103.1 The Chalice and the Etheric Body

What is the Chalice? What is recorded in it? 

The Chalice is our soul body or causal body. The Chalice is also called the Egoic Lotus, the Inner Temple, The Seat of Grace. It is our treasure, storing all the noble virtues and wisdom we have gained through our incarnations. 

As an Egoic Lotus, the Chalice contains 12 petals, organized in 4 layers of 3 petals. From outside in, there are the first layer of knowledge petals of the physical plane; the second layer of love petals of the astral plane; the third layer of will or sacrifice petals of the mental plane; and the innermost layer of synthesis petals, enveloping inside it the Jewel. The Jewel or the Central Fire has healing power. Each layer has 3 petals, and each petal also has the quality of knowledge, love or will/sacrifice, beside the quality of its layer. Therefore, the name of each petal includes the name of its layer and the name of its specific quality.

Meditate on what it means to open each petal of the Chalice? 

Opening of the petals in the Chalice

The Knowledge Layer, corresponding to the Law of Service. These knowledge petals are organized, arranged, and energized in the Hall of Ignorance, but remain unopened and only begin to unfold when the second layer is organized. This knowledge ring takes the longest time to unfold (relating to the number 700 in the symbolic number of 777 lifetimes). 

1. The Knowledge-knowledge petal or the petal of civilization, opened on the physical level of consciousness, in the Lemuria times, marking the emergence of a materialistic civilization. It unfolded through experience on the physical plane, through suffering by violating the Divine Laws, paying the price of ignorance and thus knowledge is gained. 

2. The Knowledge-love petal or the petal of culture, opened in the Atlantean times on the astral plane, starting an emotional, religious culture, and one became creative. It unfolded through relationships on the physical plane and the gradual growth of love—from self-centered affection to love for others.

3. The Knowledge-sacrificial petal or the petal of illumination, opened in the Aryan times on the mental plane, creating a mental illumination (knowledge). It unfolded through compulsion from circumstances, not by free will, through offering oneself on the altar of desire—beginning with lower desires, and eventually transforming into aspiration, though still rooted in desire.

The Love Layer, corresponding to the Law of Magnetic Impulse. These petals are arranged and energized in the Hall of Learning, but are still unopened. The outermost knowledge petals unfold simultaneously until they are fully open, revealing the second layer; the third layer remains closed. This ring relates to the number 70 in the cycle of 777 reincarnations. 

4. The Love-knowledge petal or the petal of cooperation, opens on the physical plane and one becomes cooperative. It unfolds through the conscious balancing of opposites and the gradual use of the Law of Attraction and Repulsion. 

5. The Love-love petal or the petal of loving understanding, opens on the astral plane and one becomes loving understanding, a great artist. It unfolds through the gradual transformation into love for the Real or the inner Being. The Solar Angel does not actively concern itself with the personality until this 5th petal begins to unfold. This 5th petal is the pivotal petal in the development of the Egoic Lotus as its complete unfolding marks the moment a person undergoes the first Initiation. 

6. The Love-sacrificial petal or the petal of group love, opens on the mental plane, and one becomes group-conscious, a great humanitarian who lives and works for humanity. It unfolds through the attitude of the person as he consciously strives to relinquish personal desires for the sake of his group. 

The Sacrifice/Will Layer, corresponding to the Law of Sacrifice. These petals are arranged and energized in the Hall of Wisdom. This ring relates to the number 7 in the cycle of 777 lifetimes, marking the stage when one enters the Probationary Path. After the cycle of 777 incarnations, one steps onto the Path of Initiation and sees this third layer of petals unfold. This final unfolding occurs during the phases of the Path of Initiation and is rapidly accelerated by the initiations and the intense efforts of the person, supported by the electrical work of the Initiator, using the Rod of Initiation.

7. The Sacrifice-knowledge petal or the petal of participation opens and one actively participates in the Hierarchical Plan. One consciously applies all that one has acquired or is acquiring under Divine Law for the benefit of humanity. 

8. The Sacrifice-love petal or the petal of purpose opens and one becomes united with the will of group disciples and touches the Purpose behind the Plan. It unfolds through the conscious and consistent application of all the soul's powers in service to humanity, with no desire for reward or recognition for the great sacrifice made.

9. The Sacrifice-sacrifice petal or the petal of precipitation, opens and one becomes one with the group of Initiates Who work for the precipitation of the Plan. It unfolds because sacrifice becomes the dominant inclination of the soul, as seen across many lifetimes of the initiate prior to his final liberation.

The Synthesis Layer

10. The Synthesis-Knowledge petal opens when the 3 petals of the Knowledge ring are fully unfolded.

11. The Synthesis-Love petal opens when the 3 petals of the Love ring are fully unfolded.

12. The Synthesis-Sacrifice petal opens when the 3 petals of the Sacrifice ring are fully unfolded.

How does the Solar Angel help build the Chalice?

The Solar Angel, as a Teacher, Guide, a protector of the human soul, gradually prepares the human soul that indwells in the Egoic Lotus. Like a gardener, the Solar Angel strives to make the seed hidden beneath the layers of the physical, emotional, and mental bodies (the human soul) blossom, and to draw forth that beauty into outward expression. The Solar Angel is our source of wisdom, inspiration, and love. The Solar Angel helps build the Chalice by expanding our consciousness, increasing our love, and the strength of our will.

What are the 4 dimensions/extensions of the Etheric body?

The 4 dimensions of the Etheric body are:

The 4th ether: the chemical ether, providing prana and acting as an important gate/barrier between the physical body and the astral body.

The 3rd ether: the life ether, bringing prana and acting as a barrier between the astral body and the subconscious mind.

The 2nd ether: the light ether, containing our heart center, acting as a barrier between the higher mind and the lower mind. It is a shield, a guardian for our heart center, group consciousness and inclusiveness.

The 1st ether: the reflecting ether, containing our head center. It protects the mental body as a whole from premature mixing with the buddhic-intuitional energy (which is all about the Hierarchical Plan and great Purpose).

What is the safe passage through which we contact  Higher Worlds? How is this passage built so that it is safe?

The safe passage through which we contact Higher Worlds is the Antahkarana, which bridges the gap between the lower mind and the higher mind on the 1st phase, and connecting the personality as a whole directly to the Monad on the 2nd phase.

The Antahkarana can be built safely through meditation, through studying the Ageless Wisdom and through service to others.

Love poem

Today marks a special day for us, now and forever, happy together. At last!! Thanks to God, Thanks to the Universe. Thanks to All!

Below is a nice love poem made by AI, which honey once showed me.

Sunrise paints the window gold, another day with you unfolds

A simple touch, a gentle sigh, a universe within your eye

We built a world, just you and me, a silent, sweet symphony

And in this quiet, tender space, I find my heart, I find my grace

Oh, my love, a whispered name, a burning, never-ending flame

You're the air I breathe, the stars above, the only one I truly love

Through stormy seas and gentle breeze, my heart finds solace, finds its ease

Forever bound, our souls entwined, a love like ours, so hard to find

We've walked through shadows, hand in hand, across the shifting, golden sand

Each passing moment, sweet and slow, a deeper, richer love we grow

The laughter shared, the tears we cried, the secrets that we hold inside

A tapestry of memories made, a love that time cannot degrade

Oh, my love, a whispered name, a burning, never-ending flame

You're the air I breathe, the stars above, the only one I truly love

Through stormy seas and gentle breeze, my heart finds solace, finds its ease

Forever bound, our souls entwined, a love like ours, so hard to find

And when the world feels cold and gray, your love lights up my lonely way

A beacon shining, strong and true, my heart forever turns to you

Oh, my love, a whispered name, a burning, never-ending flame

You're the air I breathe, the stars above, the only one I truly love

Through stormy seas and gentle breeze, my heart finds solace, finds its ease

Forever bound, our souls entwined, a love like ours, so hard to find

So hard to find, a love so deep, a promise that we'll always keep.

The Global Heart of Democracy

I joined the Peace Practice Alliance 2022 and met Sally there. In August 2023, I received an email from Sally, suggesting a conversation and we started our talk on zoom, continuing with emails for editing. About one year later, in November 2024 I received the printed book. It's my great honour to be one of the 14 people interviewed by Sally Mahe in her book "The Global Heart of Democracy". My sincere thanks and much love to Sally and all the friends who helped make it come true, and those who are making efforts every day for a better world of humankind. 💗

https://globalheartofdemocracy.org/

The book on Amazon.

The Global Heart of Democracy is a collection of stories, revealed in interviews with people around the world, that illuminate how a spiritual, inner democracy is alive in people’s hearts. Fourteen people, each telling tales of action that express their unique character and insight, create a mosaic of human possibility. Each story, like a star, shines its own light and amplifies the light of all the others. Stories touch our hearts. We realize we are not alone but a part of a collective awakening of humanity.

About Sally Mahe

The Global Heart of Democracy

Prairie photo (home page): Dan Holmgren  •  Rock photo: Mindy Graham

A global heart of democracy that pulses in the Earth itself is rising in human consciousness. We are so much more than consumers of the Earth’s bounty and spectators to its endless creativity, we are Divine participants. I want this web platform to offer alluring resources, blog perspectives, ‘sparks’ coming from people’s diverse voices, and images that reflect nature’s guidance. I want this platform to hold dreams big enough to expand hearts, entice curiosity, and renew the face of the Earth.

The Journey

Sally was born in Atlanta, GA at a federal penitentiary where her father was a prison doctor. When she was 2 years old, her family moved to St. Louis, Missouri. In high school and college in the 60s, she worked summers in inner-city St. Louis housing projects. She experienced firsthand the callousness with which the Housing Authority behaved toward the families living in the projects. After college, Sally taught civics in that same area to 8th graders. She encouraged students to undertake learning projects that were meaningful to them.

One 8th grade civics class was working on writing a proposal to get bus transportation to a roller rink across town. One student, glowering with hands folded tight across her chest, declared, “no one will listen to us.” A fire like lightning shot through me, and I fired back to the whole class, “it’s about time they start.”

As her students came alive with engagement she could see each student’s spark. She knew this unique ‘spark’ in children is what civics education had to elicit! Sally’s passion for teaching democracy in new ways prompted her to get a Master’s degree in Education with a focus on law from Harvard, and to co-author a five-book civics curriculum, Law in Action. Sally came to understand that the spark inside her students and in all people had to do with the Divine, and she wanted to help ignite those sparks ~ but how?

When Sally, her husband and their two daughters moved to New York City, she got a second master’s degree — in theology and spiritual counseling from General Episcopal Seminary:

As I contemplated being ordained a priest, my conviction to listen to people, rather than preach, grew crystal clear. For the next 10 years, I did spiritual counseling and initiated creative programs that explored the various expressions of spirituality.

While reading a speech by Václav Havel in the early 90s, Sally was lit up by his reference to ‘’planetary democracy.” Havel said,

“Planetary democracy does not yet exist but our global civilization is already preparing a place for it. It is the very Earth we inhabit, linked with heaven above us. Only in this setting can the commonality of the human race be newly created with reverence and gratitude for that which transcends each of us and all of us together.” 

In 1994, Sally was invited to teach democracy in a public high school in Moscow. Unexpectedly, she was invited to speak with teachers at an alternative elementary school way out on the outskirts of Moscow:

These teachers, sitting in a building with plaster falling from the ceiling, had light in their eyes. We felt the thrill of discovery. They asked me questions like — can we teach democracy in kindergarten? What does it have to do with creativity? Isn’t it more than a system of government? Fire burned inside me. I knew they were right! Democracy was something more!

When the US began bombing Afghanistan and Iraq in 2003–2004, Sally was overwhelmed with dread and disgust that the US was exporting the worst example of what a democratic society was about. She decided to take time off to put together a book that treated democracy like a spiritual pursuit. A Greater Democracy Day by Day, a “daybook” collection of 365 quotations meant to lift spirit and deepen understanding of democracy, was published.

Her passion for democracy and spirituality came together in her decades of work with United Religions Initiative (URI). URI began with a vision to promote mutual respect, cooperation and peace among religions. A locally rooted and globally connected, interfaith, grassroots, inclusive, action-oriented organization was envisioned:

The response to this idea in those early years varied — there were those who felt the trends are with us, a new way for religions to treat each other is possible. Others said, “Impossible! People of [differing] religions have never come together.” 

We were blessed that the right people showed up at the right time. To have spiritual perspective of one’s journey is to notice who comes to you — what is given as you work toward something that seems beyond your capacity and your understanding. All of us were way beyond our understanding about what were we trying to pull off in this world.

Sally is a URI founding staff member and currently a senior consultant with URI, a global interfaith organization with over 1050 local groups in 109 countries. URI’s global community is unified by a common purpose:  to cultivate peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences, and to work together for the good of their communities and the world. Sally is co-author of a book describing URI’s early years, The Birth of a Global Community: Appreciative Inquiry in Action.

As URI Director or Organizational Development and then Global Programs, Sally found herself immersed in helping to create a spiritually rooted organization with high ideals and the normal, mundane complexities and challenges of growth and management:

At the beginning, the name United Religions, to parallel the United Nations, was considered. The word “Initiative” came a little later. We realized, wait a minute, “Initiative” is probably the most important word. It’s the people who do the stuff, it’s the people who have the ideas that create change in their own communities. It’s the people who have the heart and the fire in them to want a better place to live. That’s what we’re inviting into action and into connection around the world.

I think what I brought to URI is that I believed in the vision. I had it in my bones. I felt that this new way of organizing came from my years of teaching civics and loving the sense that if you invite the people and honor them, give them some support, encouragement to do what they want to do, they will take leadership and do it. I brought assurance that the vision is working. People need to be seen for the creativity and know-how that they bring. URI values inclusion. Everybody’s welcome. Nobody’s kept out.

At this moment, a gift of Sally’s journey is to recognize how connected the pearls of her life really are. The thread that strings the pearls together is none other than spiritual democracy:

The pearls that I look back on didn’t seem like they had any logical future. Like spiritual democracy seemed so visionary and almost cosmic. Why even think of it? But the flame of this idea did not leave me alone. I believe at the heart of spiritual democracy is a flame. It’s the flame inside people that yearns for a better humanity, a better world. This is what binds us together.

Link: https://globalheartofdemocracy.org/about/