Hello there m’dears!
Lately I’ve been digging into my musical history and falling in love with songs all over again. If you follow me on Facebook you’ve probably noticed a bit of Celtic Woman popping up (Because they are AWESOME).
While I was digging though my music I found one of my most favorite songs ever and I’ve been listening to it a lot lately. The Lady of Shalott by Loreena McKennitt.
I have loved the story of the Lady of Shalott ever since I read the poem by Alfred Tennyson. The poem is about a woman who is mysteriously cursed. She lives in a tower and must continually weave images on her loom without ever looking directly out at the world. Instead, she looks into a mirror which reflects the busy road and the people of Camelot which pass by her island.
At first she delights in her weaving, but as she begins to see life unfolding in front of her she starts to become discontent at life passing her by. There comes a day when she sees the image of Sir Lancelot in a field below and that is it for her. She falls in love. She makes the decision to look out the window and cast her eyes on him. As she does that her mirror cracks and she knows that the curse has come upon her.
Instead of waiting in her tower for her fate to befall her, she rushes from the tower and finds a boat. She climbs in and allows herself to float down to Camelot. For just that moment she has true freedom. By the time she reaches Camelot and Lancelot finds her boat, she has died. “But Lancelot mused a little space; He said, “She has a lovely face; God in his mercy lend her grace, The Lady of Shalott”.
The reason I always loved this poem was because I felt like I was her. I was trapped in a tower of my own making, I didn’t allow myself to connect to the real world and I was content that way. I was waiting for that one moment to come along where everything would change and I would no longer be content to stay in my tower and watch the world pass me by.
That moment came for me. I stopped existing and I started participating and it feels good. The Lady of Shalott didn’t have a happy ending in the traditional sense, but I think her descent down the river, surrounded by the real world, was perferable to a life spent up in a tower, wasting away. Sometimes we have to take a chance!
What chances are you taking right now? When was a time when you stepped out of your tower and embraced life? I’d also love to hear about what songs and poems inspire you!
Have an awesome day!
Great analogy here! Love me some Loreena McKinnett… I discovered her the same year I discovered Wicca and just hearing her angelic voice always takes me back to those bright eyed days.
Ahhhhhhh, it has been a very long time since I last listened to Loreena McKennit. Perhaps over 10 years. Thank you, Dominee, for bringing such wonderful memories of my first blossoming so long ago. I see similarities between then and now, and yet I have grown so much. I love to read about your own journey, and so glad that you are leaving your tower. :)
I am on the verge of embracing a career as a single woman, and very excited at the prospect. It is so very real to me right now. I am taking concrete steps that put me out there, where I give of myself and believe in my dreams.
I have also left a relationship because I know in my heart what I really want, and I am not willing to compromise my internal integrity in order to protect another person's feelings. I am not responsible for anyone's happiness but my own, and he in turn will grow to love himself more if he does not rely on me for happiness. This is a new blossoming on my part, to recognize this and then manifest it on so multiple levels.
This music is so peaceful, I am listening to it as I type. I have always liked this song very much. Blessed be on this wondrous Friday!
Beautiful!
Coincidentally, I found and shared on my Facebook page this song: http://tinyurl.com/8nyt2es
In some mystical way that I find hard to explain, this song helped me ready my energy for the next phase in my life~ it was a component in prepaving my coming Autumn, after the most beautiful, freedom-filled Summer I've experienced since I was a child.
Ahhhh, me too! She's one of the more mainstream semi-witchy artists. And pops up a lot in searches for pagan music, so I always think of that nostalgia when I hear her music. Especially a Mystic's Dream, that song oozes magic and mystery and gets me in the mood for ritual.
That's such a lovely song! I enjoyed listening to it, I love love love how music has the ability to transform and create memories, it's truly a magic-maker. I hope that your Autumn rivals the beauty of Summer! <3
I absolutely love all of your posts Sellica and how far you are coming, I remember your first comments and how uncertain you were about your journey and I am so glad that you are so close to embracing everything right now. Let the excitement flow through you, this is the beginning of a great journey for you!
I love your outlook on the relationship that you left, it's so hard to remain compassionate and positive, and make sure that you are taking care of your needs. I am proud of you!
Have a wonderful week!