Metaphysical Beliefs

Easy ways to learn to meditate

admin — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 04:17:02 +0000

Meditation has a multitude of benefits, ranging from the metaphysical, such as opening one’s third eye, to the mundane, such as lowering blood pressure and anxiety. This practice, a long time standard in the east, has been steadily gaining popularity here in the west for decades. Nonetheless, learning how to meditate remains a daunting proposition to many. This is due largely to the images generated in the media. However, in reality, it is a fairly simple undertaking and there is a great deal of information now available.

When first learning the art of meditation it is important not to overwhelm yourself with unrealistic expectations. It is not necessary to live the life of a monk who meditates for hours every day to reap the benefits of this ancient practice. Consistency in your practice is more important than the actual length of time you spend meditating each day. This is especially true when you are first beginning. When you start, aim for meditating for just five minutes each day, but make sure you do your meditation exercises every day.

Begin by finding a comfortable position. The two simplest choices are to either sit on the ground with your legs crossed or to sit in a chair with your back straight and your feet on the ground. Although it may be very comfortable to lie down, it could likely be too comfortable. Since one of the main purposes and benefits of meditation is relaxation, you could very well end up falling asleep. When meditating, you need to maintain your pose while remaining as still as possible. The exact position is not as important as whether or not you are comfortable. While the goal is no have no movement at all, it is better to scratch an itch than to lose all ability to focus because you are trying to ignore the itch and not scratch. If you find that you simply have to move, readjust your posture and continue with your meditation.

The number of methods of meditation in existence is staggering and range from the simple to the complex. When beginning, it is best to focus on the simpler of these. More advanced methods, such as walking meditation or the utilization of mantras, have many benefits, but are too much for the inexperienced. Focusing on your breathing is the quickest and most natural way for the novice to begin learning how to meditate. After settling into position, close your eyes. Concentrate on breathing slowly and deeply. It is often helpful to count your breath. Some forms of meditation offer strict guidelines

Poetry analysis: The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, by T.S. Eliot

admin — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 13:39:43 +0000

What sort of person would sing a song of love that has no melody and is addressed to no one in particular? You meet such a man in T. S. Eliot’s The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. The famous verse is an interior monologue in which a character is talking to himself. Readers or listeners eavesdrop on J. Alfred’s stream of consciousness, which flows forward, backward, and sideways as musings trigger other associations not logically but psychologically.

The title is ironic since the title character is isolated, timid, and anti-heroic. A natural tendency is to assume that Prufrock is T. S. Eliot, even though Eliot was 27 years old when the poem was first published and his narrator appears at least middle-aged. The “you and I” of the first line is sometimes interpreted as two different parts of Prufrock’s personality: one that urges him to take action and participate in events; the other a feckless dilettante who fears involvement and rejection. Or perhaps the “you” is we, the generalized reader.

Images of involvement and action oppose images of paralysis and fear and such is the conflict that defines the thinker whose musings we share. An educated and highly intelligent man, he begins with a quotation from Dante’s Inferno. Dante, while journeying through hell, encounters Guido da Montefeltro, who is wrapped in flame and suffering eternal torment for sins he committed on earth. He confesses his sins on the assumption that Dante, a fellow prisoner of hell, cannot return to earth with the damning information he is being given and besmirch Guido’s reputation.

Prufrock’s “song” is a similar confession of a soul in torment, though Prufrock’s sins are errors of omission and inaction rather than of commission. If hesitation, inadequacy, and a lack of self-assertiveness are mortal sins, Prufrock deserves a spot in Ante Hell among

those who fail to do either good evil; or maybe Eliot considers him a purveyor of false counsel (In Prufrock’s case, self-counsel) and deserving of a spot in the 7th ring next to Guido.

The time is evening, and the “you is invited to make a visit involving traverse of a slum area. In a conceit worthy of metaphysical poet John Donne, the evening is compared to “a patient etherized upon a table.” The idea of sickness is imported along with a suggestion that the world is twilit due not merely to time of day but to a realm between the brightness of life and the darkness of death. The etherized patient is both modern man and the

The mystery, origins and purpose of the crystal skulls

admin — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:03:54 +0000

Ancient Crystal Skulls found in Central and South America are shrouded in mystery, myths and legends regarding their origins and purpose. For years the skulls have intrigued and mystified those who would seek the archaeological truth and the downright curious. Approximately fifty have been found ranging in size from life-like to the size of a soft ball. Because most of them were reported to be found in or near tombs, it has led to the belief that these ancient artifacts were used in religious ceremonies. Unfortunately, quartz crystal cannot be carbon dated; therefore, there is no solid, acceptable, scientific proof of the authenticity of any of the skulls, but there are those who continue to search, determined to find answers.

To date, the skulls have baffled the international scientific community and new age archaeological groups with unanswered questions as to how they were crafted, their origin, why they were created and what purpose they served those who created them. There are many theories on both sides of the fence. Were the creators the Mayans, the Aztecs, or even earlier cultures? Could they have been made in Atlantis, or brought to earth by extraterrestrials? Do they possess miraculous healing powers, electro-magnetic and metaphysical powers claimed by sensitives, channelers and psychics? Do they hold the answers to mankind’s transformation to the new and higher level of consciousness as legends foretell? Supposedly, when thirteen master skulls (a historically and symbolic, significant number) are found and brought together, they will hold the information needed for mankind to move into the coming new age.

Scoffers contend the skulls may be relatively old, but certainly not ancient and while several are finely crafted artwork, they do not have any powers. The power they possess is in the individual pockets bulging with profits from the hype surrounding the skulls; luring the curiosity seekers and easily led willing to pay to be in the presence of one of the skulls.

The most famous, of those discovered is the Mitchell-Hedges Skull, allegedly found in 1924 in Belize, by a real-life, Indiana Jones, adventurer, F.A. Mitchell-Hedges and his 17 year old daughter. This particular skull is a masterful piece of artwork in clear crystal quartz designed in two pieces; the actual skull and a moveable, mandible or jawbone. Its design defies modern day lapidaries to explain how it was made. Whoever created the skull disregarded the natural axis

Reflections: Personal spirit guides

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 15:40:49 +0000

What is a spirit guide? To many people a spirit guide can be many different things. The definition changes as you go from person to person. For some spirit guides come in the form of angels, for others in the form of animals, others still they come in the form of deceased relatives or ancestors. Not everyone agrees on what a spirit guide is or can do, but everyone agrees to disagree because no one really knows.

I have had many spirit guides through my life. I have a guide that for all intents and purposes is ‘human’, his name is Jen, or Gen…however you want to spell it because he doesn’t really care. He’s been there for me. Some may liken him to an imaginary friend, and I wouldn’t be able to argue. What defines reality in this world barely holds true to itself, imagination can be just as real as anything so why not call Jen my imaginary friend.

I have had animal spirit guides as well, my spirit animal is the cat…or I should say…all cats. If it is in the cat family it is in my animal totem though some would disagree with me, saying that isn’t ‘how it works’. Through all the research I have done on animal spirit guides the one thing that is consistent is a complete lack of consistency. There is no set number of animals or species that can be on your totem nor are do they have to take the form of ranks though some people choose to put one spirit guide ‘above’ another. I have had guides in my life come and go so the ranking system isn’t as abhorrent as some people feel it is, though it isn’t necessary as others deem it to be.

When it comes to spirit guides they are as personal as you. Realizing you have a spirit guide is all you have to do, they will do the rest. They will help you to understand them and their needs of you or for you better than any research can. I had to learn that on my own. I thought research and study would tell me a thing or two. All it told me is that spirit comes in many forms for many people. There is no such thing as conforming when it comes to spirit, there is only being.

My spirit guides have been many and they have been varied, sometimes I myself have taken on the form of my own spirit guide in some fashion or another. A spiritual journey is truly something we go into on our own. Spirit guides are manifestations of the lessons we need at any given moment in time. The reason some guides stay with you your whole life is because they (or you) choose to keep it that way. If they can continue to offer you insight long into the future, what is the sense in parting ways?

Some people do not believe in spirit guides at all, some people claim anyone who has ever had a spirit guide was just projecting a need or desire into a form outside of themselves. Thus creating a spirit guide that is apart from their person causing them to think they have divine guidance or some form of metaphysical teacher when in reality it is just themselves in a projective form. To those people I say why have such little faith? If you project something of yourself into the form of spirit and it manifests in your mind or vision as apart from your body or personality, then you have created for yourself a viable solution to your problem in most cases. If this projection of yourself can teach you something or give you insight, more power to you.

Spirit guides come in many forms and in many ways, they are beings that should be cherished and communicated with often because they are more often than not a reflection of the inside of your soul. Pay attention to your spirit guides and you can find out much about your life and yourself.

A look at Wiccan spring equinox rituals

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:44:37 +0000

The Summer Solstice which will fall on June 21 this year marks a major Wiccan festival. As the day in which the sun is visible for the longest time period, or the ‘longest day’ as it is called colloquially. Wiccans celebrate the physical elements of air, fire, water and earth and the metaphysical element of spirit.

The Wiccans reverence motherhood and womanhood. Summer Solstice could be called the day of full sun and it celebrates fullness. On the cycle of the seasons, it is the apex. In the cycle of intimacy, sexuality and fertility it is the season of the mother; maturity and womanhood in full bloom. The blossoming of flowers and pollination of trees and plants is a wonderful metaphor and visual image for the regeneration of life.

Prayers are said to the goddess for enlightenment, guidance and wisdom. She is invoked in her form in nature and worshiped for her beauty, her nurturing and protection of her children. She is praised for her creative power and goodness.

With the warmth and healing rays of Sumer Solstice, the major element of this feast is fire.

Fire is a powerful image; it calls to mind the burning away of impurity, the refiners’ fire which purges the dross of sin, selfishness and inhumanity. The fire of the sun warms us as a mother’s love does; the illuminating power power of the sun reflects the joy of creation. The fire of candle in all faiths represent light of truth, wisdom and love.

Fire, with it’s symbolic color of red signifies passion also. Wiccan Summer Solstice ceremonies use red for the altar cloth and candles. Catholic Christians use red for feast days of martyrs (those impassioned of the faith) as well as for Pentecost, when God poured out His Spirit in tongues of fire.

Similar to the Catholic imposition of the ashes of Ash Wednesday, Wiccans use ash incense in a cleansing and purification rite. The incense burned recalls the fragrant perfume of honest, heartfelt prayers and worship. Scented oils have traditionally been used in ritual to symbolize blessing and anointment. Blessing with sacred oil is a visible sign of the love we share for each other. Oil represents steadfastness. Anointing empowers us to go forth spreading joy and love and doing acts of kindness for others.

I am not a Wiccan; in fact, in times past I may have been the antithesis of Wiccan philosophy. As a woman of 43 I see now that perfect love casts out fear and I seek to build bridges in spirituality, not walls. As a woman who has had the privilege to have nurtured and loved children, known passion and intimacy and needed guidance, I respect the ideals of Wicca.

Book reviews: Writing and Difference, by Jaques Derrida

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 03:36:13 +0000

Derrida: On “Writing and Difference”

Derrida’s text, Writing and Difference, is comprised of various essays dealing with topics as diverse as the violence of metaphysics, the poet Antonin Artaud, the theater of cruelty, and a reading of Sigmund Freud. He devotes much of his text to discussion of Levinas, Hegel, and Heidegger and to some extent, Plato and Socrates. His references also include in smaller part Maurice Blanchot, Levi-Strauss, Kafka, Montaigne, Feuerbach, and various aspects of the Hebraic tradition and/or ideology. Derrida’s aim throughout this collection of essays is to develop his idea of deconstruction as well as the concept of difference within writing.

The first few essays gradually develop and illuminate Derrida’s idea of deconstruction. Rather than let his reader know what deconstruction is, Derrida lets him know what deconstruction is not. Deconstruction is not a form of analysis, a critique, a method, an act, an operation, or, as the word itself seems to imply, destruction. Rather, deconstruction is what Derrida calls an openness to the Other that “present[s] himself as absence” (103). He maintains, furthermore, that all speech is for the other and therefore, no logos as “absolute knowledge” can “comprehend dialogue and the trajectory toward the other” and that this “rupture of logosopens speech” (98). He is very concerned with the openings in speech and writing and describes them in terms of wounds and abscesses; he is very concerned with what these cracks in speech and/or writing reveal, and what fills these cracks. In a more general sense, Derrida’s framing of deconstruction is that it destroys the claim of one dominating form of signification over another and ends up subverting most of the Western metaphysical tradition. Deconstruction illustrates how all texts shift and become increasingly complex in meaning when read in terms of the assumptions they raise and the questions they ask within themselves. That is, deconstruction is a kind of analytical reading of a text that brings to light the difference within the text itself.

Difference is very important to Derrida important enough for him to dedicate an entire compilation to its exploration. According to Derrida in the first few essays, meaning exists and is out there, and he describes it in the same terms as he describes the closure of the book. “It is there, but out there, beyondbut eluding us there” (300). However, the meaning that indubitably exists (though Derrida does

A look at Wiccan summer solstice rituals

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 21:57:55 +0000

MIDSUMMER’S MAGICK, LIGHT & WARMTH: CELEBRATING EARTH’S ABUNDANCE

Better than staring at the Vincent van Gogh painting named “Starry Night,” when attending a Wiccan Summer Solstice ritual you’re actually enjoying the darkness of night beneath a star-lit sky, painted by the Gods of our European ancestors.

Walking toward the circle of witches, you smell their Summer Solstice bonfire and perhaps the essence of dried-sage burning. You also hear chanting or drumming that stirs your soul. It makes you want to dance.

Beyond that, explaining what you’ll experience at any given Wicca Summer Solstice ritual gets tricky. That’s because a coven of Wiccans is more like a herd of wild elk than a domestic flock of sheep. Not only is there nobody to shear the elk, or tell them how to dress-up (or wear no clothes at all) but nobody tells Wiccans exactly what deity they must celebrate either. Some groups worship only the Goddess energies while others also pay tribute to the horned God of the woods.

Before a Pagan group decides to gather in ritual or a coven or a group of Wiccans decides to celebrate Summer Solstice together – they might forage around in mythological books or meditate in psychic trance long enough to conjure up new ideas for enhancing their Midsummer ceremony. Any Summer Solstice ritual is very likely to turn out something like a container of Neapolitan ice cream, with chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry condiments all making any combination of flavors possible.

Consider those Wiccans who believe in Faeries, for instance. Faerie-Wiccans might decorate their Summer Solstice altar with fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers and perhaps an offering of milk and sweet cakes for the Fey. Summer Solstice for Faerie-Wiccans is an especially exciting time because that’s when the portal between Earth and metaphysical-worlds open wide and witches can more easily communicate with residents from other-worlds. Thus, Faerie-Wiccans might sprinkle themselves with glitter (i.e., Faerie dust) and secure wings to their whimsical outfits. Then they might dance wildly in a circle to request Faerie blessings of good health and luck!

In contrast, members of other Wicca traditions might stage a battle of two male Gods or perform what other ceremonial demonstration will most efficiently honor other myths as they choose.

YIN IS TO YANG WHAT SUMMER IS TO WINTER:

To understand what inspires a Wiccan Summer Solstice Ritual in the first place, it’s important to realize

Understanding chakras

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:32:43 +0000

The best way to understand the chakra system is to think of it like a network of energy channels and power centers that exist between the physical and spiritual aspects of human health. The actual chakra points are located throughout the body in correspondence with nerve centers and important parts of the endocrine system.

While not yet accepted by Western medicine, the chakra system is an integral part of acupuncture and other proven studies. Chakra knowledge was, according to ancient Vedic texts, discovered thousands of years ago.

Originally, the chakras were thought of as centers of consciousness. Today, most descriptions refer to chakras as points of “power” or “energy”.

Study of this esoteric system continues to this day, and modern theories include discoveries made as recently as the 20th century. There are many schools of thought surrounding the human chakra system, and specific ideals and functionality vary quite a bit from one method of study to another.

However, unlike many other spiritual studies, discrepancies rarely result in bitter disputes. It is commonly accepted that, because human beings continue to evolve, the chakra system can expand and change across the span of generations.

Because the chakra system is very much driven by the powers of thought and consciousness, participants can enjoy tremendous benefit even from minimal exposure. Chakra knowledge can be integrated into any health regimen, any religious practice, and any spiritual study. You don’t need a special ceremony, the permission of any guru, or a college degree to begin reaping the immense rewards this ancient and beautiful knowledge has to offer.

Most Yoga programs will give you a hands-on introduction to the chakras. Additionally, there are a number of breathing and visualization exercises that will help you become acquainted with the chakra system.

Many ancient forms of spirituality embrace the chakra knowledge at some level. You can even experience the flow of chakra energy through the metaphysical study of semi-precious stones and an examination of crystal healing philosophy.

I recommend you explore various informational resources to learn the specifics of the chakra system, and focus on the content that resonates with your intuition. A quick Google search on ‘chakra system’ or ‘chakra points’ is a great way to find a multitude of pages for further research.

The teaching of the theory of evolution in schools

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:16:04 +0000

Many scientists are at a loss for words when a lay person presents arguments which question the validity of evolutionary processes. Usually, these arguments fall into one of a few basic categories which highlight the users ignorance of science in general, or evolution in particular. Getting flustered when someone is jeering at you is easy to do, and it’s one of the reasons most scientists refuse to take part in debates on this subject. Learn to recognize these ill-found arguments and politely explain why certain words or assumptions present in the argument require a challenge or further examination. Teachers need to do a better job defining scientists, theories, and why scientists know evolution is real.

Scientist – One who’s education is in a particular scientific field, and who works to further the collective knowledge in that field of study. For example, someone with a degree in biology, but who works in public relations, bookkeeping, or at a bicycle shop is not a scientist. A bicycle shop owner is not working to advance the science of biology. A bachelor of science degree in biology gives one a basic understanding of general principles, and indicates one was able to pass a few tests on the subject. To call oneself a scientist, one must actually work to advance their field of study. Someone who works in a microbiology lab doing cancer research might be a scientist. Someone who studies salamanders or earth worms might be a scientist. Someone who works the lecture circuit for a conservative think-tank is not a scientist, no matter what their degree implies. Educators working to teach science in the K-12 environment aren’t really scientist’s unless they have worked as a scientist in a previous career.

Children must evaluate the credibility of someone lecturing them on evolution. They need to understand that however well-meaning the speaker may be, if they haven’t spent their adult life trying to advance scientific knowledge in some way, they aren’t qualified to evaluate or criticize those who have. Scientists are however, qualified to evaluate certain aspects of metaphysical and spiritual concepts.

A theory is the highest form of scientific understanding. Part of the problem with this word is that it has other meanings in everyday language. We’ve all heard someone say “In theory, this should work.” Sometimes this is spoken moments before a computer program crashes, the garden shed collapses, or a turn of the ignition key fails to start

Analysis of an 18th century prayer

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 00:30:16 +0000

Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep; And if I die before I wake -’ Now hold on there. Why not extract the intended meaning of if I die before I wake’ by saying instead, if I die in my sleep’. Because you won’t wake if you die. Waking won’t even meet your horizon.

The semantics may be nitpicky but here’s the thing – the written word is confusing enough to many readers. The closer a writer gets to the exactitude of his meaning, the better the chance that a reader will grasp his intention. On the other hand, no matter what the writer intends, perception is always in the eye of the believer.

So, even if if I die in my sleep’ should work for the religious follower who believes death begets everlasting afterlife or even if it works for the agnostic who believes death begets oblivion – should he be caught praying – the liberal spiritualist might prefer, if I fully awaken to my metaphysical Self while my manifest body lies sleeping.’ And the believer in a karmic cycle who suspects he has become enlightened and thus supposes this is his last life of many lives may say, If I lose my individual Self to the boundless unmanifest All That Is…’

As for the last sentence of the 18th century prayer, I pray the Lord my soul to take’, which implies a time lapse between releasing the physical body and transporting the soul – a pause perhaps in which the Supreme Being deliberates on the soul’s worthiness and thence pronounces its eternal fate – the religious follower will maintain that it, the last sentence, is precise in its meaning. But it is in fact vague.

Hence, a religious man’s last words might more aptly be, I pray the Lord I go to Heaven to sit by His throne’ or I pray the Lord I don’t go to Hell to burn with the Devil’ or I pray the Lord I don’t go to Purgatory to put up with excruciating punishment and piercing pain as I purify for God knows how long even though I no longer have a physical body that can feel pain but my spirit apparently can’. Here, however, an agnostic would indeed part company from the religious and simply say, I shall be nevermore.’

But what of the liberal spiritualist or the believer in a karmic cycle? The spiritualist might pray, I will be joyous in my full connection to Source Energy.’ And the karma believer will surely implore, Dear God, please let this be my last life. Don’t make me come back again.’

Metaphysical Beliefs

Easy ways to learn to meditate

Related Articles

Poetry analysis: The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock, by T.S. Eliot

The mystery, origins and purpose of the crystal skulls

Reflections: Personal spirit guides

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A look at Wiccan spring equinox rituals

Related Articles

Book reviews: Writing and Difference, by Jaques Derrida

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A look at Wiccan summer solstice rituals

Understanding chakras

The teaching of the theory of evolution in schools

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Analysis of an 18th century prayer