Ritual for letting go

Welcome to the Autumn Equinox! Also called Mabon in earth-based, Pagan traditions. we're officially transitioning into fall today, as day and night are balanced in equal length. We look to Mother Nature, the great teacher and sustainer of all, to show us the gifts of the season becoming....and a new moon tonight!

This fall has been especially challenging to welcome in, I think for many of us, because we've been experiencing so much intensity on the planet, since late summer. We had the astrological Lions Gate in August, five planets in retrograde, full solar eclipse and Mother Earth speaking strongly now with hurricanes, flooding and wildfires. So, if you're feeling a little crazy, know that you're definitely not the only one! A lot of us are feeling it! 

So, what would a Priestess do (WWPD)? Well, a ritual, of course! ;-)

The following is a ritual I did for myself today for letting go of what doesn't serve you any longer - those repeating patterns and challenging ancestral imprints - to welcome in your autumnal blessings! 

Many ritual ceremonies for releasing include writing out what you want to let go of, but don't acknowledge how these experiences/ feelings have BLESSED our lives, especially the most challenging ones. The piece that I recommend, that's often missing, is to give thanks and gratitude for the stress, worry and concern, financial scarcity, lack of self-confidence- whatever it is you feel is really holding you back- to give it thanks for being there because it has served a purpose. It has brought you the much needed lessons for you to build the strength of character needed as a Spiritual Lightworker on the planet today. 

I don't believe we can always release deeply ingrained patterns without at least acknowledging why they've been there, and what they've been for us. Oftentimes these deeply ingrained patterns go way back in our DNA through multiple generations. It's time to heal them for yourself, for your sacred work, for your family, and for the collective! This is big! Quantum physics and intentional creation tell us that our cells send pain signals in many forms through our bodies to get our attention.

What is the blessing of your "suffering" and challenge?
What is your situation wanting to tell you? 

For this ritual, you will need paper you will burn, a pen, lighter or matches, a fireproof container- a simple pottery bowl works well - and any items you feel drawn to, for setting sacred space. These include a candle to light to set your intentions, crystals and/or stones, sage or incense (essential oil sprays for cleansing will also work) and any nature objects to represent the autumn harvest... ie. colorful leaves that are freshly fallen, acorns, pine cones, feathers, etc. Again, follow your intuition on this. Your Spirit knows best what you need. 

Once you have gathered all of your items, find a peaceful place for your ritual and arrange your sacred items on your altar/ sacred place and focus your breathe for calm, peace, release and healing. Light your candle and imagine yourself surrounded by your angels, guides and protectors, and the healed ancestors who walk with you. Set the intention for this ritual to bring healing to you and all those whom you touch, especially those close to you. Light your sage or incense, and sit with the paper that you will burn. Meditate on the characteristics and ways of being that you're ready to let go of and ask yourself the questions above about your “suffering”. and then give thanks and gratitude to them for their presence in your life and acknowledge the blessing from the suffering. Feel your heart softening around this forgiveness and acknowledgement of the experience. It has been a great teacher to you and you want to give it the honor that it deserves before letting it go. Perhaps starting with some focused breathe and meditation will be needed to get to this place. Take the time for this. It is important.

Once you feel you're complete with your focused meditation, write out your release on the paper that you will burn. Once you are ready, you may set fire to this piece of paper,  in a safe place over your fireproof bowl and imagine / visualize as the fire burns that it transmutes back into the light and dissolves the pain and suffering for you, and your entire lineage line backwards, and into the future. With breath and intention know this to be so! Sit in this moment and feel the softening and healing in your heart transmuting into the past and future.

​Feel yourself now welcome in the joy, love and prosperity that the world is waiting to give to you more fully. Trust the feeling and know that it's safe. Perhaps make a cup of your favorite tea, have a piece of chocolate, dance and sing to celebrate- whatever feels good to you to seal in the good feeling. It is yours and it is NOW! 

Would you like to explore the power of the Priestess Path? I have launched a 3-month intro series, starting October 28th. and am offering an early-bird price until the end of September! Learn more here. 

© 2017 Marcela Ashburn McBride
Mentor on the Priestess Path~ Ritualist~ Lover of Nature~
Co-Owner of Body Mind Shift Urban Retreat in Charlotte, NC​
Shamanic Emergence Healing Arts
www.MarcelaMcBride.com
www.BodyMindShift.com

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