The Day of the Dead (Día de los Difuntos or Día de los Muertos in Spanish) is a holiday celebrated mainly in Mexico and the Mexican immigrant community living in the United States, with variations of it also observed in other Latin American countries and other parts of the world. The Mexican celebration occurs on November 1 (All Saints' Day) and November 2 (All Souls' Day).
Though the subject matter may be considered morbid from the perspective of some other cultures, celebrants typically approach the Day of the Dead joyfully, and though it occurs roughly at the same time as Halloween, All Saints' Day and All Souls Day, the traditional mood is much brighter with emphasis on celebrating and honoring the lives of the deceased, and celebrating the continuation of life; the belief is not that death is the end, but rather the beginning of a new stage in life. In Mexico and Mexican immigrant communities in the United States and Europe, the Day of the Dead is of particular cultural importance.
The Day of the Dead is celebrated to a lesser extent in other Latin American countries; for example, it is a public holiday in Brazil, where many Brazilians celebrate it by visiting cemeteries and churches. The holiday is also observed in the Philippines. Observance of the holiday in Mexican-American communities in the United States have become more important and widespread as the community grows both numerically and economically each generation. Similarly-themed celebrations also appear in some Asian and African culture.
Observance in Mexico
Origins
The Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico can be traced back to the indigenous peoples such as the Olmec, Zapotec, Mixtec, Mexica, Maya, P'urhépecha, and Totonac. Rituals celebrating the deaths of ancestors have been observed by these civilizations perhaps for as long as 2500–3000 years.[1] In the post-Hispanic era, it was common to keep skulls as trophies and display them during the rituals to symbolize death and rebirth.
The festival that became the modern Day of the Dead fell in the ninth month of the Aztec calendar, about the beginning of August, and was celebrated for an entire month. The festivities were dedicated to the goddess Mictecacihuatl,[2] known as the "Lady of the Dead", corresponding to the modern Catrina.
In most regions of Mexico November 1st honors deceased children and infants whereas deceased adults are honored on November 2nd.[3]
Beliefs
Graveside ofrenda (Altar) Morelia, Mexico
Some Mexicans feel that death is a special occasion, but with elements of celebration, because the soul is passing into another life. Plans for the festival are made throughout the year, including gathering the goods to be offered to the dead. During the period of November 1 and November 2, families usually clean and decorate the graves.[4] Most visit the cemeteries where their loved ones are buried and decorate their graves with ofrendas, or offerings, which often include orange marigold called "cempasuchil", originally named cempaxochitl, Nahuatl for "twenty flowers", in modern Mexico this name is often replaced with the term "Flor de Muerto", Spanish for "Flower of the Dead". These flowers are thought to attract souls of the dead to the offerings.
Toys are brought for dead children (los angelitos, or little angels), and bottles of tequila, mezcal, pulque or atole for adults. Families will also offer trinkets or the deceased's favorite candies on the grave. Ofrendas are also put in homes, usually with foods such as candied pumpkin, pan de muerto ("bread of the dead") or sugar skulls and beverages such as atole. The ofrendas are left out in the homes as a welcoming gesture for the deceased.[4] Some people believe the spirits of the dead eat the "spiritual essence" of the ofrenda food, so even though the celebrators eat the food after the festivity, they believe it lacks nutritional value. The pillows and blankets are left out so that the deceased can rest after their long journey. In some parts of Mexico, such as the towns of Mixquic, Pátzcuaro and Janitzio, people spend all night beside the graves of their relatives.
Some families build altars or small shrines in their homes.[4] These altars usually have the Christian cross, statues or pictures of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pictures of deceased relatives and other persons, and scores of candles. Traditionally, families spend some time around the altar praying and telling anecdotes about the deceased. In some locations, celebrants wear shells on their clothing so when they dance the dead will wake up because of the noise. Some will dress up as the deceased.
Public schools at all levels build altars with offerings, usually omitting the religious symbols. Government offices usually have at least a small altar, as this holiday is seen as important to the Mexican heritage.
Those with writing talent sometimes create short poems, called "calaveras" ("skulls"), mocking epitaphs of friends, sometimes with things they used to do in life. This custom originated in the 18th-19th century, after a newspaper published a poem narrating a dream of a cemetery in the future, "and all of us were dead", proceeding to "read" the tombstones. Newspapers dedicate calaveras to public figures, with cartoons of skeletons in the style of José Guadalupe Posada. Theatrical presentations of Don Juan Tenorio by José Zorrilla (1817–1893) are also traditional on this day.
Pan de muerto, traditionally eaten on the holidayA common symbol of the holiday is the skull (colloquially called calavera), which celebrants represent in masks, called calacas (colloquial term for "skeleton"), and foods such as sugar skulls, which are inscribed with the name of the recipient on the forehead. Sugar skulls are gifts that can be given to both the living and the dead. Other holiday foods include pan de muerto, a sweet egg bread made in various shapes, from plain rounds to skulls and rabbits often decorated with white frosting to look like twisted bones.
Island Pacanda, Lake Patzcuaro Mexico - Dia de los Muertos
The traditions and activities that take place in celebration of the Day of the Dead are not universal and often vary from town to town. For example, in the town of Pátzcuaro on the Lago de Pátzcuaro in Michoacán the tradition is very different if the deceased is a child rather than an adult. On November 1 of the year after a child's death, the godparents set a table in the parents' home with sweets, fruits, pan de muerto, a cross, a Rosary (used to ask the Virgin Mary to pray for them) and candles. This is meant to celebrate the child’s life, in respect and appreciation for the parents. There is also dancing with colorful costumes, often with skull-shaped masks and devil masks in the plaza or garden of the town. At midnight on November 2, the people light candles and ride winged boats called mariposas (Spanish for "butterfly") to Janitzio, an island in the middle of the lake where there is a cemetery, to honor and celebrate the lives of the dead there.
In contrast, the town of Ocotepec, north of Cuernavaca in the State of Morelos opens its doors to visitors in exchange for 'veladoras' (small wax candles) to show respect for the recently dead. In return, the visitors receive tamales and 'atole'. This is only done by the owners of the house where somebody in the household has died in the previous year. Many people of the surrounding areas arrive early to eat for free and enjoy the elaborate altars set up to receive the visitors from 'Mictlán'.
In some parts of the country, children in costumes roam the streets, asking passersby for a calaverita, a small gift of money; they don't knock on people's doors.
Some people believe that possessing "dia de los muertos" items can bring good luck. Many people get tattoos or have dolls of the dead to carry with them
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Monday, October 29, 2007
Game gone wrong dream
I'm gonna be posting more dreams I've had when I get time, but here's another one from a few months back:
I had this dream that this t-ball game was taking place. The game was going on then something happened that no one knew about. I got this overwhelming feeling of sadness while I was watching the tball game in my dream. I felt like my mom knew someone at the game and that something had went terribly wrong at the game. I asked my mom if any of her freinds had mentioned anything about a t-ball game to her. She said no, that she hadn't heard anything about a tball game. Then the next day, she came home and informed me that one of her clients was at a t-ball game that her grandson was playing in. Sometime during the middle of the game she had went to her home nearby to fix drinks and refreshments for the kids for them to have after the game. While she was at home making the refreshments - she died of a heart attack.
I had this dream that this t-ball game was taking place. The game was going on then something happened that no one knew about. I got this overwhelming feeling of sadness while I was watching the tball game in my dream. I felt like my mom knew someone at the game and that something had went terribly wrong at the game. I asked my mom if any of her freinds had mentioned anything about a t-ball game to her. She said no, that she hadn't heard anything about a tball game. Then the next day, she came home and informed me that one of her clients was at a t-ball game that her grandson was playing in. Sometime during the middle of the game she had went to her home nearby to fix drinks and refreshments for the kids for them to have after the game. While she was at home making the refreshments - she died of a heart attack.
Over the other shoulder dream
A few months ago I had this dream where someone I knew was backing out of their driveway. The person was driving a white SUV. They couldn't see the telephone pole on the side opposite the shoulder they were looking over. They proceeded to back right into the telephone pole. The sound of the crash was very loud, although it didn't cause that much damage to the vehicle. I was worried sick that my mom was in some sort of crash and told her immediatley to be careful driving. The next day a freind of mine stops by and they had evidentally bought a white chevy blazer since the last time I had seen them. So we are sitting on the back porch, smoking a cigarette, talking, when they inform me that they had backed into a telephone pole, leaving a small dent in their vehicle the day before. Strange, right?
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Astral Catalepsy
Astral Catalepsy is something that has been happening to me for quite awhile and quite frequently. When I was younger this happened almost every time I went to sleep. Now it probably happens to me once or twice a week. When I was younger it use to really frighten me because I really thought I was dying. I would be jolted awake, I would know I was awake, but I would be unable to move, it was hard to breathe and I would just lay there unable to move or speak or call out to anyone for help. After this had been going on for quite awhile I began to get use to it and it became not as frightening. I would just keep telling myself that it would pass in a minute or two and I would keep trying to move my fingers until I finally snapped out of it and woke up.
Maybe some of you reading this have had similar experiences and have wondered what causes this phenomenon. Once I read more on this subject it helped to ease my mind that there was nothing wrong with me and that it was just a sign that my spirit had been out astrally traveling (I’ll write a blog on astral travel in the near future, Google “astral travel” or “astral projection” if you want to know more about it). Anyway I’ve read a lot of material on the subject from different books and from various websites. The following is an excerpt from Sylvia Browne’s book “Phenomenon”:
You’re sound asleep when suddenly you’re jarred awake by one or more of the following frightening sensations:
- Paralysis
- Shortness of breath, often from some oppressive weight on the chest
- Being touched by something or someone lewd or menacing, but invisible
- An overwhelming vibration
- Being pinned down and prevented from moving by an unseen evil presence
- Loud noises, from a buzz or hum to a blaring clamor as if fifty different radio stations are blasting at the same time.
- The appearance of strange lights.
- A certainty that threatening entity is sitting on the bed or moving the bedclothes
If any of the experiences on that list have happened to you, please take heart: You’re not losing your mind, you’re not in any real danger and you’re certainly not alone. In fact, cultures around the world have created folklore that dates back hundreds of years to explain these phenomena, from witches to a giant devil to an old hag to a baby ghost. And some UFO enthusiasts attribute it to the results of painful experiments during alien abductions.
In truth, though, the explanation for all of those sensations when they jar you from a sound sleep is an unnerving but fascinating occurrence called astral catalepsy.
The term “astral catalepsy” was coined around 1930 by a researcher named Sylvan Muldoon, who spent much of his life recording the astral trips his spirit took during the night while his body slept. The first of those trips that he was aware of, when he was twelve years old, illustrates beautifully the birth of his intensive study of what he’d heard referred to until then only as “sleep paralysis.”
Muldoon’s first recorded astral trip during sleep started with his waking up in the middle of the night to find himself unable to move, see or hear, with a painful sense of severe pressure on his head. As his senses and ability to move slowly returned, and the pressure on his head subsided, he realized that he was actually outside his body, floating above his bed and able to look down at himself and watch himself sleep. He was conscious of his spirit being pulled from a horizontal position to a vertical one as it left his body, and of embarking on a very detailed tour of the house in which he, in his spirit form, was able to move with great ease through doors and walls. He also was very aware of trying to shake his parents awake because he was afraid of what was happening to him, but they never seemed to feel him touching them.
And then, when he was above his body again, his spirit was pulled back into a horizontal position, and he experienced the same paralysis, loss of senses and pressure on his head that he’d gone through earlier. After a feeling of being jerked abruptly back into his body, he sat bolt upright in bed in a complete panic, able to remember and immediately write down the whole sequence of events with crystal clarity.
Sylvan Muldoon had an advantage in that experience that few who go through astral catalepsy enjoy – he had full memory of all the events before and after the sleep paralysis occurred, which gave him a context for what had happened to him. Without that context, it’s no wonder astral catalepsy feels like such a terrifying assault. So here’s the context, and the explanation behind it.
Several times a week, whether we’re aware of it or not, our spirits take temporary breaks from our bodies during sleep to go visiting, exploring and simply running free outside the confines of these goofy earthbound vehicles we occupy while we’re here. These breaks are as refreshing a nourishing for our spirits as they are for our conscious minds, not to mention a frequent reminder that our spirits can and do thrive as the separate, eternal entities they are, no matter what happens to our mortal bodies.
The vast majority of the time, our spirits slip into and out of our bodies with the greatest of ease, without disturbing our sleeping conscious minds for a moment. But on rare occasions, depending on the level of sleep the conscious mind happens to be in, it can “catch” the spirit coming or going from the body. And in its less-than-alert state, the conscious mind, realizing that the spirit is half in and half out of its body, jumps to an obvious conclusion: The body must be dying. It panics and promptly sends “your dying!” signals to the body that correspond exactly to many of the sensations of astral catalepsy – the paralysis, the loss of the senses, the inability to breather or cry out for help, a whole series of physiological and neurological “short circuits.” But when the conscious mind realizes that the spirit is safe and sound in the body again and it’s not dying after all, the signals stop, the sensations subside and another jarring but ultimately harmless incident is over with.
It’s also worth pointing out that the spirit world we’re part of when we astrally travel is a whole other dimension that the one we live in her on earth. The spirit world’s vibrational frequency is much higher than earth’s, not to mention the fact that gravity and other earthly laws of physics don’t exist there. So a half-asleep conscious mind catching its spirit literally traveling from one dimension to another, from weightlessness to gravity, could understandably be jolted awake by perceptions of noises (like sonic booms) and oppressive heaviness. “Understandable” doesn’t necessarily make it any less frightening while it’s happening, of course, but it’s also affirming proof that while we sleep, our spirits are off having beautiful adventures, reunions and Homecomings for our benefit whether we’re consciously aware of them or not.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Reiki
Reiki is another side of spirituality I've been quite interested in for the past few months. Alot of people look at Reiki as some 'New Age' practice, but it actually dates back hundreds of years. I've had a couple of distance reiki sessions courtesy of a freind in Los Angeles that sent Reiki energy to me while we were on different sides of the country. These experiences were pretty eye opening and amazing. Throughout the sessions Richard (Grim) has done with me I felt a strong heat and tingling sensation throughout my body. The only way I can describe it is it feels like these little bugs crawling on you or something, but not in a bad way like you are probably thinking. It's like a spiritual high that is really hard to describe. The tingling sensation is very strong and it promotes the healing of your body, mind, and spirit. All I can say is TRY IT.
Richard (Grim) also gave me my first Reiki attunement, I'm hoping to get attuned to a level 3 Reiki Master someday. I plan on studying Reiki more in depth sometime soon and really getting into it, I've been extremely intrigued by it ever since Richard gave me my first Reiki healing. I have to admit that I thought it was all a bunch of BS until I actually experienced it myself. Thanks for everything and for making me a beleiver and opening my eyes Grim. haha.
Anyway, here's a breif lesson of Reiki for anyone wanting to know more, I got this off the web from wikipedia.com:
Reiki (霊気 or レイキ, Reiki? IPA: /ˈreɪkiː/) is a form of spiritual practice, used as a complementary therapy, proposed for the treatment of physical, emotional, and mental diseases. Mikao Usui developed Reiki in early 20th century Japan, where he said he received the ability of 'healing without energy depletion' after three weeks of fasting and meditating on Mount Kurama. Practitioners use a technique similar to the laying on of hands, which they say will channel "healing energy" (ki). Practitioners state that energy flows through their palms to bring about healing and that the method can be used for self-treatment as well as treatment of others.
Derivation of name
The name Reiki derives from the Japanese pronunciation of two Japanese characters that describe the energy itself: '霊 rei' (meaning 'unseen' or 'spiritual') and 気 ki (Chinese qi, here meaning 'energy' or 'life force'). In English, the meaning of Reiki is often given as 'universal life energy' (a translation used by Hawayo Takata, see History). The noun commonly refers to either the energy or the therapeutic method which uses the energy. Reiki is also used as a verb and an adjective. Japanese speakers use the term as a generic 'spiritual power' while the Usui Method of Reiki Healing is specifically Usui reiki shiki ryoho.
Theory
Reiki teachings state that there is a universal 'life force' energy, which can be accessed by practitioners to induce a healing effect. It is claimed by believers that anyone can gain access to this energy by means of an attunement process carried out by a Reiki Master.
The belief is that the energy will flow through the practitioner's hands whenever the hands are placed on, or held near a potential recipient, who can be clothed. Some teachings stress the importance of the practitioner's intention or presence in this process, while others claim that the energy is drawn by the recipient's injury to activate or enhance the natural healing processes. Going further, the belief is that the 'energy' is 'intelligent', making diagnosis unnecessary.
A second level of training, including another initiation, is said to equip the practitioner to perform Reiki treatments from a distance. This method, it is stated, involves the use of special symbols to form a temporary connection between the practitioner and the recipient, regardless of location, and then to send the Reiki energy. Techniques are also taught whereby Reiki can be sent to a specific point in time, either in the past or the future.
The energy involved in a Reiki treatment is said to be 'from the Universe,' rather than the personal energy of the practitioner, and is therefore inexhaustible. (Some teachings say that the energy enters the practitioner through the crown chakra at the top of the head, before being emitted from the hands.) As a consequence, Reiki practitioners are taught that they can treat themselves with Reiki.
Reiki is also used by practitioners as preventative medicine, as it is claimed that the energy encourages healing before any noticeable symptoms have emerged. Another consequence of the simplicity of Reiki is that it can be taught to children.
Some teachers state that if, on some level, the intended recipient does not wish to be healed, the energy will not flow.
Reiki is described by adherents as a holistic therapy which brings about healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. It is said that healing may occur in any or all of these domains in a single treatment, without any conscious direction needed by either the practitioner or the recipient.
Richard (Grim) also gave me my first Reiki attunement, I'm hoping to get attuned to a level 3 Reiki Master someday. I plan on studying Reiki more in depth sometime soon and really getting into it, I've been extremely intrigued by it ever since Richard gave me my first Reiki healing. I have to admit that I thought it was all a bunch of BS until I actually experienced it myself. Thanks for everything and for making me a beleiver and opening my eyes Grim. haha.
Anyway, here's a breif lesson of Reiki for anyone wanting to know more, I got this off the web from wikipedia.com:
Reiki (霊気 or レイキ, Reiki? IPA: /ˈreɪkiː/) is a form of spiritual practice, used as a complementary therapy, proposed for the treatment of physical, emotional, and mental diseases. Mikao Usui developed Reiki in early 20th century Japan, where he said he received the ability of 'healing without energy depletion' after three weeks of fasting and meditating on Mount Kurama. Practitioners use a technique similar to the laying on of hands, which they say will channel "healing energy" (ki). Practitioners state that energy flows through their palms to bring about healing and that the method can be used for self-treatment as well as treatment of others.
Derivation of name
The name Reiki derives from the Japanese pronunciation of two Japanese characters that describe the energy itself: '霊 rei' (meaning 'unseen' or 'spiritual') and 気 ki (Chinese qi, here meaning 'energy' or 'life force'). In English, the meaning of Reiki is often given as 'universal life energy' (a translation used by Hawayo Takata, see History). The noun commonly refers to either the energy or the therapeutic method which uses the energy. Reiki is also used as a verb and an adjective. Japanese speakers use the term as a generic 'spiritual power' while the Usui Method of Reiki Healing is specifically Usui reiki shiki ryoho.
Theory
Reiki teachings state that there is a universal 'life force' energy, which can be accessed by practitioners to induce a healing effect. It is claimed by believers that anyone can gain access to this energy by means of an attunement process carried out by a Reiki Master.
The belief is that the energy will flow through the practitioner's hands whenever the hands are placed on, or held near a potential recipient, who can be clothed. Some teachings stress the importance of the practitioner's intention or presence in this process, while others claim that the energy is drawn by the recipient's injury to activate or enhance the natural healing processes. Going further, the belief is that the 'energy' is 'intelligent', making diagnosis unnecessary.
A second level of training, including another initiation, is said to equip the practitioner to perform Reiki treatments from a distance. This method, it is stated, involves the use of special symbols to form a temporary connection between the practitioner and the recipient, regardless of location, and then to send the Reiki energy. Techniques are also taught whereby Reiki can be sent to a specific point in time, either in the past or the future.
The energy involved in a Reiki treatment is said to be 'from the Universe,' rather than the personal energy of the practitioner, and is therefore inexhaustible. (Some teachings say that the energy enters the practitioner through the crown chakra at the top of the head, before being emitted from the hands.) As a consequence, Reiki practitioners are taught that they can treat themselves with Reiki.
Reiki is also used by practitioners as preventative medicine, as it is claimed that the energy encourages healing before any noticeable symptoms have emerged. Another consequence of the simplicity of Reiki is that it can be taught to children.
Some teachers state that if, on some level, the intended recipient does not wish to be healed, the energy will not flow.
Reiki is described by adherents as a holistic therapy which brings about healing on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. It is said that healing may occur in any or all of these domains in a single treatment, without any conscious direction needed by either the practitioner or the recipient.
Akashic Records
I've been looking into this subject some lately and have read a little about it. I have read one autobiography on Edgar Cayce that talks a good deal about the Akashic Records. I have had a pretty vivid dream I remember where I was reading out of a book and when I woke up I was still repeating the words as I was reading them. Strange. Anyway, I found this on the web that explains the Akashic records a little more:
Akashic Records
A theosophical term referring to an universal filing system which records every occurring thought, word, and action. The records are impressed on a subtle substance called akasha (or Soniferous Ether). In Hindu mysticism this akasha is thought to be the primary principle of nature from which the other four natural principles, fire, air, earth, and water, are created. These five principles also represent the five senses of the human being.
Some indicate the akashic records are similar to a Cosmic or collective consciousness. The records have been referred to by different names including the Cosmic Mind, the Universal Mind, the collective unconscious, or the collective subconscious. Others think the akashic records make clairvoyance and psychic perception possible.
It is believed by some that the events recorded upon that akasha can be ascertained or read in certain states of consciousness. Such states of consciousness can be induced by certain stages of sleep, weakness, illness, drugs, and meditation so not only mystics but ordinary people can and do perceive the akashic records. Some mystics claim to be able to reanimate their contents like they were turning on a celestial television set. Yogis also believe that these records can be perceived in certain psychic states.
Certain persons in subconscious states do read the akashic records. An explanation for this phenomena is that the akashic records are the macrocosm of the individual subconscious mind. Both function similarly, they possess thoughts which are never forgotten. The collective subconscious gathers all thoughts from each subconscious mind which can be read by other subconscious minds.
An example of one who many claimed successfully read the akashic records is the late American mystic Edgar Cayce. Cayce did his readings in a sleep state or trance. Cayce's method was described by Dr. Wesley H. Ketchum who for several years used Cayce as an adjunct for his medical practice. "Cayce's subconscious...is in direct communication with all other subconscious minds, and is capable of interpreting through his objective mind and imparting impressions received to other objective minds, gathering in this way all knowledge possessed by endless millions of other subconscious minds." Apparently Cayce was interpreting the collective subconscious mind long before the psychiatrist C.J. Jung postulated his concept of the collective unconscious.
Akashic Records
A theosophical term referring to an universal filing system which records every occurring thought, word, and action. The records are impressed on a subtle substance called akasha (or Soniferous Ether). In Hindu mysticism this akasha is thought to be the primary principle of nature from which the other four natural principles, fire, air, earth, and water, are created. These five principles also represent the five senses of the human being.
Some indicate the akashic records are similar to a Cosmic or collective consciousness. The records have been referred to by different names including the Cosmic Mind, the Universal Mind, the collective unconscious, or the collective subconscious. Others think the akashic records make clairvoyance and psychic perception possible.
It is believed by some that the events recorded upon that akasha can be ascertained or read in certain states of consciousness. Such states of consciousness can be induced by certain stages of sleep, weakness, illness, drugs, and meditation so not only mystics but ordinary people can and do perceive the akashic records. Some mystics claim to be able to reanimate their contents like they were turning on a celestial television set. Yogis also believe that these records can be perceived in certain psychic states.
Certain persons in subconscious states do read the akashic records. An explanation for this phenomena is that the akashic records are the macrocosm of the individual subconscious mind. Both function similarly, they possess thoughts which are never forgotten. The collective subconscious gathers all thoughts from each subconscious mind which can be read by other subconscious minds.
An example of one who many claimed successfully read the akashic records is the late American mystic Edgar Cayce. Cayce did his readings in a sleep state or trance. Cayce's method was described by Dr. Wesley H. Ketchum who for several years used Cayce as an adjunct for his medical practice. "Cayce's subconscious...is in direct communication with all other subconscious minds, and is capable of interpreting through his objective mind and imparting impressions received to other objective minds, gathering in this way all knowledge possessed by endless millions of other subconscious minds." Apparently Cayce was interpreting the collective subconscious mind long before the psychiatrist C.J. Jung postulated his concept of the collective unconscious.
Halloween's (Samhain) Origin
Halloween's origins date back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in).
The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.
To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.
During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.
By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.
The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.
By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints' Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween. Even later, in A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls', were called Hallowmas.
The Celts, who lived 2,000 years ago in the area that is now Ireland, the United Kingdom, and northern France, celebrated their new year on November 1. This day marked the end of summer and the harvest and the beginning of the dark, cold winter, a time of year that was often associated with human death. Celts believed that on the night before the new year, the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred. On the night of October 31, they celebrated Samhain, when it was believed that the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. In addition to causing trouble and damaging crops, Celts thought that the presence of the otherworldly spirits made it easier for the Druids, or Celtic priests, to make predictions about the future. For a people entirely dependent on the volatile natural world, these prophecies were an important source of comfort and direction during the long, dark winter.
To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities.
During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other's fortunes. When the celebration was over, they re-lit their hearth fires, which they had extinguished earlier that evening, from the sacred bonfire to help protect them during the coming winter.
By A.D. 43, Romans had conquered the majority of Celtic territory. In the course of the four hundred years that they ruled the Celtic lands, two festivals of Roman origin were combined with the traditional Celtic celebration of Samhain.
The first was Feralia, a day in late October when the Romans traditionally commemorated the passing of the dead. The second was a day to honor Pomona, the Roman goddess of fruit and trees. The symbol of Pomona is the apple and the incorporation of this celebration into Samhain probably explains the tradition of "bobbing" for apples that is practiced today on Halloween.
By the 800s, the influence of Christianity had spread into Celtic lands. In the seventh century, Pope Boniface IV designated November 1 All Saints' Day, a time to honor saints and martyrs. It is widely believed today that the pope was attempting to replace the Celtic festival of the dead with a related, but church-sanctioned holiday. The celebration was also called All-hallows or All-hallowmas (from Middle English Alholowmesse meaning All Saints' Day) and the night before it, the night of Samhain, began to be called All-hallows Eve and, eventually, Halloween. Even later, in A.D. 1000, the church would make November 2 All Souls' Day, a day to honor the dead. It was celebrated similarly to Samhain, with big bonfires, parades, and dressing up in costumes as saints, angels, and devils. Together, the three celebrations, the eve of All Saints', All Saints', and All Souls', were called Hallowmas.
In my dreams
I thought I would start keeping a history of prophetic (or precognitive) dreams that I have. I've been having some pretty undeniable dreams of this variety for a while now and thought it would be interesting to start recording them. I'll start with my latest one and work my way back and record some of my past dreams when I get more time. Here's one I had a week or two ago:
In the dream I saw my sister's laptop and I saw someone handing the laptop to her. They was a broken key on the keyboard and this person had fixed the key for her. I had this dream on a Friday morning.
I saw my sister the next day and told her about the dream. She got a funny look on her face (she already knows I have these types of dreams quite frequently) and told me that the computer guy at the school she works at had fixed her laptop the day before (Friday), and that it was indeed a broken key that he had replaced on the computer.
It seems like more often than not, when I have these types of dreams that the event I'm dreaming about is happening at exactley the same time I'm dreaming about it or very close to the time I'm dreaming about it.
I've been thinking alot about this lately. Like can it be explained by science or is it something beyond the grasp of science? I read the other day that over 50% of the world's population says that they have had atleast one pyschic or paranormal experience in their life. Half of those experiences were prophetic or precognitive dreams.
The has me wondering that maybe everyone else's past experiences are maybe somehow in everyone else's subconscious or something. Is this where the term "Mass Consciousness" came from? I've heard alot about the "Mass Counsciousness" theory but never really gave it much thought before, but now I think I know what they mean when they say it. If the majority of people that have had a psychic or paranormal experience have had dreams of this nature, and dreams occur in our subconscious of course, then I would have to beleive that all of our subconsciouses are somehow linked together or can be tuned into one another.
This poses alot of other questions I've been thinking about as well, like space and time, but thats another blog that I'll try to put into words sometime soon.
I've had hundreds of similar dreams like the one listed above. I'll post more of them when I get time.
In the dream I saw my sister's laptop and I saw someone handing the laptop to her. They was a broken key on the keyboard and this person had fixed the key for her. I had this dream on a Friday morning.
I saw my sister the next day and told her about the dream. She got a funny look on her face (she already knows I have these types of dreams quite frequently) and told me that the computer guy at the school she works at had fixed her laptop the day before (Friday), and that it was indeed a broken key that he had replaced on the computer.
It seems like more often than not, when I have these types of dreams that the event I'm dreaming about is happening at exactley the same time I'm dreaming about it or very close to the time I'm dreaming about it.
I've been thinking alot about this lately. Like can it be explained by science or is it something beyond the grasp of science? I read the other day that over 50% of the world's population says that they have had atleast one pyschic or paranormal experience in their life. Half of those experiences were prophetic or precognitive dreams.
The has me wondering that maybe everyone else's past experiences are maybe somehow in everyone else's subconscious or something. Is this where the term "Mass Consciousness" came from? I've heard alot about the "Mass Counsciousness" theory but never really gave it much thought before, but now I think I know what they mean when they say it. If the majority of people that have had a psychic or paranormal experience have had dreams of this nature, and dreams occur in our subconscious of course, then I would have to beleive that all of our subconsciouses are somehow linked together or can be tuned into one another.
This poses alot of other questions I've been thinking about as well, like space and time, but thats another blog that I'll try to put into words sometime soon.
I've had hundreds of similar dreams like the one listed above. I'll post more of them when I get time.
Angels help you have faith
This is an excert from the book "Angels in Our Lives" by Marie Chapain.
YOUR ANGELS HELP YOU HAVE FAITH FOR TRIALS
As we face our trials we need faith. We need faith more than we need solutions. When I have a huge financial need, one that is bigger than the means available, I need faith. In addition to committing myself to giving more money than I actually earn, I find that financial demands fly at me like rockets.
I'm hit with bills, demands and needs left and right. (Sound familiar?) I could easily become overwhelmed, crawl into bed, pull the covers over my head, and sleep until noon. My prayer life can become the stormiest event of the day. In a dramatic way I ask, "What am I suppose to do Lord? What do you want me to do?" These are questions emanating from the turbulent emotions within my soul.
Then it dawns on me. It hits me. This experience is actually a gift from God. I must receive this gift graciously. But aren't gifts suppose to be nice things, something that we want, you may ask? This is not always the case. Sometimes difficulties may be gifts as well.
God is a spirit. Those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth (See John 4:24). The situation I faced was this: A spiritual gift manifest itself to me (internally) so that I could tangibly conquer what the Lord had already conquered by dying on the cross for me. I can't handle the problem by my own means He would have to send me a worse problem until I finally surrendered to His authority in solving life's problems.
YOUR ANGELS HELP YOU HAVE FAITH FOR TRIALS
As we face our trials we need faith. We need faith more than we need solutions. When I have a huge financial need, one that is bigger than the means available, I need faith. In addition to committing myself to giving more money than I actually earn, I find that financial demands fly at me like rockets.
I'm hit with bills, demands and needs left and right. (Sound familiar?) I could easily become overwhelmed, crawl into bed, pull the covers over my head, and sleep until noon. My prayer life can become the stormiest event of the day. In a dramatic way I ask, "What am I suppose to do Lord? What do you want me to do?" These are questions emanating from the turbulent emotions within my soul.
Then it dawns on me. It hits me. This experience is actually a gift from God. I must receive this gift graciously. But aren't gifts suppose to be nice things, something that we want, you may ask? This is not always the case. Sometimes difficulties may be gifts as well.
God is a spirit. Those who worship Him must worship Him in Spirit and in truth (See John 4:24). The situation I faced was this: A spiritual gift manifest itself to me (internally) so that I could tangibly conquer what the Lord had already conquered by dying on the cross for me. I can't handle the problem by my own means He would have to send me a worse problem until I finally surrendered to His authority in solving life's problems.
Dark Entities
This is an excerpt from a book I was just reading. The part I'm posting is the part of the book concerning "Dark Entities" in our lives. I think we all can think of a person or persons that come to mind while reading this:
First of all they have no conscience, no sense of responsibility for their actions, and no remorse. They take all of the credit and none of the blame for everything that happens around them. As far as they are concerned, if they hurt you, it's either your fault, or you made them do it. In graphic terms, if they stab you, it's only because you ran into the knife. If you criticize them, it's not because they deserve critisim-you are either too stupid or too shallow to appreciate them. Self-justification is as natural to them as breathing. In their eyes, you are lucky to be among the chosen few they have decided to grace with their time and attention. And trust me, any relationship like that is demeaning and unacceptable to begin with.
In psychiatric terms, dark entities in human form are the true sociopaths among us. They can mimic human emotions brilliantly without ever really feeling them. They can seem incredibly charming (all the better to seduce you into their proximity); they can seem deeply sensitive, compassionate and loving; they can seem genuinely sorry after they've wounded you, to keep you off balance about their true nature. They can feign interest in anything that interest you-including God and Spirituality - in order to create the illusion that you and they have something in common. It's all a performance and they drop the act as soon as they're convinced their control over you is secure.
Sadly, we white entities, because our emotions and faith are genuine, have a tough time grasping the concept that it is all a performance. So rather than walking away from the dark entity once they have "removed their mask," we stay with them, trying desperately to rescue the wonderful person we are sure that is in there because we saw them with our own eyes. It is almost impossible to imagine that wonderful person isn't lost, but never existed in the first place. But in the case of a genuinely dark entity, it is the cruel, bleak truth.
Secondly, dark entities don't generally get to know or care about the people around them. What they do care about is the reflection of themselves that they get back from the people around them. As far as they are concerned, white entities are walking mirrors in which to admire themselves. As long as their reflection through our eyes is flattering, we're of value to them. But the minute we catch on that we're only looking at a disguise, and that whatever character and integrity that they possess exist only because we "filled in the blanks" ourselves, they will react in one of two ways. Either they'll distance themselves, or they'll repeat the performance that won our approval in the first place, to try to win it again.
Third, dark entities live by their own arbitrary, self-serving rules, which can change without warning at their convenience and which don't necessarily apply to anyone else around them. In their minds, their behavior is always acceptable, but they may become outraged or deeply wounded if someone else aims that same behavior at them. White entities invariably try to make sense of all this and adjust accordingly. That's logical. It's also useless. The rules and behavior that please a dark entity on a Tuesday night, might throw them into a tantrum on Wednesday. The result is that a white entity is kept constantly off balance and confused, which gives the dark entity that much more control and power.
The goal of a dark entity is not to turn a white entity dark. That can't be done. Their goal is to destroy a white entity-not physically, necessarily, but certainly emotionally. Let's face it; the one way for darkness to survive is to destroy the light, so that's their purpose and their pleasure. They go about it trying to create as much emotional turbulence, self-doubt, guilt and depression as possible in as many white entities as they can lure into their dark grip. They insult, they demean, and they threaten to end a relationship if the white entity doesn't "Shape up" while insisting that no one else would even want a relationship with someone as worthless as the white entity anyway. They promise to take away anything that is truly important to the white entity if they do leave. In other words, they will do anything that makes the white entity feel insecure, and, as a result, eliminate any power the white entity might have. The problem is white entities have a conscience. We are sensitive and compassionate, and we take our responsibility seriously. We have a natural tendency to believe the best about the people we care for. Those are the qualities that attract dark entities in the first place. They love the flattering reflection of themselves in our eyes, and they know we're likely to perceive their darkness as some kind of sadness or pain and try to help. You may have heard the saying "No good deed goes unpunished." I have a good feeling that saying was coined by a white entity who tried to rescue some supposedly troubled, misunderstood dark entity. If you're trying to rescue a dark entity in your life with your love/ and or friendship, please ask yourself this simple question: Which do you feel you get more often as a reward for your efforts – appreciation or punishment.
Turning your back on another of God's children is probably contrary to your unbringing and your humanitarian instincts. But I promise you, you have more valuable ways to spend your time and energy that trying to help or save a dark entity whom you are sure will be a wonderful person if only they'll "change" (a goal white entities refer to often when talking about a dark entity in their lives) and let in the light you have to offer them. A dark entity can't be turned white, any more than a white entity can be turned dark. You can't appeal to a conscience that doesn't exist, and, make no mistake about it, dark entities have no conscience. Besides, how are you going to inspire genuine remorse in someone who doesn't think anything bad that happens is ever their fault? I say this as both a spiritual psychic and as a person who learned the hard way: If's there's a dark entity anywhere in your life-a friend, a lover, a spouse, or a family member-follow the advice of Christ: "Shake off the dust from you feet and leave."
First of all they have no conscience, no sense of responsibility for their actions, and no remorse. They take all of the credit and none of the blame for everything that happens around them. As far as they are concerned, if they hurt you, it's either your fault, or you made them do it. In graphic terms, if they stab you, it's only because you ran into the knife. If you criticize them, it's not because they deserve critisim-you are either too stupid or too shallow to appreciate them. Self-justification is as natural to them as breathing. In their eyes, you are lucky to be among the chosen few they have decided to grace with their time and attention. And trust me, any relationship like that is demeaning and unacceptable to begin with.
In psychiatric terms, dark entities in human form are the true sociopaths among us. They can mimic human emotions brilliantly without ever really feeling them. They can seem incredibly charming (all the better to seduce you into their proximity); they can seem deeply sensitive, compassionate and loving; they can seem genuinely sorry after they've wounded you, to keep you off balance about their true nature. They can feign interest in anything that interest you-including God and Spirituality - in order to create the illusion that you and they have something in common. It's all a performance and they drop the act as soon as they're convinced their control over you is secure.
Sadly, we white entities, because our emotions and faith are genuine, have a tough time grasping the concept that it is all a performance. So rather than walking away from the dark entity once they have "removed their mask," we stay with them, trying desperately to rescue the wonderful person we are sure that is in there because we saw them with our own eyes. It is almost impossible to imagine that wonderful person isn't lost, but never existed in the first place. But in the case of a genuinely dark entity, it is the cruel, bleak truth.
Secondly, dark entities don't generally get to know or care about the people around them. What they do care about is the reflection of themselves that they get back from the people around them. As far as they are concerned, white entities are walking mirrors in which to admire themselves. As long as their reflection through our eyes is flattering, we're of value to them. But the minute we catch on that we're only looking at a disguise, and that whatever character and integrity that they possess exist only because we "filled in the blanks" ourselves, they will react in one of two ways. Either they'll distance themselves, or they'll repeat the performance that won our approval in the first place, to try to win it again.
Third, dark entities live by their own arbitrary, self-serving rules, which can change without warning at their convenience and which don't necessarily apply to anyone else around them. In their minds, their behavior is always acceptable, but they may become outraged or deeply wounded if someone else aims that same behavior at them. White entities invariably try to make sense of all this and adjust accordingly. That's logical. It's also useless. The rules and behavior that please a dark entity on a Tuesday night, might throw them into a tantrum on Wednesday. The result is that a white entity is kept constantly off balance and confused, which gives the dark entity that much more control and power.
The goal of a dark entity is not to turn a white entity dark. That can't be done. Their goal is to destroy a white entity-not physically, necessarily, but certainly emotionally. Let's face it; the one way for darkness to survive is to destroy the light, so that's their purpose and their pleasure. They go about it trying to create as much emotional turbulence, self-doubt, guilt and depression as possible in as many white entities as they can lure into their dark grip. They insult, they demean, and they threaten to end a relationship if the white entity doesn't "Shape up" while insisting that no one else would even want a relationship with someone as worthless as the white entity anyway. They promise to take away anything that is truly important to the white entity if they do leave. In other words, they will do anything that makes the white entity feel insecure, and, as a result, eliminate any power the white entity might have. The problem is white entities have a conscience. We are sensitive and compassionate, and we take our responsibility seriously. We have a natural tendency to believe the best about the people we care for. Those are the qualities that attract dark entities in the first place. They love the flattering reflection of themselves in our eyes, and they know we're likely to perceive their darkness as some kind of sadness or pain and try to help. You may have heard the saying "No good deed goes unpunished." I have a good feeling that saying was coined by a white entity who tried to rescue some supposedly troubled, misunderstood dark entity. If you're trying to rescue a dark entity in your life with your love/ and or friendship, please ask yourself this simple question: Which do you feel you get more often as a reward for your efforts – appreciation or punishment.
Turning your back on another of God's children is probably contrary to your unbringing and your humanitarian instincts. But I promise you, you have more valuable ways to spend your time and energy that trying to help or save a dark entity whom you are sure will be a wonderful person if only they'll "change" (a goal white entities refer to often when talking about a dark entity in their lives) and let in the light you have to offer them. A dark entity can't be turned white, any more than a white entity can be turned dark. You can't appeal to a conscience that doesn't exist, and, make no mistake about it, dark entities have no conscience. Besides, how are you going to inspire genuine remorse in someone who doesn't think anything bad that happens is ever their fault? I say this as both a spiritual psychic and as a person who learned the hard way: If's there's a dark entity anywhere in your life-a friend, a lover, a spouse, or a family member-follow the advice of Christ: "Shake off the dust from you feet and leave."
The River
I'm not a big fan or country music and I'm also not a big fan of organized religion, although I do consider myself a Christian, although I don't agree with everything they teach - but that's another blog. Anyway, I was flipping through the channels on a Sunday morning not too long ago and a preacher did catch my attention. He wasn't preaching from the Bible, he was preaching from a Garth Brooks song. I thought this particular preacher was very interesting and his sermon was outstanding. I hadn't heard that song in a long time but the lyrics to the song are an excellent way to look at life and good philosophy to have as well:
You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores.. and
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide.. yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
And there's bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll take some falls
But with the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all.. yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Yes, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry '
Til the river runs dry
You know a dream is like a river
Ever changin' as it flows
And a dreamer's just a vessel
That must follow where it goes
Trying to learn from what's behind you
And never knowing what's in store
Makes each day a constant battle
Just to stay between the shores.. and
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Too many times we stand aside
And let the waters slip away
'Til what we put off 'til tomorrow
Has now become today
So don't you sit upon the shoreline
And say you're satisfied
Choose to chance the rapids
And dare to dance the tide.. yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
And there's bound to be rough waters
And I know I'll take some falls
But with the good Lord as my captain
I can make it through them all.. yes
I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Like a bird upon the wind
These waters are my sky
I'll never reach my destination
If I never try
So I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry
Yes, I will sail my vessel
'Til the river runs dry '
Til the river runs dry
The Archangel Michael
A few months ago I was reading a book and the last line I read before I sat the book down to go play on the Internet was "Always remember the Henry Ford quote - whether you think you can or you think you can't - you're right either way". I thought to myself this was a very good quote and then went to go play around on the Internet. I started chatting with this girl whom I'd never talked to before on Yahoo Messenger. Out of nowhere she says "The Archangel Michael is standing right behind me and he has a message for you". I was naturally skeptical, so I'm like "Oh really, well what does he have to say to me?". So the girl replies "He says it would have some special meaning to you - he says to tell you to always remember the Henry Ford quote: Whether you think you can or you think you can't - you're right either way". She went on to tell me a few more encouraging thoughts from Michael.
Last week I was talking again with the same girl, who I have since became pretty good Friends with. So for some reason or another I was feeling a bit down that day and I was talking to her again on the Internet and I took a break from the computer to go smoke a cigarette outside. While I'm sitting outside in my mind's eye (or third eye) I kept seeing my aura turn to a magnificent golden color and just radiating from me, I thought this was very unusual because I don't ever sit around and think about my aura much, so I acknowledged the thought I was having and went back inside and didn't think much else about it. Then when I sit back down to start talking to my Friend again, she says "God and the Angels are with you right now and are surrounding you with the golden light of the god force energy," My jaw dropped. hahaha. I hadn't even told her about my thoughts while I was outside. ha ha.
Thanks for all the special moments like these Eva - You're one of a kind.
Last week I was talking again with the same girl, who I have since became pretty good Friends with. So for some reason or another I was feeling a bit down that day and I was talking to her again on the Internet and I took a break from the computer to go smoke a cigarette outside. While I'm sitting outside in my mind's eye (or third eye) I kept seeing my aura turn to a magnificent golden color and just radiating from me, I thought this was very unusual because I don't ever sit around and think about my aura much, so I acknowledged the thought I was having and went back inside and didn't think much else about it. Then when I sit back down to start talking to my Friend again, she says "God and the Angels are with you right now and are surrounding you with the golden light of the god force energy," My jaw dropped. hahaha. I hadn't even told her about my thoughts while I was outside. ha ha.
Thanks for all the special moments like these Eva - You're one of a kind.
The Unseen Divine Prescence
Paramahansa Yogananda, was an Indian yogi and guru. He was instrumental in bringing the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga to the West. His book, Autobiography of a Yogi, has introduced several generations of readers to the teachings of yoga and Hinduism.
The following was written by him, I think it says alot about how spiritual gifts work, or at least how I feel like they work:
Your cup of life within and without is filled with the Divine Presence, but because of lack of attention you do not perceive God's immanence. When you are in tune, as one tunes in a radio, then you receive the Spirit. It is as if you take a bottle of sea water, cork it, and put it in ocean; although the bottle floats in waters, it contents do not mix with its oceanic surroundings. But open the bottle, and the water inside merges with the sea. We must remove the cork of ignorance before we can come in contact with Spirit.
Infinity is our Home. We are just sojourning awhile in the caravanserai of the body. Those who are drunk with delusion have forgotten how to follow the trail that leads to God. But when in meditation the Divine gets hold of the prodigal child, there is no dallying anymore.
Enter the ports of (each) new year with new hope. Remember you are a child of God. It lies with you as to what you are going to be. Be proud that you are a child of God. What have to fear? No matter what comes, believe it is the Lord who is sending that to you; and you must succeed in conquering those daily challenges. Therein lies your victory. Do His will; nothing can hurt you then. He loves you everlastingly. Think that. Believe that. Know that. And suddenly one day you will find you are immortality alive in God.
Meditate more and believe in that strong consciousness that God is always with you regardless of what happens. Then you will see that the veil of delusion will be taken away and you will be one with That which is God. That is how I found my greatest happiness in life. I am not looking for anything now because I have everything in Him. Never would I part with That which is the richest of all possessions.
~ Paramahamsa Yogananda ~
The following was written by him, I think it says alot about how spiritual gifts work, or at least how I feel like they work:
Your cup of life within and without is filled with the Divine Presence, but because of lack of attention you do not perceive God's immanence. When you are in tune, as one tunes in a radio, then you receive the Spirit. It is as if you take a bottle of sea water, cork it, and put it in ocean; although the bottle floats in waters, it contents do not mix with its oceanic surroundings. But open the bottle, and the water inside merges with the sea. We must remove the cork of ignorance before we can come in contact with Spirit.
Infinity is our Home. We are just sojourning awhile in the caravanserai of the body. Those who are drunk with delusion have forgotten how to follow the trail that leads to God. But when in meditation the Divine gets hold of the prodigal child, there is no dallying anymore.
Enter the ports of (each) new year with new hope. Remember you are a child of God. It lies with you as to what you are going to be. Be proud that you are a child of God. What have to fear? No matter what comes, believe it is the Lord who is sending that to you; and you must succeed in conquering those daily challenges. Therein lies your victory. Do His will; nothing can hurt you then. He loves you everlastingly. Think that. Believe that. Know that. And suddenly one day you will find you are immortality alive in God.
Meditate more and believe in that strong consciousness that God is always with you regardless of what happens. Then you will see that the veil of delusion will be taken away and you will be one with That which is God. That is how I found my greatest happiness in life. I am not looking for anything now because I have everything in Him. Never would I part with That which is the richest of all possessions.
~ Paramahamsa Yogananda ~
Angels to one another
This was written by Joanne Deitsch
We Shall Not Pass This Way Again
Any good that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." - William Penn
We are all angels to one another.
If you are wondering how this works, here is an amazing story for you:
"One day, when I was a freshman in high school, saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned - parties and a football game with my friends - so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him.
So, I jogged over to him. As he crawled around looking for his glasses, I saw a tear in his eye.As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get a life." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks."
There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had ever seen him before.
Kyle said he had gone to private school before now (I would have never hung out with a private school kid before). We talked all the way home, and I carried his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.
I asked him if he wanted to play football on Sunday with me and my friends. He said "Yes." We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. And my friends thought the same of him.
Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Dang boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books.
Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we decided on college. Kyle finally picked Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor while I was going for a business degree on a football scholarship. In fact, Kyle was valedictorian of our class.
I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.
Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys who found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I did and all the girls loved him! Sometimes I was jealous.
Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" Kyle looked at me with one of those looks of his (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began.
"Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those rough years: your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach... but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story."
I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.
"Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable." I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and Dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.
Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse, God puts us all in each other's.
We are all angels to one another.
We Shall Not Pass This Way Again
Any good that I can do, or any kindness I can show to any fellow creature, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again." - William Penn
We are all angels to one another.
If you are wondering how this works, here is an amazing story for you:
"One day, when I was a freshman in high school, saw a kid from my class was walking home from school. His name was Kyle. It looked like he was carrying all of his books. I thought to myself, "Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd." I had quite a weekend planned - parties and a football game with my friends - so I shrugged my shoulders and went on.
As I was walking, I saw a bunch of kids running toward him. They ran at him, knocking all his books out of his arms and tripping him so he landed in the dirt. His glasses went flying, and I saw them land in the grass about ten feet from him. He looked up and I saw this terrible sadness in his eyes. My heart went out to him.
So, I jogged over to him. As he crawled around looking for his glasses, I saw a tear in his eye.As I handed him his glasses, I said, "Those guys are jerks. They really should get a life." He looked at me and said, "Hey thanks."
There was a big smile on his face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude. I helped him pick up his books, and asked him where he lived. As it turned out, he lived near me, so I asked him why I had ever seen him before.
Kyle said he had gone to private school before now (I would have never hung out with a private school kid before). We talked all the way home, and I carried his books. He turned out to be a pretty cool kid.
I asked him if he wanted to play football on Sunday with me and my friends. He said "Yes." We hung out all weekend and the more I got to know Kyle, the more I liked him. And my friends thought the same of him.
Monday morning came, and there was Kyle with the huge stack of books again. I stopped him and said, "Dang boy, you are gonna really build some serious muscles with this pile of books everyday!" He just laughed and handed me half the books.
Over the next four years, Kyle and I became best friends. When we were seniors, we decided on college. Kyle finally picked Georgetown, and I was going to Duke. I knew that we would always be friends, that the miles would never be a problem. He was going to be a doctor while I was going for a business degree on a football scholarship. In fact, Kyle was valedictorian of our class.
I teased him all the time about being a nerd. He had to prepare a speech for graduation. I was so glad it wasn't me having to get up there and speak.
Graduation day, I saw Kyle. He looked great. He was one of those guys who found himself during high school. He filled out and actually looked good in glasses. He had more dates than I did and all the girls loved him! Sometimes I was jealous.
Today was one of those days. I could see that he was nervous about his speech. So, I smacked him on the back and said, "Hey, big guy, you'll be great!" Kyle looked at me with one of those looks of his (the really grateful one) and smiled. "Thanks," he said. As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began.
"Graduation is a time to thank those who helped you make it through those rough years: your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach... but mostly your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I am going to tell you a story."
I just looked at my friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day we met. He had planned to kill himself over the weekend. He talked of how he had cleaned out his locker so his Mom wouldn't have to do it later and was carrying his stuff home. He looked hard at me and gave me a little smile.
"Thankfully, I was saved. My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable." I heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told us all about his weakest moment. I saw his Mom and Dad looking at me and smiling that same grateful smile. Not until that moment did I realize it's depth.
Never underestimate the power of your actions. With one small gesture you can change a person's life. For better or for worse, God puts us all in each other's.
We are all angels to one another.
Synchronicity
If you're life has been anything like mine over the past few years, you've probably had some experience with synchronicity. The following is an excerpt from Sylvia Browne's "Phenomenon" book, it helps to explain synchronicity far better than I could have put into words:
Synchronicity is a close relative of coincidence. The word "synchronicity" was popularized by the brilliant Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, who was in his office with a patient one day discussing Egypt when a beetle known as an Egyptian scarab walked across his desk. Jung found the word "coincidence" too ordinary to describe an Egyptian beetle, thousands of miles from where it belonged, appearing at the exact moment he was talking about Egypt. It was a clear sign to Jung that this universe God created is not random and chaotic, but ordered, perfect and patterned - in a word, synchronized, from which Jung coined "synchronicity."
Synchronicity, is an especially meaningful coincidence. Like Jung's Egyptian scarab, it always involves some kind of unmistakable physical sign, not only to call your attention to the magical harmony of the universe but also to give you tangible proof that you are exactly where you charted yourself to be, exactly when, exactly with whom - God, who co wrote your chart with you, is giving you a visible thumbs-up, a nod to say, "Yes, I am with you, and I am watching, and at this moment you are in perfect sync with your blueprint. Good work."
True synchronicity is not likely to happen as often in our lives as coincidences are. But watching for it, and recognizing it when it occurs, means catching a chance for a private smile between you and God.
Synchronicity is a close relative of coincidence. The word "synchronicity" was popularized by the brilliant Swiss psychologist Carl Jung, who was in his office with a patient one day discussing Egypt when a beetle known as an Egyptian scarab walked across his desk. Jung found the word "coincidence" too ordinary to describe an Egyptian beetle, thousands of miles from where it belonged, appearing at the exact moment he was talking about Egypt. It was a clear sign to Jung that this universe God created is not random and chaotic, but ordered, perfect and patterned - in a word, synchronized, from which Jung coined "synchronicity."
Synchronicity, is an especially meaningful coincidence. Like Jung's Egyptian scarab, it always involves some kind of unmistakable physical sign, not only to call your attention to the magical harmony of the universe but also to give you tangible proof that you are exactly where you charted yourself to be, exactly when, exactly with whom - God, who co wrote your chart with you, is giving you a visible thumbs-up, a nod to say, "Yes, I am with you, and I am watching, and at this moment you are in perfect sync with your blueprint. Good work."
True synchronicity is not likely to happen as often in our lives as coincidences are. But watching for it, and recognizing it when it occurs, means catching a chance for a private smile between you and God.
The Journey
I just finished "Sacred Journey of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman, after reading the other two books in the series - "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" and "The Journies of Socrates." I rented the movie "Peaceful Warrior" last night after I finished the last book. It had a part in the movie that I had forgot about in the book. This is how it went.
Socrates was Dan's Spiritual teacher. He told Dan one day that they were going on a long hike to something very special he wanted to show him. The hike was a long grueling hike that nearly wiped both of them out due to exhaustion. The whole hike though, Dan didn't even care how exhausted and tired he was because he was so excited and happy about whatever it was that Socrates was going to show him when they finally reached the secret destination.
When they finally got to the top of a mountain, Socrates stopped looked at the view and just took in the beautiful scenery. Dan asked him "How much farther?", looking very exhausted and very tired, but also very happy and still excited. Socrates replied "This is it". Dan looked at him confused and replies "This is it!? What do you mean, what did you have to show me here!?" Socrates looks around and sees a rock on the ground, bends down and picks it up and says "Here - I wanted to show you this rock" and tosses the rock to him.
At this points Dan looks very angry and dissappointed. As Socrates is begining to head back down the mountain back home, Dan tells him how dissappointed he is. Socrates turns to him and says "Sorry you aren't happy anymore," and continues walking back home.
Thats when Dan learns the lesson that Socrates was trying to teach him. Life isn't about some destination or some goal your trying to achieve, because no matter what you achieve, you will never be satisfied as long as you are trying to get to a certain point or a certain destination. The lesson Socrates taught Dan here was that happiness lies in enjoying the mystery of the journey called life. It's the journey itself that brings the happiness not the things you find and achieve along the way.
This isn't saying not to set goals and try to achieve things, but not to let goals and achievements be what you base your happiness on. Living every moment and finding the magic in each moment of life is where happiness is found. The present moment you are experiencing is the only place where you can experience happiness, not in the past and not in the future, but in every passsing moment along the journey.
Socrates was Dan's Spiritual teacher. He told Dan one day that they were going on a long hike to something very special he wanted to show him. The hike was a long grueling hike that nearly wiped both of them out due to exhaustion. The whole hike though, Dan didn't even care how exhausted and tired he was because he was so excited and happy about whatever it was that Socrates was going to show him when they finally reached the secret destination.
When they finally got to the top of a mountain, Socrates stopped looked at the view and just took in the beautiful scenery. Dan asked him "How much farther?", looking very exhausted and very tired, but also very happy and still excited. Socrates replied "This is it". Dan looked at him confused and replies "This is it!? What do you mean, what did you have to show me here!?" Socrates looks around and sees a rock on the ground, bends down and picks it up and says "Here - I wanted to show you this rock" and tosses the rock to him.
At this points Dan looks very angry and dissappointed. As Socrates is begining to head back down the mountain back home, Dan tells him how dissappointed he is. Socrates turns to him and says "Sorry you aren't happy anymore," and continues walking back home.
Thats when Dan learns the lesson that Socrates was trying to teach him. Life isn't about some destination or some goal your trying to achieve, because no matter what you achieve, you will never be satisfied as long as you are trying to get to a certain point or a certain destination. The lesson Socrates taught Dan here was that happiness lies in enjoying the mystery of the journey called life. It's the journey itself that brings the happiness not the things you find and achieve along the way.
This isn't saying not to set goals and try to achieve things, but not to let goals and achievements be what you base your happiness on. Living every moment and finding the magic in each moment of life is where happiness is found. The present moment you are experiencing is the only place where you can experience happiness, not in the past and not in the future, but in every passsing moment along the journey.
The Fog
A freind of mine posted this as a myspace bulletin awhile back:
When we feel muddled and unfocused, unsure of which way to turn, we say we are in a fog. Similar to when we are in a fog in nature, we may feel like we can't see where we're going or where we've come from, and we're afraid if we move too quickly we might run into something hidden in the mists that seem to surround us. Being in a fog necessarily slows us down by limiting our visibility. The best choice may be to pull over and wait for the murkiness to clear. If we move at all, we must go slowly, feeling our way and keeping our eyes open for shapes emerging from the haze, perhaps relying on the taillights of someone in front of us as we make our way along the road.
By and large, most of us prefer to be able to see where we are going and move steadfastly in that direction, but there are gifts that come from being in a fog. Sometimes it takes an obstacle like fog to get us to stop and be still in the moment, doing nothing. In this moment of involuntary inactivity, we may look within and find that the source of our fogginess is inside us; it could be some emotional issue that needs tending before we can safely go full steam ahead. Being in a fog reminds us that when we cannot see outside ourselves, we can always make progress by looking within. Then again, the fog may simply be teaching us important lessons about how to continue moving forward with extreme caution, harnessing our attention, watching closely for new information, and being ready to stop on a dime.
We cannot predict when a fog will come, nor can we know for certain when it will lift, but we can center ourselves in the haze and wait for guidance. We may find it inside ourselves or in a pair of barely visible taillights just ahead. Whether we follow the lights out of the fog, wait for a gentle breeze to lift it, or allow the sun to burn it away, we can rest certain that one way or another, we will move forward with clarity once again.
When we feel muddled and unfocused, unsure of which way to turn, we say we are in a fog. Similar to when we are in a fog in nature, we may feel like we can't see where we're going or where we've come from, and we're afraid if we move too quickly we might run into something hidden in the mists that seem to surround us. Being in a fog necessarily slows us down by limiting our visibility. The best choice may be to pull over and wait for the murkiness to clear. If we move at all, we must go slowly, feeling our way and keeping our eyes open for shapes emerging from the haze, perhaps relying on the taillights of someone in front of us as we make our way along the road.
By and large, most of us prefer to be able to see where we are going and move steadfastly in that direction, but there are gifts that come from being in a fog. Sometimes it takes an obstacle like fog to get us to stop and be still in the moment, doing nothing. In this moment of involuntary inactivity, we may look within and find that the source of our fogginess is inside us; it could be some emotional issue that needs tending before we can safely go full steam ahead. Being in a fog reminds us that when we cannot see outside ourselves, we can always make progress by looking within. Then again, the fog may simply be teaching us important lessons about how to continue moving forward with extreme caution, harnessing our attention, watching closely for new information, and being ready to stop on a dime.
We cannot predict when a fog will come, nor can we know for certain when it will lift, but we can center ourselves in the haze and wait for guidance. We may find it inside ourselves or in a pair of barely visible taillights just ahead. Whether we follow the lights out of the fog, wait for a gentle breeze to lift it, or allow the sun to burn it away, we can rest certain that one way or another, we will move forward with clarity once again.
Giving Birth to Death
Once upon a time, twin boys were conceived.
Weeks passed and the twins developed. As their awareness grew, they laughed for joy: "Isn't it great that we were conceived? Isn't it great to be alive? "
Together the twins explored their worlds. When they found their mother's cord that gave them life, they sang for joy! "How great our mother's love is, that she shares her own life with us!"
As weeks stretched into months, the twins noticed how much each was changing.
"What does it mean?" one asked.
"It means our stay in this world is drawing to an end." said the other.
"But I don't want to go," said one. "I want to stay here always."
"We have no choice," said the other. "But maybe there is life after birth."
"But how can there be?" responded one. "We will shed our life cord and how can life be possible without it? Besides, we have seen evidence that others were here before us, and none of them has returned to tell us there is life after birth. No, this is the end. Maybe there is no mother after all."
"But there has to be," protested the other. "How else did we get here? How do we remain alive?"
"Have you ever seen our mother?" said one.
"Maybe she only lives in our minds. Maybe we made her up because the idea made us feel good."
So the last days in the womb were filled with deep questioning and fear.
Finally, the moment of birth arrived. When the twins had passed from their world, they opened their eyes and cried for joy - for what they saw exceeded their fondest dreams.
That is birth ... and that is death.
Weeks passed and the twins developed. As their awareness grew, they laughed for joy: "Isn't it great that we were conceived? Isn't it great to be alive? "
Together the twins explored their worlds. When they found their mother's cord that gave them life, they sang for joy! "How great our mother's love is, that she shares her own life with us!"
As weeks stretched into months, the twins noticed how much each was changing.
"What does it mean?" one asked.
"It means our stay in this world is drawing to an end." said the other.
"But I don't want to go," said one. "I want to stay here always."
"We have no choice," said the other. "But maybe there is life after birth."
"But how can there be?" responded one. "We will shed our life cord and how can life be possible without it? Besides, we have seen evidence that others were here before us, and none of them has returned to tell us there is life after birth. No, this is the end. Maybe there is no mother after all."
"But there has to be," protested the other. "How else did we get here? How do we remain alive?"
"Have you ever seen our mother?" said one.
"Maybe she only lives in our minds. Maybe we made her up because the idea made us feel good."
So the last days in the womb were filled with deep questioning and fear.
Finally, the moment of birth arrived. When the twins had passed from their world, they opened their eyes and cried for joy - for what they saw exceeded their fondest dreams.
That is birth ... and that is death.
The World
The World - A Different Perspective
If we could shrink the Earth's population to a village of precisely 100 people.
With all existing human ratios remaining the same, it would look like this:
There would be:
- 57 Asians, 21 Europeans, 14 from the Western Hemisphere (North and South) 8 Africans.
- 51 would be female; 49 would be male.
- 70 would be non-whites, 30 white.
- 70 would be non-Christians; 30 Christian.
- 50% of the entire world's wealth would be in the hands of only 6 people(and all 6 would be citizens of the U.S.)
- 80 would live in substandard housing.
- 70 would be unable to read.
- 50 would suffer from malnutrition.
- 1 would be near death; 1 would be near birth.
- Only 1 would have a college education.
- No one would own a computer.
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