Councils

coun·cil   n.

·        An assembly of persons called together for consultation, deliberation, or discussion.

·        A body of people elected or appointed to serve as administrators, legislators, or advisors.

·        An assembly of church officials and theologians convened for regulating matters of doctrine and discipline.

·        The discussion or deliberation that takes place in such an assembly or body.

[Middle English counceil, from Old French concile, from Latin concilium. See kel-² in Indo-European Roots.]

 

    Councils have both benefited and detoured humanity for millennia. For the purposes of this writing, we shall consider the beneficial effects as we look deeper into the types of councils that may be available to us individually. The most noted councils include the British Council, the European Council, and the Council on Foreign Relations. That probably brought up a variety of mixed emotions just mentioning them. Now you can understand the complexity of the administration of these councils, negotiating through all of those mixed emotions within the membership. We need to have a special appreciation for those willing to put themselves in such demanding positions. As we expand our view to consider the broader perspectives, we can relate to the sci-fi adventures and the galactic councils. Imagine the kind of issues they would have before them in their deliberations and strategic plans for interplanetary governance. Let me bring it back to Earth and present some alternatives for each of us.

 

    Michael Valentine Zomorrow sounds right out of ‘Stranger in a Strange Land,’ and you would be correct. The person, however, was written up in Time magazine’s February 1971 issue as a ‘prophet in his own time.’ He had virtually built the water bed industry through his marketing techniques in the late 60s. I met this man in the late 80s in Phoenix, Arizona. He was quite the character in that his laughter was infectious. His appearance in his laughter reminded me of Beelzebub for some reason, with his nearly hairless head, toothless mouth and red-tinted body caused by the blood pressure change. Oh, and Michael preferred nudity whenever possible, which meant all the time in his home. Hi would don a pair of shorts and flip-flops to go out in public, except when expected to look a bit more professional. Hey, at nearly 80 he was still having more fun than most people I know. He truly enjoyed diving deep into neurotechnology, legend, myth, and religion simultaneously. Quite the well-read one he was, changing his name in honor of Valentine Michael Smith from Heinlein’s book.

 

    Suffice it to say that Michael was a great influence in my life during the last years he was still around here. He shared an interesting piece of precious process with me a few years into our friendship. We were discussing why he had pictures of people’s heads all over the walls of his home. His theory was that if you had their pictures, your mind was stimulated to make the connection in consciousness with them, however aware or not one was of it. He referred to his home as the ‘Head House’ according to this practice which he had engaged for many years. He felt that with focused meditation, he could tap into this ‘head house’ collective and use them as a council; receiving counsel on a multitude of topics. His main questions usually revolved around three areas of concern; his worst, best, and how he could improve in whatever topic of discussion was in the current moment. His methods took quantum physics, neurotechnology, and spirituality to the next level.

 

    Michael had another tool that he used to help others form their own councils. He used the astrological 12-house template and gave each house a specific area of focus. A wheel designed for the construction of the council is here: 12-Views

 

Twelve Views of your Council and their meanings

 

1.     Being – Someone you feel has a strong natural presence, with solid ethics, morals, and values.

 2.    Having – Someone who has shown others the gifts life can offer through example.

 3.    Local Learning – Someone who has demonstrated learning from their immediate environment.

4.     Root/Home – Someone you see as being firmly rooted in their center, confident and serene.

5.     Personal Expression – Someone you believe has achieved the ultimate with natural talent.

6.     Service/Sacrifice/Self-Transformation – Someone who has served humanity with their life.

7.     Intimate Others/Close Friend/Family – Someone that you know who you honor and respect.

8.     Partnership Results – Someone who has demonstrated success through collaboration or a team.

9.     Higher Learning – Someone who’s success came through education, discipline, or mentorship.

10.   Work – Someone who accomplished success from overcoming odds and achieving their dream.

11.   Public Expression – Someone who has impacted the lives of many through their public life.

12.   Mystery – Someone who became successful through synchronistic or serendipitous events.

 

Imagine the value of having access to such information resources. An eduholic would have a field day with such a treasure. Maybe you will too.

 

Personal Use of the Councils

 

    Being of sound mind and explorative spirit, I chose to take the council concept inside to the realms of the dead. Theoretically, consciousness is still available, maybe more so, after the transition from the physical body. I had enough friends and acquaintances to fill the list nicely, so I began to use the concept in some explorations of consciousness. Previously, many of those I chose to be on my ‘dead’ council were open to such concepts when they were still available for conversation in this dimension. One in particular, Roger Schnellenberger, was a dear friend that I had numerous conversations with in private regarding our capacity to ‘rent the veil’ and have open communication. He also had a Master of Arts in Video and Television Production from Arizona State University.

 

    Before I experimented with the process, he had come to me shortly after his untimely death (head on collision with a school bus doing 75 mph in a mini-pickup) with an amazing video. Roger seemed to be a significant factor in making the communication with me that day. I came home and felt the strong urge to hit the couch and spread out. Shortly after I closed my eyes I saw Roger’s face and he immediately said, “Hey, got something to show you.” Instantly in my sight appeared a short video of his journey and findings upon entrance into this ‘next world’ along with several scenes of relative information that seized my attention for several minutes. I honestly don’t recall the entire thing now since it has been well over a decade after the event.

 

    Necromancy has been a taboo in the organized religion field, yet it appears to be just as natural an occurrence as picking up the telephone and calling a friend or relative. I’ll go as far as to say that I took my own religious upbringing into consideration whenever I attempted communication. I begin each council session, or any other for that matter, with the simple prayer, “Jesus, if it be your will can I speak with….” More often than not it works. Sometimes I have to get real specific because names are often common, so I have to focus a little bit more on their faces. Once I get a good picture, the rest is a matter of directing the conversation or listening and following the natural flow. This is not something I practice in public. I use the technique for my own guidance and reflection in important matters. I find that it works well for me and I would encourage others to give it a whirl. You might be surprised at how well it works. It is simply up to your openness and willingness to explore the possibilities.

 

    Continued...

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