Mormon Experience Part 2
Posted by shirlstars on March 7, 2010
Over the years of study I found many things to suggest that many of the sacred/secret Mormon Temple rituals and symbolic rites and ceremonies were taken almost literally from the Masons and their secret ways of doing things. I didn’t want to believe this and I did plenty of studying of the Masonic orders, their origins and purpose and the stated reasons for their secrecy. Finally one day I saw it very clearly when I saw that the Masonic Aprons and special “garb” for their rituals were exact replicas of the Mormon Temple aprons and garb. The Masons had them first. . .so that only leads one to see that someone, most likely Joseph Smith and associates, incorporated them into this “restored-gospel church” he was founding.
As my studies led me through many religious teachings, rituals and ceremonies, their origins and meanings, I ran across many things that suggested Joseph or others “borrowed” from older established churches or organizations when it suited them.
I don’t ask any to believe these things. I am not quoting any references in specific here, so I encourage you to do your own searching and research if you wish to refute or validate these things for yourself. But do beware of the many “Mormon Hating” web sites out there. Most of them are filled with lies, speculation and out and out fabrications. Make sure to use your discernment to read as many diverse views of the Mormon story as possible, then form your own opinions.
So what was it in particular that I had a hard time letting go of? Well, I had some difficulty in the 70′s and 80′s when the Seth material was coming out (Jane Roberts channeled a non-physical entity identified as Seth). A lot of my old belief systems about who would be “worthy” to bring forth truths of this nature and some of the more difficult to believe possible things discussed in this material were a very abrupt shake up of my own perceptions and beliefs. Over time I worked through them and found them not to be so odd, so unusual, so out of my main stream of thought. It did take some time though.
But. . .what I couldn’t get a handle on or a logical understanding of was reincarnation. Now I know that many Christian sects think Mormon’s believe in reincarnation because of their belief in a pre-life existence as a spiritual being, although all Christian sects claim to believe in an afterlife. I was woefully misinformed about reincarnation. Instead of doing my usual research and reading and discovery, I had formed my opinion of reincarnation from the popular concepts of the time. . .and the nonsense that was perpetrated about such things. I heard many, many stories about this one or that one had been Cleopatra in a previous lifetime, someone had been Napolean, someone else had been Ann Bolyn. On and on it went. All these people that said they believed they had had previous lifetimes. . .all famous people from history. Not a beggar, a thief, a chamber maid, a struggling mother of 12 children, a shepherd, a tenant farmer, just an ordinary person with an ordinary life. . .not at all. It could not be. It made no logic at all.
So I decided this had to be bunk and nonsense. I should have done more study. I really should have read and understood the book of Jane Roberts, Oversoul Seven, that explains it beautifully and in a great story form. I just wasn’t there yet and I had such strong resistance to finding out what it really was. I just was not yet willing to let go of it.
Ten years later, ten years more study and introduction to a wide range of channeling and books by truly spiritually inspired and deeply sincere and highly ethical people, I began to understand what reincarnation is. It was really very simple. It made and does make perfect sense. Once I let go of my almost irrational resistance to this concept it was clear sailing all the way.
Others have explained it in much more clarity and detail than I am able, but the simplified explanation (mine) is what I will offer. It is not this person, certainly not this body, not this personality, not these circumstances that formed the uniqueness of me that has had other lifetime experiences. It is Aspects of an “oversoul” or “Higher-Self” that have had other life experiences. I am, this version of me is, just one aspect of a group or Higher-self soul that is sent out to experience a life in the physical. I am one of many. We are yet one in the greater sense. I have access to all their experiences and they have access to mine. . .but until we become aware, awakened to this we do not understand or know of these other experiences even though life gives us many clues throughout that we could have actually pulled together to understand this very truth. If we continue to search for our spiritual identity, continue to become more and more aware and raise our vibrational energies to those levels above this 3D experience, we break down the barriers that we have called “the veil.” We can become adept at seeing into other lifetimes and other experiences of our aspects.
I have not done a lot of that because I know that THIS lifetime that I am currently focused in is the one where I can make the most changes, the most advances, have the most impact and complete the most unfinished business. For the most part it does not serve me and my current purpose to be delving into what life experiences my other aspects may have or are having. It is far more beneficial and worthwhile for me to focus on the things I am choosing to accomplish in THIS life.
Everything is a process. The process is worth your participation and focus. The process takes us through whatever we need to go through to move up the vibrational ladder. It is worth it.
What ever belief system anyone has in their life, if it brings them Joy and Peace and a sense of purpose, I am in favor of it for them. I do not attempt or want to convert others to believe as I believe. I expect the same respect from them. If it makes your heart sing, then it is truly your best choice for you.
Namaste`
Blessings and hugs to all
Shirl
