Anne Key's Blog - Posts Tagged "priestess"
thinking about priestessing...
I was thinking about priestessing this morning. One reason I am so passionate about finding women in their role as priestesses in the past is that I think it gives women new vistas for our understanding of women's roles in religion and spiritual practice. The Apsaras and Devatas on the walls of Angkor Wat are often considered "decorative." What if we considered the Devatas to be images of the priestesses? Or guardians of the temples (like the dvarapalas, also shown at the entrances, though in far fewer numbers)? That changes our heritage as women, from beautiful decoration to active, strong, and influential players.
Full Moon Ritual 3/27/2013
Went to a wonderful full moon ritual last night. We were atop a crest in Petroglyph National park, surrounded by lava rock and overlooking Albuquerque. I stood in the west, the direction of the sunset, and spoke of my wish for endings. May all of our endings this year happen with ease. May our old ways, our old stories, our old skins slide off freely, and may we revel in the newness this year brings. Blessed be.
Lammas 2013
Today is the midpoint between Summer Solstice and Fall Equinox, at the cross of the quarters, marking the first day of autumn. Here in Albuquerque, we are in the midst of the monsoon season. Every afternoon the clouds begin to gather over the Sandia Mountains, and then move across the city, bringing a show of lightning and splatters of rain.
I am caught at this time of year – part of me wants to lounge in the warmth, sip wine, and watch the lightning. Another part of me wants to keep things moving, get everything done before turning inward at winter. My urgency is at direct odds with my desire to stretch out on the chaise. Maybe part of this season’s lessons is balance and prioritization, because really, only so much can get done. The reclining in August is oh so sweet, and not to be missed.
Take a moment to be in your moment, whether that is full steam ahead or stretching out in the shade. We only have this time now, so breathe it in fully.
Brightest Blessings to you at the turn of the season -- Anne
N.B.: This cross-quarter festival is commonly called Lammas (from the Anglo-Saxon for “loaf mass”) or Lughnasadh (from the Irish god Lugh), traditionally celebrated August 1st. Astrologically, the First Day of Fall may be calculated as the date the Sun is at 15° Leo, which currently Falls around August 6th and 7th.
I am caught at this time of year – part of me wants to lounge in the warmth, sip wine, and watch the lightning. Another part of me wants to keep things moving, get everything done before turning inward at winter. My urgency is at direct odds with my desire to stretch out on the chaise. Maybe part of this season’s lessons is balance and prioritization, because really, only so much can get done. The reclining in August is oh so sweet, and not to be missed.
Take a moment to be in your moment, whether that is full steam ahead or stretching out in the shade. We only have this time now, so breathe it in fully.
Brightest Blessings to you at the turn of the season -- Anne
N.B.: This cross-quarter festival is commonly called Lammas (from the Anglo-Saxon for “loaf mass”) or Lughnasadh (from the Irish god Lugh), traditionally celebrated August 1st. Astrologically, the First Day of Fall may be calculated as the date the Sun is at 15° Leo, which currently Falls around August 6th and 7th.
