Sabian Symbols: An examination of initiates
An examination of initiates
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This universal idea is best expressed through planets in
Pisces 12 (11°- 12°)EXAMINATION
We are brought to a focus and challenged to produce our best results in order to measure and improve "Deal with examinations and challenges effectively" Advanced beings tend to be drawn into each other’s company and then create a disciplined community to protect the atmosphere and conditions that support their being able to maintain a high level of attunement. The newly-initiated disciple, joining them, will be tested by this style of living and also examined by the elders. This established a process of both measurement and furtherment that is essential for discipleship.
Rudhyar: IN THE SANCTUARY OF AN OCCULT BROTHERHOOD, NEWLY INITIATED MEMBERS ARE BEING EXAMINED AND THEIR CHARACTER TESTED |
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In an occult brotherhood, newly initiated members are being examined and their character tested
Qualification
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Spiritual aspirations are tested – have we clear intention to serve the soul’s ideals?
Life, especially a spiritual life, demands that we continue at all times to prove ourselves in full accordance with the claims we make. So if we claim to be a seeker of immortal understandings, then certain choices and behaviours are appropriate; others are not. An initiate is someone who has made an irrevocable statement of intention to serve the soul’s imperatives above those of the ego. Self-dedication is a commitment to a set of values far removed from gross appetites, transient jealousies of fellows, and similar neurotic attitudes. Ultimately we reveal ourselves more through the finer potentialities we develop – our qualifications – to the point where we choose unhesitatingly and consistently to share them with others. In each and every new situation of consequence, we are tested – this is what is meant as the examination of initiates. It is not imposed upon by others – it is attracted to us by our sincere seeking. Ideals and spiritual aspirations are thought-forms, and they operate on the level of magnetism, pulling towards us both the rewards and the price of our involvement with the mysteries. If we pay the price – giving up our imperfections of character, we are given the rewards – emotional calmness and intellectual understanding. Our qualification is a two-edged sword. We may detach ourselves from commonplace neediness for the emotional support of others, yet run the risk of embittered self-solicitude. We may also become advanced in knowledge, yet frustrated because we are unable to explain much of what we know to family and friends. However, within us there arises an instinctive responsiveness to the highest expectation of everybody we meet, and we become concerned only in issues of real consequence – to the exclusion of trivial matters. This means a complete revision of our attitudes, and our circumstances – we may have to live on the very edges of normal society to maintain our freedom of perspectives and the constant availability to serve Spirit. |
