Expeditions is the second book in the Corvidian Trilogy. I Battleground presented the predicament that the crow was born into, as well as, his travels throughout inner universe. Before blasting into outer space, Hosanna decided that he will meet the Master Within; and so it is that Expeditions begins. He links up with the Elder Crow who guides him throughout universal travels, filled with adventurous contact with mundane and ascended beings: They introduced him to a way of being in life on worlds that the little crow never before dreamed existed. This continuous journey is important as it is a combination of inner work and concrete experience that brings about the personal victories that transform our lives. Before Expeditions comes to an end, the low-down truth that torched humanity before the ancient erthe world transition is revealed. Though teachers now do abound, and encircle the crow all around; the phantom is still large and in charge, encouraging him to do that which he should not do, urging him to act in ways that would surely cause not only his own premature death but also the demise of others - taking systems and worlds to the brink of destruction. Hold on little Crow. This battle is bigger than and beyond yourself! The Corvidian Trilogy: II Expeditions is a spellbinding read. It's an allegory of the spiritual/moral development of a preadolescence boy who is mentored by a wise, patient, and much older male. The two principle characters are represented as black birds, specifically very intelligent and articulate crows. Indeed, almost all of the human characterizations in this story are portrayed as birds. Using birds as stand-ins for humans enables the writer, I believe, to engage young readers in developmentally important listening and talking relationships with elders that is often neglected by parents and not likely to be encouraged by peer groups. As a reader, specifically a black 65-year old father of two adult sons, I found myself fluctuating between identification with the naive younger crow and with the older crow. This is a book that I think will appeal to early teen readers who are looking for adventure. The elder crow guides the young crow on a magical sequence of settings and challenges in learning to use his mental powers. One of the early challenges is how to levitate. Another challenge is how to recognize negative thinking and learn to control the "Nasties." Writer JoAnne McKnight uses dialogue, poetry and prose to paint colorful, vivid images that are worthy of Disney animation. In some scenes the writer invokes ancient mythological bird images and meanings like the Phoenix and the Hathor as the elder gently instructs the young boy crow in what I will characterize as "beatitudes." The most common device used to move the narrative is interplanetary space travel. Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, the two crows are magically transported from one world to another. But Expeditions offers no witches to represent evil and good. The young crow is taught that good and evil emanate from within. Mental/spiritual education enables him to align his mind and behavior with what is universally true and loving. The book's cosmology is modern and mythological. Using insights and images from the physics of energy and a blend of Christianity and Buddhism, the crow elder instructs the young male about the "Master Within," the consciousness of each person, and the all-encompassing "Divinity." The youngster's lessons include instruction that there are other sentient beings besides humans, and that planet Earth possesses an intelligence that enables it to protect itself against a species that threatens to destroy its own niche and the stability of the planet's ecosystem. Expeditions teaches readers, old and young, that humans must learn to love and respect all humanity and all creation. We are part, not Lords of creation. Dr. James Pitts, Sociology
About the Author: I've passed through remarkable situations, which on first sight, struck negative; but became positive influences in the long run! In 2012, the department chair mediated a dispute between myself and my direct supervisor. I lost all my cool. I mean, I got real attitudinal -- eyes rolled, lips pursed, the whole nine yards! I was still shaking when I got home because on the real, I NEED my peace! A moment in the silence revealed the word, "retire." This was a new thought. It wasn't the first time the still, small voice had given strange, unrealistic advice and surely it would not be the last! These whispers save me from unforeseen headaches and other times lead to spectacular events! I've learned to be obedient! It took a month to make arrangements, accept that I would loose $300-400 per month from social security for early retirement and give a 30 day notice. I even lined up a 12-18 month contract that would have made the abrupt transition gradient and financially palatable; but, it fell through at the last moment. I went to see my grandchildren. On route, I spoke with a friend who invited me to her home immediately when she realized that I was homeless clueless AND directionless. The Corvidian Trilogy started off as one book titled, The Inverted Crow. The first and third books of the trilogy were fundamentally embedded within this first articulation. However Expeditions, though needed, was a skeleton. Very shortly after I got settled, I realized why I was told to retire. It was time for Expeditions to be researched, graphed, conceptually developed, and initially written. It was wonderful being with the Byrd family. I emerged from my room to eat, use the washroom, play with grandchildren (adopted & natural), and "movie night." These endeavors balanced the 10-15 hours spent most days writing. Expeditions is a core experience for Hosanna. This is where he relinquished control to "the master;" learned and matured into the One that God designed him to be; became particularly blessed, so that ultimately, he may be enabled to help his specie evolve into their higher selves; and was enabled to fully step into the destiny that was carved out for him by Divinity. Here I am. God's little writer servant girl who also had to be moved, to place her life in the hands of the Master and to jump into the unknown in order to bring you this work. It's been my pleasure. Enjoy your read. JoAnne Mary McKnight