This past weekend, I helped officiate a lovely wedding between a straight couple at the same home where my hubby and I got married three years ago this week. I was sharing the ritual role with my dear beloved, Donald Engstrom-Reese.
Both Donald and I identify as queer and work regularly with Queer Mystery, which can mean various things to various people. For myself, one of its greatest powers is that of living outside of a binary construct of reality. There is no "this or that" type of existence - living in rigid polarity is revealed as complete illusion, thereby allowing for a greater expression of authenticity and freedom, on personal and collective levels.
In times past, Queer Priestesses, Shamans, Witches, etc., had vitally important roles to fill in society, and one was blessing the union of couples. Standing outside the full conventions of that binary world, I could really feel the limitless possibility this weekend, as I held the space for a union of love to take place. Truly, there is a special brand of spirit power that queer people have access to, and I see it reflected everywhere from officiating a marriage to working through an asana practice.
I long for more research and information on some of the ways that people worked this juju in the past, yet I'm not so sure there's tons out there. (Patriarchy be damned!) I wonder if queer spirit folk just need to step up and start writing the story anew; with the information we do have as a stepping stone, we can get out there and reactivate our scared roles in our communities and cultures.
It was a beautiful experience this weekend, and I'm deeply grateful to the couple for allowing me to be a part of their special day.
(The first photo is of the Hijra, a group of third-gendered queer priestesses of India. While reviled by some, the Hijra are also honored as having great spiritual power, including the power of blessing children for a good life.
The photo below is of Philip and me last summer during our honey moon trip to Hawai'i. Happy Anniversary, sweet thing!)
3 comments:
I wonder if queer spirit folk just need to step up and start writing the story anew; with the information we do have as a stepping stone, we can get out there and reactivate our scared roles in our communities and cultures.
That's my plan. :-)
--Matt
Yes, it is our joyful obligation to dance the new queer dances of life, death and rebirth. It is our joyful obligation to shamelessly walk queerly throughout the whole of the multiverse.
We both dared to step further into this mystery simply by dressing so richly, I in my black and red boy drag and you in your delightful black and red girl drag. The Queer Mysterious Ones brought Their blessings to the wedding and we shall all be that much more the wealthy for it.
Thank you for such a wonderful time together, Greg. And thanks again for going with me to see the Mama Wata show at the Smithsonian.
Of course, angel eyes! I'm so glad we got to hang out!!!!
Rock it out, Matt!
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