Displays on page: Initiation into Adulthood

There we were, a staff of ten women, ages 31–76, snuggled in to a gorgeous wilderness. Four generous and capable men assisted and protected us. Three experienced wise women had worked for months to take the young ones through this Sacred Emergence, perhaps the most meaningful event of their transitioning lives. The set up was perfect…and, for me, there was a feeling that the spirits came for the most important part, enlivening the place, the ceremonies, the people, the animals and the rivers, along with the trees and flowers that sang each day to us of their love and assistance.

Hard emotional and physical work were the order of the day, and each of us appeared in the morning, willing, generously giving of all our gifts. No matter if it was doing dishes, hauling wood and water, or opening our hearts in trusting ways, each of us was present. We intended to make the entire time one of fierce graciousness so the blessings would flow to the girls who had made themselves available to become women, in the most magnificent sense. And they did! All manner of surprise surfaced each day, in casual exchange as well as in deep ceremony, to bring these young women to places from which they cannot return…nor would they want to.

We cannot fully know what has been wrought, yet we have faith that the transformation will continue for these women, as they grow in grace and truth.