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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Trees have long been a sacred symbol in many cultures. Ancient people all over the world celebrated the kinship of nature with humans, with trees representing creation tales and specific deities, as well as growth and knowledge. Trees symbolize many different things in religion and folklore, from the Tree of Life to the ancient Celtic calendar. Incorporating tree magick into your own spiritual practice is an easy way to connect with nature on a personal level.
Wheel of the Year and Tree Magick
If you follow the Wheel of the Year, you may opt to pay homage to certain trees during certain sabbats. Oak is associated with the bonfires of Litha during midsummer, while evergreen trees are popular at Yule. Rowan trees are associated with the Goddess Brigid who is celebrated at Imbolc, while Hawthorn trees are celebrated during Beltane. Apple trees bear fruit during the season of Mabon and Samhain. Both Ostara and Birch trees symbolize renewal. And as Lughnasdh represents the start of the abundant harvest season, it seems fitting to associate that sabbat with Pine and Maple, both of which are associated with abundance and prosperity.
In her book The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book, author Skye Alexander notes that as part of practicing tree magick, it’s important to ask the tree’s permission before cutting off a branch or twig. And afterwards you should thank the tree and leave an offering, such as composted fertilizer to help it renew.
The Meanings & Associations of Different Trees
Every tree is tethered to different beliefs and associations. Oaks are associated with strength and longevity, often used in ceremonial fires for the Wheel of the Year. While Elder trees are believed by some to be sacred and should never be burned. According to Judy Ann Nock in her book The Modern Witchcraft Book of Natural Magick Rowan trees are thought to hold all the secrets of the world, except the name of God.
Here are some common tree names and their associations:
Ash - associated with sacrifice, protection, strength and harmony
Apple - associated with immortality, beauty, happiness and security
Birch - associated with renewal, celasing, purification and protection
Cedar - associated with healing, protection and creativity
Elder - associated with birth, death and fairy folk
Fir - associated with birth, resurrection and honesty
Hazel - associated with divination, wisdom, luck, fertility and protection
Maple - associated with balance, practicality, love and abundance
Oak - associated with strength, power and longevity
Pine - associated with creativity, longevity, cleaning and prosperity
Rowan - associated with spirituality, protection and fairy folk
Willow - associated with healing, dreams and the underworld
Yew - associated with immortality, protection and death
Tree magick is still practiced today as part of spell work, sacred circles, religious rituals and individual spiritual paths. Trees can be used as an anchor for meditation, community celebrations, as ingredients in spell work, and as part of herbal remedies. Always remember to ask permission before cutting any part of tree and give thanks afterwards.
Do you have a favorite type of tree? Do you practice tree magic as part of your spiritual path? Share in the comments!
References & Recommended Reading
The Modern Witchcraft Book of Natural Magick by Judy Ann Nock
The Modern Guide to Witchcraft by Skye Alexander
The Modern Witchcraft Spell Book by Skye Alexander
Celtic Tree Months Article: https://www.learnreligions.com/celtic-tree-months-2562403
Trees & Paganism Article: https://arboriculture.wordpress.com/2016/10/16/trees-and-religion-paganism/
Trees & World Religions Article: https://arboriculture.wordpress.com/2016/12/17/trees-and-religion-worldwide-indigenous-religions/
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