Friday, October 2, 2009

Blessings Friday: Aphrodite Ritual

Each year, my close friends and I perform our annual Aphrodite Ritual to remind us to love and accept ourselves as we are. I'm not sure when we first started, but it was many years ago.


Source: Section of "The Birth of Venus" by Sandro Botticelli: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

We constantly say awful things about ourselves: I’m so fat…ugly…useless…old…clumsy…and so on. So we created the Aphrodite Ritual to affirm we are perfect just as we are when we get together each year near some body of water (to echo Aphrodite’s mythological birth).

This year my friends are cruising with us, so we’re doing our ritual Sunday night as we sail out of San Juan—also full moon night. We’ll do this privately on one of our balconies.


© Dub Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

I made Aphrodite costumes (Butterick 4572) for Donna and me in 2008 as we were the only ones who could make the mountain lake gathering in N.C.


© Dub Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

I’ve been busy over the last month making additional costumes as participation this year has grown.


© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

Crafting and sewing are my offerings; each person contributes according to their abilities/interests.


© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

Over the years we’ve fine-tuned our plans. This year I’ve put everything into a book for each of us as we tend to forget. We always erupt into giggles during the ritual which is good, too. Laughter is important. I won’t share the exact ritual as it’s private to us; however, think of the Ya-Yas and you’ll get a good idea of our activities.


© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

My Cricut machine was used to cut layered sand-dollars for the covers. A sand-dollar template made on Microsoft Word worked for adding the text which we all agreed needs to be in a large font. I punched holes, used metal rings for binding, and added two charms for each book.


© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

I’m also taking dark chocolate-raspberry bars wrapped with paper on which I printed a picture of Aphrodite.


© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

My husband has gifts for us, too—beautiful sterling silver and shell necklaces.


© June Scroggin, All Rights Reserved

One last thing before I leave for the airport. Cruise Critic members made signs for their cabin doors; I’m using one made for a previous cruise.

See you Oct. 14!

16 comments:

Mademoiselle Julie said...

Have fun, June! What a great idea! Didn't know you own a Cricut as well. I haven't test driven mine yet! All the best! Cheers, Julie

Anonymous said...

that sounds like such fun!

Anonymous said...

Have a great time on your cruise! Can't wait to see pictures!

Diane Schuller said...

I remember reading about this ritual before and think it's a wonderful thing to do. That necklace from Dub is a true gem! Have a fabulous cruise June! Bon Voyage.

greetingarts said...

Oh my gosh, you are going to have so much fun! I love your all out love for life. Can't wait to hear about all your adventures when you get back. Have a great trip!

shenry said...

I love the concept. The costumes definitely reinforce the concept too.

FinnyKnits said...

Have an excellent time on your cruise, Junie! Sounds like you'll have a blast :)

Bridgett said...

Sounds like such a great time.

And it serves a great purpose too.

Have a wonderful time on your trip!

)O(
boo

Kristie said...

Your Aphrodite stuff is beauteous, June.

Bon voyage!

Thimbleanna said...

Oh June -- you're going to have such a fantastic time. I hope you have a well deserved rest and super fun time!

Patty said...

What a wonderful idea, have a fabulous time! I just want to add how much I love your blog - it is a bright spot in my day. Thank you for sharing your beautiful creations and enjoyment of life with all of us - you're an inspiration! And I'm proud to be a fellow Arizonan (southeast of you, near Tombstone/Sierra Vista).

Kim Campbell said...

What a wonderful ritual! That is SO COOL! ANd I just adore that your hubby contributed those beautiful necklaces!! How seet. Have loads of ufn!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Hi June!
I hope you are having a wonderful time on your cruise! I miss you!

I remember your wonderful Aphrodite Ritual from last year...such a great idea!

Hugs, Pat

d'Dragon said...

This sounds like a fabulous - & fun - ritual!

Karen The Graphics Fairy said...

That sounds like so much fun!! What a wonderful ritual. I hope you have a fantastic time!!
Karen

CitricSugar said...

What a fantastic reason to get together!