Ascension Key One: The Origin of the Great Work
The quest to transcend the limitations of the human condition stretches far beyond recorded time. In a time when people regarded their kings to be gods, ascension to the throne required acceptance from the gods that this new ruler was indeed one of their own. This level of recognition could not be instantly granted, nor the rite of passage be easily gained. Thus a long training process with the passage of ordeals began to ensure that the rulers were indeed deserving of their divine lineage.
This great quest may or may not have begun with the ancient Egyptians, but their writings do provide us with the earliest accounts of such an ascension process. Their understandings of human spiritual potential began to open the door for transformation and ascension. Springing forth from this fount of knowledge, many other mystery traditions have spread throughout the world and have influenced every aspect of human history.
The height of this ancient exploration may have occurred during the reign of Akhenaton and Nefertiti. They created a religion which supplanted all gods in favor of worship of a divine light, known as Aton. The Aton was not to be considered a god. Rather, this light was the divine wisdom and power which all gods possessed and could be transmitted on to human beings. There are many relief carvings depicting this transference of the holy light and the resulting ascension.
Could it be that the Aton and its mystical powers is the origin of such terms as enlightenment and illumination when referencing ascension? If so, it is easy to see how sacred practices which originated in ancient Egypt, such as alchemy and sacred geometry, are significant pieces of the ascension puzzle.
Beyond Egypt
Outside of Egypt, and in another time, we find others taking a different road to achieve ascended states of being. Two such ascended masters, who are noted for transferring the great light of ascension, are Jesus and Buddha. Each one of them took entirely different roads to achieve their status. However, both are accredited with miraculous workings and teaching that have many concepts in common. Despite the uniqueness of their journeys, esoteric explorations into the details of their ascensions show many striking similarities with that of the ancient Egyptians.
Whether or not the work of these ascended beings can be traced back to ancient Egypt, or much further into the past, does not matter. What we gain from their stories, and that of Akhenaton, is that the path of ascension is not only ancient, but one that is unique to the individual. Each one of us bears an innate quality that can be cultivated to propel consciousness into a realm exclusive only to the divine.
Modern Mystery Schools
Today, we can examine the secrets kept by the mystery schools and esoteric orders. Though their words and symbolism may vary, the destination of their work is the same. They all offer a different route of enlightenment that has been tested and validated. Unfortunately, the truth behind these secrets has been hidden away for so long that only a handful of people know the wisdom they hold. Thus, we must look to the ancients and study their ways if we want to offer ourselves a solid platform by which we can decode these hidden secrets and begin the great work.
Now is the time to begin your studies in order to find your own unique keys to ascension and take your place amongst these ancient masters.
About the Author
The Minor Arcana: How Numbers and Elements Give Tarot Meaning
Veiled in mystery and feared by some, the tarot is part card game, divination system, and tool for self exploration. While learning the meaning of each card can be a daunting task, it’s not as complicated as you may think. In fact, by breaking the tarot down by Arcana, numerological meaning and element, the evocative images of the cards quickly reveal their secrets.
The tarot consists of two sets of cards called the Major and Minor Arcana. While the Major Arcana deals with archetypes and larger karmic lessons, the Minor Arcana focuses on the mundane aspects of day to day life. As a part of this world, we are all focused on our physical well being, emotional needs, and relationships. This is the realm of the Minor Arcana.
From here, the Minor Arcana is further divided into four different suits, each with their own court cards and imbued with their own element. These suits are actually related to a deck of playing cards and numbered 1-10 with an additional Page. Each suit tells its own story, and each story is tied to the element of the suit in question.
