As an introvert and sensitive, I’ve always felt most connected when I’m in the woods among the trees, and I definitely more comfortable around animals than people. The unspoken is understood. If I can gaze into an animal’s eyes, or feel the spirits of the natural world (or otherworld) around me, that is everything.
I’ve been listening to the podcast Fair Folk, by Danica Boyce, and her interview with author Nigel Pennick. He talks about “eldritch,” the otherworldly within our world and how you can experience the eldritch world, such as in natural places where something of the earth comes out, like a tree, a river, a well, but also in hidden and unexpected places. I feel this every time I’m out in the woods. But the possibility that it could be an encounter with an animal struck a chord with me, as I have had several what I would consider magical encounters with animals.
There have been others, but the most memorable animal encounter I’ve had was around 2012 in Salem, Oregon late one night on River Road. I went around a corner and saw that just ahead in my headlights was a buck. He was beautiful, majestic, a truly magical creature. I stopped, a shiver running through me. He didn’t run, he just turned his gaze toward my car for, again, what felt like an eternity. He wasn't spooked; it almost felt like he was waiting for me. I can't explain it. I can still see his massive antlers very slowly turning toward me. At the time I felt very strongly that it meant something, to see that being at that particular time, to feel a connection when I so needed to.
I don’t know if it’s the natural turning of the wheel, where my mind is at right now, if I’m just reading into things, or because I’m feeling very open to things, but it feels like the natural and the otherworldly are dancing not only in my peripheral vision but in full view of my open heart and mind. And I think they’ve been there all along.