Why the Spider?

I woke up with this concept on my mind, it's a continuation on the previous post, if you like. Stream of consciousness neatened up a bit.

Early summer morning, fine silk now dwindling...

Why do we need spiders? I used to ask that question when I was younger. I've never been too keen on spiders, so I'd wonder why they had to exist. Nowadays I'm much more accepting of them, I leave them be or catch them in a jar to release them back outside. Still though, the question stands. Of course, spiders are good exterminators; nature's own pest control, they ensure the numbers of other insects are kept down. That's the idea. I used to think that if there weren't flies, then we wouldn't need the spiders. But flies are good decomposers, they take out the trash. So the spiders are in place to keep flies (as well as other little bugs) from getting out of control. Everything has it's place in the ecosystem, right, all about maintaining balance.




A clever design, however you look at it. Is it implemented by something or someone; a creator? The 'Great Architect of the Universe' as the Freemasons neutrally use to refer to deity, being that on the surface this encompasses whatever belief one has.

Are there watchers? In other words, are we being observed by interdimensional beings? If this is an illusion, a computer generation of sorts, a simulated environment...
Have you ever experienced a glitch in what you define as your reality?

I remember reading about the video game Far Cry 2 - the environment featured wildlife, but the developers didn't include any carnivores, as predators without careful control would have eaten all the herbivores and then starved to death.

Balance.

If something has a fault it gets rectified in time through what we call evolution. Life - this creation - has not been finished, it's a work in progress. What are we heading towards? What are we aiming for? An uninterrupted symbiotic relationship between soul and body? Therefore purity in matter, not only in mind? Perfection? Purity and perfection, human terms. All human terms, though the existence of a soul (or 'second body') is irrefutable to many. If we are aiming for immortality, will the pursuit of certain technology bring us to such an outcome? Transhumanism. Are we essentially working for and with 'God' or 'Gods' so as to attain the perfect ecosystem?

Prosthetics... mentioned throughout history.

Society already seems to be dependent on technology. It's being pushed upon the masses all the time, even just with gadgets that people can't seem to live without. People are attached to their phones (cue the surreal imagery).

One thing we should do is look at both sides of an argument, and that's the point I'm making in comparison to the previous post. Could the elite be a further system in place to keep us subdued for a universal reason or purpose? That wouldn't mean they'd realise it, the same as we don't. Just as there are predators in the animal kingdom; to keep the numbers down. On a subconscious level, could the elite and a depopulation agenda be working for the greater good? Could it fit into some universal plan? It's not a pleasant thought, but I'm only theorising. Which would you prefer, mindless killing or for there to be some divine purpose behind it all? Both are concerning really, as both suggest that at the root of it all is the capacity for evil.

I'm not suggesting the elite are good in any of this, but are they merely puppets to something else; are they being used to utilize a system? What the universe wants, it gets. Hypothetically speaking, as a fail-safe, it might use the elite to commit genocide to ensure continuation of the planet. Alternatively, it might not be a question of sacrifice, it's feasible that something may have taken control of the planet or the solar system, though that's another topic entirely...



Channel 4's Utopia pushed a similar concept to this; depopulation to ensure the survival of mankind.

If it doesn't end with the psychopathic elite, but is actually part of some grand scheme, then I'm not at all comfortable with the idea, though I can accept the potential of it being a reality. Maybe I'm just too sensitive.

The more sensitive you are, the more certain you are to be brutalized, develop scabs. Never evolve. Never allow yourself to feel anything, because you always feel too much. - Marlon Brando

After all, not everybody seems to care, not enough people. And then there are those that do care, do feel - we feel cheated. Again, does this suggest something? Why is there a minority who are aware of the injustice? Do we have a right to feel this way? Why exactly are we different, is it a matter of non-suggestibility? Society as a whole is kept suppressed, told how to think, how to dress and what to eat, this is social engineering.

A wise man told me that we are born with wings

but never taught to fly

doesn't that make you wonder why?

...

Now you're taught to remain a hamster on a wheel until you run out of energy

...

When did we stop believing? When did we stop marching? When did we stop chanting?
- Suli Breaks, excerpts from his spoken word poetry from the song 'Glass' by Kasabian

It's arduous being awake while everyone is asleep. We see things we shouldn't, we see what we perceive to be corruption. Maybe we've a right to feel cheated, maybe that was the intention of that which created us - for balance - but if we stand and speak our minds, are we then an obstruction to a work in progress?


Men at work; two men beating up a cloud.

Sort of like we're the butchers to the architects (and their architecture). Really, what if we are effectively the pests to their system? And don't the pests often get rooted out? Think of some notable individuals that have dared to speak their minds and look at what became of them.

Maybe we can't settle for world peace yet; we're not ready; it's not yet time. Perhaps the many deaths of radicals was never such a bad thing, just part of the smooth running of things. Being as I am, feeling as I do, I find this inconceivable, but you never know, maybe it makes some warped sort of sense.

Why the spider? To keep the flies in line.

How Long is a Piece of Food Chain?

The following is a series of notes in the order they were written. The notes were made after reading from two very different books; a fact book on insects and Journeys Out Of The Body by Robert A. Monroe.

People have domesticated silkworms for so long that these insects no longer exist in their natural habitat; they're entirely dependent on humans.

Individually we can learn a lot by observing, studying or researching insects. Many of society's inventions have been inspired by or modelled off of the insect world. If we would look more often to this secret world, it would give us a better perspective of our position in the grand scheme of things.

Scientists have developed 'insect robots' that mimic the agility of real insects. These robots are used to explore dangerous areas, such as minefields and the surface of other planets. The smallest of these robots are about the size of a coin and can be deployed by the military as miniature drones (UAVs) for covert operations.

 

Crickets and cicadas have been captured and reared by humans for the beautiful sounds they can produce. Keeping crickets as pets emerged in Ancient China.  In the early 12th century the Chinese people began holding cricket fights, a type of blood sport involving male crickets which is still popular to this day. The crickets are selected, bred, fed on special diets and kept separate by their keepers before being made to fight. Before fight night, female crickets are thrown into the mix to arouse the male's fighting spirit.

 

Insect farming is the practice of raising insects for agricultural purposes.

 

Beneficial insects (or beneficial bugs) are any species of insects that are viewed as being valuable to the smooth running of an agricultural system. The concept of beneficial is subjective and only arises in light of desired outcomes from a human perspective. In farming and agriculture, where the objective is to raise selected crops, insects that impede upon the production process are classified as pests, while insects that facilitate production are considered beneficial.

Researchers have been modifying the genetics of a variety of insects, such as mosquitoes, olive flies, fruit flies, moths and bollworms. There are various reasons and so-called benefits for doing this, the primary being pest control and reduction in the ability to reproduce. Geneticists plan to 'build a better bee' - because bees just clearly aren't good enough! Thousands of other insect and arthropod genomes have also been announced.

Insects were the first to 'domesticate' other animals. Ants 'tame' the larvae of particular butterflies and aphids to extract honeydew from them.



© Rosarinagazo CC 2.5

 

 

Termites created the first ever colonies with queens, soldiers and workers.

Does that confirm that this hierarchical behaviour is inherent within us; within nature?

Does it mean we have to accept and endure it?
Or is the difference that we can be conscious of it? If we're not happy about it we can rise above that system - evolve essentially.

Because it's a part of the insect world and seen throughout nature, does that make it right?

And if we find it difficult to consider that we may be dependent on some kind of intrinsic system, doesn't that suggest something?

But if we wanted to break away from the order would we be allowed?

 

Workers - Metropolis (1927)

Clearly the elite (above and beyond) function in that way, their mentality is to control and enslave. Though not all of us 'worker ants' share the same idea; we don't all want to be part of their present system or their future vision. Within nature there are the 'pests', those that go against the grain. Was this by design?

 



Saintly Maria - Metropolis (1927)

Are we fundamentally nothing more than big insects? The distinction being that we have a feeling there is something more going on behind the scenes; we're conscious of the bigger picture.

 

Insect Royalty

Termites constructed the first 'skyscrapers' - towers of baked mud and saliva that are home to millions of termites. The large white queen lives in a special royal chamber while the other chambers are used for raising the young or accumulating food.


Hey, maybe they really revere their queen.

 

Image by Kreuzschnabel/Wikimedia Commons, License: artlibre



 

Look at early civilizations with their pyramid-building and their king and queen, soldiers and servants. Obviously these hierarchies still exist today, they're just not so direct.

 

El Tajin, Mexico

 

 



Great Sphinx and Pyramid of Khafre, Egypt





 

 

 

 

 





Great Pyramid of Egypt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Insects have always been of great importance to human civilizations. People rear and use insects to obtain valuable materials, such as silk, honey and wax.

 

There are also many insects that need animal or human blood to survive.

 

Just as many cultures eat insects and consider them to be delicacies.

 

Depictions of scarab beetles were often carved on Ancient Egyptian gemstones and jewellery, as they were thought to bring good luck and ward off evil.

 

Where did this perception of evil begin?

Where did legends of mythical creatures stem from? Ignorance? Mere storytelling?

Are we less ignorant now or are we being deluded?

 

Naturally the Ancient Egyptians had a close connection with the insect world, of which they worshipped and treasured various arthropods.

 

Did mankind adopt the hierarchy that it observed from the insects?

 

 The insect world is a microcosm of ours. Our world is a microcosm of the universe, and so forth.

 

Are we at the top of the food chain?

Throughout man's history, fear and sexuality have been the major motivating and control characteristics in all forms of social organisation.

 

 

Is the human race being exploited?

Could the oppressors also be the oppressed?

 

Where The Insects Run The Show

Bequeathed by Mr R Erickson
West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum

Look at this jumble of bugs. Imagine opening a drawer to find this little lot. There appears to be an assortment of butterflies, moths, beetles and dragonflies. Even though they're dead and encased behind glass, they'd likely make your skin crawl if you weren't a fan of insects. With their rich colours, this array could effectively blend with a littering of Autumn leaves on the ground. The patterns and eyespots, what are they saying? What do they say to you?

There's not enough recognition for the incredible and enlightening societies of the insect world, I think it's a great shame. Individually we can learn a lot by observing, studying or researching them. There are over one million different species of insects - compared to just the one human species.

The image is from the inlay of Kasabian's third album West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum, an album I'm really fond of for its concept, style, art, lyrical content, overall comprehensive sound and the mystical nature of certain tracks especially. It's like all the great 'psych' films rolled into one and put to music, turned into a soundtrack. If the walls of an old asylum would speak, these recordings are what we'd hear. The album is residual energy. It's like a collage of male and female eyes all fluttering in their own times and bathed in sunshine, moonlight, shadows and smeared mascara... a cluster of headaches, desperate voices and sensual whispers curling in the air... all of these racing thoughts and feelings, flights of fancy... passionate, romantic, misunderstood, forsaken, nostalgic, poignant, idealistic, restless, delirious, neurotic, esoteric, blissful, grandiose, indestructible... sexual tension, fevers, cold lightning, warm rain... English rose bleeding against a white picket fence... golden meadows, high kites, dandelion wishes... summer days where dreams run into reality in the disorienting heat... long summer nights with no definite end in sight...

This is how I'd begin to describe what the music does for me. As a work of art it has been deeply affecting. For me there's no doubt in my mind that this is a summer record. The photo of the dead insects has a vibe about it as if autumn is drawing in, but they've been in the glass case for years and years, the change of season is always coming, never settling. The insects are preserved, that is, in permanent stasis. I think it's suitable, fitting for the concept, and it's the centre of the inlay. I've not found any posts on the internet giving appreciation on this, only a piece of information about the plaque below the insects (which is supposedly a reference to Roky Erickson of the 13th Floor Elevators). Although I see it as art - and that is its purpose in the booklet - I guess it's a collection from a museum. It's incredible, so I just wanted to share it. Isn't that part of the beauty of physical copies of albums? The artwork, the layout, the background. Brings another perspective, the visual aspect to further bring alive the themes present within the songs...

Opposing Transmissions

 

Click here to read the previous post - Transmissions

 

Life can be awe-inspiring and people can be friendly - that's all fine and dandy - but when should we think beyond that? Because being in a state of turmoil can be a blessing in disguise, just as bliss can give rise to ignorance. Much can be learnt through suffering, providing we make the conscious effort to work through our problems so we can emerge from the ashes. Hardships are so raw, so visceral, they can make real of us, they expose the natural emotions which too often are bottled up. A person who knows what it's like to suffer, they are oft-times the most genuine and warm-hearted people you'll ever meet. Whereas, there's a point at which positivity becomes almost a caricature of itself and then works to dehumanise the person. A good example of this on a larger scale (for the simple fact that it is current) is the New Age movement. Not to tarnish all the followers with the same brush, nor to discredit their various beliefs, but I ask that you evaluate what you're seeing and hearing when you look into their practices. When they speak of ascension, they suggest that we're on the verge of a spirited new era - the 'Age of Aquarius' - but how can they be so blissfully ignorant that they don't see the state of the rest of the planet? It's not improving. Ascension = collective delusion. Don't get me wrong, I'd welcome spiritual transformation of the planet tomorrow (or today), but it's not happening until we face the facts. While New Agers have their heads buried in the sand (or buried where the sun don't shine), they're not facing reality, they're hoodwinked. I have found many New Agers to be self-centred, and with good reason, as their focus is on the 'self' - much like in satanic teachings. The new age they're being led towards is not all that they're imagining it is.

 

 

'Be the change you wish to see in the world.' - a popular quote, mistakenly attributed to Gandhi

 

 

One could argue that in order to change the world, we must first start with ourselves. Fine, to an extent that's true, and we do need to focus on our own development. New Agers could claim that this is what they're doing, however most perceptible is the mindless self-indulgence and the lack of responsibility that comes across, relatively carnal. The approach isn't working, clearly, and time is of the essence. We're at a crucial point in history where we've essentially two choices; assert ourselves in the face of opposition or face the consequences. This is why the New Age movement is a classic example of where positive thinking can overstep the mark into the realm of sheer ignorance. It's replacing one illusion with another, that's all it's doing. They live in their own bubbles, their own created realities, thinking that as a collective we are at an exciting moment in time, which we're just not. They fill their worlds and minds with make-believe, not to mention materials. Again, I'd like to make it clear that I'm not tarnishing all followers with the same brush, as there are genuinely good people who are - or were - part of the movement; the same can be said of any religion, however it's this blinkered view of the world that is so detrimental to any so-called ascension.

 

We can create realities for ourselves and it's important that we see our potential to do so, but it's almost a form of delusion when we're not seeing the bigger picture - everyone else's perspective.

 

 

'Happiness is only real when shared.'

 

 

Transmissions

Negative attracts negative, positive attracts positive, but neither condition secures the outcome. We're not talking about relationships, but if we were we've all heard how like attracts like, but also how opposites attract. And again, neither condition can reasonably be said to secure the outcome - good and bad can arise in any situation, it doesn't mean you're set for life.

Nowadays this concept is commonly associated with the 'Law of Attraction' and has been adopted as one of the core beliefs of the New Age movement. The phrase was first coined in the late 1800s and the concept really began to gain popularity throughout the 20th century. Before reaching the Western hemisphere, however, such principles had long been taught in Eastern philosophies. The Law of Attraction could be seen as being an extension of the karmic laws and may well have drawn its roots from them.

If the Law of Attraction had been a creation of the New Age movement, there'd be valid reason for scepticism. While there is surely good to be found in some of the New Age teachings and values, it would seem to be a smokescreen for the underlying intent of the movement. I suspect that it was based on deception from its foundation, however it may have been that it was infiltrated early on. This is something I'll be writing more about in the near-future, so you'll be able to determine for yourself. Interestingly, it's a movement that has become widespread in our society in the last few decades and one which continues to gain momentum.

In 1969, Anton LaVey, founder of the Church of Satan, said "We feel that all religions are coming around to Satanism. We're in the very throes of a new satanic age, the evidence is all around us, all we have to do is look at it." He can be heard saying this on the documentary Satanis: The Devil's Mass (at around 1:10:38). Last time I checked this was available to watch online, no prizes for guessing where. If it's no longer there, I'm sure it can be found elsewhere on the net. Now I'm not for a moment suggesting that Anton LaVey was directly linked to the New Age movement, but I believe there's an overlap between the principles of Satanism and the New Age philosophy.

Full quote: "It seems that most religions now are buying oats for a dead horse. We feel that all religions are coming around to Satanism. We're in the very throes of a new satanic age, the evidence is all around us, all we have to do is look at it. There's a new title for Christians called Christian Atheists, and of course many movements such as the Unitarian Church have existed for a while in what would amount to ... a form of atheism in evening clothes. And we feel that there's no reason why these people shouldn't just flip the coin completely over and simply call themselves what religion has called them for many, many years. Call them devil worshippers, or disciples of evil, or Satanists. Of course it's very hard for a person to hang an uncomplimentary label on themselves, and for this reason for many years there will be people practising Satanism as good Christians or other religions, and they will instinctively pursue the very same things that we are, as they always have."

For now, though, I'd like to focus on the concept of thoughts creating and shaping reality. It has been referred to by many a name before it became mainstream, before it was sold as the Law of Attraction. You can call it what you like. Cause and effect sums it up well.

You can probably remember an occasion when you were in a particularly negative mindset. How did this affect the people around you, how did they react? How did your situation impact upon others? Have you ever experienced a succession of misfortunes and the worse you felt the more detrimental things appeared to get? Ever tried to avoid somebody only for your paths to cross?

'Misery loves company.'

I've experienced phases of despair. These visceral, bubonic feelings festering in the gut and decaying in the brain. Walking the Earth in all of its fiery and treacherous glory. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it evokes unwanted attention. Some people keep their distance and others are exploitative for their own sick gain. In any case, you'll gravitate towards people of a similar disposition. It didn't take too many years for me to learn the skill of acting as if everything was fine, presenting myself as others did, so that it wasn't obvious on the surface to vulturous types that I was still in fact wounded.

You'll also remember the times that you were in an especially positive frame of mind. How did this reflect on the people around you, how did they respond? How did your attitude influence and inspire others? - It's rather infectious, isn't it! - Think of someone that you've met who seemed to ooze with enthusiasm. Think of how exciting they were to be around, how desirous they made you feel towards life, and of the exhilarating enigma that surrounds and penetrates their whole being. They exude confidence and people are attracted to them like moths to the light.

 

'Smile and the world smiles with you.'

I've certainly had episodes of elation and I've seen and felt the results of such a phenomenon. The world takes on a different tone (or frequency, if you will). Life can be awe-inspiring, people can be friendly. It's such a shock, such a difference, after walking solely in the shadows. The world is seen in a different light. If you've not consciously made the effort to change your attitude and perspective then it may seem incomprehensible, but if you think about it from a logical standpoint it does make sense. Fine-tune your moods, receive different stations.

'Thoughts lead to your actions and this equals your reality.' - Magnus Mulliner

This is cause and effect in action, the basics anyway. You get what you give; reap what you sow. Only it goes further in suggesting that with this mindset you can physically manifest what you desire. You want something, you focus on bringing it in. That doesn't mean no effort is required on your part, you do have to work at it, you have to believe in yourself and believe that the outcome is attainable. Some people are naturally motivated because of the way they've been raised, they'll just go out there and come back with what they want, no two ways about it. It doesn't matter if you've not been raised in that manner, that environment, plenty of us weren't. 'There's no such thing as failure, only results.' Those people were conditioned to think in that way, just as others have been conditioned to think they'll never be good enough. We have every opportunity to change all of that. 'Every passing minute is another chance to turn it all around.' Change your perception, you'll change everything.

'Throw your heart out in front of you and run ahead to catch it.'

Passion, not greed. Ask yourself - why should the universe bring anybody pots of gold? Would there be a moral code to this universal law?

It is often perceived as a law to attract and manifest, but there's more weight to it than that. That's not something I'm going to consider in this post, but I shall write more on this in the future. Until then you can do your own research, do some exploring. Read of advocates and critics, but don't let that form the sole basis of your opinion. If you're interested, you should also experiment. What better way to gain an understanding on something and find what works best for you? I recommend finding worth in ancient beliefs and trusting your intuition, rather than falling for the superficiality of this new age. Yeah. There are a lot of bestseller books floating around, all selling a 'secret'. That's not a dig at Rhonda Byrne; I actually bought The Secret, ha, with the intention of using it as a template for improving my attitude towards life. I still haven't read it fully. It was an expensive template, let's just say that. It should be no secret that much of the information we require and desire can be found within ourselves - let there be a wealth of knowledge in there - let there be light - and trips to the library or elsewhere, careful consideration, and research on the internet, will aid us in our discoveries. While the concept of the Law of Attraction is floating around in the themes of films, books and music, for example, and embraced by many celebrities, it is yet to be realised by the masses. It is rather pervasive, but it is not widely endorsed or encouraged.

However, there's a real possibility that Quantum Mechanics could change the way we all view the world and our individual and collective influence within it. That is if such knowledge is allowed in its entirety to be shared, which I can't see as being possible in our current predicament. If Quantum Mechanics (QM, also known as Quantum Physics or Quantum Theory) was to affirm the existence of these hidden universal laws, then our oppressors wouldn't have half as much control over us - would they? Professor Robert Lanza claims he has evidence to suggest that life creates the universe, not the other way round, and that death as we know it is an illusion. That's earth-shaking stuff, man. It would change everything. He may have been promoting his book, Biocentrism: How Life and Consciousness are the Keys to Understanding the True Nature of the Universe - I mean, it's important to be a little cynical - but it'd be interesting to read what he has to say on the matter. Naturally, there are those who are disputing the theories and the connection they may hold to unexplored laws, but QM is probably closer to the truth than anything else that has come before it, as far as science is concerned. It signifies the necessary crossover between science and mysticism. It's forward-thinking.

I've definitely witnessed the results of this invaluable mindset and see the potential for it in my own life - I shall continue to put my beliefs to the test. Don't take my word for any of this, it's my hope that you'll give it a try and make it work for yourself. Just remember, depending on your state of mind you attract positives as well as negatives - careful what you wish for - that which you focus on (be it consciously or more likely unconsciously) has the ability to manifest. You'll learn in your own unique way, have faith in yourself. Most importantly, have fun.