A Tree of Life Reective Guide Book Honouring Women by Beverley A. Dujay
CONTENTS
Contents ......................................................................................................................................................... 7 Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................................... 8 Foreward By Cheryl A. Moore ............................................................................................................................ 9 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................... 10 Tree Of Life Index ........................................................................................................................................... 19 How To Use This Book .................................................................................................................................... 21 1. Birth Vision ~ From Womb to World ............................................................................................................. 24 2. Remembering Childhood ~ Innocence and Joy ............................................................................................... 30 3. Welcoming Menses ~ First Moon Blossoming Bud .......................................................................................... 36 4. Unveiling Sexuality ~ Power of the Feminine .................................................................................................. 42 5. Marriage And Vows ~ Commitment and Purpose ............................................................................................ 48 6. Celebrating Motherhood ~ The Nurturing Life ................................................................................................ 54 7. Mid-life Crisis ~ Acknowledgement and Re-experience .................................................................................... 60 8. Letting Go of Motherhood ~ Awareness and Acceptance ................................................................................. 66 9. Enter The Crone ~ Welcoming the Wisdom Years ........................................................................................... 72 10. Transitioning To Death ~ Birth of the Spirit ...................................................................................................... 78 11. Expressing Gratitude ~ A Final Act of Love .................................................................................................... 84 Afterward By Cheryl A. Moore ......................................................................................................................... 93 Reective Readings And Reference Materials ..................................................................................................... 101 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................................ 115
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HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
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HIS BOOK IS FOR PERSONAL interest only. In no way do we present ourselves as authorities on the subject of Women’s Gatherings, Rites of Passage, or Ceremony. As well, we are not promoting any particular type of religion or spiritual belief. Rather, we are simply sharing each participating woman’s personal knowledge by the recording of combined experiences. And so the information in this book is exactly that, a record of experiences. There are six headings under each chapter: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Intention Anticipating Your Ceremony Items/Objects Specific to Ceremony Your Ceremony Gathering Highlights of Our Ceremony Reflection
1. INTENTION: Each ‘Rites of Passage’ Ceremony states its intention at the top of the page. At the beginning of the ceremony the hostess should read the intention clearly. She could imagine herself as the town crier yelling out an important message to her fellow man, or in this case, fellow woman! Stating intention through the power of words will help your gathering remain focused about its purpose and will build power within each person’s consciousness opening individual awareness. If you feel guided to re-write any of the intentions in your own words, then go ahead and do so. 2. ANTICIPATING YOUR CEREMONY: An introduction is provided as to why each ceremony is being performed; the importance of creating and performing the ceremony; as well as descriptions and symbolisms pertaining to such. Preparing space for ceremony can be as rewarding as the ceremony itself. Be sure to take time to acknowledge all aspects of the duties before you. 3. ITEMS/OBJECTS FOR CEREMONY: A list of items/objects is suggested for each ceremony. Remember, they are only suggestions so go ahead and get creative. Always have at least one candle burning as a part of your centerpiece/altar, which will be representative of a higher source of Energy/God/Spirit. By lighting this candle as part of your intentions, you will be inviting Divine energy into your gathering stimulating insight and awareness. Most of the objects we used for our centerpiece/altar were items we had laying around our homes. Seldom did any of us have to purchase something specific. There really is no need in preparing a budget for these gatherings. Simply improvise using ordinary household items. You will be amazed at the symbolism you will find in everyday trinkets. Seek and ye shall find! 4. YOUR CEREMONY GATHERING: You will be walked through each step of your ceremony as we walked through ours. Again, these are guidelines only. You can add anything else you feel appropriate. Be aware of time constraints. It is important that each woman have adequate time to speak, but she must remain aware of the clock so that everyone has equal opportunity. 5. HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR CEREMONY: Each Rites of Passage ceremony will share a brief remembrance of our personal “Full Moon Circle Gatherings”. Ohh….if only we could type the energy we created! But you will most certainly discover your own. 6. REFLECTION: It is beneficial to complete this section sometime over the next few days following your gathering when you have quiet time alone. Recording your thoughts will be helpful in reminding you of all the things you learned during that particular session. Reading this information at a later date allows you to reflect back and remember what you already know! 21
REFLECTIONS
What was the “highlight” of this ceremony for you?
How did you “feel” while participating in this ceremony?
What “insights/healings” were you aware of?
Did this ceremony provoke any changes in thoughts, attitudes or direction to your current stage in life? If so, describe.
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REFLECTIONS by Cindy
It all began with many unknowns! We barely knew each other and we had no idea what our gatherings would look like or where this would all lead. There is something special that draws women together with the intention to share and grow, and that desire and need in each one of us is what motivated the four of us to get started.
The Rites of Passage for me was magical, spiritual, and deeply intuitive. Bev has a special touch to create a sacred space.
I clearly remember the first few
ceremonies, looking on in awe at the ceremonial space that had been created to welcome us and to set the intention for the day. Theresa shared with us her nature teachings, which became our ritual to open our circle by calling in the four directions and to welcome the Grandmothers.
Cheryl was the first to share her tears with us which for me, made
space for my own vulnerability. It deepened our experience and our circle very quickly became a safe place to explore our trust and vulnerabilities. There was so much that was new to me and I loved it! Our lives and our stories seemed to unfold so easily and naturally. We all seemed hungry to listen and be listened to. I got to know myself better by speaking and acting out my stories.
Each Rite took on a life of its own.
The
creative process was alive in each one of us and awakened parts of us we had forgotten.
I felt so alive!
At times it was fun.
At times we were
outrageous. Other times we were quiet and soulful. It was all so sacred. I felt like I grew up all over again, however this time I witnessed and gave time and recognition to my own stories.
I wish for all women to find a safe circle of women to unveil their story. I thank “ALL” who guided us. I thank my three sisters, Bev, Cheryl and Theresa for their commitment and their trust and willingness to adventure outside of the familiar.
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