~- Rec Onc! “IN the book he edit- ed, Osantum Questions: Mystical Writings of the World’s Greatest Physicists, philosopher Ken Wilber argues that physics deals with information about the world, the reality of which it perceives as being separate from the observer. Physies utilizes symbols and models, usually framed in mathematical terms. Mysticism, continues Wilber, apprehends reality directly, immediately and firsthand. Withour anything coming in between the observer and the observed, they become one, (Please refer to fast week's column.) OF course, there is a big difference between mystical concepts contained in mysti- cal writings and actually hav- ing a mystical experience yourself. In the former, there is still something between us and what we are looking at. As an example of the latter, a clairvoyant “sees,” where the rest of us “read.” The world thar the new physics describes seems more like the twilight zone than terra firma, Quantum 28 - Sunday. October 11, 1998 — North Shore News mechanics explores the behaviour of minute sub- atomic particles, which dis- appear trom one place only to reappear somewhere else, without their paths being cither detectable or pre- dictable. {t is the famous “quantum leap.” Meanwhile, physicists like Stephen Hawking search for a Theory of Everything (TOE) or Grand Unification Theory (GUT) to explain, in one sweeping gesture, everything from the origin of the uni- verse to the nature of con- sciousness. Proponents of the old metaphysics held that there Cc cxcn JEEP OWNERS x Complete mechanical & eiectricat repairs bi IMPEX AUTOMOM| www3.bc.sympatico.ca/impexauto/impexauto/.hinal = is ae eee ee a cS north shore news ALTERNATIVES ing physics w were aspects of the universe bevond the accessibility of physies, which is what the word “metaphysics” means. The way to investigate those aspects was to realize that they were ephemeral and did not respond well to being treated as if they auly con: sisted of fragmented material components. This is the stuff ancient religions used to be made of. [t's little wonder that Celtic, Wieca, and abo- riginal ways have joined company on the shelves of mainstream bookstores today with teachings from other star systents. We may live in an infor- mation age flooded by a relentless outpouring of data, bur we still thirst for insight about who we truly are, a knowledge and under standing that gives meaning to life. Knowledge of this kind is often. embodied in the great stories, myths and traditions of the world — the wisdom of the ages. In its own way, the old meta- Visit our web site: factory trained technician VE 1335 Pemberton Ave. Te!: 985-623 ith metaphysics simply to learn more facts and knowledge abour the universe ... WH spirit. The time is approach: ing fora reconectliagon beeen astronomy and astrology, physics and meta- physics. “Phe stars can be appreciated both as inean- descent balls of hydrogen and lamps to the soul Recognizing ourselves as children of the stars will mean more than that we are carbon-based lite forms. In his newest book, Te Hidden Heart of the Cosmos: Humanity and the New Story, cosmologist Brian Swimme argues for an aspect of the “both/and”™ point of view. He writes, “In order to move from ordinary con- sciousness tO a new planetary wisdom, we need a transtor- mation of our experience that takes place concurrently with our acquisition of knowledge. It is not enough ICBC CLAIMS ee §€6=6Proteci yoursell . 1 Hire an experienced Tt) eas) “SonN NOBLE Gi 669-9755 phystes, which saw the whole of creation as one, was a kind of Theary of Evervthing, an appreciation of the lawfulness and wis dom of the universe. There is a growing feeling thar the new physics ts beginning to look a lot like the old metaphysics. But Wilber warns, “Tf today’s physics supports mysticism, what happens when tomer: row's physics replaces it? Does mysticism then fall also? We cannot have it both ways... Genuine mysticism, precisely to rh: ent it is genuine, is pertectly capable of offering its own defense, its own evidence, its own claims, and its own proots.” There is a ground swell lobbying for “seamless bifo- cals” through which we can view the best that both sei- ence and religion are able to reveal about our world. Much of this emerging per- ception has to do with ree- onciling the apparent separa- tion benween matter and hat is needed is J transtormative process where one can fearn to see and feel the world in a way congruent with what is actu- ally happening. Such a trans- formation would enable one to transcend the split mod- ern condition of experience: ing the world one way, while knowing the truth of the world is otherwise.” Thanks again, Richard Moeschel, spiritual brother. Robert Aiken is an inter- nationally known professional astroloqinn and therapeutic counselor/teacher/writer with 40 years’ experience. He offers empowering personal coun- selling sesstons as well as thor- ough, in-depth, tape-recorded astrological readings. Phone Carole : 926-4961, 2 Sere WY Free House Calls When you can own for an unbelievable $918. per month. with a low 10% down payment and including GST. re-Open Lonsdale and Esplanade, North Vancouver.