"Wild Place Thaumatourgos..."

Languages and stories are like stones for me; the older and the more unique, the better... The Greeks for example, knew how to blend both the mysteries and the realities of life in many of their ancient stories. Their culture was one built upon and also set many times within stone as well. They revered people who would journey into the wilds and return to share their tales. These were the Thaumatourgos... the ones who were changed, who underwent powerful transformations as they met with and endured the elements. This ability to do this within such experiences belonged to the realm of these 'wonder workers'... Adventurers are indeed Thaumatourgos and are certainly a part of that group that embraces all of the wonders out there. As adventurers, we marvel at that which we wander through, we seek out the elements and the beautiful mysteries of nature, as we know of the these potential transformations that will surely become real for us. The wilds are the places and the elements are the means... We adventurers see this every time we journey among the mountain giants, as we wander the hidden valleys and forests, as we travel among the distant coastal islands, and over the mysterious northern lakes too. Philosophers have also mused over the Thaumatourgos, but in their own unique way. Their view of such transformations and reflections are of personal beliefs, especially those about responsibilities, and also in the understanding of the concept of 'gifts'... Most adventurers I know are philosophers in their own right - poets too; as they create their own magic or 'Theurgy' out there through spirit and effort, energy, and altered perceptions. Any personal transformation is about change, in appearance, in form, and through expression. The wonder of such workings is that we see this all the time out there, like when climbing upon the face of a mountain through the various seasons. We ourselves experience this intensely when we return changed in so many ways from what we were before our adventure experience's had unfolded... As with the frozen rivers which will transform to flowing waters, as with the so stormy ocean which returns to its' own calmness, we too become an inherent part of the whole wild place Thaumatourgos. Sometimes... when wandering the wilds, I can even transform back so many years into that younger version of myself as I climb or kayak or canyoneer. Now that is a magical gift. Such transformations, our personal adventure Theurgy, is truly a transmutation of the elements. What a powerful, wonderful, blend of expression, spirit, and magic this is..... DSD

My gratitude to our Fellow Adventurers who shared their images here of their time among the Greek Islands.