“Did you personally make everything here?” asks Crystal.
“Of course I did not create the REP. Nor did I create the general environment in the glen. Freyja Mumford and Adrianne Hardwood did that work. But I created all the details in my personal environment.”
“Even the owl?” asks Kiz.
“Every witch has her familiar,” says Violet Mary with a smile.
“Still, it seems odd to me that one who identifies himself or herself as pagan would choose to live within a computer simulation. Aren’t the very foundations of paganism deeply rooted in the natural world?” asks Kiz.
“NL versus VL: what a conundrum!” laughs Violet Mary. “To designate something as imaginary does not make it disposable. It has its own kind of existence within the mind. Images—and our mental capacity to fashion them—are an essential part of the creative process, and they naturally extend themselves into the physical matrix. It is true that an image has no foundation in the physical universe, but that certainly does not mean that it is unimportant in determining the fabric of our existence. Images are powerful tools; if we limit our conception of reality to physical perception and measurement only, then we corrupt the integrity of our perception on every level, including the physical.”
“Anyone who’s spent much time in Virtual Life certainly knows that,” says Crystal.
Violet Mary’s voice remains soft and calm and measured. “The armature upon which the universe is built originates not from the physical world, but rather from the spectral axis. Usually, we do not readily perceive such forces because the inmost mind recognizes different symbols than those with which we customarily describe our physical existence. Yet, these primal symbols are all around us, and we are profoundly (and heroically) affected by them.”
“Do you mean spirits?” I ask. “Like the ones walking around in the graveyard over there…”
“Not exactly,” Violet Mary laughs. “Those are there mostly for effect. A bit of a joke played by Adrianne and Freyja, I suspect.”
“What forces then?” I ask. “Gods? Goddesses? Demons?”
“Images borne of thought shape the essence of the gods and goddesses,” Violet Mary defines.
“I think I understand perfectly what Violet Mary is saying,” says Kiz. “She’s saying that we are the gods and goddesses; that each individual, and only s/he, can define the world s/he inhabits. Whether it’s the so-called natural world, or a world like Virtual Life that is made up entirely of symbols, makes no difference whatsoever.”
Violet Mary smiles as she sips her tea.
“I’ve never actually been to a pagan ceremony,” says Crystal. “I’m looking forward to the wedding.”
“Hand fastings are lovely, aren’t they indeed?” says Violet Mary in passing.
“I hope I don’t do something obtuse,” I apologize before the fact.
“That’s hardly possible,” Violet Mary observes.
“I wouldn’t want to offend anyone,” I qualify.
“Never mind that,” says Violet Mary. “But perhaps you’d like a reading before you go. Today, it’s on the house!” she laughs.
“How very kind of you to offer, but—”
“Really…” says Crystal. “First we crash your place, then—”
“Don’t be foolish,” says Violet Mary.
“At least we must pay you something,” I protest.
“Nonsense,” says Violet Mary. “I was joking about it being on the house today, because the truth is that my readings are always free. I don’t need money here in VL—not even greenshoots!” she laughs.
After Violet Mary Firth spreads the cards upon a clean tablecloth laid over the earth at our feet, she says, “First, I shall give a general reading, and then we can discuss specifics in each of your lives.”
“I’m not sure I want to know what comes next,” I say to Crystal and to Kiz.
“Don’t worry, this will be fun,” says Kiz.
“The Fool settles beneath a tree, intent on finding his spiritual self,” Violet Mary begins. “There he stays for nine days, without eating, barely moving. People pass by him, animals, clouds, the wind, the rain, the stars, sun and moon. On the ninth day, with no conscious thought of why, he climbs a branch and dangles upside down like a child, giving up for a moment, all that he is, all that he wants, and all that he knows or cares about. Coins fall from his pockets and as he gazes down at them—no longer seeing them as money, but only as round bits of metal—his entire perspective suddenly changes. It is as if he’s hanging between the mundane world and the spiritual world, able to see both. It is a dazzling moment, dreamlike yet crystal clear. Connections are made, mysteries are revealed.
“But timeless as this moment of clarity seems, the Fool realizes that it will not last. Very soon, he must right himself, and when he does, things will be different. He will then have to act on what he’s learned. For now, however, he simply hangs, weightless as if underwater, observing, absorbing, and seeing everything as it really is.
“The Hanged Man card signifies a time of insight so deep that, for a moment, nothing but that insight exists. All Tarot readers have such moments when we see, with absolute clarity, the whole picture, the entire message offered by a spread. The Hanged Man symbolizes such moments of suspension between the physical and mystical worlds. Such moments don’t last, and they usually require sacrifice. What kind of a sacrifice? Who’s to say? Perhaps the sacrifice of a belief or perspective, or a wish, a dream, a hope, money, time or even selfhood! In order to gain, one must first give. Sometimes one needs to sacrifice cherished positions, or accept other perspectives in order to find solutions, or bring about change. One thing is sure, whether the insight is great or small, spiritual or mundane, once one has experienced himself as the Hanged Man, he never again sees things in quite the same way.”
Turning to Kiz, Violet Mary Firth offers a bit of personal analysis: “The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on your present course. The Ten of Swords (Ruin), when reversed portends: The darkness before the dawn; an end to suffering, leading to spiritual transformation, and ultimate knowledge gained through ultimate sacrifice.”
“Uh… What kind of sacrifice?” asks Kiz.
Violet Mary’s tone of voice is that of a messenger: “The word ‘ultimate’ would seem to suggest something quite dramatic. Perhaps the change will come in your family life, or most cherished relationships, or your work, or your core beliefs. Maybe even your life!”
Kiz’s eyes widen as she contemplates the notion of such radical change: “I don’t want to be rude, but I don’t think I’m totally comfortable going on with this reading,” she tells Violet Mary.
In complete deference Violet Mary gathers Kiz’s cards and reshuffles the deck. On his perch, the owl hoots as a gentle breeze blows through the trees. “What about you?” she asks Crystal, who nods for her to create a new spread.
The reading of Crystal’s cards is far more detailed. Says Violet Mary Firth to my friend and professional partner: “The card not shown but at the center of the cross represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue you now face in life. It is the Nine of Wands, and it signifies strength. It also suggests a pause in the current struggle—a pause to ready oneself and to prepare oneself to meet a final and conclusive onslaught. Forces assembled in anticipation of trials and tribulations: the steeling of the will to stand or fall. A line drawn in the sand.”
“Wow!” I say. “What’s all this about?”
“The card visible at the center of the cross represents the obstacle that stands in your way,” Violet Mary continues. “The Sun: A time of contentment and freedom from restraints. A time of creative inspiration, achievement, success. Light and love in personal or business matters. Happiness and faithfulness in a relationship. Shall I continue?” asks Violet Mary.
“Yes,” says Crystal. “Please continue.”
“The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can
achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. Knight of Wands, when reversed: The dark essence of fire, such as a great conflagration: The rapid approach of something that ruptures your world.”
“I’m not sure I like the sound of this,” I caution.
“Let her finish, Fizzy,” Crystal hisses.
Violet Mary continues with her interpretation of the cards before her: “The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Five of Wands (Strife), when reversed: Pointless struggles motivated by the vain pursuit of recognition, financial reward, or base desires. Disunity, chaos, and petty quarreling at a time of crisis.”
In the distance the mournful cry of a lone wolf is heard. At least I think it’s a wolf…
“The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released,” VMF explains to Crystal. “The Wheel of Fortune, when reversed: An inescapable descent due to Fate or Karma. Great changes taking place as a result of earlier actions that cannot be taken back.
“The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. The Emperor: Worldly authority and power. Social mastery: the ability to fulfill plans and use mental control over the emotions.
“The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Page of Cups, when reversed: The dark essence of water behaving as earth: A dreamer oblivious to the realities of the world.”
The wind chimes tinkle in the breeze; an Exaltation of Lark flies overhead, and toads and crickets banter in the undergrowth.
“The card second from the bottom of the staff represents your environment and the people you are interacting with,” Violet Mary tells Crystal. “The Chariot, when reversed: Lack of discipline and poor direction fan the flames of a situation already out of control.
“The card second from the top of the staff represents an unexpected element that will come into play. Four of Swords (Truce): A time of tranquility and intellectual repose in the midst of a great struggle. A temporary retreat from stress to gather inner strength reaffirms convictions, reorganize thoughts, and formulate a new plan. May suggest a withdrawal from the material world to find spiritual satisfaction.”
And finally VMF concludes: “The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on your present course. The Magician: Mastery over word, mind, and matter. The ability to turn ideas into actions, to handle problems, and control one’s life. The initiation of new projects, great works, or a new way of sustaining life. Eloquent and moving communication; innovative technologies.”
“Most of that describes you, and what you’re doing at Open Books, to the letter,” says Kiz. And of course I agree!
“The concepts that explain most forms of Divination—Tarot, Runes, I Ching—were explained and advanced in modern-day terms by the imminent psychologist Carl Jung in his definitions of modern psychiatry,” Violet Mary explains to us. “In Jung's psychological model archetypes are innate, universal prototypes for ideas. A group of memories associated with an archetype is a complex. Jung treated the archetypes as if they were psychological organs, analogous to physical ones in that both are morphological constructs that arose through evolution.
“According to Jung,” VMF continues, “there are four main archetypes: the Self, which is the regulating center of the psyche and the facilitator of individuality; the Shadow, which is the opposite of the ego image; the Anima, which is the feminine image in a man’s psyche; and the Animus, which is the masculine image in a woman’s psyche. And although the potential number of archetypes is limitless, there are a few particularly notable, recurring ones: the Syzygy, the Child, the Hero, the Great Mother, the Wise old man, the Trickster, the Eternal Boy, and the Cosmic Man.”
“In PL, I live in the American Southwest,” says Kiz. “The Hopi Indians express such archetypes as kachinas. A vital part of not only their religion but their daily life, they have incorporated subconscious projections into their mainstream culture for centuries, and they know that we Europeans—empirical as most of us are—have very scant understanding of their power.”
“Indeed,” says Violet Mary as she reshuffles the deck and lays a new spread upon the ground at my feet. To me, Fizzy Oceans (aka Amy Birkenstock), Violet Mary Firth has this to say: “The card not shown but at the center of the cross represents the atmosphere surrounding the central issue in your life.”
“Just like Crystal,” I observe.
“The spread is called a Celtic Cross,” she explains.
“Sorry,” I apologize as the owl fixes his gaze upon me in a warning not to interrupt.
“Six of Swords (Science), when reversed: Being stuck in a problem that has no apparent solution.
“And the card visible at the center of the cross represents the obstacle that stands in your way. Eight of Swords (Interference), when reversed: Learning a valuable lesson from the unexpected consequences of prior decisions. Focusing on the crux of a problem, coming to grips with difficult situations, and moving on.
“The card at the top of the cross represents your goal, or the best you can achieve without a dramatic change of priorities. The Hierophant: Being supportive, sympathetic and loyal. Receiving instructions, guidance or inspiration. The ability to hear a higher voice.
“The card at the bottom of the cross represents the foundation on which the situation is based. Three of Cups (Abundance): A time spent in the company of friends. The strength of a diverse community being brought together.”
“That’s Virtual Life!” I cannot resist making an affirmation, but VMF continues almost as if she has not heard me.
“The card at the left of the cross represents a passing influence or something to be released. Four of Cups (Luxury): Ignoring the real and longing for the indefinable. Apathy and disengagement from the world.”
“Wow!”
“The card at the right of the cross represents an approaching influence or something to be embraced. Four of Pentacles (Power): Cleaving to earthly power in the desperate fear that it will be lost.
“The card at the base of the staff represents your role or attitude. Nine of Pentacles (Gain): Attaining refinement and embracing elegance. Discipline and nobility applied to the maintenance of security and stability. The wise use of resources. The fulfillment that comes with accomplishment.”
“And last but not least…”
“The card at the top of the staff represents the ultimate outcome should you continue on your present course. The Sun: A time of contentment and freedom from restraints. Creative inspiration, achievement, and success.”
After the tea has been drunk, and after Violet Mary has completed the reading of the cards, Crystal and Kiz and I stand up to go. From the corner of my eye, I regard the old owl—Violet Mary’s keen familiar—as it sits upon its perch. I wink at him, and he winks back at me. We thank our hostess for her hospitality (and for the divination). Crystal’s reading, and mine as well, has confirmed a course well defined, a path quite familiar, and an outcome at least suspected. But for Kiz a less than comfortable prediction has been advanced—one she apparently does not wish to confront at present, at least not in our presence. Surely, sacrifice is never a pleasant prospect—especially the sacrifice of something vital to one’s existence or well-being. I’m not inclined to question Kiz’s reluctance to hear the full interpretation of the tarot spread, but I can’t help wondering whether she knows full well what the cards would have revealed. Admittedly, Kizmet is still a mystery to me. To Crystal, too! We’ve discussed it between us, and we’re hoping someday to know her much better, to understand her deeper motivations, and her reasons for hanging out with us so often in Virtual Life. For the present, though, we allow the relationship to develop naturally. Is there really any other way?
After saying good-bye to Violet Mary Firth, we make our way along the winding pathway that leads through the forest and eventually to a stone staircase carved right into the side of a high promonto
ry. Climbing to the top of the stairs, we see the abbey in all its Celtic glory, its gray stone columns rising to support moss-covered cloisters and archways. Dozens of potted plants in bloom line the walkways, and wreaths of wisteria adorn each column. The back wall is a tall, stone edifice with an open arch at ground level. The supple branches of a luxurious willow tree that grows behind the edifice wrap round the hewn stones and extend through various openings. At the center of the abbey is the altar, a two-tier stage fashioned from gleaming white stones cut into large rectangles. Upon the altar is a marble table, and covering the tabletop is a green cloth. Candles have been placed to mark the four cardinal directions, and upon the table are the marriage documents, a knife, a chalice, a ribbon, a small silver box and a trowel! A broomstick rests beside the altar. Wildflowers are spread inside the sacred circle. Flower petals rain down endlessly upon us as we cross the threshold, and the sight of the golden-red sun setting over pearly water beyond the hillside cathedral leaves all three of us rather breathless.
“Can you imagine a more idyllic place to get married?” I ask both friends.
“Sure beats City Hall,” says Crystal.
“I married my ex-husband at the Little Church of the West in Las Vegas,” says Kiz.
“I didn’t know you were once married,” I say.
“Seems like ancient history now,” she relates.
“I was married, too,” I tell Kiz. “But we divorced eleven years ago.”
“I was once engaged,” says Crystal. “But I broke it off when he got involved with drugs.”
“I never knew that,” I say to my business partner and friend.
:) types Crystal.
We take seats near the altar and wait for the other guests to gather for the ceremony. Today, Adrianne will preside over the hand fasting ritual, which ‘literally’ binds the couple together for a year and a day, after which, should they so choose, they can marry for life. As she ascends to the altar, she rings a handheld bell three times to signal the beginning of the ceremony. Rather than staying seated, all in attendance get up from their seats and gather round the altar. The couple enters from the east, Sly wearing a white suit, and Alegra a long red dress. Circling the altar four times, the priestess casts a sacred circle. She pauses at each cardinal point and repeats an invocation. Answering a prompt from Adrianne, both Sly and Alegra declare their intent to join with the other so that they may henceforth be recognized in the eyes of the God and Goddess, and in the eyes of family and friends, as one.
The Virtual Life of Fizzy Oceans Page 11
