Journey of a Witch
by Christine Elliott
CHAPTER TWO
THE LEARNING
So, what is soul midwifery? I expect my definition will have changed by the time this is published, but it's not such a difficult question really, if you're asking a soul midwife.
At the birth of a child, for thousands of years worldwide, the local wisewoman was brought in to officiate. More often than not it was her job to see that the new mother had enough information about the whole business to at least get her started. It was widely known that the witch of the villages had seen many births, and many deaths too. It was accepted that she knew more than any individual, being as she had witnessed the birthing of most of the collective. Because of her special position, her knowledge was greater than the sum of the other women's knowledge; she had a greater experience of seeing things for herself, rather than just being told about them. Such has been my life. One aspect of this is the midwife at the local hospital or doctor's surgery, who tutors the pregnant mother in the techniques of birth prior to the event, then visits to give advice after. She has certainly seen more physical births than I have.
Community spirit is not the same as it was when I was a child. (Things ain't what they used to be!) This is especially true of the big cities like the one I live in at the moment. The population is often transient, anonymity seems to be the key to a peaceful existence. Yet here and there, on some run-down estate or backstreet, the sense of community survives. This is especially true of more remote villages, where newcomers are often viewed with suspicion until their place in the community is established. Think carefully now. In your village or down your street, there is a woman who knows everyone's business. She always has sweets and a kind word for the children. She is the first to see a new baby, the first to hear of a marriage break-up, the first to comfort and reassure, also the first to condemn. In times of crisis people turn to her fount of knowledge. She can be thought of as a busybody at times, but most people like her, just the same. She is part of life down your street, even if you do not see her often.
My Grandad's mother combined two talents. That of midwife, since in her time most births still went on at home, and naturally that of the local busybody, to whom everyone went in a crisis. In fact, he met Nana when she arrived on a stormy night to get the midwife because her mother was having "another one". I never got to meet this wise woman, but her blood runs in my veins. Everyone in my family has blueish or hazel-ish eyes - I get my brown eyes and dark looks from her. Grandad often said I reminded him of her, and I took that as a compliment, since he never bonded with his father and his mother ended up as the centre of his universe until she died.
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From family history, then, to soul midwife. Elsewhere in this book I will share with you some experiences of rebirthing, but for now it is enough to say that my job, or task in life, is to help people to begin their journey. I have the knowledge to facilitate their spiritual development, and if I don't know personally I know where to look. Or I know someone who does. I may assist in a big way, such as channelling energy while healing , the result being a soul re-inventing itself by way of a rebirth. I'd like to add that this is quite unusual, often I help in a much smaller way, perhaps by lending a book to someone and then answering a few questions. The point is, that I am not normally involved in development beyond that starting point unless I choose to be. Choices. Our progression on our path is relevant to the choices we make. I have a choice as to whether I view my life to date as a training course for a bigger event, or whether I choose to just see it as an interesting, if difficult, life of learning.
I truly believe we each create our own path. All we need to succeed are a few basic tools, a bit of support from the right sources, and our connection with Spirit is within reach. This is the point I think all established religions and dogmas miss, that faith is meaningless unless each individual works to create their own faith. If dogma was the answer, then surely we'd all be in the Kingdom of Heaven by now? It is not enough to nod knowledgeably at another's ideas, but to craft your own as a result of seeing, listening and learning, that is indeed a skill. It gives your belief, your faith, true life. It becomes a living part of every part of your existence. Then you can be a Christian and really talk to God. Then you can become a Buddhist and the teachings of the Buddhas will be lessons you have lived. Then you can be a witch, for you will embrace your potential with a whole heart.
Limited as we are by the human condition, let us bring knowledge, understanding, to our human selves, that we may begin to comprehend our individual parts in the scheme of things. No secrets - secrets create power for others, power over our belief, faith, our belief in our own abilities. Venture beyond the secrets of a belief, explore the mysteries instead, find the truth behind the lies. Live your life by that truth, by becoming an aware being. Live your life in an awareness of your physical self, and the non-ordinary miracles of the world around you and within you, then you hold the key to your personal power and strength. See, this way anyone can be a witch.
As I touched, felt, saw a tree with my bridesmaid today she said, "I can't understand why people don't see the life in this tree! Why don't people really see?"
Of course, the only answer is that they don't stop to look. Only by truly seeing with our hearts can we see beyond, and into other magical realms. To join me on the journey, so will you need to stop, look for a moment, and slowly begin to see.
By bringing this to you I can share my life experiences and create a bond between us, as seekers of something. By drawing you in I can be YOUR soul midwife, bringing you into an awareness of your changing perception of the world around you, facilitating your development by way of just a few words. Bringing your attention to things you may otherwise miss. I want you to be able to learn from me in this way, the same way my companions in this book have learned.
Let's assume that because you have read this far, your perception is shifting and you are beginning to see. Things around you have a certain clarity, unnoticed before. And when you think too long about that, it's a scary feeling, isn't it? I suspect you are rapidly losing sight of how this can fit in with your daily life at all. I'm no advocate of Armageddon - take your time, there's no rush! All will integrate naturally, because you are doing nothing unnatural, merely using your thoughts and senses to their full potential. This is what your life is for. Following your heart may be alien to you, truly seeing probably is the fears you feel are fears of the unknown. Doing things differently involves an element of risk, and our lives are so risk-free much of the time now, that risky becomes scary. Life is meant to be risky business, full of interesting choices and decisions, not pre-packed and processed for one's convenience. I guarantee that it's a worthwhile risk. To see and to love in every part of you is the greatest reward. It links you with Divinity, with Spirit. It makes all whole.
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I AM AFRAID.
I stand at a crossroads in my life. I have quite a few options, really: I can choose to stand exactly where I am and do nothing (including fulfilling any potential I may have); I can look backward and decide that I will wander back in that direction because it is familiar; or I can look to the views ahead and consider moving forward. The roads ahead appear to be quite diverse: two are fairly flat so as I look across the plain I can see that the going will not be that tough; as I look into the distance, however, I see how these roads branch out, interconnect, intertwine, and eventually lead back to the crossroads at which I now stand. Not much use, that.
I look up at the other road. Yes, you've guessed it, a rather indistinct mountain track, and the only way is UP. Does not appeal to this couch potato, all this hard work, but I must remember that I am at this crossroads because Spirit thinks I am ready.
I have made my choice, to finally be the most I can possibly become. Of course it's the hilly road, because to take responsibility for one's life and to choose to craft one's skills and perceptions to thenon-ordinary is bound to be hard work. My temptation, or reward, is the promise of a breathtaking view from the summit of this hill.
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There are, for me, some huge spiritual events afoot. There will be an intense period of learning and re-evaluation which may lead to a lot of what I'm saying now becoming obsolete, or of little consequence for me. For you, the book still has value, as the learning I share with you still has value to me. The most important people for me to work with are forty-ish, meaning I have about ten years' worth of catching up to do in a very short, very intense period.
Will I manage? I'll do my best. Am I afraid I'll fail? You bet!!! All I can wish is that by sharing my insights I will have stepped forward on my uphill road. As I break my heart writing , I begin to free myself of the ghosts of the past. The cosmic bonfire that Spirit has chosen to light under me will catapult me forward, rather than burning me to a crisp as I sit on it. I hope!!!
To change your path or pursue it in a different way, and to make the decision to sharpen the senses into the perception of other worlds - these are monumental decisions which can alter the course of a lifetime. If you are doing this, I am here to hold your hand as you set out. I have even made the sandwiches for you to take with you. By reading on you are doing the same for me, even as I guide you into change, just as you support me in my spiritual growth.
Many, many fears stop people from achieving their dreams. Eight years ago I was diagnosed as having osteo-arthritis in my hips - incurable, leading to eventual hip replacement. At twenty, this was devastating. It means I have days when I can walk fine. Other days I simply can't. I cannot run to catch a bus, nor can I go out dancing because I'm crippled for days (but sometimes I still do it anyway). I shall be on the lookout for a suitable walking stick shortly because when my son outgrows his pushchair I will have nothing to lean on! I cannot get anywhere quickly these days, but because I have to slow down I now have the time to stop and see.
I found that as I allowed myself to open up to this knowledge of myself as a sensitive part of all things, I was able to feel supported by all life around me. And then I could view life's goals differently, approach them with a positive attitude, and ultimately succeed.
In 1996 it took me four weeks to move from Yorkshire to Glastonbury, from making the decision, to running up and down the country like a madwoman to find a house, to moving, complete with five year-old daughter. Whew!!! I condensed my life and crammed it into a Transit van. I trusted myself, and I did it. After that, changing houses in the same area was a piece of cake! I believed I could - and I did.
It only took me one week to move back to Yorkshire.
After numerous attempts and failures at learning to drive, I focused and passed the test with flying colours.
Computers and me don't mix, it's probably a magnetic problem, but I now have an Information Technology certificate.
And finally an offer for University!
Over a period of three years I have gone from a single mum with very little, to the wisewoman down the street who people turn to in a crisis, or when their spiritual crossroads comes into view. There is certainly evidence here to suggest that life's events are definitely speeding up! My advice comes from the heart, as does that of others like me the world over. Along with my shifting perceptions, my contact with Spirit, comes the Divine gift of sharing. Speaking from the heart with genuine love for all things brings me the reward of seeing the healing I bring into being, come to fruition. In that, I am so lucky. My healing is not a tangible skill, but we can all perform the miracle in our own way. By tuning in to that feeling, you will be able to develop and use skills just like mine to the same effect in your own life.
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