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Post by LorrB on Mar 29, 2010 9:42:09 GMT 9.5
What do you think Initiation means?
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Post by vclifton on Apr 2, 2010 8:30:41 GMT 9.5
Entry into a new era of life. A near death experience can initiate you into a new dimension of life either consciously or subconsciously. So it could be the symbolic death of the past in order to move on in the present
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Post by LorrB on Apr 2, 2010 14:50:10 GMT 9.5
Can't think of a better answer ... that is what I believe too. If one was initiated at a subconscious level do you think something would 'seep through' at the conscious level? Some people do not know why they behave as they do and they have to see psychologist etc to discover the problem. I just got a mental picture of St Joseph of Cupertino taking off towards the ceiling... reckon the first time he might have explained "what the... " (well I would have ;D ) I reckon that might have been a subconscious initiation ? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_Joseph_of_Cupertino
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Post by scharyn on Apr 4, 2010 10:24:43 GMT 9.5
I think the physiological and subconsious has MUCH more of a bearing on our behaviour than we currently appreciate (think pheromones!)... also, on a personal note I remember attempting to astral travel when I was about 13... I started to do it, but was so scared that I jumped back into myself and have never been able to repeat it!
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Post by LorrB on Apr 4, 2010 13:01:11 GMT 9.5
In Maxwell Freedom Long's book on Huna, he says that we have to get past our subconscious to be able to approach the super conscious. That takes an accumulation of energy, a purpose, and a subconscious that actually believes you are worth it. Unfortunately, the subconscious takes as truth what our conscious secretly feels is true. Well that is the Huna belief. From what I have read I think that Carl Jung's theory went along those lines as well.
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Post by LorrB on Apr 4, 2010 13:06:46 GMT 9.5
With Masonic initiations the Initiate is kept in the dark purposely.. the anticipation of the ceremony helps bring about that little bit of extra energy that enhances the experience the initiate goes through. It helps make a lasting (good) impression upon one.
So if you are about to be Initiated it is advisable that you do not read much about the ceremony beforehand.... it takes the edge off the experience, bit like reading the last page of a book first.
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Post by paul on Apr 19, 2010 18:18:43 GMT 9.5
There are various meanings to Initiation including:
- induction into a group - induction into traditional spiritual practices - a shift in consciousness to a higher plane.
The first two occur often in Masonry. The last is very rare but should become more common
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Post by LorrB on Apr 20, 2010 8:05:46 GMT 9.5
More common in our life time? Is this likely because of ourselves or despite ourselves... ?
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Post by paul on Apr 20, 2010 17:27:01 GMT 9.5
Following the solar system and then planet's substantial shift in vibration over the last few years, the human race has agreed collectively to behave more responsibly. This is equivalent to saying that the progressive human groups have understood that Life has meaning. Knowing that Life has meaning is a key symptom of genuine first degree initiates - as compared with believing.
Over the next decades I expect that lodges and charismatic churches will quite often have candidates who undergo genuine initiation triggered by external ritual.
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Post by ricthomas on May 3, 2010 19:56:14 GMT 9.5
Greetings all,
Initiation can be viewed in many ways as has already been stated above. I think we can also view the process as one of integration with the whole of self, nature, cosmic etc. Indeed it is a beginning, or perhaps a turning point in the flow of consciousness.
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maat
Strength
Posts: 35
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Post by maat on May 4, 2010 9:57:13 GMT 9.5
I have heard of that cable tow can be viewed as emblem for the umbilical cord .. which of course is connected to 'beginnings'. That is one of the things about the symbols of Freemasonry that I love... at whatever level you find yourself with regard to the search for wisdom a symbol will reveal a whole new meaning for that level. (Well, ok, the mind will be able to see what it missed previously).
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Post by paul on May 4, 2010 10:05:33 GMT 9.5
I suspect that the cable tow is an emblem of death - death being represented in the lodge by the WSW
Of course birth and death are transits through the same doorway
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Post by petergower on May 4, 2010 14:32:10 GMT 9.5
to start an inner journey
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Post by LorrB on May 5, 2010 9:50:15 GMT 9.5
>entry into a new era of life >a turning point in the flow of consciousness >genuine initiation triggered by external ritual >to start an inner journey
It has been my observation that many of us need a good clunk on the head, one way or the other, to make us look within. The death of a loved one, extreme misfortune, etc.
I am often drawn to the bible story of the Prodigal Son. His wasted his 'fortune' and subsequent suffering caused him to change direction, but how many times do you read of people who have it all and only then realise that there must be more, somewhere, and then begin their search.
So - external influences can initiate a change in our direction - which makes me wonder whether there is need for 'someone/something' else to be present during a genuine Initiation on the higher/inner planes? Or are we self initiated ... ie once we demonstrate 'the passwords' in our everyday lives we progress/evolve in consciousness of all that is?
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Post by paul on May 5, 2010 10:26:24 GMT 9.5
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Post by LorrB on May 5, 2010 10:43:38 GMT 9.5
Omigosh.. that response (link) is almost overwhelming - but tantalizingly irresistible! Can you put it in our e-library please. I can tackle it one chapter at a time there. I am certainly going to follow up on it, might even invest in a hard copy.
Thanks Paul - you are a real treasure yourself.
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Post by scharyn on May 30, 2010 8:13:23 GMT 9.5
From a socialogical view point, I beleive that our particular western society does not have enough ritual / rites of passage. Other (and ancient) cultures had clear rituals / initiations into adulthood which marked a change of responsibility etc etc to the candidate and to candidate's place in society. Of course these differences were clearly understood. I believe that this helps adolescents in their transition to adulthood. Gives them some clear direction. I actually created and performed a ritual with my daughter, outside, under the moon, when she was an adolescent, introducing her to the universe and asking it to protect and nuture her. I think this ritual should have been done at her birth (not possible for a variety of social reasons) and could have been done better as an introduction to her adulthood. As it was it probably didn't help her much, except to perhaps make her feel valued because I made the effort.
I would feel happier if there were some more clear direction on what is expected from each candidate at the next level of initiation (within Masonry). I know that we are expected to learn and explore on our own, but if we parallel that tradition with ageing in life, likewise, I think it helps the child / adolescent / new employee etc etc to be given some direction and boundaries that they can then explore within.
Cheers!! ;0)
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Post by paul on May 30, 2010 10:52:43 GMT 9.5
>if there were some more clear direction on what is expected from each candidate at the next level of initiation
The TB lectures give quite a lot of direction - although well padded with philosophising and moralising. In summary:
- The EA has the task of learning to control actions, passions and thought.
- The FC has the task of penetrating the hidden mysteries of nature and science
- The MM has the task of becoming free from the limitations of material consciousness and engaging consciously with the brethren in the local temple in the heavens.
Each task of course depends upon substantial progress in the previous tasks
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