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Post by I AM the Way on Feb 28, 2012 9:18:50 GMT -6
Besides writing an Ascension essay and participating in various group activities / discussions, I'd like Cultists to answer the following three-part essay question...
In your own words, define being. Describe its qualities and importance within the Cult of Cthulhu. Write down how individuals, especially yourself, should go about raising their level of being.
Awake!
VS
This is one of the reasons I love the COC,ust as you figure out stuff to the best of your satisfaction, they ask you for more info which makes you go um..good point and questions...now how am I going to answer this in my own words and am I being truthful with my words (instead of just agreeing with people and have no substance to back it up) and how do I already apply it to my life and if not why not. Loki Dreaming I'm glad you recognize the worth of this exercise. Every once in awhile, I ask myself this question: "What am I having trouble with?" If there's a tricky wrung on the ladder to negotiate, then I can only assume that others have similar difficulty.
As I've said elsewhere on the CoC social network, the concept of "being" is sometimes overlooked... besides its combination with knowledge to create understanding.
Also, just the act of writing your thoughts out will actually change your thinking. This is the same phenomenon as observing an experiment will change the result. Conscious attention weakens reality so that it can become more malleable. Higher consciousness is the gnosis portion of every magic formula: intent, gnosis, and will.
Awake!
VS
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Post by Verins'Sharaz on Mar 9, 2012 12:32:32 GMT -6
I just caught the tail end of this discussion. I like the quantum additive in it as this is such an important factor to highlight as it is the bridge between physical science and metaphysical science.
In my opinion, Being is our personal context of the moment. When observed with focused attention, it reveals how best to apply our will to affect a situation. What we perceive, we create, therefore, our state of "being" is malleable based on our preconceptions. Being is never a static state, but changes based on environmental and personal influences from moment to moment.
Within the context of the Fourth Way, our "I's" have a profound effect on our state of being. As we are pulled in different directions based on the whims of our diverse "I's", our state of being changes based on the focus of our mind. If our mind is fixated on gratifying an "I", then our state of being will reflect this desire and will color our perceptions until that "I" is satisfied. Once gratification is attained, our state of being changes yet again to reflect this fleeting satisfaction until another "I" makes its needs all encompassing.
The importance of Being is important to the cause of the Cult of Cthulhu cannot be understated. If we put ourselves in a state of being for Awakening, using the influence of the "I's" that are dedicated to our evolution, then Awakening becomes more efficient and easier. Even though, the task becomes easier when in this frame of mind, it does not mean that the task itself is easy. Awakening, even for the experienced, is a matter of effort and struggle.
Evolution happens through conflict. If we establish a state of being for ourselves that creates tension between divergent "I's", it gives our constructive "I's" the opportunity to create an Awakening experience. While these may not last a long time, the fact that we are able to create them is yet another step on the journey. We can create these "tension states of being" by frequently changing our approach when dealing with situations. The more diverse our approaches, the more they will come into conflict with our predetermined functionalities. Through this process, we create new pathways and destroy them on a regular basis; this creates a constant state of flux that makes it more difficult for "I's" to become ingrained and allows the Master "I's" the opportunity to evolve our Work and progress our Awakening process.
Belief is reality!
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Post by I AM the Way on Mar 9, 2012 13:09:26 GMT -6
A strong post, brother Verins'Sharaz. But there was one short sentence I wanted to give special attention...
That idea is so fundamental, so vast I think it gets overlooked much of the time. It is the basis for intentional suffering or conscious suffering. Who can tell me why?
Some of our 'I's have no other function but to look for ways to avoid conflict. That is not conflict resolution, it's conflict avoidance! Know the difference between the two.
Awake!
VS
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Post by Verins'Sharaz on Mar 9, 2012 13:53:59 GMT -6
Thank you for your comments, Brother Satanis! Intentional suffering and conscious suffering are fundamental. It is the difference between action and reaction. To choose to endure suffering is a conscious action, while simply enduring it because one feels it is unavoidable is a reaction and therefore, mechanical. Evolution is impossible without conscious action and the conscious choice to accept the struggle to attain it. Without this, Awakening is impossible!
Remember yourself, for the Emerald Kingdom is at hand!
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Post by Verins'Sharaz on Mar 15, 2012 9:08:48 GMT -6
As I was reading last night for my Adult Development and Life Assessment class, I came across a section in my text that I thought would be relative to this discussion. It discusses personality psychology and the idea of traits and how those traits effect behavior. There is also a web address to a test you can take that will evaluate which trait influence your personality and in what ways. I feel this reading is valuable as we were discussing Being and how different approaches to a situation can create conflict between the "I's" which can inspire an Awakening experience. If we allow ourselves to think in the realm of "traits", I feel it will allow us to better observe the interactions of our machine with the various situations we are faced with and help us to see where we can create tension to Awaken... "One of the pioneers of personality research was Gordon Allport (1897–1967). Allport suggested that, although we all have some highly individual traits, people share some general, common traits. Like an upside down tree, related traits branch off each common trait. For instance, the larger branches of "extroversion" are connected to smaller branches of sociability, leadership, and involvement with others. After a good deal of disagreement about what were the most important personality traits, psychologists have generally accepted the "Big Five." Each has its own characteristic attitudes and beliefs, and people may be ranked on a continuum on each one. The acronym OCEAN can help you remember the five traits: Openness to Experience. This trait takes in intelligence, imagination, an inquiring mind, openness to new ideas and points of view, values, and experiences. Those high on this trait show less rigidity when faced with unfamiliar people, events, and experiences. They are more likely to try new foods, for instance. Those low on this scale tend to be unimaginative, conservative, conventional, and not creative or curious about the world. Conscientiousness. This trait is measured through specific traits like dependability, trustworthiness, hard work, ambition, honesty, a strong sense of purpose, and self-discipline, among others (McCrae, Costa, Ostendorf, & Angleitner, 1999; Hunt, 1994). Those low on the scale tend to be lazy, disorganized, uncaring, and lack perseverance. This trait tends to change as people mature and show more responsibility—like coming to class on time! Extraversion. With its opposite being introversion, this is the overall trait name for more specific traits like sociability, social activity, involvement with others, forming social networks, free expression of opinions, enjoyment of talk, and leadership, among others. Those with lower ranking on this trait tend to be quiet and emotionally reserved, serious, and passive. Successful salespeople generally score high on this trait. Agreeableness. We see this trait in our desire to be liked, to cooperate with others, even defer to others, and to avoid conflict. Other related traits include altruism, trust in others, sociability, and likability. Those scoring low on this trait tend to be more critical of others, angry, suspicious, and argumentative. You may know individuals who tend to always look for the positive in others and seem to be less judgmental. They would score higher in agreeableness. Neuroticism. People ranking high in this trait have a negative opinion of themselves and their abilities. Allied traits are emotionalism, adjustment, emotional instability, pessimism, and the tendency toward being a perfectionist. They are worriers, always looking for the next shoe to drop. High neuroticism scores are associated with hostility, self-consciousness, depression, impulsiveness, and feelings of vulnerability. Those scoring low on this scale tend to be less emotional, secure in themselves, calm, and even tempered. Psychologists try to use these five stable mega-traits of personality to predict how people will behave in a variety of situations. For example, if a person high in conscientiousness saw someone drop money on the street, the expectation is that the person would give it back. The picture isn’t that clear, however. While that person may return money that people drop every time, he may also sneak into a theater or cheat on his taxes. If you would like to take a free personality test that includes the "Big Five," click here: similarminds.com/big30.html ." (Witt & Mossler 2010) Witt, G.A., & Mossler, R. A. (2010). Adult development and life assessment. San Diego, CA. Bridgepoint Education, Inc. Retrieved from:( content.ashford.edu)
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Post by Shaz'rahjeem on Mar 15, 2012 19:08:13 GMT -6
Thanks for the link Verins. I find taking these test can be useful in self identifying and in turn self remembering. Having it mapped out for you to read is always helpful.
This is a favourite of mine. www.41q.com/
The first time I took it I was called an individualistic doer, then the second time some several months later I was categorized as an individualistic thinker. These things don't serve much purpose on their own, they can however be good self-reflective points.
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Post by lokidreaming on Mar 18, 2012 19:31:27 GMT -6
I would like to recommend a tip regarding Verins'Sharaz links to the personality traits tests.
After you do the test(s), you should save the link to the test and then redo the test(s) at a later date and compare the results of the two tests as the results will be different and it is an a very valuable way of assessing how yourself and the progress/lack of progress made between these two test(s).
Belief IS Reality Loki Dreaming
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Post by I AM the Way on Apr 22, 2012 15:44:05 GMT -6
Just a quick reminder: April 30th is Walpurgisnacht. This date has great significance for the Cult of Cthulhu, and that is when Ascensions are conferred upon our most ineffably vile Cultists. So, you have a week left to impress us, to prove yourself worthy. I suggest you work on your Ascension essay, your essay on "being", real world achievement, and online participation between now and May Eve.
Incidentally, we're looking for a few more contributors to donate $7 to keep these boards advertisement free. Just click on the red words at the very bottom of every forum page. As always, I'm looking for new contributors. If you've already donated $7 sometime in the last 12 months, then please allow some of our recent members to pull their own weight.
Awake!
Venger As'Nas Satanis Ipsissimus Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by oola on Apr 23, 2012 6:10:25 GMT -6
Just a quick reminder: April 30th is Walpurgisnacht. This date has great significance for the Cult of Cthulhu, and that is when Ascensions are conferred upon our most ineffably vile Cultists. So, you have a week left to impress us, to prove yourself worthy. I suggest you work on your Ascension essay, your essay on "being", real world achievement, and online participation between now and May Eve.
Incidentally, we're looking for a few more contributors to donate $7 to keep these boards advertisement free. Just click on the red words at the very bottom of every forum page. As always, I'm looking for new contributors. If you've already donated $7 sometime in the last 12 months, then please allow some of our recent members to pull their own weight.
Awake!
Venger As'Nas Satanis Ipsissimus Cult of Cthulhu
Working on both. Awake!
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Post by I AM the Way on May 1, 2012 21:37:49 GMT -6
I was going to have the Ascensions posted tonight, but then I realized that I didn't have any new Mythos artwork to spruce up the page. Give me a couple days.
Awake!
VS
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Post by sin on May 2, 2012 7:29:46 GMT -6
MOAR art!
Looking forward to it.
CS
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Post by Verins'Sharaz on May 3, 2012 0:54:27 GMT -6
Hexcellent! I cannot wait to see what you come up with, Brother Satanis! Have you taken a look at the photography suggested by Anton LaVey in his essays? I am blanking on the photographer's name, but I know the name of the book his work is in is "Command to Look". There are some fantastic photographs in that collection which the photographer accomplished using odd angles during his shoots and odd focal points. When I saw them for the first time, they totally blew my mind!
When I have a spare moment from my Computer Literacy class, I am going to see if I can find some of this work and see if I can mess with it further using gimp or paint to further its alien nature, but even on their own, these photographs are truly "hideous in their proportion and unspeakably perverse" to borrow some adjectives from the Prophet of Providence. Check them out!
When the Stars are right!
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Post by sin on May 7, 2012 10:57:40 GMT -6
Status on this?
CS
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Post by I AM the Way on May 7, 2012 15:35:30 GMT -6
It's coming. Putting the final touches on that new painting right now.
Awake!
VS
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Post by Verins'Sharaz on May 7, 2012 21:43:15 GMT -6
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Post by I AM the Way on May 9, 2012 18:55:52 GMT -6
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Post by sin on May 10, 2012 6:22:57 GMT -6
IA IA Cthulhu Cult!
Well done everyone.
CS
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Post by Deleted on May 10, 2012 14:33:14 GMT -6
Thank you !
An accomplishment as well as a signal for more efforts.
The Cult of Cthulhu shall never die.
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Post by Verins'Sharaz on May 11, 2012 9:10:18 GMT -6
Indeed, I am honored! Now, the real Work begins!
By His Loathsome Tentacles!
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Post by I AM the Way on May 13, 2012 6:42:34 GMT -6
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Post by oola on May 15, 2012 14:37:58 GMT -6
Thank you Ipsissimus!
I am completely overwhelmed with joy. I will strive to live up and beyond expectation .
[You almost had the coding right. Make sure the backslash end code is after the text you want to change.]
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Post by Deleted on May 16, 2012 0:10:17 GMT -6
Congratulations Oola, and don't forget to use the "Teal" color when you post on the forum now !
Don't worry, be happy, make efforts.
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Post by K'zin Z'tari on May 17, 2012 13:26:12 GMT -6
Thank you so much for this great honor, I am much flattered, having this rank given to me, I never though I would be rewarded with such a degree as I started working on my essay and the posts I have made in the past few months.
I have been a little under the weather lately, so comes this late post, though summer is upon us, I caught an awful cold and there are many factors which surround me in these times.
Again, I thank you, those who believed in me and supported me, it has not been easy and much more needs to be done, I have seen that some things never change, in this life, that is, but progress is not all in the physical world, and what happens beyond life and death is what will matter most int he end.
Awake
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Post by Kai'zen on May 18, 2012 17:18:39 GMT -6
I proudly receive this honor! My thanks Ipissimus Satanis.
IA! FTAGN!
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Post by I AM the Way on May 19, 2012 7:21:37 GMT -6
I proudly receive this honor! My thanks Ipissimus Satanis. IA! FTAGN! That's spelled Ipsissimus. And you're welcome.
Unfortunately, the Cult of Cthulhu has a history of honoring non-Cultists who soon turn their back to us. So, if and when you're ready to do one of the hardest things there is for a Left Hand Path walker - to submit, to follow, and to give up a piece of that anti-authoritarian independence streak which burns within you just as surely as it flames within all of us - then I hope you seriously consider becoming an official member of our religion. Working as a team, within a unit has its drawbacks, but it also has many rewards.
Awake!
VS
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Post by Verins'Sharaz on May 24, 2012 10:43:30 GMT -6
My apologies, Brother Satanis, it has been a busy time and my mind slipped a bit. It will not happen again.
When the Stars Are Right!
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Post by Kai'zen on May 25, 2012 18:55:55 GMT -6
I proudly receive this honor! My thanks Ipissimus Satanis. IA! FTAGN! That's spelled Ipsissimus. And you're welcome.
Unfortunately, the Cult of Cthulhu has a history of honoring non-Cultists who soon turn their back to us. So, if and when you're ready to do one of the hardest things there is for a Left Hand Path walker - to submit, to follow, and to give up a piece of that anti-authoritarian independence streak which burns within you just as surely as it flames within all of us - then I hope you seriously consider becoming an official member of our religion. Working as a team, within a unit has its drawbacks, but it also has many rewards.
Awake!
VS
I was under the impression that I WAS an official member, given that I am a Herald of the Old Gods, which I believe to be the first inner degree. Also, as I've explained in the past, despite the fact I submit a fairly small amount of material to the cult, I am actively involved in my own method of becoming, which by it's style means that many aspects of it cannot be affiliated with the cult, something I've also explained in previous threads. I contribute infrequently, but read almost every word that is posted here on the forums, and I have found that the level of involvement I have now is more than suitable. For the past year I've been proud to call myself a Cthulhu Cultist, and I will continue to be, title, honor, or otherwise. Also, thanks for pointing out the spelling error. I read that word every day and haven't noticed until this point.
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Post by I AM the Way on May 26, 2012 9:20:52 GMT -6
That's spelled Ipsissimus. And you're welcome.
Unfortunately, the Cult of Cthulhu has a history of honoring non-Cultists who soon turn their back to us. So, if and when you're ready to do one of the hardest things there is for a Left Hand Path walker - to submit, to follow, and to give up a piece of that anti-authoritarian independence streak which burns within you just as surely as it flames within all of us - then I hope you seriously consider becoming an official member of our religion. Working as a team, within a unit has its drawbacks, but it also has many rewards.
Awake!
VS
I was under the impression that I WAS an official member, given that I am a Herald of the Old Gods, which I believe to be the first inner degree. Also, as I've explained in the past, despite the fact I submit a fairly small amount of material to the cult, I am actively involved in my own method of becoming, which by it's style means that many aspects of it cannot be affiliated with the cult, something I've also explained in previous threads. I contribute infrequently, but read almost every word that is posted here on the forums, and I have found that the level of involvement I have now is more than suitable. For the past year I've been proud to call myself a Cthulhu Cultist, and I will continue to be, title, honor, or otherwise. Also, thanks for pointing out the spelling error. I read that word every day and haven't noticed until this point. I asked about that on the CoC social network, but never got a reply. Couldn't remember if you were a member at one time and what your current status was. In that case, you have made the ascent to Wizard of the Terrible Darkness.
Awake!
VS
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Post by Kai'zen on May 26, 2012 19:09:08 GMT -6
[teal]I see, my thanks again. I don't use the social network very often, preferring the forums, and I am something of a lurker.
I believe there is an oath that accompanies becoming a Wizard?[/teal]
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Post by lucifersman666 on Jun 15, 2012 10:42:10 GMT -6
I have spent the last few months preparing to re-enter higher education I haven't studied academically for over twenty three years and it shows in my writing skills.I dropped out of college when I was eighteen (mainly because i lived on panama city beach and it was way too much fun).I decided that if I really want to develop my true inner essence,and become a artist of power,I would need to sharpen rusty skills,so after placing well enough to enter a state university,I am satisfied.I will be majoring in English with Mass communications and minoring in music. When i first began The Work I found myself not exactly practicing the things i was reading about.Chatting o0nline with other members was informative but not actual practice,after continued study,mediation,practice in awakening and ritual i am beginning to see much change and power.All things that occur are awakening energy and can be trans-mutated into spell.as scientists have learned that gravity is actually faster than light,darkness is the tie that binds in the physical universe,so inner quarrels ,demons and dominating force of raw primal force is just as transforming as the enlightenment of truth. Now i seek to feed the light and darkness within,allowing them to both pull me gravitationally towards awakening.Comments?
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