I have not been in this forest really since my furry companion, Benny, passed several months ago.
It’s a special place, for me at least, as I feel a spiritual connection to the life that grows here.
As I first approached the woods, four deer greeted me with a fifth standing on a side path just inside the borders of it.
Left a stone as an offering of thanks upon sighting the fifth.
Walked with the oak staff gifted me by my last grove years ago.
Although I’d removed the bell from it, the other items that adorned it offered a measured beat that marked each step taken.
Decided I wanted to explore, so I went in a direction I’d only gone once before and followed the creek as it flows west.
Was surprised when I found black walnuts along that trail.
Black Walnut trees grew along the river bank.
This is the wood used in the carving of the stem for the Sunstone Pipe, currently being forged.
It’s interesting these trees would be here considering this.
Found two black walnuts that felt right to take, when I asked permission to do so.
One will be for the Pipe’s sacred bundle while the second will be given as an offering at the ancient Shell Ring I’ll be visiting in just a few weeks.
Two more stones were left as an offering, one for each walnut taken.
Not far from there is where the real treasure was found.
Many would look at the spot and think nothing of it, but as I looked at it … it radiated a quiet energy.
This was a place that called to me.
It is a spot overlooking a bend in the creek where the water flows quietly.
There is a fallen log perfect for sitting in meditation and reflection while watching those waters below.
The tree beside and over the sitting spot is a young black walnut growing among birch trees.
Remained at this spot before returning to the trail and continuing onward.
When the trail curved back around in loop, found a foot path the followed the tree line up the hill and back in the direction of the place where I live.
As I walked, found that the elder pines in this section of the forest called to me as well, although I felt it was not time to explore this one yet.
I’ve always loved pines since I was kid.
We had one in our yard that I’d climb and spend hours up high in its branches.
That tree was not nearly as tall as these.
Farther along, found a large pile of stones that leaves me wondering if a cairn might be in my future.
The footpath linked up with a collection of paved walking paths, complete with benches.
And that network led back home.
It’s good to be able to walk in the forest again.
~ The Pathfinder