The Briar Rose Project

In Magh Ildathach, there are a number of ways to communicate with individuals who are at a distance from you.  You can talk on the wind, which works something like a verbal IM that pops up if the person you wish to speak with considers themselves interruptible at that moment or you can send a message by way of your avian companion rather like the Harry Potter films.  It's much more polite of course to send your bird which is what I asked Nel to do (Nel being my snowy owl companion Argetnel -- who has been with me much longer than Harry Potter has even existed in the ethersphere).

Once I got Gendenwith's note that she'd be happy to see me over the lunch hour I quickly made the sign for Gendenwith's apartment  (Right Thumb, Left ring finger and left little finger touching.  Right fist into left palm).  Ushering me from the portal she motioned me to a chair and set close to a table with tea and a selection of small sandwiches. 

I waited until she had once again taken her seat and then I began talking.  "Lady Gendenwith, thank you for seeing me today.  I need to apologize in advance for the briefness of my visit.  I have to be back in Dubh to get ready for a conference, but I needed to speak with you.  I think I've had another profound insight today about the process of diplomacy.  It occurs to me that one of the single most important issues underlying diplomacy is the selection of topic or the building of common ground.  Going to the heart of the matter is simply wrong headed because that decreases the possible area of order."

"Don't worry about running in and out and please eat something while you are here.  The least I can do is feed you something." She hands me a plate which I take, and then she continues  "As to your realization, my thought would be that while I would never have phrased it that way, I think I see what you are saying."

Placing several sandwiches on my plate I remind myself of rule number one -- never forget your manners, especially not here and especially not with the lady herself.  Luckily she likes me and shameless indulges my quirks.  I set the plate down and take the cup of tea she hands me with milk and two sugars.   I take a sip of my tea and a small bite of my sandwich.   For a moment I reflect not only on what she said but the words she chose and what meaning the words have to me and possibly to her.

"Well take what you just said.  You might have a feeling that I've got it all wrong but it doesn't serve anything for you to challenge me at this point.  I would also say that you might not have said this to someone else.  To say to me that I'm using new words encourages me to try my own language since I don't give a hoot about authority.  To someone else you might have terminated the conversation in your choice of wording by subtly communicating that as the expert you are letting them know they aren't going down the established path."

"Very well reasoned, which of course I say because reasoning will appeal to you.  So what should I say if you wanted a feeling response?"

I ponder the question for a moment since the answer to it doesn't come naturally.  "Something like I'm honored or I'm happy you shared your insights with me. I'm excited to hear more?  I have to admit that I now understand why responses like that always make me nervous.  They're much too personal for my tastes -- almost intrusive in my space."

"Good, you noted your lack of comfort with this and why you avoid it.  Which also means you are well aware of why to golden rule as literally interpreted is quite wrong."

I find myself relaxing a little more.  "Treat others has they wish to be treated not as you wish is the silver rule in Kithinglas.  Silver to remind you that you must enter the "other" or the reflective part of you, rather than gold which is the easy path of daylight.  The color of Kithinglas is grayish green which always troubled me until I truly understood why.  Gray or silver reminds the practitioner to look below the surface into the shadows and the multiple shadings.  To embrace non-linearity and the aspects of self organization that lie below the surface.  Much of the real work in Kithinglas is what we jokingly call earthworm magic.  For a moment I think a little bit more about what she said before and then I continue...  "I also wonder why you chose to speak in Judging mode?  It obviously helps me see something I didn't see before but is it effective in a dialogue with a P?"  For a moment I tune out and ask myself the same question -- Is it possible that I do this myself and that is why I drive my husband nuts? 

Gendenwith smiles at me.  "I can practically hear the whirl of your thoughts.  I would love to discuss this for as much time as you have or we can discuss it later when you feel less pressured.  Is there something you need me to do now?"

"I guess I want to formally request admission as a journeyman.  Not sure I can pass whatever test you will set me but I've been dodging this bullet for too many years.  I need to come in now and commit myself before I chicken out."  The words tumble out of my mouth end over end.  I know I need to make the commitment now before I can come to my senses.

"Earraigh told me you were less than pleased with your masters test from Erc.  I believe you implied that you had been set up without your knowledge?  I thought you'd be delighted to have joined the Order of the Rainbow"

"I don't know what I think.  Did I have to pass that test before I could come here and agree to see if I have the stuff it takes to even achieve a journeyman status from Kithinglas?  I can practically hear Athena in the background cheering me on and that just means she has more plans for me after I get out of the ringer."

"Freya, I hate to interrupt but you've been here much longer than you'd planned.  Please finish your presentation and then come back to me and we'll continue.  There is much we need to discuss.  So with that in mind might I challenge you to be done in an hour and then to send it out by 3:00.  Too much time is your enemy now.

looking down at my watch I realize she's right, and I quickly take my leave making the sign for my office in Dubh Left middle finger (palm up), hooked by Right little finger and Right index finger  (palm down) Hands overlapping.