Saturday, July 25, 2015

Thunder Woman in the Far North


As I continue to explore healing in the Arctic as a key to averting climate catastrophe, it's natural that a powerful spirit guide would appear. Thunder Woman in the Far North (watercolor, 20.3 x 15.5") stands on patchy ice at the edge of the Arctic Ocean. Snow flakes are falling from her outstretched arms. In the mystery of the aurora, she invokes cold, healing, and protection of Arctic species. Through invisible connections extending across the regions of the earth, she touches life everywhere.

She touches life everywhere because the conditions of the Arctic effect every place and every being.  Mysterious when she first appeared in my imagery, Thunder Woman soon revealed herself as the spirit of native uprising. Native uprising doesn't mean armed conflict,  but a return to sacred relationship with nature, as practiced by native people of all times and places. It is exactly this native spirit that can save the Arctic, the climate, and all beings.

Last night I attended a concert with Väsen, a trio of master musicians from Sweden. I don't know their personal beliefs about climate change, but the raw beauty and profound mystery of their music breathes the healing power that answers our longing and our prayers. 

The musicians of Väsen hail from Uppsala, only about 6° south of the Arctic Circle. I'm sure they've been touched by the Aurora all their lives, and that northern wildness runs in their veins. It certainly runs in their music, and it surged through me as I listened and witnessed the great love and humor they bring to the stage.

As news about climate change worsens, I struggle with the question of how to respond, as a person, a mother, an artist. In concert with Thunder Woman, these musicians help me understand that our answers lie in beauty and joy. 

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