Social Warfare

In today's world, WAR is an element that is blasted upon every headline of the media. It is the topic of discussion within almost every circle in our society. Everywhere you go today, the business of war and warfare is the common thread that binds this world together. It has become the face of this age and has become the focus of everyone's mind. If we listen to the people we pass upon the street, or even work with day to day, we can hear them,

"Who's going to attack who? What was the death count for last months siege? Who died defending our county? Who are we fighting against?"

These questions only tell us one thing...

Today's civilization is more obsessed by war and tragedy than it is driven by harmony and beauty. Not only is this nation (amongst many) concerned with conquest and control, but so are businesses and institutions within our nation. Mega-companies such as Wal-Mart or Target, lead a silent coup against small businesses. The FDA and Department of Agriculture limit farming and prevent the use of certain natural foods and organic material, deeming them 'un-controlled' substances. Certain state and city laws prohibit the ability to play music in public, speak freely, and sell materials openly without an (expensive) license. Immigration laws are so harsh today, that the ability to escape an oppressive civilization means having to deal with another oppressive civilization. Major electric, housing and telecommunication companies use methods of monopoly and inflation to exclude and burden the lower classes, that otherwise are already struggling to make ends meet. It seems like every avenue that a person takes in this world is another battle and another struggle for reaching an unachievable goal. Our present civilization is running a slow and oppressive battle against itself. The systems that control our world are a cancer that is slowly eating away at our hope of true platonic happiness.

As a philosopher you have to ask, 'WHY?'
As a priest you have to wonder, 'WHERE IS THE COMPASSION?'
As a soldier you have to sometimes stop and think, 'AM I FIGHTING ON THE RIGHT SIDE?'

According to the book of Job, "Man's time upon the Earth is war." In some sense of reason and logic this is true. The struggle to survive against the environment we live in is a constant struggle (survival). That Life itself, is only obtained through struggle and pain (childbirth). That every facet of a human being's personality is molded after test runs, adaptations, and the self-destruction of personal ideas until a person can finally say, 'I am me'. It seems that if you're a human being that means you are somehow at war with something in this world. Perhaps, finding out 'What is Me?' is the basis of all struggles...

So, if we can admit to ourselves that WAR is a necessity to make progress both in our personal life and in Life in general; then why WAR with ourselves?

This is exactly where in philosophy the discussion of ethical warfare and un-ethical warfare begins. But first we must abandon previous delusions in order to grasp a true concept of compassionate thinking. We must first examine consciousness of mind.

Consciousness can easily be defined according to Neoplatonic philosophy as a true sense of knowing. This should be differentiated from the idea of opinion, because opinion is based on acceptance without question; sensation without judgements. Whereas, knowing is based on the understanding of true facts and living in the security of its basis in reality. Knowing requires no faith. It is simply an example of empiricism, where the observer questioned - found an answer - and calculated it based on a 'need-to-share' reality. Much of today's disagreements are founded upon the ill-logic of 'opinion'. Where the person expressing their feelings, expresses them with the intent that others will except it as fact. Of course, the audience rarely sympathizes with the individual who expresses 'opinions', unless the 'opinion' was in all reality, rational.

To ancient philosophers such as Plato and Aristotle, opinion was seen as the lowest form of mental activity. To the ancient philosophers it was the result of the falling sickness of reason. Our world today, seems to have just that: a failure of reasoning. Religions tend to spend more time trying to convince each other that their dogmas are the truth; where the real truth is that all of their doctrines are the same. Politicians argue about the interpretation of laws and rights; where the real truth is they are all in violation of them. Today's society is based upon a failure of proper logic and reasoning. It seems that the goal in the world today is not to find and serve TRUTH, but instead to find glory and respect (even at the cost of humiliating ourselves).

This is where we can decide weather or not we are participants in ethical warfare or un-ethical warfare. The Chinese general philosopher, Sun-Tzu said three things that are important to ethical/un-ethical warfare:

1. "All war is based on deception. "
-basically this means if you consider yourself a good and upright Christian, that also means your being a cleaver deceiver.

2. "Know your enemy and know yourself and you can fight a hundred battles without disaster."
-i guess that's why the last couple of wars the United States had were considered a disaster....

3. "Regard your soldiers as your children, and they will follow you into the deepest valleys; look on them as your own beloved sons, and they will stand by you even unto death. "
-...That means your veterans, soldiers with PTSD, etc.

Mankind can reach progress through honest arguments. An honest argument is always well received by other honest men. Perhaps what need to happen in the world today, in order to have a progressive future, is to start being honest people.

Just my thoughts, for this week (but not my 'opinion').

Namaste

Aramal Malik
Inversehalo, Chief Organizer

Meditation and Practice - part 1

The ancient and mystical practice of Meditation is based on the idea that insight as well as knowledge can be obtained through a procedure that - raises the consciousness and energy of a person in order to 're-attach' to a cosmic and universal intelligence. In some methods of Meditation we separate or temporarily divorce the physical/material existence in order to let go of preconceived notions held within the mind. Through this disciplined action, we find that the Anima Mundi or the Spirit of the World, is making a collective effort to inform us of proper actions as well as help us achieve a proper state of being.

To explain this in a more concise manner, the term Anima Mundi must be applied to the rational explanation of a magnetic and vibratory state of energy in the universe. If we know that the human body (which includes the physical mind) is made of matter such as minerals, metals and water; then we know that these elements are affected greatly by things such as the magnetism of the Sun, the Moon and the Planets. The seas rise and fall due to the pulling effort produced by the Moon - The process known as photosynthesis is an action occurring from Sunlight where minerals and sugars are used by plants to make fuel for life functions.

These examples constitute that 'Life' is affected greatly by the energy of magnetism and vibration. But just as a radio station cannot be heard without tuning into the proper frequency; so human beings cannot 'properly' hear what the Cosmos is saying without properly tuning in. Thus, the discipline of Mediation exercises provides the individual with the ability to experience vibrations and energies that are all around, yet are mostly ignored.

In this manner, Meditation and even Prayer become a method of constant thoughtfulness and reflection that is experienced through an interaction with spirituality (Anima Mundi). Every single culture and religion uses different methods of discipline to achieve this balance. In India there are Yogic practices and Tantra practices. Shamans from all over the world use some form of meditation to heighten awareness and fuel their energy. In Catholicism, the meditations of the Rosary, still echo a practice of spiritual advancement installed by Zoroastrian and Semitic influences. Mankind as a whole understands the need for a spiritual or mental practice of relieving the mind from suffering. Mankind understands there is an experience called, Spirituality.

Achieving this experience though, requires a practice of productive and proper techniques. So that we ascend our cognitive selves and transcend into a level where we aren't subjected by 'illusions'.

Astrological Symbols and their Representation

The symbolic lessons of Hermeticism allow us to move into a particular Hermetic Theory called “Man in Microcosm”. Which states the signs of the Zodiac govern over parts of the human body; rule over specific plants, herbs, colors, jewels, cities, regions, insects, and animals. This theory also births divinatory practices such as palmistry or phrenology. This is different than the regular view of astrology because the influences of the universe not only correspond to mankind’s nature but also connect mankind to many different systems and creatures not commonly explained through doing a simple horoscope. The theory of “Man in Microcosm” allows a student of symbols to make defined associations between the Zodiac, himself, and the world.

To understand the wonderful order which rules the world and the ever-changing position of man in relation to it, we have to discover the means by which the heavenly influences may be measured. We must examine the world clock to find the laws which govern its wheels. From the dial plate, we must be able to know when the clock is going to strike and what it means.

For instance, let us examine the “Christian” ideal of the paschal lamb otherwise known as the Christ. In the ancient pagan religion of the Phegyian rites, the end of winter and the beginning of spring was marked by a sacrificial offering to the return of the Solar God. The head priest would bring out the first newborn lamb of the year and present it to the awaiting masses of people. He would hold firmly in one arm while walking with his shepherd’s staff in the other. He would lift the lamb high up into the air and proclaim to the pagan masses, “Behold the lamb of the Lord, who takes away the sins of the world!” Does this proclamation sound familiar? It should if you are a product of the modern Christian world.

But what does this have to do with Astrology? To answer this question we must first ask, “What does a lamb (as a symbol) represent to the religions of the old world?”

The icon of a springtime lamb is a representation to the first symbol of the Zodiac, Aries. Aries or the ram is associated in the springtime because it is the first constellation to rise in the horizon with the Sun during the months of mid-march to mid-April. As a cardinal sign Aries also defines the beginning of the season just like Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn (the other cardinal signs). These seasons are determined because of the Suns movement from north to south every 120 degrees. On a particular day in each sign day and night become equal, thus tell the ancient shepherds the beginning of a new season. These periods of movement are also known as equinoxes.

To further this symbolic imagery of the paschal lamb, the Greek Dionysian followers would call this period of time the “Alpha and the Omega” or the beginning and the end. A term that is made familiar by Christianity in order to show Jesus’ dominion over time. But in all actuality it is an astrological reference for the passing over (or Passover) of the Sun moves from the last sign in the Zodiac (Pisces) into the first sign of the Zodiac (Aries). This is how in Christian symbolism we find the two references of Christianity: a fish, and a lamb. Thus the ancient pagan vernal equinox is now celebrated after Passover as Easter.

A good number of theologians have not found astrology incompatible with their religious tenets. It is scarcely necessary to advance evidence of the presence of astrological dogma in the sacred writings of the pagan and Christian worlds. The scriptures of the Brahmans, Taoists, Lamas, and other Oriental sects are replete with allusions to the influence of the heavenly bodies; and from the stars that fought against Sisera to the morning star of Revelation, the Bible of the Jews and Christians lends its testimony to the validity of astrology and astromancy. A few names come to mind, not to mention the semi-divine prophets and World Saviors. What Alphonso the Great says of Jesus Christ is true also of these other Redeemers, namely, that their whole history is written in the stars. The list includes Origen, the Ante-Nicean Father, and Bede, surnamed the Venerable. St. Augustine admitted the accuracy of astrology, but attributed the science to infernal agencies. Albertus Magnus, beatified bishop and architect, and his disciple, the great St. Thomas Aquinas (one of the most proficient medieval astrologers), both acknowledged the power of the planets over mundane affairs. “All that Nature and art produces,” wrote Albertus Magnus, “is driven by celestial powers.” And St. Thomas Aquinas adds: “The celestial bodies are the cause of all that takes place in this sublunar world.”

Sir Walter Scott writes, “Do not Chrisitans and Heathens, Jews and Gentiles, poets and philosophers, unite in allowing the starry influences?”

The oracle at Delphi says of Astrology that it, “revealed many a tyrant and foretold his fate. Through its means many an unhappy being was saved from destruction and many a perplexed mortal guided in the right way. It encouraged useful institutions, and promoted the progress of useful discoveries. Its moral influence was on the side of virtue, and its political influence in favor of the advancement of civil liberty.”

Astronomy + Astrology = Mathematics

The systematic principals of religion, astrology, arithmetic and philosophy that were taught by Pythagoras were not as involved and concise as the teachings of his fellow-day Greeks. In fact, Pythagoras was considered to be the savant of his culture and age. Through records from other cultures and dissertations from past historians we find out that he had done extensive traveling and had been a student of underground schools in the Egyptian and Hindu kingdoms. We find that the occidental Orientals and the Thebans were early progenitors of the same systems of geometry that Pythagoras is now famous for today. Through Hindu Brahman records we also find that his Indian initiate name was, Yavanacharya.

We already know that the basis of all the educational systems known to the ancients ‘revolved’ around the understanding of Astrotheology. That the ancient wise-men of antiquity regarded physical astronomy as a science of “shadows”, and philosophical astronomy the science of “realities”. It is from that point of view there stems a distinct and separate objective to the study of the heavens. Astronomy was to take up the science of exploring the grand body of the universe (the Macrocosmic Man) and Astrology was devised in order to understand the laws and mental characters of nature. Astronomy over time gives birth to an understanding of medicine, geometry and architecture, as well as physics. While Astrology gives way to religion, philosophy, spirituality and psychology. But the applied knowledge of both these arts is given only in relation through mathematics and arithmetic.

Inclusive to our knowledge is the fact that the Egyptians began assessing geometric calculations according to earth measurements. When the Nile River would flood over certain landmarks and monuments were washed out leaving no trace. In order to re-assess the location of private land areas; they would apply measurements in accordance with the location of constellations and planets that they knew were in the sky at certain times during certain parts of the year. So in order to prevent the death and suffering of the Egyptian people because of the Nile flooding; they became proficient in identifying the location of stars and constellations from their observations. For instance, the star Sirius appears rising early in the east at a time that we now correspond to around June 21. They knew that when this star appeared in this particular place rising before the sun, the Nile would soon flood over. So naturally through their astronomical observations is born their ability to utilize horoscopic logic and prepare. These techniques had been both self-learned as well as borrowed from trading with the Persians and Hindi kingdoms. Since the Egyptians lived and worked on the Nile River they added to the Hermetic rule of “As above, so below” in observation that the Nile River was similar to the Dim-white band in the sky that we now call the Milky Way.

Aside from devising land scales and calculating the return of Sirius, the Egyptians also used their knowledge of geometry to advance their building skills. Creating one of their greatest achievements , the Pyramids of the Giza plateau. Which almost every calculation derived from the structure has to do with astrological calculations. For instance:

1. The great Pyramid stands aligned with the four cardinal directions, being only 1 ½ difference of true north.

2. Each side of the base is approximately 365.2422 cubits long, which is exactly the same number of days in a solar year 365 days 24 hrs and 22 mins.

3. The total number of inches in the Pyramids perimeter is 36,524 which is the same number of days in a century (100 years)

4. In the Pyramid the ratio of the height to twice the length of the base gives you 3.1415926, the ratio of Pi.

Ninos ex Philosophica (Children of Philosophy)

Why is the essence of Philosophy, important to how we as individuals see and affect the world?

Philosophy, is different than just the remedial terms for thought. Philosophy is a mental and spiritual honesty. And a Child of Philosophy has a solid foundation in not only his/her beliefs but also in a foundation rooted in the discipline of growth. The quest of Knowing never ends and it is a constant work in progress. Therefore, our personal mental and spiritual honesty is a derivative of the goal of Philosophy.

The ability to Observe, to Contemplate, to Discriminate and to have complete Concentration are skills necessary in the quest for knowing. They are also, the basis for which all living human beings have traveled from infancy to adulthood. Through wonder, exploration, discovery, and then acknowledgment the infant learns the world. Yet, these ideals are aloof in an adult society. Mankind seems to give in to insufficient concepts and never explores with the mind the roots of complete realization. A true Philosopher is not just someone who knows all, and is not someone who just only questions, but a Philosopher is someone who knows yet still questions. A Philosopher is always a child of knowledge, who has the ability to wonder. A great skill given at conception and a skill that has paved the entirety of human life.

Philosophy is not knowing laws or details, Philosophy is the quest to awaken in one's self the realization to the Universe. It is a path began and led by children.

The Integrity of Ourselves...

The character of a person who can cure the ills in life and profoundly change the world around themselves is rooted in the self-discipline of Integrity. The honest impulse to do what is noble and good proceeds from a sense of self realization and is echoed by the beauty of a harmonious soul. The actions of such a person are done in the acknowledgment of Truth which is obtained by inner realization and outer observation.

Basically, Integrity is the value of an action done by a mind that has accepted it's spiritual beauty. Within the perception of a persons Self, feeling complete and happy; their actions reflect what is good and proper. Thus, Self-Honesty is the cause and Integrity is the effect. And it is this principal that the foundation of true compassion sits upon.

We must not only struggle against ourselves but also against a devalued society in order to gain our Integrity. The world we live in today is possessed by an ignorance of temperance and is corrupted by the temptation of pleasure-seeking vices. To have true Integrity is to test the boundaries and limitation of who we all believe we are. In doing this we find that, if we should ever compensate our beliefs (no matter how insignificant) we lack the insight to fully know ourselves.

We must throw out of our beings what is unnecessary and borrowed, and replace it with values and beliefs that are of our own. Only then can we realize what truly makes up our own characters and reflect Integrity on the world around us.

Man and Magnetism

I'd like to share with any readers, two Rosicrucian dissertations on Metaphysical spirituality:

"Man, as the microcosm, possesses the properties of all things including those of magnets. He is endowed with magnetic power (virtus magnetica microcosmica), which is subject to the same laws in the small world as it is in the great world. Man is polar and has polar attractive and repulsive magnetism. He has two poles like the earth, from which circulates a north and south, an attractive and repulsive magnetism. The backbone in man is like the earth's equator and divides him into two 'hemispheres' with opposite magnetism. His left-hand side corresponds to the southern hemisphere and its magnetism is passive, while his right-hand side corresponds to the northern hemisphere and its magnetism is active.

When two human beings approach one another, their magnetism is either active or passive. In sympathy and attraction the bodily radiation travels from the center to the periphery. Should the magnetic radiations of the two individuals interpenetrate and mingle, there is an affinity between them; if, on the other hand, the radiations are broken and thrown back, there is a negative magnetism and aversion, because where there is antipathy the radiations retreat from the periphery to the center."

- from the book, Philosphia Moysaica by Robert Fludd, 1638.

"If only a world-wide consciousness could arise that all division and all fission are due to the splitting of opposites in the psyche, then we should know where to begin.

What does lie within our reach, however, is the change in individuals who have, or create for themselves, an opportunity to influence others of like mind. I do not mean by persuading or preaching -- I am thinking, rather, of the well-known fact that anyone who has insight into his own actions, and has thus found access to the unconscious, involuntarily exercises an influence on his environment."

- from the essay, Memories, Dreams, Reflections by Carl Jung