As Witches when leading workshops and courses focused on personal empowerment, we frequently emphasize to participants that change and growth occur beyond their comfort zone.
Over the next two weeks, I (Bex) will have the chance to personally test this in two different ways.
By embarking on a solo journey, which I haven't done in a long time. And by starting this Blog, a task I've been procrastinating and worrying about, despite wanting to do it for more than a year.
For this personal adventure I have chosen to work with Persephone. Admittedly not one of the Deities that I work with frequently however, because of Persephone's unique relationship with darkness, she symbolizes spirituality and the integration of light and dark. A vulnerable Goddess, she faces her shadows and after a couple of difficult years overwhelmed by grief and losses of different types I am ready for renewel and rebirth. Persephone as Goddess of Spring seemed a perfect choice to guide me.
Also I'm in Greece so obviously wanted to work alongside the Greek Pantheon, and as Persephones Greek name means "Destroy-Slay" I'm here to destroy any limiting beliefs that are holding me back and the word 'Slay' has totally different connotations in popular culture so I intend to 'Slay' my fast approaching 60s and whatever the Gods have in store for me next.
My journey began on Saturday after several weeks of anxiety and numerous changes of heart.
I decided to stay in a hotel at Manchester Aiport the night before as I had an early flight and after a fabulous dinner for one, a cocktail or two and a luxurious long bath I felt on top of the world and ready for anything.
My first lesson was don't get to cocky as I awoke to find things were not exactly going to plan.
Upon waking up, I realized that my new phone, purchased specifically for the trip due to its better camera compared to my old worn-out one, had signed me out of my AirBnB account. I was unable to log back in as I couldn't remember my password. I tried to resolve this but as I had to get a flight I didn't have time to jump through the many online hoops requested of me. I set off with no address or contact details for my host.
Then I received a text telling me that my transfer from Myteline airport had been cancelled. I already knew that as it was Sunday I couldn't catch a bus so I quickly booked another.
The flight went well and everything went smoothly at the airport until I arrived for my transfer. Noone .turned up. When I approached the airline representative, they had a very unhelpful attitude, essentially saying, "You've had your flight, not my concern." I began to wobble at this point and wonder if I'd been stupid coming away on my own. I asked a taxi driver the cost to where I'm staying and he said 250 euros. I contemplated getting a flight home at this point and then an older greek man came and asked me if I was ok.
Using the little Greek I have retained from when I lived out here 35+ years ago I explained my situation. Costas then offered me a lift, sensing my reticence he assured me we could pick up his wife and mother to accompany us on the trip. And that is how I arrived at my destination via some terrifying mountain roads in a very old beat up car with my new friends Costas, Stella and Lopi. Absolutely beautiful people and Stella is a lawyer who is going to make sure I get a refund from the transfer company.
So here I am in the quaint village of Eressos on the stunning Island of Lesvos. By the time I arrived here I'd already been so far out of my comfort zone I could hear Persephone chuckle saying "well you did ask"
Locating my house turned into an adventure since the only information I had received from the host were map coordinates. I'm no Marco Polo. I went up to a group of Greek women sitting outside a taverna to seek assistance, only to discover that they were expats from Yorkshire. One of them used to manage the house I'm staying in. After finding my house, I joined the delightful Yorkshire ladies for a beer.
So here I am.
This morning I woke to the distantly familiar sounds and smells of a Greek Island. My house and the Village are gorgeous and I'm already proud of myself for getting this far.
I'm here to attend the Sappho Womans festival in a neighbouring village where for 10 days I will be pushing myself out of my comfort zone in as many ways possible to see where I end up.
I hope you will join me in my adventure and that some of you will find inspiration from the musings of a middle aged Witch allowing Persephone to lead her into the unknown.
I will update this blog each morning. Today I'm just happy to be here the rest is yet unwritten.
Prayer to Persephone for courage
Goddess of Spring and renewal,
Queen of the Underworld,
Guardian of the secrets of the dead,
Guide me Persephone that the old limiting parts
of me may die,
That I may be reborn with a renewed sense
of adventure and joy,
Bring a fresh breath of Spring to my actions,
thoughts and deeds,
You have walked with me through the darkness,
now help me face with courage what lies ahead,
Show me the strength I have to walk with grace
and good humour into unknown places,
Inspire me to find without judgement things to love and celebrate in this next stage of my life,
As I embrace this the Crone stage of life
in my wisdom and power,
Help me always remember and be connected with
the hope and bravery of the Maiden within
So Be it
