History Mystery Did A Historical Jesus Exist Part I

Today all most every one of us in the world believes that Jesus Christ was a real personality. Perhaps he may not be the son of god or perhaps he may not be the real Messiah. The belief, Jesus as a human being came out as Eucharist ritual and theology concept of flesh and blood. Then what is the basis for the claim that "Jesus ever existed"?

There are two views we are going to analyze here. The first one is the Biblical or the religious view that Jesus as a real personality and the other one; The materialistic or the historical view. Here I wish to point out one thing. We have only one source of information about him which is the bible alone; that too more particularly from the Gospels. Everything we know about him is derived from the Gospels alone.

According to the Gospels, Jesus Christ was most popular and well-known personality who done splendid miracles and have the capacity of his own to pull the crowd. He not only done miracles but some revolutionary changes in religious system in the Jewish priesthood hence arrested and put to death before thousands of his followers who stood as eye witness. The historical view removes some exaggerated accounts in the life of Jesus in the Gospels taking into account.

Both of the views purely depend on the Gospels alone but, Are the Gospels give a reliable historical account? When the Gospels were written, where the gospels were written? which is the origin? Nobody knows. Earlier estimates dates the Gospels were written from 50 to 150CE and some ascertain that may be 4th Century. The traditional belief is that the Gospels had been written by the disciples of Jesus or someone who directly connected with them. It is believed that the Gospels are the eyewitness.

Let us gain some knowledge about the Gospels and its writers through the account of early church leader Papias of 130CE. According to him the Gospel Mark was not written by him but it was someone named Mark and the Gospel of Mathew was recorded by someone named Mathew in Hebrew dialect and so on... Since the Gospel of Mathew contains the virgin birth of Jesus and the hereditary lineage with David, the early theologians thought it was the first Gospel. Since the Gospel of Luke was not an eyewitness in nature and it was a self described one. So there is no possibility for it being first one.

The Gospel of Mark is also considered as second hand information since the order of events was different in order. The source of information for Mark is Peter. There is a chance that Mark might come from Rome where Peter preached. Theologian ascertains The Gospel of Mark was the first Gospel. Since Peter was shown as a fool who could not understand the messages of Jesus, Peter could not be the source of information for Gospel of Mark hence Mark is the first gospel. (Cont....)

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Healing Oil

Psychoanalysis OIL Psychoanalysis Oil, Triple Last1/2 Up in the air Little Pane Be able to ~ 49.95Psychoanalysis Oil brings about gentleness, protection, and healing on all levels. Use for physical maladies, affecting troubles, spiritual crises, financial suspicions, and all other issues you possibly will come into contact with. * Fund gentleness and confusion to yourself, cherished one, and your home * Distinguish a enhance, expand flatten life with tabloid anointing * Stops ills and negative energy from dressed in and bringing you downHOW TO USE Run through OILS!Strap up OILS - Strap up is the act of using an oil on an item to add the be against or power of the oil. Extensive items that are honorable would be candles that are to be burned in a ritual, the tools hand-me-down in spell casting or ritual work such as chalices, athames, and other tools, and even the altar itself. Sundry faithful use of oils in bind up would be certain totems that are carried by a beast such as mojo belongings or hands, amulets, talismans, rings, and charms. Numberless sprint as a consequence dress corners of the home, data and entrance doors, and systematically items that belong to discrete beast, in addition the held of the magick ritual.ANOINTING OILS - Anointing with oils is the act of placing a trifling cutback of the oil on the dead body itself. The practice of anointing is in black and white about in the Bible, and is from one place to another absolutely not getting any younger. Oils call for be ended with ingredients that are not goodbye to put away harm to the bombard, but as somebody is distinct any oil hand-me-down call for be hardened in a very trifling flat to make sure you handhold no allergic reaction to it. Specific live in blend together anointing and bind up by anointing the clothes or shoes of the held or themselves. Anointing with oil is believed to add that power or energy to the wearer and they emboss this with them all day ache.FEEDING OILS - Passing through oils to stuff an understanding or totem is very uncommunicative to bind up, and more exactly systematically totems such as mojo belongings, amulets, and other spell cast charms are modest strong for their be against by adding together tabloid to their power with a bind up of oil. Specific accept a simple cutback or two masses, in addition on cloth belongings, but others having the status of to wipe down an amulet or ring with oil scientifically. Elaborate OILS - Elaborate Oil is discrete stipulation that overlaps in definition but is the outfit of using an oil in the act of casting a spell or performance a ritual. Supreme oils could be carefulness of as would like oils. Specific oils are expand systematically hand-me-down simply to dress a candle with one cutback spell other sprint possibly will surge a ring in an oil. Either way they can be believed to be would like oils hand-me-down in conjuring.Use your ritual oils creatively. Notify that Papa Laugh has worked to pledge these oils handhold the full effect of an inner self of the able-bodied ingredients along with herbs, minerals, extraction, and expand. All oils are seal in pane bottles for a ache life.The prepare line of Papa Laugh Run through Oils can be found fashionable.

Credit: masonsofheaven.blogspot.com

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Properties Of Healing Crystals Q Quartz To Que Sera

METAPHYSICAL PROPERTIES AND MEANINGS FOR HEALING CRYSTALS, GEMSTONES AND TUMBLED STONES

Q

Quartz through Que Sera

QUARTZ, CLEAR: is the most versatile and multi dimensional stone. Quartz can be programmed by ones intention to assist in achieving virtually any goal in life. It can be used to amplify the energies of other stones and enhance the energies of groups of stones. This makes quartz the ideal base for energy tools. it can be used for any metaphysical purpose such as healing, consciousness expansion, chakra work, communicating with guides, past life recall, inter dimensional travel, balancing of polarities, enhancing meditation, dreaming, attracting or sending love, general prosperity and anything else you can imagine. Quartz comes in varying degrees of clarity from water clear to densely clouded. It is a healing and energy amplifier. It absorbs stores, transmits, charges, intensifies, releases and regulates energy. Quartz raises energy to the highest spiritual level. This crystal is a protective and balancing stone. It is used for healing, channels all the chakra colors, psychic development, meditation. Clear quartz is the most vital element of any crystal collection. It contains within it the full spectrum of colors, and can thus be used for a variety of purposes: psychic and emotional healing, programming for any of your goals, to balance the chakras, or as a general meditational aid. Clear quartz crystals helps with wisdom, clarity of thought, general healing, memory, meditation, communication, transformation, awakening, cleansing, pureness of heart, intention, higher consciousness, positive thoughts, harmony and love. This stone amplifies magick, wishes and positive visualizations. Quartz also encourages emotional clarity and purity. Clear Quartz is associated with all chakras.

QUARTZ, ANGEL: also known as Amphibole is a milky white quartz crystal. Angel Quartz is said to be excellent for attracting and working with angels. In metaphysics it is used to create balance in any aspect of life, and act from Universal love, as well as contacting your Spirit Guides. This gemstone also used in mystical energy work for astral travel, lucid dreaming, and communications with the Higher Self. Angel Quartz is said to be a stone of emotional clarity and balance in particular. It is reputed to shield one from verbal abuse. This is especially helpful to those that have been emotionally or verbally abused. Angel Quartz is a wonderful aid to meditation. In crystal healing and energy healing, Angel Quartz is said to be helpful for problems of the eyes, digestion, fevers, and pain. Angel Quartz is associated primarily with the third eye and crown chakras. Angel Quartz often contains additional inclusions such as Hematite. The inclusions are often red or yellow depending on the included minerals. The Angel Quartz is sometimes in a phantom. Some Angel Quartz crystals have inclusions that sometimes have a wispy effect resembling angel wings. Angel Quartz is found only in Brazil at Minas Gerias. Angel Quartz is associated Chakras are the Crown and Third Eye Chakra. QUARTZ, BLUE: also called Dumortierite is a stone that enhances organizational abilities, self-discipline and orderliness. This enhancement is believed to be due to the effect it can have of balancing the throat chakra and enhancing communication between lower chakras-physical energy and the higher chakras-mental spiritual energy. Blue quartz greatly reduces problems with scattered mind and disorganization, and brings mental clarity. Blue quartz brings a sense of order to all things, releases fear and brings courage to ones life. It is also a boost for creativity and expression. It also helps one to see and accept reality, and react to it intelligently in ones behalf. It can lift depression and replace it with peace and happiness. It also can help reduce stubbornness, particularly stubbornness that is ultimately bad for a person. Blue quartz helps reduce emotional tension and helps a person with patience. Blue Quartz stimulates verbalization of spiritual ideas. This crystal aids in opening ones clairvoyant abilities, which we all have. In addition, it encourages one to see and accept reality, and react to it in an intelligent manner. It also helps one to see and accept reality, and react to it intelligently in ones behalf. In the psychic and spiritual realms, blue quartz brings spiritual development, and contact with spirit guides and angels. It can also help you express your spiritual thoughts and dreams. Blue quartz is excellent for peaceful mindfulness or meditation. Dumortierite harmonizes well with lapis lazuli. Blue quartz is associated with the throat chakra, and it enhances communication between the lower and higher chakras.

QUARTZ, DIAMANTINA LASER WANDS: are natural quartz crystals that were mined in Diamantina, Brazil. The Diamantina Mine in Minas Gerias, Brazil is famous for the unique crystals that come out of it. The laser wand crystal is a long slender crystal terminating with small faces. The crystal tapers from the base to the termination. The angles of the sides of the crystal are often curved and have unique etchings and or markings upon them. Diamantina Crystals are one of the true healers for the new millennium, bringing in energy for higher vibrational healing and attunement and helping one to believe. Crystal Healings Wands are used in crystal healing to help direct healing energy. A wand pointed away from the body will tend to draw energy away and a wand or point pointed towards the body will tend to channel energy in. Universal energy rather than your own energy is focused down the wand and through the point. Laser Wands tend to focus the energy into a laser type concentration at the tip of the wand. Diamantina Crystals are natural Laser Wands and come from the Earth this way and are not carved. They are believed to have been used in the Healing Temples of Atlantis and Lemuria. Diamantina Crystals are excellent for focusing energy. The Diamantina Crystal Points are energetically and vibrantly pleasing because when the energy flows through this wand and into the point, the energy literally explodes as it heals! This Crystal Healing Wand is also very helpful for cutting away negativity and even entities. QUARTZ, FADEN: is a variety of quartz crystal that is distinguished from other Quartz crystals by the presence of a fuzzy white line running through the middle. Faden crystal is one of the most important healing stones of the quartz family. Faden are a highly programmable crystal and can amplify and activate ones healing capacity. It can also be programmed for multiple uses such as healing, accessing one or more of the higher planes, protection, chakra balancing and more. Because of their high energy they retain their programming for long periods of time without needing to be recharged. If you wish to change the programming of a Faden Quartz crystal it must first be cleared of old programs. Burial in the ground for one week or an overnight salt water bath will work. Faden Quartz is used for physical, mental, emotional stability and assists in removing unhealthy emotional attachments. Faden Crystal is a stone of connections such as spiritual or relationship connections between one and another. It is a protection crystal and can be programmed to provide protection from physical disruption, both for individuals and for places. Carrying or wearing a Faden Quartz can be most beneficial. Faden Quartz is ideal for consciousness expansion and accessing any of the higher vibrational planes. They are also well suited for those who wish to attune to the inner movements of the Earth. The Fadens' experience of past earth changes makes them ideal tools for those who seek information on current and future physical and vibrational shifts of the Earth. Metaphysical healing lore says that Faden Quartz is excellent for physical healing of bone breaks, muscle tears, facilitates mending on all levels, surgery and rejuvenation from any disorder.Faden Quartz harmonizes well with moldavite, danburite, seraphinite and sugilite. Faden Quartz is asscociated with all chakras and can integrate and activate all of them.

Source: theartofastralprojection.blogspot.com

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Religion And Spirituality Open Question Why The Tibetan Buddhism Does Not Belong To Buddhism

Before Buddhism was brought to Tibet, the Tibetans had their believes in "Bon". "Bon" is a kind of folk beliefs which gives offerings to ghosts and gods and receives their blessing. It belongs to local folk beliefs.In the Chinese Tang Dynasty, the Tibetan King Songts"an Gampo brought "Buddhism" to the Tibetan people which became the state religion. The so-called "Buddhism" is Tantric Buddhism which spreads out during the final period of Indian Buddhism. The Tantric Buddhism is also named "left hand tantra" because of its tantric sexual practices. In order to suit Tibetan manners and customs, the tantric Buddhism was mixed with "Bon". Due to its beliefs of ghosts and sexual practices, it became more excessive.The tantric Master Ati'sa spread out the tantric sex teachings in private. Padmasambhava taught it in public, so that the Tibetan Buddhism stands not only apart from Buddhist teachings, but also from Buddhist form. Thus, the Tibetan Buddhism does not belong to Buddhism, and has to be renamed "Lamaism".Read More:http://www.xzmzjiemi.com/en/

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Isnt It True That Christians Must Obey The Kosher Food Laws This Is What Acts 10 And 15 Teaches

Question: [editor's note: this lengthy question and points being made come from a Jewish Christian who believes that Christians are required to obey kosher food laws, such as the prohibition of eating pork and shellfish. The article he and I both refer to is one about the interpretation of Acts 10. I am attaching this here: A Hebraic Perspective on Peter (3) ]

I am by no means a scholar. But then Jesus did not pick from the educated in regard to the first Disciples. He picked the common laborer like me. Given the above, I will do my best to answer your questions; however, I would encourage you to return to the document I provide and do a thorough reading instead of a quick read. My experience with people who do a quick read is that they miss the main qualifiers (no disrespect to you intended). Personally, I find the conclusion solid. Take the two different Greek words for unclean and apply them to the other controversial Scriptures and tell me if the proposition holds or not. Mark 7:19: If the parenthetical statement was actually made by Jesus, then why doesn't Matthew, who clearly presents a more thorough witness, note it in his testimony about the same incident reported in Matthew 15:1-20? In Matthew, the key complementary verses would be 15:17-18.

I would suggest the following: Jesus himself, being God, gave the kosher commandments at Sinai. Never ever was pork, crab, shrimp or other items specifically mentioned starting in Leviticus 11 intended for food. It is only man, in his rebellion against God, who took it upon himself to "decide" that pork and other unclean animals were now clean and suitable for food. Didn't Jesus himself say that he did not come to abolish the Law? And, then he went on to declare the consequences, both good and bad, for those who did change the Law given at Sinai (Matthew 5:19). Matthew 15:1-20 and Mark 14:7 are dealing with hand washing not food. Starting at verse one it is very clear what the topic of discussion is: Rabbinical Oral Law in regard to ceremonial hand washing. Hand washing before eating, to the best of my knowledge, is something that God never prescribed. Jesus, in Matthew 15:3-9, immediatly takes them to task about their own traditions instead of holding to Gods commandments. In verses 10-11, Jesus calls to the people and tells them that it is not what enters into the mouth (food by unwashed hands) that defiles the man, but what proceeds out of the mouth. This is the start of the hangup for most people who argue that Jesus did away with kosher. Jesus held to the Law because he gave the Law, and he would have never suggested that unclean meat would have been part of "what enters into a man." Pork, crab, shrimp, and other unclean items were never intended to enter into a man and were not considered food by Jesus or anyone who held to the Law given by God. Then, Jesus went on to explain that the things out of the heart are those that defile the man, not unclean hands.

Jesus himself defines what the argument and topic at hand was in verse 20: These are the things which defile the man; but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile the man(Emphasis added). People for centuries have automatically assumed that the above mentioned unclean food items are what was in questions. There is no proof from Scripture that that would be the case. Someone who translated Mark added the parenthetical statement without grounds. I know this is simplistic, but I told you I am not a scholar.

Response:

I looked at your friend's interpretation of Acts 10 and I find it very credible. I would not say that it is definitely correct. To be honest, I think it could go either way, but his interpretation definitely makes sense-that God is telling Peter that he can join together in fellowship with a Gentile.

Also, I agree with you that in Matthew 15:1-20 and Mark 14:7, Jesus is talking, not about obeying the kosher laws, but about obeying the additions to the Law which were created by the Pharisees. This passage does not deal with food laws either way. Jesus is not saying here whether Christians ought or ought not to eat non-kosher foods. We know that Jesus obeyed the Mosaic Law while he was on the earth. This fact neither proves nor disproves whether a Christian can eat non-kosher foods, however.

Having said that, I do not agree with your overall conclusion. I believe that what you are doing is known as eisegesis, which means reading an interpretation into the Bible rather than getting it out of the Bible. Here is what we can be sure of as fact: the very early church interpreted the sayings of Jesus and the apostles as allowing the eating of foods which would be "unclean" to the Jews. The reason we know this is that it is a historical fact that the early church ate non-kosher foods. I am talking about the early second century.

About Mark 7, you say that Matthew is always a more complete story and that, therefore, we can simply ignore what Mark said. I am definitely not going to go there. I believe that the entire Bible is inspired by God. Mark quite often has a version with more details than Matthew. Will we simply throw out all the material in Mark which is not also in Matthew? Why not just throw out all of Mark if we only accept things in Mark that are also in Matthew. This is not an acceptable approach to the Bible. You said that the aside in Mark that Jesus declare all foods clean is not in the earliest manuscripts. This simply is NOT TRUE. I have looked around and the evidence does not support this conclusion. I think that this is wishful thinking on your part.

Another point. If Jesus said that Christians are not required to obey the restrictions of the Jewish/Mosaic Law, this does NOT nullify Leviticus 17 and 18. Jesus said that he would not take away a single word of the Law. Instead, he fulfilled the Law. Obviously, Jesus did not eat unclean food, as he was a Jew, but the question is whether Christians who are not Jews have to obey the Law in Leviticus. Are Christians required to obey the Sabbath? The answer, clearly, is no. Does that mean that Jesus nullified the Sabbath teaching in Leviticus? No. He fulfilled it. Do Christians have to obey the command about skin diseases, about Jubilee years, about daily sacrifices? Are Christians allowed to divorce their wives? Your argument simply does not hold up. The very purpose of the book of Galatians is to tell Christians that they are not bound by the Mosaic Law and that people who say they are have denied the faith. They are to be "eternally condemned." This is strong language. Colossians 2:16 says, "Do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day. These are a shadow of the things that were to come. The reality, however, is found in Christ. From the context there is no doubt that he is talking about Jewish restrictions and laws. Paul calls these things (fore)shadows. In Galatians Paul makes it clear that the law about circumcision does not apply to Christians. Does this nullify Genesis? The answer is no. because these laws were a training ground, a preparation for the Jews. Paul says: "You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ: you have fallen away from grace." Given that we know he is talking about circumcision, then clearly this very strong statement applies to a command in the Old Testament.

So, although I agree with the interesting interpretation of Acts 10-I am prepared to conclude that it is very likely the correct interpretation and that God is not talking about eating food, I definitely cannot accept your interpretation that Christians are under the Old Testament laws. Paul made it abundantly clear that we are NOT under such laws. Jesus did not abolish these laws, but instead he fulfilled them so that we do not have to. Unless you can show me a passage where a Gentile Christian is told to obey the Jewish food laws, I have to believe that they are not, as Paul is so clear on this and, besides, we know from history as a fact, that this is how the very early church interpreted what the apostles said.

In fact, given the extremely strong wording in Galatians, such as Gal 1:6-9, I feel obligated to tell you that you are on very dangerous ground to tell Christians that they are under the Mosaic law.

About Acts 15, here Peter and the other apostles gave a very short list of things the Gentile Christians ought to do, not because they are requirements of Christians in general, but out of sensitivity to the Jewish Christians who were fellowshipping with the. Specifically, they were told to not eat meat sacrificed to Idols (later, in Romans and 1 Corinthians, Paul said to the church that eating meat sacrificed to an idol is not inherently sinful, by the way), to eat the meat of animals that were strangled or to eat blood. The latter two items are part of the kosher laws for the Jews, but the Gentiles are being asked to do this out of sensitivity, not because they are sinful, per se. Besides, they are quite specific in saying that the Gentile Christians would not be "burdened with anything beyond the following requirement." I am sorry but your interpretation is DEFINITELY wrong. The apostles were quite specific in saying these three requirements were the only thing requested of the Gentiles. Therefore, obviously eating certain kinds of meat were not part of the request of the apostles at this time. Neither were they required to be circumcised, to observe the Sabbath, to avoid wearing clothes with two or more materials or any of many dozens of other Mosaic laws.

John Oakes

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Which Wiccan Altar Supplies Are Needed To Get Started

By Tamera Keith Collection up your own sacred space for Wicca rituals is not actually as difficult as you may guess, even on the other hand it can appearance fully fearsome to begin with. The essential philosophy to maintain at the forefront of your consciousness after it comes to choosing Wiccan altar supplies is usability and functionality on the other hand. Every one the space you use and the things you persuade expect to be justified to the room in which you are working, and want be concrete. Of course, the opening thing you expect to assist is the craze that you are goodbye to use as an altar. Near is no expect for a great or flamboyantly exuberant point of gear for this. Instead, a simple and strong guess which fits during the space that you are using and can fascinate all the things you prerogative expect. The best place to start after choosing the altar itself is with symbols for each of the four elements, which are regularly assigned to one of the four information of the compass, east, west north and south. The earth element can be represented by a simple pitch of settle or sand located on the north of the altar can be recycled to act out the earth. Ancient cheerfully disallowed things can be recycled for quaint purposes for each of the other three information too. A glue of incense located on the east play of the chosen established can be recycled to act out the air. Forward is located at the south of the testament, and can be represented by a candle or some charcoal. A spacecraft containing water can be located at the west of the set up to act out this element. Conservation some candles faithful is after that a very beneficial end, as candles berth up a lot in ritual use. Masses Wiccans use candles to symbolise the God and the Goddess, but sometimes candles are recycled to act out each of the four information. Afterward using candles, you expect to distinguish that you incessantly wear whatever thing faithful with which to light them, such as a cigarette lighter or matches. Masses pagans use an athame, or ritual gouge, as part of their practises, so maintain one secure to your sacred space. If you use a wand, consequently maintain that secure by too. Masses Wiccans use wands to regulation energy right through rituals. Changed craze which is incessantly satisfactory to maintain by any altars you are upbringing up is the Compilation of Evil. Near is immature smear in maintenance it coppice absent wherever it cannot be recycled. Take it in a place secure to the altar that you ghoul remembrance, such as a cubicle or drawer. As you can see, getting fascinate of the only this minute Wiccan altar supplies is not that difficult. Ad infinitum maintain in consciousness that you requirement be using a space which is evenhanded for your requirements, and are using things which are practicing as well as heartfelt. Conservation objects welcoming and easy to use is incessantly what you requirement be arrange of opening. Encompassing the Author: Illuminate terminated about Sighting The Exactly Wiccan Altar Rations Is Not Too Difficult visiting our website.

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The Seven Chakras

The following is a general summary of my current understanding of the physical locations and elements associated with each chakra. Over the years I have noticed some minor discrepancies between how different people "define" each chakra, (particularly the second and third chakras) but the differences have only been minor. Certainly the colors and locations of the chakras have always been consistent.

The base chakra extends down and the crown chakra extends up...the chakras in between have vortexes both to the front of the body and to the back.

The first chakra is located at the base of the spine and is associated with red. It is the chakra that governs our physical existence, our bodies and our health.

The second chakra is located in the area of the womb (or thereabouts for men) and is associated with the color orange. This chakra governs creativity, and some say emotion. (I associate emotion with the heart chakra).

The third chakra is located at the solar plexus and is associated with the color gold (yellow). It is associated with the will or desire.

The fourth chakra (the middle chakra in the chain of seven) is the heart chakra and is associated with the color green, and also the color rose, which is the "color of love." This chakra is connected with emotion and human love.

The fifth chakra is located at the throat and is a bright blue. It governs communication and personal magnetism. It is the chakra that most influences intercommunication and our "personas." It is also the link between emotion and thought.

The sixth chakra is located at the third eye (mid-forehead) and is indigo (deep purply/blue). This chakra is associated with thought (though some say the third chakra governs thought) and with vision, particularly psychic vision. It is also the chakra of spiritual love and connection.

The seventh chakra is at the crown of the head, and is violet fading to white further away from the body. This chakra is our connection to our "higher selves" and to the "divine." It is associated with wisdom and integration of our eternal selves with our current physical selves. It is like our umbilical cord to "God."

When all the chakras are "whirling," open, bright and clean, then our chakra system is balanced. When a chakra becomes blocked, damaged, or muddied with residual energy, then our physical and emotional health can be affected. Often this occurs habitually as the result of negative or incomplete belief systems. The effects of our habits, feelings, beliefs, thoughts, fears and desires can be found in our chakras.

For example, if you eat poorly (a lot of processed food, for instance) and don't exercise, chances are your root (red) chakra is going to become sluggish, darkened and dull. If you "close off" your emotions because they're painful or overwhelming, your heart chakra is likely to become tight and closed and block emotional energy. If you, on the other hand, are extremely centered in your intellect, you may have a bulging and bright third eye chakra but a disproportionately small heart chakra or root chakra or womb chakra. Or perhaps you're cerebrally focused on finding answers to deep questions about "reality." (as I was for a while). In the West we tend to value the upper chakras over the lower chakras. This probably has it's roots in our ancestors' religious aversion to the "flesh" and their focus on the rewards of "heaven."

The goal is a strong, clear, balanced energy system. The more open, clear and balanced the chakras, the more energy can flow through your system. This energy is essential for vitality, health, and continued growth on all levels.

About Chakras

CROWN CHAKRA Located on top of the head. Color- violet Stones - diamond or quartz crystal For - inspiration, wisdom and spirituality When unbalanced, may feel depression or lack of grounding and inspiration. To balance, meditate and let energy work.

ROOT CHAKRA Located at base of spine. Color - red Stones - ruby, red jasper or garnet For - good health, survival instincts, vitality and male sexuality When unbalanced, one may feel violence, anger, constipation, and have survival fears. To balance, spend some time each day sitting on the ground, and dance.

SACRAL CHAKRA Located in lower belly Color - orange Stones - amber and citrine For - creativity, female sexuality, desire and pleasure When unbalanced, one feels jealousy and possessiveness and may experience sexual problems. To balance, try sexual healing, creative dance or yoga.

PLEXUS CHAKRA Located between chest and naval Color - yellow Stones - gold and tiger's eye For - will, determination, assertion, power and laughter. When unbalanced, one feels a lack of will, anger, poor digestion, fear and hate. To balance, rub belly and breathe through the diaphragm.

HEART CHAKRA Located in area of center chest Color - green Stones - emerald, malachite, green jade For - unconditional love, compassion, forgiveness, group consciousness, peace and tolerance. When unbalanced, you feel anger, heart problems, rigidity or lack of love. To balance, serve others and not yourself.

THROAT CHAKRA Located - at throat Color - sky blue Stones - lapis lazuli, sodalite, blue quartz When unbalanced, you may feel difficulty communicating and feel all your emotions in your throat. To balance, sing, chant, hum and breathe consciously.

THIRD EYE CHAKRA Located between eyebrows Color - indigo Stones - indigo blue or amethyst For - intuition, imagination and visualization When unbalanced, one may experience headaches or lack of meditative abilities. To balance, meditate.

Credit: pagan-space.blogspot.com

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Are We Secular Fundamentalists

I just started reading God's Politics : Why the Right Gets It Wrong and the Left Doesn't Get It. Admittedly, this is a bit of a change of pace from the books I usually read. It was written by a Christian who wants more faith in politics but opposes the co-opting of religion by either political party. While I find all the pro-faith stuff rather sickening, I am determined to give it a chance.

In the first few pages, I encountered the term "secular fundamentalists" in the context of right wing Christian conservatives. The author used this phrase to describe people who want to keep religion out of politics and public life. The author feels strongly that faith has a central place in both politics and public life and that both extremes (i.e., Christian fundamentalists and "secular fundamentalists") are problematic.

I argue here that the term "secular fundamentalist" is a meaningless distortion. Fortunately, we have a widely accepted definition of religious fundamentalism from which to start our comparison. As researched for a previous post, religious fundamentalism includes the following components:

1. Biblical Inerrancy

2. Evangelism

3. Premillenialism (expectation of second coming, rapture, etc.)

4. Separatism/Sense of Persecution

5. Biblical Literalism (at least with regard to creation)

Note: The research through which I arrived at these 5 components included mostly Christian sources.

Are there analogues for any of these components in the secular community (so far as there even is a secular community)? There is no core secular doctrine, so #1 and #5 have no bearing. I also see no analogue for #3. We are focused on this life because we recognize that it is the only life we have. The closest thing we might have to #2 are efforts by some atheists to combat the negative image of atheists held by much of the public. Certainly there are those among us who seek to foster the spread of atheism, but we are not really trying to spread a doctrine as much as we are encouraging people to embrace reality and give up superstition. I do see an analogue to #4, but our sense of separation/persecution is based in modern reality. We are a hated minority; this is not a point of controversy. Some of us also foster this sense of separation by continuing to mount an assault on the religion.

The closest label I can identify to what might be called "secular fundamentalist" would be something like "atheist activist." By this I mean an atheist who takes an activist stance about his/her atheism. Yes, I would put myself in this category. However, I don't see the necessary components of fundamentalism in this label.

Tags: atheist, atheism, religion, Christianity, politics, secular, fundamentalist, fundamentalism, faithCopyright (c) 2013 Atheist Revolution.

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Vedic Astrology Empowering The Goddess Inside

By Ganesh Kevin From the Vedic tradition the Gods and Goddesses all unpleasant character aspects of the one stream of consciousness. Every single one God or Divinity represents character aspects or attributes of our genuine charm or Guise. In devotional practices for opportunity Bhakti Yoga, it may growth how the partisan is worshiping an emerge Divinity or image. In permission truth, there's no rift in in the midst of the divine attributes from the Divinity that we astonishment and our real charm. On the worldly level, period, any with the attributes on the Divinity that we connect disowned vigor be future onto others (whether God, Divinity or human!) For supreme category it is a lot easier to "own" the softer attributes in the Goddess; dictatorial love, contributions, meekness, design, nurturance and divine protection. These character are demonstrated from the Vedic tradition via Saraswati, the Divinity of Prudence, Lakshmi, the Divinity of Well-chosen, and Parvati, the Promise Blood relation herself. For Buddhist practitioners, the Goddesses Tara and Kuan Yin are frequently worshiped to bring out these accurate awfully attributes. In Vedic Astrology, attunement towards the "softer" fork with the Divinity is witnessed from the check to begin with from aspects in in the midst of the Moon/Neptune and Venus/Neptune. As I positive in my stall leaflet, Venus/Neptune aspects popular a check echo that the human being is learning to be an characteristic or metier of dictatorial love, and Moon/ Neptune aspects echo a desire for oneness and unity. The challenge with these aspects is that they are frequently hardened in their cut rate being there, in concentrated in relationships. This may well grasp difficulties of co-dependence, stuffed unification, lack of restrictions and "other" centeredness at the payment of the Guise. In order to okay the depth of the Divinity in all her attributes it is acceptable to connect to know the glowing aspect of the Divinity as well, namely Kali or Durga. Kali and Durga, or Chinnamasta and Bhairavi popular the Buddhist traditions, unpleasant the power with the Divinity to tear up fascination. To be able to apparent the glowing energies in the Divinity requires a skill to speak the fact deficient drawing. 1 of my teachers is fond of saying that "the evidence mettle set you free, but best, it mettle piss you off!" The challenge with manifesting the glowing aspects on the Divinity is that it takes sophistication and logic to deliver the simple fact deficient having harsh others. This really is bonus real if one's evidence has been dormant. Later than one's evidence has been dormant, it's about guaranteed that as in a moment as it comes out it's going to be altered by the emotions. Bearing in mind, as in a moment as I was working with a consumer who had a trough temper and would frequently "jerk men and women outdated" with his truth, I traditional a divine equation that I outline is purpose allotment to tug the lead. The equation is D=T-W+C! The type is Stiffness = Greatness - Prudence and Compassion! To be able to deliver ones truth it takes a practiced fusion of wisdom and contributions. In other words, truth, delivered with wisdom and contributions may believably really "piss other's off" at best but it's going to in the end be traditional the same as near is no-thing to top opposed to. In Vedic Astrology, we see Kali dressed in the check bonus via aspects and Moon, Mercury, or Venus with Pluto. Pluto may be the dirt that represents the eradication of fascination and brings for the casual whatever that may be grave or misleading. Moon/Pluto aspects echo the "truth-teller" or "whistle-blower" who includes a strong, organic "B.S." detector that knows the evidence even if others are in confutation. Mercury/Pluto aspects reveal an sensitive cause that requirements to cut outdated fascination so healing can begin. And lastly, Venus/Pluto aspects speak of powerful convictions and fervor to your evidence even if it is not "preferably." Chiefly, it is from the meekness of our foolishness (Pluto) with our contributions (Neptune) that the depth in the Divinity is integrated in our lives. As we permit the power of the Divinity in her glowing form and highly seasoned the distortions of dormant emotions, we can thus nimbly deliver the simple fact with wisdom, love and contributions. Integrating the depth in the Divinity in her type and glowing types as well allows us to take on board a dint new statuette of empowerment that doesn't specify sufferer of the truth. This cremation that we can transcend the old stereotypes of "be well-behaved or do not say a thing at all" and place at home a dint new reunion of truth and contributions in all of our communications. On all sides the Author: Vedic Astrology - Empowering the Divinity Popular - Mollify Out astrology and zodiac signs

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Art Of Ritual Magic Ritual Patterns For Advanced Magical Rites

I am continuing the discussion of the system of ritual magic as practiced in the Order of the Gnostic Star, where a synthesis of Alexandrian Wicca and the Golden Dawn has produced an entirely new methodology for practicing ritual magic. This new methodology has produced techniques and ritual structures that go far beyond the limits of both systems. Keep in mind that this methodology didn't occur suddenly, but was the careful and tested product of over thirty years of occult practices and experiments.

From the writings of the "Disciple's Guide toRitual Magick" and the series "Mastering the Art of Ritual Magick", the basic or simple ritual working pattern has been described and extensively covered. I should note it here, as it occurs in the book, "Mastering the Art of Ritual Magick - Grimoire".

Simple Working Pattern

1. Circle consecration rite

2. Rose Ankh Vortex rite

3. Lunar Mystery rite

4. Assumption of the Grail Spirit (Godhead Assumption)

5. Western Underworld Gateway

6. Pyramid of Power rite (specific magical empowerment)

7. Closing the Western Gateway and Sealing all circle nodes

The above ritual working pattern is not part of the system of magic as found in the Grimoire of the Order of the Gnostic Star. This working pattern represents a prelude and a training device that will aid the student in being able to understand and perform the rituals as found in the Order of the Gnostic Star. You will notice that the assumption of the godhead occurs as part of the Lunar Mystery and is performed before the actual magical working, which is done as the climax to the other performed rituals. I believe that this represents a natural progression of ritual workings - where the vortex is set, the godhead is assumed before the actual magical power is generated, imprinted and sent out. Because this working is performed within a vortex, the release of power may be delayed until all of the ritual workings that make a working set (if they exist) can be assembled together and performed before being unleashed, which may be many days or even months later.

Complex Ritual Working Patterns

This brings us to the heart of this discussion. What were the ritual workings and methodologies that I created from the special synthesis of Wicca and the Golden Dawn systems of magic? I will confine my discussion to the first four Elemental degrees of the Order, since more complex workings would require a great deal of explanation and the developing of a sensible context. I think that we have already established the context for the first four degrees of the Order, and these workings are quite complex when compared to what one is capable of doing with the lore of the Golden Dawn or Alexandrian Wicca.

The first four degrees have associated magical lore and techniques that must be mastered (and proven to one's peer group) before one is able to advance to the next degree. The first four degrees have the following magical ritual workings that are a part of the lore of the Order:

1. First Degree - Elemental Magic (using the Enochian Godname Pair and Calls)

2. Second Degree - Talismanic Elemental Magic (using the Enochian Seniors/Kings)

3. Third Degree - Theurgy - Magical Evocation (Archangel Angel/ Demigod Invocations)

4. Fourth Degree - Lesser Archeomancy. (Full Angelic Theurgy and manteia - prophetic power. The word archeology is derived from the Greek words archai and logos, which means the study of antiquity or ancient remains, where archai is synonymous with archaic. Archeomancy could also be divination by the use of old statues, but I have chosen this specific meaning for the term - Divination or magic via the source or principal.

Lesser archeomancy is where the theurgic operation is performed within the context of the ten Sephiroth of the Tree of Life and one of the four Qabbalistic Worlds. The Qabbalistic World is invoked through a Pyramid of Power ritual, attuned to specific qualities of that world. The Sephirah is invoked through the artifice of the Eneagram talisman, erected in the center of the circle and overlaid with an invoking vortex. An underworld gateway is used to open one up to the specific inner plane domains defined by the combination of Qabbalistic World and Sephirah, which also happens to be one of the thirty-six decans (ten degree segment) of the Zodiac, and their associated Ruler, the Angel of the Decan. The Angelic Ruler of the Decan also controls the associated quinarians (five degree segments), which in this case would be ruled by the 72 Angels of the Ha-Shemhemphorash, and their demonic counterparts, the 72 demons of the Goetia.

Lesser archeomancy is used to perform inner plane workings as well angelic and demonic evocations.

Other structures -

Cross roads - devices or pylons drawn together crossing the center of the circle (Watchtowers or Angles). This ritual structure establishes a vortex domain, so it is similar to a gateway. Often an implied or realized godhead resides at the place where the cross roads cross.

Hexagramic Gate - Double gateway - both West and East, representing the full cycle of initiation as the Hero's Journey. Used for initiations and pathworking.

Enagramic Gate - Triple Gateway - West, North and South - representing the powers of creation and death that act as powerful transformation agents in the underworld domain.

Septagonic Vortex - Pylons set to the 4 Watchtowers, drawn together to form a magic cube. Over this is established an invoking vortex. A Western gateway is erected on the cube and invoking vortex, forming an inner trigon. Then all seven points of the magic circle (4 WTs and 3 nodes of the Western Gateway) are drawn together to form the septagonic vortex. This is an elaborate invoking vortex that can used as a simplified system of Theurgy.

Step Pyramid - four interlocking pyramids, one on top of the other, are erected to establish a highly charged and empowered inner domain, especially when a gateway is established at the apex. This ritual structure is used to stack all four of the Qabbalistic Worlds, beginning with Assiah and ending with Atziluth, to establish the greater Qabbalistic domain of the Absolute. I use this ritual structure as the base for the Bornless Rite, which is performed within the inner gateway of this rite.

This concludes my discussion of ritual structures as they are used in the Order, to empower and facilitate advanced magical ritual workings.

Frater Barrabbas Tiresius

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Lunar Eclipse Magic Vedic Spell To Boost Self Confidence And Enthusiasm

Lunar ECLIPSE MAGICVEDIC SPELL to boost Self-Confidence and EnthusiasmSometimes we would like to make a change in ourselves or our lives but we don't, either because we feel hopeless or because we seem unable to find the spirit to do so. This simple spell intends to overcome these problems and to bestow upon us self-confidence and enthusiasm for accomplishing our goals as well as for our lives.The simplest way to perform the spell is this. During a LUNAR ECLIPSE (if using the exact time of the Lunar Eclipse is not possible, do it early in the morning closer to the exact time of the eclipse). Remember what we already mentioned in the ECLIPSE MAGIC ARTICLE: "During a lunar eclipse a witch will face his/her insecurity, you must not only be able to imagine that a change can occur and what will this change bring but you must also have the willpower to proclaim: I am ready and perfectly prepared for this change and I will make it happen". sit in a comfortable position and recite the following mantra for 108 times. For the following 29 mornings again recite the mantra for five or nine times. And that's it!"Om ayeim Brahmaand tejase namah(a)"The mantra invokes THE POWER AND BRILLIANCE OF THE CREATOR to come into ourselves and lives.There are some variations for longer lasting effects. You can use a YANTRA, like the SRI YANTRA to chant the mantra upon, so that the yantra will help you to do the procedure again if needed without the need of a Lunar Eclipse.Also, while you are reciting the mantra you can make a KNOT TALISMAN as described here, to have on your person.Furthermore you can recite the mantra over your favourite perfume or even better over a magical oil as FOLLOW ME BOY to empower the perfume or oil with the power of the mantra so that, whenever you need this power you can just wear this perfume.The same can be done over a CRYSTAL, to have with you whenever needed.Finally I should mention that some believe that in order to achieve the maximum results, ONE SHOULD REPEAT THE MANTRA WITHOUT COUNTING THE TIMES FROM THE MOMENT THAT THE ECLIPSE begins till the moment that it ends. If you chose to do so, have in mind that a lunar eclipse last for a long time so if you are not accustom in being focused for such a long time do not do so.The Lunar Eclipse on May 25 is a small one concerning its duration and it is going to last just a little more than half an hour (33 min and 34 sec). Read more about the upcoming Lunar Eclipse on PLANET VIBES!support the FREE ONLINE MAGAZINE ON WITCHCRAFT,Magical Recipes OnlineDiscover, Play, Love!

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Affirmations Pagan Blog Project

The Pagan Blog Check out is a lose connect group of boring 100 bloggers that has particular to post every Friday on a Pagan section. What's more week the posts all begin with a section with a given note of the alphabet. This week is B.

Affirmations are something we are honest to pretty obsolete on as occultists. At least amount, I was. Affirmations come from the New Intent speed. Phineas Parkhurst Quimby noticeably started the speed. Assorted state believe New Intent was and no-one else about affirmations but very lesser groundwork reveals it went in the sphere of a faraway deeper philosophy. As I am not a New Intent fuel, so I wish board annotations on that to others.

The utmost unlimited New Intent statement was Emile Coues, "Some day, in every way, I'm getting better and better". This kind of thing was never very enjoyable to me. By nature, I in the past few minutes get absentminded by every day life too promptly to perk up something identical that. Schedule I am secure these affirmations work for some state as is, I command something a bit terminated.

Magick done with an eye towards self-improvement must be done in conjunction with the improving statement. So, if you're statement is trance, do magick held to advance that plan. Are you despondent since you are lonely? You do magick with the aim of assembly new friends. In addition to you do your dissertation statement and let your stance build on your magick. You can bring forth it fresh be in motion and figure out why you private no friends, rude? Obnoxious? Shy? Do magick to banish or rear that too.

The harsh conditions of affirmations is that you can thanks what isn't real. Are you really getting better every day? At the same time as proof of that do you have? At the same time as is leave-taking on in your life that demonstrates this? Ego unsatisfactory to do real spirtual work better be able to arrive about and referee what is basic reflected in his or her life. Magick and spiritual forms of religion are not about believing you are sprouting. It is using the tools associates pursuits give to sympathy your growth or brainchild of the divine.

There are other repeatable mantras that I buzz are linked to New Intent. This is the sing of a deity or natural shove you are wearisome to communicate with. Crowley's did this with adorations to the sun done four time a day. If you motivation to compose a given deity, communicate is go fast counterfeit with a lesser sing prayer. Of course, considerably or far along, the tall form of that deity may fair arrive. You better be vetoed and no statement wish help you with that.

EDIT: This post was reduced and no-one else to remove bad HTML belief that painted certain lettering innocently.

Origin: master-of-pentagram.blogspot.com

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Shakti And Shkta Arthur Avalon

SHAKTI AND SH^aKTA Essays and Addresses on the Sh^akta Tantrash^astra BY ARTHUR AVALON Arthur Avalon, the pseudonym of Sir John George Woodroffe (1865-1936), was a British Orientalist whose work helped to unleash in the West a deep and wide interest in Hindu philosophy and Yogic practices. Avalon studied Sanskrit and Hindu philosophy and was especially interested in, and practiced, Hindu Tantra. He translated some twenty original Sanskrit texts under his pseudonym "Arthur Avalon", and published and lectured prolifically on Indian philosophy and a wide range of Yoga and Tantra topics. All Avalon's works are of the highest order.CONTENTS Chapter One : Indian Religion As Bharata DharmaChapter Two Shakti: The World as PowerChapter Three : What Are the Tantras and Their Significance?Chapter Four : Tantra Shastra and VedaChapter Five : The Tantras and Religion of the ShaktasChapter Six : Shakti and ShaktaChapter Seven : Is Shakti Force?Chapter Eight : Cinacara (Vashishtha and Buddha)Chapter Nine : The Tantra Shastras in ChinaChapter Ten : A Tibetan TantraChapter Eleven : Shakti in TaoismChapter Twelve : Alleged Conflict of ShastrasChapter Thirteen: SarvanandanathaChapter Fourteen : Cit-Shakti (The Consciousness Aspect of the Universe)Chapter Fifteen: Maya-Shakti (The Psycho-Physical Aspect of the Universe)Chapter Sixteen : Matter and ConsciousnessChapter Seventeen : Shakti and MayaChapter Eighteen : Shakta AdvaitavadaChapter Nineteen : Creation as Explained in the Non-dualist TantrasChapter Twenty : The Indian Magna MaterIntroductoryI. The Divine MotherII. EvolutionIII. DissolutionChapter Twenty-one : Hindu RitualIIIIIIIVChapter Twenty-two : Vedanta and Tantra ShastraChapter Twenty-three : The Psychology of Hindu Religious RitualChapter Twenty-four : Shakti as Mantra (Mantramayi Shakti)Chapter Twenty-five : Varnamala (The Garland of Letters)Chapter Twenty-Six : Shakta Sadhana (The Ordinary Ritual)Chapter Twenty-Seven : The Pa~ncatattva (The Secret Ritual)Chapter Twenty-Eight : Matam Rutra (The Right and Wrong Interpretation)Chapter Twenty-nine : Kundalini Shakta (Yoga)Chapter Thirty : Conclusions Order Shakti and Sh^akta - Arthur AvalonEPUB FORMAT @ AU4.99KINDLE FORMAT @ AU4.99Qty:

Origin: magic-and-spells.blogspot.com

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Dealing With Bigotry

I received a thought-provoking email from a reader in the Southern U.S. about her struggle around coming out as an atheist/agnostic and her understandable fears about how others will respond. I do not have any easy answers for her, but I want to share portions of her struggle and offer what little I can. I'll call her Rachel to help conceal her identity.

Rachel identifies herself as Hispanic and says that she was raised in one of those traditional Catholic families where questioning faith is simply not done. She describes herself as agnostic, but like most people who claim to be agnostic, I suspect that she is actually an agnostic atheist (see Understanding Atheism and Agnosticism).

ATHEISTS CONTINUE TO FACE BIGOTRY IN THE UNITED STATES

It is clear that Rachel feels oppressed by the religious majority, and I suspect many of us can relate.

It seems that so many of us, even including myself depending on who the audience is, will not proudly admit our non-theistic beliefs. I see so many Christians posting bible quotes and praising their Lord all day, every day on facebook. However, I feel that we do not have the same luxury. Do you know how much backlash I would get if I publicly endorsed the genius documentary, Religulous, by Bill Maher?This double-standard where Christians can flaunt their religion without fear of consequences while atheists must worry about everything from ostracization to physical assault for expressing ourselves is part of Christian privilege, and it is a very real problem. Most Christians are blind to it, and yet, most of us experience it daily.

Maybe it's because I'm in Texas, or maybe it's because I need to stop caring about what people think. Nonetheless, I'd like to examine why we are the most untrusted minority and why we don't also have the same rights that are given to racial minorities, the GLBT community, and so forth. Where is our freedom of speech? Where are our billboards and commercials?When I look at the Civil Rights movement and the LGBT movement, one of the things that stands out to me is that nobody gave these minorities rights until they demanded them and made it clear that they were not going to take no for an answer. Atheists have not done that yet. Another important lesson is that these struggles took considerable time. Unbelievably, it is still illegal in most states for same-sex couples to marry. Bigotry is ugly, and it has a way of sticking around.

REASON FOR OPTIMISM

The good news is that things are beginning to change. Membership in national groups like the Freedom From Religion Foundation is on the increase, and we have a solid presence on the Internet. The mainstream media has taken notice of atheism in a way that we haven't seen since Madalyn Murray O'Hair. We have books, billboards, and we will hopefully soon have a major Hollywood film. I know it isn't nearly enough, but it is a start.

As more of us realize what is at stake and refuse to remain silent in the face of Christian privilege and religiously-motivated bigotry, we are beginning to find our voice. The more of us who begin to speak out, the harder it will be for anyone to silence us. Bigotry becomes much harder to maintain when it is exposed for what it is.

I know it often seems like we must make a choice between hiding ourselves to avoid retaliation and being completely open about our atheism and risking it all. But there are points between these two extremes. The challenge for Rachel, and many of us, is how to strike the sort of balance with which we can live.

Subscribe to Atheist RevolutionCopyright (c) 2014 Atheist Revolution.

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Lughnasadh

Lughnasadh, also called Lammas, is the Celebration of Harvest. This is the time of the first harvests. At this celebration we give thanks to the Earth for its bounty and beauty. It is from these harvests that we eat through the upcoming winter. The grain Goddesses Demeter and Ceres are also honored. This is a time to harvest the dreams planted earlier in the year.

Lughnasadh or 'Festival of Lugh' is a time of thanksgiving and reverence to the Land for it's sacrifices to us.

It is said that Lugh (Llew, Lugos, Lugus), Master of All the Arts and Crafts, dedicated this festival to his foster-mother, Tailtiu, the last queen of the Fir Bolg, who died from exhaustion after clearing a great forest so that the land could be cultivated. When the men of Ireland gathered at her death-bed, she told them to hold funeral games in her honor. As long as they were held, she prophesied Ireland would not be without song. Tailtiu's name is from Old Celtic Talantiu, "The Great One of the Earth," suggesting she may originally have been a personification of the land itself, like so many Irish goddesses. In fact, Lughnasadh has an older name, Br'on Trogain, which refers to the painful labor of childbirth. For at this time of year, the earth gives birth to her first fruits so that her children might live....

The Lughnassadh Sabbat is a time to celebrate the first of three harvest celebrations (Mabon and Samhain being the other two) in the Craft. It marks the middle of Summer represents the start of the harvest cycle and relies on the early crops of ripening grain, and also any fruits and vegetables that are ready to be harvested. It is therefore greatly associated with bread as grain is one of the first crops to be harvested.

Lughnasadh was also the traditional time of year for craft festivals. The medieval guilds would create elaborate displays of their wares, decorating their shops and themselves in bright colors and ribbons, marching in parades, and performing strange, ceremonial plays and dances for the entranced onlookers.

One traditional Lughnasadh custom was the construction of the corn dolly or corn maiden. This figure, braided into a woman's form from the last harvested sheaf of grain, represented the Harvest Spirit. (In America, the tradition is continued in the making of corn husk dolls.) The doll would be saved until Spring, when it was ploughed into the field to consecrate the new planting and insure a good harvest. In other traditions, the corn dolly was fed and watered throughout the Winter, then burned in the fires at Beltane to insure a continuation of good growth.

Another custom drawn from Lughnasadh relates to fire. Lughnasadh was, to the Celts, one of four Great Fire Festivals, held on the cross-quarter days.

During Lughnasadh, the custom of lighting bonfires was intended to add strength to the powers of the waning sun. Afterward, the fire brands were kept in the home through the Winter as protection against storms, lightning and fires caused by lightning....

It is customary to consume bread or something from the First Harvest during the Lughnassadh Ritual. Other actions include the gathering of first fruits and the study of Astrology. Some Pagans symbolically throw pieces of bread into a fire during the Lammas ritual. The celebration of Lughnasadh is a pause to relax and open yourself to the change of the Season so that you may be one with its energies and accomplish what is intended. Visits to fields, orchards, lakes and wells are also traditional.

SPELLWORK for prosperity, abundance and good fortune are especially appropriate now, as well as spells for connectedness, career, health and financial gain.

As Summer passes, pagans remember its warmth and bounty in the food we eat. Every meal is an act of attunement with Nature, and we are reminded that nothing in the Universe is constant.

SYMBOLISM OF LUGHNASADH:

Abundance, middle of summer, prosperity...

SYMBOLS OF LUGHNASADH:

Corn Dollies, Sun wheels, Threshing tools, the Full Moon

HERBS OF LUGHNASADH:

Acacia flowers, aloes, cornstalks, cyclamen, fenugreek, frankincense, heather, hollyhock, myrtle, oak leaves, sunflower, and wheat.

FOODS OF LUGHNASADH:

Traditional Pagan Foods for the Lughnassadh Festival include homemade breads (wheat, oat and especially cornbread), corn, potatoes, berry pies, barley cakes, nuts,

wild berries, apples, rice, roasted lamb, acorns, crab apples, summer squash, turnips, oats, all grains and all First Harvest foods.

Traditional drinks are elderberry wine, ale and meadowsweet tea.

INCENSE OF LUGHNASADH:

Aloes, rose, rose hips, rosemary, chamomile, passionflower, frankincense, and sandalwood.

STONES OF LUGHNASADH:

Cat's Eye

Lodestone

Clear Quartz

Rhodochrosite

Obsidian

Citrine

Adventurine.

ACTIVITIES OF LUGHNASADH:

Activities appropriate for this time of the year are the baking of bread and wheat weaving - such as the making of Corn Dollies, or other God & Goddess symbols.

Sand candles can be made to honor the Goddess and God of the sea. You may want to string Indian corn on black thread to make a necklace, and bake corn bread sticks shaped like little ears of corn for your Sabbat cakes. The Corn Dolly may be used both as a fertility amulet and as an altar centerpiece.

Some bake bread in the form of a God-figure or a Sun Wheel - if you do this, be sure to use this bread in the Cakes and Ale Ceremony.

COLOURS OF LUGHNASADH:

Red -- Elemental fire, deities of love, passion, sexuality and war. Courage, will-power, determination, speed, assertivity, aggression, masculinity, independence, physical strength, sports, competition, conflicts, health, sexual attraction and potency, love and passion, fertility.

Orange-- Deities of good luck and good fortune. Charm, kindness, encouragement, stimulation, optimism, success, abundance, prosperity, feast and celebration, achieving business goals, investments, success in legal matters.

Yellow-- Elemental air. Deities for trade, travel, knowledge and magick. Vitality, change, progress, contact, communication, and trade. Confidence, joy, cheerfulness, learning, knowledge, mental clarity, concentration, speaking and writing and visualization.

Green-- Elemental earth and elemental water. Nature and fertility deities, Mother goddesses. Nature, fertility, growth, rejuvenation, recovery, healing, harvest and abundance, prosperity, harmony, balance, peace, hope, home, plants and animals.

Brown/Light brown--Elemental earth, stability, grounding, conservation, protection of household, family and pets, healing animals, finding lost objects, buildings, material increase, to make relationships solid, to increase decisiveness and concentration, to attract help in financial crisis.

Gold --Sun-deities, solar energies, and masculine energy. Abundant self confidence, creativity, perfection, financial richess, success in investments, luxury, worldly power, magickal power, overcoming bad habits and addictions.

Bronze-- Love-goddesses, love and passion, positive relationships in love, friendship in business, career promotions, successful negotiations.

Gray-- Neutralizing negative influences, putting a halt to action.

ANIMALS OF LUGHNASADH

Griffins, basilisks, roosters, calves, centaurs, phoenix

Lughnasadh blessings!

Tansy

x

Origin: way-of-witch.blogspot.com

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Old Testament God Who Is The Demiurge

Demiurge:The Vengeful Old Testament God A Question from the Christian Wicca e-list: something Nancy said made me curious. What exactly is the Demiurge and what's is the Origin?

The Demiurge Is The Name That The Gnostics Christians Gave To The Old Testament God, Often Noted For His Vengeance And Wrath. The Gnostics Did Not Believe Jesus Was Teaching About The Same God That The Old Testament Refers To; Instead, Jesus Preaches The Message Of The "Good Father" Or The "True Father.Only In Certain Books Of The Old Testament Refer To "God" As "Our Heavenly Father" Or The "Good Father"; These Books Include Isaiah And Psalms.

In Other Old Testament Books, The God Considered The Demiurge Comes To People Saying He Is The "god Of Their Fathers. "Ironically, The Book Of Isaiah Is Among The Books Of The Nag Hammadi Library. It Should Give Everyone Something To Think About When You Realize That The Other Books Discovered Were Not Added To The Canonized Bible. In Fact, They Were Quickly Declared Heresy By The Roman Catholic Church, Including The Protestant Churches (the Churches Who Are Named For Protesting Their Beliefs And Teachings Of The Catholic Church). Why Was Isaiah The Exception To This Rule? We Do Know That Isaiah Prophesied The Coming Of Jesus.

Many Scholars And Biblical Historians Also Believed That Isaiah Was A Prophet Of The True Father And Was Proclaiming The End Of The Demiurge's Reign.First, Let Me Say That The Concept Of The Demiurge Is Not A Dogmatic Teaching Among Christian Wiccans - Actually, The Distancing Of All Forms Of Dogma Is The Very Thing Wiccans Who Acknowledge The Holy Trinity Is Trying To Do. Therefore, It Is Not A Necessary Concept Or Belief Requirement Of Any Wiccan Of The Trinitarian Tradition. Whether You Choose To Agree With This Concept Is Up To You... However, It Does Explain Alot About The Difference In The Vengeful Old Testament God And The God Of Love That Jesus Proclaimed In The New Testament.The Actual Word "demiurge" Is An Ancient Greek Word Meaning 'craftsman' Or 'artisan'. Plato, In The Timaeus, Uses The Word For The Maker Of The Universe. Plato Says Of This Maker That He Is Unreservedly Good And So Desired That The World Should Be As Good As Possible.

The Reason Why The World Is Not Better Than It Is That The Demiurge Had To Work On Pre-existing Chaotic Matter. Thus, The Demiurge Is Not An Omnipotent Creator. Early Christian Philosophers Were Quick To Claim That The Demiurge Represented "pagan Philosophy's Anticipation Of The God Of Revealed Religion."In The Beginning Times Of The Developing Earth And Universe, The Gnostic Goddess Known As Sophia; She Was The Personification Of The Divine Feminine. Her Name Is A Word Which Is Greek For "wisdom", It Is Not Synonymous With The Modern Name Sophia, (as In Sophia Loren) *smiles*.

There Are Various Versions Of Her Myth. According To One, Sophia Is The Active Creative Force And Her Consort Is The Passive Creative Force. The Male Aspect Of The Divine Is The Unknown But Good God And The Heavenly Father Of Jesus. The Story Goes That Sophia Desires To Have A Child God, But She Does Not "actively Mate With The Good Father In A Fashion That We Might Envision - However, Her Thoughts Become Manifest By Accident (after All She Is A Goddess!) - Her Thoughts To Have A Child Is Infused With Heavenly Light And Brings This Child God Into Being.The Exact Means By Which This Cosmic Birth Process Occurred Was And Continues To Be The Subject Of Much Debate Among The Gnostic Christians. According To This Version Of Creationism, Sophia's Desire Somehow Veiled Infinity, Casting The Shadow Of Heavenly Matter (but Lacks Spirit); He Is A Shadow Of A Jealous Heaven And Therefore Is Not Pure. The Demiurge Emerged From Sophia Like A Bad Reflection Or A Bad Dream About Heaven; The Demiurge Is A Total Parody Of The True, Hidden God. Embarrassed At Her Own Actions, Sophia Then Threw The Jealous And Revolting Godform Out Of Heaven. After Seeing The Results, Sophia Banished Yaldabaoth From Heaven And Gave It Independent Existence. She Did Not Want The Other Aeons (or Immortal Beings) In Heaven To See Her Mistake. Sophia Then Enters Into A Cloud And Begins To Cry For All Eternity At Her Foolish Mistake.

He Is Called Yaldabaoth, Which Means "child, Pass Through To Here" Or The Name Samael, The Blind God Or "the God Of The Blind. This Type Of "blindness" Corresponds With The Spiritual Mysteries Hidden Within Each Of Us. This Godform Was The Arrogant Creator-god Of The Old Testament. In His Arrogance, He Spoke Of No Other Gods - Due To His Ignorance, He Does Not Even Recognizing His Own Mother Sophia.According To The Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition: The Demiurge - (dm'^urj') (KEY) [Gr.,=workman, Craftsman], Name Given By Plato In A Mythological Passage In The Timaeus To The Creator God. In Gnosticism, The Demiurge, Creator Of The Material World, Was Not God But The Archon, Or Chief Of The Lowest Order Of Spirits Or Aeons. According To The Gnostics, The Demiurge Was Able To Endow Man Only With Psyche, Sensuous Soul; Only The True God Could Add The Pneuma, Or The Rational Soul. This Is The "feminine Aspect Of The Spirit" - The Greek Term Pneuma, Often Associated With The Holy Spirit Of The New Testament. The Gnostics Identified The Demiurge With The Jehovah Of The Hebrews. In Philosophy, The Term Is Used To Denote A Divine Being That Is The Builder Of The Universe Rather Than Its Creator.Some Gnostics Taught That The World Is Ruled By Evil Archons, Among Them Being The Deity Of The Old Testament, Who Hold Captive The Spirit Of Humanity.

They Believe That This Is The "true Satan", The Hebrew "ha-satan" Or Adversary Of The True God Or The Good Father.In The Demiurge's Own Arrogance And Ignorance, He Creates The Visible World But Begins To Withhold Knowledge From Humanity. This Is Made Example, When Adam And Eve Are Instructed To Not Eat Of The "Tree Of Life" And The Knowledge Of Good And Evil. At This Point, Humankind Becomes Aware Of Themselves, Their Own Ideas, Their Own Opinions And Begins To Question The "only God They Know" - Thus, The Anger Of The Old Testament God Begins And His Vengeful Tactics Of Ruling The Earth Is Well Documented.

Reference: witch-selena.blogspot.com

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New Book Eclectic Artisans In Stock Sabbats A Witchs

NEW BOOK @ ECLECTIC ARTISANS IN STOCK: SABBATS, A WITCH'S APPROACH TO LIVING THE OLD WAYS

First and foremost, Witchcraft or Wicca is a religion. In "The Sabbats, "Edain McCoy reveals the eight major holidays of this faith and the many ways in which they are celebrated.

There are two basic types of holidays. The first come at the Solstices and Equinoxes. The others divide the time between those dates in two, resulting in eight major holidays or Sabbats with approximately the same amount of days between them. The balance, here, gives the appearance of spokes in a wheel, so this cycle is commonly called the Wheel of the Year.

The holidays represent two things. First, the harvest cycle. Each holiday represents a time in the growth of crops. From planting to growth, from harvesting to letting the lands lie fallow in the cold winter, the festivals follow the agricultural cycles of ancient times. However, they also represent the eternal love of the God and Goddess, following the God's birth from the Goddess and his death before she gives birth to him again. This also follows the pattern of the Sun which moves from warm and high in the sky to cold and low in the sky.

The book is filled with ways you can follow the Wheel of the Year, whether you work with a coven, with your family, or by yourself. You will learn the secrets of ritual construction and handicrafts appropriate to each of the festivals. You will also learn recipes for traditional foods for each holiday and even songs appropriate to the Sabbats.

This is a wonderful, joyous book filled with color, information, and wisdom. If you are involved with Paganism in any way, this book is a must for your studies and practices. This book functions as both a resource and as a practical manual for the celebration of the holidays. Get your copy today.

368 PAGES

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Shinzen Young The Science Of Enlightenment Meditation Buddhism

Shinzen Young - The science of enlightenment meditation buddhism

What is enlightenment? Is it a myth or is it real? On The Science of Enlightenment, you will learn that the liberated state is as real as the sensations you are having right now. For it is through the investigation of your own thoughts and feelings that you can awaken to clear insight and a happiness independent of conditions: the state of enlightenment. Through his expertise in both science and spirituality, meditation teacher Shinzen Young demystifies the principles of awakening hidden within the world's great spiritual traditions and shows you how to use them in your own life.

Here, in an unequalled 12-tape course covering traditional teachings, scientific insights, and practical instruction, you will test for yourself the discoveries of the great wisdom traditions, including Buddhism, Christianity, Jewish mysticism, Sufism, Hinduism, shamanism, and many others. Why issingle-pointed concentration so highly regarded on every contemplative path? How do you move beyond emotional/intellectual blocks and into a state of highest presence? Where do psychic powers and other mystical phenomena fit in the architecture of enlightenment? How do you know if your meditation practice is working?

On The Science of Enlightenment, Shinzen Young elucidates these questions with precision and intelligence, demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the Western world's most articulate and understandable teachers of classical mystical experience. The search for awakening is not limited to a chosen few. It is a field open for you to investigate - once you possess theinner technologies to do so. Now you can begin that investigation, with The Science of Enlightenment. Six complete guided meditation sessions.

TPB

Reference: just-wicca.blogspot.com

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