Unflinching Prayer

I have allowed myself to sink into the story of Medusa, which is the myth we will be Working at this year’s SpiralHeart Witchcamp. It tells a tale of shame, betrayal, seclusion, authenticity, acceptance and sacrifice. (Feel free to read the whole story here.)

So often we are told stories of heroes. These (often male) protagonists answer the call to adventure, slay the demons, get the girl and score a kingdom. But this time, the monster is the hero. She is grotesque. Her eyes are lethal. Onlookers fear Her, but the darkness of her nature is powerful. And that’s exactly where the truth lies in this myth: where there is fear, there is power.

We will gather together in July to open this myth and live it from the lens of our own personal experience. We apply the qualities of these characters to our own tendencies: When have I been considered a monster by others? We feel our response to their actions: What emotions arise when I’m all alone? We realize that the story of the Gods might not be too different from our own.

Prayer can be a really useful way to cope with accept these deep truths, which might be one of the reasons why I have made a few rosaries lately.

Originally used in the Catholic tradition, these beads of prayer feel like a useful way to connect with the divine to manifest a desire. Same practice, new poetry.

SpiralHeart has chosen it’s intention for this year, which has been a warm blanket for my spirit. It reminds me that this Work has a purpose when I feel lost in the story. Every bead on the chain holds this carefully crafted statement of intent; as I run my fingers along each one, I am chanting transformation:

“We seek the Monster’s Unflinching Gaze. We are willing to Look, and risk the Seeing. Striving to hold the divine and monstrous both, we turn the gaze outward. We listen deeply, as allies, and work together to dismantle Privilege and Oppression.”

Made of a variety of Serpentine stones, silver wire and chain, as well as a glass snake-eye pendant; this piece inspires integration. It is a softening of my rigid ego that strives for perfection. It’s also a reminder that the darkness that lies within me is an influential force that I cannot disown. As a wise witch once said, “oh honey, if you deny your Shadow you give up your power to shape it.” A lovely reminder that where there is a willingness to accept what is, there is the potential for transformation.