Although I'm not finished with my Magic 1 essays, I have started to read books on ogham for Divination 1. I'm not merely looking at the course as a way to learn about divination. I see learning ogham as a next step in my magical practices. Not only can it be used as a way to commune with the spirits, but the symbols can be used in magical acts. I also want to take this opportunity to grow closer to the trees.
I was having a conversation with a friend yesterday about crystals. She was telling me about her sister and how she has a spiritual connection to amethyst. I shared a story about friends of mine who are equally enamored with the crystal. During this exchange, I admitted that I've never been very drawn to crystals in a spiritual way. I find some stones more interesting than others, and I enjoy learning the correspondences and symbolism, but I've never felt a pull to learn crystal healing or such. I thought about it later and realized that what I am drawn to are trees and other plants. I am interested in their properties, healing potential, symbolism, and history. I don't discount the divine significance of crystals, but my talents do not reside within that realm.
After work, before delving into anything else, I put my green galoshes on, trudged through the muddy hedges, and went into the forest. It was cold. The deciduous trees were practically bare. The setting sun sent an orange, misty light through the woods. There weren't any mosquitos or flies. There was a stillness broken only by a crow flying north and my own footsteps and whispers to the kindreds. I found myself near a birch tree and I spoke to it, touched, it, hugged it and just sat for a time. I felt the stillness and firmness of the tree. I felt the sleep of winter. I heard the rustle of wind through pine needles. I saw the still waters of the marshland slowly reclaiming territory amidst the other birch and younger trees.
I encourage you to go out and hug a tree, as silly as that sounds. Literally hug it and be silent. Close your eyes for a little, then open them. Watch. If a tree is not for you, find a rock, a flower, a moss-covered hill. Git outside and be still. Open yourself to the aged wisdom and chaos around you. If anything, you will feel more relaxed for it.
( For My LJ Friends: http://adfcatprints.blogspot.com/ )
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