Contributed by Holly Kiely.

Hello Dear Friends and welcome to my essay on X.

I had so many things I wanted to talk about! I decided to keep it light and share an excellent mystery that I find myself examining closely. It all starts with an exclamatory dream that happened in February.

I was cuddled in my bed with my hubby and two dogs. I was sleeping peacefully but I began dreaming intensely. I was huddled around a book with two other women, one of which was holding a candle in order to illuminate the text we were reading in the dream. I heard one of the women say, “This is important, you need to read about Abelard and Heloise.” The idea took root in my mind and the words Abelard and Heloise were exclaimed over and over until I turned over in bed and sleepily googled the names.

I didn’t even know particularly that they were names. I do not ever recall hearing “Abelard and Heloise” before. I was relieved to find plenty of references on the names and feeling secure I would not forget, I went back to sleep. I woke early the next morning and felt I must immediately examine the google results.

I found quite an expose on the famous lovers. They were medieval monastic scholars and quite accomplished both in their own right. Abelard insinuated himself into the employ of Heloise’s Uncle as a way to be near her. They fell in love and she became pregnant but did not want to marry. She was excessively intelligent and educated and was whisked away to a nunnery. She bore a son, Astrolabe. He was named for the most excellent instrument the Astrolabe. There is little known of what happened to their son.

However, Abelard was attacked and castrated by a group of men when his love for Heloise was exposed. He returned to teaching and had quite a life of exposition on many philosophies. Heloise founded her own orders and became quite famous in her own right. Their letters endure and I am in the process of examining the letter for myself.

So, what am I to learn from this exciting mystery? Are we the reincarnation of Abelard and Heloise? I have no answers but their story exudes intrigue. I have committed myself to an existential examination of this excellent correspondence. So dear friends, “What say you?” Have you ever heard of Abelard and Heloise? Have you ever had this type of dream?

Signed Madam X