"A sacred being cannot be anticipated; it must be
encountered."
__ W. H. Auden, "The Dyer's Hand"
Many people who are about to embark upon their spiritual quest come to consult me. They are curious about what they will find and who will they encounter. They have hugh expectations about the sp0iritual beings they are going to look up and 'work with'. As gently as I can, I try to explain that though they may be interested in encountering particular gods or goddesses, animal or heroic characters, they may not necessarily find the ones they hope to. Sometimes, it is true, there already exists a special relationship between a person and a spiritual being - a strong, enduring bond that takes no account whatever of the kind of spiritual discipline practice or quest undergone. Whether that person treks into the realms of Christianity or the regions of Buddhism, this same being will turn up - sometimes bafflingly out of place, sometimes very much at home - in her meditations and dreams.
The most potent spiritual help may come from nameless and sometimes unknown figures who appear in meditation, soul-flights, dreams and visions. Occasionally, however, our helpers are well known - great figures of history, myth, or religion. At those times we may feel humbled or overwhelmed by the sacred encounter, as well as suspicious that we may have made up the encounter from an overactive imagination. Listen to advice and wisdom that these figures give you. If they come to you; see if it works practically, if it is trustworthy. If everything checks out, you may well be privileged to be accompanied by a sacred being who is known and loved by many. But remember that our spiritual guides and teachers often take forms different from the ones we exptect. Do not reject their teachings simply because their appearance does not accord with your expectations. If the help is good, then so is the teacher.
"Who are your spiritual friends and teachers? Visit one today."
[From: "The Celtic Spirit" by Caitlin Matthews]
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