"THE OLDEST WISDOM IN THE WORLD TELLS US WE CAN CONSCIOUSLY"
"UNITE WITH THE DIVINE WHILE IN THIS BODY; FOR THIS MAN IS"
"REALLY BORN. IF HE MISSES HIS DESTINY, NATURE IS NOT IN A"
"HURRY; SHE WILL CATCH HIM UP SOMEDAY, AND COMPEL HIM TO"
"FULFILL HER SECRET PURPOSE."
"~ SARVEPALLI RADHAKRISHNAN"
"(PRESIDENT OF INDIA, 1962 - 67)"
We all want to know why we are here. What is our mission in life? The people who know it are easy to spot; their lives shine with meaning. Their perception of their life's purpose gives them the strength to live through the rough times as well as to enjoy the good. Many people, however, are confused ~ or completely in the dark ~ about their reason for living.
This lack of self~understanding and direction is a health problem itself, in a sense, for it can lead to all sorts of emotional stress, including depression, anxiety, and fatigue. When these stresses or negative emotions become entrenched, they can contribute to the development of illness. It's not only our mind that wants to know our mission ~ this knowledge is vitally important to our body and spirit as well. Lack of knowledge of our mission can become a destructive force in our relationships; we can hurt others around us as well as ourselves. If we don't have a clear sense of how to see the bigger picture when things go wrong, we are not able to respond appropriately to events or people.
From a cosmically practical point of view, we live in a world filled with many souls who have no idea whatsoever why they are here or what they are supposed to be doing. The absence of spiritual and emotional orientation have become epidemic. The further we stray from our true mission in life, the more frustrated we become, and the more out of sync our energy will be. However, by knowing your mission, you can live your life in ways that makes best use of your energy. When you are working well with your energy, you are also creating the best expression of your personal power. You are living in accord with your Sacred Contract.
In the process of awakening, you inevitably identify the patterns of thoughts and beliefs that you have used to interpret yourself and the world. These interpretations have become cellular memories and carry the emotional energy charge that affects your biography and consequently your biology. In detecting the emotional charge in your biography, you can begin to see how the fragments of your history have worked together in ways that have affected your past, your present, and the state of your health. This has become known as symbolic sight"," and enables you to get back your energy or spirit and heal emotionally, spiritually, and sometimes even physically. It is also an important method of working with your energy to bring your Sacred Contract into focus.
Our overall energy patterns are reflected in our individual cells, our individual souls also hum actively within a kind of global soul comprising all life on the planet. Our words, thoughts, deeds, and visions influence our individual health just as they affect the health of everyone around us. As vital parts of a larger, universal Spirit, we each have been put here on earth to fulfill a Sacred Contract that enhances our personal spiritual growth while contributing to the evolution of the entire global soul.
However, our life's mission, or Contract, cannot be defined or measured simply by our external life alone. Your purpose is not only your career, hobbies, or romantic relationship. A Contract is your overall relationship to to your personal power and your spiritual power. It is how you work with your energy and whom you give it to. It is also how much you are willing to surrender to divine guidance. Although a Contract is not the physical details of your life, you can use these details to figure out what your Contract is.
Some of the ways that energy works is that it organizes itself around our emotional centers, or chakras. Yet an organizing principle even greater than the interplay of the chakras is shaping the energy within each of us ~ and shaping our lives as it does so. Universal forms of cosmic intelligence known as archetypal patterns populate our minds and lives in ways that affect us deeply. Though we are generally unaware of these patterns of archetypes, they are shared in many people's thoughts and emotions, across cultures and countries.
Archetypes are the architects of our lives. The energy of the archetype and its manifestations in our psyches and lives is so pervasive and intimate that no part of our lives exists separately from at least one archetypal pattern. Usually no fewer than twelve are our constant companions.
Although the way you express your archetypes is unique to you, these energies correspond to the archetypes of other people in your life. They interact. These psychological, emotional patterns ~ how we live and whom we love ~ can lead us to a profound understanding of purpose. Carl Jung believed that archetypes live in a collective unconscious through which all souls are connected. The collective unconscious holds the energy of all who have participated in an archetype through the ages ~ stories, myths, legends, and prototypes. They are the energy companions through whom we can learn to understand ourselves.
The language of this process is one of spiritual alchemy. With it we'll learn to transform heavy physical relationships and emotions into spiritual gold. We manage our Contracts, but the Divine takes care of the Sacred.
"WHATEVER RELATIONSHIPS YOU HAVE ATTRACTED IN YOUR LIFE AT THIS MOMENT
ARE PRECISELY THE ONES YOU NEED IN YOUR LIFE AT THIS MOMENT.
THERE IS A HIDDEN MEANING BEHIND ALL EVENTS,
AND THIS HIDDEN MEANING IS SERVING YOUR OWN EVOLUTION."
~ DEEPAK CHOPRA
Caroline Myss's Library of Archetypes
"Excerpts are paraphrased from: Caroline Myss. Sacred Contracts. Published by Three Rivers Press, New York, New York, 2002. pp. 1-10
Two Trevin Wax items this morning. First, an appreciative review of his recent book, "Counterfeit Gospels: Rediscovering the Good News in a World of False Hope". The review includes this summary of the "gospels" too often substituted for the Gospel:
* The "therapeutic gospel" corrupts the Gospel Story by redefining the problem the Gospel solves, making it about me and my felt needs rather than about God's remedy to restore a fallen creation.
* The "judgmentless gospel" corrupts the Gospel Story by redefining the Story's conclusion, downplaying the seriousness of sin and evil and God's commitment to put the world to rights.
* The "moralistic gospel" corrupts the Gospel Announcement by replacing Good News with good advice and making it about the works we do rather than about what Christ did in our stead and on our behalf.
* The "quietist gospel" corrupts the Gospel Announcement, which is a public announcement of Christ's triumph over all the powers of sin, evil, and death, by turning it into privatized religious experience.
* The "activist gospel" corrupts the Gospel Community by turning the church into a mission that is more concerned about causes than about Christ, confusing the effects of the Gospel with the Gospel itself.
* The "churchless gospel" corrupts the Gospel Community by making membership and involvement in a community of believers optional or even by viewing participation in a church as detrimental to my own personal spiritual formation.
In each chapter, Wax gives reasons as to why each counterfeit is so attractive to people, and some suggestions as to how we might "counter the counterfeit" by living in the light of the true Gospel..... [more]And second, an article by Trevin Wax himself about evangelical worship, "Steak on a Paper Plate: Serious Worship in a Casual World":
.... One of the core values of many an evangelical church is the effort to put everyone at ease. "Good morning," says the minister or worship leader. Then comes the inevitable: "Let's try that again, GOOD MORNING!" There's a chatty, street-level style of worship that has become prevalent in evangelicalism. And it's not clear that your pursuit of casual novelty in worship meshes well with hearing the Word of God set forth in all its glory.
Can a contemporary, casual service bring worshipers face to face with the glory of God in a way that buttresses and upholds the magnificent truths being expounded from the Word? I think the answer is yes, but not always.....
When it comes to worship, we're frequently told that form doesn't matter. Style is not what's important. I get that. I'm not belittling contemporary music or advocating a return to liturgy, organs, and hymns. Cultural forms adjust and adapt, and some contemporary worship services have thrown me to my knees before the holiness and majesty of God. The issue isn't "formal" versus "informal," casual clothes versus Sunday best, traditional versus contemporary.
The problem is not with casual worship styles, but with "casually worshiping" God in whatever style.....
Form and content are rarely easy to separate. They mirror one another. A church with serious Bible preaching will generally have a serious worship service (contemporary or traditional, formal or informal, but "serious"). A church with a feel-good preacher will generally have peppy, feel-good music.
Christians need to sense the weight of God's glory, the truths of God's Word, the reality of coming judgment, and the gloriousness of God's grace..... [more]IM Book Review: Counterfeit Gospels internetmonk.com, Steak on a Paper Plate: Serious Worship in a Casual World
ERIS IS THE GODDESS OF STRIFE AND THE "SPIRIT OF DISCORD." SHE IS THE DAUGHTER OF ZEUS AND HERA. HER NAME TRANSLATES INTO LATIN AS "DISCORDIA. "HER GREEK OPPOSITE IS "HARMONIA. "SHE IS THE SISTER OF ARES, THE GOD OF BATTLE, AND SHE BECAME HIS CONSTANT COMPANION, ACCOMPANYING HIM TO THE BATTLES...OFTEN HELPING TO CAUSE THE QUARRELS AND THE FIGHTS. BECAUSE OF THIS, ERIS IS AN UNPOPULAR GODDESS, AND IS FREQUENTLY SNUBBED AS A GUEST BY THE OTHER GODS AND MANKIND.
SHE IS USUALLY DEPICTED AS A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG WOMAN WITH PALE SKIN, BUT UPON CLOSER LOOK, HER FACE IS AS PALE AS DEATH. HER HAIR IS BEDECKED WITH THORNS AND AT TIMES SHE IS WEARING A GARLAND...WHICH IS REALLY A POISONESS SNAKE. SHE IS THE MOTHER OF MANY...SORROW, BATTLE, SLAUGHTER, INJUSTICE, MURDER, AND LIES, TO NAME JUST A FEW.
IT IS ERIS WHO HELPED CAUSE THE TROJAN WAR. IT WAS AT THE WEDDING OF THETIS AND THE MORTAL PRINCE, PELIUS. ERIS WAS VERY JEALOUS BECAUSE, AS USUAL, SHE WAS NOT INVITED. AND, ALL OF THE GODS AND GODDESSES WERE THERE...EXCEPT FOR HER. SO, SHE DEVISED A PLAN TO GET EVEN. SHE FLUNG HER "APPLE OF DISCORD" THROUGH THE ROOF...BUT, BEFOREHAND, SHE HAD WRITTEN "FOR THE FAIREST". NOW, IT JUST SO HAPPENED THAT OF THE THREE GODDESSES--HERA, ATHENA, AND APHRODITE--EACH FELT THAT THE APPLE WAS MEANT FOR HER. THE THREE GODDESSES BROKE INTO A QUARREL, AND THE WEDDING WAS RUINED....WHILE ERIS SAT BACK AND WATCHED, SMILING CYNICALLY.
PARIS OF TROY WAS ASKED TO JUDGE WHO GOT THE GOLDEN APPLE. NOW, THE THREE GODDESSES WERE NOT ABOVE A BIT OF BRIBERY. HERA OFFERED HIM RICHES; ATHENA OFFERED WISDOM; AND APHRODITE OFFERED TO GET HELEN, A BEAUTIFUL GREEK PRINCESS, FOR HIM. PARIS PICKED APHRODITE, AND HELEN WAS ABDUCTED AND BROUGHT TO TROY. AND, WE ALL KNOW WHAT HAPPENED NEXT.
Credit: just-wicca.blogspot.com
55,00USD
This is an empty vessel. You may purchase it for the metaphysical properties, order an Otherworld Entity through my store, or have an Otherworld Entity transferred into this pendant.
This vessel has been Activated 9 Times and has 54 hours of work. The spell that Activates the stone links the energy from Mother Earth into the stone. This stone will draw in energy every single day, and the energy will get stronger over the years. This energy from Mother Earth magnifies the metaphysical properties found at the bottom of this listing. You get faster results with Activated pendants than without.
This is a 925 Sterling Silver Jasper pendant. This stone has beautiful bands of reds in a natural interesting pattern. The pendant is moderate in 925 Sterling Silver. It is well created and will last a lifetime.
This pendant measures 38 mm X 22 mm X 5 mm, which includes the bale. The bale will accommodate up to a 5 mm cord or chain. It weighs 6.55 grams.
When I hold this pendant I feel the sweet energy from the stone. I feel my muscles relax, I don't worry about what is coming in the future, but I live in the moment. Worrying about the future will rob me of the joy I can feel at this moment in time. This stone feels like a hug from Mother Earth, and I know everything will be okay. This is how my body interprets the energy and your body may interpret it differently.
What is even better than this powerful vessel? Purchase a new Custom Bound Otherworld Entity through Spirit Realm at a low price or transfer an Entity from your collection for free.
Did you know you can get a Custom Bound Otherworld Entity for as little as 45? I dont use binding boxes, or bind against the spirits will! You will get a willing Otherworld Entity selected for you by my Watcher. She has selected the perfect spirit for my customers for the last year. Shes an expert! See my store for details or email me.
Or if you have a sluggish beloved Otherworld Entity, maybe the energy from this stone combined with the Activation spells can give them the boost they need.
Or if you have a beloved Otherworld Entity that needs to be rehomed. I will transfer your Otherworld Entity into this vessel at no cost. Yes, I said that....NO COST.
If you would like your Otherworld Entity transferred to this vessel, I will do that free of charge. Unlike other sellers, I dont charge extra for spirit transfers when you purchase the vessel from me. (I will not transfer Demons or any Demonic Creatures.)
Please note: If you mail me your Otherworld Entity, the package must be insured and require my signature for pick-up.
Otherworld Entities thrive on Activated vessels and customers have reported positive results from Activated vessels.
This Activation spell will last forever with proper care. Please dont immerse this vessel into water, expose it to chemicals, or expose it to extended sunlight. You can wear it in the sun, I dont advise that you leave it in direct sunlight for hours upon hours.
Does this mean my spells arent water-proof? No. The elements can drain the energy from the vessel. Water, fire, sun, earth...any type of these element can drain the vessel of energy. They can be cleansing, but they can be too cleansing. If you need to quickly rinse the vessel or do a deep cleaning with baking soda and water...thats fine, it wont destroy the spell, but it will need to be charged in a charging box.
Want to take a swim with your Otherworld Entity? Your Entity is not restricted to the vessel as it acts as a portal for them, or a place of entry into this world. They dont live in the vessel, as they have a home, family, and jobs in the Otherworld.
They use this portal to get to you quickly. Once you have bonded, and you arent wearing the vessel, they may take a few more minutes to find you, but they will find you. You build an ethereal connection when bonding, and they can follow that connection to find you.
So if you want them to swim with you, it isnt necessary to wear the vessel. This doesnt mean my spells arent water-proof, you just deplete their energy stores when they are exposed to chemicals, water, and sun. They may feel sluggish and you may have difficulty contacting them. In this case you may need to recharge them for a week or two with candles and food.
Taking the time to remove your vessels from showers, cleaning, or using the restroom (rings) shows respect and reverence for your Otherworld Entities.
If you want Otherworld Entities to be the most effective they can be, please dont treat their vessels like jewelry. They need attention, respect, reverence, care, feeding, bonding, and time with you. If you work to cultivate a relationship, you will be rewarded greatly.
Misuse may weaken the spell and it may need to be recharged for a few weeks with a charging box.
If you need to clean it use a silver polishing cloth. In instances of severe tarnish you can use a paste of baking soda and water. Please use this method sparingly. Scrub with a toothbrush and rinse well. Charge for a week to revitalize the vessel.
I have included a triple charged charging bag. This bag will remove any negative energy and help recharge the vessel. You can place the vessel in this bag when you need to charge the vessel. This bag cant be washed. It is advised that this bag is placed in a container, drawer, or box to prevent dust from collecting on the bag. This bag may also be used to cleanse and recharge pendulums, stones, or any other small items. This bag will never need to be charged under the light of the moon, and the spell will be effective forever with proper use and care. Some Otherworld Entities may need a deeper charging and cleansing with a charging box. It depends on the spirit and the number of tasks you have assigned.
As always, there is free shipping and insurance for all of my items sold within the United States. If you live outside of the US, I will provide free shipping without insurance. If you would like your package insured outside of the US, please contact me.
Magickal items are unlike the magickal items portrayed in Hollywood movies or in fairy tales. If you would like to depend on magickal items to solve your problems without any effort on your part, you will be disappointed.
Magickal items are not for the under-aged or the immature. Wrong attitudes and applying magickal items inappropriately would simply result in failure or unsatisfactory results. If you fall into one of these categories or do not believe in the power of this magickal item, then please don't purchase!
Law requirement states that Readings, Spells and paranormal objects are for sole entertainment purposes only. This vessel must also be classified for entertainment purposes only.
According to Love is in the Earth by Melody:
Jasper:
Properties, additional to those listed in the Chalcedony section, of this book, are listed below.
This mineral is known as the "Supreme Nurturer". It acts as a reminder that one is not here, on this physical plane, just for oneself, but is also here to bring joy and substance to others, assisting others to release the bonds of constraint.
It is conducive to awareness and to allowing one to celebrate situations of isolation. It helps one to realize that one is always remembered by others who can, usually be called upon to provide insight to examples of those who send loving energy toward ones physical manifestations.
Jasper was often worn by shaman to provide protection. It holds an aspect of solar energy and a connection to the solar plexus chakra which also helped shaman in their magical practices. It was considered a sacred stone during the performance of, and adherence to, the "old ways" of the Native American Indians. The jasper which contains the yellow color was used to assist and protect during times of travel (spiritual or physical); that which contains the red color was thought to induce health and re-birth, bringing freshness in ideas and strategies to the holder. The jasper containing the blue color was used to connect one with the "after" worlds.
It is a stone which accepts intense responsibility in the realm of protection. It protects against negativity and helps one to be grounded to the stabilizing energies of the Earth.
Jasper can be used to align the energy of the chakras and to integrate the attributes of the chakras such that astral journeys can be affected.
It balances the yin-yang energy and balances the physical emotional and intellectual bodies with etheric energies.
It stabilizes the aura, providing for a cleansing effect to smooth dysfunctional energies and to eliminate negativity. It helps one to unite the energy field of the physical with the ethereal in order to balance the form and to direct one toward the goal.
The ancients revered jasper as sacred, protective, and as a facilitator of safe astral travel.
It has also been used during the venture of dowsing.
Jasper has been both worn and used by priests and kings. It is said to have been one of the stones used in the breastplate of the high priest.
Jasper is also a sustaining stone, a stone representing the elemental "man". It can be quite helpful in times of extended hospitalization and when ones energy is low. On a long fast, it can help to keep ones energy high.
Jasper can be used in the treatment of tissue deterioration of the internal organs, and for disorders of the kidneys, spleen, bladder, liver, and stomach - the energy is more appropriate for deterioration, rather than the actual state of malfunction. Jasper can be used to treat the loss of sense of smell. It has been reported to soothe the nerves.
It can also help with balancing the mineral content and with the regulation of the supplies of iron, sulfur, zinc, and manganese within the body.
It can also be used to affect nutritional stabilization within the body, to improve the digestive processes and related organs, and to assist in the elimination of toxins leading to the decrease in body odor and dis-ease.
According to The Crystal Bible by Judy Hall
Jasper is known as the "supreme nurturer". It sustains and supports during times of stress, and bring tranquility and wholeness. Used in healing, it unifies all aspects of your life. Jasper reminds people to help each other.
Jasper aligns the chakras and can be used in chakra layouts. Each color is appropriate to a specific chakra. This stone facilitates shamanic journeys and dream recall. It provides protection and ground energies and the body. It absorbs negative energy and cleanses and aligns the chakras and the aura. Jasper balances in and yang and aligns the physical emotional, and mental bodies with the etheric realm. It clears electromagnetic and environmental pollution, including radiation, and aids dowsing.
Psychologically, Jasper imparts determination to all pursuits. It brings the courage to get to grips with problems assertively, and encourages honesty within yourself. It supports during necessary conflict.
Mentally Jasper aids quick thinking, and promotes organizational abilities and seeing projects through. It stimulates the imagination and transforms ideas into action.
Physically Jasper prolongs sexual pleasure. It supports during prolonged illness or hospitalization and reenergizes the body.
Orbicular Jasper (Ocean Jasper) supports service, assists in accepting responsibility and instilling patience. Its circular markings resonate with circular breathing, which it facilitates. It eliminates the toxins that cause unpleasant body odor.
Mookaite (Australian Jasper) provides a useful balance between inner and outer experiences. It imparts both a desire for new experiences and a deep calm with which to face them. Flexible Mookaite encourages versatility. It points out all possibilities and assists in choosing the right one. Mookaite is a physically stabilizing stone that fortifies the immune system, heals wounds, and purifies the blood.
Red Jasper
It has been used to assist one in rectifying unjust circumstances; meditation with this mineral can provide insight to the method of amelioration. The energy communicates the message that all choice is singularly ones responsibility. It can also assists in providing for rescue in situations of danger.
Red Jasper can facilitate the reiteration of dreams to allow the dreamer to remember the aspects which could be consequential in ones life. It seems to replicate the dream on a video-type mechanism for access during states of meditation.
It can also be used to prevent "set-backs" in disorders. The mineral assists in healing one to learn to progress, and to eliminate the aspects of digression.
Origin: modern-wiccan.blogspot.com
The first ever Get Off Your Broom: A Witchy Fitness Challenge was so successful that I would like to invite you to the next round which is called the Get Off Your Broom: A New Year's Witchy Fitness Challenge!
I created this fitness challenge because I realized there are probably plenty of of other pagans, witches, and Wiccans out there that are struggling to get in shape too. We need to support each other! I call the fitness challenge "get off your broom" because as witches and pagans, we need to get off our brooms (metaphorically of course) and exercise!
I had no idea if I would gain any interest in the first ever Get Off Your Broom: A Witchy Fitness Challenge so imagine my delightful surprise when 160 people signed up! God/dess bless all of you!
However, I started the challenge at a very odd time of the year. Not many people start a fitness routine and diet at the beginning of October. Because this next round starts on the first of the year, I am hoping for even more people to sign up than last time. It will last 3 months just like the first challenge did.
IMPORTANT CHANGES FOR THE NEXT ROUND OF GET OFF YOUR BROOM: A WITCHY FITNESS CHALLENGE!
Check-ins will be on Sunday when the new round starts.
The informational page and where you sign up has changed. DO NOT SIGN UP ON THIS POST!
I have moved sign ups HERE to a separate page on the Get Off Your Broom blog which can be found at the top of the sidebar. If you want to share the link for the challenge, please use that link. You can also click on the Get Off Your Broom: A New Year's Witchy Fitness Challenge banner and it will take you to the sign up page.
A recap all the information about the New Year's round of Get Off Your Broom: A Witchy Fitness Challenge and the sign ups will be found HERE! However, if you have any questions, comments, or suggestions feel free to leave them in the comments on this post.
Source: witchnest.blogspot.com
This came via email by an "Anglican Friend of God":
ANGLICAN PATRIMONY
An anonymous commentator calling himself 'Father' writes the following on the Anglo-Catholic blog:
It seems to boil down to what one thinks the Anglican patrimony consists. The anti-AC-cabal seems to think Rome wants to annihilate this patrimony. But what is this patrimony they so desire to maintain? I don't think I'm a lone Anglican voice in expressing that the dearest patrimonies are:
1. The AV
2. The Coverdale Psalter
3. "Cranmerina" English
(Some might add membership to the country club.)
What else of our unique Anglican identity does not Rome already embrace?
What an astonishing reduction. The Anglican patrimony consists of a prose style and nothing more: perhaps not even the "Book of Common Prayer"!
The sad thing is that 'Father' probably has gained little more from the Anglicanism which he claims as his own. We fear that 'Father' is not apt to learn, but we will try nonetheless, if only to help some of those who might find themselves reading this.
What is the Anglican patrimony? Here are some parts of an answer.
1. George Herbert. The piety and devotion and art of Herbert are distinctively Anglican. The superiority of Herbert's inspiration can be seen by comparing him to another priest-poet, Richard Crashaw, who preceded the TAC down the Anglican-to-Rome trail by about four centuries. Crashaw's poetry is baroque and empurpled, full of Counter-Reformation piety and questionable taste. Yet for all Crashaw's uninhibited, Catholic sensibility, his verse is much less inventive than Herbert's in form, in vocabulary, and in imagination. Most readers who spend time with both poets will agree that Herbert is Crashaw's superior in almost every respect. Crashaw stands for a hothouse kind of devotion and piety which flourish in the Roman Catholic world and not in Anglicanism. Herbert stands for the restrained, but nonetheless deeply felt and deeply moving, faith of Anglicanism at its best, and for all the art inspired thereby. Take Herbert as a synecdoche for a large swathe of our patrimony in poetry, music, architecture, and literature.
2. An emphasis on a strong and achievable lay piety. Roman Catholicism tended to develop a bifurcated piety and morality, with one set of standards for the clergy (the Counsels of Perfection; mandatory clerical celibacy; a Daily Office not realistically open to busy layfolk; etc.) and another for the laity (many rules stating minimum obligations below which the laity were not to fall; concessions to the lower capacities of laity; emphasis on avoidance of sin rather lay sanctity). The Prayer Book and Anglicanism in general set a more uniform standard, which at its best embraces a kind of integrated, Benedictine vision of work and prayer and family life. Any Anglican layman can say the Prayer Book Offices, find a realistic model for his life in the clergy, and believe that he is fulfilling the whole duty of man rather than pursuing a second-class vocation. The bifurcated piety and morality of old Roman Catholicism are now out of fashion, but still can be seen in the rank clericalism of Roman parish life and of the Roman bureaucracies.
3. Anglican rectory life. English life and civilization and Anglican life in general are heavily influenced by the clerical home and are enriched by the children of rectories and vicarages. (See previous point for a related idea.) Think, say, of Jane Austen as the product of a rectory. Or think of the 'high priestly' clans: the Knoxes, the Temples, the Bensons. Or, taking another path to the same conclusion, since Mr. Arabin did not topple over into the pool of Rome in the end, think of his domestic life with Eleanor Harding Bold - and think of the children they undoubtedly had and of what those children undoubtedly achieved.
4. The sermons of Lancelot Andrewes. The devotion and piety of Andrewes include an avoidance of sterile theological debate, an embrace of the Fathers, a deeply sacramental and emblematic view of the world, and an eschewal of doctrinal innovation. There are of course fine Roman Catholic sermons (think Bossuet) - but nothing approaching Andrewes in English.
5. A conservative but not fundamentalist theological spirit. An irenic temper that can be found, but not commonly, among Roman Catholic theologians. A strong theory of "adiaphora" without doctrinal reductionism. A contrary spirit of innovation seems to be at work everywhere in the Roman Catholic Church these days. Forget the doctrine of the papal office itself, or the Marian doctrines, or even the proposed enormity of our Lady as the Mediatrix of All Grace. The spirit of innovation is evident in much simpler and more easily understood matters. What Church Father gives support for girl acolytes, female lectors, meat on Fridays, or lay administration of Holy Communion? Yet Rome permits such things and many similar.
6. Auden. Eliot. Ken. Law. Swift. Mascall. Trollope. Donne. Hooker. C.S. Lewis. Dorothy Sayers. Charles Williams "The English Hymnal". Kenneth Kirk. Austin Farrer. English cathedral and collegiate choirs. Gothic Revival. Etc., etc.
7. Or since an Anglo-papalist asks the question, we might explain the Anglican patrimony by thinking how very little is left to the Roman Catholic Church in the English-speaking world once you subtract the Anglican converts: Cardinal Newman and Cardinal Manning; S. Elizabeth Seton; G.M. Hopkins; Crashaw; Ronald Knox; Father Faber; G.K. Chesterton; Evelyn Waugh. Etc., etc.
Need we go on?
- "Theophilus Anglicanus"
"The silly comment that he has answered so well with this list (not exhaustive, not meant to be) expresses the level of understanding we expect to see on that blog. It is very easy to throw away a treasure if one does not recognize it, or to discard something for which one has never worked. Understanding the riches we have does take some work, reading and learning. We cannot understand the lack of appreciation by those who speak of a "450 year-old experiment...[that] has failed," or who define Anglicanism as "English culture." No wonder they think AC is meant to preserve Anglican riches - they haven't got a clue.
Credit: crafty-witch.blogspot.com
THAT ONE SHOULD NOT EMBRACE AND ZEALOUSLY OBSERVE THE BENEFIT OF THE FAST ONLY IN THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT, BUT THAT THE ZEALOUS MUST CONTINUE THE SAME ZEAL IN ALL THE WEEKS OF LENT.
By St. Symeon the New Theologian
THE FIRST WEEK OF LENT
Brethren and fathers,
What we are about to say we ought to have addressed to your charity last Sunday. I was aware, however, that every one of us believers, [together with] the whole Christian people, both monks and laity, with fervent zeal accepts the blessing of fasting in the holy first week of Lent, and that each one of us willingly puts its yoke upon its neck (Sir. 51:26). Even among those who greatly despair of their own salvation and live their lives without fear and reverence for God there is no one who rejects the law of fasting in that week. Rather, as far as he is able, he joins with all in observing abstinence. So I come today to speak a few short words to you about the present season.
As we have said, all the faithful people spend the first week of Lent, which is now past, in a strenuous manner. But now that it has passed and Saturday has arrived, it falls to the lot of the Church of God to celebrate, in accordance with tradition, the feast of the great martyr Saint Theodore, or rather, the extraordinary act of salvation that God wrought through him for His most faithful people. Likewise on Sunday we all make commemoration of the Orthodox Faith and sing hymns of thanksgiving to God, who is all-good. But the evil one, who is always envious of goodness, secretly steals up on each of the faithful and invisibly puts on him the chains of slackness and carelessness. He persuades him to despise and reject the salutary yoke of fasting ("cf." Ps. 2:3) and to return to his former habits. Therefore I remind you today and make my appeal to your charity, your paternity, that you do not in any way obey him who wills you ill. Do not be led astray by the bad habit of insatiable gluttony, nor turn back to the old [habit of] satisfaction of evil desires. Rather, let us keep this second week of Lent like the first, and likewise the remainder [of the season].
FASTING AS THE HEALER OF THE SOUL
Indeed, my fathers and brethren, let us act for our own good by so doing, and let us not allow ourselves to lose what we have gathered together in the past, but rather let us strive to add to it and increase it. Let us not miserably allow what we have built up in times past to be destroyed ("cf." Gal. 2:18). Let each one of us keep in mind the benefit of fasting and what gifts from God he has enjoyed in these few days and so become more eager for the days to come. For this healer of our soul is effective, in the case of one to quieten the fevers and impulses of the flesh, in another to assuage bad temper, in yet another to drive away sleep, in another to stir up zeal, and in yet another to restore purity of mind and to set him free from evil thoughts. In one it will control his unbridled tongue and, as it were by a bit (Jas. 3:3, 8), restrain it by the fear of God and prevent it from uttering idle or corrupt words (Eph. 4:29; Mt. 12:36). In another it will invisibly guard his eyes and fix them on high instead of allowing them to roam hither and thither, and thus cause him to look on himself and teach him to be mindful of his own faults and shortcomings. Fasting gradually disperses and drives away spiritual darkness and the veil of sin that lies on the soul, just as the sun dispels the mist. Fasting enables us spiritually to see that spiritual air in which Christ, the Sun who knows no setting, does not rise, but shines without ceasing. Fasting, aided by vigil, penetrates and softens hardness of heart. Where once were the vapors of drunkenness it causes fountains of compunction to spring forth. I beseech you, brethren, let each of us strive that this may happen in us! Once this happens we shall readily, with God's help, cleave through the whole sea of passions and pass through the waves of the temptations inflicted by the cruel tyrant, and so come to anchor in the port of impassibility.
"Continued..."
Reference: asatru-religion.blogspot.com
Clairvoyance and Clairaudience
These words imply the ability to 'see' or hear psychically. There are
spiritists who claim the ability to see spirit guides and souls. Once again
discrimination should be employed. Use your own standards to judge
validity.
Magickal Links and Psychic Attack
A psychic link between an object and an individual (as in psychometry)
can be used for magickal purposes - according to shamans and wizards
of past and present. For this reason such things as nail clippings, hair
and bodily secretions have always been regarded as things which
should be carefully disposed of. Paranoia creeps in here. Remember that
a person calling herself or himself a wizard or a witch does not mean she
or he is one.
In our experience genuine 'psychic attack' is an exceedingly rare
phenomenon.
Psychokinesis
A way of moving objects by the power of the mind or by psychic means.
Much in the news in the last decade because of the tricks of Uri Geller
and other forkbenders. Remember that skilled conjurors are capable of
producing effects which seem to baffle the mind and defy explanation.
If such things were possible there would be no need for governments to
spend millions of pounds on weapon technology. This point also applies
to other psychic 'abilities'
Psychometry
This is the ability to pick up information psychically from objects. This
is sometimes extended to include photographs or pictures of people or
places. Every object is said to somehow 'soak up' psychic emanations. If
such an object has been in close proximity with an individual it may
have a field surrounding it or permeating it which reflects that of its
owner
Astral Travel
This is a very popular subject, and there are many books relating to it.
However it is important to be sure that you have the same understanding
of the term as the author. What is called out of the body experience
or Astral Travel by psychics and experimenters is often confused with
the process of creative imagination practised by the Golden Dawn and
other modern western magickal orders.
We talk here about Out Of the Body Experience related to what
psychics often term the 'etheric' body. This is considered by many to be
a simulacrum of the physical body existing in a subtle form, and attached
to the physical body by a subtle cord
Auras
Many ancient traditions aver that individuals have a field of psychic
energy capable of being discerned by sensitive individuals. However
this subject too suffers from too much literature and not enough
practical experimentation.
Beware of literature which gives 'pat' meanings to aura colours.
Every individual differs
Bioenergy
Bioenergy, life-energy, Chi or whatever term given refers to the subtle
energy which seems to mark the difference between a corpse and a
living human being. This energy seems to be of a fluidic nature and can
be blocked in its passage by muscular or mental blocks.
"DYNAMITE ENTERTAINMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE ALL-NEW ADVENTURES FEATURING WILL EISNER'S LEGENDARY CRIMEFIGHTER DENNY COLT, THE SPIRIT, WILL BE WRITTEN BY THE AWARD-WINNING COMIC CREATOR MATT WAGNER..."
Marking the beginning of a partnership between Dynamite and the Eisner Estate, the new series will celebrate seventy-five years of The Spirit, and its #1 launch issue will feature cover artwork from all-star illustrators Alex Ross, Eric Powell, and series writer Matt Wagner himself.
The Spirit stands among the most iconic and influential characters in the industry with a publishing history in newspapers and comic books lasting generations. Many of the most accomplished creators in the field have carried the torch that Will Eisner set ablaze, including Darwyn Cooke, Alan Moore, Neil Gaiman, Dave Gibbons, and Joe R. Lansdale, just to name a few. Matt Wagner, whose long career in comics has yielded a vast library of critically acclaimed titles, takes the reins on The Spirit for the very first time, ensuring that Eisner's creation endures as we enter its fourth quarter-century.
"I discovered The Spirit via the black-and-white, magazine-sized reprints of the mid-70s. It was the first time that I truly perceived sequential narrative as a legitimate art form, of the immense creative power of a comic-artist in his prime," says Wagner. "I can honestly say that seeing and experiencing The Spirit in my formative years ultimately led to my career as a comics author. It's such an immense thrill and a professional honor to have the chance to contribute to Will Eisner's legacy on the milestone 75th anniversary of his most influential and iconic character."
Matt Wagner is the accomplished creator of Grendel and Mage, a guiding creative force behind such mainstream blockbusters as Batman/Superman/Wonder Woman: Trinity and Batman: The Monster Men, and no stranger to pulp noir, courtesy of his groundbreaking work on such Dynamite titles as The Shadow: Year One, Green Hornet: Year One, and Zorro. He recently set Hollywood abuzz with the launch of Django/Zorro, a comic book series co-written with influential filmmaker Quentin Tarantino that teams two Western icons in an official sequel to the hit film Django Unchained.
"We are very excited that Dynamite has taken on the challenge of bringing back Will Eisner's iconic character The Spirit, along with the emblematic cast of characters featured in new stories and adventures," say Nancy and Carl Grooper in a joint statement on behalf of the Eisner Estate. "It's a huge challenge, given the 75 years of great storytelling and artwork by the grandmaster and a pantheon of award-winning creators. We believe that Dynamite is up to this challenge and are looking forward to seeing this year's issues written by Matt Wagner."
Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment, says, "I discovered The Spirit with the Harvey Comics reprint series from the 1970s, and from there, continued to follow the hero's two-fisted adventures in newspaper strips. From the very beginning, Will Eisner's incredible storytelling made an incredible impression on me, and his creation remained one of my all-time favorites ever since. I never would have imagined that Dynamite would have the honor of publishing The Spirit, and to do the series justice, we aimed to bring the best creative team possible together for the series. Matt's mastery of the Pulps made him our top choice for The Spirit, right from the start. What he has in mind for Denny Colt and the rest of Eisner's colorful cast is guaranteed to thrill long-time fans and new readers alike."
Nick Barrucci, CEO and Publisher of Dynamite Entertainment, says, "When I was thirteen years old, I met Matt Wagner at my local comic store, and asked him if he would help me publish my comic. Fortunately, he had the foresight to say no, in the politest way possible, as I can imagine he could tell that I would be terrible at it. When I was fifteen, I discovered The Spirit with the Harvey Comics reprint series from the 1970s, and from there, continued to follow the hero's two-fisted adventures in newspaper inserts. I could never have imagined that one of my creative heroes would be working with a legendary creator's signature character, and one of my all time favorite heroes. It's surreal. From the very beginning, Will Eisner's incredible storytelling made a lasting impression on me. I would never have predicted that Dynamite would have the honor of publishing The Spirit, and to do the series justice, we aimed to bring the best creative team possible together for the series. Matt's mastery of the Pulps made him our top choice for The Spirit, right from the start. What he has in mind for Denny Colt and the rest of Eisner's colorful cast is guaranteed to thrill long-time fans and new readers alike."
Originally published in 1939 by Quality Comics, The Spirit has long been admired for the ingenuity of its creator, Will Eisner. Eisner's amazing artistic skill and groundbreaking storytelling techniques in the weekly Sunday 16-page sections helped pave the way for modern comic books. His career spanned over seventy years, and he is largely considered as the inventor of the "graphic novel." In addition to The Spirit, his most celebrated works include A Contract with God andLast Day in Vietnam. The industry's highest accolade, the prestigious Eisner Award, is named in his honor, and awarded annually at San Diego Comic-Con International.
Dynamite's new Will Eisner's The Spirit is set to hit store shelves later beginning in July. Fans are encouraged to reserve copies with their local comic book retailers. The Spirit will also be available for individual customer purchase through digital platforms courtesy of Comixology, iVerse, and Dark Horse Digital.
"Image from "www.willeisner.com"
Lloyd Pye, one of the most prominent people at the forefront of research into human origins, proposes his theory of alien intervention which he believes is responsible for creation of the human species.
He is definitely not the only one who has been saying this and there is ample evidence to support his claims which can be found in the work of people such as Zecharia Sitchin, Graham Hancock, Robert Temple and so on... Earth's true history is a lot different than what we are made to believe !
He cites the different creation myths/legends most of us have grown up with such as the biblical version of creation by an entity called God and the Darwinian evolution theory, and explains why he believes there were these Alien beings who in fact created a new species from an existing primate species here on Earth many billions years ago. Using remarkable scientific analysis, Lloyd Pye makes a strong case in this fantastic presentation filmed at the International Scientific and Metaphysical Symposium in Australia.
Related Posts :
* Everything You Know Is Wrong : Lloyd Pye
* Pleiadian Teachings : Bringers of the Dawn (Audiobook)
* Omnec Onec : Interview with an Alien from Venus
* William Shatner's "Mysteries of the Gods" Movie
* Did Aliens Build The Pyramids ? Documentary Film
* Lloyd Pye : Starchild Skull ~ Proof of Genetic Engineering
Origin: pagan-wiccan.blogspot.com
To start with, my wife is Wiccan and I have attended several rituals with her. I guess that as of now, I would be classed as an Eclectic Pagan. My beliefs incorporate elements of Native American, Celtic and maybe even a tiny bit of Star Wars. I feel that there is a universal energy that exists everywhere. I guess you could call by many names including "The Force"(thus the Star Wars reference) I also feel that The true gods and goddesses exist in nature and I am never closer to them than when I am in the forests or on the waters. I have always felt a close connection to the Wolf, and believe it to be my "Spirit Animal". I know that some of you will say, "You have years to choose your path" but, I am a 3+ years survivor of Stage4 breast cancer, (and yes I am a male) so I don't really know how many years I might have, I take things one day at a time. I know this is a rambling post, but I would greatly appreciate ant help the board can give me.
I took a bit of a break to celebrate the holidays. It was my son's first holiday season so I wanted to be completely present and in the moment. Although much of festivities was over his head, we all had a wonderful time. I hope all of you had a joyful holiday as well.
Today we'll talk about Vietnamese fertility rituals. Every culture has fertility rituals that aim to help a woman conceive a child. A ritual will help to focus your energy and attention to the act of conception and prepare your mind and spirit for pregnancy.
As with most rituals, the Vietnamese fertility ritual begins with prayers to the Gods. One common Goddess associated with fertility and childbirth is Lieu Hanh, one of the Four Immortals and the main figure in the mother Goddess cult called Dao Mau.
In the town of Huong Tich of Ha-dong province, now in North Vietnam, there is a grotto which has a number of vaguely human-shaped rocks called "Young Girls' and Young Boys' Rocks". After paying proper devotions, the supplicant woman chooses one of these "children of Buddha" and caresses it with exhortations to follow her home. She then goes home convinced that "Buddha's Child" is accompanying her, and in attempts to please it, she buys both sweets and toys, and will even pay double bus fare so that "it" can ride beside her. From that day forward, a place for "it" is made at the family table, with a cradle being prepared at night until the day when the "invisible visitor" finally decides to become a member of the family. Such a child is referred to as a "prayed-for child" because he is an answer to fervent prayer and the parents tend to spoil it. The "Buddha's Child" could be associated with the idea that our children's spirits are waiting to be born. Our job, as mothers, is to usher this spirit child into the physical realm. The Vietnamese prepare their homes and their hearts for the impending arrival of their child into physical reality.
Many of us Westerners do something similar in setting up the nursery, but the Vietnamese take it one step further by assuming that the child's spirit is visiting the family until it decides to be born.
"HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THIS RITUAL? DO YOU BELIEVE YOUR CHILD'S SPIRIT ACCOMPANIES YOU UNTIL IT IS BORN INTO THE PHYSICAL PLANE? "
"The Religions of South Vietnam in Faith and Fact", US Navy, Bureau of Naval Personnel, Chaplains Division [1967]
photo credit: linh.ngan via photopin cc
In 1972, Christo and Jeanne-Claude began preparations for Running Fence: a fabric fence, supported by steel posts and steel cables, running through the landscape and leading into. The builders removed it 14 days later, leaving no visible. In 1972, artists Christo Jeanne-Claude envisioned building a fence, but it would take a village to make their Running Fence happen > Christo and Jeanne-Claude: On the Making of. Running Fence, Sonoma and Marin Counties, California, 1972-76: Christo and Jeanne-Claude's Running Fence traversed Sonoma and Marin Counties in northern California from 10 to.
Running Fence:,christo the gates running fence,running fence movie,running fences,jeanne claude
jay turser jazz bass review raising an emotionally intelligent pellet stove dealers ma marine sword length spence diamonds magic spells that really work zdtv techtv polder ironing board covers leather palm treo case mft exam cold steel tai pan daredevil games marian university athletics daiwa reels pagan chants
Credit: master-of-pentagram.blogspot.com
"ROWAN IS A TREE OF POWER; CAUSING LIFE AND MAGICK TO FLOWER."
ASSOCIATIONS
PLANET: The Sun, Mercury
ELEMENT: Fire
SYMBOLISM: Protection and Inspiration
STONE: Tourmaline
BIRDS: Duck, Quail
COLOR: Green
DEITY: Brigantia, Brigid, Virgin Mary, Thor
SABBAT: Imbolc, Candlemas
FOLK NAMES: Delight of the Eye, Mountain Ash, Quickbane, Ran Tree, Roden-Quicken, Roden-Quicken-Royan, Roynetree, Sorb Apple, Thor's Helper, Whitty, Wicken-Tree, Wiggin, Wiggy, Wiky, Wild Ash, Witchbane, Witchen, Witchwood
The Rowan tree is considered one of the most sacred trees of the Witches and Wiccans. It is also a favorite tree of the Druids. Rowan trees are also known as European Ash trees, however they are actually a member of the rose family. These trees are native to Northeastern North America and Northern Europe. It's a smaller dense tree that grows to approximately 50 feet. It thrives in rougher overworked soil so a lot of times you will find these trees growing around old building sites. Because of it's density in the past it has been used to make such things as ship masts, whip handles, spindles, spinning wheels, and other tools. It is a wonderful tree for carving and to use as a walking stick.
The berries of the Rowan tree are indeed edible. They are used to make jams and jellies primarily in Europe. You will find it being used as a substitute for cranberry sauce. It is also use to make wines.
Magickal PropertiesThe Rowan tree has long been known for being a magickal tree. It is used to protect against bad luck, evil and lightning. The Rowan tree is a very dense tree and has been use for many years to make walking sticks and magician's staves, as well as Druid staffs and wands. Even today is is still one of the most sought after woods for wands and amulets. It is believed to help psychic abilities and connections. If you look at the berries when you remove them from the stick you will notice the pentacle symbol where they were attached. They are used in many Wiccan rituals and traditions today.
In Wiccan traditions today the berries are dried and ground up to make magickal incenses that are used to invoke the Goddess, spirit guides, or elemental spirits. The leaves from the Rowan tree are used in love divinations and spells.
In meditation, Rowan is helpful with clearing the mind and opening our inspiration. The Essence of Rowan is used in vibrational medicine to assist in attuning us to nature, broadening perspectives, and making room for a deeper understanding of our place here in the universe.
MEDICAL USAGE
Rowan Berries are used as a laxative, for sore throats and inflamed tonsils. They have a high concentration of vitamin C.
ANCIENT TRADITIONS
Ancient vessels carried Rowan branches to avoid storms. People placed the branches on their steps to help their houses avoid lightning. They were also planted on graves to prevent hauntings. Branches were stitched into childrens clothing to help protect them and ward off evil spirits.
FINNISH LORE
In ancient Finnish lore the Rowan tree is part of their creation myth. It is believed that their Goddess, Rauni, came down from heaven when the earth was barren and took the form of the Rowan tree. She is known to have mated with Ukko, the Finnish God of Thunder resulting in the creation of all the plants and trees on Earth.
NORSE MYTHOLOGY
The word Rowan is Norse in origin and means the tree. In Norse mythology the Rowan tree is associated with the Goddess Sif. She is a Goddess associated with the Earth. She is best known for her long golden hair and being married to the God Thor.
CELTIC TRADITIONS
The Rowan Tree is the Celtic tree of life. The ancient Celts believe the Rowan tree to be the first woman and the Alder tree to be the first man. They also call the Rowan tree the traveler's tree because it is said to prevent the traveler from getting lost. They also believe it to guard against evil spirits. On Beltane it was the Celtic tradition to Rowan tree branches with string dyed from it's red berries to the tails of cows, and the halters of horses for protection. They made their sheep jump through hoops made of Rowan branches for protection. They planted Rowan trees by their doors and windows to help prevent evil from entering their house. The Celts associate the Rowan tree with Imbolc.
IRISH FOLKLORE
The Irish believed that the Rowan tree had the power to restore lost youth and that it was guarded by serpents and dragons.
"Whatever your connection to the Rowan, be sure to look out for the changes that will occur as a result of any communication with this tree. It should not be underestimated and its influence will bring about a quickening of your energy on many subtle levels. For this reason, it has always been used by the wise ones and revered as a powerful influence and should be treated with the greatest respect."
Rowan Berry Jelly3lb rowan berries strigged from their stalks, 3 firm apples, peeled, cored and chopped, 6 pints water, 6 whole cloves, a few juniper berries, sugar.
Boil fruit in water with cloves and juniper berries. Tip into jelly bag or muslin cloth, and leave to drip overnight. Next day measure juice and add a pound of preserving sugar to each pint of liquid. Heat gently to dissolve sugar, then boil hard for ten minutes. Test for setting by putting a little jelly on a cold saucer, and after a few minutes push edge with finger. If it wrinkles setting point has been reached. Decant into warmed jars and seal with butter. (Do not use metal lids.) Flavour improves with maturity (about six months)
"I am protected and indestructible."Come what may, I am loved."I accept the sweetness and abundance of Life and acknowledge my gifts. "I honor the energy of Rowan for protection against evil enchantment."I will not hobble myself with the chains of past failures."
"So mote it be. "
Reference: paganism-new-age.blogspot.com
worshipping of a shivalingam above seven cm needs to be maintained in a very
disciplined manner and on a regular basis. but for homes, i suggest a smaller
shiv lingam, specially the crystal one. no nag or heavy rituals required for
abhishekam at home. just do the abhishekam with water on six days and with
milk on mondays, place a bilva (bel) patr, if not tulsi patr, place a flower,
apply little chandan, offer incense stick, camphor and naivedyam. you can also
keep a 108 rosary made from the wood of bel tree. even though bel patr and bel
tree is liked by lord shiva, the bel patr represents goddess lakshmi and
whosoever worships bel tree or wear a rosary of bel beads, the person is
blessed with wealth. similar to tulsi beads rosaries, good quality bel beads
rosaries are also available at an affordable price of around or less than Rs.50
per mala which i supplied to many. some people also use this bel beads rosary
for chanting om namah
shivaya and other shiva mantras which are good for shiv bhakts.
only one abhishekam in the morning is required in a day. there are so many
known and unknown rules for worshipped idols for an ordinary layman which is
why i recommend worshipping the photos as the best form of worship without any
worries.
Origin: new-generation-witch.blogspot.com
Dharmachari Seven and Amber Dorrian, Intellect Quarterly
Principal Buddha in the world, Thimphu, Bhutan (Michael Foley Photography/Flickr.com)
. The authoritative aim of Buddhism is fantasy -- transcendent hush, the unexcelled specifics, the refuge from all bonds and try out.
But it is not illusion, not a place, not a emptiness. It is. It is the "UNCONDITIONED" element, at the same time as everything also (EVERY "THING") is a multifarious of cursory elements.
Nirvana is without help in this motivation. It is the truthful unconditioned specifics. Introduce is that fantasy glimpsed and interested while living, but for persons who are efficiently enlightened (ARHATS) it is the deathless retrieve, eternal hush, actual incongruent lackluster boast that always rises and force.
In hoard to knowing-and-seeing that occurs previously one becomes a course triumph, confidential the "COURSE" that leads at last to full relief, to flight exceptional, to the unlikely seaboard of welfare, acquaint with is the irremediable getting hold of or understanding of definitive relief ("PARI-NIRVANA").
The enlightened do not "DIE," after that, in that motivation. For death is prior to increasingly followed by renaissance. This is true from while to while but much added ostensible from permanent to permanent.
The bulkiness motion go in a daze, even as it is now leave-taking in a daze. But apart from recurrent to ramble on in "SAMSARA" -- haggard by the Three Poisons of the phantom (RAVENOUSNESS, HATE/FEAR, MISREADING) -- acquaint with is no death. One has calm Mara.
Customarily communication, we clasp undergone infinite rebirths, in the manner of lives too common to adding together. And for highest of us, the appearance holds added of the exceptionally -- nomadic on apart from end, assault by bite (YEARNING), provoked by aversion, bewildered by misreading.
For persons who expression the culmination of amity and bond ("SHAMATHA" AND" PANNA, SAMMA SAMADHI "AND" vipassana"), it becomes prone to lay down the trouble of this heaven and all of the waft and murk that attends it.
Vesak celebrates not truthful the get going of a efficiently enlightened world professor ("SAMMA-SAM-BUDDHA") but both the just the thing elucidation (MAHA BODHI), and the consummation of the hunt for truth, definitive fantasy.
This is distressing while on the region it, it sounds come close to Buddhism is no added than a lackluster "RELIGION" preaching an eternal afterlife, a delightful getting hold of, a stoic life and a winning death.
Drop Blinko in a few words states this stick with aspiration and religion:
Appoint A Get out of bed OF STRENGTHAND Consider IT Get worse
Bring Into Being Thrill HOPESAS THE BRIGHTEST Beacon
Consider THE SEAGULLS EAT THE Excess YOU Disdainfully DITCHDO YOU Caution A SEAGULL?DO YOU Caution A WRECK?
ARE YOU Indolent OF THE TIDE?ARE YOU Indolent OF THE TIDE?ROLL IN Control POOLCOME LET'S Hide [AS THE]
Get out of bed OF Sway TAKES TO THE SEA...
To the same degree motion "ILLUSION" be like? That depends on which of the heaps tone one is reborn in. But acquaint with is whatever thing exceptional than renaissance in illusion, which is increasingly subject to impermanence no zone how hope it lasts. It is conditioned, so from while to while it is exhaust. As a result previously the doing well karma that upholds one is all gone, it force in a daze.
. At all we set up as the "POST MORTEM" joy, the infinite afterlife, the spiritual hero, is hurdle to thud us. Why after that is Buddhism any different?
"
"Ugh, this illusion over"? Into the world and upward!"
Buddhism -- or what Intellect Quarterly indistinctly translates as "AWAKENISM" (THE THINKING OF AWAKENING OR BUDDHA-DHARMA) -- teaches that what is as a final point true is viable in this very life.
Humans, purified in phantom and cause by deepness and growth ("SAMADHI") can develop healing bond ("VIPASSANA"). It is not an educational go fast but a far added natural understanding.
One does not visit for death to see if one was remedy, if be sure about (ASPIRATION, ASSURANCE) was well located.
For the faction who sees the Axiom is limitless by that knowledge-and-vision. The phantom is free from all heaven and clinging. One comes to a exactness, a verified-faith ("SADDHA"), that it is true, that fantasy is the authoritative method from all bonds.
This is why the Buddha's definitive fantasy is so data. He did not rant whatever thing he did not himself get. He saw fantasy on the daybreak of his elucidation ("BODHI"). He now and then re-experienced it on all sides of his life, and he unhurriedly entered it at his exhaust.
Had he "DIED," he would clasp reborn. And acquaint with are heaps tone -- heaps motivation local office worlds in space, heaps melodious fine matter worlds, and a few inappropriate worlds ("ARUPA LOKA") to clasp been reborn dressed in IF renaissance were any way to bring about the end of try out.
"Individuals "TONE" (SAGGA") are hope lasting, winning, and festive.
But they in no way sense of balance to experiencing fantasy.
Whoosh compares to fantasy. Upper limit Buddhists are not actually practicing to expression fantasy, even if they say they are. Upper limit subsist beings and Buddhists would be thrilled to be reborn in illusion or to be reborn as a booming and striking human for example. And that is prone. The Buddha qualified the paths to all destinations, to all planes of renaissance. But the authoritative aim, the definitive hush, is enjoyment apart from end, the not clear but pragmatic definitive fantasy.
The Buddha did it, the arhat disciples did it, the non-teaching ("PACCEKA") "BUDDHAS" did it. And we can, too.
In the Canadian UFO Report (now defunct) Vol. 3 No. 3 you will find an article with the title "A Church that Tells of Other Worlds." We believe that Joseph Smith displayed the same phenomena that experiencers do during their contacts with extraterrestrials with one exception; they have not started a new religion. We have been warned over and over again not to let our contact experiences lead to a religion....
"On a visit to Salt Lake City, Utah, before Canadian UFO Report was even contemplated we were fascinated by the almost magic quality of what we learned in a short time about the Mormon Church. There was the story of the strange gold plates and the miraculous experience of Joseph Smith. There were references that seemed to include North America in Biblical events. Perhaps above all there were the magnificent graphic paintings, so unlike those of usual church windows, by which Mormons illustrate the history of their beliefs.
All of it might have remained just a mental note, however, had it not become apparent after we started the magazine that besides being the seat of the Mormon faith, Utah was also a center of UFO activity. These two circumstances somehow seemed to come together when we read of a good sighting by a senior member of the church, Garth Batty. On a hunch we wrote Mr. Batty asking if there was anything in Mormon literature that even hinted at a connection between his Church and space visitors.
Incredibly that wild guess was right on target. In his reply Mr. Batty quoted the Mormons' late president Joseph Fielding Smith, as saying: "The Lord is not restricted in giving invitations to other creations to visit this earth so you need not be surprised if some visitors from other worlds do visit this one."
Mr. Batty then introduced us to a wealth of additional material that added up to compelling reason for writing about the Latter Day Saints Church in a magazine devoted to study of UFOs.
While the material was excellent, our real luck probably lay in the fact that Mr. Batty had an accurate feeling for just what we were after. He wrote: "True religion, unblemished by the doctrines of men, founded upon revelation directly from God, would of course have to give information which is both reasonable and which gives knowledge that God truly has created innumerable worlds which are inhabited."
Answering our request for a few details about himself, he said: "I was born March 4, 1928, in Vernal, Utah and was baptized and confirmed a member of the Latter Day Saints Church (commonly called Mormon) in March, 1934. I hold the office of High Priest in the Melchezedek Priesthood and have held various offices in the Church, among them being: Sunday school teacher, Scoutmaster, Counselor to a Bishop, Bishop of two different wards, a member of the Stake High Council, and First Counselor in the Presidency of The Stake.
"I have firm conviction and bear testimony that Joseph Smith, Jr. was a prophet of God, that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly called Mormon) is true."
* * * *
"So, in accordance with this, my determination to ask of God, I retired to the woods to make the attempt. It was on the morning of a beautiful, clear day, early in the spring of eighteen hundred and twenty. It was the first time in my life that I had made such an attempt, for amidst all my anxieties I had never as yet made the attempt to pray vocally.
After I had retired to the place where I had previously designed to go, having looked around me, and finding myself alone, I kneeled down and began to offer up the desires of my heart to God. I had scarcely done so, when immediately I WAS SEIZED UPON BY SOME POWER WHICH ENTIRELY OVERCAME ME, and had such an astonishing influence over me AS TO BIND MY TONGUE so that I could not speak. Thick darkness gathered around me and it seemed to me for a time as if I were doomed to sudden destruction.
"But, exerting all my powers to call upon God to deliver me out of the power of this enemy which had seized upon me, and at the very moment when I was ready to sink into despair and abandon myself to destruction -- not to an imaginary ruin, but to the power of some actual being from the unseen world, who had such marvelous power as I had never before felt in any being -- just at this moment of great alarm, I saw a pillar of light exactly over my head, above the brightness of the sun, which descended gradually until it fell upon me.
It no sooner appeared than I found myself delivered from the enemy which held me bound. WHEN THE LIGHT RESTED UPON ME I SAW TWO PERSONAGES, WHOSE BRIGHTNESS AND GLORY DEFY ALL DESCRIPTION, STANDING ABOVE ME IN THE AIR. One of them spake unto me, calling me by name, and said, pointing to the other -- 'This is My Beloved Son. Hear Him!'"
Joseph Smith was 14 at the time of his experience. Born in Vermont and moving with his family to rural York a few years later, he was a thoughtful sensitive youth almost painfully affected by the swirl of religious conflicts of that period and place. When he set out to pray, he was looking for answers to settle his inner confusion. Who of all these parties is right, he had asked himself, or are they all wrong together? If any one of them be right, which is it and how shall I know it?
Without studying his story more closely, we might conclude that this experience was entirely the result of his spiritual anxieties. Like others before him whose cases are recorded in religious history, he may have had a vision without substance yet so overwhelming that it led to great accomplishment.
But in Joseph Smith's case there were to be other events of such substantial and extraordinary nature that he became revered as a prophet in his own time and founded the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter day Saints, which today is the place of worship for the vast congregation of Mormon faith.
His next experience occurred three years later (when he was 17 years old) after he had gone to his room for the night. FORBIDDEN NOW TO JOIN ANY RELIGIOUS SECT BECAUSE OF THE VISION HE SPOKE ABOUT, and troubled by his own frailties, he had resorted again to prayer for help.
"While I was thus in the act of calling upon God, I discovered a light appearing in my room, which continued to increase until the room was lighter than at noonday, when immediately a personage appeared at my bedside, standing in the air, for his feet did not touch the floor.
"He had on a loose robe of most exquisite whiteness. It was a whiteness beyond description, and his countenance truly like lightning. The room was exceedingly light, but not so very bright as immediately around his person."
The visitor said his name was Moroni and told Joseph Smith he had been divinely chosen for important work.
"He said there as a book deposited, written upon gold plates, giving an account of the former inhabitants of this continent, and the source from whence they sprang. He also said that the fullness of the everlasting Gospel was contained in it, as delivered by the Savior to the ancient inhabitants."
As Moroni spoke, Joseph Smith received a vision showing him where the plates were buried in a stone box on a hill nearby. There, Moroni said, he would also find a breastplate to which were fastened two stones called the Urim and Thummin known in ancient times as "seers." It would be the young man's duty to take the plates into safekeeping and, with the help of the two stones, translate what was written on them.
Although Joseph Smith was able to go directly to the stone box the next day, four years passed before Moroni who made continuing appearances, allowed him to remove the contents and start translation. Moroni's part in all this became clearer when it was learned he was the resurrected son of Mormon, the ancient historian whose writings comprised much of the book to be translated. When the work was finished, the plates were delivered up to Moroni.
That, with the signed testimony of witnesses who saw and handled the plates, is the story of Joseph Smith as devoutly believed by the multitude of followers that form the great Mormon church. Remarkable though he was, however, he would not be a subject for study in the context of outer space were it not for a singular fact: in terms far more specific than any other western religious teachings, the Mormon scripture refers to other worlds. For example, in "Pearl of Great Price" these passages appear:
"AND WORLDS WITHOUT NUMBER HAVE I CREATED; AND I ALSO CREATED THEM FOR MINE OWN PURPOSE; and by the Son I created them, which is mine Only Begotten.
"And the first man of all men have I called Adam, which is many. FOR BEHOLD, THERE ARE MANY WORLDS THAT HAVE PASSED AWAY BY THE WORD OF MY POWER And there are many that now stand, and innumerable are they unto man, but all things are numbered unto me, for they are mine and I know them." Moses: 2:33, 34, 35.
"And Enoch said unto the Lord; How is it that though can'st weep, seeing thou art holy, and from all eternity to all eternity?"
"And were it possible that man could number the particles of the earth, yea, millions of earths like this, it would not be a beginning of thy creations..." Moses
"And I saw the stars, that they were very great, and that one of them was nearest unto the throne of God; and there were many stars which were near unto it;
"And the Lord said unto me; These are the governing ones; and the name of the great one is Kolob, because it is near unto me, for I am the Lord they God; I have set this one to govern all those which belong to the same order as that upon which thou standest.
"And the Lord said unto me, by the Urim and Thummin, that Kolob was after the manner of the Lord, according to its times and seasons in the revolutions ther; that one revolution was a day unto the Lord, after his manner of reckoning, it being one thousand years according to the time appointed unto that whereon thou standest. This is the reckoning of the Lord's time, according to the reckoning of Kolob." Abraham 3:1, 2, 3, 4.
This account conjures an image of a world so enormous and revolving so slowly that centuries or our time would elapse between one sunrise and the next. A clock on Kolob would show that Christopher Columbus arrived in America about 12 hours ago!
A noteworthy feature of Joseph Smith's accomplishments is that without any formal education in languages; he had completed translation of the Book of Mormon by the time he was 25. Moreover his mastery of Egyptian -- as well as Chaldaic, Assyriac and Arabic -- was so complete even at the outset two years earlier that a distinguished professor said the young translator's work was the finest he had ever seen.
But when told that an "angel of God" had been responsible for locating the plates, this same professor tore up the certificate he had just issued vouching for the work. He said there was no such thing as "ministering of angels" and thereby dismissed the secret of Joseph Smith's undertaking.
In his testimony the young prophet refers to the help he received from the Urim and Thummin, the same stones mentioned in the Book of Abraham. Since he performed his monumental work (even the pocketbook edition of the Book of Mormon totals more than 500 pages) in an atmosphere of physical hardship and religious persecution, it would appear the two stones were virtually miraculous in the help they gave him. His critics, of course, ridiculed any idea that he was divinely inspired but even the harshest could not deny that somehow the book was produced by this reviled youth who often worked in the fields for a living.
Angered by events so far beyond their understanding and by the rapid growth of the church he founded, his enemies eventually had him and his brother jailed in Illinois where the harassed Mormons had tried to make a new start. But that was not enough. In 1844 a mob attacked and killed the two men before they came to trial.
So extraordinary were the qualities of Joseph Smith, however, that this vicious act turned out to be barely more than an interruption in what he had set out to do. He had once said the destiny of his church lay in the valley of mountains, and thus he predicted one of the great epics of the West. In 1844, the year of the prophet's death, Brigham Young and his band of Mormon followers embarked on their historic journey through the Rockies into Utah where they founded Salt Lake City, which then became the seat of the Mormon faith.
