A whole turning of the Wheel has gone by since I wrote here. In my last post, I felt that my life was at a turning point. And so it was. I went to Jomeokee, my sacred mountain in North Carolina. I was given a vision that has come to pass. At the time, that vision made no sense to me, as is so often the case. It didn't match my plan to stay in North Carolina and be practical.
Not long after my pilgrimage, I drove west again for another job in California. Once again, I was struck by the incredible vastness, richness, and beauty of this Turtle Island on which we live. It was a good migration, with visits to friends and family. When I arrived in these Sierras, I had no idea what was coming next. I only knew that it was good to be back in the West.
All winter I lived at a ski resort. All winter, I skiied and taught skiing to others. I met people, and they asked questions. What would I be doing this summer? Where am I from? Why am I leaving here again after ski season? Did I know how beautiful a Tahoe summer is? The land itself welcomed me, too. Though I had much work to do in regaining my dormant skiing skills, the mountain never hurt me. Far from it - Kirkwood took my heart.
Then I was offered a job for the summer. And it became a real possibility - what if I stayed? What if my long search for a home was over? What if it's here, in the Sierras? These mountains are friendly. They're smaller than CO. There is water here, by the great Da'ow Aga, Lake Tahoe. There are many many alpine lakes and streams scattered through the peaks here. It is a place of great beauty, and great opportunity.
It occurred to me, too, that at some point, I did have to make a decision. I've been searching for a home for years, really, for most of my adult life. At some point, one has to plant their feet and make their stand. I could have kept going. I could have kept looking, and that could have lasted for the rest of my life. But much like people, there is no "perfect place". Every place has its challenges. The lure of the unknown and the new is strong, but I have learned that it is so easy to let that become an escape. I'm done searching. I'm done running. This place and the people here want my energy. So be it. Here I stand. Here, I will put down roots, found my business, and build a home.
I stayed. This turning of the Wheel has been about establishing myself here. I had a great first season as a ski instructor. In the summer, I worked as a guide on high ropes courses. Now I am back to healing work. I've rented my first official home, and am just now putting the final touches on it.
I live in Christmas Valley, next door to what has become my true home here, the Hope Valley. From Luther Pass to Silver Lake is where I feel most at home, typical for this oread. As always, I have a foot in both worlds - the bustle of South Lake Tahoe and my beloved alpine wilderness. I live by the Upper Truckee River. It is quiet here. The aspens, willows, and cottonwoods are glowing gold.
Now that I am settling in, my daily practice is returning. This morning I was struck by how meaningful it is to me. I lit a candle on my hearth, and kindled a charcoal block for smudging. The smudging blend was made by a dear friend. My altar is covered with stones from all of my power places. The shawl I wrapped around me was given to me by a student of mine. The sheepskin I meditated upon was a gift from my best friend. I am surrounded by things I made, found on my travels, or was given by others. It is beautiful, this web to which I belong.
Well do I love travelling. And also, I have learned that I need a home to welcome me after the latest adventure. I am building it here, in this beautiful place. The community I am weaving is loving and positive. My strength and energy are returning. I am catching up on all the practical tasks that have built up during my years of travel. My career is blossoming, and abundance surrounds me. I am returning to calmness, to my true power.
Stay tuned. I have a lot of plans. I am re-starting my New Moon Women's Circle. I am founding a flute circle and a poetry salon. It may even come to pass that a local cell of my Clan of the Wildlings forms here.
Last night was the start of this Full Hunter's Moon phase. I went to the Hope Valley when the moon was high in the sky. All alone, I got out of my truck and went into the meadow. The night was calm, and cold with the promise of the coming winter. I read the Charge of the Goddess. My strong voice carried far in the clear air. I like to think that these mountains, my friends, heard me and approved. It felt right. I felt at peace, at home.
Like everyone here, I am preparing for winter. For me, that means ski gear and firewood, truck maintenance and general life logistics. I wish to have a snow dance. We need a good winter with lots of SNOW. Skadi, Ullr, hear me! Bring us the comfort of the blanketing snows!
May it be well with all of you in this season of the final harvest. It is hard to believe that the Festival of All Souls is in only two weeks! A blessed Full Hunter's Moon to you. May your hunts be fruitful. Naho. Blessed be. Namaste. OM Shanti!
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