22: The War of the Gods

By Manuel Martínez

Through the pages of this exciting novel, we will find out that the world was created by 22 Gods who created the different human races to use them to increase their power.
By playing a game created by the Light and the Darkness, we watch the Gods use the 22 Major Arcana Cards of the Egyptian tarot as a method of increasing their power and control over all the human race.
In the middle of all this power struggle for control of humanity, there is an unknown political and economic group named SCAN that Controls all the power resources on earth. When Denise Richards, a front-runner for the presidency of the United States, confronts SCAN by challenging them, they have no choice but to try and assassinate her.
In this fascinating novel, past, present, and future are intertwined. Readers will discover the times of Jesús Christ, Pythagoras, Cleopatra, Napoleon, Hitler, and Martin Luther King, among other influential historical figures, to determine which tarot card was played by each to please the Gods in this long-lasting war between the Light and the Darkness.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Manuel Martínez
• Release date: Jan 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005333928

Book preview

Marito: El Minero

The Beginning: According to the Light

John Trumbull

Martin Luther King

Secrets of Number 11

Cagliostro

Dream Letters to the Universe and Numbers

Bogomil or Belial?469

Osama Bin Laden480

Life’s Potential Numbers497

SCAN Meeting: June 2008504

Denise's Destiny

Gandhi

Leunam: Madrid Train Bombings

Roberto's Letter

A Lesson with Laileb

Napoleon

The Federal Reserve

Gurdjieff

Muhammad

Denise Richards is Running for U.S. Congress

SCAN: December 2010 Meeting

Mao Zedong

SCAN January 2016 Special Meeting

Prologue

"Fear not that thy life shall have an end, but rather fear that it shall never have a beginning."

-John Henry Cardinal Newman

THERE WAS A MASSIVE CROWD at the funeral in Coral Gables, Florida. After all, Denise Richards was a highly controversial woman. She was highly regarded professionally and looked upon favorably by many people because of her efforts for human rights and social justice. Others thought she was t oo outspoken, manipulative and abrasive. She possessed a great sense of determination and focused as she hShe was many things to many people: her peers, her students, her clients, her followers, her admirers, and her friends.

The group that gathered for the church service was eclectic, brought together and united for this one moment in Time because Denise Richards had touched all of them in some unique manner. The diverse assemblage paying their respects included high-ranking dignitaries and even the President of the United States. How is it possible for each of them to look at the same person and yet see her so differently? As each person develops their concept of the world, we each have a vision of people that we meet.

Denise Richards deserved a dignified service. She had been in the public eye for many years and was used to the glare of publicity. Denise was well-known and familiar with attention, both positive and negative, during her climbing of the echelon of politics ladder. She attributed her determination and ambition to succeed from observing her parents. The work ethic and drive of her father, a cardiologist, and her mother, a county court judge, were her inspiration. Her interviews were frequent, and consequently, others quoted and misquoted Denise.

The past, the present and the future are all happening at this very moment, and I, Sebastian Stain Camote, am here because I had met Denise a few years ago when we were both on a committee to raise funds for the charity Amnesty World and Freedom. I found her to be well-spoken and direct, and I admired her enthusiasm and success.

Denise realized she was born into a life of privilege, and for that reason, even at an early age, she was determined to help those less fortunate than her. She was interested in economics and law and earned her Master’s Degree in the former subject first. Denise then taught economics classes at the University of Miami, and after becoming an attorney, and went to work for a well-known law firm in downtown Miami while teaching at the university. In addition to her demanding schedule, she donated her time and energy to raise funds for worthwhile causes, benefiting unfortunate and neglected children.

Eventually, she entered the world of politics and received accolades and attention. Her hard work and efforts got her elected initially to the U.S. House of Representatives, and later to the U.S. Senate. For the past two years, she campaigned energetically and was the frontrunner to win the presidency of the United States. Denise was vehemently opposed to the new kind of world war that began in 2001, and which has persisted to this day. She wished to end the war, but to do so; she would have had to win the election for the presidency in 2024. However, now, Denise’s dream will never become a reality, as she was assassinated two days ago on September 5, 2024. The FBI and local authorities are investigating the myriad of clues. Unfortunately, many influential people wanted her dead, but no one knows who is behind her murder. One thing is for sure: Denise Richards may be dead, but her soul lives on.

Last Will And Testament

"Let’s talk of graves, of worms, and epitaphs Make dust our paper, and with rainy eyes Write sorrow on the bottom of the Earth. Let’s choose executors and talk of wills."

-Shakespeare

YESTERDAY WAS THE BURIAL of Denise Richards, and today the headlines on the front page of The Miami Herald hinted that her assassination had ambiguous political overtones. As I glanced at the article, I saw a photo of Denise Richards with her attorney, Dante Stromboli. Dante Stromboli’s face triggered my memory, and in an instant, I placed the newspaper aside and was back in the year 2001.

Dante Stromboli was my attorney and my friend. I had known him for more than twenty years and had been to see him at his office on many occasions. My last visit had been about two years ago when I had returned to approve some changes I had requested for my will. I remember reviewing the new document carefully and signing on the designated lines in front of Dante’s two secretaries, who served as witnesses. We can never predict the future, and little did I dream of the significance of putting my affairs in order at that time. I was in excellent health, both physically and mentally, and I could not possibly foresee what disasters the future would bring me.

A great deal has transpired since then, and I am no longer the same Sebastian Stain Camote, eminent South Florida psychiatrist. I do things differently now. For example, today is the first time I arrived without an appointment. I walked past the reception desk without saying hello, and did not wait to be announced. I sauntered through the ornately carved wooden door into the lavish office and peered into the conference chamber. I saw Dante hunched over, seated at the head of his oversized mahogany table, intently studying the legal papers neatly stacked before him. Billowy clouds quickly changed form and floated past the twenty-seventh-floor windows facing Biscayne Bay.

The sunlight was throwing beams of brilliance on the books that were meticulously lined up on shelves to the right of the desk. I knew I was early, but I preferred to arrive before the others (they were probably in the elevator, already on their way up). Today was February 1, 2001, and this was a momentous occasion, as it was the reading of my will. I silently moved next to Dante, but he did not look up. I stood beside him, and I waved my hand briskly, disturbing the stillness of the air. I had hoped the motion would rustle a few of the papers on his desk, but it did not happen, as he remained oblivious to my presence. He did not or could not notice me due to my invisibility, as I am dead. I died on December 22, 2000, and I have come from another dimension and am what most would consider a ghost.

In my past lifetime, I was a controversial enigma. I was known as a dreamer of dreams, a seeker of Truth and Justice, a philanthropist, a distinguished author, a fool who thought he was Don Quixote incarnate, and I was forever chasing a rainbow with no pot of gold at the end. I was also a famous doctor, and at the time of my death, a convicted murderer. I balanced reality with illusion and attempted to make sense of the good and evil that prevails in the world. Each person I encountered judged me by what they carried in their heart, and with their limited perception of Life. We were all destined to meet because that is what our Karma decreed.

Moreover, although we have free will with many paths available to us, our journeys would ultimately take us to where we were supposed to be and at the appointed time. Our days on Earth remain numbered, and the clock begins ticking at the moment of our birth.

The phone rang. Dante picked it up and told his secretary to let inside Dr. Sara Goldstein, my former psychiatrist and friend, and my former employee, Camotin, whom I used to refer to as my squire. The door opened, and they entered. For a brief moment, I felt a pang of nostalgia, and I wished that I could be in human form once more so that they could see me. I stepped forward in front of Dr. Goldstein and touched her hand, but she did not react and looked right through me.

When I moved in front of Camotin, I also received no reaction. I then wondered about how many times spirits had surrounded me during my time on Earth, and if these beings had tried to communicate with me, then, the way I was trying to make myself known now.

Dante invited Dr. Goldstein and Camotin to be seated. He offered to serve coffee, but they both declined. He began the meeting and told them they were asked to be present at the reading of my will, since they were named as beneficiaries, and were about to receive a portion of my estate. Dante explained he was chosen to act as the executor.

Camotin seemed surprised. Are you sure he meant me, Mr. Stromboli? Camotin questioned.

Yes, I’m quite sure, Dante replied.

There are certainly people more worthy than I am, Camotin said.

Dr. Goldstein, what do you think about my being in the will? Camotin asked. Let’s wait and see. Dr. Camote had a unique way of reasoning. I’m sure we’ll discover the answer, Dr. Goldstein replied.

I knew what I was doing, I insisted, but of course no one heard me.

Dante began to read the details of the will, and when he learned about my being of sound mind, Camotin interrupted.

I liked Dr. Camote, but he was bizarre at times. His thinking was a little crazy, especially when he thought he was Don Quixote, ready to fight imaginary windmills, and he thought I was his squire and asked me to hitch up his horse, Camotin explained.

He just confused reality and dreams sometimes, but he did have a creative mind, Dr. Goldstein replied in defense.

Thanks, I said.

Dante read the will, and he informed them that I had left two million dollars in a life insurance policy to Amnesty World and Freedom. Dante continued and declared that I had left a separate one-million-dollar life insurance policy to the Save the Children Organization. Besides, I bequeathed my paintings and collection of written works to Dr. Goldstein, and she was overjoyed when she heard that.

How charitable of Sebastian. I will treasure his gifts to me, she exclaimed. Although I would gladly trade all of those items to have him back here where I could speak to him once more.

Sara, I am right here. I am talking to you. I grew frustrated, as I knew I would remain invisible, unseen, and unheard. Dante continued:

"To Camotin, I leave my apartment in Coconut Grove, totally free of debt. I have been happy there, and I hope you will be, too. I would like you to carry on my work, and I know you will need a formal education to do so. I am setting up a trust fund for you of $500,000.00. Because you are a high school dropout, you will have to get a record from your high school and take a test to receive a General Education Diploma.

Then you may qualify to take a college entrance exam. It is my wish that you attend the University of Miami, as I was a trustee on the university’s board, and my hope for you to attend school is already known. They will do their best to accommodate you, and if you apply yourself diligently, you will receive a degree in economics. After you accomplish this, I hope that you will continue your education and acquire a law degree.

When you become an exemplary attorney, you will be in a position to enter politics and become a champion of the people and carry on my dream to bring Justice to all. All people are connected, and we are all equally deserving of receiving proper representation in courts of law. I have placed two million dollars in a particular trust account for you, which will be your final reward for all your sincere efforts when you receive your law degree. I have also provided an additional $150,000.00 to have a book written about me, to be published and marketed. I expect you, Camotin, to find a credible author to work with on the details of my previous lifetime on Earth.

I am giving you this opportunity because I am confident you have the ability within you to make my dream of you continuing my cause a reality. Should you refuse to comply with my wishes, then this trust shall be null and void, and I have left instructions for this money to go to Amnesty World and Freedom instead. I know I am putting pressure on you to agree to these terms, but I feel that these requirements are something I must make ask of you.

When you hear my attorney, Dante, read these words, I will no longer be here, and so there are no questions you might ask me. My dear Camotin, I had tried to influence your life when I was alive, and it only fits that I should continue even though I am now dead. We are connected, and that connection does not cease after our bodies become discarded. Our souls will remain in communication. Do not be surprised if I come back from time to time, and bring messages to you in unconventional ways," Dante concluded the reading of the will. Camotin appeared overwhelmed by my plans for his future. Dr. Goldstein congratulated Camotin on his inheritance, and I quietly observed it all.

Camotin, this proves that we never know what wonderful things someone might be planning for us. Just think, a few years ago you were probably wondering what to do with the rest of your life, never dreaming that Dr. Camote would supply the answer that would bring meaning and purpose to your time on Earth. He saw your potential and believed in you, and now you have a benefactor that wants you to continue his quest. What do you say? Dr. Goldstein asked.

An economics degree, a law degree, becoming a politician, along with writing and publishing a book. He must have been crazy if he thought I could do all that; I’ll be going to school forever. Camotin turned to Dr. Goldstein and asked, How many years do you think it will take?

Usually, seven or eight years. Four to complete the economics portion and an additional three years for the law degree, Dr. Goldstein answered.

That’s it! I know the answer. There’s no way I’m going to spend my time doing that. I’ve got better things to do instead of waste seven years in school, Camotin said annoyingly.

Camotin, do you understand how much money two million dollars is? You have an opportunity to become a potent force. In addition to all that money, you will have the power of all the knowledge that you will have accumulated in those seven years. Time passes quickly, and at least you will have used your time wisely, instead of squandering it away. I think you should accept this offer, as it is very generous, Dr. Goldstein commented.

I moved close to Camotin and whispered in his ear: Camotin, my squire, do the gallant and heroic thing. I believe in you, and I know you will go forth and right the wrongs of the world, bringing food to the thirsty and drink to the hungry.

Camotin reacted and turned his head in my direction. Mr. Stromboli, Dr. Goldstein, I could have sworn I just heard Dr. Camote telling me I can do it. Okay, Yes! The answer is Yes! If Dr. Camote wants me to carry on his quest, I’ll do it. However, I have no intention of looking for a squire and instead would prefer that he help with my assignments. So, Dr. Goldstein, someday you’ll be calling me ‘Esquire,’ Camotin proclaimed proudly.

Did you realize that’s squire with an ‘E’ in front of it? Dr. Goldstein laughed. Well, Dr. Camote did have a strange sense of humor. It’s probably his way of reminding me that I’m always going to be working for him and to take over his battles where he left off. I know he was not ready to die so soon, with so much left to accomplish, Camotin thoughtfully agreed.

It was all working out just as I had planned, and I clapped my hands together in appreciation. Of course, nobody heard me. I felt satisfied as I walked out of the room, knowing that Camotin was willing to carry on my unfinished missions. I left the conference room with a feeling of hope and returned to the dimension I now called home.

Life in the Afterlife

"This world is only a bridge: you may pass over it, but you should not think to build a dwelling place upon it."

INSTANTLY, I FOUND MYSELF back in the Learning Place. My visit to Earth left me in a state of discontent. I wished to be mortal once again, with a physical body so that I could interact with human beings. The circle of Life continues, through birth, death, and reincarnation. I knew that at some time, my soul would be ready to return to the Earth in a new body and with a new identity, but I was impatient and did not want to wait. Before my return, it would be necessary for me to decide whom I wanted to be in my next lifetime. I would select my parents from a pool of possibilities, where I was going to live and what challenges I would attempt to master to create good Karma.

We choose our lives before we are born, and once we get into a human body, we forget everything that will happen to us. We become actors, living out the role we wanted, directing our movie, casting the characters in our script, but unsure of the ending in some cases; however, not among the majority. I couldn’t concentrate on anything except the desire to return to the world I had left. As I wandered about contemplating the future possibilities, I noticed a dynamic man in a flowing white robe that smiled at everyone he passed. He wore a gold pin on his left shoulder with the name Erato. He looked like someone of importance, so I approached him.

Hello, my good fellow. My name is Sebastian. Perhaps you can help me.

I’ll try. My name is Erato. I am in charge of the supervision of the Learning Place. I assist souls in the transition from Earth into this heavenly dimension, and I explain the resources that are available to them. Many souls are so content in this waiting area that they do not want to rush into a new reincarnation. It is also my responsibility to answer questions, as there are always questions. Almost everyone has been here countless times, but they tend to forget and require orientation. Now, how can I assist you? What is it you would like to know?

Am I in Heaven? I asked

Heaven is a state of mind. For me, anywhere is Heaven, and that is why I have the position I do. I have the patience of a saint, but please don’t ask how many reincarnations that took, Erato confided.

I wish to return to Earth. I left many things undone, and I’m not ready to be here. I died too soon, I pleaded.

You are where you are supposed to be right now, as there are no accidents. Your death occurred on schedule, but you were not expected to die as you did, in prison. There was a plan, a mission you did not carry out, and you blew it. You did not accomplish what you were sent to do, but you will be given another chance, in another life. We will discuss the alternatives for your future, and I will explain your options. Now, let’s go to my office, Erato said, and I followed him into a room with large computers that lined the walls. Rapidly flashing information appeared on huge screens, and I felt the energy circulating, like bolts of electricity.

Please have a seat, Erato said. He sat down at his desk and pointed to the chair opposite him. Then he opened a folder that had my name on the cover and quickly scanned the pages, looking up at me from time to time. Judging from the records you were too easily distracted by illusions and lost the reality of your purpose on Earth. You deviated from your spiritual path, and have much to learn.

I understand what I did wrong, and I know I can do better. I must return to Earth now, as there is great chaos, and I could be of assistance, I said.

Erato looked at me and said, "Sebastian, I have all the information on your soul’s progress right here. It was not in the last lifetime that your problems occurred. It was in the reincarnations of other lifetimes before that, when you did not change your Karma and continued repeating the same mistakes over and over again. Of course, you see things from a different perspective when you are in the Learning Place.

The Learning Place is the brain of the Universe. When you are here, there is no physical body to distract you, as you are pure spirit. The problem occurs when your soul enters your body at birth. There is constant conflict between physicality, the ego, which always demands to be satisfied, and the soul, which conveys messages of sharing and Love. In the past, you have been too obsessed with your ego and forgot why the reason for your life on Earth in the first place. It would help if you considered spending more time here, Erato insisted.

No, I must return to bring order to the madness in the world, I persisted. I have my doubts about that. In your former life, you have only added to the confusion with living out your daydreams. Just a moment, while I check the Akashic Records, Erato said.

What’s that? I wanted to know.

"The Akashic Records, or ‘The Book of Life,’ is the Universe’s computer system for souls. It is the warehouse of all the information for every individual that ever lived on Earth. The entries contain the history of every soul since the beginning of time and every thought, word, feeling, deed, and intent that has occurred throughout the history of the world. They are a portion of the Divine Mind and connect each of us.

The records are unbiased and do not judge. They have a tremendous influence on everyday lives, relationships, feelings, belief systems, and any potential relationships. They attempt to educate, guide, and transform all individuals to become the best they can be. They embody an array of possible futures that are called into potential as we interact and learn from the accumulated data, Erato explained. He then pressed some keys on the computer, and images of myself as Dr. Camote, thrusting my sword into Lucy Neal, appeared.

Sebastian, you tampered with Destiny. You wanted to know the secrets of the Universe while you were on Earth. That is forbidden. You received a warning, but you crossed a dangerous line. You meddled with the laws of the cosmos. There is no way that I can recommend you as a candidate to return to Earth at this time, as you are not prepared. Take advantage of the treasures in The Learning Place, where the vast wisdom of the Universe remains recorded and the mental geniuses of the past centuries gather together so you can converse with them. They are waiting to divulge all of their knowledge to you. You will be allowed to discuss profound issues with the greatest minds of all time, Erato noted.

I do not choose to participate in talks with anyone. I can’t concentrate on anything except my overwhelming craving for Life on Earth. Surely someone with all your power can find a way to help me get back, I persisted.

There are limitations to what I can arrange. There is a severe shortage of bodies available right now that would permit you to carry out your mission if you were to return to Earth as a human being at this time, Erato replied.

What do you mean? I asked.

You would need the right country to be born in, the right body consciousness and the right opportunities available to you to succeed, Erato insisted.

What can I do? I inquired.

I can’t think of anything, but Rafael might have an idea, Erato mentioned.

Who’s Rafael? I questioned.

Rafael has jurisdiction over everything that happens in the Angel Place. You may speak to him, so let’s go right now.

Erato and I walked towards another office at the end of the hall. Erato left, and I was alone. I knocked at the door marked The Angel Place, and a voice told me to enter. A tall, thin man with flowing blonde hair shook hands with me and introduced himself.

Hello, Sebastian. My name is Rafael. Welcome to the Angel Place. Hello. I’m pleased to meet you, I said as I returned his handshake. How can I help you? Rafael queried.

I want to return to Earth as quickly as possible, but Erato explained there are no bodies available right now with the characteristics I would need to carry out my mission. Is there anything you can suggest? I asked.

Unfortunately, I can’t assist you with a body, as I only specialize in angels, Rafael explained.

May I return to Earth as an angel? I asked.

With your record? Angels are messengers of God and are supreme celestial beings, superior to man in power and intelligence. They are selfless and think only of others. They do good deeds and ask for nothing in return, only the privilege to serve. You haven’t acted as an angel in the past, Rafael explained.

Yes, but I know that I can. Just give me a chance, I said.

Any soul that wants to become an angel has to learn how to give up all egotistical thoughts and focus on moral behavior. Readiness is everything, Rafael continued.

I’m ready, I replied.

I don’t think so. Just as there are different grades in school on Earth, there are different groups of angels in the Angel Place. You cannot expect to jump to first grade if you never completed kindergarten, and you cannot go to college before completing grade school and high school. Based on your Karma in your previous lifetime, and the lessons you failed to learn or master during your time on Earth, you are not even prepared to enter the lowest angel group.

Not even the lowest? I was a psychiatrist in my last lifetime. Doesn’t past life experience count for anything? I asked.

No. What your profession was in your last lifetime is of no consequence. What lessons you learned while you were on Earth is the only thing that matters. How you conducted yourself and how you handled the challenges that you faced with is what counts. The fact that you were a doctor is meaningless, except that you received financial and personal advantages. You did not always use the right consciousness in dealing with others, including your patients who trusted you. Angels must have unconditional love and see the beauty of every soul that inhabits a human body. They must not be judgmental, and you never mastered that, Rafael said.

I’m willing to try anything if you’ll give me a chance. Please tell me if there is something you can suggest, I implored.

We have a Special Operations Task Force that uses ghosts on recovery missions. You would be eligible for that. If you agree, you would be permitted to leave the Learning Place and return to Earth. You would be a ghost, but at the same time, you would be an angel-in-training. I have an assignment that requires someone with extraordinary courage, but I must warn you it is hazardous. However, if you do succeed, there would be a reward waiting: you would be allowed to study as an apprentice angel. Eventually, as you study and advance, you will acquire the necessary skills to join other diverse angel groups, Rafael informed me.

May you explain the different kinds of angels to me?

Yes. There are seven lower groups and four higher groups. Added together they equal 11, the number of God.

What do you mean? I questioned.

Sebastian, the Light already explained that to you, but I will try to clarify it for you one more time. G is the seventh letter in the alphabet, and D is the fourth letter. 7+4=11, God’s number, Rafael answered.

What about the letter O?

"The first alphabet that God gave to humans was the Hebrew alphabet, and there were no vowels, so there was no letter O. The letter O was equivalent to the number 0. Now please, allow me to continue. I will explain the various angel categories beginning with the lowest.

I already explained the ghost-angel, where you take the form of a ghost, and become an angel-in-training. The next level of angels is the Apprentice Angels. They learn by observing and assisting other angels. Sometimes they will inhabit a human body for a short time to do extraordinary acts. Certain people that have a sixth sense will observe their divine aura and realize they have just encountered an angel. Their actions evaluate apprentice Angels. After they pass the requirements, they are ready to become the Righteous Angels. At that stage, they will learn how to interact with humans on Earth. They will whisper right, just and pure thoughts and offer encouragement.

When they are advanced enough, they will move on to the next level, the Inspirational Angels. Those angels act as muses for people on Earth and bring them ethereal thoughts to help them create works of art that touch the souls of human beings. The fifth is the Dream Angels. They carry messages from the spirit world to remind humans that there is more to Life than what they see. They show their magical essence in the enchanting beauties of nature, like the whimsical formation of clouds, an unexpected rainbow, and snowflakes that resemble sparkling diamonds.

The sixth is the Freelance Angels. They report to the Angel Place for short assignments daily. They intervene in times when a human being is going through despair or illness, and another human being cannot provide help or solace. They whisper blessings and give spiritual comfort. The seventh is the Guardian Angels, assigned to one particular person for their lifetime on Earth. The person they aid is usually an individual whose contributions are to benefit the masses.

The next four groups of angels are exceptional. They have developed unique skills. The first is the Teacher Angels, who train the beginning angels for their interaction on Earth. The second is the Celebrity Angels. They are sent as goodwill ambassadors, to publicize that angels are real entities, coming from another dimension to bring kindness and compassion. They also give messages about the power of prayers.

The third group of angels is the Shining Angels. There are very few angels that reach this plateau. They assist people hurt by disasters, like floods, tornadoes, or hurricanes. They are the ones that bring mercy, hope, and faith to all humanity. They convince people to connect to the light, and they disperse good karmic energy.

And, the most powerful and rarest of all are the Master Angels. They have accumulated knowledge and experience from all sources since Earth began. They return to the universe at extraordinary times, perhaps only once in hundreds of years, after a reign of terror or tragedies or war, when many lives are lost at one time by evil deeds committed by those with evil souls. Now that you understand the different kinds of angels, are you ready to return as a ghost angel?" Rafael asked.

What must I do? I questioned.

"There are hundreds of millions of lost souls that have been wandering in darkness for hundreds and hundreds of years. They have lost their connection to the Light, and as a result, these souls remain within the Darkness. They are not necessarily evil entities by nature, but by losing their connection to the Light, they become more susceptible to joining the forces of evil and eventually may shift to the Darkness.

"They hide out and want to remain in a world where they do not belong. These forces will not admit that they are dead.

The forces' desire to stay on Earth is where you can help, Sebastian. If you agree to return as a ghost, you will be able to help us find something that has been lost for over four hundred years. You will be searching for a part of your soul. You will be sent to rescue the part of the soul of Don Quixote that is still wandering in the gloom. It is necessary for you to make this connection so that you will become even stronger. While you will be facing your past, your present and your future will be connecting simultaneously. Eventually, Don Quixote will be back," Rafael explained.

If I do go back to Earth as a ghost, will I be able to communicate with anyone? I asked.

There will be eleven people that you will select. They will all have a more developed sixth sense. Seven people will be able to hear you, and four people will be able to see you and hear from you. Sebastian, this is your chance to go forth on an extraordinary mission. If you succeed, this will constitute your first step towards becoming an Angel in Training. Are you ready to undertake this assignment? Rafael queried.

I am ready! I declared.

Just then there was a knock at the door, and Rafael went to answer it. I could not see who it was, but someone whispered something to Rafael and left. Rafael closed the door and stood I n front of me.

Sebastian, I have been told that The Light wants to arrange a meeting with you. Something important might be occurring very soon, and the assignment we discussed may become delayed.

May you tell me what is happening? I queried.

You will find out more when the time is right, Rafael replied as he concluded the conversation. He said goodbye, and I left.

The Game

"You will remember everything the instant you desire it wholly."

-A Course in Miracles

AFTER MY MEETING WITH RAFAEL, I was on my way to the Library of the Learning Place to do some research on angels, when I ran into Koko. He told me that the Light was looking for me. I asked if he knew the reason for my summoning, and he said he had no idea. I was inquisitive. Koko then led me to a door marked 'Private' and then disappeared. I knocked on the door, and the Light answered. Come in, Sebastian.

I entered the room and did not know what to expect this time. I had imagined the Light as a radiant, glowing form, with luminosity and brilliance. The Light revealed himself to me in human form like the last time we met when I arrived at the Learning Place. As I looked at him with reverence and respect, his kind and benevolent eyes locked with mine. He shook my hand in greeting and motioned me to sit down in a chair next to him.

Sebastian, I am aware of your actions since you have arrived in the afterlife, and I have watched you with great interest. I know you have been offered a challenge by Rafael that may result in your becoming a Ghost Angel-in-Training. However, at some point, I may be asking for your assistance on a fundamental matter. I will provide you with the details of what your possible assignment might be at a later time. Right now, I do not want to divulge too much, the Light said.

I am honored that you would think about me, but also concerned. Can you give me some clue? I questioned.

"It involves the conflict between good and evil. In the beginning, when I created Heaven and Earth, I decided to share my power with other powerful energies. From all those powers combined, there emerged some other powerful forces or entities. One of the most powerful was Eway, which is Yawe in reverse. Some people call him Lucifer, The Fallen Angel. Moreover, so a struggle began between us, the Light and the Darkness.

"There is every probability that Eway will want to meet you. He will tell you about himself and boast of his conquests and power. The Darkness grew stronger throughout the many evolutionary cycles of human beings. Atlantis and Lemuria were continents of the Atlantic Ocean, where there existed advanced civilizations about 14,000 years ago. It was the source where man originated and developed the master civilization.

"Lemuria was an ideal symbolic society forced to defend itself against the inhabitants of Atlantis. The war between the Lemurians and the Atlanteans was a war between Light and Darkness, good and evil. That war led to the destruction of both Atlantis and Lemuria. After a failed invasion of Lemuria, Atlantis sank in the waves in a single day. The prophets and holy people of the Lemurian culture received warning that something was going to change. They were attuned to nature and began receiving information that the Earth was going to go through a dramatic shift.

"The Lemurians were in touch with the land, and so they prepared for the great change. When they received signs, they began to go underground. These signs appeared approximately one year before ‘The Flood.’ While underground, they learned to live there and use their environment for sustenance. They built communities, and when the floods arrived, they were safe from the waters even though many people on the surface of Earth perished. As you can see, the Lemurian people were highly evolved and very spiritual beings.

Although little concrete physical evidence of this ancient continent exists, nowadays many people feel they have a strong connection to Lemuria. After winning the battle and triumphing due to the disappearance of Atlantis and Lemuria (as a result of human evil), the Darkness felt confident that He would emerge the winner in a confrontation with the Light. Later, at the beginning of a new civilization, the Darkness invited us to play a game. I have accepted his challenge because I believe I will be victorious.

What is this game about? I asked.

The game will consist of knowing how to utilize and accommodate the 22 Major Arcana cards of the Egyptian Tarot on human beings. I will receive 11 cards, and the Darkness will receive the other 11 cards, the Light continued.

I don't understand, I admitted.

I will explain the rules of the game to you. I received 11 cards, and I will have to choose 11 souls of people who will represent characteristics that will bring about a positive change in humanity, and who will consequently show the way to righteousness and virtue. On the other hand, Darkness will deliver his eleven cards to the souls of people who he believes could create harm, and who will consequently destroy goodness and humanity. Because I have lost our last confrontation, the Lovers Card will be shared by both of us. They will be the souls of two people who have loved each other lifetime after lifetime; however, their final task will be to fight for the Light or the Darkness.

It is a difficult concept for me to follow, I complained.

"Be patient and listen carefully. There are battles for power on Earth and battles for power in the afterlife. The Darkness maintains it is easier to be evil because Love requires time and effort. Now, Sebastian, let me continue with the rules. The established time for this game will consist of 22 cycles of 144 years each. There will be an additional 22 periods of 144 years each. These twenty-two periods will be some ‘time-out,’ considered as neutral periods without aggression.

"I am sure by now you are aware of the power of numbers, so listen carefully, Sebastian. I will receive a period of 144 years will be given to me, and the Darkness will attain a period of 144 years. There will be specific periods set aside when nothing will occur. During this period, humanity will continue its evolution.

The 22 cycles of 144 years will give us a total of 3,168 years, which at the end, will give us the final number of 18 (3+1+6+8=18). The twenty-two additional periods of 144 years, or 3,168 years, will be added to the 3,168 years, which will give us 3,168 + 3,168=6,336 years, which also adds up to 18 (3+4+5+6=18). (6+3+3+6=18). 1+8=9. The number nine ends all the cycles. All these numbers will be an essential part of the game in which human beings will play the main roles, and I will utilize these numbers, as well as the Darkness. The final objective of the game will be to determine if human nature is more inclined to goodness or evil, The Light informed me.

What do you think is the answer? I asked.

"It could turn out that evil forces are more powerful than good forces, or on the contrary, it could turn out that goodness is more powerful than evil. As we already discussed in the previous experiment, Atlantis, as well as Lemuria, were destroyed by human sin. I was defeated, and that caused me to reestablish all the systemic principals of existence in the world. Now, I wish to demonstrate that even though human beings are free, goodness can, and will triumph over evil.

During this game, I will try to find souls that identify with me, and the Darkness will try to find souls that identify with him. The more souls that align with me, the stronger I will be, and the more that align with him, then the stronger he will become. There is always a battle for power. The Light then concluded our meeting, Goodbye, for now, Sebastian. We will get together once again, at which time I will tell you more about the game."

As we ended our meeting, I thought about how, even in the afterlife, one should always expect the unexpected. Furthermore, meeting with the Light can change everything.

Tarot

"The soul of man is like water. From Heaven, it cometh, to Heaven it mounteth, and thence again it must come back to Earth, Forever changing."

-Wolfgang von Goethe

AFTER MY MEETING WITH THE LIGHT, I was still confused, and I wished to speak to Rafael once again to get more information, as I knew the Light was not telling me everything. I then found Rafael in his office.

Do you have a few minutes for me? I have just met with the Light, and I have some questions, I began.

I am not surprised. There are some things I will be able to tell you and other things that I cannot. You will need patience. The Light will disclose what you need to know when He deems it is necessary, Rafael volunteered.

This game He talked about is perplexing. I know that there will always be a struggle between good and evil; isn't that a given fact? I questioned.

That is true. Both good and evil dwell within each person, causing a constant battle not only for each but also the world, Rafael answered.

The Light also referred to Atlantis, I said.

The war of Atlantis was also the war of Armageddon, which the Book of Revelations narrates. All wars are a repetition of the worldwide battles between the Light and the Darkness. It is always a game, and the prize for control and power goes to the victor at the end of any battle, Rafael explained.

The Light told me the Darkness challenged Him to a confrontation using Tarot cards in the game. May you tell me something about Tarot cards? I asked.

"Tarot cards are the oldest form of playing cards. They were used during the time of Atlantis and were common in Egypt. The Tarot was originally a book of Wisdom, thought to be written by Thoth, the Egyptian God of Wisdom. Thoth's depiction is of a figure with a human body and the head of an Ibis. Thoth was the scribe of the Gods, and his book contained all the knowledge of the world. The basis of Tarot is the insight of Thoth, and now it is correlated to Masonic symbolism, astrology, Kabbalah, and numerology.

Some believe that Tarot originated in India and the four suits symbolize the four principal castes: cups stand for priests, swords for warrior-rulers, disks for merchants and wands for agricultural laborers. The gypsies coming from India carried the Tarot cards into Europe, and from there they traveled to America. They are still popular in modern times, and there are many versions of them, Rafael declared.

What are Tarot cards used for? I queried.

"The Tarot is a guide to inner transformation, revealing hidden messages and enlarging the vision of the self and the cosmos. The images of the Tarot describe spiritual conditions. They are mirror images of our soul, and the Tarot is a map of our inner path toward greater awareness. Each card embodies the energy of the symbols on it and reflects that energy to the user. Humans use Tarot for predictions of the future and insight.

In ancient times, people consulted the Gods, who were known as divinities, and they believed that the gods were kind towards humans. They offered useful guidance and advice when humans asked them. The Tarot can also serve as a magical path in search of knowledge, harmony, and growth. It is a method for discerning the essential truths of Life.

In essence, Tarot cards are stories conveyed in pictures. They are a symbolic history of events and appropriately interpreted, they may help gain new perspectives about any unclear situation. The cards may foretell or predict an individual's future. Occult circles associate the word Tarot with the Torah, the Hebrew collective term for the five books of Moses, which is the law of the Jewish people. This word Torah has become synonymous with the Divine Law.

The story that the 22 Major Arcana cards tell is so old that it reaches to the daybreak of human consciousness. The twenty- two pictures of the older Tarot cards depict in simplicity the images of the basic structure of people's myths, fairy tales, and legends. The Hero’s Journey is probably the oldest story of humanity. The cards speak, as dreams do, to the language of the human soul through images," Rafael informed me.

Then do the Tarot cards have special magic? I wondered.

The magic is not in the cards because they are not sacred. The magic occurs from the response the cards evoke, reaching to the deepest psyche of the person using them. Rafael stated.

There is so much for me to learn, I mumbled.

Don't concern yourself with that right now. As I told you before, the Light will explain everything at another time, Rafael affirmed.

Just one more question, please. Do all the different religions know about Tarot? I pondered.

"Since the Tarot is an ancient system of knowledge, it has been taught over the centuries in secret Mystery schools. Because of the dynamics of reincarnation at some time in our pasts we have all been Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, atheists or agnostics, and therefore, our souls have the same information. Even though we have lived in different countries, we are all connected by this Universal knowledge.

Eventually, all souls receive an awareness of their individuality and their oneness with God. If we were to coordinate the teachings of Tarot, old truths and the new truths, and the philosophies of the east and west, then we would come to realize the importance of Life is not so much a matter of an individual’s religion, but more significantly, their potential for growth in awareness of the living spirit, Rafael explained.

I agree, I interjected, but there is another question I have.

Sebastian, I hope this will be the final one, Rafael replied.

It is about good and evil. The subject is more complex than it seems, I murmured.

I must conclude our meeting now. You can speak to Erato about those matters later, Rafael said, and it was time for me to leave.

The Light Angel and the Dark Angel

"An apology for the Devil: It must be remembered that we have only heard one side of the case. God has written all the books."

-Samuel Butler

LUCY NEAL DID NOT EXPECT her last hour on Earth to end the way that it did. She had gone to Commodore Plaza, in Coconut Grove on Halloween night, dressed in an angel costume and wearing a white mask, intent on murdering Luigi Escalante. She blamed him for her son Michael’s death, and she sought revenge. Michael was shot by a stray bullet in front of their home, killed instantly in the crossfire between rival drug dealers.

Lucy knew Luigi Escalante was the drug dealer responsible for Michael’s death and the deaths of many others. Lucy also knew that Luigi disguised his drug involvement by assuming the role of a respectable citizen and millionaire philanthropist. She held the gun she had bought, solely for that purpose, ready to shoot, but once I arrived upon the scene, her plan altered. Lucy had been my patient and had come to me for help in dealing with her son’s death.

I had my reason to kill Luigi, and so I was at the same place as Lucy that Halloween night. I believed Luigi was the evil Leo Lorenzo, whom I had known in a previous lifetime when I was Don Quixote. Luigi had insulted the pure and beautiful Dulcinea, the love of my life, and I imagined myself a Cosmic Knight fighting for her honor, and therefore, approached Luigi with my sword. It was just then that he reached for Lucy, using her body as a shield. He held her in front of him, and so my sword pierced Lucy instead. I did not know that Lucy was the one that I had murdered until the removal of her mask. She died without avenging her son’s death, and I died in prison, a convicted murderer.

Then when Lucy’s life ended, her discarded body remained on Earth, and it was time for her soul to travel through the tunnel towards the Light. When Lucy reached the end of the tunnel, two angels were waiting on opposite sides. The Light Angel stood on the right side, and approached her first, while the Dark Angel waited on the left side.

Hello, Lucy. Welcome to the afterlife. I am your White Angel, and I represent The Light. We would like you to join us, the Light Angel said.

Do I have a choice? Lucy questioned.

Yes. There are always choices, on Earth and in the afterlife. You are now confused, but your creation was in God’s image. The Light is powerful and offers love. Within every soul is the need to give and receive love, and this is common in every living creature and unites us all. When you join the Light, you are choosing love, the Light Angel explained.

The Dark Angel interrupted, "I am the Dark Angel, and I speak for Eway, the Prince of Darkness. All actions result in judgment and consequences. There is an inclination for good and evil in God, and in humans, too. Myths tell us that two angels sit on each shoulder of every human being. One represents good, and the other represents evil. At every moment it is necessary to choose which option to follow.

"It is believed that children under thirteen are ruled only by evil tendencies. They do not know the difference between their needs and the needs of others and are not responsible for the consequences of their actions. When the quality of judgment is unrestrained and does not contain mercy and love, an effort may seem evil to the observer.

To understand evil, one must examine Truth. Each person's concept of the Truth is different, the Dark Angel explained.

What do you mean? Lucy asked.

The world is the best of all possible worlds, and everything in it is a necessary evil. There is a legend about fallen angels. Long, long ago, some 200 hundred angels, among them Guardian Angels, lusted after human women, and came down to Earth and indulged with them. From these unions, a generation of giants was born. These fallen ones were regarded as heroes and became men of renown. Each of the fallen angels taught humanity a particular type of evil, particularly, the use of weapons. Evil is a part of God, and part of the Divine Creation. Just as there is not only black or white, but many variations of gray, so too, there is not only good or evil in each human being, but a percentage of both, the Dark Angel clarified.

Why would anyone choose evil instead of good? Why would anyone choose to go to the Dark Side instead of going to the Light? Lucy wondered.

Anyone coming to the Darkness is freed of all karmic debts, and would not have to pay for any actions committed in past lifetimes. It is only with the Light that Karma is a liability that requires payment, the Dark Angel alleged.

The Light Angel cut in, If you choose to stay with the Light, there would be seven primary and four secondary principles of reincarnation that you would have to follow. These are the eleven principles that create our destiny, but we do not have to live up to our destiny, and sometimes we find it easier not to. The future already exists, but it can constantly be changed because of free will.

How much free will? Lucy questioned.

We will go into that later, the Light Angel answered. Lucy was perplexed. How can anything be changed?

The Light Angel continued. "You can equate a person’s life with a movie that is already produced, cast, and directed. How we react to the circumstances that occur, by being pro- active or reactive can help us reach a higher spiritual plane, and alter the outcome. When we are proactive and become aware of errors in our behavior that hurt others, and choose to correct those errors, we can elevate to a parallel dimension that exists at the same time this one does.

Time does not exist in the afterlife because every action causes an instant result. The reason Time exists in the physical world is to allow a gap between an action and a result of that action, so that we have an opportunity to correct our mistakes. In the physical world, if a person were to rob a bank, it might take Time until the thief's discovery, and until his or her punishment.

During that interval, the thief is allowed to make amends and correct his error. If he doesn’t, he will have a karmic debt to pay at some time. Every hostile action has a price that must be paid. When you act in a damaging way to others, you are taking something that doesn’t belong to you. In the case of the robbery, it was money. Also, sometimes people might not realize there are many other ways that they may steal from someone else. By sending negative thoughts to someone, caused by your jealousy, greed, or lust for power, you are also stealing.

You will have to return the energy you took in some form. Sometimes the penalty required for the restitution of a robbery may require a different type of reimbursement, other than repaying the equal amount of stolen money. The repayment might take another form of punishment, such as loss of health, failure in a business venture, or the ending of a love relationship. Sometimes karmic debts can carry over to many lifetimes, and reincarnation allows people to make retribution through good actions and clear the path for future lives."

What are the eleven principles of reincarnation? Lucy queried.

"There are many factors that determine how we choose a new life. One, our soul is attracted to our parents and family. We want to continue our journey with people who are familiar to us. Two, our soul remains drawn to our DNA and ancestors. We can keep our mental capabilities and talents from our previous lives. We receive new physical attributes and mental abilities through our DNA.

The DNA we inherit from our parents; we also inherit from all of our ancestors. It’s always easier to relearn than to learn. Three, our soul is attracted to the environment that includes religious background, political ideologies, parental opinions, and our friends and schools. Four, our soul is drawn to the time of our birth and the season of our beginning.

Our birthdate is very important. Numbers and seasons rule the Universe, and although this influences us, it does not compel us. Everything begins on a spiritual level and then becomes physical. Think of reincarnation as a tree. A seed becomes planted, then grows into a tree. After a while, the leaves fall off, the tree dies and decomposes, returns to the Earth, rejuvenates, and is born again. So it is with human beings. However, we do not want to miss the right timing to return to Earth," the Light Angel informed her.

What do you mean? Lucy asked.

"For everything, there is a right time; not even a single blade of grass grows until the Universe says it is ready. A farmer would not plant seeds in the winter when the Earth is cold and hard and covered with snow. That is not the right time or season for growth. In the technology of Life and the way the Universe functions, there are spiritual seasons when it is appropriate to