Posted by Michael Finkelstein | September 20th, 2017
Majesty Shrouded In Mystery
I think I was 11 years old when I first saw a Redwood Tree. Walking within the eerie primordial mist of Muir Woods, just outside of San Francisco, I was struck by something more awesome than anything I had previously seen or experienced. The forest itself was breathtakingly beautiful, but there was an element of something far more profound. As I stood beneath one of the towering giants, peering up as far as I could strain my eyes to see, lost in the shroud of mist was an element of the mystery made real. I remember shaking, crying within, and knowing then and there that I was in a special place….no, not Muir Woods, but life itself.
In the 45 years since, I’ve returned to that forest on numerous occasions, and have travelled up and down the California coast seeking other representatives of the majesty. Last week, I had another such opportunity and I was reminded once again of the gratitude I feel to have the privilege now and again to touch these trees, the pillaring elders, who bear witness with grace and dignity and inspiring strength and tolerance, even as we fumble through our own evolutionary process. Last week, amid the coincidental destructive forces of fires, hurricanes and earthquakes, I wondered what they must be feeling. I actually put my head to one of the giants hoping to gain some insight. I’ll let you know if anything shows up. For now, though, I just felt like I needed to share the story – perhaps to bring a ray of hope during these troubling times. Indeed, when I stand amidst these token symbols of the magic of creation, I feel somewhat reassured that the powers of the life-giving forces that birthed these beings has a plan for the restoration of wholeness for us all.
Mitakuye Oyasin,
Michael
I just stumbled upon your website and this new moon post – the chain of how I found it was from a library events post here in St. Louis, MO.
I cannot tell you how meaningful this was for me. My heart leapt and it brought me to tears. I had the opportunity to re-visit the Redwoods in July of this year with my husband and daughter. We had mystical experiences about 4 years ago in Yosemite, then Crescent City in California. This time we returned to Crescent City, then ventured into Oregon to see the northern most Redwoods.
So much is happening.. the world feels so unstable right now. I, too, have wondered what these magnificent beings know. I put an ear to and touched many to feel their grounding energy. The last line of your post is very profound and resonates with me on many levels.
Thanks for putting this out into this universe. I feel more grounded and more hopeful today.
Aho.
Dear Cathi,
It is so nice to hear from you and to know that my experience and my words were meaningful. Thank you as well for taking the time to introduce yourself. I truly hope that one day our paths will cross. In the interim, please know that you are always welcome to visit us here at SunRaven.
Mitakuye Oyasin,
Michael