SUNDAY NIGHT TRANSLATION GROUP — DECEMBER 31, 2017

To quote Mike Zonta, H.W., M., “Translation is ‘magical thinking’  based on self-evident axioms and syllogistic reasoning (which is to say that Translation is not magical thinking at all).”  And to quote Heather Williams, H.W., M., “Translation is the creative process of re-engineering the outdated software of your mind.” Translation  is a 5-step process using words and their meanings and histories to transform the testimony of the senses and uncover  the underlying timeless reality of the Universe.

Sense testimony:

Blockage, emotional, mental, and physical prevents heart (essence) from being sufficiently supported,

Water Music Tercentenary

This being the time to reflect on, or taking parting shots at, the year just passed, I remembered just this past week that there was something I’d been wanting to post about, of which which I’d only recently been reminded:

2017 marks the three-hundredth anniversary of the premier of the Water Music by George Frideric Handel.  Here is an excellent version, performed by Jordi Savall and the Concert des Nations , on period instruments and according to historically informed performance practices:

I first heard tell of the Water Music over fifty years ago, just after discovering the Fireworks Music by the same composer.  At first, however, I thought it was called “The Waterworks Music” or “Music for the Royal Waterworks” – which made sense, in a way.  I figured it was celebratory music for the opening of some kind of water treatment plant in London, of for some new group of fountains – or something like that.

I was quickly disabused of such suppositions as I read up a bit on the subject.  It was actually called “The Water Music”,  tout court, and was composed to be played for the King and his entourage on a boating excursion up and down along the Thames.  Water treatment plants only came about in London many years later, and fountains were definitely out of the picture for that occasion.

It was a further good thing that I got clued in to the real name of this piece, since “waterworks” is a (mostly) British euphemism for the human genitourinary tract – as in, “My wife is having a problem with her…er…waterworks.”  The term can also mean tears…

Listening to the Water Music today, I continue to be dazzled by the sheer melodic inventiveness it embodies, which I believe to have been Handel’s greatest gift.  The Water Music is like a stream of beautiful melodies flowing one after another, some of extreme simplicity, some of a complexity just as extreme.  And just when you think “Handel can’t possibly top that, or even keep this up.  He’s bound to run out of ideas and the next thing is going to be something of a letdown”, a new melody appears that’s equal to, or even “better” somehow, than anything that’s come along so far.  And these are more than just pretty tunes – there’s a lyricism to them, a moving-ness, something beyond the delight to the senses they so obviously are, something that touches, indeed stirs, the heart.

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For those interested in this sort of thing, there are a good many possible versions of the Water Music – which is actually a collection of twenty-one short movements of considerable variety, many based on the dance music of the times, and usually grouped into three suites, with no set order within each suite.  Conductors and/or music directors then pick and choose their favorite order, and even, I’m sure, “mix and match” things up with movements from the three suites to their hearts’ content.

For more curious listeners, there are plenty of versions of the Water music currently up on YouTube, which one can access by clicking here.  In my cursory research along such lines, I was particularly intrigued by this version by the German group Akamus – deploying about as large an ensemble as is possible without a conductor .

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All the best in 2018!

Ray Navarro as Jesus, and Protest of the Catholic Church on Condoms


Tuoder
Published on Jul 7, 2013

Here’s a particularly interesting couple of clips from a great documentary of 2012. I grabbed these clips from “How to Survive a Plague”, a great documentary on the activism and action which was instrumental in the development of effective treatments for HIV/AIDS.

I do not own the copyright here. I believe this is fair use.

The trailer for the film via IFC:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=haEPLC…

Alchology: blow job shots

Image result for blowjob shots

A Blow Job is a shooter mixed drink made by slowly pouring Baileys Irish Cream and Kahlúa and Amaretto and topping with whipped cream without mixing. The shot is traditionally lifted with the mouth and drunk with hands behind the back. Wikipedia

Main alcohol: Irish creamCoffee liqueur
Ingredients: 1⁄2 oz Baileys, Whipped cream top, 1⁄4 oz Amaretto, 1⁄2 oz Kahlúa
Preparation: Pour ½ oz Baileys and ½ oz Kahlúa in shot glass and top with whipped cream. Serve.
Drinkware: Shot glass
Primary alcohol by volume: Irish cream

Full Moon 1 January 2018 ~ High As Kites

By Marina (darkstarastrology.com)

The Full Moon on 1 January 2018, falls at 11º Cancer. The Moon is powerful and comfortable in Cancer decan 2. The full Moon January 2018 qualifies as a Supermoon since this is the largest Full moon of the year. Family values are really high, so if the parental supportive is available we can attract success to our lives. Those touched by this Full Moon won’t feel particularly ambitious and they don’t need to be either as the right people and work will find them. If you are job hunting the right opportunity simply falls into your lap just when you need it.

This is a very auspicious decan for the Full Moon and a great one for social gatherings and family get-togethers. There is a negative side though, we cannot take any harsh or ruthless behaviour at this time. For we will feel extra-sensitive and will really need those cuddles!

Full Moon Meaning

Full Moons tend to make us purge and release things from our lives, so we need to make sure that we are in control of this and no one is forcing our hand! Sometimes we can let go of things that we regret later, due to heightened emotions and the Full Moons perchance for saying ‘F*** You!’  The bright light of the sun throws a spotlight on our subconscious and our shadow. This can feel uncomfortable as the Sun literally blasts out the demons who have nowhere to hide. Often the full moon is a time when we reap what we sowed at the New Moon,.. for good or for ill.

The veils between the worlds are thinnest around a full Moon, so be very careful what you invite in. Instead, the Full Moon is best used to purge things out, and banish entities/bad habits back to the underworld from whence they came. Make sure you close the door firmly afterwards! This is a good time for exorcism, but make sure you are completely grounded and fully in control of the process. If in doubt, lie low and protect yourself. A Lunar Eclipse is a turbocharged Full Moon where the blood red moon makes a graphic statement of any symbolic ‘deaths’ or aborted projects that might occur at this time in our lives.

Full Moon In Cancer ~ Be Sensitive!

At this Full Moon January 2018, it is not the time to use the Spartan school of disciplining, either on those we are responsible for in work or in a domestic situation. Expect tears and tantrums if you go in too heavy-handed. The resentment that builds up after can be very bitter, with the injured party making you pay dearly for their perceived suffering.

The need to be in a safe community is very important at this Full Moon, as we are so sensitive to the neighbourhood vibration. Those touched by this Full Moon and Lunar types will do better in tranquil, suburban areas then frantic city centres with higher crime rates. Get out of the big smoke if you can for New Year’s day!

Full Moon January 2018 Astrology

The January Full Moon aligns with Fixed star Alzirr found in the right foot of Pollux, one of the Gemini twins. This star is included in the Arabic 4th mansion, Al Han’ah, meaning ‘The brand-mark’ usually a Brand on the right side of a camel’s, or horse’s, neck. Robson says that the 4th mansion is “Favorable for hunting, besieging towns, and the revenge of princes, destroys harvests and fruits, and hinders the operation of the physician.” Pollux was known as the evil, immortal twin hence the negative associations. Still, we mustn’t forget the influence of the Twins as a whole.

Full Moon In Pollux

Manilus says; “From the Twins come less laborious callings and a more agreeable way of life, provided by varied song and voices of harmonious tone, slender pipes, the melodies inborn in strings and the words fitted thereto: those so endowed find even work a pleasure. They would banish the arms of war, the trumpet’s call, and the gloom of old age: theirs is a life of ease and unfading youth spent in the arms of love.”

So this star can be vengeful and destructive given half a chance. Though it seems that some sweet music and a loving embrace can work wonders. Again it seems that this sensitive Full Moon just needs to be treated kindly, wrapped in cotton wool, and no sharp knives. Operations should be avoided at this time, this is usually the advice anyway at a Full Moon, but this one is extra gushy.

Full Moon January 2018 Horoscope

Full Moon January 2018

Full Moon Aspects ~ Venus, Neptune & Lilith

Moon trine Neptune can become extremely devoted to its lover but needs to be careful that its longing to merge with others leaves no sense of self whatsoever. At this Full moon we do best channelling this great devotion into an all-consuming passion, Ie; An artistic project, spiritual practice or best of all, working to transform the lives of the sick and needy. Moon trine Neptune takes the fantasy element of Neptune and tries to build a utopia. There is a budding saviour quality about it and is in tune with the common people’s hope and dreams. The nurturing side of the moon can take on a transpersonal role in mothering the world.

Moon opposite Venus could well feel torn between nurturing and the satisfaction of sensual desires. When this happens, one end of the opposition gets projected. This can be a person obsessed with making everything gorgeous, perfect and idyllic while bemoaning kids with sticky fingers and life’s unpleasant bathroom smells… Examples of successfully blending the Moon/Venus polarity would include a career in architecture, interior design or a master-chef who presents his food beautifully.

Full Moon January 2018Moon opposite Black Moon Lilith. Because the Moon and the Black Moon are such polar opposites, in the opposition they could actually end up cancelling each other out. A successful balance of these two would mean that the domestic moon can restrain Lilith from going too far off the rails and wild Lilith could break some of the moons stagnating habits. The bad side of this aspect could be projecting the attraction for the forbidden fruit onto partners by falling for addicts. At this Full Moon, we could find ourselves playing either side of this opposition, the loving supportive moon or the vampiric Lilith who bleeds their partner dry to feed their addiction.

Full Moon Kite Pattern

We can see that the Full Moon January 2018 forms the spine of a Kite across the grand water trine of Neptune trine Mars trine Moon. The Mars point is wide, but Jupiter close by gives it some weight. Here we might get a taste of the ‘Angel Delight’ Kite/Jupiter trine Neptune I mentioned in the Astrology of 2018 post. “It brings hope and spiritual harmony. Jupiter trine Neptune is also a very charitable aspect, but one that needs to be channelled realistically so that the help really does goes to the grass-roots, needy people.”

Full Moon January 2018 ~ Summary

There is a high possibility of waking up next to a Gaga-style ‘bad romance’ on New Year’s day if you fell down a pit of forbidden fruit at this Full Moon. There is a stark polarisation here due to the influence of Pollux, the so-called ‘evil’ twin. Chances of a triangular relationship getting into a tangle of confusion are high too as a Neptune ‘good-samaritan’ type tries to rescue a couple, but then gets pulled into their toxic drama. However, this Full Moon January 2018 is actually a very sensitive and loving one if you avoid the pitfalls of addiction.

As we can see, at this Cancer Full Moon, sometimes Black Moon Lilith plays the role of devil’s advocate and spices things up so that we don’t become stagnant and complacent in our closest relationships. Single people may grow tired of decadent parties and yearn for a safe and solid union, maybe even fall for a dependable someone whom they thought quite dull in the past. Sometimes it takes an interfering bitch to show us just how much we really love the comfy old slipper we call our wife, husband, best friend or business partner.

TRANSLATION ADVENTURE – 12/31/17

Translators:  Alex Gambeau, Zoe Robinson, Calvin Harris, Heather Williams

SENSE TESTIMONY:  The Flow of Life can be blocked

5th Step Conclusions:
1)  Infinite Energy flowing constantly is the Truth of Life and All I AM.
2)  The Eternal Truth is birthless, deathless Flow of One constant energy
3)  That which is so is that which is Eternally, Infinitely Sound.
4)  Consciousness is consciousness in all of its array as all enteral isness consciousness conscious of consciousness.

Jesus Was Probably Gay


Was Jesus gay? Probably

By Paul Oestreicher (theguardian.com) April 20, 2012

I preached on Good Friday that Jesus’s intimacy with John suggested he was gay as I felt deeply it had to be addressed.

Preaching on Good Friday on the last words of Jesus as he was being executed makes great spiritual demands on the preacher. The Jesuits began this tradition. Many Anglican churches adopted it. Faced with this privilege in New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, my second home, I was painfully aware of the context, a church deeply divided worldwide over issues of gender and sexuality. Suffering was my theme. I felt I could not escape the suffering of gay and lesbian people at the hands of the church, over many centuries.

Was that divisive issue a subject for Good Friday? For the first time in my ministry I felt it had to be. Those last words of Jesus would not let me escape. “When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing near, he said to his mother, ‘Woman behold your son!’ Then he said to the disciple. ‘Behold your mother!’ And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.”

That disciple was John whom Jesus, the gospels affirm, loved in a special way. All the other disciples had fled in fear. Three women but only one man had the courage to go with Jesus to his execution. That man clearly had a unique place in the affection of Jesus. In all classic depictions of the Last Supper, a favourite subject of Christian art, John is next to Jesus, very often his head resting on Jesus’s breast. Dying, Jesus asks John to look after his mother and asks his mother to accept John as her son. John takes Mary home. John becomes unmistakably part of Jesus’s family.

Jesus was a Hebrew rabbi. Unusually, he was unmarried. The idea that he had a romantic relationship with Mary Magdalene is the stuff of fiction, based on no biblical evidence. The evidence, on the other hand, that he may have been what we today call gay is very strong. But even gay rights campaigners in the church have been reluctant to suggest it. A significant exception was Hugh Montefiore, bishop of Birmingham and a convert from a prominent Jewish family. He dared to suggest that possibility and was met with disdain, as though he were simply out to shock.

After much reflection and with certainly no wish to shock, I felt I was left with no option but to suggest, for the first time in half a century of my Anglican priesthood, that Jesus may well have been homosexual. Had he been devoid of sexuality, he would not have been truly human. To believe that would be heretical.

Heterosexual, bisexual, homosexual: Jesus could have been any of these. There can be no certainty which. The homosexual option simply seems the most likely. The intimate relationship with the beloved disciple points in that direction. It would be so interpreted in any person today. Although there is no rabbinic tradition of celibacy, Jesus could well have chosen to refrain from sexual activity, whether he was gay or not. Many Christians will wish to assume it, but I see no theological need to. The physical expression of faithful love is godly. To suggest otherwise is to buy into a kind of puritanism that has long tainted the churches.

All that, I felt deeply, had to be addressed on Good Friday. I saw it as an act of penitence for the suffering and persecution of homosexual people that still persists in many parts of the church. Few readers of this column are likely to be outraged any more than the liberal congregation to whom I was preaching, yet I am only too aware how hurtful these reflections will be to most theologically conservative or simply traditional Christians. The essential question for me is: what does love demand? For my critics it is more often: what does scripture say? In this case, both point in the same direction.

Whether Jesus was gay or straight in no way affects who he was and what he means for the world today. Spiritually it is immaterial. What matters in this context is that there are many gay and lesbian followers of Jesus – ordained and lay – who, despite the church, remarkably and humbly remain its faithful members. Would the Christian churches in their many guises more openly accept, embrace and love them, there would be many more disciples.

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