Monday, August 7, 2017

The Mystical Union Of Spirit, Matter,
Our Physical Body, and Vibration:

                     
                              
                                      (Image via Wikipedia)

"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates."
- The Kybalion

Our Incarnation in this realm of matter consists of four things:
Spirit, Matter, Our Physical Body, and Vibration.

It is also interesting to note that although Spirit can exist without
matter (which it does in the Spiritual realm), matter cannot exist
without Spirit. Therefore, from the first moment of our physical
conception within the womb, Spirit becomes bound within matter.

And, as all is vibration, and as we are a combination of Spirit,
matter and vibration, let us take a close look at how vibration
affects and interacts with the Spiritual and material aspects of
our being as we Travel through this Incarnation of ours.

What is vibration? Vibration is frequency. The faster something
vibrates, the higher its frequency. The slower something vibrates,
the lower its frequency. Keeping in mind that everything vibrates,
let us now explore vibration in both spirit and matter; then let us
look at what happens when the vibrations of spirit and matter
are combined.

Matter: All matter consists of atoms; and atoms vibrate.
Measurements of material vibration inform us of the following:

The earth which we occupy has a resonant frequency of 7.83
cycles per second. This is a very low rate of vibration. It is also
interesting to note that the Mantric syllable "OM" also resonates
at 7.83 cycles per second.

Our Physical Body: Our physical body, depending on which
body part is being measured, vibrates at  a frequency between
2 to 100 cycles per second.

Therefore, both the earth and our physical body vibrate at a
very low frequency; a very low rate of vibration.

Light: Imagine this: we cannot see light. We can, however, see
the material things that light casts its rays upon. In other words,
although we cannot actually see light we can see the effects
which light produces. A pitch dark forest becomes a visual
wonderland once the sun rises above the horizon and its light
illuminates the variety of plant and animal life contained within
the forest.

Yet, although we cannot actually see light, we are able to
measure the frequency of a light wave. Light, which we cannot
actually see, but does in fact exist and illuminates everything
it touches, vibrates at a frequency in excess of 100 trillion
cycles per second!

Now, it is NOT the intent of this article to get technical. The
purpose of describing the frequency of light is to present the
idea of how rapidly light vibrates in relation to matter.

Spirit: Spirit, the active intelligent aspect of our being, vibrates
at an infinitely high frequency: a frequency that is impossible
to measure; a frequency, or vibration, that is infinitely higher
and faster than the frequency of light. If we think that the
frequency of light, which vibrates in excess of 100 trillion cycles
per second, is fast, well, the immeasurable frequency of Spirit
makes the frequency of light seem as if it is standing still. WOW!

Insights and Observations:

Now that we have looked at vibration, matter, our physical body,
and Spirit each separately, let us now try to imagine what happens
when the infinitely high vibration of Spirit unites with the incredibly
low vibration of matter; especially at the moment of our physical
birth.

Let's use a metaphor: Imagine a high-speed drill (Spirit) and a
block of granite (matter). If we bring the bit of the drill into quick,
strong contact with with the block of granite, and try to force it
through to the center of the granite, the drill bit will shatter!

This shattering of the drill bit Symbolizes the extreme trauma
that Spirit must experience at the moment it enters the matter of
our physical body.

Although Spirit does combine with matter (our bodies) it must
provide one heck of a shock for Spirit. And, some people feel this
so strongly that their Spirit has a very painful experience while it
is trapped or confined within their material body.  

This is why mystics and other spiritually advanced individuals
dedicate themselves to having their Spirit leave the dense
matter of their physical bodies in order to return to the paradisiacal
realm from whence it came. A physical incarnation to these
individuals must indeed be a painful and traumatic experience.

But, as most of us are not mystics (at least not yet), how does
this union of Spirit and matter within us affect this Incarnation
of ours?

Quite simply, for those of us who are on a spiritual Path, this
union of spirit and matter within us torments us with a constant
tug-of-war between our higher spiritual faculty and our lower
material faculty. Although we wish to experience spiritual bliss
(high vibration), we are confronted daily with the material pull
(low vibration) of this realm of matter which we occupy by way
of the people we meet and the Events we must contend with.

Our Spirit is a being of extremely high vibration and it wishes
to bask in the higher vibrational arenas of peace, Harmony,
freedom, kindness and Brotherly Love. However, while our Spirit
is trapped within a physical body it is constantly being tormented
by the lower vibrational feelings of anger, greed, envy, hatred,
and physical desires. And... to top it off, our Spirit must also
contend with the even lower vibrational level of this planet upon
which our physical body travels upon.

This puts the higher-vibrational aspects of our Spirit in a constant
tug-of-war with the lower-vibrational aspects of both our physical
body and the planet which we occupy.

This is why we find it so difficult to keep our Thoughts and Actions
focused on the blissful attributes preferred by the Spiritual aspect of
our nature. For while Spirit is attempting to focus our mind and
behavior on the more sublime aspects of our Incarnation, matter is
working just as hard on pulling us down into the more gross
aspects of our Incarnation.

This is the challenge presented to us: Do we focus on allowing
our Spirit to vibrate as quickly and highly as possible by focusing
our Thoughts on the higher Divine Principles such as peace,
freedom, and enlightenment; OR do we allow ourself to succumb
to the lower vibrations generated within the realm of matter?

Our nature is dual: Spirit and Matter. The realm of matter is also
dual and it is constantly presenting us with a barrage of "either-or"
Choices.

Thought precedes Action! Are we the Unattached Observer who is
"in this world but not of it" or are we the victim of human folly? Do
we open ourselves to the sublime or to the tragic? Do we focus on
peace, freedom and contentment or do we focus on anger, hatred
and fear? Are we raising our consciousness to the higher vibrations
or are we surrendering ourselves to the lower vibrations?

The Choices we make are ours and ours alone. And it is the
Choices we make that determine the experiences and the Destiny
of this incarnation of ours.

Conclusion: 

Our physical senses can only be Aware of those experiences
which occur within the vibrational range of our physical senses.
Everything that occurs outside the vibrational range of our
physical senses in considered to be extra-sensory or
meta-physical. Both of which mean "beyond the realm of
our physical senses".

Because something occurs beyond the realm of our physical
senses does not mean that it is unbelievable or magical. It
simply means that our physical senses cannot acknowledge
these particular vibrations. We cannot see, hear, touch, taste,
or smell things that are beyond the vibrational range of these
physical senses. This does not mean that these things, these
experiences, do not exist; for they do exist.

The only thing that prevents us from knowing everything...The
only thing that limits us from experiencing the infinite...is our
physical senses! Once we transcend our physical senses the
infinite is ours to experience and enjoy.

And this may very well be what those individuals who have
had Near Death Experiences have come back to tell us. For
the Spiritual realm is not burdened by the narrow vibrational
restrictions of the physical realm and the associated effects
that burden both our senses and our consciousness. The
Spiritual realm is sublimely and knowingly Infinite!

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My Email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2017
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Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Oak Trees, Acorns, Mistletoe and Druids
(Symbolism and Mythology)


                          
                                       (Image via Wikipedia)

The Oak Tree:

At one time enormous forests covered a major part of what we
now call Europe. These forests stretched across, and completely
dominated several, of what are today, European countries.
And the King of all of the trees of all of these forests was, and
still is, the Oak.

The Oak, whose wood is harder and more compact than that of
any other tree, can grow to mammoth heights; and its trunk can
expand to massive widths.

An Oak Tree can easily live in excess of 700 years; many have
lived for 1,000 years; it can also grow to more than ten stories
tall. The extremely deep roots of the Oak Tree compensate for
the immense weight of its heavy branches

The Oak Tree is struck by Lightning more than any other tree.
When struck by Lightning, that particular Oak was considered
to have received Enlightenment and Revelation from Divinity.
And it is why sacred rituals, rites, Ceremonies, and divinations
were carried out in Oak Groves. The strength and majesty of the
Oak is further realized in that after being struck by Lightning,
thereby absorbing Divine Illumination, it continues to grow.
The wood from Lightning-struck trees was especially preferred
for the making of staffs and wands.

Oak wood was used to fuel sacred and perpetual fires. Holy
Groves within Oak forests were used as places of worship and
Initiation. The Oak was the sacred tree of the Druids. Legend
has it that the Wizard Merlin used the uppermost branch of an
Oak Tree for his wand. Druids taught secret Lessons and
performed sacred Ceremonies under the outstretched branch
canopies of ancient Oak Trees.

It is because of these numerous distinct qualities that the regal
Oak Tree is a Symbol of Invincibility, Durability, Endurance,
Longevity, Enlightenment, Wisdom , Memory, Lore and Calm
Strength.

Because the wood of the Oak Tree is strong, compact and sturdy,
it was used in construction of fortifications, battleships and bridges.
Furniture made from Oak wood is extremely durable and can
last for centuries. Oak furniture also adds a feeling of warmth
and security to a home.

King Arthur's Round Table was reportedly made of Oak. Robin
Hood lived among the Oak Trees of Sherwood Forest. Jason's
ship the Argo is said to have been constructed from Oak Trees
grown in a sacred grove.

Oak roots, being embedded deep within the earth, Symbolize
steadfastness, strength and a solid foundation; important
qualifications for one's personal moral standards. Because of their
inherent strength, Oak roots were often used in the manufacturing
of handles. Oak roots were also considered to be magically potent.

The far-spreading horizontal branches of the Oak Tree provided
a protective and peaceful canopy under which important and
solemn Ceremonies were carried out.

Councils were convened, treaties were signed, conflicts were
resolved, marriage ceremonies were performed, and proclamations
were announced under the sheltering branches of an ancient Oak Tree
to signify that these rituals were protected and blessed by the strength,
longevity and durability of the mighty Oak. In short, the ancient Oak
was the central stabilizing location of rule and order.

Cutting down the Great Oak of another was considered an act of war,
conflict, collapse, treachery and chaos.

A multitude of cities, states and countries have adopted the Oak
Tree as their Symbol. Oak leaves are utilized in military insignias.
The Oak Tree is the Symbol of choice on many Coats of Arms.

Bark: Decoctions, elixirs and teas made from Oak bark are used
to combat diarrhea, dysentery and headaches. Salves made from
Oak bark are utilized externally to treat hemorrhoids, inflamed
gums, wounds and eczema. A decoction of acorns and Oak bark
was considered to be an excellent antidote for poisoning. Oak bark
is used to create dyes and is also used in the tanning of leather.

Leaves: Oak leaves are used to make fine wines.

Hollows: Some ancient Oaks grew so wide that their Hollows
were able to provide shelter from not only the elements but also
protection from enemies. These Hollows also served as
congregating places for secret meetings. Oak Tree Hollows are
also perceived as doorways to other realms. Anyone who has
ever stood, or sat, within the Hollow of an Oak Tree has probably
felt the protective, nurturing and magical feeling it induces. It is
suggested to either sit with your back against an Oak Tree, or
sit within its Hollow, when we are in need of strength, calming
or enlightenment.

Druids: Although the word "Druid" means "Men of High
Knowledge", or "Master Teacher", it is because they used the
Oak Tree as their sacred Symbol that they were referred to as
"Men of the Oak".

Acorns: Acorns have always been used as a food staple. Acorns
can be roasted and eaten as food; they can also be ground and
used for making bread and as a substitute for coffee. Because
Acorns are a product of the powerfully Symbolic Oak Tree, they
were worn and carried for "good luck". And, for the same reason,
eating Acorns was thought to provide strength and Enlightenment.

Woodland animals store Acorns for their winter food. Any uneaten
Acorns lying on the ground can sprout roots and become the
next saplings. However, only a very small percentage of Acorns
become Oak Trees.

The entire potential of the mighty Oak Tree is contained within
a single Acorn.

Mistletoe: Mistletoe does not grow on the ground. It is borne by
the birds of the air. And, as birds have always been the Symbol
of Spirit, Mistletoe is considered a spiritual gift from heaven.

It is very rare to find Mistletoe on an Oak Tree. But, when this
"gift from heaven" is found growing on the Oak Tree, which is
itself a Symbol of Wisdom and Enlightenment, it is considered
to be a very sacred event; a gift from Divinity. And being a gift
from Divinity, it was only removed from the Oak Tree by way of
a very solemn and meticulous Ceremony.

The Druids removed the Mistletoe from the Oak Tree in the
following manner: As Mistletoe was considered a sacred gift
from Divinity, it was considered sacrilegious to either hack or
cut it carelessly from the Oak. During a sacred Ceremony, a
Druid dressed in all-white would slice the Mistletoe from the
Oak with a Golden sickle. The Mistletoe was then caught in a
white sheet and never allowed to touch the ground. Mistletoe,
in addition to being a fertility gift from Divinity, was also
considered to be an antidote for all poisons.

Comments and Emails: I welcome comments and emails from
people with similar thoughts and feelings. My Email address is
located in the upper-left area of this page. Comments can be
posted by using the "Comment" link located below each article.
Also: If you found value in this article please feel free to forward
it to other like-minded individuals, organizations and sites.

Disclaimer: None of my articles should be considered to be
either advice or expertise. They are simply personal opinions
and no more. Everyone is encouraged to seek competent
advice from a licensed, registered, or certified professional
should such advice or service be required.

© copyright Joseph Panek 2017
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