This article was originally published on Hubpages in May 2010. Would You Want to Live Forever? Immortalists and transhumanists think that the developing sciences of nanotechnology, nanomedicine and artificial intelligence could eventually enable the aging process to be treated like any other bodily malfunction. While this prospect may still sound like science-fiction to many people, the boundaries of what has already become medically possible have already changed and consequently improved the lives of millions, of not billions, of people. These ground-breaking developments are expected to continue to evolve, improve and expand at an ever-increasing rate. Soon, computer and nano intelligence and ability will equal that of humanity's. Soon after, it will begin to overtake it. At this point, people will be able to make use of nano-robotic implants to vastly improve their intelligence and longevity. But this stage is just the start. We may reach the point where un-enhanced "natur...

This article by Adele Cosgrove-Bray was first published in  Prediction  magazine in September 2007. It was also published on Hubpages in March 2010. A magnificent bouquet of deep red roses represents a declaration of love to most people.  But did you know that many other flowers also carry traditional messages of their own?  A gift of flowers can express a complex visual language and can sometimes say what a thousand words cannot.  In Victorian times it was hugely popular to send coded messages hidden in bouquets, especially between lovers. Tulip bulbs were once a valuable form of currency and were exchanged for phenomenal sums of money.  Red tulips were believed to be a bold expression of passion and sensuality, while variegated tulips represented facial beauty and sartorial elegance.  A spring of apple blossom set within a posy implied that the giver preferred the company of the recipient above that of all others.  the use of confetti at wedding...

 This article was originally published on Hubpages in September 2019. Personality and Free Will Personality is formed of a myriad of influences—genetic, parental, environmental, cultural and educational. In addition to these, our experiences in life all combine to develop our personality. People so often take great pride in their individuality, and yet this can be little more than the product of influences over which they have developed little or no control. The concept of free will is one of humanity’s greatest illusions. It is impossible to escape from influence. Everything is subject to influence. Every season, every movement of the solar system or of your central nervous system, every migration of birds or people, or high street fashion fad, is the result of influence. Your choice of clothing, your taste in food or music, your endless likes and dislikes, needs and wants, are all the product of influence—some positive, some negative. “But of course I have free will! I chose this...

 This article was originally published on Hubpages in September 2019. Energy Planet Earth, our solar system, the universe and everything contained within it is formed of energy. Absolutely everything is formed from energy—your chair, your body, your thoughts etc., are all energy. The difference between objects, (i.e., the difference between your legs and the chair they rest upon), is due to the speed at which energy vibrates. All energy vibrates constantly; the higher the vibration, the finer the matter. Physics can demonstrate this easily enough. When old philosophers declared, “All is One”, they can be shown, through our understanding of science, to have been quite correct. The driving force which maintains the universe is termed by occult metaphysicians as God. This term does not imply the presence of a little old man sat in the sky, grouchily finding fault with us all. This is not a person whose name is God, as an alternative to being named John or Julie. According to occult me...

 This article was originally published on Hubpages in April 2010. Playing the Dating Game There comes a time in many lives when being single loses allure. The roller-coaster ride of perilous and pleasurable encounters with fellow seekers of companionship would run more smoothly if both parties acquainted themselves with romance's rules of hunting and gathering. Read this tongue-in-cheek guide to survive the dating game! Where to Take Her on a First Date In case she turns out to be a psychotic bunny boiler, choose a public location for your first date. Restaurants are useful because they're very public, yet allow for semi-private conversation. If her gaze keeps roaming round the room, then you're either boring her or in need of cosmetic surgery. Assuming radical surgery is not an option, ask her about herself. She's bound to liven up at her favourite topic. Under no circumstances take her to a sports event. Even if she truly loves football, stock car racing or darts, thi...

This article was originally published on Hubpages in January 2010.   Could you describe Green Witchcraft, please? Well, some call it hedge witchcraft, or herb witchcraft. Call it whatever takes your fancy, whatever's in vogue right now. It's a type of simple witchcraft which works with herbs and plant lore, and with elementals - most people probably call them fairies but that's a bit misleading. Say "fairy" and people think of childrens' stories and Tinkerbell. That's not what I mean at all. I work with the natural energies of the earth, with ley lines and places of power. I don't use complicated rituals or expensive ritual tools. Keep everything simple and uncluttered, is my motto. Use what you can make yourself, from wood and clay and stone. Or improvise - use the same things you'd find in any kitchen. How did your interest develop? Did you take formal classes or join related groups? Well, let's see... I've always had an affinity for natu...

 This article was originally published on Hubpages in January 2010. When learning how to read tarot cards, the attempt to memorise long lists of possible meanings can be very confusing. However, there is an easy and practical way to surmount this. Tarot sets are made up of two main sets of cards known as the major and minor arcana. The major arcana can be thought of as the primary causes (or influences) within a person's life, whereas the minor arcana depict the effects. Drawing on my own experience of using tarot for nearly three decades, I now share this simple guide to understanding and remembering what each of the minor arcana mean. The Four Suits The minor arcana are divided into four groups, (or sections), called suits. These are Wands, Cups, Swords and Disks.  Some tarot packs use variations of these names. Hearts might be called Cups or Chalises. Swords might be called Spades. Disks may be named Diamonds or Pentacles. Wands are sometimes called Clubs, Batons,...