Those of us who were born into "Western Civilization" are the inheritors of the Western Tradition of Metaphysics. It is an ancient and honorable' tradition among the Indo-Europeans of Central and Northern Europe, going back over 5,000 years. According to the Western Tradition, everything in the Universe (or multi-verse) is an expression of the One Energy. This One cannot be described or circumscribed because "it" is ALL THAT IS.

The One Consciousness expressed itself in this creation as All Potential and brought into being a Creative Process in order to actualize that potential. Each person is of the same being as the One and contains a "Spark" of the potential Divine Consciousness. The purpose of life is to fulfill the Self; that is, to actualize as many of the potential aspects of the Divine Spark as possible in each lifetime until the individual becomes one with the ALL.

Many of these principles of the Western Tradition have been suppressed by rulers seeking power over others. They have tried to substitute obedience for fulfillment, asserting that Man is "corrupt"  or "fallen" and  the individual Self must be subdued. But its hasn't worked. The archetypal meanings continue to stir in our dreams or as the "small still voice within".

The conflict between these ancient principles and the doctrine of obedience causes mental confusion and inner turmoil. In despair, some have turned to the traditions of the East, but they have found little comfort there. It is far better to get to know our own Western Tradition and then decide whether or not to reclaim our lost heritage.