Hummingbird Shaman

Today was a day of discovery. After two, maybe three cold rainy days I was happy to see blue skies and warming sunlight. By midday it was time for a walk in the park.

When we arrived at our destination I chose to park on the south lot rather than take a far spot to the north. Unfortunately this meant a long journey to visit with the most social of the hummingbirds.

We wandered down the path with a flurry of other dogs and owners, and circled around into my favorite clover patch. Almost immediately I heard a young boy tell his father, “look, there’s clover!”. Such excitement. As I walked in my own direction I glanced at the clover patches along the way, finding one, two, then a third four-leaf clover. It brought joy to my heart to replenish the supply to be sent to soldiers in combat duties. My goal this year is 100 for support distribution, with the rest to be added to medicine bags for young and old alike.

One of those three four-leaf clovers had to go to that young boy. “Do you know about four-leaf clovers”, I asked. “Yes, they are lucky”, he replied. “Well then, you must be very lucky, because when I heard you talk so happily about the clover, they sent this one to you”. He was thrilled to have such a gift. “Something so rare is special, and since it came to you then you must be special, too.”

As we wandered along we circled around the bench overlooking the valley. This was the place where I had my first hummingbird encounter, and from these interactions I dedicated my time and energy to these writing. I had not seen the handsome male there since I had pointed out the direction of a potential mate. Maybe he just traveled for better food sources. I truly miss him.

Check back tomorrow for part II of “I close my eyes so that I may see”.

I admit it, I’ve not posted as often lately in the Hummingbird Shaman.  It is not for lack of love for the bold yet tiny flying wonders that have become a part of my life.  I have simply not been in my home territory enough to enjoy a long walk at the off leash park, one of our rendezvous points.  “A poor excuse”, states my little guardians.  I turn my head, and roll my eyes, but I know they are right.

I manage a couple of days at home, but the majority of time was in preparation for the upcoming Healing Drum Retreat in Yelm, Washington.  Kaye, the co-organizer of this event, and I teamed up for a few days to pick up the hides for the drum making class, and spend some time together to discuss the teachings and activities that make this a fulfilling, healing event.

This morning we reconvened in my living room for coffee, breakfast and discussion of our hand-outs.  I suddenly felt a diversion, and turned toward the window.  “He just swooped and buzzed”, said Kaye.  She knew exactly why I was looking out the window.  “I’m sorry, I need to find out what this is all about”, I shared with her, and I opened the door.  Though the skies were modestly blue it was cold, with warnings of snow.  I pushed open the storm door, and heard a loud, persistent voice.  “Can you hear him?”, I asked Kaye.  She smiled.  I looked toward the trees, and saw the biggest of the male hummingbirds perched on the electrical wires.  He stared at me with conviction, and spoke loudly.  Unfortunately with the clutter of our prep work in my mind I found it difficult to understand his message, other than the obvious.  “Fill the feeders”, he said.  I had just changed the tubes, but they can empty them in less than a day.

When I checked the feeder I was not surprised, they were empty, and the large (less visited) purple feeder was not in the best condition.  It is important to keep their feeders clean.  Do not use bleach, nor dishwasher soap, in fact soap is not the best choice.  I like vinegar soaks, or H2O2, or MMS to purify my feeders.  At the least a good soak in hot water.  I replaced the tubes, and refilled the larger less-than-favored feeder as well.

When they speak to me I feel saddened if I am too caught up in my ever-spinning world to listen.  I knew there was a wonderful message to be heard, it just took a little time for me to create enough free space in my day to hear it.  Kaye and I had to leave, traveling from my home base to the First Nation gathering in Tacoma, Washington.

By the time I was back at my southern home away from home it was after midnight, and the roads were icy.  I thought our departure from First Nation would be the normal time, but this was a special month, celebrating their fourth anniversary.  We enjoyed the evening, and I had opportunity to introduce Kaye to many of the wonderful people I had met since our friend Billy invited me to join this community.  We celebrated the return of one of the founders of First Nation, home for at least a short visit before returning for his ministerial duties in Iraq.

God speed and God bless you Mike for your service and support.  The many young souls who find themselves in deployment have many basic needs provided to them, but many items we take for granted are unavailable or too expensive for these guardians of our freedom.   Many receive packages from home, but many do not.

My contributions, as simple as it seems, was suggested by my shaman friend, Billy.   He asked me for a few of the four leaf clovers to give to Mike to distribute in his troop.  I opened the box I had, containing about 30 at the time, and told him he could gift them all to the soldiers.  In all, over 50  four-leaf clovers were gifted last year.  When I spoke to Mike he shared that most of the recipients were the Irish soldiers, and they appreciated the gifting.

A few days later I found the first of the four leaf clovers for this year.  It was a pleasant surprise.  I look forward to finding many more and sending them to Mike for distribution, and with spring arrives so will the outburst of growth that will provide a new crop.   My favorite hummingbird was there that day to greet me as well, making it a wonderful day.  As he sat on a branch overlooking the large field below his stance was majestic.  Even the smallest of birds has a role in life, and for each of us our role in life is sacred.  Treat it as such, with humility, and a world of magic will open for you.

As I walked along the path on the return to my car, I looked to the still-barren tree where my hummingbird friend perches for our talks.   There was no sign of him.

I had not been to the park for several days, having been on business out of town.  The dogs had been anxious for their walk today.   By mid afternoon the larger dog, a black lab, was restless and whining to go out.  Now was as good a time as any, despite the intermittent rain.  We did a quick walk, circling around the track as I talked on my cellphone.  I asked for confirmation from the universe of the value of my call, and quickly found two four-leaf clovers.   I smiled with this discovery, and confirmed a time for our next call.  The dogs and I circled back toward the hill, headed for my car.  It was time to go, for now my shoes were wet from my trek through the tall grasses. 

I stopped at the tree where the hummingbird and I so often meet.  Sending out a gentle whistle I waited for a response.  He arrived quickly, and perched on his tree.  With his back to me he looked to and fro.  “From here I can see everything”, he said.  I saw many images, from the responsibility to tend to his territory, to ownership of all-he-sees.  He fluttered a wing, then scratched his head.  “From here I can see everything”, he said, but this time it was different.  The images changed to perceiving the sky and the beauty that surrounds him.  Suddenly I became aware of the sweetness in the air, the sounds that bring me into the moment, and the many colors contained in something as simple as the grasses of the field below.  

“From here, I can see everything”.  With a watchful eye comes opportunity to give as well as receive.  With a watchful eye you can survey all within your scope, both as the guardian and the visionary, able to care for your world and be nourished, all within the same breath. 

p.s. This photo was taken on an earlier day, and the story experienced in June 2008.  The waves of color that seem to emimate from the cloud-covered mountain is an effect that came without computer modification of the photo.  This patterning only occurs when I photograph the hummingbirds and the distant mountain.   The hummingbird is perched on the upper-left part of the tree. 

Estee Taschereau is a Successful Living Coach and Intuitive Counselor and a Reiki Master in traditional Reiki and Laser Reiki. Her websites include YinYangPower and Talk-With-Your-Animals. Private phone appointments are available for informational & self-healing assistance sessions.

Today I made room in my day to walk the dogs at the off-leash park.  We had a short break in the rain, and I knew that the dogs would not appreciate that I would not have a chance to walk them in the following two days. 

The air was thick with moisture, but it was a good feeling, being a little on the cool side that day.  The grass had been cut, it had grown dramatically over the past two months.   My smaller dog could feel lost in the growth. The aroma of cut grass lingered in the air.

As I walked toward my hummingbird meeting place I whistled, seemingly for the dogs, but I knew it was for the birds.  No one came this time.   This is okay, I am sure I will see one on my return to the car.  We walked down the hill and circled around the field.  Stopping for a sniffing, exploring rest along the way, I found a four-leaf clover, then another.  I decided to stop at ten, and enjoyed the energy and interpretation of each number as I glanced around for the next discovery.  Ten is good, the number of manifestation.

As we walked back up the hill I reflected on these finds.  Circling onto the upper level, and the path that hugged the fence, my thoughts drifted toward our need to find answers, or explanations for the things that enter our awareness.  I don’t need a reason for ten, but my mind seeks a meaning, and enjoyed the idea of manifestation.   It’s all okay.  Today has been a lovely walk.

We rounded the last bend before the parking lot, and I whistled again.  I stopped and waited.  No hummingbird today.  I could feel the presence though.  Their presence was not restricted to a little body on a branch, but in the air, the trees, and the colors.  “Someday you will no longer need us”.  I knew this to be true, but still held on to the interludes, longing to continue this relationship. 

Somehow I new that this absence had nothing to do with a lack, and could not be defined as “missing out”.  This day’s message fit nicely with an earlier awareness and posting on my Keen site.  “When we are complete within ourselves we no longer feel the need, and have more space to welcome others into our lives.  Some day you will no longer need us”.   Today has been one of those days.

Estee Taschereau is a Successful Living Coach and Intuitive Counselor and a Reiki Master.   Private phone appointments are available for informational & healing assistance sessions.

This was a good day for a walk, and I allowed myself enough space between my thoughts for a little energetic recess.  I must have been doing something right, for the idea came clearly into my awareness with great gusto.  “Recognition animates us”.  I stopped for a moment, gathering the thought before it could slip away.  As I continued the walk I pondered the meaning, and found it to be exciting and true.  I spoke to Great Spirit, and asked for help in defining this concept and incorporating it into my life.  The answer to my request came more clearly than ever before, for when I looked down what was before me: a four-leaf clover.  “Well now, I’ll accept this sign!”, was my response.  My energy soared as I picked up this rare gift, and I basked in gratitude and enjoyment.

As I rounded back toward the hill and journeyed back to my car, I spotted the hummingbird in the distance flying about the hillside and disappearing just as quickly as he appeared.  “Okay, that’s the way this day is”, I said, “I’ll take whatever you want to share”.  I knew they were watching me.  My pace slowed a little, for part of my energy was busy digesting the theme of this walk.  I still would not comprehend the story until much later in the day. 

I called this posting “Capivated by his Presence”, for that is what happens, I stand there fully engrossed in my dialog with the hummingbirds, facinated by their dance and magic.  They showed me on this day the value of recognition, something we all seek. 

I’ve asked the question many times, “why are intuitive readings so valuable?”  You see, each time I ask the question I am presented with another level of awareness, and even more recognition of our spiritual paths.  The hummingbirds come out to visit me because I ask them, and appreciate their presence.  I don’t know who benefits more from this interlude, but then again I can only speak for myself: with each encounter I am offered a greater awareness of myself, a new level of spiritual awareness, a big HELLO from the universe, and the chance to be captivated by my own presence.

Great Spirit joined in this festive day by giving me recognition through a simple little piece of clover.  The hummingbirds showed recognition through their appearances.  Spiritual recognition is an incredible thing, it does animate us.  To receive recognition of our presence is a precious gift, whether that recognition comes from within, from Great Spirit, other people, or the animal world.  I am truly captivated by the presence of all who cross my pathway, and every day with each and every session there is opportunity to know that animated feeling when our spirit presence is known.