Whilst trying to come to terms with my upset and anger around this, I was reminded to take time to connect with Nature and to ask the Baboons for some insight into what is going on.
Immediately on receiving information, using pen and paper, I scribed a message that is relevant for all of us:
“Remember who WE are, the shamans of the bushveld, of the landscapes, of the mountain. We take the darkness and transform it into light, we show up the dark with our light. People, human-people are fearful of this, this revelation of the dark, the depths of their soul. We bear the brunt of humanity’s darkness.
Remember who YOU are, beloved. You, who also show up the darkness with your light. Remember to shine your light, Nature’s light, out into the darkness to reveal yet not accept the shadow that does not offer comfort, but heaviness. That tries to capture the light instead of working with the light to create beauty and life.
Light and dark, we cannot have one without the other. It is a dance. When we dance in harmony we are in balance and life is joyful. Let us bring light into this situation. Let us bring life in all its power and forcefulness, fierceness and love.”
Eleven Years ago the late Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu held this prayer for the Lions and all of Nature. Since then South Africa has been making remarkable in-roads into the banning of the captive breeding of lions for trophy hunting, cub-petting and the lion-bone trade.
A few weeks ago this was all put at risk by new political manoeuverings of our government. The Minister for the Department of the Environment was suddenly sacked for ‘inefficiency’ and replaced by a pro-hunting colleague.
Again, dark energies of greed and corruption are suspected of being behind the changes. Now more than ever, prayers are needed.