Gatekeepers Are Needed to Gatekeep: A Sermon on Truth, Somatics, and Spiritual Growth

Let’s talk gatekeeping. Yes, I said it—gatekeeping. For some reason, this term sparks tantrums these days, as if someone’s been told they can’t play with the big kids on the spiritual playground. But let’s set the record straight: gatekeeping, when done with integrity, isn’t exclusion for exclusion’s sake. It’s an ancient practice rooted in wisdom, discernment, and a fierce love for truth.

At Entheogenic Church, gatekeeping isn’t about withholding knowledge or creating hierarchies to flex power. It’s about protecting sacred wisdom from misuse—both by those who don’t yet understand its gravity and by those arrogant enough to think they already do. Shamanic Ananda teaches us that spiritual truths, like fine wine, require time to mature within us. The spiritual path isn’t a free-for-all; it’s a deeply intentional process, one that requires thresholds—and threshold guardians.

Ever Met a Threshold Guardian?

Threshold guardians, or gatekeepers, are those entrusted to discern who is ready to step through the doorway of transformation. They’re not just standing there for the fun of it, folks. They’re like cosmic bouncers, ensuring that those entering the temple, the medicine circle, or even their own inner depths are prepared to handle the truth—the whole truth, and yes, nothing but the truth.

Here’s the thing about truth: not everyone can handle it. Some truths will shake your soul, disassemble your ego, and leave you sobbing in a heap on the floor. And yet, that’s exactly what’s needed for growth. Gatekeepers ensure that the sacred teachings don’t fall into the hands of what one of my mentors likes to call “the arrogant entitled puppies.” You know the ones—they stamp their feet and demand access to secrets they’re not ready to receive, all while wielding their shiny tools and costumes like they’re already enlightened masters. Bless their hearts.

Gatekeeping Is Sacred Work

In shamanic lineages, gatekeeping is a necessity. Elders spend decades observing students’ motivations, testing their dedication, and slowly revealing knowledge. It’s drip-fed wisdom—tiny droplets that, over time, carve deep rivers of understanding. This is somatic wisdom in action. You don’t just learn it; you become it. Your body, your mind, your spirit—they align to hold the teachings without breaking under their weight.

But let’s be real: many modern spiritual seekers want it all right now. They want the shortcut to enlightenment, the downloadable PDF version of ancient mysteries. Here’s the catch—this isn’t how Spirit works. It takes time, discipline, and surrender to embody sacred knowledge. And those who bypass this process not only hurt themselves but can harm the lineages they’re trying to appropriate.

At Entheogenic Church, we honor the principle of “right timing.” There’s a reason A Course in Miracles teaches that miracles happen naturally when they are not resisted. Gatekeepers ensure that this natural flow isn’t disrupted by human impatience or arrogance. They hold the line for Spirit’s timing, not ours.

Somatics, Entheogens, and the Wisdom of Gatekeeping

Now, let’s bridge this to somatics, entheogens, and A Course in Miracles. Somatic awareness teaches us to tune into our bodies, to feel the subtle cues that tell us whether we’re aligned with truth or clinging to illusion. Entheogens, when approached with reverence and guidance, amplify this process. They can catapult us into states of divine revelation—but only if we’re ready. Without proper preparation, the experience can fragment rather than unify.

Threshold guardians act as somatic guides, helping us prepare our vessel—our body, mind, and spirit—to receive the medicine of truth. They remind us that not every door is meant to be flung open immediately. Sometimes, we need to strengthen our legs before stepping through. Sometimes, we need to breathe into the tension of waiting, letting Spirit work its alchemy within us.

“You Can’t Handle the Truth!”

Let’s inject a little humor into this, shall we? Gatekeepers also play a crucial role for the folks who, frankly, can’t handle the truth. Picture a gatekeeper standing there like Jack Nicholson, shouting, “You can’t handle the truth!” And, honestly? They’re right. Truth is a double-edged sword. It liberates, but it also cuts. The gatekeepers’ job is to wield that sword wisely, ensuring it doesn’t fall into the hands of someone who’ll use it to harm themselves or others.

Ironically, the arrogant puppies—the ones stomping their feet and demanding access—often act as their own gatekeepers. Their entitlement keeps them locked out of the deeper mysteries, serving as a kind of self-imposed exile. Spirit has a funny way of using our own blind spots as barriers until we’re ready to see through them.

The Importance of Discernment

Let’s talk discernment, because it’s the backbone of effective gatekeeping. Not everyone who claims to be a teacher is qualified to lead. And not every seeker is ready to learn. Discernment asks us to look beyond appearances, beyond ego, and into the heart of things. In a world overflowing with New Age noise—where shiny talismans and hollow rituals masquerade as spiritual depth—discernment is more important than ever.

The teachings of A Course in Miracles remind us that only truth is real. Gatekeepers embody this principle, ensuring that the sacred isn’t diluted by half-baked interpretations or misused by those seeking power rather than transformation.

Protecting the Sacred, Protecting Ourselves

In shamanic traditions, it’s said that spirits protect the lineages. Those who misuse the teachings are often pursued by these spirits, sometimes to their own peril. It’s a harsh but necessary aspect of spiritual ecosystems. Gatekeeping, therefore, isn’t just about protecting the teachings; it’s about protecting people—from themselves, from arrogance, and from the consequences of mishandling the sacred.

The Cosmic Joke of Gatekeeping

And here’s the ultimate cosmic joke: in a way, everyone is a gatekeeper. Whether through their readiness or lack thereof, their humility or arrogance, each person determines their own access to the deeper mysteries. The work of gatekeepers isn’t to exclude; it’s to hold space for truth to unfold in its own time. And if that means standing at the threshold, saying “not yet” with a smile and a wink, so be it.

In the end, gatekeeping is an act of love. It’s about honoring the sacred, protecting the lineage, and guiding seekers toward their own truth—when they’re ready. Until then, let the puppies pout. Spirit will have its way, and truth will always find those who are prepared to receive it.