So far we have talked about making big changes in our spiritual lives. Moments where we realize the way we have been walking no longer serves us. So we stop, we meditate, we research, and suddenly we feel drawn in a new direction. We talked about where we draw this inspiration from, we have ruminated about the tipping point that changes thought into action. Most recently the topic was finding our path blocked, and cultivating patience.
There is another phenomenon we can encounter when we are actively walking our spiritual path. It can be frighting because it is seemingly out of our control. But if we examine what is happening and if we take the time to realize what control we do have, we can learn how to navigate these changes as well.
I have observed as I have walked my spiritual path moments where I am not alone on my path. After all we do not exist in a vacuum. Spirits, guides, elements, gods, and even fellow travelers can meet us on the path. They offer wisdom, inspiration, and companionship. But because they are independent beings they can also behave in startling and confusing ways.
I work with the deity Nehelennia. A North Sea goddess of travelers, sailors, and merchants. She was a local matron of fertility and providence. But her worship developed to include sailors and merchants wanting protection for their goods and journeys. Finally she became a goddess of crossing over. Her hounds guiding the newly dead over the final bridge, and through the final gate to the afterlife. To me she is a goddess of wisdom and protection. A goddess of deep ocean and tidal flats. She helps me to discover spiritual truths as I walk my path.
In my personal practice I have been working towards cultivating a relationship with a spirit guide. A Fylgja in Norse paganry or a familiar in Wicca. These can be flesh and blood animals, or spiritual entities that become our companions as we walk our path. My path recently has been one of waiting, watching, and exploring. Last night I had one of the aforementioned out of control moments. A spirit intruded into my space. It was boisterous and friendly. It showed itself as an octopus. Interacting with it was nerve wracking. I was not in control of this situation. But in some ways it was exactly what I was waiting for. I was on my path and suddenly I wasn’t there alone, this spirit intruded on my space. Like coming across a wild animal while hiking.
Suddenly I was free falling on my path. Like water over a cliff, or a boulder rolling down a hill. I’m certain I am not alone in these sorts of encounters. To me this is the equivalent of spiritual extreme sports. The adrenaline rush is addictive, but you must exercise extreme caution when participating in them. On the one hand I was excited, eager even, to interact with this being. But on the other hand I was not in control of this meeting. It felt friendly, like it heard my call for companionship and answered. But because we don’t know each other yet, I was not about to open myself up to it. I knew that I needed to act with an abundance of caution.
So I am falling free on my path. I see a potential answer to a question I have been asking for months. But even in this out of my control encounter, I still have the ability I need to protect myself. By utilizing the skills and strengths I have been developing and that we have studied in my previous blog posts I established a safe boundary to hold while interacting with this spirit. I am looking forward to developing this relationship to the point I will feel comfortable letting it past my defenses, or realize this spirit will not help me on my path and putting distance between us.
Walking a spiritual path is not always for the faint of heart. Continue to practice patience, prepare yourself for tipping points that may come. Seek advice and wisdom from people and spirits you trust and are safe with. With all of this in place you will be ready to handle moments where your path drops out from you and you are falling free into encounters with situations you are not fully in control of. Even if these are developments you want or are excited for, you must be cautious and safe. After all, walking a spiritual path isn’t for the faint of heart. Until our paths cross again, may you cultivate caution, wisdom, and courage. Walk well my friends.
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