The Mystery Ceremony Cycle

You will be given instructions and guidance to celebrate these ceremonies at a time of your choosing, preferably within a week of the dates shown below. We will discuss your experiences at the next scheduled mentoring call, and you are also encouraged to share your experiences with the group on the online forum.

Mystery of Conception – Autumn equinox – September 23

We surrender ourselves to the transformational power of love, so that something new can be seeded within us.
The descent into the dark begins.

Mystery of Gestation – November 7

We feel the first fluttering of a new beginning dreaming itself into form within us.
The seed hidden in the dark earth begins to sprout.
Formed in the dark womb of the Mother, our flesh is a gift from spirit and from the ancestors.

Birthing mystery – Winter solstice – December 21

The ripe moment arrives, that which is within demands to get out. The soul-spark seeks expression in the world.
The waves of birth take hold and the great opening begins.

Mystery of Breath – February 4

We emerge from the cave to find ourselves under a wide starry sky.
New life takes its first independent breath, and joins the communion of all living beings – past, present and future.

Lactation mystery – Spring equinox – March 20

Milk spurts from the abundant breast of the mother in response to the baby’s cries. The eyes of mother and baby meet.
We remember that we are all children of the Divine Mother. We find ourselves called to mother the Divine Child.
It is the dawn of a new day.

Mystery of Blood – May 5

The cycle of growth and maturation continues. The child begins to separate and individuate. The flow of menstrual blood begins.
The budding daughters of the Great Mother join the circle of women. The women celebrate.

Sovereign mystery – Summer solstice – June 21

Festival of the Goddess as Queen of Heaven, ‘One-in-Herself’, the divine I AM. The tide of light reaches its peak.
We flower into our full authority and sovereignty. We assume full responsibility for our own lives and for our impact on the world around us. We speak our truth with love, and take courageous action for change.

Mystery of Desire – August 7

The open flower invites the attention of wandering bees and butterflies.
Desires arise as messengers from our soul, inviting us to step beyond the self, beyond the known.
We reach out for relationship with something more, something not yet known to us, sensing the seeds of potential.
The way opens for a new cycle of becoming to begin.

Your Commitment to the Process

Time Commitment

Live group mentoring sessions will be held on Sundays at 10.30am Universal Time (which is 6.30pm in Perth, Western Australia where Ishara lives) – approximately twice per month. Due to the nature of the mentoring process, you will want to attend these sessions in person rather than wait for a recording.

In addition, you will need to find time and space to create your devotional ceremonies – preferably within one week of the dates given below. You will want to allow between 2.5 and 3.5 hours approximately for each ceremony.

You will also want to spend 2 -3 hours each month reading, reflecting or making physical preparations for your ceremony work.

Tentative schedule is available on the Daughters of Ishtar Temple google calendar here. Please note that the dates of the scheduled calls may be subject to change.

Financial Contribution

US$770 – Payment plan available (US$110 up front, then 10 monthly payments of US$66)

Note: The year long mentoring program fee includes one individual mentoring session with Ishara. Additional one-on-one mentoring is available on request.