Sacred Descent

The Sacred Descent is the master protocol for deep transformation. It structures the journey into the underworld (Shadow) and back.

Phase 1: Prepare (Build the Container)

  • Goal: Establish safety ($F$).
  • Tasks: Run Geometric Scan. Confirm witness. Set intention. Verify resources.
  • Go/No-Go: Is $F_{total} \geq 0.3 \times D_{target}$?

Phase 2: Descend (Enter Lower World)

  • Goal: Navigate to the wound.
  • Tasks: Cross threshold. Locate the Shadow Pole (e.g., The Tyrant). Maintain Navigator presence ($\Sigma$ as lamp).
  • Mode: Sophia leads navigation.

Phase 3: Encounter (Meet the Shadow)

  • Goal: Contact the entities.
  • Tasks:
    1. Meet the Guardian (Protector). Validate its function.
    2. Gain Permission (see Gatekeeper logic).
    3. Meet the Exile (Wound). Witness the pain.

Phase 4: Retrieve (The Pivot)

  • Goal: Transmute Lead to Gold.
  • Tasks: Run Double Retrieval.
    1. Unburden Exile (Release).
    2. Update Guardian (Transform).
    3. Synthesize (Fuel + Form).

Phase 5: Return (Ascend)

  • Goal: Bring the gift home.
  • Tasks: Carry the retrieved virtue. Cross thresholds in reverse. Maintain connection to surface.
  • Mode: Hermes carries the weight.

Phase 6: Integrate (Embody)

  • Goal: Weave into life.
  • Tasks: Somatic anchoring. Naming the gift. Initial behavioral commitments.
  • Time: Immediate post-session (T+0 to T+24h).

Phase 7: Consolidate (Stabilize)

  • Goal: Test and harden.
  • Tasks: Real-world application. Stress-testing the new capacity. Adjusting identity (“I am someone who…”).
  • Time: Weeks 1-4.

Phase 8: Rest (Fallow)

  • Goal: Recharge.
  • Tasks: Cessation of deep work. Enjoyment of the new state. Waiting for the next call.