The Secret of Striving for Perfection- 8th January 1993

HEAPED up, like snow against a door, like muscle contracting a fissure, like the shell of a pod deliberating season - with such intense conflict, we are 'up against' the simplest of notions to be made evident once again to our soul.

Why is this so? To learn and perfect the tune, the sequence of harmonies, and then as individuals, interpret and express as no other.

If absolute perfection, uniform perfection, was the ultimate manifestation of dream-Man, then it could and should have been arrived at - even before the dawn of time, literally. If such perfection was all that was called for, being of primary importance, then to reiterate, it could have been achieved.

That men do err and 'take time out' to gather in experience from such, affords us speculation which says that the overall goal, first and foremost, is not perfection - self-made or otherwise - but rather love and love for perfection. Furthermore, whether or not we ourselves can be considered as perfect, we can begin to appreciate and love such perfection as is outside of ourselves. This is a form of development which provides an attraction, an attraction of fixed intention, drawing unto ourselves the desirable (in this case, perfection).

For in the case of the spirit of Man, all things work their way from the inside out, spawn to reality. Inwardly, his measure of considerable perfection is to be realized by the love of such. It is not enough to be made perfect, appear perfect or even to simply train one's will alone. Nor that another being be called upon to effect exaltation, for perfection may not be imposed or even assumed, as reasonably as we are Men.

The welcoming of sin is another matter. Does a man find that the flavor is enhanced because it is a sin? If so, this is a bum steer of a directional intent. There are several considerations of law and denial of such.

• Firstly, a man may unknowingly err; in which case he is simply and swiftly provided for and shall be afforded the opportunity for inner correction.

• Secondly a man may err knowingly because he suffers a conflict of circumstance and that the actual sin is a part of an intricate web of factors which are reasonably mixed - this can be a conscious decision to accept the outcome, as outcome there will be.

• Thirdly, a man may sin knowingly but is careless to the fault or the outcome, denying that he is answerable - usually on an overall premise that the "world is unjust, therefore ...", and unwittingly he gives over to just about any raving which suggests anarchy by way of protest.

• Lastly, he may sin for lust of sin, in which his nature has perverted and he has forfeited capacity for clarity - clarity of thought, reflection, remembrance, affection, sympathy, etc. He no longer recalls why he would sin, but sins for sin's sake. His humanity is 'on the edge' as he injures both himself and his associates.

The question of there being Sin in the definite sense, is often dismissed by those who really can tell 'which side is up'. Usually a little conversation will reveal that those who protest the meaning of the word sense its stern implications and they know right from wrong. That there really is a rightful right and its deceptive twin.

Yet whilst the abstract may be agreed upon, we may find that one's personal comprehension is made the more difficult because of the community of men and their ways - their provocations of which, we are nestled in. Those of whom we live with, work with, share town with, and so forth - these other men address social sin, perpetuating certain behaviors in this regard, in like manner to their immediate fellows. This may contrast one's personal innate experience of perfection and sin. In fact, better to say explicitly that in great measure, no doubt will! One only has to travel a few countries to witness the differing social customs and their systems and determine that the 'inner man' could not be comfortable with all of the conduct. In other words, there is acceptable sin and punishable sin - laws applied and laws unspoken - which largely determine a man from his community. There can be enormous difficulty for a man who would question the constraints of such. Even if he does so from the heart and in all good sense, in the most 'civilized' of communities, he shall find extraordinary conflict and pressure to conform.

It will be noted that we have discussed the fact that wherever there is a bonding of men there is as it were, an adhering being who in like nature is drawn to these men. The provisions for social sin and perfection are endorsed by such beings and are like barbed wire around a cloud - remarkably ineffectual but very apparent.

For although the men shall sense their being and even push others to conform to those accepted persuasions, inwardly there is little or no attraction; particularly if there is no self-evident goodness resulting.

Men become too used to living complacently. They settle for an empty promise and hope for nothing more than a 'comfortable' life. Rarely will they be comfortable, particularly if it is comfort they seek. Often one can find that the man who cries out for perfection is really consorting with the wish to be comfortable also. That he believes he cannot 'rest' within himself until he is godlike, and sits upon an appointed throne deliberating his personal glowing goodness. Alas! This is self-centered. It may or may not be admirable, but nonetheless is self-fixed and is restricted as regards the true appreciation of what perfection stands for: That we should strive for it despite of self, despite of self-comfort or glory, for the sake of perfection alone. How often a good point is missed!

Our views concerning Karma, concerning sin and subsequent result, our conscience and our opinionated society, are all assessed with a view to come close to acting from our hearts and not our restrictions. Sin itself has not the element of love: an act of sin does not know the permeation of love. It is true that by our actions, strife will sometimes follow, even despite of deep meaning, well meaning, good intentions. We can afford courage to learn by this. However, if it is true clarity upon the matter we seek, then we come to the inner knowledge that it is upon our own discernment that we rest with our actions. No amount of karma in place can actually effect your personal discernment, refine your own ability to make such conclusions to prompt you to act or restrain. But this practice is so much more enhanced, if we may 'step out from ourselves' sufficiently to review our actions, daily or once in a while.

To what would we strive for perfection for? This is no trite question. Innately we know that 'perfection' is up there with Goodness, with Greatness, with Beauty, with God. Working through us is the current of desire for betterment. The conclusion is that betterment leads to perfection. Maybe not total perfection, but a measure of perfection, a degree. Possibly we may arrive a lot closer to perfection, through the love of such, whilst on the road to betterment. 

If we could inspire this in the lowliest of criminals, in the most dejected and ugly of spirit, in he who is incomplete and disfigured - the knowledge that the perfection need not be manifest for the heart may mirror what is to us unachievable - such souls would expire their sin and step into glory.

Quite often it is those who have the deepest contrasts, who by divine promptings are awakened to these great realities. No longer do they look to themselves, their ego is torn and in need of supplication, their mind is not fixed on themselves, they have tasted evil and do not like it. Such individuals revere all perfection without the need to become the example, and yet by such love, become what they have come to know.

If we look deeply at a painting and are lost in admiration we need not have been the artist to appreciate its message or profundity. Yet by this intimate acknowledgment we become as the artist, we truly take his place, out of time.

This is the secret of the striving for perfection.

From the Contents of Esoteric Classes

Rudolf Steiner, August 30, 1909:

After Parzival stood before Titurel and had the experiences of which we spoke, an intimate and deep feeling of shame arose in him. This feeling of shame permeated him completely. He had gone through catharsis and had thought that he was now so good and pure that he could become one of the followers of the Master of all masters, the Christ. In this feeling of shame he was reminded of Christ's words: “Why do you call me good? No one is good but God.” He now knew how very imperfect he was still and how much he still had to take into his striving for the good, how much he was still lacking in order to be good.

And a second feeling, a feeling of fear, overcame him. He thought that he had gotten rid of that a long time ago. But it was a different kind of fear from the ones he'd known previously. It was a feeling of his own smallness and weakness as a man compared with the sublime Godly being when he let a second word of Christ live in his soul: “Become perfect even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” These two words should live in the soul of every esoteric.

An esoteric should kindle full devotion for divine beings in his soul. Thereby the consciousness develops that what one does isn't so good, but that one should always try to become more perfect. We should look at what's developing in one's soul. God lives in developing things. If we get to the point where we're acting in a good and noble way, then it's God in us who's good. The God who lets us act in a good and noble way is our archetype itself, that created us. We must become a complete copy of this archetype.

Be it ever so hidden, there's a selfish motive in everything we do. We must realize that we can't be selfless. It's a world karma that lets us act egoistically. But world karma is God. Everything that God is and does in the way of good is better than we could do it. An esoteric should tell himself: Let me do something that I have made it my duty to do, let me do it as hard as I can and in such a way that I tell myself that the divine element that's at work in me is doing this and I'm only the instrument of this godly element — then the higher self in its striving towards perfection is revealed to him.

Secret Knowledge- 6th January 1993

Question:
We have read* that it is possible for certain groups or individuals to 'patent' their esoteric findings, and withhold them as they wish. Is this so?

KNOWLEDGE is a tangible commodity in the realm which best pertains to its suitable and relevant manifestation. In other words, it clings to that which it is specific to, therefore manifesting in a multiplicity of expressions right up to such higher knowledge which expressly is what it is- that the essence causes, rather than pertains to.

Certain illustrious Masters saw to it that specific 'secrets' remained so. This is not so hard. As you know it can be upon a principle of veiling, as described similarly, in which all others bypass the relevance, having been already pioneered and made secret.

Furthermore, one requires relevant keys in order to interpret any such knowledge- particularly global know-how - those keys being intrinsic to humanhood and a natural part of one's makeover.

It has been mentioned before also, that there have been historical evidences of a certain knowledge being stolen from an entire people. This can be done. Ridiculous as it may seem, in small part this goes on all the time and needs be countered afresh, as whole societies, whole races, close to a particular thought and are mainstreamed downstream into a hazardous persuasion. Some are enabled to remain free from general tides and displacements, but even so if knowledge is withdrawn and withheld it becomes indecipherable.

To arrive at knowledge, 'to be at one with', is to become adhered to the light behind the shadow. Comprehension pulls us out and draws us in, knowledge embraces and is retained intimately.

In a certain respect knowledge is not cast from us. Details are sheathed, upon death however, abilities to come to such knowledge again and recognize the pathways to, such intricate abilities are within our fibers, streaming into our soul.

There are those who argue against perfect knowledge, and they abuse the scholar accusing him of a wretched heart. However, true knowledge, virginal as fresh, is of the heart. To strive for such is basic to divining its source of being; and a true love for knowledge is a love of love. Being that, the more one discovers and has taken to themselves, the more perfect the love. Conversely and greatly, one may arrive at new knowledge by love, for the eyes of love shall see brighter than any other. Therefore of all of the major and most important truths to be discovered, no man can be denied a soul's viewing if he has arrived at them by way of love for them.

Of the category of 'lesser' knowledge: the profound comprehensions of the interior, one can say that such details (many interwoven) are yet to be made public. And we can add, not all are known.

A man could go mad all at once if he were to penetrate the profound realities in an instant. There is a qualifying amount which any man can absorb at one time, in one lifetime or in the thereafter. Having said that, many a man in life and especially after death, has bathed for a time in the sea of 'all-knowing'. This is not illusory, but it is distinct from the usual means of interpretation and cannot enter into the man any more than is there already.

There is a correspondence between a man and what it is he is to know. One part is within: the identifying element, and this exaggerated would be magnified in the all-knowing experience, and yet it does not touch, does not connect with the second half of the circuit! In this way a man may come to experience his inner-knowledge, which is really the ability to receive the exterior truth, without the outer reality impinging upon his being.

Many men have invited beings to instill them with experiences of visions, to share their eyes, so to speak. By this - and there are many ways to effect this - we find that the man has not the conscious bridge into that experience, self-made and therefore self-established. Every time a man invites suppression of his consciousness he treads the dangerous board. For, as one can imagine, we are under usual circumstances, provoked by experience and knowledge. We are driven to develop this ongoing capacity to know. If we consciously take steps to injure our ingestion, we sever our own connections to life and the love therein. One cannot invite stupidity repeatedly without there being permanent consequences. That which veils a man with stupor brings to him such death-forces which deny his spirit. He is 'pushed out' and disincarnating, no longer attuned to the 'hand-in-glove' fit within his body.

One cannot overstep Nature, she will not have it. Many try, many fail, for she is obliging only if you are obedient to those laws which make for perfect sense. Herein lies a greater issue than that of esoteric 'truth' being made hidden.

If a stomach is overfull it is uncomfortable and may heave the lot. We must be content with small, but life-giving portions to digest and assimilate. . . and pass but the rest.

*The Elder Brothers and Knowledge

"Those who are unacquainted with the principles of occult investigation may believe that it would be better if such facts had not previously been made known. But in the spiritual world there is a definite law, the significance of which we will make clear by example. Suppose that in a certain year some properly trained clairvoyant had perceived this or that in the spiritual world. Now imagine that ten or twenty years later, another equally trained clairvoyant could see the same thing even if he had known nothing whatsoever about the result obtained by the first clairvoyant. If you were to believe that this could happen, you would be making a great mistake, for the truth is that a fact of the spiritual world that has once been discovered by a clairvoyant or by an occult school, cannot be investigated a second time if the would-be investigator has not first been informed that it has already been discovered. 

"If therefore, in the year 1900 a certain fact had been investigated and in the year 1950 another clairvoyant reaches the stage of being able to perceive the same thing, he can succeed only if he has realized that someone has already investigated and fathomed it. Therefore already known facts in the spiritual world can be perceived only when their import has been consciously grasped as communications already made.

"This is the law that establishes for all epochs the foundation of universal brotherliness. It is impossible to penetrate into any domain of the spiritual world without a link having first been made with what has already been fathomed by the Elder Brothers of Humanity. The spiritual world sees to it that nobody can become a law unto himself, saying, `I am not concerned with what is already there. I shall investigate only for myself.' None of the facts communicated in spiritual science today could be perceived by individuals, however highly developed and advanced, if they had not been previously known.

"Because a link must be there with what has already been discovered, the theosophical movement had also to be founded on this basis.

"In a comparatively short time from now, many individuals will become clairvoyant, but they would be able to see only unreality, not the truth, in the spiritual world if they had not heard of what had already been investigated. First one must have knowledge of these truths, such as given by theosophy, or the science of the spirit, and only then can they be actually perceived. Even a clairvoyant must get to know what has already been discovered, and then, after conscientious training, he can perceive the facts himself.

"It may be said that the divine beings fertilize a faculty of seership only once in a human soul and if the single, virginal fertilization has been achieved, then other human beings must pay attention to what this first soul has discovered in order to have the right to see it themselves. This law lays the foundations of an inner, universal brotherliness, a true brotherhood of men. From epoch to epoch wisdom has passed through the occult schools and been faithfully harbored by the Masters, and we, too, must help to preserve this treasure and maintain brotherliness with those who have already achieved something if we wish to make our way into the higher regions of the spiritual world. What is striven for on the physical plane as moral law is natural law in the spiritual world." (15, pp. 14-16)

-Rosicrucian Occultism, Rudolf Steiner, Budapest, 4th June 1909 GA109

Apostles & Zodiac, Revised Table- 8th January 1993

As suggested for comment:

Element	Old	Current	New
EARTH	Virgo/Nathanael	Capricorn/Judas	Taurus/Peter
WATER	Cancer/Phillip	Scorpio/Simon	Pisces/Matthew
AIR	Gemini/James(Less)	Libra/Thomas	Aquarius/James(Gr)
FIRE	Judas(Is)/Sagittarius	Leo/John	Aries/Andrew

MAJESTIC enterprise? Sweeter than mixed lollies in a bag, and as jumbled. Quite often first assumptions are accurate, as was the currencies afore stated. For it is the overall persuasion that was assessed and assessed well - no need to change the original formula to comply with the nature characteristic of zodiacal representatives.

The final three, decided well; as had to be. A further clue: Gemini James did look remarkably like Jesus.

COMPLETED TABLE:*

Element	OLD	CURRENT	NEW
EARTH	Virgo/Nathanael	Capricorn/Judas	Taurus/Peter
WATER	Scorpio/Simon	Cancer/Phillip	Pisces/Matthew
AIR	Gemini/James(Less)	Libra/Thomas	Aquarius/James(Gr)
FIRE	Judas(Is)/Sagittarius	Aries/Andrew	Leo/John

*By J.W.

The Apostles & the Zodiac- 31st December 1992

Question:
I have made the following list of correspondences between the Disciples and the old/current/changing zodiacal influences. Could you please comment?
-John W.

Peter: New, Earth, Taurus
Andrew: New, Fire, Aries
Judas Iscariot: Old, Fire, Sagittarius
James Greater: New, Air, Aquarius
John: New, Water, Pisces
Phillip: Old, Water, Cancer
Nathanael/Bar.: Current, Fire, Leo
Matthew: Current, Water, Scorpio
Thomas: Current, Air, Gemini
James Lesser: Old, Air, Libra
Simon: Old, Earth, Virgo
Judas Thaddeus: Current, Earth, Capricorn

THESE are old friends you are describing! Be careful for they might hear you! Does it help further should we tell you what Peter might go to drink when sitting around a table? Or Matthew's favorite color? Or Nathan's breed of dog?


The cosmic inclinations are substantiated by the relevant text within the Gospels; which, with an overview, was prepared with keynotes to all, for such.


The importance of this may elude some because it is not apparent that all impulses-divine, were and are, to be accounted for. In point of fact, there must always be twelve such representatives, living at a post within the world, as chief receivers and seeds of such being. Particularly curiously, when it comes to the older/current aspects; for would that these old scholars depart entirely, that phase of humanity should be given over to the archives only, and left to remain but history.

The Men of the world require sturdy souls to draw the impulses in: verily fishermen of a different kind. Why this is so exactly, is not really established; it appears as a mechanical factor to manifestation, one which can cause difficulties and strife, were not the twelve so protected.

They were reordered, renamed and somewhat changed at the time of Christ.

Furthermore, and we can say this: upon their deaths there were others, necessarily, who became as them - and so it goes. It is not an easy job to fill!

The accompanying elemental/temperamental aspects must be strictly in accordance with that zodiacal sector. The reason for this is, that each man was best qualified as manifesting those zodiacal traits which are primarily, of themselves, specifically marked with a characteristic element predominating. Therefore one cannot consider Peter as Taurus, to be phlegmatic (of Water).

This is one good reason to begin the dissemination of the New/Current/Old phases of being and mark them so. For each have their own purpose to be examined, and each a peculiar relevance.

It can be said that John was the heart in relation to the twelve, and to the gateway of the Mysteries. He was so loved also, and perhaps John of the same name thought it too coincidental for them to share the starry attributes. For he was the central strength, and although it could be argued quite reasonably that a Piscean connection be equally as intimate; we suggest that there is a 'body' of men literally, and each to form a part thereof. And John was the heart: the soul's gateway. (New is correct.)

Peter is and was Taurean; with the head and shoulders as such, besides. And the will-forces driven into modern thinking, determined and defined, made active.

Beloved Thomas (small and frail) heralded uncommon aspects, gentle nature, good natured and very Libran, one could say. For it is the undecided who weigh again and again - and although the name intimates 'twin' it is misleading. Current is accurate however, particularly because it was the present of which he continually viewed and reviewed.

It could be said now, that all of the intuitions regarding the 'currencies' (old/current/new predominating aspects) are very good indeed. No argument there.

Simon was fastidious to say the least, however more than that he proved himself to be the very loins of the party. (Scorpio.)

Andrew, Aries, yes - although Matthew was active publicly - Andrew, Aries.

James the Greater, Aquarius, fine- of the future; persuasive, but dominating.

To examine zodiacal properties can of itself be a life's work indeed. In this case, the inspiration perhaps does not come directly from a clear perception of the indicating traits, but rather a general enthusiasm for that which is the overall reality, behind the dissemination. Clearly this thinking seeks to bind the surrounding Apostles as one, that what they represent when come together is perfect Man - and it takes twelve perfect representatives to comprise the perfect Man!

And Christ could and could not do this. Yea, they mirror He who is the Zodiac in reality. But He cannot be them for them, or Man instead of Man - even the conclusion of perfect Man.


We can be captured by the significance of their being, and also the cooperation of such a league. One could place this and that pin on a chart (donkey's tails or specifics) and yet miss the point, which is the greater and explicit truth.

When coming to learn of men and their currencies we can examine validity in reference to associate objectives. From the start it can be assumed by some (as in us) that the three views to the world are valuable; even though there will be conflicts between them, understandably. But that they be blended also in Man, is a most wonderful makeover, a great deliberation.


For what Peter brings into the circle cannot be approached by Simon; however Simon may continue to exhume his forefathers' blessings and ways. For if we were to break with the links of the past, there becomes a certain mortality of human striving which bleeds into the present and contaminates the future. The currency of 'current being' is essential to both old and new, and is the true fulfillment of both.

The conclusions arrived at from deep study of these individuals, proves the ways of such currencies as being essential to both those and these times. And they can be independent of overall zodiacal assumptions, because each member of the Zodiac contains a capacity for any of the three; however, it is a contradiction, for there to be more than one active at the one time. Therefore, we need not look for a currency to correspond with the elemental nature of the zodiacal aspect.


Phillip, being Cancer is fine. O.K. Judas Thaddeus Capricorn, O.K.

The remaining Gemini, Pisces and Virgo are left for further examination. They can be arrived at, and shall be correctly noted. (By J.)

It is effort which projects the teachings into the world, effort given and spent by the serious student who holds higher knowledge to be invaluable. No effort - as regards inner reflecting and outer examinations and observances - no effort is wasted. The student must prepare many times over, and be content to perfect endeavoring itself. Endeavoring is good for oneself and the world, and by such one shall arrive at destiny sought - even if it is by ways unexpected. For it is true also that there is not one final answer to anything. It is also true that some mysteries are guarded, and the door does not easily fall open.

For example: - the Zodiac is not evenly divided. Two of the Apostles share two of the signs so split. One is incorrectly named.

Judas's departure proved it to be a bad time for Sagittarius!

The Arthurian league were twelve as representatives.


Finally, the importance does not lie in divisions, but in that which each signifies to the whole, in the light of the Zodiac.

The wheeling sun drew the stars down,
And around,
In virtuous complicity.
Oh savory wolf, biting ankles of change,
Lucid and weary, the man-beast remains,
Two for the temple, two for the altar,
New is the virgin, but Nature her daughter.


Fill pail with semen, fill pail by slaughter,
Pillage and warranty, one half, one quarter.
By sea, by writ, by holy known order,
Peter came and spent it further.
Forced to wander,
Simon marked a little time,
And many more besides
In little Jim the truth does hide,
What did become of him?


But flesh no more, the eyes can't see -
Or nod or blink or weep or wink.
Judas the villain, with heavy remorse,
Pity the carrion, pity the ghost!


Far from the edges, crumbling ruins,
Sinks the scarlet dusty Sun,
'Tis the same, there sat beneath it,
The One to whom the twelve are drawn.


Resplendent be the company,
Portended for the suckling of sweeter life
And Grace's offerings;
We give, they give, to perpetuity,
That spill which flows down mountain to sea -
Through men of old, those men of then,
By currents spent such lives were rent
And offered back to God.

The Gamemaster- 28th December 1992

LEWELLYN the gamemaster carried a mysterious bag, in which were his dice, his cups, his cards, fake jewels and matchsticks. He wore silk and did pride himself on courtesy - even when he was cheating (masquerade he would call it) as part of his show. Fine and courteous and above all, intoxicatingly appealing; a grandmother would trust him, so too a father with his daughter.

He would incite greed. He knew exactly how to stimulate a man. He knew how keen men are to break their boredom and exchange chance circumstance with another fellow. He preyed and he played, and he never left without taking from them.

Entire towns could be torn, the families ill-content; for a year's wages would be wagered and lost, all the savings gone, plucked from an upset household . . . and Lewellyn's bag mysteriously, no larger upon leaving.

At first it had been a fetish which became yet another challenge. It did not really matter what was the object of the game or the stake at hand; it was the consent and dissent, and then the actual winning. For win he must, at all costs!

One day he happened upon a bridge, one of those bridges that conceal a troll beneath them. The troll was a sturdy fellow, twice the breadth of Lewellyn and thrice the height. His breath was overpoweringly strong and his hairy bulk alarming.

Lewellyn was prohibited from passing on the bridge, for the troll of course, had declared it his and made a point of being disagreeable at all times.

"What is in the bag?" he gruffed.

Lewellyn was reluctant to empty out the contents, for he never revealed all of his cards, never made known his mystery.

The troll seized the bag and blithely shook it upside-down. The colored glass rolled down and away and slipped through the slats beneath them, 'plop' into the water. Some gum and some wax, a bib and a bob, a wheel and a bundle of sticks, his hand-painted cards and their replicas fell out.

"Games!" chortled the troll. "I love games!" he stared at Lewellyn expectantly.

Never without opportunity, Lewellyn proceeded to shuffle; for one moment he stopped and stared hard at the troll and said: "I win. . . you must give me. . .", here he paused for he could see no evidence of treasure upon the troll - the troll continued for him: "Freedom".

"You win" continued Lewellyn, "and I must give you. . .", here he was interrupted again:

"Your hands!", blurted the troll.

"No, no, no!" hastily replied Lewellyn, who did not enjoy the prospect of this chance.

"Your feet!" gruffed the troll.

"No, no, no!" considered the now disturbed gamester.

"Your eyes!" demanded the troll, agitated by the argument.

"Your teeth. . . your hair!"

To this Lewellyn settled upon, "My hair", he sighed and crossed his fingers and breast and recited every lucky charm he could bring to mind.

"Death to the Queen! - I win!" said hairy Troll, for his spade had cut the Red Queen down. But Lewellyn had yet one more to lay down - his Jester.

"I win!" shouted Lewellyn triumphantly (as triumphantly as he could muster verve). But the troll would not have it, he was insistent that the Jester card was ill-gotten and fraudulent, and that he, Troll, was the rightful winner.

"Alright then" said ugly Troll (ugly but fair), "I shall call upon your angel for the truth and she may best decide this."

Having said that he drew himself to full height and clasped one arm around Lewellyn's neck, the other drew blade with startling menace.

"Angel come! Or I shall do an injury you will regret."

Instantly, she appeared.

"Tell me Angel, for you cannot lie - was the game fairly won by Jester or by Spade?"

The Angel heaved a troubled chest and approached the troll, staring eye to eye. She then looked into the mind of Lewellyn to find the truth and then replied:

"If Jesters win,
then Jester won,
as you can see,
this man's a clown!"

She then departed.

This caught the troll's humor like nothing else, and he laughed until his sides cracked.

"I'll take your hair anyway" he replied; and plucked it out, piece by piece, follicle by follicle.

***

When Lewellyn had incited the hope of 'winning' and pitched himself against other men, he had balanced the game in a way that only he would result as the winner. The troll presented this to him, as there was no way he could have been the better fellow, even and especially by means of trickery.

The psychology of 'winning' is little understood. One could suggest that it is special to matters of wealth within the world, and yet it is moreover a spiritual flaw which inhibits a soul from perceiving real providence.

It is dangerous indeed to seek to 'win'. Men are so stimulated they are quick to lose mind of weighted realities. The electronic games, for which there has been much talk of recently, actually have the greater effect upon the individual because of his lust and drive to win. If the component of winning was withdrawn from the stimulus response, the eagerness would dissolve.

To some this may be considered as healthy competitiveness, however we would maintain that no competition is, in the long run, healthy.

When a man seeks to win he immediately divorces himself from all other men. It becomes a relationship of he and the world against whatever opponent. We must realize that the balance of winning is made up by those who lose - even when it comes to simple monetary exchange, the same rules apply.

Some would suggest that at the outset, it can be fair and equal chance, whilst quickly hopeful that the grace of prosperity will smile more favorably upon them. Furthermore they shall cast pledges of the moment in order to 'win' favor with chance. Here we begin to slip.

As men we must develop the strength which avoids speculation and does not place hope in winning undue, unwarranted prizes.

There is a subtle difference between the positive-thinker who can wish the world well, and he who would wish only for personal furtherance. The God-given ability of pre-visioning prosperity is best used - and far more potent - when it is directed with pure intention; pure intention being free from any personal consideration, any whatsoever.

If we are to identify with winning, and not become masters of conduct steadfast and pure, then we will become disappointed and are destined for ruin. This ruin shall be either in madness (resulting from greed) or financial, or health. It is not to say that it is deserved and therefore has cause as recompense, but that it is what it is - inevitable consequence.

For we may set our minds towards hopeful outcomes and look forward to possibilities with great hope and vision, but should we place our intent with valueless wishes (soul-less, loveless, creative-less etc.) then we deteriorate within, our soul no longer connecting with our conscious self. The conscious self can battle to such an extent that this frenzy causes the severance of the incarnating will. The 'plug is pulled' so to speak.

It is a soul-less activity to 'interface' with an electronic medium and set about to win against something, which as the troll, will 'take your hair', whatever the outcome.

Subtle Bodies & the Seaside- 27th December 1992

AND what has the tide washed in today?

We are all beachcombers, waiting upon the thunderous seas to roll in our pickings. Shells and bones and tangled string, plastic string and shells, more shells and bits of shell. . . smooth pebbles and softened glass and foot imprints, and limp seaweed and other objects of fascination. The seaside is a wonderful place!

The tides are decisive, they move in around the rocks and seep into the porous sands. The water glistens as we try to count the peaks of wave and dare to wet our toes.

When men become contrasted by the sea - in close proximity - their subtle body expands; just as in opposite measure the city dweller shrinks into a compact, closed, tight, deflective stance. His corporeal body is impinged upon, and as an anemone, closes up that he may withdraw sufficiently to resist the extraneous impacts.

At the seaside however, one can see in the behavior of a man, how quickly he discards his shoes, the clothes unfurl, the stresses and strains of his tensions discard; and he is prepared for etheric renewal, as his eyes fix the horizon with slackened foci, as his shoulders drop and rise and exuberance returns. To some the effect of this is so complete that they drop to the sand and lie there in a stupor for many hours. For those who may retain their consciousness, they shall go reading or walking, remaining quite upright. The very 'tightened' man may be so overcome that he surrenders to 'sunbathing' all at once, whereas he who is not so extremely unpracticed in this distinction cannot tolerate compromising with sun-forces in this manner.

It is wise to take water to the seaside and sip awhile- those who are prone to becoming dazed and incoherent should take a companion to help keep them coherent. Often as not, a good cold wind is enough to startle them into activity.

What of meditation in different aspects, alongside the sea? So many have sought inspiration in this manner; it is not surprising. For when we go to the water and wish to work in this way - that is we consciously acknowledge that our being has in fact altered in response to the magnetism of this great body - we discover two important conditions:-

Firstly our perception of colors, surrounding colors, does alter. At first one could well believe that the flapping flags are brighter or that the vivid greens of the distant cliff-growth are moreso than afore realized; even on gloomy days the immediate colors are more than appealing, they are quite beautiful. This tells us something of our ability to interpret color which is enhanced.

Secondly, we may become 'tuned' so as to actually be aware of smaller, finer details; and we are effectively 'slower', that we are enabled to appreciate this. For example: a man may be content to observe the sand fall from his fingers repeatedly; and his appreciative observation pleases his being right down to his toes! What would be an unconscious act of nervousness in the city or away from the seaside, becomes an overall experience to the man who is now 'opened' to a slower, more thorough, interpretation.

When these conditions become applied to prayer and meditation the 'expanded' man becomes consciously closer to that condition he experiences in 'twilight' sleep (sleep just before dozing or waking). This is why the faculties of spiritual perception are enhanced to those who are within a certain distance from the sea. This too can bring us to an insight into the many racial characteristics of those of the desert compared to those of the fishermen. So too, we can observe the marked differences in the men of the navy and the tales they would tell!

To swim or be alongside a swimming pool is simply beyond comparison. It is true to say that the water of a swimming pool shall absorb much light and become etherically permeated twice daily, however the properties of magnetic currency in connection with our own subtle responses are not sufficient to effect such exchange as described above.

Yes it is true, that the mystery plays which were conducted in open theaters along the coast, were experienced and appreciated with much higher levels, than the men attending would have been brought to otherwise. What a marvelous venue to give lectures or hold meetings; providing of course, that the substance of such, was worthy of enlightened consideration.

The beings that invisibly inhabit the sea, promote exclusion of men and rarely welcome them in. However there are exceptions, great exceptions of those, who by Venusian attribute would help a drowning man, or steer or stabilize the wayward boat. For the main part however, the sea is foreign territory, which by its nature shall never be fully explored by men, but shall retain its secrets in depth and distance. For upon the Globe there is contained two worlds in one: that of the upper portion: dry land, and that of the sea, which is primarily inhospitable to Man.

The watery mass is of course essential to many ecologies, it also contains largely remnants of the 'old world' which are manifest in lower life, and examples of 'form' expressed and tried, but not quite proven. There are floating, living 'organs', not dissimilar to dismembered bodies, where the individual parts swim and sustain themselves, distant to fellow parts. There are plants that would become crustaceans and crustaceans which are characteristically more as plants. There is an environ of harbored aggression; there are also the weak, the meek and the cute!

Do the fish perceive the water as we would, visually? The sea creatures exhibit various degrees of consciousness (not self-consciousness) within the physical world, and for the main part do not require sunshine to see the sunshine, which is already component to the very water they swim in. They are more etherically aware, so to speak, than physically entailed. It is as we are in reverse. We too dwell concurrently, but major our perception in the physical world. However, their advance into developing physical bodies is not so complete, and they 'dream on' into existence.

There are men who crave the watery experience - in boats, in diving and so forth - and these men are sympathetic to those changes of expansion and feel the need for such personal correction. Furthermore, we can find that simply by being alongside the sea, certain personal troubles - be they afflictions of body or spirit - are completely eased and afforded rectification.

For by such expansion we are 'opened' to renewal and also permeated with etheric light, revitalizing the body/bodies throughout. This in any measure feels good. The heinous discharge is carried away - usually through feet to water - and the man is afforded 'soul-time' where he may slow his pulse, and strengthen his heart.

So by all means twiddle toes in the sand; and know that as far as your eyes can view out to the horizon of the sea, so far your subtle body goes too. . . free to stretch out and bathe under those distant clouds.

Holy Springs- 26th December 1992

RETROSPECTIVELY, the oceans move their uppermost bulk with a singular sway. As men we have divided the bays and the seas by characteristics attributable, so distinguished and named. Is the water as one body, or is there differentiation? Why is saltwater the plasma of the Earth, whilst pure water is the vitality of all physical being?

In Antioch there is a vessel to which it was attributed to have held Christ's tears. They were not salty. He had cried proficiently, but never at any time enough to have filled a cup.

There have been many a holy spring and fountain historically, where miraculous events have been effected thereby. From such revered wells the water expired was quite different to that of ordinary water: the occasioning of it being there in the first instance, and the immense vitality and healing properties, in the second.

Quite often it is Mary the Apostate who is envisioned beside these enfleurages of Heaven. 
 

Water is not contained within the Earth's atmosphere- it comes and goes as it pleases. It has residue upon departing, but evaporation and dispersement do not account for its passage into and out of this world. If one were to measure the weight or capacity, they could find remarkable shifts in this regard. Just as in a sealed test tube one may inspire water - beginning as moisture droplets, until the glass is quite full. It could be said that water is liquid sunlight, literally. The sunlight can call forth the water, as the pitch in the spectrum is as a transformation: the one upon the other.

And we are beings of light in flesh; we are water and warmth - thus light transmuted.

The water which flows from the holy springs is water which comes directly from Heaven. This is what makes it so special. There are such pockets within the world, where there is an entrance, albeit small, connecting directly with the etheric world.

The beings who inspire such fountains wish only to bring supplication to a troubled world. Quite often their accompanying message is fraught with warnings of evil's consequences; usually because they themselves have very sad tales to tell, and mournfully repent their ills.


Tri-laterally the hen warms her egg.  

The spore of a dandelion sucks light into its duodenum. (It is like the center of an asterisk.)

Men are impassioned with a mix of effervescent experiences of being, coloring the moment - rarely the simple expression.

All dogs wag tails like a handshake in reverse.