Music for Magical Self-care

Hello Magical Folk!

I’m in a season of deep self-care as I heal from chronic inflammation. It feels like the whole world is inflamed right now and that we all could use some peace, soothing, and self-nurturing. So, this time, my “behind the music” stories will have a twist! I’ve included journal prompts and self-care exercises that go with the theme of each song. I hope these make your life feel a little lighter and more magical. Here we go!

Soul of Nature

I who am the beauty
Of the green earth and white moon
From among the stars
And the mysteries of the waters

The desire of the heart of man
Calls unto thy soul
Arise and come unto me
For I am the Soul of Nature

from “Soul of Nature” (c) 2008 by Jenna Greene, from the album “Crossroads”, lyrics from “The Charge of the Goddess” by Doreen Valiente, original music by Jenna Greene

The artwork titled Yule, by Amanda Clark, is a dreamlike, magical woodland scene set under a twilight sky. In the upper part of the image, a woman’s face appears among swirling blue hair that blends into the night sky. Her flowing hair carries bright white stars across the scene.

Below, rolling green and blue hills stretch into the distance. A small, cozy cottage with lit windows nestles among the hills, suggesting warmth and shelter. On the left, a pale white deer with antlers stands beside the roots of tall, bare-branched trees.

In the foreground, large red mushrooms with white spots cluster together at the base of the trees. To the right, a giant snail with a spiral shell rests on the ground. Perched beside it is a black bird, and another large bird with a golden crown sits nearby. The crowned bird holds a glowing white feather in its beak.

The whole scene shimmers with tiny white dots like snowflakes or stars. It is an enchanting, mystical, wintry atmosphere. — Art: Yule by Amanda Clark

The melody for Soul of Nature was written as a way for me to learn the words to The Charge of the Goddess by the late great Doreen Valiente. These powerful words feel like a grounding force, returning me to the nurturing of the Great Mother and reconnecting me with my own inner magic.

The sweeping orchestral arrangement, created and performed by Jefferson Starship keyboardist Chris Smith, brings this song to life. Released on the Crossroads album in 2007, the melody was written many years before when I first discovered the Charge of the Goddess on a beautiful spiraling poster at a metaphysical shop. On that same day, I bought A Witches’ Bible by Stewart and Janet Farrar, and it was a wonderful synchronicity to find the same words in their book.

Journal Prompt

What is something you do that makes you feel grounded? Is it a place, a tree, or even certain words? Is it planting your bare feet on the earth? Hugging a loved one?

Exercise

Practice your special grounding action every day for the next seven days. Notice how it feels to consistently stay grounded and centered.

Lady Moon

I now reach the standing stones
And calm falls over me
Surrounded and completed by
A starry autumn breeze
I hear the Ancient’s welcome, friends and guides all
Then silence as they wait for my call

from “Lady Moon” (c) 2008 by Jenna Greene, from the album “Crossroads”

The theme of Lady Moon is about shedding the parts of your past that no longer feel true to who you are now. When I was 18, I was on a quest to find my own truth and my own path. One full moon night, I whispered my intentions into a handful of white rose petals and released them into a stream, singing a prayer to the moon. This is when this song came into being.

It holds a special place in my heart as one of my earliest-written pieces. For years, it was one of my least-streamed songs, but lately, it has become one of the most popular. I wonder if its truth-seeking energy is exactly what’s needed in the world right now.

Journal Prompt

Are you telling yourself a lie about who you really are? Is there a part of your truth that you hide from others? If you could sum up your life’s truth, what would you say?

Exercise

For the next seven days, do one small thing that makes you feel more like you are living your truth and being your authentic self.

The Cave

I have traveled hollowness, empty restless depths
Stepping ever carefully, holding my breath
Sure that I would falter, oh, sure I’d meet hope’s death
Only to find a shining doorway onto my next quest

from “The Cave” (c) 2016 by Jenna Greene, from the album “Wings”

Digital Art by Aisling Starry Life on Pinterest

The Cave is heavily influenced by the teachings of the mythologist Joseph Campbell. It’s about fearing outside forces and then realizing those scary energies are just reflections of your own self-doubt and limiting beliefs.

One of my favorite quotes of all time is, “The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure that you seek.” This idea has been a powerful guide for me.

Journal Prompt

What is one limiting belief that is holding you back from living the life of your dreams? Where did this belief come from? What would it take to release it?

Exercise

Your limiting belief may have originated from a traumatic event in your past. Without reliving the trauma, try to track the belief back to its origin. Did it come from someone else? If so, gently and lovingly give it back to them. It was never yours to carry. Let the younger version of yourself know they did the best they could in a tough situation. Tell them you are no longer going to carry that hurtful belief.

Brigid

On the brink of my dreams I turned away
And made so many mistakes
Just in reach of my bliss I went astray
And now I’ll do all that it takes

To find a new way to begin
To find that divine spark within
To find the truth in myself
And put love above all else

Brigid, oh Brigid, Brigid, oh Brigid

from “Brigid” (c) 2011 by Jenna Greene, from the album “Wild Earth Child”

Art: Brigid by Lily Moses from Keepers of the Light Oracle

I am so proud that I have never given up on my creative dreams and goals, even through all the hardships life has thrown my way. There was a time when I came close to quitting, but I feel the goddess Brigid, whom I’ve always perceived as the ultimate muse, came to me and said, “Oh no you don’t!”

After obeying her, I was rewarded not only with this song but also an opening up of my creative channel. Since that time, I have been able to hear the music more clearly, and loving divine messages have been given to me to pass on to the world.

For several years, I focused on shadow work with the dark goddesses. These powerful archetypes helped me set stronger boundaries, protect my energy, and become aware of where my negative patterns come from. Now, I feel it’s time to re-emerge from the underworld, like an older version of Persephone, and return to the nurturing arms of the mother goddess.

I used to push myself way too hard and had no boundaries. Now, understanding where that self-abuse came from, I have changed my patterns. I am learning to nurture myself and also to let others nurture me instead of trying to do everything myself. It seems like a good time to turn my attention back to Brigid, and perhaps you need her at this time in your life, as well.

Journal Prompt

What is the way you most easily connect with the divine?

Exercise

For the next seven days, notice when people do loving, kind, or nurturing things for you, and let them. You don’t have to repay their kindness. Just offer a gracious thank you, a smile, or a hug. Notice how when you look for kindnesses in the world, you find them everywhere.

I hope you have enjoyed this article. If you’d like to delve deep into the spaces where self-care meets sorcery, join me at Mystic Fire in Virginia where I will be presenting a whole weekend intensive on the subject.

Info: https://www.mysticfire.org/

Or, if you can’t make it to Virginia, email me at greeneladymusic@gmail.com and we can do a Self-Care Sorcery session on Zoom or FaceTime.

Jenna Greene

For more information about Jenna Greene, including her collected articles here on Pagan Song, her bio, and links to Jenna’s sites on the web, check out Jenna’s page on Pagan Song.

Cover Art: Forest Goddess by Scenic Alchemy on Pinterest

For additional Pagan Song articles about self-care from a magical perspective, check out the Aphrodite Rising four part series by Molly Cawwoman. Aphrodite Rising: Spring Fever, Aphrodite Rising: Summer of Love, Aphrodite Rising: Falling For Yourself, Aphrodite Rising: Go Love Yourself.

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