Today Soleil and I went to the California Science Center. She and I had fun exploring the grounds. Incidentally, admission to the Science Center’s exhibit halls and over 100 mind stimulating exhibits is FREE!

Subsequently, I took a visit to the center to view the Cleopatra exhibit before it retired. It was awesome! Jocque also took a visit with his class and he brought back this great exhibition guide that read some of the following information;

Cleopatra VII

The Lost Queen

For more than two thousand years, little was known of the queen of Egypt. Today,  underwater archaeologist Franck Goddio has spent twenty years searching for traces of Cleopatra. She was the last queen of Egypt, and one of the most celebrated figures in time. She was descended from a Greek dynasty, the Ptolemies. She encouraged scholarship and learning, wrote books, and was the first Ptolemaic pharaoh to speak Egyptian as well as Greek. Cleopatra was  anointed pharaoh at seventeen, co-ruling the powerful and prosperous land of Egypt. Incidentally, the following is one of my favorite paintings of Cleopatra. It is done by Michelangelo Buonarroti. He completed it in 1534 in Rome Italy. The style is high renaissance. It is currently in the Galleria degli Uffizi in Florence, Italy.

Cleopatra came to the city of Canopus from a short boat ride via Alexandria. The city’s main shrine was dedicated to god Sarapis. It drew thousands of pilgrims in search of cures for all kinds of ailments. People came from across the Mediterranean and spent nights sleeping outside Sarapis’s temple. The temple was a serapeum dedicated to the syncretic Hellenistic-Egyptian god Serapis, who combined aspects of Osiris and Apis in a humanized form that was accepted by the Ptolemaic Greeks of Alexandria. The cures the people sought were revealed in dreams the priest would interpret the following morning. Sarapis was a combination of gods, including Dionysus, the Greek god of wine. Sarapis also took on the functions of Osiris, the ancient Egyptian god of the afterlife.

NAOS OF THE DECADES

This naos-an inner shrine that held the temple god-may be the world’s first astrological chart. The year was divided into thirty-six decades, or ten-day periods. Each followed the movement of a star called a decans, which was thought to guide earthly events.

In accordance with Ptolemaic traditions, on the very day that Cleopatra was crowned Pharaoh of Egypt, she also became the divine goddess Isis. As Isis, Cleopatra took part in libation rites at the temple of the Sarapeum-dedicated to the god Sarapis; using sacred instruments to pour offerings of wine, honey, milk, oil, and other liquids. The Sarapeum at Canopus provided an important sanctuary for Cleopatra and earlier Ptolemaic pharaohs, who offered the deity statues in their own likeness. There are many different theories today as to how exactly she died.

Statue of Isis:This black granite figure of Isis dates from Cleopatra’s time. It is in the Egyptian Museum, Cairo

Gold Jewelry; Like her Ptolemaic ancestors, Cleopatra’s lifestyle was opulent. This is a similar bangle displayed in the exhibit.

On the way out I snapped a shot of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty…

Recently the pursuit of my being a good mother has been called into question by certain members that I have associated myself with in the past. Let me start off by saying that I am a Damn good mother, unlike previous examples of parenting I’ve had. I have made a FOCUS of cultivating myself into an example for my children. The fact that I have dedicated myself to their well-being for the past 11 years through much devotion and sacrifice lets the record reflect as such. Though their father is in education, I HOME-SCHOOLED them. And, though their grandfather is a psychiatrist, he Refuses to call my son by his given name and has created a power-struggle within my family. The children are very hurt to realize that they have been shunned due to his ignorance…and others that support his views.  In fact,  I SOUGHT out the needed therapy for my son that was in regard to his autism. Why, well because no courtesy was extended otherwise. Now, in reference to my son’s autism;when the time came for such a diagnosis he was so high-functioning from home-therapy that the “label” was denied him for school records, in kindergarten. Mind you he needed services such as speech therapy and I was told after certain test were conducted he was to be deemed with the label of retardation or ADHD…because it would be good for him in the long run??? I refused such gestures and went about taking him,  paying out of pocket, to neurologist, speech therapist, psychological evaluations…and yadda ya. Can you imagine how stressful that is on a mother, especially without any emotional or financial support? I’ve sold most of my materials to support myself and children. I was even threatened by the school that social services would be called on me because I was taking him in for too many evaluations. And, I was even denied access to the campus because I wanted to pop in and check on him while at school. They said I was too involved. Personally, I was just trying to keep up with his potential of what I was home-schooling him with, the work just never seemed challenging enough that the school gave him.  In fact, the pre-K  he went to  gave him the label of “retardation” or something of the sort. Why did this label surprise me so much? Well, because again, as his mother, I knew his potential. For example, I took him into an audiologist, because he suffers from an auditory processing disorder APD-developmental dysphasia (that I had to inform the neurologist and audiologist about because I personally have a word-recall issue. Therefore, I knew the signs!!!-) for a certain test and they refused him services because he had to be 6 years old to match the research! A lot has occurred. And, now that I’ve put the children into school they bring home behavior that I don’t approve of or conduct in myself. It’s very aggressive. In fact, I have a middle child that now actually hits my 3-year-old and tells her to get away. I know she loves her and doesn’t mean it. However, these are some of the challenges of not home-schooling them anymore, along with their diet. Her attitude has changed so much. It’s not modeled after me!

When I discipline I try to be respectful and firm. I am not their “friend” per se…I am their mother, here to guide them. Listen, I use to do it all! Now, it’s time to let their father take over some of the work. And, for the past 2 years he has pitched in as such. You just get to watch now. Thus, there is no need to get over myself because I am a damn good mother, tired, but…what good mother isn’t! And, I’ve been on STRIKE! I refuse to be over-worked and disrespected anymore! Now, in regard to what I have been doing for Creolemagik while homeschooling the past years. Well, I’ve given tons of advise. I mean I read tarot for goodness sake. And, please note yoga is more than a physical act…as such is TANTRA. I mean there is really a warped view of what tantra really is! I don’t dish out sex! nor shall I ever. I have a clean bill of health! Actually, I’m into SPIRITUAL love and or sex…that’s the tantra I speak of. As the statement reads by Osho ” TANTRA IS THE SCIENCE THAT TEACHES ONE EXPRESSION OF SEX-NOT AS INDULGENCE, BUT, AS A SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINE. THIS IS A TRANSFORMATION OF A BIOLOGICAL PHENOMENON INTO SPIRITUALITY. Previously, I have made money off of my art, writing and I usually give health advise for FREE! And, now well it’s time to bring all of this into a form of a making a living with my art, writing and advise. I’ve conducted a lot of research to feel sufficient in knowing what I am talking about. I’ve been training my mind to FOcus since childhood. And, though I was raped as a child,by fellow “church” members, I am a healthy person-emotionally, spiritually, physically or otherwise. I do not have to prove myself to anyone. I’ve had psychotherapy. That is nothing to be ashamed of, nor is depression/posttraumatic stress. Also,  I was not sold into being a sex-slave. And, I have never engaged in free sex or cheated in any of my relationships. Growing up both my parents had their own issues. Furthermore,in my parenting I strive to be otherwise. Please note, they have never sexually abused me.  It’s always been a distant relationship between them, their families, and I.  And, what Gemini doesn’t have a vivid personality…I mean come on…it’s all in fun! We all have ego. And, I am not in denial about my age or education. I am tired of not being appreciated and respected! I am a good mother and person, not a “gold-digger”. I’ve made my own money in the past. I’ve also taken care of myself since grade school. Incidentally, when I marred my children’s father and had my first child-my son became ill. He had a lot of trauma with his medical birth, just to name a few issues.  That very fact changes everything for a woman and or person. People really shouldn’t psychoanalyze so much or prejudge others in their struggles. Everyone wants to be the judge…

Have a good day.

ps…did I mention both my children have been HONOR  students.

A book that I have found very helpful while on my journey with motherhood is entitled Buddhism for Mothers by Sarah Napthali. I’ve read it over several times and always find something helpful in regard to caring for myself as an Esoteric Buddhist; while I continue to live some of the chaos involved with being a mother of three.

An excerpt on the back reads as follows: Buddhism for Mothers explores the potential to be with your children in the all-important present moment; to gain the most joy out of being with them. How can this be done calmly and with a minimum of anger, worry, and negative thinking? How can mothers negotiate the changed conditions of their relationships with partners, family, and even with friends?”

This book applies to my life once again as I realize that I no longer have the same interest with those I have considered “friends” for years. Or better yet, their ill behaviour(s) are no longer acceptable or hold value in my life. I’ve grown into another direction and should not continue to feel guilty for doing so. For the past 10 years, I have been in a very transitional stage in my life that has involved a lot of solitude and exploring. Consequently, I am also left with the impression that it’s okay to want, acquire, and desire “things” in life that help me feel good as a woman, and not just for my children. This is a good thing as I continue to seek refuge inside of myself instead of seeking it in others.

Have a good day,

Z

In Tibet it is essential that the ‘Yogini’s’ authority be authenticated in two traditions simultaneously. Consequently,I received my Holy Communion, Ilekes and Warriors in 1976 when I was initiated into La Regla Lucumi (Santeria). Thereafter, I received Ikofá and made Kariocha in 1979 via my Godfather’s Ilé, I am a crowned daughter of Yemanja through “The Lady of Seven Stars Temple” (Shango Baptist). I have been a devotee of Esoteric Buddhism, Zen, and Shamanic Vajrayana  for over 30 years.

BB,

Z

Click on the links to see and hear about two in particular that spark my interest; Why Feminism is Frightening and Embracing Motherhood & Feminism. After 10 years of Homeschooling my children and 12 years of  a marriage, I realize that I’ve got a lot of catching up to do for myself, in regard to shifting the FOCUS on me and my passions. The choice to leave my education and the workforce 12 years ago was not an easy one. However, I’ve learned a lot about myself via motherhood and I love my children. Nevertheless, the fact remains that, as a Woman, I am still apart of a bigger cause for equality, freedom, and respect… It’s not been an easy fight. I feel that “Third Wave Feminism” is a voice for me and I am interested in doing further work with the Third Wave Foundation.

Z

This is a great piece in regard to Herstory/ Women as Priestess and dispelling the “idea” that we were and are prostitutes. This is an “issue” for me because when I started out on FACEBOOK with my journey-closed mind(ed) people said that I was pushing prostitution because of my LOVE for ISIS, it goes to show how their story is history…go figure. I’ve even been denied access, and or totally ignored while a payed member (my children and I) to”Family” events, “Mother”, “Play” and “HomeSchool” groups, “Social” clubs, work, admissions, artist calls, Cyber-bullied, Sexually Harassed… because of biased opinions in respect to Goddess worship and FEMINISM. It’s been a long hard fight for some RESPECT! And, as a wounded Warrior…it’s so clear that one’s pain can bring so much Focus…Of course I lend the former to my interest extending beyond the two mentioned areas. However, their prejudgement is due to their ignorance, and, it’s UNACCEPTABLE.

Women as Priestesses in Ancient Egypt

BB,

Z

Almost complete with the 3rd book!

TO OUR LADY

We have known you in

a thousand faces,

seen traces of your graciousness

in works of art,

in drops of dew,

and on a dragonfly’s wing–

opalescent,gossamer,

and strong as fragile can be.

Your heartbeat pulses

through the universe,

steady and faithful,

bringing blossoms to bud,

birthing fawns and hatching goslings–

web and hoof,

warp and woof

of your subtle tapestry.

Mirror of Divinity,

you bless creation

incarnate from your womb.

Source of our life, you live.

by

Margaret Starbird

…..

Water-based/acrylic on stretched canvas; salt, glitter, wood, paper, pearls…30 x 24 inches…

There is no better time than Spring (March 20-21) to share the Spirit of Mother Goddess. One cannot deny the healing effects of her effervescent glow. As a woman,Witch (wise one), mother, sister, wife,and friend, Goddess is at the very core of my Craft and or worship. She represents everything that is, will come, and has followed…she is the essence of me, the Mother of all life. Her force…  her “Spirit” is Wild and Free and genderless, a union of thee…however, when her energy graces us with sprinkles of her Cosmic dust…within the universe, anthropomorphically, she can be manifested into a force of nature, and or fe-male energy.

Historically, one can gather, Goddess worship records back to the Paleolithic times. Some of the first images found of the Goddess note back to the Cro-Magnons of Upper Paleolithic period between 35,000 and 10,000 BC. She is named Venus. Also, other female figurines found date back to the proto-Neolithic period of ca, 9000-7000 BC, the Middle Neolithic period of ca. 6000-5000 BC,and the Higher Neolithic period of ca. 4500-3500 BC. In Africa, she was discovered, in paintings, dating back to 7000-6000 BC. During predynastic Egypt, prior to 3110 BC, she was known as Ta-Urt (Great One).

The point of all this being, throughout time Goddess , and her worship, has acquired many faces…however, she has always represented nature..and, the female essence of divinity… which focuses on nature through an emphasis on creating life and relating in an ethical and caring way to all living beings, among other aspects. ‘Now when one gets into the psychology of this thought …anthropomorphic terms have to be worked into the psyche. For example, the human mind is unable to understand any type of divinity without some form of anthropomorphism.”

Therefore,theoretically, if such a system is applied to the usual “concept” of God, giving “him” the different titles which people have attributed to him, one finds a multitude of separate “gods” with names like Almighty, Yahweh, Christ,Jehovah,Allah….etc…each one is assigned a particular function in the pantheon.” Hence, a similar system is applied in Goddess honoring…Isis,Lord,Kwan, Yin,Neith,Nut,Iemanja, Mary… Goddess worship can be balanced by honoring both fe-male deities. This practice is best summarized as being the belief in the second marriage of the sky god and earth mother.

Incidentally,above, I’ve supplied some historical data as to the journey of Goddess existence and movement. And, I would hope to convey in my writings,unions,and guidance of others,of how Powerful the effects of experiencing divinity in whatever way is meaningful to oneself. The journey is life-changing…because of the very Nurture of the experience. Goddess is and can mean many different things to any one particular individual. That is one of many beautiful manifestations of the path of Goddess. Furthermore, I choose to, and will continue to guide others into her light and walk my journey with and through her…it’s a wonderful thing.

With blessings of Goddess ☽ ☼ ☾

Creole Moon