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Journey to the Temple of Ra
A Fool's Inclination
Category:
Vision/Metaphysical
Publisher: A Fool's Inclination Publications
ISBN-10: 0989367312
Type: Fiction
Pages: 360
Copyright: July 18, 2013
ISBN-13: 9780989367301
Price: $4.99 (eBook)
A mystic in the making is guided into a journey that carries him into his life purpose.
“The Return” has been prophesied for millennia. The very year predicted now approaches. And THEY have been formulating a plan…
A young traveler, who is favored by the Gods, wanders into a village unaware of the guidance that led him there. His life is about to change.
The journey that ensues takes him to distant lands, myriad teachings, and diverse cultures. Yet obstacles abound. The perpetual turning of the Wheel of Fortune keeps karma and justice in check. Not even the Gods can control or predict its mysterious ways. Furthermore, the Perfection of the Universe is difficult to see. To the uninitiated, it can appear as an arduous task or a poignant challenge.
Teachers and mystics have been prepared for him, but much healing is needed to resolve his burdens from the past. His calling is grand, but his latent gifts must be developed and honed before he is ready for the task.
This young man must follow his own inclinations to meet each endeavor. And he forever retains the free will to accept or refuse what is offered. Will he hear and heed the messages given? Can he overcome a troubled past? Does he have the endurance to complete the Journey to the Temple of Ra and unveil his life purpose?
Excerpt
VIII - STRENGTH
The next morning, John woke early with a lump of emotion stuck in his throat. He was sad and afraid. For the first time in months, he felt that life was unfair. "Yes, I made the decision to head east and I really want to go," he tried to reason, "but that look on Rafi's face. I know I disappointed him, but what more can I do?"
To make matters worse, the one person who he would turn to at a time like this was no longer available to him. He knew he had to face this alone. I might as well get used to it. I'm going to be on my own for a long time. So he decided to get moving.
Walking helped; walking always helped. The movement of his body allowed the emotional energy to flow and thus dissipate. As John wandered, he found himself heading toward a part of town he had never visited before. The newness of the surroundings brought relief, giving him something to focus on other than his anxiety. The street led to the entrance of a park and then transformed into the main path through it. Then, further up, the path forked and a group of signs indicated attractions that visitors could find along each branch.
The sign that caught John's attention pointed the way to the zoo. He had never been to a zoo. In fact, the only beasts John had ever seen close up were farm animals. And so, with a hint of anticipation, he set off in that direction.
It was still early so the zoo was as absent of people as the park had been. All was quiet, except for the animals. John heard intriguing sounds all around. He remembered what it was like on the farm in the early morning hours; he guessed that many of the animals were impatiently waiting for food.
More signs littered the paths, indicating the various animals that could be found. Initially, John couldn't decide where to visit first, but that was before he saw the one that said: "Wild Cats." John had always been fond of domesticated cats and was excited at the prospect of seeing the wild ones.
Once John neared what was affectionately referred to as "Cat Alley," his heart raced and his breathing stopped. In the cages just ahead, he saw them. The first exhibit was the Lion's Den. These kings and queens of the jungle lounged regally about. In front of each, John saw deep red stains where slabs of meat must have been laid out only minutes before. In fact, the smallest of the lions was still licking her chops, likely having just finished her portion. The lions, all squinting with pleasure and contentment, didn't notice John as he passed.
In the second cage, John saw a tiger high up on an embankment, lying on his side and catching the only sun he could find. John could just make out his orange coat, black stripes, and white belly amid the camouflage.
Although excited with what he was seeing, John hoped to witness a little more activity, and was happy to find some in the third cage. There, a bobcat, much smaller by comparison, paced restlessly. She seemed frustrated and etched a pattern within her territory as if looking for something to do.
In the middle of her circling, the bobcat stopped unexpectedly and stared directly at John. Rather than threatening or defensive, the cat merely held eye contact as if looking into him. In that moment, John felt kinship with her. It was as if the imprisoned beast was pleading with John to take full advantage of his freedom, to continue his travels and not consider for a moment the alternative.
For the length of the bobcat's stare, John wondered if he had been led to this very experience as an omen, encouraging him despite the difficulty he was having. As if in response, the bobcat closed her eyes briefly, let out a muffled growl, and then reinstated her ritual pacing.
John, momentarily lost in thought, was then roused by the sound of keys clinking in the next cage. As he walked over to it, he saw the zookeeper, a middle-age woman inside of the cage. John's eyes moved down the woman's arm to her hand, unprotected and stroking the large head of a black panther. The panther's jaw was slightly opened, revealing a mouthful of aggressive-looking teeth. The woman, however, showed no signs of fear and handled the beast as if it were her pet.
How can this woman be so peaceful in the presence of such a dangerous animal?
Sensing his attention, the woman looked up at John and subtly motioned him over. "Good morning young man. What brings you to the zoo at such an early hour? I am not used to onlookers during the morning feeding."
"Good morning, ma'am. I was feeling trepidation and thought a walk would help calm my fears. It's kind of ironic that I would find myself seeking solace among such ferocious animals."
"Young man, irony is an illusion. Your subconscious has led you here for a reason. Seen another way, these animals are ones that feel little fear. Maybe you were drawn to them in an attempt to find your own inner strength."
"I've never thought about it that way. And a moment ago, I almost thought that the bobcat was trying to communicate with me too."
"I'm sure she was. These cats are wise animals. On some level, they have chosen to be here in the zoo. They know that through being observed, they can teach humans in a way that they could not in the wild. Our bobcat friend is just a little torn because, while one part of her accepts being here, another part wishes to be free."
"But freedom comes at a price." John lowered his head slightly.
"You are not from here, are you? I can tell from your accent that you are not local. But, from your words, I sense that you too are torn...between staying and leaving perhaps? Oh-you've made a decision, but wonder if it is a mistake?"
John looked at the woman in disbelief. How could a woman I am just meeting have such insight into my situation?
"Young man, I understand your confusion, and forgive me. Working with these cats has taught me the gift of telepathy. You are so open; your thoughts are easy to read. But fear not, only those you send out can be detected. Some day, you may come to learn of your own telepathic abilities. Everyone has the potential; it just requires awareness and practice. This panther here can also read you, but rather than your thoughts, he reads your feelings. He senses that you are nervous, for example, and that you fear him, but he also knows that you are a loving being, and therefore, you do not threaten him. He has asked me to invite you to come pet him if you wish. Would you like that?"
John looked at the panther and was overwhelmed by the cat's beauty. He wanted to touch the cat and trusted what the woman was saying, but still felt a great deal of fear. As he debated with himself, he heard a voice in his head, one that was distinctly not his.
DO NOT SEEK TO ELIMINATE YOUR FEAR, MERELY TO OVERCOME IT. THE COURAGEOUS ARE NOT FEARLESS, RATHER, THEY ARE THOSE WHO FIND THE STRENGTH TO WALK THROUGH THEIR FEARS. DO NOT REPRESS OR DENY YOUR FEAR; IT MAY BE A BEAST, BUT IT CAN BE TAMED. TRAIN HER TO SERVE YOU LEST SHE BECOME YOUR MASTER. ACCEPT THE CAT'S INVITATION, AND OBSERVE WHAT HAPPENS.
John furrowed his brow in further disbelief, but then relented. As he approached the entrance to the cage, the zookeeper opened it from the inside just wide enough for him to enter; she then quickly locked it behind him. John, now inside, pushed back against the bars and clutched at them. The woman, having moved towards the panther once more, split the distance between them. The cat glanced sideways in John's direction, but then lowered himself down to the ground and rested his head. He still kept John in his peripheral vision, but did not look at him directly.
The woman moved in next to the cat and knelt beside him, encouraging John to approach when he was ready. John's eyes moved across the animal. The fur glistened in the early morning light and appeared soft. Now that John was closer, he could see that the cat was spotted, black on black. His desire to touch the cat grew. He wanted to feel the softness of the animal's fur and the firmness of its muscles. His feet began to carry him forward as he took deep breaths to process the fear. The more deeply he breathed, the calmer he became.
YES, MY BOY, BREATHE.
John moved in behind the woman so he could pet the cat without being near its head and powerful jaws. The fur was as soft and inviting as it looked. Once John made contact with the animal, adrenalin rushed through his body, replacing fear with exhilaration. Here he was petting an animal that few would ever be near, let alone touch.
As John's bravery increased, he moved his hand closer to the panther's head. The cat responded to the gentle touch, moving his head up towards John's hand. John then moved his other hand over to the cat's shoulder. Here he felt the firm, rippled muscles of the cat. One hand moved up to the top of the head, the other down to its paw. John acknowledged these as the two most powerful features of this beast, yet he could not resist. He could feel the cat's vigor beneath his fingers and imagined it traveling up his arms and into his body.
John was now looking at the cat's profile as the panther opened his mouth slightly, again revealing his huge teeth. John felt a trembling under his fingers, which was accompanied by a soft guttural sound. He realized that the panther was purring and was tickled by the thought of it. Wild cats are still cats!
The woman placed her hand on John's back to catch his attention. "It is time for me to get back to work."
John nodded and followed her out of the cage. She shut the gate behind them. "Thank you for your wisdom and this incredible experience," he said.
"Good luck on your travels. If you return to the village, please come see me again." She then looked back to the panther and said to John, "He thanks you for your courage."
John faced the cat and bowed, thanking the cat in return.
Although John could easily have spent all day in the zoo, he didn't have the time. He retraced his steps back to the castle. He could not hold off his future any longer.
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