religion
When Spiritual Leaders Let Us Down
It is a hard lesson for some of us to learn that people are just people. We are all capable of good and evil. The difference is the choices that are made on how to handle our emotions and feelings.
When you put faith and trust in an individual and are let down, you start to second guess your decisions and lose some faith in yourself to make wise decisions. It can leave a big hole in your heart and create trust issues in the future.
It seems impossible for a person who has done remarkable good deeds to also choose to do bad things. We must realize that all people have temptations in life. Some people can avoid the albatross on their back, while others simply cannot. It takes a very strong person to walk their talk.
The same applies to ‘highly spiritual’ people, because some healers, gurus and spiritual leaders certainly have had their own cross to bear.
Spiritual Power And Spiritual Practice
We are spiritual beings having a physical experience. This is important to remember when considering the nature of spiritual things. The root word for spirit is ‘breath.’ This means that every person that is breathing is equally spiritual.
Too often people think that there is a hierarchical system within spirituality; that some people are ‘more spiritual’ than others. This is simply not true. There may be individuals that have a more intentional spiritual practice, with more understanding, knowledge, or wisdom. However, this does not make them ‘more spiritual.’
The nature and purpose of spiritual practice is also something that can be misunderstood. Whether it be prayer, meditation, invocations, or other sacraments, these practices are not just to get what we want. It can be a byproduct of authentic spiritual seeking and practice, but in nearly every tradition, true spiritual power is often summed up with three principles: Love, Joy, and Peace.
All spiritual practices are intended to lead us to tap into these three qualities. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, Love, Joy, and Peace are the first of many “fruits of the spirit.” Authentic spiritual practice is meant to lead us to the experience of these three things.
Tarot And The Future
The Tarot is a wonderful resource for gauging which direction we are heading in life. However, too often people seeking information will misunderstand the system. They want to know the future, but the Tarot does not create the future. The Tarot is a metaphysical tool and does not negate metaphysical laws. We can certainly see which direction we are headed in our lives, based on the insights the Tarot can provide. However, it is important to pay attention to the whole message that is coming through.
Rushing to the end of a Tarot reading is unwise, since there are often elements of change that are integral to the outcomes. I often explain it like this: the Tarot works in much the same way as a Global Positioning System (GPS). The end point will represent the coordinates that we either desire, or are currently headed toward. The other cards represent the path to get there. At times, the Tarot will provide directives that help us along the way. Just like with a GPS, we cannot expect to get to the right location if we are unwilling to follow the instructions necessary to get us to the right place.
What Heaven Is Really Like
Is there a Heaven? And if so, what is it like? You have probably thought about this at one time or another, as this is a concept found in many religions. Well, I can tell you only what I saw.
Although my time there was brief, I will never forget it. Imagine walking into a place that is the most beautiful that you have ever seen. That is what I experienced. The gardens were breathtaking. I have never seen flowers look the way they do there. And there was a sense of peace and happiness there that remains beyond words.
I had seen all of this when I had a near-death experience. It was just a glimpse, but I remember it as if it were yesterday. But it was not my time, for I had my life journey to continue, and with it the spiritual gifts that were given to me and which I will treasure for the rest of my life.
We Are All Equally Spiritual
There is so much terminology and discussion about what it means to be ‘spiritual.’ There are both religious and other esoteric practices that people use, and entire languages developed around spirituality. While I personally believe that much of this is good, it can also often lead to things like elitism and greater polarization of people and groups.
So, the question today is: what does it mean to be spiritual? The answer is far simpler than some might believe, simply because of the original meaning of the term ‘spirit.’
In the Western world much of our religious tradition comes from Greek or Hebrew esoteric writings. In Greek the term for spirit is pneuma, and in Hebrew it is ruach. These are transliterations of the original words.
Can You Really Sell Your Soul To The Devil?
Can you really sell your soul to the devil? I’ve heard this question asked and I’ve heard some ridiculous answers, often coming from those who claim to be experts on the subject. In truth, this question cannot be easily answered, as it is a complex matter. And, it seems as though many people do not want to hear the truth.
So, what happens when one makes a deal with the devil, so to speak? Let me begin by saying this is not a new concept. These types of pacts are believed to have been going on since before recorded history. One of the earliest tales of such a deal was in the 10th Century. Pope Sylvester II was rumored to have made an unearthly, dark pact. The same is alleged of famous violinists Giuseppe Tartini in the 17th Century, and Nicolo Paganini in the 18th Century.
Speak Your Piece With Archangel Gabriel
Gabriel is known as the angel of communication and God’s messenger in the Abrahamic religious traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The Bible tells us it was he who brought the message of Christ’s birth to mankind. As the great communicator Archangel Gabriel can also help us in speaking our piece in life, and empower yourself as a result.
Very often seen with his trumpet in religious art, Gabriel brings us messages from the spirit realm during our sleeping hours. His fabulous angelic presence emanates the most intense white light, which brings about purification wherever it is required.
Gabriel is associated with the element of water. So, whenever you find yourself near a river, the sea, or a lake, you should find that his messages bring particular focus and complete clarity of thought. In fact, Gabriel uses water to its best effect by purifying one’s soul, and helping us to reflect on any matters that may be on our mind.