Hola, anybody!

 

More posts sooner than later, currently taking a break. Still reading and researching, but tired and busy, busy and tired. The future of the kingdom is quite certain, probably in a different format of notes and scraps of information. We'll see, shall we.

 

Stay well. Ciao for now.

Chapter 29

or: Suppress the Spirit and the Soul. I'd like to express some thoughts about chapter 29 of Kundalini Tales, as it makes a lot of sense and provides another angle on what one might describe as the suppression of the spirit and soul. Coincidentally, this also happens to be the 29th entry on the blog.

To give a general overview on the book, it's primarily about author Richard Sauder's various metaphysical experiences which he associates with the kundalini, but also included in the second half are reproductions of actual U.S. patents for mind control and manipulation technology. These are devices which will do more than your good ol' fashioned bog-standard television conditioning.


It was a curious read and I can relate to quite a few of the experiences or sensations, particularly those that overlap with what Robert Monroe similarly described. I'm not sure if I've had quite the classic 'awakening', nothing as intense as some of which are mentioned, but often pretty powerful and this has been going on for about a decade. I'm able to induce this phenomenon, however, usually it occurs of its own accord - the 'serpent' doing the rounds as it were.

Chapter 29, and Richard is writing on what he sees as a correlation between Wilhelm Reich's bio-electricity research findings and the kundalini energy, where both seem to correspond with what we term as sexual energy. That is, Wilhelm Reich 'conducted experiments which demonstrated that during pleasurable sexual excitation the skin in erogenous zones becomes charged with a higher bio-electrical potential than it normally carries. And, the climactic release of sexual orgasm effectively dissipates the heightened bio-electrical charge, reducing the skin to a lower bio-electrical potential. In order for more sexual pleasure and another orgasm to occur, a period of time is required for a renewed build-up of bio-electricity.' Similarly, it seems that energy is generated and dissipated during a kundalini experience.

For example, Gopi Krishna, during his kundalini awakening, reported feverish activity in his genital organs and seminal fluid bubbling up through his spine to his brain, which he observed with an internal vision. This does sound odd, I think you'll agree, though, if I'm to interject, I would guess that this was his perception of the occurrence and that no physical fluid was actually drawn from one region to the other.

I've considered this before, that our sexual organs, or at least the sacral chakra, have an important part to play in our creative expression, and it certainly gives a new dimension to the term 'creative juices'.

Here's one for you: Which pop star mentioned her vagina and her creativity in the same sentence?

Seriously, a little search, find her quote, post it here in the comments if you like, and consider it more than just passing her off as eccentric - she may be, but that doesn't change anything of the underlying meaning. Look beyond the simplistic mass-opinion that she's just a clever little kook, there is more to her than that, more than what the public is served. The level of fame she is at, it's a very different reality. Also, just whose marketing idea was it for a perfume with the molecular structure of blood and semen? And this is pop culture? Black like the soul of fame, indeed. Actually, to deviate slightly, it's a modern (Marilyn) Monroe and co. situation, obviously that control system never left; back then there was a moment where the private fantasy met the public as never before and mingled, or rather spilled out, and you might have seen it for what it was, what it is; I'm thinking right now of Hollywood tragedy. It's just that nowadays the poppy-cultured masses are doped to the eyeballs and tend to fixate on the glamour and the glitz, completely overlooking the trauma which is going on behind the scenes in order to preserve the image.

Back to Gopi Krishna and onwards, come on, come on, come on. He also reported being sexually continent during his kundalini awakening and subsequent experiences, the implication being that his sexual energy was concentrated elsewhere during such times. It does seem that when one manifests, the other switches off, and it would seem probable that to consciously abstain would allow for the manifestation of this other energy and potential. The purpose of abstinence through and through; no excess; balance. And the explanation seeming to be that both kundalini and sexual impulse stem from deep within, from the most basic, biological core of our being; likely integrated in this way, something intrinsic. But...

- and there are many angles to this - it's not that simple. Because society is increasingly hyper-sexualised and artificially gender-bent, throwing out any balance and keeping us hyper-stimulated, which means that little to no abstinence is taught on any level. Not only does this mean that our potential is crushed and practically non-existent, it also means that this inherent energy isn't being channelled properly and causes all manner of complications and problems on a personal and public (outward, external, global) scale. Here, a quote from Twin Peaks:

'...the problems of our entire society are of a sexual nature.'

It's not the only factor, obviously. Perhaps that's the more Reichian approach.

As important as it is to understand, truthfully, I'll backtrack slightly to the more personal level and how an unrealised 'potential' can have such serious ramifications. This suppressed state can create a host of complications affecting physical and mental health, these usually overshadowing the spiritual needs, and also impacting on our interpersonal relationships. We're locked into a vicious cycle. Similarly, if the kundalini is unleashed - that is, no longer suppressed (or a better word at this point would be repressed) - but awakened and not channelled properly, this can also cause nasty repercussions. Gopi Krishna experienced some ten years of torment, ups and downs, mental anguish and excruciating physical pain, which is enough to turn anyone away from the desire to seek, but he realised his mistake, that the energy was stuck at a certain blocked chakra point. And our man Richard Sauder also experienced his fair share of undesirable symptoms over the years. And it is solely for this reason, probably, that there is such emphasis placed on spiritual initiation and guru mentors. I myself don't think I could ever rely on someone else to show me the way, I'm just not one to be led, but I don't know, maybe it's a good idea. It's certainly a good idea and, actually, of utmost importance to your wellbeing to be confident, prepared, respectful, considerate, wise, et cetera, before you openly seek to awaken this dormant energy.

Before I pick up speed (momentum, not amphetamine), because I really want to get to the heart of the subject, I'd like to make a note on the sexuality matter. Simply, sex can work wonders. There is a lot to be said for abstinence though, as well, and not just from a sexual standpoint. Free love, sexual revolution shit, fine, acceptable to an extent, but never started with good intentions. This promiscuity they're promoting is designed to break down morals, destroy the balance, divide, manipulate - we don't have a choice, we're just fed it, and that's not natural. If we look to nature, it can get quite raunchy, like with the bonobo monkeys - they even turn greetings into an excuse for more sex - but they're also an incredibly peaceful species, the same of which cannot currently be said of us.
Homosexuality also occurs within nature, again, probably nowhere quite like it is within the bonobo community, and I can't see that there is anything wrong with this, we all have the masculine and feminine aspects to our psyche; it's only a problem when this is manipulated in order to throw out the natural balance we need to strive for and maintain. It should be horrifyingly apparent that this is what they're doing through popular culture and in mainstream society, constantly manipulating and engineering trends and desires, literally inducing states of mind. And what many are viewing as women's liberation in the modern age, sadly, that's not liberation, that is not empowerment; it is total exploitation. How have we been so foolish as to settle for anything less than emancipation?

Right, now, the heart of the subject which I really felt inspired to write about, second half of the chapter. Wilhelm Reich, despite his general dismissal of mysticism, developed the idea that the atmosphere itself carries a vital, living energy that he called orgone - a sexual energy or lifeforce which is distributed throughout the universe. To relate this to Robert Monroe's understanding of our sexual magnetism is interesting. Bob was convinced that this literal attraction is essential, intrinsic, and often occurred in the 'second state' (astral plane) as naturally as a greeting, a warm embrace - hm, like the bonobos - and, in the physical, this is translated to affection and sexual contact. When I first read that in Journeys Out of the Body it made so much sense on so many levels, it still does. But anyway, according to Reich, who I've not yet personally researched, the atmosphere is charged with bluish orgone energy and it is this energy that he contends lies at the heart of biological life - we breathe it in with every breath. Much like the concept of the prana (lifeforce) described in the Vedas.

Richard Sauder then draws attention to the significance of the following sentence:

'The form of the movement of biological energy is that of a slow undulation, reminiscent of the movements of an intestine or a snake.' - The Discovery of the Orgone: The Function of the Orgasm (Sex-Economic Problems of Biological Energy) by Wilhelm Reich.

This makes another possible correlation between bio-electrical energy and the kundalini. As we know, the kundalini is frequently associated with a snake in yogic literature and shamanism, its movement as snake-like. Reich may have been familiar with this literature and failed to mention it, or he may have subconsciously recognised and sensed its nature within himself.

Reich also maintained that orgone energy can be transmitted only by organic material - living tissue (plant or animal) or substances derived from such.

And then I'm questioning, could there be those among us who don't or can't transmit such an energy?

What about the disregard or misuse of this energy? What, then, of animals slaughtered in the manner that they are? Or trees, carelessly hacked down, like flesh torn from bone, no regard. What might this do to the energy or what energy might this release? I don't know if Wilhelm Reich addresses this in any of his books - perhaps - although it'd be speculation at best.

What about the manipulation of our senses by the artificial society that has a hold of us? Generating fear, stimulating lust... just what might they be obtaining from us?

Shaktipat is the transferral of energy from one person to another, usually from master to disciple. It can be transferred with mantra, look, thought or touch. Again, the sharing, encouragement and sustenance of energy. In Reichian terms, the master would transfer orgone to the disciple. Only, in the case of shaktipat, those who have mastered the energy have nurtured and allowed it to better adapt in the physical environment. We all have this potential, well, presumably all of us, it's just a matter of expanding our consciousness.

Human sexuality and procreation has been manipulated throughout history, surrounded by all manner of taboos, regulations and restrictions, as Wilhelm Reich will have realised, and Richard Sauder and Robert Monroe have highlighted. From the standpoint of those with authoritarian control of societies, this makes total sense. The motive force behind human sexuality is the kundalini, the super-conscious, universal lifeforce. In other words, there's a very good reason why they attempt to control and regulate sexual behaviour, it represents an attempt to alter, corrupt or suppress the kundalini (spirit) in the human, or social sphere.

So, the masses are permitted to over-indulge (all in good time, bit by bit, Brave New World; look at us now compared to just a decade or two ago) in whatever takes their demiurge-given fancy, as long as it's not pure. Pornography and the softcore family-friendly porn of pop culture cheapens everything about men and women and sexuality.

And what does this conversion of the general attitude and desires do to the nature of the spirit? What energy do we transfer tenfold or hundredfold back into the world? Whereas if we're focusing our attention and energy much higher, far greater, what wonders we might manifest for ourselves, each other. If we're preoccupied with debasement or corruption, more of that is what we'll see. And if we're looking at each other with respect and admiration, then that is the bigger picture we're painting.

Orgies aren't out of the question, surely. In all honesty, surely it depends on the good treatment of all involved. It's about consent, it's about freedom of choice; money doesn't figure, money has no place. But if such an act has been influenced by the concoction that is popular culture, it's not sincere but mimicry, degrading and humiliating, and of no true value to anyone nor the state of the planet.

In fact, if I may, I'm going to include the last few lines of the chapter as an excerpt. I've checked the copyright claim at the front of the book and acknowledge it - all rights reserved, no reproductions in any way, except for the inclusion of quotations or brief excerpts in a review. I'd say this was a bit of a review, wouldn't you? I encourage you to check out the book, I do. These next few lines are so well-written that it'd be a shame to massacre them by trying to explain in another way:

Kundalini Tales - Richard Sauder, Ph.D. - Adventures Unlimited Press - chapter 29 - page 64

'Of course, heterosexual intercourse creates a propitious set of circumstances (biological, genetic, spiritual) that facilitates the entry of human consciousness into this physical plane of existence. Thus the womb itself, when viewed properly, is actually a mysterious, interdimensional portal through which we all travel, male and female alike, as we pass from some other dimension and into this dimension we call "Earth". Sexuality, seen from this standpoint, is an interdimensional activity. In one sense, sexual intercourse by a potent man and a fertile woman can even be seen as a magical rite that conjures up a previously discarnate spirit and creates a body for that spirit to inhabit - presto sexualito! - a little baby is conceived and born.'

- I have my own ideas on this 'portal'-business, involving the moon (fertility, womb...) and the reproductive cycle. Regardless, the moon is influential, the desperate race to reach it, because 'he who controls the moon controls the earth.' It was U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Homer Boushey who made reference to this and how, if the statement proved to be true, "the U.S. must control the moon."

Let's continue with the excerpt:

'Watching over it all, from the inside, is the kundalini, the magical creative force that permeates the entire universe. No wonder that sex is so rigidly controlled by so many societies and religions. Interdimensional doorways and the activities that occur in their vicinity are the gates to the unknown and the unfathomable. Open those doors too wide and God knows what might happen - things might get out of control! And control is the last thing that authoritarian religions and political systems want to lose.'

Exactly. The snake, the serpent, is chaos; the natural order of the universe is chaos. Not disorder, just a higher order. But the buggers at the very top can't tolerate this. They need order out of chaos, right? That's the motto on the dollar bill, for sure. 'Novus ordo seclorum' which means 'New order of the ages'. Also reminds me of the masonic term, 'Ordo ab Chao' which means 'Order out of chaos'. They can't tolerate the natural order, so they disrupt our balance and create their own disorder from which they can claim control over us. This, my brothers and sisters, is one of the reasons they suppress the spirit and the soul.

Ride the snake, ride the snake,
to the lake, the ancient lake, baby,
the snake is long, s e v e n miles.
- 'The End' written by Jim Morrison (The Doors)

Seven chakra points. Trust me, this is the way. Ride the snake.

Church Swine

 

Oh, it must have been almost a month ago that my friend Jackie showed up with the then latest issue of NME and gave it to me - he'd bought it for me - and I didn't know what to expect, I've been kind of out of the loop for a while. My eyes adjusted and I saw Richey Edwards on the cover. Well thanks so much, bud, this is swell because I don't always enter into society, I would have missed this issue and probably the next 500 to come, but whatever, materials. This is neat though, so I'd intended to give appreciation.

If you've not heard of Richey Edwards, that's a shame. He was the co-lyricist, rhythm guitarist and representative for the Manic Street Preachers. They're one of several bands I hold in high regard, their social commentary is the most effective and they really spoke for a generation, especially at a time when Madchester, Britpop, alcohol and pills were on the agenda.

It was coming up to the 20th anniversary of their beloved album, The Holy Bible, and so that's why they've got an extensive feature in this issue. Ten pages worth, rightly.

That is a Kerrang issue on the left. Dirty, dirty mag. I heard there was a Manic's Holy Bible feature in there, and there it is, all of two pages. Most impassioned band to grace the pages of that rag in years, I reckon. Since they changed their demographic it's been like a cross between a dirty magazine and a kids comic.

Still, good to see them featured at all. Maybe some scene kids will be able to discern what's real from what is a ream of superficial ridiculousness.

Heading: IS THIS THE DARKEST RECORD EVER?

I consider it to be in that division. If not the darkest, then certainly one of. For a reason though; it's not dark for the sake of it; it is the unembellished, ugly truth which religions choose to ignore. And ignorance breeds suffering, so why does religion nurture it? Because the ignorant and the weak are easily herded.

For all of its truth, by no means is it an ugly album; it's a plethora of emotions, truly a work of art. What I say can scarcely do it justice. Lyrically scathing, poetic and poignant, too. Richey wrote around 70-75% of the lyrical input for the record and it is unparalleled. I can only imagine the exquisite works he'd have produced if he'd stayed around and been able to overcome his despair.

Cover slogan: BRAND NEW TESTAMENT

It's been almost a month and I've not read either article. I'm always preoccupied, hence the delayed appreciation. I would have liked to have taken a picture with the magazine on the early evening it was given to me, a sobering sunset, sat on a park bench, but never mind, instead what we have are a selection of photos in a church. Kind of appropriate, kind of senseless.

I actually took them to read, but didn't get around to it. I finished the last three chapters of Kundalini Tales, then found half a bottle of church wine and impulsively downed the lot. I don't even like alcohol, haven't touched it in a couple of years, so got considerably tipsy. Essentially drank the blood of Christ and let the congregation go without. Afterwards I tried to comprehend what made me think it was a good idea to begin with. Strange one. Brain's readjusted now.

Serpent and the Butterfly

A few reflections on this day, considering the expression that there is 'no such thing as coincidences' (but synchronistic events...)

I stopped by a church so as to read and meditate in the quiet, away from distractions. I've always been appreciative of the architecture and atmosphere of churches and that I can differentiate between the building and the oppression that surrounds it. The artificial lighting overhead was switched off, suitably, and I chose to sit in the aisle which had a nice golden glow about it.

I was finishing Kundalini Tales and reflecting on what I'd read after each short chapter, enjoying the calm and the space. The book, by the way, is about the 'serpent energy' or serpent-like energy that we supposedly have in our possession - an aspect of the divine within our souls. I've had many unusual and often captivating experiences since my mid-teens, although I'd never associated them with the kundalini as it's not something I'd heard of until recently; I'm still not sure that my experiences are related to it - there are definite similarities, also inconsistencies - but it is possible.

Several times I looked up at the stained-glass window beside me without realising which biblical passage the image stood for. Then I noticed the serpent on the staff behind the man and realised it was Moses and... ah yeah.

'Even so must the Son of Man be lifted up...' (John 3:14)

One of the passages I mentioned in Afterglow and how it could be an allusion to the kundalini. A couple more snakes entangled there, almost appearing as two-headed, a dualistic quality. Unknowingly I'd taken a seat next to the window that depicts the lifting of the serpent in the wilderness, which is compared to the later story of the Son of Man being lifted up, to read from my serpent-related book. A neat coincidence, I thought.

Then I heard some fluttering sounds across the other side of the church. A butterfly had got inside through a tiny window and couldn't get back out. I watched for a moment, thinking on how its life was short and precious and that if it couldn't get out it wouldn't get to enjoy its final phase of magnificence; how people, too, are trapped by the church and religion. Prisons of the cross. The butterfly is of great importance to me, its symbolism, I'll write more on this soon; the next phase in my spiritual development is the last and I believe it to be near. As a result, inner tension and conflict is at a peak, I'll either crash and burn - or - take flight, shine on, transcend.

So, I saw this butterfly as a symbol of my current situation - trapped, unable to get out or break habitual behaviours, stagnation... As far as I'm aware the butterfly found its way out within a couple of minutes - the fluttering stopped - I hope so. If I could have gotten a photo of it against the old lattice window and azure sky, that would have been rad. Alas...

I finished reading, three chapters to go, and decided to blast out some Japanese Voyeurs and Marilyn Manson's Mechanical Animals on the church speakers. Then vicar came along and I made a dash to turn the music down and off, fumbling with the controls, obviously he heard. Seemed a friendly guy, so I asked him a question about the stained-glass window, how he would interpret the line: 'That rock was Christ'. It took him a while to answer, he had to recall what he'd been taught - fair enough, there's a lot of passages to remember - and his interpretation was textbook, recital, of course; to do with Moses and Jesus in their respective times providing water to the needy people. He didn't go into detail about what water is representative of from a spiritual perspective, but that's what I was thinking of - the living water, the Holy Spirit, Mary, Star of the Sea...

Anyway, best thing he said was, "Yes, they seemed to be obsessed with serpents back then."

Yes, yes they did. Why oh why, vicar?

I told him I'm not religious but in the middle, taking from different sources, and that's my way. I assume he took this to mean that I'm lost, as he invited me to a free autumn course for 'those who think there is more to life'. I'm considering going along in October - me, the pilgrim - just to observe the indoctrination.

Now to tie up loose ends, get this poor show over with. The magic número trois. I was tired, had to decide on the short or long route home, happened to choose the long route, and so I walked right by a dead snake. I took this as similar symbolism to the trapped butterfly - stagnation, wasted and unmet potential, shadow side; imbalance; destruction...
I hadn't seen a snake in over a decade until now. I've seen a couple of slow-worms, heh. This was a grass snake, coiled, certainly dormant, quite flattened by the wheel of a car and quite dead. I should have taken a picture for archive sake, not at all morbid. Alas, t'was not meant to be.

No such thing as coincidences, but synchronistic events. Serpent and the Butterfly. Both are symbolic of renewal or rebirth. The serpent sheds its skin and the butterfly goes through its metamorphosis to reach that glorious stage. I see these examples as like living sticky notes, reminders. They're there, on the periphery, something is definitely in motion, definitely occurring. I think they're a reminder of how fragile life is, especially in my current state of health, and that I can either embrace these days or they'll slip away. I know which I'd rather.

Extrapolate

The definition in Collins fourth edition pocket dictionary: Extrapolate - 'to infer (something not known) from the known facts.'

This word was on my mind when I awoke in the early hours. I'm the life of the party, me. Not the most exciting word, I know, but that's the thing, I didn't opt for it. It was just there. And I'm confident that I've not even heard or seen it before, let alone put it there. I hadn't even consciously known the meaning, so yeah. Where did it come from?

Seems to correspond with a sliver of a conversation I'd had with a friend that night. Indeed, as I was semi-conscious, I noticed the internal monologue which supplemented it like a newspaper clipping:

West Ryder: Oh... Ian Curtis... occult.

Jackie: Sure you're not just seeing what you want to see?

West Ryder: I'm not saying he was in a cult, I'm saying I think he was interested in the occult - occult knowledge. The more I understand, the more I recognise it in others' works.

He just likes to shoot me down. I know what he means though. I highlighted this not so long ago. It would be easy to look for significance and find it everywhere to the point that it seems absurd, it might be nothing or it might be e v e r y t h i n g, however, these other times the significance feels drawn to our attention, drawn to us.

Maria

For the last 2-3 weeks (output: Blink, Blink and Afterglow) I had a feeling that there was something or someone with me, a strong sense that I was being guided each day that I wrote the aforementioned entries, that they were part of a process and apparently that process isn't over.

The knowledge and insights that I was provided were very alluring, seductive, that's the best way to describe the experience. In an abstract way, there were a few moments where I felt as if the serpent was speaking to me, the ancient imagery or the inner serpent, whispering. Sweet nothings, perhaps, although I'm discovering more and more that there seems to be depth to the information, a pattern is forming. For me this is undeniably a key of some sort... hopefully the door leads to a rising spiral staircase, rather than a downward spiral... though, as briefly considered in the latter of posts, maybe the way to get out is first by descent... internal landscape; external landscape; the external is a mirror of the internal; as within, so without.

Aside from being an abstraction, maybe I just felt the kundalini was stirring, beckoning or something, saying 'Bite the apple, come bite the metaphorical apple'. I mean I practically live on knowledge, it's a staple of my diet, so there's nothing more tempting than that.

Each day I'd be left alone at the end of my shift in consciousness. Then the following day the presence would be with me again and I'd continue to write a couple of paragraphs or so until the 'sister posts' were complete. During this timeframe I've been dancing more also, for two reasons. Firstly, dancing seems to be one of several ways to channel the 'irrational', that is to communicate with the subconscious and the spirit within. Secondly, I'm trying to get rid of some demons; trying to break some habits, and it really makes me feel better and pure.

When I say dance, I don't mean no two-step time-wasting, no lindy hoppin', no plastic Jagger contrived manner; I'm talking erratic dancing. Yes, erratic, chaotic, not erotic! There's not always a definite rhythm to it, or style, it can get to resemble a convulsion. It is, I would say, irrational. Often I'll have my eyes closed, focused on some intangible element in the dark and the mild opiate quality, allow the music to move me, shake like a maraca, ecstatic.

Out of this, out of the darkness, on this occasion, came two female eyes.

It was the last day of writing the latter post (Afterglow), the final paragraphs and the kinetic nuances in between, when I noticed there was someone 'with' me. Evidently female, though I only saw their eyes, there was a sense and also a sense of beauty that accompanied them, both aesthetically and on another level entirely. I was still dancing, still haywire, but I'd just entered into a serene state of mind. I felt as if I wasn't dancing alone, as though someone or something was tracing or outlining my own form, then I became aware of the eyes melting through the darkness. I didn't note the colour of her irises, it wasn't so clear, but what struck me was how her eyes seemed to be accentuated with eyeliner. They remained for no longer than ten seconds, they blinked a few times and were gone.

After the glowing, there was a permeating emptiness. The presence I'd felt around me for some weeks had also left. I'm sure it is nearby and will return. Now that I've had a taste I'm chasing that feeling, that beauty. If I can replace destructive ways completely with constructive, creative, then this is what I need to chase. Right now, without being fed knowledge, I feel like I'm bobbing for apples.

So, I did tell Calamity about this in passing conversation, because she's interested in this kind of thing, has an interest in my research - hell, she's the original 'mystic'. That said, she wasn't paying much attention as per usual; she's like the original autistic. That was until she saw a beautiful female face come through to her in the night, just prior to sleep, fading into view twice, before fading away.

'Refined features, high cheekbones, delicate nose; golden mean. Possibly of European descent. Hair not really visible, as if drawn back.'

The only thing she can't recall are the eyes, nothing specific about them. But if I had any doubts as to the reality or significance of what I saw, they are less now. The manifestation seems to me to have been an acknowledgement, recognition, even reassurance - a token of appreciation that we should be keenly seeking the truth. And, of course, on why Calamity was able to perceive the entire face - she's always had strong intuition, a far stronger sense than I.

What I want to know though is, is this outside guidance of here or of 'there'? In other words, is it from the vicinity and entering into my personal space, my subconscious mind, which I'd be wary of, or is it from whereabouts I 'fell'; where I belong? The former would bother me and I'd be careful how much I responded to its communion... some gatekeeper on the skyline or one of many minions. The latter should be trustworthy if of the final resting place. But how can I be sure?

Honestly, the sense was of beauty and innocence, also allure. Maybe that was my interpretation. I don't want to even suggest the idea of temptress, you know.

To be sure, in the near-automatic typing phase/haze/phaze I obtained a Ouija board, possibly against my better judgement. People have their conditioned views on the occult, so... Not long ago, I did too. As with anything unknown there is a risk I would say, but with preparation and discernment; preventative measures... As with drugs, you're tapping into the unconscious, opening yourself to these other realms, you've got to be wise, use not abuse. State of mind, location, people, intent...

Oh, the closest resemblance to the eyes are in that picture up there, eyeliner included. When I considered the likelihood of her wearing make-up, I was a little sceptical, it's not what one would expect, until I discovered that even the Ancient Egyptians and Romans wore shadow, liner, mascara etc.

I wanted to refer to her by a name, so I chose what came to my mind soon after, it somehow felt appropriate to name her Maria. If I could reach her again - that is if she's anything more than an aspect of my psyche, like the anima - then I'd like to know her actual name. If she has a name. God, this is weird. I didn't intend to communicate with her via the board, because I'm not sure that'd even be possible, however, if both board and 'spirit' work through access to the subconscious, then it should be.

Since choosing the name of Maria I've realised the obvious religious connotations this can have, which has led me to my next fragment of research. More on this soon.

Semi-Automatic Writing

When I have said that I am seeking truth or speaking truth and such potentially pretentious things as 'truth will out', by no means am I suggesting that I'm an oracle here. Let me just make that clear. This is an ongoing process, these are what I perceive to be the necessary steps and manner of unravelling screwed-up history, this is my truth. If you can take something from it, then that's great and I'm glad, that's the intention. But these are only events as I understand them or as they come to me, grasped and filtered by conscious mind, naturally different to the next person.

Some things I haven't been able to find elsewhere, typically in the way they are presented here, so this is my chance to archive them for myself and anyone with an interest. I try to think as critically as possible. I realise that I can be a contradiction, that's my polarity coming through, but I do what I can. All that you read is researched, validated or checked to the best of my ability, but do check for yourself and feel free to correct me if I've made a mistake. It's not about panic, paranoia or fear, I'm not satisfied with disinformation or unsubstantiated claims, though I do hypothesise and this will be apparent. Where applicable this is about separating fact from fiction and making sense of the whole situation.

This is a journey from ignorance to something more wholesome, and as the path is seemingly endless and with plenty of subjective nature growing as foliage either side, I accept that I'll probably never be fully satisfied. I'd just rather be moving, agile, than staring unknowingly at the path ahead.

Afterglow

Here are some stray thoughts that didn't make the cut in Blink, Blink.

 

The understanding therein came to me over the last few days, it has been a pleasure, so very seductive and electrifying. Of course it's just the start of coming to grips with the information, but I'm enthusiastic about what it all could mean. I was about three quarters of the way through writing it when the whole lot was erased. Just disappeared. Gone. And the auto-save feature just happened to swoop in at exactly the same moment, saving a blank document. That was at approximately 4AM. I was so upset, because this is a labour of love to me. The amount of time and energy spent - there was no way I could replicate or even want to try. I kept as calm as possible, tried a few things, even going so far as to close the browser, but it was no use. Only by some beautiful mystery did it reappear, literally as it sounds, ta-dah; the void gave birth to a dancing star. I admit, I did want for divine intervention. I'm so grateful, that's about all I can say. Truth will out.

 

Alison Maclean's film adaptation of Jesus' Son (1999)

I notice the significance of the image above. It is the Sacred Heart associated with the common Christ figure, pulsating on the bare chest of a man wearing a snakeskin jacket. It is just one of those synchronicities. Snakeskin jacket, baby!

 

The ancient Egyptians considered the heart to be an important aspect of the soul. To them, it was the seat of the soul and most other things were attributed to it; the snotty old brain organ was deemed pretty useless. They had some wild theories, as do we. The heart was thought to be the key to the afterlife, surviving death to be weighed in the underworld. A lifetime of good deeds meant a light and balanced heart and therefore safe passage into the Field of Rushes (heaven), whereas bad deeds would mean a heavy heart and eternal wandering through the underworld. I like how it is worded on Wikipedia: '...where it gave evidence for, or against, it's possessor.' As if the heart was an intimate akashic record; as if we are our own akashic records in essence.

Where did they get them from, these fears of divine judgement and retribution, demons and evil? Was this innate or taught and conditioned? Even if it was taught, it had to start somewhere. Does it not also seem like another opportunity to exert control over the people?

As for slippery serpents, the ancient Egyptians had a love-hate sort of attitude toward them and deities with such characteristics. This isn't so confusing when you think about the threat that snakes will have posed in their environment, it is not uncommon to see the serpent associated with the underworld and attributed to the turmoil caused by certain 'Gods'. However, one of the respected serpentine goddesses was Wadjet, patron and protector, early depictions show her as a cobra entwined around a papyrus stem - like the staff symbol, sacred image of the caduceus (of which the staff can represent the spinal column, I might add). Wadjet later became identified with war goddess, Bast. There's a link between Wadjet, Bast, Horus, Ra, Hathor (and so on...) and the all-seeing eye. I'm thinking they could represent Saturn (even though Ra is popularly accepted as having been a solar deity - see: Immanuel Velikovsky's Saturn Model and David Talbott's continued research in this sphere), but I'm struggling to make sense of it, what with there being so many deities and offshoots and deviations. It must be the most complex tale in all history.

This ambivalence for snakes has been throughout history, hence the nature of the caduceus and related symbolism, when in the winding of two snakes, it's this dualism that is so prevalent. They've long been associated with two sides; good and evil, life and death, creation and destruction.



The ancient Great Serpent Mound in Ohio, now thought to be circa. 300 B.C.

Notice from the source on the left, where it maintains its coil, there are seven bends that lead to the head of this serpentine effigy. Coincidentally, the same number as the major chakra points.

It is one of only a few surviving, as the rest were destroyed by paranoia as Roman-fuelled Christianity plagued the land.

Historically, serpents have often been symbolic of fertility or a creative lifeforce, and kundalini is a creative energy - understood as feminine, latent until awakened.



Brandon Boyd's back tattoo - the owl and Eye of Providence.

Brandon Boyd, all-seeing eye.

Here is an excerpt of an interesting interview with Brandon Boyd of Incubus (conducted by Sirona Knight and Michael Starwyn), now with added italics(!):

What is your opinion of God and Goddess?

For the past eight years I've been leaning more towards the Goddess. The energy I have experienced has definitely been feminine at its core. At the same time though, I've come to the conclusion that by putting a type of sex on it, one way or the other, you limit the energy. At this point, it, stressing the word "it," is far beyond my capability.

How does it feel when you tap into it?

It almost can't be described. I've had conversations with it, I've dreamt about it, I've felt it when I've been thoroughly enveloped in a painting, and when I'm creating something. At these points I feel I'm very in touch with it.

Like when you're merged into the process?

Exactly, I feel like, by me creating something in the creative process, that I am as close to it as I can get. I am in a sense emulating what it does. I am tapping into a place in you that is unexplored, and very dangerous, but I think essential to the creative life of an artist.





Great Serpent Mound illustration, not a totally accurate portrayal.

The triangular section of the effigy is considered to be the head of the snake, mouth open and extending around the oval feature - postulated to be either an egg, the sun, an eye, a frog...

I can see how it could symbolise fertility here, to think of it as an egg, it's quite beautiful. Though the first thing that struck me was how the curve of the triangular shape holds the oval symbol, and the dot in the middle, it resembles the ancient circumpunct symbol. The circumpunct has many ties, but the most common is surely its association to the sun (or had it once represented Saturn?). There are claims that the head and tail align with the sun of the summer and winter solstice respectively.

Serpent as symbol of fertility has my attention; still wondering how to interpret the words: 'Attracted to Infertility'. That was more than a month before this kundalini fixation - I can't see that it'd be relevant, unless it was a forewarning of sorts - follow/don't follow?

I have no reason to think of the kundalini as demonic, rather that it's a portal to the unknown, to a powerful and ancient spirit - presumably of the universe, of the creation, but likely a personalised form of; essentially one becomes a personification of this monumental intelligence, and to channel that is potentially dangerous or at the least unpredictable. It is when this is tapped into unwittingly that human derangement can occur - I believe 'mental illness' to be really of a spiritual nature, though that's not for me to explain here. It's a fine line, as between genius and some kind of divine, unintelligible madness - and it's not always pure. We've the limitations of the conscious mind - the 'doors of perception' - so we can't all expect to be resilient when it comes to converting the nature of the infinite. If you seek, then chances are you're reasonably assured as to what you will find. As well as this ancient spirit of possible ambivalence (filtered through a world of polarity), I suspect there are primordial spirits or entities that have been granted passage here. Our ancient ancestors may have been the first to summon or dream up these spirits, give them life - in dealing with a realm in which thought creates, crafted from the ambivalent creative Most High. Irrespective of where they came from, these spirits are the ones who can guide us or may lead us astray, particularly when we're vulnerable - and I think there's a certain amount of vulnerability required when opening oneself to the unknown and the transcendent.



Look at this chap, Buer, champion tennis player, but not such a good dinner guest.

On the other hand, one may trust that these things have little or no influence unless acknowledged; they require the belief in order to have the strength to act. To an extent I think that's true for the non-religious, non-spiritual, sceptics; those disassociated and removed from such realities, they don't let themselves get close enough. That's not necessarily a fault either, it's kind of subjective. But even without the belief, when these types of people are weak from ill health or in a lowered state of mind, their usual guards are down, can they be manipulated? These things are still there even if we're oblivious to their existence...

How I feel at present, the nature of this place means we need to really consider what we're dabbling with. And whatever we choose to do should be done with understanding and respect.

The information centred around the serpent and kundalini that had been imparted to me, was it guidance or a trap? Doubt as a defence mechanism is imperative. I'm always thinking, always observing from as many angles any given situation, and won't rest until I'm confident I have the answers.

Ancient Greek stone tablet.

The serpent is an archetypal image and the kundalini energy might in some way relate to the anima, but then what of the animus? And because this imagery has been with us throughout history in one light or another doesn't mean that it is natural or good. It could be an embodiment of the creator or ruler of this dominion. Depending on how its words are taken, it could ensnare us and be our undoing - or - be our making, our salvation. Like 'siding' with the enemy, getting close enough to understand the logistics of the situation in the hope of escaping.

If you're fatalist by admission

and you're tangled in the web of denial

well there's only one way that you're going to get out

that's if you go to the source of the fire.

- Cedric Bixler-Zavala, 'In The Lurch', ANTEMASQUE

Following the signs I've noticed the synchronicities that come in time, an alignment. Might say I'm reading into things too much, but I don't think so - I know the difference between looking for significance everywhere and seeing significance as it enters my little world; difference is these things are naturally brought to the attention.

 

Florence + the Machine, Ceremonials, the songs and their lyrics are curious to say the least. Seven devils, as well as being a song by Florence, get a mention in the bible under St. Luke 8:2 and St. Luke 11:26 -

 

'And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils.'

 

'Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself; and they enter in, and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first.'

 

For now let us not get hung up on madam Magdalene or Jesus, whether they existed or were conjured up, revised editions of even older myths, or what kind of a relationship they may or may not have had, or indeed what brand of loincloth the Son of Man may have worn.

Seven devils, seven deadly sins, seven 'archons' (of the firmament) and seven chakras. What does it mean? The way I interpret it is that with the opening of each chakra point, we are exposing ourselves to the darkness and the unknown - our own personal demons or external terrors or both - however this is necessary so that we may harmonise and secure each point or portal, allowing the light to pour in and initiate change, enlightenment, transcendence. The masculine and feminine aspects even-out, coexist. The devils or archons (or whatever you wish to refer to them as) can and do influence us, keeping us stuck so they can control our fate - the sins are an extension of this, the tool, the temptation. I'm not going to be a doom merchant and claim that sin will have us all sent to hell, there's enough of that being tossed about. This is hell enough when it wants to be - Mephistophelian - though by its nature we can describe it as a purgatory where both the shadows and the light meet. There is something that transcends all of this, higher ground (planes/plains), and there are also lower planes of existence. But what we know now is cyclical, until that cycle is broken.

That second passage (St. Luke 11:26, also mirrored in St. Matthew 12:45...) uses the word spirits instead of devils to describe these seven 'inhabitants', when in other places of the bible seven spirits are of God, they're of the Holy Spirit. It's a messy piece of work as far as I'm concerned, not clear, it's all over the place, like a bad cut n' paste job. But it implies descent, a fall, a decline as opposed to transcendence; the last state is not liberation but total demonic possession, ravagement. Isn't this meddled with, in reverse order to what we're beginning to understand beyond the pages of the black book?

See, later on, in the Book of Revelation (also known as the Apocalypse, which simply means 'to uncover' or 'reveal') the seven spirits are referenced again, this time in a positive light, but without any clarification or distinction between the seven (devils/spirits) previously mentioned. Here, Revelation 1:4 -

'John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne.'

Apart from the capital 'S' for 'spirits' this time, there's no explanation for why the seven in Mary happened to be evil, but elsewhere (i.e. here) they're holy. I guess the capital 'S' is supposed to make all the difference. Shoddy, just shoddy. But I do like what the bible has to say, don't get me wrong - to dip into and extract meaning is what it's all about, otherwise as a whole it is horrendously repetitive and just not that interesting. Good for scares and laughs, perhaps. Anyway, these seven spirits in Revelation are of God, that's the idea. Here they are again, Revelation 3:1 -

'And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.'

Why so many sevens? There are seven candlesticks, seven gifts, seven stars, seven of everything - honestly, the number is used over 700 times throughout the damn thing. Hey, that's more 'sevens' than the 'fucks' in Limp Bizkit's 'Hot Dog' song. Well, why? It is said that the number indicates perfection and is therefore God's number. I don't know how that ties in with the seven evil spirits of Mary Magdalene, but whatever, nothing's perfect.

'And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.'  (Rev. 4:5)

'And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.'  (Rev. 5:6)

Vagueness. First we must realise that seven spirits are of God, of the Holy Spirit. Though a woman such as Mary is introduced not as possessing them; instead she is possessed by seven spirits said to be evil. Interesting that. The Holy Spirit is the mystical nature that's around us, nearby, inside; within. It is still with us, it's our contact with the 'outside', the 'one true beauty'. The seven spirits of this mystical nature and divine beauty can be received or accepted into our lives. They originate from and lead us back to the 'throne', where we belong. They are (of) the seven (major) chakras. Stars, seven of 'em, feasibly a reference to the seven classical planets (wandering stars) known at the time, which heavily influence us physically and spiritually; matter and mind. Jesus is shown to hold a symbol of these stars in his right hand, which means despite their influence we have the key to transcend their authority. Look, Revelation 1:16 through 1:18 -

'And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.'

I believe that Jesus is representative of ourselves, and as Jesus is the lamb of God, so are we. And if we're not the lamb, then we are the sheep, okay. The lamb with seven horns and seven eyes, which are of the seven spirits sent forth into all the earth. Horns and eyes; power and knowledge; omnipotence and omniscience. We can be as the lamb. Our sacrifice, our trials and tribulations, our path through the shadows and into the light.

It is an individual process, however we should encourage and guide each other, connect with likeminded - what Rumi described as a caravan of souls - for otherwise we may become lost in the desert.

Jesus and words as a weapon - Holy Rap, Holy Spit.

Imagine that, seeing someone with an actual sword protruding from their mouth. Of course, it's not literal, nor a stab at surrealism, nor is it an allusion to Jesus' sword swallowing pastime; the sword of the spirit is the word of God. When we allow the spirit into our lives, it speaks through us truths. It is our weapon against the enemy, our saviour in that sense, it may deliver us from evil. The spirit is not only residing where we belong, it is also here with us, able to be tuned into. Psalm 139:8, 9 and 10 -

'If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.'

And Psalm 139:23 and 24 -

'Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.'

The spirit may simply be of the soul, as that is what connects us to... 'Mother of Pearl'! Of the soul, and then given the signal via awakening of the kundalini and activation of the chakras - it's as much about cleansing as anything. As for the psalm, don't our souls (and therefore great spirit and maker) know us better than anyone ever could? Know our hearts and thoughts, our intentions, our genuineness. Ah, like the hypothetical akashic record!

It is by improving our relationship between body and mind, balancing the dark with the light, this acceptance of both sides, which enables us to transcend.

As we progress there are the seven gifts brought by the Holy Spirit (or seven spirits), which is depicted as a dove.

Isaiah 11:2 and 3 -

'And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord.'

Whether we take as gospel (ha) what they say the gifts represent is down to personal choice, but know that they're the different stages of spiritual growth, what new understandings each chakra brings and how each phase of our life coincides with that. Surely there is knowledge, wisdom, understanding, enlightenment and harmony. Smart choice of words with the 'fear of the Lord' though. The rulers of this world have taken the beauty from outside of here and turned it into something grotesque and fearful to keep the people grounded. Severing the breast and nursing the young.

Fear is of their simulated nature.

And a certain 'fear of the Lord' has been re-understood as wonderment and awe - to make it easier to swallow.

We don't need their tantrumous, jealous, male wino of a creation. No way, it's perverse. We don't need no thought control, and hey, while we're on the subject, why don't you leave those kids alone!

If the Christian God exists in the manner that he's painted, the male bravado, the egomania, then I'd rather side with his opposite. And I mean that more than anything. Who would want to lounge in the company of that fig roll? He's a joke; quick to judge, close-minded, utter bore.

But I don't believe it for one moment, so in that sense I've already chosen his opposite; some alluring beauty.

Cedric of The Mars Volta. Kudos to the individual who photo'd and public domain'd this.

"I'm interested in the parts of religion that aren't talked about," so said by Cedric Bixler-Zavala (frontman of At the Drive-In, The Mars Volta, ANTEMASQUE...) in this neat interview. When you begin to appreciate how there is hidden meaning within the text or that which goes unaddressed, that's when it gets interesting, that's when it starts to make better sense. In order to keep the herd bewildered, scripture had to be inadequate. That's where its strength lay, it's so vague, so it could function as it has and be taught and taught the way it is.

In fact, yesterday morning I woke with a few words balanced on the tightrope between conscious and subconscious: 'copyright', 'illegal' and 'reinterpret'. I didn't know whether the bible would be a copyrighted piece of work in all honesty, but it is a piece of work, copyright also. More to the point, do 'they' allow the freedom of interpretation (or reinterpretation)? They can hardly stop anyone, but it is strongly discouraged. I did a little searching and didn't think I found much, aside from Martin Luther of the 16th century saying that one shouldn't dare to reinterpret the 'word of God', even when it might seem foolish and strange to human reason.

'Understand the simple meaning of these words, the way they are usually read. You shouldn't dare to reinterpret the Word of God your own way. It's better to think, "I don't understand these words. But before I change them, take something away from them, or add to them, I would rather leave them alone. I'll give them to God."'

That says it all, that's the typical attitude - no thought outside the box, no stepping out of line, otherwise the whole façade falls apart. It's this rigid thinking that has prevented transcendence and evolution as a collective.

Then I was told to look at the very end of the bible, it's there as well. Fail-safe.

'For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.'

Manipulative, threatening, abusive. Yawn. And yet people still take it at face value and buy the lies, none the wiser, cowering beneath Father's whip hand. Be ye wise.

'Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues.' (St. Matthew 10:16 - 17)

That there is the serpent and the allegory of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the same sentence, and from Jesus' mouth no less. There is no mention of evil or fallen angels, only wisdom. Wise as the serpent; energy, power, knowledge, and shrewd all the while, which can't really be labelled as good or bad, it just is, a sort of mixed blessing, and harmless as the dove; the spirit itself, a certain pureness, what you were most familiar with when you were a child. It's the mixing and balancing of these two qualities; the spirit meets the base, the raw, the fleshly.

And before Christianity interfered, the serpent was emblematic of renewal, physical and spiritual rebirth, along with the creative, fertility, and dualistic aspects. So, in the case of the kundalini, the individual experiences a sort of shamanic death, a cleansing, a shedding of the old and an invitation of the new, a more fruitful life. That was likely the serpent's most significant attribute in all of the symbolism through the ages.

Moses and the serpent entwined on an effigy of the individual.

Speaking of this metaphysical rebirth, Jesus makes a comparison between the raising up of the Son of Man (technically us, we're in this position) and Moses raising up the serpent. St. John 3:13 and 14 and 15 -

'And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.'

So, on that note, either 'Satan' himself wrote the bible as trickery or these are some hidden truths which predate Christianity and have been bound within. There seem to be allusions to these older philosophies scattered throughout the text; with reference to the kundalini, the chakras, the pineal gland, et cetera.

Codex Gigas (Devil's Bible)

Ride Like The Devil's Son. I realise that what I've said here can be considered satanic to some, it's sort of mandatory for the preachers, but it's not so black and white as that, one extreme to the next, never is it so simple. I accept no sides really. And it's somewhere in between, ideally, that we need to coexist. Again, it's about finding that balance. There are favourable things to be said for both Christian morality and Satanism, too, and strewn elsewhere. Good can be found. It's the obvious lies and oppression that I'm against, the fraught world that bothers me, otherwise I exist quite happily on my own path.

As for Anton LaVey, I have a newfound respect for what the man had to say. Not a respect for him necessarily, because I had not known him personally, I'm still wary of his intentions and I don't agree with everything he said, but I can definitely appreciate where he was going with his ideas, the role that he played in this cycle of life. It's just a fine line between the smooth transition and the fall of an Empire into debauchery, lunacy, rampant orgies and people frothing at the pores. That's what I remain cautious about, how this is going to pan out, and so I'm keeping an eye on the future.

This line of inquiry comes at a time when rebirth - a collective cleansing (not ethnic cleansing!) - is due, probably long overdue. The truth can't be suppressed much longer, surely. The Age of Aquarius shall be as an apocalypse; an uncovering, but with all the disorder the transition brings, how will society fare? I think that if you view Anton LaVey's work, you will see how the plan is to integrate a Brave New World, he practically spells it out, and it is this system that is ruling us. Whether Anton was a cog in the machine, I don't know, I have my suspicions, he did make reference at least once to being part of a 'pretty big institution'. He essentially wanted the same thing they want. He may have meant well, but they don't. It all depends on whom the power rests with. No religion or government can offer salvation, only we have the means for that.

Yes there are forces at work of which we have little understanding, and they'll manifest in whatever form we see fit, but as St. Matthew 10:16-17 says, it is man we have to be wary of. That's when we're dealing in the Faustian, dealing with the Mephistophelian, the snakes in suits; it is the untamed shadow side of human nature that causes such darkness.


So much for 'some stray thoughts', hey.