We are Drawn to It

Throughout history, humanity has been drawn to the flame. It has been a symbol of life, transformation, and divinity across cultures and ages. In his profound work The Initiates of the Flame, Manly P. Hall delves into the esoteric meanings of this ancient symbol, revealing its connection to deeper truths about consciousness and existence. The flame, as Hall describes, is not merely a physical phenomenon but a representation of the divine source from which all things emerge and to which all things return. But what does this mean for us today? What can the flame teach us about the nature of reality, the gods we revere, and the essence of ourselves?

Let us delve into the timeless symbolism of the flame and uncover its parallels with concepts such as the All, the Mind, the Universe, Brahman, and other foundational ideas from religious and esoteric traditions. By connecting these elements, we may illuminate a path to deeper understanding.

The Flame as the Divine Source

The flame has long been a metaphor for the divine spark within all things. In Hermetic philosophy, it aligns with the All, the infinite and unknowable essence of existence. The Kybalion, a cornerstone of Hermetic teachings, reminds us that "All is Mind." Similarly, in Vedic traditions, Brahman is the ultimate reality, the unchanging source behind the ever-changing world. In Jewish mysticism, the Merkaba—a chariot of divine light—is another expression of the connection between the divine and the material. The Merkaba, often depicted as a star tetrahedron, symbolizes a spiritual mechanism facilitating ascension and the return to the divine source. This geometric and symbolic representation aligns with the flame’s cyclical nature, emphasizing the shared journey of emergence from and return to the source. Together, these symbols underscore a universal understanding of transformation and unity. These examples reveal how vastly different traditions converge on the idea of an ultimate source, transcending cultural boundaries.

Manly P. Hall’s depiction of the flame as the origin and destination of gods adds a fascinating layer to this idea. If the gods themselves arise from the flame and return to it, does this not imply that they, too, are part of the same universal consciousness that binds all things? This concept challenges the traditional view of divinity as separate and external, inviting us to see the divine as intrinsic and interconnected.

Gods and Archetypes: Reflections of the Flame

The gods we have revered throughout history can be understood as archetypes—personifications of universal principles. Carl Jung’s work on the collective unconscious provides a framework for seeing these gods not as distinct entities but as symbols of the forces that shape our inner and outer worlds.

  • Osiris and Ra in Egyptian mythology symbolize cycles of death, rebirth, and life-giving energy.
  • Zeus and Athena in Greek mythology represent authority and wisdom.
  • Shiva and Vishnu in Hinduism embody destruction and preservation.

These archetypes remind us of our own potential. Just as the gods emerged from the flame, so too do we carry a spark of the divine within us. This perspective encourages us to look beyond dogmatic interpretations and see religion as a language of symbols pointing to universal truths.

The Return to the Source

In many spiritual traditions, life is seen as a cycle of emergence and return. The flame symbolizes this eternal process. The Gnostics spoke of the divine spark trapped in material existence, yearning to reunite with its source. Sufism describes the soul’s journey back to the Beloved. Even science echoes this cyclical nature through laws of conservation, where energy is neither created nor destroyed but transformed.

If we view the flame as the source of all things, its constant flickering reminds us of life’s transitory nature and our ultimate connection to something greater. The gods returning to the flame symbolize not just their cyclical existence but ours as well. It’s a call to remember where we come from and where we’re destined to return.

Beyond Right and Wrong: Rethinking Religion

Religion often divides us, framing truth as exclusive and absolute. Yet, as we explore the symbolism of the flame, we see a deeper narrative emerging: one of unity. Religion is neither wholly right nor wholly wrong. Its stories, rituals, and doctrines are attempts to capture and communicate truths about the divine—truths that often become obscured over time by interpretation and power structures.

What if we viewed the gods not as separate beings but as manifestations of the same force that creates consciousness? What if divinity is not confined to a singular image but is the flame within all? These questions challenge us to think beyond traditional definitions of God and to embrace a more expansive view of spirituality.

Connecting the Dots: A Unified Perspective

The flame, the All, the Mind, the Universe, Brahman—different names for the same profound reality. By connecting these concepts, we begin to see a picture of existence that transcends cultural and religious boundaries. This is not about diminishing the value of any tradition but about uncovering the common threads that unite them.

As we ponder the flame and its meanings, let us consider its relevance to our own lives. Are we living in alignment with our divine spark? Are we aware of the cyclical nature of existence and our place within it? These questions, though ancient, are as relevant as ever.

Illuminating the Path

Manly P. Hall’s writings remind us that the truths we seek are not new; they are ancient, eternal, and waiting to be rediscovered. The flame, as a symbol, invites us to look inward and outward, to see the divine in ourselves and the world around us. It challenges us to think deeply, to question, and to awaken.

So, as you reflect on these ideas, consider how they might spark your own "Aha!" moments. Let the flame illuminate the interconnectedness of all things and inspire a journey of understanding that transcends the boundaries of tradition. The path may be winding, but the light of the flame is always there to guide us home.