Outgoing Mountain Rose Proanos Master's Message

I have been a Rosicrucian for many, many years, and have thoroughly embraced its teachings. No aspect of my life remains unaffected by those teachings and the principles behind them. And yet, both in times of stress and in times of calm, it is easy to slip into distraction and fear, not applying the principles that would fill the heart with Light. This in turn, can stop us on the path to reintegration with the Cosmic or at worst cause us to leave the path altogether.

This past year I have been on a journey, the culmination of several years of challenges and growth. Since the beginning of 2020, I have been reading poems of the fifteenth century Sufi poet Hafiz, which have touched my heart and soul and have provided a light that has guided me through the final months as Pronaos Master. So here is the last poem that I will share, entitled:

THAT SHIELD YOU HOLD

“There is a shield you may still hold because of so many battles.

I guess another conflict could begin at any moment,

so maybe lugging it about could be of some use,

or is it just an undermining habit?

Does it not get heavy, so much that you sometimes

carry it over your head at noon?

And then do wonder, with your insecurities so intact…

about casting darkness as fears do shadows

even if the sun is out, if the Sun is out – if God

is really all around in the middle of a beautiful day or night.

Yes, how amazing that a small umbrella or an illusion,

held over your head…or clung to,

can hide the stupendous fact of omniscient Light.”

These poems of Hafiz have in a unique way forced me to face feelings I didn’t think I had, feelings that had become entrenched and not easily seen through. The experiences I had during my year as Pronaos Master have, I think, made me a better person, and as I have opened up hidden darkness and let in the Light in me, I hopefully have added Light to the Pronaos and those of you who participate in its activities.

So Mote It Be!

Past Master Judith Stewart, SRC