THE STORY BEHIND “VOYAGER”

It all started when…

The conception of Voyager happened in September 2019. The moment was the coming together of spiritual curiosity, an island in the South Pacific, and a young man exploring his Polynesian roots.

I have a deep interest in learning from and about other cultures. The deepest experiences that have informed my understanding of living in harmony with others and the Earth are in remote locations. One area on the planet my partner Sharon and I return to is the Society Islands of French Polynesia because of its natural beauty and people. The island where this particular story takes place is Raiatea, the archipelago's second-largest island. The young man I speak of is Tahiarii, born in Raiatea.

As with many ancient cultures, the intrusion of white explorers disrupted, stole, and destroyed the teachings, language, and ceremonies of those who first lived on the island. After only a few generations, memories vanished. Tahiarii is one of a growing number of Polynesians to reunite with their ancient heritage.

We spent a day with Tahiarii exploring the island and its history. He shared growing up on the island, studying abroad, and returning home to find and reconnect with the Ancestor's wisdom.

Tahiarii took us to a sacred ceremonial site and explained how, from this island, his ancestors, in homemade outriggers, made their way to New Zealand, Rapa Nui (Easter Island), and Hawaii. He reconnected with Elders who still held knowledge of sailing and navigating. After three years in training, Tahiarii navigated, in a replica of an original outrigger, from New Zealand back to Raiatea.

Standing in a spot reserved for Navigators on the ceremonial platform, he explained that wayfinding is not limited to observing just the stars. There is guiding information from the currents, waves, winds, birds, clouds, and something else he would describe as "felt forces."

Tahiarii brought us to where outriggers are launched. I watched him walk over the purposely embedded stones leading to the water's edge. He bent down, quietly and ceremonially scooped up Ocean Water with his hand, and drank. As he walked further into the water, I followed, stood beside him, and closed my eyes. I felt him transform, becoming One with the Elements of Ocean and Sky and the ancient Navigators. He had found his connection to the Wisdom of his Ancestors.  

What does the Voyager bring to us? 

Many visual clues and symbolic items tell a story about this Voyager.  

Early in the creation process, I asked friends, "What do you think needs to be in the Voyager's Canoe for a long journey?" I made a list: water, fishing pole, rope, tarp, towel, clothes, food, compass, sunglasses, matches, etc. The Canoe was overflowing with stuff!

The items changed when we determined that this journey was a Spiritual Journey. Everyday items disappeared. What was needed was a quiet mind capable of Becoming One with All Things and trusting the guidance received. No physical compass because there is no physical destination. 

The Scroll hints at the "territory" the Voyager is traveling in. 

The Basket appears to be empty. Or is it? What do "possibilities" look like? Was the Basket once full, or is it going to be filled? 

The Boat is for traveling on "Water." On such long journeys, there will be turbulence, waves, currents, and changing depths from shallow to deep abyss. Because the Boat consists of pure spirit energy (alluded to by the 23 K gold interior), the Vessel can not overturn as long as Oneness is maintained.

The exterior of the Boat carries a message. The Circle with the spot in the Center represents different meanings depending on which culture your mind may tune into, but the variety of interpretations is All the Same. Soul. Self. The Cosmic Bindu. Many "souls/selves" are moving along, alone but together, with the Flow of this Journey.

The Figure has hair flowing like the waters that move the Voyager along. A necklace of Feathers and Stone is a reminder that guidance comes from different sources. A Golden Tattoo speaks to the sacred navigation wisdom embedded in the body's cellular structure. The "Face"? I have not figured out the Mask, if it is a mask. I do know that this Voyager has strength and momentum.

Each person observing Voyager's various aspects will have their interpretation to bring personal insights.

Please click on “COMMENTS FROM PEOPLE LIKE YOU” button to read various interpretations.