Evening descends.
The cottage stands silent on the little hill.
Jack, SammyBear and I head off down the cottage lane for a walk.
The clock salutes the hour of ten, as night begins its descent in the west of Ireland.
As we move towards Midsummer, the light holds sway.
I carry words in my head as we make the descent along the little lane, planted on either side with generous intent.
The words were spoken by a Native American many years ago, but are as relevant today as they were then…perhaps more so.
“Wherever forests have not been mowed down, wherever the animal is recessed in their quiet protection, wherever the earth is not bereft of four-footed life – that to the white man is an ‘unbroken wilderness.’
But for us there was no wilderness, nature was not dangerous but hospitable, not forbidding but friendly.
Our faith sought the harmony of man with his surroundings; the other sought the dominance of surroundings.
For us, the world was full of beauty; for the other, it was a place to be endured until he went to another world.
But we were wise. We knew that man’s heart, away from nature, becomes hard.”
― Chief Luther Standing Bear
We carry words and music in our heads, most of which seems trivial in reflection.
I have turned many of my favourite poems, quotes and words into mantras of meditation.
Some, like this one, become prayers.
They were wise.
Their wisdom makes our so-called civilisation appear trite in comparison.
As I climb the lane towards Bealtaine, the air is silent.
Birds have gone to roost.
Night is drawing in.
Bats have taken flight.
SammyBear watches with solemn intent.
As Bealtaine Cottage prepares to celebrate it’s thirteenth Midsummer, the tide of life amidst it’s trees and woodland swells.
In this year of the feminine thirteen, I dedicate this sacred space Mother Earth, free from impoverishment of spirit and death…
the eternal return!
I looked at your photos ad I was back there with you. Happy SolsticeEve xx
So beautiful! The older I get, the more reverence I have for our Mother Earth.
The light is so beautiful at that time of night, wish I could go out then but I am an invitation to midges and any biting or stinging insect.
I always feel as if I have been on your walks with you Colette, as I remember being taken with my three sisters by my parents for days out in the country where we would walk for miles and never complained because we loved it, even as small kids. That’s one thing I miss now living in the Land of Oz, those lovely long summer evenings with the sound of birds right outside our London flat because we had woods right on the edge of our council estate and we were lucky to be on the edge. I love those prayers and quotes, because they knew how to live life in harmony with Mother Nature. Thank you once again. <3
The mystery and excitement that was found in nature as children…beautiful memories to take out and feast upon!
Beautiful words and photos . We are so blessed with all her beauty . Blessings xxx
And there’s this which I have loved and held close since childhood:
Closing Prayer from the “Navajo Way” Blessing Ceremony:
In beauty I walk
With beauty before me I walk
With beauty behind me I walk
With beauty above me I walk
With beauty around me I walk
It has become beauty again
It has become beauty again
It has become beauty again
It has become beauty again
I’m sure you must know it too. It’s a fitting companion piece for the one you use here. And it’s certainly fitting of your regeneration at Bealtaine. The land the cottage and even yourself have become beauty again.
…a worldwide falling in love with Mother Earth…
Beautiful
Very powerful.
Thank you for sharing these Beautiful photos ,for your Courage for the Heart felt Love of Being and Nature X
Reblogged this on Deer Heart Reiki Blog and commented:
Magick
You have become one with nature.
Beautiful word and Wow the pictures.
Bless you XXX