The Moth and the Fire

From afar I see the light
The light through the woods
I am the moth

Although all is dark
She draws me towards her
I do not resist
She is the flame

I circle about her
She crackles
Sparks fly
Her warmth --
Ah, her fiery warmth!
She reaches upwards
Leaping
Dancing

My wings are scorched
Her beauty
Her peace
Her tranquility and repose

Sparks shoot off
Shall I dodge them?
Circling…circling…circling

I hesitate for a moment
The outer circle
Darkness
Strange beings
Shadows leap

I focus on the flame
Circling…circling…circling
Now there is no hesitation
I feel the love of her being
I surrender to us

Let me fly into that Love
No more circling
Let me dive into her flames
Let only our Love remain

Sunflower Queen and Consort Bumble Bee

I dance with my friends about the barn
Darting in and out
Playing in the first summer light
I am the mighty Bumble Bee

Mid-summer light emerges
I notice a beautiful green plant rising from the earth
She reaches up towards heaven
Stretching everyday with amazing speed
I soar about her, wondering
Could it be?
I have heard legends of her
Tales told by those now gone

She reaches up
Higher and higher
Her leaves broaden
I watch her unfold – morning, noon and twilight
Her gorgeous head begins to open
Beautiful giant yellow petals
She turns towards the sun
She is the Queen of the summer garden
She is the faerie of the Sunflower

I dance about her
Her fragrance intoxicates me
Her yellow leaves enchant me
At night I must return to my hive, waiting
Waiting for the morning sun
Knowing that she shall be there next to the old barn
Smiling
Bewitching me
I dare not be without her – even for a moment

I tell her tales
I sample her nectar
She delights me
I rest upon her crown, guarding her

This morning I see no sun
Spirits of the Thunderbeings beat their drums
Flashes of lightning
Dark sky
In such weather even mighty Bumble Bees dare not fly

There she stands
Regal
Gorgeous

The storm begins
The first rain

The wind begins to beat against her
Oh my Queen
What happened to the mighty Bumble Bee?

What’s that?
Trumpet vine has taken hold of her

The wind continues to whip
Rain
Dark clouds

Where is she now?
Who has taken my lady of the garden?

I buzz about
Does anyone hear my shout?
Our cry
Our pain
I fly to her – holding on to her crown
The wind and rain whips us


The wind stops
There she is
Still
Head bent
Cocoon like

Ants march upon her
Where did they come from?
Friend or foe?
I do not know

It seems the storm has passed
Or has it?

My Lady, Queen, Sunflower
Ever beautiful
The sun shines again

But what of the summer

Legends tell that the summer must one day come to an end
Winter’s coming
But when?

The world appears anew
I dance about her
-whirling -- whirling -- whirling
Hold her crown
Breathe her fragrance
Intoxicated even more than before

But what of the winter?

Legends say…The old ones now gone
We shall one day walk their way
- Together
- Near or far
- Who's to say?

But now the sun doth shine
And she
Oh she
My Lady
She is mine

Qur'an Surah 2: 1-7

It has often been said that the first six verses of Surah II serve as a “confessional statement” of sorts in the Glorious Qur’an. How does the Rose Crescent interpret these verses?

According to the Rose Crescent tradition, Surah II: 1-7 presents the core basic teachings of Islam. Islam has only one confessional statement - the Shahada. Let’s go through them together:

1. A.L.M (Click here)

2. "This is the Book. It is a reliable guidance for those who are initiated into the Love of Allah."

The passage begins by telling us that The Qur'an is a reliable reflection of the Umm al-Kitab. It is, however, closed to those outside of the initiates, the mystics, gnostics and Sufi Masters, the so-called "Al-Muttaqun."

3. "They (the Muttaqun) are the ones who know the reality of the Unseen worlds, who enter into direct connection with the Spirit through salat and give of what we have provided for them."

There are several keys here: First, the Muttaqun are ones who know that the other worlds exist through salat, which, for us, includes prayer, meditation, contemplation, Sufi dancing, chanting (e.g. zhikr), mystical singing and art, recollection and shamanic journeying. Second, all of our bounties, the material and spiritual gifts we enjoy, originate with the Spirit (Allah). The Muttaqun use these heavenly gifts for the service of others. Service to others varies on the individual Muttaqun, his/her spiritual gifts, the specific needs placed before him/her by the Spirit. Examples may include, but are not limited to, the following: healing an ill person (without pay or exchange); giving of one's wealth to the poor; advocating on behalf of those who are experiencing injustice; caring for animals; counseling; planting trees; cleaning the earth of toxins (etc.).

4. "And they are the ones who trust in the Revelation given unto Muhammad as well as to those before his time, and in their hearts they have the assurance of the Hereafter."

The revelation given to Muhammad through the Archangel Gabriel is laid upon the earlier foundations. As such, Islam is a universal religion and to follow the revelation given unto Muhammad is to believe in all preceding revelations (e.g. Torah, Gospels, Tao Te Ching, Buddhist scriptures, Vedas, etc.). Through these revelations, and through direct knowledge of the other worlds, the Muttaqun know that the Hereafter is a reality, that this earthly plane is only one universe amongst many, and that death is only the outer shedding of the skin and does not affect the soul. This certain knowledge leads to union with divinity.

5. "They are on the right path, and blessings will be heaped upon them."

Along with their service to humanity, and their respect and study of all of the world’s faith, they will enter the Light as the citizens of the Kingdom.

6. "As for those who reject the Light, it is the same to them whether the Prophet warns them or not. They will not believe. 7. Allah has set a seal on their hearts and on their hearing. And on their eyes is a veil. Great is the penalty they will receive."

Who are those that reject the Faith? At first glance we might suppose the Recital is casting judgment upon the Other. However, according to our Sufi interpretation, we must look within our own hearts. Verses 6 and 7 convict all of us. We are the enemies. We are the ones who have rejected the Light. Unless we are free of anger, hate, judgement, egotism, etc. it is we who have the seal upon our hearts. We cannot hear or see the divine that surrounds. We are cut off from the Spirit, the Source, the Light. How sad is our state.

And what is "the penalty"?

According to the Rose Crescent, the "penalty" is the penalty of transmigration. If we have the seal on our hearts and the veil over our eyes then we have been cut off from the Source. The result is that we are continually reborn in this world of illusion (maya - Surah 6:32). Unless we have come here as a Muttaqun (Bodhisattvas) to help others, then we are under "the penalty." The great secret is that this world is not the place we are led to believe that it is. Being born here again and again is the penalty we have all reaped a thousand times because of our rejection.

Let us endeavor to all enter the Light, to achieve liberation, and become citizens of the Kingdom. So mote it be!

In summary, the six core teachings of Islam as presented in the first seven verses of Surah II include: (a) a contemplative appraoch to the Spirit and the other realms; (b) the recognition of the universality of God's revelation (both the Qur'an and the preceeding revelations); (c) an active engagement with the earth (the middle realm) to promote justice and alleviate suffering; (d) a recognition that all blessings originate with Allah; (e) a recognition of the enemies of Allah (both internal and demonic); and (f) a recognition of the "penalty" (i.e. transmigration of the soul).

For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Qur'an please click here.

Sacred Datura & the Sphinx Moth

I, Sacred Datura, rise out of the soil
Deep dark green
Few know me
Fewer still dare to approach me
Those with sense fear me
My fruit is sharp and prickly
I stretch forth my arms, giving shade, waiting for the sun to set

I call to the night
I extend my long white flowers towards the night sky
Sweet and fragrant am I
I open my flowers to the moon
Who shines within me, gently

I take Luna’s song within me
Those who would approach – who would dare to sample
I walk in the glow with them
Madness, dreams and death doth await
I await my Queen – for without her I could not be

From out of the land of Egypt
From the bosom of Osiris she doth fly
Tiger striped body has she
She is the Queen of the Sacred Datura
The striped moth of the Sphinx

There is a moment – a second - when the twilight will be no more
I race from the mouth of the Sphinx
And dance among the five petal flowers of my beloved – the Sacred One
Death hath no fear
Nor madness
I have learned the dance of the hummingbird
But have shorn the flight with the sun
I choose the moon and its secrets
Under the nocturnal rule of the owl
The stone path of the underworld
Guarded by my friend the bat
The glowing purple flame
Where the last ray doth shine
Where Luna in her silver dress plays and dances

I am the moth that circles the flowered white pentagram
I am the lover
Sacred Datura my beloved

Bibi Fatima - The Rose Garden

Tradition tells us that Fatima had a rose garden in Medina. According to the Rose Crescent, the following tale describes the origin of Bibi Fatima's first rose garden.

And when Fatima, beloved daughter of the Prophet (pbuh), was just a young girl she was walking outside upon a sandy rocky field. And her heart ached that the ground was dry and parched. And the Spirit of Wisdom looked with mercy upon her. And the wind began to blow. And suddenly four seeds appeared in her hand. And her heart was filled with joy.

And the young Bibi Fatima carefully placed the four seeds in the ground, digging a small hole with her fingers. And bending close, she watered them with her saliva.

And the spirits of the dew smiled upon her and visited the seeds each morning.

And slowly the seeds began to sprout.

And the ummah gathered about, amazed that four thorn bushes had sprung from that parched earth.

And when the moon was full, and the spirits of the dew had worked their magic, the four bushes bloomed four roses – white, red, blue and gold.

And the young Bibi Fatima sat amongst the flowers.

And the Spirit of Wisdom joined her and said.

“Beloved child:

“The white rose holds the power and secret of intuition, gently spirituality, and the feminine powers. Use this rose to heal those who are injured and in want.”

“The red rose holds the gift of creativity and spontaneity. Use the red rose to temper the patriarchy that you will encounter, where brother shall raise sword upon brother, and men will create dogmas to oppress others.”

“The blue rose holds the secret of discernment. Use the blue rose to teach the people of the earth to guide their intentions in the world – in the service of helping all and harming none.”

“The gold rose holds the force of regeneration. Use the gold rose to restore balance, bringing male and female, enemy and friend, lover and beloved, master and slave, powerful and powerless, human and animal, rich and poor, oppressor and oppressed together as one – united in the common purpose of peace, love and prosperity.”

To learn more about Fatima, click here.

Al Khidr: Remote Viewing

From the Secret Sayings (Book III. 4. v. 11 – 19)

11. Having drunk the Heavenly Elixir offered to him by Isis, manifestation of the Spirit of Wisdom, Al Khidr returned to his cave. Slowly he felt a powerful sensation in the middle of his forehead. The world as image began to appear to him. First, all appeared in a fog. And then it slowly cleared, appearing black and white. And then the world appeared in various colors and hues.

12. And when he turned his mind upon an object or place he could behold that place, viewing from afar.

13. And the places appeared first in sketch form. And then slowly in detail. And then in color. And finally he could view the energetic streams, the intentions, the history and the future of any distant place he set his mind upon.

14. And Al khidr sat in the cave for what appeared to be years, viewing the world and its spirit.

15. And his mind took in other worlds, worlds parallel to each other. And he saw the worlds of potential and the world’s that had been actualized. And he saw that which was in the mind of Allah and that which was in the will of Allah.

16. And looking out into the universe he came upon a world of records – a giant library of sorts (that some call the Akhasic record). And he entered the library, and there he could browse all that had been, could be or world be.

17. And his spirit was filled with fear at all these things. And the Archangel Gabriel stood by his side, steadying him.

18. And as he gazed out he beheld three spirits, beautiful and powerful were they to behold, descending towards the earth.

“Who art they?” He asked the Angel Gabriel in wonder.

“These three are three powerful manifestations of the Rasul-Logos. The first will teach the people the Law of Being. The second shall teach the Way of Love. And the third shall teach the Path of Peace.

“And how shall they be called?”

“The first shall be called Buddha. The second shall be known as the Christ. And the third shall be revered as The Prophet.”

19. And when he gazed again he saw three more spirits descending towards the earth, as beautiful and powerful as the first three.

“And who art they, and how shall they be called?” He asked in wonder.

“They are just a few of the manifestations of the Spirit of Wisdom. The first shall be called Kuan Yin; the second shall be known as the Virgin Mary; and the third shall be known as Fatima Um Abi Ha. They shall walk the earth with joy and sorrow, ministering to all who are in need, regardless of creed, dogma or belief.”


For more information on the Founder of the Rose Crescent, visit our site on the legendary Al Khidr by clicking here.

Sufism, the Qur’an and Exegesis

How should one read the Qur’an? Is there a special method of exegesis when searching for an interpretation of the Qur’an?

According to the Rose Crescent, Qur’anic exegesis may be carried out in a number of ways. Before proceeding, though, let us say that in Islam/Sufism it is the responsibility of each individual to read and interpret the Qur’an for him/herself. Relying on what a scholar, Imam, mullah or ayatollah has said will not help you. You must determine what the Quran has said. Now -

The first rule is that you should be aware of what and how other sincere readers and scholars have said. (This doesn’t mean, though, that your own interpretation should be stopped). We recommend Yusuf Ali’s commentary as a starting point.

Second, all interpretations of the Qur’an should be measured by those spiritual saints upon whose shoulder’s we stand, namely: Rumi and Ibn Arabi. These two men of God are the keys that will assist you to unlock the Qur’an.

Third, when reading the Qur’an you must keep in mind the following:

Does the passage have temporal or spatial limitations? In other words, was it intended just for the people of that day (e.g. the Arabs whom Muhammad – pbuh – was dealing with)? Was it just for the specific situation in which Muhammad (pbuh) found himself?

Or, is the passage pointing towards deeper universal spiritual truths?

Fourth, which chakra and/or station is the passage speaking to or from?

Fifth, how does the passage relate to various Hadith and/or other surahs?

And finally, having worked through the above five points, you should take the passage to your individual Shaykh.

Here is the method:

Begin by lighting a candle on your alter
Say, “Bismallah ar-rahman ar-rahim”
Read the passage aloud
Ask Allah (the Light, Source and Depth) for guidance
Ask that your interpretation be for the Good, helping all and hurming none

Then

Lie down
Count from 20 to 1
Do the meditation with the rose crescent
Listen to a drumming CD
Seek your ladder to the heavens (Surah 6:35)
Enter the Celestial Mosque
Your Shaykh* will be waiting for you
Ask your Shaykh to help you interpret the passage
Ask your Shaykh how this passage can be used in your life
Thank your Shaykh
Return down the ladder
Open your eyes
Conclude by saying, “Allahu Akbar”

*If you don't have a Shaykh, when you get to the celestial mosque and you meet a person ask him/her: "Are you my Shaykh?" If yes, go with them. If not, ask him/her: "Can you lead me to my Shaykh?"

For more commentary on the Qur'an click here

For more spiritual exercises click here

The Future World Religion

What will the future world religion look like?

Many people have asked us what the next world's religion will look like? How will it be structured? Who will be its founder(s)?

The Rose Crescent puts forward that the world's future religion is currently evolving from universal Islam under the spiritual direction of Fatima Um Abi Ha, beloved daughter of the Prophet and now ascended Queen of Heaven.

First, the future religion will value the sacred books and prophets of all religions.

Second, it will seek harmony, healing, love and peace over power and dogma.

Third, although ALL past books will be read and honored, the Spirit will continue to unfold in the community. Once every 10 years people of all faith traditions will open to the Spirit, who will descend upon the community. The event will culminate during the month of Ramadan.

Beginning at the local spiritual assemblies, mosques, temples, synagogues, churches, etc. people will receive revelations, recite poetry, write essays, fiction, dramas, perform new musical pieces, have visions, paint, etc. These works will be collected and published (both print and electronically). They will comprise the New Book for the Age. For the next nine years people will study this collected community revelation, and gain personal proficiency in one or more arts as part of the preparation for the descent of the Spirit. Again, in the 10th year the cycle will begin anew with the opening to the Spirit and the descent of the Holy Spirit into the community.

During the month of Ramadan every 10 years the world community will come together for a month long celebration where the New Book will be revealed.

In addition, a giant library will be constructed every 10 years (in a different country) to house these works from around the world.

Is the new religion already beginning to unfold?

Yes. We have seen manifestations of it. However, it is still in its inception. Two manifestations include:

Universal Awakening

Tikkun Community

So mote it be!

Baha'u'llah and Islam

Mirza Husayn Ali (1817-1892) was born in Tehran. Later he and his followers came to call him Baha’u’llah, meaning the Glory of God.

In short, Baha’u’llah was a prolific writer, an extraordinary visionary, a saintly man who should easily be viewed as one of the great Sufis masters of Islam. He spent much of his life in exile and prison, where he eventually died. Unlike most other Sufis, he is extremely controversial in Islam because of claims that he was a new prophet.

According to the Rose Crescent, Muhammad (PBUH) was the last prophet. However, as stated in a previous post, we do view Baha’u’llah as an Apostle of Muhammad, and as an Elder of the Rose Crescent.

As a Sufi Master, we believe that Baha’u’llah emptied himself of his own ego. Thus, when he claims equality with the Prophets before him, it is tantamount to Hallaj’s claim that he is God. Moreover, we believe that Baha’u’llah stands in relation to Muhammad as St. Paul’s stood to Jesus Christ. In Galations 2:20 Paul wrote:

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me.”

Paul did not replace Jesus Christ. Nor was Paul a Messenger (Rasul) of God. Instead, Paul was a reflection, or a manifestation, of Jesus on earth. His writings do not replace the Gospel. But through his writings we often catch a glimpse of Jesus – and the Spirit - through Paul’s eyes. In the same way, we understand Baha’u’llah’s claims of himself as reflecting the high station he achieved of oneness with the Spirit.

Baha’ullah’s teachings and writings pick up on points in the Glorious Qur’an, clarifying them and empathizing issues that have been overlooked, or down played, by the ulamah. Baha’u’llah’s books can be divided into four categories: apologetics (Kitab-i-Iqan); mystical Sufi writings; social teachings; and Sharia/law (The Kitab-i-Aqdas).

Our view is that Baha’u’llah was inspired by the Light (Allah) and thus we view him as an important spiritual Elder of our global village (along with saints such as Hazrat Inayat Khan, Badshah Khan, Gandhi, Rudolf Steiner, etc). We believe that in each period Allah sends Elders (both male and female) into the world. These guides serve as physicians for our ailing civilizations and planet.

According to the Rose Crescent, Baha’u’llah’s teachings confirm the message of the Quran (and we will explain this in a follow-up post), and we see him as one of the great leaders of the ummah. Baha’u’llah’s writings provide a great insight into understanding the Spirit, and should thus be read by all sincere Muslims and Sufis.

Our hope is that the day is coming when there will be a reconciliation between Islam, the ummah and Baha’u’llah. So mote it be!

Threat of Force versus Use of Force

Or – why the United States and Israel should bark loudly rather than attempt to bite.

March 19, 2003 U.S. bombs begin to reign down on Baghdad. U.S. Secretary of Defense tells the world that the military force to be brought to bear against Iraq is unprecedented in the annals of history. The world watches in horror, protest and fascination as the world’s only superpower, with a military budget that rivals that of the rest of the world combined, moves against the country of Iraq.

Not far from Baghdad, and looking forward to having the United States as a neighbor, Israel sits securely on the banks of the Mediterranean. Although numerically outnumbered, Israeli firepower is regionally unmatched. Ever since the Six Day War, Israeli military prowess appears invincible.

Fast forward to August 14, 2006. After a month of brutal combat in Lebanon the Israelis were forced by events on the ground to withdraw their objectives (i.e. the disarming of Hizbollah) and accept an immediate cease fire. Likewise, after three years of brutal combat the United States is incapable of securing the six mile stretch of highway from the airport to the “Green Zone.” In fact, the entire country appears to be rapidly sliding towards civil war with local Sunni insurgents, Shiite death squads (who may or may not be part of the Salvadoran Option), local neighborhood street patrols, disaffected youth, foreign Jihadists, and criminal elements all taking aim at each other.

The facts on the ground are simple: Overwhelming military force (i.e. United States and Israel) does not equal military victory. In fact, as recent events in the Middle East have demonstrated, the use of military force in an “asymmetrical environment,” where a military force must oppose the will (or chaos) of a significant percentage of a people, weighs in favor of the local people. Nor is this the first time that overwhelming force sas proven incapable of opposing the local will. The outcome of the Vietnam conflict and the long festering guerrilla wars in Central America have shown the impotence of overwhelming fire power.

Applied military aggression (such as Israel’s invasion of Lebanon or the U.S. occupation of Iraq) may result in the following six post war "blow back" consequences:

(a) Slippery Slope syndrome: An erosion of fear of the military power of either the United States or Israel

(b) The Day After Game Plan: The study of the superpower's failed military tactics by potential enemies (as Hezbollah studied the Vietnam War) and others are studying Hezbollah’s battle with Israel

(c) Bobby Fisher, Kasparov and Big Blue: The maneuvering of potential enemies to checkmate the bogged down power (as North Korea and Iran have sped up their nuclear and ballistic ambitions following the American invasion of Iraq)

(d) The Mouse that Roars: The possible encouragement of a military encounter with the United States by second and third tier leaders in order to decapitate the leadership of their country - through U.S. force - and maneuver themselves into postwar power

(e) David versus Goliath Syndrome: The growing popularity of the opposing group who “stands up” to the "power" by simply surviving the conflict (today Hezbollah is far more popular in both Lebanon and the Muslim world than it was prior to the war), declaring victory after the encounter

(f) The Afghanistan-Somalia *Vacation* Destination: The invaded country becomes a failed state, thus allowing criminal and terrorist elements to use it as a training and staging ground

Given the aforementioned consequences of military action, the best current course of action for regional and super powers to follow is to threaten force rather than pursue force.

True and lasting peace will result, not through force of arms of one nation, but through dialogue and alliance.

The Rose Crescent House of Peace concurs with One of the Apostles of Muhammad (PBUH) for our day, Baha’u’llah, an honorary Elder of the Rose Crescent, who pointed to the next step in our future by revealing that:

“The time must come when the imperative necessity for the holding of a vast, an all-embracing assemblage of men will be universally realized…Such a peace demandeth that the Great Powers should resolve, for the sake of the tranquility of the peoples of the earth, to be fully reconciled among themselves. Should any king take up arms against another, all should unitedly arise and prevent him. If this be done, the nations of the world will no longer require any armaments, except for the purpose of preserving the security of their realms and of maintaining internal order within their territories. This will ensure the peace and composure of every people, government and nation.” (Gleanings, p. 249)

The Rose Crescent promotes a non-violent position towards conflict resolution.

Fellowship with the Rose Crescent

Is it possible to join the Rose Crescent? How do I contact members of the Rose Crescent?

The Rose Crescent is an international Sufi affiliation stretching back millennia. There is no official membership. There are Rose Crescent Sufis in all of the world’s major religions. And there are Rose Crescent Sufis who practice outside of any spiritual community. It all depends on your interests and personality.

Rose Crescent Sufis meet regularly, joining together to work towards peace and healing on behalf of the planet and its many creatures. Our meetings take place in the astral realm, where we communicate, assist each other and purposefully join together, working towards God's Kingdom.

Here is how you can join the fellowship:

Sit comfortably in a chair or lie down in a quiet area
If possible, listen to a steady drum beat or rattle (purchase here)
If you don’t have a drum CD count slowly backwards from 20 to 1
Say “Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim”
Imagine yourself standing across the room, looking back at your resting body
Go to your tree
Seek a ladder going up to heaven (Quran Surah 6:35)
As you climb the ladder look down and see your house, the street you live on, and the city you live in slowly recede
Enter the first level of heaven, which is a beautiful city
You will see a large beautiful mosque
Enter the mosque
In the celestial mosque you will find Rose Crescent Sufis
You will be greeted by a guide who will join you as you explore the mosque and its many rooms, chambers, courtyards and gardens (feel free to wander about and see what is going on).
A few examples of ongoing activities include:
*Many of the Sufis will be gathered around a giant ball of energy – there they will be building the “fire” in order to send positive healing and peace back to earth
*In some rooms Sufis will be whirling, and in other rooms they will be sitting in meditation
*Healing rooms for those who are ill
*You will also most likely encounter “power animals” as they wander around, assisting the Sufis
*There are also angelic beings and Jinn allies there who are part of the spiritual assembly
When the drumming stops or when you are ready return down the ladder to the base of the tree and then open your eyes
Say, “Allahu Akbar”

Note: Once you begin to journey regularly to the celestial mosque you will begin to receive communications from the Rose Crescent, entering into fellowship with us as we work towards manifesting peace, health, healing and happiness on earth in the furtherance of God’s Kingdom.

For other spiritual exercises click here.

Meditation with the Rose Crescent

How can one use the symbols of the crescent and the rose to meditate?

The Rose Crescent meditation is among the most transformative and powerful meditations revealed to mankind by Al-Khidr, the Green Man of Islam.

Before explaining the rose crescent meditation let us reflect on the significance of the two symbols: the moon and the rose.

The moon reflects the light of the sun as creation reflects and reveals the light of the creator.

The moon passes through various powerful and influential cycles on its journey: new moon (when it is in occultation); crescent moon; first quarter waxing moon; full moon; waning moon; and third quarter waning moon. In each of these cycles the moon reflects a different cosmic energy. The crescent has long been a symbol of Islam. Whereas the Prophet Muhammad is the seal of the prophets, the crescent moon points beyond itself, full of hope to a new beginning that is still unrealized and just beginning to dawn.

The rose is the symbol of the soul. Like the development of our own souls in this world, roses bloom amidst thorns. The rose fragrance is the ethereal connection with our Higher Selves. Many Sufis of the Rose Crescent tradition choose to anoint themselves with rose oil prior to performing their daily prayers, dabbing a bit of oil behind the ears, on the back of the hands and in the middle of the forehead. The Prophet Muhammad himself (PBUH) along with his wives and his daughter Fatima loved roses and used them as part of their daily spiritual practices.

The meditation:

Begin by saying “Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim”
Slowly breathe in deeply and take in the energy of the cosmos
In your minds eye picture a dark sky before you
See the crescent as it emerges
Feel the joy and exhilaration of the crescent
Take its energy in
Watch it slowly wax into a full moon
Hold your breath
Draw the energy of the full moon into your mind
Watch as the full moon transforms into a beautiful rose
In your mind’s eye, zoom slowly in on the rose
Watch as the rose begins to spin, turning back into the full moon
Slowly release your breath and release any negative energy stored in your body
Observe how the full moon wanes
Say, “Allahu Akbar”

For more spiritual exercises click here

Quran Surah 6:35 - Islamic Shamanism

“If their persecution of you is hard on your mind, and if you are able – then seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the skies and bring them a Sign.”

What is Islamic shamanism and should Muslims and/or Sufis practice it?

The practice of shamanism, a technique, is one of the earliest revelations of Allah (the Source) to the peoples of the earth.

The shaman is one who journeys, either in the physical body or in the astral/soul body, into other realms (the hereafter) in order to gain answers to questions, seek guidance or gain power to heal and help (the “sign”).

According to the indigenous worldview, and supported by the Glorious Qur’an, there are many worlds. The existence we physically inhabit, the earthly plane, is traditionally called the “Middle World.” Surah 6:32 tells challenges us:

“What is the life of this [Middle] World but play and amusement?"

The Middle World, because of its design, is easily confused as the only world. The revelation given unto the Prophet Plato explains that we are trapped within a cave, lost, forlorn, imagining that the information received by our senses tells us where we are. Yet we are deluded. Surah 6:32 modifies Plato’s vision of our existence by telling us that we exist in a world of “amusement and play.” Hazrat Inayat Khan accurately explains this as being in a state of stupor and drunkenness. We are drunk on the senses, and have thus forgotten our true Home. Surah 6:32 continues:

“But best is the home in the other worlds for those who are al-Muttaqun?”

Who are the Muttaqun?

They are the ones whose Home, whose source of identity and power, is in the Hereafter, the other worlds. They are the ones who have remembered their origin in the Light. Throughout the ages, and depending on the culture, the Muttaqun have included shamans, prophets, Gnostics, mystics, saints, Sufis and watchers.

How does one become a Muttaqun?

To become a Muttaqun one should, according to the Rose Crescent, begin by learning to move within the realms of the other worlds. By spending ever more time in the other worlds an individual becomes sober, breaking the spell and delusions associated with the play and amusement of the Middle World.

How do these other worlds appear?

One must experience them first hand to understand. Both the “lower world” and the “upper world” are paradises, but they are of different energies and different beings inhabit them. The Lower World is a place of denser vibratory energy, whereas the upper is of finer vibratory energy. Both worlds are inhabited by beings that appear either in human, animal, imaginative or angelic form. These beings, having permission from Allah to help, serve as friends and allies to the Muttaqun. The Muttaqun is one who, by traveling into both worlds, balances the energy and thus assists the Middle World to evolve towards paradise.

How can one enter the other worlds?

Here we need to return to Surah 6:35:

“Seek a tunnel in the ground or a ladder to the skies and bring them a Sign.”

The following techniques may be of assistance for the Lower World:


Place a candle on your alter
Say “Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim”
Lie down with your eyes covered
Listen to the rhythmic beat of a drum
Imagine yourself in the countryside
Feel the wind on your skin, notice the trees around you
Seek a tunnel (it will usually be located under a giant tree)
Enter the tunnel
Let yourself slide down into the other world
Look for an animal who wants to approach you and be friends with you and guide you
Allow the animal to assist you to explore the surroundings
When you hear the callback from the drum return up the tunnel to your favorite location in front of the tree
Open your eyes
Say, “Allahu Akbar”

The following techniques may be of assistance for the Upper World:

Place a candle on your alter
Say “Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim”
Lie down with your eyes covered
Listen to the rhythmic beat of a drum
Imagine yourself in the countryside
Feel the wind on your skin, notice the trees around you
Seek a ladder (it will usually be located under a giant tree) into the sky
Climb up the ladder into the next world
You will probably come out in a beautiful city
Look around for a mosque
Enter the mosque
Within the mosque you will meet a humanlike person who will be your Shaykh
Get to know your Shaykh
Ask him or her any questions you may have
When you hear the callback from the drum return up the tunnel to your favorite location in front of the tree
Open your eyes
Say, “Allahu Akbar”

Where do I get a drum?

You can purchase drumming CDs from the Foundation for Shamanic Studies.

What other resources can I read or study

We recommend beginning with three books:

*The Way of the Shaman* by Michael Harner

*Magic of the Ordinary: Recovering the Shamanic in Judaism* by Gershon Winkler
*Animal-Speak: The Spiritual and Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small* Ted Andrews

Other resources (books, music and CDs) are available from

The Foundation for Shamanic Studies

Walking Stick Foundation

For more Rose Crescent commentary on the Qur’an click here.

For Rose Crescent spiritual exercises click here.

Sufism: Transform fear

How can one transform fear?

Stories (hadith) of Fatima Um Abi Ha tell us that while on earth She often walked the countryside and village streets, ministering and caring for those who were ill, sick, poor or distraught.

Following her ascent into heaven she continues to care for the distraught.

Once there was a young girl and her lover who had been severely wounded. Neither was married. Having incurred the wrath of the “righteous” – the so-called learned - they had been brutally stoned. As they lay wounded, with an uncertain future before them, the heavens opened, angelic birds descended, carrying heavenly fruits and a rainbow appeared before them. Then Queen Fatima - she who sparkles with a myriad divine colors, with a crown of brilliance about her head, whose countenance is that of the Spirit of Wisdom - took the lovers in her arms and whispered into their hearts:

“Fear transforms into Love”

According to the Rose Crescent tradition fear can only be transformed by opening our heart charkas to the suffering of the entire cosmos. As fear turns into compassion, love surrounds and engulfs us. Through our own suffering we learn to identify with the sufferings of others (jinn, human, animal and earth).

How can you do this?

Begin by lighting a candle on your alter
Say, "Bismallah ar-Rahman ar-Rahim"
Get into a mediation posture (we suggest lay down with your eyes covered)
Imagine the sky
Feel your heart chackra open
Imagine a beautiful green-gold light ascending into heaven
Feel how this light ascends higher and higher
See bird spirits descending, bringing gifts
See Queen Fatima before you
Let her talk to your heart
Ask her a question
Thank her
End by saying, "Allahu Akbar"