Monica Balsdon
January 31st, 2009
From Carolyn:
Our dear Monica passed away on Sunday morning Sept. 13, 2009 at approximately 3am. She was surrounded by family, friends, and an abundance of love.
Monica Balsdon Says:
I’m still hanging in there, sisters!
I want to thank all af you, so very much, for all of the kind words, thoughts & blessings you send to me. As I’ve walked this path, I realized that it is important for me (actually, for all of us this is most likely true)to feel my time here made a difference. That somehow, in someway, my life touched the life, heart, spirit of another with joy, with love. It’s the reason we’re here. Thank you so much for letting me know that, yeah, I did acccomplish that. I am so very grateful for having known each of you for you, too, have shared so much of yourselves with me & have enriched my life. My words fall short when it comes to trying to express what I feel in my heart.
In the meantime, I’m getting chemotherapy which has helped improve my stamina & mobility. I’ll continue with this as long as it continues to actually help.
Sending Blessings & Love Your Way! Monica
From Carolyn: My beloved co-priestess and coven sister Monica Balsdon has begun her journey to the other side. She was diagnosed with a rare head and neck cancer last year that has spread. She has touched many in the women’s spirituality community with her humor, compassion, knowledge, and spirit, and by giving us deep permission to be human. She would like to hear from you. Please write blessings, thoughts, memories, stories, or well-wishes below.
April 5th, 2009 at 7:50 pm
We will always remember the flood of warm gooshness that flowed from you to us when you came and did ritual with us, Monica ,
Thank you for your strong spirit and greatttt laugh! You have given us so much in your all too short time on this planet.
Many blessing to you, Monica–now in this difficult time and in your journey to come.
Much love,
Luna and Lilith
April 5th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
We will miss you sooooo Much.
Love, Luna and Lilith
April 5th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
I have gone 3 times to the winter solstice ritual - twice with my daughter, Kelsey. She was 6 and 7 when we attended. It was so amazing to watch my daughter come alive in these rituals - as she watched and became inspired by Monica and Carolyn both. We were unable to attend the celebration the past two years (a fact I regret even more so now, upon hearing this news!) Kelsey still talks about Monica - and how she inspired Kelsey to share her stories in the circle - and as a result of Monica’s drumming, Kelsey insisted on bringing her own drum the next year to join in! Monica has such a captivating and amazing spirit. I will always remember fondly the care and attention Monica gave to my daughter - making her feel so powerful and welcomed at the rituals! Monica, you are an amazing spirit, and I thank you for all your strength spirit. I volunteer at Relay for Life (American Cancer Society fundraiser) and I will ask my daughter Kelsey to help me create a magical luminaria in your honor this year at the ceremony (May 2-3). May you be surrounded by love and peace as you continue on your journey. You are in our thoughts.
April 5th, 2009 at 10:28 pm
I don’t even know where I start….I’m a bit in shock and sadness….
Ever since I discovered your rituals I’ve loved the Wildwoman presence Monica brings to ritual and the permission to be ourselves. The balance of the two of you as High Priestesses in the quarterly rituals has brought me further along the Path, with your style of inclusiveness of participants, your passion, and your channeling of Goddess…both of you. Both the intensity and depth and SPONTANEITY I crave in ritual, as well as the lightheartedness and sense of humor.
You are both very different women, and Monica brings the intensity I love, Carolyn the faery Maiden energy, and the permission to be ourselves, and to ACTIVELY participate which you both build into the ritual, whether we get to share a song, a story, a visualization or anything else…
Your rituals are full of life, of juice, and of a living channeling of Goddess which I’ve felt many times. I have not felt that in other Dianic rituals as much, and certainly not the invitation to participate, and the greater informality and spontaneity, while still bringing your themes to the ritual circle.
I was the one that first proposed to both of you to come High Priestess at Elderflower. I was saddened that the year Monica High Priestessed there, I simply could NOT afford to come. But I knew that with either or both of you, it would be a great, participatory, intense and FUN ritual! I’m glad that was the case and that the Elderflower womyn bonded with Monica, and came to the quarterly rituals as a result. There is no other circle I feel nearly as comfortable in to be my full Self.
I love Monica, wherever her journey takes her, and there’s always hope and miracles possible. I like your powerful Native energy, and was glad to bring you a sage bundle from the newest Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian, and to talk to you on the phone, another Witch, when I was back there with the oppressiveness of my family who doesn’t understand me on many levels, the conversations we’ve had, as well as the ritualling.
I regret missing the last few rituals because of work or other conflicts. And Monica, I’m glad that our souls touched in many different ways.
I love you both.
I also love that you, Monica and 5 others together did a POWERFUL Spring into Elderflower Amazon ritual together on the grass in the yard in front of Humanist Hall…that was a great ritual, and I didn’t think I could pull it off without being on the Land at Elderflower…but we did, and I was flying high, with your energy especially and Lisa Yount’s….and what a special ritual that was! I’m so glad you were able to come through one of my Amazon rituals.
That meant a hell of alot to me, as my Wildwoman Sister!!!
-In Love, and Sisterhood Forever,
-Artemis Passionfire
April 6th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Monica, I have really enjoyed seeing you in action and participating with you in three rituals this past year (spring, fall and winter). Your presence is so comforting! When I showed up to the Spring ritual in Berkeley last year, as a newbie, I remember that you were very warm and welcoming right off the bat. *wink wink. May you have all the comfort, love, support and blessings that you have given to others ten fold at this time. Warmest hugs, Carrie
April 6th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
Monica-
I love being in ritual space with you. I ask you to organize the angels on the other side and send us any help you can!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will always remember you fondly and am sending love and blessings to you presently.
Pegasus
What is remembered lives…………….
April 6th, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Dear Beautiful Monica! I will always remember your beautiful butt at my first ritual ever. Sue Ann brought me - I think it was Spring Equinox. You were cleaning up and another sister said “I want to see your butt” and you bent over and raised your skirt and there it was. Quite a lovely butt. I can see it clearly in my mind’s eye! I can see you right now, my lovely, in my thoughts and prayers. Although I didn’t get to spend much time with you, you had a tremendous impact on my life. Thank you for coming to our wedding and helping with our ritual - it was wonderful!
Love and blessings, love and light
Peace be with you and with your family
Peg
April 7th, 2009 at 6:30 pm
Dear Goddess Monica of my heart, I am so in shock upon hearing this news. And whatever happens and wherever you go you are truly blessed and the next place is going to be a glorious one of beauty, peace and love.
I often think of you and have missed your presence in my life since leaving California. The oh so many rituals we shared, both public and private, have always been with me. I miss the midnight margaritas!
I love your laughter, the sparkle in your eyes, your sense of humor and your dedication and commitment to the path. Your service to the two-leggeds, the four-leggeds and to all of nature always appreciated and seen. You are and never will be alone.
I am sending you all the love from my heart and many, many blessings. I love you always in all ways. Ho!
Your sister of the heart,
Lilla
April 7th, 2009 at 7:40 pm
Monica,
Over the last few years I’ve attended a few of the rituals led by you and Carolyn in Berkeley. I was always impressed by your exuberance, Loving kindness and child like enthusiasm.
It is difficult to imaging the ritual without your strong lovely voice paving the way for us to pelt out our songs. The energy raised was amazing. The safe space created also amazing. The joy and ecstasy contagious.
I’m so sorry I missed the last ritual.
You will be missed here on this earth in so many ways. Sweet journey.
Love,
Karel
April 8th, 2009 at 1:19 am
Dearest Monica, When I got Carolyn’s email I was shocked and saddened. It’s just WAY too soon!
So many thoughts and memories are tumbling around in my heart. I remember your joy and your laughter - that’s what I noticed first about you when you spoke to us in Carolyn’s class. It was from you that I first learned about the plant people and their healing properties….and how to make a broom….and through your example how to laugh at myself in a self-accepting way. I love your wicked, raspy laughter when you say “Oh….my….goddess” when sharing a story. And oh those stories!
I love you in ritual - your love of life just bursts through - you encourage everyone to be her own self and yet help the group to blend into goddess worship. And your songs! Oh my….you’ve taught me that I don’t need to know all the words, or even be in tune….what counts is that I participate fully with all my heart and voice!
I am still learning from you how to blend Indian ways and goddess living - you are a bright beacon for me. I treasure the time we had to talk and be together at Leah’s baby’s blessing - being with you is always a treat.
And, you were such a special part of my initiation ceremony. I will never forget that. In a very real way, you “birthed” me - and I thank you - one midwife to another!
Your honesty and clarity and generosity are special gifts that you have given to so many of us. May all of the love you have shared with so many return to comfort you and your loved ones now.
May Hecate guard and guide you. Much love and bright blessings, Jeanne
April 8th, 2009 at 2:34 pm
Dear Monica,
I am so sad to hear this news. I have learned so much from you, and benefited beyond what words can express from your energy and love. Thank you. What a blessing you have been in my life.
Love,
Stacey
April 8th, 2009 at 5:34 pm
Monica my friend… The goddess certainly will have a great time once you get there. I can hear you singing now and dancing around encouraging everyone to join you. What a blessing I was able to make the winter solstice ritual this year and sing with you in sacred space.
You have inspired me beyond words, taught me to laugh at and with myself, to sing w/o worrying about my voice, tone or missing the words. I always hear your voice in ritual space reminding me that there are no mistakes, and your great big laugh as you hands fall upon your knees.
Elderflower was so blessed to have you and Carolyn Co priestess the ritual 2 years ago. It was delightful and a refreshing gust of wind blowing freshness into Elderflower that year.
This year I will stand with my friends on the same earth as you did with Carolyn and gather my strength and laughter and draw some inspiration from you to help lead our community in ritual.
You will be sorrowfully missed on this planet, but I know you will always be with us. I wish for you a comfortable peaceful journey to the other side filled with family and loved ones close by.
You have inspired me my friend and I will miss you!
Till we meet again….Love Cynthia (Vixen)
April 9th, 2009 at 7:02 am
Monica,
I remember the Elderflower ritual and the workshop. I remember how you came in and it was like a powerboat cutting through the waters, a huge wake of excitement and energy washed over the woodlands that year. I haven’t felt anything quite like it since! You made such an impression on me (and others I’m sure!).
In the short time we spent talking at Elderflower, you showed me that I was on the right path, that to be a priestess was not only possible but probable in my future. YOU did that… Thank you!
You are surely a testament to the Great Mother. She will be happy to have you at her side.
Love Always,
Heather (Strega)
April 9th, 2009 at 7:47 am
I will so miss your loving, laughing presence at Elderflower. You give so much simply by being yourself. The ritual you led was one of the best I’ve attended; so simple, loving, RIGHT. I’ve learned from you that when leading ceremony it’s OK to relax, laugh, not worry about glitches, just let the energy flow. Your singing, oh my! Your music flows like your laughter. You are such a blessing to all of us.
You will be remembered by so many people, and we will all dance together as we cross over the Great Mystery to the other side.
Much love and Green Blessings,
Glenda
April 9th, 2009 at 11:59 am
Dear Monica,
I usually don’t spend much time on the computer, so I was shocked to get this message this morning. It’s hard to imagine such a powerful life force dimming.
I know we will not miss you , as I believe your presence will continue so powerfully after your transition that your spirit of fun , inclusion and mischief and mystery will linger so wildly that we will all but see you everywhere in our midst. What i will miss however is the wonderful kind and sweet way you had of making sure no one felt left out, that we were all important to your ritual making, and to your enjoyment of the zest of life you seemed to have in every activity. You have kind and humor filled eyes , and a gentle loving way that you brought not just to the rituals you led, but every time I met you at elderflower occasions.
I am certain we will all be looking for you everywhere amongst us because know we will feel your spirit spiraling through us everyplace we gather.
May your transition be one with loving friends, pain free, and peaceful. Blessed Be, journey safely, until we meet again.
Love , peace, and sisterhood, Christmas
April 11th, 2009 at 5:13 pm
Dear Monica -
You are a part of my life, as a witch and as High Priestess. Many of your coven sisters, past and present, are near and dear to me; I cherish such connections.
Your wildness in ritual has many times inspired mine; may you always be remembered in your letting loose and flowing with the energy as you have done some many times.
Thank you especially for what you brought to our Summer Solstice rite last year; it was a joy and a pleasure to dance again in sacred circle with you.
I want you to know that I am holding you and yours in the vastness of my open Heart with Love and Blessings to all for ease in your transition. You are being included in every ritual circle I am a part of (and there seem to be a lot of them just now!)
I am listening to Jennifer Berezan’s Praises for the World CD today in your honor, and she says, “If I die tomorrow, may the last words that I know be praises, praises for the world.”
Thou Art Goddess, and as such I Offer you the below poem, which is also my offering to the world. May you always rest in the arms of the Mother.
my love to you,
Amrita
There is this vast intoxicating pool of love
Pouring through me.
Come!
Drink from this pool - be greedy!
Take as much of the wine of love as you can stand.
The deeper you drink, the more there is.
2/3/02
April 15th, 2009 at 10:32 am
Monica- I really loved your energy. I actually wanted to know you more. My number is 510-848-1743.
I would like to visit you sometime. Blessed be and call me whenever you want.
Ardys (firedeer)
May 2nd, 2009 at 5:24 pm
Monica,
My heart is breaking at the thought of you leaving this world. I met you at Elderflower, and I was entranced. Your wisdom, energy and humor completely endeared you to me. I know we will all dance together again someday, and you’ll be having a grand time while you’re waiting for us to show up and join your party. In the meantime, your absence in this world will be such a painful empty space.
You will be missed beyond what words can express.
May 13th, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Monica . I hope to circle with you on the Solstice, perhaps even visit you with Sue Ann. Looking forward to high times again Blessings Luna
June 8th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
I’m still hanging in there, sisters!
I want to thank all af you, so very much, for all of the kind words, thoughts & blessings you send to me. As I’ve walked this path, I realized that it is important for me (actually, for all of us this is most likely true)to feel my time here made a difference. That somehow, in someway, my life touched the life, heart, spirit of another with joy, with love. It’s the reason we’re here. Thank you so much for letting me know that, yeah, I did acccomplish that. I am so very grateful for having known each of you for you, too, have shared so much of yourselves with me & have enriched my life. My words fall short when it comes to trying to express what I feel in my heart.
In the meantime, I’m getting chemotherapy which has helped improve my stamina & mobility. I’ll continue with this as long as it continues to actually help.
Sending Blessings & Love Your Way! Monica
August 31st, 2009 at 10:00 am
Monica! I was so happy to hear about your trip to Alaska - what an awesome adventure! I’ve met you breifly but your easy going personality makes me feel as if I’ve known you forever. Hope to see you again soon. Zina Tibbetts
September 14th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
Beloved friends of Monica
Each of us has circles of friends around us. I am in that third or fourth circle of friends that extend out from Monica’s center of energy. I didn’t know her well, but that doesn’t matter to me. I met her, I knew her through Carolyn, and the loss to my friend Carolyn is my loss as well. I held hands with Monica once. We exchanged smiles, and we exchanged greetings, echanged laughter. She “saw” me. Her constellation was so rich with love. Her inner circles so connected by mystical enchantment. Yes, if we could live another 100 years, there are many people I’d invite back. Monica would be one of them. xo Pilar
September 19th, 2009 at 10:38 am
I heard about Monica’s passing a few days ago, but just have not been able to find the words to express what I feel. Though I didn’t get the opportunity to spend more time with her, I’m a better person for having met her. The world is a less bright place today.