Visit to Kithinglas

February 24, 2006

There's been much on my mind as to what the next step is.  What does it mean to wear the purple?  What responsibilities go with it in the inner world and in the outer world?  But of course instead of confronting any of this directly I simply entered Cardea's solarium and asked if she wanted to go shopping.  My assumption is that retail therapy works as well in the otherworld as it does in this world.

In all my visits to Magh Ildathach, I haven't really worried or thought about where goods and services come from -- Nglas grows food as well as raising sheep for meat and wool, but where is the capital of high fashion?  Corcra of course but after a moments reflection I realized Kithinglas was the other place where high fashion was a well regarded art. 

Having decided on our destination, Cardea and I journeyed on the winds and began to make our way down the the lane toward the dress makers.  I wasn't sure exactly what I thought I needed.  I hadn't spent a lot of time concerning myself with clothes and Cardea admitted that someone usually came to her and simply offered her choices based on what they thought the well dressed queen should be wearing that year.  After looking in the fourth shop window without finding a reason to go in, Cardea asked me what was really on my mind.  I admitted that I was questioning whether or not I was failing in my pledge to serve because I had recently been told that I was not focused on the soul work of the North Node. 

Cardea slipped her arm through mine and replied.  "A conversation like this needs nothing less than Andre's best hot chocolate.  Come, his shop is only two streets down and we won't be disturbed"

 As we walked I told her that I had recently designed my eight badges for my sash but that something still didn't feel right about it being Eight.  Eight was my number here, but should I really spend some time on earning more?  Was three masters badges enough or should I try for more.  I excitedly told her that I had a plan to get additional masters badges and if I worked it right I could essentially use the same effort for all of the new badges.  Needless to say I was disappointed that her response was nothing more than a sigh.

"Three master's badges is quite enough for now, and I think you've forgotten what a price it takes to earn a master's badge.  Be careful before you think you can just notch your belt."

"Cardea, what's happened with my acceptance to the purple.  I know it's not in doubt but something seems to have gone wrong?  In the real world I'm working my hindquarters off all of it for no personal reward and I don't seem to be on the path to anywhere.

"I know and I wish I could help.  Some of the things we ask of you are hard.  I honestly don't know how to make them easier except to feed you hot chocolate."

I looked over at her and was grateful for the gift of friendship I had both in the real world and in the other world.  It appears there are question I have for which there are no answers at the moment.