Course Description, First Day and the TomTato

Today has certainly been interesting so far. But, to fully comprehend the first event, one must first understand how my course works.

I'm doing a 'Specialised Award': Religions, Philosophies and Ethics. Study of Religions is one half course that people can do, as in Philosophy and Ethics.
   Each year is made up of 120 credits. Different module are worth different credits. Usually, core modules are 40 and optional modules are 20.
   Usually, if one is studying single/double honours, as long as they do the core subjects of their subjects, they can do other modules from other subjects. However, with a specialised award, the only other optional modules available are ones that are directly relevant to the title.
   This year, I do four modules. One core philosophy (40), one core religion (40), one religion/philosophy that is compulsory for my 'Specialised Award' (20), and then the last (20) is the optional module. I chose to do about the Renaissance. As religion and philosophy was highly important during this period, that is why it is an option for me.

Anyway, I was meant to have my first lecture today. The first was going to be about the Renaissance, from three until five. So, in the morning I check my email account and there is an email from a lecturer at the uni that I've never heard of before. In opening it, it was from the lecturer who does the Renaissance module. No lecture today! I was all geared up yesterday to start learning again and then this happens, though never mind. It means I can have dinner at normal time. It also means my first lecture will be on philosophy. All in all, it's not the end of the world. If nothing else, it gives me a chance to rest some more.


TOMTATO

This article was very fascinating. It's highly deviant from the rest of this, though To say anything about it would completely ruin the read, so I do urge you to read it.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-24281192

Yes, today certainly was interesting.

Bath Spa Universty

Having achieved three Bs at A-Level, I was eligible to come to university. Well, I've been here for a week and it is all good so far.

Bath Spa University is simply wonderful.

It is situated in Newton St. Loe, which is, to be cliché, 'in the middle of nowhere'. Livestock, cows and sheep, live in the surrounding fields that stretch from the entrance, all along the driveway, past the accommodation and all the way past the academic buildings. This great scenery is far superior to any to be found in city-centre universities; it provides wonderful inspiration for all those studying at this creative place.

My kitchen-mates are all lovely individuals and very clean. I've been so lucky to end up with these seven! Who I was going to live with was my biggest worry before moving in, so it has been successfully put to rest.

We've met with our subject leaders several times during Freshers' Week. All are very engaging and I can tell that it shall be a pleasure to work with them over the next three years.

This was one choice that I won't ever regret. Still, I'm just waiting for the learning to start! I only have to wait for 15pm on Monday, so luckily that isn't too long.

Until next time.

Yazidi Pilgrimage

Lalish Temple is the destination for the Yazidi pilgrimage. It takes place over a span of six days and each Yazidi is expecting to make this sacred Summer journey at least once in their life. Before nearing the Temple, however, Yazidis must first purify themselves with ritual washing in the nearby river; icons of Malak Taus are simultaneously bathed. Then, the celebrations can begin.

A black-robed figure walks out of the temple, surrounded by people in white-robes. They pass through the crowd so that they can walk around the sacred fire. People kiss their hands and then put their lipped-fingers to their foreheads whenever the black-robed person passes by. Meanwhile, praises for Malak Taus are sung.

By the entrance of Lalish Temple is a black snake. This is usually considered to be the true archangel form of Sheikh Mend, an incarnation of the Snake Angel, who solidified to always protect the Temple. Conversely, it can be considered a giant snake that was petrified by Sheikh Adi for attacking the Temple.

Inside, the first room has pillars caressed by knots of many different colours; the knots are tied whilst prayers are mouthed. Also in this room is the Lake of Azrael, a black pool that, like the black snake, has dual meaning. Either the angel washes his sword in it after taking a life, or Azrael brings spirits to be judged by Adi. Unlike the black snake, though, these two views can co-exist without contradiction.

This first room leads off to three others. Perhaps the most important room is the one containing Sheikh Adi’s tomb. Yazidis circle the tomb ten times whilst praying intensely. Another of the three rooms has seven sides, and around the walls are the tombs of the other six archangel’s incarnations. The last room contains Sheikh Ibu’s Wishing Rock. It is said that Ibu made the rock levitate, and from that moment on he said that if a person lands a knot around one of the candles that mounts the Wishing Rock, the wish of the knot-thrower will come true. Indeed, people try this still.

There is one last feature that is most interesting: the Kaniya Sipi, the white spring. During the Great Flood, this pool of water alone remained clean and clear. More importantly, the Kaniya Sipi rose as a tower towards Heaven during this time. Due to this obvious significance, the water of the Kaniya Sipi is used to purify new-borns.

Unfortunately, there is much I don’t know about Yazidism. However, all Yazdanism branches share little if any of their knowledge, so I would not pressure that. Of course, I could speculate, though these speculations may turn out to be offensive, so again I must refrain. Thus concludes my sharing knowledge of Yazdanism.