Eldon Taylor's Choices and Illusions

What Is Consciousness?

Excerpted for Choices and Illusions by Eldon Taylor

What is consciousness? Language is often thought to be the tool of consciousness and evidence for the kind of consciousness that makes humans different from monkeys. Indeed, language has often been referred to as the “jewel of cognition.” Some scientists have argued that Neanderthal man possessed advanced talking ability. This assertion is largely based upon a neck bone found in 1988. Other scientists argue for a more recent origin to speech—recent in this sense being between 50 and 100 thousand years ago. By contrast, early origin theorists date the beginning of language at more than 2 million years ago.
The evolution and history of language have a bearing on certain philosophical issues where consciousness is concerned. For example, take any date for the first appearance of language. For fun, let’s just assume some hairy bipedal creature that has never spoken. Is this creature conscious? Conscious in the sense humans are conscious? Now one day the creature utters some meaningful form of speech. Not a grunt or guttural sound, as all animals do, but some form—beginning—of speech. Is the creature now conscious?
What is the difference between the consciousness of animals and the consciousness of humans? What is intended by distinguishing between the two conscious forms as different and why? If a primate species shows the ability to learn, remember, and associate learnings, some insist this is evidence for reason. Most flatly refuse to recognize it as such. Is it possible that by recognizing consciousness as worthy and ripe for study that man’s consciousness will lose its unique, elevated status? What precisely is it that one means by consciousness, anyway?
Certainly reason preceded language. It would be rather odd if it were the other way around. Still, that’s an interesting thought.
Some seem to reason only with the tools of their language. In other words, their reason is limited by the rules and definitions of their language. Plus, there is some argument in favor of certain language structure as having greater or lesser faculties for developing logical thinking. Literal languages such as German, for example, tend to encourage the development of logical thinkers. However intriguing this may be, it still seems reasonable that reason preceded the conceptualization and development of speech. As such, one is hard pressed to limit the consciousness of a species on the basis of sound patterns called speech.
It gets still tougher--sound patterns that resemble speech, are uttered by so-called non-conscious animals such as whales and dolphins. So, what is consciousness?
Is consciousness a matter of wakefulness? No, it can’t be just that, for one can be a conscious being and still be asleep. Is consciousness memory? According to the experiments of Cleve Baxter, plants exhibit memory. Since science abandoned the study of consciousness years ago, the problems inherent in describing consciousness have proliferated during the interim. The advent of animal studies, plant studies, and synthetic or artificial intelligence has greatly complicated the matters of consciousness. Or perhaps simplified them.
For most people, parts of the left brain handle language. Brain hemispheric studies, including the now popular Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans show that the right ear sends acoustic information to the left hemisphere. According to Marc Hauser of Harvard University and Karin Andersson of Radcliff College in Cambridge, rhesus monkeys “display a similar cerebral setup, with the left half of the brain often taking responsibility for vocalizations intended to signal aggression.” If that is true, does it mean that the anatomical evidence for language processing is evidence for consciousness in the sense that we normally think of mankind’s consciousness. If not, what are the differences?
For some, mind equals brain. But for many, mind is a more general term that refers to the processes handled by the brain. Therefore, mind is often used interchangeably with consciousness. Is mind equal to brain? The chief area of inquiry offering evidence one way or another to answer this question is a discipline often held in low regard. Still, literally thousands of laboratory experiments in scientific parapsychology demonstrate that many aspects of mind cannot be reduced to anatomical or material brain.

Eldon Taylor

Eldon Taylor has made a lifelong study of the human mind and has earned doctoral degrees in psychology and metaphysics. He is president of Progressive Awareness Research, an organization dedicated to researching techniques for accessing the immense powers of the mind. For more than 20 years, he has approached personal empowerment from the cornerstone perspective of forgiveness, gratitude, service and respect for all life. To contact Eldon in response to the story, you can reach him via his website: http://www.eldontaylor.com

Eldon Taylor's New York Times Best-Seller, Choices and Illusions, is available at all fine online and retail bookstores. However, to participate in the online event that Eldon has put together, including a chance to win a customized $500 InnerTalk library, please visit: http://www.parpromos.com/pp/it/14k/index/R.html

Metaphysical Healing Properties Of Amber

Amber is classified as a crystal or gemstone but is actually fossilized resin. Common colors ranging from pale yellows to dark browns. There are also green, red, blackish, and blue forms of amber. Amber is best worn directly on the skin which will naturally absorb the oils of the amber resin which is said to transmute negative energies into positive energies.

Amber is a powerful chakra cleanser. It is a powerful healer that gives the person who wears it a lovely sense of health and healing.

Amber is a powerful healer and cleanser of the body, mind and spirit. It also cleanses the environment. Amber draws disease from the body, healing and renewing the nervous system and balancing the right and left parts of the brain.

It can be carried, worn, or used as an elixir.

It absorbs pain and negative energy, helping to alleviate stress.  Amber clears depression, stimulates the intellect and promotes self-confidence and creative self-expression. It encourages decision-making, spontaneity and brings wisdom, balance and patience.


Black colored amber protects against psychic vampires and psychic attacks. Red amber is a helpful grounding stone and can be used as an amulet in fertility rituals. Red amber also stimulates sexual desires and prompts orgasm.

Golden amber offers peace and promotes self love and acceptance. Golden amber can be used in healing to repair damages to the auric field, karmic release, and emotional healing.

Green amber is a motivator stone that help guide you along your life path. It helps to dissolve blocks that are hindering your spiritual growth. Grounding and purifying.

Honey colored amber adds sweetness to your life. It helps you understand where you are at along your life path. Honey amber teaches us to let go of stuff that is blocking us from allowing spirit to step in and help smooth away the rough patches. Knowing stone.

Red amber is a helpful grounding stone and can be used as an amulet in fertility rituals. Red amber also stimulates sexual desires and prompts orgasm.


Associations:

Astrological Sign: Aquarius, Leo

Chakra: Sacral, Solar, Throat

Element: Fire

Planet: Sun

Crystals By Rob: https://www.crystalsbyrob.online

Metaphysical Healing Properties Of Ocean Jasper

The healing properties of Ocean Jasper are said to have an overarching effect on your mind, body, and soul. As one of the more unique and rare healing crystals in existence, its vibrational energy is thought to nurture the soul and provide ongoing support whenever you need it most. A very soft and gentle stone, Ocean Jasper crystal properties are extremely nurturing. This stone encourages you to embrace love, happiness and joy, even when you may find it hard to do so. This is the perfect crystal to connect with whenever you need some TLC after a long day. Allow the Ocean Jasper crystal healing properties to infuse your spirit with positive energy to support enhanced joy and deeper self-love.

The stone itself resembles waves, concentric ripples, and sea foam. Water is a traditional symbol of our feelings and the tides signify our emotional highs and lows. Ocean Jasper represents the rhythms of the inner sea: upwelling feelings like joy, happiness, and contentment, expressing our emotions, and sifting through our personal flotsam and jetsam, the things unintentionally and intentionally left behind during a crisis. Many interpret its vivid colors, bubbly orbs, and druzy star busts as energy signatures of positivity, spontaneous child like joy, and a passion for life. Without a doubt, Ocean Jasper’s influence and healing properties have the biggest impact on your heart and mind. Crystal healers seek out this stone for its ability to promote peace and happiness. As we mentioned earlier, it’s duality is what sets it apart from other gemstones. It harnesses the passionate energy of fire with the mellow energy of water.

Ocean Jasper are excellent healing stones that encourage a feeling of joy and elevated spirits! As they help you to release negative feelings, you feel more optimistic. It is very soothing and helps to love one's self as well as others. It is very healing of the emotions and brings peace of mind. It helps with acceptance of responsibility and increases patience. The circulars patterns on ocean jasper symbolize and help us realize that we are all interconnected and nature is a cyclical pattern.

Since it was originally found and harvested in the surf, some in the metaphysical community connect Ocean Jasper with Atlantis, the legendary island that sank beneath the waves, calling it Atlantean Jasper or Atlantis Stone. Interestingly Madagascar itself is directly related to Lemuria, a different lost land discussed in both 19th century science and occult writings.

The Ocean Jasper crystal meaning stems largely from its composition. By combining energies of water and volcanic rock, this stone has both a fiery side and a cooler side. These opposing forces come together to lend you whichever energy you need most at any particular moment — whether that’s an infusion of positive energy or permission to slow down. Ocean Jasper is sometimes known as Cellular Jasper. There are currently four distinct Ocean Jasper patterns that have been identified.

This is an excellent stone to help you if you need a lift. These crystals aid you to communicate more positively and allow loving feelings to be expressed in what you say. It can also help with circular breathing for healing or meditation. Being a type of jasper, ocean jasper is a very protective stone, and any orbs enhance this in regard to protection from the evil eye.

Ocean Jasper stimulates the solar plexus, heart and throat chakras with its beneficial vibrations, conveying the urge to feel, speak and act more positively, it supports the expression of love in one's words and deeds, and it helps one to realize what and whom one truly loves. Ocean jasper helps to bring unresolved emotional issues to the surface so one can accept responsibility for oneself. It also assists one in acquiring and learning patience.

Everyone goes through a crisis of faith at some point. We start to question everything, sometimes even the very concept of right and wrong! Hardships push us to see the darker side of things and dwell on the pains rather than embracing the successes. Ocean Jasper provides wisdom and enlightenment. It inspires you to “go with the flow!” Like the ebbs and flows of ocean waves, life is full of ups and downs. The meaning of this stone reminds you that you have to ride things out and embrace everything that comes with the journey. Otherwise, you’ll sink to the bottom and drown!

Ocean Jasper is also called Sea Jasper, with a distinction. Ocean Jasper is the trademarked name for material from the original mine near Marovato on the Ambolobozo Peninsula of Madagascar, owned by Paul Obenich. Sea Jasper is similar to Ocean Jasper, but is collected from the Madagascar Minerals mines found in the same area a short distance away. Both are a spherulitic variety of Chalcedony, micro-crystallized Quartz colored by oxides, iron and other impurities, with Quartz and Feldspar forming the spherical (orbicular) structures. Background colors may be green, brown, cream or white, red, pink or yellow, with orb-like inclusions in various colors and combinations. Botryoidal formations as well as white and deep green druzy are also common. Since the composition and metaphysical properties are the same, both will be referred to as Ocean Jasper for the purposes of this page.

Ocean Jasper is considered highly restorative for tissue deterioration of the internal organs, and useful in draining the lymph system of toxins that cause body odor and flatulence. It is thought to help stabilize nutritional absorption of vitamins and minerals, especially in balancing sodium and iodine levels and relieving water retention. It is an excellent aid for maximizing benefits from hydrotherapy and salt baths.

Associations:

Astrological Sign: Leo, Scorpio, Virgo

Chakra: Root, Solar Plexus, Heart, Throat

Element: Fire

Planet: Mars

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Metaphysical Healing Properties Of Angelite

Angelite raises the state of conscious awareness.  It represents peace and brotherhood.  Angelite facilitates contact with your angels and spirit guides and helps to connect with your higher self.  It enhances psychic healing and telepathic communication and enables astral travel and spirit journeys.

Angelite will help you regenerate and rejuventae your life and help you come alive.

Angelite is a stone that can bring serenity, inner peace, and a sense of calm. Angelite is excellent to use when you need to calm down from feelings of stress and overwhelm. Angelite dispeals fear, anger, and encourages forgiveness. It is an excellent stone to be used by those who have communication difficulties like problems in self expression.

Because of its ability to deepen attunement and heighten perception, Angelite is a powerful stone for healers. It also provides protection for the environment or the body.

Healers use Angelite to unblock energy pathways. It is a good stone for meditation purpose. This stone can be helpful for those suffering from sleeplessness because of conditions like insomnia. One may keep angelite tumbled stones at the four corners of the bed and ask the angels to protect you as you sleep.

If you feel your angeltite needs to be cleansed, it should never be cleansed by water or especially salt as water and salt will damage angelite. I would suggest smudging, or placeing it in moon light for cleansing.


Associations:

Atrological Sign: Aquarius

Chakra: Throat, Third Eye, Crown

Element: Air

Planet: Uranus

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Metaphysical Healing Properties Of Angel Phantom Quartz - Amphibole

Angel Quartz is found only in Brazil at Minas Gerias. Angel Quartz is said to be excellent for attracting and working with angels. Some Angel Quartz crystals even show phantoms that resemble angel's wings.

A bringer of intense love, beauty and joy, Angel Phantom Quartz is invaluable in the home. It will enable you to see your best inner strengths and increase your self-empowerment.

Amphibole Quartz provides a connection to the highest level of spiritual experience, calling in your guardian angel and higher beings, that brings deep inner joy. It has an extremely gentle and calming energy. Placing Angel Phantom Quartz on the crown chakras activates all the higher crown chakras, opening a ladder up which awareness ascends to connect with your higher self and moving further up the vibrational scale, to attain the highest guidance. When placed on the third eye chakras, angel phantom quartz attunes to the wisdom of the universal mind, allowing a more deeper perspective on life and on evolution.

Keep an Angel Phantom Quartz crystal in your pocket, in your home, or in the workplace to know that your angels are always nearby.

Angel Quartz is said to be a stone of emotional clarity and balance in particular, particularly as it's reputed to shield one from verbal abuse. Angel Quartz is a wonderful aid to meditation.

Amphibole Angel Quartz is a wonderful crystal for those who are beginning to work with the Angelic Realms. Amphibole is a crystal which contains the properties of four minerals. Kaolinite which is the white to yellow tone and activates spiritual evolvement, whilst aiding detoxification. Hematite which is the red tones can help provide protection by deflection. It aids concentration, memory, self-control, practicality, original thinking, helps study, bookkeeping and all types of detail work. Limonite which is the brown/yellow tones and provides us with strength and vitality. These minerals are captured in Quartz which amplifies all these healing powers, and transmits this wonderful energy.

Using this lovely quartz variety may stimulate your clairaudient gifts, also known as psychic hearing, and this is particularly true of those stones that contain inclusions of White Kaolinite. This animation of your psychic hearing relates to the fact that Angel Phantom QuartzAngel Phantom Quartz stimulates the throat and third eye chakra areas.

The best way to use this crystal is in meditation. Doing a meditation with crystals using one of these stones is quite powerful, as they are potent stones to aid you to make contact with beings in spirit.

This includes your spirit guides, guardian angels, healing angels and other beings in the Divine realms. There is something about the energy of Angel Phantom Quartz CrystalsAngel Phantom Quartz that attracts angelic beings, as they have an amazing energy to aid with connecting with angels.




Associations:

Atrological Sign: Aries, Aquarius, Pisces, Virgo

Chakra: Third Eye, Crown

Element: Air, Earth, Fire, Water

Planet: Mars, Mercury, Uranus, Venus

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Metaphysical Healing Properties Of Hemitite

In spiritual work, hematite is an excellent stone to help keep yourself also connected to the Earth plane. Hematite is a stone that is most commonly used to ground and for protection.

Hematite helps to absorb negative energy and calms in times of stress or worry. Hematite is a very protective stone and is great to carry to help you stay grounded in many situations. Hematite is also good for working with the Root Chakra, helping to transform negative energies into a more positive vibration. Those in relationships can benefit from the cooperation vibe coming from Hematite.

Carry Hematite when in need of balance and equilibrium, or when having difficulty focusing energies. Hematite is known to improve your mental capability. It provides the person confidence to complete his dreams without feeling insecure about what others might think.

Rainbow Hemitite enhances mental capabilities & original thinking. Dissolves negativity & reduces stress.

Associations:

Astrological Sign: Aires, Aquarius

Chakra: Root

Element: Earth

Planet: Mars

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Metaphysical Healing Properties Of Fire Agate

Fire Agate helps manifest Divine guidance through action, and assists one in taking decisive action in unclear circumstances. It increases passion, emotions, and reconnection to one's deepest desires, and provides the courage to take risks to fulfill those promptings. It is ideal to banish the stupor of a humdrum routine, and when one is wearing Fire Agate, it can also stir the emotions of others, sometimes facilitating attraction between mates.

Fire agate can help with spiritual advancement and progression. It promotes and enhances energy, including meditation, ritual, and spiritual healing energies. It also balances masculine (active) and feminine (receptive) energies.

Fire Agate, known as the spiritual flame of absolute perfection, carries a great mystery locked inside its deep brown crystal. You need only touch the stone and fiery embers ignite.

Fire agate is often used in spells to increase skills in communication in writing and speaking. It can also heighten creative visualization. Fire agate is associated primarily with the sacral and root chakras.

Fire Agate has a deep calming energy that brings security and safety. It is a protection stone with strong grounding powers.

Hold a fire agate to inspire inner knowledge to emerge in the resolution of problems. It also helps in overcoming addictions, and other destructive desires.


Associations:

Astrological Sign: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius

Chakra: Root, Sacral

Element: Fire

Planet: Jupiter, Mars

Crystals By Rob: http://www.crystalsbyrob.online