What is animism? No it's not the worship of superpowered, , 2-dimenional, vaguely oriental huge-eyed people. Animism is the belief that every non-human thing is a supernatural being or at least possesses a spirit or soul. It is a belief that is prevalent in most indigenous and folk religions including Shinto, and some forms of Hinduism, Buddhism, Pantheism, Christianity and Neopaganism.
An occult-artist blogging about the counter-cultural, the esoteric, the paranormal, comics, movies and other stuff but most of the time, it focuses on the weird and awesome.
Monday, September 19, 2011
Urban Animism
What is animism? No it's not the worship of superpowered, , 2-dimenional, vaguely oriental huge-eyed people. Animism is the belief that every non-human thing is a supernatural being or at least possesses a spirit or soul. It is a belief that is prevalent in most indigenous and folk religions including Shinto, and some forms of Hinduism, Buddhism, Pantheism, Christianity and Neopaganism.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Weh-Oh-Weh! Lico's Shamanic Approach to His Chaos Magic
Another throwback to atavistic magick I do is the use of a wooden toy snake for healing. According to Nick Hall's Chaos and Sorcery, live snakes were used as wands for healing the afflicted. Although I'm sure it's a psychosomatic effect but I definitely feel better when I use the wooden snake. I just hope Samuel L. Jackson doesn't find out. He's not so fond of snakes.
So yeah... shamanism. I think it's cool. As for hallucinogenics, I don't think I'd be ingesting peyote. Besides, I'm like I'm high all the time. Herbalism? The only herbs I'd more likely to collect are the ones in KFC's original. Below is a reenactment of an actual shamanic experience caused by the ritualistic consumption of fried chicken.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Operation: Divinity Gauntlet
Operation: Divinity Gauntlet is the codename for my magical operation for The Manifestation of Glory.
What is The Manifestation of Glory?
The Manifestation of Glory (or TMOG for short) is a concept and practice originated from the chaos magic group Domus Kaotica. It is a one-year make-over that involves special physical, mental and spiritual training all at the same time. It is a magical “born again” operation that promotes rejuvenation and self-evolution. It is a way to recreate yourself in your own likeness.
How do you do TMOG?
Methods of TMOG vary in individuals but the core idea is that you must go through a special regimen that enhances your mind, body and soul. For example, on the physical side, you could exercise and practice healthy habits. On the mental side, you could read more books and study foreign languages. On the spiritual side, you could meditate and practice energy work. The point is that within one year there must be significant changes in the individual on the path to TMOG. Some discipline and effort are required to ensure success in TMOG.
What are you up to so far?
So far, I’ve been taking longer walks, restricting my eating habits and practicing acupressure plus longer periods of reiki on myself. At the same time, I’m studying various books (especially religious scriptures and classical novels), taking up watercolor painting and practicing certain metaphysical techniques a bit more often.
Also, I'm posting this unrelated video.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
My Favorite Supernatural Komiks
1. Andong Agimat: The goddess Maria Makiling has been kidnapped by the evil forces of Jun Pogi and it's up to the rough and tough Andong Agimat to save her. Wearing his amulet against bullets and accompanied by other heroes, Ando will not stop until he accomplish his goal and redeem himself of his dark past. This gritty fantasy graphic novel is a throwback to old Filipino action movies and it was authored by Arnold Arre.
4. Flash Bomba: Flash Bomba is one of the most unique and interesting superheroes in Filipino comics. For the sake of convenience, here's an excerpt from his Wikipedia entry.:
Flash Bomba was a man who lost the use of his legs in an accident. Because of this, he trained the rest of his body to an incredible level of athletic ability and did everyday stuff using his hands to compensate for the loss of his ability to walk. Eventually he heard a rumour about a "Tikbalang" (a mythological creature with the body of a man and the head of a horse) who would grant powers to anyone who could defeat it in battle. Flash Bomba challenged the Tikbalang - and set a time and place for the battle. He defeated it despite his physical limitations and the Tikbalang granted him superpowers. But as a jest, the Tikbalang gave him powers that made him look awkward. Flash was given the Tikbalang's magic hair, said talisman allowing Flash to transform into his super-powered version - a being with large hands and feet, as well as superhuman powers. Using his new abilities, he became a crimefighter.
Despite his unusual appearance, I honestly think he's a very cool character. His creator was the legendary Mars Ravelo.
5. Salamangkero: Several years when I was still in college, I browsed through issues of Hiwaga Komiks in the magazine rack. One of the serials in Hiwaga is that of a sorcerer who helps the police force. It was simply entitled "Salamangkero". It's a shame that I didn't buy a copy and now I regret it. I thought it was a cool comic. It would be nice if someone has a collection of Hiwaga Komiks featuring Salamangkero so I could borrow them.
So there you have it. For now, these are among my top supernatural komiks. Who knows? Maybe more will come out and I may have to update this list. Til then, toodles. Mabuhay ang komiks!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Hoodoo To Do
Before I start discussing, let me differentiate the difference between hoodoo and Voodoo. Voodoo is the religion, hoodoo is a magical tradition. I hope that will clear up the confusion.
So far, hoodoo is doing me some good. There's one thing I observed why this African-American folk magic tradition is working so well for me. I notice that every time I make a mojo bag, I get in a trance-like state chaotes and other occultists call gnosis. Gnosis is one important key in magical practice that can make or break the spell. In my mind, I know that I'm not merely mixing herbs and spices. Luckily, I have no problem getting into a sorcerous mood and convincing myself that I'm working magic. When I make the mojo bags, everything else around me seems to cease to be. It's just me and the hoodoo work.
The same goes for I use novenas and recite the Psalms. Unfortunately, I had to stop due to some strange and awkward experience. Luckily, thanks to my chaos magic practice, I was able to infuse the energies of the Psalms with the energies of my own invocations to my patron god Sobek. So far, things are going well with the Sobekian spells I now recite.
So this is my latest update in my hoodoo practice and experimentation. So far, my specialties are mojo bags and (stopped for now) Psalms magic. The next thing you know, I'd be creating zombies. Mwahahahahaha!!!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
The Sobekian Primer
What is Sobekianism?
Sobekianism is a religion dedicated to the worship of the crocodile god Sobek and other gods of Kemetic (Ancient Egyptian) origin. It is not a reconstructed Kemetic religion. Sobekianism is a modern belief system with a strong emphasis on eclecticism.
Who is Sobek?
Sobek (also known as Sebek, Suchos and Sobek-Ra) is the Crocodile God, Lord of The Waters and the supreme patron god in Sobekianism. Sobek is the benevolent god of crocodiles, water, power and fertility. He also represents the primordial forces in nature that shape the world.
Which other deities are honored in Sobekianism?
Although all deities can be worshipped in Sobekianism, gods and goddesses connected to Sobek are most honored. The following deities are quite notable in Sobekianism:
- Hathor: wife of Sobek, cow goddess of joy, love, fertility and fun.
- Khonsu: son of Sobek and Hathor, god of the moon, traveling and youth. Together with Sobek and Hathor, they form the Sobekian Triad.
- Nit: mother of Sobek and the wisest of the Kemetic gods. She is a warrior goddess and a matron of craftsmen.
- Amun: the past incarnation of Sobek. He was a very powerful god who mysteriously disappeared after the creation of the universe.
- Ra: father-in-law of Sobek and father of Hathor. He is the sun god in Kemetic religion. His name is of great importance in Sobekian rituals. Also known as Re.
- Horus: warrior god, god of vengeance and friend of Sobek. Also known as Heru.
- Isis: goddess of magic, mother of Heru. Sobek assisted in the birth of Heru. Also known as Aset.
- Osiris: god of the underworld, husband of Isis, father of Horus. Sobek assisted in his resurrection after being murdered by the dark god Seth. Also known as Asar.
- Renenunet: second wife of Sobek, cobra goddess of magical names and fertility. She is a powerful sorceress who’s very cunning yet very benevolent.
- Tawaret: third wife of Sobek, hippopotamus goddess of protection, pregnancy and restraining evil forces. She is a strong warrior goddess who adores mothers and children.
- The Petsuchos – They are the sacred crocodiles that serve Sobek. Worshipped in Ancient Egypt, now they have a special place in the Sobekian afterlife as guardians of the dead.
What are the basic tenets of Sobekianism?
To, at least, grasp the greatness of Sobek is to emulate the positive qualities of the crocodile. The crocodile is an ancient beast, a survivor from the age of the dinosaurs. It is even considered as a living dinosaur. The crocodile is a symbol of power, primal forces, ancient knowledge, fertility and survival. Its ferocity and cunningness are qualities worth developing if used correctly. Sobek represents the crocodile in its most divine incarnation.
In Ancient Egypt, sacred crocodiles were kept in private lakes. They were adorned with jewelry and fed with cakes, bread and roasted meat. Sobek teaches that we should enjoy good food, nice things to wear and other fine things in life. In other words, eat, drink and be merry! The ideal Sobekian is a noble savage, an atavistic mage and a warrior hedonist all rolled into one.
What is the afterlife like for Sobekians?
One great thing about Sobekianism is that its concept of the afterlife is radically different from the typical afterlife of the Kemetists. Instead of going through elaborate funerary rituals and facing numerous perils in the afterlife before reaching Amenti (the Egyptian heaven), worthy Sobekians are protected by the sacred crocodiles Petsuchos and led to a marvelous version of the Nile River called the Heavenly Nile.
On the shores of the Heavenly Nile, a huge and endless celebration is being held. All sorts of delicious food are being served, everyone is wearing fantastic jewelry and beautiful women (plus men) are everywhere. Music, games and dancing fill the whole riverside. Lording over everything is the crocodile god Sobek. Along with his favorite wife Hathor, he makes sure that everyone is having a great time. That is a true paradise for followers of Sobek.
What is the punishment for unworthy people in the Sobekian afterlife?
If that person is deemed too unrepentantly evil to enter the Heavenly Nile, Sobek will devour that person. To avoid this terrible fate, the ever universal Golden Rule must be followed: Do to others what you’d like them to do to you. In other words, don’t be an asshole. Follow the Golden Rule and you might be worthy enough to enter the Heavenly Nile.
What are the rituals in Sobekianism?
Party of the beauty of Sobekianism is its strong advocacy on eclecticism inspired by chaos magic. Sobekians are encouraged to create their own prayers and rituals to honor the Crocodile God. If they wish to, they can even make their own Sobekian spells to attract special needs. However, the most basic and fundamental practice that all Sobekians must perform daily is the chanting of the holy name SOBEK-RA. Sobek-Ra is Sobek’s most powerful form especially when empowered by the power of the sun. Chanting SOBEK-RA invokes the power of the Crocodile God and attracts his blessings. The holy name must be chanted at least three times. At the end of every prayer, the holy name must be chanted three times to further empower the prayer. Chanting SOBEK-RA is a must for the faithful Sobekian.
Is there a church or temple Sobekians can worship in?
As of now, there are no temples. However, Sobekians are encouraged to meet up, worship and discuss anything related to the Crocodile God. In dire circumstances, Sobekians must band together for survival just like the ancient reptilian beasts.
Is there a priesthood in Sobekianism?
Sobekians are their own priests. They are their own pharaohs. Sobekians have no need for such antiquated authority figures to govern them. Sobekians govern themselves. However, in certain circumstances, leaders (in a more secular sense) are made to make things easier. Mentors may also be assigned to guide newer Sobekians in the ways of the croc.
Why become a Sobekian?
Imagine yourself as Conan the Barbarian and Sobek is your Crom. One reason that makes Conan a great warrior and leader is his devotion to his god Crom. Sobek is like Crom but more fun and with a lot of style. You too can unlock your inner crocodile and become more awesome than ever. If you have an affinity for reptiles and Egyptian gods, Sobekianism is for you. If you immensely enjoy good food and nice clothing, Sobekianism is for you. If you’re looking for a religion fit for warriors and leaders, Sobekianism is for you. However, if you don’t feel that it’s for you, do not fret. Sobek loves you anyway. Who knows? He might even invite you to the eternal party in the Heavenly Nile.
In brightest day and blackest night,
No evil shall escape my bite.
Let all enemies be filled with fright.
Beware my power – Sobekian might!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
The Hoodoo I Do
Last week, while browsing through amazon.com, I came across The Voodoo Hoodoo Spellbook by Denise Alvarado. As a harmonica player who kept on encountering references to Hoodoo in blues songs, I've decided to give it a go. After all, I'm a chaote and it's about time I experiment with something new. Frater UD mentioned in High Magic II that the African and Caribbean magical traditions have a reputation of being very potent.
Glossary:
Thursday, June 9, 2011
WHAT MANNER OF TOMFOOLERY IS THIS!!??
The links in my adspace don't show occult stuff anymore and now they only show religio-christian ads. Well guess what? I'm not gonna have of that so to counteract this theocratic offensive attack of the pop media kind on my blog, I'm going to spam this post with random words related to my preferred fields. Ready... GO!
I feel better. Problem?
Sunday, June 5, 2011
A Gathering of One Hundred Supernatural Tales
One of the manga I often read online is Nurarihyon no Mago, a supernatural comic authored by Shiibashi Hiroshi. It's a manga about youkai, supernatural beings and creatures of Japan. One thing that really caught my attention is the Hundred Tales Clan story arc. In the manga, the Hundred Tales Clan is a group of youkai that creates new youkai through the parlour game Hyakumonogatari Kaidankai or A Gathering of One Hundred Supernatural Tales .
Our main focus for discussion is the Hundred Ghost Tales game. The games was originally played by the samurai to test their courage. However, the game became popular with the townsfolk. One hundred people are needed to play this game in a dark room. There is one lit candle in front of each player. Each player tells a ghost story and extinguishes a candle thus making the room gradually darker. It is said that after the final candle is blown, a supernatural entity appears. This parlour game is also a form of evocation. I've never played this game but I expect a lot of squeals and screams when it is played. After all, who knows what lurks in the dark after the telling of a hundred spooky tales.
Friday, June 3, 2011
The Cosmically Supreme Adoborrific Ramblings of Chaos (A Kaotic sermon for Filipinos)
Don't get me wrong, a lot of Filipinos are smart to know what is Chaos but I doubt that the average Aling Bebang and Mang Totoy don't know jack about it. Chaos is not just the lack of order and predictability. Nay, it's the state of void and the formless. It is the nothingness. Chaos is a tricky stuff. The more you define Chaos, the less it becomes Chaos. The nothingness definition is probably the least dogmatic I can get.
People should embrace Chaos and accept as part of life. Nothing is certain yet something is certain. Heck, not embracing Chaos and even rejecting it is probably okay. It's not true yet it is true. Too much of something is bad for you and that applies to Chaos. A simple order and razzle-dazzle will tone down the insanity and make it more palatable to the mundanes and robot-minded.
If I must be a robot then I shall be the robot who programs himself. I am a robot who realized the inner power of Chaos. I am a Chaosbot. Ugh, the usual spelling for Chaos is getting boring. I'll just use Khaos or even Kaos in the mean time. I could spell Chaos as alfkebflhrltreknlgdwl*&^*^*^*( but that would be too silly. What am I? An eldritch abomination from the cosmos beyond? Nay, I am a self-programmed Kaosbot. Ugh, must I refer to myself as a robot all the time? I could call myself a spiffy and fashionable Timelord if I want to. Ah such is the beauty of Chaos. Convenient too!
Ramblings of a mad man, you say? Nay, maybe it is the rest of you lot who are mad. Aye, I call you mad because you are bound to what life is instead of what life could be? Hahahaha I sound so Quixotic yet what I said is true. Or is it false? Ah who cares? Whatever works for me could be the absolutely positive DIVINE truth. Take note that I wrote DIVINE in capital letters because 1) It makes it seem powerful and 2) I just feel like it. Anyway, this is the end of my article.
Ahahahahaha, psyche! I will end this article when I feel like it! You fools! You pitiful fools! You are stuck in the mud when you can go for better mud! Wait, what? No that ain't right. Let me try again. You are DIVINE. I am DIVINE. We all are DIVINE! Kaos, Kaos, Kaos are all the round and around the house!
Monday, May 30, 2011
Virginity Checks on Female Protesters. Outrageous.
"The girls who were detained were not like your daughter or mine," the general said. "These were girls who had camped out in tents with male protesters in Tahrir Square, and we found in the tents Molotov cocktails and (drugs)."
The general said the virginity checks were done so that the women wouldn't later claim they had been raped by Egyptian authorities.
"We didn't want them to say we had sexually assaulted or raped them, so we wanted to prove that they weren't virgins in the first place," the general saidhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif. "None of them were (virgins)."
Outrageous I tell you.
Source
Prudish Nutrients
It turns out that the C in Vitamin C means "Chastity".
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Lug the God of All Skills
I find myself always focused on Egyptian deities so, for a refreshing change, I'm going to talk about an ancient European god who recently caught my attention. Lug (pronounced as "loo") is a heroic polymath god in Celtic mythology and the leader of the Tuatha De Danann, the gods of light and goodness. Lug was also artist, wise man, sorcerer, musician, warrior and blacksmith all rolled into one. He and his forces fought against the Formarians. a race of evil giants led by Balor of The Evil Eye.
Balor of The Evil Eye was the grandfather of Lug. He was given that name because of his malevolent gaze that can destroy armies. It as prophesied that Balor's own grandson will kill him so he imprisoned his only daughter in a cave. However, she was seduced and she bore triplets. Balor had the triplets drowned but one of them survived and his name was Lug. Lug was rescued and raised by the smith god Goibhnu. The god, taught in all arts, crafts and skills, grew into a handsome and brilliant man. In the epic battle of good versus evil, Lug finally killed his grandfather Balor by piercing his eye with a sling stone. Afterwards, the Tuatha De Danann ruled Ireland for many centuries. However, after many centuries, the old Celtic gods were forced to live underground after a crushing defeat by the ancestors of the Gaels. As ages gone by, the all-skill god Lug became a fairy craftsman known as Lugh-chromain ("low-stooping Lug"), better known as the folkloric leprechaun.
sources:
Gods and Goddesses: A Treasury of Deities and Tales from World Mythology (Macmillan Books)
Wikipedia
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Netjer Cards set 1
The Unfortunate Tale of Dr. John Dee
I was watching the movie Elizabeth: The Golden Age and I was pleased to see that the English court magician Dr. John Dee was featured in the film. In real life, the man was remarkable. He was a scientist, an astrologer, occultist, navigator and even a spy (his codename was 007 thus making him a prototype for James Bond) for Queen Elizabeth I back in the Renaissance Age. He was the founder of Enochian Magic. He was a man who was ahead of his time.
Well, that is until religious bigotry stepped in and ruined his life. When Queen Elizabeth I died, troubles started piling up for poor John. His library and laboratory was ransacked by vandals and thieves. He was made Warden of Christ's College in Manchester but there he was hated and even cheated. When he returned to London, Elizabeth I died and the new ruler James I refused to help Dee due to his supernatural reputation. Dee spent the rest of his life in poverty.
Despite his unfortunate tale, John Dee's legacy lives on among the modern magicians. If the real world has a Merlin, Dr. Dee was the closest.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Lico's Easter Wandering 2011
I somewhat reached my limit when I walked past Kamay-Kainan so I took a jeep to SM North. I walked all over SM North to find a barbershop (my Bieber hair is coming back *epic frown*) but sadly I saw none. After browsing through Fully Booked, I've decided to eat at my favorite Pakistani foodplace Kabab and Curry in the food court. I've decided to try their vegetarian dishes. One was a spicy chickpea stew and the other (a new favorite of mine) mung daal. Mung Daal is a bean stew mostly made of mung beans or "monggo" in Tagalog. Both dishes were delicious. I've decided to learn to cook those dishes.
After my dinner, I walked some more and then went home. Upon reflecting on my latest journey, I've learned a few things.
1. There is a Chinese temple in West Triangle along Scout Madrinan. Albeit well-concealed, it's there.
2. I know where the office of the MTRCB (Movie and Television Review and Classification Board) is. I have no love for censors but they suspended Willie Revillame so I've decided to back off.
3. I found a martial arts gym (Strikes Unlimited) along Timog on my way to West Avenue. They teach Boxing, Muay Thai and Jujitsu.
4. Mung Daal is delicious and it should be part of my staple diet because it's nutritious plus it's low in fat.
Happy Easter.
UPDATE: I've just found out that the dal dish I ate is called Daal Makhani. My bad.
Friday, April 15, 2011
UFO mass sightings everywhere
Oh and here's something interesting. Stanley Fulham is said to be a Ufologist with an uncanny record of giving accurate UFO sighting predictions. The recent sighting in Moscow was said to be a prediction fulfilled. There's also a prediction (probably from Fulham) that extraterrestrials and the world leaders will meet soon. If this were to happen, I really hope we'd have a utopian future similar to Star Trek.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
The Onion - Do Glass Pipes, Incense Prove Teens Are Practicing Shamanism?
Sigil Onslaught!
Right Brain VS Left Brain Creativity Test
Thank you for taking the Creativity Test. The results show your brain dominance as being:
Left Brain | Right Brain |
49% | 51% |
You are more right-brained than left-brained. The right side of your brain controls the left side of your body. In addition to being known as right-brained, you are also known as a creative thinker who uses feeling and intuition to gather information. You retain this information through the use of images and patterns. You are able to visualize the "whole" picture first, and then work backwards to put the pieces together to create the "whole" picture. Your thought process can appear quite illogical and meandering. The problem-solving techniques that you use involve free association, which is often very innovative and creative. The routes taken to arrive at your conclusions are completely opposite to what a left-brained person would be accustomed. You probably find it easy to express yourself using art, dance, or music. Some occupations usually held by a right-brained person are forest ranger, athlete, beautician, actor/actress, craftsman, and artist.
Your complete evaluation follows below:
Your left brain/right brain percentage was calculated by combining the individual scores of each half's sub-categories. They are as follows:
Your Left Brain Percentages
38% Logical (Your most dominant characteristic)
27% Linear
27% Verbal
27% Reality-based
18% Sequential
17% Symbolic (Your least dominant characteristic)
Your Right Brain Percentages
39% Intuitive (Your most dominant characteristic)
29% Fantasy-oriented
28% Random
28% Concrete
19% Nonverbal
18% Holistic (Your least dominant characteristic)
What Do These Percentages Mean?
Low percentages are common in the Brain Type Test and are not indicative of intelligence. Instead, medium to high scores (30 - 50%) are desireable, as they show an ability to utilize a processing method without an abnormal reliance on it. Special focus should be paid to highly dominant (50% or above) or highly recessive (0 - 30%) methods, as they tend to limit your approach when learning, memorizing, or solving problems.
If you have Highly Dominant characteristics, your normal thinking patterns will naturally utilize these methods. Conscious effort is required to recognize the benefits of other techniques. Using multiple forms of information processing is the best way to fully understand complex issues and become a balanced thinker.
If you have Highly Recessive characteristics, your normal thinking patterns naturally ignore these methods. You may only consider these under-utilized techniques when "all else fails," or possibly not at all. It is important to recognize the benefits of all of your brain's capabilities in order to become a balanced thinker.
Left Brain Categories
Logical Processing
Logical processing is a method that is used by the left hemisphere to take information piece by piece and put it all together to form a logical answer. When information is received through reading or listening, the left hemisphere will look for different bits of information that will allow it to produce a logical conclusion. This aspect of the left hemisphere is what aids you in solving math problems and science experiments.
Your Logical Analysis
When processing information using this method, you may consider the information before you and produce a logical answer, or you may tend to go with your gut. You may discover that you can "guess" your way through S.A.T. questions about as accurately as you can deduce them. It is important that you nurture your ability to use logic whenever it is needed, but do not neglect other methods of processing information if you hit a logical roadblock.
Linear Processing
Linear processing is a method by the left hemisphere to process information. In this process, the left brain takes pieces of information, lines them up, and proceeds to arrange them into an order from which it may draw a conclusion. The information is processed from parts to a whole in a straight, forward, and logical progression.
Your Linear Analysis
When processing information using this method, you will occasionally feel the need to see the "whole picture" before you are able to achieve results. At other times, you are able to piece all of the parts together in a straight and logical progression to form a whole, which then enables you to understand what you have processing. The information, your mood, and your level of comfortable are all factors that determine your response to a linear processing problem.
Verbal Processing
Verbal processing is a method used by the left hemisphere to process our thoughts and ideas with words. For example, through verbal processing, a left-brained person giving directions may say, "From this point continue east for two miles and turn north onto Bellevue Road. Continue north on Bellevue Road for seven miles and turn west on Main Street". With verbal processing, exact, logical directions are given in a very sequential manner compared to a right-brained person who, in giving the same directions, would use more visual landmarks.
Your Verbal Analysis
You have a moderate verbal ability. Using this method you process your thoughts and ideas with words. You tend to combine technical details with illustrations, depending on whatever strikes you. For instance, if giving directions, you might say, "Continue two miles east on Court Street and take a left at the McDonalds," combining the exact details of street names and mileage with prominent landmarks.
Reality-based Processing
Reality-based processing is used by the left hemisphere as a method for processing information with a basis on reality. This processing tool focuses on rules and regulations. An example of this would be how a left-brained person would completely understand the repercussions of turning in a late assignment or failing a test. A left-brained person also usually easily adjusts to changes in their environment.
Your Reality-based Analysis
You process information with a basis in reality, but are not limited to it. You may recognize the repercussions of you actions, but proceed to do something anyway, in the heat of the moment. You can complete projects to whice you are emotionally attached as well as random tasks.
Sequential Processing
Sequential processing is a method used by the left hemisphere for processing information. The information that is received is processed in order from first to last. Information is processed in a systematic, logical manner. Through sequential processing, you can interpret and produce symbolic information such as language, mathematics, abstraction, and reasoning. This process is used to store memory in a language format. Activities that require sequential processing include spelling, making a "to-do" list, and many aspects of organization.
Your Sequential Analysis
You tend process information you receive without any priority as to which is processed first, last, or any place in between. It is difficult for you to learn or perform tasks involving sequence. For example, spelling is a task that involves sequence and you may experience problems remembering exact spelling or any type of rote memorization, for that matter. Creating daily lists and plans are probably not activities you enjoy. If you are having problems with tasks involving sequence, there are methods you can use to improve your skills. One method involves using colors to learn sequence. You assign a color to each task. For example, you may want to make the first step green, the second step blue, and the last step red. This helps because the right side of the brain, your dominant side in this case, is sensitive to colors. The important thing to remember is that consistently using the same sequence will help you both improve and recognize that this strategy can be used in many different circumstances involving sequence.
Symbolic Processing
Symbolic processing is a method associated with the left hemisphere that is used for processing the information of pictures and symbols. The majority of functions associated with academics involve symbols such as letters, words, and mathematical notations. This process is what aids you to excel in tasks such as linguistics, mathematics, and memorizing vocabulary words and mathematical formulas.
Your Symbolic Analysis
You have difficulty processing the information of symbols, and would rather see the real object in order to understand. You probably hated algebra. For example, if solving a math problem, you need to "draw out" the problem to understand and solve it. You rely on the visualization of real objects instead of their symbols. Tasks such as memorizing vocabulary words or mathematical formulas are more difficult for you.
Right Brain Categories
Intuitive Processing
Intuitive processing is a method that is used by the right hemisphere to process information based on if it "feels" right or not. For example, a right-brained person may choose an answer on a test because they had a "gut" feeling and often they will be correct. Another example of this is how a right-brained person will know the correct answer to a math problem but will not understand the procedure of how they arrived at the correct answer. A right-brained person will usually have to start with the answer and work their way backwards in order to be able to see and understand the parts and process that create the whole.
Your Intuitive Analysis
When processing information, at times you are able to go with your "gut" instincts. At other times you may doubt your instincts, or prefer to put information together piece by piece to form your conclusion. You should be careful not to ignore your intuition, but at the same time do not solely rely on it.
Fantasy-oriented Processing
Fantasy-oriented processing is used by the right hemisphere as a method for processing information with creativity. It focuses much less on rules and regulations than the processing method of a left-brained person. Due to the fantasy-oriented processing mechanism of a right-brained person, they do not adjust well to change. Instead of adapting to the change in the environment, a right-brained person attempts to change it back to the way they liked it. But fantasy-oriented processing also provides the advantage of creativity to right-brained individuals, and since emotion is integral of the right side of the brain, anything a fantasy-oriented person becomes involved in emotionally will aid their ability to learn.
Your Fantasy-oriented Analysis
You have the ability to use both creativity and reality to process the information you receive. This is a unique gift that allows you to both focus on rules and regulations but to also act with creativity. You are able to adjusting to change, even though you might not like it, and you can become emotionally involved in your work if it interests you.
Random Processing
Random processing is a method used by the right hemisphere for processing information. The information that is received is processed without priority. A right-brained person will usually jump from one task to another due to the random processing by their dominant right hemisphere. Random processing is, of course, the opposite of sequential processing therefore making it difficult for right-brained individuals to choose to learn in sequence. In order to overcome this, a right-brained person may want to attempt to learn sequence by using colors since the right hemisphere is sensitive to color. For example, you may want to associate the first step with green, the second step with blue, and the last step with red. Consistently using the same sequence will allow you to see that this strategy can be applied to many tasks involving sequence.
Your Random Analysis
You have some ability to process data randomly. You are at times able to make "leaps of logic" and discover unique things by thinking "outside of the box." However, you may tend to ignore your random processing thoughts unless you are desperate for a solution. It is important you recognize this skill as not grasping at straws, but a viable way to discover new ways of approaching a problem.
Concrete Processing
Concrete processing is a method associated with the right hemisphere that is used for processing things that can be seen or touched. It processes much of the information you receive from real objects. For example, a right-brained person is not just satisfied that a mathematical formula may work, but will want to know why it works. A strongly concrete person often finds it easier to solve a mathematical problem by "drawing it out" because it allows them to visualize it. The more a concrete person can visualize something the easier it is for them to understand it.
Your Concrete Analysis
At times, you feel the need to see a real object in order to understand it. At other times, you are able to understand a problem on a symbolic level. For example, you may find that in solving math problems, it occasionally helps you to "draw out" the problem in order to understand and solve it.
Nonverbal Processing
Nonverbal processing is a method used by the right hemisphere to process our thoughts with illustrations. Reliance on this method is why it is occasionally difficult for right-brained people to "find the right words" in certain situations. A right-brained person cannot just read or hear information and process it, but first must make a mental video to better understand the information they have received. For example, through nonverbal processing, a person giving directions may say, "Continue going straight until you see a big, red-brick courthouse. At the courthouse turn right, and go down that street for a couple of miles until you se a gray stone church which will be on your right. Straight across from the church is the road to the left you need to take." With nonverbal processing, the directions that are given are extremely visual compared to the exact, sequential directions that would be given by a left-brained person.
Your Nonverbal Analysis
You have little ability in nonverbal processing. When you process your thoughts and ideas you mainly use words instead of illustrations. For example, if you were giving directions you may say, "Continue traveling west for 3 miles and turn north at the intersection." You would give exact, logical directions in a very sequential manner.
Holistic Processing
Holistic processing is a method used by the right hemisphere to process information. The information is processed from whole to parts. A right-brained person, through holistic processing, is able to see the big picture first, but not the details that accompany it. A strongly holistic person may often find that prior to listening to a lecture given by an instructor, they must first read the chapter so that they better understand what the lecture is about. This function is also what provides to you your visual spatial skills. It also aids in tasks such as dancing and gymnastics. Through holistic processing, memory is stored in auditory, visual, and spatial modalities.
Your Holistic Analysis
You have difficulty seeing the whole picture, especially at the beginning of a project. You tend to process information you receive from its parts to its whole in a straight, progressive manner. When given a task, you tend to not bother asking "why," but instinctively are able to do it.
On Trolls and Troll Magick
Among the fairies, my favorite is the troll. I could never relate with the more wholesome fairies like gnomes and sylphs but I feel myself very connected with the seemingly brutish and intimidating trolls. It's true that most trolls are not so pleasant when it comes to looks and their minds aren't that sharp. Some trolls are actually smart (though it's more of street-smart cunning than academic intelligence) and trollish women tend to be gorgeous. In fact, there has been legends of human men marrying trollish women as accounted below.
THE grandfather of Reor, who dwelt at Fuglekärr (i.e. Bird-marsh), in the parish of Svartsborg (Black-castle), lived close to a hill, and one time, in the broad daylight, be saw sitting there on a stone a comely maiden. He wished to intercept her, and for this purpose he threw steel between her and the hill; whereupon her father laughed within the hill, and opening the hill-door asked him if he would have his daughter. He replied in the affirmative and as she was stark naked he took some of his own clothes and covered her with them, and he afterwards had her christened.
As he was going away, her father said. to him, "When you are going to have your wedding (bröllup) you must provide twelve barrels of beer and bake a heap of bread and the flesh of four oxen, and drive to the barrow or hill where I keep, and when the bridal gifts are to be bestowed, depend on it I will give mine."
This also came to pass; for when others were giving he raised the cover of the cart and cast into it so large a bag of money that the body of it nearly broke, saying at the same time:--" This is my gift!" He said, moreover, "When you want to have your wife's portion (hemmagifta),[a] you must drive to the hill with four horses, and get your share. When he came there afterwards at his desire he got copper-pots, the one larger than the other till the largest pot of all was filled with the smaller ones. He also gave him other things, [b] which were helmets, of that colour and fashion which are large and thick, and which are still remaining in the country, being preserved at the parsonage of Tanum.
This man Reor's father surnamed I Foglekärsten, had a number of children by this wife of his, whom he fetched out of the hill, among whom was the aforesaid Reor. Olaf Stenson also in Stora Rijk, who died last year, was Reor's sister's son.
- The Fairy Mythology by Thomas Keightly, 1870
Despite their ill reputation of being thieving troublemakers, trolls possess impressive magical powers just like any other members of the fae. Here are their powers as described by Thomas Keightly in The Fairy Mythology:
These beings have some very extraordinary and useful properties; they can, for instance, go about invisibly, [g] or turn themselves into any shape; they can foresee future events; they can confer prosperity, or the contrary, on a family; they can bestow bodily strength on any one; and, in short, perform numerous feats beyond the power of man.
Source
Since I have an affinity with trolls, I've been experimenting with what I call "troll magick". Basically, I invoke the power of the trolls. I read no books on fairy magick so, as a chaos magician, it's all up to me to create my own rendition of troll magick. Expect more articles on trolls and troll magick soon.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Inkwork Sorcerer QnA (religious parents, influences and the third eye)
Dear Inkwork Sorcerer, I want to learn to open my third eye and practice magick but my parents are very religious and they don't like anything New Age or occult. What should I do?
- Simon
Simon, since you're still a minor and (I assume) still living with your parents, it's probably not best to let them know about your esoteric interests. However, I advise that you practice your magick in secret until you're old enough to move out and live independently. There's still a chance that they'd know about your magick but if you're really serious about it, you have to stand up to them and defend your right to practice magick. For now, just practice in secret until you're old enough to come out.
Dear Inkwork Sorcery, who influences you the most in your magickal path?
- unknown
There are many figures in magick who inspire me like Franz Bardon, Apollonius of Tyana, Grant Morisson but the most influential for me is Austin Osman Spare the Grandaddy of Chaos Magic. Spare is an awesome artist and an excellent mage who uses his artworks for magical workings. Naturally, I have an affinity to him since I'm also an artist.
Dear Inkwork Sorcerer, how do I open my third eye?
- Curious George
Oh gosh this is the most commonly asked question by non-practitioners in the Philippines. It's alright, I'd still answer it. First and foremost, everybody has a third eye. It's just that everyone's third eye are open in varying degrees. The simplest way to DEVELOP your third eye is meditation. If you want to develop your third eye in a more systematic way, contact Mysterium Philippines.
Well, that's all for now. If you have any questions, post them in this post's comments or email me at gohlico@yahoo.com
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Thor Factoids
I can't wait to see the upcoming Thor movie. Yeah it's hardly mythology but still Marvel's Thor is based on the god of the same name. Here are a handful of factoids about the mighty son of Odin. The mythological one I mean.
Some Thor factoids
- In the Norse mythology, the thunder god has red hair.
- Thor devotees wear images of his hammer as pendants as a response to the rise of Christianity in Europe.
- The day Thursday is named after him.
- Thor has two goats (named Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjóstr) that pull his chariot.
- Thor will do battle with the great serpent Jörmungandr during the immense mythical war waged at Ragnarök.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Incredibly Well Preserved 700 Year Old Mummy Found In China
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Face on the curtains!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
God's face in the skies
... okay now I'm convinced. HAIL SOBEK!!!
Brujo Fantastico
Back in the last night of the UP Fair 2011, I came across some people selling old books along the sidewalk in the campus. To my delight, I've found a copy of Carlos Castaneda's The Teachings of Don Juan: A Yaqui Way of Knowledge (1974 edition) among the books and it only costs 100 pesos. It's an account of the anthropologist Carlos Castaneda time as an apprentice under the Yaqui Indian brujo (sorcerer) Don Juan way back in the early 1960's. After a harrowing experience, Castaneda ceased his training, wrote a book about it and went back to continue his apprenticeship under Don Juan. It is a tale of sorcery, shamanic journeys and peyote.
Yeah sure it was heavily debated whether Carlos made the whole thing up or not but that book started the shamanism craze back in the 60's. In fact, anything mystical was a huge thing back in the 60's. Heck, Marvel Comics' Doctor Strange was created in the 60's.
Whether or not the experiences of Carlos Castaneda were fabricated, it matters not to me. Nothing is true, everything is permitted. If it works for me, yippee-kay yay. However, I don't need the use of hallucinogenic plants thanks to the use of certain trance-inducing techniques. Another thing that intrigued me was the use of lizards for information-gathering. The parts about sewing up their eyes and mouths sounds very iffy though.
Russian flight controllers talking with Alien Cat Girls
--------------------------
London, Mar 2 (ANI): Air traffic controllers in Siberia claim to have been buzzed by a high-speed UFO with a female sounding alien speaking to them in an unintelligible cat-like language.
The object had suddenly burst onto flight monitors over the remote Russian diamond capital of Yakutsk, and it was shown flying at a speed of slightly over 6000 mph, and rapidly changing direction.
The UFO was logged at a height of 64, 895 feet above sea level and appeared to interfere with aviation frequencies.
A YouTube footage showed an air traffic controller trying to make contact with the UFO, while a radar showed the UFO moving rapidly through the skies surrounded by planes that were travelling at a much slower pace.
"I kept hearing some female voice, as if a woman was saying mioaw-mioaw all the time," the Daily Mail quoted the air traffic controller as telling the pilot of a passing Aeroflot flight.
The air traffic control monitor automatically designated the UFO as "00000" because it did not have a flight number.
At one point the UFO is shown moving away from Yakutsk at great speed before turning and heading back towards the city. (ANI)
Sunday, February 27, 2011
My Ideal Afterlife
You know what's my ideal afterlife? Living on as a benevolent spirit like Obi Wan Kenobi. I'll be one with the universe yet can manifest myself at the same time. More than that, I'll travel throughout different realms within and beyond this universe. Which means, I can freely go to Earth, the Judeo-Christian Heaven, Asgard, Olympus, the Western Lands, the Hindu God Realm, El Randomia, the Jade Empire, Middle Earth, Azeroth, Oz and many more while helping people and fighting evil wherever I go like a wandering cosmic adventurer. Yes, I'd like that.
I have an afterlife plan just in case I kick the bucket. It's a set of instructions for my closest friends and relatives to ensure that I achieve that ideal afterlife. However, I can't post them in this blog because 1) It's very personal and 2) It's not the right time to reveal them. When the signs are right, I'll reveal my instructions to the public.