Sacred Journeys

Over the years, many psychics have claimed that in the near future we would have two growing seasons in this part of the world, the way they do in areas farther south such as Georgia or over in Hawaii. Some claimed it was a result of the earth’s axis shifting, while others simply ‘saw’ the change. This year, we were given a hint of how that might look and feel. As the Arctic ice melted and cooled the air, we had a long spring that most of the plants adored because of the almost daily rain, and it was not until mid-August that summer really felt like it had kicked into gear.

I did notice many folks feeling oppressed by the dampness. There were times it got to me too, although having been born on Vancouver Island I have a high rain tolerance. At the inspirational Circle of all Nations Gathering in Maniwaki, Quebec, hosted by Algonquin Elder Grandfather William Commanda, when rain patterns were discussed it was always with reverence and gratitude. While voices on the radio bemoaned the rain ruining another weekend, the Natives were putting sacred tobacco into the lake and thanking water for its gifts and blessings. Our modern culture has, for a long time, tacitly endorsed people being ungrateful (poor me, it’s raining) and unconscious of the larger picture.

A more serious voice, on CBC radio news today, reported that it’s expected that one billion people will die on earth this year because of a lack of adequate food and water. That bears repeating: one billion people. Here, we are blessed with food and lots of rainwater.

There are many changes ahead as the earth rebalances herself, so finding ways to adjust and remain optimistic and grateful is likely the best strategy. For example, the wet weather of late has made harvesting herbs for our tea business more problematic, as we can only harvest when the plants are oily from the heat of a sunny day. Last year was the wettest spring and summer on record, and we learned our lesson at that time – we should arrange this year to have more harvesters with us on the beautiful sunny days.

As I am sure you noticed, the plants exhibited their appreciation for the rain. The flowers were a symphony this year and kept on blooming well into the usually dry days of late August. For those of you who are familiar with the Mayan Calendar, this year is referred to as the 6th Day of the Galactic Underworld (or ‘The Flowering’), and ‘Flower’ it did!

I was enjoying the day with a fellow gardener recently, and we quickly found ourselves reflecting on what a rich year it had been. Certainly we had been aware of the abundance of the plant kingdom and animal kingdom. Any given day around here there are skunks, ground hogs, wild turkeys or marsh hawks, herons and owls resting under or on a tree in the yard. As we walked, tiny frogs leapt out of our way and honeybees enjoyed the last of the anise hyssop flowers. In fact, out the window as I write there are three hummingbirds resting on thin grape vines – an artificial truce before they fight over the giant tiger lilies.

We were thinking about how rich our lives had been this summer as well, in some unexpected ways. For example, we noticed that some plans simply never came into fruition, perhaps because they involved other people who were overwhelmed by the intense energy of the summer; perhaps it was because these plans were not actually important. When we dropped the habit of trying to control the outcomes and allowed ourselves to be present, the energy was gorgeous, like waves of radiant light flowing between ones’ cells – especially when we gathered with others. We found our mental considerations gently nudged out of the way, allowing all sorts of creative and compassionate energy to flow. It felt a bit like having old issues or old interests pruned away, so that we could concentrate on creating healthier more magnificent buds; truer reflections of ourselves.

Something similar was happening out in the world at large. This Mayan year began November 4 with Obama being elected, the result of a collective pruning of George Bush the previous year. With that we were all psychologically offered an opportunity to release heavy fruitless endeavours and create new, transformative visions of the world. We’ve needed a good prune for a long time.

My friend and I decided we are looking forward to the breakdown of systems that have hindered the growth which nurtures our true potential. We are looking forward to the joining together into community that the coming changes are encouraging; and we are looking forward to the support of the universe to be the best we can be. We are looking forward to the harvest of all our hard work to bring about change, and be the change we seek. We are looking forward.

Email Kim at: spirit@algonquintea.com, or go to her website at: www.algonquintea.com