Often when we call a circle, we open the sacred space by calling upon the four directions. Each direction is associated with an element of the natural world and represents some part of our human nature as well. To many of us, the directions symbolize the cycle of life and provide guidance for living. Grandmother Stevi Gaston compiled and put together a beautiful version for the Gathering a while ago, and you can read it below.
𝐎𝐧 𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬:
“We beings of earthbound and mortal bodies, of soulbound and immortal spirits, are interwoven with the fabric of this existence by four treasured elements: earth, air, fire, and water. These elementals exist deeply within us, throughout us and all around us, singing their magical songs of Creation and Creator. When we cast our sacred circles, since times beyond times, we have called unto the mighty spirits of these ancient elemental forces for their most coveted protection and covering, and also for their lessons of true Oneness, teaching us with all power, grace and passion the miracle of living this life in this world. We honor and love the dear spirits of the elements and bid them hail and welcome from hearts filled with strength and minds filled with wisdom.” words by Emily McClain, local astrologer/tarot reader
If any Grandmothers would like to submit your writings and/or photos to be included in future posts, feel free to reach out through this page or email gulfcoastgrandmothers@gmail.com.
Read one example of Calling the Directions we have used before below:
Compiled, edited, and written by Stevi Gaston
To the Gatekeepers of the four Directions, thank you for turning your gaze toward us. We honor your sacred presence and thank you for your guardianship.
I call to the Direction of the EAST. TO AIR. To light and dawn. To the rising of the Sun above mountaintops and the pale peach hue of the sky as it receives first rays of morning sunlight. I invoke AIR and movement into my life and exquisite flow of energy. Teach me AIR, to move with ease. To be within and without, above and below, not bound to my circumstances, my fears, my failures.
I RISE. And all around me, as the winds shift and move, I learn the power of GRACEFUL ALLOWANCE. I honor my breath. I honor the life force within me and within you.
I call to the Direction of SOUTH. TO FIRE. To dry heat and desert winds, to the Sacred lands of our ancestors. To the sagebrush and native herbs that grow wild and free and the wildfires that burn untamed. Teach me, FIRE, to kindle my flame, to burn bright and burn long. Not bound by convention, by boundaries, by rules.
I BURN. And all around me, as the flames grow, I learn the power of FEARLESS EXPANSION. I honor the courage of my wild Spirit and yours.
I call to the Direction of the WEST. TO WATER. To waves that rise above me and depths that could crush me. You compose me water. I am you. The rivers and oceans that expand and connect us tonight are mothers to us, their children. Feeding, nourishing, bathing, cleansing, drowning, birthing. The cycles of life. Teach me WATER, to move with the tides, to swim gracefully against the tides when needed. Not bound by a desire to seek land or shelter, but able to be afloat on TRUST. I FLOAT, I swim. And all around me as the waves rise, I learn the power of my INTUITION. And I see that my entire being knows how to surrender when it must. I know how to cry when the release is needed. I honor my deepest emotions, and yours.
I call to the Direction of the NORTH. TO EARTH. To your trees and your wilderness, your animals and your creatures of all kinds. Expanses and uncharted spaces, wild and free places where all of the elements find their home. All of the places where I have lived and died and lived again. My ancestors, their bones, returned to you. My own one day, with theirs. Dust and life and death and
growth. You hold us all. Teach me EARTH, to hold the expanse of my feelings, and my work in this life, with your grace and your depth. Not bound by a fear of my own Strength, but able to trust that I can hold it all. And I have roots as deep and as far as yours run. Centuries old and miles long. I GROUND, I BURY. I ROOT. And all around me, as I am and as I learn, I trust that MY ROOTS ARE
DEEP ENOUGH to support the expanse of my branches and my fruit. I see that I am capable of holding more than I thought.
And to the CENTER, where the SACRED FEMININE DWELLS.
By the EARTH that is Her BODY.
By the AIR that is HER SWEET BREATH.
By the FIRE OF HER BRIGHT SPIRIT,
and the WATER OF HER LIVING WOMB,
OUR CIRCLE IS CAST.
WE ARE NOW BETWEEN THE WORLDS, AND WHAT HAPPENS BETWEEN THE WORLDS, CHANGES THE WORLD.
