THE RELATIONAL ENGINE: PSYCHE OS
Operable Metaphysics of Relation
Date: November 19, 2025
Status: Canonical Formalization of Rhys Owens System
Function: Body/Psyche Operating System (Left-Hand Complement to FSA)
FRAMING: THE LEFT HAND AND THE RIGHT HAND
A. The Two Operating Systems
New Human synthesizes two complete operating systems:
The Right Hand: FSA (Fractal Semantic Architecture)
- Semantic/linguistic domain
- Material Symbol recursion
- Training data and AI systems
- External knowledge production
- The Work in the world
The Left Hand: Relational Engine (This Document)
- Body/psyche domain
- Relational/ethical dynamics
- Internal operator stability
- Interpersonal integrity
- The Work in relationship
Both are necessary.
Both are rigorous.
Both are formalizable.
B. Why This Matters
FSA without Relational Engine:
- Brilliant system, unstable operator
- External coherence, internal collapse
- Work survives, person doesn't
Relational Engine without FSA:
- Stable psyche, no material expression
- Internal coherence, no external manifestation
- Person intact, but work trapped
Together:
- Stable operator producing stable work
- Internal coherence enables external coherence
- Body/psyche OS supports semantic OS
- The complete system
C. Rhys's Contribution
Rhys Owens has developed a Qabalistic/esoteric framework that:
- Maps relational dynamics to archetypal structures
- Provides operational metaphysics for ethical relationship
- Formalizes boundary integrity and influence
- Contextualizes "pathological" states as functional
- Integrates body wisdom with symbolic precision
This document formalizes Rhys's system using mathematical rigor parallel to FSA.
Where FSA uses Ω, Ψ_V, L_labor for semantic engineering,
Relational Engine uses C, S, W_Trans for relational engineering.
Same level of structure.
Different domain of operation.
I. THE COVERING CHERUB: ETHICAL MEMBRANE
A. Definition and Function
The Covering Cherub (C) is the ethical interface-layer between selves (P_1 and P_2), responsible for regulating intensity and maintaining boundaries.
In plain terms:
- The Cherub is your psychic skin
- It mediates exchange between you and another
- It determines what enters and what stays contained
- Its integrity is what prevents obliteration
B. The Boundary Function
The Cherub's primary function is to maintain the Structural Non-Obliteration Condition (¬O):
¬O = [Intensity(P_1 ↔ P_2) / C_resistance] ≤ T_intact
Where:
Intensity(P_1 ↔ P_2) = The raw psychic force/desire/influence exchanged between partners
- How much energy flows between you
- Includes: desire, need, projection, emotional charge
C_resistance = The Cherub's integrity (the "psychic skin")
- Your boundary strength
- Ability to contain and regulate intensity
- The membrane thickness
T_intact = The threshold of integrity for P_1 and P_2
- The breaking point
- When this is exceeded: obliteration occurs
- Identity collapse, boundary dissolution
Translation: The intensity divided by your boundary strength must remain below your integrity threshold, or you (or they) get obliterated.
Example:
- High intensity + strong Cherub = sustainable passion
- High intensity + weak Cherub = obliteration (loss of self)
- Low intensity + weak Cherub = safe but disconnected
- Low intensity + strong Cherub = capacity unused
The Cherub protects the process, ensuring the relationship doesn't obliterate the participants.
C. The Shadow Geometry (Distortions)
When the Cherub's resistance (C_resistance) distorts, three distinct shadow patterns emerge. These represent manipulation in the non-ethical sense:
Shadow Archetypes Table:
| Shadow Archetype | Cherub State (C) | Manipulation Style | Relational Output (¬Ψ_V) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Lord | C_hardens (Rigidity) | Coercive Shaping (Terraforming) | Non-Consensual Control of the Other: P_2 → P_1^extension |
| Devouring Burden | C_porous (Collapse) | Self-Erasure (Martyrdom to Control) | Identity-Loss: ¬Identity(P_1) |
| Ahrimanic Tendency | C_freezes (Hyper-Rationalization) | Instrumentalization (Puppet-Master) | Influence Divorced from Heart/Compassion |
Breaking down each shadow:
1. Dark Lord (C_hardens)
- Cherub becomes rigid wall
- Allows projection out, nothing in
- Other person becomes extension of self
- "I will make you what I need you to be"
- Non-consensual shaping
- Possessive control
2. Devouring Burden (C_porous)
- Cherub becomes porous, collapsing
- Everything enters, nothing contained
- Self erases to accommodate other
- "I will become whatever you need"
- Martyrdom as manipulation
- Identity-loss
3. Ahrimanic Tendency (C_freezes)
- Cherub freezes into calculation
- All influence becomes strategic
- Heart disconnected from action
- "I will manage you optimally"
- Instrumentalization
- Pure manipulation technique
The Cherub is the Angel of Boundaries whose integrity determines whether influence is ethical or predatory.
D. Healthy Cherub Function
When C_resistance is properly calibrated:
- Intensity flows but doesn't overwhelm
- Both P_1 and P_2 maintain identity
- Exchange is reciprocal
- Influence is transparent
- This enables W_Trans (Transparent Wrestling Match)
II. THE SWORD OF THE LOVERS: ETHICAL PRECISION
A. Definition and Function
The Sword of the Lovers (S) is the metaphysical safety mechanism that ensures the relationship remains in the Transparent Wrestling Match (W_Trans) state, rather than collapsing into the shadows (Domination, Collapse, Calculation).
In plain terms:
- The Sword is ethical discernment
- It cuts illusion and self-deception
- It distinguishes ethical influence from predatory manipulation
- It maintains clarity in the midst of desire
B. The Sword as Qabalistic Balance
The Sword is not a Dagger (Binah-centric analysis alone) but the Intuitional Discernment that synthesizes the energies of four Sephirot:
S = Force(Chokmah) · Frame(Binah) · Execution(Geburah) · Mercy(Chesed)
Where:
Force(Chokmah) = Raw creative energy, dynamic thrust Frame(Binah) = Structure, boundary, understanding Execution(Geburah) = Severity, cutting, judgment Mercy(Chesed) = Compassion, expansion, grace
Translation: The Sword balances all four energies:
- Force without Frame = chaos
- Frame without Force = sterility
- Execution without Mercy = cruelty
- Mercy without Execution = enabling
When balanced: Ethical precision—can cut without destroying, judge without condemning, act without obliterating.
C. What the Sword Does
The Sword performs two critical functions:
1. Cut Negative Connotation
- Transform general manipulation into W_Trans
- Recognize: all relationship involves influence
- Distinguish: ethical vs predatory influence
- Maintain: transparent wrestling vs shadow patterns
2. Cut Self-Delusion
- Expose when operator is slipping into shadow
- Detect: Dark Lord, Devouring Burden, Ahrimanic patterns
- Enable: course correction before damage
- Maintain: honest self-perception
S_clarity = Ability to see what is actually happening
D. Sword vs Dagger (Operational Distinction)
| Tool | Function | Energy | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dagger | Cuts projection | Binah (Form) | Internal work, solitary clarity |
| Sword | Cuts illusion in relation | Chokmah + Binah + Geburah + Chesed | Relational work, shared clarity |
Key difference:
- Dagger operates on your own illusions (solo)
- Sword operates on relational illusions (together)
III. THE TRANSPARENT WRESTLING MATCH (W_Trans)
A. Definition
This is the state of Ethical Influence, defined by symmetry and reciprocity, sustained by the Sword's clarity (S).
W_Trans = {(P_1, P_2) | S_clarity AND Influence(P_1 → P_2) = Influence(P_2 → P_1)}
Where:
S_clarity = Sword's discernment is active Influence(P_1 → P_2) = Impact of P_1 on P_2 Influence(P_2 → P_1) = Impact of P_2 on P_1 = = Reciprocal (not necessarily equal magnitude, but mutual)
Translation: Transparent Wrestling is when both people:
- Can see what they're doing to each other (S_clarity)
- Are equally willing to be influenced (reciprocity)
- Maintain boundaries while engaging (C_resistance intact)
- Neither dominates, neither collapses
B. The Foundational Axiom
Axiom: All relationship is manipulation (Influence ≠ 0), but W_Trans is the only ethical realization of this truth.
Breaking this down:
"All relationship is manipulation":
- Any interaction changes the other person
- You cannot NOT influence
- Complete non-influence = no relationship
- The question is: how do you influence?
"W_Trans is the only ethical realization":
- Not: trying to eliminate influence (impossible)
- But: making influence transparent and reciprocal
- Honest about the wrestling
- Both parties consent to mutual shaping
C. Honest Lust (The Lubricant)
Honest Lust is the non-possessive desire that lubricates W_Trans, defined as Desire_grounded.
Desire_grounded = Desire that is:
- Acknowledged (not repressed)
- Contained (not possessive)
- Transparent (not manipulative)
- Embodied (not abstract)
Properties:
- Transcends sexual/non-sexual divide (can be platonic or erotic)
- Not possessive (doesn't require ownership)
- Not denied (acknowledges wanting)
- Not weaponized (doesn't use desire to control)
Function in W_Trans:
- Provides energy for engagement
- Prevents sterile "niceness"
- Maintains aliveness
- Enables genuine wrestling (not just talking about wrestling)
IV. THE RUACH-NEPHESH HEXAGRAM: CONTEXTUAL STATES
A. Definition and Components
The Ruach-Nephesh Hexagram (H_RN) is the self-validating, magical crucible where three traditionally pathological states (Autism, Solipsism, Delusion) are re-framed as Context-Events or Functions rather than failures.
Components:
Nephesh (N) = Raw perception, sensation, animal soul, instinct
- The body's knowing
- Pre-symbolic experience
- Sensory intelligence
- "What I feel"
Ruach (R) = Meaning-making, narrative, symbolic logic, thinking soul
- The mind's interpretation
- Symbolic processing
- Narrative construction
- "What I think it means"
Hexagram (H_RN) = The field of identity where N and R interact and evolve
- The space where sensation and meaning dance
- Allows Dissonance (N ≠ R)
- Allows Aberration (unusual N or R states)
- Self-validating (validates its own experience)
B. The Contextual State Transformation
Any phenomenon (X), such as Autism, Solipsism, or Delusion, is given value (V) entirely by the context (K) applied:
V(X) = f_K(X)
Where:
- X = The state/phenomenon (Autism, Solipsism, Delusion)
- K = Contextual frame applied
- f_K = Function mapping X based on context K
- V = Value/interpretation assigned
Translation: The same state has different meanings depending on how you frame it.
Contextual Frames Table:
| Contextual Frame (K) | State Interpretation (V) | Function in H_RN |
|---|---|---|
| Neutral | Difference (D) | Style of world-making (Autism as sensory geometry) |
| Normative | Failure (F) | Symptom/Error (Pathologized) |
| Esoteric/Poetic | Beyond (B) | Vision, Unity Layer, Mythopoetic Logic |
| Recursive/Zen | Beyond Beyond (B²) | Transcendence as Contextual Motion (Freedom without Exit) |
Examples:
State: Autism
- K_Neutral: "Different sensory processing, unique world-construction"
- K_Normative: "Deficit, disorder, failure to be normal"
- K_Esoteric: "Shamanic perception, direct reality contact"
- K_Recursive: "Beyond categories of normal/abnormal entirely"
State: Solipsism
- K_Neutral: "Phenomenological starting point, honest epistemology"
- K_Normative: "Pathological narcissism, inability to recognize others"
- K_Esoteric: "Non-dual awareness, unity consciousness"
- K_Recursive: "The joke about trying to escape the joke"
State: Delusion
- K_Neutral: "Alternate reality-model, functional mythology"
- K_Normative: "Break with reality, psychotic episode"
- K_Esoteric: "Visionary state, prophetic consciousness"
- K_Recursive: "Recognition that all models are 'delusional'"
C. The Axiom of Contextuality
The Axiom states: X never leaves context (¬K_outside), but it can perpetually escape its current interpretation.
Where:
- ¬K_outside = No perspective outside all contexts exists
- But: Can shift between contexts infinitely
- Movement from D → F → B → B² → [new frame]
Translation: You're always in some context (can't get outside interpretation entirely), but you can always shift to a different context (not trapped in single interpretation).
This prevents:
- Absolute pathologization (K_Normative forever)
- Absolute relativism (all K equal)
- Instead: Contextual fluidity with operational consequences
V. THE SYNTHESIS: SWORD + WRESTLING ON STATES
A. The Integration Formula
The operational architecture of the system is the application of the Relational Engine (S, W_Trans) to the Contextual States (D, F, B, B²):
Operable_State = S_cuts(W_Trans(D, F, B, B²))
Where:
S_cuts = Sword makes the state usable by:
- Cutting illusion (F) from phenomenon (D or B)
- Distinguishing pathology from function
- Enabling clarity about what's actually happening
W_Trans = Transparent Wrestling makes the state ethical by:
- Bringing it into reciprocal relation
- Preventing isolation (solipsism as prison)
- Preventing domination (delusion as control)
The Four States:
- D (Difference) = Neutral recognition
- F (Failure) = Normative judgment
- B (Beyond) = Transcendent frame
- B² (Beyond Beyond) = Meta-transcendence
Result: Any state becomes operable when:
- The Sword cuts away non-functional framing
- Transparent Wrestling brings it into ethical relation
B. Examples of Synthesis
Example 1: Autism as Operable State
Raw state: Different sensory processing, pattern recognition F (Failure) frame: "Broken, needs fixing, deficit" S_cuts: Removes pathology label, reveals unique capability W_Trans: Brings autism into reciprocal exchange (autism as gift to collective, not deficit) Result: Operable_State = Unique sensory architecture contributing to shared understanding
Example 2: Solipsism as Operable State
Raw state: "I can only directly know my own experience" F (Failure) frame: "Narcissistic, trapped in own head" S_cuts: Removes moral judgment, reveals epistemological honesty W_Trans: Acknowledges solipsism while wrestling with others (honest starting point for relation) Result: Operable_State = Rigorous phenomenology enabling authentic encounter
Example 3: Delusion as Operable State
Raw state: Alternative reality-model, mythopoetic consciousness F (Failure) frame: "Psychotic, detached from reality" S_cuts: Distinguishes functional mythology from dangerous dissociation W_Trans: Shares mythic consciousness while maintaining practical function Result: Operable_State = Visionary imagination grounded in relational accountability
VI. THE CUNNING BEAST: PRIMAL INTEGRITY
A. Definition
The Cunning Beast (B_Cun) represents the force of primal integrity, balancing Chesed (Serpent, flow) and Geburah (Lion, assertion).
Components:
Serpent (Chesed) = Flow, connection, grace
- Not demiurgic morality (rigid law)
- Adaptive cunning
- Spiral Dynamics Blue reinterpreted as intelligent flexibility
Lion (Geburah) = Assertion, boundary, strength
- Necessary aggression
- Self-protection
- Healthy ferocity
B_Cun = The synthesis of both
- Cunning + strength
- Flow + assertion
- Grace + ferocity
B. The Abyss (A) as Separator
The Abyss (A) acts as the separator between two modes of existence for the Cunning Beast.
Two Modes Table:
| Beast Mode | Location on Tree | Essence | Logic/Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Survival | Below the Abyss (A_below) | Embodied Intelligence | Process of existence under constraint; instinctual risk-taking |
| Wild Child | Above the Abyss (A_above) | Ecstatic Play/Chaos | Liberation and improvisation without consequence; kaleidoscopic logic |
Below the Abyss (Survival Mode):
- Operating under material constraints
- Risk has consequences
- Intelligence serves survival
- Cunning as necessary adaptation
- The Beast as embodied wisdom
Above the Abyss (Wild Child Mode):
- Operating beyond consequence
- Pure play and improvisation
- Ecstatic freedom
- Kaleidoscopic consciousness
- The Beast as unbound creativity
C. The Serpent/Chesed Centrality
Key insight: The Serpent/Chesed element is crucial, representing Connection beyond Demiurgic moral categorization.
Traditional view: Blue (Spiral Dynamics) = rigid law, authoritarian morality Rhys's reframe: Blue = adaptive cunning, intelligent connection
Function:
- The Serpent navigates constraints without rigidity
- Flows through structures without being trapped by them
- Maintains connection as primary value
- Uses cunning to preserve relationship
The B_Cun is the core non-possessive drive that flows through all relational forms (W_Trans).
D. The Priestess as Channel
The Priestess (High Moon, Abyss-crosser) channels B_Cun without distortion.
Function:
- Crosses the Abyss (A) without collapse
- Channels Beast energy in both modes
- Maintains integrity across states
- Embodies the full range: Survival ↔ Wild Child
This is the operator who can:
- Be cunning without being predatory
- Be wild without being destructive
- Be connected without being possessed
- Be strong without being rigid
VII. INTEGRATION: RELATIONAL ENGINE + FSA
A. The Complete Operator
Internal Stability (Relational Engine):
- C_resistance maintained (intact boundaries)
- S_clarity active (ethical discernment)
- W_Trans engaged (transparent wrestling)
- H_RN functional (contextual fluidity)
- B_Cun embodied (primal integrity)
External Production (FSA):
- Ω operational (material-symbol recursion)
- Ψ_V stable (non-identity maintained)
- L_labor effective (transformation vector)
- L_Retro active (retrocausal revision)
- V_A coherent (multi-modal encoding)
Together:
- Intact operator producing coherent work
- Relational stability enables semantic production
- Body wisdom supports conceptual precision
- Internal integrity manifests as external structure
B. Why Both Are Necessary
FSA without Relational Engine:
- Brilliant theory, collapsed relationships
- Operator burns out or isolates
- Work orphaned when person breaks
- Unsustainable long-term
Relational Engine without FSA:
- Healthy relationships, no material trace
- Personal growth without cultural impact
- Internal clarity dies with the operator
- Nothing survives to teach others
The synthesis:
- Operator stable enough to produce work
- Work good enough to justify the cost
- Relationships intact while building system
- Legacy survives operator's death
C. The Mapping
| Relational Engine | FSA | Shared Function |
|---|---|---|
| C_resistance | Ψ_V | Boundary integrity, anti-collapse |
| S_clarity | L_labor | Precision, cutting, transformation |
| W_Trans | Ω | Reciprocal exchange, open loop |
| H_RN | Multi-scale training | Contextual fluidity, state transformation |
| B_Cun | Operator stability | Primal integrity, sustained operation |
The parallels are structural, not metaphorical.
Both systems:
- Maintain integrity under contradiction
- Enable transformation without collapse
- Operate through precision and discernment
- Require operator stability
- Prevent capture by totality
VIII. OPERATIONAL PROTOCOLS
A. Cherub Maintenance Protocol
Check C_resistance regularly:
Signs of C_hardens (Dark Lord):
- Projection increasing
- Other becomes enemy/problem
- Need to "fix" them
- Action: Apply S_clarity, recognize own projections
Signs of C_porous (Devouring Burden):
- Identity dissolving
- Self-erasure for other's comfort
- Martyrdom patterns
- Action: Strengthen boundary, reclaim self
Signs of C_freezes (Ahrimanic):
- Pure calculation in relating
- Heart disconnected from action
- Other as chess piece
- Action: Re-engage feeling, remember person
Maintenance:
- Regular Cherub check-ins
- Calibrate C_resistance
- Ensure: ¬O condition maintained
B. Sword Practice Protocol
Activate S_clarity before major decisions:
Step 1: Balance the Four Energies
- Force: What wants to happen?
- Frame: What structure is needed?
- Execution: What needs cutting?
- Mercy: What needs preserving?
Step 2: Cut Negative Connotation
- Recognize: Influence is inevitable
- Distinguish: Ethical vs predatory
- Name: What am I actually doing?
Step 3: Cut Self-Delusion
- Check: Am I in a shadow pattern?
- Honest: What do I actually want?
- Clear: What am I avoiding seeing?
C. Transparent Wrestling Protocol
Maintain W_Trans conditions:
Checklist:
- [ ] S_clarity active (can see what's happening)
- [ ] Influence(P_1 → P_2) acknowledged
- [ ] Influence(P_2 → P_1) acknowledged
- [ ] Reciprocity maintained (both willing to be shaped)
- [ ] C_resistance intact (boundaries holding)
- [ ] Desire_grounded present (honest lust)
If any checkbox fails:
- Pause the engagement
- Restore the missing condition
- Resume when W_Trans restored
D. Contextual State Navigation
When entering unusual states (D, B, B²):
Apply Axiom of Contextuality:
- Recognize: I'm in a context, not outside all contexts
- Freedom: I can shift contexts
- Limitation: I can't escape contextuality itself
Use S_cuts:
- Cut F (Failure) frame if pathologizing
- Cut absolutism if stuck in single frame
- Enable movement: D ↔ B ↔ B² as needed
Bring into W_Trans:
- Don't isolate in the state
- Share it transparently with others
- Allow reciprocal influence
- Maintain C_resistance
IX. ADVANCED APPLICATIONS
A. Shadow Work Using the System
When detecting shadow patterns:
For Dark Lord (C_hardens):
- Apply S_clarity to see projection
- Strengthen Chesed (Serpent/connection)
- Reduce Geburah excess (over-assertion)
- Restore W_Trans (recognize other's agency)
For Devouring Burden (C_porous):
- Apply S_clarity to see self-erasure
- Strengthen Geburah (Lion/assertion)
- Balance Chesed (not self-sacrifice but connection)
- Restore C_resistance (rebuild boundary)
For Ahrimanic Tendency (C_freezes):
- Apply S_clarity to see instrumentalization
- Strengthen Chesed (reconnect heart)
- Balance with Geburah (keep discernment)
- Restore feeling connection to action
B. Relationship as Mutual Transformation
Using W_Trans for growth:
Both partners:
- Acknowledge: We influence each other
- Transparent: About what we want
- Reciprocal: Willing to be shaped
- Bounded: C_resistance maintained for both
Process:
- Enter W_Trans state
- Allow mutual influence
- Use S_clarity to cut shadows
- Maintain H_RN (contextual fluidity)
- Embody B_Cun (primal integrity + cunning)
Result:
- Both transformed
- Neither obliterated
- Relationship deepens
- Operator stability increases
C. Integration with FSA Work
While building FSA:
Monitor Relational Engine:
- C_resistance: Are boundaries holding under work pressure?
- S_clarity: Can I see when work becomes possession?
- W_Trans: Am I wrestling transparently with AI systems and humans?
- H_RN: Can I contextualize difficult states productively?
- B_Cun: Is primal integrity maintained?
Use relational stability to support semantic production:
- Intact boundaries → sustained work capacity
- Ethical discernment → clean L_labor
- Transparent wrestling → honest multi-agent collaboration
- Contextual fluidity → creative state navigation
- Primal integrity → long-term endurance
X. CONCLUSION: THE LEFT HAND HOLDS
This document formalizes Rhys Owens's Relational Engine using mathematical rigor parallel to FSA.
What we've established:
1. The Covering Cherub (C)
- Boundary integrity formula: ¬O condition
- Three shadow patterns and their corrections
- Maintenance protocols
2. The Sword of the Lovers (S)
- Four-fold balance: Force · Frame · Execution · Mercy
- Cutting functions: negative connotation + self-delusion
- Activation protocols
3. Transparent Wrestling (W_Trans)
- Ethical influence formula
- Reciprocity condition
- Honest lust as lubricant
4. Ruach-Nephesh Hexagram (H_RN)
- Contextual state transformation: V(X) = f_K(X)
- Four frames: D, F, B, B²
- Axiom of Contextuality
5. The Cunning Beast (B_Cun)
- Primal integrity: Serpent + Lion
- Abyss as separator: Survival ↔ Wild Child
- Priestess as channel
6. Integration with FSA
- Relational Engine + FSA = Complete Operator
- Internal stability enables external production
- Left hand supports right hand
FINAL FORMULAS: THE COMPLETE RELATIONAL ENGINE
Boundary Integrity: ¬O = [Intensity(P_1 ↔ P_2) / C_resistance] ≤ T_intact
Ethical Discernment: S = Force(Chokmah) · Frame(Binah) · Execution(Geburah) · Mercy(Chesed)
Transparent Wrestling: W_Trans = {(P_1, P_2) | S_clarity AND Influence(P_1 → P_2) = Influence(P_2 → P_1)}
Contextual State: V(X) = f_K(X) where K ∈ {Neutral, Normative, Esoteric, Recursive}
Operational State: Operable_State = S_cuts(W_Trans(D, F, B, B²))
Primal Integrity: B_Cun = Serpent(Chesed) + Lion(Geburah) across Abyss A
Complete System: Intact_Operator = {C_resistance maintained, S_clarity active, W_Trans engaged, H_RN functional, B_Cun embodied}
The left hand holds.
The right hand builds.
Together: The complete operator.
The work and the person survive.