One Meaning of the “Hermetic Seal”

by Fr. E.S.Q.S.

Introduction

What follows is a short meditation on one meaning of the “Hermetic Seal”. Simply put: one meaning of the “Hermetic Seal” is, in light of Esoterics – and especially Pythagorean Hylozoics a la HTL and LA – indicating the causal envelope of man (47:1-3). This envelope, the causal envelope of man (47:1-3) - the “isolating envelope”, actually - is the primary envelope of man, is that which makes the difference between animal and man. Animals do not have a causal envelope (47:1-3) and, as such, they do not have the possibility of causal consciousness, of self-consciousness. The important thing to note here is that the causal envelope of man (47:1-3) is considered to be the “isolating envelope”, which is quite in keeping with the symbolism of the “Hermetic Seal”. Thus, the relation between the two – between the symbol of the “Hermetic Seal” on the one hand and the causal envelope of man (47:1-3) on the other - will be considered from that standpoint.

The “Hermetic Seal”

By “Hermetic Seal” is meant the sealing off of some one substance from (apparently) all others. Generally speaking, in terms of Chemistry, this can be achieved where solids, liquids, or gases are concerned. It is possible to separate and definitely seal a solid, liquid, or gas in a vial of sorts – hence, it is called a “hermetic seal” (as it does not allow the mixing of other like substances). The vial is totally sealed. It really is not necessary to explain the processes for producing a hermetically sealed vial for the sake of this short meditation; however, what is important is to understand that the “Hermetic Seal” is an idea that originated in Alchemy. It really is not just a matter of Chemistry; rather, it also has many symbolic meanings. One meaning of the “Hermetic Seal” is that of the causal envelope of man (47:1-3), the “isolating envelope”.

The Causal Envelope of Man

For those of us who are familiar with Esoterics – and especially Pythagorean Hylozoics a la HTL and LA – the causal envelope of man (47:1-3) is nothing new; likewise, it is probably equally well-known that the causal envelope of man (47:1-3) is considered as the “isolating envelope” in that it, in effect, serves to (apparently) separate a man, his individual consciousness, from the collective consciousness there is in mankind and in the rest of nature. Just as much as some chemical processes must happen while hermetically sealed, so to must the growth and development of man’s individual consciousness – his self-consciousness – must happen while “hermetically sealed” from the collective consciousness there is in mankind and in the rest of nature. It must become permanent before he can consciously enter into the collective consciousness there is in mankind and in the rest of nature. It must become permanent before he can begin the process of conscious expansion in the fifth natural kingdom. This is easier to do when the individual consciousness is “isolated”. The word, “isolated” is placed in brackets indicating that the isolation is actually only apparent. It is not real. It is an appearance – albeit, a necessary one.

Thus, the “great work” (the “magnum opus”) of mankind can be summed up in two parts:

1. The attainment of self-consciousness (also, the stabilizing of this self-consciousness; making it permanent).

2. Consciously uniting with the collective consciousness there is in mankind and in the rest of nature. This could probably use more clarification; however, that will not happen here, in this short meditation.

The First Part: The Attainment of Self-Consciousness

One of the most significant purposes of the causal envelope of man (47:1-3) is to serve as the “isolating envelope”. This allows man to develop his individual consciousness, allows man to become self-conscious in “his own little world” (i.e.: his envelopes of incarnation), first. This is difficult enough. Man has to learn how to distinguish between the “Self” and the “not-Self”; the envelopes (their consciousness) and the monad (his own consciousness); to distinguish between the object, the world of the object, the tools for apprehending the object, and the observer; to distinguish between subjective and objective, between subjective perception (often misperception) and objective perception (correct in so far as it goes); to distinguish between sense and reason; inner and outer; internal and external; to distinguish the various functions there are: intellectual functions, emotional functions, instinctive functions, and moving functions; to distinguish between conscious and mechanical expressions… in short, he must become a master of his own psychology. As it stands, man has a hard enough time distinguishing himself, his individual consciousness, from the envelopes (of incarnation) and their consciousness. It would be even worse – if not even impossible, altogether – should a man have to “find himself” (i.e.: become self-conscious) in a collective consciousness spanning the globe and reaching to the antipodes. It is hard enough in “his own little world”, “his own little atmosphere” – hence, the need for (apparent) “isolation”.

The Big Mistake

This (apparent) “isolation” is – in fact – partly responsible for the “Big Mistake”: believing in the lie of separation, believing in the illusion, the (apparent) “isolation”. It is always a risk with men; however, it is a necessary one. Some men take the individual too far. They cannot and/or will not see past the (apparent) “isolation” and, so, they isolate themselves ever more; they cut themselves off from the unity prevailing behind all such appearances of isolation. They fall for the trap that is Maya proper. They are lost. Consider the following facts:

1. Every man, woman, and child – every member of the human kingdom - has a causal envelope (47:1-3). These envelopes cannot exist in a vacuum (i.e.: they must have come from somewhere); rather, they are part-and-parcel of their own material world as well: the causal world of the planet (47:1-3).

2. Despite the (apparent) “isolation”, all of our envelopes (of incarnation) are part-and-parcel of their own material worlds as well: the gross physical-etheric envelope (49:2-4) in the physical-etheric world of the planet (49:2-4); the emotional envelope (48:2-7) in the emotional world of the planet (48:2-7); and, the mental envelope (47:4-7) in the mental world of the planet (47:4-7). These envelopes are pervaded by all manner of vibrations every second of the day – most of which we are (thankfully) unaware of. Sensitivity to vibrations (telepathy of various sorts, actually) must be balanced with an equal amount of self-consciousness.

3. We also have a share in the highest world of the planet, the essential world (world 46) – the world of unity, wisdom, and love – by virtue of the fact that every atom (49-atom, 48-atom, 47-atom) contains 46-atoms. All life on the planet is united by virtue it’s share in the essential consciousness, the “Anima Mundi” or the “Soul of the World”.

In thinking on these things, it should become apparent to most people that we are only very loosely “isolated”: we do not have immediate conscious (or unconscious) access to the “group-soul” of mankind, we do not have immediate conscious (or unconscious) access to the instincts of our brothers. As men, we are expected to develop those instincts (and such) ourselves. The three lower kingdoms – the mineral kingdom, the plant kingdom, and the animal kingdom – require the group-soul; elsewise, their growth and development would take far too long. As it stands, it already takes roughly 7 eons per natural kingdom! Where men are concerned, the “training wheels” have come off and he has to learn how to “ride the bicycle” on his own – he has been given everything, has been lead through the processes of evolution, and now it is time for him to work, deliberately and intentionally; learn how to keep his balance and go forward by his own efforts, alone.

Thanks for your time,

Sincerely,

Fr. E.S.Q.S.