Justice - And Its Symbolism

"The blind eyes of justice see the truth."
- Unknown

Lady Justice is portrayed with a blindfold covering her eyes while
holding a pair of scales in one of her hands. She is also often
depicted holding a Sword in her other hand.

                                                  (Image via Wikipedia)

The Symbolism of the feminine, the blindfold, the scales and the
Sword all have very specific reasons for being incorporated
within the archetype, or portrayal, of Lady Justice.

First of all, Justice is portrayed as a woman. This is because
receptiveness is a feminine aspect of nature. Lady Justice waits
to receive the facts, or Truths, so that they can be placed in her
scales to be properly weighed. In addition, the scales which Lady
Justice holds in her hands are also a feminine Symbol; for, like a
chalice or cup, they receive and hold that which is placed within
them.

Once all of the facts, or Truths, are placed on her scales, Lady
Justice simply allows her scales to pass an impartial judgement.
This is the exact same Symbolism portrayed in the Ancient
Egyptian Ceremony of the Weighing of the Heart: in which the
heart of the recently deceased is placed on a scale in the Hall of
Justice and weighed against the Feather of Maat.

Lady Justice is associated with the astrological sign of Libra; the
Scales. Libra is an air sign and the element of air is associated
with the mind. However, in Lady Justice's case, we are not simply
referring to the mind; we are referring to the higher mind, or higher
intellect. And that is why Lady Justice is also often depicted
holding a Sword.

The Sword has two blades which enable it to cut in both directions.
Symbolically, this means that the higher mind, which is Symbolized
by the Sword, can not only evaluate both sides of any issue as an
Unattached Observer, but it can also dissect both sides of an issue
until it eventually arrives at the Truth.

And finally, Lady Justice is wearing a blindfold. Symbolically, this
tells us that she is an impartial, and unprejudiced, dispenser of
Justice. The blindfold over her physical eyes tells us that she favors
no one. Her role is to simply weigh the facts without any regard to
a persons physical appearance, communal rank, perceived
importance, social influence or station in life. In other words, the
blindfold prevents Lady Justice from being deceived or swayed by
any false outer Perceptions that the physical world may try to use in
an attempt to confuse the issue which is being weighed.

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 2014

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

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

Transcending Duality (Symbol Of The Unattached Observer)

What does it mean to Transcend Duality and how
do we recognize this concept in Symbolism?

Symbolism:
"Symbolically", Duality is represented by two parallel, vertical lines
of equal length ( I I ). These lines can also be depicted as two equal
and parallel trees, obelisks, pillars, etc.

Transcending Duality is represented, Symbolically, by these same
two vertical lines but with a taller vertical line between them.
We normally see this symbolized by a fleur-de-lis, a trident, or a
large cross between two smaller crosses.

In addition, Transcendence of Duality can also be illustrated as a
pathway Traveling between two equal mountains, Towers, trees,
etc. The large center line, and the pathway, represent rising above,
and Traveling through, Duality.

Transcending Duality:
Every argument, prejudice, and "noble cause" consists of two sides
of a single issue (Duality).

To Transcend Duality means to "ascend to", or "Travel to", a
Higher Realm of Consciousness where the Dual Nature of the
material realm no longer disturbs or concerns us. It is being
Aware of, and Indifferent to, the arguments, prejudices, and
"noble causes" that govern and control the lives of so many
people.

Transcending Duality means Becoming "unattached observers" of
the Events happening all around us and understanding that we are
"in this world, but not of it".

In this material realm we are often tempted to become involved
in the external battles and "noble causes" created by others: battles
and "causes" which have two different points of view and very
rarely concern us.

Getting ourselves involved in these issues is almost always a waste
of both Time and energy. They are exercises in futility that impede
our Spiritual Growth and drain our Creative Energies. All of the
Great Masters understood this.

Although "noble causes" and opposing arguments are always
present, it is up to us to recognize them for what they are: nothing
more than two Contrary Points of View. They are the Mountains
of Duality that lie on either side of our Divine Path. It is by
remaining on the Divine Path, which Travels between these two
Mountains, that we are able to Transcend Duality. This is the
Pathway that takes us to the Higher Realms of Consciousness
where Wisdom and Enlightenment await us.

(Images 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 2008

Awareness (Foresight)

"Awareness: to observe and understand"
- Joseph Panek

Awareness is the Divine Faculty that allows us to be Unattached
Observers of the Events happening all around us. It is the ability
to see things as they really are; not the way we want them to be.

Awareness lets us determine which Events, if any, we should be
concerned with and which Events we should disregard. Awareness
protects us from being "pulled" off course and becoming "bogged
down" in the problems and crises of others which neither concern
us nor benefit us. Awareness is the Gift that allows us to steer clear
of danger and make sound Decisions.

Metaphorically, Awareness likens us to the Captain of a ship.
Although the Captain is Aware of sea conditions, rocks and
weather for as far as the eye can see, he is only concerned with
the conditions that actually affect the course his ship is sailing.
He is focused on his destination and knows how to maneuver
around any difficulties that may present themselves during his
Voyage.

There are times, however, when the Captain encounters
unavoidable danger that must be met head-on. It is at times like
these that the Captain's Gift of Awareness enables him to
recognize the real danger well in advance. By foreseeing the
potential dangers lying in his Path, the Captain is able to calmly
assess the situation, prepare his ship, and steer safely through the
crisis.

The Odyssey of Odysseus provides us with a great Metaphor
for Awareness. As Odysseus and his crew sailed home from the
Trojan War, Odysseus was Aware that their ship would have to
sail past the land of the Sirens. The Sirens were temptresses who
lured sailors to their deaths by way of their intoxicating Siren Song.
Odysseus ordered his men to seal his ears and tie him to the mast
of the ship until he steered it safely past the Siren's lair.

It was Odysseus' Awareness that enabled him to foresee, understand,
and calmly solve the Riddle of sailing past the Sirens.

Rocks, rough seas, bad weather, and Sirens are all part of our Voyage
on the Sea of Life. Awareness allows us to foresee and prepare for
these obstacles before they are upon us. It enables us to determine
how we will steer our ship safely, and calmly, around these hazards,
stay on course, and continue on to our Destination...Our Destiny!

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008

Destiny

"One cannot be the master of their own Destiny
while being a slave to another's."
-Joseph Panek

To paraphrase Shakespeare: "Our Destiny lies not in the stars
but within ourselves".

There are two ways to experience Destiny: we either experience
the Destiny that befalls others or we Choose to create our own
Destiny.

If we "go along" with the demands and expectations of others
we will experience the Destiny that befalls that particular person
or group. We can only create our own Destiny when we follow our
own Path.

It is important that we stay focused on our Path. We do this by
making Sound Decisions. Awareness and Insight are the tools
we can use to make these Sound Decisions. They are the Guides
that protect us from the Tricksters we may meet along the Way.

Awareness is the observation of Events. Insight is understanding
what the Consequences of those Events will be. When we understand
the future results of current Events we are, in effect, "seeing" the
future. This enables us to make decisions that are in Harmony with
our best interests and our Personal Destiny.

The stars may govern the Destiny of civilizations, history and crowds
but each one of us has the choice, the Free Will, to govern our own
Individual Destiny.

When we are in control of our own Destiny we are no longer at the
mercy of external Events and the Destinies of others. We become
unattached observers of world events as we travel down the Path
of our very own Personal Adventure...Our Destiny!

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008

Transformation

"Times change"..."The only thing constant is Change".

These are often heard statements. Yet, they are also powerful
Truths.

I am witnessing a dramatically changing Time in history. I have a
Choice to either focus on the current chaos, or on the Adventures
and Transformations which lie ahead.

There are only two choices and I can only Choose one.

For a new era to begin, the old era must come to an end. Birth of the
new comes from the death of the old. This is Transformation; this is
Creative Destruction.

In order to enter a new room, one must abandon the old room. To
enter a new life, one must abandon the old life. To Transform myself
into a higher being, I must abandon the lower being that tries to hold
me back.

I cannot climb a mountain if I insist on keeping one foot on the
ground below.

Ancient teachings present this Truth in the forms of Shiva and Seth,
the destructive forces of the universe. The Tarot presents this truth
by way of The Tower.

All things created by man come to an end. All material things come
to an end. Destruction of the old is necessary for the Creation of the
new. This is the Way of the Universe.

The beauty of the butterfly can only manifest with the Transformation
of the caterpillar. We all can take a Lesson from the caterpillar.
The caterpillar never doubts its process of manifestation. It willingly
allows its Transformation to happen, never doubting the outcome.

If I Choose to fight the current Changes I will only expend a lot of
negative energy. This is unhealthy for my body, mind and spirit.

Complaining will not stop Change. Debating will not stop Change.
Mobilizing forces will not stop Change. Worrying will not stop
Change.

These Changes will occur regardless of what anyone attempts to do.
Once Change begins, it cannot be stopped until it has run its full Cycle.

By accepting the Change that is now beginning, I instantly gain peace.
This allows me to be the Witness of Transformation and to take
advantage of the new opportunities and Adventures that will be
presenting themselves to me.

I accept change. I choose peace.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008