Temple of Athena the Savior

I know that I have not been blogging much lately. I have been journaling to keep track of and process my spiritual experiences, and although I have not been keeping up with the shamanism studies as much as I would like (I have to work to pay my bills, or I did until recently when my job was closed, and I am human and need *SOME* rest), I have made an effort to not stand still in my spiritual progress. And my daily devotions and relationships with my Gods and my loved ones do take precedence. 

I actually started this post when I had this experience, I think in late March. I never finished it (I also have an unfinished post about Discipline in the Digital Age! What does that tell you! >.<) ANYWAY, BEFORE all the lockdown orders, I went tanning with my roommates. This was months ago, but it was still probably not the smartest idea in the middle of all that’s been happening in the world right now. When I went, I didn’t realize the full extent of the seriousness of the pandemic. It won’t happen again until this is over, even if the tanning places re-open. I’m still glad that I went, and I’d like to share my experience.

All three of us are fire signs (I’m a Leo, living with another Leo and a Sagittarius…. Yeah there is a lot of fire and passion up in here, it can get crazy 😅). All three of us are Pagan or Pagan-ish. My roommates both like to tan and have done it for years. This was my first time doing so. I get very depressed in the winter, and in the Midwest it gets dark in the winter. I mention that we are all fire signs because I think it matters, the Sun is my ruling planet and when its gone I get less vitamin D, I get less spiritual nourishment. I get tired and sad and lethargic. I should be happier near the end of March because spring is RIGHT around the corner, but really its like the “darkest before the dawn” phenomena, I know it’s almost over but its very hard to feel good. The weight of all those months of darkness just pile up at that time, even though I know logically it’s nearly over.

I’m so very, very fair, that the tanning people recommended that I have the lowest setting, and only 5 minutes to start with. It will take a few times to get used to it before my skin adjusts.  A few days later I still hadn’t burned, so I do plan on going back (eventually). But at the time I was somewhat apprehensive. I’ve turned as red as a spanked lobster from hanging out on the beach too long before, and that wasn’t the most fun experience. 

Laying in the bed waiting for it to turn on made me feel oddly vulnerable. There was a charge of anticipation that is hard to describe. It was like a sensory deprivation chamber, and when the light switched on, it was shocking. I hummed and sang to myself, chanting “SOWILO”, the sun rune, which turned into the praying out loud to Sunna, the Sun Goddess.  The energy was so palpable, as I could feel magnified sunlight literally flowing into my body … it was an interesting and powerful experience. I felt cleansed, both spiritually and physically, and energized. Like a battery that was plugged into a charger. It was incredible. And it really does kill bacteria too, within a few days my acne cleared up, and that effect lasted several weeks. Even in my 30s I have very sensitive skin and I break out so easily,  so anything that helps that is greatly appreciated!

. I want to make it part of my normal winter routine. But with the virus I don’t think it will happen this year. 

The only thing that would have made it better would have been if I had asked them to turn the radio off and if I had turned chakra music on my phone, or Wardruna or something of my own. I didn’t like hearing commercials, I hate that and even when I’m driving I turn the radio off turning commercials and turn it back on after a certain amount of time and hope that the music is back on. I don’t like advertising, I’m too aware of the subliminal programming and brainwashing that goes into commercials and ads.

That’s all I have to say. I am still processing some things, but this was an interesting experience I wanted to share, late or not.