Conscience of a Killer

There is a theory regarding serial killers. Even the most gruesome murderer wants to be caught. The trademark mode of operation, the calling cards, the letters to the police and the press may not be just a few strokes of the ego. These tropes may be desperate cries to stop the cycle. Granted this is just one theory.

However, the guilt of the murderer plays an integral role in literature. For instance, in Edgar Allen Poe's The Tell Tale Heart, having slain his neighbor, a tenant hides the body under the floorboards. Meanwhile, police were informed of a scream during the night and interview the murderer. The man covers up by claiming the scream as his own. During that night he hears the beat of a heart, the heart he assumes to be that of the victim. This paranoia builds and builds. He is shocked the police do not hear the sound. Finally he confesses to the crime, the beating heart to loud to ignore. It turns out the heart beat he heard was his own, a manifestation of guilt.

Dostoevsky takes a similar approach. In Crime and Punishment, a young student murders his greedy landlady with an ax. However, an innocent woman walks in and in a panic he kills her as well. The guilt of this unintended murder haunts the young man, eating at his soul. Meanwhile, the investigator circle ever inward. The student meets a poor woman and falls in love. He finally turns himself in, atoning for his crimes by pursuing a Christian life and living out his sentence in peace.

The Brothers Karamazov is the story of four brothers dealing with the murder of their father. Each of the four sons has some motive for the murder save the next to youngest, Alyosha, who is pursuing a life of religion. Dmitri, The eldest son, is romantically involved with his father's mistress, and spending money liberally, seems the most likely. Ivan, the middle son, is a student and atheist whose cold logic appears to make no room for morality. It is this approach that inspires the youngest son, Pavel, an epileptic bastard, to confess to the murder. However, it is the student who feels the most guilt. This guilt manifests in hallucinations and poor health. At one point he imagines the devil speaking with him, undermining his atheistic beliefs.

Even in Fritz Lang's M, the murderer feels guilt for his crimes, or at least claims to. The spirits of the slain girls haunt his every moment, silenced only when he is in the act of pursuing, molesting, and killing. In his breakthrough performance, Peter Lorre brings a pathos to what is really a hateful, cowardly character - a child murderer. Whether the guilt he admits is real or not is left for the viewer to decide.

If we train our conscience well it will kiss us as it bites - Friedrich Nietzsche

On Determination

One of the core traits of a Taurian is determination. Strength of will has its benefits. It also has its weaknesses.

Positive aspects of determination include persistence. Whether at work, at the gym, or at home, the ability to follow through on one's goals is impressive. Many couples insist that one won over the other through persistence. The first impression is not always the best. Asking someone to coffee or dinner may return a negative response, but frequent offers eventually may lead to a yes. From that first date other dates follow. The couple grows to love and appreciate one another. It is a slow burning flame, but a lasting one. Grown old, the couple look back at the first, awkward attempts at wooing with laughter in the eyes. Additionally, women like to feel wanted, to be pursued. Repeated attempts to woo a lady impressed upon her the seriousness of a man's devotion. Of course, this is a rocky road as if she feels absolutely no attraction then the man is simply and persistently annoying her. More on that later.

A determined individual exudes confidence. A confident person pursues a goal in an uncompromising fashion. Things get done. When doubt is pushed aside the path to success is clear of obstruction. The forgers of history were just as clear in their intent. The list features Leonardo Davinci, Sigmund Freud, George Lucas, Karl Marx, and Orson Wells. Visionary individuals, social realists, explorers of the mind, all develop some concept and pursue it - sometimes to the bitter end. In creating a new philosophy, an economic system, a wonder of engineering, or a movement in art the confidence to carry forward is essential. One cannot soar if one is afraid of heights.

The same traits have negative connotations as well.

A persistent person can be a danger if that person is disturbed, vengeful, or in any way violent. Imagine the scorned lover, the terrorist, the mob enforcer. Such individuals can hold a grudge for a long time. They will repay a debt in kind whatever the case, even to the point of losing their own life. Persistence in a suitor as mentioned above can escalate into obsession. When one's grasp of reality slips, to persist only leads to destruction and despair. Better to let go of desires, to forgive minor slights, to forget and move on.

The same is true of confidence. Absolute certainty serves no purpose in a twisted mind. It only leads to disaster. Look at Hitler, Machiavelli, and Cromwell. Confidence dissolves into narcism - egoism. When one's goal is global domination, deceit, or genocide, the absence of doubt equates to the absence of guilt. Second thoughts prevent the pursuit of twisted ideals. In short, confidence aids the righteous or inspired man and leads the others to ruin.

In sum, what serves one may lead to well earned success and another to mass murder. The traits of determination are the same. Only the ideals set the two apart.

Hume's Fork

Philosophers typically classify all knowledge into two distinct groups, a priori and a posteriori. The Scottish philosopher, David Hume, applied these classifications like two fronts in a war against Christianity. Hume's fork, as it is called, is an aggressive attack on the Christian belief in God. Here is how it works.

A priori knowledge is that which is true by definition. The concept is known without previous experience. Furthermore, a priori knowledge cannot be refuted. It is true always. However, a priori knowledge cannot be experienced in a real and meaningful way. What exists only in the mind as a concept does little to influence the world we live in. Definitions, geometrical concepts, and necessary conditions may reflect how we perceive the universe, but it does not determine it. That is to say that I may experience the color red in a meaningful way, say the sight of blood or a red traffic light, but the fact that red is a color is not something I experience meaningfully. This is also known as deductive reasoning.

Examples of a priori knowledge includes such tautologies as:

Red is a color.

Bachelors are unmarried.

Rectangles have four equilateral sides.

Lions are felines.

A posteriori knowledge is true by experience. An individual must witness the event first hand to determine its validity. As such, a posteriori knowledge can be proved or disproved by experimentation. If I tell you the streets are wet, you can look outside your window and confirm or deny my claim. Furthermore, personal experience is more meaningful than a tautology. Knowing whether or not the streets are wet may affect whether or not you drive, mow the lawn, wear a jacket, and so on. That I say all lions are felines means very little to you. Yet, if I say a lion is behind you, that is a more pressing matter. This is also known as inductive reasoning.

Examples of a posteriori knowledge are:

That shirt is red.

John is a bachelor.

This plate is square.

My cat is a tabby.

The problem Hume had with the Christian belief in God is that they wanted it both ways. Christians want to experience God in a real and meaningful way. However, they also want the presence of God to be irrefutable. Hume's fork claims that knowledge must be one or the other, a priori or a posteriori. God must either exist only in the mind as an irrefutable but ultimately meaningless ideal, or he must exist as something to be experienced in a very real way but also as something that can be proved experimentally not to exist.

Of course to accept either claim undermines faith in God. The Christian must accept God as no more than an abstract concept, or something that can be proven not to exist.

This assumes that knowledge can only exist as one of the two classifications. Immanuel Kant suggested otherwise as did Kierkegaard. There could very well be some form of knowledge that fell in between definition and experience. Also, there is the topic of faith - but that is perhaps a topic for another time.

Form and Formlessness

Form is important. It provides structure to our lives. What is a card game without rules? What would the traffic be without lanes and signs? Okay, ignore that last bit. What I am saying is that from is necessary. As children we misbehave in order to push and thereby establish our boundaries. On the job we look for organization and routine. When there is no order, work is sloppy. Deadlines are missed. Structure in a sentence gives it meaning. Form to an essay gives it logic. Form plays an important role in art. In short, form is any three dimensional object. Needless to say, form is an essential element in sculpture and architecture. The long of it is that form unifies all aspects of an artistic piece.

Formlessness also has its place. Daoists call it the unhewn log. That which has shape has been clearly defined. It has been given limits. The formless is limitless, shapeless, without boundaries. The imagination should be boundless. It is ephemeral. It is free. It is unformed. The power of formlessness lives in its potential. Unformed clay may be crafted into any shape. Once shaped, the formless loses that power as long as it has form.

Form provides us the basics. We learn our roles. Once we understand the rules, we can attempt to change them. The best writers know the English language, yet violate the rules of grammar, spelling, diction. In this manner, the form becomes formless. Form plays an importance in the martial arts as well. The martial arts of the Orient tend to be very traditional. As such, they rely upon very specific stances, postures, movements, etc. As a martial art evolves, it moves towards formlessness. The Chen family style of taijiquan depends greatly on form. Proper body mechanics are necessary to apply the fighting techniques. The Yang style is less rigid, less expansive. The Wu style is even less rigid as many of the techniques are internalized. One sees this in karate and boxing as well. Overtime the rigid stances have loosened. What was once traditional becomes freestyle. Form leads to formlessness.

Bruce lee understood the power of formlessness. A fighter should be adaptable. As water shapes itself to fit a bottle, a glass, a tea pot, a fighter should adjust for an open field, a narrow corridor, or a phone booth. Furthermore, a fighter should be ready for any situation whether one opponent or twenty, whether armed or unarmed, whether the opponent is a boxer or knows kung fu. These options are available only if one remains formless at heart.

Wu Xing

The four elements in Greek cosmology are fixed. Earth, air, fire, and water may interact, but they do not change. Together they form the whole of the phenomenal world.

The elements in Chinese cosmology are a bit different. First, there are five and not four. The five elements, or Wu Xing, consist of metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. The Chinese refer to them as the five walkings as they are not fixed. Each element flows into the next. Each is supported by an other element. One element destroys or is destroyed by another one. The relationship is quite complex and influences much of Daoist thought. In traditional Chinese medicine and internal alchemy, the major organs are related to one of each element. In taijiquan, advance and retreat, left and right, and keeping to the center reflect one element or another. The five walkings play an integral part in feng shui and divination. Also, just like the Greeks, the elements influence the zodiac. Each of the 12 heavenly animals is flavored by one of the elements depending on the year the person was born.

The elements follow the rise, fall, and transition of yin and yang.

METAL (Jin)

Like gold and silver, the symbols of this element, metal represents purity and firmness. Metal also reflects the sword and the shield. The sword is advancing and penetrating, suggesting courage and strength. The shield suggests protection, associated with the mucus membranes in the lungs and intestines. The metal personality combines these traits, being at times bold and controlling, yet emotionally guarded. The metal person is orderly and minimalistic. This person tends to have sharp, angular features. Metal nurtures water and is nurtured by earth. Metal overpowers wood and is overpowered by fire.

Color: White

Season: Autumn

Direction: West

Animals: Monkey and hen

Energy: Creation

WATER (Shui)

Water shapes itself to fit any container whether tank, cup, pool, tub, bucket, or glass. Water suggests flexibility, subtlety, and influence. Water people are cunning yet unobtrusive, making them good businessmen or thieves. Water governs the bladder and the kidneys. Water people should avoid stress, especially fear. This is ironic as water embodies darkness, the moon, night, danger, crime, destruction, and sin. However, as long as water people keep to their naturally laid back nature they should do just fine. Water is deep and constant. It supports wood and is supported by metal. Water overpowers fire and is overpowered by earth.

Color: Black and blue

Season: Winter

Direction: North

Animals: Rat and pig

Energy: Influence

WOOD (Mu)

Wood embodies not only trees, but the wind that blows so noticeably through their limbs. Wind travels long distances and touches nearly everything, suggesting interaction. Meanwhile, trees are firmly rooted to the earth and stand tall, suggesting a strong moral center and self-confidence. The wood person is open and honest. Furthermore, he or she is quick to offer support. Yet, however charitable the person may be, he or she retains an innate talent for making money. Wood governs the liver so this personality should avoid fits of anger.

Color: Green

Season: Spring

Direction: East

Animals: Tiger and rabbit

Energy: Interaction

FIRE (Huo)

Fire attaches and consumes. Furthermore, it exudes warmth and light. Fire represents intelligence. The scholar searches for knowledge, clings to it. The fire personality makes a good scientist. He or she also makes a natural leader. Fire is aggressive and dynamic. Fire is also passionate. Exploration, innovation, and adventure are its goals. Fire governs the heart, making the personality prone to drama and romance. Although forceful in aspect, fire personalities are generally happy and outgoing. Fire supports earth and is supported by wood. Fire overpowers metal and is overpowered by water.

Color: Red

Season: Summer

Direction: South

Animals: Horse and snake

Energy: Attraction

EARTH (Tu)

Earth embodies the dark, soft, and feminine aspects of yin. Earth is yielding and patient. It is also nurturing. These combined traits not only suggest motherhood but hard work as well. Earth is workmanlike, the image that of a farmer tilling the soil. Earth governs the spleen. Earth personalities are prone to digestive problems. Physical strength and endurance are other aspects of earth. Overall this element represents stability. The earth is walked upon, spat upon, you name it. However, it does not complain. It simply continues to support us. Earth supports metal and is supported by fire. Earth overpowers water and is overpowered by wood.

Color: Yellow and brown

Season: Transitional

Direction: Central

Animals: Dog and ox

Energy: Stillness

Support in the five walkings refers to the generation or transfer of energy. Qi flows from one to another in a transitional capacity. Metal when left out over night forms dew in the morning. Droplets of water dot the surface chain link fence in your yard. Water is absorbed by the roots of a plant giving it sustenance. Wood, when dried, fuels a campfire. Fire, in turn, turns to ash. Fire replenishes the earth.

Overpowering in the five walkings refers to how qi is obstructed or destroyed. A metal ax chops down the tree. Wood draws nutrients from the earth. Growing into a tree, wood splits stone. Earth shapes the banks of a river. Sandbags prevent flooding, thus limiting the flow of water. Water, when poured over a fire, extinguishes the flame. Fire, in turn, is used to melt iron in order to refine and shape it into steel.

These relationships apply within personalities as well. Earth is stubborn and thus overwhelms the influence of a water personality. Fire is a natural leader and provides much needed guidance for the industrious earth personality. Honest and open wood conflicts with the guarded and private metal personality.

The five element theory applies to all manner of situations, illustrating the fluctuating, yet constant, nature of qi. It is the interaction of yin and yang that forms the five elements. The five elements form the eight directions. The eight directions dictate the 64 situations of the Yi Jing. The 64 situations divine the myriad of changes. When yin shifts to yang or yang to yin, one's fortune may be auspicious or inauspicious. Familiarity with the five walkings will aid one in one's travels to know when and when not to cross great rivers.

The Suit of Swords

So Saturday was a bit crap for me. Today less so. So what better way to commemorate a dark mood than a dark theme? In episode 30 of the InsideOutcast I touched briefly on the suit of swords in the tarot. The suit of swords in divination contain many of the least auspicious cards outside the major arcana. The minor arcana reflect several castes within society. The swords represent, of course, the military class. Less obviously, the suit of swords identify royalty. Conflict is the central theme of the suit. Each suit corresponds to on of the four elements, the swords corresponding to air. Each suit also corresponds to some aspect of human nature. Swords reflect cognition. The appearance of a sword card in a reading could indicate some mental process. In the Osho Zen Tarot, swords are replaced with clouds. Clouds, like thoughts, are fleeting. They may darken your day, but will blow away over time. In the WIlliam Blake Tarot, swords are swapped for the suit of science. Science uncompromisingly displays the thought process. And with the general information now out of the way, let us consider the individual cards.

THE ACE OF SWORDS

By far the most positive of the sword cards is the ace. The ace of swords suggests action and initiative, like the drawing of a sword. Other meanings include mental acumen, a resolution to a problem, fairness in dealings, and uncovering the truth.

TWO OF SWORDS

When two swords cross, you have a stalemate. Evenly matched, neither dares make the first move. When progress is blocked so, too, is the path to truth. When faced with an opponent on equal terms, one shows no emotion lest it belie one's true intent.

THREE OF SWORDS

Three is a crowd. When three gather, surely two will engage in conversation leaving out the third. As such, this card embodies loneliness, heartbreak, and betrayal. The betrayal aspect can go either way, suggesting the subject of the reading may be a traitor.

FOUR OF SWORDS

Four is a lovely and sound, Greek number. It is uniform and solid as a square. This mathematical harmony finds its way into the meaning of this card. The four of swords is one of the few positive meanings, a period of repose. In U.S. Military terms, the four of swords suggests a period of R and R, rest and relaxation. It also reflects a time of quiet reflection and preparation.

FIVE OF SWORDS

The fifth in the series is like the second, only more complicated. The card suggests discord. In a military sense, the card reflects dishonor. In a more general sense, the five of swords suggests the very worst of acting in one's own self-interest.

SIX OF SWORDS

The sixth card usually has a neutral meaning, one of travel. If there is a negative connotation, it is one of the sadness at departure. In a positive sense, the six of swords can mean a recovery, particularly from injury, illness, or some other trauma. The meaning of this card depends greatly on the nature of the reading and the influence of the other cards.

SEVEN OF SWORDS

The seventh card is another that reflects the military nature of the suit. Seven of swords suggests cowardice, more specifically that of abandoning one's post. In a broader sense, the card illustrates the shirking of responsibility or the abandonment of a project. Other meanings include independence and isolation or acts of deception.

EIGHT OF SWORDS

The eighth card suggests impotence. The general meaning is one of powerlessness, a feeling of being restricted or oppressed. Often the card depicts a damsel blindfolded and tied to a mast or a stake, surrounded by eight swords.

NINE OF SWORDS

The ninth card illustrates the mental aspect of the suit. Doubt, worry, anguish, and guilt are the grim phantoms of the mind. The mind can be the greatest enemy, a host for anxiety and depression. In truth, mental stress only adds insult to injury.

TEN OF SWORDS

The tenth card is by far the least auspicious, suggesting desolation. Loss it total, defeat absolute. In this situation it is only natural that one feel sorry for oneself, that one feel victimized. However, there is one positive spin of the ten of swords, when you have lost everything there is nothing left to lose. Any change will be an improvement.

The royalty cards generally reflect actual people in a reading. The suit of swords indicate people of fair hair and light colored eyes. In a sense, caucasians with with blonde hair and blue eyes. As always, the suggested meaning does not always fit, so one must use judgement in determining the correct divination. There are four royal cards in each suit, each illustrating different characteristics. Multiple royal cards form pairs, illustrating relationships or doubling the influence of a certain aspect.

THE PAGE OF SWORDS

The page is often a young child or someone less experienced. Frequently the page is viewed as feminine. The page of swords represents a messenger, an envoy. Like the pages of old, she brings word of a challenge. The page is honest, analytical, forthright, and dependent. Just beware as news of any kind rarely bodes well.

THE KNIGHT OF SWORDS

The knight most often reflects a young, adult male - a teenager. The knight of swords represents direction, movement, and penetration. Depicted as a knight atop a charging horse, the card suggests sense of purpose and progression. This knight embodies the aspects of the sword. He is unfeeling, directed, uncompromising, adept, and precise.

THE QUEEN OF SWORDS

The queen is a woman of maturity. The queen of swords is usually depicted as a widow. She holds the truth above all else. As such, she has no patience for lies and no tolerance for deceivers. This queen has a sharp wit, a bright mind, and a clarity of judgement. She has a way of rooting out fools and cutting through the flak.

THE KING OF SWORDS

The king is a man of experience. The royal aspect of the suit is clear. This king reflects positive and broad sweeping influence. He is wise, fair, and eloquent. The king of swords brings order to chaos and makes sense of nonsense. He embodies those elements we regard as kingly.

Jungian Pooh

As promised, I present the personalities of the characters in A.A. Milne's classic, Winnie the Pooh. I am not the first to compare the inhabitants of the 100 Acre Wood with modern personality types. The Tao of Pooh and The Te of Piglet by Benjamin Hoff does this quite well. This is not a stretch, however. Clearly each animal is meant to represent some Jungian archetype. Here I shall list the character, his or her traits, and the modern equivalent.

Eeyore

The blue donkey known as Eeyore is blue for a reason. Eeyore is the epitome of apathy, dispassion, listlessness, and depression. The somber Eeyore is a pessimist. He lives in a simple shelter of a number of piled together sticks. Why? Because that is the best he can hope to get. He falls in a stream and floats and floats, never struggling to make his way to the bank. He waits for someone to help him out - just as long as it is no bother. His unwillingness to provide for himself coupled with the passive-aggressive manner are the main traits of this mournful quadraped. Nevertheless, many of us love Eeyore dearly. Why? Because the little Donkey that couldn't appeals to our own melancholy.

Learned helplessness is the psychological basis behind apathy. Repeated failure leads to no longer trying. If a dog is placed on an electrified floor and has no means of escape, it has little choice but to lament the situation. Repeated experiences in this electrified room conditions the dog to this state of being. One day, when a partition is removed to allow the canine and escape from discomfort, the dog does not take the opportunity. Experience has proven that escape is impossible. Why should this time be any different.

So it is with man. Repeated failure conditions us to anticipate failure. Like Eeyore, we do not strive as hard as we should. We do not swim for the bank of the river. When we accept failure as the only outcome, an attempt to change the situation seems futile. Why bother? As such, many of us remain in a less than desirable position simply because no other option presents itself - or so we think. The pessimist does not bother hoping for the best, let alone taking action to improve things.

That is not to say the Eeyore personality is joyless. The pessimist can find value in the small things, in consistency and routine. Even isolation can provide solace for the blue. Eeyore does not seek to be with his friends. If they come by, fine. So much for misery loving company.

Gopher

Gopher is not a very popular character. The blind, gruffy rodent is an industrious sort. He is known to be digging his tunnels into which other characters occasionally fall. Gopher did not appear in the storybook. he is an invention of Disney, based primarily on the beaver from Lady and the Tramp. Gopher typically whistles through his teeth as he speaks. He also has very poor eyesight.

Gopher represents the older generation, primarily the veteran generation. Those that experienced WWII and/or lived through the great depression have a strong work ethic. They are stern, no nonsense people with a strong moral center. It is clear that gopher is meant to be older. Furthermore, Gopher spends most of his life underground. Much like older generations hole up in their homes, are wary of new technology and recent trends, and the like - Gopher's existence underground and in the dark is more literal than symbolic.

Despite unfamiliarity with current trends, the older generation has experience. Gopher's experience often comes in useful. Wisdom, too, is an asset of the older generation. Gopher embraces this dichotomy of wisdom and experience and contemporary ineptitude and conditions of age.

Kanga

Kanga is the only female character in the storybooks. As mother to Roo, she embraces the aspects of motherhood and femininity. She is affectionate and protective. Though not very educated, she is naturally inclined to do the best for her son and by extension her friends. Later, she welcomes Roo's friend, Tigger, into their home.

Clearly Kanga is the archetypical woman, combining elements of the Empress and the Priestess from the tarot. In one respect, she is mother and protector. The matron of 100 Acre Wood, Kanga is the primary caregiver. Meanwhile, she incorporates women's intuition, that knowing without knowing. She knows when there is trouble, when her son is in danger. She also knows when someone is playing a joke on her.

Owl

Owl is a bespectacled bird living in a stately home high up in a tree. Owl is educated, or so he thinks. He is able to read and write, almost. He is quick to advice, instruction, and anecdotes regarding distant family members. Owl explicitly embodies the archetype of the educator. He is an academic.

Academia is under the illusion that it is providing young minds with the assets necessary in surviving the work a day world. However, real life is often worlds apart from the class room. The teacher is often removed from reality, living in an ivory tower of textbooks and chemistry sets. That is not all. A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. Armed with half the facts, the academic is prone to fill in the blanks with supposition. That owl assumes Piglets home is his own is such a leap to conclusions.

Owl is quick to state some meaningless fact, which typically is false or only half true. I, too, find that I offer facts, opinions, advice, etc. a little too freely. There is something owl like in my manner. Even this blog has the mark of the owl. A bit preachy, a bit self-aggrandizing, a bit pedantic.

Piglet

Piglet is Pooh Bear's very best friend. He is very small and knows this to be true. His small stature makes him timid and meek. He is fearful, even of his own shadow. Yet, he has a big heart.

The funny thing about those of a nervous disposition, those that jump at shadows, is that when a real crises presents itself, often they overcome fear. It is as though the truly frightening is beyond their capacity. Those that jump at the shadow of a beast when confronted with a beast do not jump. In the Te of Piglet, Hoff expounds on the virtues of the small, the integrity of piglet. He is righteous in a nonjudgmental fashion, he is brave when courage is required, he is loyal when friends are troubled.

Piglet has many qualities I admire, and by extension those qualities I find in people. Humility, compassion, caution, loyalty. These traits make up a good friend.

Rabbit

As discussed in the podcast, Rabbit is the least liked of the inhabitants of 100 Acre Wood. Rabbit can be summed up in one word, stress. He places an exorbitant importance on things. He guards his garden from Tigger and Gopher. He protects his honey from Pooh. We fails to grasp the concept of sharing, the enjoyment to be had by giving to friends. Simply, he cannot let go.

We are familiar with the type, the workaholics, the micromanagers. Those who place too much importance on things, on routines, on the destination and not the journey will only find dismay. The four noble truths of Buddhism state that 1) life is suffering and that 2) suffering comes from attachment. Attachment is the process of identifying ourselves with objects, in a sense actual objects of desire. Cars, yachts, houses, clothing, electronics, anything that can be consumed. These are fragile things with no real value outside that we attach to it. By strapping our sense of self to these objects, our ego, too, is just as fragile and hollow.

The Rabbit personality claims to own things, but they really own him. Consider how much time he spends in his garden. If he only knew that gardens naturally grow.

Roo

The sun of Kanga, Roo is the embodiment of child like innocence. A friend of Tigger and Piglet, Roo is playful, with that spirit of adventure that most boys have. He balances Piglet, as he draws the gentle pig out of his comfort zone. He balances Tigger as, though found of activity, Roo is more responsible.

Back to the tarot, the first card, the 0 card, is The Fool. The Fool represents child like innocence and that sense of adventure. The Fool is fearless, as all young boys tend to be. Death cannot touch him. The Fool is an optimist as well, with eyes fixed on the distant horizon and not the dangerous precipice before him. Roo, and children like Roo, carry this spirit in their hearts. Some maintain this adventurous spirit into adulthood, becoming test pilots, explorers, astronauts.

Tigger

Nearly everyone's favorite character, usually with the exception of Pooh, is Tigger. Tigger is bold, brash, exuberant, friendly, outgoing. He embodies those traits that make one popular. He seems entertaining, certainly fun at parties. And Tigger means well. There is no question that he appreciates having friends. He is the very epitome of the extrovert.

However, there is a down side to Tigger. Consider if you would like Tigger as much if he were real and an actual friend. Where ever he goes, he leaves a trail of destruction like a tornado. He is a whirlwind of activity. One is reminded of either someone with Attention Deficit Disorder or a major sugar high (or some other stimulant). Life with a Tigger personality, though exciting, is also exhausting. Tigger types love life, and seek to squeeze every drop of enjoyment from life. Sadly, this often leaves everyone around them drained.

Tigger types, though lovable, are best experienced in small doses.

Winnie the Pooh

The bear of very simple brain, Winnie the Pooh, is a strange archetype for a hero. He is absolutely without guile. If he comes to your house, he willingly admits that he has come for a jar of honey. True, he may engage in some pleasant conversation as well, but his motives are there on the table. He is by no means a thinker, he is not even that much of a doer. He just is.

In the Tao of Pooh, Hoff compares these qualities with those of the Daoist sage. The goal of Daoist path is to return to simplicity. When your only concerns are food and sleep, then you have stripped away all the extraneous detritus from your life and are just that closer to wuji - the state of formlessness comparable to nirvana.

Pooh is what he is. Sadly this is looked down upon in our society. A lack of ambition is viewed as laziness. Honestly is regarded as crude and blunt. Simplicity in speech and manner is deemed unsophisticated to downright stupid.

Yet Pooh Bear forms the hub of this circle of friends. Each knows what they may expect of Pooh. Pooh has no hidden agenda. Even Rabbit tolerates Pooh to some degree, setting aside a few jars of honey for when the gentle bear drops by.

So, there you have it. The personalities of the characters devised by A.A. Milne as compared to our own personality archetypes. Which are you? Well, I think each, even Rabbit, reside in our hearts. That we feel a certain way about each reflects on how we view those separate elements of our psyche. That I find my knack for pedantry an embarrassment, yet regard my timidity with less disdain directly correlates with how I view Owl and Piglet.

Selfishness and Selflessness

There are two opposing views of moral philosophy and they are mutually exclusive. On the one hand, morality is self serving. This is known as objective egoism as put forward by novelist, Ayn Rand. The other system of morality serves others. It is altruistic as in Christian charity. Each system has benefits and liabilities.

OBJECTIVE EGOISM

Ayn Rand's philosophy of enlightened self interests suggests that the right thing to do is that which benefits the self. There is nothing in nature that conditionally guarantees the survival and well being of an individual. To promote one's own being, one has to serve one's own interests. No one is required to feed you, clothe you, shelter you. Your subsistence rests on your shoulders alone. In that respect, actions that do not promote the self are not morally right. They cause more harm than good.

This is a difficult concept for most to wrap their heads around. We are taught from a very young age to share our toys, to put the needs of others before our own. Rand would say that this is ultimately detrimental to society. If we continually give of ourselves to help others, we will eventually have nothing for ourselves. On the other hand, if everyone reasonably serves their own interests, then each has their needs fulfilled. The stress is on reason. One's best interests must be rationally determined. The individual need not serve every whim. Rand denies the equation of the objective egoist with the selfish brute. Most view selfishness with the bloody tooth and claw of some Nietzschean superman, treading over the bones of his enemies in order to claim his prize.

Satisfying every whim is irrational and in the long run will not further one's goals. In fact, that which will better serve the advancement of the ego is pushed aside. Hard work, creativity, ingenuity - these things are shoved aside for no other purpose than to sate one's appetite. Rand would regard this as shallow. It is acceptable to satisfy the appetites, but not at the expense of one's best interest. Drug addiction, alcoholism, womanizing in the end will do more harm than good.

On sharing and charity, objective egoism turns a critical eye. Giving to charity does not serve the self. Moreover, it insults the receiver of charity. As the moral principle is self serving, to serve someone else's interests is to deny them the independence of their actions, which damages the self esteem. Charity breeds pity and resentment. Sharing breeds resentment as well. A possession shared loses it's value the more people share their enjoyment of it. In the Fountainhead, Gail Wynand purchases a statue that he keeps in a private museum. It exists only for his enjoyment. This same statue of a nude woman was once viewed by the ignorant masses with disgust. In Wynand's possession, the statue maintains its artistic integrity. If beauty is in the eye of the beholder, then it is as beautiful as Gail says it is. This suggests that all art should be privatized. The Mona Lisa, beloved by nearly everyone, is actually worthless as is anything meant for public consumption.

Objective egoism is a hard philosophy to follow. The serving of one's own interest above all just goes against the grain. It pits the individual against society by putting the individual above society. Followers either commit suicide, end up in therapy, or abuse or misunderstand the moral principles. It is a philosophy for perfect men. As there are no perfect men it is designed to fail. It arms the selfish with an excuse to be selfish. Furthermore, objective egoism requires one not to believe in god. Belief in the existence of God presupposes the belief in the gospel. If one believes in God, he either follows God's laws or disobeys God. By behaving selfishly, he defies God's laws. The irony is how Christian conservatives cling to Rand's philosophy. This demonstrates just how far Christians have strayed from Christ's original teachings.

Ayn Rand was of Russian descent. She understood all too well the dangers of socialist thought. That society could take the property of an individual and distribute it willy nilly across the population was something she held in great contempt. As such, she developed her capitalist system of man worship to firmly plant the individual above society.

ALTRUISM

Christian charity, as well as socialism, suggests that the moral principle stems from the serving of others before the self. Sacrifice is crucial to both systems. In Christianity, Jesus gave up his life to take on the sins of man (depending on how you view the crucifixion). In socialist Russia, men gave up their property, their desires for some utopian future. While Jesus had at least the benefit of being glorified and worshipped, Russians had to work long hours, stand in lines for toilet paper, and suffer under the iron hand of an oppressive government.

Even so, there is something appealing about doing things to benefit others. Whether it is donating to charity, helping an old woman across the street, digging a neighbors car out of the snow, or just holding the door open for someone carrying bags - helping is satisfying on a deep level. But is it right? Is Rand correct in that we deny others their independence. Do we pity them or cause resentment. Well, if the help is not wanted, certainly. On the other hand, there are those moments wherein one is grateful to receive help.

Why do we help others? Is it for this sense of satisfaction? Is it to stroke our conscience? As Nietzsche wrote, if we train our conscience well it will kiss us as it bites. Perhaps we help others out of a greater sense of community. I help those in distress that one day, when I am distressed, others may help me. However, this in not a truly selfless act. Even being charitable because God ordains it is not selfless. To do good in order to get to heaven suggests an ulterior motive, making the act selfish. Can one truly be altruistic?

Selflessness cannot be a total conviction. If one feeds other before feeding oneself, then one starves in the end. Complete selflessness is unattainable. One can only help when possible. Also, is one obligated to assist the misfortunate? It is one thing to donate your time and money in a time of need. The drought in Ethiopia or the recent earthquake in Haiti marks a period of need, where people give from the goodness of their hearts. However these are widely publicized events. People are starving all of the time all round the world. Are they any less worthy of help? Are we obligated to help everyone less fortunate than ourselves? If so, then the quality of life for everyone must be equal. This is the goal of socialism, to bring the quality of living of every individual to exactly the same level. The doctor is on par with the village idiot. There is no distinction made based on personal merit, not on skill, not on contribution to society. Society is served before the individual.

Altruism appears just as impossible a system to follow. Giving the shirt off your back, though noble in intention, just leaves one naked. In a system where each supports the other, one should in turn offer his shirt to you. But is it noble to accept this gift? Is it not demeaning? You can not put others before yourself every waking moment. Doing so only taxes your strength and your resources, rendering you no help to anyone, especially yourself.

A BALANCED PERSPECTIVE

To escape the traps present in either system, one must serve oneself and others. It is worthwhile for one to pursue his own interests as long as they do no great harm to others. Jesus said not to bury your talents in the dirt. Even that pinnacle of self sacrifice suggested that one should not abandon one's aspirations. Treat yourself. Advance your knowledge. Improve your mind, body, and spirit. Just don't do so at the expense of others. If you can, lend a helping hand. Preferably perform good deeds in secret. The unseen hand leads to less resentment.

Eastern philosophy treads this balance just as carefully. The Buddhist or Daoist shuns material gain. However, this is not that others may take more of the share, it is more that the ego attaches itself to material possessions. One is more concerned about things than their Buddha nature. Importance given to things creates stress, namely jealousy, greed, and suspicion. In Daoism it is much the same. Concern over possessions saps the vital energy, weakening the spirit. The spirit weakened, the body weakens as well, eventually leading to diseases of stress such as hypertension, cancer, and insomnia. The point is that supposed selflessness may have roots in selfish behavior. Meanwhile selfish behavior may have roots in selflessness. A classmate may struggle with a quiz. He asks you for the answers. You could tell him, but what does this achieve? He learns nothing. He passes the test. You don't tell him and this is viewed as selfish, a way to improve the bell curve to your favor. In actuality, you refused for a less selfish reason. If the student fails the test, perhaps he will study harder for the next one.

Luckily most people live in between the two extremes. They serve their own interests, yet help others when necessary. I think it naive to expect one to live solely by one moral philosophy or the other. People are complex. Life is complex. One's moral philosophy, then, should be more adaptable. Tend yourself that you can better tend others. Tend others that you may better tend yourself.

Wu Wei: Doing without Doing

Wu wei is often translated as non-violence, which is not all that accurate. Better to say non-interference. It is a principle in Daoism of limited effort. Zen Buddhists call it skillful means. Athletes call it being in the zone. The central concept is to manage things successfully by doing as little as possible. Know when action is required and know when to keep your hands off. The perfect leader can rule a nation without seeming to do anything. The nation manages itself naturally. Of course, the ruler acts, but discretely and in the moment. He doesn't push things. To push is to meet with resistance.

In the martial arts, wu wei is regarded as suppleness, softness, yielding, or passivity. The Japanese word, Ju, embodies this concept. Judo and jujutsu as martial arts both use an attackers force against him. By yielding to an attack, you reduce the power of the attack and can then control and counter. This technique is used in taijiquan to great effect. The common technique is to yield first. Next is to deflect the attack, then control the attack, and finally to redirect the attack. If you look at the yin-yang diagram, you see an s curve in the center. This s curve is often used as a model for self defense. With the waist as axis, the taiji player yields to the attack, seizes the attacking arm, leads the attacker in the direction of the force, and then redirects the attack. This redirection is known as Cai, or pluck. The sudden redirection of force delivers a whiplash force that can break a neck or dislocate a joint. Note that not all steps may be necessary. A deflection, hold, or throw may not require redirection or even control.

Minimum effort is central to Daoism. Maintaining one's mental, physical, and spiritual health relies on not over extending oneself. This makes the typical Daoist appear lazy. Fair enough, but are they stressed? Are they over worked? Are they invasive? Are they a control freak? Daoists act, but only when necessary. When Daoists act, they do so in accordance with the Way. The Way is an unintelligent force that creates and sustains all things (sound familiar Star Wars fans?) It follows patterns of ebb and flow. Daoists, through meditation and other means, tune themselves into this pattern. As a philosophical Daoist, I attempt to attain this relationship with the Way. Sometimes I succeed.

One day some friends and I decided to hike up a trail behind the university. It was late winter and snow still blanketed the bench of the Wasatch Mountains. The trek up was tricky. I took many rests, not as keyed up about the destination as I was appreciative of the journey. This was no race for me. We eventually came to the desired spot. We larked about, then headed back. As you can imagine, the way back was a difficult journey. The ice and snow were a poor combination with the downward slope and gravity. Everything seemed to want you to go forward and down. For most of us, this meant falling on your ass. I, however, went with it. I understood the Way or Dao of the mountain. I slid, yes, but I did not resist. I let myself slide down the mountain on the soles of my shoes, racing down the mountain. I managed to keep my balance simply because I went where the mountain wanted me to go. Soon I was at the base of the foot hills. A large boulder sat gleaming in the sun, its peach colored stone warm and inviting. I climbed atop the boulder and sunned myself, waiting for my friends to return. All the while I maintained a feeling of contentment, relaxed awareness, and general goodwill. My friends were not quite so cheery. Several were downright surly after having taken several nasty spills.

As mentioned in the latest podcast, our friends Neil and Tanja are engaged. Both attribute their meeting and subsequent engagement to the InsideOutcast. I admit now, and will forever defend my position that I am not a match maker. I met Tanja on the Box Room forum. We hit it off as I know a little German and complimented her on her knowledge of English. Meanwhile, Brandi had developed a solid friendship with Neil over twitter. I knew from Tanja that she was into Doctor Who and audio books. I knew through Brandi that Neil produced, edited, wrote, etc. several Doctor Who audio plays. It didn't take a genius to figure out that what Tanja enjoyed, Neil produced, so I pointed her in his direction. This was just a small matter of getting Tanja the Doctor Who audio she wanted and Neil another customer.

Little did I know that they would develop a friendship on the web. That friendship flourished into something greater. At first this was, frankly, a little troubling as neither Brandi or I were certain that feelings were reciprocal. Neil, understandably, was quite laconic about the affair. Finally, on Christmas Eve, he announced his engagement. Truth be told I am not responsible for their love. They did that themselves. it grew from mutual respect and admiration. All I did was act when action was best. Minimum effort. Bring two people together with a single, non-interfering comment. I had no selfish intention, no hidden agenda. There was nothing I expected to gain from their meeting. I was an agent of the Way in a single, humble instant. The rest was their own doing.

I wish Tanja and Neil a life of continued happiness and shared moments of joy. Best wishes and congratulations. By the way, no matter how much you wish to thank me for introducing the two of you, it was only an introduction. The connection you two have made, you have made together. It is purely, essentially your own. I was just a small step in a long and glorious journey. Think of me as no more than a stepping stone on the path of your new life together.

An excerpt from the Dao De Jing, the Classic Book of Integrity

The soft overcomes the hard;
The formless penetrates the impenetrable;
Therefore I value taking no action.
Teaching without words,
Work without action,
Are understood by no one.

Teaching without words - have a while to perfect that one. ;)

Step Off: A Brief History of Dance

Scientific study suggests that we humans possess an understanding of rhythm that is lacking in the rest of the animal kingdom. Musicality in animals is accidental at best. In man it is deliberate and conscious. Rhythm forms the backbone of music. The first instrument is the human voice. One can imagine primitive man aping the sounds of nature, of grunting patterns that developed into speech and then song. The beat of the drum and plucking of string was soon to follow. Woodwinds, too. Music is inherently, definitively human. Where there is music there is likely dance. Dance has evolved over time. Yet, many dances retain a primitive quality. Here I present a brief history of dance.

RITUAL DANCE

Early dance was performed ceremonially. Nomadic tribes were deeply superstitious. Sympathetic magic implies that like produces like. If one were to dance out a successful hunt, surely the next hunt would prove successful. Dances of ceremony exist today in the form of many African tribal dances, Native American dances such as the well known rain dance, and even the measured movements of a Daosist priest or Shinto priestess.

FOLK DANCE

As superstition recedes in favor of logic, dances are performed more as tradition than ceremony. Dance is an expression of cultural heritage. Dancing around the may pole, Irish step dancing, Russian folk dancing - these are expressions of cultural significance. Many of these dances remain unchanged over the years.

SOCIAL DANCING

As tradition falls to the way side, dance is viewed as a means to bring couples together. Social dancing is one of the most common forms of dance, spanning a great many styles. Square dancing, country line dancing, latin dancing, ballroom, the Lindy hop, disco - each is a means to bring together prospective young lovers. Even the waltz is a social dance, though for the upper class. Military men were expected to know several dances and perform them at social gatherings whereby they could meet an eligible young woman. On the other hand, some social dances can get quite risque. The French can-can for instance was usually performed by ladies wearing no underpants. Men were sure to glimpse a little somethin' somethin'.

EXPRESSIVE DANCE

At some point, one goes dancing not in order to meet someone, but simply to let off some steam. Here one dances for oneself. Contemporary dance and street dancing are a fair example. In contemporary dance, the dancer expresses the meaning and mood of the song, the body a conduit for the music. Dance is from the heart and extends throughout the entire body. Though it may lack rhythm in many cases, it can quite beautiful. Street dancing is just as much an expression of music, but more urban. Hip-hop, breakdancing, and crumping embody life on the hard streets. Movement reflects this lifestyle. Distinctions between different styles of hip-hop can be drawn simply from where one lives.

DANCE AS ART/ENTERTAINMENT

On the flip side, there are those who enjoy watching expressive dance. Certain people may go to a club just to watch great dancing. At its finest, dance is high art. Ballet is one form of dance that the general public regards as high art. Just about any dance can be considered art. It depends on how much value is placed on that particular dance. Contemporary dance is finding its place as art. Even if dance is not regarded as art, it may be viewed as entertainment. From vaudeville to Broadway to movies to music videos, dance is used to draw and captivate an audience.

So there you have it, a brief history of dance. Note that many styles overlap. Hip-hop can be regarded as social, expressive, and entertaining. The distinction rests in the intent. Are you dancing with someone, for someone, or for yourself?

The Evil Eye

Of all the causes of bad luck, people fear the evil eye most. The merest glance results in misfortune. One may wish ill upon the subject of his gaze, making the evil eye intentional. Often, though, the evil eye is more incidental than intentional. Simply by looking enviously at a subject, the viewer casts the evil eye. Envy is one of the seven cardinal sins. The evil of sin, magnified through the intensity of one's gaze, is directed, willingly or otherwise, at the source of that envy.

Certain persons are more inclined to possess the evil eye, and must be avoided if possible. Most with the evil eye are otherwise harmless. However, witches are suspected of possessing the evil eye along side other magical properties.

At risk of the evil eye are children, young women, and upstanding members of the community. Anyone that may cause envy in others can fall prey to the evil eye. The evil eye may befall you anytime you have a new child, get a new house, receive a promotion, etc. Objects of envy may be affected as well. Folklore has it that cattle are prone to the evil eye. Symptoms of the evil eye include misfortune, disease, and even death. Paralysis or loss of speech may result. So how does one protect oneself from such evil influence? Superstition suggests many precautions against the evil eye.

AMULETS & CHARMS - Jewelry especially designed to protect one from the evil eye are common in the areas of Greece and Turkey. In a case of fighting fire with fire, the charms predominantly display an eye motif. The eye is frequently blue in color and is set in silver or gold. Protection may be worn as earrings, rings, bracelets, or what have you. The Egyptian Eye of Horus is a strong symbol against the negative power of the evil eye. Other amulets may be in the form of stones, pieces of bone, wood, or shell. The Italian horn is a fine example of a charm.

DECORATIONS - A well placed charm or talisman in the home prevents misfortune resulting from the evil eye. The Chinese use of the bagua mirror, or feng shui in general, can greatly reduce or redirect evil energy. Even applying certain colored paint either in or out of doors fortifies the home against the curse.

EYEPATCHES - The evil-eyed can prevent the negative influence of their gaze by wearing a patch over the offending eye. Black is the color of choice.

GESTURES - Ritualized actions can counter the curse. Most frequently, the sign of the cross suffices to rid oneself of evil influence. Forming the devil's horns, a gesture now witnessed at most rock concerts, is another option.

HUMILITY - If one wishes to prevent instances of evil eye, it is advised to avoid making others jealous or spiteful. In China, superstitious parents give their children humble names as to not incur the wrath of the gods. Another option is to give a male cild a female name as to confuse the gods or demons. In the middle east, parents are quick to list the faults of their children so the evil-eyed will not direct their dreaded gaze. Parents may go so far as to leave their children unwashed and/or shabbily dressed.

SALIVA - Spitting, especially within gypsy culture, possesses anti-magical properties. Spitting in the palm of the hand in order to seal a deal is to ensure you are not making a deal with a witch or the devil. Spitting in a witch's cauldron is a pretty sure way to rob it of its magical properties. Therefore, it stands to reason that spitting would have a similar effect against the evil eye. Spitting over the shoulder to counter a curse is displayed as far as China. As the left side is the sinister one, spitting over the left shoulder is preferred. Spitting is generally a last resort.

SPELLS - Many cultures employ spoken word defenses to the evil eye. By reciting magical phrases, one counteracts the negative power of the evil eye. Invoking God is a common defensive spell in Ireland. "God Bless," is a versatile tool to counteract most instances of the evil eye.

Although belief in the evil eye is more common to country folk and the less developed countries, it is surprising how many of us still believe in luck. The world we live in is increasingly secular. Science views the world through cold, analytical eyes. Everything is quantifiable, measurable, categorical. Yet, many believe in some invisible force, whether God, chi, karma, or what have you. Something influences our lives, making us more or less successful, healthy, or content. There are various ways one can defend a belief in luck.

Anthropologically speaking, the belief in superstition and the practice of ritual maintains cultural trends. Crossing oneself, spitting, wearing charms, these are perpetuations of a myth. These practices root man's place in the universe.

Psychologically speaking, the belief in luck can positively or negatively affect one's performance. Lucky individuals are more likely to succeed in that they have greater confidence. The power does not come from some lucky penny or shirt, but from that individual's belief. On the other hand, those who think themselves unlucky make themselves more subject to failure. In a very real sense, one makes one's own luck.

According to quantum mechanics, the attitude of the observer may affect objects at a sub-atomic level. How matter manifests within the probability field is determined by the observer's perspective. Should that perspective be positive, the object observed should reflect that positivity. In this instance, the power of the evil eye is very real. By looking at something with envy, hate, or spite, that object is manifested with negative aspects.

So whether or not you believe in the evil eye, or in luck in general, there is no denying the power of the evil eye throughout human history. Belief in the negative power of envy and hate, an in its influence over the innocent, is a part of our heritage.

The Christians Who Stole Christmas

As Christianity spread out into the pagan regions of Europe, mainly the British Isles, it assimilated the traditions of those pagan religions in order to better compel the people to join. As long as people celebrated the same festivals during the same time of year, what did it matter what God they worshipped? There are two major Christian Holidays that borrow freely from pagan tradition, Easter and Christmas.

Easter, or Ostara, was originally took place during the Spring equinox with festivals to celebrate fertility and rebirth. As the crops grow, and the livestock breed, there is a promise of bounty. This translates to interpersonal relationships as well, the "Spring Fever" that comes over the young. Love and sexuality are very much part and parcel with this time of year. The pagan traditions illustrate this. The may pole is a phallic symbol, a monument of masculine generative power. The egg, painted or not, is a more feminine symbol of generative power. Moreover, the egg is a symbol of immortality. The chicken hatches from an egg, grows old, and then lays an egg. The easter dress, too, suggests a kind of rebirth. By donning a new outfit, young girls are transformed, shedding the old skin. The easter bunny embodies the spirit of Ostara. Rabbits are known for their accelerated rate of multiplication. The bunny is a symbol of sexuality, fertility, and bounty.

Christians adopted, or rather permitted, the continued celebrations of eggs and bunnies. However, instead of being a celebration of fertility, Easter is to acknowledge the resurrection of Christ. Just as vegetation grows once more after the winter thaw, Jesus rises from the dead. Rebirth is the focus. Few Christians look too closely at the deeper meaning of these traditions.

Christmas, or Yule, originally took place during the winter solstice to celebrate the return of the light. Taking place during the shortest day of the year, Yule celebrates not only surviving the worst of winter, but embracing the coming spring. Christmas goes as far back as ancient Rome and the worship of the god, Mythras. Though little is known about this god, there is some suggestion that Mythras may be a divine representative of the sun. A festival to embrace the return of the sun on the winter solstice is self-evident. Christianity adopting this holiday is equally self-explanatory. Celebrating the coming sun, or the return of light and celebrating the birth of the son (sun) of God are very similar. Take for instance the star of Bethlehem, a guiding light in the darkness. The burning of candles or a Yule log is a symbolic gesture emulating the return of the sun. One may go so far as to equate the pagan belief in fairies with the Christian belief in angels, another symbol of Christmas.

Other Christmas traditions borrow heavily from Druidism, namely the fir tree, holly, mistletoe, and wreaths. Mistletoe was used by druids for magical, healing purposes. It is also a symbol of peace. Holly is a particularly hard wood that was used for carvings and as winter fodder. The wreath is a circle woven of the branches of evergreen. The wreath goes as far back as ancient greece and the worship of Apollo, another sun god. Meanwhile, the fir is yet another evergreen, suggesting survival throughout the winter.

Of the pagan holidays, Halloween or Samhain, has remained relativity untouched by Christian hands. Mexico has the Day of the Dead and there is All Saints Day, but worship has not overwhelmed the traditions of Halloween. Halloween comes at the Autumnal equinox and is in one part a harvest festival, and in another part a protection ritual at the start of the dark half of the year. During this time, it was believed the veil between the living and the dead worlds grew thin. The dead and evil spirits could cross over into the mortal realm. By donning fearsome images, the average person could protect themselves as the evil spirits would see them as one of their own. Jack-o-lanterns, an Irish tradition, came later as another means of dealing with nasty spirits.

So far these traditions have been regarded as pagan, and though often tolerated by most Christian groups, they have yet to be embraced but in the case of a couple of instances.