Brain Mind Relationship

[Evolsiay]

The relationship between the brain and the mind has never been understood. It is one of the great mysteries of life. In extremely simplistic terms Psycho- Hieroglyphical Streaming (PHS); is a method (meta-model) of understanding the brain/ mind relationship. When you read these words, light photons are reflected from the page and enter your eye. Within the eye via the retina the optic nerve is stimulated and neuro- electrical ‘data’ is carried along the optic nerve into the brain. Where somehow the information is ‘projected’ into and perceived by the mind. Sensory information is perceived in this way. The page that you are reading now; contains printed writing. The writing is made up of sentences, that form concepts. But the sentences themselves are created by placing words in relation to each other. The words themselves are formed by placing certain symbols in relation to each other. Once we learn to read the symbols that make up the words; we can follow the concepts written on the page. The symbols from which we construct the words are called letters. Once we have learned the meaning of the symbols we can read the page and be totally unconscious of the letters (symbols) on the page, especially if we are totally engrossed in what we are reading. It is as if we are unconscious of the symbols , and only aware of their meaning. The symbols on the page are static, they do not move. It would be difficult to read a sentence if the letters kept moving, or worse if the letters themselves kept changing. How does the brain transmit the data into the mind? The meta-model of Psycho- Hieroglyphical Streaming. (PHS) viz; a constant stream of data in symbolic form which is presented or projected and then perceived by the mind. The symbols themselves are animated, as apposed to static. They move in relation to each other and shift shape. They are three dimensional geometric symbols that form patterns with and within each other. The understanding of this constant stream of psycho- hieroglyphics is innate. If this page was to contain psycho- hieroglyphics. As you looked at the stream of symbols. They would disappear and you would perceive the information that they carried. Another point to bear in mind is ‘Field-Strength’. The PHS has what I have called a field-strength (FS), the stronger the FS the greater the perception (the more ‘real’ the perception). Some memories when recalled have a weakened FS, and at times we wonder if we lived the experience or dreamt it. The mind as well as the brain can produce these psycho- hieroglyphics and perceive them i.e. dreams and the imagination. Imagine a white horse, can you visualise it? The horse in your imagination has a weak FS. If it had a stronger FS the horse would appear ‘more real’. The FS concept will be important to later in our study. When our ego is distracted from the primary psycho- hieroglyphical stream; we enter a ASC and in the altered state, PHS can be manipulated by outside forces. ASC’s also ‘interfere’ and distort HSP giving rise to hallucinations and a ‘mixing up’ of the senses. In certain brain diseases the HSP is effected. It is possibly during an ASC for persons to become aware of PHS in its coded form (un-decoded form, i.e. raw psycho- hieroglyphics). Aldous Huxley in his 1955 lecture to the American symposium on psychedelic substances, referring to mescaline experiences states; When the eyes are closed, visionary experience begins with the appearance in the vision field of living, moving geometries. These abstract three-dimensional forms are intensely illuminated and brilliantly coloured. (Huxley; 1955; Horowitz & Palmer ; 1977 page 63). Dr Rick Strassman researched the effects of the powerful psychedelic drug DMT. One volunteer who had a low dose of DMT was said to have; encountered symbols that were rich with meaning; There were visuals at the peak, soft and geometric. They were 3-D circles and cones and shading. They moved a lot. It was almost like looking at an alphabet, but it wasn’t English. It was like a fantasy alphabet….It felt like there was some information in it, like it was data. It wasn’t just random, (Strassman; 2001, page 178). Another volunteer a thirty-eight year old architect reports; What’s interesting is that I began experiencing sets of hallucinations and then I said to myself ‘Ah this is the Logos.’ There’s a blue-yellow core of meaning and semantics, basically. ….It’s like threads of words or DNA or something. They’re all around there, they’re everywhere…..Then it breaks into ruffled reality…It is! I don’t know if it’s because of my interest in computers or not, but it seems like it’s raw bits of reality, (Strassman; 2001, page 179). Aaron another volunteer had the following experience; There are no doors, there’s nothing to go through. It’s either over here- it’s dark; or over there- there are images. You just can’t do anything with them. It was Mayan hieroglyphics. It was interesting . The hieroglyphics turned into a room, (Strassman; 2001, page 181). Strassman makes the following comment concerning the hallucinations of the volunteers. We all dream of unusual places and things. However, our volunteers not only saw these things, but felt an unshakable certainty that they were actually there. Opening their eyes at anytime superimposed this reality with their now-manifest but previously invisible one. Neither were they asleep. They were hyperaware and awake., (Strassman; 2001, page 183). We perceive reality via PHS and reflecting upon our perception. Psychologist call this reflection ‘reality-testing’ Any manipulation of PHS interferes with our perception of reality. When PHS is disrupted of in any way distorted; or manipulated ‘other realities’ are believed to be perceived. Some of the manipulated PHS can have strong FS and give the impression of being more ‘real than real’. On the subject of ‘Realness’ Deikman writes; It is assumed by those who have had a mystical experience, whether induced by years of meditation or by a single dose of LSD, that the truthfulness of the experience is attested to by its sense of realness. The criticism of skeptics is often met with a statement, ‘You have to experience it yourself and then you will understand.’ This means that if one has the actual experience he will be convinced by its intense feeling of reality. ‘I know it was real because it was more real than my talking to you now.’ But ‘realness is not evidence. (Tart; (ed) ;1969, page 35). Realness is a property of PHS and FS and not a test of truth. Anything experinced in an ASC is suspect.

[Howie]

That is very interesting. (Welcome bye the way Evolsiay) The entire point of what you wrote exactly Is it that every thing can be suspect to exist or to ever have happened? The beginning of your post was to what relation words are percieved and such. Are you in any way speaking of photo reading? It just seemed not to corralate with what you went on to say. So even with all those contructs there is always intepretation. So if somebody were to percieve "something", and others were to all agree with that person. What just happened was percieved in the same way. Doesn't that give that peticular experiance any merit?

[O-Nieronaut]

First of all, I think modern science has a laughable perpensity to relate the brain to a computer. I doubt it is nearly so complex. The brain is very much like any other organ in the body; it's a bladder. Only, instead of holding fluid or chewed food, it hold bioelectric signals. By trying to 'digitize' this construct, we only make it more difficult to understand. Here's my theory: All acions carried out by a life form originate with a perception. On a simpler level, look at anemonies. If anything other than food or a clownfish touches its tentacles, it quickly retracts into its shell for protection; it is a hard-wired reaction. For more complex creatures, such as homonids, this reaction has an intercesor: the brain. As we percieve things, as stated above, the perceptions form bioelectric signals with nerve endings. These signals then travel through the body on a mission to instigate some twitching of a muscle somewhere in the body. In the event of a reflex, this doesn't take long, as the body is trained to react without letting the signal get to the brain first. The brain slows things down quite a bit; it is a bladder, after all - a resivoir. As a signal hits the brain, it is all but lost in the mess. When signals finaly exit the brain, they tend to do so in pre-arranged formats. These are what we call actions. We think of an action like scratching an itch, and it seems so simple, but there are so many components to that action, it could never be done with a hard-wired connection. Over time, we learn methods - series of actions that lead to positive emotions. Each one of these methods has a starting point in the brain, like a trigger that can be pulled to set off an automatic chain reaction of events throughout the body without thought. After a while, this gives us an economic gain on our perceptions. By triggereing one or more of these pre-defined methods, we have time to consider our perceptions. This means that any perception signals that aren't being used tend to build up in the brain. The energy doesn't just dissapear. So now we have a durable reflection of our environment being held, like a bladder holds urine. After millions of years of evolution, we have learned to use this reflection to recognize very complex situations, making it easier to decide wich pre-sorted action to utilize, giving us even more time to consider. Our brains are literaly swolen from use. Unfortuantely, this still does not illustrate the mind, only a pre-conditioned brain. I turn now to dreams. Let's start with day dreams. At any time during the day, you can probably pick out something that you are doing. For example, right now, you are reading, sitting up straight, scratching your crotch, you get the idea. All the while, you are also thinking. You are taking all those unused perceptions, and recycling them back into your inner world-picture, keeping it up to date. When this feedback reaches a critical point, your brain has to do something with it so that more perception can squeeze in. It spins out a series of these signals in a scenario, like planning dinner, imagining a ficticious adventure, or defining some vagrant emotion. During this time, stimuli are still approaching your nerve endings, but usualy you are too spaced out to notice. They just get thrown into the brain haphazardly. Usually one stops day dreaming when a new action is required. Maybe the teacher called on you in class for an answer, and you now have to access what was asked, what the answer is, and how to present it. Of course, we can't spend all day day dreaming, or at least we shouldn't. We have things to do. After a full day, though, our brain becomes overwhelmed; it starts to peter out. This is when we sleep. The brain makes a decision to stop accepting signals from any nerves that it doesn't absolutely need to in order to stay alive. Darkness closes in. Now, all of these thoughts sitting in your brain, all these left-over perceptions we built up from preforming habitual tasks, are purged from your brain bladder. It's quite literaly a mental piss. We still have our internal world, but now it is only defined by what we have seen and not payed attantion to, rather than what we have acted upon. By default, there is no self in this state. In waking, we define our "self" as everything that is not direcly percieved. By directly percieved, I mean this: You directly percieve your hand from the nerve cells in it, but you indirectly percieve the wall, by touching it with your hand, which you direcly percieve. In the dream state, everything is directly percieved, at first. All those thoughts spin out just like in a daydream, except now there are no external perception to tell you that it's not real, comparatively. After a while, your brain has squeezed out all it can, and you wake up. Sometimes, the perception of waking can trigger another onslaught, and you'll sleep again. It's like after you've peed all you can, you relax, and then you pee a little more. When there's nothing left, the brain starts to get hungry for perception again, and your senses come back online. The whole process starts over again. In conclusion (finaly), the mind is somply the logical pattern of unused perceptions. It is a world like the ouside world, but mutable and dynamic to a greater extreme. The real mystery is this: Where does our awareness of the mind come from, and does that ephemeral body of awareness have any say in the eventual actions of the body, or is it just along for the ride?

[Howie]

That is a rather unique theory on that matter O-Nieronaut. Originally posted by O-Nieronaut First of all, I think modern science has a laughable perpensity to relate the brain to a computer. I certainly agree with you there! If you are to read your theory in context to dreams,as you did, it sounds like lucid dreamig would not be an effective or heathy lifestyle. Don't you agree? I think that dreaming itself would be more predictable and not as abstract if this were the case. Lucid dreaming aside. But the hard wiring. I feel this can be changed over a duration of consistant neurotransmitters signaling the same response. An our imigula(SP?) the place in the brain that controls reactions and feelings can become fully, as you put it soo well, preconditioned. It is in some ways, because it is a conscious decission to do so, messing with what....What you should be? Well who are we. Or I or you. So many people percieve themselves as shy. Well Joe is not "shy" Joe is experiancing shyness. Joe is not "anger", He may be angry at this moment. But anger, sadness, happiness can be here today and gone tommorow. Just as our intire perception of anything. Just as our life. That is why to me it seems detrimental to adhere yourself to any one thing.

[O-Nieronaut]

What you are has nothing to do with what you experience. And dreaming is abstract because it is the sum of unused thoughts throughout the day; they are not necesarily related to each other, or contiguous in any way. As for lucid dreaming, I think this occours when you are out of unused thoughts to dump. This is indicative of a healthy, mindful lifestyle, and gives you more contemplative time in your day. So it is beneficial; it doesn't take away from the brain's purging process. Of course, it's just my own little theory...

[Evolsiay]

before I began - I shall introduce myself . My name is Steve. I'm the pastor of an Evangelical Church. Before becoming a christian I spent many years practicing the occult including Lucid Dreams and other types of ASC. Please read the following document. which has been lifted from my forth coming book " The Walls Come Tumbling Down" Draft Appendix 1 Premise; Altered States of Consciousness (ASC’s) have a direct relationship with Occult Practice and; certain drug usage is an occult practice (be it recreational or ritualistic). This appendix presents evidence from a wide range or sources. To my knowledge all the sources are from non-Biblical worldviews; apart from Gasson (1985) and Dr John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon in their work ‘The Worldview and Practices of the Occult’. Nevertheless all the sources offer evidence in support of the above premise. The phenomenon that we have come to know as the paranormal is far from modern. Many identical stories and similar strange events and practices can be found in all cultures and ages. This paper will touch upon a number of occult practices such as, hypnotism, Transcendental Meditation, astral projection, channeling, necromancy, alien abduction and certain drug usage. What we shall discover is startling. The examination of drug usage is of significance; evidence will be presented that support the premise; that the use of so-called psychedelic drugs is, in and of itself an occult practice. While investigating all types of occult phenomenon; a number of common factors and motifs began to emerge. Some of these appeared to be universal. These universal factors are termed trans-cultural denominators (TCDs). The first trans-cultural denominators (TCDs) are the use of ritual, symbols, and various methods of inducing Altered States of Consciousness (ASC). Virtually all occultic methodology’s contain TCD’s of some description. For example; Research into the prehistory of magick (sic) is difficult but there are indications as to the nature of early occult thought. One of these is the recurrence of various symbols and concepts in the magiculture of vastly different societies . For example, the symbol of the serpent occurs in every mythological system, even in North Eskimo culture in places uninhabited by snakes. (Summers & Vayne; 1991, p 15). Another TCD is; all such practices and phenomenon are always culturally interpreted. Often such practices are also cultural supporting; i.e., they serve to strengthen an existing worldview. Another T CD and one that is relevant to our study is the effect of occult subjection (or occultic subjection). Occultic subjection can be defined as ; Psychological disturbance, including oppression, depression, and obsession through the involvement in Occultism. Symptoms may include, Para-psychical / physiological / physical manifestations, False Memory Syndrome, Demonisation (spirit possession) Alien Abduction, Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD), Schizophrenic behaviour and symptoms, (i.e. voices in the head, audio and visual manifestations and hallucinations). Paranoid delusion (belief in the reality of dreams and exploded imagination) Passivity of the Will, Mind or Body (or parts of, to varying degrees). Psychic ability, Poltergeist activity, Visionary experiences, Hysteria, withdrawal, isolation, insecurity, self-doubt, anxiety, panic, etc. Of course the presence of any of the above symptoms may have other causes that have no relation to occult practice. TCD shaman : voodoo man etc. The TCD’s of ritual and induced ASC are important. Ritual consists of symbols, dance, dress, incantations etc. These rituals have a number of roles. The ritual is usually shrouded in mystery or secrecy giving the shaman respect and authority within his or her society. Hidden knowledge is the basic meaning of the word occult. A ritualistic routine is important but not essential . The role of an ASC as an occult practice need not be part of ritual. ASC’s do not require the presence of a shaman. These type of ASC’s in and of themselves are an occult practice. We will briefly explore the role that ASC’s play in shamanistic, Occultic rituals and practices Michael Harner PH.D writes, One of the most typical aspects of the shamanistic experience is the change to another state of consciousness, often called a trance. (Michael J Harner; 1973; p xii). Hypnosis Apart from the possible onset of False Memory Syndrome associated with Hypnosis. Who / what is the origin of such memories? Evidence suggests that false memories can be the result of an “exploded imagination”. Some suggest that pseudo-memory may be a result of contamination or deliberate implantation. Especially in cases where evidence, or information is given by a person under hypnosis; information that hypnotic-patient could not have known, (i.e. correct details of another lifetime, speaking in a unknown language etc.) In these cases the influence of contamination or deliberate implantation must be presumed. And any “memories that accompany such information are to be treated as pseudo (i.e. False Memory Syndrome). Primitive religion and witchcraft made use of hypnotism in ancient times. Trance like states were induced by suggestion from magicians, shaman etc. The modern western scientific mind does not fully appreciate the dangers of hypnotism. An important issue when dealing with occult subjection caused by ASC is the “flourishing of fantasy” or “ explosion of the imagination ” (see Freedman Daniel X & Dyrud, Jarl E 1975; p 236-253.) Writing about the role of hypnosis in ‘Alien abduction’ cases Richard L Thompson states; Thus far, many of the abduction accounts I have presented have emerged under hypnosis. These cases might suggest that the process of hypnosis somehow conjures up abduction fantasies from the minds of UFO witnesses. (Thompson;1993; p145). Explain Multiple Personality Disorder The child who will later become a multiple may attempt to cope with such traumas by entering a state of self-hypnosis.........One multiple says “Now I know what hypnosis is, I can say that I was often in a trance when I was young..........When self - hypnosis is used frequently writes Bliss, It brings with it the attended risk of amnesia, multiple personality and a host of other terrifying experiences. (People with Multiple Minds; Science Digest, June 1984, p 76-77). Writing about the link between abuse in childhood, hypnosis and Multiple Personality Disorder (MPD). Because only a small percentage of abused children develop the disorder, the presence of another key seems necessary: a natural ability to dissociate- or hypnotize oneself. (E Hale; 1983; p 100). In the same article we read of a question put to an MPD sufferer; ‘Are there more than one of you living in your body?’....Ann answered “yes ”. (E Hale; 1983; p 100). Compare these words The altered state of consciousness most frequently associated with possession is “ trance”, defined by the Penguin Dictionary of Psychology as “ a condition of dissociation, , .............illustrated by hypnotic and mediumistic conditions. (Garrison; 1977; p 7-12). One of the earliest modern day experiments with hypnosis (it was then called magnetism or mesmerism) is recorded by The Marquis de Puysegure, the owner of an estate at Buscany. One day he hypnotized his gardener: he then asked his gardener a number of questions, and discovered that this simple gardener who normally could only just put a sentence together became another ‘being’. The Marquis writes it is from this man that I derive instruction and knowledge....he is no longer a peasant ....he is a being , to describe whom I cannot find a name. I need not speak, I have only to think before him, when he instantly understands. (Mackey; 1995; p 331). Meditated State; { Transcendental Meditation ™, Unitive Consciousness, Ego-Transcendence, Cosmic Consciousness, Zen , Nam Sumran, Tantristic religions, etc}. There are many dangers associated with TM............severe depression, attempted suicide, and schizophrenic breaks. (Nystul , 1987; p 1132). Although many beneficial claims are made on its behalf, this type of meditation is nothing but a method of inducing an ASC and carries all the dangers associated with occult practice. Dr John Ankerberg and Dr. John Weldon in their work ‘The Worldview and Practices of the Occult’ write; ..the research of Tal Brooke in Riders of the Cosmic Circuit offers a detailed examination and critique of Eastern metaphysics, including the altered states of consciousness found in the meditative disciplines of endless numbers of gurus. It reveals that altered states of consciousness are typically the means to spirit contact and possession. Consider again the late Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, the influential Indian guru. His early experiences on the road to “enlightenment” brought him temporary insanity, possession, and almost killed him. Through intense absorption into various altered states of consciousness, the personality of the old Rajneesh literally and completely disappeared. In fact, it was permanently replaced by a new consciousness that was entirely alien. The new personality recalls, “The one who died, died totally; nothing of him has remained… not even a shadow. It died totally, utterly…. Another being, absolutely new, not connected at all with the old, started to exist.” Rajneesh had become possessed by a “new consciousness,” a living personality that directed his mind and body from that day forward….. The real problem, however, is one of dabbling in a forbidden, demonic area, one which frequently induces demonization and carries its own set of consequences. As noted philosopher and theologian Dr. John W. Montgomery observes of many young people today: They seek another kind of answer—an answer perhaps hidden in the Subjective depths of their own souls. But what key will unlock this hidden treasure? Some go the whole experiential route: sex, drugs, masochism, satanic occultism. Others seek salvation in the inward-focused Eastern religions. But the path of drugs and the occult is strewn with the wrecked lives of those who have given themselves to these false gods. And, as Arthur Koestler has so definitively shown in the account of his frustrating pilgrimage in search of Eastern wisdom, the ambiguities of the Tantristic religions open them to the most immoral, destructive, and demonic possibilities. (http://www.ankerberg.org/ Articles/_PDFArchives/new- age/NA3W1102.pdf) (accessed Aug 2005). Channelling and mediumistic trance. Necromancy the contacting of the dead, and/or the ‘channelling of Higher Beings’ and/or “aliens” (or what ever name they call themselves, Ascended Masters. Etc) Is usually achieved by entering a trance (ASC) . Raphael Gasson an ex-medium who for many years practiced necromancy; wrote concerning the training of students to become mediums, It is possible that there may be several sittings before anything takes place. ...........In any case the student is learning to relax his body and to keep his mind on one thing until he has reached a state of what could be regarded as self-hypnosis........he becomes an automaton through which evil spirits take advantage of his passivity. (Gasson;1985; p 82), Spiritualism is an attempt to communicate with what is presumed to be the spirits of the dead. Those that indulge in this cult give themselves up to demons, who pose as “spirit guides ” and “ loved ones. (Gasson;1985; p 32), Astral Projection, Remote Viewing, and Out Of the Body Experience. This type or phenomena like the others that we have briefly touched upon, is experienced during an ASC. Most people who experience an OOBE (Out Of the Body Experience) do so in an ASC. The experience could be classified as pseudo-memory. Pseudo-memories that contain insights or knowledge that the host could not have known or come into a knowledge of, then read external influence; possibly demonic and occult subjection. Nicholas Saunders in his book “Ecstasy and the Dance Culture” writes concerning Astral Travel and Ecstasy. People who believe in a spirit world would say that Ecstasy, as well as hallucinogenic drugs............opens your soul...to the influence of outside spiritual forces.........practices like Astral Travelling in such states could result in our souls being “ squatted” by alien spirits. (Saunders 1995; p 40). What Saunders fails to mention is that Astral Travelling itself may lead to “ squatters ”, the risk is increased by the use of drugs. The evidence shows that spirits can communicate with , and influence humans more effectively , when the human is in an ASC; (trance, hypnotic, drug induced, astral projection, Meditated State , etc) . In Western culture the oldest and most widespread method of entering an ASC is not widely recognised as a spiritual practice. Namely the use of drugs. Drug induced ASC (Pharmakia). In 1931 Aldous Huxley wrote his ‘Treatise On Drugs’; he writes; Drug-taking, it is significant, plays an important part in almost every primitive religion. ……How many of the current ideas of eternity, of heaven, of supernatural states are ultimately derived from the experience of drug-takers?........All existing drugs are treacherous and harmful. The heaven into which they usher their victims soon turns into a hell of sickness and moral degradation. (Huxley; 1931; in Horowitz and Palmer;1977, p 4). In 1955 Huxley gave an address at the first American symposium on psychedelic substances titled ‘Mescaline And The ‘Other World’’. In this address he presented many ideas that would be further explored and developed in his book Heaven and Hell. He recognises the importance of ASC’s in occult practice; This brings me to a very interesting and, I believe, significant point. The visionary experience, whether spontaneous or induced by drugs, hypnosis or any other means, bears a striking resemblance to ‘the Other World’, as we find it described in various traditions of religion and folklore. (Huxley;1955; in Horowitz and Palmer;1977; p 64). The use of drugs for spiritual purposes has been known for many thousand of years. Almost all cultures and ages have had their, shaman, witchdoctors, voodoo men, magicians etc. The use of mind altering drugs has been essential in the practice of sorcery (conjuring of spirits). The Greek word Pharmakia (Sorcery, Witchcraft ) is where the English word pharmacy finds its root. In the New Testament the Apostle Paul writes against this practice Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21). The word sorcery used in this portion of scripture, is the English translation of the Greek Pharmakia. A person who partakes of sorcery is a sorcerer. The Greek term ‘Pharmakos’ translates as ‘sorcerer’ and is also referred to within the New Testament scriptures, But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.(Rev. 21:8). But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. (Rev. 22:15). The use of such drugs, (Drugs that induce ASC’s); is to practice sorcery (pharmakia). And as shall be presented; it is the effect that the drug has upon the taker, and not necessarily the reason for taking the drug, which make the use of such drugs an act of sorcery. The drugs have an effect upon human consciousness that leave the taker in an extremely vulnerable psychological and spiritual condition, The drugs themselves are ‘PHARMAKEUTIKOS’. The use of Pharmakeutikos drugs is an act of sorcery. Pharmakeutikos drugs, places the drug user in a state of consciousness, which leaves them extremely vulnerable to ‘Occultic Subjection’. For a brilliant survey of the relationship and history between magic and the use of drugs, see the excellently researched book edited by George Andrews. (Drugs And Magic; 1997; IllumiNet Press). The Church, and Western society in general must wake up to the fact that the use of such drugs is an occult practice. The so-called recreational usage of these drugs and the Western worldview are no safeguards against the dangers involved. In the introduction to the book ‘Hallucinogens and Shamanism’ Harner writes, The use of psychedelic agents is only one of the ways of achieving the trance-like states conducive to a sense of seeing and contacting the supernatural. One of the most typical aspects of the shamanistic experience is the change to another state of consciousness, often called a trance, with the shaman feeling that he is taking a journey. During the past years it has become common to speak of ‘taking a trip’ with psychedelic substances, and this is no coincidence.(Harner;1973; p xii). Saunders writes; The combination of the drug with music and dancing can produce an exhilarating trancelike state, perhaps similar to that experienced in tribal rituals. (Saunders ;1995;P 41). Saunders’s book openly admits that the use of Ecstasy and other hallucegenic drugs is a spiritual exercise, he dedicates a whole section to personal accounts that have a spiritual dimension for example; …it must have been 50 minutes after the ingestion........lifting me into a supernatural dimension. (Saunders: 1995; p 230). W T Space who is a well respected authority on mysticism was asked whether the drug experience is similar to mystical experience he replied; It’s not a matter of its being similar to a mystical experience; it is a mystical experience. (Smith; 2000; p 24) There is an amazing statement (italics mine). One that should arrest our attention in the preface to the 1997 edition of the book ‘Drugs and Magic’ George C Andrews writes, Other-worldly entities can be invoked or banished according to the rules of ritual magic, and since time immemorial certain specific types of psychoactive incense, potions and ointments have played an essential part in these rituals. One of the main functions of the psychoactive substances used in such rituals is to enhance the telepathic communication between human and non-human intelligences……….When I wrote the original preface to this book in 1974, I was not aware that the entities referred to by different names in the different traditions were real and actually do exist. (Andrews;1997; p 11). The Council for Spiritual Practices openly promotes the use of drugs. Their website (http://www.csp.org/) contain many files that show that the use of certain drugs is a spiritual practice. They use the term ‘entheogen’ to categorise this type of drug. In the Entheogen Project they actually encourage the use of so called ‘entheogenic’ substances. Entheogen is another word for pharmakeutikos. The Council for Spiritual Practices (CSP) define entheogen as: en•theo•gen [god within; god- or spirit-facilitating] a psychoactive sacramental; a plant or chemical substance taken to occasion primary religious experience. Example: peyote cactus as used in the Native American Church. The purpose of the Entheogen Project is to systematically gather knowledge about the immediate and long-term effects of entheogen use and to explore how public policy might accommodate responsible spiritual practices incorporating entheogens. (http://www.csp.org/practices/entheogens/entheogens.html) (accessed Aug 2005). The CSP website has many files claiming “advanced beings” can be contacted by the use of this type of drug. What they fail to inform their readers (possibly through ignorance of the fact); is the ethical nature of the beings contacted. Donald J Degrecia conducted a survey asking people about their experiences with hallucinogenic drugs, and writes, The idea of Kundalini derives from Tantric yoga ...By practicing specific yoga exercises, one supposedly can awaken this kundlini, which in turn leads to severe alterations in consciousness including the onset of psychic abilities .........These Tantric ideas have also been adopted by certain Western occult traditions........However, what strikes me is the overwhelming similarity between reports by people who have undergone kundalini awakening and what occurs to people who take hallucinogenic drugs. According to Charles Tart, both of these states can be considered altered states of consciousness. (http://www.csp.org/practices/entheog...ni_survey.html), (accessed Aug 2005). This fact needs to be hammered home; it can not be understated; the mere usage of such drugs is in itself the act of sorcery (pharmakia). One is not required to be a shaman or a witch doctor etc, to partake in pharmakia. In the ‘Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Drugs (Mushrooms)’,we read the following; The Koryaks and other Siberian people believed that anyone- even if he or she were not a shaman- who ate wa’paq would be told the future, the nature and origin of an illness, and the meaning of dreams. In addition, by ingesting the wa’paq a person in the mushroom-induced, ecstatic trance would be able to travel to the realm of celestial beings, (Snyder (ed);1986, p 44). During the first stage of intoxication the traditional mushroom eater would often sing and dance….During the second stage of intoxication a person experienced hallucinations. He might hear strange voices bidding him to perform bizarre acts. …spirits might appear and even converse with the mushroom eater. (Snyder (ed);1986, p 60). Like other Asiatic and American Indian people, the Chukchi felt the world was multi-layed; several layers of heaven above and several layers of underworld below the earth’s surface, all connected by a cosmic central axis. Each cosmic level, in turn having its ruling spirits. In times of communal or individual crisis, the shaman travelled to these different levels to consult with the spirits. Normally only shamans could do this, but with the help of the mushroom spirits, even ordinary people could make such journeys, , (Snyder (ed);1986, p 61). The occultic nature of these types of drugs is understood by many Western Occult practitioners. But the ignorance of many people; who believe that the drugs are taken by themselves for purely recreational and hedonistic reasons; leaves them in an extremely dangerous and vulnerable state. When people go ‘raving’; dancing and taking ecstasy and similar drugs. They may not be aware of the spiritual nature of their activity. But rather sinisterly; there are many who are fully aware; and actually exploit the situation. In the Book ‘In Search Of the Ultimate High’ Saunders, Saunders and Pauli. Inform the reader of the following; (note; Pendgragon, Return to Source and Escape from Samsra are all names of Rave clubs). Raving can be viewed as a transcendental mind-altering experience providing psychic relief to alienated people in a secular, repressive and materialistic society. Ecstasy and other drugs are the keys to unlock the doors to these desired states of consciousness……DJs are the high priests of the rave ceremony, responding to the mood of the crowd, with their mixing desks symbolising the alter (the only direction the ravers face). Dancing at raves may be construed as the method by which ravers ‘worship’ the God of altered consciousness. (Saunders, Saunders and Pauli; 2000; p 168). Setting is a crucial factor in influencing an entheogenic experience. Some clubs attempt to bring out the spiritual side of a rave by consciously creating spaces which are conducive to spiritual expression. In London, Escape from Samsara, Pendragon, and Return to the Source are renowned for providing an environment in which the spiritual element in rave can be explored fully. (Saunders, Saunders and Pauli; 2000; p 169). Pendragon, for example, coincide their nights with the full moon and each night commences with a ritual. They use pagan imagery in their flyers, urging clubbers to ‘invoke the tribal Celtic spirit’ and celebrate festivals such as Samhain and Lammas. (Saunders, Saunders and Pauli; 2000; p170). Return to Source organisers see the dance floor as a sacred space and prepare it accordingly. A crystal, symbolising cosmic energy, is hung above it. Spring water from Glastonbury is ritually sprinkled. And an American Indian Sage is burnt to cleanse the energy. Return to Source describe their vision. The all-night dance ritual is a memory that runs deep within us all; a memory that takes us back to a time when people had respect for our great mother earth and each other. Dancing was our rite of passage, our shamanistic journey into altered states of reality where we embodied the Great Spirit and the magic of life…….The ancient memory had reawakened, the all-night dance ritual has returned. At Return to the Source, it is our vision to bring back the dance ritual. A ritual is a sacred act with focused attention. We aim to create a modern day positive space, created with love where we can join as one tribe to journey into deep trance, just as our ancestors did. (Saunders, Saunders and Pauli; 2000; p 170). The above references inform us that the rave organisers at certain venues are fully aware that they are involved in ritualistic trance inducement for spiritual purposes. ‘They use pagan imagery in their flyers, urging clubbers to ‘invoke the tribal Celtic spirit’ This is pure sorcery, pure pharmakia. An Australian woman is quoted in the same chapter ; The more magical techno activists understand the power of the gnosis of trance, and may use lots of tricks and techniques to ‘direct’ the energy of the dance in certain directions. Sound is the most obvious one but artists have buried crystals under the dance area……..I’ve found myself dancing on a black floor covered in a 22-pointed star. (Saunders, Saunders and Pauli; 2000; p 171). John C Lilly, MD, in his report for a government agency (USA; National Institute of Mental Health; 1964-66). Lilly likens the human brain to a bio-computer. He experimented with the effects of LSD on about thirty persons, and discovered that “beings” where actually contacted, (note; the computer being referred to is the human brain; the bio-computer). He writes, Some of these beings are programming us in the long term…. ...With this metatheory, this type of experience is not just the computer operating in isolation, confinement and solitude on pre-programmed material being elicited from memory, but is really in communication with other beings, and the influence on one’s self by them is real .(Lilly; 1972). Michael J Harner PH.D undertook a number of expeditions to the upper Amazon rain forest were he was engaged in ethological research among the indigenous tribes; the Jivaro, Achuara and Conibo-Shipibo Indians. These tribes all use hallucegenic drugs. He published a paper ‘The Sound of Rushing Water’ in Natural History Magazine, [Vol 77, No 6 (June-July). 1968]. In this paper Harner writes of his experiences of digesting the drugs of the Indians. The paper is reprinted in the book ‘Hallucinogens and Shamanism’. He writes For several hours after drinking the brew, I found myself, although wide awake, in a world literally beyond my wildest dreams. I met bird-headed people, as well as dragon-like creatures who explained that they were the true gods of this world. (Harner :1973;P 16). The use of the hallucinogenic natermä drink among the Jivaro makes it possible for almost anyone to achieve the trance state essential for the practice of shamanism; (Harner. ed:1973; p 17). In the same book we read of Gerald Weiss PH.D who conducted similar research among the Campa Indians of the eastern Peruvian rain forest. Campa shamans use the hallucinogen Ayahuasca. Regarding the drug and its use by the shaman Weiss comments, Ayahuasca is an hallucinogen which puts him directly into communication with the spirit world, as spirits visit him, or as his soul leaves his body to visit the abodes of the spirits. (Harner ed; 1973: p 43.) The book “DMT Spirit Molecule” records how from 1990 to 1995 Dr Rick Strassman conducted a DEA-approved clinical research at the University of New Mexico in which he injected sixty volunteers with the powerful psychedelic DMT. Many volunteers reported encounters with non-human entities, especially “aliens”. He writes; When reviewing my bedside notes, I continually feel surprised how many of our volunteers “made contact” with “them”, or other beings. At least half did so in one form or another. Research subjects used expressions like “entities”, “beings”, “aliens”, “guides”, and “helpers” to describe “them”.(Strassman; 2001; p 185). On the following page he writes, ‘Thus, these are “nonmaterial” beings.’ Later the truth is touched. Aaron summarized his encounters with these beings after a subsequent double-blind high dose: There is a sinister backdrop……It’s more like being possessed. During the experience there is sense of someone, or something else, there taking control……Its like they have an agenda. (Strassman: 2001; p189). Dr Strassman writes; Shocking and unsettling as they were, contact with life-forms from another dimension was never on the list of volunteers’ reasons for participating in our research. Neither was it something I expected with any frequency. Rather, it was the transpersonal, mystical and spiritual states to which they aspired. (Strassman;2001: p 219)’ During the 1960’s research took place exploring the possible psychedelic and psycholytic use of the powerful hallucegenic LSD. Two leading PH.D holding researchers Dr Timothy Leary and Dr Richard Alpert, were in the forefront of LSD psychotherapy. Both also began to experiment upon themselves. They subsequently became mystics, leaving their academic careers to pursue ‘spiritual’ paths outside of Christ. Dr Richard Alpert changed his name to Baba Ram Dass and became a Hindu mystic. Concerning the 1960’s research Caldewell comments, Yet LSD inspired more than religious reverence and mystical ecstasy. Under the influence people became convinced that they could.. …..communicate with spirits. (Caldewell; 1969; p14). Writing about a woman that had taken LSD and became psychotic after a single dose. She began to have frightening and ugly hallucinations after taking the drug. One would have expected the drug and its effects to wear off, but the hallucinations continued for months. W V Caldwell continues the story, It was not all bad. Once the woman got hold of herself, she assumed some kind of reasonable control over them. They were for the most part pleasant. Psychologically semi educated, she explored them, extended them, tried to understand them. But gradually they took over more and more of her time and become real. One night she found herself in the bathroom performing a magic ritual with some Indian from the world of dreams. (Caldewell; 1969; p 63). Cannabis, Hashish, Marihuana, Hemp. In the UK Cannabis was reclassified by the British Home Office from a Class B to a Class C drug. There appears to be a dangerous “soft” attitude both from the government and the general public perception concerning the use of cannabis. Cannabis is probably the most dangerous of all pharmakeutikos drugs, if only for the reason that it is seen and used as a ‘soft and safe’ recreational drug. It is the Western Worldview that has made this sorcerer’s drug so dangerous today. The drug has an history of shamanistic usage, across many ages and continents. William A Emboden, Jr in his excellent paper ‘Ritual Use of Cannabis Sativa L.; A Historical-Ethnographic Survey’ writes, By the fifteen century B.C. the Chinese book known as the Rh-Ya was complied, and in it there is a mention of the herb Ma, the Cannabis Sativa plant…..the Rh-Ya describes the first ritualistic or shamanistic use of the plant, (Hurst, (ed); 1990; p 217). The historically documented use of Cannabis in the funeral customs of the ancient Scythians, a nomadic people who ranged eastward as far as what is now central Siberia, appears to have originated with their defeat and brief domination by the Thracian Getae in the early sixth century B.C. The Getae were a well organised society of horsemen and hunters……..Their shamans known as Kapnobatai, used hemp smoke to induce visions and oracular trances, (Hurst, (ed); 1990; p 223). The soviet archaeologist S. I Rudenko discovered additional archaeological evidence for the use of Cannabis sativa to induce trances in Scythian funeral rites, (Hurst, (ed); 1990; footnote p223). It is true, however according to one tradition in India the resin of cannabis, under the name Vijaya was the favourite drink of the god Indra and that he gave it to the people so that they might attain elevated states of consciousness, (Hurst;(ed); 1990; p225). The dervishes used Cannabis resins mixed with oils of seeds to produce a ‘hypnotic’ which, when drunk in that strength, induced a trancelike sleep. (Hurst;(ed); 1990; p 226). Of late there have been reports of rituals in which marihuana has come to replace hard-to-get aboriginal hallucinogens. (Hurst;(ed); 1990;p 229). Historically cannabis has been used as a pharmakeutikos drug, as a means to ‘connect’ with the spirit realm. The book titled ‘Cannabis Spirituality’ by Stephen Gaskin speaks for itself, Gaskin writes, Another reason I use cannabis is because I find it open religious experience to be one step closer. (Gaskin; 1997; p 40). Cannabis can be the focus for a freelance , ad hoc spiritual meeting. A group of people, partaking of the good herb together, not perhaps even thinking of anything spiritual. (Gaskin; 1997; p 59). The Encyclopedia of Psychoactive Drugs (flowing plants)’ informs us of the pharmakeutikos properties of cannabis; It is not known when the Chinese first used cannabis to achieve hallucinogenic effects.... However, in the 1st century C . E the seeds of the plant were still being burned in incense burners to give people the ability to see spirits. , (Snyder (ed);1986, p 43). The book ‘Green Gold The Tree Of Life’ has a number of photographs on the back cover, the descriptive comments are as follows, The world’s oldest living god, Shiva preparing bnang (Cannabis sativa). Shiva has been worshipped by the holy ones , now known as Sadhus, continually since at least 2700BCE. (Bennet, Osbum & Osbum; 1995) Mithras sacrificing the bull of creation in order to renew life. The sacred drink of the mysteries (three pointes Cannabis sativa leaf) flows from the wound. (Bennet, Osbum & Osbum; 1995) The comment on the back cover states in bold type, Cannabis Sativa played a major role in every religion in the Old World from the dawn of civilization to the dark ages when its sacramental use was prohibited. (Bennet, Osbum & Osbum; 1995) The authors quote Dr Sumac ; The sorcerers of these Thracian tribes were known to have burned female cannabis flowers (and other psychoactive plants) as a mystical incense to induce trances. (Bennet, Osbum & Osbum; 1995; p 133) The book is over 470 pages in total, the whole theme of the book relates how cannabis is a means to achieving spiritual knowledge. The book’s position is from a non Biblical perspective. The book does what this appendix is also presenting namely that cannabis is a pharmakeutikos, a shamanistic drug. Shamanistic traditions of great antiquity in Asia and the near East have as one of their most important elements the attempt to find God without a vale of tears; that cannabis played a role in this, at least in some areas, is born out in the philology surrounding the ritualistic use of the plant. (Bennet, Osbum & Osbum; 1995; page 4). Aleister Crowley (Who called himself the Beast) the infamous occultist became a member of the magical (occult) society of the 1890’s known as ‘The Order Of The Golden Dawn’. Crowley believed that drugs were a means of penetrating beyond the realm or veil of matter. He would use drugs often in ritualistic settings. Bennet writes, In a 1907 Essay, The Psychology of Hashish, Crowley wrote that in his extensive studies into the history of the occult he "found this one constant story. Stripped of its local chronological accidents, it usually came to this – the writer would tell of a young man, a seeker after hidden Wisdom, who, in one circumstance or another, meets an adept; who, after sundry ordeals, obtains from the said adept, for good or ill, a certain mysterious drug or potion, with the result (at least) of opening the gate of the other world. ….. After "poisoning" himself with "every drug in (and out of) the Pharmacopoeia" in search of the above preparation, Crowley came to believe that this substance was a "sublimated or purified preparation of Cannabis Indica." Preceding the theories of Gordon Wasson, Jonathan Ott, Terrence Mckenna and others by more than half a century, the Beast went so far as to speculate that "this ceremonial intoxication constitutes the supreme ritual of all religions. (http://www.cannabisculture.com/articles/80.html) (Accessed Aug 2005). On Sunday June 19, 2005; 21:20 GMT. The BBC broadcast a Panorama television programme entitled "Cannabis: what every teenager should know". The relevant information and the programme transcript are available on line, Terry Hammond was interviewed by the Panorama team. Terry’s son, Steve, developed schizophrenia in 1999. Terry believes that Steve's illness was brought on by his use of cannabis. He says. I personally believe, and Steve himself has got no doubt, that cannabis was the trigger, because he was smoking cannabis, he was beginning to binge on it and he actually talks about this period of time when he took it and collapsed and when he woke up after collapsing from eating a small piece of resin, he had the voices in his head thereafter. Terry further explains. It was sudden and it was in a period of, I'd say, 2 - 3 weeks. Steve actually now tells us why that was. He said he was heavily smoking it, he was smoking 5 or 6 a night, maybe for 4 or 5 nights, but he said that the day that actually caused the big problem was when he ate a piece of resin in a disco and he collapsed and when he woke up in the toilet he heard a voice saying "it's okay Steve, you can get up now, you're okay." When he looked around there was nobody in the cubicle, nobody in the toilets and then he realised they were voices in his head and those voices in his head, he's had them ever since, that was nearly 6 years ago. And it was at that time... and it was the voices in his head that obviously terrified him, I mean he was a terrified young man, he didn't know what to do. He would scream and shout at these voices in his bedroom, he would hit his head against the wall. Steve is a gentle man and he was a gentle kid. He was a lovely child as all fathers would say but he was really violent to himself, in as far as bashing the wall and screaming and he would throw things through windows and, you know, he was just terrified. Looking back on it now, and I have talked to him about that now and he says that it was the voices, he said he had 3 or 4 voices screaming at him telling him all sorts of awful things and he said I was just trying to get them out my head. Steve was convinced he'd been taken over by aliens and he thought that we were aliens, or that we'd been taken over and he felt that he had to get them out to protect himself and protect everybody. He's not a religious lad, so as far as he was concerned, he said to me later, "well where else can they come from? How can I have voices in my head?" He was totally convinced and you know, he would go out and he would scream out in the garden, he'd look up into the sky and he'd go down into the park, he would shout and tell them to go away. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programme...ma/4104744.stm) (Accessed Aug 2005). It is interesting that Terry says that Steve believed that the voices were ‘aliens’. This comes from Steve’s worldview, for he was not a ‘religious lad’. The question he asks is potent ,"well where else can they come from? How can I have voices in my head?" An interesting question. If they are not aliens; where else can they come from? Which brings us to our final section of study. “Alien” Contact. From a Christian and biblical worldview the communication and contact with ‘alien life-forms’ is non other than the communication and contact with demons and or evil spirits (This is dealt with in detail in appendix 2). An important TCD is cultural interpretation. The scientific Western interpretation is one that has a ‘space-age’ bias. We live in the space-age. We are more than familiar with ‘alien’ motifs via Hollywood etc. Our space-age cultural interpretation of contact with other ‘beings’ is. The ‘beings’ are not spirits but visitors from a more scientifically advance race of aliens. For over fifty years ; ever since human technology took us into outer-space. The UFO phenomena has been reported. John E Mack MD has researched the “Alien Abduction” phenomena. He writes, These phenomena cannot be understood within the framework of the laws of Western Science, although as I have indicated, they are fully consistent with the beliefs developed thousands of years ago by other non-Western cultures, (Mack ; 1994; p32). He writes that abduction begins by a “subtle shift in consciousness” (p 33). An interesting point is made by an ‘abductee’ named Sheila, Mack records, She also began to have recurring dreams in which she would experience terror, be unable to move, and her body would feel as if it were vibrating or ‘full of electricity’. At first she called these ‘spiritual dreams’, and they made her feel like someone or something else was controlling her body, as if she were ‘possessed by demons. (Mack; 1994; p 70). During 1992; the influential and prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology was the venue for a five day conference exploring the ‘Abduction’ phenomena. The prize winning author C. D. B Bryan attended the meeting and wrote a book on the subject. He states, Some abductees go into a New Age group or channelling. It’s a normal dissociative state. (Bryan ; 1995; P 33). Writing about an abductee named Sue, Bryan records that she; Has become a highly religious person…..and believes these experiences were caused by demonic forces. (Bryan ; 1995; page 40). Bryan refers to Keith Basterfield, who is the research officer for UFO Research Australia; Basterfield proposes that a correlation may exist between UFO events (including abductions) and paranormal phenomena such as poltergeists, apparitions, and psychic healing. (Bryan ; 1995; P 40). Bryan quotes Thomas E Bullard’s work on Folkloric Dimensions of the UFO Phenomenon, The recognition of folklore parallels to UFO events have become a staple element in the literature as researchers expand ever further on Vallee’s pioneering work. The dwarfish occupants reported in most UFO landings have their parallels in the almost worldwide beliefs about diminutive supernatural being. Physical and mental effects of close encounters such as time lapse, paralysis, or subsequent illness resemble effects of encounters with ghosts, fairies, and demons………..the bedroom intrusion of strange beings in the night [compares] with incubus visitation……Comparison has focused on imagery motifs, narrative structures, and extended mythological patterns, most notably initiation and shamanic journeys. …..communion with the spirit world. (Bryan ; 1995; P 143). The question that follows is revealing; These similarities seem too impressive to dismiss as chance, and weighty with clues about the ultimate nature of UFO’s. Why aliens should act like fairies or demons makes no sense; (Bryan ; 1995; p143). Bulllard poses the question the wrong way round. The question is why demons should act like aliens. Is the whole UFO phenomena is a deception? This possibility has been touched upon by some UFO researchers. And especially the Frenchman Jacques Vallee. Richard L Thompson referring to Valee’s theory writes, …the UFO phenomena, which Valee portrayed as a control system that intervenes in human affairs but is unknown to us and perhaps unknowable. He suggested that this phenomenon may be giving people remarkable experiences that are essentially false but are more than simple illusions generated by their own minds. In other words, the UFO phenomenon is a deceiver. (Thompson; 1993; P 188). In the preface to the 1997 edition of the book ‘Drugs and Magic’ George C Andrews, writing about the reality of the entities that can be contacted during ritual magic and drug use, states; Entities involved may be either other-dimensional or extraterrestrial, or simultaneously of both natures, since the two terms are not mutually exclusive. In some cases, deities of ancient religions may turn out to be identical to contemporary extraterrestrials, the same types of entities that manifested to our ancestors now manifesting to us (Andrews; 1997; p11). Dr Strassman correlates the research that he partook with DMT and draws a rather telling and insightful conclusion. One should remember that Strassman is not coming from a Biblical position, but is merely analysing the evidence. He compares his research with DMT with the research of Dr John E Mack, whose area of research was ‘alien abduction’; Strassman writes: The resemblance of Mack’s accounts of alien abduction of ‘experiencers’ to the contacts described by our own volunteers is undeniable. How can anyone doubt , after reading our accounts in these last two chapters. That DMT elicits ‘typical’ alien encounters? If presented with a record of several of our research subject’s accounts, with all references to DMT removed, could anyone distinguish our reports from those of a group of abductees?(Strassman;2001: p 219)’ The evidence is overwhelming many other passages could have been quoted. The danger of ASC and especially drug induced ASC is very real. When this type of drug is taken it leaves the user in a state of mind were the possible influence of demons and evil spirits is increased. Depending upon the drug used, this influence can in some instances be virtually guaranteed. To use the illustration of an house. Smoking cannabis is rather like leaving your front door open. It does not mean that you will be burgled or definitely attract squatters. But the ‘normal’ safeguards are removed. Stronger doses of cannabis and stronger psychedelic substances actually attract squatters. Would you stay in a room, or continue to sit at a table; if your friends began to use a Ouija board? Even though you yourself would play no direct part in the boards use? Or would you remain in a room were a séance or Occultic ritual was taking place? Knowing and understanding the pharmakeutikos nature of certain drugs. Would it be wise to sit at a table, or to remain in a room were you knew people were under the influence of hallucegenic drugs? To remain among a group of persons who are all sharing a cannabis joint, even if you do not actually smoke it yourself; is to put yourself in an Occultic situation. Aldous Huxley wife Laura writes; That day, as on many others when I was a companion to a ‘voyager’, I became slightly affected by the drug, although I did not take it……It is one of the many unaccountable qualities of these chemicals. Perhaps the breath of a person who has taken LSD has some trace of it; maybe it comes out from the skin pores. Or is this phenomenon due to hypnosis, imagination, energy-transfer, telepathy? Or to a yet unexplained osmotic process. I do not know. It is a fact, however, that some of the most sensitive companions feel a slight effect of LSD when in the presence of a person who has taken it. In slang, this is called having a ‘free ride’, (Horowitz &Palmer 1977; p76).

[Howie]

LUCID DREAMING IS NOT AN ACCULT</span> <span style="color:green"> And why is it mixed with such similar topics to the point it has become a cliche? It is because human nature! Such mind altering experiances can only be practice through artificial means when they are not PROPERLY done. Wich usually takes resovle and patience. Again a human trait few have. This is why many people turn to artificial means to try to obtain these states of consciousness. weher it via a drug, hynosis, supplemnts etc. Human nature. The same reason you have the view you chose to post. You find these things to hold no merit and you then use propganda to belittle it and mix it with a combination of things that would tear its credibilty apart.

[O-Nieronaut]

I'm not going to read all that. It seems to me that you're just spaming your book, anyway. But a quick distinction: Occult = Hidden Knowledge. i.e. magick spells, rituals, tomes, runes, etc... Frontier = Field of Limited Knowledge. i.e. deep sea, outer space, quantum physics, and lucid dreaming. Lucidity is a field worthy of study, and there is not an exclusive culture that maintains the secrecy of the information gathered therin. Just look at the website you're visiting right now. I see no talk of secrets, just an untouched realm, quite worthy of exploration. I make no accusations.

[Evolsiay]

spamming ? Seems pointless to spam for a limited edtion publication that has all copies allocated in advance. It is the above content that is of interest to this discussion. Occult; does has you suggest have the above meanings - but it is also related to forbidden/ dark/ . It is used as a blanket term for many non-secret practices aswell as secret arts. Dream research is not new- it is as old as mankind. The relationship between dream interpretation and shamanism/ occult understanding is well documented. Your Western psuedo-scientific worldview pertaining to 'frontier research' is no safeguard against the dangers associated with this type of psyche-dabbling.

[O-Nieronaut]

We have gazed at the stars for a long time too. Space is still a frontier, isn't it. We are looking closer, looking farther.

[Jade010]

Steve Sayles by any chance?

[scorpifly]

Monk's are bald.

[kimpossible]

Not if they don't shave.

[scorpifly]

its an inside joke

[LucidApple]

Originally posted by Evolsiay Premise; Altered States of Consciousness (ASC’s) have a direct relationship with Occult Practice and; certain drug usage is an occult practice (be it recreational or ritualistic). Welcome evolsiay! If i take you litt i cant sleep at night cause i will sleep then. Deep sleep, non rem and rem. And have dreams to! So shall i then stay awake from now on? Dreaming *not even talking about lucid dreaming* is if i take you litt also an altered state of consciousness! You talk about the occult...jesus walking over water...isnt that occult? Jezus making lazarus living again...i call that very occult! As last..science is from a christian view also occult! Like physics! They study time and space and gravitation fields etc blackholes! Science studies the beginning of the universe! Litt taken..science is occult! i read your long list of all thats not ok because it gives victems. Well then one thing stays behind to practise and believe, christianity! *looks at history and even at churches today in the usa* Lets count the victims of christianity...it seems there are quite a lot! That ends the list then...nothing passes the judgment! Take that big woodlog out of your eye and then we talk!

[Evolsiay]

Amazing how it often comes down to semantics! ASC by definition is not unconscious states (USC) . Normal (what is normal I hear the cry!) common sense must come to our aid me thinks. Normal sleep involves unconscious states. Such states are not in question. Lucid dreaming attempts to bridge the gap between USC and ASC. One has only to read the posts on this website and have a mere comprehension of the occult to make the link. And as regards the attempt to associate Christ and the occult. This comes from a misunderstanding of the term occult when used in a Christian context. Possibly due to confusing the supernatural with occult. I merely warn of the dangers. Heed me not, my hands are clean. Yes I suspect I have many logs in my eyes- but with this one- I speak from much experience and even more research. But I suspect that your worldview will not allow you to see the dangers. Nevertheless I have done my duty I have sounded the warning. You would not believe the dog was dangerous ieven if it bit you on the leg

[Evolsiay]

You are in danger of being burnt. I warn you not to play with matches. fact is do not even open the matchbox. For a good start - one must read Freud on dreaming, this guy hated religion so he is not my ally- but he has some very good insights

[kimpossible]

The Sky Is Falling! The Sky Is Falling!

[Jade010]

Hello, Awareness during REM is not Occultic.

[kimpossible]

I guess it could be... If you sleep in a cauldron. ** ** Edited to Note: Please do NOT attempt this around open flame. You've been warned and I won't be held responsible for any adverse results...

[YourTheManNowDog]

before I began - I shall introduce myself . My name is Steve. I'm the pastor of an Evangelical Church. Before becoming a christian I spent many years practicing the occult including Lucid Dreams and other types of ASC[/b] all of you are dumb and should thus commit suicide,,,he is saying nothing more than the fact that lucid dreaming is an aspect of the occult, which it is. it is a fact that "part of occult studies involves lucid dreaming". It is however not a fact that it need be occult. This started as a good thread and turned into a huge semantic battle...anyways i think the best model for the brain will prove to be pribrams holobrain theory, in fact i think its probably the only theory that makes sense. the mind exists before the world not the other way around, i maintain my position that a universe that exists makes no sense.

[kimpossible]

Is english a second language for you?

[YourTheManNowDog]

3rd

[kimpossible]

Ok, then let me help your education along: >> the occult including Lucid Dreams That statement means that "lucid dreams" is exclusive to the superset of occult. It is not a statement of non-occult and the occult. It is exclusive. If the author intended it to be inclusive, it should have been written entirely differently. So no. No one needs to go offing themselves now.

[YourTheManNowDog]

Before becoming a christian I spent many years practicing the occult including Lucid Dreams and other types of ASC. i didnt read his entire post and im not going to, but based on this one sentence he is simply refering to Lucid Dreams as an aspect of the occult. i mean, no where is he assigning the LD phenomena exclusive occult ties, hes simply saying flat out in down to earth language "i spent many years practicing the occult including Lucid Dreams" ....Lucid Dreams ARE a part of the occult. there is really no hidden meaning there its pretty simple to understand.