By Jan Beaver & Doug Mannen (CCSS collective circle members)
The sweet water sap is the lifeblood of the tree; it is what Mother Earth has sent to reawaken Inaatig, the maple trees, after a long winter's sleep. It begins to flow with the heat of each day, during spring, and continues until there are no more fluctuations; the sap has gathered with the buds and will stay.
Just as the Mother's milk is full of the most important nutrients for her newborn, the tree has veins which are filling and transporting the same most important nutrients to her most important parts of the tree - her buds. The buds hold all the future and they are now ripe with fulfillment. The flow of water upwards throughout the tree is a sign of the powerful feminine flow towards the masculine, drawn from the heat from the sun.
When we drink from the water of the newly awakened tree, we are drinking of the lifeblood of the tree, thereby sharing all that Mother Earth has to offer to her children. It is a gift to humanity to assist in cleansing, purifying and thinning the blood which has become thick and sluggish during the long dark winter. Sweet water helps us to prepare for our spring fast, when we go out on the land to be with our Mother Earth to seek visions and strengthen our spirit connection with all of Creation. We are one with Mother Earth's flow of life.
Home Practice
Gather some maple water or syrup to take with you as you go outside to where there is water flowing through or near the trees. Ask a tree's permission to merge with it and anchor into the earth through it's roots. Taste your maple water/syrup, and offer it to the land and water. Open all your senses to the experience of the flowing water. What is flow? What does it mean to be grounded and anchored in the flow?
As you engage with the flowing water, journey into your heart flow waters within. Invite these waters to flow into the stagnant places of your body that are welcoming movement and spring awakening.
Where in your life are you being invited to flow? How are you being called to cleanse and nourish yourself with the sweet waters of life?
The River She Is Flowing
As circle members of the Heart Flow of Shamanism Training gathered on April 11-13th, they joined spirit voices and hearts to sing "The River She Is Flowing". Click the image below to listen and sing along to this song!
photo by Debbie Hampton
Upcoming
Floral heart by Anna Deegan
Heart Growth of Shamanism
Summer/South Training: July 11-13, 2014
In these times of great change and
growth it is vital to ask, "How
will I be supported as I step
out into the world with an open and ever-expanding heart?"
The CCSS shamanic circle has established a healthy vibrant
community, that includes an
extended learning environment
supported through our dreams and
journeys. On your shamanic path you will be mentored and guided by
fellow circle members who are living their extraordinary life.
Program Theme: We honour the season of growth, while daydreaming outdoors, traveling through all our senses, merging with creation.
▪ $595 ▪ Save 15% if register by May 30th with code: earlybirdccss ▪ Follow link to "Book it now" or, call 1-888-383-8320
For financial assistance ask about our CCSS Affinity Program, and how to create a personalized payment plan just for you!
The ice is melting
Melting the Ice in the Heart of Man
Retreat: September 12-14, 2014
With Angaangaq Angakkorsuaq:
Elder, Healer, Shaman from Greenland
The Story of Spring:
When the sun returns and begins her battle with the darkness of winter, her powerfully and beautiful warmth begins to melt the snow and ice, drop by drop. It is as though the frozen tears of Mother Earth have been released…I pray that you will be better prepared than I ever was to melt the ice in the heart of man, because as your Great-Great Grandmother would say – if we do not do so, the time of summer will be no more… ~ Uncle
