Jack’s Introductory Experiences
By Jack Barber
November 2010
Opening to the Possibilities
During our Spring Break vacation in March of 2008, Mom, Dad, Malia and I had a conversation about his rodding experience. I asked if he had a sense that his rodding practice should be carried forward. It just seemed like such an awesome practice that it would be a ‘shame’ if there was no possibility of it continuing. I must admit that it was something that I had been wondering about for some time. Was this something that would fall to me to carry on? Would I be worthy and up to the task? But, my inquiry was less about myself, and more about the relevance and significance of the practice itself.
Dad responded that it was certainly a possibility. In fact, through previous rodding engagements, he had established that there were others that were similarly engaged in their own spiritual rodding experience. He was, however, quick to point out that he had no expectations or request that I, or any of the family, pursue a rodding practice. And, I was just as quick to point out that I, while open to the possibilities, did not feel a particular calling or sense that I needed to pursue such a practice.
The next day, during his rodding engagement, Dad received, as an affirmation that it was ‘appropriate and fitting’ for me to pursue rodding. He observed the following spelling:
HELP JACK
That evening, Dad shared his revelation with the rest of us. Dad again stressed that he in no way wanted to ‘pressure’ me, but that he was available to assist me as I wished. It was quite frankly both encouraging and daunting at the same time. But, we agreed to remain open to the possibilities and continue to let things unfold.
Finding My Way
Inspired by Dad’s experience, I began thinking about and preparing for my first rodding experience. I had a strong sense that I needed to create my own spiritual experience and shouldn’t just try and do it ‘Dad’s way’.
When I considered the times that I’ve felt closest to God, it has often been in Colorado when I have felt keenly connected with Nature. So, I decided that our Star Gazing Deck would be a fitting and appropriate place. So, I went to work clearing the ice that had accumulated over the Winter. As I worked, a coyote howl in the distance broke the otherwise silent afternoon. I found this personally profound – maybe, my calling.
As I continued, I also contemplated how I would become spiritually centered. Rather than starting with Dad’s mantra, I decided that I would recite a line from ‘Here, I am Lord’, a song that has always touched me during Catholic Mass. I also wanted to honor my connection with Dad by wearing the ‘ceremonial slippers’.
Later that day, I told Dad about my plans and my preparations. He gave me his ‘Wolf Picture and Poem’ which I decided to incorporate into my meditations. Then, I asked if I could borrow his rods. After considering my request, he took up his rods and inquired if it would be ‘appropriate and fitting’ to let me borrow them. The rods responded favorably and then pointed to me. He concluded the engagement and placed the rods in my hand.
My First Rodding Experience
Emboldened by the rodding experience with Dad, I headed to the Star Gazing Deck. I found it interesting that a single spot on the deck had completely melted of ice making it easy for me to sit (with my ceremonial slippers) facing Carbon Mountain. I sat down and began my meditations. I started with the Sign of the Cross, followed by giving thanks and asking for forgiveness (as is my usual prayerful thought process). I then recited the aforementioned Catholic song and read the Wolf Picture and Poem that Dad had given me.
During my meditation, I noted several encouraging signs. First, I was greeted by the same coyote calling in the distance. Then, I noted two ravens that flew so close overhead that I could hear their wings flap. (I thought that this might somehow be significant of 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. I took this as a positive and powerful sign. Simply, that the rodding practice was available to me and that I should be open to the experience.
I closed my 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 God and asked for his help and guidance in my life. I sensed that was all that I needed to do – and set the rods down.
I shared my rodding engagement with Malia, Mom, and Dad. We were all intrigued by the experience. I returned the rods to Dad. I was content with my initial experience and did not know when I would be called again to have a rodding experience.
Independent Confirmation
The next morning, Dad awoke at 5 am with a sense to engage the rods concerning my experience. 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)
Also during his rodding engagement, he confirmed that it was fitting and appropriate for my initial rodding experiences to be accomplished through his rods, another set which he referred to as the ‘traveling rods’, or any other rods that I might choose. As a side note, the ‘traveling rods’ was a set that John had given to Mom to replace the first set John gave Mom, which first set was the one with which Dad had his initial engagement.
Dad shared his experience with us. And, while we did find the message inspiring, we did not feel a sense of urgency. So, we concluded our vacation and agreed to simply let things unfold
Passing of the Rods
After returning to Texas, my Mom was clear that she wanted to pass her rods on to me for whenever and however I might pursue my rodding experience. So, we agreed to a special occasion and setting for her to do so. In preparation for this, Dad engaged in a spiritual rodding session with Mom’s rods that would soon-to-become mine. He requested conscious connection with the All of All, the individual and collective spirits of the Holy Family, and the Universal Holy Family Spirit on behalf of all families, and given human choice in our world, including my choice as to whether, when, and how to pursue my own rodding experiences:
Q. Are Pat’s rods, here and now before me, appropriate and fitting for Jack to have and use with respect to pursuing his rodding experience?
R. Yes.
Q. Is it appropriate and fitting to request that these rods be blessed during this engagement with respect to Jack’s own rodding experience?
R. Yes.
Based on an earlier experience in Baby William’s Memorial Garden, he had established that when he observed numerous spontaneous rod rotations, not initiated or influenced by him, it was some way an unsolicited blessing of the Garden as a special and sacred space. So, he requested, as respectfully as he could, and as a closing to this particular engagement, that the rods move without any influence from him other than his being a part of All Energy. Wonderously, Dad watched as:
o The left rod rotated clockwise 7 times; then the right rod did the same.
o Next, the left rod rotated counterclockwise 7 times and the right rod did the same.
o Both rods moved and stopped in the position designated by Dad as a spiritual position.
Q. Are these movements a blessing of Pat’s rods for purposes of Jack’s own rodding experience?
A. Yes.
Q. Is it appropriate and fitting to request additional movement by the rods confirming that the rotating movements I (Dad) just saw were a blessing of Pat’s rods for purposes of Jack’s own rodding experience?
R. Yes.
He was very moved and inspired by what he then observed, as the rods spelled:
I A M J A C K
I A M A L L
Dad related his experience to Mom, Malia, and me over our special dinner at one of our favorite and special restaurants, the Emerald. At which point, Mom passed along her rods to me. While I still had no sense of immediacy in when I should continue my rodding practice, it was impossible for me to not be inspired by Dad’s rodding engagement.
