American? Hindu? Oh The Horror!

He's a child and you're holding him in your arms and he has big eyes and his mouth is open and his cheeks are red and he's laughing so easily. He's telling his friends a new plan to go and steal makhan. He just smote a monster. He's a target for death. He owns death.

He's a teen and his hair is longer and luscious, and his lips are pink and his eyelashes are so long, the way his voice hasn't even cracked during puberty is wonderful and laughable in the same breath. He's walking away from the only home he knows and he's watching as people cry for him, beg him to return so they may always shower him with love and pamper him. He just killed his uncle. He's a usurper. Everything belongs to him.

He's a man and he's so beautiful even the brightest stars and the most beautiful flowers are envious of him. His cheeks are full, his eyes are big and his shoulders are broad, he holds himself like he is a king rather than a shepherd. He's making bets with his friend and his brother as to who will win the marathon they're planning. He can summon the deadliest weapon in the universe. He's Dangerous. He's protective.

He's a man and his chest rises and falls as he looks at the woman he loves and he is a god but he worships her. He will wear the colours she likes and he will play the tunes she loves, if only to see her smile. He has a crown on his head. He bows down and lets her step on his knees to help her up the chariot. He's a kidnapper. He's a rescuer.

He's a father and he holds his son in his arms for a moment and something makes him laugh. Spring comes as he is happy. His hair curls as if smiling too and his eyes are warm and his hands are tight on the infant. He will lose his child. His child will always be a part of him.

I posted about her feast day in Czech folklore here

The smaller amulet bag hanging above my altar was made last year during a time devoted to her, mezi matičkama (between mothers), from August 15th (the assumption of Mary) through Sept. 8th (the nativity of Mary). The bag contains bits of my harvest last year during this time: sheep sorrel, wood sorrel, sumac, American beautyberry, muscadine, shiso, sassafras, purple coneflower and a butternut.

As I’ve begun processing my first batches of dried herbs this year I’ve felt her weaving even more strongly into my life.