In the Forest

At Athena's suggestion, I took a spirit journey last night outside, after dark, at our place way out in the tree-covered hills.

I settled down beside the herb garden we had planted, facing the forest behind the house.  I started the beat with my rattle, and sang my power song.  At first I was rushing and nervous, so I stopped, centered myself, and started over at a steady, slow pace.

As I sang I started to hear noises around and behind me; acorns falling, leaves rustling, branches creaking.  I got the sense that there was some awareness that was waking and approaching me.  My first thought was to throw up barriers, but I didn't want to close out anything that was coming to help or teach.  So again I calmed myself, and asked the land to aid me and keep out anything that meant me ill, but to welcome anything that meant me well.

I heard sounds like something moving through the leaves, and got worried about wild animals; but then I heard our horse wuffle quietly and I knew that if there was a corporeal threat that she would not be so relaxed.  This was a very good exercise in relaxing and trusting in my protections!

I stared down into the trees, as they marched down away from me, filled with mist and shadow.  I called into my mind my seashore with the dark woods above, and the two merged so that I could see the dark and mist wreathing my woods with mystery as I entered and began to climb the narrow twisted path.  

As I climbed, the winds rose a bit in the outside world, and there was some lightening in the distance.  I welcomed the energy, and used it to deepen my trance.

I entered the clearing, and Oak was waiting for me just down the path.  The sun and half moon shown together in the sky, bathing the meadow in mingled silver and gold light.

I embraced Oak and communed briefly, and then asked if he had anything to tell me or show me.  I saw him clothe himself in gold and russet, and some old dead branches fell.  He told me that I should not be afraid of letting go of the parts of my past that are dead or useless, and I should not be reluctant to "change my coat" as the weather changes.  That as the oak changes with the seasons, its core stays strong and green.