Monday, December 29, 2008

The Problem is Choice


"Choice is an illusion, created between those with power, and those without."

For this to be true, you must understand how we have been domesticated over the years. Freedom of choice is the illusion created by those in power to ensure our continued behavior within our accepted belief systems.

In the diagram below, to the left is the group who only cares about themselves (Service to Self). To the right is the group that cares only about others (Service to Others). 


Service                                 Service
   to                                            to
  Self                                      Others
(-) ------------------|----------------- (+) 


The reason for using this diagram is to help visualize our conditioning. Most of us have been taught that it's better to give than receive; do unto others as you want them to do unto you; don't be selfish; we shouldn't have to pay for these materials, they should be free; what's good for the goose is good for the gander, etc. If we see someone who doesn't follow these same principles, it will most likely anger us. Then, on the other side, you have the greedy, controlling, selfish, etc.

Regarding freedom of choice, these can be considered hive and unity group consciousnesses, respectively. The farther to the left or right you lean, the more you are giving up your freedom of choice. The more you believe in giving to others, the more you surrender your freedom of choice and independence (self-reliance and self-determination) for the will of the group consciousness. The more you believe in hording to the gain of those above you (we'll call this kissing ass to get ahead), the more you surrender your freedom of choice - independence (self-reliance and self-determination), just like the service to others camp.

For the purpose of this post, there are two kinds or modes of freedom of choice 1) the illusion where we believe we have free will because we were taught so and 2) the free will (but still an illusion) that comes after your inward journey. The difference between the two is that in the first mode, you don't know it's an illusion and in the second, you do. It's likened to the idea posed in The Matrix Trilogy, where Neo was living in the Matrix before being freed to exist in the real world. When 'jacked in', Neo had the ability to go back and forth, but in truth, both realities were an illusion. He simply let go of one belief system, previously said to be real, for another illusion - also said to be real (eg, when Morpheus welcomed Neo, saying "Welcome... to the real world."). 

Getting back to our diagram above, let's look at a few examples of what would make us happy:

1. Being wealthy - If you are Service to Others (StO), you cannot be wealthy unless everyone is wealthy. For the Service to Self (StS), you too must give up your free will and accept the preferred doctrine necessary to achieve that wealth. If you are of the StO camp, you will need to pull back and allow some of the StS attributes (your selfishness) to play-out. However, you must find the balance between not leaning too far to the left and while not remaining too close to the right. If you are of the StS camp, you will find that in order to bring your own longings and passions into the picture, you will need to pull back from the left until you too find a proper balance somewhere in between the two ideas. This is recognizing your individuality.

2. Being in a wonderful relationship - If you are of the StO group, the idea of a wonderful relationship falls outside of the group or collective consciousness, as it pertains to you - the individual. Therefore, you must again find a happy medium somewhere along the scale between selfishness and selflessness. Likewise, if you are of the StS group, you need to find another person to share with and learn from. If the relationship is to be truly wonderful, for both of you, then you are going to find yourself giving to another person more than you have been conditioned to. StO people have by and large, given and given until they cannot give any longer. If they are partnered with a StS person, this relationship quickly ends unless they are both able to meet somewhere in the middle, but eventually the giving and support provided by the StO person will come to an end. It's more difficult for the StS person to share and support than for the StO person. If the StO person is partnered with another StO person, when they begin showing signs of StS selfishness, if it's not properly understood the realationship will encounter serious problems and will likely end. They both need to be understanding and allowing of the one who decides to follow their heart.

3. Having the freedom to do whatever you want, whenever you want - If you are of the StO side, then this again concerns the individual desire and not the collective desire. This independence will require you to slip along the scale until you find the degree of self-interest acceptable. Only you can know what's acceptable for you. If you are of the StS side, you most likely believe that you already have this freedom, but in reality, you are confined within the same system of controls that the StO person is. In order for your freedom to be realized, or to live your passion at any moment, you must pull away from the control mechanisms which govern your behavior to seek more independence and self-determination.

In the Flipping Channels and Count The Ways posts, we discussed how many believe in a negative or dark energy and others in a positive or light energy. When someone is said to rebuke the dark or evil energy, they are 'choosing' not to deal with it, as they've been taught it's of the Devil and is considered an attack against their soul. They will not rebuke something considered positive or of God, however. The same principle applies, whether negative or positive ETs or entities. In choosing not to deal with whatever that evil represented, they continue to remain polarized where they are and will in short time, see other 'perceived' attacks against their soul.

For those familiar with the stories of how the Pleiadians wound up on Earth and then left, this will make sense. When they left their home-world in the system of Lyra, it was because there were those there who were doing things they didn't like. After a while, they experienced the same thing while living on Earth, and so rather than face confrontation, they fled. There were other stops in between and even returns to Vega, but in the end found a place where they could be left alone and not bothered with war, unkindness, hate, etc. To many, this may sound ideal, but at what expense? They were of the unity or StO group consciousness and have since realized that those negative events, people, etc., were reflections of things they needed to accept within themselves. Only then, could they truly be free. This meant that they needed to start acknowledging their inner desires and allowing them to manifest so they could be experienced and learned from.

When we are polarized to either side, we surrender our free will and freedom of choice for whatever the group-mind wants. This is the same as following years and years of indoctrinations, dogmas, etc.  In finding 'our truth', we cannot continue looking to others to provide the answers. They can only provide clues - reflections of our need.  Turning inward and discovering yourself, you become self-aware, and when emerging back into the world will be self-determined and self-reliant. From that point on, when you decide to do something, you have a better idea of why and can give 100% without any sense of hesitation, reluctance, or obligation - and therefore without the embarrassment and guilt. 

Have you ever wondered why people caught up in the 'materialist' mentality never find happiness? How about all those who have given and given and given - but never received? How did they end up? The wealthy and materialistic may find true heart-felt happiness and joy, but it's typically through various forms of philanthropy. Those who have known only service, such as for an ill family member or loved one, will become grumpy and bitter, unless they are allowed to live out some of their own desires.

There are many examples of high-paid corporate executives who have had enough and cashed in everything to find a quiet plot of land in the forest so they can be with nature and express their creative desires. One woman did this to take up painting and pottery sculpting. One man did this so he could begin working with iron, sculpting beautiful and inspired custom gates for driveways, sidewalks, and patios. Another man gave up his executive lifestyle to become a janitor for a local elementary school. He had enough money after leaving that the minimum wage job wasn't really necessary. He was then able to spend more time with his children, who attended the same school. That was the most important thing to him. Another man left a very promising career to travel, stopping wherever he wished for as long as he desired. Meeting new people and trying new things was his desire, while not being tied down to the corporate philosophy - or the clock. Click here for more recent stories - source CNN

There are also many examples of over-extended StO volunteers who have had enough and at the first chance, took off and never returned. One woman who became an enslaved prisoner to her bed-stricken husband had suffered quietly for the better part of 20 years. What started out in love and compassion, turned into misery and regret. Once he finally died, she sold the house and everything in it and went on a cruise. She finally had a chance to meet new people and see the world outside of her small 2 bedroom home. A man who had provided unyielding service to his family's business wanted to have more time to himself and his family. When the family resisted his desires, he stayed on to support them for as long as he could. It was family after all, and he was taught that family comes above everything but God. Finally, once bitterness set in, he had no choice but to leave. He moved away and hasn't spoken with his family for nearly 10 years. Oddly enough, another woman who volunteered for this same business, but wasn't family, ended up doing the same thing. When she left, the family didn't understand what happened or why she wouldn't return their calls. That bridge was burned beyond repair and there was no desire to find another way across the divide.

By following our Heart's desire and not the mind's conditioning or other people's ideas, will we end up in the middle  - and very happy I might add. This takes courage, but is where true Unity and happiness are found. The Service to Others destination may be called a Unity consciousness, but it's in the collective sharing and decision making role (a school of fish or flock of birds all moving in unison is a good example of this). 

From TED 2004 Presentation in Monterey, California
(Video Duration: 4:13)

The Unity here is in bringing all of the tiny pieces of our scattered-selves together into one healthy whole. This is achieved by accepting and balancing all of our negative and positive attributes.  

Leaving the restraints or conditions of either group paradigm leads you to Unconditional Love - for yourself and all that you choose to include in your reality. You no longer choose sides, this way or that way... you simple are.



Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Flipping Channels - Pt.1

"We wish it to be understood that on the 14th day of your month of October in the year 2008 a craft of great size shall be visible within your skies. It shall be in the south of your hemisphere and it shall scan over many of your states."

That information was channeled by a woman named Blossom Goodchild, and afterwards, was followed by several other channeled messages by other people. Before long, the global community was abuzz with anticipation and debate. If you missed some of the messages, the source links at the bottom will bring you up to speed.

The 14th of October, 2008, has come and gone and with no such sighting. There were many responses from anger to compassion, leaving many wondering what happened. 

Blossom provided a simple, "I have no idea why they haven't shown."

Matthew said to Suzy Ward, "In this case, the appearance of a large ship for a period of days to show everyone “We come in peace, not conquest” was the game plan, and it went awry shortly before the uncloaking was scheduled, when ground intelligence notified the ship commander that the safety net on the planet appeared to have been compromised."

And Mike Quincy received, "Dear Ones a high point has been achieved through the ongoing expectation of the arrival of the Forces of Light, and that is so important to the final outcome of First Contact. Having been presented with a firm announcement connected with the “Sighting” rather than a mere possibility; it has confronted many souls who were not ready for such an enormous event. The result has been a shock to their system, over and above the normal reaction to the many sightings that have been taking place with ever increasing regularity. With all of the confusion and chaos already making people tense and worried, yet another matter of mind wrenching capability has created a degree of tension that was not envisaged. In the interests of those people, the sighting has been curtailed for a short time until a more receptive response is registered."

Just to be clear, there is much more to each of these messages, so if you are interested in learning more, click on the source links provided at the end of this post.

Recently however, another channel has come forward to provide an explanation of what happened. The channel's name is Lee Carroll and he channels a group referred to as Kryon.

(Video Duration: 17:15)


The following clips pertain to Princeton University's work with the Global Conscious Project (GCP), which you heard about in Kryon's message above.

(Video Duration: 5:26)


(Video Duration: 3:09)



Sources:
Blossom Goodchild's Messages

Mike Quincy's Messages

Suzy Ward's Messages

Samantha's World

Lee Carroll's Message
1.  Afermath(text)
2.  Aftermath (audio)





Flipping Channels - Pt.2


Now that we've seen a little of what Blossom's message generated, how can we be sure that any channeled message we receive is correct? Who can we trust? Let's look at a few more points first.

In recent times, many people are beginning to question the existence of Ramtha, most of which are former RSE students. Websites to help former students recover from their experiences at the school are popping up, such as Enlighten Me Free and FactNet. Additionally, if the back story from 1977 is true, when Ramtha first appeared in JZ's kitchen, then is he still around today? Some have seen JZ's personality and mannerisms return when Ramtha supposedly still had control of her body. Some have also witnessed behavior from Ramtha that just didn't seem 'enlightened'.

The clips below are interviews with Ramtha's former bodyguard Glen, with JZ's former husband Jeff, and with former students during a 2007 conference.


There are many who claim to channel beings from other planets, other periods on Earth, the future, the past, other aspects of themselves, such as the higher-self, and angels. However, none publically admit to channeling their own ego or alter-ego. This form of channeling is very common, according to David Wilcock, and is the main reason to use caution when seeking advice from a channeller.

From Tuning-In
(Video Duration: 3:27)

Among the messages themselves, there are oftentimes conflicts between what one person received versus another person's message. Take the Oct 14, 2008 UFO announcement for instance. Not every channeller agreed that it would take place or that it was the best time for it.

In the next clip, you will see a clone of Ramtha, named Mafu, channelled by Penny Torres. In this interview, she sounds pretty convincing to everyone but the person conducting the interview. However, she's apparently come forward and admitted that she made the whole thing up and would not continue unless her following wanted her to. Many forgave her and acknowledged their desire to continue with her. She is now known as Swami Paramananda Saraswatti, and continues conducting similar training at her ranch in Oregon.

From West 57th
(Video Duration: 13:11)

For those familiar with the story of how JZ met Ramtha, you may recall that Ramtha was very clear that he would not be channeled by anyone but JZ. Here is a clip of Ramtha for comparison.

From the Merv Griffin Show
(Video Duration: 15:19)

Penny, in learning to be a channel, visited JZ Knight. It's not clear if they met only once or if she also witnessed a performance by Ramtha. It was shortly after this time that she began channelling Mafu.

Ramtha says that he was the first human being to ascend his physical body and did it 17 times before finally departing Earth. He has never returned to incarnate on Earth since his one-and-only lifetime during Lemuria 35,000 years ago.

Mafu says that he is 32,000 years old, lived 17 lives, most recently as a leper in Pompeii some 2,000 years ago.

In answering the question of whether or not we can believe a channelled message, I'd like to remind you of a comment from the West 57th clip above.
"Most people have a need for even such a simple message, of some sort of spirituality about themselves... Those who follow channels are ordinary people searching for a new place to put their faith. Most of these people, I think, have traditional religious roots and have continued to be religious, but un-churched, and are kinda finding themselves a new church. Most people are seeking meaning in their lives and this is one way to seem to get it."
In the next clip, you will see many incidents of corruption and deception by leaders among the religious community. This sort of behavior isn't unique to the 'Church' however. Penny Torres admitted to being a fake and taking all the money from her followers; JZ Knight asked her students to donate as much money as they could because the IRS found a way to take the ranch from them - only to later admit that it was a lie. She hadn't paid her income taxes and needed the money or else. She promised to repay everyone the 'millions' they donated, but only a few select people close to her are known to have received any money. Then there was Miss Cleo, self-proclaimed psychic, healer, and shaman, and the owners of the Psychic Readers Network, which were sued by people, at least two States, and the FCC for fraudulent business practices.

(Video Duration: 6:51)


To further emphasize this point, that the two groups really are more alike than not, consider the similarities in how 'religious' people receive their message of inspiration and how 'new age' people receive their message of inspiration. One minister I know channels his sermons and believes it comes from the Holy Spirit. This begs the question of who church-goers call Angels and Demons and who they believe their 'inspired' messages come from. New-Agers have their names for benevolent and malevolent beings as well. In the post Count The Ways, there are many more important examples of how these two groups are the similar. Maybe these groups have more in common than first meets the eye, and not just in terms of their separatist beliefs. Take a look at the image below of a well known channeller (left) and a popular church gathering (right).


Both religious congregations and the new-age followings have identified with a teacher/teaching they feel comfortable with or which resonates with them for that time in their lives. Those who currently fit within these two groups, those who have before or will in the future, as well as the rest of humity - are all considered 'seekers'.  Each of us rests upon the path (discussed in the next section) where we need to be at any given moment. 

Reflecting on the 'similarities and differences' or how our cultures have evolved can also be seen in this example. I recommend you read the post on Beliefs & Values if you haven't already, as this point will be more clear if you do.




Flipping Channels - Pt.3



We've already seen that entities believed to be friendly and honest (eg, trusted) have not always told us the truth. Rather, as Neo discovered in the first Matrix movie, he wasn't ready for the truth (the Oracle's message for him). It was only after he experienced more of the life which surrounded him did his beliefs and values change so that he could believe and thereby change his reality. They (Messengers or Oracles) tell us what we need to hear. That's why there are so many channelers and messages; and it is also why there are so many different religions, denominations, churches, and sermons - as well as new-age teachings on every subject imaginable. We are drawn to what suits us. As we change, other forms of messages or oracles will appear to help us continue. There is no 'one' message or oracle. There are as many as we need. 

"It is only once the Student is ready to learn that the Master will appear."

*** 

Pole Shift Predictions
Nancy Lieder, who channels messages from the Zeta Reticuli, received enormous flack for her information regarding the anticipated pole shift in 2003. It never happened as the Zetas stated it would. They are well known for their accuracy, so what happened? In that case, there was a lesson to be gained and in order for us to learn what our World Governments planned to do under such circumstances, they (the govt's) needed to believe that it was immanent and when the date came and went without a shift of the poles, the rest of humanity was left looking at their leader's actions - or lack thereof. Incidentally, the Zetas are currently saying that the shift will occur before the year 2012, which has people (some are the same from 2003) preparing food supplies and safe-havens, such as underground shelters or relocation to various countries or states deemed protected from harm. This time, they are not relying on the Government to help them. Then again, there are others who say no pole shift will occur or occur before the year 2012 or in our lifetime.


Shift into Aquarius
Right now, many believe that we will shift from the Age of Pisces to the Age of Aquarius on December 21, 2012. This is according to various interpretations of the Mayan Long-Count Calendar. What if the dates are wrong and our interpreters got something wrong in the calculation? What if Carl Jung was wrong in his definition of when an age is entered? 

The transition into the next 'New Age', that of Aquarius, was believed to transpire at numerous times in our recent past. For example, Aleister Crowley once received word from a bodiless Egyptian entity that the New Age would begin in the year 1904 AD. Krishnamurti channeled Lord Maitreya that this transition would occur in 1911 AD. According to interpretations of Nostradamus's writings, he predicted that it would occur in the year 1975 AD, in 1997 AD, in 2000 AD, in 2023 AD, and lastly the year 2160 AD.  Suzy Ward received the year 2012 by her deceased son Matthew. You might consider all of these channeled messages. So when is the transition of ages? Many in Religious and New-Age circles would rather seek advice from channelers or their priest, rather than from scientists or historians because of their track-records and a perceived 'closed-mindedness' (as if a lack of Spirituality).

According to Astrological Historian, Dr Shepherd Simpson, the age shift will occur around the year 2600 AD. This idea is based on 1900 year-old star charts and the positions of current star constellations. The clip below is a resulting animation of star-chart processions, beginning from the year 4000 BC to the year 3000 AD. I have added some text to help point out a few points.

(Video Duration: 1:17)

The green boundaries outline the known constellations and the red circle in the middle is the point in which the Vernal Equinox and the Celestial Equator intersect. As this intersection passes from one constellation into another, this is defined by Carl Jung as the transition into another age.

What if Carl Jung was wrong or what if the size of constellations are incorrect? You can see from these charts that some constellations are larger than others, so why do many believe the zodiac is divided into 12 equal 30-degree segments? If you add in the 13th constellation named Ophiuchus, that would be 13 equal 27.69-degree segments. However, other sources suggest that we cannot define each of the constellations using equal proportions, which would appear to agree with what we see in these star charts. For instance, they suggest that Scorpio is 6.5 degrees, Libra is 23 degrees, Sagittarius is 33.5 degrees, Ophiucus is 18.5 degrees, and Virgo is 44 degrees. As you can see in the video clip above, Pisces looks huge compared to Aries. It's believed that the common Zodiac chart is roughly 89% incorrect.

***

My point to this is that reading of the star constellations is one method to determine when the shift into the next heralded new age will occur. Other ways exist and it's up to us to determine what we find acceptable. The same is true for the impending pole shift, your odds at the lottery, or anything provided by channels, priests, etc. 

As you saw in the 2003 Pole Shift summary, even though the ETs provided a date of the flipping of Earth's north and south poles, it didn't happen. However, there are those who chose to believe and took action. When the world governments didn't do anything to prepare humanity for it, those who were watching learned something. Now that it's being reported to happen before 2012, the lesson they learned is obvious - not to trust in anyone other than yourself.  This has, in a way, allowed them the opportunity to turn inward and away from those they previously gave their power to. They are in the process of reclaiming their self-determination and self-reliance. This same lesson could be applied to everything in this post. 

From 2012 Trailer
(Video Duration: 1:15)

Do we blindly accept what we are told, as Miguel Ruiz says we have been taught to? Do we research suggested ideas before we accept them, like we're all told to do? Or will we accept what will fit nicely with our existing beliefs when presented a new idea? The messenger or message we should accept/believe is decided in that moment, by each of us. If we later realize that it wasn't the best person or message after all, a lesson was learned and you move on to another. 

Eventually, you are likely to hear that we need to stop looking for answers outside of ourselves and go within. In one respect, this is exactly why we perceive information to be incorrect or conflicting. Sooner or later, we are bound to let go of our need to look outward and will reclaim our power within. This is an important step for all of us, but don't be surprised if you later realize that you are once again lead back outside of yourself. This is not traveling in a simple 360-degree circle, to end up back where you started. No. This is about traveling in a 360-degree upward spiral. When it looks like you are back to where you started, the view will be different and therefore your experiences will be different. You will have evolved consciously during that time, ascending the spiral so to speak, so that your beliefs and values in the end will not be the same as they were when you started out.  

As discussed in part 3 of the Beliefs & Values post, at some point we will come to understand how we're all connected, how we're all one, and judgment will be replaced by unconditional love. The reason for my comment, "you are once again lead back outside yourself", is that once you've gone within your world-view will change. You will find that all that is outside of you is really all that is inside of you, but you wouldn't know it unless you went through this 'turning in' process. 
All of this will lead you to understand the real meaning of the phrase, 'truth is relative'. Truth is directly related to each of our individual belief and value systems for our place on the spiral path. As we grow and mature, these beliefs and values change, thereby redefining what is true. We should therefore remember to be flexible in our attitudes about beliefs - our own or someone else's.

Furthermore, you may begin to understand what it means that everything is an illusion. Our entire reality is based on these systems of beliefs, so if there's no 'one' truth about something, then whatever we have accepted or will accept, becomes relative to our immediate reality - hence it's all an illusion.

***

Someone once asked how much money the USA gives in aid to the country or state of Israel every year. One answered what they saw on TV, another what they read in the newspaper, another laughed at them and said it was $3 Billion, because of what was in the CIA World Factbook. Well, that too is not the real answer, regardless of whether or not the amount fluctuates each year. That version of the factbook is considered UNCLASSIFIED and available to the public. There is another version, which is classified SECRET. I can tell you that the numbers provided in that version are not the same. If I were to say that was the final answer, I would be wrong as well. There are TOP SECRET compartmentalized variations, depending on your need to know. The higher you climb, the number may get larger and larger, but I think that in the end, there is no definitive answer. Why? Because of secret projects; black ops; compartmentalization where the right hand isn't told what the left hand is doing; lack of accountability or oversight; the use of illegal drug trafficing monies to fund operations; etc. But most importantly, because defining what is considered 'aid' or what 'aid' means, must first go through a human being's belief paradigm... and no two are alike!

I leave you with this final video.

(Video Duration: 21:38)




Sunday, December 21, 2008

EEG Biofeedback

The following video clips are of an emerging science to treat various health problems using EEG technology.

In the first clip, what appears to be digital artwork in the background is really digital imagery taken of the human brain, using EEG equipment connected to a computer. Visit BrainPaint's website or the Global BrainPaint site for more information.

***
1. De Vine Health
(Video Duration 1:05)


2. De Vine Documentary Intro

(Video Duration 1:05)


3. CBS clips

(Video Duration 12:22)


(Video Duration 2:39)



Saturday, December 20, 2008

What the US Media isn't sharing

For those who have lived outside the USA and watched 'CNN International', you will probably agree that the international news coverage in the USA is pretty limited in comparison - even from CNN. In the early 1990's, Connie Chung was asked about this. She agreed and said that it was a common topic and only time would tell. That was more than ten years ago...

(click to enlarge)


TED 2008 Presentation in Monterey, California
(Video Duration: 5:00)




Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Count The Ways

The following comparrisons are made only to show how Christians and New Agers are more alike than not.  These are not judments of who's better or right, simply observations that tend to be ignored by both sides.

***

Christians have the rapture, where they will be taken up into heaven and there will no longer be any pain or suffering, and all that they ever wished for is theirs. The New-Agers have their shift into the next dimension, where there to will no longer be pain and suffering, and all that they desire is manifest in but a moment.

Christians have miraculous healing, where disfigured bodies are straightened before their eyes; tumors and other serious conditions are mysteriously healed overnight; and there are those among their ranks who are known to lay hands on another believer and that person is healed. New-Agers have these healing as well and have labeled those that can perform healing like the Christians, as healers.

Christians routinely channel the 'Holy Spirit', sometimes in small gatherings and other times during primary worship. Granted not all divisions or denominations believe this is of God. It happens in different ways too. One may be lifted to such heights that they are receptive to the Holy Spirit and begin speaking in tongues. This is the speaking of an unknown or unrecognized language, but is something the subconscious can understand. Sometimes there will be another person present that is open and receptive to the translation, and will then begin translating into English what was just said. This way, the consciousness of all present will hear the message from God. New-Agers have various methods of channeling as well, and yes, some also speak in tongues. It is said to be how Spirit moves and communicates as necessary. Sometimes, a trance state or altered state will be entered, and again, this is common the the Christians. During the opening 'Praise and Worship' session, one Christian tuned into the Holy Spirit in such a way that they completely blacked out into a trance. When the person finally opened their eyes, they were no longer standing up and church was over. They missed the entire 1-2 hour event. Afterward, many people made comment regarding the message that was delivered during the channeling. The person had no memory of any of it, even some 20 years afterwards.

Christians have their many denominations or categories, just like the New Age group. Each has a unique doctrine meant to uplift or enlighten those who adhere to their teachings. There are endless variations of Bible interpretations, and even have courses whereby devotees may continue their education. Thew New Age is full of the same degree of interpretations, courses, colleges, etc.

Christians may not realize it, but most likely the church they attend is really a corporate franchise - just like their favorite fast-feeder restaurant. The 'chain-churches' are this way, not necessarily the smaller one-off churches. It's definitely not a topic discussed in public either. These organizations are typically headquartered somewhere in the 'Bible-Belt' and have regional and corporate directors/overseers; the selection of real estate where the building is to be located is approved of or suggested by headquarters; the minister is as well; they have governing bylaws; a board of directors and shareholders, etc. The entire operation is a very well oiled machine, ensuring pipelines continue to flow of monies and doctrine. Just like corporations you're well familiar with, these also have their means of protecting their investment and profitability, employing lawyers, lobbyists or special interest groups, and yes... some even have enforcers or thugs.
From Sex Crimes and the Vatican
(Video Duration: 5:00)



The name on the door is leased, if you will. You can't just put up a sign that says Church of God, Assembly of God, Seventh Day Adventist, Masonic Lodge, etc., and think you can get away with it. Fast-food joints have the same exact framework and it's for the same purpose - Corporate Profits. Yes, the churches really are corporations and yes, the ones at the top enjoy the same luxuries as the exec's in the Big 3 - GM, Ford, and Chrysler! The New Age is by no means exempt from this process. Names are registered, trademarked; material is copyrighted and they won't think twice about suing you in court. Courses are designed to support the specific faith and keep you needing more and more; credentialing or certification is also offered and there are even colleges or 'ranches' where you can enroll to begin your education in secret teachings of the enlightened. You too can become a wise master as long as you stick to it. To the degree of using a franchise model, the established religions are far ahead of the New Age community, but the mindset of profit over all else is very prominent.

From TED 2008 Conference in Monterey, California
(Video Duration: 1:50)


Christians have their stones, figurines, images, and other symbols which are believed to hold power to help them in times of need or protection. The same is true with the New Agers. Go into any New Age bookstore and you'll find the same things, and yes, even items held sacred by Christians, such as images of Jesus.

Christians have their music, singing, and prayer and devotional time for their Lord. New Agers have music, singing, prayer and devotional time as well. Many consider this various forms of meditation, mantras, giving thanks, etc.

Christian sects also have their esoteric counterparts, but this isn't widely publicised or at least not widely recognized as such. The Jewish community has the Cabala; the Christians have groups like the Freemasons; the Muslim community has Sufism and the 5-Percent Nation. Even in Biblical times, there were groups such as the Essenes, who practiced a belief system not allowed or endorsed by the state. In the New Age community, there too are various degrees of esoteric material, from Alchemy to Manifestation to Transcendence. Mystery schools and secret brotherhoods all adhere to the same basic tenets and funnel students up the ladder. Each step of the way, more money is needed to ensure you stay on the right path. Books, books, and more books. And that too is sent up the chain until it reaches the groups or people at the top. You will find the corporate business structure here as well.

Christians are fundamentally divided against the rest of humanity (the secular world), as well as other denominations of believers. The New Age bookstores are evidence of the same belief in separation. For example, there are books to instruct you in how to take control of your ego and open up to your inner-child (which are dualistic names for the same thing). The Inner-Child is always viewed as the sensitive and loving part of you, while the ego/alter-ego are considered the dark or shadow self, and should be controlled or ignored. It's become the war between Light and Dark. Other forms of separation are the distinctions of the various aspects of ourselves, such as the subtle energetic fields (also called bodies). One is the Emotional, another is the Mental, another is the Spiritual, etc. We are broken up into pieces and taught to think of them individually or separate from the whole.

Christians are taught that when confronted with a challenging situation, it must be an attack from the Devil. One of the most effective tools is to rebuke the evil one in the name of Jesus. New Agers are taught to send the dark energy into the Light to be transmuted. Interestingly, many New Agers also rebuke in the name of Jesus, because it's been known to work. 

Christians gather or congregate in large halls, church auditoriums, school gymnasiums, classrooms, someone's home, etc. New Agers gather to here channelings and other teachings in like manner.

These are just a handful of examples. At any level one looks at the teachings, the lifestyles, etc., they are pretty much identical. One argument many Spiritualists or New Agers will present is that the 'Church' has manipulated and controlled people to their own gain since the beginning, even manipulating scriptures as deemed necessary. Whether they see it or not, the New Age community has been manipulated and controlled as well. It's just another 'market of opportunity' and has been saturated with teachings of instilling fear and division, as well as get-rich-quick schemes, multi-level marketing and other forms of business opportunities. The important point here is that the strings being pulled or the buttons being pushed, really aren't visible to the untrained eye. This goes back to our domestication/indoctrination process, making it very easy to prey on someone's insecurity, need for attention and approval, need to be successful, to be important, special, wanted, etc. 

In the end though, it's all necessary for our growth and we should be grateful for being here together and sharing our experiences in such a diverse environment as this.