Be a Warrior for Consciousness, Truth and Light

“Shadow work is the path of the heart warrior.” – Unknown

Being a Spiritual Warrior

Several years ago, I read Margaret Wheatley’s book “Who Do We Choose To Be?: Facing Reality, Claiming Leadership, Restoring Sanity”. I loved how she brought positive psychology into leadership and social action. She introduced me to the idea of being a warrior for the human spirit.  It landed with a thud. That was several years ago, and every year, with the beginning of the Aries season and the contemplation of Mars, I come back to this idea:  

In our world,  there is a fight against the autocratic use of power that seeks to crush the human spirit, independent thinking and freedom. This is what power does. We need to be spiritual warriors more than ever. 

The term “spiritual warrior” comes from Tibetan Buddhism. To be a spiritual warrior is to be a warrior for consciousness, raising vibration, and fighting against self-ignorance that arises in self-deception, limiting beliefs and judgements that directly cause unhappiness.  We launch in the search for truth and clarity.  We face it in all its ugliness and violence.  It is not pretty. It is not whitewashed in the cloak of spiritual positivism.     

The Difference Between a Soldier and a Warrior 

Being a warrior is not about not about being a soldier. 

The terms soldier and warrior have been used interchangeably, but they differ. Both are associated with fighting and combat.  A soldier is someone who follows orders without question within a patriarchal structure, be it an organization or a country. 

A warrior, on the other hand, embodies a broader energy. Instead of following orders, warriors fight for a cause. Their purpose and mission are larger than following orders and beyond just military service. Warriors are in service to something more significant, and as such, the term implies qualities such as courage, honour, integrity, and a commitment to values and principles. In modern contexts, being a warrior can extend to individuals who champion causes, advocate for justice, protect vulnerable populations, or embody a spirit of resilience and determination in their endeavours.  

Paulo Coelho, the author of The Alchemist, says this about warrior energy: “A warrior of light is never predictable. He is not afraid to weep over ancient sorrows or to feel joy at new discoveries. A warrior does not spend his days trying to play the role that others have chosen for him.”  

Fighting for the Human Spirit 

What are we fighting for? How do we define the human spirit?  What actions can we take that support? 

C.G. Jung suggested that we start with ourselves. That is, we must confront within ourselves where we fall asleep and where we choose not to see. Then, we can go out into the world. 

The human spirit captures the multifaceted aspects of human existence, including our innermost essence, consciousness, dignity, emotions, and aspirations. We use the word “human spirit” to describe the intangible and often profound qualities that define our humanity and shape our experiences. 

Jung used the term “opus contra naturam” (Latin for “work against nature”) to talk about how the process of consciousness goes against the natural or conventional order of things. 

In alchemical symbolism, the opus contra naturam represents a stage in the alchemical process where the alchemist works with paradoxes, contradictions, and opposing forces to achieve a higher level of consciousness or transformation. It involves confronting and integrating aspects of the psyche often repressed, denied, or considered “unacceptable” by societal norms.

We have to fight for consciousness and awareness.  It is too easy to fall into resignation and that status quo.   When our spirit is dashed, we go into hiding, and we lose hope and meaning.     

What one daily action can you take to be a warrior for awareness and consciousness? How can you fight for the human spirit?  

Christina Becker
April 2024

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