Ivan’s Health: Two Steps Forward, One Step Back.
Ivan M. Granger June 9th, 2008
Last week I was going to write a note about how I’m feeling so much better — then on Friday I got hit again. Two steps forward, one step back.
So, my apologies about no poem on Friday, but it gives us a good excuse to continue our exploration of women’s voices into this week. I hope you enjoy the selections.
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Dear Ivan,
Thank you once again for your lovely offering.
What moved me to write about this particular poem was your commentary on it; in particular, your comment that: ‘ “This statement keeps getting mystics in trouble with orthodox religious authorities throughout the centuries. It is the assertion that heaven is not found somewhere ‘out there’ — not in the future, not after death, not (only) in celestial realms. Heaven is here, now, within us and surrounding us always! And — the most dangerous part of this insight — if we don’t discover it here “below,” it won’t be found elsewhere “above.” ‘
From my perspective as a Pagan Priestess and Witch, that is so very much on point! Part of my training involved learning the “Charge of the Goddess,” which includes this section: “Know you that your seeking and yearning will be to no avail, unless you know the Mystery: For if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without. For behold! I have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire.”
That old Hermetic maxim just seems to keep popping up everywhere, doesn’t it?
I’ve always felt a certain satisfaction in seeing how certain basic tenets are reflected in so many different belief systems. It serves to remind me of the common ground that we share, regardless of ideology or personal experience.
Okay, there’s my two cents for the day.
Be well, Ivan, my thoughts and prayers go with you.
–Athena