According to some Native American legend and myths, the Raven plays an essential role in creation. One myth - perhaps my own, or yours - tells of how the Raven once lived in a dark world where nothing could be seen. Because there was no light anywhere, save the moments when the moon was full, the people were unable to see the beauty in nature or in each other, and their ignorance grew. Heartbroken by her own visions, Raven searched deep within herself for a solution. One day, while flying across a full moon winter's night, Raven -surprised by the pure luck of it all - caught a glimpse of her own reflection in the lake below. She saw for the very first time what she had known in her heart all along: that her feathered skin was as black as the darkest of any nights she had ever known. So black and shiny that it shone like iridescent purple jade. That is when she realized that she, and she alone, could fly anywhere in the blackness of the universe because that darkness would embrace her as its own. So she flew and she flew in search of the light. After many long years, weary yet still determined, Raven saw a glint of light far, far away at the very edge of darkness. A tiny, sparkling glimmer, a twinkle so barely visible that she had to look twice, then three times. She then heard a voice mocking, "There is no light, you ugly fool! Others laugh at your wandering." | That is when Raven shed her first tears. That is when she remembered the dark world behind her, and anger, as well as compassion, fueled her trust in the visions within her own heart. She flew and she flew toward the glimmer of light and finding it saw that, indeed, it was lustrous…and magical…but, oh my, so very small. Curious, Raven gave it a peck, then a few tugs, then tore at it with her talons until the opening widened. Beams of light spilled out as Raven opened wide the dark void that held but a sparkle, and everywhere light streamed forth into universes, galaxies and solar systems. Smiling mischievously, Raven stole some of the light for her own world far away, swallowed it up, as much as she could hold, and flew home. When she arrived, she opened her mouth and set the light free. Suddenly, everyone could see everyone else and everything. At first it was quite disturbing, for there were sores and wounds that needed tending to, and the people who had grown accustomed to living in darkness and Self neglect needed time and patience to relearn how to love themselves. But it happened quite quickly, and people grew in caring, and compassion, and gentleness toward all living creatures. |
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