Do you have a need to be "saved?" Why?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Do you have a need to be "saved?" Why?
14
Thu, 01-03-2008 - 3:49pm
This question came up for me reading the Sylvia Browne thread. So, in your own beliefs/spirituality, is there a semblance of needing "saved" by your God/s or your Guides or your Angels, etc.? Why do you think being "saved" is necessary? What does that mean to you? Why do you think you choose your God/s to worship that require your being "saved?" For those who don't believe in this concept, please share your thoughts and comments. Is it a way of setting the bar high for motivational purposes, to make people strive harder?



Or, is saved in a more practical sense for you? Like sending a guide or a flash of intuition or insight, to warn you of impending danger, so you can avoid it? I sometimes get these kinds of intuitive warnings, and have learned the hard way, to change my driving route, or allowing a stranger to approach me, or to get out of my car in a certain place, or open my door to someone. I think of these warnings are "saving" by the Goddess and God, and my Totems, too, sending me information I need. But I have to be awake and open enough to "hear" and accept the information, and then act upon it. This is the kind of "saving" I am familiar with from my Goddess and God. What about you? Does divination help? Do you listen to your intuition? Is this a way to keep yourself from harm?



For myself, my Goddess and God love me, as I am, and as I will be, as I evolve with Their nurture, lifetime by lifetime, through Their gifts of Karma and Magick and inner personal power. There is no impending judgement or assumption that I am unworthy. They love me in any case, and are ever patient that I will evolve at my own pace, as I need to, as I struggle with the lessons They send me, the Karmic debt I accumulate, etc. I know that eventually I will become fully Spirit. As was Buddha, Jesus, Gandhi, and other holy teachers, who reincarnated to give us lessons to help us evolve into Spirit. Eventually we will all evolve, so that we may even choose to come back here, not because we need lessons or have Karmic debt, but because, like them, we choose to come to help others evolve.



Thought this would make a great opportunity to share our beliefs, support each other and understand each other a bit better. ;))



Gypsy ✬

Hairetikos



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Courtesy of: http://emergraphiks.tripod.com/graphics1.htm






"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"



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She changes everything She touches,
and everything She touches, changes.







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Mika Dog




"All things share the same breath;

the beast, the tree, the man.

The Air shares its spirit with

all the life it supports."

--Chief Seattle





Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003

Great idea Gypsy!


'Saved' in my mind generally refers to the born-again Christian use, which I understand to be when the person turns to the religion.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-22-2003

I feel no need to be saved.


iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
I guess because I believe fully in karma and reincarnation versus one physical life and then eternity in heaven or hell, and I see the two ideas as mutually exclusive. To explain my concept of karma a bit further, I see it as a completely impersonal balancing of energies. What's that scientific law that states that for every action there's an equal and opposite reaction?



This is similar to how I view Karma and I also believe in Reincarnation. Karma is rebalancing what we put out of balance. Karma is not like a god threatening you with hell or total destruction, judging you upon death. To me, it's a tool to help me evolve in my next lifetime a little bit more, kind of thing.



Gypsy ✬

Hairetikos



Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket



Courtesy of: http://emergraphiks.tripod.com/graphics1.htm





"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"



Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket



She changes everything She touches,
and everything She touches, changes.







Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mika Dog




"All things share the same breath;

the beast, the tree, the man.

The Air shares its spirit with

all the life it supports."

--Chief Seattle





Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



iVillage Member
Registered: 08-09-2005
Thu, 01-03-2008 - 11:46pm

I believe that God intended to have good & evil, human nature. I believe that there is a destiny within us, yet I also believe in the power of choice. I received a prophesy as a teenager, but its up to me to make the choices that will make that happen. It's up to me to claim my destiny.

I have a really hard time thinking that the truly evil forces in our world will end up in the same place as me :-) That is one reason why I reject the beliefs of the Universalism side of my denomination in my own personal path. While I have much of my spiritual path formed solidly, there are still some parts under construction.

TBH, I feel covered either way. I said the sinners prayer & was baptized when I was younger and I meant it. I have not abandoned the love of the Father, nor have I abandoned the teachings of Jesus. Yet at the same time, I have a healthy respect for eastern & earth-based religions. I trek to the local "peace of mind center" once a month (old & new age philosophy store). I am waiting for a tarot deck that speaks to me (or waiting for someone to give me one). I think that YHWH uses many avenues to speak to us. I believe that Gaia keeps the world in balance. My idea of YHWH & Gaia inter-mingle. To me it is one, like what gypsy refers to as God & Goddess.

More to the point of salvation. Gypsy you bring up a good point with salvation in the day to day. There were many times my mother & I would have pressed upon us the need to lift up a person in prayer. This is at a time in my life when I spent oodles of time in prayer & meditation. I wonder if it is because I don't meditate as much, or if it is because I am removed from my close knit community that I don't receive as many impressions? (can I call it that? it seems to be the correct word.) I DO still get them, but mostly when I sense someone from home is in need. And I suspect that it is because I am so far removed from home and not as in tune to the goings on there that they don't happen as much. I think that this is a form of salvation. Intersession. Changing of the energies of Gaia? Using our divine spiritual power to make change in the path or course of another's life? It's possible. When mom or I (usually both independently would have the same) would get the need impressed upon our soul that someone needed prayer, it was never a fake out. There were also times when we didn't get that feeling when something would happen and I still wonder why. I don't think it was random, though. Maybe we all have certain battles or tests, and for those who are not strong enough YHWH sends us help. or Gaia lets us take energy from stronger people?

The most that I can say for sure about death is "ashes to ashes, dust to dust"-- what happens on a soul-level I claim to no absolute knowledge of.

MissApril_Piano aka Aps
Furmom to Pookie, Isabel, & Noelle
Techie Gal Finance Wiz
Entrepeneur Any Questions?

~MissApril
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-26-2005
Fri, 01-04-2008 - 10:57am

Now I know many of you here have already heard my testimony.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
There were also times when we didn't get that feeling when something would happen and I still wonder why. I don't think it was random, though. Maybe we all have certain battles or tests, and for those who are not strong enough YHWH sends us help. or Gaia lets us take energy from stronger people?



I think of it as more along the lines of we aren't evolved enough. Our society frowns on "sixth sense" gifts and their usage, to some extent. So, I think when we are first born, as new beings, we have these gifts in abundance and we use them. Until we are conditioned by parents, religion, society, NOT to use them. I believe intuition, inner wisdom and guidance is all there from the beginning. But as we are socialized and conditioned, we forget how to use them, or even respect their usage. Or some of us label them evil. In finding the Goddess (or, rather, Her finding ME through sending me my DD), I also found missing pieces of myself I had been taught to shut down and mistrust. I don't like the idea of "taking energy from stronger people." To me that sounds like energy vampires, exemplified in dysfunctional type relationships, if that makes sense. We all have inner power and energy, but we lose sight of that, and how to make use of it. The "Be as Little Children" has a bit of a different meaning for me, coming from this perspective. But it is true, one must become completely open and awake and trusting to receive the guidances and messages from their God/s, and to act upon them. It's not really returning to childhood, so much as turning off the conditioning tapes in our heads, so we can see with more clarity what is going on, and have the adult power and resources, to act upon what we see.



About "dust to dust." I feel I have died many times, and have been born many times, learning and experiencing something more to help me evolve into Spirit. I guess that is why I don't have a problem with people who choose dark paths and harmful/evil acts toward others. In the fullness of time, with many reincarnations to come, Karmic consequences and learning to rebalance what one puts out of balance, I believe these people will also evolve to a better understanding and higher level as Spirit. They are in the most primitive or barbaric stages, but will evolve, just as we do. We each are evolving at our own pace, lifetime by lifetime. Through it all I believe the Goddess and God love us and watch over us, but do not deprive us of suffering we created for ourselves by our acts, beliefs, thoughts, values. They know we will eventually "get it." :)


Gypsy ✬

Hairetikos



Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket



Courtesy of: http://emergraphiks.tripod.com/graphics1.htm






"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"



Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket



She changes everything She touches,
and everything She touches, changes.







Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mika Dog




"All things share the same breath;

the beast, the tree, the man.

The Air shares its spirit with

all the life it supports."

--Chief Seattle





Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
I'm glad you had a revelatory experience, a personal connection to your God. That is how one knows the right path to place one's feet, one's spirit, one's heart. I had a similar awesome experience, also, in converting to the Goddess and God. In fact, They sent me my DD, whom I believe is in some ways, an advanced Spirit, to be my teacher and guide me forward. For me there no need for salvation or need to be saved in the Christian sense, as you believe, because my Goddess and God never separated Themselves from me. They were always there, even when I was ignorant of Them. They prepared me in many ways, over the years of my life, so that I would recognize my true calling to Them at the right time, being ready to take the steps necessary. I see all of us, who have a sure path we have placed our feet upon, regardless of faith or the God/s worshiped, to be all very much Blessed! :))



Here is my directive and my work and my belief:



Charge of the Goddess

Traditional by Doreen Valiente, as adapted by Starhawk:



Listen to the words of the Great Mother, Who of old was called Artemis, Astarte, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Diana, Arionrhod, Brigid, and by many other names:



Whenever you have need of anything, once a month, and better it be when the moon is full, you shall assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of Me Who is Queen of all the Wise.



You shall be free from slavery, and as a sign that you be free you shall be naked in your rites.



Sing, feast, dance, make music and love, all in My Presence, for Mine is the ecstasy of the spirit and Mine also is joy on earth.



For My law is love is unto all beings. Mine is the secret that opens the door of youth, and Mine is the cup of wine of life that is the cauldron of Cerridwen, that is the holy grail of immortality.



I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal, and beyond death I give peace and freedom and reunion with those that have gone before.



Nor do I demand aught of sacrifice, for behold, I am the Mother of all things and My love is poured out upon the earth.



Hear the words of the Star Goddess, the dust of Whose feet are the hosts of Heaven, whose body encircles the universe:



I Who am the beauty of the green earth and the white moon among the stars and the mysteries of the waters,



I call upon your soul to arise and come unto me.



For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe.



From Me all things proceed and unto Me they must return.



Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices, for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals.



Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you.



And you who seek to know Me, know that the seeking and yearning will avail you not, unless you know the Mystery: for if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without.



For behold, I have been with you from the beginning, and I am That which is attained at the end of desire.



Here is a link to my spiritual beliefs, and the laws I try to follow:


http://gypsywolfwoman.tripod.com/id13.html


Gypsy ✬

Hairetikos



Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket



Courtesy of: http://emergraphiks.tripod.com/graphics1.htm






"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"



Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket



She changes everything She touches,
and everything She touches, changes.







Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mika Dog




"All things share the same breath;

the beast, the tree, the man.

The Air shares its spirit with

all the life it supports."

--Chief Seattle





Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
There is also this as part of my beliefs:



The Wiccan Rede

(Full Version)



Bide within the Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.

Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.



For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.

To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.



Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.

Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,

let love and light be our guides again.



Deosil go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.

Widdershins go when the moon doth wane,

and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfsbane.



When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.

When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.



Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.

When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.



When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.

When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.



Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.

Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.



Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's

insight. Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magick to flower.



Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summerland.

Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw faerie to your eye.



Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.

White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.



Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.

Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.



Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.

Four times the Major Sabbats mark in the light and in the dark.



As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.

When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.



When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.

As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magick rite.



Four times the Minor Sabbats fall use the Sun to mark them all.

When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.



In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.

When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.



Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.

Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.



Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.

When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.



With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.

Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.



Mind the Three-fold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.

When misfortune is enow wear the star upon your brow.



Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.



These Eight words the Rede fulfill:



"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"



Gypsy ✬

Hairetikos



Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket



Courtesy of: http://emergraphiks.tripod.com/graphics1.htm






"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"



Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket



She changes everything She touches,
and everything She touches, changes.







Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mika Dog




"All things share the same breath;

the beast, the tree, the man.

The Air shares its spirit with

all the life it supports."

--Chief Seattle





Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



iVillage Member
Registered: 05-26-2005

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-09-2001
Yes, that is my Mika doggie! :)) She'll be six in a couple weeks. We adopted her 5 years ago from our local SPCA. She grew up her first year in no-kill shelters. She was born deaf and no one wanted to adopt her. I love her dearly and she is my constant companion. :)) As for sharing informatoin on my religion, I know you are not as informed about my religion, as I am about Christianity, since I was a practicing Christian for some years, even as an adult. So I wanted to share more with everyone, knowing that my religion is a minority and not everyone knows much about it. ;))


Gypsy ✬

Hairetikos



Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket



Courtesy of: http://emergraphiks.tripod.com/graphics1.htm






"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"



Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket



She changes everything She touches,
and everything She touches, changes.







Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

Mika Dog




"All things share the same breath;

the beast, the tree, the man.

The Air shares its spirit with

all the life it supports."

--Chief Seattle





Blessings,

Gypsy

)O(



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