A Warrior of Spirit and an Autumn Sunday

I was blessed to take a nice break today with a walk in the woods. Even though it is Sunday, I was playing hookey, really – I had that much to do. But instead I enjoyed a little “shinrin-yoku,” which literally translates from the Japanese into “forest bath.” I went to one of my favorite sacred areas and spent part of the time in a brisk walk of three-plus miles, and part of the time creating a ceremony to honor and call forth Spiritual Warrior Energy on behalf of the Earth and all of us.

As I walked in search of a ceremony spot, I inhaled cool, crisp, sun-soaked air, and with it the unmistakable earthy-scented early Autumn decay of those fresh-fallen leaves that crunched and crackled beneath my sneakered feet. I wandered off-trail into the wood, following where I felt led to go, deeper and deeper until I came to a cathedral of trees growing like spires in a circle, with fallen logs scattered aground like random pews.

In the Southwest of the circle stood one fairly ordinary tree that for no apparent reason compelled my attention to it. I approached it cautiously, fully cognizant of the sporadic outcroppings of poison ivy, to which I am highly allergic. I would have avoided the area because of this, but for some reason this year I have determined to respect the plant rather than fear it. I did get “stung” once this year, in July, but it was mild and brief – rare for me if I’m exposed. Usually I burst into a conflagration of welts and burning itch if I have even the slightest exposure. Maybe it prefers my respect to my fear.

I made my way to the tree and made gasho – bowed reverently – as I stood before it. I had a purpose for being here, after all, and I wanted the help of the forest and her spirits. My intent, I told the tree, was to both honor and elicit the Energy of the Spiritual Warrior, and to do so I came prepared to build an apachete (altar) and offer a ceremony. I had brought a few stones, some corn and copal, a spearhead and a feather. On the way to this cathedral spot, I gathered a few more pieces of nature that seemed appropriate. Finally I gathered a few things from the immediate area that seemed eager to participate.

And so slowly, methodically, intentionally, meticulously and open-heartedly, I began building the apachete. The tree was in the Southwest of the circle; in some traditions this is the pathway from the emotional to the physical aspects of life. I chose a spot in the sun – Ra, Sol, Phoebus… sun gods who bring life and light to the Earth and all who live here. The foundation stone was placed first, then the feather – a sort of prayer flag, icon, relic – at the front of the altar. The feather is turkey, symbolic of giving away freely and receiving graciously, which are traits of a warrior in service to something greater than his/her own desires.

Next, a column of stone was built toward the sun. A sculpture of balance, it could be thought of as a cairn – a symbol of direction and change of direction. To the South was placed the spearhead – a weapon of provision and protection – and to the north, a heart stone – an anti-weapon of compassion and understanding.

An assortment of stones were gathered as a community, as witness, as army, as village – as all who serve the warrior’s need and all who are served by the warrior’s valor. Then within this village were placed five smooth stones. David gathered five smooth stones from a river as his only arsenal against Goliath, and ultimately only needed one to slay the foe. Each of us has our symbolic five smooth stones within us – which one shall you choose to gain victory over whatever it is that would stop your aliveness from its fullest expression?

Anyway, finally the apachete was adorned with the beauty and softness of nature’s cashmere, ferns – essential to bring balance and grace to the sharp, firm edges of the warrior on alert. It was all made sacred with the blessings of corn (abundance) and copal (clarity and protection). Prayers were said. Songs were sung.

And to end the ceremony, the poison ivy, who takes no sides and makes no judgments, was honored as protector and defender of the sacred nature of the warrior’s soul, where intent and heartfulness dwell. It is intent and heart, after all, that differentiate the warrior, soldier and fighter. Each have their place, but this ceremony, this altar is to honor the warrior, the Spiritual Warrior who serves body, mind and spirit for the highest good of all life.

I left in peace and strength, vibrant from the power and love that radiated from this experience. It is good to show up for such things and to bring one’s self fully to what is being asked of him or her in the moment.

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