1984 Part 2
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11/07/2025
Faith. Hope
Plato best summarized the thought that the purpose of philosophy is to build a solid foundation under faith. There is no substance to philosophy except that it serves to strengthen our convictions of things beyond itself. In the Kabbalah, there are fifty Gates. Forty-nine gates can be passed by mortals, but the fiftieth gate, which represents the final union with reality, is not an intellectual experience. It is something we have termed faith.
Faith is not just believing. Many people have wonderful beliefs, and in some cases, those beliefs constitute faith, but not always. Faith must have substance; it must have something beneath and around it by which it is justified. Particularly in these days, the individual is not an easy believer. He cannot simply assume a faith. Though he may accept it and even enter a church, being baptized into a sect does not constitute faith. Faith is an inward experience of eternal value.
The ancients divided the search for truth into three categories: religion, philosophy, and science. In the modern world, we have eliminated the philosophical factor, reducing it to merely science and religion. This is a mistake. Even this dichotomy is wrong, for there are no true divisions. As long as one form of learning is separated from another, there will be conflict, and as long as there is conflict, there can be no perfect faith. Faith must not be divided. We cannot separate believers from unbelievers, for the purpose of philosophy is to eliminate the gaps between forms of learning so that they may all support the one important truth—ultimate faith.
Faith, in its finest and fullest expression, is the complete awareness of the eternity of the divine plan. It is that which makes obvious to all of us the sovereign power that governs all things. This sovereign power has always been present and has been considered for ages, but we have built away from it. We accept its reality, but we seldom involve it in our thinking or our daily experiences. It is rare that we recognize the evidences of the renewal plan in the phenomenal world.
All forms of knowledge exist only for one purpose—to reveal the essential nature of themselves, and when they do, they reveal that their eternal nature is one with the divine. We do not stop in the study of anatomy at the dissection of the body, nor do we end art with a fine painting. Instead, we do as the Zen masters in Japan did: they remain very quiet and allow reality to paint through them. They are not artists in their own right but agents of an eternal artistic instinct in the universe. Faith is a more or less complete instinct in the universe, as far as we can explore it, and yet we seldom consider it.
In today’s world, we receive late bulletins from scientific institutions proudly announcing a new cure for some illness, which is undoubtedly important. However, very seldom does such an announcement signify a true understanding of sickness, nor does it achieve the recognition that every aspect of diagnosis is actually a fragment of the diagnosis of truth. Every symptom is part of a recognition of a divine plan and a divine purpose. Everything, good and bad, bears witness to one reality. What we call “bad” is usually that which we are not willing to contribute to or support. We believe that bad is what we do not want, but it may be something we bitterly and deeply need.
We must now examine faith in the context of searching through every known branch of knowledge for its roots. Wherever we find the root, we find ourselves in the presence of infinite wisdom and infinite manifestation. We suddenly realize that the ordinary worker is working under a law that is eternal. The craftsman, the artist, the professional—all are servants of some aspect of reality. And the many aspects of reality are all rooted in one eternal principle. Therefore, advancement in any form of knowledge is an advancement toward the one reality.
Many people accept this reality, many believe in it, but very few have experienced it. Very few individuals have become increasingly aware of the divine purpose. They are more apt to be aware of human need, but human need is only one aspect of the divine purpose. Plato was correct in attributing to all forms of learning that they are servants of truth, and truth itself is a term applied to faith.
All learning is a kind of sacred learning. Even our most secular institutions are parts of a divine plan. Every building, home, office, airport—each is a house of truth in some mysterious way. It is fulfilling a law, revealing through its structure the skills of human minds, and these minds, in turn, are rooted in the divine mind. Everything that happens in the world is sacred. Everything we try to do is inspired by some degree of insight into something greater than ourselves. Yet most people do not explore these things. They live merely on the surface of success and failure.
In this period of civilization, the absence of foundational truth is becoming more and more obvious. We are losing the reality of experience. Experience is nothing if it does not teach us something. If experience only makes us angry at each other, condemns the world in which we live, or gives us the feeling that we are entitled to exploit each other, then we have failed completely to carry forward the purpose of an infinite universal program. Even the smallest act of kindness is an expression of infinite faith. We may not recognize it as faith—perhaps it only gratifies our emotions to do something kind—but these kind acts are expressions of deep-rooted faith. They are like veins of gold within a base rock, the veins of reality in a world of illusions.
When we approach the problem of faith, we must try to understand how to increase it. All forms of knowledge are based upon something. Mathematics is an exact science; astronomy is an exact science; medicine is an exact science. To the degree that these sciences are true, they should contribute to our experience of faith—but in most cases, they do not. We are now developing forms of healing largely based on belief and faith. However, in order to strengthen faith so that it can overcome the limitations of flesh, time, and circumstances, we must follow the threefold structure pointed out by Lord Bacon: tradition, experience, and experimentation. These are the instruments to discover what is true, and when truth is found, it answers the question, “What is faith?”
Faith is based upon the true experience of everything that happens. It is based upon the infinite variety of opportunities to learn. We can learn anything—from computers to the stars—but in the end, the purpose of all learning is to build a solid foundation under faith. Faith is the only part of our lives that can sustain us in all the emergencies of existence. It is not just belief but strength, an inner power that, when strengthened, makes us greater than circumstance. Faith supports virtue in the presence of trial and discouragement.
Faith, therefore, is man’s internal strength. It is to his inner life what success or wealth may be to his outer life. The individual may be rich in wealth and weak in faith, and his life will be miserable. We abuse things that we do not understand, and abuse arises from ignorance—not necessarily ignorance in terms of reading and writing, but ignorance of the truth at the root of life. That truth is absolute integrity, and as long as we compromise it, we will doubt the existence of God. Some may even come to believe in the existence of evil. However, evil is not truly a thing in itself; it is simply a lack, an emptiness where there should be fullness. It is a compromise, where principles are not strong enough to dominate the life of the person.
Thus, in faith, we are constantly working toward an inward experience, but that experience alone does not necessarily lead to faith—it can lead to fanaticism. It can lead to extreme beliefs and doctrines that have no substance in integrity. Therefore, we must prove faith through philosophy, science, and personal experience, using all the tools of knowledge available to us. Faith is the realization that we live in an absolutely honest universe, and there is nothing we can do to change that—except to be honest ourselves or suffer the consequences.
Faith is the realization that all things—science, art, philosophy, ethics—are one. And it is by recognizing this unity that we ultimately find peace, truth, and purpose.
Inevitably everyone faces their Shadow
The “Chancellor on the brink of second bailout” is an Easter egg which refers to a hidden message embedded within the Bitcoin Genesis Block, which reads “The Times 03/Jan/2009 Chancellor on brink of second bailout for banks,” essentially referencing a headline from The Times newspaper about the financial crisis at the time, signifying Bitcoin’s potential as an alternative to traditional banking systems that needed government bailouts; it’s considered a subtle critique of centralized finance by Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto
Despite being one of the world’s richest individuals with a net worth of around $73 billion, Satoshi has never sold or moved any of his Bitcoin.
Man convicted for repeatedly lying about inventing Bitcoin
The Nature of Money: An Open Letter to Humanity
The history of money is as old as civilization itself, woven deeply into the fabric of human progress. Yet, money is not what most believe it to be. It is neither wealth in itself nor a measure of human worth. Instead, money began as a tool—an agreement, a symbol of trust, and a reflection of societal values. Its evolution, misuse, and potential provide us with lessons about ourselves, our relationships, and our responsibilities as stewards of this world.
The Origins of Money: From Barter to Symbol
In the ancient world, long before the glitter of modern currency, barter was the primary means of exchange. A shepherd would trade sheep for grain, or a farmer would barter corn for cloth. This system was direct and simple, but limited by the need for a mutual coincidence of wants. As societies grew more complex, tokens were introduced—symbols that represented value without being intrinsically valuable themselves.
The ancient Egyptians, among the first to adopt a monetary system, used money changers stationed at city gates to facilitate trade. These individuals, seated at “banks” (the literal term for their tables), exchanged currencies from different regions for a modest fee. Honesty was not just expected but demanded. A dishonest money changer faced severe consequences, such as the destruction of their table, symbolizing the rupture of trust. This integrity-based system reflected a broader spiritual philosophy: the measure of a person’s life was not the wealth they amassed, but the virtue they embodied in their dealings.
Money and Morality: Lessons from Egypt
Egyptian culture placed a profound emphasis on the ethical use of wealth. Upon death, individuals faced the psychostasia, or “weighing of the soul,” overseen by Osiris and a jury of deities. Among the many confessions the departed had to make was a pledge that they had not cheated others, exploited the vulnerable, or misused their position for personal gain. Those who had lived honorably were granted passage to the afterlife, while the corrupt faced consequences proportionate to their actions.
What, then, was the true currency in this system? Not gold or silver, but character. A person’s integrity, compassion, and service to others formed the “coin” they could carry into the afterlife. This concept teaches us a timeless truth: money is not an end in itself but a reflection of one’s moral and spiritual values.
The Rise of Materialism and the Misuse of Money
As societies evolved, the original purpose of money as a tool of exchange became distorted. Tokens of value began to be perceived as valuable in themselves, leading to hoarding, exploitation, and the rise of materialism. Wealth, once a means to facilitate social harmony, became a symbol of power and superiority.
This shift disrupted the delicate balance of human relationships. The Roman emperors, for instance, debased their coinage by substituting copper for silver to stretch their resources, undermining trust in the currency. Counterfeiting emerged, further eroding the ethical foundation of monetary systems. What began as a medium of exchange devolved into a tool for control and manipulation.
The consequences of this materialistic mindset are evident today. Economic systems prioritize accumulation over equity, encouraging exploitation of both people and the planet. Resources like petroleum are extracted and consumed without regard for sustainability, mirroring a broader societal tendency to prioritize short-term gain over long-term well-being.
Reclaiming the True Purpose of Money
To address these challenges, we must revisit the original purpose of money and align it with universal principles of justice, responsibility, and cooperation. Money, at its best, is a social contract—a representation of trust between individuals and communities. Its value lies not in the material substance of a coin or note but in the integrity of the system it supports.
Wealth should be a byproduct of meaningful contribution, not a measure of human worth. The ancient Egyptians understood this, recognizing that true wealth was tied to virtues like generosity, wisdom, and service to others. These values, not material possessions, form the foundation of a harmonious and just society.
The Spiritual Dimension of Money
Money is not inherently good or evil. It is a tool, and its moral character depends on how it is used. When used responsibly, it can uplift communities, foster innovation, and promote well-being. When misused, it becomes a source of inequality, conflict, and despair.
The spiritual dimension of money lies in its ability to reflect the values of its holder. A dollar, like any token, is ensouled by the intentions of the one who wields it. When used to serve others, it carries the energy of generosity and compassion. When hoarded or exploited, it becomes an empty symbol, devoid of meaning or value.
The Path Forward: A Call to Responsibility
Our current economic system is at a crossroads. Materialism has led to environmental degradation, social inequality, and spiritual emptiness. Yet, within this crisis lies an opportunity for transformation. By reclaiming the ethical foundations of money, we can rebuild a system that prioritizes human dignity and planetary health over unchecked accumulation.
This transformation begins with the individual. Each of us has a role to play in redefining the purpose of money. We must learn to use wealth wisely, investing in endeavors that uplift rather than exploit, and ensuring that our financial systems reflect the highest values of humanity.
As stewards of this world, we are tasked with creating a sustainable and just economic system—one that respects the limits of our planet and the infinite potential of the human spirit. Let us remember that the greatest wealth lies not in what we possess, but in who we are and how we contribute to the well-being of others.
Money is a mirror of humanity. It reveals our priorities, our values, and our vision for the future. By aligning our use of money with principles of integrity, responsibility, and compassion, we can transform it from a source of division into a tool for unity. In doing so, we honor not only the lessons of history but the highest aspirations of the human spirit.
Let us use money as it was intended: as a medium of exchange, a measure of trust, and a reflection of our collective commitment to a better world.
“Pandora”
Out of the mythology of the Greeks, to whom humanity is deeply indebted, there is a story. Like all stories of mythology, it begins with “once upon a time.” Exact dates are generally not given, but once upon a time, the gods on high Olympus desired to create something beyond their own divine membership. They gathered and took some clay. They molded this clay into the form of a beautiful woman, and having made the perfect statue, the gods decided to give it life. They endowed it with gifts, making it a living being.
Athena gave it wisdom, understanding, insight, and sympathy. Another god endowed it with courage. Another granted longevity. Many of the goddesses collaborated to create beautiful robes, garments, and flowered turbans for this new, wonderful creature. When their work was complete, there stood Pandora.
Pandora is an intriguing symbol. Most interpreters have failed to grasp its larger meaning, but as you hear the story, its significance becomes evident. Pandora personifies the planet Earth itself. Like the Earth, she began as clay, molded into the contours, forms, and styles we see today. This symbolism aligns with the creation myth found in Genesis 2:7, which states: “Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” Similarly, Pandora represents the beauty, wisdom, courage, understanding, and laws bestowed upon the Earth, making it a truly magnificent creation—just as the gods intended.
At this time, Zeus faced troubles, particularly with Prometheus, a Titan who was not only brave and strong but audacious. This Titan dared to steal the fire of heaven and, against Zeus’s will, gave it to mortals on Earth.
Prometheus had a brother, Epimetheus, who was also a radical thinker, albeit less farsighted. Epimetheus was deeply concerned with advancing the arts, crafts, and sciences that fire enabled. Zeus encouraged Pandora to marry this brave and heroic Titan, and they were wed in a grand ceremony orchestrated by the gods. As a wedding present, Zeus bestowed upon Pandora a box.
The nature of this box varies in different accounts. Some describe it as a cube, others as a vase or urn with a lid. Some say it resembled the shape of the Earth. Whatever its form, Zeus gave Pandora the box with a strict admonition: under no circumstances should she open it.
Now at this point, the stories would sound rather familiar, and nine people out of ten would guess that Pandora opened the box. But they are wrong. Pandora did not open the box. It was her husband! In that moment, he allowed all the ills and evils of mankind to escape from the box. Before he could replace the lid, everything had fled except for one thing: hope, which clung desperately to the inside of the box.
This little know mystery that it was Epimetheus who opened the box, yet nine out of ten still believe it was Pandora. This reminds me of the common misunderstanding of the story The Temptation and Fall of Man in Genies. Adam and Eve, in The Garden with a serpent. and the serpent also handed down to us but the stories of antiquity
So here we have a problem that is very interesting. Here we have nature—the Earth—beautiful and wonderful, united in marriage to the ambitions of the human mind. That was the beginning of the big trouble. It was the big trouble because no sooner had the husband become aware of the facts of life and had seen the disasters flowing out of the box, he was impelled to do something about it. And nearly everything humanity has done about it since has been a mistake. It has only made things worse.
Every development, invention, art, and science has its box. It begins as a Pandora’s box, closed and full of potential, but as soon as the lid is lifted, trouble begins. Consider the automobile: it was a beautiful idea, sparing horses from overwork and revolutionizing transportation. Yet today we are plagued by environmental pollution, urban sprawl, and an over-reliance on fossil fuels. Airplanes, initially celebrated as miraculous, now serve as tools of war and environmental degradation. Even the computer, heralded as a modern marvel, has introduced over-reliance, ethical dilemmas, and emotional disconnection.
Humanity’s disregard for natural laws is evident everywhere. We deplete petroleum reserves, contaminate water, and pollute the air. Nature warns us through diminishing resources and escalating disasters, yet we ignore these signs. This story is echoed in modern allegories like the film Snowpiercer, where humanity survives aboard a perpetually moving train, exploiting its finite resources and ignoring the balance needed for survival. The real hidden meaning of the film for me is the separation of the passengers by class. Each cart acting as the symbolic representation of class separation and class wars.
The Earth, much like Pandora’s box, is a finite vessel. It began full of potential but becomes a source of misery when misused. Its limited resources demand respect and conservation. Humanity must abandon its relentless exploitation and instead honor the wisdom of the ancients, aligning actions with natural and divine laws.
Just as Pandora’s box held hope, so does our future. Hope is the spark that inspires change, urging us to restore balance and live harmoniously with nature. By heeding these lessons, we can ensure a brighter future for generations to come.
This Earth is like a kind of vessel, perhaps like Pandora’s box. If we use it wisely, it releases all kinds of potentials that help us grow in countless ways. But if abused and perverted, this same Earth can turn upon us as a very sad and angered victim of our intemperance. Behind humanity’s will lies the will of nature, and behind nature’s will lies the mind of God. Violation of these laws results in consequences, as nature punishes disobedience and divinity condemns selfishness.
Through history, humanity has been blind to these truths, indulging in short-term gains and ignoring the natural values of life. However, hope remains. We must nurture the emotional life of the planet, cultivate kindness, and align our ambitions with the greater good. By doing so, we fulfill the ancient lessons of Pandora’s tale, ensuring harmony with the natural and divine order of the world.
I was inspired to write an essay today after once again opening up IG and seeing the misuse of the word “narcissist”.
In today’s culture, the myth of Narcissus has been grossly misused and misunderstood. The term “narcissist” has become a casual insult, thrown about on social media and in everyday discourse to label anyone perceived as self-centered, vain, or overly confident. This shallow interpretation of Narcissus’ story not only strips the myth of its profound spiritual and psychological depth but also trivializes the genuine psychological condition of Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Furthermore, it serves as a deflection, avoiding deeper relational dynamics or self-accountability in human interactions. Let us begin by addressing this misuse and then delve into the timeless truths the story holds about the human soul and its spiritual journey, while honoring the Greek culture and the origins of this tale.
The Modern Misuse of Narcissus
Social Media: The Modern Pool
Today, social media platforms act as the still pool in which millions gaze upon their curated reflections. These digital reflections, crafted for validation rather than authenticity, mirror Narcissus’ fatal fixation. The obsession with external image and approval draws attention away from deeper connections and higher truths, echoing the illusion of self that led to Narcissus’ demise.
Weaponization of Narcissism
The term “narcissist” has become a weapon in everyday language, often applied to anyone perceived as self-centered or confident. This casual misuse obscures the true meaning of NPD, a clinical condition requiring professional diagnosis. It is often wielded to deflect from deeper relational dynamics, avoiding self-accountability or genuine dialogue. By blaming perceived narcissism in others, individuals may sidestep the opportunity to explore the complexities of relationships, such as unmet emotional needs, unresolved conflicts, or mutual behaviors that contribute to challenges.
Oversimplification of Relational Issues
The overuse of the term “narcissist” reduces nuanced interpersonal struggles to one-sided blame. It shifts focus from exploring shared responsibilities or underlying emotional wounds to vilifying one party. This erosion of genuine dialogue prevents growth, healing, and the development of empathy—all of which are crucial for meaningful relationships.
Loss of Spiritual Understanding
The myth’s profound spiritual teachings—the dangers of ego fixation and the call to align the soul’s layers—are largely forgotten. Instead, Narcissus is remembered only as a cautionary tale about surface-level vanity, stripping the story of its transformative power. Modern misuse reduces the myth to a shallow critique of individual behaviors, ignoring its deeper call for self-awareness and spiritual elevation.
The Origins and Significance of the Myth of Narcissus
The myth of Narcissus originates from the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, a cultural treasure that has profoundly shaped Western thought and philosophy. In honoring this story, we must acknowledge the depth and complexity of Greek culture, which used myths not merely as tales of entertainment but as profound reflections on the human condition and the divine.
The earliest known version of Narcissus’ story appears in the works of the poet Ovid, specifically in his masterpiece, Metamorphoses, written in the 1st century BCE. Ovid’s narrative places Narcissus as a tragic figure, cursed to fall in love with his own reflection as punishment for spurning the affections of others. The tale intertwines themes of unrequited love, self-obsession, and the consequences of failing to engage with the world beyond oneself.
However, the roots of the myth may stretch even further back into oral traditions predating Ovid. Some scholars suggest that the myth reflects ancient Greek philosophical inquiries into the nature of the self, the relationship between appearance and reality, and the human struggle to balance individual identity with collective existence. The Greeks, with their reverence for beauty and their deep understanding of its transient nature, infused the story of Narcissus with layers of symbolic meaning that resonate across time.
In Greek culture, the pool into which Narcissus gazes is not just a physical object but a symbolic mirror of consciousness and identity. This aligns with the philosophical teachings of Heraclitus, who mused on the nature of reflection and the ever-changing flow of existence. The Greeks saw beauty not as an end in itself but as a doorway to higher truths—a concept tragically misunderstood by Narcissus, whose fixation on his reflection led to his downfall.
To honor the Greek origins of this myth is to respect their profound insights into human nature. Myths serve as universal languages—timeless allegories meant to guide humanity toward spiritual enlightenment. Narcissus’ tale invites us to contemplate the balance between self-awareness and self-obsession, urging us to transcend the superficial and seek a deeper understanding of our place within the cosmos.
The Myth of Narcissus: A Reflection of the Soul
Narcissus, the beautiful youth of Greek lore, gazes into a still pool and falls in love with his reflection. Captivated by his own image, he becomes ensnared in a cycle of admiration, unable to look away. In his obsession, he forgets the world, withers, and dies, transforming into the flower that now bears his name. On the surface, the story warns against vanity, but its true significance lies in its profound exploration of the human spirit.
The still pool into which Narcissus gazes is not merely water but a metaphor for consciousness and self-reflection. In its surface, he sees a false image—an illusion of the self that is both alluring and deceptive. Herein lies the first great teaching of this myth: the peril of mistaking appearances for reality, a theme that resonates across spiritual traditions.
The reflection symbolizes the illusory nature of the material world. The pool serves as a portal to inner awareness, but only for those who can see beyond the surface. Narcissus’ tragedy lies in his failure to recognize the divine essence within himself, mistaking the shadow for the substance.
The Water and the Sky: Symbols of Soul and Spirit
The water, calm and reflective, symbolizes the Nephesh, the lowest level of the soul in Jewish mysticism. The Nephesh represents our physical and instinctual nature, the part of the soul that animates the body and engages with the material world. Narcissus’ gaze into the pool reflects his entrapment in this layer of existence, tied to the physical and bound by the illusion of separateness.
Above the water lies the sky, an eternal and infinite expanse, symbolizing the Neshamah, the highest aspect of the soul. The Neshamah is the divine spark within us, our connection to higher realms and universal truths. Yet Narcissus, entranced by his reflection, fails to lift his eyes. He cannot transcend the allure of his ego to glimpse the divine light reflected in the heavens. In this failure, we see the ultimate tragedy: the loss of spiritual potential due to fixation on the temporal.
Between these two extremes lies the Ruach, the spirit that bridges the Nephesh and the Neshamah. The Ruach governs emotion, morality, and self-awareness. It is the force that encourages us to mediate between our physical desires and higher aspirations. Narcissus’ neglect of the Ruach illustrates his inability to balance his instincts with a sense of purpose and emotional depth.
The Jewish Mystical Connection: Nephesh, Ruach, Neshamah
In Jewish mysticism, the soul is understood as a multi-faceted entity:
Nephesh (נפש): The vital soul, associated with the physical body and instincts. It animates the body and governs basic survival needs and desires.
In Narcissus, the Nephesh dominates. His attachment to his physical beauty and reflection reveals a soul tethered to the material plane, unable to ascend.
Ruach (רוח): The spirit, linked to emotions and moral virtues. It serves as the bridge between the physical and the divine, guiding emotional growth and ethical behavior.
Narcissus neglects the Ruach, failing to cultivate emotional depth or moral awareness. His self-obsession isolates him, severing his connection to others and his potential for growth.
Neshamah (נשמה): The divine soul, connected to intellect and spiritual insight. It represents our higher purpose and connection to the divine.
The Neshamah is symbolized by the sky above the water, ever-present yet unnoticed by Narcissus. His inability to lift his gaze signifies the spiritual blindness that results from egoic entrapment.
This layered understanding of the soul underscores the necessity of harmonizing all three aspects to achieve spiritual wholeness. When the Nephesh, Ruach, and Neshamah are in balance, the soul ascends toward its divine purpose.
Lessons for the Modern Soul
To reclaim the true meaning of Narcissus’ story, we must:
Recognize Illusion: Understand that external validation, whether through social media or other means, is fleeting and cannot fulfill the soul.
Balance the Soul’s Layers: Harmonize the Nephesh, Ruach, and Neshamah by addressing physical needs, cultivating emotional depth, and aspiring toward spiritual truths.
Seek Authenticity: Look beyond the curated reflections of modern life to find genuine self-awareness and connection.
Embrace Accountability: Resist the urge to oversimplify relational challenges and instead engage in meaningful dialogue to foster empathy and growth
Concluding Reflections
The story of Narcissus is not merely a cautionary tale about vanity; it is a profound allegory for the journey of the soul. It teaches us to recognize the illusions that bind us, to balance the layers of our being, and to strive for the divine. By understanding this myth through the lens of Greek symbolism, Jewish mysticism, and its modern misuses, we uncover a universal truth: the path to fulfillment lies not in gazing endlessly at our reflection but in lifting our eyes to the eternal sky, where the true essence of our being is reflected in the light of the divine.
To honor the legacy of Greek culture is to respect its wisdom, artistry, and deep understanding of the human condition. The myth of Narcissus, in its original form, is a timeless gift—an invitation to transcend the superficial and discover the profound.
Guardian Angel
Studying our heritage from the past is not a waste of time, for much of that heritage remains with us. Even if it no longer dominates the political and social circles of life, it persists within the internal, subjective moods of our existence.
From the very beginning, human beings struggled to understand their place in the world—where they were, what they were, and why they existed. As they observed nature unfolding around them, they sensed that there must be something behind it all. Yet, they had no way to truly discover what that something was. Early humans were confined to the small area of their own existence, and their life expectancy was brief. Some estimates suggest that the average lifespan in early cave-dwelling periods was only about ten years, with many never reaching adulthood. It was a strange world, where everything happened without explanation.
Gradually, it became clear that human beings required an internal existence—one that carried with it faith and hope. The rise of various beliefs emerged from this necessity. Some of the earliest were shamanistic, involving spirits and ghosts. These beliefs did not come from careful study or planned exploration of nature; rather, they were born from the desperation of individuals struggling to escape loneliness, seeking connection in an unknown world. The early human was much like a castaway on a deserted island, akin to Tom Hanks in Cast Away, left with nothing but ingenuity to survive.
Over time, there arose a demand for organized faith—faith in realities that were not visible. How was the primitive man to analyze the unseen? How does the modern man analyze them? The need for answers resulted in temporary solutions, sufficient for the moment, with the hope that they would be improved and perfected over time. This temporary solution remains the one we use today. Despite all our progress, skills, and intellectualism, the individual is still lonely, still comparatively helpless in a world far too vast.
Today, humans not only struggle to adjust to nature but also to survive the complexities of human-made circumstances in this small world we call Earth. The beginnings of faith, hope, and love lie in the desperate need for something greater than oneself—something stronger, an ever-present help in times of trouble. Trouble is common; help is scarce. The individual has endured endless misfortune and suffering, yet there had to be some hope, something to sustain the struggling creature along its evolutionary path. This is where shamanism emerged, as seen among the American Indians—the medicine priest with his rattle, spells, and incantations, possessing second sight into mysteries, offering healing and hope.
In different parts of the world, other belief systems gradually evolved, but their foundations remained the same: the human demand for hope. Hope was often found through the arrangement of familiar but seemingly powerless elements into something greater. For example, the American Indians of the Southwest created charms and protective symbols. They knew that a simple pebble had no power, yet when two pebbles were tied together with sinew and adorned with paint, they became medicine. This was the birth of magic—the belief that combining ordinary elements could bring about extraordinary results.
Most ancient peoples had a class of medicine priests or spiritual leaders who became the foster parents of humanity. Simple people depended on these figures for guidance and hope. Over time, they developed reputations for miraculous results, offering healing that even today some seek beyond modern medicine. The Bible supports this, stating that faith itself helps to make us whole. Faith, in essence, is a source of healing, not only from physical ailments but also from emotional distress and mental burdens. Faith counteracts the destructive force of fear.
From faith arose beliefs and ideals—not all provable or demonstrable, yet widely accepted because they gave people hope. As religions and philosophies became more complex, efforts were made to rationalize faith, bringing it under the control of reason. It became evident that faith supported by the mind was stronger. Thus, emerged various philosophies, mysticism’s, mythologies, and esoteric teachings—each an intellectual interpretation of natural phenomena.
However, today we face a paradox. Faith, the cornerstone of survival, is increasingly challenged by scientific knowledge, which often seeks to dismantle belief in the invisible principles upon which people have long depended. As science limits human perspective and enforces the idea that material realities are the only truths, faith dims, hope fades, and the individual is reduced to a state from which he had once risen—beyond mere materialistic existence.
Among the fundamental mysteries of human life, none has been more perplexing than the mystery of death. Primitive humans could not comprehend it. They dramatized and glorified it, filling the tombs of kings with treasures in hopes of an afterlife. But faith, even without proof, remained crucial. It provided a framework for understanding life’s purpose. Materialism destroys that purpose, while idealism supports it. As Omar Khayyám wrote in The Rubaiyat:
“Strange—is it not?—that of the myriads who
Before us passed the door of darkness through,
Not one returns to tell us of the way,
Which to discover we must travel too.”
Pessimism, however, is a disease. It is the result of facing hard circumstances without inner enlightenment to sustain oneself. Building this inner light is vital. In time, ancient civilizations sought to bridge the gap between humanity and divinity. They realized that no deity could listen to the millions of prayers sent forth each day, and so they conceived of intermediary beings—guardian spirits, angels, and tutelary deities—who could intercede on behalf of mortals.
These beliefs arose not out of proof, but necessity. The human mind naturally sought order, and through dreams, visions, and symbols, people created systems of hope, transformation, and survival. The concept of God evolved—while thousands of deities arose in Eastern traditions, the essential belief remained: there must be something between man and the divine, something that ensures divine presence in mortal existence.
This universal concept of guardianship is found in every major religious tradition. In Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, angels serve as messengers and protectors. In Buddhism, spiritual beings guide seekers on their path. Even in secular societies, people often speak of an unseen force guiding them, a conscience that warns or reassures.
The guardian angel, in many traditions, is believed to be assigned at birth, remaining with the individual through life, and testifying on their behalf before the divine. Though not officially part of early Christian doctrine, it was accepted as sententia fidei, a teaching “of the mind of the Church.” Its origins trace back to Chaldean and Babylonian beliefs, yet the concept exists in nearly every faith.
Beyond religious doctrine, the guardian angel symbolizes the human soul itself—the higher, guiding force that urges us toward integrity. It represents our conscience, the part of us that knows right from wrong. It is the voice that warns us against wrongdoing, that reminds us to check the air in our tires, that makes us pause before speaking words we may regret.
Yet, if the guardian angel exists, why do people still make poor choices? Theology has long struggled with this paradox. In various traditions, there is also a guardian on the threshold, a darker force—whether called the dweller on the threshold, Mephistopheles, or the adversary—which represents the struggle between good and evil.
Ultimately, faith in a guiding force—whether an angel, a conscience, or divine love—has given humanity resilience. It has inspired leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Mohandas Gandhi. It has shaped art, philosophy, and spiritual traditions across cultures. Perhaps, at its core, the belief in a guardian angel is not just about divine protection but about the universal human need for hope, for something greater than oneself.
As we enter the Christmas season, a time sacred to billions, perhaps we should reflect on the true gifts of the guardian angel: love, charity, and self-sacrifice. It is not about extravagant presents or material wealth, but about the giving of oneself—of kindness, of understanding, of forgiveness. The guardian angel reminds us that we are never truly alone, and that no matter how dark the path may seem, there is always light guiding the way.
This is a list of trauma healing methods I have used and recommend. Most of these websites have directories to find therapists who work with these modalities. Methods you can learn and do yourself are EFT Tapping and TRE.
Understanding the Default Mode Network
Stop drinking Coffee : Coffee and the Brain (Default Mode Network, Visual Cortex, Right Executive Control Network)
TRAUMA HEALING METHODS
7 Reasons Why You Should Always Tell the Truth
Brainspotting https://brainspotting.com/
Understanding the Default Mode Network
Cereset (an advance on neurofeedback that resets the brain out of chronic stress patterns) https://cereset.com/
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) Tapping https://www.thetappingsolution.com/
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) https://www.emdria.org/
EMDR Flash Technique https://flashtechnique.com/
Hakomi (mindful somatic therapy—some practitioners are trauma trained) https://www.hakomica.org/resources/find-a-hakomi-practitioner
Neurofeedback: Research the providers in your area. There are a number of different types of neurofeedback that can help with self-regulation.
Sensorymotor Psychotherapy (founded by Pat Ogden) https://www.sensorimotorpsychotherapy.org/
Somatic Experiencing (founded by Peter Levine) https://traumahealing.org/
Somatic Practice (founded by Kathy Kain—therapists can be found on SE directory)
TRE (Trauma Releasing Exercises) https://traumaprevention.com/
Trauma Sensitive Yoga (check your area for yoga teachers trained in this)
Complete before moving forward in a relationship. Attached