Wisdom Keeper... Thanks Giving by JoAnne Dodgson

Thanks Giving
by JoAnne Dodgson
mentor at the Wise Woman University

author of Unleashing Love, MoonDance Journal, Walking the Spiral Path, Gifts of the Grandmother, and Cocooning

 

She hiked up the winding path of the deer trail, looking forward to seeing her old friend. High on the mountain ridge, Jessie sat down among the gnarled roots growing serpent-like through the red clay and rocks. Leaning back against the curved woody trunk, she nestled into the welcoming embrace of the ancient juniper tree. Jessie closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of the sun as her mind wandered off into the events of the past week.

“It's been awhile since I've seen you.” The juniper tree's voice awakened Jessie from her hazy rehashing of days gone by.

“I've been so busy,” Jessie explained, “running around getting ready for the holidays. I'm exhausted. And it's not even Thanksgiving yet.”

“Set aside your worries,” said the old tree. “Thanksgiving is already here. You'll see. Just take a look around.”

Jessie looked out toward the western horizon, spotting deer in a distant meadow, watching ravens fly by overhead, not exactly sure what she was supposed to be looking for. “You celebrate Thanksgiving out here?” she finally asked.

“Always have. Always will,” replied the juniper tree. “Every day, as a matter of fact. Gift giving and receiving. Thanksgiving and receiving. It's all here in the circle of life.”

“Well, where I come from,” said the woman to the tree, “the giving of gifts and the giving of thanks are scheduled holiday events. It's all supposed to be meaningful and merry. But the funny thing is,” she leaned in closer to the tree, lowering her voice to reveal a long-held secret, “everybody seems pretty stressed.”

“Take another look around,” invited the tree. “This time, feel through the eyes of your heart.” The woman sighed and settled back against the trunk of the tree. She reached toward the ground, feeling the warmth of the sun held inside the red clay and emanating from the rocks. She watched a flock of speckled birds fly from tree to tree feasting on plump juniper berries. She heard the ancient tree's whispers floating on the winds.

“Giving and receiving are vibrant currents of energy, naturally open and flowing and circling around from one to another and back. Simply being who you are. Sharing your unique gifts. Giving and receiving with joy, gratitude and love. That's how you dance with the web of life.”

Jessie sat quietly, pondering awhile. Then she turned once again to face the juniper tree. “That all seems so easy out here,” she confided, “with you and the birds, with the sun and blue sky. But do you really think people can do it?”

The woman felt a sudden underground tremor. The powerful quaking moved through the juniper's roots and up through the branches which shivered and shook, showering the woman with needles and berries. Ravens cackled and cawed as the contagious vibration of the tree's belly laugh rippled along the high mountain ridge.

“Of course people can do it,” the tree chuckled. “You're part of the web of life.”

“Oh yeah,” Jessie giggled. “I almost forgot.” Side by side on the hillside, rooted deep in the earth, the woman and the tree relished the sharing of their joy.

When the sunset painted the sky purple and red, Jessie decided it was time to hike down the deer trail and back over the mountain ridge. She stood up and brushed spiky green needles from her hair and blue juniper berries from her lap, passing on to the earth the nourishments of the wise old tree.

Searching around in her pockets, she found a handful of pumpkin seeds she'd brought along for a snack and the shimmery pebbles she'd collected earlier that day. Jessie laid the stones and seeds on the gnarled roots of the ancient tree before continuing on her way.

2006 © JoAnne Dodgson

JoAnne Dodgson, Ed.D. is a healer, teacher and medicine storyteller in ancient Peruvian medicine ways, Ka Ta See. 

She has a doctorate in counseling psychology and over twenty years experience offering counseling, ceremonial gatherings, holistic healing and workshops.  JoAnne lives in the enchanted desert mesas of New Mexico.

JoAnne's writings include medicine stories and five books: Unleashing Love, MoonDance Journal, Walking the Spiral Path, Gifts of the Grandmother, and Cocooning.

Stories by JoAnne Dodgson

• Dragonfly Wings
• Unleashing Love
• Owl Medicine
• Pathways Home
• Embodying Beauty
• Crystal Tapestry
• Shaking Down the Seeds
• On the Wings of a Hawk
• Homing Instincts
• Emily’s Rain Dance

Online Courses by JOANNE DODGSON

new Shaman's Circle: Earth Spirits and Guides
taught by Mentor: JoAnne Dodgson

'Shaman's Circle' offers opportunities to deepen your understandings of the path of the shaman and to integrate these ancient ways into your everyday life. Each lesson offers discussion of unique aspects of the shaman's path such as bridging the varied dimensions of reality, living in balance with natural cycles and creating sacred ceremony. Each lesson guides you in opportunities to discover and enrich your innate connection with the web of life on the mother earth and in the world of the spirits.

Price: $49.95

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new Manifesting with the Moon
taught by Mentor: JoAnne Dodgson

'Manifesting with the Moon' invites you to explore the unique energies and opportunities in each moon phase during one complete lunar cycle, one mo(o)nth.  With the moon as a guide, you will engage in an organic manifestation process which begins with claiming your intent, giving voice to your visions and dreams. 

Price: $49.95

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Bird Vibes
Spiritual Insight Through Birds
by Catherine Bastedo

Treat yourself to this new meditation deck!
• Receive positive, uplifting messages about current life situations and meditation paths
• Gain spiritual insight from the text on each card
• Learn more about the 8 chakras
• Discover interesting facts about 50 birds of North America
• Enjoy the 54 beautiful and unique paintings of birds and the four seasons

Price: $29.95

“Bird Vibes has become my deck of choice with my
readings lately and I find people are so empowered by them. Thanks for
your double creativity!”
Julie Desmarais, Holographic Energy Master, Reiki Master Teacher Trainer

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