Readers were instantly beguiled by Rob Brezsny's new approach to the humble horoscope when his "Free Will Astrology" column first appeared in 1996. Instead of the generic, one-size-fits-all style of similar columns, Brezsny used witty parables, tender rants, cultural riffs, pagan wisdom, and lively rituals in his playfully positive readings. He brings that same sensibility—and the same message of a smiling universe—to this self-help book for people who may be skeptical about self-help books. Brezsny persuasively advises readers to go along with the universe's good intentions, but his rejection of cynicism and a bleak view of human nature isn't rooted in denial. On the contrary, he makes a case for a cagey optimism that requires a vigorous engagement with the dark forces. He asks us to rethink life as a sublime game created for our amusement and illumination. The book is a chameleon of a tome. You can read it straight through, slowly and surely, or else pick it up and open it at random for tasty hits of inspiration as the spirit moves you. You can even start at the end and weave your way backward. Brezsny has substantially updated this edition—he added nearly one hundred pages—by expanding various sections, adding more than a dozen new pieces and a new chapter, and providing readers with a number of playtime activities and exercises that let them participate through their own writing and drawing. "Brezsny's horoscopes are like little valentines, buoyant and spilling over with mischievousness. They're a soul prognosis." —The New York Times
A pronoia was a type of conditional grant from the emperor, often to soldiers, of various properties and privileges. In large measure the institution of pronoia characterized social and economic relations in later Byzantium, and its study is the study of later Byzantium. Filling the need for a comprehensive study of the institution, this book examines the origin, evolution and characteristics of pronoia, focusing particularly on the later thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. But the book is much more than a study of a single institution. With a broad chronological scope extending from the mid-tenth to the mid-fifteenth century, it incorporates the latest understanding of Byzantine agrarian relations, taxation, administration and the economy, as it deals with relations between the emperor, monastic and lay landholders, including soldiers and peasants. Particular attention is paid to the relation between the pronoia and Western European, Slavic and Middle Eastern institutions, especially the Ottoman timar.
In the vast expanse of the mind lies a space, delicately poised between tangible reality and the ethereal unknown. This realm, governed by the unwavering justice and cosmic reason of the logos, is familiar to only a select few: philosophers who grasp its profound significance. Within Pronoia: The Stoic Providence, the spotlight is cast not on a linear history of Stoicism, but on its deeper theoretical underpinnings. The narrative delves into the Stoics’ understanding of humanity’s place within this living logos and the contrasts between these philosophical beliefs and the martial character of the Roman state. As the text unfolds, readers are introduced to how Stoic thought shaped the vision of an ideal state and the role of the principate from Augustus to Marcus Aurelius. Critical questions emerge: Why did the Stoic circle uphold the ‘optimus civis’ and dismiss certain emperors they deemed unworthy? How did iconic Stoic figures like Cato the Younger and his nephew Brutus become symbols of philosophical resistance against the early empire’s less ‘enlightened monarchs’? Only the philosopher-king, wielding the wisdom of both worlds, can bridge these realms, bestowing upon his subjects a understanding of their cosmic destiny. This exploration illuminates the intricate intersections of philosophy and politics within the Stoic worldview.
In Did God Care? Dylan Burns offers the first comprehensive survey of providence (pronoia) in ancient philosophy, from Plato to Plotinus, that takes into full account the importance and innovations of early Christian thinkers, including Coptic Gnostic and Syriac sources.
Millions of people already live their lives in accordance with Rob Brezsny's "Real Astrology" prophecies. But the time has come for a deeper dose of Brezsny's brain. The Televisionary Oracle is an archetypal roller-coaster that would make Rumi dizzy and leave Carl Jung gasping for breath.
The seventh book of the Stromateis is the culmination of Clement of Alexandria's ethic. Introduced as an apology of the piety of the perfect Christian (the 'gnostic'), it broaches such topics as divine pedagogy, angelology, superstition, prayer, assimilation to God, martyrdom, eschatology, and the criteria of orthodoxy. This volume contains sixteen studies dealing with all major themes of the seventh book and the method of their presentation. It includes a Clementine bibliography of the last fifteen years and two appendices concerned with Clement's 'Hymn to Christ the Saviour.' The publication may serve as a companion to the reader of Stromateis VII and as a compendium of contemporary scholarship dealing with major aspects of Clement's thought in general.
Nothing is new here, it’s accumulation of all the beliefs I have came across through my path. Some may criticize, some may laugh, some may admire, and some may love this book. Our job is to comprehend and cleanse our thoughts. Give it a time and trust me it gets better gradually. Potato-potato is the same, so is pronoia-paranoia. It’s all about how you bend your thoughts and how you are flexible with it.
Pronoia is the belief that the world is fundamentally friendly and that events and circumstances are conspiring in your favor. It is the opposite of paranoia, which is the belief that the world is out to get you. The concept of pronoia has roots in ancient philosophical and spiritual traditions, but it has gained renewed popularity in recent years as a way to cultivate a more positive and hopeful outlook on life. One of the primary benefits of a pronoia mindset is that it can improve your mental and emotional well-being. Research has shown that people who have a positive outlook tend to experience less stress and anxiety, and are more resilient when faced with challenges. In addition to the personal benefits of pronoia, adopting this perspective can also have a positive impact on the world around you. In business, a pronoic mindset can be the difference between achieving your goals and falling short. It allows you to see the potential in your ideas and to take calculated risks to bring them to fruition. It enables you to adapt to changes in the market and to pivot when necessary. A pronoic mindset is not just about being optimistic, it is also about being realistic. It is about understanding the challenges and obstacles that you may face and being prepared to overcome them. It is about being open to feedback and learning from your mistakes. When we think of the world economy, we often think of numbers, statistics, and financial projections. However, what is often overlooked is the human element - the individual perspectives and beliefs that shape the way we approach economic growth and development. This is where the idea of pronoia comes in. By shifting our mindset to see the world as a friendly place, we open ourselves up to new possibilities and opportunities. Imagine a world where businesses, instead of focusing solely on their bottom line, also prioritize the well-being of their employees and the impact they have on the community, where governments and leaders prioritize the needs of their citizens, rather than solely focusing on economic growth. This is the kind of world that can be created through the adoption of pronoia. Practical examples of this can already be seen in companies like Patagonia and Ben & Jerry's, which have long prioritized their social and environmental impact in addition to their financial success. In today's economy, consumers are increasingly drawn to companies that align with their values and prioritize the well-being of all stakeholders. As more companies adopt this perspective, the economy as a whole will shift towards a more sustainable and equitable model. Similarly, governments can also benefit from adopting a pronoic perspective. Instead of solely focusing on GDP growth, leaders can prioritize the well-being of their citizens and the long-term health of the planet. This shift in perspective can lead to more effective and efficient policies, ultimately resulting in a stronger and more sustainable economy. The idea of pronoia may seem like a lofty and idealistic concept. But as we begin to see the tangible benefits in our personal and professional lives, it becomes clear that it is not only possible but necessary for a thriving economy. Adopting the perspective that the universe is inherently benevolent and that we are supported and guided by a higher power can have a transformative impact on our individual and collective experiences. Embracing this worldview makes us inclined to identify and seize opportunities, rather than being limited by perceived obstacles. This can lead to a more equitable and sustainable global economy, as individuals and organizations are empowered to make positive contributions to society and the world at large. This book utilizes a combination of scientifically proven facts, real-life stories, and practical exercises (reflection time) to teach you how to transform your life through pronoia.
So much information in this book including all of the main meditations and exercises in the Quantum Sobriety online programme. "The tailored QS meditations have given me invaluable tools to change the way that I feel and think." "Trigger meditation is your first key. Please do it no matter what. It's a very powerful meditation." Online members
The commentary indicates Oribasius' source for each quotation or paraphrase, assesses the accuracy and comprehensibility of the contents, and suggests the reasons behind the recommendations and rejections of certain cakes, breads, fruits and vegetables. To aid further research in the field of ancient dietetics, a detailed word index is appended. The introduction summarises the more important points about the medical theories behind the humours and qualities, and how regulating the intake of foods could assist in the maintenance of good health.
