Traveling deeper into the liminal spaces, we begin to slow ourselves down. Walking slowly, each step must be more purposeful than the last. We know there is a purpose to life and what we discover within it. We strive to understand our own pathway forward. Our society demands production at a rapid pace and proof that we have created. Proof that we exist to make an extraordinary mark upon our society in a clumsy dash for our fifteen minutes of fame. Yet in our race to compete for the top, what is the quality of our creation? What is the quality of our lives? Are we to create shoddy representations of ourselves where a shallow image reflects the disinterested attention of the masses or are we daring enough to go deeper? Are you willing to pull the filters off and stare into the unknown depths of your own soul? Are you prepared to shatter the image of what you think you need to be and trade it in for who you can be? Time, patience, and reflection are needed for the process to explore our depths as we wade through the still waters of swamps and bogs.
We have traveled through many landscapes as we walked together this November. We called upon the Lady of Winter, The Bone Mother, The Cailleach. She opened a space for us with love to begin our long journey. Together, we were witness to our light and shadow. We offered sacred space to our thoughts, and fears. We held ourselves in compassion as we witnessed our trauma and sorrow. We gave ourselves permission to think and feel all of the things that we shuttered away or pushed aside. Now as we are carrying all of what we once wanted to leave behind, what do we do with it? We cannot carry these burdens, fears, and outdated patterns with us forever. No. We cannot do that. We will not do that. It is not healthy nor is it practical. So, what are we to do with what no longer serves us? We look to The Cailleach once again as she leads us into the swamp for our release and healing.
Swamps and bogs hold a special kind of magick. In the summer, they are vibrant with dreamy, lush greens. Beautiful and unique plants and flowers thrive here. Exotic and mysterious creatures live and lurk here. However, in the slowed pace of November, the swamp creeps into something quite different. Skeletal trees line the winding paths as the spongy ground makes travel difficult. Murky waters devour the fallen leaves, obscuring the reflection of the sky; helping to create a surreal double image of the Underworld consuming the bright blue above. Yes, time moves differently here and with it, great purpose. You see, even though the landscape is haunting and perhaps a little unsettling, that is its purpose. The water moves slowly if at all. Leaves, plants, and other organic material sink into the thick and muddy bottom in order to begin to rot and decay. These are necessary processes that all life must take part in, including ourselves. If these experiences do not occur, then life cannot be as vibrant in the spring and summer. Are you ready to travel into these heavy and dark waters?
In meditation, travel into the liminal swamplands. Open yourself up and explore under the love and protection of The Cailleach. Begin your process of release and surrender by letting go of what you no longer need to carry. Breathe into this liminal space. Sink into the mud and decaying plants, roots, and other material to merge with this special and holy energy. Here, in a place where earth and water mix to create a magickal landscape, allow yourself to coax out your pain, sorrows, overwhelming experiences, and even nightmares. In this place, surrender what haunts you. Surrender your burdens. Allow them to slough off your entire being so they can fall away, perhaps only leaving you with your bones. You are not a sacrifice. You are the one who allows what no longer serves you to gently fall into this sacred and holy place. This is how you heal. This is how you transform. This is how you evolve and bring forward the nourishment of your soul. Slow down and become the pace of the sacred swamp. Feed your being as you feed the creatures and cycles of life all around you. Become enveloped by the stillness and silence. Become enveloped by the water. Allow what needs to die the dignity, grace, and space as you surrender to this holy place. Soon, you will be reborn in the light. But, right now, allow yourself to be held by The Cailleach as you slip into the deepest depths of the liminal and welcome what your dreams can be.
Be well today and be sure to take care of yourself.
Renee Bedard ~ The Whispering Crow
The Whispering Crow 