I gaze out of my window, marveling at the vast expanse of the Spanish badlands. The birds sing joyously, the sun casts its warm glow, and a gentle breeze whispers through the open window. In my garden, the stray cats seem content, finding solace in the shelter, food, and water provided. Mindful of the ongoing drought, I conscientiously minimise my water usage.
Reflecting on my surroundings, I realise how far removed I am from my tumultuous past. My journey has been fraught with adversity—coming from an abusive home, grappling with mental health challenges, enduring traumatic experiences including sexual assault and the birth of a stillborn child. I faced discrimination, workplace bullying, and even encountered occult practices that sought to harm me.
Despite the hardships, I have persevered and found solace in my current state. The pain of my past pales in comparison to the wisdom and growth I have gained. I believe that humanity has veered off course, seduced by superficial pursuits and false ideologies. Even some religious figures, revered for their piety, are entangled in materialism and deception.
Our society is plagued by manipulation, secrecy, and a decline in moral values. The world appears to spiral further into chaos with each passing day. I reject the notion that this deterioration is merely a result of increased media coverage; countless victims remain silent, their suffering unacknowledged.
Through it all, I have emerged with a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me.
To all those individuals weary of the rampant greed, corruption, manipulation, and animosity that pervades our world, I stand in solidarity with you. But how can we address these issues? It begins with a return to basics, a resetting of our moral compasses. No mistake is beyond redemption; I've made my fair share. The journey begins with repentance and cultivating self-control. In a world that constantly provokes anger and indignation, mastering our emotions is paramount to ascend to a higher state of being.
Every challenge sent our way is an opportunity to grow and transcend. Remember, you are not merely flesh and bone; you are a spiritual being with a purpose. Your actions in this life hold significance.
I have learned the power of forgiveness, even in the face of profound personal tragedy. Despite the midwife's oversight leading to the loss of my unborn child, I chose not to pursue legal action. What good would come from it? Pursuing monetary compensation would only perpetuate a cycle of bitterness and resentment. Instead, I choose forgiveness—not for the sake of others, but for my own well-being. And the Universal laws of cause and effect.
Proverbs 16:32
“He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.”King James Version (KJV)
And I can tell you from personal experience it's true.
Regarding our current society, which seems heavily influenced by pagan customs, it's interesting to note that priests once attributed their own discoveries to 'the gods' as a means to bolster religious belief. This practice gradually transformed religion into a lucrative enterprise. As worshipers sought forgiveness, protection, and abundance, they relied on priests to perform rituals, thereby reinforcing the priestly role in the community.
Today, the Roman Catholic Church receives its income from various sources:
- Donations: People contribute money during Mass, special collections, and events.
- Investments: The Church invests in stocks, real estate, and other assets.
- Fees: Charges for sacraments, services, and education help generate income.
- Bequests: Individuals leave money to the Church in their wills.
- Tuition: Catholic schools charge fees for education.
- Sales: The Church sells religious goods and services.
- Business Ventures: Some dioceses and orders engage in business activities.
How does this not involve making money from sacred teachings?
These sources of income enable the Church to fund its operations and support charitable activities, Ah, the Vatican, with its billions of dollars tucked away for that "rainy day."
Matthew, Chapter 21, verses 12-13:
"My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves."
THE CULT OF MITHRAS
Mithras, a deity worshiped in the ancient Roman religion of Mithraism, was part of a mystery religion that experienced a period of flourishing in the Roman Empire from the 1st to the 4th century CE. Dating back to ancient Persia, Mithraism emerged as a religious movement that revered Mithra as a prominent deity within the Zoroastrian religion.
In Roman Mithraism, Mithras was typically depicted as a young man wearing a Phrygian cap and a cloak, often shown slaying a bull in a scene known as the tauroctony. The tauroctony was a central iconographic motif in Mithraic art and symbolism, representing Mithras’ victory over the forces of evil and the renewal of life.
In the ancient Roman cult, the bull played a central symbolic role. Here's a simplified explanation of the link between Mithras and the bull:
Tauroctony: One of the most iconic scenes in Mithraic art is the tauroctony, which depicts the god Mithras slaying a bull. This scene is often found in Mithraic temples and artifacts.
Cosmic Symbolism: The tauroctony is interpreted as a representation of cosmic events and divine forces. Mithras, depicted as a youthful and powerful figure, represents the sun god. The bull symbolizes the constellation of Taurus, and its sacrifice by Mithras represents the triumph of light (Mithras) over darkness (the bull).
Renewal and Fertility: The slaying of the bull is also associated with themes of renewal and fertility. It symbolizes the renewal of life and the vitality of nature, as well as the regeneration of the cosmos.
Mithraic Rituals: The tauroctony likely played a central role in Mithraic initiation rituals, known as mysteries. Initiates would have participated in symbolic enactments of the tauroctony scene, representing their spiritual rebirth and initiation into the mysteries of Mithras.
Overall, the link between Mithras and the bull in Mithraism represents cosmic symbolism, renewal, and spiritual regeneration within the context of the cult's beliefs and rituals.
The exact nature and attributes of Mithras in Roman Mithraism are not entirely clear, as Mithraic beliefs and practices were secretive, and much of the information about them comes from archaeological evidence and interpretations. However, Mithras was often associated with concepts such as light, truth, and cosmic order, and he was believed to play a role in the salvation of his followers.
Mithraism was primarily a male-dominated religion, and its adherents were typically initiates who belonged to specific social or military ranks. Mithraic rituals and ceremonies took place in underground temples called mithraea, which were found throughout the Roman Empire, particularly in military garrisons and urban centers.
The worship of Mithras declined, so they say, in the 4th century CE with the rise of Christianity, which eventually became the dominant religion of the Roman Empire. Today, Mithras is primarily known through archaeological remains and inscriptions, and much about the beliefs and practices of Mithraism remains shrouded in mystery.
The circular object, frequently linked to Mithraism, bears resemblance to the round Eucharistic bowl employed in Christianity. In Mithraic practices, this circular object, referred to as a "patera" or "patara," played a role in the ceremonial meals of initiates held within Mithraic temples.
Some historians believe that bullfighting in Spain may have originated from ancient rituals and ceremonies that honored the bull as a sacred animal. Bulls were often associated with fertility, strength, and power in many ancient cultures, and rituals involving bull symbolism were common throughout the Mediterranean region.
During Roman times, bullfighting-like spectacles, known as venationes, were held in amphitheaters as part of public entertainment. These spectacles involved the hunting and killing of wild animals, including bulls, by trained fighters known as venatores.
With the Moorish conquest of Spain in the 8th century, Islamic influence brought new elements to Iberian culture, including equestrian skills and the use of weapons such as the lance and the cape. These influences may have contributed to the development of bullfighting as a more structured and stylized form of entertainment.
By the Middle Ages, bullfighting had become a popular pastime in Spain, particularly among the nobility and ruling classes. Bullfights were often held as part of religious festivals, civic celebrations, and royal events, and they evolved into the organized and ritualistic form that is recognisable today.
Over time, bullfighting became ingrained in Spanish culture and tradition, with regional variations and styles emerging in different parts of Spain. Today, bullfighting remains a controversial and highly symbolic tradition in Spain, attracting both supporters and critics both within Spain and internationally.
The "Charging Bull" statue on Wall Street in New York City is a symbol of financial optimism and prosperity. The sculpture, created by artist Arturo Di Modica, was installed in 1989 as a guerrilla art piece. It was intended to represent the strength and resilience of the American economy, particularly in the face of market downturns.
The bull itself is a powerful and aggressive creature, commonly associated with strength, virility, and bullish market trends in financial contexts. As such, the "Charging Bull" has become closely linked with the bullish sentiment of investors and traders on Wall Street, who seek upward price movements and positive returns on their investments.
The statue has also become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of New York City's financial district. It is often visited by tourists and serves as a backdrop for photos and selfies, symbolizing the allure and dynamism of the world of finance.
Overall, the "Charging Bull" represents optimism, strength, and the potential for financial success, making it an iconic symbol of Wall Street and the American economy.
Others may interpret the bull in more esoteric or occult terms, suggesting that it holds hidden meanings or connections to secret societies or ancient symbolism. They may draw parallels between the bull and mythological or religious symbols, such as the bull cults of ancient civilizations or the worship of the bull in Mithraism.
It seems if we hadn't all been enticed down the garden path by our insatiable greed, sacrificing our spirits to materialism, we might have had quite the different adventure!
How much is your soul worth?
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