Serving the Goddess of Love with Ferocity and Compassion
As I mentioned in my last post of Priestess in a Pandemic, Isis came into my life this past year. Her arrival was unexpected but welcome. She showed up when there was need, though I wouldn’t have been able to articulate it then. Our relationship has been transformational and healing.
The pandemic brought changes to every aspect of my life, including my spiritual practice. I talked a little bit about this in my Adaptive Spiritual Practice for Pagans posts, and a smattering of other posts I’ve written throughout the pandemic, but there are some things that I haven’t had the chance to really synthesize into writing yet. Here are a few of them.
Earlier in January was the anniversary of my oath to Aphrodite as Her priestess. After my first year of priestesshood, I wrote a perspective piece on lessons I learned in my first year of service. I was going to write one last year as well, but time got away from me, and nothing felt particularly celebratory at the beginning of 2021. Now with two years of being a priestess in a pandemic, I finally feel like I can write something.
As the wheel turns toward Samhain, we begin to embrace the dark. It is a time of rest and introspection. A time of releasing and letting go. A time of death and rebirth. This is the time of year when the Goddess Cerridwyn most calls to me. This is my retelling of the Tale of Cerridwyn.
I like to think I’ve gotten used to Aphrodite showing up in unexpected ways. I’ve written multiple posts on this blog about how my experience of Her doesn’t usually match the lore, and doesn’t jive with the frilly, superficial way She is often portrayed in modern Paganism. I no longer assume that She will fit into any mold that we humans prescribe for Her. And yet, there are still times when She surprises me.
To form a meaningful relationship with Aphrodite (or any Deity), you need to give Her both the space and the opportunity to show up. By creating space for Her - physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually - you are essentially putting out a metaphorical “Open for Business” sign. You demonstrate to Her that She is important to you, and that you have the willingness and dedication to pursue a deeper relationship with Her.
O Radiant Aphrodite Far-Shining, Glorious Goddess I sing your praises With Love I come to you With arms held high In reverence And in honor You inspire the flowers to bloom And the fruit trees to blossom You give light to the chilly spring mornings And the hot summer nights You are found in the… Continue reading Prayers to Aphrodite: In Gratitude
This is Part Three in a series about Dealing with Spiritual Doubt as a Pagan. Read Part One here and Part Two here! There are two other factors that interweave with my Personal and Shared Spiritual Experiences that help to combat doubt: Divine Synchronicity and Consistent Messages. Divine Synchronicity This is the category under which… Continue reading Dealing with Spiritual Doubt as a Pagan – Divine Synchronicity, Consistent Messages, and Doubts in Devotion
No matter where you are in your spiritual journey, whether you are newly walking the Pagan path or if you have been wandering in the woods for a while, we all experience spiritual doubt. Some doubt is completely normal (and can even be a good thing), but sometimes it can undermine our confidence and get in the way of the spiritual experiences that we want to have. How you deal with and process spiritual doubt can strengthen your spirituality, your connection with the Divine, and your spiritual self-confidence.
O Eternal Aphrodite Far Shining Golden Goddess Born of the sea and sky I call to you I invoke you, O Enduring Goddess, You who have seen civilizations rise and fall You who have tended the pain of the oppressed You who refuse shame and stigma You who defy the expectations of an unjust society… Continue reading Prayers to Aphrodite: For Perseverance
Priestess of Aphrodite 