“What will undo any boundary is the awareness that it is our vision, and not what we are viewing, that is limited.” ~ James P. Carse
In his book Finite and Infinite Games, James P. Carse demonstrates a way of looking at the world that is truly unique. He breaks human reality down to at least two different games: finite and infinite.
A finite game is played for the purpose of winning, even at the expense of play itself. An infinite game is played for the purpose of continuing play, for the sake of play itself. While there are endless finite games (chess, football, war, romance, politics, religion) there is only one infinite game: the game of life.
Finite players play to win and are often superficially rewarded for their play. Infinite players play to continue playing, and are often cosmically rewarded for their play. “It is an invariable principle of all play, finite and infinite, that whoever plays, plays freely. Whoever must play, cannot play.”
Here are six signs you may be an infinite player.
1.) You have the ability to transform boundaries into horizons
“He who lives horizonally is never somewhere, but always in passage” ~ James P. Carse
You realize –balls to bones, ovaries to marrow– that boundaries are a “phenomenon of opposition,” while horizons are a “phenomenon of vision.” Where finite players play within boundaries, you play with boundaries. You play with boxes by actually thinking outside of them instead of just saying you’re going to do so. You play with comfort zones, stretching them in order to persistently challenge yourself, even if that means inadvertently stretching the comfort zones of finite players.
You play with mental paradigms, questioning them to the nth degree until cognitive dissonance is literally stinking up the joint. You are adept at playing multiple games, wearing multiple masks, and practicing multiple songs and dance, all of them finite games within the overall infinite game. You are able to do this because you realize that all the petty finite games are but trivial sideshows of the only game that really matters, the one true infinite game: the game of life.
2.) You understand the absolute necessity for changing the rules of the game
“I am free, no matter what rules surround me. If I find them tolerable, I tolerate them; if I find them too obnoxious, I break them. I am free because I know that I alone am morally responsible for everything I do.” ~ Robert A. Heinlein
You are compelled to change the rules rather than keep them the same. You realize that the only fundamental constant in this universe is change. Indeed, change is the essence of the game of life. As such, you understand that in order for the infinite game to continue it must constantly be changing. The worst thing that can happen is for the rules to become rigid, stagnant, or dogmatic, since that would mean the end of all play, because play must be free, otherwise it is not play at all.
And so you adapt and overcome to the vicissitudes of life and to the many finite games that pop in and out of the unfolding human drama. You are adept at holding those games accountable that seek to become “the only game in town.” You poke holes in all sacred ideologies. You question all games where the finite players declare the rules of their game to be unquestionable.
You plant seeds of doubt in the minds of all finite players who falsely believe in certainty, while comforting those who are uncertain. You realize as Plato did: “For a state in which the law is respected, democracy is the worst form of government, but if the law is not respected, it is the best.”
3.) You play with jest as opposed to seriousness
“There is something in the nature of all play that is not serious, but at the same time can be sincere.” ~ Alan Watts
Where finite players play in all seriousness, the infinite player plays with sincere jest. Infinite play resounds with a kind of divine laughter. You have learned to laugh in this way. Your play is sacred and so too is your sense of humor. You have no problem playing the joker card on any and all self-serious card players. You are jester-perfect in your ability to laugh at the imperfections of the human condition.
Fallibility is the wave you use to surf over all the floundering finite players vainly seeking infallibility. You find all finite games to be trivial and petty and you handle them with sincere mockery, even if that means that, by mocking the game, the particular game comes to an end.
Mockery and tomfoolery are an important and vital function of the overall infinite game, especially when the accountability derived from such mockery extinguishes the potential for future evil. Indeed, the more finite games mocked and poked fun at, the more vital and sacred the overall infinite game becomes.
4.) You are internally defined as opposed to externally defined
“When individuals try to balance self-interest with a consideration of the bigger picture, they discover, as Socrates did, that deep self-interest actually includes concern for the good of the whole.” ~ Louis G. Herman
You are an interdependent agent. Your codependency of the past, with any particular finite game, has been reconditioned into an independent ability to engage with the ever-changing infinite game of life. This independency is not externally defined, but internally defined.
Indeed, it has blossomed into full-on interdependence with the greater cosmos. With this interdependent understanding you see how all things are interconnected; especially how all finite games are connected, and even how finite players stubbornly try to disconnect each other in order to “win at any cost.” You realize that their finite zero-sum games are divisive systems that only keep them separated and segregated, thus destroying any potential for equality, creativity and diversity.
Like Theodore Roosevelt said, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” You see how their finite games are preventing them from seeing the bigger picture of the infinite game. So it is that you are constantly trying to reconnect the disconnected (sometimes even despite them) to the awe-inspiring joy of infinite play.
5.) You play to generate time instead of consume it
“Raise your words, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder.” ~ Rumi
Where finite players seek to consume time, you seek to generate time. This means you are devastatingly clear with your intent. Your attitude toward the infinite game of life is obvious so as not to waste any time. You don’t pull punches. Your every word is a full disclosure of truth. You say what you mean and mean what you say. You are impeccable with your word.
Your honesty is paramount, because you understand that only through your honesty can others be free to decide what they can (or cannot) do with their time regarding you. So it is that you are brutally honest with your disposition toward the human condition. You are clear with your commitment to the infinite game, even at the expense of all finite games. You understand that infinite play requires complete vulnerability.
So you initiate your own actions in such a way that others respond by initiating their own action in kind. Where finite players are waiting for their turn to speak, you have learned how to listen with conscious intent, which generates time as space for the dialogue to continue, and healthy dialogue is the heart of good play.
6.) You are concerned with vision rather than power
“Real confidence has no bluster or bombast. It’s not rooted in a desire to seem better than everyone else and it’s not driven by a fear of appearing weak. Real confidence settles in when you have a clear vision of exactly what you need to do. Real confidence blooms as you wield the skills and power you have built through your hard work and discipline.” ~ Rob Brezsny
A finite player plays for power, while an infinite player plays with power. In your roll as infinite player, you have discovered sheer unadulterated joy in playing with power and with people’s notions of power. Where finite players want people to see how powerful they are, you want people to see how powerful they are. While the finite player brags about winning and fawns over trophies, accolades, and titles, you are busy with your passionate hard work and unwavering discipline.
Your confidence is focused and clear on what you need to do in order to keep the infinite game vital, healthy and, most importantly, fun. So you embrace a healthy mockery of the power-that-be. You use power as a tool to leverage vision into action, rather than as a weapon to force people into action. Unlike finite players, you see how play, good humor, laughter, and especially all of these combined, are essentially more powerful than power itself. Indeed, they are ways of getting power over power.
Being concerned with vision rather than power leads to courage, which leads to liberation, which leads to the need to empower and liberate others, which leads to other visionary people, which leads to accountability, which leads to sustainability, which leads to a healthy community for all, and therefore a healthy infinite game for all.
Like Paul Tillich said, “It takes tremendous courage to resist the lure of appearances. The power of being which is manifest in such courage is so great that the gods tremble in fear of it.” Let them tremble! Our infinite play depends upon it, and the play must go on. Where the finite player aims for eternal life; the infinite player aims for eternal rebirth.
“Everything on the earth has a purpose, every disease a herb to cure it, and every person a mission. This is the Indian theory of existence.” ~ Mourning Dove
Plants have been used as medicines for thousands of years to cure various ailments, gain wisdom and to help us connect with nature.
There are scripts from 2500 BC about various plants and their healing properties. In India, there are several Vedas that mention about treating diseases using herbs and plants.
Plants have vibrational frequency that is in tune with our body and psyche. These vibrational qualities of plants can assist in balancing, healing and energizing the seven major chakras.
The components of herbs interact with our energy system and remove toxic elements from our blood, enhance blood circulation and regulate the flow of oxygen.
If one uses the herbs appropriately, one can maintain a balanced state of mind, body and spirit.
Here are some of the common herbs to heal the chakras –
Root Chakra
Root Chakra is located at the base of the spine. It connects us to the earth because that is where we receive all of the vital nutrients essential to our survival, and it is also where body toxins are released.
The root chakra doesn’t just ground us physically, it also grounds us temporally by keeping us in the present moment.
An imbalanced root chakra can lead to problems in the legs, feet, rectum, tailbone, immune system, depression, autoimmune deficiencies.
Dandelion root tea are found to be highly effective in the treatment of depression, gallbladder or high blood pressure. Adding in foods like: carrots, potatoes, parsnips, radishes, onions and garlic, and anything else that roots itself, can have a soothing effect for our root chakra.
Sacral Chakra
Sacral Chakra is located below the navel near the abdomen between the ovaries for women and near the prostate gland for men.
The fundamental quality of this chakra is pure creativity, attention, sensual expression, unencumbered by the ego.
When this Chakra is blocked it can lead to eating disorders, urinary tract problems, reproductive disorders, occasional headache, fever and emotional imbalances.
Calendula is an easy-to-grow herb that enhances your creativity in all areas of life. Another herb that is highly beneficial for the sacral chakra is Gardenia. One can put Gardenia roots and oil to multiple uses, and its flowers are found to be very soothing for the senses as well; no wonder it’s also known as the happiness herb.
Sandalwood helps in curing many kinds of infections as it stimulates new cell growth. You can apply sandalwood oil on your body before taking a shower, or you can use it to create a good aroma in your house.
Other herbs & spices that are beneficial are Coriander, fennel, licorice, cinnamon, vanilla, carob, sweet paprika, sesame seeds, and caraway seeds.
Solar Plexus Chakra
Rosemary leaves
The 3rd chakra or the solar plexus chakra is the power center of emotions and positive self control. If this chakra is blocked we tend to feel unworthy and have a low self-esteem.
Our emotional state is one of depression and anxiety. We tend to be doubtful and mistrusting of others. This can lead to a plethora of physical problems: poor digestion, ulcers, diabetes, liver or kidney problems, anorexia, bulimia, and even intestinal tumors.
To unblock the energy flow, one can use lavender, bergamot or rosemary oil. Bergamot is great for the digestive system as it quickens the procedure of digestion causing less strain to the intestinal tract.
In the Mediterranean region, people consider rosemary an essential herb for the stomach and intestines. One can put rosemary leaves in several dishes, or you can use rosemary oil to cook dishes. Marshmallow relaxes the third chakra and softens our efforts to control life. It helps you to relax your diaphragm and reconnect to your breath.
Other useful herbs & spices are Anise, celery, cinnamon, lily of the valley, mints, ginger, mints (peppermint, spearmint, etc.), melissa, turmeric, cumin, fennel.
Heart Chakra
Heart Chakra is the center of love, compassion and forgiveness of our body’s energy system. When this chakra is blocked, we tend to feel disconnected and have trouble loving ourselves and others.
We tend to experience poor circulation on the physical level, lack empathy on the emotional level, and lack devotion on the spiritual level.
Many issues of love, grief, hatred, anger, jealousy, fears of betrayal, of loneliness, as well as the ability to heal ourselves and others are centered in the fourth chakra.
A tea or tincture of Hawthorne berries increases trust in the process of life and encourages you to feel safe following your heart. It also helps to strengthen the heart and blood vessels. You can also use Cayenne, jasmine, lavender, marjoram, rose, basil, sage, thyme, cilantro, parsley for a healthy heart.
Throat Chakra
Throat chakra is largely responsible for self-expression and communication. When this chakra is clear our speech becomes uplifting, wise and we can communicate our intent clearly.
An unbalanced throat chakra leads to thyroid problems, laryngitis on the physical level, codependency on the emotional level, unclear thoughts on the mental level, and insecurity on the spiritual level. We often speak without thinking and have trouble expressing ourselves in an authentic way. It is also responsible for nervousness, fear and anxiety.
Red clover blossoms assist in allowing a free flow of communication and self-expression. A cup of red clover tea can unlock the emotions and thoughts that are waiting to be spoken.
A research conducted by the University of Maryland, Medical Centre shows that lemon balm is capable of healing several ailments including thyroid. Eucalyptus oil is another beneficial oil for de-congestion, simply rubbing few drops of oil on the throat will help.
Other herbs & spices that can help with the throat chakra is Coltsfoot, peppermint, sage, salt and lemon grass.
When this chakra is blocked we tend to lack in imagination and intuition resulting in poor decision making and self-deception. Physically, third eye weakness may manifest as eye/ear problems, headaches, migraines, insomnia, or even nightmares.
Mint, jasmine, and eyebright are herbs used to open the sixth chakra. Eyebright helps to see both the light and dark sides as part of the whole, and is also used to cure eye problems. Mint has been found useful in curing depression, migraines, and memory loss. It also enhances the connection between the mind and body.
These are the herbs & spices that can energize and heal any imbalances in the third eye chakra: Juniper, mugwort, poppy, rosemary, lavender, and poppy seed.
Crown Chakra
Crown Chakra connects us to the universal divine energy. This chakra is associated with wisdom, enlightenment and transcendence.
When our crown chakra is cleansed and open we experience divine union and cosmic love, stretching out forever. Our unique frequency is in tune with the cosmic orchestra.
When our crown chakra is blocked or closed we feel disconnected spiritually, as though we are living without any direction or purpose.
On a physical level, it can lead to depression, nervous system disorders, migraines, amnesia, ADD, dyslexia, and in the most extreme cases cognitive delusions and mental illness.
Lavender flowers and lotus assist in opening your seventh chakra. Lavender brings you into alignment with divine wisdom on a daily basis and is a popular herb for enhancing meditation. While lotus leaves and stems are widely used in Japanese and Chinese cuisine, and each part has its own set of benefits. Lavender is your best bet because it works well on all the chakras.
You can include plants in your life through taking herbs internally in the form of tea, or externally as a bath or aromatherapy, you can enhance the benefits by consciously connecting with their vibrational qualities.
(The information provided in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other health provider/naturopath with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition)
“I awoke only to find that the rest of the world was still asleep.” ~ Leonardo Da Vinci
A Rubicon is any bounding or limiting line (comfort zone, mental paradigm, status quo), that seems risky or dangerous, or even impassable. “Crossing the Rubicon” is a metaphor for crossing a point of no return, or deliberately proceeding with a course of action where we know full well that there can be no going back.
To cross the Rubicon means to take an irrevocable step toward a specific goal. When Julius Caesar was about to cross the actual Rubicon, a shallow river in northeast Italy, he was recorded as saying, “Alea iacta est” (the die has been cast), insinuating the inherent risk involved with the feat.
Crossing our own Rubicon is no less risky, but it’s a calculative risk. There comes a point where we can no longer merely exist on the safety of the shore. We must brave the storm of the Rubicon in order to discover the freedom waiting on the other side.
Crossing the existential Rubicon is excruciatingly challenging. There is a kind of spiritual pain involved, a deep soul-ache caused from the shock of losing our innocence. Upon crossing the existential Rubicon, we experience the death of our innocent self and the rebirth of our wise self.
We all experience pain in life –physical, psychological, emotional– but perhaps no pain is greater than waking up only to find that the rest of the world is still asleep. Or waking up only to find that everything we cherished in the time before no longer holds any water.
Or, most painful of all, the realization that the universe is inherently meaningless and that it’s now our responsibility to bring meaning to it, or suffer from nihilism. This kind of existential ache is profound and can easily give rise to a dark night of the soul.
So how do we come to terms with the irrevocability of the individuation that arises from crossing boundaries that have never been crossed before? Where do we turn? Either we cross the Rubicon or the Rubicon crosses us.
Like Alan Watts said, “Existence is relationship and you are smack in the middle of it.”
We have a responsibility to our side of the relationship. That responsibility requires a sense of humor of the most high, and the ability to transform wounds into wisdom.
Practicing and cultivating a playful disposition toward life goes a long way toward relieving us of our existential anxiety. Indeed, a sacred sense of humor turns the tables on meaninglessness. It puts things into proper perspective.
Like Robert Frost once quipped: “Forgive, O Lord, my little jokes on Thee, and I’ll forgive Thy great big joke on me.”
Willing ourselves free is not easy. Freedom is not a given. Neither is self-actualization. Both take hard work to maintain, and there’s a huge amount of responsibility in freedom that slaves will never know.
Similarly, self-actualization is not a given. There are complications galore. It takes practice, dedication, and ruthless resolve to maintain. But it is our responsibility, and ours alone, to sustain it.
Like Simone De Beauvoir said, “Setting up the moment of my transcendence requires that I never let it uselessly fall back upon itself, that I prolong it indefinitely.”
We are seized by our own freedom. What we do with this freedom is the greatest responsibility of all.
Like Viktor Frankl once quipped: “I recommend that the Statue of Liberty on the East Coast be supplemented by a Statue of Responsibility on the West Coast.”
He said this because he understood that freedom comes with great responsibility. And so too does our self-actualization.
Crossing the Rubicon is not for the faint of heart. It is a reorganization of the self (mind, body, and soul) which enables us to encounter the world in a new light. How we go about recognizing, embracing, and implementing this new self-reorganization will determine how much fruit we can get out of our own human flourishing.
Essentially, crossing the Rubicon is a stepping stone that leads us to the philosopher’s stone, where our unique wisdom can be cultivated. “By three methods we may learn wisdom:” wrote Confucius, “First, by reflection, which is noblest; second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third, by experience, which is the bitterest.”
Wisdom through experience is a bitter pill indeed. Crossing the existential Rubicon into wakefulness is a double-edged sword. The great thing is that we are awake. Our consciousness is heightened like never before. We’re vibrantly alive and aware of things that before we were insensate to. But there are ramifications to self-actualization. The other side of the sword is extremely humbling.
Our hyper-awareness leads to a spiritual sensitivity that we didn’t have before. We are more vulnerable and open to the harsh slings and arrows of fate. Existential anxiety is prominent. In sacrificing our innocence, we suffer like never before.
But, like Martin Luther King, Jr wrote, “Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable… Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals.”
We are those dedicated individuals; otherwise we never would have had the strength to cross our own existential Rubicon in the first place. At the end of the day, crossing the existential Rubicon is just a single step on the hero’s path in the ongoing mytheme of the human leitmotif.
And so we should be humble with such crossing. We may have to cross many Rubicons in our lifetime. In fact, it could be argued that the more Rubicons we face, the more spiritually refined and existentially cultivated we will become, and the deeper the double-edged sword will sink.
The more Rubicons we cross, the more aware we’ll become of exactly how impossible the task of being a wise human being really is. The more we know, the more we realize how much we don’t know. It’s all just a part of the sacred journey, and the journey really is the thing.
Like Ann Druyan said, “No single step in the pursuit of enlightenment should ever be considered sacred; only the search was.”
“Think the highest thought you can think. Feel into it, then expand it. Do this every morning.” ~ Blythe Ayne
Motivation is a process where thoughts influence your emotions and actions in the course of life. It is a challenge to stay motivated all the time, shunning away all the negative thoughts and anxiety, but an important skill that can help you to take control of many aspects of life.
There are two types of motivation – intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation is the behaviour where an individual is driven by internal rewards and is inclined to act in a certain manner for self-joy.
“Intrinsic motivation occurs when we act without any obvious external rewards. We simply enjoy an activity or see it as an opportunity to explore, learn, and actualize our potentials.” ~ Coon & Mitterer, 2010
On the other hand, extrinsic motivation is driven by external rewards; like money, status in society, fame, grades, and praise. Extrinsic motivation is largely related to material happiness, which we all know is short-lived.
Research done by psychologists from the University of Rochester showed that extrinsic motivation has a negative effect on will power as it is driven by ego. Another research showed how extrinsic rewards snuff out all self motivation and creativity, regardless of task or age.
If you are feeling low-spirited, nothing in the external world can change that feeling, you have to look within and introspect. It is intrinsic motivation that keeps us glued to our journey of knowing oneself and boosts creativity because you are doing something that you find rewarding and interesting.
Here are few ways and requisites to keep you self-motivated and keep the hurdles at the bay.
1) Stay calm
“Only in quiet waters things mirror themselves undistorted. Only in a quiet mind is adequate perception of the world.” ~ Hans Margolius
During turbulent times our mind is capable of becoming our biggest enemy. Our mind is a garden and we get to choose the kind of thoughts we plant in it.
By learning how to nurture positive, motivating thoughts, neutralize negative ones, and focus on the task at hand, you can pull yourself out of a slump before it gains momentum.
2) Don’t take life too seriously
Most of the time, we feel demotivated in life, unconsciously or consciously, stems from our unnecessary expectations about ourselves. Expectations limit us and in that limitation we develop the fear of failing.
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Reflect, learn and start again. Don’t be embarrassed or disappointed if your life doesn’t go as per your plan, find the valuable lesson(s) in each of your failures.
3) Follow your heart and soul
‘This above all; to your own self be true.” ~ William Shakespeare
Stay true to your heart and you will develop immense courage to face life with an open mind and a fresh perspective. When you follow your heart, you find peace, you ignite your passion, and you discover your purpose.
When you find your purpose, it becomes relatively easy to feel motivated. But if you don’t follow your heart, you might spend the rest of your life wishing that you did.
4) Do things which make you feel happy!
When you love what you do, you don’t need to look outside for motivation, it comes from within. Nothing weighs you down, instead you feel uplifted and charged to pursue goals which keeps you happy.
If you try to devote your attention forcefully to something which creates tension in your mind and body, you will soon find yourself exhausted and frustrated. Follow your dreams, you have the power to manifest your reality.
5) Loving unconditionally
“Survival is for the human animal; fear the motivation. For the spiritual being survival is irrelevant. Curiosity, compassion and creativity are the name of the game; unconditional love the motivation.” ~ Peter Shepherd
Loving unconditionally is the greatest source of motivation for any individual as it connects one to an eternal source of bliss. You can throw open the channels between yourself and the universe to give and receive love. This holds the key to self-motivation.
Self-motivation is as necessary as anything else in life. There is a popular quote by Zig Ziglar, “People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily.”
Once you develop the healthy habit of keeping yourself motivated, you will be in charge of your thoughts, emotions, feelings and ultimately your life. In the process, you will also explore yourself as a human being and constantly expand your consciousness.
Here is an interesting video which talks about psychology of self-motivation in detail.
It seems as though the article “Eco-consciousness and the Rise of the Eco Warrior” fell on deaf ears. Hopefully by giving you a more powerful symbol to hang your hat on the message will be less likely to go in one ear and out the other.
Such is my intent with the Fifth Horseman and this article. But first, let’s delve into the mysterious mythology of the original four horsemen.
1st Horseman of the Apocalypse: Conquest (White Horse)
“Then I saw when the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying as with a voice of thunder, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.” ~ Revelation 6:1-2
Also known as “Pestilence,” the rider of this horse carries a bow and wears a victor’s crown. This horseman is a metaphor for the overreach of mankind. He is bound and determined to conquer the world with excess, and the aggrandizement of the human condition, which leads to greed and a gross imbalance between nature and the human soul. Wherever there is disease there is medicine.
But the 1st horseman has suppressed the medicine in favor of the disease by pushing ever-forward with his conquer-control-consume-destroy-repeat agenda.
Like Vicente Blasco Ibáñez wrote in his novel The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, “The horseman on the white horse was clad in a showy and barbarous attire… While his horse continued galloping, he was bending his bow in order to spread pestilence abroad. At his back swung the brass quiver filled with poisoned arrows, containing the germs of all diseases.”
And he will continue spreading diseases until the fifth horseman stops him.
2nd Horseman of the Apocalypse: War (Red Horse)
“When He broke the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come.” And another, a red horse, went out; and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, and that men would slay one another; and a great sword was given to him.” ~ Revelation 6:3-4
Fierce and bloodthirsty, the second horseman is a warmonger par excellence. Armed with a “great sword” and riding a fiery horse, he is a metaphor for war itself, symbolizing the stubborn non-compromising aspect of the human condition.
He would rather cut your head off than bother tolerating you. He is incapable of realizing that two wrongs don’t make a right. He is the personification of the war machine that is systematically destroying the planet.
Blinded by pride and patriotism, he cannot see how war is two rights obliterating their rights, and love is two wrongs obliging their wrongs. His striving for perfection has led to war, since there is no such thing as perfection, either in himself or the human condition.
And so he rages. And so he surrenders to his wrath. And he will continue waging war until the fifth horseman stops him.
3rd Horseman of the Apocalypse: Famine (Black Horse)
“When He broke the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, a black horse; and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard something like a voice in the center of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not damage the oil and the wine.” ~ Revelation 6:5-6
The third horseman is the bringer of dearth and deprivation, and the sower of scarcity and starvation. Armed with a pair of weighing scales, he symbolizes the oppression of the poor and the starving of the weak.
He is hell-bent on keeping the rich richer and the poor poorer by blinding the world with a veil of scarcity that hides the wealthy abundance of the earth. Famine is all about smoke and mirrors, deceit and snake oil, hoax and bamboozlement.
His scales weigh a zero-sum game, worthless unless people believe in it. And they do! –ironically keeping themselves enslaved to the charlatans and swindlers who hold power. Famine smiles over it all, weighing the human soul against the Earth and coming up with death. And he will continue with his want & woe until the fifth horseman stops him.
4th Horseman of the Apocalypse: Death (Pale Horse)
“When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come.” I looked, and behold, an ashen horse; and he who sat on it had the name Death; and Hades was following with him. Authority was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.” ~ Revelation 6:7-8
Behold, Death upon his pale high-horse mocking your life half-lived, a too-big god gambling with his godmanship. He is sharpening your halo with his scythe. He is hell-bent on bringing hell to your doorstep, and he’s damn good at it.
Armed with a scythe, he symbolizes the end of mankind, the last phase of the apocalypse (until the fifth horseman arrives, that is).
He has Hades in his pocket and he’s not afraid to use him. He is the culmination of the previous three riders, gray and uncouth, sickly and soldierly, reaping greatly upon what the others have sown.
He is circumspect, patiently waiting for you to give into the End of Times agenda. He doesn’t want you to know that the beginning is near. And he will continue to keep the secrets of the Earth from you until the fifth horseman stops him.
5th Horseman of the Apocalypse: Providence (Green Horse)
“I’ve begun to look at the world through apocalypse eyes. Our society, which seems so sturdily built out of concrete and custom, is just a temporary resting place, a hotel our civilization checked into a couple hundred years ago and must one day check out of.” ~ Neil Strauss
This is the horseman that cleans up after the original four horsemen (the four horsemen are a metaphor for anybody caught up (aware or not) in any kind of unsustainable, unhealthy, violent, stupid, immoral, mass-destructive social system).
The Fifth Horseman of the Apocalypse is an archetype representing rebirth and renewal in the face of conquest, war, famine, and death. And, the fifth horseman isn’t even a man.
She is a woman, feminine and ruthless with her soft healing powers. Her name is Providence. She is Phoenix-like. Armed with the Aegis of Freedom and the Sword of Ploughshares, she rises up from the ashes of war & decay to spread self-actualized love, open-mindedness, and sustainability by digging up the decay and unsustainable residue of past and present civilizations and then using it all as compost to cultivate and grow a healthier future for the coexistence of nature and human beings.
In that capacity she has devoted herself to planting gardens of heroism in the humus of war, hate, close-mindedness and greed, and anything else left behind by the original four horsemen.
And so she subsumes the original four horsemen and teaches them that the NEW definition of right & wrong must be derived from the natural dictation of healthy & unhealthy rather than the human opinion of good & evil. She is the Verdant Force.
She is the Goddess of Recompense. She is the soft hammer of evolution. She has come to blur the false boundaries that have been erected between nature and the human soul. She has come to shred the Veil of Ignominy in order to reveal the raw vulnerability of the human condition that pulses beneath.
She is Gaia. She is Lady Justice. She is the return of the Sacred Feminine. She is all of us, men and women, realizing that we are nature first and human second, that we are soul first and ego second. She is weighing the worth of the human world with the Scales of Cosmos. With or without us, she will not fail to bring water to the wasteland.
