What We Believe

INDOCTRINATED, MEMORIES, PRAYER

When I was creating the Hollar Moon Mountain Oracle, more specifically while I was creating the guide-words, I would sit with the images and feel into emotions they stirred. I would choose a word and dive deep into what that guide-word meant. Now, I don't usually give to much preference with guide-words but this was different. I wanted to allow the images to speak. As oracle cards go, imagery leaves a lot to the imagination in the realms of interpretation. As do the guide-words on the cards as well as the the few provided in the guidebook.

I like to start with the simple act of looking up the meanings in the dictionary. Simple, mundane I know. But then I like to see where the word originated, what the synonyms are for the word. And then really feel my way through what that means and then notice the subtleties this brings to my awareness. I would like to break down my method for you in this blog/reading today.

INDOCTRINATED:

verb past tense: indoctrinated; past participle: indoctrinated

teach (a person or group) to accept a set of beliefs uncritically.

MEMORIES:

noun plural noun: memories the faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information.

something remembered from the past; a recollection.

PRAYER:

noun: a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or an object of worship.

I find the English language very interesting. Here we have 2 nouns and one verb. I find it intriguing that Indoctrinated is the verb in this reading. Breaking down keywords, in a reading, like this noticing how may suits are in a reading; such as cups, swords etc.

So, in this reading "Indoctrinated" comes into focus. So let us remind ourselves of a verb's meaning before we continue.Verbs are words that show an action (sing), occurrence (develop), or state of being (exist). So, for this reading, we will notice how "Indoctrinated" has or is taking action on our 2 noun (person,place or object) cards of "Memories" and "Prayer"

How has "Indoctrinated" effected our memories and prayer. I can only tell you my own personal experience with this. I will do my best to explain it. I was given a belief system about myself at a very young age. And not a healthy one at that.

This belief system was not questioned or criticized because as a young child this is what was given to me by way of actions and the words. Used by those who were supposed to love and nurture me. But, instead indoctrinated me into a negative, dark place, where emotions about myself became deeply painful,lasting for many, many years.. I saw these as true because these were the beliefs I was given and as the definition states, "accepted uncritically."

It was not until later on as an adult, that I would begin to question and unravel my indoctrination. It became clear over time, that this would and had effected my "Memories" and "Prayer". These two things are deeply personal and will differ between people. Memories are deeply precious to me. But they were also once disturbing and harmful. Prayer or as I like to see it, contemplation, is also deeply important to me. But for a long time, this indoctrination took hold and made prayer,peace and contemplation illusive.

So with today's reading, I think this asks us to look at how our belief systems, what was put into place. Then ask ourselves, "Is it healthy, productive or nourishing". And if the answer is no, or isn't clear, then let us not be afraid to dismantle it. Freeing us to once again. Removing the lock. Freeing our memories around our indoctrination as well as opening up space once again for peace and contemplation again thru prayer (in whatever method that is for you).

I hope that I was able to explain this. These deeply intuitive "knowings" can be tricky to express with words. If you have a story of indoctrination, if you feel moved to share please leave a comment below. I would love to explore this more.

From The Hollar With Love,

Priscilla