Michael Sternbach
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Everything posted by Michael Sternbach
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Great insights from the renowned master kicker. Enjoy!
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This one is nice too.
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Story of Atlantis Part 2 - Conquest of America
Michael Sternbach replied to Michael Sternbach's topic in The Rabbit Hole
You can count on that. You might find the article Teotihuacan: Model of a Very Different Cosmos by Dave Truman enlightening. R. C. Hoagland elaborates on some of the ideas it presents in a two-hour-plus speech that can be found here: https://archive.org/details/TorsionPhysics2013 For a theoretical study of as well as practical experiments in 'pyramid energetics', I can recommend the book Pyramid Power by Max Thoth. If you PM me your email address, I will be happy to keep you posted regarding a n upcoming publication of my own pertinent to this topic. You are very welcome. Well, I am not sure about that. Perhaps you have heard of a megalithic site called Göbekli Tepe in Turkey? It is not only much bigger than Stonehenge (even though only a small part of it has been excavated to this day), it is also considerably older (safe perhaps for the latter's earliest preliminary stages). As a matter of fact, it dates back right to the end of the Ice Age. It is believed that the construction and running of that place required the logistical support of numerous people fully dedicated to their activities and it is hard to conceive how that could be accomplished without agriculture. There are indeed indications for its employment at so early a date on that site. While some academic researchers still treat Göbekli Tepe as some kind of weird anomaly and others tentatively suggest that religiously motivated endeavours of that kind may have been the very reason for the development of agriculture, I assume that the understanding of it as well as the craftsmanship and astronomical knowledge (and so on) that went into the construction of the site were things possessed and imported by the antediluvian culture that IMO initiated the project. -
Story of Atlantis Part 2 - Conquest of America
Michael Sternbach replied to Michael Sternbach's topic in The Rabbit Hole
Yep, let's talk about that. Okay, let's take an even closer, more comprehensive look at that "vague and general association" then. The following has been compiled by me from various sources: Quetzalcoatl was attributed by the Aztecs with the foundation of writing and books, mathematics, the calendar, astrology, and the law. All of that also applies to Thoth and Hermes Trismegistos respectively in regards to Egypt. Quetzalcoatl was said to have come over the sea from a distant land in the East. Likewise, Thoth (called the “ruler of overseas lands” in the inscriptions of the pharaoh Userir-An) originated from a land far away - however, Thoth is constantly associated with the West. The two statements are obviously in line with one another if we assume the common homeland of both to be the Atlantic Isle located in the middle. Both Quetzalcoatl and Thoth were seen as rulers of the lands they Both Quetzalcoatl and Thoth (see Book of the Dead, chapter 161) were reputed to support the sky - BTW strongly reminiscent of Atlas, the son of Poseidon and first king of Atlantis according to Plato. Quetzalcoatl is depicted as a feathered or plumed serpent, whereas Thoth/Hermes came to be associated with a winged serpent wand. Both deities are associated with the wind. Now Quetzalcoatl had a few predecessors with other Mesoamerican tribes that were pretty much identical with him, and according to page 90 of Zhirov's book (repeatedly referred to in my first Atlantis thread), there once was a Mexican deity called Teot, Teut or Teute who also played the role of civiliser and supported the sky. As another interesting aside, Thoth's birth place was hit by a cosmic catastrophe, from which he ("employing wings") escaped eastwards over a great body of water together with some other Gods whom he thereby saved (see Book of the Dead, chapters 17 and 97). Vague and general association?! Like you? Uhm... That would still be 'Mesoamerican'. Indeed. I rest my case. -
Story of Atlantis Part 2 - Conquest of America
Michael Sternbach replied to Michael Sternbach's topic in The Rabbit Hole
Nah, that's nowhere even near the area in which Mu/Lemuria is assumed to have existed (let's informally call this 'the Santorini effect'). Playing that ball right back into your hemisphere of the globe: How about Sundaland? We know for certain that a large landmass was submerged there as well at the end of the Ice Age, with the Indonesian archipelago and the Malay Peninsula still exposed today. https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/what-and-where-is-the-sundaland.html -
Story of Atlantis Part 2 - Conquest of America
Michael Sternbach replied to Michael Sternbach's topic in The Rabbit Hole
Why the sarcasm? Would you not have the intellectual honesty to offer any data for consideration that might be seen as contradicting the main thrust of your argumentation? I thought the implication was obvious that, prior to the construction of Teotihuacan, the relevant information to build pyramids a particular way could have been held in store by a Mediterranean culture that eventually reached Yucatan. Again, this is being presented for discussion, my argumentation overall doesn't depend on it. I had to check out my extensive notes to ascertain what exactly my reference was pertaining to, as I had come across the anomaly quite a while back. The question is: How come the important Mesoamerican rain god Chaac is typically shown with a snout (not unlike the Indian elephant god Ganesha)? As I said, all depending on finding a suitable place and time to reemerge. Lo and behold! It's an Aussie elephant in a china shop! To me, the time gap is more of a curious mystery than an obstacle blocking my way of 'proving a theory'. Bear in mind that I am not trying to prove anything - at least not in a rigorous manner. I feel more just like a child playing on a beach and telling people around me, 'look what pretty shells I have found!' - to cite Sir Isaac Newton. It is you who almost always seems to be at pains to prove or disprove something. That may count as a valid objection on your anthropology forum. On TDB, there is no requirement to play by the rules of contemporary academic science. There is plenty of room for the inclusion of analogous thinking, sources of psychic information etc. here, however. Home game for an 'old-style, old-fashioned occultist' like me! That's cute. -
There is nothing wrong with dreaming a little! Myths have always had the function to feed people's dreams and fantasies with their archetypal symbolism. Which is not to say they don't reflect historic reality. It seems like Atlantis was indeed a spiritually and ethically sophisticated civilisation at first. Only in its later days did it degenerate and give in to hybris and greed, thereby attracting the wrath of the Gods... Oh you mean:
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Atlantis - on one level - is a symbol for that 'lost' (submerged?) part of ourselves many are yearning to reunite with.
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Story of Atlantis Part 2 - Conquest of America
Michael Sternbach replied to Michael Sternbach's topic in The Rabbit Hole
Just for the record, I am not saying that ALL such parallels must be due to a chain of transmission in historical terms necessarily. Oftentimes, that will be the case, however... To me, the Gods (or Archetypes) are real and alive. They can find parallel expression in places that are far away from each other in space and time. As long as there are humans that are sensitive to them, their messages will be conveyed. -
In our dreams. Make sure you don't let them evaporate. But if they do anyway... Condense the vapour and consider what you get a purified distillate. This is the art of Alchemy for you.
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Story of Atlantis Part 2 - Conquest of America
Michael Sternbach replied to Michael Sternbach's topic in The Rabbit Hole
Coming back to Quetzalcoatl, the Aztec deity that was first worshipped at Teotihuacan. This is from the Wikipedia article about him: This is telling Quetzalcoatl's story rather nicely: https://www.inside-mexico.com/the-legend-of-quetzalcoatl-by-chela-orozco/ Now the parallels between Quetzalcoatl ( "Feathered Snake") and the Egyptian Thoth (who later became Hermes Trismegistos) should make the Hermetists amongst you really prick up your ears. Just looking at Hermes' famous caducaeus will provide you with a not-so-subtle hint... How about the Giza site and its alleged relation to Teotihuacan now? Is Giza connected to Thoth in any way? Well, tradition has it that pharaoh Khufu was seeking the ancient knowledge of Thoth in order to build the Great Pyramid... 😲 https://ancientegyptonline.co.uk/khufumag/ -
Story of Atlantis Part 2 - Conquest of America
Michael Sternbach replied to Michael Sternbach's topic in The Rabbit Hole
Please don't get me started with the Minoan theory! Yes, the isle of Santorini was an important centre of that relatively advanced culture, and while the volcanic eruption of 1600 BCE and the subsequent tsunami hitting Crete certainly shook up the Minoans, the island didn't sink and the culture wasn't destroyed overall. Besides the time scale, also the location is way off, as Santorini is in the Mediterranean sea, not in the Atlantic. Plato as well as the Egyptians who conveyed the story to Solon would certainly have known the difference. That being said, it is conceivable that the Minoans originally inherited their culture from the Atlanteans whose domain (says Plato) covered much of the Mediterranean zone. That might explain some of the parallels between the Atlanteans and the Minoans. Again, this is due to a confusion. There was indeed once a widespread civilisation in the Pacific that left many traces in terms of archaeology, genetics and mythology, and that also exerted some influence on the Americas. It is known as Mu and Lemuria respectively today. While its existence partially overlapped with Atlantis (and there seems to have been some contact going on between the two), the Lemurians were of a much more introverted and monkish nature than the rather imperialistic Atlanteans. Like yin and yang, really. To some degree, the difference between the two cultures can still be seen reflected in Eastern vs. Western countries today. -
Story of Atlantis Part 2 - Conquest of America
Michael Sternbach replied to Michael Sternbach's topic in The Rabbit Hole
However, we still don't know who built Teotihuacan and when. At the time the Aztecs found it, the city had been abandoned for centuries. We do know that the area was permanently inhabited since the 6th century BCE (at the latest), though. A recent study by the university of Basel, employing an advanced version of carbon dating on a sample of wood admixture from mortar found in a wall inside Khafre's pyramid, revealed that (in all likelihood) it was built even some 500 years earlier than previously believed. (I can dig up the reference if anybody cares to have it.) Yes. Despite numerous cultural parallels between the Mesoamerican natives and the ancient Egyptians as well as their neighbours, the Babylonians (a culture believed to be another Atlantean offshoot), there is indeed a temporal gap that warrants an explanation. The way I see it, there are basically two possibilities: In antiquity, seafarers from Mediterranean countries introduced what was to them already old cultural heritage to Central America. Representations of elephants (long extinct in the Americas) in ancient Mesoamerican art might indicate that. Also, Quetzalcoatl (the Aztecs' aforementioned culture hero) was often seen as a white, bearded man - perhaps suggesting a Babylonian. The prevalence of step pyramids in Central America, strongly reminiscent of Babylonian ziggurats, might speak to that possibility as well. On top of that, Egypt may well have had direct connections too (see cocaine mummies! ). Sacred buildings as well as other cultural features in both parts of the world independently reflect Atlantean heritage that had lain dormant for millenias. While this explanation may sound rather unlikely at first, we should bear in mind that after a global cataclysm considerable time may pass before the survivors of an advanced civilisation (rather their descendants) see themselves in a position to take up the threads it had left once again. (Einstein: "I do not know with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stone!") And things did move slowly in antiquity! Nevertheless, I agree that that question is really the elephant in the room. However, it can be assumed that, in general terms, occult (!) knowledge has the mysterious ability to reappear after long periods of time whenever and wherever the seed has fallen on fertile ground. -
Story of Atlantis Part 2 - Conquest of America
Michael Sternbach replied to Michael Sternbach's topic in The Rabbit Hole
One of the most mysterious archaeological sites in Mesoamerica is an ancient city some 50 kilometers from Mexico City. We still don't know who exactly built it. The Aztecs found it abandoned since hundreds of years; awestruck, they called it Teotihuacan or "Birthplace of the Gods". The most impressive feature of this city (by the way, the biggest one of its time in the Western hemisphere) are three pyramids which are strangely reminiscent of the Giza plateau. The Aztecs called them the Pyramid of the Sun, the Pyramid of the Moon, and the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl. With a width of 230 meters at its the base, the Pyramid of the Sun is exactly equivalent to the Great Pyramid of Giza, however, it is (almost precisely) half as high as the latter. The Pyramid of the Moon and the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl ("Feathered Serpent") are of smaller dimensions. As one of these three buildings is somewhat offset relative to a line connecting the two others, their alignment is reminiscent of the Giza plateau too. Adding to the similarities is a system of tunnels and chambers located under the pyramids. https://www.ancient-origins.net/ancient-places-americas/descending-underworld-teotihuacan-labyrinthine-tunnels-and-rivers-mercury-021401 Of particular interest are the huge amounts of quicksilver found under the Pyramid of Quetzalcoatl, forming lakes and rivers in miniature. With them, numerous metallic spheres and other objects have been excavated. Quetzalcoatl was the patron god of the Aztec priesthood, of learning and kniwledge. He was said to have invented books and the calendar. In so many ways, he resembles Thoth and Hermes Trismegistos respectively, the deified cultural hero of the ancient Egyptians. -
Story of Atlantis Part 2 - Conquest of America
Michael Sternbach replied to Michael Sternbach's topic in The Rabbit Hole
As it happens, I read Hancock's latest book too. I think you summarised/posed some really fundamental questions and conclusions. As to the highlighted part, this raises the question how we define advanced technology in the first place. It is conceivable that ancient civilisations found practical solutions for certain problems and tasks which are quite different from our current understanding of technology. We may hardly be able to recognize them as 'technology', yet they get the job done that they are meant for. For instance, many people have been doing experiments and making observation in regards to 'pyramid energies'. As anybody with sufficient 'subtle perception' can tell you, these 'energies' are real enough and have definitive effects, however, they exist quite outside the scope of mainstream science and technology. Maybe as our knowledge of quantum physics and how it relates to other disciplines progresses, we will regain an understanding of what some ancient civilisations were aware of long ago. In other words, some ancient technologies would seem to provide answers to questions that we (at any rate, most of us) haven't even asked yet! As a fairly diligent student of what is sometimes called the occult sciences, I see many examples for ancient civilisations demonstrating an advanced understanding of those. Much of that naturally escapes the attention of the average academic researcher, albeit some of it has been recognized and commented on by modern occultists such as Schwaller de Lubicz. It stands to reason that much of that information once formed part of a comprehensive knowledge belonging to a 'lost civilisation', passed on in bits and pieces to various descendants. The latter then tend to exhibit sometimes astonishing parallels, allowing conclusions as to their common cultural heritage. Aforementioned Schwaller de Lubicz stated this in regards to the ancient Egyptian and Mesoamerican civilisations respectively. Moreover, we do see 'technological' applications of that kind of knowledge both in past and present, e.g. in the fields of agriculture, medicine, even in the raising of consciousness. Some of these methods may present themselves as innovations, while in truth they are revivals or rediscoveries of methods already found in time immemorial. As Aristotle put it: There is nothing new under the stars... -
Story of Atlantis Part 2 - Conquest of America
Michael Sternbach replied to Michael Sternbach's topic in The Rabbit Hole
Never got off its back, Nungers! It's just that I sometimes get carried away by it for awhile, and I generally don't even try to bring it back on track as long as I haven't learned what it is going to show me. The jury is still out on that. Astonishingly enough, Plato referred to "the continent on the other side of the Atlantic" and added that Atlantis and the islands it had under its control could be used as stopovers on one's way to that other side, but he did not talk specifically about Atlantean settlers on the American continent. So yes, I depend on other sources for that which for me include a cautious use of the clairvoyant information provided by Cayce (repeatedly proven quite accurate) as well as archaeological, mythological, geological and anthroposophical evidence. Moreover - as I was trying to explain previously - already in the first thread Plato's conception of Atlantis was presented as a baseline rather than as a restriction. E.g., Cayce's Atlantis is quite in accordance with Plato's version as it is of a similar layout (especially as regards its extensive irrigation system); it is also located in the Atlantic ocean; and existed to about the same date as Plato's (in fact, Cayce may be somewhat more precise here as his date more closely approaches the comet impact that triggered the glacial meltdown which may well have lead to the submergence of the Atlantic isle). This was not least intended to keep the topic clear off claims locating Atlantis in the Mediterranean, Helgoland, Legoland or your neighbour's swimming pool. Remember that we still have Lois' old Atlantis thread as a collecting basin for all of the above... Indeed. And trust me, I will keep my Atlantean death ray cannon ready as well as my Atlantean granite cutting disk saw - just in case that some of that history needs to be backed up with some practical demonstration... Oh, I have no complaints whatsoever about the previous one! Despite some participants that, after reading a book or two on a topic, like to think of themselves as leading experts in the field, qualified to castigating others by their sarcastic remarks. As a matter of fact, I learned more than a few things from the thread and it seems like at the same time I was able to share some information that others found worthwhile. Moreover, I got some positive feedback from third-party readers, so there was little left to wish for, really. That being said, I reiterate that that thread is by no means 'complete' yet. E.g., not much has been said about the structure of the Atlantean capital so far. But isn't it the beauty of of a forum like this one that topics can be dug up and elaborated on as participants see fit. -
Story of Atlantis Part 2 - Conquest of America
Michael Sternbach replied to Michael Sternbach's topic in The Rabbit Hole
Yes, I share your view that there have been several civilisations that had parallels with Atlantis in one way or another. There are IMO good reasons to assume at least the existence of Hyperborea and of Lemuria (Mu) in addition to the Atlantic island. Possibly that's just the tip of the ice berg, though... How can we even be sure that our ideas about the age, evolutionary stages and routes of dissemination of our species are adequate? Anthropologists are divided regarding the correct views, theories keep shifting, and we just don't know what we don't know. -
Being bursting forth Shattering the shells of time Young phoenix hatches
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MTV
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Meanwhile, there is some cool news about our good old Moon... https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/anomoly-five-times-size-island-hawaii-buried-near-moons-south-pole-180972401/
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Doodle What??!! I mean this kind of thing!
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What is Enlightenment in Taoism and the "goal" of Taoism concretely? Endless cultivation?
Michael Sternbach replied to lightbody09's topic in Daoist Discussion
@lightbody09 I think from the answers received, it is obvious that Daoism and its goals can mean different things to different people. The crucial question then becomes, what is it for you? What are you hoping to get out of it? Why are you attracted to it in the first place? Clearly defining your needs and goals should help you determine if and how they might be satisfied within a Daoist context. Philosophical systems are there for the people. It is not the other way around. And hey... Arguably, this is Daoism for you.- 111 replies
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Tomato squishing
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Membranes
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Hi Raindancer In reply to your question, I would say that you could even be a Daoist without being aware of it. Just to illustrate, a pronouncedly Daoist forum member (who is sadly no longer with us) had a strong perception of me as a Daoist as well, while others prefer to see me as a Hermetist - and to myself, I simply am what I am. And I definitely don't agree that not having any wishes is a requirement for calling yourself a Daoist. Wishes are natural - as a matter of fact, a being that wouldn't desire anything also wouldn't survive very long. And the central tenet of Daoism (at least the way I understand it) is being in accordance with nature in general, and with your own in particular.
