As a vocal artist, composer, sacred space holder, and host of Voices of Healing online community, Mary Jane is on a mission to help people discover the magic and healing power of the incredible, unique human voice. She sends a heartfelt and intentional newsletter once a month, designed to uplift and inspire. Words from her heart, straight to your inbox.
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Closer to the Light
Published about 1 month ago • 3 min read
Dear friends💜,
Happy May Day! Did you know the old Celtic name for May Day is Beltane which is derived from Gaelic meaning 'Bel-fire', the fire of the Celtic god of light? I remember in my young childhood decorating little green plastic strawberry containers with my mother to make May baskets full of homemade goodies for our neighbors.
Spring is so full of light, hope, new life and aching beauty. In Iowa, this week feels like the essence of spring. Brilliant blossoms contrasted with crisp blue sky, vivid green tiny leaves filling the trees quickly and dramatically, tulips, blue bells, grass and dandelions filling the world with color. Seemingly overnight, the browns and grays are replaced with the colors of the rainbow.
My mother loved the spring. She was born on an Easter Sunday with her twin sister. Her favorite color was yellow. She loved new life so much, she spent her whole life nurturing young children as an early childhood educator. Her last outing was to church on Easter Sunday and she died exactly one year ago today. She was an incredible mother: strong, selfless, kind, and a great listener. I would talk her ear off most days of my life. Though I still feel the urge to call her, I know she’s already with me—guiding me, helping manifest the very news I want to share. She has come to me in my dreams to comfort me. And each time she comes, she looks younger, more alive and full of light, showing me that she has healed and is more alive than ever.
Celts believe Beltane is a time full of magic when the veil between the worlds is thought to be thin. A perfect day for my mother to slip away. Right after she left her body, I remember an intense feeling of warmth wrap around my heart, her way of hugging me close. I know her magical light and love lives in me and shines through me every day.
Me and my mom on the beach in Northern California
I wrote this poem on her birthday this year.
Closer
Like a tight embrace.
Not forcefully tied together with ropes
but pulled nearer by presence.
The closeness of sun rays
kissing my face.
There is space between everything.
Holy space filled with
darkness and light.
Mingling.
The light and dark
embracing each other's edges
constantly flowing into
a dance of presence.
A masterpiece
on a canvas of
space
ever changing,
yet invisible
without love.
-Mary Jane Knight
This May, I am going on a journey to Ireland, a solo spiritual retreat of sorts. Two of my favorite spiritual writers are from Ireland so I am going to visit the area where John O'Donohue lived and attend a weekend retreat with Lorna Byrne. As I drive and hike around Ireland, I hope to make space for the fire and light to guide me and I can't wait to share with you what I learn and write!
Below I am sharing a song from my album release concert. I hope you can sing along with me and the audience as if you were there and let these words sink into your soul💜.
I Am Healing. I Am Wholeness. I Am Light. I Am Love.
I also had a lovely review of my album in the LA publication Rival Magazine: "Her voice feels like the warm embrace of summer, filling audiences with both joy and hope." (How did the author know I am a Leo and love summer?!)
If you haven't listened to my album yet, I would be honored if you would check it out:
I also had a beautiful Knightingale Studio Concert last Sunday here in Iowa City. It is hard to describe the evening -- full of love, joy and support, and such a wide variety of folks lifting up their hearts and voices, including many adults singing solos for the first time.
I am passionate about the incredible healing power of our unique voices. Singing in a safe space really is magic!
It has been wonderful to see new and familiar faces this past month. I am eternally thankful for your continued love and support. I'd love to connect with you, so feel free to reply and share something on your heart as well💜.
🔥May this celebration of light fill your heart and soul today and in the warm days to come☀️.
Sending love and light,
Iowa Local Opportunities!
If you are local to the Iowa City Area, this Sunday May 4th is our next Voices of Healing Singing Circle! We had a beautiful and deeply meaningful morning last month and I hope you can join us.
And check out my adult beginning singing class "Let Your Voice Be Heard". I am running my first session now and it has been AMAZING!! The next session begins in June!
As a vocal artist, composer, sacred space holder, and host of Voices of Healing online community, Mary Jane is on a mission to help people discover the magic and healing power of the incredible, unique human voice. She sends a heartfelt and intentional newsletter once a month, designed to uplift and inspire. Words from her heart, straight to your inbox.
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