“World Religion Pie!” vs. “Eat Cult and Die!”

To understand the difference between a cult and a religion, one must first understand the connotation of both words.

If we use the first definition the word “cult” as found on dictionary.com, we find that “cult” and a “religion” are synonyms . Dictionary.com defines “cult” merely as “a particular system of religious worth, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies.”

This would seem to fit every religion in existence.

The true difference between the words “cult” and “religion” is one of connotation. Whereas the word “religion” has a positive or at least neutral connotation, “cult” has a decidedly negative connotation. It’s not until the sixth definition of “cult” that we discover why: “a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.”

This definition immediately conjures up images of Jim Jones style cults committing atrocities. Yet, even this definition isn’t necessarily meant to be negative. For example, Jesus was a charismatic leader that started a little group, later called “Christians,” that were considered by the Jewish orthodoxy they sprang from to be false, unorthodox, extremist, and with members living outside of conventional Jewish society. Thus technically all of Christianity is a “cult” from a Jewish point of view. Likewise, Islam and Judaism both have charismatic founders (Mohammed and Moses) and must have seemed unorthodox and extremist to non-believers. All religions started out as “cults” depending on your personal point of view.

So what does it mean when a religion calls another a cult? To use a modern example, when a modern Christian group calls a member of a Christian religious sect that they disagree with – such as Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses – a “cult” presumably they are using the term as a pejorative meant to say “we see that other religion as being a false, unorthodox, extremist version of Christianity.” This is undoubtedly a true statement and not necessarily offensive, in and of itself.

However, this begs the question: why bother with an ill-defined term like “cult” at all? Why not be more specific and just say “I disagree with your religion and belief something different”? Again, the answer lies in the connotation of “cult.” As has been pointed out, people generally associate “cult” with images of Jim Jones, mind control, brain washing, and other socially unacceptable behaviors. Because the word sounds so much like “occult” many people also associate the term with practicing black magic or satanic rituals. Thus the difference between a religion and a cult is one of connotation and point of view. A cult is a religion that one person wants others, rightly or wrongly, to fear.

This would seem to fit every religion in existence.

The true difference between the words “cult” and “religion” is one of connotation. Whereas the word “religion” has a positive or at least neutral connotation, “cult” has a decidedly negative connotation. It’s not until the sixth definition of “cult” that we discover why: “a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.”

This definition immediately conjures up images of Jim Jones style cults committing atrocities. Yet, even this definition isn’t necessarily meant to be negative. For example, Jesus was a charismatic leader that started a little group, later called “Christians,” that were considered by the Jewish orthodoxy they sprang from to be false, unorthodox, extremist, and with members living outside of conventional Jewish society. Thus technically all of Christianity is a “cult” from a Jewish point of view. Likewise, Islam and Judaism both have charismatic founders (Mohammed and Moses) and must have seemed unorthodox and extremist to non-believers. All religions started out as “cults” depending on your personal point of view.

So what does it mean when a religion calls another a cult? To use a modern example, when a modern Christian group calls a member of a Christian religious sect that they disagree with – such as Mormons or Jehovah’s Witnesses – a “cult” presumably they are using the term as a pejorative meant to say “we see that other religion as being a false, unorthodox, extremist version of Christianity.” This is undoubtedly a true statement and not necessarily offensive, in and of itself.

However, this begs the question: why bother with an ill-defined term like “cult” at all? Why not be more specific and just say “I disagree with your religion and belief something different”? Again, the answer lies in the connotation of “cult.” As has been pointed out, people generally associate “cult” with images of Jim Jones, mind control, brain washing, and other socially unacceptable behaviors. Because the word sounds so much like “occult” many people also associate the term with practicing black magic or satanic rituals. Thus the difference between a religion and a cult is one of connotation and point of view. A cult is a religion that one person wants others, rightly or wrongly, to fear.

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WHERE AS ANOTHER WRITES:

The main difference is that a cult veers away from the main doctrine of its core religion whether Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, etc. Any time a religion veers away from it’s basic fundamentals that are documented in it’s book, like the Bible or Qur’an and goes on its own, then it’s a cult.

Its original sense, refers to:

• Cult (religious practice), the totality of external religious practice and observance, the neglect of which is the definition of impiety

Cult may also refer to:

• Cult, a social group sometimes accused of mentally controlling its members.
• Destructive cult, a group which exploits and destroys its members or even non-members

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ANOTHER WRITES:  ”A cult was a branch off a religion (fundamental belief in God) — a new order so to speak — but once a child, or second generation was born into it, it became a religion.

There are some things that most people believe to be a cult (as I) like the hale-bopp comet cult from several years ago. 

What do you think (or know) to be the differences?”

____________________________________

Christianity: 2.1 billion
Islam: 1.5 billion
Secular/Nonreligious/Agnostic/Atheist: 1.1 billion
Hinduism: 900 million
Chinese traditional religion: 394 million
Buddhism: 376 million
Indigenous: 300 million
African Traditional & Diasporic: 100 million
Sikhism: 23 million
Juche: 19 million
Spiritism: 15 million
Judaism: 14 million
Baha’i: 7 million
Jainism: 4.2 million
Shinto: 4 million
Cao Dai: 4 million
Zoroastrianism: 2.6 million
Tenrikyo: 2 million
Neo-Paganism: 1 million
Unitarian-Universalism: 800 thousand
Rastafarianism: 600 thousand
Scientology: 500 thousand

Dowsing for Holograms! Creepy…

I was recently listening to an e-Book titled —- the books premiss being “Compiled from more than four hundred hours of channeling by Barbara Marciniak, Bringers of the Dawn imparts to us the wisdom of the Pleiadians, a group of enlightened beings who have come to Earth to help us discover how to reach a new stage of evolution. Startling, intense, intelligent, and controversial, these teachings offer essential reading for anyone questioning his or her existence on this planet and the direction of our collective conscious–and consciousness.”

In listening to the channeled messages (that she of course later turned into an e-Book) there was one topic that in particular did stand out to me.

The channel in explaining the methods in which we are controlled by outside/unseen forces she mentions the usage of holographic  imagery; in which the “Reptilians/Lizzies”? actually  project scenarios into our lifes (or “fake” situations if you  will). 

“NOT REAL” 

Have you ever felt as though any situation you were in seemed remarkably “surreal”?

Did you ever stop and consider that it truely WAS not!?

I Have.

Many times… more than once. Easily.

So, luckily the “Channel” brought this exact situation up. Additional and much more importantly she also gave us the solution… 

Dowsing~ What is it? 

Dowsing, sometimes called divining, doodlebugging (in the US), or (when searching specifically for water) water finding or water witching, is a practice that attempts to locate hidden water wells, buried metals or ores, gemstones, or other objects as well as currents of earth radiation without the use of scientific apparatus. A Y- or L-shaped twig or rod is sometimes used during dowsing, although some dowsers use other equipment or no equipment at all. Dowsing has been in use since ancient times and is still widely practiced although the scientific evidence for its efficacy is disputed. In the 1980s German physicists undertook a large experimental study of dowsing and concluded that a “real core of dowser-phenomena can be regarded as empirically proven”, while physiologist J. T. Enright wrote that those same experiments provided “the most convincing disproof imaginable that dowsers can do what they claim.”

So basically keep these rods close to your person, if in the future you do happen to stumble upon some “tripped-out” version of a usually normal/more normal situation or perhaps events begin to take place that just seem a bit off, just pull these puppies out like two or one Ghostbuster tommy gun and discretely let out a blaze of extra-sensory perception on their weird “reptilian” asses.

Anyhow what’s the worst that could happen? Looking like a weirdo yourself standing with a stick in your hand?

Elizabeth ~ Namaste ~

Red State Citizens Consume The Most Porn!

According to a nationwide study of anonymous online credit card transactions, Americans living in traditionally religious, conservative states consume more online porn than their godless liberal blue state fellow citizens, with Utah leading the way.

Benjamin Edelman, an assistant professor at the Harvard Business School, analyzed anonymous credit card transactions to attempt to find a link between the rise in online porn consumption and division of “red” and “blue” states from a sociological standpoint. “Do consumption patterns of online adult entertainment reveal two separate Americas,” Edelman writes, “Or is the consumption of online adult entertainment widespread, regardless of legal barriers, potential for embarrassment, and even religious conviction?”

Ewan Callaway of New Scientist analyses Edelman’s findings, noting that after Edelman factored in population density and broadband usage, Utah was actually the state with the most online porn subscriptions per 1000 broadband users. Conservative states made up the bulk of the top ten, in terms of porn subscriptions. As Callaway notes, “Eight of the top 10 pornography consuming states gave their electoral votes to John McCain in last year’s presidential election – Florida and Hawaii were the exceptions. While six out of the lowest 10 favoured Barack Obama.”

Edelman notes a difference in porn preferences between red states and blue states: “Using individual-level data from a Hitwise sample of ten million anony- mized U.S. Internet users, Tancer (2008), finds that adult escort sites are more popular in “blue” states that voted for Kerry in 2004, while visitors from the “red”
states that voted for Bush in 2004 are more likely to visit wife-swapping sites, adult webcams, and sites about voyeurism,” a fairly fascinating insight that could surely be explored further.

Church-going porn subscribers also tended to download less porn on Sundays, as church attendance provided a drop in porn usage. States that banned gay marriage had 11% more porn subscriptions than states that had not banned gay marriage. And, as Callaway notes, “States where a majority of residents agreed with the statement “I have old-fashioned values about family and marriage,” bought 3.6 more subscriptions per thousand people than states where a majority disagreed. A similar difference emerged for the statement “AIDS might be God’s punishment for immoral sexual behaviour.”

Conservative hypocrisy is no surprise: anyone who has watched the Republican party fight off allegations of bathroom sexual encounters, child molestation, and prostitutes has witnessed the “Do As I Say, Not As I Do” philosophy that seems to sweep through the right-wing on a regular basis. Yet Edelman’s research provides evidence of said hypocrisy; those who feel it necessary to judge others on their sexual choices and “morality” seem to have no problem accessing pornography, which many religions view as immoral and wrong.

And yet although the red states tend to view porn more often than blue states, Edelman finds that porn is a fairly purple subject, accessed in each state across the nation: “When it comes to adult entertainment, it seems people are more the same than different.”

Porn In The Usa [New Scientist]
Red Light States (PDF) [Journal Of Economic Perspectives]

Manipura ~Solar Plexus~ 3rd Primary Chakra

Manipura (Sanskrit: मणिपूर, Maṇipūra), called “city of jewels”, is the third primary chakra according to Hindu tradition.

Also called the solar plexus, manipura is “the center of etheric-psychic intuition: a vague or non-specific, sensual sense of knowing; a vague sense of size, shape, and intent of being.”As such, some psychics recommend “listening” to it since it may help in making better decisions in one’s life on many different levels. It is positioned at the navel region and it has ten petals which match the vrittis of spiritual ignorance, thirst, jealousy, treachery, shame, fear, disgust, delusion, foolishness and sadness.

In kundalini yoga, different practices for arousing and balancing the energies of Manipura include various asanas which work on that part of the body, pranayama, Uddiyana bandha (exhaling and pulling back and up of the abdomen and diaphragm respectively) and agnisara kriya (practicing jalandhara bandha, and moving the abdomen in and out).

In the endocrine system, Manipura is said to be associated with the pancreas, and the outer adrenal glands; the adrenal cortex. These glands create important hormones involved in digestion, converting food into energy for the body, in the same way that Manipura radiates prana throughout the body. In Chinese qigong, there exists 3 Dantians, which distribute and regulate Qi energy (a concept similar to Indian Prana). The lower Dantian exists in the region of the stomach.

Prana (प्राण, prāṇa) is the Sanskrit for “breath” (from the root prā ”to fill”, cognate to Latin plenus ”full”). It is one of the five organs of vitality or sensation, viz. prana ”breath”, vac ”speech”, caksus ”sight”,shrotra ”hearing”, and manas ”thought” (nose, mouth, eyes, ears and mind; ChUp. 2.7.1).

In Vedantic philosophy, it is the notion of a vital, life-sustaining force of living beings and vital energy, comparable to the Chinese notion of Qi. Prana is a central concept in Ayurveda and Yoga where it is believed to flow through a network of fine subtle channels called nadis. Its most subtle material form is the breath, but is also to be found in blood, and its most concentrated form is semen in men and vaginal fluid in women.^[1] The Pranamaya-kosha is one of the five Koshas or “sheaths” of the Atman.

Prana was first expounded in the Upanishads, where it is part of the worldly, physical realm, sustaining the body and the mother of thought and thus also of the mind. Prana suffuses all living forms but is not itself the Atman or individual soul. In the Ayurveda, the Sun and sunshine are held to be a source of Prana.

Pranayama (Sanskrit: prāṇāyāma) is a Sanskrit word meaning “lengthening of the prana or breath”. The word is composed of two Sanskrit words, Prāna, life force, or vital energy, particularly, the breath, and “āyāma”, to suspend or restrain. It is often translated as control of the life force (prana).

Hatha and Raja Yoga Varieties

Some scholars distinguish between hatha and raja yoga varieties of pranayama, with the former variety usually prescribed for the beginner. According to Taimni, hatha yogic pranayama involves manipulation of pranic currents through breath regulation for bringing about the control of chitta-vrittis and changes in consciousness, whereas raja yogic pranayama involves the control of chitta-vrittis by consciousness directly through the will of the mind.^[25] Students qualified to practice pranayama are therefore always initiated first in the techniques of hatha pranayama.

 

Manipura or manipuraka is related to the metabolic and digestive systems. Manipura is believed to correspond to Islets of Langerhans,[28] which are groups of cells in the pancreas, as well as the outer adrenal glands and the adrenal cortex. These play a valuable role in digestion, the conversion of food matter into energy for the body. Symbolised by a lotus with ten petals. The colour that corresponds to Manipura is yellow. Key issues governed by Manipura are issues of personal power, fear, anxiety, opinion-formation, introversion, and transition from simple or base emotions to complex. Physically, Manipura governs digestion, mentally it governs personal power, emotionally it governs expansiveness, and spiritually, all matters of growth.

Western occultists make different kabbalistic associations with Manipura. For some, it relates to the sephira of Hod and Netzach, Netzach being that quality of energy to overcome different obstacles, and Hod being the tendency to control and break down energy into different forms, the two being contending and balancing forces, like the forces of anabolism and catabolism in the human body

Vajrapani~ patron saint of the Shaolin monastery

On the popular level, Vajrapani, Holder of the Thunderbolt Scepter (symbolizing the power of compassion), is the Bodhisattva who represents the power of all the Buddhas, just as Avalokitesvara represents their great compassion, Manjushri their wisdom, and Tara their miraculous deeds. For the yogi, Vajrapani is a means of accomplishing fierce determination and symbolizes unrelenting effectiveness in the conquest of negativity. His taut posture is the active warrior pose (pratayalidha), based on an archer’s stance but resembling the en garde position in Western fencing. His outstretched right hand brandishes a vajra and his left hand deftly holds a lasso – with which he binds demons. He wears a skull crown with his hair standing on end. His expression is wrathful and he has a third eye. Around his neck is a serpent necklace and his loin cloth is made up of the skin of a tiger, whose head can be seen on his right knee.

Instead of being considered a stand alone deity, Shaolin believes Vajrapani to be an emanation of the Bodhisattva Guanyin. Shahar comments the Chinese scholar A’De noted this was because the Lotus Sutra says Guanyin takes on the visage of whatever being that would best help pervade the dharma.

Bodhisattva… “enlightened existence” / “enlightenment-being”

Bodhisattva… It is the name given to anyone who, motivated by great compassion, has generated bodhichitta, which is a spontaneous wish to attain Buddhahood for the benefit of all living beings in order to be of benefit to all sentient beings trapped in cyclic existence (samsāra) who have not yet reached Buddhahood. One who has bodhicitta as the primary motivation for all of his or her activities is called a >bodhisattva.

Etymologically, the word is a combination of the Sanskrit words bodhi and citta. Bodhi means “awakening” or “enlightenment”. Citta is derived from the Sanskrit root Cit, and denotes “that which is conscious” – mind or consciousness. Bodhicitta may be translated as “awakening mind” or “thought of enlightenment”.

Bodhicitta may also be defined as the union of compassion and wisdom. This is a development of the concept of luminous mind in the Pali Canon.

 While the compassion and wisdom aspects of bodhicitta are actually highly dependent on each other, in the Mahāyanā tradition (the school of Buddhism within which the relevant terminology is most fully developed) they are often referred to as:

• Relative bodhicitta, in which the practitioner works for the good of all beings as if it were his own.
• Absolute, or ultimate, bodhicitta, which refers to the wisdom of shunyata (śunyatā, a Sanskrit term often translated as “emptiness”, though the alternatives “openness” or “spaciousness” probably convey the idea better to Westerners) ^[3]. The concept of śunyatā in Buddhist thought does not refer simply to nothingness, but to freedom from attachments (particularly attachment to the idea of a static or essential self) and from fixed ideas about the world and how it should be. The classic text on śunyatā is thePrajñāpāramitā Hṛdaya Sūtra, a discourse of the Buddha commonly referred to as the “Heart Sūtra.”

So, the term bodhicitta in its most complete sense would combine both:

• the arising of spontaneous and limitless compassion for all sentient beings, and
• the falling away of the attachment to the illusion of an inherently existent self.

Dragon & Crane Pt. 1

The Chinese dragon represents internal strength. Contrary to popular belief, there is no relation to the Western dinosaur or fire-breathing dragon. Instead, according to Buddhist writings, the Chinese dragon is a mystical creature that can show itself to those he wants, especially to those who have reached the highest levels of enlightenment. Chinese dragons also are said to live in oceans or large bodies of water and are believed to produce rain. They can make themselves large or small, and are sometimes said to be visible within the clouds if you look closely. The dragon form combines internal and external energy to produce awesome and devastating strikes. Dragon techniques feature circular movements that can penetrate with sudden explosiveness. Though the claw is the primary hand technique used within the dragon form, there are also various palm and fist attacks that add to the dragon form’s effectiveness. However, using the waist in a whipping action to generate power is essential to the development of proper dragon energy. The dragon form uses internal conditioning through proper breathing techniques to develop qi (internal energy). This is done by using the lower body to pull in air with relaxed breaths. The breathing develops flexibility, strength and power.

The dragon is powerful and direct, although often times it confuses opponents with subtly, feinting weakness only to strike with vicious power when least expected. The dragon floats around the opponent in 45º angles, first appearing to be on the side of the opponent, and then with a quick movement, the dragon unleashes an explosive attack devastating to the recipient. With its subtle stances, the dragon appears to float about its opponent. The main attacking movements of the dragon are manifested in the dragon claws anddragon tail. The most important movements deal with the claws of the dragon, such as “golden dragon offering its claws”, ” leaping dragon playing with pearl”, and the ”black dragon emitting a pearl”. In application, the dragon claw movements are used to control an opponent by maintaining connection to the wrist and elbow.As for dragon tail attacks, they are elusive and destructive. Mainly, dragon tail attacks are aimed at the fatal parts of the opponent’s body. An open palm also simulates the dragon’s tail. The dragon uses no specialized fist, so the movements are easier to learn than the other four animals. The only variation in the fist is the claw and the simulation of the dragon’s tail

The crane is known for its longevity. It is believed that the crane lives such a long life because its body contains a large amount of jing, or essential energy. A calm, meditative animal, the crane can stand on one leg for hours, without shifting its weight or growing restless. The crane form helps the practitioner hold his internal energy, which develops strength while building bones and muscles.

Like the dragon, crane techniques are circular in nature. However, the crane is always soft and relaxed, but strikes with penetrating speed and force. The crane form is known for using the “beak” to strike to targets such as the temple. It is also known for its long, extended strikes that mimic outstretched wings. The crane form allows the practitioner to deliver flowing, relaxed power as well as sudden and focused attacks.

The crane unites balance and grace, never taking its opponent head on.With broad sweeping powerful arm blocks the crane will quickly pommel its opponent into submission. Crane footwork sweeps around the opponent to the sides only to rush inside at the slightest opening. The crane is the most beautiful of the five animals, overcoming its aggressor by keeping calm. The crane is observant and cautious while waiting for the opening. The Crane never acts recklessly, always being alert and careful.

The striking fist of the crane is Bong Sao (cranes beak) – the fingers are extended and pinched together at the tips to make a hard-striking small surface. Also in the crane arsenal are the crane’s wings and legs, represented by the practitioners’ arms and legs.

Spiritual Definitions

The Caste System~ The caste system, originally described in the Vedas, but much abused and maligned over the years, is nothing but a representation of an efficient human society. The four castes described in the scriptures are – the Brahmins, the Kshatriyas, the Vaishyas, and the. According to the Vedas, an efficient human society is based on the strength of its educational/knowledge-pursuit system (Brahmin), its military and defense system, its economical and business system, and a strong, happy, productive workforce Shudras.

Reincarnation~

 Literally “to be made flesh again”, is a doctrine or metaphysical belief that some essential part of a living being (in some variations only human beings) survives death to be reborn in a new body. This essential part is often referred to as the orsoul, the “higher” or “true” self, “divine spark”, or “I”. According to such beliefs, a new personality is developed during each life in the physical world, but some part of the self remains constant throughout the successive lives.

The Buddhist concept of Rebirth although often referred to as reincarnation differs significantly from the Hindu-based traditions and New Age movements in that there is no unchanging “soul” (or eternal self) to reincarnate.The basic cause for this persistent re-arising of personality is the abiding of consciousness in avijja (ignorance); when ignorance is uprooted, rebirth ceases.

Avidyā (Sanskrit) or avijjā (Pāli)~  means “ignorance” or “delusion”. It is used extensively in Buddhist texts.

Adharma (Sanskrit) antonym of Dharma~ It means ‘that which is not in accord with the law’ – referring to both the human written law and the divinely given law of nature. Connotations include unnaturalness, wrongness, evil, immorality, wickedness, or vice.

ge, the knowledge that one’s self (atman) is identical with Ultimate Reality Brahman. It is also referred to as Atma Jnanawhich is frequently translated as self-realization.

Jnana Shakti is “the power of intellect, real wisdom, or knowledge”^[1].

Jnana yoga is one path (marga) towards moksha (liberation). There are other paths for different temperaments such as Bhakti and Karma Yoga

The true meaning of the word Aryan

The Saga of the Aryans is a literary work pertaining to the ancient Zoroastrian religion of Iran, and is not connected in any way to any political organization or society in the West that may or may not bear the name “Aryan”. The Aryans mentioned in the story, set in a time frame of twenty thousand or so years ago, were the original Aryans or Indo-European people of the days of yore. They were noble and tolerant people who considered all races equal and maintained that the righteous men and women of every country reached God – as was proclaimed by the ancient Avestan scriptures such as the Fravardin Yasht.

This can also be seen in the Proclamation of Khushru (Cyrus), one of the great Aryan Kings of Iran, more than 2500 years ago. The Proclamation is today enshrined in the United Nations because it promised equal rights to all his diverse subjects, in the world’s first multi-cultural empire which abolished slavery thousands of years before the modern nations of the world even existed. This Zoroastrian King and his descendants, who proudly called themselves Aryans, freed the Jews from their unhappy bondage in Babylon and re-built their Temple in Jerusalem, and for that Cyrus is even praised in the Hebrew Old Testament as the “Anointed of the Lord”. This is history. This indeed was the action of a true Aryan – protection of the weak, and benevolence towards different peoples and religions.

In the ancient Indian Mahabharata, a large epic Saga written by the Rishi Veda Vyasa, and in the earlier Ramayana written by Sage Valmiki, the right behaviour and moral conduct of the Aryan is explained in great detail. It is here that we gain a real understanding of what the word “Arya” really meant – nobility in its purest form. From these two epics held in high reverance by the millions of Indians, we can understand the high moral code and chivalrous noble behaviour of the Aryan – how he never raised a hand against the unarmed, how he never hit below the belt, how he protected women and children, how he never fought at night, how he never pursued a fleeing foe, how he respected his parents and cared for them, how he respected ALL righteous people, how he protected the weak – the one who came to him for protection, the “Sharanagat” ie. the one who askes for protection, how he respected and worshipped the elements of God such as the earth, the sky, the wind and the ocean, how he lived his life according to “Dharma” – the high code of morality or righteousness, akin to the Iranian “Ashoi”. Indeed in India, the word “Aryan” is still synonymous with nobility and tolerance – as indeed it should be.

The Iranian kings inscribed on stone, “I am an Aryan, son of an Aryan.” It was one of these Aryan kings, Cyrus the great, who worshipped at the temples of his diverse subjects and taught the world the true meaning of the words *multi-culturalism* and *tolerance*. The West recognizes that Cyrus’s empire was the first true multi-cultural empire in recorded history – that too at a time when the Greeks used to look down with evident hatred on other races as “barbarians”.

Lastly but not least, the word “Arya” is linked to the word “Ereta” or righteousness in Avestan, “Rita” in Vedic Sanskrit. This meant the great law of righteousness, and an Aryan was one who followed the law. “Ritu” in Sanskrit meant the cycle of seasons which was an integral part of that moral, physical and spiritual law of God. A “Rishi” was one who explained the law, in Avestan the word “Ratu” was a spiritual teacher of the law of righteousness. The very word “Right” in English could be derived from “Ereta” or “Rita”. As such, being an Aryan in both Iran and India, meant following the path of Righteousness as well as being a proud member of the Aryan people.

Lodestone (aka Magnetite)

Humans were instantly drawn to the magnetic magic of Lodestone, also known as Magnetite. Chinese experiments with the gemstone’s directional properties in the early 12th century would eventually play a significant role in the discovery (or demise) of the New World.

Lodestone is an iron oxide. Over 70% of the stone’s composition is Iron, the balance is Oxygen, sometimes with minute amounts of Manganese, Nickel, Chromium and Titanium. This fairly common gemstone is normally found as large masses in igneous stones and residual clay deposits. It occurs as placer deposits in areas where native rocks are worn away by water erosion and the Lodestone collects along the wash. In the Adirondaks it is found as lenses formed in metamorphic rocks.

Magnetite crystals are rare. Isometric octahedron and dodecahedron crystals are occasionally found in igneous deposits. Gorgeous black crystals have been collected from the volcanic rocks around Nova Scotia. In Putnam County NY, crystals are found imbedded in Calcite. The stone is available almost everywhere, all over North America, China, Russia, Africa and Europe.

Hematite and Lodestone have strikingly similar appearances. Both are silvery gray and heavy with Iron. Hematite is not magnetic. Though I have had pieces react to magnets because of the high iron content, the stone itself will not magnetize. Egyptians considered Hematite a stone of Set or evil. While Lodestone was considered a holy substance provided by Horus. Under close inspection, Lodestone is somewhat duller than Hematite and its surface will be slightly pitted.

I have watched Lodestones form a small magnetic chain when I first remove them from their packaging. One particular pair seemed so attracted to each other that I ended up selling them as a couple.

Lodestone’s energy was associated with attracting lovers to each other, long before it’s magnetic properties were put to practical use. It was Thales who first recognized the stones power to attract in 587 BC. Initially it wasn’t even considered a navigation breakthrough. Instead this crystal’s mysterious powers were believed to be an important tool in bringing partners together and pulling illness away.

Dioscorides a Greek physician in the first century AD, advised husbands on how to use the stone to determine their mate’s faithfulness. Husbands were told to hide the stone on their marital bed. When their mate came to the bed, if faithful, would immediately kiss him. An unfaithful mate would fall out of the bed.

Working women would wear the gemstone to draw customers. Wives would keep one to bring back a wandering mate. An oil elixir from Lodestones was said to increase a man’s virility. Rituals using the stone could attract a lover and ensure mutual fidelity for the relationship. In 16th century India, a king ordered all of his meals be prepared in pots made of Lodestone to maintain his sexual stamina. Today, in Mexico men wear a Magnetite in belt buckles to enhance their performance.

Its role as an ancient viagra shrinks in comparison to the dramatic impact the magnetic properties of the crystal had on Human development.

Before the Chinese discovered that an Iron needle magnetized by a piece of Lodestone would point North, mariners navigated by the Sky. This was not always a reliable tool, when it became cloudy all could be lost. Literally. As a result most naval exploration took place within the sight of land. Providing rather lack luster and limited results.

Ancestors of the compass were nothing more than a needle or Lodestone resting on a pivot. In 1302 Flavio Gioja of Amalfi attached the needle and pivot to a card illustrating the direction of the Four Winds. Flavio called his device a compass-card and his enhancements freed mariners forever from the old constraints of navigation. Most likely setting into motion events that eventually led to Erik and Christopher finding North America.

One drawback to early compasses was that the Iron needle could loose its magnetism. A prudent mariner always carried a Magnetite with him to recharge his compass. Ensuring he would never lose his way and giving the stone its popular name. Load or lodysshe are old English for way. Way stone.

It also accounts for the Lodestone’s reputation as an extremely lucky talisman. It’s magnetic qualities work to attract money and repel danger. Alexander the Great provided all of his soldiers with the gemstone to keep away evil influences and spirits sent by the enemy. Thrones constructed of the mineral would bring wealth, success, power, love and loyalty to those who sat upon them.

Not everyone looked upon the Magnetite as an attractive stone. Some believed its magnetic energies were the result of a resident demon. Puritans considered it a morally dangerous gem, drawing people into wicked behavior. However, I can state unequivocally, after carrying my Lodestone for almost a month, not once was I tempted to behave in a wicked manner. At least not what I would consider wicked.

You will find Lodestone to be a wonderful companion though. The versatile nature of the magnet (attract and repel) means you can use your Lodestone for almost any kind of creative work.

When you start a new job or move to a new town, carry a Lodestone to help you connect with new friends or co-workers. Ask the gemstone’s energy to bring to you those who will understand and relate to you, while keeping away those that might cause you harm or trouble.

Undertaking new goals or just feeling a little off target? Use a Lodestone to stay your course. The stone can eliminate obstacles, relieve burdens that are weighing you down and give you the determination to complete your tasks. As you begin to reap the fruits of your labors, this stone will boost your motivation and self confidence, wiping out your insecurities and self doubt. Learn to let go of the shore and sail for the open sea.

Lodestone makes an especially poignant gift for children leaving for college, the military or just moving to the other side of town into their first apartment. Let it serve as their compass through life, provide them protection and tell them it will always point the way home.

Because Lodestone is a magnet for the Heart as well as North (North in some traditions symbolizes the hearth or home).

Use the crystal to add a little spice to a relationship that is spending too much time on the couch. Place the gemstone under your mattress (or a couch cushion) and see if you can generate some new sparks when you are together.

For your spiritual journey, Magnetite can help you in receiving from the Universe. Many believe, if you place the stone in your ear, you can hear the voices of the Earth gods. It certainly represents a powerful connection to Mother Earth and can activate your base Chakra. It also provides a temporary balancing for the other Chakra. You can use a Lodestone to align your
male/female energies. The stone will teach you to find great joy in the most simple moments. When you are lost, use your Lodestone to point your way home.

Healers have long been attracted to the healing potential in Magnetite. About the time Thales was recording the gemstone’s magnetic qualities, Greek physicians were using it to treat disease by rubbing a stone on the patient’s skin. It is still very effective at helping to draw out illness and pain.

Practiced healers use the stone to activate the body’s own healing energies. When you are sick your natural rhythms become imbalance and energy gets blocked. Lodestone can break through these blocks and help the physical body regain its balance, allowing your strength to flow freely.

This stone may help relieve headaches, rheumatism and rejuvenate anemic blood. Some traditions credit Lodestone with reducing the pain of childbirth, especially when used with Moonstone or Coral. Athletes may find their injuries heal quicker when they carry the crystal. An American folk remedy suggests putting a gemstone in a black bag and tie it around your neck with a black ribbon to treat gout.

Lodestone Notes:
If you use a Lodestone to draw out disease during healings, you should cleanse after every session. A simple Sage smudge or your favorite cleansing ritual should be enough.

Some Lodestones are classified as male/female, especially for use in mate and fidelity energies. A pyramid shape or pointed stone is Male; cubical or rounded stones are Female.

Feeding Lodestones – there are traditions that consider a Lodestone a “living stone” (as if others are dead somehow) and recommend feeding and watering your gemstone. Iron shavings or magnetized sand sprinkled over the stone is the preferred method of feeding. To water your stone, set it overnight in a dish of water then allow to dry in the Sun the next day. One source suggested watering and feeding at the same time, except with all that Iron, you may end up with a lot of rust if your stones don’t dry quickly. Since my Lodestone never mentioned being hungry (and I carried him all month), I’m not sure how often to recommend doing this. Do what feels right for you.

Abundant blessings,
~Windi