Ritual 41: Monday, October 8, 2007

Waning Moon

U.S. calendars mark the second Monday in October as Columbus Day. Some say celebrating Europe's discovery of the so-called "New World" honors the spirit of exploration, Italian heritage, and Spanish history. Others recognize its implicit endorsement of genocide. How does one reconcile such a conflicted perspective?

Who in the U.S. today can say that if it were not for this momentous Atlantic crossing that their ancestors would have found another way to this land? The only souls who could make such a claim are those whose bloodlines unite them with the native people whose presence on this soil predates Columbus. Conquest and colonization opened enduring trade and transport lines that paved the way for all future generations of immigrants, not just the Mayflower descendents.

A fateful journey. Continents forever linked. A globe encircled. Nations destroyed. Nations built. Pain. Prosperity. Two sides of the same historical coin. And not nearly the whole picture.

Rather than celebrate this day, see it as an opportunity for healing. Dedicate this waning moon night to the healing of all conflicts -- the ones within you, and the ones around you.

Create a sacred space by placing flowers on the ground in a circle large enough for you to stand in. Choose flowers that represent healing to you. Place a flower in the center of the circle, and as you do call on Great Spirit or the Universal Intelligence that Unites All Beings.

Empower the circle by saying aloud:

This is a circle of healing
This is a circle of light
This is magical circle
Where wrongs are set to right

Know that by stepping into the circle, you begin the process of healing yourself as an individual and, as a result, all the systems in which you are entwined. Take a deep breath and step into the circle.

Pick up the flower you placed in the center and hold it against your heart. Pluck its petals one by one, releasing with each petal some grievance, pain or struggle you have been holding in your heart.

I release blame
I release fear
I release guilt

Or whatever words represent the wrongs you are releasing.

When you feel complete, breathe in the healing balm of life force energy that sets those wrongs to right. Imagine that you can breathe in healing as a color. You can. Breathe in deeply to fill the spaces created by your release. Breathe in acceptance, tolerance, curiosity, love, whatever sets your pains to rightness.

Complete your healing ritual by simply stating aloud

As I accept this healing in myself, I carry healing out into the world.

Step out of your circle feeling full with the balm that soothes all wounds.

Collect the flowers and petals and mindfully dispose of them.

Whenever you need to infuse your space with healing energy, place a stem of the same kind of flower used in this ritual on your altar, bedside table or desk.

After the ritual, share your experience in our community section.