My Journey with the Ascended Masters

I have always enjoyed being creative, although I have never really considered myself an artist. Over the years, I have painted mandalas on the walls of my homes and explored different forms of spiritually inspired artwork.

But in 2019, something quite unexpected began.

I felt a strong inner knowing that I needed to paint a portrait of the Ascended Master El Morya.

Although I had worked spiritually with the Ascended Masters for many years, I had never attempted to paint a face. I had no idea where to begin!

Having recently moved house, I found a lovely light-filled space in my kitchen and set up my paints.

I watched videos to learn how to paint a nose, a mouth and the features of a face. My first attempts were dreadful, and I came very close to throwing the painting away.

But something encouraged me to continue.

For weeks I worked on the portrait, gradually making changes until, one day, I began to recognise El Morya looking back at me.

It wasn't a perfect painting, but perfection had never been the purpose.

A Journey of Twelve Paintings

As I continued my spiritual practice, I understood that I was to paint twelve of the Ascended Masters.

Before painting, I would spend time in prayer and meditation, connecting with El Morya and allowing the inspiration to unfold.

Each painting became an experience in itself, offering an opportunity to deepen my understanding and connection with the Masters.

This journey continued over several years, through changes in my life and the homes in which I lived.

The final portrait was Lord Maitreya.

Interestingly, I had never felt a particularly strong connection with Maitreya before beginning his painting. Yet while working on his portrait, I experienced something quite profound.

I felt completely enveloped in Divine Love.

It was an experience that has stayed with me, and today his painting remains in my bedroom, alongside those of Sanat Kumara and Lady Venus Kumara.

From Painting to Writing

For much of my life, I had wanted to write a book. I had made several attempts, but somehow the writing never developed into anything substantial.

Through my spiritual experiences, I came to understand that I needed to complete these twelve paintings before I would be ready to write.

It wasn't simply about finishing a collection of artwork.

The years spent painting had become a journey of dedication, patience, contemplation and a deepening connection with the Ascended Masters.

When I completed the final painting, I didn't feel that my creative journey had ended. I knew I would paint again.

But I did feel something had changed within me.

I had developed a deeper knowing of the Masters, and when I eventually began writing my book, I felt ready to undertake that work with their blessing and approval.

Looking back, I realise that the paintings were never simply about creating pictures.

They were part of my spiritual journey, preparing me for another chapter of my life.

Dee Banton