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The Isms
I. Dynamism - psychic force; impersonal power; the theory that force or energy is the basic principle of all phenomena.
A. Animate and inanimate objects and natural phenomenon are viewed as not only sacred happenings, but as normal events.
B. Some objects possess a high degree of force or power (called mana among Pacific Islanders).
C. Impersonal power can be gained, increased, or lost.
1. Taboo is maintained to avoid loss of impersonal power and to protect the uninitiated from contamination/danger.
D. Dynamism is neither good nor bad but it can affect both.
E. Magic - a means of harnessing dynamism.
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1. Magic always involves cause and effect.
2. Magic is neither good nor bad but can be used toward either.
3. Magic requires two assumptions:
a. Like causes like; homeopathic; imitative.
b. Things which have once been in contact with one another continue to affect each other, even at a distance; contagious.
4. Magic is not religion because it does not require interaction with a Goddess, Creator, Great Spirit, Deity.
a. Supernaturals can also be ghosts and spirits which are not sacred nor deities. So not all supernaturals are deities but all deities are supernaturals.
II. Animism - belief in souls and spirits; the “vital principle”
A. Souls can leave the body temporarily or permanently.
B. Souls can congregate. Like Casper and the Ghostly Trio.
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C. Ancestor worship is one type of animism.
1. Rituals are done for love of ancestors.
2. Rituals are done because ancestors can influence happenings in this realm.
III. Totemism - special relationships existing between individuals or certain groups and certain plants, animals, and natural phenomenon.
A. The association can be secular or sacred.
B. The totem is symbol, emblem, badge, social function.
1. Myths of origin may contain reference of the totem.
C. The totem is sometimes sacred, as when related to a special person with mystical powers.
Test your knowledge of totems - Click to Take the TOTEM Quiz.
IV. Dualism - A concept which acknowledges the dual nature of existence.
A. All parts have a counterpart.
1. light
dark, white black, life death, man woman, animate inanimate,
hard soft, big small,
,
etc.
B. People, too, have a dual nature.
1. happy sad, awake asleep, good bad, alive dead, placid angry, kind mean, etc.
C. Our dual nature requires expression.
1. This can be accomplished through action with the assistance of material objects. Masks and costumes are frequently used to express dualism.
a. Put masks on the dead to simulate life.
b. Masks are worn in ceremonial situations. We ask, “What or who are you,” not “Who are you pretending to be,” on Halloween.
| These are jaguar masks worn by performers in Mexico who hope to be infused with the spirit of the jaguar. |
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2. We all have special days that denote duality.
D. Frequently we rely on religion as a format for the expression of dualism.
1. J.C. is the prime western example of dualism in religion.
E. We use uniforms to create an artificial duality or separation between the uniformed and the ununiformed.
1. We can repeat mechanical lies, "Bye-bye, it's been a pleasure serving you."
2. We can exercise authority over others.
3. We find comradeship with other uniform wearers.
F. Some expressed dualism requires transformation into deities.