A Mournful Disturbance In The Force...

I had hoped that my next post here would be as I'd promised, continuing the discussion on the topic of my previous post... but alas, we've all suffered a severely terrible loss:

Our sweet princess has drowned in moonlight, strangled by her own bra...

"Remember the white dress I wore all through that film? George came up to me the first day of filming, took one look at the dress and said: 'You can't wear a bra under that dress.'

'OK, I'll bite,' I said. 'Why?' And he said: 'Because ... there's no underwear in space.'

He said it with such conviction. Like he had been to space and looked around and he didn't see any bras or panties anywhere.

He explained. 'You go into space and you become weightless. Then your body expands but your bra doesn't, so you get strangled by your own underwear.'

I think that this would make for a fantastic obituary. I tell my younger friends that no matter how I go, I want it reported that I drowned in moonlight, strangled by my own bra."

Carrie Fisher, in flight to Los Angeles, fifteen minutes before touching down, had suffered a cardiac arrest.

She received CPR on the plane, but when paramedics got to her once the plane had landed, it took them fifteen minutes more to get a pulse.

Once in the hospital ICU, things were starting to look hopeful, and shortly thereafter, her brother had reported her condition to the rest of the hopeful world as being stable... but then, on December 27th, 2016, no matter how tight all of our love could grasp, she suddenly slipped through this world's fingers.

Her Living Force has left us all to join with the Universal Force.

Carrie Fisher was a heroic force of her very own.

Her portrayal of her most famous, most constructively influential role, has served - and shall ever serve - as a source of inspiration to countless people, to myself, and to my daughter.

She showed men and boys that women and girls needn't turn masculine to outperform them in courage, tenacity, leadership, stamina and strength of spirit, and she showed women and girls the same.

Deed Doer.

Princess.

War General.

In the eyes of many, Lady Knight.

And let's not forget, in Heart of Hearts, Jedi.

In memoriam, pencilled freehand by a friend 
and fellow Jedi from the Temple, Zenchi. 

He and his artwork can be found 
via this link ----> @Zenchi66 

This Good Human Being portrayed many roles, yes... but it cannot be argued that her role in the Star Wars mythos was the most well known, well portrayed, well received, inspiring, influential, constructive, on many levels even emulated in the hearts of youthful beings everywhere, and yes, very, very dearly loved.

Fare thee well, Lady Carrie Fisher...

Fare thee well, sweet Princess Leia...

We shall forever keep you in our hearts, being warmed by the Force you've emanated into our lives' growth and vitality.

I hope you know how much we all have loved you so, and shall ever love you still...

 ...thank you, so very, very much...

 ...and may the Force be with you, always <3 ;_; <3

The Force: Part 1, An Overview of its Aspects

The Hindus called it "Prana"...

In Tibet, "Akasha"...

Some of the ancients called it "Æther"...

Occultists call it the "Aura"...

In China, "Qi/Jing", and "Qigong"... 

In Japan, "Ki"...

Western Alchemists know it by all these names, as well as by terms such as "Quintessence", "Prima Materia", and "First Matter"...

Those who prefer to use a more modern, somewhat scientific terminology, often tend to use terms such as "UEF", or "Universal Energy Field", or the "Bio-electromagnetic Field", and "Bio-electromotive Force".

One writer, who sought to draw from all the world's lores on the topic, in order to sort of "universalize" this concept, chose a fairly generic, though now apparently iconic term, "The Force".

It's a fairly obvious benefit to have a single term for all to understand, and perhaps identify with, in his works of fiction - which he created for those of most (if not all) faiths worldwide to relate to, in order to rekindle the inner spark of curiosity within them, towards life's higher mysteries, teachings, parables, lessons, paths of virtue, and overall general spirit(uality).

******* 

But before I write further on this, I should jot a few words down here on a certain important matter...

Now, while there be those who believe in the existence of (by whatever term) "the Force", they generally tend to fall into two groups. There are those who see it as both a physical phenomenon as well as a philosophical concept, both equally as binding and unifying of all life as each other... and there are those who only see it as a philosophical idea.

That's fine. To each, their own.

It might though, unsettle or even pain one, to see another wilfully lock eyes shut to the ineffable beauty of something that has been known as undeniable fact to so many beings for countless aeons... but that affords no right, for those who see, to pry open, by cunning or by force, the eyes of those who choose to remain blind.

But it is not the only disturbing thing, such pain of seeing someone choosing not to see... rather, it is admittedly more so, the feeling of being (necessarily by circumstance of their denial of reality) invalidated - even seen as archaic, non-scientific, superstitious, of inferior intelligence, worthy of pity, deserving of ridicule and disdain, etc. - if one is seen by them as being among those who know and understand these subtler sciences - which they may refuse to see as anything other than utterly ridiculous.

THIS... as frustratingly unfair a feeling as this can be, must not be allowed to fester within us. It makes no difference how one who chooses wilful ignorance would judge us. They just don't know, and, in fact, insist upon not doing so.

Just let it go. 

In turn, this should *NEVER* be seen by us as any reason or justification to judge them, either - we shouldn't see them as inferior, stupid, not as far along the path as we, or any of the like.

If we must settle our minds upon what to think of these peers, these fellows of the Human Family, these relatives of ours, then let it be enough to see that they are on a path, as we all are, which continues on.

That all of us, whoever we are, are wrong about a great many things until we find out truths along the path, which we use to right ourselves... and just rest on the knowledge that they, like we all, will find theirs - in their own time - and be done with it.

We do not need validation in these matters by anyone or anything, aside from by the Force, and it's Source.

But I've digressed far enough...

*******

The Force (as regards the physical phenomenon), and it's aspects, can be explained/described using any of the ancient terms above, but also with the terminology of modern science. In particular, the branch which deals with the Grand Unified Theory. This deals with something today's modern science terms the Superforce, or rather, to a much larger degree, those forces which, at or around the time of the Big Bang, had branched forth into becoming the Four Forces.

The Four Forces of the Grand Unified Theory, in order of strongest to weakest, are;

Strong Nuclear Force

Weak Nuclear Force

Electromagnetic Force

Gravitational Force

These Four Forces, and their interplay with their root from which they all sprang, the Superforce, make up what is largely regarded in Jediism as the "Universal Force" - that from which all mortal life is risen from, and returns to upon death.

Now, I should point out... all of the ancient terms mentioned at the beginning of this post are terms to describe the biological phenomenon which largely and most often deals primarily with the Electromagnetic Force - or, more precisely, Bio-electromagnetic fields, and the Bio-electromotive force, as well as their interactions with other electromagnetic fields/forces, whether biologically living, or not.

This state would be what is largely regarded in Jediism as the "Living Force", that which binds and unifies all mortal life forms in the universe while alive, until such a time when death would return them and their essences to the Universal Force.

These forces are tangible, observable, measurable, and to a certain extent, able to be manipulated.

See, there is a science to all this... and if there wasn't, then how could it be?

There is logic and reason to the Force. We merely need to familiarize ourselves with the laws of physics along which these forces run.

We are electrical beings. Our brains run on, and use, bio-electricity. This has long been well known as scientific fact. And just as when electricity runs along a wire, a magnetic field winds around it as a result (allowing for wonderful things like induction, for example), our own wiring, our nervous system and all else which our brain communicates with, also creates such fields.

Whether we are speaking, walking, running, or reaching out and grabbing a glass of water to drink from... such bio-electricity runs along the wiring of our nerves, telling what our brains want our muscles and such to do. Along all these neuro-pathways, our personal field is generated, enough that can even be photographed using special equipment - or even detected with the trained eye...

 ...and that will be the subject of my next post.


Until then, may the Force be with us, every one - always <3

    - Tarran ^_^

Jedi Symbolism and the TotJO Star

It has come to my attention that I should probably include among my many notes here on my studies in the "TotJO" (Temple of the Jedi Order), the symbolism of, both, the Order's emblem, and my own personal spin on it, which I use as my graphic moniker (that is, my profile icon) in the Temple, and on this here, my "notebook" blog (Holy run-on sentence, Batman!).

First, I'll place the image of the Order's emblem here, below...

Now, to explain the symbolism...

First off, we have the five-pointed star, in five segments. This is to represent the five parts of the Jedi Code, which is as follows;

Emotion, yet Peace.

Ignorance, yet Knowledge.

Passion, yet Serenity.

Chaos, yet Harmony.

Death, yet the Force.

Next, we have the sixteen-pointed star within, which is to represent the sixteen teachings of the Jedi religion/philosophy/chivalric order. They are as follows;

1. Be in harmonious touch with the Force. This is done by being open to spiritual awareness and in keeping our minds in tune with the beauty of the world. To maintain a state conducive to learning, with our minds open to experiences and knowledge, of ourselves as well as others.

2. Maintain clarity of mind. This may be accomplished through meditation and contemplation. Our minds can become unduly troubled and concerned with the happenings of the world. We must work on overcoming our individual issues through training and diligence.

3. We must be ever aware of the future impacts of our actions, and inactions... and while remaining keenly aware of the influence of the past, strive to live in, and focus upon, the Here and Now. We must allow ourselves to flow, as though like water, through the events which happen around us. We embrace the ever changing and fluid world, adapting and changing along with it.

4. Be wary of attachments, both material and personal. The obsession over possessions and people creates the fear of losing those possessions and relationships which can cause ourselves to be trapped in a state of depression and loss. We need not shun attachments per se, as how can a parent not be emotionally attached to a child? But we must never allow such feelings to rule over us, and rob us of control over situations which require a mind at peace. Possession can lead to obsession, and then we become possessed. Through fear of loss, we can lose our Selves.

5. Understand that wellness needs to be maintained in the physical, emotional, mental, moral, and spiritual - all aspects of yourself. Each aspect must be trained well in order to ensure that we remain capable of performing our duties to the best of our abilities. All of these are interconnected and essential parts of our training in becoming more harmonious with the Force.

6. Use knowledge and skills to the best of your ability. Knowledge by itself is nothing - utilizing it, applying it to one's life, is wisdom. Never use knowledge and/or skill to boast or be prideful. We must remain mindful of the ego and mindful of our actions, exercising wisdom... and humility.

7. We must understand/acknowledge/accept our limitations. We recognise, and take responsibility, for our failures and develop/cultivate a level of modesty about them. We respect the right for others to disagree and understand that they themselves are not perfect, just as we ourselves are not.

8. Always exercise patience. We work on training ourselves not to precipitate events around us. We know that becoming a Knight is a long and difficult process, and requires rigorous dedication, diligence, and commitment. We must train ourselves to act with insightful deliberation, and a conscientious state of calmness.

9. Always maintain integrity. We must be authentic to what we believe, and be open, honest and true to our purpose and our minds. We must take courage to remove all masks in order to reveal our nobleness of heart. We do not hide from fear of damage to our ego, because we know that our hearts cannot truly be blemished from the words and actions of others, but only by our own misdeeds.

10. It must be well striven for, that all of our actions have a positive effect... for no matter the scale of action, whatever we do affects the world. Even if it be as seemingly insignificant as to put a candy wrapper in your pocket until a proper receptacle is reached, as opposed to casting it upon the ground. Nothing done has no effect. In this way, whatever a Knight may do, may have a positive effect on bettering the world with every action, however great or small.

11. We must be ever mindful of our thoughts. Strive to recognize the beauty in all others. Provide help to those who come seeking it. Through our benevolent actions, we may strengthen not only ourselves, but also our communities. A Knight acts without prejudice.

12. We must understand and remember that love and compassion are of central importance to our lives. We must love and care for each other as we must love and care for ourselves; by doing this we envelop all life in the positivity of our actions and thoughts. In this way, we strive to be providers and beacons of hope.

13. We must cultivate empathy. To achieve this, we need to view things from another’s perspective, making us more sensitive listeners. We must provide the confidence people need while they express/discuss their difficulties, and we share our learning with those who would welcome the benefit of such. In doing this, we strive to help create a more harmonious society.

14. We are, foremost, guardians of peace. We must never shrink from helping all those that are in need, in whatever form, to the best of our ability. We recognise that sometimes providing help requires courage in the face of adversity, but we also understand that conflict is resolved through peace, understanding, and harmony. However much we may fancy ourselves "Warriors of the Light", however true that may be in Heart, for one or another or all, we are *FIRSTLY* Guardians of Peace.

15. We understand the concept of eternal life through the Force. We do not become overly obsessed in mourning those who pass, becoming sickened with grief and dying of loss. We may grieve at their passing, yes, even perhaps much... but we do for a time, and it ends... and we find contentment and rest in the knowledge that they will forever be a part of the Force, and thus indeed, always ever a part of us. Science teaches that neither matter nor energy is ever truly destroyed - "everything goes somewhere".

16. We are to make a commitment to our cause, and to Humanity. Our ideals, philosophies, and practices define the belief of Jediism, and we take action on this path for self-improvement, as well as to help others. We are both the witnesses and protectors of the Jedi way, by the practice of our convictions, and the sincerity of our actions.


There now - that was a lovely bit of reading, wasn't it? ^_~

Now on to the final bit, the white-on-black colour scheme. This is primarily to signify a light in darkness, a beacon in the shadow, and the coexistence of Light and Darkness.

And now, for my personal spin on it all, which does include all that is represented above, plus a small bit more. First, I'll place the image here, below...

First off, just as I have mentioned above, this holds the very same original sybolisms in the original emblem itself (the colours I've put together in it are all part of light), but also include those of an alchemical meaning;

If we go in evoking fashion around the points (to draw a unicursal five-pointed star, in a clockwise direction), starting and ending with white, we get;

Green, Blue, Yellow, Red, White.

These correspond to the philosophical elements, in order, from the most "solid" to the most "rarified";

Green-Earth,
Blue-Water,
Yellow-Air,
Red-Fire,
White-Spirit.

These, in turn, represent states of matter - again, from the more "solid" to the more "rarified";

Green-Earth-Solid,
Blue-Water-Liquid,
Yellow-Air-Gas,
Red-Fire-Plasma,
White-Spirit-Aether (Akasha/Qi/etc.).

These, in turn, correspond to the Four Forces and the "Superforce" from which they are all said to spring forth from, in Grand Unified Theory taught in particle physics. From the "weaker", lower frequency forces to the "stronger", higher frequency forces, we have;

Green-Earth-Solid-Gravitational Force,
Blue-Water-Liquid-Electromagnetic Force,
Yellow-Air-Gas-Weak Nuclear Force,
Red-Fire-Plasma-Strong Nuclear Force,
White-Spirit-Aether-Superforce (GUT - Grand Unified Theory).

Being Native American from Plains (Siksika-Blackfoot) and Woodland (Mohawk/Oji-Cree) tribal groups, I'd also found it interesting that, if you remove the green, you have the four colours of the Plains tribes' medicine wheel;

White - North, from where the cold winter winds come,
Yellow - East, from where the Sun rises every morning,
Red - South, the direction the dead are said to begin their journey towards,
Blue (interchangeable with Black) - West, where the Thunder Beings live.

But if you take away the blue instead, then you have the four colours of the Woodland tribes' medicine wheel;

White - Winter,
Yellow - Spring,
Green - Summer,
Red - Autumn.

(Depending on tribe, different colour/season correspondences may be used.)

But yes, the circle even in this here is very important, too - and in this case, even the extended background;

The Black is the darkness which we may find surrounding our lights, but that it doesn't totally consume the Brown, representing the Good Earth we walk upon, shows that much of the darkness, we bring with ourselves - after all, we all cast our own shadows ^_~


There - I think that'll all do rather nicely... I think that's the end of this post!


May the Force be with you, always <3

    - Tarran ^_^