The Path of the Ceremonial Arts Welcomes You

By Christie Golden

So you’ve kept your ears and heart open, and you’ve heard the summons. You are drawn to walk the path of the Priestess. It’s a sacred calling and a noble ideal. You understand that it will entail sacrifice, dedication and hard work. But just how do you go about it in the hectic world of the twenty-first century?

The ancient priestesses certainly had their own challenges, but in a way, they had it a bit easier. They didn’t have to find time and space to be sacred amid the automobile horns blaring, the chirpy voice announcing “You’ve got mail,” the drone of the television, the ring of the phone…

Are you feeling a bit stressed reading that? Imagine what’s happening when you’re living it.

The Path of the Ceremonial Arts, PCA for short, hosted by All Seasons Chalice, is a well of calm in a chaotic world. It asks of those women who make the commitment to be present for nine weekend days out of the year, and to keep working outside of formal gatherings. It will instruct, advise, nourish, shelter, and challenge those who feel called to this path. But the Goddess doesn’t just hang out at StarHouse, though I’m sure it’s a favorite spot with Her. She’s out in the world, right here with us. The trick is to remember that, seek Her, and remember Her ideals. A simple way of reconnecting on a daily basis is to remind yourself of one of the great trinities: the union of Body, Mind and Spirit.

Body

I could write an entire book on the issues women face when they deal with their bodies. Many others have. Women in our society have been brought up to hate their bodies, view them as a tool to get ahead in the world, and used them to “catch a husband.” All these are deep and primal violations of the great gift we’ve been given. Our bodies are the instruments with which we perceive the world. You may have deep issues that you need help resolving; if so, please don’t hesitate to seek professional help from a compassionate counselor. But on your own, there’s a lot you can do.

Be in your body. Start becoming more aware of your senses. Begin to notice the sights, sounds, tastes, smells, and physical sensations you experience every day, and start to honor them. Experiment with various essential oils until you find something that cheers you. Chuck the polyester and scratchy, poorly-fitting clothes and invest in one or two luscious, silky, satiny, fuzzy items, or a soothing, high-quality lotion. Pay attention to the colors of everything around you. Treat yourself to music you really enjoy, not just what you’re used to. Eat healthy, delicious, nutritious foods. One of the things we joke about at PCA is how fantastic the meals we prepare for each other are. Whole grains, artesen cheeses, fresh, seasonal, organic fruits and vegetables. Herbs and spices and fruity olive oils. Excuse me, I think I need to wipe the drool off my keyboard….

In all seriousness, although it’s become a cliché, your body IS a temple. Start treating it like one and watch what happens.

Mind

Another old saw is, “knowledge is power.” It truly is. Building on the above, start educating yourself as to where what you consume comes from. Ever wonder why sometimes you get a headache from fancy perfumes? Many artificial ingredients go into some of them. Pure essential oils are the best and have physical benefits as well. Buy organic where you can, from local farmers if possible. For us carnivores, we can educate ourselves about which companies practice humane treatment of the animals whose flesh nourishes us, and be aware of that sacrifice every time we choose to eat meat. Even coffee drinkers can contribute to the world, by purchasing coffee that is fair trade or helps provide shade for native songbirds (it’s usually tastier too!).

If you are drawn to a particular divinity or culture, say Ireland ’s Brigit or Egypt ’s Isis, begin to research Her and Her mythos. Go to the sources where possible rather than others’ interpretations.

Spirit

I could talk here about mediation, constructing altars, and other wonderful, soul-enriching things, but that’s not what this article is about. This is about being a priestess out in the world, in your everyday life—at the dentist, at the grocery store, at work.

Be aware that even if it seems like that coworker is the spawn of Satan, she really isn’t. She’s a spirit in a human body, just like you, and deserves to be honored for that. That doesn’t mean that we turn a blind eye to rude, cruel or improper behavior, just that we need to approach it from a place of understanding. That guy steal your parking place? Try to wonder why he feels so competitive, and be grateful for the extra walk and the chance to exercise. That woman yell at you? What’s going on in her life that made her so angry? There’s a wonderful poem by Edward Arlington Robinson called “Richard Corey” that describes a wealthy, handsome, pleasant man about town that everyone passionately envies…who, one night, “puts a bullet through his head.” We cannot possibly know what is going on inside the mind and hearts of others. Always do your best to be compassionate. You don’t know how desperately someone might need a kind word or deed, and it blesses you in return (and keeps your blood pressure low).

Look for opportunities. Let that haggard-looking woman who only has three items step ahead of you in line at the grocery store. Hold the door open for someone. Give a sincere compliment every time it occurs to you, and watch Spirit at work.

Be aware that once you start to embrace being a Priestess 24/7, others will respond to your radiance. This is a double opportunity—both to help others in need who are drawn to you and a chance to examine your personal boundaries. You cannot give away what you do not have. When you are feeling over-extended, pull back. Learn to say “no” gracefully. To be fully in the world as a whole, vibrant, contributing priestess, you must make sure that you nourish yourself body, mind and spirit.

Keep these three aspects of yourself in mind when you are venturing out into the world. You won’t be perfect—no one is! That’s the glory of being human. But understanding that you always have a choice to call on your Priestess self might make being human in the world a more joyful, healing experience.

Namaste!