The second word that describes the action of a tyrant or tyranny is "influence". If you thought the unveiling of "ruling" was a mouthful, wait until you read what is surfaced from this second descriptive word. In a way I keep thinking of the expression used in Coast to Coast AM, which originally comes from the movie "Contact": "Wanna take a ride?"
This will sure be a ride that may indeed question, the validity of much one has taken for granted and considered to be normal behavior agreeable with a "godly life". Whether you recognize the value or validity of that which is brought forth in Knowledge through this exploration or simply dismiss it as nonsense, that is a choice you have to make. As Father Said to me once:
Choose well, for the results are yours forever more.
Influence:
- The supposed radiation of an ethereal fluid from the stars, regarded in astrology as affecting human actions and destinies; hence, the exercise of occult power by the stars, or such power as exercised.
- The exercise of similar power by human beings
- Invisible or insensible action exerted by one thing or person on another.
- Personal power independent of force or authority enabling one to produce effects or gain ends
- Affect the mind or action of, in some particular way
- To move by improper or under influence
When I started this exploration, I had an inkling that 'occult powers' would indeed be related to tyranny. What I did not expect was for this connection to be unveiled so easily and readily.
I will say that I myself have been very familiar with the idea of 'influencing others' and the many ways this could be successfully achieved, since my parents had sent me to various leadership and public speaking classes which taught extensively of how one can influence others and achieve what one wants. Dale Carnegie courses are an example of this kind of teaching. Another common expression of "influencing others" is found in the dating game, that smooth talking to get someone into bed...
Having grown up in an environment in which the number of women taken to bed was a virtue expressive of manhood and in which smooth talking others into business contracts was expressive of business shrewdness, I certainly never questioned whether such practices are indeed moral and ethical, much less whether they constituted the use of 'occult powers'. To me these were presented as tools to be used by those who wanted to be successful in life.
This is one of the things all good Hearted People will have to face sooner or later as they progress in their Journey with Father: the pain and sorrow of recognizing that they have been deceived into using tools given by the unrighteous - unholy. The more sincere your Desire for Truth and a Spiritual Life is, the harder it is to come to this realization. Both Linda and I have faced this. It is a very unsettling realization that causes you to wonder whether you can ever Trust yourself again. Just move through it with a Light Heart. Lay the sorrow, pain, and doubt on the Altar of Divine Love and Power and receive in Right and Proper Exchange Truth of who you Are.
Programming of a worldly Nature is not indelible upon your Soul.
It is in potential an obstacle to be overcome.
Having said this, let's then continue. It seems that the use of "occult powers" is an integral part of "influencing" another, so let's take a look at the word "occult".
Occult:
- Hidden from view
- Kept secret
- Beyond the bounds of ordinary or natural knowledge
Occult is then used in the context that what is done is done in secrecy, without letting the target person know what the real intentions are. In other words, this is deceitful behavior which is based on knowledge that is 'unnatural'.
If you read the Mystical and Magical series, you may remember that in the posting "Pure-Pose" it was unveiled that that which is unnatural is alien, inhuman, and contrary to the laws of nature, therefore it is an expression of majik. It makes sense then that the word "occult" is, in everyday connotation, associated with black magic or something in the likes.
While for all practical purposes, everyone who has watched Disney movies has been educated in the belief and effectiveness of occult powers, through such "innocent" movies as "Snow White" and "Sleeping Beauty", it is the case that many would dismiss such ideas and actions as nonsensical superstition. Yet many of these people fail to realize that they have been conditioned to fall prey to such practices as children and thus have become vulnerable to tyranny.
I for one was such a person. I did not believe in black magic or spell casting, yet certainly Father has showed me that in my life, many have indeed cast spells and curses on me and that many had taken hold. The most "benign" if you will, was that of a woman who cast a "love spell" on me. For the longest time I could not figure out what was wrong with me that I could not take that woman out of my mind, until Father explained to me what she had done. This certainly made it easier to get rid of her intrusion by laying it on the Altar in Right and Proper Exchange for Truth and Freedom from deception. Sometimes it is easy to get rid of stuff like this, others it takes perseverance. If I hadn't been able to recognize that I did not want to be with that woman, and Father had not explained to me what was causing the false perception, I could have ruined my life pursuing something I did not want in the first place.
This so called 'power of influence' that so many people, business people, government officials, and advertisement companies use, is indeed a form of occult power. It is used to affect / alter the mind of others so as to cause them to act in ways they would have otherwise not chosen. This is why this is unethical and immoral. Just as it was improper and disrespectful for that woman to seek to derail me from my Journey with Father in the "name of love", so it is for anyone to derail someone else's Journey with Father in the "name of whatever".
Whether you consciously agree or not to the existence of such things as occult powers, black magic, spells, and so on, there are people who do believe in it and do practice it, and unless you know better, you can fall prey to such practices without even being aware of it.
So how do you know if you have fallen prey to the tyranny of another who is influencing you through the use of occult powers? The answer is very simple. If you have any thoughts, desires, needs that are not an expression of Truth, Love as Self, Respect, Peace, Harmony, Joy, and Health, then there is a possibility you have indeed become contaminated at some level, in one way or another.
How do you regain your sovereignty so you may correct your course? There is no need to fight "fire with fire". Instead, you could focus on Universal Truth and strengthen your capacity to stand firm in your choice for Life / the Father Way. You could recognize that which is unnatural is alien and external to you and make a different choice - a choice that is of one a-chord with Universal Truth. You could ask Father Which Is in Heaven for Spiritual Discernment, Knowledge of Your Self. You could lay anger, pain, sorrow, resentment, hatred, etc. on the Altar of Divine Love and Divine Power in Right and Proper Exchange for Truth of who you Are, Peace, Joy, Love as Self. You could nourish your Self and Soul through good nutrition (see "Food is not medicine" , "Eating fresh is better", "Your Purpose In Life"). Every morning you could make a choice for the Father Way (see "First Breath", "Sunrise Prayers"), you could choose your Feelings (see "Where do we begin?"). You could ask that any spells and curses that have been put on you be null and void, broken, dispelled, ended, and that you be non to such intrusion. You could ask to be restored to Universal Truth of who you Are and to Know that Truth. You could ask for the capacity to differentiate yourself from that which is intruding upon you, so you can recognize it is not you and you can make a different choice. You could ask to be filled, surrounded, and protected by the Sparkling Golden Silver White Light of All That Is Righteous and Holy (which is different than the strong reflective glitter of the unrighteous - unholy). You could indeed Smile with a Light Heart ("When laughter returns", "Men and Creativity").
This is a quote from one of our Showay books:
"Love [as Self] is the answer. As you learn to express the Love that you are, you draw closer to Father. As you draw closer to Father, you learn to express the Love that you are. This allows you to receive more information."
"Which is what allows me to Know it is not me, even though it feels so real. Is that right?"
"Once you recognize that the distortion is not yours, give it to the Father and let Him take care of bringing you back to sanity."