Prayer Flag / Matriarch Archetype

This is the eighth in a 12-month series of creating prayer flags for one partner that is based on the book, THE CIRCLE OF LIFE by Davis and Leonard. If you join in for all 12, you would have a full palate of colors and ways to see yourself as a Woman. You can opt in at any time.

(If you are not at the stage of an archetype, look around for women in your life who are living that one out and imagine what your life would be then.)

According to the book, the MATRIARCH archetype is the director of her family and the head of her clan, which could be her family by birth or by choice. It is a time when a woman is utterly secure and highly independent.

We are MATRIARCHS when we bring forth the mature expression of our earthly wisdom. No matter what your age, when you assume leadership in an empowering, non-competitive way, you are acting as MATRIARCH.

I personally had a hard time embracing this archetype in my family or origin. I live so far away from everyone that it seemed impossible to touch their lives and make a difference. And, also, generations have very different values whether they are older or younger than me. I struggled with what I could do that might make a difference and give individuals a connection to the family. I thought that anything that was so difficult was important and finally figured it out.

Here is a list of her aspects from the book: She~Is mature~Discovers the meaning in her life~Is generous~Realizes her failures are not the end of all things~Holds the threads of the past, present and future~Watches for patterns to set things right~She represents a lineage that she passes on to others.

Select at least one of the MATRIARCH’S characteristics above, or one of your own, as a focus to create your prayer flag. If what you want to heal in yourself (and your swap partner) is something about this time in your life. You might want to think about a woman who stands strong that you know of or know who embodies this archetype.

You could print words on the prayer flag that affirm your MATRIARCH’S nature that was not or is not acknowledged by you or others; or you can celebrate the hope and promise of magic just over the horizon. (Again your choice) Anything you want is going to be perfect for you as you create, and perfect for your partner to receive.

Even non-machine-sewers can participate. You can buy Fat Quarters at JoAnn’s, or Hobby Lobby for under $2. Any sort of thread and needle will help you sew the seam closed in back. You could even hot glue the seam closed knowing it will come apart in weather, as well as gluing on any other accessories. Use a permanent marker to write words or draw symbols. Do an online search for examples & let your imagination take over.

Prayer Flags are cut at 6” wide and 12” long. The top is folded over 3” in back to make a sleeve for a rope the recipient uses to hang the flags on. They are meant to disintegrate in the weather as the intentional prayer is answered, so ends are not finished and simple is better. Why simple? Beads, fancy threads can be dangerous to birds and other wildlife if swallowed. Remember to be kind to nature.

One option and not required: Include a piece of ribbon your partner can use to tie her PF outside that would go into the sleeve area. Your prayer flags can be of any color, any eco-friendly fabric and symbolize the sender’s interpretation of the Archetype. Please include a note with the swap name, your ID and any information you might wish to share about your creative process and what your intention for the PF is.

RECAP: Sender’s choice to make one prayer flag 6” wide by 12” long to be folded down 3” in back to make a sleeve.

Any color, any eco-friendly fabric, with eco-friendly accessories.

Select one aspect of the MATRIARCH’S Archetype for your focus

Include note with swap name, your ID and information on your creative process

Send by date due (no flaking)

Please email me if you have questions. ++++Rate with kindness giving a heart, and with a 5 as long as sender meets swap requirements. Message your partner and me if are going to be late, and yet, do not flake.