Chapter 7: The Path of Light

Tobal stood on a flat rock at the cliff’s edge, looking down into the valley. The main camp was being set up below—log cabins, teepee-like structures, and a smoking fire pit at its center. The people looked like ants from this distance. He wondered how they’d make it down into that guarded valley, seeing no clear path. His sense of balance steadied him against the height.

Rafe said, “Don’t worry about it. I told you I know the way down. Just follow me.” Tobal re-shouldered his pack and took a last drink from his nearly empty canteen. Turning, he limped after Rafe. His left heel was raw and blistered from loosely tied boots—Rafe had really chewed him out and treated him from the first aid kit, warning that any open wound in the wilderness was very serious and could get infected easily if not cared for immediately. There was limited help available, and he had to take better care of himself.

The trail, a faint two-foot-wide path, sloped steeply downward. Tobal clung nervously to the rock face, his balance tested, as Rafe scampered ahead. The sun’s heat had melted most of the snow off the trail; they carried the snowshoes in their backpacks. Rafe sprinkled sand on some of the slippery spots, and Tobal used his walking stick to pound away the ice from stubborn areas. The ledge widened for comfortable passage with boulders to climb, hairpin turns, and stomach-lurching drops before narrowing again, hugging the cliff face so tightly that Tobal needed to move sideways along it. There were no handholds or supports, and it was slow going, made even slower by his extreme nervousness. He had never liked heights.

He half-slid, half-fell, but managed to stay on his feet. More than once, the sturdy support of his walking stick helped him keep his balance. Rafe had long since disappeared down the trail, and Tobal felt alone and abandoned. He went around a large boulder where the trail widened, and he heard a scraping sound on the rock above him. Looking up, he saw a large gray blanket being thrown over his head as he was roughly grabbed and thrown to the ground.

Tobal was bound and hoodwinked, his hands tied securely behind his back, and then roughly shoved by at least two people who led him further down the path for almost thirty minutes. His foot hurt badly, and he almost tripped and fell several times, but rough hands caught and held him steady as he staggered blindly along.

He was abruptly pulled to a stop and heard a loud knocking three times that echoed and hurt his ears. “Who is there?” a voice challenged. “A prisoner, Master.” “Where is he from?” “Master, he is from Neo-Rome and comes by way of Old Seattle.” “What is he doing here?” “He is claiming sanctuary at Heliopolis, city of the sun.” “What does he want from us?” “He cannot survive in the wilderness without our aid; he wishes for peace and seeks wisdom.” “Let him confirm his intentions with an oath. If your intentions are truly honorable you will be set free and received as a brother into our clan. Is this your wish?”

Tobal nodded his head under the hoodwink. “I can’t hear you,” the voice bellowed harshly. “You need to say ‘yes, you do’ or ‘no, you don’t’.” Tobal stammered in a muffled voice, “Yes, I do wish to become a member of your clan.” “That’s better,” the voice continued. “Repeat your name and say after me: I, Tobal Kane, am a helpless prisoner in your power. I am a native of Neo-Rome and claim sanctuary at Heliopolis, the City of the Sun where I seek citizenship, light and truth. I come in peace. I further demand by right of blood full participation in the mysteries of the Lord and Lady. I swear to hold these mysteries sacred and secret. If I break this oath.”

The hoodwink was roughly lifted, and a large chunk of rough bread covered with rock salt was shoved in his mouth. He started to gag, but a fierce voice whispered in his ear, “Eat it.” As he struggled to swallow, the deep voice continued, “If I betray the bread and salt may my body be mutilated and thrown to the wolves.” Panicking, he stammered his reply and felt the sharp pain of a knifepoint near his groin. Someone was cutting away the fabric of his robe, and the bottom half fell to the ground around his knees. He felt very exposed and vulnerable.

“Release the prisoner!” His arms were unbound, and the hoodwink was taken off. He blinked in the fierce sunlight and shivered in the cold as the wind swirled around his bare legs. He was standing in front of a teepee. The Master was standing in front of him, dressed in a red robe with a welcoming smile. “Tobal Kane,” he said, “welcome to our clan.” The fiery figure stepped forward and embraced him in a crushing bear hug. “Come in, sit down! We greet you as a brother and a seeker after the hidden wisdom of Heliopolis.” They entered the warm teepee, and Tobal sat on some warm furs next to the cheerful fire in the center of the circular structure.

The Master clapped his hands together loudly. “Proclaim the arrival of Tobal Kane to our entire camp!” “Yes Master,” a black-robed guard replied. Bowing stiffly, he backed three steps before turning and leaving the teepee. Tobal heard the guard shouting loudly, “Welcome Tobal Kane, the newest member of our clan!” Then he heard sounds of scattered applause, whoops, and yells of welcome.

The Master turned toward Tobal. “You will need the sign and password of our clan to enter our camp in the future. The password for the present month is…” and he whistled a tune that Rafe had been whistling from time to time. “Before you leave, I will give you the first of our teachings. Remember this and dwell upon it in the days to come. Those that wish to be free must submit to some form of discipline and organization. Tonight you will be initiated as an Apprentice and expected to complete the duties of an Apprentice. If you do not have the self-discipline, you will find your time among us very hard. Our goal is the development of self-discipline and personal freedom. If you learn your skills well, you will discover personal freedom and self-empowerment that you have never dreamed of. The rules of our clan are as strict as the rules of nature. A ‘Circle of Elders’ guides us in all things. Respect them and go to them for advice and counsel when you need to. Don’t worry about the apparent restrictions your obligations will place upon you. They are designed to free you and assist in the personal discovery of your own ‘True will’. In finding your own internal authority, you will no longer need our external authority. That is when you can follow your true destiny in life. It is our wish you find your own internal Master and allow him to guide you in all things. We have no way of knowing what your true destiny might be. You have the right to discover and follow your true path, and none of us shall ever stop you. We will place power and knowledge in your hands. Remember you have made a solemn oath to us of your good will and intention.”

“Now,” the Master clapped his hands and smiled, “You need to be prepared for your Apprentice initiation.” The Master and four black-robed guards led him to another teepee that had a fire burning within it. Tobal was introduced to five others who were also going to be initiated that night. He was left there to share a light meal with his new comrades. Several hours later, the Master and guards reappeared and addressed each of them. “Do you wish to take the Apprentice Initiation?” “It is my wish,” said Tobal solemnly along with the others. “Then you need to be properly prepared. Guard!” The Master indicated toward Tobal and the others. The guard silently took the small group to a sweat lodge and told them to purify themselves first by the steam and then by diving into the pool of icy spring water that was close by. Tobal dropped his clothing with the others and walked naked into the sweat lodge. There were three girls and three boys, but no one seemed to notice anything unusual about it.

Tobal sat in silence and meditation with the others for thirty minutes in the steam until the sweat was pouring off him. He had been instructed to choose a magickal name for himself. During this time, he had also been instructed to think about why he wanted to become an Apprentice. His thoughts naturally turned toward his parents and how they had somehow wanted this for him. The sweat poured off as his stiff muscles slowly loosened and relaxed. He felt clean and refreshed. He was also getting excited about the coming initiation. Two of the others had already left the sweat lodge, but he still hadn’t decided upon a proper magickal name for himself. Suddenly, it seemed his mother was whispering to him, “Brother Oak, you will be strong like an oak tree and help your brothers and sisters.” After another five minutes in the steam, he ran out and dived into the shallow pool of icy water, gasping as the shock took his breath away. He staggered gasping out of the pool and ran into the main teepee where he grabbed a blanket and began rubbing his body furiously, trying to bring the circulation back. He felt a bit strange and silly as he picked up his mutilated robe and put it back on. It was no longer a robe but more like a tunic that came down just barely below his waist. The cool air and a slight draft made him keenly aware of his lack of underwear. He made a mental note to make some as soon as possible. The unaccustomed draft made him feel vulnerable and uncomfortable.

He laughed and moved nearer to the fire, joining those already there. They joked about the coldness of the icy water and the draftiness of the shortened robes as they made room for him at the fire. That broke the ice, and they chatted as one by one they were taken to their initiations. Finally, Tobal was left alone in the teepee. He was warm by then and even opened the door flap and sat in the opening, looking out as he waited.

No one came for him as he sat meditating and watching the moonrise. He guessed it must be around midnight, and the moon was full and bright. The sky was very clear, and the stars were brilliant. Then he saw a black robe coming toward him in the moonlight with a torch. As the figure neared, Tobal saw it was a dark-haired girl. Feeling a little self-conscious, he scrambled to his feet and steadied himself.

She stopped in front of him, holding the burning torch in his face. “You are a lost and lonely soul wandering in the darkness and searching for light. Without wisdom, you are wandering blindly and doing harm to yourself. If you wish, I will act as your guide. Do you seek the light and wisdom of our clan?” Tobal answered, “Yes, I do.” “There are two passwords you must remember, or you will not be allowed into our sacred circle.” She slowly whispered, “Perfect Love” and “Perfect Trust” into his ear. “Can you remember these two passwords?” Tobal nodded in silence. “You must speak, Yes or No,” she demanded, shoving the torch at him fiercely. “Yes, I can remember them,” he stammered, backing away from the fire. “Come with me, but first I must blindfold you.” She took a strip of gray cloth and bound it tightly across his eyes so he couldn’t see anything.

She led him stumbling in the darkness toward the central fire he had seen in the distance. As they neared, he could feel its heat and hear the flames crackle. He could also hear the muffled stirrings of other people as they hushed to watch and listen. Another female voice spoke loudly from the center of the circle. “In the presence of Yggdrasil, the Great Tree of Life and the Lord and Lady, listen to our words. Whenever you need something, call upon us, the guiding spirits of the human race, male and female. We shall answer you and assist you in all things. You are meant to be free, to dance, to sing, to feast and to make love. Do these things all with our blessings, for the ‘Blessings’ of physical life and the ‘Blessings’ of spiritual life are as one within each human heart. Embrace your dreams and desires as you strive to make them real. Let nothing stop you or turn you aside. Accept our blessings and help because life is meant to be a joy of the heart. We, male and female, can be found within the dust of the earth and the light of the stars. Our awareness encircles the universe and binds it to our wills. In our union is the beauty of the green earth and the white moon among the stars, the mystery of the waters and the desires of the heart of man. We call upon your soul to join us in the creation of nature and the expansion of the life force into the universe. From the union of male and female, all things must come, and all things must return. Rejoice therefore in the duality of life and let your worship be acts of love and pleasure, beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence. Know that we are within you, male and female, and if you cannot find our union within yourself, you will never find it within another person. We will be with you at your death even as we were with you at the moment of your birth.” In the pause that followed, Tobal’s guide stepped forward and said loudly, “A seeker is among us. Tobal Kane has claimed sanctuary. He wishes to join with us and follow the ways of the ancient craft.”

The High Priestess called out, “This is not a matter to be taken lightly. Your immortal soul will be deeply committed to the path of the Lord and Lady if you continue. Do you wish to join the path of the Lord and Lady?” Tobal spoke out firmly, “I do.” The High Priestess came up to him and placed her hands on his shoulders, “Know well that love and trust must be freely given so they may be freely received. Consider carefully your own words because your life’s blood may someday be required. Do you still desire this?” “Yes, I do.” “Very well, in following the way that stretches beyond life and death, will you serve the Lady and reverence the Lord? Will you keep secret from the untrustworthy those things we will show you?” “Yes, I will.” “Have you chosen a name by which you will be known within the circle?” “I have chosen ‘Brother Oak’ as my magickal name.” “So be it, Brother Oak, enter the path of light.”

Tobal was pulled forward into the circle, but his guide sharply pulled him back. “Brother Oak, you can’t enter our sacred circle unpurified.” Tobal waited, wondering what was going on. He felt water being sprinkled over him. “I purify you with water.” He suddenly smelled incense very strongly. “I purify you with fire.” The High Priestess continued, “Know this, you will not be asked to go against the inner voice of your conscience or against your higher soul by taking the oath of our sacred circle.” He felt the sharp point of a knife blade pressing painfully into his chest. “Better to rush upon this blade than continue with fear in your heart. What are the passwords?” Tobal whispered, “Perfect Love” and “Perfect Trust.” The High Priestess smiled, “These are most welcome within our circle. I give you another.” She embraced Tobal and kissed him, her body pressed tightly against his. With her body, she turned him around and pushed him into the circle. Then she led him stumbling clockwise around the fire, coming to a sudden stop.

“Powers of the East. Brother Oak is properly prepared for initiation as Apprentice into our ancient craft.” He was led further and stopped again at another point. “Powers of the South. Brother Oak is properly prepared for initiation as Apprentice into our ancient craft.” This was repeated two more times, once at the West and once at the North. Then she led him back near the center of the circle, where he felt the heat from the bonfire against the front of his body. “You are about to be recognized as an Apprentice of our clan and circle. As an Apprentice, you are expected to gain the skills to survive on your own in the wilderness. You are expected to take care of your own belongings and eventually set up your own household. You are expected to solo for one month to prove your mastery of survival skills. Following that,” she continued, “you are expected to train six others even as you will be trained. You must do these things before you are allowed to progress into the 2nd degree of our ancient and holy craft. Do you understand this? Do you agree to do these things to the best of your ability?” “I do,” said Tobal. “In agreeing to these obligations, you have passed the test required and may now take the Oath of our circle. Are you ready to continue?” “Yes, I am.” “Will you always help, defend, and protect brothers and sisters of our clan from harm?” “I will.” “Then repeat after me, I, Brother Oak, in the presence of Yggdrasil, the Great Tree of Life and the Lord and Lady, most solemnly swear I will keep the secrets of our clan. I will never refuse to share these secrets with a brother or sister if they have been initiated as I was. I further swear I will not lose control of my thoughts, words, or actions. I will not use my powers for evil purposes, and I will proceed with firmness and courage to the conclusion of this initiation. I will let my inner conscience and higher self guide me in all ways. I further swear by my hopes of a future life, mindful that my measure will be taken. May my weapons be turned against me if I break this solemn oath. So help me, Lord and Lady, and my own Higher Soul.”

“Now we are going to take your measure.” Tobal felt the High Priestess and someone else stretch a cord from the top of his head to the ground and heard them cut it. Then the string was placed around his forehead, and a knot was tied as the measure was taken. Next, he was asked to raise his arms, and the string was placed around his heart, where another measurement was taken, and another knot was tied in the cord. Lastly, he felt the cord around his hips and genital area, where a final measurement was taken.

The High Priestess wound up the string and placed it on an altar that stood near the fire. “Before you are sworn, are you willing to pass the ordeal?” “I am willing,” Tobal answered. A drum began to sound, and he could hear the outer circle come alive as members began to dance and move around the circle. They gently pushed and nudged Tobal as they passed, turning him until he was giddy and completely disoriented. This seemed to go on forever as a feeling of stuffiness, energy, and heat within the circle became overpowering until the cone of power was raised. Tobal felt like he was about to faint. Abruptly, the High Priestess called a halt and turned Tobal back to face the bonfire. “If you seek the light, you shall find it!” she shouted, snatching the blindfold from his eyes. He was momentarily blinded and couldn’t see. “This bonfire is the symbol of the triumph of truth and wisdom. The light it gives is symbolic of the greater spiritual light you now seek.” Placing her hand on his head, she intoned, “In the name of the Lord and Lady, I transmit this blessing of love and light to stir your higher self and bring you into the light.” A tingling and pouring of light and energy flowed through Tobal. It was so powerful that he felt dizzy and happy at the same time. The High Priest came up next, placing his hand on Tobal’s head. “In the name of the Lord and Lady, I transmit this blessing of love and light to stir your higher self and bring you into the light.” Again, Tobal felt the tingling as a wave of energy swept through him. It was a different type of energy but just as powerful as the first. They felt different but somehow also felt like they belonged together. He felt himself being torn from his body and pulled into a vortex of energy that swirled him upward to be embraced in the arms of a man and woman of radiant light. An Alfheim glow sharpened his sight, a transcendent Hel surge warmed his inner warmth, and Tobal sensed an etheric warmth that reminded him of his parents’ presence. This must be the Lord and Lady, he remembered thinking before he collapsed.