GATE 6: NAPHTALI — “THE FREE DEER”
Clock Line: 6 o’clock
Initiation: Liberation of the Soul
Theme: Freedom, Grace, Joyful Expression
Outer Priest: Paramahansa Yogananda
Inner Priests: Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar Giri, Quetzalcoatl, Mirabai, White Buffalo Calf Woman, Edgar Cayce
Religion: Yogic Mysticism & Indigenous Prophecy
Narrative Station Title: “The Leaping Soul: Naphtali and the Gate of Joyful Liberation”
▶︎ Revelation Tie-In: “The redeemed… sang as it were a new song before the throne.” — Revelation 14:3
THE GATE OF SPIRITUAL FREEDOM
Naphtali is described as a “hind let loose” (Genesis 49:21), a wild deer leaping with grace and power. This gate opens to those who seek liberation not only from external chains but from the bindings of fear, ego, and illusion.
Paramahansa Yogananda, the outer priest of this gate, brought the teachings of Kriya Yoga to the West—a path of inner freedom, union with the Divine, and joyful realization. His presence was radiant, filled with divine remembrance and ecstatic love.
“You do not have to struggle to reach God, but you do have to struggle to tear away the self-created veil that hides Him.”
▶︎ Revelation Tie-In: “And they shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.” — Revelation 22:4
STATION 6 — THE GATE OF NAPHTALI
The deer leapt through the veil,
Her hooves kissed the mountain’s breath.
The soul ran with her—free, fierce, and laughing.
And the Gate of Naphtali opened—
In the dance.
In the wind.
In the holy shout of joy.
▶︎ Revelation Tie-In: “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” — Revelation 19:6
QUALITIES NEEDED: SPONTANEITY AND SURRENDER
This gate opens to the pure-hearted and the playful. To those who surrender control and leap into God’s arms.
“Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” — 2 Corinthians 3:17
Let go of fear. Let go of striving. Naphtali teaches us to trust the grace that carries.
INNER REQUIREMENT: ECSTATIC TRUST
This is the gate of trust—of moving with divine rhythm even when the path is unclear.
“Dance, when you’re broken open. Dance, if you’ve torn the bandage off…” — Rumi
It is through joy that the soul slips its chains.
GNOSTIC PARALLEL: THE SONG OF THE SPIRIT
In Gnostic texts, freedom comes not from rebellion but from remembrance. The soul sings its way back to God.
“He who has known himself has already achieved knowledge about the depth of all.” — Gospel of Thomas, Logion 111
▶︎ Revelation Tie-In: “And a pure river of water of life… clear as crystal.” — Revelation 22:1
WHAT TO BRING: YOUR JOY AND YOUR BREATH
Bring your chant, your song, your spontaneous praise. The soul who dances opens the gate.
“Let everything that hath breath praise the Lord.” — Psalm 150:6
The free deer does not ask permission. She runs.
MELCHIZEDEKIAN INSIGHT: THE PRIESTHOOD OF THE FREE
The Inner Priests of Naphtali embody liberation through joy, devotion, and inner vision:
- Lahiri Mahasaya — the quiet master of Kriya who lit the fire of inner freedom.
- Sri Yukteswar Giri — the sage of divine science and cosmic harmony.
- Quetzalcoatl — the feathered serpent god of light, sacrifice, and resurrection.
- Mirabai — the bhakti poetess who danced in longing for Krishna.
- White Buffalo Calf Woman — who brought sacred ceremony and prophecy to the people.
These are priests who leap through illusion, who remind us that divine play is holy.
▶︎ Revelation Tie-In: “These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.” — Revelation 14:4
CONTEMPLATIVE REFLECTIONS
- Where do I still fear freedom?
- What would it mean to dance with God?
- Can I trust the path enough to leap?
PRAYER FOR PASSING THROUGH THE SIXTH GATE
O Wind of Joy,
I come to the Gate of Naphtali.
Let me run like the deer,
Let me dance without shame.
Strip me of fear and form.
Dress me in light and laughter.
May I be free in Your Spirit.
And faithful in Your breath.
Amen.
THE DANCE OF THE DEER
Naphtali is the gate of sacred freedom. Of joy that breaks chains. Of movement born of spirit.
This is the Gate of the Free Deer.
It calls not the careful, but the courageous.
To pass is to leap beyond fear—
And land in the arms of God.
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