tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post4455757418067417322..comments2023-09-28T10:08:44.827+02:00Comments on Gwynt: The Shores of GalileeUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger17125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-79435773369378297582013-09-03T20:42:44.027+02:002013-09-03T20:42:44.027+02:00I love your new profile picture Ellena!
In my op...I love your new profile picture Ellena! <br />In my opinion, your comment has cut through to the heart. Many of us seem to be intently exploring and attempting to bridge the boundary between life and death, through exploration of the outer and the inner experiences. <br />Why do you make a comment? Pshaw!Hallehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03847654451426257182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-72998766786352783932013-09-03T20:39:50.670+02:002013-09-03T20:39:50.670+02:00Ellena; I find I cannot answer your question. Wh...Ellena; I find I cannot answer your question. What I do know, however, is that I always welcome your comments, your contact, just as much as I welcome my other friends who visit my space.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09028121782477111901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-25031040535480506032013-09-03T19:45:49.446+02:002013-09-03T19:45:49.446+02:00Finally got around to reading your post. Why is it...Finally got around to reading your post. Why is it that I get so very nervous prior to doing so? Maybe because I know that I will be moved in a way that I can not find words to describe it or maybe it is because I know that I will make a fool of myself with my comment.<br />So, why do I make a comment? <br />Could it be that you are done having learned how to live and are now forced to learn how to die?Ellenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14965850008354379369noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-75257657471659984912013-09-03T14:51:18.244+02:002013-09-03T14:51:18.244+02:00Thank you Susan. Thank you Susan. Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09028121782477111901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-63793128566783881442013-09-03T13:48:45.411+02:002013-09-03T13:48:45.411+02:00It seems that here are experiences, and then there...It seems that here are experiences, and then there are more experiences. All the wisdom schools teach that powerful experiences are only the entry point to even more powerful ones, and more crucially, the stage-changes that are so much more difficult than simple changes in mindstate. I guess the point is to continue to burn away the illusion that we are separate entities, to undermine our natural selfishness through long and serious effort. Your honest and beautiful descriptions of the visions you're deciphering continue to be a wonderful encouragement.<br /><br />Compliments on your lovely rose.susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16747450215034568033noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-39709771614394313712013-09-03T12:55:30.865+02:002013-09-03T12:55:30.865+02:00Tom, you probably know that it's a minefield w...Tom, you probably know that it's a minefield when it comes to books on Nordic myth ... there is so much badly researched stuff out there. The first good book that comes to mind is Lindow's <i>Norse Mythology: A Guide to Gods, Heroes, Rituals, and Beliefs</i>. And of course, a solid translation of <i>The Poetic Edda</i>, such as the one by Lee M. Hollander is important to read. I have to run but will be back later with more suggestions.Rouchswalwehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01393987883437907945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-10475992638580332542013-09-03T09:31:46.157+02:002013-09-03T09:31:46.157+02:00Halle; That opening sentence is a sad indictment ...Halle; That opening sentence is a sad indictment of Christianity indeed. But I have also to remind myself that it isn't the religion itself that is primarily responsible, but the Church Fathers who constructed it, and later individuals who modified it. Yes, I'm with you on this point.<br /><br />And bless you for the final part of your comment.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09028121782477111901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-26199074477900942132013-09-03T09:26:06.350+02:002013-09-03T09:26:06.350+02:00Rouchswalwe; I had said in answer the Christopher...Rouchswalwe; I had said in answer the Christopher (above) that I was interested in his comment that the figure on the Cross did not seem particularly Christian to him. (I also pointed out in my post that I'd be surprised if I had plumbed the depth of this experience.)<br /><br />After reading your comment I realise I had become too focused on the Christological aspects of this imagery. Of course I see now that there are strong Nordic influences in this imagery. Now I have even more to consider. "When will it all end?" I ask myself.<br /><br />One thing I do regret, and that is that I do not have a good book on Nordic Myths and Legends. Even as a young man visiting the local library, I had to request special access to the reserved books section, normally unavailable to the general public. Any suggestions?<br /><br />As part of the buttering up process, dear R, may I suggest that we do not come across stories of women hanging from trees/crosses is because you're all wise enough already. :)Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09028121782477111901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-1369182470480708172013-09-02T21:52:28.460+02:002013-09-02T21:52:28.460+02:00My christian experience was interrupted by the rel...My christian experience was interrupted by the religion called Christianity. The one eyed skeletal Christ is significant to me as the literal corruption of a spiritual adventure that was stolen by those who "became the church" with the Council of Nicea. <br /><br />This vision of yours is amazing Tom. I'm honored to have found you and the gnossis you bring.Hallehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03847654451426257182noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-10832862165384539742013-09-02T21:46:18.673+02:002013-09-02T21:46:18.673+02:00Beautifully described, dear Tom. I could not help ...Beautifully described, dear Tom. I could not help but recall the story of Óðinn, who they say gave his eye for more wisdom. Men on crosses. How many stories are there? Óðinn, Spartacus, Jesus, Peter ... but no women. What would a story of a woman hanging from a cross tell us? Please don't get me wrong, I do not take issue with history. But I have to wonder why there are no stories recorded of women hanging on crosses. The cross has intrigued me more and more over the years, perhaps because in Japan, the first non-christian land I have lived in, there was no healthy respect for 4 (which sounds like the word for death, so is to be avoided at all costs). Even dishes are sold there in sets of five. <br /><br />Crossroads in the south ... blues guitarists learning their skills there from the devil ... the Star of David, 2 triangles of 3 points ... the circular round with 2 points of the symbol of Taoism ... I am intrigued by these ancient ancient symbols. <br /><br />Thank you again for bringing this all back to me. Most definitely worthy of pondering over an ale or two.Rouchswalwehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01393987883437907945noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-39605963025548705532013-09-02T12:46:25.969+02:002013-09-02T12:46:25.969+02:00Thank you for that Natalie. I was afraid that soo...Thank you for that Natalie. I was afraid that sooner or later someone would make the request you have just made. That of course puts me on the spot, of my own lack of confidence in my own abilities. I know I must address this, and maybe your request will give me the shove I have been avoiding. In my defence, I did produce a little drawing to head my 'Fantasy Island' script.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09028121782477111901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-59569884541531763612013-09-02T11:47:01.343+02:002013-09-02T11:47:01.343+02:00Sorry I'm late to comment,Tom. Your Saturday p...Sorry I'm late to comment,Tom. Your Saturday posts are a gift I always look forward to. <br />Your painting of the rose is stunning, especially seen on larger scale; you managed to depict both the flower's silky beauty and a sense of unease, even fear, at the darkness in its centre, perfectly illustrating your text. <br />If it were possible, I'd love to see you create an image (even a very simple one) for each of your posts.<br />Being primarily a visual person, I sometimes find it difficult to respond adequately to the intensely verbal description of your inner travelling. I'm there with you but it would be great to have a window to look out of!Natalie d'Arbeloffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07757081405040926647noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-33401333967059883642013-09-02T08:45:12.295+02:002013-09-02T08:45:12.295+02:00I think you may have said that before, Marja-Leena...I think you may have said that before, Marja-Leena, but I don't mind hearing it again. You mention your deep absorption in your artmaking, and that sounds very much like the process in which I engage at times. I'm glad for finding such wonderful common ground between us.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09028121782477111901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-25946334537019238692013-09-02T00:51:10.380+02:002013-09-02T00:51:10.380+02:00(Darn, I lost my comment due to google not remembe...(Darn, I lost my comment due to google not remembering me! Let's see, what did I write....)<br /><br />I mayhave written this before, how astounded I am by your clear and vivid visual descriptions of your meditations and dreams. Your long practice and notes in your diary must have helped greatly. I don't meditate as such, though sometimes I'm in some kind of trance when deeply absorbed in my artmaking, so reading your descriptions are fascinating for me. Thanks, Tom.<br /><br />marja-leenahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05634791656471132347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-75437146341663790172013-09-01T10:07:17.132+02:002013-09-01T10:07:17.132+02:00To return to your comment, I agree completely with...To return to your comment, I agree completely with your first paragraph, and of course Christian symbolism does form the basis of my inner language, the language of the soul as it were.<br /><br />Your experience of various spiritual philosophies goes beyond mine, and I am uncertain whether I could call myself arreligious. Certainly I dissociate myself from all religious groups but seeing myself as broadly protestant. I suppose it depends on what one means by religious. But it is with Christianity that I must deal, and will continue to do so. <br /><br />I am interested in your point that the one-eyed skeletal figure on the Cross does not seem to be particularly Christian to you. I must give that observation a lot more thought. I certainly feel Christian, but not 'a' Christian, and I doubt that the Church would see me as a Christian. Well that's alright, Jesus Christ wasn't a Christian either. But he was something that I would like to investigate. In doing that I suspect I will reach psycho-spiritual depths that go far beyond any formulated religion. <br /><br />As I said in my post, I would be very surprised if I have plumbed the depths of this meditative experience. It could even be that this experience will turn out to be one of the most important I have had, maybe a real turning point in my life.<br /><br />Again, thank you Christopher for your comment. I shall enjoy reading and re-reading what you have said.Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09028121782477111901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-66024598816075946552013-08-31T20:28:29.300+02:002013-08-31T20:28:29.300+02:00Christopher; Excuse me if I do not give a full re...Christopher; Excuse me if I do not give a full response to your wonderful comment straightaway. I will take a little time (which I do not have right now) to give you a considered answer later. Tomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09028121782477111901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2683318922990064067.post-85028148020852270232013-08-31T19:28:40.312+02:002013-08-31T19:28:40.312+02:00The thing about religious studies, they last lifel...The thing about religious studies, they last lifelong on all accounts. I rather favor the critique that you really have to stick with just one and that is probably your birth legacy... thus Christianity. I was raised in Christendom and so were you, thus we have Christological instincts from the atmosphere as it were.<br /><br />However, I am one of those ersatz creatures who tries for a distinction thus: I am deeply spiritual but mostly arreligious. Which, if it means anything, means I separate myself from all religious groups. In my thought about how the world of spirit functions, the Chinese concept of Tao, especially as it is focussed through the Chinese Classic I Ching, is my guide. In terms of psychology, Buddhism guides me. My devotion tends to Hinduism. But my basic symbol and struggle is Christian and I, once a confirmed member of a Congregation, am apostate.<br /><br />So as it turns out, I who agree you are probably best served remaining in the spirit world of your youth, did not follow my own advice, so I will add one more piece. I had an experience right at my twenty first birthday that was very strong and uprooted me. It nearly killed me, but I was dying of despair anyway. I think of it as a kind of spiritual triage, and part of the long term consequences are the questions I have had on "Why me?" The point here being, nothing about that experience was Christian in any way. I have followed that bellweather in my life rather than any outer expression, except where they match up with the core of me.<br /><br />Lacking an experience like that which can serve as an anchor, then I think one has the best chance remaining within the home tradition, especially when there is somewhere to go. <br /><br />However, I would be careful in defining what is Christian in order to match the effort the church has made at its own orthodoxy. It is okay to have an individual path, but I think it is proper and dutiful to avoid confusing the waters any further. Living spiritually in Christendom and being Christian are two specifically different matters. Christians have a basic creed, which they often recite aloud in religious services. It is called the Nicene Creed. A later version, the Apostle's Creed, is also used but only in the west. If you are not in agreement at any point with either then you are not mainstream Christian as Christianity is today, no matter what your inner experience of the Cross is. To me this sort of thing is the distinction between religious and spiritual (even if the symbology is specifically Christian). A one-eyed skeletal Christ figure on a cross does not seem all that Christian to me, though it is a fully qualified vision arising out of your human soul. It certainly does not stand alone.<br /><br />The cross itself is of course a very ancient pre-Christian image of the cosmos, and it arises in all its forms in all spiritual streams. "Four-ness" is one of the primary divisions prior to the "Five" of the human form.christopherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04201537517464996231noreply@blogger.com