5 Directions

As a lover of the Divine Feminine, I follow a path rooted in the holistic practices of some of the oldest matriarchal societies, where the Divine Feminine is present in the earth and throughout the world. As in many earth-centered traditions, this practice casts a sacred circle where transformative sacred magic can happen right here, in our lives, where we live. 

Tattooed on my arm is a counterclockwise circle with 5 Directions: south, east, north, and west for the elements of fire, air, earth, and water, and the center for a fifth element that brings all the others together—an element I call “matrix,” a name that connects with the maternal creative power of the Divine Feminine.

The 5 Directions map and correspond with other aspects of life including five basic human capacities that are central to my work — Will, Mind, Body, Heart, and Spirit — as well as colors, seasons, chakras, movements, and yes, poetic Meters. Together, the Meters and the other aspects of each direction form the Five Goddess Languages that structure my workshops and retreats. 

I developed this model by combining my poetic experience with earth-centered ritual based in my decades in women’s circles. Originally a strategy for my own spiritual survival, it invites a complete approach to life that has now nourished a vibrant, self-empowering spiritual path in students, readers, and listeners as well. 

Most importantly, the Goddess Languages Spiral reminds us to keep our lives integrated and in balance, without privileging any one aspect of life more than another.

While you certainly won’t need to be aware of the 5 Directions to understand my books, poems, Poetess Priestess Community, website, or other aspects of my work, this pattern often does underlie what I create, and sometimes i am asked about it. 

Below is a simple guide to the 5 Directions and their Goddess Languages.