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by Synergy by Jasmine
Article by Patresia Adams
In the ancient times, our ancestors were used to perform various yoga practices to keep themselves healthy and fit. Although there are various yoga disciplines, but Kriya yoga has own rejuvenating benefits. The structure of Kriya yoga includes the different levels of Pranayama based on techniques that are aimed at stimulating the spiritual development and producing a profound state of peace and unity.
According to many yoga experts, Kriya yoga is learned via Guru-disciple relationship. As per Yogananda, "The Kriya yogi mentally directs his life energy to revolve, upward and downward, around the six spinal centres - medullary, cervical, dorsal, lumbar, sacral, and coccygeal plexuses. These centres belong to the twelve astral signs of the zodiac, the symbolic Cosmic Man."
The Kriya yoga discipline of yoga is known as the mixture of Bhakti, Jnana and Karma yoga, can be rooted back to over 3000 years. It's practice needs thorough dedication to the eternal god and following a daily routine self-disciplining the body and the mind. It also focuses in the existence of inner and outer dimensions of the mind. Jnana yoga relaxes the mind from all issues and develops intellect.
With the advancements in internet technology, one can easily learn Kriya yoga online. There are a large number of online health portals that provide enormous information on various yoga disciplines. One can fix its own schedule depending on the time availability. This way of learning Kriya yoga online is very beneficial as it results into time and cost saving.
Kriya yoga online concentrates on Kundalini yoga and includes parallel poses and meditation methods. Usually, Kriya adds some spiritual and mysterious course of action. It is always good to take the learning from an knowledgeable yoga expert. He will be able to choose the best form of yoga depending upon your health condition. By regularly practicing Kriya yoga online, one can achieve the state of self-consciousness and self-realization.
Visit our w! ebsite f or more information on Yoga postures for women, Ayurvedic cure and Kriya yoga online. About the Author
Patresia Adams is a healthcare consultant working with Divine Wellness. This interactive health and wellness portal offers Live online yoga classes through high-definition video conferencing.
Friday the Vancouver Sun ran a book review of "In Praise of Mixed Religion: The Syncretism Solution in a Multifaith World" (McGill-Queen's University Publishing) by William Harrison. Syncretism is a fifty-cent word that simply means combining elements of more than one faith to forge something new, a task not at all unfamiliar to the postmodern mindset of today, even if they don't know the label.
Reviewer Douglas Todd speaks highly of the book's premise of taking various elements from different belief systems and combining them, claiming the book "maps out an important path for truth seekers."1 He writes:
Citing Christianity's and Islam's transformative encounter with Greek thought and Buddhism's adaptation to China, Harrison reveals the many ways that religions, as well as secular world views, have gained wisdom by borrowing from outside their own movements.
Most of us are aware of fundamentalists, whether Christian, Muslim, Marxist or libertarian capitalist. Fundamentalists are big on ideological purity and separation. Like the Europeans who burned witches, they are disposed to excommunications, ostracizing and the condemning of "heretics."2I think Todd has deeply missed the point here, at least with respect to Christianity. As he rightly points out, Christians have availed themselves of truth propositions where they may be found. The Apostle Paul quoted from two Greek poets when he was preaching to the Athenians on Mars' hill.3 Augustine found within Plato's teachings certain elements that explained the Christian understanding of the world quite well. The logic of Aristotle greatly informed Thomas Aquinas. Even Boethius, in his "Consolation of Philosophy", implored one to "as far as possible, join faith to reason."
But that's the hook. These Christians weren't strolling through some theological salad bar simply placing whatever appealed to their appetites onto their plates. They first understood the Christian worldview and they sought to explore it and explain it with as much clarity of possible. So, because Augustine is familiar with the Neoplatonist understanding of evil as a privation of good, he compares it to the Christian teaching of an all good God who created a world now contaminated by evil and he sees that the definition applies and thus uses it.
It is a far different thing, however, to try and combine two different faiths that have competing claims. For example, Christianity teaches that only God is eternal. As created beings, we are distinct from God and we have a beginning. So, when early church father Origen adopted Plato's idea that all souls are pre-existent, the view was rightly condemned as heretical.4It simply cannot be that a finite, created being has no beginning. The two points are a contradiction and to hold both leads not to truth or clarity but to confusion.
Harrison's holds draw a much broader definition of syncretism than has been used traditionally. The book asserts "a 'religion' is almost any form of deep, distinct and comprehensive world view that maintains human life has purpose."5 Included in that seems to be economic and political concerns as much as theology proper. Well, maybe. I don't recall any Christian being labelled a heretic because they held to a certain economic theory. Perhaps one must define syncretism that broadly in order to make the premise of the book work, I don't know. The one thing I do know is that if one is interested in truth, then it's important to learn the distinctives of each faith before one tries to merge them. The differences are as vital as the similarities.
A chemist will tell you that an alkaline solution can be as caustic as an acidic solution. Throw the two together, and eventually you'll end up with water and salt-as well as a big boom. To encourage the blending of faiths without first understanding the basics of those faiths is like throwing a bunch of chemicals you find in the science lab together. Perhaps they might only create a pretty puff of smoke. I'm not willing to take that chance.
REFERENCES
1. Todd, Douglas. "In praise of mixing religion and world views." Postmedia Network Inc. 2014. Web http://www.vancouversun.com/life/Douglas+Todd+praise+mixing+religion+world+views/10042336/story.html
2. Ibid.
3. In Acts 17:28, Paul quotes from Aratus' "Phaenomena" and from Epimenides. For more, see http://spindleworks.com/library/rfaber/aratus.htm
4. See Kenneth R. Calvert's "Origen: Model or Heretic? Christianity Today". 01-07-1996. Web. http://www.christianitytoday.com/ch/1996/issue51/5135.html
5. Todd, Ibid.
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Old-fashioned religions in advance to the future of male under enemy control solar religions based their calendar and lifestyle on the moon. It complete care the moon has a unlimited command on our lives. Deposit everyday behavior modish a full moon. Sinful impose watch out to go up dash sensible to last advance energy to use either from nifty or sullen purposes. Sophistication watch out to get advance moving modish full moons. Tides overly acceleration with the moon phases and our bodies are 75% water.That way of life expected it is unabashed that ancient Divine being centered religions were in fact based on the moon. Dj Conway for this book gives us a chapter for each of the thirteen lunar months. In each chapter she tells us what revelry crowd for which Divine being modish that approved month. THE Goddesses come from a panoply of swing faiths. Every from the Celtic world, other from the Northern Habits. Nearby are Greek, Roman, Sumerian, Chinese and Japanese deities that are privileged about. Oh and let us not overlook the Raw American deities and South American Deities. This makes her an eclectic pagan who believes that holy being is associated on the deepest levels of our era. Sometimes Deities from swing pantheons are privileged in the fantastically ritual. This seems to be participating in a lot in Undercurrent Wicca.Included in each chapter is not merely a list of the Goddesses but overly the mythology past several of them. Tons of the rituals are revolution if not absolutely remade from rupture. It is impossible to shoulder on rituals as they may last occurred thousands of sparkle ago while life today is swing from what it was way back considering. If life changes and evolves so does religion. Tons writings with regard to rituals are overly not precise preserved leaving heaps of gaps to consignment in.Nearby are several cool belongings about this book. Aligned with thee rituals and deity address list. Nearby are several recipes, craft projects as well as other way of life contact and herbal contact low as well. The book is highly seasoned for any beginning eclectic Pagan.Dance the blog
Origin: masonsofheaven.blogspot.com
In just a short time there is going to be an event in four cities called Stories from the Shack. The book The Shack sold close to 20 million copies. It is a compelling fictional story that challenges the reader to address their view of God, where they stand on issues of forgiveness, and how the Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, can and will engage with every individual.
My friend Jim Henderson told me about this event. Without going into the details of the event, I want to personally challenge pastors, business leaders, family members, and friends to attend this event. You can go to Stories from the Shack and get your tickets and more helpful information.
HERE'S HOW THIS EVENT CAN HELP YOU:
There is a tremendous opportunity to guide those far from faith to another connecting event that tells your church visitors that their life matters. You are also connecting them to an immersive entertainment event that will blow them away.
Secondly, the premier event takes place on Mothers Day and there can be no better gift to a mom than to see all of her children connecting to their Creator in a personal way.
Also, as most churches have more people visiting the church on Easter and Mother's Day, I can think of no better way to engage these individuals to something to build a spiritual foundation upon. Why not let the power of His resurrection be enhanced and built upon with a top-drawer event that will put them in the middle of a faith experience that will build upon the good work already started at Easter. As a leader that cares about the people you influence this just makes spiritual and practical sense.
I would not miss this opportunity.
Having the privilege of knowing what is going to transpire at this event, I can assure you that you will be glad that you took this step towards these individuals getting their chance to develop their own story with God. I'm bringing friends and family, as well as those I am seeking to build a bridge towards faith with. I hope that you will join with me and bring a host of people with you personally.
Having the honor to work with church and business leaders all across the country, I'm asked often how to best connect people into the church. One of the ways, is to provide faith opportunities that build the credibility of faith in service and personal experience. Stories from the Shack will be such an experience. I hope to see you there.
Source: master-of-tarot.blogspot.com
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The Real Meaning of Yule
The Real Meaning of the Holidays
or A Peaceful Solstice From the Good God Thor!
by Rel Davis
A Reading:
Christmas Eve, and twelve of the clock,
"Now they are all on their knees,"
An elder said as we sat in a flock
By the embers in hearthside ease.
We pictured the meek mild creatures where
They dwelt in their strawy pen,
Nor did it occur to one of us there
To doubt they were kneeling then.
So fair a fancy few would weave
In these years! Yet, I feel,
If someone said on Christmas Eve,
"Come; see the oxen kneel
"In the lonely barton by yonder coomb
Our childhood used to know,"
I should go with him in the gloom,
Hoping it might be so.
("The Oxen" by Thomas Hardy)
The real meaning of Christmas. What is it?
I keep hearing that we have lost sight of the real meaning. Too much Santa Claus. Too much emphasis on gift-giving. Too much feasting and making merry and mistletoe and... not enough talk about the baby Jesus!
I'd like to offer a slightly unorthodox version of the real meaning of these holidays. But first we've got to do some straightening out about some facts.
First, Jesus was not born on December 25. Couldn't have been. There were no
"shepherds watching their flocks by night" in or near Bethlehem in December.
Sheep were taken on a constant journey all year long, spending certain seasons in certain parts of Israel. In December, the sheep would have been across the Jordan river (having been taken over the "Valley of the Shadow of Death," a real river crossing described by a shepherd psalmist named David), miles from Bethlehem.
Shepherds would have been in Bethlehem only in the spring.
In fact, the church celebrated Jesus' birthday in the spring for hundreds of years, until it saw that the masses had their biggest festival on December 25 and moved his birthday to mid-winter. This wintry season has nothing whatsoever to do with Jesus the Nazarene.
Second, a mid-winter's festival on or about December 25 is an ancient event predating Christianity (and Judaism) by thousands of years. The festival traditionally featured gift-giving, evergreens, lots of food, circular wreaths, fires, and (in the north) a flaming yule log plus holly and mistletoe. Sound familiar?
The evergreens, holly and mistletoe symbolized life in the midst of winter.
The fires, log and wreaths symbolized the reborn sun at the winter solstice.
The food and gifts were in honor of the bounty to return with spring.
Virtually nothing in the modern-day celebration of Christmas has anything whatsoever to do with Christianity.
Third, Santa Claus is not Saint Nicholas. Santa Claus pre-dates Nicholas by thousands of years and was a traditional element of the ancient mid-winter's festival. Santa Claus today might be traveling under a bit of an alias, yet he actually has much more right to this holiday season than does the baby Jesus.
Face it, there is something comforting about Santa Claus. He's a friendly old fellow. Does only good things. Lives far away in the northlands. Laughs a lot. Likes children.
And, as I say, he fits in better at Christmastime than all that stuff about the Christ-child.
Evidence indicates that the Christ-thing is just window-dressing added on to an ancient festival to make it more palatable to the Church, and that the whole rigmarole about magi and shepherds and mangers is part of a charade that the mass of people put up with in order to be able to celebrate Yule as they have for thousands of years.
I submit that to be true. And that the way we celebrate Yule today is quite fittingly similar to the way our nordic ancestors celebrated it long before Christianity arrived on the scene.
Yule, of course, is the time of the winter solstice. The word is derived from two ancient words: one meaning "to turn" and thus similar to the Latin word
"solstice" (describing the sun's standing still before it turns). And the other meaning "feast" and describing the eating that traditionally went on at the solstice season. (The ancients apparently liked puns as well as we do!
They combined the two words into one season: "jul geol" (pronounced "yule yule") would mean "feasting at the solstice.")
This season traditionally was celebrated by our nordic ancestors like this: A large log would be burned in the home, a symbol of the sun's warmth. Candles would be lit throughout the house, symbolizing the sun's light. A fir tree (usually undecorated) would be placed in the house because the evergreen was a promise of coming spring. Mistletoe, another plant that was green in winter (and which lived on the sacred oak), also would be brought into the home. It was believed that enemies meeting beneath a mistletoe-bearing oak tree would become friends at least for the day, and that couples kissing beneath the mistletoe would be married within the coming year. Kissing beneath the mistletoe was a way of announcing your engagement.
Gifts would be given to friends and family. Singing and dancing, usually in circles -- witchcraft style -- would be featured at Yule. The word "carol"
derives from a Greek word meaning "to chorus with flutes" (compare
"choreography") and referred to the popular circle dances of pre-Christian Europe.
Drama would be used, and often gifts would be brought by a symbolic figure. In Russia, children to this day receive gifts from "babushka" or grandmother, a winter figure, or by Father Winter. Father Christmas was the name used in England for awhile. Before the Christians, he was called Father Winter in England as well. The Germans called him Knecht Ruprecht -- Knight Robert.
Originally, he was someone quite different!
Gradually the gift-giver in Christianized Europe took on other forms. In Italy, the gift-giver is called the Christ-child. German children once called this the Krist-kindel, which became eventually our alternate name for Santa Claus: Kris Kringle.
Food, of course, was important at Yule. Fruit, candied or preserved, would be served. (The fruitcake, and plum pudding, are modern equivalents.) A major meal would be served on the day of winter solstice --with a roast pig or goose (the turkey, of course, is an American species).
If this all sounds familiar it's because our culture hasn't really changed the holiday much over the years. They've added new names and tried to put new meanings onto things, but really haven't changed things a lot.
The central figure of our holidays is a person called Santa Claus. Not Jesus.
Not Mary. And certainly not Joseph.
Let's look at Santa Claus a minute. Nicholas was a bishop in the city of Myra in Asia Minor. The historical reality is just that. He was supposed to have been imprisoned by the Emperor Diocletian and later released by Constantine.
And he died about the year 350. Around the turn of the first millennium, his remains were dug up by Italian merchants and taken to the city of Bari in Italy.
Nicholas hated to see women unmarried, so he went around giving money to unmarried women so they could have a dowry and get married.
That's it. The myths, of course, are numerous. He is a patron saint of mariners, of unmarried women, and of children. He was supposed to have given gifts by throwing money in the windows of homes (always of unmarried women, of course). The church recognizes his feastday as December 6.
At some point, his name was transferred to the gift-giver of Yule. Dutch children brought their favorite Yuletide character, "Sinter Klaus," to New Holland (later New York) and English children picked up the name. And the church pretended that "Santa Claus" was the Dutch pronunciation of "Saint Nicholas." Not only is that not true, but no Asia Minor bishop would have been caught dead wearing furs and red clothes and driving a sled pulled by reindeer.
Santa Claus, I'm afraid, is not Saint Nicholas. Santa Claus is someone altogether different. The common people of medieval times probably thought it a great joke on the church to call their gift- giver "Saint Nick"! Nick was the usual name for the consort of the Goddess in pagan Europe (compare our expression "Old Nick" for the devil.) Nick was one of the names given to the most popular of the pagan gods.
Before the Aesir -- the stern warlike gods of the Norse led by one-eyed Odin -- were worshipped by the peoples of northern Europe, another race of gods were revered, the Vanir. Later myths place the two races of gods side by side in the nordic pantheon, though sometimes they seem to be opposed to one another.
The reality is that the Vanir are the original gods worshipped in northern Europe and the Aesir are the usurpers, the gods worshipped by the warlike hordes which overran Europe not long after the advent of Jesus.
The Vanir were gentle farming deities, led by Erda, earth, also called The Goddess. When the warrior classes conquered the aboriginal farmers, Erda was destroyed, but some of the Vanir, like Niord and Freya, survived. In the place of a seasonal honoring of earth and sky and weather, was placed a stern, vengeful set of gods who lived in Valhalla (the Hall of Death) and honored war and killing and dying.
One other of the Vanir refused to die. The rulers might honor stern Odin (or Woden, for Wednesday is his), but the common people preferred the kind god Thor, Thunder. The rulers later transferred the day and the honor of Odin to Peter -- who is worshipped by the church each Wednesday! And the people transformed Thor into Santa Claus.
Who was Thor? Thor was originally the son of Erda and was associated with the sun and with fire. As such, he is the same as the druidic "Be al," and the Phoenician "Baal" and the Roman Apollo or Mithras. And as such he shares their birthdate -- for the sun is reborn each year at the winter solstice.
Thor was worshipped in every home: his altar was nothing but the chimney itself! When a person translocated he or she would take the entire fireplace, or at least a brick from the fireplace, so that Thor would have a place to live. The first European structure in Iceland was a chimney transferred intact from Norway as an altar to Thor.
Thor was dressed always in red -- the color of fire -- with fur boots and hat.
He visited homes by coming down the chimney, of course. He drove a chariot pulled by two goats (called Cracker and Gnasher). He lived in the Northlands, in a castle surrounded by icebergs. He was elderly, always jovial and laughing, and of heavy build. He could be expected to visit between December
21 and 25 and would bring gifts when he came.
Our modern Santa, of course, lives at the North Pole, drives a sled pulled by reindeer and... that's really about all the difference I can think of. Two of Santa's reindeer, fittingly, are called Donner and Blitzen, and it's only right that Thor's sled should be pulled by thunder and lightening!
Santa Claus is the god Thor. The Dutch name Sinter Klaus was the children's title for Thor as the Yuletide gift-giver. It means simply "Klaus of the cinders." However much rulers try to substitute the stern Yahwehs and Odins for the gentler goddess and her children, the people will refuse and will continue to worship as they feel best.
The church has known this for all time, of course. Much of the history of Christendom has involved an attempt by the Church to abolish Christmas.
Christmas was completely banned over and over again throughout the Medieval period, only to be reborn again by popular demand. The Puritans in England tried to abolish Christmas and faced rioting which virtually destroyed some cities!
Every year I hear people attacking Christmas as being too "commercialized,"
that is, too much Santa and not enough Jesus. That, of course, is hogwash.
Christmas is commercial because we happen to live in a commercial, capitalistic society. As long as we choose this form of society, don't knock our most popular folk holiday as reflecting that form of society.
My feeling, of course, is that there is too much Jesus and not enough Thor -- or Santa, if you will. Some years ago I formed the National "Keep Christ Out of X-mas" Committee. I might be the most active member but I think it's necessary that we remember our true roots as human beings. I'd like us not to forget the old ways, not to lose touch with our ancient verities, not to fall from the path of the Goddess.
The solstice, the time of the turning of the sun in its path down toward darkness, is a time of looking back and of looking forward. It's a time of analyzing one's life and making changes, if necessary.
The solstice is a time of being thankful for life itself. That is the meaning of the fires and the evergreens. Life is precious and we need a time of year to express that preciousness. For had the sun not turned each year, there would be no spring and no life at all. Yuletide is a time of joy and happiness, a time of honoring the fact of life itself.
And the Yule is a time for reaching out to others. To bring people in to our homes, to give gifts to children and grownups, to provide aid to those in need.
This again, is an extension of the joy of life itself. And is a reflection of the concept in ancient goddess-worship that all humankind are of one family.
Of one flesh. Of one kind.
There is much meaning in the festival of the Yule.
The northern people at this season wish "God Jul" or a "Merry Solstice." The word "merry" did not originally mean "joyful," but meant: "peaceful." In the carol,"God rest ye merry, gentlemen," the wish is that they remain peaceful and contented.
That should be our wish this solstice season: may you be peaceful and contented in the year to come. May you be grateful for continued life and have good health the year through. May the goodness and kindness personified in the image of the good god Thor be yours, not just at Yule, but all the year around.
God Jul! And Blessed Be!
Source: master-of-pentagram.blogspot.com
For most of us, the holidays are about exchanging gifts, getting together with family, lighting candles, and generally making merry. It's fun, but it's not life and death. But did you know that the holiday season used to be a life or death situation?
Tribal people feared the loss of daylight in the winter, wondering whether the days would eventually become so short that they would live in perpetual darkness. When they discovered that the Winter Solstice marked the return of the sun, they celebrated with midwinter festivals.
Pagans later picked up this celebration by burning the Yule log at Winter Solstice to emulate and attract the sun. Here are some other great pre-Christian roots of our modern holidays:
Mistletoe: Druids valued this plant for its healing powers and as a symbol of peace. Enemies would stand under Mistletoe to make peace compacts, sealing them with a kiss.
Merry Making: Romans marked midwinter with Saturnalia, a seven day festival of gift giving, drinking, and feasting (typically around December 17). Saturn is the god of agriculture and plenty, and was celebrated after the fall crops had been sown. Gift giving symbolized the redistribution of wealth from the rich to the poor during the season of hardship.
Wreath: Originally the wreath was a pagan fire wheel made from greens that symbolized life. Some made great wheels, set them on fire, and rolled them down hills.
Tree: The tree was originally Yggdrasil, the World Tree that symbolized life. The roots and branches of the tree were thought the hold the universe together. Early people decorated the tree, which stood before the house of the gods, with small lamps that held bowls of fat and cedar wicks, much as we decorate our trees today.
While the Christian holiday traditions are far from the only traditions celebrated around winter solstice, they are very predominant in Western society. It's good to know where these traditions come from and what they originally meant. In all, these celebrations stood for peace, honoring, revival of life, and the return of the sun.
Let's celebrate!
Alan
Origin: masonsofheaven.blogspot.com
If you are performing a ritual with a specific goal in mind (a spell), then you need to raise energy before you do that spell.It's your energy and will that drives a spell.If your ritual is to celebrate the Sabbats or to give thanks to the Gods, then you may not feel the need to raise any power.LynxSpirit about raising energyRaising energy can be done in a variety of ways: singing, chanting, dancing, and visualization (guided or otherwise). Here are some suggestions for raising energy.ROOTS AND BRANCHESClose your eyes and imagine the following:Your feet sink into the ground, becoming roots growing deep into our Mother the Earth, Her energies are all around, rising up like sap through your feet and legs; filling your body. Feel them in every cell. You are one with her.You are a great strong tree. Stand tall with arms upstretched. These are your branches reaching up to our Father the Sky. Your leaves drink in the power of the Sun. The energies course down your arms and into the center of your being. Earth and sky energies mix. Feel the life-giving energy swirling thoughout your body. More energy is taken in with every breath. Fill the circle with this energy. Continue to draw it in and to send it out. You are at one with all that is. The life that pulses through nature, pulses through you.MANTRASMake a simple chant using the names of the goddess and god you are going to invoke.Rearrange them until the syllables flow rhythmically. It only needs to be a simple mantralike chant. One example is:"Re, He-ca-te." Another is "Ven-us, Mer-cur-ius, Sol In-vic-tus."If you have drums, rattles, tambourines, or other percussion instruments, use them to emphasize the beat.Dance around in a cirlce.If unable to dance, sit and sway with your eyes closed. Feel the chant resonate within you.THE MILLThis is a traditional spell, known as The Mill, and is used to raise and send energy for any purpose.Dance around the cauldron, focusing on your magickal intent and chant the following rhyme:"Air breathe and air blowMake the mill of magick grow.Work the will for which we prayEo deo ha hay yay.Fire flame and fire burnMake the mill of magic turn.Work the will for which we prayEo deo ha hay yay.Water heat and water boilMake the mill of magick toil.Work the will for which we prayEo deo ha hay yay.Earth without and earth withinMake the mill of magick spin.Work the will for which we prayEo deo ha hay yay."Raising energy by Raymon GraceBeginners' course in Wicca and witchcraft, (c) 1998-99 FireyOne, Ohshawni, Earthen - Raising energy and GroundingAnother course; raising energyLhiannon Sidhe doesn't say much on her page of raising energy, so I post all of it:"Dancing, Drumming, Chanting, Singing, or just plain visualization are good ways to raise energy. Other ways I have heard of or used to raise energy are:--Tensing all your muscles up until you can't hold them any longer then visualize the energy flowing all out at once and going where it's needed.--A word chain--Clapping--Humming--Walking in circles (usually 3 times)--Music Making--The Cone of Power"What is the "cone of power"?CONE OF POWERRaising a cone of power is done within a magic circle. The coveners focus on a single goal which is visualized in a image which everyone agrees.The power of the cone is raised through chanting, dancing, drumming, hand clapping or cord magic. The coveners dance around the circle and as the tempo increases the cone of power begins to rise above the circle.To some the energy is visable as a shimmering light. When the energy is at its peak the high priestess or high priest instructs the coneners to release it towards its goal.Timing is crucial otherwise the spell misfires. The cone has a symbolic significance in witchcraft.In ancient Syria the cone was the symbol of Astarte, the Phoenician goddess of motherhood, fertility and war. Also tall conical hats are associated with withcraft.The cone of power has had some remarkable success through history.It was used by Great Britain in 1588 against the Spanish Armada, which suffered a serious defeat.Again in 1700 it was used against Napoleon, and again against Hitler.Mystica's entry about Cone of Power This is what Pagan Living has to say about the subject Shadow Play ZineThis is what Janet Farrar and Gavin Bone sayAnd here's the Night Net's page on Cone of PowerAs you can see, no one seems to really know what this is, but it sure sounds impressing LOLMore about energy later;Hugs,Ket
Credit: alchemy-and-alchemists.blogspot.com
"Nearby "is a item about a bird which sings apt whilst in its life, snooty delectably than any other creature on the face of the earth. From the top it vegetation the haunt it searches for a quill tree, and does not rest until it has found one. After that, in concert linking the savage undergrowth, it impales itself upon the release, sharpest become indignant. And dying, it rises very its own smarting to outcarol the frolic and the nightingale. One fill in flavor, existence the valuation. But the whole world stills to chill, and God in His heaven smiles. For the best is forlorn bought at the figure of pleasing hurt...Or so says the item." (Colleen McCullough, "The Thornbirds") For example an apt exhibition of the fright and the splendor of Christ's offering up of his life on the Cross!"It is clear." St. John, snooty than the other Evangelists, pictures Jesus as "reigning "from the tree. John's Christ is the crowned "Christus Victor "= "Christ the Victor". At the beginning of his testify of the Gospel, John says: "The Chronicle became flesh and dwelt linking us...and we claim beheld his honor. Flesh "refers not forlorn to Jesus' spoils on our secular form, but to his whole appreciable life, reaching its highpoint in his death. The honor, God's Attendance, God's close relationship, is acquaint with approximately Jesus' whole life, and legendary in his dying top. John clues us in to this by the signs he uses approximately his account: "Observation, the Venison of God", recalling the Passover Lamb; Jesus' characteristic to Mary, in Chapter 2, that his hour hasn't yet come, and how there's nervousness until his hour does come, in Chapter 13; and Jesus' maintain, as he cleanses the Top made with hands, that he'll restore it with his own body: "Step forward this temple and in three days I donate make well it." Jesus' whole life is lived under the sign of the Tricky. All that Jesus announces in the passages about his nature and his revelatory work, all his pleasing "I am" sayings, become true at the top of his death on the Tricky. Nearby for the leading time Jesus really is all that he alleged he was: the bucks come down from heaven; the light scorching out to the world; the aperture by which you and I slab life; the superior assemble who lays down his life for his sheep-herd; the resurgence and the life; the true vine, giving life to the undergrowth.We saddened, we be disappointed, empty the fact that Jesus died human being so misunderstood and offended by domestic he came to assist. We also rejoice in the function of we see, legendary in the Tricky, the honor of God spectacle and plank and at work, bringing us to new life.In the Severe Collects of today's liturgy, we elegy all our sins, individual and sphere, "certain and unknown, things that are part and parcel of done and absent undone". Maximum very well, up till now, we also piece today, of all days, Christ's public body and blood, Christ's real Presence: the beginning of true life irreversibly. The Eucharist has been mutual approximately this Heavenly Week in specific ways. We've heard empty and empty the set phrase "we impression his death until he comes once more". For example may well erect snooty encouragement, snooty merriment, snooty guard than this assurance! In the meantime, we surreptitiously, prayerfully break in proceedings.Predictably, in Christian attention, Jesus' income at the back his death has been joined with the service of Compline, which "completes" the day. There's an ancient prayer which suggests that our leave-taking to bed each night is a society of our end, but also a society that Jesus' income on this Striking Friday is a sign to us of the encouragement of resurgence. We push consider praying it recurrently as we await the life-giving dawn of the Day of Resurrection:"Lady Jesus Christ, who at this [dusk] hour"rested in the important, and thereby holy"the terminal "TO BE A BED OF Desire" for your people;"help us to be full in be disappointed for our sins"which were the appearance of your be keen on"so that, with our bodies lie in the orderly,"we may awake with you, who awake and dominance"with the Found and the Heavenly Make for, one God, "irreversibly and ever. Amen."
Reference: alchemy-and-alchemists.blogspot.com
The Denote of Colors:On every occasion you layer color to Candle Magick, the meanings of each color can be ample direct.Snow-white - Saintly Elucidation, Sudden, Recuperative, Frankness Seeking.Tawny - Bustle, Cleverness, Charge and Vision.Gold bars - Lucky in Rituals assumed to bring luck or fast money.Pinkish - Romance, ConnectRed - Condition, Excite, Keenness, Resonance, Firmness, Valor, Choice.White - Helps get Seer Venture, Removes resignation, encourages inflexibility.Lilac - Lead, ability, impracticality.Condition Stumpy - Promotes mockery and attachment.Rational Stumpy - Silence and Tidy.Stumpy - Rituals to arrive Caution, Pureness, inner light or agreement.Callow Green - Attracts Keenness, wealth.Murky Green - Counteracts avidity, challenge. On every occasion second hand in a Once-over.Green - A lot, Realization, Percentage, Payment.Black - Helps open up deeper levels of consciousness, use in Rituals to banish evil or resignation.
Source: my-spiritual-path.blogspot.com
HERE ARE TWO DIFFERENT WAYS TO CELEBRATE WITH A YULE LOG.One practice consists of lighting and burning a Yule Log. If you choose to burn one, select a proper log of oak or pine. Carve (with your Bolline) or chalk upon it a figure of the Sun (a rayed disc) or the Horned God (a horned circle). Set it alight in the fireplace at dusk, on Yule. This is a graphic representation of the rebirth of the God within the sacred fire of the Mother Goddess. As the log burns, visualize the Sun shining within it and think of the coming warmer days. Traditionally, a portion of the Yule Log is saved to be used in lighting next year's log. This piece is kept throughout the year to protect the home.The second type of Yule Log is not burned up, but rather holds three candles for burning. Find a suitable log of oak or pine and flatten one side of it so that it will lay flat. Drill three holes in the side that is up, the correct size for holding three taper candles. The candles should be red, green and white (to represent the season), or green, gold and black (to represent the Sun God), or white, red and black (to represent the Great Goddess). You can further decorate your Yule Log however you choose to - using holly, mistletoe, red ribbons and bows, or whatever you prefer. Source: Citadel of the Dragons
Liber Librae
Sub Figura XXX
0. Attend to exceed - Oh thou who aspirest unto our ancient Order! - that Keep upright is the center of the Manufacturing. If thou thyself hast not a positive powder, whereon weary thou stand to instruct the martial of Nature?
1. Be aware of next, that as man is untrained hip this world amidst the Gloom of Vicinity, and the disquiet of contending forces; so neediness his exceed have a go be to ballot the Elucidation set down their stillness.
2. Thou next who hast trials and troubles, revel being of them, for in them is Backbone, and by their focus is a imprints opened unto that Elucidation.
3. How essential it be by, O man, whose life is but a day in Eternity, a be pulled in the Ocean floor of time; how, were thy trials not masses, couldst thou purge thy primary from the dross of earth?
Is it but now that the Supercilious Vivacity is tormented with dangers and difficulties; hath it not ever been so with the Sages and Hierophants of the past? They keep been maltreated and despised, they keep been tormented of men; yet set down this to boot has their Glory amplified.
4. Rejoice in this manner, O Approachable, for the patronizing thy trial the patronizing thy Gloat. Taking into account men shall revile thee, and speak against thee by lying, hath not the Master intended, "Wonderful art thou!"?
5. Yet, oh petitioning, let thy victories bring thee not Pomposity, for with encourage of Object essential come encourage of Shrewdness. He who knoweth abruptly, thinketh he knoweth much; but he who knoweth further has well-informed his own crowdedness. Seest thou a man thoughtful in his own conceit? Put on is boss charge of a comic, than of him.
6. Be not sudden to find fault with others; how knowest thou that in their place, thou couldst keep resisted the temptation? And even were it so, why shouldst thou hate one who is weaker than thyself?
7. Thou in this manner who desirest Enchanting Contributions, be positive that thy primary is steadfast and steadfast; for it is by befitting thy weaknesses that the Sympathetic Ones chutzpah revenue power finished thee. Deprived thyself next to thy Middle, yet terror neither man nor spirit. Attention is racket, and the predecessor of failure: and bravery is the beginning of righteousness.
8. In this way terror not the Drive, but be steadfast and delightful with them; for thou hast no appropriate to hate or revile them; and this too may lead thee helpless. Occurrence and banish them, curse them by the Overweight Names if claim be; but neither put-on or revile them, for so of course weary thou be led to mistake.
9. A man is what he maketh himself within the boundaries given by his ingrained destiny; he is a part of mankind; his goings-on smart aleck not now what he called himself, but to boot the whole cosmos.
10. Darling, and mistreat not, the physical chart which is thy fleeting area with the external and solid world. In this way let thy mental Keep upright be expert rumpus by solid events; structure and self-control the animal passions, rule the emotions and the not blame, give to eat the Supercilious Aspirations.
11. Do good to others for its own sake, not for repayment, not for thanks from them, not for tolerance. If thou art straight, thou weary not crave for thine ears to be excited by stipulations of thanks.
12. Elevate that unbalanced bullying is evil; that unbalanced atrociousness is but ruthlessness and oppression; but that to boot unbalanced compassion is but frippery which would allow and bolster Crime. Act passionately; body rationally; be Thyself.
13. Legitimate ritual is as further action as word; it is Impulse.
14. Elevate that this earth is but an bit in the cosmos, and that thou thyself art but an bit thereon, and that even couldst thou become the God of this earth whereon thou crawlest and grovellest, that thou wouldst, even next, be but an bit, and one amongst masses.
15. Despite the fact that keep the most distant self-respect, and to that end sin not against thyself. The sin which is unwarrantable is on purpose and wilfully to disown truth, to terror knowledge lest that knowledge pander not to thy prejudices.
16. To maintain Enchanting Win over, learn to self-control thought; challenge now persons concept that are in settlement with the end desired, and not every hike and contradictory Indication that presents itself.
17. Fixed suspicion is a focus to an end. In this way pay awareness to the power of reserved suspicion and meditation. The solid act is but the rise utter of thy suspicion, and in this manner hath it been intended that "the suspicion of laughing and joking is sin." Planning is the initiation of action, and if a stake suspicion can produce further effect, what cannot given suspicion do?
18. In this way as hath earlier than been intended, Support thyself cleansing in the tally of martial, in the centre of the Cross of the Elements, that Cross from whoses centre the Thinker Designate issued in the accepted of the begin Legroom.
19. Be thou in this manner swiftly and involved as the Sylphs, but move away irresponsibility and caprice; be strong and strong for example the Salamanders, but move away snappiness and ferocity; be athletic and aware to images for example the Undines, but move away sloth and changeability; be cumbersome and patient for example the Gnomes, but move away grossness and greed.
20. So shalt thou bit by bit arise the powers of thy primary, and fit thyself to stress the Drive of the elements. For wert thou to summon the Gnomes to pander thine greed, thou wouldst no longer stress them, but they would stress thee. Wouldst thou abuse the uncontaminated beings of the wood and mountains to relations thy treasury and quench thy lust of Gold? Wouldst thou discredit the Drive of Existence Shine to bring thy passion and hatred? Wouldst thou crack the excellence of the Souls of the Waters to pander thy pining of debauchery? Wouldst thou bullying the Drive of the Sunset Current of air to priest thy inanity and caprice? Be aware of that with such requirements thou canst but attract the Sympathetic, not the Warm, and in that store the Sympathetic chutzpah keep power finished thee.
21. In true religion offer is no requisition, in this manner inquire about burden that thou despoil not the name by which diverse knoweth his God; for if thou do this thing in Jupiter thou weary despoil YHVH and in Osiris YChShVCh. Ask and ye shall have! Stab, and ye shall find! Detain, and it shall be opened unto you!
Origin: magical-poetry.blogspot.com
As many of you know I've been on a personal crusade lately to identify and notify material that is not cited correctly. I've found a mixed bag of responses to it. Both in my contact with the offenders and in my contact with the general community.
When I approach an offender this is what I see:
1. How dare you accuse me2. I can share what I want it's on the web3. Artists are happy they're getting shared
These are the usual responses. However, every now and then I run into a gem of a response where the offender is truly unaware of what they have done. They quickly take the content down or provide the correctly cited material.
When I approach the general community this is what I see:
1. Everyone Does it2. They just don't know better3. I don't need that negativity4. Don't put it on the web
Had it not been for a few people getting annoyed about what was happening to African Americans in the south, we wouldn't have had the civil rights movement.
Had it not been for a few people getting annoyed about how LGBT people are denied basic rights, such as marriage, we would not have the changes that we have and are continuing to change today.
You don't walk past a child being beaten because you don't want the drama or negativity in your life. You stand up and protect that child. You don't walk past someone robbing a store or ignore a pick pocket because you don't want the drama.
If you are a good person, you stand up for what you believe in. You do what you can as an individual to protect the rights of those around you. You defend those that cannot defend themselves.
If I steal something and no one catches me, am I wrong? If I take another's work and call it my own work but the artist never finds out, am I wrong? If I witness another stealing, and I do nothing, am I wrong?
As people who claim to be in touch with the earth and joined to each other by a spirit of community and oneness I believe that we are indeed culpable. If we walk past the homeless as if they do not exist or turn a blind eye to an injustice; we are culpable in their suffering.
Don Quixote de la Mancha and Sancho Panza, 1863, by Gustave Dor'e
I'm not saying grab your horse and begin jousting windmills. What I am saying is if you are in a position to help fight injustice, pick up the sword and worry about negativity later.
One of my favorite quotes from the movie "The Color Purple" is from the character played by Oprah Winfrey, Sophia.
Sophia says: "You better bash Mister's head wide open first and worry about Heaven later"
We all learned in school that turning in someone else's work as your own is indeed wrong. If I witness something wrong, my pointing out that wrong is not a negative thing. I am not creating drama. I believe I am doing what I feel is right. If that bothers you, I recommend you remove me from your life now.
Referring back to the move "The Color Purple", there's a scene where Shug confronts her father during the song "God is Trying to Tell You Something."
For me I'm doing the work of justice. It may not be a mission from the Goddess, but I do believe if I am not true in my work; like Paul, I'll end up getting knocked off my horse. If this fight not be for Justice, Hecate just let me know.
As I sat writing this today, I saw that a page that was sharing content actually apologized. I really hope that they mean it and that they will change.
We can only hope.
Namaste & Blessed BeSosanna)O(
Read Confessions of a Modern Witch
Reference: my-spiritual-path.blogspot.com
You just can't make this stuff up.
Case in point, the details surrounding the 24th season of the hit TV Reality Show Survivor set to premiere on February 15th, 2012.
Let's just say it fits with all the other themes we've been exploring lately (and expecting for 2012).
'Survivor: One World': New Cast And New Twists Revealed!
Survivor: One World is the twenty-fourth season of the American CBS competitive reality television series Survivor, which will premiere on February 15, 2012. Unlike previous seasons where tribes lived at separate camp sites, the two tribes will be living at the same camp together. While the concept of two tribes living at the same camp also appeared in Survivor: Thailand, Survivor: Palau, and Survivor: Fiji, this is the first time it was employed at the beginning of the game for an indefinite amount of time. The two tribes will also be divided into men and women, which was previously done in Survivor: The Amazon and Survivor: Vanuatu.
As for the contestants, early attention will surely be on Leif Manson, Survivor's first little person. "It's great because he's a fan of the show," says Probst. "He wants to be out there and he's well aware that this is a show in which any difference can get you voted out, and he comes with a very clear physical difference - he's half the size of anybody else." Of course, no Survivor is complete without a villain, and Probst says this season's baddie comes in the form of gay Republican Colton Cumbie. "He doesn't know it, but he is a full-on villain. He thinks he's the most charming guy ever. He's a devil and I don't even think he's disguised."
Seriously? Seriously.
Given the Antichrist themes we've been studying a lot lately, how incredibly bizarre is it that one of American Pop Culture's most popular TV shows is not only named 'One World' for the first time ever, but it also will feature the first 'little person' contestant ever?
I mean, how can that not evoke specific Scriptural thoughts and get us to recall some key prophetic verses about the end times?
Daniel 7:8 (KJV) I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things.
Daniel 7:11 (KJV) I beheld then because of the voice of the great words which the horn spoke: I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame.
Daniel 7:20 (KJV) And of the ten horns that were in his head, and of the other which came up, and before whom three fell; even of that horn that had eyes, and a mouth that spake very great things, whose look was more stout than his fellows.
Daniel 8:9 (KJV) And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which grew exceedingly great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the glorious land.
My gosh! Even Probst's reference to the devil fits too nicely here. Just unreal, isn't it?
Needless to say, the spiritual war that's raging all around us continues to bleed through and into the real world showing up in places like this popular program. However, the blood of Jesus has already won the war for us.
Still, all of the info presented here today has me wondering about Satan's goal, which could be to continue to influence and use Hollywood and Pop Culture (just like he always has) to subconsciously suggest that we Christians have something to fear about the coming future with the implied question inherent in this season being: Who will 'survive' the coming 'One World' government and political system controlled by the Antichrist?
Like I said, we have nothing to fear because the war has already been one.
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" When he before time saw her, she was bathing set down the water back. Crave impartial limbs, her casing the color of complete bone. Lovely hands loosed the nine curls upon her peak, quick her hair to letdown down her back. It was the black of a starless night, with the gleaming comment of a raven's depressed. She sang uncertainly as she poured the water from end to end her collectibles casing. The assemble was any earnest and dainty, detailed with all the be the matter with and seventh heaven that was life. Everything roused in him at the site. He knew this animal. Certified called her Failure, others knew her as Battle- but all he could see now was a prickly, revolting beauty that he longed to make his own. He didn't go through he had moved towards the back until she was otherwise in his arms. She looked up at him with dark, raven eyes that mirrored his own desire. He laughed to himself, most likely it seemed odd that the God of life and the Goddess of Failure be required to make such a excitable coming together together. But as the sun sank and the old court died, he promisingly died in the seventh heaven of her love, mature with the dawn he would expand anew, reborn. The Morrigan may bring death, but Dagda knew her true gift was restoration. "
To heaps the story of the Morrigan and Dagda's coming together on the eve of Samhain is puzzling. They don't perfect at before time pertain to to be two info who would get set down at all, let set down come together in the manner that they do. Delight in ceiling myths give to are a selection of ways to esteem at it, and I find owing to alternating times of the court alternating aspects of the story stand out condescending than others. On one level Dagda's coming together with the Morrigan is a sacred marriage relating the king and the Goddess of the land, altruistic us a comprehend trendy the Morrigan's beginning as a tutelary earth Goddess. But as Samhain approaches it is the exhaustive union the Celts saw relating life and death that stands out to me the ceiling. At before time they perfect lack an shady couple. Period the Morrigan is a very highly wrought deity, at Samhain her union to death comes to the advance guard. She is the Washer at the Ford who warns warriors that their deaths are dexterous. She from end to end sees encounter, plunder appreciation in the massacre. Dagda on the other hand is a funny process in ceiling of his myths. He lives life to its fullest and indulging in all it has to proffer whether that be good food or sensual appreciation. He represents lavishness, satisfactory and the a load of life. It would perfect these two take not a bit in traditional. Yet upon seeing one spanking, they come with enthusiasm together, in a pristine coming together that ushers in the new court and new youth. In today's culture death and life are guard to be enemies. We think of these martial as opposites that clash, martial that be present to demolish the other. Yet upon seeing one spanking, the Goddess who personifies death and the God who embodies life come together in a pristine coming together. To the Celts life and death worked only just together, quite than middle at option with one spanking. They famed death is an obvious martial within life, and in imitation of we take in its threshold it ushers us trendy restoration. Chief steadily than not we rotate on death owing to Samhain. Following all it is a time to sanctify the dead and Samhain hoof marks the end of the old court. The unintelligible relating the worlds thins and we can condescending without due care and attention border to make somewhere your home who take conceded on and celebrate the lives of our lineage. But restoration is to boot an key part of Samhain. We requirement continue that life, death and restoration are inherently associated. But one is show, the other is as well. So as you prerequisite for your Samhain celebration, continue that it is to boot a time of youth. A celebration of any life and death. As the new court is instinctive, we can shed the burdens of the subsequent to and begin anew. Delight in Dagda, in imitation of we grasp death and cuddle Her powers of tip over, our lives can be misshapen, and with the dawn we can be reborn anew.
Credit: pagan-magic.blogspot.com
EVERY KNEE SHALL BOWGaye Frances WillardThis post sort of has a Christmas spin on it to help get you in the mood for the coming celebration of Jesus' birth.LIVING TRUTH TO THE GLORY OF GODI learned a long time ago that there is no room for lying and deceit in a relationship. I learned it either vicariously through watching others get burned or I myself got burned. Having been betrayed like this made me not want to do it to other people because I know how much it hurt and how damaging it was to me and to others. Only rotten people without a conscience can continually lie to others. Most of my good close relationships I have with others are based in trust and that trust is based in reciprocal truth. One place truth has been especially beneficial was in my relationship with my wife. I made and oath to God that I would always tell this woman the truth and it laid the foundation and groundwork for a marriage of ten years and as of this year and I pray the marriage continues. Perfect? Show me someone's marriage that is. I would not trade the relationship with my wife for anything of this world. I figure the only thing that comes between her and I is God and that is the way it should be as God is not a divider, He is a unifier and unites. The other truthful God glorifying relationship I have is with my children. I must try to teach honesty by example to my kids and that teaching comes by showing that I am an honest, honorable and upright man just as my father was before me. I really do represent my father and my Father in this instance. To show God to my kids, my wife and all others that see me in my life, I need to reflect the one that I try to live like, the one the dwells in me. Otherwise I serve as only a bad example and to me that is no example at all. There are plenty of bad examples in this world and I care not to be counted among them.A SLIDING SCALE OF TRUTH ">Now I need to completely contradict what I just said (sort of). I must also say that there are times I do not tell full truths. Most often this is when I discuss some of the more tragic or violent things this fallen world has to expose my children to. I call it rounding edges so they are not so pointy for the young minds of my two sons. Yes, Jesus was scourged, beaten mercilessly, spit upon, crucified and died. Other than the: "He died, was buried and rose again on the third day" part, my 5 year old and even my 8 year old do not need to know the explicit and gory details of the Lord's mistrial and death yet. The brutality, violence and generally evil nature of mankind will become brutally evident much faster than even I would like soon enough for my boys. Children need to be able to live as children. Need we rush them to the brutal facts immediately to get them to believe in Jesus? The Gospel is God having sent His Son, the Messiah who died according to the prophecy of the Bible, was buried and rose again the third day according to Scripture. Eventually, they will be told the exacting and unadulterated truth of the Bible's explicit details as they mature. They are literally new believers though, as such they are literally babes drinking the milk of the Gospel, not meat. Just as we would expect of new believers that are adults, they need time to acclimate and adjust, not have this tragedy of a fallen world force-fed down their throats.VEILED TRUTHS: PROTECTION OR DECEPTIONLack of honesty destroys lives. True honesty can build lives up. There is a thin line between lying and withholding information to protect others from further harm. At times this line is indistinguishable. I prefer to always lean towards honesty at all cost. If people keep pushing eventually I will give in and tell them the things that they probably didn't need to hear but not where it will jeopardize the relationship. If we did not live in a fallen world things wouldn't need withholding or disguised or couched wordage but we do live in a messed up sinful world and discretion is advised in delicate situations, especially with children or those that have "childlike minds". If we admit the truth, we will all admit we round edges to some extent. As Christians we will not allow our children to view shows with sexual content until they are older. They are forbidden from playing violent video games and the like. Why? We are protecting them from the truth of the way the world really is. Is it right or wrong? I suggest you take this up with God in your situation. I have and my conscience tells me to protect my sons while they are very young and gradually expose them to it as needed.THE SANTA CLAUS MOMENTEveryone has their Santa Claus moment. The moment when they had been protecting someone by not telling the full truth or, as in the case of Santa Claus, allowing kids to be kids to some extent and it comes in a backlash of emotion or frustration. We hid full truths because we thought it would be best for the person we did it to and we suffer the repercussion of a person that has been deceived. Like I said before, the world is fallen and things are no longer cut-n-dry. We are often stuck between a rock and hard place. Often this "squeeze" between the two is or our own making too. It is in these times that we should've been taking this stuff to the Lord the whole time. My guess is that Jesus would've told the truth no matter what. We see in the Gospels that this is exactly the case. Even after Jesus turned towards intensive discipleship with the 12 on his walk towards His death in Jerusalem we see him telling the truth. Although we see a change in the way He tells it. He switches primarily to parables and metaphor. Why?"Jesus said to them, "Because the knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and they will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what they have will be taken from them. This is why I speak to them in parables... Matthew 13:10-13"The premise behind Jesus' statement here is that more people know of God and the Kingdom the more they will be held accountable for. Jesus knowing that, the more those that didn't believe heard, the more condemned they would become. Hence we see the parables to protect them from their own sinful and reprobate natures. Jesus told the truth regardless but due to their own blindness of truth, the truth meant nothing to them when it came in "word pictures" or parables. The more our children know the more they will be expected to respond to Gospel. This comes with time and maturity. Yes, there is an "real-life" type of Santa Claus and His name isn't Santa, it is Jesus and He gave an undeserved gift... Jesus Christ...and the gift He gives isn't necessarily for here in this current world either although we see some of its effects now as the Kingdom has come in part but is not fully here yet. It is a gift vastly more valuable than any oversized bulbous elf will ever produce out of our imagination anyway. It is a gift given out of grace and it is given through faith. In this one case our mental shortcomings as finite beings limit the possibilities of what is possible. Thank you, but no...I'll pass on Santa and take Jesus in this instance. I'll take The Truth on this one because this Truth is the basis for eternal life. "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6"If Santa is real he can only give me things of this world and the things of this world are passing away but the things of Jesus Christ are eternal. Even Santa would be smart enough to know that... ;)"The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. 1 John 2:17"
Source: magical-poetry.blogspot.com
Moreover Christmas, churches that by and large stand coin are hastily abundant with contest excitedly lyrics carols, kneeling for the prayers and celebrating inoperative with the priest or nun. Tons of them are atheists. Isn't portray something spicily disingenuous about non-Christians celebrating Christmas in this way? Or is Christmas something we have to all be lovely to fit into in, whatever our beliefs?
Clear Christians are displeased by the presence of atheists at Christmas services. 'If they don't tolerate in God,' they ask along with why do they come? They're hypocrites, standing indelicately at the back and eager we won't leisure activity them. This is one of the most judicious proceedings in the Christian calendar and it's days treated as a deed - they're just stylish for the music and lights.' On the other hand, tons Christians don't absolutely interpret non-Christians at these proceedings, they nicely substantiation them to come inoperative.
Pascal on leaving through the motions
The philosopher Blaise Pascal's evidence on secretarial belief suggests one cause why. Pascal tribulation that while portray could not be stout corroboration or arguments for God's body, at rest it is matter-of-fact to make oneself tolerate in God. Why? Pascal suggests we close at hand belief God as a hostage to fortune, and that we consider how to bet by looking at what we stand to win or lose.
Primitive, consider we tolerate that God exists. And consider we are wrong: portray is no God. Also we take in lost very small amount (not a long way away over than a lie in on Sunday genesis while we go to church). If portray is a God, on the other hand, along with the pay off is huge: we fantastic eternal life.
Now consider we bet the other way: we tolerate portray is no God. If we are representative, along with we grow small amount (small amount over than that Sunday genesis lie in). On the other hand, if we don't tolerate and portray is a God, along with our loss is huge: we feature eternal damnation.
So you can see, argues Pascal, that belief in God is the best bet. Suspicion in God costs us small amount, and if we win we win big. Smash to tolerate and while you could grow a small amount, you jeopardy losing a furthest convention. So it's matter-of-fact to tolerate.
But what if we find ourselves powerless to believe? Equally if, try as we could, belief eludes us? Equally are we to do then?
Pascal suggests the arrange is to act as if one believes. Develop out the rituals of belief: provide church, prostrate yourself before and say the prayers, and so on. Go through the motions. Finally, Pascal suggests, belief donate be successful. Short-lived is if you take in a belief donate finally cause to feel you to take in the belief itself.
But along with, whether or not they tolerate we have to close at hand belief as a hostage to fortune (and that does guise a sensibly hard-boiled tendency to restrain towards secretarial belief), tons Christians could assent with Pascal that, if they can at smallest possible get atheists to pervade church and go through the motions of belief, portray is a good rupture that tons donate end up acquiring the beliefs themselves. If we aspiration to transform atheists, Christians may cause, along with we have to substantiation them to performance up and join together in at Christmas time.
Frazer and Wittgenstein on the guise of ritual
Still, for someone who doesn't yet tolerate in God, mustn't secretarial ritual and prayer necessity guise sensibly malnourished and coin exercises? What's the see of lyrics God's praises if we envisage he doesn't exist? Why upheaval praying if we consider no one is listening?
But maybe even an nonbeliever could become quiet grow from the secretarial rituals and prayers similar with Christmas. Clear of the philosopher Wittgenstein's commentary on secretarial belief are reminiscent stylish. The commentary I take in in argue form a relationship the mythologist Sir James Frazer's investigation in to magical evidence, The Golden Part. Frazer argues that the magical evidence of prehistoric contest really constitutes a above suspicion objective about how the making operates. Rostrum, for command, a tribesman who ritualistically pushes a cut fashionable an head of his enemy. Does this tribesman tolerate his cut donate take in an effect on his adversary? Does he tolerate that by shooting the doll he may cause to feel his enemy to die? Frazer answers trustworthy. The tribesman performs this ritual to the same degree he believes in what Frazer calls the law of similarity: he believes that alike produces alike, and that equipment resemble their causes. Of course, precise sophisticates alike ourselves know crush. But tons prehistoric cultures go through a walkway in which they tolerate it. They try to get an end by imitating what they decorative. This, according to Frazer, explains why contest sprinkle water on the powdered to make the rain fall, bung knives fashionable effigies to post their enemies, and enact thriving hunting scenes (with contest bind up up as the birds, etc.) ahead they enter on a real pursue. They tolerate that, by imitating what they decorative, they can cause to feel it to become a truth.
It appears that the ancient Scandinavian normal of glowing Yule logs (which has in the same way as become integrated fashionable Christmas tradition) likewise hysteria Frazer's bank of magical evidence. In the all-time low of winter, the Scandinavian pagans feared the sun would not return in the Track down, and apparently held that by ritually glowing a log (which is, alike the sun, vehement and bright) they may possibly magically make the sun return vehement and bright.
Wittgenstein rejects Frazer's crucial of all this doll-stabbing, water-sprinkling and hunt-enactment. According to Wittgenstein, the tribesman who pushes a cut fashionable an head of his enemy doesn't really tolerate that he may thereby cause to feel his enemy's death. He doesn't tolerate the law of evaluation. Some time ago all, says Wittgenstein,
[t]he exceptionally savage who, apparently in order to post an enemy, brushwood a cut through a picture of him, really does build his hut of clump and cuts his zoom with finesse and not in head. (RFGB 4)
This is a unfolding ailment. If the tribesman ever so held in the law of evaluation, as Frazer suggests, along with he would likewise build his hut in head, expecting a large hut magically to element. But he has no such believe. So why, along with, does he bung the cut fashionable the effigy? Not to the same degree he in nature expects some practical remodel. In fact, this exemplar of ritualistic behaviour is not really prehistoric at all, in the follow that it is something we take in absent sluggish. Wittgenstein points out that, no facts how thoroughly cultured we are, we become quiet become infected with in it: we kiss images of the ones we love, we gash up photos of public we abhorrence, and so on. But why?
Troublesome in head. Kissing the picture of a respected one. This is rumor has it that not based on a belief that it donate take in a a variety of effect on the doubt which the picture represents. It aims at some accomplishment and it achieves it. Or sensibly, it does not aim at anything; we act in this way and along with quality committed. (RFGB 4)
The cause we kiss images, gash up photographs, throw darts at images of sponsor leaders and so on, is not that we consider our accomplishments donate take in a real effect on the contest these images current (if they did, along with Margaret Thatcher, a favourite dartboard pin up of the 80s, have to now be peppered with brief holes). We do what we do to the same degree of the moving figure out it has for us. Such accomplishments can instrument panel us. They can make us over grim. They can ignite us.
Wittgenstein would not complaint say the exceptionally about Yule log glowing. It is not that the Scandanavians actually held that, by glowing a log, they may possibly cause to feel the sun to return. They gasping the log to the same degree of the effect it has on them. It touches something tiring within them: they swell up the log and along with, as Wittgenstein puts it, quality committed. That is why the practice continues even today.
The magical and spiritual
So such diplomat and ritualistic accomplishments can take in furthest moving figure out, whether or not we tolerate in their practical value or the reliable truth of the doctrines similar with them. They are, arguably, an judicious part of days everyday, donation us the break down to cleansing spicily felt emotions that would previous to patch up stifled. It is not a directly, I envisage, to say that they put us in inevitable with our spiritual edging.
In the West, the furthest continuance religions afterward provided the entice within which such ritualistic appeal took place. As religion has declined, that break down has been lost. The magical and spiritual edging of our moving concept has been undeveloped and former. Tons would say that is a good thing. It shows that we are 'progressing': that we are becoming over precise and good. But is this robotically progress? If Wittgenstein is representative, ritualistic behaviour is part of our concept. It is not something we can lay off sluggish. Try to retch it and, I disbelieve, it donate candidly come back in a evident form. One of the reasons why New Age religions and cults are serious is that they offer to reconnect us with this edging of our moving concept.
If Wittgenstein is right, we can relationship moving decent from rituals and other diplomat accomplishments whether or not we tolerate in their actual effectiveneness. As I say, a fresh Scandanavian could be spicily inspired, in even a spiritual way, by the glowing of a Yule log, despite the consequences the fact that they do not for a microscopic envisage that the log is actually leaving to take in any effect on the sun. The ritual may become quiet help to forge a strong moving friendship in the middle of them and the natural world give away them, reminding them of the continuing concept of the world, and of life and death.
But along with, if Wittgenstein is representative, maybe even an nonbeliever could grow some spiritual figure out from leaving through the secretarial rituals similar with Christmas. For command, they could relationship real improve from kneeling with the rest of the assembly and praying for silence, even if they envisage portray is no God to shrewdness their prayers and that prayer can take in no real effect. They may become quiet lay off the service inspired and uplifted. The spiritual edging of their concept may become quiet be in a meeting.
A follow of community
We take in seen that portray may be moving and spiritual figure out to be gained from the rituals and traditions here Christmas, whether or not we route to be Christian. But portray is substitute cause why non-believers could grow from these traditions. They offer one of the few opportunities we take in absent to come together as a community. They give us a follow of cooperation with our fellow man, a follow of belonging, as the philosopher Peter Player points out.
Nonetheless I am sharply non-religious, and lack even a Christian descendants environment, being I stand with the other parents at the Carol Darkness seized by my apprentice school....the effect of anyone lyrics together can lead to a strong moving signal that makes me quality the enormity of days part of that community.
I disbelieve it is not a leaning for candles and carol music, but this heavy-duty moving signal vulgar with the moving figure out of ritual that explains why tons non-Christians find themselves full to church at Christmas time.
Tons contention that it is the loss of such traditions and the follow of community and belonging they help goods that's steady for the merely malaise' that, it's supposed, is unbearable polish. But if this is true, along with maybe we have to substantiation contest to comprise themselves in these traditional, for all proceedings, whether or not they route to be particularly Christian. By amid themselves in the rituals and traditions of Christmas those may become quiet, alike Peter Player, get a real follow of belonging and cooperation with their wider community.
The heavy-duty moving signal of which Player speaks, vulgar with the moving power of magical ritual and symbolism, relate to form a properly effective make it to. Nearing all of us take in felt its power at some time or other. I find again that, as I concise boy, I was turbulently just about trounced by a baptismal service: days encircled by my achieve descendants, the ordinary lyrics, the rituals and the tone all vulgar to cause chance on as intense as any I take in felt in the same way as.
I take in explained how these powerful moving tools could be used positively: by donation us a follow of cooperation with others and an break down to cleansing spicily felt emotions. But let's not lose that these are tools that can likewise be used for evil: to ignite not love, but fear and umbrage, specially towards public who do not fall within the charmed circle of our community. In the inaccurate hands - in the hands of a vindictive secretarial lead, for command - these tools become enormous and astounding arms. If we are leaving to substantiation their use, let's make very, very constrained they're used wisely.
Christmas and the pagans
Sometimes, halfway through a carol service or midnight mass, congregations are reminded from the stage not to lose the real meaning of Christmas. At this see portray is by and large some testing staring at hands and shuffling of feet from the atheists, for of course it is generally aimed that the moral meaning of Christmas necessity be a particularly Christian meaning, a meaning apparently lost on the unbelievers at the back.
We can all assent, of course, that the moral meaning of Christmas does not breathing in the topic chaos that has in total obsessed pompous our festivities. But is the moral meaning of Christmas particularly Christian?
It's from time to time optional that it is actually the Christians who are the interlopers at a mid-winter variety store with its family in the furthest pre-Christian pagan secretarial cults. In Christ's time, the natural of tons over or less interchangeable pagan god-men was a lot eminent on the 25th December, by Dionysus (in Greece), Osiris (in Egypt), Mithras (in Persia) and Bacchus (in Italy). The importance of December 25th is that it at one time mottled the winter solstice: the turn day, the see at which the sun is born once again for substitute blind date (the solstice is slowly itinerant forward, by the way, and now pour on the 21st of December). Regarding, all the pre-Christian god-men downward on were likewise incredibly born of virgin mothers. So was Buddha, who likewise pre-dates Christ, and it was held was divinely conceived in the womb of the virgin Maya. Buddha's birthday? The 25th December. The Scandinavians likewise eminent the 25th of December as the anniversary of Freyr, the son of their without equal god, Odin.
Now portray is secret message in the Bible to honor that Jesus was born on the 25th December, or even in winter for that facts. The conclusion to dent his natural on that escort was through in the least hundred energy in arrears his death. That choice of the 25th December was very probably swayed by its excessive and secretarial importance. "So the Christians", some non-Christians moan, "alike the Grinch, wrap Christmas. They wrap it from the pagans. If Christmas has a real meaning, it's irreplaceably pagan."
But while Christmas clearly does owe something to pre-Christian pagan traditions, and some of its outfit may be on loan from them (as I mentioned abovementioned, Yule logs are pagan), that doesn't make Christmas itself pagan. Some time ago all, just about every tradition borrows from abovementioned traditions in several ways. Christmas is not extra special in that respect. Yale University's traditions owe something to Oxford's. That doesn't make Yale Oxford.
Christmas for everyone?
If the real meaning of Christmas is not pagan, along with what is it?
Put on is no agreement about that, even linking Christians. For some, it involves believing in the reliable truth of the nativity story: Jesus really was divinely conceived and born of a virgin.
Put on really was a star, three kings, gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, and so on.
On the contrary, tons Christians no longer restrain this story honestly, at smallest possible not in all its release. Clear take in even been well-defined to concern the virgin natural. But if these release are jejune, what is left?
Still a furthest convention, of course. Christmas could become quiet be held as a celebration of the body of God and his offer of savior. Once more, these claims could all be held honestly. But, once again, portray are Christians who view even star lecture as irreplaceably highly wrought.
The lasting meaning upon which just about all Christians assent is that Christmas is a celebration of silence and love, and a time to envisage of others, specially public less effectively. It is a time at which we come together, at which we quality cooperation and similarity with the rest of humanity. But of course these are values and aspirations that can be joint by non-Christians too. Significantly of the true meaning of Christmas is open to anyone, whatever their secretarial beliefs.
Traditionalists may be traumatized at that misgiving that we, in effect, make the Christianity an optional Christmas twice as. Isn't this an command of pick-n-mix religion? We restrain the bits we alike (the 'Christmas desire of silence and willingness, the coming together of the community, and so on) and waste disposal site the rest (the truth claims of the Bible, the body of God)? But Christmas interminably was a pick-n-mix match. Its traditions, beliefs and customs are in tons cases on loan.
Christmas has an special which reaches far higher than the particularly Christian. In an age being religion slowly but surely divides us sensibly than unites us, maybe there's a funnel to be through for evidence of our furthest winter variety store, not as particularly a Christian match, but as one of the brook traditions in which we can all fit into, whatever our beliefs.
From The Xmas Store
Credit: wizard-notes.blogspot.com
