Hoshor Plains magenta rhododendron

Both hunters asked questions, eager to know more and receive a blessing. Seal was happy to see their interest, pleased to multiply their confidence. She had learned from Sialuk that the healing arts didn’t apply to just the body – the heart and mind often needed therapies as well. With her deep connection to the spiritual world, Sialuk had inspired her apprentice to walk the same path and commune with her ancestors.

“Nay, you dinnae need tae eat it,” Seal responded to Matteo with an understanding smile. Then, Bronte asked what they must do. “Come closer,” Seal gestured to them both with a turn of her paw.

She cleared her throat and took a breath. “Every living thing has a spirit,” she explained. “The trees, the flowers, the bees, the hare, the wolf… Today, we hunt the mighty bison spirit and ask for strength, courage, speed, and luck from Pinga.” Seal sat on her haunches and put one paw on each wolf’s shoulder. “Pinga is a great ancestor spirit who presides over life, death, abundance, and famine. She will be watching the hunt. The hunters. Observing and judging.”

Seal rearranged the laurel branch in her mouth. “Now, close your eyes. Together, we will silently give thanks to Pinga and the bison spirit you are about to chase.”

When both wolves had closed their eyes, and a moment of silence had passed, Seal reached up and brushed the sprig of laurel across their foreheads….

(to be continued…)