All Text, Music, and Illustrations, including Paintings, Photographs, and 3D models, Copyright © 2023 by Jim Robbins.

A Path through the Forest

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  THE TEMPLE OF TRANSFORMATION

   As Nathan was hiking through the forest, he envisioned a golden equal-armed cross on top of a golden pyramid. The vision remained in his mind's eye for at least an hour. He was a little confused at first, but then he remembered that the golden balanced cross symbolizes the subtle spiritual elements in harmony with each other as the elements manifest in matter. As he strolled through the forest, in other words, he was experiencing the harmony of spirit manifesting in nature.

Temple in Forest

   Suddenly Nathan came upon a golden temple in the forest. Steps led up to a glowing portal in the pyramid.

Guardian Angel

   After Nathan entered the portal, he immediately encountered his Holy Guardian Angel. Space and time seemed to expand all around him.
   "Do you know my name?" his Guardian Angel asked.
   "You are Atriel."
   "Do you know what my name means?" Atriel asked.
   "In Hebrew, the first letter 'Aleph' means 'ox,' which symbolizes the power and potency of the spiritual forces manifesting in nature. The second letter 'Tau' means 'cross' and it symbolizes not only the unfolded cube of space and time but the solidification of the four elements into Earth and the sacrifice necessary to maintain harmony in the physical plane. 'Resh' is the solar letter pertaining to the energies of The Sun and the Emanation of Beauty in the head, in other words in human consciousness. 'Yod' means 'hand' and symbolizes creative and directive energy as well as the means of action. The 'EL' at the end of your name of course means 'God."
   "Very well. Let us proceed," the Guardian Angel stated. "You are here today to review some of your most significant experiences of transformation."

Archangel Raphael

   Atriel continued, "Do you remember the first time you invoked the Archangel Raphael?"
   "Of course," Nathan replied. "I became immersed in a thought bubble of such astounding complexity, and I experienced such a profound sense of eternity, that I realized that some spiritual beings, like the Archangels and the Gods and Goddesses associated with the Tree of Life, make human beings seem like amoebas in comparison. Raphael, the 'Healer of God' associated with The Sun, has healed me and those close to me many times."

Archangel Michael

   "And Michael?" Atriel asked.
   "Michael is a great power of harmony who rules the Element of Fire," Nathan responded. "The Element of Fire burns away what no longer serves us and purifies the heart and mind so that we can experience the dimensions of Universal Consciousness."

Archangel Gabriel

   "And Gabriel?" Atriel asked.
   "Gabriel rules the Element of Water and blesses us by cleansing and purifying the dark recesses of the heart and mind. Gabriel eliminates the negativity in the subconscious mind so that the emotions remain pure and we can touch the dimensions of Universal Consciousness."

Archangel Auriel

   "Auriel?" Atriel asked.
   "Auriel rules the Element of Earth. Through Auriel, we purify the foundational energies of the body so that we eliminate the negative energies that cause disease and disruption. Without physical health, we cannot have emotional and mental health or touch the dimensions of Universal Consciousness."

Gaia: Mother Earth

   "Do you remember your transformative experiences with Mother Earth?" Atriel asked.
   "I have experienced absolute bliss many times in nature just by hiking through a forest or sitting on a rock next to a stream. But I also know that through sacrifice we can work with the spirit of the earth and the Archangels to heal ourselves and humanity and the planet," Nathan responded.

Thoth

   "Do you remember your transformative experiences with Thoth?" Atriel asked.
   "I have envisioned many transformative spiritual symbols during meditation and ritual. Thoth is the Egyptian God of magic, writing, communication, arithmetic, medicine, and reckoning. As a Moon God, Thoth is associated with the Holy Ghost, and his transformative magic reveals spiritual principle through profound symbols that can be found in the Tarot and the glyph of the Tree of Life. Through these symbols, we rise to higher awareness and touch the dimensions of Universal Consciousness."

Moon Goddess

   "What about Moon Goddesses?" Atriel asked.
   "Like Thoth, Moon Goddesses should also be revered as manifestations of the Holy Ghost. Because the ninth Emanation, known as The Foundation, is a sphere of form, we can peer into that dimension and see the spiritual symbols and archetypes that guide us on the paths of the Tree of Life."

The Magician: Mercury

   "You have learned much. I will now stop bothering and let you talk about your transformative experiences," Atriel stated.
   "Thank you. When I first began meditating, I purified my chakras, and after I purified my third-eye chakra, I began having visions of spiritual symbols, one of which was a gray infinity symbol, which I had never seen before," Nathan replied. "A few days later in a bookstore, I was drawn to a deck of Tarot cards. I purchased the deck, and after I opened it, I immediately found the figure of a magician with a gray infinity symbol hovering above his head. The Magician in the Tarot is associated with Mercury and the Eighth Emanation on the Tree of Life known as Splendor. Through the Tarot, I began my journey on the paths of the Tree of Life, which has utterly transformed my life for the better."

Hathor

   "Hathor is the Egyptian Goddess associated with the seventh Emanation of the Tree of Life. On a higher arc, Hathor is the celestial Goddess known as Isis. In the seventh Emanation of Victory, Hathor holds up a prism to the sun so that we experience the rainbow colors of spirit manifesting in nature," Nathan stated.

Venus

   "Venus is the Roman version of Hathor. Through Hathor and Venus, we experience the rainbow colors of love and beauty and harmony."

Osiris

   Nathan continued, "All Gods of the Tree of Life bring transformative energies into our realm. Osiris is an Egyptian sacrificial God associated with the sixth Emanation of the Tree of Life known as Beauty. Through sacrifice, we can know beauty and harmonizing love."

Jesus

   "Jesus is the savior who brought a new commandment to humanity: 'Love one another.' He also said 'Love your neighbor as yourself' and 'Love your enemy' and 'treat others the way you want to be treated.' He emphasized love and through his great compassion sacrificed his own life to neutralize dark forces and negativity in the world. Jesus, like Osiris, is also associated with the sphere of The Sun, the Emanation of Beauty," Nathan continued.

Horus

   "Osiris, before he became the God of the Spirit World, was an Egyptian Pharaoh married to Isis. To usurp the Egyptian throne, Seth murdered and mutilated Osiris, his brother. Isis collected the parts of the body of Osiris, and with the aid of Thoth, Nephthys, and Anubis, Isis resurrected him. After the resurrection, Isis and Osiris conceived their son Horus, who went on to fight for justice and harmony in the realm," Nathan said.

Mars

   Nathan continued, "Mars, the Roman version of Horus, is also associated with the fifth Emanation of the Tree of Life known as 'Power.' Mars is a God of War who establishes and maintains harmony through justice. Mars is always on the side of the underdog who is fighting for a righteous cause."

Zeus

   "Each culture represents the same subtle transformative forces in different ways. The Greek God Zeus represents the fourth Emanation of the Tree of Life known as Mercy or 'Glory.' Zeus is the chief God in ancient Greek mythology and the ruler of the Olympian gods. He is the god of the sky, thunder, law, and order, and represents the great upbuilding forces of civilization that have transformed humanity," Nathan continued.

Jupiter

   "Like Zeus, the Roman God Jupiter could shape the course of events on earth and determine the destiny of humanity," Nathan said. "Both of them reveal the magnificence, harmony, and abundance of the human spirit and the energies of the fourth Emanation of the Tree of Life."

Mother Mary

   Nathan continued, "Like Isis, Mother Mary experienced many sorrows. As a virgin, Mary conceived her son Jesus. Both Isis and Mother Mary are associated with the third Emanation of the Tree of Life known as 'Understanding, which is in the heavenly realm above the planes of manifestation.'

Saturn

   "Saturn, a God of the Harvest, is also associated with the third Emanation. Saturn, the Father of the Gods, created primordial form. All form dissolves, so the plane of form contains much sorrow, yet Saturn, through the discipline of the plane of form, can bring great transformation and enlightenment. In our physical state, we can experience the dimensions of Universal Consciousness, especially now in the Age of Aquarius."
   "Very good," Atriel said. "Remember these experiences as you continue to build your inner temple."

Continue with Nathan on his journey.

       All Text, Music, and Illustrations, including Paintings, Photographs, and 3D models, Copyright © 2023 by Jim Robbins.

Haunted House

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  HAUNTED HOUSE DIVINATION

    Halloween had arrived, so Nathan went searching for a haunted house in the neighborhood. He soon found one just outside of the El Dorado District.

Black Cat

   The door was open. As Nathan entered the house, he was met by a black cat, who just stared at him.

Tarot Reader

   Suddenly a witch stepped up to him. "Tonight we are offering free Tarot readings. Would you like a reading to guide you through the haunted house?" she asked.
   "What kind of spread is it?" Nathan asked.
   "A five-card spread. The first three cards reveal the past, present, and future, in that order. The fourth card reveals what is holding you back, and the fifth card reveals how to push forward."
   "Why not? Hopefully it won't end up being too horrifying," Nathan laughed.

Skeleton Portal

   "Very well then. I will now draw the first card." As soon as she drew the card, Nathan found himself in front of a skeleton portal.

Death: Scorpio

   "Ahhh, the perfect card for Halloween: Death, which represents Scorpio."
   "Of course, the worst card in the deck," Nathan sighed.
   The Tarot reader paused for a moment, then gazed at Nathan. "You have experienced death and change and upheaval in your life. You have seen the skull of death grinning at you. That is why we celebrate Halloween, isn't it? We are collectively acknowledging the dark forces that are out of our control, the great changes and upheavals that transform our lives so that we see beyond surface appearances and come face to face with the different dimensions of existence that we usually try to ignore. But deep down, we know that we can't deny upheavals and changes for long, but we also know that most of us manage to survive them, so we set aside one day to honor and mock the transformational forces, all the while hoping that we don't fall victim to the darkness. This card reveals that you have experienced death and change and transformation so that now you can see beyond the illusions that we create and maintain for each other in this realm."

Ghost

   Suddenly a horrifying ghost appeared in front of Nathan. "Aw, excuse me. Can you get me out of here, please?" Nathan stuttered.
   "I shall now draw the second card, which represents the present," the Tarot reader stated.

Bat Portal

   Suddenly a bat portal appeared, and Nathan rushed through it.

The Magician: Mercury

   The Tarot reader continued, "The Magician, Mercury. Not a bad card. The Magician connects with the elements, which include the subtle energies of the triplicities of the zodiac and the planets, in other words, the subtle forces of Universal Consciousness represented by the Tree of Life. But some magicians can be tempted to become a sorcerer who uses dark, unbalanced forces to harm others. You are currently exploring the subtle forces and dimensions, but be careful. Remember the unity underlying all of creation and the holiness of all energy. Treat other people and creatures with reverence and compassion as you continue on your spiritual journey."

Witch

   Suddenly a witch appeared before Nathan. She seemed to want to cause Nathan great harm, but he wasn't sure why. "Yikes! I think it's time to draw the next card," he yelled.

Ghost Portal

   "I shall now draw the third card, which represents the future." Nathan was suddenly in front of a ghost portal.

Wheel of Fortune

   The Tarot reader drew the Wheel of Fortune, which represents Jupiter. "Another good card. Jupiter is a great upbuilding force. Through Jupiter, we know the harmony, magnificence, and abundance of the spirit. In the future, Jupiter will bless you with the gold of the spirit as the wheel turns and as changes occur all around you, but be careful of Jupiter's unbalanced forces, which are known as 'The Breakers into Pieces.' The opposite of the ideal of balance and magnificence and abundance is the unbalanced compulsion to destroy everything."

Breakers into Pieces

   Suddenly a warrior riding a huge alligator appeared in front of Nathan. "You must be the breakers into pieces," Nathan muttered. "Get me out of here!" Nathan shouted.

Monster Portal

   The Tarot reader continued, "I shall now draw the fourth card, which represents what is holding you back." Nathan was suddenly in front of a monster portal.

The Devil: Capricorn

   The Tarot reader stated, "Another perfect card for Halloween: The Devil, which represents Capricorn. Sometimes dark, unbalanced forces undermine people. Some can't handle the darkness, but some learn how to neutralize dark forces to create balance. Notice that the Devil in the card holds up his right hand in blessing. We live in a vale of soul-making, not a vale of tears. Even though dark forces might be holding you back, you can learn how to create harmony and abundance and magnificence in your life despite your losses and your transformational changes, and through your compassion you can help others do the same, but first you must learn to deal with dark forces with strength and courage."

Dark Force

   Suddenly a devil appeared in front of Nathan. "Okay, I'm learning a lot, but I think it's time to draw the next card," he yelled.

Temperance: Sagittarius

   The Tarot reader continued, "I shall now draw the fifth card, which represents how to push forward. Another good card: Temperance, Sagittarius. In this card, balance is the key. The Archangel Michael, 'like unto God,' is a great power of harmony. He represents the path to The Sun, the Emanation of harmony and sacrifice known as Beauty on the Tree of Life. Sometimes we need to sacrifice for others and the community to create balance. Love is the source of sacrifice and harmony."

Haunted House in Daytime

   Nathan felt like he was dissolving in light, but he soon came back to himself. "Thank you," he shouted. "You're welcome," he heard as he as he left the haunted house. Nathan returned to the haunted house the next day. It still looked scary, but he felt like he could handle whatever he encountered in the future.

Continue with Nathan on his journey.

      All Text, Music, and Illustrations, including Paintings, Photographs, and 3D models, Copyright © 2023 by Jim Robbins.

Shopping Mall

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   MALL DIVINATION

  Nathan hadn't shopped at a mall for many moons. In his younger years, he had begun to associate the mall with conspicuous consumption and the greed and gluttony of empty consumerism, and he had realized that he could spend months, even years, hanging out in a shopping mall without making any human or spiritual connections, but he needed some new clothes, so he decided to visit a mall to find out if anything had changed.

Tarot Reader

   On an emotional and spiritual level, nothing much had changed. People in the madding crowd avoided eye contact and rarely talked to each other. Nathan quickly found the clothes he needed, but as he was leaving he encountered a young woman in a booth who looked him straight in the eye and asked if he would like a Tarot reading.
   Since she was the only person in the mall who had looked directly at him, Nathan smiled and said, "Sure, why not? What kind of spread will you be using?"    

   "A four-card spread," she replied. "The first three cards reveal the past, present, and future, in that order. The fourth card provides advice."    

   "Great! Sounds like fun," Nathan responded.

Eight of Swords: Jupiter in Gemini, Mercury in Splendor

   The Tarot reader shuffled the deck, then drew the first card. "This card reveals the past. Ummm. The Eight of Swords: Jupiter in Gemini, Mercury in Splendor."
   "Is that bad?" Nathan asked.
   "Not entirely. This card contains powerful positive energies as well as negative energies."

Portal

   Suddenly a portal appeared in the mall and pulled him in. Other people wandering through the mall didn't even notice.

Wheel of Fortune: Jupiter

   Even though he seemed to be in a different dimension, Nathan could still hear the Tarot reader's voice.
   "Jupiter represents the fourth Emanation of the Tree of Life known as Mercy. The fourth Emanation is also known as 'Glory' and is referenced at the end of The Lord's Prayer, as in 'The Kingdom, the Power, and the Glory,' which suggests that Jesus knew the Tree of Life. Jupiter is a powerful God of upbuilding force who represents the magnificence, harmony, and abundance of the spirit. The spiritual experience of the fourth Emanation is the 'The Vision of Love,' and the mythological principle is 'Aspiration.' Remember that the energy of each Emanation of the Tree of Life, except for the two highest, contain a positive and negative pole. The positive pole in this Emanation is the aspiration to build up the world in a positive way for the highest possible good of all as well as the aspiration to know all the energies and dimensions of Universal Consciousness, the highest of which is love. The negative energy associated with Jupiter is called 'The Breaker into Pieces,' which is, of course, the opposite of the ideal energy."
   She paused for a moment, then continued. "In the card, the wheel reveals the change of fortune as it constantly turns. You can be a king one moment and lower than the dust the next. You can be destitute or imprisoned for a period of your life and then feel liberated from all false beliefs and negativity. The pharaoh at the top of the wheel is a sphinx, who represents the four basic elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water, like the golden animals in the corners of the card. The four elements represent the triplicities of the zodiac and their ruling planets, in other words, all of the subtle spiritual energies represented by the Tree of Life. If you explore the Tree of Life and experience the dimensions of Universal Consciousness, you can become like a pharaoh, a magnificent spiritual being who manifests the energies of Universal Consciousness in the Kingdom of the Earth."

The Lovers: Gemini

   She continued, "I'm sorry. I can get a little long-winded sometimes. Let's move on to the card known as 'The Lovers,' which represents Gemini. In other words, the planet Jupiter rules the zodiac sign Gemini, which is revealed by the decan correspondence associated with this card. The card depicts paradise regained by Adam and Eve. The Archangel Raphael, 'Healer of God,' invites humanity back to Eden. This card on a deeper level reveals the healing and integration of three levels of the individual human psyche. Adam and Eve represent the duality of the male and female aspects of the individual human psyche. Raphael represents the soul of the individual, which evolves through experience. The sun behind Raphael's head represents the divine core of the individual. One can experience a process of healing so that all three aspects of the mind are purified and liberated and integrated, in other words. By experiencing the dimensions of Universal Consciousness represented by The Tree of life, we can experience enlightenment and the unity of all aspects of the self and all creation. In that sense, we can regain paradise."

The Magician: Mercury

   The Tarot reader continued. "We have examined the decan correspondence of the Eight of Swords. Now we need to examine the Tree of Life association. Because this Number card is an Eight, it is associated with Mercury in the eighth Emanation of the Tree of Life known as Splendor. In this Emanation we experience the energies of the human mind, which includes the intellect. This card has an alternate title: Lord of Shortened Force. In other words, the human intellect can limit or 'shorten' force through thought. Human thought and imagination can create splendor, or they can imprison people, even a whole society, in false or destructive beliefs. An authoritarian leader, for instance, might torture or imprison a person because he believes he is like a god, above the rest of humanity. On the other hand, people can imprison themselves with their own false beliefs. If you look carefully at the woman in the card, you will see that her bonds are loose, and her blindfold looks like it is about to fall off. The energies associated with Jupiter and Gemini might liberate her. Mercury might also liberate her since, like the Magician, she can work with the four elements, and they can also free her as she touches the dimensions of Universal Consciousness."

Computer Store Portal

   She continued, "It is time now to focus on the second card in the spread, which represents the present." Suddenly Nathan was drawn into another portal as she drew the card.

Judgement: Fire

   "Ahhh, Judgement, a card that represents the element of Fire. Fire can destroy, but it can also cleanse and purify. In this card, we see the Archangel Gabriel purifying the souls of the dead as they rise from the tombs that had imprisoned them, and they hold up their hands in joyful liberation. A flag with a red equal-armed cross flies from Gabriel's trumpet. The red balanced cross not only represents the four elements in harmony with each other--it also symbolizes compassion. These souls are experiencing the power of the four elements of the wise and the dimensions of Universal Consciousness. They know the underlying unity of all creation and therefore also feel compassion for their brothers and sisters and all the creatures of the earth."

Toy Shop Portal

   The Tarot reader continued, "It is time now to draw the third card, which represents the future." Nathan was suddenly drawn into another portal. This time he ended up in a toy shop.

Six of Cups: Sun in Scorpio, Sun in Beauty

   The Tarot reader drew the Six of Cups. "The Sun in Scorpio, The Sun in Beauty. This is one of the best cards in the deck. An adult figure, often described as a dwarf, hands a flower in a golden cup to a child, who accepts the gift with open arms. This is an act of compassion and love, which reveals an acceptance of otherness and diversity. They are able to trust each other enough to experience the joy of giving and receiving. This card suggests the awakening of the heart and mind, which is similar to the card 'Judgement.' The positive energies of the present will continue on into the future."

The Sun

   She continued, "The Sun, associated with the sixth Emanation of the Tree of Life, is the source of all life within the Kingdom. On the Tree of Life, The Sun is the center of equilibrium and symbolizes the awakening of the mind to the divinity of all life. The spiritual experiences of the sixth Emanation, known as Beauty, are 'The Vision of Harmony' and 'The Mysteries of the Crucifixion.' Through compassion and love, we create and maintain harmony in ourselves, in our family, in the community. Sacrifice of some kind is almost always involved. Some people give their life for others. Some people neutralize negative forces to create balance. Some people work for the highest good of others through their religion or their political activity. Some people create works that exalt the soul. Creating and maintaining beauty and harmony often requires great sacrifice."

Death: Scorpio

   She continued, "But it also often first requires a great transformation. On the Tree of Life, the path represented by the Tarot card known as 'Death' connects with the Emanation of the Sun. In the Tarot, the card Death represents Scorpio. A great transformation of some kind can feel like a kind of death, and that is represented by three symbols: the scorpion, the snake, and the eagle. The scorpion is an earthly creature. The snake is as well, but it experiences a kind of rebirth as it sheds its skin. Through the process of rebirth, we can rise from our limited earthly nature to see from the perspective of eternity, like the eagle. We can experience the vision of harmony and know the mysteries of sacrifice, the spiritual experiences associated with The Sun. People often fear this process of rebirth as much as they fear death because it can cause a profound inner change which motivates them to adopt values that are different from the values of other people and their society. They can experience other spiritual dimensions and know that all energy is holy and all life is divine, which enables them to see beyond materialism and empty consumerism. On the physical plane and the inner planes, the sun is an extremely powerful influence."

Food Court Portal

   The Tarot reader stated, "It is time now for a little advice." As she drew the fourth card, Nathan was drawn through another portal.

Three of Wands: The Sun in Aries, Saturn in Understanding

   "Aw, very interesting," she mused. "The Three of Wands: The Sun in Aries, Saturn in Understanding. The Sun is obviously having an extremely powerful and positive influence on you. This card suggests that through adventure and exploration, you can see the big picture. You are free enough now to experience the dimensions of this plane and the dimensions of Universal Consciousness."

The Emperor: Aries

   She continued, "The Sun in Aries is the decan correspondence of this card. We have already talked about The Sun, so let's talk a little about Aries. The Emperor sits on a throne in a molten world of change. In other words, his dynamic masculine energy enables him to maintain stability in a world of flux. The path of The Emperor originates in the Emanation of The Sun and connects with the most dynamic, masculine energy in the cosmos, represented on the Tree of Life by the second Emanation known as Wisdom. Aries is also associated with spring and rebirth, hence the poppies at his feet. He is a powerful figure who understands the need for sacrifice to maintain harmony in his kingdom. Through the mysteries of sacrifice, he maintains dominion in a world of fire and flux."

The World: Saturn

   She continued, "Saturn is the Tree of Life association represented by the Tarot card known as 'The World.' Saturn is associated with the third Emanation on the Tree of Life known as Understanding. The mythological principle of the path is 'The Descent into the Underworld.' Sometimes we must go down in order to rise and experience all of the dimensions of the four elements, as well as the fifth element of spirit. A figure dances within a golden victory wreath with a red ribbon in the shape of an infinity symbol at the top and bottom holding the wreath together. Animals representing the four elements surround the wreath. On this path, we can either descend or ascend. If we descend, we can know the elements as they manifest in the physical plane. If we ascend we can know the elements as they manifest in the spiritual dimensions. In that way, we come to know ourselves. Adventure almost always involves risk, but the more we explore the world and our inner selves, the more we touch the dimensions of Universal Consciousness."

Tarot Reader in Booth

   Suddenly Nathan was back with the Tarot reader, who was still sitting in her booth. "Thank you so much!" he said. "That was quite an insightful journey!"
   The Tarot reader looked him straight in the eye. "You're welcome!" she replied. "I hope you enjoy the rest of your journey through the mall."

Leaving the Mall

   Nathan smiled and explored the mall for awhile. "This mall is much better than it used to be!" he thought to himself as he was leaving.

Continue with Nathan on his journey.