There are places we explore in this world that can stand out in our mind. A beach, forest or mountain can easily take our breath away as we soak in its beauty. We understand the power Nature holds and its ability to wipe away stress and tension, bringing ourselves back into balance. If we feel upset or lost, we can gently close our eyes and allow ourselves to slowly drift back into this peaceful place to refocus and find our footing once again. These spaces paint a picture in our minds and hearts where we can pause and open the doorway to the sacred. It is an act of looking outward to reconstruct our balance and beauty within. As we open this connection, we grant ourselves a state of grace, clearly seeing what our next steps can be. This act of magick allows us to find our path once again. It is a powerful and useful tool to help us shift our energy by working with the power of Nature. However, there are places in this world that seem to be much more what we see on the surface. What if there is something behind that beautiful vista with an energy of its own? What happens when the land seems to call us just as much as we call to it?
There are places scattered across the world that holds a certain kind of magick. We may have felt it when we accidentally took a wrong turn onto a quiet back road in a town that feels like time forgot. We can dream of castles or haunted forests and swamps. Maybe we can feel into a place that holds a mystery or tragedy, asking to be remembered as time and society moved on without them. We can wander into liminal lands, straddling the known and unknown as we move between the present and something else from long ago. Wherever these living lands may be, we recognize a presence other than our own. There is a certain energy that lives and breathes in these kinds of places. As a guest in their home, respect and courtesy must be given. The land of the Other will watch and wait for us to engage or it can reach out to make the first move, friendly or otherwise. Sometimes signals are sent and we must leave right away. Other times, we are welcomed into its space. When its presence is revealed and welcoming, it can take root within us. If we allow a healthy connection, we can grow a bond and create an ally. An experience like this can spark our imagination. We can dream of the location and venture to it in meditation. Yet, there are times when the energy calls us to it, either in person or trance. It becomes a part of us that opens doorways to teachings, revealing much more than what the eyes can see and minds can dream.
It was early September. The air was warm. The sky was bright. We were the only ones in forest that day. There was no one in the parking lot or upon the trail. It was heaven! We planned on taking a longer route than we had before in order to explore the less traveled trails. We were twisting and winding our way through the trees along the river to the pond in order to go back out again. However, it wasn’t that easy. On our way back from the pond, we realized that we were not on the same path. This trail was overgrown with plants and wild flowers. Ornate spiderwebs proudly hung in the trees, glinting in the golden sun. There was something different in the air but we couldn’t place it. The deeper we walked, the wilder the path looked and felt. Although we weren’t sure where we were going, the energy was not foreboding. It was quite the opposite. The path, not much wider than a game trail, was obscured by grasses and flowers that welcomed us. With each bend, the plants grew taller. I had a hard time seeing my husband, so we would call out to each other in our own way, but never by name. We had to make sure we wouldn’t get lost. It didn’t take long before we were walking through fields of wild flowers that were taller than me! While we were there, electricity filled the air. When we stood still, the earth below us hummed and vibrated. Bees buzzed all around us, dancing from flower to flower. They did not seem to mind that we were with them. The air was sweet with the smell of wild flowers and honey. I was standing beneath the golden sun and shadows of the beautiful, yet surreal towering flowers of yellow, purple, red, and white. It felt like I was in a waking dream. In that moment, time stood still. It was breathtaking. I felt so connected on that walk. Were we lost in the forest or did we slip into a place that was not our own? We were greeted by the bees and spirits of the land as butterflies spiraled around us. It was pure magick. I will forever hold that memory with me for the rest of my days.
Although this happened quite some time ago, this memory or place pulls me back to it every so often. I have found my way there unexpectedly during meditations and visions with gods and guides. I have found a few answers to questions while visiting in dreams. It is a magickal place that is alive and breathing; a place with its own consciousness. Within it, there is a doorway of understanding and connection. It is something that we humans tend to forget. When I do forget, maybe it knows and gently draws me back to remind me of the beauty and magick that is hidden behind the noise of life and within myself. I am not sure, but I am happy to call this place, this spirit, an ally.
Do you have a secret place; a magickal garden that can wipe you clean as it holds up a mirror for you to see your own beauty and magick? As humans, we forget that we were once a part of a lush, sacred garden where all of our needs were met. When we don’t live up to our expectations or feel that we are unworthy of love, comfort, or care, we cast ourselves out further into the Wasteland, losing ourselves even more. If we continue to do this, we run the risk of losing our true self with each passing day. I feel that we are here to remember that beautiful garden and that it resides within us. It is not easy to find our way back to that first garden and we may get lost along the way, but trusting the path is crucial to our journey. It is how we rediscover ourselves. It is how we find our way back to who we truly are. With each step, we can let go of the lies we tell ourselves. This healing act enables us to shape our life in the spirit of our true Will. It is a life long journey that begins with the steps we take today.
May you be well and take care of yourself as you step onto the path of the living lands.
Renee Bedard ~ The Whispering Crow
The Whispering Crow 