If you have viewed much of my art, you'll notice I love bones and decaying things. In fact, if I find a bone in the woods (or if dear friends find them for me), it makes my day because I know that, sooner or later, it will find its way into my art.A few nights ago, we had gone into McMinnville to have dinner with friends and to hand off a copy of Nils's new book (See post below for description). By the time we came home on our little narrow dirt road into the forest, it was quite dark. As we rounded a corner, something large and white and something large and black were suddenly in front of us.
As often happens when we are confronted with something unexpected, it took a few seconds to realize what we were seeing. But there it was, a huge stripped-of-meat rib cage (cow? elk?) being dragged across the road by a black bear who was barely visible in the surrounding blackness.
It was a rather surreal sight and certainly an unlikely sight, and how I wished I could have had a picture of it that actually captured it in the darkness. I think you would have loved seeing it.
We haven't seen bear around for quite some time, although this spring when I was picking daffodils by the large pond, the tall grass was very trampled down...trampled by something heavy and broad, not something delicate like deer who usually frequent that area. Now I suspect the bear inhabits the area because there is water and lots of room to roam unbothered through the forests. Rather like feeling an earthquake, there is something exciting and wonderful mixed in with any fear that might arise, knowing that the bear is nearby.
No, fall isn't quite as "here" as the picture above suggests. Last year was the most colorful fall ever, according to Nils, who has lived here 32 years...and this is just one of many of the magical photos he took last year.
2 comments:
I love the way that you describe your feelings about the bear...the myterious, dark, magical presence of a often feared and powerful creature. Have you thought about this encounter as being a sign?? Just wondering because the imagery seems SO powerful...some tidbits I got off the internet:
The bear as power animal is intuitive and can often manifest healing. Imagine a bear hug. The all encompassing strength of a bear animal familiar is a safe and reassuring environment for restoration of both body and spirit. The bear spirit guide thus helps his shaman companion to heal mental, physical and spiritual wounds with intuition and self-assured courage.
The bear is a symbol of invincibility, offering a secure refuge for those who enjoy the company of a totem bear spirit guide. The Shaman of bear power animal has a determined ally in spiritual work, loyal and utterly dependable.
The bear is an introspective creature, independent and apparently aloof. He has with little need for fraternity, rather he is self-contained and strong-willed. A Bear spirit guide is of great support and comfort to those who crave human company simply for personal reassurance rather than for the simple pleasure of being with friends. He makes lonely periods of life far easier, and can help the Shaman to work in isolation to gain deep insights.
The bear represents female energies, hibernating to reconnect with the earth each year, and emerging with answers to spiritual dilemmas. Those with a bear spirit guide can harness this natural connection with the earth to seek insights within.
Amy, what a fabulous response! I hadn't thought of it in that way, but when I read your comment, it felt very right. The experience was definitely out of the ordinary, and evoked a sense of mysticism each time I thought about.
I will, therefore, continue to think about that vision (because that is what it seemed like, it had such a surreal quality about it) and frame it as a healing vision with my bear spirit guide.
What a wonderful gift your insights are!
Hugs,
Diane
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