I have been walking this path of the Womb Priestess or Shamanessa for the past 3 or so years and have been initiated into the mystery of the womb elements. The Circle and the Medicine Wheel is an ancient symbol representing the forces of creation that humans carry and embody. It is also a map of the Womb. The elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water spiral around leading into the center point of the womb~ which interestingly is the center of gravity for women and a very sacred important site in the body temple. In some traditions this center point is known as the "void" or the experience of emptiness but it also has a full, fertile and playful quality to it.
As a child is conceived and woven into being it goes through developmental stages which can be paralleled to each of the womb elements. Beginning with Air on to Water then Fire and finally Earth the child grows and prepares to be born. Each of us comes into the world with one or two elements that is stronger than the others and it is part of our life work to balance these elements within us.
As I have journeyed on this path of love and mystery I have "shape-shifted" as shamans call it into different animals. For me the experience is utterly fascinating and exhilirating. I am still me in my body with my consciousness yet part of me opens fully to be and one with certain animals and receive pieces of the wisdom that is unique to them. My genetic code opens to the genetic code of this animal and this deep multidimensional aspect of myself is unlocked. The animals and guides that have been the most intense and strongest connections for me have been that of the red-tailed hawk, the hummingbird, the butterfly and the snake. My strongest elements that call out to be balanced in me are that of Air and of Fire and at times my energy is like a raging wild fire desperately yearning for the blessing of life giving water and grounding solid Earth to rest upon.
The journey has been rich and rewarding and honoring the guides that have come to me through art has brought a new depth and appreciation for this spiral path of Womb Awakening. This is my Womb Medicine Wheel that represent my journey over the years studying with the feminine mystery school known as The Fountain of Life. You can find more information about the courses they offer at thefountainoflife.org. The co-founders are releasing a book called Womb Awakening in august which will delve into much, much more of the herstorical context of the Womb Mapping and the Womb Medicine Wheel.
Each animal has connected with me in a different way, sometimes they show up in real life with a message and other times it is through shamanic journeying or in dreams. They have taught me so much about how to actualize the vision and dreams that live inside of me and want to grow and expand out into the world. The flower in the middle is a Tiger Lilly and has important meaning to me. The flower represents the sacred pathway into the womb through the flower of the Yoni or Vulva. The little prayer flag above is in Greek and it translates to "Know Thyself" which was inscribed in the temples of Delphi which were at one time devoted to the feminine mystery.
There is still so much to learn and explore on this beautiful spiral path. I would love for you to join me in this exploration of the feminine mystery.