Lala Nila

Western esotericism uses a similar concept as a grounding technique. Which also reminds me of a few Eastern techniques in where you inhale earth-qi through the soles of the feet (yonquan, bubbling spring) other texts say through the heels (heel breathing), Zhan Zhuang, etc.

This is entirely plausible and makes sense, though some Gnostics equated Yaldaboath with the sun. Saturn being the last planet in the solar system and in a more esoteric sense the keeper of time and divine essence, law and order. Kronos (Saturn) also devours his own children as it is what prophesied his own children (son) would eventually overthrow him (Zeus), soon after the Titans were in fact overthrown. So, perhaps it was less of a bumping and more of an absorption of attributes? My knowledge on Gnosticism and Judaism is pretty limited. Both are extremely complex and vast subjects wrought with many nuances, opinions, contradictions etc. It is important note that not all Gnostics equated yaldaboath/demiruge with yahweh, it's also important to note that this concept is considered heretical to both Judaism and Christianity. But an interesting discussion and exploration regardless. I really enjoy watching the Esoterica channel on Youtube, I've learned a lot from that dude. I find all religions fascinating, especially how they have shaped the world of antiquity and continue to shape our modern world. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdKst8zeh-U https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGCqv37O2Dg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mTnQ__VSQzc https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22kxcbN8B_A&t=957s My most favourite Gnostic text is Thunder, Perfect Mind and how that echoes the more modern Daughters of Fortitude.

My thoughts are this- listen to your what intuition is telling you. I'm struggling with a similar issue right now. The advice I was given went something like this "normally a prospective student should watch his prospective teacher for 12 years prior to making any vows to him." Meaning, you need to evaluate his character, look at his physical body, see how he interacts with other students, does he live his life with ethics, morality and honestly? How does he conduct his business? Does he talk about others poorly behind their backs? Is he (or she) consumed with lust, greed or other undesirable traits? Do they practice what they preach? How do their students fare-mental illness? physical illness, slobbery, death-and yes death is something to watch out for and Damo has had this issue-one of his students died of a heart attack (I read it on this forum actually just this morning on another thread.) Internal Alchemy is no joke, you can die or seriously harm yourself if done wrong. Student-Teacher relationship is also never to be taken lightly-some say your guru and you are bound forever, likely stemming from a past life. Go with your gut and listen to those who have been doing this a long time, be grateful to the advice on this forum, and learn from the mistakes of others. all the best to you.

Thanks for that quote! I believe that your teacher is correct- in a spiritual setting, yes this method is beneficial. But, sometimes we need we also need a hard lesson and hard language to motivate us or just to help us see through some illusions, the wise person will know the differences in setting and when to apply it. I love this grass analogy quite a bit!

Or maybe god is really the Demiurge- Yaldaboath creator and keeper of the material realm, trapping us here in a prison and feeding off our suffering. In that case not only do they not seem to give a darn if we know or not, but also appear to relish or gain something from suffering. Wait, I think I hear the cries of Sofia now...cough cough is that pneuma or just my cigarette smoke? I don't want to take away from the thoughtful responses above. But the point is there are many version of "god" and the devil, satan, shaytan, shaitan, heck throw hades in the mix, or even Melek Taus. I think I've read that Zoroastrianism had a major influence on the Abrahamic streams, introducing the concept of dualism (good forces battling evil forces) in the doctrines. An idea present in some Satanist sects is that you are a god- or the realization that you are inherently divine (godlike) and should worship yourself (this tends to have some wacky effects on the psyche though). That concept even sounds very similar to Sanatana Dharmism and non-dualism- the recognition that you are one with the divine, there is no separation. The divine essence is already there, you just have to realize it.

Ahhh, makes sense and happens quite a bit tbh. Psychotic, you say? maybe I'll grab some popcorn...brb His name actually reminded me of cacodemon (Greek, not gamer mythos) I wasn't sure if it was a play on that lol.

ok, thanks!

I just want to mention that I'm getting this code a lot today when trying to access the site. Not sure if is a me thing or a "you" thing Kindly advise Thanks

Atomic Habits, by James Clear is an excellent book to help build discipline. ask ChatGPT to summarize this book for you if you don't want to commit to buying, although I highly recommend. Dopamine detox is a great idea, identify the triggers, find small solutions to counter it. Don't be too hard on yourself, especially if you fail. It basically states that discipline is built over small increments over time and you build on those increments each session. So instead of saying I'm getting off the internet entirely, start small and say "I'm going to limit my browsing time to 3-4 hours today in total" then go from there. Or instead of committing to a chapter a day for a book for a month, start smaller- "I'll read 10 pages a day for for this week" I also agree with Lairg, get outside, spend time in nature, feel the soil with your hands and the breeze on your face. I also like motivational speakers- David Goggins and Jocko Willink words seem to kick my butt in gear when I'm getting lazy, especially when training. I like confrontation and harsh words at times, so that might not work for everyone

Application of Occult practices or even studies doesn't favour dabblers too much, it also requires- or demands a certain amount of mental fortitude. If you have pre-existing conditions occult studies have a way of compounded them, exposing them further. It's a way of teaching you or of warning you. It can be a mirror or a magnifier. It can liberate you or bind you further. "He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Some German Guy (Nietzsche)

Yes, I agree. Pretty great and pertinent advice in this reply thanks. I have Damo's wife's book (Daoist Neigong For Women) and practice most of the techniques therein, but it lacks a bibliography and no clues for furthering practice. Yes, the misogyny is a little frustrating especially considering one of the eight immortals was an actual (confirmed) female. I have avoided Mantak Chia and all his books, so no worries there. thanks again

Thank you so much for these links and reply. I really appreciate you taking the time to provide that information. I feel there is not too many texts out there that are specific to women and internal alchemy. I feel like I'm in my element when practising Swimming Dragon, it's almost ethereal. The movements are so graceful. I often do it at the beach, early in the morning. Some people look at me weirdly, but honestly I don't care at all- just like those elderly ladies practising Tai Chi in the park. Thank you, all the best to you and your wife as well.

I personally find Horse stance immensely beneficial not only to energetic practices but to overall stamina, muscle building and maintenance. I also like swimming dragon a lot as well, but I think that is more geared towards women, though I'm not sure.

This is interesting and I truly hope for you to find your way and forgive yourself for whatever transgressions you believe you have made as a child and thereafter. Although I recognize many flavours of "Satanism," I think some concepts might empower you more than the others. I suggest reading "Lord of the Left Hand Path" by Stephen E. Flowers, it might help reframe some concepts for you. Then I would watch Zeena's Schreck's most recent interview on Jordan Peterson's (gasp) YouTube channel, her story is inspiring and empowering. Balance in all things. Despite the many entities whisperings of sweet nothings in your ear, we always have a choice in this life- or perhaps it's precisely in spite of them.

Thank you Apech!

Yes! thank you.

Hi, I would like a Personal Practice Journal please. Not sure where else to ask edit: I also requested access to the Ladies grotto, also not sure if I need to have a minimum post count to enter or prove that I'm a female? I'm not sure how that works either Thanks in advance

Noted.

Yes, I agree with this, there are so many forums online to discus and debate politics on. I see in the rules of this particular forum that discussion of politics is not encouraged. I understand why- it's not a political form. Interesting analogy hahaha.

best keep this discussions of this nature off forum.

wow, very interesting thread, I appreciate all of the commentary especially OP's openness about the Mao Shan school. I've read a few of Jason's books Fox Magic, Practical Chinese Magic and Thunder Rites. While I found his books extremely informative I was disappointed with a lot of the imagery and lack of explaining some of some elements. The Fu talismans presented in Fox Magic for example, were pretty bad and nearly unreproducible/blurry, numerous spelling mistakes and grammatical errors which the editor should have caught prior to printing kind of annoyed me and brought into question if there were (perhaps) other important factors and possible errors in the rituals themselves. I really enjoyed Fox Magic otherwise and used some of those concepts in my personal work, but I found that Benebell Wen's Kitsune commentary and associative essay's on Queen Mother of the West more beneficial to me personally. Another example which still standout is the Thunder Magic rites. He mentions that if one has "bamboo fingers" or hands then they should definitely not even attempt the rites described in the book. Yet, he fails to tell the reader what exactly "bamboo fingers" are or at the very least how to find out if you have this quality. Just something that still sticks out to me all these years later. I decided to watch a few of his interviews, which I did like and received ok vibes from. But, yes as others noted above, he looked a little sickly for someone who cultivates. Before I attempt a system I want to know what the teacher looks like, body language, eyes, and go from there. He didn't look too good in my opinion. I still appreciate his content, but I move from a place of caution when attempting the rites described in his books. awesome thread and extremely informative.

Thanks a bunch Apech, I've got a lot out of this forum over the years and decided that maybe as a form of proper exchange I should just bite the bullet and start to comment as well. I see from some of the older posts that yes things were pretty "lively" in the past. Calm is also good. Balance in all things and all that jazz.

I totally agree with your assessment and just because not all teachings are in agreement with each other doesn't mean we can't have a respectful and lively discourse, which is important as all parties can learn from each other regardless of lineage. Having a wide perspective and trying to understand from someone else's point of view is a great skill to have and hone.

It's taken me a long time to learn to move from a place of equanimity and not to take things so personally. Thanks for the advice!

Hi Liminial_Luke, thanks for the warm regards. yes, I expect to be reprimanded at times because I'm still like a child. The friendliness between members, camaraderie and general sharing is what I really admire about this little corner of the internet. Strong opinions are good, revealing passion and fortitude in one's beliefs. Thanks again!