Adrift in a Void of Infinite Possibility

What is de Witchdokta?

2008-02-25T19:06:00.000-08:00

The witch doctor is an occult jack-of-all-trades skilled at not only simply brewing potions, creating talismans and crafting spiritual goods, but at enlisting the help of spirits from nature(shamanic), demonic spirits(occult), and the dead(necromancy). A witch doctor at work can be unsettling, for he is voice matches the mood of his rituals, and can mystify and hypnotize. The witch doctor's system is formed from the ability to conduct nature and beings from other realms through a crude yet effective art called Juju.

Juju follows a shamanic perspective, with the inclusion of spirits born from the minds of men and those who have never walked this world. Juju used for positive means or enlisting the help of positive beings is called Mojo. Juju used for negative means or enlisting the help of negative entities is called Jomo. Juju as expressed as an omen from the spirit world can be either "Good Juju" or "Bad Juju," depending on the omen. The witchdoctor knows all things are made of energy, and all can range from positive and negative. The witchdoctor can make his Juju even more powerful by shifting Juju around him, using good to fuel good and bad to fuel bad through mask, costume, voice, atmosphere, visualization, and ritual.

Witch doctors are a mixture between the Hoodoo's jinx's, curses and healing abilities; shamanism's power totems and ability to commune with spirits; and any other traditions or symbols the individual witchdoctor might see fit to use. They work not only for themselves but for their community or tribe, for the spirits of the dead and never dead, along with anything else in all of creation that need their skills. Creating curses and jinx's is a specialty of the witch doctor. The witch doctor can make a deadly doll of wax or tallow containing a specific person's hair, skin or blood and is knowledgeable in The Doctrine of Signatures. The Witch Doctor is open to spells, talismans, and spirits from other traditions, times, and paradigms, knowing everything exists and that truth is based on results.

The Ancient Ones

2008-02-25T12:02:00.000-08:00

...Sumeria is the name given to a once flourishing civilisation that existed in what is now known as Iraq, in the area called by the Greeks "Mesopotamia" and by the Arabs as, simply, "The Island" for it existed between two rivers, the Tigris and the Euphrates, which run down from the mountains to the Persian Gulf. This is the site of the fabled city of Babylon, as well as of Ur of the Chaldees and Kish, with Nineveh far to the north. Each of the seven principal cities of Sumeria was ruled by a different deity, who was worshipped in the strange, non-Semitic language of the Sumerians; and language which has been closely allied to that of the Aryan race, having in fact many words identical to that of Sanskrit (and, it is said, to Chinese!)

...For no one knows where the Sumerians came from, and they vanished just as mysteriously as they appeared...they had a list of their kings before the Flood, which even they carefully chronicled, as did many another ancient civilization around the world. It is believed that they had a sophisticated system of astronomy (and astrology) as well as an equally religious ritual...

...AS MENTIONED, the God of the Moon was called NANNA by the Sumerians. By the later Sumerians and Assyrians, he was called SIN. In both cases, he was the Father of the Gods (of the planetary realm, the zonei), and was depicted as wearing horns, a symbol familiar to the Witches as representative of their God. The horn shaped crown is illustrative of the crescent phases of the Moon, and were symbolic of divinity in many cultures around the world, and were also thought to represent certain animals who were horned, and worshipped for their particular qualities, such as the goat and bull. They also represent sexual power....

...For many years, the Moon remained the prime deity of the Sumerians, constituting the essential Personum of a religious and mystical drama that was performed roughly 3000 B.C. amid the deserts and marshes of Mesopotamia....

...A transient lunar phenomenon (TLP) or "Lunar Transient Phenomena" (LTP), refers to short-lived lights, colors, or changes in appearance of the lunar surface. Claims of short-lived phenomena go back at least 1000 years, with some having been observed independently by multiple witnesses or reputable scientists. Nevertheless, the majority of transient lunar phenomena reports are irreproducible and do not possess adequate control experiments that could be used to distinguish among alternative hypotheses. Few reports concerning these phenomena are ever published in peer reviewed scientific journals, and rightfully or wrongfully, the lunar scientific community rarely discusses these observations.

Wander...
Watch...

2012

2008-02-25T11:28:00.000-08:00

Harmonic Convergence

2008-02-20T21:28:00.000-08:00

The Harmonic Convergence was a ceremonial event that began on Aug. 16th, 1987. Through the research of Dr. Jose Arguellas into the Mayan / Toltec Calenders, this date of prophetic importance became the stimulus for many people to gather at sacred sites around the world. The Mayan calender prophecy pointed to a time of rennaisance and planetary quickening linked to the completion of our sun's 26,000 year orbital cycle around the Pleiades star system and the alignment of our winter solstice with the Galactic Center / Hunab Ku. The alignment with the Galactic Center is said to be complete by Dec. 21, 2012 A.D. This transitional time period is also reflected in the shift of Astrological Ages from the star constellation Pisces into Aquarius, the Water Bearer which may not be complete until the first star of the Aquarian constellation is rising with the spring equinox in 2050.

According to Native American oral traditions there are four cycles of aproximately 26,000 years in which the Indigenous peoples trace their heritage from the Pleiades Star system. Each period is considered as a World Cycle. These 26,000 year cycles were divided into 5 subperiods or SUNS by the Mayas. We are now completing the 4th WORLD / 5th SUN. Each subperiod / SUN consisited of 5,2000 years of 360 days each. Or 5,125 years of 365.25 days.

The beginning point of this 5125 year Great Cycle began in the year 3113 B.C. If you add 5125 years to this beginning date you get 2012 A.D. and the alignment of the winter solstice marking the end of the 5th SUN and the 4th WORLD. From here we potentially shift into the transitional phase leading into the 5th WORLD. This is a most important date with many people becoming aware of its potential significance and leading to much speculation as to what it entails.

Interestly enough the sacred Tzolkin Calender which consisted of a cycle of 260 days (13 day week and 20 astrological signs 13x20=260) when cross correlated with the 365+ day solar year cycle corresponds with a 52 year period. That is to say that if the two calenders began on the same day, the one of shorter duration would end first and then begin again, and the longer would end 105 days later and then begin again until they arrived at their original starting point. They would not repeat that same starting point until 52 years later. Each day within the 52 year cycle would have its own unique astrological overlay. And from one's birth date with its corresponding overlay of astrological signs and number significance one's name would be derived.

If you divide the year by 7 days you get 52 weeks in a year. If you divide the circle of 360 degrees by 7 you get 51 degrees 25 minutes which happens to be the angle of measurement for the sides of the Great Pyramid in Egypt. So we have 52 years as a harmonic of 5,200 years and 51 deg. 25 min. as a harmonic of the 5,125 year cycle of a SUN period. It is said that in Native traditions that at the age of 52 one can become recognized as a Spiritual Elder. 7 cycles of 7 years gives 49 years. 7 is the number of spiritual perfection in many esoteric traditions. The three years from 49 to 52 contains within it the orbital period of the minor planet Chiron, and the rotation of the binary star system Sirius. In myth, Chiron was the wounded healer - wisdom teacher, and shows this time to be potentially one of culmination and spiritual initiation.

So 52 years is a harmonic of 5200 years. 52 years is a very important time cycle. There were two prominent Avantars born in Meso-America during the first millenium. They were Pacal Votan born A.D. 790 and Ce Acatl Quetzalcoatl, born A.D. 947. Both lived a life span of 52 years.

It is said that as a God, Quetzalcoatl was the one who in a distant past time taught the Sarcred Calender and all the Higher Learning. His influence flourished throughout Meso-America. He was known as Kukulcan by the Mayas. In his name was the symbology of the Plumed Serpent which as a symbol adorns many of the pyramids and temples. Various rulers were said to take on the title of Quetzalcoatl to acknowledge the authority of the Toltec wisdom keeper and be linked to the ancient traditions of Teotihucan and Tula.

And so the story goes that Ce Acatl Quetzalcoatl prophesized about the future fall of the magnificent Aztec dynasty. In a time before the founding of the Aztec empire there was a struggle for power in the Toltec center known as Tula that was surreptitiously taking place. The priesthood had become corrupted as powerful sorcerors infiltrated the social order. They sought to overthrow Quetzalcoatl's benevolent rulership so they conjured Quetzalcoatl and his party with intoxicating drink that drugged him and caused him to lose the clarity of his Intent. Under the spell of its intoxication he found himself in a taboo sexual experience with his priestess sister that shamed the purity of the ascetic priest / king.

The God Quetzalcoatl's arch-enemy, the dark Lord Tezcatlipoca was the instigator of this sorcery that brought an end to the inspirational rule of the Toltec lord and to the eventual destruction of Tula. After his fall from grace Ce Acatl repented with purification rituals and then departed the city traveling to the land in the south known as Chichen Itza, there teaching and influencing the people. From there he continued his travels and teachings, all the while being followed and persecuted by the agents of Tezcatlipoca. Finally he arrive at the eastern coast and the time came for him to sacrifice his life. He was guided to build a ceremonial fire where he gave himself to the fire. Out of the ashes it is said that his heart rose into the sky and became the planet VENUS. After his death his spirit descended into the underworld for four days to liberate souls. And then he traveled four more days into the upper regions to replenish himself with lightning. Four years later he returned to the amazement of his follows now as the embodiement of the God Quetzalcoatl.

As he came amongst his disciples teaching and giving counsel, he prepared them to continue on in his stead. And finally before departing to the east on a serpent raft he gave his prophecy. His propechy stated that there would be '13 Heavens of Decreasing Choice, followed by 9 Hells of Increasing Doom'. Each Heaven and Hell period consisted of a 52 year cycle of duration. With the departure of the Lord Quetzalcoatl, the corrupted priesthood influenced by Tezcatlipoca spread their influence of human sacrifice as a way to sustain the Sun and keep the world from cataclysm. And with this distortion came the dominance of the War god's influence and the darkening of the 13 Heavens which began with the founding of Tula and ended with the fall of Tenochitlan, the Aztec capitol.

At the end of the 13th Heaven Quetzacoatl prophecied that he would return . It was the year 1519 which also happened to be the birth year of Ce Acatl in the Sacred Calender. The volcano was erupting and other strange omens were happening. Then Cortez and the Spaniards arrived with their ships bearing the Cross of the 4 directions which was the symbol of Quetzalcoatl's teaching, and subsequently intoduced Christ as Quetzalcoatl. This marked the fall of the Aztec Dynasty as subjugated Indian nations joined with the Spanish to overthrow the Aztecs rule. The Aztec nation had attained the greatest heights of material splendor in the Native American world.

The first Hell cycle commenced as the Spanish began the brutal subjugation of the Indigenous people. The 9th Hell began in 1935 as Hitler was rising to power in Germany which led to the Second World War. Hitler and his inner circle were known to be into black magic rituals. With him we can see the influence of Tezcatlipoca as he sacrified many Jewish people in the Holocaust as a way to purify the nation. The 9 Hells of Increasing Doom ended and a new cycle began on Aug. 16th, 1987, with the Harmonic Concergence.

This marks the beginning of a transitional period of 26 years referred to as 'The time of Flowering' which culminates with the alignment of our winter solstice with the Galactic Center as stated by the Mayan Calender. If we divide this 26 year period in half we get 13. 13 years from 1987 brings us to the year 2000 and to some very potent astrological configurations. This aproximately correlated with the ending of the Aztec Calender and the cycle of time referred to as Naui Ollin which means EARTHQUAKE or MOVEMENT. The Aztec Calender culminated during the solar eclipse of August 1999. So we have past the critical mid-point of this 26 year period and have entered into a new millenium.

Overall, this 26 year period provides an opportunity for planetary healing and awakening. How the people of the world handle it will be of extreme importance if we wish to move positively into a new world cycle. The Harmonic Convergence is the dance of duality, of light and dark, male and female, enlightenment and ignorance. I am sure that it will test humanity for the strength of our spiritual resolve. It marks a period of initiation for planetary consciousness... and potentially the birth into the 6th Sun of the Aztec prophecy; Sun of Flowers, Xochitl Tonatiuh; and the 5th WORLD of Mayan and Hopi cosmology, ushering in the return of QUETZALCOATL.

An Internet Clipping

2008-02-19T20:30:00.000-08:00

...A shaman's medicine colors are black and white because he/she walks the world of Light as well as Shadow - the polarity of man's existence. Black and white also represents the balance a shaman seeks to maintain, both inside himself/herself as well as bringing that balance to his/her clients. It is well expressed in the Eastern concept of yin-yang.

Bat is the Mayan and Aztec symbol for rebirth, and the totem animal for shamanism. Bat hangs upside down in the cave, just as humans are nestled upside down in their mothers' wombs. In leaving the womb or the cave, each is forced to look at light and shadow. Bat embraces the idea of the Shaman's death. In ancient traditions, the would-be-shaman was sent to a certain location to dig his/her own grave, and then spent the night inside that grave, totally alone. The grave opening was supported by limbs, covered by a blanket, and then filled over with dirt and debris. Absolute darkness and total silence quickly cause the initiate to be confronted by his/her fears. The basic idea of the initiation was to break down all former notions of "self", and to cause the initiate to face his/her inner fears and demons. When the initiate is released from the grave, the old persona and ways of life of the one "who was put in in the ground" truly are dead and buried. A "new" person emerges, reborn, with the right BY INITIATION to be called a shaman, and to heal. During my initiation, I spent three days and two nights totally isolated within the grave, and it truly is a terrifying experience.

Much Learned

2008-02-19T20:05:00.000-08:00

Yes, let me first say I'm am sorry for my hiatus without warning. I have tendency to wander away from writing, to refill myself with experiences and thoughts, though I always eventually come back. Rest assured that in this time I have done much thinking and reading, and I plan to do as much praying and journeying I can.

I went to the Rainbow Gathering these past few weekends, a nomadic commune birthed from 1960's idealism, and I must say I believe I saw what an illuminated society just might look like. Everybody shared, there was no aggression, all were family! There weren't just hippies but hobos, bikers and street kids along with entire faimilies. The society itself is a rich one, and no words of mine could ever do it justice. One must experiance such a life to know it, go beyond symbols and see into the true core.

They had a authentic Native American steam lodge there, and I must say it was a glorious spiritual event. We prayed to all four directions, and my body was cleansed of all polluntants. Spirit filled me, and my shamanic gifts have increased in strength and vision.

Kulkulcan, Pahana, Quetzalcoatl...may you bring such living to all the world at your return. A'ho.

I Return

2008-02-08T17:23:00.000-08:00

I have thought much.

We are composed of four parts in the material world:
-Who We Are
-Where We've Been
-Who We Were With
-What We Did

These 4 can sum up an entire life, and the effects it had on the rest of us. More later.

I have also found great wisdom within:
Life is like bowling, if you don't play with the gutters, you aren't really playing.

Might We Sing The Song?

2008-02-04T05:49:00.000-08:00

Perhaps one day we Americans shall sing with the regret and shame of the Germans. After all, our power and supposed "invulnerability" will only last so long.

I see houses burning
I'm ashamed
Before you close your eyes denyingly
You'd better ask yourself:

Did I choose something I could regret?
Did I do something I should regret?

Is this the place I used to call Fatherland?
Is this the place I used to know as Fatherland?

The silence is illusion
Stay awake
I hear children crying
Do cowards ask themselves:

Did I choose something I could regret?
Did I do something I should regret?

Is this the place I used to call Fatherland?
Is this the place I used to know as Fatherland?

Did I choose something I could regret?
Did I do something I should regret?

Is this the place I used to call Fatherland?
Is this the place I used to know as Fatherland?

Is this the place I used to call Fatherland?
Is this the place I used to know as Fatherland?

Fatherland
Fatherland
Fatherland
Fatherland
Fatherland

As we march to 2012

2008-02-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

"Brother, Can You Spare the Time?"

They used to tell us that we were the best
And we were superpower
That with each passing minute we prospered
And flourished hour after hour
That our armies could take on the stars
And accomplish any task
That the internet would expand and surround us
And provide us with masks

They commanded we march off to war
And we heeded their drums
That our sacrifice was needed
And so we gave them our sons
They said it would all be over
And we hoped for that day
They said that it might take longer
Yet still we obeyed

They told us there would be no problem
That all would be well
They told us there would be bomb shelters
For when it all went to hell
But as the oceans rose and the ionosphere declined
As the warhawks sang
We should have known it would all dissapear
In the wind, with a bang

A Test of Will

2008-02-03T12:49:00.000-08:00

The material world is designed in a way that prevents one from keeping one's thoughts on the spiritual, this I have seen. Everyday we feel the pressures of money, status, and fear coursing through our bodies like viper venom, paralyzing us mentally and stranding us here. Can we deny that we would all be better with 30 minutes of each day spent dwelling on spiritual things? Yet when it comes down to it, how hard is it to actually achieve that goal?

No wonder the medieval monks hid themselves away from the world, content to see nothing outside the monastery walls and take oaths of silence. but that is the way of the hermit, of the mystic, of those who cross fully into the spiritual. It is the duty of the Shaman to mediate between the many worlds, to be a vertex of the Six Directions. The shaman not only knows of the worlds beyond, but communicates with these worlds for the betterment of his tribe.

I sit, wondering if I myself have the courage and will to bound myself to 30 minutes of journeying everyday. Can I make it? I admit that I am void-touched, too happy to be all potential and no kinetic, to simply sit and allow the world to flow through me. So, I will try to journey for 30 minutes a day, though I understand I might fail. This shall be a test to show how much improvement is needed, and to see just how stacked against the spiritual the material really is.

2012

2008-01-31T21:45:00.000-08:00

Classroom Musings

2008-01-31T14:27:00.001-08:00

Where did we go wrong? What really threw us out from the Eden we once inhabited? I look all around me in shame to see my species so confused and distraught, Few among them are truly happy with their lives, and fewer still choose to change them if they aren't happy. We used to enjoy festivals and free time, now we are forbidden to talk in school, as the concept of a "nine-to-five" job is drilled into our heads as the true definition of a man's worth. Are we really only dollar signs, worth nothing more then the symbols we draw on green paper tokens?

Oh sure, shoot for college they say. What then? Get a career that I don't enjoy as I struggle to clear the debt from my name? AWAKEN! There is so much more out there then money or the town you live in! This is a WORLD, not just a place! Enjoy the fruits from Mother Earth's womb, for when Father Void embraces you, you shall never return.

Peering Into Time

2008-01-30T21:03:00.000-08:00

What would our ancestors think of us today?

The would be disappointed and even perhaps insulted because of the lack of respect we show for this world's inhabitants and the many others after it. What would he think of men in blue taking away his spear? The government chasing him out for living outside?

But what would he make of our accomplishments? We can cross the seas and fly in the sky above. We have left this planet and even walked on the moon. We know the exact dimensions of our own planet and our knowledge of the stars is only rivaled by the Mayans.

Would not our technology seem like awe inspiring sorcery? Would we all not be witch kings? He would bow before our weapons, and our sheer ability to kill millions of opposing tribe members. But what of us? To him we would seem weak and bound for death in the wild. Hear we scream about power outages when this darkness is all he has known of night.

So he might view us as demons, heroes, gods, or fools.

Can the same be said of us?

Drawing in and Drawing Down

2008-01-29T13:12:00.000-08:00

I grow restless for my journey. Everyday my mind can only dwell on the wondrous time ahead, and the desire to simply leave grows stronger and stronger. I find myself almost wishing for a good reason, a good excuse to simply rejoin my tribe, and provide them with my Medicine Mojo.

On Monday I had a chance to at least put my beliefs into practice. I sent two of my friends on a guided spiritual journey, and I showed them their respective Totems. They were amazed, and begged me all night after words to do it again. Something deep inside me was happy, happy I could finally fulfill my destiny in at least some small part.

2012 draws nearer each day fellow seekers, can you see the clues?
Watch for the children marked with indigo, for as their numbers rise, Quetzalcoatl draws ever nearer to our world.

Prayer to the Directions

2008-01-26T00:33:00.000-08:00

I pray to the six directions.....hear me.

I pray to the West which gives us rest and reflection.

I thank you for these gifts for without them we could not live.

I pray to the North which gives us patience and purity.

I thank you for these gifts for without them we could not live.

I pray to the East which gives us energy and knowledge.

I thank you for these gifts for without them we could not live.

I pray to the South which gives us discipline and direction.

I thank you for these gifts for without them we could not live.

Father Void above, share with me your wisdom, and I thank you for this gift.

Mother Earth below, share with me your strength, and I thank you for this gift.

Power Animals Explained: Part 3

2008-01-26T00:13:00.000-08:00

LESSON 3 - Meditating with your Power Animal

Shaman are spiritual beings with the ability to heal, work with Earth, animal, plant, mineral, and elemental energies and even 'see' visions.

The ability to consciously move beyond the physical body is the particular specialty of the traditional shaman. These journeys of Soul may take the shaman into the nether realms, higher levels of existence or to parallel physical worlds or other regions of this world. Shamanic Flight, is in most instances, an experience not of an inner imaginary landscape, but is reported to be the shamans flight beyond the limitations of the physical body.

Today you are going to become a Shaman - in the sense that you will connect with your power animal to heal and bring light to the planet.

Please take your time . . .

As you are now seated at a computer - begin by returning to your cave, using all your senses to make it appear real.

Call your power animal to you and establish a connection.

'Tell' the animal you wish it to remain with you today so that you can connect at various times to experience.

If you can physically go into nature - or even make contact with a piece of nature such as a rock, tree, creek, etc (indoors or outdoors) - this would enhance your experience.

You may use music to enhance your experience.

The use of any kind of mind altering drugs is your option.

Once you are ready - close your eyes.

Take two long, slow breaths (inhaling through the nose and - exhaling slowly through the mouth).

Feel totally relaxed.

Disconnected from your physical environment.

See yourself slowly shape-shifting from your physical form - to that of a Shaman Healer.

(Shamans have the ability to shape shift).

Experience your physical body - its age, skin color, 'make-up' you may have applied, your geographic location, your confidence to heal, your personal power returned, the secrets you possess from the ages

Become one with that person - and experience.

Slowly shape shift again - this time into your power animal. . .

Feel each cell in your body changing . . .

Go into nature - physically or telepathically!

Move through nature as your power animal would.

Listen to the sounds. Experience all of the sensations of nature - on a higher level.

Listen to the animals communicating with each other.

Sense the Oneness of all things.

Sense portals that open to other realms.

Observe how they open and close.

You stop near a piece of nature, perhaps a stone, or tree, or even another power animal. Make a connection - physical or telepathic.

Determine how it can help you.

Ask to use it's energy or ask for it's help on your behalf.

If you asked for energy and they agreed, feel their energy surging through all that you are - the power animal, the shaman, your physical expression. If you asked for their help and they agreed see them doing as you asked.

Connect with the healing of the shaman energies of the indigenous people around the world, and the spirits that surround us.

Ask other Shaman to teach you new techniques or things they have learned if you wish.

Bask in the inter dimensional web-of consciousness, as you are connected to all things in this world and the many after.

Contemplate higher thoughts.

Ask the spirits what you might do to help the Mother Earth, Father Void, the Spirits, the Dead, or your fellow man.

Go on a Shamanic Journey to accomplish the goal shown.

This may result in your initiation into higher realms of spirit and healing.

Power Animals Explained: Part 2

2008-01-26T00:09:00.000-08:00

LESSON 2 - Working with your Power Animal

Prepare to meet your power animal - as you did in the first lesson.

You can try this while at your computer - or in a place you meditate.

Out in nature usually gives the best results!

Relax your mind and body.

Now close you eyes and take two long deep breaths - breathing slowly in through your nose - holding the breath as is comfortable for you - and breathing out slowly through your mouth!

Return to your cave, making it as real as possible, as your third eye begins to open and shows you images . . .

Connect with your power animal .

If you can see the animal in movement - follow the animal to see where it takes you and what messages it wishes you to learn.

If you are having trouble following the animal - first visualize the animal - then see it moving away - perhaps through the tunnels within the Cave - perhaps on the Earth plane- . . .

Once you have connected with the animal - mentally tell the animal that you wish it to take you on a spirit journey so you can learn more about whatever you wish at this time.

It will take you on a journey . . .

As you leave, thank your Power Animal.

Make notes about your journey when you return.

Power Animals Explained: Part 1

2008-01-25T23:59:00.000-08:00

Power animals most often come to us in dreams, meditations, initiations, and visions. You can have more than one power animal. Your power animal at a given time can change depending on your life at that time. Power animals are often attracted by one's emotional needs of the person - viewed as protectors who help overcome fears and empower us.

The concept of a Power Animal is universal to all cultures. Tribal cultures will recognize a Totem for the tribe, one for the clan one belongs to, and one for the family that one is born into. In the United States, and in other countries, the Tribal and Clan Totem still exists, although it is thought of in a slightly different manner.

There are also totems for our adopted cultures, such as clubs or societies which we may belong to, such as the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, and the Lions Club.

Even Christianity, the prevalent religion of this country, has maintained two Totem animals, these being the Fish and the Lamb. Specialized Totems are also seen in organized sports, their names being reflected in the team names. Example: Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Falcons

The next type of Power Animal or Totem is that which is personal for the individual. These Totems are protective spirits which help us in our everyday life. Everyone has such a Totem. Even today most parents give a special protective Power Animal to their children and tell the child that it will be protected over night by that Power Animal. They don't realize that is what they are doing when they give a teddy bear to their little one.

We often unconsciously recognize the Power Animal affecting someone, and use terms which give away our unconscious recognition.

Our heavens/zodiac include animal references Leo, Scorpio, Taurus, etc.

Shamanism

The first item of business for a potential Shaman is to learn to travel through "spirit journeys" in the other worlds, then to discover his Totem or Power Animal. That knowledge is necessary in order to start the long process of learning.

Power Animals are usually a reflection of your deepest self and also represent qualities which you need in this world, but which are often hidden or obscured. A mistake that people often make is to be dissatisfied when they find that their Power Animal is some non-ferocious animal like a mouse. We tend to think that a mouse is not very powerful - that it is meek and afraid. What they forget is that spirits are not limited to physical reality and that size is irrelevant. Your Power Animal may be a tiny mouse, but in times of need this mouse can and will change its size and deportment to that which is appropriate to the occasion.

There is nothing weak of meek about a 500-foot tall mouse! Your personal Power Animal (as opposed to your family, clan, or tribal spirit) may change several times in your lifetime, depending upon your specific needs. If you are dispirited, your animal is far away from you and needs to be brought back, or a replacement found.

When you make your first exploratory journey you are likely to encounter spirits which may represent themselves as being your Totem or Power Animal. If you are already aware of your spirit that spirit may greet you and give you additional power.

All animals and insects are positive spirits. Any positive spirit may be your Power Animal. Your Power Animal may also be a mythical animal, such as a unicorn or Pegasus, or even one which does not exist in myth or legend.

LESSON 1 - Meeting Your Power Animal

We all have power animals - spirit animals - that are connected to us as protectors.

Many power animals are our spirit guardians that exist in other realms.

Some animals were with us from past lives but may have been another physical form. Example: We might have had a wolf or other wild animal as a friend or protector. In this timeline the animal incarnates as a dog.

Time to find your power animal.

Find or quiet place or just relax at your computer. . .

Relax your mind . . .

Feel the muscles in your body relaxing . . . your head . . . your shoulders . . . your neck . . . your jaw . . . the torso of your body . . . your arms . . .

Close your eyes . . .

Take 2 long slow deep breaths . . . breathing in through your nose . . . holding the breath as is comfortable for you . . . exhaling slowly through your mouth . .

Still your thoughts.

You are going to watch the screen just behind your eyes . . .

Imagine yourself before a cave, the traditional shamanic entrance to the spirit world. Make it as real as possible, using all of your senses . . .

Telepathically ask your power animal to show itself to you .

Be patient! Your third eye (pineal gland) must open before you can see images.

Soon the image of an animal will appear.

It may - or may not - be the animal you are expecting - so have no expectations.

The image may come all at once or appear to move towards you.

You may see the front view of the animal or see it at another angle.

The animal may not be your favorite animal!

Just allow the image to manifest before you!

Once you see the animal - watch it carefully to see what it does.

Listen with your thoughts to get a telepathic message from the animal.

It may seem funny to get a message in a human language - from an animal - but it can happen.

Your animal may appear in a scene that is significant for you.

Focus as best you can . . .

Note the colors around the animal - colors have significance.

Feel free to ask the animal is properties or abilities, or any questions you might have.

Before you leave thank your Power Animal . . . slowly open your eyes and write - or draw what you have seen.

You may see more than one animal.

You may see an animal that seems mythological vs. animals in our reality.

You may find that another day brings a different animal with a different message.

Things to consider:

Have you ever dreamed about this type of animal? What happened in the dream? Ask the animal to come to you in tonight's dream time and interact with you.

Why would such an animal appear to you?

Perhaps you must seek the meaning of this animal.

Power of Words

2008-01-25T22:34:00.000-08:00

"Unknowable"
What lies beyond my sight, Beyond the world cast by light?
There the Ether has it's tides,
And on it's waves, we do ride
Adrift like rafts upon the sea
Whats the difference: you or me?
Its all the same
Ignore the name
Better never to be tamed
Words and symbols used as chains.

The Nature of This World

2008-01-25T22:13:00.000-08:00

I look at the reality around us, and I know it has meaning, for we create this meaning. my question is simply "why?" Why this world, why work this way? Surely there were other options available, but for some reason this "reality" was chosen all other possibilities.

I'm not saying the material realm is a bad place, I'm just trying to pin down WHAT it is. Perhaps the world we know is a hallucination, a dream we have all chose to live for some unknown reason. Why here? Why now? Did I chose my destination, was I thrown into it, was I created within it?

And those before me, why did they live in the times they did? Perhaps I chose to be near 2012, to be 22 when it finally rolled around, powered by youth and full of life. Or maybe I was put near 2012 for a specific reason. I'm an 11, a master vibration of the spiritual realm. Perhaps in some way I and my ilk are needed at this time, to guide the others to a new plane of reality that we ourself can craft.

Who knows. I have learned much, but I shall never have all the answers, perhaps even all the questions. This one in particular portrays itself as a cloud of smoke within my mind, and I find myself unable to look inside the smokescreen.

This is my time, but what is my reason? Why do I go through the trails and tribulations here. Have we decided to create a world of suffering, and if so, why? What is so crucial that it must permeate every facet of our existence? The Discordians asked a similar question, and thier answer was quite profound.

A SERMON ON ETHICS AND LOVE

One day Mal-2 asked the messenger spirit Saint Gulik to approach the Goddess and request Her presence for some desperate advice. Shortly afterwards the radio came on by itself, and an ethereal female Voice said YES?

"O! Eris! Blessed Mother of Man! Queen of Chaos! Daughter of Discord! Concubine of Confusion! O! Exquisite Lady, I beseech You to lift a heavy burden from my heart!"

WHAT BOTHERS YOU, MAL? YOU DON'T SOUND WELL.

"I am filled with fear and tormented with terrible visions of pain. Everywhere people are hurting one another, the planet is rampant with injustices, whole societies plunder groups of their own people, mothers imprison sons, children perish while brothers war. O, woe."

WHAT IS THE MATTER WITH THAT, IF IT IS WHAT YOU WANT TO DO?

"But nobody wants it! Everybody hates it."

OH. WELL, THEN STOP.

At which moment She turned herself into an aspirin commercial and left The Polyfather stranded alone with his species.

Why do this to ourselves? Or perhaps have we been guided down the path of violence and hatred, of ignorance and fear. Did we commit some sin long ago that all Creation frowned upon? If so, what?

What indeed, what indeed.

Vivek: Street Philosopher, Visionary, Prophet, Martyr

2008-01-24T19:18:00.000-08:00

On December 03, 2006, a video of two fools of the modern age happening upon a Wise Man was uploaded to Youtube. His name was Vivek. Though chided and made of, he tried to spread the Ways to the uninitiated, though it fell upon deaf ears. Though he knew he would make no progress, he continued valiantly, for the sake of the fools.

"A real smart part of me didn't want to do this with you...In general I don't want to do this. The world isn't ready for this. People don't want the truth.."

He does not give up, and finally at the end he is able to Illuminate the fools, who promise to put what was once going to be a comedy video, online so that all might see it and learn.

His Ways and mine are similar, and differ only in minute details of the source of the Ways and how others should access the Ways. Still, a modern day wise man who must not be forgotten. Through him we learn that, though the "citizens" may never understand the truth, we must always be willing to offer it to them.

Ramble onward, and seek Illumination in the words of Vivek.

Or watch them here:

"Theres no limit in reality, we have no beginning and no end."

"In reality your as priceless as the god of Infinity."

"What I tell you is nothing compared to the Truth."

"You don't know when your hypnotized, so you don't know when your waking up. It takes power, man."

"This is a literal dream right here. What we're going through here is just as much a dream as what you dream when you go to sleep at night."

"The only way to take this seriously is if your the humblest person who ever lived. I told you what the Great Masters are like: they do everything for everybody else."

"The thing we're talking about is supposed to get us to turn our minds away from this dimension."

"The spiritual path is beyond words."

"The credit goes to our highest nature."

The Eternal Inter-Dimensional Web of Consciousness and You

2008-01-24T17:53:00.001-08:00

Have you experienced spiritual rapture? Have you ever felt your soul literally bursting with joy that you are simply alive? Have you ever been awestruck by the idea that tomorrow is a whole 'nother chance to live life to the fullest?

I have.

Sit back and ask yourself, what is the state of your spiritual life? Are you happy? Are your beliefs proving and re-proving themselves everyday? When was the last time you experienced a miracle? You know the possibility, the sheer potential is all out there, waiting for you. For totems may speak to you and try to get your attention, but if you are resolute in ignoring them, you shall never know.

To miss the joys of nature, the mastery of reality, the closeness of other worlds: THAT is hell!

Never forget that the Ways are always accessible to all, you need but outstretch your hand and touch them. You must let go of your want to dominate the universe, to be it's center or ruler. How can you rule over that which IS you? You are the breeze against the hurricane, a cell rebelling against the body.

Know that this body shall always heal, and that no tumor lives for long. But it is not that this world and the many after it seek harm upon you, ay, they wish you only the best! It is YOU who decided to throw yourself in danger, wnadering the dark streets alone. Some, some can walk these streets alone....but we all benefit by having a few tricks up our sleeves and friends at our sides. The Ways do not hide themselves, they are present in all things. To know them is to know Creation, but one must seek them out. We can never indoctriante, to do so is to destroy his soul. We are guides and teachers, helping all and teaching those who seek. Ye must seek out the Ways and ramble if you are to truly become One, verily I say unto you.

Is Change Near?

2008-01-23T19:55:00.000-08:00

I won't go into details, but it appears as if I might begin my journey far earlier then I wanted, due to certain circumstances. I have no supplies as I did in the old days, and will begin assembling a new hobo bag at once.

It seems the strands of fate are twisting in the shadows, and my eyes cannot pierce their veil quite yet. I shall spirit journey and consult my Totem Animals, and perhaps I shall have a "view from above" on the whole situation.

Time of Medicine and Mojo Draws Near

2008-01-23T14:36:00.000-08:00

I have begun to figure out exactly what will go into my Mojo Medicine Bag, and I must say, as I read each ingredient I almost feel the power of the items coursing through my body. Soon my powers will increase even further, and I will be able to help more people then ever before. I have asked the spirits, and they applaud me for my use of Hoodoo. It gives me great comfort and joy to know this.

I have begun debating what to do next after my Mojo Medicine Bag. Some friends would like me to craft similar items for them, and of course I cannot turn them down. But what will my first act of Hoodoo "rootwork" be. I have toyed with the idea of putting a jinx on the local police, and Hoodoo is quite capable when it comes to dispelling the law. Look no further then Lucky Mojo to provide the evidence:

A highly unusual, but obviously authentic spell using Goofer Dust was brought to my attention in April 1998 by Carol Barber, who wrote about what seems to be a very old recipe for a mojo hand:

"[Here's] something I've been trying to figure out [...] Someone was looking for a spell to help a friend get out of jail. This person received a spell that I'm not quite sure what to make of [...] It called for a "guffa bag" to be made from yellow silk, in which is placed a yellow feather, a sprinkling of powder (not defined as to what type), and a shiny new penny. It was then to be tied closed with a yellow ribbon."

The word "guffa" in this mojo bag recipe stumped me at first because in my mind i pronounced it with a short "u" (as in "guff") but in discussing it in usenet, William S. Aronstein set me straight by asking if "guffa" was not the same as "goofer," and then the composition of the bag fell into place:

Here is a brief analysis of the ingredients of the Goofer Dust mojo:

YELLOW SILK
Yellow silk tends to be associated with charms for wealth (yellow stands for golden coins) and, in older times, for court cases, especially when paying a fine was necessary. Yellow silk is the 2nd most common cloth used in making conjure bags (after red flannel). Its use dates back to the 19th century or earlier when yellow Chinese silk was very popular for ladies' fancy dresses and undergarments and seamstresses had lots of scraps of yellow silk and silk ribbon ready to hand.

YELLOW FEATHER
The inclusion of a feather in a mojo hand is very common, a practice that has roots in both African (Congo) and Native American custom. By the 1900s, the colour-coding of dyed chicken feathers included in such hands had been brought into line with the Western Esoteric Tradition of magical colour symbolism, as modified in America. In this system, yellow usually stands for gold and wealth.

SHINY NEW PENNY
Coins are often found in African-American conjure bags and they appear in many Congolese magic bags as well. The American coin most often encountered in mojo hands is the silver dime, followed by the nickel and then the penny, always specified as "shiny new." A silver dime cannot be placed in contact with Goofer Dust, however, for the sulphur will discolour it. The symbolism of coins is obvious -- acquisition and mastery of money -- but because this is a "get out of jail" bag, the coin may symbolize paying a fine, bribing an official or, more likely, the penny may stand for a "copper" that is, a cop or policeman. (Copper pennies often appear in Law Keep Away spells.)

POWDER
The name of the bag identifies the mysterious unspecified powder it should contain. It's a Goofer Bag, so the powder must of necessity be Goofer Dust. The inclusion of a powder is another pointer to the 19th century origin of this magical recipe, for although sachet powders are very popular in hoodoo work, they have become less and less common ingredients in conjure hands in the years since WW II. Goofer Dust is usually a fine yellowish-grey, so the colour makes it all of a coherent piece with the yellow silk, yellow feather, and yellow ribbon. Since it is there to mess up someone's life and the bag includes a penny, the implication is that a "copper" will suffer if the bearer is jailed. Alternatively, if the graveyard dirt that went into the bag came from the grave of a police officer, the criminal may actually asking for his spirit's protection from the harrassments of the law.

This old-fashioned Goofer Bag does not contain the elements one would expect to find in a "court case" mojo hand intended to influence a trial or parole hearing. (Those items would likely include Chewing John root (a.k.a. Court Case root or Little John to Chew), poppy seeds (confusion to an enemy), white mustard seeds (faith in deliverance), oregano (keeping the law away), and so forth.) Rather, this bag is intended to protect against arrest, get a fine or bribe paid, or destroy any policeman who interferes with the activities of the bearer. Only a real criminal would carry a Goofer Bag like this. It is not an innocent victim's petition for legal aid; it is a law-breaker's bag, meant to put the jinx on the cops.

My Tribe, My People

2008-01-21T20:16:00.000-08:00

They are invisible, a face you pass by everyday without a care. Society simply isn't designed for their existence, and so they make a society of their own. Some catch trains, some hitchhike, others get around in their own way. Each one has a story and each one is a walking conduit of wisdom gained through experiance. These are my people, my tribe, and they will always be dear to my heart. But who are these people you ask? Allow me to explain.

The ranks of the homeless are filled with four different and unique classes, each commanding a respective amount of respect. A Hobo works and wanders, a Tramp dreams and wanders, a Yegg steals and wanders, and a Bum drinks and stays put. In the old days the Hobo was king, though as their numbers dry up it is the Tramp who takes their place. My own class, the Yegg, are very rare indeed, but are respected by all other classes as never bowing down to authority.

I have always practically lived as a tramp, smoking dope and squatting in abandoned houses every weekend with my friends, creating almost magical memories of what life is supposed to be. I was a skilled Yegg already, and kept the houses we occupied that still had their electricity stocked up with stolen food. Fried chicken, Gatorade, chips, fish, candy, liquor, black and milds, fruity pebbles, bowls, plates....we had it all.

For some reason I always figured I would eventually run away, so i kept a fully stocked "Hobo bag" filled with stolen supplies. I was fully loaded, and my supplies were culled directly from the survival tips of other homeless. I had even begun hanging out with a few, partying and hearing their tales, and I must say I was drawn to the culture. I learned the ancient hobo hieroglyphs, a dead language, but terribly fascinating nonetheless.

When I was kicked out of my house I lived on the street as a Yegg for about three days, and I have to say it took some convincing from my friends to leave that lifestyle. After that, anytime I ran into any other homeless I made sure to give whatever I could: money, black and milds, food. I knew their hardships, and if I had a place of my own I would have boarded them.

I cannot wait for my motorcycle, and the call of the asphalt does beckon my soul. But I also hear the train whistle, the stirring of mulligan stew, and the warm cackle of a jungle fire. One day I think I might just join their ranks if I get disgusted enough with the society I live in now.

After all, every jungle camp could use a Shaman and a little Mojo.

(Homeless Survival Guide 1)
(Homeless Survival Guide 2)