reality check
by Jill Kirby | 20 september, 1999
Many of you have undoubtedly seen a hologram. (That's right, like on Star Trek!) It is made when an object is photographed onto a glass plate by means of a laser. These photographic patterns appear meaningless and chaotic when viewed using ordinary light. Using a laser, however, produces a realistic, three-dimensional picture of the original object. If this photographic plate becomes broken, the entire image can be reconstructed using any piece of the shattered plate.
"I am he as you are she as you are me and we are all together..."
Certain scientists and researchers suggest that the hologram may be a metaphor for a new way of looking at the universe, and the role of mind in the universe.
Currently, some scientists are revealing astounding new discoveries about the nature of reality. It is sometimes difficult to tell the difference between the writings of these scientists and those of the ancient and modern mystics. An overall theme of both is interconnectedness.
As an Astrologer, I find the idea of the hologram as a model of the universe particularly interesting and appropriate. An Astrological birth chart (horoscope) is, essentially, a picture of our solar system - our corner of the universe - as seen from the point in time and space, of an individual's birth. Like the pieces of a broken holographic plate, each of us contains the whole picture.
The horoscope represents the lens through which you project and interpret your own reality. Understanding the lens through which you filter your experience, allows you to be aware of your role in creating your own reality. Some people reject the idea that they create their own reality, for to accept that concept means accepting responsibility for their lives. Accepting that responsibility demands a conscious effort and an effort in consciousness.
One famous brain researcher, Karl Pibram, has suggested that the brain's "deep structure" is essentially holographic, and that what we perceive as reality is a result of the brain's interpretation through the limited lenses of the physical senses. The horoscope might be likened to a diagram of the brain's "deep structure".
A shift in consciousness is happening.
As the song says, "We are the world." There is a growing worldwide movement to 'think globally, act locally,' which recognizes our interconnectedness and each individual's responsibility in healing our ailing planet, our collective self.
For hundreds of years now, science has objectified our universe by looking at it through manufactured lenses. Like looking at hologram patterns using ordinary light, our view of the universe through these lenses often makes our reality appear chaotic and meaningless. The word 'universe' derives from words meaning 'one turning' and is defined as 'the totality of all the things that exist.' It is a holistic system, and needs to be seen as a whole. How then can we hope to understand it by looking at only parts of it in isolation? More importantly, how can we hope to understand it as long as we are viewing it as separate from ourselves? We are, after all, all parts of that universal whole.
The difference between ordinary light and the laser is that ordinary light goes out in all directions and diffuses, while the laser is highly directional and focussed. Laser light also differs in its vibration and frequency.
Ordinary consciousness - our usual, habitual, waking state - can be compared to ordinary light.
Over the centuries, some mystics and philosophers have managed to transcend a limited view of reality and connect with a deeper (or higher) reality, a spiritual reality wherein there is a sense of peace, love, meaning and interconnectedness. Perhaps the altered states of consciousness - directed and focussed consciousness, where the brain is functioning at a different vibration and frequency (as in deep meditation and prayer) are the mental equivalent of the laser.
The more deeply we are able to understand ourselves, the more able we will be to focus a laser consciousness through our own piece of the holographic whole, to create a realistic picture of peace in our own little corner of the universe.
"All you need is love..."
To contact her, check out her website at holisticarts.ca.
