The hottest Spirituality Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

The New Oracles: QAnon, AI and Divination

The Bigger Picture • 718 implied HN points • 31 May 24
🎭️ Culture Conspiracy Theories Spirituality Technology Psychology
  1. The QAnon movement, despite failed predictions, remains a significant force with millions believing in its prophecies.
  2. Movements like Reichsbürger share an interest in divination, with some using occult practices like astrology and fortune-telling.
  3. Artificial intelligence, through generative AI models, is becoming a modern oracle on the internet, mediating between us and the virtual world.

Places to intervene in a system

Subconscious • 1423 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Systems theory Spirituality Ethics
  1. Intervening in a system can be done through different levels of influence, starting from simple changes like adjusting parameters to deeper shifts like altering mindsets.
  2. All systems are creations of our thoughts and perspectives, meaning we can change how we view these systems, which can influence outcomes.
  3. True change often requires patience and may not show immediate results, so focusing on inner transformation is essential for meaningful progress.

understanding pain, mental illness, and grief

Midnight Musings • 39 implied HN points • 11 Sep 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Mental health Pain management Therapy Spirituality
  1. Pain happens when there's a mismatch between how we think things should be and how they actually are. It's like a warning sign from our brain telling us to rethink our beliefs.
  2. Mental illness can be seen as our struggle to deal with pain in a healthy way. Anxiety might come from fearing that pain, while depression can stem from being unable to accept our current situation.
  3. Grief starts when we adjust our beliefs to match our experiences. It's a complex emotion, but it's a part of being human and shows our understanding of life's unpredictability.
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The Ego Doesn't Die: Why Western spirituality is so confused, and what to do about it

The Bigger Picture • 3175 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Transformation
  1. Reality is relational, and mystical experiences are about changing how we relate to the world.
  2. Spiritual transformation is not about the ego dying, but about widening our perspective and how we relate to everything around us.
  3. Framing inner transformation as relational rather than focused on the ego object can lead to richer and more complex spiritual experiences.

The Tragic View of Life v. Spirituality

Castalia • 499 implied HN points • 01 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Spirituality Materialism Ethics
  1. Spirituality suggests there's a guiding intelligence in life, making events feel purposeful. Many people express spiritual ideas even if they're not religious.
  2. The tragic view of life sees meaning in the absurdity of existence, emphasizing courage in facing life's challenges without relying on a higher power.
  3. There's an ongoing debate between believing in spiritual guidance or accepting life's chaos. It can be more fulfilling to find strength in life's struggles than to search endlessly for meaning.

A Bowl of Roses

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Existentialism Imagination Spirituality
  1. The imaginal world is a special realm that exists independently, but we can only access it through our soul's understanding. It's like a bridge connecting our physical experiences and spiritual awareness.
  2. To perceive this imaginal world, we need to work on ourselves and develop a clean heart. This 'active imagination' helps us see deeper meanings and visions.
  3. The imaginal space offers real interactions with archetypal images and spiritual beings, helping seekers gain insight and understanding beyond the ordinary.

Why don't gurus scale?

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 173 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Spirituality Wellness Meditation Self-help
  1. Some gurus are really talented at helping people and can create big changes quickly. However, their personal skills often don't scale to help more people.
  2. Gurus rely on their personal charisma and unique techniques, making it hard to replicate their success on a larger scale.
  3. Many in the spiritual scene may struggle with growing their impact because their methods are too personal and can't reach a wider audience.

Everything is a Room

Neckar’s Notes • 57 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🏥 Health & Wellness Breathwork Emotional Healing Spirituality Personal Development
  1. Breathwork can be a powerful emotional experience, especially when done in a large group. It can bring up a lot of feelings like anger, laughter, and joy.
  2. It's important to have a safe and intimate space for such deep practices. Without it, moments of connection may get lost amid the noise and excitement.
  3. Life can be seen as a series of 'rooms', which represent different relationships and experiences we have. Each interaction creates or enters a unique space of its own.

Into the Woods

Cosmographia • 898 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Nature Spirituality
  1. The woods evoke a childlike wonder, making us feel small and allowing our minds to wander freely in a peaceful environment.
  2. In today's society, humans spend very little time connecting with nature, emphasizing the importance of taking time to venture into the woods and away from modern distractions.
  3. Exploring the woods brings a sense of tranquility and a break from the busyness of daily life, encouraging us to disconnect from screens and immerse ourselves in the natural world.

In response to those who are concerned about my general criticism of the counter-culture movement...

Through A Glass Darkly • 1356 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Philosophy Therapy
  1. The author discusses the origins and influences of the counter-culture movement.
  2. There is a caution against blindly following teachings without critical thinking.
  3. The importance of discerning between healthy and destructive approaches to spirituality and mental well-being is highlighted.

A Defence of Hate

Becoming Noble • 2232 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Religion Identity Spirituality Morality
  1. Hatred, when directed at evil and not individuals, can be a powerful force for rejecting what is harmful.
  2. According to philosophers like Aquinas and Nietzsche, properly understanding and harnessing hatred involves recognizing its role in opposing evil.
  3. It's crucial to distinguish between hating evil actions and hating individuals, as the former is aligned with rejecting what is harmful while the latter can be destructive.

Beginnings and enchantments

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2116 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Nature Writing
  1. Moving into a new house can be disruptive but redecorating and making it your own can be joyful and rewarding.
  2. Returning to a place where you feel a sense of belonging can bring a profound feeling of being at home, even after many years.
  3. Exploring familiar landscapes and being close to family can bring a sense of ancestral connection and understanding of oneself.

Panic In Zanzibar: Nocturnal Sodomy & Demon-Bats

Grey Goose Chronicles • 1041 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Anthropology History Spirituality Folklore Politics
  1. In Zanzibar, a collective panic occurred in 1995 due to reports of attacks by a shape-shifting spirit called Popobawa, resulting in violence and fear among residents.
  2. The Popobawa legend is a complex mix of political tensions, taboo sexual elements, supernatural beliefs, and historical legacies, making it challenging to interpret.
  3. The phenomenon of the Popobawa offers insights into Zanzibar's history, culture, and divisions, reflecting how fears and stories can have real-world impacts on communities.

Making Peace with God

The Reclamation Era • 179 implied HN points • 01 Jul 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Nostalgia Self-discovery
  1. Revisiting childhood places can be a powerful way to find healing and connection. It helps you reconnect with your past and feel a sense of belonging.
  2. Not every church or place you remember will welcome you as you expect. Sometimes, you might face locked doors, but that doesn't stop the journey of self-discovery.
  3. Feeling emotions like peace and nostalgia is natural when you reflect on your past. These feelings can help you recognize how you've grown and found your own sense of spirituality.

The Naked Potential of 2024: Democracy, Chaos and Creativity

rebelwisdom • 1002 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics Philosophy Art Spirituality Science
  1. 2024 is a year with significant democratic elections worldwide, highlighting a growing apathy and distrust in the democratic process.
  2. The tension between centralized control and decentralized, regenerative movements is intensifying, leading to a clash of ideologies and perspectives in society.
  3. There is a growing movement towards seeking new ways of being and thinking, challenging existing structures and norms in society.

Homing tendencies

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1837 implied HN points • 04 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Personal Growth Spirituality Hope Connection Belonging
  1. Moving homes can trigger deep-rooted anxieties, stemming from disrupting the safe sanctuary one has spent years creating.
  2. The concept of 'home' is a complex mix of physical shelter, emotional security, and a place where one can always return to, and the fear of losing it can be deeply ingrained from childhood.
  3. Transitioning between homes can bring about self-reflection, exploration of uncertainties, and a mix of emotions, but it also offers opportunities for growth and new beginnings.

Longer Meme

Do Not Research • 559 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Memes Enlightenment Capitalism Spirituality
  1. Critiques societal norms and references Joker and Margaret Thatcher's views on society.
  2. Explores hypothetical scenarios about society's development with imaginative and detailed scenarios.
  3. Societyiftextwall is a project that delves into utopian ideals and historical questioning, aiming to counter negative memesphere trends.

“Stop using wild San Pedro”: 5 Questions for Josip Orlovac Del Río

The Microdose • 845 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Spirituality Conservation
  1. San Pedro, a cactus containing mescaline, is threatened by factors like poaching and climate change.
  2. It's crucial for communities to cultivate their own medicine to build a sustainable relationship with the plant.
  3. Global interest in psychedelics like San Pedro must be managed to protect both the plant and its cultural traditions.

Return of the Old Gods

Reactionary Feminist • 12 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Poetry Fantasy Mythology Spirituality
  1. People often seek deeper meaning and joy in a world that feels disenchanted. They're looking for something to believe in amidst the chaos.
  2. The rise in fantasy writing reflects our desire to reconnect with a sense of enchantment that we feel has been lost. It's like finding old gods in new stories.
  3. Many individuals express a longing for love and loyalty as they navigate their emotional journeys, similar to themes found in classic poetry.

Non-Ordinary Sensemaking: How to Navigate a New Reality

rebelwisdom • 1552 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Reality Spirituality Morality Metaphysics
  1. The more time we spend online, the more we risk being influenced by different states of consciousness.
  2. To effectively navigate different states of consciousness, we need 'state competence' and should learn to translate between them.
  3. Understanding cognition as embodied, embedded, enacted, and extended can help us adapt to different environments and perspectives.

Our Great Opportunity

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🌞 Climate & Environment Ecology Sustainability Societal Change Spirituality Technology
  1. Destruction can help us see a clearer path towards fixing our problems and taking better care of our planet. Sometimes, leaving behind old ideas and systems can lead to new and better ways of doing things.
  2. Moving towards a regenerative society needs big changes in how we think and how we do things together. Everyone needs to join in to create a powerful global effort that focuses on caring for the Earth.
  3. The current crisis isn't just about technology or politics; it's a deeper issue that involves our values and beliefs. We need to change the way we understand ourselves and our connection to nature to find real solutions.

The Truth of Myths

Polymathic Being • 70 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Wisdom Spirituality Tradition Literature
  1. Myths can hold deep truths and meanings, even if they aren't literally factual. They often reflect universal human experiences and insights.
  2. Understanding myths helps us confront our own flaws and aspirations through archetypes. Stories from different cultures teach us about balancing different aspects of our nature.
  3. Rather than seeking to prove myths as factual, we should appreciate their wisdom. They offer insights that can guide us in our everyday lives, revealing lessons that have been learned over time.

In Case You Know Someone Who Is Dying, Has Died, or May Die in the Future

Think Future • 738 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Death Afterlife Religions Spirituality Mysticism
  1. Different religions have exoteric and esoteric approaches to death and the afterlife, which influences their views on heaven and the divine.
  2. Mystic beliefs often emphasize the presence of the divine in everyday life and the idea that we are part of The Beyond, both while alive and after death.
  3. According to mystics, individuals reunite with the divine and loved ones after death, and their presence continues to impact the world through memories and teachings.

Teach us to Care and not to Care

The Joyous Struggle • 632 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Spirituality Faith Beliefs Philosophy
  1. On Ash Wednesday, the reminder of mortality through rituals like smudging ash can help us embrace the impermanence of life
  2. It's important to reflect on what truly matters in life, learning to care deeply about important things while also letting go of what is not worth our attention
  3. Exploring different spiritual paths and beliefs can be a lifelong journey of self-discovery and understanding

Cultivating the Heroic Spirit

Becoming Noble • 1315 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Sports Virtue Heroism
  1. Merely playing sports may not convey the full spectrum of virtue and spiritual experience sought; modern sports lack metaphysical significance and encounters with the transcendent.
  2. Sport is a vehicle for developing essential virtue, such as discipline and hardiness, which underpin the pursuit of higher goals.
  3. True sport is a fundamentally spiritual quest, calling for a connection between physicality and spirit, ultimately leading to transcending oneself through play, beauty, action, prayer, and devotion.

The Inner Life of the Future

The Joyous Struggle • 1106 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Spirituality Consciousness Existentialism Ethics
  1. The future for humanity is often viewed through the concept of 'the third attractor,' which aims to divert the default trajectories of collapse and dystopia.
  2. The third attractor represents a disposition not to give up on the future, encompassing diverse visionary ideas for societal transformation and renewal.
  3. Attention to the 'third reality,' encompassing the inner subjective experience, and the cultivation of spiritual sensibility, is crucial for envisioning and shaping a more sustainable and meaningful future.