Flying(Dreams, Mythology, and Symbolism)

"I fly because it releases my mind
from the tyranny of petty things."
- Antoine de Saint-Exupery

"Angels can fly because they carry no burdens."
- Eileen Elias Freeman,
"The Angels' Little Instruction Book"

Most of us have had dreams of flying; of soaring to breathtaking
heights. In addition, the mythologies and legends of numerous
cultures throughout our world speak of winged-serpents, flying
horses, winged-angels, and flying carpets.

Flying is an inbred part of both our consciousness and our
Subconscious...our dreams. And because it is such a deeply
embedded part of our dreams, it means that flying is more than
just a mere curiosity. For, to be a part of our dreams, Flying must
also be an archetypal part of our DNA. This means that Flying
must be an original pattern, concept, myth, or Divine Principle
which has been a part of our collective unconscious since the
earliest ages of our most remote ancestry.

With these Thoughts in mind, let us look into the Symbolism and
mythology of Flying.

Symbolically, and in dreams, Flying represents: freedom, joy,
confidence, and independence.

Esoterically, it represents: the soaring mind, higher consciousness,
elevated perception, total Awareness, Spirituality, and the
All-Seeing Eye. Therefore Flying is a Spiritual reminder of the
Divine Essence, and unlimited potential, which exists within us
and forever accompanies us as our higher-self...our God Within...
our Atman.

As a Symbol for Ascension, Flying is similar to the Ladder.
However, where the Ladder represents indirect Ascension
achieved one-rung-at-a-time by way of many re-incarnations,
Flying represents the rapid, and direct,  Ascension which can
be achieved in one Incarnation.

Flying, as rapid and direct ascent, represents the freedom and
ability to soar at will above the mundane and superficial. It means
that all chains and obligations to the material realm have been
tossed away. All Lessons have been properly Learned and their
Wisdom thoroughly absorbed. We are now free to Fly-Away to
anywhere, and any-when, we Choose; for all bonds to the material
have been completely discarded.

As a note: further Symbolism for direct Ascension versus indirect
Ascension comes to us by way of two Neters from Ancient Egypt.
Osiris (the Ibis) represents the process of indirect Ascension
through many re-incarnations. Horus (the hawk) represents the
process of soaring to direct Ascension, which some are able to
achieve, in only one Incarnation.

An interesting quote regarding direct Ascension comes to us from
the Episode "Meridian" in the Stargate SG-1 series: "When the
mind is enlightened, the spirit is free and the body matters not."

The Winged Horse Symbolizes "the heightening power of natural
forces" ***.

The horse is an ancient Symbol for Travel and journeying. Adding
wings to the horse, therefore, enables it to not only Travel faster
but to also Travel into higher realms. The Winged Horse, therefore,
is a magical and mystical creature which has the spiritual ability
to carry a worthy and well-qualified Initiate away from the world
of gross matter and into the higher, more sublime, and rarefied
realms which are the domain of Spirit and Divinity.

The Winged Horse and the Unicorn are both mystical and
magical horse-like creatures that have the ability to Travel
between realms. But, unlike the Winged Horse, the Unicorn
does not carry anyone.

Winged Angels are Symbolic representations of enlightened
beings who have the ability to Travel between all realms and
act as Spiritual Guides, or Messengers

In addition, Angels are a much later representation of the
Egyptian Neter.

The Winged Serpent Symbolizes the Union of matter with
Spirit which is the inherent make-up of all persons, plants,
animals, and minerals which occupy the realm of duality and
matter. It is a Symbolic reminder that even the lowliest creature
contains the spark of Spirit within it.

The Flying Carpet: How many of us have been enchanted by
the "Tales of the Arabian Nights" wherein the hero, or heroine,
steps onto a Magic Carpet and is instantly transported anywhere
they desire?

Symbolically, a Carpet is a safe, restricted, special, and sacred
space which cushions us from, and separates us from, the earth
or floor beneath us; it also provides comfort and support.

Therefore the Flying Carpet is the Spiritual Support which
insulates us from the mundane and allows us to soar above
the troubles and obstacles which permeate the realm of matter.
In other Words, the Flying Carpet Symbolizes escape from the
mundane, gross, and superficial. It is the Symbolic vehicle that
can be used to Ascend to the higher and more sublime realms of
our most fascinating and spellbinding dreams. It carries us into
the realm of higher Awareness and allows us to perceive great
distances from a higher, and much purer, point-of-view.

In addition, because the Carpet is a flat surface, its Symbolism
is similar to the Truncated Pyramid.

*** From: "A Dictionary of Symbols" by J.E. Cirlot, page 251
in reference to Pegasus.

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 2011

The Giant - As A Symbol (Mythology, Metaphor, and Archetype)

"If I have seen further than others,
it is because I was standing on the shoulders of giants."
- Isaac Newton

As was mentioned in the article on Devolution, nearly all ancient
texts tell of a Time, in the distant long-ago, when Giants walked
upon the earth and lived among mankind.

The question these texts arouse in us is: Who were these Giants?

To answer this question, it is important for us to understand
what the term "Giant" means in Symbolism, Mythology, and
Metaphor.

Even today we have metaphors which refer to Giants, such as:
"He was a giant of a man", "He was a giant among men", and
"He is a giant in his field".

As we can see from these metaphors, the term Giant does not
refer to supernatural physical size, but to greater than normal
talents and abilities.  In other Words, the term Giant, when
used in these contexts, refers to an exceptional person.

Therefore, metaphorically speaking, a Giant is any man or woman
who possesses powers, talents, abilities, creativity, or insights
beyond that of the average and ordinary person.

And as we live in a realm of Duality, the term Giant can be applied
to any person possessing an above-normal trait or aspect which is
either positive or negative. This means that a Giant can be either
a gracious benefactor or an evil monster.

In its negative aspect, the Giant Symbolizes any person who is
feared and loathed by mankind.

In this category of Giants we find the bullies, thugs, hoodlums,
mass murderers and tyrants. We also find forcefully dominating
individuals and factions along with brutal parents who appear as
Giants to a small child.

And as evil will always make itself more visible than good, Giants
have been historically portrayed and associated with evil and
dominating brutes and ogres.

In this category, the Giant is depicted as the oppressive tyrant
who is eventually overthrown by the citizenry...the little folk.
It is also associated with the neighborhood, or schoolyard, bully
who finally meets his, or her, come-uppance by mis-judging the
strength and valor of their adversary.

Ancient texts give us a very graphic description of these kinds
of Giants in the tale of David versus Goliath whereby the brutal
barbarianism of Goliath is slain by the nimble Wisdom of David;
reminding us that humble Wisdom is the slayer of brutish
Ignorance.

Giants can also Symbolize the savage elements of nature which
areeventually conquered (albeit temporarily) by mankind, and
civilization, in the never ending battle of humanity (mortals) versus
the elements (immortals).

In its positive aspect, the Giant Symbolizes any person who is
revered and honored by mankind. Some examples are:

The enlightened minds and subtle Genius found in visionaries,
Trailblazers, and those who pursue new Horizons and unimagined
Dreams.  These individuals possess the reasoning, understanding,
fortitude, Awareness, and foresight not found in the average person.

These are the Einsteins, Newtons, Pythagorases, Platos, Socrates,
and Columbuses whose accomplishments are forever emblazoned
upon the eternal pages of history.

The great benefactors such as are Symbolized by the Giant stature
of Saint Christopher carrying the Christ child upon his shoulder.

The Heroes of mythology, legend, folklore, and history who perform
noble deeds, pursue untarnishable Quests, and almost single-
handedly slay the negative essences and evil forces which are
forever attempting to dominate freedom-loving peoples in all parts
of the world, and at all Times of history.

The advanced beings and superior races who occasionally present
themselves to worthy and well qualified individuals in order to nudge
these persons along in their Quest; which also allows society to move
forward. Into this class of enlightened beings fall extra-terrestrials,
Angels, Divine Messengers and Spiritual Guides.

Giants, both positive and negative, have always been, and will
always be, with us. For, as long as we have the schoolyard bullies,
neighborhood thugs, and societal tyrants, we will also have the
far-seeing, creative, imaginative, heroic, and beneficent Giants of
progress, evolution, heroism, and enlightenment to slay the Goliaths
which brutally, but temporarily, stand in the path of Truth, Wisdom,
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 2011

Symbols And Symbolism

"Nature speaks in symbols and in signs."
- John Greenleaf Whittier

Symbols are mankind's way of attempting to express abstract
concepts and Divine Mysteries by way of drawings, artwork,
statues, patterns and designs.

We find artistic representations (Symbols) of the abstract and
Divine in the calligraphy writing of China and in the hieroglyphic
characters of the ancient Egyptians, Mayans and Aztecs.

We see Symbolic representations of abstract concepts etched
upon ancient pottery and carved upon cave walls and stone
monuments. We even see Symbols drawn within burial sites that
pre-date recorded history and the most ancient writing.

Since the most ancient times mankind has expressed its thoughts,
experiences, feelings and beliefs through the use of Symbols.
Ancient cultures understood that certain animals, metals, patterns,
Cycles and Events - both earthly and heavenly - were physical
expressions of the unseen Divine Forces which governed their
everyday existence and they used Symbols to pictorially represent
these Divine Essences and Events.

The Ancients also understood that they lived in a world of duality
which expressed itself as either a masculine or feminine principle
of nature. Masculine principles are those aspects of nature which
are assertive, bestowing, logical and conscious - the Seed.
Feminine principles are those aspects of nature which are passive,
receptive, intuitive and subconscious - the Womb.

We are most familiar with these masculine and feminine Symbolic
expressions by way of the Egyptian Neters (generally referred to
as Egyptian gods and goddesses) whereby either a masculine or
feminine figure is portrayed with either the head of an animal,
or some type of physical Symbol depicted atop their head. If the
Neter expresses a feminine principle of Divinity it has a woman's
body and if the Neter expresses a masculine principle of Divinity
it has a man's body.

Abstract concepts such as Truth, Harmony, Justice, Order and
Balance were also expressed through Symbols. And the Ancients
were very exact in choosing which animal, weapon, shape or
implement they selected to express these abstract concepts.
The most important thing to keep in mind when attempting to
translate and understand a Symbol is that a Symbol does not
simply represent a word, or a letter of an alphabet. A Symbol
represents a Concept! And because it represents a concept, it
encompasses all of the various meanings, definitions and insights
contained within that particular Concept.

It is extremely difficult to evaluate Ancient expressions (Symbols)
by way of modern Western thought; for modern Western thought
is bound, and limited, by letters and Words. However, Ancient
Symbolism, and even current Eastern thought, is unbound and
evaluates life, Nature and Divinity by way of Concepts - Concepts
portrayed by way of Symbols.

An equally important thing to keep in mind, when attempting to
understand Symbols and Symbolism is that for us to properly
understand the meaning of Ancient Symbols we must imagine the
way in which Ancient Cultures lived, thought, farmed and hunted.
We must also try to imagine the immense, dark, star-studded and
awe-inspiring night sky under which these Ancients lived; a rotating
night sky full of not only stars but planets, comets, meteors,
Shooting-Stars and Lightening. And finally we must try to imagine
how these Ancient peoples interacted within their society, with
their neighbors and with the countless, and uncertain, elements of
Nature to which they were exposed.

And finally, we must remember that because Symbolism is
extremely Ancient, the Divine Principles and Concepts which the
Ancients Symbolized could only be expressed in the tools, weapons,
and implements which were available to Ancient Cultures during
their Time.

For example: Where we would express "measurement" by means
of surveying equipment, the Ancients would use a rope to Symbolize
this same Concept. Where we may use a bullet to express the
"speed of thought" the Ancients Symbolized this concept by means
of the Arrow. Where we may express the means of "cutting" or
"dissecting" by way of a laser beam, the Ancients would Symbolize
this concept with a knife or Sword. And, where we would express
the concept of "communication" by way of a computer or radio, the
Ancients would Symbolize this same concept through the image of
the Tongue.

When we consider all that must be absorbed into the translation
of Symbols and Symbolism it is easy to understand how Ancient
Symbols can easily be either Mis-translated or partially translated.
This in turn can lead to our misunderstanding, and confusion, of
what a particular Symbol fully represents. And if we have difficulty
in understanding a single Symbol, how can we possibly fully
understand the Divine Truths and Concepts contained within
Ancient texts which are "written" with only Symbols?

Since Symbols represent Concepts, they can only be understood
through our intuition and Subconscious; not through reason and
logic. Ancient Symbols are the archetypes, the original mental
impressions, which have been part of our nature since the earliest
beginnings of Time. Symbols are Sacred esoteric depictions which
the Ancients used to describe Divine Concepts.

And because Symbolism is embedded deeply within each one of us,
it is up to us to reach deep within if we wish to understand, feel and
un-Veil the Sacred Concepts which Ancient Symbolism is designed
to reveal to us.

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

The Lone Wolf - As A Symbol

"Down to Gehenna or up to the Throne,
He travels the fastest who travels alone."
-Rudyard Kipling

Although wolves normally live, travel, and hunt in packs,
occasionally a young wolf will Choose to leave the pack and set out
on its own. As a result, this Lone Wolf usually grows to be much
stronger, and more cunning, than the average wolf which is a
member of a pack. The Lone Wolf is an archetype, a metaphor,
a Symbol for freedom, independence and Self-Reliance.

When used to describe a person, the term Lone Wolf is conferred
upon a person who is an Individual in the Truest sense of the word.
The Lone Wolf is someone who prefers to work alone, is Self-Reliant
and enjoys the peace and contentment of his, or her, own solitude.
The Lone Wolf lives by his, or her, own rules: rules which are in
Harmony with Universal Laws and its own personal Divine Nature.

The Lone Wolf is independent of, and distances itself from,
the petty bickerings, expectations, demands, mediocrities and
unfulfilled dreams of other people, groups or organizations. In
other words, The Lone Wolf is not tethered to "the pack".

By thinking and acting alone, The Lone Wolf acquires superior
cunning, agility, imagination and skills unknown to members of
"the pack". He, or she, has a deep spiritual respect for their own
individual Sovereignty, they experience true Independence,
and are a slave to no master. The Lone Wolf enjoys holding its
head up high while it breathes in the fresh, sweet air of Freedom
and Individuality.

In addition to Individuality, The Lone Wolf is also a metaphor for
Awareness and the Detached Mind. He, or she, is an observer of
Events and Actions and foresees their outcomes well in advance.
Thus The Lone Wolf is able to act with swiftness and sureness
at the appropriate moment.

An armada can only travel as fast as its slowest ship. In the same
way that the slowest ship slows down the armada, so do rules,
by-laws, committees and petty bickering bog down the Decisions
and actions of groups, organizations, corporations and society -
"the pack".

The Lone Wolf, by its very nature, sets itself aside from, and is
immune to, these kinds of behaviors. And while "the pack" is
consumed with analyzing, Debating, re-debating, and
Compromising, the Lone Wolf is evaluating ideas and Events and
is ready to act with dispatch and nimbleness.

The Lone Wolf is the epitome of the Individual Mind, which, except
for Divinity, is perhaps the most powerful force in the Universe. The
Lone Wolf decides and acts while "the pack" wonders and guesses
about its next move.

In the Tarot deck, Lone Wolf is represented by two cards: The Fool,
which Symbolizes the young Lone Wolf, and The Hermit, which
Symbolizes the Wizened Lone Wolf. These two cards are the
archetypes, or Symbols, for those persons who choose not to follow
in the footsteps of conformity.

The Lone Wolf is often branded as the "rebel" who refuses to bow
to the monotony of conventional foolishness. And, although
outwardly ridiculed and shunned by "the pack", the Lone Wolf is
also envied by many who dare not admit it. For it is the Sovereign
Lone Wolf who stands alone, in all of his (or her) glory, who has
chosen, and is Destined to experience, the Adventure of life with all
of its Simplicity, Beauty, and Mystery.

(See also: "Non-Conformity and the Non-Conformist")

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 2009