“Your visions will become clear only when you can explore your own heart. [One] Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes.” – Carl Jung
This article intends on being a sober yet simple intro into what the occult is. As stated in this author‘s previous article the word Occult simply means hidden. Hidden from the public seemingly by their own collective distain or disinterest in the subject itself. In this article the author intents to acquaint the reader with some basic occult knowledge by employing the opposite, exoteric knowledge, to paint a picture of how the unfamiliar opposite, the occult, or Esoteric Knowledge, is outlined. In other words, Study a subject by focusing on the shadow that it casts. In this case the Esoteric can be seen hiding in the shadow cast by the Exoteric.
Exoteric, which is defined by Merriam Webster as, “Suitable to be imparted to the public” & “Belonging to the outer or less initiate circle.“
It’s opposite Esoteric, which is defined as, “Designed for or understood by the specially initiated alone” & “Requiring or exhibiting knowledge that is restricted to a small group.“
Deemed ‘Suitable’ by whom? To whom is the Merriam Webster Dictionary referring when they say, ‘Specially Initiated’ people? More importantly, how does one become specially initiated?
Think of Thanksgiving dinner. In this scenario Esoteric is the ‘Grown-ups Table‘ while Exoteric is the ‘Kids Table.‘
One must learn to crawl before one walks, and then eventually runs. If not one may run straight into traffic. Crawling back over to the words ‘Exoteric’ & ‘Esoteric’ the author will point out they are similar to the concept of the macrocosm & the microcosm. Gaining a more adequate understanding of these concepts moves one a few rungs up the ladder of this hidden knowledge. The best way to sum it up for now would be a quote:
“As above, so below, as within, so without, as the universe, so the soul…” ― Hermes Trismegistus
Clearly most people are familiar with the Exoteric teachings that exist in the world. Much of the ideals and dogma heard throughout history from pulpits, podiums, thrones & senate chambers has been the Exoteric kind. Once great & noble ideas get stripped of any value to a person on the road to self-discovery. Alternatively, they are jam packed with plenty of collectivist sermons about how everyone in society should think, dress and act. Nothing more than an edited edition fit for mass consumption by subservient subjects and the order followers who keep them in line. This seems to be an underlying theme that runs through most civilizations, past and present. One in which a small group of ruling elites keeps a larger body of subjects/citizens subservient by means of employing a separate group of ‘Order Followers.‘ A group which is larger than the group of elites, but also much smaller than the group of subjects/citizens whom they police. More on this in a bit…
First let’s talk Esoteric. Most are unacquainted with these teachings even though they are probably familiar with the symbols, practices or even parables associated with Esoteric teachings, but they lack a proper understanding of how to properly fit this knowledge together. In his previous article the author talked about how he was able to employ some Esoteric teachings to heal himself. He began the process of correcting an inner imbalance between his thoughts and emotions, a very common problem in modern society he argues. He still has a long way to advance along the path. However, the initial process of looking inside, taking responsibility and becoming conscious of the way his actions were effecting others was enough to effect his behavior in a very beneficial way.
“Knowing your own darkness is the best method for dealing with the darknesses of other people.”
― Carl Jung
This is far from where the author started, however. At a young age in Catholic School and Church, the author was taught to confess every single sin to a priest for absolution. Thus being conditioned to constantly look for guidance and direction from an external source. In the author’s experience the Roman Catholic Church, like many other institutions whom preach Exoteric Doctrine consistently says that there is only one answer for all. One path, only one way to eternal salvation. This is counter to what is taught Esoterically, where the focus is the total opposite, self-introspection and individual paths to the truth. A belief system in which one looks inward and relies more on intuition. Not constantly seeking approval from external sources, but having faith that the answer lies within. Having the self-confidence to make one’s own decisions based on morality gained by a strict practice of aligning one’s thoughts and emotions to generate action. A way of being that places primary focus on balance. This means not completely shunning the external world, but also not relying heavily on other’s opinions and approval. The latter behavior, the author argues, is comparable to a dog performing tricks for his master for a small reward.
Dogs are fantastic, but you are a human. So act like it! –Brandon Smith
Circling back to the ‘underlying theme’ which the author says runs through most civilizations past and present. Since a significant percentage of the ‘Citizen’ and ‘Order Follower‘ groups both lack Esoteric Knowledge it would be safe for one to assume they also experience an inner imbalance. Most of them undoubtedly unaware of this and ignorant of its implications. As stated earlier this inner imbalance is likely due to a lack of self-knowledge. One is not aligning their thoughts and emotions while they take action in the world. Inner conflict in a person often manifests in negative traits like (but not limited to) low self-esteem, self-doubt, & the need to look externally for approval.
The author argues that people existing in this mind-state are more likely to value earthy rewards and/or promised heavenly treasures over the well being of their fellow humans. As a result Order Followers will blindly follow the dictates of their masters, regardless of the morality. (Therefore violating the rights of the same people whom they claim to protect.) Conversely, this inner imbalance is what allows the ‘Citizen’ group in society to accept their role as subservient subjects. Sounds Bleak, However, the author argues hope isn’t lost! If one is capable of gaining the necessary self-knowledge required to heal this inner imbalance. It is possible for that that person to view the world in a whole new way. Thus beginning to walk their own individual path in life. A trend that if became popular, the author argues, would have profound positive effects on society at large.
The author argues that because People in the smallest group, the Ruling Elites, posses the highest concentration of people with Esoteric Knowledge (Much higher than the other two groups.) some members of the ‘Ruling Elite’ group understand how to manipulate people with an inner imbalance. They use this understanding to exploit and control the other two groups. This is primarily achieved by keeping both of these groups, as well as many other smaller subsections of these groups, divided along lines such politics, religion, race, class etc. All of the things that aren’t supposed to be brought up in polite conversation.
The author stresses Esoteric Knowledge is not inherently evil on its own. Like any other ‘power’ it can be used for light or dark. The temptation to employ this knowledge in the negative comes predominantly when one possesses Esoteric Knowledge yet doesn’t apply the principles to their own life. In the authors opinion most people in the ‘Ruling Elite’ groups are guilty of this. Guilty of not doing the work it takes to gain an accurate knowledge of self. Resulting in them having an inner imbalance of their own. One which the author argues may feed their lust for power. Like a snake devouring its own tail they exploit the inner imbalance in others to feed their own inner imbalance.
The half-wise, recognizing the comparative unreality of the Universe, imagine that they may defy its Laws — such are vain and presumptuous fools, and they are broken against the rocks and torn asunder by the elements by reason of their folly. The truly wise, recognizing the nature of the Universe, use Law against laws; the higher against the lower;
And by the Art of Alchemy transmute that which is undesirable into that which is worthy and thus triumph. Mastery consists not in abnormal dreams, visions and fantastic imaginings or living, but in using the higher forces against the lower — Escaping the pains of the lower planes by vibrating on the higher. Transmutation, not presumptuous denial, is the weapon of the Master.” — Kybalion.
Having Esoteric Knowledge allows one to perceive the effect of this inner imbalance more clearly in others. However, If one is able to use this knowledge to heal their own inner imbalance, it’s likely they will experience a complete paradigm shift. After experiencing this kind of life event, many people begin to focus their energy in an outward manner. In an effort to help correct this inner imbalance in others around them. Keep in mind those who fail to do the self-work are more likely to be tempted to employ this knowledge to exploit others. This also may be a reason some people will argue this knowledge is reserved for a select few. While others will suggest anyone willing to work on themselves is worthy of it, but it then becomes their duty to spread the message to others who are also willing to do this work. It’s the author’s opinion this is the only way to effect positive change and break the ‘Theme’ that has plagued humanity for too long…
“When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men [humans] in a society, over the course of time they create for themselves a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that glorifies it.”
― Frédéric Bastiat
Many of the worlds Exoteric religions speak of a dark age. Most in the U.S. are familiar with the Christian version, it goes something like, “God and Satan are currently battling for your immortal soul.” It all concludes with a giant war followed by judgement day. A day when everyone will have to answer for their misdeeds in this life. The Hindu faith says humanity is currently experiencing the ‘Kali Yuga’ or Dark Age. The final age of the world marked by a great imbalance. This has a flavor of the ‘Dialogue Between Hermes Trismegistus and Asclepius’ in which Hermes speaks of a coming age where people will prefer “Darkness to Light.” So it seems they were aware of the problem. Did they also speak of a solution?
It would seem that embedded in Exoteric Religions is such a solution. The key to restoring this inner balance. Which has a lot more to do with the Esoteric side of these belief systems. Ironically the Esoteric message, paramount to achieving inner balance, is spoken by the hero of the story. It seems that in many cases Exoteric Religion took this message and built a dogmatic system of control around it. Take the Christ figure. Many times he laid out a pretty simple path for humanity. A path about knowing your inner self, following natural law and the Golden Rule. Meanwhile most Christian churches preach that the way to absolution runs directly through their appointed leaders. They are the carefully chosen representatives of Jesus and the ‘Almighty Father’. The original message of ‘neighborly harmony takes a back seat to a ‘one size fits all answer.’ One must learn to separate the wheat from the chaff to gain real wisdom from Exoteric Teachings. It’s like mining for of spiritual gold.
By reading the Bhagavad Gita (a text from the Hindu faith) the author was able to sharpen the skills needed for mining spiritual gold. Since the author grew up in the U.S., he was able to look at the story contained in the Bhagavad Gita as just a fictional story. No lingering cultural conditioning to cloud the authors acumen. Being free of conditioning the importance of self-knowledge repeated in this text was more apparent. The character who plays ‘God’ in this story is Krishna. He is the King of self-knowledge. In the text, when the warrior Arjuna in his moment of doubt looks to Krishna for advice, Krishna tells him over and over again til he is blue in the face that self-knowledge is the answer. By applying these same skills to the Bible, the author is able to decode scripture in a new inspiring Esoteric way. As opposed to an Exoteric way which will more likely instill fear and insecurity.
“For him who has conquered the mind, the mind is the best of friends; but for one who has failed to do so, his very mind will be the greatest enemy.”
Krishna; the Bhagavad Gita (chapter 6, Text 6)
The reason why esoteric knowledge has been or remains hidden is not the subject of this article. However, the author‘s take on this so called ‘Dark Age’ is that it’s an age of mental slavery. A time when some humans desire to rule over others by claiming divine or sovereign dominion over them. A claim that is the lie inside the poison pill of organized religion. Where the peaceful message of living together harmoniously is gutted and stuffed with strict dogmatic demands. A similar scam can be seen happening in any government. Especially one that claims to rule over a free people, who live in a free country, but how could a people truly be free if they have a ruler or master?
Who is to blame?
The author contends a population with a true grasp of Esoteric Knowledge would never submit to any kind of external rule. Therefore, this knowledge must stay hidden in order for the dark age to persist. Meaning if knowledge remains hidden from the public because of their own distain or lack of interest then they are responsible for their own enslavement. They allow their own subjugation, whether consciously or not. Just like any story about a deal with the devil, One must sign over their soul willingly (another hidden message in Exoteric thought by the way). Humans are responsible for their own actions. Whether it’s a ‘citizen‘ supporting a corrupt system through their own compliance or an order follower enforcing an immoral law. That person is the one taking the action, therefore creating the negative conditions in which they exist. In which the entire society exists.
The next message you need is always right where you are.
-Ram Dass
The authors intent here as always is not to throw out the baby with the bath water. Neither is it his intent to offend anyone’s religion or belief system. It’s merely to point out that organized religion runs on a similar theme as any system of control. Also do not assume this article to be a personal indictment of all religious figures. The author does not assume every religious figure has ill intentions of control. Nonetheless, just like government, it is all about a small body of ruling elite who wish to control a larger number of people. The same inner imbalance is exploited in the large group of people by the smaller ruling elite group. So, it may be true there are brilliant ideas and eternal truths located within all of the Exoteric religions. The intended message of this post is to not become rigidly attached to dogma, instead seek out objective truth.
Brandon J Smith
All of the pics with the exception on the Lassie meme were taken by the author.
more laws, more problems. 