The Enchanted Wood

[cgraven]

There are special places in this world , wild places far from the main stream, places that seem to be forgotten by time, Places where you can still believe that magic exist. The Enchanted Wood is just such a place, a place where time seems to stand still, where it does not follow the norm of our busy hustle and bustle world, a place of peace and contentment, yet no such place can go forever unnoticed my the world and each day there are fewer and fewer such magical place.

It seemed as If I had lived forever, so much had changed sense my first conscious thoughts, yet so much remained the same. The sun warming my face at dawn, the feel of the warm earth between my toes. All this had not changed. Life was simple complete, yet now I had a longing to meet other to be close to someone special, some one who shared this magical place and loved it as I did. Something was changing in the world around us What it was I knew not but for the first time I felt the need to be close to another.

So I set off my spirit reaching out in a desperate search for another, I felt a driving need to end my hermits existence. And so my adventure began on that day that was like so many before it.

 

[Snork Maiden]

For as long as I could remember this place was like home for me, there was a timelessness that stretched beyond eons and yet still at this moment it was as if all those memories converged and radiated out from me.

The sun shone strongly, warming me and glinting in the strands that blew wispily from my head in the gentle summer breeze. The ground around me was aglow with the sunlight beams that filtered through the canopy that was the Enchanted wood.

The creatures here showed little fear, many I had come to know quite well. A squirrel scampered through the undergrowth nearby approaching me cautiously before clambering up my body to perch on my shoulder.

A sense of wellbeing filled me lifting my spirits high, skywards toward the heavens, where the white cirrus clouds swirled fibrously against the blue canvas of the firmament. Soaring with the birds that glided on the warm thermals carrying them higher without effort.

Yet as I stood there I also sensed a feeling of remoteness, of longing, a need for companionship, a connection, freedom from the ties that bound me to the earth, a longing to fly free.

 

[cgraven]

I took my first tentative steps an effort to up root myself from all that had been, all that was meant to be. There was a flurry of activity, the creatures of woods stood mute, motionless, as I began to move. I felt smaller now, more vulnerable than I ever had felt in all my life. There was a difference, a strangest to my limbs, they seemed somehow unfamiliar, my movements awkward, slowly I steadied self dizzy for a moment. With those first halting steps all seemed to change, the woods where the same but somehow different, as if I where a new creature. All that was familiar seemed so different know so large a fear crept into my soul and I huddled naked on the ground my fingers desperately digging into the comfort of the forest floor.

Slowly I rise, straiten and begin the search for others like myself.

 

[quintessential]

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[Image]

A new moon and a new dream....

"Wake up dreamer!"

I think I must be dreaming. I last remember being lost, wanting to move on but not sure which way to go. The trail was dark and I sat down to reason it out. I felt something like a chrysalis encasing and embracing me. It was soft and warm and smelled like the woods after a warm summer rain. Goddess, I love that smell! I think I remember now...

"Wake up dreamer!"

The voice sounds far away but insistant. The forest floor is so soft and cushiony. I want to stay in bed, like on a rainy morning, just a little bit longer.

"Wake up dreamer!"

Soft kisses about my head and neck are seductively teasing all my senses into being and I cannot ignore the call any longer. When I open my eyes, I see it is bright and sunny where it was last shadowy and dark. Looking down I find a key in the palm of my hand. It sparkles with potential and attached to it is a silver cord. It's all coming back to me now.....

"The new moon is once again here little one and it is time to begin your journey. You are an open and wise childe and the abstract ideas are about to become tangible. The Goddess is in Her maiden phase and it is time to play! The stage is being set..."

In the distance I can hear the song of a flute beckoning me on. Standing up, I hang the key around my neck and take my first steps toward the music and the East.

 

[cgraven]

Naked I stand the sun warming this form so new and strange to me. There is stillness in the Woods, that is not unusual, the still ness of dawn when the creatures of the night and day overlap one to start their journeys the others to find shelter and rest

My sense are filled with wonders the smells , the sights, the sounds of these woods all so familiar, yet now some how different, more alive, alive in a new way to me.

When I was just a stripling Grandfather had told me such things where possible, my parents smiled at him in a kindly manner the manner the young in the prime of their health look up on the elderly in their infirmity.

“Cedar they said he is old and thinks the tails of the past are reality. This glade is our home this is where we live and die.”

It had been as simple as that. Grandfather was right it was possible, I was living it now.

Father was dead struck by lightening these many years past, mother, stood alone on the hill weak, infirmed now, Grandfather had returned to the earth. Such was the circle of life even in theses woods.

There was a smell on the air a smell I did not know carried on the wind, strangle different, intoxicating , it drew me on, and so for the first time I left the glade that had been my home, my world, and moved out into the greater world of the woods.

My Adventure had started.

 

[Snork Maiden]

The sensations stirring through my limbs was strange. It was as if I had been paralysed, rooted to the spot by some strange, extraordinary unseen force. Now I could feel all the sensations of the world around me, amplified, sensuous, tingling, I had never felt so alive.

My bare feet wriggled in the dark rich soil, and it felt so good as it passed between my smallest extremitities. Loose and soft, damp and warm, the sensations rippled upwards like waves of energy through my entirity causing my arms to extend and quiver.

It felt as is I was being transformed into some higher form of existance my arms swayed up and down and my body slowly began to twist from side to side as began to turn on the spot. Looking up I could see the blue sky spinning as I moved and I felt a strange disorientation. I was light headed, the sounds of the woods played in my ears, the birds song, the wind in my hair.

My finger brushed against a neighboring bush sending more waves of sensations through my arms. The dizziness from the spinning overcame me and I found myself falling towards the ground, collapsing in a heap.

I sat still for a short while while these new sensations, that had overwhelmed me, began to subside. Pushing down with my arms I found I could rise. Slowly I took a step from the dark brown patch of earth I had been standing on. There was a song in my head, the air was fresh yet heavy with scent of the woods and plants around me.

What wonderous thing was this that was taking place around me. I took another step ..

 

[Image]

... A safe, known path? "No, take the other", I hear a voice whisper. They laugh. Soft caresses begin up and down my spine as I set my mind forward. "You are a childe of the forest, as are we all. You are protected by our Mother in your quest. Do not be afraid..." And I'm not.

Walking down the path, I can hear the vibrations of life all around me. The forest is alive with the trees and the animals each singing their own song. As I walked I began to wonder how it was I came to be here. Why am I always drawn towards this fantasy?

A voice that can only be coming from my logical mind says "Turn back now and your life will be comfortable again. Boring, oblivious to change, no questions asked, fewer still answered. It's so much easier this way" But the flutesong is stronger than the voice and I continue on.

A distant memory surfaces... The East is always associated with the element of Air and all that it implies. Whispers and song. Music and poetry. Inspiration and imagination...

"Pure air flows freely for the clarity of mind
to all who truly desire wisdom.
It is the element of freedom of imagination
and the ever changing movement of ideas"

.... And like a virgin taking her first steps into the arms of a lover, I step into the glade.

 

[cgraven]

I thirst my lips parched and dry. The breeze ruffles my hair, caresses my face, in the distance, the music of running water dancing merrily over rocks and rills. I am drawn to it, it beckons me , and it promises relief . On I am drawn, ever onward towards the waters, siren’s song, and the illusive promise of refreshment.

I thirst…………..then there at the bottom of the gully, that shining promise greets my eyes. On bended knee I cup my hands, dip them in to the living water. Sensations engulf me the coolness, the flowing life, the stories of its birth and travels suddenly I am one with the water one with the forest, one with the world . Reverently I sip this promise of life and I am truly refreshed for the first time in my life.

A sound, a movement, more sense than seen or heard, a presence not of the Woods, I freeze the life giving water slipping through my fingers.

 

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[Image]

...with soft footfall I step into the glade. Everything is shrouded in a lavender scented myst. It smells fresh and new and I get the feeling that it is perpetually springtime here. The music is still playing but instead of just hearing it I can actually see it. Instead of just feeling it I can actually touch it. Each note floats around me like a soap bubble blown in the breeze.

Looking for the source of my inspiration I spy near the edge of the creekbed another being. Not sure of what to do, but not really afraid either, I move slowly behind the tree nearest me. I am not threatened, only cautious.

 

[Snork Maiden]

My steps became steadier, more confident. My feet cushioned by the soft ferns and grasses that carpet the floor of the woodland glade.

Was this a dream, it seemed as though the trees were whispering to me, encouraging me, urging onward. A strange sound drifted through the woods, like gentle whispering song. Drawn towards it's voice I came across a wonderous sight. A ribbon of water wound its way across the floor before me, babbling as it ran over small smooth rocks covered with moss and deep green lichens, it borders fringed with reeds and over hanging ferns.

I bent lower dipping my hands into the crystal clear liquid, its coolness caressed my hands and left them wet as I withdrew them much as if I had been in a heavy rainfall. Again I lowered my hands into the life giving fluid, cupping my hands and raising them to my mouth. Tasting the fresh sweetness of this water, I felt a surge of refreshment entering my body, running down inside of me. Once more I filled and raised my hands, pouring the water over my head feeling the cold water run down my body.

My skin, now soft and subtle, tightened as the cold liquid ran over it causing me to exhale. So many new sensations I watched the stream and it seemed as if time was slowing, moving in slow motion the white foam from the rocks as the water broke over them swirled in small pateterns, the tiny bubble that made up the masses popping slowly until once more the water was clear.

A sound nearby brought me to my senses I looked around nervously, crouching low in the ferns.

 

[cgraven]

Frozen in time, all my sense alert, now not one but at least two other beings close, one seems to be of this woods, a wander much like myself, the other from away.

Neither seems a threat, the woods and its creatures at peace with them .Off to my right, water dripping from her face and upturned breasts, crystal droplets shining in the sun.. A woman caught much like I, drinking form this wondrous changing stream, another close somewhere behind me, unseen but sensed.

My lips move a sound murmurs on the breeze, I hear my thoughts on the wind.

“I am Cedar who are you?”

I remain frozen in time waiting,……………waiting for I no not what.

 

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[Image]

Watching the youth drinking from the stream made my mouth water.... and yet another comes to quench their thirst in this pure, magickal water. I now understand that it was the song of the running stream all along calling to me. Realizing how thirsty I had become, and noticing as well there is slim chance to flee, I throw all caution to the winds and step out from my hiding place.

 

[Snork Maiden]

I hear a voice, a rustling like the sound of leaves in a soft breeze, the vibrations form in my mind and the words become substance, "I am Cedar", it says.

My hair cascades down over my forehead like a veil covering my face, the fine strands flutter in the soft breeze, skimming the surface of the stream.

A blue and green dragonfly hovers nearby its wings a blur, fast beating and yet I can perceive each movement. A thought in my mind takes form and becomes sound as it escapes my lips in a gentle whisper, carried from me by the wind and blending with the soft trickelling of the brook.

I am Willow

Now I see my reflection for the first time, caught in the mirror of the crystal stream. What wonderous enchantment is this that has befallen me.

 

[Image]

In unison they all turned to look at me... I felt a warm shiver pass up my spine as they eyed me tentatively. I looked down upon my own body as well and noticed for the first time I was barefoot. At least the shreds of clothing I still had on protected my modest form from strangers. Well, what did you expect from a maiden? Trembling slightly.... but not showing any fear, even if I did feel it a little, I offered my hand in greeting.
I am known as Ivy.

 

[cgraven]

“I am Willow”

The sounds of her voice light, airy, like the babbling brook. Willow's hair veils her face as she crouches by the stream. There is something about her, familiar, she is one with the woods as I am, we are alike ,yet there is a marked difference in her form and from mine.

I am known as Ivy.”

I turn at the sound of Ivy's voice. It seems surer, firmer, and not as timid as Willow’s or mine, yet it is soft, gentle and pleasing to the ear. She stands there, she shivers like a young fawn, innocent, relaxed, but ready to flee at a moments notice. She is not of the woods, there is something difference about her, yet it seem to welcome her.

Her hand out stretches to me like the trees of the forest reach for the sun, I extend my hand to her in greeting as I rise, Ivy's from covered in bright foliage, it flutters in the morning breeze, she is so different than I. We touch and she is warm and soft.

Suddenly I a gentle rustling of brush, I sense another presences , again all my sense are keyed, again time is frozen and I wait my hand in Ivy’s hand, hers resting in mine.

 

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"Well met fellow travellor.... It seems we have all been brought to this glade from our own unique time and space. Each of us with our own magick to realize. Each of us with our own fantasies waiting to be brought to life. Seperately yes, but I feel in some way we must intertwine with eachother for our destinies to be fulfilled. Before moving on together, let us sit for awhile, rest and share what brings us to the tangle of this greenwood. Besides I am thirsty beyond knowing and I begin to hunger as well....

 

[cgraven]

Slowly shyly she steps from her place of concealment her voice a mere whisper on the morning breeze. She is a child lost in the woods yet not lost. The patterns of life entwine around us as she too offers her hand in friendship.

"My name is Water Lily, please allow me to walk with you on your journey."

"Well met fellow traveller.... It seems we have all been brought to this glade from our own unique time and space………………………………..”

Ivy’s words of greeting dance on the air, they are soft and inviting, as I take Lilly’s hand. A backward glance and my eyes beckon Willow to join us.

“ The Woods will provide all that you need, will fulfill the longings of your heart.”

I am not sure where the words came from, they sprung to my mind from I know not where yet In my heart of hearts I knew they where true.

Suddenly I was alive more alive than I had ever been in all my long years of life. The sun filter down through the forest’s canopy, the moss that carpeted the rocks, the earthy, musky smells of the Woods all struck me with a power and force that took away my breath. I recline on the forest’s carpet, I long for the feel of the rich dark earth where all life is born, I draw my two companions to rest beside me.

“Sun , Water, berries, all that you desire is her.”

Willow, Ivy, Lilly tell me of your fantasies, tell me what your hearts long for?”

 

[cgraven]

The stream in the Enchanted Wood

 

[quintessential]

Water Lily

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[Snork Maiden]

Still kneeling by the crystal stream I observe the unfamiliar image that peers back at me, it’s features distorted by the gentle undulating ripples of the water and yet it mimics my movements. I dip towards the water regarding this strange reflection, as I do so it moves forward to meet me. To the left I allow my head to droop, my hair floats on the surface of the water carried by the soft currents until it is dampened and sinks below the surface. The fine strands mingle and blend with that of my mirrored image. Reaching forward with my hand, steadying myself, I touch the surface of the water. The image dissolves in the ripples my hand creates scattering it into waves but then reforms as my hand withdraws. I touch my face and watch as the reflection does likewise. The coolness of the stream runs down my face in tiny beads as the water leaves my fingertips, running down over my cheeks, my chin, my neck. I realise the image is me.

My fingertips relay the sensation of the soft smooth skin that covers my body tracing the path of the water, regarding my body closely for the first time I can see my limbs are slender and reduced in number, my fingers shortened my arms lengthened in comparison. My toes too are much shorter and my legs reduced in numbers, attached much higher to a shortened trunk. My protective skin is softer and yet still resistant to water. More supple as I press my fingers against it I can see it pales in color and then watch the color return as I remove the pressure.

A little scared I continue to run my hands over my new form, the sensations are varied some producing strong pleasant sensations other having little feelings at all.

I hear voices again quite close, I crouch lower still, nervous of this new form I have become, aware of my new found mobility and articulation. I recognised the being named Cedar as it’s voice speaks once more, strong and confident, I regarded his form, much like my own unadorned and yet different more powerful roots and branches broader than mine covered by skin of a darker in hue.

A second being was with him I watched as her twigs and his merged in brief contact, her form much like mine but her body covered in strange large leaves that hung from her form. As the second being rose from the undergrowth I heard her name uttered, I am Ivy her voice soft and gentle then a third being came from its conceal hiding place in the carpet of ferns, it’s form still obscured from clear view by the trees and ferns, I am Water Lily it said.

 

[cgraven]

"Willow come join us."

A simple invitation, for I can sense she is like myself part of the woods. I long to talk too one of my own kind, to find out if she like myself where living the myth that grandfather had spoken of all those long years ago.