It is possible that both writers here (Liz and Joy) are correct. It
may be that it is not that Anac has been misidentified, but that its
role must be better defined.
Perhaps we are dominating the bandwidth by this discussion for those
who have not read the book, seen the movie or don't care for epic
trilogies of this type. For those people, I apologize. In the
tradition of Liz Lalor and others, this Sunday afternoon essay is a mix
of a discussion of homeopathic principles AND the literary and
cinematic Lord of the Rings analysis exercise which has had hegemony
but may soon be overthrown by the gauntlet being thrown into Mount Doom
magma
.=============
PHYSOSTIGMA as simillimum for Frodo the representative "Messiah" figure
=============
Joy's unique way of getting into materia medica at its subtlest may
have uncovered the archetype which Frodo embodied before the quest
began--the archetype of the "castaway", which is the principle delusion
of Physostigma, an rx with "stigma" in its name and which has ailments
of the palms, where "stigmata" show up in context of the Christian
archetypal pantheon. It is a chosen individual--chosen for life or
death test (The Calabar Bean test as Joy quotes--which is not unique to
the culture which used that bean--the Druids had a similar test which
used a biscuit, although it may have been more a lottery than a
gustatory judgement). In Frodo's case, in order to be able to
represent and thus carry the "all" (the Ring which is what allows evil
and thus represents what can destroy its hegemony), one must be
distinct from those who are part of the "all". One must feel distinct
(orphaned; castaway) at least enough to be able to perceive the "all"
and know that he has a special task and cannot be a follower of anyone.
In order to know one's task, one must not mingle but be separate. The
task is known only from internal knowing, not external reference--thus
Frodo knows in Rivendell that he must volunteer. Physostigma is of the
cancer miasm--which is congruent with the overall motif which Liz
identifies as the probable miasm of those we know well at this point.
The "Ordeal Bean" subject must be a castaway. This does fit with
Frodo's desire for solitude in the Shire during Bilbo's absence and
before the journey which started with Gandalf coming to the Shire and
Bilbo leaving again. It also fits with his orphan-ness. Orphans feel
as, and are, castaways.
So, this may be the remedy for the underlying Frodo, identified by Joy
with her "x-ray MM vision"
. It has the character of the castaway and one bestowed with a great task after which one is either innocent
or guilty. It is someone who becomes somewhat catatonic in failure
mode, which Frodo does while cocooned by the spider (spider
representing the woven "matrix" of the all); AND significantly also at
the end of the journey when Sam must carry him up Mt. Doom. It is the
Christ figure in the movie "The Last Temptation of Christ" (played
by Willem Dafoe) who (in his dreamed curriculum while he hangs on the
cross) finally gets up from his stasis and catatonia and gives the
priestly blessing at last. When that is done, "it is accomplished".
The "Hero's journey" is complete.
In the "Last Temptation" the ordeal of the task appears as a dream to
Christ as he hangs on the cross because it is an overlay and drama
created by fate. The "dream" is the representation of the ordeal of
being incarnate in the matrix of 3D. The dream is the drama of one's
life as one hangs on the "cross" of good and evil--the xyz coordinates
of fleshly existence. From the perspective of the pre-incarnate; or
the awakened or realized human, the course of life is but a "dream"
because it is a CURRICULUM, the drama of "a poor player" (Hamlet); an
"overlay" or coat on the eternally living being that "takes a body" in
order to "experience". Jimi Hendrix asks: "Are you Experienced?"---do
you recognize the "game" here, and can you fulfill it and "graduate"?
In the Last Temptation, the Ordeal of stasis (Physostigma) is
"proctored" in the dream by the girl who is really a snake (a reptilian
"guide", akin to Charon the boatman and in Tolkien's case, Gollum).
The stasis is part of the conundrum of this type of hero's journey (not
the only one--there must be a Hero aspect to many different remedy
archetypes). In physostigma, it is the dilemma of the castaway under
life or death test--what to do (?) when one is alone in one's path and
understands all but is understood by none and has no place in the world
except one's unique path? One answer (the failure mode of Physostigma
venenosum) is to stop and remain conscious but without motion or action.
=============
ANACARDIUM as prophylaxis against the ring, and perhaps (at the end)
and engrafted layer(?)
=============
Anacardium is already split, curses, has stomach and head problems, and
is BIMODAL as part of their nature. That is the "crux" of anac. I
don't see that with Frodo. However, this is precisely the challenge
provided by the ARTIFICIAL influence--the CHALLENGE-- of wearing and
carrying the ring. While Anac is not Frodo's underlying rx, Anac may
be the remedy which provides prophylaxis against the power of the ring
to invade consciousness and try to run one's body and mind.
=============
SUMMARY OF PROPHYLAXIS
=============
As recalled from our discussion of prophylaxis, at least my
understanding is that a prophylactic is similar to the morbific
influence that is expected to be encountered or will be encountered.
It is either an isopathic or a homeopathic specific to that single
influence which is at hand or threatening; or is part of a group
disease of a community or region which has succumbed and attracted that
morbus and to which it is homeopathic (the so called genus of the
epidemic). In the case here, Anac is the genus epidemicus for anyone
who must bear or wear the ring--it would protect the consciousness from
the peculiar morbific influence of the ring--a malevolent influence
which wants to make incursion into one's corpus and share or take over
control of the body. This is precisely the motif and mechanism of the
anac person. But Frodo is not an anac --it is either the prophylactic
talisman he did not have, or the "layer" that becomes engrafted on top
of physostigma as a result of being the ring bearer.
The specific prophylactic, invented by Hahnemann and Hering, and used
by all the masters of the 19th and 20th centuries, is not a preventive
which is homeopathic to the underlying pattern of the life. It is
dissimilar to that pattern. The underlying remedy for the "life" (the
so-called "constitutional" of Kent or "life remedy" of Paschero, to the
extent one exists stably) is also prophylactic, but TO the
susceptibilities of the underlying pattern itself. this pattern of the
host may in many instances not include immunity to a particular
threatening or at hand morbific influence. In the case here,
Physostigma would not have been specific enough to prevent against the
overpowering influence of the Ring of Power, an external penetrating
influence which seeks to "possess" physical bodies and "take over"
their operation. All wearers or bearers of the ring were susceptible
(even a wizard)--only a specific prophylactic was sufficient to
forestall the "possession" which did occur to Frodo when he was left
with the task of throwing the ring into Mount Doom. The prophylactic
similar to the virulent morbific influence (encroaching 4D being
(Sauron) with hegemonous agenda and hydra-headed (e.g. the Ringwraith
horsemen) was the remedy for prophylaxis if there had been a homeopath
in residence at Elrond when Frodo's task was lain out before him in the
planning of the strategy of the Fellowship by Elrond, the Elven
(angelic) proctor and "teaching assistant" to humans. The fate of
Elven life was indeed bound up with those of men. Elrond sought to
save his daughter from that fact if the Quest to destroy the ring
failed. But I assume she convinced him to send the elven archers to
help the humans (?)
In other words, the prophylactic is similar to the disease itself, not
the host; unless the individual is part of a cohort for which there is
a group remedy which is both treatment and prophylactic at once. That
special group simillimum is Hahnemann's brilliant concept of the genus
epidemicus. The Ge is prophylactically superior to the isopathic (eg
variolinum before smallpox) or the general disease homeopathic
prophylactic (eg Belladonna for smooth scarlatina). Under ideal
conditions, it provides perfect prophylaxis because it is a group
simillimum for a HOST pattern, in this case a regional attitude or
susceptibility--a disease of a group of people bound together by
geophysical, racial, cultural, and geographical ties.
All three categories of prophylactic (isopathic, specific homeopathic,
and genus epidemicus) have their place as adjunct to Kent and
Paschero's "remedy for the patient". The latter remedy shores up the
organism well if one has been fortunate to receive it from a highly
skilled practitioner, and received it at the right time with
appropriate repetition. The remedy for the patient is what we
ultimately seek, and will shift the life curriculum of the person
because it affects their original program of existence. In the case at
hand, this remedy for Frodo is probably Physostigma, by Joy's excellent
reasoning.
Of prophylactic adjuncts, None but the genus epidemicus are a
simillimum for any hosting "constitution". Thus all prophylactics are
dissimilar to the host pattern. In the case of the Ge, it is not for
the individual host pattern--it is one for the group host pattern. The
individual host has taken on the group susceptibility (in an epidemic
or pandemic)--or in the case of the Ring--the scourge of evil, which
impacts the entire realm which is "possessed" by invading "rulers" who
serve the whole by providing a negative pole of the dualistic plane and
allow DRAMA due to polar tension. Drama provides grist for the soul
and attainment, but is also barbaric and ugly and apparently unjust,
though it (probably) cannot be unjust in the cosmic sense. All the
players chose to participate, though in doing so they forgot the story
and must live it out.
In the case of the quest of Frodo, a prophylactic would be an aid for
his journey to dispose of the ring which provides the pre-seeded means
to destroy the"technology" by which evil maintains its unassailability
on middle earth. In a broader sense, the "specific" disease
prophylactics (eg isopathic variolinum or general specific malandrinum
or others like it) are needed in instances of threatening epidemic or
endemic deadly or debilitating pathogen in which the Ge is not yet
known (eg before the epidemic strikes). In this case, the "pathogen"
is the ring itself, a concentrated representative of the "all".
Genus epidemicus and Specific prophylactic remedies are needed as
befitting their roles and availability when a morbific influence will
overwhelm a portion of those even under homeopathic treatment. Those
who have not received their "life remedy" (so as to be "aurically"
immune and ultimately shored up against almost any morbific influence);
or their rx has lapsed will be susceptible to periodic "plagues". And
even those whose simillimum has been found may be wise to utilize a
specific prophylactic in addition if the threat is dire and incipient.
Without wanton and indiscriminate use, the prophylactic (dissimilar to
the hosting pattern) is protective of that host from a threatening and
fatal or dire specific morbific influence--and is thus warranted.
Therefore the science and study of prophylactics in the homeopathic
context is warranted, and not to be feared. It is correctly pointed
out that prophylactics should not be used indiscriminately against
lesser threats or non-threats. But those who see homeopathic
prophylaxis as "morbific" to the orthodoxy of the characteristic remedy
of the "patient" miss the point of the need at times for specific
defenses. As we all have done, most likely, one who sees the remedy
for the "patient" as the "omnipotent" ONLY remedy possible and
possible to be safely given will also miss the point about "lesional"
remedies. The lesional rx is that which the client needs for the
specific complaint which is not part of the characteristic underlying
remedy for the "patient". It is what remains after giving the
(correct) underlying rx instead of the appropriate lesional or layer
remedy of the time, and results in "zig-zag". Zig zag in such a case
continutes until the (usually smaller and lesser known rx which may be
given on few symptoms or one symptom) is found and acts; after which
the rx for the "patient" will then make itself known floridly as what
is needed. The appropriate lesional rx is not a mistake, in fact it
is requisite for the most rapid and permanent cure. The appropriate
prophylactic is not a mistake, for it may be requisite for protection
with certainty, especially for those unhealthy and whose underlying
simillimum has not been found. Or for those who enter pathogenetic
territory. Frodo entered pathogenetic territory by bearing the ring,
and entering Mordor with it.
===============
PHYSOSTIGMA for Frodo the Host; ANACARDIUM for his morbific Challenge
===============
I favor Joy's choice of Physostigma for Frodo's underlying state. But
in the case of the morbific influence of the ring, the similar and
prophylactic for it may be Anacardium as Liz has championed. For
Frodo, near the end by the fires of lava of Mt Doom Anac may have
become a "layer", as perhaps he had failed--the ring and Gollum
destroying themselves fortuitously instead of the ring being thrown
volitively. Sauron may have succeeded in "possessing" Frodo. Only the
destruction of Sauron's edifice on middle earth by Gollum's misstep
into the lava caldron with the ring provided the actual completion of
the task. In this case, if Frodo was a client at that point or when
back in the Shire, anac might have been needed first; and then
physostigma after the host had thrown off the interloping energy. In
this sense, if Anac was Frodo's rx at the beginning, then it would find
fulfillment in his de facto "possession" by Sauron, and if Gollum had
not stolen the ring away, Frodo may have become a "dark Lord
incarnate". But I do not think that Frodo commenced the journey in an
anac state. If it became a layer at the end, it was just that--a layer.
But if not a full layer, then Anac was probably the best prophylactic
for anyone who must carry or wears the ring--and Frodo was exposed the
most to its corrupting and consciousness "splitting" influence--its
opening to the 4D world. The 4D world is open to those with an auric
fault or diffuseness (Silica rx, Phos rx, for example)--these are the
"channelers". Anyone wearing the ring becomes one artificially.
Anac the person is not a channeller, but was and is susceptible to the
incursion of a being with whom they (ultimately unwillingly but usually
unconsciously) share control of their body---a permanent situation that
comes about concomitant with abuse by a parent or other. The Ring of
Sauron acts as an abuser, artificially and inexorably opening the
auric field exposing the 4D world of discarnates and ringwraiths. The
ring MAKES one a channel for Evil which eventually successfully makes
the incursion and "possesses" the ring bearer--inevitably, as Liz
quotes Gandalf saying at the beginning. So the role of ANAC may be as
prophylactic for Frodo's journey, though it does not (to me) "ring
true"
as the remedy for his "life". Joy has done very well to pull physostigma out of her materia medica library and has correctly
highlighted it very appropriately here, IMO.
Had Frodo taken physostigma during the journey it would have derailed
it because the reality to which he was susceptible to and attracted
(the task of ring bearer) would no longer be attracted and a
susceptibility. He would no longer feel as separate and a castaway
under ordeal, and his attractive field and astrological susceptibility
would no longer reflect that "curriculum".
But fate seems to operate such that no one gets their "life remedy"
until their remedy "journey" is complete. That is, if one has a fate
to receive a remedy resonant with their "life" at all, which as yet not
many are likely to have unless they are under the best homeopathic
care--it usually comes after they have "paid the price". Had Frodo
taken (Physostigma in this hypothesis) after the journey was over, it
may have allowed him to heal from his state and 3D body wounds to the
extent they were remediable. But what he had experienced in the
journey made the 3D plane no longer attractive or useful, and so the rx
may not have coaxed him to remain even if he had taken it when back in
the Shire. In a sense, Frodo incarnated to accomplish the journey,
and physostigma was who he was for the purposes of this lifetime. When
that was complete, he left the field of action. This is what the path
of living in 3D is for all incarnate, and for which mythology, novel,
and cinema is a paragon of attainment. The Lord of the Rings is a
version of a Hero's Journey which encompasses a whole realm in its
scope. Thus it is highly resonant with the inner knowledge of those
close to realization, and consequently became popular among the "flower
children" in their youth (the '60s as Tolkien's bestselling Trilogy)
and their maturity (now as the blockbuster movies).
The question of the realm ultimately is--when and how does one qualify
to move to the next level. Frodo's journey is the "Hero's Journey"
(J.Campbell) and represents a path theoretically open to everyone
if/when they are ready. Sam is "Sancho Panza", the trusted guide, the
perfect supporting companion/sidekick--a Hero "in training", perhaps.
While recognizing Frodo's dilemmas perfectly, he is not in the role of
the Hero, but the ancillary. He does not go to the Grey Havens with
the "graduates", but remains in Middle Earth to procreate--to
facilitate more incarnate beings to experience "middle earth". My
guess is that he (in his next lifetime) will be the next "Hero" of the
"All". This will happen as evil inexorably grows in the next cycle
of 3D-4D good-evil interactions. Itsy bitsy spider will "go up the
spout again" until the climax when "down came the rain (reign) and
washed the spider out". The spider's climb is part of Fate, the
pattern of the realm seeded with evil which is allowed to grow to
provide curriculum for incarnating souls.
Fate (at least for the embodied) has periods of lesser and greater
tribulation. But it is circular/elliptical and thus cyclical or (more
accurately) spiralic (as each revolution represents a different (and
potentially more well informed) journey and thus is not really an exact
repeat). So the same motif repeats as the fractal that exists at the
beginnning of each "Age". But at each full revolution, the energy is
probably "ratcheted up" a notch. "Middle Earth" may become, relatively
speaking, "upper earth", at least until its weakness is exposed again
and exploited from the outside, and it "falls" into 3D and becomes a
"school for souls" in matter. Eventually, through the actions of
incarnates who choose the "good" despite the presence everywhere of
ruling evil, the realm itself returns to the higher state, and becomes
"heaven on earth", symbolized in the book by the marriage of the Elven
princess and the Mortal human Aragorn. Prior to the destruction of the
ring, Aragorn as the representative human was doomed to mortality, and
his bride (Elven or already realized and present only to assist
incarnated souls in their trials on earth) would be a forlorn widow--
immortal, but alone. After the destruction of the edifices of evil
made possible by the existence of the ring, the possibility of the
ascension of the human beyond 3D (without first dying, or by leaving
the 3D body behind)--presents itself.
Sorry to "Ramble on", but that IS one of my favorite Zeppelin Songs
Best,
Andy
==========
On Sunday, September 26, 2004, at 05:47 AM, liz lalor wrote: