Simplicity

The moment we begin to overlook the simplicity of the world around us we subject ourselves to the possibility of future regret. In the complexity, we can see the details that may keep us alert and focused but in the simplicity, we are able to understand the details. Yes, in a way, this sounds like double-talk but in reality, it is a truth that some part of us has connected to all along.

Let’s look at nature for a moment, a seed; it is the most basic of living things, simple and still. When planted, and allowed to bask in the natural elements of earth, air (the wind), fire (the sun), and water, it can become a life-giving source on its own. This plant can provide oxygen, beauty, and food for insects, animals, and people. If left to seed it can provide a farm full of plants. This piece of nature is quite complex but at the same time it is a basic simplicity.

There are times in life that we cannot see passed the chaos of the everyday grind that we all have to endure in order to embrace the beauty of the stillness that can be found within us. The simple gift of inner calm can be a place to visit in times of anxiety and stress. It can be a place where we can find forgiveness, understanding, and love.

Sometimes in life, we find ourselves rushing around trying to get everything done, to save time, when in reality once we find that extra time we fill it with some other task that we know needs done. Do not misunderstand… I am not saying we should put off what needs to be done or procrastinate, I am saying we need to slow down and go with the flow.

It is in the stillness of our hearts and minds that we grow closer to spirit, that we are more like spirit. In this very stillness answers can come, along with healing, a deeper understanding of life, and the truth of whom and what we really are. This is the space and time that is most like that of the spirit world. This is the part of us that is fully aware, our own inner-spirit.

Messages in the Moonlight

Public Domain Image

The darkness settles all around me as the moon begins to rise higher into the sky. I am not frightened of the dark or even the shadows that seem to shift around me. All I can hear is the soft echoes of each breath I take slowly in and out.

No birds are calling in the distance, no crickets are singing and the wind is at rest. The leaves on the trees lie silent in wait of the breeze without even the slightest tremble.

Though it is dark, the light of the moon dances off the pebbles that form the narrow path beneath my feet. I cannot see where this path is leading me as it curves slightly to the north around a line of trees that block my view. I feel no fear as I step forward one foot in front of the other.

Somewhere deep within me is the feeling that I have taken this path before. I pause for a moment in wonder to examine my surroundings further. It is so dark that I cannot be sure so I continue onward in the hope that something will tell me I am on the right path that I am not going in circles.

Gradually I feel as though the path is becoming narrower but I must continue. I know that until I can find an opening in which the light of the moon is bright enough to see clearly, what surrounds me I cannot turn back.

Somewhere in the night, I hear the sound of a cricket sing, then the sound of an owl screeching from a distance. I know that there is life out there and that I am not alone. I walk onward listening to the sound of the pebbles grinding into the dirt that lay below and I know that somewhere someone is doing exactly what I am doing at this very moment.

Something inside of them is driving them onward though they may have no idea what it is. A calling from somewhere in their soul makes them long to search though they may not know what they are looking for or how they will recognize it if they see it. They just keep walking knowing that if they are meant to find it, they will.

Clearing my mind of distracting thoughts and the numerous steps I have taken I realize that I have come to a clearing. It is unfamiliar to me, yet, somehow it feels so safe and peaceful. The smell of meadow grasses lingers in the damp night air along with the smell of fresh cedar. I can smell the cedar but I cannot see the cedar trees. I can barely make out the scent of patchouli and honeysuckle as a soft breeze brushes gently over me.

The sky is clear above me and the moon is now brighter than it was when I started out. The black of the night sky is painted with sparkling light and soft smudges so far out in the universe that I can barely see them. Though the moon is only a crescent I can make out the entire circle of the moon because it is so bright.

I pause to rest for a moment in the clearing and enjoy the view. I can see the plants glowing with life and brilliant color even in the darkness. If only I could paint it, the way I see it. If only I could describe in detail the tiny leaves that line each plant or the softness of the petals on the wildflowers as I brush my hand across them. If others could only taste the sweetness that lingers in the air or smell the grass through the words that I write then maybe they could truly experience the beauty of nature the way that I see it and feel it.

A rustling in the tall grasses catches my attention and startles me for a moment as I am unsure whether what lurks within is dangerous or not. I do not move for fear of startling it or bringing unwanted attention to myself. Then a small fawn steps out and I know that nearby must be its mother though her steps are so peaceful I have not heard her.

The fawn shows no fear as it comes to get a closer look at me. I sit quietly observing the way the small fawn lifts each leg so gracefully and ever so gently, as it steps even closer to me. Tiny spots remain on its side and hindquarter and in the moonlight; the spots seem to glow like small reflectors. He is close enough that I can hear him breathe but I do not move. I simply stay still waiting and wondering what he will do next.

As the small fawn tilts its head to a clover patch near my left hand, I remain watching it slowly take a bite of its sweet treat and wondering if it realizes that I am there. Then it turns to me as it chews and looks at me as if it is waiting for me to take a bite. Slowly I lift my hand from the grass and pick a small bunch of clover to offer him. He does not run but he does not take it right away. He moves in a little closer and looks as though he is unsure of me, then slowly he lowers his mouth to my hand, never taking his eye off me, and gently he eats a small portion out of my hand.

He stops chewing at the sound of the grass rustling then he quickly darts off to meet up with his mother as she steps out into the clearing. She pauses only for a moment to look at me, then turns with her child, and disappears again into the darkness.

I feel so peaceful here but I know that I must continue onward as my heart tells me that this is not where I am to stay. I inhale one last time the scent of the meadow grass and honeysuckle before leaving the beauty and light of the clearing then step softly back onto the tiny path.

The crickets are singing loudly now and in the distance, I can hear the sound of a family of frogs singing. Every now and then as a soft breeze waves through the trees I can hear the sound of water trickling and I know without seeing it that there must be a small creek nearby.

For a moment, I notice what appears to be a person ahead of me on the path, not to far in front of me but there. As I get closer, I think to myself it must have been a shadow cast from a tree but somehow I do not feel alone. I feel as though someone is there with me. I decided to call out softly to see if anyone would answer, “Hello is anyone there?” There was no answer but again I saw the shadow figure and this time it was closer and standing very still. I could see now that this was not the shadow of a tree, there was someone there with me, but I could not see who it was.

I tried to get a closer look but it seemed as though the closer I got the more translucent the figure became. I tried to call out, to see if they were okay, if they were lost or needed help and still they did not respond. Then in a moment, the figure was gone, as quickly as it appeared, it vanished into the night.

I thought maybe it was just shadows and my eyes playing tricks on my because of the darkness so I continued onward alone. After a few steps, I realized that again the night had fallen silent. It was so quiet that when I stopped walking I could almost hear the sound of my own heart beating.

It seemed strange to me that all of the sounds I was hearing were now completely silent. Then I felt the touch of a hand upon my shoulder. I turned and no one was there. I thought for a moment that maybe I had spooked myself, as I felt startled by the touch, but then I felt it on my hand. I saw nothing but suddenly I felt so safe. I felt as though someone was there all along, guiding me.

The touch was soft and warm, not cold or disturbing and the light from the moon seemed brighter again on the path. Then I heard the soft sound of a familiar voice saying, “Do you remember when we used to walk together late in the night?” My heart filled with overwhelming emotion at the sound of this voice. I knew him and I asked, “Is it really you? How are you here with me? Am I dead?”

The voice responded peacefully, “I have always been with you but you were too distracted to see me or hear me. You allowed the light to shine in your life but you did not see it? All of the distractions around you clouded your faith. It is not enough to believe in the afterlife or even to talk about it but you must be clear in order to channel its energy and willing to allow the energy to flow through you. It is a gift from God, just as each of us is a gift from God. We must all see it within before we can see it without.”

Tears flooded my eyes and for a moment, I could see him, physically, just as I had always known him. He really was there with me. I knew the words he spoke to me were true, not only because of the miracle I was experiencing but because I had known it all along. I just wanted so much to be able to have him with me again that I felt he would never be there.

He told me, “You have talked to me, you have felt my presence, and you have seen me in your dreams. Why did you doubt that it was real? Why did you think to yourself that maybe it was just you wishing for me? Do you doubt God’s power? You say that you do not, yet you do not believe that he could allow us to be close to those that we loved in life in the afterlife. Too many people lack the faith that it is possible, so they cannot see or hear what is going on around them all the time. There will come a time when they too will see what I am showing you.”

I wanted so much to remain in that one spot and talk with him forever. I wanted to listen to the sound of his voice, to see him in the light of the moon with the smile on his face but he urged me to continue onward and reminded me that he is with me. He said, “You know that I would not leave completely. You felt me before when I wasn’t physically there, why would now be any different?”

As I thought about the words he said to me, all I could say in response was, “I love you, I have always loved you and that will never change.” No other words or questions formed within me. I could not think of anything that I wanted to know or that he had not covered. I wanted to stay but I knew that I needed to move forward so I asked only one thing, “Will you be back often?”

He responded, “I am always looking in on you and yes, I will be back often. You will see me, now that you are not looking with your eyes, and you will hear me, now that you are not listening with your ears. Remember, love is love, and a spiritual connection lasts for all eternity. Listen with your spirit, see with your spirit, feel with your spirit, and those that are connected to you in spirit will always remain with you. You can call on us when you need us and just as you feel us or hear us, we hear and feel you.”

With the blink of an eye, I could no longer see him and as the tears flowed like a river from my eyes I realized that what he said to me, I had always known, but somehow I had not believed it for myself. Then I heard him say, “Yes, now you truly see!”

Suddenly the darkness faded and the moon was dipping lower into the horizon. Surrounding the tiny path on both sides was magenta and turquoise colored flowers dancing in and out of white, lavender, blue, orange, red, and yellow flowers. The colors were brighter than I had ever seen them before. Small dewdrops graced the petals and leaves of the flowers. The trees were the deepest shades of green mixed with the pretty pink or white blossoms that graced their branches.

The sky was ablaze with shades of orange and crimson as the sun quickly grew larger and brought more and more light to my path. The pebbles beneath my feet were various sizes, shapes, and colors and they sparkled in the sunlight like diamonds on plush green carpet. For the first time in my life, I am seeing everything from within and it is more beautiful than I ever could have imagined.

Solo Flight

Photo by: Daisy Nelson, Photos By Daisy

In the mist the sound of silence surrounds me. My face and hair are damp and cool. I cannot see what is right before my eyes so I close them and allow my thoughts to take over. Visions of the earth, as if I were gliding above, fill my mind.

Soaring on the wind I see all is before me. No longer am I blind to the images of nature. I can see the tree standing erect along the river, its vines entangled within its branches. Wet moss dangles from the limbs and drips like a waterfall to the ground. Like an umbrella it shelters all that sits beneath it from the cold damp rains of the forest.

The water flows freely along the banks of the river, so smooth, yet so deep. Tall grasses line the side of the river for a short distance and beyond the grass there sit’s a meadow in quiet. It is peaceful and undisturbed by human touch. Flowers of purple and white are intermingled with tall grass and all is soaked from the mist.

As my flight continues the smell of the mist fills me and the air I breathe is clean. I see a bluff ahead and the moss covered rocks that stand tall before me. A small opening in the middle leaves wonder as to what may be hiding within, Only darkness can be seen from my view yet I feel drawn to explore it further.

Upon entering the darkness of this cavern I see the nest of some family of critters that chose to hide within the shelter of stone walls; protected from the elements of wind, rain, and snow. While gliding carefully through the cave and into the depths I discover an clearing filled with light from above and within it a small pool of clear water. Surrounding it are plants of green and red some with blossoming flowers of white. Beautiful stones rest all around and above is an opening to the sky.

Climbing higher in my flight I seek to find the clouds and be free of the darkness that is behind me. Higher and higher I climb knowing that the only lighted way out is forward and in this light I will find the adventures I seek.

Bursting with energy I escape the small crevice that penetrates the earth and there, all around me, is grass. To my right I see a set of large boulders on the edge of a cliff that over looks the river where the opening to the cave began. Though I took time to explore this new path and enjoy its many gifts I have not lost my way.

Floating on a breeze I see the sun peek through the clouds. Beams of sunlight bathe the ground below and the mist stops as if the suns rays evaporated every drop from the sky. Below the ground remains wet and the colors glisten in the sunlight reminding me of a freshly painted canvas. Breathtaking beauty is slowly engulfed by the natural rays of the sun as the clouds drift into the distance.

I can see further than I have ever seen as the land stretches out from horizon to horizon. Wooded forests and meadows lend to the harmony and balance of the seen. Waterfalls and tiny streams filled with natures abundance are visited by deer and raccoons. Rabbits hop freely in and out of tall grass and small bushes along the edge of the forest and an eagle takes flight right before my eyes.

Suddenly a song is in the air and its tune is the sweetest melody I’ve ever heard. I know I must return, that now my eyes can see, but will I appreciate all that I have learned? Will I see with my eyes what has been seen with my soul?

Slowly I open my eyes and again I am within my body. Damp from the mist I step forward in the sun. I allow the warmth of its rays to engulf me as I stand on the muddy path that is before me. I look around and see the colors that I remember from my journey.

I see the light that is provided and the gifts that nature has in store for me. I feel the peace and harmony of nature surround me and cradle me like a child. I am safe and I am unafraid. I make my destiny as I choose the road I am on and I know that when darkness penetrates my soul I can again be free within the light.

I lift my head and trudge onward; confident, strong, and alive knowing I am a part of all that surrounds me.

As the time of the full moon approaches let's celebrate all its phases

With the full moon on the 23rd of September you may notice a lot of strange occurrences taking place. Understanding the moon in all its phases may shed some light on the reasons for some of the odd behavior as well as enhance your way of living.

Since ancient times our ancestors have used the moons cycles to determine when the best time is to do certain rituals that pertain to celebrating Spirit, planting and harvesting, and ridding oneself of negativity.

It is a well known fact that the moon phases affect things such as women’s menstrual cycles, the moods of the mentally unstable, and the behaviors of children. Many nurses feel that the moon will affect the number of births or deaths among their patients. They also talk about the restlessness that many elderly patients feel during the new moon and the way they act out with strange behaviors during the full moon.

In pagan beliefs, such as Wicca, it is of vital importance to follow the phases of the moon to ensure that the rituals performed are at the time of highest power to manifest their intent. For example, the full moon is the perfect time to focus on fertility as the moon is associated with feminine or Goddess energy.

Our calendar is based on the moon cycles as are the season changes. It is not only pagans and those of pagan beliefs that follow the patterns of the moon to focus their intent, in fact many religious groups have holidays and celebrations that begin on certain changes of the moon.

Each month the moon goes through different phases in order to complete a cycle. Each cycle is approximately 29.5 days long from new moon to full moon. Beginning with the new moon the phase which starts the waxing cycle.

The night before the new moon is the first night of the new moon phase. It is at this time that it is best to begin rituals that will bring about new beginnings especially in things that may take time to manifest. The second night of the phase is the night of the new moon and this is the night to continue work toward those things that you wish to bring about. The third night is the night to see to it that all is in order within the rite or spell.

As the moon goes on through the waxing cycle it continues to grow in size on its journey to the full moon. This is a time to perform rituals having to do with protection, healing, wealth, and blessings of new ideas and goals. It is said by some that this is the time to cut your hair as it helps it to grow faster, thicker, and more healthy.

When the moon reaches the full moon phase it will appear to us as a circle in the night sky. This is when the full half of the moon that is illuminated by the sun is fully visible to us. It is during this time that the moon is ending its cycle.

The full moon is believed to be a night of tremendous power and just as it is with the new moon starting those spells, rituals, and celebrations on the night before the full moon is the best way to achieve the highest energy toward the goal. The night of the full moon is an excellent time for raising power, fertility magic, divination, and rituals to raise spiritual and psychic awareness.

The time of between the full moon and the dark of the moon is known as waning and this is the time to focus on letting go or banishing negativity. It is the time to work on clearing out the old in order to make room for the new. This is also an excellent time to focus on healing and inner vision; to look within at your own spirit and find what it is you need to work on next.

The dark of the moon is the time when the moon is not visible to us at all, this is a time that it is good to rest up and allow your own energy to rebuild and to make sure that you have your intentions for the next phase clearly set. It may be an excellent time to make a journal so that when the new moon arrives you can focus your full energy on those things that you truly wish to change or bring about in your life.

What ever the phase of the moon the energy is extremely high and if a spell or ritual is performed at the right time, during the right phase, with all its important additives, it is more likely to work correctly and have a lasting affect.

There are many rituals one can do to celebrate the moon and though some can be extremely elaborate most are fairly simple and can be performed alone when necessary. One does not have to be pagan or of any specific religion to enjoy the pure beauty and raw energy of the moon, one merely needs to appreciate the natural cycles of life and the natural flow of energy.

For more information on the phases of the moon as well as eclipse types visit the NASA Eclipse website. There are many great books on the moon as well as magic and rituals for the moon at local area bookstores and online.

Topeka area bookstores:

• Barnes and Noble: 6130 SW 17th Street Suite 101 Topeka, KS (785) 273-9600
• Hastings Books: 5317SW 22nd Place Topeka, KS (785)271-8808

Lawrence area bookstores:

• Borders 700 New Hampshire Street Lawrence, KS (785) 331-3226
• Hastings Books 1900 W. 23rd Street Lawrence, KS (785) 832-0719
• Half Price Books 1519 W. 23rd Street Lawrence, KS (785) 856-4253

Order Books online:

• Amazon
• Llewellyn Worldwide
• Borders Books   
• Hastings  
• Barnes and Noble  
• Half Price Books  

Some Related Websites:

• Moon and Earth Phase Viewer
• Moon Connection
• Star Date

Magical Night Sky

I remember as a child being fascinated by the magic of the night sky. In school we took a trip to the local planetarium where the dome shaped ceiling filled with pictures and a rumbling voice surrounded us with stories about Earth and the Universe. As Earth turned on its axis and our country grew dark on the screen the dome again was alive with the stars and planets of the Universe. As I watched them carefully I remember thinking how beautiful and magical it seemed and wondering if we could get something like this for my bedroom.

I never really outgrew my passion for the stars and the way the tides move with the changes of the moon. I think as I grew into adulthood I found an even greater love for the sky, both day and night.

Tonight there is a meteor shower caused by a comet passing by and as the earth spins through the particles of the tail of this comet the particles will burn in the Earth's atmosphere causing a light show in the night sky. The Perseid Meteor Shower is believed to be most easily visible by the naked eye tonight and tomorrow night.

During the day we can not see the particles burning in the atmosphere and being disintegrated but at night it is like fireworks in the distance. We can not hear the sounds of them without special equipment but I have heard that the comet sings as it passes the earth. The particles whizzing by are said to make a lovely sound like the sounds of a meditation song.

I can imagine the view from outside the city lights on the open plains of western Kansas...wow, it must be amazing! This would be a great reason, if for no other, to call it "The Land of Awe's." It must look as though the sky meets the Earth in all directions and be absolutely spectacular to see!

For more information on the Perseid Meteor Shower check out the following links:

• http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2010/05aug_perseids
• http://www.nasa.gov/connect/chat/perseids_2010.html
• http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2010=119