The Jingle – repeats before every chapter.
From the West he wandered, yet his heart beat East.
Born of love, tempered by loss, scarred by betrayal.
He has walked through beauty and shadow,
tasted joy and sorrow,
breathed the scent of both life and death.
And when the weight grew too heavy,
he turned away from the chasing herd –
and set his paws toward the Rising Sun.
Toward the place he believes the Sun is born…
and were, perhaps, he might finally find a home.
For he is the East Beast –
a spirit untamed,
forever walking between worlds.
Part One: The Island That Breathes
After the endless run through forests and fields, East Wolf finally reached the ocean shore. Remembering the words of the serpent, he placed his palms in the water and whispered:
“Great Spirit of the Waters, endless and wide,
your voice thunders, your breath shapes the sky.
I feel your power, I bow to you might,
never have my paws touched a spirit so vast.Tell me – is this the end of my journey?
For I cannot walk where only fish swim.
I am a creature of earth and forest,
yet my heart is bound to the rising Sun.If there is another shore, show me the way.
And if not, then whisper –
where is the true home of the Sun?”
The waters stirred, slowly at first, then with a strange trembling, as if some hidden heart was beating beneath the waves. The surface swelled and boiled, light breaking in ripples of silver and blue.
At last, the sea parted with a shimmer, and from its depths rose a dolphin, circling with grace, eyes bright as starlight. It paused, watching the wolf with quiet knowing, before speaking:
“What brings you here, Spirit of the Forest?
And how may I serve?”
East Wolf explained his mission, the journey toward the Sun, and the obstacles he had faced. The dolphin nodded solemnly. “It will be my honour to serve. To reach the Sun’s home, you must cross the vast waters, and for that, we will need the help of an Ancient One – the Lion Turtle.”
The dolphin instructed Wolf to sit in silence and patience, for the Lion Turtle could not be summoned at once; finding it might take time. With no other path, Wolf accepted, knowing his mission’s importance outweighed all else.
The dolphin dipped its head and slid back into the deep. The waters closed above it, leaving only the endless roll of waves against the shore.
Wolf sat down on the sand to wait. At first, he thought he could be patient. The rhythm of the tide was steady, and he tried to match his breath to it. But soon his paws began to twitch. He rose, paced a few steps, then sat again. Before long he was running left and right along the edge of the water, restless as if the sand itself was burning beneath him.
He stopped, panting, confused.
“Why can I not sit still? What is wrong with me?” he whispered to himself, staring at the horizon. It was the first time he had truly noticed the storm inside his own chest.
When the dolphin returned, Wolf looked around but saw nothing – only the endless waters stretching to the horizon.
“Have you found the turtle?” Wolf asked hopefully.
The dolphin tilted its head. “First tell me – were you able to sit still, spirit of the forest? Did you find rest?”
Wolf lowered his gaze. “No… I tried, but something inside me would not let me. My body stirred, my mind ran. I could not find peace.”
The dolphin’s eyes shone with gentle knowing. “Then let us try together. To see the turtle, you must cleanse yourself. You must change the vibration that clouds your sight.”
Wolf lay down upon the sand, his paws sinking into its cool grains. The dolphin’s voice grew soft, flowing like the tide. “Breathe deeply. Feel roots growing from your body into the earth beneath. Let the forest within you anchor to the ground. Now, I will wash you with waters unseen.”
A hum rose from the dolphin’s throat, a sound older than words. The air itself trembled as the vibration passed through Wolf. He felt waves move across his skin, rippling through fur and bone, cleansing him of the restless stirring that had bound him moments before.
When silence returned, Wolf opened his eyes. Before him lay a small island, glistening in the sun – an island that had not been there before.
The dolphin smiled, “Step onto the island if you see it now.”
Wolf thanked the dolphin for this cleansing experience. As he noticed a profound discovery spreading through his body. His muscles released tension, his mind felt clearer, and his breath deepened. Thoughts of past struggles seemed to dissolve, leaving a quiet focus, like the first gentle waves of meditation washing over a soul. The dolphin nodded, “This cleansing was necessary. You must prepare, not only to board the Lion Turtle, but to truly see it.”
“But I don’t see any turtle,” Wolf murmured.
The island shifted beneath him. Slowly, realization dawned – the island itself was the Lion Turtle. Its immense presence radiated power and ancient wisdom, and electricity coursed through Wolf’s body from the base of his spine to the crown of his head.
“Yes,” said the dolphin. “I knew you were special, East Wolf. I will always be at your service on your journey through the deep blue. Whenever you call, I will come. The path ahead will not be short, but you will not walk it alone.”
Guided Meditation / Mantra for the Second Chakra
Wolf sat on the Lion Turtle, letting its energy flow through him. The colour of the second chakra – vibrant orange – pulsed around him. He began to chant softly:
“I am open to creation, to flow, to passion, to life.
As the waters move, so does my energy.
I honour my feelings, my instincts, my power.
I am aligned with the rhythm of the universe.”
With each breath, Wolf felt balance between grounding and flow. The Lion Turtle moved steadily through the ocean. Above him, the sky mirrored itself perfectly in the water below. The reflection was seamless – as above, so below – embodying the Hermetic principle in pure, visual form.
On the back of the Turtle, East Wolf travelled onward beneath majestic nights, where stars mirrored in the vast waters and the cosmos seemed to pulse with life, feeling the profound harmony of the universe, the unity of reflection and reality, ready for the next stage of his sacred journey.
Part Two: The Lions Gift
Days and nights passed as East Wolf travelled on the tiny island – or rather, rode atop the living Lion Turtle. Movement was limited; the vast ocean offered no solid ground, and swimming meant risking connection with the Turtle. Directions blurred: up and down, left and right all merged into an infinite horizon. Slowly, a creeping madness threatened to overtake him.
Desperate, he called to the dolphin for guidance. The dolphin surfaced, serene as ever. “Wolf, understand this: there is no true rest. Even in stillness, motion exists – within the waters, within the Turtle, within yourself. The pressure you feel is born from thoughts and attachments. The hyenas within you resist letting you fully rest, fully connect to the All.”
The dolphin’s voice guided him gently into a mind-calming and attachment-release meditation:
- Breathe deeply, feeling each inhale filling your lungs with calm, each exhale melting your tensions away.
- Notice each thought as it arises, and let it float away, carried by the gentle currents beneath you.
- Feel the light of the stars above, streaming down like liquid silver, entering the crown of your head.
- Sense the energy of the stars below, rising from the depths of the waters, through your paws and belly, into your spine.
- Visualize the currents of the ocean, flowing through you, connecting the stars above and below, washing through every muscle, every nerve, every fur.
- Release attachments, allowing old fears, burdens, and desires to dissolve into the currents, carried far away.
- Let the vibrations of the dolphin’s song ripple through your body, harmonizing with the flow of stars and water.
- Feel the cleansing light, a gentle stream from cosmos to ocean, filling you with clarity, strength, and openness.
- Rest in this flow, knowing that with each wave, each pulse of light, you become lighter, freer, more attuned to the path ahead.
Slowly, East Wolf felt the vibration of connection deepen. The Turtle beneath him became more tangible, more alive, and he sensed the bridge to the shores beyond.
When the Turtle finally reached solid sand, wolf leapt down with exhilaration. He couldn’t contain himself – he jumped, rolled in the warm earth, and ran in circles, his tail high, his paws kicking up sand. The happiness overflowed, a wild release after so many days of stillness. His laughter echoed like howls across the shore, reaching a point of pure abandon.
It was then, as his joy reached its peak, that the Turtle began to reveal himself fully. The ground beneath him trembled, the “island” rose higher, and East Wolf turned wide-eyed as the truth dawned. The Lion Turtle stood in his full presence – majestic, ancient, immense beyond comprehension.
The Turtle spoke:
“Wolf of the East, your courage has carried you across the waters. Take this gift: a token of steadiness and bravery, a reminder that your body and heart are anchors for your spirit. Let it ground you as you journey forward.”
“Ahead lies a wildfire – the desert. If you have the courage to step into it, remember this: to reach the other side, you must stay fully in the present moment. The past has already passed, and dwelling on it changes nothing. The future has yet to come; you may plan, but do not lose yourself in it, especially when undertaking an important task. Stay in the right-now moment, for it alone is real, and it is where true power resides. Remember this always.”
With these words, the Lion Turtle sank slowly back into the deep ocean, leaving Wolf on the shore, carrying its gift and guidance in his heart.
With new vitality surging through East Wolf – energy, joy, and the thrill of standing firmly on four legs again – he began to move eastward, toward the rising Sun.
For days and nights, he ran across the burning sands of the desert, until suddenly, a massive figure appeared before him: the Lion King.
Startled, Wolf froze. The Lion’s golden mane caught the sunlight, and his deep voice resonated across the sands:
“Peace to you traveller, what brings you here, so far from your home? And where are you going, my friend?”
Wolf explained, and the Lion, wise and discerning, reminded him of the desert’s vast dangers. He then offered sanctuary: “Come, rest at my dwelling. Let the desert not consume you before the end of your journey.”
They arrived at a hidden oasis. The Lion provided water and food and invited Wolf to stay for the night. There, Wolf witnessed the warmth of the Lion’s family – the love between the Lion and his mate, the care for their cubs. The vibration of this love stirred memories of his own early life, the nurturing of his parents, and tears welled in his eyes. The Lion, noticing his emotion, asked softly:
“Why do you weep, my friend?”
Wolf recounted his life story – his trials, his losses, his fears, his mission. The Lion listened with patience, offering quiet understanding.
The following morning, before Wolf continued eastward, the Lion presented him with his gift: a heart-cantered affirmation and blessing, designed to anchor courage, willpower, and alignment of the lower and higher chakras.
The Lion gazed at Wolf and spoke softly:
“Return after me,” he said.
Affirmation of the Lion
“I stand firm as the earth,
I flow free as the waters,
I burn bright as the fire within.Through my heart, all is united.
What is below gives strength,
What is above gives vision,
And in the centre, I find love.I am whole.
I am balanced.
I walk in courage,
And I live in truth.”
“Carry this within you, Wolf of the East. Let it steady your body, awaken your heart, and remind you that love will guide your path.”
With renewed energy, East Wolf pressed forward. The Lion’s words echoed within him as he faced the rising sun:
“Stand with courage. Run with purpose. Let the light guide every pawprint you leave upon the earth.”
Part Three: The Pyramids and the Guardian Bear
Many times the Sun passed over Wolf’s head. Many times night replaced day, and day replaced night. Then, in the far distance, he saw them – the pyramids. Just as the Lion had spoken, they marked the end of the desert. For many hours he walked, and the higher they rose, the closer their golden peaks seemed to pierce the sky.
At the foot of the tallest pyramid, Wolf saw creatures dwelling. He, at first intended to pass unseen – a ghost in the sand, but the scent of food called him. After so many days without a meal, his hunger was stronger than his will to stay hidden. He crept closer.
Behind a low wooden enclosure, a cage stood, sealed tight. From within came the heavy scent of a suffering animal, raw and aching, that made the air tremble. Guarding it were two brown dogs with dark faces, standing firm before the prison.
When Wolf stepped into the light, they lifted their heads and lowered them again in a respectful bow.
Wolf approached carefully and bowed his head.
“Peace to you, my brothers of spirit.” Wolf said, voice low and gentle. “I do not wish to disturb you, and soon I will be gone. But forgive my curiosity, please tell me, who is inside this cage, and why?”
The dogs answered:
“It is Bear. He has done no wrong, but the humans do not trust him. He is too strong, too wild, and so they fear what they cannot tame. That is why they keep him locked away.”
Wolf’s ears twitched.
“You call them humans? I know them only as creatures, for they alone do not follow the laws of nature. They kill without reason, take without balance, and forget the harmony of the wild. Why do you call them humans, and why do you serve them?”
The dogs lowered their heads.
“You speak true, a Majesty Free-Spirit. Humans have forgotten their nature. They live under a spell, a great amnesia. That is why they act as creatures, not knowing their true name. But we remain loyal, for we believe one day the spell will break. Then they will awaken, and their hearts will return to the law of nature. Until then, we serve – in patience, in trust, in hope.”
Wolf was silent for a moment, then spoke softly:
“Your loyalty is noble. Remain with them if your hearts choose so. But grant me one kindness – let Bear taste freedom again, just once. In return, I will hunt for you, and you will have more than bones for your supper tonight.”
The dogs exchanged a look, and the older of the two spoke: “The human who kept the bear will rage when he finds the cage empty, and we will be blamed.” Yet loyalty to the suffering soul outweighed fear. “If you bring us meat, we will open the lock when night covers the desert.”
Wolf left at dusk and hunted. The night air turned cool, and his paws were swift and sure. He returned with a generous catch – enough to fill the dogs’ bowls for many days. True to their word, when moonlight silvered the sand, the dogs worked the lock and pushed the timbers aside. The door creaked open.
The Bear stepped out. His breath heavy, his eyes burning with gratitude. He wrapped his great, rough paw around Wolf in a hug that was clumsy and wholehearted.
“For freeing me,” the bear said, voice low as distant thunder, “I will be your loyal friend. My teeth and my claws are yours; my strength will guard you, and my hands will serve you. I will carry your burdens if you allow me.”
The dogs wagged, their tails sweeping the sand like banners as their spots were finally filled with fresh hunt. Wolf and Bear walked side by side, leaving the pyramids behind, heading east – where the first light of dawn painted the horizon.
💚 Heart-Chakra Closing Practice – The Bond of Friendship 💚
Sit for a moment, close your eyes, and bring your hand to the centre of your chest. Feel the rhythm of your heartbeat. Imagine a green light glowing there – warm, gentle, alive.
Breathe deeply into this light. With each inhale, let it grow brighter. With each exhale, let it soften and expand outward, touching all around you.
Now speak softly, or within your heart, these words:
“I open my heart to trust.
I open my heart to friendship.
I open my heart to love.
May my heart be as loyal as the dog,
As free as the wolf,
And as strong as the bear.
In unity, I remember who I am.”
Rest in this vibration for a few breaths. Feel the balance of strength and gentleness, freedom and loyalty, within you. Carry this energy forward into your day – for where the heart leads, the path becomes clear.
The End of the Second Chapter.
© 2025 David Wolf. All rights reserved.
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