© 2011 Bruce Johnson – Reprinted with permission from Shining Lotus Metaphysical Bookstore Newsletter December 2011
by Bruce Johnson
The Star in the East the Three Wise Men followed to Bethlehem suddenly appeared, guided them to Jerusalem, changed direction, and ultimately stopped and hovered directly over Jesus. Different astronomers have theorized the Star in the East as a comet, supernova, and Jupiter, by itself or in conjunction with other planets. Esoterically, the Star of Bethlehem, the Star in the East, Sirius, and the Star of Initiation are identical symbols. They are all signs in the heavens that indicate the birth of the Christ within, for an individual below on Earth.
Sirius was the star that related to life, rebirth, and the Mysteries of Initiation in Egyptian and other ancient mystery schools. Initiation into the light of the God Self was achieved through five steps of development, each resulting in an expansion of consciousness. The five initiations corresponded to the five major points of crisis and growth demonstrated in the life of Jesus-birth, baptism, transfiguration, crucifixion, and ascension. Sirius, as the Star of Initiation, was depicted as a fiery white pentagram with its apex pointing heaven-ward, each point symbolizing an initiation into greater consciousness.
The Three Wise Men signify spiritually and psychically advanced teachers and guides from the Spiritual Hierarchy who participate and assist in the birth initiation of any given individual. Clearly knowledgeable in esoteric study, they demonstrate prophecy, astrological skill, and the ability to interpret dreams. They are from the East, the direction associated with spirituality, the Sun, birth, and renewed life. They are ever watching for the birth of Divine Consciousness on Earth, and celebrate its arrival, whether in ancient times, 2000 years ago, or today.
The Three Wise Men gave gifts of myrrh, frankincense, and gold to the spiritually newly- born child. These represent different types of spiritual power which strengthen respectively the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of the Soul experiencing the birth initiation. This blessing conferred power to the Soul and helped it to accomplish its Earthly purpose, which included in the life of Jesus, the attaining of in one lifetime the four remaining initiations on the Path of Light and Liberation.
If you enjoy beautiful lights during the holidays, check out the Denver Zoo Lights exhibit at 2300 Steele Street in Denver. The hours are 5-9 p.m., with the light display running December 9, 2011 through January 1, 2012.
Bruce Johnson has over 30 years of study in the fields of Ancient Wisdom and occultism. He has taught classes on a wide range of topics, from Atlantis to mediums to Zoroaster. He is also a spiritualist minister, with a background in spiritual astrology. He lives in Colorado with his wife and their cat.
