Virtual Worship Space 1/3

Dear Reader,

As a friend of mine noted, virtual worship spaces have existed for a significant time now. They've been used by members of worship communities that are separated by physical distance and scheduling problems. It is a modern construct that should be embraced, especially during the time of COVID-19. It is different in functionality and nature as each group that uses a virtual worship space can be.

In some ways, the use of a virtual worship space has been present for a longer time than the Internet. The theater of the mind allows us to reach out to and connect with the Divine. This is not the realm of pure imagination, though imagination has a place for setting the stage. We move through the realm of imagination into a place that is somewhere between within ourselves and without. In that liminal space of the soul, one might build constructs that have an impact upon reality for they resonate with the mind and body, just as one harp string plucked will resonate with other more distant strings on the instrument.

In previous posts, I have spoken of such constructs of a specific form. The Egregore and Servitor are constructs of this liminal space built for accomplishing deeds and creating changes in reality. There is another form of construct one may create. The spectral worship space that one may envision and focus their energy into bringing into being within that liminal place between within ourselves and without is the specific construct I wish to discuss.

Within Filianism, this is known as the Temple of the Heart. The theology of Filianism places great importance upon the Temple of the Heart and stresses that it is difficult to reach for the untrained mind and soul. It is also stressed that it is difficult to reach because of the thorns of khear that separate us from the Holy One. However, also expressed in the theology of Filianism is that within us are vast spaces where we might build constructs for worship or other purposes.

This is not very different from what I was taught early on in my education in witchcraft. Through focused meditation, one might create within themselves something of an antechamber where they might encounter the Holy. It might be envisioned as a gothic cathedral, a forest grove, or something so fantastic that the world has not yet seen it. Through meditation we enter into this antechamber and may make ourselves known to the Holy. If the Temple of the Heart is the doorway into Déa's presence, this constructed place of worship is a window where we might look upon that doorway and see that it is ajar, waiting for us to arrive.

Rites and rituals conducted within this construct of the mind and spirit are as legitimate as rites and rituals conducted upon the physical plane. It is possible to celebrate a great many different forms of worship here, some that would be impossible in the physical plane. Keeping a journal of one's prayer experiences may allow one to identify themes in their worship patterns and a record of what their prayer life is like.

Through a collective group meditation upon such an antechamber of the Holy, one may experience the presence of others where the spiritual realms touch the mental ones in this liminal place. Doing so at a synchronized time with a recorded guide that allows all people to participate can make for a powerful experience.