This book is dedicated with Heart and Gratitude to Linda Kohanov and the Epona Herd.

 

There once was a girl named Rainbow who lived in the Mountain of Iron.

She did not understand why she felt so alone living among many people.

She longed to know her inner gifts, but she did not know how or where she would find them.

Rainbow asked Grandmother Moon for help and a violet Paint pony appeared.

“I am Mariah”, the pony said. “I was sent by the Epona Goddess. She invites you to learn the Way of the Horse. I can take you now if you wish.”

Rainbow climbed on her soft, warm back.

Mariah transformed into a giant bird and they flew toward the desert.

By the next dawn of Grand Father Sun they arrived at the Place Under Rising Horse Mountain.

For seven Moons she would stay in a circle of teepees and learn the Way of the Horse from Epona.

Epona was a protector of horses and a close Relative to Independence, Nurturing, Instinct, Inspiration and Vitality.

She welcomed Rainbow and invited her to meet the herd.

First she met Spirit, a young foal, the color of night. Spirit rose from the East like the Sun.

He brought her gifts of Illumination and Clarity so she could see clearly her Soul’s purpose.

She then met Tabula Rasa of the South, mother of Spirit.

Rasa brought Rainbow Innocence so she could know Compassion and recognize her Inner Beauty.

Next she met the black stallion, Midnight Merlin, who brought virtues of the West, Introspection and Goals.

Now she could piece together her life experiences and weave the tapestry of her Soul’s intentions.

She ventured to the North to meet Noche.

He was patient and giving. He taught her the ways of Wisdom and Gratitude so she could guide herself with authenticity and recognize her personal gifts.

Just when she thought she had more gifts than she could carry Never Ends came from the direction of Beyond and gave her the gift of Transition.

He gently encouraged her to claim her new life.

When seven moons passed Rainbow prepared to depart from the Place Under Rising Horse Mountain.

At the ending ritual Rainbow thanked them all for the wonderful gifts.

The Epona Goddess said;

"Dear one, you have always had these gifts. We just helped you remember them. May the Horse be with you.”

Rainbow returned to the Iron Mountain ready to claim her new life with Clarity, Compassion, Introspection, and Wisdom. As long as she remembered her Inner Gifts, she would never be alone.

INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP STUDY GUIDE SUGGESTIONS:

Consider the following questions. For individuals you might write your answers and review them, for groups you might share the answers with a partner or the entire group.

1.       Think of a time you felt alone among people and describe the emotions you felt.

2.       Name three things that symbolize independence for you individually.

3.       What activities for you best describe Nurturing.

4.       What or who gives you inspiration?

5.       What are two things you do to show Compassion for yourself? For others?

6.       Describe what your inner beauty looks like, feels like, sounds like, and smells like?

7.       Describe a time when you felt Clarity and why.

8.       Describe three goals you have currently, short term, mid term, and long term.

9.       Name three reasons you have to be grateful.

10.     Describe two of your inner gifts.