Transfigured by Love: A Dream of Earth

Last week, I went up to the Forest of Ashes to p(r/l)ay. I took with me the spirit of Wolfie, Albie, and Albertus Magnus. All around me, the barren branches swayed and groaned, framing the circling of red-tail hawks high in the canopy, surveying this puny waif weeping and howling for her mates: "Where ARE you? Come find me! I'm lonely for you!"

Burrowing among the ashes, my face became gloriously caked with Earth's alchemical elixir, my eyes crusted with soot and grit, mingled with my tears of mourning. My clothes were covered with a smeary grime, and my throat was constricted, parched from sobbing. I dropped down into a deep reverie that lasted three wild days. And two scary nights while I waited in the stillness.

Ashes - Earth's Transfiguration

And behold, on the third night-into-day, three giant White Gull-Owl-Raptors appeared overhead, gliding among the rolling hills, grazing the canopy and soaring with fierce talons extended. Closer and closer they swooped and swelled, crying aloud with unintelligible groaning, screeching and crying all the time.

They descended in great swooping arcs toward the Earth, where I lay weeping in a protective curl, panting and cowering, my breath ragged with anticipation and dread. Covering my head for fear of my life, all my senses on high alert, time-space collapsed into the potent present moment.

Slowly, and with utter tenderness, one of the giant Gull-Owl-Raptors touched down, alighted on my head, neck, and shoulders. I braced for the piercing pain, and shuddered in terror as I awaited abduction, shredding, and death.

But behold, the breast of the great white Gull-Owl-Raptor pressed in upon my head and neck, and gentle, feathery wings enfolded my shoulders, completely covering me with whispery touch. I could feel heated breathing through my ribs, echoing in my heart. The wind whooshed all around me and beneath me, while the two other Gull-Owl-Raptors touched down near me, offering droplets of water from their enormous beaks, and peering deeply into my eyes, the moisture clouding my vision. "Help me!" I begged. And the trio gently nuzzled my back and sides, burrowing out a shallow hovel near my feet.

As I lay waiting, a shift of wind lifted me off the Earth, while the three Gull-Owl-Raptors beat their wings in unison astride the wind, their own current holding me aloft. For just one exhilarating moment, I felt myself suspended by their concerted effort. Lifted by the Energy of their Love.

Airborne.

My pack had become a flock.

Transfigured by Love

When I returned to my senses, the mysterious Trio had flown into the distant dawn, having deposited me in the hollowed-out space they had prepared for me in the Earth.

My Nesting/Resting place.

For Remembering Love.

And a Voice came from within, repeating, "You are so loved."

Transfigured.