The process of conceiving and creating the centerpiece mandala for Red Tent gatherings gives me so much joy.

I chose the Minoan Snake Goddess to preside last night. She is thought to represent fertility, for women as well as the earth (although her significance is contested among historians - perhaps one of my Greek friends could tell us more?). The theme of cultivating fertile ground, for the purpose of the Red Tent, relates to honoring the cycles of nature and our bodies in order to have a structure and process for letting go of what’s old and stale, conceiving new ideas and new possibilities, and cultivating the strength, support and confidence to bring them into being. By allowing ourselves time and space to rest, reflect and share intimately with others, we grow stronger and wiser.

The presence of snakes for this particular gathering is significant symbolically. Snakes live with their bellies to the earth, shed their old skins, and are often considered symbolic of the underworld or subconscious. They cause a great deal of anxiety and fear for many people; as do our subconscious currents. They are liable to strike when they are agitated, as we are when we are triggered into feeling the uncomfortable and powerful emotions hidden deep in our unconscious soil.

In discussing an idea such as sexual sovereignty, a journey into the underworld is necessary to understand who and what influences and past experiences have been guiding our beliefs and choices, and where and how we have given our power away. This is not an easy or simple journey; it is not for the faint of heart.

The beautiful flowers (specifically chosen to represent our yin and yang essences) represent the glorious garden that blossoms when we conscientiously turn our soil, remove the weeds, nurture our true essence, and stand in partnership with others who dare to meet the world with their finest scent and truest beauty.