We think of the Ascended Relationship as a Spirit-infused state of evolving consciousness.  It allows us to experience the mystical marriage with the Beloved, resulting in a steady state of bliss.  There are three elements of such a relationship.  It is, first, an extra-ordinary "I-Thou" connection that consciously acknowledges  the masculine, feminine and Spirit aspects within one's Self.  Secondly, it is a union in which the Lover embraces  all of creation as the special "Other."   Finally, two such Unified souls embrace Spirit as a full partner in a triune relationship.  When we  come to this point of At-ONE-Ment - within, without and together, we have a relationship that is Ascended, in the here and now.

The many gifts of an Ascended Relationship include daily, moment-to-moment opportunities for transformation made manifest.  It is an experience of the mundane world as one of miraculous blessings and beauty.  There is much joy, passion and creativity to be found in living this Ascended Life.  High work is being done though our collective consciousness and in our ONE Heart, and it begins in Right Relationship with All My Relations.   

 

The Ascended Relationship, however, is multi-layered.  On the first level, it is the Ascended Relationship that one has with one's Self.  There resides within each created Being the spark of the Creator, that Presence within that we refer to as the "Godling."  All those who have chosen to explore the Spiritual path know of this inner Being.  It is this immortal Presence with Whom one comes into balance on this level of the Ascended Relationship.  The energizing force that opens this and every level of the Ascended Relationship is, of course, Unconditional Love.  One cannot hope the recognize the Divine in another if one does not recognize It in oneself.  Only when this layer of self love and acceptance is activated can one truly step into an Ascended relationship with any "other."

 

The second tier of the Ascended Relationship is with that one "special other."  Such a relationship brings with it the knowledge and experience of being the two sides of the same flame, dancing together in the fire of creation.  It can be best described as a relationship which  

·    is filled with Spirit,

·    fulfills the highest relationship ideals,

·    brings forth the great Hu-man* Being in each partner, and 

·    is a whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.  

At this level the two "special Others" actively call upon Spirit to act as the third and "Trinitizing" partner in the relationship.  This Trinity allows the partners to demonstrate their commitment to Unconditional Love, complete acceptance and uncontested cooperation with each other. 

In the third state of the Ascended Relationship, one recognizes that the designation "Other" actually extends to absolutely EVERY other manifest Being.  In this state all personal politics, religious beliefs, caste identification, national allegiances, and philosophical differences become meaningless.  In this consciousness we recognize that we are indeed ONE.  Here one recognizes the universal truth of the Mayan saying, "In Loch'ech," I am another Yourself.  Thus, Unity Consciousness  characterizes the Ascended Relationship.  

 

The fourth level of the Ascended Relationship is that which one has with what is called "God."  This implies that we recognize some form of Superior Being that is greater than ourselves.  This propensity for such recognition is  implanted our DNA through what has been called the "God gene."  Although we cannot know the full extent such a Supreme Being, we nonetheless persist in a necessarily vain attempt to anthropomorphize It so that we might better shape the contours of our lives to our search for It.   It is this Being that our indigenous brethren refer to as, simply, "Great Mystery."   All other descriptors are but mere shadows of that unfathomable primal essence, yet It is there, in some form, for all of us, and one must feel at home in Its presence, by whatever name we call it, in the Ascended Relationship.  

 

There are  many exercises, meditations, tools and techniques that enhance our individual and collective ability to operate within the Ascended Relationship.  They are light and fun but they also increase our ability to observe and enjoy the transformation process.  We call the growing collection of educational materials and exercises Ascended Relationship Technologies (ART).  We have offered ART workshops, ceremonies and astrological presentations on the West Coast,  and have had speaking engagements in New York and Europe this year. Workshop information for 2005 will be announced as it develops.

Finally, we would leave you with Rumi's words to his beloved, Shams.  He sings of their Love then, and ours now.

May these vows and this marriage be blessed.
May it be sweet milk, this marriage, like wine and halvah.
May this marriage offer fruit and shade, like the desert palm.
May this marriage be full of laughter,

our every day ~ a day in paradise.
May this marriage be a sign of compassion,

a seal of happiness here and hereafter.
May this marriage have a fair face and a good name,
an omen as welcomed as the moon in a clear blue sky.
I am out of words to describe how Spirit mingles in this marriage.

Rumi, Kulliyat-E Shams, 2667

* The Sufis regards the sound of HU as being the most sacred of all sounds, the name for GOD.   Since we are all regarded (irrespective of gender) as Hu-Man,  or GodMan, we should indeed be capable of very great actions.