Posted by JenStar on June 2, 2005, at 10:35:40
In reply to Re: Does anyone know about this ritual?, posted by Deneb on June 1, 2005, at 22:42:52
I think the ritual is supposed to be a "cleansing" ritual. The burning smoke is supposed to purify the person stepping over it and help get rid of anything unwanted in their life. Now I don't KNOW this for a fact -- I'm just guessing based on what I've read about mythology, rituals & customs in other cultures. It sounds very interesting but also very unhelpful if you don't believe in it. I think if you DID believe in it, it WOULD work (somewhat) for you. Isn't that ironic, though?? I think our minds are very powerful things, and if we THINK we're going to feel better, sometimes we CAN. THere are times I wish fervently that I believed in something like that.
I totally understand about having a family member in denial about mental illness! My mom herself suffers from depression and anxiety, just like I do. But she won't admit it. Instead, she compulsively overeats, drinks too much sometimes, and refuses to see a doctor. She completely won't admit anything is wrong and it's sooooo frustrating. She's neutral on suppporting ME when I take medication or see a therapist. She has a very negative view of doctors in general and often complains harshly about them. She thinks therapy is "stupid". (I disagree!) I love my mom, but this is one thing we disagree on. Of course, I'm "grown up" and living on my own with my hubby, so I'm not controlled by her behavior. It's easier for me than for you, definitely.It seems that you're in a rough spot. You need more help than you're getting, but your parents can't provide the RIGHT kind of help. But don't give up! Keep asking your doctor about things like Celexa or other medications that might help. Tell your parents that it's a Western medicine that helps get rid of troubled spirits. Because it kind of is, right? (I'm only half joking here!)
I think you could search on the web for information. Also, there may be a Chinese cultural center that could help. I love to read mythology books by Campbell & Frazer, but they don't focus as much on the Eastern side.
Good luck!
JenStar
poster:JenStar
thread:506584
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20050525/msgs/506861.html