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| 1 | Shown are the seven major communities in Southern Oregon which I've ascribed to the New Church. It was a correspondence I suspected since 1988, and I finally drew it up in 1993. Now the reason I selected these cities, as opposed to some of the larger communities—except for Grants Pass, Medford and Ashland—is because of their familiarity and, they stood out the most in my mind, and so required little thought on my part. |
| 2 | And here I had lived in Grants Pass and Merlin, while Selma and Cave Junction were strategically located nearby on Highway 199, as it enters Southern Oregon from Northern California and links U.S. 101 with Interstate 5 at Grants Pass. (Note these four cities are located in Josephine County.) While Rogue River, like Medford and Ashland, was located next door off Interstate 5, the major highway running the length of Oregon. (These three cities are located in Jackson County.) |
| 3 | Now there's a remarkable similarity here—in configuration—to
the Seven Churches of Asia, as described in  Revelation
1-3: which, were central to the Kingdom
of Lydia. And though there is some variation, both are nearly identical, except the Southern
Oregon area is about half-scale. Thus when speaking of the Churches of Asia, we're speaking of the
Christian Church, and where it initially manifested itself. And, having lived in Southern
Oregon for about three years, before moving back up in January 1989, I suspected it had something to do with the
New Church, and it occurred to me that there might be a parallel. And there is!
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| 4 | Being the fourth and sixth churches, the obvious correlation is with the number 46, as corresponds to the number 4—or, fourth church—which is the woman's mother or will. It suggests the sixth church (as the map shows) mirrors the fourth. Beyond that, it seems significant that the Christian Church, which proceeded from the Israelite or third church, migrated to Greece, which was northwest of Judea: a direction which, when plotted on the cross, corresponds to the number 3. Hence it seems fitting that when The Church migrated to Great Britain, as the fifth church, it was northwest of Greece! And, when it finally migrated to the United States, albeit in more of a westerly direction, it came to Southwestern Oregon—or, the Pacific Northwest! |
| 5 | This is also where Roy Masters relocated the Foundation of Human Understanding from Los Angeles (more specifically in Grants Pass and Selma). Indeed, the FHU has played an instrumental role in the development of the New Church and, if wasn't for them, we wouldn't be speaking about a church, or anything else? Which only corroborates what I'm saying above but, as I state elsewhere, I view them more as its forerunner. Hence it would suffice to say the New Church has manifested itself in Southern Oregon. |
| 5a | Thus in the following, using representations from the last chapter, as well as the fourteen Gerarai, I'll be giving a general account of The Church. While I follow-up with the additional Account of Theseus, a more personalized account, that helps confirm this. |
| 6 | But before I begin, I'd like to carry the theme of Joseph a little further, for the first four cities are located in Josephine County, where I lived four years altogether. And as I said in the last chapter, I lived in San Jose for nine years as a youth, and worked another nine years there as an adult. And since Josephine is the feminine of Joseph, it brings to mind the marriage: with these last four years corresponding to the proposal (19th), the engagement (20th), the marriage (21st) and, the honeymoon (22nd). |
| 7 | Located in the Siskiyou Mountains on Highway 199—like Selma—Cave Junction is the first major community you enter after crossing the California border. Primarily a tourist town, it was named specifically for its proximity to the Oregon Caves, about 20 miles east off Highway 46. (Once again a correlation to the number 46.) And, both Highways 199 and 46, junction here. |
| 8 | Hence there seems to be a connection with the Church of Adam, or first church. For according to The Forgotten Books of Eden (often bound with the Lost Books of the Bible),Adam dwelt—and finally died—in the Cave of Treasures. Thus when "truth is separated from charity," which is essentially why Adam fell, man is resigned specifically to his intellect (i.e., the man's intellect corresponding to the first church). And, as he attempts to rationalize his failure, through knowledge, it can indeed compare to sinking into a dungeon—or cave—of one's mind. |
| 9 | While towards the end of the first church Noah appeared, and built the Ark. Thus is it any coincidence that Noah's Ark, the world famous petting zoo, is located in Cave Junction? At one point it was called Woodland Wildlife Park, and was bought and sold by the Foundation of Human Understanding, before it was renamed. |
| 10 | Where Adam portrays the first church, Noah portrays the second church, and together they portray the Church of Man: as corresponds to the number 12). And, when speaking of Noah's Ark, I've heard Roy Masters say (though I haven't verified it for myself) that Selma was an Indian word—for ark! Thus at the end of the first church, i.e., Cave Junction, Noah built and launched the ark, and when he landed, he established the second church: i.e., Selma. And, similar to what I said in chapter 5, a flood signifies "an abundance of falsities." So there it is! |
| 11 | And thus refers to what I said about the Church of Smyrna in
the last chapter, that it signified false doctrine (as Swedenborg
explains in The Apocalypse Revealed) and, that it applied more to Roy Masters'
church. Which brings up Tall Timber Ranch, Roy's working ranch in Selma—of
all places! This is the place where people go, after paying a sizable tuition, to "get in touch," and get further acquainted
with Roy's lifestyle. Meaning, this is where they go to become indoctrinated. Thus having ascribed Roy's
church to the church of false doctrine (Smyrna), we're speaking of Selma, Oregon. "...I
know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan." Revelation
2:9
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| 12 | The thing about Merlin, is that it's primarily to the northwest, a direction that corresponds to the number 3 and, the New Church. It's also the direction the Rogue River flows out of Grants Pass, which is only easily accessible through Merlin, via the Merlin/Galice Road. (Galice is about 12 miles northwest of Merlin). And here we're speaking of what is often considred wilderness area, where the Rogue River is called a wild and scenic river. There are several whitewater outfitters also located in Merlin. |
| 13 | Thus being a direction that corresponds to the New Church,
it also corresponds to the wilderness itself. Hence I'm referring to the woman—which is the church—who
flees into the wilderness in Revelation
12:6. And so drawing a correlation to my eighth move, from my seventh residence, in Grants
Pass—off Rogue River Highway—to my eighth residence, in Merlin.
Where I had indeed become the scapegoat, and out of a sense of persecution and, great travail, I moved all that
I had, and fled to Merlin! Only to find myself out in the middle of nowhere, completely isolated.
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| 14 | And let's not forget the obvious correlation to Merlin, the
magician and high priest to King Arthur's court. Remember the movie, Excaliber?
"And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath
the sharp sword with two edges..." Revelation
2:12 Whether it was named specifically after Merlin or not I don't know but,
an immense amount of magic, pertaining to the spiritual marriage, was released when I moved there (as
mentioned in my eighth residence). And when speaking of the Church of Pergamos, Swedenborg
says it corresponds to the priestly kingdom which, corresponds most to the heavenly marriage. Thus it seems suitable
that we're speaking of Merlin, the high priest, who presided over the marriage of Arthur and Guinevere
(32).
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| 15 | Although I say Rogue River is the focal point of the area, Grants Pass is actually its hub, or center of activity: and in the spiritual sense, verything seems to be channeled through Grants Pass. Most of this is due I believe, to the recent development that's occurred in Southern Oregon—more so in Grants Pass—most likely because the Foundation of Human Understanding relocated here. As I said in the last chapter, Grants Pass was named after Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War hero and president of the United States, and that Ulysses was another name for Odysseus. Thus being the 18th president, he corresponds to the 4th—which, is Grants Pass (4) So what of Odysseus? Have we forsaken his house? And when can we expect his return? |
| 16 | One thing I would like to relate here, is the lifestyle of the people, which I view as unique, and yet, "well defined"; it's unlike any other place I've been. It's as if somebody had called a truce, and everybody agreed to go along: most everyone behaves in a neighborly way, and would go out of their way to extend their charity towards you. Yet much of it is superficial and corny—I'm reminded of smelly socks! It's due in part to the lack of major industry in the area, except tourism and, that many Southern Oregonians have relocated from California—from Los Angeles! Indeed it's quite a contrast, and consequently people feel compelled to conform. (I call it being suggestible.) And out of a fear of deterring from their new found charity, they get "hemmed in" to its viewpoint. But, it beats the heck out of the rat-race! |
| 17 | And so brings up the letter "delta," the fourth aspect or, the area contained within. And in Swedenborg's account of Thyatira, he says it signifies "faith conjoined with charity," which are good works. He also says it signifies the opposite, faith separated from charity. So in my mind the question becomes, how genuine is our charity? Is it only a show that we put on, to try and fool everyone else? Swedenborg also says we need to become the same person on the inside that we display on the outside, otherwise we'll meet up with the person who's really there when we die! |
| 18 | Here we are speaking of the fifth church—or, the number 5—which corresponds to "the understanding" and, is what a river signifies. Thus we're speaking of the town of Rogue River, "specifically." While it's interesting how it was originally called Tailhold, Oregon, for a ferry crossed the river here and, in order to avoid its high cost, people swam across with their horses—holding on to their tails! Now I already said a "bridled horse" corresponds to the understanding and, that the color green corresponds to the number 5. Thus the river, which bends due west and runs through Rogue River, is actually green! (due to agricultural runoff I beleive). And as it supplies water to our fields and cities, a river promotes green foliage: thus signifying faith or, the understanding. |
| 19 | It's also significant that Interstate 5, the main artery which runs through Southern Oregon, runs through Rogue River, and like the river bends due west! (between Medford and Grants Pass). And, as Oregon is the 33rd state which, corresponds the number 5 (as does Interstate 5), we're speaking of the focal point , as depicted on the map (or cross) in chapter 6. Indeed Rogue River appears to be the focal point which, is most central to the Southern Oregon area. |
| 20 | Medford, like the other cities here, athough I'm not sure about Cave Junction and Selma, is located in the Rogue Valley, which is named after the Rogue River. It's funny because Medford and Ashland are situated in a valley to the east, where the river only skirts the northwest edge. But I've always heard it called the Rogue Valley. While Grants Pass and Rogue River are situated in a valley—maybe half the size—to the west, where the river meanders throughout, and runs directly through both towns. So it would seem fitting that this be called the Rogue Valley but, until recently, I've never heard it called this. On the other hand, Bear Creek, which runs the length and down the middle of the Medford valley, runs directly through Medford: as it skirts along Interstate 5, from Ashland to well north of Medford, and enters the Rogue River. So I'm surprised they didn't call this Bear Creek Valley. However, since it is a part of the Rogue Valley, it suggests a closer affiliation with Rogue River, Grants Pass and Merlin (543 + 67). |
| 21 | The largest city in the region, Medford is the most industrialized.
Most of which is due to the lumber industry, which has nearly died out; and in many ways Medford appears to have followed
suit. And, when driving through Medford, it appears archaic and rundown: about due for renovation. Which brings
up what Revelation
3:11 says about the Church of Philadelphia: "Behold, I come quickly: hold that
fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown." To me, together with what the rest of what it says, implies
having gone the distance or, something in its latter stage. And over the years, Medford with the logging industry,
has been the mainstay of the Rogue Valley—and, has gone the distance. While something similar
can be said about the United States, i.e., the sixth church and, waning
world industrial giant. (It's time now to modernize and revitalize our national interest.) And, as I've associated the
trunk of the tree with the sixth aspect of the cross, Medford is associated with harvesting
timber: cutting trees at their trunk or base.
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| 22 | When bringing up Laodicea, it brings up the lukewarm church. So, why Ashland? Two things are brought to mind: Southern Oregon State College, located in Ashland (Ashland is a college town), and The Shakespearean Festivals, also held there. And here a sense of culture, along with a sense of wealth is implied—when in fact there is none—that Ashland expressly promotes. Indeed it's the only town in the valley which makes this kind of boast. |
| 23 | And while I'm not saying you shouldn't go to college, there is something disturbing about academic study. Why should the retention of a mass of facts and information—i.e., knowledge—constitute intelligence? This is a common misconception, which tends only to serve, the egotistical. (It seems we are easily seduced by knowledge when we're young.) You gotta cram anyway right? Knowledge is not wisdom! And what of the professors? As college life is typically buffered from the outside world, many are simply out of touch. Then there are those who, after devoting their entire lives to a dehumanizing system, become absolute tyrants; who are seized with madness and, behaving like they were gods, begin lording it over the students. |
| 24 | As for the Shakespearean Festivals, it becomes an extension of the educational system. And
while I'm not knocking Shakespeare, a lot of pomp and ceremony is entailed, and a sense of mania is passed on to
the audience. (It's significant that western drama was invented by Dionysusand and, that Shakespeare was a part of this.)
Along with this wealth is associated: it's yet another diversion for the rich and, opportunity, for exhibitionism and
snobbery. Indeed, Revelation
3:17 seems to apply: "Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest
not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor... and naked...," etc.
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| 24a | Naked? Wow! I just heard on the evening news (December 20th, 2009) that the city of Ashland has an ordinance (or, lack of one) where people can walk down the street entirely naked as a matter of free expression. That's the strangest thing I've ever heard or, it's the only city in the United States I'm aware of where you are allowed to do this. It's like nobody is supposed to take notice? How weird! But, then again, no-one need ever be confronted about their nakedness ... that is, if they don't want to know. Is it more than just a coincidence? Of course they were also discussing attempts to ban it. |
| 24b | As Merlin exists in the northwest corner of the Rogue Valley, it signifies the advent of the New Church. Thus I would like to relate what happened beyond the events at my eighth residence, and brings up what Swedenborg says about the significance of directions in the spiritual world. He says east corresponds to love (towards the Lord), because this is the direction the sun rises. Whereas south, more specifically the southeast, corresponds to wisdom, as the sun shines strongest in the south (at least in the northern hemisphere). He also says love and wisdom are the greatest in the east and the south, and begin to diminish as it progresses from east to west and south to north, and ultimately drops off to where it becomes a wilderness or, in fact, hell. |
| 24c | Thus where the woman flees into the wilderness in Revelation
12:6, it signifies the beginning of the New Church, which is alone and isolated before being established. And, although
my eighth residence represents something similar, I ultimately left, in May, 1986, without establishing anything. Despite
all my crazy ideas, the potential was not realized or understood at this point. It wasn't until January, 1989, after
I returned (my 25th residence), and camped out along the Rouge River, that it began to mean
anything. And, as noted above, I suspected a correspondence already existed at this point.
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| 24d | So, is it just a coincidence that I happened to be camping out right bellow Hellgate
Canyon? And, that up on the highway, about one or two miles east (the viewpoint or overlook), there's a plaque or
historical marker that reads, "Hellgate Canyon, gateway to the wild
and scenic Rogue?" (or, something like that). Isn't that the least bit strange? Doesn't it corroborate what Swedenborg
and Revelation 12:6 are saying? It's also where the wild and scenic stretch of the river is supposed to begin, and
continue for the next 32 miles. Another coincidence? They also filmed a scene from the movie,  Rooster
Cogburn, with John Wayne, right were I camped out (at the bottom of the rapids). Oh well, I would soon be headed
back to Grants Pass to talk my boss's ear off!
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