Serie E No 138

Magazine Overview

This issue of "ARCANUM," titled "Himlens Vilja" (Heaven's Will), is presented as "Serie E - nr 138." The main theme is the spiritual initiation through the planets, with a specific focus on "Kärleken och Skönheten: VENUSINITIERINGEN (Astralplanet)" (Love and Beauty: Venus Initiation (Astral Planet)) by Torsten Bussenius. The issue explores the esoteric and spiritual interpretations of Venus, its mythological and biblical connections, and its role in human consciousness and relationships.

Venus: The Fallen Morning Star

The article begins by referencing Venus as the "fallen morning star," a symbol of fallen nature and the allure of beauty and love. It draws parallels between Venus and figures like Salome, who used her beauty to manipulate and gain power, and Eve, who was tempted by the serpent (Saturnus). Venus is described as the link between the serpent and Adam, embodying divine beauty and the seductive reflection of human longing.

It quotes Isaiah 14:12, referring to the "Morning Star" falling from heaven, and notes that Venus was called "Phosphoros" by the Greeks and "Lucifer" by the Romans, both meaning "Light-Bringer." However, it also points out the biblical association of Venus with Satan, the fallen angel.

The Seductive Nature of Venus

Saturnus is portrayed as the ultimate deceiver, using Venus as bait. The article explains that Venus, in its original state, represented the meaning and beauty of life. However, it has become a source of deep sorrow and traumatic memories. Venus is described as wrapping humanity around its little finger, causing profound abysses and leading individuals to ruin, self-destruction, and wild dreams. The text highlights how modern society is saturated with Venusian expressions such as cosmetic allure, dieting, fashion, pornography, and perfumes, emphasizing the immense importance placed on appearance.

It states that few have seen Venus "un-made-up" without being disillusioned. The initial allure of Venus fades with the "morning after," akin to the disillusionment that can set in after the initial years of marriage or any long-term relationship. The text suggests that individuals often contribute to this illusion by "making up" Venus to be admired.

The Nature of the Soul and Reality

The article delves into the concept of the soul (själ) and its relationship with spirit (ande) and body (kropp), symbolized by Mercury, Venus, and Mars respectively. The deepest thought is considered empty in spirit but the archetype in the void of consciousness. The soul is the focus of spirit, an individual expression and impression, both the experiencer and the experience. The body is the soul's expression, a reflection of the soul.

Reality is presented as a reflection of our inner state. The soul is the focal point of existence, connecting the uncreated and the created. The "God" mentioned is not a creator but the silent word echoing through eternity, the unseen with eternal reflections. The soul is the informer, and while Mercury represents insight, Venus represents experience, and Mars, active participation.

The "Hunger Soul" and Demon World

The text explains how the "demon world" is created when the soul, seeking its reflection in the material world, creates a void within itself. This void is filled by the life energy projected onto external objects, creating a magical bond with them. This process leads to a hunger for more life energy from both the soul and the object, thus creating a "hunger soul" that is egocentric and consumes everything.

This "hunger soul" then splits into two opposing sides: the egocentric desire to fill itself and the longing for the beautiful image that caused the original fall. This is the "evil" side and the "good" side, both stemming from the same hungry void.

The Illusion of Relationships

The article critiques the conventional understanding of relationships, stating that we are not truly in love with others but with ourselves, using others as mirrors. It argues that we are all both Adam and Eva, and that the "serpent" (Saturnus) and the "spirit" (Anden) are Saturnian symbols. Venus, the soul, is the "fallen morning star."

Venus, as the soul, is the experiencer and the experience. The original world had infinite forms of expression for love. However, when the soul fails to recognize the material world as a mere reflection of its inner state, it develops a longing for the world, leading to the "forbidden, deadly fruit" that would cause humanity's death.

The Dual Nature of Humanity and the "Great Divorce"

The text emphasizes that humans are not inherently dualistic (good and evil) but rather that the "hole" in the human psyche creates both sides. It discusses how the "serpent that crawls on the ground" – the subconscious – governs our desires. The human being is a creation of the subconscious, lacking the capacity for "winged serpent" love.

It introduces the concept of the "Great Divorce," a world of separation where true union is impossible. This divorce is between everything: man and woman, human and nature, elements, religions, ideas, and ultimately, humanity and God. All forms of separation are seen as a separation from God, the unity of all things.

The Nature of True Love and Sacrifice

True love is presented as a difficult path that requires the sacrifice of the ego. The article contrasts two types of love: the divine love that flows through us and the "magnetized love" that is based on surface tension and static electricity, driven by desire and possessiveness. This latter form of love is karmic and creates "tension points" and "karma points."

The text argues that we fall in love with the shadow of ourselves, projecting our inner void onto others. To find true love, one must first find oneself and awaken the "sleeping Venus" within. This awakening involves confronting one's inner darkness and realizing that all relationships are reflections of our inner state.

The Role of the Subconscious and Inner Conflict

The subconscious is described as a world of forgotten memories and unfulfilled desires that govern our actions and relationships. It is a realm of "ghosts of the past" and "unfulfilled desires." The article suggests that we are all alone in this world of ignorance, trapped in our own dreams.

It highlights the conflict between the conscious desire for union and the subconscious drive for separation. This internal struggle leads to a constant cycle of attraction and repulsion, making true, lasting union elusive. The "Great Divorce" is seen as the separation from God, the ultimate unity.

The Challenge of Venus Initiation

The Venus initiation is described as extremely difficult, requiring individuals to confront their inner child and its hunger for love, as well as the lovelessness of the world. The human heart is depicted as a "bottomless pit of emptiness and need," stemming from ancient conflicts.

Venus is called the "Radiant Morning Star," representing lost love and beauty. The article posits that all heartache is a reminder of this primal loss. It contrasts human behavior with that of animals, who are driven by instinct for species survival, while humans, despite their group consciousness, seek individual connection.

The Illusion of Possessiveness in Love

The text criticizes the idea of possessing a partner, stating that true love cannot be controlled or owned. It uses the metaphor of a bird in a cage to illustrate how attempts to control love lead to its death. The article suggests that when love dies, it is often replaced by habit, emptiness, or mere companionship.

It further explores the concept of "fame fatale" and "knight Bluebeard" figures who create desire for one's own abyss. The sexual current is described as a serpent condemned to crawl on the ground, offering the forbidden fruit to Eve. All love is ultimately a longing for annihilation.

The Nature of True Union and God's Will

The article distinguishes between the love that God bestows, which is beyond human comprehension and often hindered by our own concepts, and the love that humans experience. It suggests that true union is found in "the Intet" (the Void) where the true Being resides. This Intet is the source of life itself.

When the ego emerged, it created a dualistic force that seeks to lead humanity back to God, but humans themselves create the two sides of this duality. The text emphasizes that true marriage is not a ritual but a recognition of what already exists, a casting away of all else. It is about finding the divine within oneself.

The Two Souls and the Divine Feminine/Masculine

It is stated that every soul is not one but two, a Yin and a Yang, a masculine and a feminine force, constantly seeking to fulfill this duality to become God's image. This duality is the essence of their being, and their union is the realization of God's reflection. The text also touches upon the collective souls of animals, contrasting them with the individual souls of humans.

The Power of the Subconscious and the "Great Divorce"

The subconscious is presented as a powerful force that shapes our perceptions and desires. It is a realm of "shadows" and "inner conflicts." The "Great Divorce" is the separation from God, the ultimate unity, and this separation manifests in all aspects of human experience.

The Challenge of Sexual Energy and True Love

The article discusses the sexual force as a divine law and will, but one that has become wild and uncontrolled due to human fear and the desire for control. This uncontrolled energy leads to perversion and conflict. Spiritual schools have often struggled with this energy, either advocating abstinence or tolerating it within certain boundaries.

It likens the sexual current to a river that, when dammed or diverted, can lead to disaster. True love, on the other hand, requires the death of the ego and a willingness to sacrifice one's own desires for the sake of the beloved. The text suggests that all love is a longing for annihilation, a return to the undifferentiated state.

The Nature of True Union and the Divine

The article concludes by reiterating that true union is not found in external relationships but in the realization of the divine within. The "Great Divorce" is the separation from God, and the path to reunion involves confronting one's inner darkness and ego. The sexual force, when understood and integrated, can be a force of divine union rather than mere procreation.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of Arcanum strongly emphasizes a spiritual and esoteric interpretation of human experience, particularly concerning love, sexuality, and self-knowledge. The editorial stance appears to be one of guiding the reader towards a deeper understanding of the self, the nature of reality, and the divine through the lens of planetary symbolism and psychological introspection. There is a consistent theme of confronting the ego, the subconscious, and the illusions of the material world to achieve spiritual union and self-realization. The articles advocate for a path of inner transformation, often involving difficult self-examination and sacrifice, to overcome the "Great Divorce" and return to a state of unity with the divine.

This issue of 'E - 138' presents a collection of introspective and philosophical texts, primarily focusing on the complex nature of love, suffering, and the human psyche. The content is drawn from literary works, particularly "Singoalla" by Victor Rydberg, and spiritual or mystical writings, including excerpts related to "The silent fluit" and "Ka'bs israelitica" by Tor Andrae. The publication appears to be a Swedish periodical from the 1970s.

Love and Suffering: The 'Sorgebarn' Concept

The central theme explored is the concept of 'Sorgebarn' (Sorrow Child), which represents an inner suffering that accompanies individuals throughout their lives. This 'Sorgebarn' is depicted as a shadow that follows a person, influencing their experiences of love and hate. The texts suggest that this inner child is a manifestation of unresolved emotional conflicts and the struggle to love authentically. The narrative from Rydberg's "Singoalla" introduces a character who is a 'Sorgebarn,' a child born of sorrow, highlighting the deep connection between love and pain.

The issue delves into the idea that humans often struggle to love without causing harm or experiencing pain. Quotes from "The silent fluit" and the philosophical reflections suggest that attempts to possess or control love are futile, leading to a cycle of hunger and dissatisfaction. The texts argue that true love is not about possession but about a selfless offering and a recognition of the other's well-being, a concept that is difficult for humans to grasp due to their inherent tendencies towards self-preservation and fear.

The Nature of Love and Self-Reflection

Further exploration of love emphasizes that it is the most difficult sacrifice. The texts suggest that one cannot truly love without having undergone a form of inner death or transformation. The concept of 'suggestion' is introduced as a powerful force that can mimic love but ultimately leads to destruction. The issue contrasts superficial relationships, described as merely 'rubbing against each other,' with a profound, divine love characterized by total unity and self-offering.

The texts critically examine self-reflection, suggesting that humans often become trapped in a closed room of self-contemplation, seeing others only as reflections of themselves. This leads to a cycle of either loving or hating these self-images, rather than engaging with the true essence of another person. The discovery of one's own inner emptiness is presented as a painful but necessary step towards genuine connection.

Spiritual and Mystical Dimensions

Spiritual and mystical elements are woven throughout the issue. A prayer to 'Surya' (the sun deity) from the text expresses a plea for relief from unrequited love and a desire for transformation. The concept of finding 'the only right one' is linked to first becoming 'the only right one' oneself, implying a journey of self-discovery and spiritual readiness.

An excerpt from Tor Andrae's "Ka'bs israelitica" discusses the paradox of human hearts being filled with violence while seeking the divine. It suggests that to enter the 'kingdom of heaven,' one must 'kill their hearts' in a spiritual sense, shedding ego and worldly desires.

The 'Granum Erutum' and Conclusion

The issue includes a symbolic illustration titled "GRANUM ERUTUM. Orbis VENERIS; Quod ordine huc usque Unigenitus venerit:." This Latin title and accompanying imagery, featuring Venus and Cupid, likely represent the cyclical nature of love, creation, and perhaps the alchemical or spiritual journey of Venus. The footnotes provide explanations for Latin terms related to time, nourishment, and attraction.

The concluding thoughts reiterate that only those who have found themselves can find others. The inability to see beyond one's own reflection leads to a passionate love or hate for one's own image, rather than for another being. The issue ends with a continuation note, suggesting further exploration of these themes.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The recurring themes in this issue are the profound and often paradoxical nature of love, the pervasive presence of suffering in human experience, and the necessity of self-knowledge and spiritual transformation for authentic connection. The editorial stance appears to be introspective and philosophical, encouraging readers to confront their inner conflicts and to seek a deeper, more selfless form of love and understanding. The use of literary excerpts and spiritual texts suggests an aim to explore these themes through various cultural and historical lenses.