Cosmic symbolism : $b Being a discussion and exposition of some recondite and obscure points in the art of the Kabalists, the mysteries of sound, form and number, and the basic principles of cosmic symbolismSepharial
Religion
Cosmic symbolism : $b Being a discussion and exposition of some recondite and obscure points in the art of the Kabalists, the mysteries of sound, form and number, and the basic principles of cosmic symbolism
Sepharial
Cabala; Occultism; Symbolism; Symbolism of numbers
determines the final _expression_ of character as the coloured glass
through which the ray of intelligence finally strikes upon us, but to
confound character with environment—and there is no environment which
presses a man more nearly than his physical body—would be to negative
the whole effort of reform. Character is inherent and is imported to the
physical environment. It is not derived from it. It is no by-product,
but a thing as essential to Soul as shape is to matter. Beyond the fact
of physical heredity, which counts for a great deal where bodies are
concerned, there is the yet more important factor of psychic tradition.
The importation of this factor into the problem is of the utmost
significance, and I venture to say that apart from a thorough sounding
of modern Psychology and Occultism, and a due consideration of all the
factors that go to the making of a man, there will be no satisfactory
solution of the problem modern Eugenists have before them.
In the analysis of personal efficiency we find three factors in
co-operation: faculty, function and instrument. All faculty is
strengthened and increased by use or function. Function it is that
adapts environment to its needs, as a force pressing towards expression
in matter. For the expression of faculty, therefore, we need functional
integrity, adaptation of environment, and efficiency of instrument. It
has been said that, given an instrument that is out of tune there would
not be much difference in expression of faculty between an impresario
and a man entirely ignorant of music. This is true only in time and as
regards the immediate effort of each. But one can very well see that
there are essential differences which will very soon be made manifest.
The musician would know that the instrument was defective, while the
other would not. In a short while the musician would get that instrument
into tune so that he could express his faculty. The man ignorant of
music could not attempt the business. Character counts for more than
environment, and faculty than instrument.
Now in our Occultism we distinguish between that which is incidental, as
faculty and character; and that which is accidental, as instrument and
environment. It is recognized that the horoscope of birth is accidental
in this sense, and represents the cosmical and mundane environment in
which the character is required to express itself. It represents a
composite of cosmic forces energizing through two great streams of
heredity. But it is not essential to the man, as is character. It is not
going to damn him for ever or confer on him the guerdon of a blessed
immortality. It is merely an environment, and that but a temporary one.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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