The term “Guardian of the Threshold”, or the “Dweller on the Threshold,” is an age-old concept in spiritual circles. It refers to a spectral image that is believed to manifest itself when one ascends the path into the higher worlds of knowledge. Although this concept is often too lightly regarded, it marks a crossing of borders and the discovery of a secret and potentially even sacred space behind a veil. To lift this veil, however, the aspirant needs to face the Dweller or Lord who guards the threshold.

Origins of the Concept

The expression “Dweller on the Threshold” was first used by Madame Blavatsky to refer to a particular and rather rare phenomenon. But it has since come to indicate a universal law of human experience. According to Bulwer Lytton’s Zanoni, a Dweller is an occult term used by students for long ages past, and it refers to certain maleficent astral Doubles of defunct persons. This Dweller of the Threshold meets us in many shapes.

The Testing of One’s Teachings

In spiritual circles, there are people who give talks and lectures that are only descriptions in words or minor exercises in speculation or emotionalism. They can go through life giving such talks without ever being brought to the testing of their own teachings. But those who speak with a depth of sincerity, trying to convey the essence of true experience, will sooner or later be brought to the testing of their own teaching. If they pass that test, getting past the Dweller on the threshold, they acquire a certain authority, even if they are not accomplished, speakers.

The Mystery of the Dweller

The Dweller on the threshold is a mysterious concept that many people have tried to define. Some people have even attempted to call upon the Dweller, but it is not something that can be easily summoned. The Dweller has not appeared to anyone who has tried to summon it, but by absolute silence, it leads the invoker to ultimately scout the idea altogether.

Around each person are planes or zones that extend within their lateral boundaries. These zones begin with spirit and run down to gross matter. If we figure ourselves as being in the center of a sphere, we will find that there is no way of escaping or skipping any one zone, because it extends in every direction until we pass its lateral boundary.

The Dweller in Different Forms

There are many descriptions of the Dweller on the threshold. One student describes it as a dark and sinister-looking man, whose slightest motions and glances express the intention and ability to destroy the student’s reason. Only the strongest effort of will and faith can dispel the evil influence. Another student has felt the Dweller as a vague yet terrible horror that seemed to enwrap him in its folds. Before this, he retreated for a time to prepare himself through strong self-study to be pure and brave for the next attack.

In Conclusion

The Dweller on the threshold is a universal concept that has been described in various forms by many people. It marks a crossing of borders and the discovery of a sacred space behind a veil. To lift this veil, the aspirant needs to face the Dweller or Lord who guards the threshold. Although this concept is often too lightly regarded, it is a law of human experience that cannot be ignored.