An Invitation to a Bath

Let’s start from the beginning. The Abrahamic religions share the same cosmology that developed into Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. Our origin story involves a universe initially comprised of a mixture of waters. On the second day of creation they were separated with the sky above and water or the seas below. (Genesis 1:6) This contrast suggests a sophisticated and possibly dangerous way of thinking, which is the inability to recognize two sides of a coin might be different but it's still a coin, or in this case water. Kabbalist determined the separation created a potential for conflict, strife, and Hell to establish. (The Zohar: Pritzker Edition, Vol. 1 p. 127) Their proof is the divine phrase of approval, “it was good” was omitted on that day but was stated twice on the next. (Genesis 1:10,12) When differences are taken too far it can lead to malicious consequences. To mediate the possibility of opposing forces, and complete the work of the Water or Seas, the land mass called Earth was brought into being on the third day. This third element provided compositional beauty and further conceptual complexity to our cosmological landscape.

Water is essential for life. The belief we end up as dust happens constantly with our sloughed off body parts. The dirt, dead skin cells, and broken hair shafts we wash off would accumulate and over time break down into a small mound of powder. However, we are mostly water and we came from a water-world that began in chaos, darkness, and was a void without form. Drinking water is probably universally recognized as necessary to sustain life. In addition, it is a medium for cleansing, and in many spiritual practices it's used in rituals for spiritual initiations and purifications.

Immersions in water are well documented and mentioned biblically and cross-culturally as part of religious ceremonial practices. Some do not include cleansing the body. It is required prior to a woman entering a Jewish mickvah, which mandates a specifically sized pool to contain the rain water she immerses herself in. Meanwhile, a dip under holy water is sufficient for a baptism. Whether it’s only a dunk or a wash too, being immersed in water is a place were the inside and outside of us are almost identical. This is particularly true when you realize the "self" does not stop at the skin.

The Bible teaches about the importance of water in the creation of the Garden of Eden with its four rivers and the power of water through the story of The Flood. This devastating act was God's way to cleanse the defiled land, wipe out evil doers, and recreate a more spiritual beginning. Eventually the realization came this purging had gone too far, and a divine promise was made to never again destroy life in this way. The rainbow is the mark or symbol of this covenant. Notably, the bow breaks through rain clouds after a storm shower has passed and the sun shines bright once again. 

Let’s revisit the baptismal service, a well-known Christian immersion ritual for sacramental initiation into the faith. My introduction to it was while watching a film-noir movie. Performed in a church setting the priest used a small pool of “holy” water. In the secular societies of North America, my first personal ritual with water was as a child alone in our family bathroom. I imagined the only thing I owned was a towel and some soap. The bath was my private place to contemplate poverty and the horrors of Nazi Germany. I knew about their crimes against humanity at quite a young age. Distinct from those evil doers, the bath was also my sanctuary to dream about elegance.

I am reminded of the tarot card, The Universe or World. It is the last card in the deck and signifies completion of a matter and spiritual wholeness achieved by integrating your inner work with outer joy. It could be a successful ending to a long term endeavor, or finally coming to grips with a bad relationship and ready to move on. This card is often depicted with a naked hermaphrodite, a man/woman dances within a circle formed by a snake, or dances with the snake. It represents renewal, and the cyclical nature of life where the end can imply a beginning. When this card is pulled in a tarot reading, to me the nakedness insinuates a special bath or shower prior to the dance. I suggest my client invite themselves to a luxurious one. If they are so inclined there is a shmorgishborg of aromatherapy extracts, candles, and soaps available to enhance the experience. I encourage them to create a ceremony of there own making; use affirmations, say prayers, what ever. Once out of the tub it's time to dance. This symbolizes a way to recognize one's accomplishment or a transformational decision. There are no rules. Perhaps you're contented with having only a towel, soap, and a bathtub full of water.

Traditionally the tarot card, the Universe or World is numbered 21 or XXI in the Suit of Trumps, which are numbered from 0-21. However, I prefer its alignment with the Hebrew alphabet that goes from 1-22. This card aligns withTav, the final letter and it symbolizes a mark or in biblical times a seal that identifies someone. In modern terms it is also a recognizable label and brand created by a business. Let’s say you just left your mark on finishing a big job assignment, the final step is to cement a recognition of its completion into your soul. Often, I’ve left it up to others to compliment my endeavors and was pleasantly surprised by their response. Often, I am left disappointed. It’s similar to a wall-flower who waits and waits for someone to ask her to dance. Frankly, in the Musk-MAGA defined world empathy is synonymous with failure or weakness, and these folks might not have the emotional bandwidth for words of admiration, of course, unless it concerns Donald J. Trump.

This tarot card and Hebrew letter, Tav teaches us to acknowledge the conclusion of an achievement, or when you made a life-changing decision and ready to move on to newness. Don’t rely on others. Prepare to celebrate by taking a refreshing and ritualized bath or shower. Finally, dance to the tune of your own praises. You’ve done your best, so now it’s time to feel comfortable in your own skin, which is mostly full of water. Don’t worry about being egotistical. Who cares! In this moment relish in the image you are the center of your Universe.

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The Hierophant

I just finished my morning prayers on the front balcony of my apartment when a barely visible speck of dust captures my attention as it floats aimlessly along with the breeze. However, when it flits about in a zigzag trajectory its true nature is revealed. This teeny, tiny flying insect made an impression on me. My previous focus had been on the divine and then to watch the comings and goings of a mundane mini-moth, seemingly oblivious to my presence, solidifies my insignificance. With this humbling thought in mind it’s the perfect time for Torah studies. The Zohar, an ancient Kabbalistic text, and Deuteronomy engross me for about an hour until a strong sense draws me to turn on the news. “White Smoke”. "We Have A Pope." 

A few nights ago, I watched the movie, “Conclave”. It brought me to tears and today is the same. I am not even Catholic, nevertheless, with great anticipation I await the grand reveal. Who is he? 

“Peace be with you all” are the first words Pope Leo XIV said from the papal balcony to the throngs congregating at the Vatican, plus the billions of people who watched the broadcasts from Italy. The whole world needs to hear his words.

I am reminded of the tarot card, The Hierophant, an archaic term for the high priest of the Eleusinian Mysteries in ancient Greece. In some decks this card is known as The Pope and is 5th or V in the suit of Trumps. Generally, the tarot takes a limited view and interprets it as a teacher, keeper of traditions, or the need to consult a priest, rabbi or other religious person. However, The Hierophant represents the reveler of the mysteries, a mortal’s link to the divine, and the great teacher of spiritual tradition, it's rituals and symbolisms. I have a strong connection to this card. For decades it signified my desire to know the divine and mysterious aspects of life. Of course, I make no claim to be a Pope or even a pious person. At best, I am a minor prophet. In biblical times there were thousands of us, and these days there must be millions.

Anyway, I prefer the tarot’s association to the Hebrew alphabet whose numbering is 1-22, although the numerical value of a letter might not coincide with its alphabetical order. In a traditional deck the suit of Trumps go from 0-21. The Hierophant corresponds to the 6th Hebrew letter, Vav. She means a "hook," "nail," or "peg," as in to attach or secure something. Grammatically, Vav usually operates as a conjunction, such as the English word "and”. Symbolically, she represents the connection between heaven and earth, and us to God. 

The Holy See is a sovereign city-state of the Roman Catholic Church, with its capital in Vatican City. The Pope is its premier official and also the spiritual leader to millions of people around the world. Now ordained as a divine being, he is no longer a mere Cardinal. The King or Queen of England is also the ordained spiritual leader of the Church of England and sits on the throne, the center of the global British Commonwealth. Meanwhile, the movers and shakers in the Republican party try to insert Donald Trump into this special class of superior beings. Probably it’s to distract from his criminality and corrupt regime. They are certain his voters have moved past the teachings of Jesus, who they view as weak and too woke. Instead they elected a swindler and a deeply flawed man for President of the United States, who pretends to be a pope and posts photos of himself in pope-ish costumes on his social media platform.

Ah, I find myself once again contemplating the divine to then thoughts of an insect. Perhaps it’s wishful thinking but maybe a do-over, a real life adaptation of Franz Kafka's book, "Metamorphosis" and a name change from Gregor Samsa is in order. This time the pest is Donald Trump. These days, it is imperative to know the distinction between the sacred and a bug, those who are supremely dignified and those who bring shame to our everyday work world.

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The Willing Isolationist

Some of us are called to leave the ordinary, everyday, work world and isolate from others. History is replete with individuals who find it necessary to live outside of their

community, even if it's only for awhile. Whether it is to create a space to think, make music, meditate, paint, or write, some folks are not exactly social beings everyday, all of the time. As a twin, I personally had a fascination with aloneness from a young age and developed a deep inner universe full of questions, wonder, and where books kept me company.

Stick your head in the sand about politics, or prefer to not watch the news about Hamas' sadistic massacre of Israelis; although it's understandable because many reading this post are empathetic and we feel it, are not types of social isolation at focus here. Rather, of interest is a particular kind of isolating that hinges on one's intention. I'm reminded of the tarot card The Hermit. Traditionally, he is depicted as a contemplative, hooded old man who holds a shinning lantern atop a mountain. He's not up there because he hates people. Quite the opposite. He will become a beacon of light in the darkness for many. You see, The Hermit willing isolates but has a simultaneous ethical and moral obligation to return to the city he once seemingly abandoned to share the light of his recently obtained wisdom.

Moses comes down from Mount Sinai, sees the Golden Calf, goes back up the mountain where the hand of God engraves the Ten Commandments, then Moses goes back down the mountain, deals with idolators, and moves the Tent outside and away from the the Israeli encampment, away from any further impurities due to the idolatry. Now it is called the Tent of Meeting where Moses speaks to the Lord God face to face . (Exodus 33:6-11)

Moses is an archetype for the isolationist who seeks to purify himself, to receive knowledge and then becomes a guiding light for others. For our purposes, of course the mountain is a metaphor, but purification rituals and isolation for a time can be real. In this context: Jesus in the wilderness; the shamanic practices of the Yanomamo in the Amazonian forest requires a period of social isolation, time to connect to the animal and plant spirits, and then heal fellow villagers; or a spiritual seeker doing an intense meditation retreat in Big Sur, California is Moses-lite when she returns to her Berkley neighborhood compelled to open an apothecary store selling supplements and vitamins. At it's best, even a period of depression coupled with loneliness can be a vehicle to connect with your spiritual core. Heal thyself before you can heal others. Often people turn to God in their darkest hour. As the famous Psalm 23 emphasizes, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me."

What we do with this divine guidance is a personal question to answer. It may include a greater-than-oneself purpose. However, it is understandable not everyone can achieve the mountaintop, or be like Moses, a great statesman who lead a group of people to become a nation. However, his example, which I term "Moses-lite" is embedded in the tarot card, The Hermit. In a traditional deck it is ninth in the suit of Trumps. In my humble opinion, never mind that useless sequencing. The Hermit correlates to the 10th letter in the Hebrew alphabet, which is Yud. She sometimes sounds like a "y" as in yes, or is used as a vowel. Her numerical value is also 10. Her symbolic meaning is perfectly fitting to our analysis since Yud is associated with the guiding hand of God.

As a meditation, use her sacred geometry to visualize sending blessings of wellbeing to yourself, and others, even your foes. Now, imagine the divine hand sprinkling many Yuds over yourself or others, as if the letters were tiny flower petals raining down guidance and protection.

In Psalm 23, it's not exactly a rod and staff that's imperative, rather, it is the symbolic hands holding those now sacred objects that leads one to safety. The Yud informs us the function of a guide and guidance is precisely the role of The Hermit when she comes down from the mountain, or returns after a silent retreat. This isolationist may be likened to a modern day prophet if she takes up the virtuous conduct to give back and share her new found wisdom. Frankly, not everyone can afford a luxury retreat facing the Pacific Ocean or is a shamanic initiate. In the hustle of our everyday, work world it is not easy being single and loneliness is rampant. However, the modern day Hermit pushes through negativity. He takes heed of his mystical calling and willingly goes it alone wherever. Later, he hopes to return to the hoi palloi and share what he has discovered.

There is a tale about a boy. The villagers thought him a fool because after school he would spend a long time alone in the forests. Children were usually afraid of these places. It was here, by himself, where he found the quiet time to contemplate the wonders of God. This boy was born in 1698, in the Ukraine, and would later be called, Rabbi Israel "the Baal Shem Tov", a famous Jewish mystic, healer, and the founder of Hassidism. One story tells of when he saw the Jewish people threatened by tragedy, the Besht (an acronym for the Rabbi) would go to a particular place in the forest where he lit a fire, recited a particular prayer, and asked for a miracle to save the Jews from the threat. Because of the Holy Fire and faithfulness of the prayer, the miracle was accomplished, averting the tragedy.

On October 15, 2023, the Jewish community and neighbors of many faiths followed the Besht's ritual when we gathered in the Santa Barbara town square. Although not a forest, we lit candles to memorialize the lose of innocent lives recently murdered by "Hamas" in Israel, and prayed to God for the miracle of Peace with the Palestinians.

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