It’s the Summer Solstice, and all I can think about is how magical life is here on this earthly plane and beyond.
I’m thinking about the saying “seeing is believing” and how it can be true or completely false.
We might “see” things with our clairvoyance that others might not see.
We might believe some things don’t exist because we can’t “see” them.
Do you believe in fairies and other unseen Spirits?
In Ted Andrew’s chapter “Rite of the Summer Solstice” from his book “Nature-Speak,” he says:
Enchanted worlds still exist and the doorways to them are hidden within Nature. These doorways may be more obscure than in times past, but we can still seek them out. Every flower has its fairy, every tree has its spirit, every woods has its Lady of the Woods and caverns do lead to nether realms. At the change of seasons, Nature reveals the doorways to those whose hearts are open."
I have long since abandoned any feelings of being a weirdo for believing in the unseen.
In the magic of Nature.
When I stumbled upon the moss-covered rock entwined in an embrace with a gnarled tree root, I gasped. The rock seemed fast asleep and at home with the tree.
They’re both as alive as you and me.
The moment I began writing this, the Woodpecker started pecking on my house, right next to the window before me.
Now, an Owl is hooting.
“But, Barbara, you live in the country. Of course, you’re going to hear and see these wild animals. That doesn’t mean that every animal has a message for you, does it?”
It’s hard to explain. But, sometimes, you just know. You know there’s a message.
What do you think?
The Summer Solstice is a magical day. Can you feel the intensity of the energy?
So much is shifting and changing, but for all the negativity happening, there is the promise of a better world here on our beloved Earth. I believe that one day soon, we will be able to access other realms with ease and awe.
It will be like coming home. The ancients knew how to communicate with all of Nature. With the Trees. The Rocks. The Animals. The Elementals.
Solstice aside, the month of June has been a magical time here for animal visitors.
Wild Turkeys, Black Bears, Woodpecker, Owl, Hawk, Moose, Bobcat, Mouse (eek!), and probably others that I’m forgetting.
I’m not special, and these animals are visiting lots of other people. I can’t help but think about the messages they might bring and the medicine they offer us if we want it.
A Turkey showed up one day weeks ago. He came back. Then he came back with a friend. Maybe his honey. I don’t know.
And then there were five. Most days, they’re here - sometimes two or three times a day. They no longer startle and run away when I come out. They know I have good treats. I tell them to please eat some ticks while they’re here. So far, they seem to be listening.
A few days ago, I was sitting out on my stoop, watching them and playing the flute. One of the Turkeys stopped pecking and stood and watched and listened to me. He or she didn’t go back to eating until I stopped.
And then, on Monday, after a particularly difficult day, I went out to put some feed on the rock and found this:
If there was any doubt at all, I knew that Turkey had a message for me. And I couldn’t believe that I hadn’t already taken a peek at “Animal-Speak.”
According to Ted Andrews:
The turkey is sometimes called the earth eagle. It has a long history of association with spirituality and the honoring of the Earth Mother. It is a symbol of all the blessings that the Earth contains, along with the ability to use them to their greatest advantage.
How beautiful is that?
And about feathers, he writes:
Always keep in mind that a bird’s wings and its feathers make it a part of heaven. Every feather is a special gift and a promise.
… all feathers relate to the human spirit and its innate connection to the Divine. You must examine its characteristics and behaviours and draw the connections to your own life. As you do this, the forces that manifest through that bird and its feathers, will begin to manifest more dynamically to you. This is when you begin to understand the process of alchemy that is beginning to unfold with your life. Alchemy is the process of burning away the dross to reveal the gold beneath. You will begin to see the leaps into higher consciousness that are about to unfold.
I have already had crazy synchronicities around that Turkey feather. It’s amazing how rapidly the magic is happening.
When I have a troubling day, like I did on Monday, I noticed that the people I reached out to were the ones with Animal-Speak. With Nature-Speak. They could help me make sense of what had happened.
And then I went and sat with the Trees. First, I visited the Quaking Poplar, who is getting tall and looks so healthy.
She has her own special spot, away from the menacing power mower when they come to cut the grass around the house.
I planted her near a big rock, where I can sit and chat with her.
And then I sat with the Ash trees. I’m going to be writing about them soon. I’ve only just “met them, “ but I know they’re going to be a big part of my life.
Trees are so wise. And, who doesn’t feel calm and grounded sitting with a Tree?
This month also brought me more Bear medicine. I’m not sure if it was the same Bear I saw a couple of weeks ago munching on my compost pile, but several days ago, this guy or gal found where I’ve been leaving seeds for the birds. I have it mixed with something that Bears don’t like, but I think he wanted the orange slices I’d put out.
I poked my head out of the door and said, “Hey! What are you doing there? He gave me the funniest look, turned around, and shuffled down the hill toward the road. I haven’t seen him since.
The Fireflies are lighting up the woods at night. How can we not think of them as fairies?
If you’re someone with Animal-Speak, or Nature-Speak, I know that you were probably nodding your head in agreement during this post.
On the other hand, if it all seems too far-fetched for adult you, maybe your inner child enjoyed it. I hope so!
Now, I’m going to cover myself up because of the ticks and deer flies and head into the woods, searching for doorways.
Looking for Magic.
If you don’t hear from me again, I’ll see you in about seven years. :)
Happy Solstice, my friends. Summer is here.
Much Love,
Barbara
Sweet as usual, Barbara. And you are special, so don't ever doubt that. Just as I was reading about the woodpecker, one started pecking a tree right outside me window (you'll never convince me animals don't speak to us or have messages for us!)
I have dozens of feathers, rocks, pinecones, special leaves, sticks, etc.! I'm sure some people think it ridiculous, but I can't help saving these little messages from nature.
Thanks for the inspiration, Barbara. There's nothing better than being in the woods!
Take good care, my friend.
Tina
This is so delicious! Every creature is a messenger when you’re willing to learn how to see in the dark (thank you Clarissa pinkola Estes for the reminder). Last fall, as we moved into the camper, our only neighbors were a flock of turkeys. They left a feather for me, too. What a gift!
I hope you know how much I love this. Wouldn’t it be lovely to take a stroll through the woods together to gasp at tree-clenched mossy rocks? 💙💫