Dorothy's Mystical Adventures in Oz

by Robert J. Evans

  *

  Chapter Twenty-four:

  At Last, The Emerald City

  *

  "Approaching Emerald City!" shouted the Lion.

  "Point your broomsticks down," said the Witch. "We're coming in to land."

  As they zoomed down, people strolling about the streets looked up.

  "Run!" they heard someone shout. "Run for your life! It's the Wicked Witch!"

  "Oh, dear," said the Witch. "It's these clothes again. They never failto put a scare into people. My pointed hat especially scares them."

  "Then take it off," shouted Dorothy above the wind. "It won't be longbefore you'll be rid of the witch-clothes, too. I don't think, though,that the people are as frightened of those as they are of thebroomsticks. I should have thought of that before."

  Everyone landed without mishap. Of course, the streets were nowdeserted. They walked across the street to the Scarecrow's palace.Oddly, the entrance was barred.

  "I'm locked out of my own castle?" said the Scarecrow, as he rang the bell.

  A little door in the big door opened, and the Guardian of the Gatespeered out at them. "Who are you?" he said, rather sharply.

  "I am your king, as appointed by the Wonderful Wizard of Oz himself.This is Dorothy, and we are her friends."

  "What about her?" said the guard, staring at the Witch suspiciously.

  "She's our friend, too," said the Tin Woodman.

  "I don't believe you," said the guardian, and he slammed the little doorshut.

  The Tin Woodman banged on the door with his fist.

  "Go away!" shouted the guardian.

  The Tin Woodman banged on the door again, this time using his ax handle.

  "I said, GO AWAY!" The guardian was obviously getting quite perturbed.

  "What shall we do now?" asked the Tin Woodman.

  "Let me try a different tactic," said Dorothy. She knocked on the doorlightly and said, "Please open the door. We can explain."

  The little door opened slowly. "I'll say you need to explain," said theguardian. "Nobody has a Wicked Witch for a friend -- except anotherWicked Witch."

  "Well, I'm not a Wicked Witch," said Dorothy. "I'm a friend of theScarecrow's."

  "She's not," said the guardian. "And she's not a friend of theScarecrow's. And if she's your friend, your scarecrow must be animpostor!" With that, the door slammed shut again.

  "Now what?" said the Scarecrow. "He doesn't even believe I'm really me!"

  "I have an idea," said Dorothy. "Knock on the door again."

  The Tin Woodman knocked loudly.

  "What is it this time?" said the guardian impatiently, while opening thelittle door slightly.

  "You don't understand," said Dorothy. "She's our prisoner."

  "I thought you said she's your /friend/," retorted the guardian, mockingly.

  "Well...." Dorothy hesitated.

  "Well, what? I'm waiting," replied the man.

  "Well, she's sort of our friend, too. You see, since we captured her,she has turned out to be quite nice."

  "It's probably a trick," said the guardian, suspiciously.

  "You can't really blame him for being suspicious," said the Witch. "I'vebeen hated for many, many years. It's going to take a while for peopleto get used to my new image."

  "I suppose so," said Dorothy.

  A few moments later, the little door opened again. But this time it wasnot the guardian. Instead, it was Princess Gayelette, the reclusive buthighly respected sorceress from the north. She and her husband, Quelala,had come to ask for an audience with his Majesty the Scarecrow. Uponfinding him away, they had remained to look after the palace until hisreturn. Quelala, although not a magician, was widely known for hiswisdom and understanding. Gayelette was known for her powerful magic,which she used only for the good of the people. She was never known toharm anyone, and her concern for people and other sentient beings madeher a favorite all over the country. As she stood in the doorway, hergaze fell upon the Scarecrow and his friends.

  "It is you," she exclaimed. "I was rather doubtful, from what the littleguardian told me. He said something about a Witch. But, of course, ourScarecrow would not be associating with a Wicked Witch. Even with my ownmagical charms, I try to avoid such individuals."

  "Oh, my!" she said as her eyes met those of the Witch. "Then, is ittrue?" The princess was visibly shaken. The Witch smiled nervously atPrincess Gayelette and curtsied. "I am very pleased to meet you, YourHighness," she said. "And I feel most honored and privileged to be inyour company."

  Princess Gayelette smiled rather weakly and shook the Witch's hand. "Letus retire to the meeting hall," she said. "I have a feeling you have along story to tell."

  When they reached the meeting hall, the Scarecrow excused himself for amoment to arrange for some refreshments. "Make yourselves comfortable,"he said. "I'll be back in a moment."

  Later, when the straw man returned, everyone was very relaxed, sittingin large, comfortable reclining chairs that the palace staff had madeavailable.

  "I'm being very inconsiderate, Dorothy," said Gayelette. "I'm sure youmust be tired and weary from your long journey and all your adventures.Please enjoy your refreshments. We can meet and hear the whole story alittle later. One of the maids will show you to the gardens after you'verested. We can meet there. In the meantime, I wish to have a talk withour ruler. We have some serious thinking to do, and only hishand-manufactured brains will suffice."

  After everyone had eaten (except the Tin Woodman and the Scarecrow whowere manufactured beings and had no need of food and drink), a youthfulmaid led the others upstairs. The apartments were very spacious andbeautifully furnished. The Witch immediately indulged herself in a long,relaxing perfumed bath. She had never felt so wonderful in her life.After her bath, she put on a silk robe that had been laid out for her.She sighed with contentment as she lay down on the bed and closed hereyes. Soon she fell into a deep, peaceful sleep.

  When the Witch awoke she felt wonderfully refreshed. She got up andwalked over to the open window and looked out. The view of the royalgarden was very beautiful: trees and flowers of every variety; thick,lush green grass with little benches here and there to sit on; a littlestream cascading over beautiful ornamental rocks, creating miniaturewaterfalls. There was also a large lake on which white swans swam lazilythrough the water. What a contented scene it was.

  The Witch walked back into the room. The perfumed aroma of the gardenpermeated the apartment. "How delightful the Scarecrow's palace is,"said the Witch out loud. "So peaceful. Oh, how I'd love to live here."Well, I'd better get dressed. I'm sure everyone will be meeting soon."

  When she opened the closet door, she caught her breath. The closet was alarge one and completely filled with the most beautiful of clothes. Shechose a gorgeous Eastern-looking gown. The material was most exotic. Itseemed to be pure silk, yet it had a sheen so reflective that itappeared to be woven with a thread of pure emerald. Attached to the gownwere shimmering emerald earrings and a necklace. There was also abracelet made of emeralds, rubies, and diamonds.

  Just then, there was a knock on the door. It was a young girl aboutDorothy's age.

  "My name is Jellia," the girl said. "Jellia Jamb. The Scarecrow asked meto assist you. I am quite good at styling hair. May I?" she said,steering the Witch into a chair.

  The Witch's hair was long and straggling. Jellia Jamb set about coifingit. And what beautiful job she did. She then cut the Witch's long,pointed, curling nails and delicately manicured them.

  Jellia stepped back to observe the Witch. She gasped with amazement.

  "Why, you look exactly like that Princess who has been visiting! Look --look in the mirror."

  The Witch turned to look in the full-length mirror. "Oh, my," she said,holding her hand to mouth. "I can't believe it." For standing in themirror appeared to be Princess Gayelette herself. She was stunninglybeautiful.

  The Witch was visibly shocked. "I can't believe it," she kept saying."I've come from being an ugly old hag to
a beautiful princess." Sheshook her head in amazement. "I could very easily be mistaken forGayelette herself."

  "Come," said the little girl. "Let us join the others in the garden. Ican't wait to see their faces."

  A few moments later, they arrived at the Gazebo. "I think we are alittle early," said Jellia. "No one is here yet. Come." She took theWitch's hand. "Let us sit down and chat."

  A few minutes later, Dorothy arrived. "Oh," she said, as she saw Jelliaand the Witch. "Princess Gayelette. What a beautiful gown!"

  "And allow me to introduce Jellia Jamb, one of the children of theEmerald City. She and I are old friends," the Witch said, with a wink atJellia.

  "I'm very pleased to meet you, Dorothy," said Jellia. "I've heard somuch about you. Our Ruler, the Scarecrow, talks about you all the time.And you are even mentioned in our history books at school."

  "Really? I'm most honored," said Dorothy. "Perhaps we could get togetherafter the meeting," said Dorothy. "I would like to find out more aboutyour schools here in Oz."

  "I'd like that," said Jelia Jamb. "Oh, here's Princess Gayelette now."

  "I beg your pardon," said Dorothy. "I thought this was...?" Her voicetrailed away as Gayelette approached. "But, but ... then ... who is ...Oh!" It suddenly dawned on Dorothy. "Then this must be...."

  "The Witch," said the Witch. "Yes, indeed, it is I. We could not resistplaying a little trick on you, Dorothy. I hope you didn't mind."

  "Not at all," replied Dorothy. "I'm just amazed."

  Princess Gayelette and Quelala were no less amazed. Gayelette just keptshaking her head as she stared at the Witch. As the others arrived, theydid double-takes when they saw the Witch and Princess Gayelettetogether. "Please sit down, everyone," motioned Gayelette. "This is noless amazing to me than it is to all of you. As you can see, we could betwin sisters. But the pieces of the puzzle are all falling into place.I'd like to tell you a little story which may help to explain theremarkable resemblance.

  "The story begins in a tiny village in Oz. At that time, it was known asOzcott. My father had a country home there.

  "One day, the Wicked Witch Mombi captured me. She was afraid that mymagic would become more powerful than her own, and planned to nip thatin the bud so that she could become the most powerful person in Oz.However, unknown to Mombi, my baby sister was about to arrive. WhenMombi found out, she was furious. She went to our house in the dead ofnight and stole Ozetta from her crib. She then contacted /her/ sister,the Witch who ruled the Deep South, and asked her to take Ozetta. Thesister was very happy to take the little baby, as she was quite old andwanted to pass on all her Witch's secrets.

  "I managed to escape, but my dear baby sister was never seen again. We'dall thought she'd died. However, unknown to us, she'd been raised bythat wicked old witch and later took her place, so no one ever knew thedifference. So this lady, dear friends," said Gayelette, with tears inher eyes, "is, I believe, my long-lost sister, Ozetta."

  With that, Ozetta and Gayelette ran to each other and hugged one anothertightly. Tears were rolling down their cheeks as they hugged and kissed."The fact that we look so much alike leaves no room for doubt," saidGayelette to Dorothy. "And, to mark this joyous occasion, I declare thisday a national holiday."

  A little Gillikin, who was standing by, scurried off to spread the goodnews.

  "Well," said Gayelette, with her arms around her sister's shoulders,"this is a very beautiful day for all of us. I'm so very grateful toyou, Dorothy, and to all of you, for the part you played in releasing mysister from her bondage, and bringing her back to me."

  "I would like to thank all of you, too," said Ozetta, "for all you havedone for me, and especially for this present moment. I have neverexperienced such joy, such happiness. I didn't know such feelings ofecstasy could exist. I grew up feeling only the emotion of hate. Theperson I called my mother was not good to me. She screamed at me all thetime -- her eyes constantly filled with hate. She verbally abused me. Sheeven hit me when she was just in a bad mood -- which was most of thetime. She acted as if she felt ashamed of me. When she taught me BlackMagic, I directed the hate I felt for her to others, weaving it into themagic spells I cast on them. Now I see that the hatred and resentment Iwove into those spells only came right back to me. I reaped exactly whatI sowed. I could say I didn't know any better, but I did. I just refusedto listen to that inner voice -- my conscience. As far as I wasconcerned, I had no conscience, felt no remorse for what I was doing. Myconscience was buried, with no chance of seeing the light of day. Yet, Iknew something was wrong, for I was not a happy person. How could I be?But I would not allow myself to think about such things -- to try toanalyze why I was not happy. That is, until you came along, Dorothy. Ittook you, with your deep understanding, to bring me to a new realization-- a new beginning. I was a lonely, ugly old witch, and now I am abeautiful princess with a beautiful sister and lots of wonderfulfriends. I will be eternally grateful to you, Dorothy. All of you."

  Ozetta then hugged them all in turn. "I know you miss your family,Dorothy," she said. "And that you must return to Kansas. But I want youto know I will visit you often. And I know you will visit us here."

  Thank you, Ozetta," said Dorothy. "I beg your pardon, your Highness. Foryour are really a princess now, and should be addressed as such. Itgives me great pleasure, your Majesty, to see you so happy, and to knowthat you and Princess Gayelette have found each other. I look forward toseeing you again very soon. I have a feeling that there are othermissions planned for me in Oz, and I suspect that I shall be needingsome help when that time comes."

  "Me! A princess! I know now it's true, but I can't believe it. YesterdayI was a mean ugly old witch, and today a young and beautiful princess.I'm sure it's all a dream, and I shall wake up to reality at any moment.But I will be waiting with great anticipation for your return, Dorothy.And I'll practice my magic every day."

  "And I'll keep my ax razor-sharp," said the Tin Woodman. "And I'll findways to use my heart. I'll help people whenever I can."

  "And I'll read a lot of different books," said the Scarecrow, "to keepmy brain nice and sharp."

  "I'll find ways to test my courage," said the Lion, "so I'll be braveenough to tackle any situation we may encounter."

  Everyone crowded around Dorothy to bid her goodbye. There were tears andlaughter as they all hugged and kissed her.

  The Scarecrow then took Dorothy by the hand. "Come," he said. "I havebeen asked to bring you to see someone prior to your return to Kansas.This someone is a very special person. After your discussion, he willescort you home."

  Dorothy turned to wave a final goodbye to the others. There were tearsin her eyes.

  "We'll all see you in our dreams," said the Tin Woodman, "so be sure tothink about us before you go to sleep at night."

  "Oh, I'll always be thinking about you," said Dorothy. "But especiallyI'll be thinking about you when I'm falling asleep."

  "Good," said the Lion. "And don't be too surprised if you hear a coupleof lions roar just as you fall asleep. "

  "Oh my goodness, that might wake up Aunt Em," smiled Dorothy.

  "Won't that be a surprise for her?" said the lady Lion, mischievously.Everyone laughed.

  Princess Ozetta blew her a kiss. "Call on me, now, if you ever have aproblem."

  "I will," said Dorothy, her voice beginning to break. "I will. Oh, Iwill. Thank you again, all of you.... I'll see you soon."

  "Now you take good care of yourself!" said the Gayelette. Dorothynodded, afraid to speak lest she break down.

  *

  Chapter Twenty-five:

  A Mystical Encounter

  *

  "Where does this mysterious stranger live?" Dorothy asked the straw man,as they entered the house.

  "Well, he doesn't exactly live in Oz," replied the Scarecrow. "As amatter of fact, he resides in a different dimension altogether."

  "How can I meet him, then?" asked Dorothy.

  "Well, since he is on a different dimension than us, he has to changehis vi
bration to enter our dimension. You see, his dimension operates ona higher frequency than ours. We will have to become very quiet andstill so that we can tune into his vibration. Then he will becomevisible to us. He will be lowering his vibration slightly while we areraising ours. We will do this in my meditation room, where we will notbe disturbed."

  He took Dorothy's hand as they went upstairs to his quarters. Theyentered his study. Before closing the door, he turned over a card whichhas hanging on the doorknob. It read, DO NOT DISTURB -- IN MEDITATION.

  The meditation room itself was not large. Purple drapes covered thewalls. The window opened to a little balcony overlooking the garden.

  "I enjoy sitting here in meditation," said the Scarecrow. "It iswonderful to feel the early morning sun on my face and to smell thescent of the garden while the birds sing their morning song.

  "I read something once that I've never forgotten. It's very meaningfulto me. It goes like this:

  The Secret

  I met God in the morning, When my day was at its best. And His presence came like sunrise Like a glory in my breast.

  All day long His presence lingered All day long He stayed with me. And we sailed in perfect calmness O'er a very troubled sea.

  So I think I know the secret Learned from many a troubled way: You must seek Him in the morning If you want Him through the day.

  "This was written by a man named Ralph Cushman."

  "That is just beautiful," said Dorothy.

  "Yes," replied the Scarecrow, "and so true. Well, would you like to begin?"

  "Oh, yes," said Dorothy. "I can't wait to meet your mysterious friend."

  The Scarecrow smiled knowingly as he placed three chairs in the middleof the room. "Please be seated, Dorothy," he motioned, as he sat downhimself, "You should sit upright with your back straight; feet flat onthe floor with your knees together. Rest your hands on your knees withyour palms up. Now, close your eyes and relax completely.

  "With your eyes closed look straight ahead but concentrate your mind inthe center of your forehead.

  "Just relax. Don't worry about trying to control your thoughts. Theywill gradually subside.

  "You may become aware of a light. perhaps several colors.

  The Scarecrow fell silent for a while.

  "Are you aware of the light?" he asked.

  "Yes," said Dorothy. "Now it's changing. Oh, how beautiful. I see allthe colors of the rainbow. Mmm, I feel so relaxed and peaceful."

  "Now," said the Scarecrow, "open your mind to the greater power; feelwithin you the urge to know the Highest! Seek to understand all humanitywithout condemnation.

  "One by one, the teachers from the highest realms are arriving to assistus in our quest for higher knowledge and understanding.

  "The one we discussed has joined us. You may open your eyes now,Dorothy. He is fully manifested and sits with us."

  As Dorothy opened her eyes, she could feel a tremendously strongvibration emanating from what had been the empty chair. Sitting in thechair was a man. There appeared to be a glow around him which graduallysubsided, although little flecks of light appeared from time to timearound him. He was dressed in a long robe of the purest white. Hisbeautiful golden hair, which was shoulder-length, had a very slightreddish tint to it. Around his neck he wore a medallion with threepyramids on it, and an inscription in strange hieroglyphics.

  The stranger smiled at Dorothy; his beautiful, yet intense, blue eyestwinkling.

  Touching the medallion, he said in a most gentle voice, "I see you arecurious regarding this inscription."

  Dorothy nodded slightly.

  "Translated into English, it reads: MENTAL-PHYSICAL-SPIRITUAL.

  "If all mortals were to maintain a balance between these three, Heavenon earth would indeed be established.

  "My sandals trod the dust of the Holy Lands nearly two thousand yearsago. My mission; to instill into the minds of the people that themeaning of life was not as complicated as they were led to believe. Itraveled about the lands seeking to inspire the people and momentarilythey were inspired; but unfortunately, they became entangled withmaterial conditions and lost sight of the finer things that were beinggiven unto them. So, I had to step aside and allow them to follow thepath of their choosing. Following my brief stay, other teachers would gointo the various lands to try to reach the masses of strugglinghumanity. But the same conditions were encountered, generation aftergeneration. We all tried to touch those who we felt were sufficientlysensitive to become teachers, to become messengers of light unto thepeople. Now, almost two thousand years later, I bring my Word to thepeople in the hope it will be understood. Much of what I said in thepast has been misinterpreted. I had come to serve humanity, like so manyothers before me. Many of these same teachers suffered as I did. Yes,tears of compassion flowed often, as they observed the domination ofmankind and all the manifestation of evil which prevailed. I often foundthe same conditions and as a mortal I sought to instill the simpletruths unto them. I felt that if I could explain to them these truths inthe simple manner in which I received them there would be no danger ofmisinterpretation down through the ages. But unfortunately I was wrong.

  "At one time, the main topic of my conversation with people was thatthey must be born again, and again and again; that the lessons to belearned could not possibly be learned in one lifetime. Even this basicfact was misinterpreted. And even today, although great emphasis isplaced on the idea of a spiritual rebirth -- or being born again in aspiritual way -- the teaching ends there: my original meaning longforgotten and, I fear, deliberately distorted by the many whom Iencountered. And I feel, as I speak today, that much of what I say willnot be accepted. Why the stubbornness? Why the refusal to accept?Certain beliefs can be so ingrained in human thought that, when anhonest attempt is made to correct the situation, great anger ariseswithin the heart of those who are being given the opportunity to learnthe truth. And so they must remain ignorant of the great majestic truthsof creation and the grand plan for mankind.

  "Let me recite to you a little story, which, although well known, itwill be seen that the true version is quite different from the storyhanded down through the ages. This concerns my last moments on earth.

  "I said unto those who were persecuting me and who had persecuted me inthe past, /'All who have come to me to cast their stone, in time shallbecome wise and be set free upon the earth.'/

  "There were others near me who were to perish in the same manner asmyself, because they had been found associating with one who wassupposed to be so wise. I said unto them, 'Be at peace with thyself. Youwill soon be in a heavenly state. Be not faithless. Know that you shalllive again, that you shall arise, and that you shall be born again. Andin the other lives that you shall live, you shall have anotheropportunity to live the life that you are being deprived of at thepresent time.'

  "Yes, there are many stories that I could tell that would be no lessthan amazing to those who think they know all about my life. And heretoday, Dorothy, I should like to tell you a little more about my life.

  "Before I begin, I must tell you this. As you know, I was born of theJewish faith, and I love my people dearly. It saddens me to know thatmany of those who became followers of my teaching, decided that all whodid not confess me as the only begotten son of God were excluded fromGod's grace and were denied eternal life. Sad to say, that belief isalive and well today. Not among Jews, of course, but as an integral partof what became known as Christianity. They have decided amongstthemselves that God has somehow excluded all but Christians. Perhapseven more saddening to me is that certain Jews look down on other Jewswho do not worship as they do. They don't accept them as fellow Jewsbecause they have chosen, let's say, a less orthodox path to God.... Doyou think God cares a jot how people worship Him, as long as in
theirdaily dealings they treat one another with dignity respect and , andlive their lives as closely to the divine teachings as possible?

  "You see, I am an individual like you. One who came and served and thenwent on, never having to return or be born again in the physical world.In my last life on earth I came to teach what I knew of God's laws. Irepresented the masters who came before me and the masters who cameafter me. We work together now, to continue to try to bring light to adarkened world. Perhaps you would like to hear a little about my earlylife on earth. How I thought and felt about things as a boy."

  "Oh, yes," replied Dorothy. "That would be very interesting to me."

  "Now, when you return to Kansas, Dorothy, it might not be wise to saytoo much of what I tell you to adults, unless they show a depth ofunderstanding, and a certain gentleness of spirituality in their nature.You see, many adults have their beliefs locked up tight withinthemselves, and will not part with them no matter what is presented tothem. They can become very angry if they are told that things are notexactly as they believe. Even though -- if they were to stop and thinkabout it objectively -- that which is being told them might make verygood sense and be quite logical. Unfortunately, those people areconvinced beyond a shadow of doubt, that every word in the sacredscriptures came directly from God, and that not only could one word notbe wrong; but that nothing is missing from the writings.

  "So be careful; share this only with other children who have not yet hadtheir minds closed up and sealed, and only with those adults who areready. As for the others, they do have a right to their own individualbeliefs, of course. And it is really wrong to try to force other beliefsupon them. But unfortunately, their rigidity of thought and lack offlexibility forbids any possibility of real growth of understanding.However, everything is in order. Their short terms on earth are notwasted. They too have to serve and to learn certain lessons which mustbe learned before they can go forward.

  "And now; for the story of my early years:

  "Prior to my last expression on earth, I lived during the great peaceperiod in what is now known as Egypt.

  "I had come back to earth to bring forth light and to enjoy life. I knewat that time that I would have to return again to the earth to finish mywork.

  "During the very early years of my last life I was not aware of havinghad previous lives. There were certain lessons to learn and pinnacles toreach before I would be ready for this to be revealed to me. It is verymuch the same for the initiates of earth today. Certain things cannot berevealed until the chela, or pupil, is ready. For it to be otherwisewould be most confusing.

  "A great deal of mystery surrounds my birth. My birth was always amystery to me until a certain period in my life. Things were held backfrom me by my soul. The soul will not reveal anything unto you until youare ready.

  "I was not born into this life in the manner that has been told. Irealize that many people will cling to their perception of my birth somuch that they will not want to let go of this illusion. Butnevertheless, there must come a time when the truth must be told. Thecrutch must be taken away. The people must stand on their own two feet.For too long I have been worshipped as a God, whereas I am the same asyou worshippers, conceived exactly as they.

  "I do not wish to be worshipped. I wish only for the people to worshipthe principles; the teaching that was brought to them through myinstrumentality, and the instrumentality of others who came before meand after me.

  For too long these teachings have been ignored. Why? Because it takes agreat deal of personal sacrifice to follow the teaching of giving uphabits of thought and activity which are held dear. It is much easier toassume that the Blood of the Lamb was shed for all one's sins and aslong as one believes this one shall be saved and have eternal life.

  "We have told you, Dorothy, that all have eternal life. This is a truestatement. But the quality of that life is dependent solely on theindividual -- no one else! /As ye sow, so shall ye reap./

  "One cannot expect to sow inequality -- to inflict a low quality of lifeupon others; then to reap a high quality of life for oneself. If anymeasure of quality is reaped in this way it is highly temporal: fordeath patiently awaits all. And those who bring impoverishment to others-- that their own lives might become enriched -- now find that they arethe impoverished ones. /By thy works thou shalt be known/ is indeed atrue axiom. Whether the works be good or bad is immaterial as far as theUniversal Law is concerned; for the rewards meted out by the Law are indirect proportion to the works performed. So the quality of life afterdeath is directly related to the kind of life led before death.

  "It does not make much sense to spend one's life in violation ofman-made laws or of God's laws, unless, that is, one wishes to exist inmisery after death.

  "If those that violate the law could see the beauty and glory of God'sinfinite kingdom they would not waste one second in this sort of selfishpursuit. Real happiness for them will never be found until they returnto God, the Father.

  "Why do they prolong the agony? Because they wish to cling to suffering?No, because long ago they wandered far from the harmonious happy statethey resided in, and are now subconsciously trying to return. So theyseek this or that, thinking that the possession of these things, or thatperson, or the taking of drugs or alcohol will give them the fulfillmentthey desire. But, of course, nothing does. Yet, they search blindly on,never realizing that that which they seek is within themselves.

  "If only they would take the time to become ever so still, so that abeautiful communication could be established. The outer action wouldchange accordingly, thus leading them to a life of harmony and beauty --one which would take them in many creative directions: True fulfillmentwould then be achieved.

  "Alas, Dorothy, it is not to be so for the majority. They will not heedmy words any more now than they did before. But the time is not too fardistant when life on planet earth -- as they know it -- will be no more.Evolution will begin all over again for them. They will have to endureendless physical lives -- many in deep misery. All because of theirstubborn refusal to rejoin their creator. It is difficult to believethis; yet it is true.

  "If told the things that I am relating to you now, they would merelylaugh and scorn. They strongly doubt even the existence of a life afterdeath.

  "Well, Dorothy, I'm afraid I have deviated very far from my story. Butmy heart is heavy when I think of all the wrongdoing on earth. And allthe greed that exists.

  "The Father's treasures are available for the asking, and they are of apermanent nature. Yet they are totally ignored in favor of emptymaterial gains which are -- to say the least -- very temporary.

  "I'm afraid, Dorothy, that I and the other masters are relying veryheavily on you to bring some measure of what you have seen and heardhere back to the children of earth. Remember to keep it all a secretfrom adults, except in the rarest of cases. We are working in variousways with others of earth to reach each adult on his own particularlevel of development. Few are ready for as much of the truth as can begiven here. The spacebrothers, too, are working in their unique way.

  "The children of the earth shall be led into a Golden Age along withthose adults who are ready to share in the glorious beginning. Mymission was, and still is, to establish a universal consciousness of Godupon the earth. A oneness of all mankind. God's kingdom will come, andHis Will be done on earth -- as it is in Heaven.

  "Well, Dorothy, I would like to have told you more of my childhood, butour meeting must come to an end for the moment. Your Aunt Em and UncleHenry are growing very concerned for you. You must return to Kansas atonce. I will visit you again and tell you more of my life. I will visityou very soon.

  "Now, take my hands, and close your eyes."

  "Goodbye, Dorothy," said the Scarecrow. "God bless you."

  "Oh, I shall miss you all so much," said Dorothy. "But I am very excitedabout going home."

  As Dorothy said the words "going home," she opened her eyes to look ather friend. But instead of being in a meditation room in Oz, she foundhersel
f in her own room laying on her bed. She looked around to see AuntEm and Uncle Henry.

  Dorothy started to sit up. "Oh, Auntie Em; Uncle Henry!" she saidexcitedly, "I've got so much to tell you. I've been on an excitingadventure. I've been back to Oz. And you'll never believe who I met there."

  "You mean the place you've been telling us about?" said Uncle Henry.

  "Yes," said Dorothy. "And I've been to see all my wonderful friendsagain. And, oh, wait 'til I tell you about the Wicked Witch and how she -- "

  "Now hold on a minute, Dorothy," interrupted Aunt Em. "You've got toslow down. You're getting yourself too excited."

  "Oh, there's nothing wrong with me, really," said Dorothy.

  "We'll be the judge of that," said Aunt Em. "I want you to rest now,young lady. I'll bring you some chicken soup."

  "Well, we're real glad to have you back, Dorothy," said Uncle Henry witha grin. With that, he followed his wife out of the room.

  Toto came bounding in through the open door and jumped up to Dorothy'sbed, licking her face all over.

  "Oh, Toto!" said Dorothy tearfully. "They're not going to believe meagain. I know it. "But we believe Dorothy, don't we?"

  Cursum Perficio