Invisible Ribbands

[Pablísimo]

I was intrigued by this quotation, and so did a little research this morning.

First I had to find the definition of "Ribband"...

rib·band (rbnd, -nd, -n)
n.
1) A length of flexible wood or metal used to hold the ribs of a ship in place while the exterior planking or plating is being applied.

2) A ribbon used as a decoration; bracelet

I noticed this part of the expanded quote that Patrick helpfully provided:

Ra: I am Ra. We note the relative discomfort of this group at this space/time and offer those previous statements made by Ra as possible aids to the regaining of the extraordinary harmony which this group has the capability of experiencing in a stable manner.

Since this seemed to indicate a period of relative disharmony within the group (Carla, Jim, & Don), I consulted Book V to get some more info. Book V covers "personal" material that was deleted from the original publications of I-IV, but each deleted/restored fragment is prefaced by a short note from both Carla & Jim regarding their thoughts on the session and providing some background details. I have found Book V to be an enormously helpful tool in better understanding the given context of a session because of these notes.

Well, sure enough both Jim & Carla talk about this time (Session 99) being during a period of some disharmony in the group. Page 152, preface to Fragment 49. My interpretation of this is that Ra was acknowledging the disharmony and also recognizing the extraordinary harmony with which the group was capable of.

Once I had understood the context and the definition of Ribband, I was left in awe, once again at Ra's ability to pack so much meaning in such a small space. Their words are quite DENSE with information, in a wonderful way.

Ra: ...We encourage the conscious strengthening of those invisible ribbands which fly from the wrists of those who go forward to seek what you may call the Grail. All is well, my friends. We leave you in hopes that each may find true colors to fly in that great metaphysical quest and urge each to urge each other in love, praise, and thanksgiving.

Given all this, my subjective interpretation of the passage is that Ra was using both definitions of the word in their metaphor.

When those 3 people came together, to seek as one, they are in some ways like a ship. They have merged their energies to become a communal vehicle for exploring the uncharted waters of Consciousness. Together, in unity, they sail, ever seeking out the "Holy Grail" -- An Experience of the Law of One.

By using "Ribband" as a metaphor for the ties of love, friendship, harmony, and oneness that bind together the group, they draw attention to these ties as absolutely NECESSARY for the structural integrity of the "ship". Note that the "exterior planking" could be compared to the "armor of light" that provides some protection from interference from negative entities.

Thus quite literally these ribbands of cooperation and friendship are necessary to keep their "ship of seeking" from taking on water.

Because this word can also mean a type of bracelet or jewelry worn around the wrists, I think we could also take it as an observation of the inherent beauty in the ties of praise, love, and inter-personal harmony. These ribbands of shared-seeking, love, and mutual respect that bound the three together is beautiful ornamentation for the Creator's eye.

Thus I believe Ra has perfectly blended Wisdom & Love in this quote. I think it's now going to be one of my own favorite quotes, too!

Thanks for drawing my attention to it, Icaro!

P.S. I also found an amazing gem of insight in this same session that was sharpened by Jim & Carla's observations, that may have relevance to the forum now, but I'm going to let some time pass or someone else to post a comment before adding the quote to make it more readable.

Love to all