Conversations with The Elders
NOTE: Conversations with the Elders: The Sacred
Journeys Vol. 1 and Vol. 2 E-Books are available. The links:
Conversations with the Elders is an “e-journal" of my experiences
and conversations with The Elders. I
meet with the Elders at their log cabin high in the mountains. They share wisdom, guidance, perspectives,
stories, and love. The guidance is for me to listen and learn, and then share
with others.
"...listening to our elders is one of the most
important things we can do. I've learned a lot and have had good teachers. You
always learn a lot from your elders - its important to sit and listen to
them."
Herman “TJ”
Laffoon
You
may forward to others, or guide them to the Conversations with the Elders distribution list at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/conversationswiththeelders/
A
Visit with Brother Vulture
March
10, 2014
Five days ago, my father transitioned to spirit; his journey
home. I, my stepmother and two aunts
were present with him during his transition in the hospital, room 530. On the drive to Richmond that morning, I was
reminded that one of my responsibilities was to help prepare and guide him on
his new journey.
During the time since his transition, I have been grieving,
and seeking clarity and understanding of this experience with him. Today, I decided to have a conversation with
the Elders. I wanted to be with them,
hear their perspective and receive whatever blessings available by being in
their presence.
I journeyed to the mountain and sat beneath the oak
tree. This has become the sacred place
where we meet. They told me to go to the
oak tree and they would join me there.
The Elder of Water, the Elder of Earth, the Elder of Air and the Elder
of Fire arrived. They sat with me
beneath the oak tree. I hoped to see
another Elder; however, it may not be his time.
Today’s conversation was with the five of us.
I looked out from beneath the oak tree, and noticed a large
vulture flying nearby. Brother Vulture
glided around the mountain with minimal beating of the wings. Just before journeying to this sacred space
beneath the oak tree, a Turkey Vulture had flown overhead. I knew then Brother Vulture was a signal.
I smiled and shared with the Elders, “I have noticed Turkey
Vultures flying very close to me. One
even flew into the backyard, for the first time that I am aware. I know its presence, and my seeing them, is a
message. I know it’s a medicine,
generally speaking. However, I sense
that there they have more to share with me.”
The Elder of Air said, “Invite him into your heart, and
listen to his wisdom, receive his gift.”
I replied, “Yes!”
We stood and formed a circle beneath the oak tree. The Elders closed their eyes, and chanted and
hummed. I knew this was a form of prayer
of blessing the space as I invited Brother Vulture into my heart. I closed my eyes, breathed in deeply and
exhaled. I imagined my heart
opening. I was ready to receive.
From within my sacred silence, I spoke out to the spirit of
Brother Vulture, “I know you have wisdom for me, more than what I know. I invite you into this space and into my
heart to share your medicine. I am ready
and honored to receive.”
The Elders became quiet. I felt a breeze around me, and
realized it was from the wings of Brother Vulture. I smiled as the breeze increased in
intensity. Then I felt Brother Vulture
fly into my heart.
Inside my heart, I saw Brother Vulture and myself
together. He was perched on the branch
of a tree and I stood a few feet out from the tree. We connected eye-to-eye and heart-to-heart.
In a soft whisper he said, “Brother Eagle, I come to you to
bring the gift of vulture energy. You
fly with many bird spirits. You fly
truth. The wisdom of the air is your
gift. Yes, you have several gifts. I come to awaken this one in you. A feather is granted to you.”
He flapped his mighty wings and one feather dislodged from
his right wing. It floated down to
me. I open my arms and heart as the
feather flew into my heart.
Brother Vulture continued, “Be not afraid of this gift or
your power. Your heart is the key. Use it to unlock the mysteries waiting for
you. I will be close. See you soon.”
I felt him leave my heart.
He left the circle and flew high into the sky.
The Elders began humming and chanting again. I remained silent, breathing as I received
and integrated his gift, his presence and the experience. I have learned to receive the blessing; it is
the first step. Revelation, clarity and
understanding will come soon.
As we remained in sacred space, I felt the energy of the
words gratitude, thankfulness and honor rise out from my heart. Into the circle, I gently spoke, “I am
grateful. I am thankful. I am honored.” After each statement, the Elders confirmed
that by chanting louder.
We exhaled together, which completed the ritual. We returned to our seats beneath the oak
tree. The mighty oak held us in
sacredness. The Elders stayed with me—spiritual
companions of truth and compassion. I
looked out and noticed blue sky and the white clouds. I felt blessed from the experience. My heart was full.
Copyright
© 2014 Anthony L. Farmer All Rights Reserved
Reverend Anthony Farmer
www.revanthonyfarmer.com
