The Free Radical

“Already you are sewn deeply within the forest tapestry. Your energetic threads are gloriously entangled with ours.”

The speaker this day is Moose. Although Moose represents the archetypal feminine, I will likely refer to this individual as “he,” as the animal of this encounter is known to be male. His footprints pictured above leave little doubt to his identity.

Again I was being followed. Moose followed directly in my footsteps from the Mesa down into the river valley along a path I refer to as the Tibetan Trail. It is named thusly because of the extremity of the descent; it is not an easy path to negotiate especially in winter. That Moose would even make the attempt is rather startling… but rest assured, he arrived at river’s edge safely.

“We are not prone to worry… but you were missed nevertheless. Your absence is felt like a dull ache in the belly of the Forest. We sought you out to no avail.”

Yeah, I just up and left suddenly for a week without explanation… and that’s really what Moose wanted to discuss.

“Your most loyal allies traced your path in its entirety– forwards and back. We are all reminding you that communication is a two-way street. We are quite pleased to be able to present these messages to you, but did you know that you may speak to us too? We are quite capable of listening… and prefer to be informed. You have referred to us as ‘family.’ We are; and as such, we desire the same courtesy you would assign to your human family. We would have liked to have known of this little interruption to our ongoing communication in advance. Dealing with humans has long involved much confusion; we ask that this may end now.”

I don’t know if you’ve ever been chastised by a Moose, but it tends to get your attention! I understand perfectly, though. When I was a dog-owner, I was one of those weirdos who spoke to my dog Jazz as though she could understand every word I was saying… because… well, she could. Anytime I left the house– whether to go to work or just to get firewood from the yard– I would tell Jazz exactly where I was going and when I intended to be back. I swear she always understood exactly what I was saying. I always felt very strongly about keeping Jazz “in the loop.” And now it should be no problem to extend the same courtesy to my forest companions. I already talk to them a lot out there, but I will now endeavour to keep them apprised of my plans and intentions, so that we can truly begin working together… in creating a New Earth that works for everyone.