In an earlier discussion, we touched on the veil of Paroketh - which separates uninitiated from initiated consciousness. This is the lower of two great "gaps" in consciousness. Below Paroketh, the personality is essentially an automaton, a sleepwalker - however once that veil is crossed and the heart center is activated, an inner lamp is lit, and we take control of our own consciousness - directing it skillfully toward harmony.
There comes a time however, when a greater abyss looms before us - this is the gap between the personal and the transpersonal, and it is traversed essentially by offering the adept consciousness as a gift to eternity - as a sacrifice. We relinquish control to the divine plenum having obtained that control for (and of) ourselves. We turn our will and our lives over to the ultimate horizon of reality. It is wise to take one's time in preparing this gift. The traversing of the Great Abyss is notoriously difficult - and yet it can be commenced at any time.
Success in the crossing is most likely if the psyche is balanced - as a balanced psyche is easier to rescind, at death, which is what this experience essentially is. Death of the self, death of the ego.
At the same time, know this - that the crossing of the Great abyss is an inevitability and a necessity. There are those who hold out against it - who build a "fortress" astride it, and seek to go no further - to make no sacrifice. They can obtain a certain kind of hideous strength from this, it is true - but ultimately the hubris claims them, and they trail their unhappiness behind them like a wake of suffering and strife.
Do not cross prematurely, but do not resist the crossing when it is truly time - just like death, there is sport in evading it so that its meeting is of highest value and potency. Brinksmanship, if you will.
Here, on the path of Strength, we can glimpse the foothills of this great magickal trial. If it be the Way, we might soon embark on the journey that will take us to the supernal realms.
Comments