Over the years I have been reminded (through meditation practices, contemplation and study) that participating in the realms of the numinous is a matter of letting go, being in the moment and opening to the visual displays, the sounds, expressions of the transcendent and numinous, yet not getting attached to them. Adopting this viewpoint has taught me about freeing the imagination and a belief in possibilities that extend beyond the limits of human cognition. I discovered that yielding to life’s gifted moments requires an attitude of trust, somatic awareness, maintaining a fresh outlook (‘beginner’s mind’), being with love, empathy and compassion, paying attention and ultimately understanding the difference between ‘essence and personality.'

My dreams began to mirror my metamorphosis. Early on, I dreamt that I was born from a pulsating fetus-like egg. I began to observe a parallel life beginning to take form. From an infant growing up among protective animals, to a girl, then woman who all along received nurturance, guidance and protection from numinous dream figures, I couldn’t help but notice there was a community of sacred beings watching over me, wanting to help me.

By opening to both the presence of the numinous dream figures and their guidance illuminates and influences my 'root metaphors' and soul’s purpose. Mythic and waking stories co-emerge, one informing the other, allowing for synchronicities, cues, symbols, images, and concepts to take on a deeper, fuller significance. Themes that arise from this process offer clearer insights into connections not previously considered.

artist: unknown

artist: Leonora Carrington

Flying at the Water's Edge
It is dusk in a native island town. There is a celebration at the beach, and everyone is in a festive mood. People are getting their lanterns to take with them on their air balloons or homemade flying machines. I am with a woman. We close our eyes as we stand side by side and enter into a trance. Soon, I can feel the air changing as I breath. We begin to rise. Soon, we are up quite high. I am exhilarated but fear if I open my eyes, it will affect the trance and then we may crash down. I touch her shoulder for connection. As soon as the woman senses my trepidation, we slowly descend and our feet lightly touch the ground. I open my eyes and watch as people float in their balloons with their lanterns. In a distance to the right further down the beach, I can see two people are making an image of an ancient bird woman in white which reminds me of the winged Nike of Samothrace . . . glowing, about to take flight, and a Pre-Columbian golden tumi is levitating next to the bird woman. Both are magnificent, glowing, as everyone watches them ascend in awe.

artist: Gustave Moreau

artist: Toshiyuki Enoki

Spore and the Universe
I run into the green field where I pick up a dandelion spored seed puff. Then, I become a spore—the microcosm in the macrocosm. It all seems so clear to me how we are all made up of energy and life, how we are all the same. A tiny spore is the same as the universe. I notice a large moth’s cocoon casing lying flat on the field and pick it up. I hold it like a sheet while it blows in the wind. I feel joyous and free.

Reviving a Bird
A bird is dying. It is in pieces. I place it in the sun and watch it come alive again. Then it strokes me on my cheek with its colorful feathery wings.
    next scene: I watch the black charred bird in pieces in a jar knowing there is still some life there. Everyone else gives up on it. I watch it until it comes together again and turns into a white bird with white and sky blue wings. It comes over to me and strokes me lovingly on the cheeks.

artist: Alexandra Eldridge