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Barred Owl – ND #84

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Barred Owl – Lehigh Valley Zoo

Barred Owl

During our walk tonight, Karl and I heard the call of a Barred Owl again along the same stretch of woods as last time. We both stopped dead in our tracks when we heard it. (Actually all four of us became utterly still at the same moment, Brutie and Pacha’s senses suddenly on high alert.) It was so weird – two hoots and it stopped. One to get our attention and a second to confirm the connection.

We waited for just a bit, perhaps 30 seconds, before deciding to continue walking home. It’s interesting how l-o-n-g thirty seconds can seem in a situation like that, when you’re expectantly waiting for something to happen that may never actually materialize. It can seem like an eternity!

I find it fascinating that in all our 36 years of living here, we only heard our first Barred Owl ever (here in our neck of the woods) last month. (Follow that link and you can hear the recording I made of its call.) And now, three weeks later, it spoke to us again.

Two New Neighbors

When I looked up Barred Owl on the Peterson’s Guide to Birds app on my phone, I discovered that they are known to not only nest in the hollow of trees but also in the nests of Red-Shouldered Hawks.

I realize that some readers of my blog who live within a 25 miles radius of us do actually encounter Barred Owls often. I assume you also have plenty of Red-Shouldered Hawks too. But they’re both new neighbors to us – and I find it fascinating that they’re known to have that symbiotic connection vis-à-vis nesting.

I haven’t had a chance yet to look them up again in my resources, but given that both have featured very prominently in the skies overhead lately, I think I should.

Red-Shouldered Hawk – Photo: L. Weikel

Red-Shouldered Hawk

I see I wrote about the Red-Shouldered Hawks doing a mating dance over our head(s) back on March 9-10, 2021. I’d never heard their call or seen them before. Inasmuch as one screeched its head off just this past Sunday, literally causing Pacha and Brutus to duck their heads defensively when they heard its call and saw its shadow glide across our yard, I find their reliable sense of timing impressive in its consistency.

I’m just thrilled that both Red-Shouldered Hawk and Barred Owl have decided to come into our lives together this year. I look forward to learning more about what they’re heralding.

(T+84)

First of March – ND #83

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Last Sunset of February 2022 – Photo: L. Weikel

First of March

Tonight is the last night of February, so by the time you’re reading this, it’ll be the first day of March. Time does march relentlessly forward, doesn’t it? But you also know what it means to be the first day of the month! It’s Perelandra time! I want to remind us all to take those fewer than five minutes or so required to engage in the Perelandra EoP Biodiversity Process tomorrow. You have all day to do it.

Goodness knows, any effort to reach out and work with like-minded people who care about the environment and want to promote balance and minimize the effects of climate change is a worthwhile activity. And in truth, I am sure it’s the only way we’re going to instigate change.

Indeed, we’re seeing the goosebump-raising power of countries linking hands and declaring Putin’s actions as 100 % unacceptable. The manner in which almost the entire world is rising up to show solidarity with Ukraine is heartening. It’s certainly giving me hope for humanity. I love when I see people rise up spontaneously on behalf of what is right.

Brutus – Photo: L. Weikel

Time

Speaking of time whizzing by, I think it’s time for me to give a Pupdate. It’s hard to believe these little munchkins will be seven months old the day after tomorrow, but it’s true.

They are such a joy – even when acting like the equivalent of teenagers! But the greatest gift of all is probably the cuddles and unconditional love.

It was so wonderful to hear that Poland opened its borders to Ukrainian refugees and lifted the restrictions on bringing pets. What a profound act of love and understanding. I can’t imagine having to leave my puppies (or kitties – even Cletus) behind if we had to flee. Allowing people to bring their pets feels incredibly compassionate. The horrors that Ukrainians are dealing with right now are hard enough to imagine. But to have to leave your beloved pets behind?

It seems we’re seeing a lot more surprising instances of kindness in the way most people are behaving in this conflict. Kindness, compassion, solidarity, ferocity. In many ways it feels like we’re seeing the absolute best of humanity.

Sadly, we’re also seeing – I’m not sure what. Madness? If it weren’t so horrific (and unpredictably precarious and uncertain) Putin’s behavior would be tragically sad. Perhaps it is both anyway.

Sleepy Pacha – Photo: L. Weikel

All Over the Place

I realize this post is hopping from one thought to another. I hope you enjoy my photos of Pacha and Brutus. And I urge you to engage in the Biodiversity Process tomorrow.

I wonder what the Crossroads from yesterday will bring to us this week…

Brutie – notice the ears – Photo: L. Weikel

(T+83)

Exposure of an Illusion – ND #82

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VI – Crossroads – Tarot of the Crone by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince

Exposure of an Illusion

Let’s face it. We have witnessed an unprecedented exposure of an illusion this weekend. Without a doubt, ‘conventional wisdom’ was tolling the death knell for Ukraine when it became clear last week that Putin was actually going to mobilize the nearly 200,000 troops he’d amassed along Ukraine’s eastern and northern border. No one believed Ukraine could stave off the Great Bear.

Yet the manner in which Putin’s attempt to run roughshod over Ukraine is imploding has the world agog. Indeed, the sheer refusal of the Ukrainians to yield has rallied and united almost the entire world against the bully Putin. Ukrainians are the model of a people willing to ferociously fight with every fiber of their being for everything they find precious: their freedom, their families, and the principle of democracy. The manner in which Ukrainians are fiercely protecting themselves and each other is probably how all of us – all over the world – would like to imagine we would personally act if faced with similar dire circumstances.

Given our mythology, I’d guess we Americans are especially prone to thinking we’d be as brave and resilient (and defiant) as the Ukrainians. Whether we would or we wouldn’t may yet be determined – sooner than we think.

Starting the Week

The unified slap down on Russia (I should say Putin – I don’t think anyone wants the majority of Russian people to suffer) by so many major nations is going to have a huge effect on the Russian economy, almost certainly by the time you’re reading this. As I write this, the value of the ruble has already plummeted. Knowing this, and sensing that this week could be like no other we’ve experienced (possibly ever), I sat with my Tarot of the Crone deck and asked what we need to know.

VI – Crossroads – Tarot of the Crone by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince

VI – Crossroads

“If you think      you can go back now

Think again

The choice must be made

No one can help you      All you know cannot help you

You cannot know the future     But you must know your heart     And choose to follow

Faces cloaked in shadow, triple Hekate stands at a crossroads on a moonless night. The brown paths indicate you have come to a time when making a decision affects your bodily existence, your life in the flesh, what you will do with your days and nights on this planet. The great hill behind Hekate says you don’t always get to choose the ways your life will turn. You don’t always get to see ahead. But when life does turn, make the best of it. Every face of hers is dark. She is not there to show you the way, she is there to challenge your path, to tell you to choose your course like your life depended on it. Her red cloaks and the living earth of the hill behind her, tell you the knowledge of the way lies in the quiet of your mind, the strength of your heart and the deep wisdom of your body. Listen. Each aspect is telling you, in it own way, how to live a life that includes their power.”

Underneath the Crossroads

Seven of Wands – Tarot of the Crone by Ellen Lorenzi-Prince

Seven of Wands – Risk

“To go further, to be more

I will light the match     I will fan the flames     I will dance with danger

Let Power lead

A cloaked figure stands with arms outspread amidst flames and lines of raw power. She plays with fire, as well as opening herself to let power play with her. She is willing to embrace danger in the hope of further achievement, knowing that sometimes you have to take chances. Trust your experience gained thus far; you know when something has potential. It’s time to take a real risk, but not a blind one. You know you can’t stay comfortable where you are. There’s more you want. So let the discomfort goad you into a creating a more powerful future and investing in a proposition. Go stand out on that limb.”

My Take

World-wide, we’re going to have a week unlike any in a very long time. The risks inherent in doing what’s right may feel daunting. May we choose wisely, with our hearts and minds balanced and unfettered by fear. And may we all find and embrace our inner Ukrainian ferocity.

And seriously: you cannot make this stuff up. These cards could not feel more potently accurate and sobering.

(T+82)

Luxury – ND #81

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Cloud Owl in Flight – Photo: L. Weikel

Luxury

While taking a walk early this evening, the tranquility of our lives, in this moment, was squarely in Karl’s and my awareness. Our greatest discomfort was how much colder it was tonight than it was a few days ago. We had the luxury of walking in silence, feeling awe as a hawk flew right across our path seemingly to get a better view of us, and delighting in a flock of over two dozen robins hopping around on the neighbor’s lawn.

Of course, we were thinking about the upheaval of the lives of Ukrainians who, quite possibly, may have taken a walk similar to ours less than a week ago. But now they’re refugees. Or quite possibly guerilla soldiers, dedicated to defending their country and willing to lose it all rather than succumb to Putin’s regime.

Even though we were, indeed, walking in silence (at least initially), I know our thoughts turned toward Ukraine at the same time without us having to exchange a single word. We just stopped, looked into each other’s eyes, and sighed.

Hawk on our left – Photo: L. Weikel

Target Practice

We sighed because all of a sudden the sounds and silence of nature were shredded by the rat-a-tat-tat of a rapid-fire weapon. I don’t know enough about firearms to know whether what we heard was an automatic or a semi-automatic – but I do know it’s not the type of gun that hunters use to shoot deer. Ah, there it was again. Across the hills from us, another burst of staccato gunfire. And then more. At least another six to ten bursts of bullets echoed through the countryside as we made our way up the hill.

Other than being used for target practice, we all know, deep down, what those types of guns are designed to ‘hunt.’ And the images of Ukrainian grandmothers arming themselves with Kalishnakovs and AK-47s springs to mind unbidden. What were they doing last week at this time?

Hawk taking flight and crossing before us – Photo: L. Weikel

Looking Up

At the same time that we hear those gunshots slashing at our peace, we look up and toward the west, only to find a massive cloud owl taking wing across the sky.

It could, of course, be a harbinger of death on the wind. Or it could be a symbol of protection. My first reaction when I saw the Cloud Owl was a sense of gratitude and familiarity, the appearance of a cherished friend and ally. To me, the Cloud Owl looks like it’s speeding off, intent upon fulfilling a mission. So I thanked it for appearing to us and asked it to bring protection and comfort to whomever needs it.

Cloud Owl in context – Photo: L. Weikel

 

(T+81)

Reprieve – ND #80

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Liddle, Middle, and Princess (l. to rt.) – Photo: L. Weikel

Reprieve

I realize I’ve written about the Russian invasion of Ukraine three nights in a row. I’m virtually certain this is the first time I’ve ever felt so consumed by something happening on the world stage that I was compelled to write about it. Surely I know there are grave dangers and risks being posed to all of us via climate change and the 1/6 insurrection. But on some level, on some frequency, this latest act of insanity by a man who holds the keys to a nuclear stockpile sucks all the air out of me. So aside from one quick addendum to what I wrote last night, I’m offering tonight’s post as a reprieve.

The addendum has to do with the list compiled by Timothy Snyder of ways in which we can help Ukraine. Dr. Snyder responded to requests this morning with a list of additional avenues of support for Ukraine – ones that permit use of a credit card as opposed to a wire transfer, and some outstanding opportunities to actually provide defensive, protective equipment to the Ukrainians. I encourage you to check this list out.

As I Was Saying

In a nod to escapism, I want to share with you the newest additions to my menagerie of porcine preciousness. Princess is no longer living the lonely life! She just received two new pen-mates, whose names (at least for now) are Middle and Liddle. The monikers are pretty self-explanatory.

These newest additions look like probable siblings, sharing the same splotchy coloring, although one is distinctly smaller than the other. Compared to Princess’s hefty self, they look like youngsters. But I think that’s an illusion. I think they’re older than they appear – just not as old as Princess.

There was no question Princess recognized us as we walked up the hill alongside her field yesterday. She grunted happily as I cooed out my greeting to her. Imagine my surprise when Middle and Liddle started squealing! Loudly! Oh my. Their squeals were vastly different from the grunts ordinarily bestowed upon us by Prin.

Happy Princess, happy Middle. Liddle…not so much. Photo: L. Weikel

Not Yet Treat Adept

Sad to say, they are not at all adept at taking the puppy treats from my hand as easily and deftly as Princess. She and I have worked out a system and I now trust her to take treats from my fingers without biting me. Liddle and Middle? Well, let’s just say they don’t seem to have figured out the trick yet. Heck, they weren’t even sure what to make of my offering or whether to vie for it.

I guess there’s only one solution.

Practice.

(T+80)

Invasion – ND #79

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Weird clouds this morning – Photo: L. Weikel

Invasion

I’m having a hard time thinking about much of anything besides Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. I realize this is in all of our faces (and rightly so), and it’s probably the last thing you want to think about when you wake up in the morning. But I’m having a hard time separating Ukrainians’ experiences from how I imagine we might respond in similar circumstances.

Of course, it’s hard to imagine precisely similar circumstances, since our geography protects us in many ways and renders our shared borders quite dissimilar from Ukraine’s. It would be much harder to surround us with troops the way Putin has surrounded Ukraine.

Nevertheless, what I find myself resonating in solidarity with are the everyday people who are willing to stand up and fight for their country. They are willing to literally defend their democracy with their lives.

On a visceral level, this feels eerily akin to how we’re told the first Americans reacted and behaved when the British arrived on our shores in order to dissuade us from following through on our Declaration of Independence. There’s a fascinating coincidence playing out in this regard, having to do with the United States’ ‘Pluto return.’ Perhaps I’ll write about that soon.

Mal-intentions

In the meantime, Putin’s mal-intentions are pretty clearly evident to anyone who cares to see through and beyond the fog of disinformation his propaganda machines belch out non-stop.

Luckily, it looks like many (hopefully most) Russians are not fooled by Putin’s efforts to gin up a war for his own self-aggrandizing purposes. They are resisting his oppressive threats (and actual efforts) to squelch the truth of their disapproval by arresting protesters gathering by the thousands in something like 54 Russian cities. It’s probably too early to tell, but it feels like more people remain cognizant of how World War II played out than Putin thought.

As a coda to the malevolent intentions of the head of Russia is this clip. It shows what purport to be cremation machines following behind the lines of Russian troops. It is suggested that this is to substantially reduce the number of body bags coming home Mother Russia, thereby circumventing the wrath of Russian mothers when they discover their children are dying for Putin’s ego-aggrandizement. Talk about a cynical propaganda effort.

Underestimation

I have a feeling Putin is underestimating the will of his people (and their willingness to have war declared and perpetrated in their name). But even worse for Putin is his underestimation of the will of the Ukrainian people. They know democracy. They’ve lived it. They’re not going back, and they’re sure as hell not going to roll over and allow Putin to snatch it from them, their children, and their future. Zelensky gave a rallying cry for defense of their nation to Ukrainians shortly before the invasion began.

He then turned his attention to the Russian people themselves.

Indeed, if you didn’t get a chance to listen to the speech Zelensky gave to the Russian people – in Russian – here is a link to the transcript of it. In my opinion, it was a brilliant and powerful move  to attempt to reach the Russian people directly. (It’s unknown how many Russians managed to hear it, given their propagandized state-run television). Sadly, a mere three hours after giving this speech, Putin’s* attack began.

If you want to provide tangible help to the Ukrainians, here’s an article by Timothy Snyder (the professor and author of On Tyranny**, among other extremely salient books) outlining specific places where your donations can make the biggest difference.

 

* If you’re wondering why I keep using Putin’s name as the aggressor instead of ‘Russia,’ it’s because I do not believe he is acting on the will of the Russian people. This is an invasion and war being waged for himself, and Russian families are not inclined to willingly sacrifice their loved ones for Putin’s ego.
**Affiliate link

(T+79)

Upsetting – ND #78

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Photo: L. Weikel

Upsetting

It is incredibly upsetting to sit here tonight watching Putin’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine. I’ll admit I’m distracted. I’m finding it impossible, really, to write about anything but this brazen aggression.

I’m disgusted to see clips of the former president in front of a dining room full of people at Mar-a-lago praising Putin for invading a sovereign country. (I hesitate to include a link.)

Ugh – as I’m writing this, air raid sirens are going off in Kyiv indicating that the capital is under attack. What a chilling, horrifying sound. It’s surreal, to be honest.

The intimations that Putin may have much larger designs – including potentially invading other countries beyond Ukraine – is incredibly disturbing.

As Above…

I managed to get a good walk in this afternoon. I simply could not allow the beauty and warmth of the day to pass by without taking full advantage of it.

During part of my walk I listened to an astrological podcast discussing the specific significance of the transits occurring this week. It was recorded on the 20th, which was last Sunday (three days ago).

The podcast is by Anne Ortelee and is only half an hour long – but wow, is it ever powerful. It’s astonishing to hear about all the various planetary interactions that are lining up to play out in a potentially disturbing and devastating manner. Indeed, it’s eerie to hear it now, with the perspective we have presently.

Photo: L. Weikel

Veiled Threats

The Ukrainians are out-gunned and out-manned. But making it even worse, Putin actually made a veiled threat that he might use nuclear weapons. The insanity we’re witnessing both in this country and around the world is indeed troubling.

We must hold the line within our own selves, striving to remain calm and balanced. Keeping our own internal peace is probably the greatest aid we can give to the people of Ukraine. It may seem like a paltry gesture but energetically it is the greatest power we wield at this moment. Keeping peace within ourselves: it’s what we can do on a personal level to support peace in the outside world.

(T+78)

Numeric Palindrome – ND #77

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Dark Clouds on the Horizon – Photo: L. Weikel

Numeric Palindrome

Realizing today’s post is #77, I’m even more acutely aware of the abundance of repeating numbers today. Of course, lots of people have referenced the 02/22/2022 (on a TWOsday, no less) occurring today. There are a plethora of interpretations of what significance this date could hold. We could also write it the way Europeans do: 22/02/2022, which actually is even cooler when you think about it. It creates a numeric palindrome. It also creates, in this configuration, three 22s in a row, each separated by zeros.

You may recollect that, in numerology, 22 is a Master Number – indeed, it’s known as the Master Builder Number. As Alison Baughman enumerates in her book, Speaking to Your Soul Through Numerology*, some of the ‘positive’ attributes associated with this number are:

  • Mastery through self-enterprise, Master Organizer, Master Planner, visionary, practical idealism, dreams into reality, ambitious, intuitive, methodical, disciplined, natural leader, wise, confident.

And of course the corollary to that are the potentially ‘negative’ attributes:

  • Narrow-minded, judgmental, humorless, blunt, crude, intolerant, opinionated, stubborn, repressive, rigid, slow, uncompromising, limited, overwhelmed, controlling.

If you examine those key words, it’s not hard to see that a dominant theme underlying both the positive and negative attributes of ‘22’ is power. When 22 energy is being harnessed in a balanced manner and used with integrity and compassion great things can be achieved and even tangibly created. But when 22 energy is being manipulated for the acquisition of personal power and aggrandizement? It can turn toxic and wreak devastation wherever it’s wielded.

History

It is fascinating to entertain the possibility that Putin holds more stock in numerology than one might think. For instance, on August 8, 2008 (08/08/08), Russia invaded Georgia, with the aid of two self-declared separatist states of South Ossetia and Abkhazia. The parallels to what happened today (on 22/02/2022), including Russia relying on ‘separatist states,’ is fascinating. Finally, today’s date also happened to be the 8th anniversary (exactly) of Russia’s annexation of Crimea.

There is a pattern to his behavior. And while I grant it could be ‘coincidence,’ I suggest there is at the very least symbolic significance to the timing of these occurrences – if not some inherent energetic impetus behind the numbers themselves, subtly propelling the aggressive (humorless, blunt, overwhelming, and repressive) behavior.

While I recognize there are a lot of different ways people were suggesting today’s date could be used as a powerful day of manifestation or dreaming, and perhaps it was, my attention was focused instead on watching the power plays at work in the world.

And on a smaller scale, we were probably well-advised to monitor how we might be wielding and potentially abusing our power, too – especially in relationships where an imbalance of power might exist. Perhaps it was especially easy (or tempting) to go overboard with power today, even if we ordinarily use great discretion and temperance when exercising it. We also might reflect on whether those in a position of power over us in our personal lives potentially misused it.

Reflection

Obviously, the day is over by the time you read this. I nevertheless hope you’ll take a moment now to reflect on these power dynamics. In retrospect, can you see how this may have played out or in some way been reflected in your own life experiences yesterday?

Sometimes reflection is actually more persuasive than anticipation. That’s because there’s always the possibility that we will get caught up in confirmation bias and see what we expect to see or have unfold in our life. But if we have no specific expectations ahead of time, and these influences are nevertheless felt, the whole scenario can at least give you pause to say, “Hmm.”

Personally, I saw it reflected in a couple ways in my life. First in a doctor/patient scenario I witnessed and again in a close personal relationship where power dynamics were at play, influential, and potentially triggering.

No territories were annexed or invaded in my little world, but there were definitely some warning shots and skirmishes at the borders.

*affiliate link

(T+77)

Conflicted – ND #76

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Solitary Bluebird Scoping Out the Feeders – Photo: L. Weikel

Conflicted

As I sit here pondering what I might write about tonight, I’m conflicted. On the one hand, I’m keeping abreast of the developments in Ukraine and can see the writing on the wall. Even more troubling than simply observing a map and noting how troops have been massing all along the border between Ukraine and Russia (and Belarus) is the commentary on how unhinged Putin sounded in his bellicose rant earlier today. I didn’t listen to it directly, but I did pay attention to the assessment made of his speech by our former Ambassador to Russia, Michael McFaul.

So, yes; I am paying attention. On the other hand, I would much prefer to focus upon the everyday delights that come from living in the country and witnessing the first furtive attempts of springtime to take hold.

I wonder if I’m feeling the way my parents may have felt when they read about or listened to accounts of the first invasions by Hitler. As much as our world has shrunk since those times, it is still true that bombs or artillery fire or the rumbling of tanks trampling everything in their path ‘over there’ is far too easy for us (as Americans) to ignore.

A Distraction

So here I am. I know there’s nothing direct or tangible I can do to have an impact on how the current crisis plays out. But I also know that doing my best not to get swept up in anxiety and fear, while maintaining awareness of what’s going on elsewhere in the world, can have a ripple effect as well.

There is a difference between affirmatively maintaining inner balance and tranquility in the face of dire circumstances and deliberately ignoring what’s going on beyond one’s own neighborhood. I’m reminded of the word that came up for us last week: Reverence.

Turkey Vultures – Photo: L. Weikel

Some Encounters

So it is with reverence for the cycle of life that I share the three photos I’m including in this post tonight.

The first is a not-so-great angle of a bluebird that came and sat on a branch just above my birdfeeders this morning. I’d just finished filling all the feeders and was luxuriating in the opportunity to sit on my porch and turn my face to the sun.

It’s odd for bluebirds to come to our feeders. They tend to flock and flitter through the open fields surrounding our home rather than hang out near the house. And this bluebird was all by his lonesome. He was literally the only bird anywhere near me at that moment – in spite of the abundance of seed available to all.

Above are some turkey vultures hanging out at an abandoned house about a mile from our home. It almost felt like they were picking the flesh off the carcass of the dwelling itself.

And finally, below, is a sweet photo I took of Pacha lounging on her daddy’s legs this evening.

I know I take these moments for granted – in spite of my efforts to appreciate and celebrate them. The thought of having to even entertain the idea of gathering up my precious four-legged family and a few family treasures, and then ‘evacuating’ to Canada is nearly impossible to fathom.

So I observe and attend to these parts of my life with reverence, in honor of those unable to do so at the moment. It’s the least I can do; but it is something.

Pacha just looking cute – Photo: L. Weikel

(T+76)

Angels’ Wings – ND # 75

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Angels’ Wings Etched In The Sky – Photo: L. Weikel

Angels’ Wings

Today was an exquisite winter day. Bright sunlight reflected off the choppy, muddy waves of the Lenape Sipu as it flowed toward the freedom of the Atlantic, while wisps of clouds that reminded me of angels’ wings inscribed the azure sky above with a fine-tipped nib.

The weird thing is, I’m not one to see angelic forms all that often. Most of you probably know me well enough to appreciate I’m more of a person who sees animals in the clouds than anything else. Angels, not so much.

I could kick myself now because I flirted with stopping in the middle of the road when I first spotted the wispy figures, but thought better of it. While the road I was on was deserted in that moment, there was nowhere for me to pull off safely. It didn’t feel like a wise move to try to get a good shot of those angels’ wings. I would’ve had to get out of the car to get a clear photo of them without telephone poles or wires marring the image.

Shared Perfection

My delight in walking along the bank of my beloved Delaware River was heightened by the fact that I was in the company of dear friends not seen in person in a very long time.

The funny thing was, as we walked and talked and caught up on each others’ lives, even more wispy hints of angelic forms appeared above our heads. Already regretting my choice not to stop and take a couple photos of the sky earlier, I did manage to snag one photo as we walked.

I didn’t want to take my phone out of my pocket – even to take photos. I just wanted us to be together without any electronic devices distracting or disturbing us. As a result, I only have the single photo, above, to share with you tonight.

Must Be Something to It

But I have to say, for all my resistance, there must have been something ‘angelic’ going on. Not only did I see them on my way to meet my friends, but also, as the photo above attests, they continued showing up in the sky above as we walked.

The final moment causing me to surrender and say, “OK, angels are definitely present and watching over us today,” came when we entered a rock and gem shop at the conclusion of our visit. One of my friends took me to see a type of stone that was persistently calling her name. And there they were again – angels’ wings. The crystalline structure was precisely reminiscent of angels’ wings; and yet I hesitated to state the obvious. (Because, again, angels aren’t usually my ‘thing.’)

But there it was, even written in the description of the stone itself.  Seraphinite. Seraphim.

Exquisite.

It seems only right to accept that our visit was smiled upon and watched over by the angelic realm. I call upon that realm every single time I open Sacred Space. Why wouldn’t they generously bless a reunion of friends?

(T+75)