http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ Reading about philosophy, spirituality, magick and occulture. en-US Wed, 08 Sep 2010 02:38:40 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://bookclub.plutonica.net/search.php http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/welcome-new-folks/page/2#post-125 Wed, 07 Jul 2010 08:25:16 +0000 Ehuatl 125@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Ah well, a recommendation...<br /> Maybe one of the versions of the Sepher Yetzirah or Liber Null by Peter J Carroll? </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/welcome-new-folks/page/2#post-124 Tue, 29 Jun 2010 20:52:59 +0000 Psyche 124@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Welcome, Ehuatl. It's been a bit quiet lately, but we'll see what we can do to revive it.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.plutonica.net">blog</a> is certainly still active, and you may find more engagement there.</p> <p>That said, if you have a recommendation for our next book club pick, that would be excellent. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/welcome-new-folks/page/2#post-123 Sat, 19 Jun 2010 15:37:39 +0000 Ehuatl 123@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Salvete, </p> <p>I'm a student of the occult from northern Germany, having found this site via digimob.</p> <p>While my practice is rooted in rosicrucian-qabbalistic tradition, though influenced by egyptian, persian an greek mysteries, I'm open minded and interested in all the branches of the occult.</p> <p>As mundane human I'm finishing my studies in biology and look forward to begin work on my dissertation in philosophy.</p> <p>Hope this club is still active?</p> <p>CU<br /> Ehuatl </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/next-question-whos-started-it#post-122 Sat, 17 Apr 2010 12:24:09 +0000 SarahV 122@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>I've almost finished it.</p> <p>My first reaction was that his classification system was a little off (I see magic as having a more "thinking" bent, but alas), but some of the observations are pretty interesting. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/ssotbme-whos-got-it#post-120 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:14:47 +0000 Michael J 120@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Cole, thanks for the point. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/next-question-whos-started-it#post-119 Fri, 09 Apr 2010 00:30:53 +0000 Gesigewigus 119@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>I finished it yesterday. I started it early, because I was expecting a lot of distractions to my time, that never materialized. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/next-question-whos-started-it#post-118 Thu, 08 Apr 2010 22:10:57 +0000 Psyche 118@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>The board is pretty quiet. ;) </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/ssotbme-whos-got-it#post-117 Sat, 03 Apr 2010 14:33:42 +0000 Psyche 117@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Excellent! </p> <p>No set pace with this one, read as you will, and broach subjects or comment as appropriate. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/ssotbme-whos-got-it#post-116 Sat, 03 Apr 2010 10:48:59 +0000 Cole Tucker 116@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Got it and ready to go. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/ssotbme-whos-got-it#post-115 Fri, 02 Apr 2010 02:46:14 +0000 Antikhristos 115@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>I've got a hardcopy sitting on my shelf collecting dust. It's well worth reading again though. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/ssotbme-whos-got-it#post-114 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:47:20 +0000 RevWhite 114@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Just got mine yesterday. This will be my first time reading this. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/ssotbme-whos-got-it#post-113 Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:05:17 +0000 SarahV 113@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Ordered! Hopefully it will arrive within the week. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/ssotbme-whos-got-it#post-111 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 00:10:04 +0000 Jack Faust 111@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>I've got SSOTBME in PDF somewhere... </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/ssotbme-whos-got-it#post-110 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:45:53 +0000 Psyche 110@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>I bought this ages ago and have read it several times. I think this will make for some pretty interesting discussion. :)</p> <p>Forum's open and ready for posting, feel free to start a topic if you want to get started a little early. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/pick-for-march/page/2#post-109 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:13:05 +0000 Psyche 109@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>It looks like <em>SSOTBME</em> wins! </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/welcome-new-folks/page/2#post-108 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 17:12:17 +0000 Psyche 108@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Welcome, RevWhite! We're still in the middle of <em>Quantum Psychology</em>, which you can join in, or it looks like next month's book will be <em>SSOTBME</em>, by Ramsey Dukes. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/welcome-new-folks/page/2#post-106 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:35:14 +0000 RevWhite 106@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Hi from North Carolina! I look forward to reading and discussing the books with all of you. It's certainly a difficult group to find in my neck of the woods. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/pick-for-march#post-105 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:01:05 +0000 TheChaoSaysMu 105@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>OK. So 1) sorry I've been absent, February was, well, insane to say the least. I'm going to upload my responses soon now that I have a little time. 2) I accidentally voted twice methinks, both times for SSOTBME, so I think in reality it only has 2 votes, not 3. More to come. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/pick-for-march#post-104 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:20:18 +0000 Psyche 104@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Poll for April now active! </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/whos-ready/page/2#post-103 Sun, 28 Feb 2010 19:19:56 +0000 Psyche 103@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Ok, I've made a poll based on the suggestions offered so far, excluding those which didn't receive much support last time. </p> <p>If there's anything anyone really, really wants to see on the list, let me know and I'll try to add it in. </p> <p><strong><a href="http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/pick-for-march">Vote here</a>.</strong> </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/whos-ready/page/2#post-102 Sat, 27 Feb 2010 19:50:01 +0000 SarahV 102@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>&gt;&gt;Is there any chance that if we do extend this that we can choose April's book soonishly to give me time to get the next book? &lt;&lt;</p> <p>+1 </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/whos-ready/page/2#post-101 Tue, 23 Feb 2010 06:59:02 +0000 Coyote426 101@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>I like the idea of extending it for another month. It'll stop me trying to rush through chapters. </p> <p>Is there any chance that if we do extend this that we can choose April's book soonishly to give me time to get the next book? </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/whos-ready/page/2#post-100 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 23:43:58 +0000 Psyche 100@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Should we still continue with Quantum Psychology for the rest of February and extend it into March, or select a new book for March now? If we're going to do the latter, it's not going to leave a lot of time for people to pick up the book.</p> <p>Thoughts? </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/whos-ready/page/2#post-99 Sun, 21 Feb 2010 15:01:11 +0000 SarahV 99@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>I had a hard time keeping up using only the online version of the book and I felt that once I fell a couple of chapters behind, I was dusted.</p> <p>Since I still don't own the book and have concerns about getting it in time to continue participating, I am going to wait for our next pick.</p> <p>This book was a good choice because of the exercises, but maybe something less like clockwork would be better for next month. Something where we can read a few chapters and discuss our opinions/results may be a better way to keep it from seeming so overwhelming. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/how-many-heads-do-you-have-exercise-five#post-98 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 14:00:15 +0000 Cole Tucker 98@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Game rules:<br /> E. Space becomes curved in the vicinity of heavy masses, such as stars.<br /> F. Space does not become curved at all; light simply bends in teh vicinity of heavy masses, such as stars.<br /> G. Defendants are innocent until the jury pronounces them guilty.<br /> H. The umpire's decision is binding.<br /> J. In the act of conception, the male and female each contribute 23 chromosomes.<br /> N. A church is the house of God.<br /> O. Anybody who criticizes the government is a traitor.</p> <p>Results of (tacit) Game Rules:<br /> A. I hauled the garbage out this morning.<br /> B. God appeared to me this morning.<br /> C. I saw a UFO this morning.<br /> D. This table top measures two feet by four feet.<br /> I. History is the march of God through the world.<br /> K. The devil made me do it.<br /> L. My unconscious mind made me do it.<br /> M. Conditioned reflexes made me do it.<br /> P. Abraham Lincoln served as President between 1960 and 1968.</p> <p>It seems like A depends on game rules to define "garbage."</p> <p>N and O seem to establish a particular game rule, for different games (religious and political games). </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/flight-from-reaosn-the-cult-of-instruments-exercise-six#post-97 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 13:40:39 +0000 Cole Tucker 97@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>1. Downtown in a large town. All of the plants did not get built by humans, but people planted/cultivated all of them. I can see some of the surrounding mountains and woods. The mountains did not have human intervention, but acid rain had a very large impact on the types of plants growing in there area; we have a much higher population of pines than would "naturally" have grown.</p> <p>2. I had a difficult time with this exercise. Constellations that I know have a pop to them, even without "naming" them internally. Intentionally looking at the sky, could distinguish planets from the stars, and have a good idea of proper names for the planets. Too much light pollution to see it, but I could mentally project the milky way shimmer.</p> <p>3. I think my knowledge of meteors enriches the experience. Looking at meteors without contemplating them seems less beautiful to me than contemplating them contextualized with physical and historical understanding.</p> <p>4. I think that changing the types of shows on TV would influence reality-tunnels. I think it rather odd that Wilson refers to the "average American reality-tunnel though." Watching Gordon Ramsey's Kitchen Nightmares has certainly changed my perception of the restaurant business; I now have a better understanding regarding cues to the health of eating establishments. Since tv requires drama, I seems like American perceptions regarding renters/rentiers would change. Would people prefer evil landlords or trashy tenants? Researchers have published a few studies on the impact of televised crime on individual perceptions of risks (<a href="http://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?collection=journals&amp;handle=hein.journals/jbem30&amp;div=20&amp;id=&amp;page=)" rel="nofollow">http://heinonline.org/HOL/LandingPage?collection=journals&amp;handle=hein.journals/jbem30&amp;div=20&amp;id=&amp;page=)</a>. Americans would probably put more research into where they rented or who they rented to, after seeing the shows and learning warning signs. What differences in perception change might landlord dramas versus "reality tv" create?</p> <p>5. It seems to me that much of Western culture instills an implicit assumption that we have done something wrong and always have barely gotten away with it. Since many of us appear to have trouble living with this as a conscious belief, it creates a dynamic that plays itself in various themes like police show. Following this line of thought, it seems that television producers would share this mythic need, and fund shows that reenact it. As a large part of the population shares the narrative, the shows draw in the ratings, leading to a feedback loop, where the market saturates itself. Police shows also draw on our latent aggressions, revulsions and power assumptions; I do not think that landlord themes could believably engage so much violence or institutional power disparities. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/reviewing-strange-loops-exercise-seven#post-96 Sat, 20 Feb 2010 12:26:47 +0000 Cole Tucker 96@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>The rock appears to have several different minerals in it, looking at shimmer and texture. With the tools it took to extricate the rock, I assume a relative hardness. Placed in water, the rock would sink, so compared to me, the rock is dense.</p> <p>[I liked how you effectively said much more about the rock by pointing to the narrative; awesome!] </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/whos-ready/page/2#post-95 Thu, 18 Feb 2010 23:16:13 +0000 Psyche 95@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>I stopped posting new exercises as most people haven't caught up to these ones yet. Perhaps a chapter a day was an aggressive target.</p> <p>Should we aim for two months to finish <em>Quantum Psychology</em>? </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/reviewing-strange-loops-exercise-seven#post-94 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 21:56:41 +0000 Psyche 94@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Here is a picture of a small rock I found on the Internet: </p> <p><a href="http://www.plutonica.net/images/bookclub/small-rock.jpg">http://www.plutonica.net/images/bookclub/small-rock.jpg</a></p> <p>It does indeed look rather small, and greyish, but kind of shiny. It looks like it would have a rough texture.</p> <p>The blue bit has been identified as benonite, and <a href="http://www.greatbasinminerals.com/Collecting%20Reports/Benitoite%20Fee%20Dig,%20Oct%205th%20to%20the%208th,%202007/Benitoite%20Fee%20Dig%20Report,%20Oct%2007.htm">this guy</a> was really, really excited about it. Lots of pics of location and how it was acquired.</p> <p>Does someone else want a go, or shall I go on to describe all about the room (site)? </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/pick-for-march#post-93 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 13:46:37 +0000 TheChaoSaysMu 93@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>^That or Gurdjieff's own "Views From the Real World," it's much more accessible than "All and Everything." </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/all-art-is-quite-useless-exercise-three#post-92 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 01:16:08 +0000 misterbrent 92@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>I have a drawing tablet so perchance I had an easier time than you did.</p> <p>Good job though ^^ </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/all-art-is-quite-useless-exercise-three#post-91 Thu, 11 Feb 2010 00:49:16 +0000 Psyche 91@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Ok, here's take two. My mouse-drawing skills are not elite.</p> <p>Possibly illegible, but at least it's a genuine free-hand drawing:</p> <p><a href="http://www.plutonica.net/images/plutonica-02.gif" rel="nofollow">http://www.plutonica.net/images/plutonica-02.gif</a></p> <p>I shall add that this represents my <em>least</em> favourite illustration of Plutonica.net. Thanks for keeping me honest, however much you may now regret it. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/kafkas-door-or-the-dark-parable-exercize-one#post-90 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:47:24 +0000 Cole Tucker 90@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>Coyote, I had a similar question about disobeying/fighting the guard. It led me to prefer an interpretation based on his need for an outside authority/objective meaning. </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/people-who-disagree-with-this-book-really-are-a-bunch-of-jerks-exercise-two/page/2#post-89 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:31:48 +0000 Cole Tucker 89@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>I'm finding G particularly interesting... even though we habitually think of innocent as meaning whether someone committed an act or not, could it only refer to a legal category? For example, with jury nullification, the jury can agree that a law was broken while refusing to convict the individual as a criminal.</p> <p>I have had a lot of trouble deciding on L &amp; M. If someone asked, "why is your heart beating?" would L be an meaningful response? Or if someone asked "you sure are drooling, any reason why" and you had heard a bell, is M then meaningful? </p> http://bookclub.plutonica.net/topic/all-art-is-quite-useless-exercise-three#post-88 Wed, 10 Feb 2010 07:37:36 +0000 Psyche 88@http://bookclub.plutonica.net/ <p>So I can't cheat, eh? Ok, I'll have another go at it tonight. </p>