MEETING COYOTE

One day I planned a shamanic journey to meet a special Guide, the Silver Wolf. I followed my usual path through the woods towards my sacred grove. As I walked I noticed a scruffy bundle of fur under a tree. “Odd,” I thought, “what’s that?” I stopped to examine the bundle. It moved! A tail uncurled to show piercing eyes looking up at me!

 

“About time you got here”, said a grumpy voice. “I’ve been waiting for you”.

“Who are you?” I asked.

 

Slowly the bundle of fur rose from the ground to reveal a shaggy coyote. “OK. Let’s get on with it. I’m Old Man Coyote and you need me.”

 “I already have a guide. Thanks anyway” I said, as I started to walk past him.

“You don’t get to choose. I’m here and that’s that” he replied as he kept step with me.

 

What could I possibly do about this? Coyote wasn’t a guide I wanted at all! Who was in control here anyway? “You’re just part of my imagination” I said, “so please just go away and find someone else”.

 

Coyote let out a bellowing laugh! He laughed so hard he fell down and rolled on the ground! He laughed so hard his eyes watered and he nearly choked. Still he continued to laugh!

 

“Let’s get this straight” he said, chuckling. “I’m here because you need me. Get used to it. This is the way it is. I think I’ll be having fun with this assignment!” and he laughed some more.

 

Over the next few weeks I realized he was right. This is the way it is. Coyote doesn’t teach in any way that I expected. He doesn’t make wise pronouncements. He just laughs and laughs at me. He shows me the silly side of things I take seriously and the possibilities of the seemingly impossible.

 

Coyote never wants to be left out, so here he is, refusing to let me be too serious! I hope you enjoy our journey with him. More adventures to follow.

 

 © Donata Ahern 2002, rev. 2010

 Contact Donata at: 716-714-5714 or ChrysalisHeartCenter@gmail.com