Gandalf and Dumbledore(Wizards, Mythology and Symbolism)

"And now Harry, let us step out into the night 
and pursue that flighty temptress, adventure."
- Albus Dumbledore

"A wizard is never late. Nor is he early.
He arrives precisely when he means to."
- Gandalf

"It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, 
far more than our abilities."
- Albus Dumbledore

"All we have to decide is what to do 
with the time that is given to us."
- Gandalf

In Gandalf and Dumbledore we are introduced to two archetypal
powers whose Wisdom, courage and inner-strength beckons
us to follow them, Bond with them, and learn their ways; so that
we, too, can discover and ignite within ourselves those similar
latent forces that can empower us to pursue, and achieve, our own
noble and mystical Quests.

Gandalf and Dumbledore: They are magical...they are
adventurous...they are unbending strength-of-character...they
possess the Wisdom of the Ages...they also possess the scars
and experiences that can only be gained from numerous ancient
battles...they are admired by many and feared by some...they are
Wizards of the highest order!

However, though both are Wizards of the highest order, they
differ in their demeanors and in the ways in which they interact
with the world, its people, and its elements.

Throughout mythology we find that one of the Symbolic roles
of a Wizard is that of The Call To Adventure; wherein a powerful
Wizard presents a challenge of the highest order to an
unsuspecting, yet worthy and well-qualified, Initiate. Merlin
challenged Arthur. Dumbledore challenged Harry Potter.
Gandalf challenged both Bilbo and Frodo Baggins.

Let us now take a closer look at two great mythological Wizards:
Gandalf and Dumbledore.

Albus Dumbledore:

Albus Dumbledore is the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of
Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is dressed in the finest Wizard
garments, he sits at the head of the Wizard's table when
dining, and he occupies a finely decorated personal office in
a tower above the school which is protected by magical spells
and enchantments.

In addition to governing the school and keeping the teaching
faculty appeased, he must also deal with the bureaucratic
nightmare called the Ministry of Magic which consists of
fragile egos, petty tyrants, internal bickering and mindless
regulations.

Yet, while being bogged down with all of these mundane and
superfluous tasks, Albus Dumbledore still finds the time to hunt
down evil and protect the world; while at the same time Instructing,
training and maintaining an Order of elite and virtuous Wizards.

As it was in the best interest of the of the community of Wizards
not to display their talents and skills to the world of non-magical
people, known as "muggles", the name and reputation of Albus
Dumbledore was known, respected and feared only within the
community of Wizards. The outside world, the world of "muggles",
had no knowledge of Albus Dumbledore.

Albus Dumbledore is constantly operating in the background.
His knowledge of magic, both white and dark, is immense. He
travels throughout the realm in order to uncover the evil secrets
of dark magic; he is aware of its implements, practitioners, and
fanatics. He possesses the power, Wisdom and magical skills
that keeps evil magic at bay.

Perhaps the most powerful and darkest secret discovered by
Dumbledore was that of the various horcrux's which Lord
Voldermort created and magically concealed throughout the realm;
each of which held a portion of his dark and powerful soul.

It was imperative that Dumbledore locate and destroy each of
the horcurx's in order to weaken the power of Lord Voldermort.
However, in doing so, Dumbledore carelessly mishandled one
horcrux and its black magic entered his hand; eventually leading
to his doom.

At  Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry there is a fellow
Wizard by the name of Severus Snape. Snape was a very close,
lifelong friend of Dumbledore. However, Snape was also in league
with the Dark Lord Voldermort; a fact of which Dumbledore was
fully Aware. And it was Snape who entered into a pact with
Dumbledore to mercifully end Dumbledore's life before the poison
from the horcrux would be too much for Dumbledore to bear.

In this friendship between Snape and Dumbledore we recognize
the ancient Archetype of "dearest friend, dearest enemy". How
often do we find ourselves confronted by this mythological
Archetype when a very painful and burdenful Decision must be
made which involves someone very near and dear to us?

Now, although Harry Potter did meet up with Dumbledore after
his demise, it was only in an afterlife realm when Harry himself
had been mortally wounded and was on the verge of his own
physical death. Dumbledore, however, did not ever re-appear in
the physical realm again.

In mythology, the death of a hero is often followed by a re-birth
in the same physical realm. This "death" is Symbolic of an
Initiation Ceremony; where the hero "dies" in a lower degree of
existence in order to be "re-born" into a much higher degree of
existence. This does not happen with Dumbledore. Dumbledore,
in fact, dies a true mortal death and can only be "re-visited" again
in the afterlife. Therefore, there is no Initiation of Dumbledore by
way of a "symbolic death" to a higher earthly degree as is often
found in stories of this type.

Gandalf:

Unlike Dumbledore, who is involved with a myriad of
bureaucracies and whose name is known only to those in the
Wizarding community, Gandalf is a Wizard whose name is
known to all. He is a Wizard of the world and he freely Travels
through all of its realms.

The name and reputation of Gandalf is not only known to the
world of men, it is also spoken of with reverence by elves, dwarfs,
the trees of the forests (Ents), the great eagles of the air,
Elemental Beings - including the powerful, magical and
mystical Tom Bombadil, and yes, even among Hobbits.

It is almost impossible to imagine Gandalf becoming involved
with the pettiness and bickering of any bureaucracy when he
has the power to simply rid the world of such foolishness.
The concerns of Gandalf are only of issues of the greatest
importance.

Gandalf has the experience of many Ages. He has seen the rise
and fall of many empires. He has witnessed the horrific battlefields
created by man. He has observed the to-and-fro dance between
good and evil throughout millennia. His Wisdom, skills and powers
have been earned and honed throughout the immeasurable durations
of Time.

And because Gandalf is an ancient Wizard of the World, his dress
is that of a seasoned traveler. His Wizard's robes and hat are the
comfortable and protective garments that can endure any type of
weather or hardship. And, his Wizard's Staff supports him and
assists him in wielding his power and Authority wherever he
Chooses to roam.

Whereas Dumbledore experienced an actual physical death,
Gandalf experiences an Initiatory death and rebirth in the Mines
of Moria. Here we see Tolkien describe for us an Initiation Process
of the most ancient kind; and he presents it to us in a way that
only a master of mythology can.

Gandalf enters the dark, deep Mines of Moria as Gandalf the Gray,
where he battles the balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-dum.
It is during this battle that Gandalf the Gray "dies", in order to be
reborn as Gandalf the White.

The color gray is a combination of the colors black and white.
Symbolically, this tells us that regardless of how powerful Gandalf
may have been when he entered the Mines of Moria - his dark
Womb of Initiation - he had still not yet achieved ultimate
transformation and power in the physical realm.

The balrog Symbolizes Gandalf's Inner Demons which Gandalf
must grapple with and subdue in order to be elevated to a higher
degree of Illumination and Wisdom. The balrog helps Gandalf
"slay" his lower-self (the gray). In turn, Gandalf "slays" the balrog
- his final Inner Demon - in order to now become Self-Initiated into
a much higher order of Wizard: Gandalf the White.

Just as Dumbledore had his Snape, Gandalf had his Saruman.
However, as Dumbledore knew his adversary Gandalf did not.
It is almost impossible to imagine that Gandalf, who is now
Gandalf the White, could be deceived by anything or anyone.
Yet, it happened. And herein is the Lesson that no matter how
Wise we may Become, deception will still overcome us should
we Choose to close our eyes to the Truth which is staring us
directly in the face.

Saruman was a White Wizard of the highest order who Gandalf
Perceived to be pure, noble and beyond reproach. And it is because
Gandalf's eyes were "glossed over" by Saruman's title of "White
Wizard of the Highest Order", that Gandalf could not see the
treachery that was standing before him; for Saruman had been
coerced into joining forces with the darkest of evils: Sauron, the
forger and controlling master of the Rings of Power.

From the moment Gandalf entered Saruman's magical  tower
we, as readers, could see that something was amiss. For
Saruman's Words and demeanor toward Gandalf warned that
he was no longer the White Wizard who was an adversary of
Sauron, but that he was now in league with this most feared
Master of Darkness.

By the time Gandalf finally realized what Saruman had become
it was almost too late for Gandalf. And it took a spectacular
rescue by an eagle, which Gandalf was ultimately able to summon,
that saved Gandalf from his doom and Middle-Earth from total
submission.

The Lesson we have here is that people, regardless of how pure
and noble they once may have been, can Change. Also, we learn
that "titles" are meaningless. A "title", by itself, does not make a
person noble, honorable, respectable or authoritative. Only a
persons steadfast and perpetual Actions in these particular areas
make him, or her, so.

Therefore, this particular Lesson ultimately teaches us that it is our
sole responsibility to be constantly Aware of all actions, interactions,
Events and conditions which confront us as we journey through our
personal Incarnation. For only unwavering Awareness enables us to
see things for what they truly are, and not for what we falsely and
desperately Hope they should be.

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 2013

Quests and Fellowships

Mythology, legend, and folklore provide us with an abundance of
tales whereby humans, elemental beings, or a combination of both,
come together to form a Fellowship in order to pursue a common
goal.

And although the Fellowships which are spoken of in myth and
legend tell us of noble deeds and near-impossible Quests, there
are also those down-to-earth Fellowships which most of us have
participated in while hardly being aware of the fact that we were,
indeed, part of a Fellowship.

In its most simple, basic, and earthly context, we participate in a
Fellowship when we are part of a school project, a sports team, or
a community planning group. Fellowships are also formed when a
group of complete strangers unite in times of local and national
emergencies. Fellowships can also be formed when a group of
complete strangers bond together, for a short period of time, while
on a pleasure cruise.

These are the simplest forms of Fellowships that many of us have
most likely participated in while being unaware that we were
actually a part of a Fellowship. And while these types of Fellowships
all serve a purpose, and provide value to our lives and experiences,
they are a far cry from the legendary Fellowships which are passed
down to us by way of mythology and folklore.

Since legendary Quests and Fellowships are such an important part
of our individual cultures and universal consciousness, let us take a
closer look at what they are and what they represent in their purest,
esoteric form.

A Quest is a Great Adventure. It is a noble task. It is a life-changing
Event.

A Fellowship is a voluntary union of complete strangers who
temporarily bond together to pursue a Quest. In other words, a
Fellowship is the motley combination of guides, mentors, and new
friends we encounter when we accept a Call To Adventure.

It is also interesting to note that while a Quest can be pursued by
an individual, a Fellowship requires a Quest to bond all of its
participants together.

Once a Quest is completed, the Fellowship that was formed to
achieve the purpose of the Quest automatically dissolves. And the
bond that once held this Fellowship together as a single unit now
Changes into a different kind of bond: a bond of an Old,
unforgettable, and Reminiscent Friendship.

And although this Fellowship will never come together again with
the same purity and intensity it once held, the bond of Friendship
which it Forges becomes a valued Memory...a coveted entity...
which remains forever alive within those who participated in the
Quest for the remainder of their days.

Some of the legendary and life-changing Quests and Fellowships of
mythology, legend, and folklore include:
...King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table: their chivalric
Adventures and their Quest for the Holy Grail;
...Jason and his Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece;
...Odysseus and his shipmates and their long, Adventure-filled,
journey back to their homeland;
...the Fellowship of hobbits, dwarfs, elves, and humans who
bonded together to destroy the One Dominating Ring in JRR
Tolkien's "Lord Of The Rings";
...Luke Skywalker and his human, non-human, and robot,
companions who ultimately overcame the Evil Empire in "Star
Wars";
...Harry Potter along with his close-knit circle of classmates, elves,
Wizards, magicians, and warlocks who ultimately defeated Lord
Voldemort.

The list of heroic Quests and Fellowships is monumental. And once
the Noble Purpose or Legendary Pursuit of the Quest is achieved,
the dissolution of the Fellowship must ultimately follow.

And though the participants in the Fellowship must finally part and
go their separate ways, the permanent bond that was sealed by
their Fellowship remains a forever burning ember of Remembrance
within each participant. This burning ember is an eternal reminder
of days long gone, and a Quest fulfilled. It is also a rare gift of an
inextinguishable, eternal, and Untarnishable Friendship that was
once Forged in the Fires of Companionship which is now part of
their fading but never forgotten Past. 

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 Tarot Fool - Symbol Of A Seeker

                                                   (Image via Wikipedia)

When we look at the card of "The Fool" in the tarot deck we see
a person standing at the edge of a high cliff about to take the next
step while gazing upward into the Infinite. There is a dog at the
feet of The Fool and this dog is also at the edge of the cliff, standing
on its two hind feet, with its front feet already over the edge.

Naturally, we wonder: "Why is this person so willing to take the
next step off of the cliff and why is he gazing up at the heavens
instead of watching where he is going".

Like all of the other cards in the tarot deck, this card is full of
Symbolism. So, let's break down some the principal Symbolism
contained within this card in order to get a better understanding
of what this card is telling us.

The Fool: Although The Fool appears to be a masculine archetype,
the face contains an air of femininity. This gives The Fool an
androgynous appearance which Symbolizes a combination and
Union of both the male and female essences. This means that
The Fool does not experience his Journey through either a male
or female perspective. He experiences it through both perspectives.
This androgynous (Hermaphroditic) portrayal of The Fool reminds
us that The Fool's Journey is a journey that is available to any man,
woman, boy, or girl who wishes to participate in an Adventure.

Mountains Symbolize the higher realms of consciousness. The
higher the mountain, the higher the realm of consciousness. The
highest mountain peak would Symbolize the highest realm of
consciousness that we can experience while still on earth.
In addition, when viewed from afar, mountain peaks are the
highest points on the Horizon and represent the loftiest
Border Between Realms; the highest borderland between
heaven and earth.

The Precipice upon which The Fool and his dog are standing
symbolizes the Threshold where one Journey ends so that
another Journey can begin.

(Also: The Precipice Symbolizes the mental obstacles we create for
ourselves which deter many of us from taking the next step in order
to achieve and experience our dreams.)

The Dog is "Man's best friend". The Dog is Instinctive and is a
Symbol for loyalty, trust, protection, and companionship.

White symbolizes Purity and Enlightenment.

Because the Journey of The Fool takes place in the higher realms
of consciousness (mountains) it Symbolizes a Spiritual Journey. It
is a Spiritual Call to Adventure which involves dreams, aspirations,
imagination, and finally Enlightenment.

The Fool gazes up into the heavens because that is where his
dreams, aspirations , and imaginings reside. The heavens also
represent the highest realm of Divine Consciousness that The
Fool can look up to for Spiritual Inspiration and Guidance.

Knowing that no physical harm can befall him in a Spiritual Quest,
The Fool unhesitatingly steps off the precipice when his current
Adventure comes to an end. He knows that only by ending, and
leaving behind, his current Adventure is he able to begin his next
one. Therefore, with great anticipation and excitement he proceeds
onward and upward into the next chapter of his life's Journey.

The Fool's Dog, being an instinctive animal, also understands that
there is no danger in stepping off of this Spiritual precipice. So it too
follows its master onward and upward. In addition, because the Dog
is a loyal and protective companion, The Fool need never feel alone
in his Travels into new and uncharted realms.

The White Sun that is shining behind The Fool is a Symbol for the
Pure Enlightenment which is forever accompanying The Fool and
nudging him onward.

And finally, although The Fool is currently standing atop a high
mountain, there are much higher mountains in the distance. These
higher mountains remind The Fool that there are still more
Journeys, and higher realms of consciousness, to be explored,
experienced, and conquered. And the only way for The Fool to
conquer these mountains is for him to continue to follow his dreams,
aspirations, and imagination until he reaches the highest mountain
peak of all...The Peak of Enlightenment!

Note: for literary simplicity I have used the masculine gender
in referring to The Fool. However, the feminine gender applies
equally as well.

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

The Holy Grail

"...To boldly go where no-one has gone before!"
-Star Trek

The Legend of the "Quest For The Holy Grail" is a Metaphor for
the Eternal Spiritual Quest for Truth and Wisdom. It also teaches
us that in order for us to find what has never been found, we must
search where no-one else has ever looked.

When King Arthur's knights went off in search of the Holy Grail,
they entered the forest through briar, bramble and thicket. They
did not Travel by way of any existing Path. They understood that
if they were to find the sacred, elusive treasure they were Seeking
they had to search where no-one else had searched, or Traveled to,
before. It's also important to remember that although they never
did find the Holy Grail, they did experience some wonderful
Adventures.

The Holy Grail represents a Spiritual Calling. It is The Seeker's
Call To Adventure.

The Quest is The Seeker's actual pursuit of his, or her, Spiritual
Calling. It consists of the Adventures The Seeker experiences, the
Insights he, or she, receives, and the Lessons learned during the
Journey.

The Forest is a land of Enchantment. This is where the Quest
takes place. It is a realm of danger, achievement, and Adventure.
As this is a Spiritual Quest, the Forest represents (Symbolizes) The
Seeker's Subconscious. It is the Wilderness where The Seeker
befriends their Spiritual Guides and confronts their Inner Demons.

The Thicket represents the Unique Way in which The Seeker
enters the Forest. As this is The Seeker's very own Personal
Journey, The Seeker must Create their very own Personal Path.
To follow an existing Path, or trail, would mean that The Seeker
would be Traveling a Path designed by, and Created for, someone
else. The Thicket represents that part of the Forest that has never
been Traveled before - it is the Realm of Dragons. This is where
many of the Spiritual Treasures The Seeker is searching for lie
hidden.

Never finding the Holy Grail teaches us that we are on a Timeless
Quest. A Quest for Ultimate Truth, Eternal Wisdom, and Spiritual
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 2009

The Call To Adventure (Part 2)

(This article is the explanation, and conclusion, of
The Call To Adventure)

What is this Call To Adventure? It is a personal Calling we receive
that challenges us to experience our True Path. It is an irresistible
beckoning that tests the very limits of our mind and spirit. It is the
unsilenceable Voice of Destiny that creates legends and heroes.
It is a Fantasy. It is an Obsession that has attracted, and enchanted,
numerous Seekers and Adventurers since the earliest beginnings of
Time.

Once we accept the Call to Travel our Path of Destiny there is no
turning back. Nothing can discourage us. Difficulties cannot stop us.
Fear will not deter us. Our pursuit is unrelentless and we cannot
interrupt, or stop, our Quest until we solve the Mystery of who we
are, what we can become, and what we can achieve.

Our Call To Adventure begins with a Stranger "knocking on our
door". This Stranger will sometimes be a real person who awakens
within us our desire to fulfill our Destiny and pursue our Dreams.
However, it is usually a nagging "feeling" within us that unsettles us,
rousts us from our laziness and comforts, and stirs us to Action.

Legend, Literature, and Myth tell of many Strangers who appeared
in someone's life and presented them with The Call To Adventure.
Here are just a few:

Glinda, The Good Witch Of The North, who directed Dorothy
to Oz and, eventually, back "home" to Kansas.
Albus Dumbledore, whose guidance enabled Harry Potter to
defeat the Dark Lord, Voldemort.
Gandalf, who knocked on Bilbo Baggins' door and Changed his
life forever.
Princess Leia, who beckoned Luke Skywalker to a galaxy far, far
away to face his Destiny in a battle with Darth Vader, his father.

At some point we either embrace Our Call or we discard it forever.
Those who accept "The Call" experience the Adventure of Traveling
their own Path and creating their own Destiny. Those who ignore
"The Call" will never experience the adventures of the Pilgrim, the
Wanderer, and the Seeker. To these people the Stranger may never
appear to them again.

But, who is this Stranger? It is a Voice, a Burning Desire, a Wizard
or Temptress Within, that entices, inspires, and bewitches us to
pursue our own Destiny and Travel our own Path. For the True
Seeker The Call of the Stranger neither disappears nor diminishes.
For this individual there is only one option: accept "The Call" and
experience the Adventure.

The Great Task is our Personal Destiny. We all enter this life with
our One Great Task: the fulfillment of our very own Personal
Destiny. Either we Choose to pursue it or we Choose to ignore it.

The Path is our own Special Path that leads to our Personal
Destiny. It is a Path that no one has Traveled before us and a
Path that no one will ever Travel after us. There has never been
another's Footprint on this Path. If WE do not Travel Our Path it
will go untraveled for all eternity and the Destiny that lies at its
end will never be realized.

Our Enemies are our own personal fears, doubts and insecurities.
They are our Demons Within that only we can conquer. It is by
vanquishing and banishing these Demons from our Personal
Kingdom that we gain Inner Strength and experience our Full
Potential.

The Guides are the many different Teachers we meet along Our
Way. They provide us with knowledge and teach us all the skills we
require to defeat our Demons and complete our Great Task.
However, these Guides can only prepare us. We must always face
our Demons, and our Final Test, alone. This is the only way it can
be. And, who knows, perhaps someday we ourselves may be a
Guide assisting another Traveler along their very own Personal
Path.

Darkness. In this instance, Darkness represents Ignorance.
However, Darkness is banished by Light (Enlightenment).
Enlightenment is the acquiring of the Skills and Knowledge that
enable us to conquer Ignorance. Enlightenment is Wisdom!

When the Stranger tells us that "We are more capable than
we know", he is telling us that we have Latent Talents sleeping
within us that, once awakened, can accomplish the most
Fascinating Deeds.

The Great Darkness represents Great Failure. It is when we
"allow" our fears, doubts, and insecurities (our Demons Within)
to conquer us. It is the relinquishing of our Individual Sovereignty.
It is "accepting" to be at the mercy and Decisions of others; to live
someone else's life; to experience someone else's Destiny. When we
CHOOSE The Great Darkness we forfeit both our Dreams and our
Personal Destiny. We can no longer experience who we truly are
and all that we can become.

It is by accepting our Call To Adventure, Traveling Our Path to
its End, vanquishing our Demons Within, and fulfilling our Personal
Destiny that we experience The Adventure Of A Lifetime!

(See also: The Call To Adventure)

THE MANY EXCELLENT WRITINGS OF JOSEPH CAMPBELL
CONTAIN ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS ON MYTH AND THE CALL
TO ADVENTURE.

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 2008