Council of Elders by ShaRyn Maatthews
In that beautiful place where sleep meets wakefulness, I first heard the word “Dana” spoken as if in my ear. I know myself to be clair-audient (see my article last month for more information) but I’ve always heard the voice internally. On this spring day, I heard the voice externally and my eyes popped open as I looked around the light filled room. It’s quite a way to wake up! Dana is considered by the Tu’atha de Danaans to be the goddess of alchemy, the great mother creator goddess. Her name stems from Dan or knowledge. I was grateful to meet with her and held that space for our communion to expand. I had already started to think about the many allies I appeared to have in the non-physical world, Beings I felt in some way connected to, and this visit from Dana (or Danu) began to further shape my thinking. What if, these beings were making themselves known to be a part of a council of elders? To come forward with their special gifts to support me, as and when the situation arose. It felt a little fanciful (and somewhat egotistical) and yet the idea very quickly took root and a life of its own, and I began to research. Perhaps there could be a council of 12 who might sit with me around the table not dissimilar to the Knights of the Round Table, where each one took a role in the community that aligned with their specific strengths and gifts. Maybe this was on offer as a gift from the magical realm? Could there be help and support from different deities for the many aspects of life, creating a community within/out me? Being drawn to Druidism I began my research with the deities of the Celts. I sat outside in the sun and brought to mind each of the deities in my book on the subject, asking them if they were indeed part of this council of elders. Then I expanded my invitation to include any deities I’d ever met or worked with. Some of them said “Yes”, and some said “No” and amusingly one even said, “Not yet”. At the end of my session in the sun, I had a council of 12 goddesses, which felt a little strange as I have never particularly been gender focussed, however they worked with me over the time I was in that house (which I instinctively felt was built on or around the site of an ancient medicine wheel). My connection to this group of deities has waned as I moved out, and actually 12 seems too many for me to hold and build strong relationships with at one time, so during this month of focusing on Honour I intend to revisit and perhaps invoke a new council of 7 and we will explore this concept together in the Unicorn Magic Circle which meets each Thursday at 4pm. I’ve already started, beginning to explore what honouring myself means. I’m at the table too! I begin by recognising and embracing all aspects of myself without judgement. To redefine my values, my thoughts, my action in the world without the pressure of being in service or on purpose. I’m imagining that just my presence on earth is more than enough, so any next steps, acts of service or purpose can be born truly from joy and curiosity. Then I’ll turn my attention to honouring those who wish to walk the path with me, in the physical and non-physical realms. For me honour is like the breath. A circle of giving and receiving. There is a mutuality to it, being honourable, engaging honourably with other honourable people, receiving honour. Knowing when there is a lack of honour and stepping back, gracefully. All important aspects of the same thing. I’m looking forward to how this unfolds as we explore this expression in our Sabian Mysteries groups. |
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