|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 14, 2010 15:11:01 GMT 12
Whether we call it myth, science, fiction, or the Bible, explanations for the origin of man and the universe have always been popular.
What is Myth? While we have a general, shared sense that myths are stories shared by a group that are a part of their cultural identity, there is no completely satisfactory definition of the term myth. People contrast myth with science and religion. Usually, this comparison is unfavorable, with myth relegated to the area of lies.
"Myth is truthful, but figuratively so. It is not historical truth mixed with lies; it is a high philosophical teaching that is entirely true, on the condition that, instead of taking it literally, one sees in it an allegory."
What Is the Difference Between Myth and Science? Questions closely related to the nature of myth are the existential "what is truth?" and "how do we know anything?" Philosophers and other thinkers have come up with such statements as "Cogito, ergo sum" 'I think, therefore I am', which may reassure us, but don't stipulate a reality that is the same for all of us. (For example, I think, therefore I am, but maybe you don't think or maybe your thinking doesn't count because you're a computer, for all I know.)
If this isn't immediately obvious, consider these questions about truth: Is truth absolute or relative? If absolute, how would you define it? Would everyone agree with you? If relative, wouldn't some say your truth is a falsehood? It seems fair to say that myth is not the same as scientific fact, but what exactly does even that mean?
Explanations of What Seems Magical or Supernatural Maybe we should say that myth is like scientific -- not exactly knowledge, but -- theory. That would work for some myth, like the creation of the world out of Chaos. However, it won't work when we examine the supernatural stories, which appear to defy scientific knowledge.
The story of Hercules (Heracles) grappling with the Antaeus, a chthonic giant, is a case in point. Every time Hercules hurled Antaeus to the ground, he became stronger. Clearly this is what we might politely call a tall story. But maybe there is scientific logic behind it. What if Antaeus had some sort of magnet (if you don't like the idea of a magnet, you can invent your own scenario) that made him stronger each time he hit the earth and weaker when held away from his power source? Hercules defeated another giant, Alcyoneus, only by pulling him far from his origin. The magnetic force of the earth was overcome in these examples by pulling far enough in any direction. [See Hercules the Giant-Killer.]
Or how about Cerberus, the 3-headed hell hound? There are two-headed people. We call them Siamese or Conjoined Twins. Why not three-headed beasts?
And, as far as the Underworld goes, some of the stories of the Underworld mention a cave at the western edge of the world that was thought to lead downwards. While there could be some scientific basis for this, even if there isn't, is this story any more a "lie" to be scoffed at than the novel/movie Journey to the Center of the Earth? Yet people dismiss such myths as lies created by primitive people who lack scientific knowledge -- or as lies created by people who haven't found the true religion.
What Is the Difference Between Myth and Religion? Myth comes from the Greek word "mythos." The Greek Lexicon Liddell and Scott defines "mythos" as:
•word and •speech. A synonym from the lexicon is logos. "Logos" appears in the Greek for the Biblical passage "in the beginning was the word." So there appears to be a connection between the world-changing, powerful word "word" (logos) and the often maligned word "myth" (mythos).
The same lexicon search provides other predictable meanings for "mythos," including:
•tale or story •rumor or saying and •thing thought.
Like Bible stories, myths are often entertaining, morally instructive, and inspirational. On this site, when I use the word myth as distinct from religion, it is to separate out descriptions of and stories about gods or legendary mortals from explicit tenets of belief, laws, or human actions. This is an ambiguous area:
•If the Son of God, Jesus, turned water into wine, should he be counted a supernatural being and therefore listed in myth? According to this treatment, yes. •If the adopted son of Pharaoh's daughter, Moses, understood the speech of a burning bush, is this not also a supernatural power? •If Hercules, son of a mortal woman and the god Zeus, strangled snakes with his bare hands when he was newborn, doesn't that put him in the same category? It is also called a myth if it appears magical to non-believers. On this site, the effects of Moses on the belief system of Ancient Semites are considered non-myth. So also are attempts to draw up a chronology of the events in the life of or acts of Jesus. Almost everything else in this murky area -- like the stories told in the Bible -- is myth(os), but this doesn't mean it's either true or untrue, believable or incredible.
Experts Define Myth These negative and positive descriptions of the content of myth are not definitions and don't even explain very much. Unfortunately for those who want a simple answer to the question, "What is myth?", there is no completely satisfactory answer. Many have tried, with only limited success. A look at an array of definitions from leading philosophers and other thinkers shows the complexity behind the seemingly simple term:
•Origins - Myths are often stories of origins, how the world and everything in it came to be in illo tempore. - Eliade. •Dreams - Sometimes myths are public dreams which, like private dreams, emerge from the unconscious mind. - Freud. •Archetypes - Indeed, myths often reveal the archetypes of the collective unconscious. - Jung. •Metaphysical - Myths orient people to the metaphysical dimension, explain the origins and nature of the cosmos, validate social issues, and, on the psychological plane, address themselves to the innermost depths of the psyche. - Campbell. •Proto-Scientific - Some myths are explanatory, being pre-scientific attempts to interpret the natural world. - Frazer. •Sacred histories - Religious myths are sacred histories. - Eliade. •Stories - Myths are both individual and social in scope, but they are first and foremost stories. - Kirk. A Useful Working Definition of Myth "Myths are stories told by people about people: where they come from, how they handle major disasters, how they cope with what they must and how everything will end. If that isn't everything what else is there?" Thank you, Robert O'Connell, for this working definition of myth.
To help define myth, people often compare myth with science and religion. Usually myth is relegated to the area of lies.
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 14, 2010 15:06:36 GMT 12
Folklore and Literature? "Were does folklore end and literature begin? Do they, must they merge one into the other or may they grow side by side? In Egypt, as in other countries, it is probable that the earliest literature embodied much of the lore, the "oft-told tales" which, handed down by word of mouth, had charmed previous generations. Many Egyptian tales have come down to us. Some of them are what modern parlance would call fairy tales and they usually point a distinct moral. Such for instance (dating back to the Middle Kingdom) is the story of the Two Brothers with its picture of the industrious farmer, the story of the Predestined Prince, the story of the Eloquent Peasant whose ass had been stolen and the tale of the Shipwrecked Sailor in the Red Sea. The latter, with its marvellous adventures, suggests comparison with the much later story of Sinbad the Sailor. Of these stories it is probable that they were not so much new compositions as the recording of a legend already well known. But a vast amount of other writing has come down to us from the ancient Egyptians. It comprises documents of almost every conceivable kind: business documents and correspondence, legal documents, memorial inscriptions, historical, scientific, magical and religious literature as well as tales and lyrics in poetical language. Earliest in date are the Pyramid Texts inscribed on the inner walls of five royal tombs at Sakkara (Vth and VIth Dynasties). Discovered and published by Maspero, one of them at least is known to belong to the period preceding the unification of the Northern and Southern Kingdoms. The subject matter deals with the life after death of the dead king : how, on leaving earth, he becomes a star in the heavens; how he may continue to enjoy his royal titles and prerogatives. The Pyramid Texts also contain incantations against the bites of snakes and the stings of scorpions. Better known perhaps to the general public is the Book of the Dead which is in reality a collection of texts of various dates welded into a book. It contains lists of gates to be passed and demons to be encountered in the next world, and some of the chapters instruct the dead man in how to assume what shape he will and to issue triumphant from the last judgment. From the Tombs of the Kings at Thebes is derived the book known as "Am Duat" which describes the journey of the sun during the twelve hours of the night and also the "Litanies of the Sun" with the acclamations with which the sun-god Ra was greeted when at evening his bark reached the entrance to the netherworld. The standard works of all classes of Egyptian literature date back, in the main, to an early age, not later than the Middle Kingdom. At that period several books of proverbs or instructions were put in circulation; some of them, forestalling the. Chesterfield letters, deal with manners and deportment; in one, King Amenemhe lays down for the guidance of his son the principles of kingship and government. In yet another, Kheti, a scribe, extols the advantages of his profession and describes e drawbacks of all other avocations. It must however be admitted that, apart from their historical interest, the book of Ancient Egypt are not transcendant from purely literary point of view. Most of the composition is stilted and artificial and true poetical inspiration appears to have been rare. The case is very different when we come to the Islamic period of Egyptian literary history. In the early days of Islam Arab authors were accustomed to travel from one place to another to collect traditions or to seek the patronage of caliph or vizier. Many of them spent long periods in Egypt and are thus associated with Egyptian literature. But after the fall of Baghdad Cairo became the seat of Arab letters and learning and, as the seat of Al Azhar University, it enjoys that distinction to the present day. Poetry and history were -and still are -particularly congenial to the Egyptian man of letters. Of historians there is a wealth of celebrated To mention but a few: Ibn Abd el Hakam, Ibn Zulaq, Izz al Mulk Mohammed al Musabbihi, J amal al Din al Halabi, Abd al Latif al Baghdadi, Tha'lab Kamal al Din al Edfawi, Makrizi Abul Mahasin and Abd ar Rahman al J abarti. Acquaintance with the two last-named is essential to a thorough knowledge of mediaeval Egypt. The Arabic language is strikingly poetical. Even in the every-day conversation of uneducated Egyptians metaphor abounds and a poetical trend of thought is very apparent. It is therefore not surprising that Egypt, in common with other Islamic lands, should have produced a great number of famous poets. Here again, as with the historians, enumeration would be lengthy and tedious and a few names will perhaps suffice to illustrate Egypt's claim to be the land of Islamic poetry: Ibn Qalqis, Ibn.Sana al Mulk, Ibn al Nabih, Ibn al Farid, Ibn Matruh, Baha al Din Zukmr, Ibn Nubatah, Ibn Mukams, Ibn Hajja al Hamawi. During the past century Egyptian letters have enjoyed a most 'remarkable renaissance, It is perhaps more than a coincidence that, concurrently with the amazing political and economic progress which has characterized the evolution of Egypt during the past two or three generations, there should have arisen; in her midst some of the greatest poets that Arabic literature has ever known. Ahmed Chawky, who died as recently as 1932, is admitted by all who may claim to be judges, to have left a work which takes equal if not prior rank to anything yet produced in the domain of Arabic poetry. Nor is it in poetry alone that Egyptian writers have achieved and are achieving a foremost place in the glories of Arabic literature. Taha Hussein is a writer of immense learning coupled with a rare command of language and an exhaustive knowledge of all that is best in folklore. Some of his books, written in French, have achieved international fame.
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 14, 2010 15:03:48 GMT 12
Celtic Mythology and Legends
The religion of Ireland is greatly steeped in magic and superstitious. Past deeds were recorded in an oral tradition by a sub-class of the Druids are commonly referred to as the Druids. It is said that even the Druids had to know some 360 different stories by heart. Two different groups of Celts entered into the British Isles: the lowland Celts who came from around the Danube River and later merged with the Galatae, a second group encompassed an entire culture known as the Megalithic peoples of Europe, and a third were the Celts who came from around the Rhine River near the Balkans and Carpathian Mountain ranges. These cultures are referred to as the Belgae, Aquitani, and Celtae, respectively. The Celtae were very aggressive. These are the traditional group of Celts who sacked Rome and Delphi. They were fierce warriors and enjoyed the lives of being a mercenary. The women were the ones who maintained the land for producing food. The men, however, looked down upon all forms of agriculture. They held to a military bureaucracy, and it was only through the coming of Druidism that this warlike nature diminished. This tribe was descended from Aryan of the Aryans, and thus the art of war came naturally to them. They were capable of working iron, and buried their dead instead of cremating them. The Celtae had one overwhelming distinguishing quality, though. They were fine musicians who greatly prized their bardic traditions. In servitude to Lugh Lamfada, they held great musical ceremonies across all of Europe. The Belgae were a peaceful people who lived by agriculture. They came from around the area of the Danube and slowly made their way to Gaul. They do not appear to have forced their way there, but rather to slowly merge with the cultures that were already evident. The Belgae lived in the valleys and the plains. They possessed the knowledge of metallurgy and were very adept at working with gold, tin, and bronze. Another interesting note on this group is that they always burned there dead instead of burying them. There is not even a single example of a body being buried. Dr. Bernard, the Bishop of Killaloe, believed in the possibility that the Belgae and the Danmonii later developed into what was known in the Celtic legends as the Firbolg and the Tuatha de Danann. The Aquitani are the original Megalithic people of Europe. Strabo remarked that they resembled the Iberian and were vastly different from the other two groups in both their language and culture. They are thought to have come originally from Northern Africa and across the Strait of Gibraltar to Europe proper. They had knowledge of agriculture and the ability to transverse the waters. This culture was responsible for the building of the dolmens and other great stone monuments. They also had a priesthood which presided over the burial of the dead and as a form of leadership for the community. It is theorized that the Aquitani brought with them the religious ideologies of the Egyptians which would later be integrated with the Celtic beliefs. There is an interesting occurrence that the Druids existed only where there were both dolmen-builders and a population of Celts. From this conglomeration of cultures are born the mythologies of the Celts. The ones that we will be focusing on, however, deal mostly with the Irish. But, we must remember where these people came form and what the living conditions were like that inspired them to follow these beliefs. From the Celtae we find a love fore music and poetry, but an aggression for war. From the Aquitana, we are presented with a belief in a life after death, a remembrance of the dead, and an organized priesthood who presided over religious rituals and kept their beliefs alive. And lastly, from the Belgae, we come to understand the older beliefs in such things as cosmological forces and elemental deities. In Celtic mythology, there were five races that initially invaded Ireland: the Partholonians, the Nemedians, the Firbolg, the Tuatha de Danann, and finally the Milesians. Not to mention, there was a race of giants that lived in the ocean named the Fomorian. They were the adversaries of the five races and can be related to the Greek titans. Now, it is of course queried as to who recorded the coming of these different races and related their stories to the later Christians who recorded these legends. We then must look to the "Book of the Dun Cow," which was written in 1100 AD There is a manuscript contained therein entitled, "The Legend of Tuan mac Carell" which tells the story of a Irish abbot of the sixth century by the name of St. Finnen from Moville, Co. Donegal As is custom in Ireland, he was seeking the hospitality of a local chieftain named Tuan mac Carell. Unfortunately, the king refused him hospitality. St. Finnen then proceeded to remain at the entrance of his fortress through an entire Sunday, after which Tuan admitted to him and they began to speak to one another. He told of the old legends concerning legends. By the time Finnen left the fortress he relayed the details of his adventure to the monastery where he lived. Later, Tuan and his warriors came to visit the monastery and began to relate the history of Ireland to the group that was gathered before him and his men. Tuan mac Carell told the assembly that he was actually Tuan son of Starn, whose brother was Partholonian the first man who came to the shores of Ireland. He himself was an Ulster man who had lived in various shapes through the ages and thus was able to stand as a witness to the history of the people of Ireland. Some legends say that the Nemedians eventually disappeared altogether for no apparent reason. Another possibility could be attributed to their worship of the Fomorii as gods. They would sacrifice their children and even themselves according to legend. It is suggested that this god may have actually been Tigernmas, a Fomorian king who later becomes the king of the Milesians. He is also identified with Balor of the Eye, whose terrible eye upon opening would kill all within the range of its sight. It is said that he himself worshipped the bloody god Cromm Cruaich, and that it was he who began this horrible religion in Ireland. Tigernmas, a chieftain of the Fomorian, was said to have made all of Ireland pay a tribute of two-thirds of their children, corn, and milk. Even in his great cruelty, he is attributed with bringing the art of smelting gold to Ireland. In later times, Tigernmas becomes the grandfather of Lugh by Ethniu. There are more stories concerning the battle which helped them the Nemedians to overcome the Fomorian chieftain Conann. The combined effects of the war, the heavy tribute, and the plague which followed would easily have destroyed a culture whose people were constantly in threat of dying out. Even in battle, there was said to be only 36 warriors who fought. The first two races both came in small numbers and died of the plague. The first evidence that we see a real appearance of an influence in the mythology of Ireland begins with the Firbolg. There were three groups of Firbolg: the Fir-Bolg, the Fir-Domnan, and the Galioin. But, these are somewhat meshed together in the legends and little can be deciphered between them. The first mythological character to appear is that of Taltiu, who is the daughter of the king of the Great Plain. Now, we can only see the remains of what might have possibly been her palace, Telltown. Even until later times, she became identified with the festival Lughnasdah. It is that Lugh dedicated a festival for her to honor his foster mother. This has long since been an important site in archaeology, as it is one of the royal coronation sites throughout Ireland. Another important figure that came from this race was Eochaid Mac Eirc, or Eochaid the Proud. His reign marked the last Firbolg to rule as High king in Ireland. It lasted for ten years, during which no rain ever fell. Through him, law was introduced into Ireland. This great changed had vast significance in that there was no war. Even the spear which was so important at that time eventually disappeared altogether as they no longer served a purpose. The race that makes the most important impact on Irish legend is probably the Tuatha de Danann. The name itself means "Folk of the God Whose Mother is Dana." Elsewhere, she is also called Brigit. Her father was the Dagda, the ruling chieftain of the Tuatha de Danann. She herself was the mother of the three great gods of Ireland: Brian, Iucharba, and Iuchair. They were the Dei Dana, the sons of the goddess Dana. Together that were in themselves a single god who had a son called Ecne which means "knowledge" or "poetry." Brigit was not unknown by the Celtae who sacked Rome and Delphi during the fourth century. Now, in 390 BC, when it was questioned concerning the identity of their king, they replied with the name of their god, Brennos. This name was the earlier form of the name of the Dei Dana, Brian. But, in the Roman language, this would translate as Bregentinos. This stands as further evidence that the worship of Brigit was a familiar one to the Romans. It is speculated that the origin of this particular deity came from Gaul by a group called the Phrygians. Later, they changed their name and became the Brigantes who lived in England and southern Scotland. The goddess Brigit became synonymous with the goddess Danu. Both were river goddesses. Danu, otherwise known as Dana, stood as the personification of the Danube River. Brigit was a toutal goddess of the Brigantes, and was identified with the Brent River. Together, they merged with other goddesses such as Domnu in Wales, and Anu. She was the triple mother goddess of the Celts. Brigit had three distinct functions: agriculture, knowledge, and metallurgy. These related to the three functions which are defined throughout all of the culture. These three functions correspond to the three classes of the society. The first was that of the commoner who worked the land and produced specialty items for the community. The second included the warriors and hunters. They were the ones who served to protect the community. The last was the class of the kings and the clergy. This is where the Druids and the chieftains were included. Within the Druidic orders were three different orders. The first was an elite group that included the Druis and was comprised entirely of males. Not even the chieftain could speak unless his Druis spoke first. It was he who led the people into war and advised the king in all matters. The Druis was also in charge of all the major rituals and sacrifices, not to mention any major judgements that were made concerning the law. Another role maintained by the Druis was that of a scientist. They also helped to instruct the colleges that were set up as places of learning. The second group was the File. This order contained both men and women, but the sexes were separated by sex and their position in the orders. They were also divided by the number of stories they could relate. In the Irish societies, women and men were more or less equal, but they fulfilled different roles that were divided by the sexes. Thus the males and females carried out their roles independently of one another. The females often helped to judge the more domestic matters concerning law. They also acted in the way of a soothsayer and a healer. The males kept an oral tradition of history and also used some forms of divination for the purpose of consultation. But whereas the females gave advise and helped in much the same way as a psychologist would, the males read omens and interpreted the cosmos. However, for the majority of the File were women. The last order was that of the bards. It was the bards who inspire us with their music and remind us of the past. They recorded an oral history of the land itself and the deeds of the heroes who walked the land. Within their words, kings were immortalized. They were the communicators and transmitters of information, carrying news of battle and conquests. Most carried with them a special harp called a cruith by the Irish. In later times, the Bards merged with the File and became one order. Anyone was capable of becoming a Druid. It was not a class that one was necessarily born into, instead it was a life's calling. Colleges were maintained were students could come to learn and study. Although none of them have actually been found, they are well documented throughout history. As Christianity made its way into the land of Ireland, monasteries arose where the colleges once stood. They remained as places of learning still, but under a new religion. The fall of Druidism started with the Roman reign of Tiberius. Under the reign of Augustus, only Roman citizens were allowed to take part. He also permitted them to teach at colleges under Pomponius Mela, however, most of the locations of these learning centers were hidden deep within the forests. By the time of Claudius, in 54 A.D, the Druids were completely driven out of the Roman empire. In fact, any one who dealt in any way with the Druids was put to death. An example of such a case can be seen with a nobleman from Voconces who was found to be carrying a serpents egg, which was associated with the magic performed by the Druids. Upon seizing the man, they discovered the egg and immediately sentenced him to death. It is questioned as to whether or not the Lindow Man was actually a Druid, but we are able to find out some interesting things about the practices of the Druids. The one problem we are confronted with when we study the Druids is the overwhelming lack of evidence. Most of what is cited as fact is for the most part speculation, or literary references which were tainted by foreign influences. Even when we look at such observers as Pliny, we see a drastic contradiction to anything that could possibly be true. One such incident occurs with the gathering of mistletoe off of oak trees with a golden sickle. This is both unlikely and unpractical. Not only is mistletoe difficult to find on growing on oak trees, who were themselves uncommon at the time, we are faced with the nature of a gold sickle in its ability to carry out the deed. "Even if the sickle was made of bronze, it still wouldn't work." says according to a weaponsmith familiar with the technology of the Celts, as well as with the properties of metals. On August 1, 1984 the body of a man was found in the peat while it was being commercially dug up in a bog at Lindow in Cheshire, near Manchester, England. The body was of a male in perfect condition, so well preserved that it was at first questioned whether or not the body might have been that of a murder victim. Upon study, it was confirmed to belong to a man around the age of 25. He was in top physical condition, and possessed the unblemished skin that was so highly prized among the Celts. He was dressed richly and even his nailed had been manicured. The sword he carried was not used heavily by him in battle, as his muscles remained evenly developed and did not carry the distinctive characteristics of a Celtic warrior. For over 2,200 years he had lain within the bog, untouched since the day that he was sacrificed during a Beltaine ritual. As was tradition, a lottery was held to determine who would become the sacrificial victim. A flat griddle cake made of barley, called a bannock, was prepared and flavored with mistletoe pollen and burnt heather. A small area was then singed, and the bannock was torn into several pieces. These were placed within a leather bag. This was then passed among all the players of the lotto, and the one who drew out the burnt piece became a martyr of the gods From what they have been able to find out, the ritual of his death occurred approximately five minutes after the man had ingested the bannock cake. He was first garroted by a piece of sinew that had been knotted three times, then he was hit twice on the rear of the head using a bludgeoning technique with an axe which fractured the skull, then his carotid artery was cut to drain off his blood, and finally he was drowned in a shallow pool of water. This whole procedure had a special purpose. Since this particular ritual was held on Beltaine, the Druids were attempting to appease three different gods: Taranis, Esus, and Teuttates. Each god had a specific method that was used for their sacrificial victims, and thus to make the sacrifice worthy to all of them the victim had to be executed thusly. Christianity merged with the native religion. The legends still remained in tack, but instead mention gave praise to God and the Holy Trinity instead of the pagan deities. Those that did not follow in this path were said to follow the Devil. Unfortunately, what record we do have of the Irish themselves are either myths that have been re-written by the Christian monks, or recorded by the Romans. It is from these re-written versions of the Celtic legends that we turn to for insight into the Celtic culture. Again, it must be emphasized that these were changed by the Christian monks to reflect a more Christian view of the pagan world. The Tuatha de Danann arrived in Ireland on Beltaine on a Monday. They are said to have come from the heavens and to have wafted onto the shores in a magical cloud somewhere on the Northeastern coast under the cover of invisibility. From there they traveled westward toward the land of Connaught. It was when they reached the northwestern corner of that land that they were discovered by the Firbolg who had been living there. At this time, the Tuatha de Danann were able to set up a fortress at their encampment which they named Mag-Rein. The Firbolg sent a representative by the name of Sreng to meet with a member of the Tuatha de Danann by the name of Bress. Upon meeting each other, they related their genealogies and then immediately struck up a conversation about the variances between their spears. Now this was possible because al of the Irish invaders were said to be descended from Gomer of Magog, who were the sons of Japhet. The spears of the Firbolg were heavy and blunt, where as the spears of the Tuatha were light and sharp. This is often times considered to be a comparison between the powers of science verses that of raw brute force. Bress suggested that they split the entire land of Ireland in half so that the two peoples could live peacefully together. When they had concluded, both warriors returned to their respected abodes; Bress to Mag-Rein, and Sreng to the Firbolg capitol at Tara. When news was returned of this offer, the Firbolg refused and set out to do battle with the Tuatha de Danann. On fifth day of June the two sides met in the First Battle of Mag-Tured on the Plain of the Towers. This referred to the many sepulchral monuments which laid scattered across the area. It should also be mentioned that the Plain was considered to encompass the entire land of Ireland, and that the distinction between the first and second battles is made only when the Christian monk Flann Manistrech rewrites the legends according to what would then be the modern ideas of the time during the eleventh century. The site of the First Battle of Mag-Tured is located in what represents present-day Co. Mayo near Cong. The Firbolg were led by Mac Erc, while the army of the Tuatha de Danann was placed in charge of their chieftain, Nuada Argatlam. The king of the Firbolg was slain. In the end, it was the Tuatha who held the final victory by making the Firbolg agreeing to live in Connaught while the rest of Ireland would remain with them. But, the Tuatha was not without their own loss for the arm of Nuada had been cut off and thus he could no longer reign as their king. A silver arm was fashioned for the Nuada, but he was not perfect in every way and thus was unacceptable and had to step down. They were forced to choose among all of their number a man of perfect complexion who would become their new High King. This man was Bress, the son of a Danann woman named Eri. Bress married the daughter of the Nuada, or Dagda as he is otherwise known. This woman is the same goddess Brigit that we mentioned earlier. By him she had four sons; three comprised the Dei Dana, and the forth was a man by the name of Ruadan. During the Second Battle of Mag-Tured, Ruadan sides with the Fomorii and acts as their spy. He is openly received by the Tuatha de Danann, and thus is able to obtain information. At one point, he tries to sabotage the Tuatha by killing their smith, Goibnui. As he strikes the smith down with his spear, the smith removes the spear from his body and returns the blow killing Ruadan. The question therein lies as to why Ruadan chose to side with the Fomorii instead of with the Tuatha de Danann. Bress ruled over the Tuatha for seven years during which he heavily taxed his people and allowed the Fomorii to also tax them as well. Those who came to eat at his table were hardly able to fill their stomach, and they never were offered ale as was custom at the time. Bress was a shrewd king. Legends are told about the great charity of his wife compared to the overwhelming lack of hospitality and generosity that characterized his rule. It was at this time that Corpry, a bard, came seeking his hospitality and was given a cold dank room with three stale cakes to eat. Corpry was so dismayed over what had transpired that he wrote the first satire that had ever been composed in Ireland. The power of it sang through the hearts of the people and they were displeased with King Bress. Diancecht, the god of medicine and healing, had been working on trying to grow the Nuada a new arm. He was successful, and so the former king was able to reclaim his position. Bress is displaced and so flees to the house of his mother. When Bress arrived at the house of his mother, he begged her to tell him who his father was. She relayed to him the story of how she had met his father, a Fomorian. He had given her a ring which would fit only one man's hands. Slipping it onto his finger, they decide to set sail for the Fomorian kingdom of the sea. When they arrive at the court of his father, Elatha, Bress is granted an army and two generals to help him exact his revenge on the Tuatha de Danann. One, Balor of the Mighty Blows possessed a terrible eye, which when opened, would kill all who were within its sight. The second was Indech Mac de Domnann who was the grandson of the god of the Fomorii, Domna. Indech was a Fomorian Druid, and the grandfather of Balor. As a Druid he commanded great powers of darkness which were fearsome to behold. The Fomorii were considered to be in themselves gods of evil, darkness, and death. Whereas the Tuatha de Danann are the gods of light, knowledge, and inspiration. At the Second Battle of Mag-Tured Nuada Argatlam is struck down by Balor's evil eye. Lugh of the Long Arm fights at the side of his father, the Dagda, and takes his revenge by using a slingshot to push Balor's eye back into his skull so that he dies. Oghma, the champion of the Tuatha de Danann, steals the Sword of Tethra. In return, the Fomorii take the harp of the Dagda. Now, it must be remarked that the ability of the Dagda to perform these deeds after his death is attributed to the immortal qualities possessed by the gods. Thus, the Dagda travels together with Lugh and Oghma to retrieve his harp from the hands of the Fomorii. He calls his harp back to him, and in the process the harp slays nine of the Fomorii in its flight back to its rightful owner. The Dagda then proceeds to play each of the three strings on the harp. The first causes the women of the Fomorii to cry and lament, the second to laugh hilariously without thought of word or deed, and the last to put the entire encampment asleep. Once everyone was deeply asleep, the three warriors escaped from the Fomorii and returned home with the harp. But the harp is not the only magical item possessed by the Tuatha de Danann. It is said that they came from four different cities which each carried a special treasure to the new land of Ireland. The first one came from Falias and was a stone that no one could stand upon and tell a lie. It was called the Lia Fial, or the Stone of Destiny. During the sixth century, Fergus the Great of Scotland asked the High King of Ireland, Murtagh mac Erc for the loan of the stone for his coronation. The stone was later returned. Each High King of Ireland was crowned upon the Lia Fial which was kept at Tara. It was only until the reign of Edward I in 1297 that the stone was taken for use at Westminster Abbey. Now, according to legend only the descendants of the Milesians could make use of the stone. Even today this hold true as the ruling royalty is still said to possess this lineage. The other three treasures included the Sword of Lugh from Gorius. The cult of the sword was very important in that time. It was believed that a sword could hold the power of a people and thus it was of great importance. Another was the Cauldron of the Dagda was Murias. It was said that the cauldron was able to feed large gathering of men and never go empty. Truly, this would be a wonderful strategy to make use of during times of war. The last was the Spear of Lugh which was guarded the Tuatha de Danann. To fight with the Spear was to be victorious in battle. By its light their enemies would go blind. Eventually, the Tuatha de Danann had to fall as all great peoples must do. When the Milesians came, their representative Ith was asked to settle an argument between two feuding chieftains. He spoke of the greatness and richness of Ireland and told them that they should equally divide up the land and share this wealth. This comment was taken to be an aggressive action and it was believed that Ith wanted part of Ireland for himself. To prevent this, they killed him. When word reached his homeland, an army was sent to avenge him. The Tuatha de Danann were driven under the hills where they became the Sidhe, or faerie folk.
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 14, 2010 14:28:18 GMT 12
Colours of Aura Test Your intuition knows what colours your aura is lacking at any given time. Now look at the colours below and ask your unconscious mind which colour you NEED at the moment. Which colour do you feel most drawn to at this time? Look at the colours below and decide which one you feel you most NEED right now.
RED ORANGE YELLOW GREEN LIGHT BLUE INDIGO VIOLET BLACK BROWN WHITE
THE COLOUR RED If this was the colour you chose then you're probably at a low ebb at the moment and you need to raise your energy levels. Athletes often have red auras as it's the colour of physical fitness. So if you feel a lack of this colour, then a little exercise may be just the energiser you need. Alternatively, if you feel this colour expresses how you are feeling now, then perhaps you need to calm down a little- we've all heard of "seeing red" when angry. In this instance, one could change the vibration by visualising the opposite colour green, which is calming
EXERCISE:If the colour you were given at the beginning of this tape was red, then this is the centre that you need to draw universal power The red base centre shines with a brilliant red light infusing the whole body with strength and stamina. In particular those of you who enjoy sporting activities or about to expend a lot of physical or sexual energy may draw upon the red light of this spiritual centre and your performance may be enhanced. Once you've felt the benefit allow the centre to quieten down and close.
THE COLOUR ORANGE Orange controls the area of the aura around the spleen which psychics consider to be the cleansing and distributor centre. A lack of orange in the aura means that you may need a good emotional tonic. You need stimulation, perhaps go out and enjoy yourself socially and feel your vitality return
EXERCISE:If your given colour was orange then this is the centre that you may need to work with today. Imagine that the world is awash with light and now draw this energy into your sacral centre. The centre illuminates with a bright orange light and then fills the whole body with purity and calm. Its healing energy will restore your poise and re-establish your sense of balance and harmony.
THE COLOUR YELLOW Associated with the area around the solar plexus, yellow auric light controls the digestive processes of the body and the intellectual faculties of the logical mind. You may have been working too hard at work or concentrating too hard on a decision. Yellow is also an optimistic colour, like golden sunshine, stop worrying and think positive - everything will be all right.
EXERCISE:If yellow was your given colour imagine now that yellow light is being drawn into your body though this centre. Follow the process for opening the centre and draw yellow light through your solar plexus. By doing this you will transmute your negative feelings and become more peaceful within. Also, this centre is the source of the creative energies. Artists, inventors and inspired people in general would benefit by doing this technique prior to starting a creative or new project.
THE COLOUR GREEN A need for nature's colour means that you are seeking peace and harmony. Green is associated with the area around the heart and a need for this colour indicates that you would benefit from relating to your innermost feelings. Express yourself and seek the restorative power of Nature..
EXERCISE:If green was your given colour today then you need to work with the heart chakra. Pull energy in the form of light into this centre. Feel it come alive with bright, vibrant green light infusing your body with healing energy. Notice how soothing this colour is. It makes you feel at harmony with yourself. The heart centre is the seat of compassion and unconditional love. Feel the warm embrace of the love that is inherent in all things. Love is the breath of life. Give yourself the green light to feel good about yourself.
THE COLOUR BLUE Healers often have a blue colour in their aura. A lack of this colour means that you need to slow things down a little- concentrate on letting your body and mind find their natural harmony. If you've been overexcited lately, try relaxing with some music or just putting your feet up. Blue is the ideal colour to work with if you need to give or receive healing energy.
EXERCISE:By drawing brilliant light energy into this centre it will improve your communication and auditory skills. It might be beneficial to work with this centre when doing any activities involving sound such as talking, or listening to music. On a subtle level working with this centre increases your mediumistic powers and in particular clairaudience- the ability to hear spirit communication. The Tibetans lamas worked with this centre to trigger out of body travel during the dream state. If you imagine a blue light at the throat centre which floods the back of the brain as you are about to fall asleep it may help you to experience lucid dreaming.
THE COLOUR INDIGO Indigo auric light is connected with psychic abilities. You may enjoy taking an interest in the paranormal or Extra Sensory Perception. Your attention wants to turn inwards. Perhaps you could understand yourself better if you wrote down your dreams and interpreted what they are trying to tell you. This is a time of contemplation and renewed self-awareness. A time to listen and receive guidance from the inner self.
EXERCISE:If this was the colour you were given you may want to draw light into the centre of the forehead. By imagining a brilliant indigo light in the centre of your forehead, you will trigger your intuitive powers. Ideas may come to you, and simple solutions to problems could become apparent when you draw upon this energy. This is the centre to work with when imaginative skills are needed.
THE COLOUR VIOLET This is the spiritual colour. If you feel that this colour is the colour your aura needs, then now may be the time to start a spiritual discipline. So forget your material worries for a while and focus on the higher things in life and find a deepening of your inner stability and harmony. I have noticed that the aura of vegetarians often has a violet hue. Dietary consideration may therefore be of importance.
OTHER COLOURS:
THE COLOUR BROWN It's usually the brighter hues that are seen by psychics in the aura. You are probably drawn to brown for psychological reasons. Brown is a strong colour- the colour of the Earth. You would benefit most by concentrating on practical solutions to life's problems. You may need grounding or centering.
THE COLOUR BLACK Black is the absence of light. It can act as a protective shield around the aura if you're feeling over sensitive. It will seal you from negative vibrations. On the other hand, you also may feel that your aura is lacking in colour. You don't need more black, you need brightening up a bit. Imagine that you radiate a rainbow of lights all around your body and you'll soon feel your spirits rise. Colour can help lift depression.
THE COLOUR WHITE Purity is implied by white. It is the colour of spiritual energy. If this is the colour you feel your aura needs, then you may be seeking divine inspiration. Re-establish your contact with your core beliefs. "Know thyself" as the saying goes. Have you been taking life a bit too seriously perhaps? Humour and laughter are Goddesses / God's best medicine. How about a funny video or book to cheer you up? Link-up with the free and innocent part of yourself.
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 14, 2010 14:22:50 GMT 12
What is the Aura? Definition: AURA AURA: Aura The aura is an energy field that surrounds living things. It is our life force. It can also been called the human energy field and morphogenic field
More about the AURA Auras, auric healing and prana healing What is the aura? Firstly, its something that I and other psychics see. You may also see it or sense it. You may see a light around a person's head or you may sense somebody's mood. One could think of it as an atmosphere around the human body- just as the planet earth has an atmosphere.
In short, the aura is an energy field- it's our life force. It takes two forms - the cosmic vibratory energy that is omnipresent in the universe, structuring and sustaining all things and the specific aura that sustains each human body. You will learn how to draw upon both of these incredible sources of energy.
Recognition of the fact that humans are surrounded by an aura dates back millennia- Christian saints are of course traditionally shown with a halo around the head, the ancient Egyptians did the same for their gods or important human beings as did the Hindus, Buddhists, Greeks and Romans. And these beliefs continue right up to the present day. The aura is generally recognised as having seven layers. Most psychics only see the first three- those closest to the physical body. The outer auric layers are concerned with the soul and spirit whereas the inner auric layers relate to mind, emotions and health. The aura is shaped like an egg made of fibrous light surrounding the whole of the body. To some, it is like a heat haze radiating all around the person shimmering with light and energy. It has every colour imaginable including those that are beyond the visible spectrum. Or in the words of Sir Winston Churchill "I expect orange and vermilion will be the darkest and dullest colours and beyond them will be a whole range of wonderful new colours which will delight the celestial eye." THINGS THAT WILL WEAKEN THE AURA:
Things that will weaken the aura are... 1. Not eating a well-balanced diet. 2. Lack of or no exercise in the daily routine above and beyond the daily regiment of activities. 3. Not enough rest and/or sleep. 4. Stress is a definite factor that can be alleviated through use of meditation, exercise, or leisure activities. 5. The use of drugs and/or alcohol. (This includes prescription medications.) 6. The use of tobacco or anything else in excess. 7. Not enough fresh air. 8. Participation in negative psychic activities that upset or stress the inner person. To enhance your ability to see auras, you must remember these things. 1. Everyone's aura is unique. 2. The aura of one person will interact with the energies of others, as well as those of other animals and plants. 3. When a person's aura changes, this is a sign of changes within that person's self. It can be physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, or even psychological. 4. The longer a person is around another person, the more their auric fields will exchange energy.
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 14, 2010 14:19:41 GMT 12
A photographic process that captures the auras or biofields of persons or objects within the photograph. The technique involves the photographing of subjects in the pressence of a high-frequency, high-voltage, low-amperage-electrical field, which display glowing, multicolored emanations known as auras or biofields. The process of Kirlian photography is named after Seymon Kirlian, an amateur inventor and electrician of Krasnodar, Russia, who pioneered the first efforts on the process in the early 1940s. Even thought the process has produced results it still is controversial.
There seems to be no evidence that Kirlian photography is a paranormal phenomenon. Some experimenters think it reveals a physical form of psychic energy. Another theory is that it reveals the etheric body, one of the layers of the aura thought to permeate all animate objects. The understanding of this latter aspect of the process gives rise to the prospects of beneficial benefits of gaining significant insights in medicine, psychology, psychic healing, psi, and dowsing. Critics repudiate the process by saying that it shows nothing more that than electricity being discharged which can be produced under certain conditions.
Experiments in photographing objects in electrical fields, prior to Kirlian, was called "electrography" or "electrographic photography." Little value was seen in the process, so scant attention was given to it. Electrographic photographs were exhibited as early as 1898 by the Russian Yakov Narkevich Yokdo (also given as Todko. Research in the fields was published by a Czech, B. Narvratil, also in the early 1900s. The published evidence of photographs of leaves coronas was presents by two Czechs, S. Pratt and J. Schlemmer, in 1939.
The initial Kirlian experiments were simple. In his first experiment Kirlian just photographed his hand, noting a strange orange glow radiating from the fingertips. His wife Valentina was a biologist, and together they photographed both animate and inanimate objects. Over the years, they refined their equipment and graduated from back and white to colored photography.
The principle of Kirlian photography, as well as all electrography, is the corona discharge phenomenon, that takes place when an electrically grounded object discharges sparks between itself and an electrode generating the electrical field. When these sparks are captured on film they give the appearance of coronas of light. These discharges can be affected by temperature, moisture, pressure, or other environmental factors. Several Kirlian techniques have been developed, but the basic ones generally employ a Tesla coil connected to a metal plate. The process is similar to the one which occurs in nature, when electrical conditions in the atmosphere produce luminescences, auras, such as St. Elmo's fire.
Kirlian's work mainly gained attention in the west during the 1960. Its reception was mixed. However, scientist met on the process at Alma Ata in 1966. Biophysicist Viktor Adamenko theorized that the energy field was the "cold emission of electrons," and the patterns they formed might suggest new information concerning the life processes od animate objects. One finding of Adamenko and other Soviet scientists was that the biological energies of human beings were brightest at 700 points on the body which concurs with Chinese acupuncture.
There is evidence that Kirlan photographs do give indications of the health and emotional changes in living things by changes in the brightness, color, and patterns of light. At the University of California Center for Health Sciences, a plant's leaf showed changes when being approached by a human hand and pricked. Even when part of the leaf was cut off, the glowing portion of the amputated portion still appeared on film.
Other researchers have found that changes in the emotional conditions of humans can be detected by changes in the brightness, color and formation patterns in the photographs. When psychic healers and the psychokinetic metal-bender Uri Geller were photographed flares of light were seen streaming from their fingertips as they performed their respective activities.
Many Kirlain enthusiasts declare that the leaf phenomenon is evidence for the existence of an etheric body. But, critics state the phenomenon completely disproves Kirlin photography. The latter contention is that "If the method truly photographed a biofield, then the aura should disappear when an organism dies. The effect is produced solely by a high-voltage electric field breakdown of air molecules between two condenser plates."
Supporters of Kirlain photography do, however, foresee its applications in diagnostic medicine. It has been used in the detection of cancer with only a sporadic success rate. Some envision that it will eventually be connected to computerized tomography (CT) scanners (advanced versions of axial tomography or CAT scanners, which utilize a thin beam of X-rays to photograph an object from 360 degrees) and magnetic resonance imaging(MRI). This latter method uses no X-rays, but employs magnetic fields to produce images of body cells and water in tissues.
themystica.com/mystica/articles/k/kirlian_photography.html
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 14, 2010 14:18:08 GMT 12
Healing Chakra's with Crystals.
Normally I would try to stick specifically to crystals, but in order to heal chakras you will need to expand beyond the normal use of crystals and combine them with stones to properly heal your chakras. Even though some crystals can be used to heal any or all of your chakras, I am mostly going to cover the crystals and stones that are commonly used. So this article will give details about chakras and which stones and crystals to use to help heal any chakra that might be open.
Your body contains energy points that links with the electromagnetic bodies around it, these are called chakras. When these chakras are in a clam state they cause harmony to your physical, emotional and mental beings. With that said if they are blocked or overactive, it can create disharmony and could lead to physical, emotional, or mental distress. Crystals can gently balance and realign your chakra energies. If you already know about your chakras then you can skip down to the Chakra Healing section.
About your Chakras
To briefly describe the chakra, they are energy centers that run up the spine to the crown of the head, this links the electromagnetic bodies to the physical. There are seven major chakras not including your aura that surrounds the physical body with protective energy, or the earth chakra, which is located below the feet. There is also your higher heart chakra, which is located between your heart charka and your throat chakra.
The earth chakra helps keep you grounded, holding you in everyday reality. If this is not functioning correctly there will be difficulty with the physical world. The Higher Heart Chakra is associated with spiritual love. When this chakra is open, a new dimension in love is reached. Going upward to the first major chakra, which is the
Base chakra that is located at the base of the spine. The base chakra is the connection with earth, physical substance and physical energy. When this is blocked, the libido is low and the creative spark is nonexistent. Sacral Chakra, which is located in the pelvic area. This chakra is associated with physical desires and energy. If this is blocked, social interaction can be difficult. Solar Plexus, which is between your stomach and your ribs. This is associated with emotional happiness and worldly success. When this chakra is too open, it will allow other people to leach on your energy. Heart Chakra (no explanation needed on it’s location) is the center of love, balance and healing. When this is blocked, it prevents you from loving others and/or loving yourself. Throat chakra gives you the ability to speak openly and lovingly. If this is blocked it can impair communication of ideas and feelings. The Brow Chakra is located on your forehead. This allows you to see clearly and understand all things. If this chakra is too open it will allow other people’s thoughts and feelings to flood in. When it is blocked it will cause mental confusion and impair your imagination. The Crown chakra, which is located at the top of your head. This chakra is associated with pure energy of the universe. There is actually mixed feelings on this chakra being open. Some would say that keeping it open will allow the feeling of bliss or enlightenment, while others will argue that leaving it open will lead to psychic chatter and to leave it closed. If you want it open or not it is up to you while you are doing your healing work, it depends on how you feel when it is left open or closed.
Chakra Healing Well, now that we have gone over the chakras, their locations and functions, we can now discuss the crystals and stones that are used to help heal your chakras. When healing and balancing chakras, an appropriate stone is placed on the chakra – on the front or back of the body, whichever is most comfortable.
Gemstone Qualities
Earth Chakra Smokey Quartz Grounds and Centers, also breaks up subconscious blocks and negativity. Aids in getting rid of unproductive people or parts of your life. When channeled, it will aid in balances, grounds, and protection. It will also absorb negativity from the aura and block out psychic attack.
Higher Heart Rose Quartz This stone helps with emotional pain, enhances love, self-love, positive outlook, joy and happiness
Base Chakra Red Tiger’s Eye Protection, safety, and grounding, inspires romantic love, passion, positive thoughts, inspiration, career success and self-confidence. Helps us to become more productive and achievement-oriented.
Sacral Chakra Carnelian Emotional warmth, sociability, creativity, memory, appreciation of nature, harmony, courage, happiness, self-esteem. This stone calms out fears.
Solar Plexus Citrine Augments happiness, prosperity, generosity, creativity, pleasure, protection, strength, alignment, confidence, stability, moderation, energy, comfort, career success, truth, goodness, warmth, digestion, assimilation, enjoyment of life and spiritual growth. This is a stone of success in all walks of life.
Heart Chakra Aventurine Healing of the mind and body. Enhances creativity, imagination, prosperity, calmness, balance and universal love. It helps us to see alternatives and potentials. Green aventurine is especially healing of mind and body.
Throat Chakra Lapis Lazuli Fosters love, abundance, wealth, good luck, longevity, acceptance, courage, communication, strength, security. Very calming and soothing to emotions.
Brow Chakra Amethyst Inner peace, healing, positive transformation, spiritual awareness, meditation and balance. Amethyst is a teacher of all things. This stone is very healing of body, mind and soul.
Crown Chakra Quartz This stone helps us get in touch with the hidden, invisible within and without, helps us to develop deep wisdom from within.
The Hindu’s have been using crystals and stones to heal chakras for thousands of years, and the information has been passed on and adopted by other cultures. This is just another fine example on how these mysterious natural gifts have helped us in our lives.
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 11, 2010 16:58:53 GMT 12
FAIR USE NOTICE: This network may contain copyrighted material. Some material is referenced back to the original author's link, name or info. Such material is made available for educational purposes, to advance understanding of subjects as: human rights, democracy, scientific, moral, ethical, social justice issues, enlightenment, religions, beliefs, philosophy etc. This constitutes a fair use of any such copyrighted material as provided for in Title 17 U.S.C. section 107 of the US Copyright Law. To all authors Artists etc.. If you see your works of word here pictures etc & do NOT WISH to have them on my site Please contact me & i shall remove it..If it's here..it is because you are worthy of being seen & your words & or pictures have touched my soul~This material is distributed without profit and/or any personal gain(s)."
DISCLAIMER: The owners, administrators, moderators, members nor any other site hold and bare no responsibility for the misuse or abuse of herbs or any postings (ie: spells, rituals, etc.) listed on this network/site. This information is not intended to replace traditional treatment of licensed doctors or care-givers.
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 11, 2010 16:42:39 GMT 12
WAS ATLANTIS IN ANTARCTICA? ARGUMENTS IN FAVOUR
All over the world there exist myths about a universal flood and traditions about an antediluvian civilization called Atlantis or Mu. Scientists deny usually any validity to such traditions or at least greatly reduce their significance, bringing them to more manageable spatial and temporal dimensions from an archaeological point of view (Santorini etc.). Geology and archaeology, in fact, do not allow any space on Earth for an advanced civilization of the size and the antiquity of Atlantis, as described by Plato.
This attitude does not take into account the climatic situation on Earth during the concerned period. According to the theory exposed by the author in a previous section, the climatic situation during the Pleistocene was influenced by the fact that the North Pole was located between Greenland and Canada, at the edge of the great Winsconsin's ice cap. As a consequence, the South Pole was placed near the current magnetic pole, on the coast of Antarctica facing Australia. The coast of Antarctica facing the Atlantic, therefore, was placed at a much lower latitude and was completely free of ice, as witnessed by conclusive geological evidence.
While the palaeolithic cultures were thriving all over the remaining parts of the world, in that part of Antarctica the first human agricultural civilization developed in complete isolation, thanks to populations driven there by oceanic currents from South-East Asia and South America.
At the end of Pleistocene, an asteroid or a comet impact triggered a shift of the poles, according to the mechanism explained in the previous communication. This resulted in the world-wide catastrophe remembered by traditions as the "universal flood", during which Atlantis sunk (temporarily) in the ocean. Soon after, the glaciation covered the Atlantic coasts of Antarctica, thus deleting all archaeological evidence.
Several vessels must have survived the catastrophe, bringing their crew safely to the coasts of America, Africa and Asia. Here they started, in complete autonomy and isolation, the Neolithic cultures and later civilizations. The numerous striking similarities between ancient civilizations all over the world were due in our view to the common culture of the survivors of the flood. An impressive amount of evidence of different kind supports this theory.
The chronological gap of 4 millennia between the end of Atlantis and the archaeological findings of the most ancient known civilizations (such as Mohenjo Daro, Ur and so on), is only apparent: due to the thawing of northern hemisphere's ice caps, the sea level has been constantly raising during the first 4 millennia after the end of Pleistocene, for a total amount of possibly 130 meters, thus submerging any remnants of populations established along the coasts. This is confirmed by the existence of submerged structures all over the world, like the great pyramid off Yonaguny Island (Japan), the remnants of a town off the Cadiz' coast and so on.
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 11, 2010 16:42:05 GMT 12
Atlantis Under Antarctica?
Written By: Mysteries Unsealed Update
Atlantis Under Antarctica? After WW II, scientists started to pay close attention to the issue of a supposedly once-existing civilization in Antarctica. The hypothesis is confirmed by some medieval maps and research of paleogeologists and glaciologists. In January of 1820, Lieutenant of Russian Empire Fleet Mikhail Lazarev discovered a new continent. In the beginning of 20th century, a Russian encyclopaedia, while adducing the approximate square milage of south pole continent, reported that it was insufficiently explored and there was no flora and fauna. The author of the article also mentioned the richness of the algae and sea life. Twenty years later, the director of the Istanbul National Museum, Khalil Edkhem, was sorting out a library of the Byzantine emperors in an old palace. He found an ancient map made on gazelle skin. On the map, there were the shores of western and southern Africa, as well as the northern shores of Antarctica. Khalil could not believe hiseyes: the shores of the Queen Mod Land, to the south of the 70th parallel, was free of ice. An ancient cartographer marked a mountain chain there. The name of the cartographer was known: an admiral of the Ottoman Empire fleet, Piri Reis, who lived in the first half of 16th century. The map-s authenticity was without doubt. Graphology examinations of the notes on the margin confirmed that they belonged to the admiral. In 1949, a combined British and Swedish expedition conducted intensive seismic measurements of the South Pole through the ice cap. According to the commander of 8th Technical Investigation Squadron of the US Armed Force Strategic Command, Colonel Harold Olmayer, ? the geographical details of the bottom part of the map (the shore of Antarctica) correspond with the results of the seismic measurements. We cannot correlate these data with the supposed level of geography in 1513.¦ In his notes on the map-s margin, made in the early 16th century, Piri Reis explained that he was not responsible for the cartography and that the map was based on earlier sources. Some of these ?earlier sources¦ belong to his contemporaries (for example, to Christopher Columbus), while others could be dated to the 4th century B. C. Not later, because one of these sources belonged to Alexander the Great. Of course, professional historians who specialize in ancient history could say the following: ?This is only one more hypothesis. What about documentary and, what is more desirable, trust-worthy sources? The opinion of the Turkish admiral and notes on a margin- You know, it is too disputable!¦ Therefore, I would like to present the position of the late historian and professor of Keene College in New Hampshire, USA, Charles H. Hapgood. In the late 1959, he found in the Washington Congressional Library a map created by Orontheus Phynius in 1531. Orontheus Phynius depicted Antarctica with mountains and rivers, without glaciers. The relief of the continent-s center was not marked, which, according to Hapgood, could mean that there had been an ice cap in that area. In the early 1960s, Phynius- map was studied by Doctor Richard Stratchen of the Massachusetts Technology Institute together with Hapgood. Both scientists concluded that Phynius had indeed depicted Antarctica free of ice. The characteristics depicted were very close to the information that was obtained in 1958 by specialists from different countries Gerard Cremer, known in the world as Mercator, also trusted Orontheus- evidence. He included the Phynius map into his atlas, in which several maps of Antarctica by Mercator himself were also included. There is one interesting feature: on Mercator-s map of 1569, the west shore of South America is pictured less accurately than on the earlier map of Mercator from 1538. The reasons for this contradiction are the following: while working at the earlier map, the cartographer of 16th century proceeded from ancient sources, which were not kept for our time, and while working at the later map, he proceeded from observations of the first Spanish explorers to South America. Gerard Mercato-s mistake can be excused. In the 16th century, there were no precise methods to measure longitude: as a rule, an error could have been hundreds of kilometers! Finally, we come to Philippe Boiche, full member of the French Academy of Science. In 1737, he published his map of Antarctica. Boiche presented a precise picture of Antarctica of the time when the continent was free of ice. On his map, the under-ice topography of the continent is presented, about which our civilization had no clear idea until 1958. Moreover, based on now-lost sources, the French academician depicted in the middle of the South Pole a body of water dividing it into two sub-continents, which were situated to the west and to the east from the line, where the Trans-Antarctic Mountains are now marked. According to the investigation in the framework of International Geophysical Year (1958), Antarctic is in fact an archipelago of large islands covered with 1.5-kilometers of ice. Medieval maps show Antarctica without an ice cap or partially covered with ice. The precision of the 16th century cartographers was very high and even surprising. Their data surpassed the technical possibilities even of the late Middle Ages (for example, the determination of the longitude of a relief within one minute). This level was reached by mankind in the late 18th century, while in some cases, the 20th. Scientists cannot comment on the high scientific level of medieval cartography. Information from almost 2000-year-old primary sources is supposed to be not well-founded. Orthodox geology claimed that the age of the Antarctica ice cap was at least 25 million years; however, recently, it has been reduced to six million years Therefore, we should notice the following feature of the Reis map: the shore of the continent was free of ice. On the Phynius map, made 18 years after the Reis map, there is an ice cap around the South Pole within the limits of 80th and the 75th parallels. Two hundred years later, academician Boiche depicted Antarctica with glaciers. The conclusion is obvious: we can see the process of the spreading of glaciers on the southern continent. In 1949, Admiral Baird-s expedition bore holes into the Ross Sea in three spots, where Orontheus Phynius marked river-beds. In the cuts, fine-grained layers were found, obviously brought to the sea with rivers, whose sources were situated in temperate latitudes (i.e. free of glaciers). While using the nuclear dating method of doctor U. Oury from the Karnegy Institute in Washington, scientists discovered that Antarctica-s rivers, which were sources of fine-dyspersated deposits, were flowing as depicted on the Phynius map, about 6,000 years ago. About 4000 years B. C., glacial sediments started to accumulate on the bottom of Ross Sea. Kernels show that before this, there was a long warm period. Therefore, the maps of Reis, Phynius, and Mercator present Antarctica when the ancient Egyptian and Shumer civilizations were newborn. This point of view is excluded by almost all professional historians and could be regarded as an operating hypothesis that cannot be verified. Any historian would say that there were no civilization of the kind in the late 5th millenium B. C. According to Doctor Jacob Hock from Illinois University, the deposits in-question could be 6 to 12 thousand years old. In September 1991, US and Egyptian archaeologists discovered at a distance of 13 km from Nile River, in Abidos, 12 large boats that belonged to Pharaohs of First Dynasty. The age of the boats is about 5,000 years. They are believed to be the most ancient vessels in the world, the leader of the expedition, D. O-Connor far, the find is estimated to be aimed for religious rites. According to Herodotus, ancient Egyptians tracked stars more than 10,000 years ago. This statement of the ?father of history¦ is supposed to be esoteric and, therefore, not true. However, land nations seldom produced astronomers. The fact that ancient Egyptians were interested in astronomy may indicate that they inherited some knowledge from an unknown civilization of navigators. Workers of US technical intelligence determined the projection center of the Piri Reis map, whose data belongs to 4000 year B. C. The projection center was supposedly situated near today-s Cairo. At that time, according to most historians, all then-existing nations were at a very low level of development. Between the 5th and 10th milleniums B. C., there was a civilization on Earth that possessed great knowledge in the field of navigation, cartography, and astronomy, which was no less advanced than that that of the 18th century. This civilization preceded our civilization, and it was not an extraterrestrial one. Its age could be several thousands years, while its location was probably on the northern shore of the most southern continent, or archipelago: Antarctica. Later, this civilization may have resettled to the north-east of Africa. The reason for the death of the civilization was the covering of Antarctica with glaciers. This process started no earlier not than in 10th millenium B. C. It cannot be excluded that there were also large-scale floods, which were regular and cause long-term local deluges (this is confirmed by archaeologists). These disasters could have destroyed most of the civilization-s cultural objects. However, some fragments might be found in the future under the thickness of ice. It can also be assumed that the survivors of Antarctica kept and handed down knowledge to the ancient Egyptians. Therefore, if there will ever be an extensive exploration of Antarctica, mankind will most likely be surprised with the results.
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 11, 2010 16:41:03 GMT 12
How do we know about Atlantis?
Timaeus and Critias, two of Plato's dialogues, are the only existing written records which specifically refer to Atlantis.
The dialogues are conversations between Socrates, Hermocrates, Timaeus, and Critias. Apparently in response to a prior talk by Socrates about ideal societies, Timaeus and Critias agree to entertain Socrates with a tale that is "not a fiction but a true story." The story is about the conflict between the ancient Athenians and the Atlantians 9000 years before Plato's time.
Knowledge of the distant past apparently forgotten to the Athenians of Plato's day, the story of Atlantis was conveyed to Solon by Egyptian priests. Solon passed the tale to Dropides, the great-grandfather of Critias. Critias learned of it from his grandfather also named Critias, son of Dropides.
Cast of Characters All of the men, except for Timaeus, who take part in or are mentioned in Timaeus and Critias are known to have actually existed in ancient Greece. Records of their lives and deeds have been recorded in other writings from the time period.
Note: There are 2 people named Critias related to the story of Atlantis and this can lead to some confusion. There is the Critias who actually takes part in the dialogues. He is the one who tells the story of Atlantis to Socrates. Then there is Critias who was the grandfather of the Critias of the dialogues. This elder Critias told the story of Atlantis to his grandson, Critias, who then conveyed the story to Socrates in the dialogues.
Those who actually take part in the dialogues:
Timaeus - there is no historical record of him. Critias - Plato's great grandfather. Socrates - Plato's mentor and teacher. He was condemned to death by authorities in Athens for "corrupting the moral of Athenian youth"; He lived from 469 to 399 BC. Hermocrates - statesman and soldier from Syracuse.
Those mentioned in the dialogues: Solon - Athenian traveler, poet, and lawgiver who lived from approximately 638-559 BC. According to Plato it was he who learned of the story of Atlantis from an Egyptian priest. Dropides - Critias' great grandfather who was told the story of Atlantis by Solon, a distant relative and close friend. Critias - Son of Dropides and grandfather of the Critias who takes part in the dialogues. It was he who related the story of Atlantis to the Critias of the dialogues.
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 11, 2010 16:36:58 GMT 12
EMERALD TABLET XV : Secret of Secrets Now ye assemble, my children, waiting to hear the Secret of Secrets which shall give ye power to unfold the God-man, give ye the way to Eternal life. Plainly shall I speak of the Unveiled Mysteries. No dark sayings shall I give unto thee. Open thine ears now, my children. Hear and obey the words that I give. First I shall speak of the fetters of darkness which bind ye in chains to the sphere of the Earth. Darkness and light are both of one nature, different only in seeming, for each arose from the source of all. Darkness is disorder. Light is Order. Darkness transmuted is light of the Light. This, my children, your purpose in being; transmutation of darkness to light. Hear ye now of the mystery of nature, the relations of life to the Earth where it dwells. Know ye, ye are threefold in nature, physical, astral and mental in one. Three are the qualities of each of the natures; nine in all, as above, so below. In the physical are these channels, the blood which moves in vortical motion, reacting on the heart to continue its beating. Magnetism which moves through the nerve paths, carrier of energies to all cells and tissues. Akasa which flows through channels, subtle yet physical, completing the channels. Each of the three attuned with each other, each affecting the life of the body. Form they the skeletal framework through which the subtle ether flows. In their mastery lies the Secret of Life in the body. Relinquished only by will of the adept, when his purpose in living is done. Three are the natures of the Astral, mediator is between above and below; not of the physical, not of the Spiritual, but able to move above and below. Three are the natures of Mind, carrier it of the Will of the Great One. Arbitrator of Cause and Effect in thy life. Thus is formed the threefold being, directed from above by the power of four. Above and beyond man's threefold nature lies the realm of the Spiritual Self. Four is it in qualities, shining in each of the planes of existence, but thirteen in one, the mystical number. Based on the qualities of man are the Brothers: each shall direct the unfoldment of being, each shall channels be of the Great One. On Earth, man is in bondage, bound by space and time to the earth plane. Encircling each planet, a wave of vibration, binds him to his plane of unfoldment. Yet within man is the Key to releasement, within man may freedom be found. When ye have released the self from the body, rise to the outermost bounds of your earth-plane. Speak ye the word Dor-E-Lil-La. Then for a time your Light will be lifted, free may ye pass the barriers of space. For a time of half of the sun (six hours), free may ye pass the barriers of earth-plane, see and know those who are beyond thee. Yea, to the highest worlds may ye pass. See your own possible heights of unfoldment, know all earthly futures of Soul. Bound are ye in your body, but by the power ye may be free. This is the Secret whereby bondage shall be replaced by freedom for thee. Calm let thy mind be. At rest be thy body: Conscious only of freedom from flesh. Center thy being on the goal of thy longing. Think over and over that thou wouldst be free. Think of this word-La-Um-I-L-Gan-over and over in thy mind let it sound. Drift with the sound to the place of thy longing. Free from the bondage of flesh by thy will. Hear ye while I give the greatest of secrets: how ye may enter the Halls of Amenti, enter the place of the immortals as I did, stand before the Lords in their places. Lie ye down in rest of thy body. Calm thy mind so no thought disturbs thee. Pure must ye be in mind and in purpose, else only failure will come unto thee. Vision Amenti as I have told in my Tablets. Long with fullness of heart to be there. Stand before the Lords in thy mind's eye. Pronounce the words of power I give (mentally); Mekut-El-Shab-El Hale-Sur-Ben-El-Zabrut Zin-Efrim-Quar-El. Relax thy mind and thy body. Then be sure your soul will be called. Now give I the Key to Shamballa, the place where my Brothers live in the darkness: Darkness but filled with Light of the Sun-Darkness of Earth, but Light of the Spirit, guides for ye when my day is done. Leave thou thy body as I have taught thee. Pass to the barriers of the deep, hidden place. Stand before the gates and their guardians. Command thy entrance by these words: "I am the Light. In me is no darkness. Free am I of the bondage of night. Open thou the way of the Twelve and the One, so I may pass to the realm of wisdom." When they refuse thee, as surely they will, command them to open by these words of power: "I am the Light. For me are no barriers. Open, I command, by the Secret of Secrets-Edom-El-Ahim-Sabbert-Zur Adom." Then if thy words have been "Truth" of the highest, open for thee the barriers will fall. Now, I leave thee, my children. Down, yet up, to the Halls shall I go. Win ye the way to me, my children. Truly my brothers shall ye become. Thus finish I my writings. Keys let them be to those who come after. But only to those who seek my wisdom, for only for these am I the Key and the Way
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 11, 2010 16:35:39 GMT 12
EMERALD TABLET XIV : Supplementary List ye, O Man, to the deep hidden wisdom, lost to the world since the time of the Dwellers, lost and forgotten by men of this age. Know ye this Earth is but a portal, guarded by powers unknown to man. Yet, the Dark Lords hide the entrance that leads to the Heaven-born land. Know ye, the way to the sphere of Arulu is guarded by barriers opened only to Light-born man. Upon Earth, I am the holder of the keys to the gates of the Sacred Land. Command I, by the powers beyond me, to leave the keys to the world of man. Before I depart, I give ye the Secrets of how ye may rise from the bondage of darkness, cast off the fetters of flesh that have bound ye, rise from the darkness into the Light. Know ye, the soul must be cleansed of its darkness, ere ye may enter the portals of Light. Thus, I established among ye the Mysteries so that the Secrets may always be found. Aye, though man may fall into darkness, always the Light will shine as a guide. Hidden in darkness, veiled in symbols, always the way to the portal will be found. Man in the future will deny the mysteries but always the way the seeker will find. Now I command ye to maintain my secrets, giving only to those ye have tested, so that the pure may not be corrupted, so that the power of Truth may prevail. List ye now to the unveiling of Mystery. List to the symbols of Mystery I give. Make of it a religion for only thus will its essence remain. Regions there are two between this life and the Great One, traveled by the Souls who depart from this Earth; Duat, the home of the powers of illusion; Sekhet Hetspet, the House of the Gods. Osiris, the symbol of the guard of the portal, who turns back the souls of unworthy men. Beyond lies the sphere of the heaven-born powers, Arulu, the land where the Great Ones have passed. There, when my work among men has been finished, will I join the Great Ones of my Ancient home. Seven are the mansions of the house of the Mighty; Three guards the portal of each house from the darkness; Fifteen the ways that lead to Duat. Twelve are the houses of the Lords of Illusion, facing four ways, each of them different. Forty and Two are the great powers, judging the Dead who seek for the portal. Four are the Sons of Horus, Two are the Guards of East and West-Isis, the mother who pleads for her children, Queen of the moon, reflecting the Sun. Ba is the essence, living forever. Ka is the Shadow that man knows as life. Ba cometh not until Ka is incarnate. These are mysteries to preserve through the ages. Keys are they of life and of Death. Hear ye now the mystery of mysteries: learn of the circle beginningless and endless, the form of He who is One and in all. Listen and hear it, go forth and apply it, thus will ye travel the way that I go. Mystery in Mystery, yet clear to the Light-born, the Secret of all I now will reveal. I will declare a secret to the initiated, but let the door be wholly shut against the profane. Three is the mystery, come from the great one. Hear, and Light on thee will dawn. In the primeval, dwell three unities. Other than these, none can exist. These are the equilibrium, source of creation: one God, one Truth, one point of freedom. Three come forth from the three of the balance: all life, all good, all power. Three are the qualities of God in his Light-home: Infinite power, Infinite Wisdom, Infinite Love. Three are the powers given to the Masters: To transmute evil, assist good, use discrimination. Three are the things inevitable for God to perform: Manifest power, wisdom and love. Three are the powers creating all things: Divine Love possessed of perfect knowledge, Divine Wisdom knowing all possible means, Divine Power possessed by the joint will of Divine Love and Wisdom. Three are the circles (states) of existence: The circle of Light where dwells nothing but God, and only God can traverse it; the circle of Chaos where all things by nature arise from death; the Circle of awareness where all things spring from life. All things animate are of three states of existence: chaos or death, liberty in humanity and felicity of Heaven. Three necessities control all things: beginning in the Great Deep, the circle of chaos, plenitude in Heaven. Three are the paths of the Soul: Man, Liberty, Light. Three are the hindrances: lack of endeavor to obtain knowledge; non-attachment to god; attachment to evil. In man, the three are manifest. Three are the Kings of power within. Three are the chambers of the mysteries, found yet not found in the body of man. Hear ye now of he who is liberated, freed from the bondage of life into Light. Knowing the source of all worlds shall be open. Aye, even the Gates of Arulu shall not be barred. Yet heed, O man, who wouldst enter heaven. If ye be not worthy, better it be to fall into the fire. Know ye the celestials pass through the pure flame. At every revolution of the heavens, they bathe in the fountains of Light. List ye, O man, to this mystery: Long in the past before ye were man-born, I dwelled in Ancient Atlantis. There in the Temple, I drank of the Wisdom, poured as a fountain of Light from the Dweller. Give the key to ascend to the Presence of Light in the Great world. Stood I before the Holy One enthroned in the flower of fire. Veiled was he by the lightnings of darkness, else my Soul by the Glory have been shattered. Forth from the feet of his Throne like the diamond, rolled forth four rivers of flame from his footstool, rolled through the channels of clouds to the Man-world. Filled was the hall with Spirits of Heaven. Wonder of wonders was the Starry palace. Above the sky, like a rainbow of Fire and Sunlight, were formed the spirits. Sang they the glories of the Holy One. Then from the midst of the Fire came a voice: "Behold the Glory of the first Cause." I beheld that Light, high above all darkness, reflected in my own being. I attained, as it were, to the God of all Gods, the Spirit-Sun, the Sovereign of the Sun spheres. Again came the Voice: "There is one, even the First, who hath no beginning, who hath no end; who hath made all things, who govern all, who is good, who is just, who illumines, who sustains." Then from the throne, there poured a great radiance, surrounding and lifting my soul by its power. Swiftly I moved through the spaces of Heaven, shown was I the mystery of mysteries, shown the Secret heart of the cosmos. Carried was I to the land of Arulu, stood before the Lords in their Houses. Opened they the Doorway so I might glimpse the primeval chaos. Shuddered my soul to the vision of horror, shrank back my soul from the ocean of darkness. Then saw I the need for the barriers, saw the need for the Lords of Arulu. Only they with their Infinite balance could stand in the way of the inpouring chaos. Only they could guard God's creation. Then did I pass 'round the circle of eight. Saw all the souls who had conquered the darkness. Saw the splendor of Light where they dwelled. Longed I to take my place in their circle, but longed I also for the way I had chosen, when I stood in the Halls of Amenti and made my choice to the work I would do. Passed I from the Halls of Arulu down to the earth space where my body lay. Arose I from the earth where I rested. Stood I before the Dweller. Gave my pledge to renounce my Great right until my work on Earth was completed, until the Age of darkness be past. List ye, O man, to the words I shall give ye. In them shall ye find the Essence of Life. Before I return to the Halls of Amenti, taught shall ye be the Secrets of Secrets, how ye, too, may arise to the Light. Preserve them and guard them, hide them in symbols, so the profane will laugh and renounce. In every land, form ye the mysteries. Make the way hard for the seeker to tread. Thus will the weak and the wavering be rejected. Thus will the secrets be hidden and guarded, held till the time when the wheel shall be turned. Through the dark ages, waiting and watching, my Spirit shall remain in the deep hidden land. When one has passed all the trials of the outer, summon ye me by the Key that ye hold. Then will I, the Initiator, answer, come from the Halls of the Gods in Amenti. Then will I receive the initiate, give him the words of power. Hark ye, remember, these words of warning: bring not to me one lacking in wisdom, impure in heart or weak in his purpose. Else I will withdraw from ye your power to summon me from the place of my sleeping. Go forth and conquer the element of darkness. Exalt in thy nature thine essence of Light. Now go ye forth and summon thy brothers so that I may impart the wisdom to light thy path when my presence is gone. Come to the chamber beneath my temple. Eat not food until three days are past. There will I give thee the essence of wisdom so that with power ye may shine amongst men. There will I give unto thee the secrets so that ye, to , may rise to the Heavens-God-men in Truth as in essence ye be. Depart now and leave me while I summon those ye know of but as yet know not. -- Silence is a potent carrier of presence, so when you read this, be aware of the silence between and underneath the words. Be aware of the gaps. To listen to the silence, wherever you are, is an easy and direct way of becoming present. - Eckhart Tolle
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 11, 2010 16:34:03 GMT 12
EMERALD TABLET XIV : Supplementary List ye, O Man, to the deep hidden wisdom, lost to the world since the time of the Dwellers, lost and forgotten by men of this age. Know ye this Earth is but a portal, guarded by powers unknown to man. Yet, the Dark Lords hide the entrance that leads to the Heaven-born land. Know ye, the way to the sphere of Arulu is guarded by barriers opened only to Light-born man. Upon Earth, I am the holder of the keys to the gates of the Sacred Land. Command I, by the powers beyond me, to leave the keys to the world of man. Before I depart, I give ye the Secrets of how ye may rise from the bondage of darkness, cast off the fetters of flesh that have bound ye, rise from the darkness into the Light. Know ye, the soul must be cleansed of its darkness, ere ye may enter the portals of Light. Thus, I established among ye the Mysteries so that the Secrets may always be found. Aye, though man may fall into darkness, always the Light will shine as a guide. Hidden in darkness, veiled in symbols, always the way to the portal will be found. Man in the future will deny the mysteries but always the way the seeker will find. Now I command ye to maintain my secrets, giving only to those ye have tested, so that the pure may not be corrupted, so that the power of Truth may prevail. List ye now to the unveiling of Mystery. List to the symbols of Mystery I give. Make of it a religion for only thus will its essence remain. Regions there are two between this life and the Great One, traveled by the Souls who depart from this Earth; Duat, the home of the powers of illusion; Sekhet Hetspet, the House of the Gods. Osiris, the symbol of the guard of the portal, who turns back the souls of unworthy men. Beyond lies the sphere of the heaven-born powers, Arulu, the land where the Great Ones have passed. There, when my work among men has been finished, will I join the Great Ones of my Ancient home. Seven are the mansions of the house of the Mighty; Three guards the portal of each house from the darkness; Fifteen the ways that lead to Duat. Twelve are the houses of the Lords of Illusion, facing four ways, each of them different. Forty and Two are the great powers, judging the Dead who seek for the portal. Four are the Sons of Horus, Two are the Guards of East and West-Isis, the mother who pleads for her children, Queen of the moon, reflecting the Sun. Ba is the essence, living forever. Ka is the Shadow that man knows as life. Ba cometh not until Ka is incarnate. These are mysteries to preserve through the ages. Keys are they of life and of Death. Hear ye now the mystery of mysteries: learn of the circle beginningless and endless, the form of He who is One and in all. Listen and hear it, go forth and apply it, thus will ye travel the way that I go. Mystery in Mystery, yet clear to the Light-born, the Secret of all I now will reveal. I will declare a secret to the initiated, but let the door be wholly shut against the profane. Three is the mystery, come from the great one. Hear, and Light on thee will dawn. In the primeval, dwell three unities. Other than these, none can exist. These are the equilibrium, source of creation: one God, one Truth, one point of freedom. Three come forth from the three of the balance: all life, all good, all power. Three are the qualities of God in his Light-home: Infinite power, Infinite Wisdom, Infinite Love. Three are the powers given to the Masters: To transmute evil, assist good, use discrimination. Three are the things inevitable for God to perform: Manifest power, wisdom and love. Three are the powers creating all things: Divine Love possessed of perfect knowledge, Divine Wisdom knowing all possible means, Divine Power possessed by the joint will of Divine Love and Wisdom. Three are the circles (states) of existence: The circle of Light where dwells nothing but God, and only God can traverse it; the circle of Chaos where all things by nature arise from death; the Circle of awareness where all things spring from life. All things animate are of three states of existence: chaos or death, liberty in humanity and felicity of Heaven. Three necessities control all things: beginning in the Great Deep, the circle of chaos, plenitude in Heaven. Three are the paths of the Soul: Man, Liberty, Light. Three are the hindrances: lack of endeavor to obtain knowledge; non-attachment to god; attachment to evil. In man, the three are manifest. Three are the Kings of power within. Three are the chambers of the mysteries, found yet not found in the body of man. Hear ye now of he who is liberated, freed from the bondage of life into Light. Knowing the source of all worlds shall be open. Aye, even the Gates of Arulu shall not be barred. Yet heed, O man, who wouldst enter heaven. If ye be not worthy, better it be to fall into the fire. Know ye the celestials pass through the pure flame. At every revolution of the heavens, they bathe in the fountains of Light. List ye, O man, to this mystery: Long in the past before ye were man-born, I dwelled in Ancient Atlantis. There in the Temple, I drank of the Wisdom, poured as a fountain of Light from the Dweller. Give the key to ascend to the Presence of Light in the Great world. Stood I before the Holy One enthroned in the flower of fire. Veiled was he by the lightnings of darkness, else my Soul by the Glory have been shattered. Forth from the feet of his Throne like the diamond, rolled forth four rivers of flame from his footstool, rolled through the channels of clouds to the Man-world. Filled was the hall with Spirits of Heaven. Wonder of wonders was the Starry palace. Above the sky, like a rainbow of Fire and Sunlight, were formed the spirits. Sang they the glories of the Holy One. Then from the midst of the Fire came a voice: "Behold the Glory of the first Cause." I beheld that Light, high above all darkness, reflected in my own being. I attained, as it were, to the God of all Gods, the Spirit-Sun, the Sovereign of the Sun spheres. Again came the Voice: "There is one, even the First, who hath no beginning, who hath no end; who hath made all things, who govern all, who is good, who is just, who illumines, who sustains." Then from the throne, there poured a great radiance, surrounding and lifting my soul by its power. Swiftly I moved through the spaces of Heaven, shown was I the mystery of mysteries, shown the Secret heart of the cosmos. Carried was I to the land of Arulu, stood before the Lords in their Houses. Opened they the Doorway so I might glimpse the primeval chaos. Shuddered my soul to the vision of horror, shrank back my soul from the ocean of darkness. Then saw I the need for the barriers, saw the need for the Lords of Arulu. Only they with their Infinite balance could stand in the way of the inpouring chaos. Only they could guard God's creation. Then did I pass 'round the circle of eight. Saw all the souls who had conquered the darkness. Saw the splendor of Light where they dwelled. Longed I to take my place in their circle, but longed I also for the way I had chosen, when I stood in the Halls of Amenti and made my choice to the work I would do. Passed I from the Halls of Arulu down to the earth space where my body lay. Arose I from the earth where I rested. Stood I before the Dweller. Gave my pledge to renounce my Great right until my work on Earth was completed, until the Age of darkness be past. List ye, O man, to the words I shall give ye. In them shall ye find the Essence of Life. Before I return to the Halls of Amenti, taught shall ye be the Secrets of Secrets, how ye, too, may arise to the Light. Preserve them and guard them, hide them in symbols, so the profane will laugh and renounce. In every land, form ye the mysteries. Make the way hard for the seeker to tread. Thus will the weak and the wavering be rejected. Thus will the secrets be hidden and guarded, held till the time when the wheel shall be turned. Through the dark ages, waiting and watching, my Spirit shall remain in the deep hidden land. When one has passed all the trials of the outer, summon ye me by the Key that ye hold. Then will I, the Initiator, answer, come from the Halls of the Gods in Amenti. Then will I receive the initiate, give him the words of power. Hark ye, remember, these words of warning: bring not to me one lacking in wisdom, impure in heart or weak in his purpose. Else I will withdraw from ye your power to summon me from the place of my sleeping. Go forth and conquer the element of darkness. Exalt in thy nature thine essence of Light. Now go ye forth and summon thy brothers so that I may impart the wisdom to light thy path when my presence is gone. Come to the chamber beneath my temple. Eat not food until three days are past. There will I give thee the essence of wisdom so that with power ye may shine amongst men. There will I give unto thee the secrets so that ye, to , may rise to the Heavens-God-men in Truth as in essence ye be. Depart now and leave me while I summon those ye know of but as yet know not.
|
|
|
Post by Indilwen on Jul 11, 2010 16:32:29 GMT 12
EMERALD TABLET XIII : The Keys of Life and Death List ye, O man, hear ye the wisdom. Hear ye the Word that shall fill thee with Life. Hear ye the Word that shall banish the darkness. Hear ye the voice that shall banish the night. Mystery and wisdom have I brought to my children; knowledge and power descended from old. Know ye not that all shall be opened when ye shall find the oneness of all? One shall ye be with the Masters of Mystery, Conquerors of Death and Masters of Life. Aye, ye shall learn of the flower of Amenti the blossom of life that shines in the Halls. In Spirit shall ye reach that Halls of Amenti and bring back the wisdom that liveth in Light. Know ye the gateway to power is secret. Know ye the gateway to life is through death. Aye, through death but not as ye know death, but a death that is life and is fire and is Light. Desireth thou to know the deep, hidden secret? Look in thy heart where the knowledge is bound. Know that in thee the secret is hidden, the source of all life and the source of all death. List ye, O man, while I tell the secret, reveal unto thee the secret of old. Deep in Earth's heart lies the flower, the source of the Spirit that binds all in its form. For know ye that the Earth is living in body as thou art alive in thine own formed form. The Flower of Life is as thine own place of Spirit and streams through the Earth as thine flows through thy form; giving of life to the Earth and its children, renewing the Spirit from form unto form. This is the Spirit that is form of thy body, shaping and moulding into its form. Know ye, O man, that thy form is dual, balanced in polarity while formed in its form. Know that when fast on thee Death approaches, it is only because thy balance is shaken. It is only because one pole has been lost. Know that thy body when in perfect balance may never be touched by the finger of Death. Aye, even accident may only approach when the balance is gone. When ye are in a balanced equilibrium, ye shall live on in time and not taste of Death. Know that thou art the balanced completion, existing because of thy balance of poles. As, in thee, one pole is drawn downward, fast from thee goes the balance of life. Then unto thee cold Death approaches, and change must come to thine unbalanced life. Know that the secret of life in Amenti is the secret of restoring the balance of poles. All that exists has form and is living because of the Spirit of life in its poles. See ye not that in Earth's heart is the balance of all things that exist and have being on its face? The source of thy Spirit is drawn from Earth's heart, for in thy form thou are one with the Earth. When thou hast learned to hold thine own balance, then shalt thou draw on the balance of Earth. Exist then shalt thou while Earth is existing, changing in form, only when Earth, too, shalt change: Tasting not of death, but one with this planet, holding thy form till all pass away. List ye, O man, whilst I give the secret so that ye, too, shalt taste not of change. One hour each day shalt thou lie with thine head pointed to the place of the positive pole (north). One hour each day shalt thy head be pointed to the place of the negative pole (south). Whilst thy head is placed to the northward, hold thou thy consciousness from the chest to the head. And when thy head is placed southward, hold thou thy thought from chest to the feet. Hold thou in balance once in each seven, and thy balance will retain the whole of its strength. Aye, if thou be old, thy body will freshen and thy strength will become as a youth's. This is the secret known to the Masters by which they hold off the fingers of Death. Neglect not to follow the path I have shown, for when thou hast passed beyond years to a hundred to neglect it will mean the coming of Death. Hear ye, my words, and follow the pathway. Keep thou thy balance and live on in life. Hear ye, O man, and list to my voice. List to the wisdom that gives thee of Death. When at the end of thy work appointed, thou may desire to pass from this life, pass to the plane where the Suns of the Morning live and have being as Children of Light. Pass without pain and pass without sorrow into the plane where is eternal Light. First lie at rest with thine head to the eastward. Fold thou thy hands at the Source of thy life (solar plexus). Place thou thy consciousness in the life seat. Whirl it and divide to north and to south. Send thou the one out toward the northward. Send thou the other out to the south. Relax thou thy hold upon thy being. Forth from they form will thy silver spark fly, upward and onward to the Sun of the morning, blending with Light, at one with its source. There it shall flame till desire shall be created. Then shall return to a place in a form. Know ye, O men, that thus pass the great Souls, changing at will from life unto life. Thus ever passes the Avatar, willing his Death as he wills his own life. List ye, O man, drink of my wisdom. Learn ye the secret that is Master of Time. Learn ye how those ye call Masters are able to remember the lives of the past. Great is the secret yet easy to master, giving to thee the mastery of time. When upon thee death fast approaches, fear not but know ye are master of Death. Relax thy body, resist not with tension. Place in thy heart the flame of thy Soul. Swiftly then sweep it to the seat of the triangle. Hold for a moment, then move to the goal. This, thy goal, is the place between thine eyebrows, the place where the memory of life must hold sway. Hold thou thy flame here in thy brain-seat until the fingers of Death grasp thy Soul. Then as thou pass through the state of transition, surely the memories of life shall pass, too. Then shalt the past be as one with the present. Then shall the memory of all be retained. Free shalt thou be from all retrogression. The things of the past shall live in today. Man, ye have heard the voice of my wisdom. Follow and ye shall live through the ages as I. List ye, O man, hear ye the wisdom. Hear ye the Word that shall fill thee with Life. Hear ye the Word that shall banish the darkness. Hear ye the voice that shall banish the night. Mystery and wisdom have I brought to my children; knowledge and power descended from old. Know ye not that all shall be opened when ye shall find the oneness of all? One shall ye be with the Masters of Mystery, Conquerors of Death and Masters of Life. Aye, ye shall learn of the flower of Amenti the blossom of life that shines in the Halls. In Spirit shall ye reach that Halls of Amenti and bring back the wisdom that liveth in Light. Know ye the gateway to power is secret. Know ye the gateway to life is through death. Aye, through death but not as ye know death, but a death that is life and is fire and is Light. Desireth thou to know the deep, hidden secret? Look in thy heart where the knowledge is bound. Know that in thee the secret is hidden, the source of all life and the source of all death. List ye, O man, while I tell the secret, reveal unto thee the secret of old. Deep in Earth's heart lies the flower, the source of the Spirit that binds all in its form. For know ye that the Earth is living in body as thou art alive in thine own formed form. The Flower of Life is as thine own place of Spirit and streams through the Earth as thine flows through thy form; giving of life to the Earth and its children, renewing the Spirit from form unto form. This is the Spirit that is form of thy body, shaping and moulding into its form. Know ye, O man, that thy form is dual, balanced in polarity while formed in its form. Know that when fast on thee Death approaches, it is only because thy balance is shaken. It is only because one pole has been lost. Know that thy body when in perfect balance may never be touched by the finger of Death. Aye, even accident may only approach when the balance is gone. When ye are in a balanced equilibrium, ye shall live on in time and not taste of Death. Know that thou art the balanced completion, existing because of thy balance of poles. As, in thee, one pole is drawn downward, fast from thee goes the balance of life. Then unto thee cold Death approaches, and change must come to thine unbalanced life. Know that the secret of life in Amenti is the secret of restoring the balance of poles. All that exists has form and is living because of the Spirit of life in its poles. See ye not that in Earth's heart is the balance of all things that exist and have being on its face? The source of thy Spirit is drawn from Earth's heart, for in thy form thou are one with the Earth. When thou hast learned to hold thine own balance, then shalt thou draw on the balance of Earth. Exist then shalt thou while Earth is existing, changing in form, only when Earth, too, shalt change: Tasting not of death, but one with this planet, holding thy form till all pass away. List ye, O man, whilst I give the secret so that ye, too, shalt taste not of change. One hour each day shalt thou lie with thine head pointed to the place of the positive pole (north). One hour each day shalt thy head be pointed to the place of the negative pole (south). Whilst thy head is placed to the northward, hold thou thy consciousness from the chest to the head. And when thy head is placed southward, hold thou thy thought from chest to the feet. Hold thou in balance once in each seven, and thy balance will retain the whole of its strength. Aye, if thou be old, thy body will freshen and thy strength will become as a youth's. This is the secret known to the Masters by which they hold off the fingers of Death. Neglect not to follow the path I have shown, for when thou hast passed beyond years to a hundred to neglect it will mean the coming of Death. Hear ye, my words, and follow the pathway. Keep thou thy balance and live on in life. Hear ye, O man, and list to my voice. List to the wisdom that gives thee of Death. When at the end of thy work appointed, thou may desire to pass from this life, pass to the plane where the Suns of the Morning live and have being as Children of Light. Pass without pain and pass without sorrow into the plane where is eternal Light. First lie at rest with thine head to the eastward. Fold thou thy hands at the Source of thy life (solar plexus). Place thou thy consciousness in the life seat. Whirl it and divide to north and to south. Send thou the one out toward the northward. Send thou the other out to the south. Relax thou thy hold upon thy being. Forth from they form will thy silver spark fly, upward and onward to the Sun of the morning, blending with Light, at one with its source. There it shall flame till desire shall be created. Then shall return to a place in a form. Know ye, O men, that thus pass the great Souls, changing at will from life unto life. Thus ever passes the Avatar, willing his Death as he wills his own life. List ye, O man, drink of my wisdom. Learn ye the secret that is Master of Time. Learn ye how those ye call Masters are able to remember the lives of the past. Great is the secret yet easy to master, giving to thee the mastery of time. When upon thee death fast approaches, fear not but know ye are master of Death. Relax thy body, resist not with tension. Place in thy heart the flame of thy Soul. Swiftly then sweep it to the seat of the triangle. Hold for a moment, then move to the goal. This, thy goal, is the place between thine eyebrows, the place where the memory of life must hold sway. Hold thou thy flame here in thy brain-seat until the fingers of Death grasp thy Soul. Then as thou pass through the state of transition, surely the memories of life shall pass, too. Then shalt the past be as one with the present. Then shall the memory of all be retained. Free shalt thou be from all retrogression. The things of the past shall live in today. Man, ye have heard the voice of my wisdom. Follow and ye shall live through the ages as I.
|
|