Agartha

by Mariana Stjerna

  “I’m going to take this opportunity to ask a question,” I said, as we were sitting outside among trailing flowers and leaves. Grapes grew like a roof over us, and the scents from the warm ground were almost overwhelming. “Do people keep dogs here, or are they considered unclean, like in Oriental countries on the surface?”

  “Don’t worry.” Mannul smiled. “There are all kinds of pets here. But we don’t walk them like you do. We always have a purpose if we’re walking, and it may be difficult to take a pet along. We use cats and dogs therapeutically when necessary. Don’t you up there,” he lifted his hand to point at the roof of grapes, “realize the healing properties of cats, dogs, and horses? There aren’t any healers here who don’t use them in their treatment. It’s important to keep the animals clean and cultivate their intelligence properly. They’re not allowed to run around willy-nilly. Does that answer your question?”

  I stroked Titch as he sniffed my arm, which obviously smelled interesting. “What a shame he hasn’t learned that,” I commented.

  Mannul’s smile widened. “Titch is going to learn all about it. He’s coming on our field-trip tomorrow. He’ll be learning at the same time as you!”

  That sounded great, if mysterious. I was being educated with my dog. That was a slightly mad thought.

  21. Lessons Begin

  So what happened to Valencio? He came to Grandmother’s party. We had quite a good chat about his escape, his misgivings, hopes, and great sadness that his father didn’t care for him. He regarded himself as an orphan and wanted to stay with us. Mannul promised to ask the Galactic Council if they could give him a home in Agartha, or another planet. In the meantime, he lived with Edmund and the children, where he was very popular.

  It seemed that Sisilla knew more about the lessons Mannul would provide than I had supposed. When I expressed concern at leaving her so soon after our Love Union, she consoled me that it wouldn’t be for long. Many lessons could take place at home, and she would be there too. Apart from that, she had her own daily chores and I had to remember that no-one worked longer than four hours each day in Agartha. After that, your time was your own. It was strange how all tasks seemed to fit into the allotted time. This could be achieved on Earth, too, if people were more disciplined.

  Mannul arrived punctually the next morning. I had come to rely upon this tall, slim man with his long, blond hair and friendly demeanor. I felt totally secure with him.

  Titch did too, and showed his enthusiasm as we got into the hovercraft. He wagged his tail constantly and tried to push between Mannul and me — not easy in such a small space.

  The hovercraft stopped in the countryside outside Telos. As I stepped out, I could see a farmer working in a wheat-field. We walked over to him. He was carrying a seed-bin on his shoulders and sowing the seed by hand. I was surprised, as I knew how easy this would be with a tractor, on the surface.

  Suddenly, a host of Nature Spirits appeared, elementals as tall as humans, yet so fragile they were hardly visible at first.

  “We work with Nature Spirits here,” remarked the farmer, shaking my hand firmly. “They check that the seeds are in the right position to maintain vitality. That’s the secret of all the seed here: Its vitality remains in all you eat. Devas yearn to return to the surface to help.”

  “Close your eyes, Tim!” Mannul ordered.

  I closed them. When I was allowed to open them again, we were in the middle of a field of golden wheat, glowing with ripeness. The farmer at our side laughed and called, “This is what you get if you don’t spray it with rubbish, but allow the crop to grow as it will.”

  I could see it was excellent grain, even if there was an occasional cornflower, poppy, or daisy adding an undeniable charm to the mass of gold.

  “You have to remember,” Mannul observed, as we walked with the farmer, “that on the surface you ship food from all over. Food imported from other lands cannot increase your vitality, as it doesn’t receive the right local encouragements. It introduces something alien into your body, which often strikes a discordant note with your inherited frequency. In fact, you could say that you are consuming the thoughts and feelings of unfamiliar people, and these are then transferred to you. This affects your internal organs, unbeknownst to you. Ingesting thoughts from other countries may increase fears and phobias previously dormant. You’re left wondering where those thoughts and ideas came from.”

  “Is that true?” I yelled in horror, feeling like a cannibal. “I just want to be myself!”

  “You are yourself; don’t panic!” Mannul laughed, thumping me on the back. “But surface-dwellers will have to return to Nature. Things aren’t looking good for them.”

  While we were talking, Titch had been sniffing around and cocking his leg here and there. When he sat down to do his business, I tried to stop him, but the farmer restrained me.

  “The best manure we have comes from animals,” he said.

  “We bring manure from towns and houses to use on arable land. Human excrement is pulverized in situ, and mixed with dung to a sandy, non-smelly powder. The best growth is the result of natural manure, not artificial like they use up there.” He pointed skywards. It was strange to think of artificially-fertilized fields hanging just over our heads. Of course, it was a good way off.

  We were in the hovercraft again.

  “That was a great lesson,” I beamed. “I’m glad there are farmers here, and that they reap a good harvest without too much effort.”

  “It’s not a matter of effort,” Mannul answered. “We are willing, and we work hard. It owes a lot to the goodwill of Mother Earth, as we don’t add artificial fertilizer. Now we are going to have a lesson on beliefs.”

  22. The Temple of Belief and a Meeting with Melchizedek

  “We talked about religion yesterday when your grandmother mentioned it,” Mannul remarked, as the hovercraft stopped in a circular garden with a small building in the center. We alighted and Titch became interested in sniffing the huge number of bushes. The small, round building was like all other buildings, exquisitely beautiful and decorated with precious stones in an ornamental pattern.

  “This is a temple,” Mannul told me. “We don’t have churches and priests of various beliefs as on the surface, but we do have small temples where a priest and priestess act as a link to the Godhead. There’s only one divine power. We are aware of that here, and if we aren’t, we soon discover it. Come with me!”

  I trotted after my friend with the long, fair hair, into the round building. A wide beam of light fell from the open roof — I couldn’t understand where it came from.

  I knelt down like Mannul — it felt right. I felt encircled by the Light, overwhelmed by gentle warmth as all tensions and unwelcome thoughts dissolved and vanished. I was the light and the light was me. It wasn’t just a lovely thought, it was the Truth. The existence was literally an existence made of light.

  I don’t know if I was asleep or having a vision. I had knelt in respect for the light, and had closed my eyes. When I opened them, I was sitting on a soft sofa in front of the wide light beam. A voice came from it and I shivered with goose pimples. It was so holy … so sacred.

  “Humans, Human Children! A wonderful existence was created for you on beautiful, tranquil Earth, as part of a great family. You worked together, ate and drank together, slept together, and life was all enjoyment, beauty, and Love. Above all, Love!

  “This lasted for a relatively short time. When darkness came forth and nearly extinguished the light, you were blinded by acceptance. You accepted a life of Love and you accepted, without question, the encroaching darkness.

  “You believed things were as they should be. This became a new life-style and encouraged alien influences and dark deeds. The darkness seeped into your minds in many ways, often disguised as light. You invented religions, which was unnecessary, as there is only one God: one God-consciousness.

&n
bsp; “You gave this God as many guises as grains of sand on a beach.

  “You believed you had chosen or inherited a religion full of mysticism, stimulating your brains. You were unquestioning.

  “You were caught in your own trap and were inspired to struggle, to be envious and jealous. Golden Mammon was the root of all inspiration.”

  “All this is going to change, isn’t it?” I objected. “The new belief for the new age will be in one leader: the God within us who leads to the Highest Source.”

  “Well answered, Timothy! You may proceed!” The voice was happy and friendly, and Mannul patted me gently on the shoulder.

  “You’re one of us officially now, Tim,” he whispered. “You have met one of the Holy Ones.”

  “Do you have those here too?” I wondered in surprise. “I didn’t think you had Holy Ones as we do on Earth.”

  “We don’t.” Mannul sounded slightly offended. “This is a help center. Our temples welcome all those in need of help and support. Our priests and priestesses are wise, highly-developed beings who can cure mental disorder and other problems. I wanted you to know that there are centers like these across our world. You ought to have them too.”

  “I am no longer an Earthling,” I interrupted him. “But these places would definitely be useful on the surface. It’s nice to know there are temples like these.”

  “Everyone comes here,” Mannul replied. “There are parties, singing, dancing, and various meetings. The temples have all kinds of uses, apart from protection and sanctuary for those who most need it. And it doesn’t cost a thing!” This last sentence was accompanied by a peal of laughter.

  The hovercraft was outside, as was Titch, progressing slowly and calmly from shrub to shrub, his tail held high. He nearly bowled us over with happiness when we eventually emerged from the strange house. The journey continued.

  We alighted at the entrance to a magnificent, circular amphitheater with stairs descending to an oval stage. I thought it was the Coliseum at Rome. On the stage was a large oval table. Twelve men and women were seated around it. I realized it was the Council of Twelve in Telos.

  “Let’s go and meet them!” suggested Mannul eagerly.

  “We don’t want to disturb them!” I didn’t want to end up in an investigation which was none of my business.

  “We won’t! Come on, Tim and Titch!” He hurried down the circular flight of stairs and I followed doubtfully. Titch was busy trying to smell everything.

  As we arrived, a man rose and embraced Mannul and then me. It was Saint Germain. Titch was patted too. “Welcome! Sit by me, Tim, and learn a little about our society and the problems which arise here.”

  I looked around the table. Saint Germain explained who the people were and the offices they held. There were six men and six women.

  “An equal distribution,” I remarked. “That doesn’t happen on Earth.”

  “There are no differences in the rights of men and women here,” Saint Germain replied. “The Council discusses and makes decisions about possible crimes, which are rare, arguments between neighbors, also rare, food problems, and new nourishment ideas. And, of course, our eternal discussion: the surface of the Earth and how we can save it. Great things are happening up there,” he pointed to the sky, “and there will soon be changes for the Earthlings. They have manhandled our wounded planet so harshly that the damage is obvious even here. We can’t allow that. But who can control the wind?”

  “No-one can. So something must be done before things decline seriously for us because of the negligence and ignorance of Earthlings.” A woman was speaking. She looked middle-aged, tall, dark-haired, and beautiful. Her name was Lady Nada.

  “I lived on the Earth a long time ago,” she continued. “At that time, singing was a great experience, and there were many genres for various voices. Now singing seems to be an incessant out-of-tune screech. There are no melodies.

  “Very few singers have any training like we had. The music now played on Earth is damaging the planet. It damages the people who listen and the energy of the tones. Music can be exalting, but it is destructive when there is no harmony. I want to help with those changes. The music of the spheres shall be restored to Mother Earth.”

  There was approval of this and some clapping.

  “The imminent changes will include even your work, my dear Lady Nada,” remarked a man’s voice. “I’m Melchizedek, king of kings, and I’m going to introduce some sense to these Earthlings. Good manners and positive thinking!”

  The man was incredibly impressive. He was tall and strong, yet lithe. He had long, wavy dark hair and his eyes were bright and captivating. They were brown with golden flecks. He had a clear and handsome profile, emanating strength and Love. I thought there was something Indian in his appearance. His smile was incredibly bright and friendly. When he smiled, you smiled too, and enjoyed smiling in his company.

  “At the moment, most of our meetings in Agartha are about helping our Earth neighbors,” Saint Germain resumed. “This boy,” he was indicating me, “will help us. He hasn’t been here long, and has just married our Sisilla.” Everyone cheered, and I could feel myself blushing.

  Mannul saved the day. “We’re on a field-trip,” he called. “Please may we return for further information at a later date?”

  We bowed low and respectfully to the distinguished assembly, and Mannul and I retreated. Titch didn’t. He circled the whole table, sniffing at each person, being patted, and licking in return. When he came back to us he stood up on his hind legs, a gesture which denoted approval. He was entitled to the ensuing applause.

  The loyal (or previously programmed) hovercraft was waiting for us. I felt exhausted after the Council meeting and Mannul suggested that we should continue the next day. Thus I hurried home to my waiting wife.

  23. Visiting the In-Laws

  “I’m coming with you today!” declared Sisilla. She was standing at the foot of the bed, and the morning light swathed her like a glittering, shimmering aura. “We’re going to the Bridge of Mists, the boundary between Telos and its surroundings and the enormous country of the fifth dimension. You’ve been to Shamballa.”

  “Well, very briefly indeed,” I replied. “I’d like to see more of it!”

  “You will, darling. My parents live there, and we are going to visit.”

  At long last, I thought. I hope they’ll like me.

  “What if they don’t like me?”

  “Then they’ll dissolve our Love Union sensitively. But it won’t happen. We love each other, and that’s the most important thing for them. Love is paramount from the fifth dimension upwards. Agartha IS Love! Hurry up and get changed, I’ve ordered a hovercraft. Titch is coming with us.”

  Titch wolfed down his breakfast of vegetarian dog food, which he had come to enjoy. I don’t think he’d forgotten the meat he used to eat, but Titch is probably the only Great Dane alive who lives on vegetables and appreciates them. I hadn’t seen many dogs of his size here, but then again, I hadn’t seen many animals here at all. I dressed in a white shirt and white trousers, and put a diamond-studded white collar on Titch.

  Sisilla was in a pink creation with a matching wide-brimmed hat. She looked amazing. We entered the hovercraft, which immediately gained altitude.

  My grandmother used to sing this Swedish marching song:

  “In summer’s sunny glow,

  Through woods and fields we go,

  Worries we do not know,

  Singing all the way, hurray, hurray …”

  I whistled it now as the ground disappeared and we ascended to a good height. I’m actually pretty good at whistling.

  My wife gave me an amused look. “That was a lovely tune,” she smiled and said.

  “I can play more old Swedish songs on the piano,” I replied, “if we can get hold of one.”

  “I know which instrument
you mean,” returned Sisilla. “We can probably create one if you like.”

  I hadn’t thought of that, but this was obviously the land of opportunities. I decided to create a grand piano at home as soon as possible. Creative forces were unrestrained here in Agartha, as long as they were positive. This was something I’d learned right from my first time here, otherwise I wouldn’t have had a bed to sleep in. Sisilla had created a lovely home for us. It was pretty, cosy, and practical.

  The hovercraft headed downwards and landed in a place so misty that you could hardly see your hand in front of your face. Titch walked close to me; he didn’t like being out of sight. Sisilla waved both hands and the fog dissipated slightly so that we could make out the bridge we were standing on, with its tall, carved railings reaching up and forming an archway above us. Under the bridge ran clear rapids, culminating in a small waterfall a little further downstream. I could just make out the contours of a forest on either side.

  “We are on the bridge which separates the third and fifth dimensions,” she announced.

  “You mean the third and fourth dimensions?” I suggested.

  “No, I mean the third and the fifth. The fourth doesn’t exist here,” she replied. It sounded strange to me, but I let it go for now. I didn’t realize how soon I would find out more.

  The Bridge of Mists furnished us with wet feet and shrouded us in fog, yet in some way it was delightful. I had the feeling that this was the entrance to something amazing.

  The air was not as damp and close as the name of the bridge implied. It was as though the mists became part of us, a magic charm, an illusion created as we crossed over. It was a long bridge, and as our feet glided across the wet planks, the air around us lightened. We held hands so that we wouldn’t slip. Titch was right at my side on a short lead.

  Suddenly, as if someone had pulled up a blind, or the curtain was rising at the theater, the mist vanished and there was a beautiful view. We were no longer on the bridge, but hovering above golden gravel, glittering in the sunshine beaming down onto the magnificent town of Shamballa. I recognized the towers and pinnacles rising towards the light which flashed from the precious stones used to build the town. It was so lovely it brought tears to my eyes, and I don’t even like cities!