At our October full moon ritual, Sabrina led us in this guided meditation. You can read through it and then try the meditation, or record yourself reading it aloud and listen to your own guidance.
We will be doing a progressive relaxation exercise to center ourselves and then move on to a guided mediation with friend Crow acting as our guide into the realm of the ancestors. This meditation will involve us visiting the apple orchards of Nifleheim which are the goddess Hel’s domain. If anyone doesn’t feel comfortable with this you are more than welcome to contact the ancestors in whatever way feels most comfortable to you.
Progressive relaxation: We will start by turning our attention inwards. Close your eyes. Pay attention to how your body feels. Move and shift into the most comfortable position. Now we will breath with intention. We will breathe in for 3 counts and then out for 3 counts.
In…2…3
Out…2…3
(10 x)
While keeping that rhythm turn your attention to your: (lead in tightening and releasing each, wait 5 beats between each step) Toes, feet, calves, thighs, seat, stomach, chest, hands, forearms, upper arms, neck, jaw, face.
Now we will breathe together again
In…2…3
Out…2…3
(5 x)
Let your mind relax and drift. Any thoughts that come to you are allowed to drift in and out. Feel the earth underneath you, the air on listen for the sound of crows and jays and all of our other corvid friends. Close your eyes and see yourself on beautiful fall day walking winding path leading to a low stone wall. Beyond the wall you can see tops of apple trees full of fruit. The path takes a turn and follows the length of the wall. The light from the sun shines through the leaves and the dappled shadows dance along the path. Run your fingers across the wall. They feel ancient and timeless. The moss that grows between the stones smells earthy against the sweet smell of the apples above you. The mortar is crumbling but still holds strong. The well-trodden path stretches on seemingly endlessly at your feet.
Sunlight fades to moon light and the stars shine, making constellations that seem to tell you a story. The story of all that came before you and all that will come after. They beckon you onward. The sun rises as you keep walking your path. What do you see? What can you smell? What do you feel? Does the air taste crisp and refreshing? What do you hear? In the distance you start to hear soft cawing. As you walk the calls of the crows get louder and louder. In the apple trees you start to see them, first one, then two, then as you continue their numbers grow until the trees are full of crows. Their beautiful blue black feathers glisten in the sun. The beating of their wings matches the rhythm of your heart beat.
One of these crows lands in front of you on the path and calls your name. The voice sounds familiar. It may be the voice you have been longing to hear again. It may be one that you have never heard but you would recognize anywhere. The crow keeps calling for you as it flies up into the air and you know you need to follow it.
Before long you are lead down the winding path to a gate in the stone wall. The gate has an arch above it and all around the arch are roses, the rich red and deep green making a welcoming portal into the trees beyond. The crow leads you through the arch and underneath the trees. The apples overhead are ripe and beautiful. Take a moment to enjoy them. Taste them, smell them, feel the smooth skin and firm flesh.
The crow calls your name again and now you know whose orchard you are in. This is the orchard of Nifleheim. The goddess Hel rules here and the spirits of those who came before are fed with these apples. The crow’s voice rings out again. Whose voice do you hear? As you realize whose voice it is you see a figure in the distance walking towards you. Your heart leaps at the sight. You know who is coming along the path. You know who has sent this crow to lead you here. As the figure approaches you see that beloved face. Greet them, welcome them, they have been waiting for you.
(Leave time for open exploration for 3 to 5 minutes)
The crow is calling you again. It’s time to say goodbye and follow the path back into yourself. When you are ready open your eyes.