esson 28: Spear Hallow

itting by Arthur's side, I ask him to show me the Spear Hallow, and he asks me by what right I make my request. "By birthright," I tell him. "As a member of the Spear Tribe, it is my tribal standard, my baton to run with, my torch to raise high, to keep the fire burning and shining forth as I move through the world. It is my passion, my symbol, my light, my magic; and it is my place to share it with the world."

   He places his right hand on the top of my head and I am transformed into a chough. I fly further south, and up and up, as the mountains reach higher toward the heavens. As I approach the summit of the southernmost and highest peak, I see the Spear surrounded by the flames of volcanic activity--the primal creative/destructive force of the earth. Basking in the intense heat, I gaze into the heart of the flames and see all my creative projects finished, as others wait to manifest. Stacks of notes are published books, piles of beads are jewelry, bags of scraps are beautiful quilts, and the slate is clean, offering free and clear space for new beginnings. I take up the Spear and, concentrating as hard as I can, I cast it into the heart of this vision with a wing and a prayer. On this of all days, I can't help but think of 'fire in the cockpit,' as the Spear descends. As it impacts the pool of lava, it shatters into millions of pieces, releasing its spirit power and causing a huge eruption of sparks. Two hundred and twenty-nine flames shoot upwards toward heaven and sparks fly out and cover the land. The faeries in my heart emerge and join the rain of sparks. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, Moonchild," I hear them say, "for restoring our place to us, and us to our place. We no longer have to hide in your heart, but are free to go out into the world, and make it a brighter place. It DOES matter!"

   I fly up with them, and we dance trails across the sky, until I return, free and joy-filled, to Arthur's throne. He touches my head once again, returning me to human form. Then he takes his spear from the other side of his throne and lays it on the ground, pointing towards me. I take out my Tarot cards, shuffle and lay down five of them, beginning at the butt of the spear and ending at the point . . .

ugury of the Spear of Light

"How can the Spear be manifest within me?"

1. Light of Skill--Stone Nine

I use my skill to create for myself, to decorate my nature, for "enjoyment of solitary pursuits"--then hide my creations in the woods, where only the trees and animals can judge them.

2. Healing Light--Sword Maiden

In the past, the light of the Spear has drawn the attention of my enemies and detractors. I've tried to shield or lessen this light, in order that they might not notice me, to blend with the background or camouflage myself and my light. The Sword Maiden sews the scabbard; not to hide the Sword, but as a protection for its bearer against "slings and arrows." I have to take up this shield, not to cover the light, but to ensure that no one can extinguish it (except me).¹

3. Inner Light--Stone Queen

I need to trust that, no matter how far removed I feel, I still have my place on the gwyddbwyll board. I'm a valuable player, adding my own unique strengths to the game. When I look in her mirror, I see that I have everything I need to play.²

4. Creative Light--Stone Maiden

My creative flame is kept burning by my desire to uphold the Stone of Wisdom, and to present it on a platter to others. Show and Tell.

5. Light Eternal--Wounded King

I serve by my willingness to sacrifice, and to bleed. I feel the wounds of the world, sometimes so that others don't have to. I take a licking, but keep on ticking. I remind other to *care*--about other beings, about life, about the important things--while we/they have a chance. One day it might be too late. I have to care *now.* Yet even though I am willing to sacrifice for others, I can't allow myself to become totally incapacitated. I must also take time to recuperate, and grow in my own strength, so that I may continue to serve.

1) What she said: "'...Above all things, take up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the wicked one's burning missiles....' With such armor, you will be protected." {back}

2) What she said: "You hold back strong energy because you fear its destructive power. But destruction and creation, like fear and excitement, are twins.
-Know in your mind that victory is yours if you stay in the race.
-Believe in your soul that the Grail belongs to you as well as to any other.
-Clothe your body with the sky. Move through the world with confidence and strength. ... Is [the hawk] wicked or righteous when he hunts and kills? He is true to his nature.
-Prepare your heart for all emotions--hate as well as love, war as well as peace. Sometimes one must kill to survive, wound to heal." {back}