“because, if you grease my palm, I can foretell your future!”
“because, if you donate enough, I can promise you eternal life!”
“because, for a modest fee, I can read your stars.”
“because, if you vote for me, I will lead you to peace and prosperity!”
Friends, ever since humans were humans there have been those who, seeing how gullible humans are, have appointed themselves as seers, psychics, representatives of mythical gods, magicians, or as great leaders. They have adopted many guises and gimmicks to try to lend credence to their claims. All have promised things and said things they know are false.
The truth is that no one can promise eternal life. No one can see into the future. Magic is illusory. And peace, because of the deep flaws in human nature and intelligence, will never become a reality.
“We need more understanding of human nature, because the only real danger that exists is man himself. We know nothing of man, far too little. His psyche should be studied because we are the origin of all coming evil.“ Carl Jung.
Yea, here in the US hows that hope and change thing working out?!
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You could probably answer that better than I can, 76-water!
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I wonder if the problem might be the system we are brought in maybe more than or other than human nature. What I mean is we must (Compete) for just about everything on some level. While this might appear benign in reality it pits us one against the other and this becomes deep seated in our conciouoness, a sutle reflex if you will. In the long run wars become exceptable, even necessary as one side exerts its will on another. Consider, we compete for jobs, salary or wages, even for a place in line at the supermarket. Our driving habits as we cut in and out of traffic on our way to our destination. As children we competed for attention and school often times appeared cruel as we competed for friends or prestiege. Maybe it does’nt have to be this way, what if the goal of each one of us was to make life better for those around us. We all could (Work) if you will, but not for wages but to make life better. Everybody would benifit. Ah but alas our present understanding of the world around us, yes, human nature might get in the way. Just a thought. Peace and good will to all!
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David G Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 12:42 am
76-water, the system we have is, generally speaking, a product of what we are.
We have the technology and the agriculture to provide for everyone (assuming we can stop or reduce population growth) but our law-of-the-jungle economic system is based upon the idea that inequality is the norm and that it’s right and proper that many should starve so that a small elite can be obscenely rich and a few nations are entitled to ‘have-it-all’.
I agree that humans should follow the example of bees and ants: each person works to ensure that everyone shares the bounty. But human nature aided by capitalism leans towards the me-first position.
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Grace Reply:
August 27th, 2010 at 3:40 pm
“..’what if the goal of each one of us was to make life better for those around us.”
That is something to contemplate! Thanks.
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David,
You are correct that no one can see into the future, since choices are made constantly and outcomes can lead to other sets of choices.
On the other hand, there is a huge difference between PREDICTING and FORECASTING, and that distinction should be made clear. People who are familiar with my research and writing in the field of wellness astrology invariably ask me if I can “predict the future,” and I am quick to respond with a loud and convincing “NO!” The followup question is always, “Well, are you psychic?” Another NO!
BUT, I have no doubt that some people DO have sharper perceptions and they can “catch a drift” of where something or someone is headed. After all, the acorn can only become an oak tree, not an elephant nor an avocado. The problem arises when a person–long taken out of nature and left for generations to “imagine” reality in the relative isolation of concrete and iron and a twisted malacculturation (read, becoming “civilized”)–hasn’t a clue as to what an acorn is or from whence it came.
No one jumps all over the weatherman if the precipitation, humidity or temperature are slightly off from the FORECAST. Meteorologists ARE scientists in that they study NATURAL CYCLES and examine PHYSICALLY PERCEPTIBLE PHENOMENA to arrive at reasonable statements that are FORECASTS, not PREDICTIONS. The TRUE astrologer does nothing less–or more.
One could easily ask a weatherman, “Do you PREDICT the (future) weather conditions?” The answer is NO. But people who don’t know the nature of this science or of its workings often IMAGINE what the weatherman is actually doing, how it is done, etc. A good (accurate) weatherman might appear as some variation of the Wizard of Oz to the unknowing mind, but behind the curtain is just a man. Some manipulate illusions for self gain, some try to see patterns and work with them to learn and to share the benefits of that knowledge, which any good teacher does.
The same might be applied to the expanded environmental science of astrology. Until someone uses the SCIENTIFIC PROCEDURE to test, retest, retest and retest its SIMPLE premises (this can easily be taught to 3rd graders) yet again BEFORE making conclusions, then not only will an unscientific conclusion be entertained, but whatever value lies within this or any study other will be lost to the unrelenting skeptic.
I am a skeptic through and through myself, and it is REASONABLE doubt that demands proof that leads to knowledge and the freedom of mind that this endows. No great thinker ever lacked a healthy level of skepticism. I came to astrology with skepticism in 1969, and by observing world and local news, happenings in my life and in the lives of my family and friends, I was convinced that this works. If it didn’t, I would have walked away from it a very long time ago.
Alas, as you so aptly illustrate with words and pictures, far too many duplicitous types have sought power and prestige instead of knowledge and liberation from ignorance by entering and manipulating politics, religion, seership, and, yes, even astrology. I don’t think you could ever harbor as much contempt for the false prophets of astrology as I do.
People wonder why certain of their body areas fall prey to discomfort, injury or disease–even becoming causes of death–without realizing that there are INFLUENCES of a PHYSICAL nature that exist that make allowances for FORECASTS–not PREDICTIONS–that can help the individual to focus on potentially sensitive areas with proper exercise, diet, supplementation and detoxification. This is what I do, and many people have found it useful. I have done more work for free than anyone can imagine. My columns pay a pittance (I even did them for free for 5 months until the newspaper started giving raises and I needed that pittance for my many rescued animals), but I write them to spread useful information. There are ABSOLUTELY irrefutable facts on the ground that have helped people stay healthy–even alive–owing to the study of planetary influence on terrestrial phenomena (including we mostly watery humans–the MOON does influence us, especially during Full Moon times–and the words menses and month come from the word Moon–menstrual and lunar cycles = 28 days–gravity upon water).
If 80% of post-operative hemorrhage following the removal of tonsils occurs within the 2-week period when the Moon is over half full (the other 20% occurring when the Moon is less than half full–another 2 weeks of the 28 day cycle), why would any sane person schedule a tonsillectomy on or near a Full Moon (except for emergencies)? (The point being that the DAY-NIGHT LONG gravitational pull from SUN AND MOON = 24 hours only on the Full Moon and the incision is a point of escape for the blood.)
Our blood cells live for 128 days. Our stomach contracts thrice per minute. The bone calcium cycle lasts 200 days. The brain cycles between dominance by each of the two hemispheres every 90 minutes, so we breath more through one nostril than the other in like-timed shifts.
Our bodies–indeed, nearly ALL creation, terrestrial AND extra-terrestrial–is set in cycles. This is easier to study than chaos, though humans are doing their damned best to destroy nature and its rhythmic impulses and replace them with–nothing! This is called DEVOLUTION, the reverse of evolution. The ignorant do not seek knowledge, only the heavy-handedness of POWER and control. As such, they do not recognize destruction at its deepest levels.
We are here to enjoy life and extend this enjoyment to other beings. As tree-crops eaters, only we have this capacity to share with all other life forms. But we screwed up and ONLY KNOWLEDGE will light the path back to our exalted state.
And THAT requires an understanding of nature in all its cyclic, rhythmic glory, NO MATTER THE SOURCE.
Peace CAN be had, but only if we become what we once were.
Thanks,
Ted
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David G Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 2:32 am
Ted, there are some aspects of your thesis with which I agree. Certainly, gravitational pull from the sun and moon can affect some human behaviour and cycles of various kinds do appear to exist though we must be careful not to draw too many conclusions from them.
I don’t doubt your sincerity but, seriously, do you really think that astrology and herb medicine will save our world from nuclear war and global warming?
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Ted Zagar Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 4:12 am
David,
No, I don’t believe that astrology or herbal medicine will save people from their follies. However, I believe that the bloodless diet–IF FOLLOWED BECAUSE OF A RENEWED RESPECT FOR ALL LIFE–will/would. If you wouldn’t kill a cow or a pig or a bird or a fish, why in the hell would you kill a human being? Especially with huge devices like atomic bombs.
Astrology is the study of ALL LIFE CYCLES and their interrelationships. Herbal medicine is natural, just as is stargazing for a better understanding of HOW THINGS WORK, and just as frugivorism is the natural fruit/nut/seed diet core of our species.
We should draw as many conclusions from any study–the operative word here is STUDY–as fits logic, reason and utility. If it is natural and it works, you will have a hard time finding flaws therein.
Thanks,
Ted
It isn’t complicated. It is easy. It was MADE TO BECOME complicated.
“Free your mind, and the rest will follow.”
En Vogue
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David G Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 5:20 am
Ted, “The truth will set you free.”
After all, Ted, anyone can find studies to prove virtually any proposition. Many of your propositions I find extreme and fanciful and, unfortunately, you are always so dogmatic about them.
They seem to work against what my blog is trying to achieve. For the sake of re-balancing, I have put your comments on moderation and will only publish ones which contribute to the blog’s objectives.
Grace Reply:
August 27th, 2010 at 4:01 pm
Hi Ted,
I have been acccused of being a witch. Because I seem to know things that nobody told me. I have been baffled by that naming of me. I feel that all I do is pay attention to the signs and a blind person could figure things out.
Skeptical does not mean being a sour-puss. Skeptical as a discipline. Yet remaining cheerful. That is what I aim for.
I would be interested to know what you think of the fact the at the poles may be shifting and the subtle planetary changes that are happening and how they affect the science of astrology.
I think humans should remember their original diet. My own experience with 10 years of vegetarian eating was that I was sick – and when I ate meat, it felt like the medicine my body needed. I give thanks to the animal that gave its life so that I could live. I make an attempt to buy ethically raised and I pay the price. Vegetables die. They give their lives so that we can live, too.
It is good to give thanks.
Peace and love,
Grace
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I agree with both of you, David and 76-water, the “peace” as a dream or as a Utopia is unattainable because of two main obstacles:
First, is the human nature, greed, selfishness, so and so
Second, is the limits of products and services, at any local level, or globally, such as Earth’s resources including lands and seas, which produces competition mentality at individual level up to global level.
There is a third point here -maybe it is part of obstacle one- which is the tendency to imitate the life style of others, the middle class are trying to imitate the elite, and the law class are trying to imitate the middle class, while the elite are living without any boundaries to their greed, for an example, if your neighbor bought a SUV, you or your wife, or your kids will feel the urge to imitate them, unless all of you “including kids” are wise enough to say, we don’t need it, and you are facing such choices in every aspect and in everyday in your life.
I am trying to imagine a solution to the above for many years, I have never succeeded.
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David G Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 3:00 am
Helmy, if we reduced our demands and used our technology to benefit everyone, we could provide sufficient goods and services.
I agree that imitation is encouraged, especially by those making mega-bucks from capitalism, nationalism, religion, etc. What we need is to provide a ‘better’ image for people to imitate, one that radiates humility, caring, compassion, selflessness, simplicity, generosity, etc.
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coco Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 3:29 am
the ‘better’ image could be well established by means of the ‘propaganda’ we now see on tv, films, advertising etc. but then, the mega corporations wouln’t make their ‘bucks’ on promoting humility, caring, compassion, selflessness, simplicity, generosity or love…………
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David G Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 3:58 am
Coco, they work on the premise that, if you can’t make money out of it, it ain’t worth doing! What a shallow, worthless raison de etre.
It’s no wonder that Jesus drove the money-changers from the temple with a whip.
Grace Reply:
August 27th, 2010 at 4:11 pm
“It’s no wonder that Jesus drove the money-changers from the temple with a whip.”
That may be my favorite line today! Thanks.
Grace Reply:
August 27th, 2010 at 4:10 pm
Helmy,
I go through the kinds of things you mention. My son goes to a school where most of his classmates live in million-dollar homes. He comes home to our apartment now and is aware of the diffference. Our lease will end in November and we will begin to look for a house to rent.
We are trying to reduce the differences. His father and I both understand that we are all renters on this Planet. However, the suffering of an eight year old child must be taken into considration. One only gets one chance to have a happy childhood – and a whole lifetime of being a cynical adult.
I find that my own predicaments often have a corollary in modern politics.
Have a great day.
Grace
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David,
As a Nazarite, Jeshua was a (practicing) vegetarian–we are all vegetarians by design, but most of us do not practice it at this time. It is as if most people started crawling around and claimed to be quadrupeds. The people who still used two legs would be PRACTICING bipeds, even though all humans are bipeds by design.
Anyway, the money-changers gave Temple currency to pilgrims for their secular currency from whatever place they came from. The Temple coinage was used to buy doves and goats for slaughter to atone for sin.
It was this great crime against life that vegetarian, Nazarite Jeshua abhorred.
In the Nazarite temples, the devotee offered his or her self as the sacrifice–sacrificing the old self for a renewed and improved person. They did not believe in ritual slaughter.
“Greater gods for greater men,
lesser gods for lesser men.”
Ted
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David G Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 5:03 am
That’s your interpretation, Ted. It’s not mine!
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Grace Reply:
August 27th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
“..the devotee offered his or her self as the sacrifice–sacrificing the old self for a renewed and improved person. They did not believe in ritual slaughter”
Ted, that is an awesome piece of information you shared. You have alot of good and interesting points of view.
That said, David has a point. One of the reason that I value this particular site is the fact that it is a non-corporate environment. Nothing is for sale here.
Life can be a cruel Master. I hope you continue to come around. Love and peace. Grace
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In my investigations of world religions and beliefs a number of years ago I discovered why in the old East Asian movies why individuals upon greeting each other would bow to one another. It was an honorary statement that the Devine in me recognises the Devine in you. What a humbling ideal regardless of whether they would then proceed to kill each other. I guess what I am trying to say is maybe there is a lesson to be learned. We are each unique and though we can’t solve all of each others problems by doing each of us our individual share little by little we could make life better for each other. Goodwill to all.
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David G Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 5:40 am
I find the bowing of Asians to be commendable, 76-water. It suggests humility and equality, surely a good starting point for any meeting between humans.
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76-water Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 5:47 am
I agree. To bad it’s not considered acceptable in the western world. Goodwill to all.
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Thanks to everyone for the adventure shared at this oasis. I move on and wish you all well.
Ted Zagar
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David G Reply:
August 15th, 2010 at 9:36 pm
Ted, your purpose in visiting this blog was not to make our world a better place but to sell yourself and your financial interests. As soon as I mentioned moderating your comments and publishing only those which contributed to this blog’s objectives, you withdrew.
“By their works, ye shall know them.”
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Ted, I wish you well. I had no wish to muzzle you, only to get you to contribute to the blog as other people do rather than go off on your own tangent with little regard to what the blog is trying to achieve.
‘May the stones on your path through life be small and rounded!’
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“..the only real danger that exists is man himself..”
Brilliant post! Gullible used to be my middle name! I used to be a follower of charlatans and cults. It is a process of maturity and owning my humanity that strengthened my hide to those kinds of “leaders.”
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David G Reply:
August 27th, 2010 at 9:54 pm
I was gullible too, Grace. Very.
For all of us life is a learning experience. Just when we get a handle on it, we fall off the vine.
Seems rather unfair, eh?
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Grace Reply:
August 28th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
So true indeed, David.
I just realized that Dorothy, from The Wizard of Oz, had a propensity for following charlatans. I have always identified with that movie, her story. For more reasons than I was even aware of. One of my ancestors, a cousin of my grandma, sewed the costume for the Lion.
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