Comments
  1. harpers.org3/10/2126 min
    9 reads16 comments
    10
    harpers.org
    9 reads
    10
    You must read the article before you can comment on it.
    • Pegeen
      Top reader this weekReading streakScoutScribe
      2 years ago

      Beyond a 10 - as are all sentient beings! Early one morning I was watering my garden by the river. A circle of 8 hawks appeared swirling overhead, graceful and angelic. I looked around for small prey and there were none. It became apparent that they were giving me some kind of message. Their energy was incredible, sacred and majestic. I was so moved, so overcome with awe, that I felt my husband had to witness it. I ran quickly into the house where he was playing the piano. I told him to come immediately outside, that I was witnessing some kind of miracle. When we got to the garden, they were gone. I searched the sky, area trees - nothing. He went back inside to resume his playing. As soon as he was gone, the eight Hawks reappeared, circling so closely over my head as to make me dizzy. I just stood there, arms wide and chest open, receiving their Hawk Medicine, tears gently rolling down my cheeks. They are my spirit guides, I have no doubt, an experience I’ll never forget. Hawks teach us to be observant and to see things from a higher perspective. It’s a strong message to follow your intuition, your own inner voice. To become more involved in my spiritual practices. I now have a red fox living on my property. He is almost like a pet dog, appearing during the day in the middle of the lawn, unafraid. We stare at one another, curious. He knows I will not harm him - that he is welcomed. As are the swans who come and nest by our pond, the huge blue heron who fishes in the same pond - the multitude of birds that gather at the feeders, talking, as if around a water cooler at the office. I am humbled by their company, their trust, their intelligence. The same goes for all the trees, shrubs, plants and the great mother, the river.

      • DellwoodBarker2 years ago

        What a gloriously edifying comment to wake up and read!

        Also, I am delighted to wake and see this finally received AOTD.

        1. Update (4/21/2021):

          Hawks are powerful medicine; indeed.

          I get frustrated with people’s views on owls. I adore them and find it hard to comprehend how certain cultures (with deep respect and admiration) put so much weight in their symbolism of certain things that the fear is at excruciating levels to the point of “I can’t see this. Get it out of my sight.” It is the one aspect of Native American culture that feels off to me. An animal or bird which is natural in the world doesn’t deserve to be ostracized or glorified above one or the other though acknowledging the medicinal gifts of each is wonderful. The owl issue is fresh on my mind because I was getting triggered at work yesterday during discussions about how owls are to be feared and avoided. It just doesn’t sit right to me in my being. I have imagined a benevolent Snow White owl named Scales as a guide internally. I feel like there is an ancient story that developed fear of the owl that needs to be rewritten/redeemed/renewed. To see animals as good and evil symbology - guilty by association- as it were feels off.

          Chasing a tangent here.

          When I see hawks I pay attention as well.

          Have you named your fox friend, Pegeen? If not, you should. 😉

        • Pegeen
          Top reader this weekReading streakScoutScribe
          2 years ago

          Ha! Since you suggested it, I’m going to name him Dellwood! And I think you are the perfect person to rewrite the “evil” symbology. Love the name Scales - I immediately thought of Justice. That would be an awesome guide! And Snow White symbolizes purity, untainted, which also flows with Justice. Perhaps Scales could inspire the new story of symbology. For me, I don’t look at things as good or bad, only expansion and contraction from an energy perspective. And both have their useful messages. Thanks for your comments!

          • DellwoodBarker2 years ago

            🙏🏼

            I would love to find a well-researched read on the history of owl mythology to better grasp the history of the narrative. When I have time I will attempt a search dive unless others of us come up with one first.

            • Pegeen
              Top reader this weekReading streakScoutScribe
              2 years ago

              Sounds like a plan! I’ll keep my eyes peeled. It’s fun to have a project brewing - gets the creative juices flowing. Makes one feel more alive, more aware - seeing beyond the senses. All good writing has elements of research. That’s another aspect of kick starting the juice. Good luck!

              • DellwoodBarker2 years ago

                Here is a past writing where I attempt to re-write the owl narrative a bit. Stream of conscious, fever Dream vision writing:

                https://nightowlinkwell.wordpress.com/2014/11/13/the-pastel-colors-by-jeremy-owens/

                • Pegeen
                  Top reader this weekReading streakScoutScribe
                  2 years ago

                  Not sure if you got my reply, so I’m repeating here. I was enchanted, carried along by curiosity and wonderment, like a child. Your voice is so recognizable and can easily draw me in to your magical world. Are you considering this for Readup?

      • SEnkey2 years ago

        That is beautiful. Thank your for sharing that medicine.

    • DellwoodBarker2 years ago

      Just a loving nudge: if you enjoyed this read don’t miss the recent hummingbird/ecstatic moment read. Equally satisfying reads regarding our nature kingdom friends.

    • Markisero2 years ago

      Delightful article, both quirky and profound!

    • bill
      Top reader of all time
      3 years ago

      YES! Heart-warming. This one (weirdly?) moved me a lot. I love animals. Especially birds. Of course we can talk to them, hear them, feel them, understand them. And of course they have thoughts and feelings. Definitely a 10.

      • Karenz
        Scribe
        3 years ago

        I’m SO happy I took the time to read this. What a great story. I LOVE cross-species relationships. It is beyond rewarding to take the time and attention to engage our fellow creatures. I agree with the crow whisperer that animals are often much better companions. The man who taught me to ride horses would always say, It’s all about the energy. I talk to all the deer wandering my neighborhood and even with their fawns, they’re not afraid of me—or my dog who has learned not to bark at them. They eat my lilies but I still love them!

        • bill
          Top reader of all time
          3 years ago

          What a wonderful comment! I really love this:

          "It’s all about the energy"

          As always, so much fun to read with you, Karenz :)

          • Karenz
            Scribe
            3 years ago

            Thanks, Bill. I absolutely LOVE this piece!

    • DellwoodBarker3 years ago

      This is an Outstanding Read! Highly Recommend. A day/heart/soul Elevator.