--by Sue Monk Kidd

"The Gnostics didn't fully acknowledge Jesus' humanity and death.  They believed it was the knowledge or gnosis of Jesus' message that saved humanity, not the crucifixion.  To them he was a divine redeemer, not one who came to suffer and die."

I knew I was going to be writing something this evening, for I could feel it building...the way one feels a storm brewing...the slow, soft, quiet storms that bring more than just rain with them.

I thought I would be revisiting Socrates...but the impetus to write turned out to be something quite different than the philosophical ponderings over ancient debates of Justice...

My inspiration has come from the dissolution (dis-illusion) of yet another relationship...

Perceptions...a person's perception of a thing, subject, matter, etc are never “wrong”...it is their's, and their's alone. Just as the perspective of a camera lens in tight focus is not framing a “wrong” or “faulty” composition of -- let's say -- a child, because only the face of the child is in view. It is simply not encompassing the totality of that which is before it...and although it could be said that such a perspective is lacking, it still has merit in its own right.

If the camera lens is covered with scratches or debris, then such will show in the composition...although this may not be a desirable picture (and not *truly* arising from the subject), it is still 'right' in the sense that the scratches and lint were present within the focus – albeit exclusively to the lens itself (and not an actual attribute of the subject in view)...

So...when one misperceives a person, subject, event, etc it is not that the mis-perception is “wrong”...there are simply 'things' interfering with a clear view...(and this is where he and I veered in drastically different directions...similar core, foundational philosophical/spiritual views would have prevented such a divergence...but alas...)

On a similar line of thought (same inspirational source)...

Rarely are things what they appear to be on the surface...the surface is often times more a reflection than a window. One has to have the ability -- perceptiveness and willingness, to peer beyond the surface's reflection...a shift of perspective is necessary...only then is the reflection replaced with a view into the deeper reality.

...

All this talk and thought of perceptions, perspectives -- and I've discovered the fog has come to my neck of the woods to rest for the evening...

I wonder where Neptune is sitting...

Time...how it shifts, slips, changes and flies.

Wise Einstein passed along such knowledge when he declared Time as being relative...relative to each individual's perspective within each unique moment. Infinite realities, indeed.

Speaking of realities and perspectives -- have you ever stopped to contemplate why we use the verb “spent” when referring to our usage of time...and what the deeper meaning within such may mean? We use the same passive verb when referring to energy...and money. And what is money really, but a symbolic representation of power?

Here's a quick definition of “spent”:

• exhausted: drained of energy or effectiveness; extremely tired; completely exhausted

• gone: having all been spent; "the money is all gone"

 

And here's “power”:

 

• possession of controlling influence

• (physics) the rate of doing work

• ability: possession of the qualities (especially mental qualities) required to do something or get something done

• world power: a state powerful enough to influence events throughout the world

• one possessing or exercising power or influence or authority; "may the force be with you"

• might: physical strength

• exponent: a mathematical notation indicating the number of times a quantity is multiplied by itself

• supply the force or power for the functioning of
  
  

So from there, could it not be concluded that when it is said “I do not have time [to be...; to do...; for...; etc]” that in essence what is being expressed is the belief/thought that “I do not have power [to be...; to do...; for...]”?

“I don't have the power to...”?!? I believe that expression would fall into the category of 'victim mentality/consciousness'. Extremely dis-empowering. Why do we use such language? Cultural conditioning...and lack of awareness.

I believe it would be very wise for us to take the time to first observe what we are expressing...getting to the essence of the thoughts and words used...and then deciding if the results are what we are desiring to achieve. For thoughts and words are the building blocks of Creation, are they not?

Personally, I like the phrase “I will make time...”. Yep, I really like the way that phrase sounds and feels. I find it carries with it creative potential and self-empowerment.

Infinite possibilities, indeed...enjoy your Time.

http://www.endofworld.net/

I happened across a book sitting upon a bookshelf amidst a sea of others...and even though I've done extensive reading on the subject, my curiosity was hooked and the book beckoned to be opened.

The preface alone was full of  wonderful words of wisdom that I was inspired to share...
and although I've only read the preface and intro, I can tell this is a work that I H I G H L Y recommend to add to one's library...

**********

"It's my conviction that slight shifts in imagination have more impact on living than major efforts at change."

"The point of this book is to free ourselves of longstanding and rigid ideas and images of what it means to love, to be married, to be a friend, or to live in community."

"Although the book is called Soul Mates, it takes that notion broadly, to include the soul in all kinds of relationships...This book extends the idea of soul mate in order to suggest ways of being in any relationship soulfully, and it also celebrates those rare and profoundly satisfying bonds we feel with certain people who in the strictest sense are soul mates."

"The heart has its own reasons."

"The heart is a mystery -- not a puzzle than can't be solved, but a mystery in the religious sense:  unfathomable, beyond manipulation, showing traces of the finger of God at work."

"When we focus our attention on the soul of relationship, instead of on its interpersonal mechanics, a different set of values comes to the foreground.  We are now interested in fantasy and imagination.  We begin to see relationship as the place where soul works out destiny."

*********


For me, this discovery just goes to show that no matter how much knowledge we hold on a given subject, there is always room for another's inpsired perspective to add to, expand and enrich our understanding...

~Namaste

Christ's words were actually something more like --

"I AM is the Way"

"I AM is the Truth"

"I AM is the Light"

?

I have been contemplating that which I have borne witness to and it has left me with a spiraling sea of questions that press upon me to be answered.

 

Are those who profess belief in Higher Truths merely parroting what they have learned in their spiritual explorations? 

 

Are "we" plagued with the very same hypocrisy and lack of True and Right action as the conventional religions we have walked away from?   Indeed, from what I have witnessed, I say we are.

 

Which leads me to question just how wide-spread and deep this plague is among the 'aware and enlightened'.  New and improved packaging doesn't automatically reflect the contents.

 

How do we expect to change the world when so many are still perpetuating the very same paradigms and dramas of mainstream society?

 

I have seen the chasm between knowledge and wisdom grows wide and the illusions of ego become all the more clever and deceptive as it, too, gains spiritual knowledge.

 

It is by Divine Grace that I have not lost all hope for humanity and our collective future, for more times than not, those I encounter do not act in harmony with the image of spiritual enlightenment they project with their eloquent and smart words once "pushed" beyond their comfort zones.

 

But I know in the very core of my being there are those out there whose words and actions create a beautiful harmony and radiate a powerful, dynamic Light.  There are those who are consistent in thoughts, words and deeds no matter what circumstance they may find themselves in -- in the easy times, as well as the difficult times.  

 

Where are these willing vessels and conduits of the Divine?  The ones who have walked through the Fires of Trial and Refinement and have come out pure, strong and willing to be of service to the Great Work.  Where are those who listen and act upon the whispers of Great Spirit?

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

I also wondered if the differences between men and women are still great during these Times of change we are now in...

 

The men thus far whom I've encountered and interacted with are only willing to 'aid' or 'give' if it means they can exert control over my actions and words and confine me to their belief systems...in essence, they are willing only if they can possess me.

 

Lovely, seductive words expressing Higher Truths...sentiments of true, unconditional love and personal freedom for both acting like water to a parched soul.  But once they discover I'm beyond categorizing...beyond social norms...beyond being confined to how they think I should be, the illusion is quickly (and somewhat violently) blown away.

 

My 'silent observer' cannot help but watch with a mixture of amusement, amazement and mild disgust as the other quickly devolves into a fit and strives to exert and gain control over me, not even batting an eyes as they launch 'threats' in my direction if I don't bend to their way -- simultaneously my 'observer' is automatically identifying the triggers and core issues that has given rise to such hypocritical, base behavior. 

 

To speak out of what is being observed?  Useless -- it just feeds the power struggle drama.  I've learned silence is golden in certain circumstances and I'm learning when to place a 'gag order' on the warrior in me that wants to 'defend' and/or shine Light on the situation at hand...and the desire to return back the energy thrown my way is ever present.  But I'll let the Universe deal out karmic balance in the more personal 'areas',  thank you very much...don't want my ego getting  a hold of

 

But women, on the other hand...I've watched (either as a third party or by first hand experience) that there is a spirit of True assistance, faith and giving they embody that I've yet to see in men.  Perhaps it is the maternal nature inherent in women (as a whole) that lends to this attribute...I surely don't claim to have the answer...but I can't help but wonder given what I've obsevered.

 

In analyzing and  reflecting on these dynamics I have witnessed, the next step in the process leads me to question what still lurks and lingers in my own shadows to attract such experiences into my life after doing all the work I've done thus far along my Path.  By George, I believe I've got it!  But that is a tale for another forum -- like a book.

 

So I know the lessons I've gleaned from these experiences and I also know the beliefs I'm tempted to erect from these experiences...but I think in this moment the I've found a Balance...

 

Never again will I place my faith in men (meaning 'mankind' here now) to act according to his speech until AFTER I see how he responds and reacts when the going gets tough...

 

Never again will I lay plans in which the success of such are dependent on another person honoring their word -- for the minds and hearts of men are fickle and calculating.

 

And I do not say this as a person scorned and jaded.  It is a matter of recognizing that when an illusion is cast away, it is truly only myself I have to "blame" for placing my trust, hope and faith in anything/anyone other than the Divine directly.

 

A question that plagues me with these conclusions, however, is "how does one co-create a  new paradigm with others in light of these conclusions?".

 

Like attracts like...

 

So with detached hope, I will hope that the most recent experiences were a banishment of old thought patterns that still lingered within me and a 'final test'; and that from here on out those I encounter and 'attract' are indeed in harmony with my highest ideals and visions -- for myself and for humanity as a whole.

 

 

 

 

In contemplation I have found the drawing of “The Hanged Man” to be very in tune with today...

The energies and symbols I see present point to Jupiter, the number 4 (which can be seen in Jupiter's glyph), Venus, the inverted 4, as seen in the crossed legs of the man in question...and today is the 4^th of July – symbolizing to me rebellion, battle for the greater good, freedom and passionate Fire in the American collective consciousness. 

What shall you create on this day of Independence?

 

And again, the below cited work is not my own (aside from a few interjections here and there) – it has been sourced from Pamela Eakins, PH.D. -- “Tarot of the Spirit”...

 

THE HANGED MAN : XII

Divinatory Meaning------------------------------------------------------

It is time to retreat, withdraw and surrender to quietude; when the internal waters are stilled, you can see and hear your deep eternal self which is your own truth; through meditative contemplation, you will arrive at truth; your florious nature is revealed when the clear waters of your mind cease to be distrubed by rippling thoughts; this is a time of voluntary withdrawal, reenter the world only when you know you have receiveed answers; do not be pushed or agitated by the whims of others.

Esoteric Qualities------------------------------------------------------

Hebrew attribution: Mem, water

Astrological attribution: Water, the reflective principle [Moon]

Twenty third Path: Mediates between Geburah (the great universal destroyer [Mars, Hecate, Kali]) and Hod (the thinking mind [Mercury, Gemini])

Essence: The Return to the sea of life, the womb of all being

Intelligence: The Stable Intelligence, the original intellect, the deep mind, which is, was and ever shall be

Veil: Thoughts that ripple across the mind's surface are the whole of the truth.

Mystery: In losing your self, you find your Self.

 

Interpretation------------------------------------------------------------------------

Key XII, the Hanged Man, represents the suspended mind. At Key XII, you are in a time of place of surrender. You are letting go. You are voluntarily retreating. You are evolving and this process necessitates withdrawal.

The Hanged Man immerses himself in Water, the element of deep understanding. There it is possible for him to tap the deep flow of the original intellect, the universal mind [Jung's “collective consciousness”?], the most stable intelligence, the brilliant pattern of thought known before and beneath the myriad dimensions of cultural overlay. He is immersed in the cosmic womb, that which cradles spirit and builds from. This womb is a shell of protection which offers a way of knowing through quieting and releasing the self from preoccupation with everyday matters. The Hanged Man is submerged in deep introspection.

From this womb, which could be compared to a cocoon or an isolation tank, the man – when he so wills – is reborn in newness

I am reminded of the telling of Nicodemus posing the question of how one can be “born again” to Christ...

As the twenty-third path on the Tree of Life, Key XII mediates between Geburah, the universal force of dissolution, and Hod, the Hanged Man's intelligence or patterns of thought. On the twenty-third path, the Hanged Man must experience the dissolution of former patterns –Death – in order to evolve. Thus, the womb is also a grave or tomb, in that the process of change requres laying ot rest, or leaving room for the new to emerge. The Hanged Man's process is therefore akin to a metamorphosis. Just as the larval of an insect becomes the pupa which then transforms into the adult, the Hanged Man eventually emerges in a more evolved state. Reborn, ho now sees the world from a new perspective, a point of views which is uncolored by his prior socialization. He has abandoned thought patterns which were overly complicated, false or misguided.

As one situation ends and another begins, the submerged one is redeemed. He is freed from the constructs which led him into bondage. As is symbolized by his legs crossed in an inverted 4, the Hanged Man in submersion is reconsidering his relationship to the material world. He is engaged in the human quest to overcome conditioned limitations. He is rethinking the purpose of his existence. Gareth Knight states; “...perhaps the most basic Spiritual Law of the Universe is, however much appearances seem to indicated to the contrary, you get out of life exactly what you put into it.” Key XII, the Hanged Man, holds the answer to discovering what you are going to put into life. Your first task is to make your mind into a clear receptive vessel operation with pure, unfettered and unclouded universal mind. Once social conditioning is cleared away, your true purpose has room to emerge.

Submerged, you will find your Self at the door of reason. This is a door to the “mighty Waters of Ain Soph,” the realm in which the cosmic atom of the inner Self – the Self freed from social constraints – is encountered. In this realm, you arrive at an understanding of the nature of consciousness and perceive the truth purely and clearly. Submerged, you begin to come to terms with the vast and mighty power of the massed and steadfast intention of the will-to-good.

To achieve a state of clear awareness, you must learn to see as the Buddha saw. The Buddha said, “In what is seen there must be just the seen; in what is heard there must be just the heard; in what is sensed (as smell, taste or touch) there must be just what is sensed; in what is thought there must be just the thought.” Zen Buddhist Philip Kapeau states that for many of us, whose minds are usually “checkerboards of reflection, opinion and prejudice”, bare attention becomes difficult to achieve. Our lives have become centered not in reality itself but in our ideas of it, and the mind, when agitated or disturbed by an excess of stimulation, cannot reflect the deepest inner reality. Only when the pool of consciousness is stilled can we begin to perceive the true reflection of the One Self. To enter into a new way of knowing, we must strip the mind of extraneous thought and allow our selves to fully experience that which IS on the innermost plane.

In order to perceive its own true nature, the mind must first be brought to a state of emptiness. This is why retreat or withdrawal – secluded submersion—is so important. In this state, certain characteristics of existence are illuminated. In diving below the built up layers of our human experience, we begin to come to grips with the divine law of cause and effect. We come to understand the exacting nature of karma: the necessity of production and solution as well as the necessity of dissolution. We understand that we create and control our own reactions and reflections. We learn that at every moment, we are taking the first step upon a new path. At each moment, we create the karma in which our path is bound. Most importantly, we learn that true and lasting freedom is achieved through successfully aligning our own “free will” with the cosmic will. We learn that love is the will, love under law. We have created to conditions of our own bondage.

Through our deepened understanding, and attunement to the guidance of the Higher Self, we can overcome the conflicts we feel in our everyday life. Through willingness to submit to the dictates of our highest conscience and consciousness – which will inevitably point to love as the highest of all principles – we are regenerated and born again. In the way of love, we sacrifice aggression, greed and selfishness for vulnerability, openness and selflessness.

As we emerge from submersion in the might waters of the cosmic sea, the realm where we discover the elemental Self, the efforts of body and mind are consolidated, focused and energized. Our intelligence is clear, stable and consistent. Stress dissolves. WE have seen the Inner Self and we have learned of its higher purpose.”

 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------- 

and here is a link to the site where the accompanying image was sourced...

 

Summer is well at hand and the element of Fire bursts forth in the most unexpected places.

Rich with symbolism I have found the Land I am now in to be...what do your surroundings whisper to you?

Bees, Fire, Wood, Weaving, Adventure and Travel, The Sea, Sensuality, the Sun...god, I love Summer.

What visions are conjured from contemplating over what the archetypal symbols stir within our souls – individually and collectively?

Tis a Time of Dynamic energy, and if one has taken the time to cultivate such, it can be a most wonderful energy to work and play with. Mythologically (and dare I venture to say historically), Summer is a season that has been rich with tales of the archetypal god and goddess coming together, stories of liberation and freedom...among many other tales of adventures and noble quests.

Do you watch the patterns of your life running parallel to archetypes and mythology? Do you dare to embrace your dreams of both day and night?

I have found myself blessed with standing at The Tower – in awe and deepest appreciation to All that which carries within it a spark of the Divine.

It is no longer a question of what shall the Future bring us, as we have heard spoken with deep passion in the past, but a question of what shall we make of the Future? To build, what is necessary? Plans, Tools and a Foundation. I would classify information, knowledge, balance and present energy as being tools, myself.

What knowledge will you consciously choose to acquire? We 'watch' what physical ingredients we bring into our bodies striving for physical strength and health, is it so illogical to watch what type of information we bring into our minds? I think not.

Do you listen to what stirs within your soul? The Soul is quickened by the Divine Spirit – can you hear It? Do you trust yourself to discern and interpret what is before you? I shall say, I have my moments where I doubt the source of what I'm “hearing” – and I believe we have all found ourselves facing such inner questions and doubts, but I also know that I could not be where I am in this moment had I not pushed through the doubt. It is not an easy Path to walk, but the rewards are truly awe-inspiring.

Quiet yourself and listen to the Wind as it blows and dances around you, as your soul will understand the whispers of Its messages. Breathe the Wind in as deeply as your body can contain, for clarity is but one of the gifts carried upon the Wind – will you accept the gift when it is presented to you?

Do you dare leap to meet your Dreams?

I feel the strong impulse to begin building – how could I not when I find myself blessed to be holding company with brothers and sisters of Saturn and Uranus?

And then there is the urge to beginning communicating again, after an extended silence on the Web...Swords, Spiders, Wind, Mercury, Lightning, Towers and Castles...these images arise together and point back to each another in my ponderings. In my dreams they come to me, while walking in the glory of Nature I spot them in the Sky, while meditating in the brilliance of the Sun the whisper to me, in the company of a kindred spirit they peek between the gazes...

Again, I pose a question – what do these images conjure for you? A Mercury Retrograde is slated for the skies – I find myself contemplating just how to best utilize the flow of energy that shall be present. As a child of Saturn (in retrograde, no less), I have quite the affinity to the task of turning a seeming pitfall into a bounding leap up the mountain side...I think I shall have much fun with the experiment that has presented itself. 

"That which does not kill me only makes me stronger" is a motto spoken with grave seriousness by those who have shared in the adventures of mountain climbing throughout one's Life.

And speaking of tools – those in which we use to heal, to learn, to build...I've begun a study of a form of the Golden Art of Tarot...what a rich history the Tarot holds. I think I shall begin a post on my own personal study – and invite you to ponder over the questions posed and share what you come back with.

I've discovered in my inner quest that I am often at my most happy and content times when I'm reading, studying, writing and teaching others with what I share. I've heard people say (and have even felt them think) that I am “doing things wrong” by not adhering to the societal norms in how I choose to walk my Path and live my Life (there are those within my life that have gone so far as to claim I was mentally ill in court proceedings -- what a tale to tell that is). "Malicious slander" those who truly know me would say.

 

But aside from that, the experience has served rightly to show me just how irrationally many still cling and hold tight to preconceived notions formed from the faulty conditioning of their past.

And I know I am safe in my assumption that I am not the only one who has faced such intolerance and the condemnation that arises from it. I say to you who have experienced an echo of this in your own life -- do not faint and do not allow the perceptions of others to detour you from where your soul is leading you. Hold fast and stay the course...it is always darkest just before the breaking of the Dawn.

So here I am, defying others logic and reason and doing what brings me inner peace and satisfies my soul's spiritual ideals...I can think of know better way to obtain the highest possible outcome in my Life – and therefore in the lives of those whom I hold near and dear to my heart.

Am I crazy? Perhaps I am. I do know for sure, however, that I do not choose to live the type of life I see so many living and what results from their striving to play the game by rules set forth by a system that does not honor its word -- infested with hipocracy and back-stabbing in each and every division and rank...a system that has inflicted great harm upon the Earth and Our Children. No thank you. I've assessed the situation and from that assessment have chosen to see what a different paradigm shall give rise to – looking to the lost Arts, Higher Teachings and Elders to help plot a course and guide my way.

Care to join me? I bet fantastic Tales will be weaved from such a Quest...

Hello All~

 

After a period of much activity and the introspection of such, my 'silence' on the Web seems to have broken, as I have much I wish to share with other kindred souls and spirits.

 

I thought I would see how a study of “Tarot of the Spirit” , with my own interjections here and there, would do – wondering what shall unfold from the sharing of such. The companion book to this particular style of Tarot deck was written by Pamela Eakins, PH.D., in 1992 and published by Weiser Books. Her cited work below is denoted by italics. Once my scanner is back at my finger tips, I will more than likely scan the accompanying cards that I believe to be the art of Dr. Eakins sister.

 

The cards I share here are chosen intuitively – and it is quite fun to see how the cards seem to pull synchronistic events into perspective.

 

This particular work by Pamela Eakins is a most powerful tool that I highly recommend. I hope her teachings shall aid all those along their Path who read her thoughts and conclusions – as it has mine.

 

 

KEY VI – THE LOVERS

 

Esoteric Qualities -----------------------------------------------------------

 

Hebrew attribution: Zain, the sword

 

Astrological attribution: Gemini/Mercury communication

 

Seventeenth Path: Mediates between Binah (the Eternal Mother Principle) and Tiphareth (spiritual beauty and light manifested on the plane of earth, the Eternal Son Principle).

 

Essence: The Lovers are the children of god, also referred to as the children of the voice of super consciousness.

 

Intelligence: The Separating or Disposing Intelligence; in order to join, separation must first be acknowledged.

 

Veil: Each one of us is a completely separate entity. We are born alone and we die alone, remaining forever disconnected.

 

Mystery: Separation is essential for evolution; part of the self stays in ascension while part of the self descends into manifestation. We are each a spark of the one flame.

 

And some of my own thoughts...

 

Numerological attributes:

 

2.6.8 and

1.7  = numbers compsing the 17TH Path

 

2 = Polarity

 

6 = card number

 

8 = 17 (17TH Path)

 

1 = The Creative, Male, Dominant, Alpha, Leader, Ambition,Initiation, Individualism, Self, Arrogance, Aggression,Attainment, Happiness, Fulfillment, Glory, Fame, Birth, Fire, Unique, Omniscience
 

 

2= The Submissive, Female, Dualism, Cooperation, Consideration, Cooperation, Balance, Mediation, The Other, Love,Flexibility, Adaptability, Grace, Dance, Harmony, Devotion,Obedience, The Subconscious, Water, Soul Mate

 

6 = The Protector, Provider, Healer, Nurturing, Children,Empathy, Intuition, Sympathy, Quality, Sustenance,Love of Community, Unconditional love, Circulation, Economy, Agriculture, Charity, Balance, Grace, Evolution,Simplicity, Sorcery

 

7 = The Analyst, Thinker, Science, Learning, Education, Study,The Written Word, Logic, Alchemy, Secrets, Myth, Religion, Ritual, Understanding,Knowledge, Isolation, Chastity,Dignity, The Collective Consciousness, Genius

 

8 = The Manifesting, Wealth, Power, Riches, Status, Material,Pragmatism, The Ego, Provision, Aggregation, Dictatorship,Multiples, Business, Investment, Employment, Appearance,Customs, Skills, Exchange, Reality, World Transformation.

 

And I have found for myself -- personally, that the symbolism of Swords, Fire, Crows, Keys, Travel (to name but a few) have been nearly prolific around me at the moment – which I can most definitely see the reflections of such in the interpretation of the card “The Lovers” with recent surrounding events...what fun ;-)

 

So following is Dr. Eakins' interpretation of “The Lovers”, sharing a harmony of different beliefs and perspectives regarding the cards and the meaning behind the symbols. I believe she provided an amazing depth of insight, connecting and blending a myriad of harmonious beliefs.

 

 

Interpretation---------------------------------------------------------------

 

The Lovers represent the sword that slashes down through the cosmos separation the whole of us into discreet forms. The sword distributed gender and polarity through the universe, creating the tension of opposites. Polarity is the basic principle of manifest existence. It is the antithesis of the nail (see Key V : The Hierophant) The nail binds. The sword cleaves, cuts, divides, separates. The sword of Zain cuts apart and places all that exists into the distinct forms of manifestation. It is the force that takes the limitless substance of the universe and categorizes it [Gemini, Mercury]. It creates form in the formless, name in the nameless. It separates night from day, black from white, female from male, negative from positive, cold from hot, wet from dry, loss from gain, pleasure from pain. Zain, the sword, is the tool that separates the life force into discreet entities; trees of the garden from beasts of the field from birds of the air from man and woman [Adam and Eve, creation story myths].

 

It is through the sword of Zain that we know ourselves as individual and unique. Through Zain, we understand our separation. The fact of split-apartness causes us great joy as well as great grief. We know the jubilation and the devastation of having descended into manifestation to be ensouled in a physical body. The process of becoming manifest provides us with a tremendous opportunity to create just as it is the source of our frustration. We feel hopeful, but cut off. Therefore, we continually strive to reunite with the great force of the limitless substance, even as we fear that same reunion.

 

Further, we seek to unite with others just as we seek peace within ourselves. This is the dilemma of the Lovers. The tension of separation facilitates our desire to reconnect. As such, our very separateness becomes the basis of our love. The desire to reconnect is the driving force. We seek the unification of opposites within in order to know inner balance. We seek all that we are missing in order to make us whole.

 

The polarity of the Lovers can be understood on several levels. On one level, the Lovers can be taken literally to refer to sexual and sensual unity. This aspect of the Lovers involves attraction and approaching. It is the recognition of the Self [the Soul] divided from the whole. The Self feels removed and yearns for that which is beyond. This is the desire to connect intimately with another and experience completion. This urge is beautifully expressed in the...interchange from the Song of Solomon in the Bible...

 

In many tarot representations of the Lovers, they are depicted as nude figures. Their nakedness demonstrates the innocence of their love. In their nakedness, they are clothed only by the holy spirit of their love. The Lover, in purity and innocence, mirrors aspects of the Self and completes that which is lacking.

 

On another level, Key VI symbolizes a royal or exalted marriage. This is the marriage [or alchemy] of the Emperor (Key IV) and the Empress (Key III). The marriage of yang and yin, animus with anima, heaven with earth, force with form. Their love conveys the delicate balance of equally-weighted opposites.

 

On the Tree of Life, this is the marriage of Chokmah and Binah, the Eternal Father with the Eternal Mother principles. This marriage unifies, even as it defines and separates, Fire and Water, The two primary elemental forces. Through the marriage, [or combination of energies] the son is born. Thus, Key VI is the path the connects the Universal Mother with the Universal Son [Christ and the virgin Mary]. Paternity is, once again, the hidden cause of this connection.

 

In the tarot, the Lovers has several layers of meaning. The meaning has been in debate for centuries. Who, really, are the Lovers? Some say the Lovers are man and woman. Some say they represent balance within the Self, the divine inner marriage which results from Self-love. Still others say the Lovers represent the connection between Self and God. Finally, Key VI is said to represent brotherhood [Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table] or sisterhood [a Coven or Priestess-hood]. Brotherhood, for example, refers to an association of people who are united in a common interest such as a belief system. This, too, is union.

 

Just as the meaning of the Lovers in the tarot has been widely debated, the identification of the Lovers in Song of Solomon has always been in dispute. Suffice it to say, the Song works on many levels. Some see the Song as a genuine love story conveying a true and genuine affection between two people. Others say the male is is God and the Female represents the People of Israel. Others claim that the man is Christ and the woman is the Church.

 

...I would say it is not a matter of one over the other, but more so that it is unique unto each experience and each individual, and I think that is what Eakins points to in the information she has chosen to share and expound on.

 

A good symbolic representation works on many levels at once. As a spiritual symbol, the Lovers represents the unification of the levels of consciousness within the Self. It refers to the true merger of the three modes of mind: the super-conscious (higher consciousness; the light), the waking consciousness and the subconscious (the dark). In linking these layers of consciousness, the link between the individual and the holy guardian angel is formed. This link is the link between the individual and the spirit as well as between the individual and the personality.

 

Through separating out and understanding the true relation among the three modes of consciousness – and thereby beginning to ascertain clear the messages of the universe – we begin to attain a knowledge of our individual purpose on a higher level. Understanding this entails a complete transformation on four planes, a transformation which is told in the original stories of creation. So then, the Lovers is also the key of creating a new universe [emphasis mine]. Key VI separates out and recombines. It leaves us with the questions: of what are things composed; how shall we recombine them [the Art of Alchemy]?

 

Once we have heard the messages of the universe clearly and begun to perceive our calling, we must retain faith in our perceptions. Taken even further, the Lovers is the experience of faith in the higher self. Part of this faith is the understanding that in order to grow, we must let go, or separate out, that which no longer fits. This is the experience of giving birth. One must surrender to the fact of birth in order to experience the new life that is emerging. On the spiritual plane, the new birth can be seen as the birth of light and faith.

 

The Lovers is the Seventeenth Path on the Tree of Life. This path mediates between Binah...and Tiphareth...The separation of Binah and Tiphareth contains the magical image of the power of surrender (see the Three of Wind). In the Lovers, you learn that you must give up one form in order to gain another. You must surrender in order to achieve victory. You must understand your sense of sorrow and separation even as you recognize your oneness with all things.

 

In all cases, the Lovers is the experience of the agony of separation and the bliss of union. We learn that there is a certain ecstasy in separation and that is the triumph of individual achievement. There can also be a terrible agony in union. Union, without a sense of oneness, can feel like unfulfilling bondage.

 

The fact of separation contains union and union contains separation and these two concepts repeat infinitely within each other. Knowing love is an opportunity and a curse. The object of the Lovers is to tune into basic goodness, to attune to pure unconditional love, both on the inner and outer levels. Key VI tells us that unconditional love is the driving force of the universe. The secret of Key VI is the knowledge that things of matter in the universe are separated by the boundaries of matter and that love is the glue that binds all things. As we learn this lesson, we understand that Key VI represents the emergence of the Christ-consciousness [Buddha, Quan Yin] on the physical plane.

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As always, I welcome and embrace any discussion, as I believe we have so very much we can learn and teach one to the other. 

 

Be safe and blessed amidst your adventures...and may your thoughts be those of Clarity, Truth and Wisdom.