As we approach the Summer Solstice this Weekend, I am reflecting on my experience at the Earth Daughters Festival last year at this time. On the lands of the Ktunaxa people, this festival offered a beautiful deep dive into all things womanhood.

Now before I begin, I recognize that the word woman can be triggering for some. That there is a big push to break down the gender binary and drop the labels. I understand that this movement is very important and empowering for some and I respect if what I am about to share and advocate for is not on your path. If you are interested in a woman who is on the path of reclaiming their sense of identity, their health, their vitality and their body by honouring the sacred feminine – read on…

In the afternoon sunshine, 500 women gathered next to the Columbia River to dance, laugh, cry, learn, sing, pray and play.

I had visited the festival grounds 4 years prior while living in Golden, BC. The caretaker had purchased the property in the 80’s when it was nothing but forest. He spent time tending to, cultivating and creating the beautiful oasis that exists today. Now there are gardens, goats, meadows, pastures, ponds, trails, tennis courts and a fully functioning disk-golfing course.

That’s why I had visited all those years ago – for disc-golfing.

Many years had past since I had walked among those beautiful cedar trees and funny metal baskets. I couldn’t help but notice that the forest looked different and that the steps I took felt different. I was walking the land as a new woman, yet one that I had not fully met yet. The old pieces of me were falling away and with each moment, came a little grief…

I longed to be focusing my energy in meeting and becoming this new woman, yet big life transitions often take time, and much of the work that was needed for me was the grieving of my old self.

I sat with the girl who had walked those lands before. The one that had expected her life to go in a particular direction. She was deeply in love, yet felt insecure in her relationship. She was an adventure enthusiast; climbing mountains, hitting jumps, bombing cliffs and generally never taking a day off. She was hustling a full time adventure tourism diploma and 3 jobs. She had not recognized how much her body was begging her to relax and slow down. I sat with the old version of me who I loved dearly, was proud of and the young girl who rested inside of her heart.

I sat with the girl who operated largely from her masculine polarity. The one who always worked in male-dominated industries. The girl who felt like she had to protect herself, stay strong and tough. The one never asked for help, and very rarely received it. I sat with the girl who didn’t realize how much beautiful feminine energy she had, who was scared of the depth that she carried and who didn’t know how to hold the magic of her womb.

4 years later and with a new perspective, I was learning how to tend to the girl who was becoming a woman.

I moved through much of that weekend peering through puffy, watery eyes. I let my e-motions (energy in motion) be as they were. I held hands with supportive women, new and old friends and sat in ceremonies for times of grief and transition.

Although uncertain of this new feeling and the skin and bones which were to hold me on this new path, I woke up each morning with a renewed sense of devotion and purpose.

On the final day, we had the opportunity to walk through the coals of Grandfather fire. Reflecting on and moving through the ways in which we, as woman, have been burned. We were prompted to call in the divine masculine within our own hearts, and the divine men in our life who are stepping up to truth and purpose to protect the feminine and this precious vital earth.

I still sing one of the beautiful songs that was shared with us that weekend from Zoey Wren

“May the sun shine well,

May the sun shine well.

May the earth appear

Brightly shone upon.”

I write this today as someone new. A woman who spends time tending to her creations, who has stepped onto the entrepreneurial path (gently and softly haha), who embodies both her masculine and feminine well, and is blessed to be in a loving and supportive relationship with an incredible man.

Thank you to all of the woman who held me through the process of transition. Although I will not be able to attend the festival this year, I will be thinking of you all and sending my wishes for a beautiful Solstice in the woods!

Much love,

~ Kaliegh

Link to this years Festival

https://www.earthdaughtersfestival.com

Photo credits

Annabell: @anabeldelaforet

Georgia: @laloba.studios