Camping at Cape Disappointment on the Washington Coast recently, I was curious about its name. As an earth alchemist, I attune to the imprints that are held within the subtle energy of land, in this case, land memories. Experiences, and even names, can continue to inform the nature of the landscape well into the future. Energetic imprints can continue to attract more of the same, as like attracts like. The story goes that in 1788, an English Captain who could not locate the river’s entrance named the headland Cape Disappointment. He turned back right on the cusp of discovery and left a legacy that endures today.
At my campsite, I considered how being in a place of disappointment to one person has carried over into its subtle energy field over time. I wondered what the Native Americans called this area. I’m sure it had a more beautiful name. I was curious if the lands wanted that name, now. I have received names for land as I’ve connected with land spirits. The names they give resonate with the land’s energy and purpose, and sound right when you speak them. Or, maybe, this name is advertising the specific healing found here.
I was called to the ocean as my emotions rose with the waxing moon. My heart felt heavy and unsettled. As I quieted my mind and sunk into the landscape and my true feelings, I began journaling and moving deeper within. My inner-voice spoke to me: “I have a lot of unmet desires in my heart.” After hearing that message, I let go and cried and realized these unmet desires were disappointments! Disappointment had collected in my heart.
I allowed my disappointment to rise to the surface and be seen, acknowledged, grieved, and released. Afterwards, I felt new space open in my heart. I believe the land called me here to heal my disappointment and help me grieve projects, relationships, ideas, and things that didn’t manifest. Perhaps I am actually better off that they didn’t happen.
While I was at the beach, I did a blessing for the whales. I honored them and offered some energy work to assist them in dealing with the effects of sonar waves on their bodies. Later, I learned that there was a beached whale further down the beach. The whale, like the captain, lost their way.
Later, I reflected on the stunning foxglove wildflowers blooming all over the cape. I’ve made a flower essence from foxglove and know it helps us become more honest and emotionally vulnerable with ourselves and others. What potent energy medicine this wildflower and the land give us!
If you have your own collection of disappointments in your heart, a visit to Cape Disappointment may lighten your heart, or try some foxglove flower essence. Traveling to lands can be a powerful remedy. If you lose your way, ask for help, and you will receive blessings from the lands and plants at Cape Disappointment.
As always, remember to ask the beneficial land spirits and energies for permission to work with them as you seek healing and make your offerings to the sea.
