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| Vampire Films A-Z |
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 Topic: Occult
The new items published under this topic are as follows.
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| The tiger's views on Reality |
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| On Wednesday, January 10, 2007 DemonFireKat wrote : |
Reality is a facade created by man.
To explain what I mean by this, I must first define both facade and Reality.
Facade is a French term that means, to the best of my knowledge, "mask" or "disguise." Reality is the belief of the world commonly held by the majority of the people. Your definition may be different from mine, but it is as every bit as right for reasons I will show you.
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| The Dark Goddess |
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| On Monday, January 08, 2007 LadyWinterWolf wrote : |
The aspect of the Dark Goddess is misunderstood or misinterpreted due to the "definitions" placed upon her by cultures, most especially as one culture warred against, and dominated, another culture. On the other hand, there are the religious factions which needed to justify their domination over other religions by putting evil connotations upon various deities.
Unfortunately, in these modern times, this misinformation surrounding the Dark Goddess is now used to justify many aberrations exhibited by members of our own society.
The article below, written by "Magi" does much to clear up the misinformation, and my own personal thoughts appear below that.
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| A Solitary Samhain (repost from WiccanPride) |
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| On Saturday, October 21, 2006 RowenWindsong wrote : |
A Solitary Samhain
Many covens and circles celebrate this most sacred of pagan holidays as groups, often opening their circles to non-initiates and others who wish to participate. I find myself preferring a solitary ritual, perhaps with some socializing earlier or later in the evening. For me, much of the meaning of Samhain suggests such a practice, though traditionally it is a communal celebration.
Samhain is pronounced as sow-in (in Ireland), sow-een (in Wales), and sav-en (in Scotland). It marks the end of the harvest, the end of the year, and the death of the god. Self-reflection becomes not simply a custom, but a necessity. One cannot (or at least should not) allow the Wheel of the Year to turn without some kind of examination of what has occurred. How have I spent the last year? Did I grow or remain stagnant? Did I live according to the values I claim to embrace? These are questions which must be addressed in solitude and solemnity.
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| Doppler effect and energy |
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| On Wednesday, March 15, 2006 LoneNights wrote : |
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Have you ever wondered how we can "feel" another person looking at us or why some people can "feel" electronics? Well after thinking about this for a while and then the doppler effect came to mind.
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| History of Paganism 102 |
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| On Wednesday, February 15, 2006 LadyWinterWolf wrote : |
Part 2 of the history of what has been termed "paganism", this article dealing with the ancient cultures of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome.
History of Paganism 102
Ancient Civilizations - Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece and Rome
Many paths which are often called Pagan are, in reality, the reconstruction of the religion of an ancient culture; and is done by the studying and researching of any and all ancient texts which are still in existence. This article I have written
will address some of the ancient polytheistic cultures existing prior to the advent of Christianity; yet traveling along a similar time-line as Judaism.
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| History of Paganism 101 |
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| On Thursday, December 15, 2005 LadyWinterWolf wrote : |
Defining Paganism before and after the advent of Christianity.
Definition of Pagan: Middle English, from Late Latin p~ag~anus, from Latin, country-dweller, civilian, from p~agus, country, rural district. This term came to be attributed to all those who were not of a faith which was Christian, Jewish or Muslim; similiar words were: heathen, gentile, infidel.
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| Winter solstice |
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| On Sunday, December 11, 2005 corpus wrote : |
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"I found this article researching winter solstice and thought it would be a nice add for DE" Corpus
Celebrating Winter Solstice
by Selena Fox
Winter Solstice has been celebrated in cultures the world over for thousands of years. This start of the solar year is a celebration of Light and the rebirth of the Sun. In old Europe, it was known as Yule, from the Norse, Jul, meaning wheel.
Today, many people in Western-based cultures refer to this holiday as "Christmas." Yet a look into its origins of Christmas reveals its Pagan roots. Emperor Aurelian established December 25 as the birthday of the "Invincible Sun" in the third century as part of the Roman Winter Solstice celebrations. Shortly thereafter, in 273, the Christian church selected this day to represent the birthday of Jesus, and by 336, this Roman solar feast day was Christianized. January 6, celebrated as Epiphany in Christendom and linked with the visit of the Magi, was originally an Egyptian date for the Winter Solstice.
Most of the customs, lore, symbols, and rituals associated with "Christmas" actually are linked to Winter Solstice celebrations of ancient Pagan cultures. While Christian mythology is interwoven with contemporary observances of this holiday time, its Pagan nature is still strong and apparent. Pagans today can readily re-Paganize Christmastime and the secular New Year by giving a Pagan spiritual focus to existing holiday customs and by creating new traditions that draw on ancient ways. Here are some ways to do this:
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| Parents insist their `Indigo children' can see the future. |
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| On Thursday, December 08, 2005 RowenWindsong wrote : |
LA HABRA, Calif. - It was a typical kids' birthday party at Chuck E. Cheese. Pizza, games and noise.
But when Carolyn Kaufman was getting her daughter, Ariel Carreno, ready to go, Ariel had an unusual request.
"Mom, we need to take an orange," Ariel said.
"Why?" Carolyn asked.
Carolyn explained that this was a pizza party, and that an orange would probably be out of place.
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| Indigo Children On CNN |
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| On Monday, November 21, 2005 RowenWindsong wrote : |
Ave and good evening everyone, I was sent a link from a friend via e-mail earler today. She thought I would be interested as I have been researching Indigo Children for some time now.
Not to long ago CNN did a video news story on the Indigo Phenomenon and I thought some of you might be interested, happy viewing and I look forward to everyone's input.
View The Video Here
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| An Overview of Angel Lore |
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| On Sunday, October 23, 2005 Sethanikeem wrote : |
Angels are an order of beings believed to occupy a spiritual place above man yet beneath God. In the Bible, most angels are depicted as being messengers between God and man. They serve as divine intermediaries in numerous stories in both the Torah and the New Testament...
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| Exorcism: An Overview of the Practice |
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| On Sunday, October 23, 2005 Sethanikeem wrote : |
With movies like "The Exorcism of Emily Rose" and the prequel to Blatty's "The Exorcist" all hitting the big screen in recent years, there has been a renwed interest in the topic of exorcism. What is exorcism? Is it just a Christian concept, or do members of other religions practice exorcism? Find out more in this article by Michelle Belanger.
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| Forbidden Teachings: Lovecraft and the "Necronomicon" |
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| On Sunday, October 23, 2005 Sethanikeem wrote : |
The Necronomicon is often depicted as the single most diabolic piece of literature in existence. Its name is whispered among occult circles to this day with a fascinated mixture of fear and awe. If a youth, beginning to delve into the darker side of the occult, wishes to impress his fellows, all he has to do is imply that he has merely glimpsed the dreaded tome to validate his overblown claims to secret and forbidden knowledge...
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| Manifestation |
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| On Saturday, October 22, 2005 LoneNights wrote : |
Well to even begin we must define what the term manifestation means. it is best described as the act of useing your energy to influance a persons thoughts or actions. It is not just skilled manipulation but it is also not total mind control because people will react differently depending on many factors.
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| Wiccan Seeks $65,000 in Public Prayer Case |
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| On Monday, August 15, 2005 saucywitch66 wrote : |
GREAT FALLS, S.C. — A small South Carolina town is facing a hefty legal bill after losing a battle over whether it should stop using Jesus Christ's (search) name in prayers before council meetings.
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| The Goddess Kali and the Kali Yuga, Dispelling Yet Another Misconception. |
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| On Monday, August 01, 2005 Akashari wrote : |
In general Hinduism, there are ages that the Earth go through, which are known as "Yugas", or better yet, "cosmic cycles." These yugas are of different lengths, but each one go on for more than a hundred millenia each - some even going in millions! One of these yugas is the Kali Yuga, which a significant amount of people relate to the Goddess Kali.
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| The Haunted House |
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| On Saturday, July 09, 2005 Jac0bite wrote : |
Real life horror story from New Orleans
copyright © 2004, Chris Dauten, all rights reserved
The locals call it the "Haunted House." A few, especially old-timers, still cross the street to avoid walking alongside the place. At first glance, the three-story mansion at 1140 Rue Royale in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter doesn't really stand out from the many other stately homes in the Quarter. It's not especially ornate; in fact, it's a bit plain compared to some of the other mansions that surround it. Upon closer examination, however, certain features become apparent. A third floor window, for example, is inexplicably bricked over. The doors to the carriageway, which on most other homes have been removed or replaced with decorative iron gates (to show off the courtyard gardens beyond), are intact: solid and closed tight. The black iron gate that covers the front entrance is bent, and some of the decorative pieces along the top are missing. Another unusual feature of the house is the presence of tall, arched windows lining the wall that runs along the sidewalk from the carriageway to the front corner of the house. These windows, unusual for their location (right at street level, and affording an all-access view of the grand parlor) play a major role in the events that took place here at the LaLaurie Mansion, the "Haunted House," on April 11, 1834.
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| Indigo phenomenon points to a new breed of children |
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| On Tuesday, June 14, 2005 RowenWindsong wrote : |
FINALLY someone has begun to post on this matter, I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this.
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Indigo phenomenon points to a new breed of children
One symptom, believers say, resembles ADHD
James Twyman is convinced that there's a new generation of special children among us who are psychically sensitive and spiritually evolved.
Those who follow metaphysics and ancient spiritual teachings have for years quietly nurtured the belief in these kids, known as Indigo children for the deep blue color of the "auras" psychics say they see around them.
Skeptics point out that there's no scientific research backing up the existence of these children, and Twyman, 43, knows that's true.
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| Judge: Parents can't teach pagan beliefs |
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| On Saturday, May 28, 2005 saucywitch66 wrote : |
Judge: Parents can't teach pagan beliefs
Father appeals order in divorce decree that prevents couple from exposing son to Wicca.
By Kevin Corcoran
[email protected]
An Indianapolis father is appealing a Marion County judge's unusual order that prohibits him and his ex-wife from exposing their child to "non-mainstream religious beliefs and rituals."
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| An Overview of Shaktism |
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| On Wednesday, May 25, 2005 Akashari wrote : |
When people think about the various schools of thought in the Sanatana Dharma(or the "Eternal Path/Religion" in Sanskrit), known to the majority of Westerners as Hinduism, the majority think about these two schools of thought: Saivism and Vaishnavism --if they think of any schools at all. However, rarely do people think about Shaktism, which is also a school of thought in the Sanatana Dharma. This paper will go over how Shaktism generally differs from Saivism and Vaishnavism in philosophy. However, the reader must keep in mind that this report skims the general belief system, as opposed to what each Shakta believes.
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| Inquisition: Did Misogyny Have A Part? |
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| On Saturday, May 07, 2005 Akashari wrote : |
Did misogyny have an influence in the Inquisition? Opinions vary from person to person, scholar to scholar, and historian to historian. There lies no records outright saying, "Inquisitors target mostly women," so no one can say for sure. People who would disagree with misogyny playing a role in the Inquisition exist. Among them are those uneducated on the subject, some historians, some religious individuals, and those who may outright deny the evidence given in this paper. However, with more and more evidence piling up, it grows more difficult to deny that misogyny played a role in this time.
The Inquisition was the fight against witchcraft and heretics in the Dark Ages. It started in 1233, if not a several years sooner. During the time, people were burnt in the name of God and the Church. Though some historians agree that this time lasted for 300 years, the last burning at the stake under the accusation of witchcraft made its toll in the 1800's. So, in a way, the burnings continued for approximately 600 years. (Bethancourt)
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| Psychology and Religion: Daemonic Possession? |
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| On Friday, April 15, 2005 Akashari wrote : |
People tend to hear the words: “daemonic possession” in a variety of religious conversations, no matter what religion the person follows. Does it exist? If so, does the proof exist? Where the Inquisitors of the Inquisition justified in their actions?
In reality, many that “suffered from demonic possession” really suffered from mental illnesses. Much of the accusations of demonic possession, if not all of them, were done due to the ignorance of psychology. As a matter of fact, the first psychological laboratory was established by Wilhelm Wundt in 1879, the movement not strengthening until the twentieth century - this shows how much or little consideration that people gave to the possibilities of mental illnesses as opposed to demonic possession (Dr. Abramson). Even today there remains people who strongly believe in demonic possession.
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| Paranormal - Tower of London |
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| On Saturday, April 02, 2005 eyecandyrayce wrote : |
I thought that for this paranormal article we would stick with the theme of “Most haunted place in England”. So far I have found many locations that claim to hold that title so now that we have looked at the Borley Rectory, let’s now take a look at the history and reported haunting of The Tower of London.
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| "Saint Death" Saint Of Last Resort...... |
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| On Wednesday, March 16, 2005 uriel wrote : |
Saint Death: Saint or Black Magick??
Saint Death, otherwise known as Santa Muerte or La Santísima Muerte, is an uncanonized Mexican saint who receives petitions for love, luck, and protection. Saint Death is depicted by means of both male and female representations.
Although the Catholic Church refuses to acknowledge Saint Death's existence, this figure of prayer is said to work miracles for those who pray to him/her and adore him/her. Saint Death is worshipped by criminals, thugs, and drug dealers, but modern-day urban dwellers also invoke this saint for protection and the recovery of health, stolen items, or even kidnapped family members.
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| Christians angered by pagan ceremony |
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| On Saturday, February 19, 2005 saucywitch66 wrote : |
Christians angered by pagan ceremony
From: The Advertiser.co.uk
ANGRY Christians have confronted the council with a petition after reading about a pagan ritual performed at a building site.
Harpurhey councillors attending a monthly drop-in session were approached by the group of furious locals armed with more than a hundred signatures to protest against the pagan ceremony which was held last year.
The Advertiser reported on the ancient pagan ritual which was held at North City Centre in Harpurhey.
Workers at the building site placed a branch from a yew tree into a timber box which was then filled with concrete. This was then expected to be used as part of the structure of a new leisure centre which is due to be completed next month.
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| Paranormal - Borley Rectory |
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| On Wednesday, November 17, 2004 eyecandyrayce wrote : |
I have had an interest in the paranormal since I was a child and I have devoted hours and years just researching various haunted locations. I have my favorites, of course, and thought it might be interesting to share some of them with all of you. This is the first of a string of articles. Each one devoted to a specific location. Our first location was considered the "Most Haunted Place in England" until it burned down in 1939.
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| Ma Kali, A Hindu Perspective |
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| On Friday, November 12, 2004 Akashari wrote : |
"Akashari"
Patricia Ackerman (Instructor)
ENG100 (Expository Writing I)
MWF 10:30-11:20 AM
November 10, 2004
When two individuals of different cultures cross paths, many things rise in their minds: awe, fear, perhaps some analogies, but above all, misconceptions. Misconceptions quite often form when people look at cultures alien to their own. Examples abound in history and anthropology, and even in the cultural wars of the modern world. The common Western view of the Dark Goddess Kali is one of these misconceptions.
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| Thoughts on The Meaning Of Life |
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| On Thursday, October 07, 2004 Vampyre_Romantice wrote : |
Just a subtle thought and a ponder on how message boards almost always have the thread about "What is the meaning of/to life?" and many people in general just think of the allegid retorhical question.
Well here is my synopsis that is non-religious, non-scientific but all natural. It may not necassarily be [the meaning of or to life but it fills in some blanks with obvious answers.
The reason to live is starting to comprehend what the meaning of life is, the reason to live is to feel emotion, to experience love & lust, to feel hate and
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| History of Halloween |
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| On Monday, September 27, 2004 Larae wrote : |
Halloween or Hallowe'en is a holiday on the night of October 31 that is celebrated in much of the Western world, nowhere more enthusiastically than in the US, although most Western countries recognise it as an official date. The eve is that before All Saints' Day, November 1— hence its alternative name: All Saints' Eve or All Hallows' Eve. In Catholic tradition All Saints' Day is a time of holy obligation. If this day, originally simply honoring all the departed faithful, now also helps the faithful to recall to mind the reality of Hell, it is only through its association with Hallowe'en.
Various traditions, and indeed even to this day people of different religious persuasions, celebrate "Halloween" in quite different ways. Certain customs long surviving in Ireland, were brought to the United States by Irish emigrants in the 19th century.
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| Samhain - October 31 |
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| On Monday, September 27, 2004 Larae wrote : |
Samhain (sow-in) is the winter season of the ancient Celts. The name is also used for one of the sabbats in the Neo-Pagan wheel of the year.
Celts
According to the Celtic calendar, the year was divided into four quarters: Samhain (winter), Imbolc (spring), Beltane (summer), and Lughnasadh (autumn). The Celtic year began in November, with Samhain. The Celts were influenced principally by the lunar and stellar cycles which governed the agricultural year - beginning and ending in autumn when the crops have been harvested and the soil is prepared for the winter. Pronunciation differs radically between different groups of Celtic language speakers. The word "Samhain" is probably derived from the Irish Gaelic word "samhraidhreadh", or "summer's end". Samhain is also known as Calan Gaeaf to the Welsh. Bealtaine, Lúnasa and Samhain are still today the names of the months of May, August and November in the Irish language.
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| What It Means To Be A Witch |
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| On Thursday, April 22, 2004 Akashari wrote : |
What does it mean to be a witch? There have been countless debates on this topic, even with the facts known. Most well-informed people know that it isn't demon-worshipping (though there are psychos out there). Practical diggers of Anthropology and the Occult know that it isn't just people who cast spells or "hexes" and it's obviously not about trying to scare Christian youth class. Even with all of these in consideration, though, I often feel lost in words when trying to explain to people what being a witch is like. Not only is my spirituality my own, but since most are quick to label, the fear of misconceptions comes to mind. In fact, I rarely address myself as a witch for these reasons, settling for just Eclectic Pagan.
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| Prayer, Spell Work, and Their Power |
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| On Wednesday, March 24, 2004 Akashari wrote : |
For both Christians and Pagans alike, there are controversial beliefs on the differences between prayer and spell work. It is fairly debatable: you have the rituals, chants, and components of spells; then you have the kneeling and uttering of prayer. Physically, the two would seem different, no? On top of it all, fundamental Christians associate spells with malicious forces and their prayers for asking God a favor; Pagans and magicians, on the other hand, engage in spell work, some of them feeling above prayer. With all of these things in consideration, it is no wonder people separate the two.
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| Satanism - The Left-Hand Path of Dr. Anton LaVey |
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| On Monday, March 22, 2004 Akashari wrote : |
I am not a Satanist, nor do I agree with all of the Satanist mindset. However, I know a handful of Satanists and I feel the need to clear up the misconceptions surrounding them. In this page, I will be skimming the basis of Anton LaVey's Satanism in means to dispel the prejudice surrounding it. This article will not go through everything, but enough to inform you that Satanists are not the malice that society portrays them as.
Anton LaVey founded Satanism in 1966. The movement was and is in retaliation against the hypocrisy in organized religions - namely the Christian Churches. It is not a devil worshipping religion, nor do Satanists believe in the Christian Devil. The religion itself is a mindset based on the self.
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| The Testimony Of An Eclectic Pagan |
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| On Monday, March 22, 2004 Akashari wrote : |
I was born in Wichita, Kansas at 5:20 PM on March 25th, 1986. My mom raised me as a single parent most of her life and taught me respect for life in general. She would do best to live by example and suggested me to do the same.
My mom spoiled me, but disciplined me at the same time. I had to earn what I got or I did not receive anything. If I committed a misgiving, I would be grounded unless I worked to earn my privileges back. Since I did get punished for certain actions, I tried not to indulge in any foul behaviors. She also taught responsibility through this reward and punishment method of raising me.
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| Hypocrisy Can Be Found Everywhere, Not Just One Group |
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| On Monday, March 22, 2004 Akashari wrote : |
A lot of people I have met are quick to accuse the whole Christian population for having hypocrites. In fact, even many members of Christian branches are quick to accuse other denominations of having hypocrites. Nonetheless, many people place the weight on the Christian population, something I use to do all of the time.
Who can blame anyone? Some people grow up in abusive families that would condemn them for not being a "goody-two Christian." Others have to dodge Bible thumpers that do nothing but preach about self-righteousness and being "holier-than-thou." Then there are those who face Christians that will talk about no killing, but would justify the death of someone from some biased reason. The list goes on.
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| ChristoPaganism: The "Oxymoron Syndrome" |
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| On Monday, March 22, 2004 Akashari wrote : |
Everyone knows about the lucid syncretism that's often considered straddling the fence, an oxymoron, or just plain-out impossible. Yes, the ChristoPagan syncretism. When one is a ChristoPagan, they attempt to combine Christianity with Paganism in means to balance out their spiritual path - this was something that I was doing for a while (Hells, there's still some basic things that I still take from Christianity). Many people who are aware of this syncretism debate its validity and have their own opinions on the question: is it possible?
Fundamentally, no, it is not possible. Fundamental Christianity or better yet, conservative Christianity teaches that Paganism is bad, that Christ is the ONLY way to salvation, and many other things. Paganism translates to "non-Christian" and often enough, non-Abrahamic. With the fundamental clashes, the ChristoPagan syncretism is an oxymoron.
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| Why Wicca Is Not "The Old Religion" |
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| On Sunday, December 07, 2003 Akashari wrote : |
By: Akashari
We all know about the most popular religion in the Pagan movement: Wicca. Even movies like The Craft and series like Charmed take off from basic elements of Wicca. When someone strolls into the New Age section of their local Barnes & Nobles, at least seventy percent of the books are Llewellyn books on Wicca. All in all, Wicca is the most known Pagan faith out there.
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| Death in Ancient Greece |
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| On Thursday, November 13, 2003 DarkenAngel wrote : |
By: Anajiel Villanueva
Within every culture we realize that there is special attention given to death and those activities surrounding it. Some of man’s earliest records in history deal with death, the taboos concerning it, and the respect given to those who have passed on. Death beliefs and superstitions within ancient Greece is an interesting subject to discuss, for the Greeks were an avid religious people and as such they formulated specific ideas about the concept of a human soul, an afterlife, and certain respects and/or taboos to be regarded concerning the dead. This paper’s goal is to discuss these beliefs, rituals, and superstitions in greater detail.
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| Faery Faith: An Overview |
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| On Wednesday, November 12, 2003 DarkenAngel wrote : |
The “faery faith” is a (neo) pagan religious path that greatly parallels with the path of Celtic paganism. The main difference between these two paths is that the faery tradition deals primarily with a section of the Celtic pantheon pre-dominated by the members of the Tuatha De Danann while Celtic pagans cover a broader spectrum. For those unfamiliar with the term, the Tuatha was a race that became one of the five invasions of Erin (Ireland). They are regarded as the ancestors of the faeries.
The faery faith deals with this race of deities as well as the “faery” as it has evolved through myth and legend. It also deals with the knowledge and use of the symbolic “fairy” that has arisen through societal/religio superstition and literature.
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| Salem Witch Trials: Death For A Difference |
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| On Friday, November 07, 2003 ravenredtide wrote : |
What evil spirit have you familiarity with?
None.
Have you made no contract with the devil?
No.
Why do you hurt these children?
I do not hurt them. I scorn it.
Who do you employ then to do it?
I employ no body.
What creature do you employ then?
No creature. I am falsely accused.
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