation/Rebirth, Magpies = Protection/Communication - the dive bombing season begins, Bilby (rather then hare) - Change - Cycles/Rebirth/Shadow work.
Scents: Lemon Myrtle, Eucalyptus, Citrus, Lavender, Rose.
Wishing you all well for the last days of August and beyond.
Blessings, JR
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