Sunday 13 December 2020

Monks

 




1. Dr Who - The Meddling Monk

2. Obi Wan Kenobi / The Jedi Order - Star Wars

3. Monk on Fire

4. Chaos Monks 

5. Celestine Prophecy

6. Umberto Eco - Name of Rose, Foucault's Pendulum

7. Holy Blood and Holy Grail , Priory of Zion 

7. Cathars & Knights Templar 

9. Eastern Monastic Traditions / Buddhist Monks

10. Sao Bento/Saint Benedict

11.  Franciscans - St Francis of Assisi / Pai Seta Branca

12. Rasputin





Wednesday 9 December 2020

808's




I've  blogged elsewhere about the meaning of the 8 directions , 108 , The Lions G8  888 Starg8's and the 8 values of Judo  but I dont think I ever blogged on the 808

I first became aware of the number when the band 808 state released the track Pacific State. I discovered them around the time they appeared on a classic "Madchester" top of the pops episode alongside the Happy Mondays and the Stone Roses. The band named themselves after the "Roland  TR 808" drum machine  and over the many years since I first heard 808 state  I have realised the immense influence off the 808 drum machine on Electronic music ; Electro, House, Techno ,Hip Hop, Pop even Soul.

Often referred to as the heart beat of electronic music it's been responsible for inducing more than one ecstatic or transcendent  state in hearts and minds on dancefloor globally over the years. Not the least of which was '88  "The 2nd summer of love" and the height acid house.

The symbol for infinity is a 8 on its side  while a 8 is two zeros   turned upwards  




Tuesday 8 December 2020

Johnny's

 I began this post with no knowledge of the significance of the date but about an hour after posting it I was alerted to the fact it was the anniversary of John Lennons death!

Jonny L - Hurt you So

Johnny Jungle -  Johnny

Jonny Jedi

Jonny Fused

Lovely John Superstar

John Ling  - Bark Psychosis

Rubber Jonny  (Aphex twin)





Saturday 28 November 2020

Wednesday 25 November 2020

Blue Dragons

  Chinese food


River in Portugal


Steve Strange

Click the links for more on  Dragons , Dungeons and Dragons , Dragon Dice and Puff the Magic Dragon

Friday 20 November 2020

Spirals - Stairway to Heaven

 



When I was a very young child I used to visit my mums home town  in Cornwall each summer. We used to spend much of our holidays on the golden sand of the beaches in St Ives Bay,  when I was just a Toddler I found a beautiful shell on the the beach  the being a Conical Spiral which I have kept safe to this day. Each summer I would look forward to visiting an ornate chapel at the local convent  where my Aunt  would attend mass. It had a tall spindly spiral staircase which, If I had been well behaved I was allowed to ascend.

I forgot all about Spiral until the early 90's when I encountered Spiral Tribe.

However it was the following events almost a decade later  when I attend a rather specialist jungle/ drum and bass club run by Damian Lazarus entitled "pm scientists" , that crystallised this post. Despite having recently started a new job at Sanctuary Housing and it being "a school night" it was an essential night out.  I was particularly excited to hear a set by the legendary Rob Playford of Moving Shadow who was on the line up.

I was quite surprised by how few people were there, but it was a small wine bar rather than a club.As I sat alone drinking my pint listening to the music. My eye was drawn to the spindly spiral staircase in the corner that reminded me of my youth and how I now associated spirals with Synchronicity  , the Illuminati, 23's , Spiral Tribe, Reincarnation, The Golden Ratio,  Fractals , Nature,  Evolution. Eventually curiosity got the better of me and I asked the barman , what's through the hatch in the roof at the top of the staircase and he said you better go and look,so I did. I climbed the staircase went through the hatch and at top, into a tiny room which contained only one object, the LP  cover of Pink Floyd's "Dark side of the Moon"

Since then I've read sychromystic blogs on the rainbow bridge the No 42 so am more familiar with the meanings behind that symbolism.

In relation to "the spiral" I am reminded of Led Zepplins "Stairway to Heaven" and the Butthole Surfers "Hairway to Steven"




Sunday 15 November 2020

8 Directions

  Pa Qua,


Points of Compass,


Kazushi,


Guardians,



Buddhas of the Eight Directions

Mahavairocana Buddha (Centre), 

Aksobhya Buddha (East),

Ratnasambhava Buddha (South),

Amitābha Buddha (West),

Amoghasiddhi Buddha (North), 

Samantabhadra Bodhisattva (South East),

Manjushri Bodhisattva (South West), 

Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva (North West), 

Maitreya Bodhisattva in the (North East).



Click the links for more on the  108 , 108 and the Golden Ratio , 808  States , The Lions G8  888 Starg8's and the 8 values of Judo

Wednesday 11 November 2020

The 888 The Transit Kings and a Windmill in Brixton

 




Sunday, August 20, 2006


The 8 8 8 - The Transit Kings and a Windmill in Brixton


On 08/08/2006 (8.8.8) a stargate opened which has enabled a group of extra terrestrials to contact us the inhabitants of planet earth and deliver a impulse of goodness of unimaginable importance. Like all good things that come to an end the gate will only be open for a limted period and will close again on 26/08/2006 (8.8.8.) reaching midpiont on 17/08/2006 (8.8.8) Last Thursday (midpoint) I relayed this story the harmonic resonance with the 888 to some work colleagues who looked at me with some incredulity. My confidence dashed I busyied myself at work until I received an email from a nother friend advising me of an important short film I should watch regarding a coverup surrounding "911" I told him the significance of the days date to global peace his response was shock at the synchronicty as his 26th birthday is on 26/08/2006 and he went away convinced I had been channeling extra terrestrials !This truly special day was not over yet .I had heard that the Super Group known as the Transit Kings ( comprised of some members of some of my favourites bands The Orb/The KLF) were having a secret gig the windmill Brixton. Upon telling my incredulous friends they said I bet it's not a real windmil !Suffice to say the Transit Kings rocked the windmall !I was left wondering "What is the magic in ones eyes thats makes them sparkle like the skies ? "and my wife returns to UK on the 26/08/2006

Click the links for more on 


Click the links for more on 


Click the links for more on the  8 directions ,  108 and Golden Ratio ,  108 , 808  States , The Lions G8  and the 8 values of Judo 

Sunday 8 November 2020

Conciousness




Christ/Cosmic Conciousness 

Krishna Conciousness

Buddha nature (Awakened Conciousness)

TAO

Universal Conciousness

Gaian/Planetary Conciousness

Collective Unconcious  

Sub Concious

Altered states of Conciousness

Friday 6 November 2020

Enter the Wu-Tang

 


One summer back in the early nineties I visited the United States.  I have previously blogged about some of my experiences  with  UFO's  Eckankar  and The Justified Ancients of Mu at Camp  Kiwago  (Bear Mountain ) . 

On the first of my few weekends off, I visited New York City. It was the summer that Naz released illmatic and the Wu Tang released the 36 Chambers.  I picked up both tapes on the street and popped them into my bag. I was having a hip hop / RnB epiphany that summer  having mostly been listening to Jungle house and techno back in the UK.

As I travelled back to camp, in a minibus with my co counsellors  all of whom were young black males from the 5 boroughs that I hadn't yet gelled with, and who were a little suspicious of me. They  turned of Funk Master Flex and put the Clan on the stereo. The sound was fresh to us all but I distinctly remember the first thing they played was the  "Torture"  skit from 36 Chambers and my heart skipped a beat or two.

I  had a great summer and returned to the UK in the Autumn.  Inspired by legends of the Shaolin vs Wu Tang I took up Kung Fu but it was Goldie  that I  first heard quote the classic line from "The Wanderers"  "Dont fuck with the Wongs"



Tuesday 27 October 2020

Sanctuary

The Cult- She Sells Sanctuary


Sanctuary Housing


Church Sanctuary


Sanctuary Church Staple Hill


Bristol City of Sanctuary



Temples

Temple of Psychick Youth




Temple Gate



Shaolin Temple


Jen Wai Tong Temple




Rainbow Villa - Buddhist Temple - Rainbow Chi Gung institute, True Buddha School






Sunday 25 October 2020

My Sweet Lord /Hare Krishna/ Jesus loves you

 

I always liked the songs "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison  and "Generations of Love" by Boy George/Jesus loves You.

I am not a vegetarian but lean in that direction.I have been told on more than one occasion the  Hare Krishna's publish excellent vegetarian recipes.My first real experience of Hare Krishna's was at  an underground rave by Tribal Energy at the "Cool Tan Arts Centre" in Brixton.We arrived at the venue not sure what to expect.A group of Hare Krishna's who were running the cafe were onstage chanting and drumming.It was getting later and later and people were getting restless but the chanting went on . Eventually a "crusty" entered the stage took the mic  and said "We are not going to be intimidated any longer we are here to play some Hardcore Kick Ass Techno!" With that the lights went down and the most awesome rave began of hard industrial acid techno with a memorable performance by the Tribal Energy "angle grinders."

Since those days I learnt about Christ Conciousness in San Francisco  have been exposed to the "Sant Mat" of Eckankar , studied Buddhism and even spent in a year living in the Buddhist temple of my Kung Fu teacher. I have also practised Capoeira and played percussion. Marching down the street with the Capoeira bateria has on more than one occasion be likened to the Hare Krishna's.







Saturday 24 October 2020

Cults, Quasi Cults, and Spoof Cults

 

Over the years I have had a fascination with various organisations that have faced allegations been of being cults




The London Church of Christ 

The Church of Scientology

The Church of Subgenius 

Thee Temple ov Psychick Youth

The Cult of Yellow Tango

Eckankar

Yellow Dragon / Jen Wai Tong

Multi Level Marketing Cults (Herbalife/Amway/Younique)

Landmark Forum



Wednesday 21 October 2020

Jo Jo's

For the past few years I've been taking my son to judo  classes at a club called "Japan Arts Centre" often referred to as JAC's  or Jo and Chris's after the two coaches that run the club. 

Back in the late nineties when I was training Kung Fu at the Yellow Dragon Centre I remember the first the time I was asked to Spar. My Master had been giving a private lesson to a young lady named "Jo" who had done some Wing Chun. I entered the dojo at the end of her class and my teacher asked me to spar with her.I had never fought before but he reassured me with the rules "No punches to the face, no kicks to the groin and no kicks to the knees." Without further a do we commenced with a bow. Before I knew it I was promptly punched in the face kicked to the groin and kicked round the knees. I learnt never to underestimate my opponent or women fighters.Despite this I became reasonably good friends with Jo who was part of the underground free party techno crew "Chiba City Sound" with another friend of mine named "Joe" from the "23 faceless Techno Scooter crew."

Around the time I was invited by a another Discordian "Lisa Lovebucket" to the staging of "The Warp" a play by Neil Oram originally staged by Ken Campbell. It was due to be staged on the full moon at an all night / all day rave in conjunction with Megatripolis at the Dome in  London Bridge . The marketing promised it would be a night to remember so I decided to go. I arrived at about 23:00 hrs wearing my signature Helly Hanson Sailing Jacket and Yellow hat, which was "en vogue" at the time . Almost immediately upon entering the club I locked eyes with Korean woman who I soon learnt was named "Joh" we became great friends and hung out alot that summer , including including dj'ing together at "Enter the Yellow Dragon" and attending the legendary Madame Jo Jo's in Soho together until she returned to her home Korea in the Autumn.

RIP Joh





Saturday 17 October 2020

The Dub Pistols


Dub Pistols release their latest Album "Addict" this week which on one song features the MC Navigator the friend  of a friend (Nev G) . The band have had  a revolving line up over the years and friends of friends have been involved on a number of occasions eg  Billy Borez  of Zero B and Drum Monkeys.  Although I dont know the main man  "Barry Ashworth"  personalIy I was aware of him since his big beat days . I was also fan Rodney P from the "London Posse" and later the "scratch" nights in kings cross. Long before I saw him with the Dub Pistols. I've followed the Ragga Twins since the heady days of rave and their work with Shut up and Dance 

I've had so many memorable experiences at Dub Pistols gigs (good and bad)

 I first saw the band at a "Rise against Racism" festival in Finsbury park  which I attended with my wife  shortly after we met and while we were courting . They were amazing and were joined by Terry Hall and Neville Staples of "The Specials" on stage to perform "Gangsters"

We saw them again at "The Lumiere"  where my wife came back from the ladies introducing me to her new friend, a while later this new friend was up on stage and turned out to be Lindy Leyton

Saw them again at Koko (Camden Palace) where they were joined by Ashley Slater and  supported by "The Herbalizer"  and again at Brixton Jam with Akala

Unfortunately I accidentally upset Seanie Tee at a gig in Bristol he was introducing the band and I said what I thought was an under my breath comment "so wheres the special guest?" (For some reason I was under the impression the Ragga Twins were was going to be a special guests) , unfortunately my comment came out very loud and probably sounded rude Seanie Tee called me out on it, in front if the whole audience , It was a bit embarrassing really but it was smoothed over by a friendly rasta doing security - No harm done just hurt pride.

Lately my sons been singing an alternative version of "mucky weekend" in  the car, apparently he nicked the lyric from an internet  meme.

"Hey you dont touch me there,  this is my no no square"


Thursday 15 October 2020

Navigators

Flight of the Navigator


M.C. Navigator (Dub Pistols)


For more on Our lady of the Navigators click here


SweatBox

 Sweatbox - Gym (Pedro Bessa BJJ)



Sweatbox - Punishment



Sunday 4 October 2020

White Horses

 White Horses - Jacky Lee

This was one of the earliest 7 inch vinyl records I had.


The White Horse - Cherhill  

Possibly the closest white horse to my house and five minutes from my friends
   

Ride The White Horse - Laid Back

80's electro synth pop

The White Horse - Chess

     The archetype the white knight ,from the game of warriors





Justice

Yesterday I was chatting to an old friend who was talking about the need for Justice and he sent me an image of the tarot card of the same name.

This morning as I did my daily meditation which I usually start by drawing 1 tarot card from the pack and reflecting on its meaning, I thought to myself I wonder what the commentary on Justice is ? (thinking I should read it later as its unlikely to be the card I draw.) And low and behold what card did I draw ?







Click the links for more  Metallica  










Tuesday 22 September 2020

Raizes de Rua/Rabo de Arraia

 Raizes de Rua


Rabbo de Arraia