Introduction:
As autumn months come about in Great Forest most valley trees begin their long sleep to survive the cold of winter. Sap trickles much slower as it courses through their hard body cells. Colorful canopies dry up from loss of moisture in days of much sunlight and little rain. They detach and fall slowly through the air to rest on and decorate Earth Mother's face. Leaves rustle and dance about in a gentle breeze; which whisks them upward from the forest floor where they have collected and created a multicolored carpet. Leaves pile against rocks, in wet weather springs, and near large stumps and fallen trees. They also mound up along the banks of Great River; occasionally being caught by its current and sent swimming and drifting around on its meandering and cascading surface. Leaves also have small crackling voices and make brushing noises when they move about.
Light patches of snow from recent storms outlive the warm glow of Grandfather Sun and linger in the shadows of the valley floor. Higher areas in Great Forest have already been buried with deep snow that will eventually drive ground dwellers that sleep through winter into their burrows and caves.
Very small flowering plants still survive in the valleys of Great Forest despite plummeting temperatures and occasionally getting buried under thin drifts of snow. To receive a few more nourishing rays from Grandfather Sun, these plants push their long stems up through the snow with waning strength. Their blossoms are still busy preparing seed for the plant or plants that may take their place next year. As the flowers transcend, their seeds are enveloped by Earth Mother, and the decay of their material bodies returns nourishment to her. In the spirit of germinating new plants, those that die also live on through each following generation.
Seeds falling to Earth Mother from flowers and other plants sometimes succeed in germinating into plants similar to those who bore them. They live to eventually bear seed themselves; and in so doing, complete their cycle of life. Although some of Great Forest's trees have long cycles of life, the trees simply live for longer periods of time than other plants before transcending to Great Spirit in similar ways. So, although the living must eventually transcend from this material world to complete a life cycle, there is life in them for at least as long as it takes to bring about their means to repeatedly be born again. Hence, all live in Great Spirit forever.
On Eating:Bear stared reverently at a trout he had laid onto a small sand bar in Great River. He expressed his sincere thankfulness for the bounty Great Spirit provides in the rivers, woods, and meadows. Instincts drove Bear to eat extra food now to build up reserves of energy for the several months of sleeping and fasting he would soon endure during hibernation.
While he ate the trout with care to avoid bones, Bear also honored his meal and Great Spirit by wasting as little as he could. This consciousness always brought about a sense and feeling of sustaining and nurturing one's Self and one's relationship with Great Spirit.
Deciding he had eaten enough fish this morning and that it was time to see what might be found to eat by foraging in the forest, Bear began walking along the sand bar he had been fishing from and eventually on into the river water. Great River's chilly water flowed around Bear's limbs and his protruding belly as he waded toward shore. He climbed up onto the bank, shook his massive fur coat free of water, and sniffed the air for any scents of other foods.
Bear wandered into the forest toward a certain meadow where he knew there were still some bushes with ripe berries growing on them. Berries are one of Bear's favorite foods because they appeal to his sweet tooth and have a flavor unique to his diet. Although one can not find berries growing in the forest in spring or early summer, later there are many edible ones ripening on bushes and vines until early winter. Bear simply figured it was part of Great Mystery's plan to supplement the diets of those like himself who ate so much at this time of year.
When Porcupine happened to walk by the bushes where Bear was feasting; Bear asked if she was almost ready for the long winter sleep. He was simply being polite and honoring her presence more than looking for an answer. Porcupine, startled by Bear's greeting, sharply replied with a negative mumble. It was obvious she was distraught from being distracted about an issue other than her needs to prepare for winter.
Bear leaned his massive body onto a few branches so their ripened berries would be low enough for Porcupine to pick some lunch. Eating the berries gave her time to calm down somewhat and to get her thoughts together. Porcupine let Bear know she could use his help if he were willing; but that the help might be considered unorthodox in several ways. Between bites and chewing on berries, Porcupine also explained that to say much more about it; she would have to trust Bear to be discrete about a secret whether he eventually helped or not.
An old oak tree three times as round as Bear and very tall stood mightily in a sunlit meadow nearby. Red leaves glowing brightly in the sunlight distracted his attention long enough to cause an uncomfortable thought to come to mind. He'd not had any nuts for several days.
Nuts are an important balance for Bear's diet when he is eating extra food for his long winter sleeping time. Squirrel, Blue Jay, and other creatures of Great Forest are very meticulous in their aggressive harvesting of nuts; and even more so with the last nuts of fall. Sometimes they are so aggressive, however, that they make errors.
Bear suggested to Porcupine that they walk to the meadow for the warm sunlight. She acknowledged and they lumbered off together. Several branches on the old oak had long since died and left hollows in its trunk. Bear knew Cardinal and Squirrel lived in two of the holes; and that most of the other holes were caches of hidden winter food.
Coyote was seen leaving the meadow as Porcupine and Bear entered it. Coyote didn't notice them in her somewhat hurried state as she loped off into the woods. Porcupine mentioned to Bear that like Coyote, most of the people in Great Forest were preoccupied with preparing for their survival of the coming winter.
Rubbing his back up against the oak's warm sun soaked bark; Bear acknowledged Porcupine by explaining that he was nearly ready for his long sleep. Bear sat down next to the majestic tree; and sniffed at a hole near its base. Reaching into the hole, Bear found where nuts were piled from having escaped the caches above. Sharing the nuts and the moment, Porcupine and Bear were silent for a long while.
Then, staring into Porcupine's eyes, Bear asked for her to explain her issue, and what she needed from him. Bear was used to forest folks coming to him for advice; since most of them knew he shared the earthly wisdom Great Spirit had instilled in him. Porcupine debated spiritual issues, said prayers, and generally spoke about things with Bear quite often. Bear had few friends as open with him as Porcupine; and understood their mutual trust to be built of honor and respect.
The Buried:Porcupine explained it is very important for something she was recently entrusted with to be hidden away for the winter. She also explained she was unable to look after the safety of the trust during her long sleep; and therefore needed help in finding the right place to hide it securely. She appealed to Bear that he not tell any of the other forest folks; and that he should forget all this if he thought it best to not get involved. Porcupine bit into one of the nuts Bear had foraged and chewed it slowly. She knew Bear was thinking through each detail of her words; and that he would only speak after considering his observations.
Bear chewed on some of the nuts while thinking about Porcupine's issue and what she had conveyed to him. He understood what Porcupine had said; but he was particularly curious about what was to be buried. Bear decided Porcupine had probably avoided telling him this detail because of her agreements of trust; not because of what it happened to be that was trusted to her.
After eating many nuts and seldom talking, Porcupine and Bear napped in the warm rays of Grandfather Sun. Cardinal had been watching with curiosity as Bear and Porcupine were conversing. Noting they had fallen asleep, Cardinal descended from his lofty perch and pecked around for morsels of nut meat. He then flew back and forth between the ground and several locations on the tree placing the remaining nuts Bear had foraged into his own food caches.
When Bear and Porcupine woke from their naps they found where Cardinal had accommodated himself with the nuts. Upon looking into the tree and noticing Cardinal would not make eye contact with them; they surmised he had simply taken advantage of how Earth Mother provides. Porcupine pointed out that this was a good example of why she wanted something hidden away.
Standing up on all fours, Bear announced to Porcupine that he was honored she had asked for his help, and honored because of her trust in him. He told her he would help her with the burying of that which had been entrusted to her. Since it was late in the day; Bear agreed to think more on the things they had discussed until tomorrow morning when he would be ready to help. He also mentioned to Porcupine that he would have to know more about the trust if he was going to be of much help in burying it.
Porcupine and Bear said good day and parted ways; both thinking about the words they had shared. Bear walked briskly along a path that twisted back and forth toward Great River, ultimately for another supper. Once there he avoided the water's chill by walking out on a sand bar that extended from the shore well out into the river.
The Long Sleep:Trout swimming in water near the sand bar were shimmering in the dim afternoon light; and easy targets for a hungry grizzly bear. With eating his primary priority; Bear made it his job to try to not be distracted by the task Porcupine had spoken of. Many bears were busy fishing for their suppers in Great River this afternoon. Some bears were working together in larger fishing holes; and others were staying to themselves along the banks, muscle shoals, sand bars, and other shallow areas along and in Great River. All were obvious about their sincerity with fishing; since they seldom broke for amusement or other distractions.
A few of the bears no longer fished on the river; since the season and Earth Mother had already called them to stay inside their caves or other types of dens to begin their long sleep. Bear knew the day was nearby when he too would begin the last part of his annual cycle of living. Through winter time he would rest his physical body in his cave; while nurturing his spirit and allowing for rejuvenation and inner growth.
During his sleep Bear is in trust with Earth Mother and creatures of the forest to allow him a space and time to himself. If Bear sleeps well through the winter (having many visions and positive dreams) he awakens in spring a whole and rested creature. On the other hand, if his sleep is interrupted or disturbed, he may awaken to spring in a grouchy and unbecoming way.
Defending Against Predators:As Grandmother Moon peered over the high mountains, she looked down into Great Forest's valley to find little movement. That is, with exception to the bear clan. Bear decided he had eaten enough today and that now he would defend his long thin sand bar from any roving intruders. He openly and loudly dared any people foolish enough to approach his sand bar and be dealt with. Bear's fierce bellowing growl was heard far and wide as it echoed down the river and mixed with the calls of many others.
A horrendous scream vibrated through the valley from in back of Bear. As he turned slowly to see who it was, Bear found Yellow-Bear was closing the distance quickly as he furiously charged toward Bear. Yellow-Bear answered to Bear's challenge again and again as he dashed over sandbars, jumped over logs and splashed through shallow water in Great River.
Yellow-Bear paced himself as he ran swiftly passed, through, and over obstacles between himself and his distant cousin Bear. He tried to avoid intruding into fishing holes or onto sand bars where bears were still harvesting supper. Yellow-Bear also tried to avoid contact with other bears though many in his path had stopped to lash out at him as he passed. His eyes were filled with a torrent of fire and already fixed on Bear's eyes as the two prepared themselves for mortal combat.
The two giants roared as Yellow-Bear sprang up and dove onto Bear. Tons of fur, flesh, bones, claws and teeth clashed and went rolling into Great River. The two emerged wrestling, biting and growling as if death was eminent and the only resolve. An unknowing visitor to the Great River would have thought a war had broken out between factions of foes within the bear clan; since many other battles, some between several bears at a time, were breaking out all up and down the Great River. The games had begun.
Bear and Yellow-Bear eventually broke and put distance between themselves. Still making eye contact, still furiously growling, the two were both about to fall over from the exhausting exercises they enjoyed so much. After repeatedly snorting at each other between panting breaths, clawing at the muscle shoal they were perched on, and stamping their paws in threatening gestures, the two went at it again.
Although he was larger than Bear, Yellow-Bear often found his overwhelming size to be a disadvantage. Bear was able to manipulate his own body faster and in ways Yellow-Bear did not understand. Bear knew Yellow-Bear was larger; but also that Yellow-Bear was not as smart. When Bear was young, Mother-Bear had taught him well about how to deal with a bear much larger than himself. She had taught him that one's cunning was a much more formidable weapon than one's brawn.
Tonight's games were very satisfying for Bear, as he had gotten the best of Yellow-bear more often than Yellow-bear had gotten to him. He now had Yellow-bear in a hold that afforded him the luxury of nipping at Yellow-bear's ear. He even suggested Yellow-bear change his name to One-Ear-Yellow-bear.
His mood changed for the worse when Bear noticed his dear father approaching. Father-bear was Bear's best and most sincere teacher in the art of defending against wild predators. He was stronger, older, and much more experienced than Mother-bear or a few others who trained Bear from time to time. Father-bear almost always managed to somehow penetrate Bear's defenses and get to his ego.
Bear could not let go of Yellow-bear or he would have to deal with Father-bear and Yellow-bear at the same time. Yet by holding Yellow-bear down he could not defend himself against Father-bear and therefore was at Father-bear's mercy. So Bear held on to Yellow-bear and held his eye contact with Father-bear.
Ambling along through the shallow water of Great River Father-bear headed toward where Bear and Yellow-bear were wrestling. He occasionally looked behind himself and side to side in case someone of the other bears might be approaching; but none were doing more than watching. The rest of the time he was making eye contact with his son.
While strolling up to the two massive wrestling warriors, Father-bear stared continually into Bear's eyes. Bear noticed his father was almost grinning as he approached and this made the hair on his neck stand straight up, his eyes widen, and he may have even heard himself whimper once. Yellow-bear struggled even harder against Bear's hold as Father-bear came nearer; since he knew he was at both bear's mercy.
Father-bear told Yellow-bear to relax as he placed a mighty paw onto Yellow-bear's shoulder and squeezed it toward the other one which was buried in the shoal. At the same time, Father-bear licked Bear all the way across Bear's face. Father-bear had already gotten to Bear's ego by humiliating him with a long loving kiss on his face in front of all of Bear's peers.
Meanwhile, Yellow-bear, though unhurt by the pressure Father-bear had placed on his shoulders, was quite uncomfortable with his position. Then Yellow-bear realized what Father-bear had done to him also had made Bear's hold on him less effective, and so he was able to quickly squirm away and pounce upon his surprised cousin. Father-bear and others around started huffing and snorting at Yellow-bear for learning the lesson so quickly.
The games, as usual, lasted well into the evening until all were so tired or full of play that they were now disbanding toward caves and hollows for rest. Wolf could be heard calling to his clan in the distance as Bear walked along the path home. He meditated about Porcupine and her talks with him today regarding her need for help in hiding something. Most folks in the Great Forest were very open about sharing all things and held very few secrets from the other people. This is why Porcupine's issue was of such magnitude; not because of what it was that had been entrusted to her.
Still thinking about Porcupine, Bear contemplated what tomorrow would bring as he snuggled into his cave's bedding. Listless from a full day, things of treasure danced through his last conscious thoughts such as freshly caught salmon, cedar shavings, succulent berries, sprigs of lavender, dried walnuts, turquoise pebbles, and juicy cactus meat. He soon slept soundly and dreamed almost all night about tomorrow's feast.
The Trust:When Porcupine found Bear he was standing in long morning rays of Grandfather Sun's light; which cast down through the sky to land glistening and dancing about on a sand bar and on the water of Great River. He was tossing several sets of barren fish bones into Great River and watching as they floated away. Bear had told her before that it was his understanding bones were eventually used by Earth Mother for nourishing plants and the little people of the underground world. Porcupine called to Bear to simply let him know she was near; and then walked out onto the sand bar to meet him.
As Porcupine strolled up to him, Bear started mumbling through a grin that he had tossed and turned all night while having nightmares about hiding things from the other people of the forest. Porcupine retorted that it was a good tease; but that she was sure Bear had instead dreamed about swimming around in rivers full of honey or such. Bear's ears perked up and he then proposed they go for a walk in the woods.
During their walk Bear told Porcupine he would be honored to help her with her chore of hiding that which she had been trusted with. Thrilled at his commitment, Porcupine thanked Bear and rubbed up against one of Bear's legs in appreciation of him. Bear also explained to her he would have to understand the trust Porcupine had been given so he could know how to think of ways to hide it. Porcupine explained to Bear she had temporarily hidden the trust in her summer home so she could guard it until a secure winter place was found and utilized. She told Bear they should go there so he could see it and understand what it was about. Bear agreed with Porcupine and arranged to meet her at a pond near her home after he had finished one last chore this morning.
Ambling along with Bear for a bit further, Porcupine mentioned that Owl had spontaneously decided to live with relatives who needed him in the mountains through this coming winter. She said that Owl had explained to her he must travel right away and that he did not know what he would do with his few sacred possessions while he was away. Although Owl was a very sharing old bird, Porcupine knew he preferred to disperse his gifts on an as needed basis. Porcupine told Bear that she had agreed to keep Owl's things safe through the winter from those who could or would otherwise take them from his burrow while he was away. Bear listened quietly as Porcupine explained, and then said he was already liking the fact that he had trusted her and was now involved.
Treasures:Gently pushing his nose between two branches of the bushes he hid behind, Bear peeked forward looking up and down and side to side. He analyzed the area around the lair of the greatest foe he had in all of Great Forest. Although he had tried many voices, growls and other noises, none seemed to intimidate or scare this foe; but instead they all simply got the foe's attention and always resulted in an early retreat on his part. Bear could hear his heartbeat increasing as he crawled stealthily through underbrush near the lair of the enemy. Bear quickly counted and categorized his foe one by one. There were twenty three guards stationed in typical places on and around the lair, ten workers were patching holes or stabilizing the lair, and several other types of workers were coming and going.
Bear knew this enemy very well. There were no bonds that could bring them to peaceful terms. There was nothing they could trade or commonly share in any way. They were responsible for making something Bear wanted; and Bear was naturally compelled to take it from them. The small squadron of guards were a pushover for Bear, and due to the size of their lair, Bear knew there would be few others to intervene once his attack was exacted.
As Bear came close enough to alert the guards they signaled an immediate need for defense and a small swarm of extras were soon heard inside the lair and coming close to its entrance. Bear reached up and ripped into the walls of the lair to expose his favorite food, honey! Keeping one paw moving back and forth in front of his face Bear easily defended his nose and eyes. There were too few of the enemy to deal with his massive defense, so he kept lapping at the honey he had covered his other paw with.
Honey gave Bear energy like nothing else in Great Forest. He always felt so much better after eating honey, almost like the lift he receives after praying to Great Spirit. If he could, Bear would sometimes eat honey just before the games began; since it seemed to give him an upper edge on all the other bears.
Not realizing that he had centered so much on eating the sweet sticky delicacy, Bear was startled and taken aback when he realized the sound of the guard bees had increased tremendously. Reacting on instinct, Bear looked higher into the tree to find two larger hives were almost black with the mounting of additional guards who had been alerted to his attack. Bear fell backwards and went sprawling across Great Forest's floor. Finding his legs again, Bear jumped into a dead run through the underbrush and could hear the buzzing sounds getting louder.
Bear roared as he tore through Great Forest both in fear and to let other folks know not to get in his way. Queen-Bee noted this was a repeat offender and notified all her minions of the bounty on Bear's big black nose. With this and the fact that Queen-Bee is mother to most of the guards in her hives, the furious noise of the bees increased and could be heard for some distance.
Porcupine, still lethargic from a morning nap, grinned understandingly as she heard Bear screaming and tearing through the woods with part of the bee clan in tow. Bear leapt from the woods and dove into the nearby pond as a black cloud emerged from Great Forest and hovered over the waves of his splash. Porcupine could not understand Bear's obsession with honey, especially with what often ended up being a sore punishment for what she perceived as greed. She sat alone on the pond's shore for quite a while and watched in the distance as a large black nose occasionally bobbed above the water surface.
Brown-Honey-Bee flew up to Porcupine and elegantly signaled for her audience. Making appropriate positive gestures, she then sat back to watch as the bee flew in a way as to tell a story. The story was of a large monstrous bear that is one day trapped in a hollow log and then taken advantage of by stinging warriors of the sky. Brown-Honey-Bee's story was very self centered and self rewarding until his gestures toward Great Spirit made it obvious to Porcupine that this was in the way of Great Spirit and that it was a good story.
After his story was told, Brown-Honey-Bee and the other bees abandoned their mission and departed for home. Bear soon swam to the pond's shore and shook as much water from his coat as possible. After looking around for a bit, he then walked over and met Porcupine with greetings.
Porcupine laughed and laughed at Bear telling him how she felt it so ironic that the little people of the hives were his greatest foe. She eventually mentioned Brown-Honey-Bee's story and explained that it was a warning from Great Spirit that Bear would be punished for his greed. Bear corrected her and said he will often be punished for being so greedy about eating honey. He also mentioned that though he might be punished for taking the extra bee food, that any punishment was worth facing for another taste of honey.
The two then walked off toward Porcupine's home so they could look at the treasures which owl had entrusted to Porcupine. Bear, though curious, kept quite about the treasures with Porcupine; but still thought about what kinds of things they might be. In his younger years he would have tried to get Porcupine to tell him about them, or even to have started a guessing game about the trust. Now more mature than that, Bear simply allowed his patience to override his curiosity.
Soon the pair arrived at Porcupine's place where she dragged the various treasures out to show them to Bear. The treasures included several bundles of herbs, seeds, sticks, pebbles and other things Owl used in ceremonies or when helping heal someone in Great Forest. After all of the trust was exposed, Porcupine turned to Bear and asked what he thought of them. Bear looked and sniffed at them carefully; and then turned to Porcupine and exclaimed that there was no food.
Taken off guard by his observation, Porcupine swung her tail around at Bear sending a quill straight into his big black nose. Bear yelped and fell backwards into a sitting position casting a confused look at Porcupine. She scolded him for being so centered on food that he could not concentrate on the task of hiding the treasures before him.
Apologizing to Porcupine for his lack of tact, Bear looked cross-eyed at the quill in his nose and yelped again as he pawed at it in an attempt to unbury it. His comically helpless appearance brought a sly smile to Porcupine and she relaxed again. Porcupine told Bear if he would place his nose underwater for a bit that its pours would swell and the quill would come out easier. Although Porcupine was somewhat remorseful about having attacked Bear, she knew it would serve as a reminder to him to not be careless in dealing with her in the future.
After Porcupine placed all the treasures back into her den, she and Bear walked into Great Forest to a path that lead to the Great River. Bear was very distracted with the quill that still pierced his nose; but even so he talked to Porcupine about a few ideas that he was getting regarding the hiding of Owl's treasures.
Due to the nature of Owl's treasures, Bear knew they would have to remain, cool and dry through the winter months. Although placing them under deep water would keep them from freezing, they would not stay dry. Although placing them in a hollow tree would keep them dry, they would not keep from freezing. Bear also knew that even if they were placed somewhere where they would not freeze or get wet, they also needed to be safe from being taken by other people of Great Forest. Bear told Porcupine that he would keep thinking about the limits of various hiding places until he could think of a place that could meet all the conditions of safety that they had discussed along the path to the Great River.
Slowly submerging himself into Great River, Bear felt Porcupine's quill move with the river's current. The chilly water first eased the pain caused by the quill, and eventually did open Bear's pours up and he decided to try pushing it free again. When Bear freed the quill another wave a pain went through his body as the quill's barb tried to catch his nose's tissues and Bear, free of the quill, lurched from the water and bellowed in agony from the terrible sting to his nose.
Knowing Bear would not be in the mood for company, Porcupine had silently slipped off into Great Forest to gain some distance from Bear. When she heard Bear roar in agony she prayed to Great Spirit for Bear to receive quick healing for so he would not be distracted from eating, distracted during the games, and distracted from thinking of a way to hide Owl's treasures.
An Encounter with Great Mystery:Bear, not having had enough honey to eat that day, decided to visit another hive he was aware of which hung on a branch low enough for him to reach. In his most covert manner, Bear crawled through the underbrush near the hive and rolled his eyes around looking at all the branches in the tree and even some of those in taller bushes. The enemy was nowhere to be seen, not even a drone coming and going from the hive. Bear figured the cold weather had already caused the bees of this hive to transcend to Great Spirit and that there would be no obstacles between himself and the hive full of honey.
Drool protruded from Bear's lips as he neared the hive; since his mind was full of savoring his favorite food. Nectar of the last autumn flowers, sticky and stringy, raw honey! Bear's ears were perked straight up and his eyes were still rolling around as he listened and looked for any sign of lurking guards. As he clawed open a hole in the paper thin walls of the nest Bear was astonished to find the hive was completely hollow, void of honey, honey combs, or even the bodies of any transcended bees.
Confused, Bear turned away from the hive to find the largest queen bee he had every seen perched on the limb of a tree nearby. The queen bee took to flight and ascended through the trees where Bear noticed swarms of giant bees descending toward him.
Now confused and scared Bear flew in a run through Great Forest away from the echoing buzzing sound behind him and toward the pond he had visited in haste so often. Bear eventually realized, however, that he was running through meadows and a part of Great Forest he had not been in and that he was rapidly getting lost. At this moment Bear lost his footing and fell head first into a large hollow fallen tree trunk sliding all the way to its other end. Bear was an easy mark as he was trapped in the trunk with only his nose protruding from the end of the log.
The helplessness Bear felt when confronting his father in the games was of no comparison to that which he felt while wedged into a tree trunk with swarms of giant nose stinging bees approaching. Bear realized the end was near. He prayed that Great Spirit have mercy on him and to protect him from the eminent onslaught of the giant bee clan. As a giant bee buried its stinger into his nose, Bear's sight blurred and he found himself having a vision.
Great Mystery danced into Bear's mind with thoughts of food, hibernation, and other things Bear held as priorities in living. Great Spirit retold the story Brown-Honey-Bee had told earlier; but in a way where Bear would better understand its true meaning. Bear also saw visions that guided him into understanding the significance of Owl's trust in Porcupine, and Porcupine's trust in Bear. Bear now understood he would never be punished for feeding and sustaining himself in any natural way; but that he must also stay centered on walking Great Mystery's paths and not his own.
To Bear's astonishment, Great Spirit addressed him directly about hiding things from dimensions of time, from the elements, and from other people in Great Forest. Great Spirit told Bear there were clans who hid the material bodies of their transcended ancestors so they could easily remember them and their lessons through time, that there were those who hid food in shelters so they would never starve, and that there were those who hid objects from other people so they could keep them until needed. Great Spirit also told Bear of people in Great Forest who would not understand hiding at all, and therefore the hidden must be a secret trust.
As Bear began to better understand these concepts, Great Spirit placed a notion about hiding in Bear's mind. Bear found he knew that the hidden must be held safe by three guards who honor Great Spirit and who can be held in trust by one who the hidden belongs to. These guards included one who is easily awakened by its own alarm system, by one who is large enough to defend the hidden and can be awakened by the first guard, and by a guard who has been taught the significance of the hidden and will know how to use it if needed.
When Bear opened his eyes he noticed morning light flowing into his cave from its entrance. A shadowy figure sat in the entrance that looked to be the size of his friend Porcupine. Pawing at his nose, Bear found that it was not swollen from a giant bee sting; but instead that a clay salve had been placed on the wound Porcupine's quill had made the day before.
Greeting Bear with soft words, Porcupine entered his cave knowing she was welcome there. Bear acknowledged her presence and lethargic from a long night of sleep, raised up onto his feet with stretching and balancing motions. Porcupine told Bear she had been called by Great Mystery to watch over Bear during his visions. She also mentioned with exception to his wining about being trapped when she had applied a salve to his nose, that he had slept soundly all night.
Wincing as Porcupine reached up to apply more salve, Bear told her in a low voice that the salve must be working; since there was no swelling or infection. Then he told her of his dream and of the vision. Porcupine, after listening to Bear and understanding what had taken place and why, told Bear he must stay centered on the vision and thinking about how to hide Owl's treasures.
After meditating and contemplating on Great Spirit's vision for Bear, he and Porcupine agreed that they were to be the second and third guards, one large enough to defend, and one wise enough to understand the treasure's significance. Both also agreed that the first guard in the vision was a mystery, one who can awaken from their own alarm system and can awaken the second guard.
Porcupine and Bear decided they would have to keep their minds open to one who can awaken if their environment is intruded upon. This was a common defense with so many of Great Forest's people that they knew a dependence on Great Mystery's guidance would be the best tool to use to find discernment of who the first guard would be.
The First Guard:While Porcupine scurried up and down a mighty white pine tree and gnawing at its bark for breakfast, Bear fished in Great River for his. Moose, bewildered by what he noted was unusual reverence in Bear, called to him from the reeds he stood in near Great River's bank. Bear, taking a short break to discard some trout bones, answered back to Moose in acknowledgment and the two briefly chatted. Eventually Bear let Moose know he had much on his mind that distracted him from eating well; and that before the day was over he would have to find some way of resolving a mystery.
Moose, lifting his massive body from the water of Great River, climbed up onto the shore and addressed Bear with eye contact. He told Bear that it was odd what Bear had just mentioned; since he had heard Coyote howling for help with a mystery in the previous night. This intrigued Bear and he thanked Moose as Moose wandered off into Great Forest.
Climbing the bank of Great River, Bear called to Porcupine to see if she was finished eating breakfast. Porcupine soon joined Bear and they discussed what Moose had told Bear. Then they walked through Great Forest toward the meadows where the Coyote clan lived. Their anticipation and eagerness to find if Coyote knew something that could help them drove Porcupine into a faster pace. If she did have discernment for them, Coyote would understand their need for knowing of a creature that could be awakened by its own alarm system and capable of waking Bear from his hibernation.
Grandfather-Coyote and several kits barked warnings at Bear and Porcupine as the pair entered the Great Meadows of the valley where the coyote clan lives. Porcupine called out to Grandfather-Coyote in greeting and was soon overwhelmed by the curious children of the coyote clan. The kits sniffed and yapped at both Porcupine and Bear as they were always so curious about visitors.
When Porcupine had greeted Grandfather-Coyote face to face she told him she and Bear were engaged in a mission for Great Spirit and for Owl, and that they suspected Coyote as being involved also. Grandfather-Coyote told them that Coyote was confused about who she was searching for and that for days she had only hunted and prayed for discernment. He also told them that she had sent a message about her mystery to the four winds and that Porcupine and Bear were the only ones to have answered.
Asking Bear and Porcupine to follow him, Grandfather-Coyote turned and guided them through the meadows toward Coyote's lair. Eventually Grandfather-Coyote grabbed up a stick and ran away, kits nipping at his heels, until Porcupine and Bear found themselves alone in the meadows. Coyote calmly peered at them from the mouth of a large hollow fallen tree trunk, one just like that which Bear had found himself stuck into in his vision from the night before. Coyote welcomed them to the meadows and told them she had someone she wished for them to meet. Urging Porcupine and Bear to crawl into the tree trunk, Coyote then loped away into the meadows to search for much needed food.
Bear warned Porcupine that it could very easily be a trap in that the coyote clan was well known for their pranks and trickery. Porcupine simply looked at Bear and asked where his faith in Great Spirit was now, and then proceeded to enter the hollow. Bear, not wishing to be stuck in the log, merely laid down and stuck his whole head into the end of the tree trunk that Porcupine had just entered.
Spider mentally greeted both of the mammals in their minds and told them she knew why they had sought her out. She claimed to have been spiritually awoken by Great Mystery one night and how she had been instructed to lend assistance to Porcupine and Bear in their efforts to hide Owl's treasures. Spider also told them there was more to the mystery of the hidden than they were now prepared to understand; but that at a certain time their skills and presence would be needed regarding Owl's treasures.
As the trio made their way out of the Great Meadows and into Great Forest, Spider told Porcupine and Bear they would have to use Bear's cave to hide Owl's treasure. She insisted that they go ahead and make provisions for all three to live in the cave this winter; since it would accommodate them physically and also would be easier to maintain security for the hidden than in any other place.
Rolling his eyes toward Porcupine, Bear gave her a look of having gotten him into this whole thing in the first place; and Porcupine softly reminded him that Great Spirit had also had a role in Bear's involvement. Spider, riding on top of Bear's furry head as he ambled through Great Forest, reminded Porcupine and Bear that people were always rewarded in positive ways when serving in Great Mystery's way.
A Place of Hiding:In the days that followed their first meeting the trio made many changes to Bear's cave so they would be ready to protect the hidden through winter. An extra deep hole was dug for Bear's bedding where Owls treasures were placed on top of a layer of dry leaves and grass, and then buried beneath a very thick layer of leaves. After a night of rest on his new bedding Bear told the others it was more comfortable than ever before.
Since Bear had the tendency to roll about in his sleep, bedding for Porcupine was arranged in a separate room that was also close to the entrance of the cave. She claimed it had been a long while since the last time she had hibernated in a cave, but that this cave would be easy to sleep in since it had a noise that accommodated sleep. Porcupine was referring to water that dripped from the caves ceiling into a pool of water in one of the cave's back rooms.
Almost unnoticed, Spider fully accommodated herself throughout the cave by spinning her silk near its ceiling so she could easily and quickly move throughout all the rooms by walking out of harms way well above where Bear and Porcupine would be. In fact, the only strands of silk that were within eye level of the mammals was that which was strung to the back side of the room with the ponded water. Spider let the other two know that she would wait for the them to go into hibernation before finally weaving her strands of silky webbing across the entrance of the cave and to several other strategic locations in the cave. Connected to these would be a tightly woven strand that she would perch upon during resting times through the winter months. This way she would be woken up should any intrusion or unusual activity take place in the cave. She also communicated to Bear that should she need to wake him, she would seek him out in his dreams and visions to warn him that there was need for the fierce defense only he could provide.
To this Bear looked at Spider and softly growled that if for any reason she should wake him from hibernation, that he would be both fierce and defensive of his space. In less words, Porcupine intruded verbally that if Spider started sending out visionary messages of alarm she too would wake up and also in a defensive mood. Spider, Bear, and Porcupine prayed to Great Spirit for discernment about the soundness of their plans and felt uplifted in a way to know they were in keeping with what was to be.
Each of the trio also communicated to their clans and others that they were involved in a mission for Great Spirit and Owl, and that no intervention or even simple visits could be tolerated through the winter months. The people of Great Forest were understanding to a degree; but could not reason out why such a motley crew would find it necessary to work together through winter. Regardless of why or how, they simply respected the trio's wishes and easily committed to leaving them alone.
The trio spent their next days preparing self for the coming winter. Now with all distractions taken care of, Bear was able to primarily concern himself with growing larger and larger, and he did. Porcupine also feasted for hibernation and seemed to be growing some too. Spider stayed in various parts of the cave as she defended it against various small people which came through its mouth to elude the cold outdoors, fed on the little people her room-mates would never have noticed, or simply to get used to the various times of day when different amounts of light flowed into the cave from its opening.
Spider thought it spiritually symbolic that whatever went on in the cave always centered around the opening, as if it were the gateway between two worlds. Even the water that fell in droplets through the cave seeped out of a low area in the entrance as it tried to become a part of Great River. Her respect for Bear amplified with these notions; as she increasingly realized and better understood his balance with going inside of the cave and inside self for healing rest.
Winter Arrives:Today Great Mystery's blue sky was sprinkled with occasional puffy white clouds and northern winds blew cold all the way to the bone. Each new day seemed a bit colder lately; since winter had finally moved into the valleys of Great Forest. Ice hung from barren maple branches, rock walls, and from anything else still enough for it to grow on when snow melted in Grandfather Sun's afternoon rays. Glistening snow coated fur tree limbs and covered the valley floor like a huge carpet from heaven.
One morning Bear had found Porcupine could no longer awaken, and related this fact to Spider. In his mind Bear heard Spider projecting thoughts of something about his turn to do likewise coming sooner than he thought. Grinning about that day and Spider's response, Bear left the cave this morning to find the outside world had been blanketed in fresh snow.
Few bears could be seen fishing for breakfast as Bear looked up and down Great River's path. Bear sat down near the mouth of his cave and pondered a bit on why he had not started his long sleep. Most of the clans of Great Forest who hibernate were as a whole already dormant in their caves, boroughs, stumps and other pockets of protection within Earth Mother. Most activity along the river banks and in Great Forest was limited to hunting for food as birds flew about; small people foraged, and predators hunted for weak or careless folks.
Although many parts of Great River were iced over, exposed pools still existed where trout could be caught. Little communication or communing occurred between the bear clan at this time of year; since most who were still awake were so spread out they were not even in ear shot. None of the bears played much anymore; since they moved slowly about seemingly low on energy. The fact was their body's metabolisms were slowing and energy resources were being conserved.
While fishing for brown trout, Bear eventually noticed Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear fishing on a muscle shoal nearby, so he eventually ambled in that direction. Greeting his grandfather with wishes for a long and restful sleep, Bear approached him trying to avoid the icy water of Great River as best he could. Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear complained that one more fish may make his stomach burst, but that he would take his chances. Bear complained that it would only take one more walnut to make his own stomach burst; and told his grandfather that he would wait for something special before attempting to eat more.
They sat down on the shoal and basked in the rays of light that Grandfather Sun provided. Although northerly winds were fiercely blowing, the sunlight cut the edge off the winter cold so it was comfortable to just sit around soaking in some sunshine. The two bears spoke to each other of this and that and nothing important until Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear mentioned that he was curious about Bear's new living arrangements.
Trying to be tactful, Bear told his grandfather that the trio had been entrusted by Great Mystery and Owl to cooperate through the winter. He told Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear that they were charged with keeping this trust a secret. Bear's grandfather gently rose from where he sat and walked to the edge of the ice that had formed a thick crust along the shoal. Peering down into Great River's water, Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear quickly slapped at the water and brought from it a large rainbow trout.
Both bears eventually shared in eating the trout that had been caught, and then they sat back down and enjoyed the warming sunlight again. Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear told bear he had recently journeyed through two visions, both of which involved Bear, one of which involved the whole of the bear clan. He told Bear the visions were very important to understand; since both had to do with the pathway of Great Spirit.
Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear told Bear he had seen a long toothed monster attacking bear; and that he had discerned Bear to be fighting and defending more than his life in the struggle. He told Bear one's life is the most precious physical possession one has in this world; but that there are things worth much more than one's life. He continued his lecture by explaining that honor, trust, love and many other parts of one's spiritual life are worth more than the temporary body one is placed in by Great Spirit. Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear told Bear they could lose all possessions in this world, even their bodies; yet they would still live forever in Great Spirit if they simply walked his path the best they could. Lastly, he explained, we can even still communicate the wisdom of the ages to each generation that is born well after we have transcended.
Bear asked if his grandfather had communicated directly with ancestors after they had transcended into the spiritual world. Sort of laughing, Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear explained he had communicated with members of the bear clan who had already transcended, and that Bear had too. With this Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear told Bear he was happy his grandson was able to be trusted with secrets; and then he got up and started strolling off.
Although he was still trying to understand all Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear had spoken about with the first vision, Bear realized he had not asked about the second vision his grandfather had mentioned and called out to Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear about this matter. Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear looked over his shoulder, now showing a huge smile; and explained to Bear that Bear's father would no longer be Father-bear. He explained to Bear that often there are changes in the winter time that occur while bears are sleeping; which are only understood or known about once spring time unfolds. Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear told Bear that Father-bear would soon wake up as Grandfather-bear, and then Bear's grandfather vanished into thin air.
After seeing his grandfather disappear, Bear realized he may be journeying through a vision or simply having a dream. Bear looked around and over to where the bones of the rainbow trout had been laying and found Spider was standing there instead and yelling for him to wake up. Bear stared at Spider and then heard many other voices also pleading for him to awaken.
The Intruder:Food was now scarcely available throughout Great Forest for those predators who had suffered yet survived through the worst of winter's months. Mountain-Lion prowled and sniffed along the banks of Great River for anything that he could call food. At one point his whiskers went straight; since he was sure the faint odor of a Porcupine had crossed his nostrils. Homing in on this odor, he soon found a cave where the sent was strongest. It did not worry Mountain-Lion that he also smelled the sent of a bear; since bears were still in deep hibernation and would be no danger if left alone.
As he slowly crept into the mouth of the cave, Mountain-Lion hissed when he found a silky webbing woven and strung to make a barrier in the entrance to the cave. He stopped to paw away the webbing so as not to get bound up in its sticky and very uncomfortable strands.. Mountain-Lion was sure he had occasionally seen a spider running across a wall or floor from and then back into the vale of darkness at the entrance to the cave.
Several times Mountain-Lion perceived an inner voice reaching out as he made his slow entry. It was not discernible; since Mountain-Lion now concentrated on the hunt. As he advanced on into the cave Mountain-Lion quietly sniffed for scents and directions of those he perceived. His head bobbed slightly as he oriented it and reoriented it to target specific scents. His whiskers and tail twitched slightly as he scanned for any motion from the darkness before him.
The scent of spider was strong from all directions. Mountain-Lion hardly gave notice to this; since a roaming spider was of little concern. The scent of a bear was strongest to his left, and indicated the bear was some distance away in the darkness of the cave. The scent of porcupine was forward and to the right. Mountain-Lion's lips curled into a grin and became wet with drool. He had noted the porcupine scent indicated the porcupine was much closer to the cave mouth than the bear was.
Porcupine was laying very still in her bedding, though she was now quite awake. Even though Spider's mental voice, and the voices of many other spiders were still screaming for Bear to awaken, Bear had not responded at all. Porcupine could only watch and pray for Great Spirit's deliverance as the lion slid into the cave.
Once Mountain-Lion's eyes had adjusted to the dimly lit cave, he immediately jumped in Porcupine's direction and was on her in a flash. Although porcupines have a formidable defense system, Mountain-Lion knew just how to get past the defense by quickly rolling Porcupine over onto her back. Just as Porcupine found herself at the mighty feline's mercy, she also realized something had happened to distract the lion and quickly scurried away from it toward the ponded water.
Many spiders leapt from the ceiling of the cave and tried to bite into Mountain-Lion's tough fur and even tougher hide. Though unsuccessful with their biting, they had distracted the lion long enough for Porcupine to get away to temporary safety. Mountain-Lion shook the spiders from its back and continued to slink further into the cave.
Again gaining eye contact with the now shaking and whimpering porcupine, Mountain-Lion rolled his tongue across his lips several times, back and forth, as he licking them clean of drool. He grinned at Porcupine and then, unexpectedly, dove sideways up against the nearest cave wall with a loud thumping sound. Though very agile, graceful, and strong, jumping sideways is not an easy thing for mountain-lions to do except when they have the help of a grizzly bear!
Bear roared loudly as he again slapped lion with his mighty paw sending the lion to crash up against another of the cave's walls. The noise and vibrations from Bear's roar caused dust to fall from cave ceilings, it caused many spiders to run hurriedly away in all directions, it caused Porcupine to place both paws on her ears; but most importantly, it caused Mountain-Lion to scream in terror and center his attention on defending against Bear instead of on eating Porcupine.
Bear knew to get between the Mountain-Lion and Porcupine. To do so meant going through the lion; since there was little room to navigate where Mountain-Lion had landed. Bear understood he no longer had the element of surprise; and therefore he had better be on his best guard against the adversary.
Though Bear understood Mountain-Lion was capable of bringing great harm to him; he also knew better than to show fear in dealing with Mountain-Lion. This was because of the gift Mountain-Lion has in controlling great strength, and how able he is to use fear against his adversary. As long as one is strong in his relationship with Mountain-Lion, then one does not add to the feline's power.
With little thought and planning Bear realized sacrificing his safety for Porcupine's was of utmost necessity. As Bear lurched forward, Mountain-Lion sprang up attempting to grab onto Bear's thick neck with his powerful fangs so he would be free to claw at Bear with all fours. Bear turned his right shoulder into the lions direction swinging his right paw up and under Mountain-Lion's left shoulder and arm. Bear combined both of their physical powers as he rolled away from the lion's path and then pushed the lion through the air sending him crashing toward the cave mouth and into a wall again.
Though the lion fought in quite a surprising way for Bear, he was no match for Bear's overwhelming strength. Seeing there was a chance to escape Bear's dark lair and any further harm, Mountain-Lion retreated closer to the mouth of the cave. Still screaming in terror, Mountain-Lion slid outside of the cave to freedom and bounded away.
Bear called to Porcupine who slowly came out from her hiding place. Bear, while licking his wounds, suggested to her that things would be all right now that Mountain-Lion knew Porcupine was well guarded. Bear also softly called to Spider with a similar message.
On Birthing:Spider slid down on her silk from a ceiling perch and corrected Bear in that her name had changed to Mother-spider. She also told Bear that things were amiss with Porcupine in that Mountain-Lion had scared her too much. Bear, looked around in amazement as he had finally had a chance to, and found the presence of mind to notice the other spiders that had been born to their mother a month or so ago.
Moaning quietly, Porcupine let Bear know that Mother-spider was right about Porcupine having been so scared; and that her birthing time would come early. Bear's first thought was that he had volunteered to help Porcupine with guarding Owl's treasures, not to help her with something like birthing. However, Bear also thought this out and realized anything that endangered Porcupine was also a threat to breaking their trust with Great Spirit and Owl. Besides, Porcupine was a dear friend who now needed help.
Going to the entrance of the cave and peeking outside, Bear saw deep snows that let him know winter had not begun to pass. Anyone in the porcupine clan or even the bear clan who could help him with Porcupine were still hibernating and would be of little help even if awakened from their sleep. Reflecting on the lessons he had been taught through his life, Bear turned to Mother-spider and Porcupine, and asked if they would simply guide him in each step of helping Porcupine through her birthing.
A new bed was made for Porcupine deeper into the cave and near the ponded water; since Porcupine told Bear she would eventually need water at a point during the birthing process. Bear, though very reluctant to do so, eventually went outside to find a pine tree where he could forage bark for Porcupine to eat while she was awakened from her hibernation. As he strolled over the ice that completely covered Great River, Bear's stomach growled at him as if suggesting he break the ice and treat himself to a quick snack. Bear knew this would be selfish and so he climbed on up the bank to where a pine tree was and started his task of foraging bark.
During that day which followed Porcupine's appeal for help in birthing, Bear and the spider family looked over Porcupine with growing concern for her safety and her well being. Porcupine tried to eat as much as possible to strengthen her body and Self for the birthing event. Bear again foraged and brought Porcupine more bark from pine trees, grubs which he dug from the ground near the base of a dead tree, and even a few nuts which he found in a nearby oak tree. Porcupine ate as much as possible; but insisted on sharing her grubs with the spider family, and on sharing her nuts with Bear.
At one point Mother-spider spoke to Bear's mind and told him he must get ready to leave the cave. Bear walked to the ponded area since he also heard Porcupine softly crying for him from her bedding. Bear asked her what he could do to help now, and she told him to bring Owl's treasures to her. Bear quickly yet quietly responded and brought the treasures in to Porcupine.
Porcupine told Bear what to do with several of the artifacts and how to pray and what for regarding the means by which she was about to call on Great Spirit for assistance in helping her through birthing. Then, while making tearful eye contact with Bear, Porcupine let Bear know it was time for him to leave the cave.
Bear walked out into a moonlit night and eventually sat down to rest on a sand bar in Great River. He meditated and prayed for Porcupine's health and strength. A crashing sound nearby got Bear's attention; and as he turned to investigate he found where his grandfather had either fallen through or simply broken through a thin area of ice and was standing in Great River. Almost as soon as Bear began to greet his grandfather Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear slapped at the water of Great River and flung a brown trout toward Bear. His grandfather then slowly climbed from the water and greeted Bear with wishes for a long and restful sleep.
Receiving the fish gift and honoring his respected ancestor, Bear prayed that the meal nourish his body and then began to eat. Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear sat down near Bear on the sand bar and patiently waited for his grandson to finish eating. Soon Bear was finished with the brown trout and looked up to make eye contact with his grandfather.
While he stared into his grandfather's eyes, Bear told him of the vision he had where his grandfather had talked about the intruder, and about communicating with ancestors who had transcended from the physical world to Great Mystery. Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear looked at Bear grinning, and simply let him know that the vision was remembered.
Forgetting his manners and being less than tactful, Bear asked his grandfather if he had died. Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear looked Bear straight in his eyes and said that he had no intention of taking part in death; but instead that he intended to stay on Great Spirit's path for eternity. Seeing the confusion in his grandson's eyes, Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear then went on to say that he had transcended to Great Spirit during the first month of winter.
Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear then went on to lecture Bear on what death is. He explained that death only comes to those who quit walking Great Spirit's path either before or after they transcend from the physical world. He also explained that serving Great Spirit and the bear clan after he had transcended included instilling the wisdom of the ages into the minds of his descendants. Lastly, Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear mentioned that though many in the clan have feared their own transition, they are very open to it once they find it is simply a matter of being freed from a very restricting body; and that they still live on the physical plane through their descendants.
Turning to Bear, Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear asked him if he knew how his grandfather had come by such a long name. Bear guessed that it was from having a gray eye. His grandfather smiled and explained to Bear he was once in a very long and tedious fight with Mountain-Lion; which resulted in his loosing sight in one eye, his gray eye. He then told Bear that after his transition he was once again able to see with both eyes, and also able to use many other parts of his spiritual body which had long since quit functioning on the physical plane.
Bear asked if his grandfather could explain where he was after transcending to Great Mystery. Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear became very serious and explained to Bear that he had soon realized he, like Great Spirit, was everywhere and in everything. He told Bear to remember this the next time Bear was missing his grandfather; since that very feeling may be a signal that his grandfather was talking through Bear's mind and heart. With this, Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear told Bear of the love he has for his grandson; and then disappeared into thin air again.
Staring into the darkness of Great Forest, Bear pondered on the lessons and concepts he had discussed with his grandfather. This time it didn't matter if he was dreaming, having a vision, or had come face to face with his living grandfather. The truths in his grandfather's words were all that mattered.
Bear strolled down to the broken ice where he had first seen his grandfather tonight, and noticed a shimmering glow like a rainbow in the water. Slapping at the water Bear succeeded in catching one of the largest rainbow trouts he had ever seen. Silently Bear prayed to Great Spirit and then began to eat. Soon after Bear cast the trout's bones back into Great River, he heard Porcupine scream.
Upon entering his cave Bear found an almost party atmosphere. Spiders were dancing about on the ceiling, walls and floor of his cave. Mother-spider was hanging from her silk at about his eye level and greeted him by communicating that a new baby porcupine had been delivered to its now sleeping mother.
Bear knew not to wake the porcupines in the back room; but did gather Owl's belongings and returned them to their secret safe spot in his bedding. Bear decided it must be time to finish his hibernation and then crawled up on top of his bedding and dozed off to sleep.
On Metamorphosis:Although Bear was several years old now and his body was fully developed, he was still growing inside with Self and spirit. Through this winter his many dreams and visions had helped him mature in several ways. Upon waking from hibernation, however, he noticed his temper could still be touched off quite easily if the waking was of an unusual nature. Bear snorted loudly at the sensation of finding his nose being tickled by something licking on it and something also rubbing up against it.
When Bear opened his eye lids he found himself eye to eye with possibly the smallest porcupine baby he had ever seen. Its intentions being innocent, Bear overlooked his own ticklish discomfort and gently licked back at the young one. Baby-Porcupine was amused that the huge face had started moving with life; but being cautious and afraid of the new experience, backed away and scurried off to the safety of its mother who was still hibernating.
Looking and listening at the entrance to his cave let Bear know spring had ascended into the Great Forest's valley, so he got up from his bedding and went on outside. As he sat at his cave's entrance, Bear looked around at the rebounding life that surrounded him throughout Great Forest. Red-Wing-Hawk soared in circles high above his head in a blue sky, small people dashed about between budding trees and bushes in Great Forest, and the bear clan among others were busy harvesting salmon breakfasts from Great River.
Bear walked down to Great-River and found a spot on a sand bar where he could fish from a school of salmon. When his fishing brought him a little closer to the shore he heard Beaver greet him from the river bank. Beaver had a dam not to far away in a tributary to Great-River; but often came down to the river to swim in its cascades and small waterfalls.
The beaver related to Bear that his name had changed to Strong-Long-Tail-Father-beaver. Bear congratulated him on now having off-spring; and also for living through another cold winter. Strong-Long-Tail-Father-beaver retorted like congratulations on Bear's behalf for living out the cold time and asked if his long-sleep was productive.
As Bear related to the beaver some visions and lessons he had experienced through his resting period; he noticed Mother-porcupine and her new baby emerging from his cave. He mentioned to Strong-Long-Tail-Father-beaver how he remembers his own first emergence and how much more complicated the world seems now than it did then.
Mother-porcupine was patient with her new baby as they walked down toward Great-River very slowly. It wasn't that the baby was so slow in walking that it could not go faster, it was that everything along the pathway was another interesting distraction. Mother-porcupine finally guided the young one out onto the sand bar and joined Strong-Long-Tail-Father-beaver and Bear.
Strong-Long-Tail-Father-beaver noted as the porcupines came close that the young one rubbed up against Bear like Bear was its father. Laughing at Bear, he mentioned Bear would get to change his name this year as well; since he now had a brand new porcupine child. Mother-porcupine's eyes went wide and she tried to move between the little porcupine and Bear. Bear was almost embarrassed by the incident, and noting Mother-porcupine's reaction, tried to shy away from the young porcupine.
Bear said a blessing of good foraging to the other three folks and turned to swim and wade over to a distant sand bar for more fishing. Though bears eat very much before their long-sleep, by springtime they are depleted of their stored food and famished from fasting. They are in dire need of eating their way back to a healthy and comfortable size.
About the time Grandfather Sun was as high in the sky as he would fly today, Bear noticed his father walking up along the shores and banks of Great-River. They met in a shallow pool of water and blessed each other and discussed the dreams and visions that they had experienced during the long-sleep. This was almost becoming a ritual as they had met like this each year after Bear had left his mother's den.
Bear related well to the matter when his father mentioned he often prays for simply understanding a dream or vision more than for guidance along the paths it lets him know about. Pathways, they agreed, are much like guides in themselves, if someone can read them with enough discernment. Bear's father mentioned that many paths are traversed without notice or effort; and events can take place that we are unaware of.
Rolling his eyes over to make contact with his father's, Bear asked what he had chosen for his name now. He told his father he had spoken with his Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear at least twice during the cold of winter. His father explained his new name was Blue-Moon-Grandfather-bear, and that in the last few days he had witnessed several things that had come about which he and Gray-Eye-Grandfather-bear had discussed through the winter months. He also explained to become grandfather, he had been taught many lessons and shown many paths on several planes of the universe. Blue-Moon-Grandfather-bear mentioned he, like many others, would have to face ceremonies and many challenges on the material plane to fully earn their new titles.
Slapping at the water, Blue-Moon-Grandfather-bear pulled a large salmon from Great River and then stopped short as the fish flipped and dove back and to safety. The huge bear just stood watching for a while and then turned to Bear and asked if he had communicated with any others of their clan this morning. Bear mentioned having seen many of their family members; but had not been close enough to speak.
Blue-Moon-Grandfather-bear reminded Bear this was his first day outside of his cave, and that he would need to go to the meadow where bears usually only meet at night to catch up with all that had transpired over the winter. Bear would want to know about who had transcended to Great Mystery, who had already woken from their long-sleep, and who had born children to the clan. The two bears departed company with blessings. Blue-Moon-Grandfather-bear strolled on upstream and out of sight while Bear climbed up the river bank toward a path into Great-Forest.
In a Name:Ambling along the pathway toward the meadow, Bear thought about his morning experiences and how they had effected or influenced him. It was interesting to him how many folks he knew were changing their names in honor of their change of status in Great Mystery's way of making the world perpetual. These thoughts caused him to eventually ponder what names he would find interesting if he were to have to choose one some day.
Bear thought of several names that might apply to his status, interests, or otherwise be personalized for self. None, however, satisfied him enough to hold onto in memory for a day when he might need it. Surely there was something about him that was unique enough to individualize his title.
A black bear was digging under a fallen log where grubs were plentiful when Bear entered a clearing. When it saw Bear it jolted into the underbrush and trees of Great-Forest and was soon out of sight. Bear noted how shy and skittish black bears are in comparison to grizzly bears.
Thoughts of Red-bear came to mind and Bear grinned. He spent more time with her than anyone else and considered her his best friend in all of Great Forest. When he and Red-bear were first growing up playing with each other and just simply talking about things, they soon found they shared common spiritual beliefs and understood many concepts of living the same way. From that time on Bear and Red-bear's relationship had kept growing stronger.
A mountain rattlesnake stopped and coiled up in Bear's pathway. She immediately began playing a warning song with her rattles; which caused Bear to jerk to a stop and call out with greetings to let the snake know it was not in danger. Recognizing him now despite her poor vision, Sister-Cedar-Berry-snake greeted Bear and told him he had startled her. Bear started breathing again when he saw the blue eyes of his dear friend. She could no longer see as well as she could when much younger; but Bear knew she could sense things about her environment no one else could perceive by simply using her long twitching tongue.
Sister-Cedar-Berry-snake asked Bear if he had danced in the meadow this season. Bear let her know he had just emerged again today, but that he would soon be in the company of his clan at the meadow. His friend told Bear it seemed to her his intuitions and instincts must be distracted today and asked what he was meditating on so hard. Bear confided in Sister-Cedar-Berry-snake that he had been considering what names he would find interesting should he ever need one.
Sliding across part of her long body from a coiled position Sister-Cedar-Berry-snake came closer to Bear to make eye contact with him. Then she explained he should be honored Great Spirit placed such a long brown mark down the center of his back. She related to him it reminded her of the saw-tooth ridge; which borders the western edge of Great Forest. She grinned and asked Bear what had generated his curiosity about names.
Keeping eye contact with his friend, Bear mentioned how many other friends he had already seen whose names had changed this season. He mentioned how he now realized so clearly their honor for Great Mystery's way of making this home on Earth Mother perpetual was more than just a label or indication of status. Bear excused himself to Sister-Cedar-Berry-snake for having left Great Spirit's path with these thoughts, and that he would try to commune more sincerely along the pathway to the meadow.
Slipping off the path toward a tall pine tree, Sister-Cedar-Berry-snake explained to Bear she was apparently mistaken by her first perception of his consciousness. She mentioned she felt he was walking Great Spirit's pathway as he was being guided to. Perching herself on a fallen pine limb that was warm from Grandfather Sun's afternoon rays, Sister-Cedar-Berry-snake blessed Bear and his journeys as she began to slowly fall asleep.
Slowly walking away, Bear looked over one shoulder and blessed Sister-Cedar-Berry-snake and her naptime. He told her he greatly values her insights, and that he would further meditate on her words.
Encounters with Self:Entering the meadow, Bear looked from side to side to see who he could find there to visit with. Yellow-bear bounded up to Bear from almost nowhere and began assaulting him with pushes and taunting growls. Bear defended himself by mostly moving sideways when Yellow -bear came close. He was not going to let Yellow-bear push him around or get the best of him; but he was also not ready to play. Since Bear would not lash back or show aggression toward Yellow-bear; his distant cousin soon quit harassing him and told him there would be a time later when he would expect more from Bear.
Wandering through the meadow socializing with other bears and small folks, Bear finally saw Red-bear. Bear slowly walked her direction so as not to show his anxiousness to speak and be with her again. He could tell she was being somewhat reserved, since she stood her ground and only made quick glances at him now and then. Bear greeted his best friend with blessings and told her he hoped her long-sleep was productive and healing.
Now fixing her eyes on his she replied with similar greetings and mentioned her name was now Mother-Red-bear. She stepped sideways a bit to reveal there behind her was a baby female bear rolling about on her back as she held her left hind foot in her face.
The baby bear was preoccupied and curiously analyzing every part of her paw, its toes, and its short sharp claws. She could barely balance herself in such a comical position without tossing a front arm and paw around in the air to keep from rolling over onto her side. Bear grinned at the small spectacle and asked if Mother-Red-bear had named her yet.
Mother-Red-bear explained she had named her Wandering-Brook-bear, since she was so hard to keep up with. She then nudged Bear real hard under his head to bring it away from the baby and where they could make eye contact again. Mother-Red-bear looked deep into Bear's eyes and asked him what his knew name would be; since he was now a father.
With an astonished look on his face, Bear sat down so hard he made a thump when he landed. He first stared back at Mother-Red-bear; and then at the small creature rolling about in the meadow who was called Brook, who was healthy and beautiful, who was his daughter! Bear looked up and explained he was now Brown-Stripe-Father-Grizzly-bear.
Completing Cycles:In the following days more and more bears appeared in the meadow on the first day of their emergence from caves, boroughs, and other dens they had made to keep them safe for a journey within during winter. As the clan again became close to one another in the meadow their was much talk about many healings and changes they had experienced within themselves during their time of long-sleep and rest.
Owl eventually returned and had his treasures were returned to him by Mother-Porcupine. She related to him what had occurred in the cave and throughout Great Forest in his absence. Owl mentioned having walked Porcupine's way with Great Spirit during the birthing. Mother-Porcupine explained that as usual, events had occurred just as Great Mystery wanted for them to; and that she had never lost faith in that fact.
Bear had found a new name for himself; yet he also realized he would still be Bear within. This was because he had always walked Great Spirit's path as best he could, and had tried to be as much himself as possible. Though he had experienced many changes about self during his long-sleep, Bear had not changed in spirit.
Spending more time than usual with Mother-Red-bear during the following days, Bear understood better why it is important to extend one's self through family. He now could clearly see that Wandering-Brook-bear was an extension of himself and others in his family into the next generation of the bear clan. The way his daughter moved about, learned from experiences, acted when confronted with issues, and many other ways her mannerisms came out were easily seen as influenced by her ancestors.
Great Forest now seemed complete and whole again as spring unfolded to reveal all those things that had been hidden away during winter time. Birds chirped songs of feeding hatchlings, salmon churned in waves as they swam up Great River toward spawning grounds, and things which had rested in the hearts of many until this season were revealed for the first time on Great Mystery's pathway of the cycle of life and living.
Alan
6-20-98
Revised 6-4-99
Second Revision 10-15-2000
