The hottest Faith & Spirituality Substack posts right now

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Nature's Melody: The Healing Harmony of Ayahuasca Icaros

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 11 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Healing Shamanism Ceremonies Medicine
  1. Icaros are traditional healing songs used in ayahuasca ceremonies by indigenous tribes in South America. They play a crucial role in guiding the psychedelic journey and can induce intense emotional, physical, and spiritual experiences.
  2. Icaros have diverse purposes, from healing and protection to manipulating outcomes like making someone fall in love or affecting distant events. They are believed to connect individuals with a higher power and strengthen their abilities.
  3. Icaros are learned during isolation periods known as dietas, where individuals engage in deep reflection and communion with sacred plant allies in the Amazon jungle. These practices are essential for shamans and individuals seeking spiritual growth.

It's Christmas time

Only Wonder Knows • 78 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Spiritual reflection
  1. The story of Christmas is about the birth of an extraordinary child, understood by shepherds as a significant event.
  2. Understanding the meaning of something allows for a deeper comprehension of its impact and significance.
  3. The baby born on Christmas was believed to be God in human form, with the power to change history and lives.

Nicoll, Commentaries, Vol.1 - Letter to Mr. Bush [1.a] - p.1-4 - Reading Club posting

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 59 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Teaching Growth Development
  1. Man's level of being attracts his life - the idea suggests that the circumstances and experiences people face are connected to their level of being, not just random events.
  2. Focus on changing one's being - the work mentioned involves a transformation of one's level of being, which can happen by conscious actions in the present moment.
  3. Development stages of man - the text discusses different stages of man's development from essence to personality and then to further growth of essence, emphasizing the importance of inner growth over external success.

A Theist's Case for Atheism

Going Awol • 59 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Atheism Debate
  1. The debate between theists and atheists should be settled by finding the best version of each belief and examining the evidence to see which aligns better with reality.
  2. The presence of various types of evil and suffering in the world poses challenges for the theistic belief in a perfect, loving creator.
  3. Moral dilemmas, psychological disorders, and animal suffering are highlighted as unexpected aspects of the world if a perfectly good, all-powerful God exists.

On Dominion And How To Get It.

Day One • 1298 implied HN points • 23 May 20
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Creation Leadership Relationships Responsibility
  1. Systems play a crucial role in achieving dominion and success. Understanding the importance of inputs, processes, and outputs is key.
  2. Leadership starts with self-leadership. To lead others effectively, you must first lead yourself and cultivate admiration from others.
  3. Achieving dominion requires unity, responsibility, and relationships. Synergy and support systems are critical for success.

Reincarnation Sounds Awesome

Polymathic Being • 61 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reincarnation Philosophy Religion Theology Spiritual growth
  1. Reincarnation offers a chance to learn and grow through different lives. It can help us see challenges as opportunities for personal development.
  2. The idea of reincarnation reshapes how we view our existence, suggesting that life isn't just about a single chance but a continuous journey of improvement.
  3. Many religions aim to inspire people to become better individuals, and reincarnation aligns with this goal by giving us multiple opportunities to learn from our experiences.

The Second Coming as Inner Event

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mysticism Esotericism Theology Spiritual Practice Comparative Religion Religious history
  1. Western civilization feels stalled and regressive because postmodern relativism has been weaponized by authoritarian figures and AI, creating a deep crisis of truth and legitimacy.
  2. The 'Second Coming' or messianic idea is best understood as an inner, spiritual event—an awakening of the higher self or Christ-being within each person—rather than a literal external apocalypse or political spectacle.
  3. Meaningful renewal depends on reviving public political life and deep intellectual cultivation. It also requires steady inner ethical work—learning to think clearly, resist outrage and othering, and let the inner messianic impulse guide action instead of relying on strongmen or technological fixes.

A Brief Interlude on the Biblical Tamar

Gideon's Substack • 11 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Biblical Studies Comparative Religion Literary Criticism Theology
  1. Tamar uses a bed-trick disguise to secure her rights and lineage, producing Judah’s signet ring, staff, and cord as proof and ensuring her place in the family line that leads to King David.
  2. Turning folktale plots into psychologically realistic drama changes the tone and can make audiences uncomfortable, as a confident trickster differs from a believable, anguished character who is forced into that role.
  3. The deeper ambition in stories like Tamar’s and Helen’s is not just marriage or offspring but the desire to claim agency and become the protagonist of one’s own story, a motive emphasized by later retellings.

Bootstrapping a Relationship With a God You Don't Believe in

apxhard • 51 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Belief systems Personal Growth Spiritual Practices
  1. Believing in something starts with small experiments. Just like testing a business idea, you can try acting as if God is real and see what happens.
  2. You gather evidence as you try new things, like praying or being kind, which can build your belief over time. When positive outcomes happen, it makes it easier to trust and believe more.
  3. It's about making a choice to act with trust and goodness, even when it's hard. Over time, this can lead to a better outlook on life and help reduce stress and fear.

Finding our way as misfits

The Recovering Academic • 118 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Stories Community Identity
  1. The post discusses the importance of finding support and bonding with others who share the feeling of being misfits.
  2. It highlights the impact of a supportive friend who listens and encourages, making a significant difference in one's life and work.
  3. The post emphasizes the value of genuine connections that make individuals feel understood and that their words truly matter.

Diasporic Nationalism: The Accidental Anti-Zionism of Deep Space Nine

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 23 May 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Zionism Diaspora Refugees Tolerance
  1. Jews often fear the necessity of Israel for safety due to historical trauma, but exploring alternative perspectives can open up new discussions.
  2. Considering a 'No-State Solution' and emphasizing diasporic Jewish nationalism can lead to embracing pluralism and universal compassion.
  3. Staying true to Jewish identity in the diaspora, while also supporting multiculturalism, can be a powerful way to navigate oppression and maintain a strong sense of self.

A Message For My Readers

The Abbey of Misrule • 393 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality
  1. The author shared a message with his readers on reaching 50,000 subscribers.
  2. He expressed gratitude towards his readers and offered a discount on paid subscriptions as a gesture of thanks.
  3. The author highlighted the privilege of writing for a living and the value he places on each subscriber.

(7.) Maurice Nicoll 1 - COMMENTARY III - ON WORK ON ONESELF - pp.25-29

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 39 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Consciousness Teachings
  1. Work on oneself should start today, as each day reflects one's life - change requires active effort on a daily basis.
  2. Circumscribe practical self-work to the present day, focusing on observing and changing reactions to daily events.
  3. Insulate oneself from external influences to foster inner growth and development, especially in challenging times like war.

Discerning the Season

Come Aside • 98 implied HN points • 27 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Reflection Restoration
  1. Humility is key to developing other attributes and character qualities in our lives.
  2. Take time to intentionally reflect on the treasures gained during challenging seasons.
  3. Embrace the idea of growth through devotion to the Lord and His Church for a season of increase.

Let Them Eat Sex Magic!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Esotericism Meditation Psychedelics New Age
  1. If automation eliminates most jobs, people could spend their freed time on deep inner work like meditation, tantra, and psychedelics as a path beyond mere cultivated leisure.
  2. The psychedelic movement has largely been absorbed by capitalist, utilitarian priorities and needs integration into disciplined esoteric or initiatory practices to foster genuine inner transformation.
  3. Capitalist commodification has warped sexuality and human relationships, making them transactional, and scandals like Epstein expose the hypocrisy and ethical corruption among elites and spiritual figures.

Second chances

10x your mind • 179 implied HN points • 10 Nov 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs
  1. It's okay to break the rules for grabbing a second chance in life. It's worth it.
  2. Life gives you second chances. Believe in them and be ready to grab them.
  3. Don't lose hope if things don't go your way the first time. Second chances exist for dream jobs, raises, weight goals, homes, and love.

bell hooks: Living by an Ethic of Love

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 25 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Social justice Feminism Masculinity
  1. bell hooks and Martin Luther King Jr. emphasized the importance of living by an ethic of love, prioritizing integrity and truth over natural niceties.
  2. hooks believed in the power of a love ethic as the basis of social justice movements and cultural analysis, contrasting young listeners who saw love as naive and weak.
  3. hooks addressed the damaging effects of patriarchal masculinity on men, urging them to embrace feminist masculinity characterized by compassion, sensitivity, and respect towards others.

Not All Who Trip Are Transformed: Beware The Spiritual Narcissist 🙏❤️‍🩹

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychedelics Enlightenment Self-awareness Ego
  1. Pseudo-spirituality and spiritual narcissism are prevalent in the psychedelic realm, where individuals may use spiritual practices to avoid personal growth.
  2. Recognizing spiritual egotism and the journey towards spiritual awareness involves acknowledging and confronting one's ego, rather than masking it through spiritual practices.
  3. Identifying traits of spiritual narcissists such as superiority complex, manipulation, and lack of empathy is crucial to safeguard oneself in the spiritual and psychedelic community.

A love letter to living, noticing, and feeling

Erifili • 99 implied HN points • 06 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Meaning Optimism Philosophy
  1. Finding happiness in the present moment is vital, as shown through the love for daily routines like enjoying a morning coffee.
  2. Meaningful life experiences come from noticing and feeling the small moments, like observing the rain or being inspired by a poem.
  3. Nostalgia and yearning are beautiful emotions that contribute to a meaningful life, showcasing the consistency of human emotions like yearning.

Undefeated

Charles Eisenstein • 9 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Faith Religion Ethics Community Compassion
  1. Losing youthful ideals doesn’t mean those ideals were wrong; feeling grief or disappointment about a life that didn’t happen is normal and doesn’t mean you’re defeated.
  2. The quiet, unpaid work of caregiving—raising and tending children and grandchildren—actually shapes the future and matters deeply even if it brings no money or praise.
  3. Big visible leadership isn’t enough; true transformation needs healing of the small, everyday relationships and countless acts of love that slowly pull the future toward a better possibility.

Beginnings of Revival?

Come Aside • 98 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Revival Prayer Worship
  1. A move of God has begun at Asbury College with continuous prayer, worship, and a powerful response to the Spirit.
  2. The revival at Asbury College is growing in intensity rather than slowing down, drawing people nationally and internationally.
  3. This revival moment is prompting a call for prayer for a national and international outpouring of God's spirit.

Planting Crops Of Meaning

Weekly Wisdom • 139 implied HN points • 22 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Existentialism Spiritual Practices Worldview
  1. John Vervaeke's work provides valuable insights on existential meaning and wisdom.
  2. The meaning crisis is part of a larger meta-crisis that includes environmental, health, socio-economic, political, and judicial aspects.
  3. Vervaeke introduces the 'four P's of knowing' (propositional, procedural, perspectival, participatory) and emphasizes the need for developing perspectival and participatory knowing to combat the meaning crisis.