Dream Dictionary Tent

Mesmerism:

From Franz Mesmer, a form of telepathic sending in which the data sent consists of suggestions backed by the insistent power of the sender.

(See also: Mesmerism , Pagan, Paganism, Pagan Dictionary)

Voodoo or Voodooism [from Fongbe dialect vodunu from vodu moral and religious life of the Fons of Dahomey]

A definite system of African black magic or sorcery, including various types of necromantic practice. It reached the Americas with the African slaves brought from the West Coast, and in and around the Caribbean various degrees of the cult persist and constitute a recognized if little understood social feature in the history and life of the people.

Especially significant in the original Fon religion are the principal temples in the sacred forests, with symbolic hieroglyphics on the walls, depicting the exploits of their kings, voodoo legends, etc., and explaining their belief in the unknowable god Meru (Great Master); this unmanifest god, too far removed from men for them to give to him any form, dealt with them through lesser gods and nature spirit, i.e., voodoo; the priestesses serving the temple in a secret cult with four degrees of initiation, and having passwords unknown to laymen; the cult of the snake or adder as the most primitive form of the religion.

Such findings in voodoo history, however degraded in course of time and overlaid by beliefs and customs of cruder native tribes, have the basic elements of a hierarchic religion so enveloped in mystery as to indicate an origin far beyond the creative imagination of any people. Rather, here in strange temples of dark mystery, were the lingering echoes of some ancient wisdom teaching of those who were truly "as wise as serpents." The least altered of the original system is probably the voodoo music with its solemn, insistent rhythm in the mood of prayer or an invocation. This rhythm persists, even when the ritual songs in Haiti are composed entirely of Creole words, or of a series of unintelligible sounds.

Counterparts of the debasing and malign system of voodoo are found elsewhere under many different names, like the left-hand Tantrika of India, and the Dugpas of Tibet. In general, all of these unholy practices date back to the abuse of spiritual knowledge and power by the late Atlanteans.

(See also: Voodoo, Voodooism , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Body mind and Soul)

Haunted Houses Physicho-astral remains of the deceased tend to haunt the places where they dwelt in life; and in cases which are relatively rare, though numerous absolutely, conditions may bring about a connection between the lower astral plane and the physical so that visible images are seen, voices or footsteps heard, and objects may be moved.

In some cases the astral image or reliquiae may persist for centuries, making what is called a ghost; it is an astral corpse or relic, automatically repeating acts or words. Often bones have been found under a house, and popular belief has it that the haunting has ceased after they were ceremonially interred. Sometimes there is an evident desire on the part of the kama-rupa to communicate information of some sort, as of a hidden document or buried treasure, and this is not because the kama-rupa is the spirit desiring to communicate its information, but because the kama-rupa has stamped upon it photographically, as it were, the intense desire of the person during life to guard the treasure and conceal it, and even to reveal it to some individual.

Under this heading must be included the mischievous pranks of the poltergeist, due to the action of a persistent relic of the psycho-astral nature of a deceased person, in combination with elementals, often again working in conjunction with a mediumistic living individual.

(See also: Haunted Houses , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

CONSCIOUS BODYWORK

This form of neuromuscular reprogramming and therapy combines massage techniques with muscle testing in order to help people learn how to use their muscles with greater strength and less effort.

Conscious bodywork is used to treat persistent joint and muscle pain and to treat restriction of movement caused by injury. (Adapted from Holistic Health Directory.)

(See also: CONSCIOUS BODYWORK , Alternative Health, Massage, Bodywork, Body Mind and Soul)

Haunted Houses Physicho-astral remains of the deceased tend to haunt the places where they dwelt in life; and in cases which are relatively rare, though numerous absolutely, conditions may bring about a connection between the lower astral plane and the physical so that visible images are seen, voices or footsteps heard, and objects may be moved.

In some cases the astral image or reliquiae may persist for centuries, making what is called a ghost; it is an astral corpse or relic, automatically repeating acts or words. Often bones have been found under a house, and popular belief has it that the haunting has ceased after they were ceremonially interred. Sometimes there is an evident desire on the part of the kama-rupa to communicate information of some sort, as of a hidden document or buried treasure, and this is not because the kama-rupa is the spirit desiring to communicate its information, but because the kama-rupa has stamped upon it photographically, as it were, the intense desire of the person during life to guard the treasure and conceal it, and even to reveal it to some individual.

Under this heading must be included the mischievous pranks of the poltergeist, due to the action of a persistent relic of the psycho-astral nature of a deceased person, in combination with elementals, often again working in conjunction with a mediumistic living individual.

(See also: Hati , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Attavada (Pali) (from attan self (Sanskrit atman) + vada theory, disputation from the verbal root vad to speak)

Atmavada (Sanskrit) The theory of a persistent soul. A study of Buddhist sutras or suttas shows that Gautama Buddha intended the term to convey the meaning of the heresy of separateness, the belief that one's self or soul is different and apart from the one universal self, Brahman.

Its importance in philosophy and mystical thought, and its genuine Buddhist significance, lies in the fact that Buddhism does not deny the existence of a soul, but strongly emphasizes the fact that no such soul is either a special creation or in its essence different from and other than the cosmic self.

Hence the meaning of the heresy of separateness, because those who hold this view are under the constant false impression that in themselves they are different from, and other than, the universe in which they live, move, and have all their being.

In The Mahatma Letters attavada is termed "the doctrine of Self," and with sakkayaditthi leads "to the maya of heresy and belief in the efficacy of vain rites and ceremonies; in prayers and intercession" (ML 111).

(See also: Attavada , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Pit In theosophy, the pit has a profound and wide range of meaning, in all cases referring to places (lokas) into which sink, because of persistent evildoing, those entities who choose evil, in greater or less degree, as their course of conduct. Hence, the general meaning is loss of spirituality involving a descent or dropping into realms of greater materiality.

Pit is often used for the nether pole of nature, whether geographically as the south pole, or in pure exotericism as hell. In the Bible (Ezek 28), the Prince of Tyrus is cast from the mountain of God into the pit. The mountain and the pit are often contrasted as the north and south poles, or as the heavenly and infernal regions. Pit is abundantly used in the Bible in this sense, metaphorically connected with a place for refuse or dishonored burial. The pit into which Prometheus is hurled is our earth, whither he descended to become mortal man; and the Mahasura, in Hindu legend, is hurled down to Patala.

See also EIGHTH SPHERE

(See also: Pit , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Paneurhythmy, the Sacred Bulgarian Dance of Life, that unites heaven and earth through a series of 28 easily learned movements in a rhythmic circular walking dance.
Personal sharing by Sananjaleen.

Read more here: » Paneurhythmy - the Sacred Bulgarian Dance of Life

Read more here: » Letting Go: The Journey for your Life - Letting Go

Mayan Calendar: In the series, Evolving Towards Enlightenment I-V, Carl Johan Calleman explains the links between the Mayan Calendar Enlightenment and the significance of the year 2012.

Read more here: » Mayan Calendar: Evolving Towards Enlightenment - V

The traditional festivals of the Indian diaspora all reflect the ancient concept of the Utsav Mela, which encouraged everyone to congregate, meet and mix amid festivity and pageantry. In fact, the word mela (fair) is derived from the word mil , meaning 'to meet'.

Baisakhi epitomises the mela notion of convergence for it brings together people of all castes and communities on the first day of Vaisakha, the beginning of the traditional Indian New Year. Basically a harvest festival, Baisakhi marks the ripening of the Rabi harvest, especially in the Punjab. It is called the Naba Barsha celebrations in Bengal, Rongali Bihu in Assam, Puthandu in Tamil Nadu and Pooram (Vishu) in Kerala.

(See also: Baisakhi , Indian Festivals, Spiritual Guidance, God and Religion, Peace on Earth, Peace of Mind, Love and Happiness, Life and Beyond, Body Mind and Soul)

Read more here: » Baisakhi: Baisakhi Is Both Sacred And Secular  

One of the participants at the Oneness Festival share his personal experiences of the Oneness Festival that took place February 16-22 2004 in India. This article give you an idea of what happens at the Oneness Festivals that take place twice annualy outside the village of Varadepalyam 90 km North of Madras/Chennai in India.

Read more here: » What happened at the Oneness Festival Feb 16-22 2004?

We're evolving. Our perspective is changing. When events come into our reality, we're looking at them with more loving hearts. Understanding and compassion are replacing judgment and condemnation. Yet, there are still souls on this Earth who see things very narrowly and demand punishment for anyone who steps outside the prescribed mold.

Read more here: » Conscious Creation: The Greatest Show In The Universe