The sons of Odin, aspects of the one Father, take their place on the field of battle, the war between the warriors of light (order) and darkness (chaos).
The warriors of light, through service and sacrifice, fight to bring order, first to the world of form, and then to the higher world of thought. If failing in this task, the warriors of the dark will surely cloud their minds and keep all from the fullness of light.
The battle rages. The masters of chaos drive the shadow-warriors on, bringing human pain and suffering without the intervention of the Gods. Who of us has not heard the cries of human anguish and despair resulting from ignorance, greedy and selfish acts, the offspring of chaos?
Still the battle rages. The shadow-warriors drawing on the weaknesses of the brave. Parasitic spectres feeding off lower urges, drives and instincts.
With each cut the brave warriors recall the pain of past memories. The scenes of battle intermingle with childhood images and thoughts of lost loved ones.
And now the battle ends.
The Valkyries swoop and gather the souls of the brave fallen. The shadows return to the earth whence they came.
As for those of courage, they have passed through the valley of death, laying down their weapons and armour for the glories of Valhalla. They have challenged the darkness and won the battle, and are now raised in this place of honour, which for the warrior, is Valhalla.
For the warrior lies the glories of Valhalla, the place of feasting and reward, reunited with fallen brothers around the Great Table. Celebrating success and pleasure, the flattering of egos and feelings of satisfaction, achievement, domination and control.
But all too soon the flickering images of the Valhalla banquet begin to fade. The warrior comes to realise that this was only a dream, a time of fantasy and that he will have to stand up, leave the table and complete his journey into the light, alone.
Commentary
The clash between light and darkness is not for the weak. Our purpose is one of engagement, of being warriors in the frontline of the battle for common-sense, reason and enlightenment.
Sometimes, I long for the bliss of ignorance, but in truth, I know that this battle must be fought, and that our time as children in this world is past.
I pray that we all may come to understand and accept our roles in this universal drama.