Saturday, January 31, 2009

Spider Woman and friendship

Spider Woman created the world, the sun, the moon, and She reminds us that even small creatures have great power. She is often mocked, reviled and feared, but She perserveres, creating Her worlds.

Tradition tells us that it is Spider Woman who taught humans how to plant and grow, how to harvest. She gave us fire and taught us how to find shelter.

Spider Woman teaches us to find our own creativity and to spin that into success. The faeries encourage us to create friends. Friends are not to be taken lightly or for granted, and are the bulwarks in our lives, sheltering us from hard times and rejoicing with us in times of plenty.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Selene and belief

Many goddesses are associated with the moon, but Selene isn't associated with it, She is the moon with all its power and mystery. She pulls the moon across the skies, and She hides it behind the veil of shadow but She's never really gone.

She is the embodiment of all power that is felt but not always seen, the strength that is overlooked. She is the constant companion, and She can be a powerful guardian while we sleep, or She can conceal those who would do us harm if we fail to appreciate Her strength and beauty.

The faeries admonish us to look within ourselves for our inner power, that power that is reflected by the moon. Frequently it's hidden, even from us, but once you find your source of moon power, you can accomplish great things with seeming ease.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Changing Woman and belief

Changing Woman is much on my mind, as is Her other name, White Shell Woman. But mostly Changing Woman.

Women frequently change identities to suit their surroundings. It's as natural to us as breathing, really. We are often the embodiment of Changing Woman, even though we don't consciously realize it.

Changing Woman is mostly revered because of Her influence with cycles, and for women, that most frequently translates into menstrual cycles. This is a true representation of Changing Woman, since we give blood but do not die. It is a monthly sacrifice.

But we change in other ways too, and there are various rhthyms to our lives that we don't obviously see. There are the cycles of growth, from child to woman to mother to crone. There are cycles of health. There are cycles of wealth and poverty.

Sometimes these cycles rotate through more than one lifetime. It's hard to be grateful for the learning aspects of ill-health and poverty, but it's also easy to forget to be grateful for the cycles of good health and prosperity.

Changing Woman understands, but it is still wise to remember to give thanks.

The faeries remind us that we have the power inside us to bring good and negativity. It's easier to believe in the bad, but strive always to call to the good. It's harder, but the rewards are immense!

Monday, January 26, 2009

Mary and the earth

It seems that almost every culture throughout the world has a link to Mary, who could be viewed as the Mother Goddess.

She is the true creator of the world, and what makes Her most wonderful is Her humility. She did not believe in Her own creative ability until She used it -- which is a model for everyone. When She did believe, She created the angel Gabriel out of fire, and he is her fiercest defender.

Mary is compassionate and kind, She is the Mother we turn to in times of trouble and need. But, like our own earthly mothers, we should remember to include Her in our joy and love and thank Her for those gifts, especially when they are given unasked. And She does give generously, although many are unaware.

The faeries tell us to be aware of our impact on the environment, to be kind to Mother Earth, which is perhaps one of the greatest gifts from Stella Maris (another name for Mary), to guard and protect the oceans which are also special to Mary's heart. Even those with no gardening ability can help guard this precious gift.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Isis and beauty

When you hear Her name, Isis, you probably think "Queen", and you should. "Proud" and "independent" and "aloof" probably also come to mind, along with a quiet nod to Her temper.

But most people overlook Isis' passion, and that's at the heart of who She is. When She loves, nothing, not time, or other gods or even death can get between Her and Her beloved. She is the personification of determination against all odds, and while She is indeed proud and aloof and grimly independent, She is also loyal and to be respected and worshipped and yes, loved.

The faeries remind us to find beauty everywhere. When you look at Isis, beauty is obvious and in fact can be a bit overwhelming. But beauty can be found in the dust of snow on a leaf, the angle of a shadow in sunlight, the deep clear blue of a cloudless summer sky. In admiring the great beauty around you, do not forget to be thankful for the small gems that can make any day a treasure.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Rhiannon and believing in yourself

Most people think of Stevie Nicks when they hear the name "Rhiannon", and it's as good an introduction to Her as any.

Rhiannon is a Welsh goddess whose name is a derivation of Rigantona, which means "queen". And She is royalty, but She does things Her own way. She fell in love with a mortal and was willing to do whatever She could to make that union work.

Rhiannon is also associated with Epona, since They both are affiliated with horses.

When you think on Rhiannon, remember that Welsh women, both divine and mundane, are independent and fierce. Rhiannon will fight for those She loves, and She is not above using trickery to get Her way. She may seem capricious, but She is playful and joyous, loyal and true. She is generous and bountiful, but remember that She expects you to work as hard as She does on your behalf. No undeserved gifts from Her!

The faeries remind us that everything is within our grasp. All we really have to do is believe, truly believe, and the universe will give us what we need. The catch, of course, is true belief, but once you've achieved that, the faeries will help you choose wisely, because you'll have the universe at your beck and call.

Friday, January 23, 2009

Kuan Yin

Kuan Yin has a level of empathy for human emotion that goes beyond any other. She doesn't simply sympathize, She feels what humans feel. Joy and sorrow both, She immerses Herself in human emotion, and that allows Her to understand.

She is generous to those who sacrifice for others with no thought of recompense. She is often seen holding the branch of a weeping willow, symbolizing her connection to the earth through shed tears.

While Kuan Yin is not a warrior goddess in the traditional sense; when She intervenes, Her actions tend to be gentle and palliative, but make no mistake and do not think of Her as a weak goddess, because when She does get involved, She will open doors, hearts and minds, and She will shield those who have pleased Her, which is no small gift!

The faeries remind us that Kuan Yin, while traditionally associated with sorrow and suffering, does take great joy in many things, and the uplifting and healthy passion for dance, formal or simply joyous expression, is always pleasing to Her. And it makes you feel better too! Let you joy be visible in your movements, in your actions. It will bring even more joy into your life.