Placebos trigger an opioid hit in the brain

Placebos trigger an opioid hit in the brain - "It seems that placebos have a real physical, not imagined, effect – activating the production of chemicals in the brain that relieve pain, a new study suggests," reports NewScientist.com. I guess I am constantly amused by scientists finding it "mysterious" or "surprising" that psychological conditions can bring about a physical / chemical response within the body. I am happy that science is slowly but surely confirming what many people people with experience with hypnosis, meditation, or trance already know and accept through actual subjective experience, rather than via a dreamed up hypothesis or "external" observation (said to be objective)... roll on holistic "science" ... an underlying obstacle of modern science I guess is the belief that mind and body and separate, rather than a deeply interconnected system - with perhaps the mind actually giving rise to the body in the first place. However, if this isn't "observed" with the mundane senses (and some "logically devised" equipment) then it cannot be possible, in the view modern science.

The Surface of the Sun

The Surface of the Sun article proposes a new model for the sun, suggesting that the gas model (that the sun is a ball of gas) is not correct, but rather that it has a solid surface that conducts electricty. This is certainly worth reading over, and the images of the sun are certainly visually stunning.

So You'd Like To... De-virus Your Mind

I've added an article that based on my review of Richard Brodie's book Virus of the Mind: The New Science of the Meme. It explores some of the similarities between Psychosynthesis, Memetics, Carlos Castaneda, and Speed Reading. This article was originally written as a "So you'd like to..." guide for Amazon.com. Read So You'd Like To... De-virus Your Mind.

Strange Relics from the Depths of the Earth

Strange Relics from the Depths of the Earth - Brief Summary: "Dr. Jochmans cites numerous accounts of human artifacts being found in earth strata, which according to the standard evolutionary time scale, predate human evolution. These accounts show human existence far far back into earth history, and prove evolution theory false." This is worth having a read through if you would like to challenge any beliefs you hold in accepted theories of evolution.

Trance Research Foundation

As a follow-on from my last post, it is also well worth checking out the Trance Research Foundation, which is directly linked to The Trance Institute. Once again there are some useful articles about trance which are well worth reading.

Although I haven't read Dennis Wier's book yet, I strongly suspect that it will be well worth reading for anyone wanting to learn more about the trance process. I believe that understanding the trance process is very valuable for the practice of magic, and any related 'modern' fields of Self-growth, hypnosis, and psychotherapy.

For those more committed to understanding the processes and concepts relating to trance then joining the Trance Research Foundation could certainly be fruitful.

The Trance Institute

I discovered The Trance Institute website tonight while browsing the net for information on a specific aspect of trance (auto-trance, occuring during traumatic or stressfull situations). Looking over the material available on the site (briefly so far) it certainly looks very useful to anyone seeking to learn more about trance for use in magic or Self-growth purposes, and/or to help educate and protect themselves from the misuse of trance inducing techniques by advertisers and the like. Check it out.

New Section: Annexia

Edited 2008-07-19: The pages referenced in this entry have since been removed.

Annexia provides a collection of articles, exercises, and miscellany, which don't quite fit in with my beliefs any longer, or written by others. They are provided here "as is" more for their curiosity value rather than any implied recommendation of them.

Free your Mind

I found a link to a free mind mapping package named FreeMind. Mind mapping is a good way of expressing concepts and ideas in a non-linear fashion. It also provides a good method of getting ideas written down when brainstorming. More information on mind mapping, and links to other sites (including commercial software) is available from the FreeMind website, so check it out: http://freemind.sourceforge.net/

The Act of Will by Roberto Assagioli

The term "Will" and "Will power" is used occassionally by magicians and occultists, although I don't believe I've actually read much in detail on what exactly the Will is, or how to utilize it. I've been reading through Assagioli's book The Act of Will as I've finally made the time to begin reading it - until now I've not had the time and only read the basics of Assagioli's insights on the Will from other writings, or teachings of others. For anyone seriously involved in magical training, I would strongly suggest that this book should be read at some stage in their training, and very serious consideration given to what Assagioli had to say about the Will, the functions of the Will, and the training and experience of the Will.

For those who are unaware, Assagioli was certainly versed in the Qabala, and was a member of the Theosophical Society, so on top of his Psychoanalytic, Psychiatric and Psychosynthesis knowledge he was certainly familiar with occult concepts and training.

While in the occult world there is a popularity of the saying "do what thou wilt" (or "do thy will"), and a continued interest in Thelema, many still misunderstand the Will and essentially turn "do what thou wilt" into "do whatever you want". It would certainly assist in occult training to put some energy into learning about the Will and actively working to utilize it.

Sukhavati, Place of Bliss: A Mythic Journey with Joseph Campbell available to download for free

The Joseph Campbell Foundation is making Sukhavati - Place of Bliss downloadable for free as in DivX format. However due to a exclusive licensing deal they have signed with PBS it will soon be removed again, for at least the next 3 years. From the email update:

"Because of this impending exclusive license to Sukhavati, we will be releasing one new segment per week until all the segments have been made available for one final round. This offer will be active from June 27 through the beginning of August. At that point, these segments will be removed for at least the duration of the license with PBS."

This, along with other Joseph Campbell works, are well worth watching (or reading) if you are interested in comparative mythology, and it's connection with spirituality and psychology. And for the price (free!) it can't be beat...

The JCF website has this to say about Sukhavati:

"The renowned mythologist and deep spiritual thinker, Joseph Campbell, takes us on a journey through the ages. He traces the mythological symbols left to us by the ancients and reveals a drama layed out across the screen of the universe. Primal mythological images, filmed around the world, evoke a sense of the experience as well as the spirit of the great story that so excited Joe. He reminds us that the human soul has always walked the same path in search f the place of bliss. This is a journey of transcendence and illumination."

Edited 2008-07-19: The link to downloadable media is no longer valid.

Spiritual Crisis - Forewarned is Forearmed

I have been thinking about Spiritual Emergence / Spiritual Emergency again recently, partly stimulated by writing articles about Self-growth, and occult training. As synchronicity would have it I re-discovered a website by David Lukoff about spiritual competency. While primarily aimed at mental health professionals it is worth exploring by anyone seriously interested in their occult and magical training, as it covers topics about spiritual crisis and problems people can experience when delving into the depths of their psyche. David Lukoff has several related articles online that are well worth reading through also.

The following courses are currently available from the Spiritual Competency Resource Center:

• Assessing Spirituality - "This course addresses the need to and methods for assessing spirituality as part of comprehensive mental health care."
• DSM-IV Religious & Spiritual Problems - "This course covers the history of pathologizing theory in the mental health field, and clinical approaches assessing and working with religious and spiritual problems."
• Meditation & Mental Health - "Meditation is an ancient technique used by many spiritual traditions to quiet the mind, calm the body, and engage the spirit. This online course describes meditation techniques, research, contra-indications, integration into therapy, and online resources."
• Navigating the Mental Health Internet - "This course is designed to teach mental health professionals the search and navigation skills necessary to use the Internet as a powerful communication and information technology tool."
• Spirituality & Recovery from Mental Disorders - "This course explores the recovery model, its origins in the consumer movement, and its connection with spirituality."

There are several books on the topic of Spiritual Emergence / Spiritual Emergency that people may find of use:

• Spiritual Emergency - When Personal Transformation Becomes a Crisis by Stan and Christina Grof
  An excellent book for anyone involved with psychotherapy or magical / spiritual practices, whether as a guide / therapist / teacher, student, or simply on your own journey. This is a good introductory overview of the subject of Spiritual Emergence and Spiritual Emergency. I believe anyone undertaking serious magical work, training or psychotherapy, at some stage will undergo a crisis, which can then either lead to Spiritual Emergency or Spiritual Emergence. The research and ideas this book contains can assist in one's own development or guiding someone else through those dark days and nights.
• The Stormy Search for the Self by Christina Grof
• The Call of Spiritual Emergency: From Personal Crisis to Personal Transformation by Emma Bragdon
• A Sourcebook for Helping People With Spiritual Problems by Emma Bragdon
  

It is also worthwhile reading the article Israel Regardie, Initiation, and Psychotherapy, and several chapters in books by Israel Regardie:

"Only a good guru of almost superhuman powers of effective self-evaluation and examination provide the means of avoiding an [ego] inflation and the consequent disaster. A third means is almost any form of good psychotherapy. The latter appears to be able to drain off the massive uncontrolled quantities of energy that are released and direct them into new and constructive goals. Those Reichians who have an understanding of 'occult' matters would appear to be more effective than most in dealing with this phenomenon." - Israel Regardie, in Complete Golden Dawn System of Magic

9 pages with references to psychotherapy in The Golden Dawn: A Complete Course in Practical Ceremonial Magic / 4 volumes in 1 (Llewellyn's Golden Dawn Series)

9 pages with references to transpersonal and 8 pages with references to psychosynthesis in The Middle Pillar: The Balance Between Mind and Magic.

Israel Regardie was truly visionary in suggesting serious students of the occult to seek out "good" psychotherapy. I suggest forms of psychotherapy related to Transpersonal Psychology and energy work - anything which gets away from analysis and works holistically to promote integrate of mind, body, and emotions. Systems such as Psychosynthesis and Holotropic breathwork (rebirthing) are particularly useful.

When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.

I have posted a new article entitled Finding a Teacher. It explores various aspects of finding a teacher to learn magic, or other occult / esoteric techniques, skills, and knowledge. It is the result of various experiences I've had over the years being involved in organised (and disorganised) occult training under a variety of teachers and within a number of different groups. It might be added that all teaching is a guideline, and basis from which learning takes place. It is important to understand why not to put a teacher up on a pedestal, while remaining open to the lessons they have to teach us, and showing them the respect they deserve - and also maintaining our own boundaries and insuring we actually learn rather than become a pawn for a manipulative controlling person masquerading as a teacher (that is a quite another type of lesson - one which can mean a lot of learning, and often a lot of distress). There are two other articles which relate well to this subject: Tutoring - A Tutor's Perspective and Esoteric & Occult Secrets.

Science Flaws

I found mention of an interesting book today entitled The Final Theory. The website for the book offers an interesting list of "science flaws".

These days I'm not too concerned with intellectual debate on subjects as it is merely a diversion from life, and prone to pointless arguments between people with unchangeable beliefs or preaching to the converted. For me, the important thing in the article is once again the challenge to what are becoming the belief structures sold to us by the orthodoxy as "scientific knowledge" and although spoken of as "theories" it is clear it is often dogma, as to disagree and offer an alternative earns one the label of heretic or crackpot.

It is for me, once again, a reminder of the importance of the experience, over and above any intellectualisation or analysis, and the need for a holistic view of things to bring about a true paradigm shift away from the scientific religion which plagues us.

I need to be clear, I am not suggesting that science is totally irrelevant. Rather that aspects of science are unimportant diversions, or become accepted and reinforced just the same as any dogmatic religion. There is also far too much power over others by individuals with letters beside their name, who are filled with their own self importance and a belief that they know best. Perhaps they do know best - for themselves.

Anyway, I highly recommend you check out The Final Theory website ( http://www.thefinaltheory.com/ ) or check out the book on Amazon.com.