You're bound to hear a lot about my local woods on this blog. I love my woods. Of course they're not mine in a property-owning, access-rights kind of way. But in every way that counts they are totally mine. I know their hidden secrets and rarely trodden paths. I know which blackberry bushes ripen first, which bear the largest fruits and which the tastiest. I know which Elder trees bear the most buttery blossoms. I know where I'm most likely to catch a glimpse of a Kestrel, or an Egret, or a Kingfisher. I know where to find each of the nine sacred woods, which trees like a hug and which would rather be left alone. I almost always find peace when I'm there, though the roar of motorway traffic pervades it doesn't detract from the energy of the woods.
Today's walk went much as usual. There is a circle near the entrance to the woods, built for children from local schools to have outdoor lessons. I begin by standing in this circle and centering myself. I then draw down energy from the Universe through my Crown chakra, blending it with my own energy, and radiating it out and over the ground to be taken in by whatever needs it most. I only take a minute or two to do this as my dog is usual whining, anxious to get going. And so we set off on our walk.
It was almost the exact moment of the Solstice, ultimate balance. The things that struck me the most were the Elements, and reflection and balance. Someone nearby had a woodfire burning and the smoke drifted through the trees like Autumn mist. It is rare to experience fire in the woods, and although the flames were not there the odour of the smoke reminded me of an underlying passion, not a sexual passion, but a passion for a belief or idea.
We've had an awful lot of rain lately (even for England!) and the land is saturated. I have never seen the woods so flooded. Huge pools have collected in the glades and meadows, and rills trickle across the path to join the ponds. The clear still water acted as a natural mirror and made me think of the serenity that comes from balance.
The wood, trees, and the rich fertile loam represent the centring security and fertility of Earth itself.
Most noticeable by its absence was Air. There was plenty of air about of course, the woods doesn't exist in some kind of vacuum! But it was still, there was no wind, not even enough to stir the leaves. As I am normally someone who massively overthinks things I took this as a sign. I need to stop thinking so much, use the stability of Earth as an anchoring base, trust my instincts to guide me, and follow my beliefs. Not a bad gift to receive at Yule.
Now if only I can actually do it . . .
