Jasper and the Temple: A Short Story

This short story was inspired by choosing four cards: The Magician from Tarot Landscapes, the King of Pentacles from Linestrider Tarot, Bear Spirit from The Sacred Forest Oracle, and The Temple of Learning from Visions of Duality Inspirational Cards. I also utilized cards from Better Backstories.

Once upon a time, there was an Owl named Jasper. He lived high up in the treetops. The trees had been home to his family for generations. In a way, he had become a king. The riches of his family grew and grew and he was now one of the Elders. Yet, Jasper felt there was still something missing in his life. Day in and day out was the same: tend the nests and hoot in the moonlight.

                Jasper had everything he needed in the tree where he lived. It always seemed to produce exactly what the community needed. Shelter and food. There was never a reason to roam too far. Jasper began to wonder what else was out there in the world.

                One night, Jasper made the move and flew from his tree. He soared across the land and over the waters until he became tired. Yet he was in an area with few trees. All of the ones he approached were protected by other birds. He didn’t feel welcomed.  Where was he to land and seek rest? He flew to the ground at the bottom of a mountain where he spied a small opening.

                He wasn’t used to the ground and rock. Jasper slowly hopped his way into the opening of a cave. It was very dark, but he could see a sliver of light in the distance. He let out a small hoot of joy. Immediately, Jasper sensed movement nearby. A huge shadow became to grow and Jasper realized he might not be the only creature in this cave.

                The sound of large feet padding across the cave floor grew closer to Jasper. A large brown bear came into view. The bear appeared to be sleepy and quietly asked, “Who…who is there?” Jasper replied, “I am Jasper, an owl looking for shelter…would I be able to stay here for a while?” The bear let out a sigh, “Of course…I could use some company. My name is Sasha.”

                Jasper felt relieved and inquired, “Is this your home Sasha?” The bear returned to her spot and laid down stating, “No…I am on watch duty. You must not know where you are. What’s your name?” Jasper became uneasy unsure of what Sasha might be protecting or watching for. “My name is Jasper. I do not know where I am. I have been flying for some time and needed to rest.”

                “Where are you headed Jasper? I haven’t seen a bird like you for some time. We used to get many at this gate,” said Sasha.

                “I wanted adventure…to discover something more about myself and this world…” Jasper answered. Then asked, “You used to see my kind?”

                “Oooh yes. The owls flooded this place long ago, but not so much lately. I believe they were able to take some of what they learned to their own colonies and were not in need of this place anymore,” Sasha explained.

                Jasper was puzzled. He had never heard of this place. “What exactly is this place? You said this was a gate? To where?” Jasper asked.

                Sasha chuckled and said, “I think you are meant to be here even if you didn’t know. It is part of your kind’s history. This is The Temple of Learning. Owls used to come here in droves seeking to learn various forms of magic.”

                Jasper thought for a moment, and still could not recall any mention of this place. Magic? His people were simple mainly focused on raising families and singing. “No one that I know in my family does any magic…” he reflected.

                Sasha rose and gestured for Jasper to follow and stated, “Well the time has come for your people to return to the old ways. Owls have always been wise and magickal…it sounds like your people have forgotten.” Sasha led Jasper towards the light he saw earlier and she declared, “Welcome to the Temple.”

                Jasper took in the view of a larger cave with books and other animals studying. Sasha left to return to her post. Jasper entered the room and was welcomed by many. He met with the head Mage and learned he was to be gifted the knowledge of divination.

                Jasper sent word back to his tree and told his community of his discovery. He stayed at the Temple and studied the many arts of fortune telling. Jasper found himself always wanting to know more. At times he doubted the knowledge he found, but always found some meaning in whatever he discovered.

                One day another owl from his tree arrived at the Temple. The head Mage told Jasper it was time to go now that another owl had come. It was time for Jasper to head back out into the world and share the knowledge he had found.

                Jasper knew his old tree was still thriving. He decided to find a new tree and provide any help he could. Eventually, Jasper found a new home and provided education about divination and building a community.

What meaning do you gleam from the cards and/or this story?