The Mystic Paradigm: An Evolutionary Novel (13 page)

Marti and Tara glanced at each other. Indirectly and skillfully she had also brought up the subject of what may have happened at the portal.

Everyone acknowledged Tara’s ability to bring up what was a tough subject even for this group, yet not everyone was clear where she was going with her suggestion. The idea of unity consciousness and living in a high, heart-centered life was a primary focus of the new world. Could it be they had forgotten some basic principle of being wholly human? The room again was silent for some time.

The mystic Breana took a deep, meditative breath and began to speak. “You are wise to bring up that important issue. I agree that at times we do not focus much time on the shadow side of ourselves. I believe there is a common theme in what both of you brought up today. Let me explain—please stay with me.”

She took another long, deep breath and continued. “As most of you know, in our practice of yoga we try to find the balance of the physical and spiritual. We also try to explore and accept the sacred and the mundane. We find that these two elements can live together in harmonious balance. Of the seven chakras we utilize in our work the first three deals directly with our possible energy issues. The first base or root chakra is our direct tie to our primal energy and to the earth. It deals with physical survival and security. The second or sacral chakra
deals with our basic emotions, our sexuality and our ability to connect with others. Relationships are a key component. The third, the navel or solar plexus chakra deals with the ego, self-identity and self-concept. It is also called the “power chakra” as we deal with power issues over ourselves and others. All of these three identify more with our physical self and our relationship with being an individual human being. These keep us grounded, healthy and human, yet there also can be a struggle with power and ego. This is part of being human. Layia was able to keep the three travelers grounded because she balanced these earth oriented energies with the higher spiritual energies. The heart, of course, is the center and is what binds all the energies, both earth and spirit.”

She paused again then made her point. “We have come a long way in our understanding of the ego and the shadow side, but perhaps we are missing something. Our seeking of cosmic and unity consciousness is important and has helped our society evolve, but perhaps Tara is correct: we are partially ignoring our shadow side, our primal physical energy, and our connection to the earth. Is it possible that we need to identify and explore our ego self and our separation? I feel our culture may be slightly out of balance and the key is to focus on this to find the answers.”

The group was silent again for some time, reflecting on what Breana had just said.

Then the mystic Jerias spoke. He had studied the ancient shamanic path and advised on such matters. “Shamanism is probably our oldest spiritual practice. It dates back at least 40,000 years or more. In the practice of shamanism, everything has a life-force, a spirit, and a ‘being-ness’. This has been given the term ‘animism’. Everything is our teacher; our Earth is giving us lessons all the time. Spirits of the rivers, mountains, and our ancestors all are part of this. In this practice it is common for souls and spirits to lose their personal power. This power becomes lost or diminished. My thoughts are that this is also tied to the loss of energy that is occurring. It ties in with all of what has been spoken of today.”

Everyone nodded their heads in agreement. Jerias had spoken wisely and, as with all that had been said, helped make the connections for a solution to their issues.

Marti finally wanted to bring in the scientific point of view. “I agree with what all of you are saying. As scientists, we see everything as pure energy. All objects, everything we see, touch and feel are pure energy in their essence. There is also energy that we do not see or feel, though it is still there. All things come from this pure energy. We all understand this. All of this energy is interconnected in a web of sorts, a matrix, as I call it. And with everything we do, we affect this quantum field of energy. What we need to remember and focus on are the gaps in our field. What are the areas in our society, culture and spiritual beliefs that we could improve upon and grow in? I believe that there may be an energy gap that may not be seen, but when recognized we can change and improve it.”

“Yes,” Talis added, “there are things we can improve upon in our system. That, along with our belief system, may need a tune up or an adjustment of sorts. Grandfather always told me to be open to new possibilities and improvements. We need to always strive toward our best intensions.”

Marti interjected quickly. This was his chance to bring up a tough issue. “I hesitate to bring this up, but many of you do not know that we had a mishap in the portal chamber bringing the three travelers home. We almost did not succeed in getting them back safely.”

A collective gasp was heard from the group.

Marti continued. “I bring this up because we are discussing the shadow side of ourselves. After our analysis, we feel that someone or something caused this accident.”

No one knew what to say. They looked around the room at each other. Talis and Joshua both glanced at each other, then to Layia. A ghostly silence continued among the group.

“Are you thinking it was sabotage? Like someone did not want them to return?” Marias asked uneasily.

“We are not sure, but yes, that is a definite possibility,” Marti answered in a sober tone.

“And who would want to do this?”

“I don’t know.” He looked around the room.

Tythia interjected, “There are those that may have taken things too far.” She looked at Michael and Marias.

“What do you mean by that?” Talis asked in concern.

Tythia was hesitant to speak. “There are those that don’t want the lost mystics to interfere with our natural evolution here on Earth. I’m sorry, I can’t say anymore at this time.”

“But someone tried to kill us for their beliefs!” Joshua yelled to the group, irritated with the hidden messages and lack of honesty.

The room was silent and tension was thick between many members. Had a sacred trust been broken after all these years? Talis and Joshua glanced at each other. They knew something was being hidden from them, something that needed to be revealed before they could move forward.

After another long period of reflection, Helena was the first to comment. “Perhaps, then, it is time we look into our own darkness? As Tara mentioned, we may need to look into the shadow again and accept its presence in our lives, as it is all connected. We need to look at our fears and separate self. We need to accept this part of ourselves and move toward the light, knowing that our ego or shadow self is part of us. I believe this relates to all issues raised today. I sense a truth is being hidden from our larger society. It is time to be honest with ourselves and examine the darkness. This is where our answers may lie.”

Helena was a wise mystic and leader. Everyone listened intently to her guidance. She was silent, took a few deep breaths, then continued. “Let us go and rest now. I would like all of you to spend time reflecting on these issues. Talking to others in smaller groups is also wise. Time is of the essence, but as always, be at peace when you reflect on these things. Please spend a few days on this matter. At a time in the near future, we will meet again. Blessed be to all of you. Let us take a few moments together to reflect.”

And with Helena’s conclusion, the group sat in silent meditation. They all breathed in, then out, trying to connect with each other and the universe. Many were having difficulty. Trust had been broken. They needed to take a deep look within, to examine themselves and their ideal world.

Chapter 22

The Power of Love

Most everyone from the core group was staying at Western University to contemplate the issues at hand. Some were taking a lot of quiet time to meditate, reflect and pray. The large open grounds and quiet atmosphere allowed for introspection and focus. Many were also gathering in small groups to discuss solutions. The Joint Regional Council had also put out the recent discussions on the virtual net so that people could have input and understand what was going on. This was not a private matter, and openness was a way of their culture. The power and decisions ultimately rested with the people.

The various mystic universities and councils throughout the world were also informed of the issues. The University and the local council members asked for help and input. They also asked for continued meditation and prayer. They would have to come up with a few possible solutions in a reasonable amount of time. The energy field had weakened and was still causing tension throughout the world. It was only a matter of time before things could become unbalanced. No one knew for sure what would happen, but replacing the lost energy and finding another magnifying energy was of upmost importance. They could not take any chances. They had worked so hard to build a peaceful and just society.

They also needed to find out what was going on that made someone want to harm the young travelers and disrupt the process of communicating with the lost mystics. Indeed, after so much peace, a fearful part of the culture was emerging, the shadow self, perhaps dormant all of these years, was waiting for the right moment to appear.

***

Talis was able to spend some time with Jasmine alone. They had wanted to do this since he had returned. There was a deepening bond that they both could feel. They retreated to a private guest house at the University so they could be together.

“How do you feel?” Jasmine asked as she sat close to him, wanting to be close to his energy.

Talis looked at her attentively. “I feel different. The travel, of course, changed me. I see how precious life is, how sacred. I also feel on edge, restless. My guard is up and my trust is shaky. This feels unnatural to me.” He smiled affectionately at her and changed his tone. “I am so delighted to be with you though. How I missed your energy and touch.”

Jasmine touched him tenderly, making him shiver with the caress of her hands. “Relax, my love. You can trust in me now. Life is very sacred. I have felt your connection many times recently.”

“How so?” Talis closed his eyes feeling her soft touch.

“When you were gone I had a strong vision and feeling about the power of love. Human love to be specific. I have never experienced it before and it is helping me open up in different ways. In some ways, this grounded human love may be part of the answer.”

Talis looked at her again, his eyes open now, fixed on hers. “Are you feeling love for me?”

Jasmine giggled lightly and took his hand in hers. “Yes. I am in love with you, Talis Dueter. It makes me confused at times though, so emotional, so—vulnerable. This is so new to me. I am trying to just let go and experience this love with you in all its power.”

“I love you dearly, Jasmine,” Talis said with devotion. “There is something about you and your beautiful energy that captivates me. I have never been in love with someone quite like this, especially a mystic!”

They both laughed and held each other for a long moment, taking time to be silent and be in the moment. Love, the most powerful force of the universe, connected them, bonded them. Separate no longer, their energy was joined. They felt this divine union and embraced it.

“What shall we do with this?” Jasmine asked, looking deeply into his eyes.

“I am not sure. We can first be present in our love for each other. This will not go away.” Talis tried not to think of other things, but the seriousness of their situation could not be ignored. “I think both of us have to also focus on finding a solution for our world. I believe our intense bond and love can help.”

Jasmine continued to look into his eyes, not wanting to be anywhere else but in his arms. “What was it like to be in the presence of Lillian and the other entities? I have felt their energy and have communicated with the spirit world often, but have never completely crossed over the way you did.”

“It was beautiful, but also overwhelming.” Talis held Jasmine tight, fidgeting somewhat with the subject matter. “Lillian had a very strong energy. She wanted to help us. All of the spirits we met were of the light. They wanted to assist. Yet they also made it clear that we needed to come up with the answers. That it was our destiny to deal with these things and find the truth. Lillian also made reference to what had happened when she and the other mystics disappeared. She was illusive about it though, like she was guarding a secret. I can’t help thinking that many are guarding this secret, just like with Grandfather’s journals. And on top of that Tythia and Michael were hiding something the other day; I could see it in their eyes. What is going on? There is something that is not quite right. It gives me an unsettled feeling.”

“Do you have any ideas about how we will solve this dilemma?” Jasmine asked, knowing that there was a deep mystery that needed to be solved.

“My thoughts are with the earth and our system, what we have accomplished. The spiritual world has been a strong part of this, but so have the cultural advancements we have made for all people. Somehow this ties into what everyone is saying. The physical plane ties in with the spiritual plane. There is a conflict between the two. We need to strengthen this connection. Is there a division of sorts that is causing this energy decrease? And is this what is being hidden from us? I am still confused over the uneasiness I feel around Michael and the Elders, and of Lillian herself. And now our return was almost sabotaged? It just doesn’t add up; it just is not like us. Mistrust, secrets, divisions—this is part of the old dysfunctional culture, not ours.” Talis was becoming worked up over it. He did not want to think the inevitable, that someone had wanted to kill him.

Jasmine tried to calm him, massaging his temples and gently touching his shoulders, using her healing energy to help. She reflected on what he said and made her own observation. “As part of coming to Earth and being human, we experience the individual soul. This is partly our purpose so that we can grow. The ancient shamanic practice is partially focused on soul work, healing the individual soul. We are part of the One, but as humans we also experience and grow as individuals. This is the feeling I am getting with the mistrust going on. There is indeed some healing that needs to occur. The shadow we are exploring may need to be exposed to heal. We also need to view it on a larger energy level, that we are all still connected, that it is a collective issue that we need to come to terms with. Trust can be broken, but also rebuilt. The secrets will be revealed.”

“That makes a lot of sense,” Talis said thoughtfully, calming down for a moment. “Grandfather taught me that there was still work to be done. That we always grow. I know our society still has issues that need to be addressed. And probably many of us need healing. He also spoke of a duality in humans, that there are two parts to each of us. It’s possible, as others are saying, that we have buried certain aspects of our shadow side for too long. It could be hidden collectively among the secrets of the lost mystics. Maybe that is what Grandfather was trying to tell me?”

Jasmine cradled Talis and they both were silent for a time. In a moment of passion, her lips finally found his and their kiss connected them on a level neither had yet experienced. They were both surprised and elated at the synergy between them.

“It is amazing how we have connected,” Jasmine said lovingly. “In many ways I feel like it’s the yin/yang energy that makes us relate so well. The physical and the spiritual. The duality of life that we have been discussing recently. Yin and yang interrelate and complement each other, separate yet intertwined and connected. It’s beautiful how our energy is becoming interdependent. And how we give rise to each other and interrelate to one another. I am beginning to feel this way.”

“Am I the more physical one? My feet planted firmly on this earth?” Talis smiled as he caressed her long brown hair.

“I think you may be that strong grounded force that I crave in my life as a mystic,” Jasmine said as she relaxed with his touches. “You make me feel more of the earth. My love feels human and this is something that feels wonderful.”

Talis pondered this all. “I have always been practical, I guess. My friends call me pragmatic and I usually take that as a good thing. I very much believe in the spiritual realm, it is always part of me, but I tend to be more like my grandfather. He was always grounded in what he could do to help on the earthly level, what we call ‘sacred activism,’ or what I often refer to as ‘love-in-action’. This is a transforming force that is born of a deep connection of spiritual knowledge and radical action, along with a dose of courage, love, and passion. This is what the revolution was all about and what we have done here with our society for the last 60 years. What we have accomplished socially and culturally are part of the physical realm. It has transforming power. The University has been such an instrumental part in our transformation. You, too, are indeed love-in-action. Maybe we need to connect the physical and the spiritual on a stronger level? This is the intuitive feeling I am getting, the need for a stronger connection.”

“Yes, me too; I feel the same.” Jasmine said. “It is possible that our new feelings of love will help us understand this balance, the blending of the physical and the spiritual. As you said, the sacred activism that has helped transform our society has an important place in the spiritual world.”

“I agree. We will need to talk to the others soon. This may help us discover the truth that we seek.”

They both looked at each other and reflected on the moment. They only wanted to stay in each other’s arms and forget their larger responsibilities. The peace they felt made them forget the task ahead. Tonight they would forget all else. As their bodies and spirits intertwined, they became one for a few hours, forming an inseparable passionate bond. The strongest force would overcome any challenge: the power of love.