esson 7: Sword Maiden, Sword Two and Sword Three

etting out into the Sword Realm, I climb a hill to get the lay of the land, and find the Sword Maiden there, sitting in a lovely spot among the flowers.

"Hello," I greet her, "I'm Moonchild."
"Hello, Moonchild, I'm Dee."
"That's beautiful work you're doing, Dee. May I have a look?"
"Certainly."

      She holds up the scabbard for me to see. The steps of my journey through the Sword Realm are embroidered thereon. This upsets me and I ask her how she can presume to set down my future like that. It's not so much the future, she explains, but a map of the territory that anyone would have to travel to win the Sword.

      She is very soft-spoken. I'm reminded of a proverb that God answers prayers in a whisper; that one must listen to the 'still, small voice.' There seem to be a lot of perils on this path, and I ask her for advice in meeting them and protecting myself.

      "Stand firm with your loins girded about with truth, and wearing the breastplate of righteousness, and with your feet shod with the good news of peace. Above all things, take up the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the wicked one's burning missiles. Also don the helmet of salvation and take up the sword of the spirit, that is, God's word. (Eph. 6:14-17)
"With such armor, you will be protected. But you must be sure to keep this armor clean and polished. And, above all, put on love."

      As she finishes speaking, she ties off the last knot. I wonder if she has imbued the scabbard with the energies of her words.
      "Here, I've made something for you. Hold out your right hand."
As I extend my hand to her, she ties around my wrist a bracelet woven from her extra hair.
      "I put this on your right wrist so that you will be conscious of your conscience! May it serve as a reminder of your spiritual armor."
I'm speechless. I know that she is the epitome of a good conscience. This creates a strong bond between us. I feel truly blessed, and I know how much this gift will help me on the quest.
      "Now come, I must send you on your way."

      We walk together down the hill, trying to tiptoe through the multitude of wildflowers, and enjoying the clear, sunny weather. We reach the road, and she wishes me a safe, happy and prosperous journey.
      "Keep your head to the sky. Keep your eyes on the prize. Stay on the narrow path. That way, you won't be distracted by minor obstacles."
      "Goodbye, Dee. I'll keep you with me in spirit, like a little angel perched on my shoulder, whispering in my ear."

      "I hope you will heed the whispered words," she says, smiling like the sun. I impulsively kiss her, then turn and go.

      Soon I come to a place in the path where two swords are stuck in the grass on either side. On the right side, the trees of the forest, as well as the sword, are straight and linear. The hill on that side is a bit steeper. To the left, the trees are woolly and the sword hilt curvy, almost resembling a human figure. There is a beautiful snake in the grass.

      Both logic and feeling dictate keeping to the path and not straying off into the woods. I want to continue straight down the center, but I don't know if the snake is a threat or not. As is my custom, I address him: "Pardon me for trespassing on your space, but I'm just passing through." Then I follow the Sword Maiden's advice, keeping my head to the sky and noticing that the sun is now centered over the path. I continue on down the middle, admiring the beauty of the forests on each side. I hope the snake gets out of the open soon, before he becomes a hawk's lunch.

      Farther along, the dirt path becomes paved, and I see a stone bridge ahead. Coming nearer, I see that the bridge spans a very deep chasm. I think about how I prefer the dirt path to the paved, yet I am thankful that someone built a bridge here to allow me to cross. I think about how I was upset a seeing the designs on the scabbard. I prefer to go where my feet lead me, rather than following a set course or map. I'm not a planner, and this is one of my biggest challenges. It's hard to bring order to my chaos. I follow my mood rather than my responsibilities. The sun beats on the pavement and I remove my coat and place it on the side of the bridge. I lean my arms on it and gaze over into the chasm. Feeling the stones slipping under me, I jump back just in time as the side collapses, dumping my coat down into the abyss. Nervous for my safety, I cross to the land on the other side.

"Oh, well," I think, "spring is here. Time to shed the protective outer covering, open up, emerge."