She passed me on the beach last week. You know…some people just glow. She glowed. We grinned at each other…somehow we knew each others reason for being there.

I met her a few hours later that morning. John, the parks worker, introduced us. Ginny…originally from NY, spent much time in Santa Fe. Moved here 8 years ago. We talked story about the east and the west, philosophy, and this particular beach.

I was shocked when I heard myself say, I have something for you.
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As John and I were talking about not seeing her this morning, she appeared from the parking lot behind us.

I gave her what I had carefully tucked away last week.

She took a light green bundle wound with twine out of the car and carefully set it down. I sat on the ground…her on her haunches. I listened as she told me the meaning of each one.

She lit the Sage. Sandia, she said. The slightly acrid but sweet smell filled me as I breathed deeply.

She passed the sage over and around…blessing the feather gift. Chanting, chanting…

She passed the sage over and around…blessing me.
Chanting, chanting…

She gave me healing medicine…medicine of compassion…medicine of love…and the medicine of my ancestors.

She stood and drew in the Ironwood needles littering the sand. Chanting, chanting…
And instructed me on how to call my protectors and ancestors to protect and guide me on my path here in Hawaii.

My face was wet with tears as she picked up the wooden flute and played the mournful notes…healing she said starts on the inside…find some way to let it out…a little at a time…it will all follow eventually

She stubbed out the sage in the sand sending it down into the earth and to Pele for safekeeping.

I’m sitting at the table here…writing this and waiting for her to return from her walk up the beach. She has promised to show me her paintings and sculpture.

Yes, there is magic on this beach.