Temple Illuminatus
Leila Raven
54, Female
Chilliwack, BC
Canada
Profile Information:
- Gender, any & all.
- cis-woman femme
- About Myself & My Interests...
I am one who lives true to my own authentic self out of a place of compassionate love and respect for all.
I live an alternative lifestyle in many ways, not just in terms of my spirituality. My spirituality is but one part, albeit the guiding part, of me living authentically to self and others. I follow no particular belief system and have no affiliation to any path or group or way of being.
I look at the world of the spiritual, the numinous, through as many different perceptual lenses as possible. Cognisant that each is but a metaphorical interpretation of something much greater that transcends human definition and classification.
For me I believe the nature of infinite reality is something that cannot be fully known through our finite minds, whether scientific or spiritual, all are simply theories. For me reality and spirituality is understood through the totality of simply being, we are one with all. However truths and wisdoms can be found in the metaphorical representations of all theories and belief systems.
So in a sense, I'm pantheistic and pandenominational. I believe in the divinity of all things, and that all belief systems are valid representations. We each perceive unique personal truths.
In terms of living authentically. I also love true to my spiritual nature. This for me means I'm pansexual (bisexual only includes two genders, pan is the prefix for 'all'). My romantic loves are not based on gender identity, the external house of flesh, but on the quality of the spirit. The packaging doesn't matter to me. All are beautiful.
I also live a polyamorous non-monogamous lifestyle. Just as I don't limit my love based on gender, I also don't limit it to a number of romantic partners. Each love is different and unique and love shared is love multiplied.
I live in a family of four adults, two women, two men, without children and with a lot of pets and a big garden. I also practice tantra, sacred sexuality, BDSM and power exchange. For me sex is a sacred bonding and a deep expression of love, I see nothing wrong with casual sex but it's not personally for me, I reserve sex for my long term loving relationships.
I have been on disability since 2000. I am diagnosed with CFS/CFIDS/ME/FM all chronic pain and fatigue disorders of the body and autoimmune system with no known cause. My body has been deteriorating over the last few years, I look completely healthy however I have no stamina, and am currently bed bound and using a wheel chair for most of my mobility. I can get up and walk, but very little.
I do believe my physical 'illness' and change is tied into spiritual transformation of self. I feel this is meant to happen. My main challenges are pain and weakness. Which means sometimes I am unable to type and
be online. I manage symptoms and health as best I can, and am at peace and feel happy with what I am learning in the process.
Thankfully while I was able, I enjoyed studying and working, I have a BFA in studio arts, a BA in psychology and an MA in counselling psychology. When I originally went on disability I was diagnosed with major depression as I was suicidal. I was working at that time as a home support supervisor, managing a staff of 60-70 workers providing support for a clientèle of 300-350 elderly, disabled, and medically fragile individuals in the community. This was not only very rewarding, but well paid union work and left me thankfully with a good disability pension. This along with my loving family taking very good care of me, means I am blessed in that all my needs are met.
I have no fear over any state my body wishes to go through including physical death, for change is inevitable in the physical, and death is just what we call that trans-formative moment.
What is, is what is meant to be. I live in love. I live in the now. I'm more self aware, self fulfilled, and happier than I have ever known.
I'm a passionate person who is predominantly interested in other people. Everything to do with people and loving people. I am interested in love, human psychology, culture, spirituality, philosophy, the arts, and anything that relates to exploring the nature of self and others.
I am a Lover and I am Love, through and through. I have always identified with love, and as a child one of my 'guides'/'imaginary friends' was Venus the goddess of beauty and love. It took a few years for me to understand what she meant when she would say that she was me, and I her. The reality is... we are all avatars of Love, All Gods and Goddesses.
My motto has always been:
Live in Love- My Teachers & Influences, What was it about them that influenced me?
Life has been my biggest teacher. It has thrown some incredibly challenging lessons at me some times. I like to think life is hardest on those students it feels has the ability to do that hard work and learn those most challenging of life's lessons.
So if life is treating you harshly at times, remember, it is because you have the strength to walk that path, and to stay focused on what can be learnt at those moments.
All are teachers and every moment holds a multitude of lessons. Ultimately, what one learns depends on what one chooses to listen to. The more teachers and perspectives one can find in life, the broader the scope of the knowledge to be found.
- Authors and/or Books I appreciate:
Authors - Joseph Campbell, Carl Sagan, Umberto Echo, Leo Buscalglia, Tolkien, Jack Chalker, Laural K. Hamilton, Anne Rice, Koontz, Stephen King, Clive Barker, Pat Califia, Anais Nin, Henry Miller, Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, Pearl S. Buck, Franz Bardon, Franz Kafka, Nietzsche, Yukio Mishima, William Burroughs, Jack Kerouac, H.P. Lovecraft, Robert Heinlein, Stephen King, Alexandr Solzhenitsyn, RAW - Robert Anton Wilson, Edgar Allan Poe, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Bram Stoker, Lewis Carroll, Hermann Hesse, Aldous Huxley, Eliphas Levi, Aleister Crowley, Shakti Gawain, Douglas Adams, John Steinbeck, William Golding, Isaac Asimov, Ray Bradbury, Kurt Vonnegut, William Gibson, J.K. Rowling, Lao Tzu, Anne Frank, Kahlil Gibran, Arthur Golden, Shel Silverstein, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre,William Blake, Walt Whitman, Samuel Beckett, Rudyard Kipling, the Dalai Lama, Dr. Seuss, Sun Tzu, Stephen R. Donaldson, Noam Chomsky, Richard Bach, Hermes Trismegistus.Francis Barrett, Simon Magus, Starhawk.Self Portraits
The photos below are self portraits from 2008 onward. Mostly head shots, as I'm predominantly bed bound and most are shot on my built in laptop camera. For me photography is a strong creative expression of my thoughts and ideas, so these are not so much just representations of my self, but of different concepts I've explored.
RobertO DurantE
Leila, thank you for your lovely comment........
Nov 27, 2011
Cougar Martin
Leila, I have an awful time gettin' online when Dave works, but here I am. It's been awful losin' so many. But you and others have helped me so much with words of comfort. Y'all have really kept me from bein' in a deep depression. Since the animals are my only family, I'm at loss when one of then dies. And I should expect it, since they're in such bad shape to begin with, but it doesn't help.
I'm doin' better thanks to y'all. I'm drownin' in vet bills and medications for them. Prayin' we can hold on and not have to lose the sanctuary cause of finances. I'm tryin' everythin' I can think of to raise money. I'm in facebook, twitter, my page, linkedin and wordpress now. luv, Cougar
Dec 4, 2011
Robin Ritter
I hope your feeling better. I have been under health issues myself. Hope your staying warm. ;)
~Magickal Graphics~
Dec 10, 2011
Imani
Imani sends love
Dec 13, 2011
Imani
Loving hugs from
Imani
Dec 24, 2011
L. Love
Dec 31, 2011
Luciana A.Schlei
thank you for accepting, Leila Raven!
I love art in photos, your photos are beautiful and bring me plenty of light!
Jan 26, 2012
Zephonith Serpent Woman
A special friendship ball for YOU!
Feb 27, 2012
Luciana A.Schlei
I came to wish you a week full of light and prosperity!:-)
Blessed be!
Mar 5, 2012
Zephonith Serpent Woman
Mar 19, 2012
Sky a.k.a. JD Aeon
Leila! More power & strength to you in this Spring Season! Get well! Get better soon!
I wish you well!
Hugs!
Love & Light,
Sky
Mar 27, 2012
Debbie
My wish for you to be well,,,,, happy and in peace with life,,, may love and blessings surround you ;}
May 18, 2012
Maura Silvernail
I have lit a candle and said a prayer for you. I am thinking of you and hoping for your well being. Love & light.
Jun 4, 2012
Miku Miyamoto
Hello,Leila! Thank you so much for the welcome message.I appreciate you.
.· .・ॐ)) ).· .Om Shanti Shanti Shantih.· . .· .・Praying Hands・
Jan 30, 2013
Miku Miyamoto
Thank you for adding me as a friend!:) Nice to meet you. "Namaste"
Jan 30, 2013
Miku Miyamoto
Hello, Leila!
Feb 1, 2013
Debbie
Happy Valentines Day Leila,,, hope you are feeling healthy, and happy today ;}
Feb 13, 2013
Miku Miyamoto
Hello, Leila!
Mar 6, 2013
Miku Miyamoto
I enjoy this Temple. Thank you so much.
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I'd like to know about the group of Tao, Chinese astrology, and
Chinese Four Symbols (Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, Black Tortoise).
Can you please give me information on that?
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Mar 7, 2013
Zephonith Serpent Woman
May 29, 2013
Debbie
I see it's your birthday ;} wishing you serenity in all you do ;}
Jun 14, 2013
satya prakash bagaria
A very Happy Birthday to you. Wish that this year bring to you all the light to torch up the path to self enlightenment. Thanking you. With Abundance of Peace and Love
Jun 14, 2013
Zephonith Serpent Woman
Happy Birthday, Leila :) . May it be as special as you are, within and without! We all appreciate everything you have done of your own to make all of this a reality... and by so doing, helping many others on their own pathways to Divinity. Blessed, Blessed Be !
Jun 14, 2013
Miku Miyamoto
Jun 14, 2013
Debbie
You are so very welcome Leila,,,, I hope you are feeling well theses day, I don't really know how old you are, but I'll be 58 in Oct. You have have a pleasant day today and every day ;}
Jun 16, 2013
Zephonith Serpent Woman
Jun 20, 2013
J Wong
Leila! Glad to be here and
to have found this amazing website-!
Jun 24, 2013
Barrie Briggs
Hi Leila: Interesting life style and one that a lot of us older guys in retrospect would have loved to partake in I am sure. I have a product that works does some amazing things for all kinds of ailments. It is made in Canada currently however it is only sold by word of mouth because of government regs. and the big pharma cartel. I have been or known of the product for probably 12 years and it has been in Europe for probably 40. It is a fermented probiotic drink called Vita Biosa. There are testimonials on line and I do have a little website of my own with a little info on it but I can get you all kinds of data. When I read your story I immediately thought this would help you and believe me it will not effect anything your taking now if anything it will enhance. Please take a look at my site which is for travellers disease but the same premise works for all diseases. www.beattheloo.com I live in Chilliwack, B.C. Love to hear from you. Keep well. Barrie
Jul 22, 2013
Deepak Menon
A smile and a prayer sent for you with a fervent wish that you get well soon.I wonder if you have tried Homeopathic treatment for your autoimmune disorders - no harm trying .. do give it a thought
Deepak ( India)
Aug 3, 2013
Jay
Aug 20, 2013
Zephonith Serpent Woman
You are just amazing. Thank you from my heart, Leila, for understanding. xox.
Thirsty for tears, true friends drink away and say cheers.
Aug 28, 2013
Aquamarine Gemstone Knight
Oct 24, 2013
Yeh Kongchao
Thank you for creating such a wonderful website! Sending you lots of love!
Oct 30, 2013
Zephonith Serpent Woman
Nov 10, 2013
Surato
I hope i become Temple Illuminatus for the good of all people
Apr 8, 2014
Erraez
:)
Apr 10, 2014
Maura Silvernail
Love & Light to you this Beltane. My heart hopes that you know comfort. Blessed be. <3
Apr 30, 2014
Amber
I just wanted to say I remember you and hope your doing ok now. I remember we talked a little and I miss you
Oct 28, 2014
GenerationOfHope
beautiful photos on this site and your story is beautiful and inspiring. thank you
Oct 31, 2015
Zephonith Serpent Woman
Jan 14, 2016
Minque Paw
Feb 25, 2016
SunKat
Jun 14, 2016
Minque Paw
Jun 14, 2016
SunKat
Jun 13, 2017
Albertha
HI Leila <3 Big Hugz from Albertha
Oct 11, 2017
SunKat
Jun 13, 2019
MARGARIDA MARIA MADRUGA
Jun 14, 2019
Mystic Wolf
Sep 29, 2019
Arachnifauna
come join us and invite your friends...
https://templeilluminatus.com/group/oddities-obscura
Feb 4, 2020
MARGARIDA MARIA MADRUGA
Jun 14, 2020