March 6, 2014: Good news – I may have an opportunity to return to Scotland this year! You may remember that my first encounter with an Imaginary took place there years ago, when I met my first ce sith. That sparked my interest in the Imaginaries and eventually led me to Iranigami.
The existence of large black Imaginary dogs are reported by most cultures. Some are considered omens of death, demonic, or harmful, but others appear to show kindness to humans under some circumstances, either because the human has shown them a kindness, or because the human is in trouble.
Among all species, canines seem inclined to possess a sense of protectiveness toward humans. It is that sense that led a few wolves to come down out of the wilderness and join the company of humans around the fire many thousands of years ago. Ever since, humans and canines have mutually served one another as co-predators, pack-mates, protectors, and companions. It is that same sensibility which still sometimes moves wild dogs to a kindness toward humans today.
However, it would be very naïve to walk up to a wild dog and assume it will be kind. Most species, including dogs, attack if threatened, and we humans have given the Imaginaries plenty of reason to assume the worst of our species. But it is also not impossible that alliances can be formed between the wild world and the domesticated world.
I look forward to possibly returning to Scotland this year so that I can further my research into the ce sith. I would like to find out more of the cultural history of the ce sith, and to speak with other people who have had encounters of their own. With luck on my side, I may even be fortunate enough to meet up again with a ce sith – perhaps even the same one I met so many years ago.