Chop wood carry water

Until very recently I’ve always lived in the city. Now, I find myself out in the country - way out - and my spiritual practice has changed significantly with the move.

I am learning to stay “in the now,” grounded, quite literally, to the land. A Zen parable says that before enlightenment we “chop wood carry water.” After enlightenment we “chop wood carry water.” Luckily, I mostly carry: branches, debris, leaves to the burn circle; and water to the garden and pots.

Watering the garden has become a peaceful meditation. I search the pots and raised bed for new sprouts, enjoy the variations on green that Nature creates, and take pleasure in the smell of the Earth as I water, encouraging the garden to grow.

I’ve carried yards and yards of fallen branches, saplings, and brush to burn. I’ve found myself communing with the trees, explaining to them that by clearing the duff from around them and the low hanging canopy from their trunks I’m working to protect them from the ravages of forest fire. I ask their blessing and protection while I work. I’ve felt their peace and understanding.

In the Fire Circle I call forth the Dragon of the Circle to light the fire. It’s taken some practice, but I can now start a fairly large fire with one piece of newspaper and a match - provided the pine needles are dry. I enjoy the challenge of keeping my Fire sacred and have rejected the common practice among the old-timers up here of starting the brush-burns with diesel or gasoline. Each time I invoke the Dragon I call Him forth to consecrate the Fire, keep it within the confines of the Circle and protect our home from the ravages of unbridled fire in the forest.

This weekend I will light my Beltane fire and watch the Moon rise over our trees - celebrating the sacredness of the Earth and the life She has provided. I know I'm not alone and that many other Pagans are gathering this weekend or, like me, celebrating at home, and in this knowledge I hold the isolation of the forest at bay.

Blessed Be,
Julie Epona