Lorri@Mabon_House 6/30/23 Lorri@Mabon_House 6/30/23

Connecting With My Inner Maiden

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In the Triple Goddess tradition of the Maiden Mother Crone, the Maiden represents youth, vitality, and new beginnings. She is typically associated with Springtime, and its season of renewal and rebirth. But what does this archetype mean for women of all ages? How can we tap into our own Maiden spirit at any stage of life?

The Maiden and Springtime

The Maiden is often depicted as a young woman, full of energy, enthusiasm, and curiosity. She is associated with the element of air, which represents the mind and the intellect, as well as with the season of spring, when the world is bursting with new life and growth. For younger women, this may feel like a very normal part of life. The world is your oyster and full of possibilities.

As we age though, our inner Maiden may show up less and less. Life’s hardships and the realities of adulthood and motherhood can dim the Maiden’s light. But the thing is, our Inner Maiden is always with us. She is that voice in your head whispering “What if…what if you try…what if you take a risk…what if you do-the-thing-that-scares-you?” She is what makes us curious and brave. She is the intuitive nudge, the voice encouraging you to explore different ideas, places, relationships.

Giving Your Inner Maiden Space

As we get older, it can be easy to fall into familiar patterns and routines. This was certainly the case with me for many years. I felt like I was stuck on autopilot, set in my own ways and resistant to change. And as an introvert, it doesn’t take much for me to just opt out, rather than going out and seeing people, visiting places or trying new experiences. As we’ve begun the return to pre pandemic levels of socialization and I’ve ventured back out into the world through my day job, I realized just how isolated I’d become and how, for the past few years (probably longer, if I’m being honest) the main focus of my attention has been on problem solving and mitigating risks. By allowing my Inner Maiden to have space, I was able to slowly open myself up once again and embrace the unknown and explore new experiences.

I often notice that my Inner Maiden pipes up at the most random times. I am a creative person by nature. I’ve always been able to keep myself occupied by writing and storytelling. I love to research topics and then write about them in my own fashion. I also tend to hyperfixate on ideas once they pop into my head. This is both a blessing and a curse. As much as I love a deep dive into a topic or idea, it almost always leaves me feeling really anxious. I feel like I have to get super organized before I can write (this is a thinly disguised excuse for a new notebook or binder); I need to know more about a topic before I can create a printable or a blog post; I have to create an absolute masterpiece or I’m a failure. For a really long time this all-or-nothing thinking kept me from following through on ideas and dreams. I’d start a project and then talk myself out of it, because, if it isn’t going to change the world or make me a million dollars, what is even the point? No, it’s better I just focus on sensible endeavors like my day job and leave the creative fun up to people who have more time, more money, more resources, more-whatever.

But then…my Inner Maiden - often I think of her as my Muse - will show up and remind me that the only thing standing between me and my ideal creative life is my current way of thinking. She points out all the other creative women I look up to and reminds me that they have once stood in the same place as me.

The Maiden & MIddle Age

Even though we associate the Maiden Archetype with youth, I find my Inner Maiden shows up a lot more now that I am in Middle-Aged. I think there are many reasons for this. When I was a kid, I was responsible for looking after my little brother - my mom worked nights and it was often just me and my brother hanging out during the daytime, while she slept. And I was 19 when I had my first child, so I was a mother figure from a pretty early age and then an actual mother right at the start of my adulthood. There wasn’t much room for adventure or curiosity when you are responsible for a tiny human. So many of the key qualities of the Maiden, including her sense of adventure and curiosity were not really part of my own experience when I was younger.

I’d say that my Inner Maiden has showed up more in the past 12 months than the past 12 years combined. Now that I am on the edge of an empty nest, I finally have the time to do things just for myself. I can afford to indulge my curiosities and adventures. Like many women in midlife and beyond, this spirit of adventure has proven to be a powerful tool for personal growth and transformation.

A Reminder to Have Fun

Another important quality of the Maiden is her sense of playfulness and joy. She finds pleasure in simple things, and is able to approach life with a sense of lightness and ease. Again, I am not sure if this is the case for every woman in midlife, but I find myself thinking about all the things I used to do as a kid that made me happy. Things like roller skating, buying cool clothes, or just laying in the grass talking with my best friend. While I haven’t worked up the courage to try roller skating (I need to get some elbow and knee pads, stat) I have spent more time with the people who bring me joy, just talking and laughing and reminiscing. I’ve also begun changing up my personal style to reflect clothes I enjoy versus clothing that makes me look thinner or more professional.

The Maiden archetype is not just relevant to young women - it is a powerful symbol that can inspire and guide women of all ages. As we get older, we may feel burdened by responsibilities and obligations. We may feel like we have lost touch with the simple pleasures of life. By tapping into our Maiden spirit, we can embrace adventure, joy, creativity, and intellectual curiosity, and continue to grow and evolve throughout our lives. So embrace your inner Maiden, and allow her energy to infuse your life with a sense of vitality and possibility.

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Lorri@Mabon_House 6/1/23 Lorri@Mabon_House 6/1/23

Celebrating Your Divine Feminine

As we move toward the beginning of Summer, it is a good time for celebrating the fertility and abundance of the earth. It’s also an opportunity for women to celebrate their own divine feminine power through connection to self, nature and community. For myself, I am especially keen on how to connect with my inner goddess as I move from Mother to Crone. As I’ve mentioned before on this blog, I find this time in my life to be one of the most interesting and exciting season to be in.

Yes, I am getting older and new problems and concerns are popping up (hello Perimenopause). But overall this season of my life is one for the most enjoyable so far. I have more time for my own endeavors. I have more money to spend on myself. I feel beautiful in a way that my younger, more conventionally-attractive-self never felt. And I am slowly learning what it means to really take care of my body, mind and soul.

I think that no matter what season of life we are in, it’s important to stay connected with ourselves and the world around us. So here are some ideas that are designed to be easy and free, to help you celebrate high Spring and connect your divine feminine power.

Connect with nature

The season of Litha is a time when the natural world is bursting with new life and energy, so it's a great time to connect with nature and soak up some of that vibrant energy. You might take a walk in the woods, sit in a garden or park, or spend some time by a stream or river. As you do, try to be fully present and mindful, taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells around you. Longtime Mabon House Newsletter subscribers know that I typically start all of my Mabon House letters with an update on the weather and the state of my gardens. This isn’t just because I’m a Mainer and we love talking about the weather. Incorporating what I see, hear, and experience in nature is one of the ways I connect with the world around me. Being outside brings me peace, provides inspiration and fills with me joy. And sharing this with others is a way that I connect with my community.

Create a sacred space

Creating a sacred space is a powerful way to honor the divine and connect with your own inner goddess. You might set up an altar with candles, crystals, and other sacred objects, or create a special outdoor space for meditation or ritual. As you do, think about the intentions and desires you want to manifest in your life and focus on them with intention and purpose.

I don’t usually put up an altar as a sacred space, but rather I like to keep the common areas in my home tidy and beautiful. This typically includes my kitchen, dining space, living room and winter sitting room. Over the years I’ve developed my own cleaning ritual (for lack of a better word) that I will do once or twice a month. This ritual includes: I only clean when I am home alone; sometimes there is music involved, but often it is just me and my thoughts; if weather permits, I open all the windows to let the negative energy out; I add/change/remove furniture and décor with each season. And then once I am done, I sit and enjoy the space with a cup of tea. There is something about a freshly cleaned space that makes me feel grounded and energized at the same time.

Connect with your body

As women our bodies go through many changes and challenges, and it's important to connect with and honor our physical selves. You might take a yoga or dance class, go for a hike or bike ride, or simply spend some time stretching and breathing. As you do, focus on your body and how it feels in the moment, celebrating its strength and resilience.

I am not someone who is naturally inclined to exercise, so any physical activity I do needs to be something that I enjoy, such as walking or yoga. I’ve recently started lifting weights because I was just feeling really weak and I thought it would be good for some back issues I’ve been dealing with. Plus, I figured why not try something different? And you know what I’ve discovered? I am actually able to connect with my body far more lifting weights that anything else I’ve tried thus far. During yoga, I’m often just going through the motions, wishing it was done and/or ruminating. When lifting weights my mind is completely focused on form and breathing and counting the reps. Will I be all jacked and stacked for summer? Absolutely not.

*side note - I am not a medical or fitness professional. This is just my experience. Please don’t start any new exercise routines without first consulting your own health care provider.

Celebrate your sensuality

Beltane is a celebration of fertility and sensuality, and it's a wonderful opportunity for women in to embrace their own sensual power. You might wear something that makes you feel beautiful and confident, or indulge in a sensual activity like a massage or a bath. As you do, focus on the pleasure and joy that comes from embracing your sensuality. A lot can be said for treating yourself to a new bra and underwear set. That’s all I’m going to say on this one. ;)

Connect with other women

Connecting with other women is a powerful way to celebrate your divine feminine power and build a sense of community and support. You might organize a Beltane ritual or celebration with other women in your community, or simply spend time with close friends, sharing stories and experiences. As you do, think about the ways in which your own experiences and challenges are shared by other women, and celebrate the power and resilience of the sisterhood. I keep a very small circle of close friends. But we have seen one another through all the ups and downs of life, from becoming mothers, to divorce, to deaths of loved ones. We celebrate and commiserate together and find strength from one another.

Honor your ancestors

Beltane is a time when we honor the ancestors and those who came before us, and it's a wonderful opportunity for women to connect with their own ancestral roots. You might create an ancestral altar with photos or other objects that remind you of your ancestors, or simply spend some time reflecting on their lives and the gifts they have passed down to you.

For some of you, looking back on your family tree may not be an option, or there may be generational trauma that makes it difficult to celebrate where you come from. That was kind of the case for me. When I dug into my family tree, what I found was a lot of women mired in huge families (8-9+ children) with no money, abusive husbands and many of them dying young from things like tuberculosis. And because I do not buy into the patriarchal view that there is nobility in poverty or that the good die young, my family tree just made me kind of sad. It just seemed so full of wasted potential. I think the word ancestor can conjure up images of mythical people from long ago, whose genes we just happen to carry. But the reality is that the women who came before us were regular humans just like us. They had their own mixed bag of experiences. I appreciate all of my great grandmothers and beyond - they are literally the reason I am here. So to honor them, I try to live the life that they - and ALL women- deserved.

Embrace your creativity

Summertime is a time of abundance and creativity, and it's a wonderful opportunity for women to embrace their own creative power. You might try a new art form or craft, write a poem or song, or simply spend some time in nature, letting your imagination run wild. As you do, celebrate the power and beauty of your own unique creativity, and honor the gifts you have to offer the world. Read more about tapping into your own creativity here.

The season of Litha is a powerful time of year for women to celebrate their own divine feminine power and connect with the natural world. By embracing our sensuality, creativity, and connection with others, we can honor the ancestors and the gifts they have passed down to us, while also looking forward to the abundance and joy that lies ahead.

How do you like to connect with your inner goddess?

Embracing the Crone: Navigating the Next Stage of Life

As we journey through life, we pass through different stages, each with its unique challenges and opportunities. From the excitement of youth to the responsibilities of parenthood, and eventually, to the quieter years of maturity, life is a never-ending journey of growth and transformation.

For many women, the transition from active parenting to the next phase of life can be challenging. After years of putting the needs of our children first, we may feel unsure about who we are and what our purpose is now that they are grown and independent. We may feel a sense of loss or grief as we let go of our role as full-time mothers, and wonder what comes next.

But the transition to from the Mother to the Crone is also a time of great opportunity. It's a chance to rediscover ourselves, to reconnect with our passions and dreams, and to embrace the wisdom and experience that comes with age.

For many women, this transition is marked by perimenopause, a time of hormonal changes that can bring physical discomfort and emotional upheaval. But despite the challenges, it's also a time of tremendous growth and transformation.

Embracing the transition to the Crone phase of life means embracing wisdom, learning to be quiet, and really listening for a change. It means letting go of the lifetime of accumulated emotional baggage, of societal expectations, of parenting responsibilities, of pleasing people out of habit, and of always finding fault with ourselves.

It means slowing down, really looking at the world around us, and discovering who we are now that our children are grown. It means embracing the softness and strength that comes with age, and stepping into our power as wise, experienced women.

So if you're feeling uncertain about the next phase of life, know that you're not alone. Embrace the transition, and allow yourself to grow and evolve into the next version of yourself. The Crone phase of life is a time of tremendous opportunity, and with the right mindset and attitude, it can be the most fulfilling phase yet.