#tantra learning

[cobotis]

As a bee seeks nectar from all kinds of flowers, seek teachings from everywhere. Like a deer that finds a quiet place to graze, seek seclusion to digest all you have gathered. Like a madman beyond all limits, go wherever you please, and live like a lion, completely free of all fear...

~ Dzogchen Tantra

[raffaellopalandri]

Daily writing promptDo you need a break? From what?View all responses Life, in all its messy glory, can sometimes feel like a dull room with flickering fluorescent lights and deafening noises. Unchosen routine becomes the threadbare carpet, predictable conversations the chipped paint, and the air itself thick with the scent of … well, banality. All of this it’s not unpleasant, necessarily, but…

[iskalkin]

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[artdivin]

Knowing OneSelf involves introspection, reflection, and a willingness to confront one's own thoughts, emotions, Patterns, and behaviors. It requires honesty and acknowledging one's strengths, weaknesses, values, and beliefs. To better understand OneSelf, it can be helpful to engage in practices such as journaling, meditation, or therapy. These practices can provide an opportunity for reflection and Self-discovery and can help one gain clarity on one's own thoughts and feelings. Ultimately, knowing OneSelf is a lifelong process that requires ongoing Self-reflection and a willingness to learn and grow.

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[nousrose]

People who require strict bounds of individuality (guardedness) are usually the least capable of surrendering. Individuals firm within their autonomy are more capable of surrendering. This is identical to the notion that one must actually have a viable ego before one is qualified to lose it. Those who have had their primal sense of autonomy severely impaired by an environment which stressed chronic self-defense to maintain their autonomy are all but incapable of surrender. Their sense of autonomy is so fragile, held together by pain and suspicion, that the idea of surrender brings forth intense feelings of shame, anxiety and guilt. Thus, they are incapable of giving love or receiving it. Their habitual defensive posture, learned when they were too vulnerable for differentiated defense, makes it next to impossible for them to drop their guard long enough for love to come in or for love to come out. Ironically, individuals such as these are often those who talk the most about love yet treat their relationships as an endless chain reaction of negotiations centering around the issue of control. The entire idea of "control," in this context, contradicts the result people believe "control" might yield— self-mastery. Here control means "control" of anxiety, smallness and the feeling of falling apart which an impaired sense of autonomy has created. These fears and maneuvers are unfounded and unnecessary, once the person realizes that in reality they can only truly surrender to their Secret Lover. This act of surrender can do nothing but add to one's autonomy and power, but it is important to keep in mind that the benefits brought about by love are always a consequence, a result of surrender, and never the reason for surrendering. The need to surrender is "caused" by life fulfilling itself.

Sex Magic, Tantra & Tarot

Christopher S. Hyatt

[srisrisriddd]

To Understand Is To Be Free - Plant eating Frog

Learn To Understand because to understand is to be free

- Dr Devang H Dattani

- Infinite SriSriSri DDD

See Frog eating carnivore plant Video

Good Morning

Quote / Poem / Poetry / Quotes Of 

Bhagwan Sri Sri Sri

Doctor Devang H Dattani

Infinite Sri Sri Sri DDD

Posted By TheBlissCity DDD Team

See The Media Photo Video For

Quoteoftheday

God Morning

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[talonabraxas]

Kali ॐ Talon Abraxas

Tantric Astrology ♄

There are several ways of understanding the planets in our charts such as palmistry, tarot, the Qabbalistic tree of life, etc. All of these systems are excellent but I wanted to introduce you all to a more physical and systematic method of astrology that uses yantras, the bodily processes, and the very primordial teachings of the tantras that can help you get better at astrology and find patterns and associations in the mundane life.

Tantric astrology is the esoteric and hidden branch of astrology practiced within a small number of lineages in the South of India specifically Sri Kula and Kali Kula (the lineages that worship the Goddesses Lalita Tripurasundari and Maha Kali). Although, the presiding deity and ruler of Tantric astrology is Maa Kali and it is through her blessing we can begin our journey into learning more about this mind-blowing astrological technique. Even with the basics, you will be able to correct a lot of your karmas and remediate afflictions in your chart.

Lord Shiva is the vessel through which Shakti flows which is why he is known as Shaktimaan because he's the boundary in which Shakti revels and enjoys her play which also makes Shiva the passive enjoyer and observer of the play. The Goddess Kali represents the primordial soup, the nakedness and ink-black darkness of the universe that pre-existed Shiva as Para-Shakti, and then through him as a medium, she came into becoming, traversing and permeating the cosmos. She wears the 52 letters of Sanskrit around her neck as they represent different facets of herself (Fun fact: there is not a single sound discovered outside the Sanskrit alphabet.) Maa Kali becomes an important aspect of tantric astrology due to her natural ability to control the 8th house of occult and the hidden aspects of life.

ॐ ह्रौं काली महाकाली किलिकिले फट् स्वाहा॥

In Shakta tradition, it is believed that the cosmos came into being through the will/desire (iccha) of the Goddess to learn more about herself (jnana/knowledge) and so she created the complex universe and all of its beings, objects, and abstract concepts (kriya/action) to discover herself and her highest potential which is why kindness, love, and empathy towards all beings is core to all religions because it is a recognition of the divine in everything.

All of these three forms of Shakti exist within us and are operating at different levels. If you're giving exams, the truth of your knowledge is being tested (Jupiter-Saturn combination). If you're clocking into your job, you're doing your duty and following the dharma (Sun-Saturn combination).

Here's a brief explanation of the triangle and what the 3 main planets represent:

Planets that have a concentration of the Shaktis:

Saturn -Iccha: In the Mahavidya system, Maa Kali is represented by the planet Saturn as she is the Shakti of Time (Kala meaning time) and time is the only thing that cannot be controlled by anything. Time is also the ever-present, the permanent thing that brings so many life changes hence it is related to the Will or Desire to be or do anything. A healthy Saturn is not helpless and does not feel constrained by its responsibilities. A badly functioning Saturn often has a hard time controlling its desires, is egotistical, and can resist law and traditions which can make it difficult for the native to achieve their desires. To strengthen your Will, you can chant the root chakra Beeja mantra 'Lam' every day at least 1000 times per sitting.

Lagna/Ascendant -Jnana: The Goddess Bhairavi is the concentration of the highest levels of knowledge which is why in Tantra, a female adept is known as Bhairavi (she who is awe/terror-inspiring) for she, just like a newborn is pure but can alchemize the world around Her. The ascendant holds all of our potential and happiness for it is the current karma/action we will take which is why it becomes so important to be knowledgeable to make the best decisions in life. Jnana becomes useful when it is applied appropriately and correctly. An unafflicted ascendant gives purpose, happiness, health, and the motivation to achieve goals but an afflicted one often makes a person a little directionless and they find it hard to manifest their desires into reality which relates to:

Sun -Kriya: Kriya means completed action, it is the fulfillment of Iccha and the use of Jnana to reach a particular goal. In the Mahavidya system, the Goddess Matangi rules over the Sun due to her being Vaikhari Vak Shakti (The speech that has already been uttered.) Sun represents Kriya due to his ability to continuously create and be it is when the reality in his mind is projected outwards appropriately and without flaws. This is why it is said that God created us perfectly as we are. A healthy Sun dispels all ignorance, it is creative and gives self-esteem, and the ability to go achieve your desires and follow your will (hence it is exalted in Aries which is the natural ascendant). A weak Sun has low self-esteem, difficulty standing ground, and gives in easily to other people's will. To strengthen the Lagna and Sun, practices such as Surya Namaskar, Linga-Mudra, Bhastrika Pranayama, etc. work very well. These practices also increase the fire element in the body which gives us a natural glow (ojas).

The world is ever-changing based on the will of the great Goddess so nothing is permanent. Similarly, in Tantra, the belief is that our body is a microcosm of the great cosmos with the many Nadis and chakras that work tirelessly to make it work in the best way so it can achieve its goal and the final purpose. Tantric astrology remedies involve everything from fire rituals to yoga techniques to clear the Nadis and ensure a proper flow of energy in the chakras so that they can assist your path to liberation. Remediating the Iccha-Jnana-Kriya triangle is enough to fix a lot of the other planets in your chart because they're the very foundation of everything. Sun is Shiva, Saturn is Kali and the knowledge and creative force that exists between them is the ascendant for it is the truth of our lives.

As the water of the ocean is now calm and next agitated into waves, so are Brahman and Maya. The ocean in the tranquil state is Brahman, and in the turbulent state, Maya.

-Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

[tantramassageindia]

The Art of Tantra Massage

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Tantra Massage is a holistic practice that integrates mindful touch, energy activation, and meditative presence. Unlike conventional massages that focus solely on muscle relaxation, Tantra Massage engages the body's subtle energy centers, known as chakras, to release emotional and energetic blockages. This allows for a deeper state of relaxation, heightened pleasure, and a renewed sense of vitality.

The Benefits of Tantra Massage

Emotional Healing: Tantra Massage helps release stored emotions, past traumas, and stress, creating space for emotional clarity and freedom.

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Enhanced Intimacy: Whether received individually or as a couple, Tantra Massage fosters deeper emotional and physical intimacy, enhancing relationships.

Increased Energy Flow: By stimulating energy points and chakras, this practice awakens dormant energies and promotes a heightened state of awareness and pleasure.

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A Tantra Massage session is a guided experience in a safe and sacred environment. It may include:

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[thewitcheslist]

I dislike the phrase "traditional witchcraft" in a language and cultural studies kind of way because like... Do y'all mean witch-cult? 'Cuz Margaret has been discredited over and over and over again.

Do you mean Wicca? Cuz that started in '54; as far as world religion, it's practically an infant. (Author bias note: I was raised in a Wiccan Cult from ages 2 to 12)

Do y'all mean Cochrane's craft? Cuz he was literally a High Priest of Gardner's Bricket Wood Coven (Which would make him an exWiccan or make it a denomination of Wicca instead of a completely separate faith)**

Well, maybe you mean Feri? Nope. That is widely considered a denomination of Wicca too, even by those who practice it.

Crooked Path/Sabbatic? Andrew Chumbley started practicing witchcraft in the 90s, his teachings are patchwork made of Tantra, voodoo, and Christ.ian doctrine... And imo, Christ.ianity is definitely not where witchcraft originated... AND it is also considered a denomination of Wicca by scholars but considered a completely separate religion by practitioners

Thelema was started by a very very rich Englishman after he was apparently visited by the Egyptian god Horus and a disembodied voice called Aiwass in 1907 which would make it the oldest in my list here, but the majority of the scholarly writing on Traditional Witchcraft I could find doesn't include Thelema and it is considered a separate New Religious Movement (NRM) entirely.

Britannica defines traditional as

1 a : based on a way of thinking, behaving, or doing something that has been used by the people in a particular group, family, society, etc., for a long time : following the tradition of a certain group or culture b : typical or normal for something or someone : having the qualities, beliefs, etc., that are usual or expected in a particular type of person or thing 2 based on old-fashioned ideas : not new, different, or modern

This definition feels fuzzy to me, because Neopaganism is definitely new and modern, right? That's what the prefix Neo- means

The only (reputable, published scholarly *) sources I can find basically sum up Traditional Witchcraft as just Wiccan. I have found some (published) sources saying it isn't Wicca, but they are far fewer in number and are religious works, not academic.

I am not a religious scholar. But Neopagan seems to be a much more accurate word to describe these organized practices -- Or does the existence of a Hierarchy and religious leaders makes it "traditional."

And... Neopagan is a very very very broad term, making it somewhat impractical to use as a label when looking for your communities/learning resources/supplies

In my search for information I found this quote from Kelden Mercury, author of The Crooked Path: Introduction to Traditional Witchcraft

“Traditional Witchcraft is an umbrella term that covers a vast array of non-Wiccan practices that are inspired by folklore. These practices may be viewed as religious or spiritual depending upon the group or individual practitioner. Traditional Witches focus on the use of magic, connecting with the natural landscape, and working with various spirits in both the physical realm and the Otherworld.”

But 1) every single other source I'm finding is calling it a branch of Wicca - because the core values originated within Wicca. And 2) it isn't traditional if every practitioner does it differently and 3) What folk lore? There's a lot. I don't know which culture is being referred to here 4) this sent me down a secondary metaphorical rabbit hole to find what "The Otherworld" is, because my only prior knowledge was from my Wiccan Coven upbringing, and in this context, I'm being told we are definitely not talking about Wicca - but we are getting off topic

I have come across one paper grouping all the practices I listed in this post together as "contemporary traditions," and Contemporary Traditional Witchcraft is a bit of a mouthful and possibly an oxymoron but it definitely makes more sense from the perspective of this language nerd. Someone needs to write more on this from a scholarly and historical point of view and I am almost certain I am far too undereducated to do it.

And now, I'm super hyper fixated on the cultural impact of various NRMs, Neopaganism, and modern religion in the west. I cannot afford more student loans but I desperately want to learn more. I might audit some classes just for the hell of it honestly. This is so fascinating at this point. Why isn't this stuff getting studied yet? Does anyone know Ethan Doyle White? Can you give him my email address? (this is a joke, he probably doesn't want to talk to me.) Belief in witchcraft as malevolent magic has been around since ancient Mesopotamia and I can find records of that... But I want to study the cultural impact of this religious movement and there just isn't enough literature to satisfy my inquisitive nature.

Someone smart should be writing this down, because seeing how it spreads and how different groups respond to the movement as a whole could really help historians understand the very very old dead religions, and their cultural impacts.

*I want to emphasize the word Scholarly. I said SCHOLARLY and I mean it. Witchcraft is something very difficult to find historically accurate information about.

** edit to correct pronouns; this information came from PUBLISHED SCHOLARLY ARTICLES. I am not asking you to explain Traditional Witchcraft to me as a practitioner. I am NOT asking to be converted to Wicca. I literally escaped a cult. Have some decorum.

[DISCLAIMER: I'm not arguing the validity of any of these religions, nor am I saying they are bad. Religion, in my opinion, is a good thing. I like paganism. It brings me comfort. This is my brain struggling with the verbage used and lack of written history. I have absolutely no ill intent, I'm just frustrated at the lack of historical records and the limits imposed on us by the English language.]

[embodiedawakeningacademy]

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[satureja13]

Jeb picked Sai up after his shift and they headed upstairs to the game room of Moogie's Bar. Sai was excited. Will Jeb watch the stars with him like Jack and Vlad did? How romantic!

But they walked past the loveseat with a view. Sai: "Hm? What is it then?" Jeb: "Look around the corner."

Sai: "My gaming corner?! How did you get all my stuff here?" Jeb: "I asked Noxee to sent it."

Jeb knows how much Sai needs his alone time. Jeb: "Since you don't have a room for yourself here on board, I thought you'd like to have a space of your own. Where you could do your computer stuff in peace. No one will disturb you here." Sai: "Omg Jeb! This just feels like home far away from home!"

Sai: "Thank you."

Jeb: "I'll leave you alone now. Have fun!" Sai: "Oh, I will!" All the things he can do now! The only computers on board are in the community areas or at the bridge - and there's always commotion. This corner migh be small, but it's quiet and no one will come up here once they'd started the engines and there's nothing to see out there except for the dark-greyish subspace. This is heaven for Saiwa. And Jeb made it happen.

Except - Sai didn't have fun. Did Jeb just shove him away? Stored him in the furthest corner of the ship? Sai knows how much Jeb wanted him to move into his apartment at their home in Tomarang. Did he change his mind? Sai knows Jeb too well, he probably thinks he's not good enough to be with him - again... Because Sai wants nothing more than to loose his virginity to Jeb - but Jeb can't give him what he craves.

After Jeb left Sai to have some fun in his new computer corner, he went over to his best friend, Kiyoshi. To pour his heart out.

But he's busy with Jack... again... Jeb: "Oh, I'm sorry. I'll leave." Kiyoshi: "Don't worry. Stay."

And of course Sai was right. Even after being together for so long and after talking about this so often - Jeb still thinks Sai is too precious for him... But luckily Sai's oldest friend, Jack, is here. Jack knows how much Sai loves Jeb and that he can't live without him. Sai will never give up. Neither Jeb - nor his plans to finally lose his virginity - to Jeb. And: Jack also knows that the solution for their problem is already in the works. But also - as hard as it is for 'Big Snout Jack' - he can't spill the beans ö.ö So even though it's killing him inside, Jack said: "Don't worry, Jeb. Some things you just can't force. And there's nothing you can do than to just sit it out, hm? Have faith." (TMI: This is actually one of the hardest things for me. Learn more about this (imo) important topic -> here) Jeb: "Uhm, ok..." Kiyoshi seems a bit stunned by Jack saying words of wisdom. But even this happens from time to time :3

Meanwhile Sai left his new gaming corner. He can't just sit around here and do his computer stuff in peace - he's a man on a mission. He went to their quarters - to find them empty. So he took the chance to take a bath to play with the toys again. Soon he'll be ready for Jeb's 'wand'. And it didn't hurt a bit to this point - given you take your time and go slow and prepare thoroughly, just like Jack and Ji Ho - and later also Kioyshi - told him. Plus Sai and Jeb still practise their Tantra each day. They are able to dive in the deepest state of bliss when they make out. Jeb won't even notice it's not Sai's hands on his 'wand' when the time comes. And then finally, finally Sai will give his virginity to his beloved - but oh so hesistant - Jeb.

Uh - oh. The door. Jeb is back ö.ö' Sai wanted to have finished before he returned. Now Jeb will think he kept all the fun for himself - again...

(I usually never post pics with the walls down - but Sai really tensed when Jeb entered ^^')

Sai took the face mask off. Time to face Jeb...

Sai: "I'll just get dressed and than I'll give you my very special thank you present for my gaming corner!" Jeb: "Uhm - ok..." Jeb's mood was damped since he overheard Sai in the bathroom last time. He feels like he isn't man enough for Sai when he has to pleasure himself... without him.

But when Sai stepped out of the bathroom, he took Jeb's breath away. Jeb whispered: "You look so hot." Sai: "But I shouldn't have put those damn plastic pants on over my still damp skin in a hurry!"

Jeb: "Gods are you hurt? Wait, I'll heal you." Sai: "No need to. Let's go to our bedroom. I'll just take them off again - slowly ;) " Jeb: "Are you sure you - you are ready to - to ...do it again?"

Sai: "I didn't go all the way in there. I'll just go there together with you." Jeb: "Vanië..."

Sai: "Let's take these clothes off."

And a few minutes later, Sai took Jeb to the realms of pleasure and bliss.

'… Loving you Isn't the right thing to do How can I ever change things That I feel?

… If I could Baby, I'd give you my world How can I When you won't take it from me?

… You can go your own way Go your own way You can call it Another lonely day You can go your own way Go your own way

Tell me why Everything turned around Packing up Shacking up is all you want to do'

Fleetwood Mac - Go your own Way

Outtakes

When they entered the game room and Vlad stood behind them - grinning creepily - and Sai was about to start hissing ö.Ö' Poor Jeb ^^'

Sai telling Jeb he is going to go nowhere until he's finished with him hahaha

From the Beginning 🔱 Underwater Love 🔱 Latest

Current Chapter 'Goats in Space': starts ▶️ here Last Chapter: 'Piglets in Space' from the beginning ▶️ here

📚 Previous Chapters: Chapters: 1-6 ~ 7-12 ~ 13-16 ~ 23-29

[raffaellopalandri]

Awareness

We live in a world that fosters appearing, having material possessions, and follow the mainstream.We should rather be, learn, grow, love, and help others.

[iskalkin]

Unleash Your Inner Zen.

Join us for a Massage Retreat in Bali! Do you find yourself constantly juggling a million and one things, balancing the demands of your business world on the tip of your fingers? Are you in dire need of a rejuvenating break from the monotonous rat race? Picture this: calm waves lapping against the shores of pristine white sandy beaches, golden sunsets casting a warm glow over the lush landscapes…

[mynameisonionhaha]

Matthew Patel Analysis

I would like to say first off, I am not Indian. I am a Mexican kid who just really likes learning about different cultures. If anything in this is incorrect, offensive, or just overall dumb, I would really like to be corrected and would REALLY like to be able to fix it.

I’ve been trying to decipher what the markings on the demon girl’s and Matthew’s foreheads are. The main assumption would be that they are bindis, but that doesn’t sit entirely right with me when you think about what they represent in Indian culture.

For the demon girls, you COULD say that the markings are bindis, and that they are supposed to represent something “marital”, which would then imply that their binding to Matthew is more complicated, but I personally disagree with this for multiple reasons.

Then of course, for Matthew that would be a bit more complicated. Married women aren’t the only ones who use bindi markings of course as they also can have other uses and meanings, such as representing the third eye. Given Matthew’s powers, this would make sense, but it still doesn’t fully fit correctly in my beautiful mind.

The biggest thing that perplexes me is their colors and shape. They aren’t exactly round--they actually seem to be more elongated, like a very thin teardrop. This made me wonder if they were actually supposed to be tilaks instead, which makes slightly more sense to my big brain. This has to do with two main reasons: 1, both men and women can wear it. 2, Shiva and Shakti.

Let’s start with Shakta.

“Shaktas (worshippers of Devi — the feminine manifestation of the Divine) use kumkum to either draw a single red vertical line, or place a red dot, as a symbol of her divine energy and power.”  Source: https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/5-things-to-know-about-tilak

Shakta is the consort of Shiva, the goddess who is often personified as “Devi”, who acts as the divine feminine to Shiva’s divine masculinity.

“Yoni, (Sanskrit: “abode,” “source,” “womb,” or “vagina”) in Hinduism, the symbol of the goddess Shakti, the feminine generative power and, as a goddess, the consort of Shiva. In Shaivism, the branch of Hinduism devoted to worship of the god Shiva, the yoni is often associated with the lingam, which is Shiva’s symbol. In sculpture and paintings, the lingam is depicted as resting in the yoni as a cylinder in a spouted dish. The two symbols together represent the eternal process of creation and regeneration, the union of the male and female principles, and the totality of all existence. In a myth narrated in several Puranas, the body of Sati, an avatar of Shakti, is dismembered and scattered throughout India. Her yoni falls, and remains, in Assam, regarded as the home of Tantra (esoteric practices).” Source: https://www.britannica.com/topic/yoni 

These statements already clear up the shape, color, and meaning behind the girl’s markings. They are the feminine consorts to Matthew Patel and his escapades. Personally I really like this for multiple reasons, the biggest being that it makes their dynamic significantly more wholesome. This article, https://hridaya-yoga.com/blog/yoni-puja/, talks about the yoni tantras and overall adoration and respect for women. While Matthew and his girls don’t interact together much in terms of actual conversation, the general case seems to be that they are protective, uplifting, and devoted to him, while in return we see that they are treated with respect and not once does he ever see them as lesser or treat them as such. (This could be countered with the fact that they do get put in harm's way a lot, but given that they seem to be able to respawn just fine it probably isn’t an issue and something they are willing to do for him anyways.)

With that, let’s talk about Shiva.

“Shiva meaning “The Auspicious One” is one of the three major deities of Hinduism. He is worshiped as the Supreme God within Shaivism, one of the three most influential denominations in contemporary Hinduism and is also called “the Transformer and the Destroyer”.” Source: https://www.templepurohit.com/shiva-worshipped-form-linga-lingam/#google_vignette 

Matthew and Shiva have lots of things going on, which personally I find really freaking cool. He literally summons what appears to be the trishul, which is Shiva’s trident. How dope is that?? 

“The Trishul, also known as the trident, is the primary weapon of Lord Shiva. It is characterized by three sharp blades connected by a long handle. The three blades always point in the upward direction. Shiva is always found to be holding the handle of the Trishul when he is depicted in the saguna linga form. The three blades have various representations in Hindu mythology.” Source: https://servdharm.com/blogs/post/significance-of-shivas-trishul#:~:text=The%20Trishul%2C%20also%20known%20as,in%20the%20saguna%20linga%20form.

When it comes to the actual symbol on his forehead however, that becomes more difficult. I wondered if he was Shaiva (Shaiva meaning “follower of Shiva”), and that was what the symbol meant, but I couldn’t find anything regarding his specifically.

“Shaivites (worshippers of Shiva), for example, smear their foreheads with three horizontal lines of vibhuti, a sacred white ash that acts as a reminder of the temporary nature of the material world. Made of the burnt dried wood from Hindu fire rituals, the three lines of vibhuti are called tripundra, and represent Shiva’s threefold powers of will, knowledge, and action. Tripudra is also frequently worn with a dot made of kumkum (a powdered red turmeric) in the center, symbolizing the creative and energetic force of the Divine known as the Goddess Shakti.” Source: https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/5-things-to-know-about-tilak 

Interestingly enough, the tripundra does share the teardrop shape that Matthew has. What confuddles me is the lack of the three lines, and the color. I am unsure as to whether or not this has meaning, was on purpose, or was just what they decided to go with.

I did however come to the conclusion that the color might be related to bhasma (calcine ash), more specifically, “Pushpa Kasisa, which is crystalline with bluish green color.” Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3530270/ 

“Bhasma is a Sanskrit word that means “bone ash,” “cinder” or “disintegration.” It comes from the root bha, meaning “delusion,” “appearance” or “likeness,” and sma, meaning “ever” or “always.” In Hinduism and yoga, bhasma is sacred ash. In some traditions, it is thought to contain the energy of Shiva.” 

“In the spiritual context, bhasma symbolizes burning the ego to ashes in order to unite with the higher Self or the divine. It represents liberation from the limitations of mortal life and freedom from the cycle of reincarnation. It is also a reminder of the temporary nature of the physical body, which will one day return to ashes.

Also called vibhooti, bhasma is the sacred ash from the fire of a yogi or saint or from the sacrificial fire known as yajna in which special wood, herbs, grains, ghee and other items are offered as part of a worship ritual. Bhasma is thought to destroy sin and consume evil.” Source: https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5934/bhasma#:~:text=In%20the%20spiritual%20context%2C%20bhasma,from%20the%20cycle%20of%20reincarnation. 

Overall it appears that bhasma is applied to protect its wearer from physical harm/illness as well as serving its spiritual purposes which works really well given that it appeared during a fight where Matthew was in fact, getting harmed.

(I do want to mention though that I do think that it is not actual bhasma as that really wouldn’t make sense, but the similarities and “coincidences” are really cool to me.)

Okay, how does this relate to Matthew’s powers?

“According to yogic texts, there exist seven major chakras (discs of subtle concentrated energy) that run along the center of the body, each of which relate to some aspect of a person’s physical, emotional, and psychological make-up. Tilak is placed on the forehead between the eyebrows where the ajna chakra is located. As ajna means to “perceive” or “command,” the ajna chakra is considered to be the “eye of intuition,” through which a person can discern information that cannot otherwise be seen with one’s physical eyes. This “third eye” is a spiritually potent part of one’s being that helps one to focus inward on the Divine. Tilak, therefore, is placed on the ajna chakra to invoke this divine energy, as well as act as a reminder of the ultimate life goal.” Source: https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/5-things-to-know-about-tilak 

If Matthew is invoking the power of Shiva to aid him through the third eye, or the ajna chakra, this would make the most sense (and would explain why we hadn’t seen it before, probably). I also think it explains his fireballs pretty well, as I’ve noticed a lot of fire and burning practices and metaphors throughout my search for answers.

Oh, also, this: “Shiva's tapas generated so much heat that his body transformed into a pillar of fire - a blazing lingam that threatened to destroy the whole world. The gods did not know how to control Shiva's fire.”

In fact, the whole summary article thingy is really cool to me, so i’ll put it all here.

“Shiva saw no sense in the transitory pleasures of life, so he rejected samsara, smeared his body with ash, closed his eyes and performed austerities.

Shiva's tapas generated so much heat that his body transformed into a pillar of fire - a blazing lingam that threatened to destroy the whole world. The gods did not know how to control Shiva's fire.

Suddenly there appeared a yoni - the divine vessel of the mother-goddess. It caught the fiery lingam and contained its heat, thus saving the cosmos from untimely destruction.

Shiva is often pictured in a pacific mood with his consort Parvati, as the cosmic dancer Nataraja, as a naked ascetic, as a mendicant beggar, as a yogi Dhakshinamurthy, and as the androgynous union of Shiva and Parvati in one body (Ardhanarisvara).

Shiva also takes the form of Ardhanari, his androgynous form. The right side of the sculpture is Shiva and the left side is Parvati. The attributes of each are split directly down the middle.

Another example of Shiva's apparent synthesis of male and female attributes is seen in his earrings. He often wears one earring in the style of a man and the other as a female.” Source: https://www.lotussculpture.com/shiva-hindu-god-lord-destruction-meaning-symbolism.html#:~:text=Shiva's%20tapas%20generated%20so%20much,how%20to%20control%20Shiva's%20fire. 

So yeah, there you have it. Here is every single source I used:

Shiva

https://servdharm.com/blogs/post/significance-of-shivas-trishul#:~:text=The%20Trishul%2C%20also%20known%20as,in%20the%20saguna%20linga%20form. 

https://www.lotussculpture.com/shiva-hindu-god-lord-destruction-meaning-symbolism.html#:~:text=Shiva's%20tapas%20generated%20so%20much,how%20to%20control%20Shiva's%20fire. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shiva

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trishula 

https://www.templepurohit.com/shiva-worshipped-form-linga-lingam/#google_vignette 

Shakti/Yoni

https://www.britannica.com/topic/yoni 

https://hridaya-yoga.com/blog/yoni-puja/ 

https://kripalu.org/resources/shakti-power-within-you#:~:text=Shakti%20means%20power%2C%20energy%2C%20or,the%20divine%20masculine%20god%20Shiva. 

Tilak

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/tilak-ancient-practice-significance-neeta-singhal 

https://www.hinduamerican.org/blog/5-things-to-know-about-tilak 

https://www.britannica.com/topic/tilak 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tilaka 

Bindi

https://exametc.com/magazine/details.php?id=900 

https://www.sanskritimagazine.com/bindi-meaning-and-significance-of-the-dot-on-forehead/ 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bindi_(decoration) 

Bhasma

https://www.yogapedia.com/definition/5934/bhasma#:~:text=In%20the%20spiritual%20context%2C%20bhasma,from%20the%20cycle%20of%20reincarnation. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24696811/#:~:text=There%20are%20various%20importance%20of,heavy%20metals%20in%20the%20body. 

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3530270/ 

Third Eye

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_eye