Many years ago I performed a similar exercise, and it was one of the most profound experiences of my life, which is why I suggest it to you now. I set off into the landscape of Roslin Valley in Scotland with the intent of finding an animal ally that would work with me in the otherworld. I wanted to see that magick could manifest in the physical world, to prove to myself that it wasn’t merely a creation of my imagination or a psychological illusion. I had no mobile phone, nor did anyone know where I was, and the landscape was unfamiliar so there was an added element of risk. After walking a short distance into the wooded valley, I heard the hooting of an owl—rather surprisingly, as it was the middle of the day. The owl followed me for some time, moving from tree to tree in the branches above my head. As amazing as this was (and the ally has stayed with me to this day), I knew that there was more to come.
It was an incredibly wet day, with the kind of heavy summer rain that thoroughly drenches you to the point at which you no longer care, as you know you can’t get any wetter. As I wound my way down the valley, a movement caught my eye down by the stream many metres below—an otter? I leaned over on the muddy bank to get a better look and slipped. I started to slide uncontrollably down the steep, wet slope, catching hold of thorns and brambles to slow my fall. After sliding down about thirty feet, I finally managed to stop. There was still about the same distance again to travel downwards before I reached the valley floor, and no way to scramble back up to the path in the wet conditions. After mulling it over for some time, I realized that I would have to keep sliding, giving up control and trusting the journey. Eventually, much relieved and unharmed save for a few scratches and bruises, I reached the valley floor, full of joy and amazement at my adventure.
Then the most wonderful thing happened. The sun came out and shone in a dazzling golden ray onto the stream. It was shining directly onto a beautiful red deer that was standing in the stream and looking right at me; I knew I had found what I was looking for. The experience left me in no doubt, and I treasure the memory to this day.
Exercise: Walking in Awareness
Choose a location to begin your journey. This does not necessarily need to be somewhere familiar to you; indeed, I recommend when you are confident in the technique to try it in places that are completely new to you, but it is advisable to start somewhere where you will be undisturbed. If, as the journey goes on, you do encounter people, treat them as part of your journey. Wisdom and insights can come from unexpected places! Begin with the Faery Tree exercise as featured earlier in the book, drawing energy from above and below to meet in your centre. See the energies meeting at your heart centre in a warm golden light. Now, instead of releasing the energy back to the above and below, allow the golden light to grow and expand around you. Keeping your breathing steady, see the light reach from you, into your surroundings, in tendrils. These tendrils reach in all directions, connecting to the life around you. The light mingles with the energies of trees, of bushes, and of any creatures or energy beings in the area.
Can you feel a response from the life that you connect with? You can choose to either stay with this moment and then allow the energy to return to you, releasing it to the above and below, or you can hold on to this awareness and start to move forward into the landscape. If you are standing at a gateway, be aware of the gateway as an entrance into a new space, a new level of awareness.
Using the tendrils as a guide, feel your way through the landscape. Where does the energy draw you? Are you pulled along a path? Are you drawn to connect with a particular place on the landscape? Pay close attention to all around you…every breeze, every quivering leaf, every sound of a passing bee or bird. This is all part of the greater pattern of existence, the web of life in which you are now an active and aware part. Look at every detail. Listen intently to every sound. Where are you being led? What are you being told? Savour every fragrance in the air and every texture. Touch and feel the bark, the grass, the moss. Rub leaves between your fingers.
We are surrounded by a world of amazing sensory experience that we are often closed to, our minds busy with our lives and other matters. All this mental clutter is put aside, all that is now is the moment, the place where you are now and the feelings you are experiencing. Allow yourself to be guided by sensation and energy through the landscape. Look with both your inner and outer senses. Uncover your own adventure. Make connections and discoveries or simply find the peace of oneness. Pay attention…trust… if you truly pay attention, you will not get lost (unless you are meant to).
When you are ready, return to your original location, bring your tendrils back into
