Redwood Tree Rings and Howling Dogs...

topic posted Sat, February 23, 2008 - 11:52 AM by  Pauline
This post is not so much in response to the Hekate’s Sacred Symbols and Animals post… but sort of inspired by that due to a post about howling dogs. I started devoted my practice to Hekate years ago and since have been blessed by presence of the goddess Coatlicue in my life. But Anyhoo… that thread was inspired by that Hekate post… so here it goes…

Recently I was walking through these woods where I’ve walked hundreds of times before. But this time I noticed a ring of redwoods that I was drawn to. Sometimes called Fairy rings, they can be places of power.

I went over and stood in its center and felt a sort of whooshing up of energy. I put out my hands to receive and could feel the energy entering me through my hands and my feet as well as sense a wall of it encircling me and going straight up into the sky. It had an iridescent quality to it, sort of abalone shell hues.

I suddenly heard a bell… I looked around me and finally saw a dog walking on the road, maybe 30 or 40 yards from where I stood. He looked up at the moment that I noticed him and he had a sudden look of fear in his eyes. He froze for a second and then with a yelp (and instead of continuing down the road) he bounded out into the woods in the complete opposite direction from me. I heard him yelp all the way home. This dog had seen me several times in our very rural neighborhood and is not a timid dog.

A few moments later I decided to continue my walk… As I made my way around the neighborhood I felt light and happy… but another dog, who usually barks a little just FREAKED out on me… wouldn’t leave me alone. Then when I got to my own house… MY dog gave out a yelp and a bark when he saw me. He NEVER does that… even when I startle him. Even with strangers in the yard or outside of his fence… he just never barks at people.

So then a few days later I was meditating on my deck. I had learned this breathing technique that really seems to open up my heart chakra. So I start to feel this energy emanating out from my heart, down my arms and out… so I decide that I would send it out to the earth… to all of the scary places out there were unthinkable things were happening. Of course I didn’t think this out well, as I was shocked with some icky energy that came back when I reached places like Darfur and Iraq…. But it was then that I noticed that all of the dogs in the neighborhood were just howling their butts off.

Then, yesterday, I went back to the fairy ring of redwoods. I stood there in this flow of energy for a little while. The color felt more green this time than anything… and after the first few moments… the dogs in the neighborhood started to howl once again. It’s a very big area and there are lots of dogs so it is a pretty eerie sound. Then when I got back to my yard, my dog just went off barking at me… even after I told him that it was okay that it was only me… he continued to bark until I could cajole him to a better greeting.

Anyhoo… That is my story. Anyone have anything similar with Redwood Tree Rings or howling dogs and energy work?
posted by:
Pauline
California
  • Howling Dogs...Mean Caution!

    Sat, February 23, 2008 - 4:43 PM
    Sometimes I'll be doing things, and all of a sudden all the dogs in the neighborhood will start to howl. I know that it could be a noise, or a ghost/other-dimensional type creature setting them off - but because they all start at precisely the same moment, I'm inclined to think that it is because they sense the displacement of a large amount of energy. They also respond in various modes of howling on different occasions...but usually they are upset.

    Just because something is natural doesn't mean that it is safe. The place you describe sounds very powerful. Faeries, nature spirits, are very tricky. If dogs respond to you this way after visiting this place, then I think you might want to consider staying away from it - at least until you've established, at a distance, the nature of the energy of the place.

    When energy is moved, often times there are good omens, other times, cautionary ones. Occasionally, bad ones. It sounds like you moved a lot of energy without any particular purpose in mind, and it might have unbalanced something, or upset a spirit. Those dogs saw something, and they did not like it. If they are your friends, I would listen to them.

    Animals are *wired* right into worlds we ignore. The omens/reactions you are getting from the dogs are yelling "Caution! What the heck is that?" - at least to me.

    It sounds like a cool place in a way - but I'd do a meditation on before I went back, and I would have a definite purpose to going back - to make offerings to the spirits of the trees, maybe. Those nature spirits can be fiesty. I hear they like good pipe tobacco, honey, eggs, and beer. Or better yet, I would send a prayer of respect to the place, while meditating on it, first of all.

    I would also carry a little sage with me, maybe some cornmeal or what ever you like to use for protection. The best defense is a good offense...don't try to fight it. Just cover your bases.

    Hope this helps.

    Respectfully yours,

    Eve

    • Re: Howling Dogs...Mean Caution!

      Sat, February 23, 2008 - 6:41 PM
      Don't disregard the possibility that it's something infinitely simpler as well.
      Dog's sense of smell is so far beyond ours that it's almost as if they see into the future sometimes even though it's just that they smell things before we do. Are there mountain lions in your neighborhood? If a dog smells that on you after picking it up in the grove (for instance) they will go nuts.
      I don't mean to minimize your experience at all,just start with the simpler explanations is all I'm suggesting...
      • Re: Howling Dogs...Mean Caution!

        Sat, February 23, 2008 - 7:17 PM
        Stephen!!! Funny you should say that. I have a picture that I took not far from the trees of what could either be out of season buck rub or scratches from a mountain lion. I'll see if I can figure out a way to post one in this thread. (I'm a HTML dummy!)

        As far of the energy there. I am a light/energy worker. I did have intention in going there that I did not mention in the thread. I have many health issues and am currently living where I am living trying to seek out the possibility of a spontaneous remission. I know that Redwood rings can be powerful and when I felt drawn to that spot it was because I felt something good there. There was another spot in those woods where a tree had fallen and the energy there (in the roots) was far different. More of a sucking thing... where the ring was more of a bath in clean energy. After both visits I enjoyed very relaxed, anxiety free and symptom free evenings. I am fairly sensitive to bad energies and have pretty bad reactions to bad places... one in particular a certain tree about an hour inland from here... I am planning on bringing the ring of trees an offering the next time I pass. I was really concerned about the dogs though... since I felt so content there and the dogs were kinda freaked. Though, I have to say, my dog HATES it when I try to do any energy work on him! He gets very uncomfortable and hides from me.

        I'm going to try to post those pictures of the tree scratches.
        • Re: Howling Dogs...Mean Caution!

          Sat, February 23, 2008 - 7:40 PM
          I added the photo as my profile pic... anyone with any ideas as to who could make this mark on such a big tree? I know bucks do this in Oct/Nov during the rut... this one was fresh (probably a few days old) and I took the picture last week.
          • Re: Howling Dogs...Mean Caution!

            Sun, February 24, 2008 - 5:49 AM
            sounds like someone stepped in some mountain lion pee and tracked it through the neighbor hood freaking the dogs out...

            when we lived in the redwoods the mountain lions would always get the local dogs up in arms. LOL. but hey you may have been in a fairy ring too...
          • Re: Howling Dogs...Mean Caution!

            Sun, February 24, 2008 - 7:40 AM
            Pauline....hi! It occurs to me that you are drawn to the Mountain Lion vibes. I also just saw a program on TV about the possibility of Jaguars in the US!

            Anyway, you might consider that there is healing for you with this animal, whatever it may be. The dogs are helping you, too, by their reaction.

            from: www.geocities.com/~animalsp...ndex1.html


            Jaguar's Wisdom Includes:

            Seeing the roads within chaos
            Understanding the patterns of chaos
            Moving without fear in the darkness
            Facilitating soul work
            Empowering oneself
            Moving in unknown places
            Shapeshifter
            Psychic

            Black Jaguar's Wisdom Includes :

            Keeper of the circular time continuum
            Gatekeeper to the Unknowable
            All wisdom listed above for Jaguar


            According to Mayan beliefs, the journey of the sun across the sky and the darkness of night stood for the eternal journey of human consciousness and its transformations. The sun at midday was compared to the Eagle, flying high in the sky. Then it plunges below the horizon, just as we plunge into the dark where we face our spiritual challenges and are transformed. The hidden sun was said to be Jaguar, whose spotted skin symbolized the stars glittering in the night sky. Thus, it was called the "Jaguar Sun." Jaguar is the earth father. As earth father, he presides over the sacred power in the earth and the animals who live upon it. The force that lives within the mountains, which gives them their volcanic and transformative power, is the same underworld source of power and energy as the Jaguar Sun. The Mayan word for Jaguar is IX (pronounced eesh).

            Cougar/Mountain Lion/Puma's Wisdom Includes:

            Using leadership power wisely and without ego

            Balancing power, intention, strength

            Gaining self-confidence

            Freedom from guilt

            Cunning


            For the Zunis of Turtle Island (Southwest United States), Cougar was the Master Hunter, known for its high intelligence, its knowledge of other animal and life forms, its physical prowess, its strength of will, and its intuitive ability. Cougar sees the maintenance of its territory as essential for its survival. Poshaiankia, the father of the Medicine Societies, designated Cougar the duty of carrying messages from humans to the higher spirits, because of this animal’s personal power, superior knowledge, strength of will, and steadfastness. Therefore, Cougar represents the link between ourselves and the most powerful spirits in Zuni Mythology: Mother Earth, Father Sky, and the Originator of All.
            • Re: Howling Dogs...Mean Caution!

              Sun, February 24, 2008 - 2:58 PM
              I would pay attention to the dogs, as others have said already, something is up if those dogs are that upset, they can see and sense things that humans can't...

              I've read a lot about faery rings in old folk tales, though I can't say I've ever encountered one... I've come into contact and had some experience working with ley lines and power spots, which are in abundance in Nature, especially in places where the Land is able to take back control, can sprawl undisturbed by humans and our developments, where other forms of life can exist that we have pushed to the limit of existence in cities ... and I think we must also put ourselves into the equation, our energy, our mental state, for we are also Nature Herself.

              Blessings ~
              • Re: Howling Dogs...Mean Caution!

                Mon, February 25, 2008 - 10:13 AM
                This all makes a lot of sense. I just sort of looked around at all of the posts I've made to this forum and noticed that they almost all mention Mountain Lion. I know that I've had this type of connection with mountain lion for a while now... but didn't understand it because much of what I've read has to do with leadership. But then I read this yesterday and it totally rang true ~

                "Totem animals come to us to bring us a message from their own life skills and abilities of something that we need to learn and incorporate into our own lives today. The message of the mountain lion is how it stands in its own power. It isn't afraid of anything. It is smart and knowledgeable. It knows its ways. It is balanced in its power, intention and strength. It knows its strengths and uses them to its advantage. So now it is time for you to learn self-confidence in your own persona, in your own gifts and skills and abilities. "
                ~ Shaman Elder Maggie

                I have a lot of fears concerning my health that I am trying to overcome.... (therapy, hypnotherapy, etc) I've been joking that I feel like a box full o' crazy these days... At the same time I'm also recognizing the power that I have in regard to healing. Is it possible to fear being or becoming fearless? As a person with late onset juvenile diabetes (I was diagnosed at 22)... I was drilled by doctors to fear the things that could possibly happen to me as a result of improper care and neglect of my disease. It has led me to a hyper-vigilant state bordering on neurosis. (thus my need for therapy). I have already had one complication come up... it resulted in several incredibly difficult years and I'm still struggling... but I have this inner knowing that healing is possible for me. My grandmother (when she hit menopause) went into spontaneous remission from her late onset juvenile diabetes... so I have reason to hope since she and I were blessed with similar hormonal imbalances.

                I know that Mountain Lion is offering help in facing my fears. And as my dream a few weeks ago indicated... I'm wrestling with this.

                I'm a firm believer that I gifted myself with these trials for this lifetime to aid in my development. I accept the lessons that come from dis-ease. The hard part is getting my conscious brain to go along with these innate knowings. I know I have the power to bring into my life the things I fear. I've been doing that for the last 10 years. Now is the time to manifest health and well being.

                Adya ~ there is supposed to be a ley line about 15 miles from my house... It is supposed to run right through The Stanford Inn down just south of Mendocino. I've been tempted to go and check it out and see how it feels to stand one one... I hear that it depends on the energy you go in with... if you are nervous you will become more nervous... angry then you'll get anger, etc. Maybe I'll chose a day where I'm feeling extra confident and content to go and find it?
                I have done a little checking ~ with regard to redwood rings... Some of the ones in my backyard seem to have a good amount of energy running through them... so... I'm not too sure I found an actual fairy ring. The energy seems to be sort of 50/50. I wonder if it depends upon how much of the original stump was left. The ones that were completely burned don't seem to have much energy while the ones that you can still see the mother tree have more.

                Okay... ending this way too long of a post...

                • Re: Howling Dogs...Mean Caution!

                  Mon, February 25, 2008 - 12:45 PM
                  Oh, Pauline....I think you are not alone in this! Many of us are at that time in our lives when we are ready to stand in our own power, yet we hesitate....which is perfectly understandable. Our culture has not been encouraging to us, that's for sure!

                  Still and all, it is time.

                  And yes, we can easily be afraid to let go of our fears. They are part of our identity. We can also be afraid of success....it is easier (we think) to be invisible, crawling along below the radar.....Ach! I have also the same problem!

                  I would ask the Spirit of the Mountain Lion for wisdom and truth. You might enjoy getting to know these beautiful beasts....maybe even meet some who are in shelters and need help. Even if you just visit them....I'm sure they would appreciate it!

                  Meanwhile, may I suggest a little booklet that helped me so very much:
                  It's called ___Love is Letting Go of Fear___by Dr. Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D.

                  And, as a woman who is also getting acquainted with her Inner Big Cat, I open my arms to you, Sister! YARRRROOOWWWW! We can learn this.....like a cat.....slowly.....stealthily.....and then.....POUNCE!!!! :-D
              • Re: Howling Dogs...Mean Caution!

                Mon, February 25, 2008 - 10:07 PM
                Yes, I think sometimes we discover new and raw power inside ourselves and it is so wild and fresh it can be unsettling to us and those around us.

                I can imagine such a setting helping it open. I wouldn't definitely stay aware of all possibilities.

                Sometimes using dream interpretation techniques are valuable for such experiences.Because spiritual happings outside, or as Adya says, our own inner equations ,can lead us to experiences that are neither real or unreal. They just are and we have to take the presence on and learn from it with out judging or compartmentalizing its validity or "reality".
                • Re: Howling Dogs...Mean Caution!

                  Wed, February 27, 2008 - 1:21 PM
                  >>" Because spiritual happings outside, or as Adya says, our own inner equations ,can lead us to experiences that are neither real or unreal."

                  I'm not sure if there is a definition for "real" that we would all agree on, that could be a whole other thread, I'm sure we all have our own interpretations. The mind can make things seem real in certain instances, but there are varying degrees of consciousness that may color our experiences that need to be considered, imo.

                  I don't personally think that it is as clear cut as real, unreal, or neither... Certain knowledge may be available to us that may be masked or veiled, which is to say that we may be experiencing modifications of the Supreme, or partial knowledge of the whole Reality. This is typically known as Maya, the mask that allows humans to experience the phenomenal universe as individual beings, which veils the One Absolute (however we choose to see it) either partially or completely depending upon our consciousness or realization.

                  If we're talking about the experiences that we may be having 'between worlds,' or the liminal realms, then I would say that may be more real, or revealing of aspects of truth that often don't reveal themselves in the mundane physical so-called reality; and especially if the those experiences are being mirrored in dream states, visualizations or meditations. Words may not make much sense here, but the feeling of the experiences, the synchronicity of the experiences will have a certain feel to them even if things don't happen the same or look the same, and in dreams those experiences may look completely different. But these mirrored experiences can reveal very potent messages for us... perhaps even giving us the knowledge to heal ourselves and others. I think that the universe is always trying to get through to us, but often it is we who are too busy, not listening, caught up in trivial things. For example, If we're watching tv, how will we answer the call?
                  • This is the maximum depth. Additional responses will not be threaded.

                    Re: Howling Dogs...Mean Caution!

                    Thu, February 28, 2008 - 1:27 AM
                    Adya,
                    I'm curious about your use of the term Maya and intrigued by the definition you gave.
                    What is the source of that word as you use it?
                    Is it a reference to the Mayan culture ?
                    I named an early seminal piece of sculpture I made, "Maya" years ago ,and it has ,by an odd turn of events come back into my possession...
                    Your use of the term seems inexplicably synchronistic,but before I leap to too many conclusions I thought I'd ask your source on this.
                    Google was fruitless...
                    ou8nrtist2.deviantart.com/art/M...537801
                    • Maya

                      Thu, February 28, 2008 - 5:05 PM
                      >>"I'm curious about your use of the term Maya and intrigued by the definition you gave.
                      What is the source of that word as you use it?"

                      that is not easy to sum up, but my reference was from my own understanding of it from Hindu philosophy, specifically being Shakta. Hinduism encompasses vast and often contradictory terminology in its definition of Maya.. I found the wikipedia entry on it to be rather lacking in Shakta philosophy unfortunately and needing of citations in other areas, so won't post it here...

                      how we perceive Maya depends upon our consciousness, which may shift from one day to the next.. and our beliefs to a certain extent.

                      I see Maya as the veiling power of the universe that makes things appear as separate from us so that we can play on the stage of life (duality), in which we are automatically bound by, much like karma, when we are born into the *physical* manifest world. Maya is also thought of as Nature, or Prakriti (matter), which includes humans. Maya Herself is veiling Her own power, the force in which the forms of the universe come into existence, or emanate from - non-differentiated from the non-dual, formless Brahman. She is the whole of Reality, so we may call this power Great Goddess, Devi or Shakti, or whatever we like, while we are seemingly parts of this whole as humans. I say seemingly because it depends upon our consciousness. We are all One with Shakti, Her driving force and transformative power is within all life, but until we have realized that to be the truth without a second, until there is no thought of separation, we are still operating within Her Maya. It is the destiny of all souls to eventually seek Moksha, or the final liberation, our journey back to the One. But this is not to say that Maya is not Real or just an illusion, because as humans we're in actuality never separate from the whole Reality...this is one main defining difference in Shaktism and other sects of Hinduism.

                      a completely other way to interpret - Maya was a historical personage, the Mother of the Buddha.



                      my spiritual Mother says:
                      "When you are truly humble, even nature will bow to you."

                      In Her service,
                      adya
                      • Re: Maya

                        Sat, March 1, 2008 - 6:04 AM
                        Adya wrote:
                        ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        >I see Maya as the veiling power of the universe that makes things appear as separate from us so that we can play on the stage of life (duality), in which we are automatically bound by, much like karma, when we are born into the *physical* manifest world. Maya is also thought of as Nature, or Prakriti (matter), which includes humans. Maya Herself is veiling Her own power, the force in which the forms of the universe come into existence, or emanate from - non-differentiated from the non-dual, formless Brahman. She is the whole of Reality, so we may call this power Great Goddess, Devi or Shakti, or whatever we like, while we are seemingly parts of this whole as humans. I say seemingly because it depends upon our consciousness. We are all One with Shakti, Her driving force and transformative power is within all life, but until we have realized that to be the truth without a second, until there is no thought of separation, we are still operating within Her Maya. It is the destiny of all souls to eventually seek Moksha, or the final liberation, our journey back to the One. But this is not to say that Maya is not Real or just an illusion, because as humans we're in actuality never separate from the whole Reality...
                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                        Beautifully written and well-said. As a belly dancer, the "veil" reference is especially appreciated....
                      • Re: Maya

                        Sat, March 1, 2008 - 6:09 AM
                        Adya wrote:

                        ------------------------------------
                        I see Maya as the veiling power of the universe that makes things appear as separate from us so that we can play on the stage of life (duality), in which we are automatically bound by, much like karma, when we are born into the *physical* manifest world. Maya is also thought of as Nature, or Prakriti (matter), which includes humans. Maya Herself is veiling Her own power, the force in which the forms of the universe come into existence, or emanate from - non-differentiated from the non-dual, formless Brahman. She is the whole of Reality, so we may call this power Great Goddess, Devi or Shakti, or whatever we like, while we are seemingly parts of this whole as humans. I say seemingly because it depends upon our consciousness. We are all One with Shakti, Her driving force and transformative power is within all life, but until we have realized that to be the truth without a second, until there is no thought of separation, we are still operating within Her Maya. It is the destiny of all souls to eventually seek Moksha, or the final liberation, our journey back to the One. But this is not to say that Maya is not Real or just an illusion, because as humans we're in actuality never separate from the whole Reality...
                        ----------------------------------------------------

                        Beautifully written, and well-said. As a belly dancer, I especially like the reference to the "veiling power of the universe." Thank you!
  • Re: Redwood Tree Rings and Howling Dogs...

    Mon, February 25, 2008 - 9:58 PM
    The scratches are likely due to the rubbing off of antlers. It is the season for that. But many animals will claw sharpen on trees, and you would be surprised at what a raccoon can do.

    Dogs are very powerful in the world of smell. They know an animal vs and animal scent on a human. I have never seen them react on such scents except in curiosity. Indeed take notice if you are having recurring patterns. Your own feelings can trigger a dogs bark and nervousness though.

    I am most interested in the moment of hearing the bell. Bells are both sounds of warning and sounds of the calling of spirits. All combined I would say you are being asked to be more aware of your boundaries with your inner and outer being. Light workers can be targeted for their light. But more over we have to be cautious about being open, filters and boundaries are important.

    The bell is most interesting. We can not judge the animals perception. I know you may not like the idea of this but you may have been in communion with another being. If you know any legit channelers of spirits I would inquire with them. Do a house cleansing to in case you were followed home- it happens.

    And I wanted to confirm that Jaguars have returned in states along the Mexican border. Gorgeous things!!!

    GL,
    Brenda

    • Re: Redwood Tree Rings and Howling Dogs...

      Mon, February 25, 2008 - 11:44 PM
      Thanks for your imput Brenda. I've check with a couple of sources... All of the deer in the area have lost their antlers and in these parts and have yet to start growing them back. And last month a mountain lion terrorized a small pony all night just three fields over from where I found the markings on the tree.

      Oh! The bell... I totally thought I made that more clear. The bell was actually on the dog's collar and it was ringing as he was trotting down the road just before i totally freaked him out.

      I have actually been feeling the presence of some kind of entity up near my left temple. I used to have a little light being on my right side, one that I'd made agreements with as a child to share my space. But this little bugger is new and not so much invited. It could be someone/thing from the tree ring or it could be a friend of my who passed away last week (who had always had a little crush on me). I don't feel in danger at all so I will start the fun work of cutting the energy chord. (thanks for the heads up on that! I hadn't even considered that it was someone other than my friend.) I work with some psychics in the valley and will seek their guidance if I have any trouble.

      And I did some research online and found a zoo sanctuary over in the valley and the next time I go over I'll visit with the four mountain lions and three bobcats they have. Thanks for that idea Maggie! I have this strong sense to go and seek out whatever it is... in those woods... but I've decided to go with my better judgement and keep out. I'll visit the trees in spirit with a super strength grounding chord and visit Mountain Lion at the sanctuary. I have enough health issues to add a big cat attack to the bunch!

      And yes... I'll admit it... I have a fear of success. When you succeed... people expect things from you... and the fear of failure becomes even greater! Thanks for THAT reminder! I thought i'd overcome that fear years ago... and here it is again! Man! Life sure is just a series of interconnected spheres that goes in a giant circle!
  • Unsu...
     

    Re: Redwood Tree Rings and Howling Dogs...

    Thu, February 28, 2008 - 2:22 AM
    Not directly related to this thread but:

    I had two epic dreams last night, and when I say epic they were like the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy, three reoccurring themes kept coming up!

    1.Seeds, especially of redwoods
    2.Key/s
    3.Bridge/s

    I have connected these three images to my electric guitar. The nut and the bridge are part's of my electric guitar and the key's are needed yet separate. The fretboard of most guitars is made of “rosewood”.

    Anyway I figure music, and making music, has something to do with my dream as well as harmony and being in tune. Hope this helps.

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