Chapter 2- The Twelve Pathways

So we have discussed some of the attributes associated with an esoteric understanding of certain subjects, subjects which will invariably speak inwardly to the student of many related mysteries besides. We have also looked briefly into some of the problems which may occur should the occult student not be accomplished in a given area, and made comment on ways which may impair the overall learning should it remain a deficit.
 

Spiritual interpretives of subjects can weave up the very fabric of our thinking, our impelling, of our comprehensions, of our ego-mantle as it were, and can persist within our inner lives not merely as forms of conceptualization but as living keys into reality, into direct and straightforward perceptions, which will later guide us through the inner worlds and higher spheres with vast determination.

If we become equipped we are empowered. If we are attentive to that which begs work within us (and not fearful or defensive, but decided and happily so, anticipating new strengths) then we can address and enhance ourselves considerably. It is natural for a man to yearn for such improvement. Hindrances to this impelling may be caused by:

• Elementals of self-doubt (and therefore doubt of the World also).

• Elementals of arrogance (a false vanity which prohibits a beneficial advancement).

• Mean-spiritedness (it does exclude many unfortunately).

• The use of intoxicants (whereupon the inner compass has lost its dial and discrimination is surrendered to ‘chance’).

• Great sadness taxing the periphery of being (this may be a condition of shock brought about by a single event to which a person still suffers, and remains ‘caught in time’ by).

• Disinterest. The soul has withdrawn, the personality maintains itself and the man does not experience a connection with the world expressed freely through love, ambition, devotion or desire.

• Sclerosis in the thinking processes.

• A philosophy of anarchy (reflected also in thinking incapable of application).

These problems point us to a handful of concerns which may inhibit a man from naturally seeking out a fresher definition of self for himself. However for the student who has made it as far as this paragraph on this page, the above holds no serious warrant ... save the warning about intoxicants (which no man, be them student or master, can afford to dance-the-dance with).
 

We can proceed therefore to the next checklist confident in much new possibility, critically but kindly. Here we can take the opportunity to review ourselves by considering each subject in virtue and absence and decide if we require some more development in that particular area of esoteric understanding. This does not necessarily relate to the worldly study or application of these subjects, but rather the spiritual qualities and misdemeanors implied.

When a man consciously decides to pursue esoteric knowledge there are changes which occur within his astral physiognomy almost immediately. Of course the decision has really been cast over a succession of lifetimes and been brought finally before him. There, as an apparition standing at the temple door, he sees himself and concludes it right; and upon his excitement there are starry gateways opening within, which hitherto had only glowed as but subtle embers within his slumbering makeover. This is often why the entrance to the ‘Path’ is termed ‘Backdraft’, because of the resulting activity ignited into being so very quickly.

You see it might appear nonsensical that we can study a flaw in an individual just because he has an absence of a given form of understanding. However, the flaw is apparent because of that gateway now made active and receptive within his enlivened astral counterpart. We are so responsive to the heavens that the brilliance of our own minds will invite the fiery activity in upon ourselves ... and in the instances of our being underdeveloped in any given region, we shall almost certainly mirror-image the proteins that are there possible.

Immaturity is hazardous in such matters. We can become the very antithesis to virtue if we are to stimulate those cosmic activities without the membrane of true ego to contain them.

Would-be initiates may have the qualification of fantastic enthusiasm and expectation, but what is also required is a holistic approach to their fibre and fabric of overall development. There is no other being or man who is capable of assessing and readdressing such areas of selfhood, as each shall know of himself. Selfhood is sacred; it is impartial to all but to Father God and its own inner resistance ... there is no other who can begin to look within you and judge as you may therefore judge yourself.

These pathways of and to selfhood are as follows: - NEXT!