The spiral is an example of the Principle of Correspondences, which expresses a congruence of form and function between macrocosm and microcosm- of the world *out there* and the world within.
The spiral is one of the greatest representations of this reality. It is a universal shape that captures how smaller things grow and expand to their higher potentials, constantly circling around themselves as they develop in a type of self-referential unfolding. This can happen infinitely.
William Blake puts it poetically when he says, “ the universe in a grain of sand”.
This is also relevant to the healing/developmental process. If we hold that healing is basically removing obstacles to development, we can understand the transformative alchemical process that occurs when a seed is able to overcome its challenges and grow into its destiny as a fully-developed plant or flower; and the same with a caterpillar in its chrysalis; and the human being emerging from a healing/spiritual crisis.
Another related experience around this theme is the repetitive nature of our journeys. People often times find themselves confronting similar dynamics and patterns years after feeling free and that they had overcome them… resigning to themselves that they are in regression.
It does not occur to most people that what is happening is that their souls are moving up the spiral in pursuit of the next stage of development. They miss that it is through this process that a continuing unfolding of themselves around a self-referential point obtains this objective of growth, and that though their struggle may seem the same as before, they are different people in different stages and circumstances of life; and that their soul is in need of another go around the ascending spiral of challenge —> process —> integration on their way to attaining the next level of development (tazkiya).
So if you find yourself confronting your “demons” and contending with old bad habits and addictions, don’t fret. This is not necessarily a punishment nor a regression.
It can be you entering again into your chrysalis- a state of inward struggle (mujahada) for the purpose of purifying, humbling, reminding, and elevating you anew into a higher state of consciousness of God & self.
We ask Allah for afiya (vital well-being) and tawfiq (facilitating grace)!
Mazen Atassi, ND
Dr. Mazen Atassi
Founding Director, Naturopathic Doctor, Homeopath, Somatic Trauma Counselor & Hikma Educator
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