In the Forests for a Romuvis

 

There was a time, a time when beauteous calm the forest breathed,

our hearts to soothe and charm.

For Lithuanians relish calm and ease 

as lush grass relishes a gentle breeze 

that stirs dark ripples as it passes by:

We often weep in woods, not knowing why,

for it is there we feel pain is eased,

the heart soothed and anxiety appeased;

Warm tears born of a sentiment unique,

come rolling then like pearl dew down the cheek.

 

Long afterwards our lungs breathe forest air,

our breast as gently stirs as pines do there.

Such deep tranquility pervades the soul;

it bows as wheat ears do when ripe and whole.

This is the source from which our tears and sighs,

our solace and our poetry arise.

Where are they now, those hallowed groves of yore,

long since destroyed, though no one knows wherefore?

 

Perhaps Jageillo, just baptised, cut them,

so the homeland would no longer serve the beloved Gods.

From Puntukas to leave many Oaks,

the people revered as a great sanctuary,

living in unity, with faith in the beloved Gods, 

many monuments they've left throughout the forests.

 

Such was the forest Lithuania knew;

Expanses green and shaded met the view,

the trees all merging in one vista grand,

as Lithuanian hearts in one homeland.

 

Antanas Baranausksas-1856

 

This poem expresses a little of how ingrained this love of the bush and rainforest is for me, being an Australian Lithuanian. I was 16 years old when I learnt from my grand mother, that I was, in fact, Lithuanian and that Lithuania was the last pagan European country Christianised. Močiute told me, that this is why, as a nation, Lithuanians have a deep love and respect for nature. It was at this time, something inside just went click, like a light was turned on! I realised why I loved to be in nature as a child and spend so much time watching clouds, Stars and animals as a child and also as a young man! It was then that I first realised why I was different from other kids. I was intrigued, wanted to learn more and this revelation started me on a journey towards and into the Baltic traditional faith, learning the worldview and world feeling of my ancestors. The result of living Baltic Faith has taught me to constantly strive to live harmoniously in the human communities, in the Earths ecosystems and to connect with the spirits and deities of my ancestors. 

 

I have always been drawn to nature, not knowing why, and I now have a deeper understanding of the reasons why I have always been drawn. Nature, rock and water have their own individual power and life force. A person meditating or praying at these places can feel their palpable energy that will add peace, stillness and power to any energy workings.  However, when in a place where nature, rock and water exist together, a vortex of power exists that enable attuned people, to commune with the Gods, Goddesses, Totems, Guides and Spirits of nature. Yeola in Kangaroo Valley is one such place and I now understand why I am drawn to this place. I will attempt to share a few examples of what I have learned over the years, although words are a faded comparison to real life experience of nature.

 

Over 27 years, between the ages of 16 and 43, I would regularly return to a place called Yeola (meaning,"flat rock"), which is a little pocket of rainforest in Kangaroo Valley, N.S.W. When ever I was about to pass a milestone and when I achieved a milestone, I would return. Before and after H.S.C exams, moving house, at the beginning and end of relationships, etc. This place became my second home and it was here that I received many a lesson, instruction, guidance, condolence, confirmation and encouragement that have greatly contributed in making me the person who I am today. I have done a vision quest here, many rituals, meditations, incantations, star gazing and soul searching. I have always found what I need in that pocket of rainforest. All I have ever done is wait and watch for sights and signs after meditating. It's hard to explain. I see, hear or experience something, encounter some animal and the message is clear. Somehow my inner voice interprets what I need to hear. I will try to explain with a few examples: 

 

*Sitting in the warm rock pool as a storm rolls into the valley. I was grappling with a personal issue and come here for guidance. I hear distant screeching and look up to see 2 Eagles circling far above me.Thunder rumbles and I just know what I need to do. 

*Another time, I was blessed by Fire Flies which elated me and confirmed that I was on the right path. 

*Crawling on all fours through the rainforest reminds me that I am an unequipped visitor to this world and I am the one who must adapt. 

*I was going through some issues with venomous people at my work so I returned to Yeola. While I was camped in among the trees, I hear the most beautiful bird song coming from the deep canopy. I could hear my inner voice tell me that I need to be like this bird and sing my song, hidden in the safety of the canopy or plain view. I understood the message and thanked the Gods. Later, I was down by the river and I saw a beautiful little red breasted bird fly from the safety of the canopy, into the open, across the river and then into the safety of the canopy once again. I was confused considering my first message but soon understood that it was ok to fly the gauntlet and show my colours, so to speak, but not stay too long to become a target for unkind people who chose to be predators. 

 

I hope you enjoyed discovering what the forest/bush/rainforest means to me and I could write much more! I moved to Surf Coast in Victoria last year and have yet to find my next sacred place in the bush and I will know when I find it. My wish is for all my readers to find yours in 2016 (or whenever you read this) and reap the rewards of being better connected to the nature of our Earth.