Seated at the table, I quickly took notes as to who these characters might be, wondering what objects they might be stewards of. 

I had heard tell of others, earlier appointees who declined the invitation to the table, the whole cosmic undertaking being too much for them. Even if some of us could have been inclined to cut and run, we were present now. I was reminded of the great poet Attar’s Persian classic, “The Conference of The Birds.” Not all the birds made it to the final chapter, after going through the various valleys.

When I looked around I had a first impression of The 12 as planets and luminous bodies in the sky. Then found a more earthly focus, in time for each participant to reveal their object.

The first to speak was the contemplative, a nun:  “I hold the space for all in my heart  – I bring a heart of gold.” She unwrapped her package. It was a little pebble, insignificant and small. 

In the form of an innocent child, a brilliant young kid of 5 with dazzling intelligence, came next. “I bring the new and have been anointed to do so. I bring help and success in saving the world.” He unwrapped a tiny toy, a red fire engine.

My helpful friend, the wise archivist and scientist spoke next. “I compiled all in form and type so it would be seen and known and understood. I bring clarity and insight.” She unwrapped a pen and paper. 

Our leader and father of this work, the brilliant founder who was also a great magician, took his turn with the others. “I was a great being and I began it all, and maintain it all in equillibrium. I bring tremendous reality.” He unwrapped an old leaf of gold with writing impressed upon it.

The loving wife of the founder, who is a mathematician, was to his left. “I was a circle, and I birthed all forms . I bring the origin of forms.” She unwrapped an egg.

An ancient and inspiring teacher, looked around with sparkling eyes. “I was a spiral upward, creating a staircase for those to follow, and an awakening sound. I bring awakening.” She unwrapped a flowerseed.

The wise one had a shapeshifting countenance, showing Abraham, Solomon, Moses, Zarathrustra, Pythagoras and others interchangeably. “I brought the wisdom of the ages into this form, and I adapt according to time and custom.  I bring truth.” He unwrapped an arrow.

Pebble, toy fire engine, pen and paper, leaf of gold, egg, flowerseed, arrow. These are the objects we have brought to bear on the situation today. In the light of their presence, we will now accept the bringing to the table of four specific items from researchers for consideration for inclusion in the great cabinet. With our acceptance of their gifts, they will enter the ranks of our company.

Researcher Shaman spoke. “I am an explorer of all realms, and a keeper of the truth that is unseen. I bring new pathways, and I unwrap my machete.”

Researcher artist said, “I am an explorer of the unseen through the method of the seen. I bring new forms.” She unwrapped a lump of ochre.

Researcher musician came next. “I bring vibrations into being. I bring music.” He unwrapped a pair of windstones.

And then it was my turn. A researcher, poet and scribe. “I write the account into being. I bring the tale of the wunderkabinett, it includes you all.” And at the unwrapping of the book, all doors opened.