Wednesday, December 7, 2016

Principia Chaotica by Peter Carroll


Chaos Magic for the Pandaemeon

In Chaos Magic, beliefs are not seen as ends in themselves, but as tools for creating desired effects. To fully realize this is to face a terrible freedom in which Nothing is True and Everything is Permitted, which is to say that everything is possible, there are no certainties, and the consequences can be ghastly. Laughter seems to be the only defense against the realization that one does not even have a real self.

The purpose of Chaos Rituals is to create beliefs by acting as though such beliefs were true. In Chaos Rituals you Fake it till you Make it, to obtain the power that a belief can provide. Afterwards, if you have any sense, you will laugh it off, and seek the requisite beliefs for whatever you want to do next, as Chaos moves you.

Thus Chaoism proclaims the Death and Rebirth of the Gods. Our subconscious creativity and parapsychological powers are more than adequate to create or destroy any god or self or demon or other "spiritual" entity that we may choose to invest or disinvest belief in, at least for ourselves and sometimes others as well. The frequently awesome results attaining by creating gods by act of ritually behaving as though they exist should not lead the Chaos magician into the abyss of attributing ultimate reality to anything. That is the transcendentalist mistake, which leads to the narrowing of the spectrum of the self. The real awesomeness lies in the range of things we can discover ourselves capable of, even if we may temporarily have to believe the effects are due to something else, in order to be able to create them. The gods are dead. Long live the gods.

Magic appeals to those with a great deal of hubris and a fertile imagination coupled with a strong suspicion that both reality and human condition have a game like quality. The game is open ended, and plays itself for amusement. Players can make up their own rules to some extent, and cheat by using parapsychology if desired.

A magician is one who has sold his soul for the chance of participating more fully in reality. Only when nothing is true, and the idea of a true self is abandoned, does everything become permitted. There is some accuracy in the Faust myth, but he failed to take it to its logical conclusion.

It takes only the acceptance of a single belief to make someone a magician. It is the meta-belief that belief is a tool for achieving effects. This effect is often far easier to observe in others than in oneself. It is usually quite easy to see how other people, and indeed entire cultures, are both enabled and disabled by the beliefs they hold. Beliefs tend to lead to activities which tend to reconfirm belief in a circle they call virtuous rather than vicious, even if the results are not amusing. The first stage of seeing through the game can be a shocking enlightenment that leads either to a weary cynicism or Buddhism. The second stage of actually applying the insight to oneself can destroy the illusion of the soul and create a magician. The realization that belief is a tool rather than an end in itself has immense consequences if fully accepted. Within the limits set by physical possibility, and these limits are wider and more malleable than most people believe, one can make real any beliefs one chooses, including contradictionary beliefs. The Magician is not striving for any particular limited identity goal, rather he wants the meta-identity of being able to be anything.

So welcome to the Kali Yuga of the Pandaemonaeon wherein nothing is true and everything is permissible. For in these post-absolutist days it is better to build upon the shifting sands than the rock which will confound you on the day it shatters. Philosophers have become no more than the keepers of useful sarcasms, for the secret is out that there is no secret of the universe. All is Chaos and evolution is going nowhere in particular. It is pure chance which rules the universe and thus, and only thus, is life good. We are born accidentally into a random world where only seeming causes lead to apparent effects, and very little is predetermined, thank Chaos. As everything is arbitrary and accidental then perhaps these words are too small and pejorative, rather we should perhaps say that life, the universe and everything is spontaneously creative and magical.

Relishing stochastic reality we can revel exclusively in magical definitions of existence. The roads of excess may yet lead to the place of wisdom, and many indeterminate things can happen on the way to thermodynamic equilibrium. It is vain to seek solid ground on which to stand. Solidity is an illusion, as is the foot which stands on it, and the self which thinks it owns either is the most transparent illusion of all.

The heavy vessels of faith are holed and sinking along with all lifeboats and ingenious rafts. So will you shop at the supermarket of sensation and let your consumer preferences define your true self? Or will you in a bold and lighthearted fashion, thieve from both for the fun of it? For belief is a tool for achieving whatever one chooses to consider important or pleasurable, and sensation has no other purpose than sensation. Thus help yourself to them without paying the price. Sacrifice Truth for Freedom at every opportunity. The greatest fun, freedom and achievement lies not being yourself. There is little merit in simply being whomsoever you were destined to be by accident of birth and circumstance. Hell is the condition of having no alternatives.

Reject then the obscenities of contrived uniformity, order and purpose. Turn and face the tidal wave of Chaos from which philosophers have been fleeing in terror for millennia. Leap in and come out surfing its crest, sporting amidst the limitless weirdness and mystery in all things, for those who reject false certainties. Thank Chaos we shall never exhaust it. Create, destroy, enjoy,
IO CHAOS!


Also read:

Monday, November 28, 2016

What is Luciferianism?


Sometimes mistakenly associated with Satanism due to the Christian interpretation of the fallen angel, Luciferianism is a wholly different belief system and does not revere the devil figure or most characteristics typically affixed to Satan. Rather, Lucifer in this context is seen as one of many morning stars, a symbol of enlightenment, independence and human progression, and is often used interchangeably with similar figures from a range of ancient beliefs, such as the Greek titan Prometheus or the Jewish talmudic figure Lilith.

They support the protection of the natural world. Both the arts and sciences are crucial to human development, and thus both are cherished. Luciferians think that humans should be focused on this life and how to make the most of it every single day. The ability to recognize both good and evil, to accept that all actions have consequences, both positive and negative, and to actively influence one's environment, is a key factor.

For Luciferians, enlightenment is the ultimate goal. The basic Luciferian principles highlight truth and freedom of will, worshipping the inner self and one's ultimate potential. Traditional dogma is shunned as a basis for morality on the grounds that humans should not need deities or fear of eternal punishment to distinguish right from wrong and to do good. All ideas should be tested before being accepted, and even then one should remain skeptical because knowledge and understanding are fluid. Regardless of whether Lucifer is conceived of as a deity or as a mere archetype, he is a representation of ultimate knowledge and exploration: humanity's savior and a champion for continuing personal growth.

Theistic Luciferianism
Some Luciferians believe in Lucifer as an actual deity, not to be worshipped as the Judeo-Christian God but to be revered and followed as a teacher and friend, as a rescuer or guiding spirit, or even the one true god as opposed to the traditional creator of Judaism. Theistic Luciferians are followers of the Left-Hand Path and may adhere to different dogmata put forth by organizations such as the Neo-Luciferian Church or other congregations that are heavily focused on ceremonial magic, the occult and literal interpretations of spiritual stories and figures.


Also read:

Friday, November 11, 2016

The Tulpa Effect and Slenderman


Slenderman is a very tall man. He is pale and lanky. He appears to have tentacles that come from his back and two main arms that look human with very long fingers. Slenderman’s most frightening attribute is his lack of a face.

The Tulpa Effect is a theory on the creation and existence of Slender Man.

"Tulpa is a concept in mysticism of a being or object which is created through sheer spiritual or mental discipline alone." - Wikipedia

A Tulpa is a thoughtform, or being created from the collective thoughts of separate individuals. The concept of Tulpas is theoretical in nature and originates from Tibetan mythology, where Tulpas are described as extra bodies that were created from one person's mind in order to travel to spiritual realms. 

The Tulpa Effect is the name given to the unintentional creation of a Tulpa based on collective belief of a being with similar traits.

The Slenderman page says, “the idea of intentional creation of Slender Man as a tulpa came as early as August of 2009, as the idea was first thrown around in the Something Awful forums.”

The idea is still carried today by some Slender Man-based communities, specifically Slender Nation, although the various separate evolutions of the Slender Man creature have created varying beliefs, traits, descriptions, and actions, and no longer includes a single unified description of Slender Man from which a tulpa could be created.

Core Theory centers around the idea that the Slender Man was created as a tulpa in some way in the various ARGs, and acts as an in-game reasoning as to its existence and slight differences among the various series.

Some have worries over the unintentional creation of a Slender Woman tulpa due to the popularity of the mythos in present day. Others believe that the Tulpa Effect may have serious real-life repercussions with the creation of a real Slender Man.

Slenderman shares the same traits as his supernatural cousin, ‘The Rake‘: “During the summer of 2003, events in the northeastern United States involving a strange, human-like creature sparked brief local media interest…”

There seemed to be a number of people who were seeing a bed-side entity that was being called “The Rake.” The name was taken from an Internet meme that was created on a social network. The Rake was a hairless creature reported to be at least 6 feet tall, emaciated and sinewy with dark black eyes. The entity allegedly looked like a balding old man. The ribs could clearly be seen against the skin and the lips on the face were pulled back slightly giving the entity a death grin.

People lost interest in the Rake stories of the northeast after Slenderman appeared in 2009.

Both the Rake and Slenderman have similar traits to another supernatural entity known as the “Grinning Man.”

A website devoted to the grinning man tulpa is ThisMan.org, where the site asks if anyone has had dreams about a bald nondescript grinning man. The website is a dream registry that seems to show that this grinning bald man or the slender man without a face is now in collective unconscious.



Also read:

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

The mystical sound of the cricket and astral projection practices


According to the Aztec language, the word Chapultepec means the following: chapul or chapulin means “cricket,” and Tepec means “hill.” Therefore, the Aztec word Chapultepec must be defined as, “the Hill of the Cricket.”

In ancient Rome, during the time of the Caesars, the cricket was sold in golden cages at a very high price. In Mexico City, at the Museum of Anthropology and History, there exists a very interesting picture related to the teachings that were taught to the Aztec nobility and priests in their secret temples.

In this picture, we see two individuals floating over the Hill of Chapultepec. A chirping cricket appears at the summit of the hill. Next to this scene, a floating human face appears; from the mouth emerge two waves of light which symbolize the chirping of the cricket, or in other words, the symbol for the monotonous and sharp sound of the cricket that the two people who are floating over the foothill must produce in order to penetrate into the temple.

The chirping of the cricket is the “still voice” that Appolonius of Tyana utilized in order to depart in his Astral body. This is the small, still voice that Elijah heard when he went out, “and stood in the entering of the cave in the wilderness.”

The human being is a triad of body, soul, and Spirit. A mediator between the Spirit and the body exists. This mediator is the body of the soul, the Astral body. One possesses a soul, yet one is a Spirit. The Astral body is part human and part divine; it is endowed with marvelous internal senses with which we can investigate the great mysteries of life and death. The mind, the willpower, and the Consciousness abide within the Astral body.

In the Hill of Chapultepec exists a temple in the Jinn state; in other words, within the fourth dimension. One can attend this temple in the Astral body. The rector of the Temple of Chapultepec is the venerable Master Rasmussen. This temple is safeguarded by very zealous guardians with naked swords.

During the hours of ordinary sleep, all human beings act and travel in their Astral body; however, upon awakening, not all of us remember what we saw, heard, or did while acting within that body.

Therefore, in the mornings, upon awakening from one’s dreams, one must perform the effort to remember all that one had dreamt. One’s dreams are nothing more than experiences within the Astral World. One must carefully take note of all of them in a notebook.

When you perform your dream yoga practices, concentrate on the sharp chirping of the cricket. This chirping must sound from within the smallest cells of your brain. If this practice is done correctly, you will soon be in that transition between vigil and slumber.

Increase the slumber and the sound of the crickets' chirping by using your willpower. Then get up from your bed and, with complete confidence, leave your bedroom and go towards the Temple of Chapultepec, or wherever else you wish to go. You must try to not lose the lucidity of your Consciousness.

Do not mentally get up from your bed in this vigil stats; instead, actually get yourself up. Nature will take charge of separating your Astral body from your physical body. The physical body will remain sleeping in its bed and the Astral body will become free to travel wherever you wish.

Daily exercise: Any time that you are at your work, in the street, in your house, in the presence of a strange thing, or in front of a person whom you have not seen for a long time, ask yourself: “Am I in the Astral Body?”

Then, perform a small jump and if you float it is because you are within your Astral Body. Thus, you can fly and direct yourself to any place in the world. If you do not float, it is because you are within your body of flesh and bones.

When one practices this exercise during the day, then it is repeated during one’s dreams and the result is that the consciousness awakens and experiences a lucid dream. One becomes aware that one is out of the physical body in the Astral World.

- Esoteric Medicine and Practical Magic, Samael Aun Weor


Dream Yoga Practice (Astral)

Learn to use your imagination and will, united in vibrant harmony Lying in your bed or seated in a comfortable chair, imagine a well-known faraway place (a house, a park, an avenue, a city, etc.) and lull yourself to sleep with that image in your mind. When you find yourself falling asleep with that image in your mind, make that image real; forget the place where your body is; put the force of will into play and, full of confidence in yourself walk through the imagined place. Walk in the imagined place as if you were there in flesh and bones. If the practice is done correctly, you will unfold and your soul will be transported to that place and you will be able to see and hear everything that happens there. 

-Introduction to Gnosis, Samael Aun Weor

Remember Dreams (Astral)

After returning to the body we wake up in our bed. Many disciples commit the mistake of moving in the bed in the precise moment of waking up from the normal sleep. With this movement, the astral body is agitated and the memories are lost. When awakening in his bed, the student of Occultism must not move! We must remain still, close our eyes and make a retrospective exercise to meticulously remember all those places we were at with our astral body, all the words we heard, what we said, etc.

 -Esoteric Treaty of Theurgy, Samael Aun Weor

Development of Oneiric Memory (Astral)

You need memory to remember your internal experiences. Do not spill the semen. Know that in the semen are millions of microscopic brain cells. You must not lose those cells.

Special food to develop the power of memory

Prepare your breakfast with acidic fruit and ground almonds with bee honey. In this way you provide the brain with the necessary atoms for the memory.

Esoteric Diet

Breakfast: Toasted bread with pure honey, hot milk, and fruit.

Lunch: Must consist of vegetables, fruits, and any type of grain.

Dinner: Bread with pure honey and hot milk. Nothing more.

Meditation should he performed at 10:00 p.m. nightly. Meditation should also be performed at dawn. If the student meditates during these hours, he will progress rapidly.

-The Yellow Book, Samael Aun Weor

Internal experiences 

While the body sleeps, the ego lives in the internal worlds and travels to different places. In the internal worlds we are tested many times. We receive initiation in the internal temples. It becomes necessary to remember everything that we do outside the body. With the instructions given in this book every human being will be able to awaken consciousness and remember his internal experiences. It is painful to know that there are many Initiates who work in the Great Temples of the White Lodge whilst their physical body sleeps, and yet they do not remember anything because their memory is atrophied.

-Perfect Matrimony, Samael Aun Weor

The Particular Keynote (Astral)

In an almost imperceptible manner, a keynote always resounds within the brain of every living being. That keynote is that of the ray to which each person belongs and seems to come from the cells of the cerebellum. Some hear the sound of small flutes of the Egyptian ray; others will hear the “gong” of the Oriental ray, others the roaring of the sea, of the lunar ray, etc.

If the disciple silences all his thoughts in the calm of the night, he will hear his keynote; then he can cause that note to vibrate loudly, with will and when the note is already so loud that it invades and semi-paralyzes the entire physical body, the disciple should get out of bed and betake himself to the Gnostic Church for the Masters of the White Brotherhood will receive him there with incomparable happiness.

-Zodiacal Course, Samael Aun Weor

Mantra EGIPTO (Astral)

Our disciples must acquire the power of Astral Body projection. This power is acquired by vocalizing daily for an hour the sacred mantra Egipto. The vowel “E” makes the thyroid gland vibrate and grants the initiate the power of the occult ear. The “G” awakens the chakra of the liver, and when this chakra has reached its full development, then, the initiate can enter and leave the Physical Body any time at will. The vowel “I,” combined with the letter “P,” develops Clairvoyance in the initiate, and the power to depart in the Astral Body through the window of Brahma, which is the pineal gland. Pronounce the letter “T” with force over the vowel “O, “ which is intimately related with the chakra of the heart; this is how the initiate can acquire the power to project the self through this plexus and thus travel in his Astral Body.

The correct pronunciation of this mantra is as follows: EEEEEEGGGGGGGIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPTTTTOOOOOOOO

Those who still do not have the ability to project themselves in the Astral Body with our clues, lack this power. Therefore, they must first acquire it by vocalizing daily for one hour the mantra Egipto. This mantra develops the chakras related with the projection of the Astral Body completely. This is how the disciple acquires the power of entering and leaving the Physical Body at will. Once the power for astral projection is acquired, the disciple will enter and leave the Physical Body at will.

-The Seven Words, Samael Aun Weor

Mantra LA RA and the Anahat sound (Astral)

The human being can travel to any place in the world or in the infernos with his Astral Body. The key in order to consciously travel with the Astral Body is the following: Laying down on his bed, face up, the disciple must fall sleep while vocalizing the syllables “LA” “RA”.

The student will independently vocalize each syllable, that is to say, each syllable with a separate breath, as follows: LLLLLLLLLLLAAAAAAAAAAAA……RRRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAAA

The vocalization of these two sacred syllables must be done mentally.

These two syllables have the power of making the sexual energy intensely vibrate. Thus, the disciple must fall asleep while vocalizing with tranquility in his bed. Thus, this is how the sexual energies, the creative energies of the Third Logos begin to vibrate when the student vocalizes these two syllables.

These type of energies produce a sweet and subtle sound when they are intensely vibrating. This sound is similar to that of the cricket. The student must learn how to handle this sound, as this is the subtle voice which grants us the power to consciously travel with our Astral Body.

-Message of Aquarius, Samael Aun Weor

Meditation on the “Ursa Major” (Meditation-Astral)

Ursa Major is also known as the Great Bear and is a constellation in the northern celestial hemisphere.

Ancient men grew spiritually under the influence of the “Ursa Major” and students should meditate intensely on the ‘Ursa Major’ if they want to awaken consciousness. That constellation radiates powerful spiritual forces and man should learn to converse with the sidereal Geni of that constellation.

There is a key to transfer oneself to that constellation. The key is to meditate profoundly on a “yellow stone” that exists in the astral. Do this exercise in the moments of transition between vigil and sleep and thou shall then transfer thyself in the astral body to the largest star of the ‘Ursa Major’, where a powerful and gigantic civilization exists.

-Zodiacal Course, Samael Aun Weor

Self-Remembering (Psychology and Self Knowledge-Astral) 

Gnostic students must remember themselves while in the presence of any kind of interesting representation, one must remember oneself and ask oneself the following questions: Where am I? What am I doing here? Could I be out of my physical body?

Then, carefully observe everything surrounding you; observe well the sky with inquisitive eyes; any kind of detail from the internal worlds; be it a set of foreign colors, be it a strange animal, the beloved shadow of a deceased person, ect., this will conform that you are out of your physical body; the you will awaken the Consciousness. It becomes very useful, in those instants of reflection and self-remembering, to hop with the intention of floating in that environment. It is logical that if we float it is because we are out of our physical body.

If all the dormants, while sleeping, ask themselves such  reflective questions, it is logical that they would awaken consciousness. If the ego, after death, asks itself such questions in the presence of any representation, then it would awaken instantly. Unfortunately, the ego never thinks about those questions because during its life it has never had the custom of questioning itself. It is necessary to grasp this custom and to live it intensely. Only in this way, can we conceive of the idea of asking ourselves such questions while sleeping and after death. The result of this practice is the awakening of the consciousness. Anyone who awakens their consciousness may become clairvoyant. Anyone who awakens the consciousness lives fully awakened in the Superior worlds while the physical body sleeps. The Great Masters do not dream.

 -Esoteric Course of Kabbalah, Samael Aun Weor


Also read:

Friday, November 4, 2016

Occultism, the study of hidden knowledge


The occult (from the Latin word occultus "clandestine, hidden, secret") is "knowledge of the hidden".

Occultism or occult studies is the study of hidden knowledge. This in and of itself can be interpreted several ways, including:

  • Knowledge kept from the wider population, offered only to initiates after proper preparation. Reasons for this commonly include the belief that such knowledge is dangerous to the unprepared, and that revealing sacred knowledge to the common populace profanes that knowledge.
  • Knowledge disguised by God for only the select few to comprehend. Multiple Renaissance occultists, for example, wrote of the Book of Nature, that is to say, the physical universe. Within this book are clues and messages, left by God, which can be found and deciphered by those both educated and worthy.
  • Knowledge of realms, energies, or abilities not recognized by the general populace. The most common use of the term occult in this way is in relation to the practice of magic, but in a wider sense anything supernatural or paranormal might be included.

There are countless practices around the world that might be labeled as occult including magic, alchemy, Kabbalah extra-sensory perception, astrology, numerology, spiritualism, religion, and divination. 

Many occultists follow practices involving aspects of multiple paths, which makes generalizing about the occult extremely difficult. In addition, not all followers of these paths label themselves occultists, and outsiders should be sensitive to such differences in definition.

It also describes a number of magical organizations or orders, the teachings and practices taught by them, and to a large body of current and historical literature and spiritual philosophy related to this subject.

Occultism is often considered roughly synonymous with esoteric and mystical, two far less threatening terms often used in conjunction with branches of mainstream and alternative religions alike.

Occult qualities are properties that have no known rational explanation; in the Middle Ages, for example, magnetism was considered an occult quality. Newton's contemporaries severely criticized his theory that gravity was effected through "action at a distance", as occult.


Wednesday, November 2, 2016

Sexual stimulation re-routes brain activity to reach an 'altered state of consciousness'


Northwestern University neuroscience professor Adam Safron has made the first comprehensive model of what orgasms do to brain activity. Sexual stimulation literally re-routes brain activity, creating a trance.

In a nutshell, sexual stimulation focuses our neurons in such a way that we are sent into a trance, blocking out everything else and concentrating solely, intensely on the sensation alone.

We lose our usual self-awareness and consciousness of other noises, feelings, and smells around us. 

No other natural stimulation could recreate this level of concentration.

'Sex is a source of pleasurable sensations and emotional connection, but beyond that, it's actually an altered state of consciousness,' Dr Safron explains.

To examine this unique trance, Dr Safron reviewed related studies and literature over many years to come up with a model in which rhythmic sexual activity likely influences brain rhythms.

His model showed stimulating particular nerves in a particular way at a particular speed over and over again focuses our neurons.

They begin to synchronize their activity. This focusing process is called neural entrainment.

Eventually, if stimulation continues long enough, this synchronization can spread throughout the brain making us more focused than ever.   

This may be crucial for allowing for a sufficient intensity of experience to trigger the mechanisms of climax.

Dr Safron's previous research has focused on the neural bases of sexual preferences. 

He said orgasm is related to this work because it is one of the most powerful rewards available, and therefore, may have an important role in shaping preferences.

'Before this paper, we knew what lit up in the brain when people had orgasms, and we knew a lot about the hormonal and neurochemical factors in non-human animals, but we didn't really know why sex and orgasm feel the way they do,' Dr Safron said. 

'This paper provides a level of mechanistic detail that was previously lacking.'

WHY RHYTHM IS SO IMPORTANT 

To Dr Safron's surprise, he found parallels between sexual climax, seizures, music and dance.

All four flood the brain's sensory channels with rhythmic inputs. 

'Synchronization is important for signal propagation in the brain, because neurons are more likely to fire if they are stimulated multiple times within a narrow window of time,' Dr Safron said. 

'Otherwise, the signals decay as part of a general resetting mechanism, rather than sum together. 

'This then caused me to hypothesize that rhythmic entrainment is the primary mechanism by which orgasmic thresholds are surpassed.' 

'The idea that sexual experiences can be like trance states is in some ways ancient. Turns out this idea is supported by modern understandings of neuroscience,' Dr Safron said. 

'In theory, this could change the way people view their sexuality.




Tuesday, November 1, 2016

Interesting Day of the Dead Facts


Indigenous people from Mexico believe the soul is eternal and that it can travel back and forth from this world and the next. The celebration of the Day of the Dead is based on the belief that the souls of their loved ones will come back and visit them.

The Aztec Holiday.

Rituals celebrating the lives of dead ancestors had been performed by Mesoamerican civilizations for at least 3,000 years.

The Aztec Festival of the Dead was originally a two-month celebration during which the fall harvest was celebrated, and figures of ‘death’ were personified as well as honored. The festival was presided over by Mictecacíhuatl, Goddess of the Dead and the Underworld, also known to the Aztecs as Mictlán. In the pre-Columbian belief system, Mictlán was not dark or macabre, but rather a peaceful realm where souls rested until the days of visiting the living, or los Días de los Muertos, arrived. Over the course of the festivities, participants place offerings for the dead in front of homemade altars, including special foods, traditional flowers, candles, photographs, and other offerings.

Although primarily a Mexican festival, the Day of the Dead is in fact celebrated by Catholic cultures throughout the world. Many countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia mark the day.

It is related to Samhain and Halloween. 

When the Spanish Conquistadors arrived in Central America in the 15th century they were appalled at the indigenous pagan practices, and in an attempt to convert the locals to Catholicism moved the popular festival to the beginning of November to coincide with the Catholic All Saints and All Souls days. All Saints Day is the day after Halloween, which was in turn based on the earlier pagan ritual of Samhain, the Celtic day and feast of the dead. The Spanish combined their custom of Halloween with the similar Mesoamerican festival, creating The Day of the Dead.

Many Mexicans bristle at any hint of the relationship between Halloween and The Day of The Dead but the two celebrations are undeniably linked. 

Party at the cemetery

The souls of children are believed to return first on November 1, with adult spirits following on November 2. Plans for the festival are made throughout the year, including gathering the goods that will be offered to the dead. During the period of October 31 and November 2 families usually clean and decorate the graves where their loved ones are buried and decorate their graves with offerings.

In some places in Mexico families embellished the tombs of their loved ones for a vigil during the night. The vigil lasts until dawn and includes music, food and drinks at the graveyard. This is a real party!

The elements of the altar

One of the most important traditions is the set up of an altar in memory of the deceased where the four elements of nature, water, wind, fire, and earth are represented. Also it is traditional to have photos in the altar of the departed ancestors. 

Traveling between this world and the next is hard work. To sustain the spirits as they travel food and drink is placed on the altars, usually favorite dishes of the departed. Each altar also includes Water, Salt and Bread as well as a washbasin for the dead to spruce up when they return.

Day of the Dead Bread

This bread known as pan de muerto is baked and eaten on the Day of the Dead. It’s a sweet, egg-based bread usually containing the herb anise, and made during the weeks leading up to the holiday. The bread can be baked in different shapes such as skulls, bones, flowers, and animals, and is often eaten at the altar. 

Marigolds

Mexican cempasúchitl (marigold) is the traditional flower used to honor the dead. It is yellow like the sun and represents life and hope. They are used in the altars and graveyards.

The fragrance of the Marigolds is supposed to lead the spirits home.

Sugar Skulls and La Catrina

Decorated sugar skulls are a particularly unique Day of the Dead tradition. The molded sugar skulls are meant to represent the life and individuality of the departed.

La Catrina (an etching created in the early 19th century by Mexican artist José Guadalupe Posada) has become an iconic image of the festival. It depicts a female skeleton, usually dressed in elegant clothes.

No Mourning

Far from a sad occasion, Day of the Dead celebrates the lives of loved ones who have passed away with family gatherings and joyous memories.

The Aztecs did not believe in mourning their dead as tears would make the spirits’ journey more difficult, rather they celebrated their lives and memory.

Souls fly on the wings of butterflies 

While the fall is the season for the Day of the Dead, it’s also when monarch butterflies arrive in Mexico. Legend has it that the butterflies are the souls of the deceased returning to earth. What a beautiful image for such a creepy occurrence.

Thursday, October 27, 2016

A list of herbs that can activate lucid dreaming


How many of us remember our dreams? How many of us can control them?

People who have lucid dreams know they are dreaming, and they have the ability to control their dreams. They are able to navigate their dreamscape with an awakened mind, asking characters they come across pretty insightful questions about their spirit path. They can run, jump, and fly at will, gaining profound inner wisdom from the experience.

If one wants to dream more at night and maybe even experience the allusive lucid dream, there are several herbs one can take before bed that will help. These herbs have been used for centuries as both medicines and dream enhancers.

Caution: Although these herbs are completely legal, one should practice caution when taking them. On top of producing better dreams, these herbs also have medicinal properties. Take this into consideration when using them and perform proper research.


Wild Asparagus Root – Asparagus Racemosus

Asparagus root is called “Shatawari” in Ayurvedic medicine and Tian Men Dong in Chinese. This directly translates to “heavenly spirit herb.” Shamans, monk, Chinese Taoist, and yogis have cherished this herb for millennia because of it’s heart-opening properties.

It also known as “The Flying Herb” because it is believed that it helps one “fly through the universe at night, achieving magnificent dreams.” This was important because wisdom schools of ancient China place much value on lucid dream work.

According to Chinese folk medicine, asparagus root has a direct and positive effect on heart energy and dissolving our physical incarnation dualities. “This allows our consciousness to blossom into infinite space while we sleep.”

Effects: Improves quality of sleep, induces relaxation and stress relief, serves as a good anti-depressant and stimulates “flying dreams.”

Use: Brewing a tea of either the fresh or dried root is the best way to use wild asparagus. However, fresh asparagus root will be much more potent and efficient.

Valerian Root – Valeriana Officinalis

Commonly used in folk medicine as a calming aid, muscle relaxant, and to promote deep sleep for centuries, valerian root also tends to induce lucid dreaming. That is because it causes a heightened state of slumber.

Valerian also appears to help people remember their dreams. According to Robert Monroe, a famed specialist in Out of Body Experiences, “Most of us dream, and those who don’t simply do not remember them.”

Valerian root may be the thing one needs to remember their dreams and even navigate them successfully.

Keep in Mind: Valerian root will intensify any nocturnal adventure be it a good dream or a nightmare. Keep that into account when using it to enhance a dream state.

Warning: There is not enough information on the effect of valerian root on pregnant women to determine whether it is safe or not. If one is expecting, it is best to avoid it.

Use: More often than not, valerian is brewed in a tea. However, one must use hot water, not boiling water. Boiling water will destroy the delicate oils in the root. It is also possible to get a tincture from dried or fresh valerian root. These can generally be found in health food or online herb stores.

Mugwort – Artemisia Vulgaris

Mugwort has a rich medicinal and metaphysical history throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia.

Mugwort is referenced in Celtic and Norse mythology as a magical plant that can ward off evil. It was hung in doorways and burnt as incense to remove stagnant air and prevent illness.

Mugwort is known as “Molush” by the Chumash Indians of California, and its Paiute name translates literally to “Dream Plant”. It’s often smoked in indigenous ceremonies, and interestingly, is also hailed by various tribes for its power to ward off evil, bad spirits, and disease. 

Mugwort can be found almost anywhere. Take a look around the next time you go for a walk and you are sure to find some.

Use: Mugwort can be brewed as tea or smoked in a pipe. It smokes well with organic tobacco and other smoking herbs such as mullein or bits of white sage. The leaves of the plant are what contain the active chemical compounds used enhance dreams.

With careful preparation and planning, one can quickly learn to navigate their dreams with the use of natural herbs. Use your resting time to learn all that you can from the dream realms.

Mexican Dream Herb – Calea Zacatechichi 

Calea is perhaps the best known of all Dream herbs. The Chontal Indians of Mexico used this shrub traditionally for lucid dreaming.  Calea can be consumed in tea (the flavor is pungent and bitter) or by smoking the dried leaves. 

Effects: Apart from the intensification of visual imagery during sleep, you may find yourself feeling a sense of well-being, light-headedness and clarity the day after.

Use: Taking at least five grams of this herb is required to be really effective for most people. Drink the herb before bed, keep an intent in mind before falling asleep.

Sun Opener Herb – Heimia Salicifolia 

This plant was called Sinicuichi (or Sun Opener) by the Aztecs and is still used by Mexican shamans as a trance divination catalyst. This herb is regarded as sacred in that it enables vivid recollection of past distant events. Some users have reported the remembrance of pre-birth events!

Effects: Apart from the intensification of prophetic visual imagery during sleep, Sun Opener causes a yellowing of the vision and altered acoustic perception.

Use: Traditionally, fresh leaves are collected and allowed to wilt. The leaves are then put into a cup or jar, cool water is added, and the mixture is placed in the sun to brew and ferment for at least 24 hours. It is said that during the fermentation process, the knowledge of the sun is embedded into the potion, creating the “elixir of the sun” (hence the name).

Intellect Tree – Celastrus Paniculatus 

Celastrus paniculatus is a shrub used in Ayurvedic medicine in India. Celastrus seeds and oil have long been regarded in India as beneficial to the intellect and memory which makes it a wonderful supplement in dream recollection. Apart from its effectiveness as a dream enhancer, Celastrus is a great mental stimulant, or nootropic, that increases your mental “sharpness.”

Effects: Apart from the intensification of visual imagery during sleep, Celastrus is an effective brain tonic.

Use: Take 5-10 seeds one hour before bedtime for 3 to 5 days until vivid dreaming occurs.

Xhosa Dream Root – Silene Capensis 

Silene is regarded by the Xhosa people of Africa as a sacred plant. Its roots are traditionally used by shamans to promote lucid dream states in healers and other shamans during initiation ceremonies. It is noted as a “teaching plant” that is considered highly sacred.

Effects: Intensification of visual imagery during sleep.

Use: Mix this herb in small amounts in water and consume prior to sleeping. Silene also makes an interesting tasting tea but it can be bitter, so the extracted “shot” form is recommended.

Blue Lotus – Nymphaea Caerulea

Although it is nicknamed the Blue Egyptian Lotus, the Nymphaea Caerulea herb is actually a Water Lilly that shares no connection to the actual lotus flower. Nymphaea was used as a sacrament in ancient Egypt as a mild sedative. Today, the herb is used by herbalists to treat insomnia, but it has also been reported to induce lucid dreaming.

Effects: Improves quality of sleep and may intensify visual imagery.

Use: This herb is typically consumed in teas, elixir extracts, or by smoking it. If you have trouble dreaming or if you find yourself frequently waking up during dreams, blue lotus is a great supplement to use alongside one of the other substances mentioned in this article.

African Dream Bean – Entada Rheedii 

Traditionally used in African medicine to induce vivid dreams and enable communication with the spirit world, Entada facilitates entry into the dream world, and promotes increased REM awareness. This makes it easier for the sleeper to realize that they are dreaming and thus gives them an edge in achieving lucidity. Entada contains several active compounds, essential oils and alkaloids.

Effects: Improves sleeping states by increasing depth, length and awareness.

Use: The inner meat of the seed is consumed directly, or the meat is chopped, dried, mixed with other herbs and smoked just before sleep to induce the desired dreams.

RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT TAKING LEGAL PSYCHEDELICS

Always do a very well research before consuming any substance. 

Keep in mind that the type, quality, age, storage and care of these herbs are all factors that will influence your experience with them.

Not only that, but the set, substance, setting and right dosage, along with creating a strong enough intention are all essential elements that must be carefully considered before exploring the depths of your mind. 

Some herbs for external use 

Datura is a powerful, fragrant flower that has a history of uses around the world. Place a flower or two in your pillowcase for lucid and very vivid dreams.

Mugwort has been known to enhance vivid, lucid and prophetic dreams.

Anise‘s licorice-like fragrance can keep nightmares away.

Sage leaves can be used to bring more peacefulness and healing to your dreams.

Burdock is effective at keeping negativity, anger and sadness from your dream state.

Mullein can help you to ward off nightmares and have pleasant dreams.

Jasmine flowers are known to enhance erotic and romantic dreams, especially useful for women processing issues related to sex.

Lemongrass can boost your boring dreams by adding color and exotic elements.

Rose Petals will add a loving sense and warmth to dreams. Also especially helpful to women.

Clary Sage‘s super fragrant scent can provide you with some vivid and strange dreams. Ideal for the nocturnal adventurer!



Also read:

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Lucid dreamers are more self-reflective


A new study has discovered that the area of the brain that enables self-reflection is larger in lucid dreamers — those people who can control their dreams.

According to researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin and the Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry in Munich, this means lucid dreamers might also be more self-reflecting when awake.

Lucid dreamers are aware of dreaming while dreaming, the researchers explain. Sometimes, they can even play an active role in their dreams. Most of them, however, have this experience only a few times a year.

For their study, the neuroscientists compared the brain structures of frequent lucid dreamers and people who never or only rarely have lucid dreams. They discovered that the anterior prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain that controls conscious cognitive processes and plays an important role in the capability of self-reflection, is larger in lucid dreamers.

The differences in volumes in the anterior prefrontal cortex between lucid dreamers and non-lucid dreamers suggest that lucid dreaming and metacognition are closely connected, the researchers noted.

This theory is supported by brain images taken when the participants were solving metacognitive tests while awake. Those images show that the brain activity in the prefrontal cortex was higher in lucid dreamers.

“Our results indicate that self-reflection in everyday life is more pronounced in persons who can easily control their dreams,” said Elisa Filevich, Ph.D., a postdoctoral researcher in the Center for Lifespan Psychology at the Max Planck Institute for Human Development.

In a follow-up study, the researchers said they intend to train volunteers in lucid dreaming to examine whether this improves the capability of self-reflection.

The study was published in The Journal of Neuroscience.


Also read:

Monday, October 17, 2016

Omnism, the new spiritual belief


You've probably heard of a lot of other "isms" when it comes to beliefs. There's agnosticism (not sure if there is a God), theism (belief in one or more Gods), monotheism (one God), polytheism (many gods), deism (belief that there is a God, but he's not personally involved), and even atheism (belief in no God). Get ready to add a new ism to your vocabulary: omnism.

It's actually not new; the term was coined back in 1839 by Philip J. Bailey in his poem "Festus." But in the new millennium, the time seems to be ripe for the concept to catch on.

WHAT IS OMNISM?

Omni means 'all'; in turn, omnism is the belief in all.

All of what, exactly? It's the belief that all religions have a point. That (according to the Oxford English Dictionary) everything has a "single, transcendent purpose or cause uniting all things or people."

Omnism is the recognition and respect of all religions; those who hold this belief are called omnists.

Omnism is not a cult.

Like all other isms, monism is a position; not a religion in itself. There are no specific teachings, no rituals and no particular sets of beliefs that omnists follow. It’s more of a way of thinking and a way of approaching religious teachings. 

The Omnist holds an open mind when it comes to spirituality and religion. 

They're open to that wisdom, to the truths found within the different systems. Many omnists say that all religions contain truths, but that no one religion offers all that is truth.

Some omnist may lean towards one religion but are open to the ideas of other religions. They may go to a Christian church but also follow the teachings of Buddha, ancestor worship or Paganism.

Some omnists believe that all religions follow the same god they simply have different titles, rule books and approaches to their religious path.

The funny thing is, a lot of people who consider themselves spiritual but not religious, who feel they are spiritually eclectic and progressive, are often omnists who never even heard the word.

Omnists also are scientific in nature. They tend to love research and science.

If you're omnist and didn't know it raise your hand!


Also read:

Tuesday, October 4, 2016

The Three Treasures and Sexual Energy Cultivation


Taoists say: "Sex is the reason we are born and it is the reason we die." What they mean by this is that it was sexual energy that gave us life and it is the misuse of sexual energy that causes premature aging, illness, and eventually death.

To understand how to achieve immortality we must look closely at three energies that the Taoist call the Three Treasures. The Three Treasures are our essential life energies that create everything physical, mental, and spiritual.

The first treasure is "Ching" or "Jing". Ching is our sexual and physical energy and is related to P'o or Earth Spirit energy. It's physical manifestation is the sperm, the egg, as well as the whole body. Ching's primordial energy is to motivate us to procreate and be sexual. It is expressed in the blood and sexual fluids of both sexes. The emotional expression for Ching is sensuality and giving.

The second treasure is "Qi" or "Chi". This is our breath and vital energy. We could not live even a moment without Qi. Qi animates the physical body and activates the mental function. It also animates and attracts us to be sexual. The physical expression of Qi is through the orifices of the mouth and penis for men, and mouth and nipples for women. The emotional expression of Qi is passion and kindness.

The third treasure is "Shen", the mind and spirit energy. Shen relates to the Heavenly Spirit or Hun. It has to do with our spiritual existence and creates the consciousness of sexuality. Shen is expressed through the eyes, and this is where the saying "the eyes are the windows of the soul" comes from. Both compassion and wisdom are the emotional expressions of Shen.

A Taoist could not achieve immortality without fortifying these three treasures. Each treasure builds upon the next. Ching is needed to create Qi. Qi is needed to build Shen. In that order. But there is a limit to the amount of Qi (life energy) we have. We are born with a certain amount and when that Qi is used up the body can no longer exist and we die.

Fortunately, Ching (sexual energy) can be cultivated and made stronger. The Taoists found if they could increase their Ching they could restore and revitalize their Qi. When a person's Qi was strong enough it activated Shen (spirit) and illumination of the mind/spirit was attained. For this reason, the conserving and gathering of Ching was of utmost importance to a Taoist seeking longevity and spiritual enlightenment.

So how does a person increase their Ching?

Before we can begin to look at ways to increase sexual energy, we must first look at the ways we loose sexual energy. A woman loses Ching every time she has her period. A man loses his Ching every time he ejaculates. To conserve Ching, a man must decrease (not eliminate) the amount of times he ejaculates and a woman's needs to decrease (not eliminate) her menstrual flow. Some texts on Taoist sexology state that a woman needs to limit her orgasms to conserve her Ching. This perspective comes from a male centered philosophy that has mistakenly treated a woman’s restoration the same way as a man’s. Nothing could be further from the truth. Females Taoists know that orgasms do not deplete a woman's Ching. Rather, by using certain techniques, she can make full use of it's energy to benefit her health and well-being.

Conservation of sexual energy is only one part of the equation. For full physical restoration and revitalization a person needs to do more than just conserve his/her Ching. One must also practice methods to build and cultivate it. The techniques for doing are different for men and women.

Sexually speaking, Taoist view men and women as equal partners. To restore youthfulness and vitality, each must capture in the other what is lacking in themselves. Men tend to be more yang in nature; their sexual energy tends to be more active and external. A woman is more yin in her nature and therefore her sexual energy leans towards receptivity and internal experience. One need only glance at male and female genitalia to find legitimacy in this theory. To restore his sexual vitality a man must seek out yin experiences. For a woman to restore her youthfulness and vitality she must seek out yang energy. It is by looking beyond our inherent natures we find methods and techniques that bring greater longevity and health.
[thejourneyofalotus]




Also read:


Wednesday, September 28, 2016

List of psychic abilities


This is a list of alleged psychic abilities that have been attributed to real-world people. Many of these abilities are also known as extrasensory perception or sixth sense. Superhuman abilities from fiction are not included.

  • Apportation – Materialization, disappearance or teleportation of an object.
  • Aura reading – Perception of energy fields surrounding people, places and things.
  • Automatic writing – Writing produced without conscious thought.
  • Astral projection or mental projection – An out-of-body experience in which an astral body becomes separate from the physical body.
  • Bilocation or multilocation – Being in multiple places at the same time.
  • Clairvoyance or second sight – Perception outside the known human senses.
  • Death-warning – A vision of a living person prior to their death.
  • Divination – Gaining insight into a situation, most commonly through a ritual.
  • Dowsing – Ability to locate objects, sometimes using a tool called a dowsing rod.
  • Energy medicine – Healing by channeling a form of energy.
  • Empathy – The ability to feel others' emotional or physical feelings.
  • Faith healing – Diagnosing or curing diseases using religious devotion.
  • Levitation – Bodily levitation and flying.
  • Hydrokinesis – Manipulation of water.
  • Mediumship or channeling – Communicating with spirits.
  • Precognition, premonition and precognitive dreams – Perception of events before they happen.
  • Psychic surgery – Removal of diseased body tissue via an incision that heals immediately afterwards.
  • Psychokinesis or telekinesis – The ability to manipulate objects by the power of thought.
  • Psychometry or psychoscopy – Obtaining information about a person or object, usually by touching or concentrating on the object or a related object.
  • Pyrokinesis – Manipulation of fire.
  • Remote viewing – Gathering of information at a distance.
  • Retrocognition or post-cognition – Perception of past events.
  • Scrying – Use of an item to view events at a distance or in the future.
  • Telepathy – Transfer of thoughts, words or emotions in either direction.

Also read: