Flora & Fauna – Page 10

Riding a Black Mare

In the summer of 2017, the horse bug bit again and it was about time to be with them once more. Over the past twenty five years, there had been a chance or two to be with horses but it didn’t stick. The push came out of a series of vivid dreams about starving, confined horses living under my childhood home. The dire circumstances are uncovered. The dream vanishes as I feed, water and let them out into the sunshine.

The dreams came on and on. They were so insistent I looked into starting an equine rescue. A flood of energy, almost a will, took over with these thoughts. Cash, it takes mountains of cash to support horses in Massachusetts. At the time, I didn’t even have a backyard to stable one. Well, there has to be two, horses don’t care to live alone.

Maybe for a while, I volunteered at a rescue nearby. The problem was too many hands and no horse time. I gave it a go for a few months. A lesson or two came and went. The skill was there! The cost was too high. I had to set the will aside.

A chance came again to be around horses three years ago. This time, I found the gumption to get back on and ride. All the swimming, yoga and gardening over the years didn’t mean diddly. My body was pretty sore after a few rides. How did I get so crooked! My hip, shoulder, the whole left side is up, rides higher than the right. It’s so weird! I could ride with my stirrup leather one hole higher to get things equal.

The cost is still too high. But, I go. The one unfulfilled goal from forty years ago will not go away. It’s a separate force of energy and not me. I want my own horse.

Emma. This year, I have the great pleasure to be with Emma. She’s not young. Life’s been a little demanding on her. She’s become indifferent to the two legged s. Becky says she’s hard to ride. She is sensitive and prefers her own company. Emma wants to be in a quiet place. It’ll be Friday and Sunday afternoons we’ll have our rides. She’s for sale! Too much ☹ We could negotiate, but it’s the monthly bill that’s too much. One of us would end up eating rice and beans forever. As strong as the will is, it’s not delusional.

Years ago, before I fell in love with horses again, I had fun in finding out my patronus from J.K. Rowling’s webpage. It was a magical moment to see a Black Mare cantering out of the misty night forest. I haven’t lost this bit of news. Is it Emma?

“Black Mare – This animal is typical for people who show strong motivation in life and usually represents passion, determination, and an appetite for freedom. Black is a relatively uncommon coat color, so this could represent a part of your personality that you’d rather keep hidden or just reveal to your personal circle. This specific color could also refer to instinctual urges of your mind for the unknown and mysterious.” Source Mugglenet.com

Well, I have an independent nature and keep my thoughts private. I might share something personal from time to time but that’s not common. My true nature is hidden. I talk to the horses. Their energy is calming.

“Patronus Analysis 034 Black Mare. If this is your patronus then you express yourself freely and have a true and honest Soul. You do not hide the truth and express your emotions well. Those with the Black Mare are gentle and kind of heart. This patronus is common in all houses but least common in Slytherin.” Source Patronus Meaning on Tumblr.

You do not hide the truth and express your emotions well! Yes, the INTJ in me tends to fall on the reality side. We’re not good at games and prefer authentic relationships. They are actually quite rare. Horses play games. They can be quite funny together. Happy, herding creatures in search of sweet grass.

Sunday was a good ride. When we went to the outside ring, she snorted and huffed at the white picnic table that had moved since Friday. Check it out dear, it’s a silly table. We sauntered into the ring. I slipped a bit getting on. Fifty-eight year old legs don’t swing on so easy now. She called out to the other horses. Emma didn’t like being the only horses outside on this murky, cloudy almost rainy afternoon. Becky said she gets marish around other horses. So she’s lonely now! Horses neighed back. It’s okay.

She did tune in after a while. She loosened up and had a lovely swing in her walk. The ground poles gave her trot a lift. She didn’t surge on so much. We’re getting the signals together. This being our sixth ride only, still sorting out how to say in contact with Emma. Some bit champing. Some bending. Smooth halts, transitions still out of sync.

Emma is an Oldenburg from Iron Springs Farm. A fancy sport horse trained up to 4th level dressage. She’s got the moves but has become hard in the mouth. No contact, no connection. This horse is fine. Becky said the surges I feel are impulsion. I have the privilege of riding a horse that has her own impulsion. She has a lot to teach me.

Fridays and Sundays light up with the glory of Emma 🙂 The dream rides on.

Lady Slipper in Bloom

Once in a while now, a morning comes along with a clear sky and a memory of solace. Honeysuckle in bloom along the roadway tosses about in the breeze. Where they always so lush?

Late May is when the forest pixies emerge from under the owl’s wings to tiptoe along the mossy stones. The roots and rocks are worn down now. Trees close the path a bit now. Sapling oak has been fearless. Look how tall you have grown!

The little frog pond has swamped over the gravel path. Hoof prints of horses appear in the mucky soil. Oh! so are my shoes! Carry on, it’s been so long since we came back to this sacred space. A little wet foot won’t mind.

The path winds into young woods, past the busy brook spilling from the old mill pond. Settlement is long gone. Now deer, fox and rabbit tread here.

Up the hillside passing ferns grown gorgeous green. A light violet flowered wild geranium emerges to please the eye. Up and up to the top of the rise. Down and down sliding along the rocky way. Into the sacred groove.

The trail leads on. There is nothing ahead and nothing behind. All is wild. Tree limbs rub and creak above. Flies and gnats visit. Where are they? Once a year, the dear slippers are lost, left clinging onto a shoe rest waiting for the owner to return.

I suppose, to the ordinary eye it looks like pink lady slipper in bloom. Others of us know she passed this way, She was here dancing under the starry sky with her band. The sprites wear the finest silk slippers. So light are they with princess feet almost floating above the ground.

The May dance is almost over. Glad am I to return to these noble woods. My oldest and best friend. How much was left behind here! How much solace has been found along the trail. So much has changed. I got distracted by music, travel, a home and horses. Nothing has changed. Oh there’s more grass on the trail I suppose. Not many feet pass this way?

A day of delight. Walking along with a stout stick to help the old legs get along. We brought no gift. We took nothing out except happiness. The unknown sorrow of many a long night left in this place. The reassuring solace of woodland ways

Blessings, to see lady slipper in bloom A most rare and beautiful day.

Blessing the Soil in Spring

The rebirth is here. The blessed spring time begins the planting season. The birds return to nest in the woods and fields. The pussy willow and forsythia buds unfurl. The bulbs feel the earth worms wiggle and reach to the surface to smile up to the sun. The garden beckons us outside to turn the soil and plant seeds. So let’s make friends with the earth and sky, seeking blessings for growth and protection.

The early spring is the time to prepare the garden beds for flowers and vegetables. Perennials, shrubs, berry bushes, fruit trees, and lawns come awake. The spring rains and stronger sun bring both the promise of renewal and the threat of the elements to our precious home and garden. The shift in seasons can bring strong weather fronts with dramatic clashes in the skies above us. There is no threat more alarming than the wail of a tornado siren.

Whether it is a flower box on the balcony or a full field of crops, as the soil is tilled let’s pause and ask for blessings from the earth and sky.

Native American Tradition – Sacred Corn

Native American tribes revere corn as the staff of life. Corn is placed in the mouth of the dead before burial. The golden kernels are a sacred grain that provide a yearlong food source. Mesoamerican creation myths often depict the Corn Mother bringing the grain to the people. The Three Sisters, by Jackie Traverse, portrays the sacred trio of corn, beans and squash. The corn grows tall. The beans wrap themselves around the cornstalk and find support. The squash shades the footing providing coolness. The prickly leaves of the squash plant offer insect protection. Each grows with the support of the other.

Blessings of the Soil

The soil and homestead receive a blessing at the start of the growing season by the homeowner. The best time to ask for support is before turning the soil. A gentle encounter with the spirits helps ground the gardener to the land and the energy of the elements. The growing of food to provide for the table is a primal human activity. A garden prospers with good soil, gentle rains, warm temperatures and plentiful sunlight. It depends on pollinators and daily care to keep away the critters and insects that want to share the bounty.

By making a connection to the land, sky and spirit, a communion of positive energy binds the gardener to the land. Its prosperity is our prosperity. The chores become a refuge from the demands of the day. The interaction with earth and sky returns balance to our nature and gladness to our hearts.

Ritual Offering

Items suggested for the blessing are:

bag of cornmeal
a bowl to hold the grain
an offering to the spirits

As with any blessing or ritual, the person needs to prepare themselves to commune with the spirits.

.Here are a few suggestions on what to consider in preparation.

Prepare the body by fasting during the day and concentrating on the importance of food. The act of fasting will remind us of what it feels like to be hungry
Make the offering a platter of hush-puppies or corn bread. Have some firewater on hand such as corn whiskey or corn vodka. If this is not available substitute mead, a wine made from honey.
Bathe and put on soft clean garments of a natural fiber such as cotton, silk or flax.
Create something to say to the earth and sky as you ask for blessings of growth and protection.

O Great Spirits of the earth and sky. O Great Spirits of the water and wind. O Great Spirits of the ancestors who walked this land in a distant day.

O Great Moon above. O Great Sun. O Great Winds.

Welcome to this humble home and garden. Welcome back to this place. I ask for your protection for this house. I ask for all that dwell in the house be safe. I ask for your protection of this garden. I ask for your protection of all the trees that are above and creatures that dwell below the earth.

Protect us against strong winds, strong sun and strong rains. Protect us against pests and diseases.

Send us sweet sun, sweet rains and sweet breezes. Send us your blessing for an abundant crop.

Help us cultivate our garden every day. Help us find joy in our care taking.

Help us rise with the sun. Help us to see the shadows under the moon.

Bless this earth. Bless us who are here. Bless you for remembering us.

Sing to the Spirit of Earth and Sky

To lighten the mood, perhaps listen to the “Corn Song”, by Sharon Burch from the CD: Touch the Sweet Earth. The words are sung in Sharon’s native Navajo and set a beautiful mood of fun and positive energy.

As Sharon wrote, “This song…expresses the joy of seeing, feeling and being immersed in the growth of the corn plant” The lyrics in English: “I planted my corn. I planted it. I planted it. My white corn. My yellow corn. My corn of various colors. I planted my corn. I planted it. I planted it. Now the corn pollen will sprinkle on me. Now the corn pollen has covered me. I planted my corn. I planted it. I planted it”

Step outside with the grains, offering and prayers

In traditional Native American ceremonies, participants would smudge their bodies with the smoke of tobacco, sage and/or cedar. This action can be taken before the ceremony begins. The dried leaves can be obtained from an herbal supply shop. This is not necessary but something to consider. The smoke would be spread over the offerings and all around the space clearing away bad vibes and balancing energies

Dust the entire yard and house with corn meal. Imagine the grains being scattered are small rays of sun bringing abundance and warmth to the land. Move in the direction of the sun from left to right in a circle around the space. Walk around and scatter the grains everywhere. A light layer is sufficient, but make an effort to touch the entire area that needs protection. Especially dust the garden space for planting.

Remember to cast up as well to the sky. I would not play music while scattering the grains. Focus on the activity and notice any signs from the earth and sky that might be sent in return.

Notice the winds, hopefully, a light wind will rise and will help blow the grain into the garden. Better yet, a light rain comes up and soaks the grain into the earth. Even more exciting would be the visit from birds taking up the grains for feeding their chicks. I would strongly advise not performing this activity if a storm is approaching.

While we want to appease the Thunderbeings, if a storm is imminent, wait for another time and approach the outdoors when the weather is calm.

After the grain is cast. Or, as you are casting the grains, recite the prayer. Come back to the platter and pick it up. Show it to the four directions as well as the earth and sky. Enjoy a sip and bite of the offering. Pour the firewater or wine into the earth. Leave the food for the critters. Be humble and pray for blessings.

This ceremony creates sacred space on the earth. And, connects us to our task of caretakers to our homes and gardens. After completing this blessing get ready for some serious gardening. As soon as the soil is warm enough, take out the seeds, set out the rows and plant away. Use the remaining corn meal to run a line along the borders of the flower and vegetable beds. The gardener might even scatter more corn meal over the earth of freshly planted seeds. The corn will attract birds and help with pest maintenance. Many birds enjoy eating bugs, beetles and other insects that can damage tender plants.

As the sun grows stronger in the sky, the atmosphere will heat up and create threatening weather. While we cannot control the elements, there can be some inner sense of security that we reached out to the spirits and made a peace-offering. Perhaps they will return the kindness and abate the storms and dangers in the coming summer months.

By remembering the elements and our kinship to them, we recognize our place in the order of things. We are of the earth and sky.

Aho