I joined a yearlong online book club for women exploring the Wild Woman archetype. We are reading Clarissa Pinkola Estes’ book Women Who Run with the Wolves (published in 1992.) My friend Jena Lindh is co-leading the group – Wild Women Story Gathering. (If you are interested in joining us, sign up here http://workingstories.ning.com/) The first month we are reading chapters 1 & 2, but I think you can join at any time because her book is more of a gathering of stories than it is a linear journey. I actually bought this book in the early 90′s and didn’t get very far. It’s a rich, poetic work that takes time and space to digest… and at that time, I wasn’t very connected to my deep, patient self. Eventually the book was shui-ed, and I haven’t thought about it much until recently. Over the last few years, through both my work as an artist and intuitive consultant, the importance of archetypes, stories and myths have been coming to the forefront in describing and exploring the human journey. From Joesph Campbell’s work, Marija Ginbutas, Starhawk, and the many varied interpretations of Goddess mythologies, to my love of fairy tales and old stories, the general themes are undeniably relevant. In these times of great change, it is important to learn how to connect with what is most important and vital within ourselves, as the form of our life continues to shift and change.

From Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes, Ph.D.

“The symbols of seed and bone are very similar. If one has the root stock, the basis, the original part, if one has the seed corn, any havoc can be repaired, devastations can be resown, fields can be rested, hard seed can be soaked to soften it, to help it break open and thrive.

To have the seed means to have the key of life. To be with the cycles of the seed means to dance with life, dance with death, dance into life again. This embodies the Life and Death Mother in her most ancient and principled form. Because she turns in these constant cycles, I call her the Life/Death/Life Mother.” (p30)

The Sun is in Capricorn and most of us are connected to the energy of organizing and feeling the urge to strip ourselves back to the bones to connect to what our lives are about this year. When I was introduced to the idea La Loba, the Wild Woman, the words I was hearing from the leader did not match the feelings and intuitions I was having about it. This was disconcerting for me. I perceived the leader as saying, what are the BONES that you must sing back to life, what have you forgotten that you need to reconnect with? I felt very confused. But after reading the introduction and first chapter of the book, I found the piece that was missing for me. It was not that something was missing or needed to be remembered. It was not that there was a wild self OUT THERE that I was meant to connect to. What connected with me, was the idea of the Wild Woman representing what is NATURAL and inherent in all women. In the world of being a healer and intuitive consultant, many describe their work as connecting you with your real self, your authentic self, your true self. Even though I have used those words myself at times, it always feels a bit off for me. But when I think about connecting to my natural self, the way I am meant to be, I relax. And that is what it is all about for me.

The other day I was talking to a client in session about the concept of relaxing. I find there is a misperception that to relax is to be lazy or not do anything. My own resistance to relaxing is rooted in this misperception because I love doing just as much as the next person. In fact, if someone (my husband) tells me to relax when I’m in a tiff, I go ape-shit… which is quite the opposite of relaxing. However, to relax does not mean to stop doing, expressing or being yourself. It means to let go of the tightness. Whether in the mind or body, to relax is to breathe and invite in some more spaciousness so we can entertain possibilities and release righteousness. It can bring us into the present so we can authentically respond to what is going on versus reacting to our perceived woes, rackets and unconscious stories. The dictionary describes relax as such:

- to become less tense, rigid, or firm.
- to become less strict or severe; grow milder.
- to reduce or stop work, effort, application, etc., esp. for the sake of rest or recreation.
- to release oneself from inhibition, worry, tension, etc.

And honestly, that is what it takes for me to even read this book. To let my mind and body relax and take in the information however it wants to speak to me. What if I stop fighting my natural cycles and honor where I am… as opposed to where I think I should be, for the Wild Woman is not located in the head. She is in the loins, the pelvis, warming her feet by the creative fire, in close proximity to her eggs. As Estes’ suggests in the quote above, can I relax enough to let my natural seeds soften so that they might sprout in the Springtime? I love my New Year’s Resolution.

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I think this image says it all for me right now. I spent a couple of days feeling quite ill this week and was unable to accomplish all the things I had planned for the time my daughter is in school. Instead, I laid on the couch and read my book.

It’s hard to let go of our plans, even if the alternative feels self-indulgent (poor me, I had to lie on the couch and read a book!) Laying “our plan” into the Mystery’s hands or laying it down on the altar can feel risky – “how’s it all going to get down, if I don’t do it!” – but sometimes letting go is the only way to really move forward. Sure we could fight it, but I know that when I do… it goes badly. There is a time to push, and there is a time to allow, a time to give and a time to receive. When the body says – lay down, it’s best to listen. Generally, I’m not good at this but this week, Self Love looked to me like being in an honest conversation with myself, rather than telling myself what to do (or putting another in the position of telling me what to do – projection!) I’ll leave it that for now. As for you dear reader, what honest conversation would you like to have with yourself this weekend?

IMAGE This wonderful book caught my eye as I was walking up to the checkout line in the library this past week – Seasons by French artist Blex Bolex. It was perched on the edge of the children’s picture book section, and because I am into the Seasons, art & gorgeous covers, I grabbed it. Seasons is a thoughful and intelligent work of art, that does not talk down to children or their parents, but is an experience to be shared. I love books that respect a childs natural intelligence, offers them incredible beauty and inspires their imagination to explore. His work in Seasons reminds me of Nikki McClure‘s work. If you haven’t seen her calendars or her book Collecting Raindrops, you should definitely check them out.

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In my current creative excitement (I am taking a ecourse with Marissa from Creative Thursday) I have been discovering all sorts of fabulous treasures that I hope to share with you and to spark your own creativity. Because, as you’ve heard me say so many times, art is the language of the gods. The ritual of creating is for everyone and connects us to the deepest parts of ourselves. As Corita Kent says in her book,

“There is an energy in the creative process that belongs in the league of those energies which uplift, unify, and harmonize all of us.”

I’m telling you, this book is a ridiculous and I’m so excited to dive into it. Learning By Heart, Teachings to Free the Creative Spirit by Corita Kent and Jan Steward. Thank you to Kerri Smith‘s blog for mentioning Corita Kent.

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No matter what area of your life is troubling you, you can make an immediate impact.

Start Here: CLEAN YOUR HOUSE. Specifically, clear the clutter.

“Every aspect of your life is anchored energetically in your living space, so clearing your clutter can completely transform your entire existence.” – Karen Kingston

Clutter is stuck energy. Once we clear it, new energy can flow in. Whether you clean out your purse, your wallet, your desk or attempt the big stuff like your closets & storage…. things will start to shift immediately. It’s worth it!

Here are 2 books by Karen Kingston that are excellent:

• Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui
• Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui
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FOOD MAGIC GARDENING LOVE RENEWAL and an Apple Tree

I love good story telling – stories that transport you to another world, open you up to new possibilities, and inspire a shift in perspective. I also love to be entertained. I love intrigue and the irresistible lure to *find out what happens next*. The best stories are the ones that stay with me…. that keep me up at night, thinking about the characters, mulling over the action, wondering what they will do next. I have been watching a lot of movies and series lately and was lamenting the lack of reading. Garden Spells has been sitting on my bedside table for well over a month. I decided last night to pick it up – so glad I did. It is a magical, delightful and quick read. If you need to get back into reading and love magic, check it out. You might also want to check out the author’s website.

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