John the BaptistThe ForerunnerVoice in the Wilderness
Relationship
The one who prepares the water and steps aside
Warning
He says he must decrease and means it
Resonance
Those preparing a way for someone else those who live plainly
Symbols
Lamb of godReed crossShellCamel hair garmentRiver jordan
Mythology Summary
John the Baptist is the prophet of the wilderness who baptises in the Jordan and says he is the voice preparing a way, and who decreases so that another may increase. He is the threshold figure of the Christian story: necessary, and not the point.
Modern Practice
John is called on at any threshold and by those who prepare a way for another. His practice is water, plain food and the honest announcement.