Arrrrgggh!
I EFFEN hate the library computer!!! I just wrote a long and very detailed reply and then lost the post - crap!
here is a quick summary
thorhammer said:
That is, as you tell it, very similar to the verse. From which tribe or cultural grouping is that?
Central and northern desert cultures and others. There are many versions, oral and written; Joseph Campbells 'The Way of the Animal Powers' has a version of the story (and some great info and 'forbidden' pictures
)
thorhammer said:
Is it somewhat universal across Aboriginal groups in Aust? I've noticed that their regionalisation is very marked and hence the groups over here might have a different story, as might the local groups where Grigori is and so forth.
Yes, the stories vary greatly (like in Ancient Egypt), they are not A truth but one of the truths, ie. they are describing, in analogy, varient processes. EG.Further north, in the Gulf and North west it wasnt started by a snake by a woman walking in over the shallow sea with a dilly bag full of seeds and roots and children in her belly. These two examples show very different parts of 'creation'.
thorhammer said:
I know you're well informed on Aus. Aboriginal mythology/cosmology - could you elaborate a little on the *definition* of "dreamtime" or "dreaming"?
Not without getting off the subject of this thread. It is a BIG subject and I think if we can nut out that one question many difficulties will be resolved. The word (dreamtime) was first coined, I believe, by T.G. Stralow ( see the biography about him called 'Broken Song' ) It relates to the root that forms the word Turinga ( or Djuringa, etc) which is a sort of magical talisman that holds ones spirit power ... sorta.
thorhammer said:
I take it that it means something different to what we mean when we speak of dreaming, i.e. at night.
Yes, it does, but there are similarities.
thorhammer said:
There is a sense in this verse, too, of, if not exactly sacrifice, then certainly offering, or an exchange. Of surrender of a part of oneself in order for unity with greatness.
Yes, no sacrifice as 'extra energy' is created and built up by 'exchange' (or circulation).
\m/ Kat[/QUOTE]
This is the ordeal of the Nephesh.
