Enchantment Part 7

October 19, 2026

Most of us have heard of the enchanted forest—a mystical woodland in folklore and fantasy where otherworldly things happen and the usual laws of nature do not always apply. Forests are the setting for many old stories and fairy tales, including Robin Hood, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Goldilocks, and Hansel and Gretel. The enchanted forest is a place of mystery and transformation. It may hold danger or offer refuge. It may invite an adventure, even a hero’s journey.

An enchanted forest may have shifting paths, hidden dwellings, talking animals, glowing plants, and shimmering waters. It may even become our refuge: its leaves cover us while we sleep, or its plants encircle us against danger. It may be home to fairies, elves, witches, wise grandfathers and grandmothers, and, of course, goblins. And somewhere within it, there may be a portal to another reality.

In a forest, I once participated in a vision quest, a spiritual practice found in some Native American traditions. For some, it has served as a rite of passage; for others, a transformative experience. At first, I was dubious, but I decided to try it.

I was alone in the forest. I was not in danger, but I had left the comforts of home to listen for something my soul needed to know. Lots happened— a snake appeared. I heard deer rustling closer and closer. Insects emerged from the earth and entered my space. Even the weather became part of the experience. The forest was no longer merely trees and rocks. It was a living place, full of awe and danger, visitors and creatures I did not know whether to welcome or fear. I was in an enchanted forest and in the enchanting story it unfolded to me minute by minute.

Then the ancient indigenous peoples’ spiritual practice began to make sense to me. Nature, through its signs of life and death, can reveal the wisdom that is looking for us. I sat in my spot. I slept in my spot. I did not have to go looking for anything; everything came to me. As I felt my connection to all that surrounded me, those encounters opened my mind and soul to thoughts I might never have received in my everyday, logical world. My way of seeing had changed because I was now one with the universe. I was enchanted.

Some may think the enchanted forest belongs only to fairy tales, but I beg to differ. I entered such a forest on that vision quest, and I have entered enchanted forests in many ways since I was a child. Possibly you have, too.

Indigenous peoples have long known the wisdom of the forest and sought its transformative and healing gifts. When we enter the enchanted forest without seeking to deface, tear down, or burn—when we come as guests rather than enemies—the forest may become a portal to what we need to understand in that moment. In our transparency to the forest, and its transparency to us, we experience the omniscience of the Divine. 

Spiritual Practice

In a safe situation, enter the woods for an extended period of time and leave your world behind if only for an hour or two. Describe in your journal what happens to you? 

Inquiry

List some reasons why you may need to hear the voice of God through the earth. 

Prayer

Dear God, For the enchantment of Your infinite forest, I give You thanks.

Amen