Ayana had been walking through the dark caves for many days. Of course, it was never really all black for her; her inner light was often shining brightly, illuminating and colouring her inner visions on the black canvas around her. She saw beautiful inner worlds of wonder and awe; they were just not of this material world.
But then, in one moment, Ayana spotted a flickering light in the distance. It looked so different from her inner lights and visions, making her feel physically disoriented and dizzy at first. She sat down to observe, allowing herself to adjust slowly. After a few moments, the light became steadier, revealing a warm, golden glow emanating from phosphorescent plants. It was a luminous glimmer, ethereal in its brilliance.
Ayana could soon distinguish the rocky walls again. The cave took a turn ahead of her. She took a few steps forward and then stood in awe as her eyes beheld a grandiose cathedral-like cave hall, with its many golden glimmering corners and walls, bathed in golden light from above and in some places from below.
Someone was right there, offering her a blanket, as if she had asked for it in her mind. Maybe she had, she wondered, gratefully cocooning herself in the light, but warm cloth. She was in a state of wonder and awe, unable to comprehend what was occurring around her. Glistening golden light everywhere she could see. Ayana was overwhelmed with emotion, tears streaming from her face as she was enveloped by twinkling fairies and luminous golden, yellow and blue butterflies, fireflies and dragonflies in a breathtaking cave hall with giant united stalactites and stalagmites.
Ayana marvelled at the cave's beauty and uniqueness, her eyes widening to take in every detail. The mosses glowed in varying shades of yellow, orange and golden tones, some also in bright blue or green, like a young artist's carefree colour splashes on a fresh canvas. A faint golden light danced off the walls and ceiling, illuminating a golden inner paradise, and Ayana was filled with amazement at the beauty that surrounded her. There was something deeply mystical about this place that made her feel alive and connected. Everywhere she looked she saw wonders; stunning crystals glittered on the floor like stars in a night sky, sparkling amethysts embedded into stalagmites seeming to draw her to them.
Ayana wept, for the beauty of this place was overwhelming. Tears streamed freely down Ayana's cheeks and onto her cloth, creating a glistening trail of emotion in the golden light of the cave. She simply stood there and sobbed in awe. These were her first moments after so many days without material light, and she was invigorated by the wonderful, stunning surroundings.
In the far distance, Ayana heard the sound of flowing water, nearby were fluttering wings, and a low and gentle hum emanating from the walls that filled her with warmth and serenity. As she wept, her sobs were muffled by the surrounding blanket, yet echoed through the chamber.
The walls gave her a sense of security, and she thanked all the beings in this grand cave. It was only then that she realised the other souls who had gathered here for her. Their auras felt instantly familiar to her, like from close friends and lovers from long forgotten times; she felt a strong inner connection with them. Through her tears, she glanced around, curious. Some came nearer to her. Inwardly, she was asked if she wished to embrace. Yes, she did!
She wanted to feel the wonderful warmth of another body against hers. Ayana first embraced a man, fully and lovingly, holding him with her entire body. She felt the warmth of his skin on hers, the rhythmic rise and fall of his chest as he breathed, and the gentle pulsing of his beating heart. She savoured the sound and sensation of his breath. His scent was an exotic mix of spices and earth, with a hint of something sweet and familiar. In her arms it seemed as if a memory had come alive. Tears were rolling down her cheeks and she let it happen, savouring the wonderful warmth.
Ayana felt a deep and overwhelming love within her, and the other soul reflected it back to her, simply by holding her. It was a still embrace; neither of them moved, yet it was filled with more emotion than words could express. She was in complete bliss within herself. Her body began to vibrate as her nervous system produced a fine tingling astral electricity that ran through her body, almost making it glow.
The exchange of energy between them was so intense that it seemed like any last sense of time had stopped for them. In the golden, shimmering cave hall in which they had found each other, Ayana was deeply touched by his luminous, loving presence. She allowed herself to surrender to the peace, security, and beauty of their shared moment. It felt like their touching bodies melted together, exchanging pure light and pure love with each other, harmonising each other's energetic centres and aura.
Though Ayana had no idea how long they had been holding each other, it felt like an eternity of joy and bliss. Eventually, they slowly opened the deep embrace and Ayana looked into the eyes of this man, deeply moved by what had just transpired in this sacred space between them. The intensity of this experience left Ayana feeling illuminated and thankful for such a deep connection with another soul. Ayana silently thanked him with a gentle smile, before he turned around to re-immerse in the beauty of this golden cave.
As one exquisite soul left her side, another being of warm light and love filled their place. All wanted to embrace the new High Priestess of Sanuela. The experience was different with each hug, yet always familiar and filled with warmth and love. She attuned to the various frequencies of the different souls, without judging or categorising them; she merely sensed their hearts, her own overflowing love and a profound sense of peace.
At the end of the embracing ceremony, they formed a circle together. Ayana counted twelve other humans and Ignisia, whom she was happy to see, even though they had been in constant contact. Ayana felt that Ignisia, spirit and keeper of the flames, had always secretly been a part of her life. Now, however, it was easier for her to connect to the spirit as she could see it in the form of a flame-colored butterfly. This inner, soothing voice-feeling of Ignisia was so familiar and deeply rooted in her. Ayana loved Ignisia, with all her heart.
The other souls introduced themselves as the Luminous Guardians of the Mystical Caves of Sanuela, one of the sacred council groups of the Mother Goddess. At first, it was weird for Ayana to hear spoken words again. The guardians explained how they served as being pure messengers and light-bearers for the people of Sanuela, especially for the High Priestesses and Priests. They described how they had gathered for her and were pleased to have such a radiant new priestess in the world. Ignisia had already sent them some inner images of their getting to know each other, and Ayana was asked to tell her story of what she had experienced on her journey, particularly during her long period of solitude. The twelve were eager to know about all the details, and Ayana felt safe to share from her heart.
She explained how they found the caves, the enchanting and colourful underground lake, and the early challenges they had encountered. She went into detail about her inner exploration and conversations while alone, describing the various emotions that arose. Then Ayana recollected her dreams, reviving the vivid imagery, and the moments when she felt intense tinglings in her astral body.
When Ayana finished speaking, everyone held their hands on their hearts in appreciation. Then, she was given a soft leather bag, decorated with intricate etchings along its sides. The bag held many different pebbles similar to those Kofi and her had offered to Mother Goddess Sanuela on the banks of Lake Luminae, though these seemed to glimmer in different shades of blue and green.
Ayana carefully took out several pebbles, noticing their pleasingly smooth surfaces and the engraved symbols depicting various activities and wishes. As she ran her fingers across them, she could almost sense a loving and caring energy radiating from them.
Much like a puzzle, Ayana slowly made sense of all the pieces until she understood how it all connected – this became known as "The Way of Rune Stones" – an ancient practice passed down through generations. The guardians described how the 44 rune pebbles would be an important communication tool for her sacred work.
Ayana discovered that each pebble vibrated with its own unique frequency, and when placed together, they could create a loving energy field to manifest and experience love and inner healing. She was instructed to keep these sacred stones always with her, and use them to build bridges of love between souls in her daily practice. As Ayana looked around the golden cave, she recognized some of the symbols from her bag painted on the walls.
Then, it was her turn to ask questions.