Explorer of Air

The Explorer of Air climbs a tall tree in the woods. From this height he has a new perspective on the world — he can see what the birds see as he gazes out over the landscape. He carries quiver, bow and blade with him, all tools of discernment and focus. He has studied and learned the language of the birds. He knows more than their songs; he also knows their companion and conflict calls, their begging and alarm calls. He understands when the birds tell each other about the deer laying quietly in the thicket, the fox silently watching, the hawk coming in to raid the songbird's nest for eggs. He knows too that birds can be messengers from the Otherworld, as they move back and forth between the world of Spirit and the physical world. His ally is Peregrine Falcon, that raptor who is making a slow recovery after nearly becoming extinct. Falcon offers the gifts of speed, grace and mental agility.

(Thanks to Chris Chisholm of Wolf Camp for introducing me to the language of the birds.)

Look at a detail of the Explorer of Air.

Explorer of Fire

The Explorer of Fire spins her flaming orbs through the darkness, the poi making a pattern of dazzling light that arcs and loops and falls. Her movements are as sensuous and sinuous as a serpent, and just as mesmerizing. She has practiced long hours to make her movements look effortless. But the skill of fire spinning requires her to be balanced, coordinated and flexible, and just a little bit daring. She wears the mask of a fire goddess; in her trance state, perhaps she becomes one. As the flames whoosh! around her, she enters the silence at the center of the circle. Fire dancers say that none of them escapes being burned at least once. Fire consumes . . . fire transforms. Fire is dangerous, erotic and hot.

The fire spinner's ally is Salamander, who offers the gift of assisting us through our transformations or re-energizing us when life seems devoid of passion.

(Thanks to Paul Bingman for allowing me to use his stunning photograph as a reference.)

Look at a detail of the Explorer of Fire.

Explorer of Water

The Explorer of Water is a surfer-yogi who rides the waves with perfect poise and equanimity. He has learned to be centered and balanced on a line that is constantly moving. He seems to be made of the same stuff as the ocean breeze, the jade and turquoise water, the salt on his skin. It is said that surfing is a form of deep meditation, a way of stopping the mind from thinking. When he catches a wave, he is pulled into the present moment, hyper-aware and effortlessly concentrating. Just like in meditation, he will end up rigid and tight if he tries too hard to control his mind. The wave then overtakes him and he wipes out. But if he finds the sweet spot where all is effortless, the wave will carry him with exquisite grace. The surfer-yogi dances on Mama Gaia's belly of water, the very essence of harmony and ease. May we all flow through life as though we were riding the waves.

His ally is Dolphin, who offers the gifts of balance, harmony and the wisdom of deep breathing.

Look at a detail of the Explorer of Water.

Explorer of Earth

The Explorer of Earth is a tracker, one who knows how to read the stories imprinted on the earth by the birds and animals who live there. Her awareness of the life of the forest is keen. She has been examining the duff at the base of the fir tree, looking for tracks or scat that might indicate what small creature has passed this way. Perhaps she has found the bones of a vole or songbird, dropped by a feasting owl. She looks up quickly when she hears a robin make an alarm call. Maybe there's a nest nearby and our tracker is too close. Or perhaps Robin is letting her know about the buck who stands just behind her. Is he a spirit deer, or a rare white deer?

Our tracker knows how to live close to the heart of nature. She knows how to make primitive tools, to start a fire with a bow drill, to smoke and dry food for the winter, to make clothing from animal hides and baskets from cedar bark. Living in the wilderness teaches her that she is capable of far more than she had ever thought. She has learned to no longer fear the forest, but to respect it and become part of it.

Her ally is Badger, who offers the gifts of stability, earth knowledge and connection to home.

(Thanks to Nikki for being my naturalist mentor once upon a time.)

Look at a detail of the Explorer of Earth.