Andraste

Andraste’s Crow flies high and proud
leading me through the dark.
And as I walk upon sacred ground
She calls me to come home.
This warrior Goddess has no fear,
many battles has she won.
On this Journey she is ever near
I travel not alone.

A Celtic Tale of Finding the Light of the Goddess

As we move into the dark time, I wanted to share a poem I wrote to give heart that the light is always with us.

Arianrhod

She stood upon the feverish sands,
with lonely heart,
and empty hands,
as the mists gently offered
damp kisses to her cheeks.

The wind aroused her crimson tresses
to dance like the folds
of silken dresses,
upon the breeze that cooled
her disheartened countenance.

The sea heaved truly before her,
akin to the lover
who once adored her,
when lips did touch and
fingers met skin warm and soft.

With robes sweeping wildly Erin green,
she looked as a shade
in a child’s dream,
which walks on air whispering
silent covenants.

As she gave witness the sun did set
upon the crest
of the waves it met,
till darkness cloaked her
within a ravens embrace.

She stood on the shore, her eyes beholden
to the full moon
it’s visage golden,
bleeding pure light
upon her furrowed brow.

And when the moon did reach its’ peak,
standing in waters
cold and deep,
she raised her hands
to the stars above.

“Arianrhod, I call to thee,
Mother of the
Sacred Three,
pray thee hear my petition
in beautiful Caer Arianrhod.

My lover tis dead, my clan tis scattered,
all that to me
has ever mattered,
has slipped through my hands
which once were strong.

And I know not why I have been cursed.
nor why upon me
this scourge loosed,
in your woven tapestry
that is my life.”

Seen through a tear that doused her eye,
the Silver Wheel
in the sky,
began to spin and
whirled a shining path.

A thread of light did gently land
upon the sodden
moonlit sand
and from it’s brilliance
a woman buoyed forth.

Her radiance lit the seaside far,
as round her flamed
the hallowed stars,
that were the celestial
lanterns of Emania.

Then from her mantle did she lift
a silver scepter
with amber tip
and pointed to the
rolling sea.

“Turn ye waters from this shore
and from this one
who does implore
from me the answers to
still her heavy grief.

For I shall not to her bestow
the answers she fosters
within her soul,
nor will your waters
give her release.
No coward stands here.”

Anon the waters did recede
and from the woman
took their leave,
till her sodden form
stood bathed in Goddess light.

Then the Mother looked upon her face
with tender eye, and
with soothing grace
Her ancient voice
drifted melodically to her ear.

“The lyceum in Emania holds
a thousand warriors,
brave and bold
whom answered the call to
battle with their lives.

And as I move through the passageway,
I ask each one
what they would say,
now that they have left behind
what they held dear.

Nary one has spoken yet
of suffering, bitterness,
nor regret.
Instead they speak of gratitude
for having been.

So listen Daughter to what I say
within my light
you shall find your way,
you need only make the journey
to who you are.”

Then the Goddess disappeared
and with Her took
all the woman feared
sweet warmth replaced the coldness
of her soul.

Turning now toward the path
that would take her home
she heard a laugh
and knew she would never again
journey alone.

Freedom

When I feel free I can hear my own voice. I can let my tongue form words that speak what is true. There is an unlocking deep within, somewhere near my heart that opens a gateway to my Soul. When I feel free I do not confuse my voice with the voice of Spirit and my desires are no longer my own.

It does not matter where I sit or what surrounds me as I write – when I feel free I am everywhere. I am not a profound writer; I am not well versed in my language. Sometimes I cannot grasp a word and the feeling falls away. When I feel free none of that matters for I feel and that is enough.

I am continually discovering who I am – I love the journey I have taken; a journey to freedom.

I hear a crickets call – it is soothing with its rhythm and predictability. I see a flock of tiny birds darting here and there and I long to know connection like that. Tiny insects skim along the surface of the water, changing its course in their own small way.

My mistakes in this life are my greatest stories; complete with all the drama and the lessons of the fables. As a child I believed I was meant for something great and now I know I am. Living is a mighty and courageous act.

The critics’ voice within me may not be silent but it matters not, when I feel free.

I know I am good enough for Spirit.

**
Experiencing the expansiveness of freedom is as simple as surprising yourself by breaking out of the predictability you have structured in your life. Take off from work early and visit a park, explore the beauty of the natural world or walk in the rain and smell the fresh scent of Earth.

Freedom is within you, you only need to choose to release your wild self and run with the untamed.

Pebbles' Sunrise

My sadness moved me to the sunrise today.
As I watched this most beautiful spectacle;
the impossible rise of fire in the sky,
I was not so impressed.

Sure, it was magnificent; the deep orange haze lighting the top of the mountains,
then the brilliant yellow orb bravely taking its rightful place.
I thought to myself, in that fleeting way, “I should do that.”

As my face warmed I closed my eyes and you were there beside me.
Ears perked up, deep dark eyes looking out over the ocean;
both of us gazing in the same direction.
I felt your small soft body rest against my hip and
sensed your rise of excitement at being on the beach.

Content for now to sit by my side but preparing to move beyond me…
there, into the horizon, to a place I cannot follow,
there, into the mystery, to be welcomed by this glorious sun.

Your life has been bigger then this fire could ever be;
more beautiful than this sky with its blue and gold,
more miraculous then the rising of the Sun.

How could any event move me after having known your perfect devotion?
How will any grand occurrence ever touch me again?

You have been enough and I have been blessed by your mighty love.

Your tail wags, your eyes squint into the sun
and I know it is time for you to go.
I will not keep you here;
even though every cell in my pounding heart cries out against releasing you.
I watch your small legs, sturdy now and sure, navigate the sand
and I am brought to a measure of peace to see no tremor in your steps.

I want to stop you with words, a million thank you’s for your life,
but there are not enough and it is time.

I see you - young again - your fur soft and shining,
reflecting the light.
As you turn to look at me for the last time
there is no gray upon your sweet face.
Then…you disappear into the glare of a sun that could never be
as magnificent as you.

Goodbye dear friend.
May I one day be the woman you saw in me.
May you bravely take your rightful place in the lap of God.

Morrigan's Yew

Morrigan’s Yew grows strong and tall
She shelter’s me in the dark
Beneath her branches I softly fall
to be grounded by her roots.
For though my journey is made alone,
walked both in day and night,
She guides me to where all is shown,
My truth brought to the light.

Boudicca's Hare

Boudicca’s Hare is swift and strong
She guides me through the mystery.
The path I walk is ever long
Yet I travel not alone.
For with me comes the warrior
And the gentle love of She
Who guides me to my inner core
Where my truth is shown.

Danu's River

Danu’s River lives in me
Her blood is my blood
Where I flow so does She
We are ever bound.
I ride the surface, walk her shores
Dive deep beneath her waves
Her current carries me to my core
Where my truth is found.