Paths or trails that we walk....

[MonSno_LeeDra]

If one goes to Glastonbury Hill in England they may participate in an event that is known as "Walking the Grail". An event that is based upon the following of an established pattern of trail and course that winds up and down the side of the man made mound until they arrive at the ruins of the old Glastonbury Abbey.

If one goes to Japan they may participate in an age old event of climbing to the top of Mt Fuji to receive devine inspiration as the dawn climbs over the horizon. Each climber taking a walking stick that will have stops burnt into the shaft to notate the reaching of each marker along the trail. The very trail winding and climbing up the sides of the ancient volcano.

To those that follow a more NA slanted shamanic pathway may have incorporated an elder design that has come down to us as "The Medicine Wheel". A series of rocks / stones that are placed in a ring like formation with each point holding a specific meaning and function. Many practioners creating their own Medicine Wheels of varying sizes. Some of such dimensions that one may actualy physically "Walk" the Medicine Wheel.

If one researches many shamanic / elder spiritual paths one will frequently find the notion of a journey within the physical world to attain enlightenment. Journies built about following some land feature to arrive at a spiritual destinations. Journies built about the notion of paying homage or worship at specific holy sites or locations.

Even journies taken in person or through proxy by having another make it for you or the promise of the journey to be completed when physically able. A feat often observed in elder days between pregnant women and their goddess.

As one who follows a shamanic inspired pathway I have discovered that I have taken many of those journies over the years. Yet even as my world travels have ended I find I have created a minor course of travel that I tred nearly everyday. A course that brings me into contact with nature, reminds me of my life travels and is frequently travelled with those I love. Those I love that are spouse, descendents and even pets.

Yet I wonder how many have noticed the path or trail they walk? How many have placed foot upon path and travelled in the steps of ancient spirituality? How many how have created thier own Medicine Wheel or have walked their own Grail Path?

What about the collective you, Have you walked your spiritual path or trail?

[Lupabitch]

I have certain hikes in the Columbia River Gorge that have specific meaning to me, and I also have the path through the wetlands near my home. There's something about climbing a mountain that gets the most of my attention, but there's also having the familiarity of the homeland watershed, too.

[Mystic Christian]

I like the saying "We are not human beings on a spiritual path. We are spiritual beings on a human path."

I tend to follow Native American rituals more than any other, because I am NA in part. The sweat lodge was the most awesome experience for me. I also love the pow wows at Pine Ridge. The drums and songs in-trance you while the dancers are mystical motion. Very cool.