The Musings category gathers Jean’s deeper reflections on faith, symbolism, sacred history, kingship, cosmic order, and the hidden patterns that shape both nature and the human soul. These writings are contemplative and often exploratory, weaving together scripture, ancient myth, sacred geometry, alchemy, seasonal cycles, and the Mystery tradition.

Here you will find meditations on the return of light in winter, the role of polarity within creation, the meaning of sacral kingship, the symbolism of sovereignty, and the spiritual implications of cultural narratives both ancient and modern. These are not academic treatises, nor are they political commentary in the ordinary sense. Rather, they are invitations to look beneath appearances — to ask what patterns are operating beneath the surface of history, media, tradition, and even our own inner lives.

Jean often explores how myth and scripture intersect, how Celtic cosmology converses with Christian gnosis, and how archetypal patterns such as death and rebirth, sacrifice and sovereignty, darkness and renewal repeat themselves in cycles. Central to these reflections is the conviction that Christ is not merely a historical figure, but the living Logos — the ordering principle present throughout creation.

The Musings posts encourage readers to slow down, question inherited assumptions, and seek understanding through contemplation rather than reaction. They ask: What does nature reveal about divine order? What does ancient kingship teach about integrity and responsibility? How do the heavens mirror the soul?

In these writings, beauty, truth, and symbolism converge — inviting each reader to awaken more fully within God’s dream.

Shagbark Hickory

By |2026-03-12T23:31:27+02:00January 31st, 2026|Fauna, Flora, Musings|

I'd like to highlight in my coming posts some of the many forest crops we have at the Sanctuary. Many we have planted around the Cavanaugh homestead. Others have been planted by birds, wind, and the ways of Mother Nature and we have allowed them to flourish. And some were on the land already when we arrived. The Shagbark Hickory is one in the last category. Hickory trees do not produce nuts every year, so one has to ...

April’s Member Walk

By |2026-03-12T23:31:26+02:00January 31st, 2026|Events & Celebrations, Musings|

We had another gathering for members this past Sunday. The afternoon was bright and crisp and gorgeous. Though the morning had been overcast and chilly, it turned into one of those days where the air is cool but the sun is warm, and they offset each other perfectly.There had been a few others who had been planning to come, but they were waylaid at the last minute with one thing or another. So it was an intimate ...

Sacred Geometry

By |2026-03-12T23:27:47+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

A Snail and a Bud"Sacred Geometry charts the unfolding of number in space. It differs from mundane geometry purely in the sense that its moves, concepts and products are regarded as having symbolic value and meaning. Thus, like good music, the study and practice of geometry can facilitate the evolution of the soul. ... This material has been used for a long time indeed as one introduction to metaphysics. Like the elements of its sister subject, music, it ...

Incredible Abundance

By |2026-03-12T23:27:47+02:00January 31st, 2026|Flora, Musings|

There is so much life bursting upon the scene right now, it's impossible to mention it all. Hyacinth and daffodils and tulips are gracing the scene. Rhubarb, Egyptian onions, mint, lemon balm, tarragon, and various other herbs are popping up. The currant bushes, peach and apple trees, serviceberry, and wild plum are blossoming. Mayapples are in their full glory in the woods. These are a few of the many perennials we have planted around the farm and sanctuary. ...

Community

By |2026-03-12T23:27:48+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

Amazingly, it's been a couple of years now that Sarenth Odinsson and his family have been volunteering at the Farm and Sanctuary. Time has flown by so quickly. We've formed a wonderful relationship and it was delightful to hear Brandon talking about the yummy leek soup he likes to make, while we were transplanting leeks this week. The leeks are ones that self-seeded from some that were in our very first planting of the hoophouse in 2017. They've ...

Spring Snow 4/20/21

By |2026-03-12T23:31:26+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

For the most part, the photos will speak for themselves. We had a similar snowstorm last year about a week earlier than this one. Looking at the pictures from that one, it seems that the blossoms on the fruit trees were not out quite as much. Let's all keep our fingers crossed that this doesn't harm the fruit production here in SE Michigan. We prepared as best we could by bringing some of our more sensitive seed trays ...

Springtime at CHFS

By |2026-03-12T23:17:09+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

There are many signs of spring currently at the Farm and Sanctuary. The garlic we planted last fall on one of our work days has sprouted. I planted some peas and cress along the back fence of the same garden this week. And we did some general clean-up for yesterday's work day - part of which was to trim back the dead stalks surrounding these beautiful crocuses. We are thankful for new life emerging from the dead, and ...

Life Emerging

By |2026-03-12T23:21:46+02:00January 31st, 2026|Fauna, Flora, Musings|

We are at the time of year where the reptiles and amphibians are stirring, the willow catkins are at their finest, the marsh is at its marshiest, and the leaves and blossoms are beginning to peak out. The territorial battles between the various spring peepers and frogs is deafening when you head back to the woods and towards the wetlands area.  I hope you enjoy these photos of late March at the Sanctuary taken by Brennah.Wishing you ...

Spring Walks

By |2026-03-12T23:17:08+02:00January 31st, 2026|Fauna, Musings, Sanctuary Cats|

What a gorgeous spring equinox weekend we had here in Southeast Michigan! The mild breezes and fresh sunshine were a gentle rejuvenation for our hearts. Check out the photos for a glimpse of our walk with Arthur the cat into the Sanctuary woods.Underneath the crunchy leaves new life is beginning to emerge, including a little friend who gave our kitty quite a fright when he noticed the poor creature who was just as frightened of that giant ...

The Story of Our Name

By |2026-03-12T23:17:08+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings, News|

Edges in ecosystems are exciting places. They allow for the biggest variety of life. On the edge of a forest where it is next to a meadow, the meadow life and the forest life co-exist, as well as species that thrive only along that edge. At the edge of a pond, the water creatures co-exist with the plant life growing next to the pond. And some plants and animals, such as reeds and amphibians, live only in ...

Find Your People

By |2026-03-12T23:11:10+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

Last year at about this time, just before the lockdown, we took one of our workdays to make elderberry syrup together from elderberries harvested at Crossing Hedgerows. It's the kind of thing we'd like to do more of in the future. We hope you will be able to join in with us at the Sanctuary for various activities, but wherever you are and whatever your circumstances, we hope you find your people to help you get through ...

Sky Over CHFS

By |2026-03-12T23:11:10+02:00January 31st, 2026|Birds, Musings|

There are a variety of bio-regions at the Sanctuary. We have perennial gardens and annual gardens. We have a windbreak of spruces we planted, and we have an enclosed hoop-house area. We have a woodland region, a pond region, wetlands, meadow, and shrubby areas. We have a creek that runs the length of the Sanctuary and then on out to Lake Erie. It's called the North Branch of the Swan Creek. We have a planned food forest ...

Skies over CHFS

By |2026-03-12T23:11:10+02:00January 31st, 2026|Musings|

These photos were taken by Brennah on July 30th last year. Except the last one was taken the following day. Each sky-scape and day has its own flavor and is ever changing.I hope you can take some time to experience today's unique essence.Jean

A Tiny Video and a Poem

By |2026-03-20T01:18:30+02:00June 4th, 2021|Events & Celebrations, Musings|

This video snippet from our May walk in the woods gives a good sense of the ambience as we head away from the farm and into the forest.   https://youtube.com/shorts/YGnMcRGZzHY   Along with that, I offer you this beautiful poem by Philip Larkin.   The Trees   The trees are coming into leaf Like something almost being said: The recent buds relax and spread, Their greenness is a kind of grief.   Is it that they ...

Rotting Logs

By |2026-04-05T02:29:21+02:00February 26th, 2021|Fauna, Flora, Musings|

Excerpt from The Overstory by Richard Powers: The judge asks her to elaborate. Dennis was right It is like talking to students. She describes how a rotting log is home to orders of magnitude more living tissue than the living tree. "I sometimes wonder whether a tree's real task on Earth isn't to bulk itself up in preparation to lying dead on the forest floor for a long time." The judge asks what living things might need ...

Some CHFS History

By |2026-04-05T02:23:48+02:00February 25th, 2021|Musings|

I thought, just for fun, you might like to see the very first announcement we put out about Crossing Hedgerows Sanctuary. Doug Pierce invited me to share his vending table at the Ann Arbor Pagan Pride Day in 2018, and I handed out these flyers to folks. Doug had already agreed to be on the CHFS board with the Cavanaughs if we thought there would be enough interest from the community.       I also gathered ...

Season of Imbolc

By |2026-04-01T02:03:24+02:00February 24th, 2021|Birds, Musings|

Last week this bird's nest was full of snow. This week the snow is melting fast. And a couple of days ago when I stepped out onto the back patio, I saw the biggest fattest robin I have ever seen. Imbolc gives us the promise of springtime as the light continues to grow.   bird's nest with a large mound of snow in it - photo by Brennah Cavanaugh   Blessings from the Sanctuary, Jean Phot

Building an Institution

By |2026-03-31T23:51:07+02:00January 29th, 2021|Musings, News|

Growing up as the daughter of a minister, I lived and breathed the Church, and was an active member in many ways. For me, the vision of Crossing Hedgerows Sanctuary is as a similar institution. Meaning that it is bigger than any one person, or particular leadership. The vision that the Sanctuary Board has put forth is one that allows for a long-standing organization that can last for generations.   yew tree berries - photo by ...

Work song, part 2: a vision

By |2026-03-31T01:49:51+02:00January 10th, 2021|Musings|

Tree at Crossing Hedgerows Sanctuary - photo by Brennah Cavanaugh Work song, part 2: a vision If we will have the wisdom to survive, To stand like slow-growing trees On a ruined place, renewing, enriching it, If we will make our seasons welcome here, Asking not too much of earth or heaven, then a long time after we are dead The lives our lives prepare will live Here, their houses strongly placed Upon the valley ...

Memories of Summer

By |2026-03-30T02:04:49+02:00January 5th, 2021|Musings|

It seemed like it would be nice to share a colorful summertime photo, to remind us of warmer days right about now. This was in our pollinator garden last summer, and the poignancy of the butterfly going about its business with its frayed wings struck me as how many of us are feeling these days. What thoughts does it bring up for you? Is there anything you'd like to share?   Butterfly on Zinnia - photo ...

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