Had an uplifting, energizing day in the woods. No deer, which I expected at this point in the season, but plenty of deer sign. Almost every step was along trails that seemed to be decently used, as attested by rubs, scrapes (such as the one pictured that left little doubt as to what it was), and lots of scat of varying freshness. A few times when a trail seemed to fade Id pause and look around, always finding another one to pick up based on what my instincts told me rather than rationalizing. A few times distinct columns of sunlight carved a path through the woods, calling me into their warmth. Id heed the call, only to find those rays were highlighting a trail. In those shining rays I sensed not only the call of Cernunnos and Elen of the Ways but the hand of Lugh, guiding the growth of my skills of reading the land and deer sign. Not to mention Brother Sun and Mother Earth had conspired to offer their kin a respite from the cold and gray with a sunny, almost springlike day. In the last hour of light it was hard to sit in the spot I selected near a channel crossing rather than tread down to the river and enjoy the sunset with little thought to the original purpose of my outing. Each step along the way seemed to follow in the footsteps and mindpath of the deer that make their way through those woods. Every step made in expanded mindfulness, taking in the woods through every sense. It was a new area of White Rock with little in the way of topography, but several fields and funnels created by the woodline and river. There is much to scout and learn there. Solitude to enjoy and nature to play in. I left ebullient that, even though I didnt encounter any deer, my ability to read and sense their flow through the woods showed growth and promise that the day will come when they find me worthy of their ultimate gift. Until then I give gratitude to the gifts of learning and connectedness they continue to bestow on me.
Posted on: Mon, 19 Jan 2015 08:15:58 +0000
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