I recognize my other self

We’re working now with the waning energies of the higher interlude period, moving towards the summer solstice on Wednesday.  The keynote for Gemini is “I recognize my other self and in the waning of that self, I grow and glow.” As we ponder these words, we contribute to building them into the fabric of human consciousness, thereby conditioning events.  Let’s take a few minutes to explore this keynote and its relationship to the work of Triangles.  Gemini is a major sign of duality and, in fact, performs the function of uniting the pairs of opposites.  As opposites are brought into union imbalances are resolved and soul light pours in, conferring expanded vision and the ability to see things from a deepened perspective by considering another point of view.  One major union or interplay that is fostered through this influence is that of the merging that is possible at this time between the fifth kingdom in nature, Hierarchy, and the human kingdom through the intermediary of the God-man, the World Teacher.  

As we learn to work effectively with this energy the keynote states we can “grow and glow.”  How do we do so?   The keynote states that is it through the process of recognition--”recognizing our other self.”  This other self is the personality, the lower nature. We are here asked to recognize this self, to shed light upon this aspect which can really only be done as we achieve a detached and decentralized perspective--in other words if we come to view as another.  And as we do so we become more capable of recognizing those aspects of the personality nature that are holding us back from fuller expression of the soul.

To “recognize” is defined as to know something that has been perceived before.  Often it is not easy to recognize this “other self, ” to see conditions and oneself free from the entanglements and the lower machinations of the personality nature--the astral and the lower mental vehicles.  But the developed ability to see oneself and others clearly and to also come to view the events that are unfolding in our world with greater clarity can only be realized as we work from the perspective of a deepened and expanded vision, a vision that sees beyond the surface and penetrates into the realm of causes.  For human beings have a tendency to project onto others and onto situations those qualities and shortcoming that they themselves possess, and this prevents clear vision.  So the practice of the Attitude of the Observer, contributes to the requisite tension that allows us to adopt a more decentralized approach to life and events and thereby provides that space within consciousness wherein we can begin to see more clearly.

But the process of recognition can be painful, but what would be more painful still would be to continue down the same route and to sink deeper into imbalances that cause so much suffering and pain. As we deepen our ability for recognition, both individually and collectively, it’s helpful to understand that generally the needed changes don’t happen overnight. We, and humanity, have to build in new grooves within consciousness and this takes time; we cannot rush our way into the light.

Recognition of one’s shortcomings -- or those of others -- should not lead to recrimination but rather to release and freedom and the ability to shine forth one’s essential soul qualities by the removal of that which previously obscured that light.  At the heart of all spiritual teachings we find the recommendation to let your light shine forth and workers in Triangles understand this injunction and practice it.  For Triangles work is not simply about taking a few minutes each day to radiate the light but it rather grows into the opportunity to view all of life as an opportunity  to radiate spiritual energy.

The Gemini labour of Hercules is one of great interest and holds much teaching value.  The labours aid us to see the glamours with which Hercules was confronted and the way in which he resolved them, which we can apply to our lives and our environment.  This third labour asked Hercules to demonstrate his ability to recognize and respond to people and situations accurately, with greater discrimination. And in this labour he failed a number of the tests with which he was confronted precisely because he could not see clearly.  He was said to be blind.  On the one hand he didn’t recognize those teachers who were sent to aid him on the path through the cultivation of self-reliance, for he did not see them clearly.  And, on the other hand, he was taken in by another teacher who held a strong personal magnetism and yet demanded loyalty and thought he had a market on the truth.

Hercules also had to learn a needed measure in his life for he  was too intent on his mission, on his own zealous aspiration to do good and to follow the path as he understood it.  This zeal was contributing to his blindness as it blocked him from the need of others and from what was around. His eye was placed too one-pointedly upon the goal and in this labour he had to learn the value of the seeming byways along the way, which can, in fact, be tremendously creative opportunities and learning experiences.

The labour was eventually successfully undertaken only when Hercules took time out of his mad rushing forward and, forgetting himself, became caught up in the service of his fellow humanity.  Hercules had to learn to seek the way “without discouragement, deception or too great a speed.” Surely these qualities are sorely needed today, particularly at this time of the passing out of the sixth ray influence that causes qualities of fundamentalist zeal to rise up in a particularly virulent form.

This labour can perhaps remind us of the underlying nature of our work together in Triangles, which is to bring through and circulate the energies of light and love through the planetary etheric body, distributing them to all the corners of the earth, to all living beings.  As we do so the mental and emotional atmosphere of the planet is clarified enabling humanity to see more clearly -- this is the service we provide -- the dissipation of the fogs and mists that distort reality and prevent the light from entering in.  Through our work together we play a part in the restoration of the Plan for our planet.  And it is this Plan, above all else, that we serve.  For through this Plan’s realization in our world, illumination pours in and things are seen as they are, not “through a glass darkly” but rather “face to face.”  Through our work together we are aiding in the construction of a divine blueprint that each one contributes to according to his/her understanding.  Together we are creating a beautiful symmetry that eventually will be reflected and precipitated thereby causing the cosmic heart, the heart systemic and the little heart of man to come to beat as one.