Visions of the Goddess Karni Mata, said to be an incarnation of the Goddess Durga, can be seen as a white rat at her temple in Deshnok, India. Devotees prepare food and feed the rats then consume the leftovers themselves for healing and blessings. To date there have been no sicknesses or plague like outbreaks ever reported as being caused by the some 20,000 rats that inhabit this temple.

"This ornate, isolated Hindu temple was constructed by Maharaja Ganga Singh in the early 1900s as a tribute to the rat goddess, Karni Mata. Intricate marble panels line the entrance and the floors, and silver and gold decorations are found throughout."

- National Geographic (read more here)

"Shri Karni Mata is the incarnation of Devi HINGLAZ or Goddess DURGA (The Goddess of Power and Victory. Goddess DURGA is synonymous with Shakti, the cosmic power that wages an eternal war against the evil). The whole life of Shri Karni Mata was full of miracles and even after her disappearance from the earth, her innumerable devotees have experienced her merciful blessings in form of help in their life. The word disappearance has been used, because it wasn’t a natural death of Shri Karni Mata, rather her human body disappeared in divine light at her desire."

- Karnimata.com (read more here)

Labels: Goddess

Yeah, I know I have a big Kirk monkey on my back lately, but I just can't seem to get past some of the things he talks about on his program. With the help of his partner in crime, Ray Comfort, he has created the most watched Christian show on TV. At least that's what I've heard.

The main premise of the show, The Way of the Master, is to get people to come to Christ through the use of the Ten Commandments. I am often blown away by some of the material on the program. For instance, on last week's show Ray and Kirk tried to tell us that anyone who has ever harbored hate in their heart is a murderer and is thus guilty of breaking that commandment. Wow, now that is some serious straw grasping. I have never heard a bigger bunch of BS in my entire life. And, just an FYI, if you've ever just lusted after a woman you are an adulterer. They don't say anything about women lusting after men so you all-the-way-straight girls are apparently off the hook.

It seems to me that all these two men are trying to do is convince the human race how evil it is and how we are all just a bunch of no good sinners destined for eternal suffering in a pit of brimstone. I'm so glad I don't believe in the Bible or in sin. What a terrible burden to carry. "You're bad for being a person! Damn you human being! You make mistakes and act with emotions? How dare you!"

On the topic of not believing in the Bible, let's take a look at how Kirk and Ray advise people to minister to those of us who have less than a grand opinion of "Ye Ole Good Book". According to the Way of the Master website:

"Christians can't use 'circular reasoning' by trying to prove the Bible by quoting from the Bible!"

The "circular reasoning" argument is absurd. That's like saying you can't prove that the President lives in the White House by looking into the White House. It is looking into the White House that will provide the necessary proof. The fulfilled prophecies, the amazing consistency, and the many scientific statements of the Bible prove it to be the Word of God. They provide evidence that it is supernatural in origin. See also Psalm 119:105 footnote.

Hmm... I don't understand how you can compare something solid and tangible like the President and the White House to a supposed supernatural text and the supernatural claims it contains. It is a bad analogy to say the least. It still proves absolutely nothing other than the fact that Kirk and Ray think that the bulk of humanity is retarded.

A while back I found an answer that compared the Bible to an oncoming eighteen-wheeler. The gist of that statement had something to do with believing in the Bible being as simple as believing in death by Mac Truck. I can't seem to find the exact quote on the site anymore but if I do I will be sure to post it here for you.

A plain and simple message to Kirk and Ray: I don't believe in the Bible, the Ten Commandments, or sin. Without the tiniest shred of belief you have no argument. Convert me now boys. In my opinion you are spreading untruths. What does that make you? Come on you can do it. It begins with L.

p.s. You're welcome for the free publicity.

Labels: Misc. Commentary

The most recent post by Athana at Radical Goddess Thealogy had me feeling the need to comment. Read the entire post by visiting this link.

My comments are below: (For those wondering what Kirk Cameron and Tim LaHaye have to do with each other - Kirk stars in the film adaptations of the Left Behind books by LeHaye. I would absolutely love to get stopped on the street by either him or Ray Comfort for a talk about the Ten Commandments. I've been planning my argument for a while now.)

Grian said...
I heard of LeHaye and the Left Behind series a few years back in Rolling Stone. He immediately freaked me out. I am even more disturbed since my dear sweet Granny is reading his books and being brain-washed by their ridiculous tripe.

What I have never been able to figure is why people can't see the Bible for what it is - mythology. Ask Christians if they believe Zeus really shot lightening bolts from the Heavens and they will snort and tell you that's silly mythology. How is the Rapture of Revelations and multiple headed monsters from the sea any different? Anyone who believes that crap is reality should be feared as crazy. At least that's what I think.

Grian said...
Oh, and I forgot to mention: I think Kirk Cameron might be the real anti-christ. :) For some reason I get caught up watching his show (with the equally crazed Ray Comfort) on TBN and at some point I've broken out in a cold sweat and I am screaming at the tv in crazed laughter.

Labels: Misc. Commentary

I am currently reading this title for the second time which is something I usually do with a book that has many meditations and exercises. I read it once straight through and now I am going through and reading it more in depth and doing the journeys within its pages.

I must admit that I am fascinated by the idea of Celtic Shamanism. It's not a new concept to me, but it is one that I was not aware that I knew so much about. It seems Shamanism is something that most Pagans practice on a regular basis. It involves such things as "Know Thyself" (as talked about below) and Shadow Work that all spiritual people should complete - especially if they plan to be of service to others. There is much journey work involved as well which most of us are familiar with through meditation studies.

One of the biggest lessons I have learned so far is that Shamanism is universal. It is not for any one people to practice, but all people at one time practiced it and some still do today. Calling it Celtic Shamanism is simply an effective way for those of Western European decent to connect with the practice and the pivotal aspect of working with one's ancestors.

Within the book Shamanism is said to encompass many aspects; Healing, Divination, Bardic Arts, Warrior traits, Priest/esshood... It seems most practicing Pagans are involved in some form of Shamanism - connecting with the Earth and honoring ancestors, service to others through healing and education, knowing and accepting oneself and others, ect.

As I go through the pages again I will try to post my reflections here.

Labels: Book Discussion and Review

I was recently asked to reflect on the first goal of the 13 Goals of a Witch: Know Thyself. When I did so my reflections were not as in-depth as I would've liked them to be.

While visiting Goddessing I saw that Sage had returned with a post entitled Solitary Life. In this post she describes herself as an extroverted introvert. I immediately saw these words as a good description for my own solitary habits and another way to find out more about myself.

I enjoy being alone and with my own thoughts. I can sit and read/write/draw/think for hours at a time. I like being with myself in part because (as egotistical as this sounds) I think I am an interesting person. I laugh at my own silliness and get caught in awe of my own brilliance. Of course I have many self-deprecating moments as well. These are the times when I am unsure of everything and afraid to fail at being a person. It's a good balance more often than not.

I sing and dance when I'm alone. The only times I ever feel truly free are when I am by myself - or at least within myself. There could be other people present but I am willfully stuck inside my own mind.

But then again, I also enjoy being with friends and family. I love a good conversation - the kind that draws you in and makes you think about "big" things - where profound epiphanies fly about the room. I love going out to dance and hearing music that is so loud it envelopes you in its sound like a thick fleece blanket. There is no way to verbally communicate with people so you are left with shared looks and amazing energy instead. One of my favorite things to do is to go to the movies. For two hours or so I can share the same experience with a theatre full of people - reacting when they react; laughing and crying at the same moments in the story. I talk to strangers just because I am comfortable doing so and I enjoy meeting new people.

I suppose these traits could classify me as a walking conundrum. They could also classify me as being someone who is hard to live with. I will deny neither.

Labels: Writings