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Sacred Ceremony
The
stage is set. Tiny squares of white paper mark the points where stones will
be placed. The ‘temple’ is laid out in sacred geometric proportion – a giant
spiral held within a golden mean rectangle. Chairs are placed in orderly
fashion around the outer confines of the temple, whilst two more are set
within; one either side of the entrance.
The
journey begins at a pile of stones previously selected by members of the
group. There is an air of quiet expectation as one by one the ‘players’
enter and take their place for this most sacred ceremony. Some occupy chairs
surrounding the temple, whose role is to bless each stone with unconditional
love, whilst for others the task is more individual - one to ‘pick’; one to
‘sage’ (cleanse with pungent smoke); and one to ‘wash’ each stone; two more
are ‘washers’ within. Three roles have yet to be filled – two ‘angels’; one
responsible for placing the stones on the temple wall, the other for placing
them on the great spiral; and finally, Gaia – mother earth – who stands at
the centre where she remains in sacred stillness whilst the temple is
constructed about her.
I take
my place within the temple, one of the ‘washers’ at the entrance. With quiet
humility I rest upon the chair, for the privilege I feel at being chosen to
perform this task, is truly beyond words. It feels appropriate I am at this
doorway for my consciousness is entering a new level of awareness; although
I have much learning to acquire before gaining admittance to the ‘inner
sanctum’. As I absorb the scene before me I see perfection in every form.
Each player is ideal for the role they have to play. Random choice has not
figured in this selection; cosmic ordering is in progress, and I realise
with absolute wonder, a grand plan of divine purpose has been set in motion.
The
ceremony begins… in quiet reverence each stone completes the stages of its
journey, finally resting upon a paper square. I feel an overwhelming sense
of gratitude towards all the players who are enabling this ceremony; it
seems we, as a group, are fulfilling some higher purpose in the simplicity,
love and unity with which we perform our tasks.
My
attention is drawn to a window overlooking the garden… falling rain gently
caresses the earth, replaced seconds later with golden sunlight; dappled
shades of rainbow light sparkle amongst the water droplets… the rain falls;
the sun shines; a bird sings; and all the while the sacred ceremony
continues… stone after stone, after stone. I catch a glimpse of an ‘angel’;
reverence, purity and unconditional love radiate from her peaceful
expression, as she lays a stone upon the outer wall. Once again I am
transformed as I realise her quiet stillness reflects my inner state of
being.
My ears
are opened to the sound of soft, gentle tears; stone surrenders to touch as
I wash each surface and absorb every detail; smoke infiltrates my nostrils
to mingle with my breath and awakens taste buds to the bitter-sweet flavour
of sage. Every sense is filled; sight, sound, touch, smell and taste. All of
them to entrain, in each passing moment, to create one glorious orchestra of
delight! My soul, my spirit is filled with glory; I know the blessing of a
physical body and the sanctity of incarnation upon this blessed earth.
I greet
each stone as if it were an old and trusted friend and find myself
transported to another realm, another time. Once again I stand at the
entrance to a sacred temple, in an ancient land, deep beneath the earth.
Sacred ceremony gives rise to ancient knowledge, and memories are stirred,
bringing wisdom from these times. The past ceases to be and is born to the
present. Time comes to an end as all times and existences merge into one. I
experience moment by existential moment, sacred ceremony. Over
time, five hours in all, the sacred temple is constructed and the giant
spiral comes into being…
A change
of role sees me as a temple maiden and I enter the inner sanctum to join
three others. Our role is to welcome and honour each ‘player’ as they pass
through the doorway before treading the great spiral towards the centre of
the earth; upon arrival they will receive blessings from ‘Gaia’ then return,
along the spiral, to the outside world.
The
scent of sage intensifies as each person is cleansed before entering the
temple. Radiant joy and bubbles of laughter ripple through my peaceful
expression as I watch the room disappear behind ever increasing swirls of
pungent smoke; the enthusiastic ‘sager’ diligently performs his task unaware
of the remarkable gift he is bestowing.
As if
through the mists of time, the players emerge and begin their journey along
the spiral. A sense of deja-vu arises as recognition awakens long forgotten
memories; some, more than others, evoke feelings of familiarity and I
remember times of brotherhood in sacred service. A soul group, formed once
more, united in service to fulfil its highest purpose during this period of
monumental change.
Soon, I
enter the great spiral. Hands held in prayer position, it is with reverent
joy and purpose that I set upon the path where many others have walked
before… with each step the room fades from view, only this time it is not
due to the smoke. I walk through time and space in physical form knowing I
am not that form; my footsteps echo upon the earth yet I am not of the
earth. My consciousness expands to embrace all aspects of this ceremony,
this earth, this universe and all dimensions within time and space. I am
intimate with each of these players, with this beloved planet, the universe
and all that is beyond.
Peace
fills my being as one step follows another, then another, and another… time,
space and form merge to a point that is beyond existence. Words cannot
convey the profundity of this experience; I am everything and I am nothing.
There is no self and there is no other; no players and no ceremony; no earth
and no universe. A profound state of awareness where events unfold without
being orchestrated; very simple and very ordinary. The
spiral winds its way in gentle, rhythmic pulses to the centre of the earth,
where a crystal chamber filled with radiant light emits a welcoming glow. At
its heart, in resplendent glory, stands the Blessed Mother, Gaia,
magnificent in all her splendour; embodying all that is, Divine Feminine.
Laughter
breaks my peaceful reverie and I stand once more within the room. My
personality rises to the fore as I witness friendly interaction between
‘Gaia’ and one of the ‘players’. Expectation arises within and I anticipate
a similar ‘special’ blessing. Inwardly, I smile for this was not to be… a
simple sound of tingsha bells played above my crown bestows abundant
blessings. In its simplicity the sound has returned me to profound awareness
and unity consciousness; no self, no Gaia, no blessing. I bow in
appreciation then with strength of purpose I turn about and ride the spiral
to my daily life; forever changed and forever blessed.
Dear
Reader…
This
ceremony was the culmination of a week-long retreat based on the principles
of sacred geometry; the spiral being the key to movement between levels of
reality, times and existences. It is also the fundamental language of the
heart and of Great Spirit. My account is but one aspect of the richness of
this occasion; the experiences of the remaining 32 players complete the
whole. Although their accounts, as yet, remain untold it is the ‘wholeness’
of the experience I carry forward into my daily life.
Upon
reflection of these writings questions have arisen as to my state of
consciousness in relation to ‘All That Is’
Is it
possible to be in a state of unity knowing and experiencing duality within
that state? Or does unity cease in the moment I know duality?
Is it possible to be ‘All That Is’ whilst incarnate upon this earth within
the dualistic nature of 3d reality?
Today, I
have received an answer, of sorts, in the form of a poem by the Vietnamese
Buddhist Master, Thich Nhat Hanh:
“Let the
Buddha breathe
Let the
Buddha walk
I don’t
have to breathe
I don’t
have to walk
The
Buddha is breathing
The
Buddha is walking
I enjoy
the breathing
I enjoy
the walking
Buddha
is breathing
Buddha
is walking
I am
breathing
I am
walking
There is
only breathing
There is
only walking
There is
no breather
There is
no walker
Peace
while breathing
Joy
while walking
Peace is
the breathing
Joy is
the walking”
Very
simple, but it seems to say it all!
