On Paths
For any given complete symbolic system, there is a spiritual path corresponding to each symbol. So we might classify different spiritual paths by which symbols they correspond to in that system. (Naturally, since there are many symbolic systems, there are many such methods of classification.)
Let's take an example and look at the classical elements.
- The path of fire is a masculine path involving drive, will, and transmutation. I imagine many of those who found their way to this diary from Ecosophia would easily recognize this as where magical paths belong.
- The path of air is a masculine path of interaction, communication, and dispersion. This is perhaps the path most foreign to me—my natal chart contains no air at all, and so I find airy things bewildering—but I imagine it's what the Bhagavad Gita refers to when it's talking about the karma yoga: a path of service to others.
- The path of water is a feminine path of purity, reflection, and dissolution. This is the path I would tend to associate with the image of an anchorite or monk: one who separates themselves from the world, studies wisdom traditions, meditates, etc.
- The path of earth is a feminine path of embodiment, effort, and acceptance. I would associate this path with mystical traditions that emphasize good works, and also with what's been called "The Path of the Hearthfire" or of "lay monkdom:" doing your mundane work to the fullest.
(I'm certainly being a bit sloppy here; these are very large bins and we have few widespread spiritual images to draw from in the West; I'm also mostly typing it out as a reminder to myself for something to circle back to later, so I'm writing quickly rather than deeply.)
One can do a similar exercise with any other complete system: the astrological planets or signs of the zodiac (or both together, if you want a year or two of meditation themes), the geomantic figures, the ba gua or I Ching hexagrams, the Tarot, etc. I think the exercise is worthwhile, since it helps one recognize and identify what kinds of spiritual teachings or methods—and there are a lot to draw from, many of which are marketed as The One True Way™—are likely to be of benefit to one's own path.
