The Magickal Pen

There is a saying that I firmly believe that states that all (positive spiritual) paths ultimately lead to the One (source of all).  My belief in this has come as the conclusion of countless numbers of years exploring many different belief systems.  From these explorations, threads of commonality, albeit, different semantics, have woven a spiritual tapestry that is  as rich and diverse as the many roads Ive taken. I had benefit of being raised in n open and supportive spiritual environment.  My Grandmother and Mother had briefly taken the fundamentalist Christian path and came to settle on a new thought metaphysical religion. There was no dogma and the core belief was in the inherent divinity within each individual. The aspiration towards the Christ Consciousness (exemplified by Jesus; but not exclusive to this individual) was goal of spiritual work done through positive affirmation and conscious awareness of the effect of mind on matter.

I taught Sunday School and gave some Sunday lessons while still in my early teens and tried to live the spiritual life 24/7; another concept of practice that emphasized the spiritual path as one that extends well beyond Sunday Service and religious holiday.  All the while I was active in this church, encouragement was given to explore freely what other spiritual paths had to offer.  Rosicrucian and Astara, Witchcraft and Buddhist Philosophy, Yoga and Eastern Energetic Protocols all blended seamlessly in a young mind that was eager to learn and grow.

I also firmly believe that choosing a specific spiritual path is a very personal choice and as such should be made by every individual of their own accord and in their own time. When we had children, it was my mission to allow them to experience a broad spectrum of spiritual and cultural practice.  We celebrated holidays of Hindu, Jewish, Catholic/Christian and more.  My own practice of Wicca flowed through many of the seasons and the children were free to attend what they wished of coven and Tradition events. As they have become young adults, their spiritual path is their own to claim, but the foundations were laid for more informed choice.

When we reach out to obtain more information about the varied beliefs, we are better informed about what our own belief system looks like. When we take the time to participate in some of the rites and ceremonies of worship, we can feel at a deeper level what resonates for our own practice. And, if after having decided on our own course we maintain the effort at bridging the divide that often occurs when we only see from the narrow lens of our perspective, and remain open to what each spiritual path has to offer the other, we become the bridge under whose strength the many streams to the One may flow.

This week do a little research into a spiritual path other than your own.  What are the commonalities and what are the differences? Are there aspects that would enrich your current practice?  When we expand our perspectives in this way we create new stepping stones that elevate and inspire us to seek more from the current stream of practice we flow upon.  The pieces of each new offerings puzzle find there point of connection and the gifts of a new shoreline to explore are within reach.

I opened my Mind and
Inspiration flowed
Through clearing
Away what was rigid
And unyielding.

I opened my Heart
And I felt that
Love could be
Found in all
Positive paths.

I opened my Eyes
Seeing the beauty
In those whose
Devotion brought
Them nearer to
Their Gods.

I set my foot on the
Stones of my making
Heart and Mind all
In eager accord.

Each stone held a mystery
Each space between the
Synthesizing pause of
Spirit’s illumined breath.

As the bridging
Of beliefs brought
Me to the shores
Of my soul’s
Divine home.

Excerpted and Expanded upon:
Week 30: A Weekly Reflection. R.Fennelly.February 2013.Serpent’s Gate.