This series explores what it is like to be a spiritual seeker and Priestess in the 21st century.
Is there more direct access to the Divine in the world now?
I’m interviewing women involved in my Priestess Training Program to find out!
Several years ago, I climbed out of a deep black hole. Self-destructive behaviours helped me dig that hole. With the help of a Higher Power and loving family and friends, I found my way back to the Spiritual Path I travel today. Some days I find myself standing on the edge of that hole. Other days I might even fall in. But I have learned to build ledges to catch me if I fall. One of my teachers recommended padding the ledges with pillows to ease the landing. These same ledges are a handhold to help me climb out. They are made of sweat, tears, prayers, and layer upon layer of self-care.
What helps me to be my authentic self? Owning what is mine and leaving the rest behind. Practice, practice, practice. I am peeling away the “layers of the onion” to find the deeper truth of who I am.
One of the spiritual strengths that I bring to the world is my optimism. I have a deep sense that all will be well in spite of all the hate and violence that is so prevalent in the world today.
I make an effort, every day, to send out a ray of hope.
At times I struggle with feeling worthy and feeling left out. These feel like ancient wounds. I am learning to treat them with the balm of self-compassion, forgiveness, and loving kindness.
My empowerment comes from honouring my truth and learning to express it in a gentle manner.
When I come from a place of fear, I alienate those I want to draw close in.
“She is practicing because she knows there is no difference between practice and art. The practice is the art.”
~ Dani Shapiro ~
I pray in my garden every morning before sunrise. My most fervent invocation is, “Please don’t let hate win. Please let love win.” I enjoy making mandalas from flower petals and setting up little altars throughout my home.
Recently I performed a ceremony called Ribbons of Prayer. I asked my FB friends to contact me if they needed a prayer. I had intended to do this ritual for one moon cycle. I received so many requests it lasted for three moon cycles. The prayer requests came from many states, Canada, Europe and Australia. Each morning I honoured one intention with prayer then tied their favourite coloured ribbon on my fence.
Prayer is such an essential part of my path. It doesn’t have to be complicated. As Anne Lamott says, “Here are the two best prayers I know: “Help me, help me, help me’ and ‘thank you, thank you, thank you.”
What does it mean to be a priestess in the world today? I practice walking my talk. Practice, practice, practice.
Joni is a born again hippie, child of the 60’s, and Woodstock alum.
Priestess of the morning sky,
Watchwoman of the clouds and moon,
Elder, wise woman, and crone.
She can be found at: Sweet Desert Rain on Facebook!
Are you seeking to unravel your layers and find yourself?
In Priestess Training you are encouraged every step of the way to find joy in the art and practice of becoming!