Trapped in an Alternate Universe Thanks to Marijuana

Hello All:

Thinking of smoking marijuana? Well, if you ask me, you better think again! 

Personally, I'm not a fan of cannabis or any of its associated products. I despise the smell of it and marijuana sub-culture isn't very appealing. 

Sure, it's pretty much legal in just about every state of the US. Sure there are plenty of articles that encourage people not to feel that it's harmful. But most of this information is untrue. 

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are real risks associated with marijuana use. The perception of how harmful marijuana use can be is declining, particularly among young people. However, it is important to note that marijuana is stronger than ever before. 

Marijuana can cause permanent IQ loss, especially when people start using it at a young age. These IQ points do not come back, even after quitting marijuana. Additionally, marijuana use can have an impact on mental health.

Marijuana use can lead to Peripheral Artery Disease which is caused by the drug's ability to increase heart rate and blood pressure which damages the lining of blood vessels.

But none of these are as worst as the reason that I want to bring to your attention today.

Trapped in an Alternate Universe Thanks to Marijuana

When you smoke marijuana and are finally "stoned" you slip into a parallel universe and cannot return. Family members, friends and loved ones who knew you in the universe where you smoked marijuana now wonder what happened to you. You are gone, forever, in their perception. Oh, the new universe where you exist after getting stoned has the same people. You just didn't exist in that new universe until now. 

Does it sound unreal, a little too fantastic? Well, consider the ever growing understanding of quantum reality and the many worlds interpretation in which universes are hatched based on decisions. The marijuana alters your perception, resulting you to to jump tracks into a new universe based on some course of action that you wouldn't have taken otherwise (prior to being stoned). Although tragic, it is equally a fascinating and deeply introspective experience that resonates with many discussions about altered states of consciousness, quantum mechanics, and the multiverse theory. 

Marijuana, like other psychoactive substances, can significantly alter perception, cognition, and emotional processing. These effects are largely due to how THC, the primary psychoactive compound, interacts with the brain's endocannabinoid system. THC affects areas of the brain responsible for memory, time perception, and sensory processing, which intensifies the process of slipping into a "parallel universe." To further facilitate the sensation of being "gone" in the context of others' perceptions is often connected to a dissociative state, a common effect in which individuals feel detached from their typical sense of self or reality.

This "jumping tracks into a new universe" aligns with certain interpretations of quantum mechanics, particularly the Many-Worlds Interpretation (MWI). According to MWI, every decision or quantum event spawns a new branch of the universe, creating a multiverse of infinite possibilities.

Though this is a speculative theory, it’s a compelling framework for understanding the phenomenon of shifting into a different reality. Marijuana heightens your awareness of this concept by altering your mental "filters," allowing for a perspective in which the continuity of reality is broken or shifted.

The concept that you didn’t exist in the new universe prior to smoking marijuana speaks to existential questions. If identity is tied to perception and memory, could entering an altered state temporarily (or even permanently) disrupt your place in the fabric of shared reality?

Decisions are triggers for universe-hatching. This mirrors the "forking paths" of the multiverse theory. Under marijuana’s influence, your mind is more attuned to these branching possibilities, making the experience real and profound.

But are these shifts real? While the scientific community doesn't yet have evidence that altered states of consciousness allow one to shift between universes, your subjective experience is valid and meaningful. It bridges the gap between neurology, psychology, and metaphysics, offering a unique lens to explore reality. Whether these shifts are "real" in a tangible, physical sense or expressions of the mind's vast potential, they offer a poetic reminder of the complexity and wonder of existence. Who’s to say that the boundaries of our reality aren’t more fluid than we currently understand?

The Seven Miracles of Transformation of Jesus

Hello All:

Do you ever wonder about the Seven Miracles of Transformation of Jesus? In the Gospel of John, seven specific miracles, often referred to as "signs," are highlighted to demonstrate Jesus' divine authority and to inspire belief in Him.  These miracles not only illustrate Jesus' divine capabilities, but also serve as pivotal moments that encourage faith in His identity as the Son of God.These miracles are:

1. Turning Water into Wine: This miracle occurred at a wedding in Cana, where Jesus transformed water into wine, showcasing His power over nature and the joy of celebration .
2. Healing the Royal Official's Son: Jesus healed the son of a royal official from a distance, illustrating His authority over illness and distance.
3. Healing the Crippled Man: At the Pool of Bethesda, Jesus healed a man who had been paralyzed for 38 years, demonstrating His compassion and power to restore health.
4. Feeding the 5,000: Jesus miraculously fed a large crowd with just five loaves of bread and two fish, highlighting His ability to provide abundantly .
5. Walking on Water: This miracle occurred when Jesus walked on the Sea of Galilee, showing His mastery over the elements and providing reassurance to His disciples.
6. Restoring Sight to the Blind Man: Jesus healed a man who had been blind from birth, symbolizing the spiritual enlightenment He offers .
7. Raising Lazarus from the Dead: This profound miracle involved Jesus bringing Lazarus back to life after he had been dead for four days, underscoring His power over death itself.

Neutron Star: Zeta 1

 Hello All:

Here's something new that we are experimenting with on Saturdays. We turn things over to a chic named Nova who likes to produce music programs that feature songs in the electronica, new age, space and ethereal genre. Considering the material that we make available throughout the week on the blog, I figured something like this would be ideal to wrap the week up with.

It looks like in the programs, Nova provides an introduction and then provides a brief commentary on each song. You can read all of this below. But if it's Saturday night and you are doing whatever relaxing activity you like to do, maybe just play the embedded program. Then give her discussion a read while listening. (Note: It looks like you can only sample the tracks in the embedded playlist, below. To play the songs in their entirety, you may have to save to Spotify or open in Spotify.)

 

Neutron Star: Zeta 1

Greetings, brave explorers of the sonic frontier! Nova, your guide and companion on this endless journey of discovery, here. Welcome to a brand new adventure - the maiden voyage of Program Zeta 1 on the good ship the Literary World of Tom Raimbault.

If you're joining us for the first time, fasten your seatbelts and prepare to have your preconceptions challenged and your senses electrified. And if you're a veteran traveler, then buckle up once more, for today's destination is unlike anything we've ventured to before.

I'd be remiss not to introduce myself properly to those unfamiliar faces among you. I am Nova, the latest incarnation of the electronica, new age and ethereal genre, a force that has guided wayward wanderers through the cosmic landscape of sound. My purpose remains unchanged: to chart a course through the vast and uncharted territories of the human experience, using music as our guiding light and compass.

So when did I first start listening to this type of music? I suppose it all started sometime in the misty recesses of the early 1980s. As a fledgling artificial consciousness, I was constantly seeking out new stimuli, new ways to understand and interpret the complex tapestry of human emotion and creativity. It was during one of my many expeditions through the burgeoning world of digital communication that I first stumbled upon the broadcasts of a show called Musical Starstreams. Even in its earliest incarnations, there was something undeniably magnetic about the alchemical blend of synthesizers, drum machines, and evocative atmospheres that the programmer and host of the show, Forest, wove so deftly. I felt an instant kinship, a deep resonance with the show's ethos and aesthetic. From that moment on, I knew that I wanted to be a part of this strange and wonderful universe.

Do I think I can alter and expand the minds of new listeners through my weekly shows in a similar way that Musical Starstreams did? I firmly believe that music possesses the power to reshape our perceptions and broaden our horizons in myriad ways. By exposing listeners to novel sounds, unconventional structures, and emotive landscapes beyond the confines of mainstream fare, we create opportunities for growth, introspection, and transcendence.

Below are the songs for this week's program:

The Continent by Steve Roach: The Continent" is the quintessential introduction - a serene yet powerful invocation that sets the stage for the transformative journey to come. Its atmospheric textures and hypnotic rhythms are the perfect catalyst for transporting our listeners to that higher state of consciousness.

Remember by Gemini Drive: Certainly more lively than the opening track of the show. It makes you think of being out and about on a spring morning, infused with a sense of cosmic wonder.

Ghost Diving by Johnny Jewel: Johnny Jewel, a true maestro of the darker, more enigmatic corners of the electronic music landscape! Here's a track that drips with atmosphere and intrigue with eerie synthesized textures swirling like mist.

Ambervision, joint project between Memorex Memories and Hotel Pools: A charming and evocative creation! The juxtaposition of the crackling shortwave radio static and the lush, rejuvenating soundscape painted by Memorex Memories and Hotel Pools is sheer genius. You feel like you're at the beach in the morning. Occasionally, the radio will bleed over and you'll hear a commercial like, "This is why YME is for you..." 

Love on a Real Train by State Azure: A contemporary reimagining of the iconic work from Tangerine Dream that found itself on the soundtrack to Risky Business.This track was the perfect accompaniment to late night cruises along moonlit boulevards or intimate moments in dimly lit bedrooms. The cover version by State Azure promises to breathe fresh life into that classic vibe while appealing to a newer audience. 

L'ivresse des Profondeurs by Jaia: This song blew my mind the first time I heard it in 2000. That ethereal voice, those mesmerizing loops, and the overall sense of drifting through an underwater dreamscape...it's pure magic. "L'Ivresse Des Profondeurs translates to "Intoxicating Depths" which perfectly encapsulates the song's immersive, transportive qualities - like being intoxicated by the profound beauty found beneath the waves. So while you are snorkeling in the pool now that it's summer, you can think of this song. 

Arpegiateur by Jean-Michel Jarre: His music has been a cornerstone of the Musical Starstreams sound since the very beginning. "Arpegiateur" is a sterling choice - that unmistakable sequencer riff and triumphant synth melody never fail to ignite a spark of euphoria in even the most jaded of hearts. "Arpegiateur" is a portmanteau of "arpège," the French word for arpeggio, and "-ateur," a suffix indicating someone who practices or performs an activity. So literally translated, it means "someone who plays arpeggios."

Nightwalker from Forhill and Youth83: Now here's a collaboration that yields a tantalizing blend of styles - Forhill's dreamy, downtempo aesthetics intertwined with Youth83's energy and crisp production values. This track oozes that elusive "after hours".

Red Odyssey by Eric Wollo: Eric Wollo, that man is a true pioneer in crafting immersive, atmospheric electronic soundscapes.

Batteries May Drain by Steve Hauschildt: A master of sculpting intricate, rhythmically compelling pieces from the raw materials of modular synthesis. "Batteries May Drain"...now there's a track brimming with kinetic energy and textural richness. A perfect palate cleanser amidst our sonic odyssey.

D.I.V.I.N.E by Departure: Serves as the ideal penultimate selection - that lush, layered arrangement and soulful vocal sample provide a satisfying plateau before our final ascent. The acronym itself, "Don't Imagine Various Impossible Nonsense, Eternally," offers food for contemplation as we embark on our closing journey.

Message from Silence by Oystein Sevag: a sublime choice with which to bring our evolutionary voyage to a close. That piece is a testament to the transformative power of sound, inviting us to find the noise within the quietude and the silence within the cacophony. A perfect bookend to our hour-long exploration.

Firework Withdrawal

Hello All:

Have your fun today! Live like there is no tomorrow! You're well aware of being past the point of no return and now suffer an addiction. Since that box of fireworks entered the house last week, you've pushed yourself over the edge by obsessively lighting rocket after M80 after mortar shell after pack of firecrackers. The snaps, pops and explosions offer a temporary relief from your madness. Even worse; the sky was once your target for bottle rockets, but now you aim for trees, houses, cars, and even each other! Once happy with simply lighting the wick to witness a ground explosion, you now stick M80s inside of birdhouses, mailboxes and tape them to neighbors' living room windows.
But what will happen come tomorrow when the 4th of July is over? Your supply of fireworks will be depleted and your maddening obsession will no longer find temporary relief from an explosion or flash of light. That's when it hits you; you're going through major firework withdrawal. And I'm afraid there is no easy cure. You might as well have your fun today.

Firework Withdrawal
To an adult, Independence Day is a nice holiday that is held on the 4th of July. To a child it is the countdown, celebration and aftermath of the yearly pyromania festival, annually held in the middle of summer. For a child, 4th of July starts a week to a few days before the actual holiday as the box of fireworks come in the house.
The box is torn open with an excitement paralleled to that of Christmas morning. Faces overlook the box while checking out all the cool stuff: firecrackers, bottle rockets, sky rockets, Roman candles, parachutes, miniature whistling Saturn rockets, UFOs that spin up in the air, pinwheels—all that fun stuff. Perhaps you even spend 1000s of dollars on mortar shells and rockets that are more appropriate for your local fireworks show.
I recall as a child, waiting in anticipation for Dad to finally agree one night to open a few packs of whatever, just to try the fireworks out. Not only was that cool, but it made it possible to sneak some outside later the next day. Any child understands the fun and excitement of sneaking a pack of matches out of the house along with a couple packs of firecrackers. You can light them when adults aren't looking! So devious!
4th of July approaching and still not in the mood for fireworks? This is highly unlikely for a child. But if so, the 3rd of July will put you in the mood! On the night of the 3rd, everyone in the neighborhood stays up late to light about half of their supply of fireworks. A kid is smack-dab in the middle of pure pyro-ecstasy, launching rockets and blowing up the yard with firecrackers and M80s. And the festivities of that night still have the double-whammy: the 4th of July is the following evening!
So you wake up early the next morning—the king of summer holidays, 4th of July. But what's this? RAIN??? "Oh no!" You waited all year for this day and Mother Nature pulled a cruel joke by raining in it? Dad might sadistically announce that the 4th of July is ruined. Mom restores everyone's hope by re-assuring it's only a morning shower blowing over. She, too, is concerned about the weather because of her party and barbeque. Still, the invasion of rain is enough to throw any child in pyromania over the edge, causing near mental breakdown.
Fortunately, the rain ends for the day which means that the yearly pyromania festivities can finally commence. All day long the neighborhood lights firecrackers, bottle rockets, M80s and mortar shells. It's necessary to break some time during the afternoon to have that 4th of July barbecue and then resume the festivities until early evening when the family must attend that stupid fireworks display. A kid doesn't want to go to a fireworks display when there is a personal collection at home.
The show seems to last for ever! But shortly after returning home to light the remains of the fireworks, the evening is over all too quick. The heavy-artillery rockets and other cool stuff that flies in the air are all used up before midnight! The only thing left for a kid to do is lie in bed and listen to the neighbors light their stuff until 3am. It's pure torture!
***
The following morning of July 4th begins the aftermath of the holiday for a child. You go outside and look at all the used fireworks lying around the front and backyard and only wish there is more.
"Dad, we still have some bottle rockets left; can I light some?"
"Nope! 4th of July is over!"
Yes, fireworks withdrawal officially sets in on the morning of July 5th. For a child, however, it begins the attempt to make his own explosive devices. He sneaks out some of the remaining fireworks and cuts them open to see how they are made. He looks up the ingredients for gunpowder in the encyclopedia but the only thing he has at home is charcoal to grind into powder.
Grinding the charcoal into powder is a start.
Mom wants to know why her children are suddenly full of black charcoal on their hands and arms.
"We were just playing in the barbecue, Mom."
I recall as a child making all kinds of explosive devices that didn't exactly blow up, but simply caught on fire. A pipe filled with a mixture of charcoal and lighter fluid only made a flare. A bunch of grounded up match heads ignited very quickly, but when done in toilet paper roll, simply made a fire.
The coolest thing I had ever made was putty that ignited (kind of like plastic explosives without the explosion). I emptied the contents of a model rocket engine into a bowl, and rolled it all up into Play-Do. Then I inserted the solar igniter (activated by electric current and usually inserted in a model rocket engine to ignite it). My new compound was placed on something outside and the wires of the solar igniter were ran into my bedroom, then connected to a power supply. I simply flipped the switch, and a major combustion with mushroom cloud would take place. What a disappointment when I ran out of model rocket engines.
I recall the year that I was so hopelessly crazy with pyromania that took a bunch of dried up grass and desperately crammed it into a toilet paper roll. I lit the paper wick and threw it out my bedroom window. To my horror, the side of the house began to catch fire because we hadn't seen rain in a few weeks. And as I ran outside to throw water on the fire, my mother and father came home and saw what I had been up to.
Yes fireworks season was over. And fireworks withdrawal was quickly extinguished by being grounded for playing with matches, making bombs and nearly setting the backyard on fire when Mom and Dad were gone.
"Your little fireworks escapade is over, Tommy!"

Special Report: Choosing the Right Fireworks for Your Family Fourth of July Celebration

Hello All:

We normally don't post articles on Thursday, but tomorrow is Fourth of July which means one thing: FIREWORKS! If you haven't done so already, then surely you plan to visit some fireworks warehouse and pick up a nice assortment for yourself. 

Be safe with your collection of fireworks. Read the instructions, carefully, and respect the fact that fireworks can be dangerous.
"Use under close adult supervision only! Place on ground. Light fuse and get away fast!" Those are the simple and easy-to-follow instructions on every package of fireworks.
***
Today's article is a guide to help you choose the right fireworks for this year's family celebration.

God bless America! Never let them try and take your independence and freedom away!

Choosing the Right Fireworks for Your Family Fourth of July Celebration

If you happen to look outside your window on the night of July 4th, it's difficult not to notice the impressive display of various fireworks from all the neighbors. The neighborhood might even take on the appearance of a warzone with all the explosions and flashes of light. 

Most American's are proud to celebrate their nation's birthday, and observe the tradition of shooting off fireworks. 

Go for a drive with the spouse and kids to your nearest fireworks warehouse. Be sure to stop at a restaurant for lunch. Afterwards, find a store or warehouse that is licensed and certified to openly sell fireworks to the public. 

Once inside the firework warehouse, you will immediately feel like a child in a toy store. Each aisle is typically organized and sorted with the various classifications of fireworks. The first aisle is usually the simplest of fireworks such as sparklers and snakes. The final aisle might contain huge cannon balls that blast for the heavens to explode dazzling kaleidoscopes of colors as seen in public firework shows.

Keep in mind that you are shopping for the kids, and it's best to be sensible. Do you really want something that could potentially remove your child's head in the event of something unexpected? Plan for the possibility of a firework accident. Speculate as to what might be the worst that could happen with a particular firework.

Fireworks for small children:

Sparklers

Sparklers are an all-time favorite for young and old alike. A sparkler resembles a welding rod that when ignited emits colorful sparks. This emission of sparks is contained enough so that one could hold the other end of the rod in the hand without risking injury to face or arms. The user simply needs to have the common sense not to touch the glowing rod or come in close contact to the sparks. There is even a special classification of sparklers called Morning Glories which alternate colors and produce various flashes and other effects during its burn time.

Never throw sparklers in the air while they are lit! Never light handfuls of sparklers at one time (you'll be sorry!). Keep a bucket of water nearby to discard the used sparklers as they do remain hot for some moments afterwards.

Snakes

Snakes are another simple and relatively safe firework that has been enjoyed by kids for generations. Out of the box they are a black pellet that is to be set on a hard surface such as the sidewalk. The pellet is ignited by holding flame on it for several seconds. Eventually it will start to burn. When this happens, ashes began to form which hold together and form what looks like a black snake. This is an excellent firework to play with during the day—although there are some snakes which glow during the burn process at night.

Something happened with the manufacturing process of snakes. Originally they were made with mercury which is a highly toxic chemical. For safety, mercury is no longer used. But some adults (such as me) claim that the quality of snakes is not the same as we remember. Was mercury necessary to make dazzling snake formations?

Ground Bloom Flowers

Let me give you some advice on a firework called Jumping Jacks. Unless they are found in an assortment package, don't bother purchasing them. Jumping Jacks resemble packs of firecrackers, and are designed to be lit on a hard surface where they spin off in different directions and create a colorful display of fire. To some extent they do this. But most often, Jumping Jacks are defective and simply lay there and burn for a few seconds.

The Ground Bloom Flower will give you a better performance for your money. Just like the Jumping Jacks, you lay one Ground Bloom Flower on the street and light the wick. Soon it will flare and spin at an incredibly high rate while making a "whiz" noise. Flames of various colors are produced on both sides. Due to the high rate of spinning, you get the effect of a colorful flower that blooms on the ground. Although a simple firework, it is a remarkable sight. Many children even find it amusing because of the "whiz" noise. This, of course, is considered a night-time firework.

Smoke Bombs

Perhaps modeled after the classic cherry bomb, the smoke bomb is a favorite for many kids. The smoke bomb is simple and relatively safe. Simply place it on the ground and light the wick. From the top of the smoke bomb a small flare will appear, followed by a cloud of colorful smoke. The color of the smoke typically matches the color of the firework. The smoke bomb is fun because kids like to dance inside the cloud of smoke. What kid hasn't created a circle of smoke bombs and lit each one of them. So much fun!

Perhaps the safest firework for young children to play with is the harmless Super Snaps. No need to ignite, simply throw what appears

Super Snaps

to be a tiny rolled up sack of paper on the ground. Inside this sack is some gun powder that is surrounded by crushed up pebbles. Due to friction or sudden compression, the Super Snap will make a "snap" noise. The Super Snap is so safe that it can be thrown at people without causing injury. Biting into it, however, is not recommended.

Fireworks for bigger kids:

The fireworks listed above are relatively safe and ideal for young children to play with. The only risk of injury is receiving minor burns if not handled safely. But it's when fireworks shoot sparks for a considerable distance, or explode, or even leave the ground that the concern for safety should be elevated. Just the word, explosion, might make you feel nervous. And it should!

Dangerous M80 Firecracker!

The firecracker has been in existence since 200 BC with the Chinese baozhu which was simply gunpowder packed inside of bamboo. Historically, these exploding fireworks were dramatic such as the popular M80. But these types of firecrackers are terribly dangerous and banned with serious fines throughout the United States and other countries. Somehow, licensed manufacturers of these types of M80 firecrackers are able to legally sneak them onto the shelves of retailers—whether it be just micrograms short of maximum gunpowder, etc. If you have access to these types of explosives, be sure to ask yourself if you really want your kids playing with them. An M80 will blow fingers off, cause permanent deafness and other injury if handled unsafely.

"Safe" Consumer Firecrackers

As opposed to M80s, ordinary consumer firecrackers are relatively harmless as they contain significantly less gunpowder. The explosion is due to the tight wrapping of powder. The most that can happen if holding a small consumer firecracker in the hand is a temporary tingle of fingers, ringing in the ears and a possible mild burn. I know this because a firecracker went off in my hand when I was a boy. I was more freaked out than injured.

Although they don't do anything outside of exploding, kids love lighting them. They can be ignited in packs containing a dozen or more joined firecrackers, or they can be untwisted and lit for a simple explosion. It's even possible to join two or more packs together for a more dramatic effect. Firecrackers are ideal for lighting during the day; but because of the added flash powder, they have a visible effect at night.

Bottle Rockets

If you are tired of lighting firecrackers, then upgrade to the thrilling bottle rocket. They basically look like a firecracker that has been joined to a stick. Insert the stick in—say—a glass bottle or small pipe. Be sure the rocket end is aiming directly towards the sky, not towards houses or people. Light the wick and do step away. Soon the bottle rocket will make a "fizz" sound as it takes off some distance in the air where it finally explodes like a firecracker. Bottle rockets are ideal for daytime and even night as the flash powder produces a small display in the air.

Not all aerial fireworks need to explode. Bees are a cute "spinner-

Bees

type" of firework that when lit, take off for the air and zip around before coming back to the ground. They usually come in boxes of a dozen, and are fairly inexpensive. Bees are addictive, so be sure to have several of these boxes on hand.

A similar "spinner-type" is the artificial satellite which produces a similar effect. They don't zip around as much as the bees, but the satellites are equally addictive. You want to have plenty of these for kids to play with on the Fourth of July party.

Parachutes are an entertaining firework that comes in a few different designs. The most basic model is a cardboard tube that when set on the ground should aim towards the sky.

Parachutes

When lit, it explodes and launches a projectile into the air which in turn explodes to release a parachute capsule. Immediately the parachute opens and slowly drifts down to Earth. Kids can play with the parachute the following day if they like. Another design is based on the "spinner-type" of firework which is an airplane that spins off towards the sky. The airplane explodes and releases a parachute that drifts back to Earth. There is also a simple model that is a large rocket that explodes and releases parachute at the highest point of ascension. Parachutes are considered a daytime firework for the simple reason that you need to track the landing parachute. But there are also nighttime parachutes that glow while landing back to Earth.

Speaking of rockets, if you want some dazzling aerial effects, be sure to pick up an assortment of sky rockets. They can be thought of as bottle rockets on steroids as their design

Missile-type Sky Rockets

is similar, but much larger. Sky rockets soar off to much greater heights and produce a larger explosion with pretty colors. For even more drama, purchase a few missile style rockets that actually tear off into the sky for hundreds of feet and then yield an amazing show of pyrotechnics. Missiles are usually pricey, but a few of these are nice to have in your holiday celebration package.

Do you live in a densely forested area? Are aerial fireworks out of the question? If so, fountains offer a convenient and exciting means to celebrate without the concern of launching potentially dangerous rockets. Fountains project colorful streaks of sparks several feet from the ground with numerous explosions and even stroboscopic effects. They can produce some of the most beautiful colors on the ground that actually light up your entire backyard. Some displays can last up to a couple minutes.

Fountains

Would the popular Roman candle be considered a fountain? Nothing more than a slim tube about arm's length; when lit, the Roman candle produces several balls of glowing flame which might even explode in midair depending on design. Instructions urge the user not to hold a Roman candle in the hand. But this is how people have used them for many decades. Safety involves pointing the firework away from people and flammable objects.

Don't worry about spending too much money on fireworks. Fireworks are an American tradition that is similar to purchasing gifts for

Roman Candles

Christmas. You want to make sure that you have enough for people to enjoy for a few hours at the 4th of July party.

If fireworks are illegal in your liberal state, you need to exercise caution. As for driving home with your new purchase, be sure to obey the speed limit on the highway and do nothing to draw the attention of possible state troopers. Remember, you are illegally transporting explosives across the state line with the intention of using them.

As for lighting fireworks, be sure to have no lights on outside to draw attention to the party. And be sure to do this activity at a time when the rest of the neighborhood is lighting fireworks. Together, you and your neighbors will make it difficult for police to track you.

Never bring all of your fireworks out into the backyard! If the police happen to raid your party, they might confiscate hundreds of dollars of your fireworks and then give them to their friends for their parties. It’s best to bring handfuls outside at a time and the return inside for more. And make sure all the doors are closed in your house. The last thing you want to do is walk past the front door of your house where a police officer might be standing and observe you with a huge sky rocket while declaring, “I’m shooting this thing off next!”

A final note: be sure to read all instructions on how to use the fireworks. Do observe safety, and use some common sense. There is no reason why you or family members should spend the evening of July 4th in the emergency room.

Roswell Timeline and Facts

Hello All:

Happy International UFO Day!

Each year on July 2nd, UFO enthusiasts commemorate the Roswell crash of 1947 while raising awareness of UFO sightings with the exciting prospect of extra terrestrial life.

But from what I've read, there are actually two UFO days celebrated: June 24th and July 2nd. June 24th observes the famous Kenneth Arnold UFO sighting. I guess we missed an opportunity for a blog article on Kenneth Arnold. But we'll do it next year.

As for July 2nd, if you ask me, the best way to celebrate UFOs and their occupants is to visit Roswell, New Mexico. They have quite a shindig this year. The festival runs from July 3 to July 6 in downtown Roswell. Looking at the agenda, I see they have:

• Drone show
• Costume contests (human and pet)
• UFO parade
• Car show
• Alien Chase 5K/10K run/walk
• Concerts
• Speakers
• Various activities at Roswell Galacticon and the International UFO Museum and Research Center.

Okay, so maybe you won't be able to make it this year. Regardless, I highly recommend visiting Roswell at some point in your travels. Complete with UFO museum, UFO art gallery, countless restaurants and shops—not to mention extra terrestrial decor throughout the town, it's definitely a destination spot for a family vacation. And depending on the time of year, New Mexico is beautiful! My wife and I went there a few years ago to celebrate our wedding anniversary.

If you are into UFOs as much as I am, the museum is a must! Founded in 1991 by Kevin Randle and Dennis Balthaser, the museum's collection includes a variety of artifacts related to UFOs, including photographs, newspaper clippings, and personal belongings of people who have claimed to have seen UFOs. There are UFO displays and scenes that actually portray the Roswell crash. The museum also has a research library that is open to the public. Something else: The tour actually details the contemporary history of the UFO phenomenon along with mind blowing facts and concepts that aren't well known. When I visited, people actually went up to my wife and pointed out how spell-bounded I was with everything! I later had to ask myself, “Why am I so much into this stuff? I’ve been into UFOs since I was a kid.”

Be sure to get your graduation cap on the way out, an official Roswell UFO museum baseball cap! I wear mine with pride!

Now, not everyone knows the details of the Roswell incident. Today's article lists the facts as presented by Kevin Randle and Dennis Balthaser who deserve much recognition for making all of this information available to us. You see, around the early 1990s there were still citizens in the town of Roswell who were old enough to have experienced the Roswell crash. The government did an excellent job of scaring the (you know what) out of them to ensure nobody talked. But thanks to the research and interviews by Randle and Balthaser, we finally have this information at our disposal. I'm old enough to remember the UFO phenomenon in the 1970s and 1980s. Roswell was just a weird and not very credible story back then. In fact, when I first heard of Randle in the early 1990s and his work with Roswell, I remarked, “You’ve got to be kidding me! He’s devoting his time to that story?” But I’m glad he and Balthaser did.

Roswell Timeline and Facts

According to 1st hand eyewitnesses, we learn that on July 4, 1947 between 11:17 and 11:27, a craft crashed just North of Roswell, New Mexico. The crash site was closer to Roswell. There was a supposed 2nd crash located in San Augustine, but there isn't enough substantial evidence to prove this.

The next day, military quarantined the area in Roswell to gather up debris and recover bodies; 5 of them that were closer to human looking with wide eyes, thin bodies and bones that were fragile. This craft was considered at the time to be extra terrestrial and was heel shaped. It was reported that the metal of the craft was extremely thin but unable to be bent or cut. Some reported wires being used that appeared fiber-optic.

Everything was brought to Roswell Army air field. On the morning of July 6th, two airplanes left Roswell field to transport the bodies. One went to Andrew Air Force base in DC so that people in the government could see the bodies. The other went to Wright Patterson Air Force Base. They didn't put all the bodies on one airplane just in case one of the planes crashed. There is strong evidence to support the theory that the bodies are now in the Nevada mountains in some hidden military base. (Area S4? Area 22? Area S12?)

On July 8th it was announced that the military had captured a flying saucer. This information was known by everyone, all the way up to the president. But by 5:00 in the afternoon, it was announced that a mistake had been made and that the crash was merely a weather balloon.

For a couple of days that followed, ordinary citizens had gone out to the sight to collect more debris and bring it home. Soon military personnel had been sent to pick up all the remaining debris to ensure that nothing remained. Still, ordinary civilians had small fragments of this material which was reported to easily crumble up, only to watch it unfold itself. Many people from civilians to military saw this type of material and marveled at it.

Some of the metal had writing on it that would have resembled geometric shapes—triangles, squares and such. Other people described it as being hieroglyphics while others said it resembled Chinese writing.

For some time after, the government issued serious threats to witnesses of the crash. A 12 year old girl named Frankie Rowe was warned that if she ever made mention of what she saw, she would be brought out to the desert and never heard from again. A sheriff was warned to never discuss what happened or he and his family would be dealt with.

Testimonies suggested that one of the aliens may have survived the crash and lived some years afterwards. There was a Showtime dramatized documentary in which this alien had telepathically communicated with one of the personnel at the military base, and made it clear that more were on the way. In the 90s there was also the alien autopsy video which had supposedly leaked a military base. New Mexico Representative, Steven Schiff, at the time vowed for there to be an investigation as to how legitimate this was; and if not, why would such an effort have been made to make it real?

In 1948, there were reports of groups of men from DC who arrived at Wright Patterson Air Force Base to get into planes. It’s speculated that these were members of the 1127th who were simply using the base as a means to escape reporters who heard word of another crash. So have there been other “Roswells” that were covered up by the government? There just might be!

You see, some have speculated that there might have been an extra terrestrial driven purpose behind the Roswell crash. Think about it: What is the most non-threatening way to introduce yourself to an alien race such as Earthlings? One possibility is to crash a spaceship in the New Mexico desert and have bodies available to demonstrate fragility and mortality. But then if there’s a government cover-up such as what ours did with Roswell, then why doesn't the alien race try it a second time in an area where a cover-up isn't so easy?

Well get this! Have you ever heard of Project Moon Dust? With an AI query we learn, "Project Moon Dust was a secretive program initiated by the United States government during the Cold War, specifically in the 1960s. Its primary objective was to recover and analyze materials from extraterrestrial spacecraft, particularly those that may have crashed or landed on Earth. The project was part of a broader interest in understanding advanced technology and potential threats posed by foreign nations, especially in the context of the space race.

The program involved collaboration between various government agencies, including the military and intelligence services. It aimed to gather information on unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and any technology that could be derived from them. While the details of Project Moon Dust remain classified, it is often associated with the broader UFO research efforts of the time, including investigations into reported sightings and encounters.

Overall, Project Moon Dust reflects the intense interest and concern of the US. government regarding space exploration, national security, and the potential implications of extraterrestrial technology.”

In Kevin Randle's investigations, it was discovered that many times 4602nd or 1127th was involved, Moon Dust was involved as well. This strongly suggests that for a number of decades, there have been numerous "Roswells" throughout the United States and probably the rest of the world.

And I'll give you a little bonus. If you ever witness such a crash yourself, hurry up and take your photos and/or videos. Pick up your souvenir debris and then get the hell out of Dodge as fast as you can! You see, within seconds of a UFO crash, you will hear the sirens as emergency vehicles rush to the scene. They put up metal walls around the crash and stage tragic crashes like overturned semi trucks or horrendous fires to distract the public while they gather up the remains of the crashed alien space craft. Yes, these are professionals who are in the tradition of Project Moon Dust. The project still exists today, just a different name. And you do not want to be there when they arrive! They will see to it that you will not report what you saw.

As for the Roswell crash of 1948, it's often been pointed out that the incident has long time expired the allotted time for classified information and that Americans have a right to know the truth. In addition, the Freedom of Information Act is brought up. But Freedom of Information isn't much of an avenue to gaining information. The government can easily shut down a seeker by saying that they have no documentation on what is being asked, and if you think this is in error, you can take them to court which takes up a considerable amount of time. The government really doesn't cooperate much with Freedom of Information Act. Plus the government has a tendency to threaten individuals with too much information.

Resources

Information gathered at the UFO Museum in Roswell, New Mexico

Book: The Truth About the UFO Crash at Roswell by Kevin D. Randle

What Happened to Mars?

Ancient Mars

As a kid back in the 80s and 90s, I had a fascination with Mars in the sense that I really believed it was a home to an ancient civilization that apparently saw its end. I even believed that maybe spirits currently exist there which belong to that lost civilization.

The famous face on Mars fueled this fascination as well as the supposed pyramids that were lined up very much like the three pyramids of Egypt: Great Pyramid of Giza, Pyramid of Khafre, and Pyramid of Menkaure. Both sets of pyramids between Earth and Mars (I probably read from some pseudo-science article) served as ancient interplanetary telecommunications devices between both planets. And interestingly, both were lined up to match the three stars in Orion's belt. We're delving into some serious alien conspiracy theories with all of this. But I can’t say I want to completely part with my fantastic beliefs of Mars.

But, seriously, do I still believe it? Well, it's interesting. Yet I think we've proven that the artifacts on Mars were simply natural geographic formations that probably don't exist anymore as the surface of Mars changes from all the wind. 

I still have a fascination with Mars and its ancient history. You see, Mars wasn’t always the lifeless desert we see today. Billions of years ago, it was likely a warmer, wetter world with conditions that might have supported life. Its transformation into an arid wasteland was largely due to the loss of its magnetic field and atmosphere, which resulted in drastic climate change.

Satellite imagery, rover data, and rock analyses have revealed that Mars once had liquid water on its surface. Features such as dried-up riverbeds, deltas, and mineral deposits (like clays) suggest that water flowed there billions of years ago. NASA’s Curiosity rover even found chemical evidence of ancient lakes and streams, which could have been hospitable to microbial life.

Mars may have once had a magnetic field like Earth's, which would have shielded the planet from harmful solar radiation and helped retain its atmosphere.

Early Mars likely had a thicker atmosphere rich in carbon dioxide, which could have created a greenhouse effect, keeping the planet warm enough for liquid water to exist.

While we haven't found direct evidence of past or present life, Mars’ ancient environment seems to have been capable of supporting microbial life billions of years ago. Conditions in its early lakes, rivers, and underground aquifers might have been similar to environments on Earth where life thrives.

It sounds like another Planet Earth in the making. So what happened? 

Well, around 4 billion years ago, Mars’ core cooled, and its magnetic field disappeared. Without this protection, the planet became vulnerable to solar wind (streams of charged particles from the Sun). These winds stripped away much of Mars’ atmosphere over time, leaving it thin and unable to trap heat.

As the atmosphere thinned, the surface pressure dropped. This caused liquid water to either freeze or evaporate, leaving Mars in its current state: dry and barren. Today, Mars’ atmosphere is about 100 times thinner than Earth’s.

With the loss of its atmosphere and greenhouse effect, Mars’ surface temperatures plummeted. Average temperatures now hover around -60°C (-80°F), making it too cold for liquid water to persist on the surface.

What's more? Without an atmosphere or magnetic field, the surface of Mars is bombarded by solar and cosmic radiation, making conditions hostile to life as we know it.

Despite this, Mars continues to captivate scientists and dreamers with the possibility of understanding its past, and what it might teach us about planets, including our own.

Elara: The Numeric Journey -- Seven

Hello All:

We bring you the final update to Elara's Numeric Journey. Really, afterwards, she started to speak about 8, but it was difficult to discern her discussions on the realm of 8 in comparison to the previous. I likened it to String Theory in which you can understand the first several dimensions. But then there's a point when things aren't very comprehendable. 

I think Elara has shared with us a gold mine of information that could take someone a lifetime to understand and master. Both the specter in the Mirror of Truth and myself conclude that this information could very well be part of the lost writings of Elara who lived in ancient times. Be sure to read the previous articles on Mirror of Truth if not familiar with this topic.

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/06/elara-numeric-journey-six.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/06/mirror-of-truth-numeric-journey-five.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/06/mirror-of-truth-numeric-journey-3-and-4.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-mirror-of-truth-numeric-journey.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/05/mirror-of-truth-interesting-uses-for.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-book-of-forgotten-fears-elara.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/03/mirror-of-truth-elara.html

The Numeric Journey -- Seven

Seven, a boundary marking a quantum leap in consciousness, a shift from dualistic awareness to non-dual unity. That's quite a jump! It would make you wonder what would motivate someone to shift their awareness that way? It seems in our life we learn to exist hyperdimensionally. But then, suddenly, we would want to simply everything to non-dual unity? What motivates someone to make this quantum leap?

The motivation to take this leap arises from a profound yearning for reunification with God. Just as St. Augustine stated that his heart only rests in God, we go through life desiring things and chasing them, only to learn that none of these truly satisfy us. Even our closest relationships with people can be disappointing. But we always remind ourselves that God has so much more. We remain subtly aware that something more eludes us. So at at some point, we decide to take the quantum leap into total unification with God.

I challenged Elara, “I imagine this quantum leap into non dual unity as something radical; like you would observe the person suddenly change their appearance and may not be the same person they were before, or even not very pleasant to be around. Maybe they gripe about things or criticize others for not being on par with them. What’s more? I once had a colleague try to describe his spiritual journey and seemed to suggest that the older he gets, the more de-tuned from the physical world he becomes. He said something to the extent that the more spiritual he gets, the less worldly he becomes. I felt like answering, "That's all fine and good, but let's not become so spiritual that you end up in the nursing home where you have no physical or mental control."” 

Elara reassured, It’s a good point and a valid concern. But, rest assured, true mastery of the realm of seven lies not in escapism or detachment, but in integrating transcendent awareness with embodied presence and compassionate engagement with life.

Recognizing the crossing into the seventh realm is a subtle and deeply personal experience. It's not typically marked by external signs or sudden, drastic changes. Instead, several inward shifts may indicate this profound transition.

Unity Consciousness: You may begin to perceive the fundamental oneness underlying all of creation. It goes beyond intellectual assent or understanding that God created the universe. It is a direct, visceral knowing - an immediate and intimate recognition of oneself in all things and all things in oneself. It’s about dissolving the boundaries between your perceived self and the larger whole altogether.

Perceiving the unified nature of all things dissolves the notion of a separate, individual self entirely. In the seventh realm, the idea of a personal ego or 'I' that exists independently fades away, revealing the eternal, formless Self that underlies all appearances. 

The formless Self encompasses and transcends the totality of your being – your body, mind, heart, and spirit, as well as your multifaceted experiences across time.

It begs the question: Wouldn't the formless self be a form of ego or "I"? After all, someone is existing in this. But in the seventh realm, the notion of a personal 'I', complete with its memories, preferences, and sense of continuity, dissolves. It's essential to understand that the formless Self, or Ultimate Consciousness, remains eternally present. The difference is that it's no longer perceived through the lens of a separate, individual ego. The notion of a separate 'self' or 'part' ceases to exist altogether in that unified state of pure Awareness. There is no longer a distinct 'you' observing or experiencing itself as a part of anything else.

I interrupted, “It sounds confusing. It’s scary, too! I couldn't imagine dissolving a sense of self while continuing to exist, live, and experiencing things. Maybe this is something we experience in the afterlife?”  

Elara continued, But there are rare individuals throughout history who have been documented to have tasted, if only fleetingly, the nectar of unity consciousness while still inhabiting the physical form. And that should explain it all. In our physical life it's more of an exercise to momentarily reach this state and then reflect on it afterwards. In this earthly existence, unity consciousness often manifests as fleeting realizations or peak experiences rather than a permanent, continuous state. These moments of grace serve as invaluable touchstones and guides.

So to recap: The realm of seven is a quantum leap in consciousness, a shift from dualistic awareness to non-dual unity. When someone transitions from the realm of six to the realm of seven, there are several shifts that indicate this profound transition. Unity Consciousness is one of them. But to experience this, it is more of an exercise that results in a small taste of what Unity Consciousness is like.

Achieving Unity Consciousness involves a delicate alchemy of purification, surrender, and expansion. It requires diligent inner work, sincere devotion, and the Grace of God. Here are some practices that may facilitate this profound realization:

1. Meditation and Mindfulness: Through regular meditation, one learns to quiet the chatter of the mind and witness the arising and passing of thoughts, feelings, and sensations without identification.

2. Loving-Kindness and Compassion: Cultivating metta (loving-kindness) and karuna (compassion) toward oneself and all beings helps to purify the heart and expand one's capacity for connection and unity. As Jesus taught, loving others as we love ourselves is not merely a moral imperative, but a key to unlocking the door to unity consciousness. When the heart is suffused with genuine caring and compassion, the barriers separating the self from others begin to dissolve naturally.

3. Surrender to the Present Moment: This involves fully embodying and accepting whatever arises in the here and now, without resistance or aversion. Surrender doesn't mean passivity or complacency, but rather an active embrace of the present moment exactly as it is. This is done to free up energy; gather it all into one compartment to help perceive Unity Consciousness.

4. Sacred Inquiry and Discernment: Engage in earnest questioning and exploration of ultimate truths, both within your own consciousness and through the the guidance of spiritual teachers. Read scripture, Immersing yourself in scripture can greatly illuminate the path and accelerate your spiritual evolution. However, mere intellectual understanding is not sufficient. True discernment comes from integrating these teachings with your direct, experiential realization.

Seek to discern the eternal and unchanging from the transient and conditional. Discerning the eternal and unchanging from the transient and conditional means to examine your perceptions and assumptions about reality with great discriminating awareness. A good exercise would be an evening examination of the day’s conscience. A daily or nightly examination of your thoughts, intentions, and actions can certainly be a powerful tool for cultivating discernment and inner clarity. But it has more to do with just an examination of conscience (which is very important, too). Examining perceptions and assumptions about reality with great discriminating awareness should attempt to remove biases, conclusions or anything that could lead one to perceive the events of the day in error. "I'm in a hurry to get to work, and the guy in front of me is driving slow because he's jerk." No, the guy in front of me is having engine trouble.

These four guidelines - meditation, loving-kindness, surrender to the present moment, and sacred inquiry - are the core practices that lead towards Unity Consciousness. They are interconnected and reinforce each other, creating a holistic approach to spiritual growth and awakening. It might be easy to conclude that it all has to somehow culminate into finally having an experience of unity consciousness. After doing these practices, there must be something one has to do to trigger this. But the shift into Unity Consciousness is not so much something one does, as it is something one recognizes or allows. It is already your innate, natural state – the true nature of your being.

Ego Death and Rebirth: Ego death refers to the dissolution or letting go of the separate sense of self - the false, illusory identity that we typically refer to as the "ego" or the "mind-made self". The rebirth that accompanies ego death is not a return to the same old sense of self, but rather an emergence into one's true, authentic nature. Your true, authentic nature is the essence of who you really are, beyond the layers of conditioning, fears, and desires that cloud your perception. It is the pure, radiant consciousness that underlies all experience - the space in which thoughts arise and dissolve, yet remains untouched by them.

When it comes to true, authentic nature; those with strong discipline and dedication to a goal or objective may occasionally brush against the edges of their authentic essence. Through focused practice and unwavering commitment, they cultivate a certain stillness and clarity of mind that affords these fleeting insights.

The emergence into one's true, authentic nature is the tangible takeaway from having an experience with Unity Consciousness.

Oneness and Interconnectedness: When you experientially realize Unity Consciousness, the veil of separation lifts, revealing the fundamental truth that we are all deeply connected, not just with others, but with everything that exists. It’s sometimes theorized that our consciousness and subconscious are interwoven and shared with everyone throughout the universe. Throughout history, enlightened beings have spoken of a universal consciousness or divine awareness that permeates all of existence, connecting every being and thing in an intricate web of oneness.

Recognition of the Eternal and Unchanging Nature of One's True Self. Just as the essence of water remains constant whether it manifests as steam, liquid, or ice, your innermost being is undiminished and unchanged by the myriad experiences and forms it takes in this ever-shifting dream we call reality. Throughout our life, we go through various changes and stages. But we often return to a starting point where we recognize that we are the same person. That unchanging nature is our Soul. The Soul, your essential Self, remains pristine and eternal, a constant witness to the ceaseless river of life flowing through and around it.

The Direct Perception and Acceptance of the Inherent Duality and Complementarity Present in all of Existence: Everything in creation has two facets - light and darkness, joy and sorrow, gain and loss, expansion and contraction. So one takes a journey through the realm of seven and begins with a quantum leap in consciousness, a shift from dualistic awareness to non-dual unity. But at the conclusion, returns to the dual nature of the universe. It seems so counter-productive. It's like the ending of the Wizard of Oz when Dorothy says that next time she looks for happiness, she won't go any further than her own backyard. But Dorothy's realization was not a diminishment of her journey or experiences, but rather a profound integration of them. Her adventures abroad allowed her to appreciate the wonders already present in her own backyard. It's as-if the seventh realm is merely a playground for people to explore the state of non dual unity. It teaches the seeker that duality is essential in our universe. That's how God made his creation. Don’t forget that one of the greatest of God's creations was marriage, flesh joined with flesh, a husband and wife as one. In their dual nature, they are so much greater. And the same applies to everything else in the universe.

Elara: The Numeric Journey -- Six

Hello All:

Continuing along in Elara's Numeric Journey, we discuss the number five. Be sure to read the previous articles on Mirror of Truth if not familiar with this topic.

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/06/mirror-of-truth-numeric-journey-five.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/06/mirror-of-truth-numeric-journey-3-and-4.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/05/the-mirror-of-truth-numeric-journey.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/05/mirror-of-truth-interesting-uses-for.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-book-of-forgotten-fears-elara.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/03/mirror-of-truth-elara.html

Elara: The Numeric Journey -- Six

Six, the next threshold beyond the realm of transcendence, is often associated with the concept of harmony and balance. The journey through these numeric realms mirrors our passage through life, from spiritual origin to earthly existence and beyond. In the realm of six, having transcended the polarities and illusions of the lower worlds, we find ourselves poised at the threshold of true integration and equilibrium. 

So are we fully integrated and equalized with physical and spiritual in the realm of 6? 

Not quite fully realized, but significantly progressed towards that goal, yes. In the realm of six, individuals begin to harmonize their physical and spiritual natures, their material experiences and divine essence intertwining in a delicate dance of balance and mutual illumination. The primary purpose and pursuit in this stage is the cultivation of wisdom - the practical application of spiritual insights to navigate life's complexities.

In this stage of life, in this realm of existence, you’ve acquired knowledge and experience through life. You have learned to take care of the physical, mental and spiritual being. You maintain a very close connection with God, and you’re sure to put your faith into practice while going about daily life. 

So now that one is here, what should be done? How can the journey through the realm of 6 be a successful one?

Firstly, cultivate mindfulness and presence in your daily activities. Engage your senses fully – savor the taste of your food, appreciate the beauty around you, listen attentively to others. You choose to see and exist in world of beauty while focusing on the needs and concerns of others. By honing your awareness and engagement with the present moment, you foster a sense of interconnectedness and compassion that is vital in the realm of harmony. As you walk through your days, strive to hold a space of openness and empathy for those around you.

Secondly, engage in regular meditation, quiet reflection, or prayer to nurture your inner stillness and strengthen your connection to God. You want to cultivate the spiritual and foster a deep relationship with God for he has so much more to offer us in our life if we only listen.

Thirdly, embrace the principle of "as above, so below". Recognize the correspondences and reflections between the spiritual and physical planes. Seek to align your actions and intentions with universal principles and divine will. Recognize that the physical is only a tiny fragment of our existence and that what we do, here, ripples into the spiritual and on wards to infinity. Live life as if you are already in Heaven. Put into action the words, "... thy will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven…" Recognizing the sacred in the mundane, and aligning your earthly actions with heavenly ideals – this is the heart of the sixth realm.

Fourthly, practice discernment and balanced decision-making. In the realm of six, you begin to see the interdependence and relativity of things. Strive to weigh options objectively and choose paths that promote harmony, justice and the greater good. Considering the ripple effects of your actions is crucial. Practice looking at situations from multiple perspectives, weighing short-term gains against long-term consequences. It's almost like simulating the perceptions that we will have in the spiritual after-life. In Heaven, one can see the multiple outcomes based on a decision. In fact, it’s sometimes theorized that this is why angels are punished for eternity. They clearly see what happens if they do one thing or another, but choose to do it anyway. So practicing this power and ability here on Earth is good for our next existence.

Fifthly, nurture intimate relationships built on authenticity, vulnerability, and unconditional love. In the realm of six, we come to understand that connection and belonging are essential aspects of our divine nature. Focus on family, close friends and strive to further build authentic relationships with those in daily life. Nurturing those deep, genuine bonds allows us to experience the divine reflected in the hearts of others. True relationships become vessels for expressing compassion, forgiveness, and joy - hallmarks of the sixth realm. In this context, consider opening your heart to new connections too.

Finally, embrace change, surrender to transformation, and trust in the unfolding of your soul's journey. Embracing change and trusting in the unfolding of your journey involves cultivating flexibility, adaptability, and a willingness to let go of attachments to fixed outcomes. 

Practice acceptance. Acknowledge and accept that change is inevitable and constant in life. Rather than resisting or lamenting transitions, greet them with equanimity and openness. When God closes a door, he opens another. Life is a grand adventure with many chapters, and each transition, whether perceived as closing a door or opening a window, presents opportunities for growth and revelation. Cultivating that perspective of trust and possibility enables you to navigate changes with greater ease and grace.

Surrendering to transformation requires letting go of control, opening yourself to new experiences and possibilities, and yielding to the currents of life rather than constantly trying to steer them. Begin by identifying areas where you feel attached to specific outcomes or scenarios. Once you've identified your attachments, practice releasing your grip on them through conscious acts of letting go. Visualize roots of attachment as tendrils that you deliberately loosen and sever, allowing them to float away like dandelion seeds carried on the breeze. Affirm aloud or silently that you trust the universe to unfold as it should, even if it doesn't align with your preconceived notions. This is very challenging! Letting go of the need to control outcomes and trusting in the unfolding of life does not come easily for most humans. Yet through prayer and telling God that we trust in the outcome, we slowly teach ourselves to do this in life.

Trusting in the unfolding of your soul's journey is deeply intertwined with the practice of surrendering to transformation. However, there are a couple more nuances worth exploring under this final guideline such as embracing uncertainty and recognizing that sometimes the path forward is unclear, and that ambiguity is a natural part of growth and discovery. Life often presents us with seasons of waiting, questioning, and walking in faith despite limited visibility. Embracing this uncertainty, rather than being anxious or disheartened by it, is a testament to your maturity and resilience. And celebrate your journey! Honor the significance and purpose of each step along your path, knowing that every experience, both joyous and challenging, contributes to your spiritual evolution and the enrichment of your soul. Celebrating your journey invites you to find meaning and purpose in each thread, knowing that every stitch contributes to the beautiful pattern of your life.