Communion with Nature - Asking Permission
From playful lessons taught by a bee to the awe-inspiring response of a Raven, this journey has been a humbling reminder to walk as a guest—balancing energies, adapting to the terrain, and honouring the land’s unfolding rhythm.
As well as going on retreat with 20 other Medicine Women, hiking and meeting up with friends - I've experienced some profound connections with the beings that live here. You may know that before the continents separated, these mountains were part of the same range that once stretched across what is now the west coast of Africa, Ireland, Scotland and further north into the Hyperborean hinterlands.
I feel this ancient connection. However, it took many days, as I was gradually allowed to sink evermore deeply into those original connecting layers that I can access so easily back home and throughout Europe. This has been an important communication for me. The history of these lands vastly differ, a paradox being there is a continuation on many levels, and there needs to be acknowledgement and respect for that.
One at a time many of my totem animals have showed themselves in profound encounters. I am not here to work as such, but to receive - and yet that has been a reciprocal exchange without any felt effort on my part. An allowing, witnessing and offering.
Though it's not clear from the photo below, I asked this Raven to come closer and this is him turning to do just that ! He nearly knocked me off my feet!
I was talking to these mountains for many weeks before I came here.
It has been a powerful time. I witnessed another sister, temporarily stepping into my role as land guardian, experiencing her own initiations. The message that has been clear is about asking permission and waiting to be invited.
This Bee put me in my place!
The Bee in this brief video gently reminded me though when I forgot to ask for permission! I had been sitting in the sun, drinking tea, watching him and all the other bees - quite a hypnotic experience - when I thought it would be a good idea to take a video for the beautiful sound ... this was his immediate response!
Though usually I know I have been diligent when it comes to asking for permission. By honouring my connection to the Earth and knowing the medicine that I carry - I understand the importance of this, for in another realm perspective I don't travel alone and this makes an energetic impact and imprint wherever I go ... and like any visiting guest, this takes preparation on the hosts part to support a smooth integrative experience upon arrival.
I deeply feel the ancient connection to the relationships I once had here and am looking forward to what more they may reveal.
It has been a privilege and honour to be present here and allow the land to unfold in her own time to receive me. Now, completing the third week of my trip, I deeply feel the ancient connection to the relationships I once had here and am looking forward to what more they may reveal. Already I sense parallels being drawn between my trip here and that in Europe last year - a sense of balancing the hemispheres (I'll put a link to the social media post below).
Yet, the energy I travel with is different. Last year, I was travelling with a more active doing awareness. This year, I am more receptive. It doesn't mean that both energies haven't been present or in harmony, simply that my connection to each hemisphere differs, and the way I walk through these lands reflects the different relationships.
My suggested reflections for you this week and your Medicine Walk, dear Earth Dreamers, are:
Is there something that needs balancing in your life, when viewed from another perspective ?
How do you adapt and adjust the way you walk through life, depending on the terrain you are traversing (that may be inner or outer terrain - or even something in-between)?
Where in your life do you feel honoured as a guest ?
Among the countless gifts I have received from the Appalachian’s, one that is revealing itself is a detailed procedure of how to enter into this communication as a guest - respectfully. And when ready, I will share this within the Earth Dreaming community.
With much Love
from my Heart to yours,
~ Tania Aurora White Crow ~