I put many things on the back-burner after having my daughter. Attending drum circles at the Kripalu Yoga and Wellness Center was one such thing because it’s meant for adults. The purpose of their monthly circles is to trance, and most of us know that kids do not mix well with that practice. My husband graciously offered to keep our little one busy while I headed to the drumming I had been craving for months.
The circle always starts with prayers and offerings. The style is determined by the facilitator who often looks to lore surrounding the seasons and full moon. He then leads a guided meditation which may or may not help participants find a focus for the drumming. Mine centered around horse imagery. A horse approached me and told me that it’s time to reclaim my Sagittarius nature; I need to get out there and have the adventures my soul needs to stay happy. Drum circle is something I’ve been wanting to get back to, and it’s something that allows me to have adventures of spirit and mind.
Although I have tried to revamp my trance practice, and I do engage with different techniques on my own, it seems that something always interrupts my routine. I’m hoping that I can continue to attend monthly drum circles to reinvigorate my momentum and share with like-minded people. It will feed my Sagittarius soul.
To further drive home the horse energy, drumming brought out an unexpected visitor in the form of Macha. I found myself on her, riding her through a verdant field. I remember the tops of grass whipping against my legs and the wind in my hair. I typically do not work with goddesses associated with war. I’ve done some work with An Morrigan in the past when facing difficult situations, but my closest divine relationship is with Brighid and, in particular, her domestic and artistic sides. My experience with Macha was one of physical power. She took me for a ride and I got a sense that I would need such strength soon. She is a goddess you do not mess with or else she will curse you. She is associated with the land of my ancestors from County Armagh. I need to pull my books out and learn more.
I will have to contemplate her visit and what it means for me. Based on what I see from other peoples’ visions and dreams lately, I think many of us need to call on our inner warriors to stay strong in times of difficulty.
Author M. A. Phillips 