The Unattached Observer(The Beholder Of Cycles, Events, and Destiny)

"The iron chain and the silken cord
are both equally bonds."
- Friedrich von Schiller

There is a very insightful statement which appears on page 61 of
"The Fire From Within" by Carlos Castaneda which bears further
attention and comment:

"...Seers aim to be free, to be unbiased witnesses incapable of
passing judgment; otherwise they would have to assume the
responsibility for bringing about a more adjusted cycle. No one
can do that. The new cycle, if it is to come, must come of itself."

As this paragraph is an excellent description of an Unattached
Observer, let us look further into this statement and attempt to
analyze its insights and Instruction.

As Events create Cycles, they therefore share a similar bond.
Cycles can be cosmic, planetary, societal, and personal. And
although cosmic and planetary Cycles are unalterable, and
generally beyond our control, we still have the ability and
responsibility to be Aware of them.

Societal and personal Cycles and Events are a completely different
matter. They can either present us with those golden opportunities
which appear to us perhaps only a handful of times during our
lifetimes, or, they can be the trap-doors that constantly get us into
an awful lot of trouble.

Societal and personal Events are brought about by Actions. Actions
can be in the form of Words, personal behavior, or massive group
(mob) undertakings. Once an Action is performed a Cycle is created;
and This Cycle will have Consequences. Furthermore, this Cycle
must experience its own completion; nothing can stop it once it is
set into motion.

Seers, and Seekers, understand that whenever we create an Event,
or Share Energy with with a person, place, thing, or Event, we
become bound to, and responsible for, the Consequences of the
Event we either participate in or create. The responsibilities and
Karmic burdens we may incur from the resulting Consequences of
these Events can often limit our personal freedom and clear thinking
long after these Events complete their normal Cycles.

Therefore, Seers and Seekers are very cautious of who and what
they Choose to share and invest their energies with. This is why
Seers and Seekers very rarely involve themselves in societal
and inter-personal Events and simply maintain the role of an
Unattached Observer.

So, with this Thought in mind, the question we should be asking
ourselves is simply this: Do we want to be swept away by personal,
inter-personal, societal, and perhaps even cosmic Events which are
such a large part of Human Behavior and our Human experience, or
do we simply prefer to be an Unattached Observer who is immune to
these Cycles and Events and the Consequences which they create?

As every Action (whether by word or deed) creates an Event, and
every Event has a Cycle, and every Cycle has a duration and
Consequences, each one of us possesses the Free Will to Choose
whether or not we will participate in, and therefore bind ourselves to,
an Event, its duration, and its Consequences.

We Learn by way of two different processes: observation and
experience. Furthermore, experience can be gained by either of
two  ways: personal experience or the experiences of others. As
personal experience can often be expensive and brutal, it is Wise
to learn as much as we can from the experiences of history and
the experience of others.

Seers and Seekers who maintain the role of the Unattached
Observer understand this important principle. They are the
Lone Wolfs who realize that Non-Interference allows us to be
free, unbiased, unattached, and observing. Whereas Interference
restricts our freedom, causes us to form and defend Opinions,
attaches us to Events and their Consequences, and prevents us
from being Aware of what is truly happening.

The Unattached Observer has cultivated the ability to properly
observe and understand an Action or Event along with the
Consequences it will bring forth. This Awareness enables the
Unattached Observer to Wisely Choose whether to participate
in, or distance themself from, any particular Event.

Finally, Unattached Observers, being fully Aware of the Cycles
which are created by Actions and Events, understand that once a
Cycle is created it cannot be stopped; it must completely exhaust
itself. This "pearl of Wisdom" prevents them from interfering in any
Cycles which individuals, crowds, or societies have put into motion.

They completely understand that any attempt to interfere with any
Cycle already in motion disturbs its natural rhythm, binds them to
the Cycle, and creates responsibilities and obligations which can
limit their freedom, disturb their peace of mind, and draw them from
the Path of their personal Destiny.

Although there are Cycles, Events, and Destinies which constantly
befall mankind, The Unattached Observer is fully Aware that he, or
she, is not required to participate in these issues. The Unattached
Observer simply observes these issues from a distance, sidesteps
the follies and intrigues of the masses, and takes pleasure in the
peace and contentment of their own personal Journey.

See also: "The Prime Directive"

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 Phoenix - Symbol And Myth

Just like the Unicorn, the Phoenix is a mystical and magical
creature. The Symbolism of the Phoenix can be found in the myths,
fables, legends and religions of nearly all civilizations and indigenous
cultures throughout the world. In Ancient Egypt it is called the Benu
bird; in India Garuda; in Chnia Feng Huang; and in Japan Ho-oo.
In addition, the Phoenix is also an integral, and archetypal, Symbol
used in Alchemy.

The Phoenix is a fabulous bird which enjoys an extremely long life
span. When its current life Cycle is complete, the Phoenix Sacrifices
its current self through Fire and renews itself three days later. Only
one Phoenix can exist at any given time.

Since the mythology of the Phoenix is found in so many different
cultures, scattered throughout the most remote reaches of the world,
we find ourselves asking the question: What is the hidden meaning,
and sacred Lesson, contained with this wondrous and Symbolic
creature?

To answer this question, we must delve into the esoteric Symbolism,
and not simply the fairy-tale-like "story", associated with the
Phoenix.

In a way, the Symbolism of the Phoenix is similar to that of the
Serpent. The Serpent sheds its worn-out old skin in order for it to
renew itself with the new skin of youth in the physical realm.

However, the Phoenix is a bird. And as birds can fly and travel
through the element of Air, they have been, since ancient times,
Symbolic representations of mind and Spirit. Therefore, when the
Phoenix "gives up" its old and completed self, it does so because
it is ready to be transformed and reborn unto a much higher realm.
The Phoenix Symbolizes the ultimate Act of Creative Destruction,
Sacrifice, and rebirth within the sublime realm of mind and Spirit.

In Ancient Egypt The Phoenix was also a Symbol and Metaphor for
the setting and rising Sun. The Sun disappears beneath the Western
Horizon in a ball of flames when Its daily Journey is complete so that
it may be re-born anew in the East the following morning by way of a
new ball of Fire.

Symbolically, Fire represents light, enlightenment, and illumination.
The Fire in which the Phoenix Sacrifices and renews itself is not
the fire of physical destruction which is portrayed in paintings. It is
the Spiritual, Alchemical Fire indicative of Purification, Wisdom,
Transformation, and Rebirth; it is the "Fire which does not burn".

The three-day process of Death, Transformation, and Renewal
referred to in the legend of the Phoenix appears numerous times
in Legend, Myth, and Sacred Texts. It is an allusion to the Rite
of Initiation which an Ancient Initiate was required to submit him,
or her, self to in order to Transcend, by way of Sacred Ritual,
to the next higher plane of Instruction and Initiation.

This Initiation Ceremony was conducted during the three dark,
or silent, nights of the new moon.

Death, Transformation, and Renewal. This Lesson is constantly
emphasized within Ancient Teachings found throughout the entire
world. It is presented to us in the Lesson of Creative Destruction,
the Act of Sacrifice, and the Symbolism of the Phoenix.

It is a constant reminder that our Current Incarnation is a Path of
expansion and growth. It is also a reminder that our Journey is an
infinite Adventure in which we can Decide, at any time, that our old
self has completed its Cycle of usefulness. Once we Choose to leave
our old self behind we simply need to follow the example of the
Phoenix: immerse ourself in the Spiritual Fire of Sacrifice and
Transformation, and use the ashes of our old self to create the
new person we are Destined to Become.

(See Also: "The Unicorn")

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

War, Peace And The Common Enemy

"For an average man, the world is weird because
if he's not bored with it, he's at odds with it."
-Carlos Castaneda

War and Peace are perhaps two of the most dramatic extremes of
duality which we can experience in the physical realm. And yet,
regardless of whether we are experiencing Peace or War, we always
seem to require a Common Enemy upon whom we can vent our
personal frustrations.

War, a masculine aggressive energy, is the far most extreme of the
negative side of Passion. It is born from the Seed of a prolonged
Cycle of Peace. And, just like any other intense passion, War only
ends when all parties become physically, mentally and emotionally
exhausted with the barbaric tragedy they have brought upon
themselves and finally say, "Stop! We have had enough! Give
us Peace".

Peace, a feminine passive energy, is the extreme opposite of War.
After War has exhausted us we breathe a sigh of relief and are
thankful for our new found Peace. However, over time, Peace, just
like War, begins to rear the ugly head of its negative extreme; this
is the time when the ego over-rules common sense.

After an extended period of Peace, nations and cultures find
themselves basking in the by-products of their extended Peace.
These by-products are laziness, complacency, apathy, self-denial,
and boredom.

It is at this extreme that nations and cultures are most vulnerable.
This is the time when the entire bureaucracy, and nearly all of the
population, refuses to acknowledge even the slightest possibility
that change is imminent until some "unexpected" event blasts
them out of their complacency. Once this "unexpected" event
occurs, the bureaucratic "experts" proclaim that they "never saw
it coming", and the shocked populace cries out, "We want blood!".

And so it goes, on and on, the continuing Cycle of War...Peace...
War.

The Common Enemy is the "faceless them" on which mankind
takes out its frustrations in both times of Peace and times of War.
In times of War, mankind expresses its inflamed passion against
another nation or culture. In times of Peace nations and cultures
vent the frustrations of their restless boredom against their fellow
countrymen.

Swayed and agitated by political, religious and social factions, which
have nothing else to do, mankind is coerced into believing that its
once common friend is now its common enemy.

However, these imagined foes are nothing more than external
projections of the personal frustrations, inner emptiness, lack of
direction, and the mental boredom that are the side effect of an
extended Peace.

History has shown us that mankind can neither tolerate the Passion
of War nor the Boredom of Peace.Therefore the endless Cycle of
War and Peace continues to repeat itself.

However, this does not mean that we, as individuals, are required
to partake in the folly of the masses. Those of us who are Seekers,
Initiates, Wanderers, or Lone Wolfs have the ability, and
responsibility, to Choose what is best for us during our Current
Incarnation.

During all Cycles of War, Peace, and times in-between, there are
always rare individuals who achieve and excel regardless of any
external conditions.

They excel because they concentrate on only the positive aspects
of Passion and Inactivity. Positive Passions are the burning
desires and the childlike curiosities which accompanied us into
our Current Incarnation. Positive Inactivities are the dreams and
imaginings we long to incorporate into our lives.

When we are able to combine Positive Passion with Positive
Inactivity we no longer need to seek outside ourselves that which
already exists, in its entirety, within us.

And while the masses may be torturing themselves with their own
self-created mayhems and frustrations, we, as Lone Seekers,
have the ever-present option of walking an entirely different Path;
a Path which leads us to Contentment, Harmony, and many
unique Adventures.

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

Devolution - From Gods To Vassals

"Why settle for mere mortality when you can be gods?"
- Hermetic Wisdom

"Most persons are so absorbed in the contemplation of the
outside world that they are wholly oblivious to what is passing
on within themselves."
- Nikola Tesla

Ancient teachings from nearly all cultures tell us of a distant Time
when gods and Giants lived among, interacted with, and mated
with mankind. As it would be extremely difficult for Giants to mate
with humans, we may conclude that the word Giant must somehow
be either a Mis-translation, or have an altogether different meaning.
Perhaps the word, or Symbol, for "Giant" has been mis-interpreted
and should actually translate as: "god", "Advanced Specie", or
"Enlightened Being".

In any event, ancient mythologies, legends, and teachings are very
much united in that at one Time, in our very remote past, gods
mingled with humanity. Ancient scriptures refer to this era as
mankind's Golden Age. It was during this most distant and remote
Time that human beings communicated with each other, inter-
mingled, and self-governed themselves, by way of their highest
faculty: their Spiritual Mind.

During this Golden Age, all was good and peaceful. There was no
turmoil, stress, or greed. All persons respected each other and
whatever someone needed, or wished to communicate, was accomp-
lished by using one’s Spiritual Mind.

This Golden Age was the era of Prima Materia and Prisca Sapientia,
which are referred to in Hermetic and Alchemical teachings. Prima
Materia is the first, or prime, matter; the pure original matter from
which all other matter evolves. Prisca Sapientia is the Pristine
Knowledge, the First Knowledge, the Pure Wisdom, which was
available to all, and used by all. Prima Materia and Prisca Sapientia
are Divine Principles which appear only at beginnings. In other
words, these two Principles were responsible for ushering in
mankind and its Golden Age; its Zep Tepi; its First Time.

Then something happened. The gods departed, taking all of their
splendor and Wisdom with them. Mankind was left to take care of
itself and evolve on its own. But instead of humanity continuing to
act and govern itself in its purest and godlike fashion, it began to
change.

Slowly and unnoticeable at first, without the gods to provide for
them and encourage them, our distant ancestors started to become
lazy and apathetic. Instead of using the highest faculty of their
Spiritual Minds they started to Devolve by relying more and more
upon their more basic and mundane faculties.

It was during this era that mankind abandoned mental communicat-
ion for the convenience of words. However, because their mental
powers were still very strong, our ancestors were able to memorize
and repeat enormous verses, tales, Rituals, and epics simply by
hearing them only once. This was the era of retention and Instruction
by Memory.

The era of Memory was followed by the era of writing. It was during
this era that our ancestors slipped from memorizing and retaining
large verses, tales, rituals and epics and began to write them down;
first through Symbols, then through written words. During this era,
our ancestors no longer needed to rely on their higher faculties of
memory and retention, they simply had to remember where they
left their scrolls and books.

Now, after many centuries of "modernization" mankind has Devolved
to the point where our language has become corrupted and confused,
Words have lost their true original meanings, and our spelling is no
longer a concern for us. Today, everything we need to know and rely
upon is "conveniently" stored on some sort of computer device; and
woe to us should our batteries fail or our device "crashes". Should
our devices fail, for any reason, those of us who rely solely on our
devices, and not upon our wits and skills, will become hopelessly
lost.

From being "one" with the gods during our Golden Age, mankind
has slowly Devolved into vassals, slaves if you will, of our most basic
material whims and our most recent state-of-the-art conveniences.

From using the highest faculties of our Spiritual Minds to obtain
whatever we require, we have Devolved into creatures who rely
solely upon the latest technology while also depending on others
to both think for us and, hopefully, "take care" of us.

Mankind has now created for itself an era in which the majority of
the masses lie shattered upon the jagged rocks of false Hope, endless
disappointment, and fractured Relationships in nearly every segment
of society. From the apex of Spiritual Purity which prevailed long ago
during mankind's Golden Age, humanity now finds itself staring into
the dark abyss of extreme polarization and frustration which it has
wrought upon itself through laziness and apathy.

It appears as though the pendulum has swung to its extreme and
that the end of an Age, a Cycle, is before us. However, the Death of
one Cycle is the creative Seed from which the next new Cycle is
born. One can only wonder at how many of these Cycles mankind
has experienced throughout the endless eons of Eternity.

For those individuals who recognize this Eternal Cyclical Law of the
Universe, there is the understanding, and anticipation, that a new
Golden Age is getting ready to dawn; a new First Time in which
Prima Materia and Prisca Sapentia will once again un-Veil
themselves to mankind as they usher in a new Golden Age.

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

Creative Destruction

"Please get out of the new world if you can't lend a hand,
for the times they are a-changin' "
- Bob Dylan, poet and songwriter

"When a Cycle has run its course, change is imminent."
- Joseph Panek

Every Divine Principle within the realm of Nature has a specific
purpose. One of the most basic Principles, and perhaps the one
that is most universally ignored, is that of Creative Destruction.

Simply put, Creative Destruction is the razing, or tearing down, of
the old in order to create the new. Individuals, organizations and
civilizations who Choose to ignore this eternally repeating process
of Nature are Destined to suffer the tragedies which accompany the
Destructive end of a Cycle. Those who recognize, and understand,
this Divine Principle are the ones who prosper from the Creative
changes to which a new Cycle gives birth.

The ancient teachings of civilizations and cultures throughout the
world speak of the Principle of Creative Destruction in both their
Mythology and Symbolism. From the Vedic and Hindu we have the
deities of Shiva and Kali. From ancient Egypt we have the eternal
battles between Seth and Horus. Numerous cultures speak of the
Phoenix which destroys its old self so that it can renew itself from
its own ashes. The Tarot teaches us the Principle of Creative
Destruction in the card of The Tower. And the Cycle of Creative
Destruction is also represented by the Symbolism of the Serpent
which sheds, and leaves behind, its old skin (old age) in order for it
to rejuvenate itself with the new skin of Youthfulness.

Beginning and end...death and rebirth...destruction followed by
creation. When one Cycle ends a new Cycle begins. This is the way
of the universe. It is Divinity in Action. The old must be torn down
in order for the new to grow and blossom. The death of the old is the
foundation for the new. New civilizations are built upon the ruins of
old ones. This is the never-ending Cycle of Eternity. When Time is
up, change is imminent. We ignore this Eternal Truth at our own
peril.

It is interesting to note that the word "ignore" is the basis of the
word "ignorance". The fact that we may be Ignorant of a Divine
Truth does not absolve us from any Karmic burden or Unexpected
Consequence which may result from our Ignorance.

The concept, or Principle, behind the Law of Creative Destruction
teaches us that new ideas cannot be generated from old thoughts;
a problem, or dilemma, cannot be solved by the same mind which
created it; society cannot evolve by relying on outdated laws, habits,
policies and bureaucracies; civilization cannot move forward while
looking backward. These facts are true regardless of whether we are
referring to individuals, organizations or civilizations.

Most of us are familiar with such sayings as, "what goes up must
come down" and "all good things must come to an end". Yet the
vast majority of us tend to think that these Eternal Principles apply
to everyone except ourselves.

Wisdom requires that we recognize the end of one Cycle and the
beginning of another. For it is when we become complacent, lazy and
careless - when we Choose to live in Denial of the Law of Change -
that the Cycle of Creative Destruction has most likely run its course
and is about to rain havoc, misery and suffering down upon those of
us who have been caught unawares of the changes that are about to
begin.

Change is the mantle of Nature and of Deity. And for every person,
organization and civilization that destroys itself through Ignorance,
laziness and complacency there stand other persons, organizations
and civilizations ready, willing and eager to build upon the rubble of
the old in order to create something new. These are the visionaries
and Trailblazers who recognize and understand that once a Cycle
has run its course a new Cycle, along with exciting Change, is at
hand.

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

Unintended Consequences

"Every action, no matter how small, has a consequence."
- "The Tale of Despereaux", Kate DiCamillo

"Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences."
- Norman Cousins

An Event can have two kinds of Consequences: Intended and
Unintended. Our Decisions, Choices, Actions and Words are Events
which we create and set in motion. We believe that the Events we
create will provide us with an Intended outcome. But, how
often have we experienced, often to our dismay, that Events which
we set in motion often result in Unintended, and unexpected,
Consequences which end up being ruinous not only to our intended
purpose but also our Current Incarnation? We tend to label these
Consequences as tragic.

On the other hand, how often have we also experienced that an
Unintended Consequence of an Event which we have set in motion
results in something more beneficial than we had originally
anticipated? We choose to label these Events as Serendipitous.
Serendipity is the discovery of something more surprising,
delightful, or beneficial than what we had originally been Seeking.

Creation, of which our Current Incarnation is an integral part, is a
series of Events. And every Event has a Consequence. We tend to
label these Consequences as either expected and intended, or, as
unexpected and unintended.

It is important to understand that once an Event has been set in
motion it develops a "life of its own" and cannot be stopped until it
has run its full course and comes to the end of its Cycle.

Furthermore, many Events are Interconnected with, and can overlap,
other Events. Whenever we set an Event in motion it can become
involved, or entangled, with other Events which are already "in play".
When this happens, these Events will very likely affect each other to
some degree.

Likewise, an Event which we set in motion can also interact with,
affect, and be affected by, other Events which have not yet been put
"in play".

It is the combining, or mingling, of our Event with these other Events
which can result in both our Event, and the Event it interacts with,
producing Consequences which are Unintended.

Events, along with their Interconnectedness and Consequences, are
represented Mythologically, Symbolically, and Esoterically by
Indra's Web, Kabbalah Paths, and The Spider's Web.

As every Event has a life of its own, it must run its complete Cycle.
Some Events take a long Time to "play out" while others take but a
short Time to complete their Cycle. Some Events have long-term
Consequences while others have short-time Consequences.

In the same way in which we are responsible for our Actions, so too
are we responsible for the Events that we put in motion. Therefore
we bare sole responsibility for the Karmic Consequences which
result from any Event we create regardless of whether these
Consequences are Intended or Unintended. Once we put an Event
in motion it is far too late for us to say, "I never intended for that
to happen".

The Law of Karma, being a Divine Principle, is not concerned with
whether we created an Event through haste, thoughtlessness,
malice, Ignorance, or good intentions. The Law of Karma simply
completes the Consequence of the Event which was put in motion
and presents the creator of the Event with either a Karmic Reward
or Karmic Debt.

Therefore, as we bare sole responsibility for our Actions, and the
Events we put in motion, it is vitally important that we Weigh our
Decisions and Actions very carefully and only place in motion
those Events which can bring us the greatest Peace, Contentment,
and Karmic Rewards.

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

Events

"The wise adapt themselves to circumstances,
as water moulds itself to the pitcher."
-Chinese Proverb

Nature is a process of continuing Cycles, patterns and rhythms.
Her Cycles, patterns and rhythms produce Events. Events produce
circumstances and Consequences. This process has been in
existence longer than any one of us mortals. Yet we mortals actually
Believe we can out-think, control, and even defy, Nature's eternal
processes.

When we consider that every Consequence is the result of an Event,
and that every Event is a process of Nature, then we must also
accept the Truth that an Event is neither good nor bad; it is Simply
part of an eternal process.

With these Thoughts in mind, let us take a look at some Events,
their consequences, and how we often Choose to "label" the results
of these Events.

Large waves are natural occurrences on the vast oceans of our
planet. When they occur in uninhabited areas or upon the vast and
empty expanse of our seas, we consider them to be natural Events
and take very little, if any, interest in them. However, should a large
ship be capsized by one of these large waves we automatically
categorize this natural wave as a "rogue" wave and accuse Mother
Nature of creating a catastrophe. Whereas, in Truth, the fault
actually resides in our inability to understand and recognize this
natural rhythm of Nature.

It is interesting to note that on one hand we classify a large wave
as a natural Event while on the other hand we call it a calamity;
same Event yet different label.

Earthquakes and tectonic plate movements are part of Nature's
ongoing rhythmic process. When a seismic Event occurs under the
sea or in some remote area of our planet we dismiss the Event
almost immediately. However, should this same Event occur below
a community, town, or city, we consider this natural Event to be a
tragedy created by Mother Nature. Two identical Events: one
viewed with very little interest while the other is viewed as a great
misfortune.

This is not to say that the premature loss of life is not a tragedy,
for it is. It is to say that our Ignorance of, or complacency with,
Nature' s Laws, rhythms, and Cycles is what is tragic, not the
Event itself!

Another example of Events are the news "events" so many of us
anxiously await at the end of our day. What many of us call either
"good news" or "bad news" is really neither. The "news" we watch
and listen to is nothing more than an after-the-fact report of the
Consequences resulting from a previous Event, or Action. By the
Time we hear about these Consequences both the initial Event and
the ensuing Consequence have long since passed. It is merely how
we Choose to Interpret, or "label", these after-the-fact "news
events" that affect our emotions and Thoughts.

Every Event, or Action, has a Consequence. Therefore, an Event
is an Action which is simply a prelude, or catalyst, to a Consequence.
It is up to us to recognize an Event for what it is and thereby
understand, Foresee, and perhaps even profit from, its forthcoming
outcome.

We occupy this planet in partnership with Mother Nature. Mother
Nature is a Divine Principle; an Egyptian Neter. It is our personal
responsibility to be familiar with Her Laws, Cycles, rhythms, and
patterns. By understanding and being in Harmony with Her, we
will find Mother Nature to be nurturing and Giving. By doing
otherwise, we may find ourselves being disciplined for our
misbehavior and Ignorance.

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

Time

"Time and tide wait for no man."
-Geoffrey Chaucer

What is this thing called Time? We set our watches by it. We make
plans and appointments based upon it. We also look forward to
holidays, anniversaries, festivities and birthdays based upon it.
But have we ever stopped to consider the meaning and reality of
this cosmic Drumbeat we call "Time"?

In its most Simple and brief description Time is a measurement of
movement. To be more precise, Time is the movement of one object,
or Event, in relationship to another.

Time is both cyclical (infinite) and linear (finite). This cyclical and
linear concept of Time is represented, Symbolically, by the horn
of the Unicorn. The Unicorn's horn is a straight (linear) Symbolic
bone protruding from the top of the Unicorn's head - or Crown
Chakra.

And, although straight and finite, the Unicorn's horn consists of a
spiral design which begins at the crown of the Unicorn's head and
eventually fades into Infinity at the uppermost tip of the horn. This
straight and spiralled horn of the Unicorn Symbolizes both the
cyclical and linear nature of Time.

Cyclical Time is the continuous repetition of the endless Cycles of
Eternity. It consists of the seasons, tides, sunrises, days, months,
years, ages and eons which are encompassed within Eternity.
Cyclical Time is the often repeating and unending Cycles which
govern not only our visible, physical universe but also the invisible,
spiritual realms which are unfamiliar to us. Cycles, which are
Symbolized by Circles and Spirals, are the Eternal timepieces which
are part of Divinity's Grand Design.

Linear Time, on the other hand, represents the finite and temporary.
Just as a line must have a beginning and an end, so must linear
Time have its beginning and end. Each day must come to an end.
Each year must come to its close. Civilizations, dynasties,
kingdoms, eras, joys, sufferings, festivities, Relationships, material
gains and physical life are all a part of linear Time. Therefore,
because they are finite in nature, they must all experience their own
particular beginning and end. In addition, linear Time also contains
the Consequences, or results, of previous Actions and Events
initiated by ourselves and by others.

Linear Time exists within Cyclical Time. While the Cycles of Eternity
are enduring and infinite, the Events which occur within these Cycles
are limited and temporary. And although today's day has the same
24-hours as yesterday's day had, it is not the same 24-hours.
Today's day is a finite, temporary Event occurring within one of
Divinity's numerous and overlapping Eternal Cycles.

This is why the same sunrise which greeted our ancient ancestors
many ages ago is not the same sunrise which greets us today.
Yes, it is the same Sun. Yes, it is still rising in the East. However
this same Sun which is still rising in the East is now performing its
daily, finite function within a new rhythmic Cycle.

Therefore, although we can "put things off until tomorrow", or even
"look forward to tomorrow", tomorrow will not be the same day as
today. For tomorrow truly is "a brand new day!"

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

Relationships

"For every thing there is a season,
and a time for every purpose under heaven."
-Ecclesiastes

Relationships are Cycles in our lives. And just like any other Cycle,
they serve a purpose for a specific duration of Time.

Good Relationships are gifts; they are Blessings. We should be
thankful for experiencing a good Relationship when it enters our life
and be prepared to let it go when its Cycle comes to an end.

Relationships, like Cycles, can be extremely short, extremely long,
or fall somewhere in-between.

An example of an extremely short Relationship is a stranger who
provides us with directions when we are lost. We are thankful to the
stranger and leave this Relationship with a warm feeling of kindness
toward this individual for entering our life at the appropriate Time
and giving us guidance.

An example of an extremely long Relationship would be a childhood
friendship which remains with us for the duration of our Incarnation.

Marriages and romantic intimacies are also Relationships which
can last for varying degrees of Time. Some marriages last a lifetime
for both partners. However, a large number of marriages last for
only a finite amount of Time before their Cycles come to an end by
either divorce or through the physical death of one of the partners.

Physical death of one of the partners is Divine termination of a
Relationship once its purpose - its Cycle - has been completed.
And although we may feel as if a gift has been taken from us when
such an Event occurs, we eventually come to realize that Divinity,
in Its Infinite Wisdom, has provided us with a golden, untarnished
Memory which will accompany us, and guide us, throughout the
remainder of our Incarnation.

When we think back on our Past and current Relationships we
come to realize that none of these Relationships started out as
"bad". They all began with excitement, expectation, Hopes, and
dreams. And although they may have eventually deteriorated into
a "bad" Relationship, they did not start out that way.

Perhaps the most difficult thing for us to understand, and accept,
in a Relationship is when its Cycle is coming to and end. Upon
recognizing that a Relationship is coming to an end we should be
prepared to end the Relationship with the same tenderness and
kindness with which it began. We should bow out gracefully and
take nothing but fond experiences and Memories with us. Ending
a Relationship in this fashion is a sign of respect, class, and Wisdom
which has a positive effect and leaves both partners with warm
and kind Lessons and memories as they continue down the Path
of their future.

Failing to understand when a Relationship is over, and failing to
close a Relationship with class, respect, and Wisdom turns a once
wonderful experience sour and creates ill-will and negative Karma
for the concerned individuals throughout the remainder of their
physical Incarnations.

Relationships are special gifts and Blessings bestowed upon
us by Divinity and should be experienced and respected as such.
However, should it become necessary to close a Relationship, we
should invoke, and employ, Wisdom in the closure process.
For Wisdom, by its very own perfect nature, will allow both
individuals to move on while maintaining warm Memories of a
Relationship that was once wonderful, exciting, and young.

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

Change - The Eternal Constant

"Change is the Essence of life...
Be willing to surrender what you are
for what you could become."
-Unknown

What a paradox we humans are! In the ephemeral (short-lived)
scheme of things we embrace Change in all of its many aspects.
Yet, in the grander scheme of things we continually do battle with
Destiny and fight to cling to those things whose Time has passed.

The Universe is continually expanding and Changing - it exists and
thrives on Change. And we, as Children of The Universe, also crave
Change - no matter how vigorously we may Choose to argue the
opposite.

Let's take a look at the many ways we Choose Change in our lives
when it comes to short-term Changes:

We Change the color Choices of our wardrobes and our homes - the
colors we preferred a few brief years ago are not the same colors
we prefer today. We Change our preferences in automobiles and
architecture styles. We Change our homes, we Change the cities in
which we live, we Change our jobs, and we even Change spouses.

We Change our clothing styles and hairstyles. We dye our hair only
to eventually return it to its original color. We grow mustaches and
beards...then we shave them off.

We even bring Change into our lives on a daily basis: we wore blue
yesterday so we must wear red today because, surely, we can't
wear the same color, or outfit, today as we wore the day before!
How many of us make a Ceremony out of standing in our closet
while we pick out an outfit to wear tomorrow that is different from
the one we wore today? We make all these Changes in our hunger
to experience our lives in slightly new and different ways.

However, when it comes to long-term, constructive Change we
take an entirely opposite approach. We presume that the way
things are today are the way they will remain forever and we plan
our futures, careers and Relationships based upon this presumption.

Careers in which we have trained ourselves when we were eighteen
years old may no longer be in demand today. Yet we cling to them
nonetheless. Relationships, both personal and social, that we
established many years ago may no longer be Harmonious with who
we are today. Yet we continue to hold on to their monotonous
familiarity. We also steadfastly embrace old Beliefs and Opinions
which are no longer valid...if, in fact, they ever were.

All Cycles, whether universal, social or personal, come to an end.
When a particular Cycle comes to an end, a new and opposing
Cycle replaces it. When we refuse to accept this Eternal Truth,
we find ourselves building our personal foundations upon the
shifting sands of Eternal Change. This causes us to become molded
(crystallized) into an existence of melancholy, regret, struggle,
stubbornness and emptiness.

We all accept the fact that Cycles begin and Cycles end. However,
we also seem to think that this Eternal Law pertains to everyone
else but us as we attempt to build ever-lasting monuments upon
the ever-turning Wheel of Eternal Change.

Once we allow ourselves to accept the Truth that Change is Eternal
we then also accept the fact that our life, our Incarnation, is one long,
long Road - a Road which offers us many different opportunities to
experience the various interesting aspects of our Divine Nature.
By embracing Change, we find ourselves gazing toward that distant
Horizon in which the Fruits, Adventures and fulfillments of our
personal Destiny constantly beckon us to "Come Hither".

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 Past

If we don't remember the past, how will
we know when the future arrives?"
-Joseph Panek

The Past is one of the greatest gifts that can be presented to us.
It is a classic textbook of both Wisdom and folly. The Past contains
all of the Lessons, experiences, Consequences, achievements, and
tragedies of the countless individuals, and civilizations, which have
preceded us. It is also the realm of the Ancient Masters who made
certain that the Sacred Teachings and the Sublime Truths of
Antiquity were passed on to all future generations.

Mythologically, The Past is also the domain of Saturn, The Teacher
who bestows upon all people, organizations, and civilizations the
just rewards, or punishments, resulting from their Past behaviors.

The Lessons of The Past are the guidelines of the future. When we
learn from The Past we gain foresight and Awareness. There is no
need to randomly guess, or haphazardly "predict" what tomorrow
holds in store because, "What has been will be again, what has
been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun"
(Ecclesiastes 1:9). Therefore, to learn from The Past enables us to
understand, and foretell, what Destiny holds in store not only for
ourselves, but also our society and our planet.

In the oft-repeating Cycles Of Eternity, individuals have met with
disaster and empires have been razed to rubble simply because
they have Ignored the Lessons of The Past. These individuals and
empires always behave in the same manner: they Ignorantly and
pompously march off to do battle with History completely oblivious
to, and heedless of, the calamity which awaits them as they
cheerfully wave their ancient and tattered banner whose faded
Words proclaim: "This Time It's Different!"

In addition to The Past, there is also our past. Once we Become
able to learn from the past experiences of others, we then become
better able to learn from our own past experiences. This Learning
process simply requires that we place our ego aside and replace
it with a genuine thirst for knowledge and Wisdom.

History is replete with tyrants, despots, various clergy, and petty
thugs who have conducted monumental efforts to destroy Wisdom
and knowledge. Yet, with all of their misguided efforts, the Eternal
Spirit of Wisdom and Truth has always prevailed.

In addition, many individuals have been tortured and executed
throughout the endless Past for their efforts to provide their
generation, and all future generations, with Spiritual Guidance and
Divine Truth.

Books, manuscripts, and people can be destroyed, but the Divine
Essences of Truth and Wisdom cannot. These Divine Essences are
forever preserved, and carried forth, by Master Teachers,
indigenous cultures and Independent Thinkers.

And although ignored by many, these Teachings and Instructions
lie right before our eyes. They are the spiritual writings, philosophies,
legends, and mythologies which have been preserved through Time.
Our library shelves abound with many of these works which are
simply awaiting the touch of our fingers and the gaze of our eyes.

We owe it to ourselves, and our ancestors, to absorb these Lessons
and philosophies of The Past so that we can be better prepared for
what awaits us as we journey down our very interesting Path which
beckons us into our future.

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 Dot Within A Circle - As A Symbol

As an astrological Symbol, the Dot within a Circle represents the Sun.
As an alchemy symbol, the Dot within a Circle represents Gold.
However, as an esoteric Symbol, The Dot within a Circle embodies
much deeper Lessons and Principles.

The Circle represents The Infinite; Eternity. It also represents the
flow of Time and the ever repeating Cycles of Eternity which have no
beginning and no end; Cycles which, when complete, flow back into
themselves and repeat anew. We find this cyclical Truth also
represented, Symbolically, by the Ouroboros: the serpent swallowing
its own tail.

Cycles can be Infinitely long or Infinitesimally short. There are
quantum cycles, daily cycles, monthly cycles, annual cycles,
generational cycles and cataclysmic cycles. Cataclysmic Cycles occur
when the earth, and the universe, destroy and re-cycle themselves
in order to be re-born into a new Cycle. But however long or short
a Cycle may be, a Cycle consists of the following: birth, life, death
(or transformation) followed by re-birth. And so it goes, on and on,
throughout Eternity; endless repeating Cycles followed by endless
repeating Cycles.

And because Cycles are endless and self-repeating it also means
that everything that ever will be created has already been created.
It re-enforces the proverb, "What has been will be again, what has
been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun"
(Esslesiastes 1:9).

Everything that is yet currently un-created in our physical realm
already exists, in its entirety, in the cosmic and Spiritual realm.
These un-manifested creations are simply waiting for our minds
and senses to reach the proper stage of development where we can
recognize them, understand them and re-manifest them in our
physical dimension.

History and past Cycles teach us that manifestation typically occurs
in one of three ways:

1. by way of the natural re-creative and re-generative cycles of
Nature.
2. by way of an increased ability of an individual's imagination,
insight or other senses.
3. by way of "an idea whose time has come": whereby a number of
people throughout the world experience the same idea at the same
time.

Such is the nature of Cycles, and the manifestations which occur
within these Cycles, as symbolized by the Circle.

The Dot represents the Seed, the Spark, the Focused Thought
which gives birth to creation in the physical and mental realms.

On a much deeper level, however, The Dot symbolizes the one
eternal and unmoving Source from which All of creation emanates.
It is the One Creative Principle which establishes and governs the
Cycles of Eternity. At this level The Dot symbolizes Deity, Divinity,
and the Divine Mind; It is the Hermetic Nous; it is the center point
around which the Wheel of Eternity revolves.

Without first having a Dot we could not draw a line, a circle or a
picture.  We would be unable to express a mathematical formula
or create our daily "to do" list which are all manifested by moving
a Dot from a pen, or pencil, along a piece of paper.  Therefore,
we could not physically or artistically express or create anything
without first beginning with a Dot.  The written word, or idea, already
exists within The Dot and simply awaits manifestation.

We see this Divine Principle in evidence throughout Nature.
The tallest oak grows from a single acorn; a stalk of corn towers
from a small Seed; historic ideas and inventions are the result of
a single, focused Thought; a human adult evolves from a lone and
imperceptible sperm.  Therefore, as the oak already exists within
the acorn, the cornstalk within the Seed, the invention within the
focused Thought, the adult within the sperm, so too does the
un-manifested concept already exist within The Dot.

As Divinity resides within us as our Atman, our God Within, we
too possess the Divine Seed: the Divine Spark of creation. All of
the latent skills, talents, concepts and ideas necessary for us to
create whatever it is that we Choose to create already exist within
us. They are merely waiting for us to awaken them.

And as this Divine Ability to create already exists within each one
of us, it simply depends upon whether or not we Choose to take
advantage of our Divine Gift.

We can Become anyone we Choose to become. We can accomplish
anything we Choose to accomplish. We can create anything we
Choose to create. We can experience anything we Choose to
experience. We are The Dot Within The Circle!

IMAGE VIA WIKIPEDIA

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

Rivers - As A Symbol (Part 1)

"You can never step into the same river;
for new waters are always flowing on to you."
-Heraclitus of Ephesus

"Follow the river and you will find the sea."
-French Proverb

Symbolically, a River represents the flow of Time. It Symbolizes
the natural flow of Nature along with all of Her Cycles, transitions,
transformations and passageways.

When we stand in the middle of a bridge above a River, and look
down, we experience a powerful, awe-inspiring, hypnotic sensation
as we watch the River flow beneath our feet. Although it is the same
River, it is the continual flow of new Water within that River which
mesmerizes and enchants us. The metaphor, "A lot of water under
the bridge" paints a mental picture of the hypnotic effect of the
passage of Time.

To get an even deeper "feel" for this passage of Time, let us first
consider the birth, journey and final transformation of a River.

A River begins as a spring of Water high up in the mountains.
Mountains Symbolize the higher realms of consciousness. They are
the home of gods and Wise Men and represent the Border between
the realms of Heaven and Earth. (See: The Fool and The Hermit).

This high mountain spring of Water is Water which has been filtered
and cleansed by way of a multi-year (and perhaps, multi-century)
journey through the womb of Mother Earth. When this water finally
emerges from Mother Earth it is Sacred, Pure and Life-Giving.

After leaving its mountain spring, these Waters join with other
Waters from other mountain springs to eventually form a River.
A River does not flow in a straight line, it has many twists and turns.
These twists and turns are Nature's way of keeping Her life-giving
Waters healthy: they create the eddys that aerate the Water which
is so vital to the nourishment and preservation of all the people,
animals and vegetation which rely on the River for sustenance.

Once the River has completed all of the twists and turns of its long
journey it finally empties into the sea. The point at which the River
enters the sea is called It's Delta. The Delta is a triangular area
which forms at the mouth of the River. The word Delta is derived
from a Greek symbol, also in the shape of a triangle, which means
"Change". Upon passing through Its Delta the River "Changes". Its
individuality comes to an end as It merges with all of the other
Rivers, which have also ended their long Journeys, to become part
of the One Great Sea.

Now that we have briefly explored the life-journey of a River, let us
move on to the Symbolism, mythology, metaphor and Lessons
contained within the River and its Waters.

First of all, although a River is composed of Water, it is important
to understand that the River and Its Water are two separate and
distinct essences; they are two separate and distinct Principles.
Water is the Feminine Essence which gives birth and nourishes.
The River, on the other hand, is the Masculine Principle which
Impregnates the soil of Mother Earth with Its Water.

Life on this planet cannot exist without the life-giving nourishment
of Water, and it is the River that provides that Water. Perhaps the
most familiar understanding we have of this Principle is the annual
return of the Nile River in Egypt. Each year the Nile River swells
along its river bed and impregnates the soil along Its banks with the
nourishing and life-giving supply of Water necessary to regenerate
the crop supply. Without the River there would be no Water.
Without the Water there would be no crops. Without the crops there
would be no life.

Creation myths from numerous cultures speak of a great mountain
from which four Rivers flowed in four different directions. These
Rivers provided the life-giving nourishment for the four cardinal
areas of creation (North, South, East and West). These Rivers
impregnated the lands which then gave birth to the exotic gardens
of myth and legend.

Symbolically, a Garden represents fertility and Abundance. For
there to be a Garden (fertility), Water (birth and nourishment) must
be very close at hand. And this Water can only be delivered by either
a River, Spring or Stream.

It is important to also note that a Well, which is also a Water supply,
is simply a man-made effort which taps into an underground River
or Stream.

The twists and turns which are a part of a River's long journey
symbolize the twists and turns which we encounter during our
earthly journey; our Incarnation. As with the River, our earthly
journey is not direct. Just as a River must take Time to turn, pause
and aerate Itself, we too must take Time to pause, alter course a
little, and refresh ourselves.

And just like the River, once our pause and refreshment is over we
are then ready to resume the next clear Path of our journey. The
River also reminds us that we can only go forward in our life's
Journey. It is when we attempt to go back (live in the Past) that we
find ourselves "swimming upstream" in a futile attempt to defy the
natural flow of Nature.

The River, in its long Journey, is Symbolic of life in general; and of
our lives in particular. There are periods when the River experiences
turbulent, chaotic and disturbing Times (rapids); there are periods
when It experiences twists, turns and pauses; and then there are
periods when the River flows peacefully, smoothly and calmly.

And finally, just as with each and every one of us, the Time comes
for the River to end its long Journey. This is the moment when the
River passes through its Delta (Change) to be transformed into, and
become part of, the Great Sea. This moment of transition for the
River symbolizes our moment of transformation which occurs when
our long earthly Journey comes to its end. This is the time when we
also Change in order to return to, and re-Become part of, that Great
Consciousness which we call Divinity. The River, what a great
metaphor for this complex Journey we call life!
Next: Rivers, Part 2

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 Seeker

"Of all the communities available to us,
there is not one I would want to devote
myself to except for the society of the
true seekers, which has very few living
members at any one time."
-Albert Einstein

The personality, spirituality and actions of The True Seeker can
easily be Symbolized by two cards in the Tarot deck: "The Fool"
and "The Hermit". The True Seeker is a union of these two
archetypes: combining aspiration, imagination and Adventure
with Insight, Awareness and Wisdom: a rare combination indeed!

True Seekers Travel their own Path. Although they may appear
to be simply prancing through life with excitement on their face
and a gleam in their eyes they are always alert and aware. And,
because the Decisions and Actions of The True Seeker are based
upon Awareness, Insight and Wisdom he, or she, is not easily
swayed by the slogans, cliches and false-crusades which govern,
and bog down, the masses. The True Seeker harkens only to the
call of new Adventures, new imaginings and new Wisdoms.

The True Seeker understands the Cycles of Eternity and realizes
that Change is eternal, that everything created by man is short-
lived, and that today's fact is but tomorrow's fallacy.

True Seekers understand the importance of being "true to their
Word", their Promises. This characteristic enables them to attract
like-minded others into their lives while also preventing undesirable
Consequences from disturbing their Journey.

The True Seeker is a Lone Wolf who is highly protective of his, or
her, personal Sovereignty while at the same time understanding and
respecting the individual Sovereignty of others.

The True Seeker is Aware of the many Destinies that he, or she,
will encounter during their Travels. These include the Destinies of
cities, factions, nations and worlds. This Awareness provides The
True Seeker the Wisdom to Choose whether or not to participate
in the Adventures and Destinies of others.

The True Seeker understands that he, or she, was placed into
their Current Incarnation in order to experience and enjoy the
Fruits, pleasures and comforts of their earthly Journey. However,
the True Seeker also realizes that these Fruits, pleasures and
comforts are but short-lived material enjoyments that must be
Balanced by the pursuit of Spiritual Wisdom.

And finally, The True Seeker knows that there are only a few
other True Seekers occupying this planet at any given Time.
Therefore, The True Seeker takes comfort in his, or her, own
aloneness, Thoughts, imaginings, Adventures, pursuits and dreams.

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 Ancient Initiate

"Know thyself"
- Inscription above the entrance of
the Temple of Apollo at Delphi

In the Remote Past, Sacred Schools were established by Master
Teachers. It was in these schools that Master Teachers provided
Instruction to well-qualified individuals, who were in search of
Enlightenment, about the Secret Mysteries of the Physical and
Spiritual Worlds. These schools have come to be known as the
Ancient Mystery Schools. The individuals who were granted
admittance into these Mystery Schools were referred to as
Initiates.

Although many men and women applied for admission into these
Mystery Schools, only a few were accepted. The Master Teachers
first weeded-out the applicants who were seeking admission simply
out of "curiosity". Next, they eliminated those applicants who were
considered to be either too lazy, or simply unable, to dedicate
themselves to understanding and mastering the Knowledge and
Wisdom that these Sacred Institutions had to offer.

The applicants who were accepted into the Mystery Schools were,
indeed, the well-qualified and dedicated few who would invest the
time and energy necessary to learn the Knowledge and Wisdom that
the Master Teachers were about to impart to them.

Two important facts must be remembered regarding these Ancient
Mystery Schools:

First: Admission into the Mystery Schools was open to both men
and women. The gender of the person was not important. What
was important was whether the applicant was well-qualified,
dedicated, and able to handle the years of Spiritual and Mental
disciplines that lay before them.

Second: application for admission into these Mystery Schools was
completely voluntary. In addition, the Initiate was free to leave the
School should he, or she, determine that the Way of the School was
not in Harmony with their Personal Path. Needless to say, very few
Initiates Chose to quit these Mystery Schools.

But who were these Initiates of the Remote Past? And why did
they voluntarily dedicate years of their lives in order to understand,
and master, Sacred and Secret Mysteries...Mysteries that were
considered Ancient even during their lifetimes?

These Ancient Initiates were Seekers of Truth and Wisdom.
It was their Divine Calling to seek out, understand, and master the
Knowledge and Wisdom that govern the the Eternal Cycles of
Man and Spirit. These Initiates, these Seekers, did not look upon
the Teachings of these Mystery Schools as an obligation they must
endure. Instead, they looked upon their Lessons and Disciplines as
an Adventure that was in Harmony with their Divine Nature. They
appreciatively, and enthusiastically, embraced the Knowledge and
Wisdom that the Master Teachers of these Mystery Schools were
pleased, and honored, to bestow upon them.
See also: "Instruction of the Initiate"

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

Janus - Symbol and Myth

"Our journey never ends.
We constantly find ourselves standing at
new thresholds which must be crossed.
Either we enthusiastically step through
these thresholds, or Destiny shoves us
through them."
-Joseph Panek

Janus is the Roman God of Beginning and End; the Guardian of
Thresholds. He is portrayed with two faces: one face looking
forward and one looking backward. From Janus we get January,
the first month of the year. January is the month when we look
forward to a new year while, at the same time, looking back upon
the year that just ended.

This concept of looking both forward and backward at the same
time has its roots in Antiquity. In Ancient Egypt this concept was
Symbolized by the Aker Lions. The Aker Lions are two lions that
are portrayed sitting with their backs to each other and facing in
opposite directions. One Lion represents Yesterday and the other
Lion represents Tomorrow.

This Symbolism teaches us that the Past and the Future are
linked together. In order to "see" the Future we must first
remember, and understand, the Past. The Wise Seeker understands
this Divine Principle of Yesterday and Tomorrow and is always
evaluating the Seeds of the Past in order to "see" what the Harvest
Of The Future will be.

To see the future we must understand the past;
To see today we must understand yesterday;
To see tomorrow we must understand today;
To see the next minute we must understand this minute.
What has been, will be again... 
There is nothing new under the sun.

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