“Aslan is the main character of C. S. Lewis‘s  The Chronicles of Narnia series. He is “the great Lion” of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and his role in Narnia is developed throughout the remaining books.  Aslan is Turkish for “lion”. Aslan is depicted as lord of Narnia; a wise, compassionate, magical authority (both temporal and spiritual); mysterious and benevolent guide to the human children who visit; guardian and savior of Narnia.

Throughout the series, it is stated that Aslan is “not a tame lion,” since, despite his gentle and loving nature, he is powerful and can be dangerous.”  …Wikipedia.

“The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven novels by C. S. Lewis. It is considered a classic of children’s literature and is the author’s best-known work, having sold over 100 million copies in 47 languages^. Written by Lewis between 1949 and 1954, illustrated by Pauline Baynes and originally published in London between October 1950 and March 1956, The Chronicles of Narnia has been adapted several times, complete or in part, for radio, television, the stage, and film.” … Wikipedia.

My two sons, Sam and Jesse, attended a summer camp with the Narnia theme from their younger years until they were teens. It was another home to them and helped to make them who they are today. The camp was not based on the Christian aspect of Lewis’ books but on the magic of the stories and a caring for the Earth and of each other.

After the camp closed in 2006 Sam, my eldest, worked together with other past camp members to resurrect the idea of Camp Narnia – a huge task but now successful. The camp’s site is:   http://campnarnia.blogspot.ca/

The books and the camp experiences meant, and still mean, so much to my boys that I couldn’t pass up this Lion Series opportunity to celebrate Aslan, the magic of Narnia and Sam and Jesse, cubs once and always of their Leo dad.

When you first met Aslan

you were my cubs,

but now you are proud

and grown, strong lions

roaming the plains

and jungles of your lives.

My love for you

stretches far beyond

a fairy tale

into another realm of magic

where you brought meaning

and miracles

to this ragged cat

who cannot be Aslan

but can be real for you

in a challenging world

where winter is never far,

evil still holds court

and Turkish Delight

will rot your teeth.

But this I know,

you both possess the power

of wonder, passion,

humanity and humour,

to transport you through

the portal of dark wardrobes

to the lamp-post’s light.

You both possess the power

to change ice to summer,

face evil with compassion,

exchange doubt for hope

and roam the plains

and jungles of your lives

with gentle strength

and an understanding

of the earth and all its spirits.

You have a wild beauty,

my sons,

that lives deeply in my heart

and touches everyone you meet

with love.

 

This series of posts are a celebration of my astrological sun sign, Leo, in  words, images and music…

Footnote as of 29 July 2014: Interestingly this particular post has more often than not appeared in my Top Posts and Pages sidebar since it was first published a year ago. I can only think that many people are attracted by the Narnia stories and also, maybe considering sending their children to Sam’s summer camp. This year’s camp is happening as I write with a greater attendance than ever. If your children are there, or if you are thinking of enrolling them next year, I hope that this post gives you confidence that your sons or daughters will be safe, cared for and filled with wonder and magical experiences. I welcome any responses if this applies to you.

Update November 2015. I was ‘Resident Artist’ at Camp Narnia this past summer so now I feel ’embedded’ and more knowledgeable of which I speak. Having now become an honorary ‘Narnian’ and experienced all aspects of the camp, 24/7 for almost a month, my  previous praise for this camp, although high, was understated. I was so very impressed with everybody and everything. I may create some posts about my summer on the other side of the wardrobe. Meanwhile I encourage you to watch Mike Paton’s brilliant Video of Camp Narnia, made this summer:

Credits: Poem, and photo of sons by clinock / Images: Aslan in snow, thanks to http://www.free-wallpaper.eu / Fire Lion thanks to Alex Barrera, http://www.kootation.com / Lion and boy thanks to http://www.narnia.wikia.com / Video thanks to Mike Paton: http://www.lifestoryvideo.ca