Tarot and Medici Solitaire

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…A devilish commission enters the hall where cauldrons filled with sinners are boiling.

All at once, a man leaps from the first cauldron, hurries to the table nearby, snatches a bottle of moonshine, fills a glass to the brim, drinks it down, and dashes back into the cauldron. And there, at the table, dozes an old devil. The head of the commission inquires, 'Where is the security?' But the old devil replies that no security is needed: Russians are boiling in the cauldron. All they need is a bottle of vodka at hand—and nothing more in life.83

The second cauldron, however, was guarded by a crowd of devils armed with pitchforks. “There, the Jews are boiling,” the infernal overseer explained. ‘If one manages to escape, he’ll pull the others out with him.’

And the third cauldron was not guarded by anyone at all. To the silent question from the head of the commission, the steward replied: 'There are Ukrainians boiling in there.' And there is no guard because if any of them tries to climb out, their own will pull them back down by the legs.

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As they say, there is a drop of truth in every joke. Everything else is pure, as they say, like a baby's tear—bare truth.

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Fig. – How are you, brother?

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We continue to teach in parables and anecdotes, following Christ’s method:

Two brothers lived in Western Ukraine – Taras and Hritzko. Then came Soviet rule. Taras joined the kolkhoz and took to the Tractor, while Hritzko remained on his farmstead. The Germans arrived – Taras joined the partisans, and Hritzko became a policeman.

The Soviets returned. Taras came out of the forest and back to the kolkhoz, to the Tractor. And Hritzko – to Siberia, to the logging camps.

Yet time runs swiftly, and Hritzko returned home. Yet he did not remain in the village; they could not forgive him there for his policeman’s boldness. He found work in the district center as a mechanic at the Machine and Tractor Station. In time, you’d see—he was a foreman, then a shift supervisor, and thus he rose to become chairman of the district’s agricultural machinery board. But his brother, Taras, still labors at the kolkhoz, on the tractor. Once, he came to the district, stopped by his brother’s place; they sat together and drank horilka.

–I do not understand, Hritzko. All my life I have worked honestly, and still I am just an ordinary tractor driver. So you, traitor, spent your time in the camp, yet became a great leader?

– And that is just as it should be. Who is listed as my brother on my record? A hero-partisan! And yours—a collaborator!

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Fig. Paw to paw, body to body. To find warmth and to listen.

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It is precisely for this reason that believers and those who yearn for spiritual evolution often retreat into monasteries. There, in constantly caring for one another, they evolve themselves and help others to evolve as well.

So, to the question: and who is that wretched Switchman? Who has cut off my air—me, so talented and remarkable? Who stitched my trousers to my shirt?

One may cheerfully shout in chorus,МММММММММММЫЫЫЫЫЫЫЫЫЫЫЫЫ – T H E C O L L E C T I V E ! ! ! …84

Yet often, as in the fable, they will blind themselves just so their neighbor will not have two eyes.

All this would be laughable, were it not so sad. From this vantage point, the childlike and naive maxims of Christianity appear somewhat different: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Strangely enough, such an algorithm proves to be quite effective and even advantageous—strategically speaking. Napoleon would have understood it.85

Yet people who are well-weathered and world-wise swiftly become shrewd, flocking in great numbers to certain saints and priests, beseeching them to 'pray for them.'

In light of all that has been said, one may confidently assert that, for ordinary people, the Switchmen are all those around them—to varying degrees.

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Fig. Food! Food! Food! Let me in! Let me through! Yes, let me through, you rascals! Why do you all push your way in so brazenly, with no respect for the line? Let me through! I held this place in past lives!

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Yet there are other mechanisms by which the arrows of Karma may be moved.

Above all, and strangely enough, there is the dream. For it is in the dream that one steps into the collective unconscious, where so much of their fate is written.

Yet few know, or even suspect, that their dream is also, in part, the dream of others. As a rule, this includes one’s closest relatives, friends, and acquaintances. And above all, one's spouse and children.86

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Fig. I shall wait a little longer. Perhaps he will come out onto the road.

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This is why respectful treatment of women is held in such high regard, and why, indeed, gentlemen are always fortunate. For it is the dream of women that chiefly shapes the Karma of men; or rather, it is the fulfillment of their desires in the real.

This Law of the Mirror shields the world from those who are too relentless, those possessed of too resounding a pride. They may puff themselves up and brandish their fists and weapons throughout Life.

Yet it is the 'weak and defenseless' woman, who in her sleep, weaves his destiny as he deserves. And she weaves it not only in this Life, but in those that follow.87

Were this protective mechanism absent, the fiercest would soon grow fiercer still, driving all others deep into the ground. And his children would utterly oppress the rest.

Yet in practice, such a thing never comes to pass. And that is why all dictatorships and empires ultimately fall apart. That is why any lineage or family led by a ruthless tyrant degenerates by the third generation. There is even a proverb: 'Nature rests upon the children of geniuses.'

When Karma becomes distorted at its causal level, certain key qualities unravel, and within two or three generations of dictatorship, such power structures destroy themselves.

It is precisely these unseen and uncontrollable mechanisms that serve as Divine Providence in the hands of the 'weak and defenseless' ladies. By those very unseen guardians who uphold the Balance of the Universe. 88

To one who does not perceive the continuity of generations and their evolution, it may seem otherwise. Yet if one expands their gaze by two or three centuries, the truth becomes evident.

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Fig. xррррррррр… Xрррррррррррррр… Xрррррррррррррр… xррррррррррррр… ххххххххrrr… xxxrrr? xxxRRRR??? xрррррррр!!! xррррррр. There you have it! Now, all is as it should be.

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What, then, do mages and stalkers do in this regard?

Mages, above all, possess the art of entering a lucid dream, which they call trance, and by guiding the currents within the dream, they can shape their fate from without.89

And not only their own, but even, it seems, entirely foreign destinies.

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Fig. And the boundaries melt away, melt away… All that was frozen comes alive!

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Yet a dream is such an intriguing thing—so many-faceted. Moreover, the deeper one delves, the nearer the detachment from reality, and Recoil arises—the dream slips from the hands of the mage.

And the overreaching mage is flung back into 'reality.' At times not only grown cold and chill, but even slightly spoiled.90

This is the second protective wall of the world. It shields the world from mages who are overly cunning.

The Stalkers, however, have chosen a different path.

They do not seek to alter fate through their own dream. They simply grasp what Life truly is, and perceive the reverse and the face of existence far more clearly than novice mages.

Through purely scientific inquiries and practical experience, they have discovered that human Life is the dream of God, in which we all 'live.' What appears real to us is, in truth, the dream of a single great being, which in turn is but the reflection of the dreams of countless lesser consciousnesses that compose it.

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Thus, stalkers do not descend into dream-trance for magical operations as mages do, but instead engage directly with the sleeping consciousness of God, which regards all as reality.91

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What, then, is the difference, you may ask?

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Fig. – Halt, who goes there? State the password! – The password. – Prrrrooocccccceeeeed…92

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The difference lies in this: the dream is being watched by someone, whether you know it or not. And since your Life is ever watched by God as a dream, it is He who shapes it.

And if one plays Life in a certain way, like an actor guided by specific rules, then this dream—your reality—will shift according to certain mechanisms.93

As those familiar with the theater know, there are but a dozen fundamental plots, and the outcome is shaped by the manner in which the plot is played.

Many hold actors in disdain, yet as the classic has said, 'All the world is a stage, and people are but actors upon it.' Whether they are aware of this, or not.

Moreover, should you seek to govern the dream through dream-trance, you will encounter the defensive mechanisms of the Cosmos, which are rather difficult to traverse within the dream. At least, for the ordinary person.

Yet, by acting in the real, as in the dream of God, one may interact with these mechanisms in certain ways—both directly and indirectly—with greater degrees of freedom.

Though here, too, there are certain shortcomings. After all, there are no advantages without disadvantages.

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Section Homework № 8.

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Fig. Troubled and humble is the Life of an ordinary gymnasium student. To become a champion, one must work exceedingly hard!

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To complete this and other homework assignments, use the Internet and any other sources.

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1. What is a reflex in biology?

What types of reflexes exist?

Give a dozen examples of reflexes.

Where are they encoded?

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2. What is an unconditional reflex?

Provide, for example, about five unconditional reflexes.

What will happen to you if the listed reflexes fail to function?

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Fig. And someone with an authoritative hand strikes beneath the knee with a foot. And the proud bird, the penguin, soars, possessed by Love.94

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3. What are species reflexes of survival? What is their purpose? Please provide examples.

What are species survival programs? What is their purpose? Please provide examples.

What might happen to a species if its species programs and reflexes fail to operate?

In what situations do species programs and reflexes manifest and function?

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4. What does it mean for a program to have priority?

What kinds of priority can be assigned to species survival programs and reflexes?

Under what conditions, and in whom, can the priority of a species' survival programs change? Please provide examples.

What can activate or deactivate species programs and reflexes?

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5. In which domains of consciousness are species reflexes and survival programs found and operating?

Can an individual notice and control unconditioned and species reflexes, as well as survival programs?

Provide examples.

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6. How does a conditioned reflex differ from an unconditioned one? Provide examples.

Can a conditioned reflex serve in the execution of species survival programs?

Where, how, and why might unconditioned and species survival programs intersect with conditioned reflexes? Provide examples.

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Fig. The squirrel turns the wheel, and the gears begin to spin. It is uncertain what, or where. The mechanism is quite delicate. Thus all of Life passes by—from birth until the grave.

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7. Compose the most complete table possible of species reflexes and survival programs in women.

Divide the table into sections, such as: 'Name of Reflex', 'Description', 'Cause of Emergence', 'Result of Proper Program Function', 'Result of Improper Program Function', and so forth.

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8. Compose the most complete table possible of species reflexes and survival programs in men.

Divide the table into sections, such as: 'Name of Reflex', 'Description', 'Cause of Emergence', 'Result of Proper Program Function', 'Result of Improper Program Function', and so forth.

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Fig. Strange games. Strange dances. There is no place for simple vagabonds among them.

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9. What is a well-mannered person, a gentleman, from the perspective of a man's inherent survival instincts and their interplay with the survival instincts of women?

How does the sequence of interaction between a man's and a woman's survival instincts unfold in the communication between a gentleman and a woman?

What is the role of the developer in the printing of film and photographs? What is the role of the fixer in the printing of film and photographs?

What kinds of defects may arise in film and photographic printing?

What is the nature of the energy inherent in the developer and the fixer? To what can the developer and fixer be likened within human society?

What becomes of a man's destiny if a woman passively resists his will and dictates?

How does a woman's behavior change when she actively resists the will and dictates of a man?

How does a man's behavior change when he passively resists the dictates of a woman?

How does a man's behavior manifest if he actively resists a woman's dictates?

Provide examples.

Draw a diagram illustrating the various forms of interaction and the evolution of communication between the sexes. Mark the key points, causes, branching moments—arrows and triggers of interaction.95

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10. How are the notions of 'gentleman' and 'conditioned reflexes' related?

Provide examples.

Enumerate the 'gentleman’s' set of innate, species-specific, and conditioned reflexes.

Compare these with the behavior of James Bond, gallant cavaliers, and other gentlemen in films, series, and books.

Fill in the gaps in the 'gentleman’s set' of reflexes.

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Fig. And the city looks into my soul with its faceless multitude. Alone with myself, I am a silent prisoner in a cage.96

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11. What are social roles, and how are they related to species-specific programs?

Provide examples.

List the social roles of women and men in society.

Compare the lists of social roles in patriarchal and matriarchal societies.

What kind of society are we heading toward, and why?

Draw a conclusion and substantiate it.

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12. Analyze the functioning of a wolf pack according to reasonably professional sources and literature, from the perspective of species-specific reflexes and survival programs.

How does a species-specific reflex differ from a species-specific survival program?

Contemplate the notions of the 'alpha male' and 'alpha female' within the wolf pack.

Who is permitted to reproduce in a wolf pack?

Why does it unfold in this particular way?

What might ensue if it were otherwise?

What are the largest wolf packs ever recorded through history?

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Fig. It's not we who are such—Life itself is thus! (An excuse—familiar, intimate…) …and if we happened to devour someone, well, that was us, just—jesting!

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13. In what ways does the idea of the 'alpha male' intersect with human society?

How and why do women respond to alpha males?

What becomes of the offspring of alpha males?

Provide examples.

Justify your conclusions.

What is a society founded on competition?

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14. What forms the basis of the concept of communism from the perspective of species survival programs?

Which animals, fish, birds, or insects embody the model of communism?

Give examples, and substantiate your observations and conclusions.

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15. How and where does communism intersect with Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism?

Provide examples.

Draw your conclusions and make forecasts.

Please give your reasoning.

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16. What is ethics?

What kinds of ethics exist, and what are their areas of focus?

Is ethics connected in any way to species survival programs?

What conditions and key traits of character determine the transition from one caste to another?

At which levels of consideration does ethics arise as the setting of a social mandate?

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17. Bonus.

Watch the film 'Hitch' (2005).97

What methods and approaches did Hitch use in his work?

Identify the key moments and triggers in his work.

Fill in the blanks in the answers to the questions above.

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18. Bonus.

Watch the film Bimboland (“Pretty Women”), 1998.98

What did Alex Baretto use in her flirting, and how?

Mark the key moments and triggers in her practice.

Fill in the blanks in the answers to the questions above.

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Fig. Alone I set out upon the road and quietly walked my solitary way. Yet someone gazes sternly at my back. Staring, staring. Who is it? I cannot fathom…

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Chapter 9 Of what, of what, of what are these little creatures made?

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Fig. Behind high walls, behind closed doors, is a mortal struggle—in it, an immortal fate.

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In previous chapters, we discerned that every object, process, and event in the surrounding world—when met with attunement—may be confidently distinguished as part of a system of energetic patterns.

This fact has been affirmed time and again through practical experience and admits no doubt. Such truth is echoed, for instance, by the classical poets and dramatists from time immemorial.

Furthermore, there exist rather refined and well-structured theories that elucidate this state of things. For example, Feng Shui, Taoism, and others.99100

For example, in Wu-Shu, Kung Fu, Tai Chi, and the like. There exists the notion of dividing all fighting styles into several main branches:101102

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Fig. When the body holds great strength, it no longer matters what or how. Truly, it does not matter how. A fool is a fool, even in Africa.

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1. The styles of the Earth—such as the bear, the elephant, the bull, and so on—are composed of slow, strong, and powerful movements, generally made with the entire body. Stances that are substantial and powerful, unshakable as a mountain. Their energy is energetically attuned to the Muladhara chakra and the red current. Concentration is drawn into the legs and the base of the spine.

A signature trait of such traditions is the much-revered power and resilience so cherished by all. For instance, to hurl a boulder weighing a ton.

Or, pierced with sharp objects like a pincushion, yet still meting out punishment to one's foes—sternly, yet with justice. Until the workday ends. Or the workweek. Or, perhaps, the foes themselves.

Such ways were practiced in Europe by Knights and berserkers. The rage and frenzy of the Northern berserkers are intimately linked to the awakening of the Muladhara chakra (and even lower—author’s note).103

It is no mere chance that they often bore upon their shoulders the pelt of some bear, tiger, or other hapless creature. In myths and legends, they are often depicted as bear warriors, jaguar warriors, wolf warriors, and the like.

The majority of epic heroes’ legendary feats—Heracles among them—begin with slaying a beast and donning its skin.104105

Socialization in society commonly includes athletes, models, bodyguards (unarmed—bouncers), builders, and bankers.

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Fig. Unhurried and gradual, Water will pass through any wall. As they say, without Water—'neither here nor there.'

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2. The style of the Element of Water—such as the tiger, or in some Schools, the leopard or the Wolf. These are, as a rule, soft and flowing ('lazy') movements.

At a higher level of mastery in the style, there is a sharp transition to firmness. Short, streamlined stances, a ‘sticky’ closeness in combat, with a fluid vertical withdrawal and unexpected firmness. In other words, all those qualities that are innate to water.

In the tiger style, special emphasis is placed upon entering a trance state, through the use of the ‘tiger’s breath’ and the ‘tiger’s roar,’ as well as the channeling and concentration of the totem’s energy at the finger-claws.

In the leopard style, the center of attention is placed in the lower back. Additionally, in these styles—especially the leopard—at a higher level of technique, particular emphasis is placed on the wave-like quality of movement.

There is an energetic emphasis on Svadhisthana—the chakra of orange energy. The hallmark of this style is its sensitivity, charm, and charisma, including a certain sexual magnetism. Its signature lies in the impression and allure it leaves, as well as in the art of inflicting wounds.

The highest Siddha of this style is the mastery over the flow of time—the power to temporarily and locally bring it to a halt. So, for instance, in Tiger Style there exists the so-called Lord's Roar—a special, guttural sound that can temporarily paralyze adversaries.106

Numerous 'iron shirts', 'iron' arms and legs, and 'dragon skin' also pertain to this school of styles. These techniques are founded upon the local shifting of time over the surface of the fighter’s body.

Time on the fighter’s skin shifts by a fraction of a second. Therefore, the 'yesterday’s' skin cannot be pierced.

Socialization in society usually involves: actors, experts in antiquities, wine, art; chefs; investigators; personnel workers; kept women, gigolos.

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Fig. Fire dwells within each soul from the moment of birth. And where there is no Fire, there can be no movement.

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3. The styles of the element Fire—for instance, the path of the Snake.

These are, above all, supple, ‘boneless,’ undulating and spiral motions, with a particular focus on the trembling that stirs within the fingers.

Special emphasis is given to cultivating flexibility, for it forms the foundation for guiding the energies unique to this style through body and limbs.

Within this path, one acquires the art of channeling energy—both through one’s own being and through the body of an adversary.

When energy is conducted through an opponent’s body, it brings changes to the functions of their organs. For instance, one may paralyze the opponent for a long or short time, 'poison,' or heal them, and so forth.

In fact, it is for this reason that the style bears its name. Practitioners of this style possess deep knowledge of the workings of the human body, both in its entirety and in its smallest parts.

They are equally well-versed in medicinal herbs, remedies, and their influence upon the organs of the body.

Thus, adepts of this style often walk among society as healers, apothecaries, curers, bone-setters, or masseurs in one form or another.

The emphasis falls upon the Manipura chakra, upon yellow energy—not to be mistaken for golden. The signature of this style lies in the ability to transform one’s own body and energy, as well as that of others. For example, this encompasses the art of healing—not merely masking symptoms, but transfiguring the very cause of illness.