Cosmic Cairns, explained
My first interpretation of a Cosmic Cairn
A cairn is a stack of stones used as a navigational aid, constructed by other humans who have been on the same path, who want to provide guidance to others. The oldest known cairn dates back to 4000 BCE and over millenia humans have continued the practice of balancing stacks of stones to guide others.
A cosmic cairn is that type of navigational aid, in a cosmic sense — a sign from the universe that you’re on the right path. I see them not only as an external reminder that I am on the right path, but a reminder that internally I can trust myself to navigate the path, no matter the twists and turns and switchbacks that lay ahead.
During the summer of 2020, I left my home in Washington to work on opening a laboratory on the central coast of California. The experience made me reevaluate my career choices. Was this really the path I wanted for myself? Was it really worth it to sacrifice the things I loved for my career? Should I skip work and go visit Sequoia National Park? I pondered these questions as I walked the path around Morro Rock. The end of the path opened up to the shore of Morro Bay, and stacked upon the sand were hundreds of cairns, bathed in golden hour sunlight.
How many people stacked these stones?
The art of stacking stones is a deeply human act of creation.
I didn’t think much about the cairns in the moment, but I did take them as affirmation that I should indeed visit Sequoia National Park. Later, I loaded up my gear and headed East towards the Sierras. As I drove, egrets continually flew along with my car. I took them as a sign that I was making the right choice.
Sequoia was beautiful. I admired the massive trees and was humbled by them. On my drive home though, I felt a strange emptiness. Something was missing. Someone was missing. I had spent so much time focusing on my career, and sacrificed connection with others for the capitalistic view of success.
Is it true?
That happiness is only real when shared?
When I returned to my empty hotel room, the term “cosmic cairns” popped into my head. That’s what the stacks of stones on the beach were, that’s what the egrets were, that’s what the herons I saw on my daily walks were.
Looking back, they were there all along. One night in 2018, I went for a run down to Lake Washington. If you know me, you know that running is a huge red flag for my mental health. I was not doing well. As my rhythmic foot falls rang out in the darkness, I pleaded with the universe for a sign that everything would be okay. When I arrived on the shores of the lake, a heron was stationed in the shallows. Stoic, solitary, face to the wind. There it was. The sign I needed.
Over time I have continued to look to herons for guidance. They often show up when I need a little reminder that I can navigate the path I’m on, and I find that when I put myself in the place to see them, it is often what’s most aligned with my internal compass.
Recently, I learned the etymology of the word “auspicious.” I originally learned the word from one of my favorite coworkers I’ve had, and have loved it since she first introduced me to it. I knew that it meant something was a good omen, but what I didn’t know at the time was that it comes from the Latin word “auspicium,” which is divination by observing the flight of birds. It is incredible to me how we often turn to ancient wisdom for comfort, sometimes without even realizing it.
Cosmic Cairns took shape because I was done sacrificing connection to help realize someone else’s dream. The paths we have taken led us to this moment, and I’m so happy you’re here.
Life is an eternal balancing act.
How auspicious.
