The Secrets In Plain Sight!

We're back, after hopefully winning some battles concerning health and hired help.  Some aspects of being a "senior citizen" are not fun!  And we're starting off this new round with something that everyone can get into! As weapons go, perhaps none is more powerful than truth.  Even the worst fanatics get forced to face some truth!  And we have an opportunity to uncover a lot of truth through our studies!  Did you ever notice how much "history" has a very narrow focus?  Even in the most ancient of times when many might have believed that their little world was the entire world, others were reaching out and learning! It's a nice thought to think that if we can find out how much our ancestors knew about each other, perhaps it might encourage our ancestors' descendants into getting along with each other! Blessed Be!

Unless you happen to be a monk or nun living in highly cloistered isolation, dealing with the world can be a real challenge.  The divisiveness being created among people for various reasons makes it even more so.  And, such challenges in daily life are among the basic reasons for needing religion and spirituality.  Regardless of their name, nature or number, they do care about us.  And they have inspired us to find ways to find help. The breaking of bread is a component of more rituals in more traditions than anyone wishes to list, and you can even find variations within traditions which use the breaking of bread for its primary purpose.  When we come together at a table or altar, we share the brad and more.  And therein lays the magick which we need at this time.   Blessed Be!

A comedy stunt by comedienne Kathy Griffin brought out a point worth sharing.  Many people, including myself, did not like the supposed humor in a skit using what was supposedly the severed head of Donald Trunp.  And this is in spite of some of the supposed humor aimed at us. I also could not stomach the fact that Donald Trump invited Ted Nugent to the White House after a performance which included a suggestion that Barak Obama be shot and Hillary Clinton be hanged.  If President Trump is worried about the trauma his son might suffer from the sight of a supposedly severed head, does he have any appreciation of what President Obama's daughters endured seeing images of their father being lynched or burned?   We simply cannot afford to stoop to the level of stupid people.  Taking the "high road" has its advantages.  The people at Seekers' Temple set an example for us, and we will do well to follow, Blessed Be!

Like in secular education, your spiritual learning begins with learning a broad and general range of topics.  As you grow, you become more focused in certain areas, especially those where you've discovered interest or ability.  Eventually, you might become known for particular abilities in certain areas. Everyone has particular talents, and so do you!  Everyone has particular interests, and so do you.  Some you might only share with a deity, but others you might want to share with anyone who wishes to listen.   And with this, we bring blessings on ourselves! Blessed Be!

You may have noticed lately the collection of "alternative facts" which some politicians are using in place of actual history.  While claims made by politicians about historical figures can muddle up our mundane lives, similar claims can have an even worse effect in our spiritual lives.   It can be said that at the heart of any legend is a kernel of truth.  And, it is amazing how much archaeology has done to show legends and revered writings to be accurate history.  And, the internet makes more available in the way of documentation and distance exploration than has ever existed!  This means that most people will be able to read literature of history and/or legends, experience the places where they happened, and also have a more fulfilling spiritual experience.   While many people have been exposed to Biblical Archaeology, other traditions have their ancient times and their tales, writings, sites and ways waiting to be explored and learned.  Heorot, the mead-hall made famous in the tale of Beowulf, for instance, has been located.  The Celtic lands have many sites, and more waiting discovery.  I could go on and on. The result will not only help your journey, but it will also put your spiritual feet on firmer ground due to your adding knowledge to experience! Blessed Be!

Is something coming?  Or is it here?  Do we wait for it, do we enjoy it, or do we enjoy what we have and anticipate even more?   There is much anticipation in most spiritual traditions, looking forward to what is coming.  Or is it already here?  Some among the followers of the Norse tradition feel that Ragnarok and Baldur's return have happened, while others are waiting.  There are those among the Christians who will tell us that we are supposed to wait for the coming of the Kingdom of God, but would Jesus agree? The answer might surprise many, and give us a clue as to our own actions which we need to take. Blessed Be!

If you see or hear something that others do not, or if you have a significant dream, who are the ones who are communicating with you, and what does it mean?  It's a question which most of us have at times in our lives and for some of us, it nags us almost constantly. Following the death of a loved one, a series of very vivid dreams concerning that loved one or what that loved one knows about you.  Lying in bed late at night, depressed and not quite asleep, and suddenly a voice calls your name.  Someone you love and miss appears in a dream to show you something.  The possibilities are limitless, but sometimes a dream is only a dream. The task for each of us is to gain understanding of what we are seeing   Blessed Be!

What is the difference between your friend who has a vision of a goddess or an angel, and the TV preacher who claims that his god tolls him to tell you to support a particular politician?  Quite a lot, probably, beginning with the fact that real visions do not come to support partisan agendas. People can and do see, hear and feel things from the spiritual.  And, if it happens to you, you probably do not need the services of a psychiatrist.  But you should use common sense in making use of what you are given. If you are entrusted with something, you are intrusted to use it with wisdom.  Knowledge is power, but wisdom is what gives that power strength and credibility. Blessed Be!

Prayer is just possibly the most powerful thing you can do in working with your deities.  No matter the name, number, or gender, deities like to receive prayer, and they do respond.   Prayer can be corporate, such as in a group.  But it can also be alone, sometimes solitary and sometimes even absolutely secret.  And, of course, what you pray is between you and your deity, and nobody else. The only thing left to consider is what you are praying for or about.  There are indeed some lines you don't want to cross.  But, there are ways to bring about what you need.  Never forget that your deity's will is your happiness and well-being. Blessed Be!

Some of our best spiritual teachers are around us most of the day, and many of them have four feet.  There are exceptions, of course, such as those who have wings.  And the trick is to put their teaching to use without convincing your secular/ mundane neighbor that you're crazy! They come to you in any number of ways, but often with impeccable timing.  And, nurturing the learning they offer will bring you much joy.  And eventually, you'll have a confidante and partner. Watch, and you'll be amazed.  And you will also grow. Blessed Be!