The journey into dharma – the knowledge of how things truly are – often begins with partial acceptance. We encounter teachings that challenge our worldview, and our response varies: sometimes embracing them fully, other times accepting only what feels comfortable. This selective acceptance often stems from our resistance to teachings that suggest uncomfortable truths about our thoughts and actions.
The Dual Nature of Consciousness
The Inner Dialogue
The psyche manifests a fundamental duality that psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud identified in his model of the ego – a constant mediator between moral imperatives and instinctual desires. This internal struggle finds expression in the widespread symbolism of an angel and demon perched on opposite shoulders, representing our higher and lower natures.
The Challenge of Human Nature
Our fundamental challenge lies in cultivating kindness and generosity while contending with habitual patterns (karma) rooted in three poisons: ill-will, greed, and delusion. This struggle manifests as conscience – that subtle discomfort when we stray from our higher nature. However, this moral compass can become distorted by ego-based rebellion, leading to chronic feelings of oppression and resistance.
The Path of Development
The Power of Resistance
The phenomenon of shamelessness and moral indifference can create a pseudo-meditative state (jhana) characterized by persistent anger fueled by rebelliousness. This represents our inner “devil,” creating doubt and resistance to dharmic teachings.
Spiritual Evolution
At the sakadagami stage – the second level of enlightenment – practitioners develop stronger resolve toward spiritual development. This enhanced commitment to dharma as a path to liberation overcomes unwholesome mental factors, strengthening conscience while diminishing doubt and instinctual temptation.
The Guardian Presence
Historical Perspectives
The concept of beneficial spiritual guidance appears across traditions. Socrates spoke of his daemon – a beneficial invisible spirit distinct from malevolent entities. While demons seduce the mind toward material craving and ill-will, the daemon guides one toward spiritual progress.
Symbolic Representations
The crucifixion narrative provides a powerful metaphor: Christ flanked by two thieves, representing the perpetual choice between selfless and selfish actions. Every decision presents these dual options – the instinctual desire based on karma versus the higher path guided by conscience and dharma.
Modern Manifestations
As conscience develops through dharmic practice, one may experience a sense of genuine guidance and support. While some practitioners like Aleister Crowley attempted to forcibly manifest their Holy Guardian Angel, such efforts often fail when rooted in selfish desire.
The Evolution of Guidance
This guiding presence appears to be transitional rather than permanent. The “angel” may represent aspects of divided awareness that eventually reintegrate along the spiritual path. While its distinct identity may fade, its influence persists as one’s awareness expands to encompass previously “external” elements of being.
The Ancestral Connection
The possibility exists that this guiding presence manifests as ancestral spirits. Various traditions suggest that serving as a Holy Guardian Angel offers a path of rebirth, with ancient relatives potentially assuming protective roles over their descendants.
The Practice of Discretion
The Value of Privacy
Spiritual work benefits from privacy. Most people struggle to understand deep spiritual practices, and misunderstandings can arise when terminology conflicts with established religious meanings. While the alchemical path respects diverse faiths, its independent nature can challenge traditional spiritual authorities.
The Power of Silence
Silence evolves from a discipline into a source of wisdom. The mature practitioner discovers the value of minimal speech, developing inner emptiness regarding verbal expression. Trust in one’s inner guidance should be tempered with discernment, recognizing that even apparent spiritual guidance can become corrupted by delusion or spiritual interference.
This journey requires both dedication to truth and careful discrimination, walking the narrow path between genuine spiritual guidance and self-deception.
Further Reading
- “The Book of the Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage”
- “The Daemon: A Guide to Your Extraordinary Secret Self” by Anthony Peake
- “Jung on Active Imagination” by C.G. Jung
- “Knowledge of the Higher Worlds and Its Attainment” by Rudolf Steiner
- Wikipedia: Holy Guardian Angel
- YouTube: “Understanding the Holy Guardian Angel” by Foolish Fish
The article above is based on a chapter from “Albedo,” the second volume in Dr. Simon Robinson’s groundbreaking series “A Course in Modern Alchemy.” This remarkable work bridges ancient wisdom with modern understanding, offering a fresh perspective on spiritual transformation and consciousness exploration.
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