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Astrotheology & Shamanism |
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As part of this world view, symbolism and mythology convey the truth and help us attain it. We need to understand the power that symbols used to hold – not merely decorative or reflective but as the doors to deeper meaning. Myths that nowadays seem fanciful conveyed themes such as redemption or rebirth – themes that underlie age-old religions. By comparing the symbols and iconography of Christianity with those of different religions, we can see common ideas stemming from much older and deeper sources. For example, the similarities between the stories and images of Jesus, Horus and Krishna suggest a common ancestry in sun-worship. Since the Emperor Constantine's Council of Nicaea in AD 325 , the story of Christ has been presented as a solid historical fact. Now we see how various aspects of the Christian religion have grown out of earlier beliefs based on the power of the sun and the seasons. The book focuses on the central role of entheogenic plants, especially mushrooms, and the symbolism associated with them, in enabling the shaman or priest to attain divine knowledge. Ideas put forward by John Marco Allegro about the origin of religion in "The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross" in 1970 – which met universal condemnation – are here largely vindicated. In the development of language from Sumerian times, Allegro found evidence of a world-view based on the beliefs and practices of an ancient fertility religion; ideas that were handed down in the guise of many different stories through classical and biblical times. The dry philological approach of "The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross" is here supported by a wider study of symbols, iconography and mythology and further work on word derivation. To read this book one should put aside the conventional outlook the hinges morality, ethics and history on the life of one religious teacher two thousand years ago. In its place one can open the mind to a sense of oneness with the world and all on it. Through rediscovering our heritage of symbols, myths and evolving languages, we can try to attain a deeper understanding and compassion for the world
we share. If you are interested in chasing the rabbit-hole leading to the true foundation of religion, then this book is a must read. Irvin and Rutajit have interwoven two fields of research (Astrotheology and Shamanism) to expose the hidden side of Christianity and other religions. Taking a no holds barred look at the true history of the world of religion, and where our most cherished modern day beliefs and
concepts really come from is – I believe – an idea whose time has come. Table of Contents Acknowledgments Part I - The Aquarian Initiation Part II - The Pharmacratic Inquisition Conclusion Appendix A - In Memorium to John Marco Allegro Bibliography
215 pages, 8.5 x 11, Paperback, Illustrated Price - $24.95 |
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This is a mind-expanding book. It helps us to share the perspective of a shaman (a seer or wise man) on the world and on the interplay of sun and stars. In this world view, heaven and earth are the dual parts
of a whole. Duality means correspondence rather than conflict: the confluence of stars governing our destiny; the roots and leaves of the world tree feeding each other; 'as above, so below'. The world is a web of interconnections, and to discover their oneness is to discover the God within each living thing.
