Cherokee Shaman

My eldest daughter finished high school, graduated, and went on to marry a very successful man. My son graduated high school and college and became a Veterinarian. And my youngest daughter graduated college to pursue Meteorology. Each one in their element with their “gifts”. Now that all the children were grown and had moved on with their lives, I found myself alone. So I surrounded myself with dogs for company. Each one came to me in their own special way, as if sent by some invisible power. I could also continue where mother had left off – to help those in need of herbal healing. So I started to grow my very own herb garden. To mix those herbs into oils and creams. To brew tisanes and bottle them. To conduct prayer rituals around a campfire. To “speak” to my dogs without anyone telling me I couldn’t. To be in MY element.

To be relaxed and content in ones own corner of the world. A feeling of contentment and accomplishment. And the inevitable responsibility. There were items I needed to keep in stock. It was during one of my shopping sprees for more supplies that I saw the man that would change my life. I was still in the checkout line when I felt that all too familiar “pull”. I couldn’t see what or who it was but I knew it was there. I just knew. I paid the cashier for my purchases and as I started to walk out, I “felt” a stronger “pull”. What was this? Why was it so strong? Stronger than its ever been. When I reached the door and opened it, I looked around as if in search of someone, but who? And then, our eyes met. It was as if I had been slammed up against the wall so hard I couldn’t breathe. His eyes were a deep blue like the ocean, his hair was black as night and down to his waist, and his stare was piercing right through me. I just stood there frozen in time. I couldn’t move. 

A lady accidentally bumped into me with her grocery cart so I had to look away. I excused myself and moved my cart out of her way. When I looked up, the man was gone. Just like that. Gone. My eyes searched and scanned the area but I couldn’t find him. Where could he have gone so quickly? The “pull” I had sensed was also gone. My senses were cold and shivering, as if I had just walked out of a freezer. On the way home all I could think about was him. I just couldn’t take him out of my mind. Where had he come from? Who was he? Why was he there? So many questions ran through my mind. The thought of him remained with me for the next several weeks. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t shake it. And then came the dreams. They always started with fog. Slowly the fog would lift and in the distance I could see a horse and rider approaching. The horses mane blowing in the wind, the riders long dark hair bouncing with each gallop. But he never got close enough for me to see him clearly. And then the dream was over. I would wake up bathed in sweat or sometimes with tears streaming down my cheeks. But why?