“Pitṛ: Remembering in Motion

 

Sanskrit Word of the Week

Pitṛ (पितृ) — pronounced: PIT-ru
Meaning: Ancestors, forebears, those who came before us — by blood, by spirit, and by wisdom.
Essence: Remembering in motion; embodying gratitude through breath, movement, and ritual.

In yoga, we move through breath and body to remember.

In witchcraft, we light candles and speak the names of those who came before.
Both are acts of devotion — both are invitations for our Pitṛ to move through us.

My own lineage begins with the sea. My grandparents both wore Navy blue during World War II — my grandfather, a submarine officer who survived both the depths and disease, and my grandmother, a WAVE whose grace and grit anchored him home. Further back, nobility glimmers through the Barrington name, while my father’s line carries the mythic whisper of the Pendragons — protectors of sovereignty and balance. The name Arthur echoes through our family: my father, my brother, and my son each carry it like a torch, a living vow of guardianship, courage, and compassion.

My lineage also holds stories of endurance from the Native American branches of both my current and former husbands — stories shaped by the Trail of Tears, the boarding schools, and the quiet resilience that still sings through their descendants. And in this life, my soul sister’s daughters are the next generation of my chosen family. Their fathers served in the Air Force and Army, while I served in the Navy. Together, our family tree is a forest of many roots — bound not by blood, but by shared purpose and heart.

That, to me, is the essence of Pitṛ: the living circle of remembrance that transcends biology and time. We are all the result of countless acts of love, courage, and endurance. To honor our ancestors is to breathe with awareness, to move with intention, and to live as though our every heartbeat is a thank-you whispered into eternity.

Whether we find stillness in meditation or flow through the rhythm of asana, we carry their stories within us. Every breath becomes an offering. Every step, a blessing. Every act of compassion, a continuation of their legacy.

So this week, as you honor your Pitṛ, let your yoga and your magick intertwine. Move with gratitude. Light your candle. Speak their names. Let your breath become the bridge between past and present, body and spirit, self and lineage.

Journal Prompts

  • What acts of gratitude can you offer to your ancestors — of blood, spirit, and choice — this week?

  • How can you embody their love through your movement, your breath, and your magick?

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Daily Draw 3/18/25

Image
  the Two of Cups , Nine of Rods , and the Hanged Man . Interesting combination . So , the Two of Cups in this deck , like in most , speaks to partnerships , connection , and harmony . It 's about that initial spark , a mutual understanding , a coming together of energies . With the unicorns , it emphasizes a gentle , almost magical bond . It suggests a strong emotional connection or a potential for one , perhaps in a relationship or even a close friendship or collaboration . Then we have the Nine of Rods . This is about resilience , perseverance , and being on guard . You 've been through some challenges , and you 're still standing , but you 're also a bit wary , perhaps expecting another blow . In the Unicorn Deck , the rods are often depicted with a bit more of a defensive posture , a need to protect what you 've built . It speaks to a need for boundaries , but also a recognition of your inner strength . Finally , the Hanged Man . This is a card of surrende...
Read more

Daily Draw 1/17/25

  Today's reading suggests that you've moved on from a situation where you may have overstepped boundaries, and have other priorities now. You may be receiving news or an important message soon that offers an opportunity for growth. However, be mindful of a current lack of clarity, potentially affecting your health or relationships. Despite this, you're encouraged to move forward with strength and determination on a project, even if there are bumps along the way. A significant decision may be on the horizon that will change your life's course, ultimately leading to victory and resolution.
Read more

Guest reading from Mikato!

  This reading suggests a social gathering or reunion with friends (Three of Cups), possibly involving a successful and established man in a position of authority (King of Coins). However, there's an indication of conflict, disagreement, or a decisive ending to a relationship or partnership (Five of Swords). This could imply a falling out or separation despite the initial celebratory atmosphere.
Read more