Whispers From the Trees: Story of the Star Dragon

By Penny Reed

Delayed by the pandemic, the pending nuptials had been gestating for years. A simple ceremony had evolved into a three-day celebration of love, food, and music. The community sprang forth and gathered to make preparations. The land was a flurry of activity, and transformation was the mission. I was tasked to create the Sacred Hearth. I began by gathering the stones that would form the bones. I roamed from meadow to forest to the corners, edges, and everything in between. Each stone that was collected informed me of its placement and function. When the collecting was completed, the digging began. The shaping was concluded in a six-foot circle with a tail-like ramp protruding west (which I have since learned is called a Keyhole Fire Pit). The base stones were laid in a spiral that spun counterclockwise—large rocks were placed in each cardinal direction, and each side wall rock slipped into place, connecting like long-lost friends. I carefully lifted the centre stone of the base and invited everyone present to make an offering. The stone was placed back, and the hallowed fire pit was ready. 

On the eve of the first day, all gathered, and with love and intention, the first fire was lit. The fire burned over the next three days, with many fire keepers and reverent revellers tending to it. The fire became the focal point and the meeting place. Songs and stories were shared, and laughter and tears filled the spiralling circle. I would sit with the fire each night, watching and admiring how the stones eased deeper into place and slowly developed new colours as the flames danced along their surfaces.

On the last night, as the clock moved from one day to the next, I felt a whisper from behind up in the cosmos as I stood watch.

I turned to meet the whisper, and a star winked and twinkled brightly. I felt deeply into this celestial body and received a request. The star shared that it held the energy of an Ancient Being that wished to reunite or communicate with the Earth. I asked what was required of me to help this Old One. The star shared that I was to stand at the foot of the North stone of the sacred hearth and connect my roots with the heart of the earth and my branches to the heart of the cosmos, creating an open channel and to hold this connection as the energy came forward and through. I agreed and proceeded to go into place and connect my heart to the heart of the earth and the heart of the Universe.

I opened the channel and entered a state of spaciousness and ease, breathing intently and rhythmically. I noticed a shift as frequencies that were new to me began to trickle and stream. I welcomed and relaxed, witnessing my breath deepening and slowing. As the energies grew closer to my body, a kaleidoscope of imagery, feelings, and stories began to wash over me like a rushing snow-melt river. Attempts to grasp what was moving through me were incomprehensible yet familiar and nourishing. I noticed what felt like Dragon energy, powerful, strong, wise, hidden and magical. Is this what it's like to sip from the well of wisdom encompassing All?

This information was too great to fit into the current configurations of my knowing. I rested back into holding, allowing and surrendering. 

At some point, I noticed that I had moved my body into a deep squat, my fingers were dug deep into the soil, and low guttural sounds were emerging from the depths of my being. The Primal Energy was preparing to leave my body and enter the earth. From my state of observation, I recognized that I was birthing and realized the significance of what was transpiring at that moment. I dug deep into my being and supported the movement. The sounds grew, and I focused on opening and releasing. I pressed my sacrum to the ground and felt the energies pour in. Moving in and spreading out, following the paths of the roots that led to spaces between the stones and to the heart of the Earth mother. My body eased and relaxed, and stillness enveloped me. Waves of gratitude and love sprang up from the earth and showered down from the skies.

Awakening, opening, transforming, hearty laughter erupted from my body, and I returned to the current moment. My perception altered, and eyes that saw differently opened. 

Thrust into the present as the realization that all eyes were watching. A circle had gathered around supporting me; a hand reached out, and I accepted. As I came to my feet, I saw that many more circles were formed around me.

Silence held the moment while the flames licked and twirled in the fire.

A smile grew across my face, and the many gathered broke into cheers. I reached for my water bottle, and a large mug of beer was in my hand. I held it up to the sky, then down to the earth, and poured some on the north stone. I took a small sip and passed it to the next person, so it moved from each person around the fire. It returned to me, and I poured a bit on each cardinal stone, feeling the completion. The night's merriment slowly crept back into the circle, and I slowly backed out. I needed solace and quiet reflection. I found myself curled up in my tent and cozy under the blankets. Recognizing the tiredness in my body, I quickly drifted off to sleep.

Penny hosts Human Design readings and Sacred Herbs workshops. Check out her offerings on our website.