Many things came together in this essay, and I resonate with the compassionate (but dangerous, wise) Baba Yaga. It is interesting to envisage hee as Maiden, Mother, Babe and Crone.
This made me think deeply about the first death, and what that might mean. About the chasm of grief that would have opened up at the loss of Grandmother, and the yearning to reconnect with her wherever she had gone to. The need to leave offerings to her. How deeply Death affects our journey through life, individually and as a collective.
Altars - do you think an altar can be hidden from everyday view inside a cupboard? I am trying to work out how to set one up without pushing my husband out of his comfort zone.
Yes, I did know that wood henges exist. Thank you for the reminder to look into that properly!
And yes, I often advice people with pets (or small children) to keep their altar in a shoebox (or cupboard) to keep it safe. What matters is the intention and attention you pay your altar.
I am so grateful for your writings, Imelda. I wish I was in Sweden to romp through the forest, sit by the fire and learn from/with you and your community...for now, bless-ed these words are!
I am reminded of the huts/shrines/small buildings on stilts that are depicted in Neolithic art from a variety of locations in Old Europe. Perhaps this practice goes back that far... the deities associated with it certainly do.
Many things came together in this essay, and I resonate with the compassionate (but dangerous, wise) Baba Yaga. It is interesting to envisage hee as Maiden, Mother, Babe and Crone.
This made me think deeply about the first death, and what that might mean. About the chasm of grief that would have opened up at the loss of Grandmother, and the yearning to reconnect with her wherever she had gone to. The need to leave offerings to her. How deeply Death affects our journey through life, individually and as a collective.
Thank you for sharing your reflections Lucy!
There is a long journey between blooming motherhood and, one day, seeing a Young Hag in the mirror.
But we know that even Neanderthal people use red ochre and grave goods (sea shells, deer jaws, goat horns etc.) as grave goods.
Death has always been the sacred twin of Life. X
This has started so many threads in my mind!
Did you know we actually have "wood henges" in Norfolk (UK)? I have yet to sea (!) them https://www.lynnmuseum.norfolk.gov.uk/article/30498/Seahenge-gallery-at-Lynn-Museum
Altars - do you think an altar can be hidden from everyday view inside a cupboard? I am trying to work out how to set one up without pushing my husband out of his comfort zone.
The Grandmother, she seems portrayed in this images by Danielle Barlow https://www.daniellebarlowart.com/witches-wisdom-tarot?lightbox=dataItem-kz48fwd14
Lisa x
Yes, I did know that wood henges exist. Thank you for the reminder to look into that properly!
And yes, I often advice people with pets (or small children) to keep their altar in a shoebox (or cupboard) to keep it safe. What matters is the intention and attention you pay your altar.
You've woven together so many interesting threads.
I am so grateful for your writings, Imelda. I wish I was in Sweden to romp through the forest, sit by the fire and learn from/with you and your community...for now, bless-ed these words are!
Thank you! And I hope that one day you will. I will hold that vision!
I am reminded of the huts/shrines/small buildings on stilts that are depicted in Neolithic art from a variety of locations in Old Europe. Perhaps this practice goes back that far... the deities associated with it certainly do.
That is an interesting lead to pursue, thank you!