The Night I Became Ash: A Shamanic Revelation Under the Full Moon
Every Full Moon, I find solace and inspiration in the sacred ritual of honoring Mama Moon and her radiant energy. These ceremonies are deeply personal and transformative, whether held in solitude or with a circle of like-minded souls. This particular evening, on July 21, 2024, marked an extraordinary chapter in my journey, as it was the second Full Moon in Capricorn of the year—a rare and powerful alignment that called for a ceremony even amidst the chill of the night.
Our circle of five women, including my daughter, gathered in great respect and admiration. We followed our sacred ritual with a two-part ceremony: the release and calling-in letters. As usual, I penned down what I was ready to release from my life—people, situations, or energies that no longer served my highest good. After reading this release letter aloud, we burned it in the sacred fire, watching the smoke carry our intentions away.
Next came the calling-in letter, a more contemplative and heartfelt process. I took my time, savouring each manifestation and immersing myself in the feelings of how each desire would manifest in my reality. This letter would be kept close, read daily for a week, and infused with the essence of our intentions.
As we finished the ceremony, each of us offered a gift to Mama Moon, and I chose red wine as my offering. The night, though cold, was filled with warmth and connection. Signing my letter with my name, Tash, I felt a sense of completion. However, a curious event unfolded on our way back inside, a small drop of wine had spilled onto my letter, marking it in an oddly intriguing way.
When I opened the letter, I noticed the wine had stained precisely over the last three letters of my name: Tash, turning it into Ash. I chuckled at the coincidence but didn’t think much of it at the time. Yet, as I revisited the letter the following Monday, July 22, the wine stain had formed the word “Ash” so distinctly that it caught my breath.
Later that day, I prepared for a soul retrieval session, an intense and draining work. As I journeyed into my altered state, my spiritual allies—Ancestors, Jesus, Quan Yin, Metatron, Bear, and Dragon—awaited me. They revealed a profound truth: “This is your Shaman name, Ash. You are here to claim your rightful name and medicine and share it with the Earth.”
Stunned and unsure of what to say, I simply asked, “Huh, what do you mean?” They began to show me the path of my initiation: from crafting my drum to connecting deeply with the sacred fire, and excelling in my first soul retrieval session, where I had witnessed a village consumed by flames, leaving only ash. Then, an image of my letter appeared, with a focus on one of my manifestations: “I’m calling in to fully step into my power as the Shaman I came here to be, without fearing my medicine or the Spiritual World.” I heard the words, “Ask and you shall receive.” This profound and poignant realization illuminated how my Shaman name had come to be.
The moment was a beautiful revelation of my journey, culminating in a claim name ceremony where the Elders gathered around me, chanting, “We see you, Ash.” They placed their hands upon me, each offering prayers of protection, healing and blessings. It was a deeply moving experience that marked my formal recognition as Ash.
This story, rich with spiritual significance, is held close to my heart. It symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter, filled with the promise of even more profound journeys to come. With immense gratitude to my Ancestors, Jesus, Metatron, Quan Yin, Bear, Dragon, and the Elders, I embrace my new name, Ash, and eagerly anticipate the path ahead.
In this moment of deep connection and profound clarity, I am reminded that our names hold power, and our journeys are filled with sacred surprises. As Ash, I step forward into the world, ready to share my medicine and continue my journey with an open heart.
The Healing and Medicinal Properties of Ash
I’ll be focusing on both the physical and spiritual benefits of ash here, and believe me, I was amazed by what I discovered. Until an Elder generously shared her wisdom, I had no idea how deeply meaningful and practical ash could be.
Rich in essential nutrients like calcium, potassium, and magnesium, hardwood ash transforms garden soil into a thriving ecosystem. It helps balance acidic soils, deters pests, and even accelerates compost decomposition.
Beyond these practical uses, ash holds profound spiritual significance, symbolizing transformation and renewal. This ancient wisdom has opened my eyes to the powerful lessons and benefits that ash brings to both our physical environment and our inner journeys.
Practical Uses
- Nutrient-Rich Fertilizer
- Properties: Ash from hardwoods is rich in potassium and other essential nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.
- Application: It can be used to enrich soil in gardens and farms, enhancing plant growth and improving crop yields. The minerals in ash help in balancing soil pH and replenishing essential nutrients.
- Natural Pesticide
- Properties: Ash can act as a deterrent for pests such as slugs and snails.
- Application: Sprinkling ash around plants creates a barrier that pests find difficult to cross. It can also be used to reduce the need for chemical pesticides in gardening.
- Cleaning Agent
- Properties: The alkaline nature of ash makes it effective for cleaning and deodorizing.
- Application: Ash can be used to clean glass and metal surfaces, and as a mild abrasive to scrub stubborn stains. It can also be mixed with water to create a solution for cleaning purposes.
- Health Remedies
- Properties: Historically, ash has been used in traditional medicine for its alkalizing effects.
- Application: Ash water (a solution made from dissolving ash in water) has been used as a remedy for digestive issues and to soothe minor skin irritations.
Spiritual and Symbolic Significance
- Transformation and Renewal
- Symbolism: Ash represents the end of one cycle and the beginning of another. The act of burning wood transforms it into ash, signifying the release of the old to make way for the new.
- Spiritual Lesson: This transformation teaches us that endings are necessary for new beginnings. Embracing change and letting go of what no longer serves us is essential for personal growth and renewal.
- Cleansing and Purification
- Symbolism: In many spiritual traditions, fire is seen as a purifying force. Ash, as the residue of this fire, embodies the essence of purification.
- Spiritual Lesson: Embracing the cleansing process of letting go of old habits or past hurts can lead to a clearer, more focused path forward. It reminds us that purity comes from confronting and releasing what holds us back.
- Grounding and Stability
- Symbolism: Ash settles into the earth, symbolizing grounding and stability. It is a reminder of the importance of staying grounded despite the transformative experiences we undergo.
- Spiritual Lesson: Remaining grounded and centered helps us navigate through change and instability with resilience and clarity. It encourages us to find balance and stability within ourselves.
- Connection to the Past
- Symbolism: Ash connects us to ancestral traditions and practices. It represents the wisdom and lessons passed down through generations.
- Spiritual Lesson: Understanding our roots and honoring the past can provide us with strength and guidance in our journey. It reminds us to respect our history while moving forward with new insights.
Bringing the Lesson to Life
The lesson of ash is one of embracing transformation, purification, and grounding. Just as ash serves as a foundation for new growth and healing in the practical world, it teaches us to embrace the cycles of change in our own lives. By recognizing the value of letting go, accepting endings, and remaining grounded, we can navigate our personal journeys with greater wisdom and resilience.
If you have any insights, questions, or reflections about the journey of becoming Ash or the transformative power of ash, please share them in the comments below. Your perspectives and stories add so much to this community