Simply, the present moment
The seven virtues are: Faith, Hope, Charity, Fortitude, Justice, Prudence, and Temperence.
Hawk: Hawks are observant and perceptive messengers from the spirit world. They symbolize noticing the big picture, using your talents, omens, dreams, courage, defense, wisdom, illumination, truth and experience. They are connected to Horus, Ptah, Rehu, Seker, Amenti, Apollo, Artemis, Indra,
Ahura Mazda, and Mithras. http://rampant-griffon.net/paganplace/animal/listair.html
I would like to think that we as a people of Planet Earth have moved forward since the times of 410AD when the "Contest of the Soul" was written with the Seven Virtues (and Seven Deadly Sins) given to us.
In those times it was very much a message of control by the Church.
Unfortunately we know that in many ways we have not moved from the thinking of those times. We can see in Islam how much some groups utilise the religious point of view to control the mindset of the people. I know there are sect groups within Christianity where control through religion is also used. I would guess that it is the same everywhere when Ego gets in the way of Truth. To bring Ego into balance is our life's
mission.
We need Ego - the shadow side as well as the 'pure' side.
We need the push Ego gives us through good self esteem to be creative, find the drive and push which allows us to know that what we are doing has worth.
We need Ego to teach us - value.
If used with wisdom we can use Ego as the hawk to be observant and see the bigger picture as needed by ourself to understand the whys and wherefores of our journey.
Ego can teach us how to be in truth with ourselves.
Certainly we can allow it to promote ourselves to the world but we can do so in humility. Pride in ourselves is good when we balance both sides of the self. Humility is not humiliation. Ego allows us to be discerning in the difference within ourselves.
Each Virtue both negative and positive connotation give us opportunity to arrive at
personal truth.
personal truth creates the space to make our heart sing
and
when we really listen to our heart, the spirit which guides and flows within
then we are in perfect balance with Ego
with love from my heart to your heart
from here in Brisbane, Australia on the 10th August, 2006
Gaele Arnott
The Seven Virtues were derived from the
Psychomachia ('Contest of the Soul'), an epic poem written by Aurelius Clemens Prudentius (c. 410) entailing the battle of good virtues and evil vices. The intense popularity of this work in the Middle Ages helped to spread the concept of Holy Virtue throughout Europe. Practicing these virtues is alleged to protect one against temptation from the Seven Deadly Sins, with each one having its counterpart. There are two distinct variations of the virtues, recognised by different groups.
Ranked in ascending order of sanctity, the seven holy virtues are:
Chastity (Latin, virtus) (purity, opposes lust, Latin luxuria) Courage & boldness. Embracing of moral wholesomeness & achieving purity of thought through education & betterment.
Abstinence (Latin, frenum) (self-control, opposes gluttony, Latin gula)
Constant mindfulness of others and one's surroundings; practicing self-control, abstention, and moderation.
Constant mindfulness of others and one's surroundings; practicing self-control, abstention, and moderation.
Liberality (Latin, liberalitas) (will, generosity, opposes greed, Latin avaritia)
Generosity. Willingness to give. A nobility of thought or actions.
Generosity. Willingness to give. A nobility of thought or actions.
Diligence (Latin, industria) (ethics, opposes sloth, Latin acedia)
A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work. Decisive work ethic.
A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work. Decisive work ethic.
Patience (Latin, patientia) (peace, opposes wrath, Latin ira) Forebearance and endurance through moderation. Resolving conflicts peacefully, as opposed to resorting to violence.
Kindness (Latin, humanitas) (satisfaction, opposes envy, Latin invidia)
Charity, compassion, friendship, and sympathy without prejudice.
Charity, compassion, friendship, and sympathy without prejudice.
Humility (Latin, humilitas) (modesty, opposes pride, Latin superbia)
modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues
modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_virtues
Seven Virtues
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