Panorama

"Come, we will show you our visions," said Gray Dawn, leading Meredith to an inner chamber where mysterious-looking painted figures hovered on the walls.

The shapes looked human. They were of the same terracotta as the creatures she had seen in the cave of the ants, but entirely different in form. They were life-sized human figures, attired in the wide-shouldered, narrow-legged robes worn by Gray Dawn and her companions. 

The figures seemed to float about each other gesturing as if to convey an inexplicable message.

Welcome Stranger

"Look here," said Gray Dawn, pointing to a group of five figures. "What do you see?"

"It looks as if these two are the guests," Meredith said, pointing to the figures in the background. "These three are their hosts, greeting them," she indicated the three in the foreground. "Much like my visit to you." She stared for a moment in amazement.

"But that could not be me! I am dressed like that, but this scene is impossible. That looks like Shaman Far Heart, too, but it couldn't be, and yet…. And yet, there you are, Gray Dawn, greeting us. It must be true that our meeting has been foretold in this picture."

Dancing Shields

Gray Dawn pointed to a cave painting in which figures wore shield-shaped garments decorated with stripes, bars and other patterns that seemed to dance of their own accord. "Tonight we will celebrate your arrival with dancing, storytelling and sandpainting. There will be a special ceremony for you." 

"Why are you celebrating my arrival?"

"We would welcome any traveler, it is our way, but you are especially honored because you have discovered the pathway to our time."

"Why am I here and not someone else?" said Meredith.

"Because your life is unique. Your parents, your work, your mystical studies. You will see how your whole life has been leading you to this moment."

Kokopelli

"Kokopelli!" Meredith exclaimed as she spied a pictograph of lively hunchbacks. 

"Yes, you are right," said the Anasazi headwoman, nodding her head. "They are our ancestors and our descendants, too."

"How is that possible, Gray Dawn?" asked Meredith. 

"It is because time flows in circles, my child, or rather in spirals. Words cannot express the flow of the universe, whether in time or not-time. The Kokopelli

Guardians of Earth

"I have heard that the Kokopelli were fertility gods," Meredith said at last.

"Look at this one, he's lying on his back, enjoying himself."

"Yes, that is so," said Gray Dawn. 

"In my time too much fertility is a curse, not a blessing," said Meredith.

"Sometimes fertility consists in NOT reproducing, so that the earth may be fertile. The Kokopelli are Guardians of Earth. They tell us to protect the life around us. In your world, humans must decrease their numbers so that plants and animals can increase. Then nature will restore her balance. Earth, Water, Fire and Air will return to harmony." 

"It's like letting a field lie fallow," said Meredith, "to increase its fertility."

Three Figures

The next scene showed three figures. One, wide-shouldered like Gray Dawn, addressed the others, one was dignified like the shaman and the other was shorter like Meredith.

"Here you see us talking together as we will talk tonight, of the pressing things you must learn to help you on your journey," said Gray Dawn.

"Yes, I see. I will be ready," said Meredith.

Departure

"This is the last scene I want to show you," said Gray Dawn. "In this picture we are bidding you farewell."

"I am standing on the far left," Meredith said, pointing and examining the picture closely. "The shaman is walking with me. We are leaving and the rest of you are watching us go. That is you, Gray Dawn, towering over the others. But why do you look so transparent?"

"In this picture, I have been possessed by the Great Spirit which inhabits my body to make itself heard. I am grown light from the awesomeness of that presence," said the headwoman. "It is amazing! I feel so privileged to be part of this story. But it is so strange. What do you want me to do?"

"Only listen and be present," said Gray Dawn.