California Poppy

Positive Qualities: Finding spirituality within one's heart; balancing light and love; developing an inner center of knowing

Patterns of Imbalance: Seeking outside oneself for false forms of light or higher consciousness, especially through escapism or addiction

Definition: The saying “all that glitters is not gold” is an apt one to describe the lesson of the California Poppy. Many times when the soul first opens to an expanded vista of spirituality, it is pulled in the direction of Luciferic light. Such light appears to be beneficial, but it actually stuns and dazes the soul, robbing it of its own inner power. Those who need the California Poppy seek spiritual glamour or enticing psychic experiences outside themselves, rather than engaging in a balanced process of spiritual and moral development. They can be attracted to a vast spectrum of dazzling phenomena, including drug use (especially psychedelic drugs), occult ritual, religious cults, or charismatic teachers. The soul can also be mesmerized by social glamour and fame, and become easily immersed in the life of media stars, and many other fleeting fads or causes. Such souls have the “wide-eyed” expectation that the spiritual gold which they seek can be found somewhere outside themselves. Because they do not strengthen and develop a solid inner life, they are often susceptible to techniques or influences which open the psychic faculties too rapidly, especially before these energies are balanced with the heart and thinking forces. California Poppy stabilizes the golden light of the heart, encouraging more self-responsibility and quiet inner development. In this way the soul finds the true treasure it seeks — the radiant sun force of the awakened human heart.