Deweeding My Garden

My intention for today is to let go and let Goddess

.

To be specific, I am in great need of letting go of 

self doubt, shame, resentment, anxiety, apathy and fear.

These emotions have haunted me over the warm seasons of 2015,

 growing like weeds instead of flowers and today, on the Autumnal Equinox,

 I am deciding to tend my own spiritual garden. I will let these spiritual weeds go and let them die.

 I will have to pull them from their roots and burn them.
As a gardener, I realize that weeds are strong and 

that even the smallest amount of root left behind will allow it to grow and smother my

flowers and plants again. I accept that fact, for I cannot change it. These emotions live

within me but I will not let them consume and dominate me any longer. 

Today, I call upon the goddess mother, Kali, and my ancestors to support and guide me as I kill

off the old and destructive within me. I will use this new season to plant new

flowers and direct my energies towards new journeys and my desired ways of

existing in the world.  I know not what the future holds for me but, like a seed buried in soil, I will stand in the sunlight and the moonlight each day as I seek answers. I will take in fresh air

into my lungs and I will drink water plentifully. These acts are to honor my garden. my soul.

my spirit. my body. all else that is meant to be will blossom into the fruits of my labor and my love. I invite you all to pull weeds from your gardens as well for our gardens and spirits are connected. 

Here is a small ritual that I will do today to honor renewal. Join me!

Bulb Planting Ceremony.

You don’t need a yard or garden to do this, or to take lots of time digging a bed. All you need is a small outdoor (or indoor) space and a good-sized pot. You can find big plastic pots at garage sales or thrift stores, use old food containers with drainage, or you can invest in a lovely vessel for your flower bulbs of intention.

Visit your local garden shop or farmer’s market and pick up  any of your favorite spring or summer flowers. Grab a small bag of potting soil too if you don’t have any. They sell it at the dollar store.

Fill your pot with soil, and bury each bulb at least an inch into the moist dirt. As you place each bulb into the dark soil, state your intention for those things you want to incubate and gather energy during the winter months.

Water when you are done and let your bulb intentions gather their own momentum as they hibernate in the soil. Some months after Solstice they will send up their first shoots and you will be reminded of your intentions and the work you wish to do as the seasons turn.

Interested in other Autumn equinox renewal ceremonies? See here for the bulb ritual and others http://www.holistichotsauce.com/5-rituals-to-celebrate-balance-and-invite-renewal-at-autumn-equinox/  or share yours with us! 

My grannie and her neighbor tending to their garden

weeds I pulled soon after penning this post

we gon' be alright

For the past few weeks I have been nervous about how I was going to be able to give my nephew a "better life" here in Chicago. I am fairly new to the area and have no idea how to go about finding him a job or internship. I'm excited but want to truly "help" him.

 I woke up to his Facebook post reflecting on his life as a black boy and boldly stating that he was living in spite of what the world has said about him!  He also expressed gratitude for where he had come from but noted it was time for him to move on and begin his new life.

His post was like bright sunshine. His words clarified my perspective so fiercely that he blinded me with his brilliance.  As I reread his post tears streamed from my eyes. It was as if our lifelines were connected, like two strikes of lightening that criss cross for a second. He, like me, knew when it was time to go. to get FREE. But most importantly, HE doesn't need ME to "help" him. He is helping himself. He is self determined. He is a survivor. He is my blood. We are cut from the same cloth. I am supporting him but he is his own man. He is charting his course. Shining so very brightly. 

There's an eeriness in the air when a person makes up their mind. There is a look in their eyes that says it all. An intensity that makes the hairs stand up on the back of your neck.  They don't need to be pushed, cajoled, or  encouraged. They don't need role models or mentors. They are brave and driven,  and yes, they still need praise from others. But they themselves have decided to move through world taking big steps. Determined. He has that look in his eyes. 

So as I wait for his plane to land and my family circle to grow wider all I can say is I'm so proud of my nephew, for he is truly growing into his fullest being. I also am deeply humbled that I am here to bear witness to his life affirming journey...and we gon' be alright!