The Serpent's Song Read online

  That evening, Angi retired early to wrestle with her decision.

  * * *

  House of Learning, Angi’s Suite

  Angi filled the evening with bouts of meditation, sitting quietly or pacing. At one point, she lamented, “Oh, Gran, I miss your wise council. How often I heard you say, ‘Angi, why don’t you sleep on it, an answer will come in the morning.’” Heartened by the thought, she added, “You know, that’s just what I’ll do!”

  Restless, Angi tossed and turned, her subconscious refusing to let her relax. Having dozed off, a familiar dream upset what little sleep she would have. Again, she found herself in a pitch black room wanting to reach a raised dais in the distance. Straining, she could make out a dimly-lit altar. Hesitating, she stepped forth only to encounter the same menacing presence with flaming eyes that landed on her chest causing her to fall backwards.

  Fear and helplessness lingered upon wakening. “A second round of that damnable dream. Let’s hope a third never turns up.” She got out of bed, pushed her feet into cloth slippers, and headed towards the balcony. “I’ll use my in-house therapy of fresh air, silence, and scenery to settle my nerves.” Looking at the distant moons she estimated it was about four in the morning. Finding her favourite reclining chair, she sat down, comforting herself by wrapping her arms around her legs. Alone, with her eyes closed, she was unaware a familiar guest had arrived, until she spoke.

  “You’re dealing with a weighty decision this morning, Angi?” came Adawee’s gentle greeting.

  Angi looked up to find her feathery friend, the Snowy Owl, sitting on a branch of a potted tree near her chair, the yellow cat-like eyes staring at her. Her first thought was, “Apparently, others can read minds. I wonder if it’s a common trait.” Then responding to her guest’s greeting, she replied, “Adawee, it’s good to see you again. You are right. I need to make a major decision, one that could affect my entire life. I know you can’t intercede, but if there is anything you can contribute I would be most grateful.” Then a thought entered her mind, “I’m now asking an owl for advice. This journey grows in weirdness.”

  Sympathetic to Angi’s dilemma, Adawee replied, “Maybe chatting about other things may help you find the answer.”

  “Definitely, a digression is what I need,” replied Angi, grateful for Adawee’s suggestion. “Let’s begin.”

  Adawee repositioned herself on the branch and commenced. “Angi, do you believe people possess a basic wisdom, or are some people better than others?”

  “I don’t believe I’ve ever thought about this before,” replied Angi, taking time before commenting further. “I guess I believe there is a basic human wisdom, but some may need leadership before using it.”

  “Then, do you think there is a basic goodness in people?”

  “As a child I was taught that there was goodness in everyone. But as I grew older doubts set in. For instance, what goodness is there in those who abuse others, physically or mentally? Our world is just recognizing the destructiveness of physical abuse. It has yet to come to terms with the lingering wounds of mental abuse. These are but a few.”

  “Then your childhood views have changed, goodness is not prevalent,” was Adawee’s assessment of Angi’s comments.

  “Perhaps that was a bit rash. I would like to believe there is goodness in people. I do not want to give up on humanity no matter how much negativity inundates our lives. I expect a great deal of world chaos is because people don’t care enough about themselves and others and far too many cannot forgive.”

  “Angi, all worlds struggle with this at some time in their evolution. That is why we introduce meditation very early into the lives of our children. Meditation helps them to renounce small-mindedness, personal territory and ego. It opens their minds to higher principles and instructs them to be honest and genuine.”

  “My daily meditation certainly helps me. Unfortunately, meditation is not promoted in our schools, instead, sadly, we seem to elevate the ego which inflates selfishness.”

  “On the topic of honesty, Angi, do you regard honesty and the willingness to share ones thoughts and feelings with others a sign of strength or weakness?”

  “I personally regard honesty and openness as a sign of strength,” came Angi’s immediate reply. “Truthfulness ranks high in my books. I struggle with those who habitually lie. In fact as nurses we were taught lying is an early symptom of mental illness. Yet, in my world there are individuals who pride themselves on how well they can lie and get away with it. I can still be hoodwinked by a seasoned liar.”

  “Hoodwinked?............... You have a delightful use of words,” came Adawee’s reply as if struggling for meaning. Then she replied, “Ah, I understand. You are right, Angi, chronic liars are destructive. They eventually reach a point of believing their own lies and cannot see truth in any situation. Following on from this, what is your opinion of people who manipulate others?”

  Hesitating for a few seconds, Angi replied, “I have encountered a variety of manipulative behaviours, some in my professional life. There is a range; some good and most not so good. I can understand a parent’s role in maneuvering a child through his or her formative years to follow the right path in life. However, this gentle manipulation needs to be curtailed when the child grows up. Some parents do not know when to switch off such behaviour. But the real culprits are those who, because of their own insecurities and warped egos, feel compelled to dominate others in every relationship. Actually, it’s just another form of abuse. Fortunately, I have also met individuals who have little desire to manipulate others. These are the peacemakers.”

  “Do you think that greater discipline would reduce the abuse in your world?” came Adawee’s next pointed question.

  “That’s a tough one. In recent decades when discipline got linked to physical abuse, all forms of discipline were shunned. Lost was the understanding that a society is damaged when action and intellect are undisciplined and unsynchronized. It is no wonder we are facing an epidemic of bullying. Without discipline, it will only get worse. For me, discipline is connected with how one becomes a more gentle and genuine human being by overcoming selfishness. Until discipline becomes natural we may never reach enlightenment. Does that answer your question?” came Angi’s thoughtful reply.

  “You are doing just fine, Angi. Actually, the greater the self-discipline the more joyous life becomes. Those who have learned self-control know the way to real happiness. Is there anything else you would like to add?” for Adawee was not only learning a great deal about Angi, she was also gaining insight into her world with each reply.

  “I can only comment on the portion of world that I know. It bothers me that our minds are being daily inundated with sensation and violent news. So many people crave positive energy. This daily diet of negative input is creating a society where pleasure has been cheapened, joy reduced, and happiness tied to money and the acquisition of material things. At the same time, mental illness and addictions are soaring as more and more people feel alienated, lonely and lost. With science replacing religion, people have nothing to live for, nothing to look forward to after they die and even ethics and morality are losing their place in our society. That’s not a pretty picture, is it? Myttrwn says we are moving into the Dwapara Yuga and greater enlightenment. You would be hard pressed to see enlightenment in the midst of the picture I’ve just painted.”

  “Your description tells me that there is a lot of Kali Yuga still prevalent in your society even after its transition phase. You are right, more positive energy is needed.”

  “While I have given you a somewhat gloomy picture, I too must provide some balance. In the midst of all of this mess there are those who are the light bearers, who show tremendous kindness and caring for others. These are the angels that help preserve our world. Myttrwn says that such kindness will increase in the days ahead which gives me hope.”

  “Let’s move to a different topic, Angi. What do you regard as sacred?”

  “That’
s a huge topic. Let me see. I was brought up in a Christian community that taught that the sacred was all around me, and particularly in my church and community. In recent years, my views have changed by meeting others of different religions, and realizing our young people, who mostly shun organized religions, are focused on the environment. The sacred for me has shifted beyond buildings and single communities to the world at large. Everything is mysterious and sacred. Did that answer your question?”

  “It did, Angi, in your own delightful way,” was Adawee’s reply. “The universe is sacred and every situation has the potential for sacredness. When gentleness, decency and truthfulness, become common then your world will flourish.” With time running out, Adawee shifted to another topic and asked Angi, “What is your understanding of reincarnation and karma?”

  “This too has changed,” was Angi’s quick reply. “As a child I was taught that reincarnation did not exist. Lately, I’m not so sure. When I first met Sirona she informed me that I was immortal. That was a surprise. This statement forced me to reconsider reincarnation. But I am a neophyte on these two topics. Perhaps this time I’ll turn the tables and ask you if you can give me some insight into these topics. Is that permitted?”

  “Indeed it is,” replied Adawee, as she shifted her position on the branch. “Angi, you are the creator of your own Hero’s Journey. Seventy-five percent of your life has been predetermined by your own past lives. With each lifetime you have twenty-five percent to work on. If you do not change the twenty-five percent in a lifetime, then your past lives take control of your life. You can chose to do nothing, take an evil path or decide to grow. There is no point in blaming others, stumbling blocks exist to facilitate your decision making. As you now know, life is an illusion in which you get numerous opportunities to act. Basically, you control your own destiny.”

  “In other words, reincarnation keeps happening because I still haven’t learned something or there are dents in my karma that need attention,” replied Angi, after carefully following what Adawee had said.

  “I don’t believe I’ve ever heard it stated so succinctly,” replied Adawee, “but you have captured the essence. If you aim for greater enlightenment, then you can reduce your return trips. The more you develop your mind the more divine you become.”

  “So, it’s my choice to grow or retreat?” came Angi’s almost enthusiastic reply.

  “It’s all in your hands, Angi,” came Adawee’s words of encouragement. “You control your destiny. As you will learn, the past and the future are illusions, this moment is critical.”

  “Adawee, thank you, this has been a timely discussion. Now, is it OK for me to tell my friends about these chats?”

  “A little while yet, Angi. We need to meet again.”

  “Very well,” replied Angi, reluctantly.

  Then sensing Adawee’s visit was about to end, Angi was determined to see how she departed. With no warning, Angi stared as Adawee evaporated in a mist.

  “There is no end of surprises,” thought Angi. “I expect she’s another holographic image, just like Sirona when we first met.” Feeling rejuvenated, she walked nimbly towards her suite. She now knew what to do.

  * * *

  The House of Life

  The twelve walked briskly across the plaza to the House of Life heading straight for the lecture room with the fourteen armchairs arranged in a circle. No sooner had they arrived than Sirona and Myttrwn appeared.

  With little introduction Myttrwn got underway saying, “Today, I’ll take a few questions on the Yugas as I want to devote our full time to the topic of ‘energy,’ a dominant feature of the Dwapara Yuga. Later I’ll make arrangements for a general discussion on all topics. Is that acceptable?”

  Nods gave general consent.

  Morgan was the first to speak, “Myttrwn, I don’t have a question on the Yugas, but I wonder if you could elaborate on the Law of One?”

  “Certainly, Morgan”, replied Myttrwn, “The Law of One is a pivotal philosophy and moral code of our kingdom. To us there is one universal mind to which everyone and everything is connected. Everyone is a holographic reflection of this one universal mind. Distinctions of separateness which mankind insist on creating are unthinkable to us. Therefore, for us One represents all the qualities of the universe; male and female, odd and even, beginning and ending, active and passive, above and below, and much more. We represent this principle by the serpent biting its tail, the Uroboros. This symbol of wisdom identifies the seamless, eternal state of oneness. While the serpent is popular in our world and once was in yours, others, like the Egyptians and Mesopotamians used the Shen Ring and the Celts the torc or neck-ring to symbolize the same oneness.”

  Myttrwn continued, “The Law, in the Law of One, is a moral code attached to this philosophy which focuses on the relationship of the individual to the divine. It stipulates that if the universal mind is in everyone and everything, then all actions must acknowledge this principle. Under this law, each individual is expected to live a moral life, spending time in search of his or her own spiritual enlightenment, and demonstrate by their actions that they adhere to the Law of One.”

  Andrew was pressed to ask, “As I understand it, Myttrwn, you have no religious organizations as we understand them. Does that mean individuals can seek their own spiritual guide?”

  Understanding Andrew’s thoughts, Myttrwn responded, “Andrew, the Law of One is a way of life, not a religion. While individuals usually have one spiritual guide throughout their adult life, sometimes this may change for various reasons.”

  “In keeping with your Law of One, does it mean your strategies and technologies must have both a spiritual and scientific base?” asked Wolfram.

  “That’s correct, Wolfram. But in my recent observation of your world a critical dichotomy is appearing. Your scientific achievements are advancing rapidly while your spiritual life seems to be shriveling. This is dangerous.”

  “In what way is it dangerous?” asked Andrew.

  “This lack of balance can destroy a civilization,” came Myttrwn’s reply as he, for the first time, showed genuine concern for the Earth but did not elaborate further.

  Continuing the questioning, Wolfram asked, “In technology which has priority, the state or the individual?” realizing the power of the individual back home.

  “Society as a whole has priority, the individual comes second,” came Myttrwn’s immediate reply. “Technology needs to benefit the greatest good. The individual is provided with a great deal of free services on the basis he or she gives back a certain degree of service to their community.”

  “Does the individual have any choice in the service?” asked Vette.

  “This is negotiable, Vette. Sometimes the community makes the change or the Council of Elders asks the individual to serve the kingdom as a whole.” Noting the time Myttrwn asked, “Perhaps we could leave any further questions on this to another day as we must allow sufficient time for today’s topic.”

  With hardly a break in rhythm Myttrwn shifted the discussion. “As I mentioned before, the universe, ours and yours, is composed of energy which exists in waves. While this unified world of energy appears to have discrete objects, you are actually only seeing reflections of the real phenomenon. Objects appear separate because things vibrate at different wavelengths. The physical reality you think you are seeing is based on your own perception.”

  “If that is so, then how come we see the same thing?” came Vette’s question, who was struggling with this new revelation.

  Expecting the question, Myttrwn replied, “Vette, individuals have been programmed from childhood to accept a certain reality. While people share a global physical reality there may be slight differences between cultures. Nevertheless, the reality created by your five senses is limited as it can only grasp a small percentage of signals. Anything which does not perfectly fit your preconceived reality is filtered out. Your single dimension does not want, nor does it recognize, the multiple dimensions which exis
t all around you. For example, if you do not accept Extra Sensory Perception, then anything on that topic is deleted. As such, different people end up with slightly different realities. It is nothing more than their brain turning energy into a personal reality, a reality they favour and usually will fight to retain.”

  Suddenly remembering an example from her previous job, Vette replied, “I suppose that’s why people at the scene of an accident often give widely different interpretations of events.” Then she added, as if repetition would instill the idea, “So, if I understand what you are saying, this body, which seems solid, is nothing more than energy.”

  Myttrwn responded, “That’s right, Vette, you are made up of layers of energy, which may be described as complex bundles of frozen light or frozen energy.”

  “Now that’s something to contemplate………. I am frozen energy,” came Morgan’s response, voicing the struggle being experienced by the team.

  “Morgan, perhaps you would prefer being called a body of light. The cells of your body actually emit pulses of ultraviolet light. These weak cellular light pulses are part of a light-based communication system that helps to coordinate the actions of your cells. Your DNA stores light as energy. When you are under stress, illness or have sudden outbursts of anger or aggression, you throw off light. The darkness of your light energy will one day be used to diagnose illness and prescribe treatment. But I am getting ahead of myself. To help us with this topic, let’s carry out a few simple experiments.”

  Before proceeding, he added, “I am going to provide you with a small dish of frozen water crystals. I would ask that you do not touch the dish or crystals until our experiments are over.” With that, his verbal command brought forth a floating laptop desk for each member containing a glass dish of white crystals sitting securely at its center. An invisible force maintained the frozen state of the crystals while a subtle light source created shades of blue, pink and yellow colours on the tips of the crystals.”