“To him is all credit due for the Order life, from its emergence as ‘The Havelock Work’ and the ‘Order of the Southern Cross’, through the building of the Temple complex and until the time of his death. A truly Great Man.” Fiat Lux 7=4 reflecting on Piscator Hominem 9=2.
I recall Fiat Lux using this phrase “Order life” a few times, but at the time I assumed he simply meant that the Order was organic, was alive – it is! However, as I have dedicated more years to this Order life myself, my understanding of what he was saying has grown.
At Whare Ra, under P.H.’s guidance, the Order provided a culture or foundation whereby its members were able to lead their lives entirely by its creed, and subsequently Spirit gently pervaded all aspects of mundane life – politics, arts, education, community, environment.
Some aspects that this “Order life” entails:
RHTHYM. There is an occult rhythmic law of Life that should be adhered to; one portion of occult life in active meditation and study (Shin); one portion in prayer and reverence (Mem); and lastly one portion of rest (Aleph) – each of varying proportions according to the nature of the individual. We also should know how seriously important moderation and balance is to the Work and to embed this in our lives – zealousness in occult studies is to be avoided, and in external pursuits also. The Daily Rhythm for each Grade contributes to this practice, as does the discipline of morning meditations and daily ritual, and that important day off each week from occult work.
SILENCE. When we keep our spiritual life essentially private (“the seed of Wisdom is sown in Silence and grown in darkness and mystery”), a natural blossoming occurs in our external life. Discussing one’s occult insights usually only occurs with the Demonstrator, and no one else. When members get together for ceremonial, the brief time beforehand is spent greeting in genuine fraternity – too short and precious is that time for idle discussion of occult matters. Home then, more or less straight afterwards, back to mundane lives with the Spirit sub rosa and preserved still by Hermetic seal. Do “not be constrained to wear any distinctive dress, but therein follow the custom of the country”. No one outside the Temple need know the Great Work that is being performed.
PROPAGATION. Order life means having a life full of variety. It means living life actively – in one’s job/career, with one’s family and circle of friends, and in pursuing one’s hobbies and interests. Take the light generated in the Temple and let it freely radiate into all spheres of life. Be a living talisman of the Spirit and lead by example. Be humble in the knowledge that this is being done on behalf of all of life. All is One.
ATTENTION. Observing the passage of life, with as clear a lens as possible, so that the creation occurring as we observe it (what and how we see things) is not tarnished by the lower passions and ignorance – for example enjoy the taste and texture of every mouthful rather than mindlessly eat food like an animal. Do not listen to the words of others idly, but empathise with and observe the speaker. Give them the time of day. Keep a pocket magnifying glass and be a child, and (re)discover the wonder and beauty of seeing a butterfly for the first time.
Kasmillos
