Mrindigo wrote:
I tend to agree with a lot of the points of view that agnosticism presents. I don't follow any religion because of their current use as a means of giving bigots and fanatics a soapbox to stand on. I will how-ever state that I think the core of most ancient religions is entirely different than how they are interpreted today. Christianity for example sources a book that is commonly regarded by many as a literary work that was written all at once. The fact of the matter is, it's a series of collected works. Each section was written by different people in different eras, over the course of several hundred years. Each of these authors had different views and ways of conveying concepts. Some sections are filled with positive information related to conscious development, astronomy/astrology and their archetypal references. Various sections of these works have been removed or revised by people in positions of power. It was thought that many of these writings were destroyed until the dead sea scrolls were discovered (there could be more out there). Among them was the book of Enoch. Enoch's account of 'angels' and 'god' were very different from the rest of the current writings. They were very real and physical beings to Enoch. In fact they took him under their wing (pun intended) and gave him some very important information. In my opinion, his description sounds a lot like visiting extraterrestrials.
You're right the the cross was utilized as a form of extreme torture, Omni. Other cultures also utilized the cross symbolically before the spread of the holy roman empire. What they all used it for, I'm not certain. One theory showed it to be both a symbol of the 'southern cross' constellation seen in the night sky, and serving as a physical navigational piece used to line the horizon and stars to chart a nautical course. I also wonder if it may have a greater meaning? I can't help but notice some geometric similarities between the simple design, and the way the energy is commonly depicted in flowing of this galaxy. It bears some resemblance to torrid energy, the same type that Tesla tapped into. Maybe there was some larger fundamental understanding there? An interesting fact is the Vatican currently owns several satellite telescopes, as well as terrestrial telescopes. What are they looking for? Might it be the return of the 'angels' aka ETs that their prophets and writers spoke of? It's not all bad, though I have to agree that in it's current state there does appear to be a rather 'draconian' mindset instilled in many of the followers and leaders involved in the cult.
The Maya were an interesting people, but I think their celestial obsession might have got the better of them. It appears they took too much from the surrounding forests by taking too much lumber. Without the trees to hold in moisture in their roots, it would have altered the weather patterns. The rains would have become less frequent, which meant they needed to get creative with getting water. For a time, it appears the sinkholes dotted around the regions served as Oases, but likely didn't fill the needs of their total populations. The sun and it's heat causes evaporation, which brings rain. I would say they probably understood that since their celestial knowledge was incredible. Society seemed to collapse and revert. They may have taken on more primitive habits like sacrifices to a sun god in hopes of bringing rain? There was a strange being often described as a feathered serpent, which gave the early Mayans knowledge. Maybe there were others like it who influenced the idea of sacrifice? This is certainly an interesting topic.
Regarding the cross, and I can't remember where I heard this, it is also a cube unfolded. I found that interesting because there is much speculation about cube symbolism.
The feathered serpent, if I'm remembering correctly, created man from the bones of a previous civilization using his blood. I'll have to look it up and double check when I get a minute.
( 6:13PM) 
The shamans knew of them and left clues. 
