A Deeper Way of Seeing: Part V – Sacred North

The Lotus Flower - Buddhist Symbol Representing the Largest View of Reality

The Sacred North is home to the archetype of the Warrior. Frank MacEowen, in his book The Celtic Way of Seeing: Meditations on the Irish Spirit Wheel, makes a clear distinction between brute warriorship and sacred warriorship. The Enlightened Warrior epitomizes this critical distinction, embarking on a quest to “connect with the humility of the true warrior within, who is simultaneously strong and tender.”

And as with all sacred life directions of the Irish Spirit Wheel that MacEowen describes, there is an inherent demand that we travel deeper into ourselves to discover its true essence.

MacEowen suggests that as “warriors-in-training” we “face off with our own worst enemy – the entrapments of the addicted ego.” The ego is described in different ways in a variety of contexts. It can be thought of here as the surface level persona that we offer to the world, our everyday ordinary self. This is only one aspect of our many selves. The ego can tend to be self-serving, many times responding on whim and at other times calculating for personal benefit. As other aspects of our selves are recognized and valued, such as the wise counsel self or the nurturing mother self, the ego takes a more humble and realistic role, a relational one with even the deepest aspect of our selves, the soul essence, or blueprint for our lives. This is where purpose and the larger story can be lived.

It is from this vantage point that we realize conflict can seem to be an enemy, one to be met with strong opposition – or conflict can be seen as an energy or vehicle, which we can steer in a positive and constructive direction. From this vantage point we recognize the need to see the whole view, the largest possible view of reality. The Enlightened Warrior’s quest is not to put an end to conflict. The universe is full of tension, creative tension that lies at the heart of life. An Enlightened Warrior masters the art of steering conflict as a vehicle for transformation.

Matthew Fox lays out this concept beautifully in his forward to Diedre Combs book, The Way of Conflict: Elemental Wisdom for Resolving Disputes and Transcending Differences. Fox recognizes the logic that, “Creative tension or chaos is built into all the systems of the universe, according to today’s scientific understanding.” He summarizes Combs concepts concerning conflict as “a vehicle for traveling to new and better worlds” where “creativity and forgiveness yearn to be set loose.” He reminds us that it takes strength of character and courageous determination to mine chaos, darkness, confusion and unraveling for the wisdom of renewal and rebirth.

The wisdom of the Enlightened Warrior begins with self-understanding where internal conflict is seen as a gift for personal transformation. Emerging from that experience the Warrior of the Sacred North continues the quest to bring creative and constructive resolution to conflict in every realm of influence that presents opportunity. Love, genuine caring relationships, compassion, wisdom and strength are some of the most effective “weapons” carried in the heart of the Enlightened Warrior.

What larger reality is knocking at the door of your heart?

Writing Prompt for the Week: Warrior in Training