the bear

I had the pleasure of meeting a mighty bear. I walked to a temple, I knew I was going to meet someone there. I happened upon the illusion of a great golden gate, heavy and tall, difficult to open. I cleared it from my mind and saw the truth- I passed through a worn, wooden gate. I continued upon a path of sunshine through the turquoise sky, passing by a puddle of ducks, fields of orange flowers, until my path was flanked by great big stones on either side, providing cooling shade. At the end of my road, there was a cave. I knocked upon the wooden door, and was greeted inside. At the end of my vision, I saw a golden altar. For who, I don't know. I thought I saw Shiva there. There were great stained glass windows throwing color into the dark, cool cave. I felt safe. I looked out the back window and saw the sun-lit fields. There was a table before the altar. From a hallway beyond, appeared a bear. A big Grizzly bear on its hind-legs. It took my hand and assuaged me with forms of a cold-handed woman, and my love dressed in flowing gold. Then he bid me sit down at the table and he sat facing me. I was honored with a gift of jade in my hands. When I looked up, my love sat there and told me that he would always guard me, that I could rely on him, that he would strengthen me. He took me and cradled me in his arms, and stroked my head. I kissed him, and he, clad in gold, walked me to the door. As I walked out, I again saw its true form, as a bear, and as I walked along the path back past the shrubs, down the hill and past the gate, I looked back one more time, and saw a grizzly bear, on all fours, watching me as I left. I continued down the path and as I felt myself lift back to reality, I floated upwards, my skin molting off as I transformed into a flaming phoenix, bathed in golden sun.