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.
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April 13, 2012 is not only Friday the 13th, but it's also the second Triple Dragon day of 2012! A Triple Dragon day occurs because the month, the year and the day are all ruled by the Dragon. Your luck will be tripled on a day that can be referred to as unlucky. Now is the time to take risks and to really go for big changes in your life!  

The Year of the Dragon is the major symbol of good fortune in Chinese Astrology. Because the Dragon is a mythical creature expect grand things this year. The Water element makes this Dragon luckier than ever before!  

If you can do a lovely favor for someone, your own love karma benefits mightily
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  Pay special attention to your dreams this week. They could be trying to tell you
something about your innermost desires. Keep a sleep journal to write down the
exact plots and people that pop up the most. Listen to your subconscious.
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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
 
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April 2012 04/02/2012
 
This weekVenus entering Gemini on Tuesday
(through August 6) can bring out your flirtatious or fickle side. Just be extra
vigilant about seeing love clearly during the Venus-Neptune square on Thursday.
The Full Moon in Libra on Friday will accelerate romantic encounters – and
relationship issues as well. During the weekend, Moon in Scorpio, along with a
Venus-Mars square, can intensify both passion and tumultuousness. Best days for
socializing: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.

 Lunar Magic


Get ready for some high energy in the
relationship arena as the Full Moon in Libra on April 6 shines a light on love.
This influence can also bring up some pesky relationship issues that need to be
resolved.

 The New Moon in Taurus on April 21 dances
with Mars in Virgo, which can launch a sexy tryst into orbit – take the time to
enjoy the subtle nuances of physical pleasure. These practical influences also
favor taking stock of your finances and can help you find additional sources for
making money.

 Time to Move Ahead

 If you’ve been slogging your way uphill trying to get something off the ground, April should offer some much needed relief.  Two retrograde planets - Mercury and Mars - turn direct this month, which can provide a launching pade for a project or relationship that's been stuck in neutral.  It's springtime, after all, a time for a new beginnings.

 http://californiapschics.com 
Spring heralds the renewal of
love, heightening your awareness and emotions. If want to believe in perfect
love, and you're devoting all your energies to achieving it, be careful of
setting your hopes too high. By searching for the ideal person, we sometimes
ignore the one who could make us truly happy. Opportunities may arise  that might
well improve your situation beyond your expectations. You might need
to seize the moment.  So, keep your eyes open and your ears pricked. You don't
want to miss out. 

  Just a note of warning:
don't get carried away with the easy success of superficial encounters - take a
genuine interest in the people you meet, and develop sincere relationships.
Channel your enthusiasms and energies into something worthwhile. Nothing and no
one is perfect.  You may need to adjust your behavior accordingly in order to
deal with what is really going on in the relationship.

  Have more confidence if you
are a couple, and be less emotional when you react. That should calm things down
and make you more serene. If you're a bachelor, either by choice or obligation,
don’t get involved in relationships that have no chance of succeeding, at least
if you’re looking for something lasting. Don’t force things, and don’t insist if
the feeling isn’t there.

            **********************************************************
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This year, April is all
about bringing clarity,decisiveness and stability to your world. Check out
our list of April's most important transits to learn aboutall the cosmically
active days you have to look forward to this coming month!

April 3:Flirty Venus
saunters into light-hearted Gemini, making you theultimate social butterfly.
This may be superficial and frivolous.. but at least you'll have lots of
fun!

April 4: Mercury turns
direct in Pisces,at which point communication and technology will finally
beginto work smoothly once again.

April 6:A full Moon rises in
Libra and forces youto ask yourself: Do you want to fly solo or be engaged in a
meaningful partnership?

April 10: Pluto turns
retrograde in Capricorn, indicating that it's time to go back to the drawing
board and refine your professional and financial plans.

April 14: With Mars turning
direct in Virgo, decisive action will become easier and delayed projects will
finally get the green light.

April 15: AsSaturn opposes
the Sun, one of two sides ofthe taskmaster planet will appear. On one hand,
you could have to deal with separations caused by negativityand criticism; on the
other hand, Saturn may help you place loyalty and duty above all else,
thus creating stronger bonds.

April 16: Mercury soarsinto
Aries, allowing you to ditch the red tape and get straight to the point!

April19: The Sun transitions
into Taurus to bring stability,a more deliberate pace ... and further reasons
to indulge yourself!

April 21: The new Moonin
Taurus encourages you to decide, once and for all, what you really want for
yourself -- and then to go for it!

April 22,24, 29: The Sun
partners, respectively, with Neptune, Mars and Pluto to help you discover a
balance between fostering your spirituality and achieving tangible results.

You've clearly got a busy
month ahead! To helpyou make the most of all this cosmic activity,Astrology.com
is excited to present your personalizedApril  Forecast, written by renowned
astrologer ArtPoppe! Learn exactly what's in store for you this month and
discover how you can reach for the stars all throughout  April!

Sincerely, http://Astrology.com 
 
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Choosing a Path 03/28/2012
 
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.

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March 29 may not be the easiest day. As the Sun squares Pluto on this date, these two powerful forces will ask you to make some sort of transformation that will ultimately allow you to move ahead. At the moment, some aspect of your life that once represented stability is now causing problems, so only by removing this issue from your life can a solution present itself. Until you do this, you'll likely find yourself enduring an intense encounter or two.

Fortunately, this is not an insurmountable hurdle. In fact, difficult as things may seem now, your life will improve significantly once you're able to let go of this particular piece of your past!

And that's not the only transit this challenging day offers, as on March 29, Mercury -- currently in gentle, dreamy Pisces -- forms an alignment with affectionate Venus. Romance could blossom as sweet nothings are suddenly whispered with ease. Venus, who detests all things unpleasant, will work its magic to smooth over the rougher edges of your day. Indeed, these two planets will do their best to prove there's always a silver lining!

It's not always easy to differentiate the character-building areas of your life from those that inhibit your personal growth. However, Astrology.com's Real You Reading can help you find the answers you seek to understand who you are and what you need!
Sincerely, http://Astrology.com
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http://paintingdreams.co.uk
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This Afternoon - 03/22/2012
 
Embrace the new and fresh aspects of your life that ring true to your freedom-loving nature.  Give your soul room to breathe as you take a long walk among the trees.  
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The changing point of the season is the perfect time to attract magical success. 

 Spring Equinox, March 20, day and night are of equal length, perfect balance of light and dark.  A time of awakening from this point the sun appears to move further north bringing forth new growth until June 21, Summer Solstice, the first harvest of life the marvelous sun brought.

Tuning into the seasonal activities, the wheel of life connects you with the universal rhythm.  Life is continuously changing, evolving, dieing, and being re-born.  Winter is fading and releasing the emptiness.  Spring has sprung, seeds begin to open up, and soon they will become solid forms.  Now, it is a time when the sun begins to spread more light releasing energy, bringing new life to the earth.  

Spring Equinox reminds us to stay in balance while the shifting occurs.  Life takes on an added dimension when you match your activities with the changing season, and follow the Laws of Nature.

The wondrous Universe keeps everything in line, assuring every variable operates at its most potent potential.  We are held in a Divine embrace, each born from the elements, move one piece out of place and the structure will begin to crumble.

The Spring Equinox 2012 issue of the Global Goddess Oracle ezine is ready for viewing. Go to http://globalgoddess.org and select The Oracle tab at the top of the page and then select the Spring Equinox 2012 from the menu on the left.

This issue is full of articles, prayers and a solitary ritual. We hope you enjoy the new issue of The Oracle. We would appreciate feedback and welcome your comments. Click on the titles below to see the articles.

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