Can We Have An Ice Cream?!

I meant to post this in June, oh well. Thanks goes to Bethan Graham-Dolman for having a keen eye and noticing this at the side of the road, recognising its worth enough to take a picture and allowing me to share it here.

Somewhere in Wiltshire there is a child, blissfully unaware that their drawing is now floating around the world wide web. Not only is it incredible to behold for all its charm and magic, but also for the spirit it carries. It's a simple lesson of cause and effect.

'Can we have an ice cream?!'

This child named Molly lives in Oldbury Prior, however the ice cream van doesn't seem to be stopping there, he's in nearby Trinity Road. Molly asks (directly or indirectly) that the ice cream van turn into Oldbury Prior and from that day forward her wish is granted and she is very grateful.

Ask and you shall receive. Just as you're entitled to ask something of someone, you also have the capacity to ask of the universe.

We are crafting our reality through the thoughts that we have. Our thoughts can hold us back or set us free, we just need to realise this and be gifted the desire to change. We have the potential to be as magicians - are we mastering our magic?

Whatever our thoughts, feelings, emotions, we are constantly giving off signals that are responsible for the individual realities we experience. We have to make sure our minds are clear - free of clutter - before we truly wish to manifest our dreams and deepest desires; we may still have limiting beliefs and judgements of ourselves that are working against our hopes of achieving these.

When we were children we saw no limits, everything was possible, everything was magical. We brought our dreams to life. That wasn't an illusion, that was real; the illusion was what was given to us in place of our natural ability to feel awe-inspired.


As Bethan said when she shared the photo:

 

The ice-cream can be metaphorical for the most colourful sparkling reality that you could imagine.. where everything is glowing, bright and beautiful. The ice-cream van is simply the carrier of the goods, you know the Ice-cream van due to its theme-tune that sends out the signal that the ice-cream is near. Everyone knows the ice-cream van tune, yet if you had never heard that tune before you would not know that the ice-cream is near. We simply need to tune into the song of our highest most expanded magical reality. Our soul-tune, the frequency of our heart which is connected to the cosmos. The Universe can have the best things for us, if we only took the time to listen. Go out in nature, be silent in a field, listen to your soul and hear what song it sings?? Are we receiving the signals we most want to tune into??

I like how the other road in the storyboard happens to be called Trinity Road. The word 'trinity' derives from the Latin trinus which means 'threefold'. As in the Wiccan Rule of Three (also known as Three-fold Law or Law of Return), that which you put out comes back three times as numerous.

When her wish comes true, Molly expresses her happiness, her appreciativeness. To feel a sincere gratitude to the universe is necessary. And it's important that your mind be cleansed of defeatist attitudes. And with that, you focus on manifesting your dreams into reality. Every thought is a wish, every word a spell. In many ways you are a prophet of your own future, so make sure it's composed of everything good you've ever wished for.

Rearranging the Table

Actually, what spiritual experiences aren't mystical? I think by their nature encounters with the divine are mystical, otherwise something is missing. Religion is just a neat little package or product to keep the people happy; it's a skimmed version of the whole truth. Divided up, some truths here, some truths there, but all stemming from the same place. Those miracles and touched-by-the-holy-spirit orgies? Mystical. Those dreams and those visions? Mystical. All mystical, but with distortions and interpretations and corruptions. We're more lost now than we ever were, intentionally so, strung out, strung along. Tribes and entheogens, closer to what is.

When you look for meaning, what do you find? All is mystical, that which reaches out. Nihilism is looking in the wrong places, looking around and seeing the material realm and nothing beyond that, nothing in the folds between. I felt the nihilism myself at times through adolescence. When concerned only with the physicality of the world, it's easy to get carried away with the misery. Nature provides the mystical, you just have to be clean enough to receive the indications. I know this much - last time I had clear and personally profound experiences was last summer, quite a multitude, but gradually I've been absorbed into a reality of addictions and stealing so I can keep my habits going, a host of other things as well, a host to other things... It comes back to cause and effect again, how negativity breeds negativity and vice versa. I've had very little contact with anybody, physically or metaphysically. I've not had many dreams, certainly no vivid dreams that jolt me awake and stay imprinted in my mind for longer. Symbolism elsewhere or in the waking state, not that I can recall. So you have to live well if you expect to be treated well. It's also good to make sacrifices (non-human/animal), such as removing many of the materials that wall you in. The more distractions you take out of your life, it's like removing bricks from a wall, the clearer you begin to see and view the world for what it really is. You'll have a mental clarity, newfound appreciation.

Essentially we're all seeking the same understanding, but some of us just choose to avoid any form of organised religion along the way. It's empowering not relying on an institution to guide you in prayer, worship or meditation. And I feel there's nothing typically wrong with the mystical or mysticism, it's how one uses or abuses the knowledge as ever. Christians are clutching at straws in these end days, that's all it is. They're trying to maintain authority where there really is none, it's not their place to do so and it never was. The real authority has other plans now. Different control systems for different times, nothing more - just as New Age has its purpose, just as the satanic undertones of popular culture will guide and steer society now. It best achieves the aims of the bloodthirsty meathead mafia at the top, it's a perfect vehicle for them, it's the getaway. The nice little indiscreet. But it's not over yet. Wanna know what I think? I think everyone needs to loosen up, take a psychedelic mushroom and have an inherently good fuck, sí?

I jest.


Kind of.

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.