Today we’d like to introduce you to Tara Miller.
Hi Tara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
As it stands, my primary focus is Indian Esotericism. We can note the Mysteries have both their worldly and mystical functions. On a practical level, Tantra offers physical, tangible techniques to enhance life. In the Tantric concept, the body is the ultimate Yantra or mystical symbol. The body’s subtle energy system is therefore manipulated by mantra, breath, posture, dance, etc. to improve the quality of life. As a result, we are more joyful, amorous and energized, churning with life-force. Others are inspired to participate in this creative, affirming and world-embracing process. On a subtler level, Tantrism is fundamentally concerned that we burn through limitations and become more than we are. We are fine as we are, no doubt, but there are strange, starry dimensions which veil vast, unfathomable Mysteries and birth us new ways to illumine Eternal Truths. For instance, many of the finest arts and medicines and works of music are attributed to aberrations in consciousness. Ultimately, Tantra offers techniques to reach Transcendence, the ultimate goal of all Yogas.
My introduction and intuitive attraction to the Mysteries (Indian, Egyptian and Sumerian Mysticism) incidentally worked through a fiery fascination with ornate language, Romantic and Gothic literature, French Surrealist poetry, the Art Nouveau movement, and any art form which bade this intangible, smoky atmosphere and velvety, mesmeric world. However, the most potent medium has always been, and will always be music. Therein, one could totally step in, become devoured and come out exalted. The Word is one of radiance; there is no end to its effect. It has the power to clasp fallen hands quivering over the edge of the Abyss and drag them up with the strength of wolves, despite its spectral exterior.
This infatuation with supernatural subjects cloaked a yearning to explore Reality in all its aspects, even those aspects relegated to shadow. I have long been electrified by lush, ornate language and the complexity of experience this radiates. Furthermore, the efficacy of a good storyteller, who really stirs a sense of energized enthusiasm and suspense is not to be understated. In fact, the ability to lucidly speak to the more transcendental or numinous end of spirituality requires a poetical prowess, as common, technical language falls short. Technical language is appropriate for providing instructions and technique, no doubt; but the successful composition of mystical treatises or artful works which take the reader to the strange, starry, ‘spiritual’ state (or as closely as possible) usually owes to a rich, florid treatment of language. By this fact, my passionate enthrallment evolved gradually into a profound, bottomless lifelong pursuit of the Mysteries. And I do trust the superior poetic idea arrived by Nocturne.
I am currently developing a multi-media platform, with the aim of presenting ancient wisdom in a way that is practical, enjoyable and immersive. I do my best to share what I have learned in a manner that is both respectful to the Esoteric Tradition and enriching to my peers of the modern age! Please follow me on Instagram (grandfather_christmas) to stay tuned!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The Path to Self-Realization is often steep, occasionally harrowing but always majestic. Yet any sort of tension in our lives can produce a heat, that if channeled responsibly and suitably, can lend to and stoke our creative fire quite luminously. I have learned the element of Fire is the most vital in its spiritual significance and transformative potential. In that to completely “modify” any aspect of life, it cannot be done cosmetically or superficially. To delve to the depths and transform the inner workings in a sustainable sense, the method must be heated, penetrative, and astringent. So smooth is not always best. For example, in astrology ‘benefic’ planets are naturally smooth, glossy and quite easy to get on with, while ‘malefics’ are thorny and catabolic, exfoliating energetic blockages harshly and rapidly if funneled and channeled appropriately.
Interestingly, Ketu, a sometimes considered ‘malefic’ node of the Moon in astrology and gateway par excellence, induces the state of mind necessary to access planes imperceivable to the physical senses. In the medieval Indian text Phaladipika, Ketu is described as a startling, indistinct and spectral deity, with “red eyes,” quite similar to a classic description of a vampire lurking in the mist. Ketu, a serpent (Naga) has “no head” and symbolizes the withdrawal of energy from the sensory world, into the subtle body. Ketu has no head, so he must cultivate internal vision through Yoga. Ketu reduces interest in material reality and sublimates focus to higher, deeper matters; or, he exalts base, material events into higher, deeper experiences. Hence everything has the potential to become a higher (or lower) gateway, depending upon the point of orientation. This is a stimulating connection between Indian Mysticism (elucidated through the lens of Vedic astrology) and Gothic literature.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am pleased to announce that I will be adding fresh, fertile dimensions to my esoteric presentation (which is currently a blog, contemplations and photo journal, found through my Instagram) to increase enjoyability and intelligibility. My object is to blend a healthy amount of storytelling, history and theory with actionable, practical techniques. The methods will take a bit more time to sort out and I will provide updates accordingly. There is a spiritual practice for everyone, no matter the stage in life, to heighten and deepen our experiences.
The tone of the Work is in good fun, woven with florid elements of theatre and performance; flecks of the Gothic, the Surreal, and the Absurd, as nod to the Nature of the Mysteries. The Romantic mindset, to a high degree, epitomizes my Magical interest in the Otherworlds. There, looms a Nocturnal mystique illumined by garlands of fire; an abstractedness owing to the very consciousness experienced by the Dreamer, who “paints” in the Astral without constrain of time.
For example, In Ancient Sumer, Temple Priestesses served as intermediaries between the World and the Higher Mysteries and carried aspirants to the Goddess by sacred techniques. Ancient Love Goddesses were lush and luminous; golden amber and amaretto flecked their eyes, aglow from the unbridled expression of passion. Their sleek manes, glittering with fresh fire blossoms, delicately sheathed their exquisite, full silhouettes. We might imagine a fragrant billow of myrrh, aloe, and spice rising steadily from the Temple, fanning over the mountain’s crest. Moon cakes were nestled amongst milk, dried flowers and honey. The Priestesses transformed into scarlet avatars of Inanna, the primordial Venus, by intense worship, also called Tadrupata in Tantrism. Inanna ruled over the sacred arts of sensual dance, florid ornamentations and fiery love. Priestesses healed with sensual magic and transmitted mystical knowledge to aspirants through the Blood of their Hearts. Spiritual sophistication is not cultivated simply by lavishness but in the oceanic devotion this expresses. This type of ritual reflects the underlying principles of Bhakti, a lunar yogic path which brightly promulgates sacred worship and devotional love as ultimate Realization, often through highly detailed rituals. We will discuss how to create a parallel experience in the modern era – as the keys to higher experience are perfectly available to us within our Temple, the Sanctuary of the Anahata.
So please join me, as we explore everything from beauty techniques, dramatic rituals, music, yoga, glamour, and far more as vehicles to enrich our spirituality.
What were you like growing up?
I have always been contemplative, imaginative, generous, curious, detailed and deeply focused in my areas of interest, which lends itself to the intricate work I do now. I cannot recall a time when I preferred the company of a good book and the swell of twilight, to anything else really.
And to the point of literature, Anne Rice is the single most eminent figure in my mystical education; those first, subtle hints of unworldly foreshadow, conferred by the Great Minds of antiquity, flickered through her writings like snake eyes in the dark. Anne taught me that words are charms; frail and fine by themselves, like all magical instruments, but when filled with affection, and stitched with skill, they can lure out strange, lost arcana from the pits of Night.
Lastly, it is important to note, the “esoteric” is not only relegated to obscure grimoires or incomprehensible lyrics, it is rather the knowledge inherent, albeit concealed, in reality; thus, its arcane symbolism is contained within all things, and to the voracious student, receptive, ready and roused; all ends are receptacles!
“With freedom, flowers, books, and the moon, who could not be perfectly happy?” ― Oscar Wilde
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.twelfthhouseontheleft.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grandfather_christmas/
- Other: https://www.twelfthhouseontheleft.com/post/bhakti-a-path-of-fierce-fiery-love
Image Credits
Main Personal Photo: Self-Portrait Additional Photos: Photos 1-4: Jason Koch Photo 5: Sean Burns Photo 6-7: Self-Portrait Photo 8: Nika Urban
