The air was damp and cool, causing me to look up. I could see the heavy skies and feel the roundness of the Earth. I noticed a conspiracy of ravens flying in a way I have yet to witness again. They each took turns leading the others into lazy circles. Eventually, the ravens joined together, reminding me of an endless eternity symbol.
This occurred in my early twenties outside of a winery in Moab, Utah, where I held a very temporary job. The memory sits on a shelf in my mind that holds my favorite things. My most treasured experiences have drawn my attention beyond the expected.
Who would think that a minute of watching ravens fly would guide me for decades to come? This experience helped me realize magical moments are glimpses into other worlds. These can be a catalyst for unraveling our beliefs, so a new awareness can bloom into being.
The best of these experiences happen unexpectedly and are certainly a gift. They are personal. Many people would not have noticed or cared about the flow of the conspiracy, and yet it grabbed me.
Each of us has different keys or interests that unlock a cosmic door and add a new depth to life.
Allow things to catch your attention. Some experiences will be over in a flash, but other seemingly inconsequential moments are a portal to expanded awareness. It’s almost like time stands still when we are meant to remember a vision or sound.
This article is about honoring the quick flashes and the slow sweet pieces of life that help shape each of our lives.
I dropped out of high school when I was 15 and took the GED around my 16th birthday. I spent the next two years experiencing life and making mostly poor decisions. Near my 18th birthday, I took a job in Yosemite National Park. This random adventure helped me discover myself with love, confidence, and joy.
In Yosemite, I fell in love for the first time, not just with a beautiful boyfriend but with life. This is where I became passionate about hiking, rocking, climbing, and the pure joy of being outside. This love of physical adventures and nature has stayed with me throughout my life. In fact, it is where I find peace, balance and make sense of everything.
Eventually, I left Yosemite, believing it was time to pursue higher education. This plan didn’t stick. Soon I was working in a bicycle shop and planning to pedal my bike on Highway 50, the loneliest road in America. My route was on the back roads from Sacramento, California, to Moab, Utah. I loaded my panniers with food, a tent, a sleeping bag, a dictionary, and a journal. The dictionary was inspired because my spelling was atrocious.
Taking off across the desert in June was probably not one of my brightest ideas. It was hot and dry, and most of the campgrounds had their water turned off because of drought. I had to map out where I would fill my many water containers every day. Luckily, I love a good plan, and as I began gaining elevation, the temperatures dropped.
In total, I pedaled almost 900 very slow miles. I didn’t listen to music or have any distractions except the sky and the grade of the road. The portion on Highway 50 had very little traffic. My passion for adventure and the excitement for my future kept me mostly focused on the road ahead.
One particularly challenging day was in the Nevada desert. I had camped by a creek and a small waterfall. In the morning, I filled my water containers and attempted to climb out of the canyon. It was so hot and steep that by the time I made it to the top, I had to turn around because I didn’t have enough water to make it to my next water stop. This was a tough and disappointing day. I still remember how I felt, physically exhausted and alone. Maybe this helped me with other life experiences that required me to dig deep and find a way out.
Along The Way, I Experienced Some Magic
Raven Magic reminds me of transformation in this life and beyond, our connection to eternity. I also love how ravens hold the thread of insight or prophecy from our ancestors. They remind us to be adaptive in life, but most of all remind us of our connection to all that is.
Coyotes have dipped in and out of my life for a long time. My first experience with coyote medicine was in Moab, Utah. I was woken up by the call of a coyote. I looked outside my tent, where a coyote was sitting and watching me. He didn’t stay long, but I’ll never forget the energy. I still love hearing the Coyote’s song. They remind me to stay curious, remember my resiliency, and appreciate when laughter breaks the silence.
In Utah, I was lucky enough to have a wild Mustang stop running right in front of me. This was one of those moments that didn’t last long, but I remember the power of the horse. Her strength, courage, and independence remind me to break free of what’s holding me back. I also call this energy in when I’m taking part in an endurance event.
I was caught in a huge thunder and lightning storm on Boulder Mountain. There was no shelter for miles. I huddled next to the road, in a wash, until a camper van came by. I hitched a ride to the bottom of the mountain. I believe this electric storm helped me release some of my fears and gain clarity on my dreams.
Today
I eventually made it back to college and successfully raised three children. Yet, it took years for me to appreciate the journey on the road less traveled. I was comparing myself to others and forgetting the messages and lessons of long ago.
When I find myself in uncharted territory, I call on the Raven, Coyote, and Mustang magic. These memories are still powerful enough to brand my thoughts and behaviors with courage and the supernatural magic that I connected with decades ago.
What Shaped Your Life?
I encourage you to reconnect with the beautiful memories that helped define and shape your life. Do some journal about where you found love, strength, and clarity. Remember the moments when there was nothing between you and the Universe, as time stood still.
Many more magical moments are waiting for you and me. We only need to make room for these experiences by believing in and honoring the possibilities of the Universe.
by Polly Wirum
