Today, we do not use our ancient cosmic orientation to relate to the natural world as we once did. It’s no longer determined by where we are or what time it is by the Sun’s daily motion across the sky. Our perception of the outside world has changed, and we have lost our sense of wholeness within a great system. Factors such as our work and play rhythms, clothing, diet, and travel are affected by climatic and seasonal factors. These factors affect our unconscious sense of timing and our ability to communicate with nature, which we often overlook.
Often we marvel at the apparent serenity and spiritual confidence of ancient people, forgetting that their tools were taught and used within an environment that encouraged them to recognize and embrace natural and divine forces. These tools enabled one to maintain a profound sense of cosmic orientation, keep it, and view one’s role as actual spiritual work. In ancient Egypt, a man named Al was gifted with a sense of cosmic orientation.
As dams have been constructed in our era, the Nile no longer produces an annual flood, but understanding the rhythm of that event and others associated with it is essential to understanding Egyptian rituals and ceremonies. To restore cosmic orientation, we need to leave our temporal field of time and enter the visible universe of ancient Egypt, where cosmic rhythms sustained human life, nature, and even the gods.
For Egyptians, both secular and spiritual matters were governed by the concept of time. Even though the gods’ realms (Neheh) were considered eternal, they were also continuous and manifested in cycles. According to cosmic life’s ebbs and flows, gods appeared at different times but were lasting and constant. Through the medium of heavenly bodies, events take place in linear time (Djet) and according to the ebb and flow of cosmic life. The three dimensions of cosmic activity were thought to be formed by three distinct rhythms, the lunar, solar, and stellar.
John S Whitaker –
I really enjoyed reading this book.
SCH –
Like the rest of this series, it is concise to the point have enjoyed the whole set
Mr B. –
No dislikes. Interesting and informative.
Kmc –
Holy good stuff
It was,well written ,easy to follow along, poignant, precise and concise. I wad wondering if the one emissary priscus was going to show up. And sure enough he did. .Y
Jacob S. –
Remarkable
Very Talented writer, just an Awsome series. I’m really looking forward to the next 3 books.If you’re a history buff like myself, you’ll love this series 🙂
Lori –
Interesting history
Good read on History
Brad –
A good read
The author has a style which makes the history of that period very interesting rather than dour. He sometimes also offers his theories on certain events which are very plausible. The historical journal from Priscus offers an idea of what Attila was like, and the chronology of emperors at the end of the book is a good summary.
Hamilcar Barca –
“He was just as scheming and back-stabbing as any good Roman.”
Rome and Attila, Book 3 in a projected 6-volume series, focuses on the short-but-critical historical time period 410-476 CE, although it also recaps the events of 360-410 CE, which were detailed in Book 2. I enjoyed meeting all sorts of movers and shakers in the decline of the Roman Empire. Attila receives the primary focus; almost 100 pages of the book are devoted to his life and impact. But a lot of other players also are introduced, including Ataulf, Valentinian III, Aetius, Theodoric, Ricimer, Marjorian, Alaric, Gaiseric, and Odoacer. A number of influential women are also spotlighted, including Galla Placidia, Hypatia, Honoria, Kreka, Aelia Pulcheria, and Aelia Eudocia. Galla Placidia is a particularly memorable. I was impressed with the way the author juggles the various military powers and their activities. You have Western Roman Emperors, Eastern Roman Emperors, Persians, Huns, White Huns, Visigoths, usurpers, Vandals, and all sorts of Germanic tribes, each carrying out their own agenda. Yet somehow it never became confusing. I also liked the way other influences are addressed cited in explaining the Rome’s collapse. Climate change caused the Huns to pull up stakes and move en masse eastward. The Huns used Germanic mercenaries to bolster their ranks, and therefore were dependent on Roman tribute to keep their position of dominance. The Persian Empire was beset by other Hunnic hordes, so they became keen on maintaining friendly relations with Constantinople, which spared the Eastern Empire the tribulations endured by Rome. The occasional “aside” sections were also great. When Rome fell, what happened to the legionnaires stationed in the hinterlands? Who were the Huns, where did they come from, and why did they disappear so quickly and thoroughly upon Attila’s death? How did the lives of ordinary citizens change after law and order collapsed throughout the western Empire? The interludes addressing these questions were both fascinating and informative. I’ve read all three “Fall of the Roman Empire” and have thoroughly enjoyed each one. I’m particularly intrigued by what the subject matter of Book 4 will be. The remnants of the Western Roman Empire falling into a prolonged abyss called the Dark Ages? The Eastern Roman Empire learning to get along without its European sibling? Or will the focus be on both halves equally? Inquiring minds want to know.