mask

In preparation for a Wise Women’s healing weekend, my mentor Mari suggested that I create a mask to represent (help me identify) what might be in the way of sharing the Transformation Goddess Experience  in a much bigger way. I’ve never made a mask, so I decided it would be fun to see what I might create out of this metaphorical teaching.

The mask making experience opened me up to the pleasure of taking my time with the creative process. I used to hurry through creative projects to get them finished. I once loved making mosaic art because I didn’t have to think too much (smash tiles and glue in place). Free form  art  projects that delivered instant gratification used to be more my style. With this new mask project I made time for simply painting the mask. A bit more time for applying green and red glitter. Another sitting to apply gold accents.  And a couple more sessions to glue on the feathers.  I patiently made my way through the process until completion. Did I say patient?  Me? Patient?   I loved letting this mask unfold.

The significance of the Mask in the photo above is to awaken my true face and express it to the world without fear. Creating the mask and wearing the mask is meant to help me get closer to my Divine feminine wisdom. I plan to wear the mask on occasion, place it on my altar and expect to ceremonially burn it when I receive what I need to learn from the teaching.  When I wear my mask I can embody the Goddess that is ready to be born with courage and love. With or without the mask, I am a Transformation Goddess.

More about  the Mask…

Black represents shadow.

Feathers signify liberation.

The bindi bling signifies Spiritual connection and abundance.

The wonders that lie beyond our masks are endless.

Out From Behind This Mask  by Walt Whitman

Out from behind this bending rough-cut mask,
These lights and shades, this drama of the whole,
This common curtain of the face contain’d in me for me, in you for
you, in each for each,
(Tragedies, sorrows, laughter, tears–0 heaven!
The passionate teeming plays this curtain hid!)
This glaze of God’s serenest purest sky,
This film of Satan’s seething pit,
This heart’s geography’s map, this limitless small continent, this
soundless sea;
Out from the convolutions of this globe,
This subtler astronomic orb than sun or moon, than Jupiter, Venus, Mars,
This condensation of the universe, (nay here the only universe,
Here the idea, all in this mystic handful wrapt;)
These burin’d eyes, flashing to you to pass to future time,
To launch and spin through space revolving sideling, from these to emanate,
To you whoe’er you are–a look.

 

What mask are you wearing to protect yourself from being seen?

What might happen if you shed your mask?

What might happen if you create a mask to represent the woman you wish to become?

How will you feel when you step into your unique and magnificent light?

Are you ready to create your own mask? I’d love to see what you create!

About Shann Vander Leek

Shann Vander Leek

Shann is a Transformational Leader, Award-Winning Podcaster, Best-Selling Author, Voice Over Talent, Podcast Coach, and Producer. She lives in the village of Suttons Bay, Michigan with her beloved husband and mouthy old cat. This Goddess Shines!

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Linda Joy Jun 22, 2012, 8:00 pm

    Shann, the woman I know behind that beautiful mask is a vivacious, creative, loving, spirit-led, heart-centered visionary who is here to serve the world by empowering women to embrace the goddess within so that they too can shine!

    The woman behind the mask is a true friend, a woman who lifts others up in support of their dreams and is one of the best listeners I know. And did I mention your laugh – that beautiful, soul-filled laugh that fills me with joy every time I hear it.

    I wanted to stop by to say that I SEE YOU in all your beautiful glory and I love the work you are doing with the Transformation Goddess Experience and know that it will transform women’s lives. Shine, baby, Shine

    • Shann Jun 26, 2012, 2:44 pm

      Sweet Linda, Your loving comment cracked my heart wide open. Thank you.

  • Lisa Frideborg Lloyd Jun 28, 2012, 5:52 pm

    That’s a beautiful mask and I love the questions for self-examination. Thank you so much for sharing, Shann.

    • shannvanderleek Jun 28, 2012, 6:40 pm

      Thank you for your kindness Lisa. I’m glad you found the questions supportive.

  • Tanja @ Crystal Clarity Jun 29, 2012, 10:00 am

    I love the mask, Shann, and I’m trying to think about what kind of mask I’d make for myself to represent who I want to be.

    Oddly enough, I think it would be softly coloured (maybe even pastels – and I’m SO not a pastel person) and soft textured with something – maybe velvet or even cottonwool – but with a tough, flexible layer beneath it. Something that was strong, without having to be hard or jagged. Something that soothed the heart (and the eye) of the person who looked at it.

    The more I imagine it, the more I can feel that mask calling to me… thank you for prompting me to create it, if only in my mind.

    Blessings

    TANJA

    • Shann Jul 2, 2012, 7:31 pm

      Ooh Tanja, your mask sounds DIVINE! If you choose to create it please send me a photograph. Thank you for your kindness.

  • samantha jenkins Jul 1, 2012, 1:53 pm

    Hmmm this is a great way to look at our blocks. I am not fully stepping out, claiming my gifts and sharing them with the world. I did a quick sketch to see what would come out and it was an owl with tears …perhaps that’s a literal as my inner wisdom crying to be released. Wow.

    • Shann Jul 2, 2012, 7:28 pm

      Thanks Samantha. What part of your inner wisdom is crying to be released?

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