The journey through the dark forest is the fairy tale journey of initiation and transformation. We enter full of fear and uncover our courage and self-trust as we find our way through. Facing our fears, whether it is our “shadow” within or external- death, loss, suffering, etc. is transformative. Liberating. The more we face our internal and external fears, heal ourselves, and stay on that path through the woods, the more we grow in strength and power, liberate our true Self within, and find we have help along the way. The universe bends to lend a hand–putting helpers in our path and protecting us, and we might also discover the unseen helpers: spirit guides and ancestors that have been walking beside us and are always available when we ask for help.
This passage from Liz Moore’s The God of the Woods beautifully illustrates the paradox and magic of embracing the literal forest, the forests of our lives, and our internal one: ‘“‘…Panic,’ said T.J. But no one raised a hand. She explained. It came from the Greek god Pan: the god of the woods. He liked to trick people, to confuse and disorient them until they lost their bearings, and their minds. To panic, said T.J., was to make an enemy of the forest. To stay calm was to be its friend.”
