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Dr. Andrea M Slominski, Mindfulness
Persephone The Mythic Goddess Of Spring
Midlife Myths & Realities: Andrea M. Slominski, Ph.D.
Last month I shared with you the idea of going fallow and taking some deep rest in the dark and cold days of deep winter.
I hope your time of dreaming and imagining renewed your soul.
The Mythic Goddesses:
The mythic goddesses involved with fertility and the return of spring can be found in many cultures, for example, the Celtic—Brigid, Greek—Persephone, Norse—Freya, Hindu– Saraswati, Asase Yaa—Ashanti, and more.
“Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, was stirring in her royal bedchamber, preparing for the return of Spring.”
The arrival of spring and the celebrations around the change of season mark the end of the cold dark of winter, the return of the warmth of the sun, longer days, and the earth’s rebirth.
Here in Southern California, we see the first push of spring growth sooner than many around the nation. In fact, on my morning walk, I was surprised to see paperwhite flowers in full bloom on January 12th! To me, that was a sign that Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, was stirring in her royal bedchamber, preparing for the return of spring.
Persephone’s Mythology:
In Persephone’s mythology, her mother, Demeter, missed her so much (after Hades abducted her and took her to the underworld to be his bride and queen) that she insisted Persephone be allowed to return to the upper world for half the year. When Persephone returns, spring arrives in all its glory!
You can answer Persephone’s invitation to observe and welcome her return. Take some time in nature. Go for a walk and watch closely for the crocus buds pushing their green tips through the snow. What birds are returning to your neighborhood with the lengthening of days? Is it time for the maple sap to run? Has the ice begun to melt at the edges of the creek? Are the tips of the tree branches budding out yet? Have desert wildflowers started to grow?
The more you look, the more you’ll see. It will change every day, quickly. If you take the time to observe it, it will amaze you.
Great Time To Move Ahead:
As spring quickens, this is an excellent time to begin to take action on your winter ideas and dreams. The season, the myths, and the planets are all aligning this spring to help you plant those dreams and bring them to fruition. Because the god Hermes is also influencing the dynamics and energy of starting anything new this year, be sure to be clear, honest, and thorough in the action you want to take on your plans and dreams.
“The more you look, the more you’ll see. It will change every day, quickly.”
Thankfully, we have just emerged from the final Mercury retrograde of 2023. But Mercury is still in the retrograde’s shadow until February 7th. All the planets will be direct after this time, astrologically speaking, making it a great time to move ahead with your plans.[1]
The planet Mercury (the Roman name for the Greek god Hermes) represents Hermes, the god of communication, intuition, negotiation, commerce, relationship, travel, crossroads, borders, thieves, and more. It was Hermes that negotiated the return of Persephone to the upper worlds. As the messenger of the gods, he is one of the only Olympian Greek gods that can travel freely between the heavenly realm, the human world, and the underworld.
Energy Reborn:
He is a psychopomp—a guide—who can lead you to your desired destination, helping you avoid pitfalls along the way, but be wary. He is also a trickster. When you are not clear, honest, and forthright in your communication and intentions, Hermes will abandon you, causing strife and breakdowns in negotiations, relationships, and the best-laid plans.
The gods, the seasons, and the stars have aligned this year to encourage your fallow time, invigorate your engagement in the return of spring and inspire you to start working on your dreams, goals, and plans. May the earth’s vital energy reborn spark your creativity and personal renewal this spring!
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About the Author:
Andrea M. Slominski, Ph.D., is an author, speaker, and women’s midlife coach. During her dissertation research and study, she explored the new life stage for women that has emerged over the past 100 years.
Naming this new life stage, from ages 45-70, Regency, Dr. A. has spoken at conferences, published articles, and coached women to make the most of their emerging power years. Dr. A. guides women 45+ through the often-tumultuous transformations during perimenopause, midlife, and menopause. She uses tools that include creativity, story, mythology, imagination, ceremony, and ritual. If you need support for your Regency years, including all the changes of midlife and menopause, I’m here for you. Email me at [email protected]
To find out about my upcoming programs, coaching, and where I’m presenting, and lecturing, subscribe to my email list on my website: https://www.drandreaslominski.com
