The Magic of Montenegro

This summer I made my first journey to Montenegro. Nothing quite prepares you for the magic and majesty of this part of the world. For me, it is a place where air, earth, fire, and water all meet in truly magical ways.

The Bay of Kotor is nestled between sheer mountains and basks in the ever changing light of the sun. The water is warm and clear. When swimming in the bay, you are surrounded by the mountains, while warm summer breezes run through your hair.

From the small peninsular village of Perast you look back at Kotor from the stone pier and appreciate the stunning topography of the region. Its vastness and beauty are humbling.

Climbing out of Kotor through the chicanes of the main road into the mountains takes you to an even more fantastical realm near the Lovcen National Forest. Stone villages, dried, cured, and smoked ham is served along with delicious cheeses.

Looking across the bracken and surging stone formations, I half expected Gandalf the Grey to arrive followed by a band of hungry Orcs! The ground is dry and the air thin, but the vistas are breathtaking in both their variety and tranquility.

The morning sun colours the landscape inviting quiet contemplation. J.M.W. Turner and Ansell Adams come to mind as you gaze across valleys.

This meeting of air, earth, fire, and water invites a small consultation of the Tarot and a moment of magic on a cool morning.

As evening draws in, a newly lit fire warms the bones and provides heat for a fresh cooked meal. I never grow tired of the sound of crackling wood and the dance of flames.

And of course, there is always time to read and reflect. This summer's choice read has been The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, a haunting tale of a summer camp, murder, disappearance, complex time lines, and highly dysfunctional families in the Adirondacks.

As a magician, I take solace from the elements, which in Montenegro are all on full display. Time by the bay and in the mountains provided much needed rest and recuperation. I feel re-charged and re-energised for the year that comes.

Thankfully, I did not encounter any Orcs, but I might have caught a glimpse of the wizard's hat peeking through the mighty pine trees.