The Cross

As a symbol, the Cross is similar to the Ladder in its form but different in its meaning. Formwise, the Cross is a Ladder without the side railings and with only one rung. Also the Cross is firmly embedded in the ground, upon which the Ladder only rests. 

As you may recall, the rails of the Ladder are considered to represent the duality of human existence, the twoness of our logic and thinking capability. Things are either this way or that way but not both ways at once. The Cross has no such dichotomous split. 

The Cross has only one rail, anchored into the ground of existence and reaching to heavenly openness. No angel messengers are ascending and descending. The Cross is the messenger itself. Its one rung is at the heart level of the human body. 

While in bodily form, we are nailed to the Cross of existence. We are firmly planted in this Ground of Being with hearts wide open as symbolized by the heart rung with its arms outstretched. Vulnerable. Open. Suffering occurs here. 

The Cross is like an arrow shot into the earth by the Above. As such, it has lost direct connection with the Divine. The vertical channel of communication, of communion, of energy flow transforms into a spherical sonar that echoes from the heart, reverberating outward in all directions: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” 

The Cross is a symbol of bearing all things while giving one’s all.