Hawks Came Calling
Hawk medicine is all about being a messenger.
I have a deep affinity for Hawk. It was extremely persistent in showing up and prodding me back when I was writing Owl Medicine. It wouldn’t let me go. It wouldn’t let me off the hook.
So as I drove to my presentation at St. Joseph’s University today, I was delighted by all the Hawks that accompanied me on my journey. I spotted at least eight of them, four of which were hanging out in trees along my route. The others were in flight – one being raged at by a crow – and then the final one I spotted was sitting boldly on a speed limit sign right along the roadside, its belly bulging a bit over the top of the sign.
A Veritable Entourage
I felt escorted. Not only by my Hawk allies themselves – but perhaps even more powerfully by the lineage of paqos into which I’ve been initiated. I felt the Hawks’ presence was a signal from Spirit that my lineage was with me, had my back, and supported my effort to be an effective spokesperson to the next generation.
Of course, I joked with the students as I began my presentation. I let them know right up front that I’d radically indulged my intellectual side when I began preparing to speak to a college class. As I described last night, I literally surrounded myself by my substantial collection of books about Andean shamanism – the equivalent of my mind’s comfort foods.
I think they felt surrounded too – I brought ten of my favorite books. Yes, I’d created a “Recommended Reading List” for them, just in case their curiosity was piqued by my presentation. But there’s something special about being able to pick up a book and flip through it. Sometimes you open a book and you read exactly the right words that let you know this is the book you’re meant to read. So I brought them. Just in case.
More Meaning Than I Realized
But I also reassured them while I had indulged my logical, pragmatic side as I prepared, I also opened my arms wide to trusting that I would cover exactly what they needed to hear. And assuring me that I could trust myself and my message were all these Hawks that had basically lined my route as I drove there.
I was puzzled, then, when they all looked at each other and laughed.
Turns out the mascot for St. Joe’s is the Hawk. And as the professor kindly pointed out, “We’re on Hawk Hill.”
I was exactly where I was meant to be.
Hawks Brought a Message of Hope
And I can honestly say, this group of young people was thoughtful, engaged, respectful, and attentive throughout my presentation. They asked questions that honestly reflected curiosity. They give me hope for humanity.
And that was probably the very best message any HAWKS could have given me today.
I’m filled with gratitude: for the opportunity. For the reception. And for the hope*.
(T-1002)
*And even more for my awesome great niece, Madde.