If there's anything reading faces has taught me over a decade and a half - it is that rare does not equal special. This observation is how I know that, in any other formulaic system, there is no such thing as a true and natural hierarchy. Every esoteric system is based on the same principle truths - universal laws and patterns that exist interchangeably. One such law is the law of balance. Therefore, there is no such thing as a hierarchy of importance, only roles and trade-offs. Some archetypal energetic configurations are such that they are naturally out of balance and seem favoured in this or that arena - but that is just the symptom of having looked with untrained eyes. Once balanced, they become plain, but it is exactly in that plainness where true spiritual progress is achieved. Many on the spiritual path don't understand this. What is "this"? The fact and sentiment that the most spiritually advanced humans are often the most plain. Their struggles in their secret hearts never coming out on the surface. The materialist finds the spiritual. He loses some zest for life and his ravenous, animalistic impulse to hoard and gather wealth. But, in return, he gains himself. You can imagine how this is a true test of temperament for such a character. The sensate, one who feels and revels in excess, through rejection of these vices and lifely pleasures, gains himself - and a genuinely healthy life, longevity, and contentness. The black magician, ordained to dominate and manipulate, loses and gives away his dark potential and his innate affinity for the art to gain his higher potential. The darkness within him is stilled and exists without being expressed, until it is transmuted. Outside of his secret dominance, externally, he looks to become average - and to others he will seem exactly as such. In return, he will find grand wisdom and higher spiritual truths - if he is deserving. As the point stands, for example, there is no such thing as someone being given more "just because". As in - more energy, more luck, more of this or that - only different experiences and life roles. Notice how we call it life roles instead of life paths as well. No life path is set, so to speak, but the authentic pursuit of one's role does serve to indicate some sort of predestined way that an individual can go through, albeit very loosely. Authenticity is key. You must let go of outwards appearances. Be impressive to YOURSELF - this is what's important. When you are impressive to yourself - that's where you truly become attractive and exemplary. But if you pursue to impress others outwardly - you will never find true respect and love. ![[IMG_1314.jpeg]]