The Egyptian Shen Ring, Cartouche, and The Circumpolar Stars ( Symbolism and Mythology ):

 

                          The Circumpolar Stars - Image via Wikipedia

"The sight of the stars makes me dream."

- Vincent Van Gogh

All of us have probably seen a time-lapse photo of the night 

sky which shows the stars circling around the polar center. 

This phenomenon is caused by the earth rotating on its axis 

and the center of this stellar rotation is the point in the 

heavens to which the earth's axis is aligned.

These stars which rotate around the polar center are called 

the Circumpolar Stars. The Circumpolar Stars which are 

nearest to the polar center never set below the horizon of 

the earth. As the distance from the polar center increases, 

the outermost stars do disappear below the horizon for a 

period of time only to reappear at some later time.

The Circumpolar Stars which do not disappear below the 

horizon were referred to by the ancients as the Eternal 

Ones or the Imperishable Ones. It is these stars which 

were considered to be the heavenly domain of all souls 

which returned to the cosmic spiritual realm once their 

incarnation on earth was completed.

Furthermore, it is these Circumpolar Stars, which never 

disappeared below the earth's horizon, which Symbolized 

the branches of the World Tree in the various mythologies 

of our planet. And it is these Circumpolar Stars that are the 

subject of this article, and, the basis of the Symbolism of 

the Egyptian Shen Ring.

 

Egyptian Shen Ring and Cartouche - Image via Wikipedia

The Shen Ring is a Circle tied to a horizontal bar; a Circle 

tied to a straight line. The Circle Symbolizes the eternal, 

"The All", the cyclical, and the Source of all physical 

manifestation. The horizontal bar Symbolizes the horizon, 

the earthly, the linear, the temporary, and the manifested.

Therefore, the Shen Ring is a Symbolic reminder that 

temporal linear Time ( the horizontal bar ) is tied to, and is 

only a temporary manifestation of, the ever-repeating 

Cycles of Eternity ( the Circle ).

Furthermore, the horizontal bar represents the earth's horizon

while the Circle represents the Circumpolar Stars which never

set below the earth's horizon. This again reminds us that the

temporary manifestations which appear on the earthly realm 

are only a small part of the vast and eternal Cycles of the 

heavens.

It is also a reminder that we are all tied to, and thereby are a 

part of, eternity. Furthermore, it is also a Symbolic reminder 

that all personal, societal, and worldly achievements and 

failures are nothing more than a temporary linear "moment" 

occurring in the unknowable vastness of eternity.

The Horizon tied to the heavens Symbolizes the finite 

( temporary ) tied to the infinite ( timeless ); "as above, 

so below".

The Shen ring can also be equated to the upper portion of 

the Egyptian Ankh

In ancient Egypt, in order to insure that the Pharaoh's 

precise  name and memory would endure for all eternity, 

and that he, or she, would become one with the 

"Imperishable Ones" mentioned at the beginning of this article, 

the hieroglyphs which spelled out his (or her) name were to 

be inscribed within the protective Circle of the Shen Ring.

However, since the hieroglyphs required to properly spell 

out the Pharaohs name took up more space than was

available within the Shen Ring, an adjustment to the Shen 

Ring became necessary. This was resolved by elongating 

the Shen Ring into what is today the familiar cartouche.

Cartouche is a fairly modern French word which means 

"cartridge". During Napoleon's expedition to Egypt, his soldier's 

noticed how similar this elongated Symbol was to the 

cartridges they used in their own rifles. Therefore they named 

this Symbol a "cartouche"; a term which has since become 

the commonplace expression of this ancient Symbol.

The important thing to remember about the cartouche is that 

it contains the title of the person being referred to. It does not 

contain the birth-name of that person; only the title name.

A great many Lessons are handed down to us from ancient

Egypt; and they mostly refer to the Pharaoh. However, Keep 

in mind that, although the lessons handed down to us from 

ancient Egypt pertain to the Pharaoh of the kingdom, we too 

are the Pharaoh of our own personal kingdom. Therefore, the 

lessons which are addressed to the Pharaoh pertain to us just 

as well. And it is in our own best interest that we understand 

and adhere to these most ancient Lessons; so that, when our

Incarnation on this plane of existence in finished, we too can

join our Spiritual Ancestors - The Imperishable Ones - who 

occupy the Circumpolar Region in the heavens.

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 2021

Magical Artifacts, Talismans, Words, Incantations and Spells ( Symbolism and Mythology ):

                                                          Image via Wikipedia

"Never trust anything that can think for itself."

   

    -Mr. Weasley to Ginny, in J.K. Rowling's 

     Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Who has not dreamed of being in possession of a magical object or

magical spell?

Literature and mythology are full of stories about someone who has

uncovered a magical artifact or talisman; or someone who has 

stumbled upon a magical word, incantation, or spell. The desire to 

possess something of this nature is very alluring; it is the stuff that

daydreams and fantasies are made of.

However, as literature and mythology further tell us, being in possession

of one of these items does not always end very well for the person who

stumbles upon them. Therefore, before wishing to be in possession of 

any of these objects or Words we may want to look deeper into what 

these items really are, and ask ourself, "Do I really want to come 

into possession of something of this nature"?

Because, as the stories further tell us, the person who stumbles upon

these devices very seldom controls them. The very opposite happens:

the object or spell winds up controlling, and even taking possession

of, its discoverer.

With these thoughts in mind, let us now delve deeply into the

questions and consequences that are an integral part of Magical Artifacts, 

Talismans, Words, Incantations, and Spells.

Magical Artifacts and Talismans ( Physical Powers ):

                                                               Image via Wikipedia

With any physical, magical Item of Power it is crucial that we consider

the following:

Someone created it! 

To create a Magical Artifact or Talisman requires great magical power.

Therefore we need to be able to answer and be Aware of the following:

1. Who created the object: 

    It is important to know who created the object and what was the 

    character of that person. This can give us an insight to the powers 

    contained within the object. However, this is almost always a certain 

    unknown.

2. When was it created: 

    Without knowing the time in history when the object was created, 

    we have no insight into the historical thoughts, energies and moods 

    that may be associated with the object. Here, again, we have an 

    almost certain unknown.

3. What were the intentions of the person who created the 

    object:

    This would enable us to understand the motive behind its creation 

    and what powers we will be confronting not only by merely 

    possessing the object, but also what unexpected results we can 

    anticipate should we ultimately choose to use this object. And, here 

    we have another unknown.

4. What powers were fused into the object by the person who 

    created it. In other words, what are its latent powers:

    As there is no way to know all the powers infused into the object,

    we are again faced with a certain unknown.

5. Exactly how powerful is this object:

    The object can be supremely powerful. And, herein lies its immense 

    danger. For, while the user is under the illusion that he or she is 

    manipulating the object for their sole benefit, the object is actually,

    in most cases very discretely, manipulating and binding its user.

    Here is where the magical object, in a great many instances, 

    can possess a very diabolical unknown.

6. Does this object have the ability to function and act 

    completely of its own accord:

    Anything infused with extremely powerful magical intentions and

    spells will always, simply by its created nature, have a Free Will.

    And, this Free Will, will have the power, and desire, to completely act 

    of its own accord. And, without the possessor being more powerful 

    than the object, which is nearly impossible, the user most seriously 

    risks magical bondage.

Magical Words, Incantations and Spells ( Verbal Powers ):

                                                         Image via Wikipedia

In addition to the above mentioned concerns and warnings, the 

following should also be taken into consideration in regard to the use 

of Magical Words, Incantations, and Spells:

1. Were the original Words and Symbols part of a secret 

    language:

    If so, then the exact words and intent of the Spell or Incantation 

    are almost certainly indecipherable. A great example of a secret

    language is the Voynich Manuscript.

2. Were the original Words and Symbols part of an ancient 

    or lost language:

    Again: If so, then the exact words and intent of the Spell or Incantation 

    are almost certainly indecipherable. 

3. The original meanings of Words can change dramatically 

    over time, or even vanish from use:

    At best, Words are a very clumsy way of communicating. Even in our

    own lifetimes, we see how the usage and meanings of Words change 

    over time, and how they have different meanings throughout various 

    individuals, races, and nationalities.

       In addition, Words that addressed very specific ideas, objects,

    feelings and intentions can absolutely disappear throughout the march

    of long historical periods.

        Also, objects referred to in ancient texts fall into dis-use, are 

    discarded, and are never used again. There are many such items 

    referred to in ancient texts of which we have no idea as to what they

    actually were. If such an item is referred to in an ancient Spell or

    Incantation, we are at a total loss as to what this item in fact was.

       These problems alone render the attempted translation of an

    ancient Spell or Incantation absolutely useless. 

4. Were the Words and Symbols copied correctly from the 

    original text:

    Errors abound in even the simplest copying of Words and Symbols.

    The slightest error can, and most likely will, change the meaning and 

    essence of the original text.

5. Were these Words and Symbols accurately interpreted when

    translated into another language in another time:

    It is nearly impossible, if not absolutely impossible, to translate one

    language into another without losing the True meaning of the 

    original language.

       Not only can Words have a different meaning in different languages; 

    but also the context of sentences, paragraphs and ideas can have

    radical variations in interpretation when being translated from one

    language to another.

       AND, this does not even take into account the various metaphors,

    allegories and other unique meanings contained in the original text

    which can, in no way, be translated into the new language.

6. Are we absolutely sure of the correct ancient pronunciation 

    of not only the Words of the Incantations and Spells, but also 

    their appropriate phonetics:

    Even today we see the the differences in the various dialects and

    phonetics which abound on this planet. Sounds that can easily be

    pronounced by one group of people, or by one nationality, are 

    very difficult for another nationality, or even another part of the 

    same country, to pronounce.

       Therefore, it is almost impossible for us to attempt to correctly

    pronounce not only the Words of an ancient Spell or Incantation

    correctly; but this difficulty is compounded when we do not even

    know the proper phonetics used by the original makers of the 

    Spell or Incantation.

7. Considering our present personal dialect, are we able to  

    pronounce these Words correctly:

    Refer to item #6 above.

8. Are we able to summon up within ourself the proper mood 

    that is meant to accompany the Incantation or Spell:

    Without fully understanding the proper mood, and proper mindset,

    required in the use of the Spell or Incantation, it is impossible for

    us to properly summon up this mood or mindset within ourself.

        Not being in the proper mood, or frame of mind, when conjuring 

    up the Incantation or Spell, can either invalidate the Incantation or 

    Spell, or have it work completely against the conjuror. 

9. Improperly speaking the Words, even minutely, can alter 

    the Spell or Incantation: often with dire consequences:

    Improper use of Words and phonetics can alter the Spell or

    Incantation dramatically; often with severe and dire consequences.

So, the question now arises: "OK. I will not fool around with anyone 

else's magical objects or words. I will crate my own spell and create

a magical object of my own. What personal harm can that do"?

The powers, words, incantations and spells infused into an object or

spell enables it to automatically assume a life and power of its own. 

And here is where many magicians fall prey to the objects and

spells they conjure up. A good example of this is Mickey Mouse in 

The Sorcerer's Apprentice.

Life of any kind, by its very nature, has free-will inherent within it. But,

a magical object, having a powerful life-force infused into it, contains

an enormous free-will which can, and will, act as a powerful driving 

force  And herein lies the danger in either working with, or creating,

magical artifacts, talismans, spells and incantations.

Whenever we place our hopes, dreams  and beliefs in external 

forces, we are opening ourselves up to danger and frustration. These

external forces are inclusive of people, objects, organizations, factions,

and dogmas; dogmas being the un-questionable and authoritarian 

belief systems that are forced upon us, by means of guilt, shame,

or fear, by self-serving individuals, factions and organizations.

In conclusion:

Relying on any external object, power, or entity is never a good idea. 

For, as ancient teachings inform us, the only powers we should be 

relying upon are the latent spiritual powers contained within ourself. 

In other words, our prime focus should be focusing on, and 

communicating with, our Atman by the proper use of Prayer and 

Meditation. The ancient teachings repeatedly inform us that the

answers and guidance we seek lie within us.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2021

Vow of Poverty (Spirituality and Mythology):

The ancient lore of our planet consists of myths, legends, fables,
proverbs and expressions which seem to be clouded in mystery.
And the reason they "seem" to be clouded in mystery is because
they "are" clouded in mystery.

Each one of the above mentioned methods serve as verbal
vehicles for preserving and  transporting secret and sacred Wisdom
from generation to generation. Furthermore, as these verbal vehicles
are easy to remember, and are integral components of our various
cultures, their repetitive telling allows Wisdom to be transmitted
flawlessly into the future.

Every myth, legend, fable, and proverb is an exoteric story that
Veils an esoteric Truth which is hidden within them. Exoteric means
outward or external. Esoteric means secret, or hidden within.

The exoteric story is designed to amuse and entertain the masses;
this is why it is so easy to remember and then transmit. Exoteric
stories are also often used to keep the masses satisfied and under
control.

The esoteric Truth, however, is the secret, sacred Wisdom hidden
within the exoteric story. The esoteric Truth is only available to those
who "have the eyes to see, and the ears to hear".

With all that being said, let us now begin our exploration of the
Vow of Poverty.

Let us begin with the understanding that all ancient spiritual messages
are delivered in two forms: exoteric and esoteric.

Again, the exoteric form is the surface story that is meant for
the masses. And though the exoteric form allows the message to
easily be remembered and delivered to future generations, it is the
form that is most easily to be mis-understood, mis-interpreted,
abused, and corrupted. The esoteric Truth Veiled within the exoteric
message or statement is the Lesson meant for the few.

The Vow of Poverty is one such spiritual message which has been
corrupted by the numerous societies and the many self-serving
factions of this planet. It is not the purpose of this article to explore this
particular issue. However, by referring to my article on Sacrifice, a
more in-depth explanation of this kind of corruption can be found.

Let us keep in mind that no ancient Master Teacher ever preached
complete self-deprivation in order to attain Enlightenment. They may
have Instructed their Initiates in the value of moderation, bodily
purification, and occasional fasting, but not complete self-deprivation
in either its physical or material sense

As the story goes, The Buddha initially practiced self-deprivation
as an attempt to attain Enlightenment and Ascension. However,
he soon found out that self-deprivation was seriously affecting his
health, and thereby, his ability to contemplate, reflect, and meditate.
Therefore, he soon gave this up and was careful to insure that his
body was well nourished so that he could continue, un-impeded,
on his Quest for Enlightenment.

Images of The Buddha depict him as well-fed and content.


     ( Image via Wikipedia )

A similar reference to the word "poverty" can be found in the
title used for the Knights Templar who were referred to as
"Poor Knights of Christ and of the Temple of Solomon".
Yet, as history reveals to us, the Knights Templar were
certainly not poor in the common usage of the word.

Here we see that the words "poor" and "poverty" - which are
quite similar - are not being used in their common, everyday
context; they are representing something entirely different.
In other words, in these instances, they are exoteric expressions
which are Veiling esoteric principles

Keeping all of the above-mentioned in mind, and continuing to
explore the esoteric message contained in the statement of
Vow of Poverty, let us now make a minor change.

Let us replace the exoteric "Vow of Poverty" with the esoteric
"Vow of Non Self-Attachment".This immediately changes the entire
essence of the phrase.

Now we can get to the heart of the message:

To enjoy material "things" is OK. For whatever reason, we are
here to experience, enjoy, and learn from the many aspects,
essences, achievements and materialisms of the physical realm.

However, what leads us astray, and into bondage, is allowing
ourselves to be possessed and obsessed with the many
different "things" we encounter during our physical Incarnation.

It is OK to make a lot of money. However, it is detrimental to
be obsessed with it.

It is OK to live in a fine, comfortable home. However, it is
detrimental to be egotistically obsessed with it.

It is OK to achieve status. However, it is detrimental to allow our
ego to flaunt it, and live solely for it.

These are just a few examples.

Obsessive materialism - in all of its negative aspects - is
attachment and bondage. Obsessive materialism includes,
but is not limited to: greed, gossip, fanaticism, politics, dogma,
control of others, and something called "the principle of the thing".
These, among others, is what chain us to the material realm and
prevent us from achieving the higher State of Enlightenment.

Poverty, now translated as Non-Self Attachment, is the release
of possessiveness, obsessiveness, greed, etc.; it is
non-attachment and non-bondage to the material realm; it is
control of self; it is to be "in the material realm, but not of it".

Perhaps the most beautiful and noble way to describe the
Vow of Non Self-Attachment is to revel in the words of Lady
Galadriel from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings.

Upon his leaving Lorien - the domain of the Elves, Lady Galadriel
- the Queen of the Elves - gave to Gimli, the Dwarf, this parting
gift:

"I say to you, Gimli son of Gloin, that your hands shall flow with gold, 
and yet over you gold shall have no dominion."

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 2020

Archetypes In Symbolism And Mythology

"Mythology is a fictitious tale about 
characters who never existed,
engaged in events that never happened.
But, yet, it is true."
- Joseph Panek

An Archetype is a physical portrayal of either an Event or an
abstract concept. An Archetype is portrayed as male when it is
designed to depict a masculine aspect, or essence, of nature.
An Archetype is portrayed as female when it is designed to
depict a feminine aspect, or essence, of nature.

Ancient Esoteric writings inform us that masculine aspects of
nature are active, bestowing, rational, logical, conscious, and
solar - The Seed; while feminine aspects of nature are passive,
accepting, intuitive, emotional, subconscious, and lunar
- The Womb.

The events depicted by an Archetype can be either terrestrial
( earthly ) or cosmic ( heavenly ). The Epic tales of classic
literature all contain Archetypal heroes, gods, and goddesses
who weave their ways through these ancient sagas and mingle
in the affairs of mankind. Consider the heroic and divine
Archetypes who have mesmerized us in Homer's unforgettable
classic tales of The Iliad and The Odyssey.

The abstract concepts depicted by Archetypes are limitless.
They include, but are not limited to, dreams, insights, epiphanies,
prophecy, esoteric Wisdom, and Shamanic experiences. These
are the Archetypes portrayed in the many temple paintings and
hieroglyphs which come down to us from ancient Egypt.

Archetypes allow us to visualize, personify and personalize events
and abstract concepts. They are unforgettable physical
constructions which then become an ingrained mental image that
allows us to recall and associate a specific Archetypal character
with a specific event or abstract concept.

An Archetype is a necessary element for the creation of metaphors,
allegories, parables, myths, legends, fables, and stories which
become the unforgettable Lessons which are then passed down
from generation to generation.

The ancient thought process was Archetypal and metaphorical.
The ancients thought, spoke, taught, and wrote through the use
of Archetypes and metaphors. Therefore, in order for us to
understand ancient histories, legends, myths, and sacred writings,
we must first attempt to understand the ancient mind which
evaluated events, ideas, and concepts by way of Archetypal thinking.

For only by understanding this ancient thought process can we
truly understand the histories and Lessons which they have
passed down to us by way of their myths, legends, sacred
writings, puns, and metaphors.

So, how does this process of Archetypal thinking actually work?

First: An event must occur, a hero must be glorified, an
abstract concept must be brought into consciousness, or a
phenomenon of nature must be experienced. These are the original
and fundamental sources from which Archetypes are conceived
and brought into physical reality.

Second: An Archetype is created which Symbolizes this event,
hero, abstract concept, or phenomenon of Nature. Only then, by
way of a physical representation ( a Symbolic Archetype ), can
a myth, legend, story, or metaphor then be created. If the event
or abstract concept is masculine in nature, it is portrayed by a
man. If the event or abstract concept is feminine in nature, it is
portrayed as a woman. The Archetype must exist before the
myth, story, or legend can be created.

Third: The myth, legend, sacred writing, or metaphor is created
by way of using the Archetype, or Archetypes, which have been
created from the initial event or abstract concept. This end result
is the stories and Lessons that have been passed down to us from
our ancient ancestors from the most ancient of Times.

An Archetype is perpetual while those who later assume the role
of that particular Archetype are temporary. THE HERO is an
Archetype for all heroes who follow. AN ECLIPSE is an Archetype
for all eclipses which follow. MOTHERHOOD is an
Archetype for all women who later assume the role of mother.

Furthermore, THE HERO will always exist; regardless of whether
or not there are currently any heroes to assume that role.

This fact is True for ALL Archetypes.

KINGSHIP is the Archetype for all future kings who assume this
role. KINGSHIP ( or RULERSHIP ) will also always exist
regardless of whether or not there is currently any king to assume
this role. The Archetype of KINGSHIP is clearly defined in the
statement, "The king is dead. Long live the king". What this
proclamation is actually saying is, "The old king is dead. Long live
the new king". This proclamation reminds us that the Archetype of
KINGSHIP is perpetual, even though the characters who wander
in and out of the role of 'king" are continuously replaced.


The same goes for "popes", "presidents", "history teachers",
"comedians", "architects", etc. These are all perpetual Archetypal
titles under which others temporarily assume a role as Time and
history ceaselessly march onward.

Let us look at two Archetypal portrayals (one masculine and the
other feminine ) in order to better visualize the concept of Archetypes:

 

Horus - image via wikipedia

HORUS: Horus is the ancient Egyptian Archetype, or Neter, which
Symbolizes KINGSHIP or RULERSHIP. Horus is depicted as
having the body of a man and the head of a hawk.

KINGSHIP or RULERSHIP is an invisible abstract concept which
relates to an "active", or "masculine", aspect of Nature. Therefore,
the Archetype the ancient Egyptians called Horus is depicted as
having the body of a man.

Furthermore, Nature also provides us with a visual phenomenon of
RULERSHIP by way of the hawk.

The hawk is a powerful bird that RULES the heavens. And just as
the hawk was seen as the ruler of its domain of the heavens, so
was the KING or PHARAOH seen as the earthly counterpart of the
hawk who was destined, and responsible, for RULING on earth.

This is why Horus, the Archetype of RULERSHIP, was depicted as
having the body of a man with the head of a hawk

All Egyptian pharaohs were understood to be a temporal aspect of
the Archetype Horus and were therefore recognized as HORUS.

 

Hathor - image via wikipedia

HATHOR: Hathor is the ancient Egyptian Archetype, or Neter,  for
MOTHERHOOD. MOTHERHOOD is a feminine aspect of Nature.
Therefore Hathor is portrayed with either a woman's body with a
cow's head, or, simply as a woman's facial features with a cow's
ears. HATHOR can also be portrayed simply as a cow.

The cow is a docile, nurturing animal. It is also the animal which
provides the milk which is necessary to nourish infants. Here we
see the reason why the ancient Egyptians chose the cow as the
Symbol for MOTHERHOOD.

All women who chose the role of motherhood in ancient Egypt
therefore became a physical manifestation, and representation, of
the Archetype called HATHOR.

Furthermore, when a person's earthly incarnation came to its end,
it was HATHOR who welcomed, nourished, and nurtured the Soul
of the newly deceased when it once again returned to the spiritual
realm from whence it had departed in order to experience a
physical existence.

Conclusion: As we become more and more familiar with Archetypes,
we gain a better understanding of the thought processes and
perceptions of our most distant ancestors. And it is by this
process of understanding the ancient mind that we can slowly
unravel the enigmatic and mystical riddles which baffle and amaze us;
enigmas, mysteries, riddles, and abstract concepts conceived and
cast into stone at the most remote beginnings of historical Time.

See Also:  Article about "The Egyptian Neter"

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 2019

Spirit vs. Soul: The Egyptian Akh and Ba ( Symbolism and Mythology )

               
      
                               Image via Wikipedia

Attempting to explain and understand ancient Spiritual Wisdom by
way of modern rational and logical Words is clumsy at best. Words,
in addition to being often clumsy, can be not only misunderstood
but their meanings can be inconsistent from one person to another.

In addition, ancient Spiritual Teachings, which are easily grasped
by the Eastern mind, become very confusing to the Western mind
which has been Indoctrinated with dogma and not Instructed in
ancient Spiritual Thought.

Furthermore, when discussing the the matter of Spirit vs. Soul,
many modern writers use these terms interchangeably; which
not only adds to a reader's confusion but also begs the question
of whether these writers fully understand these concepts
themselves.

These are the dilemmas faced by the Spiritual Seeker and
Independent Thinker here in the West. Yet, we Spiritual Seekers
and Independent Thinkers still "press on" and try to unravel ancient
Spiritual Wisdoms one Thread at a time. And this can only be
accomplished by completely abandoning all dogmatic Indoctrinations
that have been imposed upon us by organized Western religion;
dogma, which the masses are commanded to accept and believe
without question.

With these thoughts in mind, let us now attempt to unravel the very
ancient, mysterious and enigmatic concept of Spirit vs. Soul.

However, before we embark on this Adventure, the definitions of a
few Words is necessary.

Definitions:

THE ALL: The One eternal, all-encompassing and indivisible Source
from which all things, ideas, and concepts - both manifested and
un-manifested - spring forth from. Everything, without exception, is
both born from THE ALL and is an integral part of THE ALL.

Therefore, THE ALL contains, and IS, everything. And, likewise, as
everything is contained within THE ALL, then all things, concepts,
and ideas, contain THE ALL within them. All things, concepts, and
ideas are specific aspects of THE ALL.

Hence the proverb, "I am in the Father, and the Father is in me.";
which can be summed up as: "I am a specific aspect of THE ALL.
Therefore,THE ALL is contained within me". Furthermore, as each
one of us is a specific aspect of THE ALL, THE ALL is naturally
contained within each one of us. It cannot be any other way.
We cannot be separate from THE ALL. If this were so, then THE ALL
could not be THE ALL.

We see this Spiritual Lesson further expressed in psalm 82:6,
"I have said, you are gods, and children of the Most High".

Nothing can be separate from THE ALL; otherwise THE ALL would
not be THE ALL.

In addition, THE ALL is also indivisible (undividable). For if THE ALL
could be divided then it would not be THE ALL.

Ancient Spiritual Teachings, such as these, are all but ignored
by modern organized religion for the sake of dogmatic
indoctrination, and control, of the masses.

Spirit: That specific aspect of Divinity which is our un-manifested
Soul. Our Spirit is our individual personality or character which is
eternally basking within THE ALL but not yet experiencing a
physical incarnation in the realm of matter. Spirit is equivalent to
Akh of ancient Egypt.

Soul: Our manifested Spirit. Our individual personality or
character which is experiencing a physical, bodily incarnation
in the realm of matter. Soul is equivalent to Ba of ancient Egypt
and the Atman ( Our God Within ) of India.

Our Soul, our personality, is that aspect of our Spirit which
combines with matter ( our current physical body ) and chooses
how we will behave during our current physical Incarnation.
Our Soul is equivalent to the Ba of ancient Egypt.

                                     
                            Egyptian Ba - image via Wikipedia

Birds, wings and Feathers are all Symbols of Spirit. Our Soul ( Ba )
is the physically incarnated aspect of our Spirit ( Akh ); and our
Spirit, in turn, is an indivisible aspect of The All.

In the picture of the Egyptian Ba, pictured above, we see Spirit
( bird ) combined with matter ( a head of a specific person ) to
depict the physical incarnation of that specific person.

Mind: While not a specific aspect of this article, our mind IS a
specific aspect of our physical being and therefore it should be
addressed. The ancients associated the mind as an inseparable
part of our physical self. In other words, our mind and body are
one-half of our physically incarnated self and our Spiritual Self
is our other half.

It is through the mind that we receive spiritual messages. It is
also through the mind that we receive ideas and premonitions.
However the mind, being egotistical and rational, also blocks
many of the spiritual messages that are continually coming to us.
The mental "chatter" which is continuously active in our mind
is the "roadblock" which prevents Spiritual Messages from getting
through to us.

That is why it is necessary to silence the mind, through techniques
such as meditation, in order to allow spiritual messages to come to
us from the Great Unconscious Source.

Also, this is why answers to "problems" often come to us when we
least expect it; because the mind is then "relaxed" regarding the
"problem" that had so consumed our rational mind, and  our spiritual
channel through the rational mind is open and unrestricted in regards
to the "problem" which is not currently consuming the entirety of our
thoughts.

Also, it is by way of the relaxed mind that "ideas whose time has
come" reach us.

Putting It All Together:

There is only One Source; One Creative Essence which is eternal
and indivisible. Everything that is manifested, and not manifested,
is an integral, indivisible Aspect of this Source. Therefore everything
is a part of this Source and, at the same time, this Source is within
everything that it manifests. This One Source is called THE ALL.

Our Spirit, which is our un-manifested personality, is an indivisible
aspect of THE ALL. This un-manifested personality - which is our
True Eternal Essence - is our Spirit. Our Spirit, our un-manifested
personality, is what the ancient Egyptians referred to as AKH.

When our Spirit ( AKH ) is "at rest" ( un-manifested within matter ),
the Soul ( BA ) aspect of our Spirit is also in a state of suspension.
However, when our Spirit chooses to manifest into matter ( our
physical body ), then a specific aspect of our Spirit becomes
activated; and this activated aspect of our Spirit then expresses
Itself as our Soul. Our Soul remains in our physical body for the
duration of our worldly Incarnation.

When our physical Incarnation comes to a close, our Soul
( which, again, is an aspect of our Spirit ), dissolves, so to speak,
back into our Spirit until once again Spirit chooses to incarnate
within matter.

Picture this as a "family tree". At the top of this "family tree" is
THE ALL. Immediately below THE ALL is our Spirit ( AKH ); which
is an indivisible aspect of THE ALL. Immediately below our Spirit
is our Soul ( BA ), which is an indivisible aspect of our Spirit.

The main difference between our Spirit and our Soul is this:
Our Spirit exists eternally in the Spiritual Realm. Our Soul,
which again in an aspect of our Spirit, becomes "activated" and
is our spiritual "link" to our Spirit for only the duration of our
physical incarnation. This "link" is what allows our mind access 
to the Spiritual Realm. Our Soul is what the teachings of India
refer to as our Atman: Our God Within.

Perhaps an allegory can help us view this process in a more
physical, rational manner.

Let us create a character and call him John Smith. John
Smith, in his entirety, we will call Spirit.

However, John Smith is a doctor. This is one aspect of John
Smith. When John Smith is behaving in the role of doctor, he
is activating a specific aspect  of himself; and this aspect of
John Smith becomes his Soul for as long as John Smith is
behaving ( incarnating ) as a doctor. Once John Smith's
role as a doctor is over, this aspect ( Soul ) of John Smith
goes into a state of rest and John Smith becomes, once
again, simply John Smith (Spirit ).

Additionally, John Smith is also a father. This is another
aspect of John Smith. When John Smith is behaving in the
role of a father, he is activating another specific aspect of
himself; and this aspect of John Smith becomes his Soul
for as long as John Smith is behaving ( incarnating ) as a
father. Once John Smith's role as a father is over, this
aspect ( Soul ) of John Smith goes into a state of rest and
John Smith becomes, once again, simply John Smith (Spirit ).

And this goes on and on for each different aspect that John
Smith chooses to activate of himself.

                          
                      Matryoshka dolls - Image via Wikipedia

Another way to picture this process is by way of the Russian
Matryoshka dolls. These are a number of increasingly smaller
dolls that fit one into the other. The one large doll contains all
the progressively smaller dolls within it. In this state, the one
large doll can be pictured as Spirit. When the smaller dolls
are removed from the larger doll to be played with, they can
be pictured as different aspects ( Souls ) of the one largest
doll. Once these smaller dolls are replaced one-within-the-
other and then reinserted within the largest doll, this can be
viewed as the smaller aspects ( Souls ), their activities being
completed, once again becoming a part of the largest doll
( Spirit ).

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 2019

The Mystical Union Of Spirit, Matter, Our Physical Body, and Vibration:

                     
                              
                                      (Image via Wikipedia)

"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates."
- The Kybalion

Our Incarnation in this realm of matter consists of four things:
Spirit, Matter, Our Physical Body, and Vibration.

It is also interesting to note that although Spirit can exist without
matter (which it does in the Spiritual realm), matter cannot exist
without Spirit. Therefore, from the first moment of our physical
conception within the womb, Spirit becomes bound within matter.

And, as all is vibration, and as we are a combination of Spirit,
matter and vibration, let us take a close look at how vibration
affects and interacts with the Spiritual and material aspects of
our being as we Travel through this Incarnation of ours.

What is vibration? Vibration is frequency. The faster something
vibrates, the higher its frequency. The slower something vibrates,
the lower its frequency. Keeping in mind that everything vibrates,
let us now explore vibration in both spirit and matter; then let us
look at what happens when the vibrations of spirit and matter
are combined.

Matter: All matter consists of atoms; and atoms vibrate.
Measurements of material vibration inform us of the following:

The earth which we occupy has a resonant frequency of 7.83
cycles per second. This is a very low rate of vibration. It is also
interesting to note that the Mantric syllable "OM" also resonates
at 7.83 cycles per second.

Our Physical Body: Our physical body, depending on which
body part is being measured, vibrates at  a frequency between
2 to 100 cycles per second.

Therefore, both the earth and our physical body vibrate at a
very low frequency; a very low rate of vibration.

Light: Imagine this: we cannot see light. We can, however, see
the material things that light casts its rays upon. In other words,
although we cannot actually see light we can see the effects
which light produces. A pitch dark forest becomes a visual
wonderland once the sun rises above the horizon and its light
illuminates the variety of plant and animal life contained within
the forest.

Yet, although we cannot actually see light, we are able to
measure the frequency of a light wave. Light, which we cannot
actually see, but does in fact exist and illuminates everything
it touches, vibrates at a frequency in excess of 100 trillion
cycles per second!

Now, it is NOT the intent of this article to get technical. The
purpose of describing the frequency of light is to present the
idea of how rapidly light vibrates in relation to matter.

Spirit: Spirit, the active intelligent aspect of our being, vibrates
at an infinitely high frequency: a frequency that is impossible
to measure; a frequency, or vibration, that is infinitely higher
and faster than the frequency of light. If we think that the
frequency of light, which vibrates in excess of 100 trillion cycles
per second, is fast, well, the immeasurable frequency of Spirit
makes the frequency of light seem as if it is standing still. WOW!

Insights and Observations:

Now that we have looked at vibration, matter, our physical body,
and Spirit each separately, let us now try to imagine what happens
when the infinitely high vibration of Spirit unites with the incredibly
low vibration of matter; especially at the moment of our physical
birth.

Let's use a metaphor: Imagine a high-speed drill (Spirit) and a
block of granite (matter). If we bring the bit of the drill into quick,
strong contact with with the block of granite, and try to force it
through to the center of the granite, the drill bit will shatter!

This shattering of the drill bit Symbolizes the extreme trauma
that Spirit must experience at the moment it enters the matter of
our physical body.

Although Spirit does combine with matter (our bodies) it must
provide one heck of a shock for Spirit. And, some people feel this
so strongly that their Spirit has a very painful experience while it
is trapped or confined within their material body.  

This is why mystics and other spiritually advanced individuals
dedicate themselves to having their Spirit leave the dense
matter of their physical bodies in order to return to the paradisiacal
realm from whence it came. A physical incarnation to these
individuals must indeed be a painful and traumatic experience.

But, as most of us are not mystics (at least not yet), how does
this union of Spirit and matter within us affect this Incarnation
of ours?

Quite simply, for those of us who are on a spiritual Path, this
union of spirit and matter within us torments us with a constant
tug-of-war between our higher spiritual faculty and our lower
material faculty. Although we wish to experience spiritual bliss
(high vibration), we are confronted daily with the material pull
(low vibration) of this realm of matter which we occupy by way
of the people we meet and the Events we must contend with.

Our Spirit is a being of extremely high vibration and it wishes
to bask in the higher vibrational arenas of peace, Harmony,
freedom, kindness and Brotherly Love. However, while our Spirit
is trapped within a physical body it is constantly being tormented
by the lower vibrational feelings of anger, greed, envy, hatred,
and physical desires. And... to top it off, our Spirit must also
contend with the even lower vibrational level of this planet upon
which our physical body travels upon.

This puts the higher-vibrational aspects of our Spirit in a constant
tug-of-war with the lower-vibrational aspects of both our physical
body and the planet which we occupy.

This is why we find it so difficult to keep our Thoughts and Actions
focused on the blissful attributes preferred by the Spiritual aspect of
our nature. For while Spirit is attempting to focus our mind and
behavior on the more sublime aspects of our Incarnation, matter is
working just as hard on pulling us down into the more gross
aspects of our Incarnation.

This is the challenge presented to us: Do we focus on allowing
our Spirit to vibrate as quickly and highly as possible by focusing
our Thoughts on the higher Divine Principles such as peace,
freedom, and enlightenment; OR do we allow ourself to succumb
to the lower vibrations generated within the realm of matter?

Our nature is dual: Spirit and Matter. The realm of matter is also
dual and it is constantly presenting us with a barrage of "either-or"
Choices.

Thought precedes Action! Are we the Unattached Observer who is
"in this world but not of it" or are we the victim of human folly? Do
we open ourselves to the sublime or to the tragic? Do we focus on
peace, freedom and contentment or do we focus on anger, hatred
and fear? Are we raising our consciousness to the higher vibrations
or are we surrendering ourselves to the lower vibrations?

The Choices we make are ours and ours alone. And it is the
Choices we make that determine the experiences and the Destiny
of this incarnation of ours.

Conclusion: 

Our physical senses can only be Aware of those experiences
which occur within the vibrational range of our physical senses.
Everything that occurs outside the vibrational range of our
physical senses in considered to be extra-sensory or
meta-physical. Both of which mean "beyond the realm of
our physical senses".

Because something occurs beyond the realm of our physical
senses does not mean that it is unbelievable or magical. It
simply means that our physical senses cannot acknowledge
these particular vibrations. We cannot see, hear, touch, taste,
or smell things that are beyond the vibrational range of these
physical senses. This does not mean that these things, these
experiences, do not exist; for they do exist.

The only thing that prevents us from knowing everything...The
only thing that limits us from experiencing the infinite...is our
physical senses! Once we transcend our physical senses the
infinite is ours to experience and enjoy.

And this may very well be what those individuals who have
had Near Death Experiences have come back to tell us. For
the Spiritual realm is not burdened by the narrow vibrational
restrictions of the physical realm and the associated effects
that burden both our senses and our consciousness. The
Spiritual realm is sublimely and knowingly Infinite!

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 2017

Oak Trees, Acorns, Mistletoe and Druids (Symbolism and Mythology)

                          
                                       (Image via Wikipedia)

The Oak Tree:

At one time enormous forests covered a major part of what we
now call Europe. These forests stretched across, and completely
dominated several, of what are today, European countries.
And the King of all of the trees of all of these forests was, and
still is, the Oak.

The Oak, whose wood is harder and more compact than that of
any other tree, can grow to mammoth heights; and its trunk can
expand to massive widths.

An Oak Tree can easily live in excess of 700 years; many have
lived for 1,000 years; it can also grow to more than ten stories
tall. The extremely deep roots of the Oak Tree compensate for
the immense weight of its heavy branches

The Oak Tree is struck by Lightning more than any other tree.
When struck by Lightning, that particular Oak was considered
to have received Enlightenment and Revelation from Divinity.
And it is why sacred rituals, rites, Ceremonies, and divinations
were carried out in Oak Groves. The strength and majesty of the
Oak is further realized in that after being struck by Lightning,
thereby absorbing Divine Illumination, it continues to grow.
The wood from Lightning-struck trees was especially preferred
for the making of staffs and wands.

Oak wood was used to fuel sacred and perpetual fires. Holy
Groves within Oak forests were used as places of worship and
Initiation. The Oak was the sacred tree of the Druids. Legend
has it that the Wizard Merlin used the uppermost branch of an
Oak Tree for his wand. Druids taught secret Lessons and
performed sacred Ceremonies under the outstretched branch
canopies of ancient Oak Trees.

It is because of these numerous distinct qualities that the regal
Oak Tree is a Symbol of Invincibility, Durability, Endurance,
Longevity, Enlightenment, Wisdom , Memory, Lore and Calm
Strength.

Because the wood of the Oak Tree is strong, compact and sturdy,
it was used in construction of fortifications, battleships and bridges.
Furniture made from Oak wood is extremely durable and can
last for centuries. Oak furniture also adds a feeling of warmth
and security to a home.

King Arthur's Round Table was reportedly made of Oak. Robin
Hood lived among the Oak Trees of Sherwood Forest. Jason's
ship the Argo is said to have been constructed from Oak Trees
grown in a sacred grove.

Oak roots, being embedded deep within the earth, Symbolize
steadfastness, strength and a solid foundation; important
qualifications for one's personal moral standards. Because of their
inherent strength, Oak roots were often used in the manufacturing
of handles. Oak roots were also considered to be magically potent.

The far-spreading horizontal branches of the Oak Tree provided
a protective and peaceful canopy under which important and
solemn Ceremonies were carried out.

Councils were convened, treaties were signed, conflicts were
resolved, marriage ceremonies were performed, and proclamations
were announced under the sheltering branches of an ancient Oak Tree
to signify that these rituals were protected and blessed by the strength,
longevity and durability of the mighty Oak. In short, the ancient Oak
was the central stabilizing location of rule and order.

Cutting down the Great Oak of another was considered an act of war,
conflict, collapse, treachery and chaos.

A multitude of cities, states and countries have adopted the Oak
Tree as their Symbol. Oak leaves are utilized in military insignias.
The Oak Tree is the Symbol of choice on many Coats of Arms.

Bark: Decoctions, elixirs and teas made from Oak bark are used
to combat diarrhea, dysentery and headaches. Salves made from
Oak bark are utilized externally to treat hemorrhoids, inflamed
gums, wounds and eczema. A decoction of acorns and Oak bark
was considered to be an excellent antidote for poisoning. Oak bark
is used to create dyes and is also used in the tanning of leather.

Leaves: Oak leaves are used to make fine wines.

Hollows: Some ancient Oaks grew so wide that their Hollows
were able to provide shelter from not only the elements but also
protection from enemies. These Hollows also served as
congregating places for secret meetings. Oak Tree Hollows are
also perceived as doorways to other realms. Anyone who has
ever stood, or sat, within the Hollow of an Oak Tree has probably
felt the protective, nurturing and magical feeling it induces. It is
suggested to either sit with your back against an Oak Tree, or
sit within its Hollow, when we are in need of strength, calming
or enlightenment.

Druids: Although the word "Druid" means "Men of High
Knowledge", or "Master Teacher", it is because they used the
Oak Tree as their sacred Symbol that they were referred to as
"Men of the Oak".

Acorns: Acorns have always been used as a food staple. Acorns
can be roasted and eaten as food; they can also be ground and
used for making bread and as a substitute for coffee. Because
Acorns are a product of the powerfully Symbolic Oak Tree, they
were worn and carried for "good luck". And, for the same reason,
eating Acorns was thought to provide strength and Enlightenment.

Woodland animals store Acorns for their winter food. Any uneaten
Acorns lying on the ground can sprout roots and become the
next saplings. However, only a very small percentage of Acorns
become Oak Trees.

The entire potential of the mighty Oak Tree is contained within
a single Acorn.

Mistletoe: Mistletoe does not grow on the ground. It is borne by
the birds of the air. And, as birds have always been the Symbol
of Spirit, Mistletoe is considered a spiritual gift from heaven.

It is very rare to find Mistletoe on an Oak Tree. But, when this
"gift from heaven" is found growing on the Oak Tree, which is
itself a Symbol of Wisdom and Enlightenment, it is considered
to be a very sacred event; a gift from Divinity. And being a gift
from Divinity, it was only removed from the Oak Tree by way of
a very solemn and meticulous Ceremony.

The Druids removed the Mistletoe from the Oak Tree in the
following manner: As Mistletoe was considered a sacred gift
from Divinity, it was considered sacrilegious to either hack or
cut it carelessly from the Oak. During a sacred Ceremony, a
Druid dressed in all-white would slice the Mistletoe from the
Oak with a Golden sickle. The Mistletoe was then caught in a
white sheet and never allowed to touch the ground. Mistletoe,
in addition to being a fertility gift from Divinity, was also
considered to be an antidote for all poisons.

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 2017

Lightning - As A Symbol(Symbolism and Mythology)

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

Symbolically, Lightning, 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 Lightning 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.

Lightning often precedes rain, therefore it is also associated with
Water.  When viewed in this manner, Lightning 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
moisten that which has been cleansed in order for new life,
and new growth, to begin. In this way, Lightning Symbolizes the
Divine Principle of Creative Destruction.

As a "bolt out of the blue" Lightning 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 Lightning is a weapon, or
instrument, of the gods.  For example, Zeus is portrayed as holding
a handful of  Lightning bolts which he is prepared to hurl toward
whatever person, place or thing that requires the attention-getting
Spark of Illumination from 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 Lightning.

As an instantaneous and forceful instrument of Divinity, Lightning
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, Lightning is the Symbol of an Epiphany.
It represents 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 2016

Occam's (Ockham's) Razor

"The wisdom of life consists
in the elimination of non-essentials."
- Lin Yutang

"When you have eliminated the impossible,
whatever remains, however improbable,
must be the truth."
- Sherlock Holmes

Who was Occam?

According to Wikipedia:

William of Ockham (also Occam, c. 1288 – c. 1348) was an
English Franciscan friar and scholastic philosopher, who is
believed to have been born in Ockham, a small village in Surrey.
He is considered to be one of the major figures of medieval thought
and was at the centre of the major intellectual and political
controversies of the fourteenth century. Although he is commonly
known for Occam's razor, the methodological principle that bears his
name, William of Ockham also produced significant works on logic,
physics, and theology. In the Church of England, his day of
commemoration is 10 April.

What is Occam's Razor?

The entire metaphor and philosophy of Occam's Razor is based
on the principle that at the heart of every problem, dilemma or
baffling question there lies one, and only one, core issue which
needs to be resolved. Once we recognize what this one core issue
is, we are then able to properly solve our problem, resolve our
dilemma and answer whatever question that has been puzzling us.

Almost every problem which confounds not only us, but society
as well, has become confounding due to the many non-essential,
un-related and petty arguments which have been attached to the
one underlying core issue.

Once we strip away all of the petty controversies which find a way
of attaching themselves to any core issue, we are then able to
reduce all debates, problems and confusing thoughts to their most
basic principle. And once any argument or problem is reduced to
its most basic principle, the problem automatically solves itself.

But, why a razor?

A razor is a reference to shaving away, peeling away, or slicing
away all unnecessary and superfluous attachments which cover
up the one basic and simple answer, principle or Truth which one
is Seeking.

As we keep whittling away all that is superfluous and unnecessary
we eventually uncover the one true and sole issue which has
become buried, concealed and lost beneath a mountain of
contradictory debates, petty arguments, confused thoughts,
unfounded theories, false information and biased thinking.

The metaphor of Occam's Razor instructs us that the simplest
and most unconditional answer, an explanation based upon the
fewest and possibly no assumptions, is most often the correct
answer; for it is the one answer that is free from all assumptions,
speculations, opinions, hypotheses and all other various types
of clutter.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2014

Nakedness and Nudity in Symbolism and Mythology

The bare Truth; The naked Truth; Nothing to hide; What are
you covering up?; Reveal yourself; The Truth has been exposed.

Naked! It is the way we come into this world. Pure...innocent...
sincere...uninhibited...vulnerable...we have nothing to hide.
We enter our Current Incarnation as a spiritually gifted but
materialistically naive Traveler who is full of excitement, curiosity
and joy.

At the moment we enter this material realm our only Memories are
those of the peaceful and calm Garden of Eden we just departed.
We are devoid of, and unaware of, all of the false trappings, bindings,
expectations and obligations that a materialistic society is all too
anxious to drape upon us.

Then, slowly and methodically, society distances us from the realm
of pure spirit in order to bind and cover us with all of the woes of the
material realm.

This entrance of ours into the world of materialism serves as an
excellent metaphor for nakedness and nudity in Symbolism,
artwork, and mythology. For nakedness and nudity are Symbolic
of purity, innocence, freedom, Truth, Wisdom and Harmony;
which, when we come to think about it, are all really one and the
same virtue.

As nakedness and nudity are a Symbolic reflection of "what is
true", or "what is revealed", they are portrayed as a feminine
aspect of nature.

With these thoughts in mind, let us now explore the Symbolism
of nakedness and nudity.

When we view artwork or read mythological tales of Paradise, we
find that nakedness is the "fashion of the day" in this nostalgic,
innocent and beckoning realm. For Paradise reminds us of the
Golden Age when mankind lived in Harmony with all of Nature
and the burden of clothing was unnecessary.

When we contemplate Paradise, our Thoughts are lifted to the
purity and refinement of higher consciousness. We wistfully
ascend to a realm of integrity, openness, simplicity and plenitude.
In this realm, where all of our needs are provided for, we are
clothed only by pure air...the Aether...the Divine life force...
eternal Truth. Paradisaical nakedness is Symbolic of unconfined
and uninhibited Freedom. For, as clothing represents "something
to hide", "restrictiveness" or the "wear and tear" associated with
temporal Time, we have no need for it in the realm of Paradise.

When we encounter an image of a naked figure floating freely
above the ground, this is a reminder that while Truth and Harmony
make themselves available to all of us here on earth they are not
material essences, but Divine Principles, which transcend the
worldly and mundane.

Truth, Harmony, and all of the other virtues associated with
Symbolic nakedness belong to the eternal spiritual realm and
are willingly bestowed upon all of us in the material realm who
wish to include them in our lives. In this instance, nakedness
also Symbolizes the higher mind, the uncluttered mind, the
unbiased mind, the Unattached Observer and the enlightened
mind which sees things as they truly are.

This same image of a naked figure floating above the ground
is also a Symbol for ascension. To ascend is to achieve
enlightenment; to rise above and beyond the earthly plane.
Ascension occurs when we finally cast off all of the earthly
clothing - the bondages of materialism and the
trappings of illusion - which has been heaped upon us. It is the
sublime moment when our spirit purely, innocently and nakedly
returns to the Paradisaical Unity from whence it originally came.

Partial nudity is a Symbolic way to express the Esoteric. It tells
us that there are still hidden and secret teachings contained
within that which has already been revealed. It represents the
timeless Lessons which lie behind the Idol, curtain, or Veil.
It is the Wisdom behind the parable, metaphor or myth. It is
the hidden Truth contained behind an image or story; a Truth
which can only be recognized by the worthy and well-qualified
Initiate.

Society, through its many organizations and factions, makes a
great effort to Indoctrinate the masses to clothe themselves in
masks, costumes, garments, attitudes, behaviors and makeups
of all sorts in order to either conform, appease or deceive. And
the result for so many people is that they have completely
forgotten who they truly are and their life is nothing but one big
Masquerade.

For it is not our clothing - our physical wrappings or pretty
packaging - that determines who we truly are; it is our true
nakedness, our Inner Beauty, which lies beneath our outer
trappings that determines our spiritual worth.

To be Symbolically naked is to be free from Sin. It is to be
free from the Guilt, Threats and Obligations heaped upon us
by society. It is to be free from false Indoctrinations. It is the
discarding of the constrictive trappings of fickle man-made
demands so that we can freely bask within, and openly
absorb, the unrestrictive and uncontaminated purity of
Divine Light and Divine Law.

For, while corruption. lies, treachery and deception operate
beneath multiple layers of cover in the dark - fearful of showing
themselves - Truth walks naked in the light, showing itself to all
who are prepared to gaze directly upon it.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2014