When we consider the Eight we are now observing the Four Directions of the physical plane along with the Four Directions of the spiritual plane. This symbolism is seen throughout the world an many forms. In the Chinese system it is known as the Bagua. In the East Indian system it is the Ashtanga. In the Northern European system it is seen in the Aegishjalmur and the Vegvesir. Throughout all systems, the Eight represents a sort of map following the flow of natural energies and the progression of growth from one stage to the next. This concept is used in many rituals and even in yogic practice and martial arts such as Baguazhang and Taijiquan.
To understand the Eight we must take a look at the significance of the Directional Wheel. Each direction carries with it a natural energetic property which can be utilized in practice. The following is a brief overview of each direction:
N: The North is the place of beginnings. It is the descending waters of pure potential from which all manifested reality emerges. It is associated with the Water Element, the Winter time, the planet Mercury, and the deities Odin and Shiva. It is the second lowest realm of the Eight.
NE: The North East is the highest realm of the Eight. It represents the heavenly plane of timeless perfection where the celestial gods dwell. Here the energetic potential of the North begins to gain conscious form. It is associated with the planet Jupiter and the deities Tyr and Zeus.
E: In the East the energies gain a sense of Self and the Ego develops. The East is the realm of expansion and growth. It relates to the Wood or Aether Element and the Spring time. It is associated with the Sun and the deities Thor and Indra. It is on a level plane with the West.
SE: The South East dips down into the subconscious realm. It is the realm of our creativity and desires. It is associated with the planet Venus and the deities Freyja and Prajapati. It is from this realm that we manifest our intentions.
S: The South is the realm of action. It is the Fire Element and the planet Mars. Here our imperfections are burned away and we are purified through the flames of will. Just as the North is the descending water, the South is the ascending fire. It is associated with the Summer time and the deities Baldr and Hanuman.
SW: The South West is the underworld. It is the lowest realm of the Eight and represents the unconscious mind. It is the place where our unconscious programming lies and where all of our demons dwell. It is a place of death and rebirth. It is associated with the deities Rahu, Kali, and Hella. Truly, it is Hel.
W: The West is the realm of fertile harvest and aged wisdom. It is the Autumn time. In the East, we grow and establish our Ego. In the West, we share what we have learned with the world. The West is the Metal or Air Element. It is associated with the planet Saturn and the deities Chronos and Njord.
NW: The North West is the realm of the superconscious mind. It is the plane of the ascended masters and the highest awareness. In a healthy being, the wisdom of the North West flows down into the South East to govern our desires and manifestations. This direction is associated with the Moon and is the place of the Alfar and the Boddhisatvas.
In practice, we learn to cultivate an awareness of these Eight energies and to combine and balance them in specific ways to achieve our desired results. This is one of the core goals of the esoteric internal martial arts. We learn not merely to fight physical opponents in battle, but rather to combat the actual energetic entities which surround us on the spiritual plane. We learn to shape and mold our very reality to that of our choosing. This is the highest expression of martial prowess. This is the ultimate meaning of the proverb, "The greatest sword is the one which remains in its sheath." Anyone can learn to defeat another person in a fight. But few there are who can learn to master the threads of their own life. Eight is the number of transformation. The Eighth House in astrology is known as the house of death and rebirth. Each time we cycle through the Eight, we evolve to the next level of existence.
As usual, this is but the briefest summary of the Eight. If you find yourself curious to learn more, feel free to join in on some deeper lessons as a student at Thunder Dragon Taiji and Meditation Arts.
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