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

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

Opinions

"All empty souls tend to extreme opinion."
- William Butler Yeats

Opinions: everyone seems to have one. And the vast majority of
people are not at all bashful about "sharing" their Opinions with
others. Furthermore, the newspaper media, along with radio and
television stations, are constantly bombarding us with "expert"
Opinions on numerous topics. Opinions buzz around us like swarms
of gnats in the springtime. However, while the swarm of gnats is
short-lived, the constant buzzing and influx of Opinions is never
ending.

We have become so Indoctrinated to seek Opinions that we do not
ask, "What is the Truth?". Instead, we have become trained to ask,
"What is your Opinion?"

It is interesting to note that should someone ask us "What is the
Truth" about a certain matter, most of us will honestly answer,
"I don't know". However, should someone ask us "what is your
Opinion" on a certain matter, or Event, our demeanor completely
changes. We become all too willing to spew out all sorts of
comments and conclusions about things we know very little about,
and have done very little, if any, research.

In other words, Opinions allow us to, metaphorically speaking, throw
Truth, Facts, and Reality out of the window for the grand pleasure of
simply hearing ourselves talk.

But what are these things we call Opinions which hypnotize us,
fascinate us, and consume so much of our precious Time?

To begin with, Opinions are not Truths. In most instances Opinions
fall into one of the following categories:

...personal and subjective wishes or Hopes;
...marginally-informed guesses;
...egotistical comments;
...the product of a manipulated mind;
...an argument that one person is attempting to impose upon another.

To compound the matter even further, gathering more Opinions
does not lead us any closer to the Truth which we are seeking.
More Opinions tend to lead towards more confusion because
Opinions, by their very nature, do not contain complete Truths
or facts...They are merely Opinions.

Therefore, those who are Seekers of Truth attach very little merit
to Opinions.

Furthermore, those who are Truly Wise, keep their Opinions to
themselves. They do this because they know that their Opinions
are not yet Truths: they are merely subjective guesses about
what may be True based upon partial, and possible faulty,
information. To the Truly Wise, Opinions are warnings, cautions,
or options on how an Event may eventually play itself out.

When we make comments, or take actions, simply based upon
Opinions, we are speaking or acting from a standpoint of limited
factual information. The Consequences which are born from Words
and Actions based solely upon Opinion can, at times, be
devastating.

It is not unusual to see large groups of people rush to action based
solely upon Opinions. Opinions which are oftentimes faulty,
unfounded, and incomplete.

Reality is the only thing which is True. Therefore we should
concern ourselves with Reality and Seek the Truth contained
within Reality.

Reality is not concerned with the Opinions of any individual,
group, or faction. It is not concerned with what any of us think
"should be". Reality laughingly brushes aside these whimsies of
ours, our Opinions, and continues to be what it Truly is: the
ultimate Truth!

And because Reality is the ultimate Truth, it is our responsibility to
recognize it as such, and be able to separate the "wheat of Reality"
from the "chaff of Opinion".

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

Instruction vs. Indoctrination

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I---
I took the one less traveled by,
and that has made all the difference."
- Robert Frost

We live in a realm of Duality, and often we find ourselves standing
at a Crossroad where we are required to Choose between two
diverging Paths: one which is easy, or one which is right.

One of these forks-in-the-road, which each one of us must Choose
to travel sooner or later, is between the Road which leads us to
Instruction or the Road which leads us to Indoctrination. And,
although the names of these two Roads sound quite similar they are,
in fact, two entirely different Paths. And because they are two very
different Paths it is important that we weigh the Consequences of
Choosing one Path over the other.

Indoctrination: This is the easy path; the path of the crowd.
Indoctrination is the one-sided presentation of an idea, theory,
Choice, or Belief. It is something which is imposed upon us by
either subtle means, such as guilt or salesmanship, or by forceful
means, such as fear or threat.

In other words, Indoctrination is a form of "brainwashing". It is the
removal of previous held Beliefs and ideals so that new, regimented
dogmas can be implanted. Indoctrination, in its most fanatical sense,
is aimed at, and accepted by, the most Ignorant, gullible and weakest
of minds.

When we willingly and unquestionably accept Indoctrination, our
Horizons shrink and our growth and Thinking become stagnated
and frozen. We are required to live in a world of policies and
procedures which are not of our own Choosing. Our Imagination
and Dreams are "surgically removed" from our thought process
and our Individual Sovereignty is forfeited to those whose sole
purpose is to dominate and control others.

Indoctrination fractures and divides in its attempt to conquer and
dominate. This fracturing and division is openly visible in the
political and religious organizations which occupy our planet.
However it also exists, just as strongly if not as openly, in scientific,
mathematic and research groups whereby the faction which has
been Indoctrinated into a regimented belief system fights ferociously
to discredit any new ideas, concepts, or theories brought forth by
free-thinkers and visionaries in that particular field.

Instruction: This is the difficult Path; the "Road less traveled".
It is the Path of the Lone Wolf, the visionary, the free-thinker, the
Seeker. It is the Path of wide Horizons, Imagination and Dreams.

The Path of Instruction is the Path which Blends and Creates. It is
the Road on which we discover Wisdom, Truth, Magic and personal
Adventure. Instruction is the inclusion of all possible natural, and
universal, alternatives along with how they apply to, and are
affected by, Universal Principles.

When we embark upon the Path of Instruction we are handed the
Keys which unlock the secrets of the Universe and are Instructed to
go forth and unlock the doors of Eternal Truths which must remain
locked to all but the True Seeker and Initiate.

In ancient times a worthy and well-qualified Initiate would Seek
admission to one of the Mystery Schools where he, or she, would
be Instructed in the Eternal Wisdom of the Universe. Today, we
no longer have these Mystery Schools, nor do we have any of
the Ancient Masters walking among us. Therefore, if we are to
Truly learn that which is understood by only the very few, we
must Choose to travel "the Path less traveled by" ... the Path of
Self-Initiation and Self-Instruction.

And although the Ancient Masters are no longer among us to help
guide us along our way, they have left us the Keys to Ancient
Wisdom by way of their Sacred Writings, Symbols, Mythologies
and Legends. It is now up to us to simply Choose to grab hold of
their Ancient and Mystical Keys, venture forth upon our own
Personal Path, and unlock the doors which hold the Truth,
Wisdom and Enlightenment of all Eternity.

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

Advice

"Sometimes one pays most for the
things one gets for nothing."
-Albert Einstein

"Free advice is seldom Cheap."
-Quark, "Star Trek, Deep Space Nine"

There are basically three types of Advice:
1. "Free", unsolicited advice.
2. Advice sought for the purpose of assurance and conformity.
3. Advice sought for self-improvement.
The first type, "free", unsolicited advice, abounds all around us.
We experience this type of advice every day. On the television, in
the newspapers and on the radio this type of advice consists of the
daily "news" articles, and "expert" Opinions, which tell us what we
must know, how we must think and, subliminally, how we must
behave.
This type of advice also comes to us by way of our family, friends
and even strangers who are continually attempting to impress their
opinions upon us. "Free", unsolicited advice is a kind of advice
which we accept as truth, and act upon, simply because it comes
to us from a source which we want to believe is reliable.
"Free", unsolicited advice carries the least, if any, value. And, for
those of us who act upon this advice, we find that following this kind
of advice usually costs us very dearly in the end.
In addition, free and unsolicited advice also consists of "advice" which
is imposed upon us by those who wish to either sell us something,
relieve us of something, or recruit us into their particular group,
faction or cause.
Whenever we are being bombarded with free and unsolicited advice
we must always ask ourselves "what is the motivation of the person
who is 'advising' us?".
The second type, advice sought for assurance and conform-
ity, is the advice which we seek after we have formed an opinion,
or have come to a decision, on some matter. We then want to deter-
mine how many other people agree with us. We seek out this type
of advice because it makes us think that our opinion or decision is
correct if many other people agree with us. When we seek out
assurance and conformity it is because we have either not taken
the time to personally and thoroughly research the issue confronting
us, or, we are dealing with too many unknowns.
In this instance we tend to believe that if a great number of other
people agree with us, we must be right. In addition, in seeking this
type of advice, we disregard all contrary opinions. Then, when we
think that we have enough conforming opinions, we go ahead and
do whatever it is we decided to do in the beginning. And because
we disregard all opinions which are contrary to our initial decision,
this type of advice-seeking is simply designed to massage our ego;
not to gain Insight. Therefore, this type of advice barely, if at all,
rates above the level of "free" and unsolicited advice.
The third type of advice, Advice Sought for Self-Improvement,
is the Advice we seek when we are looking to improve ourselves
either mentally, spiritually, personally or financially. This is the only
type of Advice which possesses Value and Wisdom. Advice Sought for
Self-Improvement is Advice we seek from those persons who have
already achieved whatever it is that we want to achieve.
Unlike the first two types of advice, Advice Sought for Self-
Improvement must be sought out. And although those persons who
possess this type Advice are willing to give it away freely, they do
not waste their time attempting to impress their Wisdom, experience
and knowledge upon others. These persons understand that they
cannot teach the un-teachable and they cannot motivate the lazy.
These individuals invest their time Learning new skills and honing
the skills they already possess. They are the true Seekers and
"doers" of our current Age. And, if we are to gain honest and reliable
advice, it is these individuals whom we must seek out.
In the end, as always, we are solely responsible for our decisions and
actions. When we allow our thoughts, Decisions and actions to be
ruled by either "free and unsolicited advice" or "advice sought for
assurance and conformity", we have placed our Destiny in the hands
of others. However, whenever we seek out "Advice for Self-
Improvement", we then become a part of that minority which are
truly Seeking to be the very best that we can become.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

The Seeker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2009

The 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

Wisdom

"Wisdom is not a product of schooling but
of the lifelong attempt to acquire it."
-Albert Einstein

Wisdom is a rare Spiritual Gift which has been bestowed upon
merely a scant few mortals. Wisdom should not be confused with
knowledge.

Knowledge manifests itself in our minds. And although our Mind
provides us a direct access with Divinity, its main purpose is to
enable us to function and interact within the Physical Realm.

Our Mind is a "open gateway" which allows us to collect and absorb
knowledge. Knowledge is logic and reason. Knowledge teaches us
how to measure, recognize and understand the phenomena we
experience in the Material Realm of our Current Incarnation.

Knowledge is something that is readily available, easily accessible
and easy to understand for the vast majority of people. Each of us
has pursued different degrees and types of knowledge and it is
these degrees and types of knowledge that separate one type of
knowledgeable person from another. To increase our knowledge we
simply need to increase the amount of information we are able to
digest. A person can digest and understand vast amounts of
knowledge yet never come close to acquiring Wisdom.

Wisdom, on the other hand, is the highest and purest form of
Knowing and Understanding. Wisdom is Spiritual Alignment,
Insight, and Awareness. Wisdom is understanding the Spiritual
Essence contained within all Thought and matter. Wisdom is the
unique ability to balance (harmonize) Duality, in all its aspects.
Wisdom is Gnosis!

A person who possesses Wisdom has the rare ability to tap into this
highest and purest form of Knowing and Understanding in order to
apply these Spiritual Gifts in the Material World.

When we hear of "the Wisdom of Solomon", this phrase instills
a reverence and awe within us. We ask ourselves how could one
person make monumental Decisions, and dispense justice, with such
Simplicity yet be so highly respected and memorialized. It is because
Solomon was able to "see" all things in their highest, purest and
Simplest forms. This enabled Solomon to make respected, common
sense, Decisions on all matters that were brought before him.
Whenever we hear the name Solomon we immediately associate it
with Wisdom.

Wisdom, by its very nature, is an extremely rare "Gift of the Gods"
that can only only be experienced by a select few individuals. And
although history tells us of a number of Wise Men, Master Teachers,
and Magi who have come before us, and left us their Footprint, their
numbers pale when compared to the vast multitudes who have never
come close to attaining True Wisdom.

The Lesson passed down to us within the myth of Prometheus tells
us just how Precious and Rare the Divine Gift of Wisdom truly is.
Prometheus gave the Gift of Fire to mankind. And for this act, which
was against the will of the gods, Prometheus was chained to a
mountain top where each day a vulture would come and feed upon
his liver.

As with all myths and legends we need to look within the story in
order to understand the Symbolism and Metaphor they are
presenting to us. Symbolically, "Fire" represents Light...Illumination
...Enlightenment...Wisdom! Prometheus, of his own accord, Chose
to give the Gift of Wisdom to all mankind. However the "gods"
understood that mankind, in general, was not ready for such a
Powerful and Divine Gift. For his callous act Prometheus was
severely punished.

The moral of this legend: Mankind, in general, has never been and
still is not ready for the Divine Gift of Wisdom. History, and current
Events, show that whenever Mankind is presented with Truth and
Wisdom they greet it with scorn, mockery, ridicule, suppression and
destruction. Therefore, the "gods" were correct in punishing
Prometheus for his thoughtless act.

Although Wisdom cannot be bestowed upon the common masses,
it is not unusual for certain individuals to discover, understand and
possess this Divine Gift through their personal efforts. These
privileged individuals deeply appreciate and sincerely respect this
Precious Gift when it comes into their possession. These individuals
understand that Wisdom is the one Divine Gift that separates "gods"
from mortals.

But how do we understand and recognize Wisdom? Wisdom is
Spiritual Harmony. Wisdom continually seeks out Truth and Balance.
Wisdom does not entertain doubt, rumors, and unfounded Opinions;
it resolves them. Wisdom does not look for someone to "blame"
when things fail to go according to plan, it seeks out the cause of the
Event. Wisdom expresses itself by Harmony, not by force. Wisdom
is the ability to balance Mercy with Justice. Wisdom is knowing
how to balance Duality in all its forms, as Symbolized by the
Vesica Piscis.

Wisdom is the ability to use our Spiritual Gifts of Insight and
Awareness to evaluate and resolve the Decisions we are confronted
with during our Current Incarnation in the material realm. Wisdom
is the highest and purest form of Spiritual Knowing and
Understanding. Wisdom is the Gift of Divinity, the Holy Grail,
bestowed upon those rare few who make the gallant effort to
understand it, Seek it out and recognize it when it is presented to
them.

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

Prime Directive

"No Star Fleet personnel may interfere with the
healthy development of alien life and culture."
-Star Trek Prime Directive

Each one of us is a single organism experiencing a unique Incarnation
in the material world. During our Incarnation we interact with other
similar organisms that eventually form our city, state, nation and
world. The world we live in is the Race (the Species) of which we
are a part. The Species we are a part of is referred to as Human.

Each inhabited planet, realm and dimension has its own Species.
Some Species are superior to, and some Species are inferior to, each
other. Different Species develop (evolve) at different speeds, and at
different Times. This is the Natural Scheme of the Universe.

For one advanced Species to interfere with the natural development
of a less advanced Species disturbs, and confuses, the natural
evolution of the less advanced Species. This is an Ancient Truth
which was understood and passed down since the most remote
rememberings of our Ancient forefathers.

This Principle was the basis of the Ancient Mystery Schools:
non-interference with the masses in general; yet readily available to
Instruct the well-qualified and Spiritually Advanced Initiate.

The evolution of a Species is similar to the evolution of the Chakras
as we progress from the Root Chakra to the Crown Chakra: where
the Root Chakra represents basic earthly survival and the Crown
Chakra represents Spiritual Transcendence.

As advanced as our Species currently presumes itself to be, its
evolution still resides, symbolically, in the realm of the lower
Chakras.

This is due to the fact that the current political philosophy of our
Species is based upon warfare, governance backed by weapons, and
suppression in all its forms.

It is easy for us to blame our political "representatives" for the fact
that we are still languishing in the lower regions of the evolutionary
scale. However, it is the citizenry that votes in, and thereby allows,
this form of governance. This, in itself, is a testimonial as to where
the majority of the organisms of our Species have evolved to in our
current Evolutionary Progression.

As the majority of organisms, which represent our Species, evolve
to a higher mental and Spiritual plane, we will select representatives
that are aligned with those higher realms of evolution.

Representation is a result of, and not a cause of, Evolution.

To give an example of a highly advanced Species interfering with
our evolutionary development, let us use the following example:
Should a highly advanced Species choose to share superior
technology and knowledge with our Species, their well-intentioned
gift would meet with disaster: something which the higher evolved
Species fully understands.

Although a minority of our Species would be excited, and eager,
in using the advanced technology and knowledge for the common
good, the political representatives, voted in (and thereby supported)
by the vast majority of our populations, would take by force these
advanced technologies and knowledge to use for the purposes of
warfare and suppression.

The highly advanced Species in all realms and dimensions under-
stand this Truth and this is why they Choose not to interact with
our Species during this current period of our evolution. To do so
would be to "interfere with the healthy (natural) development
of alien life and culture". To do so would be a violation of the
Universal Prime Directive.

However, although these Superior Beings avoid interacting with
our Species on a massive scale, this does not preclude them from
interacting with the more Spiritually Advanced Individuals of our
Species on a personal scale.

To these Spiritually Advanced Individuals, these Seekers of Truth
and Wisdom, Superior Beings appear as Angels, Spirits and Guides.
They stand ready and willing to provide us with the Guidance and
Wisdom we seek in order to attain the Divine Gifts of Spiritual
Advancement and Transcendence.

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

When The Student Is Ready

"When the Student is ready the Teacher will appear."
Ancient Proverb

All Ancient Teachings inform us that when we are ready to embark
upon our Path of Spiritual Fulfilment, our Teacher will appear.
However, what is left unsaid is that when our Teacher does come
to us it may be from another Time or Dimension.  

Another Time can be answers that come to us from Ancient
Mythologies, Sacred Works or the Lessons of the Master Teachers
 who came before us.

Another Dimension can be answers that come to us during
Meditation, or from something that has been Marinating in our
Subconscious.

Our Teacher can also provide us with answers we are seeking by
way of a book we pick up, a remark we hear from a stranger, or
something that "jolts" us during a casual conversation with friends,
family, and acquaintances.

The fact is, Truth and Wisdom can come to us from anywhere.
Our Spiritual Teacher is continually communicating with us. All
that is required from us is that we Learn to keep ourselves open
to the Messages that our Teacher is constantly sending us.

Although it would be nice for us to have our own personal
Spiritual Mentor, our own personal Grand Wizard, that we can
"hang around with" and tell us everything we need to know, it
just doesn't work that way.

We cannot gain Spiritual Wisdom from someone, or something,
material and external to ourselves. Spiritual Truth, Knowledge and
Wisdom can only come from the Spiritual Teacher that resides
within each and every one of us. We simply need to learn how to
access this Inner Teacher of ours.

We access our Spiritual Teacher through learning and developing
our Spiritual Gifts of Meditation, Insight, Intuition and Awareness.
And although we may have been "taught" that we must Travel "far
and wide" to gain wisdom, it is not so.
 
Everything that we need in order to access the Wisdom of
Eternity already resides in that "quiet place" within each and every
one of us. And that "quiet place" within us is where our God Within,
our Atman, our Spiritual Teacher, resides.

Once we understand this Ancient Truth, we realize that our Spiritual
Teacher is, and has always been, with us. We discover that we are
both the Student and the Teacher and that we are capable of
teaching ourselves Anything we wish to learn.

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 Holy Grail

"...To boldly go where no-one has gone before!"
-Star Trek

The Legend of the "Quest For The Holy Grail" is a Metaphor for
the Eternal Spiritual Quest for Truth and Wisdom. It also teaches
us that in order for us to find what has never been found, we must
search where no-one else has ever looked.

When King Arthur's knights went off in search of the Holy Grail,
they entered the forest through briar, bramble and thicket. They
did not Travel by way of any existing Path. They understood that
if they were to find the sacred, elusive treasure they were Seeking
they had to search where no-one else had searched, or Traveled to,
before. It's also important to remember that although they never
did find the Holy Grail, they did experience some wonderful
Adventures.

The Holy Grail represents a Spiritual Calling. It is The Seeker's
Call To Adventure.

The Quest is The Seeker's actual pursuit of his, or her, Spiritual
Calling. It consists of the Adventures The Seeker experiences, the
Insights he, or she, receives, and the Lessons learned during the
Journey.

The Forest is a land of Enchantment. This is where the Quest
takes place. It is a realm of danger, achievement, and Adventure.
As this is a Spiritual Quest, the Forest represents (Symbolizes) The
Seeker's Subconscious. It is the Wilderness where The Seeker
befriends their Spiritual Guides and confronts their Inner Demons.

The Thicket represents the Unique Way in which The Seeker
enters the Forest. As this is The Seeker's very own Personal
Journey, The Seeker must Create their very own Personal Path.
To follow an existing Path, or trail, would mean that The Seeker
would be Traveling a Path designed by, and Created for, someone
else. The Thicket represents that part of the Forest that has never
been Traveled before - it is the Realm of Dragons. This is where
many of the Spiritual Treasures The Seeker is searching for lie
hidden.

Never finding the Holy Grail teaches us that we are on a Timeless
Quest. A Quest for Ultimate Truth, Eternal Wisdom, and Spiritual
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 2009

Veil Of Isis - Symbol and Mythology

"No mortal shall pierce the Veil of Isis."
-Ancient Egyptian Mystery

This Ancient and Sacred statement is very similar to the
opening cryptic lines of the Tao Teh Ching.

And although this statement tells us that no "mortal" shall pierce the
Veil of Isis, it also alludes to the fact that The Veil can be pierced.
However, it does not tell us how to pierce the Veil.

As with many Ancient Teachings, we must look "inside" the
Lesson itself in order to discover its True Meaning.

Symbolically, a Veil represents something hidden; something
concealed. The Veil shrouds a Secret, a Mystery. In this instance,
the Veil shrouds Esoteric Knowledge.

And what is "Esoteric Knowledge"? Esoteric Knowledge is Sacred
Wisdom that can only be bestowed upon a worthy Initiate; a worthy
Seeker of Truth.

But how can a Seeker or Initiate, who is mortal, "pierce" this Veil
that we are told "no mortal shall pierce"?

We must always remember that Infinite Truths cannot be accessed
by the finite mind. The Infinite can only be accessed by the Spiritual
side of Our Divine Nature.

The Seeker pierces the Veil not by using the mortal faculties of
mind, reason, and logic, but by using the Spiritual Faculties of
meditation, insight, and intuition.

It is through meditation, insight, and intuition that the Seeker slowly
peels away, one layer at a time, the Mysteries that wrap themselves
around, and conceal, Eternal Spiritual Truths.

Likewise, it is by Learning and using these same Spiritual Disciplines
that we too can acquire the ability to Un-veil the Divine Mysteries
that are cryptically "hidden" in Ancient Teachings.

See also: "The Known, The Unknown and The Unknowable"

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

The Wizard's Staff - Symbol and Mythology

The Wizard's Staff "represents" the contents of Sacred Books and
Esoteric Teachings that the Wizard leans on for support during his
earthly Journey. It Symbolizes the Wisdom and Knowledge that the
Wizard has Earned from all of his Studies and Experiences.

Sacred Books and Esoteric Teachings contain all the Secrets of the
Universe. However, these Secrets reveal their Truths very slowly.
And Esoteric Knowledge, although available to everyone, is only
intelligible to a select few.

The Magical Skills of the Wizard are both a Great Gift and an
Enormous Responsibility. Although the Wizard has tremendous
powers (Knowledge), he exercises extreme caution in the use of
these powers (Wisdom).

Most often the Wizard appears to be a Traveler or a vagabond. The
Wizard only reveals his true nature to a very select few and only at
the appropriate Time (again, Wisdom).

As we Travel through life we too "lean" on our experiences and
knowledge for support. However, we must always ask ourselves
what exactly it is that we are leaning upon. Are we leaning on
Wisdom, Knowledge, and Truth? Or, are we leaning on hearsay,
Opinion, gossip, rumors, and "news"?

If we are leaning on the latter than we are merely a directionless
vagabond who is stumbling through our Current Incarnation
confusing Phantoms for Guides.

And, although the Wizard listens to opinions and rumors He always
leans upon His Staff to determine whether or not they are True. For
The Wizard is only concerned with that which is True.

It is only through diligent effort that we are able to obtain the
Wisdom of the Wizard's Staff, understand its Value, and respect its
Power. And it is by leaning on our Wizard's Staff that we acquire the
Gift of Insight which enables us to Un-Veil what it is that we are
Truly observing as we Travel the Path that leads us to our
Personal 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

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