The Pagan Activist

 We would like to introduce to you our regular columist for 'Woman Who Walks et al'- Stephanie Pflumm!

The Pagan Activist

You may jump articles or just scroll down

2008:

September

August

July / June / May / April / March / February / January

2007:

December / November / October / September / August / July / June / May / April / March / February

Back to Top

Back to Top

by Stephanie Pflumm ©Copyright 2008
 
Mountains cannot be worn in jewelry, so the Ozark Mountains do not fit the
gemologists' definition of a gemstone. However, since I will wear these
charming hills and valleys in my heart for the rest of my days, they are
something of a gem to me.
 
The Ozark Mountains are technically defined as the Ozark highlands or uplands.
I suspect they are called highlands and uplands by geologist because the hills
were formed when continental collisions folded and faulted the North American
continent. Low lying ocean floors were literally thrown up by the collisions.
Today this area is between Southwest Illinois and Northeastern Oklahoma,
including Southern Missouri, much of North, West and central Arkansas and a
portion of Southeast Kansas.
 
Geologists have been able to trace the geological history of this region back
some 570 million years. Some of their findings have been courtesy of the
highway department's efforts to build straight roads through this hilly
region. Road cuts into our hillsides, in addition to making travel safer, also
offer the wise geologist a history report on continent building.
 
Nowhere is this more visible to me than on the drive to the crystal mines in
Southwest Arkansas. Even along this older road, cuts into the hills
dramatically illustrate the intense energy it took to fold a horizontal plate
into a vertical formation. Columns of flat rock look as if a row of dominos is
just beginning to tip. Over and over again I remind myself that these vertical
formations rising above the road were once the floor of a very ancient ocean.
 
This folding and upthrust occurred primarily during the Paleozoic time, when
the African and South American continents slammed into the North American
continent. The Appalachian, as well as the Ozark and Ouachita mountains were
all formed during this process. It also created several of the modern basins
we now find in Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi and Arkansas.
 
As the continents begin to split back apart during late Precambrian and early
Cambrian it created rifts or fault lines. One of those rifts, the New Madrid
fault continues to cause earthquakes around the midwest. It also brought
numerous igneous rocks to the surface, showing future scientist evidence of
pre-historic volcanic activity in the Ozarks area.
 
During the Jurassic period, the dramatic movement of continental plates
ceased. Now the entire Southeastern US is under sea waters except for the
uplifts and mountains created earlier. By the time the Tertiary period begins,
the waters are as far North as Illinois and covering portions of Oklahoma and
Texas.
 
The first residents to occupy the area found a very dry and arid climate,
similar to the American Southwest of today. Some of those first residents were
the Piankeshaw and Osage tribes.
 
The Piankeshaw often traveled in their canoes using Missouri's rich web of
streams and rivers (remember, this was thousands of years before flood control
attempted to tame American rivers) to visit the Osage near present day Lake of
the Ozarks. One of the items the Osage used in trade was a colorful Jasper
stone that we now call Mozarkite.
 
The Osage were very proud of their Mozarkite and kept the location of their
source secret. In fact the penalty for revealing the location of their prized
Jasper was death.
 
According to an Ozark legend, Mina Sauk, the daughter of the Piankeshaw chief
Taum Sauk feel in love with an Osage warrior named Eagle Eye. When the
Piankeshaw returned to their homes, Eagle Eye accompanied Mina Sauk and they
were married.
 
However, not long after their wedding, the Osage determined that Mina Sauk had
used magic to seduce Eagle Eye into the marriage and revealing the location of
their valuable Jasper. This assumption led them to declare war on the
Piankeshaw.
 
In an effort to placate the Osage, the Piankeshaw declared Mina Sauk a witch
and threw Eagle Eye from the top of a mountain. Grief stricken over the loss
of her lover, Mina threw herself from the mountain to join Eagle Eye in death.
As the two lovers lay together in tragedy, a storm erupted with great flashes
of lightening and thunder, and a rush of water emerged from the Earth carrying
the lovers away.
 
Today the mountain (Missouri's highest point) is called Taum Sauk, and the
waterfall that flows out of its base is called Mina Sauk. Treasure hunters
still search the Southern Missouri hills for the Osage's secret deposit of
Mozarkite. It is believed to be somewhere in Benton, Henry, Hickory, St.
Clair, Camden or Cedar counties.
 
Mozarkite is a colorful Jasper that formed while the area was under the great
sea is Missouri's state stone. Some of the other minerals left behind by the
geological events in the Ozark Region are Lead (Galena), Zinc, Coal, Diamonds,
Quartz, Calcite, Tourmalines and even occasional Citrines.
 
Today much of the Ozarks' rugged beauty has been preserved. Several of the
rivers (North Fork, Gasconade, White River, Buffalo, Eminence etc) are
nationally protected and their white waters attract canoe and kayak
enthusiasts from around the world. Mark Twain and the Ouachita National
Forests encompass several hundred thousand acres around the region. In
addition state and county parks protect even more of the natural beauty here.
 
Still, humans are not without impact. Local lakes struggle with phosphates
upsetting the natural balance of fresh water marine life and sewer spills are
not uncommon further threatening water and land resources. Plus, everyone
feels they have to have their piece of acreage and habitat is being gobbled up
at an alarming rate around areas like Springfield, Branson, Nixa, Ozark,
Republic and Rogersville to accommodate single family homes.
 
Each day I pray for sanity and respect to return to the human race. Not only
to save places like the Ozarks, but all of our wild lands that are in constant
threat of encroachment by us. How can we love and admire this beautiful
continent Mother created, yet continue to treat Her with such disrespect?

Back to Top

Back to Top

by Stephanie Pflumm

In our earliest beginnings, before men wrote testaments, gospels, bibles or
korans we sought out the Divine. In a child like effort to understand where
life came from, how to survive it and why it could end so cruelly many of us
sought comfort and knowledge from a maternal divine source.

Perhaps we defined our Mother God first because when we looked around, it was
the female that produced life. Not just amongst ourselves, but in every animal
and plant it was from the feminine that life sprouted. Even masculine
monotheistic traditions recognized and honored some aspect of divine
femininity.

The names of these Earth Mothers/Goddesses are plentiful. Some almost
universal and their presence still touches us today in the names of places,
rivers, lakes and mountains. Others were only known to their particular
children and remain as a simple mention in listings of forgotten things. More
are probably lost to us all together.

Despite the many names given Her, who She is seems to remain constant
throughout the Earth Goddess mythologies. She is All that is Life. The bright
sun light and the mysterious dark night, birth and death, the flowing River,
the ravenous predator, virgin, mother and grandmother. Her cooking pot and
collecting basket are never empty. Her presence is in the rainbow's many
colors, the heart of each living creature, the scent of all flowers, the taste
of all fruits and in every breath you take.

Danu appears to be one of the more (possibly the most) widely used names of
the original Earth Goddesses. From the mythical Celtic Tuatha De' Danann
(Tribes of Danu) to the Hindu's in India, Danu has left Her divine mark on an
expansive list of cultures. Europe's greatest river, the Danube is named for
Her.

In Celtic myths the Tribes of Danu would battle the Tribes of Domnu when they
first arrived in ancient Ireland. In these myths Danu's children represent all
that is good in humans and Domnu's children represent all that is harmful. In
the end, there are no true victors and both aspects of humanity survive to
this day.

The Churning of the Ocean is a Vedic creation myth. Danu is the essence of
Life within the Primordial Waters. The Earth rose up from within and now rests
on top of this Water. Danu or Life is awakened when these waters are agitated
and the full potency of Her life-giving essence is released. Through chaos,
order is formed.

Dana is an early Greek Mother Goddess, whose name in Sanskrit is Danu. Dana
would ascend the throne of Egypt as King Danaus. As a male king, this Mother
Goddess did not fare well, being driven from one throne (Egypt) to another
(Argos), then finally into exile by the king of Phoenicia (who was also
his/Her father).

Some scholars have concluded that Nanna (a Danish Earth Goddess, mother/wife
to Baldur), Anatha (Syrian), Anat (Canaan), Inanna (Sumerian) and other
derivatives of Anne, Ana or Anna were originally taken from Danu. Even Dinah
from the Syriac Old Testament (di sometimes means divinity or godhead) or
Di-Ana from Semitic may be just more variations on the same root name.

Hathor is Egypt's Mother creator. Visualized as the Great Celestial Cow
Goddess She created  this world and all that exists upon it. Her milk gives
nourishment to the living and She greets the dead as they journey to the next
life. As with many of the early Earth Mother gods, Her celebrations consisted
of much music, merriment, dance and intoxicating liquids made from Her
bounty.

Europa was also a cow goddess, giving birth to Europe. She was honored and
celebrated in Crete and Mycenae.

Celebrations to honor Tara, a savior Mother Goddess were held in Ireland,
Athens, India and Tibet. There was a grove in Ireland that was a sacred shrine
to her genitals. In Athens the ancient celebrations of Her fertile blessings
were dubbed the rioting because of the wild behavior that resulted. According
to Tibetan Buddhist traditions, Tara is the Great Mother, a Boddhisattva. The
enlightened One who has vowed to incarnate repeatedly until all have achieved
enlightenment. And always to return as a woman.

Gaea is the Greek Earth Mother. Mother of all the gods, oldest of all the
divine. Chomo-Lung-Ma was the original name of Mount Everest. She is a primal
goddess, one of the oldest of India's deities.

Themis is the pre Hellenic creatress. She gave birth to Themistes and Oracles.
It was Themis that founded the oracle of Delphi which Apollo would later take
over. In Egypt She was known as Temu, the spirit that ruled the fertile Abyss
which gave birth to all life.

Ala is the Mother Goddess of the Ibo tribe from Nigeria. The creator of life
and ruler of the dead, She also sets the laws that provide for the survival of
the community and society.

Mawa of the Dahomey tribe in Africa created humanity from clay and water. The
Turks honor Aka as their Mother Goddess and the Great Mesopotamian Goddess
Anatu ruled both Earth and Sky.

In Iran's ancient mythologies Aramaiti is the Earth Goddess, mother of the
people made from clay. The language of the original gospels (Aramaic) is named
for Her.

Tlalteutli is the Aztec's Mother of creation. In the very beginning of Time,
Her body was the Universe. In Mexican mythology, Chicomecoatl is the Mother of
all people, She is the Earth's beating heart. Seven sacred serpents were her
messengers.

Long before the Celts arrived, when Ireland first emerged from out of the
Underworld, Cessair ruled the primal lands. This Goddess/Chieftain brought
with Her 50 women and three men to populate the virgin country.

The list of names given to Mother is long and the stories woven to explain our
birth are a joy to learn. I wish I had time to explore and share every one of
them here. More importantly than learning a list of old names and memorizing
stories is recognizing and accepting the complexity of the Divine's identify.

Throughout my research one theme appeared to run constant through the majority
of mythologies, that the Divine is in all things. You, your children, the
trees in your yard, the aggravating neighbor or co-worker, the mis-placed
wildlife in the new housing development are all manifestations of and
residences for the Divine.

Regardless of how you choose to recognize Divinity, masculine, feminine, both
or neither remember to also recognize the Divine within yourself. Whatever
force first breathed life into this planet exists within you. Honor, cherish
and use your Divine Source to be a true co-creator in your own Life Story.

Back to Top

Back to Top

by Stephanie Pflumm  ©Copyright 2008

There is no accurate record of how Mother Earth came to be. Despite that fact

theories abound. From the simple creation theory of fundamental believers, to

complicated big bang and expanding matter theories offered by the scientific

community. None of us know for sure what spark started our planet's birth.

Even the history of the planet was shrouded in misdirection and false beliefs

for thousands of years. The earliest attempts to accurately date our home were

thwarted by the established church's efforts to make history conform to

biblical dates. This went on until sometime in the 1800's when carbon dating

and other scientific advances made it impossible to ignore the empirical

evidence. Earth is some 4.6 billion years old.

In that very early beginning, there was no life. The atmosphere consisted of

gases like methane and ammonia. For the first 800 million years the surface of

our planet was molten. This period is called Hadean time. Meteorites and Lunar

debris are the only physical remnants of this very distant past. Carbon dating

puts the oldest of this impact material at 4.5 billion years old.

Archean time marks the solidifying of Earth. The continental plates form and

photosynthetic bacteria form. The oldest stones come from this period, 3.8

billion years ago. Fossils of bacteria found on Archean stones in South Africa

and Australia are the oldest evidence of Earth's birthing process.

The longest geological measurement of time is the Proterozoic period. It spans

Earth's formative years from 2.5 billion to a more recent 543 million years

ago. It was also the most violent time in the planet's geological history. The

continents that formed during the Archean era began to move. Molten magma

bubbling beneath the surface of these land masses was constantly seeking to

escape. For the next billion years or so, our Mother would endure some intense

growing pains.

To help you imagine how much things changed during this time period, North

America, which would end the Proterozoic era in its current position began the

era with the West coast of California laying in an East to West direction,

parallel to the Equator. Africa was at the South Pole.

Life on Mother Earth would go through dramatic changes during this period as

well. Oxygen began to build up in the atmosphere through the middle millennia.

While this caused the extinction of some life forms, for the first time multi

cell organisms began to appear and animals. Marking the beginning of Paleozoic

time.

Over the span of these two eras many of the gemstones and crystals we enjoy

today began their journey of birth as well.

Some gems are the remnants of the planet's primordial mountains. These

prehistoric mountain ranges no longer exist except as minor bumps and hills on

our modern landscape. Natural erosion wore down these ancient ranges while

colliding land masses created huge pressures and heat which would transform

the sediment created by the erosion. Hundreds of varieties of gemstones and

crystals were born during this process. So, the next time you enjoy your

favorite gemstone, remember that you may be holding the remnant of a once tall

and proud mountain peak. Perhaps this is why so many crystals grow into

points.

Some of the oldest mountains still visible on the planet are the Ozark

Mountains in South Central US and the Appalachians along the East coast of the

United States. Both of these mountain ranges began forming as the result of

colliding land masses between 650 and 400 million years ago. Africa ran into

the East coast of North American and South American was slamming into the

Southern area of the continent.

Remnants of even older mountains can be found around Mother Earth. Avarallis

is a primal mountain range that can still be seen as hills around Delhi India.

In their youth (1 billion years ago) the peaks of the Avarallis Mountains

would have dwarfed the Himalayan mountains that we recognize as Earth's

highest today.

The Himalayas are the youngest mountains on our planet. During the reign of

the mighty Avarallis peaks, India was not a part of the European/Asian

continent as it is today. According to geological theory, about 140 million

years ago the Indian continent (aka Gondwanaland) began moving across the now

extinct Tethyan ocean which separated it from Asia.

It took 60 million years for this land mass to complete its journey and

conjoin with the Eurasian continent. Primordial sediments from the floor of

the Tethyan Ocean, crumbled remnants of the Avarallis peaks and all matter of

stone and debris from the contact area were thrust together to form the infant

Himalayas (and untold treasures of gems and crystals).

Apparently Gondwanaland has not stopped moving (ultimately all of the Earth's

land masses are in constant motion). Over the last 1 million years the

Himalayan Mountains and the regions in its shadows have risen another 5,000

meters above sea level. Tibet is considered one of the highest regions on

Earth. Today geologists calculate this area is rising an average of 10 meters

every 100 years. In the last century Mt. Everest has grown 8.2 meters.

Our Mother Earth is in a permanent state of change. Volcanos are still

erupting, continents constantly moving causing earthquakes. This is not a good

place to come for peace and quiet.

Next article we'll explore Earth's role as one of our first deities and

discover how different traditions have honored Her.

Back to Top

Back to Top

By Stephanie Pflumm

Grass Whisper finishes her natal day apple with a joyful splash of juice.

Winds Seeker blinks the juice from his eye and allows himself a giggle at the

small Deer's expense. The two companions remain silent as the rest of the

daylight disappears.

In the full darkness of night, alone with his thoughts, the Hawk begins to

assess the situation he has gotten himself into.

Yesterday he thought his own life was over. Yet, the very same two-legged

pathway that had taken everything from him, has also given him something new.

Though Winds Seeker is still unsure if this new situation is any better.

The older deer, sleeping beside Grass Whisper is gravely ill. All day, the

yearling and the hawk spent gathering new grasses and bringing fresh water

from the creek. She did not drink or eat anything. Again.

Winds Seeker even tries chewing the grasses first then feeding them to the

older deer (much like he would a hatchling). He endures the dry, unsavory

taste of the grass gracefully, but the yearling's mother still would not eat.

The young deer looks up at the quiet hawk with sleep heavy eyes. Joy from the

simple treat that lit Grass Whisper's eyes earlier fades, like the light of

the vanished day. She knows what must be in the old Hawk's mind, these have

been her own thoughts. Luckily the child is blessed with the weariness of her

day's efforts and quietly slips into a deep, empty sleep.

Grandmother Moon slips some distance across the night sky before Winds Seeker

falls into his own sleep. While his body rests, sad sounds and vicious visions

haunt his spirit.

During these quiet hours after the human count of midnight, the spirit of the

older deer abandons her finished body. Free, the Deer Spirit rejoices the

release her pain and hopelessness. She cuts her celebrating short as she

remembers her sleeping yearling. The child lay so contentedly beside the still

warm deer body.

Deer Spirit is trying to wake Grass Whisper's spirit as a Rainbow Bridge

begins to fall from the Night Stars. She know time is precious now and begins

to tug desperately at the yearling's heart strings. The child's spirit wakes

as the bridge finishes its journey beside her mother's feet.

"Mother" the pure joy in the Yearling Spirit's voice almost breaks the

mother's heart. "Mother you are well! Look you are walking! Come, please,

we've brought the very best grasses for you to eat"! The child spirit barely

contains her excitement.

"Grass Whisper, my bright, beautiful Doe. How proud I am to have had the

pleasure of mothering you".

Yearling Spirit's excitement turns to curiosity. "I am leaving. I can no

longer stay with my body. It is too weak to keep fighting the pain. Now my

journey is across the Rainbow Bridge, where my Spirit will be free, running

strong and leaping gracefully across galaxies".

"Mother, it sounds so wonderful. I cannot wait to run and jump with you

again".

"No Grass Whisper, it is not your time to cross the Bridge".

The child's spirit is confused by the responses from her mother's spirit. As

she is trying to understand, a hawk and hatchling appear at the top of the

Bridge. Yearling Spirit watches them approach, realizing as the pair gets

closer, that these are truly the most beautiful hawks she has ever seen.

Mother Hawk alights on the ground beside Deer Spirit and Hatchling lands with

a little less grace on the deer's back. Yearling Spirit sees something very

familiar in the young hawk's eyes.

The three are washed in the hopeful colors of the Rainbow. The colors look

warm and feel so comfortable. The young spirit wants to join her mother and

the others in their light. Some deep knowledge stops her from acting on this

desire.

"You cannot leave here. I need your help with something on this side of the

bridge". Yearling Spirit is caught by the Mother Hawk's entrancing voice. The

child feels it is her honor to be of assistance to such a gracious creature.

"Your new companion was my wing mate for many years. His heart is breaking

because we will no longer touch wings on this side. His is a brave and valiant

spirit. Because you are a child, he has set aside his grief to be sure that

you are safe. You are now his reason to keep his wings strong. As much as my

heart longs for my old wing mate, it is not Winds Seeker's time to cross

Rainbow Bridge. I am asking you to please stay and remain his reason".

What important words to give to a child. Yearling Spirit is trying to fully

comprehend their intention when she recognizes the familiarity in the

Hatchling Spirit's eyes. Complete comprehension comes with that recognition.

Her mother's spirit is now free from the pain and illness that broke her body

down. Crossing the Rainbow Bridge will keep her mother free from disease

forever. Even as Grass Whisper says good bye to her loving mother, she will be

embracing a brand new journey and purpose. Yearling Spirit knows the painful

joy of letting someone you love cross over Rainbow Bridge. She can use this

knowledge to heal Winds Seeker's grief.

"Yes Mother Hawk. I will stay and help keep Winds Seeker's wings strong".

"Grass Whisper, I am so proud. Thank you for letting me go, watch for me in

your dreams. I love you my precious little Doe".

"I love you mother". The child spirit watches the three begin their ascent up

the Rainbow Bridge.

Suddenly the Hatchling turns and shouts to the Yearling Spirit "Tell daddy I'm

flying like the wind"! The voice trails off as they disappear into the colors

of the bridge.

Earliest rays of the Summer's morning Sun are just below the horizon when

Yearling Spirit returns to her sleeping body. The elder hawk is sleeping

peacefully now. When light breaks through the trees, he is the first to wake.

The first to see no movement in the body of the mother deer.

A closer inspection shows the truth, this body will move no more. Winds Seeker

waits patiently for the yearling to wake up. Every few minutes he considers

taking flight, he does not want to tell a child their mother is gone. Except

that it is a child, and he cannot abandon a hatchling. Regardless of feathers

or fur.

It only took another small turn for a bright ray of morning Sun to pry open

the young deer's eyes. Thoughts and memories rush to the front of her

conscious as she awakens. The still body of her mother lay between her and

Winds Seeker. She could see his fear of her sadness in his eyes and she steps

around the body to nuzzle the uncomfortable hawk.

Overcome by the warmth and compassion of his new companion, the elder hawk

suddenly lets go of his own grief. As he leans into the comfort of the younger

relation, she whispers to the lamenting father: "She said to tell you, she is

flying like the wind now".

Endings and beginnings turn the Universe in the quiet hidden meadow.

We may not always know how the Universe is going to provide for us, but we may

always know it is constantly turning to do so. 

Back to Top

Back to Top

By Stephanie Pflumm ©Copyright 2008

The young deer watches the Sun fall behind the Pine Trees surrounding the

small meadow where she lays beside her mother. She feels the darkening light

fill her whole being. It is sad enough that there is no celebrating today, on

her Natal Day. She knows that the even sadder truth is that her mother still

has not eaten nor drank any of her water yet this day.

A normal yearling would be celebrating her first full turn of the seasons with

the whole clan. There would be dancing, competitions, games, fancy grains and

fruits to eat. Grass Whisper does not have a clan to celebrate with. And the

mother that once taught her to jump fallen tree trunks and how to use the

light to hide, was barely with her on this noteworthy day. As the yearling's

heart grows dark in her thoughts, she almost misses the arrival of her only

other companion.

"Happy Natal Day Grass Whisper"! An elder Hawk swoops from the fading sky and

drops a ripe red apple beside the yearling. She perks up and eagerly snacks on

the gift (her absolute favorite treat!) Winds Seeker has brought.

"Thank you" she manages between her happy munching of the juicy fruit. The

older Hawk watches a glimpse of joy return to the fawn's eyes with his own

bittersweet delight. In just one short cycle of light, the Hawk lost

everything and gained something he thought was impossible to have again.

Yesterday begins as so many do for Winds Seeker and his mate of nine years,

Feather Singer. He leaves in search of the day's first meal, while she stays

to begin their newest hatchling's flying lessons. Winds Singer pesters her

parents persistently to let her try her wings. Reluctantly they give into her

request. The Hawk knows he is wise to be cautious, though, today he is sad

that he is not more stubborn.

Following the creek that runs below their hill, Winds Seeker sees a rabbit

getting a drink. As he dives toward their breakfast, a sound strikes him cold.

It is the scream of tires against asphalt and a thud that carries a mortal

twang. Fears drives his wings into strong sweeps that carry him quickly back

up the hill. He crests the rise to see his daughter kiting frantically above

her mother's shattered body.  Winds from another rushing machine disturb the

air beneath him, leaving no time to call out to Wings Singer.

It was just a moment, barely a breath in time, and the life of the aging

Hawk's changes completely. He will learn how completely.

The rest of yesterday's light, Winds Seeker spent in the empty nest. Oblivious

to his hunger or anything but the the bodies of his wife and daughter.

Watching as the passing traffic scatters the feathers and remains of his life

across the roadway below.

Winds Seeker still does not really remember seeing the young fawn. It was more

of an awareness that something is about to happen. Removing his gaze from the

pavement below, he notices a movement in the bushes and grasses that lay

between some of the two-legged's structures.

As the Hawk's attention becomes fully focused on the movement, a young fawn

carrying an array of flowers and grasses in her mouth emerges from the over

growth. She approaches the paved pathway of the two-leggeds with the intention

of crossing.

Winds Seeker alights from his nest and begins soaring above the road. Trying

to determine what this deer child is doing. Unfortunately the mouthful

obstructs Grass Whisper's vision and she cannot see clearly. Which is why she

starts to cross the paved path while a vehicle is approaching.

Immediately the Hawk swoops down and startles the little Deer, causing her to

step backwards. The two-legged's machine zooms past. Winds Seeker is sure the

Deer will drop the arrangement she's holding in her mouth, but Grass Whisper

holds tightly to her treasures.

"What are you doing"? the elder Hawk screeches at the young Deer.

"I have to get to my mother" the stubborn child proclaims as she tries to move

past the Hawk. He maintains a flight pattern that prevents the Deer from

moving forward.

"You'll have an easier and safer time of getting across the two-legged path if

you drop your flowers" Hawk replies.

"My mother needs these"! There is a panicked determination in her voice that

softens the Hawk's anger. He holds his blocking position a moment longer, then

considers a solution.

"If you will watch me, I will help you cross the pathway safely", the Hawk

watches for the child's reply.

Grass Whisper tries to look both ways down the hard pathway, but the grasses

are in her way. She must get them to the other side of the path. She looks up

at the Hawk and nods an agreement to his offer.

Winds Seeker positions himself above the road, high enough to be safe from

even the largest two-legged machine, but within the Deer's sight. The unlikely

companions wait as two more vehicle pass, the Hawk peers carefully in every

direction to be absolutely positive. Confident, he finally signals the young

Deer to cross.

Safely across, the Deer leaps with a grace beyond her small age to disappear

through more bushes and tall Pines. Hawk knows there is a tiny meadow behind

the Pine Trees. Curiosity allows him to forget his grief and anger as he

follows to see where this child might be going and just what is she doing.

Circling above the hidden meadow, Winds Seeker watches the Deer child approach

an older deer laying in the tall Summer grass.

Grass Whisper takes quiet, gentle steps as she gets closer to her mother. She

lays the grasses and flowers she carried with such tenacity across the road

beside the older Deer's mouth. She nudges the pile closer, hoping to encourage

her mother to eat.

The older Deer raises her head, acknowledging her daughter with a weak

greeting. She forces herself to chew a few of the grasses, hoping to see her

daughter smile. After just a few simple bites, the effort makes her weary.

Once again the mother deer surrenders to sleep. It is now the only refuge she

has left from the illness raging through her body.

"No mother"! Grass Whisper's heart shatters with her desperate fear. "You must

eat. Please. Mother"! Only the Hawk hears the child's pleas.

This is what happened yesterday, and it is how Winds Seeker met Grass

Whisper.

(to be continued)

Back to Top

Back to Top

By Stephanie Pflumm

©Copyright 2008

Soaring Voice turns his immediate attention from the earnest pledge made by

the young Fox to the chaos growing quietly admist the group gathered in the

meadow.

"Order!" his authoratative Hawk voice ran through the small crowd. An instant

silence quickly follows. "Quiet please! Let's bring this meeting back to

order".

The Cedarbrook Fox is embarrassed by his obviously rude and disruptive

interuption of the council's meeting. He begins an apology to Buddha Cat and

Soaring Voice, when the Hawk interrupts the Fox.

"Thank you young Fox, your assistance is greatly needed and we are grateful to

have you join us". The Hawk's voice is warm and comforting, like a father

speaks to his son.

There is no time for the Cedarbrook Fox to respond. Soaring Voice's attention

is back on the gathering and assignments are being given to the various clans

and packs. Every Bit and Persistent Patience will attend the next meeting of

the two-leggeds. In one night and two more days, the group of Humans that wish

to stop the building of the funeral home's crematorium are having their own

council.

Crows are assigned to provide air cover for the two mice, so that they may

travel safely around town. Buddha Cat will act as ambassador, helping to

bridge gaps between clans and species. The council requests the Deer to make

special appearances in the meadow for hikers and travelers along the trail's

narrow path. Murmurs of approval come from the crowd. Everyone knows how fond

the two-leggeds are of urban Deer.

When discussions end on the final idea and the last task is assigned,

Grandfather Sun's returning light has turned the black night a dark gray. Five

figures are all that remain in the threatened meadow. The Cedarbrook Fox feels

awkward, he's not been given a job, nor even acknowledged since his exchange

with Soaring Voice. Perhaps the Hawk was just being nice, maybe it is better

for the Fox to just leave. This council had important work to do.

The Cedarbrook Fox turns East to head back over to the three small lakes.

There is a cool drainpipe where he can sleep off his embarrassment and awaken

with a healthy appetite.

"Street Kit"! The Hawk's voice stops the Fox. He wonders how the senior raptor

knows his street name. He does not remember sharing it with Buddha Cat, nor

the cat ever using it.

Soaring Voice lifts himself easily into the air and back down beside the

Cedarbrook Fox. "I'm sorry to keep you waiting young man. Is there somewhere

you need to be"?

Slightly stunned by the sincerity of the Hawk's question, the Fox is barely

able to reply "No".

"Good"! There was genuine delight in the raptor's response. "I have your

assignment. We need you to be our Scout or Seeker if you will. You will watch

the meadow for unusual activity from the Two-legged's. You will be responsible

for relaying information between the different clans and packs. This is a key

assignment and requires your presence at every meeting of the James River

Urban Council. Are you ready to accept your assignment".

"Yes! Yes, I do accept". The Cedarbrook Fox replies confidently.

"Thank you". Soaring Voice turns to Buddha Cat, who had to walk to catch back

up with the Fox and Hawk. "Give our young Fox the name of the scouts from each

of the participating clans. Two nights from this one, we will meet again. The

Mice will report on the two-legged's council and Street Kit will have

intelligence to share from his reconassiance.".

Taking flight on his last words, the Hawk leaves the last two council members

to their final exchange. Meanwhile, on the paved road beside the meadow, a few

early risers happen to see the strangest site as they drive past. Two shapes

in the dull morning light that appear to be a cat and a fox sitting together.

The Cedarbrook Fox is anxious with anticipation for tonight's meeting of the

council. He is keen on hearing from the Mice about the two-legged's own

council meeting to save the meadow. Plus he has learned some very interesting

information, especially after getting Buddha Cat to read a new sign for him

the night before. Earlier in the day, he met with the smallest residents of

the meadow and has a plan he wishes to discuss with Soaring Hawk and Buddha

Cat.

It is still almost an hour before the small council meeting will begin, so the

Fox paces about the meadow waiting. Not worrying about being unseen, even

though there are still machines about on the paved roads. Finally the traffic

is all but gone and Street Kit hears Soaring Voice overhead. The Hawk arrives

just a few minutes ahead of Buddha Cat. Every Bit and Persistent Patience,

along with their air support are the last to arrive.

Soaring Voice is much less formal than he was at the larger meeting. There is

no calling to order, the five merely exchange greetings and the Hawk asks the

Mice for their report. Overhead the Crows listen with disguised interest.

Every Bit begins the report: "The Humans met last night at the Episcopal

Church to discuss plans to save the meadow. The government has given them 30

days to purchase the land or it will allow the funeral home to build their

building here".

"The two-legged that has paperwork to claim this land is selling it to the

funeral home for two hundred fifty thousand dollars. Several of the members

from the human council to save the meadow were concerned about finding this

many dollars. Some said saving the meadow would be impossible".

Persistent Patience finishes, "However, there was a second council at the

meeting called the Ozark Wild Ways. They are offering the Two-Legged Council

To Save The Meadow half of the dollars they need, if they can bring find the

other half".

"When they finished their meetings, the Two-Leggeds in attendance had pledged

$70,000 from their own dollars. Others divided into temporary clans to think

of more ways to acquire dollars. There is another meeting in 13 more risings

of the Sun. They hope to have all their money then, so there is time to pay

the two-legged with the paperwork claim".

"Thank you very much Persistent Patience and Every Bit. Excellent report". In

spite of the assurance Soaring Voice wants to put in his words, he has a

serious concern. Buddha Cat expresses the very thought that chips at his

confidence.

"Yes, this information lets us know how the two-leggeds are trying to save the

meadow. But, how can four-legged's help get dollars"?

The Cedarbrook Fox is turning the new information around in his head, while he

waits his turn to speak. Out of the corner of his eye, he notices one of the

Crows assigned to providing support for the Mice take off and leave.

"Street Kit, what have you to report"? The Hawk decides to side-step the

dollars issue for a moment. Best to have all your facts out for discussion

before building your strategy.

The Fox rushes through the beginning of his report, it mostly covers

statements of support and a few concerns from the various four-leggeds and

feathered clans. Finally Cedarbrook Fox gets to what he believes is the

important information he discovered the night before.

"Last night, I asked Buddha Cat to come with me to read a new sign". The Fox

starts to slow down, he does not want to miscommunicate now. "The new sign

says Survey Crew. After asking many questions I was able to learn that a

Survey Crew measures where two-leggeds put things. Things like paved pathways

and buildings. This crew is schedule to measure our meadow this coming day".

For a brief second Street Kit worries that maybe he is being too presumptous,

then begins to describe his idea.

"If the survey crew finds  that the meadow is too difficult to measure or make

a building on, then, maybe the funeral home will not want to pay for the

paperwork claim. With your permission, I have asked a pack of Ground Squirrels

and Ground Hogs to assist me with sabatoging the survey crews' measurments".

"Wonderful work"! Soaring Voice exclaims. "Please tell us how your plan will

work".

Street Kit (aka Cedarbrook Fox to the humans) describes the details of the

plan he hatched with the gang of burrowers earlier that night. The small

council nods in agreement as they hear the idea. Caught up in their discussion

of possibilities from this effort, not even the young Fox notices the Crow

returning holding a sparkling object in his beak.

"Bright Night, it is very rude to interrupt" Soaring Voice begins to scold the

Crow. Then notices his mouth is full, "what is that in your mouth"?

The Crow simply drops the object in the middle of the five gathered for

council. Then replies "It is one of many".

Persistent Patience picks it up and declares that it is a ring. Snatching the

ring from his companion's tiny paws, Every Bit proclaims in correction "this

is a Diamond ring! worth many dollars!".

Every member in the group thinks the same thought at the same time, except for

Bright Night, who had already thought it. There may be a way for four-leggeds

and feathered relations to find their own dollars to save the meadow.

Quickly Soaring Voice put Bright Night in charge of assembling an emergency

meeting. "Invite the Racoons, Oppossums and as many of the Crow flock that can

attend". He turns to the mice, "bring us dollar pictures, we need everyone to

know what a dollar looks like".

The Hawk faces the Fox. "I want you there too. Report on how your plan went

with the Survey Crew". Then to everyone, "see you here again after the human

hour of midnight".

After the small council group disperses, the Cedarbrook Fox finds a nicely

hidden spot and curls up to sleep through the remains of the night. He needs

to meet his crew of sabateurs early in the morning.

Initially the Fox swats at the pest playing with his paw unconsciously from a

deep healing sleep. As the Ground Squirrel persists in tugging his toes,

Street Kit eventually breaks through his sleep. Just in time to remind himself

to not snap and eat the tiny relation responsible.

"Get your lazy red tail moving"! The Cedarbrook Fox laughs at the picture of

the little Ground Squirrel scolding a potential predator.

"Calm down you little bushy tailed snack". The Fox feigns irritation. "Where

is Dirt Master and Creek Caver"?

"At their posts! Like you should be"!

"It's barely sunrise Tunnel Wind. Why so tense"? The little Squirrel responds

to the Fox by pointing to a truck trying to make its way off of the paved

pathway into the meadow. Fortunately, the driver and passengers are distracted

by their efforts to try and drive off the path. None of them see the Fox and

Ground Squirrel separate and head for their pre-assigned stations.

Everyone waits patiently for the truck to drive on into the meadow. The

four-leggeds watching do not realize that the two-leggeds in the truck are

already having troubles. The Survey Crew chief makes a note about the depth of

the meadow from the height of the paved pathway. He then instructs the crew to

make an additional measurement.

Once the Survey Crew parks their truck and get out to take their measurements,

the Fox and his gang go to work unseen. Both crews work diligently through the

day. One above ground, one below.

With their task complete, the Survey Crew packs their gear and walk towards

their truck. Suddenly the ground gives way and one of the two-leggeds twists

his ankle as his foot falls in. Two other members from the Survey Crew drop

their equipment to aid their co-worker. Helping him to his feet, the Chief

notices one of the markers they just set out seems to be gone.

He instructs his Crew to gather the  dropped equipment and return to their

truck. The Chief walks away to reset the missing marker.  Except when he

arrives at the spot, the survey marker is not missing, but sunk in the ground.

Like the foot of his crew member. The entire area around the marker appears to

be falling in. The Survey Crew Chief starts writing many notes on his papers.

Street Kit (the Cedarbrook Fox) and Tunnel Wind are tapping paws in

celebration. They are confident that the Chief is not writing happy notes

about their meadow.

After the Chief re-walks the entire meadow, making many many notes he joins

the rest of the Crew at their truck. With their equipment back on board and

notes all written, the Survey Crew Chief drives the truck out of the meadow.

Actually he drives about ten feet before the ground gives way and their truck

stops moving.

While the Crew waits for a bigger truck to come rescue them, the Chief stops

writing notes. Now he is using a small talking box to tell the funeral home

that their building to going to cost way too many dollars to make. He talks so

loud that he does not hear the celebrating going on under his feet.

It took until after dark for the bigger truck to rescue the Survey Crew's

truck. Still, the meadow was empty of two-leggeds in plenty of time for the

James River Urban Council's emergency meeting on Dollars.

Soaring Voice formally calls the meeting to order. There are several more

attendees tonight than had been at last night's council meeting. Street Kit

gives his report on the Survey Crew mission first. Cheers and laughs come from

all and the young Fox is almost giddy with the joy of belonging.

The senior Hawk then instructs Bright Night to report on their ideas for the

Dollar Mission. The Crow knows it will not be easy to convince his feathered

friends to give up their glittery stashes. He speaks eloquently about how

important this meadow is to everyone. He uses the two-legged's own efforts to

save it as illustration of the need to work as one.

"Loosing our meadow is a loss to all within Life's powerful web. Every strand

is precious and each effort to protect and preserve it is truly the work of

heroes and legend". Bright Night ends his speech by opening his wings to let

several pieces of jewelry and coins drop out.

Bright Night made arrangements before the meeting with some of his closest

friends to make similar donations. He hopes their actions will add drama and

inspire recruits for their Dollar Mission. It works.

Every Bit is called on next to show everyone what dollars and coins that add

up to dollars look like. Racoons, Oppossums and Beavers can all pick up money

that is sometimes found on the ground. Others are encouraged to pick up what

they see as best they can. Special runners are assigned for those who are

completely unable to handle dollars or coins.

Buddha Cat reports on how they will get the dollars to the two-leggeds so they

can purchase the meadow's paperwork. There will be three drop off points

guarded by the Crows. Buddha Cat will collect the dollars together and with

the help of the Fox, deliver them to Buddha Cat's House Human.

Soaring Voice calls the next meeting for 13 Sunrises from tonight. The night

following the two-legged's next meeting.

Days pass in slow painful minutes. The Cedarbrook Fox tries to stay busy,

relaying updates and delivering collections to Buddha Cat's House Human. Not

knowing the outcome of all their efforts nags like an itch at the Fox's peace

of mind. During the hardest minutes he wishes that he had followed his first

instinct to leave. Leaving is impossible now.

Two days before the next meeting of the James River Urban Council, Persistent

Patience brings Soaring Voice some encouraging news. Two-leggeds from the

funeral home are angry about the Survey Crew's report. According to the Mouse,

they had a meeting with the owner of the meadow's paperwork and are

threatening to cancel their contract to purchase his papers. "That land is not

safe to build on"! mimicks Persistent Patience then she rolls over giggling.

No longer able to conceal his nervousness, the Cedarbrook Fox arrives more

than an hour early for the meeting of the James River Urban Council. There was

no sleeping all day, but his restless heart keeps fatigue at bay. Luckily

Buddha Cat arrives early and shares his information with the young Fox while

they wait. The four-legged's collections add up to six thousand four hundred

and fifty dollars. After his House Human put in his own collections, there is

a total of seven thousand dollars.

Apparently Street Kit and Buddha Cat are not the only ones anxious to hear

news from the two-leggeds council. The meadow is full thirty minutes before

the Council is set to begin. Straight up at Midnight, Soaring Voice calls the

meeting to order. The Hawk quickly recounts the Survey Crew Mission for the

many council members that still had not heard about the successful mission.

Then, Soaring Voice gets to the real report everyone wants to hear and

introduces Every Bit and Persistent Patience.

Every Bit first reports on their own dollar collections. Gasps of surprise and

proud smiles pass through the gathering. Then turns the floor over to

Persistent Patience to report on last night's meeting of the Two-Legged

Council To Save The Meadow.

"According to a report by the Treasury Clan of the council, there is a total

of one hundred eighteen thousand dollars they can use to purchase the

paperwork for the meadow. The Council Chief says they need one hundred twenty

five thousand dollars to purchase the papers".

"The two-leggeds are very discouraged" continues Persistent Patience. "One

council member says they have heard stories that the funeral home may not want

to purchase the meadow's paperwork now, that there is a problem. But they do

not seem to have the same information that we do. Tomorrow they are meeting

with the two-legged that has the meadow. They need to know what we know.

Perhaps the owner will need fewer dollars for his papers". The Mouse allows

his last thought to linger. The humans must know there is hope.

While the senior Hawk instructs the council members to break into temporary

clans to discuss ideas, Buddha Cat sneaks away from the meeting. He knows of

only one way to get this information to the two-leggeds before tomorrow's

meeting. There is no time to waste, so he hurries home to wake his House

Human.

Before the morning hour of eight the next day, the talking boxes of several

key members of the Two-legged Council To Save The Meadow are ringing. Time

slips up to the hour for their meeting with the holder of the meadow's

paperwork. Council members and the Chief from the Ozark Wild Ways arrive well

prepared to discuss dollars. The owner tries to manipulate the humans with

fear, but knowledge is powerful and they will not offer more than two hundred

thousand dollars for the meadow's precious paper.

No one notices two little mice scurry from the room as the two-leggeds finally

shake hands and put signatures on new paperwork. As the two-legged's leave

their meeting, news about the meadow's paperwork is spreading through the

clans, packs, flocks, herds and groups of four-leggeds. This night many will

be celebrating the magic of a web that weaves its power through a connection

with all relations. One strand alone cannot save a meadow, but the strength of

many touching together will stand against the greatest harm.

Back to Top

Back to Top

by Stephanie Pflumm ©Copyright 2008
 
The Cedarbrook Fox shakes off his dread and glares angrily into the eyes of Buddha Cat. Under normal circumstances, any creature facing down those glaring eyes would turn and run. Buddha Cat stands his ground, though his muscles poise to zoom away should the Fox make any moves.
 
"And just WHAT am I, we to do about the two-leggeds wanting to build more of their buildings"? Sarcasm and helplessness lay between his words.
 
"We have some ideas", The cat replies. A loud fox laugh fills the midnight, but there is no mirth in the sound.
 
"Come to hear us and see for yourself. In two more nights Grandmother will be void and the James River Urban Council will be meeting to discuss the building".
 
The Cedarbrook Fox continues to regard the cat's words with disdain and hopeless disbelief.
 
Buddha Cat continues. "We will be meeting in that thicket of trees and brush", the cat nods his head to indicate the area he is referring to. "Shortly after the hours counted by humans reaches midnight the council will begin. Several members will have reports on efforts already taken and we will be devising a final plan of action".
 
"Sure you will", the Fox replies.
 
"The public zoning hearing february 12 has already happened and we will have a representative that attended the hearing giving a report. Many have already been making small efforts and we think we can stop this building". Buddha Cat finishes and waits for the Fox to reply.
 
Instead The Cedarbrook Fox shakes his head and turns to leave. How can simple foxes and cats stop the powerful two-leggeds with their many magical powers. This council thing is crazy and the Cedarbrook Fox wasn't going to waste a moment of his time thinking about it. Instead, he decides, his best plan of action is to find new habitat. It was obvious that soon the humans would be ruining his precious meadow too. Do the humans want every bit of the land for themselves, regardless of how small the space is? They must have millions of buildings already in this one little city. How much do they want anyway?
 
Buddha Cat resists a temptation to call after the Fox. He performed the task he was sent to. Besides, a cat is not going to spend any time worrying about someone else's attitude or need for salvation. Once the old cat is sure the Fox is well out of site, he heads for his dwelling. Perhaps the two-legged that lives with him will warm up some of that wonderful milk drink. Buddha Cat knows one sure thing, there is always hope.
 
It took just a small effort to put away the memory of his meeting in the meadow with the strange cat. As the next night ends, The Cedarbrook Fox saunters with a content full belly to one of his favorite sleeping holes. He is looking forward to a long day's sleep. It has been a rewarding night hunting the metal boxes behind the two-leggeds' buildings. He even manages to find several large tasty pieces of their cooked meat. How is it possible to be so wasteful of good food?  The Fox will never understand humans.
 
Sleep is almost here, but the thought of humans brings a memory rushing forward.  This coming night is the Dark Moon. Tonight is the meeting of the James River Urban Council. Silly four-leggeds. Haven't they seen what these two-leggeds can do? Someone needs to stop those fools because one of them is going to get hurt. Someone besides a single orphan fox.
 
A weary body stops the chain of thoughts so the Cedarbrook Fox can slip into a restless sleep. In the darkness of his dreams hills explode with deadly fury. Buildings burst onto every known space and concrete covers every path. There are no soft places for his paws to step. A frightened, orphaned fox wanders this hateful hardscape screaming silently "BUT WHAT CAN I DO"?
 
"Wisdom Stalker".
 
A familiar voice speaks his secret name, breaking through the nightmare with instant comfort. The sad fox stops shaking in his sleep. As her familiar shape moves toward him, the hard, haunting images melt away until there is just his Mother.
 
"Wisdom Stalker, my wise little kit. My heart is so full of joy to have this moment to see you all grown up".  The sleeping fox stirs.
 
"Be still, there is no time for you to speak in this dream. There is only time for me to remind you to follow your curious heart. It is your path to question and seek. Do not fear the journey toward the truth, it is your destiny. Know that you never travel alone, and that you are deeply loved".  His dream Mother nuzzles the young Fox and is gone.
 
Deep sleep comes for his body and mind.
 
The night is hours old when The Cedarbrook Fox wakes. There is an eager feeling in his heart and he exits his hole with the anticipation of a new adventure. It is dark without the Moon and the cool Winter air keeps the two-leggeds inside. The Fox easily makes his way to the big concrete paths without being seen.
 
Along the big path are signs that count the human hours.  The Cedarbrook Fox is anxious to see what hour it is.  Humans call the big path where the Fox is going, Sunshine. A small untended lot provides him with cover as he watches the bank sign change until he recognizes the numbers that count time. They count 11:11 in the dark. Plenty of time.
 
Disappearing into the overgrowth, the Cedarbrook Fox makes his way to the steel and wooden trail. He touches one of the endless steel tracks with his paw to be sure a giant thunder box is not traveling the trail. The cold steel is dead and the Fox heads down the trail at a determined trot.
 
Less than ten minutes count by when the Fox reaches the meadow. Curious, but
cautious, The Cedarbrook Fox decides to make himself unseen.
 
Four mice are the first to arrive. Two represent a human business called a Funeral Home. The other two represent the local field mice. A red tail hawk arrives shortly after them and the Fox watches in amazement as the mice wait calmly for this deadly enemy to land right beside them. He has to stifle his verbal disbelief when the hawk made no attempt to eat the mice.
 
Buddha Cat shows up and the scene begins to take on a very surreal look. Cat, mouse and bird, chatting calmly together in a thicket of trees and bushes. Just a few hundred feet away from a two-legged's concrete pathway and less than fifteen feet from a well hidden fox.
 
Another forty-five minutes counts by and dozens of representatives from various clans, flocks and colonies within the surrounding city arrive. Songbird, raptor, butterfly, turtle, frog, deer, opossum, raccoon, cat, dog, snake, worm, groundhog, bee and more sent their voice to the council. To offer their skills, and, if necessary, their lives to save the threatened meadow.
 
Several minutes pass and the Cedarbrook Fox begins to think he is wasting his time. How could this mess of voices and species ever come together with a plan. Let alone stop the two-leggeds.
 
"Attention! This meeting of the James River Urban Council is called to order. May we please have silence. There is much to discuss tonight". Buddha Cat's voice rings authoritatively through the council.
 
The Fox is impressed by the sudden silence.
 
"Thank you", Buddha Cat continues. Our honored First Chief, Soaring Voice will open the meeting with a few words and then we will get right to the reports".
 
"Thank you Buddha Cat". The Red Tail Hawk steps forward to address the council. "And thank you, all my relations for being here tonight. We have much business to discuss and only a few hours before light returns and the two-leggeds come out".
 
"The public zoning hearing february 12 has happened. Every Bit and Persistent Patience our mice represe