Jack Begins His Journey
Opening To Possibilities
After focusing my (Jack’s) first several blog posts on how my father (Will) started and advanced our spiritual rodding practice, I want to begin layering in my own experiences. During Spring Break vacation in March of 2008, I told Dad that his rodding was such an awesome practice that it would be a ‘shame’ if it did not continue beyond him as I wondered if I might be worthy of the task? He said that there were no expectations that I, or any of the family, pursue a rodding practice. And, while I was open to the possibilities, I said that I did not feel particular called. Then during Dad’s rodding engagement next day, he observed the following spelling:
HELP JACK
Afterwards, he relayed his experience to me stressing that it was not his intent to ‘pressure’ me, only offering to assist me. Inspired by his experience, I began contemplating my own rodding experience with a strong sense to make it my own spiritual practice and not just blindly adopt ‘Dad’s way’. Given I’ve felt closest to God in the presence of Nature, I decided that our Star Gazing Deck at our Colorado Cabin would be an appropriate place. So, as I cleared the accumulated ice, a coyote howl in the distance broke the otherwise silent afternoon. And I considered, maybe, that could be a sign that this would be my calling?
As I worked, I decided that to begin my engagement I would recite lines from the ‘Here, I am Lord’ song which has always touched me. And, I would honor my Dad by wearing his ‘ceremonial slippers’ and incorporate his ‘Wolf Picture and Poem’ into my meditations. I then went to Dad and asked if I could borrow his rods. When he picked them up and inquired if it would be appropriate and fitting, the rods responded favorably and then pointed to me.
My First Rodding Experience
Emboldened by Dad’s rodding experience, I headed to the Star Gazing Deck and began meditating noting several encouraging signs. I was greeted by the same coyote calling, then noticed two ravens that flew overhead, so close that I could hear their wings flap. I thought that this might be a sign from Madeline, John’s first wife, who always had a connection with these creatures.
As I completed my meditation, I picked up the rods. They swung around several times, although I did not attempt to count the rotations. They eventually swung to the ‘yes’ position and remained there for some time which I interpreted as a positive sign that I should be open to this rodding practice. I closed my first experience with a prayer of thanks for my life, for Malia, for my children, and my greater family. As I finished, I noticed a bluebird atop an aspen tree just in front of me. I took this as another positive sign from the Spiritual Energy and asked for his help and guidance in my life. Sensing that was all that I needed to do, I set the rods down.
I shared my rodding engagement with Malia (my wife), Mom, and Dad. We were all intrigued by the experience. I returned the rods to Dad, content with my initial experience. The next morning, Dad awoke with a sense to engage the rods. Here is a synopsis of his experience:
Q: Did Jack be-do-say all that was fitting and appropriate for yesterday’s rodding experience?
A: Yes.
Q: Were the coyote sounds that Jack heard associated with his initial rodding experience?
A: Yes.
Q: Were the two ravens?
A: No.
Q: Was the blue bird?
A: Yes.
Q: Am I (Dad) to be-do-say anything to support Jack’s rodding initiative?
A: Yes.
Q: Is it fitting to ask for a spelling guidance with respect to this?
A: Yes.
Then the rods rotated 7 times and spelled the following:
COMFORT JACK I AM WITH HIM ON HIS JOURNEY
Q: Is my engagement, my understanding, and this spelling real?
A: Yes.
Q: Real as rock on this planet?
A: Yes.
Q: Is it appropriate for me to tell Jack, Malia, and Pat (Mom) about this?
A: Yes.
Then the rods rotated 7 times and stopped in a spiritual position (pointed to the Castles rock formation that can be seen from our cabin). Dad shared his experience with us. And while I still had no sense of immediacy in pursuing my rodding practice, it was impossible for me to not be inspired by Dad’s rodding engagement.
There are more details about my first experience on our website, but I wanted to make it clear that spiritual rodding is a deeply personal experience, not a specific religion or practice. We each approach it in our own way with our own reverence and orientation to Spiritual Energy. In the coming blog posts, I will share more about both of our experiences.