INTRODUCING THE GOLDEN VERSES

Before We Step Onto the Path

Little children have known always,
What Plotinus taught the wise,
That the world we see, we are:
Soul’s country beyond time and place
Her bright self-image in a glass;
Tree, leaf and flower,
Sun, moon and farthest star
	Kathleen Raine

FINDING THE PATH

Dear Friend

Welcome once more to the Hallowquest Sanctuary!

You are about to step upon a path that 25 centuries of seekers and soul-pilgrims have walked before you. Whatever the reason you came here, be aware that you are the most recent person to study these verses and that the footsteps of many seekers and practitioners precede you.  These teachings have many levels to them: some verses will immediately resonate with you, while others will not, at least at first. You don’t have to take everything that they have to say from the outset, or even like them very much.  But you can try them and see, as Hierocles invites us, for ‘by means of continual meditation upon these teachings, that the very spirit and energy of them is able to shine forth in every life, if you will only try them.’ He speaks of them as helping to clear the bleariness of the uncleansed eye so that we can reflect the beauty of truth.