posted December 27, 2013 09:11 PM            

But then they tease my mind. For example, what made the satanic high priest think he could change a messiah and the nature of her powers? Why would demons fight over her like she's a resource to be claimed instead of an enemy to be destroyed? And my imagination then ponders that there is magic and supernatural energy in the world that comes and goes like the tides (possibly cyclical globally or maybe when the solar system "aligns with a burst of dark matter" every couple thousand of years which would also help explain why supernatural events seem to rise and drop suddenly over a couple of centuries every couple thousand of years with the "high tide" coming into our world in the late 19th century perhaps peaking around the dawn of the 21st century before it begins to recede) and that this has a way of making thought manifest in defiance of physical laws (a type of psychokinesis if you will).

Applied to Bless the Child then people who believe strongly in God and raised in that environment could then manifest Biblical miracles (at least if "sensitive enough" to the vibrations, it would still take a "talent" for it, that is the little girl in the movie could be a supernatural version of a "savant" whereas others on that birthday "exposed to the star (*)" in the movie didn't have the right genetic coding or "luck") so was especially powerful. The high priest got a "lesser version" (as he was filled with the supernatural energy when the "tide wasn't as high" though he still had greater skill from experience than the child) and given his background it's perfectly believable he hated God and/or believed God hated him and thus his supernatural abilities manifested differently. Meanwhile, someone else so affected by the supernatural energies who was fiercely independent and not religious might instead be telekinetic (like Carrie) when exposed to that same energy.

(*Not really a star, otherwise the star would've remained if it were actually a "nova." Though maybe it's some kind of pulsar that carries the "concentrated dark matter" with it along with the light that "winks" on that special day. 'Course the star could've remained and no one mentioned it yet that strikes me as unlikely given the importance of the birthday, furthermore it was said to be the same star seen in Bethlehem at the birth of Jesus, and stars don't work that way so either it's not a star or it's some astronomical phenomenon unknown and not even yet conceived by humanity.)

And the reason they fight? Either because the supernatural agencies are at least somewhat real who can harvest such popular beliefs and ethics and/or powers of the gifted or because such beliefs tend to be tied to the ego which assert themselves (even subconsciously through supernatural means when they can) to promote their views. Either way, as that belief then shapes reality itself through the gifted (at least during the "high tides" which sets the tone until the next high tide) then the fighting with high strangeness then manifests when the subconsciously directed supernatural energies inherent in different peoples clash (and can also assume that everyone has a little so several people praying can also make a difference by directing that energy, especially when directed toward a supernatural savant to use).

posted December 28, 2013 06:36 AM            

quote:

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I bet LK would enjoy my musings anyway.

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Yes.

I haven't see the movie, but somewhat intrigued after your musings lol

I like the concept, a sort of psychic tide in the forces of the universe. It took a god like genius to be able to quantify the universal force of gravity...

If such a psychic tide exists, it will require that same god like genius to detect and measure it. That knowledge, should it ever be attained would perhaps be the most deadliest discovery in the history of mankind...

I often wonder if Newton did actually discover such a force, but then destroyed the evidence... for he was after all, "The Last Great Magician" and was deeply interested the esoteric side of science

posted December 28, 2013 09:47 AM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Lei_Kuei:
I haven't see the movie, but somewhat intrigued after your musings lol

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Right away I wanted to warn you that it gets both cheesy & campy (one scene in particular trying to be scary & dramatic makes me laugh every time I see it), even the parts I get a guilty pleasure after enjoying (favorite part: "after you"). It's got the mental nutritional value of a twinkie which can be fun to eat but nothing really of substance. It kinda reminds me of Chick tracts in a way though it's from a Catholic standpoint (whereas Chick tracts, in case you didn't know, portrays Catholics as evil). I think my background and liking some of the actors (like Christina Ricci, and I loved how Rufus Sewell hammed it up as the demon worshiping satanic high priest, not to be confused with the Church of Satan) helped me to enjoy it along with a few good moments. And I can appreciate camp.

The book is MUCH better and includes the perspectives of multiple religions including pagan ones and also has actual classical occultism (good and evil) in it. I got part way through it years ago and was loving it without the cringing I felt with the movie but then some intense drama in my life made me lose my place and I just started to reread it last night. I'll share when I'm done, but it's 589 pages long and I'm only on page 22.

One part in the movie that never fails to infuriate me is where the child is told that if she prays hard enough her heroin addicted mother will return to her. That's a horrible thing to say to a child and can make a child feel responsible for her mother's state instead of the mother, it's the mother who decides that, not how hard a child prays. Granted, in her case it could be true (and being a cheesy movie it WAS, unlike real life) but she was just seen as an ordinary child when told this. The novel, OTOH, took a different approach with a Mother Superior saying the belief that God would answer prayers if prayed hard enough was the "sin of pride" and "doesn't take God's plan into account." Such is one of the more subtle differences between the book and movie (which I consider different stories, the book just being an inspiration for the twinkie of a movie as opposed to the movie actually being faithful to the book).

posted December 29, 2013 01:58 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Randall:
The Craft wasn't very memorable.

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posted December 29, 2013 06:52 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by Randall:
The Craft wasn't very memorable.

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Well when I think of The Craft, only Fairuza Balk occupies the memory of where the movie plot should be... Then again, I was a young teen when first I saw it

Hmmmm...

posted December 30, 2013 04:43 PM            

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Gnosis ThySelf

posted December 31, 2013 05:24 PM            

"An astrological chart?" Maggie said incredulously. "I didn't think the Church approved of anything that smacked of the occult."

Father Messenguer smiled gently at her concern. "You're right, of course. I'm afraid I'm a terrible embarrassment to my superiors," he said simply. "But you see, Maggie, in my quest to understand the secrets of God's breathtaking creation, I've studied all the great religions, in exquisite detail. In truth, I became a linguist so I might pursue my quest in the original languages of the great teachers. Along the journey, I've picked up a good many esoteric skills that are never taught in seminaries.

"I've lived in strange foreign places, you see, where Spirit is not constrained by our paradigms. A few of the skills I've mastered--like astrology--are quite frowned upon by the Church fathers--in this generation at least. They've forgotten, perhaps, that the Wise Men were themselves astrologers, and that it was a new star that proclaimed the birth of our Savior.

"I was introduced to the science of the stars by an old Hindu monk, whom I considered a saint. He was very wise and very, very good, so when I learned of the stars from him, I accepted that there might be something to the science...and over my long years since, my empirical observations have borne out that most of what he said was true. Frankly, I've found astrology to be a useful enough tool, so I've blessed him for the gift on more than one occasion. I fully expect its validity will be explained to the satisfaction of science in the next century."

"Why ever would you think that, Father?" Maggie was disturbed by the notion.

"You see, my dear, quantum physics now perceive the Universe to be a gigantic network of interrelated energy fields...personal, planetary, and intergalactic. If that is the case, why should not the electromagnetic fields of planets effect us humans in much the same way as they affect the tides, or even the sex lives of mollusks, for that matter? I've always found it sensible to remember that one century's magic is often the next century's science."

<Snip>

(Priest: ) "An astrological chart is no more than a map of the heavens at the precise moment of one's birth," he explained. "It presumes the interrelatedness of our individual energies with the greater energies of the cosmos. The ancient Celts likened this relationships to a giant energetic web that enmeshes us all. If anyone trembles the web, they would say, we all vibrate.

posted January 13, 2014 02:02 AM            

Surprised by the voice, she turned only to be startled by the profile. The man who had spoken looked like one of the stone pharaohs that surrounded her, the autocratic features diminished to human scale.

She regained her equilibrium and extended her hand. "Are you Dr. Hazred?"

"At your service."

"You might have posed for some of this statuary."

"Perhaps one of my ancestors did," he replied smoothly as he directed her toward his office.

<snip>

"I'm interested in magical amulets and talismans, Dr. Hazred," she began. "If you could give me a bit of background information about how they were used by the ancients it would be most helpful."

"Have you read Petrie on the subject?"

She nodded affirmatively. "His work seems to catalogue rather than to explain. And his connection to anything metaphysical appears meager. I was hoping to garner a more human understanding of their supposed power."

"I see," he said, considering how to couch his reply. "As I'm sure you know, a belief in the magic embodied by inanimate objects is by no means exclusive to the ancient Egyptians. It has always been commonplace to use amulets and talismans as curatives, or as protective devices to ward off evil. They could even be used to put one under the protection of a specific deity, much the way in which Catholics wear crucifixes or Miraculous Medals today. You might say they are the opiate of the masses in an aesthetically pleasing, transportable form."

Maggie tried not to let this man rub her the wrong way just in case he had useful knowledge.

"There are many plausible explanations for mankind's stubborn attachment to such charms, of course, Mrs. O'Connor. Post-Freudians might say carrying an object that one believes provides luck or protection gives one confidence. Naturally, the confidence does the trick but the talisman gets the credit. It is also possible in the light of modern psychology to imagine that medical amulets work by directing positive thought energy to the area of disease, thus causing the brain to release endorphins or other curatives into the system. Then there is also the prevalent concept among primitive peoples that an object may empower the wearer by embodying certain desirable characteristics...a bear's tooth to impart strength, a serpent's skin to teach guile, a fox's tail for cunning, et cetera, et cetera."

"Are these objects ever though to be sanctified by a particular deity?" Maggie asked.

"By all means. Horus, Min, Osiris, others were considered potent talismanic protectors. I'm sure you've seen representations of the Eye of Horus, which was worn to look into the heart of all comers and protect the wearer from evil intent."

Maggie shifted in her chair and leaned forward. "Dr. Hazred, I'm particularly interested in learning about two specific amulets I've read of which seem to be under the aegis of two specific deities--the Isis Amulet and the Sekhmet Stone."

"You Americans do love the notion of ancient curses and other nonsense you know nothing about," Hazred responded, the previous pleasantness turning to acid. "I suppose you have some insanely wealthy collector who now wants to add a bauble to his collection that will allow him to rule the world?"

The shift from courtesy took Maggie aback. "It appears I've hit a nerve that I didn't intend, Dr. Hazred. As an antiquarian, I couldn't help but be intrigued by such a magical tale. Someone I love ran across the story in a rather peculiar way and I felt I should try to learn more."

"Forgive me, Mrs. O'Connor. I am frequently distressed by Americans who have no genuine interest in our history but merely in the more sensationalistic areas of our mythos. As a serious scholar I'm offended by such perversions...but obviously such is not the case with you." He watched Maggie speculatively, then added, "I will tell you what I know of the legend, Mrs. O'Connor, although I doubt it will enlighten you much.

"According to the ancients during the reign of Pharaoh Zoser in the third Dynasty the Goddess Isis caused an amulet to be constructed which she endowed with the incalculable power of her goodness. It holds rulership over both the good in humankind and benevolent in nature so any mortal who possesses this treasure would control all that is good on the planet."

"Does the legend explain why she would create such an object?"

"The Great Mother has always displayed immense love for humanity despite our frailties. A time would come, the Goddess said--in the far distant future--when humankind would become embroiled in a contest between Good and Evil so perilous it would threaten our very existence. We are an experiment on the part of the Gods, Mrs. O'Connor. This is the schoolroom in which we are tested. Presumably we are quite capable of failure.

"According to the tale, when the precious moment in earth's destiny would arrive a Messenger would be sent...an emissary of good will from the Great Mother, you might say. This Messenger would have the power to materialize the Isis Amulet. In the hands of the just the Amulet could turn the tide for humanity by reinforcing all that is good within our planetary matrix. In short, Good would triumph and the planet would be saved."

"And the Sekhmet Stone? How does that figure into the allegory?"

"Ah, there's the rub, Mrs. O'Connor, as your poet would have it. If this Isis Amulet were to fall into the hands of wicked men of Adept status they could conceivably use it to resurrect the Sekhmet Stone."

"Which is...?"

"The embodiment of all Evil...the Isis Amulet's cosmic opposite. Yin and Yang, Mrs. O'Connor, Light and Darkness, ecstasy and anguish. It is the way of the Gods to provide the chance for man to choose wrongly."

"And why would man do so, Dr. Hazred, if he were faced with annihilation as a result?"

"For greed, of course! If one has the Sekhmet Stone one controls all Evil and chaos. Think of the unmitigated power that would provide. Controlling geophysical disasters means you control the world's stock markets...controlling armies and weaponry gives you control of whole populations. For lesser stakes than these men have killed and maimed and trampled whole populations into dust. With such power at one's disposal there would be no rules and no limits."

"So Isis has set up the ultimate test," Maggie mused. "A real-life metaphor, mirroring the eternal struggle between Good and Evil. One final chance to see which way mankind would go if all the power of the universe were suddenly in our hands instead of those of the Gods."

<snip> (Hazred alone)

Abdul Hazred picked up the telephone and dialed. The phone was answered wordlessly and Hazred spoke. "The game has begun," he said. "An interesting choice for the Guardian." He didn't wait for the reply but gathered up his the papers from the desk in front of him and the small engraved bronze plaque that had proclaimed his identity; he placed this all in his briefcase as the door opened.

A small,nervous-looking man entered, and seeing Hazred preparing to leave began speaking rapidly. "I trust I've done the right thing in informing our government of her inquiry, Dr. Hazred," he said. As he spoke he reached into the middle desk drawer and removed the plaque with his own name on it and replaced it on the desktop. He sat down in the leather chair facing Hazred. "When she spoke of the Isis Amulet on the phone it seemed imperative considering the timing..."

Hazred nodded, cutting him off. "Excellent work, Dr. Gerard. You did the right thing, without question."

"Then the woman is the expected one?"

Hazred shook his head. "Regrettably, Dr. Gerard, I am not permitted to discuss this matter which touches on national security. I can only assure you that your efforts on behalf of Egypt will not go unnoticed or unrewarded." He smiled his most reassuring smile. "You will, of course, speak to no one about this. Not to your wife, or your children, or your mistress should you have one. You will be contacted if we have further need of your services."

posted January 13, 2014 03:09 AM            

Thanks for posting that Pix, is the Hazred character in the movie?

posted January 13, 2014 09:24 AM            

In the movie the girl is a future prophet of (Catholic) God whereas in the book she's identified by occultists (both good and evil) as the Isis Messenger, though in both book and movie a group of evil magic users (in the movie only those into Satan use things like magic circles) try to corrupt her (in the book it's intricate complete with blood potions to "lower her vibration" so they can use her to get the Sekhmet Stone while in the movie they simply want her to follow Satan). The book gives reasons that make sense, the movie is best as a popcorn flick where you leave your brain at the door and enjoy the actors hamming it up...but as my mind has a tendency to try to make sense of things that's hard for me and thus the theories I shared above (which wouldn't fit the novel at all but then in the novel such theories aren't necessary).

Maggie is so much more interesting in the book, too, an artist and antiquarian with a determined spirit who is familiar with her Celtic roots and who fights fire with fire using magic of her own whereas in the movie she's just a reactive nurse who'd never get anywhere if she didn't have answers dropped into her lap again & again or survive if she didn't keep being saved by cops and angels (Maggie of the book is an epic hero who does whatever it takes while clamping down her terror that is beyond mortal for herself and her granddaughter, Maggie of the movie is sweet who tries to be a hero but is more of a damsel in distress herself right along with the child, I think she gets saved more in that one movie than Harry Potter in all the Potter movies combined!).

Another reason the novel is so much more compelling is because it really is up to the characters whereas in the movie the angels keep intervening in both subtle and overt ways because "God has to win" (in fact if the beliefs the movie cater to were correct then everyone should've prayed and God would've taken care of the entire thing). I also liked how the cop in the novel is also fighting for redemption by saving the child after having lost his own son through his own pettiness (causing his son to be murdered by someone after him) which made me feel for him and want to hug him while cheering him on whereas in the movie it's a FBI agent who's a little TOO perfect and former priest, rather annoying IMO.

And holy crap, the stench of evil on the black magic Adepts is so much more intense in the novel (complete with imprisoned "screamers" who are bled in agonizing ways with medical means helping over weeks and longer for dark rituals, including in making the potions to force down the holy child's throat, and "breeders" to create babies for sadistic sacrifices as well as feeding demonic familiars, and often the babies are skinned alive with sometimes enslaved breeders having some of her own skin carved off so she has an idea what the baby feels as well as keeping the skin to magically track and affect them should they escape) who include members of a global elite with serious financial and legal clout (who in some cases can hire and fire the police) whereas in the movie the evil is ironically toned down and the primary villain is more of a Scientologist like cult leader but with his worshipers mostly a bunch of drug-addled teenage goths (rather than the wealthy and powerful) which I find unintentionally funny at times...especially that little boy with "one eye" (I always laugh where he makes Maggie scream by surprising her with an evil hiss when it was obviously supposed to scare the audience as well).

posted January 13, 2014 09:38 AM            

"It is said in the ancient texts that the Black Forces will seek to capture the Isis Messenger in order to resurrect the Sekhmet Stone--that that they themselves may be used as the pawns of a far greater player--the Goddess Sekhmet herself may have a hidden agenda. If I interpret these papyri correctly the Goddess sleeps, and has slept for millennia, like the genie in a bottle. But if a Black Adept is able to resurrect the Stone that embodies her power for annihilation she may choose to inhabit the body of a mortal in order to experience the pleasures of the flesh she has so long hungered for.

"I fear, Mrs. O'Connor, that your daughter's husband seeks to imprison your granddaughter's Ka and replace it with that of Sekhmet. If such were to happen Cody's soul will wander the Underworld for eternity and Sekhmet will free the demons from the inferno. Life was we know it will simply cease to be."

Maggie shook her head. "Goddesses and curses and demons, Dr. Hazred," she said, striving for rationality. "I keep feeling as if I'm an unwilling guest at the Mad Hatter's tea party. What precisely are you suggesting to me?"

"I am suggesting your granddaughter may not be in danger only from those of the Left Hand Path, Mrs. O'Connor. You see, if all else fails, I suspect the other side will be forced to kill her to keep Sekhmet from reincarnating."

"You're telling me she's in danger no matter which side gets hold of her?" Maggie rose from her chair in agitation. Hazred saw she had taken the bait.

"I think you need the counsel of someone who fully understands the intricacies of this situation," he said. "The Universe is a vast electrical energy system, Mrs. O'Connor. Everything in it--including us--vibrates at very specific frequencies. All magic depends on the manipulation of these energetic patterns. Why, the hydrogen bomb is merely only alteration of the pattern. If Cody is, indeed, the Isis Messenger, she is the tuning fork, Mrs. O'Connor. The only tuning fork. It is her frequency , combined with certain magical components of sound and ritual, that will vibrate the Universal web into relinquishing the great prize."

Maggie, unnerved by his insistence on helping, went home wondering what exactly it was Dr. Hazred wished to gain for himself.

posted January 15, 2014 12:31 PM            

The book sounds FAR more entertaining than the movie

Someday I shall find the time to read it