Personality Pick- 25th December 1991

THE AUSTERE Man who has generally good taste, is a man who is not to be argued with. His concerns are firstly propriety, and is insulted by those who impinge upon his stable mind. Therefore he does not take to any concept lightly; nor will he issue or disclose that which he holds proper and correct.

He shall choose his confidantes carefully, and once established a friendship shall become unseverable - at least for his part; unless the partner were to shatter his original surmise. He is devoted to his mother, and although no less to his father, he will be fearsome of him even into old age, and find little comfort in affection but look rather with dutiful response.

The Complacent Man, who is unkempt and untidy, appears so, and does not realize that this is his public face. He may not interpret the systems of the world as being orderly, for he lives amongst vast and overwhelming impressions which inevitably swing between desolate solitude and depression, and blissful overjoy. He loves what he loves passionately; when aroused however, is usually remote from the true realities of that which he could love, if he but knew. 

He seeks comfort, and if without the physical comforts is easily disheartened. He seeks simple pleasures, but is all too easily overwhelmed by intoxicating pleasures which overcome his senses. And this may be his demise, for he is unsure and unstable beneath such experience. However, he is not known to be 'choosy' and is easily pleased - placing limited expectations upon others, as well as himself. His surroundings may be as simple as that of the Austere Man, and is so satisfied, but may also be crude and fall easily into disarray.

He is not given to general nervousness, great reflection or sporadic temper, but may seasonally be affected; and overall this gentle but confused personality, may have difficulty assessing much about that which causes him discomfort or that which he would openly seek for happiness.

The Worrying Man is as stalked prey seized by continual upset. He is unsettled by almost everything outside of himself because of his interior conflict. The blood pushes fast, the glands over work, perspiration excretes rapidly. He continually mourns, but in general terms is quite unmoved by the more serious conflicts surrounding him in the lives of others.

He is of doom itself, and walks under a perpetual shadow of past remorse. His discomfort comes from crimes repented, but not recognized. He seeks consolation, but looks to the world for distraction. He is misery to those around him, and takes a little relief in issuing forth such benedictions of his internal suffering. That which he requires the most, namely good moral conduct, soothing music and proper companions, are usually beyond his trembling grasp.

He has so much difficulty in settling within himself, that meditation or nature appreciation is quite impossible. He is to be encouraged at all times to loosen his perspective, and needs 'cleansing' of his guilt through the means of that which will inevitably arise in life situations to help redeem him.

The Jovial Man cries continually for others. He is as a 'Pierrot' who is both happy and sad, and explicit in both. He has so much joy streaming from him, and yet the world answers back with pressure and false currency abounding. He seeks companionship above all else; and blessed with a quick and cunning mind, he rarely finds another who may match his wit and meet with his perspective.

Although he is rarely earnest, he is pained by such brief reviews, and intensely objects to the inner/outer duality of pure joy and pure sorrow. His feet are quite unattached to the earth, and for this he is often regarded as flip or at best, eccentric; and is often misunderstood to be a simpleton who is pleasure seeking and rarely serious. But in nature he would be continually happy.

The effects of others impinge so upon the inner radiance, and he is forced frequently to weigh this profound joy against the indisputable calls of his neighbor’s 'reality'. He is kindly and where possible, extremely considerate, and is not to be confused with the 'worrying man' in aspect or nature

The Somber Man is as an old spirit, who like to the old trees of an ancient forest, is fixed and rooted within tradition and propriety, family, society, with comfort and call to order. He is not known for vigor or recklessness, but rather of being quite old before his time. He shall be found in libraries or antique shops or museums, or wherever the past is present, for this is preferred by him.

He does not motor around for the sake of it, nor part with his money easily. He cares little for present circumstances, but takes into himself a historical overview which perceives the world before that of his birth, and obviously moving on way past that of his death. Although he is not morbid in this, he has usually that effect upon others.

His expertise or wisdom may be great, and is moved only to stimulation with glinting eye, when called upon in a way he knows best. Although not known for his charity, he asks for little and would take unto himself his basic needs, and that of the past he may harbor for posterity.

The Selfish Man is what he is because he is so busy and self-involved that he has never taken the time to find greater fulfillment. Small setbacks and larger tragedies are bitterly received by the selfish and they have little or no understanding of situations, as they take all such occurrences to be personal afflictions.

The selfish are motivated to positive thinking only with self-interest, and are quick to tire when results are not as instantaneous as they would wish. They are therefore intensely wishful, as they hope to draw ever unto themselves, but are never satisfied. They are frantic to obtain, whether it be kudos or physical memento, for they truly doubt their own self-worth, and seek to establish an exterior value.

They often measure the grace of God by privilege; they seek His approval by means of that which comes their way and are insecure in this, for they are so often met with inevitable disappointment. True love and charity will speak to these people, even though it appears to contradict, because it does yet further their greed. But having said that, there is nothing so valuable as good example, which is the only teacher these people may hopefully take to themselves, eventually.

Yet as thieves among thieves, they are happiest in the company of others who are as equally selfish - those who aspire to society's stations, trying for influence, for status, all the time for self-approval. Would that they were selfish in degrees which led them to sanity and useful values!

They make also for talented confidence tricksters.

Christmas Celebrations- 24th December 1991

'Twas the night before Christmas, and all round the house,

Ran a possum, a rat and many a mouse,

The children were anxious lest St. Nick forget,

Wide eyed, with live fire-crackers a'dancing in their heads.

Hark! we hear a whisper,

Lo, the dogs do growl,

Surely not! The black imp-sprite!

Who 'round the house does prowl . . .

Quickly children, go to bed!

For it is the impish child he seeks.

Many a present he will bestow;

As well as the Saint, he has his work;

And he shall peer in your window.

Have you been good?

I should not wish to see his surprise,

I should not taste his food!

Close your eyes,

Close your eyes and dream of Heaven,

For the morning soon comes.

May your day be sweet and happy,

With love, and gifts and many bon bons!

WE may be reckless, we may be somber, but truly there is nothing wrong with a little gaiety. Who would quash the happy occasions with sinister and miserable malcontent? It is nice to see such expectation. It is joyous when there are joyous occasions; and that there are fewer than most is pitiful, yes, but that should not mar the children's delight. For how many such times will there be in their lifetime to come? It is natural for parents to wish to see their little smiles and celebrate, that they can celebrate when they can.

And yes too, a holy day. And yes, every day is a holy day - with this one coming perhaps a little more special, because it is made so, because it is recognized as such, because of the starry inclinations, because of the joy which ripples through the kingdoms - and many kingdoms delight in the joy of Man.

Many a time we may focus upon those who derive this and that from the more unfortunate conditions. But conversely and more importantly, the emanations which flow from a truly happy individual, and especially, much more especially, from that of a little child, give to the surrounding worlds all that they would ask for.

For those dear who have moved on into higher spheres, throughout other worlds, they too are so moved and motivated by the greater extremes of certain occasions. 

Who said that there cannot be happiness in holy celebrations? We must at times put aside criticism, and just comprehend those wonderful aspects rather than our suspicions of them. There are other appropriate times to be concerned with bitterness and guilt, frivolity and meaninglessness, and disproportioned wealth. All year round would be nice! But also too, to relax the strain and give time to those who are especially pleased by your offerings and thoughts.

If Christmas has been persuaded by commercial interests in some parts of the world, so be it! Let it not detract or take away in any direction. For we all need a little light-heartedness! Some crave it more than others, and some have forgotten the true and genuine cheer. Furthermore, to be mindful of Christ is a very cheerful thing indeed! There could be nothing happier!

Life itself is a true and precious gift. How often we hear this and yet pass it by. All of that which we experience, and the means we have in order that we recognize this, is from such a great and grand gift. Everything which comes to us: very scheme and fashion within this structure, and yea, the supporting superstructure - all but one great and sublime gift. And when, on a day that many exchange a gift or two or three, they are, with simple acknowledgment, carrying out consciously that which moment by moment is so greatly perpetuated.

Thus is the nature of gift-giving, moreover a celebration of Divine and infinite law. And if we have to weigh the price or the content, it is nonetheless special, because of it being a one-way transaction imparted by the giver to the receiver, from one to another in tradition with Cosmic law. That which we carry out according to the greater laws, is internally, celebratory and so satisfying, and received with immeasurable (as well as measurable) consequences.

On the questions of the true birth date of Jesus, (we shall not speak of the two today) one has to reply: that the time was eastern standard! Unfortunately for men, the only thing which is not factored in, is that time itself has altered - actually since the birth of the Christ Child. As the calendar speaks, with date and daily notation, we may trust that it is more correct than false. For certain things are not allowed to be misjudged or miscalculated, for when they are so important to the Truth, the Truth is ever perpetuated. When people would have it that we may engage in lies (humanity that is) and live mistakenly, it is generally because they have not the faith or the insight which proves to them that wisdom oversees always.

To some the world is a foreign and muddled format. They perceive little reason in life, or for that matter their own lives. Because the perception is so narrowed they are immediately suspicious that all men shall be mistaken on all counts, and question if anything at all is ever right. And this is sorely sad, and it is for these souls that we fervently pray that they should come to acknowledge a higher wisdom, higher truths, with higher instincts and regain a faith and knowledge in the world which will lead to a clearer interpretation.

Most of the time we find that it is not that a 'simple myth' is conjecture or fantasy but rather our understanding is so limited, that it is nonsense to our own person. This is common, as regards many, many teachings and interpretations of that which is sacred and preferred to others. Those stupid to a wisdom are blocked by their own first suspicions of there being no truth to be found and they inquire not, they seek to understand not, having no faith in the sanity and wisdom, concepts and inner truths, that are especially wondrous to others.

However, all men and women understand appreciation of themselves and understand the notion of their receiving a gift! As well as being pleasurable it is also to good purpose, that they are softened by certain happinesses and indeed open to something, rather than nothing at all. Men and women love to be considered and thought of with friendly acts of affection, with mutual recognition - and this is splendid for all concerned! And so if one's company is not particularly open to the more deeper aspects of the mysteries which are foremost connected to them personally, we may still effect a little joy by ways in which they do understand.

Thus, when it can be, the customs of Christmas are essentially good and wonderful. The songs sung, the ways of people who meet again, the old and new friends inspired to be a little closer - all of this is far, far away from any grip of cynicism. For cynicism holds no place on this festive day. Rather, it may have to wait for a period, back in the mud and mire that it crawled out from - or perhaps wash its gloomy face and too join the celebrations!

Spirit of Giving- 22nd December 1991

Good tidings my friend, to you and your kin,
We wish you a merry Christmas with an almighty grin,
May the breadth of your virtue,
Be twice of your sin!


YOU say that you want so dearly to touch the hearts of men, to somehow begin to awaken their minds, to stimulate those places so sensitive and so hidden, so untravelled, so unfrequented that their imaginations fire and new life can breathe again, that dignity be so restored and the chalice of charity is brimful with hopeful and optimistic outcome; that lives are enriched, that the Arts speak from the soul once again, that the many veiled theater of existence moves on from a too long intermission.

Peace on Earth and Goodwill to all Men! With blessings! And every year turns around, and the souls come in and the souls depart. Fashions change, vanity presumes, age creeps in; and progress is all too slow with quickened enterprise.

One donkey can carry three men, one farmer can feed many others, one book can service scores of thousands, the prayers of one may sustain - how many? Many, many - for what ripples out from the few, will in time, lap at the feet of many. The boat builder, the parent, the cloth weaver, accommodate many other than themselves - and here is the profound effect, that the work of one, the labor spent, which is not for the one but for more, goes on and this is possible.

Not the extortionist, not the unprovider, not he who is the negotiator, not he who is the slaver. Not the man who takes unto himself, for he who offers nothing is a veritable Scrooge.

For all that God gives, has within it the power to multiply. Every talent, each limb, each wish, each effort of goodwill, each humble duty performed - through which we may perceive such acts of multiplication. Look to the new life spawned within the garden! The replenishment, the propagation; and we too have the mercy of seeing the contrast of a prosperous act from that which gives nothing. Here is true satisfaction, the soul-food that speaks to the seeker, whether of humble origin or fired intellect, they know that satisfaction.

We may all witness the truly profitable. We may all sense usefulness, and wonder how life itself perpetuates. Rebirth redeems and answers all death; new opportunities, new days, new moments, ever renewal. 

Here is the measure for value analysis: from my act, will more than I profit? If every man used such weighty consideration before planning the day's calendar, how then would the world progress? It is good economy, it is good sense. 

Time is measured ever so strangely. Some consider that the time of employment, or the time spent in labor for another, or for the further propagation of some good work, as time wasted or lost when they could have been attending to something else. But if one were to suggest that the time accounted for in after-life is only that time of selfless employment, that being the fruitful fulfillment of higher being, then should we be surprised?

Many object to occult laws not because of the uncomfortable uncertainty, but because of an uncomfortable recognition of their correctness. The lesser man within all of us is quick to aggravation - he, as the ass, pulls this way and that and requires definite direction, coaxing and determination. 

The spirit of giving is of giving and giving. It is this spirit we seek to call, to invoke, to awaken and revivify constantly. The mystery of the fishes and the loaves was that they were given to many; and just enough - they were not in abundance for a few, and they did not fall short in number for the needy. And we shall all be provided for, if all men would recognize this. This is the wish at Christmas, this is the opportunity. He who would take unto himself will go without, without the certain knowledge that there is so much more if he would but share it around. 

Such graciousness needs be also for inner charity for those Graces which shower abundantly upon a man - the well that never empties: that of kindness, that of appreciation, that of peacefulness, that of congratulation, of forgiveness, of latitude of understanding, of sharing, of inner love, of sympathy, of higher love, of receiving those Heavenly inspirations and passing them through to another. These too are replenished and fruitful, not just for one, but for many.

Self Denial- 20th December 1991

Tailspin
Nosedive
Big crash

IS there a remedy for failure? If so, most would probably look for it in success. However rather than look to presumed opposites, one may look to completion and longing, fortitude and resistance, and one's ability to prevail regardless of either success or failure - therefore the strength is in neither, but in rather the prevailing and the knowledge thereof. 

Of all the human errors, the vice, the sin, the weaknesses, the habits detrimental and the contrasts which are contested from the very highest of our nobilities, one might look for remedial qualities which counterbalance such extremes and 'save the day' as it were. One can say that it is true to establish that not only are the elements of goodness and beauty intrinsically of pure value to man, but also as remedy to that which is not preferred to the soul - the secondary value being as answer, as remedy, to conditions which are but second-best, and at the very worst, devastating to the soul-life; being but a contradiction of holy health when we have fallen from grace.

Impure passions, imperfect goodness, improvised and adjusted, perverted and unreliably projected - we may inadvertently mistake our place amongst the guideposts of spiritual law and walk the other way along those paths which turn anywhere but to our desired journey. If the path leads away from the heart, away from purity, then one must stop and question their direction. Stern questioning is preferable to future altercations.

It is unthinkable that a man should request unquestioning devotion to be showered upon himself, whatever the justification, whatever the revelations he brings. For such devotion compromises the freedom of the devotee and inhibits true love for the work, for the whole, for himself - who by weakened ego-condition cleaves to he who by will is the stronger, who commands him this way and that. This is why we must be devoted first and foremostly to Christ and the Father and let no one persuade us that they offer truer representation. 

For at the end of the day who is accountable? Who decides and who discerns, and who must struggle if it is not the individuality which is you? Who shall recover, who shall sit by the bedside, who has been there from the first days to the last, if it is not He, He who is not transitory and He who is not as puffball to the wind? 

If one is to know any measure of that divine upstanding which infills the character and replenishes the soul and comes to devotion which is unshakeable and made more real with every affirmation, with every breath of certainty, then they shall not trust in man but only in God. Conditions change, but God does not. Men may be tempted, may shake and quaver, may thunder and self-exalt, may protest and proclaim, may find cleverness and thus entice; but that they endure, is only because of He who endures them throughout.

There are those who would beguile you by offering that which is not theirs to give; and those who would tempt you, and make promise of that which you already have, with or without them. It is one thing to be bonded in love mutually with those who through great affection and experience are known especially to you - but it is another to make demands of a man whereby the affection is based upon particular fulfillment from either party.

Men may stand alongside each other and work with cooperation, and produce mighty results in such mutual striving. Or men might secretly desire from each other, and make such abuse of what might have been a natural affection.

The pupil who seeks out the grandiose master, and is answered, is wide-eyed and full of expectation. And although unpresuming to the dangers of misinformed spirituality, shall nonetheless be responsible for their desires and wants, beriddled by greed, seeking to 'eke out' something of the magnificent and draw it from that promiser of mysteries. Who is the greater fool? The fool who presumes to know or the fool who seeks to know from the fool?

One cannot bargain with knowledge; nor can one dress like a king and become one. At times such silliness in spiritual pursuits is not only a great distraction, but destruction. Because those who would otherwise be so enlivened to true and proper teaching, are lost for a time, panning for gold in the sewer, calling for rain in the desert; building card-houses of lies so ill-supported and destined for collapse.

For those who work steadily without compromise, it is unnerving that those who should have the ears to hear, heed them not. For the glamor of the bandied words, the muddled teachings, confuses them so and they become more dreamlike than ever. 

When will men tire of games? The pretence and the arguments are outstanding. All of the time men know that which is right, pure and good, and to the point - and still seek explanation. This of itself is a mystery: the mystery of self-denial. The point being - and let us be quite clear and to the point - is that men constantly deny their hearts, and what they know to be true.

We must be cautious. We are to be warned at all times when we come to ignore our conscience, when we stifle our inner voice and inner sensibilities- and watch for those times of fruitless compromise. Perhaps some are overly zealous in scrutiny, in searching; perhaps we are hesitant in trusting to ourselves. One need not ever impose on another or confuse the lower desires with those heartfelt and acknowledged. However, often as not, more often as not, we know immediately the true from the false in a given situation and then later there are arguments and perspectives; and qualified opinion and all sorts of other chatter that comes in to the contrary. 

There is a saying: "Trust to your instincts", perhaps better put - "Trust to your soul-experience, trust to your conscience, develop discernment of the heart, that with clarity and selfless perception, we are true to the order of the one and only reality: our heavenly perspective." Falter not. Consider quietly that which is put before you, but always put your own discernment first, and do not adopt another's.

Wise and careful choosing, prudent consideration, may well be called upon in any given situation. However when 'spiritual truths' are set before you, the very concepts hurled upon you, the immediate deciding factor flashes within before the inner gaze, and you will recognize firstly whether it is correct or not.

If a man tells you that you are to be devoted to him, what are your immediate impressions? Examine this carefully first - objections aside. Practice self-consideration. If a man tells you that you cannot be devoted directly to the Hierarchies, that you cannot love God or Christ in the immediate - that it is impossible to achieve this - what are your first impressions? Not second, not third, no clever arguments, no explanation; but what is the clarity of the notion, of this very real concept put before you to digest?

Every time we try to 'explain away' something which we know to be wrong, we deny ourselves: our true and highest self. In daily transactions, in improper motivations, in hapless justifications, with inflated and inflamed status, we constantly deny reality and that which within is known to be true.

Therefore as a student of the truth we must ever rely upon our own abilities to call upon the inner voice for first counsel, always. The more that we adhere to this practice, the clearer the voice will be heard. And no one may replace this; and no man may offer better advice or insight. The largest problem in the world today, is not the question of what men do not know, but that they refuse to act upon that which they do know.