From The Doctrines For Spiritual Christianity
First, it will be stated what correspondence is.The whole natural world corresponds to the spiritual world, and not merely the natural world in general, but also every particular of it; and as a consequence everything in the natural world that springs from the spiritual world is called a correspondent. It must be understood that the natural world springs from and has permanent existence from the spiritual world, precisely like an effect from its effecting cause. All that is spread out under the sun and that receives heat and light from the sun is what is called the natural world; and all things that derive their subsistence therefrom belong to that world. But the spiritual world is heaven; and all things in the heavens belong to that world. (Heaven and Hell 89)
As state and change of state are so often mentioned, and as few know what is meant, it will be well to explain. Time and the succession of time, or space and the extension of space, cannot be predicated of man’s interiors, that is, of his affections and the thoughts therefrom; because these interiors are not in time nor in place-although to the senses in the world it appears as if they were-but are in interior things which correspond to time and place. These interior things which correspond we have to call states, because there is no other word by which these corresponding things can be expressed. (Arcana Coelestia 4850)
Whatever is seen anywhere in the universe is representative of the Lord’s kingdom, insomuch that there is not anything in the atmospheric and starry universe, or in the earth and its three kingdoms, which is not in its own manner representative. All things in nature, in both general and particular, are ultimate images, inasmuch as from the Divine are celestial things which are of good, from celestial things spiritual things which are of truth, and from both celestial and spiritual things are natural things. From this it is evident how gross, nay, how earthly and also inverted is that human intelligence which ascribes everything to nature separate or exempt from an influx prior to itself, or from an efficient cause. Moreover they who so think and speak seem to themselves to be wiser than others; that is, in attributing all things to nature, when yet on the contrary angelic intelligence consists in ascribing nothing to nature, but all and everything to the Divine of the Lord, thus to life, and not to anything dead. The learned know that subsistence is a perpetual coming forth; but still it is contrary to the affection of falsity and thence to a reputation for learning to say that nature continually subsists, as it originally came into existence, from the Divine of the Lord. Inasmuch therefore as each and all things subsist, that is, continually come forth, from the Divine, and as each and all things thence derived must needs be representative of those things whereby they came into existence, it follows that the visible universe is nothing else than a theater representative of the Lord’s kingdom; and that this kingdom is a theater representative of the Lord Himself. (Arcana Coelestia 3483)
For whatever exists in the natural world has its origin and cause from things which exist in the spiritual world, because universal nature is nothing else than a theater representative of the Lord’s kingdom (34 3483, 4939, 5173, 5962); whence come the correspondences. The variations of light and shade and also of heat and cold on earth are indeed from the sun, that is, from the difference of its altitudes, every year and every day, in the several regions of the earth; but these causes, which are proximate, and in the natural world, were created according to the things in the spiritual world, as by their prior and efficient causes, which are the causes of the posterior causes that exist in the natural world. For nothing which is in order ever exists in the natural world that does not derive its cause and origin from the spiritual world, that is, through the spiritual world from the Divine. (Arcana Coelestia 8211{2})
All things of the natural world are from the Divine through the spiritual world (n. 5013). Consequently the spiritual is in every natural thing, just as the efficient cause is in the effect (n. 3562, 5711); or as effort is in motion (n. 5173), and as the internal is in the external (n. 3562, 5326, 5711). And since the cause is the very essential in the effect, as effort is in motion, and the internal in the external; hence it follows, that the spiritual, and consequently the Divine, is the very essential in the natural (n. 2987-3002, 9701-9709). Spiritual things are presented to view in the natural, and the things manifested are representatives and correspondences (n. 1632, 2987-3002). Hence all nature is a theater representative of the spiritual world, that is, of heaven (n. 2758, 2999-3000, 4939, 8848, 9280). All things in nature are disposed in order and series according to ends (n. 4104). This is from the spiritual world, that is, from heaven, because ends, which are uses, reign there (n. 454, 696, 1103, 3645, 4054, 7038). Man is so created that Divine things descending according to order into nature, may be perceived in him (n. 3702). (The New Jerusalem and its Heavenly Doctrines 48)
Points From The Video
Foundation in Internal-External Relations: This science reveals the Divine laws governing creation and preservation, explaining how internal spiritual causes produce external natural effects and illuminating the interconnectedness of spiritual and natural phenomena.
Universal Nature of Correspondence: Correspondence is a universal science that explains the origins and connections of all phenomena in both spiritual and natural realms, offering a comprehensive framework for understanding existence.
The Nature of Our Existence: The study of correspondence enhances our understanding of the foundational principles of existence, revealing the Divine laws that bind spiritual and natural realities and fostering a holistic perspective on the universe.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. What does the science of correspondence primarily explore?
a) Economic trends.
b) Relationships between internal spiritual states and external natural phenomena.
c) Historical events.
d) Technological advancements.
Answer: b)
2. What does the science of correspondence reveal about the creation and preservation of all things?
a) They are based on random chance.
b) They have no connection to spiritual realities.
c) They are solely determined by physical laws.
d) They are governed by laws linking spiritual causes and natural effects.
Answer: d)
3. Why is correspondence considered a universal science?
a) It provides insights into all phenomena in both spiritual and natural worlds.
b) It explains economic principles.
c) It focuses on human anatomy.
d) It deals with linguistic patterns.
Answer: a)
4. How does the study of correspondence contribute to our understanding of the universe?
a) By limiting our view to physical phenomena.
b) By ignoring spiritual dimensions.
c) By focusing only on material wealth.
d) By revealing the connections between spiritual causes and natural effects.
Answer: d)
5. What is the primary benefit of understanding the science of correspondence?
a) It explains financial markets.
b) It provides data on meteorological patterns.
c) It enriches our comprehension of the Divine principles that underpin existence.
d) It focuses on entertainment trends.
Answer: c)
Reflective Questions
1. How does the concept of correspondence between spiritual causes and natural effects influence your understanding of the natural world?
2. Can you identify specific natural phenomena in your life that may have spiritual causes according to the science of correspondence?
3. How might the understanding of correspondence between spiritual and natural realms impact your perception of daily events and experiences?
Experiential Integration
Correspondence Contemplation Practice
Morning Reflection: Start your day by reflecting on a natural phenomenon you will encounter today (e.g., weather, nature, daily routines).
Spiritual Connection: Consider how this phenomenon might correspond to or reflect an internal spiritual state or principle.
Observation and Journal: Throughout the day, observe how this natural phenomenon influences your thoughts and feelings. In the evening, journal about any insights or connections you discern between the natural and spiritual dimensions.
Creative Integration
Choose one of the key points from the video and try to express and integrate it creatively through your senses. Pick a modality to do this through, perhaps a different one from what you chose for the previous module. Consider drawing or painting, making or listening to music, poetry, exercise, gardening, cooking, or even just watching the colourful or dramatic impressions of the natural world. There are so many ways you can engage with it. Record your insights from this exercise and also document any differences in what is awakened in you with this new modality.
You will have your own personal preferences, but here are two pieces of music and art that you might like to use for inspiration to get you started. Try to be sensitive to the emotions and thoughts that present as you engage with these, and reflect on how this might relate to your chosen key point.
Music
Layers of Life by Emil Brandquist
Visual
Graceful Ascent by Vasili Kadinsky