Zephyros
next time try making an utter fool of yourself
I object to your insinuation that I didn't.
Well, knowing me I probably did, although I can't remember what I wrote him or even why I would even do such a thing.
Is it OK to use the Thoth deck w RW interpretations?
I object to your insinuation that I didn't.
Well, knowing me I probably did, although I can't remember what I wrote him or even why I would even do such a thing.
smw
smw
and maybe our personal hang ups can link with these collective forces too powerfully if we are not careful and get us in their grip maybe...
ravenest said:
this may be similar? if you understand your part in the process so that religion (belief) etc doesn't use you.. or I might be getting the wrong end of the stick, I do have a habit of that
ravenest said:Its tricky, as if one 'pretends belief' that doesnt work. A knack of 'enflaming oneself in belief' ... like 'enflaming oneself in prayer'. Too little 'pressure' it doesnt work - too much and it can take over. A bit like having a wild horse; good for speed. stamina and courage, but harder to control.
In any case, the 'philosophical mental exercises' of Thelema, in many cases advocate doubt, not belief. (Unless one starts off full of doubt
not really sure what you mean here though thinking on it
Regards, smw
smw
ravenest
not really sure what you mean here though thinking on it
Regards, smw
'Crowley' advocated doubt.
Perhaps because our scientific , rational, western minds are so full of being sure about things.
'Balance each thought with its opposite ... ' etc.
He also advocated balance .... so, if one 'starts off with doubt' ....
Zephyros
I see it as more of an emotional connection. I "officially" "love" Nuit and "make love" to Babalon but I don't see these figures as being actual women. It is, however, easier to connect to Babalon and the distilled emotion of the weight of that symbol, made up of lots of smaller symbols, each having been worked out and assimilated (to the degree one can without formal training), than it is to connect to the abstract idea of "the entire sensory experience." Of course, being who and what I am, the whole idea of the "woman" and assimilation of that symbol is among the most challenging of my whole Tarot (and, erm, other stuff) career, so that might have something to do with it.
Of course, Jesus is portrayed as white, handsome and with great abs for the same reason. Incite people to spiritual ecstasy, deny them sex and couple that with sexual and violent pornography, and you've got yourself a winning formula for a religion.
But still, that's why I call it assumption of belief. I can take up that mantle as I wish, make love to goddesses as I wish and then "stop believing." My actual beliefs are perhaps more Osirian in nature, but they are not necessarily the ones I "use," although they are sometimes, since you cannot completely disconnect yourself (nor should you, obviously).
Of course, Jesus is portrayed as white, handsome and with great abs for the same reason. Incite people to spiritual ecstasy, deny them sex and couple that with sexual and violent pornography, and you've got yourself a winning formula for a religion.
But still, that's why I call it assumption of belief. I can take up that mantle as I wish, make love to goddesses as I wish and then "stop believing." My actual beliefs are perhaps more Osirian in nature, but they are not necessarily the ones I "use," although they are sometimes, since you cannot completely disconnect yourself (nor should you, obviously).
smw
have less doubts? The opposite or end with doubt...
This seems horribly paradoxical makes my head weary… though rather than holding belief and non belief, maybe one is a different shift in thinking…(I just looked up sceptical mysticism which described the belief existing on one plane without needing an external reality kind of interesting ) either way feels uncomfortably like being lost, nebulous with nothing firm to hold onto, there and then not there.
smw
I felt annoyed when I first read your post as it felt disrespectful and then annoyed myself further for getting annoyed, when this isn't even a portrayal that I relate to.. I then realised I was missing the enormity of what you were saying before, the commitment you appear to be making (is this suffering?)with this belief non belief thing.
