HST communications 192

FROM THE EAST

My Brothers,

Mythology is rife with the stories and legends of those gods and goddesses whose departure and return to the world signify the changes wrought in the seasons and characterized by the Spring Equinox. Take for example the myth of Tammuz and Ishtar. Tammuz was the god of the sun, and also the son and husband of Ishtar, who was the most widely venerated deity of the Babylonian and Assyrian pantheon. It seems that Tammuz dies and Ishtar descends to the underworld in search of a sacred elixir that could alone restore Tammuz to life. As Ishtar represents the spirit of fertility, her loss prevents the ripening of crops and the maturing of all life upon the earth.

The other gods, realizing that the loss of Ishtar is disorganizing all of Nature, send a messenger to the underworld to demand her release. When she is released, Nature brings forth her blossoms and the world is returned to life. (In this respect, the story mimics that of Persephone.)

This narrative is also paralleled by the story of Adonis, who was originally an androgynous deity who represented the solar power. After being destroyed by the evil principle of the cold in Winter, Adonis spends some time in the tomb and is re-born out of a Myrrh tree on the 25th day of March. (Nearly all authors believe Adonis to have been a deity connected with the growth and maturing of flowers and fruits.)

To bring it closer to home, the legends of the Master Builder and that of Jesus also speak to us of similar truths. The fact is that both tragedies are alike, profoundly simple, complete, and are heart breaking. Not only is each a symbol of life over death, but is also the triumph over stupidity and the horror of evil in the world.

Each of the above examples demonstrates how the gentle spirit is struck down by a sinister, cunning and evil force. This is the tragedy of our race which is repeated in every age and land, and is as appalling as it is universal.

Should we but take a minute to pause and reflect, I am sure that many of us can recall similar stories from different lands and cultures that demonstrate the triumph of virtue over evil and life over death, the story of Passover being yet another example.

Let this be a time of celebration for us all, whatever may be your religious or spiritual proclivity, and may you and those that you love be blessed as much as you are able to receive it.

Cordially and fraternally,
W.'.M.'.Jonathan Patrick
drjonapatrick@comcast.net

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