How to Make an Angel

In the field of psychology, “projection” is a term that is often used pejoratively, as a synonym for hanging a subjective state on an object outside ourselves. Instead of being able to accept their own negative emotions, for example, people frequently project them onto others.

Projection can get complicated. A society that feels endangered can project wild fantasies. Muslim fundamentalists project a West that is corrupt, unholy, and decadent, while Christian fundamentalists project an Islam that is barbaric, fanatical, and godless in return.

Projection is “successful” when we no longer can see reality but have created a false version based on fear, hostility, anxiety, or insecurity—any negative emotion for which we refuse to take responsibility. Projection also can be positive, as it is when a smitten lover sees perfection in the object of his love, although to friends and family the beloved remains an ordinary creature of flesh and blood.

Vedic rishis said that projection is the mechanism by which consciousness created reality. We are all familiar with this because the movie business depends entirely on projection. In Hollywood, a star is an actor who has crossed the dividing line between reality and projection.

Here are the some of the keys to turning the human into the supernatural:

Symbolism: Our projection must stand in for something deeper and more significant.
Desire: Our projection must fulfill a wish or need that cannot be fulfilled directly.
Fantasy: Our projection must operate in the realm where physical constraints don’t hold sway.
Myth and archetype: Our projection must be universal in meaning.
Idealism: Our projection must connect us to higher values.

Adapted from Life After Death, by Deepak Chopra (Harmony Books, 2006).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Terry V.

3:48PM PDT on Mar 14, 2013

very true

March 14
send a green star

Duane B.

10:17AM PST on Dec 14, 2012

Thank you for sharing.

December 14
send a green star

Gabriel L.

4:36AM PST on Dec 14, 2012

Thanks.

Marie W.

8:48PM PDT on Sep 23, 2012

September 23
send a green star

JL A.

9:59AM PDT on Sep 8, 2012

good reminders

September 8
send a green star

Dot A.

8:20AM PDT on Sep 6, 2012

As a little kid, the picture of the Guardian Angel was hanging on someone's wall and I asked all kinds of questions about it. The adults assured me that we all have a 'guardian angel' who sees children over the broken bridges during storms and any kind of dangerous situation. I hung on to this thought,... As an adult, I can see that we effect the way we perceive life from this rather 'innocent' yet very powerful imaginative tool, -> our ability to conceive an idea and to let the idea help us in our times of difficulty. For some the idea of 'demons' registers higher than the image of guardian angels. With such a reverse concept, that person could likely become paranoid and full of hesitation to proceed to do anything, or to go anywhere. Conversely, the mindset that allows for a 'good energy' to accompany them along a treacherous path, well, the outcome will likely be better for the journey. We are all faced with difficulties, and with an 'angel' on our shoulder, or in our 'possibility thinking' we are much more likely to face it all with kindness and compassion, rather than the actions which are based in fear and dread.

September 6
send a green star

Sally A.

10:49PM PDT on Sep 4, 2012

Thank you for the interesting article. It all depends on how a person projects things or a person, that is for sure.

September 4
send a green star

Diane K.

3:06PM PDT on Sep 4, 2012

Interesting, especially about an actor "crossing a dividing line"! Thanks for posting.

12:37PM PDT on Sep 4, 2012

I can just imagine the human beings of thousands of years ago dreaming about a field where they could pick all the food they wanted. - Farms of today were being projected. - And, as far as I can see, Angels are woven into this plan - as 'messengers' to guide us, especially in our hours of need. They can contact our conscious thinking wherever we are. I believe the fabric of this emmence mystery is threaded with Angels.

Lin M.

11:04AM PDT on Sep 4, 2012

Some people pretend being some one they really admire to get liked.