Death, Descent and the Dark Goddess

Artist Unknown

Working with the Dark Goddess often involves descending into the Underworld and undergoing a form a "death".  This "death" could relate to the releasing of unachievable expectations and beliefs of ourselves, including career or relationship goals, and even the removal of outdated idealisms and perceptions that we have often taken onboard from our social environment.

As such, it is important that these "deaths" are treated in the same way that a death of a loved one (or pet), the ending of a relationship, or some other milestone in our lives are dealt with.  By this I mean that regards of what the "death" is, we still find ourselves go through the five various stages of experiencing grief as identified by Swiss psychiatrist, Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, even if we are not consciously aware of this.

Live Reading from Encountering the Dark Goddess

I will be doing a live reading from my latest book tomorrow afternoon (3.30 pm Adelaide time). "Encountering the Dark Goddess: A Journey into the Shadow Realms" is due for release in March 2021 through Moon Books.

The Dark Goddess is often associated with the Underworld where she leads the uninitiated through a transformative journey of self-discovery, change and soul. She is connected with the unwanted, the forgotten, the ignored or even ashamed parts of our psyche. However there is more to her than that.

"Encountering the Dark Goddess: A Journey into the Shadow Realms" guides you through what this challenging facet of the Divine Feminine, the Dark Goddess, is truly about, and encourages you to step through the veils into her hidden realm to explore 13 aspects of herself.

Early pre-release copies can be ordered direct from me (Australia and New Zealand only) through this link.

UK/USA and rest of the world copies can be ordered through John Hunt Publishing

ONE DAY DARK GODDESS RETREAT
I will be hosting an one day workshop at the Riverdell Spiritual Centre, near Gawler on 12 September 2020. Bookings are essential as there are limited places available.

I am also hoping to be at the CONSCIOUS CONNECTION OF SELF Women's Retreat to be held in Queensland, in November 2020.

Do not forget to subscribe to my Youtube channel

Book Review of Encountering the Dark Goddess

Book Review: Encountering the Dark Goddess - A Journey into the Shadow Realms

by Frances Billinghurst (Published by Moon Books)

Review by Daniel Bran Griffin, The Chattering Magpie. 

It is rare that I write a book review. By the time I get around to the actual writing, the book has often been in print quite some time. My thoughts are therefore, of little value to the publisher; even if my fellow bibliophiles would and do appreciate my opinion. On occasion I am asked to write a review by a publisher or by a magazine editor.

I often decline these invitations and the accompanying offer of a free book. I do this because for reasons that puzzle me, I am frequently asked to reviews works that are not of interest to me and would not under normal circumstances consider reading. I am of the opinion that under these circumstances, others could write a more appropriate and appreciative review. This does mean that I have refused the offer of a work that I could potentially have sold later for profit but honesty prevents me from accepting these offers. Encountering the Dark Goddess by Frances Billinghurst is therefore, something of an exception. This is a work on a subject that is of interest and is indeed a book I would read.

Winter Solstice: The Return of the Light

The timing of the winter solstice is marked when the sun reaches its furthest north position in the sky and starts to move back towards the south.  As it does, it marks one of the main turning points in the year, the others being the equinoxes as well as the summer solstice (that occurs in December).  

The timing for the winter solstice here in Adelaide this year was this morning, Sunday, 21 June at 7:13 am (ACST time).  From this moment onwards, days start becoming longer and night times shorter.  However with the worse of the winter weather yet to arrive, this thought is not often the first that comes to mind.

With the increase of light it was hoped that social distancing in relation to the COVID-19 may have been relaxed.  However, as new cases are still be detected, and despite South Australia still being remarkably lower than other States, it has been decided to continue hosting events via Zoom conference calls at least for the time being.

This means that the July Gathering Around the Cauldron event which is scheduled to take place on Thursday, 2 July 2020, at 7pm (ACST) will be in the format of a Zoom conference.  The theme for July's Gathering Around the Cauldron is The Witch's Familiar.

In European folklore and folk-belief from the Medieval and early modern periods, witches and cunning folk were believed to assisted by certain supernatural entities that were known as “familiars”. These spirits would appear in numerous guises, including as in a humanoid figure, but more commonly as an animal. When they served cunning folk, familiars were often thought to be somewhat benevolent, however when they were in the service of witches, familiars were considered to be rather malevolent.  On 2 July 2020 we will be exploring the historical sources as well as the modern perception of familiars.  More information as to how you can register for this discussion can be found here.

At this stage other events being hosted at Riverdell Spiritual Centre are still going ahead.  These include Imbolc celebration on Saturday, 1 August 2020 and A Day with Hekate on Saturday 15 August 2020.