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If you’ve been around the community for a time you have likely heard me refer to myself as a workaholic. You may also have heard mention of my Sagittarius stellium that is always driving me forward and lending it;s fire to those big ideas I’m always having.
Since the Winter I have slowed down a lot. Still creating, still dreaming, but finding myself less motivated, less driven. And maybe that’s good. As you know it was a rough winter. And honestly I was burnt out and have been feeling more depressed than I’d like to admit. After the retreat two weeks ago though I felt better. A LOT better. I felt like I reconnected to myself, to source to my magic. And I was feeling pretty enthusiastic about the Summer and my practice and possibilities that I could start to see once more. Then two days ago, during a quick jaunt across the street for lemons from my neighbors tree, I stepped on a sidewalk crack and shit slowed waaaaaay down. The old and sturdy magnolia that has her roots dug deep and wide had cracked and lifted the sidewalk, that old magnolia that held a delightful crows nest this year and is always rattling it’s heavy leaves in the wind, that old magnolia sent me a message. My foot twisted and I felt a pop and I stumbled into a telephone pole where I smashed lemons into my chest before hobbling back across the street uncertain of the damage done but knowing it was bad. A few hours, an ER trip and an xray later I was getting a big ass splint added to my foot for the break AND sprain that occurred. The one that left swelling that looked like someone shoved half a softball under my skin. Multiple people have said to me since “The universe is telling you to slow down”. And maybe it is (I’m pretty sure it is). Slow down. Take inventory. Regroup. The universe tells me to slow down often. I don’t tend to listen for long. But now, now I am listening. As an added bonus as I was trying to wrangle my hyper dogs from my crutches today my watch broke. I didn’t notice at first. But a couple hours later when I c=glanced down I realized the watch had stopped and the button on the side that adjusts the time (it’s analogue) was broken off. So if a busted foot wasn’t enough, my watch is now done too. “Hey there Universe, I’m listening!” So I scheduled the rest of my clients this week from home (I’m just saying no to the 24 stairs at my office), I’m letting my husband care for me, I’m elevating my foot as much as I can and spending a fair amount of time focusing on my breathing and trying to calm my frustration. And due to not quite enough sign ups I’m postponing the start of the new Priestess Path cohort until late August. I’m trying to feel into the ways that this message is a gift. I’m practicing patience. And I’m watching for signs. I’m listening Universe. I’m listening. When was the last time the universe asked you to listen? What did it say? (Also are you reading any good books? Apparently I’m going to be sitting still for awhile)
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One brought on by time in nature and magic and community.
I’ve been so tied to schedules and clocks, electronics and the pit of scroll. But this last weekend I spent four days in a tent, without electricity and steeped in magic. The Wise Woman Witchery Outdoor retreat was a time out of time. The rhythms shifted the alarm that brought me awake, no longer the fake nature sounds from the electronics on my nightstand, but a chorus of birds and a filtering of daybreak and the ones that lulled me to sleep were the crickets and wind in the trees. Here I am now. Back in the day to day. But I feel different. The ceremony, and divination offered openings to the inspiration I’ve been seeking, but so too did the connections with the other women who stepped into this space. It is easy to forget as we trudge through our responsibilities the sheer power of gathering in circle for days, of eating together and sleeping in the same spaces and of course making magic. This deep time allows for vulnerabilities and authenticities to emerge in a way that does not always happen in a quick online class or ceremony. The classes and circles I’ve offered online and in person are intended to create these spaces, these safe microcosms of self exploration and connection. And often they do just that. However being in the same physical space, away from distractions and the energetic pull of the “to do’s” truly carves out space to be with what is, and to open to possibility and each other. I am grateful, honored, moved and changed. And now as the integration occurs, I will discover how to carry this medicine forward, into those things that need tending each day, remembering that I am in fact one of those things too. What’s Happening? I am offering Priestessing in the Modern World, one last time before the Priestess Path begins on June 21st. If you have yet to take this free class and have some curiosity about meeting (or getting reacquainted with) your inner priestess, you are invited to join me Saturday, June 15th at 1 pm PT. Sign up here The Priestess Path Awakening Journey starts June 21st This year long path invites you to deepen into the use of earth based and magickal practices to expand your relationship to priestessing and to yourself. Through the use of twice a month meetings, we build our community and our skills in a small group format, allowing the container to create a space for growth and connection. You can learn more and register here The Summer Digest is ready! I’ve just ordered mine and you can order yours too! This season I asked YOU to send me submissions for the Cauldron. You all have your own wisdom to share, and I wanted to highlight this and create something that was truly formed by community at its heart. Meet some of your fellow Witches and discover a taste of their wisdom. I’ve also added a few more articles to connect us even more strongly to the Summer season. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed cobbling it together. Order here This weekend I celebrated and said goodbye to my dear friend Sarah.
As some of you will recall, Sarah died back in December after a cancer recurrence that would not be stopped. The shape and texture of this loss has echoed through the layers of my life in ways I didn’t expect. At her memorial this weekend her daughter spoke and said something to the effect that she herself hadn’t been to many memorials (she’s only 30), but that she now understood the importance and value of these gatherings. A memorial is a ritual, a space where those gathered step into the in between to remember and share. Some are deeply structured and held within traditions. Some are more casual and even joyful. A while ago I wrote to you about ceremony. How rituals both small and large were carrying me through the dark Winter and bringing support to my soul in a time of need. Rituals are important. Sharing in ritual is important too. When we step into those liminal spaces with others, there is something primal and powerful that emerges. Connections are formed. Some of these transcend these sacred spaces and some last only as long as the ceremony itself. Yet all those connections are meaningful. All have the potential to alchemize something inside of us. Whether in public ritual, coven spaces, community ceremony, or women’s circles, there is something profound about being witnessed and being a witness. We are not meant to be alone. We are communal beings. Some of us need more space independently of the group vibe, but at the end of the day we all need each other. As the butterflies danced and the nearby farm animals called to each other, and the warm sun shone down, I absorbed the stories people shared about Sarah and I took the time to smile and say hello to many people I had only known in name and context, and I felt closer to Sarah, and less pummeled by my grief, and discovered my broken heart was also very very full. I wouldn’t have had this experience alone. Not in the same way at least. Not with the same depth. Where are you coming together in ceremony? Maybe it's a wedding, or a funeral, or a graduation. Maybe it’s a moon circle or a seasonal celebration or a ritual to honor yourself, or connect with the elements. I invite you to bring yourself into these sacred spaces. To let yourself sit in the magic that is stirred when people gather. Yes, I know not all ceremony feels great, (especially when uncle so and so gets drunk and inappropriate or your grief is so big the day feels like a fog) but the invitation is to be with what is, to discover the beauty that is present. Watch the way people look at each other, hug or touch, chant or sing. I promise, even in the weirdest of ceremonies there is a gem to be taken and treasured. Announcements The Witch Next Door is on break-we will return in a few weeks with new episodes. The Priestess Path Awakening Journey begins June 21st. If you’ve been looking for a way to grow your magic, this is an opportunity for you! This program is a year long commitment to yourself and your magical practice. (It also gifts you with those group ceremonies I’ve been talking about). Learn more here I will not be hosting a Summer Circle this season, but these seasonal 6 session circles will begin again in the Fall. And finally, the Diving Deeper Membership circle is here to help you anchor your practice to the seasons and lunar cycles! Membership perks include: A monthly calendar to guide you to lessons, meditations and rituals all housed in the Diving Deeper archives. Wheel of the year live streamed interactive rituals Deep discounts and early registration for classes and workshops An off Facebook social media group where you can connect with other Wise Witchy humans. Plus the occasional pop up ritual and class. You can learn more here I can smell the shift in the air. The green hills are turning gold and everything is blooming and growing.
Back from the Pacific Northwest the turning of the season is even more tangible here in Northern California. The earth is warm, the days long and reminders of the fertility and abundance of the earth are everywhere. Although Spring has not quite let go of her grip on the land Summer is near and everything is alive with the hum of growth. It is this time of year, that I find myself feeling most connected to all of the elements all at once. The Spring breezes are frequent and still cool, pulling my hair and tugging at my skirts, the heat of sun in growing in intensity, the dewy mornings and green leaves of the trees and the rich smells of earth and plants are everywhere. The elements are at the heart of my practice. A foundation on which everything else stems from. Their energy is powerful and can be worked with in a myriad of ways. How are the elements showing up for you? How are you connecting to their energies and associations? Simple Practices Sit in a natural setting. If you like you can set a timer for five or ten minutes. Close your eyes. Listen. Feel. Breathe. What do you notice? Move through all your senses. Discover the world through sensing. Then begin to feel for the elements. Can you find them all as you sense the world around you? Are there certain elements that stand out more powerfully in this specific place at this specific time? When your timer goes off or you feel complete, journal about your discoveries. Impromptu Altar Magic to grow your relationship with the Elements What happens when you hear the word AIR? What associations do you have with this element? Take a look around your house and find an item that represents air to you. Then do the same process with the other elements. Use these items to represent the five elements Air, Fire, Water, Earth and Spirit. Create an altar with these items and take time each day to visit it for a week (or longer). As you do notice if there are more things you want to add or if your original choices no longer fit the way you are feeling into a particular elemental energy. Change, add and subtract as needed. Let’s get outside! There is still room at the outdoor retreat June 7-9th in Sonoma County. (bonus day/night June 6th) I’ve been cooking up some plans for us and I can’t wait to gather with you around the fire and make some magick! During our time together we will be tapping into the energy of the land, community and ourselves, as we create ritual, spellcraft, play with divination and spend time out of time in our sacred space. (plus my Witch Next Door Co-host will be joining us and will be offering morning yoga classes) Not a camper? There are plenty of other lodging options open to you. Spend your nights indoors and your days with us under the trees. Details and registration information here Have you been looking for a way to bring more energy and focus into your magical practice? A community to share your experiences with? A deepening into familiar knowledge and an opening to something new? The Priestess Path Awakening Journey begins June 21st! In this 12 lesson, 13 moon path, you will learn everything from the basics of creating a ritual to spellcrafting and divination. You will also be invited to explore your inner realms and cultivate a more powerful relationship with yourself! Come and discover your inner Priestess! Check out the details and take advantage of Early Bird Pricing here (Early bird ends June 1). Questions? Reply to this email. I’m sitting in a friend’s living room in Seattle this morning, sipping tea and petting her dog. A long awaited break from my day to day washing over me like the coming rain I can smell in the air.
I’m weary. I knew this. But it wasn’t until I got here that it really hit me. I’ve been reflecting Alot On my flight here I was overwhelmed with memory of my grandmother. Of the many many times I boarded a flight to Seatac to see her. Of the way I would tell her I was planning a trip and she would excitedly get her calendar out and block off time for us. I miss her all the time, but this memory and missing of her was so visceral. Aloft in the clouds i felt as if I was back in time. Traveling once more toward my grandmother’s house and our long chats, and respite. The Pacific Northwest has always been a respite for me. I lived here for 5 years as a child and some of my most formative moments were born of that time. With my grandmother no longer here (first because she was living in California to be closer to us and then because she passed away), my friends here in this land of water and trees were my safe asylum. These friends are the ones that are easy. The ones I can settle into spaces of conversation or silence together, be authentic with. Stepping out of the responsibilities of my day to day only allows me to connect deeper. The salt smells of Puget Sound, the familiar bonds of friendship, the thread of magick that ties us, it has all made space for me not to fall apart but come back together. To rediscover myself. The women here are a part of my heart story. And these relationships are medicine for me. Medicine I really needed right now. These relationships are sacred. Revered. We are not meant to be solitary creatures. Not really. And our relationships are a mirror. What parts of yourself are you seeing in the people you surround yourself with? What is your Sanctuary? Where? Who? Sometimes looking into the mirrors of friendships that exist outside of your everyday allow you to remember who you are, who you were and who you are becoming. I invite you to ponder who your mirrors are. Where your sacred spaces live. How often you allow yourself to lay down responsibilities and those daily routines (even for a couple of hours), to rediscover the parts of yourself that might be tucked away or neglected through the mundane machinations of daily life? Perspective shifts create internal shifts and have potential to open whole new worlds inside of us (or show us ones we forgot existed). When I was small I thought my Mom had the most beautiful singing voice in the world. I honestly couldn’t understand why she wasn’t famous. But I also felt so grateful that her voice belonged to me. She was MY mom, and I didn't have to share her with anyone. (At least not until my sister came along).
As an adult, I know my mom’s singing voice is average and yet hearing her sing or even talk, still comforts me like nothing else. Here in America we celebrate Mother’s Day today. It’s a complicated day for many. The Mother archetype is a strong one and this day invokes that, yet it does so often in a way out of sync with our own relationship to the idea of Mother and often with the actual relationships we had with our mothers and ourselves in this role. ‘ The Mother is the nurturer, the boundary setter, the one who grows and creates. She is unconditional love and a fierce protector. Yet the Mother holds a shadow too. She can be overbearing, or passive, neglectful or hovering. She can hold the energy of a martyr or expect payback for her role. Mothering is messy. It is the hardest job on the planet and perhaps the most rewarding. I am not a Mother of children. I have not given birth or adopted kids. I will never know what it means to be a mother in this way. This holds grief for me, but the sting of that is far less than it once was. I chose to remain childless and in this choice opened other doors for myself. But there are many moments where I still long for that sense of family and being a “mom” I share this because it is only one prism in a many faceted stone that is the relationship to the Mother. When we explore this aspect of ourselves, the beliefs and expectations we hold of Mothering (both in the way we bring this into the world and in how we hold it for others), we begin to make space for all these facets. We expand the way we hold mothering, and our compassion grows and wounds begin to heal. We can also begin to see the ways we bring our Mother self into the world through our relationships with others, our creativity, our protectiveness, our boundaries and our love. Whatever your relationship is to the Mother, I wish you a blessed day of honoring the Mother within you. Priestessing in the Modern World Some of you may be familiar with the class I offer called Priestessing in the Modern World. In our time together we explore the energy of the word Priestess and what it means to Priestess in the world today. Then we will go on a journey to meet our Priestess Self and connect with her energy. I’m hosting this class tomorrow Monday, May 13th at 5 pm PT. If you’d like to join you can sign up here Speaking of Priestessing! The next cohort of the Priestess Path Awakening Journey, begins June 21st. I’ll share a bit about this at the end of our class tomorrow and will be offering a discount code to attendees. Let’s go Camping! If you’re still on the fence about the Wise Woman WItchery Outdoor retreat, there is still time to sign up! We gather June 7th through 9th (with an optional bonus day on the 6th), for time out of time, where we will create ceremony, spells, connect with the land and each other, and dip into our wells of magick! Details and sign up can be found here Have questions and want to chat about them? Reply to thai email to set up a call to get those questions answered. See you soon! Once Beltane hits the natural world around me always feels like it’s kicking everything up a notch. The last budding trees have finally begun to leaf out and my roses are exploding.
The pink jasmine is in full bloom and the white jasmine is starting to create little buds that come mid June will likely be fully awake. This is the time of year when I feel the Fae folk peeking out from their realm and into ours. This is the time opposite Samhain when the thin veils allow easier passage between worlds. The word fairy only dates back to the Middle ages, but the Fae folk and their ilk have been popping into folklore across cultures and time, under different names and manifestations. I have always been fascinated by the Fae. There is something so alluring about their mystical nature. Some believe the Fae are otherworldly or other dimensional beings, some believe they are the spirits of the land, and others believe they are another race of humanoid creatures that we share space with on this planet. Lore suggests that the Fae folk can be seen as both friend or foe. They are full of trickster and often playful energy. Leaving offerings for the Fae is said to be a helpful way of keeping in their good graces. Such offerings include cake, honey and cream. Tending the natural world is an offering too! So plant your gardens and amend your soil. Whether or not you believe fairies to be real, there is a certain magic and delight in delving into these stories. Spend some time outside and you might just spy these beings peeking out of the foliage just there in your peripheral vision. Beltane crafts This year to celebrate Beltane I tried something new. I harvested roses petals from my burgeoning bushes and make rose beads. The process was simple and it was wonderful way to honor the season in a way that will carry this energy through the year. You can check out the reel I made about the process on instagram or just follow the recipe here You will need: 2 lightly packed cups of rose petals (the more scented the better!) ¼ cup water A food processor A pot and stove and spoon wire/pins/paperclips Blitz the rose petals and water in the food processor until it reaches a gel like consistency Cook this mixture on medium heat storring almost constantly until it become clay like Roll mixture into beads (these will shrink by at least half when they dry) If crumbly-blot water out with cloth or paper towels And insert wire or pins to create hole and hold them until they dry Let air dry for a couple days rotating periodically to keep air flow even Use for jewelry projects. Gather the Witches By now you have likely read about the outdoor retreat I’m hosting here in Sonoma County in early June. If you’ve been thinking about joining but not sure if it’s for you, let me share a few of the sweet details about this event. We have our own private group campground complete with private bathrooms and showers as well as an ample fire ring. We have loads of space to spread out including areas for altars and our morning yoga (led by the fab Veronica Wade Lewis), a big fire pit and outdoor kitchen. I provide meals and snacks and can help with camping gear if needed. We will be stepping out of the day to day and into a sacred space, where we will connect with the earth and each other, through ceremony, spell work, divination and a little crafting too! Although the retreat is scheduled for June 7th-9th, I’ve rented the space a day early so you are welcome to come before we officially begin and take part in a new moon ceremony with me on the 6th. You can find all the details and sign up form here And finally my friends, I am once more offering Priestessing in the Modern World, a free 45 min workshop that invites you to explore the concept of Priestessing and takes you on a journey to meet your Priestess Self. This year I also have a companion guide for you all that includes journal prompts and a tarot spread. You can sign up of the first round of this class on May 13th is here Underwater
Adrift in a sea of music, magic and emotion It’s been angsty And beautiful too It’s been a really good weekend. Like really good. Confession…I like Taylor Swift. A lot. And Friday with the release of her latest album, I found myself listening on repeat and having all kinds of feelings. Then I went to a concert that night and had the pleasure of experiencing the magic of Ayla Nereo in person. The Spring Circle and 2 sessions of the Priestess Path brought all kinds of extra magick to Friday and Saturday . Sunday gifted time with a dear friend and an afternoon my Mom. Plus tons of time in the yard. Admittedly, the 80 degree sunshine filled days certainly added to the overall vibe. Is it Summer already? I’m a pretty scheduled person. I can pivot if needed, but I’ve scheduled my life quite snuggly and as a result my weekends are often filled with to do lists and catch up. This weekend, I got a reminder of the medicine of spaciousness. To daydream, to imagine, to create, our brains need some space to not “do”. I know this, And old habits still die hard. So I dreamed a bit this weekend. I pulled weeds and sat in the sun, and listened to music and an audio drama I had a chat with a crow and the Fae. I worked on some creative writing as stories whispered new chapters.. And I let myself hang out in the life I’ve created and the Self I am today (plus a few of my past selves who were conjured by previously mentioned music). Do you make space for your dreaming Self? Is there room for your creativity to unfurl and blossom? Are you listening to the music of artists and the earth? What Spring song is your soul singing? What are you planting in your inner garden? What buds within are ready to bloom? Need some inspiration? Turn on some of your favorite music Or check out some playlists on Spotify and discover something new Here are a couple of mine Wild Woman Playlist Feeling Fine Playlist I’m getting excited about the Awakening Intuition Symposium! I’ve been talking with our teachers and we are in for such a treat. This year the format is a little different. The sessions are a little longer. They all have experiential components to support the exploration of your Intuition. And the sessions will be offered on Zoom and recorded so registrants will have access to replays. There will be giveaways, ceremony, connection and of course magick! We only have 4 days until we gather. Have you signed up yet? Register and check out the full schedule here It happens to all of us.
We get burnt out. Caught up in the swells of the day to day tides. We step away from our craft. Maybe for a minute. Maybe for longer. There is a simple road back. When I need to weave myself back into the tapestry of connection, I lean into the elements. Sometimes intentionally. Sometimes it just happens. As most of you know, it’s been a hard winter for me. Loss and burnout have held court in my being and as Spring is bringing in the longer days there has been a shift within. One with a little more hope. A little more inspiration. And a little more drive to interact with these energies. During a two week break from work, a planned hike to a coastal waterfall was canceled due to very cold temps accompanied by rain and wind. A transformation of plans occurred and I found myself up in Calistoga where hot springs bubble beneath the surface. Submerged in mud under the guise of a “spa” treatment, I discovered the elements hard at work. Their alchemy seeping into my bones and reminding me of the way I am them and they are me. The clay and peat of earth, the heat of the geothermal energies beneath the soil, the mineral water bubbling up from below and the air that flooded my lungs and let me sink even deeper still, combined to create the most perfect moment of reconnection. We are elemental beings. When we connect with these elements, we re-discover the way these elements live within us and just how connected we are to the natural world. It is this connection that fuels our magic and can help bring us back to our craft. Later as I swam in a mineral pool with openings in the roof above, I was treated to one of those mutable weather days that brings sun, rain and the most gorgeous clouds and felt all the elements above. Below and all around once more. Whether it’s soaking in a mud bath, or mineral spring, standing out in the wind, letting the sun warm your face or hiking through forest, finding your connection to the natural world can bring us back into balance and inspire us back toward our magic. How are you connecting with the elements these days? How do they guide and inspire you? What element feels strongest for you? Connecting to the elements also invites us to connect more deploy with our bodies and this connection is a conduit for our intuition. Our intuition is that guiding light, that “knowing” that leads us, protects us and asks us to truly listen. There are many ways to connect to this inner knowing, and the Cauldron of Wisdom Awakening Intuition Symposium offers you seven opportunities through experiential workshops, to discover the way that works best for you. We gather in just under two weeks, around the virtual cauldron via Zoom. Explore the paths to your intuition with 7 different guides who have each carefully crafted an interactive experience for you. Awaken your Intuition and discover the inspiration that follows. Check out the schedule, line up and register here! With Love and Blessings, Emily PS We still have room at the Summer retreat and I would love the chance to make magic with you in person, on the land. You can find the details of this gathering here Please note that if you register for the symposium you will receive $60 off your retreat registration Well not here where I live. But the energy of the eclipse is certainly popping.
The New Moon today is in the sign of Aries and it brings with it a little something extra. New Moons are that time of possibility, of beginnings and inspirations. Add an eclipse and the new moon is all of these things amplified! In addition, 19 years ago in 2005, we had another solar eclipse on April 8th. This bridge of eclipses asks us to reach back to our past self and get curious about where we were in Spring of 2005. What patterns and themes were alive for you at that time that might be resurfacing now in new or familiar ways? Yesterday afternoon I hosted a New Moon Circle at my house, using the eclipse energy to fuel an unmasking. It was truly a beautiful and powerful ritual. There is such healing in ceremony and connection. So much potency in witnessing and being witnessed. If you want to explore this theme of unmasking you might ask yourself the question; What mask are you wearing? Is it so familiar and form fitting that you don’t even notice it? Or is it old and worn and cracked and uncomfortable? What does the world look like through this mask? Do you have the courage to take it off and lay it down? To see the world and be seen without this face? What might that feel like? What might the world look like? What has been seen can not be unseen. That includes the true you! Less than 3 weeks before we gather. Are you coming to the Cauldron of Wisdom Awakening Intuition Symposium? I believe with my whole self that when we listen to and follow our intuition we get to live a more authentic, more juicy life. Our intuition guides us on our path and also can divert us from danger or mishap. And we all hear the voice of our inner wisdom a little differently. And the Awakening Intuition Symposium offers you 7 experiential workshops offering you different ways to connect to your inner knowing. Learn new strategies and cement familiar ones too. Join us April 26th and 27th for this virtual gathering. Want to hang out in real life? Just a reminder that the Wise Woman Witchery Outdoor Retreat is happening June 7-9th in Sonoma County California. Converge on this beautiful land and delve into ceremony, community and magic. Make time for yourself and recharge your emotional, physical and spiritual body during our time together. Check out the details here |
Emily Morrison MA, MFTArchives
August 2024
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