The keeper of the underworld, of secret knowledge and mysticism (and my personal totem animal), recently made a surprise visit in the driveway after dark, just as the house was preparing for a celebratory autumn equinox party. The barred owl had killed one of the roof rats that have been plaguing our house this season and was reluctant to leave its prey even as several people marveled at its beauty less than ten feet away. Finally it swooped up to an overhanging branch and waited patiently for people to disappear so it could return for dinner. It’s a magical feeling knowing that these keepers of the night are watching over our house as we sleep.
