Chavah Aima

The Western Mystery Traditions have always held that study and knowledge of the cycles of the manifest Universe, experienced on earth through nature and in the stars through the celestial bodies, is highly beneficial to the spiritual aspirant. The Qabalists related the seven planets of the ancients to the Spheres on the Tree of Life, and esoteric initiates continued this associative tradition through the Sacred Tarot. The seven ancient planets included the sun and the moon.

These two planets most directly affect the earth, causing the shifts from light to dark, warm to cold, and from creation to decay and death. Thus, the ancient sages taught that all of the mysteries of God/dess are hidden in manifest nature. In the east, nature is called Prikriti, the substance that forms the maya, or illusion of manifest reality. In the western teachings this same substance is called the root matter or astral light, that permeates and underlies all seeming physicality. Nature thus provides a guide or map for the aspirant that allows him/her to align more closely with the energies of the Creator, and see the mysteries of being more clearly.

Alignment with this creation energy has been done primarily through ritual practices in the western traditions. By taking the time to mark the turning of the Wheel of Life, we allow our consciousness to experience the subtle forces that move manifestation through endless change. Each point of this Wheel holds a specialized type of energy that can be accessed through ritual observances. The energy is then synthesized into consciousness through meditation during and after the ritual performance.

In the beginning stages, the aspirant makes use of the special energies of nature to clear, purify, and balance the vehicles of the lower self. As one advances, and great receptivity and clarity is established in the body, mind, and emotions, the practitioner uses the same energetic alignments to bring more harmonious results into all magical workings. Since the endless emanation of creation can never be exhausted, our opportunities for growth, expansion, and realization through the forces of nature are also limitless. By observing and applying these powerful rhythms, we progress from identification with the personality toward Self- and God-realization with every turn of the Wheel.

The first planetary forces of manifest nature that we work with are those seen in the rhythms of the sun and the moon. In the solar cycle, the primary Sabbaths are those of the Equinoxes and Solstices. These four major points of the solar cycle are times when light and dark are virtually equal (equinox), and when one of these potencies comes into its fullest power (solstices). The solstices occur in winter, when the sun enters the zodiac sign of Capricorn, and in summer, when the sun enters Cancer. The equinoxes are in the fall, when the sun enters Libra, and in the spring, when the sun enters Aries. These points are traditionally reversed in the southern hemisphere of the earth.

In addition to these four major points, the halfway point in between each equinox and solstice is considered to be a source of additional energies and balance. As the cycle gets ready to shift from a place of balance to a place of dominance of one potency or from dominance back into balance, we use this energy to prepare ourselves to experience each potency in its fullness, and to equilibrate those forces within. These four minor energy points are often called quarter-point Sabbaths, indicating their dispersion around the Wheel in between each of the four major Sabbaths.

The eight Sabbaths thus form spokes within the Wheel of the Year. This structure of an eight-rayed wheel is the symbol for the Sphere of Chokmah on the Tree of Life. This sphere is the seat of Primordial Wisdom, that Supernal Force that creates and sustains all of manifestations. Even the Order of Angels assigned to Chokmah are known as The Wheels.

Ezekiel and St. John describe this same wheel of creation in the bible. Knowledge of its existence and purposes are contained in the sacred symbol structures of all ancient esoteric sciences. By the conscious and directed use of the specific cyclic energies of the Wheel of Life, the aspirant reaches the goal of enlightenment much more quickly.

As the seasons change, so do the inhabitants of the earth. Although the changes may be very subtle to the human consciousness, they do occur nevertheless. Many cycles are required before one may even become more fully aware of the energies of manifestation that are being shown to us through the veil of nature. More cycles are then needed to come fully into command of the various forces of the Wheel of Life.

We must remember always that the Wheel is actually a spiral, taking us ever upward toward greater love, understanding and peace. In due time, all will ascend to the higher arcs of consciousness and know the truth of our essential oneness. Intentional participation in the Wheel of Life through ritual observances accelerates this process, and can lead to an almost immediate expansion in the spiritual awareness of participants. In the hands of wise and loving groups of devoted people, such practices also hold great potential as effective and powerful tools to help bring about enlightened life on earth for all.

To learn more about the use of ritual in esoteric practice, please visit Heart of the Rose online.

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