Don't get me wrong-- or should I say, "let's be clear": I'm psyched that Obama is President! I called attention to what looked like the Eye of Horus floating near his head because I take it as an auspicious sign. As described in the post below, the Eye of Horus represents a certain otherworldly princeliness--a nobility based on a connection to God. In this case the Eye was formed out of a curl of fancy script on the copy of the Constitution that was blown up across the back wall.
By pointing this out I'm calling attention to how I see Obama as well as how I see. In other words I'm telling you something about my consciousness. By declaring Obama to be AWAKE I'm telling you that I'm awake too.
(Obama by Alex Grey)
I was sweating it out but enjoying myself in front of the crowd at the Towards 2012 reading this past Friday. I was trying to explain how I feel an increased sense of excitement and liberation as the old ways fall apart. Gettin free from money and sickness and free from the Us vs Them past...free to dig things out that have been long buried.
Free to enjoy DJing and other fun stuff without a constant workaholic urge blasting through and making it impossible for me to really let go. (The funny thing is, I get even MORE work done now that I've stopped thinking of it soley in terms of the time spent doing it.)
Someone asked us what each one of us thought was going to happen in 2012. I said I didn't know if it was specific to a date, but I know that a change is underway. I think that this upcoming time is one in which things that were hidden will be revealed. The act of this revelation will tell us more about who we are as human beings.
Once again I used the example of the Alex Grey painting, Gaia, in which the world is represented by a large tree who is split in half. On the one side is peace and prosperity, with waterfalls and animals--the other side is fiery death and destruction, complete with a prophecy of 9/11 and a Dubya like figure in the foreground.
As I was talking it somehow slipped my mind that there was a large painting of Obama by Alex Grey hanging to my left. The painting shows Obama and an Eye--this time a Third Eye depicted as the earth in the middle of his forehead.
I looked up and was surprised to see it there--even though I'd admired it up close before the reading started.
"There you go," I said into the tiny microphone, "There's an Alex Grey painting of our new President." I paused as people turned in their seats to take a look.
At that point one of the women from East West Living asked to say something--I gave her the mic and she announced that not only was this painting of Obama here, but several other large Alex Grey paintings were going to be displayed in the gallery space above the bookstore starting the following week (Feb 10th--The Chapel of Sacred Mirrors at East West).
"There you go," I said again, as I passed the mic on to the next sammicher. I realized that in all likelihood Gaia was probably right above me, either already up or waiting to be mounted. (Later on this seemed to be confirmed when I stood outside the shop, waiting for others, and saw a video of Alex Grey playing on a screen in the storefront window. As I watched it showed a close-up of Gaia--specifically the two planes flying near the Twin Towers, a detail that becomes mind blowing when you realize the work was painted in 1989.)
I keep running into this painting. Or should I say it keeps running into me? It captivated me as a kid when I discovered it on the inside cover of a Beastie Boys cassette. I found it again last year when someone mentioned it in the comments section of an RS post--my need to view it in detail led me to COSM a few days later, where, as luck would have it, I happened to sneak into Alex Grey's studio by posing as a member of a film crew--but that's a story for another time.
When I look at this painting I see Obama's presidency. I see the next few years--I see the present moment as the revelation of a doubling. The face in the mirror is a lie.
I see profound peace and joy alongside horror and despair. The reckoning has begun. It's not about some imaginary afterlife--it's about heaven and hell existing together on earth--right here, right now:
Matthew 13:24-30 (King James Version)
24Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field:
25But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
26But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also.
27So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares?
28He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up?
29But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them.
30Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
8 comments:
Interesting stuff.
As a side note: Alex Grey is a supporter of Adi Da Samraj, who apparently told his devotees that Obama was the next great leader, and who died shortly after the election. He believed that Obama was the one who ushers humanity into the next great age.
That's all hearsay (except the part about Alex Gray supporting Adi Da), but I have it direct from one of Adi Da's devotees.
Thanks for the foot note. I've never heard of Adi Da Samraj. Don't know that much about Alex Grey either, I must confess. It's really this one painting that I feel a weird (yet in a good way) compulsion towards...
Alex Grey is amazing.
I have strip of alternating Alex Grey and Magritte paintings circling my room.
I did this randomly..
Gaia ended up sandwiched between "The Human Condition" and "The Golden Legend"...
Thanks
First time on your blog and I just read exactly what's been going through my mind recently - Change is coming...there's a 'revealing' taking place. Perfect.
I'm sure Obama will be a key 'chess piece' in this grand cosmic game, but I'm sure each and every one of us will have an equally important role to play.
Keep up the good work!
Richard
Nice to meet you, Richard! I'm glad that what I wrote resonates with you, but it doesn't surprise me...the reason I'm posting these moments is to let others know they aren't alone in having them.
Alex Grey spoke in Miami last December. I was there; he was asked about the Obama drawing, and these were the reasons he gave for being inspired to make the painting.
1. Obama has, and will, improve our international relations.
2. Obama has inspired an incredible amount of creative work from artists all over the world.
In my opinion, Alex Grey did not speak of Obama as a savior or guru-type figure, and actually expressed nothing more than guarded optimism about President Obama.
Personally, I can see why some regard Obama as an potential charismatic spiritual leader and a master of alchemy, but I think it's way too early to judge what he's really about.
Video gaming has quickly overtaken the world. People everywhere find it enjoyable, relaxing, competitive and even educational! There is something for everyone in the world of video games. This article has some suggestions on how to get more out of your video gaming experience.
Turn off chatting capabilities on games for kids that are young. You should not expose your young kids to these types of communications. If the game won't let you disable chat, don't buy it. If you can't figure it out, search online for more information or talk to the people in the store.
Auctions on the Internet are a great place to buy games from. You can save a lot on online games by purchasing them on auction sites. Conduct some searches to fund the best possible deals. After that, just keep on bidding.
Make online games part of your exercise routine. Physical motion sensing technology is spreading through the industry. That lets you engage in gaming while using your own muscles, playing sports and practicing yoga. You can now get into great shape using your gaming in your living room.
One nice thing you can do for your children if they play online games is to set aside a specific room (a basement is ideal) for their hobby. Kids can be noisy, so putting them elsewhere can keep your home more comfortable. Try designing a video game area.
In order to understand and guide your child's use of computer games, you must be involved. Spend some time playing the game and watching your child play. Ask them questions to show that you are interested. The best experience to have is a hands-on one!
If you are a enthusiast of playing video games, you probably have your favorites. However, you should not narrow your choices. To make sure you do not get bored, try to vary the genres you play. You might have a more memorable experience in some genre that you previously avoided.
Check out your wii after you bring it home to ensure all the parts work correctly. Even if you're not going to use every accessory for it, check the various ports to see if they're in working condition. You don't want to discover that something doesn't work some time from now and be unable to return it to the store.
Rather than spending money on a new ps3, consider playing your favorite games on your computer. Many games, especially ones that have been out for a while, are avaiable to be played free online. This allows you game play at a much lower price.
If possible, try games out before you buy them at your local library. Most public libraries offer computer games that can be checked out for free. The library usually has game titles for all different systems, so simply call ahead and see if they have the title you want.
Figure out how to operate the safety and parental controls of any gaming system that comes into your home. You can likely make adjustments that keep kids from viewing mature content. Some allow each gaming profile to be customized separately, allowing adults to enjoy games not meant for younger audiences.
The world of online games gets bigger and better over time. But there are many choices to make where gaming is involved. This article has helpful advice for both players and parents. Follow the recommendations presented here to learn how to choose and purchase online games with confidence.
Post a Comment