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Post by I AM the Way on Sept 17, 2011 0:47:47 GMT -6
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Post by Ny'obstaresh on Sept 17, 2011 1:02:28 GMT -6
Exaltations! An inspiring new piece.
Ia! Ia! Cthulhu fhtagn!
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Post by dudetyson on Sept 17, 2011 15:32:36 GMT -6
"Self-Deification, the journey towards Godhood."
I think a lot of Satanists define self-deification as simply placing yourself as the moral center of your universe, rather than the immense increase in consciousness and power that comes with your definition. I like this self-deification as upward striving rather than self-deification as mere self-selection (though that is a sort of starting point).
"This essential self is a hidden thing, inactive, shadowed like a seed planted in darkness, waiting to break free like the Great Old Ones!"
I'm beginning to see the Mythos/4th Way connection more, though I think it's basically the same connection as the Mythos/LHP connection. Subtract some of the hostility to darkness and insanity, the 4th Way is basically a technical guidebook of the LHP life. (My love of the Dark Side seems to be my only difference with what I am seeing in "Possible Evolution"; I agree about repressing *expression* of negative emotion, in the stereotypical sense of having childish tantrums or giving up, but never actually renouncing the emotion. To be always self-pitying, but never acting like it.)
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Post by darkprism on Sept 18, 2011 15:28:22 GMT -6
Small distractions like the hum of the smoothie machine or other annoyances of daily life can not only be the things that keep us asleep, if we allow them, but also the things that can potentially act as a catalyst to becoming more self aware. If we Self Observed every time we became annoyed at something we would be that much closer to integrating these teachings into our lives.
If we get to a point where the little things in life cease to bother us nearly as much as they use to, then I propose what might be helpful would be using other people's annoyances that they display openly as a cue to struggle with it.
Very helpful essay, Brother Satanis!
When the Stars are Right!
Dark Prism
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Post by I AM the Way on Sept 18, 2011 17:35:39 GMT -6
Yes, that's probably the most obvious meaning we can extract. What else in that parable can be investigated?
Awake!
VS
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Post by sin on Sept 18, 2011 18:42:56 GMT -6
"The message is clear. My critique would be brutal. I will refrain from such an approach and say that I'm reminded of a line from the Case of H.P. Lovecraft, in which the narrator states (eloquently) that HPL learned how to tell story properly. He took cues from Poe, in which he delivers the climax at the beginning, and tells the story of its means through a strange journey that leaves the reader in absolute horror. Pushing people to move, takes more than what you've delivered here. I would consider this a rough draft, and I urge you to work in it, as if Green is the color of your will." My commentary posted on FB. From here, just some generalized thoughts. The clearest message, is that what we imagine, is not always desired. It takes working at it, experimenting that gets the desired results. This may take observing things on the macrocosm as well as the microcosm before taking any action on our own behalf. Even then, there is no assurance that things will work out as we plan, until we are aware of all the influences, obstacles, and the mechanized plan of attack the average person takes. It will take extraordinary measures, and seeing things with a new pair of eyes. For getting the lay of the land, is all about perception. You can certainly build a soul, that becomes your own arch nemesis. The Jihad, has always been within but what is within is surely without. The Noble Eight Fold Path, could be used as a guide (among many guides). See: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Noble_Eightfold_Path (if you are not familiar) Right understanding Right intention Right speech Right action Right livelihood Right effort Right mindfulness Right meditation There is a reason, this path is represented by the wheel. With the turning of the wheel, the acquisition is the right knowledge that leads to liberation. This liberation, is akin to what some refer to as illumination. BUT, even the wheel must be destroyed or else you stagnate and remain in a perpetual motion. *What* each person is liberated from is individual, but there are some common factors that we all share. We suffer in similar ways, and share similar obstacles. The 'deification' implies, that man is becoming more than he is today. Closer to what one imagines the qualities attached to a god; however this does not mean that we do not hold divinity within us, it is when its realized that we live better than we ever had before.
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Post by I AM the Way on Sept 18, 2011 18:57:55 GMT -6
Yes, Lovecraft occasionally hinted at the eventual climax in the opening of his stories, but mostly this was a general kind of philosophizing which somehow related to the singular impression which Lovecraft was trying to create.
You're saying I should have put the climax at the beginning? Is that your main criticism? I'm just trying to understand. You know that the first part of "Our Viridescent Teaching" was a parable, right? Do you feel that the same principles apply to short fiction?
The rest of your post sounds like parallel sentiments which could be formed into your own essay, rather than a critique of mine. I do appreciate the feedback, however. Thank you.
Awake!
VS
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Post by sin on Sept 18, 2011 19:03:24 GMT -6
Yes, Lovecraft occasionally hinted at the eventual climax in the opening of his stories, but mostly this was a general kind of philosophizing which somehow related to the singular impression which Lovecraft was trying to create.
You're saying I should have put the climax at the beginning? Is that your main criticism? I'm just trying to understand. You know that the first part of "Our Viridescent Teaching" was a parable, right? Do you feel that the same principles apply to short fiction?
The rest of your post sounds like parallel sentiments which could be formed into your own essay, rather than a critique of mine. I do appreciate the feedback, however. Thank you.
Awake!
VS
No, not necessarily - it just seemed to get off to a really slow start, and the by the middle of the essay the ideas you are attempting to convey become more prominent. With all the symbolism to pull from, a smoothie? Yes, I realize the beginning is parable, but your choice of parables just made the essay rather weak in the beginning. It doesn't really take flight from the start - which was my main point about HPL's style of writing. Just my critique, like I said the overall message is pretty clear to me. My general statements, were really in response to your question formed after others had commented.
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Post by Ny'obstaresh on Sept 18, 2011 23:28:12 GMT -6
I have to say I enjoyed the Smoothie Parable. I happened to be in a rather affable mood when I read it and the overall light-heartedness of the beginning made it quite accessible. My only criticism would be that it seems to lack the darkness too, which one would expect from a Cult claiming to represent slime, blood and sorcery. A little tame. But like I have said, I did find the overall effect of the opening piece to be accessible as well as clear, which is valuable when trying to introduce others to these Teachings.
Ia! Ia! Cthulhu fhtagn!
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Post by wren on Sept 19, 2011 11:18:14 GMT -6
I thought the softness of a story was a nice touch, showing how even in the pleasantness of doing something enjoyable (even as mundane as drinking a smoothie) we still tend to make issues out of nothing. The story's everyday nature resonated with me, because I tend to have an 'I' that likes to complain about everything, and even a small reminder of self-observation is still a reminder. But reading something from the mind of Lord Satanis without a tentacled story was an odd feeling. Awake!
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Post by I AM the Way on Sept 19, 2011 12:20:57 GMT -6
Yeah, you got me there, guys. Thinking about it from that perspective, the smoothie parable isn't really in keeping with our ichorous tradition. I guess I was trying to do something outrageous, which, for me anyway, is writing about a blended fruit drink. Did the (non)weirdness keep people reading or turn people off? Maybe it's too early to say...
Some of the inspiration might have been from a couple people here on the forum. The dude rainbowveins who was going on and on about our "lack of fruit", as well as, the seriously disturbed warmonger transhumanism who probably thinks it's an affront to the Dark Gods themselves to write about a subject as silly as a man trying to make a smoothie. This couple should probably not have been my inspiration at all... considering the fact that they are not Cultists and never will be (unless radical changes are made).
Lesson learned. Next time, I'll keep it ghoulish. In the meantime, please do re-post the link for others to read. Might make a decent introduction to smoothie enthusiasts.
www.cultofcthulhu.net/2011/09/our-viridescent-teaching/
Awake!
VS
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Post by Apsara Kamalli on Sept 19, 2011 19:43:13 GMT -6
The clearest message, is that what we imagine, is not always desired. It takes working at it, experimenting that gets the desired results. This may take observing things on the macrocosm as well as the microcosm before taking any action on our own behalf. Even then, there is no assurance that things will work out as we plan, until we are aware of all the influences, obstacles, and the mechanized plan of attack the average person takes. It will take extraordinary measures, and seeing things with a new pair of eyes. For getting the lay of the land, is all about perception. You can certainly build a soul, that becomes your own arch nemesis. The Jihad, has always been within but what is within is surely without. I agree with this. Even with keen awareness of Self, there are times when the outcome does not meet our initial intention or expectations. We go at something, sometimes even with ritual or spell work, and we put forth a very narrow set of expectations that represent our "will" not realizing that this narrow-mindedness can actually limit our experience and development of soul. I'm not saying that you should set forth without the determination to manifest your will. What I am saying is that in doing so, remain open to all of the possibilities of your manifestation. As for the essay itself? I think you are just taking Gurdjieff's ideas and giving new examples to explain them. Nothing too profound or original. That's what most of us are doing. How have your experiences with these expressed ideas made an impact on your expectations or development of Self? On a side note, I am thinking about buying a smoothie machine now. Awake! Apsara Kamalli Esoteric Herald of the Old Gods Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by sin on Sept 21, 2011 10:13:25 GMT -6
Yeah, you got me there, guys. Thinking about it from that perspective, the smoothie parable isn't really in keeping with our ichorous tradition. I guess I was trying to do something outrageous, which, for me anyway, is writing about a blended fruit drink. Did the (non)weirdness keep people reading or turn people off? Maybe it's too early to say...
Some of the inspiration might have been from a couple people here on the forum. The dude rainbowveins who was going on and on about our "lack of fruit", as well as, the seriously disturbed warmonger transhumanism who probably thinks it's an affront to the Dark Gods themselves to write about a subject as silly as a man trying to make a smoothie. This couple should probably not have been my inspiration at all... considering the fact that they are not Cultists and never will be (unless radical changes are made).
Lesson learned. Next time, I'll keep it ghoulish. In the meantime, please do re-post the link for others to read. Might make a decent introduction to smoothie enthusiasts.
www.cultofcthulhu.net/2011/09/our-viridescent-teaching/
Awake!
VS
Ahhh I was wondering if there was an influence there, seeing we were going on about fruit lately. That coupled with Alex's blogs about food, your diet regime to keep fit and bam! We have a smoothie parable. Wtf wold Cthulhu say? *giggles* Believe me when I say, I had my hands in cuffs to keep from being too rough and tumble about it. Glad to see the feedback from everyone is helpful. And I still think the overall message is pretty clear - even to a person not well-studied. You can certainly stew on it a bit, and come out with an update (I do that sometimes myself). I'll keep it in tact for my propaganda mag - it will still be a useful essay. If I get the 'Smoothie wtf?' response, I can usually just say one word and people go oohhhhhhh: VENGER. CS
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Post by sin on Sept 21, 2011 10:17:33 GMT -6
I'm not saying that you should set forth without the determination to manifest your will. What I am saying is that in doing so, remain open to all of the possibilities of your manifestation. Apsara Kamalli Esoteric Herald of the Old Gods Cult of Cthulhu I agree. Right on Apsara.
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Post by talek on Sept 25, 2011 0:28:34 GMT -6
Interesting essay and great comments, for I am not well studied. My take away was a reminder to be self observant, that sometimes one may think he is at a certain point in development, and overlooks his or hers' center point, a reminder to find the center of your I's, an initial point to work from. When Cora'Sahn added the ingredient of the noble eight fold path to the smoothie in her critique, it enriched and made the perfect blend. Excellent, the Cult of Cthulhu shall never die!
Awake!
Talek Esoteric Herald of the Old Gods Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by sin on Sept 26, 2011 6:39:46 GMT -6
This was my primary critique, that in spite of not being well versed in the many layers that make up the cult paradigm, the message was clear to the layman. If there is any assistance I can offer to aid you in study, please do let me know. CS
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Post by talek on Sept 26, 2011 11:10:09 GMT -6
Priestess of R'lyeh Cora'Sahn, Thank you, for offering your assistance, I will. If I may quote from an earlier work of yours :
The Cult of Cthulhu Objective By Cora’Sahn, Wizard of the Terrible Darkness Cult of Cthulhu
Q: What is the ultimate goal of the COC? A: To devour all things and create perfections in all forms.
In practical application, how does one devour all things? This leaves a lot to examine, as well as interpret. Personally, when I consider ‘devouring’ something I imagine a feasting frenzy. I can only assume this was intended to mean that in order to create ‘perfections’ we must assimilate, or gobble up as much information as possible. This synchronizes well with ‘Ia Ia!’ as ‘I Hunger’. Then we move on to the ‘perfection’ aspect of the statement. What is perfect? How does one perfect something? I can’t help but see how highly subjective this statement is. What one man sees as flawed, another may see as perfection. Perhaps its intention is to communicate that what each cultists imagines is perfect, he or she should assimilate as much knowledge and experience as possible to reach his/her own goal for perfection.
The main focus of the COC is to self-examine, this statement provokes the reader to closely examine the statement, as well as themselves to seek answers to rising questions. Will the answer change? I’d imagine it would with the evolution of thought, but does that mean it changes the COC objective? I don’t think it does. The COC is unique in that it does not require conformity to ideas, and individualism is fostered rather than stifled. If the objective becomes so obscure that there is no universal answer – how can we be certain what the objective is? I think the answer is fairly simple but at the same time complex. If each of us holds our own ideas about what we are striving for, but they follow a common theme – there doesn’t leave much room for conflict within the organization itself. We can agree with our fellow cultists as well as Venger Satanis; we are all right, and we are all wrong. Some where in the eldritch chaos, comes organization of thought. unquote <>
To me personally, this excellent essay you forumlated in October 2008, says it all. I Know that the Cult of Cthulhu objectives and goals overall may change, but for me as an Individual Cultist, this is a great starting point, to place my thoughts, to observe myself, to SELF EXAMINE, which gives me the right frame of Mind. Over all, I believe this last quote, says this perfectly aboult us as individuals and the Cult of Cthulhu: we are all right, and we are all wrong. Some where in the eldritch chaos, comes organization of thought.
May my hunger and thirst for the Viridescent Teaching never die, for the Virdescent Teaching eternally lies.
Again thank you Priestess of R'lyeh Cora'Sahn.
‘Ia Ia!’ as ‘I Hunger’!
AWAKE!
Talek Esoteric Herald of the Old Gods Cult of Cthulhu
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Post by sin on Sept 26, 2011 13:15:26 GMT -6
An oldie, but a goodie.
I neglected to add that to our Cult Wiki, because I feel as though the 'cult' as a whole may have a varying objective, but the primary goal of the cult paradigm is to direct your attention FIRST to yourself, and Second to what impact YOU have on your environment and the people around you. How can you use that? How can others use you to their benefit?
Perhaps, I was in err when I decided not to add it and I should reconsider this. Thank you for bringing this to my attention.
See? You are giving me stuff already! *smirk*
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