Sacred Alchemy Retreat April 23-26, 2010
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Purification as Spiritual Practice
In the western mystical traditions, candidates for initiation must first receive the sacrament of purification before being admitted into an esoteric order for study and practice. In the Egyptian Rosicrucian initiatory schools, purification practices included fasting, ritual bathing and secluded meditation. Mediaeval alchemists and healers focused on cleansing and purifying the internal organs to raise their energetic awareness. Most modern occult rituals also call for the immediate ceremonial purification of new members as they are brought into the temple to take their vows.
In the yoga traditions of the east, purification practices also play a valuable role in preparing oneself to devote body-mind and soul to seek the higher life. These methods include the internal cleansing of all bodily openings where energy flows into and out of the being. Fasting, special herbs and dietary restrictions are used to aid the attainment of more subtle states of consciousness. (more…)
Ritual Practices throughout the Year
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. (more…)
Heart of the Rose
As Director of the mystical order, Heart of the Rose, I am often asked questions about the order and its teachings. Below are some of these questions and my answers to help you learn more about Heart of the Rose, and other esoteric orders as well. If you are interested, you can become a member of Heart of the Rose at the Enlightened Life website.
Q: I am considering becoming an initiate into some secret order for the purpose of gaining more knowledge.
A: There are a variety of ways to gain more spiritual knowledge in addition to joining an order. Esoteric orders can help one learn to work in groups for spiritual purposes. Much self-knowledge can come from this, if the group is pure. Unfortunately, finding a pure group with leadership that has truly attained a higher state of spiritual awareness is somewhat rare. Most often one finds a great deal of ego in such groups. This is one reason why a period of private study is advised before beginning to work with others in a group setting.
Self-knowledge is gained quite easily from diligent study. Making a sincere effort to integrate the spiritual principles one is learning into everyday life is very important as well. After all, knowledge for its own sake is not a worthy goal. Only when we can apply the knowledge toward living a life filled with greater awareness of our inherent unity with others and the earth can we be said to be making true spiritual progress. (more…)
