"Rook?" Bridget called out from the front porch of her cabin.
"Hi Bridget! Big night, huh?"
"It really was! Can you offer me a reflection?"
"Of course. What I noticed most was your connection with the Earth. When you walked down the hill, you were known. You weren't invading on a space, you were coming home. The Land made room for you, the animals were comfortable with you. Your presence was welcomed."
"Thank you Rook," Bridget said appreciatively.
"Any time, Bridget!" Rook said as he flew to the top of an old maple tree.
Bridget felt Stillwater descend on her shoulders. "It worked tonight. I can't believe you did it without any of the rituals I shared with you. If you want I can suggest ways to deepen your relationship with the Earth so next time you go there you won't be seen as a guest."
Bridget's eye grew wide, the corners of her mouth twitching. She tried to hold back… but…
"You think I don't have a relationship with the Earth? You think it's a coincidence that I can go to a lake a communicate with The Land? You think, what… it's a coincidence I have this cabin, I co-created the Grove, I ripped open the veil? You think I'm some lucky ass human who somehow found a cheat code and now need your help to maintain it? I clawed my way here. I poured my heart out to spirits. I created relationships. I didn't sidestep relationship with ritual, I got here by pouring myself out, letting myself be seen… crying, raging, loving, hoping… praying for this. And YOU want to give me RITUALS? Let me tell you about rituals.
I grew up wandering the woods with my dad. He taught me safe plants to eat and which to avoid. He taught me how to fish and hunt. To be thankful for what the Earth provides for me. He taught me how to find my way so I don't get lost, and what to do when I eventually do get lost. I go to the forest when I am tired, when I am hurt, when I am full of love and I talk to the trees and the plants and the animals I see. Deer don't run away from me. Birds land on branches in my path. I make offerings every time I step foot in the forest. This year I spent weeks removing invasive garlic mustard from my favorite park. But go ahead and tell me how I can BEGIN to develop a relationship with the Earth, I'm listening."
Stillwater had removed herself from Bridget's shoulders, and was now standing eye to eye with her. "I am so sorry, Darling. I didn't realize, you don't need to build a relationship with the Earth, you already have one. You don't need a ritual. You ARE the ritual. I underestimated you and I promise with all tht is in me, that I will NEVER do that again."
Bridget accepted her apology, shaking her head.