thus far

Thus far in our search for understanding the process of exile and return (believing that this process applies to us as individuals, as a society, and as a global community), we have looked at an exile story (The Hymn of the Pearl), symbols of human consciousness (Jacob’s Ladder, Caduceus, Cross, Star of David, Tao Sign), and stages of the alchemical process. 

All this merely serves as an introduction. Though a couple more exile stories can be told and a few more symbols can be added, with some benefit, we have yet to speak of the current nature of our exile and the path or unfolding of our return. Our state of consciousness as individuals and as community is seen as at the heart of this process.

As a prelude to that, I wish to look more carefully at the stories, the symbols, and the alchemical process. Valuable information is encoded there that will aid us in our struggles with our situation today and as a forecast of  our potential future. The next three sections will do so.

First up to bat will be Story.