At the recent devotional service held at The Goddess House, a small, yet dedicated group of women gathered to attune themselves to the energy of the Divine Feminine. Upon the uprising of the incense smoke,our voices also seemed to soar as we sang a number of the sacred songs that have been written.
With the theme for the month being that of the upcoming Autumn Equinox, we spoke about the importance of bringing balance into our lives - whether it a balance between work and play, family and sacred "me" time, or even our mundane external lives and that of our spiritual, internal lives ... all of which are as equally important as the other.
Without any forward planning, 8 March was also International Women's Day and it was interesting to reflect back on how much we seem to take for granted these days compared to our fore-mothers only about a century ago. Whilst we may have the right to vote and to work, working women are still, more often than not, being paid less than their male counterparts of a similar position.
Also, there is still the lack of affordable, not to mention assessible, childcare available despite various government's promises. Added to this is the increasing cost of living forcing many mothers back to work, some often facing criticism ... and those who don't often find that their decision to be a stay-at-home mother is also criticised ... so it is very much a "dammed if you do and a dammed if you don't" situation ... no wonder the modern woman is so stressed out!!
Athena and Kali with the blessing bowl |
Also, there is still the lack of affordable, not to mention assessible, childcare available despite various government's promises. Added to this is the increasing cost of living forcing many mothers back to work, some often facing criticism ... and those who don't often find that their decision to be a stay-at-home mother is also criticised ... so it is very much a "dammed if you do and a dammed if you don't" situation ... no wonder the modern woman is so stressed out!!
For these reasons and more, it is increasingly important for women to allow themselves some sacred "me" time. As an old saying goes ...
"Heal thy Self ..."
With women making up the larger percentage of carers and being in the various caring professions (paid or not, skilled or not), it is important that to ensure we are able to properly care about those we love, or those whose care we are responsible for, that we look after No.1 first. For when we feel relaxed and healed, we can then share this with others.
Hathor, Goddess of Women |
Women being women however usually tend to put our own selves last - but not at The Goddess House. A sacred space is constructed every month for women to gather to "heal" themselves. For those who are not able to physically attend, just prior to each service, healing requests are taken via our FaceBook page or can be emailed direct to the Priestess in Residence. All requests are then offered up to the Great Goddess near the conclusion of each monthly service. A free service that is open to all and with there being no limit to the number of requests being made, not who for - human, animal, environmental, victims of wars and/or natural disasters.
Women are also encouraged to join with us on the "astral", so to speak. As we meet on the second Tuesday of each month, if you are able to, why create your own sacred devotional service, whether on your own or with a group of female friends. All you need is a candle (for focus) and some sacred "me" time to sit and honour the Great Goddess. Some suggestions as to how you can do this can be found here.
Next month's service will focus on Samhain, and the Goddesses of the Underworld such as the beautiful Persephone.
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