Internet is an endless source of treasures when it comes to mystical, occult texts from many traditions, that until just a few decades ago, were available only to the select few. If you have any interest in the subject, here are some great free online resources to keep you busy reading, learning, growing…

1. Internet Sacred Text Archive

   Internet Sacred Text Archive is one of the largest free online libraries of  books and texts about religion, mythology, folklore and the widest range of esoteric subjects. The site is devoted to religious tolerance and scholarship.

   Internet Sacred Text Archive

2. The Hermetic Library

   Hermetic Library features a collection of texts and sites relating to Hermeticism in a broad sense and the Western esoteric tradition. Includes works of Sam Webster, Bill Heidrick, Aleister Crowley, and many others. Since its creation, in 1996, Hermetic Library has become one of the most comprehensive and popular resources on the mystical and esoteric subjects.

   The Hermetic Library

3. The Arcane Archive

   The Arcane Archive is a cache of Usenet and other text files pertaining to discussions in a wide variety of Usenet newsgroups devoted to occult, religious, magical, and mystical topics. It contains sub-directories in five major categories: interdisciplinary studies, mysticism, occultism, religion, societies and fraternal orders.

   The Arcane Archive

4. Perseus Digital Library

   The Perseus Project is a digital library project of Tufts University that assembles digital collections of humanities resources. It is hosted by the Department of Classics. It is an evolving collection of resources for the study of the ancient world, including archaeology, atlas, texts and translations, text tools and lexica. Ancient Greek works in Perseus are stored as beta code, though they can be reformatted for display into a variety of transcription systems.

   Perseus Digital Library

5. Muktabodha

   This is an online digital library of rare Sanskrit texts initially focused on Kashmir Shaivism, then broadening to Trika-Kaula, Saiva-Siddhanta, Pancaratra, Natha Yoga and other tantric works, in addition to manuscripts on Vedic Shrauta ritual. Hosted by the Muktabodha Indological Research Institute whose mission is to recover and preserve endangered treasures of India’s religious and philosophical wisdom and make them accessible for study and scholarship, and ultimately as a resource for humanity.

   Muktabodha

6. ACIP

   The Asian Classics Input Project aims to preserve disappearing books containing the great ideas of the Eastern half of humanity, and to make these books and ideas accessible to the world at large. Downloadable mainly as zipped text & rtf files. Includes over 200 previously unreleased titles from the classics of traditional Asian philosophy in the Tibetan language.

   ACIP

7. Dharmic Scriptures

   Here you will find the four Vedas which you can download in a zipped Word file, together with Vedas Excerpts, Vedic Samhitas & Brahmanas Introduction, and the Upanishads, all in zipped Word files.

   Dharmic Scriptures

8. Encyclopedia Mythica

   As the name says, this is an online encyclopedia of mythology, folklore, and religion. The mythology data base is divided into large geographical regions, with further subdivisions, and is also searchable by linguistic and ethnological groups. Folklore is set up in three sections; general folklore, folktales from many lands and Arthurian legends. As an added feature there are several special interest areas – a Bestiary, legendary heroes, an image gallery, and genealogical tables of various pantheons and prominent houses.

   Encyclopedia Mythica

9. The Theosophic Society

   A large collection of Theosoophical writings, in plain text format, including books by Blavatsky, Judge, Tingley, Purucker and many others. Also, here you will find introductory manuals on Theosophy and material on the world’s sacred traditions. There is also a searchable PDF version of Blavatsky’s The Secret Doctrine, and the latter is downloadable in a zipped file.

   The Theosophic Society

10. Taoism Digital Library

    This online library hosts many popular texts in English language: The Tao Te Ching, the Chuang-tzu, I Ching and other works. Further links to a wide variety of Taoist texts and commentaries.

    Taoism Digital Library

Most people think about death and dying; some more often than others. But not to delve into the psychological impact which the bare thought of our own mortality has on an average earthling, I would like to ask: have you ever thought about what will happen to your remains?

Recently, I discovered that there are quite a few extremely creative ways to go; lots of impressive stuff you can do with your cremation remains. Considering the  global crises, it might be timely to review these options.

1. Life Gem

   LifeGem is a certified diamond created from the carbon of your loved one as a memorial to their life, or as a symbol of your personal and precious bond with them. What is appealing in the LifeGem concept is the parallel between the diamonds and the memories. In that sense, it provides a lasting memory that endures just as a diamond does, forever.

   Personally, I am not into diamonds or jewelery, but I am a sucker for all kinds of  little memory keepsakes that hold tons of personal value. In that sense, I wouldn’t mind being passed on as an engagement ring from generation to generation, as long as I stay in the family.

   Life Gem

2. Angel’s Flight

   Angel’s Flight offers a highly creative alternative: they will turn the ashes of your loved ones into fireworks. I must say, this is the perfect option for those who want to go out with a bang.

   At sunset, family and friends board a luxury yacht and are transported to the  Service site. As the moon and stars begin to appear, the music starts. Family or friends might say a few words, or if desired, the Captain of the yacht or a Minister can provide a more formal service. As the music plays, the family looks skyward over the beautiful ocean waters, watching the fireworks carry their loved one’s cremains into the air. Bursting over the ocean in exquisite patterns and colors, the cremains are scattered into the sea.

   Angel’s Flight

3. Celestis

   If you are looking for something out of this world, look no further. Memorial flights are as far as you can get. Celestis makes it possible to honor the dream and memory of your departed loved one by launching a symbolic portion of cremated remains into Earth orbit, onto the lunar surface or into deep space. Missions into space that return the cremated remains to Earth are also available.

   Spaceflight with return to Earth can be arranged starting from $695, while the launch into deep space costs from $12,500. If you want to send your loved one to the Moon, that will be around $10,000.

   Celestis

4. Eternal Reefs

   An Eternal Reef combines a cremation urn, ash scattering and burial at sea into one meaningful permanent environmental tribute to life.An Eternal Reefs “Memorial Reef” is a designed reef made of environmentally safe cast concrete that is used to create new marine habitats for fish and other forms of sea life. Eternal Reefs takes the cremated remains or “cremains” of an individual and incorporates them into an environmentally safe cement mixture designed to create artificial reef formations. The memorial reefs are taken to a curing area and then placed in the permitted ocean location selected by the individual, friend or family member.

   For families and individuals that choose cremation rather than burial, Eternal Reefs offers a new memorial option that replaces cremation urns and ash scattering with a permanent environmental living legacy. Expected to last 500 years, over 300 Memorial Reefs have been placed off the coasts of Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Maryland, New Jersey, Texas and Virginia.

   Eternal Reefs

5. Memory Glass

   Memory Glass provides a unique method of memorializing your loved ones. By suspending a small amount of cremated remains within solid glass globes and pendants, every member of the family can have their own tangible keepsake that will last forever.

   

   Memory Glass

6. My Crystal Companion

   Here you can have a cremation keepsake created by infusing your loved one’s cremated remains in crystal glass. The process used to create your personalized memorial keepsake is patented, and results in a truly unique work of art.

   No two jewels or memorials are alike just as no two people are exactly alike, no two crystals are identical. The keepsake is created in its own crucible from your loved one’s remains. Then the crucible is destroyed, insuring that your memorial is yours alone.

   

   My Crystal Companion

7. Art in Ashes

   This is another new memorial concept that turns precious family memories directly into beautiful family heirloom. They require about a teaspoon of your loved-one’s ashes, and their artist mix the ashes into paint and add one last, all-important, accent to the painting you have selected.

   Art in Ashes

8. Eternal Ascent

   If you’ve chosen cremation over burial, then the Eternal Ascent Society can provide a memorable form of closure. Your loved one or pet can now be safely transported to the heavens in a giant helium-filled balloon, only from the Eternal Ascent Society.

   Eternal Ascent

9. Butterfly Memorials

   Butterfly Memorials specializes in funeral and memorial services by providing live Monarch butterflies to be released as a memory and celebration of your loved ones life. Many people believe that butterflies symbolize spirit, representing freedom and beauty as they take flight. When we experience the vital connection between butterflies and nature, we tend to instinctively feel that peace and harmony are truly around us. Butterfly Memorials can even provide tips to help you create the perfect butterfly release for a beautiful, spiritual memorial service.

   Butterfly Memorials

10. Tree Givers

    Here is another creative way to honor the loved one… While flowers will fade, the thought of a young tree being planted for someone will last a lifetime. The memorial planting is a remembrance of the past and at the same time a renewing of life.

    The customized package consisting of a Sympathy Letter, Sympathy Card, and The Official Certificate of Planting that is sent on your behalf is a very personal way of recognizing the deceased. TreeGivers trees are planted on public lands all across the country. They are a living, growing legacy, benefiting the environment for years to come.

    
    

    Tree Givers

Technorati Tags: cremation, death, bizarre, memorial, weird, funeral

Have you ever wanted to take part in a large-scale  scientific study or in a big international art project? Well, here’s your chance. This list is a growing compilation of websites where you can apply online and participate in various global projects related to culture, arts, technology, and/or science. Have fun!

1. The Genographic Project

   Sponsored by National Geographic, this is a landmark study of the human journey. Where do we really come from? And how did we get to where we live today? The Genographic Project is seeking to chart new knowledge about the migratory history of the human species by using sophisticated laboratory and computer analysis of DNA contributed by hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. In this unprecedented and of real-time research effort, the Genographic Project is closing the gaps of what science knows today about humankind’s ancient migration stories.

   Scientists are collaborating with indigenous and traditional peoples around the world to learn more about where we came from and how we got to where we live today. But participation is not restricted to indigenous and traditional peoples; the general public is also invited to join in on the journey. Participation kit costs $99.95 and with it you can sample your own DNA and submit it to the lab. The purchase price also includes the cost of the testing and analysis.

   

   The Genographic Project

2. 15×15 – Be Famous

   Andy Warhol stated that “In the future, everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes.” This website is a homage to Andy Warhol and a realization of the artistic utilization of new media technology in the age of digital production. Anyone and everyone can be world famous… for 15 seconds.

   You can contribute to the piece using a standard mobile camera phone that can capture video, and send clips directly from your phone using MMS service, via email or upload from your pc to the online database. The clips can be portraits, experiential, vignettes, experimental, of love, of life, of anything, from banal to downright bizarre.

   15×15 will be disseminated via the web and exhibited in galleries and projected in spaces around the world.

   15×15 – Be Famous

3. Shape The Hive

   Shape The Hive is a remarkable experiment in collaborative production. It is a creative online community, whose members contribute pieces that, when combined with others, will form a whole far greater than the sum of its parts. The goal is to create a real-world art installation made entirely of Shape The Hive submissions.

   Shape The Hive

4. Peace Shadow Project

   Here is an art project that lets you burn your shadow as a signature to petition for world without nuclear weapons. Everyone’s hope in form of shadows will be exhibited in museums and public facilities around the world, to speak of the hope for a world without nuclear weapons.

   Peace Shadow Project

5. The Point

   Although not a historical project, The Point is an online platform for collective activism, and it operates globally. If you want to make a change, this is the place to start. As a consumer, employee, citizen, activist, parent, or whatever, sometimes you can’t do things alone – you need the power of many. The Point offers a new approach to leveraging the influence of groups and making things happen. It is a website for organizing group actions that are activated once enough participants commit to reach a “tipping point” that ensures success.

   Anyone can create a campaign for free. Whether you’re asking people to do something or give money, people only contribute if they think it makes a difference. On The Point, all campaigns have a “tipping point” — people pledge to give money or do something, but no one does a thing until the conditions are met to make contributions worthwhile. That way, you can gather all the resources needed to be successful before anyone is asked to take action. The Point aims to fix the problems with online petitions, mass letter-writing tools, or many fundraising efforts — it’s not clear how participation translates into results.

   Campaigns on The Point are results-oriented, create real incentives for change, and only ask people to act when it actually makes a difference. The Point rethinks group action from the ground up to leverage the Web, opening the door for solving problems that couldn’t be addressed otherwise.

   The campaign widget allows you to take your campaign anywhere, including your website, blog, or social networks like MySpace.

   The Point

6. Global Music Project

   Global Music Project represents a collaborative international network of music fans, artists, progressive businesses, social activists, event promoters, and others who believe .. in the power of music to attract, educate, and inspire humanity to participate in making a better world. Their main programs are music preservation and music discovery.

   Global Music Project’s objectives are simple:

   • Record music and video footage from developing cultures throughout the world.
   • Promote, market, and distribute these recordings globally.
   • Continue to expand our internet community and global web presence, so we can reach artists who wish to showcase their work and connect them to a global audience.

   Global Music Project is spreading around the world and are looking for people in your area that can volunteer a little bit of their time and/or resources. You can help make a difference in the world.

   

   Global Music Project

7. Girl Effect

   The Girl Effect is a movement created by The Nike Foundation and in collaboration with key partners such as the United Nations Foundation and the Coalition for Adolescent Girls.

   It is driven by girl champions around the globe, and it promotes the idea that the empowerment of girls is the key to significant social and economic changes in developing countries. Watch this video to find out more.

   

   Click here to view the video on YouTube.

   Girl Effect Movement

8. Be Yourself Movement

   If you ever wanted to write graffiti over an ugly wall, here is a chance. Built as a virtual city, this interactive website offers you the chance to walk down the city streets, select one of the billboards that you will find in your way, personalize it with your message and send it across the network.

   
   Be Yourself Movement

9. Global Interactive Art Event

   Art Therapy is a 20th century profession with its roots in ancient times and in creating in order to cope with pain.  The International Art Therapy Organization and the Art Therapy Alliance are sponsoring a global interactive event called “Art Peace Sustainability.”

   Everyone is invited to submit postcard-sized format [5 x 8 inch] works reflecting these concepts for this event. You also can make “response art” inspired by the following questions:

   • Does art therapy impact peace and sustainability on the planet?
   • How do art, peace, and sustainability intersect?
   • Does the creative process of art making resolve conflicts?
   • Does art therapy build and sustain community?
   • Is art therapy a “green” practice?

   You can create as many artworks as you want to and participate in two ways:
   1) create your image, make an electronic scan or digital photo, and send by email or
   2) create your work on Polyvore.com and submit to the Art Peace Sustainability Event web gallery.

   Watch “Art Peace Sustainability Interactive Art Event” and get inspired.

   Global Interactive Art Event

10. The Bathroom Mirror Project
    

    Here is a totally useless, global and non-commercial art project that needs your participation! Why men are inclined to take their pictures in bathroom mirrors alone in hotel rooms or on vacation. Time for a global check-up  of this devoted extravagance. An art project if you like.

    Participate (free of charge) in the online gallery by submitting an email with
    1) your bathroom mirror self portrait (preferably horizontal) and
    2) your outstanding reflections on your daily round in front of the mirror (in English please),
    3) your name or alias,
    4) city & country where the picture was shot,
    5) date & time for the occasion.

    Take your time, be inventive, be bold and personal. Bring matters to a head, another point of view by the side of the road. Thanks for your contribution! Spread the word!

    

    The Bathroom Mirror Project

11. The Global Art Project

    This is an International Art Exchange for Peace. Here’s how it works: Participants create a work of art in any medium, expressing their vision of global peace and goodwill. The art is displayed locally in each participant’s community. Global Art Project then organizes an international exchange by matching participants—group-to-group and individual-to-individual.

    The exchange occurs April 23-30 biennially, resulting in thousands of people sending messages of Peace around the world at one time—visions of unity simultaneously encircle the Earth. The art is sent as a gift of global friendship and exhibited in the receiving community. Participants may send documentation of the art created and of the people who came together to create the art to the GAP Art Bank. Global Art Project exhibitions, books, slide presentations, and this website give people an opportunity to experience visions of peace and unity created by individuals from diverse cultures around the world.

    The Global Art Project

12. 100 People: A World Portrait

    A very interesting online project that involves schools internationally, in an attempt to create a world portrait. The 100 People Foundation helps students to better understand the complex issues facing our planet and the resources we share. By framing the global population as 100 people, the media makes education more engaging and effective, and improves students’ abilities to remember and relate to what they learn.

    By traveling the globe to meet and create portraits of the 100 people representing all 6.7 billion of us sharing the planet, it is their vision is to create documentary films, photography, and educational tools that facilitate face-to-face introductions among the people of the world in ways that cultivate respect, create dialogue, and inspire global citizenship.

    100 People: A World Portrait

13. Constructing Co-Existence: A Global Street Art Movement

    Non-participation in systems of oppression is one key to constructing co-existence…  For many, Mahatma Gandhi was  the symbol of this struggle. Constructing Co-Existence is an international exterior paint/paste project intended to raise street art and its appreciators to their next level of authenticity.

    To participate in this project:
    1) download the Gandhi image.
    2) construct a little (or a BIG) coexistence project in your city & neighborhood, where ever it may be…

    Its fun to find Gandhi in all these photos from around the globe! We all need to coexist!

    

    Constructing Co-Existence: A Global Street Art Movement

If you know of any other interesting studies or creative projects open for participation to the general public, feel free to post a link in the comments. Thanks.

Technorati Tags: participate, art, history, create