Ideology
What's in a name...
Konatus {koh-ney-tuhs} is an alternative spelling for the Latin word "conatus" which is the noun form of the verb "conari". Conari translates literally as "to endeavor". However, philosophers of psychology and metaphysics have long used this term in reference to an innate inclination of a thing to continue to exist and enhance itself. It is from this definition that the House dictum, "Nature Strives Toward Perfection" (a common motif used by the Greek Philosopher, Aristotle 384BC-322BC) is formed. The substitution of the letter "K" in place of the letter "C" is purely to emphasize correct pronunciation... and personally, I think it looks better.
For further reading on the word Konatus please click HERE.
Apotheosis - The Alchemy of Spirit
The process of separating the gold from the dross, the fine from the gross, or the profound from the profane is the very foundation upon which the practice of ancient alchemy is built. Unfortunately, what many students of such topics fail to understand is the fact that alchemy is not merely a barbaric or superstitious precursor to modern chemistry. In fact, it is modern chemistry that is found lacking when compared to alchemy as it embraces only the science and discards the inner wisdom.
While the outward appearance of historical alchemy may seem so, the esoteric art has little to do with chemicals, compounds, or formulas. Instead of measurable science, alchemy is comprised of the deeper essence of personal transformation, especially in regards to refining that which is currently base into that which can become transcendent. The fabled search for the philosophers stone which was reputed to be able to transmute lead into gold was more an exploration of the spirit than a scientific research project. The actual process of the alchemist’s experimentation was (and is) a physical metaphor for the inner journey. This sublime alchemical approach is the absolute heart of Apotheosis.
By strict definition, Apotheosis is a Greek word which referred to the process of glorification, usually to a divine level. However, in this case it refers to the process of alchemical transformation discussed above. The very namesake of House “Konatus” proclaims our goal to be spiritual evolution and enhancement.
Metaphysical Cosmology
All living things (which include animals, humans, plants, and a number of other entities that often defy definition) are imbued with a soul or spirit. The energy of this soul is eternal. This eternal aspect can be compared to Isaac Newton’s Law of Conservation of Energy, which states that matter and energy can be neither created nor destroyed. The form can be broken, changed, reborn, or transformed, but the basic essence is everlasting. Thus, all life, after a fashion, can be considered immortal. However, there is a fundamental difference concerning the concept of immortality between the “Awakened” (Beings which have gained a sense of self-awareness that carries over from life to life and whose perceptions have moved beyond the material world to focus on a worldview more spiritual/energetic.) and the “Non Awakened” (Worldly beings whose perceptions are tied to the physical realm and whose sense of self-awareness is centric to their present incarnation only.)
At birth or conception (depending on your beliefs), the physical form of all living beings receives a soul. In the case of the non awakened (the vast majority of beings), the soul is merely a random portion of the Universal Life Force. To illustrate: imagine a ladle being dipped into a great well and the liquid being poured into a vessel (the physical body). During this being’s life, all of his or her experiences, ideas, emotions, thoughts, and understandings are recorded within the soul. Upon the death of the physical body, the soul returns to the universal source and its essence is reabsorbed into the whole. To continue the previous analogy, the liquid is poured back into the well. In a manner of speaking, the soul experiences a form of death as its individuality merges with and becomes a part of the Universal Life Force once more. This is all part of a great mechanism that drives the cycle of cosmic evolution. However, not all beings remain a part of this cycle of continuous emergence and re-absorption. When a being “awakens”, either by design or circumstance, the soul no longer is reabsorbed into the Universal Life Force upon physical death. Instead, through force of will, an awakened soul retains the sum of its experiences and its individuality, and embarks on a spiritual and personal journey of evolution. Consider awakening the ability to achieve self-awareness in the cycle, and this realization leads to a solidification or crystallization of the individual Self. To follow our analogy, the water freezes into ice and is not easily reabsorbed. A being that is awakened is therefore considered immortal, as its true essence or soul no longer experiences the death of individuality. Eventually, the soul will reincarnate into a new physical form, retaining echoes of its past selves.
What is House Konatus?
The short answer is simple... House Konatus is a blend of modern Pagan ritual, Theurgy, Hermetic Alchemy, and Kheprian energy work. The goal of the House and it members is to seek the refinement of self... to seek integration with the Higher Self through ritual and spiritual exploration... in essence, to seek spiritual evolution.
House Konatus does not "worship" deity(s) (though we do perform rituals in accordance with the yearly cycles of life energy). Instead, we see ourselves as co-creators of reality who work with (not in service to) the various gods, spirituals powers, forces, and entities of the Cosmos. All belief systems are welcome in House Konatus, but the House, as a whole, does not espouse any specific culture. In as much, we do not proclaim any one spiritual truth, but encourage one another to seek their own truth (an injunction borrowed from House Kheperu, through which House Konatus was born) be that Pagan, Otherkin, Occultist, or whatever path you follow.
The more in depth answer to that question is outlined in the information below. If you have questions, please feel encouraged to contact us with them.
Three is a Magick Number
Plato, through the words of Socrates, asserts that humanity has a triumvirate class structure
corresponding to the primal and most basic structure of the individual soul. In essence Plato is
saying that each person plays one of three primary roles withing society. A single person may
embody some aspects of more than one of these roles, but one role will typically stand out
among the others. Plato defined these three classes as:
Productive - the laborers, carpenters, plumbers, masons, merchants, farmers, ranchers, etc.
These correspond to the "appetite" part of the soul.
Protective - those who are adventurous, strong and brave; in the armed forces. These
correspond to the "spirit" part of the soul.
Governing - those who are intelligent, rational, self-controlled, in love with wisdom, well suited to make decisions for the community. These correspond to the "reason" part of the soul and are
very few.
These classes or “Spheres” are apparent throughout history and around the globe as seen in
India, feudal Japan, medieval and Victorian Europe, etc. The ideology of House Konatus
incorporates this social philosophy into the esoteric definition of “subtle energy”. In other words,
the very nature of one’s subtle energy is fundamental to how one reacts to the world and
conversely how the world reacts in turn.
House Konatus celebrates and employs these three basic subtle energy categories in both our
structure and ritual work. We define the these three energetic / social differences as “Spheres”:
Medium Sphere - Those who are conduits between the material world and the world of spirit...
who generate energy, transform it, and help to bind it together.
Guardian Sphere - Those who protect and defend... who ground energy, define its perimeters,
and bring order and structure to energies that are dissonant or chaotic.
Priest Sphere - Those who advise and administer... who shape energy, focus it, and direct it
toward a purpose.
While anyone can learn to serve in each of these capacities, what defines a person as being a
particular Sphere is what they are best at and in many cases what comes natural to them.
Much more concerning the nature and role of the Spheres can be found HERE.
Ritual & Energy Work
Those more familiar with the standard model of Western magickal / Pagan form of ritual will
probably not understand the relevance of the Spheres at first. Simply stated, the three sphere
system is integral to how House Konatus performs ritual. Furthermore, it is essential to a
deeper understanding of subtle energy and spiritual evolution... both of which are cornerstones
of House Konatus.
In its simplest definition, ritual is the raising, manipulation, and release (or absorption) of subtle
energy. Subtle energy, like any form of energy, is bound by certain immutable natural laws. In
fact, the laws that govern the actions / reactions of subtle energy are not that dissimilar from
those that govern electrical energy.
Energy (subtle or electrical) seeks a ground. If the electricity in your house were not grounded,
nothing would happen when you turned on a lamp because the energy would not flow. Energy
only imparts its charge when there is a current. The current is created by connecting the source
to a ground. The lamp is placed between these two and is activated by the current passing
through the light bulb.
To relate this electrical model to ritual; the Mediums (energy source) generate or “channel” the
energy into the ritual space. The Guardians (The ground) provide a ground and keep the energy
stable. The Priests (the light bulb) manipulate the energy into its ritual form. The image below
shows the basic cyclic nature of this effect.
This stable flow of energy is useful for more than simply ritual. Imagine something that blocked
the flow of blood through your body. Organs, limbs, and even your very life would be in danger if
the “current” of your circulatory system were impeded. Likewise so for the flow of subtle energy
through the subtle body. Energy work in this fashion is likened to physical exercise for the subtle
body. It stimulates and promotes a healthy flow of energy which is vital for spiritual growth.
The Rest of the Story
Thus far the topics have ranged from Greek and Latin language, Hermetic philosophy, spiritual
cosmology, archetypal energy, ritual and various other interesting but cerebral pursuits.
Important subjects all, but one might ask if this is all House Konatus is about. In a word, no.
However, as I am sure you are beginning to guess by my verbose style of writing, one small
word is insidiously insignificant when ten words (or more) paint a much more enchanting
picture. That being said...
Anytime the House gathers there will be ritual (small or large) in which we will share sacred
space. In that sacred space we will share energy. My energy will flow through you and your’s
through me and our’s through the rest of those who stand in ritual and their’s through us. Energy has a dynamic effect on energy and this process will bond and change all of us. All participants willing, such interaction creates an integral and synergetic whole from what may appear to be individual parts.
One must not only be open to this sort of ritual energetic exchange and transformation, but also
be a willing and eager participant in the social dynamic as well for the two run hand in hand.
House Konatus is more than just a place where one punches in their spiritual time card. It is my
intent to build a close community of brothers and sisters in spirit... a family, if you will.
There is more... much more. However, those topics will be left for later discussions. For now
think on what you have read. Ask such questions as you might have. And if nothing else... have
a wonderful life.
Gryphon
If you wish to submit an application to join House Konatus, the form can be found HERE.
