WEST – The Place of Introspection
The way you are in silence is the way you are a part of the wheel.
By Ruben- facebook.com/ruben.b.reveles
Women’s Lodge
Earth
Mineral Kingdom
Obsidian & Onyx
Autumn / Evening
Black & Brown
Intuition & Introspection
Body
The Dreaming Bear
Crow & Raven
Magic
The new moon—the dark moon is a time for going within, remembering, and integrating. Like the Dreaming bear, it is a time of death, intuition, and introspection. The West is a good time to plant things which grow down such as potatoes, peanuts, onions, carrots. Things that grow deep into the rich soil of Mother Earth.
When we integrate the lessons of the West, we have the tools needed to make important decisions and life changes from a place of personal power. Sometimes the journey feels dark and frightening, but as we find ways to gather courage, we become spiritual warriors. The Medicine Wheel teaches us to face our darkness, to find our blessings within the void, and to move through it and into our wisdom with tempered strength.
Take plenty of time this week for quiet reflection. Don’t expect answers this week, for this week is about letting your intention gestate and grow strong. Remember, all great ideas begin in the void.
Invocation & Songs for the West
Still Hunting Meditation
Find a secluded spot in nature where you can sit on the ground, facing West. Then, sprinkle a circle of tobacco, sage, or cornmeal around yourself in a clockwise direction. Sit quietly for a while “Still Hunting.” Observe carefully all that is around you. When you have filled yourself with the beauty of the earth, express your appreciation and respect in any way that feels right for you. Give-away everything to Mother Earth that is holding you back from being all that you can be. Ask her to transform any pain or confusion you have held into pure light. When you are complete, thank your sacred circle by leaving a pinch of tobacco, sage, cornmeal, a strand of hair, or a sip of water in the center.
Dusk Cleansing Meditation
Shower or bathe at dusk this week, using only natural light. As the light of day is diminishing and the darkness begins to embrace, focus on your breathing while in the tub. This is not a time of action, but rather one of going within and carefully listening for the answers to your questions. Give yourself time to integrate the information that you have been given and take time to cleanse your body and your mind and prepare yourself to hold new wisdom.
Nurturing New Moon Soup Meditation
Soak a package of dry mixed beans in water overnight. Drain and rinse several times. Add chicken or vegetable stock and enough water to cover the beans. Bring to a boil then simmer until the beans are tender. Add water and stock as necessary. Saute onions and garlic in olive oil. Add tomatoes, onions, garlic, and carrots to the beans and simmer until carrots are tender. Serve with fresh cilantro or parsley, Parmesan cheese, hearty bread, and a prayer of thanksgiving.
1 package mixed dried beans
2 cans low-fat chicken or vegetable stock
1 large onion
3-6 cloves of garlic
1 large can crushed tomatoes
6 sliced carrots