Introduction > Another Overview of the Michael teachings

Another Overview of the Michael Teachings

BY PHIL WITTMEYER

In 1979 Chelsea Quinn Yarbro published a book titled "Messages From Michael". As you might suspect, this book is a compilation of channeled material. A major part of Michael's teaching is concerned with reincarnation, its implications and ramifications. Part of this teaching is a system of personality traits.  Michael gave the information to increase our understanding of self and other, thereby improving the quality of life and relationships. Michael also intended the material be used to accelerate spiritual growth.

The personality chart is a grid of seven columns and fourteen rows. I call the columns "Processes" in personality. They are titled: Termination, Involution, Analysis, Assimilation, Synthesis, Evolution, and Origination. I call the rows "Aspects" of personality. They are titled: Mode, Role, Center, Level, Attitude, Feature, Goal, Age, Entity, Cadence, Position, Bodytype, Milestone, Service, and Intimacy. Notice that the Processes and Aspects are grouped into "Dimensions", which are numbered and named: 2-D INSPIRATION and 3-D FORMATION, for instance. Each of the 105 boxes on the chart is called a personality "Trait". The names of the Traits are given in all capital letters: for example, Caution and Cynic. Every person has an "Array" of Traits. An Array generally consists of one of the seven traits in each of the fifteen Aspects. For instance, let's say that someone is a Mature Age Warrior Role person in the Passion Mode, a Pragmatist in Attitude with the Goal of Rejection, in the Intellectual Center, having the Feature of Self-destruction, in a Scholar Entity, in a Priest Cadence, and a Server Position, with the Jovial Bodytype, having passed the Mid-life Milestone, at the Reciprocity stage of Service and the Mental stage of Intimacy. This Array is said to be that person's "True Personality". True Personality is divided into "Essence" and "Overleaves". The Essence factors are the Aspects of Role, Entity, Cadence, and Position. These define the personality of one's Soul, and are constant throughout the cycles of reincarnation. The Overleaves are the eight Aspects of Mode, Center, Level, Attitude, Feature, Goal, Soul Age, and Bodytype. Overleaves change from lifetime to lifetime to give the soul different perspectives. The three Aspects at the bottom of the chart — Milestone, Service, and Intimacy — are stages of maturity through which one may advance during a lifetime.

Understanding the overleaves helps us to operate from our inborn True Personality.  People acquire False Personality from their environment after birth. Many parts of False Personality are harmless, as for instance, the manners and customs of one's family, society and culture. However, some components of False Personality work against the True Personality. An example is a rigid description of gender roles that leads people to believe or behave contrary to their nature. A special part of False Personality is called "Maya". This is Michael's name for illusions, distorted perceptions, erroneous beliefs and faulty thought patterns. Maya produces unhappiness and fear generally, and sometimes neurotic or inappropriate behavior. I wish to emphasize the desirability of learning to distinguish among these four layers of the self: Essence, Overleaves, False Personality, and Maya. People can observe themselves from their True Personality and thereby negate the bad psychology of False Personality and Maya. Michael calls this "photographing". It is the path to "enlightenment".

One place that False Personality shows up is in the "Features": Martyrdom, SELF-DEPRECATION, Self-destruction, Stubbornness, Greed, Arrogance, and Impatience. None of these are desirable Traits. You experience all Features at various times, but one is usually dominant and another one or two show up quite often. The Features do much damage to personal fulfillment because they provide a distorted self-image, a false impression of your place in the world. With vigilant "photographing" you can limit the deceptive power of your Features.

One place that Maya shows up is in the "Negative Poles" of the Traits. Notice that on the Chart each Trait has a "Positive" ("+") and a "Negative" ("-") manifestation listed. For instance, the Poles of the Caution Mode are +Deliberation and -Phobia. When people are in their Positive Poles, they are in a "good attitude" or a "good mood" and they show it in good behavior. The Negative Poles show up as bad attitudes, moods or behavior. Through "photographing", people can learn to catch themselves in their Negative Poles and thereby spend more time in their Positive Poles. This is "spiritual growth." Another technique to aid this is to consider the Positive Pole of the opposite Trait. For instance, people in the Caution Mode in -Phobia can get over their fears by contemplating and applying +Authority of the Power Mode.

The descriptions of the Traits given on the following sheets are of the "pure" Trait, so to speak. However, every Trait that people have is affected by every other Trait they have. A Cynic will express the Goal of Rejection much differently than will an Idealist, for instance. Also, every person's False Personality will affect the way their Traits manifest. So will other factors, such as intelligence and gender. Therefore, the pure description of a Trait does not perfectly fit any actual person. Remember this as you read about your Traits. Think about the unique way you express your Traits. Also, your Array of Traits marked on the attached chart may not be completely accurate. If there is something about this system that grabs you, you will want to verify the accuracy of your Traits. Please do not hesitate to contact Phil Wittmeyer for further explanation and/or correction of your Array.

THE SOUL AGES

Michael says the soul goes through seven "Ages" in its evolution back to the creator, in sequential reincarnations. The Age of a person's soul determines the maturity of their perceptions, the depth of their personality, the focus of their interests, the nature of their ethics, the degree of their common sense, and the breadth of their understanding of the world and of their relationships. However, older souls are not "better" than younger souls any more than seniors are better than teenagers — they are just older. This is not unlike the maturation of people during their lives — hence the names of the Ages. In the following explanation of each Age, the number in parentheses is the approximate percentage of the world population in that Age.

INFANT (10%): Whatever their intelligence, education, or social standing may be, Infant Age people are somewhat immature in their perceptions. This means they have a simplistic outlook on life, and they tend to live in the moment. Their understanding of the world and relationships is usually primitive. Their "clumsiness" in life, like that of an infant, can either result in doing dumb things, or result in fear of doing much of anything. In any case, they are clannish, they stick to the familiar, and can even be animal-like at times. A primary concern is for survival in a world that often bewilders them. Their virtue is in their lack of pretense, their uncomplicated lifestyle, their closeness to God and nature, and in their helpfulness toward children and others in need of nurturing. Even so, their common sense is not very developed, and they are often, like children, themselves in need of guidance.  Infant souls rarely become famous, but here are a few examples:  Richard Allen Davis (killer of Polly Klaas), David Carpenter (serial rapist/killer), Richard Ramirez (The Hillside Strangler), Larry Singleton (rapist/killer).  

CHILD (23%): Like Infant Age people, Child Age people are a minority. Neither feels as if they are a part of the mainstream. The motto of the Child Age is "Do it right or not at all." They much prefer the few activities in which they are competent. They develop strong feelings about things early in life, and rarely depart from them later on. They tend to be "cliquish" (narrow in their friendships) because they feel uncomfortable with people who are not similar to themselves. Their primary virtue is guilelessness — they are not sophisticated enough to be artificial — and they readily display sincere emotion. They emphasize "family values", and they relate well to children. If politically minded at all, they tend to be conservative, right-wing. If religious, they are usually fundamentalistic and evangelical. In personal habits they tend to be clean and neat.

YOUNG (32%): There are more Young people than of any other Age, so they dominate the events of the world. This also makes them the most "normal" of people. They try to live like the "all-American family", and they are most comfortable in a mainstream religion. If political, they prefer the middle of the road, or perhaps they lean to the right. They see technology and industry as more important than the environment — their focus is the company or the nation rather than the clique or the world. In manner they are cosmopolitan and formal, and their taste is for glamorous and fashionable things. Their main interest is materialistic achievement, so success in their careers is very important to them. Look for them in business attire and sports bars. They are also competitive by nature — their motto is "Do it my way." Yuppies are they, concerned mainly with making their mark on the world. They do in fact often change the world, even though they lack the creative, transforming inspiration of the next Age.

MATURE (24%): In this category are most of the "avant-garde", the leading edge of culture. Mature people are ahead of the majority, the younger Age people, and there is enough of them to make a real difference in the world. Mature people are responsible for most of the originality and discovery that occurs in every field. Their perspective is global and they are concerned with environmental issues. If political, they lean toward the left — liberalism, socialism, humanism, egalitarianism. If religious, they are not dogmatic, with a tendency to experiment with unorthodox teachings. They lead lives of introspection and emotion, all the while searching for understanding — look for them in libraries and book stores. They value knowledge and relationships very much. Psychology is a primary interest, and their sensitivity in this area often causes them pain.

OLD (11%): Like members of the other "minority" Ages, Old Age people constitute a "fringe element" or subculture in society, outside the mainstream. Not unlike people in old age, people in the Old Age act as if they have "seen it all". This makes them casual and easygoing, if not world-weary and bored. At any rate, they are mellow about everything — their motto is "Do what you want". They do not put forth much effort, but their general competence in life gets them by. Rarely do they have a strong career ambition. If religious, they tend toward philosophy, metaphysics, and mysticism. They rarely have interest in politics beyond pacifism and a laissez-faire policy. In relationships, the companionship of "soul mates" is much more important to them than any other type of association.

TRANSCENDENTAL and INFINITE (0%): According to Michael, after completing their curriculum on the physical "plane" (the material universe), souls evolve and unite with their kindred souls on the "astral", "mental" and "causal" planes — spiritual, "heavenly" realms. These constitute the Transcendental and Infinite Ages of the soul. The order in which souls combine is covered in the next section, on Casting.

THE SEVEN LEVELS

In the fourth row on the chart is the Aspect called "Level". Level and Age together make up the Maturation Dimension of the personality. The Maturation Dimension is a sequence, with each Age containing the seven Levels, making forty nine stages of psychological maturity. Every person is at one of these stages. The Level gives an overall theme or emphasis or undercurrent to the lives and perceptions of the people in them.

FIRST: RESOLUTION (1D-): The theme of people at the First Level is to focus on physical activities and endeavors, with the intention of bringing them to completion. People in +Purpose accomplish their tasks with efficient energy. These exploits are usually materialistic in nature, such as finance, politics or athletics. They avoid distraction to focus their intention and fulfill their aims. People in -Simplicity stay at the elementary stage of development. They are single-minded as they tread their life path. -Simplicity is driven by the fear of starting something the end of which they cannot foresee. People in either Pole apply themselves to their projects with diligence.

SECOND: FOUNDATION (2D-): The theme of people at the Second Level is to focus on basic groundwork and fundamental issues. People in +Balance find what is valuable to them and stick with it. They are solidly grounded in whatever they do and they build a quality life thereby. People in -Stability are often stuck in a rut. They find the minimum road and stay on it. -Stability is driven by the fear of drifting off the narrow path. People in either Pole constantly seek enduring values, in order to keep their lives on an even keel. People in either Pole limit themselves and their activities, and lead an uncomplicated lifestyle.

THIRD: PRODUCTION (3D-): The theme of people at the Third Level is to consider themselves and the world and how they fit into it. They try to understand how things work together. People in +Enterprise focus on producing something unique. People in -Versatility are "jacks of all trades but masters of none". They tend to spread their energy too thin as they turn their attention all around. They may not bring their creations to completion. -Versatility is driven by the fear called performance anxiety — "can I do the job or not". People in either Pole have many projects in the works at a time.

FOURTH: COMPOSITION (PD=): The theme of people at the Fourth Level is to assimilate information. People at this Level learn about many areas of life experience. People in +Consolidation gather data and form a unified body of knowledge. They are not content with theories. The facts must be substantial. People in -Achievement are complacently "resting on their laurels". They coast through life on the momentum of past accomplishments. -Achievement is driven by a fear of "upsetting the apple cart", or a fear of undoing what has already been done. People in either Pole are studious, with a detached objectivity about them. They are often involved in scholastic, historical, or scientific endeavors.

FIFTH: EXPLORATION (3D+): The theme of people at the Fifth Level is to range out into unexplored territory. People at this Level are often on the fringes of society, and therefore they are sometimes regarded as eccentric. People in +Expansion are broadening their intellectual horizons or widening their belief system. People in -Adventure thrive on excitement and instability. They often live on the edge of danger, so sometimes they overextend themselves. -Adventure is driven by a fear of boredom. People in either Pole continually enlarge the sphere of their experience to include as much as they can.

SIXTH: EXALTATION (2D+): The theme of people at the Sixth Level is to experience intimacy, virtue, spirituality, ethics, and excellence. The person's consciousness is elevated to the nobler, higher aspects of life. People in +Harmony have their internal parts well orchestrated — they make a melody. They are attuned to the "vibrations" in their relationships and circumstances. People in -Connection feel the desire to build bridges of association, but they are unable to achieve intimacy because they are not internally harmonious. They feel that they are out of sync with themselves and the world, and it pains them. -Connection is driven by a fear of being left out. This fear often gets them left out. People in either Pole are sensitive, intense players in the symphony of life. This is the most difficult Level.

SEVENTH: ACTIVATION (1D+): The theme of people at the Seventh Level is to manifest the overview, the big picture, of life. Their interests are broad, and their pursuits are wide-ranging. People in +Inculcation are active and energetic in gaining experience. They master the subjects of their choice, and then oftentimes teach them to others, doubly making it part of themselves. People in -Eclecticism gather and blend material from their life experiences, but they often mix it illegitimately, making an incomplete or distorted picture. -Eclecticism is driven by a fear of leaving something out. People in either Pole are concerned with issues of universal significance and general applicability.

THE SEVEN ROLES

The second row on the chart concerns the most basic part of a person's nature, their "Role". According to Michael in their explanation of reincarnation, the Role is a factor of the soul's identity. It does not change from lifetime to lifetime, as do the other Aspects of personality. It is therefore the strongest determinant of identity of anything on the chart, except perhaps the Casting factors. One's Role is what one is. It often determines what one does for a living. A person feels a sort of spiritual fulfillment when their work is in harmony with their Role. In the following explanation of each Role, the number in parentheses is the approximate percentages of the population of that Role.

WARRIOR  (17%): As the name suggests, the Warrior has a martial nature, and this is often expressed in such occupations as law enforcement and the military. Of course Warriors can apply their love of discipline and rigor to other careers, whether it be running a business or working as a laborer. They are fulfilled by any situation that provides a challenge and involves a "conquest". In the Positive Pole of +Persuasion, they bring their considerable influence to bear to effect their desires — salesmanship at its best. In the Negative Pole of -Coercion, they bring some force to bear to effect their desires — brutality at its worst. Either Pole, Warriors have a need to regulate or channel the action around them.  Some examples: Barbara Bush, Diane Delano, Clint Eastwood, Harrison Ford, Demi Moore, Martina Navratilova, Nicole Brown Simpson, Oliver Stone, Mike Tyson, John Wayne.  

SERVER (25%): Servers are the most common of the Roles. They feel that they are not special, so they are usually content in whatever station of life they find themselves. Servers find fulfillment in service to the physical well-being of others. They prefer the helping professions, such as medicine, social work, and food service. In the Positive Pole of +Service, Servers care for, assist, aid, and nurture whatever and whomever seems to require it. In the Negative Pole of -Bondage, they are enslaved to menial chores from which they feel they will never be free. Either Pole, Servers have a need to alleviate suffering. Some examples: Ingrid Bergman, Phil Donahue, Laura Dern, Mia Farrow, Dalai Lama, Kelly McGillis, Eleanor Roosevelt, Chelsea Clinton, Albert Schweitzer, Queen Victoria.  

ARTISAN  (22%): Need something built, assembled, fixed, invented, designed, drawn or manufactured? Call an Artisan. They know how to make things and how to make things work. Artisans are the artists, architects, engineers, technicians, craftsmen, construction workers and mechanics of the world. In any profession, they do their work with skill and attention to detail. In the Positive Pole of +Creation, Artisans generate inventions, or original art, poetry, music or ideas. In the Negative Pole of -Artifice, they copy the creations of others. Either Pole, Artisans have a need to produce something tangible and unique. Some examples: Nicholas Cage, Kurt Cobain, Macaulay Culkin, Leonardo Da Vinci, Johnny Depp, Albert Einstein, Whitney Houston, Mozart, Brad Pitt, Keanu Reeves, Christopher Reeve, Jennifer Tilly, Marisa Tomei, Andy Warhol.  

SCHOLAR (14%): To Scholars, the world is an object of study, every situation is a classroom, and they are the star pupils. Not every Scholar becomes a learned individual, but many Scholars find their permanent home in academia as teaches, professors, researchers, scientists, historians, and so on. Actually, Scholars can fit in with most any employment situation, since they are the Neutral Role. In the Positive Pole of +Knowledge, Scholars are a data bank of facts, figures, statistics, and information. They usually enjoy reading. In the Negative Pole of -Theory, Scholars speculate and make up hypotheses to cover gaps in their knowledge. Either Pole, Scholars have a need to understand the world around them. Some examples: Ken Burns, Carlos Castaneda, Michael Crichton, Galileo, Pee Wee Herman, John Lennon, Bill Moyers, George Washington, Kenneth Starr.  

SAGE (10%): To Sages, the world is a stage and life is a drama and other people are an audience. They believe it is their job to entertain everyone within view or earshot. To fulfill this, they may become teachers, actors, or reporters. They always try to live a comedy, and if that fails, then they live a tragedy. Their lives are soap operas. In the Positive Pole of +Expression, Sages are performers who demonstrate the wisdom in their minds. In the Negative Pole of -Oration, they talk (or act) just for the fun of hearing (or seeing) themselves. Either Pole, Sages have a need to display what is going on in their heads. Some examples: Dan Aykroyd, Lucille Ball, Sandra Bernhard, Mel Brooks, Bill Clinton, Tim Curry, Rodney Dangerfield, Danny De Vito, Placido Domingo, Whoopi Goldberg, John Goodman, Stephen King, Jay Leno, Groucho Marx, Jack Nicholson, Frank Sinatra, Mark Twain, Jesse Ventura.  

PRIEST  (8%): Priests are leaders in inspiration. It is the nature of Priests to uplift and encourage others. They may do this in such professions as the ministry and in counseling, or any situation where people receive exhortation. Priests see the world as their congregation, with themselves as "shepherds of the flock", preaching for righteousness and against sin. In the Positive Pole of +Compassion, they are merciful in their heartfelt desire to enlighten and heal others. In the Negative Pole of -Zeal, they crusade fervently, even fanatically, to provoke reforms. Either Pole, Priests have a need to "raise the consciousness" of others. Some examples: St. Francis, Joan Baez, Adolph Hitler, Joan of Arc, Timothy Leary, Rasputin, Nancy Reagan, Anthony Robbins, Martin Sheen, Christopher Walken, Malcolm X, Frank Zappa.  

KING (4%): Kings are leaders in action, and the rarest of the Roles. Other people recognize their gift for leadership and they willingly follow. Kings see the world as their realm and people as their subjects. Kings find fulfillment in governing a family or a team or an office or a business or a nation or whatever. In the Positive Pole of +Mastery, Kings rule their "kingdom" by being an example of indisputable ability and capacity that everyone respects — leadership at its best. In the Negative Pole of -Tyranny, they just domineer their subjects into submission — despotism at its worst. Either Pole, Kings have a need to triumph. Some examples: Sean Connery, Queen Elizabeth 1, William Randolph Hearst, JFK, Madonna, Orson Wells. 

THE SEVEN GOALS

In the seventh row on the chart is the Aspect called "Goal". Every person has one of these seven Goals. The Goal causes the general sense of a lack in a person's life. Therefore, it determines what the personality seeks, desires, wants, pursues, and aims for. When the Goal is not fulfilled, the person feels frustrated, and life seems meaningless. The Goal gives the person a purpose, a direction, an overall intention.

SUBMISSION (1D-): This is the Goal of natural followers. They seek guidance in their activities. They defer to leadership. People in +Dedication seek a career or a relationship to which they can apply themselves with loyalty and faithfulness. They can be counted on to do their duty while showing respect and honor. People in -Subservience look for a rule to apply to every situation. They are passive and compliant, sometimes to the point of dependency and servility. -Subservience is driven by a fear of disobedience of someone else's laws. People in either Pole seek to be part of a team working for a cause or a principle.

DOMINANCE (1D+): This is the Goal of natural leaders. They seek to guide others in their activities, or to rule themselves. They assume command, and expect others to follow. They often become bosses, coaches, officials, and so on. People in +Leadership seek to manage and supervise others. They earn the respect of their followers by being good examples. People in -Dictatorship issue commands as if others were their slaves. They are domineering and autocratic. -Dictatorship is driven by a fear of rebellion or other challenge to rulership. People in either Pole want loyalty from those under their responsibility.

REDUCTION (2D-): People with this Goal desire to experience what is truly essential. They want only what is necessary, and no more. They seek convenience and they avoid complexity. They eliminate hassles from, and they resent intrusions into, their lives. They do not cope well with confusion. People in +Atavism want to conserve their resources. They are economical, they avoid excess, and they hate waste. People in -Withdrawal cope with life challenges by seeking to escape from them. They value their privacy, sometimes to the point that they are hermits. -Withdrawal is driven by a fear of exposure. People in either Pole evaluate everything with the question: "Is this really worth it?"

GROWTH (2D+): People with this Goal want to increase, expand, and develop in every area of their lives. They are ambitious to fulfill their potential. They seek improvement, variety, and promotion. People in +Unfoldment want to get involved in everything. Their interests are comprehensive. They are candid with others. People in -Confusion also want to advance in their lives, but they lack organization. They get too many things going on at one time and end up bewildered by complexity. -Confusion is driven by a fear of not fulfilling every opportunity. People in either Pole are frustrated if their progress is blocked.

REJECTION (3D-): People with this Goal want to keep things separate and unique. They are good at criticism and making fine distinctions. People in +Discrimination seek to distinguish things by emphasizing the contrasts. They have discerning, perhaps even sophisticated taste. Integrity and honesty are very important to them. People in -Prejudice seek to condemn by emphasizing negative characteristics. They may even intend to alienate with a display of hatred. -Prejudice is driven by a fear of contamination or pollution. People in either Pole are "hairsplitters": selective or particular if not picky and judgmental.

ACCEPTANCE (3D+): People with this Goal emphasize the similarities and minimize the dissimilarities. They seek unity, compatibility and homogeneity. People in +Unification seek to be one in mind, body, and spirit with others and the universe. They desire communion, friendship, kindness, benevolence, compatibility — "love". People in -Ingratiation want to be favored and be popular. This leads to compromise of their personal integrity: hypocrisy and phoniness. -Ingratiation is driven by a fear of being different or of being disliked. People in either Pole are polite, tactful, gracious, cooperative, pleasant, and they smile a lot.

EQUILIBRIUM (PD=): People with this Goal seek steadiness and contentment in their lives. They avoid discomfort and stress. They live in the moment, rather than in the past or the future. They want things to run smoothly and evenly. People in +Suspension want to restore things to the normal order when it has been violated or disturbed. They desire justice, fairness, and equality. People in -Inertia want the status quo undisturbed. Consequently, they are lethargic. They follow the path of least resistance, they often waste time, and they do as little as possible if its gets them by. -Inertia is driven by a fear of disruption. People in either Pole seek the happy medium because they dislike pressure. They are strict accountants in life, making sure the ledgers are balanced.

THE SEVEN MODES

In the first row on the chart is the Aspect called "Mode". Every person has one of these seven Modes. The Mode is the way in which people pursue their Goal. It is also their general manner of conduct or deportment. It is the underlying behavior pattern or "modus operandi" of the personality — the standard operating procedure. It is how people do things: their style, their path.

PERSEVERANCE (1D-): This is the passive path to the goal. People in this Mode stick with things till they are finished. They can withstand hardship along the way. They act consistent, even-paced, dependable, durable. People in +Persistence act patient, unslacking, unrelenting, and long-winded in their toil toward the goal. They can endure to the end in spite of adverse circumstances. People in -Immutability maintain a monotonous regularity in their habits and mannerisms. Once they are on a path, it is permanent: they will not change their course. -Immutability is driven by a fear of initiating action. People in either Pole act regimented, steadfast and tenacious: they are real "diehards".

RESERVATION (2D-): This is the low path to the goal. People in this Mode act gentle, subdued, low-key, mild-mannered, reserved, and nonchalant. They do things in moderation, and with a lack of enthusiasm. People in +Restraint have a lot of self-control — they are "tame". Their conduct is conservative, plain, cool, tender. People in -Inhibition act as if they were under some sort of constraint or prohibition or confinement. Their conduct is stifled, squelched, and smothered. -Inhibition is driven by a fear of letting go of restrictions and becoming wild. People in either Pole are unlikely to go overboard on anything.

CAUTION (3D-): This is the outer path to the goal. People in this Mode act careful, hesitant, and wary in what they do. They consider everything before they make a decision. People in +Deliberation act circumspect and prudent. Their conduct is meticulous, exacting, precise, detailed, methodical — and painstakingly slow. People in -Phobia act timid, apprehensive, insecure, anxious. They are seized with panic in threatening situations. -Phobia is driven by a fear for one's safety in a dangerous world. People in either Pole lack self-confidence. They rarely take risks or jump into something without due consideration.

OBSERVATION (PD=): This is the combination path to the goal. People in this Mode are spectators to the game of life. They notice things from a detached, objective, neutral point of view. People in +Clarity have a manner that is attentive and alert, perhaps even vigilant. Their attention is sharply focused on the matters or tasks at hand. People in -Surveillance act aloof and nonparticipatory. They watch the world go by, as if they were viewing from afar. They are "people watchers", preferring to live life vicariously. -Surveillance is driven by a fear of involvement. People in either Pole make general comments and remarks on everything, as they "browse" through the "department store" of the world.

POWER (3D+): This is the inner path to the goal. People in this Mode act as if they had their act together. They are confident, self-assured, and fearless to the point of being reckless at times. People in +Authority act daring, decisive, courageous, and adventurous. They act as if they are experts, even when they are not. People in -Oppression act manipulative, intimidating, and overbearing. When in a tight spot, they bluff or threaten. -Oppression is driven by a fear of being questioned or impugned. People in either Pole make their presence felt. They also take chances, and live on the brink of disaster.

PASSION (2D+): This is the high path to the goal. People in this Mode act intense, high-spirited, enthusiastic, eager, animated and emphatic in the way they do things. People in +Self-actualization are exuberant in being themselves and expressing themselves. They act open and up front about everything. People in -Identification are often wild or outlandish, if not shocking and outrageous. They lose themselves in whatever they do. -Identification driven by a fear of commitment, the fear of being trapped. People in either Pole do not like to have restrictions put on their lifestyle: they have to be free, and they lack moderation.

AGGRESSION (1D+): This is the active path to the goal. People in this Mode act assertive, innovative, and insistent. They push and drive their way through life with a direct, blunt manner. People in +Dynamism have a peppy, lively, spry manner: they are full of vitality and vigor. They act like powerhouses — impetuous and forceful. People in -Belligerence act like they are looking for a fight. They are volatile, combative, contentious, pugnacious. They attack situations with a competitive approach. -Belligerence is driven by a fear of weakness, passivity and defeat. People in either Pole often act inconsistent and undisciplined. They change things just for the sake of change.

THE SEVEN ATTITUDES

The fifth row on the Chart, called "Attitude", concerns the way people regard the world. It is the perspective people have on things around them. It is the stance from which people view things. Every person has one of these Attitudes. Notice that the Attitudes are named after actual formalized philosophies from ancient and modern times. The resemblance is not accidental — philosophers with particular Attitudes developed the philosophies so named.

CYNIC (1D-): Cynicism is the Attitude which is negative toward events and behavior. According to the Cynic, things are not going OK in the world. People in +Contradiction anticipate that things will go wrong, so they look for alternatives. They automatically oppose what they see. They challenge things with dissenting statements — "stop it". People in -Denigration regard the world as contemptible. They make sarcastic remarks and use foul language with their sneers of disrespect. -Denigration is driven by a fear of being led down a "primrose path" that looks OK but leads to destruction. People in both Poles are unconventional, cantankerous, argumentative. They are mavericks, renegades, iconoclasts.

REALIST (1D+): Realism is the Attitude which is positive toward events and behavior. According to the Realist, things are going OK in the world. People in +Perception focus on events and regard them with approval — "let it happen". They view life as experimental, as full of interesting happenings. People in -Supposition live by assumptions and guesswork. All alternatives look equally commendable, so they go along with everything. -Supposition is driven by a fear to disrespect something that deserves approval. People in both Poles like to keep up with what is happening in the world. They are conventional and agreeable.

STOIC (2D-): This is the pessimistic Attitude. Stoics view the world as uninspiring, so they are insulated from it. They do not even let crises disturb their serenity. People in +Tranquillity feel that the world is peaceful, and that makes them relaxed. They see all situations as bland. People in -Resignation feel that the world is overwhelming, and they believe in bad luck, so they are apathetic, fatalistic, and spiritless. -Resignation is driven by a fear of getting one's hopes up, only to be disappointed. Therefore, they have no hope. People in either Pole view the world as less than thrilling, and life in it as serious business.

SPIRITUALIST (2D+): This is the optimistic Attitude. Spiritualists view the world as inspiring and miraculous because they look beyond the physical world. People in +Verification look for cosmic significance and truth in everything. They see the world in terms of ethical evolution — its all a "morality play" to them. People in -Faith are superstitious. They believe in "destiny", they feel lucky, they look for auspices, they are prone to wishful thinking, and they have false hopes. -Faith is driven by a fear that luck will be bad. People in either Pole are often involved in religion or psychology.

SKEPTIC (3D-): This is the analytic, objective Attitude. Skeptics doubt what they see. They view the world as questionable at best, and wicked at worst. They are not easily convinced by what they see: they demand much evidence. People in +Investigation see the world as the great unknown, and they want to know it. They examine and interrogate it. People in -Suspicion mistrust what they see. They accuse the world of being meaningless, ugly, evil, and hostile. -Suspicion is driven by a fear of gullibility. People in either Pole take nothing for granted. They assume things are false or assume the worst until proven otherwise.

IDEALIST (3D+): This is the synthetic, subjective Attitude. Idealists trust what they see. They perceive the world as beautiful, friendly, and innocent. People in +Coalescence see the world as a coherent pattern of being. Life for them is a series of meaningful coincidences. People in -Abstraction view the world in terms of general philosophical platitudes, which may not apply to specific situations, and just explain away problems. They are too innocent and simplistic in that they do not question things. -Abstraction is driven by a fear of ugliness and evil, which do not fit into an idealistic world view. People in either Pole are high-minded, and they give the benefit of the doubt.

PRAGMATIST (PD=): This is the combination of the other six Attitudes. Therefore, Pragmatists see all aspects of the world without distortion, in a "matter of fact" way. For them, the world simply functions, and they simply experience it. People in +Practicality perceive the world as a machine, operating according to formula. They value things for their utilitarian usefulness. People in -Dogma are opinionated. They regard the world as arbitrary, like themselves. -Dogma is driven by a fear of being wrong or ignorant. People in either Pole view the world as information, transaction, and transformation. They do what is expedient in their lives — whatever works is fine with them.

THE SEVEN CENTERS

In the third row on the chart is the Aspect called "Center". The Centers are parts of oneself, parts from which one responds or reacts to life situations. They are different "places" in one's personality where experiences are "processed". A person does not have just one Center, as is the case with the other Aspects. All Centers are present in a personality, but in various strengths. These are ranked in sequence from one, the strongest, to seven, the weakest. Usually the two strongest Centers dominate the response pattern of the individual. For instance, a person in the Moving part of Emotional Center will react to situations emotionally and feel driven to do something about it.

KINETIC (1D-): The strength of this Center determines one's need for various forms of activity, excitement, stimulation, or arousal of the body, such as for exercise and for sexual gratification. People in +Endurance react quickly to circumstances and they have the stamina to continue their work for long periods. They pace themselves to last to the finish of the project. People in -Energy react with a flurry of motion, and work in fits and spurts. Activity tends to be frantic because it lacks regularity and concentration. -Energy is driven by a fear that things will get out of hand, pile up, and defeat one. People in either Pole rarely procrastinate, and they have difficulty sitting still. They are always busy doing something, even if it is just fidgeting.

EMOTIONAL (2D-): The strength of this Center determines how much one responds to situations with emotions, moods, and feelings. People in +Sensibility experience much laughter, tenderheartedness, joviality, and playfulness. They like excitement and celebration. People in -Sentimentality experience much melancholy, loneliness, moodiness, nostalgia, and hurt feelings. They tend to weep about pathetic situations. -Sentimentality is driven by a fear of loss of companionship, and fear of letting go of the past. People in both Poles are romantic and "warm" — they enjoy close, affectionate relationships.

INTELLECTUAL (3D-): The strength of this Center is not related to IQ, but it is indicative of the type of mental processing done: verbal, linear, symbolic thinking. People in +Thought rationalize everything. They process things by cogitating on them, thinking things over in their minds until they understand them. People in -Reason are very logical. They use deductive reasoning and analytic methodology to understand things. -Reason is driven by a fear of ambiguity or irrationality. People in both Poles respond to situations by mentally analyzing them. They want to be reasonable about everything.

SYSTEMIC (PD=): The strength of this Center is the "strangeness and primitiveness coefficient" of the personality. People in this Center respond to situations idiosyncratically, impulsively, automatically, or randomly. People in +Spontaneity are unpredictable, capricious and fickle. They follow their whims and hunches. People in -Sensuality follow their "gut reactions" because they are attuned to their bodies and senses. -Sensuality is driven by a fear left over from our primitive ancestors: it is instinctive vigilance to dangers in the wilds. People in either Pole seem at least a little bit "crazy".

CONCEPTUAL (3D+): The strength of this Center is indicative of a person's need to fit things into a belief system or a philosophy of life. People in this Center tend to be concerned about wisdom, principles, and beauty. People in +Integration incorporate new information into their existing scheme of the universe. They see things in terms of archetypes or patterns or systems. People in -Telepathy tend to question and answer others mentally rather than orally. They also have an active daydream or fantasy life. -Telepathy is driven by a fear that words cannot adequately communicate the picture, and will lead to misunderstanding. People in either Pole process experiences with imagery rather than with words. The extreme experience of this Center is a mystical union or insight about the oneness of all.

IMPRESSIONAL (2D+): The strength of this Center determines how much one responds to situations with sensitivity, fascination, reverence, amazement, effervescence, gratitude, and revelry. People in +Empathy respond sympathetically to the "spirit" of the situation. They attune themselves to others, and are capable of intense psychological intimacy. People in -Intuition receive impressions about the feelings of others, without the experience of intimacy or harmony. -Intuition is driven by a fear of losing objectivity in an "inspiring" situation. People in either Pole find life a joy and a wonder, and they are thankful for it. The extreme experience of this Center is an ecstatic, rapturous, transcendent reverie.

VITAL (1D+): The strength of this Center is a measure of what in Oriental traditions is called Kundalini, Prana, or Chi energy. You might think of it as the "life force", or vitality in general. It is the energy that people in the martial arts and certain types of yoga seek to develop with their various physical/spiritual practices. People in +Flow are so attuned that they get things done and make things happen effortlessly. Athletes can get into this state on a regular basis. People in -Vigor apply a lot of effort to make things happen because they are not in the flow. The extreme experience of this Center is psychokinetic power and/or the ability to manifest "miracles" or do other "superhuman" feats.

THE SEVEN FEATURES

The sixth row on the chart, called "Feature", concerns a person's image — the self-image, and the image one presents to others. Every person has a chief Feature, and one or two others of lesser strength. There are no good Features. All of them are driven by fear; all of them are contrary to love. The Features operate against the desires of what many call the "higher self" but which Michael calls the "Essence". The Features are most likely to flare up in situations perceived as threatening to the self-image. Otherwise they quietly control the ego. According to Michael, enlightenment results from the extinguishment of the Features.

MARTYRDOM (1D-): Rarely do people with this Feature experience literal martyrdom. However, they do give up and give in easily. Martyrdom is driven by the fear of failure, so they don't even try. Such people consider themselves to be born losers, weaklings. They have the self-image of the underachiever: a defeatist attitude. People in +Selflessness lack the ego strength to impose their will on others. They are a "pushover" — they acquiesce easily. People in -Mortification are passive "doormats". They act helpless — beaten before they even start. They go through life as if they were at the mercy of circumstances. People in either Pole suffer from a lack of self-respect. The sign on their back says "Kick me".

IMPATIENCE (1D+): The opposite of the Martyrs are the Impatient ones. Here is the self-image of the "born winner", the overachiever. Impatient people are always is a hurry: they never want to wait, and they try to do more than they have time for. Impatience is driven by the fear of missing out on something more important than what they are doing now. People in +Audacity are rash, bold, and impetuous — "rushing in where angels fear to tread". People in -Intolerance are irritable, hot-tempered, and easily angered. They are poor losers. People in either Pole leave a lot of things unfinished, moving on to something else. They are always restless, and dissatisfied with their present state.

LOWLINESS (2D-): People with this Feature belittle themselves. They feel ordinary, common, unimportant. They are apologetic for everything, and they devalue their accomplishments. Their self- deprecation is driven by the fear of inadequacy. These people convey to others that they should not expect too much from them. People in +Humility are overly modest. They feel inferior, mediocre. People in -Abasement feel guilty, blameworthy, degraded, disgraced, or shamed. They are full of self-pity, and see themselves as suffering wretches. People in either Pole rarely achieve their potential, let alone rise to prominence.

ARROGANCE (2D+): Even if they are not pompous, pretentious, and presumptuous, Arrogant people have a higher opinion of themselves than is warranted. They see themselves as extraordinary, exalted, and grand individuals. Praise goes to their head. Arrogance is driven by the fear of vulnerability. This makes them shy because they avoid situations which might be embarrassing -- they do not enjoy revealing their "imperfections". People in +Pride are moralistic, self-righteous and perfectionistic. They see themselves as virtuous, good and noble. People in -Vanity see themselves as superior to others. People in either Pole want to be thought of as superhuman.

RENUNCIATION (3D-): People with this Feature see themselves as flawed and defective, unworthy of the usual amenities of life. Their self-destructive tendencies are driven by the fear of loss of self-control, arising from ruthless self-denial. People in +Sacrifice think they are expendable: they forego self-indulgence so that others may benefit. This does not arise from love of others, but from dislike of self and the need to earn the favor of others by gifts and services. People in -Immolation are very self-critical. They see themselves as ugly and repulsive, therefore unlovable. In extreme cases they may be masochistic or suicidal. People in either Pole do not like to be the center of attention. They do not please themselves.

GREED (3D+): "Spoiled" children grow up to be self-indulgent adults who think the world owes them a living. Selfish people are opportunistic and unthankful. Greed is driven by the fear of loss or want, and this is usually fixated on a particular obsession. People in +Egotism are self-centered and narcissistic. They regard themselves as attractive, and enjoy being the center of attention. People in -Voracity have an insatiable appetite for whatever they may focus on. They also exploit other people to their own gain. People in either Pole are rarely trusted by others because they always "look out for number one".

STUBBORNNESS (PD=): Stubborn people resist external pressures and follow internal stimulus. It is not that they have willpower: it is that they are fixed in their behavior, thoughts, and feelings. Stubbornness is driven by the fear of change. People with this Feature have difficulty coping with new situations. People in +Determination are dogged, self-willed and headstrong. When they take a notion about something, they stay with it, in spite of everything. People in -Obstinacy are rigid and immovable, like the proverbial mule. The harder they are pushed, the stronger they resist. People in either Pole are stuck in a rut.

THE SEVEN BODYTYPES

The twelfth row on the chart is the Aspect called "Bodytype". Bodytype is discussed in the three Michael Messages books, but not the revelation of the seven Bodytypes named after the seven visible planets. I have adopted, with my own modifications, some information given by Gurdjieff and embellished by others. Each Bodytype has a number of distinctive physical characteristics. These traits are adopted from the astrological and mythological attributes of the planets for which the Bodytypes are named. The traits apply to males and females both, although some bodytypes are more "masculine" and some more "feminine" according to cultural stereotypes. There are personality traits associated with each Bodytype, — subdued versions of the seven Traits in the same Process as the Bodytype. For instance, a person with the Solar Bodytype will have the Evolution Process Traits in their nature: Growth, Passion, Arrogance, Priest, Spiritualist, Impressional, and Consonance. Most people are a mixture of various proportions of two or three Bodytypes.

MARTIAL (1D-): Named after the planet Mars (Aries), in mythology the god of war. This Bodytype corresponds to the Warrior Role. It is athletic, muscular, sinewy, hard, lean, dense and tough. The Martial body is built for action and endurance. It thrives on exercise and hard work. It can withstand a lot of pain and abuse. Even when the body is small, there is an aura of taut, intense, raw power ready to spring into action. It projects a "can do" energy. Red hair and freckled skin are Martial traits. The face has a rugged if not fierce look. The eyes, nose and lips are small. This is one of the three most masculine Bodytypes.

LUNAR (2D-): Named after the Moon (Luna, Selene), in mythology the goddess of the night. This Bodytype corresponds to the Server Role. It is usually plain and ordinary in body and facial appearance. The head is round and the chin is short. The torso is also round and the legs short and thin. The skin and hair are lackluster. In fact, there is often a dearth of hair. Of all the Bodytypes, the Lunar is most prone to roundness (like the moon) due to obesity. The Lunar is the most sensual type — they love their food.

MERCURIAL (3D-): Named after Mercury (Hermes), in mythology the messenger god. Vulcan was the "smith" of the pantheon. This Bodytype corresponds to the Artisan Role. It is usually lean and short, as Mercury was said to be agile without being muscular. The body is energetic but is not geared for physical activity so much as for mental activity — the creation and conveyance of ideas and words. They have a low pain threshold and a tendency to hypochondria. Male Mercurials are the most prone of the Bodytypes to wear a mustache or beard. The personality is perceptive, impulsive, and restless. Mercurials look boyish or girlish rather than mannish or womanish.

SATURNINE (PD=): Named after Saturn (Chronos), the god of time and agriculture. This Bodytype corresponds to the Scholar Role. The outermost visible planet encompasses all the others, as the Scholar Role encompasses all the others. The primary distinguishing characteristic here is the bone structure. The bones are large, but the body is nevertheless tall and thin, thus emphasizing the bonyness. The hands and feet are big and gnarled. The face is long, and the head is also chiseled and angular, with projecting cheekbones, prominent nose, square jaw and large teeth. They have a serious but gentle demeanor. They think and move slowly. This is one of the three most masculine Bodytypes.

VENUSIAN (3D+): Named after Venus (Aphrodite), the goddess of love and fertility. This Bodytype corresponds to the Sage Role. Consequently this is a beautiful or handsome body. I don't just mean OK to look upon. I mean it is very pleasant to look upon, whether male or female. The skin is clear of blemishes, the hair is bountiful and lush, the features are attractive to the point of being distinguished, the body is well proportioned, tending to no extreme or irregularities. They eyes are large and dark. The skin is darker than usual. Venusians could be models. Some Venusians have a tendency to let their looks go to pot.

SOLAR (2D+): Named after the Sun (Sol, Helios). This Bodytype corresponds to the Priest Role. The body is medium to tall in height, and slight of build, perhaps even fragile in appearance. The hands and feet are also long and thin. This type is not built to withstand the rigors of physical activity, but their presence is distinctive and impressive, with a tendency to wide shoulders. The features are refined and delicate, and have a youthful appearance. The forehead is broad and the eyes are set widely. The skin seems transparent if not luminescent — they almost shine with an inner light. The hair is silky and shiny. The overall impression is ethereal, otherworldly or angelic — not of this earth. Their behavior is "airy" — exuberant, graceful and childlike.

JOVIAL (1D+): Named after the planet Jove (Jupiter, Zeus), in mythology the king of the gods. This Bodytype corresponds to the King Role. It is large, usually tall, sometimes massive — "beefy" may be the best single adjective. The bones and muscles are heavy-duty, but the body does not emphasize muscularity as does the Martial. Rather, it presents an imposing, regal bearing. The neck is short and thick. The trunk and limbs are heavy. Even when it is overweight, the excessive flesh is firm rather than sloppy. Abundant body hair is also a trait of Jovial men. This is one of the three most masculine Bodytypes

CASTING AND SOUL CONNECTIONS

The ninth, tenth and eleventh rows on the chart are headed up with the title "CASTING". According to Michael, souls are fragments of a larger unit called the "Entity". Entire Entities are "cast" (formed) from the infinite eternal absolute, the Creator which Michael calls the "Tao". Each Entity is made up of between one thousand and twelve hundred fragments. Seven Entities are cast at the same time, forming a yet larger unit called the "Cadre". The seven Entities in the Cadre are numbered from one to seven. When Entities fragment into souls for the purpose of incarnation, they do so in groups of seven. These groups are called "Cadences", and they too are numbered from one to seven. The seven souls in each Cadence are also numbered from one to seven, and this is their Position. Here we have the explanation of the three columns under the CASTING heading on the chart. The first row, "ENTITY", is the designated number of the Entity within its Cadre. The second row, "CADENCE", is the designated number of the Cadence within its Entity. The third row, "POSITION", is the designated position of the fragment within its Cadence. Like Role, Casting does not change from lifetime to lifetime. After its learning on the physical plane is complete, the soul continues its evolution on the astral, mental and causal planes. The evolution consists of the reuniting and reintegration of the Cadence, the Entity and the Cadre, in that order. (Michael says that they are a reunited Entity, and that they consist of Warrior and King fragments.)

Michael says that there is a nature or quality to each of the seven numbers of Entity, Cadence, and Position. This is tabulated as follows:

NUMBER LEVEL ROLE PROCESS

one First Warrior Termination

two Second Server Involution

three Third Artisan Analysis

four Fourth Scholar Assimilation

five Fifth Sage Synthesis

six Sixth Priest Evolution

seven Seventh King Origination

Your location in Casting determines the characteristics of your soul (as does the Role). For instance, Four Entity, Two Cadence, Six Position fragments will have Scholar-like, Server-like and Priest-like qualities in their souls, which will carry over to their incarnate personalities. The soul factors might even be as influential as the Role in the personality of the person. Often the nature of your soul will determine how the Role is expressed. For instance, a Priest in Role with a Scholar soul might chose to be a teacher of religious history at a university, a Priest with a Sage soul might become a television evangelist, and so on. The better the occupation matches the Role and soul factors, the greater the personal fulfillment.

According to Michael, about seventy percent of our really significant relationships during incarnation occur with members of our Cadre. We have between seven thousand and eighty four hundred kindred souls in our Cadre. Some of these "spiritual kin" are much closer relatives than others. Cadence members are like siblings, Entity members are like first cousins, and Cadre members are like second cousins. The closer the soul kinship, the easier it is to "recognize" when you meet: the stronger the sense that you already "know" the person.

Besides Cadre mates and Entity mates and Cadence members, there are three other special classes of "soul mates" within the Cadre: the Essence Twin, the Task Companion, and Configuration members. The bond of "Essence Twins" is the strongest possible for souls. They are of the same Role, in the same location in Casting in different Entities. They are true equals, but because of the consuming intensity of their spiritual kinship, Essence Twins rarely meet or have a continuing relationship during incarnation. It would be too much of a distraction from other things that must be experienced. The second strongest soul bond is with the "Task Companion". Task Companions are in the same Entity, usually of opposite Roles, and they do the complement of each other's work while incarnate, whether or not they know each other while incarnate. They make a great team. "Configurations" are groups of between three and nine souls who, in the late Child or early Young Age, agree to work together for the rest of their time on earth on common projects. It does not require the entire Configuration to do the project(s), and they do not work on the project(s) in every lifetime.

Michael says that it is not necessary for you, the personality self, to plan your life except to see that the body's needs are met so the soul can fulfill its purposes. Your soul self has already mapped out your lifetime in detail. The personality can "abdicate" much of what the soul has planned, but this usually is not to any advantage. Michael's intention is to help the personality self become more aware of the soul's plans and the soul's kin. This accelerates the soul's transition through the physical plane, and eases the personality's journey through life.

THE SEVEN MILESTONES (Internal Monads)

The thirteenth row on the chart is the Aspect called "Milestone". The seven Milestones are seven transitions that people go through in a full lifetime from birth to death. A lifetime is not considered complete unless all seven Milestones are assimilated. There is a difficult or traumatic adjustment in the life at each Milestone, followed by a plateau of relatively calm progress if the adjustment is successful.

BIRTH (1D-): The first Milestone occurs at birth — the usual time the Soul enters the body. Newborns operate entirely from awareness of the body and its instinct for survival — eating, eliminating, sleeping, crying, and so on. The plateau lasts just one to two years, during which there is much moving around for sensing the environment, in addition to experiencing bodily functions. It is important that infants receive much stimulation of the five senses in order to nurture their developing body/brain system. If they don't, severe physical problems will likely result. They could even die of "sensory deprivation". You cannot "spoil" the infant with "too much love (physical care)" at this stage.

CHILDHOOD (2D-): The second Milestone usually occurs sometime during the second year of life. Infants become aware that they are separate from the environment and other individuals. They then realize that they are physically dependent upon others, and that they are affected emotionally by them. The plateau of childhood lasts till adolescence. It is important that children receive emotional support: a safe, fun, close, affectionate and comforting family environment, and esteem from their playmates. They must realize they are valued as individuals, or severe emotional problems will likely result.

ADOLESCENCE (3D-): The third Milestone occurs during the teenage years, beginning when adolescents start to psychologically separate themselves from the family, and ending when they actually move out. Some cultures mark this Milestone with a ceremony of "coming of age". During this time, the mental self-image develops — including the Feature. It is important that adolescents be mentally prepared (by parents, teachers, and peers) to take a place in society, or severe mental problems may result. They must become intellectually competent enough to make their way in the world on their own or they will be socially retarded. If adolescents are treated more as independent adults than dependent children there is less tendency for them to rebel to prove their individuality. Nevertheless, the imprinting of family continues through the plateau phase lasting into middle age.

MID-LIFE (PD=): The fourth Milestone begins in the mid thirties. This can be a very traumatic Milestone, and can last as long as a decade. It is commonly called "The Mid-life Crisis". In it, the adult seeks to shed the imprinting of family and culture, and to become fully individuated. This allows the Soul to begin to make its presence felt. The "lower self" must begin to take a back seat to the "higher self", or the person will remain entirely a product of their genetics and environment — the person will be spiritually retarded. Dramatic changes often occur as the personality seeks to express the emerging influence of Essence. A successful assimilation is usually completed in the early forties, and it catapults the person into the "Life Task", the soul's primary project for the longest plateau of the lifetime.

SENIOR (3D+): The fifth Milestone begins at about the time of normal retirement, in the middle to late sixties. "Senior citizens" now review the lifetime. Were their aspirations and expectations met or not? Did they accomplish what they set out to do? This does not necessarily have anything to do with their career. More often it has to do with their Life Task. In a successful assimilation of this Milestone, the person accepts the lifetime as lived, regardless of whether they achieved the ambitions of their youth or not, or even the goal of their soul. They come to love themselves, and they are generous to others as well. The plateau lasts perhaps a few years, the "golden years".

DYING (2D+): The sixth Milestone occurs in old age with the onset of the final physical deterioration, or the terminal illness. It largely concerns the psychological dynamics of dying. This does not have to be an unpleasant process, but the more attached the person is to their physical life, the more difficult it is. Perhaps you have heard of the stages: disbelief or denial of mortality, anger that it should happen now, bargaining with God for more time, depression and despair, acceptance of the inevitable, and making preparations for the passing. The plateau is usually brief, if it occurs at all. A person who has lived in Essence and completed their Life Task will find this an exhilarating plateau because they anticipate transition to the afterlife joyfully.

DEATH (1D+): The seventh Milestone is the actual exit of the soul from the body. The body dies but the soul is reborn to a higher dimension.

THE SEVEN STAGES OF SERVICE

The fourteenth and fifteenth rows on the Chart have to do with "Love" — maturity on the "spiritual path". I divide Love into two Aspects, "Service" and "Intimacy". Intimacy I apply to close relationships, usually sexual, and Service I apply to not-so-close relationships. This latter is activity, feelings and thoughts which benefit others.

NURTURING (1D-): People at this stage are operating mostly out of need to care for their own physical, emotional and intellectual survival. Their time is taken up with issues of personal well-being — eating, sleeping, exercising, the comfort of the body, making a living, etc. Children function primarily at this level. If there is service of others, it is at this fundamental level — concern for the survival and comfort of the physical body. Where there is concern for others, it is generally for one's own home and family. The acquisition and use of money is a major issue at this stage. So is the proper use of all of one's physical resources. The word "Nurturing" does not imply that emotional considerations apply to this stage. Nurturing is helping action for the sake of safety in situations where physical well-being is threatened, or at least needs attention.

ALLIANCE (2D-): People in Alliance are learning to give consideration to coworkers, companions, friends, gang, club and church — those of their immediate association, whom they get to know and like directly and personally. People at this stage tend to have an emotional charge to their Service. They enjoy the camaraderie of teamwork and joint efforts. At best, they cheerfully help their family and friends when asked. They learn cooperation in team efforts. On other occasions, people at this stage band together to solve immediate problems and address local concerns. Part of the cohesion for people at this stage is an us-versus-them attitude. They often campaign against perceived "evils" rather than for something "good". The major issue here is sorting out values — whose companionship do they value and whose do they not. Group loyalty is valued and outsiders are devalued. One's own family, clan, tribe, union, church, and/or nation come first.

RECIPROCITY (3D-): In this stage, people extend the sense of connection to those not directly known to them. Unlike the two previous stages, the people work together with others outside the immediate sphere of associates. This happens, for instance, when people perceive that other people in the same company, institution, professional organization, city, nation or whatever are working toward similar goals. The attention is focused on the issues of their company or institution, or to political and social objectives. Whereas in previous stages people may see the leaders of the company or the city or the nation as adversaries, in this stage they try to work with "the system" and make it better. They perceive a common bond wherever their is mutual self-interest. The attitude is "whatever is good for the community is good for me and mine". This is sometimes called "enlightened self-interest".

APPRECIATION (PD=): This is the transition stage to higher Service. It is the Neutral stage, and people in it are non-judgmental. They no longer consider the differences between people or peoples to be an obstacle — they may in fact be attracted to different types. They are not driven to change the world to their way of doing, feeling, or thinking like the lower stages, or of saving the world like the upper stages. They may have interest in other cultures or times. They may seek associates of other societies and nations. Their desire to Serve usually concerns global issues. Knowledge and understanding are esteemed at this stage.

COMPREHENSION (3D+): This is the first of the three positive stages of Service. By "positive" I mean that the person radiates Service from their Being. There is a benign attitude of brotherhood based on a philosophical and mystical understanding of the unity of all life. Social enlightenment therefore begins with this stage. A person at this stage is aware of the connectedness of all life, and a desire to know it. There is concentration on the discovery of "truth" of reality. This results in honesty of communication with all those the person comes in contact. Because of this there is an intensity of intimate involvement and interaction with others that is not possible to those of an earlier stage. They seek psychological healing for others. The thing gained at this stage is wisdom, particularly the wisdom that comes from total acceptance of others.

ALTRUISM (2D+): When this stage dawns, the person experiences a deep and abiding compassion for everyone they contact, and for humanity in general. There is a spiritual "charge" of benevolence in their consciousness, a sense of "mission" to improve the condition of humankind. If they are activists by nature, they may get involved in projects to "save the planet" in some way — preserving endangered species, pollution abatement, famine relief, stopping global warming, saving the Brazilian rain forest, and so on. At the interpersonal level of relating, there is a genuine and heartfelt delight in others. Goodwill in thought, word and deed are radiated. The thing gained at this stage is the ability to transcend human woes while being intimately involved in the suffering of others.

PHILANTHROPY (1D+): This stage of Service has no emphasis of any kind. It accepts the totality of another person with empathetic but disengaged wholehearted unconditional affection. There is the influence of Service, yet without pressure. The person gives with absolutely no strings attached, and only where asked, and appropriately.

THE SEVEN STAGES OF INTIMACY

The fifteenth row on the chart is the Aspect of Intimacy. This is seven stages of sexual exchange. Each has a name, with an associated "Chakra" and "Ray". The seven Chakras are locations on the physical body where, according to metaphysical teachings, the energies of the seven Rays are felt in intimate sexual encounters. As a person matures in a "meaningful relationship" with a "significant other", they express successively higher forms of Intimacy, as well as the preceding forms. One's experience of sexuality becomes richer as well as higher. This can be an aspect of one's spiritual path.

PHYSICAL (1D-): The most basic expression of sexual love is of course the physical expression, sexual intercourse. This is the foundation of all the higher forms. The higher expressions cannot develop without mastering it. The "Red" Ray Root Chakra is activated at puberty. The first step is to find someone who "turns you on" and seems otherwise acceptable, then get involved. During this stage, the partners work through their issues until they learn to become "good lovers" for each other — competent and free to give and receive sexual pleasure with each other's bodies. The Ray is clear when they find each other completely satisfying at the sexual/physical level.

AFFECTIVE (2D-): After the sexual needs are taken care of, and the issues of sexual adequacy are resolved, people usually grow into the desire to have an emotional involvement with their sexual partner, as well as having great sex. This means the "Orange" Ray Navel Chakra is now activated. This is a different kind of "turn on", and a very pleasurable one also. It usually starts out as infatuation, and matures into affection. During this stage, the partners fuss their way through emotional issues until they become playful with each other — competent and free to give and receive enjoyment with each other's moods and feelings. They learn the fun of companionship and comfort with their partner.

MENTAL (3D-): After physical and emotional issues are resolved, the partners may turn their attention to understanding each other's minds. When people become activated in "Yellow" Ray, they often get into psychology to understand their companion more objectively. They mentally analyze their relationships to try to "figure them out". This may be the toughest stage of intimacy, because personalities are so complex. To assist this process, people turn to systems of personality interpretation such as astrology, Myers-Briggs personality types, the enneagram, the Michael chart, numerology and psychology. People in this Ray want a partner they can talk to — mental communication is very important. When this Ray is Clear between two people, there is verbal rapport without misunderstanding.

SYSTEMIC (PD=): The Neutral Ray, "Green" Ray, encompasses all the other Rays, low and high. It affects the entire being, so I call it "Systemic Intimacy". This is the first of the spiritual Rays. It is beyond doing, feeling, and thinking — it is a state of BEing. It is nonjudgmental, easygoing, impersonal, centered, and noncompetitive. People in sexual relationships at this stage are companions and friends to each other, as well as being lovers. There is a combining of energies for mutual benefit. Few people achieve this Ray because most do not have adequate or appropriate sexual and spiritual catalyst — it takes both kinds to make the transition to Green Ray. People in this Ray insist that their sexuality have a spiritual component that nourishes the Soul as well as body, emotion, and mind. One must transcend possessiveness and fear of possessiveness to achieve this and higher Rays.

MYSTICAL (3D+): The "Blue" Ray is an Aspect of the Synthesis Process. To achieve the Ray we must accept ourselves completely. This is very rare. We must own and take responsibility for our entire selves. This means the "lower" as well as the "higher". We must integrate the human and the divine aspects of ourselves. To exchange Blue Ray energy with another we have to regard them similarly. To exchange this Ray with another person is a "mystical" experience — there is awareness that both lovers are at some higher level of reality combined in One Being. There seems to be no space separation or time distinction during the experience. There may be telepathic rapport. The partners believe they know each other's innermost Soul. There is nothing hidden.

SPIRITUAL (2D+): The "Indigo" Ray is an Aspect of the Evolution Process. To exchange this Ray with another person is a "spiritual" or "religious" experience — there is joy, ecstasy, gratitude, awe, bliss and wonder. In this Ray, we radiate reverence, inspiration, blessing, holiness and sacredness to our partner and the world. This is extremely rare. This Ray is not to be confused with the "high" often experienced by people infatuated with Orange Ray energy.

COSMIC (1D+): The "Violet" Ray is an expression of the Origination Process. It is active at all times, but we are not generally aware of it. It is the instreaming of energy from the metaphysical half of creation. It is the energy of our Souls. It provides the substance of our spiritual being. If we were to function fully within this Ray, we would have full identification with our highest selves, we would be an "Avatar" or "Realized Master", and be capable of performing "miracles." This stage is the ultimate empowerment or enlightenment. Sexual "magic" is possible at this level. It is almost never achieved.

MICHAEL SAYS . . .

There is much more to the Michael material than the personality system. Here are a number of quotes strung together to give you some idea of a few other aspects of their teaching.

"Our purpose is to teach some understanding of the evolution on the physical plane so that the student can reach some insight into human behavior which will enable him to concentrate on personal life plans. Human understanding is the lesson of the physical plane. To strive for spiritual enlightenment without gaining human understanding is to disregard the real purpose of your existence on the physical Plane.

"We call the constant creative force the Tao. It is ethereal and not physical. From this Tao comes all things. Entire entities are cast from the Tao. A cadre is a group of seven entities, all cast at the same time, and therefore linked. Each entity is made up of about one thousand souls, or fragments as we choose to call them, each of which enters the physical plane as many times as is necessary to experience all aspects of life and achieve human understanding. There are five cycles or ages experienced on the physical plane: the Infant, the Child, the Young, the Mature and the Old, and each of these has seven levels. There are seven major roles in essence. These are chosen at the time the entity is first born, or cast from the Tao, and followed throughout [the cycles of reincarnation]. They are Server, Warrior, Artisan, Scholar, Sage, Priest, and King. There are also Mode, Goal, Centering, Feature, and Attitude — the overleaves. The overleaves change from life to life to give you a new viewpoint and range of reaction from which to experience the entire range of human life, so that real understanding may occur. These are all part of what you may think of as your true self, your true personality as compared to false personality. False personality is that which is produced artificially by the society in which you live. It is the result of peer group pressure and acculturation. In the mid thirties, the overleaves will either manifest themselves and the true personality emerge, or the false personality will take over entirely.

"There is no exalted purpose behind human life. The life itself is the purpose and is only one stage of evolution, which proceeds in an awesomely ordered, unalterable line until the created in effect evolves to become the creator. The soul, like the body, must develop within certain set limits. There is no express lane to the human understanding. There is only growth, often difficult, mostly painful. Choice is the purpose of the physical plane. All in life is chosen, and the living of it brings lessons to bear that contribute to the growth and understanding of the soul. In each life you choose one major life task, that one goal which you set for yourself between lives, and then work to accomplish it. You all make agreements [with other souls] during the astral interval [between lifetimes]. An agreement is an arrangement made between lives, not unlike an appointment for lunch, that offers aid, support, introductions, or other benefit, either mutually or directly. There are special configurations that also aid you in completing your task. These are working arrangements agreed upon by fragments. These configurations are, for the most part, quadrates and sextants, partnerships of four or six souls whose goals are interrelated. A monad is a necessary experiential unit. Each fragment must experience being the attacker and the victim, the healer and the healed, the passionate and the repressive, the dependent and the independent, the rescuer and the rescued, to give a few obvious examples. Karma is one of the laws governing the human condition. A fragment does not incur karma for bad manners. Karma results when the life choices of another fragment have been abrogated without prior agreement. It is a profoundly compelling tie between fragments until the karmic ribbon has been burned by equal payment. As you sow, so shall you reap.

"Most fragments on the physical plane are in the control of fear and resultant Maya (illusion). If we have any desire, it is that the fear-ridden hold of Maya be broken enough that fragments might experience the life with more love and less fear to guide them. The foe of all of you is Maya, and the soul of Maya is fear. The means to combat fear is love. Love is the truth toward which we all aspire. Joy banishes fear and as such is a great threat to the rule of Maya. Personality cannot love. Only the essence, the intrinsic core of the soul, is capable of loving. Fear stands in the way of experience of essence. There are poles in all aspects of the overleaves. Personality has access to essence through the positive poles of the overleaves. If a person is in the negative pole of an overleaf, it is possible to bring this to an end by examining the positive pole of the opposite overleaf. [The greatest deterrent to growth] is without doubt the Feature, not only for the distortion caused by its influence, but because it is caught up in fear and the instrument of Maya. The extinguishing of the Feature is perhaps the greatest single accomplishment for any fragment on the physical plane where essence evolution is concerned. The concept of love requires the actions of a closely knit group of supportive students in order to be truly expressed. The support of other students is necessary to offset the negativism you often find around you. No one can feel love in an ivory tower or a hermit's cell.

We are not here to give you a new dogma. If you decide to explore this teaching, we would wish that you do not accept it 'on faith' but question and test it. Blind faith eliminates understanding, and without understanding there can be no growth or Agape."

 
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