Leaving the Womb of Gaia

More than six years ago I set sail for the Virgin Islands in a 34-foot Sail boat named Bacchus. Obviously the choice of boat names reflected my intent to spend some time wallowing in wine, mirth, and adventure. As I set sail a new connection was born with the entire cross-cultural pantheon of water deities.

Palaemon, Lir, Yam, Poseidon, these and many more became central to my sense of sacred place. Once one lives on the water there is a special connection with movement, the tides, the moon and the wind that develops. Being gently rocked to sleep in the womb of Gaia leaves this sailor awash with images of history, adventure and great epics of antiquity.

After living on Bacchus I moved ashore in the Virgin Islands. Living on a small island also reinforced my connection to the sea. Everything from your sense of direction to food prices are influenced by her presence. Yes, I said her presence, for me the sea is a living deity, ever changing, ever cycling, mother to us all.

After a number of years I recently moved to Florida where I have been living on a 44-foot sailboat. As I sit here typing I am feeling the waves lapping at the boat and I am soothed. Living at sea may be the most sacred experience I have ever had.

I am going to miss her. As of tomorrow I will be moving on from water living and ashore onto an RV. Time for a new adventure, new connection with places, peoples and Gods. My love of the sea will always be with me. Yet I will miss her.

Thank You Goddess.