Deep in the forest, through the leaves, and under the moss covered trees, is a whole new world full of life, light, love, and mystery. They try to hide it from you though. They don't want others to find out what hides under the tree roots. It's their lovely little secret that they must protect at all costs. I see why they would want to hide it. It is beautiful. There is no fear, and the only tears are from too much laughter. Flowers bloom all year, and the rivers are crystal clear. The mystery lies in how? How does all this exist deep within the earth? How does one get to such a place? Well, I'll tell you. You just have to keep it a secret. They love their secrets. First, you have to go into the forest, but don't bring anything with you. Only yourself, and yourself only. Once in the forest, listen. The birds will lead the way. Hum along to their songs. That's how you gain their trust. Trust is the important part. Without trust, you will gain no secrets. Secrets are the key to a world built by secrets. The more secrets you learn by the bird's song, the better. Follow the birds through the forest until you reach the stream. You'll know the stream when you get there. It trickles on and is dark enough that you can see the bottom. Trying to wade through the stream is not wise. You'll most likely drown. There should be a rock in the middle of the stream. Jump, and hope you don't slip. It is good that you cannot see the bottom. Try to make it to the rock and then to the other side of the stream in one fluid motion. Don't stop on the rock. Once on the other side, you will no longer hear the birds, for you have learned all you can from them. Keep going forward. Soon you shall see bits of crimson fur popping in and out of the bushes. Stop. Hum the songs you learned from the birds and wait for Red to reveal himself to you. If twenty beats pass you by with no Red, turn back and go home. Fast. You don't want them to catch you lingering. However, if Red does show himself, bow, and bow deeply. With courtesy of course. It is a great honor should Red show himself. There is no mistaking Red. You feel it heavy within your gut, and tingling in your toes. Follow him as he turns to leave. If you let him out of sight, turn back home. And go swiftly and silently. If they hear you, you are as good as gone. If you manage to stay with him, he will lead you to an ancient willow tree, its branches reaching far and wide. You are almost there. To the world in which you seek. Now you must tie a piece of yourself to the Great Willow. A piece of clothing. Hair. A breath. But the Great Willow must accept you first. Walk up to the base of the tree, carefully, watch your step. Lay your hand gently on the cool rough bark. If pain flickers through your hand, back away slowly. Red will lead you back to the stream. Thank him generously for the safety he grants in doing so. If there is a warm tingling sensation that flows through your hand and into your body, congratulations, the Great Willow accepts you. Take three steps back. If you are wearing shoes, discard them so your bare feet are in contact with the lush moss that covers the forest floor. The ground will rumble, do not fear. It is just the Great Willow unearthing her roots to give you access to the world below. Thank Her as you pass below her roots down into the cool damp earth. The darkness will not last long. Your path will soon be lit up with foxfire and ghosts. A green hue that casts long shadows as you wander down the soft dirt path. A door of moss and bark will be at its end. The key lies deep. Reach for it and it will find you. Once you have the key, the door will open before you. Congratulations. You made it to the world full of life, light, love, and mystery. Walk carefully. The roots breathe beneath the earth here.
