Arc Symposium

https://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA04963 The Richat Structure  A topographic reconstruction (scaled 6:1 on the vertical axis)  • Brown: bedrock • Yellow/white: sand • Green: vegetation • Blue: salty sediments This prominent circular feature, known as the Richat Structure, in the Sahara desert of Mauritania is often noted by astronauts because it forms a conspicuous 50-kilometer-wide (30-mile-wide) bull's-eye on the otherwise rather featureless expanse of the desert. Initially mistaken for a possible impact crater, it is now known to be an eroded circular anticline (structural dome) of layered sedimentary rocks. Extensive sand dunes occur in this region and the interaction of bedrock topography, wind, and moving sand is evident in this scene. Note especially how the dune field ends abruptly short of the cliffs at the far right as wind from the northeast (lower right) apparently funnels around the cliff point, sweeping clean areas near the base of the cliff. Note also ...

Ubara-Tutu is recorded in most copies of the  Sumerian King List  as being the final king of Sumer prior to the  deluge . Ubara-tutu is briefly mentioned in  tablet XI  of the  Epic of Gilgamesh , where he is identified as the father of  Utnapishtim , a character who is instructed by the god  Ea  to build a boat in order to survive the coming flood.     Utnapishtim  ( Akkadian :  𒌓𒍣 , "he has found life") was a legendary king of the ancient city of  Shuruppak  in southern Iraq, who, according to the  Gilgamesh flood myth , one of several similar narratives, survived  the Flood  by making and occupying a boat.  He is called by different names in different traditions:  Ziusudra  ("Life of long days", rendered Xisuthros, Ξίσουθρος in  Berossus ) in the earliest, Sumerian versions, later Shuruppak (after his city),  Atra-hasis  ("exceeding wise") in the earliest  Ak...

The Six Enneads by Plotinus Each group of the Enneads addresses fundamental philosophical questions about existence, knowledge, and the divine, reflecting Plotinus's Neoplatonic thought. The structure allows for a comprehensive exploration of metaphysics, ethics, and the nature of reality. First Ennead Treatise 1 : On the One Treatise 2 : On the Intellect Treatise 3 : On the Good Treatise 4 : On the Nature and Origin of Evil Treatise 5 : On the Relation of the One to the Intellect Treatise 6 : On the Beauty of the One Treatise 7 : On the Unity of the Intellect Treatise 8 : On the Process of Emanation Treatise 9 : On the Nature of the Soul Second Ennead Treatise 1 : On the Essence of the Soul Treatise 2 : On the Nature of the Soul and the Body Treatise 3 : On the Immortality of the Soul Treatise 4 : On the Soul's Descent Treatise 5 : On the Soul's Ascent Treatise 6 : On the Nature of the Universe Treatise 7 : On Time and Eternity Treatise 8 : On the Role of...

  Cicero : A philosopher and statesman, Cicero wrote extensively on religion and the nature of the gods in works like De Natura Deorum (On the Nature of the Gods). He explored the relationship between humans and divine beings.  In this work, Cicero explores various philosophical perspectives on the gods, discussing their nature and the relationship between the divine and humanity. He presents arguments from different schools of thought, including Stoicism and Epicureanism, to illustrate the complexity of divine existence and human understanding. "The gods are not indifferent to our prayers; they listen to our requests with greater attention than we imagine."

Here beginneth the first Treatise of this Art, which Master  Apollonius  calleth,  The golden Flowers,  being the generall Introduction to all Natural Sciences; and this is Confirmed, Composed, and Approved by the Authority of  Solomon, Manichæus,  and  Euduchæus. Philostratus was born in Lemnos, a Greek island, and later lived in Athens and Rome. He was active during the Roman Empire, a time of significant cultural and intellectual exchange. He was influenced by Neoplatonism, a philosophical system that emerged in response to earlier Platonic thought, emphasizing metaphysics, the nature of reality, and the importance of the soul. The Life of Apollonius of Tyana This work is a biography of the philosopher and mystic Apollonius, chronicling his life, travels, teachings, and miracles. It presents Apollonius as a divine figure, emphasizing his wisdom, moral teachings, and connections to the divine. The biography is divided into eight books, mixi...

Mercury completes its orbit around the Sun in about 88 days. This can be rounded to 90 days for simplicity. Farmers often plan their planting and harvesting schedules around lunar cycles, which are closely linked to solar cycles. The phases of the Moon can influence plant growth, and the 90-day cycle can be a useful guideline for seasonal planting.  The Earth’s seasons are influenced by its axial tilt and orbit around the Sun. Each season lasts roughly three months (about 90 days ), aligning with the idea of timing agricultural activities to maximize yield based on seasonal growth patterns.   Venus's Orbital and Rotational Characteristics 225 Days : This is the time it takes for Venus to complete one orbit around the Sun. 243 Earth Days : Venus has a very slow rotation on its axis, taking about 243 Earth days to complete one rotation. Interestingly, this means that a day on Venus (one full rotation) is longer than a year on Venus (one full orbit around the Sun). Mars Orbi...

In many esoteric traditions, the alignment of all seven planets symbolizes the integration of various aspects of the self and the cosmos. This moment could be seen as an opportunity to achieve a greater state of unity, both internally and externally, resonating with the Hermetic principle of "As above, so below." From a Kabbalistic perspective, each planet corresponds to specific Sephirot on the Tree of Life. The alignment could be interpreted as a moment when the divine energies of these Sephirot coalesce, fostering a powerful opportunity for spiritual awakening and the elevation of consciousness. In alchemical traditions, the convergence of planetary energies can be seen as a moment of transformation. This alignment might signify the "Great Work," where the alchemist (or seeker) can transmute base experiences into spiritual gold, integrating lessons learned into a higher understanding. The seven astrological archetypes, including the Sun and Moon, represent signif...

  Sing, O Muse, daughters of divine Mnemosyne, Goddesses of inspiration, woven with grace, Nine bright stars that light the darkened skies of the mind, Each one a beacon, guiding mortals through the arts. First, call upon Calliope , the Muse of epic song, With her voice like the thunder of Olympus, She stirs the hearts of heroes, weaving tales of valor, Her quill, dipped in the ink of eternity, Scribes of fate, she sings of glories yet to come. Next, behold Clio , the keeper of history’s scroll, With scrolls unrolled, she recounts the deeds of ages, In her hands, the past breathes anew, A tapestry of triumphs and tragedies, She etches the names of the mighty in the annals of time. Then, gaze upon Erato , clad in the robes of love, Her lyre strums the strings of the heart, With sweet melodies that echo through the valleys, She inspires the poets to pen verses of desire, Painting emotions with the colors of the soul. Hail to Euterpe , the Muse of music divine, Her breath, the wind th...

  Ba-  The soul or personality; represents individuality and the ability to move between the spiritual and physical realms. Ka - T he life force or vital energy; associated with sustenance and the duality of existence, often requiring offerings. Akhu - The transfigured spirit or the "light body"; represents the enlightened or spiritual aspect of the soul, often associated with the afterlife. Khat -  The physical body; the material form that houses the other aspects and is subject to decay. Sahu -  The spiritual body; the aspect that connects the individual to the divine and represents the higher self. Ren -  The name or identity; considered a vital part of one's existence, as it holds power and influences one's fate. Ib -  The heart; associated with emotions, morality, and the seat of intelligence; weighed against the feather of Ma'at in the afterlife. Sekhem -  The power or life force; connected to strength and vitality, often associated with one's ab...

  Human brainwave activity is often categorized into several frequency bands, each associated with different states of consciousness, including wakefulness and sleep. Here are the primary frequency ranges: Brainwave Frequencies Delta Waves (0.5 - 4 Hz) : Deep sleep Slowest brainwaves, associated with restorative sleep and healing. These could be considered as pure consciousness or archetypal forms that exist beyond physicality. They might represent foundational aspects of existence, such as intuition, deep healing, and universal truths. Theta Waves (4 - 8 Hz) : Light sleep, relaxation, and deep meditation Associated with creativity, intuition, and the early stages of sleep. Entities here might be hybrid forms, blending physical and non-physical characteristics. They could embody creativity, intuition, and emotional wisdom, acting as guides or mentors in the dream state. Alpha Waves (8 - 12 Hz) : Wakeful relaxation Present when you are calm and relaxed but still ...

The Sidereal zodiac, particularly as it is used in Vedic astrology (Jyotish), has its origins in ancient Indian astronomical and astrological traditions.The foundations of Vedic astrology can be traced back to the Vedas, ancient Indian texts composed around 1500 BCE to 500 BCE. The astrological portions, particularly the "Vedanga Jyotisha," date back to around 1200 BCE. The origins of the Sidereal zodiac can be traced to both Babylonian and Sumerian influences, as well as later developments in ancient Indian astrology. The Sumerians, who lived in Mesopotamia around 3000 BCE, developed early astronomical observations and calendars. They recognized celestial patterns and cycles, which laid the groundwork for later astrological systems. By around 2000 BCE, the Babylonians had established a more formalized astrological system, including a zodiac based on constellations. They divided the sky into 12 sections, which eventually influenced both Western and Vedic astrology. Aries: Gar...

Tuning into Different Realities Imagine an old radio, whereas each radio station represents a unique reality or experience. Just as different frequencies provide different content, each "reality" could be seen as a different set of experiences, perceptions, or dimensions of existence. Tuning into a specific frequency allows you to access that reality. Just as you can change stations, you might metaphorically "shift" your focus or awareness to different realities or perspectives.  When you tune into a radio station, you experience the music, talk shows, and other content through your auditory senses. Similarly, if you could "tune in" to a different reality, you might interact with that reality through your senses—sight, sound, touch, etc. Possibilities Many people may be unaware of the different  "frequencies" they are experiencing, living in a default state of reality without recognizing the potential for other experiences or perspectives. This c...

In quantum mechanics, particles exist in a superposition of states, described by a wave function that encompasses all possible outcomes. When an observation is made, this wave function collapses into a single state. This phenomenon raises questions about the role of the observer in determining reality. The act of measurement in quantum mechanics is not merely passive; it fundamentally alters the state of the system. This has led to various interpretations, such as the Copenhagen interpretation, which posits that quantum mechanics does not describe an objective reality but rather probabilities of outcomes. Classical physics operates under deterministic principles, where the future state of a system can be predicted with certainty if its current state is known. However, quantum mechanics introduces indeterminism, where outcomes are probabilistic, challenging traditional notions of causality and predictability. The idea that observation influences reality raises philosophical inq...

In the Eastern esoteric traditions, the emphasis is more on the exploration and transformation of inner states of consciousness, the release from the cycle of rebirth, and the realization of one's true nature beyond the limited sense of self. Eastern traditions, rooted in philosophies like Vedanta and Mahayana Buddhism, are fundamentally focused on the exploration and transcendence of the individual self. The ultimate aim is the realization of the non-dual, boundless nature of consciousness that underlies all of existence. This inward journey, through practices like the Bardo teachings, meditation on the nature of the mind, and the cultivation of states of awareness beyond the limited ego, is central to the Eastern spiritual path. The emphasis is on the dissolution of the illusory sense of self and the recognition of one's true nature as the formless, infinite source of all phenomena. The goal is to transcend the limited, egoic sense of self and merge with the boundless, non-du...

A recommended reading list that delves deep into the indigenous shamanic traditions from around the world, Explore the spiritual practices, cosmologies, and transformative power of these ancient wisdom systems.  The works by authors like Michael Harner, Mircea Eliade, and Jeremy Narby provide a comprehensive understanding of shamanism as a universal human experience, while the Native American, African, and Vodou-focused texts offer insight into the unique cultural expressions of these traditions. Shamanism and Indigenous Spirituality: "The Way of the Shaman" by Michael Harner "Shamanism: Archaic Techniques of Ecstasy" by Mircea Eliade "Secrets of the Talking Jaguar" by Martín Prechtel "The Cosmic Serpent: DNA and the Origins of Knowledge" by Jeremy Narby "Ayahuasca Visions: The Religious Iconography of a Peruvian Shaman" by Luis Eduardo Luna Native American Traditions: "Black Elk Speaks" by John G. Neihardt "Coyote Medici...