Friday, 15 May 2009
I was given a wonderful opportunity last night to perform rites of passage rituals for 2 very special men. One had just turned 50 and was gingerly stepping into his Elder hood; the other was taking his place as a well-earned Elder. I love doing ceremony because it honors the individual and the path that they are going down in this life. I feel that every moment can be a sacred ritual when done with intention. When one sets their intention to do a ritual with witnesses, it creates a very powerful experience. How many times in our life do we accomplish something and not acknowledge that experience? Or transition unnoticed from being a child to becoming a young man or woman? Ancient cultures have used sacred ritual as a way of honoring one’s transitions. Be it a mother giving birth or an individual crossing over. So many times when an individual goes through transition or steps into another phase of their life, they feel abandoned. Often folks don’t know what to say when someone shifts. How wonderful it is to fully step into the process with support and community. This makes the transition real on so many different levels.

When I do ritual, I use the nature elements. The wind, water, air and fire. I call in the 7 directions of the East, the South, the West and the North. I invoke the energies of the upper world, the lower world, and the physical world that we walk in everyday. When these invisible energies are called in, a beautifully profound shift occurs for the individual who is being honored. It’s as if for the first time they are being seen, heard and valued as the sacred loving being that they are. And they feel this. Often there are tears of joy, tears of release, and tears for clearing away the distorted vision they had of themselves. It’s so beautiful and touching. To be witnessed is powerfully profound.

I have performed rituals for weddings, births, grief, and coming of age. Each one is so special and unique. I have witnessed individuals physical appearance shift, as they stand taller and look out into their magnificent life with tremendous gratitude and appreciation. It’s as if a veil has been lifted and they are able to see all of the infinite possibilities that are in front of them. Perhaps for the first time they can stand up with a strong backbone and a clear voice.

The approach that I have to healing is one of honoring all the parts of ourselves, and all of the experiences that we have had. This is done as ritual, as witnessing one’s story and allowing a space for deep resolution and healing to occur. The results are exciting, as the individual is able to fully step into their life and find their place on this earth. It creates more compassion and self-love. It creates an unfolding of sorts that shows a person that they are not alone on this earth and that we are all interconnected. We are all related. I am another you, you are another me. We breathe the same air and drink the same water. Our heartbeat is as one. When we witness each other, we can see the circle of interconnection expanding. We are deeply interconnected with mother earth, the animals, the oceans, the trees, and the mountains. As we come together as one, that’s when true resolution and connection can occur. All of us hold a very sacred place on this planet and in this life.

So I invite you to look at the various aspects of your life that perhaps could be honored with a ritual. Call upon your special friends and ask them if they would be willing to be present with you as you step into a new way of being. You will be amazed at the results.

I can guide you, and help set up a sacred circle for you and your loved ones to step into.

Namaste'
Catherine