Posts Tagged ‘interview’

Posted on July 23, 2009 - by Andrew

Mark Forstater: A Guided Meditation for the Financially Stressed

Our most savvy readers will know the name Mark Forstater in connection with Monty Python. Mark is also extremely experienced in yoga and mediation techniques. He’s recently released the CD The Age of Anxiety: A Guided Meditation for the Financially Stressed (available online).

We reached out to Mark hoping that he might be kind enough to find the time for a quick Q&A session with In Pure Spirit and to our absolute delight – he agreed!

You produced the most fantastic film “Monty Python and the Holy Grail”. Thank you. Did your interest in yoga and meditation begin before your exposure to the Monty Python crew?

My interest in matters spiritual and philosophical started in 1972 when my first wife worked in the Acumedic shop in Camden Town. This was the first Traditional Chinese Medical establishment in London and its bookshop at the time consisted of one of those revolving racks of paperbacks. Here I discovered Confucius, Mencius, Lao Tzu and Chuang Tzu, and started my love affair with Taoism.

I think I had picked up a copy of The Tao Te Ching in the early 60s when I was at university in the states, but I remember being completely mystified by it. It wasn’t until the 70s when I had done more reading (and perhaps more living) that I started to get a glimmer of what the book was about.

All of this was just reading and thinking, intellectual stuff only, and there were no practices associated with this interest. That all started in 1989 when my second wife decided I should learn to meditate. I started with TM, moved into Buddhist meditation and then Taoist, and along the way added other practices such as Tai Chi, Hatha Yoga, self-massage etc.

In Pure Spirit believes that old, even ancient, wisdom can still sometimes be applicable to today’s hustle and bustle. What’s your view on this?

I believe that you should take the word ‘sometimes’ out of the above sentence. Ancient wisdom is no different than present day wisdom, and it gives us the same aid in living as the ancients achieved. Although our technology has drastically changed, what it is to be human has not changed, and so we live through the same emotions today that the ancients felt. People have always lived through the discriminating mind, looking mainly for advantage for themselves. Hence the quest for fame, wealth, power, and sex are the same today as they were in the past. Clinging or attachment to desire is the root of our suffering, as the Buddha said, and this has not changed. So we can look to ancient wisdom as a kind of spiritual medicine for the illnesses that we suffer from – the old problems of ignorance and delusion.

As the Tao Te Ching (Chapter 22) says,

Of old it was said ‘yield and overcome’.
Are these hollow words?
Once you completely conquer your self,
All things return to you.

Another translation of the same chapter:

The old saying
‘crippled becomes whole’
Is not empty words.

It becomes whole and returns.

Becoming whole; conquering the self. This has always been the aim. If we can do this, we live better, healthier and happier.

Is there anyone alive today who you think comes close to the likes of Confucius or Lao Tzu?

It’s obvious that the Dalai Lama is an incredible human being and he must bear comparison to the old sages of China. We know of him because of the political role he plays in Tibetan society, but there must be many other sages who have decided to stay hidden. We don’t know who they are since they have not tried to market themselves or create celebrity cults around themselves like so many of today’s gurus.

What’s your view on techniques like yogalates which claim to borrow parts from yoga and Pilates?

Yoga is over 5,500 years old, and Pilates just over 50. Yoga is a practice designed to control the mind and increase spiritual awareness, while Pilates was devised to help dancers strengthen their body. For most people today, Yoga is also a body culture, an exercise regime to keep the body healthy and supple. So there is no problem in combining two body-oriented practices like Yoga and Pilates to create a new synthesis. But where has the spiritual part of Yoga gone?

The yoga asanas were originally a preparation for meditation. You could say the asanas, especially the cross-legged sitting postures, were designed for meditation, but meditation has become a very small part of contemporary yoga.

Why did you decide to produce The Age of Anxiety CD?

I had three reasons to produce The Age of Anxiety, and they are all mixed together in my life. Firstly, there is a pure and selfless reason, which is to use my knowledge and experience to help other people who are suffering.  If only a handful of people find the CD of use and it helps them to gain some control over their emotions and deal more effectively with their financial and other problems, then I will be happy. Secondly, there was a desire on my part to create a new audio, one in which I used my voice and mind to make something that was an expression of my own life experience. This was prompted partly by a crisis in my life, my separation from my second wife. Thirdly I have had some success with people downloading the audios of my previous books, and I wanted to add a new audio to my collection. This is the financial reason, number three.

Do you have a view on the credit crunch? Has this crisis been caused by greed or is this the ‘natural’ ebb and flow of the economy?

I think the ‘natural’ ebb and flow of the economy has been magnified many times over by the effect of instantaneous digital communication, so that whereas before we had booms and slumps, like the 20s and 30s, now the highs and lows are both exaggerated by the instant trading that takes place. So the possibility of more economic crises in the future is very great.

The banking system operates though greed, and as long as the capitalist system remains in place, then there will be recurrences of the financial crises that we are currently experiencing. The banks now know that their profits (and bonuses) are theirs to keep, while any losses can be passed on to the rest of us.  This can only encourage more toxic investments in the future.

What are your top tips for coping with stress and anxiety?

There are two ways of dealing with stress and anxiety. One is an immediate help which deals with the symptoms, but leaves the basis of the anxiety unchanged, and the other is a longer term plan to get rid of the underlying causes of fear and anxiety.

When we are stressed out or feeling anxious, the first thing to do is to sit or lie down and just breathe into our belly slowly, deeply and calmly. That immediately slows down our system, alters our heart rate, and begins to calm the nervous system. Once the breath becomes more settled, then the body and mind settle as well.

Anxiety involves three interlocking symptoms- a confusion or chaos of thoughts and feelings in the mind, the stress response from the hormones and nervous system, and a disruption of breathing. Since the breath is the link between body and mind, settling the breath allows the body and mind to also settle.

In the long term, the aim is to transform fear and anxiety into something more like courage. To do this, we have to permanently alter all three of our interlocking systems- body, breath and mind. Those of us suffering from anxiety and fear have locked old emotions and traumas into our body in the form of tension and blockages. The way to remove them is to work on our own psychology (how our mind works, what these fears represent, how and when they arose), on our breath (aiming to free our respiratory system through belly breathing) and on our body (through massage, self-massage yoga etc). All of these must be done at the same time, with the intention of uprooting these old tensions and feelings. It is through meditation in particular that we can examine our mind, alter our breath, and free our body. This is a practice that will take some time, but it’s better to get rid of the causes of anxiety than just to keep dealing with the symptoms.

Do we have a responsibility to try and conduct our own lives in a way which minimises the stress we might cause others?

We have a responsibility first to ourselves, and then to other people. If we can’t solve the problem of self, and help to eliminate our own stress, then we will not be successful in minimising the stress we cause to others. If we can establish well-being and peace in our own lives, then we naturally extend this to all those we come in contact with.

In Pure Spirit

If you’d like to tap into Mark’s wisdom then we recommend checking out The Age of Anxiety online.

What do you think of the points Mark makes. Do you agree?

Posted on June 22, 2009 - by Andrew

Kelly Neylan: An interview with an Usui and Karuna Ki Reiki Master

Kelly Neylan is an Usui and Karuna Ki Reiki Master as well as registered Yoga Instructor. In Pure Spirit is very lucky to have Kelly as a guest expert author for today’s post.

She is the founder of Lasting Light Yoga and Reiki in Columbia, MD. She follows an intuitive approach to her energy healing and lets the energy guide her in the sessions. Her unique background in yoga and reiki compliment one another and give her many tools with which to change the energy flow in the body.

In her yoga practice she teaches all levels of yoga children through adult with specialties in pre-natal and children’s yoga.

When/why should someone consider going to a Reiki master for help?

Reiki helps to relieve stress and promote relaxation and wellness. Most people I know suffer from un-managed stress in their lives and could benefit from reiki.

What should they expect from their first Reiki session?

A typical reiki treatment lasts anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. You relax with your clothes on shoes removed, on a massage table while the reiki practitioner holds their hands on or above you. There is no real pressure on the body making it ideal for dealing with various situations and conditions. The energy flows where it is needed and may be experienced as warmth or other sensations. The Reiki energy encourages one to let go of all tension, anxiety, fear or other negative feelings and a state of peace and well-being is experienced.

How important is Mikao Usui to Reiki? Can other Reiki masters hope to do as well as Mikao?

Dr. Usui is looked at as the founder of reiki though many believe he simply re-discovered this energy that has always been out there. He is important because it is the by the teaching of his students that the information could be passed on and spread. I would most likely never have been introduced to reiki if he hadn’t begun teaching it to others.

I think I would change your second question in saying that it is possible for all Reiki masters to do well for others. Each of us in on our own personal journey with specific lessons to learn in this lifetime, I think it’s important not to compare yourself to others accomplishments but instead see what good you can provide to others in your own life. Reiki has been nothing but a positive experience in my life and that is what counts. I do not think that I’ve even begun to scratch the depths to which this experience will end up taking me.

That said I think there are many opportunities out there for Reiki masters to be as successful as they wish. We live in a much different era than Dr. Usui did and the technology out there now gives one the opportunity to more easily transmit information and messages.

Are there times in your life when Reiki is not a wise idea?

Reiki should not be performed while under any kind of anaesthesia. Beyond that it should only be performed when someone feels that they need and want it.

If someone was interested in learning more about Reiki what would you recommend?

I would recommend reading about it to see if it is something that would interest you in either receiving or giving. If you are interested then I would recommend finding a Reiki master in your area to continue your education. The following books are my favourites on the topic:

1. Reiki: Reiki the Healing Touch by William Lee Rand*
2. The Power of Reiki: An Ancient Hands-On Healing Technique by Tanmaya Honervogt*
3. The Reiki Sourcebook* by Bronwen Stiene
4. Abundance Through Reiki* by Paula Horan
5. All Love: A Guidebook for Teaching Sekhem-Seichim-Reiki and SKHM* by Diane Ruth Shewmaker

Is Reiki religious? Should people worry about introducing reiki into their life alongside their religion?

There are many viewpoints on this subject and every person must make this very personal decision for himself or herself. That said I believe reiki to be spiritual but not a religious practice. Where some confusion may come in is the person who most recently re-discovered the reiki energy (Dr. Usui from Japan) was Buddhist but that does not make the practice itself Buddhist in nature.

Dr. Usui had many professions and backgrounds to his being and his religious upbringing was just one component of him. It is not necessary to be of any religious background to practice reiki. You as the reiki recipient may if you elect if you wish to interject your own personal beliefs into a reiki session by praying or calling in your own personal deities, angels, spirit guides etc. into a session but the reiki master remains non-secular in the conduction of the practice. Reiki at its essence is simply moving energy in your body helping it function better and flow. It is simply another form of energy healing that uses the hands rather than another modality such as acupuncture, which uses needles to move and release energy.

The Reiki Principles are very simple and do not conflict with any religion that I am familiar with. They are below:

1. Just for today, do not worry.
2. Just for today, do not anger.
3. Honor your parents, teachers and elders.
4. Earn your living honestly.
5. Show gratitude to every living thing.

William Lee Rand has written a very thoughtful response to the recent announcement by the Catholic Bishops. I do not think I could say it better. Please see the link below for his response. http://www.reiki.org/reikinews/ResponseBishopsStatement.html

What is your top tip for anyone hoping to reach your level of Reiki skill?

Practice and an open heart are a must. Find some friends and practice often on yourself as well as others. There are a lot of good books out there but nothing can substitute real experience. I would also say that a meditation practice can also help you to be able to connect and go deeper with awareness into your own practice.

In Pure Spirit

Kelly is currently working on book coming out next year “Little Bodies Big Souls… stories from yoga and children that will heal your life” and is accepting stories of yoga that have affected relationships with children. She can be reached at info@lastinglightyoga.com.

Alternatively, if you’ve any questions then feel free to leave a comment below and we’ll invite Kelly back (if she has time!) to answer a few.

Caveat: Links marked with a star(*) are revenue links for In Pure Spirit.

Posted on January 23, 2009 - by Andrew

The Ultimate Armageddon: The Eschaton

We’ve already been lucky enough to interview William Hopper about his book The Heathens Guide to Christmas. Now we’re extremely lucky to be able to share some exclusive insight via a guest post on his latest book – The Eschaton*.

The Ultimate Armageddon

What if every prophecy from every religion happened at the same time?

With the Mayan 2012 prophecies making the news lately, readers seem eager to re-examine the many myths that foretell the end of the world.  Of particular interest to bloggers and commentators has been the attempt to tie the Mayan myth to the Christian Apocalypse.  While the attempts have made for some great reading, the reality of trying to align Mayan and Christian theologies is daunting. For me, though, the tale had to be much bigger.  If there ever was an “end-of-the-world”, then it would encompass the entire world.  As such, every religion (and every God) would be involved.

Many years ago, I took a course at university entitled “Eschatology: the study of the end times”. While I admittedly went into it with visions of the Antichrist and Jesus battling it out, I was quite fortunate to have had a very good professor who went far beyond the requisite Book of Revelations Apocalypse.  He included in the lectures the prophecies of Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and many other faiths that are normally ignored.

It was back then that the basic idea for The Eschaton occurred to me: What would happen if all these prophecies came true at the same time?

A few years later, I was reading a book by Frithjof Schuon; “The Transcendent Unity of Religions.”  While it had nothing to do with the end of the world, it contributed greatly to my view of the theologies involved.  I’d already begun to look for a way to align all the predictions into a “divine plan”, but was failing miserably. As such, I placed a lot of hope on Schuon’s book as he was trying to show that there was, in fact, a commonality to all religion.  Back then, Shuon’s ideas failed me.  While they were great cerebrally, I was all too aware that when you actually deal with the adherents of these faiths, cerebral arguments do not work.  There may be a “transcendent unity”, but on the street level the faiths were utterly distinct.

Still, the thought intrigued me.

It was the carnage of 9/11 that gave me my first real insight into how a mass-Apocalypse would actually occur.  Like most people, I watched the images of the Twin Towers falling, and listened as the news came that Muslims were responsible. This, of course, was quickly countered by imams who explained that the 9/11 attackers did not represent the whole of the faith.  They were, in fact, a radical sect of Islam.

This got me to thinking…

I realized then that the problem I was having in aligning the end time prophecies was that I had been trying to do so in a peaceful and harmonious way.  I had assumed that (for example) the better natures of Vishnu and Christ would preclude conflict.  A divine plan, I thought, would be able to rise above the obvious suffering, destruction, and carnage that would happen if all our Gods walked the Earth at the same time.  The 9/11 attackers showed me that I was fundamentally wrong in this assumption.   Regardless of what the divine plan might be, the reality of such an event would be absolute Hell.  There would be bloodshed, cruelty, and horror no matter whose God you believe to be true.

From there, the book opened up to me.  I began to see how these prophecies would manifest and, more importantly, where they would collide.  Then, amid these conflicting apocalypses, I brought to the story the most chaotic element: the faith and lives of the humans who worship our Gods.

People often ask me if there’s a ‘winner’ in The Eschaton.  I always tell them yes, there is.  In the final battle between all the religions and all the Gods, one theology would absolutely win out over all the others. However, the answer to whose God ultimately proves most powerful (and the reasons for this) will have to be found in the reading of the book.

In Pure Spirit

We’ve also been given a large preview of The Eschaton itself. It’s too large to re-print fully in this article but here’s a sample:

The Temple Mount
October 16th (the third day of Sukkoth) 9:12 am

When Isaac Barresh was a boy, he knew without question that the promised messiah was about to arrive. His family had moved to the Holy Land in 1953 to become proud citizens of the new nation of Israel. It had been a time of unprecedented hope. Ezekiel’s prophesies seemed to be coming true. The Diaspora was over. The Temple Mount, denied to Jews since 70 AD, was finally within their grasp. Like many in Israel at the time, Isaac understood that these signs heralded the imminent rise of a new messiah.

That was sixty years ago.

Now, half a mile from the Wailing Wall, Isaac could already see the crowd of Muslims gathering near Al Aqsa. They’d be boys mostly— teenagers full of vigor and purpose ready to defend their faith with rocks and insults. Rabbi Baird had weeded out the worst of the trouble makers from their own procession, but Isaac could still see fervor in the eyes of the young men who walked with them. There would be bloodshed today.

“It wasn’t always like this.” he said to the closest of them.

“What!?” the boy replied, barely registering Isaac’s voice above the chants.

“I said it was not always like this.” Isaac repeated, louder this time. “The Six Day War. I was there. I was part of the first brigade to pass through the Lion’s Gate and take control of the Temple Mount.”

“We should have killed them all back then and been done with it!” the boy said, smiling. When he realized that Isaac was not smiling back he turned away abruptly, losing himself in the crowd.

Their procession followed the old roads to the Mugrabi Gate. There, Rabbi Baird stopped the pickup truck that carried the Cornerstone of the New Temple. Isaac had walked in this procession for twenty-three years now, and had seen his share of violence and death come with it. He also had taken the long road back from the Temple, watching as the Cornerstone— and the hope it represented— was packed away for another year.

Still, he hoped. He prayed. And he walked.

The turnout had been good. By the time they were at the gate their numbers had grown to several hundred. There had been demonstrations earlier in the week, and the Knesset had been forced to prevent the stone from actually passing onto the Temple Mount itself. Instead they would pray at the gate, far from the confrontations that waited within.

It seemed that the plan to keep the peace had worked. As they neared the gate, the priests were singing the old hymns, unimpeded by the Muslims who looked on from above. For the moment, Isaac allowed himself to believe that it would all go well. They would finish the blessing, say their prayers, and he would be back home before noon. He eyed the walls above, wary, but content that the Muslims there meant them no harm so long as they did not carry the stone across the threshold.

It was because he was watching the Muslims that Isaac missed the real threat. Without warning their small crowd suddenly grew to a thousand as armed men erupted from every side street and building, easily overwhelming the procession. The first of them, presumably their leader, leapt on the back of the pickup, pushing Rabbi Baird aside. The singing stopped.

If you’d like to buy the book (go on, go on…) then you can do so at Amazon*.
Disclaimer: Links marked with a star* are revenue links

Posted on January 20, 2009 - by Andrew

Mirror Image: An interview with Richard Flewelling

Richard Flewelling is a combat veteran and retired business owner and consultant. We’ve been lucky enough to arrange an interview with Richard about his first book Mirror Image. You can read more about Richard and Mirror Image at his AuthorHouse web site.

Without putting the plot in danger or raising the spectre of spoilers can you tell our readers a little about Mirror Image?

Mirror Image offers a new twist on the classic mystery novel involving identical persons.

Selecting a genre for this novel is difficult as it covers many.

It is an adventure story, involving the developing social and sexual awareness of our central character and tells of some of his lovemaking in explicit detail. The story is told in a way that displays his innermost thoughts. It tells of consideration, romance and folly with several women he meets.

The story tells of social relationships and follows several crimes involving kidnappings, murders, and weaves a complicated tale of causes of interrelated mysteries that all seem to point in a common direction. It evolves into the awareness of  involvement of the mystical worlds of suspicion, the supernatural, and the spiritual.

The story tells how several things can interrelate to resolve a troublesome activity and injustice perpetrated upon segments of society, it’s believers, masters and followers. It also illustrates how people of different segments of society can pool ideas, ideals, and resources to solve common mysteries and dilemma. It is the story of a young mans quest to seek answers to things he is not familiar as he discovers his predictable world is changing quickly, and how it is not now as he once perceived it.

In his quest for answers, circumstance introduces him to undeniable evidence of other forces that are coming into play in his life, as it relates to the mysteries that are unleashed after he has discovered that he has an exact double existing in his own world.

With some background and scene setting information, the book begins telling the tale of a chap by the name of Nicholas Bogart, some of whose greatest pleasures in life are partying, and chasing girls.

Nick lives his life in a perfect rhythm of work and play visiting Erick’s – his favourite saloon – at every chance he gets. That is, until his curiosity and hormones get the better of him during a “strike-out” period with the ladies and he wanders across the street to Reynold’s – another saloon. At Reynolds, Nick is surprised to learn that everybody recognizes him, even an especially gorgeous girl named Jenni, but they all know him as Gary.

Because there are certain perks to pretending to be Gary, Nick keeps it up, enjoying the company of Gary’s girlfriend, Jenni. The only problem is that her crazy, estranged husband is after Gary, and a group of Jenni’s friends are finding “Gary’s” recent behaviour incredibly odd. Nick confesses his true identity to Jenni and reveals a socially acceptable means that sets him apart from Gary, but things are just starting to get complicated.

Our central character is discovering more of his inner self, as well as the realities about other people. Much of what he previously thought is demanding further consideration on his part, and he struggles with his own emotions versus common sense.  This also carries over into what his spiritual beliefs have previously been, and what is now challenging him as something new.

A Talisman representing an Ancient American God of Creation he received from a American Indian friend, appears to be directing it’s presence in a fashion that mystifies, guides and effects the story direction and outcome in several ways.

Mirror Image is a fast paced, exciting tale of Adventure and Enlightenment.

Why did you decide to write the story? Was writing it an easy process?

I have been encouraged to write some of the stories I have been telling for years and finally decided to get started. I’m considered to be an “Old Guy” by some as I retired a few years ago and had been writing for a couple of Off Road Magazines and had developed a little following that has also encouraged me to  “turn up the burners” so to speak.

Through some thought, I isolated what I thought to be several good ideas for story lines and content for several books. Each had a different genre and selecting the one to start with was difficult. I decided to hone my writing skills by writing a series of short stories while outlining the content for a serious attempt at a novel.

I had started writing a series of beer hall, nightclub, party and alcohol related tales that I planned to put into an anthology called “Gods in Vitreous”. (I had a lot of experience in that arena)

One of the stories was based upon a true incident (as are most of my stories) and involved a fellow by the name of Gary (not his real name). Gary was truly my exact double. Neither of our peer groups could tell us apart. You can imagine some of the troubles that particular circumstance can generate.

The fellow had a dynamite girlfriend by the name of Jenni (also not her real name) that on a chance meeting in Reynolds Saloon (real name) had totally mistaken me for her boyfriend Gary.

I was enjoying the mistaken identity quite a bit until this gal was getting so personal I decided I had better tell her who I really was before we passed the point of social acceptance. By that I mean, my accepting “personal favors”  from her that surely would get me a thorough drubbing or gelding status by her very large crowd of friends nearby that surely would move so to protect this girls honor from  some opportunity grabbing, look-alike cad, like me.

As I was writing the story the thought occurred to me that this story was going so well that it could easily develop into a pretty good novel providing I could expand the story overall so that it would not look like a stretched out short story.

I decided to wrap a few other incidents that were based on actual happenings locally and that had occurred about the same time into the feature story. For me, those days were full of fun and adventure so I had a lot of pieces to select from to flesh out my tale.

Once I had all the feature events I hoped to include in the story, I took off on the novel. The story really pretty much wrote itself. It was extremely fun and I loved recalling many things that happened during that period.

The hardest part was keeping the reader abreast of all the many things that were going on at the same time.  In a complicated story, that is a fairly difficult thing to do. Particularly when telling it in the first person the way I did. It seemed to me it would be near impossible for that person to know certain things that were happening unless the story had a ‘source’ that could infuse the information at the proper time during the story. I think the other characters handled that part very well.

There are a lot of other things buried between the lines that some readers will see and understand. That is why the story was written the way it was. I am told the story reads easily, and there is no difficulty in keeping up with the progress.

I have never written sexually explicit things before this, and agonized about to what extent to do it. To me, these encounters were important aspects to how Bogie was evolving from a sexual maturity standpoint and had to be included. I decided to do the best I could and hope it did not fall to the pornography grade rating.

There are several scenes that take that genre on at several different levels. I could have reduced the book to Sunday School level but that is not what the book is. The final result is very close to what I hoped to achieve. There are a few recovering shocked friends out there, including my wife who has not buried any butcher knives in my chest while I’ve been sleeping…yet.

Much of the true had to be extremely fictionalized and modified to get the result I desired and for the protection of the guilty (as I say), but overall, I was satisfied with the result. Those things fabricated for the fluidity of the story worked well.  I still contend that any resemblance between any person living or dead is purely coincidental. Also, that no humans or animals were injured or destroyed in the production of this book.

I am anxious to hear from those who were there during that period who have read my book. It will also be interesting to see what reaction I get from my Sioux brothers and sisters as I am part Chippewa (Ojibwa ) If you hear that the Sioux Nation has gone back on the Warpath, I may have screwed up somewhere.

Do you think we’re ever fully in control of our own life? Should we wish for someone to come along and solve problems for us?

This type of question is usually about politics or religion. With  politics, I say too much politics or government is an unwelcome thing. I like the Republic from of government which strives for an equal amount of government and law seeing things through. The other side of that question involves religion.

Usually when I get to talking about “Spiritual” things, I hear the sound of kindling being chopped, tar being heated and the quiet rustle of feathers being prepped for my “enlightenment”, and trip out of town.

But since you asked so nice, I’ll give you my answer.

We are “Never” in full control of our lives. We have a lot of influence on our lives, but control? We have only partial control. The extent varies from person to person and from society to society. These things are present in both government and religion.

The reasons I feel are many. But basically, we as a creature of habit, of reason, of curiosity, of imperfections, are found with all manner of percentages of control of our lives being placed with innumerable destinations. Some are placed willingly, others are forced. Some are moved from one to another frequently. Some are permanent as stone.

If the control of everyone  was all the same and complete, we would all be the same. What a boring place that would be. If everyone had complete control of their lives and no outside influence, there would be a lot of tragedy involving people as many are not capable of exercising control of any kind. No control is a loose cannon and those kinds of people can be, and are, mighty dangerous.

Each of us as individuals have different lives and as such, have different problems. No one that I know, has total knowledge of either self, other, or of the universe. To have someone to solve all ones problems lead to weakened individuals. People who have no decisions or problems to solve regress to the level of vegetable. The less one has to do with his own destiny the shorter will be his destiny. And for less purpose. And finally, no purpose. Only grief and despair.

I don’t think we have to look far to find examples of each of the levels of control, from near total control to near no control, to see the difference in the welfare, happiness and well being of different societies as well as individuals.

I think there are far too many people that expect someone to come along and solve a self-induced/self-inflicted problem.  There are also people whom expect someone to come along and handle or solve a problem that was not self-inflicted or self-induced.

It is in my opinion that when a problem comes along, one must address it and seek as much as possible the solution himself. In some cases, this may be a very difficult or impossible thing to do. Sometimes the problem is too big or affects too many to address individually and must be resolved as a group. If addressed collectively, many times an acceptable solution can be achieved, unfortunately, sometimes at a great price. That is when the mettle of the collective individuals in the society can be seen.

Mirror Image’s plot involves the Native American god Iktome. Do you think deities like Iktome still have a role in modern life?

Absolutely! Contrary to what some people say, humans need instruction, clarification, and questions answered from the day they are born.  No human is so intelligent that he/she can recreate the knowledge that has been grown over millennia by generations of thought without input to put them in some sort of equilibrium to the times they are born and will have to exist.

That input has to be in terms that the human mind can understand. Humans are multi-racial, live in separate parts of the world, and sometimes with little or no contact with outside groups of people.  Because of this, different lifestyles and beliefs have evolved.

As mankind has evolved from pre-historic times, by his very nature he is a thinking creature.  He reasons and asks questions.  Mankind is a social creature that can communicate with those of his own kind. His communication skills are an evolved one as well.

As mankind’s awareness about his surroundings grows and the answers to his previous questions are developed, so does the sophistication of the levels of the new questions he asks. Sometimes the answers to those questions are not yet available. That is, mans intelligence base has not yet matured to that level.

In ancient times, Deities like Iktome (and there are many others in different religions, faiths, or beliefs systems)  have been used as tools to help explain to humans the how and why things are the way they are in each their domain.  Some are depicted in Fable-like stories, and others in more stringent form insisting on solid rules and ritual. Some Deities are described as all powerful and must be obeyed.  Some deal with the more simplistic of things, others the lofty and complicated.

Deities fill in the answer blanks to any level that the human asking wishes to place his question.  Since all humans are different, different Deities serve different levels of social presence.  They will never go out of social necessity. Too often we see the apparent wish of a benevolent Deity being bastardized by humans to further a desire of a person or group that does not necessarily benefit the followers of that particular faith.

I also think that there is no “one size fits all”.  Since humans have evolved the way they have, there will never be one set of Deities for all humans.  Or one single faith embraced by all humans.  Mankind is not that spiritually evolved for that to happen.  Not at least, anytime soon.  Unfortunately,  mankind is also a warlike creature.  He may never reach that level of development.

Hormones and Jenni play an early role when it comes to landing Bogie in trouble. Is that an observation we should all pay heed of?

I think so. In Mirror Image, Bogie is caught between what his primal instincts as a male and what “common sense” are telling him based upon what he has already learned and observed.  He has observed what the failure to take heed in reality can transform into when reality catches up.  This he observes this through the observable lives of several of his friends.

As Bogie evolved from being a pre-teen adolescent to an experienced man, his hormones developed and his interest in girls began as a chemical one and had it’s appropriate physical effect.  It also caused a change in how he thought about things.

Of course his close proximity to grown men garnered him a lot of male input from the standpoint of advice and implied experience.  We know that from Bogies circle, a lot of that advice was Braggado and Bogie was left pretty much to his own devices when it came to girls and other life considerations.

Bogies early experience with girls was fairly clumsy and experimental.  He had few peers in his circle that would tell him what he needed or should know, and his own sojourns with women were inept at best.  Even as such, the early Bogie mistakenly thought he was pretty well up on the ways of handling women. This he held as a truth, until he met Jenni.

Many of his friends had succumbed to lust when reason and common sense fell to the wayside and Bogie witnessed their misery.  Not sure what the real answer to their problems were or where they originated, Bogie would panic when he found himself in similar situations that he could identify and developed certain paranoia’s  around them.

His fears were most likely what kept him out of early commitments that he was not ready for economically or emotionally.  The legal aspect also had a bearing on whether he should keep it in his pants or not.  Statutory rape was, and still is, a serious situation to consider and as early as some girls are developing and presenting themselves as something they are not, enhances the chances of mistakes, or errors in judgment being made.

Suffice to say, the hormone surge today may be harder to handle than what it was during Bogies time of transition.  Many social mores’ have loosened and opportunity is present like it has never been before.  Attitudes towards sex are much more liberal and in reality, there is no legitimate reason for an unwanted pregnancy these days.

That is until one considers the power of the sexual drive. Or the overwhelming strength and insidiousness of a sudden bursts of passion that is almost impossible to contain no matter what the religious or academic background of the participants are.

I believe it is particularly true with the younger, less informed or immature ones that have not, or do not pre-think, or think at all about what potential dangers can lie ahead.  A lot of young lives have been severely changed or ruined by the sudden appearance of unplanned responsibilities. Both male and female.

Often, as in Bogies case, there were dangers to him present even before he so much as had a conversation with Jenni.  And as we see in the book, (a little plug here) those dangers grew rapidly in number and intensity as the relationship developed.  Common sense had one hell of a battle with raw emotion.

What would you do if you discovered you could usurp your own doppleganger who seemed to be leading a much better life than you?

I say in my bio that things look a lot differently when you are on the outside of a window looking in, than what things truly are once you are on the inside experiencing them, looking out.

What this means is that from your original perspective, you can only witness what is presented to you.  Much of what is going on at the same time are things you cannot see or even be aware of.

This is very similar to my early life in that I was told how to do many things but was rarely ever told why it should be done that way. If no one instructs you, then you are left to your own devices to learn the why’s all by yourself, or attempt to find someone that will tell you why.

When you do this, you are “looking through the window” seeking the answer or answers to your question(s). Initially everything seems to be exactly what you are looking for while you are looking that one way, through the glass.  Based upon that observation, you opt to go through the door to get a better look from the inside.

Often what we find is something that is not what we are looking for.  From the new perspective, we are seeing things that we could not have possibly have seen from the outside, looking in; and being on the inside is the only way you could get a more complete look.

Sometimes things are much better than expected and the person stays inside for the time being, content with what he has found. He may venture out again or he may not.  It depends upon how content he is. disappointment or misunderstood.  Most likely, the person looks back outside and the person looks back outside and eventually leaves to look through another window.

The width of the spectrum of the things that are found going through the doors is pretty wide.  Some are bang-on, or close to what is being sought, some are not even close. Sometimes it is hard to even tell.

I have been in and out of many doors throughout my life.

Now back to your question.  That pesky Doppelganger may appear to be having a much better life than I. But as I have stated, what you see is not always what reality is.

In Mirror Image, this is indirectly what Bogie was doing when Jenni mistook him for Gary. This was before Bogie was aware there was a Gary. Bogie enjoyed being Gary for a while but realized there could be a price to pay for carrying the ruse too far.  Also, Bogie wanted to be appreciated as himself.

To truly usurp someone or something would involve the taking of everything the person had. In the case of a doppelganger type such as Iktome, that could turn into a pretty nasty fight. One that most likely could not be won by a mortal.

I think that because of who and what I am, I would take a really good look at my Doppelganger and his activities to see if he really is having a better life than I am. With all things considered, I may be the one having the better life.

If not, since we are so much alike, I should be able to master all those things that allow him to be that successful.  I should have the same abilities and would try to immolate those things that allowed him a better life and create my own.

If that did not work, and I truly felt the Doppelganger was having a better life than I and it was really important to me to have the better life, and it was possible for me to do it,.. consider him usurped.!         (as Popeye says “I yam what I yam because that’s what I am! Uk! Uk! Uk!”)

If it is not all that important to me that the Doppelganger is having a better life than I am, (which is most likely going to be the case, as I am having a pretty good life compared to most of the humans on the planet.)  I would accept that fact, be happy for him, wish him well, and go on with my life. Life can be good, even if it is not as good as someone else’s.

In Pure Spirit

Thanks again to Richard for his time on the interview.

What would you do if you found yourself in the role of a Doppelganger and able to ease yourself in to someone else’s life?

Posted on January 5, 2009 - by Andrew

The River Whispers: An interview with Pamela Pizzimenti

Pamela Pizzimenti first came to fame under the name Kellie McCoy as a radio personality in California’s Central Valley. With a BA in Mass Communications from California State East Bay in Hayward, Pamela has gone on to train as a teacher and see her first book The River Whispers published by AuthorHouse.

The River Whispers features the thirteen year old Evie who has a rather odd ability – she can see a ghost. Together with Bliss and Johnny, two new friends, she sets about trying to solve the mystery of David’s death.

Pamela has been kind enough to give In Pure Spirit a quick interview.

The River Whispers is your very first book and it features a ghost. Was that a deliberate decision? Might we see more supernatural themed fiction from you?

I find it fascinating how ideas manifest and can even be transit from one place or person to another.  Although it was deliberate to have a main character be a ghost, it stemmed from an interview I did when I worked as a radio DJ years before I ever tackled this book.  I interviewed a musician, Billy Mann, who was just releasing a song called Earthbound.  I asked where the idea for this song came from and he told me how Oprah Winfrey had been on TV and the topic that day was how spirits are earthbound until the people who love them can let go.  The idea touched him to create the song and years later played in my mind for The River Whispers.  So, from Oprah, to Billy Mann, to my book, and now to this interview who knows where this idea will manifest itself next.

Over at your blog you let us know that some of the character names come from your own life. Are there any characters in the book based on people you know? Do you think they’ll recognise themselves?

None of the characters are based on people I know.  The idea of using names from people who had in some way touched my life and have passed on, developed as I wrote.  It seemed such a fitting way to honor these wonderful people in a book where the main theme is learning to let go after losing someone.  Although none of the characters are based on real people certainly many ideas in the story passed through my personal filter.  For example, the town of Turnville is fictitious, but it certainly resembles the town of Guerneville in Sonoma County near where I live.

You’ve been a radio star, you’ve trained as a teacher and now you’re a published author. What was the inspiration for the career path? Why start writing?

Perhaps the question should be; why did I ever stop writing?  I loved writing when I was young. I took creative writing classes in college, wrote poetry, kept journals, but then stopped.  I don’t have a solid answer as to why.  Perhaps I found the oral communication used for radio and teaching much quicker…certainly easier. Writing is work.  The process of writing doesn’t give the same instant gratification, but I’m learning the reward is much greater.

As to why the career changes – I have always desired a job where I can be creative and communicate with others.  Radio was a great fit, but as big corporations bought out independent stations the ability to be creative outside of reading prepared liners was disappearing.  I turned to education when I realized I wanted to have a greater impact on others.  Creating lessons and seeing children light up when they grasped a concept filled that creative desire.  Unfortunately, with No Child Left Behind and the focus on standards, education has become homogenous with less time available to spark creativity in children.  There are even textbooks now where teachers are required to read the lines as printed – that’s not teaching.  Writing (books, blogging, etc) – is in many ways the last untouched frontier to freely express and share ideas.

If we look at your ability to educate, inform and communicate with children and young adults – how does your role as a teacher compare with your role as an author?

In the classroom I get instant feedback from students whether a lesson is effective or not.  There is also a face to the people I impact and I can make a difference for them on a daily basis.  When teaching, there is a definite goal where I need to guide students to in the process of learning.

When writing a book there is no instant response to know if a story resonates with a reader, but a book can be interpreted in so many ways and each reader personalizes it differently.  What a story is to one person may not be the same to another and this can provide endless possibilities to what a book can teach or spark in others.
Are there any situations in The River Whispers that you put in there for Evie to face hoping that her experience could be helpful lesson for readers?

Evie is asked to risk, to change, to reach out to others, to forgive, and to let go.  If you can remember being thirteen, then you realize just how difficult these things are for a young teenager.  The last thing you want to be when you’re thirteen is different – and Evie is definitely different since she can see a ghost.  Also how a young teenager internalizes death and losing a loved one is different than an adult.  It is the first time it’s realized that we are not invincible; learning to let go and grab hold to the ride of life can be difficult, but exciting at the same time.

What’s the most useful lesson you’ve ever had from a book?

The lesson that I love to walk away with from a book is when it helps me to see outside myself, to care more about others.  Perhaps, I get a better understanding of another culture or a life experience different from my own.  When I finish the last page of a book and want to be a better person and can appreciate my life, it is a good book.

Has writing The River Whispers taught you any lessons?

I admit there are parts in The River Whispers where I still tear up…and I’ve read this story so many times, you’d think it could no longer impact me.  However, forgiving others and forgiving ourselves are the most difficult things to do in life and sometimes I need the reminder that it’s okay to forgive.  In truth, I’m not a very forgiving person and the task I ask of Art Carter might even be beyond my ability, but I’d like to think I could be like him.

We’re just at the start of a brand new year. Does that hold any special significance for you?

Although the start of a new year is often a good time to reflect on the past year and form hopes for the coming year, I prefer to tie myself to the seasons rather than the calendar; it’s the gardener in me.  This time of year is great for being introspective and storing our energy much like the plants are storing theirs until the warmer weather.  The days are growing longer, we have spring to look forward to and plan for.  In spring, we get to put our energy into action and plant our seeds and tend our gardens with the hope of bringing things to fruition.  I am hoping to see The River Whispers grow, but I am also writing and planning and hope to bring more of my writing to fruition.

In Pure Spirit

You can keep up with Pamela via her website at pamelapizzimenti.com and enjoy a free preview of the book over at AuthorHouse.

Posted on December 24, 2008 - by Andrew

Healing and exorcisms: An interview with Paul Bennett

Paul Bennett is a busy and talented man. He’s been kind enough to grant us a quick interview. Paul offers completely free spiritual healing and exorcisms to those who need them. His site, EAL Spiritual Psychic Healing, provides his contact details and his own personal experiences of Stigmata.

You rejected God after failing the ordination selection at Kelham Monastery, and then experienced partial and full stigmata which helped you renew your faith. That’s an amazing story.

I certainly rejected God following the disappointment with Kelham and I joined the Parachute Regiment for nine years as a result. Partial and full stigmata occurred much later and were the profound experiences which promoted a return to religious involvement, such experiences influenced me the most.

What does Christmas mean to you? What’s your view on how Christmas is presented by today’s media?

Christmas is about renewal – the immaculate conception, and rebirth etc., Unfortunately, the media misses  the point and concentrates on the orgy of spending.

You offer free spiritual and psychic healing by email? What was the motivation behind that? You also offer free exorcisms. How did you discover you could help people rid themselves or their homes of evil spirits?

Online spiritual and psychic assistance has been offered for about four years but is not as popular as online exorcisms which are assisted by Google Adwords. I can only stress that the majority of clients are pleased with their results.

You’ve worked in the banking industry in the City of London. What’s the heart of the city like when it comes to faith and spirituality?

Excluding the various churches and chapels in the City of London there is very little spirituality to speak of.

Do you find any discord between role as a psychic healer and medium conflict and your religion?

The only discords are the clients who want readings e.g., help with practical everyday advice. I have to explain to them that my contribution is essentially religious and that I am regrettably unable to help.

In Pure Spirit

Paul offers his talents and his help for free but he has had a career in banking to support him. Does his offer of free healing reflect on those who try and make a living from their talents?

Posted on December 22, 2008 - by Andrew

Expert insight on 6 Tarot cards

In Pure Spirit reached out to Jade to ask her if she would share with us some insights into her favourite Tarot cards and to our delight she agreed. Jade is a respected teacher at The Magic Circle School where she teaches a popular course called Intuitional Tarot. The School is our recommended location for getting in touch with Jade in person, asking any questions you may have or asking about a personal reading.

Jade has also read for the American Tarot Association for over 4 years and acts as a Mentor for new Readers there. She subscribes to the metaphysical way of life and is a fllower of the teachings of Ernest Holmes, founder of The Religious Science Movement; the Science of Mind.

We asked Jade to discuss six Tarot cards. Here they are;

Death

When I first started to study Tarot and the Death card came up I have to confess I hated this card. It always made me feel very uncomfortable until I learned more about it. First of all when you are giving a reading make sure you reassure your Client/ Querant that that this does not mean a physical death. Rarely does the card mean that. This is one of the two cards people always dread to see when you are doing a reading for them but this card is really about rebirth. An ending followed by a new beginning. Rebirth and change. Closing one door in order to open another one. To me it represents a major change which is necessary for growth and expansion.

The Death card is about transformation, releasing the old and letting in the new! It is like a rebirth because it is usually an ending followed by a new beginning. Think one door closes so another one can open. When you think of it this way doesn’t that make you feel better? It represents a major change that is needed for growth, in fact it may bring about a new awareness within you that could change you, guide you, spiritually, emotionally, psychologically and financially. In most decks the card is similar the white rose is the symbol of rebirth. I try to look at the symbols in a card whenever I don’t understand it or feel confused about it. When it appears in a reading it may be saying its time to look at what you are resisting in your life.

It is time for change, maybe this is a person who is resisting change. We can’t grow if we don’t change. See it as new opportunities that want to present themselves if we allow, if we are open, to change. I don’t believe there are good cards and bad cards it is the way we interpret the cards the way, we allow our intuition to come into play as we give the reading. Sometimes the person you are reading for is going through a very difficult time or situation it is our job as a reader to be confident, compassionate and assist them in getting the help that they need. To me it represents a major change which is necessary for growth and expansion.

Sometimes the Death card brings a whole new set of principles to guide you spiritually, emotionally, financially, and psychologically. It could mean a new stage in your life is beginning. It is certainly about absolute change or transformation, releasing the old and making way for the new. I use the Morgan Greer deck and the Hanson Roberts deck when I look at this card. I see a sunrise which can symbolize there is a transformation which is about to take place. The white rose in the picture is the symbol of rebirth. When it comes up in a reading it may be inviting you to deliberately address and embrace whatever you are resisting in your life.

Releasing the old and making way for the new! That’s my mantra for the Death card.

The 4 of Wands

The number 4 in Numerology usually stands for structure, security, stability, solid foundation, order service, and accomplishment. I like to think of the 4 of Wands as celebration, peace, prosperity, ceremony a welcome or a farewell. I think when we look at the four of wands we will see a theme of stability. In the 4 of Wands the theme is easy to see. People are celebrating. The Rider Waite deck portrays this card as a celebration card. There is a floral garland secured with ribbons between 4 wands There are two women holding fruits and flowers high in the air. Some people call this the “Marriage” card. This is such a harmonious card, maybe we are finally completing that project that we have worked on for ever so long. We are pleased and happy because we have been successful in our endeavors. Maybe its harvest time, could it be a wedding, a feast, a reunion? It is up to you to decide but its clear some sort of celebration is taking place.

The 5 of Wands

The number 5 in Numerology stands for challenges, struggles, loss, upset circumstances, change, conflict, freedom, unbalance. I think of the 5 of Wands as struggle, challenge and competition. It makes me think that all of the stability we saw in the 4 of Wands has now been disrupted. When we look at the 5 of Wands we see competition, strife, intense rivalry. Conflict comes to mind maybe its between friends, co-workers, or family being divided by opinions that bring disagreements over some important issue. Maybe there is some internal fighting going on with oneself and so you feel divided, and at odds with the world.

The energy is very scattered in this card with the wands being all over the place. Maybe this card is saying there is a spiritual struggle going on and by going though this struggle and defeating it we will somehow come out on the other side of it, stronger.

The Empress

When I think of The Empress I think Marriage, Motherhood and Family. In some circles she is known as The Earth Mother, a Nurturer, a Goddess! She is like the creative spark that gets things going, like a burst of creative energy.

The Empress overseas all of the predictable cycles of nature and all of the cycles of our lives. She brings prosperity, growth, creativity, attraction and abundance to whatever area we have concerns about. When we think of the Empress we think fertility, motherhood, abundance, sensuality, feminine influence. Think of the Empress as a card of new beginnings, a fresh start, a new path. When the Empress appears in a reading there could be news of a pregnancy or a major break through that could lead to success. Fruition is a real part of what this card speaks about, the promise of wonderful outcomes.

I like to think that the Empress is the soul mate of the Emperor. That this is a card of hope, growth, change, this card could speak of breakthroughs concerning our goals especially our inner talents (like writing a book) doing something that would require some type of gamble and belief in yourself. This is really a wonderful card that brings us the ability to attract just the right people and situations into our life.

The Lovers

There are so many things we can say about The Lovers card, its a card that holds different meanings and different ways of interpretation.

When I see this card sure I see romance but when we look, really look at this card (I have the Morgan Greer and Hanson Roberts deck) there is no sexual arousal, nothing really sexual about this card so it could be about all kind of relationships. It is a picture of a union but what kind? I think when we look at a card we have to say to ourselves we know the meaning of this card but what does this card bring up for me?

This is a card that has been discussed and discussed some find it a difficult card because of all of the meanings that are implied. I think it just brings up different feelings in each of us because when we read the cards we bring our own life experiences to the table and we all intuit differently! There is definitely an awareness of each other in this picture especially in the Morgan Greer deck. There is unity in this picture. When I look at this picture from my Morgan Greer deck I see a very strong attraction, I see chemistry between these two people. There is harmony here a successful relationship, a partnership. In some decks (The Rider Waite) there is the picture of Raphael the Archangel, maybe this means that this union is being divinely guided. Maybe there is a healing that is taking place, something is being made whole. There is also a school of thought that this card represents the merging, the harmony between the conscious and subconscious mind. The meanings of this card are endless.

This card also speaks of Choice! When I say I see choice I can tie it into what I see in the images in the card. If its romance you see when you look at this card then are there not choices in a romantic relationship, really any relationship for that matter. Maybe there is a decision to be made between these two people. How is this card coming up in the reading, what position and what is the question the Querent is asking? Maybe the Querent has a question about picking the right partner. Is this the right partner? We could say in a reading yes it looks like you have a shot at making this work or this is a relationship you will be happy in, comfortable in, feel loved in, if you make the choice to move forward and chose this partner. Maybe the question is about money, a career, so yes there is going to be a merger, a successful business, partner relationship, so lots of things come into play but yes I can see choice.

We make choices all the time in our daily lives. It all depends on what you see. If it is romantic love then surely you can see there are lots of choices in this kind of relationship. I chose to be in this relationship despite the consequences, I chose to remain an individual, to have my own life and still be in this relationship! Choices, choices, choices!!

The 6 of Swords

When I see the 6 of Swords I see people leaving a very difficult situation. They are going to look for calmer times, a place that holds peace and serenity the promise of a brighter tomorrow. A turning point is being marked where a new cycle can begin. It is a time of moving on both mentally and physically.

In the 6 of Swords the boatman seems to be a protector, perhaps a family member or just someone who is trying to help. The 6 of Swords is like a symbol of passage, a change for the better. I think of a journey when I see this card it could be a physical, emotional or a spiritual one. This card is telling us that nothing remains the same, to have faith and the storm will pass, you are being guided through troubled times. Be patient you are going to regain your balance, and leave troubled times behind. There are so many ways to look at a card. We should be looking at everything, the images, colors, symbols and whatever comes up for you.

I have looked at this card and thought as I am giving a reading this person is leaving a difficult situation they are going to something unknown or maybe they are going back to something familiar to them. The boat to me is just a vessel this trip by boat is a vehicle to take you in the direction you want or need to go in. If we want to get really Metaphysical we could say it says let your conscience be your guide in all of your thoughts. Let it be your guide in whatever decision you make. Lets begin with a change of attitude and a belief that if we see things in a more positive way we can make our dreams a reality.

About Intuitional Tarot at the Magical Circle School

This is a course where you can work at your own pace, and get more comfortable using your intuition. In Intuitional Tarot the focus is on being able to read the cards, using your intuition which is something that we all have. The main focus of this course is intuition, learning to tap into our inner voice and go with our gut feelings. Allow yourself to look at the cards and just go with the flow, see and feel what comes up for you and to trust that.

The exercises and assignments are all geared to helping you tap into your intuitive side. I like to have a lot of interaction with my students and we have discussion threads where you can ask all kinds of questions.

This course also includes meditation exercises that you can use with or without your cards. In fact there is a Meditation Forum which has something for first time explorers and the most advanced. I have also included tips and suggestions for those who may have a problem meditating and for the beginner who is attempting it for the very first time.

I know that if you really participate and want to explore your intuition you will find this a very exciting course. Its a course for the new beginner, or an experienced Reader of Tarot, its for everyone who loves Tarot. I honestly feel there is something here for everyone. There is a lot of Journaling to be done throughout the course but I promise you it wont be boring it will definitely help you tap into your inner self and discover new and exciting things about not only Tarot but about You! There are periodic quizzes throughout the course but nothing you cant handle.

At the end of the course you will be asked to do a 1 card reading and a spread of your choice with an assigned partner. So you will have an opportunity to give and receive a reading. This is a certified class and you will receive a certificate at the end of the course.

I can honestly tell you that teaching this course has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I have found that The Universe attracts just the right students, as we explore our journey together.

Jade

In Pure Spirit

Special thanks to Jade for this insightful and detailed post. Jade’s experience with Tarot is impressive and her thoughts and perceptions on these 6 cards should be a valuable resource for any new or experienced Reader.

What are your favourite Tarot cards? What do they mean to you? Which do you think you is the most commonly misunderstood card?

Posted on December 11, 2008 - by Andrew

Chaldean master numerologist: An interview with Joanne Justis

Joanne Justis is one of the world’s experts on Chaldean numerology and an inspirational author. The International Association of Numerologists has only two recognised Chaldean Master Numerologists in their records and Joanne is one of them. In Pure Spirit has been lucky enough to secure a short interview with Joanne and we hope you enjoy.

How important is numerology in your life? Can you give us an example of numerology from your day to day living?

Chaldean Numerology is very important in our lives but most people are unaware that it even exists or the magical powers of gleaning information from the secrets that lay hidden within a name and birthdate—because it was not a part of our educational system. It’s virtually impossible to live in this world without using numbers in everything we do. Numbers are a part of our existence and define our lives—even though most people are not aware of their importance or that we use numbers consciously or unconsciously.

An example of usage would be calculating a day with the best possible vibrational patterns for travel, surgeries, weddings etc. Knowing what your vibrational patterns are (positive or negative) will assist you in making the decision to commit for that particular day or to reschedule another day when the vibrational patterns are more favorable to you.

Do you have a favorite version of numerology? Why does it stand out above the others?

The only version of Numerology that I use is known as Chaldean which is the only accurate system of numbers dating back to 4004 BCE. This system is based on sound and phonics versus the other system that is based on the alphabet and number assignment which destroy the vibrational patterns of naming. Only a few experts in the world know this, even western numerologists will tell you that they know their system lacks something but they don’t know what that something is.

What’s a common numerology mistake that you see less experienced numerologists make?

The most common mistake made by less experienced numerologists is that they don’t know the rules of the game that are quite complex or even if they are using the right system of numbers to begin with. For example, most people when calculating a business name will include Inc. LLC, Corporation etc. which is a part of the name but does not apply when calculating the name. This is a financial structure only so it carries no weight in selecting the name but will indeed alter the correct vibrational pattern if calculated.

The same thing holds true for a personal name. Many people leave out the middle name or add Jr., Sr. which then provides the wrong result. Not following the rules will provide inaccurate information. Another mistake numerologists make is that they don’t do their research and assume articles written on numerology are valid. The books that have been published and information residing on the Internet are mostly all inaccurate but the average person would not know the difference between what is accurate and what is not.

What should people keep in mind once they start to explore numerology?

Anyone interested in learning the art of Numerology should know that it takes time to learn the rules and system regardless of whatever system they choose. It’s really important when calculating the formulas that the calculations be checked and rechecked again for accuracy. It’s very easy to make a mistake when doing math if you are not concentrating on what you are doing.

What’s your favourite story where numerology has been able to really help someone through dark times?

A woman wanted a divorce from her husband of 25 years because he was not aggressive nor was he taking the lead in making decisions leaving them all up to her which she grew tired of. She met a man who was aggressive and exciting and decided to upgrade so she thought she would be getting a better partner. After generating their blueprints/charts, she learned that her husband had no aggressive numbers in his chart but realized he was a great provider/caregiver/lover who gave her all the freedom she wanted to run the household. In contrast, this woman had all of the aggressive numbers so in essence, she had been beating this man up all this time for something he had no control over. When I suggested that the new man might not be as great a lover and maybe even dominating and controlling, she had to take a look at her current relationship. After the reading/consultation which helped her to intellectually understand herself and her husband’s behavior patterns, she realized now that she had the perfect partner who was never going to be aggressive. When she accepted that fact that she could not change her husband’s traits, the decision to divorce was no longer a consideration.

Can you help us understand the role the number 9 plays in Chaldean numerology? Why don’t we see it very often?

Chaldean Numerology is based on the Chaldean Alphabet which assigns only “eight” root numbers (numerical values) to the sound-syllables (letters) of their alphabet. The Number “9” was considered to be sacred in and of itself. It was sacred not only because it was symbolic of the highest level of spiritual attainment, but also because it’s level of creative energy was higher than all numbers. Therefore the Number “9” could never be assigned to represent a single “letter” (sound-syllables). As a consequence, the Number 9 is not included in the number assignment of the letters (sound-syllables) of the Chaldean Alphabet.

Although we don’t use the Number 9 in the formula calculation, that number can certainly appear anywhere in a blueprint as a result of the calculation equaling a Number “9”.

In Pure Spirit

If you’ve found this interview with Joanne interesting or would like to explore numerology futher then we recommend popping over to Numbers R U.

Posted on December 7, 2008 - by Andrew

A Heathen’s Guide to Christmas: An interview with William Hopper

William Hopper is well known for The Heathen’s Guide to World Religion. In this guide Hopper looks at greed, lust, stupidity and even murder that have become deeply intertwined in so many world religions. As you might expect the book (tagged as ‘Not for sheep!’) is the centre of many heated debates.

Hopper’s latest offering is well timed: A Heathen’s Guide to Christmas applies the same standard of sarcastic scrutiny to the traditions of Christmas. In Pure Spirit is lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to put some questions to William.

What were the inspiration and motivation to write the Heathen’s Guides?

Frustration mostly.  The original Heathen’s Guide was written in 1997, just after I finished university.  I’d spent four years studying the history, archeology, and theologies of the world’s religions, and it was annoying how little of what we know makes it to the pulpit.

The “religious” people wanted nothing to do with the realty behind the mythic stories.  Because they were so invested in the cartoon-like versions they hear in church, anything outside of that was considered “pagan” or “evil”

I felt it was time to bring back the writings of people like Josephus or Pliny to the masses… time to take a critical, worldly look at the claims of the world’s religions.

Was the decision to write to write the Christmas book an easy one?

The idea originally came from Salman Nensi, who was my literary agent a while back.  It was Christmas and he was throwing his usual paganesque Yule party, and he leaned over and said “You really should write a book just about Christmas. There’s gotta be enough stuff just in this one holiday to fill a book.”

He was right.

You’ve chosen humour as a means for articulating the book. Why did you do that and how do you think that influences the reader?

If you start a sentence with the words “In 325 AD, Emperor Constantine convened a council to firmly establish Christian canon”, then you are going to lose 80% of you audience right off the bat.

If, however, you start with something akin to “Ok, a nun and a naked Hindu are sitting in a bar…” then you’ve got something people will read.

No matter how good the information you have is, it is worthless if no one wants or enjoys reading it.  Trust me… I went through literally hundreds of old, dusty tomes that no one ever reads in order to come up with something that’s accessible, easy to read, and fun.  It makes all the difference.

What was the most interesting discovery you made while researching The Heathen’s Guide to Christmas?

Personally?   I really liked the bit about the origins of Santa’s red sack.

The idea that it was originally used to scare kids by telling them that Santa used it to drag bad children away in the night.  There’s also the fact that St. Nicholas is actually the Patron Saint of Mariners.  The guy was born in Myna, Turkey and never saw snow his whole life.  It’s pretty fun to watch the spin the Catholics put on him in order to mesh the Santa myth with the St. Nicholas myth.

Do you take part in Christmas celebrations at all?  How does that make you feel?

My house is an anti-Christmas zone.  I really do burn Christmas cards every year.  I also chase away carolers, which is kinda fun as I am 6’3”, 290 pounds, bald with a goatee.

There was a time when I felt “left out of the season”, but that’s long past.  I don’t celebrate Christmas any more than I would celebrate Hanukkah or the Mayan Day of the Dead.  They are simply not my religion.

How do you think the missionaries who helped Christianise the Germanic and Nordic Yule festivals would feel about Christmas and how it is celebrated today?

I think they started on a slippery slope, trying to encourage the locals to come into Christianity by accepting bits and pieces of local lore to make them feel comfortable.  On the whole, Christianity lost that battle and was overtaken. However, Rome continued and grew ever more powerful by the conquests, so I doubt the papacy has any regrets.

The missionaries though, were simply looking for a High Mass celebrating the birth of Jesus.  To have it turned in the marketing blitz that it’s become would likely leave the real believers convinced that Satan had won and the world was lost for Catholicism.  Fortunatley for the Church, they have always been very good at adapting.

In Pure Spirit

A Heathen’s Guide to Christmas is available now at Lulu and you can enjoy many more insights from the author at the William Hopper blog.

Posted on December 3, 2008 - by Andrew

Phantoms and Monsters: An interview with Lon Strickler

Lon Strickler is the brains and the hard work behind two of the web’s most insightful paranormal resources; the Phantoms and Monsters blog and wiki.

If you’re not familiar with the wiki concept then you’re in for a treat. A wiki is a website which any member of the community can update and edit. Just as Wikipedia has grown into phenomenal web encyclopaedia, the Phantoms and Monsters wiki is growing into an extremely valuable archive on close encounters and paranormal encounters.

Lon’s agreed to take time out of his busy schedule to answer some questions for In Pure Spirit.

The Phantoms and Monsters blog and wiki must take up an awful lot of your time. What was the inspiration to start the sites and what gives you the energy to keep going?

For 25 years, I independently investigated paranormal and cryptid reports in Maryland and Pennsylvania.  I now work at home and it affords me the time to research and blog about these subjects.  Most days, I spend 4-5 hours per day hunting down stories,contacting witnesses and posting the information.  In 1981, I had a personal encounter with a hominid (Bigfoot).  That experience along with various paranormal events have bolstered my continued interest.

What’s your favourite paranormal sighting or story? Why does it stand out for you against all the others you’ve been able to blog about.

I have had several interesting paranormal experiences but a certain encounter with a spectre in 1978 stands out as the most dramatic.  It was one of my earliest investigations and the spectre was witnessed by 3 other people.

What role, if any, do you think governments play in the discovery and reporting of unusual and alternative events?

I think is obvious that most governments have records of paranormal and extraterrestrial contact.  To what extent these governments know is anybody’s guess but I feel that disclosure, at some degree, is iminent.

What about the internet? What role does the internet now play in the discovery and reporting of encounters and sightings?

The internet has played a major part by informing more people of what is seen worldwide and that we are not alone.  Much of the media currently gets the majority of their information on paranormal and alternative events by reading blogs and wikis.

What tips and advice would you offer to someone who thinks they’ve seen something unusual and want to share their discovery with the world.

Don’t think that all people will think you’re crazy.  There are various reporting agencies not connected with the government (ex. MUFON, BFRO, paranormal research groups, etc.) who take reports seriously.  Take advantage of their expertise and tell them what you have seen.

In Pure Spirit

What do you believe? Do you believe in spirits but not ghosts? Have governments been keeping quiet about cryptid reports and will that change soon?