Salutations to the Goddess, who abides in all beings in the form of power,
Laguna Beach, California, United States
Introduction
The seed for Knitting With Goddesses was planted sometime after 9/11 when a new wave of knitters appeared on the scene. Women, and some men, gravitated to their local yarn shop to explore colors, textures and patterns. Dazzling displays of yarn provided color therapy. Touching the various wools, acrylics, and blends brought comfort. Experienced knitters and those who came to learn how to knit found a place to gather and share patterns, techniques, and stories. The uptick in knitting led to the opening of many new stores. Change is a constant in life, and so is stress. When the change is sudden and shocking, as it was when the twin towers fell, it creates uncertainty, worry, and often a sense of powerlessness. Knitting helped people cope.
In her article “6 Unexpected Benefits of Knitting” Kathryn Harper notes that knitting promotes relaxation, relieves stress and anxiety, and slows cognitive decline. It can also be an anti-depressant, a source of pride, and a workout for your fingers. [See "6 Unexpected Benefits of Knitting" by Kathryn Harper at http://www.lifehack.org/314247/6-unexpected-benefits-knitting]. As a knitter you probably know that already, but if you are a beginner you are in for a sweet surprise.
I have been a student of yoga and meditation for a long time.. One of my favorite teachers is Sally Kempton. A few years ago I bought her book Awakening Shakti and enrolled in her extraordinary online courses, the Wisdom Goddess Empowerment I and II. Shakti is the Sanskrit word for power. It is the subtle energy that vibrates throughout the universe, becoming all things and radiating through every part of creation. Each goddess described in the book presents a different face of the one Shakti, and can be called upon for help.
My intention in writing this blog is to share my experience of working with these powerful, accessible goddesses. Each month I will study, chant, meditate, and knit with a different goddess. Links to all the mantras, prayers, images, and suggested meditations will be included. I’ll post pictures of what I've created, along with instructions. In her book Sally writes “We are, in our essence, made of Shakti. Her powers of consciousness, ecstasy, will, knowing, and acting are constantly at play both in ourselves and the world.” It is 2019 and women’s rights—human rights—are being challenged. We all need to draw on deep reserves of strength and energy to meet the challenges. It is a good time to knit. It is a good time to stand in your own power.
Whether you knit, crochet, embroider, or weave, you are welcome to join me in this Goddess work. I invite you to explore your own and other sacred traditions as they relate to the Divine Feminine. She is everywhere. I encourage you to, in the words of writer Elizabeth Fisher, "Rise Up and Call Her Name."
Kathryn Kass