Tao of Buttercup

Did search the forum prior to posting, to see if I could find answers already given. Didn't, so will ask these questions: I'm reading The Shambhala Guide to Taoism by Eva Wong; first chapter "Shamanic Origins." Question 1: Ms. Wong mentions (pages 15 & 16) that, as part of a healing ceremony, a shamaness would "grasp a green snake in her right hand and a red snake in her left hand..." What does green and red signify in Chinese shamanism? She doesn't explain. To the ancient Celts, red = blood/female and green = foliage/Earth/male. Question 2: Ms. Wong mentions herbs, but not hallucinogens. I'm a bit familiar with other shamanic cultures (Native American, etc) and their use of peyote, mushrooms, etc. Did Chinese shamans use natural hallucinogens? Question 3: Ms. Wong mentions Songs of the Land of the South; an ancient collection of Chinese shamanic poetry. My local library doesn't have this book, and I'm on a tight budget. I checked via Google, but cannot find it reproduced online (free). Does anyone have a link? Thanks.

Love astronomy, and this is new to me today (found while browsing "Taoism shrines" on Google). Thought I'd share (probably is familiar to some here): http://www.poyuentaoist.org/dipper.shtml http://www.artic.edu/taoism/renaissance/h101.php p.s.: I didn't know the Big Dipper (asterism of Ursa Major) is important in Taoism. Interesting to note that Draco the Dragon is so very near: http://robertbauval.co.uk/articles/articles/images/cciae1.jpg

Found and purchased this unique (to me, anyway) book last p.m.: http://tinyurl.com/mgqoeem

Yes, this is meant to be lighthearted (sort of). Recently re-watched a couple of Star Trek movies (III & IV). It'd been a while. I remember being shocked, after the films initially came out (I was a teenager), how many people LOVED Klingons. And developed the "Klingon language", dictionary, etc. Well I was the definite minority, because I've always loved VULCANS. And no wonder (my spirituality). And again I'm charmed and in love with Vulcan and its society as portrayed in the films. My favorite ST film is the original: Star Trek: The Motion Picture. The ambiance, spiritual flavor, philosophical questions, ultimate outcome.

I am normally a very compassionate person, but I'm distressed at seeing news - early this morning - of two US Christian missionaries, stricken with Ebola in their work in West Africa, being flown home for treatment. I am NOT supportive of this at all. We cannot risk an outbreak. Already Yahoo (news) is posting official Quarantine Center sites. These two people will likely die anyway. And why should the general populace be put at risk? It's enough that we're facing a recent wash of disease (scabies, hepatitis, etc.) from undocumented immigrants. Our economy is still unstable besides. This just seems to be tossing fuel onto the fire. Thoughts?

In my reading, I'm enjoying Taoist authors infusing their writings with references to wildlife, seasons, flowers, trees, stars and planets, etc. That goes without saying, I know, but: What reading in (European) Paganism I'd done prior is rather poor by comparison. Really FEEL these descriptions, being "in" the One, etc. Refreshing and revitalizing.

This isn't a question about Christianity (of which I'm vastly familiar) or Buddhism (of which I currently know very little)... ...it's a question about Hell. Or rather, a place of torment and suffering for the wicked after death. I was surprised to read (page 36 of Japanese Death Poems - in its Introduction section) that, beginning around 700 AD, a concept of Hell was introduced to Japan (prior to that, Shinto beliefs were dominant...as probably everyone here knows but me, until tonight). I've formerly (mid-1990s) done a lot of "comparative religion" reading, but most of that was Western. I'm surprised (not sure why...just am) that Buddhism (or a portion of it) also introduced the concept of Hell, akin to Christianity's. What is the psychology behind the rise of Hell? Is it an (unfortunate) progression in the human psyche reacting against being nomadic to agricultural to urban? Is it due to population growth (easier to dislike others "when crowded" versus "lots of wagon room")? Is it a side effect of increasing levels of formal education (alienation from physical/Nature into spirit/Cerebral)? I'm simply wondering. Any suggestions, insights?

Please let me know, and I'll gladly depart from this board. Reference - soaring crane in the Ebola thread.

Farewell. I will not tolerate harassment by a Moderator.

Are you a relation to him? Farewell.

Dude, read my p.s. in previous post: My husband is Latino. My nephew's father is Latino. I'm a Global Citizen. Don't start with me. A reference to diseases and unfortunate people afflicted with them doesn't imply they are "filthy." But there is a filthy person here - YOU. You're arrogant, being insulting, and have no business being in Moderation at this board. Get off your high horse.

He's best known as a real estate mogul, who takes an interest in politics.

I didn't use the word "filthy." And undocumented immigrant is not a dishonorable reference. Apparently you are quite arrogant and dislike Americans. I've just now tried putting you on Ignore, but you're on the Moderation Team. So I'll just not read your replies anymore. Where you can go from here is to also ignore me. Okay? p.s.: My husband is Latino, as is my nephew (his father). So don't you dare go indirectly accusing me of anything. Now don't bother with me again. You're a jerk.

Why should we have white people with malaria? Or ANY people with malaria? We should continue seeking eradication of these diseases for the benefit of all people - globally.

soaring crane, I am quite capable of rational thinking. I've also worked (clerical) in Western medicine for 23 years. And seldom pay attention to what Donald Trump has to say. This isn't an issue to be brushed off.

My thoughts exactly. There was an Ebola scare two (?) days ago, in an east-coast hospital. An entire ward closed off, all precautions in place, CDC notified; hospital staff were SCARED. Now granted, that person came to the hospital from "off the street"; no prewarning, etc. But to NOW be reading this morning of plans to deliberately bring Ebola patients home?? I agree with Donald Trump. Why take ANY risk?? I'm sorry for the patients and their families, but why should other people risk exposure during the transport process and etc.?

The Donald has spoken: Donald J. Trump ‏@realDonaldTrump 8h Stop the EBOLA patients from entering the U.S. Treat them, at the highest level, over there. THE UNITED STATES HAS ENOUGH PROBLEMS!

Might be. I'm thinking of chocolate cream pie while just now running for a snack cake in the kitchen...

I follow Mr. Takei on Twitter. Good sense of humor, etc. Blade Runner - excellent. One of the best. Like the Alien films, too (except the prison planet).

Yep - it's them. I read James Blish's novelized versions of the original Star Trek episodes before I actually saw Star Trek TV episodes in syndication. Saw those novels for sell at local Five & Dime; begged my mom. That was mid-1970s. But then I've liked astronomy and science since I can remember, so... My sister spent rainy afternoons all engrossed in Grace Livingston Hill Christian romances, while I was going around the galaxy with Capt. Kirk and crew! Such adventures!

Actually, I prefer "Star Wars"...but still have a real fondness for the original Trek cast.

I've got a HUGE sweet tooth, so am also curious for replies.

Thank you for all of the replies. Agreed. However, injustices and crimes occurred amongst humans before the advent of Hell (as defined by Christianity at least). The ancient Jews had "Sheol" and "Hades" - which (to my limited knowledge and it's distant memory) was more a place "of Shades"; an unhappy and melancholy limbo. At some point, something triggered the horrific concept of Hell: Real suffering, terrible torments, anguish, torture. Extreme punishment; in the case of fundamentalist Christians, never-ending. I'm wondering what exact trigger prompted such a concept. Was it social? economic? a combination of factors? The Bronze Age or Iron Age? Some Pagan/Wiccan feminists have suggested that is when "things" changed (not for the better) in many religions. Maybe it's impossible to know. I much prefer the earlier stages of human spirituality: Nature, rhythms, cycles; that innocence. Which somehow got lost to most religions, it seems. Yet Taoism retains that youthful exuberance, simplicity, optimism...which is exactly what I've been seeking. Ah well. Just my curious mind.

Two years ago, Clive Barker befriended me on Twitter. I'm a writer, working (hard!) towards publication. I've been a fan of Clive's since the late 1980s. It was "love at first sight." Never expected any sort of interaction with the man. Never expected to be near a book signing or etc., to meet him. His return Follow on Twitter in May 2012 absolutely stunned me. I was "out of it" for a week; disbelief and elation. We've had a bit of personal back-and-forth. He keeps some tabs on what I'm doing. Supportive, nice, friendly. He does this for "aspiring" artists, theater people, writers. I'm one of a lucky 280 souls. And I've still got this huge crush on him. And (as he's openly admitted since the mid-1990s) he is gay. He's also (self-admitted/open) been involved in "fetishism." To each their own with consulting adults, of course. And I'm this married vanilla straight gal who just loves this man. Aside from being gay, he'd be bored with me. Despite that, he accepts occasional cyber hugs/kisses, and Favorited a Valentine's poem I'd written for him. If Clive were straight, I'd feel guilty. But he's not, and nothing can ever come of this, so I don't feel guilty. But sometimes I don't know WHAT to do with these feelings. From 1987 to now is a chunk of time. He's still mythic to me, a legend; he's a very interesting and complex person. To have been touched by him now...sometimes it's a bit overwhelming.

Then Clive is definitely the former, as I've not gotten a message from him in about two weeks.