In the classic film “The Wizard of Oz” the ruby slippers were an elusive obsession of the wicked witch. For Dorothy, they were the key to her power. Glinda, the good witch of the north said to Dorothy, “…and remember, never let those ruby slippers off your feet for a moment or you’ll be at the mercy of the wicked witch of the west.” She then kissed her on her third eye as a seal of protection. Dorothy’s journey in her ruby slippers was beloved by millions of people because we all felt the possibilities of being powerful on the yellow brick road of life. The shoes gave us hope.
The story gushes with lessons of change, inner power, courage and embracing the possibilities. There is intrigue but also inspiration, as we watch a simple farm girl take a journey into a world of her own conscious. It was a magical place to go after suffering. A place to go to leave fears behind and walk boldly into inner strength after the tragedy of losing everything.
For me, the slippers wrap us in the knowledge of walking through life without fear or worry about a misstep or misfortune. They symbolize our foundation, our “home” where we have a clear view of our personal and emotional wealth and this helps us to diminish and remove negative thoughts.
Dorothy’s journey, after waking up in a field of poppies was a complete mystery, a lesson that looking ahead in a world of possibilities is futile. She simply kept walking and as always when the student is ready, the teachers appear. First, the scarecrow who is a reminder that the mind is a trickster between truth and illusion, then the lion who provokes a lesson in courage and ego and lastly the tin man with the most profound message of all, that with the energy of the heart you can overcome any obstacle.
Things went well on her journey because as she went into the future, she knew she was powerful in her ruby shoes. Embracing the wonderful you and walking in the world knowing you are a bad ass full of good energy can change the outcome, with or without flying monkeys.
The ultimate destination for Dorothy was Oz. This is the most important journey we will take, to the green and glowing energy of the heart center. This is also the gateway to yourself and where you will find that you are worthy and enough. Like Glinda says in her final message, “The truth and power is within you, and it was there all along, but you wouldn’t have believed it if I told you. You had to experience the journey to claim it”.
This is a reminder that the secrets to our purpose are within us. “There’s no place like home,” whispered Dorothy as she clicked her ruby slippers three times and was then magically whisked away to the comfort of her farmhouse. The magic of the ruby is all about power for those in love with life, themselves and others, holding space with this vital life force of vigor, passion, and courage is home.
My new book is a modern day version of the journey to the heart so pick up a copy of Lori: The Disintegration of my Ordinary Reality, some great summer reading you can find on my website at www.lorimorrison.com
I would love to get some feedback on what spiritual metaphors you discovered while watching the classic movie The Wizard of Oz. Leave your comments below.
Musings from the other side of life.
