In ancient times, matriarchal goddess figures made of clay,
wood, or stone were common – large breasted, big bellied
celebrations of fertility and of the success of the harvest.
The creative force of existence was seen as being almost exclusively
female – after all, doesn’t life itself issue
from a woman’s body, in the greatest miracle of all?
Later though, male dominance all but destroyed the worship
of the goddess, instead bringing an almost exclusively male
version of God to the fore. The decimation was almost
complete – even wise women, herbalists, and midwives
(not to mention actual witches) were banned from practicing
and all this came under the control of men and various
religions, too. We’ve been cut off from our roots
as ‘earth mothers’ and wise woman for too long
and I believe we need to return to a much more creative ways
of living for women.
The Ubud goddess group started six weeks ago, just four sessions,
one a week, by Salena, the archetypal goddess - warm, voluptuous,
loving. She guides us to be fully present, creates beautiful
rituals. From flowers, sparkles, fabric, wire, leaves,
we each make a unique crown. No cries of ‘I’m
not creative!’ - so refreshing! Each woman chooses
to whom to give their crown. The woman who has lost
touch with her groovy self expression gets the funky one –perfect!
Every one seems to suit. And we appreciate each woman
for her gifts. My favourite is to be told ‘I love
your brazen-ness!’ I still laugh about that!
It is very affirming ritual and creates a strong bond.
The third time we get together, we do a dream circle.
This really turns me on the incredible power of this work.
Each person tells their dream, one after another. Then
the first person repeats their dream, and each person comments
and interprets it in their own way. Everyone just silently
listens, no talking. At the end, the dreamer can comment if
they want. It has been so amazing, hearing different
interpretations and layers of dreams. Really, everyone’s
comments have value, just different ways of looking at it.
Different levels. One woman’s dream appeared embedded
in another woman’s dream! Funniest of all, one
dreamer dreamed of a place with a strange name she hadn’t
heard of. She was being led there by two guys.
She didn’t know the place. Then two of the group
met someone in real life, who came from there! ‘Amara!’
we exclaimed in unison... so strange! In time,
dreamers apparently begin to share dreaming.
In fact, tradition has it that women connect to the web of
dreams in the night by light beams from their wombs, to weave
what become everyday events together. One way of looking,
though I know men dream! For me, dreaming is a way of
communally creating ‘what happens next’. To me,
a dream is an encounter with a ‘light picture’
showing what is being designed in the place of light from
where all creativity emanates. This defies words, as
it is in another dimension! So, it comes in dream images
and we interpret best we can.
The moon cycle is a powerful pull on women around the world
(and everyone!). The ebb and flow of tide is a significant
force, creating changes of feeling, physicality, and moment.
In dream circle women, menstruation tends to synchronise with
the dark or full moon. Gaining greater awareness and
sensitivity of this is an important part of the group, and
perhaps a reclaiming of women’s power and passion.
This is starting to happen. We are also seeing major
dream themes emerge and starting to really see one another’s
stories.
The goddess group is really a process of surrender!
Every week, it’s another woman’s turn to look
bemused, confess ‘um, well, I’m feeling like...
I don’t really want to DO anything any more...!’.
It is strange and magical how we are coming naturally into
our feminine, into the joyful being rather than the active
doing. Four women down, four to go! Having survived
women’s lib, women are opening to men working, supporting
them, and in return, the men win the aid of their loving goddess.
(I know my mum would say ‘dear, I told you so!’
and, in a way, she’s right. Also, though we will
be much more empowered than 50’s housewives (as described
last issue).
Goddess Meditation
(Tape and play this, or ask a friend to read it to
you). Breathing deeply, growing more conscious of your
body with every breath, begin to deeply relax. Now imagine
you are in a lovely garden. You come to a well, drop
down it (in the bucket, or ask a guide/angel to help!)
Sploosh! Through the water. You emerge.
Look down at your feet. Notice what’s beneath
them. Now walk until your feet meet the feet of the
Earth Goddess. Look up at her. Greet her.
Let her take you into her cave, and give you a gift. You stay
there long as you wish, then return to your garden and gently
back to the conscious world.
Men, if you’re feeling left out, a men’s group
is starting in Ubud soon!
NEXT ISSUE: Opening To Receive – how to accept
all you need and deserve.
Jeli Lala is an intuitive visionary with a playful and creative
approach to healing. Her gifts of channeling light and information
from other realms and her loving sensitivity have helped many
people along their path to wholeness. Her healing space,
Ashram, is at no. 1, Sukma St., Tebesaya, Ubud (Opp. Jazz
Café.) Ashram also carries crystals and inspiring
gifts. Tel: 081 239 43354
Jeli welcomes comments and may be contacted on:
Email: jelila@jelila.com
Website: www.jelila.com or www.imagine-retreats.com
