Sunday, December 26, 2010

Gold - As A Symbol
(Alchemy, Mythology, Tarot, and Folklore)


"All that is gold does not glitter."
- "The Hobbit", J.R.R. Tolkien

History, Alchemy, mythology, and folklore abound with tales of the
Quest for Gold.

The 49ers rushed to California from all parts of the world in their
Quest for this precious metal. The medieval Alchemists toiled
their lives away over their furnaces in their attempt to turn "lead
into gold".

Mythology tells us of: Jason and his Argonauts in search of the
Golden fleece...Hercules and the Golden Apples of the Hesperides
...and, King Midas turning everything he touched into Gold.

Folklore tells us of: leprechaun Gold...dragons guarding huge
caverns of Gold...maidens with long Golden hair...and even a
damsel spinning straw into Gold.

But what is it about this yellow metal that has captivated,
obsessed, and hypnotized mankind throughout the ages of Time?
And, what is the True meaning of the Golden Quests which
entranced so many Seekers and Adventurers of myth and legend?

For our answers, let us turn our attention to the Symbolism
connected with this precious metal we call Gold.

Gold represents the masculine, yang Principle. In Alchemy and
Astrology Gold is a Symbol for the Sun. In mythology, Gold was
thought to be the rays of the Sun which were captured by
Mother Earth and buried in Her underground Womb.

Gold is maleable. It can be hammered paper thin and it will not
shatter This means that it can be easily molded to fit upon, or
create, almost any Statue or work of art. In this sense, Gold is a
Symbol for indestructible, eternal, and adaptable.

Gold has a constant luster. It shines just like the Sun. Therefore,
in both Astrology and Alchemy, Gold is the physical Symbol for the
Divine Radiance of the heavenly Sun.

We can experience this Symbolism for ourselves by simply gazing
at a Gold coin or a Gold nugget. Regardless of what angle a Gold
coin, or Gold nugget, is viewed from, its shine neither diminishes,
"glitters", nor changes. For this reason, Gold is a Symbol for
constancy, certainty, honesty, permanence, stability, and the
unchangeable. In this aspect, Gold is the Symbol for Truth.

Gold is the one metal which will not tarnish, corrode, oxidize, or
have its color fade due to either Time, or the elements of Nature.
A Gold coin, or a Golden object, which has been in the ground for
thousands of years, will come out of the ground in the same
untainted condition today as when it was first buried either
centuries, or millennia, ago.

And because Gold will not tarnish, corrode, or fade in color, it is
not only a Symbol for Immortality, but also a Symbol for any
uncorruptible or untarnishable Quest, Ambition, or Purpose.
In this sense, Gold is also a Symbol for ultimate Wisdom and
ultimate Truth. For just as Wisdom and Truth can be hidden,
Obscured, ridiculed, and buried without losing their luster, shine,
and permanence, the same holds True for Gold.

Although the Symbolism of Gold appears throughout mythology,
legend, and folklore, we find excellent examples of Gold's Symbolism
the Tarot deck. The card of "The Fool", along with several other
cards, contains a Golden Sky. This tells us that the Quest, or the
Purpose, Symbolized by these particular cards is taking place under
the Shining Wisdom of the Eternal Heavens, and that spiritual
perfection and superiority are the Lesson contained within that card.

Gold, in both its physical form and spiritual essence, has beckoned
mankind from the earliest of Times. Those who find physical Gold
will certainly find a Treasure. Those who find spiritual Gold will find
ultimate perfection. And those who find both, will experience the
Union of Duality, which is the ultimate aim of our Current
Incarnation.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010
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Sunday, December 19, 2010

Appearances And Perceptions


"Trust not too much to appearances."
- Virgil

"The fish sees only the bait, not the hook."
- Chinese proverb

Why is it that we are so ready to unconditionally judge the inner,
and unseen, contents of a box or package based solely upon its
outer gift wrapping?

Why is it that we so readily accept the words of some "expert"
or "authority" simply because these Words are presented to
us by someone who is stylishly groomed, impeccably dressed,
and is in possession of some "recognized credentials"?

Why is it that we trust in, and unquestionably Believe, the many
arguments, dogmas, and Indoctrinations which are served to us
by way of attractive "packaging" which is designed by, and
delivered to us by way of, self-serving individuals, groups, and
organizations?

Over time, society has created a materialistic measuring scale
for us to use when making Decisions. This measuring scale has
conditioned us to perceive that the more attractive a person, a
cause, or thing appears, the more we should unquestionably rely
upon it as being trustworthy, desirable, and True.

In other words, we have been Indoctrinated into believing that
illusion should be accepted as Truth, and that Truth, which is
seldom, if ever, presented to us by way of sparkle and glitter,
should be ridiculed, discredited, and ignored.

This is why it is so easy to manipulate, and Deceive, the masses.
Manipulation and Deception simply require an attractively
camouflaged appearance, a well-baited hook, for them to be accepted
as valid by most members of society.

And after we have willingly allowed ourselves to be tricked by
some cutely packaged scheme or promotion, we say to ourselves:
"I should have known better".

But how does this happen to us? Why do we allow ourselves
to be tricked, manipulated, and deceived by attractive Words,
well-groomed "experts", and tantalizing promotions? Why is it that
we do not 'know better' right from the start?

The answer is quite simple. Slowly, over time, and without even
being aware of it, we have been taught to become complacent,
lazy, and impatient. We have been "nudged" into relinquishing
our Sovereign responsibility to fully research and investigate
the Choices, Decisions, and dilemmas that constantly confront
us as we Journey through our Current Incarnation. We have been
"baited" into relying upon others to make important Decisions
for us regarding our personal well-being. We have agreed to
accept Indoctrination as a replacement for Self-Instruction. We
have been led to Believe that Appearance and Perception are the
only "tools" we need we need to consider when making our
Decisions.

And although we may be cunningly convinced by methods of
Appearance and Perception when making our Choices and
Decisions, deep down within ourselves most of us know that
Appearance and Perception, by themselves, very seldom lead
us to Truth, Wisdom, Happiness and Harmony.

This is why, in Myth and Legend, Oracles, Omens, Wise Sages,
and Master Teachers, who are plainly dressed and soft-spoken,
speak their Truths only once. And when these Truths are spoken
they are left to fall upon the ears of those few who are ready to
receive them. That which is True, Wise, Honest, and Harmonious
does not rely upon any Appearance and Perception created by way
of sparkle and glitter.

Ancient Teachings continually remind us that Truth, Wisdom,
Honesty, Harmony, and Compatibility are always standing right
before us in all of their undeceptive and common Simplicity, and
few of us ever take the Time to give these longed-for Treasures a
second look.

(See also: "Beauty - Inner Beauty vs. Outer Beauty" and
"Masquerade - The Masks We Wear")

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010
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Sunday, December 12, 2010

Maat - Egyptian Goddess
(Symbol And Myth)


The Egyptian goddess Maat is one of the earliest Neters (Divine
Principles) to be recognized, depicted, and worshipped in Ancient
Egypt. Maat is also the original primal essence upon which nearly
all of the other Neters (gods and goddesses) relied upon for their
stability and sustenance.

Maat is a feminine Neter portrayed wearing an ostrich Feather atop
her head. As a feminine Neter, Maat depicts a feminine aspect of
Divinity.

Maat is the Symbolic representation of Stability, Balance, Justice,
Order and Truth upon which the cosmos, and everything contained
within the cosmos, including the material realm, relies.

Maat, therefore, Symbolizes cosmic, universal, and celestial
Harmony. She is the True, Stable essence of Creation which governs
the Rules of Eternity.

As Maat is the one Stable essence of all cosmic order, She was also
referred to as the "bread" of the gods. A concept later referred to in
Christianity as the "bread of the angels".

Although Maat is depicted as wearing an ostrich Feather atop her
head, this was not always the Symbolism used to portray Maat.
A very ancient Symbol for Maat was a short, wide Pedestal upon
which the other Neters would stand when exercising their Duty.

The straight, flat surface of a Pedestal is Symbolic of two Divine
Principles: Straightness and Elevation.

Elevation Symbolizes authority and superiority. Straightness, or
flatness, Symbolizes unwavering and constant.

When a Neter stood upon the Pedestal of Maat this not only elevated
that particular Neter to a position of authority and superiority, it also
provided the straightness and flatness that was necessary to insure
that this particular Neter would not wobble, waver, or risk being
unsteady when performing their Divine Duty.

When Maat is depicted wearing an ostrich Feather atop Her head,
She represents a different, and more visual way, to view Her
feminine Divine Nature.

The Feather is a Symbol for the lightest, most minuscule, Weight.
However, the Feather is also a part of a wing, and a wing is part
of a bird. Both birds and wings were ancient Egyptian Symbols
for Spirit. Therefore, in addition to Symbolizing a minuscule Weight
in the physical realm, the Feather also Symbolizes a Spiritual
Weight and essence in the higher, Unseen Realms.

The fact that the Feather of Maat comes from an ostrich is
perhaps based upon the even length, and symmetry, of the ostrich
Feather. This would be an allusion to Order and Constancy.

In addition, it is also perhaps based upon the fact that the ostrich
appears to bury its head in the sand. This could be another
allusion that the ostrich does not concern itself with the illusion
of what it appears to "see" with its physical eyes, but to what it
intuitively "sees" and understands with its spiritual Inner-Eye.
For Truth, Balance, and Harmony cannot be seen, they must
be intuitively understood; they simply are.

The Feather of Maat also played an important role in the ancient
Egyptian Ceremony called the Weighing Of The Heart. A
Ceremony in which the Heart of the Pharaoh, who is Symbolic
of all of us, is placed upon the Scales of Justice and Weighed
against the Feather of Maat. The Pharaoh's heart represented the
earthly deeds performed by the Pharaoh during his, or her, recently
completed Incarnation.

When the ancient Egyptians indicated that someone had Maat,
they meant that that person was in Balance with, and perfectly
attuned to, cosmic Harmony.

This cosmic Harmony has always been, and will always be,
available to each one of us. However, we must first make the
effort to understand cosmic Harmony. Once we are able to
intuitively understand this Divine Principle, we too will find
ourselves standing upon the stable platform of Maat and our
unwavering, and un-wobbling, Thoughts and Actions will
insure that when our Heart is finally placed upon the Scales
of Justice, at the end of our earthly Voyage, it will Weigh less
than the Feather of Maat.

 See also:
"The Feather As A Symbol"
"Egyptian Weighing of the Heart"
"Justice - And Its Symbolism"

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010
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Sunday, December 5, 2010

Traveling (Symbol, Metaphor, I Ching)


"All journeys have secret destinations
of which the traveler is unaware."

- Martin Buber, philosopher and theologian

Although many of us may be unaware of it, we spend a great deal
of our time Traveling. Traveling does not merely consist of the
occasional vacation we may take to some distant land; this is
merely recreational traveling. Metaphorical and metaphysical
Traveling, however, occurs within us. It is an integral part of our
Current Incarnation. We engage in this type of Traveling when a
segment of our life comes to a close, or when we enthusiastically
make plans to embark upon new Adventures and "tackle" new
endeavors.

Whenever we make plans to Change our lives, however large or
small these plans may be, we are mentally and metaphysically
embracing Traveling. We realize that a magic moment has been
sparked within us. Our mind and intuition tell us that the time has
arrived for us to "move on".

There are basically three types of Traveling: Traveling away from
something; Traveling towards something; or, Traveling due to
Curiosity. Let's take a quick look at all three of these types of
Traveling.

Traveling away from something: We do this kind of Traveling
for one of two reasons: either to avoid danger, or to run away from
a problem of our own creation.

When we Travel in order to escape a real danger, we are doing so
for self-protection and peace of mind. This is a legitimate form of
Travel and is a highly recommended precaution we should take in
order to protect our physical and mental well being.

However, if we are Traveling in order to run away from a problem
of our own creation, Traveling will do us no good. For until we can
finally stand up to, conquer, and exorcise the Inner Demons which
are responsible for the problems of our own creation, the calamities
we have created for ourselves at our past destinations will be the
same calamities which will be awaiting us at all of our future
destinations. We cannot run away from who we currently are. We
can only Change who we currently are so that the problems of our
Past do not accompany us into our future.

Traveling toward something: In its most esoteric sense, this
type of Traveling is represented by hexagram number 56 of the
"I Ching". Hexagram 56 Symbolizes "Traveling" and it follows
hexagram number 55 which Symbolizes "Prosperity". Hexagram
56 teaches us that after a period of Prosperity, or Abundance, has
completed its Cycle in our life, a Time for Traveling and "moving on"
is upon us.

This reminds us that once a certain achievement, purpose, or
plateau of our life has come to a successful conclusion, the time
has come for us to set our sights upon our next higher purpose.
It is now time to embrace Sacrifice and pursue the journey which
will ultimately lead us to the next elevated plateau of our
Current Incarnation. This transition period is generally a time of
temporary stagnation which must be endured by us so that we
can learn new skills and Wisely prepare ourselves for the next
upward step in our life.

Traveling due to Curiosity: Of all the reasons for someone to
Travel, this is perhaps the purest and noblest reason of all. For
the realm of Curiosity is the Adventure-land of the Seeker, the
Lone Wolf, and Wizards and Wanderers.

Those who Choose to Travel in the realm of Curiosity do so for
the rewards that this kind of Traveling can bestow upon them.
These Travelers seek knowledge in order to turn it into Wisdom.
They acquire new friendships and acquaintances for the
experiences and Lessons that can be gained from these individuals.
They are continually mastering the necessary new skills that enable
them to journey into the most distant Horizons of their current
earthly Adventure.

These Travelers are humble Wayfarers anxious to explore the
invisible Paths that lead to the Secret and Mysterious. They follow
the same irresistible calling of all Master Teachers and Trailblazers
who have come before them; a calling to blaze a trail which opens
up new Horizons for not only the Traveler, but for all those who will
eventually follow these Traveler's Path.

Their ultimate destination is not their immediate concern. For they
realize that their final destination can never be attained in the
material realm. Their journey is a never-ending Adventure which
beckons these unique Travelers to continually ascend to higher and
higher realms until they eventually reach the highest realm of all:
the Realm of Unity, Peace, and Enlightenment.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010
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