If you are passing through the Land of Souls, then you will have laid your body down. As you fly along you will find that the earth has become sweeter. The flowers will nod to you, the animals will rub their noses against you, the birds will circle around you, and the fish will raise their heads to greet you as you pass.

Neither rocks nor trees will block your path for they are not solid. They are the souls of rocks and trees. You are in the Land of Shadows.

Fly on and you will come to the shores of a great lake, with a lovely island in the middle of it. On the bank of the lake you will see a canoe of glittering stone, and in the canoe you will find two shining paddles.

Have no fear.

Shadows in the Land of Souls in In The Land of Souls, Yellow Fairy Book. Painting “The Departure of Souls” by Louis Janmot.