Something More

Last week whilst meandering in the forest I happened upon the partial remains of a deer. I was fascinated by the find, and after looking at some of the bare skeleton, I found the skull. The hollows of its eyes stared back at me as turned it over in my hands. Nothing but bone, but as I placed it atop a broken tree stump and walked away, the feeling that there was "something more" crept into my mind. And so I journeyed out of the woods and back home.

Well, last night I dreamt of the deer skull. I was standing the Nemeton, holding it in my hands. It was the only image from the dream I could recall upon waking and I had no idea what to make of it. But after a while, I decided I should venture down to the forest and see if I could find where I had placed the skull. So off I went. I wasn't exactly sure where I had left, which tree stump in a myriad of tree stumps I had left it on, so I just followed the edge of the woods and let the spirit within guide me. In the damp cold, the land was still, yet electric. The feeling of being watched was very strong and I kept seeing movement out of the corner of my eye. A few times I would stop to hear the crunching of footsteps amongst the damp leaves and fallen branches. After 30 minutes of careful trodding, I sensed I was getting close, and sure enough, there in a small clearing, was the tree stump and sitting atop it, the deer skull. As I approached and lifted it with hand, there was a flourish of twig-snapping and sounds of movement amongst the shaded cedars and pines. I quickly turned to see the tell-tale flash of white darting off deeper into the woods. Deer. I had happened upon them, yet as I stood there, I wondered if they had been following or even guiding me from the beginning. I could not and still can't understand why (as that is very uncommon behavior for a deer) but nevertheless, they were there. I stood for a few minutes, listening to them in the distance, then moved on. I was surprised at how very close to the Nemeton I was, and as I entered, I found a spot just outside the ring of stones to place the deer skull. After some contemplation, I headed for home. It might seem strange to place the skeletal remains of an animal in a place of worship, but for me, I see it as a way of honouring that which is sacred to us. Something that is "without Spirit" helps me reflect on all things that are alive, reminding me that all things move in cycles and that there is a connection to turning wheel of life that we all should respect.