Spirituality, New Age & Alternative Beliefs

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Amen: One Definition

This word or phrase, "amen" or "Amen", is generally an expression of agreement, ratification, and confirmation utilized during spiritual worship and/or religious services by the Greek, Jewish, Nordic, Gnostic, Christian, Muslim, Ancient Egyptian papyri, and more as well as having been introduced into spells of "Anathema". Note that all spells and spell casting are not performed for negative or evil intent or results; spells are also cast for purposes of spiritual benefaction via the elementals of Mother Nature (i.e., earth, air, fire, water, and ether or spirit) for positive results.

This word derives from an etymological, Semitic (Hebrew) root word meaning "fixed" or "sure” with many different pantheistic (i.e., the worship or divination of all goddesses and gods along all lines of creeds) scriptural references. Another etymological note, regarding the word "Semitic", and according to the Merriam-Webster definition:
"…of, relating to, or constituting a subfamily of the Afro-Asiatic language family that includes Hebrew, Aramaic, Arabic, and Amharic…"

To continue, this word, "Amen", is generally capitalized in many circles. "Amen" is also considered to be a form interjection—spoken and grammatically. "Amen" is also a word that is sung (found in secular music such as in a hymn) and used as a form of salutation. "Amen" has been expressed by many people, in the United States, during the 1960's and 1970's as a form of agreement such as, "Amen brother or Amen sister"; similar to the expression "Right On!" which is just as spiritual in many communities, cultural, and non-secular circles. The Greek version of the Old Testament (or "diatheke") often scripturally translates "Amen" as meaning "so be it" which is quite similar in connotation to the phrase, "So mote it be", found in many metaphysical spellwork and rituals of the Old Religion (i.e., Witchcraft) and Neo-Pagan Wicca. The word "mote" derives from the archaic--meaning "may or might".

Around the 2nd century C.E., the Christian faith had assimilated the word "amen" into its doxology (i.e., as a liturgical expression of praise to their god) along with and in reference to its monotheistic premises and evangelical regime vehemently (i.e., "by any means necessary") attempting to force everyone into its belief system as unfortunately being witnessed in the United States of today; and as historically noted from the earlier Christian twelve centuries of suppression of heresy, holy inquisition, and the Burning Times.

In the final analysis, this word "amen or Amen" has often been interpreted as a spiritually, solemn assertion or approval of one’s faith.

_______________________________________
Copyright © 2005 Temple of Kemetic Wicca

Vodou in New Orleans

A History of Voodoo in New Orleans
By Julia Roslyn Antle

In America, New Orleans is often associated with two things: Mardi Gras and Voodoo. Although only approximately 15-20% of the population of Louisiana practices the religion of voodoo (also known as Vodou), its dark allure has captured the attention of many. Tourists visiting New Orleans regularly seek out voodoo attractions and shops selling voodoo-related items, tantalized by stories of voodoo dolls, possession by evil spirits, voodoo curses, and zombies.

While such fare undoubtedly serves to entertain tourists, it does an injustice to the true meaning of traditional voodoo. Some sects of modern voodoo are indeed occultist in origin, but traditional voodoo has much more in common with wicca and Native American beliefs, and even Christianity.

Traditional voodoo is intended to help practitioners achieve a higher state of consciousness through trancelike communions with the natural spirits of the earth, called Loa, and to attain peace and wisdom.

The reemergence of voodoo in New Orleans and its widespread acceptance in Louisiana can be largely attributed to Marie Laveau. Marie Laveau was the daughter of a Frenchman, Charles Laveau , and a Caribbean, Marguerite Darcantel, who was a practitioner of voodoo. Modern voodoo in New Orleans today is a combination of Marie Laveau's practices and other influences from Haiti, Christianity, and Native Americans.

While Marie Laveau was certainly not the first nor the last voodoo practitioner to be held in high regard, she was certainly one of the most influential during a time period when voodoo was beginning to be accepted again.

Marie Laveau was very well known for her expert knowledge of herbal remedies, and was sought out for her preparation of gris-gris bags. These were small pouches that contained a variety of herbs that were worn by the recipient, and were intended for a number of purposes. The correct combination of herbs could effectively ward off evil spirits or hexes, bring good luck to the wearer, or to cause harm to enemies. Gris-gris bags are still very common today in New Orleans, and can often be seen being worn attached to individuals belts.

Marie Laveau also told fortunes, captured evil spirits in specially prepared jars, and helped cleanse a home of negative energy and bad luck. Her fame spread far beyond the borders of New Orleans, and people traveled far to seek out her services. Her gravesite is a popular tourist attraction, but is well respected. Many who visit the location to pay their respects often make a wish as well, believing that Marie Laveau was so powerful that her spirit is still capable of granting help to those who require it.

Because of Marie Laveau, voodoo in New Orleans is taken very seriously, and there are many who fear its power. Voodoo is not something to be taken lightly and dabbled with by the uninitiated. It is a powerful force best left to those who possess a strong understanding of its natural aspects and are well versed in the sacred rituals.

Considered a Gythia (Asatru High Priestess) among her Coven, Julia Roslyn Antle is a master of divination and dream interpretation. Her wisdom is sought-after by her peers, her colleagues as well as the public. http://www.7witches.net

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Julia_Roslyn_Antle

Illustrations of Masonry - Opening the Lodge

Illustrations of Masonry
by Capt. William Morgan
[1827]

"This book has a controversial backstory which is part of the mythology of anti-Freemasonry. 'Captain' William Morgan, the author, was a disappointed Freemason in Batavia, New York. Rejected by the local lodge, he announced that he was going to publish a work exposing Masonic rituals and secrets. Shortly before publication in 1826, he disappeared, and three Masons were later convicted of kidnapping him. Although claims were made that Morgan had been murdered, some say that he was forced to leave the US. Either way, it was good publicity for this book, which was published in 1827, but bad for the Masons. The incident led to widespread protests against Freemasons in the US, and eventually an anti-Masonic Party, which at its height in 1832 got seven electoral votes for William Wirt for President.

So why read this book? Stripped of the fevered historical background, and ignoring the publisher's antimasonic introduction, this becomes simply one of the first published accounts of US Freemasonry in the early 19th century. It seems accurate, based on other published Monitors, such as Ducan's. At this perspective, Illustrations is no more offensive than Robert's Rules of Order, although it makes more interesting reading..."

Opening the Lodge

ILLUSTRATIONS
—OF—
MASONRY, ETC.

A Description of the Ceremonies used in opening a
Lodge of Entered Apprentice Masons; which is the
same in all upper degrees, with the exception
of the difference in the signs, due-guards,
grips, pass-grips, words and their several
names; all of which will be
given and explained in their
proper places as the
work progresses.

One rap calls the lodge to order—one calls up the Junior and Senior Deacons—two raps call up all the subordinate officers, and three, all the members of the lodge.

The Master having called the lodge to order, and the officers all seated, the Master says to the Junior Warden, 'Brother Junior, are they all Entered Apprentice Masons in the south?'

Ans. 'They are, Worshipful.'

Master to the Senior Warden, 'Brother Senior, are they all Entered Apprentice Masons in the west?'

Ans. 'They are, Worshipful.'

The Master then says, 'They are, in the east,' at the same time he gives a rap with the common gavel or mallet, which calls up both Deacons.

Master to Junior Deacon, 'Brother Junior, the first care of a Mason?'

Ans. 'To see the lodge tyled, Worshipful.'

Master to Junior Deacon, 'Attend to that part of your duty, and inform the Tyler that we are about to open a lodge of Entered Apprentice Masons, and direct him to tyle accordingly.' The Junior Deacon then steps to the door and gives three raps, which are answered by three raps from without; the Junior Deacon then gives one, which is also answered by the Tyler with one; the door is then partly opened and the Junior Deacon delivers his message, and resumes his situation and says, 'The door is tyled, Worshipful.' (at the same time giving the due-guard, which is never omitted when the Master is addressed.)

The Master to Junior Deacon, 'Brother, by whom?'

Ans. 'By a Master Mason without the door, armed with the proper implement of his office.'

Master to Junior Deacon, 'His duty there?'

Ans. 'To keep off all cowans and eaves-droppers, see that none pass or repass without permission from the Master.' (Some say without permission from the chair.)

Master to Junior Deacon, 'Brother Junior, your place in the lodge?'

Ans. 'At the right hand of the Senior Warden in the west.'

Master to Junior Deacon, 'Your business there, Brother Junior?'

Ans. 'To wait on the Worshipful Master and Wardens, act as their proxy in the active duties of the lodge, and take charge of the door.'

Master to Junior Deacon, 'The Senior Deacon's place in the lodge?'

Ans. 'At the right hand of the Worshipful Master in the east.' [The Master, while asking the last questions gives two raps, which call up all the subordinate officers.]

Master to Senior Deacon, 'Your duty there, Brother Senior?'

Ans. 'To wait on the Worshipful Master and Wardens, act as their proxy in the active duties of the lodge, attend to the preparation and introduction of candidates, and welcome and clothe all visiting Brethren. [i.e., furnish them with an apron.]

Master to Senior Deacon, 'The Secretary's place in the lodge, Brother Senior?'

Ans. 'At the left hand of the Worshipful Master in the east.'

Master to the Secretary, 'Your duty there, Brother Secretary?'

Ans. 'The better to observe the Worshipful Master's will and pleasure, record the proceedings of the lodge; transmit a copy of the same to the Grand Lodge, if required; receive all moneys and money bills from the hands of the Brethren, pay them over to the Treasurer, and take his receipt for the same.'

The Master to the Secretary, 'The Treasurer's place in the lodge?'

Ans. 'At the right hand of the Worshipful Master.'

Master to Treasurer, 'Your duty there, Brother Treasurer?'

Ans. 'Duly to observe the Worshipful Master's will and pleasure; receive all moneys and money bills from the hands of the Secretary; keep a just and true account of the same; pay them out by order of the Worshipful Master and consent of the Brethren.'

The Master to the Treasurer, "The Junior Warden's place in the lodge, Brother Treasurer?'

Ans. 'In the south, Worshipful.'

Master to Junior Warden, 'Your business there, Brother Junior?'

Ans. 'As the sun in the south at high meridian is the beauty and glory of the day, so stands the Junior Warden in the south, the better to observe the time, call the crafts from labor to refreshment, superintend them during the hours thereof, see that none convert the hours of refreshment into that of intemperance or excess; and call them out again in due season, that the Worshipful Master may have honor, and they profit and pleasure thereby.'

Master to the Junior Warden, 'The Senior Warden's place in the lodge?'

Ans. 'In the west, Worshipful.'

Master to Senior Warden, 'Your duty there, Brother Senior?'

Ans. 'As the sun sets in the west to close the day, so stands the Senior Warden in the west to assist the Worshipful Master in opening his lodge, take care of the jewels and implements, see that none be lost, pay the craft their wages, if any be due, and see that none go away dissatisfied.'

Master to the Senior Warden, 'The Master's place in the lodge?'

Ans. 'In the east, Worshipful.'

Master to the Senior Warden, 'His duty there?'

Ans. 'As the sun rises in the east to open and adorn the day, so presides the Worshipful Master in the east to open and adorn his lodge, set his crafts to work with good and wholesome laws, or cause the same to be done.' The Master now gives three raps, when all the brethren rise, and the Master taking off his hat, proceeds as follows: In like manner so do I, strictly forbidding all profane language, private committees, or any other disorderly conduct whereby the peace and harmony of this lodge may be interrupted while engaged in its lawful pursuits, under no less penalty than the by-laws, or such penalty as the majority of the Brethren present may see fit to inflict. Brethren, attend to giving the signs.' [Here lodges differ very much. In some they declare the lodge opened as follows, before they give the signs:]

The Master (all the Brethren imitating him) extends his left arm from his body so as to form an angle of about forty-five degrees, and holds his right hand transversely across his left, the palms thereof about one inch apart. This is called the Due Guard, and alludes to the position a Candidate's hands are placed in when he takes the obligation of an Entered Apprentice Mason. The Master then draws his right hand across his throat, the hand open, with the thumb next to his throat, and drops it down by his side. This is called the penal sign of an Entered Apprentice Mason, (many call it sign) and alludes to the penalty of the obligation. (See obligation.) The Master Then declares the lodge opened in the following manner: 'I vow declare this lodge of Entered Apprentice Masons duly opened for dispatch of business.' The Senior Warden declares it to the Junior Warden, and he to the Brethren. 'Come, Brethren, let us pray.'—One of the following prayers is used:

Most holy and glorious God! the great architect of the Universe; the giver of all good gifts and graces: Thou hast promised that 'Where two or three are gathered together in thy name, thou wilt be in the midst of them and bless them.' In thy name we assemble, most humbly beseeching thee to bless us in all our undertakings; that we may know and serve thee aright, and that all our actions may tend to thy glory and our advancement in knowledge and virtue. And we beseech thee, O Lord God, to bless our present assembling; and to illuminate our minds through the influence of the Son of Righteousness, that we may walk in the light of thy countenance; and when the trials of our probationary state are over, be admitted into the temple, not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Amen. So mote it be.

Another prayer, as often used at opening as closing:

Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity; it is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard, that went down to the skirts of his garment; as the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Zion, for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forever more. Amen. So mote it be.

The lodge being now open and ready to proceed to business, the Master directs the Secretary to read the minutes of the last meeting, which naturally brings to view the business of the present.

Full Text -

http://www.sacred-texts.com/mas/morgan/index.htm

Additional Source -
Morgan, William. Illustrations of Masonry. S.l: s.n, 1827.

Videlicet -

Illustrations of Masonry
by William Preston
Twelth Edition, 1812 [London]

Ancient Egypt: Religious Thought Development

"Contrary to the popular and current impression, the most important body of sacred literature in Egypt is not the Book of the Dead, but a much older literature which we now call the 'Pyramid Texts.' These texts, preserved in the Fifth and Sixth Dynasty Pyramids at Sakkara, form the oldest body of literature surviving from the ancient world and disclose to us the earliest chapter in the intellectual history of man as preserved to modern times. They are to the study of Egyptian language and civilization what the Vedas have been in the study of early East Indian and Aryan^[1] culture. Discovered in 1880–81, they were published by Maspero in a pioneer edition which will always remain a great achievement and a landmark in the history of Egyptology. The fact that progress has been made in the publication of such epigraphic work is no reflection upon the devoted labors of the distinguished first editor of the Pyramid Texts. The appearance last year of the exhaustive standard edition of the hieroglyphic text at the hands of Sethe after years of study and arrangement marks a new epoch in the study of earliest Egyptian life and religion. How comparatively inaccessible the Pyramid Texts have been until the appearance of Sethe's edition is best illustrated by the fact that no complete analysis or full account of the Pyramid Texts as a whole has ever appeared in English, much less an English version of them. The great and complicated fabric of life which they reflect to us, the religious and intellectual forces which have left their traces in them, the intrusion of the Osiris faith and the Osirian editing by the hand of the earliest redactor in literary history—all these and many other fundamental disclosures of this earliest body of literature have hitherto been inaccessible to the English reader, and as far as they are new, also to all."
_________________________
¹Videre licet:
Ancient India: The Aryas (Aryans) - http://wsu.edu/~dee/ancindia/aryans.htm

Etymology:
http://www.answers.com/topic/aryan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/aryan

Source:
Breasted, James Henry. Development of Religion and Thought in Ancient Egypt; Lectures Delivered on the Morse Foundation at Union Theological Seminary (New York: C. Scribner's Sons, 1912), pp.xiii-xiv.

Full Text:
http://www.sacred-texts.com/egy/rtae

Religion & Faith in America

The End of Christian America
"The percentage of self-identified Christians has fallen 10 points in the past two decades. How that statistic explains who we are now—and what, as a nation, we are about to become…"

By Jon Meacham NEWSWEEK
Published Apr 4, 2009
From the magazine issue dated Apr 13, 2009
http://www.newsweek.com/id/192583?GT1=43002

One Nation Under God?
"The latest NEWSWEEK Poll finds shifting American attitudes about religion and faith. Still, the U.S. remains a deeply religious land…"

By Daniel Stone Newsweek Web Exclusive
Apr 7, 2009
http://www.newsweek.com/id/192915

Here are some of my thoughts concerning these recent Newsweek articles:

The United States of America does indeed have a diversely rich religious history. Today, there are many different religious and spiritual faiths for anyone to freely choose from. The so-called “changing attitude” toward religion and faith in America is presumed to mean Christianity (i.e., one of the mainstream Abrahamic religions--a terminology commonly and collectively attributed to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam; there are other religions that fall into this category also).

In general, there is no doubt that many religions (whether mainstream or alternative faiths), have played an important role in the shaping of one's core moral and ethical values but this should be not to the extent of influencing socio-economic and political thought, the promotion of personal or group specific political agenda, and/or the passage of legislation. Religion, as a whole, should not be used as an instrument of suffusion to polarize, oppress, repress, suppress, or control a people, religious group, or populace in any manner or form. Instead, religion and its leadership should focus on bringing diverse groups of people together in peace, harmony, and human fellowship no matter one's creed, spiritual path, or non-religious affiliation. One’s chosen spiritual path should be a holistically nurturing, supportive, interactive, and integrative learning process and experience where your thoughts, opinions, meditations, and concerns are valued and taken seriously. This is an area where many faiths and their spiritual overseers flatly lose ground and eventually their members. Moreover, no single religious faith should be permitted or able to dominate over all other religions, spiritual paths or belief systems ever—this is a very basic concept. Religion and politics should be kept separate as both do powerfully interact throughout and affect the daily lives of all people as derived from the First Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America.

All in all, it is imperative that all religious faiths, spiritual paths, and their leaders of today address, support, and meet the needs of their diverse membership—that is, from teaching through spiritual counseling. Religious tolerance, education, fairness, and open-mindedness are the keys to unblocking the doors to social, economic, and political change in a world of ethnocultural diversity.

▪ Rev. Frater K.A. Sahure

Codex Sinaiticus

"1,600-year-old version of Bible goes online
Technology brings one of oldest cultural artifacts accessible to everyone..."

Full Story -
Reuters
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25785089

Editorial Note:
One should ponder how the Codex Sinaiticus compares and will be compared with the Aramaic, Coptic, Latin, Syriac, etc. versions (i.e., interpretations).

Truth Be Known

"Truth Be Known
religion spirituality mythology archaeology history astrotheology archaeoastronomy
online since 1995"

http://www.truthbeknown.com

Hermeticism: "As Above, So Below"

As above, so below,
As without, so within,
As in the universe, so in the soul.

Excerpted from:
The Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus (a.k.a. Smaragdine Table, Tabula Smaragdina, or The Secret of Hermes)
_______________
Endnote

Also reference the Universal - Cosmic Laws:
 Law of Attraction
 Law of Cause & Effect (Karma, Intention-Manifestation)
 Law of Death & Rebirth (Resurrection)
 Law of Nature (chi, circadian rhythms, biorhythms, radionic vibrations, orgone energy, bioenergy, chakra frequencies, Ley Lines, etc.)
 Law of Opposites (Yin-Yang, Tai-Chi, I-Ching)
 Law of Planetary Retrograde Motion
 Law of the Moon & Lunar Phases

"Pan, Muse of Nature"

PAN, MUSE OF NATURE

Great Pan, we hear you
Piping in the meadows...
You are father to the animals,
Consort to lithe Diana
And a Muse of Mother Nature.

Oh dance before the Moon
Skyclad in your rites,
For Pan and Diana join us
This glorious Beltane night!

Son of mischevous Hermes,
With beautiful, sensuous voice
Kind eyes, and merry laughter;
Bring fairies and nature spirits
To dance with us tonight.

Oh, dance before the Moon
Skyclad in your rites,
For Pan and Diana join us
This glorious Beltane night!


© Copyright 4/29/08
Beth Clare Johnson
(Mystic Raven)


*NOTE: If you wish to say this in a ritual, just
change it from Beltane to 'Full Moon' night, or
whatever works best.

Exploring "Some" Definitions

According to Merriam-Webster (11th Collegiate Edition Dictionary),

Theology:
Function:noun
Etymology:Middle English theologie, from Anglo-French, from Latin theologia, from Greek, from the- + -logia -logy
Date:14th century

1 : the study of religious faith, practice, and experience; especially : the study of God and of God's relation to the world
2 a : a theological theory or system *Thomist theology* *a theology of atonement* b : a distinctive body of theological opinion *Catholic theology*
3 : a usually 4-year course of specialized religious training in a Roman Catholic major seminary

Theosophy:
Function:noun
Etymology:Medieval Latin theosophia, from Late Greek, from Greek the- + sophia wisdom — more at -SOPHY
Date:1650

1 : teaching about God and the world based on mystical insight
2 often capitalized : the teachings of a modern movement originating in the United States in 1875 and following chiefly Buddhist and Brahmanic theories especially of pantheistic evolution and reincarnation

Pantheism:
Function:noun
Etymology:French panth*isme, from panth*iste pantheist, from English pantheist, from pan- + Greek theos god
Date:1732

1 : a doctrine that equates God with the forces and laws of the universe
2 : the worship of all gods of different creeds, cults, or peoples indifferently; also : toleration of worship of all gods (as at certain periods of the Roman empire)

Polytheism:
Function:noun
Etymology:French polytheisme, from Late Greek polytheos polytheistic, from Greek, of many gods, from poly- + theos god
Date:1613

: belief in or worship of more than one god

*****

The Temple's Endnote:
Just something for all to ponder...and dig much deeper into the etymology of all words well beyond one's dictionary, especially concerning the historical dates of so-called origin of any word.

U.S. Religious Landscape Survey Results

"Survey: U.S. religious landscape in flux

Poll finds Protestant churches in decline, unaffiliated ranks
growing"

The Associated Press
updated 5:28 p.m. MT, Mon., Feb. 25, 2008

[1] Full News Story:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23337807

[2] Complete survey results and statistics from the Pew (Foundation)
Forum's U.S. Religious Landscape Survey:

http://religions.pewforum.org/reports

*****

Here are the thoughts regarding thee above from the Temple of Kemetic Wicca:

Clearly, many (if not most) of these hugely financially funded social / demographic research organizations are Christian-based in their spiritual belief systems and just do not feel the need to be religiously tolerant toward, let alone acknowledging, any Pagan religion or Pagan spiritual path outside of Catholicism, Christianity, etc.

Again, this goes back to the fact that we Pagans MUST ban together (however slowly) and pool all of our resources in order to continue to thrive and build the organizations that will focus on the needs of our peoples of all ethnicities as well as all alternative religio-spiritual denominations.

So far, individuals (from published authors to professional bloggers), specific covens/groves/circles, the Internet, our various metaphysical shoppes, and related small businesses have been the "usual" way for us to be heard. I know that the many Pagan Communities here and around the globe spend a great deal of money and have buying power which can lead to serious / positive socio-political change, theological change via our marketing and promotional prowess. We must begin to collectively put all of our interpersonal skills, foundations of intellectual knowledge and education, and buying power together in order to influence and attain political representation and lobbying power in the United States of America and globally!

Just imagine if we pooled just some of our financial resources and pointed these funds directly toward those pertinent grassroots project that will affect and effect positive change for our communities now and into the distant future of our children and elders? We all, as practitioners of Alternative Religions and Spiritualities (ARS), are both ingrained and engrained in every part or aspect of the life we all share upon our planet Earth! We all are representative of every facet and/or level of the so-called "socio-economic and socio-political" ladders.

We have pondered and have held our counsel long enough! Pagan priest/ess, minister, clergy, or whatever appellative you may or may not refer to yourselves as are the beginning point(s) of this proactive endeavor. The Temple of Kemetic Wicca has a commitment, a definitive plan and has been actively seeking the assistance of many people in order to help with meeting the positive financial goals of our panoramic agenda (which IS NOT about recruitment, evangelism, proselytizing, or personal financial gain ever). Yes, Pagan ministries, organizations, and businesses do require financial capitalization and good financial accounting practices in order to fund their religio-spiritual projects, educational institutions (i.e., teaching, education, training, research and development, literary publications) and thrive.

All in all, we get turned down and turned away when we seek funding! Why? Because WE ARE PAGAN! Somewhere, somehow…many peoples around our Earth we all live in and share just do not take the time to get to know any of us and what we are all about. Everyone has the same social, economic, health, employment, political, needs, wants, and issues (i.e., everyday life challenges and expectations) as human beings on our planet Earth. We are all supposed to be relatively healthy, happy, and prosperous within our daily human lives and humanity within thee everyday mundane confines, restraints, and challenges that present themselves. Inherently, we are all the same and connected (like it or not) from thee cosmic evolutionary beginnings of the entire Universe all the way through the here and now of our present day and time. Please feel free to interpret this in any manner acceptable to you—because it’s all valid. Whatever form or formlessness of divinity speaks to YOU is indeed valid. However, the collective validity of all spiritualities and belief systems does reside within us…ultimately.

Positive action will influence and thus create an equally positive reaction of social, economic, and political change for the betterment of our nature-based spiritual practices, belief systems, and global communities…benefits to be reaped and shared by all—Pagan or not.

Em Hetep,
Blessed Be,

Rev. Dr. K.A. Sahure, D.D., Msc.D.
Rev. Dr. P.M. Lorca, D.D., D.Met.
Temple of Kemetic Wicca
Priests & Priestesses of Ma’at
Khadem nt-nTr.t Ma'at

From the Source of "Certainty"...

Bonswa,

This entry is particularly and directly pointed to "thee critics" who are fueled with the vilest of negativity and bitter bile toward Alternative Religious Spiritualists or Pagans.

If you DO NOT care for the purposeful information presented here by the highly spiritually enlightened, learned and legally ordained Priestesses & Priests (Clergy) here--THEN, spend your time elsewhere.

Sincerely, those of you who perpetrate, perpetuate, and disseminate these dismal-minded efforts online and via e-mail of witnessing, evangelizing, etc., because someone else most likely told you to do so based on Xtianity and in the name of his or her religious belief system--you surely need to redirect your energies into something much more purposeful. For example, truly begin with taking care of your own house of cards (or skeletons) first.

Therefore, please cease and desist with your foolish, non-learned, and simply ignorant attempts of conversion to YOUR failed belief system--i.e., mainstream religions. We DO NOT project or exercise this kind of psychotic behaviors upon you!

You know what you must do in order to rectify your behaviors in order to bring these into a positive Light within the precepts of your religious and/or spiritual following or perhaps ministerial calling.

You know "to whom" this is meant for... and perhaps, you may or wish to seek the assistance of mental health professionals based upon your serious negative presentation in life. I hope that your Mom and Dad find out and learn about what you are doing online even as a so-called adult with all of the FREE TIME you have to denigrate people whom you have never met and about many things you have no experiential about! Or perhaps, you are just purely intellectually challenged at this time which makes you write the nasty thoughts within your feeble-mindedness. We do not know but your actions certainly speak for themselves!

“RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE IS WHERE IT'S AT!”

Please quote me on the above when you do decide to send your nasty e-mails to someone else!

Seek to learn well before you are absolutely misunderstood…so that YOU ARE NOT subjected to or taken down a path that you have never seen or witnessed ever in the presentation of YOU OWN LIFE!

For, our Internet presence IS NOT some silly video, virtual, online game of "WITCH" we live and practice 24/7/365 + 1 in all sincerity of OUR DIVINITIES!

YOU owe all of us a PUBLIC APOLOGY for YOUR impertinence and ignorance!

I know who you are!

SHAME ON YOU!

Em Hotep,
Blessed Be!

Santero Frater Kheti, D.D.
Temple of Kemetic Wicca

Religious Intolerance

"A Princeton woman says she is literally the victim of a modern-day 'witch hunt'. Julie Carpenter says she was fired from her job as a school bus driver and her neighbors are requesting her eviction because of her religious beliefs as a self-proclaimed 'witch'. Carpenter is the wife of Jonathon Sharkey, a 'vampire' who is campaigning for governor..."

Full Story:
http://www.kstp.com/article/stories/s13470.html

Why am I not amazed at this story? The madness of religious intolerance just continues. How saddening.

~ Rev. Dr. Kheti A. Sahure

Today in History 12.05.05

Witchcraft condemned by Pope Innocent VIII

1484: Innocent VIII condemned witchcraft this day in 1484 via papal bull, and subsequently he dispatched inquisitors to Germany to try witches and persecuted a chief exponent of Renaissance Platonism, Giovanni Pico della Mirandola.

Giovanni Pico della Mirandola, count di Concordia
born Feb. 24, 1463, Mirandola, duchy of Ferrara [Italy]
died Nov. 17, 1494, Florence

Italian scholar and Platonist philosopher whose De hominis dignitate oratio (“Oration on the Dignity of Man”), a characteristic Renaissance work composed in 1486, reflected his syncretistic method of taking the best elements from other philosophies and combining them in his own work.

His father, Giovanni Francesco Pico, prince of the small territory of Mirandola, provided for his precocious child's thorough humanistic education at home. Pico then studied canon law at Bologna and Aristotelian philosophy at Padua and visited Paris and Florence, where he learned Hebrew, Aramaic, and Arabic. At Florence he met Marsilio Ficino, a leading Renaissance Platonist philosopher.

Introduced to the Hebrew Kabbala, Pico became the first Christian scholar to use Kabbalistic doctrine in support of Christian theology. In 1486, planning to defend 900 theses he had drawn from diverse Greek, Hebrew, Arabic, and Latin writers, he invited scholars from all of Europe to Rome for a public disputation. For the occasion he composed his celebrated Oratio. A papal commission, however, denounced 13 of the theses as heretical, and the assembly was prohibited by Pope Innocent VIII. Despite his ensuing Apologia for the theses, Pico thought it prudent to flee to France but was arrested there. After a brief imprisonment he settled in Florence, where he became associated with the Platonic Academy, under the protection of the Florentine prince Lorenzo de' Medici. Except for short trips to Ferrara, Pico spent the rest of his life there. He was absolved from the charge of heresy by Pope Alexander VI in 1492. Toward the end of his life he came under the influence of the strictly orthodox Girolamo Savonarola, martyr and enemy of Lorenzo.

Pico's unfinished treatise against enemies of the church includes a discussion of the deficiencies of astrology. Though this critique was religious rather than scientific in its foundation, it influenced the astronomer Johannes Kepler, whose studies of planetary movements underlie modern astronomy. Pico's other works include an exposition of Genesis under the title Heptaplus (Greek hepta, “seven”), indicating his seven points of argument, and a synoptic treatment of Plato and Aristotle, of which the completed work De ente et uno (Of Being and Unity) is a portion. Pico's works were first collected in Commentationes Joannis Pici Mirandulae (1495–96).

Reference:
"Pico della Mirandola, Giovanni, Conte Di Concordia." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2005. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service. 5 Dec. 2005 [http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9059934].

Book Donations

Greetings to all,

Since the Temple of Kheti (and Kheti Metaphysical Institute) is a religious, spiritual, and teaching organization (and does not charge for any of our services), there is a need for donations of books so that we can continue to teach present members, new members, and clergy (priests and priestesses in-training). This is in addition to our moving forward with offering an online class about World Religions.

If you wish to donate books, then here are the subjects we are looking for:

I. Language and Grammar

Arabic
Aramaic
Egyptian (Coptic, Demotic, Hieratic, and Hieroglyphic)
Greek
Hebrew
Latin

II. Religious Studies Materials

Buddhism
CEV
ESV
Jesuit
Hinduism
Islam (Qur'an)
KJV
LB
LDS - Book of Mormon
NASB
NIV
NKJV
NLT
Quakerism
RSV
Shakerism
Talmud
Tanak
Torah

III. World Religions and Spirituality

Any subject(s)

* * * * *

How to connect with the Temple of Kheti to send your book donation(s):
Due to the proliferation of spam e-mails, we will not give out our e-mail or mailing addresses here. If you are truly serious about donating books, then connect with us by visiting the home page of www.templeofkheti.org for a link where you can e-mail us regarding your intent to donate books. Thank you in advance.

Em hotep & Blesséd Be,

Rev. Dr. Kheti A. Sahure, D.D., Msc.D. (D.Met.), H.P.
The Temple of Kheti.org

Some Truths

Greetings to all of our readers,

Thank you for taking a few minutes to read what we at InnnerLink Metaphysical Journal (a.k.a. ILMJ) have written over some time. Yes, ILMJ writers are theologically based, studied, and experienced in polytheistic theology all the way through the doctoral degree level. And I think one is an Ivy League graduate.

Some of us prefer calling ourselves “Alternative Spiritualists and Practitioners”. Some call us “Pagan” because of their historical misinterpretation and misunderstanding of the true words of what became known as the “Bible” to this day. This tome is not our scripture or canon of belief no matter how many times we are told that we are going to end up in a fictitious place some refer to as “hell”. One would think that adults only believed in fairy tales as children.

We DO NOT evangelize or proselytize!

We ARE NOT satanists or demonists!

We DO NOT believe in hell because there is no such place—PERIOD! So stop-it with that madness!

We DO NOT bash other religious, spiritual belief systems.

And we DO NOT judge anyone!

We are being as diplomatic as possible with our words.

We do not point fingers, dirty digits at anyone, or any organization.We do not allow "direct" comments at ILMJ because of those unsavory, cowardly, individuals who attempt to defecate free speech with their SPAM e-mails, faxes, and telephone calls. Not to “indict” anyone, group of people, or organization-- these infractions against our freedom of religious practice (which harms none) has been proven to be perpetrated by some Christians and Christian groups. I do not wish to indict or make sweeping generalizations.

Truly, the Gospel of Jesus and the 10 Commandments DID NOT mean for a certain few to spend their "spiritual" energies harassing and threatening those who DO NOT share the same belief system.

Yes I went there too because I am not afraid of the religious right, the dominion theocracy, etc. You all are the same “folks” who go to church and praise your lord then go out and send our children into senseless wars to be murdered in the name of democracy—what a BOCS! Talking about hypocracy and heresy! No I’m not pointing fingers. But you all point that same stinkin’ dirty digit at non-Christians all of the time. I have always been pro-America—but America has never been pro-People of Color. When I awake at any time, I praise our Sun, Moon, Planets, Stars, and our Mother Earth—NOT the Dow Jones, NOT the NASDAQ, not materialism!

The U.S. has a trillion dollar deficit--why? This is just unfathomable and abominable.

The truth seems to hurt those of ignorance the most—and we are not speaking about the Americans of all color, race, and creed who are taxed to death in our country otherwise known as “The United States of Taxation America Without Representation”! On another note--"NO" we do not go around casting spells on people--but we will take you to court for discrimination and violation of our human and civil rights!

Why do we still “love” America (and elsewhere) when, in Pueblo, Colorado, no one wants to allow revenue and jobs (i.e., the Pueblo riverfront casino debacle) based on land that was originally “taken” from our true Native American landowners. Why is it that Professor Dr. Ward Churchill WILL NOT speak at the upcoming Columbus Day events here in Colorado? I surmise that Plymouth Rock landed on Doc Ward again as it has landed on people of color again and again in America. Nothing has changed! Thee mountain top Dr. King mightily spoke about has fallen upon all of us! No mockery intended--just the truth!

I’m trying to be politically correct—not that I have anything to lose as a for real Black Man in a racist American society for saying what is the truth! I have never lived in this country with blinders one. I can always reflect back to how we all were treated so negatively, as children, by the local police, local store owners, etc. during the Jim Crow days. Driving while Black and racial profiling are just as bad as walking to school while Black with an arm full of school books way back when.

My true education derives from all of the racist treatment during my life which has not deterred me from seeking a much higher standing in life than many will never get to receive and experience from the Goddesses and Gods of my Pantheon.

Education is wonderful—but where are all the graduates going to work? The minimum wage is a JOKE! Our politicians, their children, and families do not live on this non-existent wage. Why should anyone in America be relegated to this rat hole wage!

For I am a “Chosen One”—period! My kinship is indeed from African Deity! DO NOT make “NO” mistake about this!

As an African-American minister, there is no need for me to act the fool, shout and scream Goddesses this or Gods that--anywhere—especially NOT on television, then beg “the audience” for money to keep me in a big house, expensive car, and clothing—otherwise known as materialism. The Temple of Kheti DOES NOT and HAS NOT received one donation from anyone or anywhere simply because we DO NOT promote bullshit.

Yes I went there! Cussing is much better than what some many non-Pagan clergy have done!

We simply DO NOT preach! But today, someone with character and integrity needs to do so, Pagan clergy or not.

All in all, nothing has changed from a socio-economic-political, human and civil rights perspective for people of color in the United States of America. I truly know that people of color realize that America is truly still based in a plantation mentality of “buy and sell” materialism—OR THE HAVES AND HAVE NOTS!

Some will say--"Why don't you leave America if you are so unhappy?" Well, the answer to that is--Marcus Garvey tried, but y'all wouldn't let us (leave)!

Walk in the shoes of us and live a year or two in the lives of people of color, and then and only they others may see the light of day. I do not need to mention Mississippi or Louisiana either.

We can go on and on about the atrocities of America—but frankly, we have more important spiritual matters to tend to. More to come on these topics.

Em hotep,

The Reverend,
Dr. Kheti A. Sahure, D.D.,
High Priest
The Temple of Kheti

Sifu H.A. Diop,
Executive Director
The Temple of Kheti.org