Ingathering

Our Ingathering/Water Ceremony is coming up on September 8, which brings
back memories of my time in North Myrtle Beach, SC in August 2022. Part of the
water that has been gathered for this ceremony came from the Atlantic Ocean in
that city. My father and stepmother moved to Little River, a town just outside North
Myrtle, so I got to pay a visit and introduce them to my friend Heather.

While on this trip (my first visit to a beach since I was 16) I found myself longing to practice
something spiritual while walking on the beach after sunrise. I have a complicated relationship with my dad and stepmom; I have great difficulty with their judgmental attitude towards me and most everything and everyone else. I found that the ocean was inviting me to practice forgiveness and healing, using the sand, seashells and crashing waves to help me heal the wounds that no longer serve me to dwell on. I have to be honest, I am still a work in progress on that, however practicing meta prayer at the ocean did wonders to get me started
on that process.

As you consider where your summer travels may have taken you this year or prior, treasure the water that was a part of that experience. I am grateful we can share these adventures and lived experiences together in a meaningful ceremony. Namaste, Blessed Be.

~Jen Garrison