gathering o’yarrang

today I went to gather some O'yarrang for a friend. This is more commonly known as Old Mans beard and is a kind of lichen that grows on trees here in the mountains. I am sure it grows elsewhere, but here in the mountains, it is infused with our grounded energy.

When I go on these forages, I always, always stop and ask permission before I begin. I ask Spirit of place to be with me as I go.
I arrived at the entrance of the path where I go to gather and a butterfly fluttered past as if to welcome me, then came towards me and danced a slow dance around me.

 

I continued down the path towards a lookout that I had never been to and the view took my breath away. I was alone. Not one tourist, no noise. Just me. And earth. and of course the ancestors.
I sat for awhile in silent contemplation and then proceeded to gather, asking permission from each tree. Sometimes, I get a no answer so I continue on. I also wanted a small piece of bark to fashion a coolamon from..  this was found, without any searching.

Having gathered enough, I proceeded to walk back to my car. The butterfly returned, dancing, mesmerizing me.

 

alighting on a tree to let me take a photo.

Flitting off, and coming back, fluttering around my whole self. I stood still, in total silence. Holding my breath.
I reached the place where I had begun my journey and turned to give thanks and as I did, the butterfly returned. Alighting on a flower right near me. I went to take another photo but it fluttered off as I reached for my phone camera,  as if to say "Sometimes messages are just for you, not to share with the world. To live in your heart. To touch your soul"

I wanted to capture that moment and put it in a bottle.

But as the butterfly flew off, I knew that this moment would be with me forever. The butterfly was showing me that not every moment has to be shouted to the world. Some are just for me to savour

 

**  Roman Chamomile is my new love. I have been anointing my throat chakra with it and the apple like scent does something to my soul.

 

quote for today: "do not edit your soul".... I did this for too many years... and now, I am clawing my way back.