The Serpent's Song Read online

  As Myttrwn surveyed his protégées he felt moved to say, “I’m pleased we’ve covered so much in such a short time. I’m aware some of you are grappling with my revelations. It takes time. Today, we may be in more familiar territory. Our focus will be on your divine journey in which you alone make the choices. For a moment let us once again envision a world of energy around you, one in which holographic images appear and keep changing, providing you with a stage for decision-making. Each lifetime you arrive like a seasoned actor receiving your script and costume for another role. You are aware you will be working on twenty-five percent of your divine image. Your choices can either improve the quality of this image or cause it to deteriorate.”

  Wolfram was pressed to ask, “I’m assuming, Myttrwn, this twenty-five percent is a cosmic formula. Who decides on the twenty-five percent? I don’t suppose I could negotiate for thirty percent or more to clear my slate faster.”

  Myttrwn grinned, “Actually, Wolfram, it’s a cosmic decision, one calculated after millions of years. It’s commendable you want to achieve more, but the quality you achieve with the twenty-five percent may do the same thing.”

  “So, reincarnation means we still have work to do, is that right?” asked Vette.

  “Yes, Vette, and you have a variety of paths to help you achieve the best results, if you use them correctly. That’s what we’re about to discuss,” replied Myttrwn.

  Genuinely interested, Vette continued, “I expect these paths were well known in the past, but may be less visible today?”

  “Let’s see,” Myttrwn replied, pleased with their ongoing interest. “Today, we shall focus on two; one internal and the other external. Another path is your dreams which we’ll leave for a later session. The more important of the two is the internal path. Whether you know it or not, the greatest battle in life is the one between your soul and ego. Your soul keeps pulling you towards truth and light, whereas your ego, nourished by your five senses, keeps pulling you towards the materialistic world and darkness. The five senses you know well as sight, smell, hearing, taste and touch. Your hero’s journey is to slay this internal enemy irrespective of the mesmerizing display of enchantments in your outer world. For at the end of your days you will be measured on the outcome of this internal struggle, not by how many trophies you acquired in the physical world. You alone must pull aside the veil of the unknown and step, with a gentle heart, devoid of ego, into the light. You cannot blame anyone else for your failure. If unsuccessful, further reincarnations will follow until you succeed.”

  “If the conquest of the ego is so important, why haven’t our religious organizations concentrated more on this?” asked Wolfram.

  Before Myttrwn could reply, Morgan interjected, “Perhaps it would be difficult for them to start preaching an anti-ego sermon when so many of them are caught up in the acquisition of materialistic wealth and power themselves. I expect that’s the reason so many people have walked away from organized religion in western countries because it was barren of spiritual guidance. Sadly, too many people today find themselves isolated and alone facing insurmountable problems.”

  Myttrwn let the group talk on as they chewed on the topic.

  Bryce entered the discussion, “Now that I think about my childhood religious classes I can recall references to virtues and vices, good and evil, truth and lies, the devil and Hell, but I do not recall much about ego bashing per say. And recently, even the devil and Hell have been scratched. Later, psychology courses said little about overcoming the ego. I wonder why?”

  Myttrwn responded, “I’ve examined some of your religious texts and would have to concur, there is little direct reference to this major internal struggle except for one book called the Bhagavad Gita, a text from India, material preserved from ancient times.”

  Dylan, having listened to the discussion, felt compelled to ask, “But surely Myttrwn, you’re not inferring that every one of us need to become some kind of spiritual hermit or yogi, removing ourselves from the world to carry out this internal battle. Most of us exist in a tangible world. So what do we do?”

  “True, but even if you’re in the physical world, your choices in life should provide you with a continuous process of self-discovery. Meditation may give you a means of achieving this internal enlightenment. You may have observed that every student in this kingdom is skilled at meditation. Through meditation you can slowly learn to control your senses. Self-control is essential to your psychological and spiritual growth.”

  “Fine, I am aware that certain team members do daily meditation. Perhaps before we leave you might give the rest of us some understanding of how to meditate. That’s a beginning.” But Dylan was not quite ready to accept meditation as the only path and asked, “You mentioned a second path?”

  “The second path may be more familiar. Perhaps Morgan could give us a description of his understanding of mythology, a topic we shall now explore.”

  Surprised by Myttrwn’s request, Morgan responded. “Oh, I’d be delighted,” and putting on his professorial persona he proceeded, “Mythology refers to the collected myths or body of stories of a group of people which are used to define their fundamental views of the universe, nature, history, customs, traditions and taboos. It defines a community, giving them a sense of belonging, and explains their moral, psychological, social and spiritual practices. The main characters of such tales are often gods and goddesses, demigods, or supernatural humans. Before you ask, there is confusion over what constitutes a myth, a fable, legend or folktale. After centuries, especially when so many tales were transmitted verbally, the lines got blurred. In addition, as religions change, past myths sometimes get reinterpreted with the former characters demoted to subhuman forms such as elves and faeries. This has complicated the understanding of ancient myths.”

  “That’s fine Morgan, but our current academics tend to have a very dim view of mythology. Am I right?” asked Andrew.

  “Indeed,” came Morgan’s immediate response, “Their views vary, none positive. Some believe the ancients used myths to describe the acts of their self-created gods or goddesses, or to justify rituals or magic, or they are poetic fantasy using allegorical instructions to shape the individual. There are always the exceptions. A few actually thought myths reflected patterns in the mind or were possible expressions of a society’s goals, fears, and dreams. But few academics waste their time on the topic as they believe it is not their job to define morality and see myths as contradictory to the technological world we currently live in. Yet, I’ve found a treasure trove of valuable information in myths.”

  “That’s a fine review, Morgan, and your attitude to myths is commendable,” replied Myttrwn, and turning to the group, he continued, “While your scientists have identified some aspects of myths they have failed to grasp one of its main purposes. Because a previous civilization does not speak the same language or use the same words to describe his or her world, it doesn’t mean they do not have similar thoughts.”

  Morgan interjected, “I suppose our scientists might be compared to that old story of four blind men examining an elephant. Each, in examining only one aspect of the elephant, assumes his segment epitomized the entire animal.”

  “I’m not familiar with that particular tale but the principle is correct.” Then looking around Myttrwn asked, “Having heard Morgan’s comments, why would a modern society bother with myths, traditions or legends?”

  Angi remembering her recent chat with Adawee, spoke up saying, “I believe we need myths and rituals to help us go through the psychological and spiritual stages in our lives, a practice which, sadly, we seem to be discarding in our modern world.”

  “Yes, Angi, rituals and traditions were and are designed to introduce the individual to the transitional stages in their lives and, through initiation and ceremony, help them assume increasing responsibilities and as they move towards maturity to gain increased self-control.”

  “Are we talking about such ceremonies as marriage and funerals?” a
sked Dylan.

  “Exactly,” replied Myttrwn, “At the end of each ceremony the individual is expected to let go of their previous life and move on into the rites, traditions, practices and responsibilities of a different way of living. Let’s stop at this point and see how many ceremonies you have already experienced in your own lives. Andrew, as one of the senior members of the group, would you begin?”

  “I’d be glad to,” replied Andrew, “I expect age will make a difference in what is reported. In my case, belonging to one of a number of Christian religious organizations, I was christened as an infant marking my arrival into my family and community. As a young man I went through various education grades and eventually entered university where, I expect, graduation can be identified as a ceremonial step. In the military there were definite stages and ceremonies as you advanced up through the ranks. Different social organizations also had their own set of initiations and graded steps. Marriage was another ceremony in my life which was followed by the christening of our own three children. Deaths and funerals in one’s family also change one’s life,” he deliberately avoided mentioning his wife’s death. “I could list other less formal ceremonies but will leave it at that. I expect all these changed me in some way. I’m now left with my funeral, another formal ceremony.”

  “Let’s hope that’s a long way off,” smiled Myttrwn.“Now Bryce how about you?”

  “My life mirrors Andrew’s except my wife and I did not have children and she died a few years ago leaving me a widower, a definite transition for me. I also had a formal retirement party when I left my employment at sixty-five, a ceremony of sorts. I won’t mention my funeral but, like Andrew, I see funerals as transition points in life as dear friends depart.”

  Myttrwn then looked at the rest of the group saying, “I expect that since the rest of you are younger your ceremonial list may be shorter. Would anyone like to begin?”

  Angi took the lead, “I have similar ceremonies to Andrew’s early list of being christened, and going through an educational system with graduation ceremonies from high school and later in acquiring my nursing degree. My parents were divorced when I was little, which is not so much a ceremony but a major change in one’s life, especially if you are a child. As for funerals, I recently lost my grandmother which definitely was an unexpected transition for me which I am still experiencing.”

  As Angi stopped, Vette began, “I came from a traditional Acadian family with similar ceremonies as noted by Andrew, Bryce and Angi; christening and the educational route which was enhanced by the stages of my police training and graduation. When my only brother, also a police officer with the RCMP, was killed in the line of duty, I felt it was my obligation to enlist to honour our family tradition. My two other siblings were married with children. This definitely changed my life.”

  This was the first time the group heard of Vette’s reason for becoming a police officer. As Vette concluded her comments, Wolfram proceeded.

  “My list gets even shorter. My family did not participate in any formal religious organization so my ceremonial life begins and ends with education. Graduating from high school I went into police training where there were strict initiations and a graduation. Later, I graduated with a law degree from a local university. I’d like to add, when Angi healed my rather shattered leg through the aid of her medallion that was, I suppose, a ritual, one that definitely changed my life for the better.” He glanced at Angi.

  Myttrwn looked from Wolfram to Angi. This was his first report of a recipient of Angi’s healing capabilities. But not wanting a diversion he turned to Morgan and asked, “How about you Morgan?”

  “My situation is similar to Wolfram’s. My ceremonies have been primarily through education; high school and two university degrees. I was also married, my wife died recently and this was my first family funeral.” He stopped there not wanting to proceed.

  Myttrwn understood and turning to the others asked, “Now for the rest of you, can you share your experience with ceremonies?”

  The rest mainly identified education and their military training as their chief ceremonies.

  Myttrwn, responded, “Its good you all have had some experience with a ceremony. Again I ask, why are ceremonies needed?”

  Morgan spoke up, “That’s a good question because in our western society many traditional ceremonies are being lost. Some rather odd fads have replaced certain events like marriage ceremonies, but these are not sustaining. And yet, I know that older societies held resolutely to their traditions and ceremonies as if their very survival depended on it. Myttrwn, why?”

  Myttrwn liked Morgan’s inquisitive mind, and replied, “You are right Morgan, ceremonies are needed, as Angi stated, to carry an individual through their psychological, social and spiritual stages so they can move on in life. As the individual progresses from one stage to another such as childhood to adulthood or adulthood to elder, they are expected to discard the old ways and assume new duties and responsibilities. The primary purpose of such initiations are to indelibly register this transition on the unconscious of the individual. Thus, a culture nurtured in a ceremonial life remains connected to a spiritual star, every phase of his or her existence is alive with symbolism. He or she knows precisely the pattern to be followed in life and is strengthened by each ceremony. That is the reason why older societies regarded their ceremonies as essential to their continuity with the past and the future.”

  Listening, Angi was compelled to ask, “But Myttrwn, our world is in the midst of a transition from the Kali Yuga to the Dwapara Yuga. Many no longer follow any organized religious tradition, which means children do not have an official ceremony when they are born or named, leaving the educational system as their only ceremonial source. Graduation provides a mediocre ceremonial transition and the depths of symbolism and messaging might be questioned. In addition, as more and more people live together without a marriage ceremony, this too must have some effect on our society. What happens when such ceremonies are weakened or ignored?”

  “As I mentioned before, each one of you is part of a whole. Male or female, young or old, soldier or statesman, you cannot exist alone as you need to be part of a larger entity. Through your society or community, you receive your identity, your ideas, and your understanding of the world around you. If you cut yourself off from this in thought or deed you break your connection with the very source of your existence. Eventually, your timeless symbols start collapsing which could damage your psyche.”

  “What symptoms should we be looking for that might identify such a breakdown?” asked Andrew.

  “One example might be as children do not have a decided ceremony of separation to move on into adulthood, you may find that there is an inability of the child to mature away from his or her parent, leaving a society stuck in a perpetual state of being unable to grow up or grow old.”

  Andrew was pressed to add, “This reminds me of a Bible passage I once read, possibly from Corinthians, which says, ‘When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things.’ That’s definitely clearer now.”

  “Wow,” replied Angi, “I believe negative signs are already appearing. In our western society we have an overwhelming fear of aging which is being nurtured by a multi-million dollar industry ready to cater to every whim, most procedures and products providing only temporary relief.”

  “I have another perspective of this failed transition from childhood to adulthood,” said Morgan. “In recent years we in the academic world are experiencing a very different influx of students due to their parents. The media has begun to describe the situation as over-parenting, intense parenting and helicopter parenting.”

  “Morgan, would you care to explain the meaning of these words?” asked Myttrwn.

  Morgan proceeded, “They have slightly different meanings but overall it describes parents who are excessively involved in their child’s life in the desperate desire to shield them fr
om any difficulty. Symptoms of the hovering, demanding parent are incessantly complaining to teachers about their child’s grades or any perceived discomfort, some being belligerent in their demands for special programs and services solely for their child irrespective of the cost. I’ve also heard of parents accompanying their grown children to college or university enrollment or job interviews, making demands for easier class or work schedules and more benefits. In other words, they are thwarting their child’s growth. I suppose subconsciously they believe this may retard their own aging.”

  Telepathically to Sirona, Myttrwn said, “This is astonishing. What becomes of a society locked in a childish mentality when difficulties arise? Would the parents or elders be capable of providing leadership?”

  Angi thinking through the comments asked, “Are you inferring Myttrwn that mythology with its symbols and ceremonies is some form of psychology?”

  Myttrwn pleased that the group was understanding the material replied, “Yes Angi, the mythological stories with their powerful symbolism were intended to help individuals understand the psychological and spiritual dangers of life and how to overcome them. Each stage of development came with a precise set of rules and responsibilities and it was expected that each individual, after a period of training, would have the courage to move on in his or her divine journey. Infantile urges would be purged as the individual moved into adulthood.”

  Morgan could not resist and added, “This means that mythology has been misrepresented by our scientists who have described it as stories of primitive religions, biographies of lost gods and goddesses, superstition, misunderstood history or cosmology. Instead it’s a series of symbolic triggers to awaken the individual to their unconscious. The mythological figures were not only symptoms of the unconscious they identified spiritual principles common to all human societies down through time.”