Natural Antibacterial Herbs

by Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

There are hundreds of plants used all over the world, which are used in herbal medicine as treatments for bacterial infections. Here are some of the most accessible and reliable.

Bayberry (Myrica cerifera): stimulating the flow of bile, and also exhibits antibacterial activity. Use this herb externally as a poultice.

Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum): is an ancient herbal remedy found in the Chinese Materia Medica. Various terpenoids found in the volatile oil including eugenol and cinnamaldehyde account for cinnamon�s medicinal effects. Both cinnamaldehyde and cinnamon oil vapors are potent anti-fungal compounds. Antibacterial actions have been found in cinnamon.

Cranberries (Vaccinium macrocarpon): The medicinal benefits of cranberries have been touted in news reports for years, recognizing the small, four air-chambered berry for its ability to protect against urinary tract infections. However, new research suggests that not only does the cranberry, available in both white and red varieties, fight against bacterial infections in the urinary tract, but it is also associated with potentially lowering LDL cholesterol and slowing cancer cell growth.

Eucalyptus (eucalyptus globulus): It's been known for some time that extracts of eucalyptus oil inhibit the growth of some bacteria. Antibacterial activities of eucalyptus globulus leaf extract against isolated bacteria were investigated by determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC). methods. It is concluded that eucalyptus globules leaf extract is effective against isolated bacteria.

Garlic (Allium sativum): The ancient Egyptians attached great importance to garlic, and used it as a money exchange. Folklore has always claimed that garlic is a great healer, and there is actually a lot of scientific evidence to support that claim. Allicin is the compound responsible for the healing benefits of garlic. Garlic's antibacterial characteristics have been tested even against drug-resistant varieties, and shown to have therapeutic activity. The sulfides in garlic may work in a way similar to that of penicillin and sulfa drugs, to counter the growth of bacteria.

Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadenis): Goldenseal is a native American medicinal plant introduced to early settlers by Cherokee Indians who used it as a wash for skin diseases, wounds, and for sore, inflamed eyes. Its roots are bright yellow, therefore, this is how it gets it's name. Goldenseal root has acquired a considerable reputation as a natural antibiotic and as a remedy for various gastric and genitourinary disorders.

Myrrh (Commiphora Myrrha): Myrrh is a gum resin that has been used since ancient times. The Egyptians used it to embalm bodies, and in biblical times it was one of the herbs brought by the Three Wise Men. Myrrh constituents are antibacterial and antifungal, exhibiting activity against e.coli, staphylococcus, and candida albicans, an overgrowth of which leads to yeast infections. Its antiseptic and disinfectant properties make it useful as a wash on cuts, burns and skin infections. Gargle several drops of tincture in water to relieve a sore throat. Use diluted myrrh as a mouthwash or apply the powder on the mucus membranes inside of the mouth to treat mouth sores and thrush.

Olive Leaf Extract: is an extraordinary herbal antibacterial as well as, antiviral extract. Obtained from specific parts of the olive tree (Olea europaea), this new proprietary phytochemical extract is not only safe, but is also a nontoxic immune system builder. Olive Leaf Extract has been used clinically in its present form for over a year.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca altermifolia): is the extracted oil from Melaleuca altermifolia tree native to Australia. The oil is extracted by steam distillation from the leaves of the tree and has been used by Australian aborigines for several centuries. Now the tree is grown all over the world for its medicinal properties. As an antibacterial agent, tea tree oil is said to alleviate hemorrhoids, and treat candidiasis and other vaginal infections. As an antifungal, tea tree oil has been used for years in the treatment of athlete's foot, ringworm, and nail infections.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Curcumin, the yellow color pigment of turmeric, is produced industrially from turmeric oleoresin. The healing properties of turmeric have made it a most sought after ingredient in cosmetics and drugs, as the leaf oil and extract can also be used as sunscreens and bio-pesticides. It is well recognized as the best anti-oxidant, hypoglycemic, colorant, antiseptic and wound healer.

Yellow Dock (Rumex crispus): has been used for hundreds of years for its astringent properties, treating a variety of skin problems, including boils, rashes, blemishes and burns. Yellow dock is valued as an antibacterial agent and even more as one of the best available sources of iron. Yellow dock's high iron content makes it beneficial for treating anemia and pregnant women. Yellow Dock also contains vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium and phosphorous.

Bell's Palsy and Acupuncture

by Andrew Pacholyk MS, L.Ac.

Bell's palsy is a form of facial paralysis resulting from damage to the VII (facial) cranial nerve. This nerve disorder afflicts approximately 40,000 Americans each year. It can strike almost anyone at any age; however, it disproportionately attacks pregnant women and people who have diabetes, influenza, a cold, or some other upper respiratory ailment.

In addition to one-sided facial paralysis with possible inability to close the eye, symptoms of Bell's palsy may include pain, tearing, drooling, hypersensitivity to sound in the affected ear, and impairment of taste.

The common cold sore virus, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and other herpes viruses are the likely cause of many cases of Bell's palsy. HSV has been observed in saliva (Furuta, Fukuda et al. 1998) as well as muscle biopsy and tears (Kaygusuz, Godekmerdan et al. 2004) of Bell's palsy patients at significantly higher rates than control groups. One study found that approximately 50% of Bell's palsy patients show signs of the virus compared to approximately 19% of the normal population (Furuta, Fukuda et al. 1998). However, an opposing trial found HSV as well as VZV to be non-significantly represented in affected groups (Linder, Bossart et al. 2005). The life span of the virus and the timing of testing for HSV may explain these conflicting conclusions. Furuta (1998) discovered in his trial that HSV became undetectable after two weeks onset of Bell's palsy. The evidence suggesting HSV as the major cause of this condition is demonstrated further by the success of specific antiviral agents which have shown continued success against HSV infections (Adour, Ruboyianes et al. 1996; Allen and Dunn 2004; Allen and Dunn 2005). Furthermore, injections into rat specimens with HSV have recreated facial paralysis in approximate 50% of specimens (Gok, Alpay et al. 2005).

In Western medicine, recent studies have shown that steroids are probably effective and that the drug acyclovir combined with prednisone is possibly effective in improving facial function. This is now the protocol of choice for Western doctors.

Other treatments are usually aimed at protecting the eye from drying at nighttime. Some physicians may prescribe a corticosteroid drug to help reduce inflammation and an analgesic to relieve pain.

The prognosis for Bell's palsy is generally very good. With the Western Medicine approach of drug treatment, most patients begin to get significantly better within 3-4 weeks, and about 80 percent recover completely within 3 months. For some, however, the symptoms may last longer. In a few cases, the symptoms may never completely disappear. The odds with electrostim-acupuncture are much higher. Treatment started with a week of the event, can improve the symptoms with 6 visits with complete recovery and normal facial symmetry within 12 -14 visits. The longer a persons goes without treatment, the longer the recovery time.

Acupuncture Therapy

I treat Bell's Palsy in my practice all the time, as acupuncture gets incredible results. My choice of protocol is electro-stimulation acupuncture. This effectively stimulates the facial nerves on a deeper level than TENS, electro-pads or anti-viral medications alone. I have found that approximately 12-14 treatments are needed to return the face back to its normal look and feel. This form of acupuncture stops pain, relaxes the facial paralysis, brings the feeling back through the nerve endings, stops the drooling and tearing and helps the eye close again. This protocol essentially returns the face back to normal in one-third the time of any other treatment I have seen for this disorder.

Bell's Palsy (Zhong Feng) is considered a Wind Attack or External Wind Stroke attack. The main pattern differentiation being a Wind invasion due to emptiness of the Channels (Maclean and Lyttleton 1998). In Chinese Medicine, Wind is said to be the carrier of 1,000 diseases. Wind is thought to take advantage of the deficiency (weakness) a patient is experiencing and enters the body attacking the sinews and vessels in the area of the face. This results in vital energy (Qi) and the blood to stagnate causing the inability of the facial muscles to relax and therefore contract (Wolfe 2003). The principle of treatment is to expel Wind and promote the movement of Qi and blood by scattering the stagnation.

More times than not, the patient that walks into my office is often, under great stress! They are either dealing with work related stress, having difficulties in their home or family life and are often the type A personality.

As I work in the area of fertility, it is the occasional pregnant patient that will present with this disorder, as well.

Patients who come in for treatment of Bell's Palsy will often tell me they sleep with a fan on them (wind) or near an open window. I seem to get a flux of Bell's patients in the office in the Spring and Fall more than any other seasons.

Bell's Palsy is the most common disease of the facial nerve. It is presumably due to an inflammatory reaction in or around the facial nerve near the stylomastoid foramen. According to Liu (1995), when acupuncture was initiated within three days postonset in 684 cases of facial nerve paralysis, 100 percent of the patients were cured or there was a marked improvement (5). Other studies (Gao, Chen, 1991) revealed that 80% of cases that were treated at more than 2 months post-onset, and 83 percent of severe cases, were cured or had excellent effect (6). Treatment, as with this patient, may include numerous diagnostic procedures, different classes of medications, lifestyle alterations, and still, continued suffering. Acupuncture may often lead to significant clinical improvement (7).

Acupuncture points used in this protocol include Stomach 2,3,4,5,6,7 Bitong, Large Intestine 19, 20, Small intestine 18, Gall Bladder 14, 20, YuYao, San Jiao 17, Du 26, Du 20, Urinary Bladder 2, JiaChengJiang, Yintang, TaiYang, Stomach 36, Gall Bladder 34, Liver 3, Large Intestine 4, Lung 7, San Jiao 5 and Spleen 6.

Herbal Therapy

For patients who are not pregnant, an herbal formula is recommended based on their pattern and signs and symptoms. The most important herbs for this disorder should include herbs to treat wind attack and anti-viral herbs such as Qin Jiao, Fang Feng, Xi Xin, Bai Shao, Di Long, Fu Ling, Gan Cao, Chuan Xiong, Pu Gong Ying, Dang Gui.

Variations on this formula are important to change as the patient's situation change.

In conclusion, Bell's palsy is a physical and emotionally debilitating condition in which conventional medicine has limited understanding and efficacy. The exposure to external sources (stress, environment) cause the immune system to produce an inflammatory response. This inflammation can then obstruct the normal function of the nerves and vessels resulting in paralysis. Chinese medicine has treated conditions such as Bell's palsy for centuries. Chinese medicine and acupuncture on a regular basis can significantly improve results and help to resolve this condition.

References

1. O'Connor J, Bensky D. Acupuncture a comprehensive text. Seattle: Eastland Press 1981; 367-372.
2. Ibid, 609-610.
3. Stux G, Pomeranz B. Acupuncture textbook and atlas. Berlin: Springer-Verlag 1987; 296.
4. Evans RA, Hames ML, Baguley DM, Moffat DA. Reliability of the House and Brackmann grading system for facial palsy. J Laryngol Otol Nov 1989; 103(11): 1045.
5. Liu YT. A new classification system and combined treatment method for idiopathic facial nerve paralysis: report of 718 cases. Am JAcup 1995; 23(3),205-210.
6. Gao HB, Chen D. Clinic al observation on 60 cases of peripheral facial paralysis treated with acupointure penetration needling. Int J Clin Acup 1991; 2(1),25-28.
7. NIH Consensus Development Conference on Acupuncture, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda MD, Nov 1997; 93-109.
8. Gok, U., H. C. Alpay, et al. (2005). "Comparisons of steroid, acyclovir, lipoprostoglandin E1 and steroid + acyclovir treatments in facial paralysis: A rat study." International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology 69(9): 1199-1204.
9. Grogan, P. and G. Gronseth (2004). "Practice parameter: Steroids, acyclovir, and surgery for Bell's palsy (an evidence-based review): Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology." Neurology 56(7): 830-836.
10. Hato, N., S. Matsumoto, et al. (2003). "Efficacy of early treatment of Bell's palsy with oral acyclovir and prednisolone." Otology & Neurotology: Official Publication Of The American Otological Society, American Neurotology Society [And] European Academy Of Otology And Neurotology 24(6): 948-951.
11. He, L., D. Zhou, et al. (2004). "Acupuncture for Bell's palsy." Cochrane Database Syst Rev(1): CD002914.
12. He, S., H. Zhang, et al. (1995). "Review on acupuncture treatment of peripheral facial paralysis during the past decade." Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 15(1): 63-67.

Black America Hidden By A Veil

By Zachary Selig

Over 40 years ago American Blacks marched and rioted for their well-deserved civil rights of equality in the United States, yet in the recent Presidential election of President-elect Obama over 70 percent of Black Americans voted against Gay Marriage with Proposition 8. The reason being, that the majority of Black Americans in their own transition as denigrated slaves to becoming American citizens with equal rights absorbed the identical prejudiced White Christian Fundamentalist religious belief system that condemns and devalues homosexuality.

The symptoms of Black America�s prejudices can no longer be addressed with religious or political band-aids, while the spiritual disease and its cause goes untreated. Tragically, the only choice for African Americans to escape the murderous persecution of the Anglo Christian Puritanical government of British Colonial America from the early 17th Century to the late 18th Century was to concede to the dominating prejudices by enforcing the same belief systems with themselves and their children.

The most famous and well-known religious emigration to America was the migration of the persecuted White Puritan separatists from the Anglican Church of England, who fled first to Holland, and then later to America, to establish the English colonies of New England, which later became the United States. The Pilgrims sought spiritual freedom along with the desire to Christianize the American Indian and the Black slaves that came with them. A massive emigration of all races followed the Pilgrims over the next 200 plus years, where people from around the world came to the United States to seek peace, freedom, and opportunity with the ideal of a spiritual oasis with economic freedom.

Sadly, the desire to convert others or remain in a perpetual conflict over belief systems, versus being in a natural state of peace, is still the prevalent societal factor of most of the US multi-racial population. When one studies ancient African religion and other animistic cultures, trying to convert another to a belief was considered not only disrespectful, but completely �taboo�.

The American Black culture arrived in the British Colonial Americas enslaved and culturally raped of their true belief systems that were rooted in nature worship, not in the Puritanical extrapolation of Anglican Christian dogma of biblical scripture, nor the ensuing Calvinist, Baptist, Quaker, or Mormon faiths. The African Americans were forced to give up their Spiritual animism that was viewed as �devil worship� to become Protestants and baptized Christians or die just as the Jews and other religious minorities were pressured into cultural unity in Europe by the Catholic Inquisition from 1438 - 1843 to become Catholics, loosing their core beliefs in order to survive or be burned as heretics.

The African animism of the pre-Christian era viewed homosexuality the same as heterosexuality in an integral part of human nature, just as pre-Christian pagan Romans and other great animistic civilizations of Egypt and India did. Homosexual persecution was born with the advent of Old Testament Hebrew teachings of Mosaic Law some 5,000 years ago in Israel that were later adopted in New Testament interpretations, which established Catholicism that followed with the further New Testament edits that created the hybrid Christian faiths.

There were tens of thousands of animistic tribes in pre-colonized Africa that believed in a creator God with a pantheon of archetypes within nature that were represented as deities. With the highly evolved Yoruba of West Africa that were founded over 8,000 years ago in the Sudan of pre- Pharonic Egypt, there is no specific belief in a Devil since the Yoruba belief system is not a dualistic philosophy - good versus evil, God versus a Devil.

Nor is there the concept of a distant judgmental God. Instead the universe is seen as containing forces of expansion and forces of contraction. Theses forces interact in complex ways to create the universe. All things are seen to have positive aspects, and negative aspects much the same as the East Indian concept of cause and effect in karma. Nothing is seen as completely "good" or completely "evil", but all things are seen as having different proportions of both.

Similarly, no action is seen as universally as wrong or right but rather can only be judged with the context and circumstances in which it takes place. This concept is sometime derided as "situational ethics". In this context the individual is seen as made up of both positive/constructive impulses as well as negative/destructive impulses.

An individual's sexuality, talents, and facilities are seen as having a potential of both positive and negative expression in a balance within natural law. Therefore, there is a great deal of attention and focus on each individual striving to develop good character and doing good works.

Good character is defined as doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do, not out of fear of retribution or as a way of seeking rewards, but simply because it is right. All humans are seen as having the potential of being good and blessed people (no original sin), although they have a potential to make evil choices, and the universe is seen as benevolent.

African Spirituality was actively suppressed and outlawed during slavery from the onset of the Islamic conquest of Africa that brought the Arab slave traders, who forcefully converted these noble people to Islam and turned African slavery into a huge labor-force business for themselves, the Greeks, Romans, Europeans, and finally for the Americas.

On the European colonized continents of Africa and the Americas native traditions were viewed as inherently backward and "primitive" by the European colonizing forces, who set out to actively "civilize" the natives through a number of mechanism including torture, rape, male castration, female reproductive mutilation, execution; kidnapping the young and putting them in " Catholic or Christian boarding schools;" bribing or using other material incentives. Intimately implicated and complicit in this process were Christian missionaries, who charged themselves with "saving the souls" of the native peoples by converting them from their millennia old traditional spirituality in �Nature Religion� practices to that of Christianity.

Within the European and North American Christian culture African Spirituality has been historically demonized, sensationalized and distorted. Hollywood�s portrayal of African traditions has been mired with gross distortions and exaggerations that are filtered through a Judaic-Christian fear paradigm that sells shock-entertainment.

The historic repression of African spirituality in the context of slavery has as well as racism been portrayed with cultural imperialism and supremacy that has ballooned into cancerous contemporary values. The notion that a legitimate, sophisticated spiritual philosophy could have originated in Africa flies in the face of widespread distortions in Europe and North America about the backwardness of African culture. The controversies and criticisms of this tradition have to be viewed within this historic context.

The only way the Black American could elevate himself in society over the course of the last 135 years since slavery was abolished within the United State�s was to completely identify with the cruel and bigoted white culture and loose all connection to their animistic religious roots. Sadly, there are many Black Americans who are unconsciously angry that they were mandated into Christianity and told that their African beliefs were unnatural, barbaric, and evil. Simultaneously, the Black American societal tendency to disparage their race and become intolerant and totalitarian occurred as the White Christians Supremacists perpetuated them.

The African cultures of the more tolerant Spanish colonized Caribbean and South America countries retained their spiritual beliefs and synchronized their religion with not only Catholicism, but with the Caucasian race. The rebellious and unorthodox Catholic based white culture of these colonies blended with the African culture, while that did not occur in the spiritually and racially intolerant fundamentalist Protestant government of British ruled Northern US. French colonized Louisiana was Catholic, and there was a cultural m�nge that occurred there until the Civil War that brought Northern social values to the South.

In the non-British colonies, when a white master/mistress married a Black slave he/she adopted her/his beliefs, which was not the case with Northern US slave owners. This is due to the Protestant core theology that pervaded all aspects of the society in the American North. Today, the fact is that there is a happier Black culture in terms of tolerant belief systems thriving for the most part as a collective race in the majority of the Spanish Caribbean and South American nations than there is in the US per capita.

When government and society are ruled by a fear-based religion such as Christian Protestantism, a collective ignorance prevails, preventing the individuated experience or thought to exist. Secret societies raise suspicion and speculation among outsiders, and few individuals respect that the initiated members of such societies are the guardians of ancient spiritual wisdom; in the same way a Catholic Priest or Jewish Rabbi has received their initiations.

Spiritual secrets are protected and concealed behind a wall of silence from the ridicule and contempt of the profane or uninitiated. The sacred can easily be eliminated when religion or government is ruled by the psychological manipulations of shame, fear, and guilt that support victimization and human denials, which historically perpetuate financial greed and domination to establish unity.

What is not understood is inevitably hated, mistrusted, and savagely destroyed such as the primary world religions brutally did to the of spirituality of the indigenous people of the Americas, the great Tantric sexual sects of India and Asia, Polynesian Paganism, and African Animism.

We have entered a time in which the core ignorance of antiquated Imperialistic global religious cultures that support such fear through is slowly being transformed into an illuminated wisdom through the very painful cause of its creation in the highly visible �War of Belief Systems�.

How can the Black American become aware of his inherent ancestral belief systems, when White Christian Americans created an evolving Black generational spiritual genocide that has developed the African American culture into a White culture clone?

Contemporary Christianized Black culture could benefit collectively by looking deeper into the truth of their religious origins with an educational effort free of Anglo fear-based religious superstition to see how there culture has been brainwashed into Eurocentric beliefs that are not founded on their true African identity in the world's oldest religion - Animism.

About the Author

Zachary Selig is a Yoruba Priest, artist, author and filmmaker who is also one of the leading Kundalini authorities on Chakra and Color Philosophies. Zachary is a notable pioneer of Talisman and Magic Realism Portraiture painting in the contemporary art world and has a 25-year professional history as a fine artist, painter, writer, and spiritual consultant for private clients worldwide. He delivers a universe of benefits through art, literary, and film venues by sourcing answers to wellness challenges through his gift as a Lukumi Spiritist. His website can be viewed at www.zacharyselig.com

The Body Is A Quantum Light System

by William Eastwood

The orthodox view scientists have always strictly adhered to was that chemical interactions between molecules in plants and animals controlled movement and growth. But Darwinists can't explain how millions of cells blindly bumping into each other create the synchronized activities the body. If the millions of cells in the body are all working together, who's the conductor?

In the 1920's Alexander Gurwitch, a Russian scientist suggested that a field of electromagnetic radiation rather than chemicals alone guided the growth of cells and bodies. In the 1940's neuroanatomist Harold S. Burr from Yale University recorded electrical fields in the shape of matured bodies around eggs and baby animals. This seemed to suggest a kind of electromagnetic blueprint guiding growth.

Despite modern science's objection to that notion, the work of many physicists suggests a quantum wave/light system. Herbert Frohlich, of the University of Liverpool, was honored as an outstanding physicist with the prestigious Max Planck medal for being the first to introduce the idea of an electromagnetic wave synchronizing molecules to vibrate in unison to carry out DNA instructions via nonlocality.

Italian physicist Renato Nobbili of the Universita degli Studi di Padova empirically proved electromagnetic currents existed in animal tissues and that frequency in tissues were the same as those in the brain of the same animal. Russian physicist Albert Szent-Gyorgyi, a Nobel Prize recipient, believed that cells transmitted energy containing information on a subatomic level.

The work of all these physicists remained relatively obscure until well after the arrival of the Popp EMI 9558QA photon measuring apparatus. Fritz-Albert Popp, graduate of the University of Wurtzburg, and a celebrated theoretical biophysicist teaching radiology at the University of Marburg in Germany, ultimately created a revolution in science. However, before that happened, while speaking before fifteen of the world's leading cancer specialists in Heidelberg, Germany, his prestige was shaken. All but one scientist attending the seminar took his idea that the body produced light as a joke. That lone supporter Bernhard Ruth and Popp then set out to prove them wrong. The team built the light measuring machine to prove their theory, which it did.

The studies that followed culminated in a scientific revolution in biology, which the greater scientific establishment repeatedly attacked and postponed, but ultimately could not stop. As Popp's work progressed, a few of his initial findings were as follows.

The light produced by plants was shown to provide a system of communication between molecules, like a subatomic telephone network of coherent electromagnetic fields. He also discovered that DNA sent out a large range of frequencies that orchestrated the functions of genes and cells.

As far as the human body goes, everything in the new paradigm means that it is a truly astounding and miraculous system, a far more advanced and beautiful system than previously thought.

As it turns out, many prominent scientists working in collaboration and in research centers around the world have built a new unified theory of mind and matter. Biology is a quantum process. All body growth, movement, healing, all cellular activity, is a function of retrieval of information and energy from the Ghost Field/Zero Point Field/Implicate Order/Framework II (the terms are synonymous), and distribution through the body's light tubes.

The Zero Point Field is the space surrounding matter. Memories and the body's knowledge are not stored in a specific physical region in the brain. It is theorized that the body is a receiving station, picking up information from the Zero Point Field between synapses and dendrites in the brain and inside microtubules in all cells. The memories of your life and your consciousness itself come via holographic transformation of interference patterns from the Zero Point Field.

The Zero Point Field is a source of energy and information, but that's all that is known by orthodox science, because it represents a quantum threshold like the STARGATE phenomena, beyond which other dimensional activity exists but which is inaccessible by conventional scientific means.

It is now well established by many scientists that the body is a quantum light system. This light system reveals how it is that when you pick up a book, millions of brain cells operate instantaneously in perfect unison, and then triggers an almost simultaneous mass cellular reaction in your arm, so that as you think it, you lift the book. (The brain sends information to the body at a rate of up to 1,000 meters per second.) Because these processes occur at a speed exceeding any previously known connections between axons or dendrites in neurons, it's hard not to conclude that the only explanation is Popp's light system.

The author of this article, William Eastwood, is founder of EN or G.E.N.I.E., Global Earth Network International Education. For more information on EN or consciousness science visit, www.earth-network.com. Copyright 2012

2. There are so many scientists involved, that if we were to include them all in this article it would obscure the message. The article would become a series of lists. More information about individual participating scientists can be found on EN’s site, www.earth-network.com.
3. The cells cytoskeleton built of microtubules serves as the body’s internet. Microtubules are hollow tubes in every cell in the body through which quantum light travels, previously not fully understood only because of their extremely small size. The light tubes are the same diameter of a quantum wave, 15 nanometers. Waves can hold an amazing amount of information, more than 280 quintillion bits, 280,000,000,000,000,000,000. This is enough to contain all your memories for an entire lifetime.
4. EN has much information on Framework II from other reliable sources.

The Breast-Plate Of Aaron

from the Science of Correspondences Elucidated by Edward Madeley

(1.) Ex. xxviii. 15-21. Thou shalt make the breast-plate of judgment with cunning work, after the work of the ephod thou shalt make it ; of gold, and of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen shalt thou make it. Four-square it shall be, being doubled ; a span shall be the length thereof, and a span shall be the breadth thereof. And thou shalt set in it settings of stones, even four rows of stones : the first row shall be a sardius, (a ruby,) a topaz, and a carbuncle : this shall be the first row. And the second row shall be an emerald, (a chrysoprasus,) a sapphire, and a diamond. And the third row a ligure, (a cyanus,) an agate, and an amethyst. And the fourth row a beryl, (a Tarshish,) and an onyx, and a jasper : they shall be set in gold in their inclosings. And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve, according to their names; like the engravings of a signet, every one with his name shall they be according to the twelve TRIBES.

In Ex. xxxix. 8-14, nearly the same words as the preceding are repeated in this chapter; but with this difference, that the former appear in the shape of a command, the latter as the command executed.

As the breast-plate of Aaron formed one of the most magnificent appendages to his sacerdotal dress, and at the same time, from the varied brilliancy and translucency of the precious stones, called Urim and Thummim, which were set upon it, was appointed to be the medium whereby responses from heaven were obtained in the Jewish church, it is interesting to examine its construction, and to inquire in what manner the extraordinary effects ascribed to it were produced.

It has been doubted by some whether the breast-plate formed one square, or two squares in one, making an oblong square, because it is described as being four-square doubled : and it has likewise been supposed that the four rows of precious stones, which were set in it, were to be reckoned from right to left in such a manner, that the three stones of each row should be placed laterally, or even with each other. Accordingly some engravings have represented the plate on Aaron's breast, and the rows of stones set upon it, in the way and position just described. But on a more careful examination of the passage above quoted, it will be found that the whole breast-plate was a perfect square, being a span in length and a span in breadth : yet it was a square of a double or twofold character, because it was divided into right and left, to represent a celestial and a spiritual principle : and these again were subdivided, to denote the internal and the external of each: the whole forming four rows in a vertical or upright position, with three stones in each row, and there by representing and signifying the conjunction of all the truths of heaven with the good from which they are derived, and at the same time their high perfection.

The breast-plate itself was made of gold, of blue, and of purple, and of scarlet, and of fine twined linen : its form being that of a square when doubled; it had two rings at the upper ends, and two at the middle of the sides, whereby it was fastened to the ephod: and each of the precious stones, twelve in number, was set in a socket of gold, and had the name of one of the twelve tribes of Israel engraved upon it. Which particular name was inscribed on one stone, and which on another, does not appear from the description given in the Word : and it would be very difficult if not impossible for us at the present day to determine this point, since the order of the names in other parts of the Word varies on different occasions, each name at one time denoting more or less of the good and the true properly signified by it, according to the nature of the subject treated of, the arrange ment in each case adopted, and the relation of the one to the other and to the whole. For examples of this variety in the order of the nomination of the tribes, the reader may consult the following passages:

1. For the order of their birth, Gen. xxix. 32-35; xxx. 6-24; xxxv. 18.
2. For the order in which they are named, before Jacob came to his father Isaac to Mamre, Gen. xxxv. 23-26.
3. For the order when they came into Egypt, Gen. xlvi. 8-19.
4. For the order when they were blessed by their father Jacob, then Israel, Gen. xlix. 3-27.
5. For the order when the heads of the different tribes are named, for the purpose of numbering their armies, Num. i. 5-15.
6. For the order when all the males capable of war, from twenty years old and upward, were numbered, Num. i. 20-43.
7. For the order when they pitched their tents around the taber nacle of the congregation, Num. ii. 1 to end.
8. For the order when the princes of the tribes made their offer ings, Num. vii. 12-78.
9. For the order when they marched, the ark of the covenant going before them, Num. x. 14-28, 33.
10. For the order when the heads of the tribes were sent to spy out the land of Canaan, Num. xiii. 4-15.
11. For the order when they were numbered, Num. xxvi. 5-62.
12. For the order when the princes were appointed to divide the land by inheritance, Num. xxxiv. 13-29.
13. For the order when they stood upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, and upon mount Ebal to curse, Deut. xxvii. 12, 13.
14. For the order when they were blessed by Moses, Deut. xxxiii. 6-24.
15. For the order when the lands were divided by lot among them, Josh, xiii.-xix.
16. For the order when certain cities were given by lot to the Levites, Josh. xxi. 4-7.
17. For the order when the cities so given to the Levites are mentioned by name, Josh. xxi. 9-39.
18. For the order when the new or holy land shall be divided by- lot according to the tribes of Israel, Ezek. xlviii. 2-8, 23-28.
19. For the order when the gates of the new or holy city are described, Ezek. xlviii. 31-34.
20. For the order when twelve thousand of each tribe are sealed, Apoc. vii. 5-8.

REPRESENTATION OF THE BREAST-PLATE with its Precious Stones, their Colors, and Signification.

Celestial Love of Good-Celestial Love of Truth--Spiritual Love of Good--Spiritual Love of Truth

With respect to the names appropriated to each stone, it is probable that some one of the preceding orders of nomination was observed, though not particularly stated in the letter of the Word. The order of their birth is generally supposed to have been the order adopted for the breast-plate, probably because that was the order observed on the two onyx-stones placed on the shoulders of the ephod, as in Ex. xxviii. 10. But this being matter of conjecture only, some incline to that arrangement of the tribes, which represented the celestial order subsisting among the angelic societies in heaven, because in their judgment it is the most perfect. Such appears to have been the order of their encampment, as given in Num. ii. 3-21,* when they were arranged according to the four quarters, the standard of the camp of Judah at the head of three tribes being in the east, that of Reuben at the head of three other tribes in the south, that of Ephraim in like manner in the west, and that of Dan in the north, with the camp of the Levites and the tabernacle of the congregation in the midst. For Judah was the first of the tribes, and bore the highest signification; while Dan was the last, and denoted what was lowest in heaven and the church. Similar was the order when they marched, the ark of the covenant going before them, Num. x. 14-28, 33. And probably they were in the same position in relation to the four quarters, as that above described, when Balaam beheld them at a distance, and exclaimed, "How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel ! " Num. xxiv. 5.

But as it is possible that some other order than that of encampment may have been required for the breast-plate, which however is not expressed, w e shall venture to offer a conjecture on the reason of its being withheld.* May it not have been, because the names as seen upon the breast-plate in the spiritual world, were not always determined to any one arrangement, but at times shifted from one stone. or from one order of stones, to another, according to the ever-changing circumstances of the church, or of the people who represented the church, either generally or specifically? And as this variety of state was perpetual, and could not have been so well suggested or designated by any fixed order of naming the tribes, may it not have been on this account that the literal sense or the literal record, is silent on the point in question? And yet we are authorized to believe that the names were actually engraven either over, under, or upon the stones in some determinate order, which must therefore have been permanent in the natural world, though variable in the spiritual world. The inconvenience or difficulty which may be supposed to arise from the disagreement here alluded to between what may be called the real fact and the spiritual use to be drawn from the whole description of Urim and Thummim, is entirely obviated by suppressing in the letter all mention of the order of naming the tribes, or the particular application of the names to their respective stones on the breast-plate: which is a peculiarity not exclusively confined to the present case, but may be observed in various other instances to be met with in the Sacred Scriptures both of the Old and the New Testament.

They who are desirous of further information as to facts which really did take place, but which yet were not deemed proper to be admitted as part of the Divine Word, and therefore frequently referred to the books of the Chronicles of the kings of Judah and Israel, (which do not appear to be those books usually called Chronicles, but some others not now extant,) or to some other history collateral with but distinct from the Sacred Volume: see 1 Kings xi. 41; xiv. 19, 29, etc., . Compare also 2 Sam. xx iv. 9, which is a part of the real Word, with 1 Chron. xxi. 5; xxvii. 24, which is no part of the Word, but merely a collateral or supplementary history ; and the variation of the Divine record from what may probably have been the literal fact will immediately appear. Again, compare 2 Kings xxiii. 29, 30, with 2 Chron. xxxv. 20-27 ; and it will be further seen, that several particulars relative to the good king Josiah, which are recorded as facts in the last-mentioned history, are entirely suppressed in the book of Kings, which is a part of the Divine Word.

Similar variations are observable in other historical transactions related in the divine books, when compared with those given in the book of Chronicles : as for example, speaking of the first of David s heroes, it is said in the first book of Chronicles, that " Jashoboam an Hachrnonite, the chief of the captains, lifted up his spear against three hundred, who were slain by him at one time," chap. xi. 11 : but in the second book of Samuel the exploits of the same mighty man are thus described : " The Tachmonite, that sat in the seat, (or, as it might have been rendered, Joshab-bashebeth the Tachmonite,) chief among the captains, the same was Adino the Eznite, he lifted up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time," chap, xxiii. 8. Here the Divine record makes the number of the slain to be eight hundred, while the collateral history gives only three hundred.

In the New Testament likewise, we find a striking variation in the account given by Matthew, from that in the Acts of the Apostles, concerning the death of Judas. Matt, xxvii. 3-5, states that, after Judas had betrayed Jesus, he repented, returned the thirty pieces of silver, the price of blood, and went and hanged himself. Whereas in the Acts of the Apostles, i. 18, it is expressly said, that he " purchased a field with the reward of iniquity; and falling headlong, he burst asunder in the midst, and all his bowels gushed out." And it is added, (ver. 19,) that this "was known unto all the dwellers at Jerusalem ; insomuch as that field is called in their proper tongue Aceldama, that is to say, The field of blood." The reader will here observe, that the Evangelist writes by Divine inspiration, and that the Acts of the Apostles is to be regarded only as a collateral history. That the Word should have been so written, as to comprise in its bosom nothing but the divine truths of heaven, while in its external form it selects just so much (and no more) of the Israelitish history, as was found necessary to embody those truths ; and that at the same time the Church should be able to reap from the whole the spiritual benefit intended, is, to the pious and enlightened mind, matter of astonishment, as well as of eternal gratitude.

Since, therefore, the precise arrangement of the names of the twelve tribes, or the distinct appropriation of them to the particular stones of the breast-plate, cannot now be ascertained, and for the reasons above stated need not, it is sufficient for us to know that the stones themselves, together with the names inscribed upon them, represented all the goods and truths of heaven and the church; that those on the right side (of the high-priest) represented the celestial love of good and the celestial love of truth, or in other words, love to the Lord and mutual love; that those on the left represented the spiritual love of good, and the spiritual love of truth, or in other words, charity towards the neighbor and faith from that charity ; while the three stones in each row denoted the perfection and fulness of each kind of love, from its beginning to its end. This signification arises as well from the colors of the stones, as from their number, which was in each row three.

We will therefore now consider the rows in their order; and from the color, transparency and brilliancy of each, endeavor to point out their true signification.

The first Row,, consisting of a Ruby, a Topaz, and a Carbuncle. There are two fundamental colors, from which all the rest by combination with each other and with certain degrees of shade or color less media, are derived. These two fundamental colors are red and white; of each of which there are several varieties. The red, being a peculiar display of the primary or most essential quality of fire, is considered in the Sacred Scriptures as expressive of the good of love with which it corresponds: and the white, being a peculiar display of the secondary property of fire, in the same Writings denotes the truth of wisdom with which it also corresponds. Now as the modifications and variegations of natural light with shade produce colors of every description, so the modifications and variegations of spiritual light or truth with ignorance, produce all the varieties of intelligence and wisdom. And hence the precious stones in the breast-plate of Aaron become representative either of higher or of lower degrees of wisdom, (which is always to be understood as inseparable from its love,) according to their brilliancy and transparency, and at the same time according to the kind of light which predominates in them, whether it be red or white. If the red predominate, it is a mark of celestial or most interior affection: but if the white have the ascendancy, then the affection and consequent perception denoted, are of a spiritual or more exterior character.

Under this view of the subject we see the reason why the first row or order, consisting of a ruby, a topaz, and a carbuncle, denotes the celestial love of good, together with its wisdom, namely, because red or flame-colored light predominates and sparkles in each of those stones. The prophet Ezekiel, alluding more particularly to the stones of this order and to their signification as here given, calls them stones of fire, when he addressed the fallen king of Tyrus in these remark able words: " Thus saith the Lord God, Thou sealest up the sum full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. Thou hast been in Eden the garden of God ; every precious stone was thy covering; thou wast upon the holy mountain of God ; thou hast walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. Thou hast sinned; therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God ; and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire," Ezek. xxviii. 12 to 16.

The ruby is a much-admired gem, of a deep red color, with an admixture of purple. In its most perfect and best colored state, it is of exquisite beauty and extreme value. It is often found perfectly pure and free from blemishes and foulness, but much more frequently debased in its value by them, especially in the larger specimens. It is of very great hardness, equal to that of the sapphire and second only to the diamond. It is various in size, but less subject to variations in its shape than most of the other gems, being always of a pebble-like figure, often roundish, sometimes oblong, larger at one end than the other, in some sort resembling a pear, and usually flatted on one side. In general it is naturally so bright and pure on the surface, as to need no polishing ; and when its figure will admit of its being set without cutting, it is often worn in its rough state, and with no other than its native polish. Our jewellers are very nice, though not perfectly determinate, in their distinctions of this gem, knowing it in its different degrees of color under three different names. The first is simply the ruby, the name given it in its deepest colored and most perfect state. The second is the spinel ruby; under this name they comprehend those rubies which are of a somewhat less bright color than the ruby simply so called. The third is the balass ruby ; under which name they express a pale yet a very bright ruby, with a less admixture of the purple tinge than in the deeper colored ones, and of less value. The true ruby comes from the East Indies; and the principal mines of it are in the kingdom of Pegu and the island of Ceylon.

In our common English version of the Bible, instead of the ruby, the translators have named the sardius. But the sardius, being a kind of cornelian verging most frequently to a flesh-color, though sometimes to a blood-red, is neither so valuable nor of so deep a hue as the ruby; and therefore does not so properly answer to the Hebrew word odem, as the ruby does. Some authors call the stone here meant a pyropus, from the resemblance which its color bears to fire or to flame.

The modern topaz appears to be a different gem from that of the ancients: and indeed the same may be said of several, if not all, of the other precious stones. That which now bears the name of a topaz may be described as follows: When perfect and free from blemishes, it is considered a very beautiful and valuable gem: it is, however, rarely to be found in this state. It is of a roundish or oblong figure in its native or rough state, usually flatted on one side, and generally of a bright and naturally polished surface, tolerably transparent. They are always of a fine yellow color; but they have this, like the other gems, in several different degrees. The finest of all are of a true and perfect gold-color, and hence sometimes called chrysolites; but there are some much deeper, and others extremely pale, so as to appear scarcely tinged with yellow. The original topaz emulates the ruby in hardness and the diamond in lustre. The most valuable kinds are said to be found in the East Indies; but they are rarely of any great size. The topazes of Peru come next after these in beauty and in value. Those of Europe are principally found in Silesia and Bohemia, but generally with cracks and flaws.

The Hebrew term, pitdah, rendered topaz here and in the English Bible, is, however, by Jerome, Rabbi David, and others, called the emerald, which is a precious stone of a green color, and very different from either of the modern or the ancient topaz. This latter, from its being classed with the ruby and the carbuncle, in all probability exhibited a beautiful flame-colored appearance which in some specimens might also have been enriched with a fine golden tint. To this may be added the circumstance of its being a production of Ethiopia, and not of the places referred to by our modern jewellers. Job, in his estimate of the value of true wisdom, sets it far above rubies, above the topaz of Ethiopia, and above the purest gold, chap, xxviii. 18, 19 ; which is an association that seems to justify our conclusion, that the ruby and the topaz bore an affinity with each other, and jointly with pure gold yielded a most exalted signification.

The carbuncle is a very elegant gem, of a deep red color, with an admixture of scarlet. Its name in the original implies brightness and splendor as of lightning. This gem was known formerly by the name of anthrax. It is said to glitter in the night, and to sparkle much more than the ruby. It is usually found pure and faultless, and is of the same degree of hardness as the sapphire. It is naturally of an angular figure; its usual size is near a quarter of an inch in length, and two-thirds of that in diameter in its thickest part. When held up against the sun, it loses its deep tinge, and becomes exactly of the color of burning charcoal ; whence the propriety of the name which the ancients gave it. It is found in the East Indies, and there but very rarely.

The second row, consisting of a Chrysoprasus, a Sapphire, and a Diamond. This order or row of precious stones denotes the celestial love of truth, together with its wisdom, and answers to the external of the celestial kingdom, as the first row does to its internal. The stones of the former row derived their signification from their redness ; but the stones of this row derive it from their blueness which partakes of a reddish tinge: for it is to be noted that there is a blue derived from and tinged with red, and likewise a blue derived from and tinged with white. The blue from red, which prevails in the stones of this row, denotes the celestial love of truth; but the blue from white, which prevails in the stones of the next or third row, denotes the spiritual love of good. The affections of the human mind here represented by colors, though not easily discriminated by one who reflects but little upon them, are yet to be considered as distinct from each other, as the stones of the two rows when compared together. In each case the stones appear brilliant and resplendent; but the one kind shows an affinity with red light, and the other an affinity with white light. So likewise of the affections above mentioned, the one has more immediate reference to the good of love, and the other to the truth of wisdom.

The chrysoprasus is described by some as of a pale green color, with an admixture of yellow ; and the name itself seems to imply as much, being compounded of the Greek word chrusos, gold, and prason, a leek. In Hebrew the term is, nophek, which is rendered differently by different translators. Jerome makes it the carbuncle; the Septuagint calls it anthrax ; Onkelos and the English translators, the emerald; and others suppose it to be the ruby. Then comes Rabbi David, who in his book of Roots pronounces it a black precious stone. See Le Dieu in loc. and Leigh's Critica Sacra, 3d edit., 1650. But it is well known, that the gems or precious stones of the ancients differed in many respects from those which bear the same names among the moderns; and therefore nothing can be positively concluded against the nophek of the Scriptures, now called the chrysoprasus, being of a cerulean or blue color with a distant tinge of red.

The sapphire is a pellucid gem, which in its finest state is extremely beautiful and valuable, being nearly equal to the diamond in lustre, hardness, and price. Its proper color is a pure blue; in the finest specimens it is of the deepest azure ; in others it varies into paleness in shades of all degrees between that and a pure crystal brightness and water without the least tinge of color, but with a lustre much superior to the crystal. It is distinguished into four sorts, viz., the blue sapphire, the white sapphire, the water sapphire, and the milk sapphire. The gem known to us by this name is very different from the sapphire of the ancients, which is said to have been of a deep blue, veined with white, and spotted with small gold-colored spangles, in the form of stars, etc. Moses describes the appearance of heaven under the feet of the God of Israel, to be like a paved work of a sapphire-stone, Ex. xxiv. 10. And the prophet Ezekiel says, that the throne which was in the firmament over the heads of the cherubim, had the appearance of a sapphire-stone, Ezek. i. 26 ; x. 1. The ancients had an extraordinary esteem for this stone; and those who wore it about their persons, considered it as a passport to good fortune and happiness. The finest sapphires are brought from Pegu in the East Indies, where they are found in the pebble form, of all the shades of blue. The occidental are from Silesia, Bohemia, and other parts of Europe : but though these are often very beautiful stones, they are greatly inferior both in lustre and hardness to the oriental.

The diamond is a clear, bright stone, perfectly translucent, which, though naturally colorless like the purest water, is eminently distinguished from all others of the colorless kind by the lustre of its reflections. It derives its name in the original language from its extreme hardness, as it exceeds all the other precious stones in that quality, and can only be cut and ground by its own substance. It is found sometimes in an angular, and sometimes in a pebble-like form : but each kind, when polished, has the same qualities in proportion to its perfection and purity. In its native state it is sometimes bright as if polished by art; but more frequently its surface is obscured with foulnesses of various kinds ; and sometimes it is, as the diamond-cutters call it, veiny, that is, it has certain points inconceivably hard on its surface. Like all other transparent minerals, the diamond is liable to be tinged by metalline particles, and is sometimes found with a cast of red, sometimes blue, sometimes green, and not unfrequently yellow. That with a cerulean tinge, delicately announcing its distant affinity with red, appears to have been the diamond that occupied the third place of the second row of precious stones in the breast-plate of judgment. The places whence we obtain the diamond, are the East Indies, particularly the island of Borneo, Visapour, Golconda, and Bengal ; also the Brazils in the West Indies.

The third Row, consisting of a Cyanus, an Agate, and an Amethyst. This row is the first or inmost of the spiritual class, and therefore denotes the spiritual love of good: for the two preceding rows represented the internal and the external of the celestial class. By the spiritual love of good is meant charity ; and by the spiritual love of truth is meant faith derived from charity. The stones of this row were of a cerulean or blue color on a white ground ; consequently they were of a distinct order from the stones of the second row, which were likewise cerulean, but on a most delicate red ground.

The cyanus called by Jerome, Josephus, and the English translators, the ligure; by others the lazule, or lapis lazuli; and by Kimchi mistaken for the topaz is a beautiful gem, of a fine blue color, and is found sometimes variegated with spots or clouds of white, and with veins of a shining gold color. But most probably the stone in its pure state is that which is meant in the Sacred Scripture by the cyanus.

The agate, or achates, is a valuable gem, variegated with veins and clouds: some having a white ground, some a reddish, some a yellowish, and some again a greenish ground. Cups and vessels are frequently made of agate, which is found in Sicily, Phrygia, and India. The precise color of the stone known among the ancient Jews by the name shebo, which our English translators have rendered the agate, and the German Jews call the topaz, cannot be now ascertained. But from its classification with the other stones of this row, which are known to be cerulean, there is sufficient reason to conclude that this stone also was of the same color, and like them on a white ground, but varying a little from them either in depth of tint or degree of shade.

The amethyst is so called, because in ancient times, when the various charms of superstition were more in vogue than at the present day, it was supposed to be a preservative against drunkenness, or excess in wine; the term in Greek implying as much. But the name in Hebrew, achlamah, is derived from a word which signifies, 1, to dream; 2, to recover from sickness, to grow fat, etc. Aben Ezra says that the stone was so called, because it had the power of causing the person who carried it about with him, to dream. Not to dwell, however, on these and such like fancies, it is sufficient for our present purpose to know, that the gem usually called the amethyst, is of various tints, as purple, violet, blue, etc., and that it is sometimes found nearly colorless, approaching to the purity of the diamond. That which is of a fine cerulean color, with a whitish tinge, appears to be the amethyst of the Sacred Scripture, and the last stone in the third row. They are found in India, Arabia, Armenia, Ethiopia, Cyprus, Germany, Bohemia, and other places: but those from the East are the hardest; and if without spots, they are of the greatest value. They are of various sizes and shapes, from the bigness of a small pea to an inch and a half in diameter.

The fourth Row, consisting of a Tarshish, an Onyx, and a Jasper. This last row of stones, and second of the spiritual class, denotes the spiritual love of truth, which is the same thing as the good of faith; the third row as described above, denoting the good of charity. The color of each of the stones of this order approaches to white derived from blue, or to a white with a cerulean tint.

The tarshish, called also by the English translators the beryl, and by some the turquoise, the thalassius, and the aqua-marina, is of a sea-blue color, in some fine specimens approaching to white. Some of these stones are a mixture of green and blue resembling sea-water. According to Pliny, there are some which may be called chrysoberyls, on account of their golden or yellow color. These stones are very different from each other with respect to hardness. The oriental are the hardest, and bear the finest polish; and consequently are more beautiful, and of higher value than the occidental. The former kind are found in the East Indies, on the borders of the Euphrates, and at the foot of Mount Taurus. The occidental ones come from Bohemia, Germany, Sicily, the Isle of Elba, etc. And it is affirmed that some of them have been found on the sea-shore.

Tarshish was also the name of a maritime city, mentioned in various parts of the Sacred Scriptures, as in 1 Kings x. 22 ; xxii. 48 ; Ps. xlviii. 7 ; lxxii. 10; Ezek. xxxii. 12, 25; and is supposed to be the same as Tarsus, the birthplace of the apostle Paul. As it appears to have been distinguished for its commerce and wealth, the name of the city was probably given to the precious stone, as well on account of the resemblance of its color to the sea-water off the coast, as because it was usually brought in the ships of Tarshish from one country to another.

The onyx is a much-admired gem, having variously colored zones, but none of them red. In some specimens the zones are beautifully punctuated. In general the onyx resembles the color of a man's nail, being whitish on a cerulean ground.

The jasper is a stone of great variety of colors, often of a beautiful green, and sometimes with spots resembling those of a panther; hence called by some of the rabbies the panther-stone. Jerome identifies it with the beryl. But the true jasper of the ancients, or that which is mentioned in the Sacred Scriptures, (Apoc. xxi. 11 ; Ezek. xxviii. 13,) was neither green nor spotted, but a clear, white, pellucid and brilliant stone, in some degree resembling the crystal for parity and whiteness, yet still discovering its relation to the family ofazures, by the distant but easily perceptible tinge of blue, which suffuses all its substance.

The Manner of obtaining responses from Heaven in ancient times, by means of the twelve precious Stones called Urim and Thummim.

Having seen what was signified by the twelve precious stones in the breast-plate of Aaron, we now come to explain the manner in which responses were given from heaven by their means. We have already stated, and here repeat, that all the diversity of colors in the stones was produced by the modifications and variegations of two fundamental colors proper to light: these are red and white, each in a state of brilliancy and splendor illustrative of their true origin which is fire, and indeed the fire of the sun. From these, through the different degrees of shade, arise all the varieties of color, according to the qualities which different bodies possess of receiving, absorbing, compounding, dividing, reflecting or refracting the incident rays of light. Some bodies also have the property of perverting the rays of light in such a manner, as to extinguish their lustre, and to exhibit either a dead white, or a carbonic red, or a variety resulting from the union of these two colors with a gloomy Mack.

These observations equally apply to the rays of spiritual light, which consist of divine truth proceeding from the divine good of the Lord, and illuminating human as well as angelic minds, in the way of mediate as well as immediate influx, according to all the diversities of intelligence and wisdom in each. For every color in the spiritual world is a correspondent expression of some distinct perception of divine truth: and hence it is, that, according to the appearance of colors in that world, their vivid brightness or their fading hue, the various states of wisdom among the inhabitants, which are no other than so many continual revelations from the Lord, are visibly represented. But this was particularly the case when occasions offered during the theocracy established among the Jewish and Israelitish people, for consulting and interrogating the Divine Being by means of Urim and Thummim.

By Urim in the Hebrew language is signified shining fire, or fire which gives forth light: and by Thummim is signified integrity or perfection, which, in reference to the precious stones, must denote their resplendency, brilliancy, and extreme beauty. These were set in the breast-plate which was then called the breast-plate of judgment, the judgment of the children of Israel, and also the judgment of Urim, because thereby responses were given, and divine truths revealed from heaven. The communication thus opened between heaven and the people of Israel through the medium of the high-priest, was at first adopted in conjunction with that direct intercourse with Jehovah which Moses enjoyed during his life; but after the death of Aaron and of Moses, it was established as the usual and regular channel of making known to Jehovah the requests of the people, and of obtaining from Him, in reply, such answers as the Divine Wisdom might dictate.

The manner in which responses were given by means of Urim and Thummim, is not agreed upon by the different writers on the subject. Josephus in his Antiquities says that the twelve precious stones cast forth a more than ordinary lustre, when the Israelites were to obtain a victory over their enemies, and that by the appearance or non-appearance of this sign, they judged of the state of their affairs; the lustre and brilliancy of the stones foretelling good success, as their appearing dark and cloudy portended nothing but evil. Others are of opinion that the names of the twelve tribes which were engraven on the stones, as also the names of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, together with the words shibtey Jeshurun, i. e. the tribes of Jeshurun, or of Israel, added to complete the twenty-two letters of the Hebrew alphabet, were the instruments through which God delivered these oracles. It is therefore supposed that as many of the letters as were requisite to answer the proposed question, raised themselves up above the rest: as for instance, when the Israelites asked the Lord, saying, "Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites first to fight against them?" Judg. i. 1; it was answered by the oracle, "Judah shall go up: behold, I have delivered the land into his hand," ver. 2. The word Judah, engraven on one of the stones, was raised, and cast forth a great lustre; after which the four letters [meaning] shall go up, raised themselves on the other stones. But as there is no sufficient authority for this opinion, and as moreover the raised letters in this instance do not give the whole of the answer which was delivered, it is not at all probable that responses were given in this way.

The true mode of proceeding and of obtaining answers from heaven on these occasions, appears to have been as follows: The high-priest, (or in his absence, the seer; the prophet, the judge, or the king, who ever it might be that was authorized to put on the ephod, with or without the other appendages of the priesthood,) standing before the ark of the covenant, whether it was in the tabernacle or out of it, and being clothed in all the garments of the sacred office; the mitre on his head, with the golden plate, the holy crown, in its front; the ephod, the robe, the embroidered coat, and the curious girdle, upon his body; together with the breast-plate of judgment, having twelve precious stones set in gold, and names engraven thereon of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel, upon his heart ; a solemn appeal was made to Jehovah; He was literally questioned and interrogated as to the success of undertakings which were meditated; and He was required to make known his will by Urim and Thummim, that is to say, by the sparkling resplendency and vibrations of light from one stone to the other, and at the same time by an audible voice from heaven, or else by a tacit perception corresponding with the splendor of the stones, which might determine the revelation thus communicated to the eye, the ear, and the understanding of the petitioner. Hence, when the question was put by man, the angels who were present, united in the prayer which with them was entirely of a spiritual character, though with the people of Israel it was merely natural; and as all prayer when genuine, has the power of opening heaven, and thereby of ascending to the Lord himself, a response was immediately given by Divine influx, which became perceptible first to the angels, and afterwards to man through their medium, and the medium of light vibrating in the precious stones. As soon as the angels perceived the Divine will by the resplendent colors presented before their eyes in the spiritual world, (it being one of the prerogatives of their high wisdom to be able to interpret those appearances with the utmost accuracy,) they instantly either infused a suggestion, or gave forth an audible sound expressive of the answer so received by them ; and this voice, which appeared to proceed from off the mercy-seat that was upon the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim, (Ex. xxv. 22 ; Num. vii. 89,) was distinctly heard by the priest, the seer, or the prophet, and perhaps by several of the people also who were present, the ears of their spirits being then opened for the express purpose, while the precious stones on the breast-plate were miraculously seen to glitter by the rapid vibrations of light, which were in unison and correspondence with the light or wisdom of heaven.

If the question or interrogation put to Jehovah, spiritually considered, had for its end or object the love and worship of Him alone, in opposition to all other gods and in defiance of all enemies; or if it contemplated the practice and felicity of mutual love, in confirmation or in proof of their love to God; in such cases the vibrations of light most probably commenced either in the first, or in the second row of precious stones, and in imitation of the influx of love into every faculty of the human mind, first successively and then simultaneously pervaded, irradiated, and finally spread a blaze of glory over every part of the breast-plate. And this was an affirmative sign, rendered still more certain and indubitable by the audible voice accompanying it, directing the course they were to take, and thus enjoining them to persevere in that line of duty, which the Divine Wisdom, through the medium of the Word already given, had laid down for their use.

Again, if the question put were in relation to any of the various points of charity and true faith, as weapons of spiritual warfare ; or to speak more literally, if they inquired of Jehovah whether they should proceed against such and such an enemy or not, and whether the event would be successful or unsuccessful; in this case, if they had been previously obedient to the divine commands in other respects, the vibrations of light commenced either in the third, or in the fourth row of stones; and, by pervading and illuminating the whole, gave a positive token of the Divine approbation, which was further confirmed by the audible voice of an angel.

But, on the other hand, if at any time the people of Israel had rebelled, either by relapsing into idolatry, or by other acts of disobedience, and inquiry were made of Jehovah how they were to conduct themselves on any particular emergency, and in the event of their attacking or being attacked by an enemy, whether success would at tend them or not; in this case the lustre of the stones was diminished, the vibrations of the light (if any appeared) were irregular, its brilliancy less vivid than usual, and the response given both to the eye and to the ear of the inquirer was of that negative kind, which sufficiently announced the Divine disapprobation, and the consequent failure of the projected enterprise. On some occasions no answer whatever was returned: and therefore it is written, that "when Saul inquired of Jehovah, Jehovah answered him not, neither by dreams, nor by Urim, nor by prophets." 1 Sam. xxviii. 6.

General directions for obtaining a response, in regard to Joshua, the successor of Moses, may be seen in Num. xxvii. 18-23.

For affirmative and other responses, and for cases wherein Jehovah refused to give an answer, when inquired of, see Judges xx. 18-28; 1 Sam. x. 22; xiv. 37; xxiii. 2-12; xxviii. 6; xxx. 8; 2 Sam. ii. 1 ; v. 19, 23, 24; 2 Kings iii. 11-19.

Such appears to have been the manner of obtaining responses from heaven among the people of Israel, by means of Urim and Thummim, whenever they were anxious to know the Divine will, or the result of any meditated undertaking. And though to many in the present day it wears the complexion of fable and incredible mystery, yet it ought to be remembered that in the times when it was practised, almost all the nations of the earth were in the habit of consulting, through the medium of their priests, the demons whom they both feared and worshipped: and it cannot be questioned but they also, on innumerable occasions, received from them such answers, wrapt up in artful ambiguity, as still left a conviction in the minds of the inquirers that they were possessed of superhuman wisdom. Of this kind was the famous oracle of Apollo at Delphos, among the heathen Greeks, which, however, with the rest of a similar description, was silenced by the coming of the Lord into the world; at which time the demons or spirits, who acted as familiars to the Pythons and Pythonesses, were removed from their direct association with mankind, and cast into hell.

The Manner of obtaining Responses from Heaven at the present day, by means of the literal Sense of the Word.

Extraordinary and wonderful as the preceding account of the manner of obtaining responses from heaven may appear at the present day, it is not more so than the revelation of divine truth in the literal sense of the Word, and particularly the discovery now made of its genuine internal sense by means of the science of correspondences. For as the precious stones in the breast-plate of judgment represented all the truths of heaven, so in like manner they represented all the truths of the Word, but in their literal or external form, and consequently in their effect ; while the different colors arising from the modifications of natural light, denoted the variegations of wisdom and intelligence which may be considered as spiritual light, both in angels and in men. And as the brilliancy and vibrations of the light in the stones, together with the audible voice from off the mercy-seat, presented both to the eye and to the ear of the person inquiring the desired answer; so the same but a more blessed effect is in our times produced by the extraordinary light of divine truth from the internal sense of the Word, which is spiritually seen to irradiate and as it were to vibrate through every part of its literal sense, while, instead of any external voice being heard, the best affections of the heart are excited, and the Divine will is clearly understood.

In this way we perceive the present use and perpetual application of that part of the Word, which describes the miraculous intercourse between Jehovah and the people of Israel, by means of the breast plate of Urim and Thummim. This intercourse may still be maintained, though not precisely in the same external manner as with the Israelites of old: and yet there is reason to believe that the same internal modifications and variegations of heavenly light which appeared in former times, do now also actually take place in the human mind, on every occasion of consulting the Word purely for the sake of spiritual information and instruction. Thus a person sincerely desirous of knowing the Divine will in relation to any matter either of doctrine or of life, has only to approach the Lord in his Word under a deep sense of his own unworthiness, and an interior acknowledgment that every good gift descends from above. Let him then interrogate the Lord, or inquire of Him, by reading some portion of the Sacred Scriptures for the express purpose of knowing and doing his will; taking care that no improper prejudice or bias of the mind, induced either by education or habits of vice, be suffered to interpose its influence. It is more than probable that the person so reading the Word, or so inquiring of the Lord, will receive an answer most suitable to his state; the pure and radiant light of heaven will appear before his eyes; that is to say, his understanding will be enlightened to discern all necessary truth; the flame of divine love also will be kindled in his bosom; his affections will be still further purified; and he will be supplied with new power to bring his whole life by degrees into complete subjection to the laws of divine order. This conclusion is justified and confirmed by the words of our Lord, " If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God," John vii. 17.