Zigzag Idiot and the ladder of Objective Reason

[mandyjw]

@Zigzag Idiot I LOVE Borat.

I never really understood how sexual repression is much different with men and often around the area of homosexuality. I was tempted to blame my father for some of the things he raised me to believe because he didn't understand how from the female perspective they'd cause damage, and then I asked him about his childhood and was absolutely shocked and ended up appreciating how far he had come. 

The judge others/ judge self, not understanding that they are the same, vicious cycle has all kinds of manifestations that hide the under lying misunderstanding. 

[Zigzag Idiot]

Thanks for sharing.@mandyjw I can relate,,,,

The power of love, forgiveness and understanding,,,,,

 

Here Cohen plays the role of a gay fashion model.

in Sufism there is the path of the Malamat or the Way of Blame sometimes taken to the extreme. 

The Bruno role he played reminded me in a way of 'the path of blame'. ?‍♂️

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malamatiyya

 

7 minutes ago, Marc Schinkel said:

LOL, I personally thought his performance as King Julian was stellar

@Marc Schinkel Thanks, I wasn't aware of this one. I'll check it out,,,,

[Zigzag Idiot]

For me, Mandy's video had strong elements of what in the Gurdjieff Work is called Self Remembering. In this work, the experience of Self Remembering is said to be so big, that it can't be defined with words. 

I see/feel elements of it also in Leo's, Emerald's and Akilesh's talks. I've bought but havn't yet read Akilesh's book - How to Find What Isn't Lost.

 

 

Poet Red Hawk devoted an entire book to Self Remembering which is extremely readable.

 

 

About the state of Self Remembering, Maurice Nicoll said -

DIFFERENT FORMS OF SELF-REMEMBERING

“Since we are different at different moments, Self-Remembering is different at different times. The ‘Sly Man’ knows this. He does not always practice the same method. To do so is to make it mechani- cal...He notices what was and is no longer useful and invents some other way...There are many ways of Self-Remembering. But they all depend on the feeling that there is something else, that this life on this extremely bad planet is not explicable in terms of itself. There is something else.” V. 2, pp. 374-5

DIFFERENT FORMS II

“Try to get out of your own way. Try to let something get in that cannot because you are in the way. Can you stop the noise of yourself for even a moment? Can you get out of the ordinary feeling of yourself? Can you become no one for a moment to yourself? Or, by contrast, can you feel the intense reality of yourself? Can you feel I in all you have to do, for a time? All these are different ways of remembering oneself. There are many other ways, but try to discover one for yourself, to begin with, and get to know the taste of it.” V. 2, p. 375

DIFFERENT FORMS III

“If you are in a bad state you remember yourself in one way, and when in a good state you have to remember yourself in another way and it is often more difficult.” V. 3, p. 926

DIFFERENT FORMS IV

“It is only by applying the Work to oneself in one’s own particular case that one can realize what Self-Remembering is...Try to observe what particular person you go most asleep about, the person with whom you are most negatively identified...You cannot remember yourself unless you know through sincere observation that you are asleep in some specific sense. Then you must awaken in this part of yourself and try to be what you know.” V. 4, p. 1404

AN INTERNAL MOVEMENT

“To remember oneself it is necessary to look in and look out. One must see the outer and see oneself in relation to the outer. But actually no one can see in and see out at the same time any more than
a person can breathe in and breathe out at the same time...And so Self-Remembering can be thought of as consisting in some to and fro motion, psychological in nature, that has to be carried out consciously—that is, with a certain pressure of the attention that is given by aim or by the feeling of the Work. For example, I look at the person, and then at my reaction in the light of my aim, then outward again at the person, then inward at my reaction, and so on. Identifying then becomes impossible.” V. 2, p. 410

WHAT IT ISN’T

“Self-Remembering is not going against the flood-stream of inner and outer things. It is raising oneself—not contending. Contending is another kind of effort. Self-Remembering is a non-identifying with oneself—for an instant—as if one were merely acting and had forgot- ten.” V. 2, p. 461

THE EMOTIONAL ASPECT

“Impressions that are taken in in a state of Self-Remembering become emotional. Even the simplest thing can become interesting or beauti- ful and reflect some meaning you had never perceived.” V. 1, p. 199

THE PHYSICAL ASPECT

“The Work says that a moment of Self-Remembering supplies every cell in the body with food of a kind that it does not ordinarily get.” V. 2, p. 656

RELAXING

“Sometimes by completely relaxing, knowing that one is in a wrong state, and trying to stop all thought and movement and tension both in the muscles and in the brain, the situation is quite suddenly reversed and a better state takes its place...This stopping of thoughts and relaxing, which it is so important to practice every day, is a form of Self-Remembering...It is a marvelous thing to experience a moment of not being identified with oneself, with all this uproar, with all this ever- returning and useless turmoil...And we realize how true it is that help cannot reach us while we are in this ordinary state.”V.2,p.450 

From - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Zigzag Idiot]

Just stumbled over this trailer. Gonna have to seek out this documentary.

I've been hitting the pawn shops lately looking for a used DVD of The Last Emporer.

In the past week I've returned to visiting Pornhub again.

I'm a proponent of minimalistic living. Often labeled as being a "hoarder" by the younger generation.

Terence McKenna speaks to this current generational disconnect.

 

[Zigzag Idiot]

"We are angels with a Siamese twin, who is a monkey, growing out of our chest." - Terence McKenna

 

I posted the song An Innocent Man by Billy Joel this morning in the music thread as a possible expression of Self Love, contrasted to self love which Maurice Nicoll speaks of.

I didn't claim innocence this morning.  Specifically, I wrote- "This song to me is a good expression of Self Love.

 

Seeing self love at work vs. Self Love.

A DESCRIPTION

“I well know as a medical psychologist the awkward point where I had to say to the patient: ‘Yes—I can see you have been badly treated, never appreciated, never properly understood. You have told me all that very clearly. But do you think that it is possible that you are not quite the ideal person that you seem to imagine yourself to be, and that there may be some quite serious faults in yourself?’ Now you can all imagine the haughty look, the frozen smile, the magnificent rising from the chair—and the slamming of the door—without, of course, the fee being paid. Yes—but what has happened. . . What has been touched? What would you call it? Whatever you call it, it is this factor that prevents self-change...If he sees for himself something of this factor in him, which is so formidable and the source of so much violence, then it is not aroused antagonistically. He sees himself: he begins to accept what he would never have accepted from another. It is in this way that the Work deals with this otherwise intractable fac- tor in Man.” V. 3, pp. 1165-1166

PRIDE AND VANITY

“You must study Pride and Vanity in yourselves and all their different gradations. Do you know your own forms of Vanity and how much they occupy you? Do you know where your Pride lies? Where do you feel that you love yourself, that you admire yourself? Where do you most feel that you are utterly different from other people? Where are you most conceited? What do you boast about? What are you silent about? Vanity is frequently very talkative, whereas Pride is silent. Which is the deeper wound, wounded Vanity or wounded Pride? What is it you cannot forgive? You know that if you cannot forgive it is because of some form of self-love which, ideally speaking, has to be smashed out of you.” V. 1, p. 360

SELF-LOVE

“One can feel very startled when one realizes that it is always this thing called oneself that is being comforted, exalted, tittilated, soothed, flattered, satisfied, and that when it is not, it begins to whimper like a baby. And it is always this odd restless thing that is being offended, upset, negative, indignant, downcast. Cast down from what? From its centrepoint of self-love.” V. 2, p. 472

SELF-LOVE II

“Ask yourself sometimes: ‘Why am I doing this?’ or ‘Why am I saying this?’ or ‘Why am I behaving in this way?’ or ‘Why am I writing this?’ Whatever imaginary robes of self-righteousness we clothe ourselves in, these questions tend to undress us again...When we have gone more deeply into self-observation and self-knowledge, we simply have to give up a lot of the manifestations of the self-love, disguised as something genuine.” V. 2, p. 476 

LAUGHING AT ONESELF

“Now one way to attack the self-love is through self-observation.
. . . It is wonderful to catch a glimpse of your self-love and be able to laugh at it. One loses the former highly-explosive over-sensitive feeling of ‘I’ more and more. That means more balance. That means becoming softer.” V. 5, p. 1604

ENDURING DEVALUATION

“It would be impossible to catch a glimpse of one’s level of Being unless one could endure it. Now the only way you can endure it is by having something else you can hold onto. If you have something else that you value and that you can hold on to and trust, you can then endure a certain amount of devaluation of yourself.” V. 2, p.509

ENDURING DEVALUATION II

“When you begin to feel your own nothingness you begin to receive the help of the Work to replace that nothingness by something. So you have to go down a long way before you begin to go up.”
V. 3, p. 878 

From - https://inner-world-books.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Gems_of_Wisdom.pdf

 

Arnold Keyserling once framed it another way as the objective capacity to 'know the kind of shit one is' in reality, as opposed to lofty conceptual ideals.

 

 

[Zigzag Idiot]

This one hit home in different ways. My self identify has been hooked to this narrative very much in the past. On the negative side, I believed women were only attracted to my family's ranch and not me. A few times, ideal, genuine potential partners would let it be known they were interested in me but I would refuse to acknowledge it. The kind of ,,,  i need to ignore this situation because this is just too good to be true. Sometimes I would sabotage the potential relationship in other ways. My behavior made no sense at all. This was a real fear based situation that created neuronal networks and so it tended to persist. For a certain period of life, it was a situation of where I hated women for being objects of desire. "Sick boy" as Ken Wilber puts it.

A Journaler a few months ago hinted at the idea that I was 'cock blocking' myself. Since then, this hint has helped me to see this aspect in myself. I used to be really cynical in the past and in hindsight often sabotaged my relationships with the opposite sex. My cynicism was a form of feeding on negativity that I stayed blind to. I feel that I came close to becoming a true psychopath in the past. Perhaps for a time, I've been an intermittent psychopath.

 

I think Jessi was referring to a character in this show, The Last Alaskans. I haven't  watched any episodes in a couple of years.

 

Edited February 1, 2020 by Zigzag Idiot
Typo

[Zigzag Idiot]

From -

I got my chart done. Let me see if it will paste here,,,,

https://astro.cafeastrology.com/natal.php

 

 

[Zigzag Idiot]

                                                         TMI

This is my mixture of stardust. Some of it is right on. I haven't even read all of it yet.

 

  Natal Chart Report

 

What follows is your personal natal chart information, as well as interpretations of the positions and aspects in your chart.

With this report, you'll find out the positions of the planets in your natal chart by sign. The most personal of these are the Sun sign, Moon sign, Mercury sign, Venus sign, and Mars sign. Most people already know their Sun sign. If your time of birth is known, you will also find out your Ascendant, or rising sign, as well as the positions of the planets in the houses of your chart. Aspects between the planets are also listed and interpreted.

If the birth time is unknown, we cannot know the Ascendant or house positions. The natal chart shown here is an Aries chart in that case. Additionally, you may not know the Moon sign for certain. This is because the Moon changes signs approximately every 2-1/2 days. Less probable but still possible is a change of signs for the other planets and luminaries, depending on the planet itself (for example, the Sun changes signs every 30 days or so).

Each paragraph of interpretation refers to an individual position in your chart. All of these positions and aspects are some of the "parts" that make up a "whole"--you! Some of these interpretations will be contradictory, just as people are contradictory. A person can be timid in love and aggressive in business, for example. As well, we evolve and grow throughout our lives, facing challenges that help us to handle our positions and aspects in a different way. We all have choices, and one of the major benefits of astrology is the chance to understand ourselves so that we can work with our natal charts and improve ourselves. Any computerized report that interprets the individual placements in a natal chart is somewhat disjointed, simply because the different parts that make up the whole are not synthesized.

Some of the interpretations are more detailed than others. You can use this as a starting point and do some further reading about different positions (such as Moon in Libra, Saturn in the 10th house, Moon conjunct Mercury) in your chart by exploring our own site, other astrology sites, and by reading astrology books.

The tables show the technical details of your natal chart, personalized based on your birth data. Below the tables, you'll find your free birth chart report.

 

Planet Positions, Ascendant, & Houses

The following table shows the position of the planets in your chart, by sign and degree. You will also find the sign of your Ascendant and the signs on the cusp of each house in your natal chart only if the birth time is known. The Roman Numerals refer to the houses, where the Ascendant is also the first house and the Midheaven is also the tenth house. For example, if the sign Taurus is next to Mars, you know your Mars is in Taurus. If the sign Libra is next to Venus, you know your Venus is in Libra. If Cancer is next to Ascendant, you have a Cancer Ascendant, and if Leo is next to II, Leo is on your 2nd house.

masculine3 fire3

feminine7 earth5

cardinal1 air0

fixed4 water2

mutable5  

 

Aspects

The following table shows the planetary aspects in your natal chart. Interpretations of these factors are found below. The numbers listed under the column "Value" serve as a relative rating system for each aspect and are determined based on the planets involved, the aspect type, and the orb of influence. Negative values suggest more stressful or challenging influences while positive numbers show more flowing, easy energy.

 

The Sun

The Sun represents vitality, a sense of individuality, and outward-shining creative energy.
 

The Sun is in Virgo

It is rare to find the stereotypical nitpicky, exacting, "clean freak" in modern-day Virgos. Although the sign of Virgo has evolved with the times, there are some unmistakable traits that remain. Virgo people are generally respectable, hard-working individuals who have a love of knowledge and know-how. 

Virgo's symbol, the Virgin, shows itself in the lives of Virgos through a love of all that is "natural" and a certain purity of spirit that keeps Virgos self-sufficient and self-contained, at least on the surface. Virgos are sensitive to their surroundings, and they tend to embarrass easily. They are generally reticent when faced with anything or anyone new. However, once they feel comfortable, they can talk up a storm. Many Virgo Suns are not too comfortable in the limelight. These types are just fine living in the background, as long as they feel useful and appreciated. Solar Virgos have a strong sense of responsibility. Even when they've convinced themselves to be irresponsible about something or the other, they worry about it. 

Not all Virgos are workaholics. However, when Solar Virgos are not involved in some kind of project, there is generally a vague feeling of discontent. Even when their lives are filled up with work, they are restless and somewhat nervous creatures. The fear of under-performing is often strong. Virgos want to do things well. Some are exacting and thorough, and those Virgos who have convinced themselves to do a less-than-perfect job will generally feel incomplete. There's an odd combination of the intellectual and the practical in Virgo that is sometimes mistaken for coolness. In fact, Virgos are often self-effacing and shy. They'll brush off your compliments quickly and, sometimes, critically; but don't let that fool you. They need your respect and appreciation. In fact, the happiest Virgos are the ones who feel appreciated and useful. Add plenty of worthwhile projects to keep them busy, and Virgos can be some of the sweetest, kindest people around.

Keywords: analytical, intelligent, reserved, critical, helpful, conscientious.

Virgo with ascendant Capricorn
 

Sun in VIII: The Sun is in the eighth house

You have a great urge to go farther or deeper into life every step of the way. You want to experience more, and your desires are both powerful and intense. It is hard for you to find satisfaction in common experiences, and you have magnetic power if you choose to use it wisely. You are fascinated with what lies under the surface, and at some point in your life, self-improvement is a big interest. You are attracted to unexplored or taboo areas of life, and you avoid all things superficial. Financial problems may ease after marriage.

249 Conjunction between the Sun and Mercury

Because your ego and your mind are usually on the same page, you possess much mental energy. You are always in a position to think about what you want, and in many ways, this is an interruption of the will. You are highly intelligent with a great drive to communicate with other. You invest a lot of pride in your intellectual capacities. You may not always listen as well as you speak, however! You might be too busy thinking about what to say next. But you are very curious and although you enjoy expressing yourself, you usually don't dominate conversations completely.

As far as studying or learning goes, you are better off reading the material than listening to a teacher. These traits come from a strong need to take an active role in communications. It is very hard for you to passively listen and absorb information. 

Your opinions are usually strong and you are an independent thinker. You tend to be proud of your opinions and thoughts, and might easily get a bruised ego if you are not "heard", if your opinions are pushed aside or ignored, or if your opinions are criticized. You are expressive and possibly a very animated speaker. You are also very witty and others enjoy your playful and sometimes mischievous sense of humor.

179 Conjunction between the Sun and Venus

Social relationships are extremely important to you. You are generally charming with an easy-going manner. It is generally quite important to you that you are personally popular, to come across in a pleasant way, and to be liked and appreciated. Sometimes, vanity is part of the package. Venus is a peace-making, harmony-loving planet, and those with Sun conjunct Venus do their best to seek peace and harmony. You are diplomatic and a veritable expert at smoothing over (and sometimes glossing over) problems. You are openhanded with others, tolerant and accepting. When expressed negatively, you can be superficial and two-faced, and you can be very much tied up with appearances--your own, and sometimes others'. You might be too agreeable, too pleasant (at the expense of honesty), and downright lazy at times.

You have a fine eye for style and enjoy pleasing surroundings. You generally dress well and enjoy a certain amount of luxury. You are gracious, romantic, and sometimes romantically impulsive. You tend to rely on the power of attraction to bring people to you, rather than aggressively pursuing love interests. There can be some vanity involved here--you are most attracted to people who express interest in you, or who respond well to your charms! You are not the type of person who overtly pursues people who appear to be indifferent to you.

You are not competitive in the aggressive sense of the word, and you are not someone who loves a good chase. Instead, you work your charms and draw people to you. Your ability to attract others (Venus) is very much tied up with your ego (Sun). Because Venus rules all things feminine, all those with this aspect tend to be quite attractive. 

79 Trine betwen the Sun and Ascendant

It is easy and natural for you to be received well by others. There is a distinct air of authority and magnanimity surrounding you. The authority you project generally doesn't offend others, generally because sincerity is sensed at the same time. Most people would describe you as natural, easy to like, and friendly. You may have a marked interest in the performing arts and/or sports and games, both as a spectator and participant. This is an especially favorable aspect to have for those who are in the public eye.
 

The Moon

The Moon represents the emotional responses, unconscious pre-destination, and the self-image. The Moon represents the emotions, and the Moon sign shows how a person expresses themselves when at home, at ease, and comfortable.
 

The Moon is in Leo

Depending on other positions in the chart, Moon in Leo people are not necessarily outgoing. When they feel comfortable, they do like being the center of attention. That is, they like being in the "spotlight" in the comfort of their own homes and with family and friends. They enjoy entertaining others, and often take on the role of comic. Lunar Leos often feel a need to organize, and even control, their families and friends. They have an inner mission to set things right, and generally like to oversee the goings-on in their little circle. 

This is a rather creative position of the Moon. At the very least, Moon in Leo people want to create and entertain. They can be rather lazy at times, and a little bossy too. Generally, though, they have a deep need to treat others fairly and justly. Lunar Leos require lots and lots of love and care in order to function well in the world. When they feel slighted, these people can be dramatic in their emotional displays. When their pride has been hurt, they are given to big scenes and sulking. This rarely happens in public, however. Lunar Leos are far too concerned about their image to make splashy scenes outside the comfort of their own homes. In public, they prefer to take things in dignified ways. At home, however, they're given to big displays of emotional drama. These scenes generally don't last too long, however. Lunar Leos are often personally popular folk who are valued for their integrity and strong sense of justice. Generally, it is easy to reason with a Lunar Lion. Appealing to their well-developed sense of fairness usually works well. 

Short description:

He is brave, knowing how to take risks and possessing the courage of his convictions, honest, imposing, and sharp. He has a great sense of, and respect for, justice. Organizational sense. Selectivity with friends but is not overly influenced by them. Taste for splendor.

Potential issues: changing and numerous affections. Emotionally demanding and proud. Brooding when attention is not forthcoming.
 

Moon in VII: The Moon is in the seventh house

Partnership can be very important for him, for better or for worse. He works well in business relationships, especially partnerships.

You are drawn to partnerships and prefer to have a companion for emotional support. You are not a person who would happily take in a movie by yourself, or dine alone, for example. A partner awakens feelings in you that you may never know you had, and you seem to need a partner to learn about your own needs and feelings. Emotional fulfillment is sought through relationships, but you may have many relationships one after another, each time believing that this is "the one". Taking time between relationships is something that is hard for you to do, but quite necessary, as you tend to jump into relationships out of fear of being alone. You are very adaptable to others' needs, and usually quite likeable as a result. Be careful that you don't become overly dependent on a partner, or assume that a partner is going to treat you the same way as you do them.

7 Trine between the Moon and Saturn

He controls his feelings. He has a strong sense of duty and self-esteem. Very prudent. He can concentrate on a long-term task, manual or intellectual, with success. He perseveres and is serious in most things he does, but is humorous, satirical, steadfast, and upright.
 

Mercury

Mercury represents communication, Cartesian and logical spirit.
 

Mercury is in Virgo

He likes to discuss, deduce, and judge. He reasons logically and accurately. He may spend a lot of time on practical matters and keeping things in order. Sometimes nitpicky and nervous, secretly feeling he handles matters better than others. 
 

Mercury in VIII: Mercury is in the eighth house

He likes research, investigations, inquiries. Studies well.

He is fascinated with all that is unexplored, mysterious, taboo, secret, and psychological. He loves research and has a great mind. He wants to know the motivation behind what people do. May have a good mind for financial strategies. He may be tormented at night, unable to turn off the mind to rest deeply at times. 

You speak with authority and others listen, having strong persuasive powers which should be used carefully. You tend to feel that everything we do and experience has a purpose. You have a great, investigative, and penetrating mind and you are excellent at developing strategies, as well as communicating them with others.

174 Conjunction between Mercury - Uranus

He is perspicacious, ingenious. He binds intelligence and originality together with genius. He likes literature, especially fiction. He is spontaneous in his friendships and knows how to turn situations around positively.

345 Conjunction between Mercury - Pluto

He has a great sense of observation and quickly grasps and sizes up the situation. He is crafty, subtle, and perceptive.
 

Venus

Venus represents an interest in emotions and values, exchange, and sharing with others.
 

Venus is in Virgo

Venus in Virgo people are not the flirtatious sort. Instead, their appeal lies in their dedication, their willingness to work on the relationship, and to make the relationship work in real terms. Unlike Venus in Leo, they won't try to impress you with grand gifts or promises. Their gifts are less showy, but perhaps far more generous -- gifts of devotion and attention to details about you. Venus in Virgo natives quietly (and often slowly) make their way into your heart. They are quite sensitive in love -- even insecure -- and this reserved, loner-like quality is part of their appeal. They prefer to play it safe in their relationships, and they need to be confident that you like them before they make a move. They are great listeners and they make it a habit to observe and learn all of your ins and outs. Their love can be of the Kindergarten variety -- they show they care by nagging or criticizing. Remember, though, that they are not trying to hurt you when they are pointing out the flaws in your thinking, plans, or even character. They truly are trying to help! Venus in Virgo is attracted to nondescript people who have largely gone unnoticed. Show-offs and know-it-alls turn them off.

Pleasing Venus in Virgo involves showing you appreciate them for all the little things they do -- and they do a lot. The problem is, they do these things so quietly that you may not always notice or credit them for all these kind gestures. They do need some space (after all, they're generally quite busy making everything work), so give it to them. Be genuine, not ostentatious. They are really not difficult to please after you have taken care of these basic needs. Avoid pushing your friends or family on them too fast -- remember they are a little shy. They aim to please, and are easily intimidated by your experiences. Let them know how much you value them, and they will reward you with devotion and a charming willingness to talk things out. 

Short description: 

He is very devoted, but may not always show emotions; he doesn't always let himself go, either through fear of ridicule or through fear of not being loved in return as much as he loves. He is therefore sometimes too undemonstrative. May give off the sense that his love is not for free. Caring but worries that he is not exciting enough. Careful with money.
 

Venus in VIII: Venus is in the eighth house

Not frightened by the unknown. Sometimes this position means he has a peaceful and happy or natural end of life. Possible inheritance.

Intensity is what you seek in your love relationships, so that casual encounters are not necessarily your game. You are easily bored with mechanical interactions between partners, and might prefer drama in your relationships to anything mundane or superficial. However, you also fear being vulnerable in love, and, in youth, you may control your emotions in love. Fears of being betrayed may be at the heart of your somewhat jealous and possessive nature in love. When you give yourself over to love, you love wholeheartedly and expect all-consuming, total devotion and attention in return. You find passion a healing force in your life. Your charm runs deep--just below the surface. You are attracted to all that is taboo, hidden, forbidden, and find beauty in the broken, disenchanted, obsessed, and passionate. In some cases, people with this position might make a business out of love, romance, and eroticism. There is an intensity about you that others pick up readily. Either they run or they are completely intrigued! 

7 Trine between Venus - Lilith

This aspect suggests charm, beauty, attracting others by his magnetism. He is intense in love. Feelings are complicated. There can be brooding. However, he is inclined to embrace, accept, and understand the darker side of his nature.

11 Trine between Venus and the North Node

This aspect indicates diplomacy and attractiveness. There is a certain luck in meeting others at the right times. There is skill in harmonizing and much desire to cooperate rather than compete.

22 Trine between Venus - Ascendant

He likes everything beautiful, the Arts, balance, and harmony. He is amiable and sociable. He likes entertainment and has a loving nature.
 

Mars

Mars represents the desire for action and physical energy.
 

Mars is in Scorpio

Mars in Scorpio natives love to challenge themselves to do the impossible. They throw themselves into what they decide to do with concentrated energy and awesome willpower. These people make formidable opponents, although often quietly so. They keep their cool and their equilibrium on the surface. Below the surface may be another story, and they are unlikely to easily let you in. Mars in Scorpio has the potential to exploit others--these people see through others, and rely heavily on their gut feelings. The sexual stamina of this position is thought to be the strongest of all the positions of Mars. Sometimes, Mars in Scorpio people are attracted to taboos, and their fantasies may involve blowing the taboos to smithereens! They enjoy scenarios in which the "other" is giving in to them, wants them completely, and will do absolutely anything for them. And, their sexual appeal is strong enough that they generally do get what they want. 

They find it difficult to share their partners, though they will likely never admit this. In stark contrast to Mars in Libra, who is most comfortable with the middle ground, Mars in Scorpio has a black-or-white philosophy of life. These are the people who say, "Just choose!" They really are not comfortable with compromise--what kind of satisfaction could you possibly get from compromise? Real living, to Mars in Scorpio, is all about accepting challenges and making changes. These people constantly test themselves, and, often, others. They make all kinds of rules and goals, just for the personal satisfaction that comes from achieving or mastering them. Their survival instincts are strong, and they embrace their own animal nature when they are all alone with themselves, without guilt.

These people have a provocative quality to them. This quality is usually most evident in youth, though it is often carried over into adulthood in more subtle, controlled ways. Mars in Scorpio natives who have low self-esteem can become mighty twisted. Instead of beating themselves up, they turn self-loathing outward, and end up manipulating others and feeling resentful. While Mars in Libra is constantly striving to bring fairness to the world, Mars in Scorpio knows that life simply isn't fair. 
 

Mars in XI: Mars is in the eleventh house

He achieves his ambitions. He is impulsive and presses on sometimes without thinking. He starts something new without necessarily finishing the previous job. He likes to dominate and may lack diplomacy at times where friends and professional relations are concerned.

-57 Square between Mars - Jupiter

He often refuses to accept any guidance. He can sometimes lack forethought, acting impulsively and sometimes imprudently, which can cause problems. He wants everything yesterday and might use whatever means necessary to achieve his objectives, even if questionable. His emotional life can be fraught with quarrels and or conflicts due to quick, passionate reactions. He can be very enthusiastic and hopeful.

219 Sextile between Mars - Uranus

He posseses exceptional energy. He is impulsive but bold. He may take on risky enterprises for the good of the community. He will often pour tremendous energy into an endeavor. He has a great need for his independence, insisting on his freedom of action. Very open to new methods and different ways of doing things. Progressive and courageous. An innovator.

340 Conjunction between Mars - Neptune

His feelings are dominated by wisdom, intuition, and instinct and geared towards the ideal. He likes water, sea voyages. He likes odd people, situations. Can often use a gentle approach to pursuing desires.

13 Sextile between Mars - Pluto

He is ambitious with a great capacity for work and effort, self-confidence, and determination. Will stick it out to the end with his plans.

You are committed, determined, and passionate. For you, it's all or nothing, and you are baffled by, and possibly impatient with, others who do things only halfway or half-heartedly. You are usually quite decisive, and often unwavering once committed. You are certainly a passionate person and you possess a fascinating and commanding aura. 

You are generally confident about your own talents. You employ strategy when you are going after something, and you are very talented at this, saving time and energy. You're naturally very resourceful and usually quite persistent when pursuing a goal. You are a wonderful person to be around when there's a crisis. Very little fazes you, and you're especially effective when circumstances call for a leader.
 

Jupiter

Jupiter represents expansion and grace.
 

Jupiter is in Leo

He attracts the most good fortune when he expresses magnanimity, is generous with others, inspires confidence in those around him, conducts himself with dignity and sincerity, while also avoiding the pitfall of excessive egotism. Prosperous areas are creative ones, entertainment, children, and recreation. Takes pride in everything he does. Generosity brings success.
 

Jupiter in VIII: Jupiter is in the eighth house

He is interested in the occult. Partnership can help financially, the spouse having money or resources. May easily gain support.

-58 Square between Jupiter - Neptune

He is easily influenced. He is a dreamer, perhaps allowing himself to be seduced by others' fine words which are not always sincere or by a new imagined plan that may not materialize. He does not see wickedness right away, preferring to give the benefit of the doubt, but can often be duped by others due to a philosophy that one should trust in people until they prove themselves untrustworthy.

7 Trine between Jupiter - Lilith

He could meet a partner much wealthier than himself. Good sexual understanding.
 

Saturn

Saturn represents contraction and effort.
 

Saturn is in Aries

Self-consciousness can be a problem. Must learn to develop self-confidence. Is bothered by a "me-first" attitude in others, but must learn that "me-first" is sometimes necessary, in moderation.
 

Saturn in III: Saturn is in the third house

His studies may be restricted. He is serious, discrete. He takes on mental tasks that require time and concentration. He may travel little even though he likes it. He may have few friends, who are, however, very close.

-6 Square between Saturn - Ascendant

His life can be difficult and cramped. He is hard-working, but success takes time. He may have problems with being open, without self-consciousness. He may accept solitude rather than look for solutions. Family problems.
 

Uranus

Uranus represents individual liberty, egoistic liberty.
 

Uranus in Virgo

Interested in nutrition, open to new ways of doing a job or working a schedule. He seeks alternative healing methods, treatments, and methods. He does not immediately trust a strict or overly traditional approach to health and work. He can have some troubles accessing his intuition since logic and rationality often dominate.
 

Uranus in VIII: Uranus is in the eighth house

He is interested in antiquity, archaeology, history. His financial situation has its highs and lows, which an inheritance can help out.

61 Sextile between Uranus - Neptune

He can be wildly creative with an odd but happy sense of humor and perspective. He is an idealist, easily disappointed by those using power plays to advance.

100 Conjunction between Uranus - Pluto

He fights to improve his daily life, he is persevering.
 

Neptune

Neptune represents transcendental liberty, non-egoistic liberty.
 

Neptune is in Scorpio

Willing to look beyond the superficial. May confuse intensity and compassion.
 

Neptune in X: Neptune is in the tenth house

He is a very idealistic person, preferring to see his ideals, hopes, and dreams made concrete and real in the everyday world. He is driven to put ideals into action. He has great ambition, which sometimes can be taken to obsessive levels. He may always want to check work already done, as he is terrified of being less than perfect.

39 Sextile between Neptune - Pluto

He is perceptive and able to see layers to a situation. He is naturally drawn to learning what makes himself and others tick.
 

Pluto

Pluto represents transformations, mutations, and elimination. 
 

Pluto is in Virgo

Research and investigation come naturally. May worry about health.
 

Lilith

Black Moon Lilith represents our darker, deeper natures that may be repressed or buried. 
 

Lilith in Aries

There can be some fear of taking the lead, asserting oneself, and making executive decisions. These things need to be learned in this lifetime, and when integrated and accepted, it can be empowering.

-35 Conjunction between Lilith - Lunar Node

He instinctively knows that connecting with his deeper or darker nature in empowering ways will help him grow, evolve, and advance. Jealousy is seen as human and helpful for illuminating his deeper desires.
 

North Node-South Node

The South Node represents our overdeveloped character traits. We are talented here but if we overdo this area of life or hold onto these traits to feel secure, we may stagnate. The North Node points to the qualities that we need to work on and develop to achieve inner balance and fulfillment.
 

North Node in Aries

He is brilliant at mediating and cooperating but in the first half of life, he learns many lessons regarding codependency, indecision, and fear of making errors or striking out independently, perhaps the hard way. For happiness and success, he must discover and embrace his independence and build confidence in his decisions. Qualities to develop: self-confidence, assertiveness, decisiveness.
 

North Node in IV: North Node in the Fourth House

His path is to allow himself to be vulnerable, and from time to time, release the need to feel in control and on top of things. Once he does let others in, his life improves. Fixing his home life can enhance his career. Qualities to develop: nurturing and trust, tenderness, willingness to be vulnerable or to accept support.
 

The Houses

House I is the area of self identity. The ascendant is a symbol of how one acts in life. It is the image of the personality as seen by others, and the attitude that one has towards life.

Virgo with ascendant Capricorn
 

Ascendant is Capricorn

There's a seriousness to Capricorn rising people that is unmistakable. Even when they're joking around, it's of the deadpan variety. In fact, plenty of very humorous people have Capricorn Ascendants. It's all in the timing...and the fact that they don't giggle before the joke is over. Capricorn Ascendant people project competence. They simply ooze it. They're generally very image-conscious people--the clothes they wear and their manner are a big deal to them. They want to appear successful, and they generally succeed! Often the Ascendant persona is the one that was forced upon us by family conditioning. For example, parents may label their Libra Ascendant child the "nice" one; their Aries Ascendant child the "independent" one; and their Pisces Ascendant child is generally the space cadet of the family. We adopt these roles as familiar ones, and often carry them with us as our defense mechanisms, in some way or another, for the rest of our lives. In the case of Capricorn Ascendants, these were the children who were considered the responsible ones. Sometimes, it was they themselves who looked around them and felt the need to be the structured, dependable, and responsible members of the family. So, often, Capricorn rising people adopted a strong sense of tradition, family, and responsibility at a very young age.

Capricorn rising people are generally big on family, and forever worry about security--for themselves and their dependents. They come across to others as hard-working, competent, and dependable people. What others may not see under that cool, even suave, exterior, is an inner struggle: they often ask themselves, "Am I doing enough?", "Do I deserve all of this?", "How can I make things better?" They worry a lot about the future. If success seemed to have come easy to these folks, it hasn't. They just made it look that way with a patient, hard-working, driven personality. Some Capricorn rising people practice some form of self-denial. They know how to do away with the frivolous. Still, they'll spend money on the clothes they really want (the ones with the right labels, that is), and other status symbols. Although they're rarely showy, their quiet air of success is often a result of conscious effort. More often than not, Capricorn rising individuals are success stories. Their childhoods may have been difficult, but they slowly but surely turn their lives around. Saturn rules this Ascendant, and this generally means a kind of backwards way of living--as children, they are serious and bear a lot of responsibility; and as they grow up, they age beautifully, learning how to loosen up. 

House II - the second house - is the area of material security and values. It rules money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions.

Aquarius on House II

Success in professional life won't take place without the help of friends and protectors. While he may earn enormous amounts, he can lose almost as much. Best financial success through networking with others. Might succeed in business on the internet. Most profitable businesses may be unusual or innovative ones. Efforts should be made to better organize finances.

House III - the third house - is the area of social and intellectual learning.

Pisces on House III

Ideas are somewhat changeable, and his humor as well. Travel, sea voyages or work connected with the sea.

House IV - the fourth house - is the area of home, family, roots, and deep emotions/sense of self-worth.

Aries on House IV

Lots of authority within the family. He knows how to take the destiny of the family in hand, to take charge. He is very energetic, very strong, knowing how to cope with life's setbacks.

House V - the fifth house - is the area of creative self-expression, romance, entertainment, children, and gambling.

Taurus on House V

A pleasant home, a charming partner, loving and sweet children, nice little meals, pleasant evenings with the loved one -- the good life.

House VI - the sixth house - is the area of learning by material transaction.

Gemini on House VI

Good assistant, sales rep, jack of all trades. Weak point: the nerves, sometimes also the lungs.

House VII - the seventh house - is the area of one-to-one relationships such as marriage and partnership, and of social and intellectual action.

Cancer on House VII

This can point to a rather strong marriage or partnership, a nice little family. The partner may not always be easy to live with due to moodiness.

House VIII - the eighth house - is the area of emotional security and of security of the soul.

Leo on House VIII

He should probably watch for a tendency to want to control joint resources, but he can be generous with others. Proud. It's wise to have regular check-ups on the heart and arteries.

House IX - the ninth house - is the area of learning that shapes the identity.

Virgo on House IX

He is devoted to all causes that bring comfort or help to people in difficulty. 

House X - the tenth house - is the area of material action. The Midheaven represents the work one will do in one's life, the place one will take in the world of society. It becomes more important as one grows older.

Libra on House X

Contacts of all kinds will lead to social success, professional, through marriage, etc. He likes society life, friendships that could help professionally. Sometimes jobs connected with justice, but frequently involved with important and influential people.

House XI - the eleventh house - is the area of search for social and intellectual security.

Scorpio on House XI

He likes to debate endlessly with friends who don't share his ideas. The discussion can lead to words or even verbal sparring.

House XII - the twelfth house - is the area of education and of emotion. This is where we meet our karma, deal with endings, and sometimes where we bury things.

Sagittarius on House XII

Problems abroad, or with foreigners, or flight abroad, exile is possible in extreme cases.

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Zigzag Idiot]

This is interesting. 

Im watching it for a second time.

[Zigzag Idiot]

                                                                        Dealing with bullies

I heard a friend of mine once respond - "I'm not a chickenshit, I've just got henhouse ways." He dealt with bullies with humor.

 

I'm not a big guy. 5'8" 140 lbs. My mentor growing up was 10 years older. He is about the same kind of build as me, though. In response to a challenge from a mean drunk in a bar one time,  he was reported to have said, after a long pause -,,,,,    "Now don't whip my ass, unless you feel like you just absolutely have to do it."

I wasn't present at the event, but I've always gotten tickled when I remember the story.

 

An unrelated funny I thought of earlier today was Winston Churchill's description of human history -

"It's just one damn thing after another,,,"

 

 

 

 

[Zigzag Idiot]

                               Unrequited love

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unrequited_love

I remember reading about how experiencing intense unrequited love will often result in a quicker than normal, growth of Being. At the moment, I can't remember the book or the Author, though.

 

               Cannabis use and its effect on the dream world

I came out of the closet as a frequent cannabis user a couple of months ago in case you missed it.

Everytime i completely quit cannabis, some of the results became predictable. 

Irritability for the first few days and then a richness in dream life reappears. After having my system cleaned out and I return to cannabis use, paranoia then comes on strong in the beginning, in short episodes. The higher my tolerance becomes, though, the less I experience paranoia and eventually the more functional is my interactions with the world.

 

I like the explanations McKenna  makes about how cannabis use affects the dream life. 

 

 

                                                                Meditation 

Twenty minutes twice a day is sufficient for affecting one's neuronal networks. 

I call my practice of Centering Prayer - "Doing a sit"  Doing a sit involves letting go of thoughts.

Using a timer helps the process.  Touching base with objectless awareness is good medicine. For anyone wanting clear instructions on the process and the how and why of doing Centering Prayer, this particular YouTube is very good.

 

 

[Zigzag Idiot]

Carol Anthony also uses the term collective ego in The Oracle of the Cosmic Way.

Transpersonal psychologist Charles Tart coined the phrase "cultural consensus trance" to describe spiritual sleep. My experience is that this condition isn't overcome all at once. It's a drawn out process of 'waking up' and then falling back into reactivity and spiritual sleep.

This is a part of the yo yo in degree of Being

 

Collective Ego Quotes

Quotes tagged as "collective-ego"  Showing 1-1 of 1

“The only abyss that exists is the demonic sphere of consciousness created by the erroneous ideas and beliefs of the collective ego.” 
― Carol Anthony

 

Looking back over our lives, it seems to me that this question — although only rarely brought to the forefront of our consciousness — determines most decisions and choices we make after entering our early twenties: By that time we will have adopted a major self-image that is supposed to be the answer to our life’s purpose: it may be the self-image of “the avid learner,” “the dedicated wife” or “the good husband,” “the researcher,” “the explorer,” "the doctor," etc..

The fact that we generally attempt to define our life's purpose in terms of a positive self-image gives us reason to question whether such an attempt has any Cosmic validity; or, whether it is one of those illusory goals that come from the collective ego that trap us in an endless pursuit to find a place in society.   

When we realize that the attainment of every much-admired self-image requires enormous energy in striving to perfect it, often leading us to the point of exhaustion and to alienation from Cosmic protection and help, we don't need to look further for the answer as to where the idea of “seeking for the purpose of our lives” originates. It is a mistaken idea that causes us to doubt our true place in the Cosmos.

How then does the Sage define that true place that each of us has in the Cosmos? 

The Sage has explained to us that the overarching Cosmic purpose is to increase the Cosmic Consciousness and its expression in form. “Its expression in form” refers to its expression in the multitudinous forms of Nature and in a Culture that is created in accord with the Cosmic Principles of Harmony. Every human being is born with a unique combination of gifts and talents. Our contribution to the overarching Cosmic purpose consists in bringing that unique combination of gifts and talents to expression. This is the definition of true creativity. There is a danger in viewing creativity as something that needs to fit either into the frames of “usefulness” or “good for nothing,” when those ideas of what is useful are mainly defined by the collective ego. Only by giving our gifts and talents free play — without censorship — can true creativity unfold.

[Zigzag Idiot]

                                   The power of sitting with it.

C. Bourgeault says at 30:33 - "If all you can do is wave to yourself as you 'go over the waterfall', you've at least done something,,,"  About whenever we become hooked by emotional reactivity.

The power of Witness Consciousness can eat/dissolve self importance, inflation, 'peacock feathers', as well as acedia, anger, self pity, confusion,,, etc.,,

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acedia

 

A little bit of Castaneda-

Self-importance is another thing that must be dropped, just like personal history. The world around us is very mysterious. It doesn't yield its secrets easily. Now we are concerned with losing self-importance. As long as you feel that you are the most important thing in the world you cannot really appreciate the world around you. You are like a horse with blinders, all you see is yourself apart from everything else.

      Self-importance is our greatest enemy. Think about it--what weakens us is feeling offended by the deeds and misdeeds of our fellow men. Our self-importance requires that we spend most of our lives offended by someone.

      Every effort should be made to eradicate self-importance from the lives of warriors. Without self-importance we are invulnerable.

     The idea of death is the only thing that can give sorcerers courage. Strange, isn't it? It gives sorcerers the courage to be cunning without being conceited, and above all it gives them courage to be ruthless without being self-important.
      Sorcerers stalk themselves in order to break the power of their obsessions. There are many ways of stalking oneself. If you don't want to use the idea of your death, you can use poems to stalk yourself.

 

[Zigzag Idiot]

                                                 You are a luminous egg

 

Both Castaneda and Ocke de Boer write about us as luminous eggs.  This is a Seers description of our lower astral bodies, perhaps. I just added the adjective - 'lower', you should know.  It seems this way but it may not be. 

I don't experience all of this. Just a part of it. The experience of having a clean atmosphere in the luminous egg is being completely present and having all of my attention collected. As Jesus puts it in ACIM, you then "have your being". Interacting with the cultural ego results sometimes in my egg getting holes in it. My attention gets dispersed when there holes in my energy egg and my atmosphere is polluted. If I fall completely out of Witness Consciousness, the egg stays in disrepair until I remember myself. It could be 2 days, 2 months or 2 years. That's the danger of 'sleep'.

Luminous implies light from within.

This came to me just now in a google search.

I've observed the degree of my being, the being I have, fluctuates. This was a teaching from Contemporary Christian Contemplative Phd. Rev. Cynthia Bourgeault which she called The yo yo of Being. This was 2 or 3 years ago.

Witnessing awareness affects this emotional/psychological  yo yo of Being energy. 

Don't take my word for it. See if you can observe this phenomena in your inner world.

[Zigzag Idiot]

?‍♂️Stupidity is its own punishment. = A crushed analogy generalizing about the concept of sin. I've repeatedly experienced  this subjective realization.

What kind of shit have I gotten myself into?

May be a good question to ponder concerning the hijacking of essence by false personality. The required journey of developing an ego and then transcending it. 

 

In going to order Diamonds from Heaven I discovered a comprehensive two volume set from Stan Grof just released back in August. In peddling my soul to Amazon Prime, I'll have them all by Wednesday.

[Zigzag Idiot]

A H Almaas's book specifically on Inquiry. SPACECRUSIER INQUIRY. In this book he invites the reader to discover for themselves "the optimizing thrust of Being". On my 3rd or 4th rereading it finally sunk in and registered when he referred to what he calls the Diamond Guidance as another name for the Holy Spirit.

 

My copy is slightly used.

 

The Angel of Revelation

In other traditions, the Diamond Guidance is sometimes called the angel of revelation, the holy spirit that brings the word or message from the source. It is the angel that guides us to Beingness that is our ground, our nature, our source. It is the true friend, the total friend, because the Guidance’s only concern is for you as a soul to go back to your source, to be who and what you can be, with total acceptance, total support, total guidance, total kindness. The soul needs to place herself in the right attitude for this kind of blessing to come. You have to do the work of correctly orienting yourself. Basically this means harmonizing your consciousness with the mode of presence and operation of the Guidance. This is what we are exploring when we discuss inquiry – the right orientation, the right posture, the ways of being and functioning that will invite the Guidance. 

Spacecruiser Inquiry, pg. 223

 

His book The Void-  is a thin, intense, little book. The more messed up a person is, such as as in arrested development. The better the chances are for waking up. One of those counterintuitive things. It hinges on one's capacity for sitting with uncomfortable issues. Deficient states can then transform into spacious felt qualities of essence or beingness.

 

 

Deficient Emptiness Depends on the Vulnerability of the Personality Structure

The sense of deficient emptiness depends on how vulnerable or incomplete the personality structure is. For normal and neurotic structures -- where there is a stable sense of identity -- the deficiency is very much unconscious and successfully defended against. For those with severe mental disorders, the weaknesses or rips in their structures expose them more readily to this deficient emptiness and the anxieties and pains accompanying it or in reaction to it. 

The Void, pg. 128

 

https://www.diamondapproach.org/glossary/refinery_phrases/diamond-guidance

https://www.diamondapproach.org/glossary/refinery_phrases/deficient-emptiness

 

 

[Zigzag Idiot]

                                   Life is too short to waste it on boring sex

 

Negativity kills sex energy faster than anything.

Quickie sex is energy depleting,  just like engaging in shameful masturbation. You can do anything you want as long as you're present while you do it. Just say no to boring sex if you would rather masturbate. Be honest and present whatever you do.

[Zigzag Idiot]

 

[Zigzag Idiot]

I remember pissing and moaning to my father several times over the fast pace of life we maintained. What the hell man? 2 or 3 small businesses besides the ranch. We were always going ninety to nothing through all four seasons. The constant concern I felt about my fathers bank debt growing up and working my ass off added to felt need for dissociation I sought through alcohol and drugs. I didn't really take up reading books until I was in my early twenties as at least a fairly beneficial form of dissociation. Doing my time in the nervous hospital right out of high school,,,,, I stayed poor most of my life. Not many options other than farm laborer, jack of all trades, go and do whatever was being pointed at. Putting out whatever was the hottest fire, so to speak. Go go go go go go go Goddamnit! 

Borrowed $10,000 from the bank for three years and bought a neighbors trailer house. Paid it off in two. I've always hated debt and borrowed money. We moved it down the highway one Sunday morning with 'the big tractor'. 

Go go go go go go go go go go.

One time in the mid 90's in the horse-barn my father turned to me and said "When I die, I want to be in full stride and I hope my nose plows up the ground. I'm not going to slow down."

In my mind I'm sure it was something like -fuckgodamnitfuckyfuckgodamnit. The Rolling Stones song 19th nervous breakdown held a special significance for me.

I can't say I wasn't brought up right, though. In hindsight I can see I was definately brought up right. I just didn't appreciate it.

I had no idea. I did,, but I didn't,,,

 

 

[fridjonk]

 

 

 

 

11 hours ago, Zigzag Idiot said:

Not many options other than farm laborer, jack of all trades, go and do whatever was being pointed at. Putting out whatever was the hottest fire, so to speak. Go go go go go go go Goddamnit! 

@Zigzag Idiot I'm exactly the same man, I've lived on my grandpas and uncle's farm most of my life. I'm from the city and live here legally. But I kind of spent all of my childhood on the farm and lived there for the past 4-5 years, working in construction, electricity, and farming. You learn a lot from doing that type of work. Wouldn't have had it any other way, and I'm sure you agree. As we both found our way here. 

You're always welcome if you visit Iceland.