Must be present to win

Well hello there my witchy darlings, beloved spirit posse, the joy of Spring to you.

A sweet and watery sunlight today, and the first floweret of Daphne odora scenting my fingers.

Recently I've been suffering from epistolic constipation, a familiar pattern of unfunction. The longer it's been, the harder it gets -- and not in a good way. But this time a new kindness softens that old shame and guilt, a small patience peeks through. I don't need to leap into hyperfunctioning leader mode. I can do what I'm doing, and let the Cauldron stir itself. I can let somebody else take the lead. I can let nothing happen if nothing is what is, trusting that the seeds we sowed deep last autumn and winter will sprout in their good time.

In the mean time, Spirit has been shaking me, snapping me like laundry, giving me a gentle but thorough course in purging and releasing. Clearing house, both literally and energetically. Co-creating a new household with Amper, Crosses, Emma and Cobb. Wading courageously and with wonderful helpers into piles of stagnant fust from the basement to the roof. Getting my Standing Wave business shit together, committing to my own business and to myself as an entrepreneur. Companioning my dear cat boyfriend through the last part of his life.

And the Big Work for me right now: helping to bring Full Circle Temple to a loving and holy close. For thirteen years the Temple has stood on East Burnside, holding sacred space and sanctuary for self-identified women and girls. Together we've held rituals, practiced consensus, swept the floor and welcomed guests, made altars, sang and prayed,and found Goddess in each other. The moment in February 1996 when I opened Temple's door changed my life forever. Temple was my first deep drink of Goddess, Temple woke up the witch in me. Temple handed me the telegram that contained my life's work, and gave me my primary, secondary, and graduate education as a priestess.

Now we're acknowledging that what has been is no longer working, that Full Circle Temple as she has been is no longer sustainable. Like the end of a beloved one's life, I can feel there are huge blessings here for the open-hearted. I feel grateful to get to priestess our beloved Temple through the gateway of transformation and rebirth. I feel the importance of releasing the energy we've been holding with gratitude and intention -- important not only to the women who have held Temple space, but also for the communities all around us, to Portland's spirit/life/web, and to whoever comes next to this amazing space.

And as a magical geek, I'm keenly absorbed in the technical challenge of closing a Temple. Like, I just went to Pantheacon, and they didn't have any workshops on this!

So I'm asking for prayers, help, ideas, and support in this work. We're going to hold a temple closing/opening ritual at noon on March 2, and I would love to see you there. We'll have confetti and cake, and a silent auction.

There's a big part in this working for those outside the Temple to witness and celebrate with us, and to bring even more fabulous community blessings into the space after the Temple is gone. (Terri Treat, the Temple's owner, is actively looking for kindred spirit organizations or groups to lease or buy that land and house. Imagine the possibilities...!)

More details to come. In the meantime, thank you for being my beloved companions and magical cow-orkers. Your love strengthens and inspires me, and I look forward to splashing in the delicious energy of our Cauldron with you soon.

And what's been moving through you this early Spring?

much love Stella