After calling in the directions to create sacred space in the circle, Kelly led us in a seated meditation where, with outstretched legs, we swung our feet from side to side so that it opened our hips more. After some quiet inward meditation, we sang the song, “The Earth, The Water, The Fire,The Air.” It was a good way to remember our elements!
Each woman brought a single flower for the altar to reflect Aphrodite’s beauty. And the altar sure did look beautiful!
For activities to invoke and celebrate Aphrodite, we focused on experiencing each of our senses. For hearing, Kelly gonged her crystal bowl. It was so powerful, I could feel the sound waves traveling right through my body! Not only was it an exquisite sound, it touched on the feeling sense, too. We passed around different essential oils to smell, then we passed around special elixirs to taste: one was a chocolate flavor called “Passion,” and one was called “Aphrodite’s Syrup.” Both made by Terra Firma Botanicals, they were yummy and quite interesting. Finally we gave each other hand massages for the sense of touch.
The direction South is associated with the element fire and qualities such as passion, spontaneity and creativity – all very Aphrodite like. A woman in the circle surprised and delighted us with an exquisite, special Buddhist dance that reflected the beauty of Aphrodite with intentional, holy, soft and fluid moves. The dance and spontaneity itself seemed to go right with the Aphrodite theme.
For sharing, we went around the circle recounting the stories of our very first experience of mutual, intense attraction. It seemed to have stirred up all sorts of emotions and lots of giggles.
We had our first menarche maiden to celebrate and honor! She sat in the circle and we showered her with blessings and gifts. It was sweet and I think she really enjoyed it.
Tracy and Kelli from Glad Rags joined in and gifted us with beautiful reusable cloth panty liners!
Evolution of our Red Tent Events:
The ceremony was so full that it lasted an hour and a half. I received feedback that it was too long. With 27 women and 2 minutes of sharing per person, that’s an hour right there. A solution has been proposed that only those of us who really want to share during the sharing part would do so. That would definitely cut some time! I’m also going to have women with services to offer set up at the beginning of the evening as well as the end. Some women can’t stay past the circle and miss out.
The June Red Tent will be on the 27th in SomaSpace and we’ll be honoring another goddess. Can you guess who it will be? Here’s a hint: she’s fierce and independent. Hope to see you there!