esson 27: Arthur

   
fter basking in the Sun, it's time to get moving again. I collect my clothes and things, and head out for the Alps. The wonderful weather holds out, and I enjoy the feel of my muscles working, my sweat as it is cooled by the breeze, the unspoiled nature of the mountain, drinking from cold streams, and the view over the fields, villages and lakes.

   Above the tree line, the air is thinner and cooler, and patches of snow crunch underfoot. I reach Arthur, and bow in respect. He gives me a hearty handshake, making me feel more like a partner than a subject. I tell him my first impression, that this is an odd place for a king to have his throne. He explains that he prefers to be out on the land, rather than closed up in a castle or hall. (Wonder if the Green Knight freed him too.) Here, he is open, accessible, and under the direct view of God [open sky]. Being on a mountaintop, he is closer to God and still connected to the Goddess [land]. Also, he is less troubled by trivial matters and can better use and develop his 'higher mind.' Only serious petitioners approach. And, from this vantage point, he can survey his entire realm. He has, in fact, been following my progress.

   I tell him that I've found the land strong and prosperous, and full of rich insights. It is open and free, providing the space to create and work productively and prosperously. I find myself much more at home here--stronger and more capable--than in the marshy Sword Realm. [Cats don't swim.]
   In the Sword Realm, I petitioned the Lady of the Lake out of my *need* for the Sword. But as a member of the Spear Tribe surveying this land side by side with it's rightful authority, I feel I should be able to obtain the Spear Hallow by birthright.

   In a field below is a labyrinth cut into a field of corn (rather like a crop circle).¹ Arthur bids me make my way through it before attempting the final stages of this quest. It is a well-known tradition in many lands, to walk the labyrinth before any important endeavor (or even going fishing), to set one's mind to the task, as well as to lose any trolls that might be on your tail. I descend to the field and enter the labyrinth . . .

abyrinth of Sovereignty

   Before I enter the labyrinth, Arthur asks me how I will uphold his justice. I explain that I have met Sovereignty in the woods, and honored her there. But I realize that she also needs to be honored--perhaps more so--in the towns and cities. I will not differentiate based on environment, but will uphold justice wherever there is need. The card I draw is the Stone Castle, showing that upholding justice is important in structures built by man (both physical and institutional) as it is throughout the rest of the land.

   Coming to the first turn, I meet the youth of the Sun (Moonchild & Sunchild!). He asks what kind of weather typifies my actions. I think, really, that it would be the whole weather cycle: sometimes sunny, clouds moving in then moving away, rainy days, the occasional thunderstorm. The card I draw is the Green Knight, which shows wind blowing snow and leaves through the open doorway. This reminds me of when my boss said I was a "fresh breeze."

   Continuing on to the second turn, I find the Spear King, who asks what gift I give to all impartiality. This is clearly my ability to see all sides of an issue, my open-mindedness, and constant 'what-if'-ing. It is easy for me to see how, in any issue, everyone is partly right. I am open to all perspectives. This can also be a hindrance, causing overload and indecisiveness. I draw Talesin, who tells me that *all* stories have some basis of truth. The important thing is that they are told and heard.

   Going round again, the Green Knight standing at the third turn inquires as to how I will defend my land. I remind him that I have three faeries in my heart. I protect them by sheltering them there, and they in turn protect my heart from darkness. I disempower dark invaders² by shining the light on them. I draw the card of the Spear Queen, who shows me that her spear IS this light. Strike with it and invaders fall, and the wounded are healed.

   The Spear Queen amiably accompanies me around another turn of the labyrinth, and asks how I will relieve distress of the unfortunate. This is something I try to act on every day, always looking for an opportunity to do a good deed every day. It frequently manifest through carrying burdens for women at the train station (e.g. helping old ladies with their luggage, or helping mothers lift baby carriages on and off the bus or train. The card of the Lady of the Lake shows the power of women's compassion, a willingness to help shoulder responsibilities, take burdens in her basket, foster in kindness, and work on good karma!

   Next, I come to Prydwen at the fifth turn, who, in the form of a white boar, asks what disease currently afflicts my land. I would say overpopulation. Too many ideas and projects for any of them to have room and resources to grow healthily and prosperously. The card of the Spear Knight indicates my need to point the spear in one direction at a time and 'go after it.' Ideas flounder without the proper motivation to impel action.

   The Spear Knight takes me around the labyrinth, asking me how I am attuned to the honor of the land. "Cats don't swim," I tell him. "Dogs don't climb trees." I try to keep in mind that each part of nature, whether exterior or interior, has its place and its inborn characteristics. One creature's fear is another creature's instinct, yet it is all part of nature, God- and Goddess-given. All are created, and therefore equal--part of the same body. The leg needs the foot in order to walk; the hand needs the eye to guide it, etc. The card I draw is the Sleeping Lord. Since I haven't yet meditated on this card, I'm not sure how it relates to the question. But the traditional title of "Judgement" says something to me. Life/Death/Life is also part of the body.

   Going on, I meet the Spear Maiden, who asks about the root of my own integrity. (Has she been talking to the Sword Maiden about me?) This is a difficult question because I don't think integrity is one of my strong points. However, I have faced my shadow, and learned how to better walk with it. The card is Sword Three, which is where I lost my winter coat. Perhaps I need to shed my 'cover' and walk unencumbered in the light of truth, rather than trying to 'cover my ass.'

   I finally reach the center of the labyrinth, where Sovereignty waits for me. She asks what oath I will make to be worthy of the Spear. My first thought is "I'm already worthy. I'm not making any oath!' Then I thought, "I promise not to lose it!" After contemplating this³, it occurred to me that I have already lost the spear.⁴

   So I declare to Sovereignty: "I make an oath to find the Spear and bring it back to my land. I will give it a place of honor in my home, treat it with respect, and use it with integrity."

   The card I draw is Stone Nine, and I remember how nature blessed my creation. This is true of my own physical Spear as well.⁵ The Arthurian Tarot book says, "Accomplishment; enjoyment of solitary pursuits; love of nature; aesthetic pleasure derived from one's goods; relaxation and leisure; ease; fulfillment of physical sensation." Sounds like a hike in the woods with a magick stick to me!

   Winding my way back out of the labyrinth, I wonder why so many of the cards I pulled were people of this realm. [I shuffled nine times.] There was: Spear Knight, Spear Queen and Green Knight. Okay, not so many, but still one third. I think these are important for me to keep in mind as I enjoy the high summer.

   I come out of the labyrinth and return up to Arthur. As I near his throne, he reaches down beside it and pulls out a pair of shoes and hands them to me. Looking down at my own shoes (the hiking boots I've been wearing since the beginning of my journey), I see that they are *very* filthy and worn out. Taking the lighter moccasins from Arthur, I see that they are *huge*! Shaq's feet might fit in them! He urges me to try them on anyway, so I do. They wrap themselves around my feet like a glove. They are light-weight and comfortable, yet sturdy enough to protect me from the stones underfoot. I'm sure there is plenty of profound meaning here, but I need time to discover it. These are dancing shoes, for sure!⁶

1) There is a corn labyrinth in our canton for the second year now. {back}

2) Dark invaders are like the little devil that sits on one shoulder, whispering in your ear: "Go ahead. It's not gonna hurt anybody. It will be fun." They are evil-intentioned shadows. They are voices saying "guilt," "blame," "not good enough," etc. also represented by RW XV. I'm also struck by the similarity of the term "dark invaders" to the name "Darth Vader." {back}

3) for a few hours while running errands {back}

4) I used to have a walking stick which had acquired all sorts of magick. When I moved to Switzerland, I left it at my mom's house. When I was there a few weeks ago, it was missing. So my oath applies quite literally. {back}

5) It has a holy stone (earth), seashell (water), hawk feather (air) and a braid of my hair (fire) hanging by leather and sinew from the top. It passed the "three times under a bush" test. It is also snake charmed, to repel "dark invaders"! {back}

6) "Take the shackles off my feet so I can dance. I just wanna praise ya!"--Mary Mary {back}