Isis Calling (Power Shield Series) © Sue O'Kieffe 2011
source image - royal palm turkey feather
During a meditation at a recent women's gathering held at the Isis Retreat Center in Geyserville, CA, I received the ankh as a personal symbol. The ankh is a symbol of eternal life, among other things, and I am honored to have been called by Isis to convene not only with her but with the amazing tribe of women I met, bonded with, and embraced at Sage Taylor-Kingsley Goddard's Prosperous Goddess retreat.* I used a feather from one of the Royal Palm turkeys that live at the center as a source image for this mandala. Turkeys have always held a special place in my heart, as a symbol of sacrifice and give-away within Native American culture. Now I am learning the word turkey may actually come from the Hebrew word tukki, meaning peacock, which is also a bird sacred to Isis. These royal palms are a hybrid of different varieties of turkey. According to Wikipedia, the toms are noted for being non-aggressive, and the hens are particularly good mothers. All of this feels right to me when considering the turkeys' spiritual association with honoring the Earth Mother and Isis herself being worshiped as Mother of the Gods. What I really like, though, is knowing that turkey medicine is a reflection of shared blessings.There is something about gathering with women that naturally seems to bring that out. I experienced the spirit of appreciation and validation for one another, profound and deep healings facilitated by Sage's amazing insight, skills, and intuition, joy that comes with getting to know one another, as well as lots and lots of love. During that weekend I also received three messages of next steps for myself, which you will be hearing more about in the days to come.
I could not let another moment go by without creating a mandala to show my deep appreciation for all who touched me during this retreat. I say thank you and bright blessings to each and everyone of you. May our paths cross again soon.
~Sue O'Kieffe
Sacred Circle Mandalas
* I am also part of Sage's affiliate program.
