***image1*** Practical spirituality for a complicated world.
Dear Robert,
Although I've never written to you, I'm an avid reader and fan of your column. Only recently has it seemed important, extremely important in fact, that I ask you this question: What in hell is going on in Santa Fe? Where is all this terrible anger coming from? To be frank, the recent change in the mood here is starting to scare me. For two decades my husband and I have reveled in Santa Fe's charm, beauty and heritage. But now, Robert, something strange has started to happen and we're seeing a growing negativity among the population. Last night we were driving along St. Francis, minding our own business, when we were almost run off the road by what looked like-no kidding-a demon! As he sped past, laying on his horn, face pressed against the window, I saw what appeared to be a contorted face (if you saw
The Devil's Advocate
then you know the type of horrifying countenance I'm talking about). Later, in the grocery we both noticed a strange mood among the shoppers. It was if they were on automatic pilot. Very, very unfriendly and weird. So back to my question: Can you shed some light on this phenomenon? Are we imagining things? Or is this really a matter of "something wicked this way comes?" And, if it is, what can we do about it? Thanks for your insight and advice.
JH
Santa Fe
Dear JH,
Thanks very much for your email. This brings up a subject about which I've written in the past, but only briefly. The space I have here is too limited for this particular subject, yet I'll do my best within these confines. Years ago, I was a bright-eyed beginner on my spiritual path, eager to know God, to release karma, to study, go to classes and workshops, etc. I believed that everything was beautiful in its own way. I thought that what some called "evil" was merely the absence of Light. I though that if we shined enough Light and sent enough love, all could be transformed into beautiful harmony. I was told that if I didn't focus my attention on evil, then it didn't exist, and couldn't touch me. I thought that all the old stories about darkness and evil beings were just legends left over from less enlightened times. I was wrong. I was dreadfully mistaken. I learned the hard way that evil, as a force, exists in and of itself. I won't go into particulars, but I will tell you that I was confronted physically, face to face, with a dark, dark being who was living inside a woman. It was one of the most awful experiences of my life. At first, I thought she might be "possessed". I discovered, however, that she and her dark parasite were partners. Through this experience, I began accessing a most ancient part of myself, which actually is our birthright as human beings. This inner knowing lets us know when we're in the presence of darkness. You cannot prevent yourself from reacting to these beings, but you are in control of how you react. You will often have a physical reaction to their energies. It could be that you'll feel extreme discomfort, or that the hair on your neck and arms will stand up. These are not surefire signs, and that brings up a danger of discussing this topic casually. Some people let their imaginations run away, and blame any misfortune on curses, witches, or evil beings. This is dangerous, for innocent people are often hurt. I've found that it is best not to play detective, but to simply move away if you feel threatened. Sometimes, for example driving on St. Francis, it's easier said than done.
Having said that, let me restate how important it is to trust your inner guidance. It is similar to the sense of smell. Odors are invisible, yet they are detectable to us. Our culture has brought us far from our roots, and modern life has alienated us from the natural flow of life around us. We, as a people, have forgotten much, and lost much of our spiritual heritage. Our sophisticated technology supplies many of our needs and comforts, beyond what even kings and queens once enjoyed. Yet, this technology has made us strangers to much of our spiritual heritage and inner knowing. This leaves us vulnerable to those who would abuse us and would not have our best interests at heart. Trust your intuition, without having to play detective.
Most people today are not conscious of being affected by dark energies. They are often materially comfortable, religiously active, and seem to have every reason to be happy. Yet, too often they are unusually angry, aggressive, hostile, resentful, rude, and just plain mean. They are volatile, always stirred up about something. On the other hand, you'll see people who have few material goods, drive junky cars, and are generous, happy individuals who find much joy in life. Whether we realise it or not, we're associating with spiritual beings, who are either angelic or dark. It doesn't matter whether you believe in them. They do exist. Actually, the dark ones would prefer you don't believe in them or know they're there.
There are certain locations where spiritual energies congregate. Northern New Mexico is one of those places. There is, right now, a gathering of Lightworkers here. That's the good news. This being the material world, there is some corresponding bad news. There is also a gathering of darkness here. Fortunately, these dark energies are not particularly intelligent. They are, however, crafty and sly. There's not much you can do for people who are spiritually and emotionally shut down, and leave themselves vulnerable to whatever energies they encounter. You can only be in charge of your own life, and live with as much balance, harmony and sanity as you can muster. Concentrate on your own spiritual path, and avoid situations where passions are aroused, people shout, and create resentments. Bless your home, and dedicate it to the Light. When you leave, bless your car, and surround it with love, light and protection. Don't talk too much about these dark beings, for that seems to attract their attention. I'm not concerned personally, for they noticed me a long time ago.
This has not been an easy column for me to write. There will be those who will misunderstand. There will also be those who will breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that they're not alone, because you had enough courage to write me with your concerns. I wish to thank you, JH, on behalf of those you've helped and will never even meet or know about.
In conclusion, I'd like to paraphrase St. Paul: "The Spirit of God within us is far more powerful than the dark spirit that is in the world." I also offer this affirmation/declaration, to any who can use it: I am a Servant of the Light, always divinely guided and protected, and a source of blessing for all who accept it from me. OM Shanti OM
To ask Robert a question, visit his website at www.RobertOdom.com, email desertrj@msn.com or send mail to PO Box 33, Santa Fe, NM 87504.
