A Gift

There are many of us baby boomers who have an aged parent in their lives. For me, along with understanding my Mom's beliefs, where they came from, and how to explain this to her, gave us a new relationship. One where tolerance takes the upper hand.

Lifelessions is a blog I found recently written by an older, incapacitated lady. She shows and tells us the other side...not from the caregiver's point of view, but from hers.

I really liked it. I hope you will, too.

A Visit From Crow

On Thursday, a flock of crows descended on our house. I have no way of knowing how many there were, but it looked as if there were at least a hundred. They were lined up on the fence, they were grouped together on the roof, and Grandfather Tree was filled with them.

Lucky, my dog, is friends with a crow that visits on a regular basis in the summertime. His bark was joyous as he welcomed the group. Whether or not his particular crow was part of this flock is something only Lucky knows; they all looked alike to me.

It was a little eerie. The crows were silent. There was no cawing or raucous sounds of any sort. After I called the dogs in, I watched to see if they would land on the ground, but none did. They just sat on the fence, and it seemed as if they were watching the house.

Do you think, as I watched the crows, taking a photograph came to mind? Not a chance! After awhile, as I tried to listen to what the message was the crows were bringing to me, I went to the computer. The web pages Animal Totems and Life Paths both gave me quick, succinct information about Crow.

And I found another site where you can "generate" your animal totem. Crow City has an amazing amount of stories and information about Crow.

There have been many portents of change happening here recently. The order of our lives is about to undergo an upheaval. Crow has intuitive knowledge of the Universal Law, is known for shapeshifting, gives spiritual strength and is a very powerful messenger from Spirit.

One item I found was so interesting I copied it here...

"One curious feature of the behaviour of crows is their seeming capacity to hold 'courts' at which, by numerous accounts, they pass judgement and carry out summary execution of such of their numbers as, for some mysterious reason, they consider deserving of it. As Edward Stanley, the Victorian naturalist put it: In the Northern part of Scotland, and in the Faroe Islands, extraordinary meetings of crows are known to occur. They collect in great numbers, as if they had all been summoned, for the occasion; a few of the flock sit with dropping heads, and the others seem as grave as judges, while others again are exceedingly active and noisy; in the course of about an hour they disperse and it is not uncommon, after they have flown away, to find one or two left dead on the spot. Another writer (in Dr Edmonston's "Shetland Isles"), says that these meetings will sometimes continue for a day or two, before the object, whatever it may be, is complete. Crows continue to arrive from all quarters during the session. As soon as they have all arrived, a very general noise ensues, and shortly after, the whole fall upon one or two individuals, and put them to death; when this execution has been performed, they quietly disperse." Real Magic

The crows sat, quietly, exactly as if they were in council. After awhile, I meditated with them, and asked for an explanation. None was forthcoming. They were here for such a long while! What were they telling me? And how was I going to carry out their message to me if I couldn't figure it out?

I became frustrated... until I remembered to live in the moment and enjoy the opportunity to watch Crow's behavior up close. Some sat as still as sentinels; others hopped and flapped their wings. They were beautiful...glossy and black. Their curious button eyes watched me watching them out of the kitchen window. They could have looked ominous; instead, I felt great wisdom coming from the group lined up on the fence.

A miracle was happening right outside my home; and I almost missed it. Just because I was too intent on the why of it, or the how of it. The message didn't matter...it was given and would show up either in dreams, or in meditative moments, or visualizations. What was incredible, at just this moment, was how I felt as if I was part of the group.

Then, as one, they flew up into the sky, still silent, and as a group wheeled off to the east. And I thankfully found no dead crows, or anything for that matter, that would show they had been here in such numbers. Not a feather, or even any excrement. And no pictures, either.

They left peace behind. The world and the cacophony of daily life retreated for a bit, and the crows gave me a huge spiritual lift, made me live in the moment, reminded me there was more in this life than what we see on the surface.

What was the message? Maybe it was only to look deeper, to see the miracles as they happen. I'll keep you posted...

SPRING!!!!!

Yesterday was the first day where it was warm enough to work outside in just a sweater. It was probably warm enough for other people to wear T-shirts, but I wear sweaters even in the Summer. There is something about the weight of a sweater...it gives comfort, and protects against over-eager branches and thorns.

And even though it was warm, there was a bite to Wind who circled softly (for once!) around the house. Shady places still reminded me it was Winter.

But most of the tulips and daffodils I planted in the Fall are up, some close to blooming, especially on the South side of the house. We have had so much rain and wind in the last month. The yard is boggy, in places, and one of those places is where I planted a lot of crocus. I'll have to remember to move them in the Fall.

The plum tree is full of buds, almost ready to burst. Last night, though, we had a heavy frost. Many of the more tender plants were seduced into believing it was Spring, because for the last while we have had warm, rainy weather. Then they send up tender shoots; there were many of those yesterday that I saw as I wandered around the yard, checking for signs of growth.

The four varieties of Pussy Willow are all doing well, covered in those soft, rabbity grey buds. I will never forget the awe on my granddaughter's baby face, the first year I stroked her cheek with one of the buds. ( She has had a passion for soft, velvety materials ever since.) And nowadays, there are many trees that have very large, very colourful flowers. I have a weeping Pussy Willow that has these huge buds; they also turn bright yellow later in Spring, giving double value. These trees also don't mind having their feet wet, so I had no concern with them.

I cleaned under Grandfather Tree, listening to him give advice on where he wanted mulch to be placed. The chimes tinkled each time I did what I was told, making me smile. Awareness...the cornerstone of Shamanism, Shaman Maggie says. It absolutely delights me when I intuit the messages sent to me by these beings.

Chervil and the Red Lettuce patch planted in the late fall are waiting...they haven't yet put on any new growth. Parsley has seeded itself all over...the pretty, curly, vibrant green leaves make a wonderful ground cover for the early Spring flowers. And Parsley Pesto isn't far off, either, by the looks of things!

Snowdrops have almost finished blooming...but my guides tell me there will be snow, still...and it's not far off. Probably just after this high pressure system fades, and another storm blows in. I covered some of the most tender plants with leaf mulch, just in case.

Working in the garden after a long winter grounds and centres me like nothing else. I am totally in the present moment, totally focussed on what I'm doing. My attention is devoted to one thing at a time. Thoughts blow in and out of my consciousness...I can solve any problem by this type of meditation, where I don't analyze and poke things to death. By just letting the problems float in and out again... somehow, from somewhere, the answers come.

There is nothing so relaxing as an early Spring workout in the garden. It set me up to face the rest of Mother Nature's Winter.

Healing Ways

When Graham practices Reiki on a client, the house itself feels as if it receives the energy. The dogs sleep, more relaxed than they have been all day. There was a frenzy of cleaning this morning...it being Monday. After a weekend of rain and wind, with big dogs' feet slopping about, and enough dog hair to stuff a mattress lying on every surface, I had to clean.

And the dogs have to see what I'm doing every minute. Usually, I'm in my office, and they lay around my feet. But today, I was busy, dust and dog hair flying (got some in my eye...the lid is swollen and sore, even after washing it out, and placing a cool chamomile tea bag on it) so there was no lying around today. They were filled with anticipation, recognizing the preparations.

Now Lucky and Nate are soaking in the great energy that permeates every nook and cranny of this home, especially when Graham gives a Reiki treatment. Candles lit, the fireplace winking its warmth across the room, and Deva Premal's "Love is Space" or one of the Reiki (Hon Sha Ze Sho Nen is my favourite) CD's playing softly, the living room turns into a space that enfolds and comforts. Flowers in the window alcove bring the outside in, scenting the air with the luscious lily (only one! allergies!) roses, and stocks...all in varying shades of yellow.

When I realized it was Monday and delivery day for flowers is Tuesday for the florist I use, I knew I would have to be creative. Qualicum Beach Florist advertises exceptional customer service, and they really deliver on their promise. There were not many choices left, after a busy weekend, but the florist and I put together a wonderful bouquet, adding three bright yellow sunflowers for added punch.

I heard Abundantia's coins (Abundantia) and felt her presence. My gaze was directed upward, and there,hanging on the wall, was a pussy willow wreath. It was the first one I'd ever seen. I have worked with willow branches, but the patience and love required to intertwine them with the pussys on them boggles my mind. It was absolutely loaded, still, with those warm, soft silver-grey buds.

Pussy willows and I go back a long, long way. I asked the price, knowing this item was definitely not on my list or budget. But it was extremely reasonable, and with hindsight, why was I surprised? Abundantia was with me, after all. I felt her joy, as I paid, dispelling the 'oh, why did I buy this!' feeling I usually get when I buy something not intended.

And the wreath is perfect on the front door, welcoming Spring's advance. According to Tree Totem, all parts of the willow tree guard aginst evil. Willows are very empathic and caring, intuitive, and inhabit the world of water, or feelings. Willow is a very old, dear friend, one who, once again, seems to be sending her message to me to follow my intuition, rather than cold, clear logic. (To be logical is rarely something I ever experience, let alone cold and clear!) She is the one telling me to trust my inner voice; she tells me I become moody and a procrastinator when I don't.

And, Willow's leaves and bark yield salic acid, a principal component of aspirin. A remedy I may have to take to soothe the pain in my eye. One of my beliefs is that there is always a source of healing close by...if I am aware and listen to intuition. And have faith in my guides' direction.

Graham is a Karuna Reiki Master who practices and teaches. I am a Level 2 practitioner who sometimes practices on people. Mostly I use my Reiki knowledge on the pets we have, and in day-to-day situations. It is an incredible tool, one that anyone can learn and use.

There are different ways of healing and using the tools and gifts we are all given. I am learning to use Shamanic tools. To that end, I use my creative gifts, in building a sanctuary from an ordinary living room. I use balance and healing colours, natural materials and a sense of flow. I listen to intuition as I place each piece, working closely with my guides. If I know the client at all, I will place a colour or a crystal in the room that resonates within the person.

The living room then becomes a power place...one where people feel the peace and serenity that is given by the Reiki treatment, and by the care with which they are treated. It is one of my gifts; it complements Graham's healing gift.

Monday...just another day on the Shamanic path...

A Space Left Behind

The tree on the corner of our property died last summer, after languishing about for a couple of years. When we first moved here, I thought I could save it, but the damage done to the roots during a previous excavation proved too extensive. And last spring, the tree showed brown needles, and then, so suddenly, it turned completely reddish brown. It never lost its needles; giving me a forlorn hope that it would suddenly turn green again, but it was not to be.

It seems the older trees surrounding our property are becoming fewer and fewer. Two years ago, the fully treed lot next door was sold. It had large conifers growing at the front of the lot; and the rest of it had willows, red twig dogwood, an old apple tree, holly and various fir trees scattered here and there. It had a whole system of wildlife; birds nested in the trees, squirrels chattered away, and there were the night raiders...owls and raccoons. Known far and wide for the huge blackberries that grew there, it was a pickers' haven.

But the new owner cleared the entire lot, leaving bare scarred earth. I sat and watched from my perch on the back porch. They came... the excavators and the big trucks. The manmade machines seemed incongruous in the wild of the wooded lot. Bold orange and loud, they proclaimed dominance. Birds fled. The neighbourhood itself seemed cowed by these monsters.

Clanging, ripping and tearing, the excavator's claw grabbed bunches of brush with a grin firmly planted in its maw. It looked exactly as I imagine a one-armed lobster, his claw waving and snapping about, as he searches for victims.

Firs, willows, dogwoods and the old sentinel...the apple tree...were all fodder for the excavator and the power saws. At one point, it seemed the Lobster was picking his way almost tenderly, leaving trees edging the property. I was filled with hope. At the end of this workday, the chirping of the birds seemed more distant; they deserted us for a week or two.

I picked up some fallen apples laying on the ground...the apple tree was no longer standing. I touched the roots of its stump that lay on a pile of brush, and sent Reiki to the departed souls of the trees. It felt as if the pile of rubble, the trees that were left, and the bare earth were holding their breath, waiting for the next onslaught. I felt their sadness, heard the hushed, murmuring whispers.

But the next morning, shrieking saws felled the trees. It was early in the morning, and the resulting crack of falling trees woke up the neighbourhood. Pain ripped into my soul. And I watched as the Lobster began his work once more. I watched as the trees took on arms that clutched at one another...I heard the moans.

I saw the giant claw impatiently shrugging a tree out of its way, not caring about the soul rending shriek given off by the tree. Then he tore away the blackberry bushes hanging over our fence. The willow that gave us backyard privacy went quickly. How strange and sad I never recognized what a good job it was doing, until it was gone.

Brown earth, twigs and branches and logs dot the former woodlot next door. Backyards and sideyards for four or five houses are laid open to view. Last summer, grasses took over the lot...grasses as tall as our six foot fence. The blackberries that hung over our fence came back, although not as lushly and I'm thankful for that. But, with the exception of the grasses, the land lies waiting, neglected and sad.

This was the first time I was able to visualize the trees, as they were cut down, as beings. It made a huge impression on me. I have never liked to watch trees being cut, especially healthy trees, and here is the reason why. Even if I had never been able to 'see' the pain before, I definitely felt it.

So I was concerned when Andy, the tree specialist, from Hi-Rigger Tree Services, came to take down our dead tree. I watched to see if there was anything left of the tree's soul. But it had fled. All I felt was a sense of relief coming from the area. The tree's last earthly incarnation was gone, and there was a new beginning in store.

A new tree will use the old stump as a nurse log, one that will break down over time and feed the youngster's roots. And the circle continues...