Wild Signs and Star Paths: Key #5, The Wind Anchor

This series is an exploration of the works of Tristan Gooley. I’ll document my efforts to learn to read nature’s signs. If you enjoy reading, I encourage you to support the author by purchasing a copy of Wild Sings and Star Paths (UK) or The Nature Instinct (US). I’m in no way affiliated with the author, nor do I profit from sales of the book.

Last Week’s Work

To track the sword of Orion as it turns like a gauge through the sky, pointing south at the constellation’s highest point. And to pay attention to local wild places.

New World

I’m not much of a night owl, and the sun is usually peeking out when I wake up at 6 AM, which is the best time to see Orion this time of year. Add to that the fact that every night has been completely overcast for months, and these make pretty good excuses for why I failed to observe the Orion signs. These may have to wait for winter. It’s a humbling reminder that what we want Nature to share with us may not be the thing she cares to reveal.

The wild places are of course everywhere. Tristan Gooley defines a “wild” as a place w engendered by awareness, a sense of connection, an a deep understanding of the landscape. This is exactly the set of skills I’m working on in this exploration of WSASP, so it stands to reason that I will experience fewer wild places early, and more as I get better. Ultimately, just about anything that meet those criteria if we hone our senses well. ( Read more... )