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Is It Really Energy?

January 26, 2010 by Taylor Ellwood  
Filed under energy work, mysticism

The word “energy” is ambiguous, used as a cover word to describe a set of experiences and sensations, which may not actually be energetic at all. It’s a convenient word used to conceptualize those experiences, but at the same time it’s a fuzzy word because the experiences that fall under the umbrella term “energy” may [...]

The Na’vi and the Fremen: What Science Fiction Teaches Us about Tribalism and the Mystic

January 26, 2010 by Grey Glamer  
Filed under culture, featured, mysticism, popular culture, shamanism

To begin, I must offer an unqualified spoiler alert. During the course of this article, I’ll be examining the complex and fascinating intersection between tribalism and mysticism, employing for reference points James Cameron’s 2009 movie Avatar, and the 1984 adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction classic Dune. If you’ve missed either of these movies, please [...]

On Being a Noble Savage: Neo-shamanism and Popular Culture

January 23, 2010 by Christopher Drysdale  
Filed under featured, mysticism, shamanism

Christopher Drysdale will join Rending the Veil as a columnist beginning in our Ostara issue. Pasty-skinned, the office-boy who has seen too many days inside the cube-farm slowly makes his way up the mountain path. Trees loom on either side, and he greets each as a new friend, with his eyes if not his voice. [...]

The Long Night

December 15, 2009 by Edward Dain  
Filed under mysticism, religion and spirituality

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The Long Night is upon us again. Don’t blink. Because, yes, this is Her Night. My Lady. Mother Darkness, the Lady of Those Who Survive, Queen of the Night, She Who Submits, the Mistress of Harlots, the Left Hand of the Divine. . . Those who serve my Lady, who revel in the shadows, and who embrace their [...]

The “-ism Schism” – Comments on Atheism vs Faith

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“Death to all fanatics!” — Ho Chih Zen Donald Tyson’s rant in an earlier issue of Rending the Veil1, calling for a united Pagan/ Christian front against the spectre of encroaching atheism has led to several interesting comments — notably from Psyche2 (who points out the range of atheist positions is far wider than Tyson [...]

The Magick of Christmas: Renewal and the Aeon

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As the Year darkens and grows cold, and as we fall into the depths of the oncoming Winter, we perceive a drop of bright energy in all the chilly gloom. The Winter Solstice season has traditionally been associated not with darkness and despair, but with hope, renewal and light. We feel a deep acceptance of [...]

The Purpose of Ritual, Meditation, and Other Practices in Thelema

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When doing some practice or ritual, if one is a Thelemite then one must always ask this question: How does this help the fulfillment of my Will? Too many times do Thelemites perform ceremonial rituals and yoga practices for some aim other than the fulfillment of their Wills. Thelema often speaks of Initiation, the Great Work, Knowledge and [...]

Guttershaman: Authenticity, Part 2

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“Where there is money, you have cheats. The two go together.” — Eric Cantona “Send lawyers, guns and money — the shit has hit the fan.” — Warren Zevon Previously on Guttershaman. . . I was looking at how modern Western “Shamanism” is a mix of ideas borrowed from various native traditions (often without either respect or understanding). [...]

Poetic Journeys – Eleusis

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    Artemis Pangaia!   Mystery of mystery White light within the Flame The Hidden Fire Is the Heart of Nature. The brilliant Light Erupts from Yoni In the scream-cry-chant of Birthing Cosmic, Whole, All Embracing Transforming All. Light beyond all lights Luminescent, Transcendent Peacock Sheen Beyond. Body of Flaming Sun Of crystalline brilliance of full glowing moon All rays of Star-Light One light A Ray. The Flame of the World The Flame of the Altar The Flame [...]

Poetic Journeys – Winds of the Sea

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    I hear music in the chilling winds from the sea. It is wailing my lonely cry, “Come back to me.” In loneliness, my heart aches so I want to die. Winds, blowing over the sea, sing my mournful cry. Yesterday my darling and I strolled hand in hand On the shore, barefoot, digging our toes in the sand. Mist from the [...]

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