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by Aidan OdinsonSpiritual Calisthenics For People Who Are Willing To Think!
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Sept 29, 2007: Introducing The Emerald Tablet
28/09/2007
Eleven lines, that's all there is to The Emerald Tablet. But what an eleven lines!
Then again, Wiccans know "An' it harm none, do what thou wilt" and how much debate and exploration that has inspired.
For this episode, many thanks to the Universal Gnostic Fellowship and their Presiding Archbishop, Dr John Gilbert. We're looking at the translation found on their web site and I'll touch on some of the commentary that they include.
But that is certainly not the only translation of The Emerald Tablet, or the only commentary. Those who have translated and/or commented on it include Trithemius, Roger Bacon, Aleister Crowley, Albertus Magnus, Isaac Newton, and many others.
There is a basic truth contained within The Emerald Tablet - and perhaps several basic truths, depending on how you count them. And within it is a major secret, perhaps one which might be called an "ultimate secret."
Eleven lines is a quick read. A few times through and you'll be able to recite it comfortably. It won't take an excessive effort to memorize it. But what will it take to master it?
A few minutes of your time to read. A lifetime to grasp, comprehend and discover. Such is The Emerald Tablet. And such are the secrets we find in plain sight.
Sept 22, 2007: Gnostics - They're Everywhere!
22/09/2007
Every week, you've heard me introduce myself as "High Priest of The Temple of Gaia, and a Priest of the Universal Gnostic Fellowship". So, some of you might ask: what is "Gnostic" about? Some of you may know, and some of you may wonder.
There are some who might wonder how I can be both a Wiccan and a Gnostic. After all, most people say that you can't be both a Catholic and a Baptist. But, you can be a Gnostic and any number of other things.
I've even come across some folks who confuse Gnostic with agnostic - even though they are opposite. An agnostic claims to not know if there is any sort of deity. A Gnostic knows - in a very special way.
First off, there is the word "gnosis", which is one of two Greek words which can mean "to know", and the difference is very major. Understanding the distinction is critical to understanding Gnosticism.
Then, there is what gnosis is and how it works. And there you'll see why many religious leaders who want to have their followers "march in step" are uncomfortable with Gnosticism.
This is a very brief introduction. Gnosticism isn't for everyone, but many have found comfort and strength in it.
Know what? Some people are Gnostics without knowing it. Sort of like how I say that some people are Wiccan without knowing it. Give a listen, check a mirror, and see what you see.
Sept 15, 2007: Giving Honor To Someone
15/09/2007
I had something else to say, but then the news came and it was sad. Someone passed over, and it seemed as if few noticed. Upsetting, actually.
You'll see and understand what I mean when you listen. If he held an equivalent position here in the US, things might have been different. But he did not.
I've said it before: When I was an Episcopalian, I was a traditionalist. So much so that it got me into trouble. I am still a traditionalist. Different traditions, but I honor my traditions.
What is a traditionalist? I can't give you a definition, but I can tell you what a traditionalist is not. A traditionalist is not someone behind a pulpit screaming that his way is the only way. A traditionalist is also not a government functionary whose definition of tradition is what most folks call blind, unquestioning obedience. And it is easy and downright comfortable to be a traditionalist when one is part of the power structure. But what if the power structure puts you on the outside looking in?
And so, I want to honor someone who spent half a century honoring his traditions. His way might have been different from mine, but he had his traditions and he honored them. And so, I wish to honor him.
Sept 8, 2007: A Wiccan Breviary
08/09/2007
A breviary is, in essence, a daily cycle of prayers and "mini-rituals". Many monastic orders have their own breviaries, and of course there are other published breviaries - including fancy four-volume sets that command a hefty price.
Of course, such breviaries are written by people that you and I don't know, and they take a "one size fits all" approach which doesn't work for most of us.
But, Wiccans have an advantage. Instead of missals and breviaries, Wiccans have Books Of Shadows - and they are as personal as your athame or your toothbrush.
You already probably do a daily ritual of rituals, even if you don't know it. Look and see. And what are you doing with that ritual of rituals? You are establishing and maintaining a relationship with various people and things. The first kiss in the morning, the kiss goodnight, the hug when you come home, walking the dog at certain times, putting a baby or child to bed for the night - you're doing more than what you're physically doing. And if you miss doing something, you really miss it!
And so it is with your prayer life, and this is where a breviary helps. And it helps even more when you write your own. And, it is important. No matter how important your rituals are, this is how you maintain your relationship with the Divine between rituals.
Look and see. You'll see.
September 1, 2007: Opening The Hall Of Honor
01/09/2007
Today, we open the Hall Of Honor at The Virtual Mission Chapel Of The Archangel Uriel.
Where is this chapel? As near as your computer. Just go to http://www.groveunion.templeofgaiainc.org/ and "follow the signs" and you'll be there.
The first two to be honored in the Hall Of Honor are Jerome Birnbaum and Tempest Smith. If you've listened to this podcast for any length of time, you know some of their significance. If not, we offer a "quick sketch" of who they are on their pages in the Hall Of Honor.
This is something you might be able to do, too. A special place to honor those who have made a special contribution to your spiritual life. It can be done any number of ways: a bookshelf, a web page, a page in a photo album. And, I'm sure yours might include some that the more major faith groups haven't bothered to notice.
There's also some news about how President Dubya Bush snubbed Roberta Stewart. And his apology. But the apology has become a cheap commodity, hasn't it? I'm offering a couple of suggestions as to how Dubya can atone so that his apology includes some credibility.
