As I work through this process of inner healing, I was thinking about which of the Goddesses to share with you that applied to my situation ....
At first I thought of the Goddess Oestra, for new beginnings... but Athena, the Goddess of War and Wisdom; patroness of warriors and artists, called to me so loudly as I scanned through my Goddess images... I paused and listened.
And as I read what I wrote about her (below) several months ago..... she was telling me:
" this is a time for you to put your armor on... you are in full battle!
At first I thought of the Goddess Oestra, for new beginnings... but Athena, the Goddess of War and Wisdom; patroness of warriors and artists, called to me so loudly as I scanned through my Goddess images... I paused and listened.
And as I read what I wrote about her (below) several months ago..... she was telling me:
" this is a time for you to put your armor on... you are in full battle!
Indeed it is "a time for battle" as I fight for my emotional health and healing of the heart.
Although Athena is a warrior goddess, she battles with diplomatic wit and justice instead of weapons.
Her most powerful tool is inner wisdom and as such, reminds us to pause in the midst of our troubles and seek wisdom from our very core.
The battles we face in life are not to be fought with violent or passive aggressiveness, with false witness/gossip about others, with manipulation-- we are to fight life's battles head on with truth by our side always seeking for the highest good of all involved.
Too focus on what we need to do: dig deep, heal and finally to come out renewed and strengthened
Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are.
~Arthur Golden,
~Arthur Golden,
I find it interesting that she is the Goddess of war and artists.... indeed, as many of us know: Art heals; and I recently heard one therapist advice that the best way to heal from trauma is to do something creative...anything- but it must be something that you love.
So for some it may singing, or knitting or cooking, planting a flower garden.... Art heals and is a necessary "weapon" for life and healing.
I am ready for my battle towards healing; armed with traditional tools as I am now not only seeing a therapist, but also have joined a support group for people who like me, are healing from trauma resulting from abuse. And I am also utilizing the tools of my art as my therapy and thus gifting myself May and June to heal and paint as my teaching load will be minimal these two months (the cut backs at my college teaching gig last month a blessing in disguise!).
Are you too "in battle" with something in your life?
Remember: we are not responsible for some of the challenges that life brings forth, but we are responsible for how we respond to them....things in your life may be horrible, but you have a choice of how you will continue/push through and not only endure, but be strengthened by the process.
Remember: we are not responsible for some of the challenges that life brings forth, but we are responsible for how we respond to them....things in your life may be horrible, but you have a choice of how you will continue/push through and not only endure, but be strengthened by the process.
We acquire the strength we have overcome. ~Ralph Waldo Emerson
About Athena the Goddess of war, wisdom and the arts-
She's the daughter of Zeus, known for her creativity, wisdom, justice and diplomacy-
ie: averting war, solving problems in a strong, decisive manner. Her tree is the olive tree (the meaning of "Olivos" in Spanish is Olive trees). The owl is her companion.
Legend goes that Athena and her uncle Poseidon were both very fond of a certain city in Greece. Both of them claimed the city and it was decided that the one that could give the finest gift should have it. Leading a procession of citizens, the two gods mounted the Acropolis. Poseidon struck the side of the cliff with his trident and a spring welled up. The people marveled, but the water was as salty as Poseidon's sea and it was not very useful. Athena's gift was an olive tree, which was better because it gave the people food, oil and wood. Athena named her city Athens.
Athena Original Painting
$275.00
