The Eight Spiritual Ideals

Merry Christmas, Gut Yule, Warm and Wonderful Solstice, Happy Chanuaka, Good Kwanza, and any other Holiday Greeting of this time of the year I may have missed. Please accept the following as my holiday gift to you:

The Eight Spiritual Ideals Adapted from Chakra Mantras, by Thomas Ashley-Farrand (Weiser Books, 2006).

Spiritual leaders have established practices and signposts for others. Some of these people were so powerful that entire religions formed around them. Today many of their teachings have become our spiritual ideals. They help us define ourselves and to find our own divine nature.

Called "The Eight Ds,” here are eight ideals for leading a spiritual life (and yes, each one begins with the letter “D”):

The Eight “Ds”

1. Decision. We wake up one day and find that we have made a choice to be on the path of spiritual development and evolution. We may move slowly or quickly, but once the decision is made, the process is ongoing.

2. Discriminating Mind. Once we make some progress, we realize--falsely- -that we are superior to other humans. We feel good about ourselves based upon this conclusion that is founded in isolation from others. This is, of course, an entirely false sense of progress. The antidote is humility based upon discrimination. We realize, finally, that nobody is any better than anyone else. We need only look to the ones around whom world religions have formed. They did not announce their presence and say that now we could start the new religion around them. Instead, they came to serve us.

3. Dedication. We renew the decision at regular intervals by our actions, and by our mental and emotional behavior and traditional physical or spiritual disciplines.

4. Detachment. We all have goals and objectives we desire to reach. The desire for enlightenment, for instance, is a good desire. But eventually we will detach from any expected outcome of our activities. This is called detached attachment. It seems paradoxical, but in this form of detachment, the activity itself is the important thing. Being in the moment is the only item of importance. Concentration is so complete that any thought of a goal involving the activity becomes absorbed in the process of doing the activity itself.

5. Discipline. Classically, this is the application of specific methods on a regular basis that we understand will lead to our spiritual goal. True discipline will encounter blockages that must be overcome.

6. Dispassion. Dispassion means dispersal of the great, uncontrolled emotions that sweep through the mind. These waves can be harnessed to some degree by converting them to joy and devotion. When the mind becomes clear and tranquil, everything becomes more transparent.

7. Devotion. With the recognition of the spiritual ideal, whether through principle or person, there is positive emotional response. This is the beginning of devotion. The pitfall is, of course, fanaticism. But by keeping a universal outlook and practicing tolerance, devotion can become one of the most useful states.

8. Duty. In the midst of our spiritual journey, most of us have responsibilities: spouse, children, job, or parents. In our search for the right path for spiritual advancement, we must not be fooled into thinking that abdication of duty and responsibility will lead to spiritual progress.

Copyright: Adapted from Chakra Mantras, by Thomas Ashley-Farrand (Weiser Books, 2006). Copyright (c)

Teachers and Truth

It is time to speak about ethics, truth, and the obligation of a teacher to his/her students. I participate in an online forum in the tribe.net community called, “the Elders of the 7 New Tribes” tribe. It is a wonderful place in which we exchange knowledge, information, wisdom and most importantly our Spiritual Essences. In this lively discourse we are most importantly concerned with our mission, which is to become the “Elders” of new tribal and clan entities dedicated to evolution and ascension.

One of our most recent discussions was based on the question, “does a Shaman lie?” The departure point of this discourse was the disconnection between the teachings of Carlos Casteneda, his life and eventual death. Many people have considered it to be their duty to work as hard as they can to discredit CC and his writings. I wont engage in that discussion here but would instead prefer to examine the flow of communication between student and teacher. Most importantly are validity and veracity. Validity is the easier of the two. Validity being defined as, “The state of being valid, authentic or genuine. With valid being defined (in turn) as. “well grounded or justifiable, pertinent, acceptable, proper or correct. Related to the current topic, or presented within context, relevant.”

More to the nature of the relationship between student and teacher is the concept of veracity. Veracity is defined as, “the quality of being true, honest or accurate.” That is also the very definition of “Teacher”. In it usage a teacher is one who is true, honest and/or accurate. That has been the central theme of my pedagogy in it's application to my students. Lao Tzu stated in “The Hua Hu Cheng”, “Today I speak in this fashion, tomorrow in another, but always the Integral Way is beyond words and beyond mind.” This is the modus of my instruction. I said (on tribe.net), “I teach Magi. I have a student on the Path of the Wizard now. In my instruction of him, I speak in this fashion today, tomorrow in another; yet I never tell him an untruth.” Those of you who are my students reading this now know this well. Some of you have been frustrated by it but, I believe all of you will acknowledge the accuracy of that statement.

But this is not always true of those who offer instruction and drape the mantel of Teacher upon their shoulders. My friend (also on tribe) Vikki said, “When I was just finding my path, in my impressionable teen years, my local hang out was an occult book store. I met a guy there who helped me a lot and showed me that my path was in front of me. I realized that my feelings and instincts were real and that I was not the only one who felt them. After several years, this man began to ask favours of me, which slowly became of a more personal nature. I won’t (can’t?) go into detail here but that was a very dark time for me. I felt trapped and afraid and eventually I had to leave the city I loved to escape him.”

This was not the experience of just Vikki, many people have had relationships with these sort of individuals. As a result many people abandon the Path and the world is much poorer for it.

My tribe friend Jason responded to Vikki, by saying, “Vikki; it is somewhat sad that you had that experience and it is powerful that, over time, you found the silver lining, but would it not have been better to have had a genuine teacher who was in their integrity to have started you out in "a good way"? If 3 or 4 had been available you would have had a better chance of getting one who was connected to Spirit, ALWAYS!”

Following up on Jason’s contribution to the discussion, my friend Shine Cassandra added, “If a teacher has good intentions upon setting out, they should (IMHO) put whatever checks and balances into place they think would be effective in making sure that if they ever spiral out of control or 'disconnect' to a place where they are not allowing themselves to be cognizant of harm they are causing, they will get a wake-up call from others- even if it is just in the way of all your group/students leaving you. Or adding Ethics along with basic material and making sure (even as common sense and obvious it may seem) reviewing them every once in a while, or at least applying them to circumstances. Then if you step out of your own boundaries that you teach, then they can call ya on it. And speaking of leaving, (IMHO) a leader/teacher should refrain from being vindictive, bitter, or harsh about or to those who wish to leave- no matter how much it stings. The door should be open at all times. If a leader/teacher feels like too much swishing back and forth goes on at that door, then the best thing to do is monitor/counsel who comes in it in the first place, rather then shutting it down on those who enter it. I find Isaac Bonewits occult to cult test tool is very interesting for he points out that if a leader/teacher exhibits too many of the traits listed, it is definetly unhealthy, but if none or too little of the traits are found, then there might be no cohesive structure or group identity. As for the original subject that was to be for this thread.

I am a Witch, and I give that part of myself wings by participating in Gardnerian witchcraft (among others) and I have had to contend with the idea that ol uncle Gardner's oral history did'nt quite jel with actual personal accounts, or lack thereof as to his official story. What was it they say... if someone wanted to see a document or scroll or to give credence to whatever, he would disappear into his study and imerge with 'an ancient document dripping with wet ink'.

So a) very likely he added a lot of his own written material to whatever may have existed in writing or the heads of some folkloric cunning folk b) Gardnerian Witchcraft is too synchronistic with other paths to all be bunk- plus he was a student or observer of many Mystery and occult paths, including in the far east c) given that the preist/esses practising it are ethical and effective, it functions as a Mystery Tradition, an esoteric system to gather together like-minded individuals, and a path of spiritual evolution.”


Bonewits’ method/tool is a wonderful resource and I recommend it to anyone seeking to meter the qualities of organizations and individuals that they wish to learn from or study with. It can be accessed online at the following: http://www.celticcrow.com/bonew.html

The tool is based upon a review of the following areas:
Internal control
Wisdom claimed
Wisdom credited
Dogma
Recruiting
Front Groups
Wealth
Political Power
Sexual Manipulation
Censorship
Dropout Control
Violence
Paranoia
Grimness
Surrender of Will
Hypocrisy

These are the danger signals that all seekers should be cognizant of and on the alert for in their selection of teachers and organizations. There are palpable dangers on this Path. They are; loss of sanity, peril to the soul, and death. These dangers must be considered at all times. A charlatan or impostor will “pooh pooh” the risks and tell you “trust me and don’t worry”. Such advice is the greatest source of risk the seeker can touch.

Dr. F. Israel Regardie said (in his opus work “The Tree of Life”), “A bad poet or a bad musician is but a reproach to his particular art, and his name soon perishes from the memory of his people. A charlatan or an impostor magician, however, imperils the whole world, casting a heavy veil on the translucent light of the spirit which it was his principal duty to bring to the sons of men.” This danger is amplified by orders of magnitude by the charlatan or impostor teacher of Magi. This individual creates the impostor and or charlatan magicians who don’t even know that they are impostors or charlatans!

There is no greater prayer for a teacher to pray than the supplication of Thoth to the Masters of the Halls of Amenti (from the Emerald Tablets);

O, great master, let me be a teacher of men, leading then onward and upward until they, too, are lights among men; freed from the veil of the night that surrounds them, flaming with light that shall shine among men.

I have prayed this prayer many times. I carry it in my heart at all times and dedicate my life to its fulfillment. If anyone you encounter offering to be your teacher or guide does not offer up his prayer and dedication to this ideal; get another teacher.

All About DNA Activation

DNA activation is a life altering etheric operation. As a 2nd Stage Adept and Teacher of the Rocky Mountain Mystery School I have been initiated and trained in the 22 Strand DNA Activation Modality.

Most people are born with only 2-3 strands of their 36 total DNA strands activated. Light workers and healers may have up to 4-5 strands activated. So, most people are working at only 10% of their true potential. Several techniques now exist that may light up, or activate, the DNA up to the 12th.strand. However, what about the other 24 DNA strands?

With the 22 Strand DNA Activation, your highest potential becomes your reality. The Activation is a huge acceleration step on your personal path, and open you to profound spiritual advancement. The following benefits are available with the 22 Strand Activation:
Brings your life's purpose into alignment
Increases your brain utilization dramatically
Strengthens your DNA while clearing debris from DNA matrix
Opens you to new talents and abilities
Increases energy; increasing clarity and focus
Reduces mind chatter and drama
Creates a greater opening for connection with your Higher Self
Brings in and anchors more Light and Divine energy in your physical body.
Expands and strengthens your Aura

The process of activating the DNA to the 22nd Strand is very holy and sacred. Its lineage can be traced all the way back to King Solomon the Great, over 2500 years ago. This technique was originally performed in the Great Pyramid of Giza to prepare priests, priestesses, oracles, prophets and high healers for positions of power and responsibility within their community.

The activation is not a healing per se, but an empowerment that will greatly assist you in your healing processes. Activation of the DNA to the 22nd strand enables you to accommodate to the increased Light coming onto the planet and, in fact, benefit from it. This activation will enable you to remain centered and healthy during this time of great planetary change. The 22 strand DNA Activation raises your vibrational frequency, helps you adjust to the influx of new planetary energy, and enables you to more easily heal unresolved life issues.

I didn't realize how profound this empowerment was, even after I had it done in 2001. At that time I was centered in making money had a 2.5 pack a day cigarette habit drank booze and coffee like a fish, and had my first heart attack. I was in Real Estate sales and like Jerry McGuire's client my motto was "Show me the Money". Now I am a Healer, a Wizard, Teacher and live in harmony. I have learned to contact my Higher Self and nothing is more important to me than the Tao of Service.


The DNA Activation takes about 45 minutes to up to an hour and a half. The amount of time it takes is based on the amount of energy the subject of the activation brings to the session. The longest session I have given was my brother's first activation, which seemed to go on forever but was really only a little less than 2 hours. At the time he had severe misalignments of his basic energy structures and the presence of a lot of crystallized negative energy that was attached to his aura.

The process of the activation is done in stages the first is a examination of the subject by the activator to look at the level of energy in the major Chakras and 7 layers of the Aura. Next is the realignment of the 4 horizontal energy bands of the body. Next is the removal of the crystal cap from the top of the subjects head and the infusion of light into the Crown Chakra this tends to "amp up" the 7 layers of the aura and highlight all of the negative energy crystals lodged there. The crystals are then removed and discarded.

At this point the subject is prepared and the actual Activation takes place. The subject is brought into a Sacred space created by the intent of the Activator which is called the Sarcophagus (I hate that name). Then using a special Wand designed solely for the Activation the Activator makes an incision in the Etheric body's spine. Within the Etheric Spine are 12 Codons or energy clusters. Each of these Codons contain a miniature "Tree of Life" the Ets Chayyim. It is into the sephiroth of this tree that the Activator channels the energy of the En Soph. There are actually 2 schools of thought among the Activators about this part of the Activation; one group channels the energy into each of the Ets Chayyim of the individual Codons, the other channels the energy into the individual sephira of the Ets Chayyim of the Sephira. The second of course takes a lot more time and effort. I have used both methods and as yet have not seen that great a difference in the net result. While the Etheric Spine is open and the process of energic infusion is going on it is possible to read the content of the individuals Codons relating specific information particular to each of the Codons. This provides valuable insights into the Client's physical condition as well as life issues.

Once the infusion is complete the Activator seals the ES with the wand making sure to create a good level of scar tissue; which the Etheric body reabsorbs in about a month leaving no trace of the incision.

At this point the effects of the Activation begin to manifest themselves. It begins immediately and the integration of effect can take up to 2 months or as little as a day. This depends on the base state of the subject's energy and Karma.

Some of the subjects experience some trauma as a result of releasing blockages and the removal of the negative energy crystals. But severe trauma is rare. The entire process is overseen by the Activator’s Guides and Guardians. Linking to that oversight and learning how to let the Hierarchy direct your hand and energy is the most difficult part of the training in the Activation process. But there is literally no way that the Activator can get it wrong. I have never experienced it but it is well documented that in the rare case that the Activation is not in the best and highest good of the subject; the Activation Wand will not be allowed to function. Also if you are in the process of trying to Activate a Walk-In, Avatar, or Angelic Entity the flow of energy go in the opposite direction into the Wand and Activator. I haven't had that happen yet but I hear its a "Hum Dinger".

The Adepti of our School have activated all sorts of Celebrities and famous people. But as with everyone who receives the Activation, their identity is kept secret. Only the subject may reveal that they have had the work done.

There are in fact many individuals claiming to perform DNA Activations. However; many of the practitioners and their methods are derivative and imitators of the true DNA Activation. There are also many charlatans and "New Age" hustlers who do nothing more than take your money.

If you have any other questions let me know. If you are interested in having the Activation done I would be honored to perform it for you.
Namaste

Upcoming Classes @ Ascension House

Beginning after the 1st of January 2007, Ascension House will offer number of classes in Magickal Studies. These classes will be offered in three categories; classes for Beginning Seekers, Initiated Adepti, and Advanced Initiated Adepti.

The Classes for Beginners will be:

1. Breathing
2. Meditation 1
3. Visualization 1
4. Basic Energetics
5. Introduction to the Seven Major Chakras
6. Introduction to Q'abalah
7. Introduction to Ceremonial Magick

The Classes for Initiated Adepti will be:

1. Guardians, Guides, and the Higher Self
2. Introduction to Trance States
3. Introduction to Hermetics
4. Development of Magickal Senses
5. Thoughtforms
6. Angelic Encounters

The Classes for Advanced Initiated Adepti will be:

1. The Emerald Tablets
2. The Kybalion
3. Franz Bardon's "Initiation Into Hermetics"
4. The Cosmic Tabernacle
5. Emanation
6. Invocation and Evocation

As well as these classes we will be available for Individual Instruction and Consultation by appointment. Please contact the Center to make arranegments for an initial consultation and review. Telephone: (718) 497-1270 or by Email: AscensionHouse@aol.com

A Letter about Mystery Schools

I have previously been affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Mystery School. I was initiated by them as; an Adept, 2nd. Stage Adept, Teacher, and Etheric Surgeon. I have also recieved diverse empowerments from them including; DNA Activation, Q'abalah Initiation, Q'abalah Pathworking, and the Adam Kadmon Rite. I have (as have many others) come to a separation from much of the day to day activities of the school. Although I still hold many of its officers and Adepti in the highest regard; my Path has taken me elsewhere.

I have been in communication with one of my fellow Initiated Teachers ; who is also detatched from the school and its newest configuration. She had requested discourse on the Mystery School tradition and its mission in today's world. The following is the text of my reply to her request.


I didn't want you to think that I haven't been considering your request for a brief synopsis on what the Mystery Schools think about on the subject of Metaphysics. The problem is that the question is so global. The answer to that question is in fact what forms the paradigm and/or philosophical identity of the Mystery Schools. Different schools have different interpretations; however, there are some common themes. It is those common themes therefore that I will attempt to address.

First let me discuss the "Mystery Schools" as entities. There are many more than 7. The information that is promulgated by the RMMS is inaccurate. At this time there are at least 40 major schools divided into 9 or 11 (depending on the authority) lineages. There are in addition at least 100 more minor schools and an uncounted number of Lodges, Societies, Fraternities, Fellowships, and Temples. These various entities do all seem to go back into time and acknowledge a common root some 7 to 12 thousand years ago in Khem (ancient Egypt), Sumeria, or Ur. These all seem to have in common a claimed descent from the revelations of Thoth, (also called Tehuti, dJuti, Hermes Trismegistus[thrice blessed], the Great Great, etc) son of Thotme, Scribe and Master of Masters, Voice of the Dweller and final survivor of the Great Destruction of Atlantis. It is he who preserved the knowledge granted to Man by the 7 who have descended from the higher planes and invested the powers into the Halls of Amenti.

All of the great knowing and most ancient lore is contained in his teachings. It is the duty of all who would have knowledge and mastery to study his lore as is preserved in the Emerald Tablets. It is this lore that is the common root of all of the Mystery Schools. The differentiation of the various Schools and other Magickal groups is based in what portion of the Lore they preserve, the quality of their translation, and the interpretation of that lore. Within the tradition of those who call themselves Q'abalist it is this lore that is alluded to when they speak of the Book of Raziel [sefer Raziel HaMalach]. This lore predates the patriach Abraham and his covenant with God by thousands of years; in fact it was originally given to Adam and taken by the Elohim who grew jealous of God's gift to Adam of the book. It is this lore that makes up (but is not limited to) the arcana that cited in the Book of Enoch.

Thoth was the builder of the Great Pyramid of Giza, erroneously attributed to Cheops. In it he incorporated his knowledge of the ancient wisdom and also securely secreted records and instruments of ancient Atlantis.

For some 16,000 years, he ruled the ancient race of Egypt, from approximately 52,000 B.C. to 36,000 B.C. At that time, the ancient barbarous race among which he and his followers had settled had been raised to a high degree of civilization.

Thoth was an immortal, that is, he had conquered death, passing only when he willed and even then not through death. His vast wisdom made him ruler over the various Atlantean colonies, including the ones in South and Central America.

When the time came for him to leave Egypt, he erected the Great Pyramid over the entrance to the Great Halls of Amenti, placed in it his records, and appointed guards for his secrets from among the highest of his people.

In later times, the descendants of these guards became the pyramid priests, by which Thoth was deified as the God of Wisdom, The Recorder, by those in the age of darkness which followed his passing. In legend, the Halls of Amenti became the underworld, the Halls of the gods, where the soul passed after death for judgment.

During later ages, the ego of Thoth passed into the bodies of men in the manner described in the tablets. As such, he incarnated three times, in his last being known as Hermes, the thrice-born.
In this incarnation, he left the writings known to modern occultists as the Emerald Tablets, a later and far lesser exposition of the ancient mysteries.

The tablets translated in this work are ten which were left in the Great Pyramid in the custody of the pyramid priests. The ten are divided into thirteen parts for the sake of convenience.
The last two are so great and far-reaching in their import that at present it is forbidden to release them to the world at large. However, in those contained herein are secrets which will prove of inestimable value to the serious student.

They should be read, not once, but a hundred times for only thus can the true meaning be revealed. A casual reading will give glimpses of beauty, but more intensive study will open avenues of wisdom to the seeker.

The Emerald Tablets are the "Master Key" to all of Mystical knowledge and initiation. Any school or teacher that denies or ignores them is spurious and an imopostor. They are the true root of all the Mystery Schools and all the Magickal lineages.
Interpretation of the Emerald Tablets

The language of the translations and the antiquated world view make their interpretation difficult and subject to confusion. We are very fortunate to have a "commentary" that amplifies the text of the ET in much the way that the Talmud is related to the Torah. That Commentary or "Key to the Master Key" is called the Kybalion. It is from its text that I will address your questions about the meaning of Metaphysics; since it has the most cogent explanation of these concepts.

There is no portion of the occult teachings possessed by the world which have been so closely guarded as the fragments of the Hermetic Teachings which have come down to us over the tens of centuries which have elapsed since the lifetime of its great founder, Hermes Trismegistus.
Hermes was, and is, the Great Central Sun of Occultism, whose rays have served to illumine the countless teachings which have been promulgated since his time. All the fundamental and basic teachings embedded in the esoteric teachings of every race may be traced back to Hermes. Even the most ancient teachings of India undoubtedly have their roots in the original Hermetic Teachings.

"The Principles of Truth are Seven; he who knows these, understandingly, possesses the Magic Key before whose touch all the Doors of the Temple fly open".--THE KYBALION"The Seven Hermetic Principles, upon which the entire Hermetic Philosophy is based, are as follows:

I THE PRINCIPLE OF MENTALISM.

II THE PRINCIPLE OF CORRESPONDENCE

III THE PRINCIPLE OF VIBRATION.

IV THE PRINCIPLE OF POLARITY.

V THE PRINCIPLE OF RHYTHM.

VI THE PRINCIPLE OF CAUSE AND EFFECT.

VII THE PRINCIPLE OF GENDER.

It would take a much longer treatise than this short communication in order to summarize the Hermetic Philosopy. I will leave that to you to pursue in your own time. I will only offer the following thoughts and aphorisms relating to that philosophy.

First;"Under, and back of, the Universe of Time, Space and Change, is ever to be found The Substantial Reality --the Fundamental Truth."--The Kybalion.


Next:"THE ALL IS MIND; The Universe is Mental."--The Kybalion

Further:"As above, so below; as below, so above."--The Kybalion.

Also:"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates." --The Kybalion

Additionaly:"Everything is Dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled."--The Kybalion.
In addition:"Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left; rhythm compensates."--The Kybalion

Also true:"Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause; everything happens according to Law; Chance is but a name for Law not recognized; there are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the Law."--The KybalionAnd given:Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine Principles; Gender manifests on all planes."--The Kybalion.

From these principles and aphorisms we can determine: Under, and back of, the Universe of Time, Space and Change, is ever to be found The Substantial Reality --the Fundamental Truth. THAT which is the Fundamental Truth-the Substantial Reality--is beyond true naming, but the Wise Men call it THE ALL.

In its Essence, THE ALL is UNKNOWABLE. But, the report of Reason must be hospitably received, and treated with respect. The Universe is Mental--held in the Mind of THE ALL. "THE ALL creates in its Infinite Mind countless Universes, which exist for aeons of Time--and yet, to THE ALL, the creation, development, decline and death of a million Universes is as the time of the twinkling of an eye. The Infinite Mind of THE ALL is the womb of Universes.

Mind (as well as metals and elements) may be transmuted, from state to state; degree to degree; condition to condition; pole to pole; vibration to vibration. True Hermetic Transmutation is a Mental Art. The half-wise, recognizing the comparative unreality of the Universe, imagine that they may defy its Laws--such are vain and presumptuous fools, and they are broken against the rocks and torn asunder by the elements by reason of their folly. The truly wise, knowing the nature of the Universe, use Law against laws; the higher against the lower; and by the Art of Alchemy transmute that which is undesirable into that which is worthy, and thus triumph. Mastery consists not in abnormal dreams, visions and fantastic imaginings or living, but in using the higher forces against the lower--escaping the pains of the lower planes by vibrating on the higher. Transmutation, not presumptuous denial, is the weapon of the Master.

These ideas form the consistent paradigm and philosophy of the Mystery Schools and their lineage. I would suggest that you would be amplified and empowered by reading in their entirety; "The Emerald Tablets", "The Kybalion", and although not directly related (but foundational in building the "mental structures of the Adept); "The Tao Te Ching".