#Sacred Origins of Profound Things

[sunlighthroughthe-ashes]

this whole episode; i kept thinking of these lines by cameron awkward-rich: 'please—what’s the word for being born of sorrow that isn’t yours? for having a family? for belonging nowhere?'

families can be zones of so much buried violence: whether it's seokryu's 'eomma' and 'appa' projecting their own life experiences onto their innocent daughter; or seung-hyo's mother accepting the same necklace over and over again; because her son is too distant to even realize that he's giving her identical gifts. their relationship is too impersonal for him to even write anything on her card. episode 8 hurt so much — and it hurt because it's real. this is what families are like: swallowed hurts and silent resentments. pain fisted in your hands like a weapon as you fight to be heard — to be wanted as your own self; and not just a vessel for your parents' unfulfilled aspirations. this is the trauma that tons of us carry.

one of the first things they tell you in therapy if you're not an only child is that you and your sibling do NOT grow up with the same parents. both you and your sibling experience entirely different versions of your parents — because the circumstances which they're in differ so greatly during each of your births and subsequent growths — and it can feel so utterly disheartening and unfair.

seokryu is the standard: the model child; the person her parents pinned all their hopes on. as such; she's never allowed to be anything less than perfect. because he's a boy, because he was sick, because he's younger — dongjin is indulged and pandered to and doted upon — even when he's being irresponsible. all her life seokryu has been side-stepping her own needs and wants; just to keep her parents happy — sinking into her own sacrifice until there was nothing left but burn-out and broken dreams. it shattered my heart to hear her mother say she'd rather have seokryu back in the US and married even if she's unhappy there — because that would mean she would get to boast about her daughter and receive gifts from her. that's not love — that's entitlement.

seung-hyo is the only person who truly loves seokryu for seokryu — for who she truly is, flaws and all: and that makes it doubly hard to witness her keeping him at arm's length at the end of the episode. the way he says that the reason he can't be friends with seokryu isn't because she's a woman, it's because she's seokryu — is so simple and profound. he sees all of her and accepts it — loves it. and that is so, so, rare. the act of true witness is sacred — to be seen as you are is a privilege.

(as far as the sickness storyline goes: i'm afraid to say i saw it coming. i wish the writers were more original; but i don't think seokryu will die. still, it doesn't sit well in my mouth. they could have come up with something better for conflict if they really had to.)

[lunarlianna]

Medusa Asteroid ( 149)

The Medusa myth is a compelling tale encompassing themes of power, fear and transformation. Medusa, born from the sea gods Phorcys and Ceto, was the only mortal among the Gorgon sisters. Originally, Medusa was a stunning maiden who captured the attention of Poseidon, leading to a grievous violation within the sacred confines of Athena's temple. In order to protect her, Athena transformed Medusa's hair into a mass of serpents, bestowing upon her a petrifying gaze. Medusa's astrological connection with the asteroid 149 suggests her influence recurs periodically, like seasons, lasting about 3.2 years. This implies cyclic challenges and growth tied to her themes.

Her family lineage underscores sibling rivalry and a sense of being different. After her transformation, Medusa retreats from the world, which can reflect where we tend to hide. Confronting these hidden truths requires courage and wisdom. Medusa's connection to Athena links her to Jupiterian qualities, offering insights when considering her placement with Jupiter in your chart. Some individuals with a strong Medusa presence may struggle with self-perception, seeing themselves as a metaphorical monster in the mirror. Others may possess an intimidating gaze that isolates them. Medusa's myth explores profound psychological and ethical themes, emphasizing self-awareness, ethical choices, and facing consequences. In astrology, Medusa indicates a swift and forceful defense mechanism to protect oneself, potentially causing tension, wounds, and unjust criticism in specific life areas, ultimately prompting personal growth.

Medusa in the 1st house: can give you a magnetic and intense presence that sometimes triggers negative reactions from strangers. Your hair and eyes, tends to draw attention, potentially making you a target for bullies or disrespectful comments in childhood. You may tend to stay hidden and to hide your body but you always end up being villainized. However, your transformative journey involves transcending these adversities. You rise above others' insecurities and boldly embrace your individuality. Empowering yourself by disregarding hurtful comments, you nurture self-appreciation and self-confidence despite societal pressures to conform.

Medusa in the 2nd house: can make you appear very self-assured and confident but you might find it difficult to see your own self-worth. Your voice may be quite attractive, and you might excel in business or singing. Financial success and possessions could come easily, but you may also face envy for your wealth. You may tend to hide the possession that you have and the inheritance that you received, especially from your husband. However, you can transform from this by maintaining your dignity, adapting to change, and valuing inner beauty over material possessions. Your makeup style may accentuate your allure, but be cautious of attracting unwanted attention in relationships.

Medusa in the 3rd house: may lead to tension with siblings and peers. In early years you may be quite shy and scared to express your opinion. In the neighborhood or with your siblings, things that go wrong might end up being attributed to you. Your social interactions may lead you to encounter individuals who are less than truthful, which can be frustrating. In some cases, people might misunderstand your intentions, labeling you as two-faced or even anti-social, especially if you're more introverted. However, your transformation comes by becoming more confident and setting boundaries, expressing your opinions assertively, and speaking up courageously when needed. Your ability to address uncomfortable truths may inspire others to do the same.

Medusa in the 4th house: can trigger negative reactions from family members. You might inherit certain challenging behaviors from an older relative and sense negative energy at home, possibly due to constant parental arguments. The them around you home can be quite unconventional, have an edgy look with marine and blue vibes to it. Your strong self-awareness and purposefulness can make it difficult for others to deceive or influence you. You've learned to establish your inner sanctuary, and you're protective of your emotions, possibly due to early criticism from a family member. This can lead to a desire for control and a slow transition when getting out of your comfort zone around others.

Medusa in the 5th house: with this placement people may envy or have hidden agendas, especially when you express your full self. You may tend to hide your art work and your creative endeavors, especially when younger. A lack of desire for children may bring you rumors, criticize and scandals. You're often villainized for outgrowing relationships and embracing change. There's a remarkable ability to protect your passions with unwavering determination, refusing to succumb to societal pressures or stifling expectations. In your life, you may attract partners with abusive tendencies and face misunderstandings due to your sincere kindness.

Medusa in the 6th house: people may envy your disciplined approach to daily life and work. In early years you might have encountered challenges with schoolmates and later, colleagues at work, a consistent inclination toward people-pleasing is noticeable. You've transformed from a people-pleaser to someone who values personal freedom and control. You're protective of your routines and may confront those who disrupt them, also you may like to adopt unusual pets and are very protective over them. You maintain a keen sense of discernment, especially regarding manipulative individuals, particularly men.

Medusa in the 7th house: your relationships may have faced challenges, and you could have experienced envy from others. People might see you as the peacemaker, but when you rebel, you face criticism. Controlling dynamics may have been part of your past relationships, and you may have experienced manipulation or guilt-tripping. People may envy your romantic connections, and sabotage could taint your relationships. You're villainized for not conforming to a one-dimensional image, for having your own vulnerabilities and complexities. To transform, reevaluate your role in relationships, recognize that you're not solely a caretaker, and insist on mutual partnership and empathy from others.

Medusa in the 8th house:  with this placement, you may encounter challenges in your intimate life due to being oversexualized. Loved ones might underestimate your pain, assuming you're always strong. Expressing yourself is often met with dismissal or minimization of your trauma. Your interactions can be intense and alluring, sometimes leading to obsessions, especially in intimate relationships. You tend to attract controlling individuals and even stalkers, people that usually want to know all your secrets. Some may envy your constant transformation, which can lead to competition or backbiting. Transformation comes for owning your sexuality and being in control of your finances. Remember, your personal growth is something to be proud of, despite others' negativity.

Medusa in the 9th house: your profound wisdom and exceptional intelligence often set you apart. While your deep knowledge and unique beliefs may not always find immediate acceptance, they are a testament to your unwavering commitment to your values. You naturally challenge cultural and religious norms; your spiritual journey is highly transformative and you usually hide your spiritual beliefs. It's important to recognize that your wisdom and spiritual insights have the potential to inspire and enlighten others, even when they struggle to fully comprehend your perspective.

Medusa in the 10th house: can create a unique journey in your work environment, where you might unknowingly trigger feelings of jealousy and face unkind energies from others. Your public image tends to be captivating, but this can occasionally result in clashes with government or legal matters. Challenges in your career and with authority figures are not uncommon with this placement, as there may have been expectations from your father for you to follow in his footsteps. As you age, you're likely to discover a growing sense of personal power and influence. It's important to recognize that these experiences have shaped you, and they offer opportunities for personal growth and transformation.

Medusa in the 11th house: you might keep your dreams and ambitions hidden because of the jealousy and envy you witnessed from your friends during your early years. Your upbringing might have exposed you to less-than-ideal community conditions, which may have led to toxic friendships and betrayals from people you considered friends. However, you do have genuine friends who share interests in astrology, spirituality, or religion with you, and these connections are meaningful. People might judge you or be envious, but this likely stems from their own insecurities. You're resilient and have the potential to make a positive impact on your community and the world in your own unique way.

Medusa in the 12th house: you might have experienced a pattern of encountering hidden adversaries in your life, which could be tied to karmic elements. This placement could also suggest a tendency to turn to intoxicants, like alcohol, which might symbolize a form of personal poison. Many with this placement may feel a strong bond with water elements, often expressing it through tattoos or jewelry featuring water symbols, seashells, or even snakes. Vivid snake dreams can serve as cautionary messages, urging vigilance against hidden adversaries. Your spiritual pursuits might be perceived as disruptive to community and family norms, causing some to view you as a threat due to your ability to see through deception when others can't.  Balancing vulnerability, self-protection, skepticism, and warmth highlights the need for compassion when confronting hidden traumas and fears in this placement.

[talonabraxas]

The life and crucifixion of Jesus Christ was physical representation of the crucifixion in the brain, this is a physiological and biological description of the teachings of The Bible.

"Jesus isn’t coming back a second time. The Christ is, and already has. What’s the difference? Jesus was the actual man (aka son of man) that lived 2000 years ago. Christ was the Consciousness (aka Son of God) that was expressing itself through Jesus telling people that “no one comes to the Father but through me” and “He who sees the Son sees the Father” when the masses thought he was referring to his body.

Now, how is the Christ coming back a second time or has already? The Christ is that aspect of the soul that some refer to as their Higher Self. It’s the part of you that’s a part of God (aka man is made in the image of God). God isn’t a man because He isn’t bound by any form. Yet it’s because He isn’t bound by form that gives Him the ability to assume ALL forms in creation. The Oneness that is God is expressing Himself through countless subjective experiences through each of His creation.

Since all of us have the Christ Consciousness laying dormant within all of us, in whom has it come back a second time, and how does all of humanity awaken it so it can express itself fully in all of mankind, rather than in just one person here and there?

Where/what is Christ in our body?

Jesus Christ was crucified at a place named “Calvary” which in the original Biblical language meant “skull”. In the human body there is a nerve known as “the tree of life”, it protrudes from the skull. It is this nerve, the Vagus Nerve, that “crucifies” meaning “Refines” or “Transforms the “Sacred Secretion” or “Christ Oil” into our Pineal gland, causing us to see God, face to face and receive the true anointing of the “Holy Spirit”.

Genesis 32:30

“Jacob named the place peneal(pineal)” because, he said “ I saw God face to face and lived to tell the story!”

This is a biological and physiological description of the journey made by Christ, the Christ Oil or Sacred Secretion throughout the body, and some practical instructions on how to honor it, raise it and exemplify it in order to be fully enlightened, just as God intended.

Christ was the living embodiment of Gods perfection, and Biblically, we are told that Christs Holy Spirit dwells Inside all of us, But what you may not know is how astoundingly literal Christ is inside our physical body. Colossians 1

26:29

“ This mystery had been kept in the dark for a long time, but now it is out in the open. God wanted everyone to know this rich and glorious secret inside and out, regardless of their background, regardless of their religious standing. The mystery in a nutshell is just this: Christ is in you, so therefore you can look forward to sharing in Gods glory. Its that simple. That is the substance of our message. We preach Christ, warning people not to add to the message. We teach in a spirit of profound common sense, so that we can bring each person to maturity. To be mature is to be basic, Christ! No more, no less, thats what I’m working so hard at, day after day, year after year, doing my best with the energy God so generously gives me.”

The bible is clearly telling us of Gods glory and energy living in our body.

Lets apply Gods word to the science of our body.

1: The Claustrum

Inside the brain there is a thin, irregular sheet of neurons, that attach to the underside of the Neocortex in the center of the brain, known as the Claustrum.The Claustrum is the seat of all consciousness in the body. It is the physical bodies supply of “Life Energy” from God or Spirit. This “Life Energy” is referred to as many different things, “Esse” (Latin), “To Be” (English), “Luminiferous Aether”, “Source”, “Prana” etc. It is thought to be where the name “Santa Claus” originates from, because it brings life to the entire body.

2: The Secretion

Also known as Christ oil , Chrism, sacred Secretion.

As the orchestra of the brain, Cerebrum. The Claustrum signals the secretion of oil (Cerebral Spinal Fluid) into the Spine (Central Nervous System).

The New Testament tells us in John about this internal Christ oil or Sacred Secretion.

1 John

2:27

“As for you, the anointing (oil) which you received from him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you: but as his anointing teaches you about all things.”

3: Colossians

Colossians 1:26-29

“Know this glorious secret (from the word secrete) Inside and out.”

Colossians

1:27

“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

This is interestingly referring to the cell adhesion molecule known as “Laminin” which, if you look at the pictures it is literally the shape of a cross. The Bible is telling us to understand God inside and outside. This means understanding the physiology of the body and the holy oil or secretion.

4: Christ

The word Christ/kristos in ancient Greek means “anointed” or “smeared with oil”, and this “Christ oil” or “Sacred Secretion” is Inside us, Teaching us everything from the inside out”. We must fully honor God in all our ways, as the Bible teaches. Then will we receive Gods blessings like we have never known before.

1 John

2-27

“As for you, the anointing (oil) which you received from him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you: but as his anointing teaches you about all things, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you abide in him.”

5: The Milk and the Honey

The biblical milk and honey are produced by the Pineal gland and the Pituitary gland.

Numbers 14:8

“If the lord is pleased with us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it to us a land which flows with Milk and Honey.”

I believe it is important to Note: the “if” in, “If the lord is pleased with us”, that means: We have to please the Lord by following Christs teachings, also meaning we need to preserve the Christ oil or Sacred Secretion if we want to truly know God and reap the benefits.

6: About the Pineal gland

Biblically the Pineal gland is referred to as the place where Jacob met God.

Genesis 32:30

“Jacob named the place Peniel (Pineal) because he said, “I saw God face to face and lived to tell the story!”

Mathew 6:22

“The light of the body is the eye: therefore if thine eye be single (Pineal), thy whole body shall be full of light.”

The Pineal gland produces NN-Dimethyltryptamine(DMT) and golden Melatonin honey. It has more blood flow per cubic volume than any other organ. It is located in the center of the brain, behind and above the Pituitary gland. It is surrounded or bathed in Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is know for its male energy, Joseph. It i referred to as the “Yang” (of Yin and Yang). It is known as the Solar not lunar. It is the dominant source of the body’s “Melatonin”.

7: About Melatonin and DMT

It has a significant effect on mood, It effects the immune system, it effects Carcadian rhythms, quality and quantity of desired sleep, it is anti-aging and stress reducing because it suppresses Cortisol (the disease feeding stress hormone). It is a powerful antioxidant. DMT is a powerful psychedelic chemical which can produce vivid "projections" of mystical experiences involving euphoria and dynamic visual and auditory hallucinations. It is secreted by the body during high levels of excitement and Near-Death Experiences. It is also known as “The Spirit Molecule,” because people report feelings of separation from the body into spirit and loss of their ego. In the Bible these Secretions are called the living water.

John

7:38

“Streams of living water will flow within him.”

8: About the Pituitary gland

It Produces Oxytocin and Vasopressin which are white, Milk. It activates the Hypothalamus, which is know to aid the health and activation of the Pineal Gland. It is located Above the Sphenoid Sinus where CSF is secreted during high levels of excitement, and this sensation is linked to many spiritual experiences. It is known for its female energy, Mary. It is referred to as the “Yin” of Yin and Yang and it is known as the Lunar not Solar.

9: About Oxytocin and Vasopressin

They heighten feelings of trust, peace and empathy, Godlike feelings. They reduce feelings of fear, anxiety and aggression.

Proverbs

19:11

“The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part to overlook an offense.”

10: The Solar Plexus

The Christ oil or Sacred Secretion travels towards the Sacrum via the Solar Plexus. The Solar Plexus is where the Christ seed is born. This is known biblically as Bethlehem (house of breads). The Christ oil or Sacred Secretion enters the Solar Plexus, where it combines with the Holy Spirit (Esse, Source Energy, Luminiferous Aether or Prana etc), and that is how the seed is produced or born.

11: Getting the Christ Oil (seed) to the sacral pump without diminishing it.

It is important to know the Christ oil (seed) can be compromised, damaged and dissipated, if we do not preserve it and this is not what we want. In order to raise the Christ oil (seed), “Know God and see his face at Peniel (Pineal)”. We must “Love the Lord our God with all our hearts, souls and minds.” To paraphrase Mathew 22:37 this means living for God and following his laws.

12: Preserving the oil- Gods Laws (The basics)

1- Be healthy and not gluttonous.

1 corinthians

6:20

“For ye are bought with a price, therefore glorify God in your body, and in your Spirit, which are Gods.”

2- Dont be lustful.

Psalm

101:3

“Ill not look with approval on anything that is vile. I hate what faithless people do, i will have no part in it.”

3- Do not be greedy.

Proverbs

15:27

“A greedy and grasping person destroys community; those who refuse to exploit live and let live.”

4- Don’t be lazy.

Ecclesiastes

10:18

“Through sloth the roof sinks in, and through indolence the house leaks.”

5- Don’t be quick to anger.

Proverbs

15:18

“Hot tempers start fights: A cool, calm spirit keeps the peace.”

6- Don’t be jealous or selfish.

James

3:16

“For where envy and self seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”

7- Stop being prideful and boasting.

2 Chronicles

26:16

“His pride led to his downfall.”

13-14: About the Sacrum.

The Sacrum is a triangular bone in the lower back formed from fused vertebrae, and situated between the two hip bones of the pelvis. The english word “Sacrum” was introduced as a technical term in anatomy in the mid 18th century, As a shortening of the late Latin name Os Sacrum “sacred bone.” It is where surgeons perform a Lumbar puncture to extract samples of CSF. It is the location of the Sacral pump. The Sacral pump is a regular rhythmic motion between the Occipit in the throat and the Sacrum. It circulates CSF back up the Spinal Cord, through the Central Nervous System and into the brain. The Sacral pump is a key of the circulatory system, and its proper functioning is important for good physical, mental and emotional well-being.

15: 33 Vertebrae

From the Sacrum the Christ oil or Sacred Secretion/Aether, CSF and hormones starts its journey back up the Spinal Cord through the 33 Vertebrae. Lets look at the significance of the 33 Vertebrae in the Spinal Cord: Jesus Christ lived for 33 years. Jesus was crucified at 33 years of age. The divine name Elohim appears 33 times, in the book of Genesis. There are 33 Gods in the Vedic religion. 33 is a numerical representation of “The Star of David,” and also the numerical equivalent of AMEN:1+13+5+14+=33. An image of the virgin Mary from the 18th century, is know as “Virgin of the thirty-three” in Uruguay and it was consecrated by Pope John Paul 2 in the 1988. There are 33 degrees in freemasonry to achieve illumination And there are lots more.

16: Solar Plexus part 2

During the Christ oil or Sacred Secretions ascent up the Spinal Cord, the CSF goes back through the Solar Plexus. Solar Plexus is a complex network of nerves, located in the abdomen. It is emotionally linked with concerns over personal power, anger and distrust. It assist with the generation of metabolic energy and the Pancreas

Daniel

2:33

“The head of that statue was made of fine gold, its breasts, and its arms of silver, and its belly and its thighs of bronze.” NOTE: The Christ oil is in the bronze or least value when it is in the belly/solar plexus, therefore it must be raised, to become gold, the highest value.

17: Next,

the Christ oil or Sacred Secretion ascends to he vicinity of the Heart, Sternum or Cardiac Plexus.

Proverbs

4:23

“Above all else guard your Heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

Excessive production of the stress hormones Cortisol and Epinephrine can cause brain damage, and problems in all other parts of the body, therefore it is scientifically paramount for mental and physical health, to be peaceful, calm and forgiving. Just as the Bible suggests. NOTE:the “Everything you do” counts towards following, knowing and loving Christ, which will preserve the Christ oil. The Cardiac Plexus is a plexus of nerves situated at the base of the Heart that

Innervates the Heart. The Cardiac Plexus is divided into a superficial part, which lies in the concavity of the Aortic Arch, and a deep part between the Aortic Arch and the Trachea. It is emotionally linked with love. It assists the Thymus Gland, the Thymus serves a vital role in the, training and development of T-Lymphocytes/T-Cells, an extremely important type of White Blood cell.

18: Raising the Christ Oil further.

The Christ oil then rises to the throat or more specifically the Vagus Nerve, also know as the Pneumo Vagus and the Pneumogastric Nerve. Here the Christ oil is crucified and put to death, but if we resist our low desires of carnal urges for 2.5 days (the same amount of time that Jesus was in the tomb, and the amount of time the moon stays in each sun sign) then the oil will be refined, transmuted and resurrected on the third day! This is when enlightenment, illumination and increase will engulf your Being, like nothing you have ever experienced before. You will have vision, power and insight, like you never knew possible. “There is something on the other side, of obedience that makes you say, why did i ever resist?”

19: About the Vagus Nerve

The Vagus Nerve is a Network of nerves, known as “The Tree of Life.” It descends from the Pineal and Pituitary glands. It is the 10th Cranial Nerve (CNX). It is the longest nerve of the Autonomic Involuntary Nervous System, in the human body.

Romans

12:2

“And be not conformed to this world, but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”

NOTE: Fight every man made temptation that exists, while the Christ oil is being refined in the Vagus Nerve.

20: About the 2.5 days

It is the amount of time that Jesus was in the tomb, before being resurrected or increased in power. Jesus’s Holy Ghost went from being in one persons body, To being in every persons body. It is the amount of time the moon stays in each sun sign. The first day the Christ oil secretes, and this happens 12 times per year. The Optic Thalamus is 2.5 centimeters across.

Colossians

2:5

“For those I’m absent in the flesh, yet am i with you in the Spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.”

21: The Resurrection

After 2.5 days the oil ascends to the “Pons”

The Pons is besides the Medulla Oblongata. The Pons is a major structure in the upper part of your Brainstem. It is involved in the control of breathing, communication between different parts of the brain, and sensations such as hearing, taste and balance. “Pons” means bridge in Latin. The Pons or bridge raises the preserved, refined and transmuted oil into the Optic Thalamus. Where new blood is produced, and dormant brain cells are reactivated and awakened in what is called “illumination.”

22: The significance of 7 in the Optic Thalamus

There are 7 stars in the Optic Thalamus, dimmed by the 7 deadly sins

Amos

5:8

“Seek him that maketh the 7 stars and Orion, and turn the shadow of death into morning, and maketh the day dark with night: that calleth for the waters of the sea, and pour them out upon the face of the earth: (The Lord Light) is his name.”

People say that Astrology is an evil from the devil. How can this be true when the Bible literally tells us to follow the stars.

Genesis

1:14

“And let the stars be for signs.”

ELOHIM(God) is another word for 7

Mathew

6:5-13

“As above, So below.”

There are seven refractors of light. There are seven original senses in the ancient text: seeing, hearing, taste, feeling, smelling, intuition and telepathy. The Solar Plexus is the organ of intuition (Gut Feeling), Brain or Thalamus is the organ of Telepathy.

Mathew

18:22

“Seventy times seven” means unlimited forgiveness.

23: Enlightenment or the Baptizing of the Holy Spirit

The Greeks called the Thalamus the “Light of the World.” The word “Lord” also means light of the world. The Thalamus has two hemispheres just like the earth.

Mathew

6:5-13

“As above so below.”

The Thalamus is the Arc of the Covenant. Just see Google images.

When the Christ oil reaches the Optic Thalamus you will have vision, you will know what your purpose is, you will know what matters, you will feel incredible, Gods Christ Oil will give you enthusiasm, motivation, direction, focus, power, intuition, decisiveness, imagination, knowledge, understanding, peace, healing, acceptance and Love. The benefits are Divine beyond measure.

I encourage you all in raising your own Christ oil, and to reject low carnal urges so that you too can receive Gods true anointing and blessings. A world of awakened Christs is what this Planet needs for Salvation. The Anti-Christs regime will no longer be able to hold back the truth, as we collectively ascend to a higher state of consciousness. The chains of the past and false paradigm of the physical world will be lifted so that everyone can see the true nature of consciousness.

[galene-gothic]

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𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘐’𝘮 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴. ㅤ𐙚

𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒆 𝒅𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏 for 35 € (originally: 42 €)

in this profound tarot reading, we will take an omniscient perspective to examine the origins of your connection with your future spouse, extending beyond this lifetime and the limitations imposed by our earthly plane. we will delve into the logical reasoning behind this destined union and explore the pragmatic foundations upon which your bond will build. we will then journey into the realms of mysticism and magic to unveil the ethereal connection you will share with your future partner - a bond so intense that you will feel as though you are merging souls. we will then define the knot, the commitment that binds you two together and transcends time and space. afterwards, we will delve into the rational aspects of this connection. we will explore the concrete lessons and growth opportunities that this relationship will present you with, providing practical insights that you can apply in your daily life. then, we will shift our focus to the mystical or spiritual dimension of this bond. we will uncover the deeper understanding and wisdom that this connection might offer you, transcending the boundaries of the physical world. finally, we will touch on the essence of the bond itself, the thread that binds you and your future partner together - the most crucial aspect to remember about this sacred connection, regardless of its origins or circumstances.

𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆 and 𝒆𝒕𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔 for 56 € (originally: 65 €)

an extremely in-depth future spouse reading which includes their appearance, style, music style, personality, mental well-being, interests and hobbies, shadow aspects, energy, love languages, trope, background, meeting them for the first time, first impressions. here, we'll also take a look at why you'll fall in love with them and the other way around, the day of your marriage, how they'll describe you to others and also what it is about you that will repulse them but make you irresistible to them at the same time. we'll also take a look at your individual journeys to each other and how they'll show jealousy. we'll take a really deep dive into the spiritual aspect of your connection, how you'll connect on a soul level, why the both of you will meet and end up together. then finally, to conclude the reading, we'll look at your marriage through the years and general messages about you as a couple!

… and

in this tarot reading, I'll predict the things that your future spouse will do in order to win your heart, the thoughts and feelings that'll flood through their mind when they'll look at you and the other way around, and also into how you'll view each other. we'll look at their life story to figure out why they will be the way that they are when you'll meet them. we'll also take a look at how they'll describe you to their friends and family. we'll look into why they'll admire you and why they'll choose you. how they'll act in front of you vs in front of others.

𝒂𝒑𝒉𝒓𝒐𝒅𝒊𝒕𝒆'𝒔 𝒐𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓 and 𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒂'𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 for 89 € (originally: 96 €)

all the sections from 'the soul alchemy' package, some messages from the universe regarding your love life, advice that can help you attract love into your life, a walk through your first love/heartbreak, messages from your ideal person and a peek at why people fall in love with you + who crushes on you!

… and

most of our lives are spent by trying to understand ourselves, realizing that we aren't as evolved as we thought we were, self loath, pity and misunderstandings are a very common theme when it comes to ourselves. by purchasing this option, you will receive messages from both your inner child and future self, guidance on your path and some advice for self love, why people feel grateful to have you in their lives, the way you touch their hearts and alter their lives, a small reading that brings out your inner magic and information on how to become your best version and traits that you need to face and should work on.

𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒂'𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 and 𝒄𝒍𝒂𝒊𝒓 𝒅𝒆 𝒍𝒖𝒏𝒆 for 69 € (originally: 76 €)

most of our lives are spent by trying to understand ourselves, realizing that we aren't as evolved as we thought we were, self loath, pity and misunderstandings are a very common theme when it comes to ourselves. by purchasing this option, you will receive messages from both your inner child and future self, guidance on your path and some advice for self love, why people feel grateful to have you in their lives, the way you touch their hearts and alter their lives, a small reading that brings out your inner magic and information on how to become your best version and traits that you need to face and should work on.

… and

this tarot reading will delve deep into what remains mysterious and unknown about you to others and even to yourself. we shall explore what secrets are kept from you and what you should keep hidden from others. we shall also take a glimpse at the shadow, the darker side of your character and psyche that remains hidden and repressed. this will be a dark and mysterious spread, revealing the hidden facets of your being and exposing those shadows we'd rather not confront. we shall also peel away the layers of the past and explore the hidden admiration of those who dislike you without reason or explanation.

𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆 and 𝒍𝒂𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒔𝒂'𝒔 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 for 77 € (originally: 83 €)

an extremely in-depth future spouse reading which includes their appearance, style, music style, personality, mental well-being, interests and hobbies, shadow aspects, energy, love languages, trope, background, meeting them for the first time, first impressions. here, we'll also take a look at why you'll fall in love with them and the other way around, the day of your marriage, how they'll describe you to others and also what it is about you that will repulse them but make you irresistible to them at the same time. we'll also take a look at your individual journeys to each other and how they'll show jealousy. we'll take a really deep dive into the spiritual aspect of your connection, how you'll connect on a soul level, why the both of you will meet and end up together. then finally, to conclude the reading, we'll look at your marriage through the years and general messages about you as a couple!

… and

most of our lives are spent by trying to understand ourselves, realizing that we aren't as evolved as we thought we were, self loath, pity and misunderstandings are a very common theme when it comes to ourselves. by purchasing this option, you will receive messages from both your inner child and future self, guidance on your path and some advice for self love, why people feel grateful to have you in their lives, the way you touch their hearts and alter their lives, a small reading that brings out your inner magic and information on how to become your best version and traits that you need to face and should work on.

𝒄𝒐𝒆𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒔 and 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒆 𝒅𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏 for 67 € (originally: 78 €)

in this profound tarot spread, we will embark on a poetic journey through the stages of your connection with your future spouse. to start, we will unveil the sweet aspects of your bond - the moments that will bring you ease and comfort, like a delightful dessert that melts on your palate. then, we will navigate the challenging aspects - the parts that may bring a hint of bitterness or sourness, like a tart that tests your resolve. we will then pinpoint the taste bud - the particular aspect of your connection that will capture your attention, the flavor that will linger on your tongue, the particular aspects of your connection that you will be most keenly aware of, the element that will be most prominent in your mind and heart. to conclude, we will focus our attention on the digestive aspect of your connection with your future spouse - the part that, although not immediately apparent, will have a lasting impact over time. this element may unfold gradually, taking its time to reveal its significance, similar to how a complex dish affects your system in ways that might not be immediately obvious. it will be an aspect of your connection that will require patience and keen observation to recognize its influence and importance.

… and

in this profound tarot reading, we will take an omniscient perspective to examine the origins of your connection with your future spouse, extending beyond this lifetime and the limitations imposed by our earthly plane. we will delve into the logical reasoning behind this destined union and explore the pragmatic foundations upon which your bond will build. we will then journey into the realms of mysticism and magic to unveil the ethereal connection you will share with your future partner - a bond so intense that you will feel as though you are merging souls. we will then define the knot, the commitment that binds you two together and transcends time and space. afterwards, we will delve into the rational aspects of this connection. we will explore the concrete lessons and growth opportunities that this relationship will present you with, providing practical insights that you can apply in your daily life. then, we will shift our focus to the mystical or spiritual dimension of this bond. we will uncover the deeper understanding and wisdom that this connection might offer you, transcending the boundaries of the physical world. finally, we will touch on the essence of the bond itself, the thread that binds you and your future partner together - the most crucial aspect to remember about this sacred connection, regardless of its origins or circumstances.

𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒊𝒆, 𝒆𝒕𝒐𝒊𝒍𝒆𝒔, 𝒄𝒐𝒆𝒖𝒓 𝒅𝒆 𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒃𝒐𝒏𝒔 and 𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒆 𝒅𝒖 𝒅𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏 for 111 € (originally: 143 €)

an extremely in-depth future spouse reading which includes their appearance, style, music style, personality, mental well-being, interests and hobbies, shadow aspects, energy, love languages, trope, background, meeting them for the first time, first impressions. here, we'll also take a look at why you'll fall in love with them and the other way around, the day of your marriage, how they'll describe you to others and also what it is about you that will repulse them but make you irresistible to them at the same time. we'll also take a look at your individual journeys to each other and how they'll show jealousy. we'll take a really deep dive into the spiritual aspect of your connection, how you'll connect on a soul level, why the both of you will meet and end up together. then finally, to conclude the reading, we'll look at your marriage through the years and general messages about you as a couple!

… and

in this tarot reading, I'll predict the things that your future spouse will do in order to win your heart, the thoughts and feelings that'll flood through their mind when they'll look at you and the other way around, and also into how you'll view each other. we'll look at their life story to figure out why they will be the way that they are when you'll meet them. we'll also take a look at how they'll describe you to their friends and family. we'll look into why they'll admire you and why they'll choose you. how they'll act in front of you vs in front of others.

… and

in this profound tarot spread, we will embark on a poetic journey through the stages of your connection with your future spouse. to start, we will unveil the sweet aspects of your bond - the moments that will bring you ease and comfort, like a delightful dessert that melts on your palate. then, we will navigate the challenging aspects - the parts that may bring a hint of bitterness or sourness, like a tart that tests your resolve. we will then pinpoint the taste bud - the particular aspect of your connection that will capture your attention, the flavor that will linger on your tongue, the particular aspects of your connection that you will be most keenly aware of, the element that will be most prominent in your mind and heart. to conclude, we will focus our attention on the digestive aspect of your connection with your future spouse - the part that, although not immediately apparent, will have a lasting impact over time. this element may unfold gradually, taking its time to reveal its significance, similar to how a complex dish affects your system in ways that might not be immediately obvious. it will be an aspect of your connection that will require patience and keen observation to recognize its influence and importance.

… and

in this profound tarot reading, we will take an omniscient perspective to examine the origins of your connection with your future spouse, extending beyond this lifetime and the limitations imposed by our earthly plane. we will delve into the logical reasoning behind this destined union and explore the pragmatic foundations upon which your bond will build. we will then journey into the realms of mysticism and magic to unveil the ethereal connection you will share with your future partner - a bond so intense that you will feel as though you are merging souls. we will then define the knot, the commitment that binds you two together and transcends time and space. afterwards, we will delve into the rational aspects of this connection. we will explore the concrete lessons and growth opportunities that this relationship will present you with, providing practical insights that you can apply in your daily life. then, we will shift our focus to the mystical or spiritual dimension of this bond. we will uncover the deeper understanding and wisdom that this connection might offer you, transcending the boundaries of the physical world. finally, we will touch on the essence of the bond itself, the thread that binds you and your future partner together - the most crucial aspect to remember about this sacred connection, regardless of its origins or circumstances.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ׄ 　۪ 𓂃 ੭୧ 𓂃　۪ ׄ

CLOSED

[the-hermit-at-midnight]

Awen: The Spirit of Inspiration in Druidic Tradition

The concept of Awen is a fundamental element in modern Druidry and Celtic spirituality. It represents a divine inspiration or creative spirit that flows through all things, fueling artistic expression, wisdom, and spiritual understanding. Rooted in ancient Welsh traditions and widely embraced by contemporary Druids, Awen encapsulates a profound connection between humanity and the natural world, the divine, and the realms of creativity and knowledge.

Historical Origins and Etymology

The term "Awen" originates from the Welsh language, where it literally means "inspiration" or "muse." Its earliest recorded usage appears in the medieval Welsh literature of the 6th century, notably in the works of the bards and poets. The concept of Awen is closely tied to the figure of the bard in Celtic society—those who were the keepers of history, lore, and cultural wisdom through their poetry and music.

In the Welsh Triads and the works of Taliesin, one of the most renowned bards of the medieval period, Awen is depicted as a divine force that grants poets their insight and creativity. The word itself likely derives from Proto-Celtic *aweno-, which means "inspiration."

Awen in Druidic Tradition

Modern Druidry, which saw a revival in the 18th and 19th centuries and continues to evolve today, places Awen at the heart of its spiritual practice. Druids view Awen as a sacred flow of inspiration that comes from the divine and permeates the universe. It is not only a source of artistic creativity but also a spiritual force that brings wisdom, clarity, and a deep connection to nature.

The Three Rays of Awen

A common symbol associated with Awen in Druidic tradition is the three rays of light. This symbol typically consists of three parallel lines or rays, often depicted radiating from a single source. Each ray represents different aspects of inspiration and spiritual illumination:

1. **The First Ray:** This ray symbolizes the spark of inspiration or the initial creative impulse. It represents the beginning of an idea or the seed of wisdom.

2. **The Second Ray:** This ray stands for the process of development and growth. It is the journey of bringing an idea to fruition, the unfolding of creative and spiritual insight.

3. **The Third Ray:** This final ray signifies completion and manifestation. It is the realization and expression of inspiration in the material world, whether through art, writing, or acts of wisdom.

The Invocation of Awen

Druids often invoke Awen through rituals and ceremonies to seek inspiration and guidance. The chant "Awen" is commonly used, either sung or spoken, to open oneself to the flow of divine inspiration. This practice serves as a meditative and spiritual exercise, aligning the practitioner with the forces of creativity and insight.

The chant of Awen is said to attune the mind and spirit to the deeper currents of the universe, allowing for a clearer reception of inspiration. It can be a solitary practice or part of communal rituals, and it often accompanies other elements of Druidic ceremonies, such as the celebration of seasonal festivals and rites of passage.

Awen and the Arts

In the realm of the arts, Awen is seen as the driving force behind all forms of creative expression. From poetry and music to visual arts and storytelling, artists in the Druidic tradition seek to channel Awen in their work. This creative process is not merely about personal expression but is viewed as a way to connect with the divine and contribute to the cultural and spiritual enrichment of the community.

Awen and Nature

For Druids, nature is a primary source of Awen. The natural world, with its cycles, beauty, and mystery, is a wellspring of inspiration and wisdom. By observing and interacting with nature, Druids believe they can tap into the flow of Awen, gaining insights and understanding that transcend ordinary perception. This deep connection to nature is reflected in the reverence for sacred groves, stones, and other natural sites that are often central to Druidic practice.

Awen remains a central and inspiring concept in modern Druidry and Celtic spirituality. It embodies the divine spark of inspiration that fuels creativity, wisdom, and a profound connection to the world around us. Whether through the arts, nature, or spiritual practice, the pursuit of Awen is a journey toward deeper understanding and harmonious existence with the universe. As Druids continue to celebrate and invoke Awen, they keep alive an ancient tradition that enriches the mind, spirit, and culture, connecting them to a timeless source of inspiration.

[shamandrummer]

What is Animism?

Animism, derived from the Latin word "anima" meaning soul or breath, is a belief system that attributes spiritual essence to all things, both animate and inanimate. It is one of the oldest forms of religious beliefs and is often considered the foundation of human spirituality. This blog post explores the concept of animism, its historical context, core beliefs, and its relevance in contemporary society.

Historical Context

Animism is believed to have originated in the Paleolithic era, long before organized religions took shape. Early humans, deeply connected to their environment, perceived a living spirit in everything around them. Rocks, trees, rivers, animals, and even weather patterns were seen as imbued with spirits. This perspective fostered a profound respect for nature and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all life forms.

As human societies evolved, animistic beliefs laid the groundwork for many indigenous and tribal religions. Shamanism, totemism, and various forms of nature worship can be traced back to animistic principles. These practices were not merely spiritual but also integral to the social and cultural fabric of early communities.

Core Beliefs of Animism

At its heart, animism is about recognizing and respecting the spiritual essence in all things. Here are some of the core beliefs that define animistic traditions:

Spiritual Interconnectedness

Animists believe that everything in the universe is interconnected through a web of spiritual relationships. This includes humans, animals, plants, rocks, rivers, and even celestial bodies. The spirit or soul is not exclusive to living creatures but is inherent in all elements of nature. This interconnectedness fosters a sense of kinship and mutual respect among all entities.

2. Spirit Communication

In animistic traditions, communication with spirits is a common practice. Shamans, spiritual leaders, or medicine men and women often act as intermediaries between the human world and the spirit world. Through rituals, trances, and other practices, they seek guidance, healing, and wisdom from the spirits.

3. Respect for Nature

Animism promotes a deep respect for nature and its cycles. Natural features such as mountains, rivers, forests, and animals are revered and often considered sacred. This respect translates into sustainable practices and a harmonious relationship with the environment, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural resources.

4. Ancestral Worship

Ancestral worship is a significant aspect of animistic belief systems. Ancestors are believed to continue their existence in the spirit world, influencing and guiding the living. Rituals and offerings are made to honor and seek blessings from ancestors, maintaining a strong bond between past and present generations.

Animism in Different Cultures

Animism is not confined to a single culture or region; it is a universal belief system found across various societies. Here are a few examples of animistic traditions from different parts of the world:

Indigenous Tribes in North America

Many Native American tribes, such as the Lakota, Cherokee, and Navajo, hold animistic beliefs. They view the earth as a living entity and emphasize harmony with nature. The concept of "Wakan Tanka" or the Great Spirit in Lakota spirituality exemplifies the animistic belief in a life force pervading all things.

2. African Traditional Religions

In Africa, animism is prevalent among various ethnic groups. The Yoruba religion, for instance, recognizes numerous deities and spirits associated with natural elements. These spirits, known as Orishas, play a vital role in the daily lives of the Yoruba people, influencing everything from health to weather.

3. Shinto in Japan

Shinto, the indigenous religion of Japan, is deeply rooted in animistic beliefs. Kami, or spirits, inhabit natural features such as mountains, rivers, trees, and even human-made objects. Shinto practices involve rituals and offerings to honor these kami, fostering a connection between the physical and spiritual worlds.

4. Aboriginal Spirituality in Australia

Australian Aboriginal spirituality is inherently animistic. The concept of "Dreamtime" refers to the creation period when ancestral spirits shaped the land and its inhabitants. These spirits continue to exist in the natural world, and Aboriginal rituals and stories reflect their ongoing presence and influence.

Relevance of Animism in Contemporary Society

In today's world, animism may seem distant from mainstream religious practices, yet its principles remain relevant. The growing environmental movement, with its emphasis on sustainability and respect for nature, echoes animistic values. By recognizing the intrinsic value of all living and non-living things, animism offers a philosophical foundation for ecological conservation.

Furthermore, animism encourages mindfulness and a holistic approach to life. It reminds us to see beyond the material and acknowledge the spiritual dimensions of existence. This perspective can foster greater empathy, compassion, and a sense of responsibility toward the planet and its inhabitants.

Conclusion

Animism, with its profound respect for the spiritual essence of all things, offers timeless wisdom. It teaches us about the interconnectedness of life, the importance of respecting nature, and the value of maintaining spiritual relationships. While modern society may have moved away from animistic practices, the core beliefs continue to inspire and guide those seeking a deeper connection with the world around them.

By embracing the principles of animism, we can cultivate a more harmonious and sustainable way of living, honoring the spirit that resides in every aspect of our existence.

[kuriipi]

I need you guys to stop lying and pretending like all Lanthimos' movies are some form of high art.

The guy is literally every greek film bro that went to cinema school.

I do believe he genuinely believes he is revolutionising and combining the greek mythos with modern philosophical ideas. A harsh critic of the fickle and contradictory human nature. But that's where the problem mostly lies. He's not in the slightest bit subtle.

His earlier stuff is seriously just a bunch of pretentious one liners masked as some big profound truth.

"oh you don't like a killing of a sacred deer bcs you don't get the original myth" like no. I get it. And I also know that the greek myth wasn't really a much about divine punishment as it was about facing the reality of your actions. Agamemnon didn't want to sacrifice his daughter to stop the punishment that fell upon them all, after he had killed the sacred deer. He is forced to do it after outside pressure, forced to move past his denial and recognize that it is his only way of atonement. And then the gods still ultimately decide to save Ifigenia because after all she was faultless in all this.

Making "the killing" a medical malpractice is honestly brilliant. Agamemnon hadn't known it was Artemis' sacred deer that he had killed. He only found out after his punishment had already begun. Colin's character hadn't meant to kill the man either, hadn't known of his identity either. But this is as far as the briliance goes.

It is a deeply dark story about a man's desperate attempt to escape fate, to find a loophole, but ultimately it falls flat cause there is not an ounce of sympathy for the characters. You can't feel anything for them or their struggle because they are , intentionally, written so uncannily. Most if not all of Lanthimos' characters really lack the human element.

And although I get the thought and it really does work for a story on human connections like 'the lobster ". The unnatural and completely "un-human" way the characters are portrait adds more layer, a greater punch. Honestly it's extremely well fitted and executed. But for "the killing of a sacred deer" a story whose point really is about the despair, the cruelty of actions and events one is far too powerless to prevent it's...well I think it's a pretty terrible execution.

"you don't like the lobster because you simply can't see the point" Yes it's about society, everything is, it's about forced intimacy, the fear of loneliness, societal pressure and they way we would rather lie to ourselves and our potential partner if it meant we won't be alone. It's about dating for the sake of dating, about children being reduced to nothing more that accessories. About the reactionary solitude, the loners being just as cruel as the hotel enforcing the same strict rules but at the opposite direction. (It doesn't even matter if that is the actual point of the movie because if I talk long enough with enough buzzwords, throw enough ideas at the wall, you'll believe I know exactly what I'm taking about.)

And it's still not really that good.

The premise falls flat. The macabre aspect of being turned into an animal, if you fail at forming a connection, the horrifying depersonalisation, dehumanising the characters is hardly explored.

Ok fine, it was just the premise, just to set the scene (arguably it's the most interesting part of the story, but I digress.)

It's all about human nature. Yes, but it's nothing more than a cynics caricature of it.

But you see the loners are treated like animals but we see how they function and enjoy mundane things like shampoo and going to the mall, and are actually human. Yes me playing with my barbies at 10 had more depth than that. On other news water is wet.

The humans are complex, and actually human and also just as bad as the other humans isn't deep enough of a point to make me watch 2 hours of a stagnant film, and endure like five separate dialogs about ass fucking and masturbation. And how you need a partner to protect you from being sexualy assaulted (like from whom, if that's the case why not just simply turn the entire male population into animals, they seem to have ways of procuring children out of thin air so that doesn't seem to be a problem)

"You can't ask things like that. It's about philosophy and human nature not mechanics plot holes" yes but they're still part of a rather drawn out movie.. if he didn't want me to comment on the plot wholes he should've made the film one hour shorter and avoided them all together.

Like I'll be honest what annoys me the most in his films is the way he forces you to watch these scenes that can only be described as pretentious if not outright bad, that are so meticulously woven into the story. How deep how profound all sex is rape, humanity is cruel and uncaring, detachment is the bain of our modern society. I'm going to add 50 one liners about ass fucking because then it's just about sex, depersonalised. It's really not deep at all.

Like I'm so sorry that not wanting to watch Colin Farrel fuck a woman cosplaying as a corpse multiple times in a movie makes me unappreciative of high cinema. But I guess it is what it is.

(That said, his newer stuff is getting better at keeping up the engagement and evoking more sympathy for the characters. There is far more space to connect to them. The ending of "The favourite" let me feel the despair, the hopeless and absolutely miserable situation the characters found themselves in at the end of the movie.)

[kagoutiss]

what is link like in your AU?💞💞

hi anon i hope you’re ok with the fact that i ended up writing you a gargantuan wall of text in response to your very simple question 😭 so basically most of the AU takes place during the 7 year timeskip when link is asleep in the sacred realm, so that’s why i don’t talk as much about him. but i have a lot of feelings about his & sheik’s interactions after he finally wakes up, him being the same friend sheik knew for such a short time so many years ago, him probably still being the best friend she’s ever had despite that. except link hasn’t been able to adjust to the passage of time like sheik— he’s a little boy who was basically turned into a soldier in a matter of days, and has now woken up in a body that’s suddenly too big for him, and still has to keep being a soldier and fulfill a mission he never asked for, wherein he has to prepare to kill a human being who is in possession of unimaginable divine power. link in my AU is basically the same as how i think of him in canon, he’s trying to do everything that’s been asked of him while relearning how to move/fight/interact with a world that’s very different from the one he had just barely begun to familiarize himself with

not to infantilize him by talking so much about how he was just a kid, but he is metaphorically & literally a kid who was forced to grow up before he was ready— from the moment his mother gave him to the Deku Tree as a baby, he’s been saddled with immense expectations that inevitably ruin his entire life, very suddenly and very quickly. zelda, the only person who really acknowledges the burdens that have been placed on him, tries to help in the end by sending him back to his childhood in the hopes of returning what she feels she’s deprived him of, intentionally or not. but even this can’t really give him his childhood back, or give him a normal life (not to mention, the zelda he knew never gets to see him again after that, and likewise the zelda he meets again in his childhood will not ever really be the same zelda he knew. because they had completely different life experiences. adult link & adult zelda kinda both lose their closest friends in the entire world in that way)

also like in the game, ganondorf is passively interested in link’s progress & thinks he’s a really gutsy (if naive) kid with a ton of potential. but he also feels that link’s potential is squandered by serving people who are only interested in him as a means of restoring their old world, people who have instilled in link this tendency to do whatever is asked of him without questioning any of it. link is afraid of ganondorf and confused by him, he does not understand why ganon does what he does, he despises him more & more for the harm he’s caused to the people he meets on his journey, and link conquers his childhood fears in the end by facing him anyway. at the same time, on his own, link also starts to gain more awareness (especially after going thru the spirit and shadow temples) that his actions are consequential, that he is doing all this because he’s been told to, that regardless of his hatred & fear for ganondorf, there is still a bigger picture that he isn’t seeing. that there are profound evils in this world that weren’t created by ganon, that aren’t demonic or monstrous in nature. this world and its conflicts aren’t simple like they’d been made out to be, evil does not always name itself things like The King of All Evil. and an unsettled feeling comes with that. it only grows after he’s been sent back to his original time, where his actions set in motion even more far-reaching consequences in hyrule, even as he’s leaving on his own adventure for his own reasons, unaware he’ll have to contend with a lot of his newfound traumas in termina

ANYWAY i just went on a huge tangent sorry agskfhskd but to answer your question, link in my AU is pretty much the same as in canon, he does not know that sheik is also working for ganondorf, basically he’s just trying to fulfill the impossible expectations that the world has for him, becoming the prophesied hero of legend through his sheer endless grit and determination, in spite of his fear, all for the sake of others who he owes absolutely nothing to (which is what makes him the chosen bearer of courage!). he’s also mostly nonverbal, he does speak but finds it easier around people he knows well. he loves animals, he has a reserved and gentle personality, but he also becomes incredibly audacious and bullheaded when faced with potential threats, or with people belittling his friends. he recognizes bullies when he sees them, and gets better and better at standing his ground against them. he also has a difficult time comprehending his own agency, that he can do things because he wants to do them and not just because he has a responsibility to someone else. whether or not he also gets sent back in time by zelda at the end of the AU is still up in the air tho, since zelda may or may not decide on the exact same solutions in the end agdjahfksjf

[primordialsoundmeditation]

Beloved Ones,

During this creative Piscean passage, in which we are invited to ground our soul's desires and inner visions for our lives, the Earth Star chakra, as I was shown last night, is experiencing a profound activation, for it is one of the most important ones when we initiate ourselves into the ascension journey, and that we need to continue supporting, as we cannot anchor all we descend from the soul/God dimensions if this chakra is not properly activated.

Saturn in Pisces is one of the cosmic reminders of the importance of anchoring ourselves, and divine visions, in both, our 12th-dimensional God self and our 12th-dimensional earth one, for we belong to both, the stars and the earth plane.

In the initial stages this chakra which is the counterpart of our 12th dimensional God one, for as it is Above it is Below, it can be seen as a black-grey cone. However, as we heal and deepen our connection to Mother Earth, this chakra starts transfiguring into a platinum-white color, which is its original color.

At this time of profound integration, not only our upper chakras, and glands, are important, but the earth star too, so we can anchor everything we wish to manifest, in the physical, Manifestation is not only about creating material things, it can also be about embodying a more peaceful state of being or anything we need to feel more aligned and in harmony.

True reconnection starts by being grounded and ascending into our light vehicles, for without the earth's life force, we cannot direct the energy into our upper chakras.

Prepare for meditation in your sacred space, and sit or stand up, if you have found any misalignment in your spine and its energetic current, for the energy in your spine and nervous system, needs to flow appropriately in this and all exercises.

Call upon your Unified Self, Guides team, and all benevolent beings you work with, to support you in this activation.

Then hold a grounding stone, such as obsidian, and program it to help you anchor yourself to the earth. You can too hold a crystalline one or a white one, representing the 12th God dimensional chakra/counterpart aspect of you.

Visualize your 12th dimensional light vehicle in your 12th dimensional God chakra, and then descend it upon each and every one of your charkas, until you anchor it 6 inches below your feet, where the Earth Star chakra is situated.

See it as a black-gray matter that as you focus upon it and put your attention and conscious decree, starts shifting into a platinum-white color. When you have done your conscious decree to be grounded and embrace the earth as you too embrace the Divine, anchor your light vehicle in your 12th dimensional Earth Start chakra, seeing it spinning in opposite directions faster and faster until the activation is achieved.

When the activation occurs you will see your Earth Star chakra as a bright white orb, which is a sign that it has been activated.

To conclude with the activation visualize yourself as a tree, with its strong roots growing below your feet, being anchored on the earth's star chakra, strong, and prepared to bear the passing of time.

Lastly, to seal the exercise visualize a bright white infinity symbol on your earth star chakra, and ascend it Above, to your 12th God-dimensional one, to keep you anchored in both dimensions and so the energy will continue flowing.

Thank Mother Earth for keeping you safe, strong, and anchored, so you can be aligned to both the heavens and the earth, bringing all the information, activations, and codes necessary for your personal mission and that of All.

There will be many other ways in which you will be guided to ground yourself and activate your Earth Star chakra. Follow always your personal guidance, as this is just a basic exercise to start activating or fortifying our connection to Earth.

It is vital to keep us grounded while we continue working with our light bodies, as everything that is being healed, reconnected, and activated cannot take place if are not connected to our earth plane.

Earth is our Home, the planet that embraced us with unconditional love and support since the day we were born, for we all have an agreement with our planet. We came to this planet to become One with it, not to reject it for what some humans do. We did not come here to judge but to restore.

We came to love, heal, and protect the earth, for this is too what Earth does for All of us. We came to contribute to its ascension, to help it disengage from false structures, and to help all its living forms and organisms in their own evolution, for we heard the cry of planet Earth for help.

Our mission is to be grounded not to always remain in the heavens, for our purpose is now here, on earth, where we can help raise its consciousness, through our inner work and universal mission of seeding more love, and compassion.

Every thought, feeling, and act can contribute to the betterment of the planet.

May you always think, love, and act within Divine Love and benevolence to All, Beloved Ones.

Within Infinite Love,

Natalia Alba

nataliaalba.com

Art by: Kesara

[dailyanarchistposts]

To

THE EDITOR MODERN REVIEW

You have in the December (1929) issue of your esteemed magazine, written a note under the caption “Long Live Revolution” and have pointed out the meaninglessness of this phrase. It would be impertinent on our part to try to refute or contradict the statement of such an old, experienced and renowned journalist as your noble self, for whom every enlightened Indian has profound admiration. Still we feel it our duty to explain what we desire to convey by the said phrase, as in a way it fell to our lot to give these “cries” a publicity in this country at this stage.

We are not the originators of this cry. The same cry had been used in Russain revolutionary movement. Upton Sinclair, the well known socialist writer, has, in his recent novels Boston and Oil, used this cry through some of the anarchist revolutionary characters. The phrase never means that the sanguinary strife should ever continue, or that nothing should ever be stationary even for a short while. By long usage this cry achieves a significicance which may not be quite justifiable from the grammatical or the etymological point of view, but nevertheless we cannot abstract from that the association of ideas connected with that. All such shouts denote a general sense which is partly acquired and partly inherent in them. For instance, when we shout “Long Live Jatin Das”, we cannot and do not mean thereby that Das should Physically be alive. What we mean by that shout is that the noble ideal of his life, the indomitable spirit which enabled that great martyr to bear such untold suffering and to make the extreme sacrifice for that we may show the same unfailing courage in persuance of our ideal. It is that spirit that we allude to.

Simiarly, one should not interpret the word “Revolution” in its literal sense. Various meanings and significances are attributed to this word, according to the interests of those who use or misuse it. For the established agencies of exploitation it conjures up a feeling of blood stained horror. To the revolutionaries it is a sacred phrase. We tried to clear in our statement before the Session Judge, Delhi, in our trial in the Assembly Bomb Case, what we mean by the word “Revolution”

We stated therein that Revolution did not necessarily involve sanguinary strife. It was not a cult of bomb and pistol. They may sometimes be mere means for its achievement. No doubt they play a prominent part in some movements, but they do not — for that very reason -become one and the same thing. A rebellion is not a revolution. It may ultimately lead to that end.

The sense in which the word Revolution is used in that phrase, is the spirit, the longing for a change for the better. The people generally get accustomed to the established order of things and begin to tremble at the very idea of a change. It is this lethargical spirit that needs be replaced by the revolutionary spirit. Otherwise degeneration gains the upper hand and the whole humanity is led stray by the reactionary forces. Such a state of affiars leads to stagnation and paralysis in human progress. The spirit of Revolution should always permeate the soul of humanity, so that the reactionary forces may not accumulate (strength) to check its eternal onward march. Old order should change, always and ever, yielding place to new, so that one “good” order may not corrupt the world. It is in this sense that we raise the shout “Long Live Revolution”

Yours sincerely

(Sd/-.)

Bhagat Singh

B. K. Dutt

[onewomancitadel]

The Hanged Man

Technically the Hanged Man hangs by his foot upside down, but the nature of hanging around the neck is more simple to convey visually (and doesn't require contrivement), so my interest is always piqued when characters get hanged. (Normal thing to say on Tumblr).

That's the scene for my being in the middle of torturing myself thinking about Jonas as the Hanged Man, who gets hanged twice, once through an aborted execution and once as a suicide attempt - poor Jonas -

then remembered that Cinder's got her neck scar just like his, which is not from a hanging, but a collar.

I actually first thought of the Girl with the Green Ribbon when I saw it, where if the girl takes off the ribbon securing her neck, she'll die. I view this scene where Cinder takes the collar off (which is symbolically confluent with the Grimm curse - this is the collar/leash to her master) as a type of symbolic death, when she is made "dead" stuck at midnight - whatever this release could've been, it's instead the background for her intiation into Salem's cult. This is not happy.

The Grimm arm itself is her most clear chthonic theming, but I think what's important is that narratively we have a consistent thread of collar -> Grimm bug -> Grimm arm for every time Cinder appears onscreen - her torture at Salem's feet, mimicking that of her previous master from the collar/arm, is fairly on the nose in this regard.

Cinder's in a state of death (or essentially undeath), and is most importantly the story's introduction to death and the death of innocence. Notably the hybridity with the Grimm puts her in a vampiric state where she consumes Aura through the arm - an arm unprotected by Aura itself, covetous of something it can't really have or even protect herself with.

What I think is most symbolically important for her (on this front) is that the vampiric force will never be successful in securing the Maiden power - it only merits her half of the Fall Maiden power to begin with, leaving her unwhole - until she retrieves it more rightly and justly with Midnight, for all that it can be right and just (at least in the face of what they're about to do to Pyrrha, which I view as categorically wrong).

I laid out her overall chthonic background here again and how this contributes to her permanent state of literal unrest and alienation, because it symbolically ties to what the Hanged Man is (seeming death) but like all things in R/WBY this amuses me because in the brokenness is the promise of wholeness (see also: "the wound that can be healed only by the weapon that dealt it").

I took a bit of a gander but tarot is a bit more heterogenous than what I'm used to with this material, but Wikipedia sources this and it seems to be a fairly legitimate (particularly for the sort of thing one finds influencing R/WBY) so I went to find the full extract of the text where a very meaningful part is left out (the lattermost bolding) - from The Pictorial Key to Tarot, originally published in 1911, A. E. Waite, also the source for the tarot card above:

There is a nimbus about the head of the seeming martyr. It should be noted 1. that the tree of sacrifice is living wood, with leaves thereon; 2. that the face expresses deep entrancement, not suffering; 3. that the figure, as a whole, suggests life in suspension, but life and not death. It is a card of profound significance, but all the significance is veiled. [...] It has been called falsely a card of martyrdom, a card of prudence, a card of the Great Work, a card of duty; but we may exhaust all published interpretations and find only vanity. I will say very simply on my own part that it expresses the relation, in one of its aspects, between the Divine and the Universe. He who can understand that the story of his higher nature is imbedded in this symbolism will receive intimations concerning a great awakening that is possible, and will know that after the sacred Mystery of Death there is a glorious Mystery of Resurrection.

Emphasis mine. The "life in suspension" portion is interesting to me because this pretty much 1:1 describes Cinder's unrest. I also thought it was so cutely Cinder that "the significance is veiled." Key to victory baby! If Ruby's silver eyes are the key to Cinder being freed from the curse (easy to say, hard to do), then that Mystery of Death holds in it the lesson that is the Mystery of Resurrection. It's all very monomythic as well - the passage to the underworld, to the knowledge of death denied to the living, brings with it sacred and secret knowledge, and the elixir of life.

If Ruby's eyes protect life, Cinder's curse - symbolically, literally - is death and saps the waters of life (Aura), then the two of them, with each other integrated, Shadow and White Shadow, are resurrection.

The thing that interests me about anything related to what Cinder becomes in this story - dead and dealt with, Fall Maiden power alotted to a better, more deserving recipient - I just can't help but think, how do you kill a person who's already dead? It's the same problem with Salem - she can't be killed because she's the Queen of the Grimm (dead), and spiritually, she is annihilated.

It's hard to say how far any tarot influence extends - I've toyed with this in the past with Beacon Tower and Salem's, as points of electric and dramatic transformation in the story, and reading this book now I suspect even something like the Magician and the High Priestess have something to do with Ozlem - though if there is a presence at all feels more questionable than something more concrete, in my view, like the Jung or the Campbell, particularly on this note given that the Hanged Man comes at a bit of a stretch. But it already highlights what I think to be true (endless midnight/curse/chthonic theming), so it's complementary as opposed to revelational. What's more is that the neck scar directly is veiled and meaningfully revealed, tied to her backstory that's been hidden - it's meant to be a reverse of Adam (I think) where his story has been used to wrangle others, specifically Blake, into submission, whereas Cinder's story has been used to wrangle her into submission beneath Salem - and so its imagery feels pretty potent already. It's the secret of her undeath, life in suspension, and the question of whether she will answer the lesson of the Fall Maiden or not. For the matter of resurrection, it's also about redemption.

To return back to Jonas, of course, and the mystery of Dark, it's his hanging scar which is an identifying feature throughout his lives lived out in the story - it's how his future self proves himself to him, and it's the mark of intense agony, and the wrongness that he feels that he is, for his whole life, spent on the warped world. But in a moment of transcendence - for originally what he thought would destroy everything, instead a nanosecond of opportunity for change opens up; after his death, he is resurrected. I can post this .gif because I literally made it myself, as I needed the moment of resurrection and mutual recognition (with Martha, who loves him, and is a bit like the Mary Magdalene here) as my cover photo:

This is where you can really see the sunlight motif coalesce - this is the day the original world (the cosmic egg) splits in two on the day of the summer solstice (yes, they paid that much attention; I checked), and the day that Jonas is symbolically resurrected. Previously, in a world of intense darkness, the sunlight coated scenes of naïveté yet contrastingly the (often mystic) sex scenes - these were kind of contradictory, because Jonas and Martha are the wrongness and the wound, but you've got positive (opposite) imagery to the show's literal name - Dark - paired with the thing that's supposed to be bad before and after a time of innocence. Instead I realised that the sunlight, used very sparingly, represents this forbidden relationship, that the love potion and the poison are the same potion (per Campbell again), and that death is resurrection, and Jonas-Martha is the weapon to heal the wound. It's only through this method that they eventually... well!

Both of these are stories which go deep into Jung and the monomyth with vastly divergent tone and medium, but it's kind of fun to tie them together this way. I think it's clear that whether Dark dips into tarot, the monomythic ideas of death and resurrection are present, and similar ones you can certainly see playing out in R/WBY... maybe extending to a certain Fall Maiden, even embodied in her season - the dying of things, and the fruitful harvest.

[andrewuttaro]

Mary's Sacred Yes

Due to how early Easter was this year, the earliest it can be on the Catholic calendar I’m told; the Solemnity of the Annunciation was moved two weeks later to April 8th. This almost never happens. The Annunciation is about the closest you can get to an immovable solemnity without being an immovable solemnity. Holy Week is the only celebration that happens anywhere near it that can put it off its date. The Annunciation refers to the Archangel Gabriel appearing to Mary, the mother of Jesus, and asking her consent to become the mother of God incarnate.

Read that last sentence again. Focus on “…asking her consent…”. Sometimes we glaze over thinking about these big moments and miss the subtly of this moment in the story of salvation history. Sometimes we even drop the whole consent thing altogether and make it more of an orientation for the Blessed Mother as if we’re simply commemorating the day she was told she’d bear Jesus. In the humor of Christian volunteerism the world over: the ultimate instance of being “volun-told” to do something. Alas, this was not Signing Day for a divine contract.

The consent is key here. I found myself contemplating this again recently when I came across a quote from the late Pope Benedict XVI’s book “Jesus of Nazareth” (2012). The late Pope wrote: “[St. Bernard of Clairvaux] portrays heaven and earth as if it were holding its breath at this moment of the question addressed to Mary. Will she say yes? She hesitates… will her humility hold her back? Just this once – Bernard tells her – do not be humble but daring! Give us your yes!”

The drama! Heaven and earth are transfixed at this moment it seems that God has staked his whole plan of salvation on the decision of a woman in a culture where she was inarguably considered a second-class citizen. Her response was so loaded with importance that both the realms of the mortal and divine are held in suspense by it.

Some poets and Saints of Christian history put even more emphasis on this moment tying it to the rebellion of Lucifer and his fallen angels. So, the old legends go that Lucifer and his party were enraged that God would save humanity after their rejection of his grace, positing that this declaration by God to save humanity is when Hell’s rebellion was formulated. This outrage in mind, we may consider Mary’s Annunciation the most contentious moment between the forces of good and evil across Christian lore, perhaps second only to events like the Temptations of Jesus himself or his tearful prayers in the Garden of Gethsemane before his passion. But even those events depend upon Mary’s yes occurring first.

The latin translation calls Mary’s joyful consent to the divine plan her fiat. It is not with resignation or mere acceptance that she consents to becoming the mother of Jesus, the Word made flesh, it is with an overwhelming joy to work with God in such a tremendous way.

The key thing to remember in all this is Mary’s absolute freedom. According to the Catholic tradition Mary was preserved immaculate from her own conception, that is, preserved without the stain of original sin we all bear on our nature because of simply being human. Mary was free from the ways our sinful human nature limits our freedom by way of addiction and the lesser affections for evil we all seem to harbor. Mary’s freedom to make this decision was so profound that we might consider her free in a way that only her own son exceeds. Mary’s decision was made with absolute, incomparable freedom. Mary was as free as could be and with that freedom her response was a joyful yes.

I cannot help but see a radical inclusion in this. Not just radical inclusion, but the overflowing scope of God’s merciful love for humanity. Not just these but also the greatest affirmation of human freedom and a multitude of implications beyond this so vast that I don’t know I will ever be able to wrap my head around them all.

But I will attempt a contemplation of these three points here in this article, nonetheless. We are now in the midst of the Month of Mary. What a beautiful time of year to contemplate all that Our Blessed Mother can teach us. Mary’s Sacred Yes: radical inclusion, God’s merciful love for humanity, and the great affirmation of human freedom.

Radical Inclusion by Mary

How is the Annunciation radically inclusive? “Yes” was all it took. We sometimes contemplate God giving us a mission as if it is a fantastic burden. We hear the old adage “God doesn’t choose the prepared, he prepares the chosen” and stick up our nose: surely you do not mean me, Lord? Call it fear, trepidation, or plain old resistance to any calling… or a mix of all three, we prefer to treat a call from God like an awesome impossibility.

The Annunciation tells us we just have to say Yes and say it honestly. But to say yes honestly requires a bit more background information: Mary is no fool, she asks. Mary’s first response isn’t the Yes: it’s a question – how?

Sidenote: I cannot imagine a more charming first response. I was raised by a very practical woman. So many of the women in my life who have influenced me the most exude a grace that rolls up the sleeves and gets the job done. Mary asking “how” feels to me like these countless role models asking for the blueprint for the work ahead. Just like a mother teaches you how to get things done, Mary mothers Jesus before that divine conception even occurs. Mary asks how. In that same spirit: there is also an incredulity there.

How can I bear a child if I haven’t been with a man? How questions can seem like the scariest ones to ask God. We don’t often understand the messages we get from God at first blush so it seems like such a necessary question; but we fear we won’t be able to figure it out and wonder if God would answer such a question anyway. Could God give us detailed answers? How do I go about the calling I have just been given with real action steps?

Just think about how human that response is from Mary. She must have thought to herself: Am I really about to ask God how babies are made? I know that! No, this is different she must have thought: There is something incredible going on here that I want to be a part of.

The angel gives her an answer that is just cryptic enough to be annoying but just explanatory enough to be comforting: basically, that the Holy Spirit will do it. And with that Mary gave her Holy Yes and accepted the defining work of her life and eternity. In that Yes there is so much faith. She believes in God enough to trust him even when the answers aren’t as clear as they could be. She says Yes even in the face of the practical and cultural consequences of this decision.

She asked the question with her heart first. And she got the kind of answer we usually get from God when we sincerely pray to him: cryptic but comforting. If we can answer Yes in such circumstances, then we can do God’s Will too. Mary is giving us the blueprint for faith. Mary is showing us how to do something anybody can do.

How many pursuits in our lives are not as clear as can be? How many of those pursuits are nonetheless worth it? Has there ever been a woman who has set out on the journey of motherhood and known every variable ahead of time? Of course not, faith is necessary. Mary is the ultimate beacon of that diligent, daring faith that takes on such an enormous responsibility that not only becomes a mother but chooses to participate in God’s will.

Anybody can do God’s Will. We don’t need to be preserved sinless at birth like the Blessed Mother to receive a call from God, get a cryptic but comforting response from God to a valid question, and give our ascent. Nobody is excluded from working with God. WORKING WITH GOD! Drink that in for a minute: anyone can work with God if they can say Yes with a little bit of faith.

Anyone can work with God. Young or old. Rich or poor. Man or Woman. Everyone may enter into the sacred honor of being a coworker with Christ! The only price to be paid is faith along the way. This is a development in the history of salvation.

Before this Marian moment and the advent of Jesus Christ himself, God picked those he would call and send them out. Now the call goes out to whoever will accept God in faith. A new age has begun. You may still be thinking: why can’t God just give me clear directions and show me the whole picture from square one? The short answer is respect for human freedom, but we’ll come back around to that.

For the sake of contemplating the radical inclusion Mary shows us consider this quote from Saint John Paul II: “Faith leads us beyond ourselves. Faith leads us directly to God.” Mary’s Yes is such a profound act of faith that we are invited to return to Mary for help following her son. She is a guide in faith.

Like every mother, Mary is always willing to point out the great things her child has done. She’ll take you and show you the way to what Jesus is trying to get through to you. Call on her and she’ll help you find Jesus, she was the original follower, she accepted him before any other human did. She will help anyone willing to search for him too. When you feel broken and out of luck, call out to Jesus and reach for Mary to help show you the way. God’s mercy flows through her just like God’s own son came to us through her!

But faith would be just a fun adventure if it weren’t for the mercy of the one we have faith in.

God’s merciful love

How does the Annunciation show God’s merciful love for humanity? Consider how ancient Gods often didn’t ask first. The Gods of the ancient world shot first and asked questions later to use a modern figure of speech. Zeus creates several members of the Greek Pantheon by way of sexual assault. Historically these kinds of violent Gods were commonplace in the ancient world. Gods in the ancient world were so combative and self-interested that even their own devotees recognized their humanity: a sinfulness that seems like such a clear projection to us moderns looking back.

The God who asks Mary her consent is a fundamental, radical shift away from how humanity had always viewed the divine. If God is not just a scheming superhuman, but rather a kind partner in dramatic self-giving then the whole contemplation of God is new. Wow, what a thankful change! We can work with a God like that. There’s that divine participation, that radical inclusion once again.

Mary’s Yes is in some way a solemn prayer, a solemn prayer of thanksgiving. This prayer we know as the Magnificat. If you haven’t heard it, then you might soon understand why:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for he has looked with favor on his lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the almighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

He has mercy on those who fear him in every generation. He has shown the strength of his arm, he has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty. He has come to the help of his servant Israel for he remembered his promise of mercy, the promise he made to our fathers, to Abraham and his children forever.”

That second paragraph has a sharp edge to it doesn’t it? You can almost feel a clenched fist pressed up to a chest containing a heart docile to the work of such a just God. The sense of justice in what God was doing through her is palpable. Mary’s prayer is informed by the historical situation of her people but its inspiration rings down through the ages. Her prayer is eternal. God wants justice even though our world may seem so evil and without justice at times. A loving God must be a just God as well and Mary’s Prayer recognizes this.

The most common, cynical retort you might hear to believing in God in our day and age is usually some version of: why bother with a God who allows evil and suffering in the world? He should be able to correct all that with ease since he is God after all, right?

We’re about to have a more thorough tour of the human freedom implications of that. For now, consider God’s mercy that we exist at all. God could have pulled a more creative version of Noah’s Flood and just finish the job this time. Numerous times in Salvation history we see the power of God to just end it all at will. Some of my most nihilistic peers might even see that option as the only merciful option.

No, there is love in God’s mercy. Moreover, there is justice in God’s mercy. St. Thomas Aquinas once wrote: “Mercy without justice is the mother of dissolution; justice without mercy is cruelty.” If humanity has the capability for endless war and all manner of atrocities, then why allow it to exist at all? Perhaps the nihilist has a point: Mercy for a humanity like that should be extinction. When we look around and see the effects our species has had on the climate of the planet you could even see a moral reason for such an end. There is a morbid fascination with this morally perverse idea.

National Geographic Channel ran a show I remember vividly in this vein of thought: “Life After People” (2008-2010). The show largely explores how infrastructure slowly erodes away over decades, centuries, and millennia as if all humans just vanished one day. Ultimately the series shows the earth millennia after our presence ended looking no worse for the wear. More recently the 2021 film “Don’t Look Up” addressed the other side of this: what I can only call humanity’s capacity for self-delusion. I won’t spoil that great Jennifer Lawrence film, but the ending seems to suggest that total annihilation is a relief, humanity had it coming because it’s just so full of itself: a modern way of recognizing an inborn sinfulness.

Even if destroying humanity is the most just answer, God chooses mercy. God chooses mercy definitively by working with us through Mary to achieve salvation. God chose mercy so he also chooses justice to some extent to think back to the St. Thomas Aquinas quote. Mary’s Yes is the greatest example of this. It’s almost comedic it’s so beautiful. The divine subversion of expectations if you will. Think about it.

Mary, a woman wronged by the conditions of humanity so much for simply being a woman, amplified by her time in history, is, in effect, asked: So should God save this shattered world? You have seen some of the worst of it: should God save humanity in spite of it all? If she wasn’t so dumbfounded by the arrival of an actual archangel, you’d think she might even laugh at the profundity of it all.

Even more funny: Jesus’ people were expecting him to hop on horseback, throw off the Roman occupiers, and get to some legendary conquering like Alexander the Great or something. What a divinely perfect disappointment! That’s how it is with God’s mercy: we imagine, even desire in our more nihilistically angry moments, a much rougher justice than God actually doles out. God’s mercy seems like injustice to us sometimes! Sorry, God is just so merciful and just that its funny.

If we believe God is absent for a lack of justice in the world it is for a lack of mercy on our part. We bring the mercy and God works justice through us because he has already brought the ultimate, saving mercy through Mary’s consent: Jesus.

I think God deciding to do all that, and do it with our cooperation through Mary, is reason enough to throw off the nihilism of our time and embrace how precious we are if this is how God treats us. What profound mercy that sees humanity unable if not also completely unwilling to choose good over evil repeatedly: over and over again, the continual theme of human history.

God’s mercy is so amazing it can tie our brains into knots! Would such an awesome work of God occur had we not first sinned and therefore called down God’s mercy upon us? Oh happy fault that earned so great, so glorious a redeemer! Those are the words we sing in the Proclaimation of Easter, the Exsultet. Saints Ambrose and Augustine echo this counterintuitive hymn. In some profound divine way that almost extends beyond the reach of our human minds: God brings us even closer to him than what had existed in original innocence because of that primordial rebellion.

God says: I know you gave me the finger. I choose to love you nonetheless! Not just that, I am going to include you in the grand work of mercy to save you from yourself!

And once again: all through the humblest of women in the Blessed Virgin Mary. God’s mercy is just, and it is extravagantly over the top. There is freedom in embracing all this. Yes, Mary’s affirmation of the divine plan is as much an endorsement of human freedom as can be. Time to talk about what freedom really means in the divine context of all this. How does affirm our human freedom with the Annunciation?

The Great Affirmation of Human Freedom

The first gift God gave humanity at the dawn of creation was life. The Genesis story is a beautiful piece of poetry laying out God lovingly making all things and then us. Once he makes us, however, he immediately gives us our free will: the second gift to us after life itself. God didn’t want little obedient robots, he wanted to love beings who weren’t being forced to love him. He wanted a real relationship in other words.

This is why there is a tree with forbidden fruit on it in the Garden of Eden. It’s not God being cruel, it’s God giving us the freedom to choose him or not. Every good relationship is built on a minimum standard of shared consent. The same is true with our relationship with God. God wants to be in a relationship with us, but we have to make our own choice in response. God goes to great lengths to preserve our freedom throughout, even if it means allowing us to rebel against him.

The poetic connection between the forbidden fruit and Mary is as simple as the “Yes”. Eve and Adam said No to a clear boundary and chose rebellion against God. Mary and Joseph said Yes and chose obedience to God. In that is the beginning of the saving work that will be completed in Jesus Christ’s paschal mystery. Humanity participates in its own redemption by way of Mary and Joseph, just as it opted out with Adam and Eve. Humanity cooperates with God once again as was hoped for at the beginning of creation. Mary is the new Eve, and Jesus is the new Adam.

That crucial consent, that Yes Mary gives the angel, it is the Great Affirmation of Human Freedom. Even after the betrayal of Original Sin God is not going to go back on his respect for our Free Will. He works us into his plan to rectify the relationship between himself and humanity which was split asunder in Eden. Once more: he becomes one of us in Jesus Christ in the ultimate act of divine intimacy. Mary echoes the divine humility she is participating in: God lowering himself enough to be made flesh in Jesus Christ.

You would be forgiven if you feel this all seems a bit too poetic. Why does God work in these sweeping, mysterious plans? If he is all-powerful, why does he not simplify this whole thing dramatically and show himself to humanity and heal all wounds therein? The story of the bible and salvation history in it is very ugly at times along the way, why does he not avoid all that mess and just give us all that he is and wipe all that separates away with one divine swoop?

No, it’s not a cynical question to ask. In fact, it gets to the core of what makes us human beings and why we have this free will in the first place. If God is going to respect us, then he has to protect us to some degree. He is God and we are not. Human freedom must be respected here all the while.

In my line of work as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman I often encounter older adults living in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living facilities who are going to make a bad choice. They might even know they are making a bad choice. If you’re struggling with your ability to walk and you insist on going back to your own home without any modifications to your living space or in-home care then you might just find yourself in a worse situation than when you started. But the autonomy, the free choice of the residents I serve, comes first. They have the right to make a bad decision. To use the technical jargon: they have the “right to fall”.

You might imagine God as any variety of healthcare professionals in this metaphor. He knows the right thing to do, he even stands ready to help provide you with some of the interventions that can best help avoid something bad happening. Nonetheless, he has to let you make the choice however bad it can be. To stretch this metaphor a bit further we might consider the Blessed Mother a trusted peer of our older adult heading for a poor decision. God brings in a trusted voice to point in the right direction and maybe even convince their peer that a safer choice is necessary.

God will not force us to do anything we don’t choose to do for ourselves. God in his very being is too beyond us for this. He is God and we are not. We cannot simply look at God in this life. That is why whenever God appears in the bible, he always does it through an angel or a voice or some other sensible intermediary. God is inconceivable in his being. St. Anselm of Canterbury says, “God is the being which no greater being can be thought.” A lot more about our relationship with God can be explained by way of God’s ineffability than you may realize.

In the metaphor of the stubborn older adult, the medical professional can tell them all manner of facts and figures without getting their patient any closer to making the right choice. In the thinking of the older adult this is a matter of independence and dignity, not the density of their bones or the strength of their muscles. God must respect our freedom just like the medical professional has an ethical code to stand by.

Those familiar with my writing will know I often ponder if God intentionally makes it so that few people see miracles and tangible proofs for the faith. This is why: if God just shows us what’s what as clear as day, is there room for the faith that makes for a real relationship? Moreover: can there be any freedom if the correct, divinely appointed answer is always right there in front of us? Sounds like that would be robotic, eh? Food for thought, I guess.

The forbidden fruit tree was called “the tree of knowledge of good and evil” (Genesis 2:9). That little detail says a lot. The effect of that fruit, Original Sin in the broad sense, is still with us in one way you will be able to affirm before you finish reading this paragraph: our human drive to understand all things. We want to know as much as we can, everything if possible. Knowledge is certainly a good thing but as an idol unto itself it can do us harm. This is in some way a desire for conquest against God just like Eden.

Sit with that for a moment. We fancy ourselves sophisticated modern people: we know War is ugly and regrettable. We know to avoid unnecessary violence, that’s if there is even such a thing as necessary violence! We fancy ourselves as living in a time after old fashioned conquest. We don’t do that anymore: we let everyone be and get what we need without violence. What kind of conquest can exist in this worldview? The answer, for us in our cultural context at least, is intellectual conquest.

In essence, we still have distance from the ultimate perfection that is God because we still have this yearning to control God that we consumed from the juice of that fruit on the forbidden tree. We want to be the ultimate moral arbitrators of good and evil which God can only be. We want the ultimate conquest: conquering God by knowing the universe and knowing God to be just a creation of the primitive human mind looking to lend meaning to the world around us. We have used our freedom to wage conquest against the creator of our freedom.

It's a poetic irony. If I had a dollar for everyone I’ve encountered throughout my short life so far who has that belief, at least in a subconscious way, that belief that God is just a concept humanity made to create meaning in a meaningless universe, then I would have no student loan debt. This is the modern conqueror’s mentality we carry: the newest iteration of that same desire to conquer God that motivated us in the Garden of Eden.

God doesn’t just show himself, erase all sin and its effects with the snap of his fingers, and end all our suffering in this life because what space for free will would that leave us? Would Mary’s Yes be just as free if the Angel also said “Mary, I am also your new bodyguard and I will vaporize anyone who even thinks ill of you.” God wants the freely chosen relationship with us and that is just not possible between we humans and the being that is God if there is no mediation, no working together along the way.

That’s the amazing affirmation of God asking for Mary’s Yes: Mary says yes with faith, not possessing all knowledge. She understands the one necessary thing: that even if I can’t grasp the vastness of God I don’t need to because God is here asking first anyway. Real faith isn’t blind, it knows whose asking.

God doesn’t compromise who we are or who he is by resurrecting our relationship with him. Everyone’s freedom is respected. That healing begins with Mary’s Yes and is fulfilled with her son Jesus’ resurrection a few decades later. The Blessed Mother shows us such freedom yet such cooperation with God’s Will. The Blessed Mother prays forward justice while docile to God’s amazing mercy. The Blessed Mother brings on radical inclusion, incredible faith in God’s mercy, in all freedom, and yet brings us in her very being the definitive answer in her son Jesus Christ.

Mary the Queen

If you haven’t been convinced already here it is again: Mary is the mother of all the faithful. On May 20th this year we will be celebrating Mary under her title as “Mother of the Church”. She is the new Eve, a Yes where there had been a No. Mary is our guide to Christ and forerunner in the immense mercy of God, prime participant in the plan that radically includes everyone in the saving work.

From the Annunciation until at least Joseph being brought in on the whole plan, Mary is the whole Christian Church. She is bearing Christ as the Church does in a very literal, embodied sense, Theotokos in the Greek. Even after the Holy Family becomes the whole Church, though little and domestic, Mary is the mother holding the whole thing together like so many moms do.

At one point Mary even becomes a single parent and has to guide Jesus into adulthood right up to the start of his ministry on her own. Even after Jesus’ Ministry begins she is right there for the first Apostles, the nascent Church itself. Then she faces the ultimate torture of any mother: watching her child suffer and die when she can do nothing. Jesus formally puts his mother under the protection of his Apostles from the cross (John 19:26-27) giving her to the whole Church as its Queen. She must have sat among those men and women who loved her son, the earliest Christianity, and thought: “Wow, God brought all this good through me.” I think many mothers might be having that thought this month.

Mary remains the first intercessor for the Church for the rest of her life. She is there for the Resurrection, at Pentecost, and on the missionary journeys to follow. The celebration of Mary the mother of the Church later this month is all about this. Right after Pentecost, the birthday of the Church, we have Mary there to be its guide. She gave birth to Jesus; she gave birth to the Church in that way! Indeed her Yes was to Jesus forever: long beyond his physical life on earth and beyond her own for that matter!

I think it is even appropriate to consider Mary a Queen in the more colloquial sense: what a Queen way to be doing all that!

The folk religion of this recognition of Mary transcends religion itself. Crowning Mary as the true Queen she is has become a tradition in the month of May. Some do it on Mother’s Day just because it feels so appropriate even without a hard-fast religious connotation of that secular holiday. As you embrace your own mothers and the mothering people in your life this month consider the Queen of Mothers: The Blessed Virgin Mary.

Mary’s Sacred Yes is the Yes of every mother. Mary’s Yes is the beauty of faith. As the English poet William Wordsworth once wrote in his 1822 sonnet: “Mary is our tainted nature’s solitary boast.” Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb: Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. AMEN!

[talonabraxas]

The Flower of Life

There really is some deep rooted symbolism behind this captivating image. Some say it’s representative of the union of the sacred Masculine and the Divine Feminine, the connectedness of all living things, and others see it as the cycle of life, death and rebirth. Let’s explore the depths of the topic.

Origins & Symbolism The origins of the Flower of Life trace back to the dawn of civilisation, where it is believed to have emerged as a symbol of cosmic order and divine harmony. Its precise origins are shrouded in mystery, with some attributing its creation to ancient cultures such as the Egyptians, where it was found in the temple of Osiris and said to contain a ‘secret code’ (underpinning the basic building blocks of the universe), and also the Sumerians, and the Greeks.

At its core, the Flower of Life is composed of multiple evenly-spaced, overlapping circles, forming a mesmerising geometric pattern reminiscent of a flower in full bloom. Within this pattern lies a myriad of geometric shapes, including triangles, hexagons, and pentagons, each imbued with its own symbolic significance.

The Flower of Life is often associated with sacred geometry, a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of geometric forms and their spiritual, philosophical, and symbolic meanings. It is believed to represent the interconnectedness of all living beings, the fundamental unity of existence, and the underlying order of the universe.

Spiritual Significance In spiritual traditions around the world, the Flower of Life holds profound significance as a symbol of creation and interconnectedness. It is often regarded as a visual representation of the divine blueprint of the cosmos, with each circle representing a stage in the process of creation.

Within the Flower of Life, one can find various sacred symbols, including the Seed of Life, the Tree of Life, all 7 Chakra systems, and the Metatron's Cube, each carrying its own symbolic meaning and spiritual power. These symbols are believed to hold the keys to unlocking higher states of consciousness, facilitating spiritual growth, and connecting with the universal source of energy and wisdom.

Healing & Transformation Beyond its spiritual significance, the Flower of Life is also associated with healing and transformation. It is believed that meditating upon the pattern of the Flower of Life can help to harmonise the mind, body, and spirit, promoting health, balance, and inner peace.

In recent years, the Flower of Life has experienced a resurgence in popularity, with many people incorporating its imagery into their spiritual practices, artwork, and jewellery. Its intricate beauty and profound symbolism continue to inspire awe and fascination, serving as a potent reminder of the interconnectedness of all things and the infinite possibilities that lie within the universe.

Modern Interpretations In the modern era, scientists, mathematicians, and artists have continued to explore the mysteries of the Flower of Life, uncovering new insights into its geometric properties and mathematical significance. Through computer simulations and mathematical algorithms, researchers have gained a deeper understanding of the complex patterns and symmetries inherent in the Flower of Life, shedding light on its underlying principles of order and harmony.

Furthermore, the Flower of Life has found its way into various fields beyond spirituality and art, including architecture, design, and technology. Its geometric principles have been applied in the construction of sacred buildings, the development of advanced engineering techniques, and the design of innovative products and structures.

The Flower of Life: Mysteries of Sacred Geometry:

[jadeseadragon]

Repost @jaycobyart

The World as a Song: Wisdom from the Yurok and Ojibwe Peoples

"In the heart of Northern California, the Yurok people believe every element of nature—rivers, mountains, trees—has its own unique song.

This ancient wisdom reveals a world that’s a delicate web of melodies. Each one is essential to life’s balance.

Imagine the rhythmic flow of a river.

The whisper of the wind through ancient redwoods.

The heartbeat of the Earth resonating through every living thing.

The Yurok’s Jump Dance and Brush Dance ceremonies aren’t just rituals. They’re powerful acts of healing and community bonding. Each song is a reminder of our profound connection to the natural world.

Now, journey to the Great Lakes. The Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) people carry the sacred belief that the Creator sang the world into existence.

Their Midewiwin ceremonies feature songs with immense healing properties. Every note weaves the fabric of life. For the Ojibwe, the drum isn’t just an instrument. It’s the heartbeat of the Earth itself.

Every beat, every chant, is a step towards restoring harmony, echoing the Creator’s original song.

Both the Yurok and Ojibwe traditions teach us this: the world is a living, breathing symphony. Each song, each rhythm, is a reminder of our interconnectedness. It’s a sacred responsibility.

Listen to the songs of nature. Find inspiration. Live in harmony with your surroundings. Honor the ancient wisdom.

The world is a beautiful, ongoing song.

Keep exploring. Let your voice resonate with the Earth."

[kainereee]

Joseph's 4th Character Day Letter - Initial Thoughts

Joseph's letter was leaked and I actually can't be normal about him, so I'm putting my initial take on it here! If you don't want to be spoiled just quite yet, please feel free to scroll on. I'll probably update this as well later if I find any bits of analysis from other people i find interesting or amend. Overall this isn't gonna be clean by any means but God here we go

First of all the photograph is noted to be yellowed so we could assume that what Joseph is describing here was written a while before he disappeared. It can also be due to sun exposure, but considering he spent all his time in the basement I'm more inclined to believe this was just discoloured because of old age

First thing's first he really has just gone absolutely insane. He's already been implied in his deductions to be suffering chronic Mercury poisoning and as a result mad hatter's syndrome ( see the deduction about shaking hands, the notes about him suddenly becoming a recluse and more prone to mood swings ), but here he's blatantly admitting to just inhaling the fumes

When he's referring to his "eternal kingdom" he's talking about all the people he's captured in his photographs. His eternal kingdom is the photo world and its his most prized possession because he believes it is a world without pain, and therefore something others should be grateful to be a part of, to live their best moments blissfully and never have to worry about the cruelty of the passage of time.

What he's doing here is essentially hallucinating and imagining he's enjoying that world with those people, including Claude, whom he created this world originally got

It talks about one person remaining and I'm inclined to believe that was Eliot for now. I can't think of anyone else, but it was Eliot who had the most profound impact on him so much in his diaries he remembers the way he tried to comfort him and turn back.

Obviously, as seen from his letter, it is much too late for that now. He realises that the process of capturing souls isn't reversible, but he actually doesn't seem to mind

Now my bff gave me help with this one. I think the "opportunity" he's talking about here to complete this sacred ritual of his is an invitation to the manor. The hunters intentions at the manor are a bit more vague, but usually with rituals some sort of sacrifice is needed, and what better place to collect sacrifices than a place where death games are held?

It would also explain Joseph's actual appearance in game. His once skin implies to us that the way we see Joseph now isn't how he used to look. He used to wear his hair freely, dress a lot more loosely, rather than the blue coat and gold ribbon. He is dressed as Claude — his coping mechanism essentially and probably a way for him to cope with the survivors guilt he has, and in some strange way live for Claude who was not able to. Though this could also be linked to his insane body dysmorphia and inability to recognise his face in the mirror anymore

Overall this letter is insanely good. Joseph here sounds sinister as shit. Any chance he had of turning back is gone, and his ambition and arrogance has driven him into madness. This guy literally says "All obstructors will be archived" — in other words nobody will get in his way, but all will be put away safely. Maybe as some sick sort of trophy thing, but it really is scary how he's talking here

He is so set on his beliefs. There's not a chance anyone can convince him otherwise. His perseverance is both scary and amazing if you think about it. This guy, out of his despair, misery, and arrogance, has broken the laws of reality. He can freeze time, he can take souls — it's amazing, if not terrifying, both his sheer will and how far he's willing to go.

Joseph's relationship with Claude is beyond morality, and he will do what it takes to see him again.

[autumncrowcus]

I just finished rereading Hangsaman (spoilers in this post) and I paid attention to the Tarot meanings given by Natalie and Tony. I wondered if it would be possible to find the source for their interpretations, so I checked the meanings against what I think is probably the most common book, The Pictorial Key to the Tarot by A.E. Waite. Natalie is named after its author, after all. I found that a lot of the meanings are almost direct quotes from Waite, although they're usually shortened. Here are the cards, in the order they appear in the book (page numbers from the Penguin Classics edition]:

Three of Wands, page 185: Tony: “Established strength. Trade, commerce, discovery. Ships crossing the sea. Reversed, the end of troubles.” Waite: "established strength, enterprise, effort, trade, commerce, discovery…able co-operation in business. Reversed: The end of troubles, suspension or cessation of adversity, toil and disappointment."

Three of Pentacles, page 185: Natalie: “Nobility, aristocracy…Reversed, pettiness.” Waite: "Métier, trade, skilled labour; usually, however, regarded as a card of nobility, aristocracy, renown, glory. Reversed: Mediocrity, in work and otherwise, puerility, pettiness, weakness."

Ace of Cups, page 185: Natalie: “House of the true heart…Joy, fertility.” “Reversed, revolution.” Waite: "House of the true heart, joy, content, abode, nourishment, abundance, fertility; Holy Table, felicity hereof. Reversed: House of the false heart, mutation, instability, revolution."

Ace of Wands, page 185: Tony: “The origin of all things. Reversed, ruin.” Waite: "Creation, invention, enterprise, the powers which result in these; principle, beginning, source; birth, family, origin, and in a sense the virility which is behind them; the starting point of enterprises; according to another account, money, fortune, inheritance. Reversed: Fall, decadence, ruin, perdition, to perish also a certain clouded joy."

Page of Swords, page 191: Natalie: “Vigilance, secrecy.” (This is Tony’s card, which is mentioned more than once. Natalie does not give the reversed meaning.) Waite: "Authority, overseeing, secret service, vigilance, spying, examination, and the qualities thereto belonging. Reversed: More evil side of these qualities; what is unforeseen, unprepared state; sickness is also intimated."

Hanged Man, page 193: They argue over whether or not it’s fair to call out the card for a toy: a figure on a trapeze. Natalie argues that “The Tree of sacrifice is not living wood,” but relents and gives the meaning: “’Life in death. Joy of constructive death.’ [Tony:] “’Reversed?”’ [Natalie:] “’Reversed, probably not practical for any smart child.’” Waite: It should be noted (1) that the tree of sacrifice is living wood, with leaves thereon; (2) that the face expresses deep entrancement, not suffering; (3) that the figure, as a whole, suggests life in suspension, but life and not death. It is a card of profound significance, but all the significance is veiled…I will say very simply on my own part that it expresses the relation, in one of its aspects, between the Divine and the Universe. "He who can understand that the story of his higher nature is imbedded in this symbolism will receive intimations concerning a great awakening that is possible, and will know that after the sacred Mystery of Death there is a glorious Mystery of Resurrection."

5 of Pentacles, page 195: Natalie, thinking: “Material trouble, no charity; reversed, earthly love.” Waite: "material trouble above all, whether in the form illustrated--that is, destitution—or otherwise. For some cartomancists, it is a card of love and lovers-wife, husband, friend, mistress; also concordance, affinities. These alternatives cannot be harmonized. Reversed: Disorder, chaos, ruin, discord, profligacy."

Page of Pentacles, page 214: “....[Tony] patted Natalie’s arm lightly and said, ‘Don’t be afraid,’ and added, as one reassuring a whimpering child with a familiar rhyme, ‘Page of pentacles.’ When Natalie again did not move or answer, she said, ‘Well then. A soldier, a child. Reversed, degradation or pillage.’ “’I thought it was a game,’ Natalie said. “’Keep thinking of it as a game.’” Waite: "Application, study, scholarship, reflection another reading says news, messages and the bringer thereof; also rule, management. Reversed: Prodigality, dissipation, liberality, luxury; unfavourable news."

The only card whose meaning is completely different from Waite's description is the last one, the Page of Pentacles. I wonder if that’s because the meaning is given after Natalie starts to get scared in the forest. The second-to-last card is long before that, when they meet the one-armed man.