The Advent of Dionysus / An Account of Theseus / 12.02

Theseus

There are a few other things I'd like to relate here, which add another dimension—and clarity—to the church in Southern Oregon. But it's primarily centered around my relationship with my boss in Grants Pass (between 1989 and 1990), and the company, which had moved: from Grants Pass to Medford. And to my boss I've ascribed the qualities of Theseus, a key figure in Greek mythology and integral player in the Dionysian myth. As I describe our relationship, you'll begin to see an uncanny resemblance, and perhaps draw the same conclusion I have. I'll start by describing my boss a little.

Having relocated to Grants Pass from Los Angeles, in the early seventies (in 1974?), he opted to leave the rat-race and become a "subsistence farmer." Instead, he became vice president of a small electronics firm in Grants Pass with his father. And, to hear him describe his youthful carrying-ons in Los Angeles (Malibu), suggests one thing: conquest. Thus I've ascribed to him the exploits of Theseus; his name even sounds similar. He who dared mock Heracles (Hercules), Theseus, the "pseudo Heracles," is probably best known for slaying the Minotaur, the half-man half-bull monster: through the aid of Ariadne, who later became Dionysus' wife.

Though somewhat crude and barbarous, and with a lot of carnage (more so towards animals), my boss would ramble on, and on..., with extensive detail. And throughout his adventures, if one thing could be said about him, it was exacting vengeance. But he rarely picked a fight, instead he focused on those who were malevolent and attempted him harm—"which were many"—and so exacted it on those who deserved it. This one conclusion could always be drawn. And it was done in such a way as to reciprocate the torment the tormentor placed on his victim: "making the punishment fit the crime." Indeed, these were the ways of Theseus (and Heracles). And like Theseus, who spent his youth ridding the coastline of criminals, my boss spent most of his youth in Malibu: doing the same thing!

Three Conquerors

Thus we have the first of three conquerors, to enter Southern Oregon. Indeed my boss had talked to me, on more than one occasion, of his grand scheme—"world conquest" (the United States anyway). It was a notion he liked to entertain, or daydream about, of what it would be like if he controlled everything, and he was very elaborate about the details. Of course he was only half-serious. Thus a few years later, in the late-seventies, the second conqueror arrived. Roy Masters. Which is even more conspicuous with the exposure he's had in his all out war, "against sin." The third conqueror I'm referring to is myself, and I arrived in late 1983. And though it may not be as apparent, for I haven't had the exposure, it is signified: in context with this book, none of which has been fabricated, it becomes apparent though (i.e., I came in through the back door).

And here I'm referring to the three levels of spirituality: where my boss corresponds to the first or natural level; Roy Masters corresponds to the second or spiritual level; and I correspond to the third or celestial level. Similarly there's the Holy Trinity: The Father (1), The Son (2), and The Holy Ghost (3). Also, a cat has "three names": the name his master calls him, or his "common name" his scientific name or, "science itself" and the name nobody knows except the cat himself, which is the "true mystery." And here, as Jesus is called The Son, or "the second," He's received most of the notoriety. The same could be said of Roy Masters.

I believe something similar is signified by the three prophets, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel, who came in succession. Isaiah who preached of things to come: Thus saith the Lord... Jeremiah who also preached, but with a more personal account of Who sent him, and a pondering of Israel's transgression: Then the Lord said unto me... And Ezekiel, who spoke of his work in the spirit, and gave his account of the New Jerusalem (the New Church in heaven): And the word of the Lord came unto me saying, Son of man, set thy face against... Beyond these three books, the book of Daniel speaks of what transpired during the period of The Captivity.

Like Ezekiel my work concerns what I've done in the spirit, through dreams I've had and my visualization technique, and the wars that I've waged (with what I wrote in chapter 9 being a sample). And as it's not readily apparent, it corresponds more to The Holy Ghost. Also, when speaking of Pergamos, the third church, what Swedenborg calls the celestial kingdom, the book of Revelation says: "To him that overcometh, will I give... a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it." As it's speaking of the third name, or the "cat itself," it's speaking of me: indeed I'm hardpressed to express this to other people, who rarely get past my "first name" or, spend their time trying to "figure me out." On the other hand, when I look at people, I try to see what's really there, and deal truthfully with it: There are many distractions in this world!

When speaking of the angels of the first heaven (in his work Heaven and Hell), Swedenborg says these are those who have lived "morally," and believe in God in "some form," but care little about being instructed. And though somewhat egotistical, and "taking pride in his intelligence"—which was Adam's sin—my boss was typically moral and evenhanded with people. And while he claimed to be agnostic, he didn't discount the possibility of God, and at least maintained an open mind about it. But he didn't care to be instructed (a conversation I had several times with him). So we seem to be speaking of the same thing as Swedenborg here. Hence it's significant that Swedenborg says the first heaven corresponds to "the sea," for Theseus was the son of Poseidon—"the ruler of the sea."

The Minotaur

Now there's one experience my boss was relating to me before I left Southern Oregon (in 1990), that really brings home the correlation between him and Roy Masters. It concerns Noah's Ark, the petting zoo in Cave Junction, which was being renovated after it was purchased from the Foundation of Human Understanding. And the new owner, who may have been affiliated with Roy Masters, was selling the old lumber. And of all the people to buy the lumber, guess who that was? My boss! And when he and the owner talked, guess what they talked about? Roy Masters! While the owner had nothing but compliments for Roy, my boss spoke—somewhat mischievously—of what a sham it all was! And the funniest thing happened when he was hauling the lumber home. He was sure he passed Roy on the highway: "storming by," with a very intense look on his face. Indeed I know the look—like a bull. And I'm not surprised, for it's one of Roy's trademarks. He has a knack for showing up when he's being talked about, especially when it's uncomplimentary. Therefore in bringing up Cave Junction and Selma (Roy Masters probably had business in Selma), and the churches of Adam and Noah—i.e., "dismantling the Ark" by my boss—in accordance with the first two spiritual levels, suggests a clear connection between these two men.

In fact it becomes so clear, that it suggests the true nature of the Minotaur. The dreaded bull-headed monster of the Labyrinth, and touted stepson of King Minos of Crete, the Minotaur was the unnatural offspring of Pasiphae, the king's wife, and his prize bull (given to him by Zeus or Poseidon). While the Cretans claim there was no Minotaur, but the king's cruel general, "Taurus." (When combined, Minos and Taurus form "Minotaur.") Either way we're speaking of Taurus—the bull—or, the second sign of the Zodiac. And how often have I heard Roy Masters say, "You have to take the bull by the horns!" The fact is, he and his people have become so adept at "wrestling the bull," that they've become the bull, towards everyone else! Thus I've ascribed to them the second church, Smyrna, and its false doctrine. Hence the correlation to Taurus, the "second sign."

So what does it mean? To begin with, no matter how good your intentions are, if your beliefs on based on false ideas, it tends to require a lot of stubbornness, even force, to maintain them. What else can it mean? except being bull-headed! Thus we're speaking of the masculine will, which doesn't rule by truth, but by force—which indeed is often epitomized this way. This is the Minotaur, and it's who these people are: and when they confront you, they stand directly in your path, without budging, and force you to wrestle their philosophy; while somebody gets railroaded! So what do they mean when they say that's a load of bull? While to atone for the death of Minos' son Androgeus, who was slain by the Athenians or, as some claim, Minos' "crazed bull," brought back from Crete by Heracles, and later slain by Theseus (yet another variation of the Minotaur theme), Minos was to exact from Athens seven youths and seven maidens (with its similarity to the fourteen Gerarai) every nine years, to be sacrificed to the Minotaur in the Labyrinth, where they were devoured.

Indeed there's a clear connection between Roy Masters and King Minos: for the name Roy means "king" and, for his just rule on earth, Minos was made supreme judge of the underworld after his death—i.e., "master of souls." Thus when preaching his doctrine, Roy portrays a stark contrast, which is stern and foreboding, and people get "trampled on." And while most people aren't ready for this, the larger percentage is young people, who are most impressionable: how many will it require to fulfill the sacrifice! Hence the account the Cretans give is just as valid. They say the Labyrinth was a dungeon where the youths were held, until the king's "funeral games," where they were given as slaves to the winner of the king's wrestling match: which was always General Taurus! Likewise: No one can refute Roy Masters' doctrine! (I'm also alluding to Minos' glorified bull, and to the masculine will—"which is a sham"—and so explains the nature of his wife's lust. And it's precisely what Roy Masters upholds!)

It's the hell in your mind that Roy presents you with, the inescapable dungeon or labyrinth, where this unspeakable thing, the Minotaur lurks (or demon), waiting to devour you. And how often have I lost myself in the labyrinth of my own mind, trying to measure up to Roy's standards! And while there are many truths in what he preaches, enough falsities still persist, to give the monster its hideousness. This is the guy who does Roy's dirty work!

So in mind I see my boss as Theseus, and see him pitted against Roy Masters and "his doctrine"—the Minotaur. I also see it as the ultimate test for "Roy's people": for if given a chance they'd walk all over someone like this and not think twice about it. But since my boss corresponds to the first heaven, Roy has no business molesting him, or for that matter, a lot of other people. And being no pushover, my boss and others like him, are empowered (in my mind) to overcome Roy Masters. What will remain the case so long as "Roy" continues to maintain his false beliefs: primarily what they choose to label "the devil"—i.e., associate between good and evil. (I spoke of this in the last chapter, and will discuss it further in the next.)

Thus in the "ways of Theseus," they're likely to receive a taste of their own medicine, resulting in what

Revelation 2:10 says about the Church of Smyrna: "...behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison; and ye shall have tribulation ten days..." (that is, until their falsities are removed). They too will be subjected to the devil—or Minotaur—until they understand what it means, "their own stubbornness" (i.e., the jailer not being all that different from the jailee). Indeed, through their own misconception of this, a lot of people have been cast into prison (the hell of their minds). Therefore, when they can discern who Theseus is, and distance themselves from the lot of their beloved creature, they'll be set free. And Theseus will be given the necessary leverage as liberator, and slay the Minotaur!

26th Residence

Now in getting back to the company in Grants Pass, I had established this as my "26th residence," the first time I had called my workplace a residence. But as I'd been camping out for two months, and continued to do so for a month afterwards, it seemed appropriate enough. I was also allowed to collect my mail here, and a couple of times I slept there in the back of my truck. Besides, the company had become "integral" to who I was: having worked there on two previous occasions, once in early 1984, and once in late 1985.

And for most of 1989, I associated the company with The Church (unbeknownst to anyone else): where the number 26 corresponds to Judith (12) and, the church. While the timing concurs with my confirmation of what I'd been developing: the church in Southern Oregon. (This is where it began.) I also ascribed the different number values of the hexagram on the front cover to the people working there, what I elaborated on a little with my boss. And though he was no longer vice president, and the company had changed owners (and names), he was still in charge of production, and in my eyes was still at the helm. Thus I stepped everything off in sequences "of one," beginning with him: while he corresponded to the number one, I corresponded to the number three (as already mentioned), and at one point I drew the correlation to the number "3113" (my relating with him—"31," in conjunction with his relating with me—"13").

The Company Moves

Now my main reason for extending this chapter was to relate the next story, that occurred when the company moved. But since I felt it was necessary to give some additional information, regarding my boss and Theseus, I did. Now that I have, it seems just as important, if not more so, and I'm glad I did (why I added the heading, An Account of Theseus). Now the company was in the process of moving, between January and February of 1990, and it wasn't until mid-February that it was complete. And while I was a part of the move, and drove to Medford in the moving vans, I spent most of my time working in Grants Pass. And it wasn't until afterwards that I officially commuted from Grants Pass to Medford (in my truck).

At the time I was still working with the seven cities, but still wasn't sure about the correlation to Medford. And I began to think, "Okay, we'll be commuting between Grants Pass and Medford (most everyone did), therefore maybe a sign or clue will come out of this." And in my mind I determined it would probably establish my credibility here. The first and obvious clue was the number "46" (i.e., Grants Pass and Medford, jointly), which corresponded to the number "4," or Grants Pass. This is when I drew the correlation to the pendulum, which I'd already developed in chapter 6 (and spoke of in Prudence) where the pendulum swings back and forth between Grants Pass (4) and Medford (6); while Interstate 5, corresponds to the movement itself! It's also significant that I passed the Grants Pass Caveman, the statue at the north end of town, before getting on Interstate 5 in the mornings, and getting off in the evenings. The Caveman was the official symbol of Grants Pass, and was adopted from the Oregon Caves. (It's funny that Theseus was renowned for carrying a club, like the statue did.) Thus it's significant that Highway "46," runs from Cave Junction to the Oregon Caves—specifically—and ends there! (It also runs east, like Interstate 5, between Grants Pass and Medford.) And here I'd already drawn the correlation between my boss and Cave Junction, even before he said anything about buying the lumber from Noah's Ark!

And throughout the move I kept a watchful eye on "milepost 46," as well as "exit 46," the eastbound exit off Interstate 5: it was just east of Rogue River, and was the entrance to Valley of the Rogue State Park. (Remember the correlation to the Rogue Valley in my account of Medford?) And I kept thinking, here's the sign—literally—that corresponds to the commute. But I kept wondering about the drive home (westbound), where only the number "64" applies: from Medford (6) to Grants Pass (4). Well on the first day I commuted, there happened to be a snowstorm, and as a result Interstate 5 was very slick. Guess what I noticed on the way home that night? Apparently somebody had lost control of their car (westbound) and slid off the side of the road. And they ran into milepost 46! They didn't knock it over, but knocked the top bolt out, and caused the sign which read from top to bottom, to turn upside down. And even though it was inverted, it still read "64!" This was amazing enough, and it's significant that it happened on this day, but there's more. What I won't be relating until I talk about what transpired at work over the next month.

The New Secretary

Just before the company moved, my boss hired a new secretary. One of his reasons for hiring her was because she lived in Medford, and she was familiar with the area (so she could run errands, etc.). She was a young woman, in her early twenties, and was engaged to be married, but I understood it was beginning to break off. One of the things I noted about her was her name, which sounded very similar to one of the names I've ascribed to Sybil. In fact it wasn't until later, until after I relate what happens next, that I found it wasn't the same. Indeed, it suggests something entirely different. Anyway I noted the correlation to Sybil—specifically to the number "4"—and went about my business. It wasn't until a week or two later, that I began having dreams about her.

Now the first and main dream began with me approaching her at her desk at work. And while I approached, with "longing and apprehension," I managed to keep my reserve. But when I looked her in the face, she looked back at me—as if I were her boss—and said: "Well, do you want to argue about it?" Now this is precisely what I said about Sybil, about being predisposed to arguing: thus we have Sybil (4), in conjunction with Medford (6), and again, the number "46." But it was only a ploy to show her acknowledgment of me, which is why from there the dream led into its romantic conclusion. It was very real and vivid, and was beginning to suggest something extraordinary!

Being single and 34, and having had relatively little luck with women over the years, but with the desire for a substantial relationship and, with my beginning to write this book (I'd essentially drafted the first six chapters), as well as the connection I'd made with Dionysus, I took this to be a positive sign: and things were looking up. And being accustomed to taking the backseat in social situations, I've had difficulty expressing my viewpoint—"which is unique"—not without compromising myself and becoming like everyone else: loud and self proclaiming. (This in the real sense is what paved the way to the mental hospital.) I admit I haven't had the desire either, not caring for all the pretense. Nor by looking at me, would it appear I had much to offer, not materially anyway. But now I had my book in my hands—"something tangible"—and it was time to make myself known.

So I decided to introduce myself with different parts of my book. Then she could see for herself, and determine if I was real or not, while I could see if she was genuinely interested, and gauge my response accordingly. Soon afterwards, on February 13, I gave her chapter 5, The Advent of Dionysus, the first chapter I wrote (and most central), which spoke of my rebirth experience. And I said she could read my other materials if she was interested. When she read it—that day—she was clearly interested, more than anyone else had been. I found it encouraging and decided to give her chapter 4 the next day, The Gerarai (with the rest of my material), which seemed significant for it was St. Valentine's Day and, two years to the day that Cupid had called at my doorstep. (See Gerarai.)

It almost seemed critical that I give it to her at this time, and an important sign, for we're speaking of two people "meant to be joined." And what better day than Valentine's Day! But she took the day off, and I had to wait until the 15th to give it to her, which was a letdown. As significant as it seemed at the time, I've since resigned myself to what it represented: and indeed, I've gone further to explore this, with more substantial results, after placing the personal ad in the paper the next year (what I spoke of in Gerarai). And as this didn't "pan out" either, I haven't been placing so much emphasis on it. But there's still the possibility that Ariadne will show?

The Lunch Date

Well on the next day, February 16th, everything came to a head when my boss took this young woman out to lunch. I had just got back from lunch myself when they both left, and I began to feel apprehensive. For I recall they'd gone out to dinner earlier, and "something" appeared to be going on. (I didn't suspect anything serious.) And just before lunch he made some boasting about it, though he tried to be discreet at first, and said whatever people hold in their minds about what they were doing was fine with him. And he took a lot of delight in saying it, as if that's what he wanted to do—"cultivate the innuendo." When they got back they were laughing and smiling, and flirting a lot! Being the first time they really displayed this, and the last thing I expected from my boss—who seemed to lose all sense of propriety—I became incensed. And I walked off the job.

Having commuted with somebody to work that morning, I started to hitchhike home. But I only got as far as the freeway exit, and began the two-mile walk back after a couple of hours. I managed to get back before quitting time, and finished the rest of the day, but without speaking to my boss, though I glared at him a few times. And I left with my ride. This was all on Friday, and on Saturday, I was still angry when I drove to Valley of the Rogue State Park (46), and brooded most of the day! I then decided I'd write this woman a letter, and explain the nature of my circumstances: where I was coming from and why I was so affronted by what she and my boss were doing. I finished composing it over the weekend.

On the following Monday, I gave her the letter and, to insure that both she and my boss understood, I gave a copy to him. He was the first to get back to me, and though he didn't show it at the time, he was very angry: "I referred to him as arrogant and egotistical and said he was very tacky." He said later, that if he didn't know me better he would have beaten me up, or "shoved the damn thing down my throat." And said I should consider what it looked like to her—like I was some kind of "religious nut"—and, that she was very alarmed about it. She never really did get back to me, even though I asked her about it a couple of times. Indeed it was the last thing I wanted to do, but how do you present something like this to someone else—"even if it's legitimate"—without evoking some kind of suspicion? Like I already said, I wanted her to be familiar with my materials first, before I approached her about my feelings. And, I would have held back much of what I said in the letter, until later, if it hadn't been expedited by what she and my boss were doing: Speak now or forever hold you peace!

Now my relationship with my boss had slowly deteriorated over the past few weeks, since after I was rehired on January 16th (after a three month layoff). It only contributed to the problem. And I had wondered about it, for it didn't seem to get any better, though I tried to resolve it with him: I didn't say anything specific though. I know a lot of it had to do with the new building in Medford, where everything was centrally located now, and "out in the open," so you could see what everybody was doing. Unlike the building(s) in Grants Pass, with its upstairs and downstairs, shop in back, two shop buildings behind that and, small building down the street. Needless to say there were plenty of places to "hideout." And my boss had told me that the new arrangement really bothered him. As it also bothered me, I understood what he was saying, but I didn't think it would be such a big problem. I think because he felt insecure about it, that he was more arrogant than I was accustomed to; and then again, we saw a lot more of each other. (It was probably both.) Thus for me the situation had completely changed—to where it wasn't the same company anymore!

But when this incident occurred between him and the secretary, that was the end of it, and I could see no way to reconcile things. And while waiting at the freeway exit that day, I kept asking myself: "Why did it all fall apart?" For this was the place I called The Church, and I was quite content to stay here (before the layoff). How could it happen if this were true? I got my answer that evening when I got home (it may have been later) when looking up

Revelation 14:16: "And he that sat on the cloud thrust his sickle in the earth; and the earth was reaped." Now I spoke of this is in chapter 6, where I substitute verse and chapter for days and months. Thus I'm speaking of the 14th month (chapter) and 16th day (verse), i.e., February 16th. It's therefore significant what Swedenborg says about this verse—specifically—in The Apocalypse Revealed: that it signifies the end of the church! So it seemed a change was forthcoming.

Theseus and Ariadne

Now I'm not requiring you to stretch your imagination too much, to see how this correlates with Theseus and Ariadne. The heir apparent to Athens' throne, and the daughter of King Minos, both conspired to destroy the evil Minotaur, Ariadne's half-brother. And soon afterwards, the two became lovers, and secretly set sail for Athens. It wasn't long before they set shore on the island of Naxos, where for some reason—which remains a mystery—Theseus deserted her. A probable account suggests Dionysus appeared to Theseus in a dream and demanded Ariadne for himself, while another says Dionysus and Ariadne were already married, and she had become unfaithful. And when Theseus awoke, he was horrified to see Dionysus' approaching fleet, and fled with haste; while he left Ariadne behind in a deep sleep. Regardless of what happened, when Ariadne awoke and found Theseus gone, she wept bitterly; and in the midst of her despair, cried out to heaven for justice. Soon afterwards, Dionysus and his merry band, appeared to console her, and they were promptly married; it was attended by all the gods. And they both ascended to heaven.

Thus we have the three masculine aspects integral to Ariadne's life: Theseus, the mortal hero and lover—"the natural" (1); King Minos her father—"the spiritual" (2); and Dionysus, her "celestial husband" (3). Which indeed portrays the difference between Theseus and Dionysus: Ariadne (4) must first put off her mortal side, Theseus ("14"), which is typically accompanied by "great sorrow"—and/or death—before she can put on the immortal, and enter celestial marriage ("32"). And indeed some accounts claim Ariadne died in childbirth, or even hung herself, for fear of Artemis! (3). While Rachel herself died in childbirth (14), giving birth to Benjamin, the 12th son.

And throughout the next month at work, the outcome which was highly doubtful, I began working with the numbers "1, 3, and 4"—i.e., my boss, myself and this woman, respectively. Thus more specifically with the numbers "14 and 34" (my boss and my relating with her); which is expressed as "1 (44) 3" and thus becomes "1-(2)-3" (i.e., the number "44" corresponds to Jennifer—"2"). And therefore portrays the interrelation between The Church (12) and the celestial marriage (32), as well as Rachel (14). Hence it seems fitting that I bring up Theseus here, in chapter 12. It's also funny how the King Arthur myth portrays the same thing (a correlation I drew at that time): where Arthur (34) and Guinevere (44)—i.e., "Jennifer"—were the royal pair, before the arrival of Lancelot (14), Guinevere's true love. (I describe this further in Jennifer and Sybil.) And after years of strife and hardship, the two were finally reconciled, as "husband and wife" (32). And like Theseus, Lancelot portrayed the church (12).

Lack of Propriety

In my letter, I expressed my anger towards my boss' lack of propriety, and was clearly telling him to back-off: "for I had designs on this woman myself." Which indeed concurs with what happened between Theseus and Dionysus! And I said he was only using her as a "play toy" to serve his ego. Hence through all his conquests he'd had his share of women, and as this one wasn't that different, except for something new to brag about, the least he could do was refrain interfering. He also knew who I was, and knew I was slow with women—"and shy"—and about my problems in the past: he knew I'd overcome them and even commented one day on how much I changed! (He was there when I went to the mental hospital.)

Up until now, I haven't fully disclosed his impropriety, for there's one thing I've withheld that clarifies this. But like in the myth, it wasn't fully understood why Theseus deserted Ariadne (though there was some hint of scandal). Hence it seems acceptable that I don't disclose it. He did tell me later that he was intentionally flirting with her, but nothing was meant by it, and that he and she was aware of that. In other words he was trying to get everyone's attention—and, managed to get mine! It all but stopped when I confronted them though, or at least they didn't make an open display of it. And it would appear he lost all interest at this point and, deserted her. For another distraction?

Like I said, the situation looked highly doubtful. I was sure I would quit in the next day or two. But after giving my boss the letter I managed to patch things up enough (in my mind) to continue—though it proved a rough road ahead. But on March 12th I finally decided I had enough, and gave my "two week notice." I withdrew it a few days later after a change of heart. This is when I had a long talk with my boss, and he revealed some of the things I spoke about. I continued to work there until March 23rd when, first thing that morning, my boss did something clearly uncalled for. It was petty enough, but in lieu of everything else that had occurred, I couldn't find a way to redress it. I let it spin around in my mind most of the morning, before deciding it was time to leave—"once and for all." Consequently I left at noon. It seems the two week notice was still in effect.

Now the timing of this proved to be significant, for I was already working with the numbers "323" and "44," as well as "3113" (my relating with my boss), along with the expression "1 (44) 3" which then becomes "3 (44) 3." (And when adding "310 + 013," you get "323." While "31 + 13" = "44.") Thus we're speaking of the consolidation of my relationship with my boss—through this "woman's will"—as divided between us ("44"). And it all coincided with the day I left—March 23rd! (or, "3-23"). It was also significant how many hours I had on my timecard—"44!"

The number 323 also depicts my desire for this woman, and yet it's my boss' number, which corresponds to the "number one": it speaks of the fact that I left, while the two of them remained behind. And as I don't believe there are any hard feelings between us, it affirms the consolidation of our relationship. And yet another unusual thing happened when I began writing about my boss and Theseus here—the same day! When looking up the myth, in the only book I've used as a reference, I was surprised to find it begin on page "323!" It was uncanny! And so reiterates what I was thinking all along. And since it's a number that corresponds to the number one—or "the man's intellect"—it's speaking of what's theoretical or hypothetical. It's therefore significant that the name Theseus sounds like thesis, which is the same thing!

The Drive Home

That's about the extent of my story, except I'd like to relate what happened on the way home that day—what I intended to do all along! I was driving up Interstate 5 and it was a beautiful spring day. The air was fresh and clear, the sun was shining through the billowy clouds, brightly illuminating them, there were patches of deep blue sky, the mountains loomed in front of me, and to the sides, and the trees were lush and green. I couldn't help but notice it, partly because I didn't normally drive home at noon, and again, it was a delightful day. And there it was: milepost 46! I'd been keeping an eye on it for over a month, wondering if it would ever get fixed. And I was enjoying the drive so much that I almost missed it. But they finally fixed it! And I marveled, for it was like somebody "from upstairs" was saying: "Okay, you're business is done here....Now close the door behind you." And I continued to drive without looking back.

There's not much else to say, except I considered this the end of the church (regarding the company). And from there I debated whether I should go to Idaho or back to California. I decided to go to California, back to Santa Rosa, and commenced to draw a parallel to the kingdom of Judah being taken captive by the Babylonians.

2 Kings 24-25

2 Chronicles 27 (I spoke of Santa Rosa, the "Babylon of my youth," in chapters 10-11.) It's funny that it was the same year Saddam Hussein invaded Kuwait, and captured the attention of the whole free world! And what you may not know is that Iraq used to be the kingdom of Babylonia! with Baghdad, its capitol, the city of Babylon. And it's funny that Saddam Hussein claimed to be a second Nebuchadnezzar—the Babylonian king who captured Judah!