The Alchemical Marriage and the Total Solar Eclipse(Symbolism, Mythology and Alchemy)

"When the masculine and feminine 
truly become one,
all duality ceases to exist."­
- Joseph Panek

Ancient cultures were aware of, understood, revered and utilized
the complementary aspects of duality. They realized that the
masculine and feminine, the yin and the yang, complemented each
other and, when utilized together, create a powerful synergy;
wherein the combined Union of the two aspects of duality is more
potent and creative than the sum of each of the two when acting
alone.

The various indigenous cultures which occupy the most distant
and remote places on our planet are also aware of this timeless
and Divine Law.

"Modern" society, however, by way of its multiple institutions and
organizations promotes an entirely different agenda in regards to
duality. Instead of focusing on the complementary aspects of
duality so revered by ancient and indigenous cultures, "modern"
society Indoctrinates its members to focus only upon the divisive
aspects of duality. These aspects are the concept of me against
you, us against them, masculine against feminine, etc., etc., etc.

Modern society Indoctrinates its members how to "pick things apart"
instead of Instructing its members to be Aware of, to observe and
to understand how Nature, Natural Laws and duality work in unison
to create, expand and prosper.

And except for the indigenous cultures, and the very small
number of individuals who are aware of and understand Divine Law,
the divisive aspects of duality governs the behavior of the masses
while the complementary aspects of duality are ridiculed,
discredited and scorned.

Hence the misery we experience in today's fractured world of
personal Relationships and interpersonal interactions. These
fractures are the chief cause of the antagonistic attitudes which
exist between the various races, cultures and nations occupying
this planet today.

Symbolism is a great Teacher. The purpose of Symbolism is to
show us in pictures, characters and designs those things which
are very difficult to convey by way of clumsy Words. Symbolism,
in effect, manifests abstract concepts into visible images.

The paintings and artwork pertaining to The Alchemical Marriage
are the Symbolist's way of portraying the powerful interplay of the
complementary aspects of duality. Therefore, the Alchemical
Marriage is, in fact, a Symbolic depiction of the Union of Duality.

The Symbolism of the Alchemical Marriage:

The Alchemical Marriage is the most sublime and potent
expression of the Union of Duality. It represents the ultimate
conjunction, or intimate bonding, of all aspects of duality and
represents the pure Harmony which can exist when the masculine
and feminine aspects of Nature are solemnly blended into One.

Symbolically, the Alchemical Marriage is expressed in many
different ways. Some examples are:

A naked man and woman sharing a passionate physical
embrace which entwines all parts of their bodies. In such
instances the man is wearing the crown of a king and the
woman is wearing the crown of a queen. Sometimes the man
has the face of the sun and the woman has the face of the
moon. And other times the sun may appear over the body of
the man while the moon appears over the body of the woman

Not always do we find the man and woman being portrayed as
sharing a passionate embrace. Often we see them, again both
naked, either holding hands or simply looking at each other with
a longing gaze. Again, in these instances the man may be either
wearing the crown of a king, be portrayed with the face of the sun,
or have the sun displayed above his head. While the woman may
be wearing the crown of a queen, be portrayed with the face of the
moon or have the moon displayed above her head.

In other instances both the man and woman may be clothed in
the garments of magicians and bonded together by a cord or have
a bird, which represents the Uniting Spirit, hovering above and
between them in the appearance of giving spiritual blessing to
their sublime Union. In these instances the man may be wearing
a garment of red or gold, which represents his solar aspects, while
the woman may be wearing a garment of white or silver which
represents her lunar aspects.

And yet, in other instances, we may find an androgynous figure
representing the Union of Duality which is at the heart of the
Alchemical Marriage. An androgynous figure is one in which both
the masculine and feminine are portrayed in one body. This can
be depicted by way of a single a body which contains both the
head of a man and the head of a woman.  An androgynous figure
can also be one whose facial features can appear to be either
masculine, feminine or both at the same time.

There are still other ways in which the Alchemists portrayed the
Alchemical Marriage but they all contain the same themes as
mentioned above.

We also find the Union of Duality, which again is at the heart of
the Alchemical Marriage, in other ancient and mystical teachings.

The Chinese yin and yang Symbol depicts both the yin and yang
essences perfectly balanced, and in union with each other, while
Harmoniously enclosed within the womb of the Circle.

In the Tarot, we find the Alchemical Marriage (Union of Duality)
expressed in the card of "The Lovers".

Androgynous figures also appear in astrology, mythology and
the Tarot.

In mythology and astrology the Greek god Hermes and the
Roman god Mercury are portrayed as androgynous beings.
Hermes and Mercury are later day representations of Thoth,
the ancient Egyptian Neter of whom it was said "contained the
Wisdom of the heavens and all that is contained within the
heavens".

In the Tarot we find the concept of androgyny portrayed in the
character of "The Fool".

The Symbolism of the Total Solar Eclipse:

The ultimate example of the Alchemical Marriage, and the
Union of Duality, which can be actually observed and
experienced in the physical realm is that rare and perfect
conjunction of the sun and moon which we call the Total
Solar Eclipse.

During a Total Solar Eclipse the moon completely covers,
and entirely unites with, the sun. In that brief and rare moment
the moon and sun occupy the exact same point in the heavens.
In that one brief and rare moment the moon and sun, the cosmic
feminine and masculine, are Symbolically and celestially One.

And In that final and brief cosmic moment, when the moon and
sun unite in the heavens as One, a flash of solar brilliance shoots
forth from the sun's corona Symbolizing that orgasmic cosmic
moment when the sun and the moon, the masculine and feminine
aspects of the heavens, experience their blissful Union of Duality
in a magnificent consummation of their celestial Alchemical Marriage.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2013

Rites Of Passage (Archetype Symbolism)

Although we may be unaware of it, most of us have experienced
a Rite of Passage at least once during our Current Incarnation.

In our mundane and everyday world voluntary Rites of Passage
occur in various different ways. Here are two examples of simple
Rites of Passage:

A "probation period" upon beginning a new job during which time
our employer can judge whether or not we are the appropriate hire
for his or her firm.

A "jostling period" in our interactions with other individuals in order
to determine whether or not they are compatible with us. Should
we find that we are compatible with each other, we are then able
to accept each other as either a new friend, partner, lover, or mate.

These types of Rites of Passage are experienced by probably
every one of us during some part of our life. And, although these
Rites of Passage are valuable and important to us at the time, they
are the simple Rites of Passage which we may not even be aware
of experiencing when they are presenting themselves to us.

However, a Rite of Passage also occurs in a very individual and
personal form. This Rite of Passage honors the Sacred meaning
behind the Rite of Passage Ceremonies which have been practiced
and revered within every world-wide culture since the very
beginning of Time.

These Rite of Passage Ceremonies acknowledge, celebrate, and
remind us that we are a part of a perpetual process. A process by
which we leave childhood and enter adulthood. It is the honored
moment when a boy enters manhood and a girl enters womanhood.

This Rite of Passage is an experience we are fully aware of and
actually look forward to with great excitement, pomp, and
anticipation.

But, what is the underlying Esoteric, or hidden, Lesson contained
within this involuntary Rite of Passage which which we all must
experience?

During the early years of our life we are unable to take care of
ourselves. Therefore, in order to simply survive, we need someone
to take care of us. This task falls upon our mother for she is the
one person whose sole responsibility is to nurture and protect us.

Our mother, therefore, becomes the living Symbol for the Mother
Archetype who is feminine, nurturing, and intuitive. Our Mother
Archetype caters to our early physical and emotional needs. Not
only is She nurturing, but her feminine intuition makes Her Aware
of our needs even though we cannot, or do not wish to, express
them. She is our protectress, guide, and nurturer during our
childhood years.

However, there comes a Time, generally about the age of puberty,
when we are now able to fend for ourselves. It as at this Time that
we enter adulthood and are now responsible for creating and
experiencing our personal Destiny.

This is the Time when our Mother Archetype unconditionally
releases us. She steps aside and graciously sends us off into
the domain of our Father Archetype.

Our Father Archetype is the masculine, assertive, and rational
aspect of adulthood. The Father Archetype teaches us how to
"hunt", interact, compete, and survive with our other fellow
adults. The realm of the Father Archetype is where we spend
the remainder of our Current Incarnation. It is the realm in which
we either enjoy the rewards, or suffer the Consequences, for all
of our Thoughts and Actions.

However, although we spend our entire adulthood in the realm
of the Father Archetype, it is very important that we remember
the early Lessons we learned while living in the realm of our
Mother Archetype.

For it is by Learning, and retaining, the Wisdom contained within
both the Mother and Father Archetypes that we are then able to
understand the importance of Blending of Differences, and the
Union of Duality, which our personal Rite of Passage endowed
upon us when we crossed the borders of Toyland and left the
realm of childhood.

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 Axe - As A Symbol

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2011

Crossroads - Symbol And Metaphor

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

The Tower - As A Symbol

While the Tower is similar in appearance to the Lighthouse, its
Symbolism is quite different. For while the Lighthouse Symbolizes
a beacon which guides us, the Tower Symbolizes a strong
structure which restricts our movements, limits our Horizons and
confines us to a specific physical and mental location. The Tower
Symbolizes all of the Self-Imposed Limitations we construct around,
and within, ourselves.

In the physical realm, the Tower Symbolizes all of the material
possessions we slowly accumulate which must now be guarded,
protected and worried about; possessions which limit our
movements, burden us with "responsibility" and imprison us in
a chamber of social conformity.

And although we are fully entitled to accumulate all of the material
possessions we desire, too often we find ourselves being the lone
sentry who must constantly stand guard over "things" which slowly
take control of our lives and become our masters.

In the mental realm, The Tower Symbolizes crystallized thought.
Crystallized thought is the stubborn "closed mindedness" so many
of us acquire when we choose to stop entertaining any new ideas
and fresh concepts which are constantly blossoming and growing all
around us. Crystallized thinking is the result of cemented thoughts
and beliefs which chain us to a time Past; a time which no longer
exists except within the confines of our stagnated mind.

Simply put, The Tower Symbolizes all Self-Imposed Limitations
which restrict our Freedom and curtail our imagination.

Mythology and fables provide us with excellent metaphors of The
Tower and what it Symbolizes. In these tales we are told of a
beautiful young maiden with golden flowing hair being held captive
high up in a Tower while awaiting her rescue by some handsome
young prince.

Of course, the handsome young prince eventually arrives, rescues
the beautiful young maiden and they live "happily ever after."

But what is the meaning of the beautiful young maiden, her golden
flowing hair, the handsome young prince, the Tower, and "happily
ever after"?

The Tower Symbolizes confinement, entrapment and bondage
within a restrictive area.

The young maiden Symbolizes the youthful, feminine aspect
of our nature in which fertility, abundance, imagination and
intuition reside. And, as she is imprisoned in the highest part
of the Tower, the young maiden also Symbolizes soaring
aspirations and a lofty Quest.

As Gold is Symbolic of the untarnishable and incorruptible, the
young maiden's golden hair Symbolizes an untarnishable and
incorruptible treasure waiting to be discovered and claimed by
a noble Adventurer.

The young maiden's long flowing hair symbolizes free-
spiritedness and unrestricted imagination.

The young, rescuing prince Symbolizes the masculine,
complimentary side of the young maiden's Divine Nature (in the
same way in which the young maiden Symbolizes the feminine,
complimentary side of the young prince's Divine Nature).
Furthermore, the young prince Symbolizes adventure, new ideas
and the seed of Abundance.

The rescue Symbolizes the Union of Duality in which the
complimentary masculine and feminine aspects of both the prince
and the maiden are finally re-united into One Stronger Whole.

"Happily ever after" Symbolizes Transcending Duality. Once
the masculine and feminine essences of the prince and the maiden
become united as One they are completely free to enjoy all of the
pleasures and Abundance of their Union. Their completion elevates
them to a higher realm of existence which is free of all of the
confinements and entrapments of the physical world.

Each one of is a young prince seeking his maiden, or a young
maiden awaiting her prince. We all dream of freely riding off into
the sunset upon a gallant white horse accompanied by the
eternal warmth and tenderness of our other half. Yet, isn't it
ironic that the same bondages and entrapments we fight so
steadfastly to escape from in our youth are the same prisons we
voluntarily construct around ourselves once we become "mature"
and "sophisticated" adults.

Perhaps this is the true essence of that inspirational message sent
to us in Matt 18:3...And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you
change and become like little children, you will never enter the
kingdom of heaven."

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 Tarot Hermit - Symbol of Wisdom

"Bear in mind that those who are finer and nobler are
always alone-and necessarily so-and that because of
this they can enjoy the purity of their own atmosphere."
-Albert Einstein

                                                  (Image via Wikipedia)

The tarot card of "The Hermit" presents us with the overpowering
sensation of Wisdom and aloneness. The Hermit stands atop a lone
mountain peak clad in his long gray robes. He holds his Wizard's
Staff in his left hand while in his right hand he holds a lighted
lantern. He is looking downward.

In contrast to the tarot card of "The Fool", in which The Fool still
has higher mountains to climb and higher realms of consciousness
to achieve, The Hermit stands alone atop the highest mountain peak.

Mountains Symbolize higher realms of consciousness. The higher
the mountain, the higher the realm of consciousness. Having
reached the highest peak, The Hermit has attained the highest
level of consciousness.

The Hermit is also standing upon a blanket of white snow. The
color White symbolizes Purity and Enlightenment. Therefore, The
Hermit, in addition to achieving the highest level of consciousness,
has also attained Enlightenment.

The Hermit is heavily cloaked in long gray robes. Symbolically,
when something is cloaked, or Veiled, this informs us that either
an Eternal Truth or Divine Principle is being concealed from
anyone who is not Initiated or well-qualified. Therefore, we can
only imagine, and wonder, what Ancient Wisdom and Hidden
Secrets reside within this Lone Wanderer.

The color gray is the combination of the colors white and black.
When held in contrast to one another, white and black represent
Duality: white represents the masculine consciousness and black
represents the feminine subconscious. When Blended together,
white and black create the gray color of The Hermit's robes. This
signifies that The Hermit has mastered, and fully understands,
both the masculine and feminine Principles of Duality.

(For further insights on mastering Duality, please refer to:
Union of Duality and Transcending Duality.)

Next, we come to the Symbolism of the Wizard's Staff and the
lighted lantern:

Symbolically, the left hand represents the act of accepting or
receiving. Therefore, it is in his left hand that The Hermit holds
The Wizard's Staff. The Wizard's Staff represents the contents
of Sacred Books and Lessons which The Hermit leans on in order
to receive Divine Guidance throughout his many Journeys.

Symbolically, the right hand represents the act of bestowing or
offering. Therefore, it is in his right hand that The Hermit holds
a lighted lantern, which contains a Shining Golden Star, which he
offers as an "Untarnishable Guiding Light" to other Seekers.

And finally, The Hermit is looking downward from his lofty
mountain peak. He is looking down from whence he came while
at the same Time standing as a Beacon for any who may Choose
to follow. In effect, he is saying to those below: "Here I am. So,
too, you can be".

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

The Thinker - Rodin's Symbolic Sculpture

We have probably all seen a picture of Rodin's sculpture,
"The Thinker".

"The Thinker" is a naked man sitting on a rock. The elbow of his
right arm rests upon his left thigh while his chin rests upon the
fingers of his right hand. "The Thinker" is deep in Thought.

The Symbolism contained within this sculpture is quite interesting.
Symbolically, the Head represents that portion of the body where
the Mind resides. The Mind is directly connected to Spirit which is
connected to Divinity. Therefore the Mind is Divinity.
(See: Mind, Body And Spirit).

The chin of "The Thinker" rests upon his right arm which, in turn,
rests upon his left Thigh. This is an unusual and uncomfortable
position for someone to assume while in a state of Thought.
Normally, our chin would rest upon our right arm which would then
rest upon our right thigh. Or, our chin would rest upon our left arm
which would then rest upon our left thigh.

However, Rodin, in his sculpture, Chose the uncomfortable position
of having the right arm of "The Thinker" rest upon the left thigh!
But, Why?

When we consider this posture within the context of Symbolism we
get our answer. The right arm resting on the left thigh Symbolizes
the Union Of Duality. The right side of our body, which is the
Masculine side of our Nature, represents Reason while the left side
of our body, which is the Feminine side of our Nature, represents
Intuition.

Crossing, and thereby uniting, the right side of the body with the
left side of the body Symbolizes the Interaction, and Union, of
Masculine Reason with Feminine Intuition. This Interaction of
Reason with Intuition is a Union Of Duality. This is the same
Symbolism which can be represented by both The Cross or the
letter X, which also represent the Union Of Duality.
Therefore, the posture of "The Thinker" reminds us of our Dual
Nature: Masculine and Feminine, Reason and Intuition, Logic and
Feeling, Intellect and Insight.

In order for our Mind (our head) to reach a Balanced solution to
whatever matter it is that we are contemplating, we must allow
our Mind to rest upon, and use equally, both the Masculine and
Feminine side of our Nature. In other words, we must use our
Divine Faculties of Reason and Intuition, in equal amounts, if we
expect to make True and Wise Decisions.

Finally, the sculpture of "The Thinker" is naked. Nakedness,
Symbolically, represents openness, the exposed, the unhidden,
the completely revealed. In other words, nakedness represents
Truth.

Truth has no reason to hide. Truth has nothing to be ashamed of.
Truth has nothing to fear. Truth is Truth and it is all around us.
It is up to us to Seek It out, recognize It, and understand It, when
It presents Itself to us.

Therefore, the sculpture of "The Thinker" reminds us that it is
only by using both the Masculine and Feminine Aspects of our
Nature, in equal Balance, that we are able to un-Veil the Truth
and Wisdom contained within any issue that we are contemplating.

(Image via Wikipedia)

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

Union Of Duality

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

Borders Between Realms

Border Areas between two different Realms have always been
sacred in Ancient Teachings as they represent the Union of Duality.
It is in these slightly overlapping border areas, Doorways, and
Thresholds, that life-forms and energies from both realms interact
and co-exist in Harmony.

Examples of Border Areas in the Material Realm are:
...where a River meets land
...where the ocean meets the sandy shore
...where the desert ends and vegetation begins
It is in these "narrow" border areas that life-forms from both
Material Realms interact and co-exist in Harmony on our planet.

Examples of Border Areas in the Spiritual Realm are:
...where the Horizon meets the sky
...where a mountain peak meets the sky
...where night meets the first light of day
...where sleep meets consciousness
...the Vesica Piscis
These Spiritual Realms are Sacred Areas that Symbolically
represent the Union Of Duality.

The border area between the Horizon and the sky is considered
The Crack In The Universe. It is the Doorway through which the
souls of the departed were believed to re-enter the afterlife, and
was also referred to as Heaven's Gate.

The border area between the mountain peak and the sky is
considered to be the closest we can get to the Infinite while still
here on earth. It is here that Gods and Wise Men reside and interact
with each other.

The border area between night and first light is the Tipping Point
where light chases away darkness; a metaphor for Illumination
(Wisdom) chasing away Ignorance.

The border area, or Doorway, between sleep and consciousness
is accessed through meditation. It is in this area where we, while
still conscious, can access not only our own Subconscious but also
the Great Eternal Consciousness where all Knowledge and Wisdom
exists.

The Vesica Piscis is a product of Sacred Geometry and Symbolically
represents the narrow Doorway whereby two different Realms
overlap and co-exist in Harmony.

The Ancients were very aware of the Harmony and Balance that
exist in the border areas between two different realms. They passed
this knowledge down through Metaphor, Symbolism, and Myth in
order to teach us that Balance, Harmony, and Truth exist in the
Middle-Ground between two "extremes".

It is up to us to incorporate this Wisdom when evaluating any
argument or Decision regarding two "extremes" of the same issue
and realize that ...The Truth Lies Somewhere In-Between!

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

Neith - Egyptian Goddess Of Weaving (Symbol and Myth)

Duality is "Symbolically" represented by two separate, parallel lines
( I I ). When referring to Thoughts, Duality can refer to either two
entirely different Thoughts or Beliefs, or, it can refer to two similar,
but not exact, Thoughts, Beliefs, ideas, notions, or concepts.

Union of Duality is represented by two crossed lines ( X ). The
Point where the two lines intersect represents the "Meeting-of-the-
Minds". It is the Point where Two Different Worlds Meet. It is the
Point where two different Thoughts, Beliefs, ideas, notions, or
concepts interact. This Point represents the Magic of Creation;
it is the Point where new ideas and concepts are born.

Keeping in mind that nothing can manifest in the material world
without first being a Thought, this point of intersection is the
meeting place, or Crossroad, where two existing Thoughts merge
so that new ideas can be created. These New Ideas then manifest
themselves in the material world as new inventions or new ways
of life. Nothing can be "born" in the material world until the
"two lines", or two aspects, of Duality intersect and Create.

This concept is wonderfully Symbolized by the Egyptian Neter
(goddess) Neith. Neith is an Ancient Divine Principle who
represents the concept of Weaving. She is portrayed with
either two crossed-arrows, two crossed-bows, or a patch of
cloth above her head.

Neith also represents the Divine Principles of "Reasoning"
and "Discernment".

The crossed-arrows, crossed-bows, and patch-of -cloth which
appear above the head of Neith Symbolize the following concepts:

An Arrow represents Thought. Two crossed-arrows represent the
union of two different Thoughts, ideas, or notions.

The two Crossed-Bows represent the Vesica Piscis, or Border
Between Realms, where two separate ideas, concepts, or Beliefs
merge with each other and live in Peace and Harmony.

The Patch-of-Cloth Symbolizes the Final Fabric that is created
from the Weaving together of Individual Threads. The Final
Fabric is synergistically stronger than the total strength of
all of its Individual Threads.

Neith Symbolizes the person we ultimately become by way of the
Weaving together of all of our prior Thoughts and Actions. She
reminds us that we must be very cautious of the Thoughts we
harbor because Our Thoughts are the Threads that Weave
the Tapestry of our Lives!

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

Vesica Piscis - As A Symbol

Symbolically, the Vesica Piscis consists of two Circles of equal
size that slightly overlap. One Circle represents Spirit and the
other Circle represents Matter (our Dual Nature).

The almond-shaped area where these two Circles overlap is the
Vesica Piscis. It represents the Doorway between our Spiritual
and Material Realms. It is the area where our Dual Nature of
Spirit and Matter exist in Balance, Harmony, and Peace.

When we clearly understand and experience both aspects of our
Divine Nature we are living in Balance, Harmony, and Peace. It is
when we move away from the Vesica Piscis, the Doorway of our
Dual Nature, that we experience imbalance in our inner and outer
worlds.

To carry this concept further, the two overlapping circles can
represent Duality in ANY form. Whenever there are two different
ideas, Beliefs, or natures, there is Duality. Duality by itself
represents Separation. When United, Duality becomes Balance and
Harmony.

When we occupy the Vesica Piscis, the Doorway, that Unites two
different Thoughts, ideas, or realms, we are in Harmony with those
Dualities; we clearly "see" both sides of an issue.

When we embrace only one side of an issue, idea, or Belief we move
away from Harmony. And the deeper we venture into one side of an
issue, the less we are able to "see" the other side of the same issue;
we Become more and more Imbalanced. This is the primary cause
of our frustrations and aggressions.

By occupying the "Doorway" between Dualities (the Vesica Piscis)
we are able to "see" both sides of any issue, access the Spiritual
Kingdom while occupying the World of Matter, live in Balance and
Harmony, and experience the best that both worlds of
Duality have to offer.

(Image via Wikipedia)

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2008