Wednesday, December 4, 2013

MYSTERIOUS AGENCIES







Belief in mysterious agencies characterises a certain period in the religious development of every nation.  Even the Jews, distinguished among the Semites by their soberness, consulted Yahveh through the Urim and Thummim, an oracle the nature of which is no longer definitely known. 

Kindred institutions among most nations are based upon primitive animism, or a belief in spirits, but in China we have a very peculiar mixture of logical clearness with fanciful superstitions. Chinese occultism is based upon a rational, nay a philosophical, or even mathematical, conception of existence.  An original rationalism has here engendered a most luxurious growth of mysticism, and so the influence of occultism upon the people of the Middle Kingdom has been prolonged beyond measure.





Text:  Paul Carus, Chinese Astrology: Early Chinese Occultism, La Salle, Illinois, Open Court Press, 1907.

 

2 comments:

  1. Curtis,

    Strangely moving to consider Poly -- this post is in every way fitting -- that is, as nutty and to-the-point as the late and largely forgotten artist to whom it stands as a tribute.

    And sadly timely. The disease that killed her has found its evil way into too many lives.

    Coincidentally, it's very much a factor in our family right now. And too many families.

    Poly always seemed an innocent lost in the supermarket.

    "I chose the name Poly Styrene because it's a lightweight disposable product. That's what pop stars are supposed to be."

    Nobody ever said it better.

    Who Is Poly Styrene?

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    1. I'm glad you liked this and I'm very sorry about your news. They don't make them like Poly much -- never did and never will. But we remember. Can't wait to watch the BBC show. Curtis

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