I am routinely asked if there are tests you can do to see where one is at on their inner journey. Of course these tests vary depending on what specific techniques one is practicing, but there is one that is universal to them all. There is one that everyone can do regardless of what their personal practices is and it will reveal to them a great deal of what they have accomplished and what they need to do to progress on the Path of Return, to experience illumination.
It is also very simple, but not so easy.
It is the test of Hod, the cornerstone of the Pillar of Severity, from which the inner worlds and pathways to adeptship open up before us.
It is this: do not lie.
Very simple: do not lie.
First and foremost do not lie to yourself. Be honest in your self appraisal and self-reflection. If you are afraid of not lying then be honest with yourself about it. Second, do not lie to others. This means, do not knowingly deceive them. Of course we are not talking those rare and unique circumstances where one lies to save the life and limb of another, few if any of you will ever experience that situation. No, it is clear we are talking about lying avoid the consequences of the truth.
Now, we must say clearly, if you wish to be illuminated, to experience and know reality as it is, then you cannot lie. This also means that you are not being asked to “tell the truth” as you may not know what “the truth” is. You are being asked to be honest, and that is what is essential if you are to progress on the Path, any path really, and to have the inner and outer relationships that will assist you.
So, do not lie. Be honest with yourself about, “I wish or do not wish to do _____.” or “I want or do not want to do ______.” There is also, if you are honest, “I am afraid that if I do or say _____ or do not do or say ______ that I will experience undesirable outcomes.” You must weigh those outcomes, you must assess how important honesty, even Truth, are to you in your daily life. That is the cornerstone of the Path. In doing so, notice how many times a day you lie to yourself in small and debilitating ways. Ways that pile up, box you in, and prevent you from having the inner and outer freedom you desire. It can be overwhelming, but must be done. That is part of not lying to yourself. Looking in the mirror and admitting what you see.
Be honest with yourself about yourself, that is the best place to start. Do not lie to yourself about yourself, or lie to others. You may have to be creative and thoughtful in how you engage them, but that is simply part of learning how to assess situation and your capacity to deal with the diversity of encounters we have across our lives. Enhance your relationship to the great Messenger of the Gods, Mercury, first do not lie, and then, learn how to honest under all circumstances. But start with not lying.
