The Kiva, Pueblo Bonito

[Malaclypse 666]

Peter seemed in better shape now that he had re-hydrated. In fact the two of them had just returned from a stealthy visit to the biodome, where they had let fly into some convenient shrubberies. They had climbed back down into the Kiva, and were again seated, facing each other.

"Peter, I can't begin to describe how fortunate you are, lad."

"Why, Mal? Because I dreamed about an old childhood memory?" asked the young Pope.

"Ah, that is the least of it, sir." Mal continued.

"I will eschew any mention of the obvious 'reasons' for seeing what you saw. Childhood memories, the similarity of names, or the so-called 'syndrome' that pyschologists have associated with your vision.

"What is most significant is that you've received signals from one of the oldest Archetypes in the human psyche, Peter. Whether your 'dream-self' is known as 'Peter Pan', a 'leprechaun', 'Mescalito', the god of the peyote cactus, Kokopeli the Trickster, or 'First Officer Spock', your greenish-tinged, pointy-eared visitor has been a frequent visitor throughout our species' history.

"Also significant is that he usually appears to those who are searching for a new path.. those who are at a point of 'peak imprint vulnerability', as Saint Timothy used to say."

Peter nodded. Mal surmised that the bright young Pope was familiar with the works of the Bard Wilson, and had grokked all the references he had alluded to. Satisfied, he continued.

"Now, there will be arguments until the end of time as to whether your 'visitor' is some unknown telepathic intelligence, whether he is a construct of humanity's collective unconsciousness, or whether he is simply one of the countless aspects of 'self', which rises to the surface of consciousness in dreams or visions when needed.

"Would Peter Pan make a good Discordian?" Mal smiled broadly. "He could very well BE the Goddess in 'mufti', Peter.

"This is what I believe. You are ripe for change, my friend. You are now in contact with an ancient and powerful guide, and the synchronicity evident in his appearance is an incredibly good omen for you.

"Invoke him often. Listen well. As we enter the period of Verwirrung, I believe your new path will become clear to you. Whether Pan chose Peter, or Peter chose Pan, or whether they are 'one and the same', I can not imagine a better companion."

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