A Word On '"Calcination"

 Calcination brings us to new awareness of the influence of the ego within us, and the process deflates the ego so we can discover more of our true reality, previously hidden by the ego's protections and defenses. In this stage we face a crisis of identity as our ego-based beliefs and false sense of self are transformed as if burned in an alchemist's fiery furnace.

Suffice it to say, most people avoid this process. Calcination incinerates the ego's defenses against the unknown. As our cherished beliefs and habits turn to ash and smoke, we may feel as if we're dying. And though this is not a physical death, it feels just as ominous and frightening. As we die to patterns we have outgrown, space is created for us to begin to realize more of our true reality.

We can't consciously make Calcination happen. It is merely what we go through at those times in which we feel powerless, confused, disheartened, and afraid. Every individual's reaction to a Calcination event differs—one person may sink into a depression and want to be left alone, while another may reject what's happening and fight fiercely to prevent change. There are others who might recognize that this event is actually an opportunity to let go of past conditioning, beliefs, and traumas, so they decide to surrender, without judgment or denial, to whatever they are experiencing...read more>>>...

The roots of fear: Understanding the amygdala

  The amygdala is central to emotion processing in the brain, and is known to contribute to fear and anxiety, 

For that reason, there has long been interest in whether variations in the size or structure of the amygdala are related to disorders such as anxiety and depression. However, it’s increasingly clear that the overall size and structure of the amygdala is not a good predictor of emotional problems in life, Fox said.

Recently, research in rodents has shown that each subregion of the amygdala contains many different cell types with distinct and sometimes opposing functions.

This suggests that disorders emerge from alterations in specific cell types with distinct roles.  However, it is challenging to identify such cell types in humans or other primates, leaving the cellular landscape of the primate amygdala largely unexplored....<<<Read More>>>...

Food for Thought #1207

 

Soul Numerology In Brief

 Soul Numerology is a totally unique form of Numerology developed and used by Matthew James. It is a system that has evolved over the last 30 years and represents an accurate 'look' into the energy patterns and vibrations of life paths.

Unlike conventional and generic 12 month numerology which either run from January 1st to 31st December each year; or from birth date to birth date; the 'year cusp' for Soul Numerology is around the end of February of a year.

The yearly 'aspirations' of Soul Numerology differ greatly from generic numerology explanations for each of the 12 months. With Soul Numerology being employed by Matthew James at the commencement of most of his sittings, it means Matthew James is able to identify the likely vibrations and energy patterns in a person's life. Endless feedback from clients confirms the accuracy of this numerology system as aid for intuitive counselling and as a preempt for clairvoyance and visionary dialogue.

It is possible to identify, with a high degree of success, the direction of life situations from arrival and through the energy cycles to completion. Soul Numerology has been assumed a powerful aid in understanding the cyclic blue print patterns of the human lives available on the virtual life CD known as 'Being Human'.

Matthew James has been able, on numerous occasions, to identify profound and unexpected life path transformations and outcomes just by analysing a person's soul numerology number and comparing it with people close to them; via that person's soul numerology number.

Soul Numerology works perfectly alongside The Light Of Truth Oracle; also designed and devised by Matthew James as a unique divination tool.

Clairsentience

 

Clairsentience is a term derived from late 17th century French Clair (“clear”) + sentience (“feeling”). This term refers to an individual’s psychic ability to collect and acquire knowledge by means of feeling. The most common of the four clairs, clairsentient messages come through a gut instinct that is able to read the emotions of others.

Many real-life examples of clairsentience have postulated that this feeling allows people to sense the collective energy of a room in the most accurate manner. Thus, it gives them the power to alter this energy or redefine it.

For example, a clairsentient person is able to feel the energy of an individual much before actually knowing them. It is like they are able to sense how a person may react before actually getting on a call with a client. Bubbly, serious, outgoing, highly intellectual, or nurturing, whoever they are, a clairsentient person can always judge the person in front of them based on their innate instinctive characteristics....<<<Read More>>>....

What Exactly Is Intuition?

By definition, intuition is the ability to understand something immediately without having to use conscious reasoning. Some people also refer to this phenomenon as an instinctive or gut feeling. These intuitive thoughts and conclusions people come to may seem to come out of nowhere but are not as magical as they may feel and appear to be. Scientists believe it is likely that the unconscious mind operating at a much faster rate than conscious deliberation takes. The belief is that the unconscious mind is able to rapidly analyze the current situation in relation to past experiences, knowledge, and patterns to surmise probable outcomes and conclusions. Pattern and scenario matching pulled from long term memory and experiences are matched for similarities and seem to subtly penetrate the conscious mind in the form of a conclusion or feeling about a situation or person that ultimately guides our behavior.

Many people listen to their gut (intuition) quite closely, but it is not without flaws and inaccuracies. Intuition is also formed by biases, feelings, and past experiences. If a person has routinely had bad experiences with men or dogs, that will bias their intuition and incline them away from what may be men or dogs who are just fine. Some scenarios are better and yield a higher percentage of accuracy such as first impressions, attempts to deceive or swindle, and some dangerous situations. The speed that intuition provides can be evolutionarily advantageous in situations where time of reaction can matter....<<<Read More>>>...

How 20th-Century Philosophers Explained Ghosts

 Most people imagine philosophers as rational thinkers who spend their time developing abstract logical theories and strongly reject superstitious beliefs. But several 20th-century philosophers actively investigated spooky topics such as clairvoyance, telepathy – even ghosts.

Many of these philosophers, including Henri Bergson and William James, were interested in what was called “psychical research”. This was the academic study of paranormal phenomena including telepathy, telekinesis and other-worldly spirits....<<<Read More>>>...

Every Major Concept in GNOSTICISM Explained in 9 Minutes

The roots of fear: Understanding the amygdala

 The amygdala is central to emotion processing in the brain, and is known to contribute to fear and anxiety, 

For that reason, there has long been interest in whether variations in the size or structure of the amygdala are related to disorders such as anxiety and depression. However, it’s increasingly clear that the overall size and structure of the amygdala is not a good predictor of emotional problems in life, Fox said.

Recently, research in rodents has shown that each subregion of the amygdala contains many different cell types with distinct and sometimes opposing functions.

This suggests that disorders emerge from alterations in specific cell types with distinct roles.  However, it is challenging to identify such cell types in humans or other primates, leaving the cellular landscape of the primate amygdala largely unexplored....<<<Read More>>>...

Conscious Electrons? The Problem with Panpsychism

I feel increasingly concerned about what I believe to be a mounting and extremely dangerous cultural threat looming on the horizon: panpsychism, the notion that all matter has consciousness, as opposed to being in consciousness.

At a historical nexus when new data and more critical thinking are finally rendering materialism logically and empirically inviable, panpsychism comes in as a tortuous but seductive bandaid.

It threatens to extend the delusion of a universe outside consciousness for yet another century. In this essay, I’d like to try and raise the alarm about it.

Before we begin, let’s clarify what I mean by panpsychism. As discussed in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, the term ‘panpsychism’ has so many possible interpretations as to render it at best ambiguous and at worst useless. So more must be said. What I specifically mean here are two particular interpretations of the term that I believe are gaining momentum in both academia and the culture at large...<<<Read More>>>...

 

What Is Karma and Is Your Destiny Sealed?

 So, what is karma?

Karma essentially means that this happened because that happened. In other words, karma is the law of cause and effect. Karma can also be neatly defined through Newton’s third law:

“Every action has an equal or opposite reaction.”

And the Butterfly Effect also supports the idea of Karma; that every single occurrence in life has a ripple effect through time, no matter how small. 

Therefore, according to the law of karma, every thought, feeling, desire, choice, action and reaction that we have has some kind of impact on our future.

Quite literally, our thoughts shape our reality. That means that the place you find yourself in now is directly the result of your past thoughts, feelings and decisions — or karma....<<<Read More>>>...

Valknut

The Valknut (pronounced: val-knoot) is a symbol in Nordic mythology depicting three interlocked triangles. The name ‘Valknut’ is a modern word, meaning ‘slain warrior knot’, and was created recently in the Norwegian language. 

The Valknut symbol itself, however, dates back to ancient times and relates to the cult of the dead. An example of the Valknut symbol was found in the 7th century in Gotland, Sweden on the Tängelgårda stone. 

The three triangles of the Valknut were seen most often on gravestones and runestones, usually alongside the figure of Odin, or the animals which represented him, the horse or wolf.

A number of possible explanations of the origins of the Valknut have been suggested by historians. The Valknut symbol was believed to be linked to Odin, a revered and powerful god in Nordic mythology. Odin’s name translates as “Master of Ecstasy”. He was a powerful magician associated with wisdom, war, poetry, shamanism, magic, and the dead. He had the ability to use magic to bind and unbind things, and thereby control people’s minds. The Valknut is said to be a symbol of that binding and unbinding magic....<<<Read More>>>...

The Art of Self-Abidance: Finding Your True Self

 The true self is the essence of who we are beyond the constructs of ego, identity, and external roles. It represents a state of pure consciousness and unconditioned awareness that exists beyond the fluctuations of the mind and the impermanence of emotions.

Unlike the transient self shaped by experiences, relationships, and societal expectations, the true self is constant and ever-present, embodying the fundamental reality of our being.

In Hindu philosophy, the concept of “You are That” (Tat Tvam Asi) profoundly encapsulates this understanding. This phrase, found in the Upanishads, asserts that the true self is not separate from the ultimate reality or divine consciousness. It reveals that we are fundamentally one with the universal essence, symbolizing that what we seek externally is already within us. Recognizing and connecting with the true self allows us to experience profound inner peace, clarity, and a deep sense of interconnectedness with all of existence, affirming that our essence is indeed the same as the ultimate reality....<<<Read More>>>....

What Is Spirituality

 You’ll be interested to learn about the fascinating history of spirituality. The concept of spirituality has been present in human civilizations since ancient times, evolving and adapting to the needs and beliefs of different cultures.

In ancient civilizations, spirituality played a significant role in people’s lives, offering a sense of connection to something greater than themselves.

Spirituality in ancient civilizations was deeply intertwined with their religious practices. People believed in the existence of gods and goddesses, and they sought to establish a connection with these divine beings through various rituals and ceremonies. These practices included offerings, prayers, and sacrifices, all aimed at appeasing the gods and receiving their blessings.

As time passed, spirituality evolved alongside human consciousness. People started questioning the traditional religious practices and began exploring new ways of connecting with the divine. This led to the emergence of philosophical and mystical traditions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism, which emphasized personal enlightenment and inner transformation.

Throughout history, spirituality has continued to evolve, adapting to the changing beliefs and values of different cultures. Today, spirituality is no longer confined to religious institutions but has become a deeply personal and individual experience. People seek spirituality as a means of finding inner peace, purpose, and connection in a fast-paced and materialistic world.

The history of spirituality is a testament to the enduring human need for transcendence and meaning. It serves as a reminder that, regardless of the form it takes, spirituality has always been an integral part of the human experience, guiding us on a journey of self-discovery and transformation...<<<Read More>>>...

Unveiling The Mysteries: The Power Of Spiritual Portals

Spiritual portals are like doorways that connect us to the unseen dimensions and realms beyond our physical reality. They serve as gateways for communication, transformation, and spiritual growth.

Natural portals, often found in geological sites or sacred locations, harness powerful energies that can be felt and experienced. These portals are a result of the Earth’s natural energy grid and hold a unique vibration.

Human-created portals, on the other hand, are opened by individuals or practitioners through various rituals, meditation, or intention. These portals hold immense power and can be tailored to specific purposes. They can be used for healing, manifestation, or connecting with spiritual guides.

Dimensional portals, the most mysterious of all, offer connections to realms beyond our perception. They require careful tuning and guidance before venturing into their depths. These portals can provide access to higher dimensions, alternate realities, or even communication with beings from other realms.

The possibilities within these portals are endless, but precautions must be taken to ensure safety and respect for the unknown. It is important to approach them with reverence, clear intentions, and a strong grounding practice. By exploring spiritual portals, we can expand our consciousness, deepen our spiritual connection, and unlock hidden wisdom...<<<Read More>>>...

What is chaos magic?

 Chaos magic, a radical and near impossible practice to completely define, has started to gain more traction amongst modern-day magicians and occultists. Emerging in the UK in the 1970s alongside the punk movement, chaos magic took a radical approach to the occult, reimagining typical magical doctrine and practice. Unlike other occult orders, chaos magicians weren’t concerned with ornate robes or hierarchical structure, but with magic and ritual in its purest form. 

Chaos magic believes the cosmos is in constant flux. Any order of reality – cognitive, perceptual, epistemological or moral – is subject to chaos. As a result, chaos magicians have created their own idiosyncratic magical systems and frequently borrow from an eclectic mixture of post-modernist and post-structuralist thought, as well as other magical traditions, religious movements, popular culture and various strands of philosophy. Eclectic in nature, pagan gods were given the same level of importance as rock stars, pop culture figures and fictional characters, and reality is seen as a field of overlapping belief systems....<<<Read More>>>...

Consciousness may have evolved to benefit society rather than individuals

 Why did the experience of consciousness evolve from our underlying brain physiology? Despite being a vibrant area of neuroscience, current research on consciousness is characterised by disagreement and controversy – with several rival theories in contention.

A recent scoping review of over 1,000 articles identified over 20 different theoretical accounts. Philosophers like David Chalmers argue that no single scientific theory can truly explain consciousness.

We define consciousness as embodied subjective awareness, including self awareness. In a recent article published in Interalia (which is not peer reviewed), we argue that one reason for this predicament is the powerful role played by intuition.

We are not alone. Social scientist Jacy Reese Anthis writes “much of the debate on the fundamental nature of consciousness takes the form of intuition jousting, in which the different parties each report their own strong intuitions and joust them against each other”....<<<Read More>>>...

What is Unconditional Love and Why Do We Desperately Need It?

 Unconditional love is so vastly different from the love we are used to receiving that most of us don’t really know what it is.

In fact, most “love” these days isn’t actually true love, but instead differing forms of infatuation, lust, affinity, affection, codependency or egotistical neediness.

The reality is that true love is rare and immensely precious. The moment you experience true unconditional love is the moment you feel completely seen, understood, forgiven, accepted, and loved just as you are.

his feeling is the most embracing and liberating sensation you will ever experience.

Indeed, unconditional love is the most healing force in the universe. Yet unfortunately, we are so starved from experiencing it regularly in our daily lives that we become emotionally and spiritually ill. One of the saddest sights you will ever see is a being who has been completely deprived of unconditional love – and we have all experienced it at some point.

But you don’t need to stay malnourished any longer. As we’ll explore, unconditional love is open for you to access in any moment, no matter where you are, or what you’re doing...<<<Read More>>>...

Food for Thought #505

 

Quantum Consciousness

Alchemy Web Site: 'The hermetic tradition has long been concerned with the relationship between the inner world of our consciousness and the outer world of nature, between the microcosm and the macrocosm, the below and the above, the material and the spiritual, the centric and the peripheral. The hermetic world view held by such as Robert Fludd, pictured a great chain of being linking our inner spark of consciousness with all the facets of the Great World. There was a grand platonic metaphysical clockwork, as it were, through which our inner world was linked by means of a hierarchy of beings and planes to the highest unity of the Divine. This view though comforting is philosophically unsound, and the developments in thought since the early 17th century have made such a hermetic world view untenable and philosophically naive. It is impossible to try to argue the case for such an hermetic metaphysics with anyone who has had a philosophical training, for they will quickly and mercilessly reveal deep philosophical contradictions in this world view. So do we now have to abandon such a beautiful and spiritual world view and adopt the prevailing reductionist materialist conception of the world which has become accepted in the intellectual tradition of the West ?...read more>>>...