The first thing you must accept, is that in the beginning there was Hearthstone. It is the First of Worlds and it is both the path and the destination that binds all others together. I will try to explain.
I do not speak of the place of which you take measure by your five senses – the place that is fixed in what you can sample by smell and by taste, by touch and by sight and by hearing. If you believe that all that can be perceived is discerned by these means alone, then your senses have deceived you and the reality in which you live is like seeing only in black and white.
Let me put another way. As the clarity of the image rendered depends upon the surface upon which it is reflected, so your physical world is an imperfect echo of what is Hearthstone. You still don’t understand? That’s Ok, neither did I at first. Let me give you some more information.
It is in this physical reality that you dwell that the Five Laws are said to be immutable. This lie is perpetuated by those who have much to lose should the truth of the matter be exposed to the general population. However, it is also my belief that such knowledge – if untempered by sound guidance, personal accountability and empathy for our fellow man – could also have a detrimental effect on humanity as a whole. As such I have sought not to enlighten all – but some – those who for whatever reason, through which ever path or means, are already aware of that which is Hearthstone, even if they do not know to call it by its name. If you are reading this, then you are most likely one such whom I seek. You probably have questions. I will try to answer them as best I can as I meander through what to speak on openly, and what to omit for your safety at this time.
Hearthstone is like unto the fire that roars bright and hot within the hearth of the home of your heart, giving of its comfort to all who seek shelter in its embrace. Others continue to disagree with me on this matter, but it is my resolute belief that Hearthstone is akin to a benevolent entity that we falter in our ability to comprehend. I say this because I have been both broken and redeemed by its fire. I have been lost and also found within its depths, and I choose to believe that I am not an irrelevant spectator, but an active participant in the master plan that Hearthstone weaves for the benefit of us all.
It is a world that only few can glimpse, and that imperfectly without help. Perhaps that glimpse comes in a wondrous dream aloft the wings of psychedelic inspiration. Perhaps it is in the place that you call déjà vu, where for a short moment you have crossed over into a place that looks the same but is not. An anomalous glitch, if you will.
Less often, blessedly, it comes in a nightmare of twisted shadows and terrible, gnawing, fearfulness that wakes you with a sleep silenced scream, and a tremor in your heart and hands that only turning on the light can dispel.
That was a beginning of signs. But I shall not speak of that matter so soon. That would be best kept for a face to face conversation if you can glean enough from these words to find the place that I am. A small test, if you will. If you can find me, I will reveal to you all…
But back to the point.
To know this other world of which I speak requires other senses. These senses can be taught and learned. Some are naturally gifted, some must work to master it. But it can be done. The rules of Hearthstone do not function in relation to, nor limitation of, the empirical reality that is the physical realm of the Five Laws. To we who understand this, it is called merely Five. It is a number to us and nothing more. However, to say such does not mean that we do not value those who dwell in it. All that we do, we do for you. I hope that you understand that when all is done. When you discover what we have done.
To know Hearthstone, you must first believe in it. A curious paradox, I know. The ability to suspend your understanding of reality and impose your will upon a force you cannot discern with you physical senses is challenging. But as aforementioned, not impossible. To those who believe.
It has had as many names in as many religions and cultures and mythos as there have been voyeurs and purveyors of its gifts. But to know the true name of a thing is to exert power over it. Be warned in this matter. Its other name has been the World Within the World – the Omega – and it can be a dangerous place to linger indeed if you know only this facet. Believe me, I know this well. I walked with Omega and I was undone.
It has been said that hard is the road and narrow is the way that leads to Hearthstone. But it is my belief that there are many roads to this place that chooses many to know its ways. One thing I will agree on is that none make the journey unscathed and few enter in undamaged enough to do more than dream it and awake still not knowing the whole truth. It is my sincere desire that with my words I can reveal that truth to those who are ready to receive it. And if necessary, join our fight to uphold it. Many are called, but few are chosen.
A final warning.
The World Within the World is the fastest and easiest path to Hearthstone. It is the oil, the water, the spirit that lubricates the transition. But when you step into the World Within, the World Within steps into you, and Omega will be your last and only perhaps a first. There is no unknowing what has been done. No going back to what you were before you knew the truth. You take the risk of losing yourself to confusion and darkness and this risk never abates. I have lost many comrades to the darkness even as I myself have fought to remain beyond its reach.
I think I may speak too much in riddles for you but you must understand that I can only guide. I cannot take you by the hand and bring you into this place. Not as I was so introduced. To do so is akin to the greatest abuse we name. You must come willingly. Or not at all. I shall do to no other what was done to me. But that is another story for another time.
You have been suitably warned of the consequences. Even as you are welcomed.
Believer.
- Excerpt from the volume The Ascension to Glory
Blessed is she who walks with no name. Let us ever abide in her glory.
redefineyourmind 