Sex--The Unknown Quantity: The Spiritual Function of SexMcIvor-Tyndall, Alexander J. (Alexander James)
Religion
Sex--The Unknown Quantity: The Spiritual Function of Sex
McIvor-Tyndall, Alexander J. (Alexander James)
Sex
"The eagle and the dove" is a phrase employed today to illustrate the
law of antithesis, and it is more than probable that the eagle
represented the lower nature of the sex-relation, in juxtaposition to
the higher, as the dove is emblematical of the spiritualized aspect of
sex-love. We have an analogy to that of the eagle and the dove in the
Biblical allusion to "the last day; when God will separate the 'sheep
from the goats,'" Here again is a pertinent reference to the sex
nature. The goat is a symbol of sensuality and lust, principally
because he has perverted sexual proclivities, notably that of
coercion. For this reason, Classical Mythology employs the satyr, a
creature half man and half goat, to typify the lowest form of the sex
call in man.
On the other hand, the lamb is the type of gentleness and affection,
and although in outward appearance the lamb and the goat are not
dissimilar, their natures are antithetical.
In estimating the God-idea of the Ancients, many mistakes have arisen
by confounding religious symbols with the "sacred" symbols. The
race-mind was in its kindergarten stage, and all ideals were instilled
by means of pictures--a method which even the present hour finds most
effective.
In modern theological symbolism we have God and the Devil; Heaven and
Hell; angels and demons, to illustrate by antithesis.
They all belong to religious symbology, but only those which teach
spiritual ideals are denominated "sacred."
"Riding the goat," alleged to be the almost invariable initiatory
prelude to fitness for membership in all secret orders, means, first
of all, that the would-be initiate must have control over his lower
sexual desires. If he cannot control the goat instincts within his
nature, he stands small chance of taking the higher degrees of
spiritual regeneration, through transmutation.
In another symbolic chart presenting the secrets of alchemical
transmutation, we find depicted "The Gate of Eternal Wisdom," and we
are further informed that this "gate" also brings "knowledge of God."
The design of this cave-like aperture should betray its esoteric
meaning. It is situated under a mound, upon which trees are planted.
The inscriptions on the corrugated walls of the cave, are evidently
designed to resemble seven lotus petals, and are set forth as the
seven mysteries. Inscriptions warning against profanation of this
sacred gate, and also promising eternal life and glory to the true
initiate, inspire the intrepid and deter the doubtful. Of these
latter, several are outside the entrance. Two are on the steps leading
to the mouth of the cave but their attitude bespeaks doubt of their
worthiness. Only one has penetrated to the radiant center of the
aperture, and there is room for but the one to enter the radiance of
the solar gate, which truly bestows a knowledge that is "of God."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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