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ferineSuch synchronicity this weekend. Continuing even now.
Saturday's ritual granted immediate, amazing results, many of which we captured in photographs, and some of which are sitting on my shelf (soon to join my altar space).
It had been windy for days, and Saturday was exceedingly gusty. At times it robbed one of breath and made it a struggle to gasp for air. Despite the breeze it was beautiful and bright out, at least 60 degrees for most of the foray along the 104th Open Space and Trail. The absolutely amazing and talented Jay (ndn_2spirit_den) was in the photo facilitator's seat.
Watchingwolf, you mentioned you heard an owl outside when you thought of me Friday night? We followed the trail until we reached the cottonwood copse, then hiked off-trail to the spot we'd photographed the Great Horned Owl at last year. In the general vicinity we discovered the wings, tail, pelvis, leg bone, and a shoulder of a Great Horned Owl mostly buried in the blanket of dead leaves. The wings and tail, while intact, were too nasty to salvage. The bones were perfect and appeared fairly clean (no meat or scum), though we soaked them in bleach upon returning home to be safe).
After exploring the area a bit we journeyed further back, rounding the marsh up to the Platte River again. We inspected the big tree where I'd found the initial Great Horned Owl skull after an owl (the owl?) appeared to me in a dream the night before. That was two years ago? I'll have to check my LJ, I'm horrible with dates. We think snow might have caused a primary branch to break, because there was a sizable, dramatic hole in the trunk. It was then that we noticed the Great Blue Heron nesting sight not far from where we stood. Eight of the big birds nested there, a few taking off at our presence and circling overhead before landing again. A Canada Goose acted as a sentry below their tree, eying Jay warily and honking as it stayed in step with him.
Sunday was spent in Boulder with grandma and other family, and it was unexpectedly pleasant. >;-)
Today I received an email from one of my favorite on-line shops, GoddessGift.net. It opened with the description of Oya from the African Yoruba pantheon. Why is this so meaningful? In part because it's been so windy lately, particularly on Saturday. Here is the information it gave for Oya. It's eerie and cool, given my state lately and the ritual/ceremony of Saturday:
"Oya of Winds shows us how the 'winds of change' can not only be coped with, but embraced. Changing conditions encourage spiritual growth and within the African Yoruba pantheon, the Oya provides those changing conditions that force you to transcend what you think are your limitations.
Do you hear the call of the wind? The wind is at heart of Oya's power and makes Her an essential part in those ceremonies which honor wind power and the ancients. She is the guardian of the realm between life and death, standing at the cemetery's gate, where she assists in making the final transition. She is there for your last breath to take your hand.
Oya is the Warrior Goddess of the Wind who also mothered nine children! She creates change of fortune and power in action. Her power is associated with lightening, tornadoes, cemeteries and death.
Her motherly strength inspires us to embrace change and learn from it."
Photos coming soon. >:-)
Saturday's ritual granted immediate, amazing results, many of which we captured in photographs, and some of which are sitting on my shelf (soon to join my altar space).
It had been windy for days, and Saturday was exceedingly gusty. At times it robbed one of breath and made it a struggle to gasp for air. Despite the breeze it was beautiful and bright out, at least 60 degrees for most of the foray along the 104th Open Space and Trail. The absolutely amazing and talented Jay (ndn_2spirit_den) was in the photo facilitator's seat.
Watchingwolf, you mentioned you heard an owl outside when you thought of me Friday night? We followed the trail until we reached the cottonwood copse, then hiked off-trail to the spot we'd photographed the Great Horned Owl at last year. In the general vicinity we discovered the wings, tail, pelvis, leg bone, and a shoulder of a Great Horned Owl mostly buried in the blanket of dead leaves. The wings and tail, while intact, were too nasty to salvage. The bones were perfect and appeared fairly clean (no meat or scum), though we soaked them in bleach upon returning home to be safe).
After exploring the area a bit we journeyed further back, rounding the marsh up to the Platte River again. We inspected the big tree where I'd found the initial Great Horned Owl skull after an owl (the owl?) appeared to me in a dream the night before. That was two years ago? I'll have to check my LJ, I'm horrible with dates. We think snow might have caused a primary branch to break, because there was a sizable, dramatic hole in the trunk. It was then that we noticed the Great Blue Heron nesting sight not far from where we stood. Eight of the big birds nested there, a few taking off at our presence and circling overhead before landing again. A Canada Goose acted as a sentry below their tree, eying Jay warily and honking as it stayed in step with him.
Sunday was spent in Boulder with grandma and other family, and it was unexpectedly pleasant. >;-)
Today I received an email from one of my favorite on-line shops, GoddessGift.net. It opened with the description of Oya from the African Yoruba pantheon. Why is this so meaningful? In part because it's been so windy lately, particularly on Saturday. Here is the information it gave for Oya. It's eerie and cool, given my state lately and the ritual/ceremony of Saturday:
"Oya of Winds shows us how the 'winds of change' can not only be coped with, but embraced. Changing conditions encourage spiritual growth and within the African Yoruba pantheon, the Oya provides those changing conditions that force you to transcend what you think are your limitations.
Do you hear the call of the wind? The wind is at heart of Oya's power and makes Her an essential part in those ceremonies which honor wind power and the ancients. She is the guardian of the realm between life and death, standing at the cemetery's gate, where she assists in making the final transition. She is there for your last breath to take your hand.
Oya is the Warrior Goddess of the Wind who also mothered nine children! She creates change of fortune and power in action. Her power is associated with lightening, tornadoes, cemeteries and death.
Her motherly strength inspires us to embrace change and learn from it."
Photos coming soon. >:-)
