A book with specific insight into the mysteries of this ancient myth, both its psychological ramifications and, modern-day recurrence.

http://www.dionysus.org/

Dear Iacchus,

Welcome to the forum!

In reading your first 3 posts and then reading the material in your posted link it seems that your writing style and that of the author of the online book are similar. Can I assume you are the author of that material? You don't have to answer that if you don't want to. If it is you, then you certainly have revealed a lot of insightful personal information about yourself.

It was very noble and generous of the author to freely share, what obviously was a monumental undertaking, his beliefs with the rest of the world for free. In my opinion the author of that book appears to be a very intelligent, well-read, earnest, sincere and studious person. I wonder how the church is doing?

Would you mind explaining the meaning of your screen name and why you chose it?

I'm looking forward to the many things I can learn from you through the sharing of your insight, thoughts and views about the various topics on this forum.
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"Knowledge is the small part of ignorance that we arrange and classify." Ambrose Bierce

Thank you.

Yes, that is correct.

Well, if there is anything to it all (obviously I believe there is), then how can I hold back, and wait for the possibility that some publisher "may" want to publish it? It had become too much of a burden keeping it all to myself, when I finally decided to publish it online in 1997. I figured at least this way people will have a chance to become aware of it.

Yes, it was a lot of work, and one reason why it's still not finished. In fact, it may never get finished. It took a great deal out of me. Plus, once I began working on the website, the work on the book had pretty much come to a halt (at least over the last few years). But, at least now I have something to show for it.

Thanks, you are too kind.

Well, at one point I thought it might have something to do with the writing of my book but, nothing has really materialized. I think it was meant to be taken more in a representative sense, about the state of mankind in general.

Are you familiar at all with Iacchus of Greek mythology? It was a surname of Dionysus and a personification of the "shout" which led the procession at the mysteries of Eleusis. So in that sense, it refers to someone who is affiliated with the mysteries of the afterlife which, is what the mysteries of Eleusis entailed.

Well perhaps, although I think most of my ideas will probably be restricted to the Religion and Spirituality forum, similar to what I've explained here in this thread.

Dear Iacchus,

Thank you for responding to my post as thoroughly as you did. Thanks also for the education in the meaning of your screen name as well as the information on the Eleusinian Mysteries. Is it just a coincidence that you came to this website to reveal your 'sacred' knowledge to any would-be 'initiates' during the anniversary month of the Mysteries' celebrations?

You can expect to hear more from me as I read every post you write on a daily basis. I will appreciate all I can learn from one as intelligent, knowledgeable and eloquent as yourself.
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'The wise man will seek to associate with one who is wiser than he.'

You're welcome.

Actually, this is just as much news to me as it is to you. But, since I don't believe in coincidences, per se' but, more in terms of what Jung coined, synchronicity, I am not surprised that you should bring it up. This in fact is how I came to learn most of what I speak about in my book, by acknowledging the coincidences and learning how to piece them together in a way (like pieces of a puzzle), to make a more concise picture. So, in that sense it has very little to do with what you or I am saying but, that which has chosen to reveal itself through us. So, you could very well be on to something here.

In fact if you read chapter 5 in my book, you'll see what I'm talking about. I didn't know the first thing about the Greek myths or, very little, until one or two years after the experience I conveyed and, found out that the name Dennis comes from Dionysus.

Well, it isn't so much "I" that makes it intelligent, it's the "spirit" that operates behind it that makes it intelligent ... hence the notion of "synchronicity." While the fact is, I can be quite crude at times, so I would much rather you didn't address me as such, for it is not "I."

Dear Iacchus,

You are obviously a man who seeks meaning in everything, much like myself. Have you changed your thinking/ideas/beliefs very much from what you wrote in your book? If so, in what ways/areas?

I read the link you provided to Carl Jung's synchronicity idea. Thanks. How large a part, do you think, apophenia played in the ideas you expressed in your book?

In certain chapters, there are open gaps of numbered lines that bear no text. Is this because you have omitted those paragraphs because they were perhaps too personal?

I read chapter 5 and others as well. (not finished reading your entire book).
You seem to find significance in almost everything. Have you looked into a personalized Astrological natal profile of yourself? How about a readout of your Chinese Astrology profile? What about the Numerology significance of your name? Ever had a professional assessment done on your palm prints?

As you request, I will refrain from referring to you as I have. You realize, of course, that the greatest attributes of a person are modesty and humility?
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"Humbleness is always grace, always dignity." James Russell Lowell

For a period of about 25 years, yes, that about sums it up.

At the time I didn't think it was possible, but yes, I have changed. So much so, that in many ways I don't feel like the same person. But, that's the price one pays I guess, when trying to present something that other folks merely deem as "apophenia." (See below.) Mainly I don't have nearly as much interest and, am not actively engaged the way I used to be. And, as much as I felt the loss initially, I'm beginning to wonder if it's not better this way and, if it's even necessary for other people to know of such things. I'm beginning to think it isn't. That isn't to say I shouldn't attempt to promote it, however, for if I were to give it up entirely, that would be the same as admitting there was nothing there in the first place ... which, is simply not true.

The link that I provided was a skeptics site. And, given the fact that Jung was more or less "spiritual," theirs is an attempt to dismiss the possibility (of anything spiritual) by equating it with "apophenia." Because as far as they're concerned, there is "nothing" there. In which case I think apophenia is the wrong choice of words, unless of course you're of the same opinion. I provided the link though, because it was the only one I have found on the Internet, and it seemed to provide a fairly adequate description ... up to where they try to dismiss it, that is.

If you heard a voice one day or, perhaps had a vision, that said don't go to New York City on 9/11 because all hell was going to break loose and, in fact it did, does that mean nothing was there? And, while most of the examples I give in my book are not as clear-cut as this, they aren't altogether different. So yes, in answer to your question, most of what I speak about is either speculative or, falls along these lines. In which case it becomes a matter of perspective, whether you wish to deem it "apophenia" or not. If you take a look at chapter 9, you might get some idea on how these things come together to paint a "clearer picture."

I was just making room for what I expected to add, but never got around to it.

The entire book? LOL! ... There is quite a bit there to read.

For the most part, no, to any of these things. There were enough things going inside of me that I didn't feel it was necessary and, I felt I should remain true to that, in order to keep it "genuine," that is. That didn't keep me from dabbling with some of these things on my own, however, for example, the numbering system I developed in chapter 4. I've also made reference to zodiac signs, here and elsewhere. Yet aside from the apparent symbolism, I know little about astrology and numerology. I've also had my palms read, twice. Whether they were professional or not, I don't know? The first was a woman who only read left hands, who said I should take care of my health. And guess what? I've been sick ever since (about 15 years). The second time it was a young man from India (his uncle had taught him how to do this) who only read right hands. Who said, "What are you doing here! (assemblying electronic circuit boards). You should be a great scientist or, a doctor!" So, I guess you can make of it what you will.

I also realize that if you can't get your "self" out of the way when speaking of such things, people are not going to listen, not without thinking you're some kind maniac, that is.

Dear Iacchus,

If you don't mind me saying this, I enjoy reading what you write. You have a style that I find very appealing as well as interesting.

I finished reading your book last night. (around midnight) Woke up at 3 a.m. and for some reason couldn't get back to sleep. Perhaps it was due to the content of the material I had just digested.

The reason why I asked if you had changed any is because your writing today is different than what it is in the book. You now seem more assured, more confident in yourself.

Just a side note of interest...I watched a program, Magic, Myth and Miracles, which was looking at the study of graphology, the study of personality traits perceived through handwriting analysis. At the conclusion of the segment they presented some very interesting information. Several people who had claimed they had been abducted by aliens had their handwriting analyzed.

Two things became apparent, 1. None of the handwriting samples submitted by the several contributors resembled their former handwriting styles which were typically scrawling in nature and 2. All of the current handwriting (mind writing) samples were as exact and as precise as any penmanship teacher would want to see in a student. I'm not sure why I brought that up.

It is not my place to judge anyone. Your life path is your own and is bound to be different from everyone else's. So, no, I am not saying your 'visions' and 'voices' were fictitious. You do seem to have a penchant for placing an association with and/or attachment to the many experiences and events in your life.

In your book you state you don't subscribe to any religious belief, however your knowledge of the Bible is astounding. Where, and from whom, might I ask, did you receive the inclination to study such a massive tome?

It's not too late to look into what your Natal Horoscope says about you. In a previous post here I stated how reading my own completely opened my eyes to who I was and what I should be doing. The information gave me a shot in the arm of confidence and encouragement to branch out, to learn, to grow, to share what I could with others.

My Numerology report was nearly identical in what it said about me. Chinese Astrology report very similar. My Palm Print analysis via snail-mail was a real eye-opener. I thought, how could this psychic know so much about me. I printed excerpts from all four reports onto a single page of paper from the 100 or more pages received. If you should ever like to read it just E-Mail me and I'll send the .pdf post haste.

While your health has not been the best my health has. For nearly 18 years I have not had a cold, flu, headache, earache, sore throat, not even a cough! If you are interested in the secret of my success you merely have to ask.

I agree with your palm reading man, you could certainly be a scientist, doctor, or any other analytical specialist you set your mind to being.
I hope you find what you're looking for.
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"Illness tells us what we are." Italian Proverb

So, you read the whole thing in one day basically? That's amazing. Most folks have a difficult time grasping any of it. And, while I'm sure there are areas that require clarification (and need to be rewritten, no doubt), did you find it easy to read? Was there any of it you didn't understand? How about the website itself? Was it easy enough to navigate, and easy to read online?

Basically there are three main ideas I'm trying to present. First, the establishment of the "New Church," in accord with Emanuel Swedenborg, who says the book of Revelation had been fulfilled in his time, and a new church established at that time as well; hence I'm referring to the continuation or lineage of this. Second, is my relationship with Roy Masters and the Foundation of Human Understanding, who I deem as a necessary precursor to the development of this (similar to Martin Luther and the Reformation prior to Swedenborg's day) who, will probably receive more recognition than I ever will. And third, how it all ties in with Dionysus who, in many ways was a parallel of Jesus, which I say was established by the rebirth experience in the front seat of my pickup truck in chapter 5 ... similar to the woman who gives birth to the man child in Revelation 12; which Swedenborg says corresponds to the advent of the New Church.

On top of that, people will probably be asking, "Where is Jesus?" and can probably forget about "the rapture," for as Swedenborg explains, its time has already come and gone. So in that sense, it will likely to become a real test for those who wish to remain sticklers about it. Another focus of the book is to consolidate the idea that a spiritual world does exist, as well as a corresponding afterlife; not to mention that God is a sexual being and, that this becomes the ultimate expression of His love towards mankind ... in accord with the afterlife, that is. So, what better way to convey this, except through Dionysus?

Dear Iacchus,

It took me about 8 hours to read your book. Grasping and comprehending the information will take a lot longer. It would have taken longer to read if I tried to read all of the links you provided. My main purpose was to get some idea of what you were saying and also to attempt to understand how your mind works.

As I said earlier you seem to have a tendency to look for the similarities/parallels of your personal life experiences with the various Greek Gods and Goddesses you've studied. This effect seems quite natural for people who have placed as much study and attention into a subject as you obviously have.

The only book similar to what you have written was a book I used to study when I was a Jehovah's Witness entitled, 'Babylon the Great has Fallen, God's Kingdom Rules.' It too was filled with many references to former times, people and places in its attempt to make various points about the beliefs they were espousing.

Your book was easy to read. You did not go out of your way to use big words over simpler, more easily understood ones. The website was easily manageable and well thought out. Congratulations on a job well done! As for understanding it, can anyone honestly say that they truly understand what another person says, thinks, feels, believes?

I would almost have to have your mind to fully understand what you have written. Let's just say it was easier for me to understand your human feelings, thoughts, responses to your life situations than it was to make the numerical/name/mythology connections.

If what you have just stated are your current beliefs then I can see why it might be hard for you to expect to gather many believers/converts/followers. Your ideas and beliefs are just so different from any one else's, which is an apt similarity of yourself as a unique individual.

I wish you much luck and success in pursuing your dreams/goals. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to assist you.

Respectfully,
Russ
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"Literature is an avenue to glory ever open for those ingenious men who are deprived of honors or of wealth. Isaac D. Israeli

The links are mostly there for reference. Also, a good majority of them point to the glossary that I've attempted to create -- boy, that was a lot of work! -- so that you can look up the same terms elsewhere in the book. Many of them have external links associated at that point as well. Aside from that though, I'm glad you didn't have too much difficulty reading it. Whereas you seemed to have grasped more than most so far, at least in terms of feedback I've gotten.

Do you know what's funny? It didn't involve so much work as it involved learning to live my own life and acknowledging the "coincidences" as they came up. The hard part was writing the book, and categorizing it in a way so that people can read it; not to mention all the (thousands of) hours I've spent on my web page, as this is the only place it's available.

Have you read anything by Robert Graves, and the Greek Myths? I found his work very helpful (although a bit disjointed) in establishing some of the connections that I've made.

This is good. It wasn't my intent to make it obscure, as it was already quite obscure as it is. Ideally I would like most folks to find it readable.

Great. Thanks!

No, but that doesn't stop anyone from claiming that they do.

That's fair enough. I was just thinking that at some point, folks might learn how to make the "connections" the way I have and, that it might catch on. Of course that time may have already come and gone, for it doesn't even hold my interest anymore ... or, at least the way it had. It's really hard to say.

Yet it's this uniqueness, whether others are capable of seeing it or not, that ultimately drives the mainstream. If not, then what exactly is the mainstream founded upon, except then air? This is why I kept at it as long as I had, although it entailed keeping most of it to myself.

Thanks. Do you know anything about publishing?

Dear Iacchus,

Thanks for the link to Amazon.com for 'The Greek Myths' by Robert Graves. Maybe, one of these days, I'll look into reading it. Presently I am rereading some of the 1400 books I have in my book library and posting the best parts from them onto the 'Favorite Books' thread.

Unfortunately I don't have any knowledge about book publishing. Thankfully I can't think of a better resource for researching anything than what we already have access to: the Internet. I wish you all the best in your many endeavors!
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"Life is a jest, and all things show it; I thought so once and now I know it." Epitaph of John Gay.