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WHY I QUESTION A COMMUNITY A.K.A. FACTS, JUDGMENTAL AND PERMISSIVE
IT OUR EARTH, NOT YOURS MINE OR HIS
THE ROADSTER
ON THE TOPIC OF ETHICS
THOUGHTS
PATHS
ENLIGHTENMENT AN ESSAY
LITTLE ROCK
MANY ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM
A FOREST MEETING
THE ROBIN, THE SQUIRREL AND THE GROUNDHOG
PAGAN ETHICS
THE THIEF AND THE HONEST MAN
FANTASY VS. FACT

A MANY YEARS AGO:

Many years ago, I belonged to the Jehovah's Witness faith. I still practiced my beliefs for from my perspective, God can speak through nature as well as through any medium. As time went along, I began to see a trend in their philosophies. I had risen to the point of giving public one hour discourses and started to be troubled at trends I saw.

When I came out as being gay, I was removed from my position and was told as long as I remained celibate, in time, I would be given privileges back. One day driving to work, I happened to see a car of a young man parked in front of a member's home. It was his girl friend and I could tell from the frost that it had been there all night. This was the case for well over a week.

Finally, I went to one of the elders and mentioned this. Imagine my surprise when I was told "Well, they'll be married in a few weeks". So, I turned to another and was told, " The first elder was in error saying what he did, but we can't prove anything." So I asked, "If a known homosexual was known to be spending the night at my home, how long would I be a member?" "Not long" was the reply. "Yet, wjhat is the difference whether gay or straight between these two things?" I asked and walked away. Within a few months, I wrote a letter of resignation. Hypocrisy is never a pretty thing in any faith.

Several years later, it came to my attention that there was some nastiness in that particular group. An elder's wife was having an affair with a ministerial servant ( deacon ). It ended up with the young man, who was a very nice and pleasant guy, putting his head on a railroad track and allowing a train to squash it. It bothers me yet to think of this poor guy who was so nice.

"Faith", "Path" or "Belief" is only a vehicle. The sole purpose of it is to connect us to what might be termed as the Divine or God. It is supposed to be the means by which we pull down higher aspirations and ideals into our lives so we can be better people. It implies some type of accountability, not necessarily to others, but to that which is Divine. It is meant to allow that spark, that flame of light which is Divine into our lives.

Being so described, we can see what this also is not. It is not a path of "power" and "magic". If such things exist ( and we must conclude that may be since most ancient texts write of spiritual persons being able to do extraordinary things and please note that these are spiritual persons not ones doing things out of vanity ), then it is a GIFT from the Divine. This being the case, then it is not the "person" doing the feat, but the operation of Divinity upon them. Also, this shows that our seeking should first turn towards connecting to that Divinity rather than seeking out "magic" as a primary goal. The union with the Divine is "magic" in and of itself.

Further, such seeking to connect would not be one of show, nor to gain prominence, nor to wield some authority, nor to prove how much we know, nor to be accepted by people at large in a group, nor to glorify the self. It would prove most difficult to seek connection to the Divine while keeping a watchful eye on these things. How is it that one can serve the Divine and the self at the same time? From appearances, that would be rather an oxymoron.

Over the past years, I have seen and heard several things espoused. Yet, among all that is spoken, rarely if at all have I heard the espousal of connecting to the Divine. How that union should inspire us to higher, noble aspirations. Rarely have I heard of these workings as being done to draw us closer in union with that which may be termed Divine. Yet, is that not the direct purpose of a faith? Too often, in fact, I have witnessed how ones will conform the "path" to themselves for their comfort and gain rather than seeking to truly walk a road that leads to the Divine.

Maybe, we have lost the meaning of what faith and a path truly is. We are politically correct now and we love everyone despite their faults and all people are equally embraced. It is negative to expose errors in the hopes others will turn around. There can be no criticism nor questioning, for that makes us unloving and uncaring individuals. Yet, if we were to see someone blindly walking to a cliff, would we stay silent? The seeds we plant can bear bitter fruit the greatest of which is not the loss of friends but a dis-connectedness to that Source of Life. That is the greatest loss we can ever experience. Perhaps, the easiest path to that loss is our own self delusion.

As I write this and ponder, I am deeply saddened. There are a great many folks who in error think they are on a path and that path is leading them to the Divine. But, when in truth, all it is being is a guide for them to justify themselves in their actions, ideas and behaviors. Hence, the self seeking spiral continues often cloaked in some type of religiosity. Are we truly walking a path or are we using a faith and a path to justify and validate our own behaviors. There is a difference.

FROM MY PERSPECTIVE: SPIRITUALITY AND THE BUILDING OF A FINE CONDUIT

It was late March 2004. A man was visiting friends who lived near the Suwanee river. One day, he stood with a youth on an abandoned bridge that stretched the river. Looking over the water and putting his hand into his pocket, a coin was rem...oved and was cast into the swirling river. "What was that?" "A silver coin" was the reply. "How much silver?" "Enough, that if it was sold at a coin shop could bring maybe ten dollars." "YOU THREW IT INTO THE RIVER??" was the youth's exclamation. "Imagine what could have been bought with that!" "But" said the man " it was a gift to the spirit of water and as such is worth more than money itself." The act, though simple, was a sacred one honoring an unseen spirit.

The scene illustrates the idea of sacredness and allowing it to permeate our lives. I know this happened as I was the man who threw the coin. There was no one to see except a youth and of course the unseen ones who are with us. Sacredness is not a word or an act, but a way of life.

Many know that I will go to the woods to talk to God. My view is quite monotheistic. There is a great unknown Divinity, a Great First Cause. It is for this reason that I have adopted in private using the term "Great Spirit". It is not, generally, referred as such in public for some may believe that my practices mimic the Native American. They do not. The term "Great Spirit" is from my standpoint an excellent way to describe that One Being. The time spent in the woods is sacred. There is a talking to the Divine, there is a talking to the spirit of earth and water. There may be a talking with the animals as well and learning from them or to the trees and plants. This time allows me to draw close to the Source of All Things and let IT direct me rather than letting me direct myself.

If someone says the word "prayer" many will immediately think of Christianity. Yet, there are Hindu prayers, Buddhist prayers, Native American prayers and some Pagan prayers. Prayer is a good way to connect to the Divine. It connects us to the Source of Power and opens us up to let that Power flow through as as a conduit. The more we pray, the more honest we are, the more truthful we are, the more we realize that we are only conduits and nothing more, the more Power we have. It then becomes an endless cycle of growth. This, too, is sacred for it forms our connection to the Creator. We are the only ones that break that cycle whether if it is by deception, greed, lying, theft, egotism etc. etc. or we can start "leaking" by avoiding prayer, by not thinking right, by selfishness which gives way to greed and yet more.

I once said to a person that I get my gifts from the Divine as well as any Power I may have. "You're no different from a Christian!" was the exclamation. Fundamentally, no, I am not. My pathway to the Divine is merely different. The results are just the same. Spirituality means nurturing the unseen portion of ourselves so it may connect to the Greater IT, the Divine.

As these words are being written, a candle burns beneath the pictures of past family members as a remembrance of them. This is sacred. It connects me to my ancestors and to the ones who have gone before me. The ones who will greet me when I cross the veil. I speak to them as I would any corporeal person and they, also, speak to me. This is a special time and set apart. They are there for me. When I ask, my unseen family comes about me just as much as any corporeal family will.

A few weeks ago, I told someone I know that I didn't like my picture being taken because if an "anomaly" should present itself, I did not want to be known as a "freak". I have to apologize and admit that was not wholly accurate. When Power flows through me, it is sacred no matter how that Power is being used. It is my connection to the One Source. That is why I prefer that people ask to take a photo. It is my way of giving respect to my source of strength.

I could go on. There are many sacred things in my life that are honored. Communication to Unseen Spirits, which for lack of better terminology, I call the "fey". So interested in my life are they, that one went to the home of a friend once and allowed that person to see them. That was a sacred thing, for these ones do not show themselves readily. It is quite long, this list. Yet, it is woven into the fabric of my life just as much as eating or sleeping or work.

One person once asked "Teach me to do that". The person wanted me to teach them to do "something" phenomenal. They did not know what they were asking for. They had no concept beyond themselves what they truly sought to achieve. Nothing is accomplished without first, the spirituality to help us and guide us. How can spirituality be "taught"? How can one learn to hold something so dear to them as if it were one's very breath? In this society of trow away cars, throw away TVs, throw away furniture and ,sadly, throw away people, how can the concept that there are things one never throws away and is held in the highest esteem taught? To quote a movie, one "must unlearn what you have learned". Then and only then will the fine conduit be built.

THE MORE I THOUGHT, THE MORE THESE POINTS COALESCED IN MY MIND

This actually began as I contemplated preparing a suggested reading list for my website. The more I thought, the more these points coalesced into my mind. These are my views and mine alone. Some reading this may heartily disagree with the points. That is your right. I have a right to share what I deem as fact and truth. Our "convenience" or our "inconvenience" is a non sequitur. It is the Universe as a whole and how we actually fit in that is the issue. Never have I seen a right hand rebel and say "I will do it my way" or a right eye do likewise. We all should follow the advice and "unlearn what you have learned"

1) Divinity/ Divine/ God/Gods/Goddesses: The minute we define something, it ceases to be Divine and operates within the construct of our perceptions. True Divinity cannot be defined, labeled or put into a classification. True Divinity operates throughout all things and is not limited by a belief structure. Too often we "make the Divine in our image".

2) The Universe ( the greater Unseen and the lesser seen portions which make up our experiences ) is a Holistic thing. It is not a piecemeal of fragmented parts. We should strive to align ourselves to the best of our ability with it's operation both the lesser seen physical realm and the greater Unseen realms. A caution here is that not all things "Unseen" are beneficial, but can and will prove malignant and destructive. If "guides", "spirits" etc push us to a path of self destructive behavior ( hypocrisy, lying, pride, ego etc ) or into situations that cause personal stress resulting in things such as depression and physical damage to ourselves, then we must OBJECTIVELY analyze if we are truly being lead by something with our best interests at heart.

3)The physical world as we perceive it is a balanced organism. There is an autumn to a spring, a winter to a summer, a youth to an old age. Cycles rule the seen Universe and likely work also in the Unseen greater part. Recognizing cycles in our lives and tendencies helps to expect the unexpected and experience growth as well as strength to bear the trials which teach us.

4) WE ARE THE SMALLEST PART OF THE PICTURE! Despite what our egos say, despite what we desire.. we make up only a minute fraction of that which wholly exists. If we are given special "gifts" they are precisely that "gifts". A man may drop crumbs on an ant hill to even feed the insect, but the insect cannot claim that it "gathered" the food. It accepts and goes on about it's way. As a species, we must learn that.

5) That which is without cannot be obtained except within. Thoughts, desires and motivations begin inside ourselves. If we are too busy in play ( play has it's place in life, but does it take precedence in ours? ), socializing, ego building, working for material assets ( which does not follow us at the conclusion of our life! ) to embrace contemplation and meditation ( whether eastern, western or a combination there of ), how can we hope to align ourselves with an Unseen greater whole? "Gnothi Seauton" is a phrase we should all get to know..very well.

6) If the Universe is holistic, then it operates as a whole. The Great Unseen has affect on the seen physical realm where we exist. Energy affects things because all things are made of energy. Proofs on the physical realm point to the Unseen realms ( whether interdemensional, spiritual etc ). Therefore, if no proofs exists to operations, then evaluate the operation OBJECTIVELY rather than subjectively, no matter what we WANT to believe. A light course in quantum physics may prove helpful.

7) "It is easy to form a hypothesis about something that cannot be proven objectively." There are many theories and beliefs in existence from alien intervention to therianism to reincarnation. However, there are no "objective proofs" to these, so they must remain as theories and personal belief systems. While this is acceptable, many attempt to move these into the realm of "fact". An example exists where one person tried vainly to persuade me that therianism was fact and "elvish" reincarnation existed because of "iron allergies". Fact: Our hemoglobin is made up of a large portion of iron, hence the "metallic" taste we may get if we sucked temporarily on an injured digit. AN IRON ALLERGY WOULD PROVE FATAL! A fact that was adroitly circumvented. We need to recognize the difference between personal belief system, theory and fact. Let's keep fantasy where it belongs in the realm of the mind.

8) The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn of the late 19th and early 20th century and it's members had a major impact on esoteric thought as well as "new age" leaning. In terms of actual years, that is a "new" thought line when comapared to the totality of human existence. So, we eject the mass of what has been proven for that which remains to be proved? All things and persons have both a positive and negative influence and none are fully balanced ( perhaps wisdom was shown in the words "Menden Agan" or all things in moderation or balance ), the push from the "Divine" as operative to the "individual" as being operative has sown a great deal egotism, pride, selfishness etc. We need to fully examine all things and not buy into something due to popularization or based on the persuasion of a few.

9) "To perceive is to deceive". We need to rest what we find to be so in the facts and evident demonstration in the realm we inhabit, namely the physical. Possibilities are endless and how we implement our minds and energies can affect things. But, we must behold that with our eyes and through examination for the Universe is holistic. I suggest watching "What the Bleep Do We Know?" as a beginning for all considerations.

10) Morality is part and parcel of our construct. What goes on in a bedroom is not open to examination ( unless it involves children and animals which is abhorrent! ). Morality in this sense refers to how we act and treat ourselves and others. Never has self seeking behavior given rise to service to others. Never has pride and ego brought humility to anyone. Deceit and falsehood has never given birth to truth. Hypocrisy has never bred honor. Since the Universe is balanced, those gaining by these unsavory methods will be subjected to the same, especially if the energy sent forth is rebounded to them. We of all corporeal creatures on this planet have the opportunity to change our views and thinking patterns though self knowledge and astute open self examination ( see point 5 ) and if we choose not to recognize that which exists in ourselves, would "ignorance is bliss" excuse us? We have a mind, let us use it to benefit ourselves and others.

11) In sales, I learned to "Kiss" ( Keep It Simple Stupid ). Mathematics shows the shortest route between two point is a straight line. The more elaborate our theories, expostulations and hypotheses become the more elaborate the proofs of those things must be. We will not know fully what exists beyond that veil until we ourselves cross that threshold, to claim otherwise is not only an act of pride and ego but also one of folly.

Some may not agree with these points.Some may agree with them partially. Some may agree with them wholly. I do not pretend to know all things. However, in working with my abilities for over 48 years, having read extensively both histories, philosophies and esoteric literature, I have come to these conclusions. I invite people reading this to contact me privately whether by telephone or email and discuss what is written here. Life is a learning experience and we cease learning, then we must lay down with our ancestors. I am not above learning.

Peace and Blessings to all

WHY I QUESTION A COMMUNITY A.K.A. FACTS, JUDGMENTAL AND PERMISSIVE

“Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. The important thing is not to stop questioning.” Albert Einstein

http://en.thinkexist.com/q..uotation/learn_from_yester..day-live_for_today-hope_fo..r/222120.html

I was just able to finally access my messages on Face Book and started reading a thread that caught my attention ( why I was included as a recipient I will never know ). There was some slight interaction which had piqued my curiosity and so I dug up the thread and read it. I was rather surprised a bit and dismayed at the same time.

First, let's identify "judgmental". Dictionary.com identifies it in this manner " 1) Of, relating to, or dependent on judgment: a judgmental error. 2) Inclined to make judgments, especially moral or personal ones: a marriage counselor who tries not to be judgmental. This is the appropriate application of the term.

Second, let's identify the term "fact". Dictionary.com defines it as 1) Knowledge or information based on real occurrences: an account based on fact; a blur of fact and fancy. 2)Something demonstrated to exist or known to have existed: Genetic engineering is now a fact. That Chaucer was a real person is an undisputed fact. A real occurrence; an event: had to prove the facts of the case. 3) Something believed to be true or real: a document laced with mistaken facts. I avoided the law definition as it is not applicable here.

Now, let me make a statement. I am a homo-sapien. This is a fact ( although some may disagree! ). All homo-sapiens are humans, which again is a fact until otherwise definitively proven. I am a Neanderthal. This is not a fact. I may believe myself to be such, but my belief does not change the reality of fact. Now, if I claim to be a Neanderthal and everyone states "All right, you are a Neanderthal" except one who says " No, you are a homo-sapien", is the one being judgmental? Of course not, facts show I am not a Neanderthal!

Now, let's proceed onto a another statement. I am a Zen Buddhist. However, I do not practice that which makes a Zen Buddhist such, can I still claim to be that? Moreover, if anyone challenges me is that being judgmental? No, not in the least from my standpoint. From the facts shown, ie: that I do not do the things that mark a Zen Buddhist, no matter what I call myself will not change what I am. The person who challenges me is exercising their right to question what I claim. I have the right to defend my claim. If the majority accepts that I am a Zen Buddhist, is the one challenging me being judgmental?

Let's now introduce a third term, namely permissive. Often this is used in conjunction with sexual morality, but Dictionary.com states that it is 1) habitually or characteristically accepting or tolerant of something, as social behavior or linguistic usage, that others might disapprove or forbid or 2) granting or denoting permission: a permissive nod. This definition is more in keeping with the examples.

We now may say that others are permissive of my claim of being a Zen Buddhist without demonstrating that I truly am. The individual challenging me still has that right to challenge. They are not judgmental but they are not permissive. There seems to be a large confusion of this and it would be good if people paid attention to what they are saying.

The pagan community is permissive. They are also judgmental by not allowing others to question or query as well as not giving those questioned the opportunity to explain themselves. They pass judgment by confusing the terms permissive and judgmental or by exchanging them at will.

A further example may be this way. I am a Celtic druid who follows an Egyptian pantheon. Someone says that is "stupid and isn't rational". This statement is both rude and judgmental. Someone states " That is oxymoronic. How can you be a druid with an Egyptian pantheon?" This is not judgmental. Historical facts show that the Celts worshiped gods quite different from the Egyptian culture. So the pairing would be "oxymoronic". It is followed by a question for the speaker to clarify themselves. The initial statement is not judgmental.

As a group, the Pagan community is permissive. Yes, it allows things that others section of society abstain or refrain from ethically, spiritually and physically. The Pagan community as a group can be judgmental. This can be ably illustrated by the above Zen Buddhist paragraphs. They pass a judgment ( whether correct or incorrect ) in denouncing someone who challenges an unverified statement or a claim or statement which lacks supporting fact. That's judgmental by the definition. It might be good for all people to realize what they are truly practicing before they make claims.

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IT IS OUR EARTH, NOT YOURS, MINE OR HIS

It is our earth, not yours or mine or his. We are meant to live on it, helping each other, not destroying each other. - J. Krishnamurti

Throughout history, fear, hatred and manipulation have been used to suppress such like values. Those three were present at the outset of the Crusades. They were employed 75 years ago to kill hundreds of thousands on a pretext of "safety" and "good" of a national community. A few years ago, they prompted a man to kill in effigy two people in the name of "safety" and religion. Today, they still spur the ugliness of racism.

A community is is the sum total of it's individual parts. It is the individuals that create the community and through them, it has soul. If we stand together in disapproval of any such like actions that jeopardize, then the values echoed in the quote live, breathe and has force.

If we remain apathetic, silent or approve of these out of convenience, then the values like those above remain only words and wispy shadows that affect nothing. We cannot rebuke others who may say we lack values, ethics and morality. We are choosing that path by the decisions we make. We, ourselves, are putting that face to the fore.

I hope the readers accept these words in the spirit I intend. One of quiet contemplation and rational thinking
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Copyright �2009 LarryCopeland

THREE LITTLE PIGS

Everyone knows the story of the 3 little pigs and the houses made of straw, wood and brick. Recently, that story has surfaced in thoughts and musings. What if the type of home is actually what each person is? There are those made of straw. Which is pretty and smells nice, but when troubles arise they scatter. There are those made of wood ( pine is softer, oak is hardest ) but when troubles come can catch fire, be blown down and upset. There are those made of stone which remains rock solid ( some castles from the middle ages still stand ). This may not be how individuals perceive themselves, for all think that they are stone and solid. What do the actions say? Relationships of any depth whether romantic, friendship, work.. any will denote the structure of the character if it is straw, wood and timber or stone and brick.

An old nursery rhyme states "birds of a feather flock together. So do pigs and swine. You will have your friends and I will have mine". Straw begets straw, wood to wood and stone to stone. As birds flocking together, each will go to their type. But, the kicker is that each one chooses to be the type they are. No one is born straw or wood or stone. The mettle of character is set as life unfolds. Perhaps, this might be the meaning behind the nursery rhyme.

Ever try to rely on someone made of straw? A difficult task indeed, for tho' they view themselves as solid as stone they remain as wispy and scattered as the straw they are made of. When troubles erupt, they seek their own advantage first. Wood is better, but yet, when it comes to long term duration.. it rots and crumbles. Again, like straw, when threatened will seek it's advantage first lest damage is incurred. It is difficult to be made of stone for it is solid and usually unappreciated. It can be heavy and ponderous. Yet, it's steadfast qualities remain. It can be wearisome, for it is assumed it will be there, but that is not always the case.

Anyone reading this is invited to self analysis. What is the construct of the character in truth and honesty, straw, wood or stone and brick? Remember what happened to the pigs with the latter types, when troubles came they were devoured by it.

Copyright �2009 LarryCopeland

THE ROADSTER

One day, a man told his acquaintance that he was taking his restored roadster for a spin and would likely stop at a local park to hike. Being made aware of this, the acquaintance went to the park and watched his friend drive in and park the roadster in a conspicuous area and he went off to hike. Once gone, the fellow went to the car, produced a chamois and began polishing the auto. People who knew him would pass by and ask of the car to which he would always reply that it was a restored roadster of vintage year, often taking the time to show it off. He gained praise for the car as he continued expounding to folks he knew that would pass by all the glories of the roadster. Suddenly, the owner appeared from his hike and became vexed " How is it that you treat as yours that which you did not earn? How is it that you imply possession and gain praise over something you have not worked for?" Whereupon, he drove off leaving the fellow standing.

"JUDGE YOUR SUCCESS BY WHAT YOU HAD TO GIVE UP IN ORDER TO GET IT"...Dalai Lama

Copyright �2009 LarryCopeland

ON THE TOPIC OF ETHICS

Ethics can be defined as that branch of philosophy dealing with values relating to human conduct, with respect to the rightness and wrongness of certain actions and to the goodness and badness of the motives and ends of such actions. What is paramount is the equal application of those principles irregardless of the person, their status or personality. Too often especially within our community, this is bypassed whether it is in the case of following a personality, attempting to justify oneself and our actions or being woefully unaware of the facts or just choosing not to accept them. Facts are facts, no matter our emotional attachment or not and these must at times reign as utmost in our views and in our decision making process. Our emotions will not invalidate that which is fact.

When we as a person or group do not equally apply ethics and ethical conduct to everyone, we then belie ourselves and the higher idealism we claim to strive for. We no longer become a beacon of inspiration to others but merely another hypocrite that flounders in the waves of humanity. Any way it is cut, that is the only outcome when we ignore our own ethics for any reason.

Backbiting, slanderous activity, deceptions, untruths, rages, egotism, and much more is roundly and soundly condemned by not only those in the Abrahamic faiths but also in the Buddhist and Hindu faiths. These same standards should be met with acceptance within this our community as well. If we are indeed seeking the higher idealism and the enlightenment we profess then we must adhere to these ideals and not waver as grasses on a windy day.

Too often I have seen all these things whether done via person, email or other communication. Before we say or do anything to anyone, we should be aware of facts and the implication of equal application of ethical behavior. What is good for the goose must likewise be good for the gander and no matter what we emotionally may feel, it cannot cloud our views as adjusted by the facts of a matter.

Hopefully out there somewhere, there are those who feel likewise. If we continue following a path of wavering ethical practice, then that which is wrong will become right and that which is right will be come wrong and we will be doing our community a great disservice.How can be have pride in who we are until we define ourselves by our actions and the pursuit of the higher idealism that enlightenment engenders?

Copyright �2009 LarryCopeland

THOUGHTS

Any clergy or indeed anyone who by their word and deed, willingly chooses to go against their ethical code for any reason, becomes a hypocrite. As a hypocrite, that one has renounced their station as clergy. The claim they make is then false and merely a salve to the ego and props up the conceit of the individual. Any person has only integrity. faithfulness and honor and when these by acts, words and deed are done away with, nothing remains but a vainglorious attempt to build ones self up. All the "good" works and "fine" deeds are nothing, if the ethics for which one stands are sacrificed for any reason. It is a traitorous act to the self, to the Divine under whatever concept and to the people, for such a one is to draw people to the Divine not to the self.

To be sure, this applies to all people. Betrayal of the self and the ethics which is claimed, provides the foundation of hypocrisy which itself is a living lie. When this is done, death is dealt to the finer aspects and that which is self seeking, self serving, self aggrandizing , that which may be termed debased, can come to the fore, no matter with what charisma it may be presented. To accept this hypocrisy is to condone and accept a lie and by so doing, debases the ethics that is claimed. Like a domino effect it runs rampant, until one says..."to myself and my integrity I must be true".
Copyright �2009 LarryCopeland

PATHS

Long ago, I stepped aside from a Christian faith because of the blatant actions that disregarded the tenets of that faith. None of us are exempt from examination and query either by ourselves or by others when our actions are contrary to what we claim.

A Jew would be open to query if they ate sausage or celebrated Christmas. A Christian would be open to query if they practiced hatred, haughtiness and deception as a mode of conduct. A Buddhist would be open to query if wrath and anger filled them and they perpetrated violence. A Pagan would be open to query if they rather than honoring the Old Ones got caught up in the ego and politics of the modern era.

I stepped away from a faith because they could not practice what they claimed to be. I have seen this repeated over and over in many faiths and many paths. This is not the human error and fallacy we are all imbued with. The weakness that we all share as part of the human family. It is the willful and direct choice to follow paths of egotism, self aggrandizement, hatred, untruth and vices way too many to list. It is the willful choice to disregard Divine enlightenment, however the Divine is perceived.

There is not, in my opinion, one path that lights the fire of enlightenment within our human organism. It is all paths, but a path unless practiced is merely a road leading nowhere. It is through us that the path takes on life and breath. We fail to hold to the standards we claim, then the path itself dies in our veins and becomes meaningless. Our worship in whatever context becomes hot air that mingles and loses itself in the breeze. Whatever good we seek to do is lost if we do not adhere to the standards we claim.

Are we the one who speaks the full truth even if it puts ourselves in a less than favorable light? Then we live our path. Do we scrutinize ourselves, looking closely at our intent and motives even if they are less than noble and choose to correct them? Then we live our path. Do we, as humans always will, make errors and mistakes whether in anger, egotism or vanity but rather than choose to accept them, use them as a forum to overcome these things in ourselves? Then we live our path. Do we choose to accept the role of being victim to our own being, helpless to rise above and seek to blame others for our own vanities or do we take personal responsibility for our own actions fair or foul? Then we live our path. Do we place ourselves above scrutiny and query as august and unquestionable or do we encourage it preferring to have the blinders of self deception ripped away? Then we live our path. Living a path is not an easy thing to do.

I count myself as neither Christian or Pagan. Too often, peoples of both those ideologies have put themselves on pedestals thinking themselves above reproach or query. If we through constant personal examination question ourselves as to what we in truth are, then it follows that we have the right to put others to the same test and line of reasoning. No greater defense is there than the clear explanation of our claimed faith and ideology and how we apply it intrinsically on a yearly, monthly weekly, daily and hourly basis. No grander thing is there than to display before the theater of humanity how our path makes us better people. Without this, our path and worship in whatever context we conceive becomes vain and useless.

Perhaps this is idealism, but what are we without higher ideals? Without them, we may as well be animals loose in the forest for all the good it does. An animal walks no path but behaves on instinct. We walk paths and it is in our providence to let them live or lie dead beneath our feet.
Copyright �2009 LarryCopeland

ENLIGHTENMENT AN ESSAY

Enlightenment, we are told, comes from within and not from without. It is our actions, our attitudes and what we do that define what we are not what we claim ourselves to be. This is undeniable truth.

When we claim spiritual enlightenment, the perspective changes. The universe itself becomes the grander scheme of things and we are but only dancing dust motes in a breeze. We recognize how truly small we are and how little we truly comprehend in the vastness.

We, as people who seek the higher aspiration, should be able to put aside pettiness and vendettas. We should be able to look at our fellow and not be fearful to say, " Does your actions truly reflect the values and path you claim?" We should be able to do this without fear, for fear leads to hatred and violence. Yet each of us is bound by the chains of fear.

When we support tacitly or actively a path that is marred by hatred, half truth, distortions, fear and many more, we support a path of darkness. When we seek to elevate ourselves not on the merits of what we truly achieve but rather on our social accomplishments and our influence, we seek darkness. How long will our pretended influence last in the grand scope of things? One or two minutes, then like all living things we become dust.This is reality and this is fact.

For billions of years the earth has existed, yet who among us was there at it's birth and who among us will be alive at it's end? Our time is but fleeting milliseconds in the grand scheme of things, nothing more nothing less.

If we endeavor to use our employment, our social skills even our religiosity to artificially bolster us, where will we be when we become as dust? Whether we serve a God of Gold, or claim to follow the One True God, or insist we follow The Old Gods, in the end we stand as dust before the universe, exposed for all eternity by the deeds we have perpetrated, whether they are fair or foul. That also is an undeniable fact.

If in our existence we support injustice, untruth, sectarianism, cultist behavior and a plethora of other ills, what foundation do we lay for eternity? Or are we as the wheat in the field, merely moving along with breeze which blows and at a given time being plucked from the earth? At the end of our time, can we say that we stood up for the right thing because it was the right thing to do? Or will we look and say, in retrospect, I had the chance to make a difference, by actions and deeds show what true enlightenment is?

Do we choose, for this is an active choice, the more immediate rewards under the guise of status and esteem or do we choose the internal growth of a flicker that can rise into a bright flame? That question is before each of us whether Christian, Jew, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu or Pagan. We stand alone condemned by our actions or exulted by them irregardless of our conceptions of ourselves. Why else was it written in Delphi "Gnothi Seauton"?

We may mask ourselves to ourselves. We may mask ourselves to others. We may seek acclaim and perceived authority, but in the scheme of things before the universe, we all pale and become quite small indeed. This is fact and this is reality. There is no mistaking it.

So, it is not what we claim we are that matters. It is not whether we are Christian, Jew, Muslim, Hindu or Pagan that matters. It is how true we remain to the honorable path that we walk. Do we become masters of the self or is the temporary self the master of us? Many may actually claim the path, how many of us in fact walk it and when we digress, beat ourselves into submission to achieve the path again? All of our worship is vanity and a mere exhalation if we are not held by both ourselves and others to the path we claim to trod. This likewise is a truism.

Enlightenment is an ongoing thing. Some of us are distracted by the baubles that enhance the ego, the esteem, the self worth, the acclaim that this temporary existence provides. Some of us, although distracted, try to achieve that light with sweat and rigor. That also becomes an active choice before us. How will we fair at the end of our time and how will we stand when exposed to the Universe? That is a choice we make by our deeds. How will we stand when our second of life is over?
Copyright �2009 LarryCopeland

LITTLE ROCK

In 1957, a group of nine children faced down the mobs at Little Rock Arkansas. Their grit and courage began the civil rights movement of the 1960s. They, their parents and others stood against injustice. They stood up for what was right.

In the 1700s, groups of men and women stood up for justice. The Boston Massacre, The Boston Tea Party and other events came into being and changed a world because people stood up for what was right irregardless of what was acceptable or approved of by others. It took courage to stand up and be counted.

“He who passively accepts evil is as much involved in it as he who helps to perpetrate it. He who accepts evil without protesting against it is really cooperating with it.” These words were spoken by Martin Luther King Jr. Someone who was not afraid to stand up for justice and the right thing. His stand cost him his life. Throughout history men and women have given their lives to do the right thing.

When we remain silent about unjust and unfair treatment, then we become perpetrators of that treatment by being silent. If we endorse actions spurred by egotism, acquisition of assumed power or authority or any thing else, we belie the enlightenment we may claim to exist. We allow ourselves to become the willing perpetrators and not only observers. This is a truth be it socially, religiously, metaphysically or in any other context.

I am quite happy that the patriots took action in the 1700s, when they did. I am quite happy Little Rock took place when it did. These events took courage and a willingness to stand for what is right. I fear, if these events took place today we'd be segregated under British rule. Such is the difference of then and now.
Copyright �2009 LarryCopeland

MANY ARE NOT WHAT THEY SEEM

One day, while strolling in the park, I happened upon a fellow eating an early lunch. Greeting him, he asked if I'd like to share the picnic table with him. Sitting down, i looked at his meal of two sandwiches one being pulled pork and another being a cheeseburger. The topic fell to religion and faith. "I'm an Hasidim Jew" the crew cut man told me while polishing off the pork sandwich. "Really?" "Indeed, it is a wonderful faith that I firmly believe in" he proclaimed. "But where are your side locks?" I asked as he began his cheeseburger. "Oh, I don't need them". "Wasn't that a pulled pork sandwich you ate and aren't you eating a cheeseburger?" "Yup" came the reply. "I'm no authority, but don't Jews avoid pork and isn't meat and cheese to be avoided because "you must not boil a kid in it's mother's milk?" His congenial face clouded, " Listen, if you're going to question what I do, just leave". So, rising, I took my leave of him.

Shortly, I came upon a young lady sitting on the ground. " May I join you?" I asked. "By all means. Hope you do not mind, I'm meditating. I'm a Zen Buddhist". I sat for a time and shortly, she began to stir. First, on rising, she strolled to a nearby ant hill and demolished it with her foot. "Why did you do that?" I asked. "The vile things interrupted my meditation". Then she bent, picked up some rounded stones and begin flinging them at the geese nearby. "Why are you doing that?" I asked once more. "Their vile honking prevented me from concentrating". "Don't Buddhist, particularly Zen, value all living things and profess nonviolence as a way of life?" "Listen, if you are going to question what I do and what I am, just leave me be" she said with her voice edged in irritation. So, rising, I left.

Continuing my stroll and pondering those I encountered, I happened upon a man on a bench reading the Bible. "May I sit?" I queried. "By all means, the bench is for both of us." His smile looked so sincere and joyous, I was moved to sit and take up conversation with him. He extolled his virtuous faith and the blessings it had brought him. In short time, the topic came to people of the opposite sex. His face became lewd and he spoke of the quasi-sexual encounters he had. " But aren't you a Christian?" I gasped. "Well, since there was no real penetration, it wasn't sex so I maintain my virginity". Scratching my head, I frowned and said I couldn't see that. His irritation begin to rise, " Do you question my honesty?" he began to scream. "How dare you?" Taken aback I asked, "Isn't it written that peace is a Christian's path?" "Fuck peace" he yelled, " I don't have to take this" and he leaped to his feet and angrily marched off leaving me both amazed and bewildered.

Rising, I continued my walk. I then came upon a girl drawing a circle in the earth. Stopping, I watched. She noted that I stopped. "I'm sorry, I'm a pagan and I am preparing a sacred spot." She said. "Do you mind if I watch?" asked I. "By no means, feel free. I have nothing to hide". She continued her preparations. " Our belief is earth based and we value honesty and honor". As she returned to her work, a cell phone buzzed from her bag, answering it she said " Yes, honey, it's going to be a bit longer aunt Jane has a few more chores for me to do." Hanging up, she explained that her husband did not know her faith and she had to deceive him. " Isn't that dishonest?" I asked. " Not when it protects my faith. I am being trained as a priestess and cannot be deterred." Bewildered I asked "So,it's all right to lie and deceive when it has to do with religion rather than being honorable and stating what you are?" " Listen, if you are going to bombard me with negativity, then go away." She briskly said. Shaking my head, I left the girl.

After a time, I came on a man with books spread before him on the picnic table. Looking up, he invited me to sit. I did so. "You are likely amazed at these books, but I'm not a learned man. I'm what you can call a seeker." "What's that?" I questioned. " Truth, life and all that there is.. where is it going, by what means and what abilities do people possess that are unseen." He began expounding on what he said. Our conversation ranged from the whimsical to the very deep. Heat rose and fell as each of us established point and counter point. Time flew and being late, I rose. he looked at me and smiled. " I am glad to have met you. We may not agree on everything, but you give me food for thought and cause me to examine myself, my actions and beliefs. That's good. We all need to do that". I heartily concurred and we exchanged telephone numbers that we may talk again.

The lesson I learned that day in the park was that many are not what they seem and a few are. It is actions and deeds that speak for us as to what we truly hold dear. When questioned, do we evaluate what we do or do we grow angry at being exposed for what we are?

“He is a hypocrite who professes what he does not believe; not he who does not practice all he wishes or approves”

William Hazlitt quotes

(note: this is a fictionalized account for illustrative purposes. )
Copyright �2009 LarryCopeland

A FOREST MEETING

One day, while meditating in the forest, a spirit came to me. It was female in appearance to me with golden hair and sky blue attire. It was my wont to pluck wildflowers to put in my home and speaking she said, " Do not wantonly pluck the flowers, for they have life as well". There, I saw near me some wild flowers which begun to spin and in the center were small faces. Then I looked all about and the trees, flowers, vines and all growing things had faces and form. Beneath me, I saw even the stones and earth had faces and lived.

"But what of the vermin that lives in the city near me, the rats, mice and roaches that infest the dwellings?" A gentle smile ensured, " Rats, mice and roaches all have their place in the order of things and have life as well. It is the society of man that has turned them into carriers of disease and the vermin they are. " A sadness came over the spirit's countenance. " If one lives like a rat, they will have rats in their home. If they live as a mouse, they will have mice in their home. If they live as a roach, they will have roaches in their home. We attract that which we are most like. We cannot change what others are, but we can change what we are."

At this, I closed my eyes in deep contemplation. " We are each of us a house, what do we wish to have within our walls? " I opened my eyes to query once more, but she was gone and all that was there was the songs of wild birds and wind in the trees. On a limb nearby, sat a small blue jay which looked wisely in my direction then took wing in flight.

Power is not always energy used to arrange and rearrange things. At times, it is clarity and a light that illumines the path beneath us. While the flowers in the wild places are sweet, I'll not pluck them to adorn my dwelling for they are entitled to life. Nor will I when coming upon the rat, the mouse or the roach, kill it for they also have their place and a right to life. Neither will I invite them into my home.

(note:This is a fictional account. However, there are some elements which did occur when I was a much younger person. I merely extrapolated the principle that was given me at that time.)

Copyright �2009 LarryCopeland

THE ROBIN, THE SQUIRREL AND THE GROUND HOG

.One day, while meditating in a grove of trees, a robin came and perched on a nearby limb. "Greetings, Sir Robin" said I. "I am no robin" was the heated reply. " I am a bald eagle whose sight is far reaching and feared among many small animals". " You're crest and wings are dappled red and your size is diminutive. Your wing span is much too small. You are a robin" I stated. " I am not.. and you are a liar and I will tell all the woods that you are such!". Then away the Robin flew in a huff.

Soon, a squirrel happened by. Twitching it's tail and looking oh so wise it peered at me. " Are you not afraid?" It asked. "Why no, Mr. Squirrel". " I'm no squirrel was the reply. " I am a fox! My teeth are sharp for rending flesh and I am cunning and wise." "Sir, you are a red squirrel with fluffy tail that nests in yonder oak, eating the acorns and nuts of the ground." "Liar!" He cried and charged at me, but with a swipe of my boot was sent reeling. " I shall tell the whole of the forest what a grave beast you are!" cried out the rodent as he fled.

Shortly, there came a fat ground hog waddling up. He stopped, squealed as ground hogs will and looked closely at me. " And what are you?" I queried. "A lion that is imported from Africa or a grizzly bear?" "Neither" came the reply. "I am a ground hog who burrows in the earth and eats roots and such." "You are unique" said I. "You are what you claim". "How could I not be? I am low to the ground which makes it hard to see me and I am colored like the earth itself which is an excellent camouflage. Any who chases after me and follows me to my den will meet the sharp edge of my teeth for they cannot turn as I do in my my borrow".Hearing this, I reached to my side and drew out some roots and tossed them to the animal. "Thank you" came the reply. "I'll tell the woods how kind and generous you are." Then, he waddled off as ground hogs will do.

It is sad that too many are like the robin and squirrel. In their delusion, arrogance and ego, they expose themselves to dangers and trials which they would otherwise avoid. When these occur, they blame not themselves but others. How sensible the ground hog, who acknowledges what it is and thus benefits from knowledge of both it's strengths and weaknesses.

Copyright �2009 LarryCopeland

PAGAN ETHICS AN ESSAY

Moral and ethical integrity is the responsibility and duty of us all, especially those claiming "clergy" or or "clergy in training" status as they seek to take the lead. If some of these do not have the moral and ethical integrity and fiber, those who set the example, and refuse to hold themselves accountable to their own ethics and morality, what kind of community does this become and what message as Pagans are we sending as a group? If slurs ( racial, gender, sexual orientation etc ), misrepresentations, unwarranted rages, hypocrisy and the like are by silence condoned, accepted and approved of, then the ethics claimed are by actions belied. In truth and fact, the claimed "morality" becomes null and void because it is circumvented and really ceases to exist, being present in word only. This makes those "clergy" and everyone who practices this, a hypocrite themselves. With these actions being present, we as Pagans wonder why we are spoken of disparagingly. That is why I posted the WitchVox article on December 23. Since these same ethics and moral issues existed a decade ago and still thrive today, are we as a community remaining stagnant or worse regressing? Enlightenment should do away with hypocrisy, double standards, personality worship and should be replaced with a desire for truth, facts and equal application of ethics regardless of who perpetrates the wrong. There are many who hold firm to integrity and ethics, but as a community and especially any claimed "leader", "clergy" or "clergy in training", what message is being sent? "How can we defend a leader or any Pagan who has discarded ethics or morals" and "there is a difference between looking out for one another and covering up for someone." are two aspects we all should peer closely at.

THE THIEF AND THE HONEST MAN.. A LESSON IN PRINCIPLES

There was once two men. One, who claimed to be a thief, and another who claimed to be honest. One day, the known thief was caught stealing as was the man who claimed to be honest. The question exists, who is the better person?

To many, the one who claims to be a thief would be more reprehensible. Yet, this man proclaimed what he was truthfully. The honest man, to project an image, denied what he truly was. Now the latter has become both liar and hypocrite whereas the former remains just a thief.

Self evaluation and knowledge is they key point in the illustration. Not some cursory evaluation, but a truly profound understanding of who and what we are.We must be honest first with ourselves before we can be honest with anyone else. Failing to do that, we can only practice self deception and thus deceive everyone we come into contact with.

It also bespeaks how much others' views influence what we say and do. In the illustration, the thief admits what he is without care or design to present a different picture to others. Instead of involving himself in a fake hypocritical facade, he presents an honest evaluation of himself both to his own psyche as well as others. The honest man, seeking accolades from his peers, hides what he is. He turns away from the truth that exists within himself to obtain, perhaps, a fawning acceptance based on illusion and falsehood. That same illusion and falsehood, with time, will surely be exposed.

The primary reason for any faith and even the study of occult practices is to strip away the facade that we erect and expose, if nothing else, to ourselves what we really are. It is only the fearful, those lacking in courage and those desirous of others' accolades that turn from this. They are the ones who say one thing, yet do another and by so doing prove themselves both hypocrite and liar, not only to themselves but to all whom they meet.

This is an active choice that is made. It is also a choice for us accept the responsibility of seeing who and what we truly are. We should be strong enough to admit that fearlessly to our self and others. If we are not strong enough to do that, are we truly strong enough to trod an esoteric path, a pagan path or the path of enlightenment. We must be enlightened to what we truly are and, if not liking what we are, take the needed steps both on the mundane and magical level to insure that change is effected. Are we up to the task? Are we like the "thief" of the illustration or the "honest" man, who proved not so honest?
Copyright �2009 LarryCopeland

FANTASY VERSUS FACT... IDENTIFY THE DELUSION

A man awakes and imagines he goes to work. In his mind, he builds up all the acts needed to fulfill his daily routine. When, at the end of the period, he gets his check and finds it a day short, he becomes angry that the company "had stolen" his money. This example is a bit extreme, but it serves the purpose.

Facts cannot be altered. Facts cannot be changed. Facts can be hidden, but usually they "come out in the wash". I have been a manager for a Dairy Mart in the late 1980's, a manager twice with a jewelry firm being responsible for millions of dollars of goods. It requires facts to run a business.

When people claim "hidden agendas" in nebulous terms without facts to back them up and conspiracy theories without fact to back them up, then they must rely on twisting real facts to substantiate their theories. They deceive themselves in their thoughts and thus, deceive others. It is a very dangerous trap. That is why I always try to seek "validation" and "fact" rather than "assumption", "presumption" or "emotion". In my spirit communications both with paranormal groups and outside, I seek out the facts, something that a lot of people and a majority of Pagans seem to bypass and avoid.

I recall someone who once said to my brother " I am master of all things esoteric". My brother, his wife and I have had many a good laugh over that statement. Other than being full of braggadocio, let's examine that statement. "Master of all things esoteric" implies mastering high magic and "low" magic, mastering the Kabbalah, mastering Voodoo, mastering spirit communication and all the associated forms of it, mastering energy work and energy manipulation and the list goes on. This person was only 31 or 32 when they made this statement and, what is worse, they actually believed themselves to be true!!! Yet to this day, this individual has not even begun true spirit communication ( whether with deceased humans or higher beings ), cannot scry, cannot divine and cannot do many things a "master" should be able to accomplish.

I am no master, yet fog has parted for me ( I don't know how.. don't care. The results are what matters ), blown out street lamps, stopped pictures from being taken, foretold deaths, foretold a number of things to clients, even exposed people when they told falsehoods. I recall a certain young man claimed to be a virgin and when my "second sight" kicked in and I described a scene to him the only thing he could say was "You didn't see anything, did you?" and I assured him my sight is decorous and not used for voyeurism.. These are all facts, provable, undeniable and with witnesses. I am no master. Imagine what a "master" would be able to accomplish.

This is a good highlight for what is being said. The proof is in the pudding. Facts will always speak for themselves. This is true in any situation whether esoteric or mundane. Whether within the family, with friends or among strangers. Personality, charisma, "fun times" cannot alter facts. They can be used to hide them as with a smoke screen but be assured, the facts will always come out.

Relying on fantasy and fabrication ( if intentional is highly questionable ethically. If unintentional is the result of delusion and should be addressed by a professional psychologist or psychiatrist ) is risky. To deny the facts of a situation can actually put one and others at risk for harm. If I believe that I will never be injured by a car and intentionally step into the path of a moving one, I become the author of my own death by believing my delusion. In the Pagan community, often boasts, brags, claims are made that lack the facts to back them up.

Even in the "mundane world", we can often see where claims are made and the facts when they are examined prove the claims false. Avoiding facts, altering facts which eventually will come to light or misusing facts, can lead to some serious consequences. It can affect our health by inadvertently taking risks. It can affect our finances by either depleting our funds or by ignoring responsibilities to pay debts which lead to litigation and all sorts of unpleasant things. It can affect others as people may accept us at "face value" not realizing that we are in a "fantasy mode". This is especially true of people who may have very sweet personalities, may be charismatic and may be down right "fun" to be with as it is easy to believe in someone we like well.

When we dwell in a fantasy, we may become angry, belligerent and hostile if the fantasy conception of ourselves does not match the fact and reality. We may begin to twist known facts to prove ourselves correct, but by so doing, will often show how inaccurate we are. Recently, a young man claimed that " a cosigner receives more benefit from that act than the person who required the cosigner". Talk to any financial planner, C.P.A. or economist and this statement is shown to be utterly false. By trying to prove their delusion, they had to resort to twisting of known established fact, which in this case can be easily shown wrong.

We encourage these behaviors in others by catering to them and accepting their words as fact. When presented with anything, it is always good to get facts. facts, facts. When such actions are supported, the fantasy whether mundane or esoteric, becomes more and more entrenched. As people. it is our responsibility to know facts and obtain validation. This is true irregardless of the person, their personality, the emotional association whether friend or family member or their position. Please feel free to ask any credible psychiatrist or psychologist. I am sure the answer will be the same.

In Pagan communities, there are a lot of fantasy life existing. Anything from assumed and presumed spirit communication to "magical acts". The proof is in the pudding!! The facts will always speak for themselves. Do our spirit "friends" lead us down a path detrimental to our welfare? Do they encourage behavior contrary to our best interests? When used in divination, is the communication accurate or are there holes and gaps that "must be filled in". While it is true, there is not 100% accuracy ratio, we may say that anything 50% or less is well open to doubt and suspicion.

In conclusion, let's remember the points:

1) DEAL WITH FACTS NOT SUBJECTIVE PERSPECTIVES. WHICH MAY MEAN WE HAVE TO DIG FOR FACTS AND GET ALL SIDES OF A STATEMENT AND WEIGH THE AVAILABLE KNOWN FACTS.

2) PEOPLE MAKING CLAIMS BUT UNABLE TO COME UP WITH SOLID FACTS TO BACK UP THOSE CLAIMS ARE USUALLY EITHER OUTRIGHT LYING OR PERHAPS, HAVE DELUDED THEMSELVES AND BOUGHT INTO SOME DELUSION AND FANTASY.

3) WHETHER "ESOTERIC" OR "MUNDANE" FACTS, FACTS, FACTS AND VALIDATION, VALIDATION, VALIDATION AND RESULTS, RESULTS, RESULTS WILL BE A BETTER SPOKESMAN THAN WE CAN EVER BE. LOOK AT ALL THIS BEFORE BUYING INTO THE CLAIMS OF ANYONE.

4) WE CANNOT SUPPORT FANTASY THINKING AS IT ONLY LEADS TO ENTRENCHED BEHAVIOR AND FURTHER FANTASY NOTIONS. IT IS CALLED KEEPING OURSELVES AND OTHERS GROUNDED IN REALITY.

blessings and good health to all

All thoughts are solely my opinion. However, please feel free to consult any credible psychiatrist, psychologist regarding this and any C.P.A., economist or financial planner regarding the statements about cosigning. It is really all a matter of common sense and keeping grounded in reality, something many people both in and out of the pagan community seem to have trouble with.

Copyright �2009 LarryCopeland