Greetings dear Sunny Optimists,
This morning here in Scotland, we are in the midst of the transition from ‘Storm Dudley’ to ‘Storm Eunice’. It has been quite something to experience the wind howling and the sea crashing against the shores. The majesty of Mother Earth has been fantastic to behold. A wonderful reminder that she holds immense power and beauty.
I hope you are safe and cosy wherever you are this day.
When I came downstairs, I was delighted to see the quietness that comes from this time of ‘in-between the storms’. The sun was shining, and there was just a gentle breeze and a few droplets of rain outside. So I went out, and I felt expanded and at ease with the beauty all around me. I simply took time to savour the experience.
Then it came to me to write about The Four Daughters of Beauty, as shown on the Medicine Wheel below. I felt the Fire from the Sun burning into the back of my eyes. There were tiny raindrops of Water on my face, the Earth felt solid beneath my feet, and a breath of Air gently ruffled my hair.
Just delightful.
As you may know, I carry a body of Earth Wisdom teachings called The Origin Teachings of the Delicate Lodge. I first encountered these in 1996 when my teachers, RainbowHawk and WindEagle, offered a weekend ceremony in the Braes o’ Balquidder here in Scotland. Studying the Teachings awakened within me a deep connection with the mystery of the Wisdom of Earth. It was a loving embrace right from the outset, and I knew I had come home.
Since that time in Balquidder, Medicine Wheels, like the one above, have guided my thinking and living. I moved from linear to circular thinking. I was taught to see patterns and connections in Life that were totally new to me. I came to know myself as a child of the Earth. I am always loved and held by her.
I am now an elder in this tradition, and it brings me so much joy to share this ever-unfolding Wisdom with you today. If you would like to know more about the history of Teachings, please visit the Ehama Institute.
The Four Daughters of Beauty
You might well ask why they are called The Four Daughters of Beauty. The ancient people saw that the elementals of Fire, Water, Earth and Air are the progeny of the Universal creative life force. Source, the Divine, God, whatever your words for it might be. Through deep contemplation with the natural world, the ancient ones saw that these elemental energies evolved as essential for life on Earth. Not only that, but they also understood that The Four Daughters are energy forces that live within us too.
Indigenous people understood that these elementals were primordial and holy. The Four Daughters are considered Goddesses to honour and be in a sacred relationship with. The energies create a natural pattern of harmony when dancing together. I love the image below where the Four Daughters are personified as energy forms. I imagine them dancing around as I touch into their life force within me. Mmmmm
The Qualities of the Four Daughters of Beauty
EAST – FIRE
The East is the place of Fire… it’s the light of our inner Fire, our Spirit, this universal force within us bringing freedom of expression and creativity. Fire shares its light and warmth with benevolence, offering Illumination, Alchemy, and Transformation.
WEST – EARTH
The West is the place of Earth …our physical home … the place of the Body, where all the essential nutrients for life provide substance and structure to sustain us. Earth is a haven that fiercely cares for us offering Introspection, Nurturing, and Consolidation.
SOUTH – WATER
The South is the place of Water… the ebb and flow of life.. the place of letting our Emotions flow to open us to the adventure of our life. Water can be a babbling brook, a deep river or pounding surf, each offering Movement, Fluidity, and Cleansing.
NORTH – AIR
The North is the place of the Air… the breath of life… the place of our HeartMind that offers clarity that can lead to calm, courageous action. Air brings oxygen to support us to be clear-headed and hearted with Knowledge, Decisiveness, and Wisdom.
Contemplation Time with The Four Daughters of Beauty
I invite you to find ways to connect with each of the Daughters and see what wisdom arises within you. I suggest you take your time and perhaps do this each day for the next week to see what is revealed to you.
Sit with a candle if you do not have access to a fire. Soften your eyes as you look.
Visit a river or the ocean to touch into the wonder of water.
Lie on the earth and let your heartbeat align with her energy.
Feel the air on your face as you walk and pay attention to your breathing.
Another option for deepening your relationship with the Goddesses is to conduct the following meditation. First, settle into a quiet space where you will not be disturbed and begin to meditate in whichever way you like to do this. Then, when you feel ready, imagine the Four Daughters of Beauty arise within you. See them dancing in front of you with their unique beauty. You can also dance with each of the Daughters in your imagination. It can be such a powerful experience to truly know each of these energies within you.
I am sending you Good Medicine for this exploration.
As always I would love to hear from you about your knowledge of The Four Daughters and what your experiences this week have been.
So much appreciation to you for this journey we share.
Ann
Yes very much so. You reminded me of one of my favourite in the flesh but now a meditation of going round the circle inviting each daughter in to hear her wisdom
I appreciate this celebration. It is such a blessing to be aware of these four primal energies in us and all around. xxx