Eclipse |
Date: Wed, Dec 21, 1994 9:19 AM CDT From: GregMeier@aol.com To: old-ways@tomservo.edaal.ingr.com Loreena McKennitt's music has a spiritual nature; so in the interest of defining spiritualism I'd like to contrast it with science. Lets compare the spiritual vs. scientific, using a personal experience. Let me tell you about a lunar eclipse I was observing on a warm fall evening about 5 years ago; (night is my favorite time of day). I was naturally excited about the event, there were excellent viewing conditions ( clear,calm, warm, no bugs ).I had my 8 in. Celestron telescope with 35mm camera attached and as the eclipse progressed, was taking various photos of the changing phases. Although intellectually stimulating ,I suddenly decided I was missing something.It was kind of boring. I then began thinking what ancient / primitive people would be doing under these circumstances. I thought of the Chinese and the belief that the celestial dragon was devouring the moon ; and their solution to make much noise to scare it away. As a good member of the Society for Creative Anachronisms , part of my garb includes a Viking type (cow) horn which is capable of making much noise. Preparing myself for this "spiritual" experience, I stepped away from all the fancy equipment, removed my shirt,and fixed my eye on the eclipsing moon, which at this point was total and glowing redly with the reflected light from Earth. I pictured the dragon in my mind's eye and raised the horn to my lips. The first blast was loud and sustained. I felt electrified. There was a sudden shift in my perspective and suddenly I felt the primitive fear of the unknown take over. I wanted to believe in the dragon; it was emotionally invigorating. I somehow suddenly felt "connected" . This is what I would call a spiritual experience; a legitimate feeling or belief that happened in spite of the fact that part of me knew what was really happening, scientifically speaking. Anyone who has read Loreena's thoughts ( condensed on her albums ), about her spiritual quests , realizes why her songs are filled with deep spiritual emotion. Emotions that are conveyed to the listener by the synergy of melody, verse and voice. GregMeier@aol.com. |