The Watchers and the Gates

The Watchers and the Gates

A master appoints two gates in the circuit of the year.

The first he set at the head of the months, on the first day of the first month, when winter gives way to spring. He made this gate plain, so that all might see the order of his appointed times.

The second gate, he set in the seventh month, He placed  this gate just beyond the threshold of the month, where it could not be entered by habit, tradition, nor found by assumption.

As the seventh month was upon them, many servants came and stood on the first day, expecting the gate to reveal itself. When the gate did not open, feeling disheartened, many went away.

Few servants remained, and with steadfast patience, they looked upon the heavens. As they counted the days, their attention remained fixed.

While the faithful servants yet kept watch, the gate revealed itself, and opened at its appointed time.

The servants who stayed, asked “Master, why did you not place the second gate on the first day of the month as you did with the first gate?”

The master replied “So it would be hidden to the careless but revealed to those who truly seek.”