The fact that I could see my breath in the chill of the early morning air was a subtle declaration that autumn is here to stay. I tightened my scarf and pulled up my hood as I made my way towards the path, descending into the woods. Weaving along the trail, the leaves crunched beneath my feet. It was such a welcomed sound after a very long week. I could hear the flowing stream not too far away and I was excited to make my way across the bridge. With each step, I felt civilization melt away from my consciousness like a sugar cube in water. Stress, tension, and the week’s long list of tasks simply dissolved. I was able to breathe and connect with myself fully once more.
As I made my way down the hill, I followed the cascading waterfalls into a land that felt so alive and full of magick. The early morning sun was still rising over the ridge, sending the long shadows of trees stretching across this fairytale landscape. Fingers of golden light pierced the brightly painted canopy as if to lead the way. The contrast between the deep shadows and golden light was striking, especially with the lush, deep green blanket of moss covering the trees and rocks. It was as if time stood still and I walked right into a land full of magick and wonder.
Sitting at the bottom of the falls, I gazed towards the top. Filtered sunlight danced through the brightly colored leaves. I felt completely transported into a place where everything is possible. I savored the moment with slow, steady, deep breaths. With permission of the local land spirits, I allowed myself to connect to this oasis of beauty and closed my eyes. Worry and fear were gently released and carried away by the cold crystal waters. The sun filled me with strength and warmth as it cleared the dust of illusion from my eyes. I felt the love and support of the land, the spirits, and the gods and took their messages to heart. It was beautiful and very much needed.
When I came out of my meditation, I heard a car drive by. I had forgotten that this beautiful place was along a trail not far from the road at all. I thought about how many people drive by this sacred space and may not even know about it or even care. In that moment, I asked myself what beauty do I miss as I go about my day? What beauty escapes my heart because I am caught up in the stress that I create for myself with the things that don’t matter in the grand picture of life? How many times have I sought out peace, beauty, love, or sanctuary when I could have just stopped and held myself in my own heart? How long have I disengaged from the divine because maybe I felt I was undeserving, unaware, or felt that I wasn’t ready? The separation from nature and even my own magick is a separation that I create myself. In that moment, I felt a whole other layer of understanding with space to explore open before for me. The dust from illusion really did wash away in that stream. Once again, I raised my face up to the sun. There was a shift in my perspective. Opening my eyes to look towards the top of the waterfall, I could have sworn I had a fleeting glimpse of a stag looking down at me. To some, maybe it was a trick of shadow and light. To me, it was a smile from the gods in the sacred garden. It was a smile that I will carry with me always. It will be a reminder of this blessed reunion in the Garden with the Gods.
As you move through your day, try to be aware of the divine all around you. We move and rush around so much that we tend to forget that paradise is all around us. It is us. With all the noise, technology, and strife, it is easy to feel separated from the magick of this world and our lives, especially if we feel undeserving or overworked. Have you felt a separation between you and the sacred? If so, when? Why do you think that is? I have found that I am not always consciously creating that separation. I get distracted and caught up in the day-to-day tasks that we all move through. Other times, I may not be feeling at my best. I think it is important to see that magick or the divine haven’t left us alone. It is always there for us to see, feel, and interact with. Maybe we have been casting ourselves out of the garden all along.
May you see and experience the beauty and magick within and all around you.
Be well,
Renee Bedard ~ The Whispering Crow
The Whispering Crow 