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For those who see life as a Mystical AdventureArchive for Egypt
Daily Meditation Focus 15SEP2009
Temples and Pyramids 
Throughout the world, remnants and ruins of previous cultures and epochs have become destinations for travelers and sight-seerers since they were constructed. In modern times, these architectural structures are seen in more of a historical light and few who gaze upon these temples and structures see the care or thought, the underlying meaning or teaching left by that earlier man. They see instead, a photo-op or a physical representation of a picture they have kept in their head. People move about these living monuments, waiting for the tour to be over, so they can buy a shirt or book and then stop off at some welcoming establishment for their next Mai-Tai or beer.
Going back to a piece I wrote in this blog a few days ago, I referenced a trip to Washington D.C., taken by a Freemason (Symbol – Part III). In that experience, the prepared Mason can see the wondrous imagery in his mind, brought to life by the symbols carved, graved and sculpted by other Masons from the past. Even though it may be decades, centuries or even millennia later, the message is clear to those who can see.
The Great Pyramid stands now as it has stood for thousands of years. People visit it, climb it and photograph it without giving much thought to the work except how it was built. In the Egyptian Book of the Dead (Book of the Coming Forth of Day; Book of What is in the Duat), the Great Pyramid was known as the Temple of Amun/Amen which means the Secret House of the Hidden One. The word Pyramid comes from the Greek “pyra”, meaning Fire or Light and “midos”, meaning Measure…purimmiddoh, or “Light-Measures” (Fire in the Middle). The length of each side of the Great Pyramid is 9,131 Pyramid inches or Polar inches in length. If you add the sides’ lengths, you get 36,524 Polar Inches. Adding the standard 2/10 of an inch for measurement error, you have 36,524.2, or 100 times the length of each year: 365.242 days. As we look further we find that the height of the Great Pyramid is equal to radius of the circle of solar cycle. The deeper aspect to this geometrical construct, is that in order to properly calculate the verified Pyramid Inch, the Pyramid builders would have had to have known the exact diameter of the Earth. As you can see, there is often more thought put into these ancient works, than is usually seen with the eye.
It may be that time has erased our references to those builders and the messages they left in the great temples and pyramids, or it may be that we, in our present state, may be too absorbed in self, in the material world, to see those things left to us from the past, in spirit and in mind. The notion that previous cultures translate as ‘primitive’ or unenlightened, may be incorrect. The fact may be that the ability to transcend; to comprehend and internalize the outer world, may have not only been present in previous cultures, but that previous epochs of man may have been well beyond the current range of comprehension as we know it now. As Obi-Wan (or maybe George Lucas) said, “Your focus determines your reality’. If one were to focus outwards just a bit and open their minds to new possibilities, instead of relying on what they “know”, they may find reality to be something much different than they knew it to be. In regards to our journey on the path and seeing the physical experience as a mystical adventure, what roles do the standing temples and pyramids, left by the ancients, play in our present day Mystery Schools and what lessons are to be learned from them?
Please feel free to post any comments or feedback regarding this topic or share your meditation experience with our community in the Comments section below.
Daily Meditation Focus 12SEP2009
The Role of Silence
– “Silence is Golden”
We’ve all heard the saying: Silence is Golden (Speech is Silver) but not many think about that age old axiom. Meditation has been called the “creation in the silence” by many and references to isolation and the removal of exterior influences abound in the meditation texts for over 4,000 years. While the esoteric references to the subject of gold are too numerous to mention in this brief text, a few dovetail nicely for our needs today. We will look at some additional background information pertaining to some intriguing aspects of a few of these references as well.
The first and most widely referenced allegorical golden symbol is the sun, our provider, nourisher and catalyst for creation on Earth. Its constant energetic action is reflected in the mind’s constant awareness, even in sleep and the seemingly never ending internal chatter of thought. We’ve recently touched upon the symbol of the sun as it relates to the chakra system(See Daily Focus Meditation from 9SEP2009). Although seldom documented, the chakra system is closely tied to the endocrine system. Each chakra corresponds to a gland in the body. NOTE: If there is enough interest, I will explore these
relationships in detail at a future time. Additionally, each gland has an affinity or pairing with a specific noble metal, in this case the pineal gland has correspondence with gold as a physical analogue to the esoteric evolution and perfection of consciousness; both the Philosopher’s Stone of the Middle Ages. As you begin to understand sacred sciences and the unified teaching of Pharaonic Egypt, you will see how our differentiated sciences were once an integrated set of teachings. In short, there are relationships between mathematics, chemistry, music, physics and other disciplines which are not expressed in the modern scientific models for various reasons. Concepts such as shared resonance and harmonic proportion, in this instance there are analogous tendencies in say, the orbitals and vibrational harmonics of the gold atom which correspond to the composition, function, vibrational nature and structure of the pineal gland in a mutually beneficial way. These interactions can effect the spin or state of the gold atoms and conversely, the activity of the pineal gland, which relates to the third eye (see series on Symbol) or mind’s eye (6th chakra); a key component in the meditation act. The fact that the practice of alchemy concerns the transmutation of base elements into gold (see today’s Book Review) is another well known association to this metal that most alive today are aware of. We now have a very basic connection between gold and silence, in the context of meditation and alchemy.
It is in the silence or stillness that one is brought face to face with their own emotions and thoughts. During meditation, we access an inner realm which ceases to exist solely in either physical or non-physical manifest realities, yet shares aspects of both. The union of the above and the below; the higher and lower. I recently heard it said (see Movie Review from today), that the crucifixion scene itself, is a
pointer to the mechanics and mysteries of mediation and the Inner tradition. As the Master teacher’s hands were nailed down, or pinned (we also see a veiled astrotheological reference, as the stasis is in space and time as well; A “fixed-point” neither on earth or in the heavens) we see the pointer to stillness and reckoning with the internal. As one sits with themselves and begins to delve into their own being, their own recesses of consciousness and identity, their emotional constructs of the ego, the mediation process begins.
As we learn to slowly push away the constant inner dialog of the ego and begin to bear witness to our own thoughts as they appear and dissolve, we open the inner dialogue with the higher self and the Alchemical Great Work commences. In regards to our journey on the path and seeing the physical experience as a mystical adventure, what is the relationship of silence to consciousness and how does silence aid us in our non-meditative states?
Please feel free to post any comments or feedback regarding this topic or share your meditation experience with our community in the Comments section below.
Daily Meditation Focus 11SEP2009
The Role of Human Action
Over the past week we have looked at various aspects and roles related to meditation. Today I’d like to shift our focus slightly to the role of human action as it relates to a participatory society. In ancient Egypt, the culture was driven by a lofty goal which can scarcely be comprehended by the majority of minds alive today, yet they lived with a sense of purpose and their contributions to the culture they took part in were an integral part of who they were. Imagine a culture where everyone understood the cycle of reincarnation, lived without the massive gravity of overfed egos, were comfortable with who and what they were and saw their life as an expression of the divine principles and laws of nature. A Culture where status, money, title and race had nothing to do with a daily grind and quality of life, sharing, laughter and an overwhelming sense of unity was the norm.
The principle of love was discussed in this forum a few days ago and we will touch on that principle again briefly. As we move along this path, most of us will we eventually begin to see the world as it is, as illusion. At some point, we see the overwhelming evidence of this for ourselves and our life
is never the same. It is at that point, that we understand our roles as creators and see the unity of ourselves, our fellow mankind and the Cosmic. As we deal with the people in the Game of Life, our Mystical Adventure, we always have the option to embrace the world around us and through our actions, partake in the many roles and dramas that we become aware of, or we can simple become part of the status-quo and try to forget. To embrace love, or embrace the construct of ego, fear.
It is in our actions, the participation in the human drama, that we see ourselves reflected in others and the world around us. In regards to our journey on the path and seeing the physical experience as a mystical adventure, how do our actions benefit the Illusion; the world around us and what is the role of love in our experience here on Earth?
Please feel free to post any comments or feedback regarding this topic or share your meditation experience with our community in the Comments section below.
Daily Meditation Focus 10SEP2009
The Role of Breath
The relationship of air, the opening of the vital pathways in the body and respiration in general, is an integral theme to the global body of esoteric knowledge going
back to the beginning of the teachings themselves. It is often the case that discourses in breathing, are frequently the first step in mystical lessons, healing arts and in many of the meditation practices.
It is often noted that in our breathing, we take in the vital life force surrounding our planet, to animate our bodies 
as we inhale and to expel waste energy and purify them as we exhale. The practice of Pranayama, or “control of the life force” is said to be more than 3,000 years old. This practice teaches control of, and specific uses for, various breathing techniques for the purposes of prolonging life, curing illness and attaining rarified states of mind.
In the ancient Egyptian temple of Luxor, the large hall of columns in the section of the temple representing the human chest and lungs (see part III of the series on Symbol), has elaborate carvings of the cycles of the moon at the base of each of the columns that correlate to not just the rising and falling of tides and the human chest cavity, but specific intervals of breath to induce altered states of mind as well. In regards to our journey on the path and seeing the physical experience as a mystical adventure, how does our ability to control the function of breath (the only vital function we are able to consciously control) relate to its purpose and use and how is this advantageous to those of us on the path?
Please feel free to post any comments or feedback regarding this topic or share your meditation experience with our community in the Comments section below.
Symbol – The Universal Language – Part III
In Parts I & II of this series we discussed how symbol is experienced in different ways by people at different points of advancement on the path and the nature and methods of how symbol is interpreted in my mind. We touched upon the role of symbol in Pharaonic Egypt and the unfolding of consciousness as one begins to see symbol at work in the world around them. Today we’ll see some examples of how the use and application of symbolist teachings can contribute to a richer life and give insight into sacred and esoteric texts.
Once one has a grasp of symbol and the symbolist teachings that are imparted, it becomes easier to comprehend the messages and teaching contained in symbol and over time, allows for the initiate or student to move much faster. As a simple, somewhat recreational example, a trip to Washington D.C. by any Freemason with knowledge of Masonic and esoteric symbol becomes a truly amazing and eye-opening experience. Which, I can say is not only great fun, but in some ways quite moving. A completely new world is unveiled and it is quite an amazing experience that I do not have words to properly express.
As symbolist teachings become engrained and are active in the mind, one will begin to see the fundamental relationships between not only esoteric texts, but the traditional religious texts and articles of faith left to us by pervious generations as well as previous epochs. In regards to Egypt, a trip to the standing Egyptian Temples becomes a mind-blowing experience. In this case, we find not only a massive archive of hieroglyphic knowledge condensed in the symbols that adorn the walls and pillars or the structures left from that ancient time but also that the temples are themselves the teachings to be understood by current initiates. The harmonic proportions, sacred geometries and number theory contained in the actual structures begin to speak and impart knowledge to the prepared mind. Even one temporally removed by 4,000 years can still reap the benefits of the esoteric tradition today (see intro video on Magical egypt). In the case of the Temple at Luxor, the teachings reveal the nature of the human body expressed in the temple itself. In oldest part of the structure, the Holy of Holies, we find the center of the brain and the pineal gland (third eye). As you move from the top to the bottom of the temple, you are guided through the entire human physiology ending at the bottom, or feet of a human structure. From the esoteric lunar influence of tides in relationship to respiration to the semi-incomplete interconnected carvings on the opposing faces of a granite wall representing thought traversing the mind as they create a complete picture when superimposed. The experience is unlike any other.
As we look at disparate cultures and how symbol can still be relevant, I am reminded of a story of Alexander the Great. Alexander of Macedon conquered most of the known world during his lifetime and was himself an initiate of the Egyptian Mystery Schools. As he ventured across the eastern continents, we was known to take part in the religious worship of the peoples he conquered. He saw the fundamental truths and symbolic equalities in the religious allegory and rituals and could interpret those teachings within a common framework that transcended difference and religious fervor.
A serious student of symbolist teaching will eventually be confronted with the religious texts of the modern world. At this point, the texts loose all semblance of historical and chronological validity and the initiate sees and begins to understand the greater truths exposed to them. The expression of principles and laws, universal truths and allegorical interpretation lay in full view of the initiate and a completely new text appears. As these texts are experienced in a symbolic way, a deeper respect is often found and in many ways, an entirely new history is experienced.
This concludes our brief introduction to symbol and symbolic language. If there is continued interest by the readers of this blog, I will go into further detail on this subject. I hope you enjoyed this piece and I wish you well on your adventure ahead.
Symbol – The Universal Language – Part I
Symbol – The Universal Language – Part II
Symbol – The Universal Language – Part I
The use of symbols and the symbolic transmission of knowledge is an incredibly important tool and essential aspect of initiatic, esoteric and Inner traditions. Symbols have been used extensively and with great effectiveness since long before our current, accepted, world history record. I’d like to examine symbols, their role and relationship to mind, human mental development and the nature of consciousness in a small, three part series. Let’s get started. So, what is symbol? The word symbol is defined as a thing that represents something else by association. It can be seen as a type of universal language as it does not require specific words to be understood. In the context of initiatic and esoteric orders and teachings, symbol may take on the light of a basic moral truth, principle or lesson. Symbols exist naturally in nature and esoterically within the mind of mankind.
It is in the comprehension and understanding of symbol, that new ideas are brought forth. As we explore the workings of symbol, we will begin to piece together a holistic picture; an understanding that draws from sources ancient and revered, as well as examine key principles of initiation and consciousness itself.
Symbols are often understood at disparate depths of thought between individuals, which is an interesting point in itself and worth noting. The initiatic traditions foster evolving change and growth, through successive initiations and through the private works of the intiates themselves. It is also important to note that all initiations are ultimately personal and private. Symbols take on new meaning and combine to form complex understanding and knowledge within the minds of prepared students and initiates on the path, as they progress. Deeper or advanced meaning to symbolism has existed since the dawning of the initiatic tradition and it is in these deeper meanings that the nature of spirit and mind unfolds.
As I began to think about this series and the role of symbol, especially in regards to initiatic orders and students of philosophy and esoteric teachings, it made sense for me to draw from my background in Egyptian esoteric studies and hieroglyphics. We will pick up tomorrow with the symbolic message of the Egyptian temples and the many interpretive levels of symbols in that context. If you choose to, reflect on the symbolic nature of hieroglyphics and why an advanced culture would elect to pass their knowledge on, for future cultures, using this method of information delivery and why these symbols (hieroglyphics) can represent many things to many people.
To Be Continued.
Movie Review – The Great Year
This DVD was recommended to me by a friend online. The idea of binary star systems is not new and ancient texts often refer to a second sun, often called a dark sun, or black sun. This video details and illustrates the principles of Yugas, precession of the equinoxes (Ages) and how current astronomical models may be incorrect in regards to the mechanics of Procession. Interesting and relevant work in my opinion.
The reality of history, civilization and mankind’s evolving state of consciousness being not just cyclical in nature, but also tied to larger galactic cycles, is being discussed more openly in recent years. A very good DVD in many respects.
Starring: Walter Cruttenden Director: James Earl Jones 2003, 46 minutes
Book Review – The Initiatory Process in Ancient Egypt
The Initiatory Process in Ancient Egypt – Max Guilmot, PhD., F.R.C.
This is the first of many book reviews that will be appearing on this forum . During the past decade, I’ve amassed a fairly respectable collection of esoteric volumes and have decided to review most of them to some extent. At only 35 pages, this book is one of the shortest reads in my collection, but does have praiseworthy qualities.
Max Guilmot was a Rosicrucian and Belgian Egyptologist. His insight into the initiatory process in Middle/Old Kingdom Egypt is evident within the first few pages. The key concepts that are conveyed in this piece rather well are that of the rites and initiations done in life and the Raising of the Dead in Temple context; the final Temple degree initiation. While the Regeneration (reintegration) topic is set in the Osirion, rather than the Great Pyramid, it is clear that the experience of transition was being fulfilled while living. The negative confessions of Ma’at and the preparations of the journey are fairly well visited in this piece. I must note that this piece must be read in a traditional esoteric interpretive way… much reading “between the lines” is required to truly understand the authors intentions and knowledge he intended to impart.
To see the Book of the Dead, (Book of the Coming Forth of Day, Book of What is in the Duat) played out as an intitiatory Rite, the true Rite of Passage, is a welcome change. A quick note: the Book of what is in the Duat, can also be interpreted as: the Book of what is in the Bardo, or even the Book of what is in the Intermediate Gap, for those with a background in Tibetan Buddhism. While that parallel has not been publicly authored before to my knowledge, it is apparent to me that access to that conscious state is a shared teaching between those Mystical branches. For those of you that choose to do so, this rarely documented relationship is an excellent topic for mediation.
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Our Celestial Body
September 27, 2009 at 7:55 AM · Filed under Esoteric Commentary and tagged: Atlantis, Bacon, Continental drift, dogma, Egypt, growth, principle, science, sun
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