The Chariot
The Chariot represents the individual having reached maturity. As we look back over our life, we can see the many battles we fought over our lesser Self. We see the many temptations we have faced, the skirmishes and battles lost and won. So much agony, pain and suffering! So much joy, delight and happiness!
Taking control of our life, we have observed our inner self: our subconscious mind; our emotional mind; and our rational mind. We have sought to understand them, and learn how to control them. We know ourselves intimately, and embrace both the positive and negative parts of our personalities with unconditional love. We strive to follow our higher self, and to lead our lives being kind and tolerant to ourselves and other people. By experience, we understand that this is wisdom, leading to a happy and fulfilling life.
We have embraced life, and experienced it from all sides, its ups and downs, its joys, its sorrows. We have played our part in our families and community, and in any associations or groups we have created or joined: social; religious; political; formal or informal. Contributing to the world around us, we have learned about people: how they think; how they act; and the choices they make. We need to make our own choices, and we give others the freedom to make theirs. We have no desire to control others, as we trust them to make the choices that they consider are good for them.
In our relationships with other people, we have learned about ourselves: we know we prefer to associate closely with people like ourselves; people who have chosen the positive view of life; and especially people who have tuned into that mysterious, deeper side of life that we don’t experience with our material senses. These people are from all communities in society, of all races, and of every culture and skin colour. These are our people.
Other people who have made different choices, we look at with unconditional love and compassion, recognizing that they must make their own choices in life. This doesn’t mean that we condone unwise actions, or don’t judge deeds, but we do so with understanding. To recognize the wise, we must see the contrast with the unwise. To perceive consequences, we must differentiate between those emotions, ideas and actions that bring happiness and those that bring sorrow. Actions based on resentment and envy, malice, and hatred, bring only despair and desolation. Acceptance of life as it is, and gratitude, love, and compassion, bring an enjoyment of life and contentment.
The mature person is a work in constant process, constantly balancing the many different aspects of personality. We take the reins in our hands, and drive towards ever deepening wisdom, and appreciation of life.
VII
Oh, my Love, my very dearest Love!
The Butterfly People sing in a different key
Their dance becomes a march
Forward they move into Action
A promenade of flashing limbs, flowing robes, many coloured
Triumphant they speed
Trembling with Anticipation
The Chrysalis has been opened, a New Creature will appear
The Chariot
Figure of Strength and Resolution
Clutching the Wand of Power
The magic Wand of Self-mastery
Clad in the blue of Tranquility
Studded by the Octagon
The eight-pointed Star of Rebirth
Gifted by Wisdom
On your shoulders, the crescent moon
Symbol of the work in progress, coming into being
On your chest, the shield of protection from malevolent evil
Displaying the square depicting Will and Faith
Around your neck, the necklace of Maturity
Your waist, belted by Wholeness and Completion
And reminders of battles, past, present, and future
Crowning your brow
Victorious Laurel, surmounted by the Gold of Illumination
The Ruby of Purity and Passion centred in the Octagon
The door into the Secret Mysteries within
You are sheltered by the blue Canopy of Inner Freedom
Sprinkled with the Octagon of Inner Knowledge
Protected by the Butterfly People
You drive the Silver Chariot of Moderation
On the Gold Wheels of Evolving Wisdom
Guided by the Sphinx of Sacred Secrets
Known only to the Initiated
Leaving behind the safety of the Unchanging
You have crossed the River of New Life
Moving forward into Joy and Contentment
*********