The Axe - As A Symbol

The double-headed Axe is rich in Symbolism. To begin with, it has
three extensions, or arms; and Three is the number which
represents "Creation" (See: "The Three Gunas").

The double-headed Axe is similar to the Tau Cross, ( T ), therefore,
the Symbolism contained within each of them is also similar.

The horizontal Axe-head, just like the horizontal line of the Tau
Cross, Symbolizes the greater and lesser extremes of Duality
which exist within the material world.

The vertical handle of the Axe, just like the vertical line of the Tau
Cross, Symbolizes the Spiritual aspect of ourselves, of mankind,
and of the universe. And as the vertical handle connects into, but
does not continue above, the well-balanced midpoint of the
horizontal Axe-head, it represents the Blending Of Differences
and the Union of Duality.

(Note: Should the vertical line proceed through the horizontal line,
it would then become a four-pointed Cross, ( + ) , which, among
other things, Symbolizes the Transcendence of Duality.)

As the double-headed Axe Symbolizes the "Union of Duality",
it is therefore a Symbol for marriage. In marriage, a spiritual union
(the vertical handle) is formed between the Dual nature of a man
and woman (the two opposite sides of the Axe-head). This spiritual
union is the unseen magical essence which allows this man and
woman to go forth and create together whatever it is they Choose
to create in either the physical, mental, or spiritual realms.

It is also interesting to keep in mind that a "marriage" can occur
between any two opposites which unite together in a common
pursuit. Some examples of these kind of "marriages" are
business partnerships, mutual pursuits, and treaties between
nations.

The double-headed Axe is usually portrayed with curved blades
on either side of the Axe-head. This is lunar Symbolism and
represents the waxing and waning Cycle of the moon. It is
therefore a Symbol for beginnings, endings, and rebeginnings...
birth, death, and rebirth. When Symbolized in this way the
double-headed Axe represents the endless Cycles of Eternity
along with the Divine Essence (vertical handle) which "Unites"
the Dualities of these Cycles.

In Ancient Egypt, the Axe was a Symbol that represented the
Neters (gods and goddesses) and was therefore a Symbol for
Divine Authority.

In recognition of the physical aspects of the Axe, it is also a Symbol
for cutting, hewing, and cleaving. An Axe is used to hew away the
excess wood from the end of a tree-branch in order to form a spear.
In this way it represents "getting to the point"; a phrase we use
today when attempting to understands facts and Truths. An Axe is
also used by Trailblazers, both in a physical and metaphorical
manner, to "cut down" obstacles in order to create new Paths, Trails,
and Ways.

An example of "cleaving open" comes to us from Greek mythology.
Zeus, after suffering a raging and unrelenting headache, allowed
Prometheus (some say Hephaestus) to cleave open his Skull with
an Axe. Zeus' headache immediately disappeared and out of his
Skull popped Athena, the goddess of Intellect, Wisdom, and Good
Council: qualities which can also be expressed as "Lightening",
"Great Light", and Illumination. Athena is also the patroness and
protectress of the city of Athens.

This particular myth is rich with both Symbolism and metaphor.
Zeus was in the throes of an enigma, or dilemma...his headache.
He allowed Prometheus, the "Bringer of Light [Wisdom]" to cleave
open his Skull [the domain of the Mind] with an Axe. This cleaving
open of the Skull Symbolizes the "opening of the Mind". Upon
opening His mind, out sprung Athena...the goddess of Wisdom.

This Greek myth teaches us that a closed mind leads to mental, and
physical, torment. This torment can only be released by opening our
mind. Upon opening our mind we then open ourselves to not only
endless possiblilties, but also Truth and Wisdom...qualities that all
True Seekers respect and cherish.

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

Crossroads - Symbol And Metaphor

"It is our choices that show what we truly are,
far more than our abilities."
- Professor Dumbledore in J.K. Rowling's
"Harry Potter and The Chamber of Secrets"

A Crossroad is any point where two or more Paths Intersect. This
intersection Symbolizes the focal point of Decision and Creation. It
represents a "meeting place", or a period of contemplation, where
Thoughts and Ideas must Marinate before becoming either a
Decision or a Creation. It also represents a midpoint where the
gods bring people, ideas, and Events together in order to satisfy
Destiny.

Symbolically, a Crossroad is represented by either the Symbol X,
or the Symbol Y.

When represented by the Symbol X, the Crossroad portrays
Creation or Decision in the material realm. This is due to the fact
that the X has four distinct "legs", and four is the number which
represents matter. The Midpoint of this Symbol, the point at which
its two lines intersect, represents the Union of Duality. Therefore,
the Symbol X represents the Union of Duality in the material
realm; or material creation.

An example of this concept can be found in the familiar surroundings
of the corner tavern, park, or general store where people congregate
and where fellowship is shared and enjoyed; after which everyone
returns from whence they originally came. It is at Crossroads such
as these that the Seeds of new friendships, and new ideas, take
root, grow, and blossom.

A prime example of such a Crossroad is the ancient city of
Alexandria which was a central meeting place for people of all
cultures. It was at Alexandria that people from all different walks of
life met, shared, and deposited their knowledge and Beliefs. It was
the ideal Midpoint for the Blending of Differences.

When represented by the Symbol Y, the Crossroad signifies
Creation or Decision in the mental or spiritual realm. This is due
to the fact that the Symbol Y has three distinct "legs", and three
is the number which signifies creation in the unseen world; the world
of Mind and Spirit. The Midpoint of this Symbol, the point at which
its three lines intersect, is the focal point of all abstract Creation
and Decision (See: "Trivia" and the "Three Gunas").

The Y Crossroad is the lonely fork-in-the-road where we gaze at
two separate roads which fade into the Horizon and must decide
which Road we will travel. It is the point at which the Lone Traveler,
or the Lone Wolf, must make an important Choice. For although
we can see to the Horizon, we cannot see that which is beyond.
The Adventures we experience beyond the Horizon of the Road we
ultimately Choose to travel will change our life forever, and we will
not return as the same person who initially ventured forth.

The Y Crossroad is the Crossroad which appears in Mythology
and Legend and is a metaphor for the lone, personal, enigmatic,
and life-changing Decisions which constantly confront us as we
journey through our Current Incarnation.

As no great decision should ever be made lightly, the Y Crossroad
also represents a time and place of pause, contemplation, and
Marination of Thought which we all must suffer through, and accept,
prior to moving onward.

As we travel from one Crossroad to another we begin to understand
that every Decision we make brings forth a Creation into our life. We
also begin to understand that every Creation which manifests itself in
our life is but the result of some Decision we made at some previous
Crossroad in our 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 2010

Union Of Duality

Upon leaving the Womb, we enter the world of matter. This world
of matter is the realm and dimension of Duality.

Everything we experience in the realm of matter is Dual in nature.
Hot and cold...simple and difficult...male and female...matter and
spirit. Furthermore, Duality does not need to be extreme in nature
for it also consists of varying degrees of differences of the same
essence: such as warm and cool instead of hot and cold.

Duality presents us with a lifetime of challenges and Choices. How
we Choose to reconcile (unite) matters of Duality determines the
Path we will Travel during our life's journey through the material
realm.

Whenever we reconcile a Duality that presents itself to us,
regardless of whether it is in material, mental, or spiritual matters,
we create, and experience, a Balance (a harmony) in that particular
area of our nature.

The Ancients understood the importance of Balancing Duality and
used the Symbol of the Cross to express this Sacred Concept. The
Cross is a very Ancient Symbol. It is found in all Ancient cultures.

Regardless of whether a Cross is drawn with two equal arms, two
unequal arms, or at an angle, all Crosses have one thing in common:
The Focal Point at which the two arms of the Cross intersect
represents the Union Of Duality.

Not only does Union Of Duality represent Harmony, but the Union
Of Duality is a necessary requirement for the Act Of Creation.

The Male Seed must impregnate the Female Womb in order to
Create new life. The Male Energy of the Sun's Rays must impregnate
the Female Womb of Mother Earth's Soil in order for life, in all its
forms, to grow, exist and flourish on our planet. The Male Energy
bestows the Seed which the Female Womb accepts in order to
Manifest the Act of Creation. This is the Way of the Universe.
This is the Union Of Duality in the Physical Kingdom.

In the Mental Kingdom, Creation is manifested when two different
Thoughts, or Notions, are Woven Together to form a new idea,
concept, or invention.

Something "New", in any realm, can only be Created by Way of the
Sacred Concept of the Union Of Duality.

Once we Learn to understand, and accept, the Divine Principle of the
Union Of Duality, we are able to recognize, and evaluate, both sides
of all Issues and Concepts. We become the Seeker, the Wanderer,
who lives in that Borderland Between Two Different Realms, that
Vesica Piscis, where all Knowledge and Wisdom converges in one
Central, and Focal, Location.

Once we allow ourselves to "see", understand, and embrace the
Duality that surrounds us, we are then able to make the proper
Decisions which allow us to experience our Current Incarnation
with Peace, Simplicity, and Contentment.

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