The phrase "the only constant is change" seems particularly appropriate as a statement on the world as a whole right now. It seems everywhere throughout the world massive change is taking place, or on the verge of occurring.
Certainly the people of Egypt must feel this sense of change as they continue to protest in a massive attempt to change government structures. Those people in Australia that are being evacuated due to a huge approaching cyclone or have already been evacuated due to previous floods, must feel such change. The Chinese are about to move into the year of the rabbit this week as they celebrate a New Year and with it quite a change in philosophy.
Here in my part of the world we are moving into a New Moon in Aquarius cycle on Wednesday that according to my We'Moon 2011 book suggests we connect to our community. We may be connected to community as we brace for yet another winter snow storm. The new moon is also Lunar Imbolc. Apparently on Imbolc eve, tradition suggests you celebrate Brighid, the triple fire goddess of smithcraft, poetry and healing. According to Marna from Mother Tongue Ink 2010, this should signify an awakening of global healers and signify transformation on the "crucible of insight". Hmm... lots to think about there.
Whether you look forward to change or not, it isn't always easy to go through the process of transformation. To me, nature provides the ultimate symbol of transformation in the butterfly. The change from larvae to having wings to fly is an incredible process and worth the pain once achieved, but it must be difficult to continue to convince yourself of that when you are so trapped and squished in the confining cocoon.
Star of Bethlehem is a Bach flower essence that is supportive of the emotions you go through during any kind of transformation. Dr. Bach described it as "the comforter and soother of pains and sorrows." It can be helpful for the delayed effects of shock that may manifest years after the traumatic or changing event and for this reason may be helpful for post traumatic shock. Star of Bethlehem is recommended for both mother and child immediately after birth- again an incredible example of transformation.
In an effort to put the principles of Bach Flower essences into stories children could relate to, I created this story of Sabrina the Butterfly:
Sabrina the Butterfly- A Star of Bethlehem Story
Sabrina feels horrible. It’s like her whole body is changing and everything hurts and feels raw and tingling. It feels like her inside is open to the world.
Sabrina has been warned about this all through her life as a caterpillar. Although she looked forward to it and knows it’s what happens during the change, it hurts so much she can’t believe it.
Sabrina doesn’t know if she wants to change but now that it has started she can’t stop it.
It feels like an earthquake is happening inside her brain and she can feel her outer shell crumbling away and actually dropping to the earth below.
She feels a burst of fire and rush of air and she feels both bigger and lighter at the same time and she is falling through the air!
Sabrina lands on the balanced six petals of an opened Star of Bethlehem flower in full bloom, just in time for lunch!
The other animals in the forest all stop everything they are doing to watch.
Sabrina unfolds the most beautiful, delicate but strong butterfly wings ever imagined. As she perches on the white petals of the Star of Bethlehem flower the colors in her wings are contrasted against the white.
Her wings are red and orange, yellow, green, sky blue and deep purple. The spots of white on her wings blend into the white of the flower as she fits in perfectly with her surroundings.
Sabrina’s true self is released. Having gained comfort, strength and protection from the Star of Bethlehem flower on her journey of change, she finds the balance she needs to fly.
Sabrina’s butterfly adventures begin!
