Heart of the Forest
 
On the day this flute begin her life I received a very strong message from a Crow. I was about to embark on journey in the car when this Crow was very adamantly saying that I should not take this car. Fortunately here at the cabin in upstate New York where I am at the moment there is another car and as soon as I asked the Crow if I should take the other car he stopped his protest and flew off to a distant tree. I took my journey in the other car and returned safely later that morning. I then began creating this flute and was thinking a lot about this beautiful black being.This flute is crafted from natural bamboo and I felt compelled to burn the whole thing black in gratitude to this forest friend for his wisdom. That evening I sanded the flute down to get the her to the soft brown tone that she is now leaving one section in the very middle still black. The next day began with a meditation and journey for healing. I received much knowledge during this journey and the 2 most important messages were White Roses and Medicine from the forest in the form of plants for smudging. The White Roses I found at the local market and nearby there was forest walk I had not been on before. Before I began my search among the trees I made prayers of gratitude to Mother Earth and asked only that she guide me and teach me what I needed to know. Her gifts were great and I was shown exactly the Medicine I needed. Again I gave thanks and blessings in gratitude to this incredible knowledge. When I returned to the cabin I set up an alter with the Roses and Medicine and made a complete smudging ceremony of myself and the cabin before continuing work on the flute. On this day as I was crafting her I was feeling all that had happened on my journey within and with Mother Earth. What came to me was that both these days were all about connection with the forest and all the beings that live within that realm. My own journey of learning and discovery has always been most abundant within forests and these days were no exception. This flute has been with me this journey. All my experiences, the prayers given with gratitude and the knowledge received have gone into the creation of this flute. Her voice is deep and grounded and wise. In honour of our journey together of the past 2 days I have named here Heart of the Forest.
 
She is in the key of E4 at 432Hz and is 64cm (25”). She is made of natural bamboo and I use a combination of burning, sanding and polishing which gives each of these flutes a wonderful smooth finish and unique colour pattern. She has 6 finger holes and is tuned to a pentatonic minor scale.The Totem is made from Cherry and has eyes of Malachite. It is held in place with leather lace from North American Whitetail Deer hide. Finger hole #4 is also covered with the same lace. This can be slid up and down at any time to change this flute between a 5 hole and 6 hole configuration.The stone setting on the body of the flute is also of Malachite. The green and natural lashing is of waxed cotton whipping cord and the natural colour lashing at either end is artificial sinew.The feathers are tied on with leather cord and they are from Magpie and Crow which as always were found while I am walking with Mother Nature.
 
Find the music within yourself!