"That being said, the Saving Remnant elected to live in these times. And all have a role to play."
What convinced you that we elected to live in these times, as opposed to that choice being made for us based perhaps on what we can contribute to or learn from being here now? Do you think we also choose our circumstances such as parents, life challenges and lessons to learn?
Many people say this. But I wonder if most of us, myself included, are evolved enough to chose difficulty and chaos when given the option of that and, say, affluence in a simpler time.
Thanks for this interesting article! Thought provoking as usual.
Thanks for your comment! Here's a link that addresses your question and related issues. For my part, it's belief driven by intuition. I haven't given it a great deal of thought, but will.
@Birdsbrain
Let me preface by saying that the transcendent realm is beyond human understanding. The soul's ability to make conscious decisions before birth requires a synthesis of spiritual and psychological concepts. So let's approach this from Jeremiah's perspective: "Before I formed you in your mother's body I chose you. Before you were born I set you apart to serve me."
Rational Spirituality believes that the soul exists in a 'psychoid state'-- a realm beyond consciousness -- both before birth and after death. This view is consistent with Jung's concept of the 'psychoid nature' of archetypes. This places the soul in a realm that transcends the typical boundaries of psyche and matter.
We can then assert that pre-birth of a soul is "attended" by its associated Archetype of Self (everyone's principal archetype). We can also assert that this archetype possesses a nascent form of agency incomprehensible to us. We will name it "archetypal potentiality." This agency transcends conventional notions of consciousness or decision-making. The idea is consistent with Jung's position that archetypes are dynamic patterns seeking expression.
You speak of AHRIMAN as if its just an archetype, when it is more likely an actual being and the reptilian brain is misunderstood , that is also where the divine greater mind manifests within us and the deeper subconscious mind, and Revelations as apocalyptic archetype , It was stolen fro a female ORACLE from 500 B.C.. Her 3 surviving books ended up in the hands of the UNHOLY ROMAN EMPIRE CHURCH who rewrote it as a massive mind control psyop that by belief becomes self fulfilling prophecy , when there are always other potentials.
Thank you Toney. An excellent read that embraces the complexities of both our personal and collective apocalyptic dilemmas. You are presenting relevant, vital, and catalyzing thoughts.
I’ve lately been thinking about the timeline- 9000 years- not as a specific amount of years, but as a cycle that we move through individually in staggered fashion. Similar say to a whole field of grain where one by one each stalk individually ripens. When the majority of plants are ripe, the crop is ready to harvest.
In our collective humanity some of us - the elect perhaps- can grasp and incorporate the apocalyptic archetypes more readily and thus move through the ‘9000 years’ on a different timeline. As we individually incorporate the new consciousness brought forth through this apocalyptic reveal our heightened consciousness becomes integrated into the group psyche of collective humanity. We can imagine then a metamorphosis of human consciousness occurring over a period of time, but not everyone at the same rate. Maybe like popcorn- one kernel at a time exploding. Then of course there are always the laggards in every batch who don’t make it, which is also true with all cycles of human evolution as well. Ahriman and Lucifer themselves are throwbacks of previous stages of our evolutionary consciousness. Their archetypes have become irrelevant to the Christened future of progressive humanity. As fallen beings they are therefore desperate to subvert and suck up what they can to maintain a foothold in the cosmos. We are truly in the heat of an epic spiritual battle.
Thank you for your comment, Cheryl. You raise some interesting points. True, the 9,000 year cycle can be taken literally or symbolically. This is an "epic spiritual battle," as you say. It's a struggle within each of us, as we confront our own inner "Ahriman" and choose whether to embrace the transformative potential of these apocalyptic times.
@grailarts
In a paper I wrote on the evolution of consciousness, I proposed that, while it's like popcorn popping over a period of time, as you wrote, the quantum leaps occur in the form of "punctuated equilibrium." The term was coined to distinguish the Cambrian Explosion from the theory of Darwinian gradualism. We believe the New Paradigm will follow a punctuated equilibrium of human consciousness. With no "old maids." We'll all get popped.
Please see my comment/discussion below with @drnicholascorrin
A very relevant topic to tackle, and Nietzsche's quote is key. The hero fighting demons himself becomes the demon he pursues and kills. A theme well acknowledged in Buddhist lore yet barely touched upon in the self-righteous West with its innate tendencies towards Manicheanism, luciferian hero-worship, and its satanic projection of darkness and evil upon the Other, all distilled subconsciously in eugenics. Demons can detected in the shadow psyche of those righteous souls calling out the globalists and the (to them) psyops of viruses etc, One could suggest a Robespierre archetype brewing in enraged antivaxxers looking for someone to blame for their own rejected shadow aspects. This is exactly the trough Ahriman and Lucifer like to feed from. So we have another type of disaster waiting to unfold if we are not very careful. Jung intimated that archetypes strive for realization and self-expression which statement implies a nascent form of beingness. Rational Spirituality attributes both agency and intention to archetypes, which turns archetypes into distinct entities. To clarify Steiner's view, he did not represent Ahriman as just a symbolic force but rather a being capable of penetrating the body and soul of humans. He predicted Ahriman's incarnation as an avatar, probably in the third millenium of our era. Ahriman's presence in a person can be seen somatically expressed by their body language, the movement of their limbs and facial muscles, and even by the colors of the clothes they choose to wear. Thank you for another very thought provoking post at this time of normalized psychopathy and gigantic internal pressure building within the collective unconscious.
Thank you, Doctor, for your comment! You're absolutely right about the danger of becoming the very monster we fight. It's a delicate balance, and as you point out, the West's tendency toward Manichean dualism and projection makes it even more challenging.
I appreciate your clarification on Steiner's view of Ahriman. It reinforces the idea that these archetypal forces are not merely symbolic but have a real and potentially insidious influence on our lives. The idea that Ahriman can be corporally expressed is critical – it suggests that our bodies, as well as our minds, can be battlegrounds for these spiritual conflicts.
Thanks again for mentioning Ahriman in a previous comment, which inspired this essay.
And thank you very much for addressing this topic in your excellent essay! A couple of weeks ago I happened to be in Dornach at the Goetheanum and spent about five hours discussing this very subject with a man whose grandfather had emigrated from Germany. At the (rebuilt) Goethanum there is the famous sculpture designed by Steiner of Anthropos casting out Lucifer (into the air) and treading down Ahriman underfoot (into the earth). Both actions occur simultaneously, implying the need to tackle each nemesis we face with the correct level of awareness. Yes, the body, as incarnation of the soul, is very much a permeable medium which these archetypal beings can penetrate.
If I understand Steiner's complex cosmology (which is not easy), between Ahriman and Lucifer exists a state of equilibrium in which we find humanity represented by Christ (love). Lucifer is associated with the supersensible realm, while Ahriman is linked to the subsensible realm. Lucifer represents the spiritual aspects of human nature, pulling humanity away from earthly existence and rendering human intelligence automatic, thus repressing individual will.
However, he also paradoxically enables free will through granting humanity independence and self-consciousness. In contrast, Ahriman embodies the material aspects of human nature, seeking to bind humanity to Earth and quash our spiritual dimensions.
Lucifer's core motivation lies in separating humanity from its earthly evolution, enticing it into a purely spiritual domain where his influence prevails. While this grants freedoms and heightened awareness, it ultimately seeks to divert humanity from its intended developmental path — one that integrates spiritual and material dimensions under divine guidance.
I can think of no scenario that better describes our current dilemma. The Christ figure, representing humanity, symbolizes the ideal balance of spiritual and earthly existence. Steiner emphasized the goal of integrating both aspects harmoniously rather than succumbing to either extreme.
Yes, I think so. Steiner's designs clearly embody the earthiness and integration you describe in your last sentence. I would say the equilibrium state is dynamic, not homeostatic, and requires "negative" influences of Lucifer and Ahriman to stimulate man towards the Christ consciousness of love and integration. I also think Steiner clearly understood the necessity for man, in his overall evolution, to eject himself out from wholeness into the cold sphere of scientific objectivity, and then the even more urgent necessity for him to re-enter wholeness with this new objectivity he has gained. Which would align, I assume, with the principles by means of which you have defined Rational Spirituality. Lucifer is the force that draws man out of himself. This is liberating yet can be catastrophic when the ego swells to a level of megalomania and high arrogance. Conversely, Ahriman, always seductive and conniving, draws man down towards his basest instincts. We can see both of these forces at play in our world today, particularly the Ahrimanic. The connections between the Ahrimanic super entity and archontic denizens with advanced technological knowhow to control human thought is evoked through highly classified UFO material. I am grateful you continuously post well written and thought provoking essays in which clear, scientific inquiry and spiritual intuition are woven closer together. We need more of that!
Thank you! I agree that Steiner's understanding of the dynamic interplay between Luciferic and Ahrimanic forces is crucial for navigating our current challenges. It's a reminder that even the forces we perceive as "negative" play a pivotal role in the evolution of consciousness.
I'm particularly intrigued by your connection between Ahrimanic forces and UFO phenomena. Could you elaborate on what you see as the link between these two? It speaks to the potential for archetypal energies to manifest in unexpected ways, particularly in our technologically advanced age. Everytime corporate media roles out Steven Greer, I become squeamish.
Thank you for engaging with these ideas and continuing our conversation. Most enjoyable!
The pleasure is all mine! Yes, on the link between Ahrimanic forces and UFO phenomena: "The Cosmic Pulse of Life" by Trevor James Constable. If you are not already familiar with this work, it is a book of rare value, filled with deeper insights and reference material as well as being elegantly written from a literary point of view. To be continued!
"That being said, the Saving Remnant elected to live in these times. And all have a role to play."
What convinced you that we elected to live in these times, as opposed to that choice being made for us based perhaps on what we can contribute to or learn from being here now? Do you think we also choose our circumstances such as parents, life challenges and lessons to learn?
Many people say this. But I wonder if most of us, myself included, are evolved enough to chose difficulty and chaos when given the option of that and, say, affluence in a simpler time.
Thanks for this interesting article! Thought provoking as usual.
Thanks for your comment! Here's a link that addresses your question and related issues. For my part, it's belief driven by intuition. I haven't given it a great deal of thought, but will.
@Birdsbrain
Let me preface by saying that the transcendent realm is beyond human understanding. The soul's ability to make conscious decisions before birth requires a synthesis of spiritual and psychological concepts. So let's approach this from Jeremiah's perspective: "Before I formed you in your mother's body I chose you. Before you were born I set you apart to serve me."
Rational Spirituality believes that the soul exists in a 'psychoid state'-- a realm beyond consciousness -- both before birth and after death. This view is consistent with Jung's concept of the 'psychoid nature' of archetypes. This places the soul in a realm that transcends the typical boundaries of psyche and matter.
We can then assert that pre-birth of a soul is "attended" by its associated Archetype of Self (everyone's principal archetype). We can also assert that this archetype possesses a nascent form of agency incomprehensible to us. We will name it "archetypal potentiality." This agency transcends conventional notions of consciousness or decision-making. The idea is consistent with Jung's position that archetypes are dynamic patterns seeking expression.
https://www.cosmiccradle.com/did-your-soul-ask-to-be-born-or-did-you-have-no-choice/
You speak of AHRIMAN as if its just an archetype, when it is more likely an actual being and the reptilian brain is misunderstood , that is also where the divine greater mind manifests within us and the deeper subconscious mind, and Revelations as apocalyptic archetype , It was stolen fro a female ORACLE from 500 B.C.. Her 3 surviving books ended up in the hands of the UNHOLY ROMAN EMPIRE CHURCH who rewrote it as a massive mind control psyop that by belief becomes self fulfilling prophecy , when there are always other potentials.
Thank for your comment. You introduce an interesting perspective.
Thank you Toney. An excellent read that embraces the complexities of both our personal and collective apocalyptic dilemmas. You are presenting relevant, vital, and catalyzing thoughts.
I’ve lately been thinking about the timeline- 9000 years- not as a specific amount of years, but as a cycle that we move through individually in staggered fashion. Similar say to a whole field of grain where one by one each stalk individually ripens. When the majority of plants are ripe, the crop is ready to harvest.
In our collective humanity some of us - the elect perhaps- can grasp and incorporate the apocalyptic archetypes more readily and thus move through the ‘9000 years’ on a different timeline. As we individually incorporate the new consciousness brought forth through this apocalyptic reveal our heightened consciousness becomes integrated into the group psyche of collective humanity. We can imagine then a metamorphosis of human consciousness occurring over a period of time, but not everyone at the same rate. Maybe like popcorn- one kernel at a time exploding. Then of course there are always the laggards in every batch who don’t make it, which is also true with all cycles of human evolution as well. Ahriman and Lucifer themselves are throwbacks of previous stages of our evolutionary consciousness. Their archetypes have become irrelevant to the Christened future of progressive humanity. As fallen beings they are therefore desperate to subvert and suck up what they can to maintain a foothold in the cosmos. We are truly in the heat of an epic spiritual battle.
Thank you for your comment, Cheryl. You raise some interesting points. True, the 9,000 year cycle can be taken literally or symbolically. This is an "epic spiritual battle," as you say. It's a struggle within each of us, as we confront our own inner "Ahriman" and choose whether to embrace the transformative potential of these apocalyptic times.
@grailarts
In a paper I wrote on the evolution of consciousness, I proposed that, while it's like popcorn popping over a period of time, as you wrote, the quantum leaps occur in the form of "punctuated equilibrium." The term was coined to distinguish the Cambrian Explosion from the theory of Darwinian gradualism. We believe the New Paradigm will follow a punctuated equilibrium of human consciousness. With no "old maids." We'll all get popped.
Please see my comment/discussion below with @drnicholascorrin
https://rationalspirituality.substack.com/p/ahriman-evil-lizard-brained-archetype/comment/80005060
A very relevant topic to tackle, and Nietzsche's quote is key. The hero fighting demons himself becomes the demon he pursues and kills. A theme well acknowledged in Buddhist lore yet barely touched upon in the self-righteous West with its innate tendencies towards Manicheanism, luciferian hero-worship, and its satanic projection of darkness and evil upon the Other, all distilled subconsciously in eugenics. Demons can detected in the shadow psyche of those righteous souls calling out the globalists and the (to them) psyops of viruses etc, One could suggest a Robespierre archetype brewing in enraged antivaxxers looking for someone to blame for their own rejected shadow aspects. This is exactly the trough Ahriman and Lucifer like to feed from. So we have another type of disaster waiting to unfold if we are not very careful. Jung intimated that archetypes strive for realization and self-expression which statement implies a nascent form of beingness. Rational Spirituality attributes both agency and intention to archetypes, which turns archetypes into distinct entities. To clarify Steiner's view, he did not represent Ahriman as just a symbolic force but rather a being capable of penetrating the body and soul of humans. He predicted Ahriman's incarnation as an avatar, probably in the third millenium of our era. Ahriman's presence in a person can be seen somatically expressed by their body language, the movement of their limbs and facial muscles, and even by the colors of the clothes they choose to wear. Thank you for another very thought provoking post at this time of normalized psychopathy and gigantic internal pressure building within the collective unconscious.
Thank you, Doctor, for your comment! You're absolutely right about the danger of becoming the very monster we fight. It's a delicate balance, and as you point out, the West's tendency toward Manichean dualism and projection makes it even more challenging.
I appreciate your clarification on Steiner's view of Ahriman. It reinforces the idea that these archetypal forces are not merely symbolic but have a real and potentially insidious influence on our lives. The idea that Ahriman can be corporally expressed is critical – it suggests that our bodies, as well as our minds, can be battlegrounds for these spiritual conflicts.
Thanks again for mentioning Ahriman in a previous comment, which inspired this essay.
And thank you very much for addressing this topic in your excellent essay! A couple of weeks ago I happened to be in Dornach at the Goetheanum and spent about five hours discussing this very subject with a man whose grandfather had emigrated from Germany. At the (rebuilt) Goethanum there is the famous sculpture designed by Steiner of Anthropos casting out Lucifer (into the air) and treading down Ahriman underfoot (into the earth). Both actions occur simultaneously, implying the need to tackle each nemesis we face with the correct level of awareness. Yes, the body, as incarnation of the soul, is very much a permeable medium which these archetypal beings can penetrate.
If I understand Steiner's complex cosmology (which is not easy), between Ahriman and Lucifer exists a state of equilibrium in which we find humanity represented by Christ (love). Lucifer is associated with the supersensible realm, while Ahriman is linked to the subsensible realm. Lucifer represents the spiritual aspects of human nature, pulling humanity away from earthly existence and rendering human intelligence automatic, thus repressing individual will.
However, he also paradoxically enables free will through granting humanity independence and self-consciousness. In contrast, Ahriman embodies the material aspects of human nature, seeking to bind humanity to Earth and quash our spiritual dimensions.
Lucifer's core motivation lies in separating humanity from its earthly evolution, enticing it into a purely spiritual domain where his influence prevails. While this grants freedoms and heightened awareness, it ultimately seeks to divert humanity from its intended developmental path — one that integrates spiritual and material dimensions under divine guidance.
I can think of no scenario that better describes our current dilemma. The Christ figure, representing humanity, symbolizes the ideal balance of spiritual and earthly existence. Steiner emphasized the goal of integrating both aspects harmoniously rather than succumbing to either extreme.
Do I have this about right?
Yes, I think so. Steiner's designs clearly embody the earthiness and integration you describe in your last sentence. I would say the equilibrium state is dynamic, not homeostatic, and requires "negative" influences of Lucifer and Ahriman to stimulate man towards the Christ consciousness of love and integration. I also think Steiner clearly understood the necessity for man, in his overall evolution, to eject himself out from wholeness into the cold sphere of scientific objectivity, and then the even more urgent necessity for him to re-enter wholeness with this new objectivity he has gained. Which would align, I assume, with the principles by means of which you have defined Rational Spirituality. Lucifer is the force that draws man out of himself. This is liberating yet can be catastrophic when the ego swells to a level of megalomania and high arrogance. Conversely, Ahriman, always seductive and conniving, draws man down towards his basest instincts. We can see both of these forces at play in our world today, particularly the Ahrimanic. The connections between the Ahrimanic super entity and archontic denizens with advanced technological knowhow to control human thought is evoked through highly classified UFO material. I am grateful you continuously post well written and thought provoking essays in which clear, scientific inquiry and spiritual intuition are woven closer together. We need more of that!
Thank you! I agree that Steiner's understanding of the dynamic interplay between Luciferic and Ahrimanic forces is crucial for navigating our current challenges. It's a reminder that even the forces we perceive as "negative" play a pivotal role in the evolution of consciousness.
I'm particularly intrigued by your connection between Ahrimanic forces and UFO phenomena. Could you elaborate on what you see as the link between these two? It speaks to the potential for archetypal energies to manifest in unexpected ways, particularly in our technologically advanced age. Everytime corporate media roles out Steven Greer, I become squeamish.
Thank you for engaging with these ideas and continuing our conversation. Most enjoyable!
The pleasure is all mine! Yes, on the link between Ahrimanic forces and UFO phenomena: "The Cosmic Pulse of Life" by Trevor James Constable. If you are not already familiar with this work, it is a book of rare value, filled with deeper insights and reference material as well as being elegantly written from a literary point of view. To be continued!