“Standin' at the crossroad, baby, risin' sun goin' down” – Robert Johnson
This piece explores the intersections and crossroads of our lives, examining where they appear in history and symbols, and how they relate to individual perspective. We’ll look at the mindset that brings us to these crossroads, our perception of time, and the purpose they serve. I’ll describe the crossroads first, then break down what they are and how we arrive there. Like Columbo, we’ll start with the event and piece everything together afterward.
The Crossroads: Setting Our Compass
The crossroads represent those moments when we find ourselves alone, standing vulnerable at the deepest part of our being. It is here that we hold truths in suspension—seeing fragments of our thoughts and experiences, both present and absent. In this suspended space, our direction, choices, and knowledge hang in the balance. We leave this space with a seed planted, though often unaware of its presence.
As we move forward in life, we revisit that crossroads and the empty room where we left the seed behind. At some point—whether in life or after—the seed begins to sprout, grow, and spread. It becomes a lotus, an event tied to all time and space, connecting us to reality and to others. Some may plant only one seed in their lives, while others may plant many. The lotus, with its many petals, creates a web of connections and influence. Whether the seed blooms or not, it becomes the traveler's compass, guiding them toward the best possible outcome through time and space.
Examples of Those Who Have Been There
Now that we’ve described the crossroads, let’s consider three individuals from history who have encountered them.
First, we have Robert Johnson. According to Southern mythology, he sold his soul to the Devil at the crossroads in exchange for his musical talent. While this myth may be symbolic, it provides insight into his legacy. His music rippled through time, influencing generations of artists. Perhaps the compass Johnson created was driven by his love for music, and the best possible outcome of his path included his untimely death.
Another example is Jesus Christ, whose life and message profoundly shaped humanity. His compass was created not only for himself but for the entire world. By dying at the crossroads, he planted a seed that millions reflect on daily. His lotus blooms through the story and symbolism of his life, connecting time and space to his sacrifice. It’s possible that the best possible outcome for his message included his death.
Lastly, we look at Adolf Hitler. He, too, navigated the crossroads, but there is a fundamental difference: his seed was one of destruction. No growth, no connectivity—only an empty room, filled with a black hole and broken promises. His compass led to annihilation, and the path he set out on was doomed to end in emptiness. This example underscores why understanding the crossroads is so critical: to avoid repeating such catastrophic misdirection.
These three examples represent different paths of navigation: the individual, the spiritual collective, and the misguided material world. Two of them cultivated the lotus, planted their seeds in the mud, and grew something meaningful. The narcissist, however, twisted the opposites for power, creating a false lotus, an illusion of growth. This contrast highlights the importance of managing our compass, both as individuals and as a collective.
Time and the Compass of the Crossroads
Reflecting on our crossroads throughout life creates an impact in that timeless space, no matter when we revisit it. By reflecting with experience, knowledge, and honesty, we cultivate the conditions needed for the lotus seed to bloom. We may never know the perfect time or place for it to do so, but the compass we created will always guide us toward where we need to be.
This is the power of perspective, focus, and reflection. When we look back on our crossroads, we connect ourselves to a larger picture. Whether reflecting on our individual crossroads or those of the collective, we contribute to navigating not just our own path, but the paths of others as well.
What We Might Encounter at the Crossroads
As with any journey, the road ahead may not always be clear or safe. Along the way, we may encounter forces that don’t serve our best interests. It's important to understand our relationship with the trickster and treat these encounters accordingly. Life is a series of communications, and these encounters provide contrast, helping us define who we are and where we need to go.
Harmony and balance—the forces that guide us—are often achieved through constructive confrontation with the trickster. If we don’t grasp our crossroads or manage our compass properly, we risk becoming victims of determinism, driven by whatever force dominates the moment. It is through engaging with the subjective experiences and symbols of our lives that we can cultivate and manage where we are headed.
If we fail to do so, we may find ourselves aimlessly wandering like cattle, herded by forces beyond our control.
Conclusion: Just the Beginning
Can we always access those experiences that define who we are? I believe so. Our perspective on those moments may evolve depending on the present context, or perhaps even future reflections help shape those past moments. Can the spotlight of our reflection travel through time? It’s something worth considering.
It is essential that we learn to navigate ourselves. We cannot abandon the wheel of humanity or our own lives in the hope that something greater will take control. Humanity is like a teenager learning to drive—our parental figures, time and wisdom, are desperate for us to pay attention. Discover where your crossroads lie and use them to navigate your life.