From the mist she rises in the cold light before dawn. Strange shapes and shadows move but what do you really see? There are whispers from tree line, but can it just be the wind? Taking a breath, you close your eyes to clear your mind, hoping to understand what you see when you open them again. When you do, the whispers and shadows seem closer as the mist creeps around you now. The sound of water rushing by echoes in your ears. Does it make you feel unsteady? Does your heart race? Does your breath quicken? Are you feeling the chill in the air or is it a deep, unknown, and primal memory gripping you now? As the Cailleach stands before you, what do you feel as you both look beyond each other’s eyes and into the depths of forever? The Gate of the Time Between is now open and without realizing, you have already begun to walk through it.
There is something to be said about this time of year. We certainly are not experiencing summer and although our days are shorter and the wind brings quite a chill to our bones, we are not experiencing winter either. Instead, we are experiencing the fall into our depths as we begin to slow down. We begin our slide from what we think we know, into what we do not. All the while, we are walking with what we may be trying to hide from as it waits in the mist along the edges with the Cailleach. What are some of the thoughts, feelings, and memories that are bubbling up for you during this time? Is there something that is asking for your attention? If so, what is it and what can you do to give it the attention it needs?
Standing along the rocks of the cascading falls, the spray of fresh water envelops you. The cold mist is a bit shocking yet it is surprisingly comforting. The water offers the gift to cleanse you, soothe you, and bless you. Sometimes these spaces can be a bit unnerving. It isn’t easy to allow yourself to feel what you have pushed aside or buried for years. In the liminal lands with the Cailleach, we are standing at the threshold where our walls dissolve and emotional armor slides off. It is something that you can physically feel. Our emotions, thoughts, memories, and even our fears know that. As the Cailleach stands before you, it is important to remember that you are not alone. She walks with you. She guides you. She will bring you to places that will not be easy to navigate, yet there are pieces of you to be released and found there. Are you willing to journey into the unknown with her?
The Cailleach is the Goddess who reminds us that we are as beautiful and wild as the untamed landscape. We have heights and depths just as the mountains and caves do. On this rainy Sunday, take some time to explore your heights and depths as well as your shadowy places. What makes you feel safe? What leaves you feeling uncomfortable, unsure, or unsafe? When difficult memories come up, allow them to be seen and held. Clean your wounds with the sacred waters of the liminal lands. Remember that you are not alone. The Cailleach, the primal and unwavering face of the Crone Goddess, will offer insight into those memories, making space for surrender and healing. How do you choose to explore your inner landscapes? Will you allow yourself to walk with the Cailleach and open your heart to your depths?
Be well today,
Renee Bedard, The Whispering Crow
The Whispering Crow 