When one is committed…

I’m pretty sure I’ve mentioned this quote before, because I love it:

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one’s favour all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe’s couplets:
Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!”

– William Hutchison Murray

I have wanted to be a priestess ever since I read The Mists of Avalon in high school (thanks, Bill and Cole). Reading about Morgaine, and the House of Maidens, I wanted to go there. I even went to Glastonbury when I went to England in university. And yes, I *did* get up before dawn on Beltaine morning and climbed the Tor. Sadly, I did not cross through the mists. 🙁

Fast forward many years, and I am now a priestess. I’ve gone to school and received an Associate Degree in Wiccan Ministry. And I’ve been thinking about getting a priestess moon tattoo on my forehead. It’s a big step. There’s no hiding a facial tattoo. (I know, I know. Makeup. Bangs. There are totally ways to hide a tattoo on your forehead. Go with me here.)

So I’ve thought about it quite a bit. I would want it to mark a significant moment. Or maybe I ought to wait until I can retire. But that’s likely to be a long time off. I thought about getting it when I received my 3rd degree initiation. I wasn’t quite ready then. Like I said, it’s a big step.

A few weeks ago, I helped my friend Shelby cross over. Afterwards, I felt it was finally time, that I had earned it. The next question was when to actually do it. For such an important rite of passage, I didn’t want to just do it “next Tuesday”. I reached out to a friend of mine who is an astrologer over at Hestia’s Muse. Wendy gave me some great guidance, and I booked my appointment with Grey Owl Tattoo.

I asked three of my priestess friends to join me to support me through the process. Thankfully, Jenny at Grey Owl is quite spiritual, and was super accommodating with my request to make it a ritual. It probably helped that Cece put in a good word! They chanted to raise the energy, and I meditated and prayed my devotion to Goddess. Dawne even sang a song she wrote. It was powerful and moving and I felt so honored to be surrounded by powerful women. I’m so happy I got my moon tattoo. It’s empowering, and it feels so right for me. I know it’s not for everyone, though it is right for me. It was definitely a rite of passage that I am grateful I went through. I am committed to my path, and I look forward to Providence moving.

Blessings,
Mary