-IBIS-1.7.6-
rx
imagery
Mut and Crone journey
Psychospiritual Approaches

definition

Mut (vulture) and Crone journey
The first teachings of the Golden Cauldron are given by the Vulture and the Crone, who represent the wise, ancient part of ourselves that is female. Through the Cauldron, we reach deep within our own psyches and interact directly with this ancient feminine archetype. They are a part of each of us, regardless of our gender, and can help open the way to a deeper understanding of ourselves and the ways of nature.
Vulture is highly respected in Egypt. One of her aspects, the goddess Mut (pronounced Moot), is considered self-procreated and is one of the oldest goddess images. All vultures were thought of as female, and you will see images of vultures on the heads of many goddesses as well as on the crown of Pharaoh, where the vulture represents upper Egypt. Vulture knows when you are truly ready for change, for she watches and waits patiently, and when the time is ripe, she sees the death of the old and devours it so that it can be born again anew.
In the following journey it is Mut, the vulture goddess, who carries you to her temple, the womb of the Earth, where you meet with her priestess, the Crone. It is this Crone, this wise, old female aspect of yourself, who opens your third eye and begins instructing you on the ways of intuition, herbs, and healing.
The Crone is keeper of the storehouse of herbs, and you can always come to her to learn more about herbs and their uses. She will introduce you to new plant allies or remind you of old plant friends that may be needed in your life at this time. If you are unfamiliar with the herbs she shows you, consult an herbal reference book for further information.
Visit the Crone often to gain a deeper understanding of your feminine nature. It is especially auspicious to take this journey during the full moon.

VULTURE AND CRONE JOURNEY
Thoth directs his staff and when you look to where he is pointing, there is a resplendent vulture. This is the ancient goddess, Mut, mother of all, noble in her character and stature. She is the primordial Mother of the pantheon of Egypt. Mut lifts you gently into flight and carries you across the wondrous vistas of our Mother Earth. Notice the landscape that is beneath you as you soar on the currents of the wind. . . .
Mut is taking you to her secret temple. The entrance is hidden, covered in lush green foliage, marked by clear water near its narrow opening. She flies down with you, and enters into the earth through the dark passageway. She descends deep into the Earth, until she sets you gently down at the bottom of a large cavern, the womb of Mother Earth. . . .
As Mut points toward the ceiling, the cavern lights up with a soft, warm glow so that you can see around you. Notice the details of this place, this womb. What does it look like and feel like? What colors and textures are here? Open all your senses. Listen to the sounds. . . .
You will notice the sound of running water, coming from a niche where it flows sweetly and gently from the walls of the cave. You must cleanse and purify yourself in these sacred waters in preparation for the next stage of your journey. . . .
When you have completed your cleansing ritual, purifying yourself in the flowing waters of the womb, there is a clean robe or garment for you to put on. . . .
Return to the main part of the cavern. There you will meet the Crone. She is the embodiment of divine wisdom. This wise old woman is so very old that you sense she has been a priestess of Mut for thousands of years, and yet there is a familiarity about her. She is very pleased that you have made this journey. . . .
The Crone sets about placing a circle of crystals in the center of the cavern. As she places each crystal, the cavern comes alight until there is a sacred circle of glowing crystal lights. The Crone beckons you into the center of the circle. The ground churns beneath your feet, yet you find you can maintain your balance.
As you stand before the Crone, she reaches into a fold in her garment and brings forth a magical stone. This stone is the universal medicine, the Healing Stone which contains all knowledge of the Earth and her history. How to understand its nature will be revealed through your experience. She shows you the stone and then places it in your third eye, in the center of your forehead. Feel as the stone enters and begins to awaken ancient memories and long-forgotten knowledge. . . . Pause.
The Crone now presents you with an herb, a plant that is a power plant for you . It may be the entire plant or a portion of it - a blossom, a leaf, a root. . . . As you receive this plant, its essence fills you with awareness of its nature. It permeates your being, and you feel it in all the cells of your body. You feel and understand its power. You smell its fragrance and your mouth is filled with the taste of your new ally. You will know how and when to use this herb for healing yourself or others. . .
In gratitude for the gifts the Crone has given you, you may wish to give her an offering. You can choose an aspect of yourself, of your physical being or your character as a gift to support her in her work. . . .
The Crone has a special instruction or initiation that is just for you, according to your own readiness and personal commitment at this time. Receive what she gives to you. . . . (Long pause)
When this time with the Crone is complete, you have only to look deep within her eyes to reconnect with the vibrations of the vulture Goddess Mut, and you can carry yourself up and out of this sacred temple. As you fly back over the rich variety of Earth's landscapes, look down and notice any changes in your perception. . . .
Return to the gateway where Thoth awaits. He has been guarding your body while you have traveled in this way. Take a moment to communicate with Thoth about your experience, or ask any questions that may have come up during your journey. . . . (Pause)
Thoth will show you the way back into your body through your crown. . . . Feel yourself connect with your physical body. Take a moment to ground and center yourself. . . . When you're ready, open your eyes.
(Scully)

Reprinted with permission from the author, Nicki Scully, and the publisher, Bear and Co., from The Golden Cauldron, Bear and Co., Boulder, CO., 1991.
Visit www.shamanicjourneys.com for more information.

uses: contacting intuitive wisdom, healing powers

see also other Scully imagery:
Cauldron alchemy and initiation
bear journey (heart)
gold journey (heart)
Kuan Yin journey (compassion)
rainbow butterfly journey (self-esteem)
Taueret journey (birth)


footnotes