Once we are familiar with these, we might try some of them on, or at least become accustomed to hearing about them in detail without looking at someone sideways for saying or doing these "weirdest" of beliefs and practices.
It can be intimidating, embarrassing, or dangerous to talk about some of the things that cross our minds when we dive deep into spirituality, philosophy and religion. It can even cross over into politics, history, culture, and other themes because everything is interconnected.
When I say weird, I don't mean to pass judgment on these beliefs, at all. Some folks think of the idea of Goddess as weird the first time they are exposed to it, because they are only used to hearing about a male God. That doesn't mean it's bad or wrong to think of gendering Deity one way or another. It just means, there is something shocking about expanding your mind.
Though I want to mainly touch on beliefs today, I say practices too because often we do a practice because of a belief around it's effectiveness or purpose. Like how knocking on wood is a superstitious belief around not jinxing a situation, at least, not causing it to happen the unhelpful way just for having mentioned it, because of bad luck.
So, let's start there. What are some superstitions we have? And do we believe them? WHY? What has happened to you or someone you know, because of these?
I'll list a few I've come across:
- looking into broken mirrors,
- walking under ladders,
- crossing paths with a black cat,
- passing the salt,
- spilling the salt,
- putting your shirt on backwards,
- squishing a spider...
- saying the same words at the same time
- good luck charms, like a rabbit's foot or four leaf clover
The list goes on.
Then there are beliefs that people think are 'crazy' or 'delusional' or downright 'false'. Some of us hold these taboo beliefs to be real and true because of our experiences.
What are some of the taboo beliefs we have? Do we believe in them? Are we at least a little curious to see if there is evidence because we want to believe? Or has something happened to you or somebody you know, to make you question whether it could be possible? What are your examples?
Some ideas of themes where our beliefs might be lumped together:
- Conspiracy Theories
- UFO sightings or ET contact
- Hallucinations or Visions, Voices, and UPG (unverified personal gnosis) experiences
- Prophecies and Predictions, or Precognition (including dreams, deja-vu etc.)
- ESP (extra-sensory perception), psychic abilities, and non-local information
- Hive Mind, collective consciousness, Akashic records, etc.
- Certain non-recreational functions of substance use
- Uncommon worldviews about the nature of reality
- BIG industries and their corporate or political agendas
And many more...
When it comes to personal spirituality, our beliefs are even more challenging to prove because they are often magical, mystical, or "woo-woo, ooga-booga, hocus-pocus" level unverifiable.
- What is Deity?
- Why are we here?
- What is the meaning of life?
- What is Love?
- What are Energies?
- Where is the Soul located?
Are there any more of the "weirdest" beliefs or practices, either yours or someone else's that you hold, or have come across in your journeys and on your paths, that we haven't covered yet? What are these all about?
If you don't feel like sharing, that's okay, but please take a moment to be aware of how it feels to have a belief you don't want to share - what is that like for you? Do you have a belief around what it means to speak those secrets?
And remember, I'm a confidential ear, if you don't have someone to be your sounding board for these and many other private spiritual matters.
♥ Jacki