Spirit Lake

Spirit Lake
A Meditation by Lady Kiya

You are in the safety of your own yard laying in your hammock under
the trees. You gently swing to and fro while dangling your left leg
over the side, your toes just brush the tips of the grass beneath you.
On a nearby flat topped rock sage, sweet grass, and lavender smolder
in an abalone shell, next to a crystal cluster. Dressed in your
favorite, well worn cutoff shorts and a baggy t-shirt, you have an old
throw pillow to support your head and neck as you watch the morning
sun play hide and seek with the clouds. Squirrels flick their tails
nervously, barking their annoyance from neighboring trees. A chipmunk
peeks from its burrow waiting to see if it's safe for him to come out.
Morning doves pick at the seeds on the ground that the cardinals,
wrens, and an occasional titmouse have scattered about under the
feeders. Glistening dewdrops fall about you as a gentle breeze causes
the leaves above to dance and flutter. The fragrances of azalea,
wisteria, gardenia and magnolia perfume the air. Absorbing the comfort
and beauty, the sights and sounds, you close your eyes and relax. Your
minds begins to drift.

You are laying under a willow tree on a grassy embankment at the edge
of a vast lake. Beside you, on a large flat rock are the crystal
cluster and the shell containing smoldering embers of sage, sweet
grass, and lavender. Looking about, you see woods encompass both sides
of the lake and that a path enters the dense forest behind you.
Standing, you notice that you are dressed in a hooded robe of rich
green velvet. About your waist, the knotted ends dangling below the
knee is braided belt of green, brown, and white cording. You walk down
to the waters edge and see that it is clear and though shallow at the
bank, appears deep at the center. You remove your robe and wade into
the cool, calm water. You feel refreshed, clear, and alive. After a
brief swim, you climb back on the bank and sit cross-legged on the
grass enjoying the warm rays of the sun on your cool damp skin. You
gather your robe back about you when you hear a rustling in the bushes
upstream, you look up to see an animal making its way towards the
water. There are some trees and bushes between you so you can't quite
make out what it is. You sit very still so as not to disturb or
frighten it as it has not seen you yet.

Suddenly, it is standing directly in front of you. Before you can
react, you hear a voice in your head telling you that you are safe.
You realize that this is no ordinary animal, it is a spirit guide.

Take some time to get to know this power animal. Ask if this is your
guardian or if they are there to teach you a lesson. Ask if they will
become your guide and protector in rituals. Ask what you will, but be
respectful, and listen closely. When you are done, give thanks.

As suddenly as it appeared, it is gone. You feel connected and secure
in the knowledge that the animal kingdom has seen your heart.
Standing, you walk back to the willow tree and the rock where your
crystal and smudge lay. Leaning against the trunk of the willow tree,
you sit before the makeshift altar contemplating what you have seen
and heard this day. As you wait for the smudge to burn out completely,
once again your mind begins to drift.

Hearing the soft cooing of doves, you open your eyes to find that you
are in the safety of your own yard once again, gently swaying to and
fro in the hammock. The rays of the sun peek at you through the
branches of the shade tree. The clouds are gone and the sky is clear
and bright. Stretching, you swing your legs off the side of the
hammock and slowly stand. Raising your arms above your head, you give
thanks to the Lady and Lord and again to your spirit animal.

I strongly urge you to write down your experience while it is fresh in
your memory. Write down every detail you can. Now you can research
your spirit animal being sure to include predators, prey, environment,
and look into as many cultures associations as you can. You may see
something you missed. How can you apply these attributes to your life?
What do I have in common with this animal? How does this animal
overcome its obstacles? What senses does it rely on? What are it's
weaknesses and strengths? Even the gender and color will have special
attributes.

I would love to hear your experiences.

Love and Light,
Lady Kiya