Post by KittyLane on May 18, 2007 16:04:06 GMT -5
Why did you pick your handle?
Well, "Occult Christ" is a Book by Ted Andrews. The Full Title is "The Occult Christ: Hidden and Mystical Secrets of Christianity" ...when I
first started learning about Christian Mysticism and Gnosticism that was one of the First Books I picked up. So, It is kind of a reflection in my own little way..the excitement I had for taking responsibility for my spirituality and for opening up a new volume of my life.
Also, I see my Spirituality as a reflection of the two words "Occult" ( Searching for Hidden/Secret Knowledge) and "Christ" (Obviously Yeshua/Jesus ..but Also, I see "Christ" as a Entity. I do not think Jesus was THE Christ..but I think he had THE Christ Spirit IN Him. I see the "Christ-Spirit" as nothing more than the Spirit of the Divine ... or Enlightenment) -- So its a mixture of searching for Knowledge Hidden or Otherwise and also striving to "reach Enlightenment"
What path do you follow?
I hate Labels I really do.
The Best I can describe is Ecclectic..a Mixture of Christian Mysticism, Gnostic Thought with Neo-Pagan Practices and Magickal Practices.
And, I have a few books laying around about world relgions and Bhuddism and Hinduism.
I see my spirituality as a flexibly entity that is able to adapt and assimulate new information. I veiw all Spirituality's as Valid so as Such I want to learn about as much as I can and to experience as much as I can..I want to feel as much of the Love of the Divine as I can.
How long have you been following it?
I think all my life, I grew up in the mainstream Church...but when I was growing up I felt like there was more out there than what I was being told. I lingered and urged to go out and be the propetual Seeker.
However, When I turned 18 ..and "Legally" Responsible for myself where my parents had no control over what spiritual information I came into contact with..I went out and started learning all I could.
Im almost 20, I started researching Paganism and Gnosticism and Mystical Aspects shortly after i turned 18 so its been almost 2 years now...but as far as Practicing its only been about a year. so Ive studied for 2 years but only practiced for about one. and though I've came a long long way...I still feel like I have a long way to go.
Religion/Spirituality is a Journey not a Destination.
Does it effect you everyday life?
I think It does.
I've learned to appreciate Nature more, I feel like I do not have to confine my Worship to a small building and a big thick book. That if I want to commune with the Divine, with Deity..with the gods and Yeshua all I have to do is get out there in the woods. get outside and stare up at the clouds and admire the awe of nature..and by doing that.. I feel as if I am worshipping the Divine..I do not have to mumbles some words while I bow my head to pray..I can simply admire the beauty of Nature and stand awe-inspired and that is my Prayer for the day.
Also, I see everyday a New-ager or a Pagan come out ..I never noticed that before i started practicing...but now I am able to spot a Pentacle Or Triquatra Necklass from a mile away.
But for every person that is open minded, I come across some Closed Minded People as well.
One Example: I was in the break room of my job waiting to start my shift..and I was reading a Book on the Kabbalah...and I got asked what it was about and when I did my best to tell them..they kind of have me a strange look and sit there in silence for a minute..then moved on and noticed my necklass that I always wear (A Cross Necklass with a Pentacle in the center of it) and the Co-Worker was like "Okay, I see the Cross..But....What is with that "666" Symbol on it?" So I Did my best job educating about the Pentacle/Pentagram - The Elements, The Divine Feminine, Protection Symbol, And even went as far as to remind them that early Christians Used it to represent the 5 wounds of Christ. Well, then they turned to another Co-Worker and they both started having a conversation about the King James Bible is the "True" Word of God and this and that. I just shook my head and went to start my shift.
So It has affected my Life, in comming across people who have a hard time comming to terms with what I believe out of Confusion or at times Sheer Hostility.
How do you integrate your beliefs in your daily life?
See Above.
But also, I've learned to respect women more (I already respected them before) but seeing the Divine in a Different light with a Goddess and God Figure..it has really helped me in reshaping the role of Women. I appreciate them more, I respect them a bit more..Im not a Feminist or anything..but Ithink that everyone should be due equal rights and oppurtunities.
Has PaganMystics effected your life?
Of Course, I came here from the Myspace Forums and What not..where I would get bashed for my beliefs in the gods and yeshua...and came here where everyone was open minded and accepting of me and was a true Friend to me. I felt like Ifinally found a spot where I belonged.
What is your current occupation?
A college Student ( At Least Trying to be..hah)
And I work at a Grocery Store as a Cashier and Occassional Grocery Department Stocker.
What would be your dream job?
Either a Career in Law Enforcement, A Sociology/ Relgious Studies Professor, or some form of Pagan Rights Activist.
What did you want to be?
Growing up I originally wanted to be a Navy Fighter Pilot, I dunno why really I was obsessed with it..and anything Military Related..I wanted to defend freedom and Save People. When I got to High School and Realized MAth wasnt my strong suit I quickly changed career Ideas..I still wanted it to be Military Related..I went trough a Two Year Vocational Course on Criminial Justice..so I could Be an MP. But that went down the drain when the Summer before I started my Senior Year of High School..I was Diagnosed as a Diabetic. so since i had that serious Medical Condition the Military wouldn't take me.
Dreams for the future?
Graduate College Hopefully, Get Married , have a great career I love and am able to be Financially "Set", and have a kid or two.
What was your favorite childhood game?
Cops and Robbers, or Monopoly
If you could have any animal (mythical or otherwise) as a pet, what would it be?
A Liger (Cross Between a Lion and a Tiger) Just cause that would be awesome.
What are 5 words that your partner/friends would use to describe you? 5 words you would use?
Well I'm filled with Duality.
I can be Sweet, Caring, Sensitive, Loving, Nice, and Thoughtful
But, at times I can be a Grouchy, Self-Centered, Arrogant, Whiney
ANd other times I can be Loud and fun loving, pleasure seeking, and very very very Romantic.
I guess thats just the Leo in me though.
What do you do to relax?
Read, Watch T.V./Movies, Play Video Games, Sleep, and Learning..somehow Learning about different things relaxes me.
What is your favorite date/ night out?
A Dinner and a Movie. Or a Picknic and Nature Watching.
How do you express yourself?
Through Blogging, Writing, and Message Boards.
My Favorite Online Passtime when not talking to Pagans on Message boards is to talk on Christian message boards and debate. theres one that I was invited to I guess they thought they could "Save my Soul" or something...but so far I think i've made them second guess a Little Bit.
I dont do it out of meanness or Spite. I do my best to respect all Relgious Belief even ones I do not agree with. I do it because they like putting me on the spot alot of times so whats turn about is fair play. Plus I like to make people think. I like debate when done respectfully and inteligently. I figure if they want me to defend my position..then I should use my History Class Knowledge and the Knowledge I procured from my Early Christian History Class to put them on the spot as well..Respectfully ofCourse.
What is it, specifically that you have the hardest time with as far as your faith is concerned?
Probably My "ADD" Kicks in and makes it hard for me to quiet my mind to meditate.
and, Also I am too Content..Like right now I see nothing I need to work on or change..so when it comes to spell crafting I do not feel the need for me to personally do it. I see Spell Crafting and Spells as Enhanced Prayer. and being too content as I am, I do not need to use it to better anything in my life. the Only Magick I really use is Ritual Magick (casting Circle, Elements ect.) and I do that only when I feel a need. and thats usually when practicing with the group that I practice with for Sabbat Rituals and What Not.
And Also, I believe in Natural Magick and the Properties of Herbs and Stones..and I use that alot...to create "Protection/GoodLuck" Charm Bags or whatnot. but as far as spellcrafting I dont really touch it...I would really like to one day..but im too content..lol
What is your take on the "Gods?" (polytheist, monotheist, ect.) Why?
I Basicly believe in a God and a Goddess Figure. I believe all the gods and goddesses of the world (Even the ones from Monothesistic relgions) all Exist and are Valid.
When I call to a Deity I do not call on a Specific one unless I have a specific God or Goddess in mind...I usually call on an Archetype or Attributes I desire..and let the god(s) come forth on its own accord.
Theres a Quote I found once it says "There is Absolutey Truth in all Relgions, but Absolutle Truth in None of them."
Another Quote is, "And so we ask for peace for the gods of our fathers, for the gods of our native land. It is reasonable that whatever each of us worships is really to be considered one and the same. We gaze up at the same stars, the sky covers us all, the same universe compasses us. What does it matter what practical systems we adopt in our search for the truth. Not by one avenue only can we arrive at so tremendous a secret." --- Symmachus, Quintus Aurelius
Even though I believe in Multiple Deities and Believe that they are unique and Indivdual in their own right -- I see them as well as Spiritual Figures *The Bhudda, Mohammed, Yeshua/Jesus* as being inter-connected at a Universal Source. I call this the "Universal-Divine Energy" Where I believe all the worlds dieties started. I've coined the phrase "Mono-PolyTheism"
That may not make sense to any of you..but it works for me, Lol.
Please add anything of interest about yourself.
My Major in College in Sociology with a Minor in Psychology I also, take the occassional Random Philosophy course.
I Graduated from a Vocationasl School Program in Criminal Justice I recieved the 2nd highest certificate..I had the ranks of Lieutenant and Seargent..I was Lieutenant the Longest at 1 1/2 years.
I am a Reiki 1 Practioner, I would like to get my 2nd degree attunement and eventually my Master Attunement.
Uhm, I dunno really what elese to say and I've probably rambled on enough in my responses. Thank you for givine my the opputunity to be in this edition of the "Member Spotlight" I really enjoyed it. anything else you'd like to ask me then just ask away.
Thank you very much.
I hope BlackWolf's Responses were more entertaining then my ramblings
Namaste~
and Blessed Be!
-Paul/ TheOccultChrist