The Illuminate: The Essential Color Authority for Life

By Alexa Andrea von Speyer

In a world filled with turmoil, uncertainty and much strife, The Illuminate brings us a sense of comfort and unique insight into our own self, within the natural world around us; a world of colors.

It is said, the continued existence of man, in God’s eyes, sits on the shoulders of thirty-six righteous people. That portends to a selection process of new righteous people every generation, to keep the quorum of thirty-six souls alive and functioning on earth at all times.

This is one account within that selection process. The belief is these thirty-six are granted certain knowledge and powers, kept secret from the rest of humanity.

The Illuminate tells the story of Valeria, a nine-year-old child, as she goes through the process of training as an Illuminate. The story is richly heartwarming as we read of the relationships she builds with her Aunt, with whom she is staying for the summer and an astral traveling Papillion dog named Oliver.

Oliver leads Valeria to a higher world of colors, where Archangels give her wisdom. The author has detailed lessons of how man interacts with color and what color means to man, is an incisive window into our own characters and personalities.
The author ingeniously defines a “color code”, which is pre-programmed in us all. Our like or dislike of a certain color or a shade within that color, is skillfully analyzed as character traits.

The author identifies our peculiarities, attributes, and behaviors, based on our color of choice and she is thoroughly on target.

The thirty-six Illuminates task are to inspire us all to seek a higher morality, a greater sense of spirituality and a need to both embrace and offer love to all.

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Jul 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9780692750254

Book preview

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1. OLIVER MEETS VALERIA

Hello, my name is Oliver, and I am here to share a story with you and I hope it will inspire you to feel wonderful.

I am a Papillion dog with beautiful butterfly ears, my coat is real hair and its white with a reddish coloring, a few black strands and my tail is very fluffy and soft. My breed is the smartest of the toy dogs and even though I may be small, I look like a fox and that makes me feel strong.

Every dog has a purpose and so do I. I am a guide. A guide in the other world. That world is within all you humans. My unique talent understands colors, especially how they apply to health and nature and I am in touch with my astral being. I will tell you more about that later.

My earthly purpose in life is to love, help, heal and play with whomever I meet. I am most happy when I am in my mother’s arms, sitting on her lap or running around playing with my toys

Even though I am a little dog, I am very resourceful and can usually entertain myself. I also have great internal sensors: I can always see and feel your moods, whether you are kind or not, happy, sad, healthy or sick. I sense danger when it is there and will go to the end of the world to protect those I love. So being a Papillion is really wonderful.

My Mommy feeds me well and my favorite thing to eat is liver. I know not many people like liver, I always hear funny noises when we have guests and they see me eating liver. I can tell you as a dog, liver is delicious. I may be a dog, but Mommy cares for me like she would for a child.

Mommy’s name is Madeleine. We live in a large house in the country with lots of grassy areas, and trees. I am very happy here, there are lots of rooms and places for me to sniff around and explore. Mommy is always home and she has many friends that stop by and see her. We also go out to markets and the beach and other people’s homes. Mommy and I are inseparable. Where she goes, I go.

Valeria is Mommy’s nine-year-old niece and her Parents are on a trip. She is coming to stay with us for the summer; Valeria calls Mommy Aunt Madeleine.

I am very excited Valeria is coming because I now will have a friend who can run, play ball with me and hide and seek in the garden. If I am lucky, she will take me for long walks in the fields behind the garden; and there is a big lake nearby as well and who knows, we may be able to splash in the water. That would be great fun.

I am there to greet her with Mommy as she arrives and she is accompanied by a woman I do not know, but who turns out to be a friend of the family.

Much to my surprise Valeria is very shy and quiet. She greets her aunt with a kiss and allows the grown-ups to talk. When she sees me, her whole face lights up and then, she bends down to pet me. Her touch is gentle and her smell is powdery sweet. I like her immediately and wag my tail to show her that.

Aunt Madeleine shows Valeria to her room and tells her she can go out after she settles and play with me in the garden. Have you ever been so excited to go somewhere and people are moving too slowly for you? That’s how I feel. I just wanted her to hurry.

While she unpacks her belongings, I jump on her bed and watch her. She is quite pretty for a human. Her eyes are aqua blue and she has long black hair that is pulled back in a ponytail. Her teeth are pearly white but do not look as sharp as mine. When she smiles, the whole room brightens up. She moves gracefully about her new surroundings-taking inventory of all that is around her.

She suddenly sees me on the bed and comes to cuddle with me. When she does I feel her joy and excitement. Valeria knows she has a new friend and I know it from the old days.

She begins to hug me and I can’t help but to roll on my back to show her my beautiful belly and then she rubs my belly and it feels so good; I turn, lick her face and hands. She giggles and I bark from complete joy. I run out from her bedroom and into the kitchen with Valeria following me. She immediately notices the healthy oatmeal cookies and fresh raw milk waiting for her to gobble up. I check my food dish and find fresh roasted chicken with vegetables, liver, and rice. I am so lucky; My Mommy always makes fresh healthy tasty morsels for my meals and serves it with refreshing water to drink. I love my Mommy so much.

My Mommy suggests we go play in the garden after our snack. Valeria is very happy to agree and off we go running in the garden.

It is a beautiful summer day, the sun is warm, the sky is a perfect blue, the grass is so inviting that we both roll on it. My tail can’t stop wagging and her fits of laughter increase my excitement of having a new friend.

I am sniffing around when I hear Valeria call me, Oliver, come here. I bid her command and go running up to her. Just then Mommy comes out to join us.

Aunty, calls Valeria, please play with us, I want to teach Oliver How to play hide and seek.

No need to teach him, replies her Aunt Madeleine, your new friend is quite adept at this game already. I tell you what Valeria. You go and hide and I will stay here and cover Oliver’s eyes. At the count of 1 I will set him free to go find you.

Valeria runs off to find a hiding place which she does behind a large gardenia bush that is in full bloom. Oliver knows what is going on, comes up, sits down in front of Mommy, and closes his eyes. Madeleine puts her hand over his eyes, as Oliver has been known to peek once in a while.

, 20, 19, 18, 17…1" calls out Madeleine and Oliver begins his search. He tries to pick up her smell, but having been all over the garden, Valeria’s smell is present. He finally stops and surveys the garden with his keen eyes to see where she did not go so far and starts to see if he can pick up her scent.

Much to his credit he suddenly takes off in the right direction. He stops, sniff’s the air, then the ground and very soon he finds her behind the bush full of blooms, and with barks of delight, leaps into her waiting and open arms. Valeria laughs with joy and is totally enthralled with his ability.

Running back to Aunt Madeleine, she tells her aunt that she is the one who must now hide. With a big smile on her face, Madeleine agrees and having played this game before, she hides behind the large fountain, knowing the water will make it more difficult to pick up her scent.

This time Valeria covers Oliver’s eyes and counts down to one. It does not take long before little Oliver wagging tail and all, to find his Mommy. What a smart dog he is she says clapping her hands. Oliver barks his delight and pride at having found his Mommy.

The three continue to play a while longer and then head back to the house as dusk settles in. Madeleine goes off to prepare dinner and leaves Valeria to clean up, and soak in her new bathtub filled with bubbles.

After checking his food bowl to see if Mommy left anything before dinner, Oliver runs to be with Valeria and watches her bathe and play in the water with all the bubbles. He stays around watching her every move as she dries up and puts on her pajamas. Once dressed, she brushes her hair and they both head off happily to the kitchen.

"Aunty Madeleine what are you cooking? It really smells so good. I am starved. Valeria cries out.

Wonderful, answers Madeleine, I prepared us a nice roast chicken with mashed potatoes and a cucumber tomato salad.

They soon sit down for dinner and discuss what to do the next day. The phone rings and it is Valeria’s parents calling her to see how she is enjoying herself.

Valeria speaks excitedly of all that has happened to her on her first day. She can’t stop talking about Oliver and what great fun the two will have this summer. Madeleine gets on the phone and assures her sister that Valeria is wonderful and a pure joy. Oliver barks in the background as if adding his approval. After a nice talk they all wish each other a good night.

After dinner Valeria helps clear the dishes and chats with her Aunt while she cleans them and puts the kitchen in order. The kitchen is cozy with a fireplace at one end and an island that has the stove and ovens and all the cooking surfaces. It is all done in a blue enamel and stainless steel. They eat in a lovely alcove with a covered bench against the wall and four chairs.

The walls have photos of Madeleine with family and Oliver. Valeria notices her baby picture is also on display and that makes her feel welcome and experiences that at-home comfort.

What about a movie? I have a whole collection of Disney. asks Madeleine.

Do you have Lady and the Tramp? I have always wanted to see it. gushes Valeria.

Do I have it? Madeleine turns to Valeria Of course and that is a splendid choice.

They settle in the library where Oliver joins in and lands between the two on the sofa, ready for the entertainment. The library is really like a library with books lining all the walls, except one where a huge television is hanging.

There is a really comfortable sofa in espresso colored velvet and a couple of easy chairs. They enjoy the movie and share laughs when Oliver’s face goes sideways as he is responding to the dog noises from the movie. He seems to enjoy the movie as well.

Madeleine accompanies Valeria to her room. Valeria brushes her teeth and her Aunt tucks her into bed. Valeria’s bed is a queen size canopy with beautiful pink sheets and a lovely flowered comforter which will keep her warm and cozy at night. This is definitely a girl’s room with pastel colored fabrics, a small make-up dresser with a chair a small sofa and coffee table. It is beautiful and decorated with great taste and style. There is a skylight in the ceiling that brings in wonderful rays of sunshine.

She climbs into her new sumptuous bed and makes a wish as is the custom when you sleep on a new bed. She embraces Aunt Madeleine and hugs little Oliver who always spends the night with his Mommy on her bed.

Valeria falls into a deep sleep and experiences the most unusual dream. In it, little Oliver is there and he can actually speak. He has a very nice and soft voice but it carries a lot of conviction and strength, all coming from this little being. Oliver tells her that he is there to teach her all kinds of interesting things about colors and other stuff.

In my Puppy world, just like in your human world, which is the common natural world, everything happens in beautiful colors. All the children and grown-ups are like a painter’s palette, states Oliver. Do you know what a palette is? he asks. Valeria nods her head yes. It is where single colors become shades of that color and blends to whatever color you want.

So every time a painter combines certain colors and creates, then that is a unique event. Don’t you think? Oliver questions. She nods her head. Well, he goes on, People are the same.

The same? questions Valeria, "what do you mean?

I will show you all and you will understand, says Oliver, First, we will use the colors of the rainbow. Do you know what a rainbow is? inquires Oliver.

This time Valeria knows the answer, Sure Oliver it’s colors in the sky that happen after it rains – everyone knows that.

Oliver is nodding his head and says, "Yes you are right but do you know how that happens? I mean it’s not like someone sent an Angel and colored the sky. Here is the technical explanation so that you know rainbows are not just random, they serve a purpose.

Rainbows are a meteorological phenomenon that is caused by reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets, resulting in a spectrum of light. A rainbow appears in the sky after a rain downpour."

Oliver continues to talk about colors. Have you ever seen a Rainbow immediately after the rain? I love all the colors and how they make me feel so happy, secure and warm inside my belly. Don’t you?

I don’t know, admits Valeria, I never thought about it.

Did you know that the rainbow colors are colors inside your body? declares Oliver. Valeria feels a little overwhelmed as she never knew that colors occupied her body. This is an awkward conversation, maybe Oliver is crazy?

Valeria asks Oliver, What do these colors do? Oliver gives her a loving gaze and answers, Those colors can help you feel good when you are sad or scared and even when you are sick. Each color is special and serves a purpose and some even elevate your mood or health condition.

In my natural puppy world and in your human world, there are seven main colors. Oliver says. These colors are the same ones you find in a rainbow or in the human energy centers that some of you humans call spiritual centers.

Oliver is walking around and comes to sit with her. Valeria, he asks, do you know what an energy center is? Valeria shakes her head no. Well, you actually have seven of them and this is where they are in your body. All of a sudden her own body appears before her eyes in a holographic form and there are seven glowing areas in her body.

Do you see the radiant areas Valeria? questions Oliver. Valeria is transfixed on seeing these areas pulse with light. These seven areas are the centers in your bodies in which energy flows through. They are colored, each one has its own definition and each one has its own series of hues. He stops to look at her and inquires, Are you following me Valeria?

I’m trying, Oliver. Valeria says in a serious tone.

Good, continues Oliver, I’ll carry on, If you stop the flow of energy in your seven centers of power, well that can often lead to illness. So it’s important to understand what each color represents and what you can do to keep this energy flowing freely. advises Oliver.

While she is not quite sure of what to make of this information, Valeria knows it is very important and will in some way, change her life.

Oliver turns to her, puts a paw on her arm and says Maybe we can discuss more about colors. Every human has their own set of colors that basically rule their lives.

What does that mean? asks Valeria.

It means, my old friend, that your own like or dislike of colors is already part of you and that’s how you can get to know yourself and others. Oliver answers. Tomorrow you will understand about the color red.

What did you mean when you called me your old friend? asks a sleepy Valeria.

She can see him speaking but then, Oliver starts to fade like a mirage into the night and Valeria sleeps deeply

2. THE COLOR RED

Valeria awakens to Oliver licking her face and ears. His tail is wagging and he is ready for her to get dressed and get moving.

She picks him up and tells him all about her dreams and what he said. Oliver barks softly a few times and looks directly into her eyes. No way does Oliver understand what she just said, or does he? They both arrive into the kitchen where Aunt Madeleine shows them to the table. In between bites of fresh fruit, omelet, and homemade bread, Valeria vividly recounts to her Aunt what happened in her dreams. My goodness what an exciting night you had! exclaims her Aunt. I can assure you Oliver was sound asleep with me. Who knows, maybe he astral travels?

Valeria looks up at this and asks, What is astral travelling?

Madeleine gives her a long look and says, Well Valeria, first let me give you the textbook explanation and see if you catch on: Astral projection (or astral travel) is an interpretation of an out-of-body experience (OBE) that assumes the existence of an astral body separate from the physical body and capable of travelling outside it. Astral projection or travel denotes the astral body leaving the physical body to travel in an astral plane."

Did you get that Valeria? asks Madeline.

Valeria has a confused look on her face and admits I’m not sure Aunty Madeleine, I think I understand, but I’m not sure.

The easiest way to explain it, says Madeleine, is what can be called an out-of-body experience. That means our body travels through time and space, but it is the astral body that actually moves around while the physical body remains here.

Valeria thinks about the answer and wonders if that’s what happened last night when she sat and spoke with Oliver – it seemed so real, she could actually see her body. This was getting a bit too confusing for Valeria So she switches to a subject that is of more interest to her, she asks. Are we still going to the farmer’s market Aunty?

Madeleine has a smile on her face, realizing the astral body connection might be too difficult for Valeria to comprehend at the moment and she is charmed with the way Valeria changed subjects. Of course, says Madeleine, and we are taking the van so we can put all our goodies in.

After a few household chores Madeleine, Valeria and Oliver, take off to the local farmer’s market a few miles away. It is a warm summer day with a light fresh breeze in the air, the perfect temperature to shop outside.

The trio arrives early enough to park right up by the stalls. It is a typical countryside farmers market with tents and tables selling fruits, vegetables, grains, honey, some home baked products and it seems that the entire community came out to do shopping. They head out to the vegetable stalls where an array of colors and smells intoxicate their senses. Everything is local and mostly organic.

Madeleine is a total health conscious person who eats nothing processed whether packaged or fresh. She does yoga every day and looks much younger than her years. She is a good looking divorced woman whose husband turned out to dislike married life. He preferred going to parties and having them instead of living a clean simple life.

She came home from work one day to find he had gone with all his possessions. He left a note on the kitchen table saying he wasn’t cut out for family life and wished her well.

Valeria’s mother Margaret who is Madeleine’s younger sister, came to be with her for a while after the separation. Being engaged at the time and unemployed, she nursed her sister back to emotional freedom. She helped Madeleine sell her home and together, they went searching for a new house so there would be no memories and a fresh start.

Carrying Oliver in her arms, Valeria goes through the various stalls eating and sniffing her way, she loves the red cherries, they are sweet and yummy, and the apricots look good and ripe. The red grapes and green ones hint of a tasty treat as well. Oliver always enjoys these outings as the fragrances form all the food drive his nose to constantly twitch.

There are lots of hellos and please meet my Niece, as they stroll through the market; Valeria meets many of the townsfolks. Madeleine smiles her way through the stalls; picking and tasting the different fruits. She chooses a half a dozen Asian pears, a bunch of bananas, a couple pounds of figs, 6 melons, a dozen lemons, a bag of limes, and on and on they shop, until they find all they want and need.

The ride home is filled with lovely smells from all their purchases and discussing the people they met that day. There were some interesting people and Valeria hopes she can meet more of them as the summer goes on. Madeleine turns to Valeria and asks, How about you help me bake a strawberry tart when we get home?

Oh that sounds like fun, says Valeria excitedly, can I place the strawberries on the dough, I always help my Mom when she bakes?

After all is unpacked and put away, Madeleine prepares a luscious chicken salad with some of the fresh veggies that they just brought home. They both inhale the food with great satisfaction and wash it down with some fresh squeezed apple cider.

While the pie crust is baking in the oven, Valeria takes Oliver out to play in the garden. They play a few games of catch and at one point Valeria stops, picks up Oliver and looks into his face and asks out loud, Was that really you in my dreams last night? Were we astral conversing? Oliver gives no indication of understanding and starts to squirm, anxious to get back to playing. After a while they go back to the kitchen to finish their strawberry pie.

For dinner Madeleine prepares a delicious vegetable primavera from all the market vegetables. The spaghetti is homemade and is coated with a lovely lemon butter sauce with sprigs of fresh rosemary herbs.

That evening Aunt Madeleine, Valeria and Oliver play monopoly and have fits of giggles. Oliver plays nicely on Valeria’s lap and she moves for him when it is his turn. It is exciting and Oliver barks whenever Valeria shouts out in delight.

It is time for bed and Madeleine tucks Valeria in, she kisses her goodnight and as she is leaving, she turns and says, Enjoy your dreams tonight Valeria.

Lying on her back with her window open she falls asleep looking at the beautiful night sky. Looking up, the stars in the skylight keep getting closer and closer.

As she is falling into a very deep sleep once again, she dreams of her new friend Oliver.

THE CHAMBER of ARCHANGEL SAMMAEL

With a start that shakes her body, Valeria finds herself in an amazing place with Oliver. Everything in that place is in different shades of red. She looks at Oliver and starts laughing, You are red Oliver, and all of you is Red. She tells him. Oh yeah, answers Oliver, look at yourself." He answers. She looks down and finds herself entirely Red in color.

Where are we Oliver? Valeria asks.

We are in a Chamber that is now a world of red. Do you like it? asks Oliver.

I don’t know, I feel different and confused she says pensively. She looks around and sees there are four walls, each slanted toward the top and meeting at a point. This is the Wisdom and Knowledge chamber Valeria, the walls you see around you are the walls of a floating pyramid whose top reaches the heavens, and we are standing just below it. Oliver explains while looking up.

So don’t be confused or scared Valeria, trust me there is no reason to be afraid. assures Oliver.

Oliver moves closer to Valeria and his voice takes on a Fatherly tone. Valeria you were chosen to take a very important journey and I want you to relax and enjoy all that you see and experience. Do you remember we spoke of certain colors placed in your body? asks Oliver.

Valeria just nods her head. So you should know that all colors give out a certain energy, purpose and meaning. But more importantly you should know that each color is associated with and cared for, by an Archangel. Oliver says looking directly at her.

You are kidding me, says Valeria looking around, this is not happening, Red walls, pyramids that have no ending and now angels? I must be dreaming.

Oliver is correct; there is nothing to be afraid of. utters a voice from behind them.

Valeria turns around and nearly bolts. In front of her stands this most amazing red angel. It takes Valeria a moment to digest this information as she always thought Angels had white fluffy wings and dresses made of white silk; this is nothing like she ever imagined. The eyes are made of rubies and they sparkle so deeply that it is difficult to tell where he is looking. His lips are the color of rose petals. Huge fluttering wings are not white, but