IN OUR ONENESS...KNOW THY SELF

Religions universally promise believers that there is life after death.  Although the worship of ancestors is not universal, a belief in the immorality of the dead occurs in all cultures.

There is variation among cultures in the degree of interaction between the living and the dead, however, as well as in the intensity and concern a people may have for the deceased.  Eskimos are never free of anxieties about ghosts,while pueblo Indians of North America constructed elaborate ghost beliefs, while the Siriono of South America, although believing in ghosts, paid little attention to them.

Perhaps humans have some basic need that causes us to believe in ghosts and to worship  ancestors: to seek verification that although the mortal body may die, the soul survives after death.  The nineteenth-century sociologist Herbert Spencer speculated that the beginnings of religion were in ancestor worship-the need for the living to continue an emotional relationship with their dead relatives. A major problem with Spencer's argument is that many societies at the hunting-and-gathering level do not practice ancestor worship.

One writer has pointed out that two major attitudes are widely held about the dead: they have either left the society or remain as active members (Malefijt 1968:156-59)  in societies thay separate the dead from the living social group, any possibility of the dead returning is regarded as undesirable because they could disrupt the social order and daily routine of life.  In such cultures, Malefijt believes, the dead are likely to be greatly feared, and elaborate belief system-a cult of the dead---is constructed and practiced in order to separate them from the living.  The primary function of cults of the dead is to aid survivors in overcoming the grief they may feel about the dead.  Such cults are not found in societies where the dead are seen as active members of the group; instead, funeral ceremonies are undertaken with the hope the deceased will return to society in their new status.  These beliefs, according to Malefijt, results in the development of ancestor cults instead of cults of the dead.

The study of ancestor worship among American and British anthropologists has emphasized the connection between the identity and behavioal characteristics of the dead, on one hand, and the distribution and nature of their authority in both domestic and political domains of the society, on the other (Bradbury 1066: 127) Although the belief in ghosts of ancestors is universal, the functions ancestors play vary greatly among societies.  It is also clear that variations in ancestor worship are directly related to social structure and that this relationship is not based on mere common religious interests alone: rather, the structure of the kin group and the relationships of those within it serve as the model of ancestor worship (Bradbury 1966: 128).  Among the Sisala og Ghana, for example, only a select number of Sisala elders, based on their particular status and power within the group, can effectively communicate with the ghosts of ancestors (Mendonsa 1076: 63-64).  In many other parts of the non-Westren world, non-elder ritual specialists, such as heads of households, are responsible for contacting the ancestors.  A cross-cultural study of fifty societies found that where important decisions are made by the kin group, ancestor worship is a probability (Swanson 1964: 07-108).

Many, but certainly not all, non-estren societies believe ancestors play a strong and positive role in the security and posperity of their group, and anthropological data is full these kinds of examples.  It is important, however, to recognize that ancestors are but one of several categories of spirits whose actions directly affect society. 

John S. Mbiti's study of East and Central Africa shows that the status of spirit;s may change through time.  Ancestor spirits, the "living dead," are those whose memory still exists in the minds of their kin, and who are primarily beneficial to the surviving relatives.  When the living dead are forgotton in the memory of their group and dropped from the genealogy as a result of the passing of time (four or five generations), they are believed to be transformed into "nameless spirits," non-ancestors, characterized as malicious vehicles for misfortune of all kinds (1970).

In keeping with Mbiti's model, the Lugbara of Uganda recognize two types of dead.  The first group, simply called "ancestors," comprises nameless, all deceased relatives; these are secondary in importance to the recently deceased, called "ancestor spirits" or "ghost," who can be invoked by the living to cause misfortune to befall those whose acts threaten the silidaryity of the kin group. (Middleton 1971:488).

Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion Third Edition Lehmann and Myers
 

Certain numbers, particularly single figures, have always been considered  to have magical significance.  In ancient times, the science of numerology allowed divination of the future through the use of numbers.

The number 6 has a mixed reputation and represents creation.  In Judaeo-Christian symbolism, it is associated with the six pointed star of David.  People born on the sixth day of the month will enjoyvprophetic gifts.

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Number 6, which creates all kinds of opportunities for gain, understanding and success in life.  

6 of hearts - this is a great card for going the extra mile for something you really want.

6 of clubs - represents work you need to complete in  certain area of your life.  It is the about procrastinating.

6 of diamonds - creativity at an all time high, an intense time - must keep up with the demands.

 6 of spades - a need to have a final say - a rare opportunity to fix what went wrong and make it right.  

As Card Number 6 of the Tarot says, you have to make a choice. In fact, it’s very simple. Will you make the right decision and act?  

THE LOVERS: This is card number 6 of the Tarot. It represents a choice you have to make in life. The positive aspects of this card are its sincerity, and the many solutions it will place on your path to attain success and happiness.   

This is a very difficult situation, since you’re being influenced by two opposing forces at the same time. On the one hand you don’t want to change anything in your life, because a veil of illusion is preventing you from taking advantage of any opportunities for Luck, Love and Money that arise. On the other hand, your entire being is crying out for freedom and change.   

Clearly, the Lovers don't help your self-confidence, and are constantly asking you to look left, right and center with hesitation before every decision, and thus slow you down at every turn. Well, it looks like you won't break any speed records, but keep going anyway!  

 At The Lovers, one must decide for herself upon a belief system between vice and virtue.  The Lovers is ruled by Gemini, the mind, element air, mental.  Zodiac sign Gemini whose activities include faith, responsibilities, siblings and neighbors.

The Lovers, one must determine her own values and right action.  She must choose to do what’s true for her, questioning others’ opinions to remain on her path to become an individual.  One has a strong identity and a certain confidence about her which allows her to move forward with control over her environment.  

The major Arcana number 6, the card known as 'The Lovers.'  This means that a chance to meet someone very important is coming your way in the next few days. The possibility for a meeting that could change your whole life.  This is very strong possibility for a cosmic or karmic meeting in the near future.  The details don't really matter, what's important to know is that life could change radically and entirely for the better.

The energy of Card Number 6 will be protecting you for the next 12 months, life is going to spoil you with opportunities to make changes in the areas you’re most concerned with.

Magic Natural -
 Magic is divided into two known branches: the one is infamous and composed of the spell of unclean spirits and orginates from a wicked curiosity which the wisest Greeks called Goetia or Theurgia and to which everything is hostile; like those who excite charms, ghosts or illusions of which suddenly there is no trace.  

The other, by a similar asseration, is natural...This magic, which has and gives the contemplation of things which lie unapprehended and the quality, propriety, and knowledge of everything natural, to the peak of all philosophy.   It also teaches that with the help of others and by mutual and timely application, it carries out the works which the world esteems as miracles.
 J.B. Parta, Natural Magic, Anvers, 1561, pg. 92  

Magic pertaining to, used in, magic: possessing marvellous qualities or causing wonderful or startling results; by means of union with spirits.
 Webster's Dictionary Banner Press, Pg. 296  

Magic (from Persian priests), practice of manipulating course of nature by supernatural means.  It is based on the belief that unseen forces which permeate all things populate the universe and that control of them gives man control over nature.  Magic frequently combines within its scope elements religion.  Its aim (using and changing nature) approximates that of science, an outgrowth of magic. 

The practice of magic is held to depend uopn the proper use of both ritual and spell.  Amulets and imitative acts (e.g., fertility rights based on analogy between plant and human generation) are also used.  Almost all ancient people believed in magic.  Those who practiced black magic (malevolent) magic are called sorcerers and witches.  Many present-day superstitions are remnants of pagan magic, and powers is still extant.
 The Columbia - Viking Desk Encyclopedia Third Edition,Viking Press Pg. 648 (1953, 1960, 196, by Columbia University Press) 
 
Magic is the art of effecting change through an external and supernormal force.  Man's awareness of magic and his efforts to use it to enhance his place in his environment are ancient and universal and have been a part of all religious systems.  The earliest evidence og magic dates from cave paintings of the Paleolithic Age, some of which suggest that magic rituals were emploed to secure sucessful hunts.
The Encyclopedia of Witches and Witchcraft Rosemary Ellen Guiley Pg. 213  

The use of a certain ritual action to bring about the intervention of a supernatural force, either in human affairs or in the natural environment, for a specific purpose.  Magic has existed universally since ancient times and varies in form from primary rituals involving the well-being of an entire community to minor, peripheral, private acts of magic.  All forms of magic are traditionally secret arts taught only to initiates, although in some cultures magical knowledge can sometimes be bought and sold or can be passed on through inheritance.  A distinction is usually made between Black Magic, used destructively to bring misfortune or death, and White Magic, which is used to ward off such attacks as well as to prevent natural calamities.  In itself magic is not good or evil - it is the magician's intentions that makes the difference. Geddes & Grosset Dictionary of the Occult copy right 1996

The name Jack in Jack-o-Lanterns perhaps comes from the story of "Jack the Irish Villain", a man rejected by good and evil who wandered the world forever looking for a place to rest.  His only warmth came from a small candle in a rotten potato.  Irish immigrants brought with them to North America the Jack-o-Lantern tradition, but turnips were scarce so the pumpkin became a good replacement. 

A prominent emblem of modern Holloween festivites, the pumpkin was long revered as a symbol of fertility and protection againts evil.  Today's grotesque hollowed-out pumpkins, lit from within by candles, were orginally intended to protect revellers by scaring away any evil spirits abroad on the particular night.  Nowadays, this function seems to be increasingly forgotton as popalar mythology revels in tales of pumpkin monsters and pumpkin-headed demons, leading successive generations of children into the mistaken belief that pumpkins themselves represent evil and may be in league with witches, vampires and so forth.  

In keeping with the orginal idea that pumpkins bestowed protection against evil was the old tradition that they were best planted on Good Friday.  Once growing, they should never be pointed at: to do so inflicts the power of the evil eye and stunts their further development.  

Witchlore suggested that pumpkin seeds could be consumed to calm an excessively passionate nature, and that when mixed into a paste with oil and rubbed on the skin they eradicated freckles.   Cassell Dictionary of Witchcraft David Pickering  Pg. 216                                  




Here are some common superstitions that have long been a part of the folklore around this time of tear:  

Burning candles inside a Jack O’ Lantern keeps evil spirits away.   If you don’t burn candles on Samhain, you will suffer bad luck the rest of the year.  

If you gaze into the flame of a candle on Samhain, you will be able to see the future.  

If you hear footsteps behind you on this night, do not turn around to see who it is or you could be confronted by the personification of Death and pass away! 
 
If you allow a fire to burn out on Samhain, you will have bad luck the rest of the year unless it is relit by a priest.  


If you see a spider on Samhain, then it is likely that the spirit of a dead loved one is watching you.  

If you want to meet a witch on this night, put your clothes on inside out and walk backwards.  

If you give out nuts to children on Samhain, you will be protected from the Devil.
 
  If you ring a bell on Samhain, then the dark spirits will be scared away! It’s a good thing that a lot of doorbells are rang on that night.
 
If a bat flies around your house three times on Samhain, you will die within the year.

To ward off bad spirits, bury animal bones in your front yard.  

If the flame of a candle flickers and turns blue, there is a spirit in the room.  

If a crow caws at night on Samhain, then death is very near.  

All souls in purgatory are released for 48 hours to roam the earth on Samhain.  

If you float egg yolks in a bowl of water on this night, you will see patterns that will tell you about your future.  

If you eat a hazelnut on Samhain night and fall asleep, you will dream of your future spouse.  

The first person to go apple bobbing and successfully catch and entire apple in their mouth would also be the first to marry.  

Knocking on wood on Samhain will keep bad luck away.  

Gazing into the flame of a candle on Samhain will allow you to see your future.  

If you look down and you are casting no shadow at all, then you are in danger of having an evil spirit steal your soul.  

If you walk backwards down a staircase holding a mirror and candle, you will see the face of your future wife or husband.  

If you blindfold yourself and go out into the garden on Samhain and pull up Kale, the roots will tell you whether or not your future wife or husband will be tall or short, old or young, or healthy or unhealthy.  

On July 16, 2011, wearing black so that I would be difficult to notice, in an appropriate spot "within the confines of a remote location - high upon a hill " I sat quietly for a while with a white candle and tobacco before me.  The night was clear and warm.  By the light of the full moon, completely relaxed, I lit the wick, and then said -  

I conjure thee, Spirit by the great living Sovereign Creator of all things, to appear under a comely form, without terror.  I conjure thee by the virtue of all that is Holy and Sacred.  

Around midnight I couldn't be more delighted to view in the tobacco smoke a bear.  Bears are silent, swift and very protective of family.  

Animals are used as spirit guides quite often or signs which must be paid attention to.  Certain animals can be an indication what it is that we need to focus on in our personal healing at that moment in time.  To see wild animals during spirit conjurations is generally a good omen pertaining to business, but the interpretation depends on their attitude; if they are calm your affairs will prosper, but if attacking, you can expect some reverses.  

The summit of the Bear's power is in the spring and summer.  S\he roused from inaction to become fully aware  (conscious).  The bear remains in a state of inactivity in the cold months, thus has come to represent introspection.  This is the time to go within (hibernate) to examine experiences and emerge with answers.  We contain within ourselves the answers to all our questions.  

The bear teaches us to go within, and access the subconscious  in order to blend intuition and instincts leading to attaining personal power.  Your body often knows the truth before the mind does.  Like the bear you have an inner sense.  Your instinctive body response senses danger, pleasure and hope.  It knows when to exercise caution, restraint, abandon, frivolity, grace, cunning.  The Bear's lesson is to listen with your whole body.  

Celtic Symbolism of Bear - a creature of dreams, astral travel, visionaries, mystics and shamans.  The person of bear power animal or totem had a determined ally in spiritual work, loyal and utterly dependable.  When you have a Bear Spirit, you are being guided to a leadership role.  You must be fearless in defending your beliefs.  

If these last few days have felt a bit bumpy, then rest assured: Resolution is coming, and you'll soon be breathing a sigh of relief!

In recent days, sweet and social Venus in sensitive Cancer has been on an emotional roller coaster during contact with both mischievous Uranus and possessive Pluto. As its final challenge this week, Venus butts heads with severe Saturn on July 13. This interaction will require you to see your relationships exactly as they are - no rose-colored glasses allowed! The knowledge you gain will help you establish limits without being too critical. While frivolous Venusian romance is certainly fun, tossing stressful Saturn into the mix can ultimately result in a stronger, more lasting relationship.

Then, on July 15, the full Moon in Capricorn opposes the Cancer Sun. Capricorn is known for its workaholic tendencies, while Cancer is all about home and loved ones. With this full Moon, you'll find yourself in that classic tug of war between work and family. The goal here is not to choose one or the other, but rather to figure out how each can comfortably fit into your life. Don't worry if this sounds impossible at first -- with a bit of creativity, you can make this balancing act work!

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