Bearclaw Valley asa no mori

She gives thanks to the cold mountain stream and then departs for the deeper forest. Here, the deciduous trees had dropped their leaves and the air was filled with the musty scent of autumn decay. It was a time to shed the old year’s worries and sleep in anticipation of rebirth in the spring. Keiko cherished each season and so she strolled slowly in admiration of the changing world.

And then - she spotted it! A sign! The rarest and holiest of trees!

The Akai Ki, the pacific madrona.

A broadleaf evergreen – a sign of eternal life – with paper-thin red bark.

Keiko gasped, covering her mouth, she couldn’t believe it! Quickly, she retraced her steps back towards the sleeping place to collect her necessary, ceremonial things.

And there, as if the Kami knew her thoughts, the forest deity waited.

His alabaster fur was painted an auspicious red, a rabbit in his mouth.

“Hokkyokusei-sama!“ she exclaimed, both surprised and enthralled.