TheBanyanTree: Peace

[Roger Pye]

PEACE

("Innisfree" is fifteen acres of tranquility about forty-two kilometres south-south-west of Braidwood NSW Australia. Two thirds of the acreage is 
undulating grassy pasture with a small dam in one corner fed by runoff, and a tree covered hillside with a seasonal creek at its foot takes up the 
remainder.  From near the top of this slope one has an uninterrupted view of the Deua National Park which lies to the east of Krawarree Road, the 
latter being part of a rural thoroughfare which connects Braidwood and Cooma.  At 12.45 pm on Friday 13th February 2009 I was standing with our German 
Shepherd Matilda curled up at my feet in one of the clearings near the top of the slope. The day was cool and overcast in complete contrast to the 
conditions of a week ago. Far overhead three wedge-tailed eagles circled effortlessly just below cloud level; near at hand magpies were calling from 
windblown trees; across the meadow I could see my wife Robin tending our embryo orchard and picking berries. Casting my gaze at the treed expanse of 
the National Park I raised my hands to heaven and spoke.)

"Spiritual Healing Channels Woodcat, Ruby and Bright Star, I seek your assistance with this healing. Devas and Nature Spirits of this land, of the 
trees, wildlife, rocks, plants, rivers, lakes and dams, please join us in this ceremony and add your voices to ours."

Matilda uncurled herself, raised her head and growled softly. I shushed her and she settled into a more comfortable position, her head resting on 
front paws, eyes open and watchful. The wind in the trees quieted a little, the birdsong ceased saved for an occasional cry. People were joining me in 
spirit from Oregon, Washington, Texas, New York, Iowa, Idaho, Oklahoma, Wisconsin and other North American states; from Pakistan, Britain, Australia 
and New Zealand. Many in our healing channels had their own networks and there were, too, their own spirit guides. Around me the gathering energy was 
palpable and I welcomed its presence.

"Great Spirit, in all humility we have come to you in celebration of the lives of all those who have passed over, many so swiftly and without warning, 
as a result of the dreadful and terrifying firestorms which struck Victoria last Saturday 7th February. We ask that their spirits be released from 
travail and torment so they may return to be with you and in your care; all of them, people, animals, birds, insects, trees and plants. We ask too 
that those left behind who will bear the awful burdens of sudden loss of loved ones receive your gifts of peace and understanding and, wherever it is 
needed, forgiveness for self-imposed guilt. Through you we thank all those who have worked tirelessly to douse the flames and protect lives and 
property and continue to do so, all in the hospitals, hospices, refuges and other centres of care, all those in the police, army and emergency 
services who have the appalling task of searching the ruins of buildings and vehicles. Lastly we seek your help in returning life and peace to the 
fire-ravaged settlements and the lands which encompass them."

Matilda got to her feet, whined and tugged at her lead. "No, not yet," I said. "We will wait in silence for one minute, to honour all those who died, 
to honour their love for their homes and their families and their land and our country Australia, and all those who loved and cared for them, and for 
the survivors, and for all the animals and birds, wildlife and pets and stock who died, and their surviving companions who loved them too."

The birds hushed as the wind dropped totally; not a rustle came from the trees as we stood there very still for that minute in memory of what had gone 
before. Then as the wind picked up again Matilda and made our way down the hill, still in the midst of a wave of unconditional love and spiritual energy.


Roger Pye (Woodcat), Earth and Spiritual Healer,
Canberra Australia, 14 February 2009