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.

Manual for the Budding

Disappointingly I have to consider that Robert Monroe wasn't all that honest. I still maintain that he spoke some truth in Journeys Out of the Body (the only book of his I've read so far), that's indisputable and demonstrable, so... Beyond what I know, I don't know how far that truth reaches. Does his second and third book move further away from the truth? Was he a government tool? He evidently had links to United States Military Intelligence. Was it simply a case of compliance? Did he have to mix his truth with their disinformation so he could get his books published?

I'm suspicious of the fact that he was able to get his work published, particularly with some of the subject matters he was disclosing, and for it to do successfully, typically amongst the growing New Age movement, as if it was all by design. He was like one of the forefathers of this new age, whether he meant to be or not.



Robert Monroe, an honest man?

And still I can't speak favourably enough of Journeys Out of the Body. It's compelling and so revealing, but in many ways it is esoteric rather than exoteric. It offered insights, great and small, personal, comprehensive, experiential... quite profound. Predominantly it confirmed my own beliefs and allowed me to re-evaluate past experiences. It also provided answers to questions I'd had, albeit theoretical and/or temporary.

To my mind, what Robert Monroe had to say deals with an extensive number of topics. I made connections where there may not necessarily be any, however it was my discernment that there is. He also seemed to write honestly and objectively, making it clear if he wasn't certain of something and openly acknowledging the conscious mind's interpretive manner. His writing is not heavy with New Age-babble, in fact quite the opposite, it's apparent that he has based his research on the 'great thinkers' before him and was more than a little familiar with Jung's work, although some of his ideas can be evidenced as giving rise to this new breed of spirituality. Being that it was the 1950s when Robert first began to experience this phenomena, there was very little acceptance in Western religions and philosophies, so he looked to Eastern religions which were more encouraging. In his search he also discovered the existence of an underground, not limited to the United States but infiltrating all of Western civilisation. When I read that I was sure he was referring to Freemasonry, each descriptive sentence seemed to build upon the last and validate this, however there were a couple or so points by the end of his veiled illustration that didn't match up. As far as I'm aware he never made it clear what this 'underground' was, though I assume he was referring to a group with alternative views who took refuge from a condemning mainstream society - this may well have been the emerging New Age movement. I've not been able to find any evidence that he was a member of a Masonic brotherhood, only that he had connections to people who were high degree Masons. If he considered there to be no basis for Christianity in his experiences - which could be seen as pushing the globalist agenda - he was equally as explicit with his recognition of man's history, of how necessities like food or sexuality have been manipulated again and again to exercise control over the mass populace.

What's the deal with religion anyway? Part of me thinks that religion may have been started or - in other cases - infiltrated by the elite and now they're pulling the rug from under our feet. Those devout followers are holding tightly, believing it's a sign of the end times and their scripture has prophesised right (which may have been played like a script by those pulling the strings), their bond is stronger than ever, thus they're dependent on the system; while others find relief in what seems to be an end to the bondage, so they gladly accept what's offered in its place. A new religion.

Anyway, so Robert subtly undermines archaic religion and also gives some potentially controversial views. Basically, we've second bodies (souls) and in the 'second state' (out-of-body), in terms of sexuality, we come together in a magnetic charge, literal attraction, which is loosely compared to the physical sensation of sexual tension and physical act of sexual intimacy. The difference is that in the second state there is no male-female interpenetration and sensuality is entirely absent, instead we collide, our metaphysical bodies become one with the ecstasy and all that. Fine, I can totally envisage that, in fact it makes a lot of sense and tots a few things up in my head. In the second state, sexes don't seem to be an issue - gender seems to remain - but sexuality, as we know it, does not. He doesn't draw attention to homosexuality, not unequivocally, though it might be implied. That's also fine, I can accept that. It's when you begin to contemplate the full scope of the concept that it presents some complications. When sexuality in the physical is an echo of that which occurs in the metaphysical, Robert construed this as indicative of mankind's misdirection. He never addresses how second state intimacy applies to children or family. It's a bit of a grey area. Obviously he can't be suggesting we do something to resolve this possible misdirection, can he?

Aside from the occasional thing, Robert Monroe and his initial book Journeys Out of the Body are honourable and convincing. He outwardly recognises and acknowledges the corruption and control of the masses, though I dare say this is done in a heedful manner. Was he genuinely outspoken or was this only to meet the expectations of the counterculture?


U.S. military officers and psychic spies have been trained at The Monroe Institute in Faber, Virginia.

The Monroe Institute's current Director of Technology and former President, Skip Atwater, is previous head of psychic intelligence unit at Fort Meade, Maryland.

Joe McMoneagle, U.S. Army's 'Remote Viewer', married one of Robert Monroe's step-daughters, Nancy. He was one of the original officers of the top-secret program now known as the Stargate Project. After working for the military, Joe became a speaker at The Monroe Institute. He is also President of his remote viewing business Intuitive Intelligence Applications, Inc.

Nancy McMoneagle is the current Executive Director and President of The Monroe Institute and Co-Owner and Vice-President of Intuitive Intelligence Applications, Inc.


The connections to the government are various, but that doesn't certify that Robert Monroe was in collusion with them. According to Robert Bruce (wiki: a mystic author, best known for his own studies on the out-of-body experience), when The Monroe Institute was started it received a visit from government officials who warned them to back off on astral projection, particularly in proving it to the general population. I'm unconvinced though, I think the government knew fully well what was going on and oversaw much of its development. As to where Robert Monroe comes into it, I think it's unlikely that he would have been permitted to release such information without substantial misinformation mixed in, especially in his follow-up books. But who knows. Nevertheless, fascinating reading and fascinating conjecture...

What Is NASA Up To? And Who Was Robert Monroe, Really?

Astral Traveller, Robert A. Monroe Describing His Out Of Body Experiences - The CIA Would Establish Ties To The Monroe Institute - One Must Wonder If This May Have Had Something To Do With The Cancer That Monroe's Daughter, Laurie, Died From In Her Early 50s?

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.

Can of Worms

The last thing I should probably do is express doubt on here, as that's often viewed as a weakness and it's really important to maintain vision or focus when working with a medium like this. But I'm going to accept it as part of the natural course of soul-searching, rather than deny the emotion - I guess you have to expect to draw a blank from time to time.

These are some thoughts I'm dealing with recently, which are magnified tonight, and by divulging them perhaps it will make them dissipate or help me to process them.

I'm experiencing a crisis of faith, though I know it is temporary. It's a catalyst for resolution; about picking apart beliefs before reconstruction with the intention of strengthening them. Frequently I ask myself if I'm delusional, I stop for a moment to consider what I'm doing, but this never persists for more than a minute; I quickly remember that there is too much evidence to the contrary which proves the reality of such atrocities. All one has to do is look. These minor periods of doubt are a necessary measure to demonstrate to the self that a level of rationality is preserved, likely a defence mechanism, not to be disregarded.

Religion causes internal and external conflict. Religion is not something I follow, yet still it's at odds with my beliefs. This may have its merits, as it serves to deprecate or condemn practices which may not be so trustworthy. Religion was started innocently enough, a yearning within us all?

I realise I've opened a can of worms with this pursuit of mine. Sometimes I experience moments where I'm unable to see a practical way out of this, extensive as it is, a series of images, a collage of screaming mouths beneath a strobe light.

I watched some archive footage online (Robert Monroe's Out of Body Experiences), he seems honest and admits that he started the experiments for selfish reasons, wanting to better understand his condition, but a lot of what he says seems confused, he falters often, he desperately wants to provide the answers. This is a man who was really no better for his research by the end, that's the feeling I had. Journeys Out of the Body is still a profound book upon first read-through, I can't dismiss that, whereas the footage is from 1992, which would make Bob Monroe about 76, and what he had to say didn't sit well with me. Maybe it's my fault, jumping from his early experiences to his later and trying to comprehend a man who has been through what he has - I imagine as Far Journeys and Ultimate Journey go, they'll touch upon what he talks about. Maybe he wasn't able to disclose particular information, maybe he's deliberately vague, perhaps it's salesmanship - to encourage people to seek out his books and products. First and foremost he was a businessman, who just happened to have these mystical experiences, which is why I was sceptical when I began his book. No matter what, it was a successful business venture. Either way, someone out there knows the potential that exists within us and decides to profit from that, because many of the experiences I can vouch for. Robert's explanations in the video are overcomplicated, didn't seem believable, but then this complexity is to be expected when looking into the unknown. He spoke of 'imaginary' friendships with entities (or energies), without coming across like a total kook, but the interactions as he describes them I found to be questionable. Were these 'astral' experiences, or did he start to confuse hallucinations for reality as time went on? Not to undermine the bloke's intelligence, it just has to be asked. Were these beings of light or beings of false light; was he led astray?

This is where Christianity affects/concerns me, the claims of all mystical experiences being deceptive outside of Jesus' teachings. Everything becomes so confused and diluted. Who would want to follow Christianity (or any religion for that matter)? Even if they were true, why should I want to suck up to that image of God? That's the extent of what I see, too often the followers are sycophantic and I can't for one moment believe that any divine being is going to be worthy of that. I could not serve something like that. I reject the ego-centric God.

There are some reliable ideas or principles throughout most religion, or a reminder of what not to do when they turn fanatical. Perhaps Christianity is right, perhaps mysticism is a trap - the apple as a lure - the search for knowledge/enlightenment - activation of the pineal gland and awakening of the kundalini...

Still, religion alienates, divides.

Through all of the societal corruption, could this still be a path to evolution? Can the corruption be forgiven, accepted as implicit in human nature? Is it a requirement to break emotion down, is that the way of the future? Nietzsche's ubermensch (superman). Sterility.

Television for Paedophiles, Deadheads, and Baptism for Idiots

While I was writing Saturn's Influence - Them Crafty Rugrats yesterday, I found a rather queer article on a website for Landover Baptist Church. The article is titled 'Rugrats: Television For Pedophiles'. I was thinking how extremist it was, laughable, just typical of some of these religious fanatics, so I thought I'd write a short post to make light of it. I had my title decided upon - 'Television for Paedophiles, Deadheads, and Baptism for Idiots', a sweeping generalisation - and had begun writing when I decided to check their homepage. Gift shop. Thongs. More precisely, a "What would Jesus do?" thong. Book Burning Club. Prayer Squad. And my personal favourite, Sin Patrol. Haha. It was around then that I realised it's not a real institution at all, it's a fictional church based in a fictional town. Satirical humour, which I'm a fan of (along with surrealism), and I fell for it! But that's because it's so representative of Christian fundamentalism and the religious right-wing, especially when you isolate an article from the rest of the website, it is very believable. And yet actual religious values can seem so archaic, so repellent, so unbelievable. Amazing really.

If it had been a genuine article, then I would have been making a point on how these organisations tend to use tactics to instil fear and divert attention away from their own sordid practices. Because while I'm aware of the perverse undertones that are bubbling beneath the mainstream, it doesn't justify the outrageous claims that these kinds of religious extremists come out with. In fact it seeks to ruin what truth there is behind it all. Extremists like this are frightened of their own humanness, feelings and impulses, so they point to faults everywhere but within themselves, if it means they don't have to face their own demons. In that respect, Satanism appears to have a better handle when it teaches that we must first give in to our carnal desires and indulge if we are to learn and evolve. Only it's not as simple as that, there are so many other factors at play, and on a base level it would just lead to overindulgence, there'd be no moderation. Things are bad enough as they are, the last thing we need is for civilisation to revert back to a lesser state, though that looks to be on the cards. Societal collapse is surely to be the last of our worries, it might even be the answer to all our problems.

If it had been a genuine article, then I would have been making a point on how these organisations tend to use tactics to instil fear and divert attention away from their own sordid practices. But it wasn't, so I'm not.