Photo Credit: Earthrelated.com
What is currently happening close to where I live and the place I call home is a proposed telescope (worth 1.4 billion) 13 stories high is attempting to be put on the world's tallest mountain (from below sea to the sky), Mauna Kea. This telescope would be the biggest on planet earth yet.
Since the proposal- a group of dedicated Protectors have been standing against it- to protect the mountain. Mauna Kea is a sacred temple the entire summit is a sacred place. Anyone who has been to the mountain has experienced the magnificence of Mana (energy) that is there.
The first day the TMT (Thirty Meter Telescope) broke ground 33 Hawaiian's were arrested for standing, praying, and chanting- guarding the road to the top. I have met some of the amazing souls leading this movement to protect the mountain- and these are some of the most connected, loving, and grounded humans I have experienced. Life is about connection. Meeting people who are strong with Spirit can change you.
In sacred ceremonies and in my dreams in the past I have been given the message "You are the voice of Mother Nature." I didn't truly understand this message until I needed to, now. Everyday there is a moment to pray for the mountain- to appreciate this sacred land and space. And to speak when and where I can.
The other day I was on the beach and a group of about 15 people sat right next to me. I overheard them speaking of the telescope construction and they felt that "Protesters are shooting themselves in the foot". They said that TMT was putting money into the community and helping education prosper. They were in agreement that they supported education and money and that the telescope brings. I did not choose to talk to these people physically, but they did inspire me to write this post- where it is a choice for people to read. I am learning to communicate and it is for a cause bigger than myself.
My deeply sensitive self reflected on this. I felt sad that people feel this telescope is "good". I have realized that this is a time of an awakening. The people for the telescope may not have the connection that those protecting the mountain have.
The Mauna Kea summit is a sacred space for Hawaiian's now, throughout their lineage, and their ancestors. These are not just words, the dirt is not JUST dirt, the rocks are not meaningless. This land has sacred dances, stories, and prayers. Sacred is not just a word, but a meaning felt deep in the heart.
I have come from the mainland and I did not grow up being taught to respect land or taught what sacred meant. The closest thing I had was "church" and although I felt connected to my grandma who first took me there, beyond that I had many ups and downs at church. I often felt disconnected at church through bullying by other kids or disconnect in the information that sometimes felt so negative and dark to me.
I do feel connected Mauna Kea. The first time I went to the top of the mountain was during equinox for a ceremony. We each spoke a prayer in a circle at the top at sunrise. It was quiet, clean and pure. And when I spoke I felt like it was a megaphone for God to listen. Anyone can love Mauna Kea, you do not need to be a certain religion or ethnicity.
I understand that this is a time that we face between connection to technology and connection to Source. I believe all technology has come from our own capabilities that is artificially created. I am not against technology although I value Spirit more. If it becomes a choice between technology or Spirit I choose Spirit. Money, telescopes, education are tools that are helpful, but does not replace earth.
If people do not feel a connection to Mauna Kea or earth in general-it is a time by inviting them to. Invite them in our hearts, prayers, and minds. Connected or not, we are all here together. I envision a world wide community connected to earth, each other, and Spirit.
