moose god
Originally posted December 31, 2007
The townsite was a moose swamp, not much more than one hundred years ago, and when not frozen over is still pretty swampy. Moose are still a big presence here, both in terms of symbolism and in traditional practices that go back thousands of years. I am not a hunter, and could not kill a moose any more than I could kill any other animal, yet I do not judge those who hunt for food and survival. The Tr’ondek Hwech’in First Nation helps manage the fish and game in their traditional territory (Tr’ondek is the word which became reshaped into the word Klondike).
The Tr’ondek Hwech’in are based in Dawson City and are now the largest employer in town.
The spirit of the moose is pervasive, yet a proper photo is not that easy to come by. Finally tonight I was able to get my camera out, find the “detect aura” setting, and get a shot of the moose god in its natural environment. Note its electric blue breath in the frosty night air.
Tinkonthebrink commented: Wow, that’s exactly how the moose god looks in my dreams! Happy Now Year.
Reply: Thanks for the feedback! Don’t know if it was deliberate, or a typo, but I’ve decided that “Happy Now Year” will be my slogan for the upcoming year. Thanks for that as well.
Kathryn commented: My hat is off to you. Clearly you have attained a mastery beyond the rest of us. So many spiritual hours spent in the Northern wilds. Thanks for sharing this significant gift. And some day I might wish to borrow your camera too!
Happy Now Year to you all.
Tinkonthebrink commented: nope, not a typo, and you’re welcome to it. The big benefit is that it’s happy now year all year long…
Reply: Yes, and there’s an embedded message of mindfulness and affirmation: “happy now”. I love it. Thank you for your “presence” ;-)
