Huginn And Munnin - As A Symbol

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Lightening - As A Symbol

The zigzag drawing, or carving, of the Lightening Bolt is a very
ancient Symbol which is found in all cultures.

Symbolically, Lightening, or Fire from the Heavens, is that Spiritual
Flash which appears to come out of nowhere in order to instantly
awaken new Thoughts and ideas within us. Therefore the Symbol
of Lightening represents that Flash from Above which suddenly
sheds Light upon those new vistas of Awareness, Illumination,
Insight and Enlightenment which had been previously concealed
from us.

Lightening often precedes rain, therefore it is also associated with
Water. When viewed in this manner, Lightening is the supernatural
force from above which destroys, cleans out, and purges whatever is
old so that the Creative Water contained within the rain can
impregnate that which has been cleansed in order for new life,
and new growth, to begin. In this way, Lightening Symbolizes the
Divine Principle of Creative Destruction.

As a "bolt out of the blue" Lightening appears suddenly and without
warning. It is an awesome statement from above. And, against the
dark night sky, it is a giant and emphatic spark of Illumination which
seems to come from an unseen Source.

Mythologically, and Symbolically, Lightening is a weapon, or
instrument, of the gods. For example, Zeus is portrayed as holding
a handful of Lightening bolts which he is prepared to hurl toward
whatever person, place or thing that requires the attention-getting
Spark of Illumination from the unseeable, yet ever-present, Divinity.

With these thoughts in mind, it becomes easy for us to recognize
and understand the Spiritual and Esoteric concepts Symbolized by
the bolt of Lightening.

As an instantaneous and forceful instrument of Divinity, Lightening
represents a powerful and unforgettable statement from a higher
source; the blinding light of mental and spiritual Illumination from
above; and a flash of inspiration or enlightenment which seems to
come to us from heaven itself.

It is the heavenly fire of instant inspiration, enlightenment and
revelation. in other words, Lightening is the Symbol of an Epiphany.
It Symbolizes the Spiritual Moment when Divinity connects, and
shares Enlightenment, with a worthy and well-qualified Seeker or
Initiate which thereby elevates the mind, Spirit and Wisdom of this
special individual to a higher Eternal and Spiritual plane.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

The Knot - As A Symbol

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

The Carpenter - As A Symbol

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Devolution - From Gods To Vassals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Trivia - Three Paths

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*** Reference: The Barnhart Dictionary Of Etymology

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Creative Destruction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

The World Tree - As A Symbol

Myths, tales and legends of the World Tree can be found in the
teachings of nearly all ancient cultures. The World Tree Symbolizes
the "upper, middle and lower regions of the cosmos". ***

Its trunk is the world axis, or axis mundi, which connects the earthly
realm of matter below with the heavenly realm of spirit above. It is
a Symbolic allusion to the Hermetic axiom, "As above, so below. As
below, so above".

The World Tree is also a metaphor for Awareness, Enlightenment
and Rites of Initiation which appear in world Mythologies.

In Norse Mythology Odin hung upside down on the World Tree,
Yggdrasil, until he obtained the Wisdom to understand the secret
language of the Runes. Symbolically, to "hang upside down" means
to look at things in a different perspective: a principle which is also
portrayed by "The Hanged Man" in the Tarot deck.

From Egyptian Mythology comes the legend of Isis and Osiris in
which Osiris becomes entombed within a tamarisk tree after being
tricked by his brother Seth. Eventually, Osiris' wife-sister Isis frees
Osiris from this World Tree and completes the Rite of Initiation.

From the far East we are instructed that the Buddha meditated
under the Bodhi Tree, another reference to the World Tree, until
he gained Enlightenment. Bodhi means "Awakening" or "Enlighten-
ment" and is also the root word of Buddha.

Sir Isaac Newton was meditating under an apple tree when an
apple metaphorically fell upon his head, whereby he gained
Awareness of the law of gravity. We are all very thankful that
Sir Isaac chose not to sit beneath a coconut tree!

Trees can also contain hollows. Hollows in trees symbolize the
Cosmic Womb which can be used as places of Initiation. And
because these hollows represent the Cosmic Womb they have also
been used as grottoes to honor forest spirits, elemental creatures,
and the Divine Principles Of Nature. These hollows are also
respected as doorways to realms of higher consciousness and
entrance ways into the realms of elemental creatures such as elves
and faeries.

With these thoughts as our background, let us now explore the
Symbolism contained within the World Tree.

In all cultures, the World Tree is represented by an evergreen tree
which is indigenous to that particular area of the world. Green is the
color of fertility, vitality, abundance, growth, rebirth and renewal.
Therefore, Ever-green Symbolizes the eternal and unbroken Cycle
of fertility, vitality, abundance, growth, rebirth and renewal.

The roots of the World Tree are embedded deep within the earth
and reach out, far and wide, in all directions. This Symbolizes a solid,
all-encompassing, attachment to the world of matter.

The trunk is the axis mundi (world axis) which Symbolizes the
connection, or Pathway, between the world of matter below and the
realm of spirit above. It is the Ladder by which higher beings can
descend to earth in order to help enlighten the True Seeker and
which the Seeker, or Initiate, can use to ascend to the higher realms
of spiritual consciousness.

The branches of the World Tree Symbolize the canopy of heaven,
along with all the celestial bodies, which rotate around the world
axis, the axis mundi. The layers of branches represent the ascending
realms of consciousness which exist within the infinite domain of
Spirit.

The World Tree, which Symbolizes a direct and unbroken link
between the world of matter and the realm of Spirit is also Symbolic
of, and a metaphor for, our human bodies which are also linked to
the above and below . For just as the roots of the World Tree are set
firmly in the world of matter, so too are our feet firmly planted upon
the same earth.

And just as the branches of the World Tree reach for the heavens,
so too do our heads, and minds, reach for the higher realms of
consciousness in order to allow the spirits which dwell within these
realms to descend unto us in order to instruct us in Divine Wisdom.

And finally, in the same way in which the trunk of the World Tree
serves as a Ladder for the higher spirits to descend and the lower
beings to ascend, so too does the trunk of our body function in the
same way. For it is within the trunk of our body that our spinal
column, our personal axis mundi, resides and in which our Chakra
System dwells.

It is at the base of our Chakra System that our kundalini energy
rests, being ever ready to receive Divine Guidance from the higher
realms. Once Divine Guidance is received, and understood, our
kundalini energy is then able to leave the lower regions of our
physical nature and ascend upwards. As it ascends upwards
through our spinal column it empowers and awakens the Chakras
at the higher levels until it finally ascends through our Crown
Chakra in its journey into the very highest levels of spiritual
consciousness and enlightenment.

See also: "Hyperborea - Beyond the Northern Winds;
and "Draco: Constellation Of The Cosmic Serpent"

*** "The Complete Dictionary Of Symbols" - Jack Tresidder

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Unintended Consequences

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010

Events

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2010