It always amazes me, even with myself, that the barriers that stop us from connecting with the things we desire most, and often times desperately need, are many times barriers of perception. That isn’t to say that, given the power of the mind, these barriers aren’t very real in our journey toward growth. The key to overcoming such barriers is recognizing the power they do have, and teaching ourselves to see the world in a different way.

Another frustrating aspect of this is that many times the same barriers that keep us from getting “into” something, are just as likely to keep those insights that lie inside from getting out. This is, and has been, a major problem for those seeking knowledge outside the mainstream religious communities. One of the most fundamental barriers I see people grapple with along the divide between the neo-pagan community and our daily realities is strictly a barrier of image.

Unfortunately, this barrier has been perpetuated by members of the community themselves; sometimes very unintentionally, but at other times in a more deliberate manner. Perceptions of image, however, need to be bridged so that we can move beyond fears and barriers, and toward a place of spiritual learning, healing, and enlightenment.

When I first started studying Buddhism many years ago, I of course found many books by the greatest minds and leaders like the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh. Although I enjoyed many works by both sages, there was always a kind of nagging feeling that the images of the two men themselves and thus, in my own mind, their wisdom, was somehow removed from me. There was a veil, not of secrecy in their teachings, but in a perception; a perception that somehow I had to get past. I needed to transcend the image of the robes, temples, and rituals to get to the actual insights. I loved the messages, but did I have to “be” that to truly understand? Was there something hiding that I couldn’t touch if I didn’t look and act in that manner? Was all of the REAL wisdom reserved only for those who could live a monastic life? Many years later, I found the books of Pema Chödrön, a Tibetan Buddhist nun, who became my bridge in transcending that barrier.

Pema was born in New York City, grew up a Jersey girl, was educated at Berkley, married twice, left by her second husband for another woman, has kids and grandkids, smoked a little pot, and (deep breath)…she is…us. In a great spiritual awakening for her, she did enter the monastic service of the Tibetan tradition and now you see her in her robes and the trappings of her faith. Still, somehow the knowledge that she came from the same roots, lifestyles, and challenges that we all share, made her more accessible. The message hadn’t changed, but the perception of her innate connection to me and my journey had.

Our western traditions have done much to ingrain the idea that image and status are just as much a part of the things we need to take notice of, even when the message is supposed to be spiritual. The Catholic Church is a great example. The system of hierarchy is baffling to most, and the fact that many ceremonies and rituals within the church have nothing to do with God, but the veneration of rank within the system naturally leads us to feel that we are somehow outside it all if we don’t have a hat or a ring. In the church’s case, it isn’t really even just a perception, for centuries the church wanted it that way in order to be the sole provider of truth and wisdom.

These are the spiritual images that most of us were raised with. To add even more insult to imagery, we have secular images that we feel we must live up to as well. We talk a lot about the negative images we get from the media and how we think we should look and act from models and stars. These do, in fact, have an impact on us, but more often than not, it’s not celebrities we are trying to emulate, it’s the next-door neighbors. Much of our time and effort in defining ourselves, at least outwardly, is spent trying to fit into our community, work, and social groups. I’m going out on a limb and saying that nobody went out and bought a meat dress to look like Gaga but, take a look around the office, and you will find collective images in hairstyles, dress, and actions that can truly be viewed as defining the group.

The first step in transcending image barriers is to forgive ourselves for being so image conscious. The reality is, right or wrong, that it’s a natural part of the human experience. We are social beings, and by adapting our dress and actions to our social groups we make sure that we are accepted and not left out. It goes far beyond just having someone talk to us at the PTA meeting, however. We are expected to look and act certain ways for things like job interviews. If we don’t, we don’t get the job and our economic security is at risk. In many cases, by looking a certain way you also show a sign of professionalism and respect not just for the hierarchies but also for the people you work with and especially the ones you may serve in your own communities. For countless people, a uniform is a very important image that connects them to a common goal and to the people that might one day save their lives. It’s hard to put yourself in a situation that might alienate these groups, and that’s important to bear in mind as we continue the discussion.

As I’ve discussed in other articles (check out Pagans, Witches, and Shamans, OH MY!), there are many images that swirl around the pagan community as soon as the names are mentioned. Not the least of these perceptions is that of image. Thankfully, some people have moved past the Christianized images of evil that have been associated with metaphysical practice and the earth-based faiths, but that isn’t to say that certain images don’t still create barriers for many. Pictures and images of robe wearing people circling fires or raising their hands toward the moon are surely very foreign to most. Throw in the occasional image of a practitioner working “skyclad” (nude), or of symbolic things like athames (ceremonial knives) and pentagrams (attached to the devil by Christians and not by pagans themselves), and the barriers seem almost insurmountable.

Unfortunately, some within the neo-pagan communities themselves have done as much damage in continuing to build the perception of the heights to which these barriers rise. There have been a few people claiming “spiritual” connection to these philosophies who have been very flamboyant in their outward manifestation of their craft. I’m very much in favor of honoring the things you believe in, even in traditional ways, but at times such manifestations have proven more theatrical and attention grabbing, rather than in reverence of a spiritual path. All too often these same individuals have been unscrupulous in action as well, leading to an even greater image problem that goes beyond costume.

The most important thing to remember in all of this is that, if you’re seeking a spiritual journey, the true goal isn’t in appearances, but a connection with our inherent divine nature. Our daily focus shouldn’t be on looking a certain way or feeling anxiety because we can’t look that way in our daily lives; our focus should be on connecting with nature, observing the natural rhythms of life, tapping into the subtle energies of the universe, practicing our craft for the highest good of all, and finding inspiration and enlightenment from the Goddesses and Gods we choose to use as our archetypal beacons in the dark.

It is true that ritual clothing, tools, and even actions can help focus our energies and set us apart, not from other people, but the normal vibrational worlds we all live and work in. Putting on a robe automatically sets a tone for spiritual focus. Dressing in Victorian era clothing for tea can quite profoundly transport you to another time, but also another consciousness. Lighting a candle and chanting a mantra that resonates with your spiritual goal brings us above our daily lives and allows our energies to be free within the world. Nevertheless, knowing that spiritual freedom doesn’t come from things, but intent, allows us to transcend the boundaries of perception and move toward a practice that may or may not include shifts in our ways of “doing” that practice. You can do it “right” and still wear a tie to the office. In time, you can also change out of that uniform and exchange it for a robe on a night of the full moon, taking your place in an ancient ritual that connects you to more than just a group, it connects you to divine energy.

The most incredible boundaries are those of the mind; looking past them to your TRUE desires, you will find the place where the journey can begin. Allow yourself that journey; in perfect love, and perfect trust that you have a rightful place in the sacred universal wisdom.

 

©2016, 2021 Marcus Everett & Victorian Society of Metaphysics & Magic