The Egyptian Pyramid - Part 1(Symbolism and Metaphor)

"The most beautiful thing we can experience
is the mysterious."
- Albert Einstein

Pyramids! We find these mysterious, immense, and fascinating
structures throughout the world. We gaze at them in wonder and
ask ourselves: who built them? how were they built? what were
they used for? and, when were they built?

We may never know the True answers to all, or any, of these
perplexing questions; and this is what mystifies us. However, by
delving into the Symbolism of the Pyramid we can begin to un-Veil
some of the Esoteric and Ancient meanings contained within that
mysterious and sacred structure we call the Pyramid.

The word "pyramid" is a Greek word. And because it is a Greek
word, which is a much later language than Ancient Egyptian, this
tells us that this was not the original name that these structures
were called in antiquity. For the Greeks came to Egypt at a far
later Time after the Pyramids were built.

However, as words change from one language to another, at least
a portion of their original essence tends to remain as language
is passed down through Time, different civilizations, and various
languages.

When we look at the etymology of the word "pyramid" we notice
that the root of this word is pyre. Pyre means Fire. And Fire can be
further translated Symbolically, Alchemically, and Mythologically
as: enlightenment, illumination, primal energy, the Creative Seed,
and Divine Principle.

When we trace the original Name for Pyramid back to Ancient
Egyptian hieroglyphs, we come upon the glyph Per-Neter, or Per-
Neteru, which translates as "House of Divine Principles". And
Divine Principles are the primal essences, the original Creative
Seeds, and Natural Laws which exist throughout the cosmos and
give energy, purpose, and expression to all things.
(See: "The Egyptian Neter")

The Pyramid also represents, Symbolically, the primordial mound
which appears in numerous creation myths throughout the world.
The primordial mound is the first matter that rose out of the depths
of the sea of Chaos (the Great Subconscious) to create the material
realm. This primordial mound, upon rising from the primal Waters,
separated these Waters below from the sky above.

When we view the Great Pyramids of Egypt from one of their sides
we notice that they are massive upward-pointing Triangles. An
upward-pointing, or ascending, Triangle has one point at its top
and two points stretched out equally at its wide base below. We
also notice that the Pyramid has four sides, is stepped, and is built
upon solid bedrock.

With all of these points in mind, let us now delve into the Symbolic,
and metaphorical, Lessons contained within the Pyramid.

Ascending Triangle: As an ascending Triangle, the Pyramid is
one of the basic and revered shapes contained within Sacred
Geometry. A Triangle has three sides. And, Esoterically, the
number Three is the number of creation (See: "The Three Gunas")

In Alchemy, the upward pointing, or ascending, Triangle is the
Symbol for the Element of Fire; which, again, represents
enlightenment, illumination, force, energy, and the Creative Seed.

Solid Bedrock: The Great Pyramid is built on solid bedrock; not
shifting sand. This teaches us that, just as the Pyramid requires
a solid and stable foundation to support itself, we too require a
solid and stable foundation beneath our character if we are to be
firm and unwavering in our Thoughts and Actions. For we cannot
ascend to great heights if our character is not set on solid principles
(bedrock). Those of us who build our character on shifting sand
always find ourselves shaky, unstable, and ready to collapse
under the most minimal stresses which daily life, and Time,
bring upon us.

Wide Base: The Pyramid is widest at its base. And "base", in this
instance is a very appropriate Word. This large and wide base is
Symbolic of where a very large part of humanity spends most if its
Incarnation. The base is Symbolic of where the masses congregate,
struggle, fight, argue, and mingle. And although everyone "wants"
to get themselves out of this lower segment of society, or what is
often referred to as the "rat race", very few accomplish this feat.
Most people find that they are simply incapable while others just
can't quite figure out how to "get over the hump" that leads to the
higher levels.

Four Sides: Each side of the Pyramid faces only in one direction.
Symbolically, this means that those people occupying one side
of the Pyramid have only a limited, and one-sided, view of Events.
Furthermore, the view of those occupying the bottom (the base)
is more restricted than is the view of those who have ascended to
higher levels.

And, as the "view" of those persons who occupy one side of the
Pyramid is limited to only one direction, these persons are
incapable of "seeing" all that is occurring throughout all "four
corners" of creation.

This restricts the ability of these persons to make sound and
rational decisions for they are restricted from viewing what is
happening all around them. Therefore the one-side Symbolizes
limited Awareness, short-sidedness, and a narrow point of view.

Stepped: The Pyramid is "stepped". The steps of the Pyramid are
therefore similar to the steps of the Ladder; which is another
Symbol for Ascension. These steps teach us that knowledge,
Wisdom, and Ascension must be earned one-step-at-a-time. These
steps also represent "resting stops" where we may find ourselves
lingering occasionally while we acquire the necessary skills to
Ascend to the next higher level. But, by their very nature, the steps
of the Pyramid provide every individual who is willing to accept the
Quest the solid footing necessary to transcend the world of
pettiness, superficiality, and the mundane.

Those of us who work  diligently on the mental and spiritual aspects
of our Divine Nature ultimately acquire the skills, knowledge,
Awareness, and Wisdom necessary to scale the higher, narrower,
and more sublime levels of the Pyramid.

As we Symbolically ascend the levels of the Pyramid we are better
able to see the other directions which were previously hidden from
our view. Things also Become considerably more peaceful and less
crowded.  The air at these higher levels is purer. The individuals,
beings, and essences we come into contact with at these
Ascending levels are more sublime. And, as an added bonus,
the view from the top of the Pyramid is unlimited, unique and
awe-inspiring.

In "The Egyptian Pyramid - Part 2" we will explore:
1. The numerology of the Pyramid;
2. The unfinished (truncated) top;
3. The invisible capstone;
4. The "All-Seeing Eye" (which appears on the U.S. Dollar bill);
5. The invisible descending Pyramid.

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 Goat, The Goat's Horn, and The Bezoar (Symbolism and Mythology)

The Goat, along with the Goat's Horn, provides us with an
abundance of Symbolism and Mythology. The Goat is also a
Metaphor which expresses itself in our daily lives.

The Goat is a sure-footed animal that is as much at home on
mountain slopes and mountain tops as it is on flat ground. In this
aspect, the Goat is a Symbol of agility. And, in its ability to
scale a mountain, it is a Symbol of determination.

The male Goat, because of its reproductive prowess, is a Symbol
of virility, vitality, potency, and stamina.  It therefore represents
the energy of the creative and regenerative Seed: traits which are
expressed in the Mythology and Symbolism of the Greek Goat
God Pan. Pan is the forest Deity that is the creative and
regenerative spirit for all the plant and animal life which inhabit
His domain.

The famale Goat is a Symbol of nurturing and nourishment.

The she-Goat Amalthea is the nurturing Goddess who was the
wet-nurse, or nursemaid, of the Greek God Zeus. From the she-
Goat we also get the Word, Nanny: a term we use today for the
person we charge and entrust with caring for our infants and
young children in our absence.

The milk of the female Goat is a sustenance fed to infants. Its
high quality and nourishment is a Compatible substitute for
mother's milk and for formulas which may not be agreeable to
infants.

The Horn of the Goat, both male and female, is both Symbolic
and practical.

It is the Horn of the she-Goat Amalthea, the wet-nurse of Zeus,
which is the Symbolic Cornucopia: the Horn of Plenty, the Horn
of perpetual abundance.

The Horn was also used as a drinking vessel in antiquity and is a
dual Symbol in that it is both masculine and feminine.

When pointed upwards, the Horn is the masculine, penetrating,
and assertive, phallic Symbol. When pointed downwards, it is the
feminine, receptive cup or chalice (womb).

This dual Symbolism, therefore, is representative of the yin/yang
energy. And the the combination of both the upturned Horn along
with the downturned Horn carries the same sacred Symbolism
and Esoteric meaning as the six-pointed "Star of David".

Those of us who are Harry Potter fans are familiar with the Bezoar.
A Bezoar is a stone which grows in the stomach of animals.
Bezoars removed from a Goat were considered the most potent
and were ground up and used as elixirs and antidotes for poisoning.

Bezoars were sought because they were believed to have the
power of a universal antidote against any poison. It was believed
that a drinking glass which contained a Bezoar would neutralize
any poison poured into it. The word "bezoar" comes from the
Persian pâdzahr (پادزهر), which literally means "protection from
poison." (from: Wikipedia.com)
 
As we can see, the Goat is not only a Symbolic and Mythological
creature, it is also an animal which provides practical and nutritional
benefits to mankind. And it is easy to understand why this animal
was so honored and cherished by ancient cultures throughout the
world.

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 Drum (Symbol and Metaphor)

"Time is the great devourer.
Beyond time, there is nothing to devour."
- Joseph Panek

The Drumbeat marks Time in the realm of matter. Time cannot exist
without matter, for all matter has a limited Time-span. On the other
hand, matter cannot exist without Time; for without Time matter
cannot experience the Cycle of manifestation, expansion, and
decay.

In our physical realm we use the beat of the Drum to dictate the
tempo of music. It is also used to set the cadence for marching
bands, oarsmen, and armies. It also represents the beating of
the heart and pulse in all living creatures.

In its most sublime essence, the Drumbeat Symbolizes the
heartbeat of the universe. In its most gross essence it represents
war and doom in which it is the rhythmic reminder that "the Time
has come..."

The Drumbeat is of such a low frequency that it vibrates not only
the air but also the ground and can be felt by mankind and
animals alike. Even those who cannot hear can still feel the beat
of the drum and use it to communicate.

The beating of the Drum brings the primordial rhythm of life to a
Ceremony. The dances, chants, and rituals of all indigenous
cultures employ the beating of the Drum to mark the beginning,
rhythm, and end of their traditional rites. Shamans use the beat
of the Drum to induce a state of ecstasy and to invoke spirits.

The terms "march to the beat of a different drummer" and "march
to the beat of our own Drum" are metaphors for taking
responsibility for, and marching to the rhythm of, our own Destiny.
These metaphors are the slogans of the Sovereign individual, the
Lone Wolf, and the Non-Conformist.

Shiva, the Indian deity, holds the Drum in his extended right hand.
The right hand is the hand used to bestow (see: "Hand and Cloud").
This Symbolism reminds us that Creation (manifestation) begins
with the first beat of the Drum and ends with the last beat; and
that Creative Destruction is a natural, ongoing process of the
material realm.

The Esoteric and Sacred Lesson conferred upon us by Shiva's
Drum is thus: All material things march to the beat of Time; they
have a beginning, a finite Time-span, and an end. When we
concentrate on Time (duality and matter) we shut out eternity
(unity). However, when we focus our concentration on eternity,
Time and matter become insignificant.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2011

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2011

The Shadow (Symbol, Myth, and Metaphor)

"Where there is much light, the shadow is deep."
- Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

We can trace the Symbolism of The Shadow back to Ancient
Egypt. The Shadow is an integral part of probably all Belief
systems. We find it appearing in ancient texts, mythology,
folklore, and psychology.

The dark, mysterious essence of The Shadow has intrigued
mankind since the earliest beginnings of Time. The Shadow
is attached to all things, and all that is required to view a
Shadow is a little bit of light; for a Shadow cannot be seen
unless we first have light.

In mythology, the Ancient Egyptians expressed the essence
of The Shadow in Nephtys, the dark twin sister of Isis.

In astrology, The Shadow is expressed as Lilith, the dark and
un-seeable side of the moon.

in folklore, The Shadow is expressed as the doppelganger,
or "double walker".

In Psychology, The Shadow represents our alter ego.

And yes, even in Fairy Tales we read of Peter Pan losing his
Shadow; and of his frantic effort to find it, catch it, and have it
re-united with himself.

So, what is this Shadow? And, why does this Shadow enchant
us so?

The first thing we need to keep in mind is that we exist within
the realm of Duality. In the realm of Duality, nothing can exist
without its exact opposite: its Lilith; its Nephtys; its alter ego;
its doppelganger...its Shadow.

The Ancient Egyptians realized that each one of us are composed
of two distinct and different persons:

The first is our physical, visible person which consists of all of the
characteristics, Lessons, dreams, and ideals which we have
Blended and bonded into our everyday self.

The second is our invisible, Shadow person which consists of all
of the characteristics, Lessons, dreams, and ideals which we
have Chosen to not incorporate into our everyday self.

Therefore, our Shadow is our dark, hidden, and unmanifested
Alter-Self. In it resides all of the essences, options, and Choices
of that person which we have either not Become, are afraid to
Become, or have not yet Become. In other Words, within the
Shadow is contained all of the unused aspects, or potentials,
of our personal evolution.

Hence, our Shadow is the necessary Dual part of our current
nature which compliments the person we are today.

Furthermore, in a more cosmic and expansive role, the Universal
Shadow is also the unseen compliment of all things in the Universe
which have as yet to manifest themselves.

As our dark side, our Shadow is our personal receptacle for all of
the things we do not wish to bring into our life. Things we are
uncomfortable with: such as our fears and inhibitions. It contains
that unknown aspect of ourself which we are reluctant to venture
into and experience.

As our alter ego, our Shadow contains many aspects which we
both shun and admire. And every so often we become tempted
to delve into our Shadow in order to experience some of the hidden
and tantalizing aspects contained within it.

These are the Times when we generally bring mischief into our
lives because we are experimenting with aspects of our Shadow
which are not compatible with our established personality.These
are also the Times when we allow incompatible individuals to enter
our lives in order to satisfy our craving for an alter-ego experience.

It is during these "alter-ego experiments" that we discover (and
often re-discover, to our dismay) that although "opposites may
attract", they are not always Harmonious with who we truly are.

And though we may allow these individuals, or temptations, to
temporarily enter our lives, we generally do not retain these
persons or experiences for very long for they eventually Become
too dis-Harmonious with our established personality.

However, we must always remember that we exist in a realm of
Duality. And because Duality always contains a positive and
negative polarity, so too does the darkness of our Shadow.

Darkness has acquired a very bad reputation throughout the
centuries and is hardly ever expressed today in its Esoteric
and True meaning.

Darkness, and by association The Shadow, is often represented
to be "evil". However darkness, in its True and Esoteric sense,
represents the Great Feminine Womb from which everything
comes into being.

In this sense darkness is the Hermetic chaos, or the Great
Subconscious, within which everything that will ever exist already
exists in its unmanifested form. In other words, it is the Great
"Unknown" which we have been Indoctrinated to look at with
fear and suspicion instead of curiosity and awe.

This brings us back to our Shadow, and the positive aspect of its
darkness.

The Lesson contained here is that not only does our Shadow
contain those aspects of ourselves which we have Chosen not to
Become, it also contains those aspects of ourselves which we
have not yet Chosen to become.

Therefore, if we are to Become all that we can be, we must not
be afraid to boldly venture into the dark unknown of our Shadow.
For within our Shadow Realm is where our Creative Womb resides.
And our Creative Womb contains the Realm of our Imagination; in
which all of our unmanifested opportunities and wonders reside.

When we venture into our Imagination, we are accessing our
Creative Womb. We are journeying into the dark, magical, mystical,
and enchanting domain of Our Shadow!

Here is another interesting point to consider:

Although it takes very little light to create a Shadow, no amount
of light can ever quench a Shadow. The brighter the light, the more
dense the Shadow Becomes.

The Lesson contained here is that the brighter and more
Illuminated we become, the more we realize we do not know.
These additional unknowns then become deposited into our
Shadow and serve as new catalysts for future Adventures and
manifestations.

Our Shadow is the dual, complimentary part of our current nature.
As we expand our nature, and Become more Enlightened, our
Shadow has more and more unmanifested essences deposited into
it. This causes our Shadow-Self to becomes denser and denser.

Therefore, Symbolically and metaphorically, the brightest and
most Illuminated individuals possess the darkest and densest
Shadow.

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

Traveling (Symbol, Metaphor, I Ching)

"All journeys have secret destinations
of which the traveler is unaware."
- Martin Buber, philosopher and theologian

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Refusal Of Sacrifice (Symbol And Metaphor)

"Iron rusts from disuse;
water loses its purity from stagnation...
even so does inaction sap the vigour of the mind."
- Leonardo da Vinci

(This article is the conclusion of the article on Sacrifice)

As previously alluded to, The Act of Sacrifice is an act of
Creative Destruction. It is the act of giving up, and leaving behind
us, that which we have already become, and using our Past
achievements, Lessons, and experiences, as stepping-stones to
new Adventures.

Sacrifice is a metamorphosis. It is a Doorway, a Threshold, a
Vesica Piscis we must step through in order to experience all of
the personal, mental, and spiritual growth available to us during
our Current Incarnation.

But, what happens to us when we refuse to accept, and submit
ourselves to, the Act of Sacrifice?

From the moment we refuse to Sacrifice who we currently are for
who we can ultimately become, we find ourselves frozen in Time;
our Incarnation stagnates and solidifies; and our future becomes a
crystallized, monotonous repetition in which we basically re-live the
same day over and over for the remaining days of our "life".

Metaphorically, when we refuse to submit ourselves to Sacrifice and
Transformation, we allow ourselves to be "nailed to the cross of
matter" upon which we stagnate, deteriorate, and decay.

To use another metaphor, Refusal of Sacrifice is to voluntarily
confine ourselves within a narrow and high-walled Tower of our
own design wherein we simply horde whatever possessions we have
accumulated while forsaking imagination, enthusiasm, and desire
for any future growth, achievements, or new Adventures.

This restrictive Tower, which we slowly, methodically, and
unconsciously construct around ourselves, not only deteriorates
with time, but is constantly being attacked by external forces. And
the more we attempt to fortify and defend this self-created fortress
of ours, the more we find ourselves fighting a losing and futile battle
with the timeless forces of evolution, progress and growth. And, in
the end, as our protective Tower slowly becomes our self-created
prison, we finally find ourselves crying out for help and pity as our
short-lived material world crumbles all about us.

We see the sad and lonely results of the Refusal of Sacrifice all
around us every day. Those who Refuse the Act of Sacrifice are
those who ferociously cling to their old selves and their old
accomplishments. These time-worn individuals are so intent on
watching their old "pots" and "nests" that they do not notice the
great abundance of pots and nests that are continually passing
them by. Their lives become a stale, moldy repetition simply
because, at some point in their Incarnation, they Refused to step
through the beckoning Threshold of Sacrifice and embrace the
greater achievements, and bolder Quests, which are the rewards
of Change, Transformation, and Sacrifice. They are the faceless
masses we encounter every day who have traded personal, mental,
and spiritual growth for the illusion of security, conformity, and
complacency.

We live in a realm of Duality and Choices in which we are constantly
encountering Crossroads, or Forks-In-The-Road, where life-altering
Decisions must be made. One such Fork-In-The-Road presents us
with the Choice of traveling upon either the "Road of Sacrifice" or
the "Road of the Refusal of Sacrifice". The Road we ultimately
Choose to travel is entirely up to us. For only we can determine
whether we will travel upon the "Road of Refusal of Sacrifice":
which leads us to stagnation, complacency, and conformity…or the
"Road of Sacrifice": which continually leads us to new Adventures,
broader Horizons, and Enlightenment.

(This article is the conclusion of the article on Sacrifice)

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

The Trailblazer - Symbol And Metaphor

"Remember what Bilbo used to say:
Its a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door.
You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet,
there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."
- J.R.R. Tolkien, "Lord Of The Rings"

In all great accomplishments and discoveries someone must be the
first to imagine them, pursue them, and ultimately bring them into
existence. This unique someone is the Trailblazer.

The Trailblazer is The Great Achiever; the Changer of History.
The Trailblazer is the Sovereign Lone Wolf who breaks down the
old, established barriers...travels into uncharted territory...and
establishes bold, new Horizons for others to follow.

The Trailblazer is the upsetter of the status quo: the true individual
who takes the first step on hallowed grounds which have never
before experienced a human Footprint. And while the vast majority
of people live in fear of Change, the Trailblazer is that one rare and
Self-Confident Adventurer who has the imagination, perseverance,
and courage to follow their Dream, their Path, their beckoning Star,
to its Journey's end while always embracing their personal Destiny.

He, or she, is the founder of new cities and industries; the un-Veiler
of new ideas and concepts; the creator of new inventions and
innovations; the maker of history; the remembered and celebrated;
the Hero and Heroine of fable, mythology, legend, and history.
Trailblazers are the Einsteins, the Newtons, the da Vincis, and the
Galileos: they are the immortals that are admired and respected
throughout Time.

However, although admired, respected, and honored today, we must
not forget the heavy price each and every Trailblazer willingly and
enthusiastically paid while pursuing their Quest which "upset the
apple cart" of the complacent, embedded establishments of their
era.

When we read the biographies of these great "Champions of Change"
we find that each Trailblazer was constantly ridiculed, discredited,
and scorned by the established mediocrities, and self-proclaimed
"experts" who lorded over the outdated bureaucracies and
institutions of their time. But in the end, these same bureaucracies
and institutions, which at first made every attempt to stone these
Trailblazers to death, ultimately realized that they could not stem
the tide of Change.

Upon realizing that they could no longer reign-in these Lone Wolfs
who were dragging society, kicking and screaming into new and
wondrous times, they finally bowed to the achievements of these
life-changing Individuals. The "red carpet" was then rolled out for
these newly accepted Heroes and Heroines, and these Trailblazers
suddenly found themselves honored with holidays, commendations,
state dinners, and having their portraits placed upon postage stamps
and commemorative coins.

And the same established mediocrities and self proclaimed "experts"
who previously tried to destroy the efforts of these Trailblazers, now
begged for the opportunity of having these Heroes and Heroines
attend their parties, banquets and state dinners so that they could
be seen standing side-by-side, and appear to be a peer, of these
new Trailblazers.

But, the Truth is, the Trailblazer is peerless. And it is the confident,
curious, and imaginative qualities of these Individuals which strike
fear into the heart of all established mediocrities, stagnated
institutions, and moldy organizations. For it is the Trailblazer who is
responsible for ushering in the Creative Destruction which disrupts
the status quo and allows the Path of human evolution to re-continue.

And although accolades, ceremonies, awards, and banquets are
ultimately forced upon the Trailblazer, these are not, nor have they
ever been, the rewards that the Trailblazer was originally seeking.

For the Trailblazer is merely driven by, and rewarded by, the
Simplicity of their childlike imagination, by the lure of their innocent
curiosity, and by the refreshing and pure atmosphere of their own
Thoughts and Dreams. They are the Initiates, the Seekers, and
the Wizards and Wanderers whose curiosity, imagination, and
persistence is responsible for keeping mankind on its on its slow,
methodical and wondrous Path of Evolution.

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

Egyptian Weighing Of The Heart (Symbol And Metaphor)

(image via Wikipedia)

In the Egyptian Book Of The Dead we encounter a Ceremony called
the "Weighing Of The Heart" in which the deceased Pharaoh is led
into the underworld by Anubis, the Egyptian Neter who is the
"Guardian of the Way". There the Pharaoh's heart is placed upon
the Scales of Justice and weighed against the Feather of Maat.

If the weight of the Pharaoh's heart was less than, or equal to, the
weight of the Feather, he was then led onward to meet Osiris who
welcomed the recently deceased Pharaoh into the afterlife. However,
if the Pharaoh's heart weighed more than the Feather of Maat, the
Pharaoh was immediately devoured by Ammit, a beast with the
head of a crocodile, the front legs and body of a lion, and the back
legs of a hippopotamus.

This "Day of Judgement", as it is referred to in other religious texts,
may strike us as a hideous trial which is imposed upon the recently
deceased Pharaoh. However, powerful Lessons are often contained
within "stories" which rattle our emotions and strike fear into our
imagination. But, as we shall see, the "Weighing of the Heart"
Ceremony is actually a powerful metaphor, a teaching tool, which
reveals to the Seeker and Initiate an ancient and eternal Truth.

Although the "Weighing Of The Heart" Ceremony contains a great
deal of Symbolism, we need only to focus on the following five
Symbols to understand the Lesson contained within this particular
Ritual: The Pharaoh, the Feather of Maat, the Heart, the beast
Ammit, and the Underworld.

Pharaoh: This is a Symbol, and a Metaphor, which teaches us that
just as the Pharaoh is the ruler of a material kingdom, so too are we
Pharaohs of our own personal kingdom: the kingdom of our mind,
body and Spirit. A kingdom for which we alone bear the sole
responsibility for either its expansion or demise.

Heart: The Heart is the Spiritual Center of our physical body. It is a
Symbol for our Inner Temple in which our Atman (our God-Within)
and our Divine Nature reside.

Feather of Maat: The Feather represents the most minuscule
weight. In the "Weighing Of The Heart" Ceremony, the Feather is
a Symbol for perfect balance, weightlessness, Harmony, and
equilibrium.

Ammit: The beast Ammit Symbolizes our Inner Demons which we
must continually grapple with as we Journey through our Current
Incarnation. Either we boldly conquer our Inner Demons, or they
end up devouring us.

Underworld: The Underworld is that dark, silent place within
each one of us. The Underworld Symbolizes a place where a
"rite of passage" occurs. It is a place of Initiation, deep within
ourselves, where we must go to in order to resolve our dilemmas
and to grapple with, and conquer, our Inner Demons. It is a place
of Decision, Contemplation, and Growth. We do not return from
the Underworld as the same person who originally entered into it.

There is a natural order which prevails throughout the Universe.
The Ancient Egyptians called this natural order Maat.

When we are in perfect Balance with Maat, we experience Peace,
Harmony, and light-heartedness in our life. It is during these times
that we find ourselves in control of both sides of Duality and our
Heart weighs less than the Feather of Maat.

When we are out-of-balance with Maat, we experience stress.
Stress is nothing more than an "unbalanced energy" which the
Qabalists call Qliphoth. These are the times when our Hearts are
"heavier than the Feather of Maat" and we find ourselves grappling
with our Inner Demons, our Ammits, until Balance and Harmony is
restored within us.

Our life is one long Journey of Decisions and Choices. And, as
all major decisions must be "weighed" cautiously and deliberately,
these are the times when we find ourselves retreating into our own
Underworld within ourselves (Our Subconscious) to grapple with
the various dilemmas and demons which confront us during our
times of indecision and strife. We begin our Underworld Journey
with confusion, uncertainty, and a degree of fear. Or, to state it
metaphorically, we begin our Journey into our Underworld with
a "heavy heart".

However, slowly we begin to unravel our dilemmas and conquer
our Inner Demons. When we are done with this particular "rite of
passage", our dilemmas become clear and our Inner Demons vanish.

Once our Inner Demons are conquered, and our confusions are
clearly resolved, we can leave our Underworld with the "lightest of
hearts", proceed upon the Path of our Current Incarnation, pursue
our Personal Destiny, fulfill our Dreams, and bask in the Peace,
Contentment, and Simplicity of our personal kingdom.

Throughout the course of Our Current Incarnation it is very easy for
us to acquire a "heavy heart" by way of burdens which are heaped
upon us, not only by ourselves, but by all of the various aspects of
society. These difficult to recognize burdens are covered in depth in
the articles on "Sin", "Karma" and "Guilt, Threats and Obligations".

See also: 
"Sin and Judgment Day"
"The Feather As A Symbol"
"Maat - Egyptian Goddess"

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

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

Baal - Myth And Symbol

"The beginning of wisdom is to
call things by their right names."
- Chinese proverb

It has been a common practice, throughout the history of mankind,
that when one civilization conquers another, the structures of the
vanquished are replaced, renamed and discredited by the victors.
This holds true for not only political and social structures but for
religious structures as well.

This process of replacing, renaming and discrediting has caused us
to lose the true meaning of many ancient words along with the true
meaning, and understanding, of the names of numerous ancient
deities which we now call gods and goddesses.

One prime example of this process of renaming and discrediting
comes to us in the name of the Ancient Deity, Baal.

Baal today is considered to be, and is presented to us as being,
the name of an evil entity we now call the devil. However, upon
taking a closer look at the name of Baal we get an entirely different
meaning; we see that it represents a very ancient Divine Principle.

The name Baal consists of two ancient words: Ba and Al.

Ba is the Spark of Divinity which enters into, and resides within,
matter. Therefore, Ba is incarnated spirit (See: Ba and Ka).
Spirit, in its unencumbered state, is eternal, infinite and free.
This is metaphorically expressed by us when we refer to someone
as being a "free spirit". Once spirit enters matter, it becomes
imprisoned within the object it occupies for some period of time.
During this period of time, spirit longs to once again be free.

Al (also pronounced and written as El) is the ancient name of
Divinity, or God. Al, or El, refers to The One...The Eternal Unity...
The Eternal Constant...The Source.

When Al, or El, is combined with another word it represents
aspects, or manifestations, of Divinity. We see this in the word
Elohim which means "council of angels" or "council of Gods and
Goddesses". The Elohim are the many different manifestations
of Divinity; they are the Egyptian Neters and the Sumerian
Annunaki.

When Al, or El, is meant to refer to a specific aspect of Divinity
it appears in the name of a specific spiritual entity. For example,
El appears in the names of many of the angels such as Michael,
Gabriel, Nathaniel, and Raphael . Angels, just like Neters, are
Divine Principles and represent a specific aspect, or manifestation,
of Divinity.

Once we have an understanding of these two words, We now see
that the name Baal is no longer is the evil spirit, or the "devil", we
have been led to believe it is. Baal is a Divine Principle, a Neter,
which represents, and Symbolizes, the descent of Spirit into
matter...the binding of Spirit with matter...physical creation...birth!

This descent of Spirit into matter is what is referred to in some
religious texts as "the fall" and "original sin".

However, "the fall", or "original sin" is not the self-imposed guilt
that many of us have been erroneously led to believe we must incur.
It is the moment when Spirit creates matter out of a Divine Thought,
so that each one of us may be born into this material realm and
experience a physical existence in union with the Spiritual Essence,
the Spark of Divinity, the Atman, which resides within all of us.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Huginn And Munnin - As A Symbol

In one of the portrayals of the Norse god Odin, he appears with
two Ravens; one perched on either of his shoulders. Their names
are Huginn and Munnin and they are the Symbols for Thought and
Memory.

Huginn, which represents Thought, is perched upon Odin's right
shoulder and Munnin, which represents Memory, is perched upon
Odin's left shoulder. Each morning these two Ravens leave Odin's
shoulders and circle the world, reporting back to Odin that evening
all that has transpired throughout his domain on that particular day.

It is very common in Mythology to encounter two deities, entities,
or concepts which have nearly identical, rhythmic names yet
represent two different aspects, or polarities, of a Divine Principle.
One of these aspects represents the masculine Principle and the
other aspect represents the feminine Principle.

In this portrayal, Huginn, which represents Thought, is the
masculine Principle, and Munnin, which represents Memory, is the
feminine Principle. Odin, who sits between them, and Symbolizes
the Transcendence of Duality, is the One Unifying Divine Principle.

When we see a Symbolic depiction such as Huginn, Munnin and
Odin we immediately ask ourselves: What does all of this elaborate
Symbolism mean? What are the ancient ones attempting to tell us
in Symbols rather than in Words?

Upon taking a closer look at the Symbols we begin to get a much
better understanding, and feeling, for what this cryptic Symbolism
is relaying to us.

Huginn: Symbolically, Thought is similar to ideas. Nothing can be
created without first being a Thought. Thought is the "spark" of
Divine Energy; it is the unspoken and Spiritual Word of God; it is
the Hermetic Logos; it is the Seed of creation. And, as Thought is a
masculine Principle, Huginn is perched upon Odin's right shoulder;
as the right side of our body is the masculine side of our human
form.

Munnin: Memory is the feminine receptacle, or Womb, into which
Thoughts and ideas are deposited, protected, and nurtured so that
they can Marinate, grow, and eventually manifest themselves.
When looked at in this way, Munnin is a Symbol for the birth
process which occurs in the non-physical realm which mythology
refers to as the Virgin Birth.

Munnin (Memory) is also a Symbol of, and a metaphor for, the
Akashic records. And, as Memory is a feminine Principle, Munnin
is perched upon Odin's left shoulder; as the lift side of our body is
the feminine side of our human form.

Furthermore, what good purpose can a Thought or idea serve us
if there is no safe place for us to deposit it, store it, and protect it?
Without the Womb of Memory to deposit our Thoughts and ideas
into, they would all be lost in the wind.

On the other hand, what good purpose can a Memory serve us if we
have no creative Thoughts or ideas to deposit into it? Without the
Seed of Thought, Memory would simply be an empty Womb from
which creation could never manifest itself.

Masculine and feminine principles rely upon each other, in all
realms of existence, so that creation, in all of its infinite forms,
can manifest. Hence the concept, and Symbolism, of Huginn and
Munnin.

But what of Odin? What does this Divinity represent in our
Symbolic portrayal?

Odin: Odin is the Unifying Principle. Odin is the Spiritual Energy
which reunites all aspects of Duality back into Unity. In this way,
Odin represents the Spiritual Purpose of our Current Incarnation.

The highest purpose of our personal journey is to become the one
unifying principle which understands, and transcends, all of the
dualistic mundane issues of our Current Incarnation. Once we can
look upon our current journey as an Unattached Observer of Events
it becomes easy for us to Blend both aspects of Duality back into
one common issue. Once we are able to do this, we become able to
abandon the petty bickering of the common horde, which torments
so many of us, and Ascend the Ladder, step by step, into the higher
Spiritual Realms. For when we enable ourselves to know all (Huginn)
and to remember all (Munnin) we then build within ourselves the
cornerstone of Truth, Wisdom and Unity (Odin).

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

The Knot - As A Symbol

The Knot is a very ancient Symbol which appears in the writings,
legends, mythology and lore of nearly all cultures. As a Symbol, the
Knot signifies complexity, confusion, completion, bindings, vows,
and hidden secrets. And although the Knot is an ancient Symbol, we
acknowledge it often through a number of our cultural Metaphors.

We use the term "a knotty problem" when referring to a complex,
baffling, or intricate, obstacle or dilemma. "Tying the knot" refers
to the marriage of a man and woman who bind themselves to each
other in the Hope of achieving Oneness with each other through
their voluntary Union. To "tie up loose ends" infers the completion
of a project or agreement in which we finalize the small details of a
task, solution or alliance.

In addition to the Knot being a Symbol and a Metaphor of myth and
legend, it is also very evident in our everyday language, behavior,
and customs.

As a Symbol for binding, the Knot represents the Promises and vows
we make. It is also an allusion to the Honorable Person whose "word
is as good as their bond". the Knot also "ties" us to the Karma we
create for ourselves, both good and ill, based upon the Threads we
use to Weave the tapestry of our lives.

We tie the umbilical cord of a newborn infant into a Knot to
celebrate, and Symbolize, the successful completion of birth. Islamic
men tie Knots in their beards in order to baffle evil demons (perhaps
a Symbol similar to that of the Labyrinth). And legend provides us
with the Gordian Knot: a Turkish Knot with both ends of the rope
concealed within the Knot itself; Symbolizing not only a difficult
problem but also the fact that the solution is hidden within, and is
thereby part of, the problem.

As a Symbol of binding and complexity the Knot has both a positive
and negative aspect:

On the negative side it represents the complications, Compromises,
dilemmas, and problems we Weave into our personal Incarnation
which tie us to the fruitless commitments, misguided ways of
thinking, and structured behaviors that ultimately stagnate us and
imperil our Spiritual Growth.

On the positive side, however, the Knot represents the threads of
good habits, noble aspirations, and Esoteric pursuits which, over
time, Weave strong spiritual bonds within us that repel and baffle
the mundane Demons which are forever attacking the Thoughts,
Beliefs, and Decision processes of our Divine Nature.

On a much deeper level, the level of hidden secrets, the Symbolism
contained within the the Knot is just as complex and intricate as the
Knot itself.

On the one hand, by way of its tightly wrapped cords of mystery,
fable, Riddle, and legend, the Knot protects the Truth and Wisdom
which lie at its center from both prying eyes and the mindless
curiosity of the common horde.

On the other hand, what better way to hide, protect, and pass down
to future generations, sacred Truth and secret Wisdom than to
conceal these priceless gems within those same tightly wrapped
cords of mystery, fable, Riddle, and legend until some future Time
when an enlightened mind can unravel the cords of the Knot and
discover the Infinite Mystery that lies within.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

The Carpenter - As A Symbol

Metaphorically, and Symbolically, The Carpenter is a reference to
The Grand Architect...the Designer of all that is...Divinity. And just
as Divinity is the Grand Architect of all that is, it is also the Designer
of all that is encompassed within all that is. This includes The
Temple, our Temple, within which we do the Inner Work which
elevates us to the highest planes of Truth and Wisdom, and
ultimately prepares us for Ascension to a much higher spiritual
realm.

And although the Grand Plan, or blueprint, for our Temple has been
designed for us in the spiritual plane by the Grand Architect Himself,
it still requires a special craftsman to help us with its construction
here on the physical plane. This special craftsman is the Carpenter.

When we study ancient lore we find at least two references to this
special craftsman called a Carpenter. The first, and most familiar
one, is that of the Gnostic, and Biblical, Christ. The second reference
to a Carpenter comes to us from Ancient Egypt and is much less
known.

During antiquity, a tomb was erected to an individual who carried
the title of Carpenter. As a carpenter was a menial tradesman in
ancient times, there is confusion as to why a royal tomb would be
constructed to honor a person with the designation of "carpenter";
as tombs were only erected to honor, and memorialize, those who
occupied the highest level of society.

This reference, in particular, begs us to question the true meaning of
the word, or Symbol, which scholars have translated as "carpenter"
from ancient texts.

It is very probable that the Symbol, or Word, which scholars refer
to as "carpenter" is either mis-translated, mis-interpreted, or mis-
understood as to its original meaning and intent. If this is so, then
the Symbol which has been translated as "carpenter" must have a
much higher, and noble, meaning.

Spiritual texts refer to our bodies as Temples. More specifically, our
bodies are the Temple where the Holy Spirit, the Spark of Divinity,
resides.

All Temple work, such as referred to in the Temple of Solomon, is
Inner Work. And as this Inner Work is of the highest and most
noble purpose, the construction of the Temple in which this Inner
Work occurs must be carried out with the utmost care, patience
and intent. This requires the skill, attention, and Insight of a Master
Craftsman...a Master Carpenter.

The Master Carpenter, therefore, is a Spiritual Mentor who helps us
meticulously build, reconstruct and alter the Thoughts, Lessons and
philosophies which are the building materials of our Inner Temple.

These additions and alterations which are constantly "under
construction" within our Inner Temple must all be done in Harmony
with the Master Blueprint provided by the Grand Architect.

Should a metaphorical block, stone, window, altar, portico, or
piece of woodwork not conform with the Grand Design, the
Master Carpenter has the ability, and authority, to either change
or replace them.

Throughout Time, the Master Carpenter has been called by many
different names: Master Mason, Master Builder, High Priest or
Priestess, Master Teacher and Shaman. But regardless of their titles,
these Master Craftsmen have always made their knowledge and
Wisdom available to their apprentice Carpenters; to those of us who
have the sole responsibility for constructing our own Inner Temple in
accordance with our Divine Nature and Cosmic Harmony.

When we look at the design and construction of our Inner Temple in
this light we come to realize that we are the ultimate creators of our
personal Inner Temple. We alone choose our building blocks and
materials - the Thoughts, Words, and Actions - which go into it.

Through patience and Self-Initiation we methodically construct our
Inner Temple. And as we are the sole builders of our Inner Temple,
this makes us not only the Carpenter, but also eventually, the
Master Carpenter of our Current Incarnation.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Trivia - Three Paths

"Learning is the very essence of humility,
learning from everything and from everybody.
There is no hierarchy in learning.
Authority denies learning and a follower will never learn."
-Krishnamurti

"The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names."
-Chinese Proverb

The word Trivia has come to be associated with any information or
knowledge which is either insignificant, purposeless or has only
minuscule value.

However, upon taking a closer look, we find that the word Trivia is
actually composed of two roots: tri and via. Tri means "three" and
via means "road" or "path". By combining these two roots we
discover that the word Trivia actually means "Three Paths".

Suddenly, a word which we have always thought to mean one thing,
in fact, actually means something entirely different.

When we look up its etymology (the ancient roots of modern words)
we learn that Trivia is the plural of the Latin word trivium which
means "a place where three roads meet". *** Therefore, the word
Trivia, being plural, actually means "places where three roads meet".

Three is the number of Creation which is Symbolized by the
Christian, Gnostic, and Esoteric Trinity. Three is also the number of
sacred Gunas which are revealed to us in Vedic teachings.

A "place where three roads meet" is Symbolized by the letter Y,
which is also the Symbol for "crossroads".

As we can see, the midpoint of this Symbol unites Three individual
branches, legs or roads. This mid-point is the Esoteric focal-point
where Three essences, energies, Thoughts or Pathways meet in
order to manifest in a synergistic manner; whereby the final
Creation is greater than the sum of the original Three parts. This
synergistic manifestation can take place on any of the Three planes:
physical, mental or spiritual.

In fact, the esoteric focal point of the Three roads can also Symbolize
Creation which simultaneously combines a physical path, a mental
path, and a spiritual path; thereby representing manifestation on
the grandest of all scales - Enlightenment!

When Alexander the Great founded Alexandria he wanted it to be
the "crossroads", the "meeting point", the "focal point" for all
Wisdom, knowledge and theologies of the known world. He realized
that when we combine our diverse physical, mental, and spiritual
faculties we not only share and create, but we also grow synergistic-
ally as individuals, cultures, and nations.

In this he succeeded, and the numerous cultural diversities which
were blended together in his Alexandria found their way to the
most distant parts of the then-known world. Alexandria's Trivia
became the world's Fortune.

So, as we can see, Trivia is not so "trivial" after all. It is amazing
how, after time, the true meaning of this word has been turned
completely around and is no longer used and understood in its
proper context. This is an excellent example, a metaphor if you will,
of how Wisdom and Truth lie openly hidden all around us and we
simply fail to "see" them.

Words are powerful. Their specific meanings not only Name, but also
describe and limit those things to which they are referring. It is by
delving into, and tracing back, the ancient roots of our modern
Words and phrases that we can begin to understand the essences
and Wisdom which our most distant ancestors have passed down
to us.

*** Reference: The Barnhart Dictionary Of Etymology

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