In my journal on 12/7/2024, just days after my 38th birthday, I wrote:
"My word for 38 is DEVOTION.
How can I live in devotion - devoted to- earth? If religion comes from the Latin 'religar" meaning to re-ligament or re-bind together and reconnect, how can I transform my relationship with plants to become a more spiritual and devotional experience? Dare I say, religious. Not idolatry or external, but a devotee to nature, mama earth, and all she is.
May my devotion be a re-ligamenting of ME with Earth, reconnecting that which has been severed..."
One of my greatest visions has always been to create a hybrid online and in person herbal apprenticeship for women. I envision us coming together in person through the seasons to work the land, sleep under the stars, cook together, and commune deeply with earth and each other in ceremony. Through the year we study and cultivate together as a vibrant online community. I have always known I want to create a container like this for women, and after holding my first retreat last Fall Equinox, I finally saw it on the horizon of possibility.
However, I knew I needed to get clear with Earth on what was to be expressed and taught through this apprenticeship. What does Earth need us to know? What do we need to learn? What needs to shift through us?
Obviously, to receive this understanding, as a 6/3 Generator, Sag Sun/Cap Moon, my ass needs to experience it.
So before I offer a program on behalf of Mama Earth, I first must dedicate myself to Initiate as her priestess in devotion. At her feet.
Since I had Bear 21 months ago and began my period a year later, it had been extremely regular and aligned with the new moon. Right after I had decided that my year 38 would be earth priestess imitation via devotion, my period starting to change its day. Each month it would start a little bit later. Recently I saw that when you bleed at the new moon you're aligned to your mothering. When you bleed at the full moon you are aligned with your priestess. Boom, the year begins and my initiation sets in motion and the first full moon of the year, I am officially bleeding with her ripeness.
I have aligned my blood with the phase of life I am in- in devotion to Mama Earth.
What does DEVOTION look like for me? This has been the uncovering. Tapping deeply into the earth and her season where I am is key.
What It has been looking like for me lately:
PHYSICALLY: Tapping deeply into my BODY. Waking up and sticking to a warm water with lemon, lympathic drainage massage and movement routine. Stretching, jumping, and tuning into the movement and structure of my physical body, my human home. Also eating to nourish my microbiome with lots of diversity.
ELEMENTALLY: Fire energy. If Winter is the water element, its opposite is also key in this season. Being the fire tender in my home for our warmth, candles, red light, candlelit spaces. Tapping into my homelands currently under purge via fire. In prayer for water. Feeling the feelings.
NATURALLY: Spending time in the morning and sunset sunbeams, receiving light codes. Spending time by the creek, with the water and ice. Connecting with the birds present now. Also, tending inside to my home, with my family, by the hearth, slowing down- audiobooks and game nights.
MOTHERING: This month was the first time I felt like I had a work-school balance in my homeschool. I felt the most ease in preparing for my Call this month for The Herbalists Coven and the class went off with great success. This has been a goal for me for a while and to see it pay off feels good and cultivates hope for the future.
As the year goes on and the devotional practice develops and deepens, I look forward to sharing more of the practices, recipes, ceremonies, and prayers.
What would DEVOTION to Mama Earth look like for you?
Related Posts
