Beyond Sedona

by Lucia Ashta

  The masters witnessed acts of oppression caused by harsh rulers who put their own selfish desires first, before ministering to the suffering of their people. They saw images of civil unrest caused by a lack of tolerance and understanding of others, acts of fanatical genocide, and wars that lasted for lifetimes, devastating peoples and lands.

  Nevertheless, the people of Arnaka understood that they couldn’t force their ways on others. The beliefs of every man, woman, and child were unique. There were as many understandings of life and death as there were human beings. When a culture pursued uniformity, strife and suffering inevitably ensued.

  Even on their isolated island of Arnaka, within a community that was predominantly harmonious, there had been more incidents of darkness infiltrating people’s lives recently. There were stories of people doing strange things. More people were succumbing to these dark forces that compelled them to act outside of their norm.

  The dark side was very effective at presenting illusions that led an individual to despair, spiraling down into despondency. The dark side ripped away hope, giving the impression that there was no alternative but to fear what was lurking in the shadows. It was when these acts of illusion and false impressions were stripped away that people could stand in their true power and step into their destinies. The truth in light always set people free.

  Chapter 51

  Paolo sat on the bed in their room at the inn staring off into space, feeling helpless, until he lost track of time. He was scared. He wanted to protect Lena more than anything, but he didn’t know how to find her. Paolo feared that whoever had taken Lena might hurt her, but he strained to control his thoughts. Thoughts were energy, with the power to create. If enough energy was sent to one outcome, the likelihood that it would occur increased.

  Paolo fought to control his thoughts and emotions. If unable to defend Lena in the moment, at the very least he wouldn’t create the worst through the fears of his mind. He made himself picture the best outcome, working harder than ever before to control what he thought and felt. He was determined to contribute to the positive shaping of their future.

  Paolo pushed away fear and entered the world of daydream. He reclined back on the bed and closed his eyes. He dreamt of Lena’s face, picturing every detail. He reminisced on what it was like to make love to Lena, to be with her while staring into the depths of her soul, feeling and knowing everything about her.

  He convinced himself that he would do these things again. He would caress Lena’s skin, running his hands over the intriguing voluptuousness of her body that awakened the fire within his own. He would stare into her liquid amber eyes that were so much like his and discover her inner lioness.

  Paolo remembered the visions he had in Egypt. He’d known this woman before, he’d loved her before. He’d love her again. That love for her filled his soul. Their meeting was no accident. It had been destined. This reflection gave him hope. There was much that Lena and Paolo were meant to do together in this life. There was purpose to it all.

  This was what he prepared for on his journey all of these years since he first left Rome. He knew how to affect the illusions that created concrete reality. Paolo knew that nothing was as it seemed. Focus of mind and energy could shape everything, as long as faith accompanied it. Paolo reined in his focus and began to call out to Lena with the power of his mind. He beckoned her to him.

  As Manay Quispe taught him, Paolo sent his consciousness heavenward to connect to the source of all that is and then pulled that divine light down and filled his being with it. He breathed in light and breathed out that which didn’t serve him, releasing it to the earth for transformation. Repeatedly, he breathed in light, filling his being with perfect calm and acceptance of all that happened in this world. Then, he breathed out those fears for Lena’s safety that threatened to take form within him.

  From that place of peace, Paolo again sent out his energy to connect with Lena, and, this time, he felt her. He suddenly became alert. He could feel her vibration. She was close, and she was reaching out to him too.

  Chapter 52

  The days and nights went by rapidly, and it was already the eve before Asara and Anak were to wed. The next day, at dusk, Kaanra was to perform the ceremony by the water, under one of the ancient trees that had stood there long before any of them.

  Asara watched the sun set with her feet in the river. The water calmed her. It reminded her of the flow of life, which continued no matter what thoughts or emotions ran through her. The tree she stood under had sprouted leaves and flower buds as spring neared. So it was with all nature. The world continued regardless of human life. Cycles repeated themselves, and life renewed itself through magnificent rebirth.

  Asara walked back to the bedroom, her refuge for almost sixteen years. It would be her last night in her little room. After this night, she’d share a room with Anak, her husband. She’d have to get used to that idea. It was foreign to her to think of him in those terms. Titles had never meant much to her, but since the temple masters were giving her and Anak the opportunity to marry, she wanted to take advantage of this chance to affirm their connection to each other before Creator.

  Asara arrived at her room and slowly opened the door, finding comfort in the door’s familiar creaking. She’d lived here since the age of seven, and it was home to her. She felt a special tenderness toward the door and let her hand linger on the old wood, leaning her forehead against it.

  When she let go of it, she went to the window. There, she lost track of time as she watched the moon, almost completely full, rise in the sky. She stood perfectly still, mesmerized. When the moon was high in the sky, she pulled her tunic over her head and let it fall to the floor. She flopped on her bed without ceremony and fell to sleep instantly.

  Deep sleep grabbed hold of Asara quickly, but rest didn’t come. Archangel Michael appeared to her as soon as she entered the dream state to tell her that he needed her and Anak right away. The etheric war had infiltrated the physical plane. Archangel Michael was calling the golden children of prophecy to duty.

  If only it could wait one day, she and Anak would marry. But Asara realized Archangel Michael wouldn’t appear to her in this way if it weren’t of supreme importance. She and Anak would respond to his call immediately. They’d help in any way possible, although Asara didn’t imagine what they’d be able to contribute in a battle of etheric forces.

  Asara received very detailed information from Archangel Michael. She’d grown accustomed to waiting for complete understanding until things unfolded, but she was grateful for the effortless receipt of information that night. The army of light, led by Archangel Michael, was preparing its soldiers. Creator had summoned Archangel Lucifer to the heavens to assist, alongside his twin brother, in returning balance between light and dark on the earth. Archangel Michael and Archangel Lucifer were now organizing the legions of both the non-physical and physical worlds for active duty.

  Archangel Michael explained that a contingent of beings from other planets was disobeying fundamental universal laws. These particular extraterrestrial creatures were sinister and had descended upon earth to wreak havoc and destruction. It was vital that light be protected. Without light, there could be no true life. All humans were light beings made by Creator; the spark that gave life was the light of Divine essence.

  Once Archangel Michael had left, Asara opened her eyes. There would be no wedding that next day, but she knew it would only be delayed and not forgotten. Asara felt greater sadness over the reason for their summons. She knew there must be great malevolence in the world to provoke such an urgent call to the army of light.

  Asara lay on her back unmoving, until she found stillness within her heart. Finding this inner tranquility helped her regain the strength of her connection to the divine source. It was the most important thing she could do then, especially since she didn’t know what the future would bring or when she might again have the opportunity to feel this inner quietude, undisturbed.

  Lying
on the bed where she felt safe, she knew Creator was in her heart as an ever-constant presence. From this place, she was able to embrace the role that Creator had chosen for her. In a space of acceptance of what was to come, Asara sat up and swung her feet to the floor. There would be no rest for her that night.

  Chapter 53

  Are you feeling okay now?” Victor asked Lena. “I want to explain some things that may surprise you.”

  This turned out to be a big understatement. Victor told Lena stories that shocked her. She listened attentively as Victor talked for what seemed like hours. He explained to her how the world’s power structure was a cover-up for a secret sector that caused great harm to humanity and the planet at large through meticulous planning. Victor explained how appearances were distorted at such a deep level that very few understood what really went on in the world.

  Dismayed at the reality Victor was unveiling, Lena didn’t know where to start with the many questions she had. She asked the most immediate one.

  “Who is the mastermind of all this destruction and chaos in the world? And why? Why would anyone want to do all of this? Why cause everyone on the planet harm?”

  “The easiest way to answer your question is by telling you that it’s not a who but a what. Darkness is behind it all. Almost every conspiracy that you’ve heard has at least some elements of truth to it,” Victor said.

  “Really?” Lena’s eyebrows scrunched in doubt as her brain rifled through some of the outlandish conspiracy theories she heard over the years.

  “Oh, yes. It goes to a level that you can’t even begin to fathom yet. Question everything that you’ve ever heard.”

  Lena didn’t know what to think. Victor responded to her disconcerted expression. He softened.

  “The one thing that’s always constant and true is what lies within our hearts. That is truth. The connection you feel to Creator is true. The darkness cannot touch that. If you begin to feel lost and upside down with all of these changes, know that you can always find your center. You can always discover the right thing to do when you go in here.” Victor placed his hand over his heart center and closed his eyes. He looked peaceful. Even knowing that the planet was suffering from a web of deception and destruction, he was at peace. Lena realized that she could be too.

  Lena recognized she was on earth to accomplish a purpose. If everything Victor told her was true, then the forces of darkness were already aware that she was being activated to step into her role. She’d learn everything she could about what she was supposed to do. If humanity and the planet were to survive, every one of them had to do their part.

  The time is now. The war between light and darkness is being waged now. The time is now, whispered through Lena’s mind in a soft, unfamiliar voice.

  “Teach me, Victor. Please teach me so that I can do my part to help the world,” she said.

  Without a word, Victor stood and disappeared into another room. When he came back, she was stunned. She hadn’t thought the day could get any more bizarre, but it just had. Victor carried a double-edged sword of beautiful artisanship, and he presented the sword to her.

  “This is for you.”

  She looked up at him from where she sat on the couch, her eyebrows high. What on earth was she supposed to do with a battle sword? After Victor’s stories of deep-seated conspiracy in the world, she really hoped no one expected her to kill anyone. She couldn’t kill anything.

  Still, she reached out her arms, and Victor laid the sword across them. “What am I supposed to do with it?”

  “Practice with it for a while. Once you remember who you are, return it to me. The sword that Archangel Michael gave you the other day is your angel sword. This one will remind you of what it feels like when you actually hold a sword. You’re more powerful than you’ve let yourself imagine, Lena.”

  “Oh! Paolo is calling me right now. I can feel him!”

  “Then it’s important that you go to him right away, Lena. Do you know where he is?”

  Lena closed her eyes and narrowed in on Paolo’s voice. Her eyes fluttered open. “This is incredible. I do know. He’s at the inn looking for me. But wait, maybe I’m wrong. He’s supposed to be in Rome. He left only yesterday. He can’t be back already. I might be making it all up.”

  “Some advice, Lena: When you start saying, ‘Maybe I’m making it all up,’ that’s usually a pretty sure sign that you’re not and that you’ve tapped into something otherworldly that allows you to know things you didn’t think you could know. But you can. And each time it’ll get easier for you to hear the messages sent across time and space. Time and space don’t mean anything anyway. They’re an illusion, just like everything else. Go to him. If Paolo is calling you, you must go right away. Tell him you’re coming.”

  “I left my phone at the inn. I can’t call him.”

  “No, Lena. Tell him. Just like he’s telling you. You don’t need phones. You have something much better.”

  Lena closed her eyes and called out to him. Amor, ahora voy. She stood to leave. “Victor, how can I repay you for your guidance?”

  “For starters, you can do what you came to this planet to do. You’re important. It’s time for you to remember who you are.”

  He looked down at Lena holding the sword and a slight smile crossed his face. Lena realized what he was smiling about. She’d also noticed that she knew how to handle the sword. When she moved it from where Victor had placed it in her arms, she did it deftly as if she’d been handling a sword every day of her life.

  “Make sure you practice,” Victor said. “You don’t help anyone by ignoring your purpose. Your humility doesn’t serve humanity. You’re here to do something that will help change the world. All those stories that I told you today may make you feel desperate and insignificant, you may ask yourself what you could possibly do to change any of it. But by the time you’re ready to step into the role you’ve come to this planet to fulfill, you’ll have the power to change it all.

  “That’s why you and Paolo are under attack. Because you are soul twins. And if you’re both independently powerful, imagine what you can be together. Now do you understand why some invisible force you haven’t yet identified is trying to keep you two apart? Because that force knows what you’re capable of becoming, it will do everything in its power to keep you from stepping into who you’re meant to be. Don’t allow yourself to be dwarfed. Don’t allow yourself to be threatened. Step into the destiny that was chosen for you even before your birth. Become who you came here to become.”

  If ever there were a speech of inspiration that would change lives, that was it. Lena rolled out of Victor’s driveway and zipped out onto highway 89A. She pulled up to their room at the Javelina Inn in record time. Before she opened the car door, she saw him. He seemed despondent, pacing the length of the bed. Paolo sensed Lena gazing at him and looked up. Their eyes met and held.

  There was a suddenness of motion and energy. Paolo ran to her, and she ran to him. In an instant, they were in each other’s arms, both crying, neither of them ready to speak nor needing to do it.

  When they were finally able to step apart, Paolo ushered Lena inside the room. “Wait, I need to get something,” Lena said. She returned to the car to retrieve her sword. She knew this was Sedona and all, but she still didn’t think it was a good idea to leave a battle-ready sword in the passenger’s seat. Paolo smiled as he watched his warrior love enter the room, sword in hand. He’d found the one woman meant for him in this world.

  Chapter 54

  Having fully accepted the call to duty, Asara started preparing what she’d need for the journey that lay ahead. She picked up the sword Makalah gave her. She admired the embroidery of its violet sheath, and then she pulled the sword out. It was sharp and shiny and glinted in the moonlight as she removed it in one swift motion Asara’s hand conformed to the sword’s hilt, and she realized she was ready. The sword of awakening would have a turn in battle.

  Asara stood in a fighting stance with the
sword in front of her. She held it expertly. The light of the moon shone over her and the sword, illuminating the scene and making her look like a warrior priestess. The moonlight brought to the surface the evocative magnetism that was within Asara causing it to be visible to any human eye. But on that silvery night, no person saw her. Only a lone owl watched the scene from its perch.

  Asara lifted her sword up high and announced to the universe that she was a spiritual warrior, an angel ready to answer her calling. She prayed aloud, for she knew that there was great power in the spoken word. She asked Archangel Michael to keep Anak and her safe so that they might return to Arnaka to continue fulfilling their purpose as light bearers in the world.

  But even after all that, Asara knew she had to make one last statement, one that was a challenge for the human mind. She told the universe that, despite her prayers, she ultimately surrendered to the will of Creator. She released all expectation of control over the situation. May Creator’s will, and not my will, be done. Whatever Creator’s plan was, she’d accept it in complete surrender to wholly fulfill her life’s purpose on earth. There was no such thing as control outside of divine will.

  Asara packed a small bag that she could tie around her shoulders. Her mother had made it for her trip to the temple when she was a girl. Asara believed at first that it was just a birthday present, but later realized her mother had made it to carry her things for her new life at the temple. Her mother’s handiwork was skilled and the fabric and stitching were intact despite the bag’s years. Asara didn’t have occasion to use it since then, but it would serve her well for the upcoming adventure. She packed only to provide for the most essential of her needs.