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"I'm one with the Goddess
and open to Her Wisdom."
23rd Day of the 2nd Lunar Cycle
Ruled by Medusa
Lunar Tree Cycle of Luis/Rowan
25th Day of the Celtic Tree
Month of Luis/Rowan
Moon Phase: Last Quarter - 12:00PM EST
Moon rises: 12:59AM EST
Moon sets: 10:57AM EST
Moon in Scorpio v/c 12:03PM EST
Moon enters the Mutable Fire Sign
of Sagittariius at 7:56PM EST
Ceridwen's Cycle of the Moon
Lunar Meditation: The service of parenthood.
Sun in Aquarius
Sunrise: 7:16AM EST
Sunset: 5:52PM EST
Solar Question for the Day: "What enslaves
you and how can you be free?"
Imbolc (Gwyl Mair) Quarter
of the Year
February 14th, 2012
LAST QUARTER MOON - The Moon is 23 days from the New Moon and is 270 - 315 degrees ahead of the sum. As the waning Half Moon moves into a crescent shape this crescent shape will be facing westward to the realm of death. The power of the moon is now waning, being drawn inside for later use. Cast spells now requiring resolution or for something to be concluded. The waning moon is used for banishing magick, for ridding oneself of addictions, illness or negativity. The last quarter moon rises around midnight and sets around noon. Astrologically, the Moon is "square "to the Sun. She is visible from the time she rises until she sets. The Last Quarter Moon is the HARVEST phase - the moon plant gives her life so that others may continue theirs. Keywords for the Last Quarter phase are: realignment, revision, integration and cleansing. It is the time in a lunar cycle to take closing action, to follow-up and complete the activities begun at the New phase. During this phase you become aware of what is and is not working with respect to the achievement of your goal for this cycle. The movement is toward integration. Open to your success. MANIFEST YOUR GOAL. Be responsible. Those who are born during the Last Quarter phase have a powerful internal life of reflection and transformation. They can assume different roles while balancing their internal and external worlds.
MOON IN SAGITTARIUS - gets us moving, around the globe, into the woods, or in our minds; we need to explore, hike, and dance the night away. It loans us a philosophical perspective, and an easy rapport with the wild natural world. We speak directly, sometimes tactlessly. This transit brings out our inner-Artemis; we need to roam, to explore in body and in soul. Our curiosity intensifies. Check out untraveled territory and connect with the organic world. Have along talk with the animals in your garden. Maybe you can work the soil but of course you have to hold off the planting. The restless, enthusiastic Sagittarius loves adventure, change and motion. The moon in this sign is a time for philosophy, metaphysics, traveling, studying and freedom from responsibilities. Sagittarius brings the need to feel free of restrictions, and to be spontaneous. Her restless and independent nature wishes to explore and warm and friendly vibes make it a good time for seeing new places, encountering different people and relating to a changing environment. There is a tendency towards open, honest exchanges. Sagittarius also brings an interest in education, ethics, women's culture and seeing things from an idealistic viewpoint. With this moon transit comes the itch to travel, and this is the best sign for travel because conditions are most fortuitous. Moon in Sagittarius is the best time to work magick for publications, legal matters, travel and truth. Healing rituals of the liver, thighs or hips are also done at this time. Those born under a Sagittarius Moon are naturally restless, cheerful, and radically honest. They speak truth with little conflict because they speak uncharged with curiosity. They weave the web of connection between tribes, countries and species. Their challenge is to learn tact and to hold still and see a problem through, rather than seek a geographical cure.
TIU'S DAY - Mars Day - the Day Activity and Physicality, Passion and Desire - Action Day... This day's planetary influence brings with it the aggression, passion and strength of those of us who must fight for what we believe in. Colors for this day are red, black, scarlet and orange...
HOT STUFF CANDLE SPELL - Want to drive your lover crazy. This candle spell is meant to entice and tempt. The whole point of it is to add a little spark back into your relationship and to make you irresistible. In this spell you will be calling on Lilith (one of the deities for Tiu's Day), so prepare yourself for a good time. Please remember to be conscientious of this spell and only work this upon yourself so you and your lover can have a little fun.
Gather a red candle, a black candle and two candle holders. Sprinkle a dash of pepper and a pinch of allspice on the unlit candles (tea light candles work well). Arrange three snapdragons or three red roses in a vase. Repeat the following charm three times:
"As I light red and black candles for a hot and sexy spell "I now call on Lilith for passion and all will be well"Peppers and spice and snapdragons/red roses three "These will make me very enticing, so now must it be.
Close the spell with:
"For the good of all, with harm to none "May my love and I have a little fun!
Now, go and find your lover, give him/her a bewitching smile, and see what kind of reaction you get. [This spell comes from Ellen Dugan's "Book of Witchery "]
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NOTE: I was not paid to review this book. It is an unbiased and objective review. If you have a book with Jewish or Israel At first, when I initially received the book, I did not quite know what to expect. I thought it would be some cheesy story how an intermarried couple found Judaism or it would be a book about how intermarriage is so bad. While all that might be true, I almost found it difficult, initially, to pick up the book as I did not feel the need to read a book against intermarriage; it does not seem to be such an urgent or pressing matter to me. It is to the Jewish world at large, but I thought how interesting would I find such a book.
It turns out that that is not what DoubleLife is about. As soon as I picked it up, I had a hard time putting it down. DoubleLife is both an easy read and a story that draws you in. (It did take me a while to finish it, but that is despite the book being an easy read - more because I don't have much reading time available and generally am reading 2-3 The Berman's story is told through a series of letters to each other. I do not know if they lived their life this way - sending actual letters to each other and these are those letters, or if it is just the style in which they chose to write the book. I like the style - there is a certain intimacy that can be found underlying in the tone of the letters that makes this different than a normal retelling of a story.
The book describes their life together, from when they met on a blind date, over a span of about 21 years. The bulk of the book is really the first 12-14 years, with the final pages being the final 6-8 years.
The book goes into great detail how they dealt with many of the issues that are common in interfaith couples, and they did not see religion as a issue, how they decided to approach the religion issue in their upcoming marriage, what they would do about children and the issue of two religions or one or none. Interestingly, despite their careers being largely within church walls, Gayle embraces [non-Orthodox] Judaism and Harold slowly but surely finds himself looking for more meaning within his Judaism.
DoubleLife takes the reader on the journey of Harold exploring his Judaism, with Gayle following along at her own speed, as they go from Reform temples to Conservative shuls and eventually to Orthodox shuls and communities and eventual conversion. The book does leave one wanting more. I had a lot of questions. there is a lot left out of the story - especially in the later part of the book as Gayle starts to consider conversion - I would have liked to know more of what she thought of the various mitzvos they started to keep along the way, usually led by Harold taking things on and then letting her know, how they decided to make aliyah to Israel (not even mentioned in the book), being non-Jewish while being thought of as a Jew and the conflicts that surely arose out of it, as well as other gaps that are in the story.. My only thought on that is that DoubleLife is more the story of the journey of an interfaith couple finding their way to Judaism and less the story of how they dealt with the details of Judaism. Maybe that can be the topic of another book!
Their story of finding Judaism was not the story of intellectual arguments, proving the church wrong, proving the Old Testament right. As a matter of fact, now that I think of it, they decided to reject Christianity almost out of hand, and they do not spend any time in the book criticizing Christianity or explaining what was wrong with it and why they chose Judaism. Despite their early rejection of Christianity, they did not embrace Judaism, at least not more than the cultural Judaism, so quickly. There is far more critique of the ambivalence of Reform Jews and of the lack of commitment of Conservative Jews than any actual critique of Christianity. Nor was it the story of being pulled in by one specific facet of Judaism or another. It is the story of a process they went through, how different events in their lives triggered the search for meaning and how they found that meaning by taking on themselves more and more Judaism, at times even creating conflict between them. One might say this is the story of their metamorphosis from being cultural Jews to being practicing Jews.
Don't read DoubleLife to learn the arguments against intermarriage, or to become convinced why the non-Jewish spouse in an interfaith marriage should convert. Read DoubleLife because it is a fascinating and enchanting tale of how an interfaith couple dealt with the challenges inherent in their relationship and found their path in life.
You can get DoubleLife from:
* Amazon: 11.69 (Kindle Edition for 4.99)
* Book Depository: 12.99 (free shipping)
.
NOTE: I was not paid to review this book. It is an unbiased and objective review. If you have a book with Jewish or Israel
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THE VERY BRIEF VIDEO SHOWS SCENES OF THE "OCCUPATION" OF THE MOSQUE.
CHRISTINE TASIN OF "RIPOSTE LA"iQUE" HAS SOME THOUGHTS ON TODAY'S UNPRECEDENTED EVENT IN THE HISTORIC AND SYMBOLIC CITY OF POITIERS:
THEY CHOSE A DATE CLOSE TO OCTOBER 25, 732, TO CRY OUT "ENOUGH!" BRAVO AND THANKS TO THE "G'eN'eRATION IDENTITAIRE".
ENOUGH OF ISLAM. ENOUGH ISLAMIZATION OF FRANCE. ENOUGH PUBLIC SUBSIDIES, DISGUISED AS CULTURAL PRETEXTS THROUGH LONG-TERM LEASES. ENOUGH OF ISLAMISTS WHO PROUDLY STRUT IN OUR COUNTRY WITH THE IDEA OF IMPOSING THEIR ARCHAIC AND BARBARIC WAYS ON US. (...)
BECAUSE THE POITIERS MOSQUE WAS THE DESIRE OF THE MUFTI WHO INITIATED ITS CONSTRUCTION AS REVENGE FOR THE MUSLIM DEFEAT OF 732:
"I HAVE BROUGHT THE HISTORY OF POITIERS INTO PROMINENCE. A PLACE OF WORSHIP AND OF PEACE ON THE RUINS OF THE BATTLE OF 732. A GREAT SYMBOL." (BOUBAKER EL HADJ AMOR, WHO OBTAINED FINANCING FOR THE MOSQUE)
LET'S HOPE THAT THIS PATRIOTIC INITIATIVE, THE FIRST OF SUCH DIMENSION, WILL BE FOLLOWED BY SO MANY OTHERS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO HOLD A REFERENDUM, SO THAT THE PEOPLE ALONE CAN DECIDE ON THE QUESTIONS OF IMMIGRATION AND ISLAM, WHICH HAVE BEEN IMPOSED ON US FOR DECADES, AGAINST OUR WILL. (...)
NOTE: A REFERENDUM IS ALWAYS A RISK. WHAT IF THE PEOPLE VOTED FOR ISLAM AS THE "SECOND" RELIGION OF FRANCE, AND FOR IMMIGRATION AS A "CHANCE POUR LA FRANCE?" THE FACT THAT THE "BLOC IDENTITAIRE" AND "RIPOSTE LA"iQUE" ARE WILLING TO RISK A REFERENDUM IMPLIES THEY FEEL THEY WILL WIN. BUT IS IT SO SURE? THE ENTIRE COMMUNIST/SOCIALIST/FEMINIST/ISLAMIST BLOC WOULD VOTE FOR ISLAM, AS WOULD SOME LIBERAL CATHOLICS.
IT WOULD BE MUCH BETTER IF THE GOVERNMENT CHANGED ITS POSITION, RECOGNIZED ITS PAST COLLABORATION WITH ISLAM, AND RELEASED THE MEDIA FROM THE BONDAGE OF BEING THE FRENCH REPUBLIC'S PROPAGANDA MACHINE.
THAT WOULD BE A TRUE REVOLUTION, BUT WE KNOW IT IS A PIPE-DREAM.
FRENCH READERS MAY WANT TO REVIEW THIS OLDER "LE POST" ARTICLE ON POITIERS AND THE MUSLIM LEADERS WHO PROMOTED AND BUILT THE MOSQUE.
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This story in The Guardian distresses me a lot.
The story has the title 'White Witches' Abused Young Girls in Pagan Sex Rituals, Court Told, and is about two men being on trial for alleged sex abuse against Cornish children. It describes how two men, Peter Petrauske and Jack Kemp, claimed to be in a pagan group that gave children alcohol then made them undress.
I'm mentioning this news story because I am disgusted both at the alleged abuse, and at the fact that it brings genuine law-abiding pagans into disrepute.
As most readers of my blog are well aware, genuine Wiccan covens are adult-only groups. Normally only those over the age of 18 would be allowed to join a coven. In my experience, children would never be allowed to take part in any ritual involving nudity, nor would children be abused in any way.
If the allegations against these men are found to be true, then I hope they lock them up for a very long time. But I am also worried that this trial could give the wrong impression of what genuine Wiccans and normal pagans really do.
Link:
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Stoyan Zaimov May 7, 2013Christian Post
A Christian author, church planter and homicide detective has examined many of the big claims made in the Gospel and used the available evidence to examine whether or not they are true - offering that the case for Christianity holds strong.
"Jim Wallace was an angry atheist for many years. Today, he is one of the most thoughtful and winsome apologists for the Gospel I know. "Cold Case Christianity" is packed with insights to share with skeptics and will give you the confidence to share them," Pastor Rick Warren of Saddleback Church in California writes about "Cold-Case Christianity".
The author, J. Warner Wallace, answered a number of questions by "The Christian Post" in an email interview about his book, which was released in January 2013 by David C Cook. While an atheist for 35 years, Wallace dismissed many of the big claims made in the Bible, including the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
When the author came to realize that the Gospel can be looked at much like the cold cases he solved as a homicide detective, he applied his skill to the assertions of the New Testament. In a preview of "Cold-Case Christianity", Wallace says that he came to the "startling realization" that Christianity is as a convincing case as any of the ones he worked on as a detective.
CP: WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES TO STUDYING THE BIBLE AND CHRISTIANITY FROM A COLD-CASE INVESTIGATION STANDPOINT?
WALLACE: Cold-case homicides are events (murders) from the distant past for which there are often no living eyewitnesses and little, if any, direct or forensic evidence to make the case. Detectives learn how to evaluate and employ circumstantial evidence to demonstrate what happened at the scene of the crime. In a similar way, Christianity makes a claim about an event in the distant past for which there are no living eyewitnesses and little, if any, direct or forensic evidence. Cold-case detectives develop a set of skills that can be directly applied to the examination of the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.
CP: WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTIONS NON-CHRISTIANS HAVE ABOUT CHRISTIANITY?
WALLACE: I was a non-Christian until the age of thirty-five. I was often frustrated by the few Christians I knew on the police department because they weren't able to respond evidentially to my skeptical (and often sarcastic) objections. I thought, "How can these folks who seem to have such high regard for evidence in their professional life, believe something about God for which they have no evidence at all?" I was similar to other atheists I knew at the time. I didn't think there was any good evidence to support the claims of Christianity. The more I learned about the nature of evidence generally, and the more I learned about the evidence for Christianity specifically, the more convinced I became that the claims of the Gospels were true.
CP: WITH SO MUCH HISTORICAL EVIDENCE BEHIND JESUS CHRIST, WHY DO SO MANY CONTINUE TO BELIEVE THE ENTIRE STORY IS FICTION?
WALLACE: Much of my skepticism as an atheist was rooted in the fact I had a presuppositional bias that prevented me from following the evidence where it led: I was a committed naturalist. I refused to accept the possibility that anything supernatural or miraculous could occur or exist. I was being unfair with the investigation from the onset. In essence, I was trying to answer the question, "Does God (a supernatural Being) exist?" by starting with the premise that nothing supernatural exists. It was an exercise in circular reasoning. I rejected any reasonable inference that pointed to God's supernatural existence because I rejected the supernaturalism foundationally.
I often say that people "shun" the truth for one of three reasons. They either have ra"shun"al (rational), emo"shun"al (emotional) or voli"shun"al (volitional) objections. In my case, it was the latter. I was very content being the only god Jim really needed; I refused to bend my knee to anyone other than me. As I examined the evidence, I eventually had to ask myself, "Am I resisting this because I think there isn't enough evidence to demonstrate this is true, or am I resisting this because I don't want there to be enough evidence to demonstrate this is true?" I eventually had to admit that I was resisting for volitional reasons. Today, I recognize that God used the evidence as the means to reach me. I was a skeptical evidentialist and God certainly knew that. But God first removed my hostility toward Him so I would be able to evaluate the evidence fairly. When I engage my non-believing friends these days, I am quick to remind myself that it's my job to address the rational objections people have
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Satsang of Swami Amar Jyoti
If all the clocks and watches in the world were to stop, would time still exist? Watches and clocks do not make time, nor do they regulate time. They are simply machinery measuring a rhythmic pattern of repetition upon which we impose our conception of time. In Sanskrit this conception is called "prahara", a pattern that you create from your brain rhythm.
If in your concentration or meditation you focus upon one thing completely, your mind stops and time and space cease to exist. They are only conceptions. You are giving importance to time, which works in the world but does not work in the Spirit. It works in the world because the world is illusion; illusion works within illusion.
But as soon as you come to Source, Brahman, Spirit - when you "be still and know "- time and space stand still. Your mind stops traveling, measuring and calculating. And that is exactly the way to Realize: make your whole world stand still. Practically all conceptions are dependent upon the conceptions of time and space, so you cannot take away that foundation and make all other conceptions fall like a pack of cards.
If you could do that, it would be easier, but it does not happen that way. Let us say you are meditating in order to Realize. You are doing this in time and space, so you have to meditate in order to transcend time and space. If you reach that Realization, gradually as you open your inner eyes you will see that the first creation manifesting from Spirit is shining Light.
In that Realization you will be blissful and love will spring forth automatically. You have to go very deep to experience this. The worst fallacy of ego is this: that it does not take itself as a conception. Even when we believe that the world is illusion, we continue to believe: "I am real". And this percolates into human nature.
You think, "That person is bad. I am not like him." All the time "me" is better in some way than others. The world may be illusion; wealth, property, everyone and everything else may be illusion; but I am real. We have carried on this fallacy for millions of years. Vedanta says: "Ego has to "merge" in Brahman, your Source.
" You are the illusion from which all other illusions sprang. Therefore the word "surrender" has been used. Unless your ego surrenders completely and unconditionally unto That, fighting illusions alone has no meaning. So if you want to Realize, if you want to be your True Self, if you want to come back to your sweet Home, your Father and Mother in Heaven, point the finger at yourself.
That is where you started all this and that is where you will end. Forgetfulness is the first sin. Because you forget your true essence, someone has to tell you. Not only is the Kingdom of God within you, it is also the nearest possible to you. Therefore sages say to surrender; take refuge in your Source.
That will gradually reduce your conceptions and take you to stillness. You become one with That, which is already there. A room may be dark for a thousand years, but the moment you bring in light, where does the darkness go? It vanishes. It never existed.
This is the climax of Vedanta: "Nothing has ever happened.
You already are so". Your own thinking and calculations have been your blocks. Just open your inner eye, your inner consciousness, and you will see that what you are trying to find is there, everywhere. When you are perfectly still, you will "see". The Light is always there.
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My email box lit up today with a wonderful message from Pagan Stuff Cheap. My order was shipped! I'm so excited. Sadly the crystal ball I wanted is on back order. On Sunday I got a email telling me that I could wait for it or cancel my order. The ball is made out of Alexandrite and it looks soooo nice. I just had to wait for it.
Next I collected my scrying journal. It's a nice purple binder I found at the thrift store and I filled it with loose leaf paper. I'm very excited about it. I ordered a crystal point necklace with crystals across the front to try to use as a pendulum. We'll see how that goes.
I'm still on the hunt for my little black bowl. I was really surprised at how hard they are to find. Trust me though I WILL find it.
Lastly my dearest hubby made me a wonderful scrying mirror. We found the directions in the book because at the time of publishing apparently buying black mirrors was unheard of. (Makes me wonder if I need a more updated book) LOL
So my tools are nearly complete...
Chapter 7's first exercise is to take something that you have readily. A Key, a book, a tube of chapstick and hold it in your hand. Visualize it. Then close your eyes and try to recreate it. Try to make it viewable from all side. Turn it around, upside down and so forth. I've been doing that a little each day. It's very interesting and oddly enough pretty easy to do. I hope that's a good sign.
So off to get my non magikal day going. Can't wait for my new supplies to arrive.
Blessed Be
Sosanna
)O(Read Confessions of a Modern Witch
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01 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Mountain, Saint Michael, Malachi Martin
02 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Go to Confession!
03 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Have the possessed go to confession
04 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Don't do an exorcism over a confessing penitent
05 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Rejoice in the Beatitudes!
06 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Figuring out terminology: Part I
7 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - More on terminology: Major and Minor
8 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Lacking a Mandate
9 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Don't have any heroes except Jesus!
10 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Don't be doing esoteric "studies"
11 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Call only the devil the devil!
12 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Never take gifts!
13 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Limited minutes sessions - UPDATE
14 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Don't be dramatically romanticized!
15 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Rejoice in irony!
16 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Don't play Manichaean "Hide and Go Seek" with Satan!
17 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Mary's role in exorcism
18 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - The weaker you are, the better!
19 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Just be the worst sinner ever!
20 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Stalin, Hitler, Pol Pot, bin Ladin... [By far the most popular post]
21 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Mind games with the devil!
22 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Demonizing religion, religious demonizing, and the genius-project of jacking up the stakes for world peace
23 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Don't do the devil's work! This reminds me of Signorelli's anti-Christ...
24 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - No dead person causes trouble
25 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Is an exorcism in Latin more powerful?
26 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Genealogical trees are not possessed! and a note about purgatory
27 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Genealogical trees are not possessed! UPDATE
28 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - psychology / psychiatry and skeptics!
29 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Choose utterly boring assistants
30 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Fortune telling and Ouija boards: ideomotor or idiotmotor? A note on the vulnerability of cynical skeptics of religion
31 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Curses schmursches! Well, almost...
32 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Discernment: discovering "unknown unknowns"!
33 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Failed exorcisms and what is worse than any failed exorcism
34 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Most important post in this series: A successful exorcism is humorous!
35 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Don't do an exorcism on those who want to be possessed (like when Shirley MacLaine goes Out On a Limb)
36 Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - What to do if I think I'm harassed by Satan?
37 - Exorcism tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - Clericalism insults the laity!
38 - Exorcism Tips from Holy Souls Hermitage - No entitlements!
Reference: http://wiccancommunity.blogspot.com
"ROHE "IS THE MAORI GODDESS OF THE FIFTH LEVEL OF THE UNDERWORLD. SHE WAS THE SISTER OF THE SUN AND WAS VERY BEAUTIFUL. HER HUSBAND "MAUI", HOWEVER, WAS AS UGLY AS "ROHE "WAS LOVELY, AND HE WAS JEALOUS OF HER BEAUTY.A QUARREL AROSE BETWEEN THE TWO AND SHE REMARKED THAT HE HAD AN UGLY FACE. IT WAS THEN THAT HE USED HER IN A MEAN AND QUITE PECULIAR WAY. HE SUGGESTED TO HER THAT THEY SWITCH FACES, AND WHEN SHE REFUSED, CAST A SPELL ON "ROHE" TO PUT HER TO SLEEP AND WHISPERED AN INCANTATION OVER HER AND MADE THE SWITCH.
WHEN" ROHE" WOKE AND SAW THAT SHE WAS NOW UGLY, SHE LEFT MAUI AND THE WORLD OF LIGHT AND WENT TO LIVE IN THE DARKNESS OF THE UNDERWORLD WHERE SHE BECAME A DEATH GODDESS. THUS WERE BLACK MAGIC AND DEATH INTRODUCED INTO THE WORLD. AFTER HER DEATH, SHE RULED AS THE "GODDESS OF THE SPIRIT WORLD" WHERE SHE GATHERED IN THE SPIRITS OF THE DEAD. EVIL INFLUENCES WERE ATTRIBUTED TO HER.
Origin: http://alchemy-and-alchemists.blogspot.com
by Stephen Yulish PhD
The current issue of Biblical Archaeology Review, March/April 2009, vol.35, no.2, has a fascinating article by Dan Levene entitled Rare Magic Inscription on Human Skull. Levene describes this magic incantation which is inscribed in Aramaic (a dialect of Hebrew) on a human skull. There have been 2000 bowls found with these magic incantations which date from the 3rd to the 7th century AD from Jewish communities in Babylonia and surprisingly they were made at the same time and from the same communities that also produced the most intricate, rational and complex legalistic accomplishment of Rabbinic Judaism, the Babylonian Talmud (compiled around 400 AD). This compendium of Jewish Oral Law by learned rabbinic scholars complimented, clarified and expanded the written Law of the Torah - the Pentateuch-the first five As Levene pointed out though, "belief in demons was widespread at this time among the Jews of this area as well as among other peoples." Some would argue that the Jews, who were still in captivity in Babylon at this time, learned all of this from their pagan captors. They did influence King Solomon with all his pagan wives and practices. However, Lilith is first mentioned in the Biblical Book of Isaiah written around 700 BC. In Isaiah 34:14 she is called the night demon. Five hundred years later she is mentioned in the Dead Sea Scroll, Songs of the Sages. The later Zohar, the Bible of Jewish Mysticism, compiled in 1200 AD also mentions her.
At this time in history there was a high infant as well as a high birth mother mortality rate, and these were attributed to Lilith. Lilith was said to be roaming the earth looking for pregnant women and newborn infants to attack. Lilith emerges later on in the medieval period as the first mate of Adam in the Garden of Eden who refused to be subservient to him and subsequently as the wife of Samael (Satan).
In the Midrash (story, legend) Alpha Ben Sira written around 800 AD, Lilith's origin is first discussed. She supposedly was the first woman created independently just like Adam but unlike Adam who was created from clean dirt (Hebrew-adamah), she was created from filth and sewage. Adam was said to have mated with this demoness and from that union sprang innumerable demons that still plague mankind. Lilith did not want to be subservient to Adam. She did not want to lie beneath him during lovemaking. Lilith was the quintessential, feminist archetypal figure. When Adam refused her wishes, she flew off. Adam complained to God and He sent three angels, Senoy, Sansenoy and Samangelof to bring her back. They found her at the Red Sea bearing 100 demons a day. They begged her to return or they would destroy her, but she refused. She told them that God had ordered her to take charge of newborn children (Satan and his cohorts are liars)-boys until the 8th day and circumcision and girls until their 20th day. Lilith told them if she saw their three names on an amulet she would spare the children. Thus, some Jewish women to this day wear an amulet with the names of these angels on it to ward off the evil eye of Lilith.
Lilith was also thought to be the great temptress of men. She was a succubus that attached itself to men causing them to err. She was also the one that supposedly caused nocturnal emissions in men. God then created Eve as a helpmate to Adam from his own side. Many an incantation bowl said "Adam and Eve out Lilith."
To combat demons that were thought to cause a myriad of medical problems, mishaps and other ills, some Jews invoked numerous magic rites and formulas. They also invoked magic formulas to gain the attention of a potential suitor or to ward off an unwelcome person. Thus, there were both love incantations as well as curses. These various incantations have been found on bowls, parchment, tin, lead, copper, silver, gold, eggs and less frequently on human skulls.
Levene got the opportunity to view some of these skulls in the Moussaieff collection as he worked on his doctoral dissertation.
These skulls just surfaced over the years on the antiquities market and were not excavated professionally so their validity, context, and age are still unknown.
Surprisingly, in this Babylonian Talmud, Tractate Sanhedrin 65b, it states that "there are two kinds of necromancy, the one where the dead is raised by naming him and the other where he is invoked by means of a skull." This is all fascinating in the light of the fact that first of all necromancy is forbidden in Judaism (Torah) as was the handling a corpse or a human skull.
According to the Torah (the Jewish Law), sorcery, witchcraft, omens, spells, mediums and "calling up the dead" are detestable to the Lord (Deuteronomy 18:10). In spite of this admonition, Saul went to the witch of Endor to call up the dead spirit of Samuel (1 Samuel 28:11-15) but he as well as his sons subsequently died for doing this (1 Chronicles 10:13). Again in the Torah, the Jewish Law, it is written in Numbers 6:6, that one should not go near a dead body. How else could one get a human skull?
The incantations on the skull referred to "spirits" and Liliths". Similar skulls in the Berlin Museum refer to the son and grandson of Lilith as well as seven other angels and the archangel Gabriel.
There are many representations of Lilith in Western Art and literature. There is a fresco on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel where Michelangelo depicts Lilith as a half woman and half snake tempting both Adam and Eve to fall. The West Facade of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris built around 1210 AD also depicts Adam and Eve at the Tree of Good and Evil in the Garden tempted by Lilith in the center as the snake that seduced them. Lilith is also referenced in Milton's Paradise Lost of 1667, Goethe's Faust of 1808, Robert Browning's poem: Adam, Lilith and Eve of 1883 and even Aleister Crowley's De Arte Magica. UFO Digest publisher Dirk Vander Ploeg in his book The Quest for Middle Earth discusses Adam and Lilith. Robert Morningstar calls the book "a concise Jungian History of Western Man."
The reason that I am telling you all of this is because many in the greater UFO and paranormal community speak of Lilith as the Divine Feminine, the Queen of Heaven sometimes arriving on an UFO to help mankind. Also, many UFO encounters involve sexual contact with the abductees which is a nefarious characteristic of the she demon Lilith.
In his 11/18/06 article for UFO Digest Alien Writings and Symbols, Christine Mace spoke of how police officer Zamora saw initials materialized on a flying saucer from another world that he associated with Lilith. He concluded "as regards certain extraterrestrials...would this be our creators or our cousins?"
Be aware that there are negative feminine archetypes as well as positive ones. Some call this Queen of Heaven arriving in an UFO, Lilith, but remember that the Lilith character in Jewish mythology killed newborns, tempted men and attached herself to them to cause them harm. Many feminist groups and even some lesbian groups use the name of Lilith endearingly. Beware. She will slaughter you given half the chance. You say that you believe in God but demons (i.e. Lilith) also believe and they tremble at the thought (James 2:19). Submit yourself therefore to God and resist the devil (Lilith) and it will flee from you (James 4:7).
Remember that if you are ever confronted by this demon just call out the name of Jesus Christ and it will flee www.ufodigest.com/news/0109/abductions-stopped.html
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Skullcap herb may have acquired the reputation as a treatment for rabies from its tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system. Clinical studies have demonstrated skullcap's ability to improve blood flow in the brain, inhibit muscle spasms, and act as a sedative. Some alternative health practitioners are now using senna to help treat symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Initial research has also shown that skullcap's ability to increase the supply of blood to the brain may help prevent strokes. In China, one species of skullcap, S. baicalensis, is used to treat high blood pressure and insomnia. S. baicalensis is also believed to have antioxidant effects, as well as antihistamine and anti-inflammatory effects, and is used by practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine to treat allergies, tumors, and prostate cancer.
When used in rituals and spells, skullcap magical herb is best suited for psychic based spells, dreaming, clairvoyance, divination, meditation, and other rituals and spells involving the use of the mind
Skullcap Herb Specifications:
1 Oz Package
Comes pre-cut
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Author: Rose Ariadne
Truth spells are classified as negative spells because it forces another person to do as you bid, without their knowledge. Truth be told, some of the persuasion spells were created by women because they could not or did not know how to control the men in their lives.
Males dominated most cultures and their word was command to the women of the household as well as to the children. People felt powerless and they often used persuasion and influence spells instead of bringing up conflicting issues with arrogant people. It sounds like a cowardly way of doing things, but in the old days, there was no police, no divorce courts and no children's welfare departments. Abuse was common and the fear of shaming the family kept most people silent about crimes.
It was in this environment that truth Divination and similar spells were derived. Here are some samples:
First prepare Commanding (Compelling oil)
Gather some sweet flag (calamus) and licorice. Also collect Vetiver, Oil of Bergamot. Blend the calamus and licorice to a powder and mix with Castor oil and Jojoba oil. Mix in some oil of Bergamot for more potency.
Truth Candle Spell
Gather the following:
Purple candle, Brown paper and pen,.
On a day when the moon is in its waxing phase, write down the person's name nine times on the paper. Cross over the nine names with your own name, in a crisscross manner. Place the paper on a table and stand the lighted candle on it. When you light the candle, chant:
I command you, I compel you!
I command you, I complet you!
(person) Tell me the truth!
Burn the candle for seven days an inch or so at a time. After the seven days, scrape up the leftovers and dispose it off at the crossroads near your home.
Truth Spell
Get a yellow candle and place it in a safe location in your bedroom. Dress it with the commanding and compelling oil. Light the candle and verify that there are no flammable materials near it and that it is on a safe base for support such as a ceramic, metal or glass dish.
Light the candle and watching the flame, chant:
Show me the truth
By the power of three
I conjure thee
Give the truth to me.
When you wake up in the morning, write down everything you dreamt that night.
The truth will be found in the dream.
Spell to find your true friend
Gather some basil leaves, lemon and pea, bay leaves, cinnamon sticks, hibiscus flowers and dragon's blood. Get a blue candle.
Get a fluorite stone for dream divination. Place the fluorite stone by the altar, light the candle and sit by it in meditation. Grind the herbs one by one.
As you take the herbs one by one and add them to the mix, imagine the power of each herb coursing through your body. Throw some of the herbs to the wind, burn some on a charcoal pit, mix a portion of it with some water, and bury the rest in the earth (or a potted plant).
Rose Ariadne has been practicing ancient forms of Witchcraft for over 25 years. Get more info about truth spells here:
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CREDO QUIA ABSURDUM is a Latin phrase of uncertain origin. It means "I BELIEVE BECAUSE IT IS ABSURD" It is derived from a poorly remembered or misquoted passage in Tertullian's De Carne Christi defending the tenets of orthodox Christianity in the original Latin:"CRUCIFIXUS EST DEI FILIUS, NON PUDET, QUIA PUDENDUM EST;"ET MORTUUS EST DEI FILIUS, PRORSUS CREDIBILE EST, QUIA INEPTUM EST;"ET SEPULTUS RESURREXIT, CERTUM EST, QUIA IMPOSSIBILE.
"- (DE CARNE CHRISTI V, 4)"THE SON OF GOD WAS CRUCIFIED: THERE IS NO SHAME, BECAUSE IT IS SHAMEFUL."AND THE SON OF GOD DIED: IT IS WHOLLY CREDIBLE, BECAUSE IT IS UNSUITABLE."AND, BURIED, HE ROSE AGAIN: IT IS CERTAIN, BECAUSE IMPOSSIBLE."The importance of these ideas is paramount. The believer will deny logic, reason, evidence, critical thinking and science.
On the contrary she/he will follow the biggest nonsense as infallible dogma.He/she will burn the scientist in the spike and massacre the "infidels" in the name of absurdities. THAT IS IN FACT THE DANGER OF ANY FUNDAMENTALISM. THE TRUE-BELIEVER DOESN'T DISAGREE WITH THE "INFIDEL". HE HATES HIM/HER. (ABOUT UFOLOGY BECOMING RELIGION.
)
Reference: http://lilith-dark-moon.blogspot.com
The golden age of King Solomon ended with division of the nation into two kingdoms. Yeravam reigned in the north (10 tribes of Israel), while Rechavam reigned in the south (Judah and Benjamin). Let's analyze the names of these two kings who ruled during the fracture of national unity.
Yeravam traditionally means "the nation will contend". This meaning assumes that the name is from the root meaning to "strive against", combined with the word "nation",.
However, can alternatively be separated into two meaningful portions - the gate (implying "awesome attentive awareness", from which the root is derived) and the word, where literally means "in the nation". Importantly, in this permutation, the gate does not fall into the letter beit, to form the idea of "striving against", but remains above it, to form the idea of "awesome attentive awareness". In other words, the difference between "awesome attentive awareness in the nation" and "the nation will contend" rests around the consciousness surrounding the letter beit. Does the kavanah of consciousness rest above the letter (chochmah) in keter or below it in binah? Are we acting from reason alone or from reason firmly connected to our source?
Rechavam traditionally means "expanse of the people". Just as Yeravam can be separated into two meaningful portions, likewise can Rechavam be separated into the gate (the same gate from which the root racham, protective mercy is derived) and the word, meaning "in the nation".
Again, as with Yeravam, the permutation revolves around the letter beit. Two kings, two letters, each standing against the other. Perhaps the in Rechavam ideally should be the letter mem-sofit, to form the words, merciful nation.
to. The 42-letter Divine Name (Ana B'Koach) has somehow become messed up here between the names of these two kings who ruled during the fracture. The second beit, pertaining to Rechavam, which "should be a mem-sofit", with transformation represents "closing the north side of the letter beit" . Historically, Rechavam failed to do this, became heavey-handed and merciless instead, and catalyzed rather quickly the fracture of the nation.
Additionally, the names of these two kings differ by 4 letters - with a gematria of 418, the same gematria as the word "and the letter".
reduces 4 + 1 + 8 = 13, echad (one, alef)
If the transformation of Rechavam's into a became actualized, then the re-unifying letter difference between the two would be:
13, 42 (the 4 letters, and the 2 letters, respectively)
Footnote:
integrate freewill and Omniscience, The Inner Dimension
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In his Encyclical Letter Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), Pope John Paul II wrote that, "In the case of an intrinsically unjust law, such as a law permitting abortion or euthanasia, it is..never licit to obey it, OR TO 'TAKE PART IN A PROPAGANDA CAMPAIGN IN FAVOUR OF SUCH A LAW, OR VOTE FOR IT." (EV, No. 73).
And in No. 74, His Holiness reminded us that: "Christians, like all people of good will, are called upon under grave obligation of conscience not to cooperate formally in practices which, even if permitted by civil legislation, are contrary to God's law. Indeed, FROM THE MORAL STANDPOINT, IT IS NEVER LICIT TO COOPERATE FORMALLY IN EVIL. SUCH COOPERATION OCCURS WHEN AN ACTION, EITHER BY ITS VERY NATURE OR BY THE FORM IT TAKES IN A CONCRETE SITUATION, CAN BE DEFINED AS A DIRECT PARTICIPATION IN AN ACT AGAINST INNOCENT HUMAN LIFE OR A SHARING IN THE IMMORAL INTENTION OF THE PERSON COMMITTING IT. This cooperation can never be justified either by invoking respect for the freedom of others or by appealing to the fact that civil law permits it or requires it. Each individual in fact has moral responsibility for the acts which he personally performs; no one can be exempted from this responsibility, and on the basis of it everyone will be judged by God himself (cf. Rom 2:6; 14:12).
To refuse to take part in committing an injustice is not only a moral duty; it is also a basic human right. Were this not so, the human person would be forced to perform an action intrinsically incompatible with human dignity, and in this way human freedom itself, the authentic meaning and purpose of which are found in its orientation to the true and the good, would be radically compromised. What is at stake therefore is an essential right which, precisely as such, should be acknowledged and protected by civil law. In this sense, the opportunity to refuse to take part in the phases of consultation, preparation and execution of these acts against life should be guaranteed to physicians, health-care personnel, and directors of hospitals, clinics and convalescent facilities. Those who have recourse to conscientious objection must be protected not only from legal penalties but also from any negative effects on the legal, disciplinary, financial and professional plane."
This point is not understood by columnist Dianne Williamson. In an article entitled "High-profile defiance applauded," (Worcester Telegram & Gazette, October 14 edition), Ms. Williamson castigates The Most Rev. Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester, for basically saying the same thing. Ms. Williamson writes, "..Bishop Robert J. McManus conveyed the shock, positive shock, of his flock that the president of the College of the Holy Cross has allowed the school to rent space for a conference sponsored by a group that aims to reduce teen pregnancies and serve at-risk teens. While such efforts should be applauded - even from a Catholic perspective - the conference will include workshops by Planned Parenthood and NARAL Pro-Choice, which 'are notorious for their policies and practices that directly reject the Church's teaching on artificial contraception and abortion,' according to a stern statement from the Bishop." But is the Bishop's statement really "stern"? How so? Because it enforces a Magisterial teaching which Ms. Williamson considers unpleasant? Perhaps a more suitable adjective to describe His Excellency's statement would be "accurate."
In her article, Ms. Williamson quotes from a letter written by the president of Holy Cross College to a student who asked him to cancel the conference: "It is not and has never been the mainstream Catholic position, and certainly is not the Jesuit position, that we should run away from public discussions of issues that are important to us just because of the presence of those whose positions or activities we find to be wrong...To the extent that the church has tried it [pro-life strategies to shun Planned Parenthood], all it has done is marginalize its own voice, which is tragic. By refusing to take part in broad-based efforts to help young girls and their children, we play into the hands of Planned Parenthood, who want to portray us as only caring for our own ideology and not for the welfare of women."
The Church has refused to take part in broad-based efforts to help young girls and their children? With all due respect for the president of Holy Cross College, I think he needs to spend a little time at a Crisis Pregnancy Center or with popular pro-life movements such as Human Life International and Priests for Life, movements which have done so much to help young women and their children.
Concluding her article in which she sides (is anyone surprised?) with the president of Holy Cross, Ms. Williamson wrote, "The Rev. McFarlane understands this and favors an open, respectful exchange of ideas. Bishop McManus doesn't. Instead, the church once again condemns all who fail to march in lockstep with its rigid [ read faithful and uncompromising with regard to truth] ideology, regardless of the casualties."
Of course, Ms. Williamson is really interested in "an open, respectful exchange of ideas." Which is why she asserts in her piece that opposition to the conference at Holy Cross is "clearly orchestrated" by a "fringe anti-abortion group" and that the president of Holy Cross "has shown great courage and integrity by refusing to capitulate to the narrow-minded demands of a bishop who was apparently called to action by fringe pro-life activists."
Indeed in reading her column, one can just feel Ms. Williamson's warmth and dedication to the ideals of a sincere dialogue based upon "an open, respectful exchange of ideas." Goebbels would be proud. Fr. McFarland and Dianne Williamson will no doubt continue to play semantic word-games while capitulating to the culture of death. All the more tragic as innocent human persons continue to be put to death in the womb.
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Chinese authorities have launched a crackdown on Eastern Lightning cult
Clifford Coonan in Beijing
First published:Wed, Jun 4, 2014, 16:01
Five members of a religious cult known as the Church of Almighty God have been arrested on suspicion of beating a young woman to death in a McDonald's restaurant in Shandong for refusing to give her mobile phone number.
The vicious attack triggered nationwide outrage after a video of the beating went viral online. It allegedly took place on Wednesday last week in Zhaoyuan after the woman, surnamed Wu, refused to give her mobile phone number to the group, which was in the restaurant recruiting new members, Shandong police told Chinese state media.
Zhang Lidong, (54), and two of his daughters are among the six suspects accused of taking part in the McDonald's attack. A son of one of the suspects who was also involved in the attack has not attained the age of criminal responsibility, according to Zhaoyuan police.
"She was a demon. She was an evil spirit," Mr Zhang said in an interview on state broadcaster CCTV. He was shown handcuffed in prison garb, and showed no indication of remorse.
The Church of Almighty God, also known as Eastern Lightning, was set up in the early 1990s by Zhao Weishan, a physics teacher from Heilongjiang province, according to Chinese state media.
It was banned by Chinese authorities in 1995, after which Zhao fled to the US, the Global Times newspaper reported, and in late 2012, authorities arrested more than 450 people accused of belonging to the group after they held secret gatherings and spread leaflets in the apparent belief the world was going to end on December 21st that year.
China's Public Security Bureau has announced a crackdown on the Church of Almighty God, focused on its activities in Shandong. "Religious cults recruit and control adherents by fabricating and spreading superstitions and heresies. They use various means to harm people and collect large amounts of money," the bureau said in a statement.
Adherents to the cult believe that Jesus Christ was reincarnated as a woman surnamed Deng from central Henan province. They also claim to be on a mission to fight and slay the "big red dragon," or China's ruling Communist Party.
The incident has revived memories of the Falun Gong spiritual movement, as the two movements hail from the same part of China and have many similar characteristics.
China has labelled the Falun Gong an "evil cult" that encourages suicide, makes people neglect severe medical conditions and takes their savings. The authorities carried out a nationwide crackdown in 1999, putting thousands of members behind bars.
Beijing does not allow new religions outside the streams of the Communist approved versions of Buddhism, Taoism, Islam, Catholicism and Protestantism.
Chinese authorities are particulary wary of cults, which can grow in power and turn into national rebellions. Both the Boxer and Taiping rebellions in 19th century China had their origins in groups with spiritual or mystical components.
"The persistent existence and rampancy of cult activities in this country reveals worrying failures in both education and administration. That cults like the Church of Almighty God, whose crude 'theories' are nothing more than awkward blends of rural superstition and a madman's ravings, have so easily established themselves and expanded in rural China is a loud slap in the face for the education authorities and their proud indices of success," the China Daily said in an editorial.
Zhu Lijia, a public management professor at the Chinese Academy of Governance, told the Global Times that followers were lured by the sense of security cults profess to offer. "Society is changing rapidly, which has led to individuals being unsure about their future. They are looking for spiritual relief and are easily influenced by cults," he said.
Sf:
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Note: As we are in the Lenten Season of the Church calendar over the next few weeks I'd like to reflect on some of Jesus' Words from the Cross. This excerpt is from a sermon titled Need and is based on the phrase, "I thirst" - the fifth Word from the Cross found in John 19.28.Need
We need a new coffee maker. We've had it almost 9 years and it's starting to leak. We need to replace it because we use it practically every day, can't live without it. Needless to say, we are avid coffee drinkers. Not just Starbucks, either. We buy the flavored gourmet style beans: Mocha Almond Java, Chocolate Irish Cream, Vanilla Cookie Wafer. Coffee flavors are getting about as ridiculous as ice cream varieties. Double Peanut Butter Brickle Fudge Brownie. At any rate, we need a new coffee maker if we're going to continue this admittedly extreme habit.
What do you need? A new washer, dryer, refrigerator, furniture, carpets, curtains, car, trailer, apartment, house? Or are your needs less tangible, more qualitative? Like friendship, family, companionship, care, understanding, acceptance, love and forgiveness. These are basic needs, to be sure. Emotional and spiritual needs.
Yet for many in the world, there are physical needs which are even more basic. Items, events that we take for granted. A night free from bombing, a day released from terror, shelter, clothing, food and water. Millions of people live without these most basic needs. But not for long. Some survive, many do not.
Hmm. I guess by way of contrast we don't really need a coffee maker. We can live without it. You don't need a micro-wave, mini-blinds or a new mattress. Not that these things are wrong to have. Just realize they don't fall into the category of needs. Wants, wishes, or wise purchases, maybe, but not necessities. Strip away all the packaging and we begin to realize that there are actually very few things that humans need.
We mentioned a few already. Friendship, acceptance, forgiveness, meaning. Shelter, sleep, food, water. Basic human needs. Every person who has ever lived has acknowledge these necessities. It may or may not surprise you, then, that Jesus had needs - physical, emotional, and spiritual needs because he was completely human. Yes, completely divine as well. But don't let that throw you. Jesus knew what it meant to be stomach-grumbling-hungry, dog-tired and emotionally drained.
And thirsty?! Jesus knew thirst. Probably the most fundamental ingredient in the recipe called survival. Water. H2O. Wet, refreshing, life-giving water. So important to our existence, it has become, for many, the symbol of life. To an alien race, water might even symbolize humanity. In one episode of "Star Trek, The Next Generation" (a science fiction TV series that used to rank in my top 5 need-to-watch list) humans were described as "ugly bags of mostly water." It's true. I don't know about the ugly part, but 70% of our body is water. A 5% loss results in fuzzy thinking, a 10% loss leads to death.
Jesus knew thirst. After a brutal beating and whipping which broke open the skin - that thin layered bag that holds our vital liquids inside - Jesus' body was an ugly mass of mostly water, blood-dripping, life-giving water. It's no wonder, then, that he speaks this 5th word from the cross. "I'm thirsty."
I'm thirsty. Has there ever been a more poignant statement of need - of human, physical need. It compliments, and may help explain, the word of anguish we heard last week, "My God, why have you forsaken me." While that 4th word from the cross spoke of spiritual alienation and abandonment due to the world's sin that Christ took upon himself, this phrase, "I am so thirsty," shouts out loud and clear that the divine Son of Man had needs.
Don't doubt it, friends. Jesus was fully human. Some early Christians, in order to protect Christ's divinity, were tempted to think of him as mere spirit in a phantom body. Some claimed that when he walked he never left any footprints. Balderdash. In John 8 we see him scrunch down and scribble in the dust. Can a phantom do that? No. Jesus had a body and it was subject to the bodily functions that mark us all. He ate, drank, burped, used the privy. He slept, cried, was tired, and was thirsty.
This should encourage us. It puts a stamp of approval on all that is truly human. It is not wrong to be in need, to hurt, to emote, to feel pain, depression, anguish, or thirst. Just as it is not wrong for us to exult, shout with joy, or soar to great heights. Humanness is good. In Genesis 1 God pronounces his blessing upon all of creation, especially his masterpiece, Adam, Man, Humankind.
It is not our humanity that gets us into trouble. It is the inhuman sin nature that infests and corrupts God's good earth that is the problem. Our sin nature, that hideous birth mark which we've adopted and fed and treated as something precious, that sin nature which has taken over our flesh needs to be rejected, destroyed, cleansed, and forgiven.
That is the reason for the cross. Jesus, the God-Man, hangs between earth and heaven as a space-time portal to filter out the parasite of sin so that all who enter will be pure and holy. And one day, one day we will experience our humanness as it was meant to be experienced, free from sin and death, free from pain and suffering. True humanity in resurrection bodies.
(For the complete sermon, visit Fwd: Thoughts.)
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My new favorite webcomic is Gunnerkrigg Court, and I think all fellow Neo-Pagans should start reading it immediately. It takes place in a fantasy version of our world in which the sterile, futuristic city is in conflict with the magical forest filled with fairies and gods. The heroine of this story is a girl named Antimony Carver, who lives in a boarding school called Gunnerkrigg Court where she learns how to be a medium between the two worlds. I was immediately curious about the name Antimony because I've never heard of it before and yet it fits in with the style for girls' names today.
So I looked up the definition of Antimony, because I got the sense that it was some sort of science thing from reading the comic. Antimony (pronounced "an-TIH-moh-nee," I think) is derived from the Middle Latin "antimonium". No one is quite sure what that word means or where it originally come from, but most believe it's oldest source is from the Ancient Egyptian "stm", meaning "powdered antimony" because it was used to make eyeshadow. Some sources might list the meaning as French for "monk's bane" but this is folk etymology. So it's a brittle, crystalline, metallic element that is now used in alloys. Well, that's not much to go on in the naming world, even if it has a trendy sound.
But the comic also mentioned that antimony, and it's symbol, was important for alchemy. To Alchemists, the elements didn't just have physical properties that you could see, smell, and touch. They also had philosophical properties. Alchemy is pretty difficult to understand because a lot of surviving reference material is incredibly complex. Alchemists wanted to make sure that anyone wanting to learn their craft would stick with it, so the obscure language was a way of discouraging flaky people. But we do know the gist of what antimony meant to them.
Antimony represents the call of the wild, and the symbol is worn when someone wants to embrace their animal power. So Antimony Carver, who was born in a scientific community but has a natural affinity for conversing with the spirit world is named after a metal used to amplify the wild spirit. Simply brilliant. The Russian word for antimony is sur'ma. In Gunnerkrigg Court, Surma is the name of Antimony's deceased mother. The element was also often associated with wolves, which is significant because the forest spirit that is under Antimony's will takes the form of a wolf.
In a world full of little Averys, Kennedys, and Haileys, Antimony just seems logical. It's so logical that when I was first reading the comic it took me a while to realize that I had never heard it before. The only possible downside I can think of is that it could be confused with Timothy. On the other hand, it's a really creative way to get to the nickname Annie.
As far as I know, Antimony has yet to be added to the real-life naming world. Could Neo-Pagans be the ones to add it?
Sources:
Credit:: http://masonsofheaven.blogspot.com
When the psalmist sings of his longing for the house of God, what is in his field of vision? It must be a beautiful scene, so beautiful that his soul longs for it. He sings: "Indeed (my heart) faints for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God."
What does he see that he so longs for it?
Well, two things that he immediately sees are sparrows and swallows.
So this is not your typical religious understanding of the house of God, which for most means buildings of some sort. For others it might mean service of some kind, in the sense of "serving in the house of God."
But the psalmist sees sparrows and swallows. And if he sees even the birds of the sky, then he sees all of creation recovered.
The house of God ultimately is not a building, even one that is elevated on some acropolis in the sky. It is more than that; it is all of creation recovered.
But we know that the present creation is groaning until the fulfillment of the sons of God.
While this groaning is going on, it might be good to tend to the nature around us: the trees, the land; fill those bird feeders, plant and harvest. And wait with a quiet anticipation for a consummation this present world knows nothing of.
So I should not be so cast down today with my present dissatisfactions. If I am cast down, I should convert it to groaning, to longing, perhaps even to fainting, for a time when the sparrows and the swallows will, like me, find joy and rest in the house of God.
Logos2Go
Psalm 84.1-3 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts! My soul longs, indeed it faints for the courts of the LORD; my heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God. Even the sparrow finds a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, at your altars, O LORD of hosts, my King and my God.
Romans 8.19-23 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
Origin: http://master-of-pentagram.blogspot.com
