The baby wakes us just before dawn. It is her natural right to do so, in accord with the ancient agreements between our animal bodies and the Earth... not to mention the agreement between parent and child. Gazing west, the Moon is setting slowly into the Pacific. Her long reflection stretching out across the water. My ancestors called that “the Moon’s road”, mångata.
Today is Samhain and my ancestors are close. So I say “thank you” to them, and offer them blessings of peace. A few I know by name, some I’ve met in visions, many are utterly anonymous. But they lived, and I live only because of their love, work, and resilience.
Great horned owls call from ridge to ridge, and the acorn woodpeckers cackle amongst themselves to start the day. Time for my morning ritual: strong black tea and a dance with my tiny daughter.