Monday, December 29, 2008

gender balance

(photo courtesy tanjila)

"A Time of Resting"

"The worlds from which you are now transitioning are part of that spectrum of universes whose foundation rests heavily upon a masculine view of reality. Because of this, the prevailing attitudes about sexuality are strongly colored by that view as well. The feminine has existed here, of course, but its influence is still considerably repressed.

Masculine energy tends to separate life issues and focus upon them. Feminine Energy tends to gather them together and intuit them. Masculinity is individuated, femininity is familial. Masculinity is logical, and runs on reason. Femininity is emotional, and sources its power in relationship.

Sex, in a masculine-dominant environment, would be defined as an ACT, a moment-in-time experience that has a beginning, a middle, and an end. In a feminine-dominant environment, sex is an ATTITUDE, a "connective force" that holds people together, like tendons and cartilage hold together a body structure.

The masculine (in and of itself) wants to "penetrate, inseminate, and emigrate" from each connection as quickly and easily as possible. The feminine wants to "collaborate, consolidate, and administrate" each connection so that deeper needs are recognized and addressed. Masculinity falls in love with something specific--a focus, an essence, a trait. Femininity falls in love with potential--a direction, a vision, an anticipated way of life.

Both genders carry both sides of the energy spectrum, in a physical Game Format. The males, at any given point, can be seen as embodying (or wearing) the current status of masculine energy in that Game. The females will wear the current status of the feminine. The judgment of each state is in the eye of the beholder. In other words, if a woman looks at a man and judges him--she is really judging her own inner masculine. If a man looks at a woman and judges her, he is naming the current state of his own inner feminine.

And so it goes. Each gender becomes a reflector for the other--a mirror for what's happening in the life of whoever beholds it. And each society of humans becomes a reflection of the Creator God/Goddess Force that has formed and infused it. Every part of the Game needs every other part, at some point. Nothing can be eliminated, even though both "sides" in the dance have attempted to do this, across time and history.

The pendulum swing from masculine dominance to feminine dominance has been played out to the hilt. Now is the time of resting. Now is the time of integration of BOTH FORCES into One Congruous Whole." -- Daniel Jacob Reconnections website

Sunday, December 21, 2008


"On this winter solstice, I release all my sisters and brothers in the past, present and future, on all planets, incarnations, dimensions and universes from any and all karmic ties and debts bound to me. And I pray forgiveness of all my brothers and sisters, as above, that I may be released from all karmic ties and debts bound to them for any and all actions, thoughts and intentions which may have caused harm. And I release completely the energy of karma that I and all my sisters and brothers might live fully in the NOW, in Light, and in Love, ever more. So It Is." Bradley Rand Smith

Monday, December 15, 2008

A Good Knight

(photo courtesy snake3yes)
As we witness and participate in the balancing of the male and female energies on the planet, it is important for men to reconnect to a more noble vision of masculine power in order to help heal the distortion of masculine energy on the planet. One way is to reconnect with the mythos of the knight protector (without the historic connection to male-dominate religion and condescension toward women).

These are some ideas for men to consider. (The first part is my modern re-interpretation, the latter the ancient codes of conduct, from an unknown source -- and regrettably uncredited.)

A good knight is:

A Liberator of Light, who will at all times be without judgment and criticism of self and others.

Will be at all times compassionate and forgiving of self and others.

Will be held to his word, which is a sacred bond.

Will speak the truth, tempered with compassion, even to his death.

Will be protective of all peoples unable to defend themselves.

Will honor absolutely another's free will to make their own choices, no matter how seemingly self-destructive, but will never allow another to impose their will, destructive or otherwise, on another.

Will be guardians of the natural environment and the animal kingdoms.

Will honor the masculine in men and the feminine in women and both energies within themselves, maintaining a state of balance.

Will anchor light on the planet at all times.

Will exhibit humility and gratitude, not as signs of weakness, but as examples of divine power.

Will be prepared to sacrifice their life to save another.

Will never fear death.

Will honor their body.

Will be brothers to all.

Will seek the good in all.

Will take full responsibility for their thoughts and actions at all times.

and so it is.



The Code of Chivalry

The code of chivalry is an embodiment of those virtues that a knight strives to live by. It is the sword with which the knight combats injustice, and the shield that defends against corruption. It is the very heart and spirit of the knight. The Syraandorian Code of Chivalry is made up of three parts: the Virtues, the Code, and the Measure. The Code and Measure are a list of tenets to live by, which exemplify the Knightly Virtues.

The Virtues of Knighthood.

Prowess: To seek excellence in all endeavors expected of a knight, martial and otherwise, seeking strength to be used in the service of justice, rather than in personal aggrandizement.

Justice: Seek always the path of right, unencumbered by bias or personal interest. Recognize that the sword of justice can be a terrible thing, so it must be tempered by humanity and mercy.

Loyalty: Be known for unwavering commitment to the people and ideals you choose to live by. There are many places where compromise is expected; loyalty is not amongst them.

Defense: The knight is sworn by oath to defend his liege lord and those who depended upon him. Seek always to defend your nation, your family, and those to whom you have sworn to protect.

Courage: Being a knight often means choosing the more difficult path, the personally expensive one. Be prepared to make personal sacrifices in service of the precepts and people you value. At the same time, a knight should seek wisdom to see that stupidity and courage are cousins. Courage also means taking the side of truth in all matters, rather than seeking the expedient lie. Seek the truth whenever possible, but remember to temper justice with mercy, for the pure truth can bring grief.

Faith: A knight must stand firm in himself and in his beliefs, for this faith roots him and gives hope against the despair.

Humility: Value first the contributions of others; do not boast of your own accomplishments, let others do this for you. Tell the deeds of others before your own, according them the renown rightfully earned through virtuous deeds. In this way the office of knighthood is well done and glorified, helping not only the gentle spoken of but also all those who may be called knights.

Largesse: Be generous in so far as your resources allow; largesse used in this way counters gluttony.

Nobility: Seek great stature of character by holding to the virtues and duties of a knight, realizing that though the ideals cannot be reached, the quality of striving towards them ennobles the spirit. Nobility also has the tendency to influence others, offering a compelling example of what can be done in the service of rightness.

Franchise: Seek to emulate the Code as sincerely as possible, not for the reason of personal gain but because it is right. Do not restrict your exploration to a small world, but seek to infuse every aspect of your life with these qualities. Should you succeed in even a tiny measure then you will be well remembered for your quality and virtue.

In addition to the Virtues of Knighthood, Knights of Syraandor must uphold the Code and Measure, a number of tenets or commandments, which embody the meaning of Nobility. The Code and Measure are similar in many lands throughout the world, suggesting they originate from an ancient, widespread source.

The Code and Measure.

THE CODE.

Thou shalt respect the weak and constitute thyself the defender of them.
Thou shalt love the land to which thou hast sworn fealty.
Thou shalt not recoil before thine enemy.
Thou shalt make war upon evil without cessation.
Thou shalt scrupulously perform thy noble duties be they not contrary to the laws of the land.
Thou shalt be generous and give freely to everyone.
Thou shalt never lie and shall always be faithful to thy word.
Thou shalt be everywhere and always the champion of the Right and the Good against Injustice and Evil.

THE MEASURE.

A Knight is sworn to Valor;
His heart must know only Virtue;
His Perfect blade must defend the helpless,
And his might shall uphold all weak.
His breath shall bring a word that speaks only truth.
His justly wrath shall undo the wicked.

Monday, December 8, 2008

"The Desert Orchid" by bradley rand smith

See also screenplay "the awakening of Ellington Webb" and "darkness and men's eyes" as well as "Shambala, an adventure".
(photo courtesy Brian Jeffery Beggerly)

Once upon a time a good-hearted and noble-minded king ruled over a desert kingdom within a vast sea of sun-bleached sand.

Outside of the city walls, as far as the eye could see, nothing lived but burrowing desert mice and scurrying black beetles.

Within the city's walls, life for the king's subjects was good, as it was the king's great-grandfather who first discovered the rushing oasis spring which, to this day, still feeds the city's palms and dates and pomegranates.


But the aging ruler, who had lived far past his family and wives, now had only those he ruled over as his companions, and he now lived only for their happiness.

But despite being much-loved, as old men are want to do, he began to doubt the value of his life, and began to question whether he had truly been a good king -- as his father and his father's father had been. He wondered how he would be remembered when he died. Would he be remembered at all?


It was at this time that the king heard from a passing mystic of a magnificent and miraculous white orchid which blossomed in the very middle of the vast desert. It was said that this orchid possessed the power of prophesy and that whoever possessed the orchid would know the truth of what was to come. And what had been. That is also would bestow great wisdom on whoever claimed it and would offer powerful protection and great wealth to all who came near.


And so the king made it his quest to find this orchid and bring it to the oasis in the center of his kingdom, for all his people, that they might know the future and continue receiving their blessings long after the king had died.


Out from the city's wall's rode the finest young men in search of the orchid for their beloved king. And for years they searched, but to no avail. Even the king, on certain moonless nights, snuck out from the city on the back of his powerful stallion in search of the miraculous orchid. And each time he returned empty-handed, his heart filled with more and more sadness and regret.


Perhaps his failure to find the orchid was a sign that his greatness had been nothing more than a mirage in the desert?


Never was the orchid found.


Years later, as the king lay dying, surrounded by his grieving subjects, again his mind and heart were filled with doubts of his worthiness as a king.

And be began to long for death if only to free him from these burdensome thoughts.
And one night Death came, quietly and gently, and took the king's spirit to his place of rest, where he was greeted by the spirit of his father, who smiled joyously and embraced his son."Father, I have failed as a king, and as your son. I did nothing for your people," the king's spirit said.

"Come, and look, " the king's father said and turned his son back toward the kingdom, where the son watched his funeral procession moving slowly through the streets of the kingdom, the weeping crowds parting reverently.


"Listen," said the king's father. And the son listened, and to his dismay, he could hear the thoughts of his subjects as his beautifully cloaked body passed:
"The king smiled upon me that day of my heartbreak, and I didn't feel so alone," said one young man. "He made me feel safe within these walls, that I might have a family and be a good father," said an old man. "I showed my child what honor and integrity were by pointing to the king in his tower," said a mother. "I learned that strength and goodness can be one in the same, from the king's example," said a soldier.

And on and on it went, until the king's eyes were filled with tears and his heart lifted with joy.


The father turned to his son, "You allowed your subjects to find their own way. You gave them safety that they might thrive, you gave them peace that they might discover love. You, my son, were the greatest of kings."


Touched and humbled, the king asked, "But what of the future? What will become of our people? Who will watch over and protect them?"


Again, the king's father turned his son to the kingdom, and to the center of the lush oasis within. There the king's body lay buried, at the green bank of the rushing stream, a simple monument marking the grave, with the words inscribed upon it: "Long May Our Beloved King Live."


And from the very center of the desert, on a grass-covered grave, over the king's heart, there grew a miraculous and magnificent...
 

white orchid.