theinneraltar

[theinneraltar]

Here's a reading for a client that said they were happy to share with others

Querent: 53-year-old male

Focus: Career direction after 35 years in the trade, 17 at current job

Deck: Rider-Waite

Spread Positioning:

Card 1 (Past/Current Energy): Six of Wands

Card 2 (Challenge/Block): Three of Pentacles (Reversed)

Card 3 (Guidance/Path Forward): The Moon

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Tarot Reading for Career Clarity and Future Direction

Thank you for allowing me to do this reading for you. With 35 years of experience in your trade and a solid 17-year run at your current position, it’s clear that you’re no stranger to hard work, commitment, and discipline. Now, as you're seeking clarity about your next chapter, the Tarot offers the following insight and guidance.

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1. Six of Wands – Where You've Been (Past/Current Position)

This is a card of recognition, success, and public acknowledgment. The Six of Wands shows that you’ve built a solid reputation — not just for showing up, but for showing up with skill, reliability, and results. People look to you as a leader, even if the title doesn't say it. You’ve likely earned the respect of your peers, and whether they say it or not, many would follow your lead if you made a move.

This card affirms: you’ve already proven yourself. You’re not looking for your first win — you’re looking for your next meaningful one. And that’s a powerful place to be.

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2. Three of Pentacles (Reversed) – What’s Blocking You

Reversed, this card signals a lack of collaboration, poor leadership above you, or underappreciation of your skillset. It can also point to feeling stagnant — like your work is no longer part of a greater mission or team effort.

Even more, it suggests that you may not be in an environment that supports real growth anymore. Your mastery is being under-leveraged or even ignored, and you might feel like you're doing the work of three people without the recognition, reward, or synergy.

This card says: you’ve outgrown the system you’re in. Not because you failed it — but because it stopped being worthy of what you bring.

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3. The Moon – Guidance for the Path Forward

This is the most layered card of the spread — and it's not a simple answer.

The Moon speaks of intuition, uncertainty, and deep internal questioning. You are entering a phase where logic and experience alone won’t chart your path. The Moon tells you that your next step won’t be based on a job title or job offer — but on alignment. It will require going inward, listening to your gut, and being willing to walk a path before you can see all the turns.

This card often shows up when someone is feeling the pull to leave something familiar, even if they’re not yet sure where they’re going. It can also point to fears — of the unknown, of regret, of not being “useful” outside what you’ve always done.

But here’s the truth buried in The Moon:

This phase is not a dead end. It’s a calling.

A summons to go deeper, not wider. You may not see the full picture yet, but your instincts already know the terrain is changing. This is a card of sacred discomfort — the moment when you stop letting your job define your worth, and start building something that reflects your deeper self.

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Summary & Guidance:

You’ve earned respect and mastery (Six of Wands) — but you’re now in a place that doesn’t reflect or reward that mastery (Three of Pentacles, reversed). The calling ahead (The Moon) isn’t about another 9-to-5. It’s about listening to what part of you you’ve been neglecting — the creative, intuitive, visionary part — and asking how that could become your new compass.

This may be the time to consider:

Consulting, mentoring, or training others in your craft

Building a side income stream doing something you're drawn to but haven't pursued

A slow exit strategy toward a vocation, not just another job

You’re not “done.” You’re just done with doing it the same way.

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Final Insight:

You’re not lost. You’re just between what’s familiar and what’s waiting.

Trust the Moonlight. It doesn’t give you the whole map — but it’s enough to get you to the next turn.

[theinneraltar]

[theinneraltar]

Resurrection Sunday: Awakening the Divine Within

Today, Christians around the world celebrate Resurrection Sunday—the cornerstone of the Christian faith, the day that marks Jesus Christ's triumph over death and His rising to new life. For many, the resurrection is the confirmation of Christ’s divinity and the promise of eternal life for all who believe.

But what if, alongside its historical and theological importance, the resurrection also points to an inner, mystical reality? What if the resurrection story is not only about what happened to Jesus, but about what must happen within each of us?

In the esoteric, mystical tradition, the resurrection is a symbol of the soul’s awakening—the death of the ego, the rebirth of the higher self, and the emergence of divine consciousness within the individual. It is the moment when we rise from the tomb of ignorance, bondage, and spiritual sleep into the fullness of divine life.

Today, as we honor the resurrection, let us reflect not only on what happened two thousand years ago, but also on what is meant to happen within us today.

I. The Death of the Lower Self: The Crucifixion Within

Before there can be resurrection, there must first be death. Not merely the physical death, but the death of the false self—the ego, the fear-driven mind, the attachments to the material world that bind and blind us.

Jesus' crucifixion, in the mystical view, represents the necessary surrender of the ego.

The crown of thorns: the suffering of the mind, tormented by illusion.

The carrying of the cross: the burden of our own karma, the weight of our unconscious patterns.

The nailing to the cross: the immobilization of the ego, pinned down so that the spirit may be released.

The cross is not merely a symbol of suffering—it is the axis of transformation, the intersection of heaven and earth, time and eternity, matter and spirit.

Each of us must undergo this crucifixion. We must come to the end of ourselves—the end of striving, the end of grasping, the end of thinking we can save ourselves through external means. We must die to the life we have known, to be born into a life we have not yet imagined.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.” (Galatians 2:20)

Paul understood that the death and resurrection of Christ were not only historical events—they were spiritual realities to be lived within.

II. The Tomb: The Womb of Transformation

After the crucifixion comes the tomb—the silent, hidden place where transformation occurs.

The tomb symbolizes the inner place of stillness and surrender. It is the moment between death and resurrection, between the old life and the new.

In the tomb, the outer world fades away.

In the tomb, there are no achievements, no masks, no pretense.

In the tomb, only the true self remains.

Spiritually, the tomb is the place where the ego dissolves and the soul is reborn. It is the womb of new life, the dark space where divine alchemy happens.

Many resist the tomb experience because it feels like emptiness, loss, even failure. But without the tomb, there can be no resurrection. The mystery of the tomb invites us to trust the unseen process of transformation—to believe that even in the silence, even in the darkness, the seeds of new life are germinating.

“Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” (John 12:24)

Death always precedes resurrection. Surrender always precedes glory.

III. The Resurrection: Awakening the Divine Self

On Resurrection Sunday, the stone is rolled away, and Jesus emerges—not merely resuscitated, but transformed.

In the mystical reading, the resurrection represents the awakening of the divine within us:

It is the moment when the soul, having surrendered all attachments to the ego, rises into new life.

It is the birth of Christ-consciousness—the realization that the divine is not distant, but present within our very being.

It is the recognition that we are partakers of the divine nature (2 Peter 1:4), called not merely to worship Christ, but to embody Him.

In the resurrection, the mortal becomes immortal, the finite becomes infinite, the human becomes divine.

This is not something that happens after death—it is meant to happen now. Resurrection is not an event to wait for; it is a state of being to awaken to.

“Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.” (Ephesians 5:14)

To be "dead" in scripture often means to be spiritually asleep. Resurrection is the call to wake up—to realize our true nature as sons and daughters of the living God.

IV. The Esoteric Symbols of Resurrection

Across the Gospels, the imagery of the resurrection is filled with rich symbolism:

1. The Stone Rolled Away

The stone represents the hardness of the ego, the barrier between the soul and the divine.

Rolling away the stone symbolizes the breaking down of internal resistance, allowing the light of spirit to shine through.

2. The Empty Tomb

The tomb is empty because the old self is gone.

The seeker must leave behind the familiar, the comfortable, the dead, and step into the new and unknown life of spirit.

3. The Garden

Jesus is mistaken for a gardener (John 20:15)—a powerful symbol, because resurrection is the cultivation of the soul.

Spiritual awakening is not instantaneous; it must be nurtured, watered, and tended like a living garden.

V. Resurrection Across Traditions

The theme of death and rebirth is universal, appearing across many spiritual and mythological traditions:

In ancient Egypt, Osiris dies and is resurrected, symbolizing the soul’s triumph over death.

In the mystery religions, initiates undergo symbolic death and rebirth to attain higher wisdom.

In nature, the cycle of winter and spring mirrors the pattern of death and new life.

The resurrection story is the archetypal pattern of all spiritual awakening. It is not confined to one religion, one people, or one historical event—it is the story of the human soul.

VI. Living the Resurrection

What does it mean to live the resurrection today?

It means allowing the old self to die—not once, but daily. It means surrendering fear, pride, and selfishness whenever they arise. It means trusting the unseen work of transformation in the hidden places of our lives. It means rising each day to new levels of love, wisdom, and divine awareness.

Resurrection is not just what happened to Jesus—it is what must happen within each of us.

Every time we forgive instead of hate, we rise. Every time we choose hope over despair, we rise. Every time we embrace truth over illusion, we rise.

Resurrection is the soul’s victory song—the declaration that death, in any form, has no final power over the one who lives in God.

“I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” (John 11:25)

Belief here is not mere intellectual agreement—it is alignment with divine reality. It is the living trust that we are called to embody the risen Christ within us.

VII. Rise Today

On this Resurrection Sunday, let us celebrate not only what happened long ago, but what is happening now. The stone can be rolled away today. The tomb can be left behind today. The new life can begin today.

Christ’s resurrection is an eternal truth—always available, always calling us higher.

You are not meant to remain in the tomb of fear. You are not meant to be shackled by the weight of the past. You are not meant to live half-asleep to your own divine potential.

You are called to rise. You are called to awaken. You are called to live as a resurrected being—a living testament to the light and love of the divine within you.

Today, embrace the mystery. Today, surrender the old self. Today, step into the radiant life you were created for.

Christ is risen. And so, too, can you be.

[theinneraltar]

The Gospels: A Blueprint for Transformation – Bridging Faith, Psychology, and Symbolism

The Gospels are the cornerstone of the Christian faith, chronicling the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. They have been read and interpreted in countless ways—some see them as strict historical accounts, while others view them as allegories for a deeper spiritual reality.

But what if the Gospels function as both—as real historical events and as a symbolic map for inner transformation? What if they offer not just theological doctrines, but a practical framework for personal responsibility, psychological growth, and spiritual awakening?

By combining the perspectives of biblical literalism, Jungian psychology, and esoteric wisdom, we can uncover a richer understanding of the Gospels—one that speaks to both traditional believers and those seeking deeper personal meaning.

I. The Gospels as More Than Just a Biography

For many, the Gospels are read primarily as a historical record of Jesus' life and ministry—a factual account of events leading up to the crucifixion and resurrection. While this perspective holds great significance, it often limits the depth of Jesus' teachings by reducing them to mere history.

However, throughout scripture, Jesus taught in parables, revealing spiritual truths through stories that operated on multiple levels.

“Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables.” (Mark 4:11)

This tells us something important: Jesus intended His teachings to be understood symbolically as well as literally.

By integrating psychological insights and archetypal symbolism with biblical faith, we unlock a deeper dimension of the Gospels—one that speaks directly to our struggles with meaning, suffering, responsibility, and transformation.

II. Jesus as the Archetype of the Ideal Man

Literal Interpretation:

Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, who came to fulfill prophecy and offer salvation through His sacrifice.

Psychological Interpretation:

Jesus represents the highest ideal of human existence—the one who willingly takes on suffering and responsibility, transforming chaos into order.

His journey is the model for every individual:

He faces temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:1-11) We all battle our lower nature.

He challenges corruption and hypocrisy (Matthew 23) We are called to stand for truth.

He carries His cross to Calvary (Luke 23:26) We each have burdens we must bear.

He dies and is resurrected → We all must undergo psychological and spiritual renewal.

Esoteric Interpretation (Hall’s View):

Jesus represents the divine spark within humanity—the Christ-consciousness that must be awakened within each of us.

His journey mirrors the ancient path of initiation, where the soul transcends material bondage and attains divine wisdom.

All of these perspectives can coexist. Jesus’ life is both historical and symbolic, providing a model for both salvation and self-transformation.

III. The Teachings of Jesus: Responsibility, Transformation, and Inner Growth

Jesus’ teachings contain layers of wisdom that apply to every level of human experience.

1. “Take Up Your Cross” – The Burden of Responsibility

“If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)

Literal Interpretation:

A call to discipleship and faithfulness in following Christ.

Psychological Interpretation:

Jesus teaches personal responsibility—we must voluntarily accept the suffering and burdens of life.

By taking up our “cross,” we confront our deepest struggles rather than avoiding them.

Esoteric Interpretation:

The cross represents the unification of spirit and matter—our journey from the earthly to the divine.

"Dying to self" is not just about rejecting sin, but about transcending the ego to awaken to higher consciousness.

2. The Kingdom of God is Within You

“The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21)

Literal Interpretation:

Jesus refers to the spiritual reign of God in the hearts of believers.

Psychological Interpretation:

The “Kingdom of God” is not just an external place but a state of being—one of order, peace, and transformation.

Each person is responsible for cultivating this kingdom within their own mind and actions.

Esoteric Interpretation:

The kingdom is a hidden spiritual reality—a deeper awareness of divine truth that must be awakened within.

Just as Jesus was the "light of the world," so too must we awaken the divine light within us.

3. The Sermon on the Mount – The Path to Spiritual Maturity

In Matthew 5-7, Jesus lays out a vision of how to live in harmony with God and others.

Literal Interpretation: These are commandments for believers to follow.

Psychological Interpretation: These are guidelines for structuring personal and societal order—teaching resilience, humility, and self-mastery.

Esoteric Interpretation: The Beatitudes outline the soul’s ascension, moving from meekness (humility) to purity (transcendence) to divine sonship (enlightenment).

Each level of understanding deepens the power of Jesus’ teachings without contradicting their core truth.

IV. The Crucifixion and Resurrection: The Death of the Old and the Birth of the New

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.” (Romans 6:4)

Literal Interpretation:

Jesus died as a substitutionary sacrifice for sin and was physically resurrected, proving His divinity.

Psychological Interpretation:

The crucifixion represents the necessary death of the ego—we must confront and transcend our own pride, selfishness, and illusions.

The resurrection is rebirth into a higher way of living—we become new creatures by following the model of Christ.

Esoteric Interpretation:

The cross is a universal symbol of transformation—uniting heaven and earth, spirit and matter.

The resurrection is not just a future event, but a present reality—we must awaken to divine life now.

V. Why This Perspective Matters for Faith and Growth

For literalists, this approach strengthens belief—showing how scripture applies to daily life and human transformation.

For thinkers drawn to psychology, it provides practical wisdom—offering timeless strategies for handling suffering, responsibility, and meaning.

For mystics and seekers, it reveals hidden depths—showing how Jesus’ life mirrors the great initiatory path of enlightenment.

What This Means for Us Today

Faith is not just about belief—it is about transformation.

Christ’s story is our story—we must walk the same path of self-denial, responsibility, and renewal.

The Bible speaks at multiple levels—we can embrace both its literal truth and its deeper symbolic wisdom.

By combining biblical faith, psychological insight, and esoteric symbolism, we see the Gospels not just as a record of the past, but as a living map for our present and future.

VI. Following the Map Christ Gave Us

Jesus said:

> “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

This means more than just belief—it is an invitation to transformation.

The literal believer follows Christ by faith and obedience.

The psychological seeker follows Christ by embracing responsibility and meaning.

The esoteric student follows Christ by awakening the divine within.

All three paths lead to the same truth. The question is:

Which path will you walk?

[theinneraltar]

In the Bible, Ruth worked in Boaz’s fields before she was redeemed. A reminder that blessings often come after faithfulness in small things. Before abundance comes labor, before harvest comes sowing.

[theinneraltar]

Jesus spoke in parables. Paul said, ‘The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.’ The Bible itself warns against rigid literalism. Maybe its stories were always meant to be read symbolically—like every other sacred text.

Nowhere in the Bible are we commanded to take it literally. If we do, it’s just a book about ancient people, written for them—not us. But read as sacred metaphor, it becomes a timeless guide to inner transformation.

If Adam and Eve are literal, their story is about ancient people we’ll never meet. But if they’re symbolic, they represent us—our awakening, our choices, our journey into wisdom. Maybe the Bible is personal after all.

[theinneraltar]

The Story of Cain & Abel: A Mystical Perspective

The story of Cain and Abel is one of the Bible's most enigmatic and symbolic narratives. On the surface, it appears to be a simple tale of sibling rivalry and murder, but when viewed through a mystical lens, it reveals profound truths about human nature, spirituality, and inner transformation.

Cain and Abel: Symbolic Archetypes

In this interpretation:

Cain, the farmer, represents the materialistic nature of humanity—rooted in the earth, focused on physical labor, and tied to external results. Cain embodies the ego-driven self, seeking fulfillment through material pursuits and the external world.

Abel, the shepherd, represents the higher, spiritual nature—aligned with intuition, transcendence, and divine connection. His offering of the "firstlings of his flock" symbolizes the surrender of primal desires in service to a higher purpose.

The Symbolism of Their Offerings

Careful study suggests that their offerings reflect two contrasting paths of human life:

Cain’s offering of crops symbolizes the consequences of materialism—focused on the fruits of external effort and detached from spiritual meaning.

Abel’s offering, however, reflects the surrender of the lower, animalistic instincts to align with divine will and spiritual purpose.

When God "accepts" Abel’s offering and rejects Cain’s, it’s not about favoritism. It’s a symbolic lesson:

Spiritual alignment (Abel) leads to harmony with the divine.

Materialism without higher meaning (Cain) leads to frustration and imbalance.

The Conflict Within

Cain’s anger and eventual murder of Abel represent the inner conflict between our spiritual and material natures. The materialistic ego, threatened by the divine connection of the higher self, seeks to dominate and suppress it.

When God asks Cain, “Where is Abel, your brother?”, it is not just a question for Cain—it’s a question for all of us. It asks us to confront the ways we suppress or neglect our higher nature in favor of materialism or ego-driven desires.

The Restless Wanderer

Cain’s punishment—to be a "restless wanderer"—is a profound symbol. Those who live solely for materialism, disconnected from their spiritual essence, lose their sense of purpose and inner peace. They become restless, burdened by guilt, dissatisfaction, or emptiness.

The Inner Lesson

This story isn’t just about two brothers; it’s about the inner battle we all face.

Will we align with our higher, spiritual nature (Abel)?

Or will we allow materialism and ego (Cain) to dominate?

This enlightened interpretation reminds us that the Bible’s stories are symbolic blueprints for spiritual growth. The tale of Cain and Abel urges us to reflect on our choices and align with the divine spark within us.

A Call to Reflection

Take a moment to reflect:

Are there ways you’ve allowed materialism or ego to suppress your spiritual nature?

How can you honor your “Abel” today?

What would it look like to cultivate a balance between the material and the spiritual in your life?

The story of Cain and Abel teaches us that balance is key. Material pursuits are part of life, but without spiritual alignment, they lead to frustration and disconnection. By honoring the “Abel” within, we can reconnect with divine truths and live a life of harmony and purpose.

Let’s embrace this journey together.

[theinneraltar]

Eden isn’t something we lost; it’s something we can cultivate.

The Garden was a state of harmony with The Creator, and the invitation remains: Will you tend the sacred spaces in your life?

[theinneraltar]

Welcome to The Inner Altar

Hello, fellow seekers!

This is The Inner Altar, a space created for those of us yearning to explore the deeper truths of life, faith, and spirituality. Whether you're a recovering fundamentalist, a spiritual wanderer, or simply someone who feels there’s more to the story than what you were told, you’ve found a safe place here.

For years, I lived within the confines of rigid religious dogma—afraid to ask questions, afraid to explore, and afraid to doubt. But something inside me knew there was more. As I began peeling back the layers of fear and tradition, I uncovered a depth and beauty in scripture and spirituality that transformed my life.

Here on The Inner Altar, we’re going to dive deep into the sacred mysteries, reimagine scripture with fresh eyes, and embrace a spirituality that is both grounded and expansive.

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What to Expect

Unveiling Symbolism in Scripture: What if Genesis 1 isn’t just a history lesson, but a profound reflection on the creative process within us? What if Adam and Eve’s story isn’t about failure, but about awakening?

Mystical Practices: From meditative prayer to journaling prompts, I’ll share tools to deepen your connection to the divine.

Healing from Fundamentalism: Together, we’ll explore how to release fear-based beliefs and find a faith that nurtures and empowers.

Community Reflections: This isn’t a one-way conversation. I’d love to hear your thoughts, your journey, and your questions.

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Why "The Inner Altar"?

The name comes from the belief that we all carry a sacred space within us—a place where we meet God, wrestle with questions, and find peace. It’s not about what’s external, but what’s within. The journey inward is the journey to transformation.

If you’re here, it means you’re ready to explore. You’re ready to open your heart to the deeper truths and let go of what no longer serves you. You’re ready to step into the mystery, the wonder, and the beauty of the sacred.

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Let’s Begin the Journey

Thank you for stopping by. Follow along for reflections, resources, and discussions that will inspire you to uncover your own inner altar.

Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments or ask questions—I’d love to connect with you. Together, let’s discover the wisdom, peace, and divine presence waiting just beneath the surface.

In grace and truth,

Michael