Read an Excerpt
Mustang
Spirit of Freedom
Horses have been revered throughout history, honored by the ancient Chinese, many European cultures, and more recently by Native Americans. They exemplify the spirit of freedom. And nothing embodies this spirit as well as the few remaining wild mustangs, who maintain a fierce independence. Horses are considered safe vehicles for travel in both the physical and spiritual worlds. Shamans ride their mustangs through the upper world and the lower world with equal facility.
Mustang's gift is the ability to live fully in the moment-the mustang journey is about the ride itself. It is not about going anywhere in particular. With his adventurous spirit, Mustang invites to you surrender yourself fully to the experience of life. Whenever you feel confined, you can climb onto Mustang's back, become one with your horse, know the joy of the wind in your hair, and fly. Mustang teaches you to trust in the moment and also a reminds you to recognize your own magnificence. Although you can take this journey any time, I chose Mustang for the final journey in this new edition in order to culminate with the powerful, exhilarating experience of freedom.
Mustang Journey
[Do the Cauldron alchemy and connect to Thoth. . . . ]
Thoth points to the sky, where you see beautiful, billowing white clouds. As you admire the shifting cloud patterns, the shape of a horse emerges. . . . You wonder what it would be like to jump onto the back of this great horse and ride. As soon as this thought forms in your mind, the cloud horse drops down to the ground and becomes a pinto stallion, galloping at the head of a herd of wild mustangs. You find yourself in a vast meadow surrounded by rolling hills. The herd of mustangs thunders by, racing the wind with joyous abandon
As the horse from the clouds leads the mustangs through the meadow, allow yourself to feel the desire to run free with the herd. You call out, "Help me to be free, help me to know freedom." The lead horse hears your call and stops-he turns to face you but keeps his distance. . . . Become very still. . . . Without moving, you and the horse observe each other. In order to ride this horse, you must gain his trust. And he must gain yours in return. To give him time, remain perfectly still, with your heart open. Maintain this neutral space as the horse slowly, slowly inches his way toward you.
Finally this magnificent mustang stands directly in front of you. Stay quiet and focus on the horse. He circles your body once before coming around to face you; then he nods in recognition-you have become present enough to receive his gift. With his permission, you mount, swinging easily onto his bare back. As you grab hold of his mane he starts to move slowly, then breaks into a lope, heading out to catch up with the herd. . . . Lean over his neck and feel his body rippling under you. You are aware of his strength, his sure sense of direction, and his joy in the run. Allow yourself to merge with the horse, to fully experience this moment as he does. . . . [Pause.]
As soon as Mustang feels that you are one with him, he breaks into a gallop, bounding across the meadow and over the hills; then he leaps into the air and flies up and up, into the clouds and beyond. Feel the wind sweeping by and experience this exquisite sense of freedom. Enjoy your ride. . . . [Long pause.]
When you feel complete with your journey, you fly back down through the atmosphere and through the clouds, until you and the mustang touch Earth. You return to the place where Mustang found you and dismount. Looking up, you see an eagle circling overhead. It drops a beautiful, spotted eagle feather, which you retrieve with gratitude and tie to the mane of your magnificent, magical mustang as your gift of appreciation. . . .
Thoth is there waiting for you. Take a moment to share your experience with him. . . .
[Thoth will help you back into your physical body and ordinary consciousness.
Be sure to ground and center. . . .]
