The Archangel Chronicles - 15 book Series

By Marty Boyle

(An excerpt from Barachiel,
From the 15-book series, The Archangel Chronicles.
Ginger learns about the Divine Power of Forgiveness.)

Chapter 3, Part 2
Karasjok, Norway
Earth/June

“No disrespect, Elias, but that sounds pretty impossible to me, given how messed up our world is, let alone all those countless beings in the Universe. How can that be done?”
“No disrespect taken, Ginger. All Star Children are here to bring about that change, and it can be done with just one thing: Unconditional Love, a Universal force of selfless, all-encompassing love that exists beyond all judgements, expectations, and conditions. It is the Essence of the Divine.” Elias paused. “You may wish to compare the raising of our vibrations – consciousness – to a teeter totter. When seemingly balanced, the totter doesn’t move, but when there’s a change on either side, it tilts into a different reality. Will this be challenging for all of humanity to accept and welcome? Perhaps, but if enough can do so, the teeter-totter can tilt into that new world of higher vibrations – of raised Consciousness – one of Unconditional Love.”
“Wow! That’s incredible!” Suddenly, Ginger’s face clouded over. “But I have a question. The fact that I died when I was 15 without any of these understandings – does that mean I was a failure?”
Suddenly, Ginger was once again filled with Unconditional Love, and she closed her eyes in its beauty and reassurance.
Barachiel gently held Ginger’s hands. “Never, ever think that way, Ginger. There are absolutely no weak links in the God Grid. Every single soul has an integral part to play in this Divine Plan, and it simply will not work – our rise in Consciousness – without every sacred soul doing its part. Simply, your soul didn’t choose for you to have any of these understandings for those short fifteen years. Instead, your soul knew you were pure enough to change your world by touching the hearts of many, whether or not you even realized you were doing it. You opened their eyes to questioning what is important in life with gentleness and compassion. That change you fostered will continue to grow and flower in all their lives, raising their Consciousness. You did a remarkable job – so much so that your soul understood you had completed all of your tasks, so it chose that particular exit point – that time to return Home. Tell me. Had you stayed, would you be on this quest right now?”
Ginger grimaced, pretending to check an invisible watch. “No. Chances are right now, I would be in boring geometry class, trying to make sense of all those boring theorems!” She paused. “Honestly, Barachiel, I would have liked more time with my family and my beautiful animals and woods, but I’m very grateful for this opportunity you have given me. Thank you.”
Elias smiled. “Are you content to hit pause on our Star Children discussion for now and move on to something else?’ When Ginger nodded, Elias continued.
“This region of Norway, as well as parts in Sweden, Finland, and parts of Russia, is called Sápmi [SOF-mee], the home of the Sámi [SAM-me] indigenous community. Ancient archeological evidence suggests that our ancestors can be dated as far back at 7,000 BC, although many of us believe that our actual Sámi culture most likely began between 2,000 and 2,500 years ago with our distinct culture, language, and history. Our elders, to whom we hold our highest respect and love, have guided us through those centuries, and have helped to keep alive our beliefs.”
“Beliefs?” Ginger asked when Elias paused. “What kind of beliefs – if you don’t mind my asking?” Ginger’s confidence and voice dropped. “Barachiel doesn’t seem to mind when I ask questions, but if it’s none of my business, I’m sorry.”
“Again, Ginger, don’t try to be anyone else but you!” Elias stated. “Ask whatever you want to ask, but you may want to start working on those self-esteem issues of yours!”
Barachiel and Ginger exchanged glances and grinned. “Does that sound familiar?” Barachiel asked. Elias smiled at the exchange, and then continued.
“But having said that, let’s hold off on that discussion until later, as well.”
“That’s all amazing, Elias,” Ginger whispered reverently. “Perhaps before we go, I might be able to meet an elder so that I may show my respect.”
Elias smiled. “You read my mind, Ginger. When we’re done visiting the reindeer, we’ll go back to my home, where you can meet my favorite elder, my grandmother, Àhkku [AH-coo].” He paused. “But, before we do that, Ginger, I would like to talk about the role of elders in our Sámi community.” When Ginger nodded, Elias continued.
“Our beloved elders are the Knowledge Keepers. They hold a wealth of information about our history, customs, traditional skills, and our natural environment. Áhkku and the other elders are our Decision Makers. They govern with consensus-building to ensure that all points of view are heard before making a decision, and protect the community traditions and culture. They are Mediators in disputes, helping to resolve conflict in as harmonic a fashion as possible. Elders also pass down our traditions, language and skills to our young through storytelling, practical demonstrations, and joiking [JOY-king].”
“Joiking?” Ginger whispered.
Elias smiled. “Joiking is the traditional vocal music of our people. Those who hear it, often refer to it as singing into being. They are deeply personal songs, often sung to Spirit and Nature. Understand?” Ginger nodded again.
“Our elders also share their deep spiritual guidance, and often play roles in our spiritual practices and ceremonies. And even though we live in a modern world, our Sámi community plays a crucial role to ensure that all of our traditions, beliefs and customs are passed down to future generations, who will carry it forward.”
“Thank you for sharing all of that information with me, Elias. I really am looking forward to meeting your grandmother!”
Suddenly, Elias stopped mid-stride, and pointed out the next pasture land. Ginger followed with her eyes, and excitement burbled forth.
“The reindeer are here! Oh, can we go closer?”
Elias chuckled. “I think we’ll do better than that since you would like to share these tender ferns with them!”
Ginger started to skip toward the herd, but then slowed so she wouldn’t alarm any of them. She waited for Elias and Barachiel to join her, and then asked, “There seem to be hundreds here!”
As they drew closer to the herd, Elias said quietly, “There are about 250,000 reindeer in Norway, the majority of them on Sápmi lands. On this particular farm, where my father and I live and work, there are several hundred, although some of the larger farms can have as many as 6,000. Because we are primarily a dairy farm, our reindeer herd is smaller.”
“Do you and your father work with the reindeer?”
“No, we work on the dairy side of the business, but there are others whose job is specific to the bohccot [BOH-cut], which is the Sámi plural name for reindeer.”
When they were within 50 feet of the herd, Elias stopped. “Bohccot are generally docile, but remember that they are animals, and must be treated with caution and your upmost respect. I suggest you stay by me, and we’ll go see if we can find any that might appreciate these ferns.”
Ginger nodded, and they walked slowly into the herd, who ignored them for the most part, although several young ones were naturally curious, and came near – especially when they saw the ferns the humans offered. Curiosity soon overcame their reticence, and before long, Ginger was feeding several young ones. Once the ferns were gone, the calves remained.
“Could I pet them?” Ginger asked in a hushed voice.
Elias nodded. “Again, follow my lead, Ginger, for they do not like their heads, noses or antlers to be touched. The best place to rub them is on their sides.” Ginger nodded, and spent more than a little time, rubbing down the calves. After a long time, Elias spoke.
“Well, Ginger, I’ve told you much of our country. Shall we go back so that you can meet my grandmother? I’m sure that she would love to meet you!”
Ginger sighed, and nodded. “This has been awesome, Elias. Thank you for telling me about your people and country – and being a Crystal Child. I would love to meet your grandmother.” She looked at Barachiel. “Are we walking or going by angel thought magic?”
Barachiel chuckled. “I believe you would prefer the magic way, so let’s do that.” Within a heartbeat, Ginger, Barachiel and Elias vanished.
In another heartbeat, the three arrived in front of a simple, one-floor, wooden house. Instead of a traditional Iowa roof, this one appeared to be a type of tipi roof structure, the home snugly nestled into a hill.
Ginger was amazed. “This is where you live?”
Elias nodded. “Shall we go inside and meet my grandmother?” When Ginger nodded, Elias opened the front door for his guests. When Ginger stepped in, she gasped. Beautiful, gleaming light birch wood and pine wood covered the floor and ceiling. The house was simple but welcoming. A beautiful stone fireplace dominated what appeared to be the living room. Gleaming wooden tables and chairs filled a dining area, and, standing there, Ginger could just see the open door to a simple country kitchen. All delighted musing ended, however, when another voice came from somewhere in the home.
“Elias, do I hear Barachiel?”
“Yes, Ákkhu [AWE-kew]! Archangel Barachiel has brought a visitor with her today.” Elias whispered to Ginger, “Ákkhu is the Northern Sámi name for Grandmother.”
An elderly woman appeared in the doorway from the kitchen, tea tray in hand. Instantly, Elias went to his grandmother, and relieved her of the burden. He removed his hat and coat, took the tray and helped her to her favorite chair, plumping the pillows around her. She smiled her gratitude and then turned to the visitors.
“Please! Elias will take your coats and hats, and Ginger, you come sit near me so that we can talk. I suspect we have a great deal to learn from each other.”
Out of respect for the elder, Ginger whipped off her hat, and smoothed her hair and brushed her bangs away from her eyes. She gratefully handed her hat and coat to Elias, and sat in a nearby chair.
Ginger hoped she wasn’t rude, but she found she couldn’t keep her eyes off the elder. She guessed Ákkhu must be only 5’ if that, and had thin, snow-white hair that hit her shoulders. Like Elias, she had soft, Nordic skin with brilliant blue eyes that were clear and filled with wisdom. But what most fascinated Ginger was that the elder appeared to glow from within. She wore a heavy brown skirt that fell almost to the floor, a long sleeved shirt, a multi-colored shawl that she wrapped around her, and some type of flat hat, over which she had tied a scarf, knotted under her chin. Heavy socks and sturdy shoes completed her clothing.
Once the visitors had settled, Elias poured what looked like tea into beautifully crafted wooden mugs and served them, saying, “These mugs are called kuksas [TOOT-suh]. They are not only functional, but hold cultural significance, symbolizing a connection to ancestral traditions and our close relationship with nature.” He picked up his own kuksa, and began to sip the hot liquid. “This is lingonberry tea. You’ll find it’s tart with a slightly sweet taste – a bit like cranberries. I think you’ll like it.”
For several minutes, the visitors sipped, waiting respectfully for Elias’s grandmother to speak. Finally, Ginger’s impulsive nature took over. “Forgive me, but I’m very excited to meet you, …” A sudden thought hit her: What do I call her?”
The elder chuckled. “Elias rightly calls me Áhkku, but so do most of our community. At my birth, I was given the name Liisá [NEE-suh], which means God is my oath in our Sámi community.” She paused for a moment, chuckling. “When I was a child, my friends made gentle humor of my name’s meaning because they knew me to be a consummate rule breaker – not very Godlike! Feel free, however, to call me Áhkku, Ginger. As an elder, I am grandmother to more than just my own family, and now that you have come to visit, you may consider yourself part of our family, making you my granddaughter – my barnebarn [BAWN-uh-bawn].”
Ginger, deeply touched by the elder’s words, could only nod. After a thoughtful moment, she asked, “You were a rule breaker when you were my age?”
Áhkku nodded, smiling. “I had little patience for what I considered to be archaic rules that sought to control me. I have always had a good sense of self, and I let no one try to keep me from becoming who I somehow knew I was meant to be. I saw the world differently from my family and friends.” The elder paused a moment, studying Ginger. “Does any of that sound familiar, Barnebarn?”
Suddenly, Ginger knew. “Are you an Indigo like me? As you’ve just described yourself, you were also describing me!”
Áhkku continued to study Ginger, and for a long moment, silence filled the room. Finally, the elder spoke. “Yes, my darling girl. You and I are both Indigos, born at different times in different parts of the world, but One in Spirit. You and I have much more in common that you may think, Ginger. Your arrival here was not due to some coincidence or arbitrary angelic decision, no offense, Barachiel!”
The archangel smiled. “None taken, I can assure you.”
Ginger’s eyes were as wide as saucers, trying to assimilate all that the elder had said. Áhkku smiled, took another sip of her tea, and said, “Ginger, I understand that you would like to understand our beliefs.”
“Many of our indigenous beliefs are similar to others throughout the world. Ours is an ancient belief system that we still hold dear. I can explain a bit of it so you have some idea of who we are.”
“The environment is paramount to our belief system. For example, we believe that all significant natural objects like animals, plants, grass, and even rocks, possess a soul. Ours is a polytheistic society; we have multiple spirits and deities, such as Beaivi [by-EE-vie] the sun goddess and mother of humans and Horagalles [hoo-LAY-gawl-us], the thunder god. Like many other indigenous communities, we use shamans, who serve as links to the spirit world. They enter trance-like states for communication, healing and prophecy. We also hold Nature close to our hearts, the reindeer in particular. Through the centuries, these sacred animals which were crucial to our survival, were also crucial for our spirituality development. And finally, we venerate our beloved Ancestors, for we know that they protect us. In fact, as Elias shared, all of our elders are revered, as well, for they are our knowledge keepers and mediators, and help keep alive our traditions and beliefs. And although they no longer walk the earth, they continue to have a deep connection to us, as well as nature, spirituality and traditional practices. Their wisdom is often sought in either governing or mediation for disputes.”
“Like many other indigenous peoples, we have experienced discrimination, and through the centuries, have been forced to assimilate with other populations in an effort to dilute our culture. But, when we could not resist, our culture moved underground, so to speak, to continue to allow ancient traditions to flourish and grow. As a result, we are a proud, strong, spiritual community, who are intent on maintaining our own individuality, culture, and beliefs.”
“I understand that Elias gave you a brief background, but I thought you might appreciate a deeper one. Before the beginning of the 1700’s, we were a nomadic people, following the reindeer from winter pastures to summer ones. The reindeer have always been an integral part of our livelihood, as well as our culture, providing us with food, clothing, and transportation. They kept our people alive in the bitter cold months, and were later used for trade. The Sámi consider them magical and sacred, associated with the spirit world and good fortune, but the rare birth of a pure white reindeer calf have always brought deep significance to our people – a sign of favor from our gods.” Áhkku paused. “Would you like to hear more of our history, Barnebarn?” When Ginger nodded, the elder continued.
“In World War II, a Nazi concentration camp was built in our beloved capitol: Karasjok: Lager UV Karasjok, which is German for Karasjok Camp No. 4, and was one of four Nazi concentration camps in Northern Norway. In July, 1943, 374 political prisoners and POWs most of whom were from Yugoslavia, were brought to this concentration camp to widen the road to Finland. After five months, only 111 of these prisoners were still alive. When the war was over, the survivors were shot, rather than released to freedom.”
Ginger gasped. “What a horrible thing to have happened in this beautiful, deeply spiritual community! Did the Sámi pick up guns and get revenge for all those deaths?”
Áhkku gently shook her head. “No, Barnebarn. While the sheer brutality went against every part of our lives, we mourned, but we could not hate the Nazi soldiers, but instead, chose to forgive them. Many Sámi bravely snuck food to prisoners when they could, but for the most part, 70% of the prisoners sent to Karasjok, died within a few months.” Áhkku sighed. “It was a brutal and sad time in our history, but we remained true to our beliefs, knowing that as terrible as it was, it was all part of a Bigger Picture – one in which each of those prisoners had agreed before that lifetime that they would participate in this particular brutal human experience in order to raise humanity’s Consciousness – to help learn the lessons they had agreed to learn before incarnating.”
For a long moment, silence filled the room, as each became lost in their thoughts and history.
“What lesson could that possibly have been?” asked Ginger, as she brushed aside a stray tear.
“It was a simple lesson: to love unconditionally, be compassionate, and to forgive others, as well as ourselves.” Ákkhu paused. “The Divine Power of Forgiveness.”
Ginger was overwhelmed with love for the elder and all she represented. “I am deeply grateful for all that I have learned from you and Elias,” she began. “I not only have a bit of understanding of your beautiful culture, but I am touched by your kindness toward me. Thank you.”
Áhkku leaned forward. “Come here, Barnebarn. Ginger leapt to her feet and knelt in front of the elder. Áhkku gently place her palms on the girl’s head, and prayed silently for a long moment.
Without removing her hands from Ginger’s head, Áhkku began to to sing. Ginger suddenly knew it was joiking, and wished she could understand it. Instantly, she understood the song. “Barnebarn, blessed are the souls who have the courage to follow their hearts and thrive. May you live your lives in Gratitude, as well as Unconditional Love and Compassion, and Divine Forgiveness for all, knowing that you are greatly loved. Your tasks have just begun. Be the white reindeer. Be the white reindeer. Be the white reindeer.”
Unconditional Love poured through the room, as tears continue to course down Ginger’s face. She understood at that moment that her life had had meaning. Has meaning even now, and she was profoundly grateful. She opened her eyes to find Áhkku smiling at her. “I know you will continue your work with Barachiel and Michael, but when it is complete, come back to me. We have much work to do together.”
Ginger could only nod, for in a heartbeat and a soft whooshing sound, Norway vanished, along with Elias and Áhkku. In her heart, she heard the soft voice of the elder. Be the white reindeer.

(Excerpt from Barachiel from The Archangel Chronicles © Marty Boyle 2025. All Rights Reserved.)

www.martyboyle.com

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