The Story of Kalypso, as told by Giavonne

Our journey to Whidbey Island felt very much like an epic tale that even had “evil villains”! We struggled, but ultimately rejoiced in the many synchronicities that kept our hearts strong. Clearly we were being Divinely guided.

    When we found this special location overlooking the Salish Sea where whales breach and eagles soar, Bijan urged me to name our place in honor of the sea Goddess, Kalypso. Here is why:

I met Kalypso many years ago while on winter break from college on a morning sail with friends Pippa and David. I should clarify and say Kalypso introduced herself to me while I was drowning beneath a suddenly stormy ocean.

We had set out on David’s’ hobycat on Vessup Bay, where there was sun, chop and a sharp breeze on the turquoise blue Caribbean Sea. Once under way, we were overtaken by a squall that capsized us several times out by the infamous current cut. Once under way, we were overtaken by a squall that capsized us several times out by the infamous current cut. Our bodies were pushed to the limits,

Pippa went into shock and David had to focus on getting his Hobycat righted. After rescuing Pippa each time our craft was righted and capsized, I was left without much steam. On the final time we got Pippa back on the boat, the mainsail was jammed in full sail and the tiller was broken. As I pulled myself up, a large wave swept me away from the craft. The wind carried Pippa, David and the Hoby away, and I was pulled towards the cliffs. Unable to sail to back to me, I began to swim for my life. But, exhausted,  my arms and legs eventually refused to move. I was in absolute disbelief that I should die by drowning. Me? The ocean was part of me. People joked that I was a mermaid! But there I was, forced to admit the end of my story was upon me. I sank beneath the storm-whipped waves, no air left in my lungs, breathing water, I thought, “Okay God, if this is your will, so be it.” Utter peace washed over me as I let go of all fear.

I sank deeper below the waves, drifting helplessly; immediately I heard a strong female voice say, “Listen to me. I will help you get back to the boat. When I tell you to swim, swim. When I tell you to stop, stop.”

I pointed out to the mystical voice that my arms and legs were no longer able to move.  “I will help you,” she replied, and I suddenly felt my body surge to the surface as Her immense presence and power surrounded me and pushed me up from the depths. Breaking the surface, I gasped for air. I heard her command, “SWIM!”

My arms and legs were suddenly filled with her power, propelling me away from the rocky cliff, through waves and current, towards the boat in the distance. The process was methodical, Her voice commanded me to swim, and I cut through the water with ease; periodically she would leave my body and instruct me to relax and hold my breath as a wave would suck me backwards and under. Stop and start, swim and stop. It seemed I swam that quarter mile through waves and currents in no time at all!  When I reached the boat, she left my body in the hands of my two very surprised friends who grabbed me just before I began to sink again.

My Divine intervention story is only one of thousands and thousands throughout human history. Throughout time, man and Spirit have met in profound and mystical ways.  I have always been fascinated with ancient art, epic tales and mysticism.

Kalypso is known as a Sea Goddess, savior of sailors and keeper of ancient wisdom. Ancient art sometimes depicts the her riding a Hippocampus (seahorse). The seahorse is a symbol of grace and strength due to its ability to navigate currents and not get carried away.

Each of us has gifts and desires that ultimately long to be shared and experienced as a means of understanding who we are in our relationship to the Divine.  We humans need to cheer each other on, extend a hand of hope, and share our stories of survival and celebration. Kalypso’s is a type of touchstone. When people enter, they pause and take in a deep breath and leave the world outside behind as they explore the treasure trove of items from regions near and far. Kalypso’s honors the heroes journey in all of us.

Many Blessings, Giavonne