Kore Kosmou. The Virgin of the Kosmo.

 Kore Kosmou.

The Virgin of the Kosmo.

Translated by Dr. Anna Kingsford and Edward Maitland, 1880.

 

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AI Summaries.

AI Podcast Script

In their most sacred discourse, Isis first offers Horus the sweet draught of immortality, setting the tone for their holy conversation. She explains that the heavens, adorned with stars, are above universal nature, and they complete the world we live in. It is essential to understand that the order of things is from above to below, with the greater mysteries reigning over the lesser.

With the celestial order dominating the terrestrial, it is no wonder that the creatures below are in awe of the beauty and eternal permanence of the heavenly world. Yet, it is through understanding and seeking this unknown divine world that we can fully appreciate and comprehend the magnificence of the universe.

Isis reveals that the universe is governed by a Universal Architect, an all-knowing and all-powerful being. And while mortals may not exist yet, it is through the universal soul of the gods that the mysteries of the heavens are accessible.

This soul, known as Hermes, which translates to the Kosmic Thought, has the power to manifest and reveal the knowledge of the divine to the world. Thus, the gods are inspired to seek and understand, with Hermes' son and heir, Tat, and later, Asclepius, carrying on the legacy of divine teachings.

Hermes, the mastermind behind this knowledge, willingly chose to conceal parts of it, only revealing them to those worthy of receiving it. This act of withholding knowledge was not out of selfishness, but rather to maintain the balance in the universe until the time was right.

With the divine books containing all the secrets of the immortals, hidden away for a sufficient time, it was up to those ordained to survey the heavens and inspire the Creator to reveal the secrets of the universe. And so, as the gods pleaded with the Divine, the universal inertia was set in motion, and the universe began to take shape.

Through Hermes' divine knowledge, it is evident that all creatures on Earth are a reflection of the heavenly world above. This is evident in the four elements that make up all living beings: fire, air, water, and earth.

Isis explains that the dominance of any of these elements in a creature can have a significant impact on its nature and temperament. Each element represents a unique characteristic, and the balance between them is essential for a healthy and harmonious existence.

Birds, born of air and fire, possess qualities of these elements, making them swift and courageous creatures. Men, with a balance of all four elements, are endowed with intelligence and vigor. Beasts, with a dominance of water and earth, have a calmer and more instinctive nature.

And it is through this knowledge of the elements that we can understand the balance in our own bodies and souls. Our breath, a gift from the upper air, is a reflection of the balance of our elements. And when this balance is disrupted, whether through illness or a shift in our natural state, our body and soul are affected.

Isis reveals that our body and soul are intertwined, with the vapors generated by the combination of the elements working in harmony, enveloping us with their nature. And it is through this consciousness and understanding of our body and soul's relationship that we can maintain our well-being.

Our bodies, composed of all four elements, are balanced and proportionate, with each one contributing to our physical and spiritual existence. And in order to maintain this balance, we must strive to nourish all aspects of our being.

But as Isis warns, any shift in this balance can result in illness or a disruption in our physical and spiritual state. It is up to us to maintain this equilibrium and strive for a harmonious existence.

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Outline of Isis to Horus

Part I: The Beginning

Hermes addresses Isis: Hermes delivers the discourse to Isis upon ascending to the heavens, having informed his son, Tat, and handed over his knowledge to those designated by "sovereign Providence."

The birth of the world: Divine beings create the world with various elements, including a "feminine" entity, various Gods and Goddesses, and ultimately nature and humanity.

The creation of humanity: The creation of humanity is described, with souls inhabiting human forms.

The complaint of the elements: The elements of the world complain about the actions of humanity.

The arrival of Osiris and Isis: Osiris and Isis are sent by the Divine to earth to bring about salvation. Their accomplishments include instituting laws, and teaching humanity about various aspects of life and death.

Part II: Royal Souls

Horus asks about royal souls: Horus expresses curiosity about the birth of royal souls.

Isis responds: Isis describes the unique nature of royal souls and their origins, including the role of the Gods in their creation.

Further explanation of royal souls: Isis discusses the various characteristics of royal souls, and how they are influenced by the angels and genii associated with them.

Part III: The Journey of the Soul

Horus asks about the fate of souls: Horus inquires about the destination of souls after leaving the body.

Isis clarifies: Isis explains that souls do not disappear after leaving the body, but retain their individuality and are guided to specific regions based on their nature and actions.

The hierarchy of souls: Isis describes the hierarchy of souls and their placement in different regions of the earth and heaven, based on their dignity and actions.

The combination of elements: Isis discusses the combination of elements that influences the nature and behavior of souls and their corresponding bodies.

Part IV: The Balance of the Body

The effect of elements on the body and soul: Isis elaborates on how the dominance of different elements in the body and soul affects their characteristics and behavior.

The cause of illness: Isis explains that illness occurs when the balance of elements in the body is disrupted, leading to changes in the relationship between soul and body.

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Key Takeaways from Kore Kosmou:

The Nature of the Soul & Its Journey:

The soul is immortal and originates from a higher realm.

Souls are assigned to various earthly roles based on their past actions and merits.

Royal souls are those who have lived blamelessly or have been sent to Earth as penance.

The soul's nature influences its earthly experience and preferences.

Upon leaving the body, the soul goes to its designated place based on its deeds and qualities.

Justice & Hierarchy:

Divine law governs the changes and reincarnations of the soul.

Souls are categorized into hierarchies based on their dignity and actions.

Souls are directed to appropriate regions based on their nature and choices.

Justice presides over the creation and transformation of souls and bodies.

The Influence of the Elements:

The soul is enveloped by an airy body, composed of various elements.

The dominance of specific elements shapes the soul's and body's characteristics.

Fire leads to energy and vivacity, air to instability, water to gentleness, and earth to heaviness.

The equilibrium of elements contributes to health, while imbalances lead to illness.

Additional Insights:

Royal souls embody various qualities like wisdom, spirituality, and leadership.

Memory and Experience guide the soul's journey and future reincarnations.

Creatures embody the nature of the elements that dominate their composition.

The proper balance of elements is crucial for both the soul and the body.

The text reveals a complex understanding of the soul's journey and its connection to the physical world. It highlights the importance of adhering to ethical principles and the consequences of transgressing divine laws. The text also offers insights into the nature and influence of the elements on individual behavior and overall well-being.

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Paraphrase of the Given Text:

1. Introduction

Isis starts a conversation with her son Horus, revealing that she received information from the "Kósmos" (meaning universe or world order) about creating souls.

She explains how these souls were divided based on their qualities:

Divine and regal souls resided highest.

Ordinary souls in the middle.

Baser souls in the lowest realm.

Isis emphasizes this hierarchy reflects a balance maintained by a "law of equity," which governs both earthly life and the creation of souls destined for rebirth.

2. Origins & Descent of souls

Souls originate from higher spheres, descending and taking on physical characteristics based on their inherent nature.

Souls with "memories," "passions," and specific characteristics are drawn toward corresponding attributes and appearances in their earthly vessels.

3. Types & Roles in Animal & Human Life

Each type of creature - winged, intelligent creatures, beasts, etc. - is assigned its body type based on its specific nature.

This ensures balance and harmony in the natural order.

For example,

Birds with their adventurous spirits have feathers that facilitate flying.

Fish have fins to navigate in their water environment.

Reptiles are endowed with specific traits that allow them to survive in their respective habitat.

**Note: ** The provided paraphrase omits the detailed descriptions of each creature given in the original text for better clarity and focus on the main ideas.

4. Reincarnation & "Royal Soul" Classifications

Souls return to their designated regions after leaving earthly bodies.

These regions are determined according to the nature and actions undertaken during their lifetime.

5. Royalties of Souls & "Hierarcies & Kingships:

Diverse classifications of souls exist, based on their inherent traits and the regions of their origin.

Examples given in the text include: "royal souls," souls of bodies, wisdom, and art/science.

Each category has its associated "king" or guiding principle:

Royal souls: Osiris (Horus' father) being one example

Bodies: Each kingdom's ruler

Wisdom: "the Father of all things"

Medicine: Asclepios

Force & Power: Osiris (and later Horus)

Philosophy: Arnebaskenis

Poetry: Again, Asclepios

The highest royalty belongs to the supreme region, with lesser kingships corresponding to their origins below.

Those from fiery spheres handle fire

Those from the watery zone frequent water

Those from art, learn in their fields

And those from inactivity live in comfort

6. Balance in the Universe & Soul's Mixture & Elements.

The original text describes the balance in the cosmos as a "balance of exchange," exemplified through the breaths we breathe.

It is believed that these breaths are drawn from above and returned, representing a continuous cycle connecting all things.

Additionally mentioned is how the four elements (water, air, Earth, and fire) combine to form an individual's soul and body, impacting their characteristics as well as physical attributes.

Conclusion:

The main points discussed in the given passage include the origination of souls and their diverse types, the process of reincarnation based on their actions, the different types of royalties, and the importance of balance in the cosmic order.

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Part I:

• Introduction: Isis begins by pouring the "sweet draught of immortality" for her son, Horus, signifying the transmission of sacred knowledge.
• The Divine Architect: The text describes the creation of the universe and the establishment of a celestial order.
• The Lament of the Lower Spheres: The "things below" lament the awe-inspiring beauty of the heavens, prompting the Divine Architect to respond.
• The Breath of Love: The Architect breathes the "enthusiasm of love" into the Gods, inspiring them to seek and reveal the mysteries of the universe.
• The Role of Hermes: Hermes, "the Kosmic Thought," witnesses the universe and plays a crucial role in revealing its secrets. He writes his findings in "sacred books," which remain hidden until the "ancient heaven" brings forth worthy instruments.
• The Intervention of Providence: When the universe stagnates, Providence intervenes, urging the Divine Architect to create the Feminine. The emergence of the Feminine sparks wonder and admiration among the Gods.
• The Command to Create: The Divine Architect commands Nature to be fruitful, resulting in the creation of Invention.
• The Filling of the Upper World: The upper world is filled with spirits, ensuring that no region remains inactive.
• The Creation of Self-Consciousness: The Divine Architect creates Self-Consciousness by combining various elements, including his own essence.
• The Formation of Souls: The Divine Architect forms countless Souls from the remaining mixture, with varying degrees of perfection and divine influence.
• The Hierarchy of Souls: Souls are assigned to different positions in the vastness of creation, with the choicest souls residing in the highest regions.
• The Creation of Human Form: The Divine Architect delegates the creation of human form to the lower Souls, who use the remaining materials.
• The Rebellion of Souls: The Souls yearn to explore beyond their designated boundaries, prompting the Divine Architect to intervene.
• The Punishment of Souls: As punishment, the Divine Architect imprisons the Souls within human bodies.
• The Lament of Souls: The Souls lament their fate, yearning for their former freedom and celestial abode.
• The Divine Response: The Divine Architect acknowledges the Souls' suffering and promises to oversee their reincarnation and eventual liberation.
• The Creation of the Human Body: Hermes is tasked with creating the human body, using a generous amount of water to ensure flexibility and vulnerability.

Part II:

• The Origin of Royal Souls: The text explores the nature and origin of royal souls, highlighting their connection to the Divine.
• The Characteristics of Kings: Kings are described as the "last of the Gods and the first of men," possessing unique qualities that set them apart from others.
• The Role of Angels and Genii: Angels and genii guide the Souls destined to rule on Earth, influencing their characteristics and destinies.
• The Birth of Souls: Souls are born into different genders based on the composition of their airy envelope, with females having more "cold and moisture" and males having more "dryness and heat."
• The Birth of Wise Souls: The birth of wise souls is attributed to the subtle and clear nature of their internal airs, allowing for clear-sightedness.
• The Influence of Geographic Location: The location of one's birth is believed to influence their character and abilities, with those born in the central regions being more intelligent and wise.
• The Effects of Illness: Long illnesses can disrupt the body and mind, causing the soul to be agitated and lose its clarity.

Part III:

• The Destination of Souls: The text describes the different destinations of Souls after leaving their bodies, based on their nature and actions.
• The Hierarchy of Souls: Souls are governed by a hierarchy, with those from higher regions returning to their rightful abode.
• The Guidance of Souls: Souls are guided by ministers of universal Providence, ensuring their appropriate reincarnation and fate.
• The Importance of Memory and Experience: Memory and Experience play crucial roles in shaping the nature and destiny of souls.
• The Classification of Souls: Souls are categorized based on their nature and desires, with those who possess reason being clothed in human form and those without reason being assigned to various animal forms.
• The Role of Necessity: Necessity dictates the form and nature of each creature, ensuring their survival and fulfilling their purpose.
• The Hierarchy of Royalties: The text describes various types of royalty, including royalty of spirit, flesh, art, science, and virtues.
• The Kingship of Osiris: Osiris is identified as the king of souls, with other deities ruling over different realms and aspects of life.
• The Influence of the Elements: The dominance of specific elements in the composition of a body influences its characteristics and actions.
• The Significance of Balance: Equilibrium among the elements is essential for maintaining both physical and spiritual health.
• The Causes of Illness: Illness results from an imbalance in the original combination of elements, leading to changes in the soul-body relationship.
• The Conclusion: The text concludes with a summary of the various concepts discussed, highlighting the importance of balance and harmony in the universe.

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FULL TEXT

ISIS TO HORUS.

PART I.

HAVING thus spoken, Isis first pours out for Horus the sweet draught of immortality which souls receive from the Gods, and thus begins the most holy discourse. Heaven, crowned with stars, is placed above universal nature, O my son Horus, and nothing is wanting to it of that which constitutes the whole world. It is necessary, then, that all nature should be adorned and completed by that which is above her, for this Order could not proceed from below to above. The supremacy of the greater mysteries over the lesser is imperative. Celestial order reigns over terrestrial order, as being absolutely determined, and inaccessible to the idea of death. Wherefore, the things below lament, being filled with fear before the marvelous beauty and eternal permanence of the heavenly world. For, indeed, a spectacle worthy of contemplation and desire were these magnificences of heaven, revelations of the Divine as yet unknown, and this sumptuous majesty of night illumined with a penetrating radiance, albeit less than that of the sun, and all these other mysteries which move above in harmonious cadence, ruling and maintaining the things below by secret influences. And so long as the Universal Architect refrained from putting an end to this incessant fear, to these anxious investigations, ignorance enveloped the universe. But when He judged good to reveal Himself to the world, He breathed into the Gods the enthusiasm of love, and poured into their mind the splendor which His bosom contained, that they might first be inspired with the will to seek, next with the desire to find, and lastly with the power to readjust. Now, my wondrous child Horus, all this could not happen among mortals, for as yet they did not exist; but it took place in the universal Soul in sympathy with the mysteries of heaven. This was Hermes, the Kosmic Thought. He beheld the universe of things, and having seen, he understood, and having understood, he had the power to manifest and to reveal. That which he thought, he wrote; that which he wrote, he in great part concealed, wisely silent. and speaking by turns, so that while the world should last, these things might be sought. And thus, having enjoined upon the Gods, his brethren, that they should follow in his train, he ascended to the stars. But he had for successor his son, and the heir of his knowledges, Tat, and a little later, Asclepius, son of Imouthè, by the counsels of Pan and Hephaestus, and all those for whom sovereign Providence reserved an exact knowledge of heavenly things. Hermes then justified himself in the presence of those who surrounded him, in that he had not delivered the integral theory to his son, on account of his youth. But I, having arisen, beheld with mine eyes, which see the invisible secrets of the beginnings of things, and at length, but with certainty, I understood that the sacred symbols of the Kosmic elements were hidden near the secrets of Osiris. Hermes returned to heaven, having pronounced an invocatory speech. It is not fitting, O my Son, that this recital be left incomplete; thou must be informed of the words of Hermes when he laid down his books. "O sacred books," he said, "of the Immortals, ye in whose pages my hand has recorded the remedies by which incorruptibility is conferred, remain forever beyond the reach of destruction and of decay, invisible and concealed from all who frequent these regions, until the day shall come in which the ancient heaven shall bring forth instruments worthy of you, whom the Creator shall call souls." Having pronounced upon his books this invocation, he wrapped them in their coverings, returned into the sphere which belonged to him, and all remained hidden for a sufficient space. And Nature, O my Son, was barren until the hour in which those who are ordained to survey the heavens, advancing towards the Divine, the King of all things, deplored the general inertia, and affirmed the necessity of setting forth the universe. No other than Himself could accomplish this work. "We pray Thee," said they, "to consider that which already is, and that which is necessary for the future." At these words, the Divine smiled benignant, and commanded Nature to exist. And, issuing with His voice, the FEMININE came forth in her perfect beauty. The Gods with amaze beheld this marvel. And the great Ancestor, pouring out for Nature an elixir, commanded her to be fruitful; and forthwith, penetrating the universe with His glance, He cried, "Let heaven be the plenitude of all things, and of the air, and of the ether." the Divine spake, and it was done. But Nature, communing with herself, understood that she might not transgress the commandment of the Father, and, uniting herself to Labor, she produced a most beautiful daughter, whom she called Invention, and to whom the Divine accorded being. And having differentiated created forms, He filled them with mysteries and gave the command of them to Invention. Then, not willing that the upper world should be inactive, He saw fit to fill it with spirits, in order that no region should remain in immobility and inertia; and in the accomplishment of His work He used His sacred art. For, taking of Himself such essence as was necessary, and mingling with it an intellectual flame, He combined with these other materials by unknown ways. And having achieved by secret formulas the union of these principles, He endowed with motion the universal combination. Gradually, in the midst of the protoplasm, glittered a substance more subtle, purer, more limpid, than the elements from which it was generated. It was transparent, and the Artist alone perceived it. Soon, it attained its perfection, being neither melted by the fire, nor chilled by the breath, but possessing the stability of a special combination, and having its proper type and constitution. He bestowed on it a happy name, and, according to the similitude of its energies, He called it Self-Consciousness. Of this product he formed myriads of Souls, employing the choicest part of the mixture for the end which He had in view, proceeding with order and measure, according to His knowledge and His reason. The souls were not necessarily different, but the choicest part, animated by the Divine motion, was not identical with the rest. The first layer was superior to the second, more perfect and pure; the second, inferior truly to the first, was superior to the third; and thus, until sixty degrees, was completed the total number. Only, the Divine established this law, that all equally should be eternal, being of one essence, whose forms He alone determines. He traced the limits of their sojourn on the heights of nature, so that they might turn the wheel according to the laws of Order and of wise discretion, for the joy of their Father. Then, having summoned to these splendid regions of ether the souls of every grade, He said to them: "O souls, beautiful children of my breath and of my care, you whom I have produced with my hands, in order to consecrate you to my universe, hear my words as a law:--Quit not the place assigned to you by my will. The abode which awaits you is heaven, with its galaxy of stars and its thrones of virtue. If you attempt any transgression against my decree, I swear by my sacred breath, by that elixir of which I formed you, and by my creative hands, that I will speedily forge for you chains and cast you into punishment." Having thus spoken, the Divine, my Master, mingled together the rest of the congenial elements, earth and water, and pronouncing certain powerful and mystic words--albeit different from the first--He breathed into the liquid protoplasm motion and life, rendered it thicker and more plastic, and formed living beings of human shape. That which remained He gave to the loftiest souls inhabiting the region of the Gods in the neighborhood of the stars, who are called the Sacred Genii. "Work," said He, "my children, offspring of my nature; take the residue of my task, and let each one of you make beings in his image. I will give you models." Therewith He took the Zodiac and ordained the world in conformity with -vital movements, placing the animal signs after those of human form. And after having given forth the creative forces and generative breath for the whole range of beings yet to come, He withdrew, promising to unite to every visible work an invisible breath and a reproductive principle so that each being might engender its similar without the necessity to create continually new entities. And what did the souls do, O my Mother? And Isis answered:--They took the mingled material, O my Son Horus, and began to reflect thereon, and to adore this combination, the work of the Father. Next, they sought to discover of what it was composed, which, indeed, it was not easy to find. Then, fearing that this search might excite the anger of the Father, they set themselves to carry out His commands. Therefore, taking the upper portion of the protoplasm, that which was lightest, they created the race of birds. The compound having now become more compact and assuming a denser consistency, they formed the quadrupeds; while of the thickest part which needed a moist vehicle for its support, they made fishes. The remainder, being cold and heavy, was employed by the souls in the creation of reptiles. Forthwith, O my Son, proud of their work, they were not afraid to transgress the Divine law, and, in spite of the prohibition, they receded from their appointed limits. Not willing to remain longer in the same abode, they moved ceaselessly, and repose seemed to them death. But, O my Son--(thus Hermes informed me)--their conduct could not escape the eye of the Lord the Divine of all things. He minded to punish them and to prepare for them hard bonds. The Ruler and Master of the universe resolved then for the penance of the souls to mold the human organism, and having called me to Him, said Hermes, He spoke in this wise:--"O soul of my soul, holy thought of my thought, how long shall earthly Nature remain sad? How long shall the creation already produced continue inactive and without praise? Bring hither before me all the Gods of heaven." Thus the Divine spoke, quoth Hermes, and all obeyed His decree. "Look upon the earth," He said to them, "and upon all things beneath," Straightway they looked, and understood the will of the Lord. And when He spoke to them of the creation of Man, asking of each what he could bestow upon the race about to be born, the Sun first replied:--"I will illumine mankind." Then the Moon promised enlightenment in her turn, adding that already she had created Fear, Silence, Sleep, and Memory. Kronos announced that he had begotten Justice and Necessity. Zeus said, "In order to spare the future race perpetual wars, I have generated Fortune, Hope, and Peace." Ares declared himself already father of Conflict, impetuous Zeal, and Emulation, Aphrodite did not wait to be called upon: "As for me, O Master," she said, "I will bestow upon mankind Desire, with voluptuous Joy and Laughter, that the penalty, to which our sister Souls are destined may not weigh on them too heavily." These words of Aphrodite, O my Son, were welcomed gladly. "And I," said Hermes, "will endow human nature with Wisdom, Temperance, Persuasion, and Truth; nor will I cease to ally myself with Invention. I will ever protect the mortal life of such men as are born under my signs, seeing that to me the Creator and Father has attributed in the Zodiac, signs of Knowledge and Intelligence; above all, when the movement which draws thereto the stars is in harmony with the physical forces of each."(5) He Who is Master of the world rejoiced at hearing these things and decreed the production of the human race. As for me--said Hermes--I sought what material ought to be employed in the work and invoked the Lord. He commanded the Souls to give up the residue of the protoplasmic substance, which having taken, I found it entirely dried up. Therefore, I used a great excess of water wherewith to renew the combination of the substance, in such wise that the product might be resolvable, yielding, and feeble, and that Force should not be added therein to Intelligence. When I had achieved my work it was beautiful, and I rejoiced in seeing it. And from below I called upon the Lord to behold what I had done. He saw it, and approved. Straightway He ordained that the Souls should be incorporated, and they were seized with horror on learning what should be their condemnation.

These words, said Isis, struck me. Hearken, my son Horus, for I teach thee a mystery. Our ancestor Kamephes had it also from Hermes, who inscribes the recital of all things; I, in turn, received it from the ancient Kamephes when he admitted me to the initiation of the black veil(6); and thou, likewise, O marvelous and illustrious child, receive it from me. The Souls were about to be imprisoned in bodies, whereat some sighed and lamented, as when some wild and free animal suddenly enchained, in the first moment of subjection to hard servitude and of severance from the beloved habits of the wilderness, struggles and revolts, refusing to follow its conqueror, and if occasion presents itself, slaying him. Others, again, hissed like serpents, or gave vent to piercing cries and sorrowful words, glancing aimlessly from height to depth. "Great Heaven," said one, "principle of our birth, ether, pure airs, hands, and sacred breath of the sovereign the Divine, and you, shining Stars, eyes of the Gods, unwearying light of Sun and Moon, our early brethren, what grief, what rending is this! Must we quit these vast, effulgent spaces, this sacred sphere, all these splendors of the empyrean and of the happy republic of the Gods, to be precipitated into these vile and miserable abodes? What crime, O wretched ones, have we committed? How can we have merited, poor sinners that we are, the penalties which await us? Behold the sad future in store for us--to minister to the wants of a fluctuating and dissoluble body! No more may our eyes distinguish the souls divine! Hardly through these watery spheres shall we perceive, with sighs, our ancestral heaven; at intervals even we shall cease altogether to behold it. By this disastrous sentence direct vision is denied to us; we can see only by the aid of the outer light; these are but windows that we possess--not eyes. Nor will our pain be less when we hear in the air the fraternal breathing of the winds with which no longer can we mingle our own, since that will have for its dwelling, instead of the sublime and open world, the narrow prison of the breast! But Thou, Who drivest us forth, and causest us from so high a seat to descend so low, assign a limit to our sufferings! O Master and Father, so quickly become indifferent to Thy handiwork, appoint a term to our penance, deign to bestow on us some last words, while yet we are able to behold the expanse of the luminous spheres!" This prayer of the Souls was granted, my son Horus, for the Lord was present; and sitting upon the throne of Truth, thus He addressed them:-- "O Souls; you shall be governed by Desire and Necessity; after me, these shall be your masters and your guides. Souls, subjected to my scepter which never fails, know that inasmuch as you remain stainless you shall inhabit the regions of the skies. If among you any be found to merit reproach, they shall inhabit abodes destined to them in mortal organisms. If your faults be light, you shall, delivered from the bond of the flesh, return to heaven. But if you become guilty of graver crime, if you turn away from the end for which you have been formed, then, indeed, you shall dwell neither in heaven nor in human bodies, but thenceforth you shall pass into those of animals without reason.(7) Having thus spoken, O my son Horus, He breathed upon them and said, "It is not according to chance that I have ordained your destiny; if you act ill, it will be worse; it will be better if your actions are worthy of your birth. It is myself and not another who will be your witness and your judge. Understand that it is because of your past errors that you are to be punished and shut up in fleshly bodies. In different bodies, as I have already told you, your rebirths will be different. Dissolution shall be a benefit, restoring your former happy condition. But if your conduct be unworthy of me, your prudence, becoming blinded and guiding you backwards, will cause you to take for good fortune that which is really a chastisement, and to dread a happier lot as though it were a cruel injury. The most just among you shall, in their future transformations, approximate to the divine, becoming among men, upright kings, true philosophers, leaders and legislators, true seers, collectors of salutary plants, cunning musicians, intelligent astronomers, wise augurs, instructed ministrants: all beautiful and good offices; as among birds are the eagles which pursue not nor devour those of their own kind, and do not permit weaker ones to be attacked in their presence, because justice is in the nature of the eagle; among quadrupeds, the lion, for he is a strong animal, untamed by slumber, in a mortal body performing immortal toils, and by nothing tired nor beguiled; among reptiles, the dragon, because he is powerful, living long, innocent, and a friend of men, allowing himself to be tamed, having no venom, and, leaving old age, approximating to the nature of the Gods; among fishes, the dolphin, for this creature, taking pity on those who fall into the sea, will carry them to land if they still live, and will abstain from devouring them if dead, although it is the most voracious of all aquatic animals." Having spoken these words, the Divine became an Incorruptible Intelligence (i.e., resumed the unmanifest). After these things, my son Horus, there arose out of the earth an exceeding powerful Spirit, unencumbered with any corporeal envelope, strong in wisdom, but savage and fearful; although he could not be ignorant of the knowledge he sought, seeing the type of the human body to be beautiful and august of aspect, and perceiving that the souls were about to enter into their envelopes: "What are these," said he, "O Hermes, Secretary of the Gods?" "These are men," replied Hermes. "It is a rash work," said he, "to make man with such penetrating eyes, such a subtle tongue, such a delicate hearing that can hear even those things which concern him not, such a fine scent, and in his hands a sense of touch capable of appropriating everything. O generating Spirit, thinkest thou it is well that he should be free from care--this future investigator of the fine mysteries of Nature? Wilt thou leave him exempt from suffering--he whose thought will search out the limits of the earth? Mankind will dig up the roots of plants, they will study the properties of natural juices, they will observe the nature of stones, they will dissect not only animals but themselves, desiring to know how they have been formed. They will stretch forth their daring hands over the sea, and, cutting down the timber of the wild forest, they will pass from shore to shore seeking one another. They will pursue the inmost secrets of Nature even into the heights, and will study the motions of heaven. Nor is this enough; when nothing yet remains to be known than the furthest boundary of the earth, they will seek even there the last extremities of night. If they apprehend no obstacle, if they live exempt from trouble, beyond reach of any fear or of any anxiety, even heaven itself will not arrest their audacity; they will seek to extend their power over the elements. Teach them, then, desire and hope, in such wise that they may know likewise the dread of accident and of difficulty, and the painful sting of expectation deceived. Let the curiosity of their souls have for balance, desire and fear, care and vain hope. Let their souls be a prey to mutual love, to aspirations and varied longings, now satisfied, now deceived, so that even the sweetness of success may be an allurement to draw them towards misfortune. Let the weight of fevers oppress them, and break in them all desire." Thou sufferest, Horus, in hearing this thy mother's recital? Surprise and wonder seize thee in presence of the evils which now fall upon poor humanity? That which thou art about to hear is still more sad. The speech of Momos pleased Hermes; he deemed his advice good, and he followed it. "O, Momos," said he, "the nature of the divine breath which enwraps all things shall not be ineffectual! The Master of the universe has charged me to be His agent and overseer. The Deity of the penetrating eye (Adrastia)(8) will observe and direct all events; and for my part, I will design a mysterious instrument, a measure inflexible and inviolable, to which everything shall be subject from birth even to final destruction, and which shall be the bond of created entities. This instrument shall rule that which is on the earth, and all the rest." It is thus--quoth Hermes--that I spoke to Momos; and forthwith the instrument operated. Straightway the souls were incorporated, and I was praised for my work. Then the Lord summoned anew the assembly of the Gods. They gathered together, and He thus addressed them: "Gods, who have received a sovereign and imperishable nature, and the sway of the vast eternity, ye whose office it is to maintain unceasingly the mutual harmony of things, how long shall we govern an empire unknown? How long shall creation remain invisible to the sun and moon? Let each of us undertake his part in the universe. By the exercise of our power let us put an end to the cohesion of inertia. Let chaos become a fable, incredible to posterity. Inaugurate your great labors; I will direct you." He said, and immediately the Kosmic unity, until now obscure, was opened, and in the heights appeared the heavens with all their mysteries. The earth, hitherto unstable, grew more solid beneath the brightness of the sun, and stood forth adorned with enfolding riches. All things are beautiful in the eyes of the Divine, even that which to mortals appears uncomely, because all is made according to the divine laws. And the Divine rejoiced in beholding His works filled with movement; and with outstretched hands grasping the treasures of nature. "Take these," He said, "O sacred earth, take these, O venerable one, who art to be the mother of all things, and henceforth let nothing be lacking to thee!" With these words, opening His divine hands, He poured His treasures into the universal font. But yet they were unknown, for the souls newly embodied and unable to support their opprobrium, sought to enter into rivalry with the celestial Gods, and, proud of their lofty origin, boasting an equal creation with these, revolted. Thus men became their instruments, opposed to one another, and fomenting civil wars. And thus, force oppressing weakness, the strong burnt and massacred the feeble, and quick and dead were thrust forth from the sacred places. Then the elements resolved to complain before the Lord of the savage condition of mankind. For the evil being already very grievous, the elements hastened to the Divine the Creator, and pleaded in this wise--the fire being suffered to speak first:-- "O Master," he said, "Maker of this new world, Thou whose name, mysterious among the Gods, has hitherto been revered among all men; how long, O Divinity, halt Thou decreed to leave human life without the Divine? Reveal Thyself to the world which calls for Thee, correct its savage existence by the institution of peace. Grant unto life, law, grant unto night oracles; fill all things with happy auguries; let men fear the judgment of the Gods, and no man shall sin any more. Let crimes receive their just punishment, and men will abstain from unrighteousness. They will fear to violate oaths, and madness will have an end. Teach them gratitude for benefits, so shall I devote my flame to pure offerings and libations, and the altars shall yield Thee exhalations of sweet savors. For now I am polluted, O Master, because the impious temerity of men forces me to consume flesh. They will not suffer me to remain in my nature; they pervert and corrupt my purity!" The air spoke in its turn:--"I am defiled by the effluvium of corpses, O Master; I am becoming pestilent and unwholesome, and from on high I witness things which I ought not to behold." Then the water took up the word, and spoke on this wise, O my illustrious son:--"Father and wondrous Creator of all things, Divinity incarnate, Author of Nature who brings forth all through Thee, command the waters of the streams to be always pure, for now both rivers and seas are compelled to bathe the destroyer and to receive his victims!" Then at the last the earth appeared, O my glorious son, and thus began:--"O King, Chief of celestial choirs and Lord of their orbits, Master and Father of the elements which lend to all things increase and decrease, and into which all must return; behold how the impious and insensate tribe of man overspreads me, O venerable One, since by Thy commands I am the habitation of all beings, bearing them all and receiving into my bosom all that is slain; such is now my reproach. Thy terrestrial world in which all creatures are contained is bereft of the Divine. And because they revere nothing, they transgress every law and overwhelm me with all manner of evil works. To my shame, O Lord, I admit into myself the product of the corruption of carcases. But I, who receive all things, would fain also receive the Divine. Grant to earth this grace, and if Thou comest not Thyself--for indeed I cannot contain Thee--let me at least receive some holy efflux of Thee. Let the earth become the most glorious of all the elements; and since she alone gives all things to all, may she revere herself as the recipient of Thy favors." Thus the elements discoursed, and forthwith the Divine filled the universe with His divine voice. "Go," said He, "sacred offspring, worthy of your Father's greatness, seek not to change anything, nor refuse to my creatures your ministry. I will send you an efflux of myself, a pure Being who shall investigate all actions, who shall be the dreadful and incorruptible Judge of the living; and sovereign justice shall extend its reign even into the shades beneath the earth. Thus shall every man receive his merited deserts." Thereupon the elements ceased from their complaints, and each of them resumed its functions and its sway. And in what manner, O my mother, said Horus, did the earth afterwards obtain this efflux of the Divine? I will not recount this Nativity, said Isis; I dare not, O powerful Horus, declare the origin of thy race, lest men in the future should learn the generation of the Gods. I will say only that the Supreme the Divine, Creator and Architect of the world, at length accorded to earth for a season, thy father Osiris and the great Goddess Isis, that they might bring the expected salvation. By them life attained its fullness; savage and bloody wars were ended; they consecrated temples to the Gods their ancestors, and instituted oblations. They gave to mortals law, nourishment, and raiment. "They shall read," Hermes said, "my mystic writings, and dividing them into two parts, they shall keep certain of them, and inscribe upon columns and obelisks those which may be useful to man." Instituters of the first tribunals, they established everywhere the reign of order and justice. With them began the faith of treaties, and the introduction into human life of the religious duty of oaths. They taught the rites of sepulture towards those who cease to live; they interrogated the horrors of death; they shewed that the spirit from without delights to return into the human body, and that if the way of entry be shut against it, it brings about a failure of life. Instructed by Hermes, they engraved upon hidden tables that the air is filled with genii. Instructed by Hermes in the secret laws of the Divine, they alone were the teachers and legislators of mankind, initiating them in the arts, the sciences, and the benefits of civilized life. Instructed by Hermes concerning the sympathetic affinities which the Creator has established between heaven and earth, they instituted religious representations and sacred mysteries. And, considering the corruptible nature of all bodies, they ordained prophetic initiation, so that the prophet who lifts his hands to the Gods should be instructed in all things, and that thereby philosophy and magic might provide nourishment for the soul, and medicine might heal the sufferings of the flesh. Having performed all these things, O my son, and seeing the world arrived at its fullness, Osiris and I were recalled by the inhabitants of heaven; but we could not return thither without having first praised the Lord, so that the celestial Vision might fill the expanse, and that the way of a happy ascension might open before us, since the Divine delights in hymns. O my mother, said Horus, teach me this hymn, that I also may be instructed in it. Hearken, my son, answered Isis.

ISIS TO HORUS - PART II.

O my illustrious son, if you wish to know more, ask me. And Horus said, Revered Mother, I would like to know how royal souls are born. And Isis answered:-- Here, my son Horus, lies the unique character of royal souls. There are four regions in the universe governed by a fixed and immutable law: heaven, the ether, the air, and the most holy earth. Above, in heaven, dwell the Gods ruled by the Maker of the universe; in the ether are the stars governed by the great fire, the sun; in the air are the souls of the genii governed by the moon; on earth, men and other animals are governed by the soul who, for the time, is their king. The Gods themselves create those who will be kings suitable to the human race. Princes are born to kings, and the most royal is a greater king than the rest(1). The sun, closer to the Divine than the moon, is greater and stronger, and she is subject to him by rank and power. The king is the last of the Gods and the first of men. While he is on earth, his divinity is hidden, but he possesses something that sets him apart from others and connects him to the Divine. The soul in him comes from a higher place than the souls of ordinary men. Souls destined to rule on earth come for two reasons. Some have lived blamelessly in past lives and deserve to become divine; for them, royalty is preparation for divinity. Others are holy souls who, due to a minor violation of the internal and divine law, are given royalty as a penance to alleviate the suffering and shame of incarnation. When they take a body, their condition is not like others; they are as blessed as when they were free(2). Regarding the different characteristics of these kings, the variety comes from the angels and genii who assist them. Souls assigned to these roles are not without ministers and escorts. Divine justice, even as it exiles them from the homes of the Blessed, treats them according to their nature. So, my son Horus, when the ministering angels and genii appointed are warriors, the soul under their care takes on that character, setting aside its own until a future change. If the guardian angels are gentle, the soul follows a peaceful path; if they value judgment, the soul loves to judge; if they are musicians, then the soul sings, and if they cherish truth, the soul becomes that of a philosopher. The souls naturally follow the guidance of their guardians; when placed in human bodies, they relinquish their true nature and, while exiled, resemble the intelligences that embodied them. Your explanation is thorough, my mother, said Horus, but you have not explained how noble souls are born. On earth, my son, there are different roles. Similarly, among souls, they occupy different positions, with those coming from a higher sphere being nobler than the rest; just as a free man is nobler than a slave. Exalted and royal souls are the masters of men. How are souls born male or female? Souls, my son Horus, are all equal in nature since they come from a region where the Creator has shaped them. Among them, there are no males or females; this distinction exists only in bodies, not in incorporeal beings. However, some are more energetic, some are gentler, determined by the air in which everything is formed. An airy body envelops the soul, with elements of earth, water, air, and fire within it. In females, this combination contains more cold and moisture than dryness and heat, resulting in a watery and soft disposition. On the other hand, males have an envelope with more dryness and heat and less cold and moisture, resulting in more vivacity and energy in such bodies. How, my mother, are the souls of the wise born? Isis answered: The organ of vision is enfolded in layers, with thick and dense layers leading to dull vision and fine, subtle layers resulting in penetrating vision. Similarly, the soul has her coverings, as incorporeal as herself. These coverings are the internal airs; when they are subtle, clear, and transparent, the soul is clear-sighted. However, if they are dense, thick, and turbid, then her sight is limited, and she can only perceive what is immediately before her. For what reason, my mother, are the minds of men not from our holy land less open than those who are? The earth is positioned in the center of the universe like a person lying on his back gazing into heaven, with the various earth regions corresponding to different body parts. The earth looks to heaven as a father, mirroring the changes in the skies. The south represents the head, the east the right shoulder, the west the left side, the feet are under the constellation of the Bear, the loins under the heavens near the Bear, and the body's middle is under the center of heaven. For example, the people living in the South have a beautiful face and hair, while those in the East have skilled hands for battle and archery. Those in the West are strong and left-handed, attributing functions of the right side to the left. Those living under the Bear are known for their feet and legs, while people from regions like Italy and Greece beyond the Bear are recognized for their loins, leading to a preference for males. The center of the earth, like the heart of a human, produces men with higher intelligence and wisdom due to being nurtured and born there. Additionally, my son, the south accumulates clouds, contributing to the Nile's flow when the weather gets cold. However, where clouds gather, the air thickens, hindering perception and intellect. The east is often disturbed due to the sunrise, as the west is due to sunset, making clear perception challenging for residents in these areas. The north's icy temperatures cloud the mind as much as the body. Only the central land, clear and serene, favors its inhabitants, giving birth to them in peace and awarding them wisdom and intelligence. Explain further, my revered Mother, what causes changes in the discernment, reason, and soul of people during long illnesses. Isis responded: Among animals, some have an affinity with fire, water, earth, air, two, three, or all four elements. Others have an aversion to certain elements. Just as the locust and insects flee from fire, birds of flight like the eagle and hawk fear water, fish avoid air and earth, and serpents dislike open air and prefer the ground. Fish enjoy the depths, birds soar in the air, and some creatures revel in fire, like salamanders. The elements compose the body, and every soul in a body is bound by the four elements, leading to preferences for some and aversions to others, affecting their happiness. Despite this, as the soul is divinely originated, she contemplates while bound by the body, but her thoughts are limited compared to freedom. Illness or fear can disrupt the body, causing the soul to be agitated like a ship in a storm.

 ISIS TO HORUS - PART III 

"Your instructions are admirable, my powerful Mother Isis," said Horus, "but you have not yet told me where souls go after leaving their bodies. I wish to understand this mystery and thank only you for the knowledge." Isis replied, "Souls, upon leaving the body, do not mix indiscriminately in the vastness but retain their identity, able to return to bodies, maintain themselves, or seek their original abode. Unlike water spilt from a vase, they do not lose their individuality and can return to their rightful place. Souls are personal entities, distinct from other substances, and united with the body by divine necessity." "Soul departures are not random," continued Isis, "each soul goes to its designated place based on its experiences while in the body. Just as various creatures would seek different habitats upon release, souls are guided by their nature to their appropriate zones. Souls from higher regions return there, or even ascend higher, unless they acted against their nature and divine laws. Souls are governed and guided by ministers of universal Providence, who oversee their fate and reincarnation. The hierarchy of souls ensures each soul is placed according to their dignity and actions. The earth and heaven are divided into regions where souls dwell based on their status and nature. Divine and royal souls reside in the highest region, ordinary souls in the middle, and the baser souls in the lowest sphere." "To summarize," said Isis, "souls, when freed from bodies, do not disperse randomly but are guided to specific regions based on their nature and actions. The hierarchy of souls ensures each soul finds its rightful abode." (Note: Footnote references have been omitted) In this way, the law of equity presides over the changes that take place above, just as it molds and constructs the vessels in which souls are immured on earth. This law is complemented by two energies, Memory and Experience. Memory directs in Nature the preservation and maintenance of all the original types appointed in heaven; the function of Experience is to provide every soul descending into generation with a body appropriate thereto; so that passionate souls should have vigorous bodies; slothful souls sluggard bodies; active souls active bodies; gentle souls gentle bodies; powerful souls powerful bodies; cunning souls dexterous bodies; --briefly, so that every soul should have a fitting nature. It is not without just cause that winged creatures are clothed with feathers; intelligent creatures are gifted with finer senses and superior to others; beasts of the field are furnished with horns, tusks, claws, or other weapons; reptiles are endowed with undulating and flexible bodies, and armed either with teeth or pointed scales to protect them from their natures' moisture, so they are less in peril of death than others. Fish, with their timid souls, are allotted a dwelling place in an element where light is devoid of its dual activity, as in water, fire neither illuminates nor burns. Each fish, swimming with the help of its spiny fins, moves where it pleases, and its weakness is protected by the obscurity of the deep. Souls are thus immured in bodies resembling themselves; in human shape, those souls who have received reason; in flying creatures, souls of a wild nature; in beasts, souls without reason, whose only law is force; in reptiles, deceitful souls who attack prey by ambush rather than face to face; in fishes, timid souls who do not merit enjoyment of other elements. In every order of animals, there are individuals who transgress the laws of their being. How so, my Mother? said Horus. And Isis answered: In this way: -- A man who acts against reason, a beast that eludes necessity, a reptile that forgets its cunning, a fish that loses its timidity, a bird that renounces freedom. You have heard what was to be said concerning the hierarchy of souls, their descent, and the creation of bodies. Oh my son, in every order of souls, there are a few royal souls, each of different characters: some fiery, some cold, some proud, some gentle, some crafty, some simple, some contemplative, some active. This diversity belongs to the regions from which they descend into bodies. From the royal zone, the royal souls emerge, but there are many royalties; the royalty of spirit, of the flesh, of art, of science, of virtues. And how do you name these royalties? Oh my son, the king of souls who have existed so far is your father Osiris; the king of bodies is the prince of each nation, the one who governs. The king of wisdom is the Father of all things; the Initiator is the thrice great Hermes; over medicine presides Asclepios, son of Hephaistos; force and power are under the sway of Osiris, and after him, under yours, my son. Philosophy depends on Arnebaskenis; poetry, again, on Asclepios, Imouthê's son. So, if you reflect on it, you will see that there are indeed many royalties and many kings. But the supreme royalty belongs to the highest region; lesser kingships correspond to the spheres that give rise to them. Those who emerge from the fiery zone handle fire; those who come from the watery zone frequent liquid spheres; from the region of art and learning, those are born who dedicate themselves to art and science; from the region of inactivity, those who live in comfort and idleness. All that is done and said on earth originates in the heights, where all essences are dispensed with measure and equilibrium; nothing emanates from above and returns thither. Explain to me what you say, my Mother. And Isis answered: An evident sign of these exchanges has been imprinted on all creatures by most holy Nature. The breath we draw from the upper air we exhale and inhale again through the lungs within us, which perform this function. And when the path designated to receive our breath closes, we no longer remain on earth; we depart from here. Furthermore, my glorious son, there are other events by which the balance of our combination can be disrupted(2). What is this combination, then, my Mother? It is the union and mixture of the four elements, from which a vapor emanates that envelops the soul, penetrates the body, and imparts its own nature to both. This results in variations among souls and bodies. If in the composition of a body, fire dominates, then the soul, already of an ardent nature, receives an excess of heat that makes it more energetic and furious, and the body more lively and active. If the air dominates, the body and soul of the creature become unstable, erratic, and restless. The domination of water causes the soul to be mild, affable, bland, sociable, and easily shaped because water mixes readily with all things, dissolves them if plentiful, and moistens and penetrates them if not so abundant. A body softened by too much humidity offers little resistance, disintegrates with a slight illness, and gradually loses its cohesion. On the other hand, if the earthy element is dominant, the soul is dull because the body lacks subtlety, and it cannot navigate through the density of its structure. Hence, the soul remains withdrawn, burdened by what it supports, while the body is solid, inactive, and heavy, moving only with effort. However, when all the elements are in equilibrium, the entire nature is fervent in its actions, subtle in its movements, sensitive in its sensations, and of a robust constitution. Birds are born from the predominance of air and fire, their nature resembling that of the elements that generate them. Men are endowed with an abundance of fire combined with little air, and equal parts of water and earth. This excess of fire becomes sagacity, as intelligence is a kind of flame that does not consume but penetrates. The predominance of water and earth, with a sufficient mix of air and little fire, brings forth beasts; those with more fire are the more courageous. Water and earth in equal quantities give rise to reptiles, deprived of fire, lacking courage and truthfulness; excess water makes them cold, excess earth makes them sordid and heavy, while the lack of air makes their movements difficult. A lot of water with little earth produces fish; their timidity comes from the absence of fire and air, making them prone to hiding, while the preponderance of water and earth in their nature links them to earth dissolved in water by natural affinity. Additionally, the proportional increase of the elements composing the body increases the body itself, and its development stops when it reaches full size. As long as equilibrium is maintained in the original combination and the vapors arising from it, that is, as long as the normal proportions of fire, air, earth, and water remain unchanged, the creature remains healthy. If the elements deviate from the original proportions -- I am not referring to the growth of activities or a change in order, but to an imbalance caused by the addition or reduction of fire or other elements -- illness sets in. When air and fire, whose essence is akin to that of the soul, prevail in the conflict, they can upset the equilibrium, leading the creature to abandon its proper state due to the dominance of elements that destroy the flesh. The earthy element sustains the body, while water present in it contributes to its solidity; the aerial element provides motion, and fire sparks all energies. The vapors produced by the union and blend of these elements merge with the soul, enveloping it with their nature, be it good or evil. While the soul remains in this natural association, it maintains the rank it has achieved. However, if there is a change in the combination itself or any of its parts or subdivisions, the alterations in the vapors lead to changes in the relationship between soul and body; the upward-tending fire and air attract the soul, while the water and earth elements, leaning towards the ground like the body, weigh it down and overpower it.