Women on Fire

When we fall in love , we revel in discovery, risk and expansion. Then, when we start to feel vulnerable in our need and newfound sense of safety, often we stop taking chances.

Worse, we make a terrible bargain: 'I'll pretend I won’t change if you promise to give up changing too. I’ll always be the same person you've come to need and love, and you'll do the same for me.'

We've all seen this happen to people we love. Most of us have made this deal ourselves, whether with spouse, parents, children, or whomever we come to count on.

I am writing today to honor certain women -- you know who you are -- who of late have come to me with the cry: 'I am growing and changing and the whole life I’ve built may shatter.'

I am honored by your trust and inspired by your courage.

Intricate webs of family and love and obsolete dynamics hang in the balance. In addressing these, you have chosen to care too for the fire that keeps you going, you as woman unto herself. You came and lit your damp wick in my flame, a flame you have helped me keep burning over the years.

I think of the lamp that is kept ever burning at many an altar, symbol that the deity is present.

Thank you for your fire. Goddess Bless and Goddess keep.