The Fiery River

Already we have seen the Golden Castle. For some weeks now, glinting in the distance, we have seen its turrets. We have had dreams of a glittering golden Lantern leading us on, though the hand bearing it we cannot completely see. But here is this castle, many walled, turreted, glinting in the spring sun. It is a castle, maybe better fitted to a southern land, a hotter clime, but here it is. There is another castle, Joyous Gard, but we are not here yet. This is the golden castle of the north, the castle of revelry, of pleasure, of laughter, the castle of conversation, ease, lightness of tongue, storytelling and singing.

            We are on our way there, for we have the feeling that after so long a winter revelry is just what we need. But what is this? Coming nearer we see a heat rising, coming even closer we see, to our alarm, this river of fiery hissing serpents. They are calling out to us, their eyes glinting, tails wrapping about each other, flames lifting off of them, the light flittering on their skins like glass, like jewels, like a red river in summer. And who are they? What are they? They give life or they destroy, depending upon how we receive them. A visitor may be carried across the river, but one who would make the Golden Castle home must cross by foot and walk through this fire. But why?

            Surely you have met those unfortunate fortunate souls who never knew trouble, who haven’t had to really pass through any pain or who avoid pain at any cost. Surely you have known people who never restrain themselves, never strive beyond the limits set for them. Are they funny? Do they have stories to tell? What insights do they have to offer? What songs do they have to sing? Have you ever sat spellbound by the conversation of such a one? It’s just a sad simple fact of this world that, unfortunately, no human soul becomes tender, grows in love and sweetness, without suffering. And it is a particular kind of suffering, a willing acceptance of what must be, a resolution to absorb something of this fire and be strengthened rather than consumed in bitterness. And the soul understands that there is no certainty in this burning. It isn’t always true that what doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. What wounds us can make us weaker, more bitter, less able to cope. Still we embrace this.

            The mystery of this burning river is mirrored throughout the centuries at this very time of year. Let the soul rejoice, for it is in the very company of the Gods who knew this journey was worth it. Inanna is with you, traveling into the underworld to seek her other self. Demeter is with you, carrying her torches to find her daughter and bring her back. According to the oldest stories, Persephone is with you, traveling to meet her dark lover. Christ, carrying his cross is with you. And so many saints. Moses and his burning bush. the Children of Israel leaving Egypt are with you, and so many more. The secret to the Castle of Revelry is that, until you cross the fiery river, the castle is really only an illusion. You bring the Castle of Revelry into this world by the life you lead in this world made of pleasures, terrors, ecstasies and also many trials.