Spiritual, Religious, Both, and Neither

This month’s topic can actually be somewhat of a challenge to write about. There is a great deal of ambiguity in today’s society regarding religion and spirituality. Some people use the two words interchangeably, while others hold them as two very different things. A great example of this is the ever-popular phrase, “I’m spiritual, but not religious.”

In truth, this kind of scenario would be wonderful, if it weren’t for the fact that most people are still using the two words interchangeably. By using this phrase, they mean they still believe in or follow some sort of higher power, without being associated with one particular religious organization or another. They are using spirituality to describe a state of belief. But a person can be extremely spiritual without any belief in a higher power whatsoever. This conflict is cause by, once again, the misuse of the word spiritual in our common culture. And that’s sad considering all you have to do is look at the word to figure out it’s meaning. Spirituality has nothing to do with belief. It has to do with the spirit. One’s own personal soul and spirit. And so it is possible to be “spiritual, but not religious”, but only if it describes a way of life or a spiritual system, and not simply the belief in a higher power.

Spirituality is something that is entirely personal. What one person finds to be extremely spiritually fulfilling, could mean absolutely nothing to another person. No one can tell another person what is spiritual, and what is not, because each person is unique and individual. And it is the personal impact upon the spirit, or the soul, that makes an act spiritual. The peace and contentment that comes from spiritual fulfillment can come from any source, and so each person will have specific things that they find to be spiritual. Some may overlap or be common amongst many people, but that doesn’t necessarily make that particular act spiritual. Again, it is the impact upon the individual and the fulfillment that is gained from the experience, that makes an act spiritual. Some people employ meditation, ritual, and other methods in order to directly influence the spirit and soul. To empower and strengthen them beyond the normal range of human ability. And while these activities are specifically meant to influence the spirit and soul, they could not be considered spiritual, unless the person performing them gained fulfillment and contentment from the experience.

This does not mean however, that religions and religious activities cannot be spiritual. All that is required is that the person performing them be fulfilled by the experience. If a person finds their religious duties extremely fulfilling, and becomes a healthier and happier person by doing them, then those duties are spiritual as well as religious. However, it is just as easy for secular activities to be extremely spiritual. A person who finds complete satisfaction and fulfillment from their craft or trade, can be living a spiritual life simply by getting up and going to work in the morning. A musician can be engaging in a spiritual endeavor simply by strapping on their instrument and allowing the music inside them to be released. Picking up a favorite pen and opening a worn notebook can be one of the most spiritual things a writer can do. The most important factor in spirituality, is the impact on the individual spirit.

Contrarily, it is just as easy for religions, religious activities, meditation, ritual, magic, and absolutely every other supposed “spiritual” thing in the world to not be so. And quite unfortunately, many people hop from one spiritual gimmick to the next, in the hopes of finding the right “fit.” What these people are truly looking for, is that special thing that makes them feel spiritual. That special impact on the soul. And without that feeling or that impact, all of these activities become about something else. Religion becomes about belief and faith. Meditation becomes about “unlocking the mind.” Magic becomes about “special powers.” And none of them are doing what they were intended to do.

This will continue to happen until people take their spirituality into their own hands. People have to stop looking for others to show them what spirituality is. What it means. They need to go out and look for what brings them personal fulfillment and satisfaction. And once they have found what they are looking for, it is their responsibility to keep that fulfillment in their lives and live a spiritual life, if they choose to do so. I leave you all with one of the many small decoration I have made to hang on my walls. When I see them, I feel spiritual, and therefore they help me lead a spiritual life. Enjoy, and may Lucifer light your way!

Lucifer Wall Decoration

October Spiritus

Welcome to October, People of the Org.

This month the bloggers take on the topic of spiritual Demonolatry. What does it mean to live a spiritual life? How does one deepen their own spiritual connection to the Demonic Divine?  What practices do very spiritual people uphold? All of these questions are fair game this month.

Also, for those of you solitaries looking for an opportunity for group worship, see the OFS’s first ever experimental online public ritual via a live video conferencing feed through Any Meeting. It’s a public Rite to Eurynomous. While it will cost a little to attend (unless you have a scholarship or discount code) to keep the meeting ad free, it should be fun. I might be there myself. Afterward, S. Connolly will do live readings for those who have requested them and a discussion of the ritual will ensue. All you have to do is log in, in front of the computer, and watch. There will be a chat box available, but please know that all participants cameras and microphones will be disabled so there is no noise feedback and so the ritual won’t be interrupted by technical difficulties (hopefully). It’s the next best thing to attending a live ritual. There was talk of having two cameras set up so that you can get different views of the ritual chamber. Also, several experienced attendees will be there so if you have a question during the live ritual you can type them into the chat box and one of those participants might be willing to answer, though you can hold your questions to the end.  There are currently over fifteen people signed up to attend.  Please go to Any Meeting first to learn how to use the online interface  in advance and to find out how to get help if your video freezes etc…  While the ritual is in progress there will be NO TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE. For best results, use a wired connection and make sure you have a cable modem or a very fast connection. The better your computer and the stronger your connection, the fewer issues you’ll likely have. Also, Chrome users might have to disable their Flash plugin if they are getting screen freezes.  Those who experience severe technical difficulties may be eligible for a refund. If you do find yourself logged out at any time during the event, just log back in.

If you have questions about the above this event, contact me at [email protected]. Put OFS Rite to Eury in the subject header.   Watch for more live streaming video events including both free and paid webinars.

Frank F. Domovoi

September Babble

It was a free choice this month about what to talk about, and I know I am late with this, but it has been a busy time. This month I apologise for not discussing Demonolatry, and deviating onto ethics etc.

I am of the opinion that the human race has lost its direction in development. Ethically, we treat animals with disgrace, we treat the third world with disgrace, and we treat mother earth (for want of a better term) with disgrace. All those in charge are interested in is making money. That is it. It doesn’t matter what hardships are enforced on those not in positions of power. Neither does it matter what irreversible damage is done to the planet. Just as long as profit is made and the shareholders are kept happy, then that’s alright and all is fine.

The hunger for material possessions has hit an all time high. The more we have, the more we want. We have people sitting outside Apple stores for 5 days (if not longer) waiting to be the first to buy an iphone 5 while at the same time people are having to sell their possessions to cover medical expenses for ill relatives. We pour money into third world countries via organisations like Save The Children etc. If saving the children was so important, then why do they pay their chief executive what they pay him – circa 120,000 US$. Governments spend billions on foreign aid, yet none of the money goes to help the general populous. Rather it tends to find itself spent on arms (generally bought from arms dealers approved, if not owned by the very governments who gave them the foreign aid money in the first place). Its all a complete sham.

The same goes for the so called idea of western democracy – total sham. The freedoms that we in the west are allowed are simply present to divert our attention from what is really going on. Do we really have any influence on what happens ? I don’t think so. Even though we are allowed some degree of free speech, it is not as free as once thought. We have to be VERY careful what we say or put up on facebook. You are allowed to have your own opinion, providing it agrees with the  government approved opinion on the subject currently in favour at the time you make your opinion. Examples include immigration, gay marriage, illegal wars etc. Dr Kelly in the weapons of mass destruction court case is a prime example.

That’s enough from me. I would be interested to know what other peoples thoughts are.

Another Little Soldier…

My inspiration for this month’s post comes from, of all things, a T.V. show. I don’t watch a lot of T.V., but I do have a few shows that I watch regularly, one of which being Boardwalk Empire. In one of the last episodes I watched, a seven year old was undergoing the catechism. He had his first confession and at the end of the episode he posed for a photograph. He was garbed in altar boy robes, and he held a candle and a cross in his hands. The last words spoken were the photographer’s: “Another little soldier in God’s army.”

 

While it may have only been a T.V. show, this scene highlights a major contrast between the fundamental beliefs of Satanism and other mainstream religions, namely Christianity. While it preaches peace and tolerance (towards those they agree with), Christianity also employs a policy of active, obligatory conversion. Couple this with compulsion and coercion through fear, and the result is our current Christian landscape. People so unquestioning and positive in their “correctness” that any means justifies the end result of another soul “saved.” People not willing, but proud to enlist their children as little soldiers in God’s ever-growing army. And for a belief that is supposedly all about peace and love, this enormous army of troops is quite active waging wars economically, socially, and sometimes even physically. Every Sunday, churches across the world declare war on Satan and all those loyal to him. They condemn the agents of Satan as vile and despicable beings that must be conquered at all costs.

 

Now, I’m a pretty busy guy, Satanically-speaking. I run a website catering to Satanists and occultists. I blog and write in order to spread awareness about true Satanism. I fight misconceptions at any opportunity and try to live my life by the philosophies and ideals that Satanism represents. By any measure, I could be considered an “agent of Satan”, and I would be proud to call myself so.

I am also a pretty damn normal guy. I work a day job, I read books, I watch T.V., and I hang out with friends. I love my wife and our furry little kids.

But apparently for these heinous deeds, I am to be perpetually at war with the forces of “good.”

For the wickedness and corruption that I spread whilst munching Cheetos and geeking it up at home, I am to be labeled as an enemy. As an adversary, if you will.

And I am perfectly fine with that, because to me there could be no greater praise.

They can raise their good little soldiers for God’s army, and we can raise good little thinkers for Satan’s family, and I don’t think anyone needs psychic abilities to see who benefits there.

 

Ut Servo Diabolus!

September Cometh

I hope this September finds you all healthy and prosperous. Now that the kids are back in school and autumn is just around the corner, it’s time again for our annual DB Publishing Drawing.  Winners will be drawn on October 31st.  To enter the drawing send your email address to [email protected] with the words 2012 DRAWING in the subject header.

This year’s drawing winners will have a chance at the following prizes:

  • Infernal Colopatiron (2 Winners)
  • Curses, Hexes & Crossing (2 Winners)
  • Honoring Death: The Are of Daemonolatry Necromancy (2 Winners)

Make sure you enter soon! We stop taking entries at midnight on October 30th!

This month our bloggers talk about some of the bizarre and common misconceptions they’ve heard about the occult over the years (or whatever else they want to talk about).

Until October,

Frank F. Domovoi

 

Your Brain on Meditation

 

Meditation has some neurological interesting aspects, you see your regular waking state , the brain activity between 12 and 30 Hz, it’s called beta, when you are concentrated in deep studys and focused tasks you are in Alpha, in the frequency range of 8–12 Hz arising, Theta wave, or Theta rhythm, is the term used to designate the frequency range  about 4–7 cycles per second (Hz). Here is where your brain remains in meditative state, and good meditators might decrase theyr brain frequencies into Delta, (beware of doing it uncoiunciusly its also the range of deep sleep);  Meditators shift their brain activity to different areas of the cortex—brain waves in the stress-prone right frontal cortex move to the calmer left frontal cortex. Meditation provides a disidentification space in wish you can let go your problems, and while meditation might not be everyone’s specialty its basic skill, busy people might excuse themselves on not having time, but truly, its pointless, when you are likely to be the one most needing meditation than somebody with a lot free time, and it’s the basic core skill for scrying, medium ship, if you want to develop magical practice meditation it’s going to be there, if you are not really into sitting in a half lotus position or don’t even have a good place to do so, find somewhere where you can sit with your back straight and breathe, I think there is enough recommendations in other posts so Im not going to delve a lot in technique.

Another of the benefits of Meditation that cannot be overlooked are emotional control, self control, an apt meditator does not feel pressured under the public opinion nor is rushed on acting, meditating will allow you to be more under control when your boss is being pushy or when things don’t go exactly as planned, you will have more concentration and focus on what actually matters, and let go of that what is not needed, also meditation it’s not about epiphanies or high inspirations, otherwise, meditation it’s to let go, and if those things occur you just might gently let them drift away instead of rushing you calm state into stressful action.

If you are not very apt into meditation there are also aids, there are guided meditations of many authors around the world, the New Age its practically audio meditations, also Binaural Frequencies have plenty meditation aids, find one that works for you and hear it when you have spare time, it will help you get you started and give you some good respite, but remember the idea its to get started on meditation, not to depend on those aids, because if they ever happen to fault, your best meditation aid will always be your brain.

Meditations – so many choices.

Its Meditation this month. Meditation is something I am notoriously bad at. As my gran would say – “You’ve got ants in your pants !” There are so many diffeent types out there now to choose from. Guided meditation, Chaosphere meditation, Transcendental meditation (expensive), this meditation, that meditation. All requiring you to sit still, on your backside normally.

I can’t keep still for a minute, let alone sit in an uncomfortable position on the floor meditating. Is there any hope for me and anyone else who finds sitting still a pain in the backside ?

Well – you’ll be pleased to know the answer is yes. After many years in the martial arts, I have learned that breath is the all important – obviously if you don’t breath you die, so I am not talking about that important bit. Instead, its the manner in which you carry out your breath. Far too man people breath with their chest, especially males (and again especially where I live), who seem to  enjoy inflating their chests when there are females about. Abdominal breathing is the thing to learn. Breath in through the nose, inflating both the chest AND the stomach, pulling the diaphragm in a downwards motion. Then breathout again, though the mouth, and just when you think you have that last bit of air out, concentrate, contract all your abdominal muscles and expell some more (you may cough at this moment). Then breath in through the nose again, repeating the above. This type of breathing is very calming. Breath in for a count of 5, hold for 5 then breath out for 5 to begin with. Increase the count as you become more proficient.

Now to deal with the not sitting down bit. Stand with feet shoulder width apart, kness slightly bent, in what we know as horse stance. The back is straight, head facing forwards, shoulders back and tight. Focus you eyes on something in front of you, or if you can, focus on nothing in front of you. As you breath in, bring both arms and hands up the front of the body, palms facing upwards to chin/neck height. As you breath out, turn the palms downwards, pushing against an invisible force as you expel the air. Feel the force pushing against you. Concentrate. You might find your legs and knees hurting – just concentrate on your breathing, and pushing at that invisible force as you breathout.

Once you have that down to a fine art, and can do that for 10 to 15 minutes, imagine you have a ball of energy in your hands. This ball can be manipulated, stretched, squeezed etc. Now, as you breath in and out, play with that ball of energy slowly. Squeeze it, stretch it, move it about. Move the arms and hands slowly as you breath, like a Bruce Lee film in slow motion (very much like Tai Chi). Do this for about 15 to 20 minutes, focusing on the ball of energy, or your inner thoughts – do not allow the pain in your legs to influence you.

I find this wonderfully relaxing. The breathing on its own can be used in conjunction with other sports, such as weightlifting, remebering of course to breath in and out at the right times to avoid passing out.

Competence in this breathing technique can lead to “Chi development”.

If you want to know more, message me 🙂

Breathe!

I’m not afraid to admit that I lack patience at times. Meditation is one of those things that, when you feel something will go wrong, it usually does. You’ll hear noises, you’ll find yourself too distracted to focus, or your neighbors will be playing music at awkward hours. My Halloween workings last year were interrupted by the church services being held next door. It’s definitely something that needs to be rectified if I ever hope to become a disciplined magician.

I can’t do anything about the people next door who feel they need to turn the amplifiers of their instruments up so high it rattles the entire house in order to praise Jesus, but I can certainly work on other things. Those things include the scheduling the times I meditate, as well as keeping in the habit of at least doing breathing exercises so meditation won’t become so foreign to me that I can’t make progress.

When I think of breathing exercises, I need to take a slight detour back to high school. I explored various art forms that don’t come naturally to me. Among them was choir. My choral director was an amazing woman who felt that breathing exercises were very important. Here are some of the things she taught us:

  • Breathing is vital.
    • One of the first exercises we learned was to imagine the cycle that our bodies were undergoing. Breathe in, envision your lungs expanding with oxygen, your diaphragm providing more room for your lungs. Breathe out, envision your diaphragm returning to its resting position, your lungs deflating, and carbon dioxide leaving your mouth. It was a surprisingly spiritual experience. She guided us through what she felt it signified: It enabled us to continue living, it sent oxygen through our bloodstream, and stressed the importance of how everything in the human body is connected, and that it relies on many parts in order to function.
  • Get into the habit of breathing in through your nose.
    • Unless you use air purifiers regularly, there are a lot of things lurking in the air that you might not know of. Germs, smoke from incense or candles, pollen, dust, etc. Inside your nose are hairs that are used to keep those toxins from getting into your system. So while nose hairs are unsightly, they definitely do serve a purpose
  • Breathe from your diaphragm.
    • The diaphragm sits below your lungs and above your stomach. When you breathe using the diaphragm, it pushes your stomach and intestines down so that your lungs have more room to expand. You’ll breathe a lot deeper and be more aware of your body when you use your diaphragm. It also feels a lot better to do it this way (to me). It feels like there’s less of a strain on your lungs.
      • If you’ve never tried this out before, you can find various guides on line about how to do it. What I’ll simply say is to put your hand above your naval and try to pant like a dog. You should feel your stomach contract. When you breathe deeply, you should feel that same contraction.
  • Sustain your breath.
    • It was important in choir to sustain notes whilst singing, but the applications of sustaining your breath during meditation make as much sense. I can see this being used when you vibrate enns or mantras. It slows your breathing down and is yet another way to become more aware of your body.
    • There are innumerable possibilities for the types of exercises that utilize controlling your breath. Two simple ones are :
      • Breathe in for x number of seconds, hold it for x number of seconds, and release for x number of seconds.
      • Breathe in, hold it, and release it vocally (make an S or hissing sound when you exhale)

Standing (or sitting) up straight are also important. If you sit hunched over you’re not giving your lungs the ample room they need to do their job.

She also told us eating healthy, exercising, and avoiding energy drinks would be beneficial to our overall well-being, but those were just part of the normal Friday speech before class was released for the weekend.

Now I’m at the point where I’m more interested in reminiscing, I’d like to turn it over to you guys. What are some breathing exercises (or meditations) you’ve found particularly helpful in the past? What are things that haven’t worked?

I’d love to hear your comments on the matter!

Moving Meditation

I want to take a few moments to talk about tai chi, yoga, walking, and raking your yard – all while breathing. When we think of meditation, how many of us think of meditation cushions, bells, gongs, yogis sitting in lotus position, and being calm and still?

Not as many people stop to think about moving meditation. Moving meditation is that point when, as you move, you are completely aware of your breath and your body, and that’s exactly what you’re thinking about. You may find yourself completely immersed in your walk or exercises or cleaning and not even realize that you’ve stopped thinking about your jerk of a boss or your cousin’s snotty remark at the family reunion. This is moving meditation. We’ve all done it whether we realize it or not.

Are you a cleaner when you’re pissed? Then you’re probably doing moving meditation. Are you a gardener who can get lost in his plants for hours? You’re practicing moving meditation. I’ll do it when raking leaves. There comes a point where there is nothing but you, the rake, the leaves, the bag – and the task at hand — getting the leaves in the bag. I always feel a lot better, more whole and complete, after a moving meditation session. It’s like taking a time-out from your life.

It’s about being present in the physical world as a physical being and not being distracted by the mental.

I think that’s something most Western schools of magick neglect. Many of us are so busy trying to connect with the spirits and ascend our minds from the physical that we neglect to be mindful of our physical existence and how divine that can be.  For those yearning for that connection to all that is and yearning to experience the Daemonic (divine intelligence), try burying your hands wrist-deep in soil while planting a garden, listening to nature as you walk, or dancing in the rain.

Sometimes it’s good to drop the to-do list and stop thinking about the things we’re always thinking about. Sometimes it’s good to just be.

What’s your moving meditation?

Meditation Opportunities

This month I am going to write about the varying opportunities that meditation offers us, and how taking advantage of those opportunities can influence almost every aspect of our lives, from the mundane to the magical.

Meditation offers us many things. Even simple meditations involving nothing more than stilling the mind are more valuable than most people think. The ability to quiet the mind and remain calm under stress is an invaluable skill, something that even elementary meditations can help instill. When clarity of the mind is achieved, choice is allowed to replace blind reaction, and meditation is also a wonderful tool that helps promote a mental atmosphere that is conducive to making sound choices.

Another opportunity that meditation presents us, is that of practice. Meditation is a major opportunity for every day magical practice and development outside of the ritual space or magic circle. Visualization, breath control, chants and incantations, the raising and directing of energy; All of these things can be researched, employed, and practiced on a daily basis through meditation. This practice conditions us for magical success. Through meditation, we learn to raise larger  and more powerful amounts of energy. We are more capable of programming and directing that energy, due to the mental clarity and discipline accrued through daily practice. And we are equipped with the psychic and spiritual tools to be successful, because meditation  teaches us to unlock and empower them. I believe meditation to be the number one precursor to magical success.

Also, in my opinion, meditation is mankind’s truest form of prayer. It is through meditation that we learn of ourselves. Of our own bodies, minds, and souls. And through the development and mastery of ourselves, we unlock the potential to truly speak to the Gods, and in turn, the universe itself.