KAJAMA.COM NEWSLETTER

6 Ways to Celebrate the Goddess Within, by Dawn Reno Langley, PhD

(Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal.)

Do you ever doubt yourself? Wonder whether you're worthy? Think about how you are accepted by family and friends? Do you see your friends doing the same and wonder why? I have had those doubts myself throughout my entire life. To be honest, society planted some of those insecurities within me. I couldn't light the candles on our church's altar because I was a girl. Every man I knew, from the janitor at my grammar school to a contractor who's currently doing work on my house, has called me dear/honey/sweetie and thought me dumb because of the color of my hair. I believed that I was inferior and dumb, and I believed the strong parts of my personality—my tendency to speak my mind about social justice issues and my blunt honesty (open mouth/insert foot)—should be squelched, because they weren't nice. I never truly accepted myself, all the parts of me, the ones that society deemed "good" and "bad." But now, I believe that most of us experience insecurities and that knowing and celebrating the world's goddesses can help alleviate those negative thoughts.

Conducting the research for my latest book, You Are Divine: Searching for the Goddess in All of Us, was an intrepid inward journey, because I discovered that being divine doesn't mean you have sprouted wings and can change water into wine. Instead, it means you embrace the feminine aspects of your personality and that you respect those traits in others, as well. I found pieces of myself in several goddesses, and that discovery finally helped me celebrate all of the aspects of myself.

Here are six ways that you, too, can find and celebrate the goddesses within you.

1. Celebrate Nature
   All cultures believe in a creation myth, and in most, the being that gives birth to the earth is female. Gaia, the Greek goddess of the earth, is celebrated in the Roman world as Terra. She gave birth to the heavens, the mountains, the ocean, and all the beings that inhabited them. Other cultures might call her Mother Earth, Mother Nature, or Spider Grandmother, but one thing remains the same: a feminine deity is the earliest face of religion in most ancient cultures.One way to invoke these mother/nature goddesses is to find your spot in nature. Whether you're an ocean person, you find peace on a mountaintop, you dig your time in a garden, or you love looking at a starlit sky from the roof of a tall building, go there. Sit and give yourself time. A day or two is great, but an hour is enough to get you back in tune with your natural self.

   As you sit in that natural space, let your eyes close, your breathing deepen and your thoughts drift. Think about the power it takes to give birth to anything natural: a flower, a wave, a lion in the savannah. Now, think about the power it takes to develop an entire universe, to build oceans and land masses, to design weather patterns and to designate where animals will live. Reflect on that power. Know that the power is divinely feminine, as you are. Breathe deeply and slowly bring your awareness back to your surroundings. When you open your eyes, sit still for a few more moments and let your senses be filled with the sounds, smells, and sights. Once you're full, slowly and mindfully make your way back to reality, knowing that the power to create is one that you, also, embody.

2. Celebrate Creativity
   Most of the world's divinities that are connected with the arts are women. The Muses, the group of nine daughters of the Greek god Zeus and Mnemosyne, the Titan goddess of memory and time, inspire those who sing, dance, write, play musical instruments, paint, sculpt, and, basically, create artistic works. They are not the only goddesses in the world who act as inspiration for creative people, however.The Celtic goddess, Brigit, is known as the goddess of art and inspiration, and specializes in offering inspiration to blacksmiths. As a result of that connection with fire and art, she defined the term "fire in the head." If you’re one of those dynamic artists/writers/playwrights/singers, you have a bit of Brigit in you.

   My personal favorite goddess of creativity is Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of arts, crafts, and creativity. Whenever she is personified, she holds a sitar in one of her four arms, holds a scroll in the other, and beads in yet another. The sitar and scroll represent the arts, but the beads indicate her spirituality. It's that link of the arts and spirituality that appeals to me.

   If you are artistic or creative in any way, the next time you lift the paintbrush or open your mouth to sing or place your fingers on your guitar's frets, take a moment to invoke one of the many goddesses who have inspired people for centuries. Breathe in a moment of gratitude for the art you are about to make. Dedicate your work to your chosen goddess and ask her to guide your hand/mouth/foot. Exhale a complete release and allow your body to sink into relaxation before beginning. Know that surrendering to that goddess will give you more creative strength.

3. Celebrate Children/Family
   Many goddesses who are known for protecting children or mothers in childbirth exist throughout the world's major religions. Buddhist goddesses like Karitemo, Suijin, and Kannon are only three of the Japanese goddesses who are patrons of women and children. In Greek mythology, Artemis is the Mistress of Animals and guardian of children (often bringing down enemies with her bow and arrow). To me, she represents those mothers who will do anything to save their children.Ixchel, of the ancient Mayan tradition, was known as the goddess of fertility, harvests, love, and pregnancy. Women recognized the jaguar-shaped goddess as a powerful ally during a difficult conception or birth. Because of her midwifery connections, Ixchel also embodies medical knowledge.

   If asking for protection for your children or for yourself as you give birth, invoking any one of the many goddesses known for this purpose gives you a female face, one who knows the birthing cycle. Throughout religious history, women have invoked the name of one of the goddesses mentioned above (or any of the dozens of others throughout the world) when in need of support.

   In yoga, there's a strengthening pose that's called Goddess pose. Whenever you are feeling that you need to build your womb power, this stance will make you feel that you can hold the world on your shoulders. Whether you're trying to become pregnant, are getting ready for birth, or have children in need of your power, sinking into Goddess pose (squatting with your feet turned out, knees bent, and arms held above you as if holding a giant beach ball) helps you connect with those goddesses known for protecting you and your children. Hold the pose as long as you are able, then straighten your legs and slowly forward bend. Hang out for a breath or two, then get back into that Goddess pose, feeling stronger in your womb area. As you breathe, concentrate on feeling the female power of giving birth. As you exhale, know that your internal goddess will fiercely defend your body and your children's.

4. Celebrate Human Rights
   Most of us know the Goddess of Justice, Themis, whose blindfolded statue holds a set of scales and stands in front of many courtrooms. This Greek goddess was one of the world's first families, born to Gaia, that original creator of the world. Themis personifies justice, law, divine order, and custom. In other words, if you are having troubles legally or feel that you're battling the world, Themis is the one you need on your side.In early Sumeria, Nanshe was known as the goddess of social justice, fertility, and fishing (her father was Enki, the water god, and her mother was Ninhursag, the earth goddess). Every year at Nanshe's temple, people gathered to seek her wisdom and guidance in settling disputes. She was so well-known for her advice that even the god of war asked for it.

   Maat, the Egyptian goddess of all concepts of truth, order and justice, brought chaos to order according to ancient texts. She determined whether the souls of the dead would reach the afterworld. A powerful position to be in! Egyptians definitely worked hard to keep Maat happy. When living by Maat's principles, one follows ancient writings, such as this passage from the Instructions of Ptahotep:
   Be generous as long as you live
   What leaves the storehouse does not return;
   It is the food to be shared which is coveted,
   One whose belly is empty is an accuser;
   One deprived becomes an opponent,
   Don't have him for a neighbor.
   Kindness is a man's memorial
   For the years after the function.

   So many of us have experienced injustices throughout our lives, that we might welcome knowing these goddesses and what they represent. The divine feminine has always been able to calm and advise.

   To honor the goddesses of justice, think of them when you're settling a dispute among children or when you're considering standing up for someone who's dealt an inequality or when you volunteer to raise funds for a local charity. The very act of either meting out justice or of fighting against injustices should remind you that you have the same powers that those goddesses do. Remind yourself that you do these things in the name of Themis or Maat or Nanshe or whoever else you desire.

5. Celebrate Caring and Compassion
   Nothing beats having a caring and compassionate friend. We all need to be that friend, both to ourselves, as well as to others. As my yoga instructor says, "You can't pour from an empty cup."Many of the goddesses throughout the world employ caring and compassion; however, there are few more recognizable than Kuan Yin, the Buddhist goddess known for mercy, kindness, and compassion. You've probably seen her serene figure all over the world. She graces almost as many gardens and parks as Buddha does. Why? Because she is known to rescue anyone who calls out her name.

   In Hinduism and Buddhism, the Green Goddess Tara is known as a compassionate healer and some equate her in power with the Buddha. A supreme savior, she is often depicted standing, her hand held out, palm up. She's an extremely powerful protector and is revered by Tibetan Buddhists.

   Mary, Mother of Jesus, is a spiritual leader that fits the definition of goddess. As a compassionate woman, she also fought valiantly for her son. Her followers see her benevolent qualities, asking for solace in her arms, where her compassion shines through.

   Often we human beings are fine with offering compassion to our family members and loved ones. It's not difficult to feel that immediate warmth when we know we've done the right thing for those closest to us. It becomes more difficult to offer compassion to those we have problems with or those we might barely know. But the hardest is to offer compassion to ourselves.

   Sit with yourself and wrap your arms around you. Hold onto your shoulders with your hands. Imagine that the hug is coming from your compassionate goddess. She holds you tight, offers you a warm embrace, then slowly releases you. Carry that hug with you throughout the day. Pass it along to whoever looks like they might need one.

6. Celebrate Yourself
   If you love yourself, that doesn't mean you have to stop loving others. On the contrary, when you choose to see yourself as divine, the respect you give yourself enables you to share more of yourself, freely and respectfully with others. Period.For this celebration, write down the comparable traits you share with the goddesses we've discussed (and maybe some others you might know). Three to five traits are good. Read those traits aloud. Three times.

Now, more than ever, is the right time to celebrate those goddesses and heavenly beings that have been part of most cultures (though often ignored) for centuries, some for thousands of years. The chatter I hear from women about the world around us tells me that I am not alone in wanting to recognize a power that is more aligned with my emotions and beliefs and sensitivities.

Think about the traits you share with goddesses. Those traits are divinely feminine and you are the goddess. You are divine.

Article originally published in The Llewellyn Journal. Copyright Llewellyn Worldwide, 2022. All rights reserved.

I am very interested in the spirit world. I have started to see spirit lights and hear people speaking softly in my bedroom when I'm relaxing and trying to sleep. No one else is in the room with me, so I know this must be spirits. I would like to know how to hear them more clearly. Can you help?

Christine

Astrea:

There are many different ways to approach what you're seeking. Depending on when and where you are trying to listen, those will vary. Of course, hearing is a very personal thing, so you might want to try different things out before you settle on those that work well for you. Following is one method you can try.

Clarify the voices you are hearing by first separating the different voices and sounds into two groups. This isn't as difficult as it may seem. Define what you hear by highs and lows. Use any musical instrument you have at hand, and hit or pluck a note on it.

Now tune in to your voices; this should divide them into two separate groups. Pick one group of voices - the one that seems clearest and easiest to hear. Go through the same process again, and then a third and fourth time to narrow things down.

By now you should be able to tune one or two of the voices into sounds that seem more like words. They may not be clear words at first, but every time you hear your group, sift through for the two that you recognize the easiest, and concentrate on trying to communicate with those two.

Another way is to try to discover the names of the voices you hear. Putting a name with a sound is always helpful. Just ask the voices to give you their names.

If they don't or can't do that right away, sift through all of them again in the same way you did before, and give those voices names that you will know and recognize every time you hear them. The more familiar you become with the spirits you're talking to by giving them names as well as your name so they know how to address you, the more likely they are to speak up.

Also, remember that they may be speaking a language that you don't understand, either foreign or a spirit language all their own. Sometimes we aren't meant to decipher everything they say. If they're using the place you practice meditation as some kind of conduit or even a place they rest before they move on, they may not want to speak clearly to the living at all.

Soon you'll be able to discern who will and who won't speak clearly to you, and you'll be able to block out the other sounds coming into your harmony. If you concentrate on your top two picks for a while, you'll soon be communicating clearly with them.

You are going to experience a big turnover of associations as each of these spirits moves closer to the Light at its own individual pace, so don't get too attached or dependent on your new friends. Pray for them to peacefully depart the Earth Plane when it's their time to go.

*****

Susyn:

To quote an old adage: Practice makes perfect! One of the best ways to develop your skills is to set aside time each day for the purpose of drawing these spirits closer. Early morning and late in the evening are good times for making these connections, so I recommend you target those hours to build upon your skills.

It's important to remember that you need to set up some boundaries to protect yourself as you open up the door to the spirit world. Some spirits are benevolent, while others are not so positive. Often when people first immerse themselves in metaphysical practices, they are unaware of the hazards of calling in all types of spirits.

You don't mention what you are hearing the people in your bedroom saying, but as you tune in and begin to hear them more clearly, pay close attention: Are they talking to you, or are they talking to each other?

To make this the most positive experience possible, you'll need to surround yourself with protection and ask that only the highest and noblest spirits come in contact with you. This would apply not only to spirit guides but also to any souls you call in who have crossed over.

Before you begin your meditation session, always light a white candle and smudge your bedroom with a sage smudge stick or incense. (These things can be purchased at your local metaphysical bookstore or online.) Light the sage and let the smoke waft around you and throughout the room. Invite the spirits to come near to commune with you, but be sure to request that any negative or evil spirits be blocked from communicating with you.

If you follow these simple steps, interacting with the spirit world will be a wonderful experience. These spirits may have the ability to enlighten, guide and direct you in positive ways. If you're interested in contacting your loved ones who have crossed over, this practice will enable you to carry on conversations with them as well.

It's recommended that you find a mentor or group of people who practice this art for guidance and direction. Working with an experienced psychic or group of practicing metaphysicians is important because they can mentor you and make sure that you don't call in negative entities whose presence in your life would be harmful.

To add to your understanding and your ability to talk with spirits, you may want to take a look at some of the many wonderful books available on the subject. As your ability grows, the spirits themselves will guide you to other groups and sources of information that will support your goals.

Astrea:

Many times in life we hear, "You will always have what you NEED, but not necessarily what you WANT." Your spirit must have needed to experience the feeling of leaving your human body, and the suggestion in the next chapter of Sylvia Brown's book was all it took to get you there.

Even though you hadn't read it yet, your SOUL recognized the title of that chapter as something it had been seeking, and your soul, knowing that you had that reference to read after your experience, got with it and out you went!

While I don't usually recommend her books, Sylvia Brown has a wide reaching and powerful effect on lots of people. A Gemini like you would be able to relate easily to her writing and put it to good use. Synchronicity - you gotta love it!

I like your description of "getting caught." That's exactly what it feels like, isn't it? One minute you're free and hovering above the room, and the next minute, ZAP! back down into your corporeal form you go!

As a little kid, I loved that "feeling of return." With practice, most of the time we can control that event, but sometimes, when our physical ears hear a distracting noise or something else occurs to knock us back into reality, back we go. With practice you will be able to control your return better.

I find it interesting that you were visiting your mother-in-law and not someone in your own genetic family. Evidently, you and your husband got married for reasons that are even deeper than love. His family's interest in "psychic stuff" will nurture your children in such matters and help them to grow into their own abilities.

You'll never have to be concerned that when your daughter visits them, she'll be discouraged from exploring her own psychic life and power. My parents encouraged me to develop my psychic senses in a time when it wasn't nice to even discuss such things in public. Heck, it's STILL not considered a great topic at the dinner table in some families!

Your kids will get to talk about it ALL and ask questions and read and study. This is going to give them such an edge in life! Talk with your husband about how you want to present this to your kiddos, so that you are united in your approach and ready to tell them their experiences are all natural and okay.

A word or two of warning: Geminis often have difficulty staying grounded in REAL LIFE. Don't get so strung out on your ASTRAL life that you neglect what you're doing here on Earth.

You are at the beginning of a long journey to learn where your power really lies. Try to be patient with this process and take your time.