Welcome to this Matariki ritual,
Where we will reconnect with ourselves during this sacred time of Matariki,
The Māori New Year.
Matariki is celebrated in New Zealand around June and July.
The date slightly differs each year,
But it is during the Tangaroa lunar period,
The last quarter of the moon.
After the Matariki star cluster,
Known globally as the Pleiades,
Has disappeared from view due to being too close to the sun to see.
But on its return,
When it rises,
This is when the celebrations occur.
If you are living overseas you may like to look up when this occurs in your country and you are welcome to utilise this time too.
This is a time to remember our connection to the natural cycles of life,
To the earth and sky.
In Maori culture,
Each of the nine stars represent a different aspect of the environment.
Prosperity.
And well-being.
To the Maori,
They are guardians,
A family.
With the main star,
Matariki,
Being the mother and the others being her children.
Each bridging the gap between humanity and the environment.
They act as signs,
Spiritual authorities,
Keepers of the dead and receivers of aspirations.
So if you feel drawn to Mata Riki,
To the Pleiades Star Cluster,
Let's begin this Matariki ritual and connect to these sacred stars and to ourselves.
I invite you to get a pen and paper or your journal so you have something to write on,
So you can jot down any insights,
Reflections and intentions that come to you during this time.
If you would like to light some incense,
A candle,
Pour a hot drink,
Have some pictures of your past loved ones with you,
Or anything else,
You are welcome to.
This is your personal ritual time of reflection and intention.
So create a beautiful space and atmosphere for yourself.
And when you are ready,
Take a seat and get comfortable.
And when you are ready,
I invite you to close your eyes for a moment and feel your body and mind begin to slow as you begin to breathe slowly and deeply in and out through the nose.
Dropping into your body and into this present moment.
Feeling the soothing breath as it flows through your body.
Consciously releasing tension and bringing relaxation to the parts of your body that you feel drawn to.
Bringing your awareness into you.
Reconnecting back to your natural energy.
Feeling into the stillness and presence that resides here.
Feeling into your heart.
Allowing the breath to flow through this space.
Softening,
Opening.
Becoming more receptive to this powerful portal within you.
Perhaps feeling subtle energy moving in this area.
Maybe tension is dissolving.
Maybe love is emerging.
Feel and allow whatever is present here for you,
Embracing your unique experience.
And from your seat if you can't see.
The Pleiades star cluster,
Then I invite you to visualise them in your mind's eye.
See the nine bright stars together in the sky shining brightly.
Feel yourself,
Your consciousness,
Merge with them.
Feel at one with them,
Connected to them.
Knowing that they are here to support you,
Guide you.
And listen to you.
Feel the unconditional love and connection of the Pleiades.
You may have forgotten this sacred connection,
But you are remembering now.
An important aspect of Matariki is taking time to reflect on the past,
On the experiences that have shaped us,
And to remember those loved ones that have passed on.
So I invite you to take 5 minutes here to contemplate the past year.
Contemplate what you have experienced,
The challenges and lessons that have contributed to your growth.
Any highlights or important or special moments that stood out for you.
Remembering any loved ones that have passed or friendships that impacted you.
Giving yourself full permission to allow and feel any emotions that may arise with the different memories as they come to you.
Don't force this,
Rather allow these past reflections to naturally rise up to your awareness and honour each and every one of them,
Each a part of your journey,
Shaping who you are today.
So I will leave you for 5 minutes to do this and you are welcome to write these down.
If you are ready to resume then keep listening,
Otherwise you can pause this track if you want some more time to reflect and remember.
Next we are going to give thanks and have gratitude.
I invite you to write down at least three things that you are grateful for this past year.
It may be people that supported you or loved you.
Perhaps opportunities or events that occurred.
It can also be in the little mundane things that brought you moments of beauty and joy.
So I'll give you five minutes here to tune in and bring awareness to the gratitude and appreciation that this year has brought you.
We can experience so much goodness in our lives and this is your opportunity to truly recognize them.
And lastly,
It is time to look forward and set intentions for the year ahead.
This is all about new beginnings,
A time of renewal.
And instead of focusing on goals or resolutions specifically,
I invite you rather to consider what energy you want to welcome into the next season of your life.
You may like to contemplate how you want to feel,
What qualities you would like to cultivate,
What is needing your energy and focus,
Or what are you releasing?
Let these arise from your heart,
Not from performance but from your authentic self,
From your intuitive knowing of what you are now ready for.
So again,
Take 5 minutes here to do this.
Beautiful.
Thank yourself for taking the time to reconnect with yourself,
With the past,
With the future and having gratitude for the journey.
Let this time be a celebration.
Of your and for life.
Feel the inspiration,
Joy,
Empowerment or whatever feelings may be arising within you now.
And bring this energy and your intentions for the season ahead with you now.
This is your new beginning.
Not forgetting the past,
But bringing the growth and lessons with you.
I invite you to take three deep breaths here as we end this practice.
And if you wish to say a prayer,
Or share words of gratitude,
Or speak to the stars,
Or say a declaration to yourself,
You may do this now.
We can remember,
Give thanks and look forward,
Not just during the time of Matariki,
But we can do a ritual or practice like this daily,
Weekly or monthly too.
And you can connect to the Mātariki.
The Pleiades star cluster or its individual specific stars at any time.
Much love and blessings to you.
