Find a quiet space near a tree that has shed its leaves, or gather fallen leaves if indoors. Bring something that reminds you of your loss - a photo, an object, or simply the memory held in your heart. Sit comfortably with your back supported, as the Earth Mother holds you in your grief.
Fosgladh
Màthair na Talmhainn, glac mi nad ghaol
Mother of Earth, hold me in your love
Mar a ghlacas tu gach duilleag a thuiteas
As you hold each falling leaf
Mar a ghlacas tu gach bainne sneachd
As you hold each snowflake
Mar sin glac mo bhròn
So hold my sorrow
Breathe deeply into your belly, letting your breath move like gentle waves against the shore of your grief. Feel the solid presence of earth beneath you, supporting you completely.
Corp
Tha mi a' leigeil às mo dhòrainn
I release my pain
Mar a leigeas craobh às a duilleagan
As a tree releases its leaves
A' tuiteam gu sàmhach
Falling quietly
A' tilleadh dhachaigh don talamh
Returning home to the earth
Place your hands over your heart. Feel its steady rhythm, like the endless pulse of the earth herself. Allow your pain to be witnessed by the ancient stones beneath you.
Chan eil an call a' fàgail
The loss does not leave
Ach tha e ag atharrachadh
But it transforms
Mar a thionndaidheas duilleagan gu ùir
As leaves turn to soil
Mar a thionndaidheas bròn gu gliocas
As sorrow turns to wisdom
Gently open your palms upward, allowing the Earth Mother's energy to flow through your hands, through your heart, through your grief.
Dùnadh
Tha mi a' giùlan mo ghaol
I carry my love
Mar a ghiùlaineas an talamh a cuimhneachain
As the earth carries her memories
A' toirt beatha às call
Bringing life from loss
Mar a bheir an geamhradh don earrach
As winter gives way to spring
Let your breath deepen once more, feeling how the earth holds both your sorrow and your strength, your loss and your continuing life.
Afterthought
What wisdom does your heart hold that only grief could teach? How can you honor both what is lost and what remains, as the Earth Mother honors both death and rebirth in her eternal cycles?
Remember: Like the Earth Mother who transforms every fallen leaf into new life, your grief is not just an ending but also a beginning. Your tears water the soil of your heart, preparing it for new growth in its season.
Beautiful.