It's All In Your Mind

RECAP;

Fohlmer's adventures begin: https://vocal.media/futurism/fohlmer-and-the-magick-pig-poop

Further adventures of Fohlmer:https://vocal.media/futurism/adam-s-original-sin-or

Now, let's get on with our adventure...

GUARDIAN AT THE GATE

Fohlmer, deep in thought about the prior days' events, bobbed softly back and forth as their horses moved north on the Main Road at a slow pace. The sun splashed bits of warmth upon them as they wound through the tall Cyprus trees of the Lowlands on their way home to Ikhan's Farm.

As the two travelers rounded the last turn around a short stone wall, Fohlmer recognized the familar sign post marking the entry to Ikhan's property, "Abandon Judgement All Ye Who Enter Here". The young apprentice chuckled at the bright blue letters, "What the?!?!"

He reined his horse to an abrupt stop. Before him stood a tall and muscular figure. The figure was clad, from the waist down, in white. A wide silver girdle was around its midsection, and the bare skin of its chest looked to be made of polished bronze, The creature had spread its wings at Fohlmer's startled cry, and as it slowly drew them back around itself, Fohlmer saw that they were nearly twice as long as the being was tall. In its right hand the being held a sickle; the sharp blade glistening in the midday sun. A silver helmet covered the beings head and eyes. There were rams horns spiraling from each side of the helmet. Fohlmer was speechless.

"Ahhh. NOW you see", Ikhan smiled. "Fohlmer, I would like to introduce you to the Archangel Uriel."

Fohlmer's eyes grew wide, "An...an....archangel?", he stuttered. "An archangel is guarding your southern gate?".

"And the northern gate, eastern gate, and western gate...", the Wizard replied and he squeezed his mount slightly to urge her on. The being stepped to one side as the Wizard approached the gate, and its gaze followed Ikhan as he continued into the farmyard. When the two reached the edge of the apple guild, it turned back to its post.

Fohlmer watched in a mix of awe and disbelief, "How...what..."

"I will explain", Ikhan interrupted, "after lunch. Now, go rub down the horses and give them a bit of grain while I see what Chyna has on for lunch."

WAITING

Fohlmer's hands were still shaking as he brushed down the brindle mare he had ridden. "How", he wondered. Then he brought his attention back to the task at hand. "Focus Fohly. Be intentional in all you do", he remembered his lessons well....and knew Ikahn was presenting him with an opportunity to show just how well. Slowing and deepening his breaths, Fohlmer set to the task.

During lunch, Fohlmer could hardly contain his impatience. Again, focusing his intent, he refrained from shoveling the spicy chicken and beans into his mouth. He finished his meal in silence, as Ikahn and Chyna talked of farm plans and the needs of the villagers. He was just about to slip into an after lunch nap when he heard Ikahn say, "Yeah, Uriel showed himself to the boy."

With all his might Fohlmer focused on slowly opening his eyes, fighting the excitement he felt. "What do you mean 'showed himself'?", he asked.

ALL IS MENTAL

"Come with me", Ikahn's face slowly evolving into a broad grin, "we will learn of evoking and invoking."

Fohlmer could hardly believe what he was hearing. He was about to learn some REAL magick....

"All magick is real", Ikahn interjected.

Fohlmer's head snapped around.

"It wasn't hard to connect those dots." Ikahn roared with laughter. "All you seem to be on about is doing 'real' magick."

Fohlmer's ears began to redden at his embarrassment, but he knew Ikahn was right. He didn't know how many times he had hinted...and finally asked, only to be met with silence and a look of indifference from his mentor.

As they reached the door into Ikahn's study, he asked, "You have been studying the Major Arcana of the Tarot. What do you make of their relation to the Archetypes?"

Fohlmer's brow wrinkled in thought. He had only recently begun studying the Tarot, but he remembered from his lessons on the archetypes that Ikahn showed him how we move into and out of the archetypes...that they all represent different facets of who we are. "What does that have to do with the Major Arcana", he wondered.

Then, he knew. "They are the same", he said confidently.

Ikahn couldn't contain the pride in his eyes as he looked at his young apprentice. Fohlmer was bright and quick, but it was his desire and his fearlessness that set him apart from any apprentice Ikahn had ever mentored.

"And Uriel?", the apprentice asked.

Ikahn nodded solemnly. "All is Mental".

EVOKE/INVOKE

"Any of the Archetypes, any of the Major Arcana, any of the Archangels...all are projections from our minds upon the canvas of our minds", the Wizard paused to let Fohlmer grasp what he had said. As the revelation visibly moved over the boy's face, he continued, " The difference in whether to evoke or invoke is in how you wish to deal with...or utilize the 'entity'", he explained.

Fohlmer's mind worked through his understanding of the words. "'Evoke' means 'to call forth, I believe. But what exactly does 'invoke' mean?", he asked.

"Evoke has the connotation of 'taking upon'", Ikahn replied. "To 'invoke' is to take within...to allow the expression of the 'entity' to exhibit fully in you."

"So, Uriel is an evocation?", Fohlmer conjectured.

"Yes", the Wizard confirmed.

"And 'invocation'?", he asked.

Ikahn stood up and closed the door of his study.

As he turned back to his chair, Fohlmer read the words, written in Ikahn's unmistakable hand...

"Abnormality is the Normality of This Locality".

Fohlmer couldn't help but chuckle.

"That is the result of one of my first invocations", Ikahn grinned, " a Norse 'god' by the name of 'Loki'."

As Fohlmer's eyes widened, the Wizard continued, "But, that will have to wait for another day. We have millet to plant in the East graze plot, and the day is fast disappearing."

It is truly a joy sharing these adventures with you, as they are unfolded to me by my patient and true muse. If you have found joy in reading my efforts, please consider a generous tip to show your appreciation. Namaste.