| Re .0 (Howard)
Well, various people study various things for all sorts of reasons,
mostly to understand something (some phenomenon, the future, the
past, themselves).
The various oracles (cards, astrology, runes, bibliomancy, etc.)
are used to determine the *most likely* future based on current
trends. The use of them is to change current trends to make the
best possible future.
Dreams are studied mostly to understand oneself - what some *real*
issues are on the subconscious level, possibly any messages that
are being psychically sent. Noticing patterns to dreams makes sense
not only from a paranormal standpoint, but from a psychological
one.
Meditation, kind of looking within and without at the same time.
A very balancing experience which is also very pleasant in its own
rite.
Ghosts, polterguists, power spots, and the like are studied to try
to understand the currently unknown, including, possibly, life after
death. Certainly interesting topics.
Various factual information, such as the myths and legends and beliefs
of various religious and cultural groups is mostly to expand one's
horizons, and try to better understand those who hold/held the beliefs.
If you are interested in exploring the mysteries of your own soul,
I'd suggest meditation (in its many forms - find the one that best
suits your needs), and dream study.
Happy journey,
Elizabeth
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| Why study anything? As Elizabeth said, people study different things
for different reasons. Staying non-paranormal for a second, I learned
to fly because I liked the skies, aesthetically. I became a student
of the Arthurian Cycle because I thought the story was rich and
deliciously complex.
I happen to be a study freak; and if something interests me, I go
after it. Some areas of the paranormal interest me, so I study
them _because_ I'm interested; not because there's some Great Goal
I'm striving for. If there are nice byproducts along the way, that's
just frosting on the cake.
Why study this [or anything]? My answer [for me, not necessarily
for you] is that's why God gave me a mind.
Steve Kallis, Jr.
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I study *everything*. But the most interesting things seem
to be those that are not completely understood or explained yet.
I enjoy the Dejavu notes file because there are so many loose ends,
and half finished theories to meditate on. For me the goal of
studying is to become well rounded and integrated. With this goal
in mind, I see all areas of study as valid.
I believe it was Charles Fort who said (i paraphrase from memory)
that new science can only grow out of those facts that conventional
science has rejected in it's theories and categories.
Alan.
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| I understand your question, but I have found that as I find and
learn more about the God consciousness and energy within me and
in those around me, I find more interest in learning more about that
which is outside of me. The more we find, the more we seek! And
so we continue in our growth....
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| "The principal goal of education is to create men and women who
are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other
generations have done - men and women who are creative, inventive
and discoverers" who "have minds which can be critical, can verify,
and not accept everything they are offered."
- Jean Piaget
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