The light was really beautiful this morning. Gold sunlight sneaked across the sky underneath a bluish grey overcast. Fantastic!
Am I a new age person? God, I hope not. I think of new agers as airy and fairy, non-substantial, floating around for eternity in puffy clouds of white light, innocent, stars in eyes. You know, clueless. During my years as a witch, I seized every possible chance to belittle the new agers. I was proud to be dark and "powerful." Strange to think back on that point of view now.
Truth is, these days I use white light upon occasion, I'll admit it. I wrap my heart, or my entire being, in a column of white light sometimes. The experience is protective, soothing and cooling, especially to the heart. It's a new age technique that works well for me. More evidence: I use crystals for healing, believe in the power of positive thinking and affirmations. I even believe in Atlantis. Who am I, and what has become of the old Reya?
Ever since I found out about a Reiki Master attunement class that will be held within the circle of stones at Stonehenge, just before summer solstice this year, I have been shamelessly lusting after the experience, mouth watering like the biggest new age geek you've ever seen. Embarrassing but true. If only I had $3,000 sitting in my bank account, and had nothing better to do with that money, I'd sign up in a flat second, even though I'm already a Reiki Master. The experience would be SO new age! For heaven's sake.
Though no longer dark and witchy, and no longer thinking I need to be "powerful" (whatever that meant to me - can't remember now), I still cling in some way to the idea that dark is more hip than light when it comes to the path of the spirit.
Probably a good thing I don't have the $3,000. I guess.
Face of the sundial on the south lawn of the Smithsonian Castle.
26 comments:
Just "heard" Coffee Messiah's voice in my ear, reminding me that labels are just labels and don't mean a thing. Thanks, C.M. Thanks!
Jake is such a lucky dog. He gets to go out early early in the mornings.
Reya, I had the thought that I'll miss your beautiful bare tree photos in just a few months. The one today has lovely highlights from the sun. The sun dial photo is one of my favorites that you have posted.
Reiki... I've gone searching for information on the web & signed up for newsletters. I've wondered about its origins.
Cheryl
Oooh, I'm glad you got that morning light--we had it here yesterday--gilded, blue-grey and just a hint of pink. Definitely fantastic.
I know just what you mean about "new age person-hood." A movement or a group has a set of beliefs, opinions, etc. You can share all of those, and yet still feel like you're not part of the group. There's a flavor, or an attitude, or "something" that's just not you, that you may not even like or approve of.
That's the story of my life, and it's a perfectly good story. I'm an outlying point in any statistical distribution. The great thing about that is the view you get from outside. Maybe you're an outlie-er too?
Getting to walk inside the Stonehenge circle would be cause enough to drool. If you ever have the chance, though, go to Avesbury, where they've built the town and the road right inside and next to the stone circle. The Romans, the Saxons, the Normans, etc have all messed with it, and people live their lives in the middle of it. I found it in some way more amazing than Stonehenge, although I can't explain it.
The golden light is gorgeous and you captured it so well! You’ve brightened up my grey morning, thanks.
If it makes you feel better, I’ve driven past Stonehenge several times in heavy traffic and that ruined the spiritual experience. It just feels too touristy to stop. You are better off imagining it.
Just this morning I thought the slant of light looked different outside, a little brighter with Spring nearing. Your top photo and comment about the light are on the same wavelength.
I had a friend who studied with a Reiki Master in NY before coming back to Ca before I left. There's something to it, to be sure. Sadly she died (lead poisoning from making stained glass)before she could establish her own work.
Hey, Thanks, labels are no good in human interaction, only on food stuffs and such!
Cheers!
what amazing light through those branches... perfect golden light for walks with golden puppy jake! i'm a great believer in light.. :)
Dear dear Reya, are you comtemplating a bit too much this morning? Perhaps another cup of coffee will help clear the clouds?
Set your face to the sun if you can find it. All is well.
Reya, thank you for your step-by-step directions in how to capture mid-day reflections; I can't wait to try it out.
The sun dial is gorgeous; I feel especially qualified to say this since I have a sun dial in my backyard and I've tried and tried to photograph it. It always ends up looking washed out. I've even tried adding texture. It's fun trying though - one day!
I am now addicted to lovely tree photos, thanks to you!
Great shots today! Love the sundial especially.
I sometimes say "may the white light surround and protect me so that no evil may enter, only exit" followed by a visualization of this image. My reiki teacher taught it to me but I never associated it with being new age or anything else. Who knew? But I always do this when taking a flight, as I will be doing next Saturday. So far, so good. :)
Reiki is amazing and powerful. I use it every single day.
And I am truly a standing stones Geek, (capital G on purpose), Sarah. I've been there several times, stood on the perimeter with the rest of the tourists, and yearned with all my heart to touch those stones. The combination of the stones and the Reiki sounds fantastic to me.
I wasn't brooding, actually. Was trying to be funny (not exactly successfully!)
The "wind" on the sundial seems to be blowing a hole in the clouds for the sun to highlight the bifurcations of the tree. Mother nature has a golden-light highlighter. Marvelous!
There is only one spiritual path. Sometimes it is light, sometime, it is dark. Some find the humor, some find the serious. Some find the power in serenity, some find the serenity in the power. It is the chance to float in the ever changing stream, opening to the balance that comes from experiencing all sides spirit that I find exhilirating. Oh, the rush! It is a pleasure to walk with you all.
I found my spiritual path many years ago, but find that I still need a tune-up on occasion. In fact, I'm working on that right now. New books, more meditation, flexing those whirling, healing, balls of light (especially in my throat area.) I hope you find the $3000!
Speaking of stones - have you every read any of the "Outlander" series?
And your tree could be the sun bleached dreadlocks of the contemporary new agers In my country.
Reya, I truly hope the winds blow you where you need to go. Maybe that's Stonehenge; maybe not.
I'm an outlying point in any statistical distribution.
Rebecca, thank you SO much for this. Oh yeah, so am I, sister. So am I!
And yes I've been to Avebury several times. The last time I was there, we stayed at the inn next to the pub where we initiated one of our British friends, at night, in the circle, under the stars. It was fabulous.
Ronda you are SO RIGHT! Thank you thank you thank you!!
Cheryl/Lizzie - Spring pics are different than the empty trees, but they're really beautiful images, too. This city is gorgeous all year 'round.
Hi Reya,
I just want to thank you for always helping me with my blog questions.
I think I just got my first award, A SCHARF Award, for being "An easily read Web Log". I'm not sure what kind this is, but I guess this means that I am improving, now if I could ever figure out how to do the pictures, that would be great.
Anyway I just wanted to thank you, you are my main inspiration in my 'Blog Journey'.
Please tell me if you find the funds to fulfill your new-age druidic experience. I live less than an hour from Stonehenge!
(The witch detail that you dropped in made my curiousity twitch. Have you talked about this in earlier posts?)
well dark has always been more hip than white
ever heard of a little white dress
ever heard, 'that hip white guy'
'let's go out when it is light'
i'll pledge $25 to the
Reya trip
love and more love
wow, i have no idea who mark is
perhaps a conditional identity?
Constriction and expansion are also interesting opposites to work with.
Reya, It seems you've evolved from one state into another, more expansive one, where there aren't so many rules and rituals- but there are so many more possibilities. It is your canvas to paint! Follow your longings, they may lead you where you need to go.
I love the post and the photos. No wonder you are so good at capturing light!
Post a Comment