Blue Lotus Goddess

January's Calling

2011-01-10T18:51:00.000-08:00

The days are slowly growing longer. People are getting back to life after the holidays with great intentions for better health, deeper spiritual connection, better financial control. I personally, have recommitted myself to Stillness, to Movement, to Surrender.

This time of year always calls me inside. I become wildly erratic when I don't take the time to rest enough, exercise enough, drink enough water, eat enough hot oats, or drink enough strong herbal infusions. The lack of light affects me. The dry air affects me. And somehow, this time of year is like a jolt that makes me look evermore deeply into the darkness and admit where I am compromising my soul. I become ill. It's a dance.

Sitting with eyes closed, breathing slowly with awareness, relaxing into this here...I surrender what is changing for me, what remains for me, and I surrender to the great Nothing from which all arises and returns back to. This is my meditation. Namaste.

Goddess of the Day

2010-07-16T06:02:00.000-07:00

Gaia - The Earth Mother

Gaia is from the Greek Myths, the mother of all Titans. She is the personification of the Earth, and so home, or mother of all things inhabiting this planet. She is the plant kingdom, animal kingdom, mineral kingdom, the elements, and more.

This day, Gaia inspires us to look around and acknowledge natural world and our place in it. We are not apart from the other sentient beings in this Earth-world. We are, instead, irrevocably woven into the complex tapestry of Gaia.

Today, we are asked to acknowledge the interconnectedness through the whole of which we are a part.

http://gaiagoddess.com/

Nettle Oatstraw Infusion

2010-07-16T05:49:00.000-07:00

I am sipping my nettle oatstraw infusion thinking about all of the plants that have soothed my body, mind and heart over the years. I am considering the connections to the women (and some men) that were made through my love of plants.

Thinking fondly about my relationships with them all, I imagine deepening these as I drink the infusion.

I wonder at how this strong brew can transport me into a better state of wellness and well-being. It does these things subtly and powerfully with no side effects. Just like my Grandmother's love.

Herbal Wisdom-Burdock Root

2010-05-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

Burdock- Arctium lappa

Time to dig up the roots. My teacher says today (meaning any day) is the best day for making medicine. Her favorite kind of medicine is the nourishing sort. Drinking root teas makes me feel exceedingly nourished and deeply supported! While the spring harvest is best as food source and fall best as medicine, I will use this root whenever I can get it!

Burdock has many uses and I know people who have used every part of this plant ally medicinal healing. Create oils and salve to heal burns or to nourish skin and nails from the outside.

Burdock root can be used as food as well. I happen to really enjoy it's rootsy, earthy flavor. Though, when used in steamed root samplers and in soups one can hardly discern this great nourishing herbal ally from other root vegetables.

On it's own, it makes a thick and dirty infusion for drinking. The tincture of this root draws forth all of the inulin in this remarkable ally for diabetics. It is capable of cooling a body and slowing a person down and can help to soothe intense emotions like anger or jealousy.

Burdock also aids and supports the lymph system, liver and kidneys. It is a great supporter of the digestive system as well. I personally use it when I know I might have a hard time relaxing at night or when I am going through times when I need grounding, nurturing, and stabilizing. Used over a long period of time is when results are best seen, however. Either way, this immune strengthening ally is highly recommended here.

www.susunweed.com Susun Weed has been my teacher for 10 years. In all that I have learned, I honor her.

Meditation Musing: Noticing the Stillness

2010-05-24T20:05:00.000-07:00

Whatever the medium is that draws you inward and to the Stillness, let it not be more important than the goal. Stillness can be recognized at the beginning of your practice session, even before you pay attention to your breathing, think your mantra, or whatever else you may do.

If there is effort involved in noticing the Stillness here, use your technique, but curiously consider how much Stillness you notice. Even when there are thoughts the Stillness remains and can be noticed. Even when techniques are being used Stillness may emerge.

It is in the paying attention of it that the magic happens. Noticing the Stillness is not meant to be a struggle or a mission. It will likely give you a headache to treat this tip as such. Instead, innocently watch and wonder about the quality and degree of Stillness that is present more often during your practice. Enjoy!
Artwork by Jing Jing Tsong. Used with the permission of Jing Jing. See more of her art: www.jingandmike.com

Goddess of the Day

2010-04-29T13:40:00.000-07:00

Inanna - Goddess of Holy Work

Inanna is specifically associated with sexual love and fertility. She was the energy which inspired priestesses to initiate men in the holy work of sacred sexuality. Making sex a place of purity, spiritual union, and powerful positive transformation would change the way we treat our bodies and the rest of the world. A resurgence of these priestesses (and priests) is what may be called for now!

Inanna beckons us to become a Hierodule of Heaven, or a "servant of the holy." She asks us to bring greater attention to the subtler aspects of each action we take, thoughts we think, and words we speak. To become more fully present is the greatest way we can do holy work. Whatever it is that we are participating in, holiness happens when we consider ourselves a servant to the Divine.

Inanna asks us to become the priests and priestesses of our lives. She asks us to foster mindfulness and deep listening. We bring our attention to not only our love-making, but washing the dish, writing the report, eating our meal, walking down the sidewalk. Each moment is an opportunity to ask ourselves, "as a priest(ess) of the holy work that is my life, what would the Divine have me do now?"

Beltane is swiftly upon us. Inanna celebrates unity with her husband Dumuzi. We celebrate what is fertile in our lives. We honor the powerful message of Inanna's invitation. We agree to be the priestess, the priest.

Now I implore you to light a fire, lay naked with your lover (or alone if you prefer) and become a servant of the holy this night. Namaste.

(inspired by Feminine Mysteries in the Bible, by Ruth Rusca)

Following the Joy

2010-04-21T10:21:00.000-07:00

Practical application of our spiritual practice can include watching for what brings us deep joy. That joy may lead to cartwheels on the grass, or it may just allow us to be very present in a conversation with people that we meet.

Suffering seems to be a natural and mandatory part of our lives. It seems that spiritual practice must involve some degree of suffering to prove that we are achieving progress. While fear may arise, it can be witnessed objectively. Suffering is the other option.

Shifting the awareness to seek out what innocently brings us joy can take our attention away from the choke-hold of fear. Following the things that fill us with joy is a way to practically apply our spiritual practice. When we do, we may find that challenges arise, but instead of suffering, we will know the freedom of choice.

Goddess of the Day

2010-03-29T21:59:00.000-07:00

Ostara - Goddess of Fertility, Rebirth, Hope, New Beginnings

Take care to look around. What have you brought forth into this place you find yourself in? Is it enjoyable and good? Do you find awareness of where your life can be better? Are things slipping away that have lost their usefulness?

It is Spring and today is the full moon just after the Vernal Equinox. It is a powerful day for moving forward with even clearer intentions than ever before. Today we set the tone for what will be in our fascinating lives. Today we sense the magic of manifestation coming to life and yet must remain patient to see continued growth and eventual fruits. We must remain vehement in our causes.

The power of this time is significant in that we are like children, playful and bright, allowing for a more innocent approach to life. This power gifts us with the ability to be grateful as well as to reassess what is developing and be certain it is what we are truly wishing for. If not, realign yourself in the power of this time to see your heart's true desires take form soon.

Herbal Wisdom - Violet

2010-03-29T21:45:00.000-07:00

Violet - Viola odorata L.

I saw my first violet today with my daughter and we were both so excited! I have used this plant in so many ways, mainly to decorate and infuse salads with sweet and tangy flavor! I've eaten the leaves and the flowers in this way.

Used as an infusion or a tea, the leaves are nutty and delicious. They are slightly mucilaginous and cooling. (I can hardly wait!) The medicinal factors include blood purification, inflammation and fever reduction, and let's not forget that Violet, like so many other herbal allies, offers an array of vitamins and minerals!

Another way that this plant has been used is to soothe sore breasts during hormonal adventures, including reduction of cysts and tumors. I have used a salve of Violet to cool my breasts off after the milk came in once my daughter was born and continued to use this treatment for the entire first year. It was most effective!

I really want to gush over this plant because it is so cute and subtle, but no less powerful. Please stop and listen to her healing song. You don't want to miss it!

(image from: www.susunweed.com)
This post has not been reviewed by the FDA and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases or illnesses. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any health concerns.

Meditation Tip: Observing

2010-03-29T21:05:00.000-07:00

Let a higher power rule over your mind, your life. Instead of being in control of it all, observe. Becoming the observer of your mind allows you to become the observer of your life. While this may sound scary, counter-intuitive or even ridiculous, it might be interesting to try it out.

You don't have to do it forever. No need to fear the uncertain and unattainable commitment to relinquish the cherished way of controlling forever. Instead, just see what it might be like just now. Perhaps later on you may want to become the observer again, just for fun. Out of curiosity.

It is my experience that as this is practiced, life becomes more effortless and enjoyable. If this sounds good to you, I recommend the joyful position of observing.

Goddess of the Day

2010-03-05T10:22:00.000-08:00

Durga Ma- Fearlessness, Patience, Compassion, Sense of Humor

Durga rides into the waves of our existence today to remind us that spiritual life is all life. She suggests that we look at and change the places of compromise in our lives to the best of our ability before she transforms into her purest form: Kali. The mercy experienced in this stage of our development is one of "getting honest with ourselves," yet not being utterly removed from those things which no longer serve us. It is still our choice. And some point, it will not be...the energy of Kali will swiftly come and take our home, our job, our family, our lover, our health...if we do not boldly choose for ourselves.

Durga Ma is patient and maintains her solid connection to the unchanging divine force for good no matter what she is faced with. She calls upon you to look to this ability within your own self today. She is fearless as she meets the dark monstrosities humans create from their self-judgement. She knows the truth of these places we hate in ourselves. She carries with her a sense of humor that is refreshing, for we take ourselves and our lives far too seriously. She bekons us to take her example today and

Meditation Tip: Perseverance

2010-03-05T10:04:00.000-08:00

It can be the last thing that we get to but the first thing we'd like to be doing. There is alwasy an excuse to rush along rather than stop and take a deep breath. However, taking care of ourselves is important.

Stopping the mad rush of our lives is a powerful way to take care of ourselves. We do this in the moment. This moment. It may seem silly to take this advice, but it will be your salvation. Stop right now and breathe deeply.

I watched my daughter struggle with numbers today. She can count but doesn't have the connection to the visual number yet. She became so frustrated and she wanted to give up. I showed her how it is normal to become impatient with ourselves when we do not see results as soon as we'd like. It is still important to keep going, though, isn't it?

It is very easy to bring our attention as fully as we can to this moment, especially when we are met with frustrating circumstances. It is then getting ourselves into the habit of doing this regularly. We can let the impatience or the joy be our sign post to get us to bring our full attention to the moment. This is supported by a regular daily practice of meditaion. I emplor you to keep going. Perseverance is a choice. Make it.

Meditation Tip: Non-Attachment

2009-12-28T11:14:00.000-08:00

Practicing meditation can be like prayer. It is a devotional practice and requires of us that we be selflessly unattached to outcomes. This can be a bit tricky because we see the effect meditation has on our lives and we begin to desire similar or greater results.

We know that the quality of our lives improves with a consistent practice of meditation. We know that each time we sit down, we are healing our bodies, cleansing our minds, and enlivening our DNA. We know that we begin to see life differently and that we begin to behave differently as well. Effortlessly. Yet, it is easy to recognize these changes and become attached to a desired outcome!

Since results happen effortlessly, however, we need not interfere with the way the Creator deems our unfolding to manifest. We, as the budding god-lets that we are, are not to take control of what will be healed next or what behavior will change next. We are asked to surrender all of these hopes, cravings and even true desires to that timeless, infinite, still place that we become aware of during our turning within. The opposite action will actually slow down the positive effects of our practice since doing so is like going against the current.

As we surrender, the Creator has more to work with for we are more humble, maleable, and innocent. We take on the discipline of surrendering our will over to God's will and miracles arise(ie. positive change in our lives!) Maybe not how we would have manifested them, but maybe in far greater ways than we could have worked up ourselves. Practicing non-attachment to the outcome, we become free and leave the details to something GREATER than ourselves.

Goddess Post

2009-12-17T08:50:00.000-08:00

Lilith- Goddess of True Power

My favorite Mother! Sensual, sexual, savvy and successful! Lilith knows how to set boundaries and keep them respected. Lilith knows when it's time to tweek boundaries as well. Lilith shows us how to love ourselves in the highest way. She cares not for the opinion of others, even when they called her a demon!

Today Lilith showers our lives with the energy of positive and true Power. She empowers us to use the infinite field of energy to keep us absolutely present, meeting each moment, each task with all of our attention. Lilith give us the opportunity to walk away from situations that are draining us, or at least to alter these with new boundary setting and self-respecting behavior.

Enjoy a dose of the Wild Woman energy which will Revitalize your libido, Revamp your perception, Renew your senses, and Reclaim your true power!
(Inspired by the Mythical Goddess Tarot deck, www.starchalicesister.com )

Herbal Wisdom

2009-12-13T21:04:00.000-08:00

Thyme- Thymus vulgaris

For coughs like the hacking one I've had, Thyme may be a super effective choice. While it is important to cough to get out what needs to come out, a dry, hacking cough is exhausting, embarrassing, and annoying! This type of non-productive cough can keep us up at night, give us a sore throat, and sore abs!

After making a tea of thyme last night and drinking 2 cups after dinner, I slept the night through. Today the hack has turned into a mostly productive cough!

Juliette de Bairacli Levie has said to sniff thyme when she has a headache and to keep dried thyme with her clothing to keep out the moths! Susun Weed suggests drinking thyme tea to keep away the flu.
I have also heard it used for gastrointestinal distress and as a mouthwash! And let's not forget to put thyme in our chicken noodle soup and other favorite dishes!

I recommend growing your own because it is so easy to do, but if you are in a similar climate to myself, you will need to wait until spring!

This post has not been reviewed by the FDA and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases or illness. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any health concerns.

Goddess Post

2009-12-13T20:41:00.000-08:00

The Pleiadian Star Goddess- Gift of Life and Destiny

We may find clarity and even spiritual vision when The Star Goddess works through our lives. Her grace is available to us always, but now is a powerful time. This goddess brings the awareness of what our life's purpose may be. Tap into Her grace and know your Destiny.

Allow this energy of the Star Goddess to penetrate your heart and your mind, to infuse your entire being with the inspiration to walk your path in the highest form you are meant to walk. Ascend to meet Her and fulfill your life's purpose. Whatever that looks like to the world, internally it will be Divine, Joyful, Holy, Fulfilling and Serving the greatest good of all humanity.

Take a moment to see if you can't know Her presence. See if you are aware of your higher calling. Notice what makes your heart sing and allow yourself the courage to see it manifest.

(painting by Katharine Skaggs, www.katherineskaggs.com, Inspired by The Mythical Goddess Tarot deck, www.starchalicesisters.com )

Herbal Wisdom

2009-12-09T12:13:00.001-08:00

Licorice herb-Glycyrrhiza glabra...yummy stuff! I have been drinking tea of this herb often lately to soothe this cough! It has been long used as a cough and cold remedy all over the world.

My daughter often teethed on these sticks as a babe. She still, on occasion, will ask to chew on a licorice stick! It worked for her fussiness during these times far better than anything else!

Licorice has been found to assist in estrogen balancing but also to cause water retention. When used in conjunction with dandelion or horsetail, it is said to reduce this effect.

This is one herb I always have around ever since my four-year-old was quite small. It is yummy and helpful!

These herbal posts are not reviewed by the FDA and are not meant to diagnose, prevent, treat or cure any diseases!

Goddess Post

2009-12-09T11:47:00.000-08:00

Aditi-The Great Void

Preceding Creation, She is the Mother of all gods and goddesses. She is the fertile void of emptiness. Fulfilling desires and nourishing life, Aditi appears before transitions are made, in the time of the Void. During this time, we are often feeling helpless, uncertain, and unclear. Aditi is that which we can surrender our attention to instead of the fear. She offers comfort in the unknown. She offers surety and infinite possibility during this time. Aditi offers this time as a time of self-reflection and deep understanding.

During times of not knowing what the next step is, of having to step forward in the darkness in faith, allow Aditi to infuse your life with a nurturing and fresh experience.
(insprired by the Mythical Goddess Tarot deck, www.starchalicesisters.com)

Meditation Tip: Excuses

2009-12-09T10:51:00.000-08:00

The most attractive thing is to tell ourselves that we are too busy to stop and do our practice. At the bus stop, on the bus, in the airport, at our desk, while the kids are napping, when we are leaving work in our car before we drive away...the moments are actually endless...just like the excuses!

It is uncomfortable to sit with ourselves when we are so busy. This is because it is not our natural state of being to be so busy. Stillness is our natural state. It isn't that the Stillness isn't there when our minds and lives are so busy, it is just that we are paying attention to the movement, or the busyness.

No matter what the excuse is, it is not valid. Period. The Stillness is there right now waiting for us to notice it. We have been paying attention to the busyness most of our lives and so it is unusual and uncomfortable to turn our attention elsewhere. Being disciplined in doing so is important. It is by exercising this "muscle" that we strengthen it, habituating a new focus and a new experience of life. So, taking my own advice and hoping you'll join me...let's just do it!

Meditation Musing

2009-12-07T20:25:00.000-08:00

Listening Deeply is something many of us don't do. We've forgotten how to do so. Allowing for life to teach us in this way is powerful. Yet who takes the time to find this out? Hopefully we do!

Meditation can assist us in developing this ability. Mindfulness helps us to bring the practice out into our daily lives. We choose to walk throughout our day listening deeply to see what happens. We are innocent and curious.

Sit for a ten minutes, eyes closed, exploring the inner workings of yourself. Slowly open the eyes and allow for you awareness to notice if there is a quality which remains the same. Stand up and move into a simple task like light stretching, fixing a cup of tea, or watching the birds outdoors. Allow for mindfulness to lead you forth. Listen Deeply.

Herbal Wisdom

2009-12-07T19:52:00.001-08:00

Garlic. Yes, it is considered an herbal ally! I just last night made garlic-onion honey. I even added elderberry syrup to my dose. It is a potent medicine for keeping away the sicky-bugs. Unfortunately, I already have an on-going cough and have decided to use this remedy to help keep the cough from getting worse and to help heal my body of what is causing the illness.

You know that garlic has been used in cooking, fresh or powdered, for a yummy and medicinal addition to many dishes. It has been used in oil for cooking as well, but used very effectively in this way to heal earaches! Garlic has been found to improve cardiovascular health, lowering blood pressure and stabalizing blood sugar. It has been found to be a safe phytoestrogen, excellent for menopausal women. Garlic has also been shown to counter infections and strengthen the immune system before an infection takes hold!

Buy a few bulbs of garlic today and eat the love out of her! She's happy to help.
This post is not reviewed by the FDA and is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.

Goddess Post

2009-12-07T19:23:00.000-08:00

Mother Mary (nursing her babe) - Nurture, Patience, Sacrifice

Mary reminds us of the Serenity which can be found in living a life of selflessness and surrender. She reminds us that all will be right and well through perseverance and trust. Grace is working always if we would be but open enough to notice.

In times of trouble, challenge, depression, and darkness Mary can reminds us that we may choose the patience found in faith over drama and fear. She brings us the ability to know that we are loved and held and so, the ability to relax into our situation and focus on giving to life rather than fixing what seems to be wrong. She brings the ability to Ascend beyond our distress and teaches us that surrender is the choice to be free. Om Mother Mary and Viva La Mary in us all!
(Inspired by the Mythical Goddess Tarot deck, www.starchalicesisters.com )

Intuitive Strengthening

2009-12-03T18:23:00.000-08:00

One tool I enjoy using to develop trust in my intuition is writing. Stream-writing, actually. I have never taken a class in this technique, but feel that streaming is what occurs when I sit down for this purpose. For me, there are no rules, except to begin and to keep writing until I feel done.

Journal in hand, time and space set aside for complete focus (or letting go, if you prefer,) we sit in our sacred space and begin. Perhaps we take a moment to center and quiet ourselves before we write. Perhaps we plop right down at the dining room table and just begin. No matter which way we slice the beginning of it, it will work for us if we just start!

Now write. About whatever. And keep writing. I often ask for specific guidance and then answer my own questions as though I were my own Higher Self. I may ask myself something like, "What would Buddha do?," or "What would Lakshmi do?" Whatever technique begins to really work for you, you should go with. Good news! You can tweek your technique at any time!

Once you write it all out, read it aloud and see what you find. My prediction: You find out that you had the answer all along! Best of luck finding your own inner guidance; I'll be here all the way! Have a pleasant journey and I'll meet you on the other side.

Herbal Wisdom

2009-12-03T16:50:00.000-08:00

Ginger! I've been bonding with this Alley for my cough! I have simply cut up the root with the intention of merging with her healing properties and boiled it for 10 minutes before allowing to cool for a short time, adding raw honey, and imbibing in the strong tea! Very helpful in allowing me to breathe better immediately!

Susun Weed suggests a ginger compress for women experiencing breast lumps. Powdered ginger tea sweetened with honey, she says, is a carminative and therefore great for stomacheaches. I have used ginger for this purpose and find it to be effective and I love candied ginger for when I am out and about It's super yummy!

You might try tincturing ginger root in vodka or making a vinegar of ginger from apple cider vinegar! Adding ginger to soups and other dishes is a nice way to add her healing elements to your life, too. Ginger carrot soup is one of my favorites!

Go to the grocery store, find a fresh piece of ginger root which is not shriveled and put her to use! It is good to bring all of your attention to any herbal ally you use and allow your intentions for specific healing effects to be at the forefront of you mind when preparing any herbal remedy.

Enjoy this fabulous root today and as Susun would say, "Green Blessings!" (www.susunweed.com)

These posts are not reviewed by the FDA and are not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.

Meditation Musings

2009-12-03T16:06:00.000-08:00

Thoughts will arise and fall away. Some will be linked to many others and some to none. Some will seem very important and some strange. Some thoughts will linger and others will return many times.

All thoughts are waves on the ocean of our infinite mind. Watch them come and go. They are like our breath or the clouds in the sky.

The mind is meant to think. Do not try to stop it from doing so. Instead, enjoy the moments when it does so on its own and get comfortable with the flow of thought.

There is something beyond that movement of the mind. Your challenge today: Notice what it is that is beyond the movement. I double-dog dare ya!

Om Shanti

Goddess Post

2009-12-03T15:42:00.000-08:00

Kuan Yin
The Empress Divine of Compassion, Mercy and Healing.

Today the Divine Feminine invites us to open up to the healing and restorative powers of contemplation, meditation and Silence. Fostering a practice of these inner reflections breeds wisdom in our thought and action. We are sure to reap the benefits of loving ourselves and others compassionately from the still, quiet place of observation.

Take time to find forgiveness, gentleness and mercy for yourself and those in your life today. Take time to notice and grow the ever-present essence of the Divine Mother. If you do, you will experience Her steady stream of Love. Blessed Rest and Namaste.

(Inspired by the Mythical Goddess Tarot deck, www.starchalicesisters.com )