The Serpent – As A Symbol(Mythology and Mysticism)

Joseph Panek

The Serpent is perhaps the most enigmatic Symbol in mythology,
religion and mysticism.

It is worshiped, honored and respected by civilizations and
indigenous cultures, both ancient and modern, throughout the
entire world. And even those of us who detest gazing upon a
Serpent become spell-bound by its hypnotic movements.

Its slithering, wavy movements are identical to the shapes of
Rivers. Therefore, its wavy pattern was used by the Ancient
Egyptians for their hieroglyph for Water. Its wavy pattern, when
used in a dualistic pair, is also the Symbol for the Constellation
of Aquarius, the “Water Bearer”.

And as the Serpent was the original ancient archetype assigned
to the Constellation Draco, it is also associated with the “branches”
of the World Tree along with the Great Cosmic Sea of the heavens
as well. In this heavenly aspect it is referred to as the “Cosmic
Serpent”.

As the movement of the Serpent is Symbolic of the shape of Rivers,
and the movement of Water through Rivers is Symbolic of the “flow
of Time“, the Serpent is also a Symbol for the various Cycles and
Incarnations which permeate the cosmic and earthly realms. We
find this Cyclical Symbolism represented by the ancient Symbol of
the Ouroboros; the Serpent devouring its own tail which reminds us
that as one Cycle comes to its end, or is “swallowed up”, the next
Cycle is preparing itself to begin.

The Serpent also sheds its own skin in its annual renewal. This
shedding is a Symbol for transformation, re-Incarnation, Change
and renewal; whereby an old and expired era, Cycle or Incarnation
is shed for a new and rejuvenated one; one stage of life is shed for
another; and one type of existence (physical and material) is shed
for its next higher aspect of existence (spiritual and sublime).

In this respect the shedding of the Serpent’s skin is also Symbolic
of an individual’s various Rites of Passage in which he or she
engages during their Current Incarnation. And, in a more sublime
aspect, the shedding of the Serpent’s skin is also Symbolic of the
Path of the Initiate who sheds his, or her, prior state of being in
their Ladder-like progression through higher and higher realms of
Awareness until Ascension into the realm of Spiritual Illumination
is finally attained.

The twisting shapes of the two Serpents around a central staff,
depicted in the physician’s Caduceus, is Symbolic of both the
DNA matrix and the Kundalini energy which entwines itself around
our spinal column.

However, on a much higher Symbolic plane, the dancing and
entwining Serpents Symbolized by the Caduceus represent the
Spiritual DNA which is the the Breath of Life that permeates all
realms of the physical, mental and spiritual cosmos.

It is interesting to note that the Serpents which are Symbolized
and held in high esteem by both the Ancient Egyptians, the native
cultures of the Americas and all other native and indigenous races
are always poisonous. This is Symbolic of both the Initiatory and
physical “deaths” which must be necessarily experienced at the
various stages of an individual’s Incarnation so that “birth” into 
higher realms and orders can be attained.

This is further Symbolized by the fact that the same poisonous
Serpent’s venom which can end a person’s life is the same venom
which is used to create a serum which can also save a person’s
life; thereby signifying the Initiatory and Spiritual re-birth and
salvation (serum) which a worthy and well-qualified Initiate receives
once their transformative “death” (venom) has been accepted and
experienced.

The “reared-up” and “ready to strike” pose of both the cobra and
the rattlesnake is also Symbolic of its deadly protective, watchful
and defensive posture which warns all unworthy trespassers who
approach that “thou shalt not pass nor intrude”.

We see this protective pose of the cobra displayed in the uraeus
worn by Egyptian pharaohs. The uraeus is a royal protective band
which encircles the pharaoh’s head at the level of the pineal gland,
or “third-eye”. The rearing cobra extends forth from the uraeus as
if emerging from the “third eye” chakra. The cobra’s hood is flaring
out in a ready-to-attack protective posture signifying its readiness
to protect the pharaoh.

The band of the uraeus is the protective coil of the cobra which
warns the curious, the non-Initiated and the un-worthy to keep
their distance.

However, there is a higher Symbolism attached to the uraeus.

The pharaoh was a Temple Initiate who was Instructed in the
highest Esoteric mysteries of the physical and mystical arts and
sciences. In addition, the pharaoh was entrusted with defending his,
or her, nation and people from all dangers and enemies which may
attack Egypt from either within or without. In this respect the
pharaoh was considered to be, and was worshiped as, the
physical manifestation of Horus. Horus is the Divine Neter who
was identified with defensiveness, protectiveness, higher Wisdom
and direct ascension.

Therefore the uraeus, which is Symbolic of the encircling coils of
the cobra, represented the protective Circle which defended the
pharaoh’s higher mind, higher faculties and higher level of
Awareness.

The hooded cobra leaning forth from the uraeus not only
Symbolized the kundalini energy emerging from the “third eye”
chakra of the pharaoh but was also a warning to all who were
not worthy or well qualified to keep their distance from the
higher mind and higher Wisdom which were encircled and
protected within the coils of the uraeus.

Now here is another interesting Symbolism connected with the
Serpent: The Serpent Nailed to the Cross.

Many of us have seen drawings and artwork of either a Serpent
nailed to a cross or a Serpent hung upon a cross and perhaps
have wondered to ourselves what this Symbolism could possibly
mean.

The Serpent nailed to a cross is Symbolically similar to The Christ
nailed to the cross.

The cross, having four extensions, is the Symbol for matter and the
materialistic world; four being the number representing matter.

As the Serpent sheds its old skin to take on a renewed skin, it is
therefore the Symbol of re-Incarnation; the shedding of an old,
used-up life for a new existence.

Being nailed to a cross is Symbolic of the Serpent shedding its
final skin (body) and leaving it behind in the world of matter (the
cross). At this point, the physical re-Incarnations of the Serpent
have come to an end.

Likewise, The Christ being nailed to the cross (the realm of matter)
represents the final leaving behind of His physical body in the
realm of matter, never requiring to re-Incarnate in the earthly plain
ever again.

This Symbolizes the final separation of His soul from His physical
body as He has attained complete Enlightenment, Illumination and
Awareness and has now Ascended into the higher, or even highest,
Spiritual Realms having never again to experience the ongoing and
repetitive Lessons of the mundane, physical realm.

And as a final Thought: The Serpent is a unitary creature. It has no
limbs. When laid out straight it representative of the number “one”.
One is the number which represents Divine Unity; The All.

However, when the Serpent sticks out its tongue, its tongue is
forked. The forked-tongue represents the number “two”. Two is the
number for duality; which can also be Symbolized by the cloven-
hoof.

Therefore the Serpent reminds us that from Divine Unity (The All)
emerges the realm of duality. And just as the Serpent creates
duality when it sticks out its tongue, it also returns duality back
into itself when it retracts its tongue.

This is a teaching which is found in many ancient texts: The Divine
One creates the temporary, illusory world of duality and when Time
is up, Divine Unity retracts the temporal realms of duality back into
itself.

See also: “Draco: Constellation Of The Cosmic Serpent”

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2012

Thoth – The Ibis-Headed Egyptian Neter (God):Symbolism, Mythology and Mysticism

Joseph Panek

Thoth is one of the oldest Neters, or deities, worshipped in Ancient
Egypt where he also was called Djehuti.

Thoth is usually portrayed as having the body of a man and the
head of an ibis. The man’s body tells us that he represents
masculine aspects of nature. The head of the ibis tells us that
Thoth is associated with the principles and aspects of this bird
which was sacred to the Ancient Egyptians.

Thoth was later called Hermes by the Greeks and Mercury by the
Romans. Therefore the aspects attributed to both Hermes and
Mercury are the same attributes which were originally attributed to
Thoth.

Thoth is the deity who is recognized for bestowing all arts and
sciences unto mankind. This includes, but is not limited to,
art, music, writing, speech, communication, Words, Symbols,
numbers, mathematics, geometry, counting, measuring, land
surveying, astronomy, astrology, science, logic, medicine,
magic and the mystical arts.

It is because Thoth bestowed such an enormous amount of
knowledge and Wisdom upon humanity that he was recognized
and honored as a great magician. This is made clear to us by
one of the titles originally attributed to him: Ur heka.

When we analyze the title Ur heka we get the following definition:
Ur translates as first, original or primary. Heka is the Egyptian
Neter (god / Divine Principle) of Magic.

Therefore, Ur heka translates thusly: “The original Neter, or the
original Divine Principle, of Magic”. This tells us that Thoth is the
primal or primary source (a “fountain” – if you will) from which all
of theLessons and secrets of the cosmos are made available to
mankind.

It is important at this point that we define and understand the
true original meaning of the words Magic, Magician and Magi.

A Magician is someone who is the master of magic; a master
of mysteries both terrestrial and celestial. Someone who
understands and is able to make use of the secret powers and
energies that are constantly flowing within and between the
cosmic and earthly realms.

This includes, but again is not limited to, the mastery of herbs,
potions, healing practices and purification practices along with a
thorough knowledge of all the arts and sciences mentioned above.

Magic, in its true original sense, is the knowledge and
understanding of not only the movements of the universe and the
Cycles of Time, but also the secret and sacred powers and
forces contained within all things celestial and terrestrial…hidden
and tangible…visible and invisible…esoteric and exoteric.

Magi is the plural of Magician. And, in Christian lore, we find the
Three Magi, or Three Wise men, bringing gifts to the Christ child
of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh.

We are now beginning to understand what a powerful deity
Thoth was to the Ancient Egyptians. However, there is more to
this Neter Thoth, much more.

Thoth, as a bestower of all primordial knowledge and Wisdom,
is portrayed with a man’s body; for the act of bestowing is a
masculine aspect of nature.

And because the knowledge and Wisdom he bestowed to mankind
occurred in the realm of duality – the realm of Cycles, Time,
movement and measurement – Thoth was portrayed with the head
of the ibis bird; a bird which also has many additional attributes
and behaviors which are also Symbolic of the knowledge and
Wisdom associated with this beneficient deity, Thoth.

The beak of the ibis is curved, or crescent-shaped; a shape which
is Symbolic of the Moon. This tells us that Thoth is a lunar deity.
Now the question may arise, “but isn’t the Moon a feminine aspect
of nature?”. The answer is “yes”.

However, as all creation occupies the realm of duality, no one
“thing” is either wholly masculine or feminine. All masculine
aspects contain a feminine portion, and all feminine aspects
contain a masculine portion. This is portrayed for us within the
Symbol of Yin and Yang.

Although the Moon is receptive to the light of the Sun (a feminine
aspect), once that light radiates from the Moon in order to
eventually penetrate into the Earth it then becomes a masculine
aspect; similar to the masculine aspect of the sunlight radiating
from the Sun.

The curved beak of the ibis is Symbolic of the crescent-shape
of the Moon which we are all familiar with. The Moon is crescent-
shaped for the majority of its visible time; either the lighted portion
is in a crescent shape, or the dark portion is in a crescent shape.

It is this crescent shape of the Moon, which changes in measure
every night, that Symbolizes the marking, or “notching”, of Time
during either its waxing or waning phases. Lunar calendars, from
the beginning of history, are calculated and measured based
upon the different nightly appearances, or phases, of the Moon.

This cyclical “marking of time”, which is a lunar aspect, is
Symbolic of mathematics, counting, measuring, and numbers;
aspects which are attributed to Thoth. By using a celestial body,
the Moon, to accomplish these “markings” the sciences of
astronomy and astrology also become associated with Thoth.

The ibis is also a wading bird. It therefore has its head above the
water, its legs in the water and its feet firmly planted in the earth
below.

Symbolically, these aspects of the ibis represent the following:

The head, which is also a Symbol for the mind, occupies the
higher realm of Air. And the Element of Air represents the realm
of Thoughts, the super-conscious, the spiritual, and the heavenly.
Air also contains the unseen realm of Aether wherein all creative
aspects of the arts and sciences reside; aspects associated with
Thoth.

The legs occupy the realm of Water. Water represents the
Sub-Conscious: the realm of intuition, feelings and insight

The feet are firmly planted into the ground below the Water.
The ground represents the Earth along with everything associated
with the Earth. This includes the visible and consious realm above
the Earth’s surface along with the unseen realm below the Earth’s
surface: the underworld. The unseen realm of the underworld is
what the Ancient Egyptians associated with the twilight realm of
our spiritual respite between Incarnations.

Thus, by way of the Symbolism of the ibis, Thoth represents the
power and ability to maneuver comfortably within, and Travel freely
and unimpeded throughout, all realms of creation: the unseen
realms of the spiritual, mental, and Sub-Conscious (Aether, Air and
Water), the visible realm of matter (Earth), and the twilight realm of
the Underworld.

Another aspect of the ibis is that, as it probes the water looking for
bugs and insects to feed upon, it appears to be drawing designs
upon the surface of the water; a behavior which makes it appear
as if it is writing, painting, drawing or creating heiroglyphs – aspects
which are also associated with Thoth.

Most of us are familiar with Hermes; the later Greek aspect of Thoth.
Hermes is the Greek god who has wings on his feet and helmet and
is referred to as “the messenger of the gods”. Hermes, like Thoth,
is one of the very few deities who could travel freely and unrestricted
throughout all three realms of nature: heaven (Mount Olympus: home
of the gods), earth and the underworld. And because he was able to
travel unimpeded throughout all realms he was recognized, and
worshipped, as the guardian of roads and travelers.

There is an esoteric Lesson contained within this particular aspect
of Thoth-Hermes: in freely traveling between the underworld and the
earthly realm Thoth-Hermes is the Neter, or Divine Principle, who
assists us in entering and exiting, without restriction, our
Sub-Conscious (our underworld) in order to obtain all the knowledge,
Wisdom and information which is contained and hidden within this
realm.

In addition, this Divine Principle, Thoth-Hermes, is the Spiritual
Guide who we can call upon to assist us in accessing the higher,
and highest, realms of consciousness in order to obtain whatever
enlightenment we may be Seeking from these higher realms.

Also as “Messenger of the gods”, Thoth-Hermes is the diety who
shares information (communication) not only between the gods,
but also between heaven and earth (mental and spiritual messages),
and the underworld and earth (Sub-Conscious messages) as well.
In this aspect he is the Messenger, the Bringer, the Communicator
to mankind of all Cosmic Laws, Divine Principles, Spiritual Truths,
and Esoteric (hidden) Knowledge.

Among the numerous titles assigned to Thoth we find the following:

Inventor of Writing, Keeper of Records, Scribe of Truth, Record
Keeper of the Underworld, Lord of Wisdom, Creator of Sacred
Words and of Secret Writing, God of Chronology, God of
Counting, and Inventor of Hieroglyphic Writing

Thoth, as the “marker of time” is often depicted holding the stem
of a palm leaf. This stem contains sharply pointed protrusions on
both sides of the stem. These protrusions are equally spaced
along the length of the stem and are similar therefore to our
modern day ruler or yardstick.

Thoth is often portrayed as “notching time”, etching counts,
marking Events, recording historical deeds and measuring the
rulership of a pharaoh or the life-span of an individual into the
stem of a palm leaf.

Again this “notching”, or “counting”, or “marking” is Symbolically
similar to the crescent-shape changes of the waxing and waning
moon as it passes through the nightly phases of its cycle.

Ancient Egyptian art in the Egyptian Book of the Dead contains
the scene of Thoth “notching”, or recording, the result of the
Ritual called the Weighing of the Heart as the heart of the recently
deceased pharaoh is weighed against the Feather of Maat.

As previously mentioned, the Roman Mercury is the modern day
counter part of Egyptian Thoth. Mercury is associated with the
mind and therefore controls communication, information, thought,
clear thinking, reasoning, logic, negotiation and discrimination;
all of which are aspects of Thoth.

Mercury is also the astrological ruler of the constellation Gemini.
Gemini is a dual sign (Castor and Pollux). Mercury, as ruler of a
dual sign, enables those who are truly in Harmony with Mercury,
and therefore Thoth, to properly evaluate both sides of any issue
and communicate correctly.

Hermes is also the source of the modern term “hermetically sealed”
which also means “tightly sealed”. Therefore, esoterically,
“tightly sealed” refers to anything which is hidden or Secret –
an aspect of the dark side of the Moon (Lunar Thoth). In this case
it refers to hidden or secret knowledge and information (both Thoth
aspects) which can only be opened by, or revealed to, a select
worthy Initiate.

The mythologies, Symbolism, mysticism and mysteries which are
associated with Thoth, and his later Greek and Roman counterparts
of Hermes and Mercury, are far too vast to be covered in one single
article.

Therefore, those who are interested in discovering further, and
similarly deep, aspects of this ancient and powerful deity named
Thoth, along with his later counterparts Hermes and Mercury, will
find themselves informed, amazed and enlightened should they
Choose to delve into the legends, mythologies and lore of this
ancient, dynamic and powerful Egyptian Neter.

Added on December 24, 2012:
As the Moon is the reflector of the Sun’s perpetual light, the light
which supplies brightness to the dark night, Thoth, as a moon-god,
Symbolizes the reflection of Divine Light. And, in this aspect, he
is the bringer, or conduit, of all eternal Truth, Wisdom and
knowledge (light, enlightenment) to mankind.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2012

The Egyptian Ankh (As A Symbol)

Joseph Panek


“Everyone who is seriously involved in the pursuit
of science becomes convinced that a spirit is
manifest in the laws of the universe, one that
is vastly superior to that of man.”
– Albert Einstein

The deeper we look into Nature, the more we come to the
realization that there is an invisible life force which permeates
all realms of creation. This mysterious life force, or Key of Life,
was acknowledged, honored and respected by the Ancient
Egyptians and was depicted in their artwork and hieroglyphs
by way of the Symbol of the Ankh.

The Ankh, which represents the eternal process of creating,
consists of a T-Shaped Cross surmounted by a Loop.

The T-Shaped Cross Symbolizes the masculine active Seed.
The Loop Symbolizes the feminine receptive Womb.

These two principles, when united, bring forth creation, birth
and Events throughout all of the seen and unseen realms of
the universe.

The “T”, as the the masculine aspect of creation, is similar
to the Symbolism of the Tau cross, the double-headed Axe
and the hammer of Thor. All of these Symbols contain Three
extremities. Three is the first masculine number. Three also
represents the Trinity of Creation.

The Loop, as the feminine aspect of creation, is Symbolic of the
birth passageway from which all created, or manifested, life
emerges.

When the Tau Cross and the Loop are combined they form the
image of a key; a key which the Egyptian Neters, the Divine
Principles of Nature, hold in their hands.

The Ankh, or Key of Life, therefore Symbolizes the eternal process
of continual creation and perpetual manifestation by way of the
union of masculine and feminine aspects of Divinity.

In this respect the Ankh is the Breath of Life, the Hermetic Logos
and the Aether of the Alchemists which instills life (the soul), into
all living matter. Therefore it also represents the Spiritual DNA
which stands forever ready to manifest life throughout all of the
visible and invisible realms of the cosmos.

This ever-present and ever-active life force, Symbolized by the
Ankh, is eternally and perpetually alive and available throughout
all realms of the cosmos. It is a Power which exists whether or not
mental or physical “life” is currently being manifested at any specific
point in the universe.

In Egyptian artwork we often see one of the Neters holding the
Ankh to the nostrils of a person. This gesture, on behalf of a
specific Neter, is the bestowing of the “breath of life” to that
particular person. This is Symbolic of the “breath of life”, or soul,
which enters into our body at birth and which will eventually leave
our body when our Current Incarnation comes to its end.

We also see artwork of Neters gazing into Mirrors which are
in the shape of the Ankh through which they can view the
reflections, results and Consequences of the persons, places,
things and Events into which they have temporarily instilled
the “breath of life”.

Egyptian men and women wore amulets in the shape of the
Ankh in honor of this Divine Creative Process and also to serve
as a reminder to be cautious of the Consequences which can
result from Thoughts, deeds, Words and Actions which they
are responsible for “giving life to”.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2012

The Rainbow – As A Symbol

Joseph Panek


“Somewhere over the Rainbow,
way up high
There’s a land that I heard of,
once in a lullaby.
…Birds fly over the Rainbow,
why then, oh why can’t I?”
-lyrics: “Over the Rainbow”, from “Wizard of Oz”

A Rainbow is one of the most beautiful artistic creations that
Nature herself can paint for us. When we are given the
opportunity to view a Rainbow we become mesmerized and
enchanted by the breathtaking Beauty which appears in the
untouchable distance; a Beauty which comes to us directly
from the paintbrush of Divinity.

All four of Nature’s Elements participate in the creation of the
Rainbow: Fire, Earth, Air and Water.

The Rainbow is created by the first rays of the Sun (Fire)
piercing through the heavenly dew (Water) which is still
suspended in the sky above (Air) after a rainstorm. And the
Rainbow touches the ground below (Earth) at both ends of its
majestic arc.

The Symbolism of the Rainbow is both rich and ancient.

As a bridge:

First of all, the Rainbow looks just like a bridge which links two
parts of the earth. However, as the highest point of the Rainbow
touches the heavens, it also represents a link, or bridge, between
the Spiritual realm above with the realm of matter below.

In this respect the Rainbow, as a bridge, is a pathway, a Ladder,
or an intermediary by which Spirit can descend into matter and
matter can ascend back to Spirit. It also represents the link through
which the worlds of Spirit and matter can communicate with each
other.

And, as being a link between heaven and earth, or gods and mortals,
it therefore represents the colorful medium through which Divine
Speech, Word and Instruction is bestowed upon humanity.

As a journey’s end:

The leprechaun’s legendary and mystical “pot of Gold” is to be
found at the end of the Rainbow. The leprechaun wears a green
jacket and green is the color of the evergreen, or eternal. It is
also the color of fertility and abundance. Gold is a Symbol for
the untarnishable and the incorruptible. Therefore the leprechaun’s
“pot of Gold” represents the pure and eternal replenishment of
abundance and fertility, the Cornucopia, which abounds throughout
Nature’s realm.

Noah saw a Rainbow at the end of the great and turbulent Flood
which signified the end of his voyage and a return to calmness and
peace. In this respect the Rainbow is also a Symbol for cleansing.

As A Symbol for Cleansing:

As the Rainbow only appears after stormy skies, it is a Symbol
for the restoration of cosmic order.

As celestial rain is necessary for the skies to be cleansed and
the Earth to be nourished the Rainbow Symbolizes Divinity’s
cleansing and fertilizing Cycle. This Cycle ushers in the next
period of Nature’s growth and rebirth.

And, just as turbulent storms are necessary for Nature to
cleanse and feed the Earth, so too are emotional storms
necessary in our lives in order to cleanse away our burdens
and feed our souls.

In this respect the Rainbow also Symbolizes the peace and
calmness which comes to us at the end of unsettling periods of
our lives.

For, after our emotional tears are finally drained from us our Road
ahead becomes clear, our Rainbow is shining above it, and the
Path we must follow toward our objective, our “pot of Gold”, now
Becomes clear to us.

Colors Of The Rainbow:

A seven-colored Rainbow is created when invisible light passes
through Water particles in the sky.

The seven colors of the Rainbow are also brought into view when
invisible light passes through a prism.

This passing of invisible light through either Water particles or a
prism Symbolizes the manifestation of Spirit into matter. It is the
manifested “appearance” of invisible Deity in the physical realm.

When we gaze upon a Rainbow we are granted a brief glance at
one of the beautiful physical aspects of the Divine Unknowable.

The seven colors of the Rainbow represent the seven spheres, or
seven Heavens, through which Spirit descends in order to become
physical matter.

The seven colors of the Rainbow are also the colors associated
with the seven Chakras. From base to crown, the seven colors of
the Chakras are: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and
violet.

And just as these seven colors are the manifestation of invisible
Deity through either dewy skies or a prism, so too do these
seven colors of our Chakras represent the manifestation of
invisible Divinity within each one of us as our Atman, or God within.

Here is an interesting note: although we are taught that the Three
primary colors are red, yellow and blue, there is a fourth primary
color, indigo, which is the color associated with our “third eye”
Chakra.

Primary means something which is first or original; something
which cannot be created from something else; something
unique and therefore “god-like”. And it is in this respect that the
color indigo represents the “god-like” power which exists within
the pineal gland of our “third-eye” Chakra.

The Second Inverted Rainbow:

From Wikipedia: Although most people will not notice it because
they are not actively looking for it, a dim secondary rainbow is
often present outside the primary bow. Secondary rainbows are
caused by a double reflection of sunlight inside the raindrops, and
appear at an angle of 50–53°. As a result of the second reflection,
the colours of a secondary rainbow are inverted compared to the
primary bow, with blue on the outside and red on the inside. The
secondary rainbow is fainter than the primary because more light
escapes from two reflections compared to one and because the
rainbow itself is spread over a greater area of the sky. The dark
area of unlit sky lying between the primary and secondary bows
is called Alexander’s band, after Alexander of Aphrodisias who
first described it.

The 50-53 degree angle of the Rainbow is also similar to the
angle, or outer slope, of the Great Pyramid which is approximately
51.85 degrees. Therefore, much of the Symbolism associated
with the Great Pyramid also applies to the Rainbow.
(See: “Egyptian Pyramid, Part 1” and “Egyptian Pyramid, Part 2“)

The second Rainbow is both nearly invisible and its colors are
inverted. Its near-invisibility offers us, and Symbolizes, a short-lived
glimpse of the manifestation of Divinity into the usually invisible
Spiritual realm.

Its inverted colors Symbolize both the Mirror and the process of
ascension and descension.

As all Mirrors are a reflection, in reverse, of that which is being
reflected, the visible Rainbow is a reflection and earthly
manifestation of the seldom visible Spiritual Rainbow. Just as
Spirit manifests into matter, so too does the Spiritual Rainbow
manifest itself into the visible physical Rainbow; but in a reverse
colored order.

As we experience ascension through the progression of our
Chakras from red to violet, Spirit experiences descension
(manifestation) into the physical realm by way of the seven colored
spheres, or Chakras, of violet to red.

Therefore, the colors of the seldom seen, and nearly invisible,
second Rainbow Symbolize the order of descent of Spirit into
matter. The colors of the visible Rainbow Symbolize the order
of ascent of matter back into Spirit.

Closing Thoughts and Observations:

The Rainbow is the result, or manifestation, of the union of
Sun-light (Superconscious illumination and enlightenment) with
Water (the Great Sub-Conscious and the Mysterious Unknown).

As the Rainbow only appears after turbulent storms it is a
Symbol of the cleansing process which heralds in new life, new
creation and new Times.

As the chameleon can change its body color into any of the
seven colors of the Rainbow, it is associated with the Rainbow.

Rainbow-colored ribbons are used by Shamans when they
“journey into the sky” by way of their trance-like astral voyages.
It is during these meditative journeys that the Shaman raises his,
or her, consciousness to a higher state of awareness in order
to transit into the higher Spiritual realms for divinitory purposes.

The seven Chakra colors of the Rainbow also represent the
ultimate state of transformation we can experience during
meditation whereby all of the visible colors of manifestation,
from densest to purest, are transformed back into invisible and
pre-manifested light; a process through which we can experience
a return to the Oneness of paradise.

And finally, from Dictionary of Symbolism by Hans Biedermann,
pages 277-8, we have the following:

In ancient Greece Iris was the virginal rainbow goddess, rushing
down from Mount Olympus to communicate to mortals the
commands of Zeus and Hera; Iris is portrayed with WINGS and
the CADUCEUS, clothed in the “iridescent” dew. (The similarly
iridescent pigmented membrane of the eye is thus called the “iris”.)

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2012

Amnion, Amniotic Fluid, and Amnesia(Past Life Recall)

Joseph Panek


“Through memory we travel against time,
through forgetfulness we follow its course.”
– Joseph Joubert

The amnion is the membrane which surrounds and protects the
unborn fetus while in the womb.

Amniotic fluid is the fluid which protects and nurtures the fetus,
and allows it movement, while it is within the amnion.

Amnesia is a loss of recall whereby a person is unable to
remember a part of, or the entirety of, their life.

Now what do the words amnion, amniotic fluid and amnesia
have in common with each other?

To start with, each of these words have the same root beginning:
amn.

Prior to entering our Current Incarnation our Spirit resided in the
realm of Unity; an Unknowable and sublime realm of Beauty and
oneness within The All.

Ancient teachings speak of the process of Incarnation and
re-Incarnation which our Spirits participate in, and experience.

Furthermore, these teachings also inform us that our Incarnations
contain past lives, future lives and our current life. Also, we are
Instructed that we may be experiencing many simultaneous
Current Incarnations in various different realms and parallel
universes.

And, because Time has an entirely different nature in the Spiritual
realm, it is also possible that all of our Incarnations ( past, present
and future ) may be all happening at the same Time.

And, if all of this is not mind-boggling enough, ancient teachings
further inform us that we may have Chosen the specific aspects of
the Incarnation we are currently experiencing.

This means that, prior to descent into matter, our Spirit actually
Chose the physical Time, the planetary location, the historical
Events, and even the parents we Decided to be born to in this
Current Incarnation of ours.

Ancient teachings further inform us that, except for Avatars,
Incarnations and re-Incarnations are participated in by Spirits not
only for the purpose of experiencing the physical world of duality
but also for working off, and Learning to rid ourselves of, all of the
accumulated Karma from our Past, and even possibly future,
Incarnations.

Once our physical experiences are ended and all Karma has been
worked away our Spirit is no longer subject to re-Incarnations in
this realm. At that point we either come to dwell in a much higher
realm or we ascend to the ultimate realm of The All.

Matter cannot exist without Spirit (See: “Spirit and Matter“). At the
moment of conception Spirit and sperm Become one in the egg of
the womb. The sperm grows into the fetus which lives within the
amniotic fluid, which is within the amnion, which is within the womb
of the mother.

The fetus spends approximately nine-months within the amnion.
After this Time the fetus breaks free of the amnion, leaves the
womb, and enters the world of duality as a newborn child.

But, what is happening to the fetus while it is dwelling within the
amniotic fluid, which is within the amnion, which is within the womb?
This is a very interesting question, and mystery, to ponder!

Let us explore a theory…a scenario.

Let us suppose that we have Chosen the Time, location, historical
period and parents of our Current Incarnation; all of which are
designed  to work off past Karma, refine our spirit, and rid ourselves
of Sin.

Then, as with any other journey we venture into, this would mean
that we have come into our Current Incarnation with all the
necessary tools and skills required to experience this Incarnation
and work out all of our past Karma and Sin. These tools and skills
would be already contained within the Divine Nature of our unique
personality; our Ba; our Atman.

Therefore, taking this one step further, if we come into our Current
Incarnation with all the skills and tools that we need this also
means that the experiences of our past Incarnations are already
a part of the Spiritual DNA which accompanies us into our
Current Incarnation.

This Spiritual DNA, which contains the building blocks and
substance of our personality, can be further referred to as the
attitude and Destiny (our objective, or “to-do” list if you will) which
accompanies us into our Current Incarnation.

Now we come to a big question:

If we come into our Current Incarnation with all the tools and skills
we require, what is the purpose of the Amnesia which erases from
our consciousness not only the Memory of the sublime realm of
Spirit, but also the Memory of all of our past lives?

And the answer is that Amnesia, the loss of recall of both the
Spirit realm and past lives, is necessary if we are to fulfill the
mission and Destiny of our Current Incarnation.

In regards to Memory of the Spirit realm:

Amnesia protects us from remembering the sublime Beauty of the
Spiritual Paradise which our Spirit has temporarily left in order to
enter into and experience our Current Incarnation.

For, if we were to Remember the sublime Beauty of the Spiritual
realm while in our Current Incarnation, we may be severely tempted
to end our Current Incarnation before the mission and purpose of
our Incarnation is complete.

We hear of many individuals, especially children, who want to
commit suicide after having a near death experience whereby the
Veil between their physical and Spiritual realms has been lifted
and they once again see the Beautiful realm they left when they
entered their current physical existence.

Amnesia, in this instance, is necessary if we are to complete the
task for which we entered this Current Incarnation of ours.

In regards to Memory of Past Lives:

Think of how cluttered up our minds would be if we could recall
every mistake, every foolish act, and every painful Memory we
both performed and experienced in all of our Past Lives

Then think of the powerful emotions, and melancholy, that can
possess us when we visit, or perhaps just simply think about,
the people and places of our distant Past; people and places
we may not have visited, or thought about, for decades.

Now compound this melancholy with the highly emotional
Thoughts of people and places from an infinitude of Past Lives;
people and places both tender and haunting; people and
places which are now forever closed to us, yet still Remembered
through Past Life Recall.

These Remembrances would be more of a hindrance than an
asset to us in our current journey. We would be so overwhelmed,
haunted, confused, obsessed, tormented, and burdened by these
Past-Life Memories that we would never be able to accomplish the
objectives we set forth for ourselves when we Chose to enter
our Current Incarnation.

Therefore, is it possible that the Amniotic Fluid we exist in while
in the womb is not only a fluid that protects and nurtures us but
is also a fluid of un-remembrance; a fluid that gives us Amnesia
from remembering not only our past lives but the Beauty and
magnificence of the Spirit Realm as well?

With all these Thoughts taken into consideration, the final
questions are these:

Considering the Divine Process of Amnesia which our fetus
experiences while in the Amnion, is it in our best interest to
attempt Past Life Recalls where all of our questions lie?

Or, is it much healthier, grander and beneficial for us to Learn
how to tap into and access the Great Subconscious (something
also referred to as the Akashic Records) where all the answers
of Eternity lie?

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2012

The Known, The Unknown and The Unknowable(Mysticism, Spirituality and Symbolism)

Joseph Panek


“You control the barrier between your consciousness
and what you seek. You merely need to open your mind.
The truth is, all knowledge, everything that is and was
and will be, is everywhere — out there, and in all of us.”
– Oma Desala (to Daniel Jackson)
Stargate SG1, “Reckoning, Part 1”

In our journey through our Current Incarnation in the material realm
we use our rational and logical mind to make judgments, come to
Decisions, evaluate options, and Learn new skills.

Our rational and logical mind is a powerful tool which helps us to
examine and assess the conditions, Choices and potential dangers
which confront us during our physical lifetimes.

Our rational and logical mind has complete access to all that is
Known and all that is Unknown. However, as powerful as our
rational and logical mind may be, it does not have access to,
and therefore cannot comprehend and explain, the Unknowable.

With these Thoughts in mind, let us now take a close look at the
Known, the Unknown and the Unknowable.

The Known consists of all of the things we have already Learned
and know to be True and factual.

Some examples of what we Know are: simple addition and
subtraction, the sun rises in the east, the law of gravity (if we
drop something it wall fall to the ground), how to walk and run,
how to read and write, plus all of the other things we have
already Learned which competently serve us in our daily lives.

However, it is important to understand that the Known does not
consist of Beliefs, Opinions, Hopes, or blind Faith which either we,
or someone else has planted into our consciousness.

The Unknown consists of all the experiences, knowledge and
skills that are available to us in this physical realm which we
have not yet come to Learn, understand and utilize.

For example:

We may not know how to speak Portuguese. However we can
Learn how to speak this, or any other language, by simply
taking a course in that particular subject.

Similarly, we may not Know how to sing, paint, draw, drive a car,
perform magic tricks, speak in public, throw a baseball, play a
musical instrument, perform calculus or understand the movement
of the stars and planets.

However, although these things may be currently Unknown to us,
they are definitely Knowable. The obtaining of any Unknown
knowledge simply requires that we take the Time, and make the
effort, to Learn these new skills, concepts and attributes.

The Unknowable:

“Ah, but I may as well try and catch the wind.”
 – Donovan, singer and songwriter

The Unknowable consists of all of the cosmic concepts and Divine
Truths which can never be understood and explained by the rational
and logical mind.

These are the concepts which tease, baffle and mesmerize us.
The more we try to rationalize The Unknowable the dizzier and
more awe-struck we become.

Within The Unknowable we find all of the metaphysical (beyond
the physical) Truths and doctrines which can never be grasped by
us through any of our Thought processes; no matter how hard we
may try.

Ancient texts tell us of Deities which existed before the beginning
and which will remain long after the end. How can this concept be
explained rationally and logically by the use of clumsy and
limiting Words?

It cannot. For infinite Truths cannot be grasped and explained by
the finite mind.

Ancient texts also tell us of Deities which are self-created,
self-begotten, and only-begotten. Again, how can this infinite and
Divine Truth be understood and explained by a rational and logical
mind which is restricted and limited in the way it can process only
finite information?

How many of us have tried to grasp the concept of eternity?

We imagine that we are proceeding to the most outer limits of
all that is. We finally arrive at what we think is the boundary of
eternity, but what happens then? If this is the end then it cannot
be eternal. And if this is the boundary of eternity, that alone tells
us that there is something beyond this boundary; something on
the other side. Therefore, eternity never ends; no matter how we
may try to imagine and rationalize that it does.

Furthermore, not only does eternity have no end; it also has
no beginning! How mind-boggling is this concept to the rational
and logical mind? We know that eternity is a Divine Truth.
Yet, on the other hand, we know that eternity can never be
rationally and logically understood and explained.

That is why the ancients Chose the Circle to Symbolize the
eternal, the everlasting and The All.

The only way the area and the circumference of a Circle can
be measured is by the use of a formula which contains the
mathematical function called pi. Pi is an irrational number.
Regardless of how many decimal points we use to calculate
pi, we never come to an ending digit. Pi represents the concept
of eternity in that although we can come closer and closer to
understanding pi we can never fully resolve this mathematical
formula.

Pi is the perfect concept of the Circle; of the eternal; and of
Divinity itself. For, no matter how much we learn about the eternal
and Divine, we can never fully grasp, understand and explain
what it is with our finite and limiting minds.

This is what the Tao Teh Ching is referring to when it states that
“one who knows the Tao cannot tell (explain) it”.

The realm of The Unknowable is the realm of insight and intuition;
Gnosis and epiphanies; inner knowing and Divine revelation.

Although The Unknowable can be accepted to be real and True, it
can never be verbally explained. The Unknowable is the Veil of Isis
which no mortal may pierce.

We acknowledge, and pay homage to, the The Unknowable each
time we conclude our Prayers with the word “Amen”.

Amen is a variation of the Words Amon, Omon and Amun which
appear in ancient texts, legends, and metaphysical teachings.

These terms all mean “hidden” and “Unknowable” and refer to that
one power, that one essence and that one Unknowable beginner
and end of all creation which we refer to as Divinity.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2012

The Anchor – As A Symbol

Joseph Panek


“One who has control over the mind
is tranquil in heat and cold,
in pleasure and pain,
and in honor and dishonor.”
– Bhagavad Gita

The Anchor is a Symbol of both Hope and steadfastness.

When we look at an Anchor we see that it is a cross resting upon,
and securely balanced within, a crescent moon or bowl.

The cross has four points, and the number four represents matter.
Furthermore, the crossed lines of the cross represent spirit (the
vertical line) united with matter (the horizontal line). Hence, the
cross represents an individuals personal Incarnation. The cross
is a masculine Symbol which includes a person’s Thoughts,
Actions, and consciousness.

The crescent moon, or bowl, is a feminine Symbol which
represents the womb. The feminine also includes intuition,
Emotions, and the Subconscious.

Therefore the Anchor is a Symbol for an individuals personal
Incarnation which is supported by, and rests within, their emotions,
intuition, and Subconscious.

With these Thoughts in mind, let us now explore the meaning of
the Anchor as a Symbol of Hope and steadfastness.

As a Symbol of Hope:

The rising Anchor is a Symbol for Hope. This is alluded to,
metaphorically, whenever we say that “our hopes are rising”.

When a ship weighs, or raises, its Anchor it tells everyone that
it is leaving its current port-of-call and is on its way to a new
voyage, a new Adventure.

This is a metaphor for how each one of us feel when we finally
Decide to leave a stagnant portion of our life behind us in order
to begin a new journey, voyage, or Adventure.

We raise our Anchor and venture forth into a new era of our life.
We feel eager and alive and we are laden with Hope, excitement,
dreams, expectations, imaginings and aspirations. Our Spirit feels
light and free as we face the cleansing breezes which take us
to our next port-of-call.

The Hope we carry with us on our new voyage encourages us to
follow the course we have plotted out and carry out the plans
we have made. We are steadfast in our vision of the pursuit of
our new Dream.

Our new Hope prevents us from drifting in confusion as our
Thought processes are now focused on new Dreams, creations
and ideas.

Our new Hope keeps us focused on our vision, the Horizon,
where our new life, and new Adventure, awaits us. The Time of
planning is over and the Time of Action, and new experiences,
is now upon us.

As a Symbol for steadfastness:

The moment we drop our mental Anchor is the moment when we
Become steadfast in a Decision-making process. It is the moment
when we finally say to ourselves “here is where I stand” and “these
are the rules I will govern myself by”.

This is expressed, metaphorically, when a ship drops its Anchor.
At that moment the ship becomes moored to a particular location
from which it will not move until the Time once again arrives for it
to sail at a moment of its own Choosing.

When a ship drops Anchor it grounds itself, and secures itself, to
a certain spot from which it will not move. It stabilizes itself from
the waves, tides, currents and various other movements which the
sea may throw at it.

Just as a ship that is not firmly Anchored is at the mercy of all
of the elements of the sea, so too is a person who is not firmly
Anchored at the mercy of all of the elements of chaos, hysteria
and uncertainty which surround him, or her.

Nearly every one of us has had at least one moment in our life
when we were absolutely, positively sure of a Decision we had
to make even though everyone around us doubted us and
screamed at us that we were wrong.

In this moment our certainty proved to be correct even though
we may not have been able to put our certainty into Words.

These kinds of Decisions can only be made by a person who
is firmly Anchored.

When we are properly Anchored we are able to trust confidently
in the skills and knowledge which lie latently concealed deep
within us. Skills and knowledge which lie in the subconscious
realm of our inner-self; our God-within; our Atman.

This confidence, self-assuredness, and trust in oneself is the result
of solid, secure and verifiable conclusions, clarity of Awareness,
and Lessons learned from Past experiences.

When we act with such steadfastness we are not being simply
stubborn; we are securely Anchored and are acting with positive
Arrogance and true knowing.

When we are properly Anchored we are able to remain steadfast,
sure and steady; we are able to “hold fast” during emotional,
unstable and confusing Times; we are able to steady ourselves
during our weakest moments and most trying experiences; we
are able to confidently maintain stability, firmness and tranquility
within and amidst all of the chaotic emotions which are tossing
themselves all around us.

On the other hand, when we are not sure of ourselves, or when
we are in a situation which is foreign and strange to us, we find
ourselves adrift and at the mercy of the tides and currents which
toss us to and fro and we say to ourselves “let’s try this” or “let’s
try that”, unsure of what will work and what will not work;
simply relying on guesses and empty Prayers and not on
steadfast facts, skills, knowledge and experience.

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2012

Sin and Judgment Day(Symbolism, Mythology and Mysticism)

Joseph Panek


“The success or failure of your deeds
does not add up to the sum of your life.
Your spirit cannot be weighed.
Judge yourself by the intentions of your actions,
and by the strength with which you faced
the challenges that have stood in your way.
The universe is vast and we are so small.
There is really only one thing we can ever
truly control…whether we are good or evil.”
– Oma Desala, Stargate SG-1, Episode, “Meridian”

What is Sin?

We come into our Current Incarnation Spiritually pure. At the
moment of our birth, it is just us and our Atman (Our God Within).

However, as we progress through our Incarnation we start
accumulating habits, thoughts and beliefs which are inconsistent
with our spiritual essence; Our Divine Nature.These dis-Harmonious
habits, thoughts, and beliefs are what is Esoterically referred to as
Sin.

A great many of us have been Indoctrinated into believing that
Sin is “an act against God”. Furthermore, we have also been
trained to Believe that this God is an all-powerful and judgemental
force which exists apart from us for the sole purpose of measuring
each one of our deeds.

We are further told that should this God solely determine that
our life on earth was an honorable existence, then this God will
grant us eternal happiness (Heaven). On the other hand, should
this God solely determine that our life on earth was unrighteous,
then this God will condemn us to eternal misery (Hell).

Of course this God also has a whole set of policies and procedures,
just like any other bureaucratic organization, to deal with those
individuals who fall somewhere in-between.

This is a whole lot of Guilt to lay upon someone who, according
to this set of teachings, has only one life to spend here on earth!

However, when we realize that God exists within each and every
one of us as our Atman (our God-Within), we are able to look at
our Current Incarnation, and Sin, in an entirely different light.

For, if God exists within us, and we perform an “act against God”
(a Sin), then the only entity we are truly offending and punishing is
ourselves!

With these thoughts in mind, we begin to have an entirely different
view of not only what Sin is, but who our Sins are against. So,
with this new viewpoint before us, let us again address the question
of “What is Sin?”.

Sin is a Thought, Belief, Action, or Event which we either create,
indulge ourselves in, or submit ourselves to, either voluntarily or
involuntarily, which is in violation of Divine Law.

Sin is any activity we involve ourselves in which creates a dis-
Harmony, imbalance, confusion or Karmic Debt which negatively
affects our Spiritual growth and mental expansion.

An act of Sin can simply be some minor mis-deed which confuses
and unbalances us (venial sin) or it can be an extreme action which
actually destroys our Current Incarnation (mortal sin).

However, whether a violation is major or minor, a Sin is any Action
on our part which causes a disturbance in our Spiritual tranquility.

As very few of us engage in extreme and obvious mortal Sin, let us
concentrate on the minor, or venial, Sins which are so much a part
of our Current Incarnation.

When we begin to analyze Sin we can pretty much put it into one
of two categories:

1. Sin is any misguided or erroneous thought process or impression
which has become ingrained within us by way of Indoctrination and
training which disrupts the tranquility of our Incarnation;

2. Sin is any tendency, belief, or thought process built up over Time
which is detrimental to our Current Incarnation in that these things
are dis-Harmonious with Divine Law, limit our Spiritual and mental
expansion, and distract us from the noble Quest which we originally
came into our Current Incarnation to pursue.

Minor, simple, or venial Sins are thought processes and impressions
such as: “I’m too young”, “I’m too old”, “My parents would not
approve”, “My church will not permit it”, “People will talk”, “That’s
not the way I learned things in school”,  “I don’t want to be ridiculed
or gossiped about”, “I have been trained not to think that way”, etc,
etc, etc.

These impressions, which initially appear to be nothing more than
minor beliefs or Guilt Trips, are in fact the mental traps and
Self-Imposed Limitations (Sins) which destroy our individual
Sovereignty and throw us from the Path of our own personal Destiny.

Judgment Day:

Nearly all religions speak of a Judgment Day for the recently
deceased. The ancient Egyptians commemorated this Event by
way of a Ceremony which they called The Weighing of the Heart.

Judgment Day is the evaluation of a persons Incarnation. It is
the “day” when either Deity or a specific god or goddess determines
whether or not we have learned to sidestep and shed ourselves of
Sin. For those who have learned to rid themselves of Sin their
re-Incarnation into this plane of existence is over. These Spirits
then either re-Incarnate into a higher spiritual plane or have
completed their Cycle of Incarnations.

For those who have not learned to sidestep and shed themselves
of Sin, their re-Incarnations into this realm will continue until this
vital Lesson has been learned. Astrologically, these souls are
still subject to the to the disciplinary actions of Saturn in his role
of “Teacher of Hard Lessons”.

Conclusion:

Sin is the negative Karma, negative energy and negative
Consequences which we bring into our lives. Sin is the fears,
impurities, Inner Demons, Guilts, Self-Imposed Limitations,
false Beliefs and unbalanced energies which we allow to taint
the purity of our Spirit.

Therefore Sin is the weights which hold us down and hold us
back; weights which must be released in order for us to Become
pure and impeccable; weights which must be released so that
we can increase our Awareness, ascend, and experience
higher planes of existence and mingle with the higher and purer
Spirits, Beings, and Divine Essences which occupy these
sublime realms.

When we “sin” we do not Sin against an external Deity, we Sin
against ourselves.

When we “sin” we engage in Thoughts, Words and Deeds which
are in dis-Harmony with the Divine Laws of the Universe and we
create spiritual imbalances within ourselves.

When we “sin” we create negative Consequences which establish
Karmic Debts; Debts which must be paid for, and answered to, by
us either in this Incarnation or in following Incarnations.

The greater the Sin, the Greater the Karmic Burden. The lesser the
Sin, the lesser the Karmic Burden. However any Sin against
ourselves, whether large or small, carries a Karmic Burden and its
own set of Consequences.

This is the Lesson, nature and purpose of re-Incarnation: to rid
ourselves of Sin; to release our Spiritual Souls from all of the
confines, bondages and destructive Pacts of the material realm.

For the heaven or hell we, in fact, create for ourselves depends
entirely upon our desire and ability to rid ourselves of the debts,
burdens and Consequences which even the most minuscule act of
Sin inflicts upon us.

See also: “Egyptian Weighing of the Heart“

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

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

© copyright Joseph Panek 2012

Dust(Mythology, Mysticism and Symbolism)

Joseph Panek


“From dust we come, to dust we return.”
– Biblical Verse

When we hear “From dust we come, to dust we must return”
recited at a religious Ceremony we probably think of the dirt
of Mother Earth; for this is where our physical body is finally
interred once our Spirit has left it.

However, since our bodies did not originate from the earth below
us, the Dust which is mentioned in this Biblical Verse cannot be
referring to the earth into which our material remains are placed
for final safe keeping. This “Dust” must be referring to something
else.

When we think about earth and Dust in this manner, we can
only come to the conclusion that the Dust mentioned in this
Biblical Verse must be referring to, and reminding us of, a Dust
of a completely different substance which exists in an entirely
different realm or plane.

As the Word “dust” does appear in numerous ancient texts, we
are left to wonder what exactly do these texts and verses mean
when they tell us “from dust we come, to dust we return”.

Dust is not the Symbolic dirt into which a person’s material
remains are placed when their Spirit has left. Nor is Dust the
ashes which remain after a funeral pyre or a cremation
Ceremony. For both dirt and ashes are nothing more than gross,
mundane and solid forms of matter which were themselves
originally created from a more subtle form of matter…Dust!

So then, what is Dust?

Ancient texts inform us that as Spirit descends into its
Current Incarnation in the world of matter it passes through
seven spheres of creation prior to assuming its full physical form;
with each of the seven spheres applying a heavier and denser
form of matter to the descending Spirit.

Therefore our physical beings contain all forms of matter which
exist in the universe; from the most subtle to the most dense.

All of the matter that exists in our physical being is an equally
proportioned, scaled-down, representation of all the matter which
exists in the universe (including the rare elements and minerals
found throughout the universe) along with the Spirit which brings
all these forms of matter into physical manifestation.

Therefore this Dust, which is referred to in ancient and religious
texts, is the most subtle, pure, mystical and magical “Dust”
which exists in the highest and most pure realm of matter; that
mystical and spiritual dimension that Borders the realm between
Spirit and matter. (See: “Borders Between Realms“)

This Dust is the “first matter” or prima materia which is referred
to in Hermetic and Alchemical lore; it is the initial “building block”
from which all matter in formed.

Dust is the first and most subtle form of matter our Spirit clothes
itself with when entering the material realm and the last form of
matter our Spirit divests itself of when leaving material realm.

This Dust is the final physical Border which our Spirit must cross
in its re-ascent into the Spiritual dimension. Once our Spirit
crosses this borderland of Dust it enters the realm of Spirit where
it once again becomes Spiritually Free!

(See also: “Spirit and Matter” and “Smoke – As A Symbol“)

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either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
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should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2012