The Spider in the Web of Awakening

The Spider in the Web of Awakening

The conception of a spider and its web may serve as an analogy to help clarify the function of the Steward on the journey to awakening. Just as the lifecycle of a spider has a definite period of existence, so too, the lifecycle of the Steward has a definite usefulness and existence.

Very simply, consider that a spider after building a web, stands guard to catch insects which it then wraps up for food. If we think of insects as obstacles to consciousness, such as the many “I’s,” negativity, identification, imagination, etc., we could say that the spider – representing the Steward – catches the obstacles and transforms them into food. The Steward guards the web for intruders and is prepared to act, when necessary, to trap them and render them not only harmless but further stores them as sustenance. The spider is the master of his web and the Steward is master of the house. The webs are not only organized and efficient, but the webs themselves are beautiful works of art that serve an important purpose.

The Steward keeps watch on our inner web and makes decisions on how to keep it organized or reorganized to be conducive to Presence as invaders or obstacles try to thwart our efforts. The Steward is made up of an intentional group of work “I’s” that favor awakening over sleep. It is deliberate and slower to respond than the faster speed of the Emotional Center. For a time, this slower response works to our advantage until we are better prepared to handle the speed and energy of emotions. As the Steward grows in strength, its duties and slower speed can be increased and refined by transferring its role over to the higher part of the Emotional Center, called the Nine of Hearts. At this point, the Steward is no longer necessary and begins to fade because Presence and Higher Centers are now supported by the Nine of Hearts.

The diagram below called “Progression from Magnetic Center to Higher Centers” is further clarified by excerpts taken from our on-line glossary which I have pulled together and edited in the same sequence that they emerge in the course of developing consciousness. The actual experience of development is far more grey than what the descriptions and diagram demostrate, but serves to aide our understanding of the journey of awakening in the Fourth Way.

Magnetic Center is a persistent part of one’s psychology which is attracted to esoteric knowledge and interested in possibilities beyond everyday life. It gravitates towards groups and individuals who are also seeking such things. It may be the part in you that joined this Facebook page and is reading this post. Upon finding and entering a Conscious School, Magnetic Center facilitates and supports the creation of True Personality, and with the help of conscious influences is transformed into the Steward.

Essence, which has been recently discussed in previous posts, is composed of the qualities of an individual that are inherent at birth. Essence usually develops only during the first few years of life; later it is largely covered by False Personality. Essence can be educated and developed further.

True Personality is a personality based on applying the system, and on an understanding of one’s Essence. It therefore serves and promotes both the development of essence and the Work on Awakening. It works to attain and support higher consciousness.

The steward is the mirror of conscious light. ─ The Teacher

The Steward is a group of ‘I’s developed from one’s True Personality, able to observe and control the Lower Self thus assisting the awakening of Higher Centers. When Higher Centers are awake, the Steward guards against any further unwanted activity of the lower self. The Steward grows by gathering to itself powerful work ideas that can do battle with the obstacles coming from the Lower Self.

Each of us is a steward of his own grace. ─ Philokalia, Maximos the Confessor

[This phrase from the Philokalia is understood in the Fourth Way to mean each of us is a steward of his own presence and that by steward is meant an internal teacher.]

Nine of Hearts is the highest part of the Emotional Center and it is the only part in the Lower Centers that can be aware of, and can selflessly serve one’s Higher Centers. The nine of hearts is the most real part of one’s Essence. It is the most powerful part of the four Lower Centers and supports Presence when it occurs.

Show us the hand of God That hath dismiss'd us from our stewardship. ─ Shakespeare, Richard II

Third Eye is a visual symbol and it is often depicted as an eye, a jewel, or special mark in the center of the forehead. It is a synonym for Higher Centers or awakened consciousness.

He is the steward, and his hand is the hand of God. ─ Rumi

There are two Higher Centers: Higher Emotional Center (Third State) and Higher Mental Center (Fourth State). Higher Emotional Center perceives the connectedness of all things and is the seat of conscious love and compassion. Higher Mental Center perceives the laws that govern all things and is the seat of conscious wisdom. Higher Centers are known by many names, including: Real ‘I,’ Third Eye, Higher Self, Soul, Self, Divine Presence.

And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? ─ Bible, Luke: Chapter 12

Diagram: Progression from Magnetic Center to Higher Centers

Steward Nemti-hotep, Egyptian, circa 1800 BC

[Notice in the countenance of the Egyptian Steward, the crossed hands; one hand holding firmly - yet gently - to the robe and the other protecting the heart. Together with the serenity in his face, this beautifully communicates the impression of a Steward guarding something valuable within.]

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