by Tessa Lynne
“This will not be the end of life as you know it. In the distant future, as more drastic effects are experienced, that will, indeed, be the case.”
My immediate feeling is one of relief: we have been given a reprieve. Then I realize I am being selfish and shortsighted. I think of future generations and ask if he can be more specific.
“I cannot give you an exact date, but it will be after your present lifetime and also those of your daughters (and perhaps their children too) that life will be quite changed on this planet.”
I quickly calculate that the more drastic changes would be near the end of the twenty-first century or early in the next one, about one hundred years from now. As I do the math in my head, he adds a clarification.
“It is not that I refuse to tell you; it is simply that I do not know. I am, in this regard, a messenger. I do not have access to all that is known at higher levels in the spirit world.”
Opportunities
Zachary goes on to present an outlook that is not entirely gloom and doom.
“As one crisis after another develops, and your way of life changes in response, it will become necessary for human beings to work together—to an extent they often seem incapable of—at a local level, as a nation, and with global efforts. There will be many opportunities for spiritual growth as this world turns away from its current focus, on the material, to one that is of service to others and to the planet.”
Zachary conveys a sense of the spiritual force of those he answers to and of their compassion and support for us and for future generations. Then it dawns on me that—not only will our descendants be affected—our spirits will be returning to this same world and to the legacy we leave. I check that assumption.
“You are correct. A spirit will return most often to the same physical world, with a few lifetimes in others to observe and learn from them. It is easier for spirits to learn lessons in a familiar place. By returning again and again, they become more engaged in, and responsible for, the direction taken by the inhabitants of that world.”
I think of our tendency to act selfishly rather than for the greater good. I see it now in a context that extends far into the future. It is we who will inherit this earth; we cannot predict where, or in which one of many cultures, our spirit will return.
Held within the Eternal
It is unsettling, yet believable, as Zachary conveys that this is the way it is—the die has been cast. However, he says there are steps we can take to minimize effects and to extend timelines. Most importantly, he conveys that, as the inhabitants of this earth respond to the dilemmas and demands of our physical world, we will be held within the eternal.
He said he doesn’t know the exact timing of the more imminent event, the catastrophe, but I ask if he can give me an educated guess.
“All I can tell you is what I know. It would be pointless for me to speculate.”
I cannot help but make an attempt, and I arrive at five to ten years from now, around the turn of the century, the year 2000. Logic suggests that contacts with me and others would not be left to the last minute.
When I say that it seems a daunting task, Zachary’s response is reassuring.
“Efforts on a small scale may have far-reaching ripple effects; few of those approached will have widespread recognition. Some of you will be planting seeds that will grow to greater action over time, as events unfold and momentum grows. Some of you will reach a few key people who will then go on to have a great impact.”
As I wonder which of these outcomes might be true for me, I see that Zachary has paused and appears to be listening to someone.
“I am told our time is up. Sally’s spirit is always near when we talk and keeps me informed of her schedule.”
As I drive home, I consider possibilities. Zachary said the Creator was dismayed that Homo sapiens evolved with both the capacity and the will to destroy each other. He said we are possibly the most aggressive inhabitants of all worlds, though we do not need to act on those inclinations. There are myriad ways in which we humans could bring about a catastrophe. Natural disasters are nothing new, but I recently read a prediction of worse to come. The greenhouse effect is often in the news; its potential impact on our climate is being debated in Congress. Devastating earthquakes have been predicted, and there is the possibility of a major volcanic eruption. It is easy to imagine that a combination of manmade and natural events could lead to disillusionment and high anxiety about our future.
There was nothing specific in what Zachary said, no simple way to warn everyone. It is not something to be shouted from the rooftops. (Perhaps it is, but that would do little to establish my credibility.) He said it isn’t necessarily an immediate task, that a lesser number of approaches related to the current purpose have been made for much of the last century, with mixed results.
My initial feeling, of dismay verging on dread, has been replaced by a sense of inevitability and acceptance. As I consider the weight of Zachary’s message, and the significance of having been approached, I know that I must accept my part in this mission.
6. Core Beliefs
I AM DOING RESEARCH AT THE library this morning, absorbed in my reading, when I have a strong urge to get up and walk over to the section on religion and spirituality, a collection that fills both sides of two long aisles. I have neither title nor author in mind, but I am immediately drawn to one shelf and then to a particular book—a slim paperback wedged between tightly packed, hard cover books. I hardly register the title on the narrow spine, but I reach and gently tug it from the space. Paging quickly through it, I find it is an account of an experience similar to mine: Many Lives, Many Masters by Dr. Brian Weiss.
This afternoon, it is disconcerting when Zachary begins by asking me a question.
“Did you find some interesting reading when you were at the library this morning?”
Keeping my surprise (that he knew where I had been) to myself, I describe the book and its similarities to my experience.
“Eli and I have been aware of this book; you were guided to reach for it.”
I am relieved to know that others have been approached in this way, through a client. I can now place this experience, not in the category of commonplace, but at least in that of an occurrence that is not unheard of.
Zachary says our time is short, but he wants to tell me more about the decision to approach me.
“It had been considered for some time, due in part to your status, and because we knew that your spirit had groomed you since childhood to be accepting and open minded. I was on the scene, so to speak, and Sally is what we term a receptor. She has the requisite personal qualities, and her spirit has chosen the role of receptor in most of her lifetimes, making Sally’s capacity better than most. This makes it possible for me to speak to you in this conversational manner.”
I ask why he could not have always spoken as he does now.
“That requires me to tell you about councils. A spirit world council must be consulted whenever a mortal is approached, and they are also involved when a guardian plays a prominent role in a lifetime. Five years ago, I needed permission from a particular Council to reveal myself to you as Sally’s internal helper, and they instructed me to speak to you in a stilted, abrupt manner. When they gave me the go ahead to approach you, that was changed.”
So the decision to approach me was made recently?
“No. It was made some time ago, but it was known that Sally’s treatment was the first priority. You needed to give considerable attention and energy to her needs, your other clients, your children, and your health issues. And now, I must go.”
9/22
This morning, after an hour with a client, the receptionist gives me an envelope she says Sally left for me. Inside is a single sheet of notebook paper with several paragraphs of neat printing, the name Zachary at the bottom. “Tessa, I have been recalled to the spirit world for a brief time.” He reminds me of our conversation about my being destined to help Sally. “I want to
clarify what I said about destiny. Not every aspect of a life is destined before birth, and many life events are not a part of one’s destiny.”
Zachary then turns from the general to specifics of my personal life. “It had not, for example, been your destiny to marry who you did, but you had been destined to give birth to your twin daughters. It was always the destinies of their spirits to share this lifetime with you.” I smile and feel a warm glow in my heart. I am pleased with this information and then with his final words. “You are an adept student. I look forward to our conversations and will appear to you upon my return.”
It is still early when I leave the office. I stop at home for a quick snack and to exchange my skirt for my favorite pair of old jeans and my heels for hiking shoes. I feed Charkey, chat with him for a minute, and then drive out to the island.
As I walk to the shelter, I breathe deeply of the fall air. The sharp, scorched, scent of high summer has given way to the first tinges of rich autumn decay, mixed with the faint aroma of wood smoke from a distant campfire. I sit in a half-lotus position against one of the large, upright support logs, facing the river, and close my eyes. I place my awareness on my breath and on my senses: the marine scents of the river now blend with those of the earth; the poignant, two-tone call of a black-capped chickadee mixes intermittently with the tap-tap-tap of a red-headed woodpecker; the sun warms my left knee; and I feel the soft caress of a gentle breeze as I let go into a deep relaxation.
Imagining myself a small owl, I repeat a mantra of “one” as I melt into the woods—just another creature aware only of the moment. This is one of my favorite meditations, bringing to me a sense of oneness with all creation. I picture the owl, six inches tall, that I came face to face with a few months ago. It calmly stared at me, for a long moment, and then closed its eyes, at peace on the inner branch of a juniper tree.
Now centered and at peace myself, I consider whether to tell my daughters of our shared destiny. I think back to when I was pregnant with them. Three doctors, at different stages, in that pre-ultrasound world, gave no credence to my strong feeling that I was carrying twins. At my first appointment it was quickly dismissed with, “There is no reason to believe that you are.” In my seventh month the most arrogant of them leaned back in his chair, steepled his fingers, and smugly said, “If there was any chance of it, we would have x-rayed before now.” I decided to believe the experts, but I was hardly surprised when, five minutes after Kenna arrived, she was joined by Callie. I believe it was my spirit who knew of their impending arrival and prompted my strong conviction. I am going to tell them.
I hear laughter as I walk in the door, music to my ears. The girls are both home and welcome an excuse to put off their homework. Through the window, the sun catches the natural highlights of their long wavy hair, streaked every shade of blonde by summer days on the beach. At sixteen, they are old enough to form their own opinions and to draw their own conclusions. It has been some time since they took my word as final authority.
I have recently broached the topics of guardian angels and past lives. Now they are open and accepting when I tell them of my meetings with Zachary and of how I have been approached. Then I tell them it was their destiny to spend this lifetime with me. That they are pleased is reflected in their smiles, in their deep blue eyes, and in their teen argot of “That is so cool!” and “How awesome!” Our hugs are an affirmation of the meaning this news holds for us.
Core Beliefs
9/25
There is time for a longer discussion with Zachary today. I expect him to tell me more about destiny, but he introduces a new topic: the importance of certain basic beliefs. Speaking at a measured pace, and with authority, he tells me these beliefs are not unique to any one religion or creed. “As civilizations were established and various cultures developed, each was given an awe-inspiring experience that gave rise to their belief in a Creator and an afterlife. Rituals and tenets then evolved in support of these beliefs. Throughout subsequent human history, many individuals have been given extraordinary experiences to reinforce them.”
What has been the role of organized religion?
“Over the course of centuries, the differences in interpretation multiplied. Established religions were formalized and then became complicated with personal and political agendas. They have largely promoted the core beliefs, but their codified structures and dogmas have sometimes been a detriment to spiritual growth. This is most often the case when the focus is on arbitrary rules.”
What encourages spiritual growth?
“It is often one’s own sense of the spiritual—and the confronting of ambiguities and contradictions—that acts as a catalyst for spiritual growth as mortals search for truth, either within or outside of traditional belief systems.”
What are the basic beliefs?
“Of primary importance are four core beliefs. These are a lesson in every lifetime:
1. There is a Creator.
2. Each of us has a spirit.
3. One’s spirit returns to the Creator.
4. There is an afterlife, both spiritual and physical.
“The precise nature of these beliefs differs widely. In some cultures they are difficult to put into words, held at a feeling level as much as at a cognitive one. In other cultures they are held in myth and ritual, and for yet others they exist within a professed creed or a well-defined theology. It is the core beliefs that are essential, not the specific organization or structure that surrounds them.”
Are these beliefs strictly defined?
“They are not: there are some who believe in a higher power that they do not name as the Creator; some individuals or groups are devoted to the ideals of the Creator; and some belief systems venerate a particular spiritual teacher. All of these examples, and others, might be accepted as adhering to the core beliefs.”
Are there other important beliefs?
“There are four key supporting beliefs:
1. Each life has a purpose or destiny.
2. One’s spirit has chosen this particular lifetime.
3. A spirit takes a number of physical lifetimes.
4. Guidance and support are always available.”
What can you tell me about those who have conveyed these beliefs to us?
“Throughout your history, there have been great teachers of spiritual truths. Among them, the one you know as Jesus is the best exemplar of a life lived in touch with spirit, of his spirit speaking through him and accessing and expressing the will of the Creator. He is the most advanced of spirits and is referred to by other spirits as “The Son.”
How might we gain some degree of similar access?
“Prayer, whatever its form, across all religious and spiritual traditions, is the most effective means of communicating with the spirit world and thus with the Creator.”
Which spiritual teachers are of a similar high status?
“In the highest circle, nearest the Creator, besides the spirit of Jesus you would recognize the spirits of Buddha, Mohammed, and Gandhi.”
Are the major religions of the world equally valid?
“The seven major belief systems all have the Creator as their source. I speak of Judaism, Shintoism, Jainism, Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam. The original teacher of each of these brought people together into a community of believers. They each took a lifetime, in a particular time and place, for the express purpose of bringing the truth of the Creator. The same is true of those Masters who influenced the belief systems of many of your indigenous cultures.”
I assume that all spirits, over their many lifetimes, will experience most or all of the major belief systems, and Zachary confirms it. Then I ask what he meant by a physical afterlife.
“Each spirit has an observable essence, vaguely human in form, and each is an individual. Spirits who are of greater status appear more substantial and are surrounded by a greater energy.”
What do you mean that each is an individual?
“The indiv
iduality of a spirit is in their form and is also made evident in that each has their own, independently held, agenda. As they gain status and have a greater sense of purpose, along with the determination to achieve it, their appearance is enhanced. As is true in the physical world, the freedom to make choices is essential to the growth of the spirit.”
Guardians
Our time is almost up. Zachary changes the subject and tells me he has been requested to go before a Council for a review of his guardianship of Sally.
“It is an educational process, not a punitive one, and it is routine. I have been expecting it.”
His absence could extend to several weeks, so he has requested that a temporary guardian be assigned to Sally. Like most of us, she would not be directly aware of the absence of her guardian, but the alters are likely to become anxious and fear Zachary has deserted them. I ask what more he can tell me about guardians.
“When a guardian is assigned to you, there is a bonding process in which the guardian spirit pledges to abide by certain responsibilities and rules. That spirit is made aware of your needs, the lessons you are to learn in this lifetime, and relevant background information. Your guardian is also given the ability to foresee certain aspects of your future, more than what your spirit knows. Like your spirit, your guardian is limited to subtle guidance.”
Can you tell me in more detail how a guardian will influence a human life?
“Your guardian will celebrate your accomplishments and calm your fears, will lift you up, give you strength, and enhance your sense of well-being. When you take time to contemplate choices, your guardian is often close to reinforce those that are in your best interests.”
That a guardian is “often close” leads to my next question.
“Your guardian is with you in your greatest need, at times of peak experiences, and at pivotal times in your life to signal the need to take a new direction. Strong emotions, both negative and positive ones, alert guardians, who are generally not present to the degree I have been with Sally. They often are guardian to more than one person and will attend to the one in greatest need. If your guardian cannot be with you, then your spirit will guide you, sometimes calling on other spirits for assistance.”