Clearly spirits, ghosts, and ancestors are often given unique statuses in the afterlife, and are viewed as having different functions and effects on the living. in many respects the relationship of fear and responsibility of elders toward ancestors is mirrored by the son-father relationship among the living. The ancestral world in many cases is an extension or model of the real world. The supernatural status of the ancestor exhit its major differences, for although one can argue to a point with an elder, no one questions the wisdom and authority of an ancestor.
The power of the dead is an important aspect of religion and social control. If, for example, a Lugbara man threatened the solidarity of the clan or lineage in any of a number of ways, the elder may invoke ghosts to punish the troublemaker (Middleton 1971: 488-92). Without doubt this veneration of the ancestors and fear of their power functions importantly to help control many societies. Interestingly, ancestor worship also contributes to the conservative nature of those cultures where it is practiced. Typically, dead ancestors do not smile favorably on any kind of change in the cultures of their living relatives. Because ghosts are capable of severly punishing an earthly mortal desirous of change, the force for conformity is strong.
Not all societies assign power to ancestors. In many cultures, North America included, a high god (monothesim) or gods (polytheism) exert authority over the living, punishing those who violate religious tenets, rules that often are duplicated in civil law and serve as the bases of appropriate social behavior. In these groups ancestor cults and worship of the deceased are not found, although the spiritual nature of ancestors and belief in the afterlife persevere.
Among peoples where the deceased are believed to take an active role in society, the living are understandably concerned with the welfare of ancestors. Customs are established to assure the comfort of the dead in their life after death. Most commonly rituals carried out at funerals, burials and in some cases reburial or cremation, insure that loved ones arrive safely at what the living believe is the proper abode of the dead. The care taken in preparing the deceased for the afterlife is an important reinforcement of the society's customs and an expression among its members. Participation helps insure that the same care can be expected to be given at the time of one's own death. Beyond this motivation, however, the power to rain down misfortunes is a major reason for carefully foloowing customs surrounding the preparation, interment, and propitation of the dead. No one wants to be the subjected to supernatural punishment by vengeful and angry ghosts.
Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion Third Edition Lehmann and Myers
Picture taken by me - my great granddad, granddad and dad were hog farmers.
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
THE GREATEST MYSTERY OF LIFE IS DEATH.
THE GREATEST FEAR OF LIFE IS DEATH.
THE GREATEST SORROW IN LIFE IS DEATH.
THE GREATEST PROBE IN LIFE IS FOR DEATH.
Death is indeed natural. To bring comfort to your fear of your final departure look upon it as an adventure; supposing there is something there; if not, then you'll feel nothing, it'll just be a long dreamless sleep.
Some people say death is the only thing we can be sure of attaining on our own. It's a very personal thing death. Some are afraid of dying alone, because when they come to think about it they can't die any other way - you go out on your own or do you?
Witches, for the most part, believe that we are much more than the physical body. We are spiritually immortal by design - an immortal energy. It is the basic fabric of who we are. The universe is infinite. And because we are part of the universe, and embody the universe within, we, too, are infinite.
Witches believe that the spirit continues with the rest of the infinite universe. We may change and become something quite different in form, but we continue.
I understand every living thing in its earthly form has an expiry date. What haunts me is how my friend died. I truly needed to know my friend was okay. On the Friday morning after he passed at 6:30am I stood outside I cried out for him to appear.
My heart believes the closest orb is my friend and the one further back his guide.
According to Druidic doctrine, we have an attraction to a specific tree, animal or ancestor. These totems are already part of our being.
TOTEMS - a type of plant, animal or object chosen and treated with superstitious respect as the symbol of an intimate and mysterious relationship.
I have an attraction to oak trees, wolves and my grandfathers. In my childhood, in the farmyard near the big barn grew the strong spread of oak ansd maple trees. I would climb as close as possible to the highest boughs pointed to the sky with a canopy of green above me and sit for hours with my imagination.
In my later years a spell which involved an oak tree and acorns introduced me to the Druidic Tradition. My Dad's dad owned a German Shepherd dog named Duke, that resemble a Timber wolf. The wolf perhaps the most feared in terms of superstition because back in the day they were feared for attacking wild, domestic animals and humans alike.
Humans are high on the food chain. It is our responsibility for prevention of waste of human's physical environment, including wildlife, timber, fertile topsoil, and pasture according to the Conservation of Natural Resources. We need to find the compromise to co-habitat. We need to be fair.
As far back as I can remember I've been fascinated by the sharp, yellow intense stare of the wolf. It's amazing the eyes speak without the wolf saying word.  When I open the book of my memories to the good times I've experienced the Sunday visits at my mother's parents farm in the peace of the countryside always warms my heart. My uncle and his family owned garden centre were just a few steps away.
Back then family life was strong, simple and modest. It was all about parents and their children and the country way.
When I was a small child during the warm summer days surrounded by the haunts of birds, other wild creatures, domestic animals, large trees and sculptured landscapes my brothers, sisters, cousins and I played.
The image of coffee brewed and the older generation sharing knowledge with the younger generation around my grandparent's kitchen table was a familiar sight. My uncles would come and go discussing livestock, planting, harvest or equipment that needed repair. My grandmother, mother and aunts spoke of our lifestyle. At the head of the table sat my granddad.
My granddad was an elderly man who had endured a hard life when he died. As a young girl I attended his funeral. His dying brought out many people. It was a sad day. Sorrow was shared.
The special bond between tree - oak, animal - wolf, and ancestor - grandfathers have their roots that go deep into my personal history.
The reason I believe this likeness in the smoke is that of my mother's father is because of the widow's peak (hair style), nose and strong chin.
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
I watched the show My Ghost Story on Bio. Most guests on the show telling their stories spoke of fearful tales. In the last fifteen minutes of the program an older gentleman told of his experiences with the unseen on his property. He had a fuzzy snapshot of a little girl skipping across the lawn. He believed she is the young girl who died in the house when she stepped too close to a fire and she and her dress went up in flames. Also he has a picture of a woman dressed in period wear walking the grounds.
Like me, he isn't afraid of what he sees. He believes as I do - ghosts and spirits have the power to come and go. A ghost feels entitled to the place they dwell or visit to bring peace to family and friends in solving their earthly demise. They like to hang out at the places and close to the people who made them happiest. Spirits are around us to protect and guide.
Ghost is a general term which refers to the visible spirit of a former person. Spirits is the term used for souls of the dead, whether active or not.
Most people are afraid of the unseen. They are more afraid of what they don't understand than the entities themselves.
The "occult" science is that branch of learning, searching for things not yet known to all - the hidden facts of life. Rather than being a word to be shunned occult is a word that attracts the thinking. Our spiritual nature cries out that we seek the things we don't understand. (Mysterious secrets give wisdom to the wise, but entangle the minds of fool)
I am a Canadian writer, practicing Witch and Spiritualist who also divines with Tarot and ordinary playing cards. The cards, as well as messages from Spirit assist to connect to the information I need for myself and hopefully inspire others. My only desire is to share with you what works for me.
Witchcraft and Spiritualism gave me a chance to take my life in a whole new direction. Remarkable improvement took place in my life. I enjoy life more and that is a good thing. My family is important to me. I have only a few friends, but they’re very loyal. There might be a slight setback, but the overall results are positive.
Doing the right thing, patience spurred on by ambition, makes life easy for me. I live my life surrounded by people who care about my well-being while doing the things I like to do. (Positive responses one takes attracts positive results)
Because I couldn't understand or accept all the injustices around me I became an angry and fractured soul. Once I embraced a Higher Power and started talking I disposed the problems ( problems are a necessary stage to purification). (We all want to be loved - We all want to be heard)
Life isn't perfect. Life can be really unfair. We all suffer a run of bad luck or illness. Slowly and gradually life will change for the better. Most problems will dissipate into thin air. The bad times fade. It takes courage to make the changes in your life to claim your life. Sometimes we need help and support to do the right thing - kindness - disposed or mutual understanding to do good to others (In ye harm none do as ye will).
When I pray I speak out loud in a polite and respectful manner to my Spirit Guide and Grandfather. As I apply my own natural talent and effort as well as positive invisible forces supporting my destiny, heaven-sent people, new places, and unique opportunities appear like never before. I'm not pushed or agitated by the whims of others for a long period of time.
No matter ones faith, when we pray do we not expect to be heard?
It can be hard to believe the photos I post are what they are. I can't give you a rational explanation. Some things are not meant to understand. - defies logical explanation. I have nothing to fear. The snapshots are not illusions. They are beyond imagination - they are reality. They allow me to know I am on the right track and and give me the courage to continue in my quest for what is right.
Books In Sync October-November 2011 Book Trailer Recognition Contest my promo trailer The Summons is entry # 3 http://booksinsync.com/booktrailercontest.html Please stop by and VOTE!!!!
You should consider carefully the nature of the forces you are invoking and what effect they will have upon yourself and others. Ask for guidance not a freak show.
Thank you for watching. I appreciate your support.
|
RSS Feed
