The Mississippi River was calling me and this is the place. This is a little backwater and the thin strip you see beyond is the main channel.
I applied a temporary tattoo to get ready for the ritual. "Head up, wings out."
The river called to me to do my claiming sacred creativity and committing to her/me. I found a place that was dappled in sunlight yet under some trees on the back waters of the Mississippi River on May 6, 2021. It called to me: this is your place.
I took out of my pack a dress to do ritual and a butterfly cape to wear. When I looked down beside me, there was a skull—a deer had been here a long time ago and only her skull was partly showing out of the leaves. The skull looked peaceful and like a good sign that I was in the right place.
I laid out a colorful cloth that I’d made many moons ago that said, “Art is the Way.” On the cloth I put a candle, a taro deck a small journal to write or draw or paint. Some paints.
I called in my guides and ancestors: my mother, grandmother and all who loved me to be with me and guide this sacred time. Then I called in the power of the four directions. I wrote my intention for the ritual and then let it go with burning—laying aside the leaves to make a small fire—not too big because it had been quite dry and I wanted to honor the space and not harm it with an out of control fire.
I breathed in the beauty of the place. Several fish jumped to let me know they were present. I painted a scene about the trees that were being witness.
I pulled the card the “Three of Pipes.”
“It is time to await opportunity expectantly or wander seeking pieces of the dream.
“You may have periods of melancholy due to the intense uncertainty in your life right now. Flow with them. Watch them pass.
We (Spirit and you) will reach fulfillment on the path Creator has laid before you. Trust enough to take the first step Let yourself be guided by dreams and visions.
Look for signs.
Trust you Inner Response
Follow that wish calls you to the deepest level; respond to that which creates all-engrossing enthusiasm.
Let the Universe lead.”
I left an offering of a rock with a heart I painted on it.
I danced and sang by the river.
And as I closed and thanked the directions I gathered my things. My first step out of the ritual was with Intention. That step felt as light as a bird taking flight. I was on my way.
