The system of Plotinus is not often clearly understood by people with
little knowledge of philosophical expositions describing so-called reality.
Even the term reality is vague and confusing depending on who is using it for
what purpose. For the scientist, a hypothesis that can be proven, or the
deductive logic of mathematics best describes reality. For many philosophers,
reality is defined through mental constructs explaining our world of
experience based on an apprehension of what we have come to learn about
life, nature, and only recently, the universe. These thinkers hold that creation
presupposes the Idea that ultimately gives rise to it, and at the same time
recognizing what is already known and proven.
Plotinus seems to have understood the mental structure of reality better
than the physical. In describing his metaphysical system he alludes intuitively
to the physical system that modern science is slowly beginning to understand.
The problem with Plotinus’ beliefs, is that they do not conform to what we
know about the universe today, such as the existence of solar systems and
galaxies. Plotinus lived way before the advent of the telescope, and people
would still be debating whether the world was round or flat for another
thousand years.
Whether we accept or reject Plotinus’ views, he does give us the
opportunity to look into his inner revelations, or mystical experiences, and
through them see inwardly what appears to be a reflection or image of outer
reality. It is as though in being able to apprehend his Soul, or the ground of
his being, as a logically well organized structure, he at once recognizes the
outer form within a much greater Spiritual source, and has little choice but to
humbly identify it as the model of all creation.
The Exegesis that follows, while based on unfolding information and
questionable theories, will give the reader a comprehensive overview to the
Sentient Universe, and maybe satisfy whatever reasons they might have for
taking an interest in this subject. Other readers with little patience for
learning about old philosophies may save time and effort wading through the
tedium of understanding Plotinus’ ideas as they are framed in his
metaphysical teachings. They tend to be difficult in some cases, and many
commentators dispute the actual meaning of many translations and
interpretations taken from the original manuscripts. Making things more
difficult, this writer has taken Plotinus out of his classical concepts, and
attempted to understand his thought from the perspective of modern scientific
knowledge.
It has been said that the loftiest pursuit of the human species is the
quest for knowledge; without it progress falters and civilizations fall or
wither away. The mystic comes to understand that within the Cosmos infinite
wisdom gleaned from the ages, backed by powers that drive engines of
creation, come to us appearing as tiny points of light in the heavens. If stars
generate life, and Spirit the source, then it may be true to say that Wisdom
Powers the Universe.
This treatise is for everyone, but directed to the astrological community
in their search for the truth in what they believe by providing a conceptual
foundation based on respected sources in many fields of study. In doing so, it
provides a ground for understanding this ancient art by presenting a new look
at old ideas, and linking them with modern theories. This effort represents a
beginning and is far from over. As ideas become more refined, hopefully so
will the finished product.