All things Pagan. A Druid's guide.

reply to post by galactix


More on crystals:

Metaphysical crystal users look at the properties of crystals and determine which specific stones will enable them to achieve their goal. Crystal properties affect specific physical, mental, spiritual, emotional and environmental conditions, from a metaphysical perspective. The user chooses which stone to employ based on which crystal or group of crystals most fully meets those conditions. Read more here.

That's the basics of modern day perceptions of how crystals work.

Here's what a crystal actually is:

In mineralogy and crystallography, crystal structure is a unique arrangement of atoms or molecules in a crystalline liquid or solid. A crystal structure is composed of a pattern, a set of atoms arranged in a particular way, and a lattice exhibiting long-range order and symmetry. Patterns are located upon the points of a lattice, which is an array of points repeating periodically in three dimensions. The points can be thought of as forming identical tiny boxes, called unit cells, that fill the space of the lattice. The lengths of the edges of a unit cell and the angles between them are called the lattice parameters. The symmetry properties of the crystal are embodied in its space group.

Crystals differ in physical properties, i.e., in hardness, cleavage, optical properties, heat conductivity, and electrical conductivity. These properties are important since they sometimes determine the use to which the crystals are put in industry. For example, crystalline substances that have special electrical properties are much used in communications equipment. These include quartz and Rochelle salt, which supply voltage on the application of mechanical force (see piezoelectric effect), and germanium, silicon, galena, and silicon carbide, which carry current unequally in different crystallographic directions, as semiconductor rectifiers.

And then I'd like to say, that which religion has destroyed, science has re-built. I also study Quantum Physics, and am up to date on all the current theories. Science is on the verge of discovering the link between our minds, and reality itself. Current theories imply that we create our own reality. However, the knowledge religion has destroyed is returning, albeit in a different form, as crystals have been miniaturized and placed into electronics. Here's a bit of how it works.

Solid-State physics:
Study of the properties of bulk matter rather than those of the individual particles that compose it. Solid-state physics is concerned with the properties exhibited by atoms and molecules because of their association and regular, periodic arrangement in crystals. The descriptive side of the study of solids is crystallography. From a practical point of view, searches are made for new characteristics and behavior of various materials. The most spectacular discovery resulting from these searches has been the transistor. From a theoretical point of view, attempts are made to predict and explain the nature of aggregates of atoms in terms of the basic laws of the quantum theory and the well-understood properties of individual atoms. An important concern of solid-state physics is the mechanical and thermal behavior of solids; specific areas of study include the allowed vibration modes of crystals (see phonon), the transmission of vibrational energy (thermal conductivity), the amount of energy that must be absorbed to produce a given change in temperature (specific heat), and phase transitions such as the melting points of crystals. Although the crystalline, mechanical, thermal, and optical properties of solids are of great interest, it is the electrical properties that most clearly demarcate the various types of materials and which exhibit the greatest diversity of behavior. The single most important electrical characteristic of a solid is its electrical conductivity (the ease with which electric currents flow through it).

Without science, we wouldn't have cellphones or the internet, and to think that crystals are at the root of it all is quite amazing.

reply to post by Druid42


Amazing. Here is a book that may be of interest to you...or not.

The Quantum and the Lotus

A Journey to the Frontiers Where Science and Buddhism Meet
Written by Matthieu Ricard and Trinh Xuan Thuan

ABOUT THE BOOK ABOUT THE BOOK


Synopsis|Excerpt
Matthieu Ricard trained as a molecular biologist, working in the lab of a Nobel prize—winning scientist, but when he read some Buddhist philosophy, he became drawn to Buddhism. Eventually he left his life in science to study with Tibetan teachers, and he is now a Buddhist monk and translator for the Dalai Lama, living in the Shechen monastery near Kathmandu in Nepal. Trinh Thuan was born into a Buddhist family in Vietnam but became intrigued by the explosion of discoveries in astronomy during the 1960s. He made his way to the prestigious California Institute of Technology to study with some of the biggest names in the field and is now an acclaimed astrophysicist and specialist on how the galaxies formed.

When Matthieu Ricard and Trinh Thuan met at an academic conference in the summer of 1997, they began discussing the many remarkable connections between the teachings of Buddhism and the findings of recent science. That conversation grew into an astonishing correspondence exploring a series of fascinating questions. Did the universe have a beginning? Or is our universe one in a series of infinite universes with no end and no beginning? Is the concept of a beginning of time fundamentally flawed? Might our perception of time in fact be an illusion, a phenomenon created in our brains that has no ultimate reality? Is the stunning fine-tuning of the universe, which has produced just the right conditions for life to evolve, a sign that a “principle of creation” is at work in our world? If such a principle of creation undergirds the workings of the universe, what does that tell us about whether or not there is a divine Creator? How does the radical interpretation of reality offered by quantum physics conform to and yet differ from the Buddhist conception of reality? What is consciousness and how did it evolve? Can consciousness exist apart from a brain generating it?

The stimulating journey of discovery the authors traveled in their discussions is re-created beautifully in The Quantum and the Lotus, written in the style of a lively dialogue between friends. Both the fundamental teachings of Buddhism and the discoveries of contemporary science are introduced with great clarity, and the reader will be profoundly impressed by the many correspondences between the two streams of thought and revelation. Through the course of their dialogue, the authors reach a remarkable meeting of minds, ultimately offering a vital new understanding of the many ways in which science and Buddhism confirm and complement each other and of the ways in which, as Matthieu Ricard writes, “knowledge of our spirits and knowledge of the world are mutually enlightening and empowering.”

“The Quantum and the Lotus is a mind-expanding, eye-opening exploration of the exciting parallels between cutting-edge thinking in physics and Buddhism–a scintillating conversation any thinking person would delight in overhearing.” —Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence

“The Quantum and the Lotus is the rich and inspiring result of a deeply interesting dialogue between Western science and Buddhist philosophy. This remarkable book will contribute greatly to a better understanding of the true nature of our world and the way we live our lives.” —His Holiness the Dalai Lama

reply to post by Druid42


here's an idea to much on a bit:

the kingdom of god = subconscious mind
lucifer = conscious mind (has power to temporarily interrupt subconscious process)
in order have this mind, he hadda be expelled from heaven.
twas necessary: i th9nk it was the women who bred the men to be this way first: hence patriarchy.

the deceiver is lucifer

the deceiver is your conscious mind.

the deceiver is not evil, but the dose makes the poison

u c evil inna Tarot?

reply to post by boomerdude


thats largely cuz its not their 'mind'.

reply to post by Druid42


hmmm.not a lot of actual in formation there...i am aware of most of the physical (technical) uses for such materials.

its important to remember that the amazing thing about quantum mechanics.. is that there is a fine grain to reality. You see, all math is based upon smooth functions and it was assumed till last century that all physical phenomenon was also smooth. The discovery that at it's smallest scales, the universe had 'steps' or "quanta" was quite amazing... that the smoothness disappears into steps was astounding to scientists.

after that its all ad-hock and mostly mysterious.

the standard model is a messy calico mixture of empirical relationships and vaguely correct theory: it's a mess in fact. A bit like where cosmology was right before they realized that the earth was not the center of the solar system.

Science has, in my opinion, built 300 years of theory on incorrect assumptions. u know our best definition for mass is a precisely carved block? we have no idea why particles exhibit wave/particle duality. we have NO idea where inertia comes from, and closer measurements of the planets show that Newtonian mechanics is incomplete (even taking in to account Einstein's realization).

we don't, in fact, know #.

this is important to remember... both now and then: we were mostly wrong.

reply to post by galactixwe don't, in fact, know #.

this is important to remember... both now and then: we were mostly wrong.


And we will always be wrong. All that you mentioned above are tags and labels the human mind uses to describe observations, nothing more. As we improve technology our observations will change, and new theories will ensue. This is a continuing process. Much of quantum theory is based on mathematics and not observation. The spooky thing I find is that many theories of the past matched future observations. Almost as if they were thought into existence.

Blessed be all,
Well Gwyn has done the Reading for me and here are the results ( Everything within brackets are my remarks and or comments) =
11/6/2011 – KhaliWitch

Impressions when meditating: “Courier & Ives” type scene – a house with a front lawn edged by a wooden fence curving around it. Large, mature trees behind the house, bare branches. Red door? Wooden flooring, wooden shapes (toys? knick-knacks?), child’s pajamas, rag rug, fireplace. Brownies and hot cocoa. Dried herb bundles hanging in a window. A glass container, slender, with a glass handle (entire object is glass). Color impressions: Blue and green. ( see below, in personal conclusion )

Reading:

Significator: 7 of Swords – Dealing with things or handling responsibilities which seem disorganized, scattered, or out of place. You normally tend to be reliable and very focused. Something in the situation has knocked you off-kilter – and you may be trying to hide that from others. ( Down to a T )

Covering: King of Swords (rev) – Masculine energy – some issue concerning a strong figure who holds authority. This person is very ambitious, decisive and action oriented. This may lead the person to sometimes be overreaching and hasty. Sometimes may be arrogant. Lacks patience with those who are not up to his speed. ( OH down to a T )

Behind: The Hermit – a wise older person. Warmth and welcome. A mentor or guide. Someone who taught you self-sufficiency by example. A person with high ethical standards. ( Nana, may her Spirit reside peacefully with the Goddesses )

Beneath: Queen of Swords – a mature female, quick to jump to the defense or attack a threat. Someone who is often in the middle of everything, directing things, but does not look for help from others – tries to do everything herself. She is always ready to offer advice and jumps on the opportunity to do so. ( my mother down to a T )

Before: Page of Cups – A young person, possibly a child or a person with child-like or naïve tendencies. Optimistic, offering to others, generous, giving. A friendly and hopeful individual. Dreamy, intuitive and emotional. ( my daughter down to a T )

Above: Knight of Pentacles – Guidance, someone you can share things openly with and who shares interests with you. A person who offers you good advice and consistency. Possibly a leader, but feels more like a peer. Balance and capability. He is dependable and careful. ( OH )

Hopes and Fears: 8 of Pentacles – Fear of chaos and love of order. You are ready to move forward in the learning process, however. You are embarking on a new journey/process/action plan. You tend to fear loss of security and control. Afraid to drop any responsibility in order to manage the others and determined to handle them all. ( yep, recovering from OCD and learning not to clean everything too often )

Friends and Family: 4 of Wands (rev) – May perceive the situation as destructive. It seems they thought everything is a-ok when you know it is not, or perhaps they think you are the one who is being misled. Things look(ed) fine on the surface, but time may reveal that the façade is not the reality. People may be skeptical of your direction. ( yep, relatives who are trying, and failing miserably, to break my marriage and household )

Most likely on Current Path: Knight of Wands – Greater flexibility, and a more constant and reliable source of strength in reserve - you will be more easily able to build on what is started. However, there is a tendency to chase the next new interest that comes along. ( OH )

Final Outcome: Ace of Wands (rev) – You probably don’t have enough reserves at this time to take on another responsibility. This will come later, when things calm down. The negative energies around the current situation will pass away. There may be more time to spend in introspection and self-discovery. There is a possibility of detachment from your support network – this should be lessened if you can maintain open lines of communication. ( again yep, sync )

(After Reading this I come to the Conclusion that everything is absolutely on the Mark, no exceptions.
The I mpressions Gwyn recieved and described are identical to the House I will be buying in Vision, right down to the Herb Bundles in the Windows.)
Gwyn, I have only one word to say = WOW. You are quite Gifted and Experienced in Readings.
Thank you for Helping me, when you didn't have to!

Namasté

Originally posted by boomerdude
And we will always be wrong. ...Almost as if they were thought into existence.

i submit that we are not 'wrong', just mostly incorrect..and getting less incorrect as we develop. Realizing that the earth was not the center was less incorrect, assuming that gravity was the only force at play is more incorrect.

and i firmly believe that there were many wise humans (and systems) in the past with much knowledge that would/could be useful now, but the age of 'reason' has blinded us a bit, fooled by the bright ideas we can conceive.

When we speak of the fine structure of our universe or the subtle motivations that move us as animals, 'thought' becomes the strongest 'force' , i think. i can't really articulate this idea well, yet... but magik is about the understanding of and participation with the forces that move us on a deeper level than our conscious minds can even perceive, much less influence. Most practical magik (other than the science of it) are empirically discovered ways in which to better contact that subconscious (heavenly) flow.

just letting my fingers talk here... but we done killed off most of the really wise ones (the 'snakes in the grass' or Witches) and so much of that understanding is lost, many others in proper fear for their lives hid their knowledge in deep metaphor and contextual code, while still others jealously hid these understandings for their own exclusive use.

what we (esoteric knowledge seekers) are left with now is misunderstanding layered onto misdirection and being delivered during the height of the age of reason which patently refuses to (or is incapable of) acknowledging these truths.

still. the hints are there and the experiences are real (and consistent) and i am finding actual evidence....

curiously, it does seem to boil down to choices and love, as near as i can tell so far.....

i r surprise

reply to post by galactix


a coupla more thoughts here (again i stress that these are ideas not conclusions)

if we look at the Lovers major we see three entities (usually): Gabriel (or some angelic entity), woman, and man. Gabriel is above while man and woman (smaller) are bellow. Next to man is a burning tree (lucifer = 'light' = fire). next to woman is a fruiting tree. If you look closely you'll notice: man is looking at woman and woman is looking at Gabriel, while Gabriel looks 'over'.

this is an expression of the truth that women are naturally closer to god, while men wield the fire from a further distance, but still taking their guidance from the navigators: the women.

now think a moment on the creation myth, heavily distorted by christianity, but still, lets look at it a bit.

first we need to realize that this is a story about the emergence of self awareness, or the development of the conscious mind, which was, by an large an uncomfortable process (hence all the 'punishment' interpretations) - still is actually: how many of you can see the actions that are harmful in yourselves but can do nothing to stop it. it would be easier if you were not aware, right?
anyway.
emerging awareness.
there's a snake, a fruit, and an interaction. because snakes shed their skins regularly in spectacular ways, they became one of the earliest symbols for transformation and/or renewal, so, of course the snake was involved. then there's the 'fruit' that Eve 'picked' and 'gave' to Adam. Eve 'picked' and Adam 'got'....self awareness.

and then things got complicated and painful... growing pains , tho, i think.

just ideas... crunching munching

reply to post by KhaliWitch

Hi Khali,

Thank you for the compliment and for the feedback! It takes some effort to read blind (for me anyway) so it is very nice to get validation. I was expecting that the reading would be more situational, but instead I think I met everyone in your family. I'm glad I could help. So the house fits with the house from your vision - very interesting! I'm glad that made sense to you as I couldn't figure it out. I hope that riots in December don't come to pass, but things do seem to be heating up in Europe.

I've never had a prophetic dream that showed me literal events, as far as I know. Mine have always been symbolic and sometimes don't make sense until whatever they were about happens. For example, a friend's father was hospitalized and he flew out to be with him. After a week he returned home as the doctor's thought he had taken a turn for the better. I dreamed that night that I was with my friend's family and we were on a balcony overlooking a waterfall. A wreath of white flowers came over the waterfall and my friend tried to catch it on a stick as it tumbled past, and fetch it out of the water, but he was not able to do so. When I woke up I felt certain his dad was going to pass, and indeed my friend was called to fly back out the very next day and his father did pass away. That one was pretty clear symbolism, but others have only been clear after the fact. Have yours often been literal?

Thanks,
Gwynnhwyfar

ETA: I realized this was more conversational and started to remove it from the thread and send in a U2U, but then I thought others might be interested.

I've been watching some youtube videos submitted by a few of my favorite pagan friends lately and have noticed a common trend. There seems to be some arguement about beginners of the craft creating their own tradition. Some "teachers" out there are directing students of the craft to do what feels right.

This has sparked a lot of outrage in the community over how to deal with this situation. One of the comments made was something like, " Dedicating myself to a God and Goddess just doesn't feel right to me, I think I will worship Darth Vader instead." Unfortunately, this type of thing is actually going on in some circles and there is a great fear among many Pagans that this type of behavior is diluting what we have left of traditions world wide.

I want to know what position you guys take on this very important topic. Are we to teach newcomers to follow their hearts or follow the beaten path?

reply to post by wildoracle13


As a solo practitioner, I choose to not teach anyone anything. If there is an interest voiced, I will give a book on basics, or offer internet links to reading material. So much of ourselves, our personal energy, is incorporated into our beliefs...it only makes sense to me to not taint another with my essence. Though I do believe there are those who are "Teachers", and it is their role in the grand scheme of things.

Originally posted by gwynnhwyfar
reply to post by KhaliWitch

 

Hi Khali,

Thank you for the compliment and for the feedback! It takes some effort to read blind (for me anyway) so it is very nice to get validation. I was expecting that the reading would be more situational, but instead I think I met everyone in your family.

I'm glad I could help. So the house fits with the house from your vision - very interesting! I'm glad that made sense to you as I couldn't figure it out. I hope that riots in December don't come to pass, but things do seem to be heating up in Europe.

I've never had a prophetic dream that showed me literal events, as far as I know. Mine have always been symbolic and sometimes don't make sense until whatever they were about happens. For example, a friend's father was hospitalized and he flew out to be with him. After a week he returned home as the doctor's thought he had taken a turn for the better. I dreamed that night that I was with my friend's family and we were on a balcony overlooking a waterfall. A wreath of white flowers came over the waterfall and my friend tried to catch it on a stick as it tumbled past, and fetch it out of the water, but he was not able to do so. When I woke up I felt certain his dad was going to pass, and indeed my friend was called to fly back out the very next day and his father did pass away. That one was pretty clear symbolism, but others have only been clear after the fact. Have yours often been literal?

Thanks,
Gwynnhwyfar

ETA: I realized this was more conversational and started to remove it from the thread and send in a U2U, but then I thought others might be interested.

edit on 7-11201111-1111 by gwynnhwyfar because: (no reason given)

Blessed be Gwyn,
My visions are always prophetically literal when it is something outside of my Family and somewhat Symbolic prophetic when it is something that will occur within my Family. That is why I had a mixed vision this time.
I am glad that I have given you the chance to hone your Skills further. And yes, you did meet most of my Family as I am quite a Family person.

Namasté

reply to post by wildoracle13
I remember you said the same thing back in 6700 B.C.E. when Archula decided we were wrong to only follow Og, that we should follow all the Titans. Then those damned Sumerians came along with their stupid Anunnaki, and look what happened then.

So if a practitioner decides to follow Darth Vader, so what? At least they have cool action figures. When was the last time you saw an Oestre figure?

Granted, what Darth has in common with the One and all his/her aspects in Nature I don't know. But call them Djinn, Watchers or The Empire, I don't see how it hurts the Old Ways.

Originally posted by wildoracle13
I've been watching some youtube videos submitted by a few of my favorite pagan friends lately and have noticed a common trend. There seems to be some arguement about beginners of the craft creating their own tradition. Some "teachers" out there are directing students of the craft to do what feels right.

This has sparked a lot of outrage in the community over how to deal with this situation. One of the comments made was something like, " Dedicating myself to a God and Goddess just doesn't feel right to me, I think I will worship Darth Vader instead." Unfortunately, this type of thing is actually going on in some circles and there is a great fear among many Pagans that this type of behavior is diluting what we have left of traditions world wide.

I want to know what position you guys take on this very important topic. Are we to teach newcomers to follow their hearts or follow the beaten path?

It's their hearts, as always. We as Elders are to guide them, and let them seek their own abilities. Once they see what they are capable of, then some true direction can take place. WE may be the guides, but we must also realize our humility. We are no better than the student, for we were once there.

Think about it, and pause.

Originally posted by wildoracle13
" Dedicating myself to a God and Goddess just doesn't feel right to me, I think I will worship Darth Vader instead."

Are we to teach newcomers to follow their hearts or follow the beaten path?

nothing new is ever discovered along the beaten path.

maybe you were not listening, but Yoda had it more correct and Darth Vader is an important lesson.

tradition is useful..to a point.. but i feel it should be considered a foundation, not a cage... and sometimes we just gotta start with a whole new shape.

the 'force' is as useful a metaphor as any other, and based upon my research, it might actually be closer than many other useful metaphorical frameworks to what actually is.

if one is not open to new ideas, one is not open to change... just sayin'

Originally posted by Destinyone
reply to post by wildoracle13

 

As a solo practitioner, I choose to not teach anyone anything. If there is an interest voiced, I will give a book on basics, or offer internet links to reading material. So much of ourselves, our personal energy, is incorporated into our beliefs...it only makes sense to me to not taint another with my essence. Though I do believe there are those who are "Teachers", and it is their role in the grand scheme of things.

agreed & ditto.

yet there are those that might be inspired by you, and offering guidance and support to those individuals is part of the process , i feel. i have had a number of mentors along my path and each played a part in who i have become.

i believe that to participate in the flow, one offers one's 'knowledge' and allows others to take or not take or modify as it suits them: its amazing what comes back if one is open to surprises and change.

reply to post by galactix


and also: a bit of curious history.

The Maharishi Mahesh (recently dead) who started out as a trained physicist in India, founded a movement called "transcendental meditation" or TM. He was discovered in the 60's by the Beatles and moved his center of operations to northern california in the 70's. There, he inspired a young man named George Lucas, who was in the process of writing and filming is seminal piece, "Star Wars". Yoda and Yoda's words were based almost entirely on the Maharishi and his wisdom.

The Maharishi decided fairly early on (after his move to the US), that northern california was too plushy for truly dedicated TMers and so he moved his base once again to the middle of frickin' nowhere: Fairfield, Iowa. There he built an entire school and inspired three generations of dedicated TMers and a world wide movement.

i've been there: Fairfield. A third generation TMer is a curious human, and Fairfield, a curious place.

reply to post by galactix

How very interesting!! Thank you for sharing that info; I had not heard of it before now.

I have been working long hours this week and haven't caught up yet, hopefully tomorrow. Much love to all the thread-bearers!

-Gwynnhwyfar

reply to post by Druid42


Just to post an alternative to this post on "Druidry/Druidism"... there are many forms of druidry/druidism out there. There are the mesopagan massonic like lodges which are full of "good christian types", there are the eclectic neopagan types (as shown by the OP) who mix and match as suits (for example... runes, that is a Germanic not Celtic practice, and entered into the "celtic lands" after their Christian conversion), the pentacle is not a traditionally Druidic symbol either. Then there are the marginally (or fully) reconstructive Druidic paths which I follow. They tend not to mix, borrow, or steal other cultures ideas, rather they stick with one (but reject the faulty idea of "race). Once of the most famous is ADF (www.adf.org), it is Pan-Indo-European rather than "Celtic" only, because many of us are "mutts", myself I stick to the Gaelic practice.

But yes paganism IS an alternative to the Anrahamic paths.

Slan agat

Dr Gareth Thomas (aka Noinden)