The Beauty in Separation (Container Series, part 1.5)

When we are in perfect wholeness or unity, we cannot look upon the face of another.

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In my first post of The Container Series, I wrote about the torus, and how it is the primordial pattern of everything in the universe. This is definitely on the metaphysics side of Witchcraft & Metaphysics, but, as I said in the initial post, I’m no mathematician nor physicist. My point of view is from my own spiritual experience. My hope in sharing this is that we delve into discussion and help each other navigate these deep philosophical topics. I welcome all your thoughts and insights here.

When I was introduced to the torus, my guides showed me that everything in the universe takes part in an ever-unfolding cycle between the perception of separation and the perception of wholeness. In the animation below, we can imagine that the separation part of the cycle is when the energy (or consciousness/awareness/perception) is on the outside of the torus, and the wholeness part of the cycle is when it moves to the inside.

Photo credit: Shellystarzz

Because this pattern is fractal in nature, we can see it reflected in smaller-scale ways like heartbeats and breathing; and also in a more macrocosmic way through events like birth and death.

We can also view this pattern through big swaths of human history. There were times in ancient history when the notion of the self was less distinct, and our ancestors lived in more of the wholeness part of the cycle; and then times when separation was the primary focus. (It feels to me like we may have reached a zenith of separation during the twentieth century with global wars, pandemic, and economic depression).

At the root of it all, though, is the desire for love.

As my guides showed me, this entire pattern of separation, wholeness, separation, wholeness came about because The Divine wanted to experience LOVE. And so, the Divine separated itself so that it would have another to love. Then there was reunion. Then separation again. On and on, the dance goes.

My guides keep telling me that, following the pinnacle of separation in the twentieth century, we are now (on a collective scale), in the part of the cycle where we are returning to wholeness. Using the above animation, this would be right at the bottom of the torus where all that energy is coming back together before going up the middle.

We are right in the shift from being in full separation—the focus on opposites and polarity and contrast—to the beginning of a return to wholeness. I call this a return to a more relational way of living. We are collectively turning our focus onto relationship itself and the connections therein.

Divinity is once again reaching for its beloved.

Even though this message comes from my guides (whom I trust implicitly), I still find myself wondering if it’s all just wishful thinking. It can be hard to reconcile recent global events with a move towards more relational living. I don’t like the pain that comes with separation—comparison and loneliness and grief. It makes me wonder if my belief is merely a sort of bypassing. Is it just me pushing away experiences of separation?

The other day I was mulling this over during my walk, and began a dialogue with the Divine about it.

“Is it true that we are collectively moving towards reunion, towards a more relational way?” I asked.

“Yes,” came the answer in booming vibration throughout my being.

“Then I am so glad to be alive during this time.” I felt like this is a pretty sweet spot to be in. We’re not in the full ache of separation (though there is still plenty of separation pain to endure), but neither are we yet in the experience of full wholeness. We are moving towards that reunion and so everything on the horizon is filled with hope.

As I continued my walk, Divinity showed me a vision of the torus again, reminding me that it’s a cycle. Separation and wholeness, an eternal dance. The Divine cautioned me against having the judgment that separation is bad and wholeness is good. Every part of the cycle is necessary.

But I’m not so easily convinced. I said to the Divine, “Maybe so, but when it comes back around to the separation part of the cycle, I think I'll opt out of being in this realm to experience it.”

The Divine replied, “You can do that, that's an option. But when the time comes, you won't want to miss it.”

“What makes you so sure?” I asked. And I really wanted an answer to my own satisfaction. Not some platitude about how there's goodness in pain, or about how grief can make you stronger, blah blah blah. The Divine had said that I (specifically me) would not want to miss it. The Divine knows me, and knows that I don't suffer pain with any kind of grace.

After a moment of silence, the Divine replied…

“There is nothing like seeing the face of your beloved for the first time.”

In an instant, I was taken on a ride of memories. I relived with perfect clarity the first time I saw my husband’s face, while knowing the love I have for him now. And then the first time I laid eyes on the beloved pets I’ve had over the years. Then I vividly relived the moment I saw my son for the first time.

Right there on the trail, I was brought to my knees. I was overcome with emotion, with profound love and all-encompassing joy.

When we are in perfect wholeness or unity, we cannot look upon the face of another. It's like trying to see our own face without a mirror.

Although separation can be painful, and bring with it all manner of grief, there is this beautiful side to it. It is only through separation that we get to behold what we love.

I’ll try to remember that every time I see the face of something or someone I love; or when I am greeting something for the first time. Only by being separate from it, can I know it—and LOVE it—this way.

I’d love to know your thoughts on this! Let’s discuss in the comments below.

Here are the next installments of The Container Series: