Serving the Goddess of Love with Ferocity and Compassion
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.
Like I said in my previous post - Even though 2020 and 2021 have been profoundly awful, it hasn’t been all bad! This is a continuation of my lessons learned, thoughts, and general musings about being a Priestess in a Pandemic.
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.
I don't do many holiday posts, but I realized I had to post something for Imbolc this year when I spotted a buttercup on my snowy hike a little over a week ago. North Carolina doesn't typically get that much snow, so every time we do, I make a point to go out and frolic… Continue reading Blessed Imbolc 2022
Blessed AphroditeFair Lady of CyprusGoddess of the WorldI give my thanks to youFor guiding me this past year2021 was not the yearAny of us hoped forThe pandemic rages on And it is clearThere will not beA definitive endNo day of declared victoryNo sigh of reliefNo joyous celebrationOnly a bone-deep exhaustion slightly abatedAnd a pyrrhic acceptanceOf… Continue reading Prayers to Aphrodite: For Navigating the Unknown in the New Year
Breath is a magickal thing. It keeps us alive. It is a largely unconscious activity that we can make conscious when we concentrate on it. It’s a part of our mind-body connection, and it helps regulate our sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. It can help us achieve different states of mind - including calming us down when we are panicked, upset, or anxious.
I’m trying something a little different as another creative outlet on my blog. As Divine inspiration strikes and I feel so moved, I will be sharing affirmations and little messages with you.
Preparation is the first element in my ritual template. This can include cleansing and purification, getting together your tools and altar, engaging your senses, and creating a ritual outline.
There is no one right way to do a ritual. Find what works for you and Aphrodite! Here I share a very general template that I use for my rituals.
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.
Priestess of Aphrodite 