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Post by hollandr on Oct 20, 2005 0:58:26 GMT
Maat
Yes my understanding was like most of the gods, the jewish god had a female partner - hence the Divine Marrriage symbolism later attached.
And they dwelt in the tabernacle when they were in those parts. And, as I recall, Shekinah approximately translates as "she who lives in a tent".
"ENTRY: kn. DEFINITION: Central Semitic, to dwell. Shekinah, from Mishnaic Hebrew kînâ, dwelling-place, tabernacle, divine presence, from Hebrew kan, to dwell. "
And here is a bit on Lilith:
"Lilith In Jewish tradition, where she originated, Lilith is a female demon, enemy of the infants, bride of the evil angel Sammael (Satan). She predated Eve, had marital relations with Adam, and must thus be regarded as our first parent's 1st wife."
Hence Lilith is another alien female.
>But if the Light at Bethlehem was a space craft - why would it have a need to be at a human(?) birth?
Well it would be a pretty interesting star to be low enough and small enough to point out a single dwelling.
But at present I have no observations or information to support any speculation on the nature of the star of bethlehem.
As an aside, Bushby in "The Bible Fraud" maintains that the Jesus figure we have a is a composite - just like many accounts of the ancient gods. If so, then it would be difficult to find inner evidence to support much of the bible account of early days of a composite jesus.
Cheers
Russell
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Post by taylorsman on Oct 20, 2005 17:56:08 GMT
The Holy Shekinah is mentioned in the Ritual of the Royal Order of Scotland.
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Post by hollandr on Dec 30, 2006 7:17:38 GMT
>The Shekinah Glory is the physical manifestation of the presence of the Most High
I think it is worth distinguishing between TMH and JHVH. They may be historically separable
In jewish legend Shekinah was the consort of JHVH (living with him in a tent/tabernacle) while he was under the direction of TMH. For example in dividing the nations of the earth, JHVH only was given by TMH the sons of Judah (as I recall) hence they were his chosen people
Cheers
Russell
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Post by 2 BOWL CAIN on Jan 6, 2007 23:24:44 GMT
THE SACRED SHEKINAH GLORY BY MAX HEINDEL [1865-1919] The Western Room of the Tabernacle was as dark as the heavens are at the time when the lesser light, the moon, is in the western portion of sky at eventide with the sun; that is to say, at the new moon, which begins a new cycle in a new sign of the zodiac. In the westernmost part of this darkened sanctuary stood the Ark of the Covenant, with the Cherubim hovering above, and also the fiery Shekinah Glory, out of which the Father of Light communed with His worshipers, but which to the physical vision was invisible and therefore dark.
We do not usually realize that the whole world is afire, that fire is in the water, that it burns continually in plant, animal, and man; yes, there is nothing in the work that is not ensouled by fire. The reason why we do not perceive this more clearly is that we cannot dissociate fire and flame. But as a matter of fact, FIRE bears the same relation to FLAME as SPIRIT to the BODY; it is the unseen but potent power of manifestation. In other words, the true fire is dark, invisible to the physical sight. IT IS ONLY CLOTHED IN FLAME WHEN CONSUMING PHYSICAL MATTER. Consider, for illustra- tion, how fire leaps out of the flint when struck, and how a gas flame has the darkened core beneath the light-giving portion; also how a wire may carry electricity and be perfectly cold, yet it will emit a flame under cer- tain conditions.
At this point it may be expedient to mark the difference between the Tab- ernacle in the Wilderness, Solomon's Temple, and the later Temple built by Herod. There is a very vital difference. Both the MIRACULOUSLY ENKINDLED FIRE on the Brazen Altar in the eastern part of the Tabernacle and the in- visible SHEKINAH GLORY in the distant western part of the sanctuary were also present in Solomon's Temple. These were thus sanctuaries in a sense not equaled by the Temple built by Herod. The latter was, nevertheless, in a sense the most glorious of the three, for IT WAS GRACED BY THE BODILY PRESENCE OF OUR LORD, CHRIST JESUS, IN WHOM DWELT THE GODHEAD. Christ made the first selfsacrifice, thereby abrogating the sacrifice of animals, and finally at the consummation of His work in the visible world RENT THE VEIL and opened a way into the Holy of Holies, not only for the favored few, the priests and Levites, but that WHOSOEVER WILL may come and serve the Deity whom we know as our Father. Having fulfilled the law and the prophets Christ has done away with the OUTWARD sanctuary, and from henceforth the Al- tar of Burnt Offerings must be set up WITHIN the heart to atone for wrong- doing; the Golden Candlestick must be lighted WITHIN the heart to guide us upon our way, as the Christ WITHIN, the Shekinah Glory of the Father, must dwell WITHIN the sacred precincts of our own God Consciousness.
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Post by hollandr on Jan 7, 2007 0:22:42 GMT
I find it difficult to separate in Heindel's text:
- historical events - later interpretations of historical events - events that various parties wished had occurred - projections of later religious doctrines on to earlier records - philosophising and moralising upon earlier records - personal mystical experiences
I have a lot of respect for Heindel as a person but he does not make it easy for the reader to decompose his compilation into testable propositions
Cheers
Russell
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Post by a on Jan 7, 2007 10:18:15 GMT
Hello all As you know I have left this forum to maintain harmony due to what I would describe as intolerance. For those who are more esoterically aware I had to break a negative energy bond. For those who are not so esoterically aware, when you think bad thoughts forcefully enough others can be aware of them, a bit like when someone fancies you and you know, or when you are walking down a street and you know that someone is looking at you and when you turn you see that they are. Anyhow that is not the purpose of this post it is just background explaining why I am here, making what is, to me anyway, an important point, showing the practical importance of the quote below, from a post a couple above. doing; the Golden Candlestick must be lighted WITHIN the heart to guide us upon our way While I can not prove it to you, as you know I also agree with this, for I have often talked about the flame of light and the seeds of darkness that reside within us all. yes even you. To take steps up the ladder you have to find the flame and fan it, so that its light grows and the darkness becomes visible and the seeds of darkness have to hibernate. And it is the same in the "real" world - which is why corrupt people, bullies et all try to silence people, for they fear knowledge. But lets get back to the golden candlestick. Once you find this and fan this you may find that you can connect to the flame that is all. Whether focused through a crystal, or just naturally, if anyone remembers my snake and cat incidents as being two practical though difficult to prove to people who were not there examples. But here is my real point, a sad tale, that has highlighted how in my opinion unmasonic some parts of Freemasonry has sadly become, regardless of all the good words, but very relevant to the flame. There is a Freemason who I recently sent a christmas card to. He is a lovely old geezer, who I know that some here know. I have met him a few times and have helped him where I can take a step on his journey. Like all of us he will have his faults, but the key point here is that he is a well traveled Mason. In lots of lodges and orders, even one, and here is a clue, where they have visiting deacons. So forgetting about the duties of his Craft lodges, there are the claims of other orders as well. Anyhow he phoned me to thank me for my card. He also explained that he has been in hospital a couple of times recently and unable to attend any lodge or meeting for some months. And how much contact has he had from his brothers? How many have enquired why he hasn't attended? How many have been there with a hand of helpfulness? You guessed it - NONE. I know that this man can feel the candlelight flame, it is just a pity that too many of his brothers appear to fail to. And fail to be there for him in his time of need. The darkness that has pervaded needs to be illuminated out of the way. Find the flame. Go on make a middle aged pain in the ass happy. You may find that those who are true of heart have easier access to it. Apologies to all that this post inadvertently upsets. And apologies to the new faces here who may not know me. I am just a man who was once lost, who found himself and took a while to come to understand what the heck was going on.
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Post by taylorsman on Jan 7, 2007 12:21:03 GMT
Stewart, lovely to read you here again and a Happy New Year to you and your family.
You helped me find my candlestick and to light and nurture the flame, even if to begin with I laughed at your idea of "Internal Work" . Now I have "Let the Light Shine" and taken the step that I had to take and am far more at Harmony within myself and now consider that I am on the right road, at least as far as I am concerned.
So thank you for the gentle guidance you have given me and I do hope that in turn you find that which you are seeking and that you now remain a while on this Forum.
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Post by a on Jan 7, 2007 12:26:22 GMT
Hi Steve
You did the work. The Credit is yours.
Whether I remain here or not will depend on whether to quote UGLE "every True Freemason will show tolerance and respect for the opinions of others".
And let me say this once again - I have already found what I seek. I am now travelling back to whence I came. Have been for some time now.
Anyhow, back to the Freemason I discussed above. Please get such situations sorted.
Over a decade or so ago, when I was lost and broken, I remember preparing on my computer a new client care policy, which was full of good words and intentions. But I also knew within myself that I was sadly unable to fulfill it. I was just too lost and broken. In some ways this was good preparation for doing what I do today, for I can feel what some parts of Freemasonry are going through, and I can only hope that those bits can find thwe inner courage to find their way, just like I did.
In the meantime there are far far too many Masons who are left stranded. Go on bring them home.
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Post by taylorsman on Jan 7, 2007 12:59:10 GMT
Thank you Stewart, but I needed someone to shine a Light or even to shout "over here!" while I was trying to find my way and you were one of those who did so whilst distraction confused me and many false doors were opened whilst the ones I sought were bolted shut. There are others too who helped me make a difficult but for me very necessary decision, even a couple to whom this would have been the very last thing they sought to achieve but who nevertheless by their responses here and elsewhere assisted me in taking the action I did.
Stewart, you helped me to look outside the box, to utter the word "WHY?" to things I had previously taken as a given and in Blind Faith. Again I thank you for both opening the door and giving me a Light by which to take my steps. Shalom!
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Post by matt on Jan 13, 2007 9:24:59 GMT
Stewart, you helped me to look outside the box, to utter the word "WHY?" to things I had previously taken as a given and in Blind Faith. Love in action. This is a perfect example of how we are supposed to help eachother. My mentor instilled in me that answering questions is a small part of the way to help a peer. Asking questions is the key. The only way to really learn is to ask, "why?" Stewart, please allow me to encourage you to keep finding what it is that you've already found. Pax et LVX, Matt
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Post by a on Jan 15, 2007 20:16:07 GMT
I came back to this forum (I wish he hadn't I hear some whisper ;D) because of the timing of a post on this thread that my attention had been drawn to. It tied in with a UGLE Freemason that I am trying to help. There is a Freemason who I recently sent a christmas card to. He is a lovely old geezer, who I know that some here know. I have met him a few times and have helped him where I can take a step on his journey. Like all of us he will have his faults, but the key point here is that he is a well traveled Mason. In lots of lodges and orders, even one, and here is a clue, where they have visiting deacons. So forgetting about the duties of his Craft lodges, there are the claims of other orders as well. Anyhow he phoned me to thank me for my card. He also explained that he has been in hospital a couple of times recently and unable to attend any lodge or meeting for some months. And how much contact has he had from his brothers? How many have enquired why he hasn't attended? How many have been there with a hand of helpfulness? You guessed it - NONE. I know that this man can feel the candlelight flame, it is just a pity that too many of his brothers appear to fail to. And fail to be there for him in his time of need. I have asked the editor of MQ if he would get someone to write a piece about the importance of keeping in touch with those in need. Whether he will or not I don't know. But apart form highlighting the issue here in the hope that someone here who has some say in OSM can get their visiting deacons to check that they have visited all, and Craft Lodges to check that almoners do their job (I realise that given the sheer number of Craft lodges that would be a bit ambitious but I suspect that OSM is somewhat smaller and hence more achievable), there is little else that I can think of doing to help him restore his faith in the system. Come on lads this is a chap who has devoted his life to Freemasonry, and he has at least begun to pierce at least one veil in life (for any Bristol masons here). Someone please do some quiet good work behind the scenes so that the next time I talk to him his heart is lifted. I am unwilling to give a name, but if the visiting deacons ensure taht they have visited all of their flock, he should (I hope) stand out as being the one who has been missed.
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staffs
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Staffs
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Post by staffs on Jan 15, 2007 20:59:44 GMT
Stewart, Once again there is a lot of unseen hard work and devotion from Almoners that goes on behind the scenes that is not and does not need to be publicised.
You may have stated one case but this dioes not mean it is the norm. I can assure you that the Widows of lodge members and those in distress are visited and not forgotten and the Almoner of my lodge and many other lodges do a very lot of hard work and visiting and caring behind the scenes.
A christmas card is a very nice gesture but a smiling face and a brothers hand to hold is even nicer . and before you ask then yes we do do it.
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Post by a on Jan 15, 2007 21:05:15 GMT
A christmas card is a very nice gesture but a smiling face and a brothers hand to hold is even nicer I am sure that he would agree with you. Pity that it hasn't happened in this case. As I say I hope that someone who surfs here who has some influence in OSM can get it sorted. Added: apologies if I am muddling orders up. I am assuming that it is OSM that has visiting deacons.
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imakegarb
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Post by imakegarb on Jan 16, 2007 7:17:11 GMT
I don't think you're muddling things up at all. I also think you're stating far, far, far more dissent than there, in fact, is (assuming there is any at all). While I agree with you that you can feel much of what people are feeling when you are with them, you also can will things to happen by the attitude you take and what you actively expect. So cut it out with those negative vibes, K? 'Cause I'm liking it that you're here ;D As for this dude getting no visits from his BB . . . I find this rather surprising. I know it would not at all be the norm in my lodge. So I'm wondering, charitably, do his brethren know he's ill? Likewise, do brethren from other area lodges know? If they do then I find it amazing he's not receiving even one visitor. Hmmmmm. Claudy wrote on this. Really, he did. Here. It's one of his essays from "Old Tiler Talks", all of which can be found here.
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phil
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Post by phil on Jan 18, 2007 10:45:11 GMT
Maat wrote:
“Yes my understanding was like most of the gods, the jewish god had a female partner”
I have been thinking a lot about the Kabbalah recently and it occurred to me that the duality, which we so often recognise everywhere, is also appropriate to our God; whatever you call Him. There we go again; I called God HIM.
Now, we can consider the four elements of Alchemy as the four aspects of God. If we consider the Hebrew GOD as ELOHIM (Our God) or as JHVH (some say Jahova) and it is said that He is good, then it follows that the alternative to the good male is the evil male; the Devil.
There is also another alternative to the good male and that is the good female Shekinah.
There is also an alternative to the good female and that is the evil female; Lilith.
Thus the four elements:
- JHVH - Devil - Shenkinah - Lilith
Any thoughts??
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jmd
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Post by jmd on Jan 18, 2007 10:56:41 GMT
It only 'follows' if one assumes that the absence or the withdrawing (tzimtzum) can be both personified, and evil.
Within more orthodox Kabalistic thinking, I would have thought that though the ultimate Godhead is neither masculine nor feminine, it is explained in masculine terms as a consequence of activity being considered a masculine attribute (that both men and women have), and that the receptive (that both men and women have) is characterised as a feminine attribute.
As such, even the Shekinah transcends either masculinity or femininity, but is 'feminine' in contrast to the creative impetus of the Elohim (or to IHVH).
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Post by vajranagini on Feb 11, 2007 4:04:50 GMT
Peter - your question just took my breath away - literally. I had an experience just weeks before the birth of my daughter which was absolutely wonderful but puzzled me for many years. I had intuited an answer for the experience which was confirmed by a book I came across some 12 years later... but your question has just bought the whole matter to mind again. I think I have told this story before on some thread but cannot locate it - so will relate it again. I was 8+ months pregnant and woke in the middle of the night for the usual reason at that time in a pregnancy. Our house was in the country, no lights at all not even a moon, absolutely pitch black. As I felt my way to the bedroom door a little blue light appeared and twinkled about a metre in front of me. I remember nearly poking my own eye out just checking that I was awake. I was so stunned I could not think anything - just awe. Then it faded away after about 30-40 seconds (?) When I got back to bed and was still awe struck it appeared again this time for a slightly shorter period of time. I intuited some time after the happening that it was the soul/spirit of the baby I was about to give birth to. Now if I was right in my explanation for the phenomenon - and an ordinary soul/spirit can appear as a tiny blue and shining star - can you imagine how a super advanced Soul/Spirit would/could manifest? I had never made the connection between the two before … it's an interesting thought. Maat Thegnostic - just re-read your earlier piece on the thread - just great - thank you for posting it. $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ I had some very curious experiences while I was pregnant as well, (and I might mention that at the time I was engaged in a very powerful contemplation of the energies of the Fifth Sephirah.) The morning of my son's birth (he was born at 3 AM) I was wide awake as the sun came over the rooftops. The sunrise was breathtaking, and its glory was reflected by some windows across the way and the golden dawn (sic!) splendour filled my hospital room. I sat and watched it in quiet awe..then suddenly I was addressed by a voice in my head, and I was instantly aware that there was a Being in the room, hovering near the ceiling to my left. It asked me "Is there anything else you need?" There was nothing there actually visible to my eyes, but the sense of a Presence was absolutely unmistakable. There were a few things I was worried about and I expressed a wish that they turn out well. I heard the voice again. "Anything else?" I couldn't think of anything (but I did in retrospect!) so I said "No, that's it". It replied "Okay" and the sense of a Presence vanished instantly, along with the dawn splendour filling my room, just as if someone had hit a switch!
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Post by vajranagini on Feb 11, 2007 4:43:47 GMT
Maat wrote: “Yes my understanding was like most of the gods, the jewish god had a female partner” I have been thinking a lot about the Kabbalah recently and it occurred to me that the duality, which we so often recognise everywhere, is also appropriate to our God; whatever you call Him. There we go again; I called God HIM. Now, we can consider the four elements of Alchemy as the four aspects of God. If we consider the Hebrew GOD as ELOHIM (Our God) or as JHVH (some say Jahova) and it is said that He is good, then it follows that the alternative to the good male is the evil male; the Devil. There is also another alternative to the good male and that is the good female Shekinah. There is also an alternative to the good female and that is the evil female; Lilith. Thus the four elements: - JHVH - Devil - Shenkinah - Lilith Any thoughts?? $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ Actually I must speak up here and say that I have done MUCH research on Lilith, and I must remark that one will rarely find such a slander job contrived on any other deity like the one that has been played on Lilith. The Jewish patriarchs are all over the map; one minute Lilith flies away, the next God is sending angels to "bring her back" (why bring her back if she was evil?) and later it is then claimed that the names of these selfsame angels who failed in their mission will "drive Lilith away" from unborn babies who she is alleged to have a vendetta against. It is my theory that there may well be a connection between "Lilith" and "Eilithyia", the Greek Goddess of childbirth (and not to a whole lot of Babylonian night-hags), hence the connection to babies and childbearing. What better way to loosen a Goddess's hold on women than to make her out to be an eater of babies? Gee, where have we heard THIS accusation before? Reading Jewish texts and writings, one might be forgiven for thinking there was NO female gender AT ALL. The bird of spirit cannot fly with one wing. As an Aghora Tantric I know quite a LOT about the "mysteries of generation" and can speak with some authority on this topic, although it is not well to speak TOO clearly! It is interesting to note that "Shekinah" and "Assiah" have the same numerical value. I prefer to spell Shekinah "Sheqinah" as this spelling then equates "Sheqinah" with Nuit (NVITh), the overarching Heavenly Presence. The letter "qoph" also has interesting connections with the concept of the sacred harlot, which fits in well with the overall concept.
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