Sacred Circling
The most important prerequisite for creating sacred space is clear intention. When we gather with a sincere intention to relate to ourselves and others with love, reverence, and soulful listening, we naturally enter into sacred space. Sacred space is not lofty or pompous. It doesn't require a temple or special clothing. In fact it has nothing to do with outer space at all, but with inner space.
The Hunger for Ecstasy, Jalaja Bonheim, Ph.D.
The Hunger for Ecstasy, Jalaja Bonheim, Ph.D.
Why Seedkeepers?
In a recent talk at the local university ecofeminist, and environmental activist, Vandana Shiva, spoke of women as the "seedkeepers" in India, being that they are the ones who gather the seeds from the crops in order to plant for the next season. Calling women the "seedkeepers" struck me as relevant on various levels. Besides the practical activity of actually gathering and saving plant seeds, women function as seedkeepers in that before they are even born their ovaries contain all of the eggs they will ever have; their future children lie latent to some degree before they themselves are even crawling. Being a seedkeeper does not mean that you must be a biological mother to tiny human beings. It is my belief that women serve as seedkeepers in that they are sacred containers of a power and strength just emerging into the world. A power based in love, vulnerability, cooperation, and collaboration. Serving as a sacred container for the propagation of life, women are sacred. Saying this does not deny that men too are sacred. My intention, however, is to focus on why and how women are sacred to this world. As sacred containers women function under the principle of reciprocity, gaining strength, knowledge, and encouragement by supporting and encouraging one another on this journey. While many men are becoming more active in their children's lives, it is still primarily the mother who nurtures, guides, protects, and cares for the developing needs of her children. Just as a gardener knows when to water, fertilize, weed, and prune its plants, mothers are perceptive to the subtle needs of her children at each stage; and if she is uncertain, more than likely, she will consult other mothers to determine the best action to take to encourage healthy growth. Similarly, women who give birth to art, businesses, writing, gardens, homes, ideas, relationships, their own voice, etc. have an innate way of functioning in relationship to these activities that I believe is an untapped resource, infinitely valuable to this changing world. |
Sacred Circling
When entered with reverence, intention, and ceremony, any space can become sacred space. The beauty of a circle is that in the circle all participants are equal, free to contribute, experience, and explore in ways that resonate with their innermost selves. Through shared leadership, feedback, and respect, a circle can serve the highest of functions: creating intimate, safe connections for exploration and empowerment. A sacred circle is a time and space set aside from the mundane world. A sacred circle is where we, as women, can take off the masks we often wear for survival in the outer world, let down our guard, open our hearts, and get deep into the real presence where we touch the divine seed. As sisters on a journey that spirals simultaneously into the past and the future we all have wisdom to share, and wounds to heal. A sacred circle is the here and now, the eternal present, where this work, this miraculous healing, little by little, inch by inch, can occur. The only requirement for having a successful sacred circle is checking one's ego at the door. We are all goddesses, priestesses, healers, light bringers, and when we can empower one another to be our true selves, the world will shine a great deal brighter! |
WE ARE THE SEEDKEEPERS OF AN EMERGING WORLD, AND WE ARE SACRED. LET'S GATHER SACRED SEEDKEEPERS, AND TRANSFORM THIS WORLD INTO A BEAUTIFUL GARDEN!
It’s really amazing. You plant a seed; it germinates and looking so fragile, and within a very short time it becomes a huge tree. It gives you shade and it gives you fruit… to build and transforms lives. ~Wangari Maathi