Chapter 1
Dissolving Reference Points
Walking Upon the Rainbow Bridge
Dissolving Reference Points
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 1
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 2
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 3
Venus, the Divine Goddess, and You!
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 4
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 5
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 6
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 7
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 8
May 01, 2012
Walking Upon the Rainbow Bridge
In the circle of nature's year, in the northern hemisphere, May 1st is often recognized as the midpoint between Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice. In recent days I've been receiving consistent reminders about a May first experience of eleven years ago; it is the anniversary of the writing and recording of The Goddess and the Rainbow Bridge, part 1 of the Rainbow Bridge Trilogy. What does this have to do with now?
Having wondered — for more than a decade — when part 2 would be introduced, I can now say, "Soon." It has been a curious pathway to this “soon". Last October, I wrote most of the new narrative. Since then I myself have been living Goddess Crystal: Balancing Among the Worlds — probably more than I am aware. Beginning several months ago, the completion of the narrative has been announcing itself step-by-step. In dreamtime and in meditation and in the outer world as well, inspiration now flows. Why is the timing "now"? The Rainbow Bridge Trilogy is connected with the golden waves of change — and the increasing light on Earth.
As the increase in energy proceeds and Earth moves deeper into the center of the galaxy, we all move deeper into our hearts because magnetic flow increases feelings and feeling awareness. As we realize that feelings manifest our existence we can sort out what we like by how it feels along the way. Some of us are inspired to express our itinerary. The story of our journey takes place on multidimensional levels as we live and write our own allegorical tale. As we learn to walk upon the Rainbow Bridge, we cross the chasm of disbelief on the pathway from the physical to the metaphysical. As the golden waves of change increase, Goddess Crystal beckons us to cross the bridge and join her in endless possibility.
May first is, for me, an exceptionally satisfying anniversary this year as the invitation to others to walk upon the Rainbow Bridge is now expanding further.
“As the increase in energy proceeds and Earth moves deeper into the center of the galaxy, we all move deeper into our hearts…”.
May 08, 2012
Dissolving Reference Points
Like many of my contemporaries, I did not grow up with permission to be myself. Most of us, myself included, were taught limitation as expressed in a world of “shoulds” which created the patterns and the roles that became our persona. We were taught specific expectations and how to achieve them. We were taught that rationality is responsibility. We were conditioned away from the fact that feelings are part of our respond-ability. Our feelings and intuition were suppressed and largely ignored in favor of rationality. I myself quietly considered these worlds of the rational and the intuitive until it became necessary to make a choice based on my feelings. Now, as the magnetic fluctuations of Earth increase, many are making choices for enhanced clarity because the magnetic reference points for rationality are dissolving.
Thoughts are electrical; feelings are magnetic. The brain functions by movement of electricity. Brain cells are called neurons. The spaces between the neurons are called synapses. Thoughts are the electrical bits that move across the synapses between the neurons. Magnetism flows in a spiral around linear electrical flow. As the planetary magnetic field fluctuates, it affects the electrical operation of the human brain. Persons who are overly rational or intellectual, and unaccustomed to functioning from feelings or intuition, may be particularly susceptible to fuzzy thinking and/or irrational behavior and loss of self control as in “electrical intoxication”. People who are accustomed to functioning from a more feeling-based point of view might be called “simplistic” because feelings do not require thinking and thus cannot be interfered with by electromagnetic distortions. Thus the explanation for why prophesy has said, “The simple (not the meek) shall inherit the Earth.” The ancient adage, “Know thyself”, has always been about how you feel and how you function in life and was never about what you think.
The difference between feelings and thoughts will continue to become more obvious as the cosmic illumination increases and the shadows of uncertainty disappear. Our breath by breath choices will become more important as we see the results of paying attention to what we feel in the moment. What we create as our pathway into the future is exactly what we feel we deserve. If we examine thoroughly what we have been taught about our deserve-ability, we will certainly create happier futures.
Since 2005, I’ve been drumming and singing a song titled “Listen to Your Heart”, one verse of which is: “Your mind serves your heart...remember how to feel. The balance is created by your feeling. Listen to your heart...this is a key...balance carefully.” These words are not unlike a quote from Muktananda who said, “Your heart is the hub of all sacred spaces. Go there and roam.”
The new reference points in our future can be whatever we can foresee if we thoroughly understand our deserve-ability. Understanding our deserve-ability, we give ourselves permission to be who we truly are — and to decree what we want in life — knowing that we can have our heart’s desire.
May 15, 2012
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 1
What I am about to share, for the first time, took place years ago on an island on the coast of Maine. The island became my home, and home base, when I was in my twenties. I was living on the island because I had been invited by friends for an extended cruise aboard a sailboat — as photographer and navigator. Prior to the cruise, the lovely British-built yawl was berthed at the island boat yard for modifications.
During my morning or afternoon walks on the island — from my home, or from the boat yard — I explored every road and lane near the shoreline. One afternoon I came upon a gently landscaped area that was particularly serene. A gentleman, who seemed to be the owner, was making some repairs to a stone wall that ran along one side of the property. Looking up from his project, momentarily, he smiled and waved to me. Nearby, a woman was tending flowers in a well-maintained garden. She too smiled and waved. Commenting to her about her beautiful flowers, I then continued my walk.
Since their lane was a particularly appealing area where there seemed to be only several houses, all of them well hidden from view, it became for me a favorite place to walk. One afternoon Anne introduced herself and invited me into her garden area. She wanted to show me some new blossoms about which she was particularly pleased. I felt a curious sense of familiarity — as though I knew her. A short time later, her husband appeared, apparently having come from their house which was situated a distance back from the roadside garden. Smiling warmly at her husband, she introduced him.
Gradually I became better acquainted with this gracious couple who tended their surroundings with obvious appreciation. Clearly the lifestyle they had quietly established on the island was satisfying to them. I soon learned that it was they themselves who were the primary reason I had discovered this unique place.
I knew they were around eighty when I met them — only because it had been mentioned. They had both retained their agility, and their spontaneity in smiling with enthusiasm. In appearance and manner they looked significantly younger than their years. It was clear these two people shared a very strong connection with one another. They seemed to be gloriously and joyfully inseparable, and their warmth and gentle humor was consistent.
One afternoon I asked Anne about her name. “Early on, I noticed that Michael calls you Jasmine — apparently his name for you.” I then asked, “Which do you prefer, Anne or Jasmine?”
“I prefer Jasmine. It has another dimension for me.” Somehow, I felt she was referring to Michael.
“Then do you mind if I call you Jasmine?”
“She smiled. “Please do.” Michael nodded agreement.
We were sitting in the garden at that point, on large rocks that seemed to have been placed for seating. I noticed that Jasmine’s attention was being drawn to a particular area of the garden. As if hearing my thoughts Michael said, “The faeries are active in all the gardens here. Jasmine sees them.” I looked at Jasmine, probably with a questioning expression. She said nothing. I could almost feel her waiting for Michael to continue. He then said, smiling at me, “You are now among the few who have been told about the magic in Jasmine’s gardens.”
“Thank you.” I had been so taken by surprise, by Michael’s comments, that I really did not know what else to say. Even now I remember that there was silence while I considered. I then said, “I remember sitting cross-legged in the sunshine, as a child of about ten, and being fascinated by what I can only describe as a flow of energy seemingly dancing across the lawn.”
They both smiled — as though they knew.
Michael than said, “Perhaps you saw the faeries even earlier in childhood.”
“This I do not remember,” I admitted.
Once again, they both smiled knowingly. As I now recall this long forgotten conversation I wonder, “What exactly were they seeing in me? And how could they know… whatever it was?”
(to be continued next week)
May 22, 2012
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 2
During my next afternoon walk, Jasmine and Michael invited me into their home for tea. Though not large, the tastefully welcoming house had a spacious and expansive feeling, one which exuded beauty, serenity, contentment.
Michael suggested I look closely at the vibrant yet graceful water colors which were displayed, gallery-like, on one wall of the living room. “Jasmine’s art,” he said smiling. I had not previously known that Jasmine, so avid about her gardening, was also an accomplished painter. Carefully studying Jasmine’s beautiful watercolors I discovered that, within most of the paintings, there was a tiny faery-like figure almost hidden from view. This I found both charming and fascinating -- and an interesting follow up to the recent conversation in the garden. Furthermore, I could think of no one, among my other acquaintances, who acknowledged this “faery world” as real.
It was as though Michael read my thoughts. “That world becomes real once again when one moves beyond perceptual limitation and begins to remember. Jasmine and I began to remember when we met one another — decades ago. Even in that era the outer world was filled with distraction. It was just a different form of distraction than is prevalent now. As I feel you have noticed, distraction fosters perceptual limitation.” He then paused, looking into my face carefully, before continuing, “I am not suggesting that you yourself are distracted.” He then added, "Patricia, you will regain this layer of perception of the elementals. When it's time.”
As I tried to take in the full meaning of what Michael had suggested, Jasmine indicated that tea was ready and we should come to the table by the window. Beyond the wide, west-facing window was a flower-filled field reaching to the shoreline where the view across the bay was similar to the view I too enjoyed at home. There were gardens in the field also. As though hearing my questions about the gardens, it was Jasmine who began our tea time conversation — while the aroma of the freshly steeped jasmine tea added to an already delightful ambiance.
“I follow the sun in tending the gardens. Early morning in the east, the western side until it becomes too warm in the sunshine, then back to the east — where you first saw us — when that garden is shaded in the afternoon. We return to the house, or outdoors, to watch the sunset across the bay.” When she paused to refill our cups, I asked about their relationship with the island.
It was Michael who explained. “We found this place years ago and we spent as much time here in the summers as we could, until we were able to move here. In the world in which I worked, Jasmine was my primary sanctuary. Nature was the other — especially trees and rocks.” I now recall clearly how Jasmine's and Michael’s eyes had met in that moment. He then broke the silence.
“Before we moved to the island, Jasmine was more sheltered than I and we kept it that way. Not because she could not handle everything else. She could, and admirably so. Rather, we realized that someone had to keep the perceptual door open because in my world — meaning the world in which I worked — nearly everything conspired against it. He did not directly name that "world". Nor did she. But perhaps he implied it when he said, "Universal Law is much more satisfying than what I was formerly engaged in — although I was then considered quite good at what I was doing."
Even now, I clearly remember Michael’s smile when he mentioned Universal Law. His smile seemed to me to be part of a deliberate riddle, indicating a place where I needed to gain understanding. In fact I had not heard of Universal Law until he mentioned it.
The sun was lowering toward the horizon line — the mainland twenty miles across the bay — when I left Jasmine’s and Michael’s home in the late afternoon. I was aware that I had been cordially and graciously welcomed into an island sanctuary, one which they had together created. I felt fortunate indeed to have been invited into this special place where a unique level of harmony suffused the overall atmosphere. I did not yet have the words to describe, even to myself, the experience of a higher vibrational non-ordinary space. As I have now opened myself to this remembering, I can feel it once again.
May 29, 2012
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 3
I remember clearly that it was the first of June — several days after the delightfully memorable tea time — when I next saw Jasmine and Michael. Jasmine was in the garden as I approached their place during my afternoon walk. Waving, she then called to me to join her. "We so enjoyed your visit with us. Michael and I have a suggestion — something that occurred to us after you left." I had no idea what was coming next. "Michael and I are going to be traveling in the Isles for about six weeks — from the middle of this month until the end of July. For the first time in about five years, we'll be away for the Summer Solstice. We're inviting you to be present in the eastern garden at sunrise on the morning of the Solstice."
I'm sure my expression must have indicated a combination of surprise and questions. "Come with me," she said. "I'll show you." Together we walked to a garden nearer the house. "This is where we celebrate the Summer Solstice when we're at home." As she spoke she gestured toward a small tower of rocks, balanced one atop another. Near the stone figure was a well-crafted garden bench which faced East, toward the stones.
At this point I saw Michael walking toward us from the house. Jasmine smiled. "Perfect timing. Michael can give you the rest of the details. Have a seat. We find this bench quite comfortable."
“Hello Patricia. Welcome to another of Jasmine's magical gardens. Not many are invited here." He smiled warmly. "You are possibly wondering what this is about." I nodded, smiling. "Hello Michael. Yes."
"I placed these rocks many years ago, adjusting their position at each Summer Solstice for several years. If it is clear at sunrise, on the morning of the Solstice, the sun will appear here when it peeks above the horizon line." He pointed to a specific point over a wildflower-filled field across the road — a quiet lane, really — from their house. Moments after that, this little tower will be bathed in the golden early light. The stones receive this light at sunrise only at the Solstice — and perhaps a day before and after the Solstice — though not quite so accurately upon the small stone which tops the arrangement."
Addressing Jasmine, he then asked, "Have you told Patricia about our trip?"
“Only that we're going to the Isles and will be away for about six weeks."
I myself wondered about "the Isles". I was sure they were not "the islands" — the Caribbean islands that were one of the sailing destinations to which I would be navigating in Autumn.
Michael then explained. "We've been traveling to the British Isles — Scotland, Ireland, England, Wales — for many years. Always to the countryside — visiting various sites that are considered "ancient" and, for some, sacred. For us, they are reminders of a time when humans were more connected with Earth — and far more aware of the cycle of the seasons, the sun's path, the cycles of the moon. Larger rhythms than what we as a species now consider in our day to day ‘reality’. To us it is refreshing to connect with these places."
Jasmine nodded, adding, "And we're always happy to return here. Somehow those travels are revitalizing, and we bring that feeling back with us."
“This year we'll be re-visiting favorite places, and discovering others." As though he had heard my question, Michael then added, "We're not sure where we'll be for this celebration of the Solstice. We like to be flexible and see how our travels flow."
"I will make it a point to sit in your garden at sunrise on the Solstice, regardless of the weather. I'm honored that you invited me. You've given me a lot to think about." Perhaps I looked puzzled by this invitation and this form of celebration. They both smiled.
Michael then said, "You will remember."
Jasmine added, "Michael has a knowingness."
I wanted to say, "I feel you do also.” Instead, I simply said, "Thank you."
Michael then handed me a small piece of paper. "This is the date of the Summer Solstice this year. And here I've also noted the time of sunrise, here on the island, on that day."
“I look forward to this Solstice celebration," I replied. "I have a feeling that, for me, it is the beginning of a new adventure."
I remember clearly Michael's reply. "Perhaps so," said he. Although he was smiling as he spoke, he looked particularly thoughtful.
Soon after that conversation, a fog enveloped the island. I learned that this was not unusual on the island in June. An woman who worked in the office at the boatyard said that she collected weather lore that had been handed down on the island for generations. She herself was an island native and had observed the island weather, in terms of the weather lore, for years. When the fog descended on the island she confidently said, "If the fog does not lift in seven days, the next possibility will be in another seven days.” Each day the fog burned off on the northern end of the island though the boatyard -- on the southern tip of the island -- remained solidly fogged in. Later in the week, when I saw Jasmine and Michael, we were experiencing a sunny afternoon. I mentioned what I had been told about the fog.
"We've been here long enough to have observed that it seems true," Jasmine said.
Michael then added, “You did say you would celebrate Solstice in the garden regardless of the weather.”
“It's true," I replied. "And I will."
“Good. Just give the sun a few extra moments to appear." Michael was smiling as he spoke.
Jasmine then invited me to join them for tea the following afternoon. I happily accepted.
The fog was still enveloping the southern tip of the island when I joined Jasmine and Michael for tea. Once again it was a distinct pleasure to be present in their light-filled home. They talked more about their upcoming trip and their affection for particular places in "the isles”. Michael made a comment about the sun and the earth which I have not forgotten. “If we consciously choose to be more like trees, rooted in the earth and open to the sky, the energy available to us — on all levels — is unlimited. He then added, "We ourselves can also become conscious connectors among the dimensions." His words have remained with me, clearly. Less clear — for a long time — were the implications of what he had said. That afternoon, over tea, I simply asked, "How did you gain that understanding?" I remember that he and Jasmine looked at one another, and then at me, and simply smiled.
(to be continued in two weeks)
“If we consciously choose to be more like trees, rooted in the earth and open to the sky, the energy available to us — on all levels — is unlimited.” He then dded, “We ourselves can also become conscious connectors among the dimensions.”
June 05, 2012
Venus, the Divine Goddess, and You!
There has been much speculation about the significance of the Venus Transit of the Sun on June 5th and 6th. The Venus Transit of the Sun is an astronomical event which only happens in a pattern of every 243 years. It occurs in pairs separated by eight years. The earlier occurrence of this current pairing was in 2004. Astronomers have been locating themselves, around the planet, in desirable locations for optimum viewing of this event which now takes place only one day after the June 4 Lunar Eclipse and Full Moon. Many points of view, as to the energy impact of this Venus Transit, are being expressed. Why such interest?
Sometimes called Earth’s sister planet, Venus is always brighter than any star other than the Sun. After the Moon, Venus is the brightest natural object in the night sky. Depending on the orbiting planet’s position in relation to the Earth, we readily see Venus — shortly before sunrise — as the Morning Star, or — shortly after sunset — as the Evening Star.
In addition to the name Venus, Roman goddess of love and beauty, by which we designate the planet, two other goddess names are associated with Venus. The northern continent of Venus is called Ishtar Terra, after Ishtar, the Babylonian goddess of love; the southern continent of Venus is called Aphrodite Terra, after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love.
The astronomical symbol for Venus is the same as that typically used to denote the female sex — a circle with a small cross beneath. The symbol for Venus has sometimes also been understood to stand for the mirror of the goddess.
Astronomically and archetypally the planet Venus is thus associated with the power of love. Astrologically, Venus represents the feminine side of our nature. The Sun is the symbol of masculinity and represents the life-giving and vitalizing force. It thus requires no stretch of the imagination to see that Venus transiting the Sun represents our feminine side (Venus) receiving vitalization from the masculine (Sun) — both individually and collectively.
The implications are indeed auspicious! This is a huge opportunity for a powerful awakening of the Divine Feminine everywhere on Earth. It is likely that this merging of Solar and Venus energies — Love being energized by the vitality of the Sun — will speak to us far more loudly than a whisper, whether we are hearing consciously or not.
Two who embody the Divine Feminine on Earth at this time are currently on their annual tours in the U.S. during this Venus Transit. Mata Amritanandamayi (known widely as Amma) is on the west coast. Amma Sri Karunamayi is in the Northeast. Both mirror to us nurturing, blessing, inspiration, protection, unconditional love, compassion. They also consistently encourage the re-emerging of the power of the feminine — and the implied balancing of feminine and masculine energy — and an honoring of Earth, our home. Looking into the mirrors that Amma and Sri Karunamayi provide, I celebrate the turning up of the rheostat of the power of the feminine.
The winds of change are blowing constantly on Earth at this time. With the Venus Transit, the feminine aspect of all of us — whether we are feminine or masculine in form — is receiving a gift of auspicious energizing from Venus and the Sun. In these winds of change, we would do well — each of us — to listen in clarity to our own powerful heartsong. As the Sun and Venus energies closely converge, we would also do well to listen — with great care — to the Goddess of Love!
June 12, 2012
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 4
I visited with Jasmine and Michael several times each week before their trip — conversations in the garden where I had first met them. It surprised me to consider that I had known them for only about six weeks, at that point, for they now seemed like long-time friends. Although I knew I would miss them during their travels, I was sure there was much to look forward to upon their return.
The island fog persisted; however, each day the fog burned off on the northern end of the island which was Jasmine’s and Michael’s home, and mine as well. I assured Jasmine and Michael I truly looked forward to my Solstice celebration in their garden regardless of the weather. When I once again thanked them for inviting me, they thanked me for agreeing to be present. My feeling was that, somehow, the greatest gift was to me. I had noticed that they kept to themselves on the island, and I did not clearly understand why they had seemingly taken a particular interest in me. As if reading my thoughts — as he had now done on several occasions — Michael said, “It isn’t often we remember someone as clearly as we remember you.” Somehow, I sensed that my best response was silence. I do remember nodding, however — as if I myself had, very fleetingly, remembered them also.
On the morning of the Solstice the fog had continued for nearly three weeks. I arrived at the garden in the twilight, shortly before dawn, enveloped in the island fog. In the cool damp of the early morning, I wondered if I would be seeing the sun. I laughed when I thought of Michael’s comment, “Just give the sun a few extra moments to appear.” I could hear a fog horn in the distance, blending with nearby birdsong. I waited, quietly meditative, feeling that everything was somehow perfect in those moments. Expecting that I might have to wait until the sun burned through the fog, I had arranged my morning to accommodate several hours in the garden. That was my version of following Michael’s suggestion about “a few extra moments”.
At the exact point of sunrise, around 4:50 AM, my field of vision amid the fog did not clearly extend to Michael’s stone wall which was perhaps a hundred feet away. Within the sunrise hour, in the gathering morning light, the fog now lay in low-lying ribbons across the landscape. Facing east I watched the sky, fascinated, as — ever so gradually — the fog was brightened by the morning sun. Feeling very much outside of time in the soft light, I relaxed into whatever the early morning hours were going to present and allowed my thoughts to drift within the changing light. Present with “being” in this special place, I was startled when a beam of light penetrated the fog and shot directly toward and across Michael’s Summer Solstice stone figure — and then to me!
At this point I had likely been waiting for about three hours, since the sun had first peeked over the horizon — invisibly. It mattered not. I had been completely enjoying the sense of timelessness throughout the early morning. Now I felt exuberant! I also realized that this Summer Solstice ceremony had marked a new chapter in my life, thanks to Jasmine and Michael. Something had changed.
Now it was time to return to the activity of preparations for an extended cruise. While busy with my part of this process, I was aware of having mixed feelings about the sailing commitment I had made. My experiences on the island thus far had been so compelling — in a subtle and mysterious way — thanks to Jasmine and Michael, that I did not look forward to leaving.
After a 28-day cycle the island fog completely lifted. This was impressively in alignment with the weather-lore of the island. It would be amusing to share this tid bit with my new friends when they returned. Meanwhile, I wondered where in the Isles they themselves had enjoyed the Summer Solstice sunrise.uring the next four weeks I continued my afternoon walks whenever my schedule allowed. Jasmine had invited me to visit her gardens while she and Michael were away. The uniquely serene feeling in her gardens was a welcome contrast to the level of summertime activity in the boat yard and the hundreds of details which were part of preparations for our upcoming cruise.
Having intended to be back before August, Jasmine and Michael arrived home before the end of July. Jasmine was working in her garden the day after they arrived home and she greeted me warmly. “I noticed someone apparently did a bit of weeding while we were away.”
I smiled. “A bit. When I could find the time.”
“Thank you. Both the flowers and I are greatly appreciative.”
“It was a pleasure.’
“Will you join us for tea tomorrow afternoon?”
“I’d love to.”
“Good. We can talk about the Solstice. And a lot more.”
(to be continued next week)
June 19, 2012
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 5
During my walk to Jasmine and Michael’s home for afternoon tea, I considered the islanders with whom I had become acquainted during my first three months on the island. I found them to be good natured, friendly, very much at ease with themselves, resourceful, kind. Jasmine and Michael could be described similarly; however, in them I found another quality as well — something for which I had no words.
My Solstice experience re-entered my awareness. I remembered my thoughts while sitting in the garden, facing East, wondering if the sun would appear. “This is a true sanctuary into which I've been invited. And the feeling here is like nothing else I can recall having experienced. I find I'm absorbing it as though I have thirsted for it for a long, long time.” And then the unanswerable question, “Why is this so?"
This I was still pondering when I arrived at Jasmine and Michael’s and, not surprisingly, found Jasmine tending her flowers. “It’s lovely to see you,” she said. “And it’s good to be home.”
We were talking about the flowers, and the changes in the garden as new perennials blossomed, when Michael joined us. He had just finished rebuilding a small segment of his stone wall. “It’s good to be back, and playing at my favorite tasks,” he said, smiling. “Nice to see you, Patricia.”
“Thank you. It feels good to be here.”
“I’m all set with the garden for now. Is anyone ready for tea?” Jasmine asked.
Soon we were sitting by the large window which faced the field and the bay beyond — that incomparable island view, both expansive and relaxing.
As the now familiar jasmine tea steeped, Michael asked me about the Solstice. “As you can see, the fog has left the island,” I teased. “However, that was not true until the end of June. So...” I paused, smiling. Then I proceeded to share with them my experience in the garden, awaiting the appearance of the sun’s rays. “There was a magical moment. And it really did feel magical,” I said, “when the sun’s rays penetrated the fog, swept across your stone figure, and me as well.” I smiled. “It truly was a moment worth waiting for.”
“Good! Thank you for your patience in waiting for that moment.” It was obvious that Michael was pleased.”
“I cannot now imagine how I will celebrate Summer Solstice in the future. I do know that there will be celebration. Thank you both for pointing out possibility, and inviting me into your Summer Solstice garden.” I well remember that they looked at each other knowingly, at that point, and then smiled at me.
As Jasmine poured our tea, Michael began a summary of their travels. “Our first destination, after arriving in the Isles, was the northernmost point of our visit — Scotland. We went to the western isles of Scotland — specifically the Isle of Lewis, in the Outer Hebrides. There we celebrated Summer Solstice at Callanish, known as Calanais in Gaelic. This is a stone circle, dating several thousand years old.”
“It’s one of favorite places,” Jasmine added. She then said, laughing, “And no fog.”
Michael continued to speak of their travels, briefly touching on each place they had visited during their six weeks “in the Isles”. Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England had all been included within the flow of their sojourn. The only specific places I remember, at this point — in addition to Callanish — are Avebury and Cornwall, both in southwest England. I remember noticing that, according to Michael’s descriptions, their destinations seemed to be — for the most part — coastal ones.
“You’ve traveled from an island on the Maine coastline, to coastal places in “the Isles”, and back to your island home. Can I correctly assume that you are, indeed, islanders at heart?”
They both laughed. “Probably so.” And here Michael made a comment that I have not forgotten. “When it comes to touching down, truly landing that is, we prefer this quiet place.”
Yes,” I said. “It has a very special appeal.” I then continued. “In the short time I’ve lived on this island — only about three months now — I’ve come to feel very much at home. I must admit I have quite mixed feelings about the upcoming cruise.”
“Do you have a departure date?” Jasmine asked.
“As early as possible in September. Four or five weeks from now, probably.”
“Please do stop by here in the afternoons as often as you like, whenever it works out within your schedule.” Jasmine said. “Can we plan on tea once a week or so?”
“I’d love that.”
MIchael nodded and said, “So would we.”
Our conversations continued several times a week. One of those conversations, each week, was a tea time. During these visits with Jasmine and Michael I increasingly had the feeling that they were old friends — and, somehow, I had known them for a long, long time.
August is often said to be the most glorious month on the Maine coastline. From my point of view, that particular August on the island came to an end much too soon after it began. In what seemed like no time at all, the captain and I and all other crew members were completing final preparations for the cruise — including the essential checking of checklists, compass adjusting during an afternoon sail, and organizing ourselves in our staterooms aboard the boat.
The day before leaving on the cruise, I once again visited with Jasmine and Michael at their home. Following tea time, they both walked with me out to the the garden where I had first met them early in May. I did not know when I would be seeing them again, and I held back the tears that I could feel would soon be clouding my eyes.
“I don’t know that I have words to describe it,” I said, “but I feel that you have both helped me begin to remember things that — once upon a time — I knew, but had forgotten. Celebrating the Solstice was part of that. I’m sure there’s a lot more.”
MIchael nodded. “There is a lot more. And you will remember.” He continued, “Sometime in the future, there is much that will return to you.” Holding my right hand in his, in a handshake that paused considerably, he then said, “There will come a tipping point.” With those words, he was looking straight into my eyes, as if to indelibly inscribe his message. Smiling, he turned toward the house. He paused once, to look back at me and wave.
Jasmine and I spoke for a few more minutes. Wishing me well on my travels, she then gave me a warm hug. Somehow her hug was reassuring while — as I left the garden — Michael’s words stayed with me, echoing.
(to be continued next week)
There is a lot more. And you will remember. Sometime in the future, there is much that will return to you.”
June 26, 2012
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 6
On the morning of our departure we were greeted by a beautiful dawn. Lovely sailing weather accompanied us as we left the island and headed southwesterly along the Maine coastline. After several leisurely day sails, during which the crew became more acquainted with the boat — in terms of sailing — we shifted to a more easterly course which would take us across Cape Cod Bay to Provincetown. There, the owner wanted to relax for a few days aboard his boat and settle into the reality of his long awaited cruise having begun. Though I missed the island, and my visits with Jasmine and Michael, this change of pace was a pleasant one for sure.
Our passage to Bermuda was a typical Bermuda passage. Gulf stream currents precipitated seasickness for some — especially the owner. Our landfall in Bermuda was spot on, raising the spirits of our exhausted crew members. In gale force winds and rough seas there had been some damage to the boat; this would need repair before we continued our itinerary. No one aboard the boat, including the owner, was disappointed by our extended stay in Bermuda. During the second week of December, following a sojourn of four weeks in Bermuda, we headed offshore once again. Puerto Rico was our destination, en route to the islands.
During the passage to Puerto Rico the owner once again became intensely seasick. This time, there was no obvious reason. The seas were calm and it was an easy passage — one which included the delights of dolphins dancing with the bow of the boat as she gracefully sliced through the water.
When we arrived in San Juan Harbor, it was clear that the owner was becoming disenchanted with his sailing dream. Everyone else was doing well. Two of us stayed in San Juan, to keep an eye on things, while the others returned North to visit with their families for the holidays.
Everyone having returned to to the boat in early January, it was time to continue our sailing itinerary. We were now headed for the British West Indies, intending to sail directly to Antigua. Once again, the owner-deckhand was aboard for an easy passage; once again he became seasick. Shortly after arriving in Antigua, he announced a change of plans. Apparently the Antigua passage had been a decisive point for him. He had decided not to continue the cruise. He asked us to sail back to Newport, whereupon he hoped to sell the vessel as soon as possible. To begin our return trip, he suggested we take a reasonable amount of time to daysail our way up the island chain. He himself would by flying home straightaway.
This change in plans meant that I would be returning to “the island” in the foreseeable future! While the others expressed disappointment I was quietly looking forward to conversations with Jasmine and Michael, and teatime — and whatever it was that was so compelling about my acquaintance with them.
After a stay in Antigua, four of us collaboratively chose the islands we visited on our way to the Virgin Islands. In the British and U.S. Virgin Islands we also explored for a number of days. We then set sail for the Virginia coastline and the intracoastal. Annapolis was our destination. When we arrived in Annapolis on May 1st, I remembered May first of the previous year. That is when I had moved to the island and, shortly thereafter, met Jasmine and Michael on one of my afternoon walks. Now I looked forward to my return to the island — only weeks away.
We enjoyed springtime in Annapolis for several days before continuing up the intracoastal waterway to Newport. It was mid-May when we arrived in Newport and there were many details to attend to upon arrival. The boat needed to be made ship-shape, and there were contacts to be made on behalf of the owner regarding the selling of his boat. It was around the first of June when I had my first opportunity to return to Maine. I had a decision to make. Within a week or so there was going to be an informal race, in Newport, between “our” boat and one other well known sailing vessel. The captain and the other crew members were excited about the race. For me, my decision was an easy one. Returning to Maine at the earliest opportunity was more important than being on board for the race.
A few days before the race was to take place I returned to the Maine coastline, grateful to be home. As though breathing in quiet and solitude with the island air, I absorbed these wonderful feelings, after months of living in close proximity with others. For several days I enjoyed this solitude while integrating, as much as possible, my feelings about my travels. I was aware that Summer Solstice was about ten days away. I knew that I would celebrate again this year. And what would Solstice bring?
(to be continued next week)
July 03, 2012
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 7
Feeling refreshed and completely at home on the island once again, it was the fourth day of my return there when I decided to set out for an afternoon walk to Jasmine’s garden — for the first time since the previous September. Walking along the narrow road which intermittently provided glimpses of the bay through the trees, I enjoyed every moment of my reacquaintance with this beautiful area.
I rounded the bend which directly preceded Jasmine and Michael’s home and, as I expected, Michael’s stone wall came into view. But there had been changes. Near Michael’s stone wall — the section that he had been repairing when I first saw him in May of the previous year — a small oak tree was growing. It looked like it had been there for at least several years. I found this startling for I was sure I had not previously seen an oak tree, of any size, near the stone wall. A short distance beyond the stone wall, when I arrived at Jasmine’s garden, I was dismayed! What had been Jasmine’s garden was now completely overgrown — as though it had not been touched in years.
I ventured toward the garden where Michael’s Summer Solstice stone figure had presided. The stone figure remained. There was no bench facing east. This garden, too, was completely overgrown. Feeling almost numb with disbelief, I looked toward the house beyond this garden — the very place from which Michael had waved to me nine months earlier after saying, “There will come a tipping point.”
The house was no longer there. Profoundly mystified, and deeply disappointed, I did not know what to do except explore a little further. The field reaching toward the bay looked pretty much the same as I remembered it. As with the other gardens, however, Jasmine’s garden on the west side of the house was also overgrown; it was barely discernible.
I was speechless at what I had discovered. I could find no indication that there had been a house on the property. And, clearly, the gardens had not been touched for years. I asked myself, “How did I ever interact with Jasmine and Michael? How could I have visited a home that did not exist? And what of the gardens that had all but disappeared?” In my experience, they were lovingly tended — as recently as last season. I had no explanations. None.
I remembered that Michael and Jasmine had kept to themselves on the island. I myself had mentioned them to no one. Had this all been a dream? Could I have imagined it? The answer to both questions seemed to be, “No”. I remembered having had an experience, years earlier, when something had appeared to me which was obviously from another time frame. And only two years ago, in early June, I had been told — on the inner levels: “Step outside the boundaries which you call time and space...” Had this been an experience to demonstrate to me that one could step outside those boundaries? Had I gone through some sort of doorway, into a sort of parallel reality, to interact with Jasmine and Michael? And who were they, really? Even in my state of shock I could clearly remember the feeling of their combined energy — so delightfully different from that of any other couple I had met.
I returned to Jasmine and Michael’s for sunrise on the first full day of Summer. During this Solstice celebration the sun rose in a clear sky! As the beam of light bathed Michael’s stones, I sensed Jasmine and Michael’s presence with me. I remember smiling at that point, and feeling much better.
Perhaps I myself would eventually have the clarity that I now saw in the light that bathed Michael’s stones. Somehow, the entire experience of this sunrise was reassuring. Though I still had no explanations about Jasmine and Michael, and their home, I had a feeling. Someday I would understand my experiences in this special place.
“There will come a tipping point.”
As the sun rose higher in the clear sky, part of me wanted to stay and tend the perennials in the garden. Instead, I felt called back to fully re-enter the rest of the island world as I had known it months earlier. As I turned away from Jasmine’s garden — and Michael’s carefully arranged stones — I was sure that our friendship had not taken place in an isolated dream.
(to be continued next week)
July 10, 2012
Long Ago and Far Away, Part 8
Several weeks before I began writing “Long Ago and Far Away” I felt nudged, consistently, to bring my experiences with Jasmine and Michael into my thoughts for the first time in many years. Indeed, my sense of loss had been so painful that I could not speak of my friends earlier on. There had been a refreshing level of awareness in them — awareness which blew through my entire entire being as a warm breeze. When Jasmine and Michael were no longer present, I felt quite alone to find my way through what seemed to be a maze. I also felt profoundly puzzled. What had actually occurred that we had met? Had it been a parallel reality? Had it been a portal of some sort?
As I remembered some of their comments, there were those which seemed to echo as hints about them, and my experience with them. Jasmine had said of her name — given to her by Michael — “I prefer Jasmine. It has another dimension for me.” Somehow, I had felt she was referring to Michael. Michael had said, referring to the faeries, “You are now among the few who have been told about the magic in Jasmine’s gardens.” Michael had later said, “Patricia, you will regain this layer of perception of the elementals. When it’s time.”
Years after Michael’s comment, when I was writing Journey Through an Open Door, perception of the elementals returned to me. Michael’s prediction was accurate. Jasmine had said, “I follow the sun in tending the gardens.” While I was writing Journey, I followed the sun’s path as often as possible, beginning at sunrise. It did not occur to me until now that it was Jasmine who first spoke to me of such an intention.
Michael had said, “Universal law is much more satisfying than what I was formerly engaged in.” Years passed before I once again heard of universal law. In the mid-1990‘s, when studying shamanism, universal laws were presented during ongoing monthly workshops.
Michael had said “If we consciously choose to be more like trees, rooted in the earth and open to the sky, the energy available to us — on all levels— is unlimited. He had then added, “We ourselves can also become conscious connectors among the dimensions.” Interestingly, when I first began my focus in alignment with the guides whom I know as Mirin, one of Mirin’s first suggestions was that I learn to root deeply into Earth while also aligning with the sun. These suggestions from Mirin came many years after Michael’s comment.
As for Michael’s words about becoming conscious connectors among the dimensions, it is now clear to me that he and Jasmine were quite accustomed to this level of consciousness. Another provocative comment from Michael was, “When it comes to touching down, truly landing that is, we prefer this quiet place.” Michael was describing his and Jasmine’s preference for their island sanctuary. I now wonder what Michael meant by “truly landing”.
As I recalled my feeling perception of Jasmine and Michael’s home, while writing about my experiences there, the descriptive words that came to me were: “a higher vibrational non-ordinary space”. This vocabulary was not available to me years earlier.Michael had said, “Universal law is much more satisfying than what I was formerly engaged in.” Years passed before I once again heard of universal law. In the mid- 1990‘s, when studying shamanism, universal laws were presented during ongoing monthly workshops.
Most vividly I remember Michael’s words to me during my last visit with them, “Sometime in the future, there is much that will return to you.” He had then said, “There will come a tipping point.” That tipping point occurred seven months ago when I was startled into the realization that I now, once again, could feel the energy that they had exuded. It was not their personal energy that I was feeling; rather, it was a specific vibrational frequency. Though I felt it as energy-in-potential, it was nonetheless clear to me that something had arrived with me that had been missing for a long, long time — so long that I had forgotten it existed as possibility.
As I now look over my shoulder at Jasmine and Michael and their home on the island — through the eyes of hindsight — I see that, from the time of my knowing them, my life unfolded with curious synchronicity. It is as though I followed steps along a pathway that had been created for me to walk. This pathway seems to have been well-aligned with the suggestion I had received one year prior to meeting them: “Step across the boundaries which you call time and space and feel yourself a part of a transcendent whole... ask that Love direct your course.” There is no question that I devoted years to learning how to let my heart “knowings” balance my mind’s willfulness. Eventually I understood “heart-directed will”, having learned to live that way.
I now recognize that, over several decades, specific experiences provided me with insight about Jasmine and Michael, and who they were to me. Until writing “Long Ago and Far Away”, however, and bringing my island interactions into my awareness once again, I had not put these pieces together. The process I myself have gone through in the intervening years since knowing Jasmine and Michael has refined my own vibration to the point where my perception is more clear.
Places hold memories. The law of thermodynamics is that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; energy can only change form. When one who is sensitive encounters a geographic location that is positively charged with high vibrational energy, one essentially enters a harmonic state that could be seen as, or called, a portal — or gateway — into that energy form. Mysticism and science now agree that time is an illusion. Therefore, every reality exists — and continues to exist — simultaneously. Our ability to perceive these various levels of vibrational frequency, and interact with them or not, is based on personal vibrational cohesiveness. If you cannot tell yourself apart from the radio, you cannot change stations which are on different frequencies operating simultaneously.
Now I clearly understand that my experience with Jasmine and Michael on the island had been a profoundly important opportunity to be reminded of possibilities. It was a beginning point, igniting memories that had been completely obscured by my upbringing.
During the writing of “Long Ago and Far Away”, I have sometimes felt Jasmine and Michael’s presence. It feels to me that they have been part of the guidance that nudged the remembering, and the writing. As to timing, one might ask, “Why write ‘Long Ago and Far Away’ as part of a blog whose overall theme is ‘Right Here, Right Now’?”
As concepts of time dissolve — and this is occurring, steadily — the understanding that everything occurs simultaneously will become more apparent. Understandings about vibrational frequencies will become more apparent as well. What has been written here may serve to melt away limited concepts about that which is, and that which is possible. That which we hold in our hearts is far more powerful than concepts of time and space. As I think of Jasmine and Michael, the short span of “time” in which I knew them expands to greatly eclipse other acquaintances of far longer duration. Such is the power of higher vibrational frequencies. Having reached what Michael called “the tipping point”, I look forward to what can happen next.
“Mysticism and science now agree that time is an illusion. Therefore, every reality exists — and continues to exist — simultaneously. Our ability to perceive these various levels of vibrational frequency, and interact with them or not, is based on personal vibrational cohesiveness.”
“What has been written here may serve to melt away limited concepts about that which is, and that which is possible. That which we hold in our hearts is far more powerful than concepts of time and space.”