#shadowcult

[onlyhurtforaminute]

TORTURE MACHINE-INVOKE DESPAIR

[jeffbecerra]

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Shadowcult meme 😂 #shadowcult #possessed #possessedband #possessedmeme https://www.instagram.com/p/CFrIts9pR97/?igshid=w04158rr5bh7

[rockattitudegr]

POSSESSED: Ακούστε το νέο single "Shadowcult"

Οι Possessed αναμένεται να κυκλοφορήσουν το νέο τους άλμπουμ ύστερα απο σχεδόν τρεις δεκαετίες και έδωσαν στη δημοσιότητα το δεύτερο single τους "Shadowcult".

[silainealdam]

As some already know I had to take an extended break from WoW due to the demands of University and real life. I'm not quite 'back' yet but I wanted to write something while I could. For old times sake. 

Please enjoy.

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Shadow Sermon Twelve- Free Will

It has been a fair amount of time since I spoke in a gathering, but nevertheless my mind has been pouring over thoughts of faith. Today I wish to speak to you, perhaps for the final time, of the matter of Free Will. If you remember my prior lectures then you may recall Free Will as the pivotal key in which the doctrine of this faith circles. Free Will essentially grants us with the responsibility of choice and consequence, it allows us to shape ourselves and our lives in the image we see fit.

 And while I want nothing more than to simply claim that Free Will is an innate trait within all of us the seed of doubt has been growing within my mind. I couldn’t help but wonder-- What does it mean for my faith if Free Will is non existent? Such a question can, understandably, shake a person's resolve. As such I have devoted my time to the question, pondering the nature of ‘us’ and coming closer to a conclusion on the matter of Free Will. Such findings, I feel, are better mused aloud for others to interpret and improve. After all, if these lectures have taught me anything it is that I am certainly fallible.

 -The priest allows for a break in speech to clear her brittle throat and project her voice-

I found when I began my study of Free Will that it opened many doors, each with its own set of questions that must be answered before I could understand the matter of Free Will. The first door I encountered begged me to find a separation, if any, between man and beast. Was Free Will innate to all living things or was it selective? The second question that appeared was that of a moral responsibility, one such topic that I will address in full later on. For now, let us examine the ‘man’ and the ‘beast’. After all, if we are to understand Free Will, first we must understand ourselves.

 Free Will could be said to simply be the power to choose to take action or remain idle. With this in mind I headed to the woods and observed the local wildlife. Surely, if Free Will is simply the act of desire than beasts must possess it. However I found myself stumbling-- These beasts had no other purpose or understanding of why they acted, they did not and could not reflect on themselves; past, present or future. The possible consequences of their actions meant naught.They acted from a single mind of desire and although they chose to act, it was an act without purpose to the self. This consideration drove me to the realization that my former limited definition of Free Will was not sufficient in the depth that I required to examine it.

 As I pondered further I found myself opening another door to a question; if Free Will is not only desire based what else can we say it stems from? This brought me to the possibility of moral responsibility. To explain, moral responsibility is the consideration of the response from the action. We, as a worldly community, tend to praise actions we deem as ‘good’ and shame actions we consider ‘bad’. We regard each other based on the actions committed or left undone.

 As I sat on this thought I was reminded of the beasts in the woods, they hold no moral responsibility. They lack the quality of a contemplative mind, it is unsure if they are truly even aware of themselves let alone others. To be regarded as one with moral responsibility one must possess the mind to process the reasons behind an action, the conditions the action is taken under, and the possible consequences of said action. That is where I found the separation between ‘man’ and ‘beast. In the difference between freedom of action and Free Will.

 Allow me the use of another example, there is food sitting upon the table. Your first thought is that you ought to take the food and eat it, however you pause as you realize you may not want to eat the food. You realize that the consequences of eating the food, who you know not who it belongs, could far outweigh the benefits of pursuing your first desire. Now we become closer to understanding Free Will. If your first desire, what I will consider your ‘animal desire’, is your freedom of action than your second desire, the Free Will, is the desire you most identify with.

 It is only when your Will is free that you are able to make action-- meaning you have the choice to act upon your first desire but only if you feel it reflects positively on your Will. When bundled with the theory of moral responsibility Free Will becomes a tool constructed against a backdrop of possibility; in which outside forces, such as historical context, not only influence your Free Will but in part exist dependently within each other in a constant state of change. This implies that actions you choose to commit or omit have future consequences that possibly stretch generations after your passing.

 Allow me but mere minutes more of your time, as I have discussed much of outside sources contributing to Free Will and now would like to discuss the origin of Free Will, as I perceive it. I do not deny that Free Will has historical contexts influencing its practice today, however I believe it is imperative to say that the origin of the will exists within ones own being and only they may choose action or idle nature. There is outside pressure applied to Free Will but the Will, as I said, exists solely in the individual.

 In all this, I find that I am satisfied. As the doctrine of the Shadow reads, we are condemned by our freedom, as the responsibility for ourselves and our lives rest solely on our individual minds.

[silainealdam]

Sermon Eleven The meaning of existence Some of you standing here tonight may have wondered, at some point in time, if the world around you exists; if the the tree’s you see are really there or if they only exist in your mind? If this thing we separate from our bodies- our minds or our souls, if those really exist as well? But all of these questions seem to assert that we know what it means to exist already. But do we know what it means to exist?  Certainly we know how we may exist. As each of us continues in life we can be sure of the fact that we each choose a way to be and a way for our lives to be. What does this mean exactly? It means as the years unfold before you, you will be given certain choices in life- paths. These branching points allow us to choose the type of life we want and to choose the type of person we may be. At some point in time it was believed that only humans had the capability to be aware of these choices but as we are aware in present day their are many intellectual beings. So then the question must be posed- what is it about these races that make them so special? What is it that separates ‘man’ from ‘beast’? The simple answer is: plants and animals have their lives determined entirely by the demands of survival and reproduction. While intellectual beings lead their lives or lay out their lives for themselves.  We are all susceptible to anxiety in the fact that sometimes this world may feel meaningless, we are all capable of thinking or asserting our existence, and as mentioned earlier we all have a preconceived understanding of what existence means. We are all able to analyze these thoughts of existence and perhaps uncover the hidden underlying meaning of what it means to exist.  One might say that existence is the way the self relates to its environment. However, there are many different levels of relation; for example is the relation based on intellect (examination, analyzation, understanding) or is the relation based on manipulation, such as using a tool? These are both activities you may exist in but which is right? If we are to suspend our belief and say our mind is who we are or what we are, then would the correct answer be that existence occurs when we relate intellectually? Or if we are to say our existence occurs through the activity of manipulation than is physical interaction the meaning to existence? If we cannot be sure of the actual existence of the physical world does the theory of relations still apply? I would argue that both are correct, that separation is required but not from right to wrong. Intellectual relation and manipulative relation are two states of existence that co-exist in what it means to exist. That is to say, these are activities of existing but not existence itself. Let us then move onto another argument on existence: existence is a product of purpose. That is to say that existence is defined and determined solely on its purpose. For example, a hammers defined as a tool to increase the speed in which someone may build. The purpose of the speed increase is to protect the builder, and later an individual or family, from unkind weather. It is effective in its existence because it has a definable purpose. Is a person definable though? Is it possible create a definition that could apply to each individual to determine whether or not they exist? The answer, I’m afraid, is no. Even if we were to create a definition that tells us why and how we exist it would still not tell us the meaning of existence.  It seems we have this word that we use in action to define things. I exist, you exist, we exist. But we don’t know what the meaning of that existence is and it is possible that we may never know. That is it simply undefinable. Now, as I end this sermon I wish to propose a challenge to each of you: meditate on the meaning of existence, test your mind to see if you can uncover the hidden truth.  What is the way we should conduct ourselves? This will be the topic for this evenings sermon. Although some would argue that our conscience died with our body we cannot ignore the overwhelming question that is sure to plague every society. How do we conduct ourselves? Where, how and why do we draw a line between right and wrong?  When an attempt is made to understand something, let us use the example of the State, when a State is to pass legislature it is not enough for a person to be told that it is right and they must obey it because the State dictates as such. The individual must understand it. They need to understand why and by which standards it is right. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------ Sermon #11 Discussions! *There was actually so many discussions that I have only included the first half, consider it a teaser.* Thandys:  Perhaps existence is defined by each individual and may be different for all... even possibly for inanimate as well as animate creations. Take the hammer for instance. It serves the purpose to speed up the process of building, but even a hammer has more uses than just building. It can be used as a weapon, or perhaps open a can. It's own existence is defined by the situation. Maybe for everything in this world, as well as others, it is the same? Silaine: That is true. Existence is reliant on interpretation from individuals. Therefore, the theory of existence is ever evolving and never properly define. My purpose in posing the question was to gauge what you would each interpret your existence as. Now that is not to say there isn't an answer to the overwhelming question but rather.. We may never understand its true meaning simply because we do not possess the intellect. Galectria: Since we are discussing the matters of existence and the reason of our own existence, perhaps there is a reason for each individual, no matter what race of perspective we have on life. Many are born with a gift, from a family who managed to make the existence of a person possible.  Many are different in their own special way, and their image is also different from one another. Could it be possible that our existence comes because we were granted this chance to do something meaningful for one or more persons? Ourselves? The environment? Or in an attempt to stop something that can be catastrophic to the lives of a few or many in our world? Or could it be that we were meant to exist simply because we do? Shadowlust: So you propose that our existence may have some predestined purpose or opportunity for which we are given the possibility to achieve? Or that we were simply meant to be? Silaine: Intelligent design is an interesting concept and would play into why each of us has an understanding of abstract things; such as existence and perfection, without concrete definitions to contribute to the words. Thandys: Perhaps the answer to both is simply, yes. Predestined, or simply being.. yes.. and mayhaps even beyond such of which we may be unaware? What about you? What do you perceive as the meaning of your personal existence? Silaine: I personally subscribe to the theory that there is a meaning to existence, that there is a meaning to a lot of things, but we simply cannot understand that meaning. In a way I feel as though we are all in a dark cave, watching shadows on the wall and perceiving what we can from them but never truly understanding them. 

I have made it my purpose in life to interpret those shadows as best I can, to make sense of this world around me.  Shadowlust: Do the shadows provide guidance on their own, or is it up to those observing to shape them, priestess? I have often become curious if we exist because of them. Or if they exist because of us. Silaine: We cannot pretend to know the answers- as I said, I simply interpret them and I suppose others, in this analogy, do as well. Does that mean that we provide our own meanings to these things? Most certainly, but in defense I do not believe it is always done on purpose. As for the second question.. I would like to believe that the shadows are being cast by something unaware to us. Therefore, I would hope we came second to them.  Thandys: I was just about to propose a thought for those here. The shadows, perhaps they watch us move along whatever path we take, and us watch them slither in the darkness to form silhouettes with their various shapes and sizes.  Sometimes mimicking other things as well as ourselves.. Or possibly mocking? And then there is that, a third person view.. something else yet that observes from what we may be unaware of whatever existence it is? And then beyond that? What observes the observer? And infinite loop that maybe, in some way, connects everything in different spaces and times? Silaine: Yes, exactly. The possibility of the infinite. That for something to exist in this way something else must would have created it.  Shadowlust: I have a thought, and concept I have often pondered. Is ones soul, ones essence, is it finite? Is ones soul incapable of being truly divided? Is ones soul unchangeable or fluid? I ask these questions due to observations I have made of this world we have. The abominations, creations of the Scourge and later by we the Forsaken, amalgams of the soul and body. These creatures once had individual minds, souls, and bodies but now they function of one mind, one being.. but do they of one soul? *holds up shard* This shard contains the trapped essence of a fallen foe. Before being vanquished he had a will, a mind, a body, a soul. Now all that I can perceive of his being exists within this shard, his body now nothing but ash. Does the fallen foe still exist? Is his soul cognitive of the events that continue to transpire? Or have I snuffed him from existence now and forever? ..Or is he simply a memory now, and will continue to exist as such until truly and finally forgotten?

[silainealdam]

The casket of a Lightslayer is sent to Silaine from Stormwind City. The Lightslayer was sent to kill a member of the lay elite of the church. Once the casket is pried open, the remains are revealed have been anointed with holy oil and have been redressed in burial robes. The conflict between cleansing powers and undeath cause the body to emanate a distinct smell: the smell of burning flesh. The hands cradle a minor relic of the Light. How does Silaine respond?

Upon this day I was host to a parcel received from the human nation to the South.  As the wagon approached my place of study I had wondered, through a curious eye, what could possibly be so large to require as much effort as horses and men.

It is with… Dismay that I report that such an object, which I had believed to be oblong crate upon first glance, was in fact the coffin of a colleague. As the cover was pried from the casket I recall a feeling of fleeting fear— for it is not everyday one would be host to such abnormalities.

Inspection of the body confirmed my hypothesis of the Churches involvement. The severed remains were clad in the traditional burial garments and I believe a burial rite was performed upon the body. Such a conclusion much be drawn based on the spattered burns and split skin present upon the individuals flesh— such markings are reminiscent of the Lights effects upon our bodies.

To add much insult the body was discovered to be clasping a holy article of the Church.  It is has become clear to me that the Church is not only aware of my presence but the presence of my fellows. Such a bold declaration on behalf of the Church must not be forgotten and as I reflect on the message received today I am further reminded that we are in the midst of a war— not only of factions but of spirituality.

Our men must be better prepared and equipped— The Church of the Light must answer for their insults to my people.

As for the body I have made the proper arrangements to see it burned— its remaining flesh and bone, as well as the religious items, will be an offering to the Shadow to bless our future.

The Shadow’s will must be done.

[silainealdam]

Shadow Sermon

Long time no talk. I will be hosting Shadow Sermon #5 this Sunday at 8 PM ST at the Brill graveyard. If you are interested in attending please join /ShadowCult or whisper Silaine or Banshih.

[silainealdam]

Shadow Sermon #4

Full review off all sermons as well as questions/answers are available at: http://us.battle.net/wow/en/forum/topic/9363046512?page=1#12 -----------------------------------------------------

Sermon Four Virtues of the Shadow Greetings to all on this warm summer’s eve. This sermon will focus solely on the virtues of the Cult and while I would normally welcome an open forum at the lectures close, I must regretfully say that I simply do not possess the time this evening. Of course, all of you are welcome to seek me out if you have unanswered questions or wish to discuss the faith more personally. Now then, if I may have everyone's attention I believe I will begin. The Cult has five virtues opposed to the three of the Light; these five virtues are divided between primary and secondary virtues. The primary virtues are those that are believed to be the most important to the success of the individual while the secondary virtues are those that are most important to the longevity of the individual.  The primary virtues consist of respect, tenacity and power. Respect; one must view our reality as a manifestation of each others will. Things form and occur because of the power of someone or something else. It is vital to not only recognize this power but to respect it. Exerting one’s will upon the universe without first examining the strength of those around you puts one in a dangerous position; therefore, it is important to be constantly aware of your situation and your fellows. Seeking power and results too quickly can mean potential conflict with those of higher power than yourself. Only a foolish follower seeks to challenge his superiors right away. Showing respect ensures a measure of self-protection which ensures potential results.  Tenacity; one must not lose themselves in the face of the great despair. It is vital to the success of the individual to possess the tenacity to endure the struggles of existence in order to achieve their goals. When faced with the existential despair one must always remember that they are responsible for their own results and achievements in life. All situations have the power to change in the favor of the individual but only if the individual is committed to making the changes. With great persistence everything is achievable.  Power; one must be patient when seeking power. As it has been spoken there is a constant struggle of power within the universe and one must always be aware that there will always be someone or something possessing more power than yourself. Power may be obtained at a steady pace, this method ensures that the individual is achieving a desired goal but not alerting potential threats. Learning patience while acquiring power leads to a greater success of your potential goal as it decreases the amount of threat you will receive on your journey.  It is important to speak of the great despair when speaking of the virtue of Power. The great despair is an existential break through that occurs when an individual realizes that the foundations of their identity have the potential to or have crumbled; therefore leaving the individual with nothing of what defines or drives their existence. One must then realize that existence is in a perpetual state of despair as their is nothing concrete to base one’s identity on within this universe. One must create a purpose for their own existence; those who do not seek this power have no reason to exist. Forsaken who do not seek to better themselves might as well still be a part of the Scourge. The pursuit of power- to a purpose of existence requires one to not only be patient but cautious and subtle.  Now I will briefly discuss the secondary virtues, those that are most important to the longevity of the individual; death and compassion. Death; one would reach the pinnacle of power when one has mastered death. It is vital to understand the importance of taking life as well as preserving it. A Forsaken must not kill indiscriminately, nor can they withhold death from the weak. To kill without reason only escalates the Forsaken’s risk of encountering a power too great to overcome. One who slays without cause may find themselves exhausted and therefore defenseless in the face of a true adversary. Likewise, a Forsaken who shows mercy to the weak and forgoes regular exercise of their power may gain a reputation for weakness, therefore drawing predators.  A balance must be met and an individual must learn to read situations in order to best use the power of death for their own betterment.  Compassion; a follower of the faith must always remember the hardships of the Forsaken people. We must never forget the struggles that we each face- while we do seek individual gains we must always recognize the importance of community and the survival of our kin. By showing compassion to your fellows you are increasing your own potential to achieve your goals. In dire times, such as these, we are all only as strong as those we surround ourselves with.