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shaktigardens is a venue in Johannesburg South Africa with events and therapies to honour and encourage the Goddess in all women.

Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Are you a Goddess



Are you a goddess?
..."goddess" [when used to describe a mortal woman]. 
No goddess-like woman (hereinafter referred to as goddess) is perfect, nor can every goddess demonstrate all of these qualities all of the time. But a goddess demonstrates most of these qualities most of the time:

A goddess invents her own life, and lives according to her own vision. This quality requires the companion qualities of imagination and courage.
A goddess is autonomous. She seeks no ones approval, but listens to her own counsel. She answers to no one. She does not try to impress anyone. Her work speaks for itself. She never makes excuses and rarely offers explanations for her actions. She is not defensive for she is not threatened by what other people may think of her. She is the queen of her own life and this is reflected in her demeanor.
A goddess is passionate (not to be confused with manic). She has a palpable energy and enthusiasm that is contagious and beneficial to those around her. In esoteric terms, she raises the vibration in a group situation. She inspires others.

A goddess is continually learning and evolving.
A goddess is authentic. The mask she presents to the outside world is the same as her innermost heart. She has learned to express her emotions cleanly and healthily. What you see is what you get. A goddess knows her own truth. She does not impose her truth on others, but will share her wisdom when invited to.
A goddess takes care of herself. She does not expect others to take care of her. She treats herself as well as she would treat her best friend. She is compassionate and forgiving with herself and others. She gets enough rest and gives her body the right fuel -- both in oxygen and in food and water. She knows what she needs. She feeds her soul.
A goddess is committed to healing the earth and works towards peace and understanding -- whether it is on a large scale or simply within her family and closest circle of friends. She contributes to cleaning up the environment and teaches the next generation to do likewise.
A goddess sees her body (and the earth) as sacred, and is in tune with natural cycles. She is comfortable with her sexuality.
A goddess has learned balance and patience. Flow and ebb. Waxing and waning. A goddess does not freak out during ebb or waning times. She uses it wisely for rest, reflection, and planning.
A goddess has learned to trust her intuition and inner knowing. She has learned to tap into this source at will.
A goddess has learned to let go of the need to control the flow of the river. She has discovered the futility of trying too hard. She has learned to ride the wave and go with the flow, to ask for and accept help when required. She is flexible, fluid, and adaptable. She has given up the need to control or manipulate. She does not pout or whine when she does not get her way.
A goddess communicates her boundaries. She is gentle but firm when her boundaries are violated. She respects others' boundaries. She asks for clarification when necessary.
A goddess recognizes and honors other goddesses and gods. She lends her support to the work of other god/desses. She does not feel competitive or threatened by other goddesses and understands that what is good for one is good for all, and that when one shines, the light benefits all. A goddess knows how to share and is generous of spirit, but she knows her limitations and does not give more than what she can afford -- emotionally, financially, physically, or energy-wise.
A goddess's natural state is one of joy and gratitude. She is also at home with her shadow, and will honestly mourn her losses and explore her fears. She understands that everyone experiences pain -- it is part of life on earth. Therefore she works through her own pain with courage and dignity, not trying to sidestep it, or numb it, but to get through it and learn from it.
A goddess is comfortable with death, and has learned to let go.... of relationships, concepts, and material possessions that are worn out, or that no longer serve her growth.
— Genie Webster

Monday, October 6, 2014

Sacred Intimacy


Sexual union imitates divine creation. 
Deepak Chopra

When we have restored the sexual experience to the realm of the sacred, our world will be chaste and divine, holy and healed. 
Deepak Chopra

Freedom in Tantra


Tantra is a powerful and passionate spiritual path that brings ultimate freedom. The term freedom has also been misconstrued so let me digress a minute. In many circles, freedom has been synonymous with irresponsibility (turn on, tune in, and drop out), and giving yourself license to do whatever you want regardless of the consequences. Here when we say freedom we are talking about liberation from the inner enemies: ego, fear, contraction, anger, guilt, envy, shame, jealousy, infatuation and everything that deprives you of the joy and happiness that is your birthright.
Chandi Devi

Intimacy


When gazing into the eyes of your beloved. You are always looking into the eyes of God. View it as a practice for making love with the entire universe. Sexual passion connects you to the joy of heaven, earth and realms beyond. You'll be illuminated. Trust the many incarnations of Bliss. Once you get a glimpse of them, there is no turning back. 
Judith Orloff

THE ALCHEMY OF LOVE



You come to us
from another world

From beyond the stars
and void of space.
Transcendent, Pure,
Of unimaginable beauty,
Bringing with you
the essence of love

You transform all
who are touched by you.
Mundane concerns,
troubles, and sorrows
dissolve in your presence,
Bringing joy
to ruler and ruled
To peasant and king

You bewilder us
with your grace.
All evils
transform into
goodness.

You are the master alchemist.

You light the fire of love
in earth and sky
in heart and soul
of every being.

Through your love
existence and nonexistence merge.
All opposites unite.
All that is profane
becomes sacred again.
~Rumi