The Sky and the Pyramid
Three Spiritual Festivals 2019
Dear co-worker,
The clear, blue sky is a marvellous symbol of the mind that is filled with spirit. Suffused with invisible riches and vibrant with power, an idea or revelation may appear within its limitless expanse like “a bolt from the blue.” As day gives way to night, so does the blue that inspires give way to the indigo that absorbs – synthesizing the earth into the bigger picture of the starry heavens. Similarly, at the end of each day, the spiritual mind absorbs the redeemed aspects of the personality, synthesizing them into the bigger picture of the Soul.
The sky is full of symbolism but, of course, we need to look up if we are to appreciate what it has to say. In this era, it is all too easy for our gaze to be drawn downward and locked in a state of fascination with the products of technology, for example. Whether it is the virtual world of computer generated realities or the more widespread addiction to smartphones, electronic messaging and social media, a balance needs to be restored. Although we may be communicating more widely and abundantly, poor quality interactions are causing a plethora of social ills. On the sidewalks and transport systems of our great cities, it is ironic that so many of the people are like islands, locked in their own private worlds.
Technology provides wonderful tools that can enhance human interaction and the trend towards unity, but it can also lure us deeper into matter and division. ‘Virtual reality’ aptly describes the glamour and illusion that lies along this latter path. The mental energy of humanity is growing rapidly and requires direction, not least when it comes to applied science and technology, which can fill our minds with knowledge but not with wisdom.
Ancient spiritual instructions describe the right directing of the mind for those seeking truth. One of these texts concerns minds strongly influenced by concrete science or knowledge, but at a time when applied science is having such far-reaching effects, the story it tells is relevant for all of humanity:
“Deep in a pyramid, on all sides built around by stone, in the deep dark of that stupendous place, a mind and brain (embodied in a man) were working. Outside the pyramid, the world of God established itself. The sky was blue; the winds blew free; the trees and flowers opened themselves unto the sun. But in the pyramid, down in its dim laboratory, a Worker stood, toiling at work. His test tubes and his frail appliances he used with skill. In rows and rows, the retorts for fusing, and for blending, for crystallising and for that which sought division, stood with their flaming fires. The heat was great. The toil severe....
Dim passages, in steady progress, led upward to the summit. There a wide window stood, open unto the blue of heaven, and carrying one clear ray down to the worker in the depths.... He worked and toiled. He struggled onwards toward his dream, the vision of an ultimate discovery. He sometimes found the thing he sought, and sometimes failed; but never found that which could give to him the key to all the rest.... In deep despair, he cried aloud unto the God he had forgot: ‘Give me the key. I alone can do no more good. Give me the key.’ Then silence reigned....
Through the opening on the summit of the pyramid, dropped from the blue of heaven, a key came down. It landed at the feet of the discouraged worker. The key was of pure gold; the shaft of light; upon the key a label, and writ in blue, these words: ‘Destroy that which thou has built and build anew. But only build when thou has climbed the upward way, traversed the gallery of tribulation and entered into light within the chamber of the king. Build from the heights, and thus shew forth the value of the depths.’
The Worker then destroyed the objects of his previous toil, sparing three treasures which he knew were good, and upon which the light could shine. He struggled towards the chamber of the king. And still he struggles.”1
The three treasures referred to at the close of this stanza are most likely related to the redeemed forces of the mental, emotional and physical aspects of the personality. And the struggle on this path of redemption that leads to the summit of the pyramid and the chamber of the king – the soul – is attracting ever growing numbers of people. As we enter the Aquarian age, a great boost is provided on this quest and lessons are coming thick and fast as to the right and wrong direction of energy. Aquarius brings the energy of concrete science or knowledge to bear upon the Will of God – the Shamballa force – that directs our planetary evolution. It is “the will which produces concretion and yet at the same time constitutes the point at which spirit and matter are balanced and co-equal.”2
As we enter the Aquarian age, the influence of its two planetary rulers, Jupiter and Uranus, can supply the energy to transform the way we use information and communications technology. Jupiter bestows a sense of upliftment and expansiveness, filling the heart with joy and elevating the mind towards new horizons. Uranus supplies great power and the energy of organisation to infuse these qualities into the etheric structure of the planet. Together, they hold out the promise of beneficent organisation on the physical plane. As we work together in meditation during the three spiritual festivals, let us empower this vision of love and sharing, seeing the consciousness of humanity rising towards the apex of the pyramid, to bathe as one in the clear, blue sky of the mind.
In the light, love and power of group service,
Headquarters Group, Lucis Trust
1. Esoteric Psychology Vol II, pp. 169-170, A.A. Bailey
2. Esoteric Astrology, p. 599, A.A. Bailey