This reading is an example of Immram Two: the Homeward Passage.
Michael was undergoing a lot of self-questioning. He had abandoned an artistic
career in favour of a more lucrative job. His whole way of life seemed to
be in the process of transformation and he wanted to clarify his direction.
He drew Barinthus, indicating that he was voyaging from the inmost self
to a position of clarification and manifestation of his abilities.
LANDFALL
26 -Island of the Shuttered Door. The homeward voyage for Michael was the
use of his talents that he had been keeping to himself. He was modest about
his accomplishments, often giving away work rather than accepting money
for it. Practical application of his skills seemed paramount.
REALM OF WONDERS
25. Pillar of the Silver Net. This revealed that the root of Michael's transformation
had been a profoundly spiritual, as well as vocational, call. He had discovered
deeper access to his creative gifts. To some extent, he already had that
valuable ability to trust the creative llow of his life.
REALM OF FAIR WOMEN
24. Island of the Rainbow Stream. This showed that Michael lived in true
harmony with life, a reward in itself, providing a strong basis upon which
he might build his new life-direction. It also hecame clear that the abandonment
of his career had been due to the nature of the commissions he had received:
he did not want to create what he considered unaesthetic art. Most commercial
commissions had been of this nature.
REALM OF GLASS
23. Island of Recognition. Although Michael wanted to succeed creatively,
he also had a misplaced modesty that caused him to shy away from the fact
that his work might be acclaimed. I urged him to put these doubts aside
and to concentrate upon the work that he wanted to do and was able to produce.
This seemed to be at the root of the avoidance of his gifts.
REALM OF YOUTH
22. Sea of Mist. Michael's strength lay in working industriously while alone;
indeed, he often seemed to produce work when in a state of confusion, and
was able to clarify things in his mind this way. It struck me that he might
have a talent for helping people by means of creative-arts therapy, and
that he needed to work in a secure environment for his creative gifts to
operate.
REALM OF TERRORS
28. Island of Berries. It was not surprising to find that Michael held himself
back through his desire for obscurity and quietness, but he needed the reality
of competition and acclaim. His greatest strength now lay in returning from
his period of enforced rest and making a fresh start.
REALM OF HEART'S DESIRE
12. Island of Giant Cattle. Michael's heart's desire was to try a really
large enterprise and succeed at it. It was obvious from speaking with him
that the scope of his creative ability was ambitious. Perhaps this gave
him a sense of 'showing ofr and a subsequent sense of shame that made him
discredit his work?
REALM OF MANY COLOURS
10. Island of the Cat. His immediate need was to get down and make a positive
start. I suggested that he decide upon some goals, so that he started concentrating
his energies purposefully. Caution, too, was necessary.
HARBOUR
9. Island of Fiery Pigs. Michael would come into harbour to the place and
at the time most appropriate to him. He would certainly realize his goals
and find his whole life renewed if he was able to find the necessary balance.
The last two cards reinforced each other, suggesting that he should consider
new art projects practically as a means ot earning money, but not neglecting
to address the deeper needs of his creativity.