Power Circle

You are like a circle of stones, like a strong wall of granite. Lead me and guide me as your Name accords. Psalm 31:3 

The "You" at the beginning of the verse refers to the Holy One of Israel. The "circle of stones" is usually translated "rock (cela) and fortress (matsuwd)." Some pre-historic and pre-Hebraic Ancient Near Eastern people (as well as those in other places) arranged rocks in a circle to connect with the "other world," a place of power from the perspective of ancient superstitious people. Later in human development, these circles grew up into rock walls for the purpose of defense. Arranged in cairns or placed upon strategic heights, they became landmarks or watch towers. To be in "accord" means to agree. Here, it means to be in agreement with the One whose Name signifies existence, Yahweh. A paraphrase of the verse in modern thought could be: I agree to the guidance and leadership of the One Who Exists, who is a strong dependable upright partner for determining the direction that is best for me. May your own deliberations be filled with the assurance of Divine Presence. Shalom, Mother BE  

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Are You Happy?

Happy are we who shout for joy, who walk in the light of the countenance of Yahweh. Psalm 89:15

The fourth week of Lent feels a bit like Ground Hog Day -- will winter ever end? Will Lent finally reach the season of Alleluia? Lots of folks from the northern climes escape the last dregs of ice and snow to take a Spring Break south of the frost belt. I'm reminded of lyrics of a song from the musical, Oklahoma: "March came in like a lion, a whippin' up the water in the bay." Here in the high country we sing something like, "The winds march down from the Continental Divide whistling around every corner." Sometimes the winds in our psychic selves manifest in our bodies with illness. When the weather reflects our internal struggles or lethargy, we need help to get out of the doldrums! Now comes the time to turn to Psalm 89. A litany of praise for the creativity of the Holy One, the Psalm drags us from our self-centered pity parties to remind us of the glory all around us - regardless of the season, our state of mind, or our physical condition. Ah, but some of us live every day in a paradise, where the weather is wonderful all the time; and the countenance of Yahweh appears before us with the light of every sunrise. Then the Psalm reflects our happiness and contentment, indeed, our joy. If you're happy, clap you hands! Have a good week. Shalom, Mother BE  


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The Teacher

Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are Elohim,  my comfort. Psalm 25:5

The Hebrew language has three primary names for the Holy One: Yahweh, Adonai, and Elohim. The latter is the earliest one and the name the scribes used for the Creator. Here the psalmist recognizes the teacher of truth as Elohim, who also brings comfort and health - the meaning of yesha which usually translates into English as "salvation." The context for the above verse is a prayer of King David for protection from his enemies, and a plea for preservation. Who better to ask for help than the Creator? Our enemies might be in the form of physical, mental, or spiritual threat. These different realms were created by Elohim for our well-being, and we can rest assured that all true things bring joy to our Creator, and ourselves. Falsehoods, enemies, erupt into the stresses that consume our energy. Sometimes, we need a reminder to remember that our Teacher's compassion does not remember our failings. Another note about Psalm 25: it's an acrostic lesson wherein the first word of each verse follows alphabetical order as a method for memorizing the text. Some versions of the Bible use marginal notations to indicate the Hebrew letters. For example the first word, after the salutation ("of David"), begins with aleph. The first letter of verse 5 is he, the fifth letter in the Hebrew alphabet, and so on. 
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May you be blessed through the week! Mother BE

Vanquish Fear

When I am afraid, I will trust in you, Elohim. Psalm 56:3


The middle Psalms, called Laments, help to carry us through awful seasons of doubt,  apropos for the Lenten Season. This Psalm, regarding King David's capture by the Philistines, speaks to the need for trust in the midst of one's interior terror or actual threat by an enemy. It's OK to have a pity party now and then if it serves to remind us to seek Divine Presence. Elohim (translated as God) will wipe away our tears, and record whatever slander may assault us, in order for us to be embraced in Eternal Love, with the onslaught concealed by light. Occasionally appearing along mountain trails, the pink and white blooms of little Kitten Paws express the wonder of the Creator's care in the midst of opposition: wild weather, scorching solar glare, or extreme cold. Shalom ...Mother BE