Lunar Eclipse

There is something that is so beautifully different about a lunar eclipse that draws people out to view it. Even on a bitterly cold night in Minnesota.

Watching the moon go from fully illuminated in all it's glory to glowing bright red and back to fully lit is a quite a spectacular event to witness.

Last night, a group of us met up for dinner and then drove a ways out to get away from the light pollution of the Cities. In between taking shots of the moon, we would jump back into the car to warm up. It was -5°F (-21°C) and we weren't going to take any chances of having our equipment (or our toes) freezing.

As we sat in the car between bouts of viewing and photography, we talked about the symbology of the moon. What the moon symbolizes, the utter confusion and chaos lunar eclipses caused in the past because of not knowing what was really happening, the religious significance that has been placed on the moon by many cultures and how some of the mystery of the moon has been lost due to modern science.

But, in the end, no matter how much we philosophized, nothing could take away the fact that last night, the moon was beautiful in all the stages of the eclipse.

The Night Sky

The last week or so, I've been watching the night sky. Even with the nights becoming crisp, I've been drawn outdoors for a couple of hours at a time. I've taken to grabbing a blanket and my backpacking mattress and driving a good distance from the light pollution cast off from the brightly lit Twin Cities.

What first drew me outside last week was a comet called 17P/Holmes. A friend and I had heard about the comet and decided to try to get pictures of it. We drove out to a spot that allowed us a good look at the sky, pulled over to the side of the road, and set up our cameras.

We were too late. As we were setting up our photo equipment, we noticed that the full moon was rising in the north-eastern sky right where the comet was. Although the comet was bright, it was quickly overpowered by the light of the moon.

Instead of taking pictures of the moon, I took a few minutes to lean up against the car and look at what else was in the sky as I waited for my friend to finish taking pictures. I saw the usual stars, satellites, and planes and my friend and I both saw a shooting star that streaked across the sky.

But the one thing that really caught my attention was the Big Dipper. No matter what I watched or where I looked in the sky, my gaze always went back to that constellation that has been acknowledged in many cultures throughout the ages. My thoughts continued to be centered on this famous constellation for the next few days as I found myself going outside to watch the night sky.

Tonight, as the air was very brisk (there were even some snow flurries today here in Minnesota), I decided to stay in and read tonight. A few days ago, I had picked up a used copy of American Gods by Neil Gaiman on a recommend from Paul at Evoking the Goddess, and I decided that it was the night to start reading it.

Soon after starting it, I realized that can't get away from the Big Dipper even when indoors. Two of the characters in the book climbed up on the roof of a house, where the woman points out the Big Dipper and tells the man about how three cultures view it. The one that caught my attention was Odin's Wain.

Sitting By The Falls

Still out by the water.....

By The Water

Living in Minnesota gives me the opportunity for all sorts of outdoor experiences, especially when it comes to water. Minnesota is the "land of 10,000 lakes" after all. But its not only the lakes that are a draw for me.

I love hiking along the rivers, streams and creeks that feed into Lake Superior along the North Shore. The rushing rapids of the rivers and the crashing waterfalls contrasts with the quiet views of Lake Superior that come from the tops of the Sawtooth Mountains. (You didn't know that Minnesota has mountains, did you? Not huge, mind you, but there they are.)

Spending the last couple of days along the North Shore made me realize how much I miss living near so much water. It also made me realize that this summer's focus has been about being outdoors - camping at Gettysburg, hiking in the Shenandoah Mountains, kayaking, visiting the ocean, and of course hiking the waterways of the North Shore.

I've gotten a few emails and comments asking where I've been. With the wonderful weather lately, it has been hard to sit down and write when I have the opportunity to be outside. So, as long as the weather is great, I'll be out by the water.

Spring Is Here!

On my way home from the UU church that I am involved with, I noticed something that I forward to every spring. The trees are starting to green up here in Minnesota. If it wasn't raining, I would have had a picture to post.

Even with though we have officially been in the spring season for about a month now, I finally feel that spring is here!

The Rabbits Are Hoppin'

A few days ago, I was reminded that it was spring time - by the rabbits (or hares) in my yard, of all things. It seems that they really like my backyard. I'm guessing they have settled here because it surrounded by a high privacy fence in which other animals are not able to get in to bother them. The rabbits, however, can get through two small holes in the fence. Quick like a bunny is taking on a whole new meaning. Fertility is the name of the game in the natural world this time of year, after all.

I may just have to turn off the security lights in the side and backyards as the rabbits are setting off the motion detectors.

Whether you celebrated Ostara yesterday or you celebrate today (depending on your time zone), I wish you a blessed day.

Out In The Natural World

Today as I was sitting at work, I found myself daydreaming of hiking the Appalachian Trail again. After all, it is that time of year when the majority of the thru-hikers start their pilgrimage to Maine from Georgia. To spend six months surrounded and walking in some of the most beautiful settings on the east coast sounds absolutely divine right now. Ah, how I wish I could be starting that trek again.

Since I hiked the trail a few years ago, I have realized that I have a different appreciation for the outdoor world than most of my friends. They see activities such as hiking, kayaking, and rock climbing as "something you do" on the weekends to stave off boredom. Since my hike, I have seen it as getting back to the real world and look forward to my time spent at State Parks, on hiking trails, and on lakes. I feel at home and enjoy the time I spend outdoors and try to get out as much as my schedule allows for.

The picture above was taken at the psychological half way point of the Appalachian trail, over-looking Harper's Ferry, WV and the Potomac river; just over 1000 miles hiked. (The "official" half way point is about 100 or so miles north.) This six mile climb was hard won. A thunderstorm, the 90 degree heat and the very steep climb made it difficult. The experience I had that day with everything combined is why this picture is such a treasure to me. Three months and 1000 miles down, three months and just over 1000 miles to go.

The next 1000 miles were to be tough as boredom set in when the experience became more about hiking the miles rather than enjoying the natural setting. The goal was to hike the trail, and to do so, I had to reach Maine by the end of September or the first few days in October.

There were many times when I wanted to quit and go home. But in the end, I'm glad I didn't. It is views like the one to the right that made it worth continuing. This picture was taken after four miles of climbing in the rain and mist up Mt. Katahdin in Maine. I stopped to take a break as I reached the point that marked the last mile of the trail. I sat for a few minutes, feeling defeated due to the weather, thinking that I would not get the view from the top that I had been dreaming about since I first thought of hiking the trail back in 1995.

When I looked up, it took me a few seconds to realize what I was seeing. The mist and rain was starting to dissipate and the wind had pushed the clouds over to the east of the ridge that I had just climbed. I could see the trail and a couple of my fellow trekkers! I started crying as I realized that I would get a view from the top; as I realized that this was the end; as I realized that I would no longer be seeing the people that I had spent 6 months hiking with; as I realized that I may not have the chance again to live this close to the natural world. I feel lucky to have had this experience.

As spring nears and the snow is nearly melted, I find myself looking forward to my summer adventures outside.

Longing For Spring

We often don't notice the little things around us. Have you ever stopped to look at and take in all the detail of a leaf? The patterns of the veins of the leaf; The browning around the edge of the blade; The holes from insects taking a bite to eat; The color of the midrib of the blade (in this case, red); The length of the petiole (or stem); The grouping of the leaves; When the leaves bud in the spring; When it starts to change color in the fall.

By sometime in April or May, the buds will start to appear on the trees in Minnesota. I love to go walking through the woods at this time. It is a time when everything seems to be waking up: The birds coming back from their wintering locations; The leaves start to turn the landscape different shades of green; The winter snow melting and finding is way to various lakes by way of temporary streams.

However, this year, I won't get to experience this event that I look forward to every year in Minnesota. Why? I'm not going to be here. I'm going to Europe. I get to experience spring time from a different area of the world this year. What is it like in England and Wales during April and May? What is it like in Germany? I will soon be finding out.

Photo Copyright © 2006 S. Nichole.

Could it be?....YES!

Last night after looking out my window, I just knew I had to be outside. Could it be? Was it ..... SNOWING? Yes! I got my winter gear on an headed out for a walk in the crisp, late night air.

I walked a little ways from my house and stood in the driveway with my face turned up to the skys just to feel the cold flakes fall on my face. As I started walking, I heard the crunch of new fallen snow under my shoes. I was soon looking at the snow collecting on top of the branches of the trees. It was coming down fast.

I walked towards the local park and its walking paths through the woods. Everything was quiet and still around me. The only noise was my footfalls. I sat down in the snow to take in the quiet and found myself grinning at nothing. I was happy that we finally had two decent snowfalls in Minnesota during the last week.

As I sat there listening to nothing, I realized just how much I have missed the snow this year. It's not that we haven't had any up until this point, but what we have had hasn't lasted long. My lawn was brown last Friday. Now the whole neighborhood and surrounding parks areas are a winter wonderland. And it is beautiful.

When I looked down at the sleeve of my coat, I realized that I could see the patterns of the individual snowflakes. Due to what I saw, I realized that I have really never paid any attention to individual flakes before. The harsh lines and angles of the crystalline forms made me lean in closer for a better look. I quickly realized my mistake as my warm breath caused the flake to melt in about half a second.

Seeing the flake melt was a interesting experience. Have you ever watched a snowflake melt before? The tines melted first and looked as if they were shrinking into the main body of the flake until all that was left was a tiny bead of liquid. Such a simple thing had me transfixed. Why had I not paid attention to this before?

I don't think I had given myself the chance to do so before. As our world rushes by, who has the time to sit and watch snowflakes melt? And who has the time to care? This was why I liked the snow and why I had missed it: when it snows, our world slows down just enough for us to start paying attention to things a little closer. And that was just what happened last night.

The Little Spirit Cedar Tree

I've been thinking about sacred spaces again and how they influence people's lives. This time, the sacred place I am thinking about is here in Minnesota and it is one that I've been intrigued by for many years. Maybe you've heard of it as it is fairly well-known in Minnesota. It's called the Little Spirit Cedar Tree (even though most non-Native Americans call it the Witch Tree).

This tree is said to be either over 300 or 400 years old (depending on the source) and seemingly grows out of rock on a ledge overlooking Lake Superior on Hat Point. It is a special tree as it is the traditional place where the Ojibwe placed offerings of tobacco and other things to ask the Gods for a safe passage before they were to journey on the lake.

While tourists used to be able to walk right up to it, due to many years of abuse of the area and damage done to the tree, the area is now protected. People who want to view the tree need to have permission from the Grand Portage Reservation. I think that it is for the best, especially after I read this account from a website on the tribal uses of Juniper:

The only time I went there, with a family from Nett Lake to pray for their
brother, we were actually photographed and pointed at by repulsive, noisy
tourists. I never went back, it was somehow spoiled for me. When I think of that
tree, I can't help but feel it is spiritually dead, because for us it was killed
spiritually by those tourists, their silly babble, their cameras.

(scroll down to the 4th section of the page)

To have a sacred spot ruined by the inconsiderate actions of onlookers is just heartbreaking.



Here is more information regarding the tree that I found:

A beautiful story of how the tree came to be.
A picture and article about the tree and the land around it.
Grand Portage article

Leonid Meteor Shower

This weekend is a great time to view the Leonid meteor shower. While peak activity is supposed to be tonight, the best night to view may be on the 20th. Why? There will be no moonlight to compete with the show in the sky.

An explanation of the name from StarDate:

The Leonids are named for the constellation Leo because they all appear to “rain” into Earth’s atmosphere from that direction. However, the meteors can streak across any portion of the sky, so you do not have to look toward Leo to see them.

For best viewing, make sure to get away from city lights. For best viewing time, try to go out after midnight. Here is a list of future meteor showers from Star Date, complete with peak date and moon phase.

I love watching meteor showers. I may have to brave the cold and go find a place to watch it tonight.

Mt. Katahdin, ME

Almost 11 months ago, I had this view a mile from the peak of Mt. Katahdin.

I climbed 4 miles in the mist, got to this point and took a break with a mile left to go. I remember wishing that I could have a view from the top of this mountian as it was the end of my 2,170+ journey on the Appalachian Trail. I wanted a visual memory that could sum up my hike in one image. Not long after, the mist cleared from one side of the mountain and I snapped this picture.

I must say I was awestruck. I am afraid of heights and if I had seen what I was climbing, I probably would have turned around. Well, no I wouldn't have. I had walked way too long (5 1/2 months) to get to here. This was the perfect ending to a very tough, but satisfing journey.

Going along with feeling of "nature deficit disorder" the other day, I have been looking at the photos of my trip. I am realizing now just how lucky I have been to have had this experience. Living outdoors for almost six months was a life changing experience.

To tie this is to spirituality, most of the people I hiked with talked about how this experience changed them, both on a personal and spiritual level. Many people mentioned that this journey helped them to feel closer to their higher power and allowed them to really think about what they believed in. Many deep conversations were had around campfires at night about our relationship to our higher powers and where we felt we fit into this world. And of, course how the trip had changed or solidified our viewpoints on religion.

In society today, we don't have very much time to truly think about our viewpoints and make them a conscious part of lives. This trip helped me to do so. Due to 10+ hour days hiking up and down the mountians I had not much else to do but think about my life and its direction. I must say that I learned more about religion than I ever could from this 6 month journey than I ever could sitting in some kind of church.

Nature Deficit Disorder

Here is a book that talks about how children today do not get outside enough; that they are not in touch with the natural world anymore. He mentions video games and TV as part of the problem, but streeses in an interview with NPR that technology has it's uses as well. He states that, yes, technology helps kids gain a certian type of intellegence, but it only works few senses at a time, where as going outside uses all the senses together.

Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder by Richard Louv


Although I agree that most children do not get outside enough, I don't think he realizes just how many kids do get out. As I work in a natural setting, and see many families come through, I get to see the amount of joy and amazement on the faces of many kids and adults as they discover something new about nature. This could be through the displays around the setting, through the naturalist programs, or through talking to one of the staff.

I admit that most of the families I see are vacationing, but some are local families that come to visit often. I also admit that I have heard the occasional kid start complaining about lacking TV or video games. I will then give these kids our packet of activities and tell them to have a positive attitude towards it and they will have fun. It usually works. Usually.

What amazes me in this situation is the parents ask the kids if they will be all right without their precious technology. If you ask them that, of course they will say no and then they begin to believe that it's not okay to be without it. This gives the kids the believed power that they can start complaining if they are without what they want.

I also want to add that this shouldn't be about young kids either. As I am back in college, I am noticing the difference between "now" and "then." College kids these days are carring around an armory of small, high tech toys including cell phones, lap tops, ipods, other mp3 players, and portable videogames. As soon as they are up out of their chairs, they are plugged in, dialed up, or clicking away and not paying attention to whats going on around them. Sad.

Maybe this theroy of Nature Deficit Disorder is why many people are discovering Neopagan religions today. Most of us are so far gone from a true connection with nature that we long for something that ties us emotionally to nature.

Hmmm, maybe a possible dissertation topic for my PhD program.



Thanks to Legendary Surfers for the link to the NPR audio file.