The metaphysical connection that most might immediately consider is that between heaven and earth. Another important interpretation is the connection between the “lower self” and the “higher self,” or between one’s evolved consciousness and one’s non-evolved indiscriminate passion for self-indulgence.
The similarity where the Tao is concerned is that both it and the rainbow propose a path to move out of shadowed realms of suffering and unknowing into elevated states of empowered awareness. One of the more intriguing descriptions of the rainbow as a pathway can be found in George Arthur Gaskell’s Dictionary of All Scriptures:
“…The rainbow is a peculiarly appropriate symbol of the ‘bridge of heaven,’ caused as it is by the reflection of the sun (the self) in the water-drops (Truth) forthpouring from the cloud (buddhi) to the earth (lower nature). When the lower nature fully reflects the higher, then the ‘bridge’ may be traversed by the victorious egos returning to their home above.” (G.A. Gaskell 1844–1885)
Aberjhani
24 Sept 2014