Musings...

Climbing through a thick bank of snow, I entered the grove, trees growing so close together that the snow was no more than inches deep. The wind was soft, whistling though the little sisters, even as it howled outside. There was stillness here, an air of reverence, like entering the goddess’s... Sign in to see full entry.

I did not know how long I walked or how far I had traveled. What was I going to do about the night? I feared the night, so much colder and dark, like a grave. Fear and confusion stared at me from the horizon, white falling against white. I imagined seeing things: grey undefined, appearing and... Sign in to see full entry.

The great mother was with me for most of the day and the wind stayed at my back, but the snow was relentless. As I moved steadily forward into the white blindness of the storm, an icy grip in my bones was more from fear than cold. I could die out here; the thought seized me, frozen to death in a... Sign in to see full entry.

So I listened to the wind howling around me, a great cold beast, no longer pushing against me as it had been the night before; I began to laugh. The goddess was in everything, even the wind. She was howling at me. Yes, great mother, you have closed the mountain but I can still make it to the river,... Sign in to see full entry.

I could still see those strange slate colored eyes and tattooed face. Think! Think! You are a priestess of the goddess! Use your gifts! Stretch out your mind, there are always other ways. I sat down on one of the great roots. At least there would be no search party, not today. A bitter laugh escaped... Sign in to see full entry.

The snow would stop, I told myself; the wind would die down, just rise above the panic. Placing bare hands against her frozen trunk, I called to great sister, asking for help. There was no answer, she was asleep. Gazing upon her naked branches, a realization crept into me with icy coldness. The... Sign in to see full entry.

Panic seized me, what should I do? Every way I turned wind and snow blinded me. Which way? I stood for a long time confused and afraid. What is this? It was too early in the season for such a storm. Slowly I began to breathe, centering myself, pulling my thoughts inward, listening to the beat of my... Sign in to see full entry.

At her feet a deep crevice, enough to shelter me from the wind and the falling snow. Great Mother had led me to her. In acceptance of her affirmation, I spread my blanket against her trunk and lay down, curling into my cloak. I would sleep till dawn; surely it was only a few hours away. I dreamed of... Sign in to see full entry.

I am too tired to keep going, my resolve dissolving in the face of the wind. Great Mother, please be with me! I set my intent; your oracle was favorable. Are you testing me? I will not turn back, I cannot turn back! I will make my way in this world a free woman, not bound as a temple slave. You have... Sign in to see full entry.

Sleep was beginning to hunt me, tugging first at my legs and feet, then pulling on my mind. Can’t sleep on the ground tonight, too cold. Yes, it was getting colder, the wind was getting stronger. I used it to keep me awake, keeping my hood down, swallowing big breaths of its exhilaration. Three... Sign in to see full entry.