Welcome Child

To this place of Earth

To the soils that root the trees +plants

That hold the water

That sustains this life

You will come to know this earth in many ways

Each experience will be your own

And is important for your growing

Before your body feels

The harsh and the challenging

Ways of the world

I wish to give you these five protectors

And guides

They are the Five Great Elements

And they will witness + support your life

I give you soil

I place your feet on the ground

For you too are rooted here

Now

Part of this family of humans

Who walk and run

And play on this Earth

This Earth is home

And you belong here

I give you Water

This cool and flowing elixir

I pour it over your body, I wash your skin

I place it in your hands

And on your lips

Water cleanses, it purifies

We gather water to bathe and cook

Water reminds us that we too are flowing

We can change, and are changing

Be nourished by the waters of earth, child

For you belong here

I give you Fire

Heat

The dance of flame

That kept our ancestors warm

And fed

Fire is light, it is consciousness

You will grow in awareness

You will see beauty and horror

You will come to recognize the light

Within us all

Do not forget your light

It is the creative spark

That brought you here

Where you belong

I give you Air

This breath

That connects

Us to the plant beings

And to the stars

Air is recycled here

It circulates this planet

Our breath knows no

Boundaries or state lines

Or territories

It moves with the wind

And keeps all life

Interconnected

Reminding us all

That we belong here

I give you Space

This universe is vast, my love

And 

You have great space within

It will allow you to experience all of this life

You will feel pain, you will hurt, you will feel sad

And fearful and full of doubt

and you will love, and laugh, and experience great happiness + play

Know child

That this Great Space

Holds it all

The space of the cosmos

Is a loving embrace

You are held by space, child

It is my love for you

For you will always belong

You have come here for a reason

Your life has purpose and meaning

You also have much to learn

And gifts that only you can share

These elements are your protectors

They are part of you

Call on them

When you are feeling lost

Or afraid

Feel them within you

Let them cradle you

And bring you back home

You do not have to do this alone, my love

Your ancestors are watching out for you

Let us help you

Your life is precious

You belong here, child

You belong