He Took the Words Right Outta My Mouth

I've been having some rather frustrating "discussions" with old friends lately (that was probably my first mistake). It's clear we inhabit different worlds now. My frustration lies both in my inability to adequately express my worldview as well as in their refusal--or fear--to open their minds.

But here's a quote I found that wonderfully expresses what I feel and believe. Maybe I'll just start repeating this from now on:

"A living planet is a much more complex metaphor for deity than just a bigger father with a bigger fist. If an omniscient, all-powerful Dad ignores your prayers, it's taken personally. Hear only silence long enough, and you start wondering about his power. His fairness.  His very existence. 

But if a world mother doesn't reply, Her excuse is simple. She never claimed conceited omnipotence. She has countless others clinging to her apron strings, including myriad species unable to speak for themselves. To Her elder offspring She says: 'Go raid the fridge. Go play outside. Go get a job. Or, better yet, lend me a hand. I have no time for idle whining.'" 
--author David Brin

 Yay, Mama Earth!

He Took the Words Right Outta My Mouth

I've been having some rather frustrating "discussions" with old friends lately (that was probably my first mistake). It's clear we inhabit different worlds now. My frustration lies both in my inability to adequately express my worldview as well as in their refusal--or fear--to open their minds.

But here's a quote I found that wonderfully expresses what I feel and believe. Maybe I'll just start repeating this from now on:

"A living planet is a much more complex metaphor for deity than just a bigger father with a bigger fist. If an omniscient, all-powerful Dad ignores your prayers, it's taken personally. Hear only silence long enough, and you start wondering about his power. His fairness.  His very existence. 

But if a world mother doesn't reply, Her excuse is simple. She never claimed conceited omnipotence. She has countless others clinging to her apron strings, including myriad species unable to speak for themselves. To Her elder offspring She says: 'Go raid the fridge. Go play outside. Go get a job. Or, better yet, lend me a hand. I have no time for idle whining.'" 
--author David Brin

 Yay, Mama Earth!

Today is Boob Quake Day! (and why is it always about sex?)

I'm sure Pam Anderson is to blame...

If you haven't heard, today is officially Boob Quake Day, started by blogger Jen McCreight in response to yet one more fundie who says too much flesh is causing all these volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and other assorted natural phenomenon. This time it was an Iranian cleric, saying that immodest women and the power of their boobs have EARTHSHATTERING effects!

Why is it that fundies always blame sex when something bad happens? One minute it's boobs, the next it's homosexuals. After all, there are other "sins" out there. Maybe Mother Earth is reacting to humans polluting her world, have they ever thought about that? Maybe Gaia is opening up to swallow us whole because we are damaging her body! Or, maybe some deity is punishing us because of all the violence and abuse we heap on each other. Isn't that a sin, all those murders and wars? Or what about greed, lying and hatred?

No,  oddly, it's always about sex. Just wait for the next natural disaster and some fundie will blame it on the gays or the loose women. Of course, it's NEVER the men. Perish the thought!

Seriously, somebody needs to be slapped.

I love Jen's reaction and her Boob Quake Day. Let's see if we can really rock the world today! (And, yes, guys can join in, too!)

Today is Boob Quake Day! (and why is it always about sex?)

I'm sure Pam Anderson is to blame...

If you haven't heard, today is officially Boob Quake Day, started by blogger Jen McCreight in response to yet one more fundie who says too much flesh is causing all these volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and other assorted natural phenomenon. This time it was an Iranian cleric, saying that immodest women and the power of their boobs have EARTHSHATTERING effects!

Why is it that fundies always blame sex when something bad happens? One minute it's boobs, the next it's homosexuals. After all, there are other "sins" out there. Maybe Mother Earth is reacting to humans polluting her world, have they ever thought about that? Maybe Gaia is opening up to swallow us whole because we are damaging her body! Or, maybe some deity is punishing us because of all the violence and abuse we heap on each other. Isn't that a sin, all those murders and wars? Or what about greed, lying and hatred?

No,  oddly, it's always about sex. Just wait for the next natural disaster and some fundie will blame it on the gays or the loose women. Of course, it's NEVER the men. Perish the thought!

Seriously, somebody needs to be slapped.

I love Jen's reaction and her Boob Quake Day. Let's see if we can really rock the world today! (And, yes, guys can join in, too!)

If I Lived In Bahrain, Would I Be Arrested for Sorcery?

So the Middle Eastern nation of Bahrain has made "sorcery" a crime, although they didn't exactly say how sorcery is described. Except to say it could be anything defined as "paranormal" by scientific and religious beliefs. Um, doesn't that present a problem. I mean, science might say that any religion is in itself "paranormal,"--so by that logic you might be considered a sorcerer for just being a good Muslim. And of course, it's very convenient when one religion has the power to label another set of beliefs "paranormal." After all, Muslims can't prove they're praying to the One True God any more than I prove that the images in my head are really animal totems.

Which brings me back to my question. Yes, I suppose I would be arrested if I lived in Bahrain, performing all my rituals, meditations and such. Ridiculous! Set aside the concept of religious freedom for a moment. Sure, we should all respect each other, but that isn't what bothers me most.

What bothers me most is that all religions and spiritual beliefs can be considered "sorcery" depending on your perspective. And none of it can be proven--not praying to Allah or Jesus or holding ceremonies for Mother Earth or Isis. Personally, I don't think any of it is "real" in the way most people conceive it. Let me explain. Say I decide to "curse" my neighbor because his cat pooped in my flower bed, and so I mix some herbs and potions together and light a candle and say a spell. Honestly, I don't think it has any effect on my neighbor--or his cat--unless that neighbor is aware of my intention. If he is aware, then he might begin to associate my "curse" with some bad luck that comes his way--but did my "curse" really work or was it simply the power of suggestion?

I think prayer is the same way. I think if you know people are praying for you or sending good thoughts or whatever, that makes you feel better. But me sitting in my house praying for people in Africa does no good whatsoever, except maybe to make me more aware of Africa, which might lead me to take real action.

Years ago, I examined my Christian faith and decided it didn't work as advertised. So why bother? But I do like ritual, and I can't shake my spiritual bent, so if I'm going to be all crazy religious, then I should at least get something out of it--and so shamanism and nature-based philosophy works for me. But just because I burn sage and ring chimes doesn't make me Harry Potter. Even if I really believe deep down in my heart that I'm tapping into something mystical or paranormal, that still doesn't make it real. For me, I have to walk that fine line and keep that balance. It keeps me grounded, helps me retain my sense of humor and prevents me from falling right back into some crazy fundie literalism like before.

I know this is just me ranting, but I can't help it. It's just so sad when cultures or nations like Bahrain are so entrenched in their worldview that they cannot see their own folly. European cultures have already been through this, and maybe every culture has to do it in order to evolve. There are true crimes in this world that need to be punished--murder, rape, theft and so on--but "sorcery?"

If I Lived In Bahrain, Would I Be Arrested for Sorcery?

So the Middle Eastern nation of Bahrain has made "sorcery" a crime, although they didn't exactly say how sorcery is described. Except to say it could be anything defined as "paranormal" by scientific and religious beliefs. Um, doesn't that present a problem. I mean, science might say that any religion is in itself "paranormal,"--so by that logic you might be considered a sorcerer for just being a good Muslim. And of course, it's very convenient when one religion has the power to label another set of beliefs "paranormal." After all, Muslims can't prove they're praying to the One True God any more than I prove that the images in my head are really animal totems.

Which brings me back to my question. Yes, I suppose I would be arrested if I lived in Bahrain, performing all my rituals, meditations and such. Ridiculous! Set aside the concept of religious freedom for a moment. Sure, we should all respect each other, but that isn't what bothers me most.

What bothers me most is that all religions and spiritual beliefs can be considered "sorcery" depending on your perspective. And none of it can be proven--not praying to Allah or Jesus or holding ceremonies for Mother Earth or Isis. Personally, I don't think any of it is "real" in the way most people conceive it. Let me explain. Say I decide to "curse" my neighbor because his cat pooped in my flower bed, and so I mix some herbs and potions together and light a candle and say a spell. Honestly, I don't think it has any effect on my neighbor--or his cat--unless that neighbor is aware of my intention. If he is aware, then he might begin to associate my "curse" with some bad luck that comes his way--but did my "curse" really work or was it simply the power of suggestion?

I think prayer is the same way. I think if you know people are praying for you or sending good thoughts or whatever, that makes you feel better. But me sitting in my house praying for people in Africa does no good whatsoever, except maybe to make me more aware of Africa, which might lead me to take real action.

Years ago, I examined my Christian faith and decided it didn't work as advertised. So why bother? But I do like ritual, and I can't shake my spiritual bent, so if I'm going to be all crazy religious, then I should at least get something out of it--and so shamanism and nature-based philosophy works for me. But just because I burn sage and ring chimes doesn't make me Harry Potter. Even if I really believe deep down in my heart that I'm tapping into something mystical or paranormal, that still doesn't make it real. For me, I have to walk that fine line and keep that balance. It keeps me grounded, helps me retain my sense of humor and prevents me from falling right back into some crazy fundie literalism like before.

I know this is just me ranting, but I can't help it. It's just so sad when cultures or nations like Bahrain are so entrenched in their worldview that they cannot see their own folly. European cultures have already been through this, and maybe every culture has to do it in order to evolve. There are true crimes in this world that need to be punished--murder, rape, theft and so on--but "sorcery?"

Look Ma--I'm Praying on TV!

Can't believe I hadn't posted about this yet, but with being sick and all, it somehow slipped through the cracks. So last night, yours truly delivered the invocation for a meeting of our esteemed local county commissioners! And I slipped in a little shamanic juju without anyone realizing it!

One of the administrators said she found my minister web site, therefore the invitation. Unlike some places around the country, we still open each county meeting with prayer (this is the Bible belt, after all). Now, there are some neighboring counties where this practice is under challenge, but locally, no such problems. Naturally, I worried about what to say. Do I shake my rattle and dance a jig around the podium while invoking nature spirits? Do I blow my conch horn and really freak everyone out? Will something I say set off the Christians on yet another "witch hunt?" And--most important--what do I wear?

As an interfaith minister, these aren't easy questions to answer. I knew I wanted some sort of reference to nature and I wanted some form of shamanic elements, too. After researching online, I found part of a prayer that I liked, and then I added my own touches. So instead of praying to Jesus, I invoked the "eternal and unseen spirit of the universe." I thought that was nonspecific enough while also expressing my own opinion that spirit does not take the form of a bearded man in the sky.

I also used the words "sacred circle" to hint at Native American and pagan influences. To honor the 4 directions, I talked about drawing a great circle around the county, mentioning real towns that roughly corresponded to east, south, west, north. The commissioners and visitors might not realize it, but they had just been included in a magickal circle--so let the positive energy flow!

Also, with the spring equinox only a few days away, I mentioned balance and harmony, and tied this into the business of the county. I added a few more nods to taxes, bonds and other such glamour; after all, it's a county meeting, which is what the prayer is supposed to focus on.

What did I wear? Well, my teacher likes to say that one way shamans can "shape shift" is by understanding which mask to wear in which situation. In other words, a kilt and face paint may not be appropriate at the county courthouse! So I decided to rock the suit and bow tie. See, I think that if you sneak up on people with some of this alternative spiritual stuff because you present a more familiar image, then they're likely to get your message. And besides, it was on TV! Only the local cable access channel, but hey--who knows who was watching and may have been touched by something I said. Sure, the fundies may have been puzzled by the lack of "Jesus" every 5 words, but my hope is that my focus on what unites us rather than what divides us got past all that.

Oh yeah, and I included a nod to "Battlestar Galactica," too! Wonder if any one caught that? "So say we all!"

Look Ma--I'm Praying on TV!

Can't believe I hadn't posted about this yet, but with being sick and all, it somehow slipped through the cracks. So last night, yours truly delivered the invocation for a meeting of our esteemed local county commissioners! And I slipped in a little shamanic juju without anyone realizing it!

One of the administrators said she found my minister web site, therefore the invitation. Unlike some places around the country, we still open each county meeting with prayer (this is the Bible belt, after all). Now, there are some neighboring counties where this practice is under challenge, but locally, no such problems. Naturally, I worried about what to say. Do I shake my rattle and dance a jig around the podium while invoking nature spirits? Do I blow my conch horn and really freak everyone out? Will something I say set off the Christians on yet another "witch hunt?" And--most important--what do I wear?

As an interfaith minister, these aren't easy questions to answer. I knew I wanted some sort of reference to nature and I wanted some form of shamanic elements, too. After researching online, I found part of a prayer that I liked, and then I added my own touches. So instead of praying to Jesus, I invoked the "eternal and unseen spirit of the universe." I thought that was nonspecific enough while also expressing my own opinion that spirit does not take the form of a bearded man in the sky.

I also used the words "sacred circle" to hint at Native American and pagan influences. To honor the 4 directions, I talked about drawing a great circle around the county, mentioning real towns that roughly corresponded to east, south, west, north. The commissioners and visitors might not realize it, but they had just been included in a magickal circle--so let the positive energy flow!

Also, with the spring equinox only a few days away, I mentioned balance and harmony, and tied this into the business of the county. I added a few more nods to taxes, bonds and other such glamour; after all, it's a county meeting, which is what the prayer is supposed to focus on.

What did I wear? Well, my teacher likes to say that one way shamans can "shape shift" is by understanding which mask to wear in which situation. In other words, a kilt and face paint may not be appropriate at the county courthouse! So I decided to rock the suit and bow tie. See, I think that if you sneak up on people with some of this alternative spiritual stuff because you present a more familiar image, then they're likely to get your message. And besides, it was on TV! Only the local cable access channel, but hey--who knows who was watching and may have been touched by something I said. Sure, the fundies may have been puzzled by the lack of "Jesus" every 5 words, but my hope is that my focus on what unites us rather than what divides us got past all that.

Oh yeah, and I included a nod to "Battlestar Galactica," too! Wonder if any one caught that? "So say we all!"

Hawaii Saved from Tsunami by Waves of Shamanic Energy!

It's almost like "Wonder Twin Powers--Activate!" Well, not exactly. But launching from my last post, here's something else that's stuck in my craw.

Right after the earthquake struck Chile this past weekend, I was watching the unfolding news while also checking my email (I'm such the multitasker). News reports were predicting a possible major tsunami headed across the Pacific, potentially hitting Hawaii. Given my skepticism about praying or otherwise affecting the outcome of things like this, I could only watch. That may sound harsh, but--well, that is the nature of life. We may not like it, but we humans are often powerless, especially in the face of nature, whether it takes the form of major storms or some virus taking over our bodies. We like to think it doesn't work that way--but when has it ever been any different? Of course, all our religions and spiritual traditions teach that if you pray just right or dance in a circle or sacrifice the prettiest virgin, then *poof!* all is well!

Shamanic traditions are full of this sort of thing, too. Contrary to what you might think, I don't believe that shaking a bone is going to halt a hurricane any more than praying to Jesus. I'm attracted to shamanism because I think it has wisdom that can help us powerless humans learn to live with things as they are. Instead of resisting snowstorms and hurricanes and illnesses, how can we adapt, learn from these natural occurrences--and survive? I think most of how we interact with the wider world is based on illusion, and I think shamanism can help shatter those illusions. This means, unfortunately, that floods will come, people will get sick and die, earthquakes will rattle our homes and brains--why should it be any different? The expectation that it should be different is what drives our panic, our suffering, and I think if we can let that go, we can live happier lives, for as long as we have them.

But back to my story. So I opened an email message from the man who led the shamanic mystery school I attended recently--and I was truly disappointed. In the message, he asked us to send "shamanic energy" out to stop the tsunami from striking Hawaii. I respect this man on many levels, but I think he's wrong on this. It bothered me for several reasons. First, if it's possible to do this, then we're really no different than Pat Robertson when he talks of moving hurricanes away from a city--or when he says God sent another storm to punish America for homosexuality. Second, there are lots of other little islands out there in the Pacific, most not as prepared as Hawaii would be. Hawaii is one of my teacher's favorite spots, but it would have been more, I don't know, "loving" of him to include the entire Pacific. And besides, even if we could "protect" Hawaii, wouldn't it just deflect the waves to neighboring islands, endangering them even more? I mean, I at least believe that energy has to GO somewhere.

Then, once the threat had passed, another email went out, thanking us all for protecting Hawaii. Seriously? How about an email asking us to send some kind of help to those poor people in Chile? You'd think if shamanism really works in this way, then some kind of sixth sense would have awakened us in the middle of the night--just like dogs often bark before a quake--so that we could all synchronize our energy fields and shut that quake down. But no, that didn't happen. Chile split open. What's the point of preventing a tsunami if you can't stop an 8.8 earthquake? And it's so simple-minded to say, when things go as we hope, "Look, we saved Hawaii!" But what if it had turned out differently? What would we say then?

I'm glad a tsunami didn't inundate Hawaii or Tahitit or the Marquesas or Easter Island--but I think it had more to do with tectonic plates and ocean floors and waves and even the tug of our own moon than a handful of people having nice thoughts. I'd like to believe things like this are possible. It's just that I've never seen it happen. Not as a Christian way back when and not as a shaman now. The problem here, again, is power. I don't believe being a Christian makes you God's favorite, who then works powerful things on your behalf. I don't believe shamanism gives you special powers, either, over nature or people or things. The only power we can ever achieve, regardless of our belief system, is power over ourselves.

When empowered, we can help those injured in the Chilean earthquake rebuild their lives, or we might work together to improve seismic monitoring technology in the Pacific. We might be empowered to improve building codes and construction technology or evacuation procedures. And we might comfort someone who lost a relative or their home, helping them grieve and helping them find closure. We might also help them to remember that all of this is part of life, part of the world we live in--and it's still good. Shaking our fists makes no difference, nor do futile displays of invoking gods, chanting or praying, or beaming thoughts. Yet, this does not fill me with despair. That's what I want--to see the truth, to shatter all the illusions and still be filled with joy. That is freedom. That is spirit. And that makes life worth living no matter what happens to us.

Hawaii Saved from Tsunami by Waves of Shamanic Energy!

It's almost like "Wonder Twin Powers--Activate!" Well, not exactly. But launching from my last post, here's something else that's stuck in my craw.

Right after the earthquake struck Chile this past weekend, I was watching the unfolding news while also checking my email (I'm such the multitasker). News reports were predicting a possible major tsunami headed across the Pacific, potentially hitting Hawaii. Given my skepticism about praying or otherwise affecting the outcome of things like this, I could only watch. That may sound harsh, but--well, that is the nature of life. We may not like it, but we humans are often powerless, especially in the face of nature, whether it takes the form of major storms or some virus taking over our bodies. We like to think it doesn't work that way--but when has it ever been any different? Of course, all our religions and spiritual traditions teach that if you pray just right or dance in a circle or sacrifice the prettiest virgin, then *poof!* all is well!

Shamanic traditions are full of this sort of thing, too. Contrary to what you might think, I don't believe that shaking a bone is going to halt a hurricane any more than praying to Jesus. I'm attracted to shamanism because I think it has wisdom that can help us powerless humans learn to live with things as they are. Instead of resisting snowstorms and hurricanes and illnesses, how can we adapt, learn from these natural occurrences--and survive? I think most of how we interact with the wider world is based on illusion, and I think shamanism can help shatter those illusions. This means, unfortunately, that floods will come, people will get sick and die, earthquakes will rattle our homes and brains--why should it be any different? The expectation that it should be different is what drives our panic, our suffering, and I think if we can let that go, we can live happier lives, for as long as we have them.

But back to my story. So I opened an email message from the man who led the shamanic mystery school I attended recently--and I was truly disappointed. In the message, he asked us to send "shamanic energy" out to stop the tsunami from striking Hawaii. I respect this man on many levels, but I think he's wrong on this. It bothered me for several reasons. First, if it's possible to do this, then we're really no different than Pat Robertson when he talks of moving hurricanes away from a city--or when he says God sent another storm to punish America for homosexuality. Second, there are lots of other little islands out there in the Pacific, most not as prepared as Hawaii would be. Hawaii is one of my teacher's favorite spots, but it would have been more, I don't know, "loving" of him to include the entire Pacific. And besides, even if we could "protect" Hawaii, wouldn't it just deflect the waves to neighboring islands, endangering them even more? I mean, I at least believe that energy has to GO somewhere.

Then, once the threat had passed, another email went out, thanking us all for protecting Hawaii. Seriously? How about an email asking us to send some kind of help to those poor people in Chile? You'd think if shamanism really works in this way, then some kind of sixth sense would have awakened us in the middle of the night--just like dogs often bark before a quake--so that we could all synchronize our energy fields and shut that quake down. But no, that didn't happen. Chile split open. What's the point of preventing a tsunami if you can't stop an 8.8 earthquake? And it's so simple-minded to say, when things go as we hope, "Look, we saved Hawaii!" But what if it had turned out differently? What would we say then?

I'm glad a tsunami didn't inundate Hawaii or Tahitit or the Marquesas or Easter Island--but I think it had more to do with tectonic plates and ocean floors and waves and even the tug of our own moon than a handful of people having nice thoughts. I'd like to believe things like this are possible. It's just that I've never seen it happen. Not as a Christian way back when and not as a shaman now. The problem here, again, is power. I don't believe being a Christian makes you God's favorite, who then works powerful things on your behalf. I don't believe shamanism gives you special powers, either, over nature or people or things. The only power we can ever achieve, regardless of our belief system, is power over ourselves.

When empowered, we can help those injured in the Chilean earthquake rebuild their lives, or we might work together to improve seismic monitoring technology in the Pacific. We might be empowered to improve building codes and construction technology or evacuation procedures. And we might comfort someone who lost a relative or their home, helping them grieve and helping them find closure. We might also help them to remember that all of this is part of life, part of the world we live in--and it's still good. Shaking our fists makes no difference, nor do futile displays of invoking gods, chanting or praying, or beaming thoughts. Yet, this does not fill me with despair. That's what I want--to see the truth, to shatter all the illusions and still be filled with joy. That is freedom. That is spirit. And that makes life worth living no matter what happens to us.

Crazy Rev. Fred Phelps Closet Fan of Lady Gaga

If you go with the argument that those who doth protest too much against gays are probably gay themselves--then, Rev. Fred Phelps must be one helluva Lady Gaga fan. He's so entranced by her magic that he's going to start protesting her concerts! I say, Congrats Gaga!--you know you've achieved real fame when Phelps and his band of religious misfits show up at your events.

Here's what Phelps had to say about Our Lady: 
"God hates Lady Gaga. ... As much as she'd like to pretend otherwise, there's nothing new or different about this particular hussy's pretentious prancing. Does the simple slut truly think that she can change God's standards by seducing a generation of rebels into joining her in fist-raised, stiffnecked, hard-hearted rebellion against Him? Get real!"

Now, don't you just know Gaga is going to make this part of her quirky freak show!

And what do you mean by "simple slut?!" Seriously, Gaga is ANYTHING but simple. Ha-ha.

Just look at her outfit above--it's perfectly obvious that she's channeling the mighty and ancient Celtic god Cernunnos! I'd watch my back if I were you, Phelps!

Crazy Rev. Fred Phelps Closet Fan of Lady Gaga

If you go with the argument that those who doth protest too much against gays are probably gay themselves--then, Rev. Fred Phelps must be one helluva Lady Gaga fan. He's so entranced by her magic that he's going to start protesting her concerts! I say, Congrats Gaga!--you know you've achieved real fame when Phelps and his band of religious misfits show up at your events.

Here's what Phelps had to say about Our Lady: 
"God hates Lady Gaga. ... As much as she'd like to pretend otherwise, there's nothing new or different about this particular hussy's pretentious prancing. Does the simple slut truly think that she can change God's standards by seducing a generation of rebels into joining her in fist-raised, stiffnecked, hard-hearted rebellion against Him? Get real!"

Now, don't you just know Gaga is going to make this part of her quirky freak show!

And what do you mean by "simple slut?!" Seriously, Gaga is ANYTHING but simple. Ha-ha.

Just look at her outfit above--it's perfectly obvious that she's channeling the mighty and ancient Celtic god Cernunnos! I'd watch my back if I were you, Phelps!

Lessons of the Lotus

I love to ponder why certain images or themes continue to pop up in various places and situations. Like the lotus flower, above. I've never seen a real one, but if you pause long enough, you can find lotus flowers everywhere, in art, architecture and literature. And they're a sacred symbol in many religions: Buddhism, ancient Egypt, Hinduism, Brahmanism, Zorastrianism and even ancient Mayan beliefs. Why is this?

If that all seems musty and dusty, consider that one of the most expensive cars you can buy today is called Lotus. A car and a flower are very different things, but obviously, someone in a marketing department somewhere thought that the symbolism long associated with the lotus would appeal to a certain elite clientele who could afford rare, luxury cars.

And here's a beautiful example of lotus symbolism in architecture, a Bahai temple located in India.

Across various cultures, the lotus symbolizes the best human ideals and concepts: purity, enlightenment, the human heart, the sun, creation, divine birth or rebirth, knowledge and cosmic harmony.

Again, why is this? I'm fixated on the lotus because of the daily meditation that I've been doing. It's a Buddhist meditation or chant called simply "Jewel in the Lotus Flower." The 6 syllables--"om, mani, padme, hum"--are rich with spiritual symbolism. As I understand it, this chant can assist in transforming our individual essence into a more enlightened state--that of the Buddha nature. The lotus is the perfect symbol because it grows under murky water but eventually reveals a beautiful, delicate flower. The opening bloom represents the opening of our Buddha nature as it flowers. That bright center of the flower is considered the "jewel" and represents our individual spiritual potential.

Well, I have a long way to go before I get all flowery and enlightened! Being the skeptic that I am, I don't know if this chant will do anything for me--but the romantic in me recognizes the beauty and purity embedded therein. There are certainly worse things for which to strive. And it helps me to think that the murkiness in which I currently find myself might one day subside to reveal something of beauty and light.

I read somewhere that "om, mani, padme, hum" can be translated as "I am in you and you are in me," revealing how interconnected we all are--whether we realize it or not. And not just us as individuals--but how we are connected to the plants and animals, the stars and comets, and how they are connected to us. This continues to be important for me to realize and integrate into my daily life.

So pay attention to nature. It has lots to teach us.

Check here to read more about lotus symbolism.

Lessons of the Lotus

I love to ponder why certain images or themes continue to pop up in various places and situations. Like the lotus flower, above. I've never seen a real one, but if you pause long enough, you can find lotus flowers everywhere, in art, architecture and literature. And they're a sacred symbol in many religions: Buddhism, ancient Egypt, Hinduism, Brahmanism, Zorastrianism and even ancient Mayan beliefs. Why is this?

If that all seems musty and dusty, consider that one of the most expensive cars you can buy today is called Lotus. A car and a flower are very different things, but obviously, someone in a marketing department somewhere thought that the symbolism long associated with the lotus would appeal to a certain elite clientele who could afford rare, luxury cars.

And here's a beautiful example of lotus symbolism in architecture, a Bahai temple located in India.

Across various cultures, the lotus symbolizes the best human ideals and concepts: purity, enlightenment, the human heart, the sun, creation, divine birth or rebirth, knowledge and cosmic harmony.

Again, why is this? I'm fixated on the lotus because of the daily meditation that I've been doing. It's a Buddhist meditation or chant called simply "Jewel in the Lotus Flower." The 6 syllables--"om, mani, padme, hum"--are rich with spiritual symbolism. As I understand it, this chant can assist in transforming our individual essence into a more enlightened state--that of the Buddha nature. The lotus is the perfect symbol because it grows under murky water but eventually reveals a beautiful, delicate flower. The opening bloom represents the opening of our Buddha nature as it flowers. That bright center of the flower is considered the "jewel" and represents our individual spiritual potential.

Well, I have a long way to go before I get all flowery and enlightened! Being the skeptic that I am, I don't know if this chant will do anything for me--but the romantic in me recognizes the beauty and purity embedded therein. There are certainly worse things for which to strive. And it helps me to think that the murkiness in which I currently find myself might one day subside to reveal something of beauty and light.

I read somewhere that "om, mani, padme, hum" can be translated as "I am in you and you are in me," revealing how interconnected we all are--whether we realize it or not. And not just us as individuals--but how we are connected to the plants and animals, the stars and comets, and how they are connected to us. This continues to be important for me to realize and integrate into my daily life.

So pay attention to nature. It has lots to teach us.

Check here to read more about lotus symbolism.

Just Call Me "Rev"

Yes, come the Summer Solstice, I will be an ordained minister! Sorry to tease this out so long, but I've been busy working up the papers I need to submit, trying to work and trap all those groundhogs (we've spotted #4!).

Basically, I'll be an interfaith minister and can legally perform weddings. This came up out of the blue, as a result of the shamanic workshops which I've been attending. I thought, "Why not?" Yeah, it isn't the same as someone who goes to seminary for years and years, but then again, I'm not looking for disciples or a church. But maybe some nice pagan couple would like for me to help with their wedding vows. Just seems like it will open some interesting and unexpected doors.

We'll see. In the meantime, I promise not to turn out like this guy from "Princess Bride!"

Just Call Me "Rev"

Yes, come the Summer Solstice, I will be an ordained minister! Sorry to tease this out so long, but I've been busy working up the papers I need to submit, trying to work and trap all those groundhogs (we've spotted #4!).

Basically, I'll be an interfaith minister and can legally perform weddings. This came up out of the blue, as a result of the shamanic workshops which I've been attending. I thought, "Why not?" Yeah, it isn't the same as someone who goes to seminary for years and years, but then again, I'm not looking for disciples or a church. But maybe some nice pagan couple would like for me to help with their wedding vows. Just seems like it will open some interesting and unexpected doors.

We'll see. In the meantime, I promise not to turn out like this guy from "Princess Bride!"

666 Tattoo Revisited

Had an interesting response to my post about Anti-Christ Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda and his Growing in Grace Church. Here's what one of his followers emailed to me:

"Let me tell you that I know for a fact that Jose Luis DeJesus is the 2nd coming of Christ.

First, let me correct you guys: He has never asked us for money, jewelry (rolex watches). I know that for a fact because my husband gave him one as a present...It´s difficult for people to understand that we are so thankful and therefore choose to make up stories (perhaps it´s because to them,there is not much to thank God for... still see themselves as sinners, still think the Devil is around, still think they can be lost and if they ever earn their ticket to salvation it´s because of their own effort...that´s some "loving Father"!.)

I honestly don´t know how did people come up with the "giving all of our money" idea...if you´d investigate us you´d conclude that we are very prosperous (how could we give Him those presents if not???). Remember that woman in Jesus of Nazareth´s day that gave Him a perfume worth one year´s sallary? perhaps you could stop and think what did Jesus do for her that she was so thankful?.

Second. About Honduras...think about it, if it wasn´t that He is saying truths that the religious

system doesn´t want to hear He wouldn´t be banned.

Third. I display my tatoo with pride because it always makes people ask me about it...then I can explain that it means, religion has been the one who has frightened people with the number when what´s written about it is that there´s wisdom here(but religion always tries to forbid all kind of science and wisdom and make it seem "deeds of the devil"). I´m very very proud to say that God is among us. I invite you to study His teachings. Go to www.CEGenglish.com."

Call me crazy, but this writer makes a few good points. Bear with me. In the Bible, there was a woman who used very expensive perfume to cleanse Christ's feet, and even his disciples considered this a waste. With that in mind, who says you can't buy a Rolex or other gifts for your pastor? Even in the "normal" churches I've attended, collections were often taken for the pastor and his family. True, I didn't give an expensive gift, but aside from the amount, what's the difference?

The writer apparently has a 666 tattoo to show her devotion and allegiance. This may sound crazy to most of us, but is it any different than marking your forehead during Ash Wednesday? Yeah ok, it's not permanent but I'm talking about outward, public displays of religious faith. Lots of people get tattoos for worse reasons.

So I emailed the writer back and apologized. For the reasons above as well as this: I've just spent several months in a shamanic mystery school with a stranger who I'm paying to "teach" me stuff. I haven't given him any gifts and he hasn't asked me to tattoo myself--but really, am I any different? My concern is hucksters, frauds, those who prey on people for their own, selfish ends. I like to think that the facilitator of my shamanic workshops isn't in that category, and he seems decent enough. But where do you draw the line? If this Jose guy gives this person hope, who am I to judge? Seriously. I may disagree and think his followers are all deluded, but there are plenty of people who would say I am just as deluded.

So, been thinking a lot about free will. Not only does it mean you get to choose as you like, but it also means you take the risk of being a complete fool. And does anyone have the right to take that away? I suppose I'm prejudiced against this Jose guy because of all the Christian undertones, but my response says more about me than it does about the truth of this guy's claims or his followers' sanity.

666 Tattoo Revisited

Had an interesting response to my post about Anti-Christ Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda and his Growing in Grace Church. Here's what one of his followers emailed to me:

"Let me tell you that I know for a fact that Jose Luis DeJesus is the 2nd coming of Christ.

First, let me correct you guys: He has never asked us for money, jewelry (rolex watches). I know that for a fact because my husband gave him one as a present...It´s difficult for people to understand that we are so thankful and therefore choose to make up stories (perhaps it´s because to them,there is not much to thank God for... still see themselves as sinners, still think the Devil is around, still think they can be lost and if they ever earn their ticket to salvation it´s because of their own effort...that´s some "loving Father"!.)

I honestly don´t know how did people come up with the "giving all of our money" idea...if you´d investigate us you´d conclude that we are very prosperous (how could we give Him those presents if not???). Remember that woman in Jesus of Nazareth´s day that gave Him a perfume worth one year´s sallary? perhaps you could stop and think what did Jesus do for her that she was so thankful?.

Second. About Honduras...think about it, if it wasn´t that He is saying truths that the religious

system doesn´t want to hear He wouldn´t be banned.

Third. I display my tatoo with pride because it always makes people ask me about it...then I can explain that it means, religion has been the one who has frightened people with the number when what´s written about it is that there´s wisdom here(but religion always tries to forbid all kind of science and wisdom and make it seem "deeds of the devil"). I´m very very proud to say that God is among us. I invite you to study His teachings. Go to www.CEGenglish.com."

Call me crazy, but this writer makes a few good points. Bear with me. In the Bible, there was a woman who used very expensive perfume to cleanse Christ's feet, and even his disciples considered this a waste. With that in mind, who says you can't buy a Rolex or other gifts for your pastor? Even in the "normal" churches I've attended, collections were often taken for the pastor and his family. True, I didn't give an expensive gift, but aside from the amount, what's the difference?

The writer apparently has a 666 tattoo to show her devotion and allegiance. This may sound crazy to most of us, but is it any different than marking your forehead during Ash Wednesday? Yeah ok, it's not permanent but I'm talking about outward, public displays of religious faith. Lots of people get tattoos for worse reasons.

So I emailed the writer back and apologized. For the reasons above as well as this: I've just spent several months in a shamanic mystery school with a stranger who I'm paying to "teach" me stuff. I haven't given him any gifts and he hasn't asked me to tattoo myself--but really, am I any different? My concern is hucksters, frauds, those who prey on people for their own, selfish ends. I like to think that the facilitator of my shamanic workshops isn't in that category, and he seems decent enough. But where do you draw the line? If this Jose guy gives this person hope, who am I to judge? Seriously. I may disagree and think his followers are all deluded, but there are plenty of people who would say I am just as deluded.

So, been thinking a lot about free will. Not only does it mean you get to choose as you like, but it also means you take the risk of being a complete fool. And does anyone have the right to take that away? I suppose I'm prejudiced against this Jose guy because of all the Christian undertones, but my response says more about me than it does about the truth of this guy's claims or his followers' sanity.

Would You Tattoo Yourself with '666?'

Apparently, followers of Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda are. Ironically, they're excited about his claim to be the AntiChrist, and are following his example by tattooing "666" on their bodies. I can appreciate that they're reclaiming, if you will, such a disparaged number; when I growing up, Christians I knew took great pains to avoid any association with this "mark of the Beast." But it's all rather silly, don't you think?

Jose thinks he's Jesus or the AntiChrist or both! He does say that sin and the devil don't exist--so I agree with him on that. He also says that his followers must give him Rolex watches, and that's where I'm puzzled. Why do some people fall prey to these characters? If you want to tattoo "666" on your arm and give some religious person all your money, I suppose you have that right. But why are people so gullible? Why do they look to others to provide "salvation" or affirmation?

Jose's Growing in Grace church is worldwide and growing, but Honduras is taking up the welcome mat. Seems Jose has all sorts of financial and legal troubles here in the States, including a messy divorce, and Honduras is saying "Stay out!" Sorta dims the sparkle on all that religious glitter, don't it?

Just been pondering lately all the spiritual and religious stuff out there, including my own interest in pagan stuff, shamanism and druid revival movements. My take is, look, as long as you're not hurting anyone or being taken advantage of, believe what you want. But please, if I ever decide to get a "666" tattoo--someone please stage an intervention!

Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda

Would You Tattoo Yourself with '666?'

Apparently, followers of Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda are. Ironically, they're excited about his claim to be the AntiChrist, and are following his example by tattooing "666" on their bodies. I can appreciate that they're reclaiming, if you will, such a disparaged number; when I growing up, Christians I knew took great pains to avoid any association with this "mark of the Beast." But it's all rather silly, don't you think?

Jose thinks he's Jesus or the AntiChrist or both! He does say that sin and the devil don't exist--so I agree with him on that. He also says that his followers must give him Rolex watches, and that's where I'm puzzled. Why do some people fall prey to these characters? If you want to tattoo "666" on your arm and give some religious person all your money, I suppose you have that right. But why are people so gullible? Why do they look to others to provide "salvation" or affirmation?

Jose's Growing in Grace church is worldwide and growing, but Honduras is taking up the welcome mat. Seems Jose has all sorts of financial and legal troubles here in the States, including a messy divorce, and Honduras is saying "Stay out!" Sorta dims the sparkle on all that religious glitter, don't it?

Just been pondering lately all the spiritual and religious stuff out there, including my own interest in pagan stuff, shamanism and druid revival movements. My take is, look, as long as you're not hurting anyone or being taken advantage of, believe what you want. But please, if I ever decide to get a "666" tattoo--someone please stage an intervention!

Jose Luis de Jesus Miranda