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Ninth Wave
Lunaea Weatherstone is well known and highly respected in the Goddess community and especially here at SageWoman, where she has been editor and publisher, and is a regular columnist. She has served Goddess as a priestess, writer, artist, tarot counselor, and teacher for over twenty years. Her desire to help other women deepen their relationship with Goddess inspires her to offer Ninth Wave. This program is, in Lunaea's words, "an eclectic, Goddess-focused approach that allows each Seeker to explore herself and her own relationship with Spirit. The purpose of this exploration is that the Seeker make meaningful changes in her life and that her spiritual path and practice become the foundation of all that she does in the world." Since its inception in 1999, over 200 women in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Asia have completed Ninth Wave. When she discovered that so many women wished to continue with this guided form of independent study, Lunaea added a second year, Farther Shore. This evolved into Silver Grove for those called to the path of Priestess. All three programs are joined together under the Sisterhood of the Silver Branch, which according to Lunaea is "a teaching and gathering place for daughters of the Goddess." Ninth Wave is a one-year program, which can be started during any month. Aligned with the lunar cycle, it is appropriate that the Ninth Wave journey begins upon a new moon. Each month Lunaea sends a link to a set of Web pages to participants. The material contains subjects to study, tasks to undertake, suggestions for ritual and play, resources to seek out, plus guidance and encouragement, all written in Lunaea's clear, personable style. Easy to read and navigate, the Web pages are a visual pleasure. They are colorful and filled with a rich variety of art, from classical to contemporary times, ideal for placing upon altars. The first three Moons feature introductions to skills and practices used throughout the program. They focus on beginning, or deepening, daily practices in relationship with Goddess. The succeeding months are the Nine Waves. Each Wave has a theme for in-depth study. Lunaea offers monthly ideas for a themed altar, divination, and Goddess stories. Journal writing and exploring a personal relationship with Goddess via arts and crafts are central to these practices. Lunaea provides additional rich and varied avenues and suggestions for further work, plus current links to other Web sites. An example of links provided for one Wave include a meditation, lunar calendar, lunar oracle (designed by Ninth Wave graduate and Silver Grove member, Linda Ledbetter), and an exploration of bedtime rituals. Lunaea recommends books, movies, and music to lead you further into the mystery and fun of each Wave's theme. There are different options for participating in Ninth Wave, including working alone as a Solitary, receiving guidance and feedback from Lunaea and/or another Silver Branch priestess as a Supported Solitary, and working with a local group. The monthly cost ranges from $25 to $50. The website has complete information on choices and costs. Women new to Goddess and those with decades of study behind them will find the program suits all levels of knowledge. Ninth Wave is designed to deepen and broaden your spiritual base and relationship with Goddess. I was delighted to discover this occurring through the year. As with any self study program, what you receive is proportionate to what you put into it. Some months I was more involved than others, but with each new moon came the opportunity to begin anew, to see where Goddess was leading. I discovered things I had never known and became reacquainted with others I had forgotten. I found the one year timeline of this program reinforced learning and enhanced dedication. With information, suggested tasks, reading, and creative ideas than you can undertake each month, the Ninth Wave is a valuable resource to return to again and again. Highly recommended. |