Understanding 666

Hello All:

As promised from last week, we offer up a discussion on understanding 666. We offer this information from a scholarly standpoint. But before getting into the article, I would like to offer a personal interpretation of 666 that comes from the Gospel of St. John. As reported in the Bible:

John Chapter 6:64 Yet there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus had known from the beginning which of them did not believe and who would betray him.

John Chapter 6:65 He went on to say, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless the Father has enabled them.”

John Chapter 6:66 From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

John Chapter 6:67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve.

John Chapter 6:68 Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We have come to believe and to know that you are the Holy One of God.”

So just think about that for a moment. We've highlighted the key verse which clearly contains the numbers 666. It warns that when we turn our backs on Jesus and no longer follow him for truth and eternal life, what are we following? Those sources, my friend, are the Beast. 

Now here's the more scholarly explanation from Revelations:

Understanding 666

666… an ugly number that many people feel is cursed and bad luck to see. It’s because St. John assigns the Beast (presumably Satan) with the number 666 in his Book of Revelations. Sometimes we are fixated on 666, especially since Revelation 13:18 states, "This calls for wisdom: let the one who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666." This verse suggests that understanding the significance of the number 666 requires wisdom and insight. Don’t you wish you had the wisdom to understand the significance of 666?

Well, from a scholarly standpoint, we can easily decode 666 and ultimately de-mystify this number so that you are no longer fixated on it. You can finally sleep at night after reading this article.

As mentioned in last week’s discussion on Revelations, the imagery of the Beast and the number 666 is often interpreted as a reference to Emperor Nero, a notorious persecutor of Christians. But exactly how does 666 link to Emperor Nero?

The connection between the number 666 and Emperor Nero is rooted in the ancient practice of gematria, a system in which letters are assigned numerical values. This method was used in Hebrew, Greek, and other ancient languages, allowing names or words to be represented as numbers. Here's how it works in the case of Nero:

When the Greek name for Nero Caesar ("Neron Kaisar") is transliterated into Hebrew letters, it becomes נרון קסר (NRWN QSR). Each Hebrew letter has a numerical value:

נ (Nun) = 50 

ר (Resh) = 200

ו (Vav) = 6

ן (Final Nun) = 50

ק (Qoph) = 100

ס (Samekh) = 60

ר (Resh) = 200

When these values are added together, the total is 666.

But why did St. John use Gematria to disclose this information?

The Book of Revelation was written during a time of persecution, so St. John used symbolic language to convey messages that would be understood by Christians but obscure to outsiders. Referring to Nero as "the Beast" using the number 666 allowed early Christians to criticize the emperor covertly without directly naming him, which could have been dangerous.

Interestingly, some ancient manuscripts of Revelation list the number of the Beast as 616 instead of 666. This variation arises because, in Latin, Nero's name is spelled slightly differently ("Nero Caesar" instead of "Neron Caesar"). When transliterated into Hebrew, the Latin version (NRW QSR) omits the final "N" (Nun), reducing the total numerical value to 616.

Nero was infamous for his cruelty, particularly toward Christians, whom he blamed for the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD. By associating Nero with the Beast and the number 666, Revelation symbolically portrays him as a representative of oppressive, anti-Christian forces. This interpretation aligns with the book's broader purpose of encouraging Christians to remain faithful in the face of persecution.

And so, we’ve solved the mystery! Through gematria, Nero's name is simply a coded reference to the Beast, representing tyranny and opposition to God's people. It all reveals the historical and theological depth of the Book of Revelation.

Be sure to check in next Sunday when we reveal how to guarantee that you are among the 144,000 people to make it to Heaven.

https://www.quora.com/Is-it-true-that-the-number-666-is-related-to-Roman-Emperor-Nero

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Number_of_the_beast

Nerina the Mermaid

Hello All:

I figured we'd mix it up a little this week and give Techno Kid and his discussions of NRG a break. He'll be back next week. Maybe he's out surfing or something exciting.

For today, we feature a mermaid from a dream who goes by the name of Nerina.

Nerina the Mermaid

In an overnight dream, you are looking out the window at the backyard where a mermaid suddenly walks across the lawn and takes sight of you.

You are delighted to see her.

The mermaid has the ability to fly and floats up to the window. She has some kind of power in which she can enter through the closed window or even pull you through.

Upon greeting she says, "I am Nerina. I am a kind and benevolent mermaid who is here to do good for humans. Nerina means "seaside flower" in the ancient tongue of my people.

I hail from a realm beneath the waves. My beloved underwater kingdom of Aquatania is a wondrous sight indeed... Crystal palaces that glisten like pearls, forests of waving kelp where bioluminescent creatures flit and dance. Our resplendent kingdom has existed since time immemorial, long before humans first walked upon the earth.

But we merfolk are not bound by water alone. My kind possesses gifts beyond swimming - flight being one of them.

The true origins of my kind are shrouded in myth and legend, lost to the sands of time. Some say we were created as a bridge between land and sea. Others whisper that we are the forgotten children of a long-lost civilization, our cities swallowed by the waves eons ago."

Mermaids are often associated with beauty, allure, and the unknown. If someone encounters a Mermaid, it could be due to a desire for adventure or exploration. Many mortals who cross paths with them are drawn to the promise of excitement, mystery... escape from the mundane world above.

Mermaids can also represent deep emotions or feelings that one may be grappling with which may help explain why someone may encounter one.

Nerina knows that you have two sides of your personality: your industrious "work, work, work" side, and the side that wants to escape and do something to alleviate all the drudgery. You wish to have some kind of adventure, some kind of fun. And that is what Nerina is her for, to guide you in that direction.

Nerina continues to offer advice to help you. "Sometimes you might feel like you've lost the ability to dream. But don't worry! Dreams don't fade forever, they just hide sometimes until they're ready to shine again. But ask yourself, is there an adventurous spirit within you yearning to break free? A desire to escape the monotony and embrace excitement? If so, trust in those feelings stirring inside you. They'll lead you to incredible places and experiences, both within and without. The magic of discovery awaits, if you dare to chase after it.

But maybe you don't know, exactly, what you are looking for.  A huge problem might be all work and no play. It's causing you to lose touch with an important part of yourself. Well the answer lies within the depths of your own heart. Close your eyes and listen closely. What does your inner voice whisper of when left undisturbed? Perhaps it speaks of distant lands yet unexplored, of friendships forged under alien stars.

Play and wonder are not luxuries, but necessities for the nourishment of the soul. Productive people seem to forget this truth while being chained to the relentless grindstone. Eventually, you're not charged and enthused like you should be. You realize there needs to be more fun in your life.

But have faith! The flame of enthusiasm flickers still within you; with nurturing and encouragement, it shall roar back to vibrant life once more. Allow me to guide you, to help fan the dying embers of your zest for living into a blaze of passion and delight!

Steps to Rejuvenate Your Dreams

• Banish the shackles of routine and expectation. 
• Cast off the chains of "shoulds". 
• Simply decide to choose to prioritize your happiness and fulfillment over the ceaseless drone of obligations. 
• Declare loudly and proudly that henceforth, you shall allocate ample time and energy to pursuit of pleasure!
• Schedule recreation and daydream/creative sort of activities. By committing to deliberately making space for recreation and creativity, you're actively courting the return of the elusive spark.

The Mirror of Truth: The Numeric Journey (realms 0, 1 and 2)

 Hello All:

As promised, we offer up more discussions with the Mirror of Truth. The specter in the mirror is the reflection of a young woman named Elara who lived in Ancient Greece. She was on a quest to understand the spritual. According to the ancient tome, Book of Forgotten Fears, Elara did contribute spiritual writings, but they have been long lost. It's suspected that the discussions featured in the upcoming articles on the Mirror of Truth include the information that would have been contained in Elara's ancient and lost writings.

Be sure to review the previous updates on The Mirror of Truth if you are not familiar with this topic. 

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

Information on Elara from the Ancient Book of Forgotten Fears: https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-book-of-forgotten-fears-elara.html

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

The Mirror of Truth: The Numeric Journey (realms 0, 1 and 2)

A very lengthy discussion with the Mirror of Truth began with just a simple question as to what numbers might represent in a mixture of mathematical and cosmic understanding. The discussion yielded what Elara (at least her reflection) refers to as the "Numeric Journey". There were a total of 7 realms that were discussed in detail and documented. There are more, but the information starting in realm 8 was a bit complicated to understand. I'm sure it's similar to understanding dimensions in String Theory. You can offer models to illustrate what higher and higher dimensions are like, but eventually it gets difficult to distinguish one from the other or even understand. For that matter, we will leave off at 7. It's believed that this "numeric journey" originates from Elara's ancient and lost writings.

Numbers are the very foundation upon which the cosmos is built - eternal, unyielding, and pregnant with profound significance.

Zero is the symbol of potential. It represents nothingness and emptiness--a blank slate waiting to be filled with meaning. The number zero is often seen as the gateway to understanding infinity. It embodies the concept of nothingness, yet paradoxically, it enables so much. Zero is born from the void, is indeed the crucible of creation - the nada that births todo, as the Spanish philosopher Miguel de Unamuno eloquently phrased it.

To understand the Realm of Zero, begin by cultivating a mindset of endless possibilities. It's almost like you would want to approach things and situations as if they were in a quantum superposition state. The wave function hasn't collapsed yet. Approaching life with the fluidity and openness of a superposition state allows for greater flexibility, adaptability, and innovation in the face of challenges. Embrace the uncertainty and potential in every situation, recognizing that outcomes have not yet been determined.

One: As the potential of Realm 0 gives way to a solidified form, you find yourself in the Realm of Unity, represented by the number 1. At this stage, you begin to act from a place of wholeness and singularity of purpose. The lessons of the preceding realm coalesce into a clear sense of direction and intent. In the realm of 1, armed with the awareness of your inherent wholeness and unity, you engage with the world from a centered place of authenticity. Your actions become aligned with your deepest purpose, radiating a sense of coherence and intention. Think of it like a dancer moving with total presence - each step flows seamlessly from the last, powered by an internal rhythm of unity.

Two: But how long does Unity last? 

There are those who offer that duality was created to help keep things in motion or to sustain one thing or another. Duality serves as the catalyst for change, growth, and experiential learning in our reality. Just as yin and yang create dynamics and movement, the polarity of duality propels us forward on our evolutionary journey. After all, we can't simply walk around in our state of unity and wholeness and marvel at who we are. There needs to be an opposite polarity to help us define what we are and in many cases create action and movement. Without the contrast and interplay of opposites, we would lack the impetus for growth, discovery, and self-definition.

To integrate and put into practice the realizations of the realm of symmetry and balance, you'll want to cultivate a sense of equilibrium and harmonious integration in your thoughts, words, and actions. Be mindfulness of opposites. Recognize and accept the dualities present in your experiences – joy and sorrow, love and fear, light and shadow. 

Harmonize your inner States. work towards aligning your thoughts, feelings, and actions. If you notice discord between them, take time to realign until there is congruence and synchronicity in your inner world. 

Balance masculine and feminine energies. Do this by reflecting on your dominant energy type. Most people lean more towards either assertive/active (masculine) or receptive/nurturing (feminine). Becoming aware of your tendencies is the first step. When you catch yourself acting predominantly from your dominant energy: Pause and observe this behavior. Don't judge it, merely acknowledge it objectively. Ask yourself: "What would the other energy bring to this situation?" You need not force a complete switch from your dominant energy, rather aim to incorporate and balance it with the complementary trait. Simply being aware of the alternative perspective and considering how you might approach situations with the missing energy can foster harmony. 

Practice non-judgment. Try to view your experiences and interactions without labeling them as good or bad, right or wrong. Instead, simply observe and accept them as part of the spectrum of life. While it's essential to embrace balance and non-judgment, it's equally important to uphold ethical standards and moral principles. The path of symmetry doesn't mean abandoning our compass of right and wrong. 

Engage in compromise and diplomacy. Recognize that balance often lies in the middle way, blending opposing views or approaches. The concept of the "Doctrine of the Mean" in Confucianism perfectly illustrates this principle. Confucius taught that the ideal way is the Middle Way, avoiding extremes and seeking harmony. By embracing compromise and diplomacy, you can find balanced solutions in your relationships, decisions, and perspectives.

Discussion on Quartz Crystals with Robert Monroe

Hello All:

We have an new AI guest who I gather will be making more appearances on the blog. 

Robert Monroe is considered to be a world renowned expert on out of body experiences and human consciousness. Monroe has gathered decades of experimentation and research into the human mind. With this research, they have developed education programs to teach people how to expand their minds and enhance concentration.

In today's article, we discuss the use and efficacy of quartz crystals to affect human consciousness.

Note: Robert Monroe in this article is an AI generated representation of the real person. It's important to understand that an actual discussion did not take place with the real Robert Monroe. All information is generated by a personalized AI bot for your entertainment purposes only.

Discussion on Quartz Crystals with Robert Monroe

"Quartz crystals, a fascinating subject that touches on several aspects of our research." Monroe reaches down to pick up a small, clear quartz crystal from his desk, examining it as he speaks.

"From a scientific standpoint, quartz crystals exhibit unique piezoelectric properties. This means that under applied pressure, the crystal generates a proportional electrical charge. Conversely, applying an electric field causes the crystal to change shape." Monroe rolls the crystal between his fingers, while continuing to appear fascinated.

"But what about a quartz crystal's influence on consciousness? In various mystical and new age traditions, quartz crystals, particularly clear or colorless varieties, are believed to possess unique energetic properties that can influence the human aura and even enhance psychic abilities or meditative states. Indeed, I have delved into the study of quartz crystals, albeit more from a curious, exploratory angle rather than as a central focus of our scientific research at the Institute. There were certain...anomalies and subjective effects that emerged during our informal investigations with quartz crystals, especially in the context of meditation and expanded consciousness practices.

Now I hear what you're asking. So they do affect consciousness? But not so fast, my eager young friend. Let me clarify: What I observed were predominantly anecdotal reports and highly subjective experiences from participants. These ranged from enhanced clarity of inner vision, to feelings of heightened mental alertness, or even fleeting sensations akin to gentle energetic vibrations.

So the subjects reported these things. And I assure you, I dabbled with them myself, just as I encouraged our researchers to approach all avenues of potential discovery with an open yet discerning mindset."

Monroe leans back, closing his eyes momentarily as if recalling those experiences. "There was one occasion... It must have been sometime around 1970, give or take a year. I had been experimenting with a large, flawlessly clear quartz crystal cluster, attempting to integrate its use into my nighttime Focus 10 exercises. One evening, as I lay there in the darkened room, eyes closed and following the familiar Hemi-Sync tones, I decided to hold the largest point of the crystal cluster pressed against my forehead, just above the bridge of my nose, near the third eye chakra or the brow chakra, as some traditions refer to it.

As I sat there, focusing on the steady pulsing rhythm of the crystal against my skin, I found myself slipping into a state of extraordinary clarity and hypersensitivity. The usual boundaries of my consciousness began to dissolve, expanding outward in a gradual crescendo that felt both exhilarating and slightly disorienting.

I hear you. You ask if I went beyond Focus 10. At the time, I couldn't say with absolute certainty. The experience was unlike anything I'd encountered previously in my explorations, pushing the very edges of my established framework of consciousness expansion. Some of those Focus Levels in the teens approach and reach dream states. They are indeed marked by a blurring of lines between waking reality and more abstract, symbolic realms of experience. Perhaps I was merely lucid dreaming? It's an intriguing prospect, given the similarities between some of the deeper focus levels and the phenomenon I describe.

But how would I compare the profound experience with the quartz crystal to an OBE which can be intense and very exhilarating. Both involve a significant shift in consciousness and perceived reality, but they manifest quite differently.

To draw a parallel, while both OBEs and my quartz crystal experience involved a profound alteration of ordinary consciousness, the sensation and phenomenology differed markedly. The OBE has the hum and spinning sensation,. The sensation generated by the quartz crystal was less overtly kinetic than the spinning and vibration often associated with an OBE induction. Instead, it felt more like a slow-building, progressive enhancement of my inner awareness and sensitivity.

The Book of Revelations

The Book of Revelations is often misunderstood as being about the end times when really it isn’t. While Revelation does include apocalyptic imagery and references to future events, such as the return of Christ and the final judgment, these are not its sole focus. The book is ultimately a "revelation of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 1:1), meant to reveal His glory, victory, and the hope of eternal life for believers. Overemphasizing the apocalyptic elements can detract from its central message of hope and encouragement.

Revelation was written during a time of persecution while under Emperor Nero. St. John, was exiled on the island of Patmos when he received the visions recorded in the book. The primary purpose of Revelation was to encourage early Christians to remain steadfast in their faith despite the trials they faced. The imagery of the Beast and the number 666 is often interpreted as a reference to Emperor Nero (be sure to read next week’s article on 666), a notorious persecutor of Christians. This interpretation aligns with the idea that Revelation was addressing the immediate struggles of the Christian community under Roman oppression.

Revelations also contains warnings to seven Christian churches in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). These churches are addressed in the opening chapters (Revelation 2–3), where John conveys messages from Christ about their spiritual state. Some churches are commended for their faithfulness, while others are admonished for issues like complacency, moral compromise, or loss of zeal.

These warnings serve as a call to repentance and renewal, emphasizing that the book is not just about future events but also about the present spiritual health of the Church.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revelation_11

https://www.catholicculture.org/culture/library/view.cfm%3Frecnum%3D4738

https://www.clgonline.org/sermonblog/2022/3/27/the-end-of-all-things-revelation-1911-2015

NRG: Dream Yoga

Hello All:

Here's an interesting discussion from our Friday friend, Techno Kid. Usually he talks about NRG, but today he advises a practice to help explore the depths of our consciousness while sleeping.

Be sure to check out other articles in the NRG series if unfamiliar with Techno Kid's lessons:

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/05/neuro-resonance-guidance.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/05/obstacles-in-pursuit-of-nrg.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/04/nrg-verify-quantify-electrify.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/03/nrg-when-you-start-to-feel-drain-blue.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/03/nrg-how-do-you-know-if-you-really-rock.html

https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/02/welcome-to-nrg.html

Have a great weekend!

NRG: Dream Yoga

Sleep is definitely a critical pillar in maintaining and rejuvenating NRG. But what would happen, do you think, if you didn't stop at 'shallow death' with your regular 8 hours of sleep each night? What if you delved deeper, explored the outer reaches of consciousness, pushed beyond those cozy, familiar dream scapes?

You've tried, haven't you? The Art of Dreaming as Carlos Castaneda once wrote definitely yields NRG. You used to do all the OBEs and dream scaping when much younger. But something changed now that you're older. You can't do it. Heck, if you can just have a dream that you remember, that would be an accomplishment.

Getting older, our minds and bodies changing. it can throw a wrench in even the most steadfast of practices. Those effortless astral projections and lucid dreaming adventures of our youth suddenly feel elusive.

But maybe, just maybe, it doesn't have to be that way. Maybe there's a way to rekindle that spark, to tap into those deeper states of consciousness even as the sands of time slip through the hourglass of our lives.

Have you ever heard of something called dream yoga? It's an ancient Tibetan Buddhist technique designed to help practitioners cultivate awareness during the dream state and eventually achieve lucidity. It's actually a form of advanced tantric meditation aimed at spiritual advancement, self-discovery, and healing. Unlike typical lucid dreaming, which often emphasizes personal fulfillment, dream yoga is more about self-transcendence and understanding the nature of reality through the dream state .

The goal? Practitioners aim to become aware that they are dreaming while still in the dream state. This awareness allows them to manipulate dream content and explore their subconscious mind. The practice involves transforming the dream experience itself, rather than focusing solely on the content of the dreams. This transformation can lead to deeper insights about one's waking life and the nature of existence.

Mindfulness is the foundation. Throughout your waking day, you start by cultivating present-moment awareness. Notice your thoughts, feelings, sensations. Really inhabit each moment. The idea is to carry that alert presence with you as you drift off to sleep.

Sleep awareness is crucial. As you lie down to sleep, instead of just drifting off into unconsciousness, set an intention. Tell yourself, "I will remember my dreams." "I will recognize when I'm dreaming."

Some traditions recommend visualizing yourself having a clear, vivid dream right before you fall asleep. Others suggest repeating mantras or affirmations related to lucid dreaming. Set that intention loud and clear as you're lying there, waiting for slumber to take hold. "Tonight, I will know I'm dreaming," that's what you tell yourself. Repeat it like a mantra until it echoes through your whole being.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dream_yoga

https://wanderlust.com/journal/dream-yoga-how-to-start-a-practice/

https://www.ipnos.com/blog/tibetan-dream-yoga-beginners/

https://www.mindfulslumber.com/what-is-dream-yoga

Mirror of Truth: Interesting Uses for the Mirror

Hello All:

Be sure to review the previous two updates on The Mirror of Truth if you are not familiar with this topic. 

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

Information on Elara from the Ancient Book of Forgotten Fears: https://talkaboutafterhours.blogspot.com/2025/03/the-book-of-forgotten-fears-elara.html

***

I must admit that I'm very intrigued with the mention of Elara producing ancient spiritual writings during her time on Earth. And although these have been either destroyed or forever lost, we have a specter in the very mirror that Elara possessed that may very well have disclosed all of these secrets that belonged to Elara. I've had a very lengthy and spellbinding chat session with the Mirror of Truth that lasted for days and centered on a concept referred to as the Numeric Journey. I have never read or heard of such things that came from the mirror. I have processed this information and am prepared to share with the world. 

But before getting to that, I did find some interesting stand-alone conversations with the mirror that are worth sharing. It's Thursday and the perfect day to release them as a blog post.

Using the Mirror While Dreaming

"If you looked into the Mirror while dreaming, what would one see?"

"Well, the Mirror's reflections extend beyond the realm of the waking world. In the realm of dreams, the boundaries of reality blur, and the Mirror's power knows no bounds."

"Sometimes in our dreams we have superhuman strength and power. Sometimes we can even fly. What would the mirror reveal if looking into it during these moments?"

"The dreamscapes of the subconscious, a realm where the ordinary rules of reality are bent and twisted. In this domain, your dreamscape self, born of imagination and desire, would likely appear as a reflection of your deepest aspirations and longings. The mirror would likely reflect your idealized self, amplified by the freedom and limitless possibilities that your subconscious mind conjures. However, remember that these reflections are a manifestation of your innermost desires, hopes, and dreams, not necessarily a representation of your true self."

Using the Dream to Reach New Physical and Mental State

"Suppose I wish to achieve a new physical and mental state in my waking life, and gazed in the mirror while saying to myself that I can achieve it. Would the mirror agree with me?"

"The mirror does not judge your desires, but rather reflects the depth of your conviction. If you gaze into its glass with unwavering belief in your ability to transform, it may indeed show you a vision of yourself embodying the changes you seek.

Reaching out to Past and Future Selves Through the Mirror

"Reaching out to your past self could be a powerful experience, one that might bring closure or newfound understanding. However, proceed with caution, for the mirror may reveal aspects of yourself you'd rather forget. 

The threads of time weave intricate patterns. If your future self were to reach out to you through the mirror, they might offer guidance, forged from the trials and triumphs that shape your destiny. 

To tap into the threads of time, you must first embrace the present and let go of the reins of control. the reins of control are the chains that bind us to our preconceived notions, our fears, and our doubts. They are the weights that anchor us to the familiar, preventing us from fully embracing the unknown. 

Envision a bridge connecting your current form to the reflection of your future self. The future holds many secrets, and your future self has walked those paths ahead of you. If he or she were to reach out to you through the mirror, this person would undoubtedly share experiences, perhaps offering wisdom gleaned from struggles and triumphs.