Monthly Archives: March 2026

‘Globally, In the art and architecture of which ancient civilizations was dualism and symmetry used to reflect the divine principle of cosmic order, balance, and truth?’

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AI – ‘Dualism and symmetry were fundamental to the art and architecture of several major ancient civilizations to mirror cosmic order:

  • Ancient Egypt: The concept of Ma’at (truth, balance, and order) was expressed through strict bilateral symmetry in temples and statues. This reflected the dualism of the Red Land (desert) and Black Land (fertile soil), as well as the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt.
  • Ancient China: The philosophy of Yin and Yang dictated that harmony arises from the balance of opposites. This was physically manifested in the symmetrical layouts of palaces and cities, aligned to cardinal points to mirror the celestial order.
  • Pre-Columbian Mesoamerica (Maya and Aztec): Architecture often featured dual temples (like the Templo Mayor) representing opposing forces like rain/fertility and war/fire. Symmetry was used to align buildings with astronomical events, grounding the earthly realm in the divine movements of the stars.
  • Ancient Mesopotamia: Sumerian and Babylonian ziggurats and palaces used rhythmic, symmetrical patterns to represent the king’s role as the mediator who maintains order against primordial chaos.
  • The Andes (Inca and Chavín): The principle of Yanantin (complementary dualism) influenced the “u-shaped” ceremonial centres and dual-walled architecture, emphasizing the union of unequal but complementary parts’ 

‘How and why were dualism and symmetry utilised in ancient Egyptian art and architecture?’

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AI – ‘In ancient Egyptian art and architecture, dualism and symmetry were not merely aesthetic choices but essential tools used to reflect Ma’at, the divine principle of cosmic order, balance, and truth. By mirroring elements across a central axis, Egyptians believed they were manifesting the harmony of the universe and keeping the forces of chaos (Isfet) at bay. 

Why Dualism and Symmetry Were Utilised

The primary motivation was religious and philosophical rather than decorative: 

  • Representation of Ma’at: Symmetry was the physical manifestation of Ma’at, the goddess of balance. Upholding this balance was the sacred duty of the Pharaoh and every citizen to ensure the sun rose and the Nile flooded.
  • Cosmic Duality: Egyptians saw the world in pairs: male/female, light/dark, and life/death. Art and architecture mirrored these dualities to reflect the divine design of the universe.
  • Stability and Authority: Symmetrical poses in statues of pharaohs signified eternal strength, stability, and divine legitimacy.
  • Spiritual Connection: Statues and temples were “spiritual tools” designed to connect the mortal and divine realms. Perfection in form was required for a deity’s spirit to inhabit a statue.
  •  How They Were Implemented

Ancient Egyptians achieved this rigorous balance through specific technical methods and architectural designs: 

  • Canon of Proportions & Grids: Artists used a standardised grid system to ensure identical measurements on both sides of a figure. For example, the Statues of Ramses II at Memphis and Luxor exhibit nostrils and facial features that are mathematically identical.
  • Bilateral Symmetry in Architecture: Temples were often designed with a long horizontal axis where one side mirrored the other. Pylons (monumental gates) consisted of two identical towers flanking a central doorway, representing the horizon.
  • Matching Pairs: Statues and obelisks were frequently created in identical pairs to guard temple entrances, reinforcing the concept of dual balance.
  • The “Composite Pose”: In two-dimensional art, figures were shown from their most “truthful” or representative angles (e.g., torso frontal, face in profile) to capture the ideal essence of the subject rather than a fleeting naturalistic view.’

‘Is there a 2nd Sphinx?’

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See – Filippo Biondi | BREAKING NEWS: Second SPHINX found under Giza Plateau: Filippo Biondi | BREAKING NEWS: Second SPHINX found under Giza Plateau

AI –  ‘While there is no proven second Great Sphinx  at Giza, the idea that one once existed or remains buried is a long-standing theory in Egyptology that has recently gained new attention. 

Current evidence and theories regarding a second Sphinx include:

  • Recent Radar Scans (2026): Italian researcher Filippo Biondi and his team recently claimed that satellite radar scans of the Giza Plateau show a “massive structure” buried under a 108-foot-high mound of hardened sand. They believe this structure is a mirrored twin of the Great Sphinx, aligned geometrically with the pyramids.
  • The Dream Stele: A stone slab located between the paws of the Great Sphinx depicts two sphinxes side by side. Some researchers argue this isn’t just symbolic art but a literal record of two monuments that guarded the plateau.
  • Historical Symmetry: Ancient Egyptian art and architecture often utilised dualism and symmetry. Sphinxes were frequently built in pairs to guard entrances, representing the rising and setting sun.
  • Scientific Skepticism: Most mainstream archaeologists, including former Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Zahi Hawass, have dismissed these claims. They argue the area has been extensively excavated for decades without finding a second statue and that current radar data may simply show natural rock formations or small voids.
  • Other Discoveries: While not a “second Great Sphinx,” other sphinxes exist in Egypt, such as the Alabaster Sphinx of Memphis and two recently discovered large sphinxes at a funerary temple in Luxor.’

‘How and when in antiquity did occult practices become part of Judaic practices?’

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AI – ‘In antiquity, occult and mystical practices (often termed “Jewish magic” or “esotericism”) became integrated into Judaic rituals primarily during the Second Temple period (c. 516 BCE – 70 CE) and the subsequent Rabbinic era (2nd–6th centuries CE). 

While the Hebrew Bible officially forbade “magic,” these practices developed as a “technology” for healing, protection, and divine encounter, often blending native traditions with influences from neighboring cultures. 

Timeline of Integration

  • Post-Exilic Period (5th Century BCE): Following the end of official prophecy, spiritual seekers transitioned from direct revelation to mystical speculation and esoteric interpretation of scripture.
  • Late Second Temple Period (c. 200 BCE – 70 CE): “Apocalyptic Judaism” introduced complex angelology and visionary ascents, seen in texts like 1 Enoch and the Dead Sea Scrolls.
  • Talmudic/Rabbinic Era (2nd – 6th Century CE): Early rabbinic elites developed “Ma’aseh Merkavah” (the Work of the Chariot) and “Ma’aseh Bereshit” (the Work of Creation), focusing on the secrets of the divine throne and the origins of the cosmos.
  • Late Antiquity (3rd – 7th Century CE): The first formal magical treatises, such as Sefer Yetzirah (Book of Creation) and Harba de-Moshe (Sword of Moses), appeared, detailing alphanumeric cosmology and recipes for enlisting angels. 

How Practices Became Ritualised

  1. Scriptural Reinterpretation: Mystics used the Torah as a blueprint for the universe. By manipulating Hebrew letters and divine names—believed to be the tools of creation—practitioners aimed to influence the material world.
  2. Angelic Adjuration: Rituals often involved “Practical Kabbalah,” where specialists invoked the names of angels to provide healing, protection against demons (shedim), or to gain spiritual ascent.
  3. Amulets and Incantations: The use of Aramaic incantation bowls and protective amulets became widespread for domestic protection, often blending Jewish divine names with Graeco-Egyptian magical formulas.
  4. Cultural Syncretism: Contact with Persian, Babylonian, and later Hellenistic cultures enriched Jewish traditions with new techniques like dream interpretation and astrology, which were then “Judaized” through biblical frameworks. 

Key Early Forms

  • Merkavah Mysticism: Ritualised meditation and hymns designed to allow the practitioner to safely pass through seven heavenly “palaces” (hekhalot) to view the divine chariot.
  • Hekhalot Literature: A body of texts describing the rituals, angelic guards, and specific divine names required for these celestial journeys.
  • Folk Magic: Popular rituals for the “Evil Eye” (ayin hara) and protection from spirits like Lilith became staple elements of daily religious life.’ 

‘In antiquity what warnings were given about corruption of the soul through economic exploitation?’

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AI – ‘In antiquity, warnings about the “corruption of the soul” through economic exploitation were most prominently voiced by the Prophets of Ancient Israel, who frequently condemned high priests and religious elites for their roles in such systemic abuse. 

While “high priest” was an official title, the most famous critiques of this specific corruption came from figures who challenged the priestly establishment:

Prophetic Critiques of Priestly Corruption 

  • Micah of Moresheth: Micah explicitly condemned the religious leadership of Judah, stating that “her priests teach for a price” and her leaders “judge for a bribe”. He warned that this economic exploitation of the poor was a betrayal of their covenant with God and would lead to divine judgment.
  • Jeremiah: Known for his “Temple Sermon,” Jeremiah accused the priests of his day of being ungodly and “dealing falsely”. He argued that their focus on ritual while ignoring justice and the exploitation of the “sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow” had fundamentally corrupted the nation’s spiritual standing.
  • Hosea & Amos: These contemporaries warned that dishonest economic practices, such as using “dishonest scales,” were symptoms of a rotted soul and a society that had abandoned spiritual integrity for material gain. 

Historical Examples of Priestly Exploitation

  • The Sons of Eli (Hophni and Phinehas): In the 11th century BC, these priests are cited as the quintessential examples of corruption. They exploited their positions for personal gain, forcibly taking the best portions of sacrifices and treating the offering of the Lord with contempt.
  • First-Century Temple Establishment: Historical accounts from Flavius Josephus and Rabbinic literature describe the high priestly families (like those of Annas and Caiaphas) as being widely perceived as corrupt and oppressive. They were accused of using their political power to exploit the Jewish populace, leading to the public perception that the Temple itself had become a “den of robbers”. 

Other Ancient Perspectives

  • Ancient Egypt: While high priests often held immense economic power through temple land ownership, the Great Edict of Horemheb contains warnings against royal and religious officials who extorted the poor under the guise of collecting taxes.
  • Ancient Greece: While not “high priests” in the same sense, figures like Solon acted as mediators in 6th-century BC Athens to stop the exploitation of poor farmers who were being sold into slavery for debt, framing his reforms as a necessary restoration of “justice and stability”. …’

‘How can any moral person justify or support this!’

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See – ‘The End of Israel: The Ultimate Evidence’: https://lnkd.in/eb4P3dZD

Scroll forward to 11:20 – The woman on the right holding a ‘noose’ in her right hand and a symbolic ‘lethal injection’ in her left hand – ‘celebrating Israeli plans to introduce the death penalty for Palestinians’, is the Deputy Speaker of the Knesset. Her named is Limor Son Har-Melech, and she is a member of the far-right Otzma Yehudit party.

The full trial on the merits of the case brought against Israel at the ICJ in the Hague is expected to reach oral hearings in early to mid-2027, i.e. in less than 12 months time.

I wonder if meanwhile, any Rabbi, Jewish Community Leader, or Westminster Politician, will unequivocally and unconditionally condemn the depraved behaviour of Limor Son Har-Melech, or whether they will seek to excuse or justify it – or just acquiesce by turning a ‘Nelsonian Blind Eye’? – Let us see how they behave.

I also wonder whether the ICC will investigate Limor Son Har-Melech for inciting:

(i) the mass murder of civilians;
(ii) War Crimes;
(iii) Crimes against Humanity; and
(iv) Genocide.

I expect that the image of this depraved woman holding up a ‘death noose’ and symbolic ‘lethal injection’, will become a defining image of the ‘Genocidal Intent’ of the people she represents.

Is this the moral cause for which mothers and fathers in America are giving up their sons and daughter to fight, and to die for?

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‘In the negotiation of an International Dispute the least effective sources of power are position and coercion.’

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Before going offline from LinkedIn for at least six months in order to maximize my available time for writing my next book – ‘Mediation of Cultural Heritage Disputes’, I could not resist one more post.

I ma currently reading the ‘Handbook of Global And Multicultural Negotiation’ by Christopher W.Moore and Peter J.Woodrow (2020) which contains the following advice:

‘in the context of negotiations, the least effective sources of power are position and coercion. Positional power works only if the holder also possesses a number of other sources of power, such as perceived legitimate authority. Coercive power is effective only if a party actually possesses it, is willing to use it, can overcome resistance from the counterpart that the use of force provokes, and has accurately assess the ability of the counterpart to withstand the exercise of this form of power. If these conditions are not met, the use of coercive power will not only be ineffective, that may result in unanticipated negative consequences and make a situation worse. Negotiators should use only the minimum amount of power needed to obtain a desired change. Overuse of any source of power may cause resistance on the part of a counterpart.’

As I was taught by the Head of Legal of the Rolls-Royce industrial Power group at the tender age of 28, before being dispatched to the Far East to negotiate a multi-million pound ‘major project’ contract – ‘only ever make a threat, if you have the authority to carry through and are willing to do so. Otherwise, you will lose all credibility as a negotiator.’

This is wise advice that I follow to this day.

When as a negotiator you exercise power, there is no going back, so power should only be exercised when absolutely necessary. Otherwise, the consequences may prove to be catastrophic.

The company was awarded the contract.

In my view, the equivalent of winning a contract in a conflict resolution scenario, is settlement. I consider that the wisdom outlined above transfers across and applies equally to the Mediation of an International Dispute. That is why a theatrical display of coercive power which cannot logistically be carried through with success, predetermines failure. In other words, it is an elementary and catastrophic mistake.

Comments added:

  • This by the way, is why it is so dangerous to bluff, i.e. because your counterpart may call your bluff! Then if a decision is made to go up the ‘escalation ladder’, without thoroughly thought through ‘logistical’ planning and preparation, then the outcome for the aggressor will be failure. Likewise, if their counterpart has anticipated the escalatory move and has prepared, then the outcome will be far worse, because not only will the aggressor have failed to achieve their stated strategic objectives, they will also have walked into a trap – which will result in a ‘quagmire’!

‘Mediation is an opportunity to achieve the best outcome available in the real-world.’

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I am not convinced that owner/managers of SME’s understand this.

The following is a brief extract from my book, the 2nd Edition of the Contentious Probate Handbook (2025), published by the Law Society’, which contains a chapter about ADR including a detailed discussion of both Mediation and Mediation Advocacy.

These points apply equally to Commercial Mediation.

‘In the experience and opinion of the author, the cut and thrust world of trust and estate litigation has very little to do with abstract notions of justice, and is actually more about perceptions and calculation. So, unless a party needs a court determination to move forward, or the court must be involved, i.e. because the case involves children or other vulnerable beneficiaries, then why not do a deal instead? In the author’s experience, there is nearly always a deal to be done.

Paradoxically, while a claimant may have gone to court or threatened to issue proceedings because they are being ignored or stonewalled, the voices in the court room are not those of the parties, but of lawyers and judges who have no actual ‘skin in the game.’

Consequently, how participants speak to each other in a mediation, either directly, or through their legal representatives or the mediator, is an opportunity to show respect by allowing the other to be heard. That can move the parties along from deadlock about their respective positions to doing a deal in their mutual interests. The skill of allowing a participant in mediation their voice, i.e., the right to be heard, is linked to both ‘how you talk’ and to ’empathetic listening’, because to switch the dynamic from ‘confrontation’ to ‘collaboration’, you must first show a person that:

(a)   he has been heard; and

(b)   you understand his position, and the underlying reasons.

The unifying factor in all probate and trust disputes is the composition of the estate/ trust asset pool, and its value. It is not uncommon for litigation costs to exceed the value of an estate. Therefore, the earlier parties in dispute become participants in a process of negotiation, the more likely it is, that each will receive a slice of a larger pie (i.e. of the estate/trust fund) if the dispute settles at or shortly after mediation.

The overwhelming majority of contentious probate/trust disputes never reach trial, because parties agree the structure and terms of a legally robust compromise. ‘The overall success rate of mediation remains very high, with an aggregate settlement rate of 92%.’ (Google – Tenth-CEDR-Mediation-Audit-2023.pdf). This figure is for all civil mediations.

Mediation may also be an opportunity to transform an acrimonious probate/trust dispute into a joint-problem solving exercise, by applying estate planning principles to discover and unlock tax-efficiency post-death, resulting in the enlargement of the estate/trust fund pie for settlement.’

‘Visual Literacy.’

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AI –‘Visual literacy is the ability to “read” an image much like you would a text, moving beyond a simple “like” or “dislike” to decode the specific choices an artist made to communicate. It involves active seeing —consciously attending to how an image is constructed to uncover its deeper emotional, narrative, and conceptual layers. 

The 4-Step “Feldman Method” for Reading Art

A foundational technique in art education, the Feldman Method breaks the process into four objective and subjective stages: 

Description (The “What”): Identify only observable facts. List the subject matter, colours, lines, shapes, and objects without trying to explain them yet.

  1. Analysis (The “How”): Examine how the work is organised. Look at the composition, balance, contrast, and focal points. Ask yourself: “How do these elements guide my eye through the piece?”.
  2. Interpretation (The “Why”): Derive meaning based on your observations. Consider the emotions evoked, potential symbolism, and what the artist might be trying to say.
  3. Evaluation (The Judgment): Decide if the work is successful. Does it effectively communicate its idea? Is it innovative or moving? This judgment should be based on your previous analysis rather than just personal taste. 

Techniques to See Beyond the Surface

To uncover complex ideas, you can use these specific strategies:

  • Slow Looking: Spend at least five minutes with a single work. Most people look for only 15–30 seconds, but slow looking allows your eyes to adjust and notice subtle details like brushstrokes or hidden patterns that only emerge with time.
  • Identify Visual Language: Learn the “alphabet” of art—line, shape, color, texture, and space. For instance, jagged lines might suggest tension, while muted cool colours can evoke sadness or calm.
  • Contextualisation: Research the “who, when, and where.” Knowing the historical, cultural, or biographical context—such as Picasso painting Guernica during the Spanish Civil War—instantly shifts a piece from “abstract shapes” to a powerful social statement.
  • Notice Absences: Ask what is not there. What has the artist cropped out? What is implied but left unpainted? These omissions are often as meaningful as what is included.
  • Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS): Use three simple questions to guide your inquiry: “What’s going on in this picture?”, “What do you see that makes you say that?”, and “What more can we find?”. 

Why It Matters

Developing visual literacy serves as a “mirror,” revealing what you value based on what you notice. Beyond the gallery, these skills build critical thinking and resistance to manipulation in an image-saturated world, helping you decode everything from advertising to political propaganda. … 

Visual literacy is a critical skill for interpreting ancient art because, in many early societies, images functioned as the primary language of communication. While modern audiences are heavily text-based, ancient cultures were often image-based, with visual symbols serving as a more accessible and widely understood “lingua franca” than written words. 

Developing this skill is essential for several key reasons:1. Decoding a Visual “Grammar”Ancient art is not merely decorative; it operates like a language with its own vocabulary and syntax. A visually literate viewer can: 

Identify specific codes: For example, in Buddhist art, the specific position of a statue’s hands (mudras) carries distinct symbolic meanings that are only “readable” to those with visual training.

Understand compositional structure: Elements like balance, movement, and scale were intentionally used by ancient artists to direct a viewer’s eye and emphasize certain power dynamics or narratives. 

2. Navigating Contextual and Cultural NuancesSymbols are rarely universal; their meanings are deeply rooted in specific historical and social frameworks. 

Cultural Specificity: A symbol representing “purity” in one culture might signify “mourning” in another. Visual literacy allows researchers to avoid misinterpreting symbols through a modern or ethnocentric lens.

Evolution of Meaning: Symbols change over time. Visual literacy helps track how an ancient symbol (like the swastika’s original spiritual meaning) can be reappropriated or subverted in later contexts. 

3. Bridging the “Literacy Gap”In ancient societies with low textual literacy rates, visual icons were the primary tools for education and political persuasion. 

Mass Communication: Religious icons acted as focal points for worship, while political monuments reinforced a ruler’s legitimacy to a population that could not read official decrees.

Primary Historical Record: Because iconography often captured a broader range of daily life and social values than elite-authored texts, visual literacy is a vital tool for archaeologists to reconstruct the worldviews of the past. 

4. Recognizing “Mixed-Media” IntentionsMany ancient artifacts combine text and imagery. Visual literacy reveals that images often held more weight than the accompanying inscriptions. 

Iconocentric Archives: In the Persepolis Fortification Archive, research shows that officials often applied seals in a way that highlighted the iconographic symbol while partially or completely obscuring the written text, suggesting the image was the “primary reading material”. …’

See – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/0691171947?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title

‘Nexus between Geopolitical & Humanitarian Mediation’

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This morning when I woke up I had the insight that instead of ‘Humanitarian Mediation’ being proposed and brought about from the top of the institutional architecture of the Rules Base Order, i.e. by the UN, that instead it could be engineered from below, i.e. by state actors themselves.

In other words that in ‘International Relations’ and ‘Mediation Theory’, there is a ‘nexus’ between ‘Geopolitical Mediation’ and ‘Humanitarian Mediation’.

‘Geopolitical Mediation’ [‘GM‘] is a facilitated dialogue between ‘stakeholders’ [‘S‘] to:

(i) discuss the existence of shared/common interests; and

(ii) negotiate the accommodation of competing interests, by jointly
developing and implementing, a strategy of ‘convergence’, built upon the foundation of common ground.

In other words, GM is a process through which S can engineer a new ‘political order’ that is:

(i) mutually beneficial; and

(ii) more productive to each S, than the individual pursuit of their own competing interests. This is achieved by transforming geo-political ‘competitors’ into ‘partners’.

See – ‘The geopolitics of China’s Belt & Road Initiative and Westward focus’: https://lnkd.in/e_Vdf8Hr

To listen to the Professor’s reply to my Q. scroll forward to 57 minutes – ‘Potential for strategic convergence – a Geopolitical pivot upon which conflict can be avoided?’

As a diplomatic process GM may result in a road-map for multi-lateral ‘progressive-realism’ through innovative ‘partnerships and alliances’ formed with states in the Global South based upon a ‘convergence of interests.’

Britain through its historical ‘networks’ could become a pioneer.

AI – ‘In international relations and mediation theory, the nexus between geopolitical mediation and humanitarian mediation lies in their operational interdependence and the way they navigate the tension between “elite” power interests and the protection of vulnerable populations. While they often serve different primary objectives, they increasingly overlap in modern “multipolar” conflict zones where humanitarian aid becomes a strategic tool of geopolitical influence. 

1. Functional Interdependence

  • Access vs. Stability: Humanitarian mediation acts as a critical precursor or “door-opener” for broader geopolitical negotiations. By securing local ceasefires, humanitarian corridors, or aid access, it builds the foundational trust and “de-escalation” required for high-level political settlement.
  • Tactical Complementarity: Humanitarian efforts (often Track II or III) and geopolitical efforts (Track I) are frequently “complementary”. A reduction in violence through local humanitarian agreements can provide the breathing room necessary for a long-term geopolitical peace process to take root. 

2. Strategic Overlap and Risks

  • The “Chess Board” Effect: Every local conflict now has a geopolitical dimension as great powers compete for global influence. Consequently, humanitarian mediation is no longer isolated; it takes place in a “complex geopolitical context” where actors like the UN must navigate the interests of major powers (e.g., the P5 of the UNSC) to maintain mandate and leverage.
  • Instrumentalisation of Aid: In a multipolar world, humanitarian aid can become “hostage” to geopolitical trends. Major powers may use humanitarian missions to showcase capabilities, build coalitions, or gain political access to a region, effectively blurring the lines between “soft” humanitarian power and “hard” geopolitical strategy. 

3. Divergence in Principles

  • Neutrality vs. Interests: Humanitarian mediation is strictly guided by the principles of humanity, neutrality, and impartiality. In contrast, geopolitical mediators are often driven by specific political, economic, or security interests related to their own strategic positioning.
  • Scope and Duration: Geopolitical mediation focuses on national/international legal frameworks and long-term “stable governance”. Humanitarian mediation is typically a short-term, “needs-oriented” problem-solving process intended to improve immediate safety and access to basic services. 
  • Key Comparison Table
Feature  Humanitarian Mediation Geopolitical Mediation
Primary Goal Protect civilians and ensure aid access Resolve political disputes and maintain regional order
Guiding Logic Needs-based and impartial Interest-based and strategic
Primary Actors NGOs, UN agencies, local “insiders” State diplomats, heads of state, regional blocs
Temporal Focus Immediate, life-saving reprieve Long-term peace and stability

See also: