#Mythology for the 3rd Millenium

[ocegion]

Leaving aside post-fact romantization and folk-etymology, and leaving aside that in many cases the best we have are likely theories, the fact is that most city and country names are, ultimately, of quite mundane and sensible origin.

Rome has been given a mythological origin, but the actual factual origin is probably something to the effect of 'city of the hill'; London would be something like 'city of the river', and there are many cases that are just the most signifcant geographical characteristic of the place; this also affects derivative names, like New York which is 'New [place where there are many trees]'. Then there are the names that boil down to 'city of [people who used to live here 2000+ years ago]', like Paris, or Russia which is literally 'place of the rowers'.

There are also cases of function-based names, like Oxford, the ox-crossing, or all the -chesters -burgs and -grads, basically 'hey there is a castle in here'. Even cities like Tokyo and Kyoto, functionally both meaning 'capital city', are pretty sensible even if it does sound a bit more pompous.

And then, at some point in the 3rd millenium BC, a small village was founded and the inhabitants were like:

'hey how should we call these six houses'

'hmmmmm what do you think about 'Gate of the Gods'

'yeah sounds cool! lets hope this place becomes somewhat significant at some point'

Anyway Babylon has the most metal name any place has ever had and I love it

[drsohinisastri]

Ever Wondered If Astrology and Jothish Are the Same?

Astrology, Jothish and Vedic Astrology are words that one reads in numerous articles online. It makes one wonder what exactly Jothish is and if it is any different from astrology.

 What Is Astrology?

Astrology is the study of how the positions of the planets in the sky affect us and our lives on earth. Astrology evolved in conjunction with astronomy. Through the eyes of the top astrologer in India study astronomy to understand the planets and their movements but astronomy does not have any relationship with astrology anymore.

 A Brief History of Different Systems of Astrology:

·       Mesopotamian / Babylonian Astrology:

The Babylonian system of astrology dates back to the 3rd Millenium BC. The Enuma Anu Enlil is a collection of cuneiform tablets from the 16th century BC that covers the field of Babylonian omen-based astrology. Texts from these times also refer to an oral tradition of astrology. Additionally, this system of astrology was historically more focussed on mundane astrology.

·       Hellenistic Astrology:

Egyptian astrologers used a form of Decanistic astrology. When the Babyplonian system of astrology and the Egyptian form of astrology mixed horoscopic astrology took form. ‘Horoskopos’ is a Greek word that means hour marker and the new mingled form of astrology began to use the concept of the ascendant along with the twelve houses.

 It also began to study the individual horoscope of a person as per the time of their birth. Also, this form of astrology ascribes to a mythical sage, Hermes Trismegistus. He also authored major texts on the topic according to the myth. Many of his writings address to another mythological figure, Asclepius. A Pharoah, Nechepso, and his priest Petosiris got this system. They then added more writings to the system.

 ·       Astrology in Medieval Islam:

Medieval Muslims were desert dwellers who travelled at night. Hence, they had an interest and knowledge of astronomy as they relied on the constellations to guide their journeys. They had to determine prayer times as well as the direction of the Kaaba as well as the proper orientation of their places of worship. Additionally, this required a study of astronomy. The broader subject of astronomy covered under the study of how the planets influenced us. It was termed Ilm an-Nujūm.

 ·       Astrology in Europe:

Astrology was very much a part of medieval and renaissance Europe. In the 13th century, astrology integrated with medicinal practices. Doctors practised Galenic medicine combined with a study of the stars. By the end of the 1500s, the law in Europe dictated that the position of the Moon be studied before carrying out complicated medical procedures.

Numerous authors studied and wrote many works on the subject matter.

 University education is divided into seven areas that ascribe to the rulership of planets. Additionally, the literary works of the times are full of astrological symbolism. Many of the works of literature ranging from Chaucer to John Milton and Shakespeare have astrological references.

 ·       Jyotish, Jothish or Vedic Astrology:

Jyotish, Jothish or Jyotiṣa is a traditional form of astrology, practised in India. It is one of the six Vedāṅgas or disciplines that support Vedic rituals. The system used the sidereal zodiac unlike the Hellenistic forms of astrology that use the tropical zodiac.

 Also, the term Vedic astrology is used to refer to this system. Additionally, the concept of lunar mansions or Nakshatras is unique to astrology in Jothish. Also, the main texts of the system are BṛhatParāśaraHorāśāstra, and Sārāvalī by Kalyāṇavarma.

 The branches of Jothish are:

·       Ganita:

This branch of Jyotish astrology deals with the mathematical and astronomical aspects of astrology.

·       Hora:

The Hora branch of Jothish astrology covers Jataka which is the interpretation of the horoscope, Muhurta or electional astrology and Nimitta or the study of omens.

·       Samhita:

Samhita deals with Mundane astrology such as groups of people, countries, weather, comets and other phenomena.

Jothish determines the dates of many of the Indian festivals celebrated by the lunar calendar. Matching of horoscopes of the prospective bride and groom is the basis for many arranged marriages. Astrologers select auspicious dates and times to make a good start to any venture.

Jothish or Vedic astrology has its roots in the Vedas and is largely practised in India. Additionally, it has gained much popularity all over the world. It is also taught and practised in different countries, according to the top astrologer in Kolkata. Astrology and Jothish are not different except that Jothish talks about the Karma concept, re-birth and burning of our pending karmas and to merge with the source.

[notanotherbookreview]

Are we living in a computer simulation? Elon Musk thinks so. Here’s E.T. Marshall.

C H A P T E R  T H I R T E E N  We were sitting on beach chairs facing the Pacific Ocean. There were many clouds in the sky but no sign of rain, and it had all the makings of a beautiful sunset. I watched the bright reds, reflected on the clouds above the glow, softly and slowly transform into a deep purple. A dozen squawking seagulls were flying overhead; sandpipers were darting in and out of the surf line. I took my shoes and socks off and rubbed my feet in the warm sand. I thought how easily my mind could be fooled. One minute in space and the next at Venice Beach. As I looked around, it sounded and felt so real. I could hear the waves breaking gently on the beach, the tender wind moving through the palm trees behind me. Vlad refilled my wine glass.

 “But Vlad, where are the people?” I asked. “Venice Beach at this time of day is full of people.”  CLICK  As if a thunderclap blasted behind my head, my body uncontrollably jumped back into the beach chair. In an instant,  sound of hundreds of people surrounded me, as if someone had turned on the speakers of a stereo system. 

All the people were moving as if they had always been there. I looked around from my beach chair at the sidewalk behind me and saw dozens walking, a few roller skaters gliding between them, and of course, cyclists. There were children playing in the sand on the beach, people eating pizza and hot dogs, and lovers sitting on blankets looking dreamily in each other's eyes, arms wrapped around each other’s shoulders. Then I noticed the smells of those hot dogs, and somewhere down the beach, someone was barbecuing pork ribs and hamburgers, and everywhere there was the smell of suntan lotion.

 I inhaled deeply, trying to see if this was real or not. I put my hand in the warm sand, rubbed the fine grains between my fingers, and sniffed it.  The simulation was outstanding, and the thought shook me. What if we went back to Van Nuys, and it’s actually a simulation? I believed I wouldn’t know the difference now that I could feel the sand on my fingers. But Vlad did promise to take me back at my request, and I did believe him. After all, he was the man who cured Ann. I trusted him then, I had faith in him, so why should that change now? I questioned my own judgment and reality. I admitted to myself that I was afraid. 

https://futurism.com/are-we-living-in-a-computer-simulation-elon-musk-thinks-so/

[yamayuandadu]

What's it with the "(generic modern media) is basically modern mythology" people who seem oddly numerous on twitter lately. There has to be one ur-source pushing this, right pretty sure any modern religion which will run out of steam in the long run is going to be "late 2nd and early 3rd millenium mythology" in the future, not any blockbuster movie

[kalouttravel-blog]

Nowruz History and Its Origins among Iranians

https://kalouttour.com/?p=27542 Nowruz, Iranian New Year, has got deep roots among ancient Iranians, particularly farmers. As their lives depended largely on agriculture and producing food, it has got strong connection to such lifestyle. You need to know Nowruz history and roots of Nowruz Celebration to understand it better. When no agricultural activities were possible in Winter, each individual used to go home and try to keep warm on his/her own. The end of Winter and beginning of Spring, when it got warm again and the people, most of whom were farmers, could get out and come together for work and produce food, the time for togetherness started. This could be a solid reason for Nowruz celebration!

Nowruz & Mythology

According to the ancient myths, when Iranian mythological king, Jamshid, ruled in Iran for 1000 years, everything was good. Food was abundant, lies didn’t exist, plants didn’t go dry, people didn’t suffer from extreme cold and hot weather conditions, nobody got old, jealous, etc. During such time and at the beginning of first day of the first month of Spring, Jamshid sat on his throne decorated with gems and put on a crown encrusted with jewels, against the East. When the Sun started shining at him and the throne, people saw him glittering like the Sun. Therefore, this brought plenty of happiness and joy to the nation. They celebrated that day and called it a new day, Nowruz. The happy ceremonies took five days and everyone celebrated the New Year and the revival of nature.

Nowruz & History

Since 3rd millenium BC, Nowruz was commemorated with joy in Iranian plateau, but not in the Eastern half of Iran. At the same time, it was celebrated in the Mesopotamia. Nowruz history doesn’t originally go back to a Zoroastrian nor an Aryan tradition.   There was another festivity popularly celebrated after the time of harvest around early November. During that time, Iranian calendar had 7 months of Summer and 5 months of Winter. Mehregan was at the end of Summer and the beginning of Winter. The cause of joy was the crops harvested, meaning food for people. Nowruz and Mehregan were celebrated in several other adjacent countries. For example they were popular among Semites, Arabs of Medina, etc. These annual celebration have continued till now in various countries. When you study Nowruz history, you find out it wasn’t a Zoroastrian festivity, because Avesta, the holy book of Zoroastrians, hasn’t mentioned it. On the other hand, it wasn’t celebrated at the Eastern half of Iran, where the main concentration of Zoroastrians used to live. One fact is for sure: Nowruz was celebrated in Persepolis.

Nowruz Festivity in Ancient Calendars

In Achaemenian era, people and officials commemorated Nowruz in form of an annual tradition everywhere – at home and in Persepolis. Some researchers believe that during early Achaemenian era, Mehregan was celebrated in Fall, but under Darius I, the beginning of Spring was determined to be the time for the annual festivity in Persepolis. The Persian king was sitting in a particular direction and specific spot in Persepolis so that daylight could shine at his face at sunrise. This is why Persepolis is known as the throne of Jamshid and Iranians call it Takht-e-Jamshid. In Parthian and Sassanian eras, various calendars caused the day of Nowruz to move to other days as the calculation for different calendars were not the same. Iranians continued celebrating Nowruz even after Arabs’ invasion, which brought Islam to Iran. Arab caliphs weren’t happy about this at all, but Iranian Muslims kept on honoring and celebrating their national rituals. Under Seljuks, when Turk authorities were very much against Nowruz festivities, Iranian calendar went through several manipulative changes. Eventually, a group of mathematicians were assigned a project to correct the calendar including Omar Khayyam. They fixed Nowruz time at the beginning day of Spring, almost the same as 21st of March, when Iranians celebrate Nowruz these days. When Safavids ruled in Iran from 16th to 18th centuries, Nowruz celebration was mixed with some Islamic rituals. Religious leaders narrated traditions from Imams to approve that the prophet Mohammad and others did great things at such a day. Therefore, today Iranian Shiites celebrate Nowruz as an annual Iranian-Islamic event and even recognize it as a holy and blessed day.

[notanotherbookreview]

Did you ever want to go “Off Planet?” Excerpt shows what your experience might be like, with an Alien living on Earth, who’s a friend--showing you his technology. And it’s based on real tech evolving now. Excerpt: E.T. Marshall's CONFESSIONS OF AN ALIEN: A Mythology for the Third Milennium Book 1. Red Coaster Press. Some years ago, Harold Pebbles introduced me to one of his Philadelphia classmates. Rita Goldblatt and I found that we had a mutual interest in dream interpretation. Rita introduced me to the Nova Dreamer. It looks like a sleeping mask that covers your eyes. Batteries operate small sensors that detect rapid eye movements, REM, that indicate a dream state. The machine can be programmed to have its sound and lights activate when a REM state is detected. The sleeper is gently awakened, to be lucidly aware of his dream state. This machine helped me remember my dreams, which, after I had fully awakened, I wrote down on a legal tablet kept on my nightstand. The machine later facilitated my ability to create my own dreams and to be an active participant. Rita took a great interest in my dreams and their meaning over the years. I related this to Vlad, who listened keenly. “Then you know,” he said, “when you are in a dream state, it is often difficult to know that you are dreaming and not actually experiencing the real world. That is what I want you to do, before you go to sleep, simply say aloud that you would like me to come visit you in your lucid dream and show you the alien world I live in. At any time, you can ask me to awaken you, bring you back, and that you want to vividly remember your entire dream after you awaken. What do you have to lose, Donald— a good night’s sleep?” I decided to give up my efforts to get Vlad off his alien theme and go with the flow. “It seems harmless enough. Are you going to hypnotize me or give me some suggestions on what to dream about?” “No, none of that.”   “Well, Dr. Comsky, I am comfortable right here in this lounge chair. What if I just leaned back, put my feet up and dozed off right here?” “That would be fine, just say the things I've asked you to and off you go,” Vlad said reassuringly. I thought this might be something good, or at least new. There was not a thought in my head that Vladimir would do anything to injure me, nothing to even upset me. I believed that he would have some sort of suggestive power to influence my dream state. I was definitely up for something new. I felt a little sporty, as if I were a trout being pulled in on a very light line. Whatever was on the other side of the line, I decided to allow myself to be reeled in. I leaned back in the chair, kicked off my shoes, loosened my belt buckle two notches and unbuttoned my top shirt button.” I murmured, “I want Vlad to visit me in my lucid dreaming state. I want him to bring me back at my request. I want to remember this lucid dream vividly when I awaken.” I added as a joke, “I want him to show me his planet.” With that I closed my eyes, let out a sigh and repeated my last words silently, and could not help thinking of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz saying, “I want to go home” and clicking the heels of her red magical shoes. CLICK When I opened my eyes Vlad was still seated in the chair next to me. “What happened?” I murmured. “I don't remember a thing.” “Oh ye of little faith.” He smiled as he said this; I looked around the room. The walls were disappearing. It was dark out and the sky was full of stars. I felt a chill and started to shake a little. Then, as if someone had once more pushed a button on a remote control and changed channels, the stars in the sky were different, and there was no ground below us. We were still in our chairs and the chairs were still on the floor, but that's all there was. I was wondering how we could breathe, but I remembered this is a dream and I am letting Vlad control it. Mercifully, the wine and cheese were still between us. I popped a large black olive in my mouth. So far, the dream was damned good. Looking at the black sky around me and the pinpoints of the stars that were both above and below, I felt like I was in a planetarium. I sat up from my reclining position and asked, “Why did you bring me here?” “I thought you might like to see another planet,” he said, pointing his thumb behind him, as a hitchhiker would. I turned to look, and the chairs and floor, or what was left of it, swiveled around so that we were gazing down on the top of an enormous blue-and-white sphere. The view reminded me of Earth as seen from the space station. Slowly the view changed so that I was looking straight at the planet and no longer down on it. Like my experience on the roller coaster, this made me feel as if any moment I would fall out of my seat and down to my death on the planet’s surface. I could see large landmasses and oceans, but knew that this planet was considerably larger than Earth and had entirely different-shaped continents. I finally said, “It’s awesome.” “Yes, I thought you'd like it. Its name is Paucri. Can you see it clearly? And do the stars look like pinpoints? And does my voice sound natural?” “Yes, of course, why?” I asked. “You know this is a simulation. It is not real. But does it seem real to you?” “Indeed it does.” Except for the disappearing walls, it seemed totally real. I sat there for a while trying to take it all in: Paucri, the stars, my alien friend and the non-reality of this reality. I thought of a chimpanzee looking at a television set. I thought of an alien looking at a chimpanzee. I thought of an alien looking at me. I don't know if it was the height, the new experience, or the chimpanzee, but I felt strange and uncomfortable. Vlad, sensing my discomfort, asked, “Would you like to go someplace else? Somewhere more familiar to you?” Gratefully I assented, then added, anxious not to give the impression that I didn’t trust him, “What do you have in mind, Vlad?” “Where would you like to be right now if you could pick anywhere on Earth, at any time, and while we are at it, you can pick the weather, too.” I thought for a few moments of the pleasant times of my life. The movie City of Angels, with its vivid sunset scenes, flashed into my mind. More than once at sunset time I would find myself at a beach— Malibu, Santa Monica, Huntington, Redondo— but it was Venice Beach that called to me now. A place of warm memories of ice cream cones, hot dogs, cotton candy, roller skating and watching the sun go down with the woman I loved. “How about Venice Beach today an hour before sunset and 80 degrees?” He nodded and somewhere, a button was pushed on a remote control. CLICK we were sitting on beach chairs facing the Pacific Ocean. There were many clouds in the sky but no sign of rain, and it had all the makings of a beautiful sunset. I watched the bright reds, reflected on the clouds above the glow, softly and slowly transform into a deep purple. A dozen squawking seagulls were flying overhead; sandpipers were darting in and out of the surf line. I took my shoes and socks off and rubbed my feet in the warm sand. I thought how easily my mind could be fooled. One minute in space and the next at Venice Beach. As I looked around, it sounded and felt so real. I could hear the waves breaking gently on the beach, the tender wind moving through the palm trees behind me. Vlad refilled my wine glass. “But Vlad, where are the people?” I asked. “Venice Beach at this time of day is full of people.” CLICK As if a thunderclap blasted behind my head, my body uncontrollably jumped back into the beach chair. In an instant, the sound of hundreds of people surrounded me, as if someone had turned on the speakers of a stereo system. All the people were moving as if they had always been there. I looked around from my beach chair at the sidewalk behind me and saw dozens walking, a few roller skaters gliding between them, and of course, cyclists. There were children playing in the sand on the beach, people eating pizza and hot dogs, and lovers sitting on blankets looking dreamily in each other's eyes, arms wrapped around each other’s shoulders. Then I noticed the smells of those hot dogs, and somewhere down the beach, someone was barbecuing pork ribs and hamburgers, and everywhere there was the smell of suntan lotion. I inhaled deeply, trying to see if this was real or not. I put my hand in the warm sand, rubbed the fine grains between my fingers, and sniffed it. The simulation was outstanding, and the thought shook me. What if we went back to Van Nuys, and it’s actually a simulation? I believed I wouldn’t know the difference now that I could feel the sand on my fingers. But Vlad did promise to take me back at my request, and I did believe him. After all, he was the man who cured Ann. I trusted him then, I had faith in him, so why should that change now? I questioned my own judgment and reality. I admitted to myself that I was afraid.

[drsohinisastri]

Ever Wondered If Astrology and Jothish Are The Same?

 Astrology, Jothish and Vedic Astrology are words that one reads in numerous articles online. It makes one wonder what exactly Jothish is and if it is any different from astrology.

 What Is Astrology?

Astrology is the study of how the positions of the planets in the sky affect us and our lives on earth. Astrology evolved in conjunction with astronomy. Through the eyes of the top astrologers in India study astronomy to understand the planets and their movements but astronomy does not have any relationship with astrology anymore.

 A Brief History Of Different Systems Of Astrology

Mesopotamian / Babylonian Astrology :

 The Babylonian system of astrology dates back to the 3rd Millenium BC. The Enuma Anu Enlil is a collection of cuneiform tablets from the 16th century BC that covers the field of Babylonian omen based astrology. Texts from these times also refer to an oral tradition of astrology. Additionally, this system of astrology was historically more focussed on mundane astrology.

 Hellenistic Astrology :

 Egyptian astrologers used a form of Decanistic astrology. When the Babylonian system of astrology and the Egyptian form of astrology mixed horoscopic astrology took form. ‘Horoskopos’ is a Greek word that means hour marker and the new mingled form of astrology began to use the concept of the ascendant along with the twelve houses. It also began to study the individual horoscope of a person as per the time of their birth. Also, this form of astrology ascribes to a mythical sage, Hermes Trismegistus. He also authored major texts on the topic according to the myth. Many of his writings address to another mythological figure, Asclepius. A Pharoah, Nechepso, and his priest Petosiris got this system. They then added more writings to the system.

Astrology in Medieval Islam :

 Medieval Muslims were desert dwellers who travelled at night. Hence they had an interest and knowledge of astronomy as they relied on the constellations to guide their journeys. They had to determine prayer times as well as the direction of the Kaaba as well as the proper orientation of their places of worship. Additionally, this required a study of astronomy. The broader subject of astronomy covered under the study of how the planets influenced us. It was termed Ilm an-Nujūm.

 Astrology in Europe :

 Astrology was very much a part of medieval and renaissance Europe. In the 13th century, astrology integrated with medicinal practices. Doctors practised Galenic medicine combined with a study of the stars. By the end of the 1500s, the law in Europe dictated that the position of the Moon be studied before carrying out complicated medical procedures.

Numerous authors studied and wrote many works on the subject matter. University education is divided into seven areas that ascribe to the rulership of planets. Additionally, the literary works of the times are full of astrological symbolism. Many of the works of literature ranging from Chaucer to John Milton and Shakespeare have astrological references.

 Jyotish, Jothish or Vedic Astrology :

 Jyotish, Jothish or Jyotiṣa is a traditional form of astrology, practised in India. It is one of the six Vedāṅgas or disciplines that support Vedic rituals. The system used the sidereal zodiac unlike the Hellenistic forms of astrology that use the tropical zodiac. Also, the term Vedic astrology is used to refer to this system. Additionally, the concept of lunar mansions or Nakshatras is unique to astrology in Jothish. Also, the main texts of the system are Bṛhat Parāśara Horāśāstra, and Sārāvalī by Kalyāṇavarma.

 The branches of Jothish are:

 Ganita :

This branch of Jyotish astrology deals with the mathematical and astronomical aspects of astrology.

 Hora :

The Hora branch of Jothish astrology covers Jataka which is the interpretation of the horoscope, Muhurta or electional astrology and Nimitta or the study of omens.

 Samhita :

Samhita deals with Mundane astrology such as groups of people, countries, weather, comets and other phenomena.

Jothish determines the dates of many of the Indian festivals celebrated by the lunar calendar. Matching of horoscopes of the prospective bride and groom is the basis for many arranged marriages. Astrologers select auspicious dates and times to make a good start to any venture.

Jothish or Vedic astrology has its roots in the Vedas and is largely practised in India. Additionally, it has gained much popularity all over the world. It is also taught and practised in different countries, according to the top astrologer in Kolkata. Astrology and Jothish are not different except that Jothish talks about the Karma concept, re-birth and burning of our pending karmas and to merge with the source.

[notanotherbookreview]

Marshall believes it is more likely to occur in the 3000′s. His first book, looks at contact now, friendhsip between an Alien passing on Earth. The Technology he shows is based on technology we already have on earth in some form. Written by author with engineering bkgrnd,he gives an idea of how it works and feels