I am a water baby at heart. A Pisces that has been land-locked most of her life must take the time to really refuel with water. Lately I have been craving a float in the fueling waters of this planet. Just to sit and hear the movement, feel the caress, and absorb the nourishment for my soul. Daily I walk upon the crust of Gaia grateful for the opportunity to commune with her and her creatures. I love smelling the scents of the trees and grasses, glimpsing the wildlife and soaring with the bird tribe, and yet my soul is drawn to the water.

Today I gave in.

I loaded my pack with offerings. I pulled one container of moon ceremony waters that raised its hand, gently securing it deep within my pack next to my favorite Hobbs. Hobbs travels everywhere with me. He is my tool of comfort for those who cannot find it. Today Hobbs is joining me at the river. Hobbs will bring the water medicine home for future use.

My first stop proved to be uninterested in fulfilling my request. No worries. Knowing this place would fill it for others I turned around to travel further down the road. Spying a turnoff I made a sudden decision and turned left across the highway. For 10 minutes I journeyed east towards the river and Poker Joe's fishing access. Discovering only one car in the lot I pulled in placing my car squarely in the shade. It was still early. The sun travels slowly west this time of year leaving shade available for most of my planned time.

I followed the trail stepping around mud puddles moving further into the brush. It was a well worn trail even indicating a quad-wheel had recently been through leaving scars in the deep grass. It was quiet as I removed my sunglasses to see clearer. Finally I came out into a clearing. It was obviously the river had come this far in this spring. Large trees littered the sandy rock filled ground before me. The river still lay 500 feet further east. Spotting the fisherman I turned away heading left picking my way toward the bank.

Finding the edge where I wanted to settle I asked the river permission to join her for the day. Quietly she meandered by beckoning me to sit for a conversation. The breeze was strong enough to take the heat from the rocks, blowing away any chance of a candle or smudge, still leaving me refreshed and cleared.

The remnants of moon-bathed chocolate cake came out to be sprinkled across her ripples in offering to the water sprites that danced. Chuckling to myself I wondered if my activity would draw the trout away from the fisherman as I continued with my offerings of cedar, salt, and lavender. Sensing something behind me I glanced up as a large blue heron graced the stark blue sky melding into the rhythm of the breeze. Distracted in my thoughts to grab my phone, turning I ignored the request and watched her elegant flight. Stillness settled as I felt drawn back to the river and her rhythm.

With a sigh I released all my worries, aspirations, and plans to her as I called my guides and star family to this moment. My body refreshed itself in the sounds of her lapping the shore carrying everything away. Trout jumped at the dragonflies skipping across enticing them in play. I watched as an osprey soared carrying my dreams home.

Closing my eyes the Spirit of the Bitterroot River glided across towards me. She offered her wisdom. Her deeper understanding of the part we each hold was gifted as I quietly poured my water offering into her depths. Tears spilled sending ripples into her. Slowly I stepped out into her allowing the washing and anointing. My soul sang with each step. As I returned to my spot a dark little frog hopped across my path a perfect gift to seal the moment.

Finally the river released me. Packing to head home I heard the request to bring my drum next week so she could teach me a new song. Be sure to bring lunch she said your body will need the nourishment. Delighted I turned to leave.

Heading back across unfamiliar ground I made the choice to follow the call. Soon I found myself watching the blue heron fishing. As she elegantly stood in silence she stole a glance of me. I swore she winked as I tiptoed closer. This time I knew a photo was appropriate. Clicking away I watched as she fished mesmerized by her beauty and presence.

Knowing it was time to return I found myself startled each time I startled the bird tribes hidden on the trail. Laughing I heard the chatter of the black chipmunk above me as he warned those ahead. I tried, unsuccessfully, to capture him. He blended in the dark burnt bark of the trees.

Blessings abound for me. I am constantly in awe at how Source gifts, loves, and teaches us. Holding yourself in humility and love offers opportunities for simple affirmations of the grandeur of life. I cherish this land and feel its calls deeply. It is the waters that fill me with ancient memories. They are very sacred to me. Pouring my moon water back into her filled me with gratitude. Humbly I realized how small I was compared to her, the Bitterroot River, and all the waters she represented. I hold sacred my calling to care for these waters. My part is small, this I know. Yet each day I offer in prayer for the care of our waters supports the larger picture.

She wanders long and deep carrying our earliest memories and the truth of who we truly are. One day she will bring us all home.

The Soul Traveler

Fireside Chat with Crones ~ February

The Lady of the River