posted August 11, 2004 01:57 PM         

How sad that a fresh thriving religion has grown into to an all out war against its own believers especially the newcomers. How sad that it's become divided, and people are screaming you're a Fluffy Bunny, no I'm not, you're a Fluffy Bunny! How sad is that? Well that is what happens when you call yourself a religion, things begin to break apart, and you head off into different branches. I'm NOT religious, I respect others who follow a religion, but I turn away from stupid politics such as this. I'm a young girl, who knows a lot about Astrology and Sprituality. I'm very well educated, and I believe that all religions lead to a dead end. Listen to the voice within. I'm afraid for the Wiccan "religion" I sense a downfall over petty differences!

When it comes to the dark side of life, as by embracing the evil within us, I must agree to an extent. For instance, I believe that all of us should master some form of Martial Arts, we must not fear violence, because what we fear will come to us. When it comes to all forms of evil, well we all have the power to Spiritually protect ourselves, but our bodies and minds must also learn not to be afraid and runaway.

I'm not religious, but it makes me want to pray. -Madonna

posted August 11, 2004 06:33 PM         

Well... not to put too fina point on it, but I think that the term Wicca and Wiccan are misnomers anyway.

The Celtic word Wicca means male witch and the Celtic word Wicce means female witch.

WICCA as a religion can only trace its roots back to the 1950's or 60's and Gerald Gardner.

The religion of Witchcraft dates back to earlier times than that, but I think the true history is certainly shrouded in mystery.

That having been said. Like all ORGANIZED (or disorganized?!?) reigions, heirarchies develop and people long for power, and as we know, power corrupts to a greater or lesser degree.

Is it stupid for people to want to exclude newcomers? Sure! Are there covens that require virtual servitude of an aspirant before they allow him/her to dedicate to that coven, let alone attain degrees... sure! And then there's all the "mystery" of 3rd degree secrets and all that crap. (in Gardnerian covens the 3rd degree was obtained by schtooping the high priest or high priestess! ANd if you've ever had occasion to see a picture of Gerald Gardner... there's not enough YUCK in the world!!!)

Probably the best way to follow the Path is to begin on one's own to study some reputable material, and then as Linda said, when the student is ready, the Teacher will appear. That is as true today as it was in the times of the Atlanteans and before!

I'm sorry that your quest for truth/religion or what have you, has been soured, but don't let one bad apple spoil the whole bunch! I do believe that there are reputable groups and Teachers out there to be found. But as with anything, discrimination is an important faculty to cultivate.

Wishing you Bright Blessings...
A

posted August 11, 2004 10:58 PM         

Star, a real "Charm"er, eh?

And that's not the half of it. I recall having seen pictures of him and his high priestess doing a ritual "skyclad". As I said before, "there's not enough YUCK in the world!"

Laurie Cabot likes to say, "Keep America beautiful! Let's wear our robes to ritual!"

Blessed Be...
A

posted August 11, 2004 11:22 PM         

Well I'm definitely glad that I did not walk the Wiccan path, actually I tried to, but for some reason I kept being held back. But now I finally know why. Once again, I have to seriously thank my lucky stars.

Icky wicky, I don't think that path is for me, and most of the people who get into withcraft aren't exactly the most enlightened bunch. I'm sure there are some very commited Adepts, who are absolutely amazing in mind, soul, and spirit, but again it's not something I want to get into. However, I will never stop being interested in the word magic.

Aselzion, this brings me to something new that I've been pondering, and I would like your take on it. Most of what I believe in comes from Linda Goodman's writings, most of what she wrote really hit a nail with me, I believe in what she wrote, and I probably always will. But of course, I know that Linda Goodman got all of her information from the Rosicrucians.

So I feel that I'm really interested in pursuing a membership to the Rosicrucians. From what I know, it's a society of christian mysticism, and they promise to teach you things to help you walk the path. However, I can only become a member at the age of 18, and so that leaves me less than a year to perhaps research, before I commit myself to their way. So can I ask what you think of the Rosicrucians?

-StarLover

posted August 11, 2004 11:40 PM         

Well, please don't judge all witches by the bad example of some. I am walking through that path presently as you may know, but have not decided how long I will stay at present.

I have made many of these "fact finding" missions over the course of my many moons.

The Rosicrucians...

What an interesting topic. I suppose my first question to you would be, with which group do you intend to study ?

There are many groups that profess to be ROSICRUCIAN, but I have reason to doubt the authenticity of some of their claims to that title.

I did join the Rocicrucian AMORC for a while, but found their monographs a little lacking in the "zip" department for my tastes. I like to be able to stay awake through a reading of such material.

But.. I am not everyman or everywoman for that matter, and what I found to be a wee bit dry, may be exactly what another person may be looking for.

I have had a good deal of luck with the Builders of the Adytum material, but I also know that some people may find that to be snoozeworthy as well.

Make any sense?

Blessed Be...
A

P.S. I knew Linda personally, and didn't find all that much of her source material was Rosicrucian in nature. May I ask where you came by that information?

posted August 12, 2004 12:25 AM         

I guess I still need to ponder, but AMORC does sound very interesting to me. I did read something from them, and I couldn't help but feel a little bored myself (especially through a computer). But I think I wasn't in the right mood either. I'll have to look into it a little more. But I think the AMORC sounds good to me. I'll just have to follow my heart...and well their website. Have you visited the AMORC website? It's absolutely awesome. http://www.rosicrucian.org/home.html

Sounds to me like you've walked many paths Aselzion.

posted August 12, 2004 01:31 AM         

I'm also interested in Rosicrucianism. I would suggest looking into the Rosicrucian Fellowship, as opposed to the AMORC. Max Heindel's book, The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception is an interesting text.

A,

Glad to hear that the Builders of the Adytum is a good organization. I'm intrigued by its founder, Paul Foster Case, and his book, The True and Invisible Rosicrucian Order.

Also, I have a question. Do you agree with Linda, that the Hebrew-Chaldean Numerological Alphabet is the only one that works?

Respectfully,
H.S.Cross

posted August 12, 2004 03:02 PM         

Star...

Read their website, and if you are attracted to them and what they profess to teach, go for it.

I was involved with AMORC for probably a bit under half a year. I found their introductory monographs a bit long winded.. but that was OLD material for me, and I felt not presented in a particularly exciting fashion.

In terms of Rosicrucian Fellowship, I have read through some of The Rosicrucian Cosmo-Conception (slight ZZZZZzzz inspiring), and their Message of the Stars text on Astrology. They do have some intriguing ideas.

Any group that professes to be the one and only TRUE Rosicrucian group, is simply, NOT. I have it on fairly good authority, that the True Rosicrucian Brotherhood is for the most part, invisible, revealing themselves to students only when the time is right for that student. If you notice a group claiming to be Rosicrucian, or working according to their system, try to listen very closely to what is being said and the manner in which it is presented.

Linda always remarked that the Truth is invariably hidden in simplicity. I must say, that I am in complete agreement with that statement. If a system is too complex, or the members of the society seem to be a bit "high on themselves" (shall we say?), it may be a good group to avoid.

Stephen...

I am a great fan of Dr. Case's work, and we can discuss that very difficult book (TIRO) in some depth at a later date, it contains a wealth of information! I actually have copies of the FIRST edition (very rare) and the Second edition (also fairly rare), that was actually signed and numbered by Dr. Case.

In terms of the Chaldean System being the ONLY one. I tend to like to avoid that phrase in relation to any subject.

As the Nazarene has said: "In my Father's House are many mansions..." To me this means that all systems are valid in the hands of their practitioners. If you TRY a system and it does not work consistently for you, then I would drop it.

I find in my experience the Chaldean System is a bit more esoteric/spiritual in its approach. But I have also gained very good results when I have applied the Pythagorean System.

A wise man (or perhaps it was a wise woman) once said that ANY system will WORK if one is a good enough INTERPRETER, and applies the system consistently.

Randall...

I have read bits and pieces of Manly Palmer Hall's Secret Teachings of All Ages. I don't really think it's one of those books meant to sit and read straight through, but more as a reference tool. When you come across any subject of interest to metaphysicians (or as Shirley Maclaine likes to call us, metaphysicists) there is generally at least an entry, if not a chapter on that topic (or even particular personages) It contains chapters on Mythology, Alchemy, Rosicrucianism, Hermetic Studies, Astrology, Numerology... well, heck, pretty much every topic of interest to Linda and the KnowFlakes!

I think it is a great book, and believe that it deserves a place on the bookshelf of every student in metaphysics worthy of the name. But as we all know, I can be an opinionated Astrologer!

Hope this helps a bit...

Bright Blessings...
A

posted August 12, 2004 04:16 PM         

The Rosicrucian Fellowship also talks about the Rosicrucian Brotherhood being invisible, and how they only come to the students who are ready. When I look at a picture of Max Heindal he just comes off as very lovely man.

What do you think Aselzion?

posted August 12, 2004 10:53 PM         

Hey Randall... I knew what you meant, eh?

In the Light...
A

posted August 31, 2004 10:13 AM         

I have just finished reading several books By. H. Spencer Lewis who was a former imperator with the order for North and South America. I can suggest some books that I have found both interesting and useful in my day to day life.

Rosicrucian Questions And Answers [has some history of the order]

Principles for Home and Business

Whisperings of Self

Mansions of The Soul

Son of The Sun

A Thousand Years of Yesterday

Cycles Of Life - alternative to astrology and numerology. Which I found useful and in many cases quite startling accurate. Make sure if you find it [ mine is very old ] that you have the manual and the indicator otherwise, it's impossible to use. Unless you make your own of course.

Enjoy the journey.

Gia