What Fascinates Us in Macabre Stories? The Stories (and Life) of Edgar Allan Poe Provide a Clue

The Shadow, the Unconscious and Dreams

When I taught university students a variety of psychological classes, I always took pleasure in giving a seminar on "The Shadow, the Unconscious and Dreams". If you wonder, what's the relation of these three to one another, well, through your dreams you can get in touch with your shadow and unconscious and therefore become aware of yourself, of those parts in you which until now you have denied and rejected as part of "who you are". Then, when you are self-aware, you are more empowered to live your life to the fullest.

The "shadow" in each one of us

Whether we like it or not, in each one of us there is a "shadow"- those parts of us which we deny and reject as being part of us. These parts - characteristics, thoughts and emotions - are usually those which make us shamed, anxious, afraid and uncomfortable. These can be "negative" feelings - such as jealousy, cruelty, sexuality, aggressiveness, etc. - feelings which we think are not socially valued. These can also be personal characteristics which we possess yet prefer to deny as part of ourselves, such as controlling, stinginess, egoism, stubbornness, etc.

But as much as we reject these from being part of us, we nonetheless are attracted to and fascinated by stories (as well as films) which depict such feelings and characteristics.

Becoming aware of yourself, of those parts in you which you have denied and rejected as part of "who you are" is therefore a first step in being empowered to live your life to the fullest, as well as better able to develop successful personal and professional relationships.

The shadow as being reflected in Edgar Allan Poe's stories

When we understand the concept of the "shadow" we can then understand what makes the stories of Edgar Allan Poe so fascinating to us. They are macabre in nature; delve into the mysteries of our soul; depict episodes which make us fearful and anxious, on the one hand, yet motivate us to keep reading, hoping to "discover" what's happening, curious to know what the end will be.

Poe's life and stories
Some literary critics say that a "great writer" (a definition of "a great writer" is still being continuously debated... ) is one whose life was in a shamble. They mention authors such as the French writer Honoré de Balzac, the American writer Truman Capote and the Norwegian writer Knut Hamsun (famous for his book "Hunger").

Edgar Allan Poe, an American author (1809 - 1849) can certainly be included in this category. Dying at the young age of 40 his life was a continuous struggle with complex problems and relationships (it is interesting to note the similarity between Poe the writer to the Nederland's painter Van Gogh [1853 - 1890] who died at the age of 37 and, just like Poe, has had a hard life, part of which was attributed to his mental illness).

Peter Ackroyd's biography "Poe: A Life Cut Short"

The complexity of Poe's life is adequately described in Peter Ackroyd's biography "Poe: A Life Cut Short" (2009). Although written in a chronological order, it nonetheless begins with Poe's tragic death, the reason being that his death is, in some respect, a symbol of Poe's life as a continuous accumulation of one misery after another. Not only was Poe financially poor for most of his life, he was also "disillusioned" about his attempts at intimate relationships with women. It seems like his macabre psychological stories are a mirror to his own soul, reflecting his own misery (as well as mirroring the "shadow" which exists in each one of us).

Throughout his short life Poe was engaged with many "vocations": a soldier, a journalist, an editor, always busy producing stories after stories. But moving from one vocation to another, from one relationship to another, must have been intrinsically related to the inner stress by which he was engulfed.

Ackroy'd book is a fascinating chronological account of Poe's life vis-à-vis the societal-cultural times in which he lived. Fascinating as well is the realization that the miseries Poe has endured throughout his life are not unique to his times: other human beings throughout history have suffered and might still be suffering a similar existence. What makes Poe unique, though, is his virtuosity as a writer, his diversity of style and themes, which Peter Ackroyd has so artistically painted in front of our eyes.

Poe's tormented soul, his complex relationships with women - due to his complex relationships with himself! - his gambling and alcohol problems are coming to life in Ackroyd's book, a page-turner biography, depicting a complex personality which is in a constant struggle with its inner as well as outer world, to the bitter end...
Poe's "demons" and "shadow" have not only tormented him all his life, but, being an artist, came to life in his many stories. In such he, as a writer, might have been different from many of us who are not artists in nature and do not have the means to express our own shadow and demons. Being unable to express these is driving many of us to reject them, denying their existence in us. Nonetheless, they often surface uncontrollably and without our awareness (for example: in our projections and judgements), therefore harming our relationships.

We are better equipped to deal with our own issues than Poe was

Poe might not have had sufficient means to deal with his complex psychological issues, except to express them in his writings (not always being aware of the fact that his writings reflect his own issues). We, on the other hand, living in the 21st century, might be better encircled with various means by which we can become aware of our own shadow, demons and psychological issues, learn how to cope with them and become able to stop them from tormenting us, thus moving on to developing a quality life and healthy relationships.

Doron Gil, Ph.D., an expert on Self-Awareness and Relationships, is a university teacher, workshop leader, counsellor and consultant, and the author of: "The Self-Awareness Guide to a Successful Intimate Relationship. The book includes more than 200 real-life anecdotes illustrating how to become conscious and empowered to develop a healthy and satisfying intimate relationship: http://www.amazon.com/Self-Awareness-Guide-Successful-Intimate-Relationship/dp/143925141X/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Doron_Gil,_Ph.D./742948

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9517372

New World Order Conspiracy Theory

The new world order is a conspiracy theory that tends to explain the emergence of a one world government sometime in the future. These conspiracies have culminated to other connections especially the end of the world theory. The common subject on the new world order is however related to a power elite group of people functioning in secrecy to eventually take over the world where the sovereign nations or states will be no more. These ideologies are encompassed by the procedural performance of history into addressing certain matters of economy, governance and politics in addition to wars as well as finance. The new world order has had different conspiracies over the years. In the 1990s, the entire belief was related to the end of times and an anti-government rights group from the United States. The end of the world conspiracy was interrelated with the coming of the Antichrist. The antichrist is said to rule the nations by fulfilling the writings in the Bible.

The term the new world order is not that old and neither is it that new. In the early 20th century, various statesmen used this term to refer to a new age of politics where power will be cost shared to equal balances. Other unfounded fears that culminated to the emergence of these conspiracies were for example the illuminati, free masons and the Jews getting connected to a new world conspiracy that would eventually turn catastrophic according to skeptics. The illuminati for example were as a result of a German socialist who intended to teach rationalism in mystery schools. The major objective of this group was also connected to revolutionaries of the world leadership and the upbringing of new ruling techniques. In many of the theories that connect the antichrist to the end of the world, it is said that the he will be the last pope. This is a conspiracy theory that continuously became common in the early 21st century as opposed to the fact that the antichrist may also be the leader of the European Union or the secretary general of the United Nations.

The illuminati was a conspiracy that was said to have ended in 1785 however it appears as if there are traces that lead back to this cabal even of late. Back in 29th may 1954 at hotel de Bilderberg in Netherlands, a conference was held that lasted for three days. The meeting was supposed to bring two continents together with a plan to promote antilanticism. During this time, the set objective was supposed to better understanding between the United States and Western Europe. Since 1954, Bilderberg group became common and every year, they hold a meeting referred to as the Bilderberg conference to promote the two markets. The club is usually made of about 140 notable guests who come in without invitation. The question is, are these groups having these meetings with a hidden agenda? Is this the coming age that was conceptually spoken about by key figures in the past like Woodrow Wilson? Is the new world order finally here? Well, the only thing we can add on is that time will tell.

For FREE ebooks, videos, downloads, news and articles on esoteric knowledge, spirituality, the paranormal, conspiracies, new age, 2012 and the new world order come to:

[http://www.newdawnera.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_L_Hudson

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6683213

Conspiracy Theory Junkies

There are plenty of Conspiracy theories that occur from events that have happened and then the theories evolve from one source or another and take on a life of their own.

Most of the conspiracies involve a famous person place or thing. The first rule is that it must be a subject that a lot of people have a passion for, either pro or con. Something the public has a lot of hate or love for. In other words; A lot of emotion is a large component of the ingredient that stirs one up inside. A story that becomes a conspiracy theory might have been in the news and has literally captivated the masses. It can be an individual like Marilyn Monroe, She captivated the hearts and minds of America. We hated to see OUR beautiful Marlin Monroe suddenly and UN-expectantly taken from us, after all, how could she just die like the rest of us lowly humans? She was bigger the life. There must have been something behind her death don't you think?

When you think of strength you think of steel, Like Superman. Steel is real hard to bend. I can smash aluminum pretty easily but steel is very strong so when you think of steel melted and flowing like a milkshake it just doesn't register in your mind. So when some think of 9/11 you can't seem to grasp the idea of the World Trade Buildings coming down because the steel support beams melted from the very hot burning Jet fuel. There just has to be another reason why they came down, like maybe a bomb blew them up, or worst; Bush planned it all. I personally don't think the later. But that's a conspiracy theory.

The unexplained can certainly stir ones imagination up. Like," Are we alone in this universe"? Have you ever seen a UFO streaking across the night sky? Some people even tell us how they were abducted and put on an operating table and probed.

What about the H1N1 and the swine flu outbreak? were they released onto society on purpose by some Illuminati or secret skull and Bone society out to depopulate the world. How about the plans for a One World Order? Global warming? is it fact or fiction? Were the statistics manipulated to look like the earth is warming? many scientist secretly don't believe the earth is warming.

Conspiracy theories will continue to develop as long as big events and people are in the mix and there are Conspiracy theory Junkies who like to read about them like you and I.

Kelly Crepeault, the world is full of the unknown. I like to expand my mind and explore all angles of a story. The known and the unknown. [http://www.conspiracytheories247.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KC_Crepeault

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/3474563

The Great Conspiracy Theory Hoax

There is much talk about Conspiracy and the dark motives of world leaders. But, conspiracy theorists are noticeably silent about be the most widespread and virtually unassailable conspiracy. This great conspiracy lies at the root of all our problems.The greatest conspiracy every human being is exposed to, at birth, is the idea that we are the personality. That our body, our emotions and intellect define us. Rare is the person who discovers, within their lifetime, that in fact they have subtle bodies and a spirit. That they are more than the personality.

If we only acknowledge the personality, it inevitably leads to acquisitiveness, greed, violence. We can see this in our individual lives as well as globally. Countries hold secrets that they wish to keep from their 'enemies' and even from those who are ostensibly their friends because they want to protect their interests.

Conspiracy theorists mention the Illuminati, a secret group or 'shadow government' who, allegedly are determined to create a new world order in which the general populace will be subjected to their rule. This group apparently has its roots in the past as well as the present. Many prominent people who have great financial clout, are said to be found amongst its members.

Leaving aside the discussion as to whether these theories hold water or not, the fact is that Cosmic Intelligence is far more powerful than any group on earth. To paraphrase Jesus' words, when he was threatened by his enemies with death, he said 'You can have no power over me unless God or the Invisible world, allows you to'.

Cosmic Intelligence is supreme. There is a plan for the evolution of the planet and if we wander too far from it, then Cosmic Intelligence with put us back on track in no uncertain terms. Civilizations have disappeared in the past if they erred too far.

As Hermes Trismegistus said 'That which is above is like that which is below'. Above and below are also within and without, he was talking about consciousness. So long as humanity, collectively, has the germ of greed, desire for power over others and the pursuit of status, then there will be people on earth who manifest these qualities. The outer world is the reflection of the inner world.

So you could say that countries get the leaders they deserve. A President or a Prime Minister, is a reflection of the sum total of the consciousness of the country. So if a country upgrades its collective consciousness, it will manifest a more evolved leader.

It is not that useful to continually dwell on conspiracy theories. They can be a distraction from the real work humans are called to do. The shattering of our collaboration with the forces of the world and the identification with our true Self, our Spirit is, a conspiracy that is worth challenging.

Duncan Sequeira

For more articles on contemporary spirituality, check Duncan's site at http://www.aquariusteaching.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duncan_Sequeira

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6252072

Unique Holidays: Visit the Worlds Historic Battlefields

Visiting battlefields is not only a pastime for the military history buff. The world's battlefields are also poignant reminders of the futility of war and sacrifices made. Pacifists will find them just as moving. Some countries were literally shaped by war and history has been defined by it. Tourists who wish to gain a real knowledge of the countries that they visit will find their understanding enriched by visiting these sites. For some tourists, they may even gain an appreciation why their country and fellowmen were fighting in that war and several have in fallen in battle on the very grounds they are visiting.

Standing on sites where conflicts took place - including some that changed the course of history - brings the past more vividly to life than any book or documentary and can be an unforgettable experience. In Britain, literature fans can visit the sites of historical and famous battles and stand on the very ground of historical battles that have been immortalized in words by renowned authors such as Shakespeare and other renowned authors or poets.

At some much older sites, they provide other unique activities such as joining part of ongoing archaeological work being done at the site or any current restoration efforts.

For many people, war has taken its toll on their own families within living memory. Visiting those sites can be an emotional pilgrimage to pay homage to fallen comrades or relatives. Without visitors and remembrance, those sites will not live on. Tourist revenues are crucial to their maintenance and continuing existence.

Battlefields Around the World

It says a lot about humanity and the accompanying violence that has characterized human history that in almost every country there can be found a battlefield and/or monument, particularly with accompanying cemeteries in honor of the dead and fallen. Many have been carefully conserved, with site museums providing detailed information.

The World Wars

World War I, the war that was supposed to have ended all wars, has the distinction of having its battle sites being the most visited sites in the world. The meticulously maintained sites in the regions of Ypres, the Somme and Arras are heavily visited. In Asia, another much-visited World War site is Gallipoli, near Troy. This peninsula was the site of half a million casualties, of whom 100,000 died, in the 1915-16 conflict there.

World War II sites are also popular tourist destinations, with a large of its visitors being surviving veterans of that conflict. Normandy and the D-Day beaches, Arnhem (the battle that was the subject of the award-winning film 'A Bridge Too Far') and sites in Italy also feature strongly. Some specialist tour companies will design custom tours for veterans and their descendants to revisit places of significance.

Vietnam

More recent wars are commemorated in other Asian countries where they occurred. The Vietnam War is sill fresh in the memories of many Americans and those people who lived through it, whether as participants or as spectators of a global event unfolding in their televisions screens on live newscasts.

Both sides having buried the hatchet, many Vietnam vets now return to remember the events of three decades ago as some form of pilgrimage or effort at closure or healing. They are also able to see the other side of the conflict, at sites such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, a subterranean complex built by Viet Cong fighters near Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City).

Anglo-Boer and Anglo Zulu Wars

Deeper in the past, the late nineteenth century was another war-torn era. In Africa, the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, attracts many tourists eager to see the battlefields of the Anglo-Boer and Anglo-Zulu wars. Perhaps most famous are the Anglo-Zulu war battlefields of Rorke's Drift where a handful of British soldiers resisted a massive onslaught by Zulu warriors and Isandhlwana where the British Army suffered one of its most devastating defeats in its proud history.

India

India too has its own share of battle sites. A day trip from Kolkata takes tourists to the site of the 1757 Battle of Plassey; a battle that helped established the British presence in India. Near Delhi, the Meerut Cemetery is one site commemorating the Indian Mutiny of 1857, while the terrible Massacre at Amritsar in 1919 is commemorated in the Punjabi City.

America

Visitors to America can choose amongst hundreds of battlefield sites dating to the Civil War. Most famous is Gettysburg, which has been restored and has pride of place amongst American monuments.

Battlefields belonging to another dimension of American history (and other places worldwide where colonialism operated) includes those where colonizers clashed with indigenous peoples. One famous site is at Wounded Knee Creek, South Dakota, where Lakota Sioux clashed with the U.S. Army in 1890, resulting in the deaths of three hundred men, women and children. The site of the Battle of Little Big Horn in Montana is another site commemorating a conflict that every American learns about.

Britain

Britain is also replete with battlefields that have been immortalized in literature. They include Bannockburn, a key battle in the Scottish fight for independence. In Leicestershire is the site of the Battle of Bosworth Field, where Richard III fell in 1485, according to Shakespeare, declaiming 'A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse!' Culloden is another famous Scottish battlefield, where Bonny Prince Charlie fought in the Stuart Uprisings to challenge the Hanoverian kings on the English throne.

Battlefields, though reminders of a violent past, are not necessarily maudlin places. For alongside the violence, death, pain and horrors of battle, you will also find tales and instances of courage, honour, dedication, compassion, chivalry and inspiration.

2011 Moira G Gallaga©

Recently resigned civil servant from the Philippine Foreign Service. Specializes in Protocol and served 3 Philippine Presidents as Presidential Protocol Officer. Assigned along with her diplomat husband and son in Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles and Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. for 6 and a half years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Moira_G_Gallaga

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6524808