─ Chapter One ─ Meetings

Gentle tears rolled down Folina’s sun-kissed cheeks as she cradled her grandmother’s head in her lap.

       ‘My dear child, it’s time for me to go home. You knew it would be today didn’t you?’

       ‘Yes, Befawn told me in a dream. I was sad at first but it’s translucent wings, wrapped around me like a vicuna poncho, took me to that place of deep comfort.’

Kashish looked into Folina’s deep brown eyes.

       ‘Folina, go to school!’

She died.

       The tribe followed the ancient Chincha rituals to honour Kasish’s three souls. The kurakaq almanchis, main soul, chaupikaq almanchis, middle soul, sullkakaq almanchis, lower soul. Folina weaved her personal messages, one for each soul, and placed them within Kasish’s wrappings before her body was covered with earth. Only she had known each soul.

       La Fiesta de la Muerte lasts for many days and concludes with a feast called Pachamanca. A hole is dug in the place chosen by the Elders, specially selected stones from the river are heated over a fire in the pit. When hot they are put aside and the earth oven is then lined with plantin leaves; some of the hot stones are then placed in the bottom and goat meat laid on top, more stones, vegetables, stones, vegetables - in layers - a bit like lasagne. Finally, the leaves are folded over the top and covered with earth that is carefully patted down. Fifteen minutes later a delicious steam emanates, the food retrieved, plated and shared amongst her people.

*

       Folina could taste the roasted potatoes, purple corn and carrots as she gazed out of the window at green fields and sheep. ‘Tickets please’ said the train manager. She fumbled for her ticket and gave it to her. ‘Change at Watford Junction’. ‘Thank you’ she replied, slightly disorientated. She did not have to wait long for her connection and sixteen minutes later arrived at St Albans Abbey station. It was typically quaint. Large pots full of pansies dotted the recently swepped platform. An enormous clock face with Roman numerals hung near the waiting room told the wrong time by one hour and ten minutes. Folina smiled.

       Walking was in her blood. When she was 11 she walked the forty five miles over rough terrain climbing to Machu Pikchu and stayed there for 40 days, drinking in deeply nature’s mysteries, so a two mile stroll to Castlethorpe College was nothing. Thich Nhat Hanh said “Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.” Kasish had said something similar to her as they wandered around the narrow streets of Qoscu (you may know it as Cuzco).

She loved the sounds of birds and the chattering trees as they danced in the breeze. Fields of rapeseed proudly presented their bright yellow harvest. All manner of creatures watched her pass by and commented to each other ‘She knows'. She got out her hand-drawn map and turned left at a junction. In the distance she could see some sandy coloured turrets poking up from some trees. She knew she was near. CASTLETHORPE COLLEGE was wonderfully painted in gold by a skilled signwriter on a deep blue background. She followed the letters with her fingers and they tingled. ‘This feels right... well,’ inhaling deeply, ‘here we go Folina’ and she headed up the narrow gravel footpath.

       Faeries are usually depicted as female, with wings and shorter than human beings. These are mere projections of individual’s egos and bear little resemblance to Veloquilla who drew near to Folina on the zig zag path. This time it blew a sweet-smelling fragrance to alert Folina of its presence. She adjusted her eyes, slowed her heartbeat and immediately experienced her close friend from the Andes. They bowed to each other, embraced and then stood still. Veloquilla was about ten feet tall yet, as they talked, its eyes seemed level with Folinas.

       ‘You now know why this place is so special. You have been drawn to Castlethorpe for several years. It is the school that Kasish knew you must experience. Everything will become clearer as you continue to open your heart to the extraordinary opportunities.’

       ‘Oh Veloquilla, the aroma of your nearness is intoxicating. Thank you for your message.’

       ‘Sing your songs Folina. Be wistful. You are becoming more like humans were created to be.’

With that it departed. If you could have seen you would have said “flew”. Veloquilla presented no wings on this occasion.

       The view of the English countryside from the top of the hill was stunning. The Abbey’s tower could clearly be seen, tucked behind the two turret-like spires of the adjoining cathedral. The footpath gradually widened into an open area with a large oval of grass and there stood the huge castle-like Manor House of Castlethorpe. Folina paused and surveyed the rich amber sandstone blocks, punctuated with large arched windows. A woman appeared from the entrance with a broom and brushed the floor. She looked up at Folina, waved and then beckoned. Folina waved back and walked around the grass to the entrance.

       ‘Welcome, I assume you are Folina, please come in.’

Folina followed her into the entrance hall. It was like walking into a National Trust house that had been meticulously preserved and cared for yet the atmosphere was warm and inviting. A huge grandfather clock guarded a staircase and announced itself with two low resonant dings before returning to its distinct tick-tock accompanied by its hypnotic pendulum.

       ‘Right on time. Please, go through, I’ll be with you in a minute.’

       Folina pushed the polished brass handle of a large panelled door and entered the room. Its large bay window looked out towards the path she had just walked up. There was a stillness in the air. She swept back her long black hair and turned around. In the middle of the room was a large circular oak table with ten chairs around it. It had intricate shallow carvings all over its surface yet, in a certain light, looked completely smooth. She felt it and was surprised by the sensation. It felt as though there were no carvings yet they could be clearly seen. She looked closer but could not make them out.

       ‘Beautiful, isn’t it’ said a young man who had just entered, ‘I’m sure Eleanor knows its secrets but she prefers students to unlock these for themselves – it’s all part of the learning. I’m Patrick, Eleanor asked me to join you this afternoon as I’m a recent arrival’.

       At that moment the Principal came in.

       ‘Ah, I see you have been introduced to the table. Come let’s sit over here. Would you like something to drink?’

       ‘Earl Grey please.’

       ‘Lemon?’

       ‘No thanks, just a little milk.’

       Eleanor had brought in a tray with two cosied tea pots, cups and saucers etc and placed them on a low table between three easy chairs near the large window. Folina noticed a large tapestry spread along a wall that was encased in a wooden framed glass. It was almost black and dotted with silvery white speckles. She went over and looked closer. In fact they were constellations of stars. The blackness looked velvety behind the thin glass. It was about twenty feet wide and six feet high. Folina walked up and down  it several times, engrossed in her inspection and discoveries. Now and then she would gasp, giggle and sigh.  After a while she stepped back, hands on her hips and exclaimed ‘Wow!’ Eleanor and Patrick had been chatting and turned to Folina, smiling at each other.

       ‘Sorry, I just could not help it. It drew me.’

       ‘No need,’ said Patrick. ‘Did the same to me when I came for my chat with Eleanor.’

Folina sat down between them and sipped her piping hot tea. ‘Hmmm.’

       ‘It was created by one of our students, Jikme Tenpe Nyima. She fled from Tibet in 1950 and arrived here in 1952. The tapestry took her nine years to complete. She died the day after it was unveiled in 1969. The glass does not reflect the light – something to do with a very scientific coating that I have no knowledge of. We can illuminate it in many different ways to create different effects. You’ll soon see – especially at night.

       No-one had bits of paper, notebooks or pens. The section in the 1979 Prospectus had been quite specific in setting out the purpose and parameters of the conversation that determines whether a person is admitted to the College or not. It is most certainly not an admissions interview. The hand-written covering letter from Eleanor to Folina that came with the Prospectus asked that she read it very carefully and only when she felt she had understood everything in it should she contact Eleanor by telephone to arrange a date for a conversation with her and one of the students. That telephone conversation took place six weeks earlier. Folina had followed Elanor’s suggestion that she re-read the prospectus several times and reflect on what was on offer before the conversation.

       The 1979 prospectus was an A5-sized booklet of 89 pages. It contained a history of the College since it was established in 1909, how the Manor House was gifted to the Castlethorpe College Trust, the body that is responsible for the College business. Ten pages described the Manor House, its many rooms, its legends, myths and facts. The centre page spread was a colour photograph of the Library that took your breath away. It was magnificent, huge and had an unorthodox classification system that a student from Russia had introduced sixty years ago. In true Hogwarts style it had a “Restricted Section” that, despite the apparent contradiction, all students could use. It had fifteen pages listing all the subjects that students had studied, without any details of curriculum content or length of time. The word “course” was never mentioned. There were photographs of the various types of accommodation, the learning areas, the Gathering Place, the Labyrinth, the Silent Chamber, the Stone Circle, the lake, the stream, the forest, the vegetable and herb gardens, and the kitchen and dining area.

       The final section was headed “Pathways to Discovery” and contained several students’ stories of learning and academic attainment. Castlethorpe was, in fact, a university by Royal Charter and hundreds of students had been awarded degrees with the highest honours. It was the envy of other divinity colleges in the ancient universities of the United Kingdom and Ireland. All reports from Her Majesty’s Inspectors confirmed repeatedly the outstanding performance in every category. This baffled male dons from other universities who had read each edition of Castlethorpe’s prospects. At first reading they thought Castlethorpe was a place for religious and spiritual nutters. When they visited the College they experienced something altogether different that changed their minds and, sometimes, their hearts. A few had resigned their posts and been accepted as students.  

       Folina looked at Patrick and Eleanor intently and then said:

       ‘So, I could be here for one year or more than thirty years. I could do a PhD. There are no terms. Learning is all year round. Students and teachers take days and weeks off when they want. Sounds like chaos at first reading but I guess everything sorts itself out. There are no “holy” days because all life is considered holy. Students can celebrate different festivals in any way they wish, whether it is their tradition or not. There is no pressure to participate or not participate. There will never be more than one hundred students. There are currently ninety one – not counting family members. I could live here and do nothing – just being and interacting with people is learning and teaching. There are hundreds of subjects with all types of learning contexts that may or may not involve lectures, talks, walks, discussion groups, cassettes and videos, field trips, secondments, visits, experiments etc. I would love to learn about “Hertory – not Herstory or History. Students can get degrees if they want them. There are exams for students who choose to do them and course work for those who love that. All of this is approved by the awarding bodies. The academic achievements of this College are the best in the country and are not displayed in a cabinet in the entrance hall. Students can also be teachers. There are no rules. It is expected that any issues are resolved with mutual respect and forgiveness. Big issues are usually taken and resolved in the Gathering Place. Consequences of actions that are due to the laws of the UK are always honoured. Students and teachers are guardians of many types of animals and are an integral part of the community. Indeed, animals are a subject that students can learn about if they choose. Several students have children of various ages. They bring something so important to College life. It is not a Christian ecumenical college. It is not a multifaith centre. People from all religions and none are welcome. People from cults, sects and every type of New Age background are welcome. Castlethorpe stubbornly refuses to be labelled in any way apart from the work of becoming Divinely Human. Joyous effort is all that is needed. Have I got it right so far?’

       Eleanor looked to Patrick, again they both smiled. Eleanor inhaled deeply, stretched her arms and then nodded..

       ‘Oh yes Folina, my dear, that is a most reasonable summary of the Prospectus.’

       ‘What did you make of my Letter of Application?’

       ‘When it arrived I placed it , without opening it, in my special place. A few days later I took it to my favourite bench by the stream and read it slowly several times. I loved your description of your walks in the Andes, the elemental beings you encountered and befriended, the powerful energies and angels that protect Machu Pikchu, your relationship with your family – especially with your grandmother. You were awakened at birth and knew so from a young age. Your innocence and spiritual maturity complemented each other with rare genuineness. You are very self-aware concerning your strengths and weaknesses. You have profound respect for Planet Earth, which is, of course, a Divine being in itself. You know this incarnation’s roots well and honour your ancestors. Your magical gifts are welcome. Your curiosity and attention in the present moment is infectious. There is a sadness in you that I cannot fathom but it will become clear to you and I someday and will benefit many.’

They sat in silence for a while without any embarrassment.

       Folina turned to Patrick and asked the same question.

       ‘I read it a few weeks ago. I cried a lot. Laughed a lot. It challenges just about everything I believe in yet, even though I have only been here a short time, I have learned not to judge another’s experience. There is no such thing as a typical “Castlethorpe student”. In fact, most students and teachers try not to use labels. We are all human beings from different backgrounds – thirsty to experience what this means for ourselves and each other. Actually, your letter is amazing and now having met you I realize how gifted you are in writing about yourself. The two are in complete congruence with each other. Do you have any idea what you would like to learn, apart from Hertory of course?

       ‘Everything, she giggled! No not really, but I’m sure it will become clearer with time.’

       ‘Indeed it will’ Eleanor commented then continued ‘Right Patrick, Folina and I will now go through the contract. Shall we meet you by the Labyrinth in about twenty minutes?’

       ‘Yes, that’s fine. See you in a while.’

       Eleanor went to a smaller room to the side and returned carrying a folder.

       ‘As well as occupying the post of Principal of Castlethorpe College, though the legal status of this title is that of Vice-Chancellor, I’m also Chief Executive of the Castlethorpe College Trust which operates like a charity though is exempt from much of the tiresome charitable regulations. It’s a bit like us having as much cake as we want and having the capacity to eat it! Anyway, our financial position is very secure thanks to several huge gifts and legacies over the years, student income and research grants. As you rightly said there are no rules, and here comes the “but”, there is a simple student contract. Every student must pay an annual fee in advance. This is calculated on the learning fee that includes a lunch each day and then an accommodation fee depending on what is available and choice. In fact nearly all students and teachers live within the extensive College grounds. I’m aware that you have requested accommodation for you and Carlos, your husband.”

       ‘Yes, that’s right. He has a new job in London so will commute. We are bringing Hippo our adorable nine year-old Lurcher too.’

       ‘The two-bedroomed flat you requested in the Manor House is still available, do you wish to confirm this?’

       ‘Does it mean I have a place?’

      ‘My dear Folina, I do apologise, I sometimes forget to say the important bits on these occasions. Yes, you definitely have a place. I’m not sure that I grant it really. Its Spirit who does. We just follow don’t we.’

       ‘Yes, I think you’re right.’

       ‘When do you and Carlos want to move in?’

       ‘Two weeks’ okay?’

       ‘Absolutely.’

       ‘ Here is a cheque for the first year.’

       ‘Thank you. You are aware that it is totally non-refundable even if you decide to leave on day two?’

       ‘Yes, this is an excellent policy. The Trust runs a tight ship. Thank you for sending me the accounts. This openness is commendable. Now, I have something to give to the Trust. Please accept this cheque for twenty fifty thousand pounds that Carlos and I would like to be added to your Bursary Fund to help students who may struggle to pay their fee.’

       ‘Oh my, this is indeed very generous. Thank you.’

       ‘The only condition is that our gift remains anonymous.’

       ‘That will be respected, of course.’

       Eleanor placed the signed contract with the two cheques in the folder, went to her office and then returned carrying a small metallic-looking bag.

       ‘Let's go and find Patrick.’

       They left the Room of Meeting, turned right and walked down a long corridor, passing various rooms with students engaged in various learning activities. Roars of laughter came from one of the rooms.’

       ‘What’s going on in there?’

Eleanor stood on her tip toes and peered through the glass.

       ‘Ah, that’s Sufi Sayings and Zen Koans. Always good for a laugh if needed.’

They emerged into the warm sun and went straight ahead through neat symmetrical flower beds and down a few grey stone steps. Patrick waved to them from a stone bench overlooking what was a huge Labyrinth. They listened to his description.

       ‘This is based on the Labyrinth in Chartres Cathedral in France. It’s twice the size so that two or three can walk in it together. Here Folina, take this diagram.’

       ‘Charmachunakkua, this is amazing! I have seen something that looks almost exactly like this, an ancient drawing on a rock inside a tomb near Machu Pikchu.’

Eleanor and Patrick studied Folina’s face then looked at each other.

       ‘This could confirm what Professor Dawson has been saying,’ commented Patrick, ‘that Labyrinths were modelled on Inca and Mayan artwork and possibly unlock the puzzle of the Nazca Lines in Perú. It will be interesting to see what Callum makes of it all when he arrives next week; he spent three months at Chartres Cathedral, studying the labyrinth, its connection with the Rose Window and sacred geometry.’

       ‘That might be a long shot but who knows?’ replied Eleanor.

       ‘You have created a lovely stir here Folina’ said Patrick.

       ‘Have I?’

       ‘When you are settled in we could walk the Labyrinth together.’

Folina walked up the shallow bank to get a better view of it and open herself to the Labyrinth’s energy. The circular pathway was made of many carefully selected grey stones half buried and cemented into the ground. The grass in-between was lush, short and deep green. The circumference was decorated with narrow beds of tiny green bushes. It was manicured to perfection by a dedicated expert team.

       ‘This is pure art’ said Folina, ‘It is alive. I sense it. It calls.’

       ‘Where would you like to go now?’ asked Eleanor.

       ‘The Gathering Place please.’

       ‘Patrick will show you. Oh, I nearly forgot, did you put down furnished or unfurnished for the flat?

       ‘Unfurnished, we are letting our house out in Tunbridge Wells and will bring enough furniture for the flat.’

       ‘Excellent, just telephone the office number to arrange a date you want to move in. It will be redecorated next week. Have you chosen a colour from the chart I showed you?’

       ‘Yes, that light honey colour, I think it was called Golden Glow or something like that.’

Eleanor made a note on a small pad she kept in small bag.

       ‘Just call the office to arrange a move in day and time. I am teaching shortly, The Inquisition Was Not All Bad, a surprisingly popular topic, so I better get ready. Folina, I’m so glad you have decided to join our community. Jorge will take you back to the station, if you like, so you can catch the 6.15 train back to London.’

       ‘It has been wonderful meeting you and I know this is the right place for me’ replied Folina.

They parted.

*

       Patrick led the way, walking past the other side of the Labyrinth, down up some stone steps and turned left past, what looked like, an orchard. Bees were busy gathering pollen from the flowers that swayed in the wind. Their spicy fragrance was unusual though when she asked Patrick what the flowers were he didn’t have a clue. His focus was on The Gathering Place and what Folina’s reactions to it might be. A few minutes later they came around another corner, past a strange-looking statue of a caterpillar laid on its back holding a globe of what looked like Earth on its many legs. Patrick was slightly distracted by the attention Folina was giving to the statue and noted her puzzled stare.

       ‘Everything here has a purpose and meaning. I don’t have a clue of the story behind this statue.’

       Folina could sense that Patrick was keen to move on. They descended some more steps and then turned right to The Gathering Place. It was a very large round building. They paused to admire the exterior stone work – they looked like the same stones from the Manor House. In fact these stones had come from the same quarry in Staffordshire.  A wide stone pathway encircled the building. Scores of wooden benches lined the circular path looking towards the building. They started to walk round the building and Folina counted seven paths leading up to, what looked like, identical entrances to the building. Finding their way back to where they started they sat down on a wooden bench.

       ‘What do you think Folina.’

       ‘I have never seen anything like it. The colour of the stones changed as we walked around it and looked so different in the shade. It must be at least a hundred feet high! There are so many windows, both large and smaller ones.’

The silver-coloured domed roof had dark grey triangular ridges spanning out from the pinnacle. Several of the panels of the roof were a slightly different colour and Folina thought she could see them reflecting the sun.

       ‘Are those windows?’

       ‘Yes, they are revealed at the moment but can be hidden, depending on the occasion.”

       ‘What do you mean?’

       ‘Well The Gathering Place is a multipurpose building. It is used mostly by the Castlethorpe community and is also hired out for large and small functions such as weddings, funerals, parties, conferences and posh dinners and dances. The internal space can be mechanically re-configured into learning areas, one large or several small lecture theatres, an auditorium that can seat up to three hundred and fifty people. It is connected to the kitchen so that food, dishes and table settings can be moved back and forth. Chairs are stacked away in concealed units as are tables of various sizes and shapes. No-one knows how much it cost but estimates vary at several million pounds. It is being improved all the time. A new sound system has just been installed – great for parties!

       Folina’s jaw started to drop as Patrick revealed more and more about the building. One of the doors to the side opened and a group of about fifteen people came out and smiled at them as they passed by.

       ‘Hello Patrick’ said a woman who must have been at least seventy. Don’t forget dinner at my house – seven sharp.’

       ‘Can’t wait Shamsha, I’ll bring a bottle of Merlot.’

       ‘See you later.’

       ‘She is an amazing woman. She is older than she looks you know. I think she is about eighty five, not the oldest student. She loves to have people round to dinner and serves up vegetables, some have received energies and some have not. She likes to see if we can taste the difference. Of course, it’s not just the taste it’s how the food makes you feel too. I think that was the last learning session on Runes. It started out as a ten session study but is now twelve. Folina was fascinated by how the study sessions were organised considering every student could choose to do whatever they liked.

       ‘You look puzzled. I was too at first; reading the description in the Prospectus is one thing, how it all pans out in practice is another. Its actually very simple but explaining it may take me a while. Okay, some students want a degree, whether it be a BA, MA or PhD. Some are crazy and compress their learning into one year instead of three or more. A few have been awarded degrees having done all the work and examinations in less than a year though they walk around the place looking like zombies. “Degree Getters” or “DGs” as we fondly refer to them account for about twenty percent of all students. The rest of us usually start our studies by picking subjects that interest us or are curious about. Each subject has a specific number of learning sessions, like Runes that now has twelve sessions. All this information is in the learning catalogue that you will get when you start. By the twentieth of each month you sign up for what subjects you would like to do the following month on your Learning Request List. Now imagine if each of the current ninety one students signed up to do a different subject it would be very difficult to arrange, particularly if a student wants to do a new subject that is not in the catalogue. So, whoever is sorting out the learning sessions for the following month displays what can actually be provided on an A4 sheet for each day of the month in the Learning Centre by the twenty-fifth of the month. There will also be one sheet or more of subjects that, for now, can’t be arranged. This does not mean they won’t happen, but based on existing teachers' availability and student demand, they can’t. The DGs subjects are always available and none of the other students object to this.

       If being awarded a certificate or diploma of some kind is important to non DGs then it is possible to get them by completing the required number of learning units that are assigned to each learning session. This means that you can get a bit of paper for studying wide: a little bit of a huge number of subjects or deep: into just a few. These certificates are and diplomas are awarded by the College and are recognised by many organisations throughout the world. In fact I understand that one inspector stated publicly that they would choose a student who had been awarded a Castlethorpe Diploma over an MA in Divinity (Oxbridge) any day!

       Where was I? Oh yes, how the learning sessions are organised. So, once the list is put up in the Learning Centre on the twenty fifth all students check it and see if their sessions are available or not. Ideally students should do session one of a subject and work through to the end but you don’t have to do it this way, particularly if you just want a taste. Many subjects are repeated throughout the year. Take Shamsha for example, she would have seen something like this on the list for today: Runes 12/12, Gathering Place, The Forge, that’s the name of the learning room, 3 learning units, 2-4pm. It was on her Learning Request List so she goes to the Learning Session List displayed and adds her name. This books her place, assuming there are places left – there are numbers on the left hand side. Below that is another set of ascending numbers for reserve places. If you are number 1. on the reserved list and someone informs the teacher they are not attending then the student is informed and takes their place and so on. This means the teacher knows who to expect and will sign your learning unit card, if you are gathering units, if you attend. If you don’t turn up on the day that is your choice and for non DGs there are no consequences. If no-one turns up the teacher is not usually disappointed and may stay there to read or whatever or leave after 10 minutes or so from the designated start time. This keeps the size of the learning sessions to a maximum number. Some students just turn up and may or may not be admitted to the learning session. It may sound complicated but even though I am relatively new I soon got the hang of it. I love the flexibility the system offers me and I am starting to see a pathway opening up for my learning.

       ‘So, what does your pathway look like?’

       ‘I described myself as a Charismatic Christian. My church and family had been praying for the teachers and students at Castlethorpe to repent and believe in Jesus to forgive their sins and be baptised in water and the Holy Spirit. They did not consider them apostates but had clearly been deceived by the devil and led astray by all sorts of strange teachings and practices. When I read the Prospectus I read about a simple desire to learn about what it means to be a spiritual human being. Labels and doctrine were not important. It was up to each person to discover who they were for themselves. Believe me, I had already been through a lot myself. I may tell you about it one day.’

       ‘I look forward to that.’

       ‘Ah, here’s Jorge. Gosh, is that the time; Greg will be home soon so I better get going. I wanted to show you inside the building so you could see it being transformed but we have run ran out of time. Never mind, it can wait until you come.’

They hugged which for Patrick surprised him.

       ‘Bye Folina.’

       ‘See you soon Patrick.’

       Folina arrived for the 6.15 train with ten minutes to spare. On the journey home she gazed out of the window at more green fields and sheep. It had been quite a day. It’s not just the magical place, it’s the magical people. ‘Yes Kasish, I’m going to school.’