D IS FOR DIVINATION

It is common practice in pagan circles to learn one or more methods of divination.  The most common methods involve Tarot, Runes, and Astrology.  Divination is used to see beyond our normal scope of vision and perception, and to gain some insight into not only future events, but to also establish some guidance in daily life.  It’s also a means of watching for and interpreting certain omens.

The word first appeared in the 14^th century and meant “the power of foreseeing, prediction, to be inspired by a god”.  However, long before the word appeared into usage, the practice of divination was used all over the world.  Some forms appear pretty gruesome, such as studying the entrails of freshly slaughtered animals.  The ancient Greeks practiced divination through Oracles, who were said to have a direct connection to the Gods, and whatever they spoke was heard as direct words of the Gods.  They also had Seers, who were set the task of interpreting the signs – a much less direct contact with the Gods, but Seers were used with far more frequency than Oracles due to their being more available to the people.

There are a few religions around the world that prohibit divination, citing that it’s a doorway for evil spirits to enter.  Christianity is one of these.  However, this seems to be contrary to what the Bible actually has written in it.  We have people like Jacob, Joseph, Daniel and John who are famous for dreaming prophetic dreams and being able to interpret dreams of others.  There are prophets who foretold future events.  Inspiration is a form of divination that uses no tool other than an open mind and heart.  Everyone had their “Aha!” moments where a certain chain of events or thinking would result in clarity beyond normal insight. 

Most other cultures and spiritual paths accept divination as a part of their life.  The Chinese have a very complex and well developed divination procedures.  They have developed astrology right alongside of astronomy.  In addition to the more familiar zodiac used today, people follow the Oriental zodiac, all of which are based on animals.  Dates, seasons, elements all play a great role in everything from choosing names for the newborn to all manner of wedding plans.  Feng Shui, Kau Cim, and Bazi are a few other forms of divination that is used in the East.

I could have (and maybe will) make this article as “D IS FOR DEMONS”, and explore that aspect of the spiritual world, but for now what I’ll say about Divination and Demons – any act of divination is to be preceded by a cleansing and creating a Sacred Circle.  I always do this, ask for protection and guidance, and dedicate the procedure to a higher good and purpose.  I also light a candle and incense.  To me divination is a sacred ritual, as much as any Sabbat or Esbat may be, as much as a wedding or memorial service would be.  Once the Circle is cast, I don’t give any more thought (not that I did before I cast it)  things that are evil, harmful, or go bump in the night.

In divination, one attempts to look beyond what we see at the moment.  Our lives are lived so that we know what went on in the past and what is going on at the present.  The future is always shrouded, because to us it hasn’t happened yet.  Divination is a process by which we try to see beyond this wall.  In most cases, we’re really not trying to see the future, but get some guidelines in how to proceed, especially in tricky or difficult situations.  It usually confirms what the one questioning already knows, or at least suspects. 

For me, the main tool I use is Tarot cards.  At times, I get an image in a dream that resembles a Tarot card – at that stage, I pull out that card from all the decks and study them.  Even though it’s the same card, different decks have a way of telling the story with subtle differences, especially in the Major Arcana.  In these instances, as well as in readings, I suddenly begin to see stories as the card are laid out.  Oh, I admit that I still have to refer to the book, but then I figure that’s what it’s there for, and it’s the end result that counts. 

And divination, for all that it’s a sacred act, can and should be one of fun – I can think of at least one night when the Red Tent got together and did the Living Tarot Oracle that had us rolling with laughter, while we all indulged in some fine food and drink.  

BELTAIN MUSINGS

I sat this morning and gazed at the small square which shows the mountain.  It is now green with all sorts of shades, from dark emerald to a thin light haze of the late-budding leaves.  In some places the branches peek through, and even under the cloudy skies, these show up gilt with a faint golden glow.  I know there is a road cut into this mountain, but now I do not see the cars travelling up and down its slope.  Instead, I concentrate on the riot of growth that sprouts joyously towards the emerging warmth and sun.

Sadly, to me, this hails a time of struggle.  The Sun becomes stronger and while most life revels in the golden rays of Ra, I suffer in His outpourings.  I’m torn – I love to see the abundance of growth as it reaches towards the All-Father, I love the knowledge that all the crops revel in the shimmering heat and gentle rains, that all life awakens in heedless fecundity.  But I also cringe from how weak all this heat makes me feel, sapping me of energy.  Nevertheless, this summer I want to open myself to this, to spend some time embracing this all pervasive and, dare I say it, penetrating presence.  I feel there are lessons to be learned here that only now I am ready to enter into.

Thus my seeds are planted within my heart.  Thus begins the patient wait, weeding, watering and care of these seeds – seeds that will lead me into deeper understanding, greater compassion, greater energy to do what I’m meant to do.

Beltain – The Lord gathers His Lady into His arms.  The Lady goes willingly and with delight to Her Lord.  And together they continue the great dance of Fertility anew, a dance that will sustain all living creatures upon the Earth. 

Beltain - Let the rainbow of flowers in their endless shades, hues and colours, shapes and sizes, gird the Earth in a living garland!

Beltain – the Cycle continues. 

And nothing we humans do or don’t do can stop the Great Cosmic Dance!!

C IS FOR CHANTING

There are some spiritual practices that are universal.  Chanting is one of these.  It is a means of focusing energy, intent and outcome into existence.  Chanting can be a simple vocalization on one or two notes, repetition of a simple set of words. Some chanting can take a form of longer prayers that use the same words over and over. 

Chanting is used all over the world by all spiritual paths – Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jews, and all pagan traditions.  The chants are often paired with prayer beads, as in the Roman Catholic “Rosary”, and by Buddhist monks.  “The Lord’s Prayer” is a chant that is used universally in the Christian rituals.   

One of the loveliest chants is simply opening your throat and vocalizing a series of notes.  When a group of people do this, the result is one of beautiful harmonization since such singing tends to blend all voices into one.  It also tends to turn the participants’ gazes inward, into their hearts and spirits, thus opening each person towards the presence of the Divine.  It is a prayer in its purest form, wordless yet utilizing the Divine language.  Chanting pours the heart out, straight from spirit to Spirit and back again.  It disengages the mental, more critical, faculties and communicates your deepest petitions and worship in the most direct fashion.

“Enchanted”.  “Enchantment”.  We use these words to describe something beautiful and mysterious, and also something that has become transformed by some sort of magic, either for good or for ill.  Take a closer look at the words, and you’ll see that the root here is “Chant” – transformation by chanting.  When I chant, I initially visualize the sound and words creating a vortex of power that is then disbursed to wherever that power is needed.  The visualization does not last long, because within a few seconds, I simply lose myself in the sound, which continues to do the work it is sent out to do.  Anyone remember the chant of the Three Witches from Macbeth –  “double, double, toil and trouble; fire burn and caldron bubble”?

Aside from the vocalization chant, words can and are often used.  In the pagan circles, there are many chants that have already been written and are used constantly, but you can easily make up your own chants.  How about, “Love, joy, peace, health”?  Or “Blessings and Light”?  Of course there are chants that are already in existence.  Here is one of them:

We All Come From the Goddess

We all come from the Goddess, and to her we shall return

Like a drop of rain flowing to the ocean.

REPEAT

Isis, Astrate, Diana, Hecate, Demeter, Kali, Innana!

REPEAT

We all come from the Horned God, and to him we shall return

Like a spark of flame rising to the heavens.

REPEAT

Hoof and horn, hoof and horn, all that dies shall be reborn

Corn and grain corn and grain, all that falls shall rise again!

REPAEAT

The Goddess is alive and magick is afoot!

The Goddess is alive and magick is afoot!

RETURN TO THE BEGINING

Or how about this one:

The Earth, The Air, The Fire, The Water

The Earth, The Air, The Fire, The Water

Return, Return, Return, Return (2X)

Ah Ay, Ah Ay, Ah Ay, Ah Ay

I Ohh, I Ohh, I Ohh, I Ohh (2X)

Many more such chants can be found at the following link:

http://www.sanfords.net/Pagan_Humor_and_Thoughts/chants.htm

Another way of working with chanting is to have the leader speak certain words, while all chant a repeating response.  Here is a chant that I wrote a while back for an animal protection ritual:

Thus far and no further

   (Thus far and no further)

We permit this no more

  (Thus far and no further – repeat this after every line)

Disregard to the Earth is now stopped!

All Life is declared Sacred

Our Circle you shall not pass

Forests, reseeded, Waters, made pure

Air, unpolluted, Lives, all respected

By the Great Mother’s Love

Do we now this decree

By the All-Father’s Power

Do we now this proclaim

The wanton destruction is stopped

And you go Thus far and no Further!!

Instruction:  “Thus far and no further” continues to be repeated and chanted until the Officiates declare the Power released.

May you ever stay Echanted!!

B IS FOR BOLINE

The boline is the companion blade to the athame.  Whereas in today’s pagan practices, the athame is used only to channel energy in casting the circle and during the Athame and Chalice Grand Rite, the boline is used for more practical purposes.  It is used to harvest and chop up herbs, cut rope, slice fruit or bread – anywhere where a cutting tool is needed in a ritual setting.

Traditionally it is a white handled knife, with a curved blade, resembling a scythe.  However, sometimes that curved blade presents some difficulties and is not very practical, so straight blades with white handles are also used by many Pagans today. 

Personally, I love the boline with the curved blade.  It reminds me of the crescent moon and I have come to think of it as being the Feminine Energy tool.  There have been times when I used it to cast a circle, during those rituals when only the Sacred Feminine was called for.  The handle on my boline is made of wood and has a number of sacred symbols etched into it.  I also used to have a white-handled steak knife which I used as a boline, for those times where it was easier to use a straight blade rather than the curved one.  Recently, that handle cracked and broke, and I am looking for a replacement now.

My research into the name, Boline, has not yielded too much information.  The most I found was in Wikipedia, which says the following:

Many of the bolines advertised in on-line 'magick shops' have a characteristic crescent shape, and are described as being for harvesting herbs. This crescent shape is reminiscent of the sickle described in the Key of Solomon, a medieval grimoire which is one of the sources for modern Wicca^[4].. Confusingly, an Italian version of the Key of Solomon has a hook-shaped knife called an artauo (a possible root for athame) and a straight, needle-shaped blade called a bolino. When the name 'boline' was first used to describe the crescent-shaped blade is not clear. In The Book of Ceremonial Magicpublished by Arthur Edward Waite in 1911, Waite references a number of early works on magic which mention the bolline or sickle, saying "Among the necessary properties mentioned by the Book of True Black Magic are the sword, the staff, the rod, the lancet, the arctrave or hook, the bolline or sickle, the needle, the ponaird, a white-handled knife and another knife, with a black handle, used to describe the circle. The most important to make is that called the bolline....".^[5]

(This “Key of Solomon” looks interesting.  I will make sure to research it in more detail and will write on it when I reach the letter K.)

A IS FOR ATHAME

I have decided to do a series of blog articles.  The series will go through the alphabet to write something about Wicca, Paganism and Witchcraft.  Here is the first one:

Look up any definition of this strange word, athame, and you will find the same definition – a magickal tool which is used to channel energy when casting a circle.  It is also listed as one of the most important tools in the witch’s collection.

It is customary for me to look beyond the common definition.  As such, I delve into the history, the entomology, cultural and traditional uses, and any other background that I can find about the subject at hand.  Today, I am going to look at this most common and valuable tool of the Craft – the Athame.

The Athame is a ritual blade used by pagans.  Like in all things pagan, some traditions hold very rigid ideas as to what this blade should be like – double-edged, black handle, blunted edge, point broken off, often adorned with magickal sigils, while others more eclectic groups regard any sort of blade suitable, regardless of the handle colour.  Only one distinct pagan subsection rejects the athame – the Dianic, because this tool is very male in nature.  At least, some Dianics do.  These ladies are happy to use other means of casting circles – with a different blade called a Boline, with their finger, with flower petels, herbs, or feathers.

The Athame has a number of correspondencies – as mentioned above, it carries the male energy with it.  It corresponds with the Swords suit in Tarot and depending on who you talk to, will align with either Air (the Mind), or with Fire (the Will). 

As I started researching all of this, I was struck by one very important fact – it’s difficult to pin down where exactly the word “Athame” comes from!  One source cites that the original term was Latin “artavus” meaning “quill knife”, a small knife used to sharpen quills that were used as pens.  This was first found in the oldest manuscripts of the Key of Solomon.  Another term is Arabic  al thame or adh- dhame.  Yet another source suggests that it may have come from the French, Attame, meaning “to cut”.  In my search, I even found one suggestion that perhaps it’s a made-up word, meant to keep the witchcraft practices a secret during the times of persecution.  Somehow, this doesn’t ring right with me, because if that is the case, why not disguise the other terms?  Why not “make-up” words for Cup, Water, Candle, Bell, etc.?  Why not just say “knife”, since this is a commonplace tool found in every kitchen?  No, to me this just speaks of a different origin, but one that we can no longer identify any longer.

In the same vain, I found it difficult to find out exactly when the athame has gained such wide-spread pagan usage.  Historically, there is no doubt that blades of all sorts were used in ceremonies and rituals from antiquity.  One of my favourite ceremonial blades is the Malaysian “Kriss”, which has a beautiful, elegant wavy blade.  In fact long before I became acquainted with the pagan version of this tool, I adopted the Kriss in my SCA Coat of Arms, just because I loved that design so much.  In most cases, the blade was used in sacrifice, both human and animal.  We also know that a knife is very important in the Jewish ceremony of circumcision.  The bible speaks of angels with fiery swords.  Swords were used to represent the Christian cross, and in this way became ritual blades, as knights contemplated and prayed during their vigils.  The Arthurian tales all revolve around that enchanted blade, Excalibur. 

It is important to also remember that our ancestors were not so much concerned, or even acquainted  with the “Harm None” rede.  They were fierce folk, who killed animals for food and people in battle.  Knives and swords were always at the ready.  The idea of carrying a knife of blunted edge and broken point would have been very impractical and ludicrous.  In today’s culture, we shy away from the thought of drawing blood, and I for one am very happy to oblige.  What we now cite as “The Charge of the Goddess” tells us that the Goddess requires no sacrifice any longer, so obviously the Athame is no longer to be used to draw blood any longer.  However, it is a good idea to never forget the beginnings of this tool/weapon!

Today’s usage of the ritual blade gained popularity and established itself in our hearts and minds from the beginnings of modern-day Wicca, as established by Gerald Gardener.  Although his dogmatic laws have been played around with, changed, and adapted since then, whether the athame has a black handle or not, whether it’s made of steel, stone, copper or tin, a blade of one type or another is used universally wherever covens gather and wherever solitaries kneel before their altars.  Further, In Wiccan rituals today, the Athame is teamed up with the Chalice – and the meaning cannot be more clear.  This is representative of the sexual act – the penis and the vagina – the Lord and Lady coming together in ultimate Love.  A far cry from the life-taking sacrifice, it has become a symbol of abundance, fertility and Life.

Think also of how that blade came to be.  Stones high in metal had to be heated, the metal, now a liquid, is bled out of them and will then be shaped, and tempered.  That blade would be beaten and folded, heated and while red hot, beaten again until it’s no longer brittle, but strong, able to bend with pressure without breaking.  This analogy iis carried into a person’s life, as that is what the our spirits undergo, as we are put through the pressures of life, are bounced between trials and tribulations.  We feel that we are folded and beaten, suffer and finally, emerge tempered and strong.  The Atheme is also of our symbol of such spiritual alchemy.

Regardless of the inability to find the definitive origin, the Athame has established itself as one of the important tools of most pagans.  My research into this has brought forth an unexpected and a totally delightful realization – I have just witnessed in my mind’s eye the evolution of a myth!  I have watched the fluid and organic growth of a tool that is now so commonplace!

In my own journey, I have acquired a number of blades that I’ve used for the purpose of channeling energy.  My first blade was a small silver letter-opener.  That was followed by a tri-bladed golden coloured ritual Tibetan knife.  Finally, I acquired a nice double-edged leaf blade in an ornate metal sheath of gold inset with dark blue glass, and this is the one I use most consistently in rituals.  I also have a lovely slender stiletto with a dragon design, and a curved golden blade whose hilt is inset with turquoise stones.  It is my hope that I will eventually acquire a dirk (a Scottish blade) as well as my favourite Kriss.  In a pinch, with no blade in sight, I know I can simply point my hand outward, extend my index finger, and channel the universal energy in this way.

One last point – with me declaring myself as Dianic lately, how is it that I love this male symbol so much?  Well, it’s my own thoughts only, but I have made my choice of not working with a Priest any more.  I do not deny the male half exists, nor do I deny that part of the Divine Godhead which carries with it the male energies – the Gods.  I will continue to invoke Them, and to serve Them as needed.  I love my male friends, my sons, my father, my brother, nephews and grand-nephews and grandsons.  I simply choose not to work with a Priest any longer, and that is based on some rather unpleasant experiences.  Also, I have become more and more aware of the injustices women still face in this world and to concentrate my efforts to bringing the Sacred Feminine into greater focus.

OSTARA MUSINGS

I sit between my altars this morning; to the left of me stands Persephone, rising out of the cold, dark Hades, rising amid the soft yellow flowers, crystals, and eggs containing the new life of spring.  To my right, is a fairy altar, complete with the Green Man and Lady Gaia. 

But the most important symbol standing by Persephone is the set of scales.  This is the time of Balance, of Equality.  Day and Night are of equal length.  Tomorrow, that will all begin to shift.    

But just for today, there is Balance.

It is a time for me to stand at the fulcrum, not tipping too much one way or another.  And so I imagine myself, balanced in the centre.  To the left of me is darkness of night – a place of rest and intersection, a pace of cold winter where seeds lie dormant but already stirring with latent life.  It is a place of silvery shadows cast by the Moon.  To my right is the light of day – a place of vibrant golden warmth as the Sun grows into His power and season. 

And I, in the middle am suffused in the light of both my Goddess and God, holding the beauty and potency of both.

This day I examine the seeds of my emotions – all emotions!  For I am a creature within which lies anger and frustration, jealousy and hatred as well as love, joy, delight and encouragement.  Do I need to let out the destructive forces to burn away the stubble of last year’s unwanted weeds?  Or do I with gentleness replace these weeds with new seeds?  Both are equally valid in their own way, and it is not for me to deny what dwells within me, only to learn how to use it.

Today I examine the shadows my life has encountered and has cast on others.  Shadows are very much needed our lives, for seeing things in pure black or pure white are equally as blinding.  We need the blending of Light and Dark to give us perspective and define the shapes, the peaks and valleys in our daily lives.  Are my shadows soft?  Do they illuminate as much as they conceal?  Or do they slice with the sharpness of a dagger?  Sometimes that’s needed too.  Do I have the discernment in knowing how to use both?

Today I examine the physical state of my life too.  In order to allow for new growth, it is necessary to balance it out with the burning away, of purging.  The blades of the plough dig deep into the soil, heedless of whether it slices bug or root, in order to ready the furrows for new plantings.  What do I need to purge and get rid of?

Be it planting a new garden, awakening to new inspiration, or perhaps realizing that the seeds of last year didn’t quite get acted upon, that those ideas need to now be nurtured into existence – all this needs to be considered at this time of Vernal Equinox.  Balance, I see, will extend into the rest of the year, as the scales will tip further and further the balance will come in another way.  Around the world, we will see a shift – longer days here, shorter days elsewhere.  Planting here, reaping there. The seeds I see here are not only the seeds we throw into the ground, but also the seeds we plant within our souls and spirits. 

Oestara, that beautiful Germanic Maiden Goddess, brings to us proof that life continues, with the joyous multiplying of life.  Persephone is no longer bound underground, but bursts forth in hope.  Demeter in Her gladness gives us abundance. 

Shining Lugh warms the skies with golden radiance.  Sol Invictus pours His rays of life upon us.  Jesus has risen from the grave – Hallelujia!!

And soon, when the Scales of Balance will tip just a bit further, The God will come for his beloved Goddess with a jubilant shout of love, as together they will join in that eternal dance of fertility.

But for now, I stand on the fulcrum, and keep the balance of letting go the old and anticipation of the new; of watching the shadows coalesce upon me from both the Moon and the Sun, the passing darkness and the emerging light, between the Goddess and God, and I rejoice and give thanks for all!!

Flights of Fancy - A Short Story

A while back I was inspired to do some creative writing, and this was the result.  The inspiration for it was a dream I had on December 3, 2011 - you can check this out in my other blog, "Dreams, Dreamers and Dreamwalkers".

FLIGHTS OF FANCY

Lidia Tremblay

February 9, 2012

Sarah set down her morning mug of tea and snuggled into her warm wrap.  Looking out the large patio doors, she did not really see the filigree of fresh green that now clothed the trees.  Instead, it became a backdrop as she reviewed the dream from the night before.  A gentle smile lightened her face.  It was a good dream, her favourite kind.

Her faraway look sharpened into the present moment as she took another sip of the fragrant Monk’s Blend tea.  She reached for the heavy notebook which now held all her dreams, and began to write.  Sarah preferred to do her journaling the old fashioned, organic way, watching the letters take on their own shape and tell their own story, rather than seeing the uniform black marks appear on the white laptop screen.  Her book contained not just the words, but also pictures, margin notes, cross-references and even poetry inspired by her nightly journeys.  “Flights of Fancy”, she called them.

“Some time at around 4:30, I woke up briefly, and decided to go sleep on the couch for the rest of the night.  Almost immediately, I felt myself gripped by paralysis, and know that I will be doing some flying soon.  During the initial separation of my astral self from the body, all was very clear and "real" but from that point on…”

As the pen glided across the page it brought back memories of utter terror:  sprawled on the bed, aware of everything but unable to move, with a sound of a thousand angry bees buzzing in her ears.  It started about two years ago, and hit her with increasing frequency. 

“The paralysis and buzzing is very strong, and my astral self sits up.  I am giggling inside because of what's about to happen and rise up above my sleeping body.   I float to the bathroom, and observe myself in the mirror.  I see myself just as I am in life, and wearing the blue nightgown.  I giggle more, and with a flick of a thought, change it to white.  Floating back into the living room, I rise above all the furniture and go through the patio door into the dark outdoors.”

And she remembered clearly the night it all changed, the night when, the terror brought on by this paralysis became so great she began to shut down.  The buzzing in her ears became deafening and she sank down inside herself, trying to escape from the inability to move, from being a prisoner in her own body.

It was late November, and rain lashed against the window.  Sarah barely heard it as she plunged so deeply inside herself.  Suddenly, all was silent.  Suddenly, she could move, and sat up.  Sighing with relief she got out of bed, and two things made her freeze in amazement – her body was still in bed, tangled up in blankets, and her feet were floating a considerable distance from the floor.  After the first few minutes of fighting the flood of emotions down, Sarah examined her sleeping form more closely, and was relieved to see that she was breathing normally. 

“I’ve heard of this”, she said to herself, “I believe it’s called Astral Travel!”

Taking courage in hand, she willed herself to greater elevation, until she was right by the ceiling.  Flying around was as easy as walking, she discovered, and with greater courage, she explored her new-found abilities.  Eventually, she learned to anticipate these episodes of paralysis, because they became gateways for extraordinary out-of-body journeys.

“For a few minutes I just do some lazy turns and loops, spread my arms wide and "will" myself to feel the cold wind go through me.  I feel ecstatic!!  For some reason, I decide to do something different, and take myself towards the highway.  The cars and trucks go by as I "walk" above them, and wonder if I would cause an accident if I suddenly made myself seen.  It's an entertaining thought, but I decide not to do this, for fear of really causing one.”  

 Sarah put the pen down and refilled her mug.  This dream had a different feel to it.  She reviewed it in her mind, unable to shake the feeling that somehow this marked a new level. 

“Well, enough of this now”, she spoke out loud, looking at the lush plants lining the kitchen window sill.  “It’s time to deal with reality and go to work.”   Quickly, efficiently, she showered, and did her final preparations before leaving for her job at the Arts Centre.  The next edition of the Arts publication was due to go into printing in a couple of days, and there was still much to do by way of editing and layout.

All through the day, her mind kept coming back to her dream.  While at lunch with her close friend and colleague, Adrienne, she even spoke of it.  “There was just something so real in helping someone else while in the Astral!” 

Sarah felt safe talking to Adrienne about these dreams because her friend often related dreams of her own.  They loved exploring the meanings and interpretations.

Adrienne chewed on her sandwich thoughtfully, and finally responded, “It would seem that you have reached a new level here.  I wonder what would happen if you actually met up with this person?”

They giggled at the thought.  Lunch was over, and Adrienne went back to her event planning while Sarah began an afternoon of laying out the last pages of the publication, filled with business card advertisements.

“I stop by an overpass bridge and am suddenly aware that there is another astral someone huddled in the shadows.”

What a liberating and joyous feeling that was!  Flying through solid objects, swimming through the air with amazing ease – gravity didn’t exist in that state, unless Sarah wished to become more solid.  Corkscrews were her favourites, where she would dive to the ground and then holding her arms tightly across her chest, she would spin upwards at dizzying speeds – ah, such freedom!!

Her dream was still incredibly fresh in her mind, and while supper was cooking, she picked up her journal again and continued to record her dream:

“I approach it and introduce myself to what appears to be a very young man.  He's very scared and bewildered, and it doesn't take long for me to realize that he's taken his first astral journey and doesn't know how to deal with it.”

So who was this young man?  Was he really there, or did she just dream him up?  Suddenly it became vitally important for her to know.  After eating her supper, kept intentionally light – just some baked chicken and a green salad – she darkened the living room, lit some candles and incense, and began to meditate.  She took several deep breaths as she settled herself in her chair.  The fragrant sandlewood scent immediately took her into an alternate state.  Again she felt herself floating effortlessly around the overpass, but could not make a connection with the other Astral spirit.  Some 15 minutes later, she sighed and gave up.

“If it’s meant to be revealed, it will be soon enough,” she remarked to herself. 

Work was going well, the publication went to print, and gave Sarah a bit of downtime before beginning on the next issue’s submissions.  Taking advantage of the easier workload, she asked Adrienne if there was anything she could do for her.  Adrienne looked up gratefully, and said, “Oh yes!  I desperately need a cup of coffee before my next appointment!  Would you be a dear and…”

Sarah laughed and waved in understanding as she quickly left to go to the corner coffee shop. 

“He takes my hand, as I offer it to him, and I assure him that this is something wondrous.  Slowly, I draw him out and he gasps as he finds himself able to fly effortlessly.  He wobbles slightly as I let him go, but steadies himself immediately.  I take him to the top of the overpass and together we dive down towards the cars, sometimes even passing through them, in our exuberance.  Taking flight ever higher, we fly to the mountain and play among the trees, marveling at the lighted city below us.”

 “…Sarah?”  Sarah looks up, startled.  “Oh, sorry,” she said to the girl behind the counter.  Smiling ruefully, she continued, “Just got lost in a bit of a daydream.”  She gave her order and suddenly became aware of a male voice behind her.  The man was obviously speaking with a friend, and she attuned herself to that voice

“Time does not exist in the same way when in that state, nor did we need to use words.  All was instantly and completely understood, and so it was when it came time to part company.  We said a leisurely farewell in a fraction of an instant, and…”  The Voice stopped for a moment, then continued, “I’ve never experienced anything like that before!  I wonder if I’ll ever meet this lady in real life?  I would love to thank her for helping me.”

He was saying exactly what she wrote in her journal, word for word!  Although excited almost to choking, Sarah schooled herself to appear calm and smiling, turned to face a pleasant man, some 10 years younger than her.  “Hello, I’m Sarah,” she introduced herself.  “Couldn’t help but overhear about your dream.  If you can spare a few minutes, and wait for me here while I run a quick errand, I would love to talk further with you about this.  You see, I have an extraordinary story to share with you.”

Bottom of Form