CYCLES A Publication from
Chrysalis Woman Biodynamic Farm, Goddess Sanctuary & Center for Woman-Craft Volume 1, Issue 1
Imbolc 2010
Living In Rhythm With Goddess, Earth, Moon & Womb
Imbolc ~ A Time of Commitment
www.chrysaliswoman.com
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What Is CYCLES? On the Farm
CYCLES E-zine Celebrates Living In Rhythm With Goddess, Earth, Moon and Womb. Published by Ayla of Chrysalis Woman and once a local subscription based e-zine, CYCLES is now available for all. It offers seasonal wisdom in addition to providing information about what’s available in the way of education, events and services at Chrysalis Woman Farm and Sanctuary.
In The Goddess Sanctuary
CYCLES is published 8x/year near each of the Earth’s holydays. With each issue focusing on a different aspect of Women’s Wisdom.
In Each Issue )O(
Seasonal Wisdom Seasonal Living Seasonal Wellness Leaf, Root, Blossom, Fruit Woman’s Wisdom
ISSUE THEMES AND RELEASE DATES: Imbolc (Feb 2nd) Goddess, Feminism & Herstory Spring Equinox (March 1st) Fertility, Womb & Breast Health Beltane (May 1st) Sacred Sexuality Summer Solstice (June 1st) Empowered Pregnancy, Birth & Mothering Lammas (August 1st) The Medicine Woman
Every Woman’s Calendar
Fall Equinox (September 1st) Mindful Menstruation
Calendar of CW Events
Winter Solstice (December 1st) Death and Dying
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Chrysalis Woman Information )O(
Women’s Circles Goddess Studies Initiate Program Priestess Program The Chrysalis Woman Program Cycle Wisdom Workshops Seasonal Wellness Workshops Herbals )O(
Samhain (October 1st) Menopause Metamorphosis
SUBMISSIONS: Chrysalis Woman welcomes submissions for CYCLES that follow the particular themes as stated above in the form of art, poetry, articles and pictures. Submissions are also excepted on the following content: The Goddess Seasonal crafts/altars/recipes/reflections/rituals Women’s Wellness & Wisdom Women's Studies, Feminism, Herstory Seasonal, traditional whole foods, herbal medicine Sustainability; Community, etc. Lunar Rhythms/Magick All submissions must be original. Chrysalis Woman is not offering compensation at this time. Send all submissions via email or snail mail below.
***************************************************************************** Issue #1 ~ Imbolc 2010 Publisher & Editor ~ AYLA Chrysalis Woman c/o CYCLES 6618 Goodell Road Valley Springs, CA 95252 chrysaliswoman@yahoo.com Office Hours are Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
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A Message From Ayla It’s not where you live, but how you live… The season of Imbolc is a time of purification and dedication to a new life path or goal. It can also be a time of rededication to an existing life purpose or dream.
I have always had a dream… a dream that has lived within my heart for most of my adult life. A dream to live sustainably on 10 acres (or so)... on land that has been dedicated to the creation of a Center for women and their wisdom. I’ve held this dream close to my heart as I spent the last 10 years nurturing the services, ceremonies, products and events that were to become the foundation of my practice and the reason women would come to this land, all the while living on 2 acres in a small township called Paloma located in the foothills of California. During these developmental years I have taken many directions within this foothill community all in an attempt to find that “dream property” and begin to build the Center I’ve always known I was here to create. It took some serious setbacks and painful lessons to realize how yearning for what I didn’t have wasn’t getting the Center built any faster. Not only that, it reinforced the energy of lack in my life. It actually took being pulled away from the work I love and my existing home, land and community for almost a year to wake up to the beauty of all that had been around me. I saw for the first time the beauty of the land I had lived on for 10 years and how I had avoided “living my dream” all because it was 2 acres instead of 10. In truth I saw how it had been there the entire time, patiently and lovingly waiting for me to “see”. “It’s not where you live, but how you live” has become my mantra for 2010, calling on me to continually see my world with new eyes. As this season of Imbolc arrives, I am called to purify from the belief that I am not exactly where I am meant to be at all times. I cleanse my Self from the belief that this land isn’t big enough, more than enough ~ that it is in fact a bounty of work, love and growth for any woman. This dream of a Woman’s Center lives, breathes and beats steadily in my heart and it is with renewed vigor that I rededicate my Self to it. I re-commit to nurturing this dream into reality by taking action steps towards it in the here and now. I open my heart to appreciate all that surrounds me and experience a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of awakening to “the beauty of what is”. I watch with new eyes as my dream comes alive everyday by the daily work of putting down roots on the land where I live. No more waiting, no more wanting. The time is Now. The time has always been Now…. The land has heard me... it knows that I am finally home ;-) So sisters, here my call… this work of creating a Woman-Craft Center requires many hearts and hands. It needs the support of women (midwives) guiding it through the many stages of development, labor and progress until each unique piece experiences its own precious birthing. If you feel akin to what’s being called into form, I would ask that you consider how your energy could contribute to its creation. Do you have time, resources, wisdom, energy or money that you’d love to donate and infuse into this project? If you feel called to participate in any way ~ please contact me. It is for the benefit of our community and women worldwide that Centers, Temples and Sanctuaries are birthing all over the world. Join me… lend a hand/heart… help us to become the change we wish to see! Blessed Be! AYLA
The 2 acre Dream Chickens & Goats Women’s Temple Red Tent Moon Lodge Yurt B&B Retreat Reduce Reuse Recycle Women’s Wisdom Library Organic Biodynamic CSA Farm & Gardens Seasonal Family Celebrations Work/Learn Farm Days Herbal Medicine CSA Women’s Circles Maiden, Mother, Crone Ceremonies Initiate & Priestess Trainings Woman-Craft Apprenticeships Solar Power & Water Collection Outdoor Kitchen, Solar Shower Womb Wisdom Workshops Seasonal Wellness Workshops Womb Product & Gift Shoppe Guest Speakers, Workshop Leaders
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The Organic, Biodynamic CSA Farm Now that a recommitment has been made to the land, it’s time to get busy! Busy to re-dedicating our selves to living a lifestyle that continues to reflect our love of Earth and all that she provides. Busy focusing on growing/ raising as much of our own food and medicine as possible, living simply, centered in heart and community. It’s also time to activate a part of the vision we’ve held for our Woman-Craft Center which entails providing access to organic and biodynamically grown flowers, herbs, vegetables and handcrafted herbal medicines and fermentations to local sisters and their families. In keeping with this dedication and the energy of Imbolc season, we’re setting our intentions and plans for this year’s gardens. We’ll be expanding our existing culinary and medicinal herbal gardens into what used to be lawn but is now perimeter beds. We’ll also be putting in the foundation (deer fence, well, irrigation) for the one acre u-pick flower/fruit/herb/ vegetable garden. Here’s a list of what we’re currently growing for our own home use: Herbs: sage, thyme, oregano, chives, marjoram, lavender, rosemary, vitex, motherwort, mugwort, valerian, echinacea, calendula, nettles, clary sage, yarrow, lemon balm, peppermint, lady’s mantle, rue, lemon verbena, borage, rose geranium, cramp bark, comfrey, catnip, feverfew, angelica, st. joan’s wort, horehound, boneset & white sage.
2010 To Do List U-pick Farm Build perimeter deer fence Dig well Windmill Water catchment and containment system Herb Beds Divide & transplant existing herbs
Vegetables: garlic, onions, asparagus, rhubarb, artichokes, broccoli, spinach, kale, chard & cabbage. Fruit: Raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, grapes & plums. Here’s a list of what we’ll be adding this year: Herbs: dill, garlic chives, parsley, hyssop, stevia, tarragon, astragalus, chamomile, bee balm, arnica, mullien, queen anne’s lace, hops, elderberry, goats rue, passionflower, skullcap, rugosa and hawthorne. Stay tuned as we share about our progress and post pictures of all the wonderful help we’re getting in each issue! Watch the check list on the left as we cross off the items we’ve accomplished and see our vision grow.
Create culinary garden Create medicinal garden Grow additional varieties from seed Build Arbors
Work/Learn Farm Days Interested in helping us out on the land? Wanna get your hands dirty and invest your energy and time in the place where you’ll be reaping the benefits of organic local food and like minded community? Join us on special project days beginning in April and lend a hand/heart/hoe in making a difference! See Calendar (page 12) for upcoming dates.
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In The Goddess Sanctuary We have a wonderful year ahead full of Circles and Programs! Not only that but BIG dreams of a Goddess Temple nestled in the heart of our gardens. We are envisioning the raising of a yurt dedicated for Circle gatherings, overnight stays, classes and workshops. We’re on the look out for one that has been gently loved, so please keep us in mind if you hear of anything. Until then, our temple is still wherever we gather in Her name. Below you’ll find descriptions of all we’re offering this year. Some have information packets attached. We’re busy working on the others, so look forward to that in the next issue. We’ve added a new service this season for women traveling a distance, or for anyone who desires more time spent at Chrysalis Woman in sacred and reflective space. A Circle B&B! See the CW Calendar on page 12 for dates on all that’s being offered and make sure you’re either on Chrysalis Woman’s facebook page or our newsletter e-group to receive Circle Invitations, Goddess Studies information and special announcements! Goddess Circle Information Packet GODDESS CIRCLES: Come and experience monthly gatherings with sisters of all paths who wish to reconnect with the Sacred Feminine within & without. We meet each month near the full moon to honor a Goddess from a specific culture and experience healing rituals that can include drumming, singing, art, dancing, meditation and self exploration. Circles run from February through October. GODDESS STUDIES: This program was created for women who wish to deepen their experience and understanding of the many faces & aspects of Goddess. Women in this program receive via email an introduction to the Goddess they’ll be working with for the current lunation, links for additional research on Her correspondences & culture, instruction on how to build an altar to Her and suggested projects for connecting with Her energy. Each woman is then given the option of attending our corresponding Goddess Circle which deepens her experience. This program follows each lunar cycle & the monthly Goddess Circles and is available monthly or as a nine month program. INITIATE PATH ~ Level I: Initiate Program Packet Registration Now Open ~ (2 spaces left) This beginner program is for women interested in participating in a nine month journey through the Woman's Wheel of the Year, Circle Casting, Invocation/ Revocation of Directional Elements, Energy Work & much more! Initiates experience hands on learning of Circle elements, ritual work, writing and speaking invocations, sisterhood, service and much more. This program works side by side with the monthly CW Goddess Circles. CIRCLE BED & BREAKFAST: Designed for women traveling a distance to attend the monthly CW Circles, the B&B provides overnight accommodations in tents, Temple yurt (coming soon) or in-house suite. All bedding and organic whole foods breakfast (all local or grown on the farm) are included, along with mini morning yoga stretch and wise woman circle. Check out is 11am... or stay on for the afternoon and participate in the Work/Learn Farm Day ~ help out on the farm with chickens, gardens, harvesting, medicine making... whatever needs to be done that day. (children and family members welcome for Farm Day… certain restrictions apply)
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Seasonal Wisdom ~ Imbolc Imbolc, Candlemas, Festival of the Waxing Light, Oilmelc, Groundhog Day, Brigid’s Day… all names given to the day of “Growing Light”. It marks the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, signaling the early beginnings of Spring, the first stirrings of new life to come and a new year making ready its arrival.
Imbolc and the The Crescent Moon Keywords: Fertility, growth, upward mobility Primary Task: You’re committing to your vision for the future People born at this phase: Are interested in upward mobility. They are the dreamers of a better future. They often struggle against the past (family expectations or cultural restrictions), hoping to better themselves and/or society in some way. They tend to work within established structures and gradually improve them. They need to believe in their dreams and calm the inner ghosts who keep whispering they’ll never achieve what they want. Finding this Moon in the sky: This Moon rises mid-morning and sets before midnight. Throughout the lunation cycle, the Moon rises and sets a little later each day; sometimes fifteen minutes, sometimes ninety minutes after the previous day’s rise and set. A special quality of the waxing Crescent Moon is how, illuminated by “earth shine,” the entire orb of the Moon is dimly visible behind the crescent, making an early evening “Moon sit” especially compelling. This is a good time to think of the unknown— and all the good it holds in store for you.
Historically Imbolc is honored on February 1st -2nd, this day representing an entire seasonal experience lived from now until the height of spring. It is a season of “First Stirrings”, as we nurture and fan the internal flame born at Winter Solstice. It is a time of quickening as the sun’s light continues to grow and days noticeably lengthen. It is a quite, softly ever expanding experience of anticipation of the promise of life that is to come. Even if you look out upon a blanket of white, the Earth is warming, experiencing a slow and gentle awakening. We watch in awe as snowdrops, crocus and narcissus bulbs push their way through soil of Earth, revealing the promise of life renewal after winter death. Even now the seeds that dropped to soil last fall, (having been kept safe and warm in winter’s dark and womby embrace), begin to crack open their casings, sending out shoots of root. Once again, life begins to stir in the belly of our blessed Mother Earth and the great Wheel spins. This “stirring within” is much akin to the feeling of life a newly pregnant woman feels as her baby moves for the very first time. She rejoices in the truth of life contained within her… a great secret that only they share since there is not yet outward signs of belly growth. Within the Dianic Woman’s tradition, this time of year reveals Goddess as infant, born of herself anew at Winter Solstice. She symbolizes our infant souls receiving gentle nourishment at the breast of our Mother. Regenerating in preparation for the life that is to come. We are growing maidens preparing to set upon our journey toward a new year. Traditionally this is a time of purification from “what was” and a dedication to “what will be”. A cleansing of Self and Soul in preparation for an entirely new year filled with experiences, growth and spiritual understanding. There are many ways to ritually honor this shared experience of earth and spirit. One of which is to dedicate yourself to a new practice on your chosen path. Maybe a new goddess to work with for the year; a new herbal ally; working with a particular teacher; taking a class you’ve always wanted to, etc. The possibilities are endless. If you are not yet sure what new path of growth you wish to dedicate your Self to, try asking the following questions. Create a sacred environment, lighting candles, burning incense, playing soft music and spend time envisioning what’s gently emerging from within. Imbolc Questions: What is stirring within me that seeks to grow? What am I drawn to that would bring me closer to growing it? If I am not drawn to a particular teacher, what could I create that would feed this desire?
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Seasonal Living The Imbolc Altar
Using the guide to the right, create an altar in honor of the Imbolc season of newly emerging spring, purification and dedication. Upload your photos to the Chrysalis Woman facebook page so we can see what you’ve created!
Ideas & Projects
Smudge your home or office space, clearing Winter energies Take a ritual bath with the intention of “scrubbing off” the winter layers from your skin Bring snow inside and watch it melt honoring the end of Winter Create a mini ritual to celebrate this Season with your family Create an Imbolc Bread using soaked/sprout grains and raw milk Research a specific virgin/maiden goddess Celebrate V-Day by watching a performance of Vagina Monologues visit http://www.vday.org/ for a performance near you. Make a Brigid’s cross, bed or crown
What To Do in the Garden
Order your seeds through heirloom/organic catalogues or create a seed swap with friends http://rareseeds.com/ http://www.victoryseeds.com/ http://www.seedsofchange.com/ Prepare your soil by adding organic material once soil warms Prune dormant fruit trees, berry canes, vines (during waning moon) Plant bare-root fruit trees, berry canes, rhubarb, artichoke, asparagus (during the waning moon) Begin seeds starts, starting above ground crops during the waxing (growing) moon and below ground crops during the waning moon.
Connecting With Mother Earth
Venture outside as much as possible and see what is waking at this time ~ journal, draw, take pictures What animals are out and about during this time. What are they up to? What animal hibernators or those that experience winter dormancy are waking up? What species of plant life are showing signs of awakening and making their presence known to you? What is the weather like in your region? What signs of warming days reveal themselves to you?
SYMBOLS OF IMBOLC Symbolism of Imbolc: Growth and Re-Newal, Beginning of Spring, Dedication, Purification, Emergence, Goddess as Infant, Purification of old, stating the new Symbols of Imbolc: Brideo'gas, Besoms, White & Yellow Flowers, Candles, Brigid's Cross, Seeds, Snowdrops, Crocus, Narcissus, Chalices, Herbs of Imbolc: Angelica, Basil, Bay Laurel, Blackberry, Celandine, Coltsfoot, Heather, Iris, Myrrh, Tansy, Violets, and all white or yellow flowers. Foods of Imbolc: All Dairy, Seeds, Grains, Porridges Incense of Imbolc: Basil, Bay, Wisteria, Violet, Vanilla, Myrrh. Colors of Imbolc: White, Pale Yellow, Pale Green, Brown, Red. Stones of Imbolc: Quartz, Amethyst Animals of Imbolc: Robins, Lambs, Sheep, Hibernating Animals, Burrowing Animals, Activities of Imbolc: Making Candles, Searching for Signs of Spring, Preparing Soil and Seeds for Sowing, Goddesses of Imbolc: All Virgin/Maiden Goddesses, Brighid, Aradia, Athena, Gaia, and Februa, Artemis, Kore
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Seasonal Wellness SPRING’S WELLNESS WORKSHOP SERIES Herstory of Cooking Workshops FABULOUS FERMENTATIONS:
DIVINE DAIRY Held at Chrysalis Woman Farm Friday, Feb 19th ~ 5-9pm $40 Come learn about the Herstory of the cow and her milk. How she went from a sacred animal to an animal disgraced. Her milk, once a nourishing food, now a lifeless commodity. We’ll discuss the process of pasteurization and homogenization, the plight of confined dairy cows, and the consequences of our current practices. We discover the return to real milk from pastured cows, milk in the raw and its health benefits for our bodies and our environment. You’ll learn the health benefits of dairy fermentations, make kefir, crème fraiche, yogurt, cream cheese and whey. You’ll also take home starters of your own yogurt, kefir grains and whey. Class Registration Now Open Class Size Limited Call (209) 772-0511 or chrysaliswoman@yahoo.com
A large part of our health, personal and global, is a reconnection to eating what’s available locally as well as what’s in season. This time of year always brings to mind the beauty of the sacred cow and the milk she produces. It is now that cows, sheep and goats begin to freshen having birthed their young. Their milk begins to flow, nourishing the next generation. Olmec, another name for Imbolc, actually means “ewe’s milk” and was so named for lactating sheep and the sacred drink they provided. In our current times however milk has changed in the eyes of culture and what once was the sacred cow, a representation of the Goddess, has been reduced to a milk factory machine. More often that not dairy cows are kept in confinement, are fed unnatural foods and experience a wide range of disease which requires the use of routine antibiotics. Their milk is then subjected to pasteurization (the process of heating it up and destroying its healthy and life giving qualities) and homogenization (the process of molecularly changing its structure to change the separation of cream and milk), both of which change it from a whole food to something denatured and unhealthy. Thankfully there is a movement occurring in our culture to reclaim this sacred and powerful food. Farmers and consumers alike are learning the benefits of raw milk. How it affects our health, and how caring for the animals that produce it in a way that honors it, affects not only the health of the animal and our health, but the earth’s as well. So join me in honoring all lactating animals this Imbolc season by incorporating some sacred dairy in your diet. Try the below recipe and check out the resources at left and resacralize this elixir of life. Homemade Yogurt Recipe 3.5 cups whole milk, preferably raw 1 T organic, plain, full fat yogurt with live active cultures milk thermometer (not required) 1 glass quart jar with lid insulated cooler & towels or electric heating pad 1. heat the milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If you have a milk thermometer simmer until temperature reaches 180 F (82C) If you don’t have a thermometer, heat milk until steamy, but not boiling. (Note: some feel that heating to 180 F might kill off the beneficial bacteria in the raw milk. Heat to 180 F isn’t absolutely necessary, however does help to make a thicker yogurt) 2. remove milk from heat and cool to “blood warm”. Warm to the touch but not to hot to keep your finger in it. 3. add your T of yogurt to the quart jar. Add a little bit of warm milk to the starter and blend, then finish adding the rest of your milk, giving it another stir. Seal with the lid.
Additional Resources:
4. if you are using an insulated cooler, place the jar inside and surround with additional quart jars filled with hot water. Cover with a towel, close and leave in a warm place undisturbed for atleast 8 hours or overnight. If using an electric heating pad - put on low setting.
Websites: http://www.realmilk.com http://www.westonaprice.org
5. your yogurt should taste tangy and have some thickness. It usually won’t be as thick as store bought yogurt. It should now be refrigerated. Make sure and save 1T of this yogurt to use as a starter for your next batch.
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Women’s Wisdom Why Women Only Circles? Why the Goddess? By AYLA This has been a question I have been asked many times by men and women alike. Even women desiring to connect with other women can feel somehow disconnected from attending a woman only, Goddess centered circle. They reveal an uncertainty about women only space and the unbalance they feel is created when men are not present. I’m sure we can all agree that there are many paths to the Divine. It is a personal walk, an individual journey and the path is as diverse as life on our lovely planet. How one finds connection with the Divine and what that connection "looks like" is a personal experience that no one individual can truly understand. Our choices are based on our histories & herstories, upbringing and life experiences. Even groups who gather together and share a similar "picture" of what the Divine looks like/is, still connect individually - even when we celebrate collectively. Having said that, being a Dianic High Priestess and facilitator of women only circles, I have come to see how much women gain by circling in woman only space. This is not to negate those who participate in circles where men and women are present, or who experience more tradition forms of worship, but more to reflect what I see as a growing need among women. A need that woman only space seems to fill. There is a reason that women are feeling drawn to gather in women only space at this particular time. Many women are in need of deep healing. Isn't that how most of us find the Divine in the first place - a yearning for healing, connection, answers to questions? There's a tremendous amount of healing happening with women who have been raised in a culture focused on the masculine, oppressive of anything of the feminine. They come to a woman's only space to first find a reflection of themselves in a world where they have seen none. Where everything they see takes away their power, denies their sacredness and defiles their own natural and instinctive urges. They come to find Goddess. An aspect of divinity created in their own image. It is here that they remember their biology as sacred. That their wombs are the very center of creation itself and what flows from within is divine. They begin to see that their menstruation isn’t an unclean experience and their blood carries wisdom. That their ability to create life, experience pregnancy and give birth is powerful. That nurturing a child from their breast with the elixir of life is a feminist act in today’s society. They begin to understand the psychic emanations of menopause and the responsibility of speaking their truth to benefit society. Women who have experienced abuse, neglect or have in some way been mistreated by men, find working in a woman’s only space a safe place to share their pain, regain their self love and self respect and can once again begin to walk the path back to a world where both men and women are brothers and sisters. Many come to woman only space to occasionally participate and reconnect with their sisterhood. They may follow any manner of religious worship that includes both men and women, but enjoy the re-connection they experience in women only, Goddess centered space. It isn’t a rejection of their current path, nor a rejection of men, but an honoring of the time they require for themselves. Some women stay on this path forever. Some experience the healing and empowerment it provides and move on to experience other traditions. All begin to question what they’ve been taught. They find that witchcraft isn’t what they thought it was. They remember the healers, midwives and wise women they were before. They step tentatively on the path of sisterhood, healing the relationships they have with other women and reject the idea of competition for attention and male approval. They disconnect from media images projected upon them and instead begin to love the body that’s in their own image. This process of awakening is, as all things are, a personal process. However, once the gate has been opened and they’ve stepped onto the path… they are never the same. Once a woman heals the imbalance that exists within so she can feel the beauty of being and living as a woman, she begins to understand equality with men. They no longer compete. They experience a self love that gives way to embracing their brothers and walking side by side. In today’s world, taking time for ourselves in this manner is a revolutionary act toward change. It’s not only an act of self love and preservation, but it creates change on a greater level within our world. When a woman changes from within it is reflected in the environment of her home. It changes the way she mother’s and the way she dances in relationship. It ripples out into community where her life and that of her family touches others. Her example reveals lessons for other sisters, as she models the changes she wishes to see in the world around her. She becomes the embodiment of the Sacred Feminine bringing balance to our Masculine world. She is Goddess on Earth. Guided by her heart in balance with her mind, trusting her intuition as she dances her dance of life. She continues to honor herself and the sacredness of her cycles, and life begins to revolve around her. Her rhythms, now attuned to the moon and earthly seasons creates a new rhythm in her family. A new rhythm in her community. A new rhythm in the world. Why women circles? Why Goddess? When this is the outcome… I would ask you… why not?
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Every Woman’s Calendar 1) Feb. 1 Wives’ Feast, Ireland. Women homemakers celebrate their work by sharing lavish feasts with one another. 2) Feb. 2 Feast of the Triple Goddess Brigid, Ireland; Imbolc (time of the first ewes’ milk). Healer, Fire tender, and Poet, Brigid welcomes the first hint of spring. 3) Feb. 2 Candlemas, Celebration of return of the light.
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4) Feb. 3, 1821 Birth of Elizabeth Blackwell, first certified woman doctor. 5) Feb. 4, 1913 Birth of Rosa Parks, whose protest at giving up her seat on the bus simply because she was black, sparked the 1960s Civil Rights movement.
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6) Feb. 4, 1921 Birth of Betty Friedan, whose book The Feminine Mystique helped to trigger the third wave of feminism in the US.
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7) Feb. 9, 1944 Birth of Alice Walker, African American activist and Pulitzer Prize novelist. 8) Feb. 11, 1858 The Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the peasant girl Bernadette Soubirous in Lourdes, France.
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9) Feb 14. St. Valentine’s Day, festival of love, named after an obscure Christian saint. The festival’s roots are in the Roman Lupercalia, when young women would put their names on papers in a box for young men to draw as their partners. 6
10) Feb 14. V-Day, honoring Victory over Violence against women and girls. Performances of the original Vagina Monologues written by Eve Ensler performed in colleges and communities worldwide.
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11) Feb. 15, 1820 Birth of Susan B. Anthony, who in 1850 teamed with Elizabeth Cady Stanton to lead the movement for woman suffrage and women’s rights for the rest of their lives. Called the "Napoleon of the women’s rights movement," Susan B. went to trial for voting as a US "citizen" in 1872. Her last public words were "Failure is impossible." 12) Feb. 17, 1914 Birth of Julia De Burgos, Puerto Rican poet and journalist. 7
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13) Feb. 18 Festival of women as cultivators (Persian). 14) Feb. 18, 1934 Birth of poet and essayist Audre Lorde. 15) Feb. 20, 1805 Birth of abolitionist and writer Angelina Grimke Weld. 16) Feb. 21, 1936 Birth of Barbara Jordan, African American legislator, teacher, lover of the law. 17) Feb. 25, 1896 Birth of Ida Cox, jazz pioneer who wrote and sang "Wild Women Don't Get the Blues."
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18) Feb. 27, 1897 Birth of Marian Anderson, African American singer and humanitarian. 19) Feb. 28, 1797 Birth of Mary Lyon, founder in 1837 of Mt. Holyoke Female Seminary, the first women's college. 19
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Chrysalis Woman Additional 2010 Offerings (Information Packets Available for Each Offering, Email for more information) CONSULTATIONS Circle Guidance & Nurturing Holding Space for Growth and Healing These consultations provide the opportunity for women who attend the monthly circles to go deeper with whatever experiences arise during ceremony.
Blessing Way Ceremonies & Rites of Passage Maidens (Menarche) / Mothers (Pregnancy & Birth) / Crones (Menopause) It is time in our culture to re-sacralize the transformational cycles in a woman’s life. Consultations are available for those who seek guidance in remembering this wisdom and who desire help in creating a ceremony that honors the specific life passage. Facilitation of ceremonies also available. Cycle Wellness & Wisdom Physical Health / Body Ecology Awareness / Cycle Transformations Womb Wellness / Conception / Contraception Transformative Pregnancy & Empowering Birth Conscious Menstruation / Menopause Metamorphosis These consultations provide guidance through the cycle transformations experienced during Fertility, Pregnancy/Birth, Menstruation or Menopause. Recommendations are given to educate, empower, enhance vitality, creativity, assist direction, and ensure commitment to a personal process of growth and healing if health challenges are present. SEASONAL WISDOM & WELLNESS WORKSHOPS Fabulous Fermentations /Herbal Health / Seasonal Whole Foods These series of workshops are offered during each season, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Each has been created to be an evening full of herstorical information, hands on creation and sampling, sisterhood and a reclaiming of sacred and traditional food wisdom. CYCLE WISDOM & WELLNESS WORKSHOPS Conscious Conception / Sacred Sexuality / Empowered Birth Mindful Menstruation / Menopause Metamorphosis Each workshop is a full day of education, empowerment, celebration, remembrance, woman-craft, sisterhood and herbal wisdom.
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Chrysalis Woman 2010 Calendar FEBRUARY ~ The Waxing Season Begins Saturday 2/13 Chrysalis Woman Program Monday 2/15 Priestess Path Tuesday 2/16 Initiate Path Friday 2/19 Spring ~ Fabulous Fermentations Saturday 2/27 Goddess Circle
JULY ~ The Waning Season Begins Saturday 7/10 Chrysalis Woman Program Monday 7/12 Priestess Path Tuesday 7/13 Initiate Path Friday 7/16 Summer ~ Seasonal Whole Foods Saturday 7/24 Goddess Circle
MARCH Saturday 3/13 Monday 3/15 Tuesday 3/16 Friday 3/19 Saturday 3/27 Sunday 3/7
Chrysalis Woman Program Priestess Path Initiate Path Spring ~ Herbal Healing Goddess Circle Conscious Conception
AUGUST Saturday 8/7 Monday 8/9 Tuesday 8/10 Friday 8/13 Saturday 8/21
APRIL Saturday 4/10 Monday 4/12 Tuesday 4/13 Friday 4/16 Saturday 4/24 Sunday 4/4
Chrysalis Woman Program Priestess Path Initiate Path Spring ~ Seasonal Whole Foods Goddess Circle Breast Health
SEPTEMBER Saturday 9/11 Chrysalis Woman Program Monday 9/13 Priestess Path Tuesday 9/14 Initiate Path Friday 9/17 Fall ~ Herbal Healing Saturday 9/25 Goddess Circle Sunday 9/5 Mindful Menstruation
MAY Saturday 5/15 Monday 5/17 Tuesday 5/18 Friday 5/21 Saturday 5/29 Sunday 5/9
Chrysalis Woman Program Priestess Path Initiate Path Summer ~ Fabulous Fermentations Goddess Circle Sacred Sexuality
OCTOBER Saturday 10/9 Chrysalis Woman Program Monday 10/11 Priestess Path Tuesday 10/12 Initiate Path Friday 10/15 Fall ~ Seasonal Whole Foods Saturday 10/23Goddess Circle Sunday 10/3 Menopause Metamorphosis
JUNE Saturday 6/12 Monday 6/14 Tuesday 6/15 Friday 6/18 Saturday 6/26 Sunday 6/6
Chrysalis Woman Program Priestess Path Initiate Path Summer ~ Herbal Healing Goddess Circle Empowered Birth
Chrysalis Woman Program Priestess Path Initiate Path Fall/Winter ~ Fabulous Fermentations Goddess Circle
Chrysalis Woman enters the Womb of Winter to Rest (November ~ January) See you in 2011!
Times For Each Event:
Initiate Path (5-9pm) Priestess Path (5-9pm) Goddess Circles (7pm-10pm) Chrysalis Woman Program (10am-5pm) Cycle Wisdom & Wellness Workshops (10am-5pm) Seasonal Wisdom &Wellness Workshops (5pm-9pm) Work/Learn Farm days will be held on Sundays following Goddess Circles and will begin in April
Page 13
CYCLES
Volume 1, Issue 1
The Proprietress of Chrysalis Woman BACKGROUND & TRAINING
AYLA
HERBS
of Chrysalis Woman Dianic High Priestess, Community Herbalist Woman-Craft Practitioner
WHOLE FOOD WISDOM Over 12 years personal experience with herbs, medicine making and food wisdom including self led study and formal apprenticeships.
BIRTH/MIDWIFERY/ WOMAN-CRAFT Over 10 years experience attending birth as a Doula with intensive and advanced studies/apprenticeship in Homebirth Midwifery. Over 15 years of personal study in Woman’s Wisdom & Blood Mysteries.
Ayla has been facilitating sacred space for women to gather and learn about the Sacred Feminine and Feminist Theory off and on since 1998 and is completely devoted to helping women remember their Sacred Divinity through remembering HER story, experiencing ritual and honoring Women’s Sacred Cycle Wisdom. Currently, she guides women in the remembering and honoring the wisdom inherent in their sacred cycles of Fertility, Sexuality, Pregnancy & Birth, Menstruation and Menopause while teaching the importance of living in rhythm connected to Goddess, Earth, Moon and Womb. She leads monthly Women’s Circles, teaches Initiate and Priestess programs, creates organic, handcrafted Herbals for all of women’s sacred cycles and is the creatrix and publisher of CYCLES (an E-zine honoring the sacred cycles of Goddess, Earth & Self). Her future goals are:
GODDESS STUDIES/ DIANIC HIGH PRIESTESS Over 10 years cumulative experience facilitating learning Circles in the Sacred Feminine, Women’s Circles, Goddess Circles & Ritual.
To continue expanding her knowledge and experience in holistic Well Woman care as taught in the Wise Woman Way Personally, she loves growing flower/veggie & herb gardens, belly dancing, yoga, making medicine with the green allies, devours books, and continues to strive for a self sufficient, organic, cyclical and community oriented life. She is available to speak on a number of topics related to women’s health, wisdom and sacredness.
You can reach Ayla at chrysaliswoman@yahoo.com