posted April 08, 2009 02:35 AM           

~ The Practice of The Presence of God

A Mystic is one who intuitively perceives the Truth and, without mental process, arrives at Spiritual Realization. Our great religions have been given by a few who climbed the heights of spiritual vision and caught a fleeting glimpse of Ultimate Reality... The Mystic does not read human thought, but rather senses the atmosphere of God. The Mystics of every age have seen, sensed and taught THE SAME TRUTH. All the mystic experience throughout the ages have revealed One Truth. The teaching of the mystics has been that there should be conscious courting of Divine Presence. We need a "conscious receptivity" to it, although a balanced one... It is through the teachings of the illumined that the Spiritual Universe reveals Itself, imparting to us what we know about God. Jesus taught a Power transcendant, triumphant, absolute, positive, against which lesser laws meant nothing. By Its very Presence It heals. The mystics did not contend or argue with people. There was nothing to argue about. THEY SAW and KNEW. They are the great revealers to man of the nature of the Universe, and the relationship of man to God.

posted April 08, 2009 11:31 AM           

I'm grateful to you for mentioning Novalis. I've since read just a bit more about him and by him and I like him very much.

posted April 08, 2009 11:56 AM         

And, I appreciate your contributions!

Now, if I only I can bring this online "mask" I wear to my daily life!

posted April 11, 2009 05:09 PM         

Thank you.

As for that claim, it was Steiner who stated it.

posted April 11, 2009 08:16 PM           

I dont know much about Raphael.

Novalis was a peach, though; --
a golden peach (the next best thing,
i suppose, to being a golden apple).

If either of you have a list of more
corresponding incarnations, i'd be interested.

My Jupiter in Leo is always inspired by great men,
and I may learn something from comparing the
different (alleged) incarnations of a single soul.

Thank you, Blue Roamer.

posted April 12, 2009 10:59 AM         

quote:

---

Steiner is more credible than most, I think.

---

I agree.

"We must not be misled when we meet people who have not advanced by means of intellectual understanding, but have certain psychic abilities that seem to appear spontaneously. Based on our understanding of the mission of spiritual science, we know that souls can now think only because the clairvoyance of an earlier age has been suppressed. People with natural clairvoyance, which was not acquired through inner effort, must be seen as persons who have remained at an earlier evolutionary stage and who should therefore receive special care in our Society, rather than be considered particularly advanced. It would be an incorrect judgment if we were to consider such souls particularly mature, as having experienced particularly high incarnations. People with a natural gift of clairvoyance have gone through far less than those who are thinkers nowadays. These things have to be properly understood in our Society. Then it would be possible (and it is my duty to say this) for our Society to be a place where such souls with psychic powers can find care and be guided on the right path. Our Society could give them what they cannot get anywhere else: order in their soul. But to make that possible most of the members of our Society must have a profound inner knowledge of the mission of true spiritual science in the present. If that happened, then the case that so saddened us in recent days could not recur. I am referring to a member, who joined in the belief our Society would care for clairvoyant psychic forces, but then found here a captive audience and took on the role of a prophet. Such an event opens the door to all those things that, if they were to prevail, would turn our Society into the exact opposite of what it should be according to the intentions of the spiritual forces supporting it."

posted April 12, 2009 11:21 AM         

I found this lecture that has the subject of the Raphael / Novalis connection as its topic.
http://wn.rsarchive.org/Lectures/19240928p01.html

I just started reading this particular lecture myself, but I do remember Steiner mentioning this in another book I read about the Gospel of St. John. Steiner expressed that the writer of the Gospel of St. John was the character of Lazarus mentioned in the Gospel! He also claims that the man Lazarus / John has an earlier connection to the Old Testament's prophet, Elias.

Very interesting topics, indeed, but these connections are a bit difficult to understand, as far as my own faculties are concerned. I try to stay within the limits of my own spiral as much as possible.

posted April 12, 2009 11:43 AM           

HSC ~ Steiner never commented on the past lives of the living. He considered that a potentially harmful breach of spiritual etiquette. However, he did mention quite a few historical figures. I find it worthwhile to muse on the movement of these individualities too. The man who inspired Homer's Hector became the man who inspired Shakespeare's Hamlet. I could think about that one alone for the rest of my days.

No, Nosis, I haven't. But I will gladly take your advice.

posted April 12, 2009 01:08 PM         

Happy Easter to you, too!

posted April 12, 2009 02:07 PM           

I have an uneasy relationship with Sergei. Completely undeserving. I have an uneasy relationship with him because I have an uneasy relationship with Tomberg. If I understood Tomberg's motivations I would be a much happier girl. I'm reading Steiner's lectures on Catholicism and the Jesuits right now. Trying to make my peace with this, I suppose. HSC has been tormenting me with quotes from Meditations on the Tarot. Damn him.

Prokofieff's Cycle of the Year as a Path of Initiation and Encounter with Evil are on my 'must read very soon' list.

posted April 12, 2009 04:39 PM         

But this Tomberg fellow? The little that I've read about him gives me little to wonder why you are so uneasy. If what I've read so far is true, then there was definitely something dark about him. I just came across a quote that is attributed to him and which I find a bit disturbing, to say the least:

"The impulse of the Consciousness Soul has failed; a direct path must be found from the Intellectual Soul to the WE-Soul (Spirit Self) [Manas]'"

But why the uneasiness with Sergei? He seems to be an outspoken rival against Tomberg in a few of his books I've noticed. Is there something I'm missing?

posted April 12, 2009 05:23 PM           

TINK, that's interesting about Steiner's etiquette.
Salinger had the same policy concerning mentioning
the work of living writers whom he greatly admired.

posted April 12, 2009 05:47 PM           

I still believe that all spiritual life
consists of practicing God's presence, and
that anyone who practices it correctly
will soon attain spiritual fulfillment.

There is no sweeter manner of living
in the world than continuous communion with God.
Only those who have experienced it can understand.

If I were a preacher, I would preach
nothing but practicing the presence of God.
If I were to be responsible for guiding souls
in the right direction, I would urge everyone
to be aware of God's constant presence, if for no other reason,
than because His precense is a delight to our souls and spirits.

I honestly cannot understand how people
who claim to love the Lord can be content
without practicing His presence.

In fact, God won't allow a soul
that is searching for Him to be comforted
anywhere other than with Him.

Abandon any other concerns,
including any special devotions
you've undertaken simply as a means
to an end. God is our "end".
If we are diligently practicing His presence,
we shouldnt need our former "means".
We can continue our exchange of love
with Him by just remaining in His holy presence.

God does not ask much of you.
But remembering Him, praising Him,
asking for His grace, offering Him
your troubles, or thanking Him for what He
has given you will console you all the time.
During your meals or during your daily duty,
lift your heart up to Him, because even the
least little remembrance will please Him...
Gradually train yourself to show your love
for Him by asking for His grace.
Offer your heart to Him at every moment.
Don't restrict your love for Him
with rules or special devotions.
Go out in faith, with love and humility.

~ The Practice
of the Presence of God
by Brother Lawrence

posted April 12, 2009 06:08 PM           

I just walked to the front window,
and when I looked up, i was startled
to see a deer, just a few feet away.
I startled him (her?), too, he (she?)
pranced along the front of the house.

So, I went to another window,
and there were three of them.
And I went to a third window,
and I was just a few feet away.
I've never gotten such a close look.

I love deer.

posted April 12, 2009 06:11 PM           

Deer Totem Keywords: Gentleness, Innocence

What can the appearance of Deer signify in my life?

Deer represents innocence and a return to wilderness.

Look for new perceptions and degrees of perceptions to grow and expand for as much as the next 5 years.

You could be being reminded to establish a strong connection with your children before you expose them to many people and strange energies.

It could be a reminder to move gently back to a tradition family unit and roles. Deer may indicate that you have gotten too far away from the role that would be most beneficial to you.

Be gentle with yourself and others. A new innocence and freshness is about to be awakened or born. Be aware of a gentle lure of new adventures. There is an opportunity to express gentle love that will open new doors of adventure.

Ask yourself, are you being too critical of yourself? Are you trying to force things? Are others?

Opening to the qualities of Deer will enable you to achieve sophistication, subtlety and elegance, in the best senses of these terms.

Deer invites you to look beyond the material, beyond the superficialities of life, to the heart of things, to the realm of causes rather than effects.

Deer may warn you to become more assertive instead of adapting yourself to demands and expectations set on you by others.

You may need to be wary of becoming preoccupied with the Otherworld. You may have reached a point when the esoteric needs balancing with a period of outer activity.

If your intention is to harm the animal realm, you should beware. But for those who hunt for knowledge, and not to kill, you will be lead deeper into the heart of the forest, into encounters with the Otherworld, and with the realm of Faery.

People with strong Deer energy are very alert, graceful, and intuitive. Their thoughts may seem to jump ahead to the extent that it may be perceived that they aren't listening.

Consider how you eat since Deer is an herbivore. Deer may appear to help you if you strive to lose weight, or eliminate animal fats or toxins.

Antlers ask you to pay attention to your inner thoughts and perceptions, they are likely more accurate than you think.

With Deer as a totem, you will find increasing abilities to detect subtle movements. You may start to hear what is not being said directly, and have the ability to read between the lines.

Pay attention to simple things, clean out useless clutter and noise, and listen to what Deer teaches you that is really needed to grow and thrive.

More About Deer:

Deer can adapt to every sort of habitat and are thus native to every continent except Australia. To many, Deer is considered the most important animal ever hunted. The hunt is what transfers our civilization to the wilderness.

The White-tailed Deer is most common in the US, known widely for the antlers of the male Deer. In other families, such as Reindeer and Caribou, both male and females grow antlers. Antlers are solid bone, and are shed every year. They grow behind the eyes and are very protective. Each year, till age 5, antlers grow bigger and with more points. Numerology can help define the message Deer is trying to convey to you, so count the points on your Deer friend's antler. Antlers symbolize antennae, connections to higher forms of attunement.

Fawns are born a colour that hides them well. The mother nurses them often. This is significant for those with a Deer totem. Many societies taught the importance of staying with newborns for a distinct period of time, with no visitors other than the Father. This protects the young from possible negative electro-magnetics as well as the exchange of energy that is important to early development. Does stay with their mother for as much as a year, while bucks usually leave after a few months. The father takes no part in rearing. Deer's senses are very acute. Their vision is designed for clarity at a distance.

A female Red Deer is known as a hind and was considered especially sacred by Celts and Druids. In the world of the Celts deer were treasured for their hides. They were used to make women's clothes.

All Deer are beautiful, graceful creatures, but Stags are majestic, with antlers made up of a number of spikes or tines. According to Welsh tradition, the Stag is one of the 5 oldest animals in the world. For millennia humans have tried to partake of Stag's power, dignity, and connection to the Otherworld by dressing for ceremony and dance as them. The lord of the animals was depicted as a man with antlers. Many myths and legends such in King Arthur, mention deer luring man deep into the woods where they encounter new adventures. Deer is a central religious image for Buddhism. Buddha is often pictured with a deer, and it is told how he first preached in a deer park.

posted April 13, 2009 12:10 PM           

I've been agonizing a little over Churches, too.

I am seriously resolved to follow this path,
and I'm finding there is so much I don't know,
as I've been reading about the various Churches.

I am drawn to the Anglican Communion,
as I like the idea that it is a via media,
or middle way, between Protestantism and Catholicism.

I dont like that the Church of England was
begun by a man like King Henry VIII, though.

Really, the Society of Friends comes closest to my understanding,
but they do not provide the "pomp" or structure that inspires me.

I really like that the Episcopal Church has
ordained women and openly gay men as priests.

It's sort of a fine line between finding a Church
that I feel an honest kinship with, but, also,
that I may still be able to do something for.

I havent been baptized yet, and already,
I am seriously considering entering the seminary.
These past few days have been very... revealing.

posted April 13, 2009 12:13 PM           

Do you have any testimony
or evidence, or anything to suggest
that Jesus was the highest adept
of the Age of Pisces???
Or that he is, in some sense,
the one true son of God??

And are you familiar with the legend of Saint Issa?

How about the beliefs of the Ebionites?

posted April 13, 2009 01:26 PM           

I really like that the Episcopal Church has
ordained women and openly gay men as priests.

There's something about that ....I'd enjoy hearing your opinion ..... may I ask?

Jesus as an adept ... hmmm ....I don't resonate nearly as much to Jesus as I do Christ. Do you know what I mean? I think there's very good reason for those famous 'missing years' to have gone missing. The Jesuit concept of "King Jesus" is one you could say I'm opposed to. "One true Son of God"? Yes. "In some sense"

Yes, familiar with both.

I came very close to entering a convent. Very close. Poverty, chastity, service? Piece a' cake. Obediance? Not so much.

Love to you,
and may you find
the best place for you,
HSC

posted April 13, 2009 02:42 PM           

They use Ayahuasca,
as well as Marijuana,
which they call "Santa Maria",
and associate with the divine feminine.

They are from Brazil, originally.
I got a rosary today, and the lady
told me it was made in Brazil.
Hmmm....

Hand wringing?

Of course, you may ask me anything.

I do know what you mean about distinguishing
Jesus from the Christ, and this has been on my mind.

In my early twenties, I thought for a while
about entering a monastery or the priesthood,
but I had issues with both doctrine and obedience.

If I do decide to enter seminary,
I know it will be a huge step, and
a responsibility that I will have to
be sure that I am absolutely ready for.

I have found that I can only do difficult things
if my motives are spiritualized, but, that,
when my motives are spiritualized, I am capable
of doing a lot more than I thought I could.

Well, not me, exactly.

You're very welcome.
I will say a prayer for you,
that you are guided to the Church
where you will be happiest, and
where you may best serve the Christ.

posted April 13, 2009 04:35 PM           

The hand wringing is on my end of course. I'm sure you're too smart to seriously agonize over this sort of thing. I'm fighting with my weak hand here.

I have found that I can only do difficult things
if my motives are spiritualized, but, that,
when my motives are spiritualized, I am capable
of doing a lot more than I thought I could.

yes

I do know what you mean about distinguishing
Jesus from the Christ, and this has been on my mind.

More?

Yes, I've decided to petition and pray too. I had a dream last night, but I'm not sure what it means or even if I could trust it. The smog is dense.