InnerBliss: The Healing Fire of the South

The light and fire of the sun on snow.
(And reflecting off of my braces!)

Listening to: I love the movie of the same name, and this song is a certain pick-me-up, if you are needing one!

Bliss: Starting to decorate (I like to do a bit at a time and keep building...). The energy of a kitten -- even with the challenge of dangling things in the house for the season! And check out this post by Rebecca and the incredible Advent aids she has dug up for those of us who didn't think ahead!

(We have already covered the direction of East.)

I come to the South.
I ask the fire and the full light
of noon to give me
courage and energy.
Burn from me all my
angers and smallness of mind.
I come to thee seeking
right action and protection
in whatever I am called to do.

-- from A Priestess's Litany for a New Day, by Grey Cat

This section of this litany has a lot to say to me. When I am reciting this, I pay particular attention to what needs to be burned away. At the beginning of the day, this internal burning of negative energy might seem unnecessary -- we've just started; what could we be angry about after having slept? -- but when you speak these words aloud, you feel all the stuff that you tucked under your pillow coming to the surface.

I also love the last sentiment..."in whatever I am called to do." This reminds us that our days are not exclusively our own and are not ours to control with white knuckles; we must be open to changing plans, working in a different direction, being available for others (or being fully available to ourselves).

According to Starhawk, this direction rules energy, spirit, heat, flame, purification, eruptions, blood, and life. The time is noon; the season is summer; the colors are red, gold, orange, and white; the tools are the censer and the wand; the sense is sight; the jewel is fire opal; the goddesses are Brigit, Hestia, Pele, and Vesta; and the gods are Agni, Hephaestus, Prometheus, and Vulcan.

According to the Lakota tradition, the south is about beginnings and play. The Celts believe it is about fire, energy, and passion. And some modern pagans associate it with playfulness and relaxation.

It seems appropriate during this week of the south and fire and passion to perhaps try to integrate some basic Kundalini yoga into your daily practice. Of course, the most obvious thing is to practice breath of fire, a truly cleansing breath that always makes me feel bright eyed and ready for whatever.

If you've never done breath of fire, the best way to learn is to stick out your tongue and pant like a dog. Focus on the power in your belly; really use your belly to force the air in and out. Belly out on the in breath and belly in on the out breath; sometimes when you are first learning, you'll notice that you've switched this around. Do it slowly until you are comfortable with the rhythm, and then increase speed and pull your tongue in. In Kundalini yoga, no matter the posture, including a "simple" breath exercise, you should have your eyes closed and rolled up and looking through your third eye point.

Here are some questions for this week:

Do you see anger as a "bad" emotion and therefore, avoid it at all costs? At the other end of this, do you too freely vent anger, even when inappropriate and unhealthy? There is a middle ground here that is important to work on. Do not repress genuine anger, but if you feel yourself feeling self-righteous, you should explore your anger -- are you really angry or are you hiding behind anger?

Do you make time daily for playfulness in your life? Are you too "grown up" to play? Get outside this week, and depending on the weather wherever you are, play -- kick leaves, have a snowball fight, build a sandcastle.

Does your current work fulfill your passionate side? Does it light a fire under you or leave you feeling limp? Are you working on discovering or exploring your passions or do you tell yourself it's "too late?"

What in your life needs to be "burned away?" You can create a burning ritual: write what you would like to get rid of on pieces of paper and build a fire outside or create a candle burning inside. Meditate on the ashes for at least a week. You can also "burn away" by exercising to the point of sweating. I find physical movement a great way to get rid of stuff that is stewing in my system.

How will you work with the energies and powers of this direction? Please...share.