The Spirits of Winter #2: Witnesses
Last week we started examining AM’s spiritual views on the “Elemental” spirits of winter. Here she reveals more about her relationship with them through her sensitive, psychic nature.
Elementals
To classify such entities as “Elementals” is to acknowledge their relationship and connection to nature; each to one of the four key elements: Earth, Air, Fire and Water. Mere mortals could sense their presence when experiencing the air’s freshness, an invigorating jolt of freshwater, the smell and texture of the earth or a fires’ warmth.
The belief and identification of such beings was delineated by 16th Century German scholar, physician and alchemist; Paracelsus and others, although such associations have long been recognised among practitioners of pre (and post) Christian paganism, alchemy and the Occult in general.
Forerunners
Before we dismiss such practices, it is worth remembering that the work of such devotees as Paracelsus, preempted the scientific and biological beliefs that we value today. They formed a necessary ‘pre-science’, ultimately diverging from pursuits that are now relegated to ‘occult’ status by modern academics, scientists and physicians.
AM also recognises advances -and mere ‘changes’- that we have adopted in our understanding of reality, and how, for some: the past is still not so far behind. She tells me: “Before Christianity, people were much more sensitive to all these things and could distinguish between different manifestations of nature. Some of the old beliefs still survive, usually in villages far away from big cities.”
Pantheon
It may surprise you then, that AM also has a deep Russian Othodox belief -seemingly without contradiction. To her: one set of supernatural entities does not exclude another; moreover, they expand a greater spiritual pantheon that is still ruled by a single Christian God. She also concedes, in the broadest sense that superstitious beliefs are more prevalent in Russia than in the west, -although you are unlikely to find them in the concrete bustle of main-street Moscow.
Whilst her views on the supernatural population of the universe (and beyond) are truly fascinating, I can only speculate on such matters; I’m about as sensitive as a brick to such phenomena. Perhaps it is comforting, not only to believe, but to feel the existence of such entities and their domain; a mere step away from our own. AM is part of that exclusive club.
Indeed, it is a club with an increasing number of would-be members waiting at the door. AM however believes that in their haste to join, those who lack their own sensitivity have foolishly and fundamentally chosen the wrong entrance -and even the wrong premises. She is quick to guard against charlatans and purveyors of fake spirituality. It’s a minefield.
Caveat emptor
In our uncertain times it seems that many Russians are turning to a pre-packaged, commercialised supernatural domain for answers and help. The Calvert Journal and (originally) Apparat, reports:-
“A search for “help, medium” on Vkontakte (VK), Russia’s equivalent of Facebook, yields over 400 groups while “psychic” returns over 2,500. Social networks have proved the perfect platform for all manner of psychic services. It’s quick and easy. Find a sorcerer, join a group, send a message, pay through a bank machine (the Russian way), send a photograph, have your paranormal experience, close the browsing tab.”
The man who saw
AM directs me to the work of Daniil Andreyev; a renowned Russian Christian mystic, author and poet who suffered persecution and imprisonment under Communism. It’s her attempt to offer the key to her belief system; epitomised in print by a writer who’s visions transcended the stark walls that held him captive. Of particular note is his most famous work: The Rose of the World , advertised as: “A meta-philosophy of history, a revelation of worlds beyond, and a meta-religion for the future”. She acknowledges parallels with Dante’s Divine Comedy, where levels of the afterlife from the infernal to the divine are explored and their inhabitants examined. Andreyev’s work also embraces entities that venture into the mortal world, as she relates:-
“Daniil Andreyev described the spirits of nature, forest, fields, rivers, lakes, sea and air. He felt them very clearly and could clearly distinguish them from each other, unlike me. He described little spirits of the fields, meadows, forests and rivers as positive, faye-like, little winged people living in meadow flowers. Most modern people don’t think this way but in old times everyone did. Children still just accept them as part of nature and the world around them.”
Here, AM touches upon the recurring notion of child-sensitivity; so often a feature of paranormal reportage. Never work with animals or children -unless you a paranormal investigator, of course; when such companions are an absolute boon!
