People often think of coincidences as irrelevant occurrences, but throughout the years, I’ve learned to pay attention. I truly believe coincidences, events that coincide, are the voice of God or my higher self. I don’t worry about the name, but recognize the importance of the voice just the same. When I follow coincidences, the world reveals itself to be a helpful, magical wonderland.
Last August, while reading Dreamways of the Iroquois by Robert Moss, a red-tailed hawk started living in my backyard. The hawk flew day and night, making loud, eerie calls that greatly disturbed my cats. It was hard to miss the significance. At the very beginning of Robert’s book, he recounts a dream in which he turns into a red-tailed hawk and circles the ancient trees of upstate New York into another time and place. The hawk theme was significant in the book, and I took note of the coincidence.
This hawk had my attention. He spoke to me, goading me into research about hawks and the foods they like, which, much to my dismay, is small mammals. With the cat’s safely tucked inside, I started researching Robert’s website to see what else he had to offer. I had never met Robert and didn’t know too much about him, but I noticed he was teaching a workshop entitled, Reclaiming the Ancient Dreamways, in January so I contemplated signing up.
A few weeks ago, I packed my bags and headed out to Esalen, a retreat center in Big Sur, CA. My Jeep was full, leaving only a small space for my body, but I joyfully cruised at full speed until I hit the Santa Cruz Mountains. I was en route to Robert’s workshop and excited to embark on a new adventure.
The workshop started with more coincidences and they planted themselves like seeds on fertile ground. During a short break in the morning session, I walked outside to enjoy the fresh air and warm sun. I found a stone path and decided to see where it led me. I caught a glimpse of a bushy tail. I thought for sure a raccoon had just crossed my path, but within seconds a beautiful red fox jumped into view. He plopped down in front of me and proceeded to look straight in my eye, seemingly speaking to an ancient place in my soul.
A few minutes later, Robert Moss caught sight of the exchange between the fox and me. The fox is considered by many cultures to be an intermediary guide between worlds. The workshop I was attending was specifically about walking between worlds – between sleeping and waking, between the ordinary and imaginal realms, between life and the afterlife.
When I spoke with Robert about the fox, he shared with me that he has British Isles ancestry and that the fox may have played an integral role in ancient Druid traditions. It was then that I told Robert I too have British Isles ancestry:
The fox seemed to have done his job in ensuring that Robert and I meet, especially in regards to our common ancestral lineage.
Later in the day, our class played a game. We were to make a unique set of divination cards that could be used only once. There were about twenty people in the class. Each of us wrote a statement about any topic that came to mind on a blank index card. All of the index cards were collected. Then, we took a moment to think of a statement in which we asked for guidance about a specific topic. My statement was, “I ask for guidance on how I can let go and trust the process.”
A volunteer walked around the class and we each chose an index card. Once we had them, we were instructed to put our card face down and to refrain from looking at it. There were dire consequences for those who snuck a peak! We each took turns reading our statement asking for guidance and reading our card. The intention was to see the statement on the card as a response to our question. It might be an obvious answer, or appear more in the form of a Zen Koan.
I was nearly the last person to read my card. Imagine my complete surprise when I read, “A fox is in my path. He reappears at my door. I think, this is a time when I need to be crazy like a fox.”
I read the card in silence. My jaw dropped, I gasped, and I heard Robert laugh and say, “I know whose card Amy drew.” I had drawn Robert’s card. The coincidences were starting to weave together like a fine tapestry. In that moment I thought, “This fox is important! So is my connection to Robert.”
It was the first day of the workshop and already I was reveling in the mysteries of coincidence and the profound impact they can have on one’s life if only we take the time to listen to them. I was undoubtedly in the right place at the right time.
The rest of the week unfolded with journeys into distant lands, and more coincidences were revealed along the way. The fox showed up in my dreams and led me to new and exciting places, specifically to the land of the departed where I encounter my British colonialist ancestor, Jonathan Padelford and Mohawk or Wampanoag Indian, Mishquois.
But that is another story for another time.
Next month: Part 2: Dream Reentry with a Friend
Jenny May was in the "Reclaiming the Ancient Dreamways" class at Esalen. She took many photos during the retreat, including the images of Fox sunning itself, but I remember her most for her creative charm and spirited soul. She and I will be roommates at Robert Moss' Dream Teacher Training in March 2007. Life is a grand adventure and it is always a pleasure to have people like Jenny May in one's life! Her website, www.jennydiddit.com will be up and running soon. I imagine it will feature her beautiful, colorful artwork. Stay tuned. I'm sure it will be worth the wait.