Tag: rituals

Take (Compassionate) Action

Posted on by TheMuse

The Act of Self-Grounding Night Rituals

By AnneMarie Vivienne

“Go into your own ground and learn to know yourself there.” ―Meister Eckhart

All too often we are either rushing or dragging ourselves to bed without acknowledging the healing and creative power of night, of darkness. Nighttime is usually simply a time to shut off the checklists, the constant mind chatter, and lofty ambitions that tomorrow will be better than today’s hot mess. Right? Morning will come, and we’ll be kinder, wiser, braver, and happier—magically, with just six-ish hours of sleep.

Nighttime is certainly magic if we can find our own way to acknowledge the passing of what was in order to welcome what could be. Darkness is where creation happens—a womb for gestation. Plant yourself deep in the night to tap into your core self—to remind yourself that you are truly made of the earth and stardust. Of course, tomorrow will be a new day, but first you must acknowledge the coming of night and the rest it brings. Deliberately plant your heart in the dark of the night, and watch to see what grows.

The Rituals:

Washing

Not only is a womb a dark place, but also it is full of water. Just like the sea, our waters are affected by the night-sky queen: the moon. Wash away the day’s dirt every night. Wash your face with cold water, or soak in a bath if you have some time to spare. Listen to the sound of the water as it runs from the tap and you splash it on your face. Water will crack open the seed you have planted, and feed the roots that must take hold in the dark before the leaves reach for the sun.

Candle Lighting

1. Greet the Night | Light a Candle

    As you inhale, say, “Welcome, night.”

    As you exhale, say, “I enter rest.”

2. Embrace Loss | Mantras for the Dark

                As you inhale, say, “I accept loss.”

                As you exhale, say, “All things must end.”

3. Let Go | Blow Out the Flame

As the smoke ascends and a few glowing embers dance in the dark, remember that things are being minded–that you, thankfully, don’t have any control. Let things go, so you can let them come. Allow yourself to sit in the dark, in silence for a few breaths.

“I need to be silent for a while, worlds are forming in my heart.” ―Meister Eckhart

Photography: Britt Chudleigh | Model: Blaire Wachter | Art Direction: Allie Kesler | HMU: Gabby Gabbitas | Prop/On Model:Lauren V Brady

Cultivating Networks of Generosity: Aquarius Rituals

Posted on by TheMuse

[two_third] (Photo by Ann Whittaker of our Seasons of Greatness Workshop, January 28, 2017)[/two_third][one_third_last]Ann Whittaker, our muse of eloquence, guides us on a journey through beautiful mid-winter rituals to help us take advantage of Aquarius Season’s connection to humanity.

“Conquer the angry one by not getting angry; conquer the wicked by goodness; conquer the stingy by generosity, and the liar by speaking the truth.”
– Gautama Buddha, The Dhammapada

My desire for tenderness, compassion, and generosity are potent these days. It’s midwinter, and all I want to do is make sure that hearts are warm, and that we are gathering to propel each other’s dreams forward–working together to unearth any dormant resources or to uncover the pathways that will move humanity into inspiring systems that can create beauty.[/one_third_last]

[full_width]None of us can do anything meaningful alone. We need each other. We need collective courage when we are afraid; we need collective trust when we are uncertain; we need collective imagination when we forget that darkness is where creation begins; we need collective tenderness when criticism lashes out.

DAILY, WE REACH OUT
Aquarian Rituals

Most days I run into fear, anxiety, anger, self-doubt, stinginess, or regret in some form or another. I’m hoping to be more present and aware when the ego creeps up by tending to these daily rituals that will keep me focused on contributing to this good world and the humans who inhabit it. [/full_width]

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][one_third padding=”3% 0 0 0″]MORNING: Light up your room, light up the world
Light a candle in the dark of the morning. Take notice of your breath. Notice if you have any fears, any self-doubt, any feelings of scarcity or possessiveness. Notice. Then present yourself with other options. If you are worried a new project isn’t gaining traction, reach out to friends or colleagues that you admire. Or, better yet, take a break from your own work, and be a light for someone else–who can you give your time, your heart for an hour or two? [/one_third][one_third][/one_third][one_sixth_last][/one_sixth_last]

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][one_third][/one_third][one_third padding=”3% 0 0 0″]MIDDAY: Turn on the music, identify the patterns
Find some inspiration in music or any art that you particularly enjoy. We love art because we love patterns. How can you tap into an art world of ideas, patterns, composition, and imagination to move forward on a project? Let the work of others inspire you–continue and expand upon conversations that have been going on for centuries.

(Try our Aquarius Season Spotify playlist: a mix of all our Muses Aquarian inspired faves)[/one_third][one_sixth_last][/one_sixth_last]

[one_sixth][/one_sixth][one_third]EVENING: What have you gained, and how will you share it?
Each day we acquire new knowledge, new hopes, new wounds, new insight, new resources. The truth is, none of it is really ours. How does a person actually “own” knowledge? Do we even really “own” our wounds, or can we let them pass through us, and let them exit us with tenderness? Can you be vulnerable without being dramatic? How can your new insight help someone who is struggling? What knowledge did you gain that can help a friend? Perhaps you are sitting on an abundance of resources that need to start flowing into the community. Write down the things you gained during the day, and identify a person or group who you would like to share it with. [/one_third][one_third] (Another image by Ann Whittaker of our recent Seasons of Greatness workshop, gathering and sharing with our loved community)[/one_third][one_sixth_last][/one_sixth_last]

[full_width]“One of the marvelous things about community is that it enables us to welcome and help people in a way we couldn’t as individuals. When we pool our strength and share the work and responsibility, we can welcome many people, even those in deep distress, and perhaps help them find self-confidence and inner healing.”
– Jean Vanier[/full_width]

Capricorn Rituals: Daily Steps for your Summits

Posted on by TheMuse

[one_half][/one_half][one_half_last]Tune into the seasonal Capricorn energy as we start recognizing the peaks of success we wish to summit as the sun slowly grows in strength. Ann Whittaker’s rituals for our personal summits can help us build a solid ste-by-step foundation as we trek along on our steep climb to acclaim as we’re about to make our yearly resolutions. Photography by Ann

Capricorn Rituals

DAILY STEPS TO GET TO YOUR SUMMITS

“Our imagination is struck only by what is great; but the lover of natural philosophy should reflect equally on little things.” -alexander von humboldt

Almost every day, I find myself on a mountainside; almost every week, I find myself on a mountaintop. It’s easy for me to take the first steps on a trail; it’s not so easy for me to take those mid-steps or final steps when I’m tired and hungry and cold. However, my endurance has everything to do with daily training, and the way I pace myself in the beginning. If I get too excited and try to run to the summit, I burn out and end up hating that stupid ol’ mountain anyway.
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[two_fifth padding=”5% 0 0 0″]And, so, I find myself reading about the life of the Prussian 17th-18th century explorer, Alexander Humboldt. I’ve been reading his biography all year–slowly, bit by bit, because I, for once, am savoring the words that describe this prolific naturalist’s expeditions and his accounts of what he discovered. How did he do it? One observation at a time; one step at a time; one sentence at a time; one conversation at a time; one day at a time.

The little things matter.

Because the little things create the muscles we’ll need to get to where we’re going. If you’re like me, it’s much more pleasing to look at the majesty of a summit, rather than my feet that I’ve seen every day of my life. So, here’s to looking right in front of you, and cultivating rituals that will gently get you to the place you’ve been longing for.[/two_fifth][three_fifth_last][/three_fifth_last]

[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last padding=”7% 0 0 0″]CAPRICORN RITUALS – TO THE MOUNTAINTOP WE GO

Morning Rituals

Identify the goal, the summit, the destination. If it’s a new job, write it down. If it’s a crazy idea, you should really write it down and take it seriously–so very seriously. If it’s climbing Denali, write it down. If it’s starting your own business, write it down.

Then, identify the first step. Take the first step every day until it becomes natural. If you want to be a writer, write one page every day until one page feels easy. Then step it up to a page and a half. If you want to climb a mountain, start by walking on a trail or around your neighborhood. Every day, go a little bit longer–one minute at a time. You don’t have to do an ultra marathon tomorrow.

Make the first step a part of your morning ritual. Begin with the first steps every day.[/two_third_last]

[two_third padding=”4% 0 0 0″]Evening Rituals

Acknowledge the work you did–especially the tiniest of steps. Give the little things more weight, more value than you have in the past. You’re that much closer to your summit. Even if one day takes you around a corner you didn’t expect, you’re still that much closer. Declutter every evening. Did you get distracted or take on too much? Overwhelm sneaks up on you. Bite-size is the name of the game. If you find you’re feeling really good, try not to overdo it and exhaust yourself by the time you get further along your path.

Once you feel ready to take on the next step, stop and enjoy the view. Acknowledge where you’ve been. Wasn’t that pretty?

Ya. It was pretty.

And so is the summit. Take it nice and easy. And take along a friend or two.[/two_third][one_third_last][/one_third_last]

Great Summits: The Capricorn New Moon

Posted on by TheMuse

[two_third][/two_third][one_third_last]CosmoMuse Seasonal Astrologist, Allie Couch, brings us some guidance around tonight’s aspiring Capricorn new moon, breaks it down by sign, as well as shares a practice to help us connect on a deeper level with our pinnacle goals of the year. Set your sights on tall peaks on this winter night, Muses; ones that will bring you glory and acclaim for the authority and responsibility that you are capable of carrying—and remeber to write your new moon goals in your CosmoMuse 2017 Seasonal Astrology Guide (or get one here if you don’t have one yet). Photography by Dan Peck

A quick refresher: New moons signify a point in time when the energies are ripe to initiate new goals. Each solar season gets a new moon of the same sign when the sun and moon share the same degree of the Tropical Zodiac. [/one_third_last]

[two_third]This season, Capricorn is up, marking our highest point in the zodiac and connected to the things we aspire to be recognized for, whether that’s through career, achievements, titles, awards or things we hold authority and responsibility in. Just as Capricorn Season starts at the winter solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere), when the days are at their shortest but start slowly growing in length, our Capricorn new moon goals will reflect this new found desire to slowly, step-by-step, climb the peaks we start seeing outlines of as we seek more light and glory. The goals we initiate now are ones that we will summit at the summer solstice (in the Northern Hemisphere), when the days are at their longest. They may feel like heavy burdens to bear and will require singular focus and a limiting of what we allow into our sphere of duties. Just as one who climbs a tough mountain needs to be prepared, plan and train for their journey, your Capricorn goals should take on the same seriousness and austerity.

Only look to goals that you know are within your attainment but push these and yourself bit beyond your norm this year as the planetary ruler of this event, Saturn, is in Sagittarius, the sign of expansion, vision and optimism.

This lunar event will happen at the tail end of the 28th for some of us and in the wee hours of the 29th for others. Either way, the optimal time to set your goals and intentions for your Capricorn themed yearly goals should be within six hours of the exact new moon. Starting no earlier than 5pm PT, 6pm MT, 7pm CT, 8pm ET is your best timing and into the night, with a 12 hour window. Don’t fear if you miss this, you can set and work on these goals for the whole week ahead, this window is just the ideal.

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[one_third][/one_third][two_third_last]CAPRICORN GOALS BY SIGN

Capricorn rules a different part of each sign’s chart. Read below for a little extra context around how to direct your goals based on your sun sign AND rising sign:

Aries: Your career and public aspirations are doubly in focus. Own your authority in the professional world and watch your responsibilities and acclaim grow.
Taurus: Your ability to give structure and prestige to global and enterprising pursuits could win you some public favor. Let go of any limiting notions of belief and allow yourself to climb foreign mountains.
Gemini: Authority follows you into taboo areas. You are responsible and structured in the things you share and transform with others. Own your ability to make responsible choices in entanglement and find your acclaim this summer as you see what you’ve helped rebuild, step-by-step, through joining forces for exponential growth in shared possessions.
Cancer: Relating and relationships are what bring you glory and acclaim. You may sometimes feel limited or too responsible when it comes to your relationships, but own your ability to bring structure and focus to the give and take that makes great partnering and climb big peaks in front of you with a graceful flow of taking the lead and following that takes your ability to equalize to new heights. [/two_third_last]

[full_width]Leo: Lifestyle and your daily processes (or work duties) are what get your most structured capabilities. You may take a lot on your shoulders but your step-by-step approach to getting through your days is enviable and you are capable of tackling more projects than the other signs and having a rigorously purified life. A new project may come your way that will push your limits but open the door to a new stream of work that rises your prestige.
Virgo: Structure and responsibility are where you shine. Don’t squash your authority for fear of the limelight. Embrace your leadership and creative expression and watch as the world praises your ability to structure and achieve.
Libra: Growing roots and self-nurturing are important things in life and you take this very seriously—or you should. By taking care of your family and home or things related to nurturing, sustaining and protecting, your structured abilities here help you grow prestigious roots in life.
Scorpio: Words and connecting with others may at times seem a burden to you but this is where you build and take on authority in your life. By realizing that your linear thought process is enviable and respectable, you can let go of any feelings of communicative inferiority. Use your authoritative style to stay connected to those in power, bringing you more respect.
Sagittarius: What comes around goes around. Share your authority in something to increase your self-worth and give of your possessions to keep the flow of value streaming into your life. Or, use your resources to increase your authority and skills in something that you feel is important to your self-worth. This will help you let go of feelings of lack or inferiority.
Capricorn: This is your new moon of the year; the time when your agenda is in motion and getting green lights. You are a responsible breed and no doubt your new moon goals will be tinted with practical, step-by-step goals that will give you more respect and authority in your life. Whatever you most desire should be sought now.
Aquarius: Arts, spirituality, composition and healing may feel like serious areas to you and they are. This is your time to initiate new goals that fill you with inspiration. You are capable of becoming an authority in your artistic and spiritual pursuits but you have to put in solid, structured building to get there.
Pisces: Groups, causes, and friends may sometimes make you feel inferior but they need you. You bring structure and responsibility to humanity and causes bigger than the individual. So on our behalf, not yours, please shed your feelings of limitation around what you can contribute and dive in to help the rest of us bring structure and acclaim to the things we all need as a collective for the progress of our world.

*Only incorporate the above contexts into your Capricorn themed goals if you can hold or understand the complexity – do not stress about these if it feels too overwhelming confusing. [/full_width]

[one_third]CAPRICORN NEW MOON INTENTION SETTING & SUMMIT-ING: A GUIDE

Normally I suggest making 3 or 4 goals for both your sun and rising sign (6-8 total) as not all of them will grow the needed roots but this time I’m suggesting a limit to this. Make one or two goals for each and treat them like a expedition plan that then may incorporate other smaller stepping stones, base camps (or goals) to help you reach your main peak to summit. So here’s the question to help you set your gaze on the right challenging peak for glory this year: What do you most aspire to be recognized for and stand on top as an authority of?

o Make a 4-5 step plan that will help you attain your main goal— this can include some sub-goals.

o With each of your sub-goals, write out a few sentences of how you will start those goals.[/one_third][two_third_last][/two_third_last]

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o Make a list of ‘gear’ need for your big trek ahead.

o As soon as you are ready to take a step into your first sub-goal, light a candle and repeat the following (this should be within a week of making your goals): I accept the responsibility that I am asking for and know that this will lead me to more authority and acclaim in my life, which in turn I can use to give others more authority in their lives.

o Enjoy the trek you set out on but stay focused and take time to look back every now and then, leading up to July (or the scheduled summit), to see how far you’ve climbed toward this goal.

With Mercury retrograde connected to your yearly Capricorn goal/s, be sure you are clear and double check any communication around your journey/s with these goal/s. Take things slow as certain paths may not lead where you think they will—planning and research will help you to choose the correct routes so there is little back tracking needed. Mars and Neptune send supporting guidance on your mission so inspired, artistic, and cosmically entangled action and healing will be with you every step of the way—but you do need to ask for this when you need it. These guides are available to you but they can’t read you mind. Happy trails muses. May you find all that you aspire to accomplish on this new trek and summit with grand fulfillment come July.[/full_width]

[full_width]FOR OUR FRIENDS IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE

With this being your summer solstice time of year, we flip the seasons around and so in some astrologers theories (including mine), this is your Cancer time of year.

With your Cancer new moon falling today, it’s the perfect time for you to make goals around how to nurture and grow your roots. Pay attention to your inner stirrings of what you need to feel safe, nurtured and protected in this world. The sun has reached the tropic of Capricorn and will start backing away as the nights slowly grow in length, making it your ideal time to start thinking about and planning for the future darker times coming, when your autumn months will ask you to tap into your inner resources.

I know this is just a bread crumb but more for your side of the world is in the works! [/full_width]

Organize the Harvest for a Season of Simplicity

Posted on by TheMuse

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PURIFYING VIRGO: ORGANIZE THE HARVEST FOR A SEASON OF SIMPLICITY

“Living simply makes loving simple.”
-Bell Hooks

Summer has been good to you—really good. There were outings, road trips, mountaintops, moonlight lake swims, farmers’ markets, ocean breezes, and probably a picnic or two. You took advantage of the extra sunlight, and said yes to it all. And now you’re feeling it—a bit overwhelmed and craving simplicity, yes? Hello, Virgo—a season of purification, organization, service and harvest.
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PURIFICATION

You inhaled summer. Happily. Now it’s time to sift through what will continue to nourish you (keep those essential nutrients) and what has become excess (share it and give it away). Digestion is Virgo’s principle characteristic reminding us that there are consequences to the experiences, places and relationships we consume. Turns out not everything or everyone sits well within our hearts and souls—what seemed like a good idea then might start to result in heartburn if we can’t digest it properly. Pay attention. What isn’t sitting right with you any more?

Make a list. Trust your gut. Make two columns, one labeled “nourishing” and the other labeled “to give away.” Keep the experiences and people that you know deep down inside will continue to bring you strength, well-being, and won’t keep you up at night. The things that feel like you’re forcing them down your throat, say a brief “thank you” and give them up—someone else will find use of use for those things. It can be hard to let go of a good thing, but it might be better for someone else and it creates space for you.
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ORGANIZATION

Of course the first word that comes to mind when organization comes up is clutter—it’s opposite. Organization can be painful because we know how tedious digging through the clutter can be. It’s possible that we fear organizing because there’s a perfection subtly connected to the thought of cleaning something out. We tell ourselves, “I can’t clean out my closet until I have an entire weekend to work on it and the money to buy those shelves I’ll need,” or “I’ll deep clean the garage when…”.

Avoid perfectionism. Once you’ve identified the nourishing elements of your life that you want to keep, don’t mull over them and wait for the perfect circumstances to continue to nurture them. Make your list, prioritize it quickly and succinctly, and simply move forward into all that space you’ve just created. As you spend less time on indulging in everything you thought you needed in your life, you’ll have clarity of heart and mind to offer your gifts to yourself and to others.
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HARVEST

The first rule of the harvest: never harvest alone. The excess you are freeing yourself from should not simply be thrown into the trash—there’s a very good chance that the excess and abundance can be shared and provide opportunities for service. Virgo’s harvest season is about both partaking in and sharing the feast with those you love and cherish.

Give and Gather. Is there something you’re giving up that can find life with another? Who can benefit from all that you’ve planted? What can you give away to create space to plant new seeds? A meal shared is better digested—so, too, a life shared is more complete.

Organize a gathering where all the guests can give, receive and let go into a season of simplicity—a direct result of Virgo’s purifying characteristics.

“’Tis the gift to be simple; ‘tis the gift to be free.”
-Shaker Folk Song

CREDITS
Words and Images: Ann Whittaker @annwhittaker9
Model: Bri Cook @brianajeanphoto

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