More Didyouknow?- 1991

DID YOU KNOW that one sprig of grapes can be perceived as one fruit? The grape, with sphere, stalk and stem, was the symbol of life- thus all the talk about wine and wine-presses. (See Punch and Judy)

DID YOU KNOW that the body weight of a cow diminishes depending on the phases of Moon activity?

DID YOU KNOW that a cicada generates enough etheric activity to encourage the plant-growth in his locality, and measurably emits inaudible and audible calls which should, by physical reckoning, be so violent as to tear apart his own metabolism? Observe plants with and without cicadas.

DID YOU KNOW that the lacy, skeletal frame of a dead leaf, should not support itself according to the brittleness and structure per weight, once waterless and decayed?

DID YOU KNOW that birds are direct relations to the plant kingdom, rather than first relation to the animal kingdom and its hierarchy?

DID YOU KNOW that six of the seven fiery ethers may be found in crystal formations (depending on the nature of the crystal)? But a combination of the seven, however, would compromise the form to become spherical. When diamonds were manufactured instantaneously by those so developed, it was by calling into the relevant material that fiery ether required.

DID YOU KNOW that the difference between an egg that will not float and an egg that will, is the difference between a good and a bad egg? And why?

DID YOU KNOW that most of the hot-tempered, more notable individuals who were masters at war, were particularly short in stature? And if this is part and parcel of the choleric temperament, why is it so?

DID YOU KNOW that just as quickly as one man tires of something, another man shall find curiosity and great interest for that very thing discarded? Nothing is ever wasted.

Correction: One third to one half of the world's crops are wasted.

DID YOU KNOW that Black Mumbo's pancakes did not taste all that good, buttered with tiger ghee?

DID YOU KNOW that Tolstoy wrote War & Peace in an argumentative household, whilst the Bhagavad Gita was written by an extremely even tempered soul - curious isn't it?

DID YOU KNOW that the portrait of K.H. was considered way too dark in skin tone and ordered that it be immediately lightened?: The eyes flared too much.

DID YOU KNOW that half of the men of the world confuse love with want, and the other half want to?

DID YOU KNOW that fleas detest sunlight?

DID YOU KNOW that a camel with two humps is as bad tempered as a camel with one?

The Power of Forgiveness- 30th September 1991

AS with notes in a melody, each with their own unique and differing qualities, so too are the virtues and the graces alike to the pure notes of music, which in reality impart from their issue, substance unique; whilst perceptibly almost indefinable in their qualities within one complete theme.

Whilst this makes for good analogy it also holds for good truth to say that there are particular notes defined for each and every grace and virtue which stream from being to being, streaming throughout the cosmic ethers.

The grace of forgiveness is most sweet and holy to the ears. It does answer all notes sent forth with melancholy inclination, the sorrows and the unredemptive guilts, whilst accompanying in perfection the sacrifice chords and the graces of love, humility and of charity.

We often hear speak of one 'harmonizing oneself', and for this to become a reality one must acquire the ways and the means which do lead us out from our personal condition of current dis-chord.

We ask the Holy Father for forgiveness, we ask of our family and of our brothers and sisters, this also. We learn to 'make good' and freely give back that which we would most dearly wish for ourselves, and simply come to know with clarity the meanings of our first essential imperative.

Much gratitude may spring from the soul who comes to know forgiveness; much ability to realize openly our faults, our past error, our personal demons and of our ungracious attitude when we come to expect recess from these hindrances. 

All souls seek forgiveness most dearly. There are those who are dishonest to themselves and would protest and would disclaim and be uncomfortable with this meditation. They too require healing, especially when it is unsought for and unacknowledged. There can be much reluctance when called for review. Folk may hesitate to consider in small ways, in part a very slight calling for their own forgiveness as they do feel unworthy. They feel unclean when provoked to such thought. Putrid becomes the association of that very answer, that antidote to all that is their poison.

Would that the mental hospitals today could understand and instruct their sorry inmates in the first principles of essential law - of the power and the value of each and every grace and virtue! For this is our true link of expression with the Divine. Through such expression there is more than perfect healing, there is renewal.

Earlier works have always tried to 'hammer home' the importance of the fundamental principles of Cosmogony, issuing practices enabling reverent conduct, encouraging a moral outlook, with extremes in ascetic and ecstatic worship, all in good measure that one might learn firsthand of the cosmic linkages which connect with the expression of correct and proper strivings. In many respects it was perceptibly apparent immediately so, and men of the past did not require explanation of the powers that worked through the virtuous from the virtues and the graciously endowed, received from the highest graces.

Once the practice was set and so carried out, even in the smallest part, it was possible to be quite overcome with the heavenly inspiration which flowed from such conduct. Reiterative reminders were rarely required. In all fairness too, one must also complete the picture by saying that were a soul be plunged into the depths of devolutionary activity, the powerful experience was as large as the former was great, and that man was easily overcome with the inner consequences regardless of the nature of their activity. 

For this disturbing reason, we must be somewhat grateful that the perceptions are somewhat quietened for a time. For there is much balance required that we maintain a consciousness which holds strength over experience that it might not be so persuaded as to mistake experience, for it the consciousness.

However, as the ramifications are so undisclosed and withheld for the main part, we now suffer the difficulties of yet a further misinterpretation, one that speaks to us of vague unlikenesses. We are troubled by this our hidden forfeitures and disablements. 

Subtle is a particularly good word in this instance. The consequences which occur from the very lowest to the very highest points, from our actions, our deeds, our thoughts and our being, are now so ensheathed and veiled from view, that firsthand knowledge is difficult to discern and decipher. Largely we must depend on representations in our instructions, in order that the gateways to commensurate perception of these qualities become to be enlightened by the student.

Furthermore, the memory-impression is also comparatively vague and much insistence is required. This is by no way a reflection of the moral status of an individual currently today. It is no conjecture as to the soul-condition either. It is rather a statement on the 'climate' of the worldly perspective and the interpretations derived therefrom.

Certain conditions bring with them particular needs for adjustment to enable the man to regain his outer/inner balance, with concern to his relationship to both the higher and lower worlds. If we are to proceed with any studies that pertain to a spiritual enlightenment we must unlock and undo many prohibiting factors. That which is not conducive to right and proper living, is detrimental to all concerned.

A man may seriously wonder as to why he cannot break through his current understanding of the world and reach some higher summit, some larger ideas and ideals. Would that the groundwork towards this was completed, he might then begin the ascent well prepared. Without coming to realize the powers which characterize the virtues and the graces, he may not make the ascent at all. Rather he shall have at best experiences which lead to all realms which are remote from these impulses, and of course this is undesirable at best.

One must clearly define inwardly exactly what it is that we do seek out for ourselves. We may certainly come to know it inwardly, and yet this may not be artificially superimposed on an individual; for it to be received it must be called for and assimilated individually. All that is good and great and holy is not so much 'out there' to be found as it is within the man awaiting recognition.

The first objective of Christian charity is that of forgiveness. One can never perfect this enough. It is a blessing in which one may personally experience much release, and also as with the hand of God upon the shoulder, impart to each and every one. Forgiveness denies abject criticism. It denies also condemnation. This may well be reminded to those who speak defiantly to the sinners, cocking fingers and condemning them to an uncertain and horror-filled eternity. 

There is a basic mix which one may come to know to be sustaining and wholesome, according to our inner sensibilities. This is the mix which gives over to the correct conditions of soul-activity and is not perturbed by the deceitful calls from vice and sin. It is not to say that a man may be clean all at once and in an instant. But the transformation begins, and that which was evil shall come to completion in the spirit of forgiveness. 

Evil too must be released from us. We perpetuate it so easily and then condemn, and by condemnation we perpetuate more evil again - we incite the very demons we damn. Any focus of perspective in an arrogant, angry or fearful manner, will induce such evils into ourselves, into another. 

So through the power of the grace which is forgiveness, we may find consolation in its redemptive transformation. Forgiveness gives one the space to breathe in a chest that was afforded before no cavity to swell. That which formerly stifled ourselves and our brothers in the world, is given up in great release that we may become duty bound rather than bound by guilt and outrageous horror at our most horrible sins.

It takes so very little to impart some of the Godly graces. We know them well, even if for a time they are forgotten. They are as meetings with old friends when we come home and realize that which we left behind, and with much affection embrace again those holy attributes. Each virtue is essential, each grace imperative to existence and each expression of such is divinity revealed.

Present with the Past- 27th September 1991

WE DRAW lessons from the past and speak much of future hopes, but what of the present, today? All of the notable men of the past and those who went undocumented, unremembered, who were also noteworthy, still do carry further most of the same. All of those men whose mark shall be made in the world of tomorrow, they too are with us now in preparation and complex fashion, becoming that which they shall be.

Whether deceased or not, born of one hundred or one thousand years, those who we do especially admire have still moved on characteristically reclothed. Those individualities may have had 'curtain call', but all remain fellows within the society they love best. So often when one considers an eminent soul, upon reflection of the times that they moved in, of the trials they encountered and overcame, we tend to commit such stories of their history as being intangibly disconnected with present events. We begin to regard all history as mere fable, or at least respect the events of the past as of much significance to us today as that of a distant and intricate dream.

But that substance which was the past- and all who did make of it- certainly afforded with great responsibility and design, the conditions - those very conditions which are with us now. Every life of every man has brought us to this moment; and as such are still connected inextricably with events of future happening. There is much reality in history. Whilst furthermore those souls who did major adjustments within their particular field of application, are bound by the original love and involvement: to be attached to the consequences of hopes realized or hopes which were left unrealized.

It is comforting to know that this or that soul whom we admired and should wish to support, were we able to shake their hand today, may still be reached through our love and our efforts, and still be supported accordingly through personal strivings and objectives. Furthermore there are streams of endeavors whereby those who feel attracted to denoted specialities of study and concern for humanity, do so in fellowship, and thus self-appointed, belong.

As with magnets there are graduated strengths of attraction depending on the relationships from one to another - and always there will be one more powerful who does attract the lesser powerful to it. It is similar with individuals who by magnetism may attract a group of similarly inspired souls, who one of which may take the lead as they develop, thereby becoming the chief nucleus for that group, and so forth. There is a field of study and a certain inclination within that study, and a passion which drives the work to see further progress. So souls are united by a common love, but in a way in which the ordinary fellowships have been further intensified.

There are fellowships of scholars and then there are saintly fellowships. There are racially bound pools of individuals, and 'old girls clubs' and so forth. But in the case in which we speak of today, these fellowships which particularly follow the course to exactly assist those conditions pertinent to aspects of creation and the study and love thereof - we shall for today refer to them as the fellowships of the Saints. That in fact such families of individuals have been so linked, with some of those individuals being quite actively outstanding in their particular fields, whether by sacrifice, labor or intensity.

There are in such fellowships, those who do hold passion to see a perfect society. They are excited by treatise and philosophy which does so pertain. Their field of interest can absorb the chess-like maneuvers of the politics of the Grecian Gods to Marx, through to the Franciscan Order, through to Samuel Johnson. Their first love is society, whether it take them through to study and enlightenment concerning the kingdoms above and below Man, bringing them back to the puzzle of future interactions and implications.

Literacy, the word spoken and read, the qualities of creative bard and ballad, novelist and historian; pedant and logician, debater and composer, linguist and (oddly enough) mute; those with charitable passions in given expertise and sympathy; medicia, the affliction of poverties, theological codes, botanical sciences, astronomical sciences, martyrs of outstanding will, the Arts; the psychic, the seers, those of the Eternal children, the representatives of the elemental kingdom, the students of the Angelic host; the strategists, the moralists - and so forth- all with great pools of significant contribution, streaming in and flowing out, where the past becomes the present and into the changing, challenging tides of future yesterdays. All such folk are accessibly still motivated as before, and seldom drop interest and affection for that which has been realized in a living and full-color drama.

For example: Let us say that you were the discoverer of penicillin. A life's dedication did happen upon this discovery, and correctly or incorrectly, you resolved to leave this legacy of finding to your colleagues and the society with whom you did hope to benefit from such. Had this discovery been closeted for one year longer, those that took the penicillin within that year would have had completely different destinies from day one. Some would have survived yes, and some would have not. Some went on to have children whose generations are still carrying on.

Who was that person of famous implication, who did take that penicillin, and went on to change the world in his unmistakably individual way? What of the ramifications of this substance and its brothers in pharmacopoeia? What of the notions of physicians, up to and after this point of introduction? What of the monies exchanged and monies forfeited? What of the long-term physiological differences so markedly effected in the course of five hundred years or so?

You are committed to your desire and committed to your invention. Death is not going to extinguish those desires and commitments. And certainly, as there are many who are affected by said involvements, you would not, you could not, deny such bonds established by this work effected in the world. If a similar soul, impassioned with desire and love of similar labor, calls to you for consultation, you happily oblige, for there is certain loneliness in lofty responsibility and in becoming 'outstanding'.

They are all there. Anyone that you have ever respected, they are all there, somewhere within this vast society. The very best way to meet them or such influence, is through mutual aspirations. He who was Napoleon, he who was Byron, our Gautama, Tom Jefferson, Archimedes and Aristophanes…all good company and all still deeply involved. They do not dissolve interest and passion through death. Many become inflamed and impassioned all the more. The mathematicians go crazy!

When put to incarnation such individuals propel into life with a fervor and a leap. If you meet one on the street, whether dressed self-adoringly or heaped in a gutter, on street corner, in business attire or bound to a wheelchair, you can see in their eyes the spark of such desire that does require much further correspondence. Their personage does not alter, for all of history may lap at their feet.

We are all answerable to great effect and great changes wrought in the world, unwittingly or designed. That which we are and that which we become, does so alter the unfolding drama.

Be mindful of those who historically advanced in challenge and courage, who helped to fashion today. For it is nice to be remembered and nicer to be given support. Many need such support themselves, for no matter how great the individual his burdens are so too, proportionately greater also than yours.

And through all of this, we must not commit those figures of the past to eternal nullity. For they remain very much afflicted and inspired, with all the loving interest of one's grandmother.

Punch & Judy- 27th September 1991

TREES stand erect from the ground in which they are so firmly rooted. Upright, they have sprung up through the soil as great erections shooting skyward. The outer foliage and smaller branches which then swell horizontally from the vertical erection are but secondary to the primary impulse pushing the growth from base to tip.

One may witness the fur on the hide of an animal bristle and stand erect when the call of the moment has excited them so. Along the shafts of the hair which stand protruded and spiking outward, one might picture intense streams of magnetism flowing from hide to tip, and out further causing the fur to respond in stiff and pointed manner. Especially around the neck, a man may feel the fine hairs respond in a similar fashion at times, and also curiously, as with a cartoon character, the hair on the head may arise also when provoked with great and startled currencies, alerted and inspired as from an inner summoning.

The most obvious example - and a fine one it is - of the impulses and changes apparent with regards to erections, is of course that of the genitalia, whereby the vitalities so stimulated and summoned hence, cause rapid propulsion, expansion and a streaming forth of fiery magnetic essences which again do ray outward from base to tip and further.

This is primarily the masculine expression which is specific to the man/woman relationship of all matter within Creation; that there is a great channel through which the cosmic powers may collect and be so emanated through. Ever upward they do propel and force to limitation, and are emitted in ejaculation therefrom. This process is most vital and basic to all forms of life. Whether it be through crystal growth or young shoot from seed, it is required that the ability of forceful erection needs to break the limitations of gravitational urgings and become self-expressive.

Man himself stands erect in the world and this is also expressive of his powerful ability to do so, and characterizes those cosmic powers and vitalities which are constantly at play being channeled so perfectly through the upright form. Again it might be said that this ability, this commanding erectness in relation to the world, is masculine by nature. We have stems radiating outwards, from high impulse into gross matter, directed through and then directed back into the higher spheres, thus transformed and transforming.

The Sun's pulsing rays come from an inverted power and presence that is by nature spherical and in all directions. Now unlike the power of the erective force, which is exacting, the Sun's emanations stream from the entire circumference out from the central point - inner to outer, unregulated. The womanly aspect of Creation is totally differential whereby the emanations are nonspecific, but rather stream from center outwards. There is no base to tip and so forth, but rather center to circumference (and further).

One may witness this too in regards to the natural world. For all form must be self-enclosed for a time for it to remain as form. Whilst there are necessarily needs for great changes - hence the masculine, to break from that complete form during transitional episodes in growth - it is the womanly impulse which is so containing and protecting, holding back the streams of flow and committing the tension of the exterior to be evenly pronounced, so that it might be self-protective.

The flower is a perfect example of this. We have the outward expansion which is manifold and balanced, and the forces are transfused from bud to petal. The petal is not as a spike or a spear, and also there are many, which go in differing directions radiating out from the center; whereas the masculine inclination is from one point to another, with all of the force so directed. The flower diffuses and gives evenly to each and every petal, streaming and radiating in an all round expression. 

The propulsion to move forward, as with darting fish or for that matter, motor car, is also the masculine inclination; whereas the inclination for fiery combustion- i.e. the digestive system or the engine- is rather the forceful inclination of the feminine aspect which does enable such outward propulsion to ensue.

So the female may also gather together those vitalities so imparted by the male and transfuse and balance them according to the expression of life which is to become. This is a natural enhancement and most necessary, as one cannot exist without the other. For the male without the female would project outwards into eternity with no home to be received in, for the actual expression to be perfected and in any way lasting. Whilst the female without the male would have nothing so received to thus transfuse and balance and work upon to enable great and meaningful creation- many sparks and no combustion, much ether with no ignition.

There are times during the course of one's life where there needs be direct and forceful action so taken- a specific directive with specific target, infilled with vitality, infilled to the limit, charged with intensity so summoned by us. There are times in which we must impregnate much of the world by our actions, by our deeds and by our thoughts. We go forth in our seeking, in our summoning and through our emanations, we then come to expression. It is the experience and the expression so infilled that completes the singular and pronounced directive.

And with the heart of man, as with the sun, the emanations which impinge (those which are not deflected back), are so received and transfused and given up to a total expression. This radiates inwardly into higher expression, and then back outwardly into a refined circumferential emanation.

One must remember the impulses of erection are never from apex down, for any returning impulse is from the transfused, transformed radiating emanations. If one is to degrade or compromise the consciousness, the soul or the senses by means of such activity, one does contradict the essential law of Creation by affording so. Example: If I willingly lower my consciousness, through subjecting to sinful activity as a prime directive then I do not aspire - as in upwards - but succumb to the dictating impulses which have thus drawn me. A sin is unproductive as it requires a compromise which dictates that a higher impulse become drawn and dictated to by a lower mean, rather than transforming from a lower base to a higher apex and then onto an elevated average. Therefore it is imperative to Creation that one is excelled and motivated always towards that which is comparatively unobtainable in order to grow, expand and reach that particular objective, that it might be then received and diffused and so worked upon that it develops and radiates back much expression in return.

We have firstly: [horizontal] which is the world, and then, [vertical] which is man erect in the world; thus we have: +.

We have as man [male symbol], and as woman [female symbol], the [circle] being the womanly aspect. In this [male symbol] we find that necessarily the basis of the sole outgoing forceful erection streams from the basis of the womanly aspect. Whilst in the [female symbol] we have the position of the two aspects so joined and with the meeting of expression.

Great Gratitude- 26th September 1991

TODAY is the day you come to a realization of what you have got. Not what you have had, as is usually the perspective, nor what you should choose for yourself, but rather what of today and this moment you have.

The expression 'count your blessings' is to formally set in order, consciously acknowledging that which you have. It may help to put them in writing and make of a long list which may be returned to again and again and added to as more revelations spring to mind. Often we are so busy day to day that we have neglected to truly be thankful, and also neglected those finest resources that we do hold because we have not been mindful of them or of the opportunities that we already possess.

In the game of chess one is wise to be defensive but shall truly maneuver correctly by ascertaining the strengths and the stronghold thereby. If our personal view is so concentrated upon what we believe to be our weaknesses, then how shall we develop that which is more worthy of our consideration? We pay much too much attention to minor faults and disregard the major; whilst forgetting to be forever thankful to the Father for the gifts already given.

One might believe at first that the list will be small indeed. However, in careful analysis one will find in so many differing ways that the list is truly so long that it could never be completed. However attempt is fruitful. Frankly speaking, we have difficulty in reviewing consciously much which relates directly to ourselves. This in exercise is a fine beginning to such discipline, whilst also is preparatory to the receiving of greater gifts.

What exactly do we extract our joy in life from? This being very individual and so personal to each and every one. When in company with others, we are drawn to impressions which overall are so set that we speculate upon items and conditions that do not necessarily bring much joy to us at all. One can see a fervour being worked up amongst a group with excited chatter and much stimulation. But rarely do people share that which is delicately important to them personally- that which speaks to and from the heart and its quiet happinesses.

Troubles and grumblings are quick to arise when this subject is broached from the first. This uprising does quash and negate the motivations which enable one to carry through with this practice. What may firstly come to mind is rather the guilt that one has not before 'counted the blessings', and one might openly exclaim, "Oh, I know that I should be doing this", and then feel immediately depressed at the thought. Interesting isn't it? Or perhaps the answer might be, "Oh, but I do that already!" without reflecting as to whether one can really have done this enough, if in fact the blessings have been itemized at all.

It is a little like counting one's money, only far better. There is meager satisfaction in counting money and checking to see if it is all there. For if one has more than enough, it becomes merely an act of counting, and if there is a deficiency it becomes more of a worry because of that shortage. 

To some it appears as a painful and arduous task. But if we are to receive many gifts in our life, we are firstly to know and use what we have and secondly to know of our gratitude for them. By actively doing this our entire outlook does brighten, and a certain confidence develops within the man who then stands firmer in the world.

Quite often the remedy to our troubles is there before us and yet unseen. We are to refine our attitudes and begin in small measures, seemingly, and find that the results are astounding in respect to future changes which will be effected by the enhancement of our personal perspectives.

Also by this we shall come to know that which we truly respect and savor in our lives - our primary values, therefore our primary goals, first purpose and first desires. And commit all others to their respective places of importance, with thus a clearer perspective, than from the outset.

It is damaging to one's health, inner health of soul and outer personal condition, to maintain a focus upon certain deficiencies or longings which are irreconcilable. It is one thing to hold goals and work for them in a productive and steady enduring manner, but it is quite different to go about reprimanding, nay cursing ourselves and our situations.

One may be greatly assisted in the beginning by actually vocalizing those blessings, loudly pronouncing in detail to oneself or to another. This is not to suggest boasting of course, but to explain the concept of the practice of grateful acknowledgment, and then to take turns in such conversation, expressing as many blessings as one can bring forth. Such an interplay will certainly uplift the mood of the party and also be far more productive than many an alternative form of conversation!

Beware of opinions and comparisons however! This is not the intent of the procedure. We must acknowledge that this is very subjective and not open to conjecture if it is indeed honest in reproduction. Also one may never truly be convinced when bringing to mind our treasured happinesses- this is not the point. The point is the stimulation in the revealing and the revelation of overwhelming gratitude which weeps from such vital stimulation. The very fluids of the spiritual life pour from such reverential thankfulness.

There may be two types of ecstasy experienced. One is where one consciously reaches levels of passion and presumes this to be ecstasy in the essential form. The other is the essential substance, undiluted and pure from passion, and this is supreme gratitude. The former comes by the enhanced realization at the very apex of one's experience of that which is very personal, sought for and given over to sublime expression of this. The latter, which may only be reached by ways extraneous to subjective desire, is the conscious realization of the spirit's grand gratitude to the heavens and the heavenly Father, to Creation, to being, for existence. It is existence and existence perfected, through a being who has finally acknowledged most perfectly, through this the revelation of great and everlasting gratitude.

This is ecstasy in her finest form.

This is what was meant by compassion being the complete form of passion. It is passion which has 'gone the full round' so to speak, and fulfilled itself outside of itself. Compassion, the complete passion, the passions completed, is the consequence as distilled thereby, which speaks to us of that which is outside from our personal strivings, needs, desires and experiences, and seeks to commune with the great and Holy Spirit which is, and is through us and all.

And the divinity so inspired has one primary experience in the realization and acknowledgment of God the Father and of Divine Creation- that being the essential and overwhelming great gratitude. One can almost feel it now. So close. That we might be. That we are now. That we shall endure. That we may be sustained. To that which sustains. To that which infills our very being. That our senses are so infilled. That our spirit and our substance is renewed. That so much is afforded, whilst we in humility gaze out at the vastness of all of Creation. . . and say, thank you.

Better a trial and a woe, than a cold heart which understands not.

*************

“The important thing is to feel that, independent of our reasoning life, something thinks in us of which we can say: Not I, but 'it' thinks in me.

Although such thoughts mean little to us at first, yet we can strengthen and further them through a feeling of gratitude to the Higher Powers.

If we say after each such moment, however, short, ‘I thank you, ye Powers of the Higher Hierarchies, that you have let me perceive this,’ then through the feeling of gratitude and awe these moments increase in which higher worlds will reveal themselves.

We shall be able to hold in memory what at first moved through our soul dim as a dream and ultimately we shall be able to summon such conditions as well.

Then we shall gradually become clear that this thinking in us is always independent of our intellectual thought.

Gratitude is the vessel that we lift to the Gods that they may fill it with their wonder-gifts.

If in all earnestness we foster the feeling of thankfulness, then gratitude, loving devotion must be there to the invisible spiritual givers of life; and it is the most beautiful way to be led from one's personality to the supersensible if this guidance goes through gratitude.

Gratitude ultimately brings us to veneration and love of the life-bestowing spirit of man.

It gives birth to love and love makes the heart open for the spirit-powers pervading life.

If after every meditation we arouse in ourselves the feeling of gratefulness and reverence - a feeling that we can call a mood of prayer - and be aware in what grace we are taking part, we shall realize that we are on the right path for the spiritual worlds to approach us.”

-Rudolf Steiner

Apparitions of the Past- 25th September 1991

TWO miners had been entrapped for many hours, which in passing had seemed to be as days to them. They had but one lamp which was almost exhausted. They had but one coat, for the other had been left behind on the other side of the rock fall. They had been picking away searching for precious materials, and although ever hopeful had found nothing which resembled that which they searched for.

"If this is to be my tomb" said the elder to the younger, "I should like for you to make prayers for my passing and cover me with your coat, as I find it disgraceful to lie limp and exposed and be left here only to rot with no proper burial."

Having said this, the older one was stricken by an upsurge within the cavity of his chest and drew his last breath and slumped back dead. The younger miner drew the coat over the corpse and proceeded to pray in the way he knew best.

More hours passed and he became so very cold beneath his skin. He looked at the coat and presumed it reasonable that he might borrow it back for a time. As he pulled back the coat he saw in the half-light that the form of his companion miner was no longer it what was but rather had become covered all in fur and was alike to a huge cat curled on the floor. Startled in terror, he drew back against the rock wall with no place further to exit to.

Waves of unconsciousness took him up and away, and he slept a fevered slumber until he was roused by the noise of clinking nearby and a calling to him. He glanced over to his companion and threw the coat back over the fur-covered hide. Beams of daylight had broken through the crumbled mass of outer wall, and he much relieved, strode through to embrace his saviors.

To his surprise there awaiting were a tribe of very large panthers, who in tension sat poised upon the outer boulders and steep incline. "Where is our brother?" inquired one with soft tones.

He beckoned that they might find him within, and so doing fled through the company, running as fast as he might, so startled was he by this vision.

Once home he was comforted by his wife and joyful children. "Wife, there is something I must confide in, for I am much troubled by the events of today." And he began to relate his tale in much detail as he had been witness to.

"Let me make easy your mind" said the wife who bethought her dear husband to be excessively strained - and she set about to cheer him in the only way she knew.

Her husband had been fossicking in one way or another for all the years she had known him, but generally speaking his archaeology was work which was all above ground and rarely was he called to take pick to a recess, let alone an enclosed cavern.

"It is my opinion" she sighed, "that you as usual have been working far too hard. This Egyptian expedition has imposed much too much on you and so far offered back nothing. Perhaps all of the sites are unfilled?"

And so saying she withdrew his shirt and found there beneath, engraved in the skin, lines which ran from neck down back, bloodied and deep as if from one great paw scratch. She took to cleansing and covering the wound, whilst he tried to make account for this assault, but could not.

Until it came to him: for too long had he delved into spirited realms which were by the old order and still remonstrate of those dark times. Perhaps this was a warning and something of a finding, that a tomb is a tomb and is best left concealed as such, not to be invaded or picked over in the name of curiosity or for historical record.

Seldom do we know what exactly for what purpose we seek at the outset. Those who do venture into the dark places of the past will find many an apparition which need not relate to times present. There are mysteries within deep traditions that do belong rightfully to the past and belong not in the future. For were that those forms laid to rest, unearthed and accounted for, we should surely come to much confusion in an effort of interpretation. The past may truly scar us, as deeply and as ingrained as that great paw scratch. Obsessions which drive a man to be so transfixed on his long ago past are but a quest made backwards.

Four Moral Tales- 24th September 1991

The Obliging Servant

"I ASKED you to send me more life, and you return with a mere youth who will not now give over the elixir!" he bellowed in rage.

"It is because it would be death for him to hand it over" explained the servant.

"Then take it from him!" came the desperate cry.

"I cannot Sir," replied the servant, "for it is not mine to take".

"Then I shall have to do it myself", thus saying, he swiftly snatched the vial from the young man's hand.

The youth did wither before their eyes, the flesh shrivelled back from the bone, the eyes from the sockets, and he collapsed in unspeakable mess of remains.

And as the devil-tyrant took tonic to lips, he enquired, "And what did you promise this time to this youth, that he might journey with you?"

The servant with eyes cast down upon the formless form, replied, "I promised that he should see one who is far greater than he. That he might be amazed at the power and grace of my Master, and he was eager to be received".

"Then you have fulfilled your promise" came the haughty reply, "you have done well by me. You may take rest for the moment, for come tomorrow I shall need you once again. Only this time, bring me more, for I am still not quite refreshed.”

Such it is with the devil of Conceit and his manservant False Pride, who with false promise does come to men to cajole the very life from them, if they but follow and give over their precious life to these two rogues.

Sweet and Sinister

IN the market there was a candy-seller, a woman of large and cumbersome proportions. She beamed with every trade encountered; she had such a sickly-sweet smile. Old and young would come and eye over her table, where there laid out was a rich display. So colorful, so sweet, so enticing were these pieces crafted and fashioned in so many shapes. There were animals delicately sculptured from the sugar, there were miniature houses spun with fretwork laced with crystalline fruits and ginger hue, there were carts that had wheels made of fancy chocolate that moved, and held within small trifling of peppermint and rose bon bons.

Many admired her trolley, and had to part with their money for this extravagance. You might have heard of this woman before in the latter part of her life for which she is notorious. However, she had found the one weakness of men which made for great barter, and was forever successful in that market. 

Oddly enough the woman cared not for the sweets herself. It was with much distaste that she watched the eager hand reach and choose from her colorful array. For her passion in extravagance was particular to human flesh - instead of bearing children, as most women are wont to do, she would consume them. But no one guessed this secret; they were so unsuspecting of this "sweet lady" of the market place.

The orphans who did approach the stall, were invited home to survey her goods. They would wait all day until she had sold all pieces, and would ride the trolley back, never to return to that market again. It was odd that she was thought of as kindly and as such a Good Samaritan. But then, not always are things as they seem.

How often we surrender to the witch of lascivious gratification. We pay quite happily without care for the orphans of the world. Were that those monies imparted had gone to good purpose - and if in excess, to be given over for a real meal for one who has not. We are persuaded all too easily by that which appears delightfully enchanting but has little or no nourishment to sustain the body or mind. This witch deceived the innocents, and also those who cared not to know, for she was the rogue of Lust's Submission.

The Unknown Passage

THERE was an old man who was loathsome to behold. For his teeth had moved in the jaw and did not fit properly; his hair was unkempt, his eyes with milk-blindness; his features were sunken and gave no hint whatsoever of his former portrait in youth.

One day there came by him a distraught soldier who was on his way to his first commission. The young man had been weeping and the old crow of a man went to his assistance.

"Come, come, my young fellow", he croaked, "Why do you cry so mournfully?"

"What would you know, old man?" The young soldier protested. "You have been given more than your fill of life, and I, at such an early age will be deprived of mine!"

"Then perhaps I should go in place of you, and in return you may live that life which I have endured? Would this be your will?"

The bewildered young man was confused with fear, and now with such uncommon speculation. He bethought this to be a mocking jest, and answered so: "Oh yes, old man, I shall trade you my destiny which is doomed, for a piece of those years and your destiny's past."

"So be it." The elderly one sighed, and instantly the two were transfigured.

During the next sixty years or so the youth became as old, and with many a struggle and a battle of kind, he had come to the end of his days to find experience was behind him and poverty a’front. His limbs were beginning to fail; he was still much tormented by those dreams that were as yet unfulfilled.

He now spent his days at the roadside watching the traffic go to and fro. He had felt cheated when thought that his life lived was not of his own - that he should never come to know, what might have been were it under his directive and not just the mere reproduction of another's.

He had pondered as to what had become of his perpetual partner, until one day when a young soldier came by. He recognized his face all at once, for this was his face, his very own he had long ago worn!

"Do you not know me?" he croaked, to the youth there before him.

"No old man, I do not know you. Should I?" replied the soldier, as he flung a few copper coins at his feet.

"I am Fate.,” the old man murmured as he gazed with great intent.

"Pleased to meet you, and fare you well! For I am the Conscious Will and must now go my way", and so saying departed with a laugh and a wave, cheerio.

We may all assume the life of destiny, or live the life of one with free will. There is a marriage of both in a man, who throughout the course of life is offered both limitations and possibilities, concurrently. We are wise to discern which is which and one from another, and be content with both, for they are brothers… brothers out of time.

The Needy and the Worthy

A YOUNG monk went to the coffers of his monastery and stole away all that was there to be had. He had a conscience which provoked him and spoke to him that the wealth might be served better - and so departed the in holy calling, taking from the community all of their treasured savings.

No sooner had he left the confines of the monastery was he beset by a group of thieves, who asked of him to display that which he bore, straddled in bags, a weight on his horse.

Honesty was most valued in righteousness, and therefore the monk did speak truthfully when replying, "I have a parcel of much treasure, which I intend to distribute to the needy".

The thieves were suspicious of this, but took the monk to be a fool - "Well my friend, you have come to find the most needy! We are they, hand it over!"

"I believe you to be in need of counselling" the monk replied, "but how am I to know if you are in need of finance. You appear to have much fat around the girth, and much vigour in your step. I had not you in mind, when I did rob and plunder that from my brother monks."

"From one robber to another, let us eat together and discuss this a little further?" They asked. And so the monk was shuffled amongst them and made to take food, on this, his day of fast.

The twilight came and many a speech was bandied, until the black of night could mask their treacherous intent. The thieves fell upon the monk all at once and stifled him to his death. They then grabbed upon his bags and tore them to pieces to empty the contents- scythes and tongs, wheat-seed and millet, axe heads and nails, and texts about the mysteries of good farming.

They disgustedly hurled the monk's 'treasure' to the ground, stripping the baggage to pieces in vain attempt to uncover some jewels or some gold.

"Useless!" they cried, as they kicked the corpse; and then departed.

Oft times charity is so rebuked, even when it is offering that which is most needed. One must discern wisely, no matter how good the intent, as to who is best fitted to receive those treasures and make good use of them. The monk met with dishonesty unto himself and then with the thieves - the men who would not choose an honest living, and required of him so much more than he could offer. Even honesty may be turned corrupt, when so taken to be the very opposite. It is better to give of oneself, in word or in deed, sparingly, and withhold much initially, lest it be all lost to those who are unworthy, and shall by their evil, defeat the good intention that it may not find its way to those who would gracefully and gratefully receive it.