9. The Veiled Lamp

Can you learn from experience?

The Veiled Lamp. Here an older man, symbolizing the characteristic of wisdom, is using his cloak to veil a lighted lamp. The walking stick represents strength acquired through experience. Discretion is one of the characteristics which comes in the train with wisdom. The wise man has the light of God’s Spirit, but he recognizes he must be judicious to whom he reveals his knowledge, his enlightenment. This is precisely what an Eastern Master had in mind when he said:

"Don't give what is holy to the dogs. Don't let the pigs near your pearls. They might step on them and crush them and then turn to tear you."

It's rather easy to say all that is on your mind. It is hard to say only those things which will be beneficial in a given situation, whether they be positive or whether they are critical. It takes wisdom to know what to say. This is the divine calling. The sloppiness of character held before us by popular culture is unedifying fast-food. If you strive no higher you will end up no better.

Be like the wise man veiling his lamp. Seek wisdom. Find the truth. Then guard it judiciously.

Go to the next card 10. The Sphinx...

Where is the Hall of Records which is sought by many?