Snakes in the traditional Lithuanian worldview

The Snake is a common figure in many pre Christian communities across the world. There are many differences in the Snakes symbology and mythology. Unfortunately, Christian mythology has demonised the Snake and have identified it with a form of the Christian Devil, who, according to their Holy Book, was the tempter in the garden of Eden and led to the downfall of all people. I won't continue highlighting the sad change of the Snakes image as a result of the popularity of the Christian religion.There really are lots to explore in other Pre Christian cultures, which I won't attempt as this blog post would become a novel In view of this, I will just stick with how the Snake was seen in the traditional Lithuanian way. 

The Snake is often represented in Lithuanian art and crafts of today, including woodworking and steelworking. It would appear that the symbol of the Snake has remained in the Lithuanian psyche for thousands of years and anyone could reasonably say that the Snake was an important figure in the traditional Lithuanian worldview. Generally Lithuanian peoples believed that the Snake deserved love,care and protection. There were even written accounts of Lithuanians picking up a snake and running away with it when a missionary attempted to kill it.  We wouldn't do that in Australia as many of our Snakes are highly venomous and deadly. The Snakes in Lithuania are smaller and non poisonous. Although the Snake was never revered as a Deity, it was special to them and Lithuanian peoples considered their house to be blessed if a Snake takes up residence in it.  

In the Lithuanian worldview, Snakes were considered to be an animal of Saule, the Sun Goddess, as it was often found basking in the sunshine. It was also believed that as Snakes lived underground that they could have the power to visit the ancestors in the Underworld. The Snake cross is a whirling swastika made of Snakes. This is a common symbol and is also used by the Romuva religion in Lithuania. I was pleased to find out that there were many Pre Christian Lithuanian crosses, as my surname means Cross and I didn't want to be known as Steven Crucifix! Lol 

According to Archaeological finds that Lithuanian peoples used several forms of the cross. 

*There was a "Sun Cross", that was simply a circle with a cross in it. This was also a representation of the traditional Lithuanian wheel of the Year.

*An "Earth Cross", was used which was a square with a cross in it.

*A "Thunder Cross", was simply a swastika. Yes! a swastika which is also a common symbol with Hindu peoples of India. The swastika was a positive symbol before Hitler and his Nazi movement had demonised it. Unfortunately, Hittler saw the symbol of the Indo Europeans and added to his quest for the, Blond hair, blue eyed Aryan race.

*Peoples in western Lithuania reportedly used the symbol of a five pointed star as the, "Fairy Cross".  

Of course there;s also the Snake Cross, as discussed earlier. I now understand that my surname is not referring to the conversion to Christianity but the many Pre Christian crosses of the past. On a side note, I have always been drawn to "Goorialla", the Rainbow serpent of the Australian Aboriginal Dreamtime. I have had many visions of other realms by meditating on the rainbow seen in the mist of a waterfall. Even though my experiences were edifying and useful at the time, I know it's not a Lithuanian practice but it does highlight my own inherent attraction for Snakes which may connect me to my Lithuanian ancestry. 

In summary, the Snake was always revered by my Lithuanian ancestors. Personally, I couldn't keep a snake in captivity. Not only do I like to see all animals free but I also don't like the idea of having to regularly feed a snake with home grown mice. In  Australia, we have a healthy respect for Snakes understanding territories and aggression in breeding and rearing times. Respect for Snakes, in Australia, is akin to the mindset of my Lithuanian ancestors.

                                                       Snake Cross

Death and the afterlife according to the changing traditional Lithuanian worldview

This article was inspired by reading, "Dausos" by Gintaras Beresnevicius who collected information from archaeologists, folklore and historical records to draw some conclusions. Most of the historical records came from the 13th to the 18th century although there was one written account from Wulfstan from 880-890 AD who tells about the customs of the Aistians(another name for those who came from Baltic tribes) to keep the unburnt deceased person in their homes The writer states that, after conversion, many Lithuanian folk tales have merged with Christian mythology so it is believed that the older the tale, the more authentic it is, regarding the "Earliest beliefs" of the Lithuanians. All facts presented in this article, can be verified in the writings and research of Gintaras Beresnevicius. I am just reviewing his work and coming to my own conclusions based on traditional Lithuanian beliefs.

I am soon to reach the last quarter of my life The first 3 stages of my life can be described as being I have the innocent child, the inquisitive adventurer and the loving father. Throughout my life, I have always felt that i was beyond my years and feel that age old wisdom has guided me in tough periods. Who knows how many times that I have been on earth in the past? As a result of my age and the graying colour of my hair, I feel that I am am approaching the 4th will soon to be recognised by others as the wise sage. All these parts of myself make up who I am today and don't really see a beginning and end to any life stage. I have always been innocent, inquisitive and wise beyond my years who cares for others.

As I approach a more harmonious "self" based on my acquired wisdom,  I find myself often reflecting on the more profound questions regarding existence and the afterlife. Also, I recently had a friend who voluntarily chose to medically end their life which has also caused me to question many things.I have always found many answers in looking to the past and reflecting on the worldview of my Lithuanian ancestors. Afterall, no one really knows definitively what happens after death but, I believe, that we all must find our own worldview concerning death and the afterlife. No one can really say who is right and who's wrong but we can take guidance from Romuva and the old traditional ways of Lithuanians. 

                                                __________________

Lithuanian peoples changed their religious views of death and the afterlife, as did many other religions of the world. Lithuanian peoples were tribal and never really held homogeneous views and sometimes not even at the same time. It is for this reason that there will never be a pan Lithuanian consensus regarding death and the afterlife. There was never a sacred text, like a bible to guide peoples beliefs. Some belief systems lasted for hundreds of years before changing and can only be described as "Early Beliefs", "Earlier Beliefs" and "Earliest Beliefs" but elements of all 3 periods are still visible today in songs, folkart and other customs. I will explore these beliefs and attempt to draw some conclusions for my own understanding. 

There is another clear distinction in the change of beliefs regarding the afterlife among Lithuanian peoples. The "Earliest beliefs" featured a reincarnation in an zoomorphic way, where the Spirit of a dead person lives on as a creature, Tree or any feature in nature. Vincent Kedlubek, Bishop of Krakow wrote in the 13th century that the Jotvingians believed that after death, people were reborn in new bodies and that cruder souls were reincarnated in animals after death. (mannhardt 1936,14). This account stands alone as it is not corroborated by other accounts but it does show how some of the, "Earliest beliefs" permeated into later beliefs.

Somewhere along the way, Lithuanians stopped believing in this form of continuation of life and started seeing the afterlife as being lived in solely human form. When the concept of the Underworld was realised, there arose images of Velnias(Devil/God of magic and the Underworld) as a kind shepherd who tends his flock of sheep, who are really the spirits of the deceased. 

The idea of good and bad and post mortem retribution were always part of Lithuanian ethics and worldview. I'm sure it would be very different from that of a Christians ethics but Lithuanians were no less Godly and respectful, even before Christianisation. Part of this vision of the sheep being tended by a shepherd, eludes to this concept of right and wrong. Well fed sheep grazed in the dunes and skinny, under fed sheep grazed in the green lush meadows. The inference was that the latter sheep, in life, had everything but were still not satisfied. In other images of this kind of post mortum retribution depicted bad people being turned into work horses or ridden by devils in the Underworld.  

Earlier and Early beliefs of Lithuanians regarded the continuing Spirit as having a human form, needs and desires which can be seen in many tales of the Underworld and Afterlife. There are also archaeological evidence showing that exhumed graves and funerary pyres containing objects in life that will be needed in the next life such as horse bones, weaving implements, jewelry, etc.

                                            _____________________

Lithuanians traditionally believed in reincarnation but had different ways of expressing it. In the period from where the "Earliest Beliefs" came, it was understood that there were two separate times. Firstly, there are many etiological tales that are still told to this day. These tales describe the creation of the world and her numerous beings through mythological language. How the birds got their colours, how the mountains,lakes, rivers and constellations were created, etc.. 

The tale, "Egle, Queen of the serpents", hearkens from this time and after thousands of years, has been written down and is still told today. It was at this time that people believed that deceased people could turn into Trees, stars or other beings. Even a recent Lithuanian,(only a few hundred years old), saying, states that "you shouldn't point at Stars because one of them may be your own. By doing this, you may extinguish the Star and just fall down dead. 

The beliefs of this,"Earliest" period of Lithuanians are reminiscent of the "Dreamtime" tales of the Australian Aboriginals, where people were transformed based on their actions in life. It was only later that Lithuanians believed that the spirit of a deceased person is likely to transmigrate into everything from waters, birds, animals, trees and even insects. It was believed that all creatures were once living people and so were afforded due respect. Perhaps this may explain the common trait of modern Lithuanians to have a deep love and respect for nature.

                                           ____________________________

The Lithuanian "Earlier beliefs" were that the destiny for the spirit of the deceased person lay in the "Underworld" which relates to the roots of the "World Tree". In Lithuanian folk tales, this place was located beyond the waters of a Sea, a River, the horizon and sometimes on the otherside of a bridge. The Underworld was described as gloomy but a place where people lived in mansions, held dinner parties, danced and had a good time. So even though the Underworld was described as gloomy, it didn't lack glee and happiness. Ancestors of the deceased were reunited here which was ruled by Velnias and his wife Veliona. They were not only caretakers of the dead but also protectors of the living against unkind Spirits. They ensured safe passage for the spirits to return to their descendants on earth, at special times of the year. 

During this time, Lithuanians practiced both in earth burials and sky burials(cremation). Many neolithic graves were exhumed showing that the deceased was often buried in a fetal position ready for rebirth from the Earth Mothers womb. Deceased people were often unearthed, dressed in their best fineries and were often buried with the items from life that may be needed in the afterlife. 

Sky burials became more popular during this time with "the myth of Sovius" and is well worth studying. The myth was recorded in 1261 in the Malala Chronicle but I believe this myth to be much older and probably existed as verbal folklore for much longer. Through the myth of Sovius, we learn that Lithuanians also practiced Tree burials where the deceased is placed in a Tree. Was the deceased placed in a Tree in a Holy Grove?,Did it relate to a Tree cult where the Spirit of the deceased is expected to pass into the Tree?. We can only speculate as there are no written records of this practice. Sovius was believed to be a priest who made sky burials popular again as a common Indo European custom. As a result, Sovius is seen as reinstating the traditional practice of the Indo Europeans. Sovius was a very important figure who became a type of Psycho pomp for those who followed his footsteps and got cremated. It was believed that Sovius would help guide the deceased to the Underworld and protect them from unkind spirits. This made the figure of Sovius just as revered as a guide for the pre Christian Lithuanians as Jesus is for the Christians or Buddha is for the Buddhists.

I believe that the "Early beliefs" of Lithuanians are very different in many ways to the "Earliest beliefs". In the "Early beliefs" period, the narrative of the journey of the spirit of deceased person takes place in the sky as opposed to the Underworld as can be seen in the "Earliest and Earlier belief", periods. I can't say with any certainty, when this change occurred but it must have been a long time ago. Perhaps even thousands of years ago. The journey of the spirit is described as having to travel along the Milky Way(Birds Way) to the Moons gate where they are confronted by a tall, steep,sandy/glass/crystal mountain called "Anafiel" that must be climbed. It was found by archaeologists that bear claws or jars of fingernails were found in many neolithic graves which was believed to make this climb easier. The Spirit making this arduous journey would have to face strong winds blown by a wind deity who sat at the top of this hill. This deity was believed to judge the life lived and blow harder for undeserving spirits. It was believed that unworthy Spirits would be blown off the mountain, into the upper winds and the clouds below where they would wait to be reborn into new born babies. It was believed that this reincarnation would give them the opportunity to better themselves so that they maybe able to make the climb. 

The successful Spirit who makes the climb then sits on the "Bench of the Veles" to rest. After some time, the Spirit is then taken to a place called, "Dausos"(Paradise) in the realm of "Padange"(before heaven). This place is described as the homestead of Dievas(Sky God) where the weather is always pleasant and the work easy. The Spirit is reunited with their ancestors who inform them of the rules and how to avoid harm from unkind Spirits.

                                            ____________________

The veins of beliefs concerning the afterlife have changed over time and changes in funerary practices elude to this change. Even though the Lithuanian worldview has changed several times over the millennia, some fundamental truths remain constant. Lithuanians always had a strong belief in reincarnation, either into a form of nature or a continuation of life, in human form, alongside their ancestors. The belief that death was not an end to life is apparent in the numerous accounts of mass suicides of Lithuanian peoples. Accounts of the happenings at Pilenai castle where hundreds of people chose death over enslavement and loss of freedom. There are also other accounts in various chronicles of Lithuanian peoples choosing to kill themselves because of loss and grief over their deceased husbands and wished to be reunited with them. It is clear that Lithuanians had this unwavering belief in reincarnation and the fact that death is not an end to life.

I believe that Romuva teaches a very different narrative of the journey to the afterlife that indicates that there are 2 parts of the Spirit. One part of the Spirit called "the Veles"(Shade/Ghost) dwells in nature and the Soda(household straw representation of the Tree of Life. The other part of the Spirit called the "Sielos" goes on to Dausos or the Underworld. I have not found anything in Lithuanian folklore to substantiate this concept. I have even asked the community of Romuva, an Elder and the Krive of Romuva but no one was able to clarify anything to confirm the validity of this worldview. All I can gather is that this idea of having 2 parts to the  Spirit is an amalgamation of the various different beliefs of the past, to create a new philosophy.

In summary, when reviewing the different periods of Lithuanian beliefs which can be described as "Earliest, Earlier and Early", I don't believe that any period held the belief that death is an end to life. I don't know what's to come in my post mortem journey but perhaps the afterlife could be different for a Buddhist, Hindu, Christian or Muslim. Who knows? I don't think that I would end my own life but I can certainly imagine situations where I am terminally ill and want to die with dignity rather suffering at the hands of modern medicine. I have too much to live for right now and I think I would fight to live. Afterall, there is a Lithuanian belief that if a person takes their own life then their Spirit must remain on earth for the allotted time that their mortal body was destined to remain on earth.  

All I can do is live by the pre Christian ethics that I have come to know through Romuva and the worldview of my Lithuanian ancestors, which focuses on kindness to people and kindness to the Earth. I truly believe that expressing "Love" and harmony are the main goals in life. Love for yourself, Harmony in yourself, Love for your fellow human, Harmony with your community, Love for the Earth and Harmony with Her and all life that lives on Her. 

Kalendorinės Šventės: Kūčios, Kalėdos, Kupolės (Lithuanian Christmas Tra...

The place between land and water-The shore

The shore is a magical place,it is a transitional space between the worlds. The world of myth, the realm of the dead, the living and the life giving. Most people can relate to the sense of calm and peace sitting on the shore on a fine sunny day. Then there are times when I see Bangputis, the God of the Sea, angry creating a storm where massive crashing waves pound the hard rock of the shoreline, I am often filled with awe at the sight and experience a sense of clarity where all my concerns somehow seem to become clear.

The sea is a source of life for all beings on earth. The massive colonies of algae in the oceans of the world produce oxygen and the bounty of the oceans give us fish and crustaceans to eat. The never ending gift from the oceans to humankind is the air that we breathe and food in our bellies. Humankind would not even exist without the ocean and so since the dawn of time, from the deep,darkness of the ocean, humankind has created many stories and myths. These stories and myths live on today in various cultures and one such, is the Lithuanian culture where the shoreline features in several well known folk stories.

 Paraphrasing ancient folk tales can be tricky but I will attempt with some accuracy. The first tale is that of a handsome young fisherman name Kestytis. Fishing was so poor that ,against the protest of his dear wife, he went fishing at night. While Kestytis was fishing, he caught the attention of Jurate, the mermaid Goddess of the ocean. Jurate lived in a beautiful amber palace at the bottom of the sea and went to investigate who was disturbing her kingdom at night. Jurate watched Kestyis from a distance and fell in love with him. Jurate enticed Kestytis to join her in her amber palace and had some happy times together. Meanwhile Kestytis' wife waited on the shore for his return. Day after day, she waited and waited on that shore and cried many tears. The immense grief of Kestytis' wife caught the attention of the Sky God, Dievas and he felt sorry for her. Dievas was angry and in sensed that an immortal Goddess could possibly be with a mortal married man!! Dievas sent Perkunas, the Thunderer, to punish the wrong doing. Perkunas struck Jurates' amber palace with his lightning and shattered it into a million pieces. Jurate was chained to the ruins of her palace and Kestytis was killed and lay before Jurrate. Jurate cries tears of amber and her cries can be heard on the wind in storms. Even today,  pieces of Jurates' palace and her tears still wash up on the beaches today!!

The second tale is more complex and takes place on the shore of a lake. The tale of Egle(Fir) is one of the most well known folk tale in Lithuania which I will again paraphrase in an effort to relay it in this short article. Egle, (Fir) was the youngest of three sisters and 12 brothers and one day, after swimming in the lake, the three sisters returned to where their clothes lay. There was a snake curled up on the blouse of the youngest daughter. The snake spoke to her and said that he wouldn't move until the girl promised to marry him. All attempts to move the snake and it didn't move until the girl promised to marry him. Three days later, hundreds of snakes filled their yard and the match maker snakes came into the house to speak to Egles' parents but they couldn't believe that their youngest, most beautiful and beloved daughter could marry a snake so three times they tried to trick the matchmaker snakes into taking a white goose,then a white sheep and then a white cow. Each time, on returning to the lake, the matchmaker snakes were told that they'd been trick by a Cuckoo. After three times, the matchmaker snakes were quite angry and demanded that Egle be handed to them lest they'd burn their homestead down. Egles' parents conceded and with a heavy heart, let the matchmaker snakes take Egle to be wed. The snakes took Egle to the lake and was greeted by a handsome young man emerging from the waters. The young man said that he was the serpent king and was the same snake that Egle had promised to wed. Under the dark waters and deep into the earth, Egle was taken to the serpent kings' palace which was full of amber and all sorts of treasures. Egle and the serpent king were married and had a happy life together. They had 3 sons and one daughter named Oak,Ash,Birch and Poplar respectively. After many years Egle asks her husband if she can take their kids to visit her family. Egle missed them all so much but her husband, the serpent king didn't want her to go and set three impossible tasks before he would give his permission but with the help of an old wise woman, Egle managed to complete them and was finally given permission to visit for 9 days only and instructed how to call him when they returned. Egle returned and friends, family and neighbors came from near and far to see Egle. During her visit, Egles' brothers took out Oak, Ash and Birch. They didn't want Egle to leave them again and interrogated and even threatened the three brothers, Oak, Ash and Birch, to find out how to call the serpent king so they could kill him but they kept the secret safe. Egles' brothers went out with Poplar and once again interrogated and threatened her to find out the secret. Poplar was scared and told her uncles how to call the serpent king. The brothers then went to the lake and called the serpent king. When the serpent king emerged from the lake, the brothers fell upon him with their scythes and killed him. Egle went to the lake shore and realised that her husband had been killed because young Poplar divulged the secret. Oak, Ash and Birch were changed into strong trees because they were strong enough to keep the secret. Poplar was changed into the trembling Poplar tree that shakes and shimmers at the lightest breeze. Egle became a Fir tree but in Lithuania, Oak, Ash and Birch are the strongest trees.

I hope I have done justice to these archaic folk tales. My main aim is to reveal to the reader the importance the shore in the past through Lithuanian folktales and how it has helped to shape the worldview of Baltic peoples and I encourage all people today to also find harmony and balance on the shore through meditation, rite or just contemplation. The energy of the shore is a special place that we all can tap into if we allow it.

Working and celebrating under the Sun and Moon in the Fields

 In many of the traditional folk tales and songs of Lithuania, The Sun Goddess and the Moon God are referred to as the eyes of God (Sky God called Dievas). Legend tells that if Dievas is displeased that he will send Perkunas, the Thunderer, to punish the wrong doer. Because the fields of rye or other cereal crops, are open places and in clear view of the Sun Goddess, people appear to be constantly conscious of their state of presence and aware not to displease the Gods. Lithuanians working in the fields often sing traditional folk songs. Lithuanian people would sing in the fields for many practical,spiritual and mental reasons apart from a simple love of singing. Singing, often sutartines*, people felt good and a great way to pass time, Singing is known to be good for the lungs and good for the soul. Singing also reinforces harmony within the community because everyone must sing their part to make the song and harmony with the universe. I do believe that creation exists as a song and our uni-verse is just "one verse" in a greater song. I believe that singing is a way to harmonise with our universe and please our deities.

There are many customs that farmers would perform to ensure a good harvest from the fields. One such custom is when a piece of white bread would be buried in a field destined to grow flax, to ensure that the flax produces the whitest linen.When the field of rye was almost fully harvested,the harvesters also would be careful to ensure that the last sheath remained un cut because this is where Boba (spirit of the fields/Old Hag) will live until the next crop next year. A place for Boba is kept to ensure a bountiful harvest next year. When the harvest is complete, a wreath of rye is presented to the best harvester and everyone celebrates at the field owners home..

In preparation for the Summer solstice celebration (Rasa), people visit the open meadows to pick the various wildflowers to make head wreaths. Prognostications would later be made by certain wise women based on the flowers picked for the wreath. The celebration of Rasa, along with Springtime festivals such as Jore, are also held outside, preferably in a field near water a being close to a medieval castlemount is a bonus! At Rasa, people sing and dance all night long playing lots of games to predict your future including jumping the fire, trying to throw your flower wreath so that it hooks on one of the 3 branches on the Kupala pole*

In Lithuania, the fields and meadows are special places for both the agriculturalist and community and a place where old customs are still performed to this day. As an Australian Lithuanian Romuvis, I am aware that many of the Lithuanian customs may not be relevent here in Australia but many of the concepts and ideas of my ancestors still affect my own personal world view, attitudes and practice. I don't have a field or acreage myself but still grow various crops in my vegetable patches. I believe doing this also helps me to be in harmony with the seasonal cycles of nature. I believe that my songs sung as I work with my crops are pleasing to my deities, if not to anyone else. When I organise celebrations, they are always in nature but I am sensitive to local Aboriginal "Spirits of place", so I prefer to celebrate at my own sacred places in my garden out of respect. Gatherings are usually small enough and a field or meadow is not required.
 
*Sutartines are poly phonic, multipart songs that are archaic in style and interpretation. If you follow this link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wij_cgVGOxw, you may learn more about Sutartines.

*Kupala pole is a pole decorated with flowers and greenery which may also be seen as a representation of the World Tree. The Kupala pole traditionally has 3 branches representing light from the Sun, Moon and Stars.

*Jore is a Springtime celebration of the blossoming and adundance of nature and crops. Re enactments of medieval battles between the invading crusaders and the indigenous pagans are often performed at this celebration. Naturally the pagans win every battle!!

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.

Lithuanian Folk tale: Why the Sun shines in the day and the Moon shines at night-compiled and edited by Stepas Zobarskas

 

In olden times, when no human beings existed in the world, the Moon and the Sun lived in a pretty little house. They fell in love with each other and got married. When a daughter was born to them they named her Earth.

For many years the Moon and the Sun lived happily and in peace, but one day they began to quarrel.

"If you're so hot, I shall leave you forever," said the Moon.

"And if you remain as cold as you are now, I will not live with you any longer", answered the Sun.

"Alright. Let us seperate. But the daughter shall remain with me", said the Moon.

"No. I'm not going to leave my daughter with you. What, do you want my daughter to freeze to death with you?", Argued the Sun.

As they could not reach an agreement on who should keep the daughter, they went to the great God Thunder and asked him to be their judge. Thunder listened to both of them, then he reached a decision:

"Let it be this way: the Sun takes care of her daughter from morning till evening, and the Moon during the night."

To this day they obey Thunder's decision. The Sun takes care of the Earth from morning till evening and the Moon looks after it from evening till morning. Once in a great while, when the Moon has no time, her sisters, the Stars, give light to the earth.