The Scarlet Letter
Volume I, Number 1 | August 1993
Shadows
by Fr. H.S.

We ponder upon our own existence in order that we may understand ourselves and discover our true wills. This is no small task as we are very complex beings with individual tendencies on the threshold of a New Aeon. What's more, we must throw off the dualistic concepts of the past Aeon in order to put our feet firmly on the path toward performing the Great Work.

"Remember all ye that existence is pure joy; that all the sorrows are but as shadows; they pass & are done; but there is that which remains." –AL II:9

Individual meditation will shed much light upon this phrase. We know that the earth revolves around the sun and the death of the sun is only one of our "shadows" and a normal function of nature. Knowing this we can apply the concept to all things in order to conquer dualism and move more swiftly along the path.

In Little Essays Towards Truth, Crowley writes on the subject of indifference. He does so to teach how one may overcome dualism and accept all as necessary in our development. Once we have seen that everything is necessary, and equally important to our individual progress, we will accept all, making it part of ourselves. Hence we become all. Indifference also allows for a more scientific and thorough evaluation of ourselves free from the clutters of our emotions.

"Let there be no difference made among you between any one thing and any other thing; for thereby there cometh hurt." –AL I:22

If we are trying to become one with God, the All, the Absolute (or whatever one wishes to call it), we must be willing to accept nothing less than just that (ALL). Aren't we willing to go through ordeals to strengthen—read: to educate—and apply all this to the Great Work so that we may attain loftier heights? All of this to set up barriers between us and that which we decide not to accept? Surely not! Dualism tries to limit that which is limitless. Yet the universe is full of possibilities and we would do well to unite by love with each.

We must be willing to join opposites in a union of love just as the Father and Mother produce Child; Death and Life produce Existence, Pleasure and Pain our Feelings. For the two produce a third. Thus, extending the possibilities of the first two. What is one without the other? If we focus on any one opposite, the pendulum must swing to the extreme leaving outside influences to create a balance. Don't we want to be in control of this balance? Surely we do. Don't be afraid of your own "Shadows" for they will soon pass, and there is that which remains. —In Lux

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