Thursday, May 16, 2013

365 Inspirations—136: Channeling Pele, The Goddess of Volcanoes

Pele, Goddess of Volcanoes, by Herb Kane
"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us."—Albert Schweitzer

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd feel a connection to a goddess. I'm not really even sure what that means. However, since visiting the big island of Hawaii, I've had many dreams and thoughts about Pele, the goddess of volcanoes.

I feel like she is with me daily. Even though she is depicted in human form, I'm not really sure she can be considered human. She is a force of nature.

I walked on the her lava late at night and in the distance I saw fire spewing out on the edge of a cliff high above the sea.

This volcano, Kilauea, is still very active.

I feel a strong urge to return to this land.

I don't know why.

I feel I have more to learn there. Something is calling me to make a bold move and just go.

Pele is thought to be the goddess of creativity and change, two things that are quite dominant in my life right now. I don't really know if I'm channeling Pele, or she is channeling me. I don't know why I keep having dreams and thoughts about this place.

The Big Island of Hawaii, particularly the Hilo side where I spent quite a bit of time on my trip, feels very sacred. This part of the island, near Kapoho, feels untouched and very pure to me. In this area, I swam with dolphins, sat in a natural pool that was heated by the volcanic rocks beneath it and sank my feet into a black sand beach.

There, I felt I was finally waking up to a very deep part of myself. A part I had forgotten or dismissed. Perhaps there is a whole side to me that I've yet to get to know.

Me at La Push, Washington

I'm ready to know that part of myself. I'm ready to let the flame within me grow.

Do you feel a connection to any particular place or even to a God, goddess or deity? How have these things appeared in your life? Have you made changes in your life because of your experiences with these things?

4 comments:

  1. I haven't felt that type of connection exactly. Actually, that's not true. I felt that way after my last Vipassana course. All I wanted to do was stay and continue the work that had begun but that's not really the point of why I'm writing. I just wanted to say that hearing what you feel makes my soul say, "GET THERE!" I know you've got excellent intuition and that you'll take the steps you need to in order to follow it so just know that whatever it looks like, my being has perked up in support of yours.

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    1. Hi Emily, Thanks so much. Vipassana meditation is definitely a big part of my journey too! Instead of dismissing things that seem unusual or new to me, I'm trying to give them attention, care and love. I want to express myself to the fullest. I feel the need to honor all aspects of myself and to listen deeply. Much peace and happiness to you!

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  2. You have a wonderful philosophy, Katherine... Go for it. :)Love the Goddess, Pele. Like you say, she is a force of nature. Feeling very, very inspired after reading this post! Thank you!

    I have always wanted to go to New Zealand, and I don't know why. All I know is: I have to go.

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    1. Just reading this comment now oddly almost two years later and I'm about to head to Australia/New Zealand in August. Perhaps we are all being called! Thanks for your post!

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