Triangles BULLETIN No. 150
December 2004

The word ‘creative’ is linked in the minds of many with the word ‘artistic’, but its true meaning is much more inclusive. Webster’s dictionary describes a creator as "one that [brings] something new or original into being". Thus the term creative can be properly applied to all fresh, innovative ideas in every field of human endeavour. Creativity can be truly viewed as a force that generates change— change that can be either selfishly or spiritually motivated as noted in Esoteric Psychology, Vol. I:

Many men everywhere are becoming politically, religiously, scientifically, or artistically creative, and the impact of their mental energy and of their plans and ideas is making itself felt competitively. Until the idea of brotherhood dominates the race, we shall see these powers prostituted to personal ends and ambitions, and to consequent disaster…. Some few, however, are raising their energies higher still and translating them into terms of the heavenly world. The Christ is being born today in many a human being, and increasingly will the sons of God appear in their true nature to take over the guidance of humanity in the New Age.

As we move into the new century, there are signs that humanity is beginning to harness the creativity of the human spirit for the good of the whole. In their book, The Cultural Creatives, Paul H. Ray and Sherry Ruth Anderson write:

These creative, optimistic millions are at the leading edge of several kinds of culture change, deeply affecting not only their own lives but our larger society as well. We call them the Cultural Creatives because innovation by innovation, they are shaping a new kind of…culture for the twenty-first century. Ray and Anderson hope to "awaken Cultural Creatives’ interest in themselves, [believing] that their self-awareness of themselves as a culture will help us all, help our culture to develop the fresh solutions that we need so urgently now".

The dim outlines of a culture of the soul are becoming visible—a culture in which the unique, creative gifts of each will be developed and freely given to enrich and uplift the entire human family. The Cultural Creatives among us are conduits for the progressive ideas that lead humanity forward. As triangles members we aid in the creative process by asking for the light of innovation to pour into receptive, pioneering human minds and by invoking the love and purpose which will compel the Cultural Creatives in the world to selflessly employ this creative energy on behalf of humanity. In this way we help to ensure that human impression to the good, the beautiful and the true may be greatly increased. For, these energies will reveal the new creative era. It is predicted that the coming creative cycle will dwarf human creative accomplishment to date because of the selfless, group conscious, motivating power of the soul which will increasingly underlie and inform all creative endeavour.

Art is the mirror, and at best the vanguard, of humanity’s soul growth. While it maps our illusions, which it echoes, it has attempted to find patterns in the mysteries of our universe. From the mythological themes of classical art to the East’s meditation on darkness and light, from Islamic and Buddhist art to the Christian symbols of fall and redemption – this is a sacred journey.

Considering Western art, are the radiant images of Fra Angelico and the early Renaissance any less sacred than Goya’s powerful etchings The Horrors of War? Creative workers, after all, whatever the field they work in – including Triangles – are "primarily those who can destroy those glamours to which humanity is prone."i Does the sacred not only include light-transforming Gothic architecture, but also Hieronymus Bosch’s The Garden of Earthly Delights? He treats the poor, damned souls with compassion, so that the effect is of a "collective Christ, suffering as meaninglessly as all humankind suffers, yet never without meaning, even in hell. It is no accident that their beauty endures".ⁱⁱ

During the medieval period art was dominated by the church; as society became increasingly secular, and broke away from that authority, art reflected a new individuality. The Italian Renaissance with its naturalism and perspective laid the foundations for Western society. Arcane wisdom is revealed through the works of many artists of this period, from the scientific/intuitive works of Leonardo, to the visionary works of El Greco, to the esoteric images of Albrecht Dürer. Later, as industrial economies developed, groups of artists incarnated, such as Blake and his circle, to counteract the increasing materialism with their vision. There was Turner, fascinated by light, who shocked the contemporary art world with his disregard for the current ‘realism’.

With the 20th Century, after the impact of impressionism, and coinciding with the birth of modern psychology, groups of artists began to reject idealised, romantic themes. They looked within; what they saw was not necessarily ‘beautiful’. Here begins our meditation upon the formless worlds. As Jung says, "... the pleasingness of the artistic produce is replaced by chill abstractions of the most subjective nature which brusquely slam the door on the naive and romantic delight in the senses and their obligatory love for the object..."ⁱⁱⁱ

One of the first abstract artists, Kandinsky, whose work is deeply spiritual, wrote that art must be dedicated to "higher purposes which are great and sanctified" and that the artist must ... develop his own soul so that his external talent has "something to put on"^iv. Later, Mark Rothko’s powerful, meditative abstractions have had enormous influence in our materialist, object-centred modern world.

In world art today, artists like Cecil Collins (1908-89), whose works abound with soul image, have been considered ‘outsiders’, and yet there has been a growing reaction to the "ironic and clever habits of post-modernists"^v – innovation for innovation’s sake. It is as if artists in the latter half of the 20th century have been working under the destroyer aspect of the 1st Ray for all rules and structures have now been demolished. The way has been cleared – but for what?

This will probably become increasingly apparent. Our world is one of schism, insecurity and fear, which the arts have reflected. It is out of this conflict that the deep harmonies of unity are already appearing, whatever the forms, ‘isms’ and movements the artists use, and have used. The thread of soul truth is woven through time itself. It has never been so vital that art gives meaning to a world that has ‘lost’ meaning, to restore the mysteries. This is a destiny requiring more than mystical vision. We cannot look back, even to yesterday. In the synthesis of the creative, loving Will, is the future revelation of beauty. There is the true innovation.

i Discipleship in the New Age, Vol 1, p.132, Alice Bailey
ii The Garden of Earthly Delights, Peter S. Beagle, Picador
iii The Undiscovered Self, pp. 109-110, CG Jung
iv "Ruckblicke", Kadinsky, Munich 1913
v From Manifesto of the New Metaphysical Art

Founded in 1995, ArtSpirit is a non-profit organisation "encouraging intercultural awareness and healing through artistic expression". The group explains, "ArtSpirit creates programs within the arts to help others discover the transformative quality of the creative process.... ArtSpirit understands that the creative process encourages self-expression, psychological and spiritual growth, and cultural awareness".

The group works with artists, therapists, teachers, and organizations that are attuned to the idea of healing and building community through the arts.

Over the years ArtSpirit has organised various events to promote its remit. Recent events have included a ‘Summer Solstice Celebration’ and a ‘Peace Mandala Workshop’. This initiative is a "public outreach project bringing together peoples from diverse religions and spiritual traditions to create a unified image of Peace".

Marion B. Williams
Executive Director
ArtSpirit, Inc.
1202 Lexington Avenue
Box 295
New York, NY 10028
USA
Tel: +1 212 288 0857
Fax: +1 212 570 0764
Web: www.artspiritonline.org
Email: marion@artspiritonline.org

Vermont Studio Center (VSC) supports "the making of art as the communication of spirit through form". The center was founded in 1984. It is a non-profit, year-round, international creative community, helping 600 artists and writers from the USA and all over the world in a supportive work environment in its 30-building campus.

The center provides 4-12 week studio residencies for artists and writers, who are selected to represent an intentional mix of mediums, cultures, experience, and ages. In addition the center also provides a year-round roster of distinguished visiting artists and writers, who present their own work and who are available to residents for optional individual studio visits and writing conferences.

A meditation room is also available, which is open 24 hours a day. VSC remarks "meditation practice allows us to develop our awareness of the ceaseless rush of thought which separates us from the true reality of our lives...." In celebrating its 20th anniversary VSC comments, "at all measurable levels the Studio Center is more successful than we ever dreamed, and on the more meaningful immeasurable levels of humanity, creativity, compassion, cross-cultural understanding, and community, it is even more remarkable".

Vermont Studio Center
PO Box 613
Johnson
Vermont 05656
USA
Tel: + 1 802 635 2727
Fax: + 1 802 635 2730
Web: www.vermontstudiocenter.org
Email: info@vermontstudiocenter.org

Artists Helping Artists (AHA!) is a nonprofit arts education and community service. AHA’s mission is to "recognize, promote, connect and energize artists as well as the groups that serve them to actively enhance communities and culture through the Arts." AHA is open to creative individuals, artists, leaders and visionaries from all races, faiths and artistic disciplines.

Artists Helping Artists
PO Box 8496, La Crescenta, CA 91224, USA
Tel: + 1 661 250 9417; Fax: + 1 661 250 9827
Web: www.artistshelpingartists.org
Email: Info@ArtistsHelpingArtists.org

I recently began my first triangle with my co-workers in Australia and the USA. It has been an incredibly enriching, magnetising, and powerful experience to participate in the Triangles work. I can sense the strength, support, and purpose of our triangle and all the triangles in the world. I tune in and can hear the voices of my co-workers and then I hear the voice of humanity synchronising the Great Invocation. There is a deep and important purpose in the Triangles work. Triangles are an interconnection of light within us that represent the flow of the spirit, which leads us to unity, balance, and love. Ukraine

I enjoy the Triangles work because it is so simple and straightforward that anyone who believes in the power of thought can participate. One of my triangles is more than 25 years old and keeps growing brighter on the subjective planes. One of the members is also in almost 100 other triangles and consistently calls the name of each member every morning as she lights up her triangles. USA

It is simply a joy to be a member of Triangles. It is a privilege to work for humanity. The Triangles network is used by the Hierarchy to transmit the power of Good Will into the minds of men. By creating the triangles we allow the energies of the Hierarchy to become more potent. I let triangles form themselves. I ask people if they would like to do their part in helping humanity. Then I give them some literature about Triangles and ask them to read it and give it some consideration before making their decision. I see a giant response of men and women of goodwill in every country coming together as one for the common goal of raising the consciousness of humanity as a whole. USA

We found ourselves drawn together to do spiritual work. We don’t even know each other well on a personal level, but it felt right to be doing a meditation with purpose and dedication. It feels very positive to be drawn together to do this work now. The power of prayer is magnified when we unite in positive thought. UK

I’m a peace loving citizen inspired by the meaning of the Great Invocation, which I believe a world in chaos needs. Philippines

The triangle is a light. It is a seed planted, which bears fruit in the hearts of all, enabling humanity to live with a higher purpose and to do the right. Nigeria

Triangles is a world service activity in which people link in thought in groups of three to create a planetary network of triangles of light and goodwill. Using a world prayer, the Great Invocation, they invoke light and love as a service to humanity. Further information is available on request from Triangles. The Triangles Bulletin is for men and women of goodwill and is published four times a year in Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish. Triangles is an activity of the Lucis Trust, a non-profit educational charity which exists to promote right human relations.

For further information write to Triangles:

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