Mystical Minds

DZI Beads

2009-03-13T23:12:00.000-07:00

My friend suggested me to use to crystals as it attracts positive energies.
Searching through Wiki, it says that "Dzi bead (pronounced "zee") is a bead stone of mysterious origin worn as part of a necklace and sometimes as a bracelet. In several Asian cultures, including that of Tibet, the bead is considered to provide positive spiritual benefit. These beads are generally prized as protective amulets and are sometimes ground up into a powder to be used in traditional Tibetan medicine. Beads subject to this process have small "dig marks" where a portion of the bead has been scraped or shaved away to be ground into the medicine."

I bought in one famous crystal store called Charms and Crystals just last night, a birthday gift for myself. I chose the 9 eyed DZI with rubies (wishing crystal). The sales girl cleanse it (putting oil and putting it in a Buddhist bowl and gong it inside. She said I needed to program the crystals for my own (no one can touch it especially intentionally because they might influence it in a bad way..negative energies). I wished and focus my intention this morning inside my room.

I am very curious about this DZI beads and it feels I saw this from somewhere..it looked very familiar even before my friend told me the name. I hope to have some positive effect on my life though I keep reminded myself..we still have control over our lives and should make an effort to LIVE life and not wish and hope for everything to come so easily. I am just hopeful...for everyday that I get to live and I'm always thankful for God (although in dark times we wonder why it seems unfair) but we should always be thankful...life has a lot of things to offer and we experience a lot of things that others could not. appreciation is one of the lesson's I try to keep in mind as I have reached the quarter of a century of my life.

Other info about Dzi Beads:
DZI Faqs

Reason, Season, Lifetime

2008-11-12T17:36:00.000-08:00

I read a post from someone inspirational regarding people coming into our lives...maybe we should see a new perspective than be depress over something we cannot control..for me, we're not suppose to be very attached to people, we don't really own them (as we count how many friends we have)..
I may not be that articulate to explain, but spiritalk from mystic board, explained it all too well so I will share his thoughts..

Reason, Season, Lifetime

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson,
love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Ready for Enlightenment?

2008-10-30T07:01:00.001-07:00

There is no mistaking the changes and energetic shifts taking place all over this beautiful Planet. Those who have been working on their spiritual paths as Lightworker's waking up to the truth of who and what they really are, know all to well that these changing times referred to by some as the Age of Enlightenment, are radically changing every aspect of their lives and transforming them into the Paradise they have always dreamed of. Despite the doom and gloom our media would rather have us believe and despite whatever is going on around them!!

How is that possible?

For those not yet on the conscious path of ascension, these can feel like scary things indeed. The media does a good job of feeding anyone willing to pay attention all the fear based drama they can stomach. However, when one begins to experience the awakening of the enlightenment within them that has long awaited to burst forth, they are RE-Membering the truth about more than just themselves. The long slumbering multidimensional beings that each and every one of us are returns to the surface of our minds, including remembering the God given ability to discern the truth, create your reality, and remember your soul mission and why you are here on earth at this time.

Thanks to the endless work of the millions of Lightworkers across the globe, the Age of Enlightenment has arrived and those who are ready to walk the path they were created for are waking up to the call within them to seek out the truth and remember their Divinity, their Birthright to an abundant life filled with peace, love and joy!

Each one of us is a Spiritual Being having an Earthly Experience and the time is now to listen to the guidance within you. Those who are ready are being guided from within to RE-Activate their Original Divine Blueprints as they were when they were created and cleared of all the Planetary Crud they have collected just incarnating to a physical body. You have the Divine Inner Power to create the life of your dreams in the midst of life's worst tornado. You just have to re-member what has always been within you by following your inner guidance so that the Age of Enlightenment and your path to ascension is peaceful and harmonious, just the way you have always dreamed. If you can dream it, you can have it as the magnificent co-creator of your life that you are!

Are You Ready for The Age of Enlightenment?

Those who are ready are being guided to connect with YaMa'EL the Golden Dragon Goddess, a gifted Intuitive Energy Activator with the ability to connect to your Higher Self and facilitate a Personal Healing Light RE-Activation and Restoration of your Own Original Divinity Codes. The time is now to stand in your power and BE who you REALLY are! The Age of Enlightenment is NOW.

YaMa'EL has helped countless others, including animals to restore their beings back to their Original Divine State of Bliss. Are You being guided to re-connect? To find out more visit YaMa'EL's blog at http://www.DivinityCodes.com

Guardian Angel Prayers

2008-08-10T01:06:00.000-07:00

I want to share these:
Dear Lord:

Could you spare some Guardian Angels
To give us peace of mind
As our Children wander from us
And stretch the ties that bind ?

You have Heavenly Legions Father
Could you send us just a few
To guide our eager youngsters
As we give them Lord to you .

Oh Thank you, Thank you Father
And Oh our glad hearts sings
We're certain that just now we heard
The swish of passing wings!

Guardian Angel

I've got my Guardian Angel watching over me;
Yet I must still step carefully.
I've been given the choice to decide;
But if I'm not careful I just might slide.

The same holds true for my spiritual walk.
I must take time with Jesus daily; and talk.
Cause if I'm not careful I could fall down;
Then my feet won't be on solid ground.

So I will live my life prayerfully;
And take each step through life carefully.

Then I'll be sure to keep
My Guardian Angel
Watching over me !

-- Danise Norwak Hahlbohm

My Guardian Angel

Dear Angel ever at my side,
how lovely you must be---
To leave your home in heaven,
to guard a child like me.
When I'm far away from home,
or maybe hard at play--
I know you will protect me,
from harm along the way.
Your beautiful and shining face,
I see not, though you're near.
The sweetness of your lovely voice,
I cannot really hear.
When I pray, you're praying too,
Your prayer is just for me.
But ,when I sleep you never do,
You're watching over me.

-- psalm 91:11-12

Angels Always There

Whenever I�m in fervent prayer
I feel God�s holy angels there;
Protective, loving, and serene;
Who stay nereby, tho yet unseen.
Thus, when I feel my heart might break,
I try to smile for Jesus� sake;
Whose angels let my faith not dim
That I might see the smile of Him!

- Sancie Earman King

Guardian Angels

God gave us each an angel
To watch over us with love.
They�re always carrying messages
To Him in Heaven above.

They warn us during danger,
Encourage us to do what is right,
And will always guard and guide us,
Throughout the day and night.

God sent them to protect us,
When crisis comes our way,
And to aid us with our problems
That we encounter every day.

Thank You, my God in Heaven,
For our Guardian Angels dear.
They�re just a token of Your love
To help us overcome life�s fears.

Shirley Hile Powell

Stone walls do not a prison make,
Nor iron bars a cage;
Minds innocent of quiet take
That for an hermitage;
If I have freedom in my love
And in my soul am free,
Angels alone that sore above
Enjoy such liberty.

- Richard Lovelace

Silently one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven
Blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots, of angels.

- Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

I went forth to find an angel
And found this effort brought
That life is full of so much good
The touch that angels wrought."

-James Joseph Huesgen

How to Manifest With the New Moon

2008-07-05T20:27:00.000-07:00

***
By Dawn McIntyre, the Official Guide to Manifestation

New moons, in and of themselves, set up incredible energies for new beginnings for a two week period of time and this happens for us each and every month. What if we were to use them to their fullest potential and empower our circumstances to manifest easily and gracefully? I have always used the new moons to set intentions but since I have started following the guidance of “New Moon Astrology” by Jan Spiller my desires and intentions are manifesting very quickly. With New Moon Astrology wishes can come true.

There are a few important guidelines to be aware of and to follow if this is going to prove successful for you. They are:

1. Timing: By looking up the new moon information for each month, you will be given the dates and time of the New Moon as well as the sign that the New Moon will fall in. It is important to state your wishes and desires the day of the new moon, and if that is not possible then within forty eight hours. Although your wishes may not come to fruition exactly within the twenty-nine-and –a-half-day cycle, your wishes will have planted the seed for them to manifest in the months ahead.

2. Format: It is important for your wishes and dreams to be handwritten on paper, not typed on a typewriter or computer. The wording of your wishes is also very important. How you state your wishes should evoke a deep feeling within you, it must feel completely true. Each New Moon, or Power Day, you may make up to ten wishes. You can make less but to make more would likely scatter your energies, making them more difficult to manifest. Some Power Days will be more potent for you depending on your own unique astrological chart and so it is very important that you utilize all them so that you don’t miss out on the important ones. Finally date and keep your wish lists for future reference. You may store them in a place that feels right to you.

3. Affirmations vs. Wishing: Affirmations rely heavily on the power of the mind to create your intentions and desires and on the other hand, wishing accepts our circumstances and relies on the power of magic and spiritual help to create our reality. In wording your wishes you can use both ‘want’ and ‘intend’, both work equally as well and you may also combine affirmations with your wishes. The key to wishing, however, is surrender.

4. Intuition: The Angels are very close to the Earth during the New Moon time periods, and they are guiding you to wishes that will truly make you happy. Trust yourself in those wishes that truly make feel joyful on the exact day of the New Moon.

5. The Role of Destiny: It is important to trust your own individual process and to believe in a benevolent Universe. If a wish does not come true immediately, repeat it until does or watch to see what else that is unexpected comes to take its place.

6. Wishes Involving Others: While you cannot make wishes that will directly affect the behaviour of another person you can a make a wish for changes in your behaviour relative to that person that will then, in turn, open the way for changes in them. Be willing to shift your approach to other people whom you want to influence.

7. Spring Equinox Treasure Maps: Treasure maps are an ideal way to bring your wishes to life, especially when they are created during the Spring Equinox Power day. This would coincide with the New Moon in Aries. You can use anything to create your maps, be as creative as you would like. There in no wrong way tod these, my only advice is THINK BIG!

8. Grandaddy Power Periods: With these periods you are allowed up to forty wishes; and this time period can last up to 5 weeks each year for each person. For more information as to what your Granddaddy Power Period is please go to www.janspiller.com . These times are extremely potent and experimenting with your wishes would be advised; if you receive a wish at any time within that time frame write it down. Also wish to release any intense anxiety that may come up during the period following this time.

Using New Moon astrology has been very rewarding and very fun for me. I did a treasure map with my daughter and we are looking forward to seeing the manifestation of our wishes in the months ahead. I, too, wish you a beautiful & magical journey to the manifestation of your dreams and wishes.

InFocus: Pisces

2008-03-01T19:23:00.000-08:00

Pisceans possess a gentle, patient, malleable nature. They have many generous qualities and are friendly, good natured, kind and compassionate, sensitive to the feelings of those around them, and respond with the utmost sympathy and tact to any suffering they encounter. They are deservedly popular with all kinds of people, partly because their easygoing, affectionate, submissive natures offer no threat or challenge to stronger and more exuberant characters. They accept the people around them and the circumstances in which they find themselves rather than trying to adapt them to suit themselves, and they patiently wait for problems to sort themselves out rather than take the initiative in solving them. They are more readily concerned with the problems of others than with their own.

Their natures tend to be too otherworldly for the practical purposes of living in this world as it is. They sometimes exist emotionally rather than rationally, instinctively more than intellectually (depending on how they are aspected). They long to be recognized as greatly creative. They also dislike disciple and confinement. The nine-to-five life is not for them. Any rebellion they make against convention is personal, however, as they often times do not have the energy or motivation to battle against the Establishment.

Pisceans tend to withdraw into a dream world where their qualities can bring mental satisfaction and sometimes, fame and financial reward for they are extremely gifted artistically. They are also versatile and intuitive, have quick understanding, observe and listen well, and are receptive to new ideas and atmospheres. All these factors can combine to produce remarkable creativity in literature, music and art. They may count among their gifts mediumistic qualities which can give them a feeling that their best work comes from outside themselves, "Whispered beyond the misted curtains, screening this world from that." Even when they cannot express themselves creatively they have a greater than average instinct for, and love of, beauty in art and nature, a catlike appreciation of luxury and pleasure, and a yearning for new sensations and travel to remote, exotic places.

They are never egotistical in their personal relationships and give more than they ask from their friends. They are sexually delicate, in the extreme almost asexual, and most Pisceans would want a relationship in which the partner's mind and spirit rather than the body resonated with their own. Unfortunately they can be easily misled by a lover who courts them delicately and in marriage makes them unhappy by a coarser sexuality than they expected. They are nevertheless intensely loyal and home-loving and will remain faithful.

In their employment they are better working either by themselves or in subordinate positions. Their talents are individual in a commercial business or similar undertaking. They would be afraid to manage more than a small department, worrying always that they would fail in a crisis. They can make fair secretaries and bookkeepers.
Their sympathy equips them for work in charities catering for the needy, as nurses looking after the sick and as veterinary surgeons caring for animals. As librarians or astronomers they can satisfy their mental wanderlust, and their fondness for "faraway places with strange-sounding names" may turn them into sailors or travellers. Many architects and lawyers are Pisceans, and when the creative abilities are combined with gifts of imitation and the ability to enter into the feelings of others, Pisceans find their fulfillment on the stage. Their psychic and spiritual qualities can lead them into careers in the church or as mediums and mystics. They may find an outlet for their creativity as caterers, and are said to make good detectives because they can imagine themselves in the place of criminals and understand how their minds would work. In technical occupations they are well employed in dealing with anaesthetics, fluids, gases and plastics. Because of their lively versatility and inability to concentrate overmuch on any one project, Pisceans often simultaneously follow more than one occupation.
Possible Health Concerns...

Pisces governs the feet, liver and lymphatics, and its subjects can be threatened by anaemia, boils, ulcers and other skin diseases, especially inflammation of the eyelids, gout, inflammation, heavy periods and foot disorders and lameness.

Image: http://www.courtenaysfineart.com
Source: Astrology-online

4 Simple Steps to Manifesting What You Want

2007-07-30T20:43:00.000-07:00

Manifesting is the process by which your thought becomes things in your reality. Whether it is something you really, really want or something you really, really fear, manifesting, through the law of attraction will work. Events will unfold so that it will lead the way to the materialization of the object of your attention.

Be mindful of the things in your mind for your thoughts can work for you or against you. Deliberately create your present and your future by consciously directing your thoughts towards your desires. Here are some simple steps to manifesting what you want.

1. Know what you truly want. If you know what you truly want, your heart, mind and soul are one with your desire. You can give your undivided attention to this particular goal.

2. Keep the end in mind. Have a very clear vision of the end result of your desire. Make it as vivid as if it is really there with you. See it, hear it, feel it, smell it or taste it. It is not your job how it will be manifested; your job is to envision what will be manifested.

3. Cooperate. Make your actions congruent with your desires. Recognize opportunities and grab them.

4. Pretend you have it and give thanks. Play the game of pretend. Give thanks like you already have what you want and it will indeed come to you.

Remember to let go of all control once you have done your job. Know that one way or another, sooner or later, you will receive what you have asked. Frustrations and negative attitudes will just delay the manifestations of your desire, so relax and trust that it is coming.

Consciously choose the path you wish to take. Deliberately create your experiences. Once in a while, life may throw something bitter at you, but stop for a moment before you react. Ask yourself, “Is this really as bitter as it looks, or does it hide something better?”

————————-

Reprint the following article with the following Resource Box. All links must be functional.

She is a traveler in this mysterious and abundant universe. She owns the website Manifesting: Life Magick http://www.lifemagick.net which is a journal of how she has used the art of manifesting in her life. She has found that the tremendous power to enjoy the abundance of this world lies within oneself. Through this website, she hopes to share her experience with conscious creation.

Desidereta

2007-06-17T10:25:00.000-07:00

Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may

be in silence.

As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.

Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the

dull and ignorant; they to have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If

you compare yourself to others, you may become vain and bitter; for

always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.Enjoy your

achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession

in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business

affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you

to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and

everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical

about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as

perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the council of years, gracefully surrendering the things of

youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.

But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of

fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with

yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;

you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no

doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive him to be, and

whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life

keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful

world.

Be cheerful.

Empathy

2007-05-23T00:19:00.000-07:00

A Beginner’s Guide

Empathy in essence is one of the very most basic abilities, though it is far from being unimportant. Empathy creates a bridge between what is said and what is meant. Empathy is a gateway ability that helps us to be more open to abilities such as energy reading, automatic writing, telepathy, medium abilities, and intuition. Even in its mildest forms it is essential in all types of communication and psychic work. By becoming better empaths we can become more efficient in all areas of out lives and get a deeper understanding of the lives we lead.
Every emotion and every thought has a frequency. That means every time you think a happy thought a happy vibration is sent out. And every time you think about a person the vibration of that person is sent out. Empaths learn to pick up on these vibrations and to some degree to “translate” them in to words that can be understood. Though not every thought and emotion is exactly the same, unless other circumstances are exactly the same. So if you are happy because you got an A on a test and you are happy because you just found a $10 bill then you are sending out the vibration of both those thoughts. So the emotion of both of those thoughts is happiness but the other vibrations within the larger emotional vibration tell why that emotion is experienced and what is causing you to feel that way.
Thoughts and emotions are energy and energy vibrates at a frequency. The frequency of a thought/emotion tells you what it is. Knowing what the thought or emotion is about tells you the frequency.
Empathy is a branch off of clairsentience. That means that empaths can feel and know the emotions of others. This allows a deeper understanding of the human mind and of the things that keep people going. Empathy is normally felt primarily in one of three parts of the body. The Head (Third Eye), The Heart, or The Gut. All places contain a chakra or energy vortex that in some way corresponds to the ability.
Empathy makes receiving and sending information psychically much easier. Instead of having to send an explanation of your current mindset you can send a conceptual emotion of your current mindset. Making it easier to focus not only on the target meant to receive but also on the information being sent.
This ability can also be extended to feeling the physical pains of others. Few people ever experience this.
In order to awaken your inner empathy you must be open to the emotions of others. And to understand the emotions of others we must first understand our own emotions and emotional states. In everything there is a base that we build on. In empathy the base of our ability is the ability to understand ourselves.

Exercise #1 (Let It All Out)
Get a few pieces of paper and a pen and sit down somewhere where you won’t be disturbed. (If you have a sacred space that is probably a good place to go.)
Think of about 4 or 5 words that bring up strong emotions in you. The emotions may be similar or totally different. The same applies to the words. You can have people’s names, places, events, dates, actions, adjectives, etc.
Now write each word on a separate piece of paper (if you’re trying to save trees you can probably manage with one piece of paper. Half a page for each word on the front and back)
Okay now focus on the first word. Let all emotions attached to it come to the surface of your mind. Once you have a feel for what the emotion/emotional cluster write down a few words that correlate to the word under the word.
Continue to focus on the emotion(al cluster) and analyze the emotion at hand (if it is an emotional cluster go through as many emotions as you see fit). Why do you feel that way? What cause this emotion in the first place? How is this emotion different from other things I have felt about this before? Why do I experience this emotion in correlation to this word?
Write down the answers to the questions you ask yourself or any other information that may come through.
Continue this with the rest of the words. Being sure to write down everything that is significant (or even insignificant but if you wrote it down its probably not insignificant).
Save the paper and read over it whenever you get a chance. If more words pop up write those down. When you are confident with those emotions move on.
That should have helped with opening up emotional channels in yourself helping you to become more honest with yourself and others. It also helps you understand the many levels of emotions, as well as encouraging you to understand emotions before expressing them.
Being an empath is fun and helps you to grow as an individual. You can also use empathy to help others. Empathetic therapy is a great way to help people deal with emotional stress and problems. Sometimes just being there and listening can be all a person needs. Though In order to truly help someone you must understand their emotions on as many levels as possible. This next quick exercise helps to open up our understanding of others and how their emotional states can differ from ours.

Exercise #2 (Different Point of View)
First think of another person who is close to you. Then choose a problem that they may have.
Now see them being confronted with the problem. What kind of emotions do you think they will feel? How do you think they will handle the situation?
Watch how the emotions change and shift as the problem is fixed and as the problem starts.
Now I want you to change perspectives.
Imagine now that you are your friend. Look at you hair (if you can) and see the color it is now that you are your friend. Look at your hands and notice how you feel in their body.
Now bring the problem up. Now from their perspective what emotions do you feel? Do these emotions feel familiar or foreign to you?
Figure out how you will handle the situation from your friends perspective, this may or may not be the same as you saw earlier. What emotions arise with the solution?
Implement the solution. What emotions surface now? How do they feel? Why are you (in your new perspective) feeling these emotions?
Now change back in to yourself. See your own hair and your own hands and feel the familiar sense of being in your own body.

The last step of the exercise is very important. Empaths will commonly lose track of who they are or become caught up in the emotions of others. We feel out of place and out of sync with ourselves because essentially we are. We are another person’s emotions and perspective in our own body. Although we should help others and learn from their emotions we should always remember who we are. Boundaries are not limits meant to keep us in, they are limits meant to keep bad things out. Next is the last exercise and is a general exercise meant to help us tune into ourselves and others.

Exercise #3 (Energy Field Shape Shifting)
Sit down in a way that mimics a dog. Or basically cross your legs “Native-American” style and lay your hands palm down flat on the floor in front of you. This is a very primal position and connects us to the Animals of nature.
Imagine an animal. Think of its name a few times. How big is it? What shape? What color? How many legs? What kind of mouth? Etc.
Now see yourself changing and shape shifting into the animal in your mind. Look down at what you can see of your new body.
Now shift your eyes in to the perspective of the animal. Put yourself in a scenic setting that is familiar to your new form.
Walk around for a bit and if you want you can even ask the animal what wisdom it holds. To ask all you must do is think the question. The answer should come on by itself without your help and will probably be different from person to person.
Now when you are done shift back in to your body and feel your own limbs. Open your eyes and look around now that you are back in your own body.
If you want you can continue on with more animals and may even want to venture in to plants, people, and inanimate objects.

As we become more and more open with ourselves we will become more and more open to others. When we know our own light for its truest beauty then others will know us for our truest beauty. When we can find the good in others, others will find the good in us. Everything you send out comes back to you. So look to help and heal and the Universe will take care of you. You are an empath. You are a healer. What beauty you see and what beauty you create is not nearly comparable to the beauty inside. We are strong. We are powerful. We are beautiful in all ways.
_________________

Closing cycles

2007-03-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

by Paulo Coelho

One always has to know when a stage comes to an end. If we insist on
staying longer than the necessary time, we lose the happiness and the
meaning of the other stages we have to go through.

Closing cycles, shutting doors, ending chapters -- whatever name we
give it, what matters is to leave in the past the moments of life that
have finished.

Did you lose your job? Has a loving relationship come to an end? Did
you leave your parents' house? Gone to live abroad? Has a long-lasting
friendship ended all of a sudden?

You can spend a long time wondering why this has happened. You can
tell yourself you won't take another step until you find out why
certain things that were so important and so solid in your life have
turned into dust, just like that.

But such an attitude will be awfully stressing for everyone involved:
your parents, your husband or wife, your friends, your children, your
sister, everyone will be finishing chapters, turning over new leaves,
getting on with life, and they will all feel bad seeing you at a
standstill.

None of us can be in the present and the past at the same time, not
even when we try to understand the things that happen to us. What has
passed will not return: we cannot for ever be children, late
adolescents, sons that feel guilt or rancor towards our parents,
lovers who day and night relive an affair with someone who has gone
away and has not
the least intention of coming back.

Things pass, and the best we can do is to let them really go away.
That is why it is so important (however painful it maybe!) to destroy
souvenirs, move, give lots of things away to orphanages, sell or
donate the books you have at home. Everything in
this visible world is a manifestation of the invisible world, of what
is going on in our hearts and getting rid of certain memories also
means making some room for other memories to take their place.

Let things go. Release them. Detach yourself from them. Nobody plays
this life with marked cards, so sometimes we win and sometimes we
lose. Do not expect anything in return, do not expect your efforts to
be appreciated, your genius to be discovered, your
love to be understood. Stop turning on your emotional television to
watch the same program over and over again, the one that shows how
much you suffered from a certain loss: that is only poisoning you,
nothing else.

Nothing is more dangerous than not accepting love relationships that
are broken off, work that is promised but there is no starting date,
decisions that are always put off waiting for the ideal moment. Before
a new chapter is begun, the old one has to be finished: tell yourself
that what has passed will never come back. Remember that there was a
time when you could live without that thing or that person.

Nothing is irreplaceable. A habit is not a need.
This may sound so obvious, it may even be difficult,but it is very important.

Closing cycles. Not because of pride, incapacity or arrogance, but
simply because that no longerfits your life.

Shut the door, change the record, clean the house, shake off the dust.
Stop being who you were, and change into who you are.

Principles of Spiritual Activism

2007-03-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

something worth reading...

The following principles emerged from several years' work with social change leaders in Satyana's Leading with Spirit program. We offer these not as definitive truths, but rather as key learnings and guidelines that, taken together, comprise a useful framework for "spiritual activism."

1.

Transformation of motivation from anger/fear/despair to compassion/love/purpose. This is a vital challenge for today's social change movement. This is not to deny the noble emotion of appropriate anger or outrage in the face of social injustice. Rather, this entails a crucial shift from fighting against evil to working for love, and the long-term results are very different, even if the outer activities appear virtually identical. Action follows Being, as the Sufi saying goes. Thus "a positive future cannot emerge from the mind of anger and despair" (Dalai Lama).

2.

Non-attachment to outcome. This is difficult to put into practice, yet to the extent that we are attached to the results of our work, we rise and fall with our successes and failures-a sure path to burnout. Hold a clear intention, and let go of the outcome-recognizing that a larger wisdom is always operating. As Gandhi said, "the victory is in the doing," not the results. Also, remain flexible in the face of changing circumstances: "Planning is invaluable, but plans are useless."(Churchill)

3.

Integrity is your protection. If your work has integrity, this will tend to protect you from negative energy and circumstances. You can often sidestep negative energy from others by becoming "transparent" to it, allowing it to pass through you with no adverse effect upon you. This is a consciousness practice that might be called "psychic aikido."

4.

Integrity in means and ends. Integrity in means cultivates integrity in the fruit of one's work. A noble goal cannot be achieved utilizing ignoble means.

5.

Don't demonize your adversaries. It makes them more defensive and less receptive to your views. People respond to arrogance with their own arrogance, creating rigid polarization. Be a perpetual learner, and constantly challenge your own views.

6.

You are unique. Find and fulfill your true calling. "It is better to tread your own path, however humbly, than that of another, however successfully." (Bhagavad Gita)

7.

Love thy enemy. Or at least, have compassion for them. This is a vital challenge for our times. This does not mean indulging falsehood or corruption. It means moving from "us/them" thinking to "we" consciousness, from separation to cooperation, recognizing that we human beings are ultimately far more alike than we are different. This is challenging in situations with people whose views are radically opposed to yours. Be hard on the issues, soft on the people.

8.

Your work is for the world, not for you. In doing service work, you are working for others. The full harvest of your work may not take place in your lifetime, yet your efforts now are making possible a better life for future generations. Let your fulfillment come in gratitude for being called to do this work, and from doing it with as much compassion, authenticity, fortitude, and forgiveness as you can muster.

9.

Selfless service is a myth. In serving others, we serve our true selves. "It is in giving that we receive." We are sustained by those we serve, just as we are blessed when we forgive others. As Gandhi says, the practice of satyagraha ("clinging to truth") confers a "matchless and universal power" upon those who practice it. Service work is enlightened self-interest, because it cultivates an expanded sense of self that includes all others.

10.

Do not insulate yourself from the pain of the world. Shielding yourself from heartbreak prevents transformation. Let your heart break open, and learn to move in the world with a broken heart. As Gibran says, "Your pain is the medicine by which the physician within heals thyself." When we open ourselves to the pain of the world, we become the medicine that heals the world. This is what Gandhi understood so deeply in his principles of ahimsa and satyagraha. A broken heart becomes an open heart, and genuine transformation begins.

11.

What you attend to, you become. Your essence is pliable, and ultimately you become that which you most deeply focus your attention upon. You reap what you sow, so choose your actions carefully. If you constantly engage in battles, you become embattled yourself. If you constantly give love, you become love itself.

12.

Rely on faith, and let go of having to figure it all out. There are larger 'divine' forces at work that we can trust completely without knowing their precise workings or agendas. Faith means trusting the unknown, and offering yourself as a vehicle for the intrinsic benevolence of the cosmos. "The first step to wisdom is silence. The second is listening." If you genuinely ask inwardly and listen for guidance, and then follow it carefully-you are working in accord with these larger forces, and you become the instrument for their music.

13.

Love creates the form. Not the other way around. The heart crosses the abyss that the mind creates, and operates at depths unknown to the mind. Don't get trapped by "pessimism concerning human nature that is not balanced by an optimism concerning divine nature, or you will overlook the cure of grace." (Martin Luther King) Let your heart's love infuse your work and you cannot fail, though your dreams may manifest in ways different from what you imagine.

Getting over being guilty

2007-01-04T15:40:00.000-08:00

this is a good article:

By Guy Finley

Step Up and Away from Punishing Feelings

No one really wants to talk about it, but the truth is there is a kind of evil spell hanging over each of us and our world as well. In fact, part of this global spell is our denial of its existence. It is called suffering. Everyone does it -- believing that their suffering somehow benefits them. That's how the spell works. Why else would anyone punish himself with unhappy feelings unless he had been tricked into somehow perceiving self-hurt as self-help?

Let's examine one of these instances. First of all, to be angry is to suffer. It doesn't help anyone to get angry. Anger hurts whoever is angry. It burns. Anger ruins relationships, causes heartache and regret, and devastates health. And yet, in spite of all of these facts, when we are angry it feels right. Somehow, in some unseen way, anger proves to whoever is experiencing its heated feelings that he or she is right even though, in the eyes of reality, nothing could be further from the truth. The same scenario holds true of worry, anxiety, resentment, doubt, guilt or any dark feeling. How can something so wrong seem so right? Here is the answer. All of these negative emotions feel like they are in your best interest because, at the time of their intrusion into your life, they temporarily fill you with a powerful false sense of self. However, this sense of self born out of fierce but lying feelings can only exist without your conscious consent or awareness of its being there. Why? Because this negative-self's interests are not in your best interest. This conjured-up temporary identity is nothing but a self-of-suffering. No one chooses to lose.

This lesson may seem difficult at first, but with your persistent wish to understand it, you will one day wonder how you were ever tricked into feeling bad about anything. The Truth wants you to know that it is never in your best interest to suffer, no matter how inwardly convincing it may feel to you that you will be betraying yourself or someone else if you don't. The only way that any suffering feeling can prove to you that you need it is to hypnotize you with a flood of itself. Step back from yourself. Learn instead to listen to the quiet stream of higher insight that runs softly through your true nature. It sees through sorrow. Let it show you that suffering proves nothing. If you want to receive some special help for helping yourself escape yourself, always remember to ask yourself this key question: "If I am doing what I want to do, then how come it hurts me to do it?" The Truth guarantees you will stop doing what you don't want to do once you know what you have been doing against yourself.

Here are five powerful ways to snap the spell of suffering. As you read over each one, think about how you can use its insight the next time you are about to be washed by any flood of painful thoughts or feelings. Welcome their higher influence into your life.

1)Suffering doesn't prove that you are responsible. What it does prove is that you have abandoned true self-responsibility, or you wouldn't treat yourself so badly.

2) Suffering doesn't prove that you are important. What it does prove is that you would rather feel like a "someone" who is miserable than be a "no one" who is free and quietly happy.

3) Suffering doesn't prove that you are all alone in life. What it does prove is that you prefer the company of unfriendly thoughts and feelings whose very nature is to isolate you from everything good.

4) Suffering doesn't prove that someone else is wrong. What it does prove is that you will go to any lengths, including self-destruction, to prove that you are right.

5) Suffering over your suffering doesn't prove that you want to stop suffering. What it does prove is you are afraid of the end of suffering because you think the end of it means the end of you. It does not.

5) You do not have to accept any inner-condition that compromises your happiness. It is never right to feel wrong no matter how right you may think you are to be feeling that way. Feeling one way and thinking another is what it means to live in conflict. Self-conflict is really the only suffering there is; therefore, self-unity is the only real solution that can snap the spell of self-suffering.

Here is an exercise to help you take the first step up and away from self-punishing feelings. This exercise is called: Is This What I Really Want?

The next time you catch yourself starting to feel bad about anything, immediately stop everything you are doing for a moment and, as simply and as honestly as you can, ask yourself: Is this what I really want? Try to see the whole self-picture as it is unfolding. You will discover that your thoughts are convinced that you must proceed in their direction of guilt, worry, revenge, or fear but you are the one who is feeling bad. These self-betraying thoughts are like a friend who invites you out to a pleasant evening at the fights and then you find yourself in the ring as the main event! I repeat, you do not have to accept any condition that compromises your happiness.

You can and must inwardly say to any conflicting thoughts or feelings that, "You are not what I want!" The clearer this whole picture becomes to you -- that suffering is stupid and must never be justified -- the stronger your right self-assertion for self-unity will become. A whole life is a happy one. Choose to have a happy life by choosing what you really want.

Meditation exercises

2006-11-22T14:35:00.000-08:00

To begin, place yourself in the place and position that you have found to be most advantageous to meditation. Relax your mind, body, and emotions. Command your mind to cease its chatter, your emotions to stay in a serene mode, and your body to not disturb your meditation in any way. Focus your attention to the sound and feeling of your breath coming in and going out. Return to your breath awareness if you witness that you have lost your focus. At no time during your meditation should you chastise yourself about anything. So, for example, if you lose your attention and then realize this, just accept it without commenting. Return your attention to your breath and then continue with your meditation.

Close your eyes. Place your attention on the area between your eyebrows. After a short time, a point of light will present itself in the center of your inner field of vision. Keep your focus there. For some people, it will be beneficial to raise your eyeballs as if you were looking up at about a 25-degree angle. For others, just directing their attention upwards will be easier and less distracting. After some experimentation, go with one of the ways exclusively. In the beginning of 3rd eye practice, it may help to place your thumb at the outer edge of one eye and your middle finger on the outer edge of the other, while placing your index finger at the mid-point between your eyebrows. This gives you a point of focus to place your attention. It also allows you to prevent your eyelids from fluttering. This commonly occurs, and can be distracting until you get used to the sensations that accompany this technique.

Let the light come to you. Be available to be filled. The more you continue practicing this meditation, the more layers of the veil of illusion will peel away and Reality will reveal itself to you. As you perceive the Truth, your understanding of the delusional concept that you are apart from the rest of the universe will lose its grip on you, and the knowledge that you are a part of all and everything will become undeniably apparent. Your chattering mind will eventually dissolve in the unspeakable transcendent light of love that is now and forever within and without you.

Once you stop being locked into viewing reality from just one perspective, you will start to be free from habitual reactivity. 3rd eye experiences put you in that position. You will recognize that nothing more than a show has been playing out before you in what you considered "real life". And, just like when you are at the theater, you may be interested to some degree with seeing how the plot turns out, but knowing that it is all just a story, you won't take it any more seriously than a show. The constant anxiety and fear that is attached to a singular ego centered view of life will end and be replaced with the bliss of effortlessly merging and identifying with all of creation.

Once a chick has pecked its way out of its shell, it knows that there is a lot more to life than was within its dark confines. Mother Nature, Grace, then gives the chick strong wings that let it fly to the heavens. The 3rd eye meditation technique has the potential to be the beak you use to break out of your shell, as well as the wings to transport you to the infinite, eternal, universal divine reality that is your birthright.

Auras

2006-10-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

The aura is the energy field that surrounds our bodies. Every living thing has an aura. It is with us at all times. If you look at the earth from a satellite, you will see the earths aura. The shape of a healthy aura is egg shaped. There should be no holes in the aura, as that allows negative energy inside.

Before we learn the different colors and meanings of the aura, here is an exercise to practice with a friend or a partner to enable you to sense the aura.

Stand approximately 3-4 feet away from your sensing partner. Using your partner as the test subject, have them turn so that their back is facing you. Take several deep breaths and close your eyes. Slowly keeping your eyes closed, raise your hands toward your chest palms facing away from your body. Keep your hands still for a moment, sensing the air in front of them. Slowly move them a little further away moving inches at a time, stopping to sense the air before you move on. When the pressure on your palms changes to a tingling, you have reached the aura of your test subject and have now touched their aura!

Now for the different colors and meanings of those colors.

A Red Aura: Money worries, anger or being unforgiving, anxiety or nervousness.

A bright Pink Aura: Joy, love and compassion. New relationship or a revived romantic one. Can also indicate Clairaudience.

A Magenta or Fuchsia: Passion and high sexual energy.

An Orange Aura: Moving to a new home or just recently moved.

A light or pale Yellow Aura: Budding psychic and spiritual awareness, optimism and being hopeful, positive about new ideas.

Bright lemon yellow: Struggling to maintain power in a personal relationship, or business relationship. Job change.

Clear Gold metallic yellow: Spiritual energy and power awakened. Christ energy.

Dark Brownish yellow or Gold: A student who is struggling with their studies, trying to make up for everything by trying to learn everything at once.

A Green Aura: Bright green: A healer, also indicates that prayers for healing are being answered. Working with Archangel Raphael.

Dark or forest green: Jealousy and resentment. Feeling like a victim of the world, blaming others and self, sensitive to perceived criticism.

Pea soup green: Deception toward self or others.

Blue:Light blue: Expressive and truthful. Communication.

Turquoise or sea green: Life purpose as a spiritual teacher, or teaching others about healing.

Bright royal blue: Clairvoyant, highly spiritual nature.

Purple:Blue cobalt purple: Archangel Michael is standing next to the person.

Reddish Violet: Clairaudience.

Clear or bright purple: In tune with the Divine spiritual realm, claircognizance.

White: Purity and truth, Angelic qualities.

White Sparkles or flashes of white light: Angels are near.

Rainbows: A Reiki healer, and or a star person, someone who is in their first incarnation. An energy healer.

Silver: Bright metallic: Pregnancy or birth of a new project.

Dark and muddy grey: Depression. Excessive air pollution or smoke, too many dairy products in diet.

Black: Sometimes indicates unforgiveness toward oneself or another. Collected in one specific area of the body, which can lead to health problems, also could indicate past life hurts.

We can cleanse our auras to remove any negative residue quite easily. To do this, all you need is some 'Epsom salts' and a bath. Place approximately 5 tablespoons of Epsom salts in the bath as it is running, this makes sure that the salts are dissolved. Take your bath as normal, but don't stay in the water for a long time as this could irritate your skin, and your aura will be cleansed when you get out.

Empaths

2006-09-26T08:52:00.000-07:00

Empathic ability can be one of the hardest psychic abilities to control. Empathic people feel others pain, sorrow, happiness, in fact they can feel the whole spectrum of human feelings.

This makes it hard for a new empathic person to close down and not take all of these feelings into themselves. The new empath can literally be taken over by these feelings. It is a natural part of being empathic to feel these, but these feelings from others need to be controlled so that the empath can live a normal productive life.

When a person becomes empathic, if they were not born with this gift, it can be a harrowing time trying to sort through the feelings they sense to see if they are in fact coming from within themselves, or from others around them. Most new empaths will hide themselves away from situations that they know will cause them distress. They wont go to the supermarket, watch the TV, anything that visualizes suffering of others.

They will become ungrounded for a while until they learn to cope with this gift. Many will find themselves bursting into tears for no reason at things that have never caused them to cry before, rising quickly to anger when they are around others who have lost control of their tempers, impatient with people, the list is a long one. This is a normal part of becoming empathic and it can be controlled.

What an empath needs to remember is that these feelings of despair, grief, total sadness are coming not from within themselves, but from the auric field of others which they come into contact with throughout their day. This is when their own auric field comes into contact with another's. The untrained empaths aura joins or gets too close to another persons, making their feelings now the empaths. This will in turn make the empath very vulnerable and also tired because of the draining of their energy.

What is needed is for the empath to learn how to 'close down' their aura so that these feelings don't become their own, unless they are giving a reading, although then they must keep themselves distanced from the Readee otherwise it will deplete the energy of the empath. One of the easiest ways to close down is to ground, although there are affirmations to help. They need to choose one that works for them and then stick with it, not change it all of the time. Do not try to place a house around yourself for example as when this is eventually found to be ineffective in stopping the merging of auras, that would cause a loss of confidence in your ability. Ask God, Jesus or which Deity you pray to, to help you stand strong and to be at your side whilst you are 'working'.

Once the new empath has mastered this skill, they will find it a wonderful aid in their psychic abilities. It can aid with the healing art of Reiki, it can help with their readings, in so much as discerning whether the spirit is a family member and which side of the family the spirit comes from. This can all be told by the empath because they read the energy of a person or spirit. It is a very useful and powerful gift to have.

As their gift grows, they can accurately feel the feelings of others, over the internet or telephone for example. They do not need to be in physical contact with the people with who they are talking to, to understand their feelings at that time. They can automatically sense when something is going on with a family member, even though they may wear a painted on smile, an empath can tell when they are in pain or in need without them saying a word.

Once the new empath has mastered their gift, it opens a wide range of opportunities to them in their psychic pursuits. All they need to remember is; ground, cleanse, and close their auras.

From: talktoheaven msn groups

5 virtues

2006-09-14T01:35:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting post from AL of purpleforum:

THE 5 VIRTUES

* SELF RESPECT
* LIBERATION IN LIFE
* LOVE
* BLISS
* BENEVOLENCE

The human soul that you are is one. To understand the inner workings, we could look at the soul as having 3 main areas which are active within.

MIND- Creates thoughts. Thoughts emerge and give off vibrations. Thoughts come from feelings.

INTELLECT- Retains knowledge and discriminates the thoughts which emerge in the mind. Our thoughts words and actions will reflect the knowledge and therefore, understanding that the intellect has, and at this time, the degree to which the intellect controls the mind, overriding the negative personality which wants to control the mind and the thoughts that it creates.
Conscience. Reasoning. Understanding, WISDOM.
It would be negative to use the intellect to judge the self or others.

PERSONALITY- The accumulation of our past experiences through using a body to express and experience combined with the souls own eternal personality which becomes lost beneath the layers of life experience over many lives.
( mind intellect personality is covered in "who am I meditation " in depth )

There appear to be 5 essence virtues which are at the foundation of the soul. They are the natural original qualities of the souls which we are. The soul does not have weakness before it enters this play of life, as it has had no previous lives.
We existed in a region of golden silent light beyond this material world. The home of all souls.
My current understanding is that, at their negative opposite end of the spectrum , entropy has transformed these quality' s into vices over the span of our many ( or few ) lives.
I use the term " vice " because it seems accurate. A vice traps the object and holds it very tight . It has a grip on it and it is going nowhere. Stuck.
I am not so sure that it is a reason to feel fear or guilty and brandish such words as " sin " as it is always going to happen under the influence of entropy / pre destiny. Everything within time and space degrades naturally, or appears to. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
We could see these 5 virtues as being like a hand with five fingers . The self respect is the thumb. Wherever you find one of the other virtues ( fingers ) , self respect is often there like the thumb, we don' t do many things with our hands / fingers without the thumb being involved.
When they all co - operate with each other, great weights can be lifted, and wonderful things created.

1 SELF RESPECT - It comes from being aware of the self as a peaceful eternal immortal infinitesimal spiritual being , the original state of the soul / self.
If I have true self respect , I will have respect for others. The intellect will have knowledge that I am of a spiritual nature.
Self sovereign . I control the kingdom of my own mind. I have control over my thoughts words and actions. Master over matter including the 5 bodily senses.
We can use the complete one , the supreme soul mirror to compare our self respect with our parent / teacher. If we appear warped , we can always laugh at it , just like in the fairground hall of mirrors. Then set about changing the self, the personality, until it is similar to the spiritual teacher / parent, the supreme soul.
The intellect receives knowledge, experiences that knowledge, and begins to lay down a new cycle of, or, emerge the original personality traits which were there before we entered this DRAMA.

NEGATIVE OPPOSITE - EGO, I, ME ME ME, MINE.
I think we all know what arrogance is. Some may argue that the MALE EGO is greater, perhaps it is just more prominent in its expression and easier to detect than female EGO which may be more inverted. The same thing coming out in different ways ?
The intellect has become weak and is being by passed leaving the negative personality to control the the mind which forms thoughts.
When we have a spiritual identity crisis , eg, ' I the soul am my body ' , then the " I " aspect changes. " I " am then living a lie. I have become something and someone completely different from the pure soul that " I am naturally " . With EGO being closely related to the " I " , it is not surprising that it causes us all sorts of problems and little true self respect let alone respect for others.
I develop false personality through acting in the awareness of being a body. Over time, the intellect becomes flat and powerless as the knowledge that I am a body does not resonate with the true inner self. These body conscious personality traits grow in strength, and as with any repetitive behaviour, the groove is dug deeper.
It is important to get the balance between I, MY, ME and MINE without treading the hamster wheel of religious fear and repetition or berating the self. It may take a life time, so we must allow for that and aim for balance between spiritual application and the rest of our life if we are on the path of self transformation. We go along according to our own limitations without comparing to others.
Being a complete, pure spiritual being is natural, it is what we naturally are, and always have been, it is no big deal. THE COMPLETE FORM IS NO BIG DEAL.
The superficial self, the body conscious self, or, personality however, IS a big deal. It is extraordinary, quite unique, outrageously freaky, warped, twisted, a complete lie, total illusion, it is quite simply, something else, it is way out man, yet, meant to be. Have mercy on the self. Self respect.
Om Shanti - I the soul AM pure and peaceful. We are already it, we just need to be it.

2 LIBERATION IN LIFE - The soul, being naturally self aware is master over matter. Everything is in balance and harmony, the natural virtues are expressed through the bodily costume. The actor is in control of the performance, naturally aware that it is a play. The awareness of drama brings lightness.
At this point in time, of purification, this time of transition from the old world to the new, we can experience the awareness, I came naked and will go back the same, as a pure spiritual being. We can see the end and the beginning now.
In future lives there will be a very light easy experience through life in our immortal awareness. We also have the natural awareness of others being immortal spiritual beings who act through bodily costumes also, and there is no fear of death.
As with thinking the thoughts ' I am breathing ', there is no battle to control the mind, and so there is no conscious thoughts of " I am a soul ". There is no alternative. The thought doesn't' t arise. What else could " I " be as body consciousness has not been invented yet.
Detached and loving. The lotus flower. The degree to which I am detached, is the degree to which I am loving.
And there is the divine one at THIS time, a taste of true spiritual love, unconditional love, a time when we re charge the battery of the soul, and a subtle connection which deteriorates through time there after over thousands of years.
We will have no awareness of being liberated from negative personality or matter, as the concept does not exist. A world without negativity.

NEGATIVE OPPOSITE - ATTACHMENT
Our first and foremost attachment in life is our body. It is our first and immediate contact with the corporeal world. ATTACHMENT then spreads out into the world into and onto other things, be it other people ( relationships) , material things, we also get attached to expectations of what is going to happen , or did happen, and when it invariably doesn't ' t , or something else happens, other vices can emerge such as lack of understanding, fear then anger. If we are angry, there will be ego in there with it . If attached, ego will be the banker, bankrolling the other vices.
We can have material possessions yet not be attached to them . SELFISHNESS is surely a daughter of ATTACHMENT.
There can be few things more distorted than being under the illusion that you own someone else's body, Or is it the soul that is being owned ? Both ? All souls belong to the supreme soul.
We can belong to someone without being attached to them. If you love someone, set them free. I don' t mean end the relationship. We can have relationships and material things without being attached. Without having conditions attached. Unconditional.
Habits and addictions have attachment at their core. We can get attached to desires. Pure desire is acceptable, unless the ego hijacks it.

3 LOVE
What is love ? We are capable of feeling pure love and compassion for all souls as well as for the self. If we have no love for the self, we cannot have it for others.
Love may not exist as such , but may be the result of many other things working in natural harmony with each other to create something which DOES exist.
Love is sweet Love is belonging Love is giving ( unconditionally )
Love is understanding Love is accepting Love is detached, and loving

NEGATIVE OPPOSITE - LUST
Love is surely connected to that which we call the emotions. Is love PURE emotion ? The emotions can cause havoc within the spiritual pioneer. They can be like a drug.
The means by which we pro create can be regarded as a sin. This subject needs a lot of judging gossipping and well...... understanding as it can be swept under the carpet all too often, the carpet may now require hiking boots in order to walk over it. Yes, hormones, pheromones and all things which orbit around breeding. The decision to bring souls into this world and " sex lust " are very far apart in reality, yet seem to be thrown together all too readily. The word love is abused. What went wrong here? Identifying ourselves with the body and seeing others as body' s? LOVE FOR BODY' S.
The eyes are the big player in these games . Or should that be the I' s. Well what do you know, not our buddy ego in there with lust also surely ? Yup, both in the chasing role, and the attracting role and the end result being possible attachment and the possessive jealousy etc cousins come to stay.
I am in love with this one' s body, therefore, I am in love with their personality. Hmm.
The body could be considered a reflection of the personality but we can go deeper than that, the subject is a book in its own right.
Sex lust is the obvious thing which comes to mind when we come across the word lust. Yet people lust after all sorts of things IE - The world, money, cars, chocolate and other drugs.
The Internet has probably contributed / amplified some degree, to the heavy lust vibration which pervades the world in which we live. Spiritual pollution. Only we as individuals can change that, through being soul conscious and changing the self / personality, without self judgement and be-ration. I am not talking about going around in religious straight jackets.
The supreme soul has come to instigate and help in this process of self transformation.
That is not to say that two souls cannot copulate in soul consciousness ( ? ) This could prove challenging at this time depending on the individuals due to the baggage from past lives. I am by no means an authority on the subject. Far from it. This is an on going debate right now. Lets just say, when engaging in sex, see the self and the other as a soul, if you are going to indulge anyway.( I think I am digging a hole for myself here )
When meditating, it is the sexual energy which fly' s the soul. Without it, we lack the vitality especially in terms of holding concentration and suspending / sustaining the experience. As always, we get out of it what we put into it.
Accepting then transforming our weaknesses is the name of the game, not jumping up and down on top of them until they burst. Very messy. Transforming the negative back to its original positive state rather than destroying then creating with new materials is a more positive approach.
If I see myself as a body, I will see others as body' s. Like many things, It can be fun, but only for so long. We humans get bored with our toys pretty quickly.
Having a partner in life is natural for human beings. As is having children. It is about transforming and not destroying. About taking decisions which are best for us on a personal level.
We are all different, we shouldn't' t compare to others, we must find our own way / level based on what we have. We will never justify lust of any sort, though, ego and attachment can, or we may get angry.
Spiritual principles are optional, no one can make us do anything . In life, We receive the return and experience of the choices which we make, then observe and learn. Some may choose celibacy, others may not have the capacity. We learn to find our level with anything, spiritual paths are no different. Can we accept our limitations without accepting defeat in a drama where victory is our birthright ?
And of course, learning to love the self is the first love.

4 BLISS
Bliss infers that we are naturally blissful. Bliss is intense. It is powerful. It can be difficult to imagine at this time, being constantly blissful, without taking intoxicants. In future and in moments now, in theory at least, It will surely be.
I AM WHAT I THINK AND CAN THINK WHAT I AM.
Bliss is connected to natural purity.
SILENCE is the most powerful energy in the universe.
PEACE is what I am, and is the experience beyond the corporeal drama.
We are all infinitesimally small.
Free from bondage.

NEGATIVE OPPOSITE - ANGER
It is said that crying is a form of anger. Perhaps ANGER could be considered to be a lack of understanding eg The understanding of why something is happening, as someone who does not understand themSELF. So, lack of understanding, causes fear, causes anger.
Knowledge- experience- realisation brings understanding and wisdom. Of course, you can just ignore all that and get into other things. Your choice.
When the ego doesn't get its way towards negative desires which it is attached to, or things don't go according to EXPECTATION, there can be anger, with ego at the wheel.
Reacting, the way we react to any given situation is a big part of self transformation and spiritual lifestyle.
Without the awareness of self and the understanding of drama / karma ( lets use the karma term in a simple way, IE my weaknesses keep tripping me up ) , we tend not to understand why certain things are happening . And even WITH the awareness of karma ......
We tend to fear that which we don ' t understand, and so become insecure and confused, resulting in ANGER.
Where the likes of attachment could be seen as female " energy " , I think we could see ANGER as being more male in terms of " energy " . The spiritual father is the blissful one.

5 BENEVOLENCE - Serving others. Giving to others unconditionally, that which can bring them benefit, for a long time. It also brings the self benefit.
If we want to move forward, put others forward ahead of the self.
I recognise my spiritual brothers with compassion and humility. All souls are spiritual brothers.The souls nature is that of peace, which is perhaps more female in terms of energy.
I donate / express the virtues to others through thoughts words and actions, unconditionally.
I sit with the seed of the world family tree and see / experience / realise all as my spiritual brothers, EQUAL to each other.
I see the self and others in their pure natural spiritual form and the pure personality which exists within.
I see the material world as belonging to the supreme soul and I am a guardian / care taker. This apply' s to my body also.
I change my self in order to change the world, unconditionally.
I love others unconditionally with pure desire for the benefit of all.
I put others ahead of the self, without allowing myself to be used treated with dis respect.
What we put out comes back to us. Karma.

NEGATIVE OPPOSITE - GREED
Giving is taking, though this could become something negative such as, giving in order to receive. The word compassion and again, unconditional come to mind.
We cannot cheat drama ( life) / karma in this way. There is no self respect or royalty (self control / pure personality ) in this
. There is no benefit in comparing the self to others, unless it is the sweet silent one.
Greed may suggest a certain fear or insecurity, filling a void perhaps.
Ego is a close friend of greed ' I want that, it will boost my status and allow me to accumulate in order to hoard, therefore , keeping from others. I have abundance while others are lacking.
Name and fame can have greed attached to it.
The wanting for ME, I, MINE. Perhaps we get greedy about things that we are lusting after because we are attached to the desire of having, possessing them.
It often applies to material objects and money, or food.People?
Money can = power. With money, we can be greedy with food and material things etc. and feed the ego' s desire. We may even get greedy about having a bigger ego than we already have or lust after. There is no self respect in this.
Greedy desire for power on the world stage. Taking more than we are entitled to or which is good for us. Desiring that which we want rather than what we need. Owning that which belongs to God. My body belongs to God. I the soul belong to the benevolent one.
Perhaps the greatest need for benevolence is towards the self, by simply accepting who we are and being it without religious grind. Self service comes first. Change the self to change the world.
There will be an abundance of everything in the future, poverty is a human construction, inspired by greed, and lust for power and material things, fear of others having, including the world itself.
We need to be greedy for power over the kingdom of our own minds. Pure greed, which is benevolence. Changing my SELF is true benevolence, we don' t need wads of cash to do it.
THERE IS ENOUGH FOR OUR NEED BUT NOT FOR OUR GREED.
WHEN WE LOOK AT WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND US, IT WOULD BRING TEARS TO A GLASS EYE.
All the worlds a stage, a play, a drama. And a very convincing one at that.
Love and compassion to ALL souls.

Tarot focus: Ace of Cups

2006-09-02T11:15:00.000-07:00

The element/suit of Cups is related to water & symbolize emotions. Emotions in the highest purist sense. Meaning that emotions are the bridge between thought & manifestation. It is the "spiritual" marriage of thought & feelings which will inevitably lead to physical manifestation or a positive out-picturing in your physical world.
Aces are the the power of the number one. One is the inherent power of possibility. Ones signal new beginnings, innovation & the awesome creative power in our uniqueness & also in our independence. Cups are love, feelings & emotions. The Ace of cups as a lot of happiness & joy to the scenarios.
The Ace of Cups denotes the passion, thrill & excitedness of new love - quite possibly true love. It is like the hand of God bringing you a most beautiful gift. However, it is the POSSIBILITY of all these wonderful beautiful energies coming tinot your life in the very near future. It is up (like all the cards in Tarot for we have free-will) to you to make it happen & to do the work which will create with, what at first, is the over-whelming excitment of a most joyful love; a most transformative (perhaps the most powerful) life-changing possibility into a tangible solid foundation from where this BIG BIG LOVE can be tended to, cared for & be given the chance to cultivate & blossom.

The Ace of Cups is the Power of Love & the Power of Intuition; of being very deeply & faithfully connected to your inner-being, higher-guide or to God if you like. Love is (in my humble opinion) the greatest catalyst for positive transformation that is available to us on Earth. "As above so below" and "As below so above". Human love is our chance to emulate God's unconditional love for humanity. It is through love that we may best learn, expand & grow. Love gives us the ability to have life altering experiences where we may open our hearts in the most fantastic & special way. Romantic love from the perspective of the Ace of Cups can also lead the way to Spiritual Enlightenment. It is a great blessing being bestowed upon you. What or who you desire; desires you too!

The Seven Hermetic Principals

2006-08-30T10:11:00.000-07:00

The Seven Hermetic Principals

"The Principles of Truth are Seven; he who knows these,
understandingly, possesses the Magic Key before whose touch all the
Doors of the Temple fly open". -The Kybalion"

The Seven Hermetic Principles, upon which the entire Hermetic
Philosophy is based, are as follows:

1 The principle of mentalism.

2 The principle of correspondence

3 The principle of vibration

4 The principle of polarity

8 The principle of rhythm

6 The principle of cause and effect

7 The principle of gender

These Seven Principles will be discussed and explained as we proceed
with these lessons. A short explanation of each, however, may as well
be given at this point

1 The principle of mentalism

"The All is Mind; The Universe is Mental."-The Kybalion.

This Principle embodies the truth that "All is Mind." It explains that
The All (which is the Substantial Reality underlying all the outward
manifestations and appearances which we know under the terms of "The
Material Universe"; the "Phenomena of Life"; "Matter"; "Energy"; and,
in short, all that is apparent to our material senses) is spirit which
in itself is UNKNOWABLE and UNDEFINABLE, but which may be considered
and thought of as AN UNIVERSAL, Infinite, LIVING mind. It also
explains that all the phenomenal world or universe is simply a Mental
Creation of The All, subject to the Laws of Created Things, and that
the universe, as a whole, and in its parts or units, has its existence
in the Mind of The All, in which Mind we "live and move and have our
being." This Principle, by establishing the Mental Nature of the
Universe, easly explains all of the varied mental and psychic
phenomena that occupy such a large portion of the public attention,
and which, without such explanation, are non-understandable and defy
scientific treatment. An understanding of this great Hermetic
Principle of Mentalism enables the individual to readily grasp the
laws of the Mental Universe, and to apply the same to his well-being
and advancement. The Hermetic Student is enabled to apply
intelligently the great Mental Laws, instead of using them in a
haphazard manner. With the Master-Key in his possession, the student.
may unlock the many doors of the mental and psychic temple of
knowledge, and enter the same freely and intelligently. This Principle
explains the true nature of "Energy," "Power," and "Matter," and why
and how all these are subordinate to the Mastery of Mind. One of the
old Hermetic Masters wrote, long ages ago: "He who grasps the truth of
the Mental Nature of the Universe is well advanced on The Path to
Mastery." And these words are as true to-day as at the time they were
first written. Without this Master-Key, Mastery is impossible, and the
student knocks in vain at the many doors of The Temple.

2 The principle of correspondence

"As above, so below; as below, so above."-The Kybalion.

This Principle embodies the truth that there is always a
Correspondence between the laws and phenomena of the various planes of
Being and Life. The old Hermetic axiom ran in these words: "As above,
so below; as below, so above." and the grasping of this Principle
gives one the means of solving many a dark paradox, and hidden secret
of Nature. There are planes beyond our knowing, but when we apply the
Principle of Correspondence to them we are able to understand much
that would otherwise be unknowable to us. This Principle is of
universal application and manifestation, on the various planes of the
material, mental, and spiritual universe-it is an Universal Law. The
ancient Hermetists considered this Principle as one of the most
important mental instruments by which man was able to pry aside the
obstacles which hid from view the Unknown. Its use even tore aside the
Veil of Isis to the extent that a glimpse of the face of the goddess
might be caught. Just as a knowledge of the Principles of Geometry
enables man to measure distant suns and their movements, while seated
in his observatory, so a knowledge of the Principle of Correspondence
enables Man to reason intelligently from the Known to the Unknown.
Studying the monad, he understands the archangel.

3 The principle of vibration

"Nothing rests; everything moves; everything vibrates." -The Kybalion.

This Principle embodies the truth that "everything is in motion";
"everything vibrates"; "nothing is at rest"; facts which Modern
Science endorses, and which each new scientific discovery tends to
verify. And yet this Hermetic Principle was enunciated thousands of
years ago, by the Masters of Ancient Egypt. This Principle explains
that the differences between different manifestations of Matter,
Energy, Mind, and even Spirit, result largely from varying rates of
Vibration. From The All, which is Pure Spirit, down to the grossest
form of Matter, all is in vibration-the higher the vibration, the
higher the position in the scale. The vibration of Spirit is at such
an infinite rate of intensity and rapidity that it is practically at
rest-just as a rapidly moving wheel seems to be motionless. And at the
other end of the scale, there are gross forms of matter whose
vibrations are so low as to seem at rest. Between these poles, there
are millions upon millions of varying degrees of vibration. From
corpuscle and electron, atom and molecule, to worlds and universes,
everything is in vibratory motion. This is also true on the planes of
energy and force (which are but varying degrees of vibration); and
also on the mental planes (whose states depend upon vibrations); and
even on to the spiritual planes. An understanding of this Principle,
with the appropriate formulas, enables Hermetic students to control
their own mental vibrations as well as those of others. The Masters
also apply this Principle to the conquering of Natural phenomena, in
various ways. "He who understands the Principle of Vibration, has
grasped the sceptre of power," says one of the old writers.

4 The principle of polarity

"Everything is Dual; everything has poles; everything has its pair of
opposites; like and unlike are the same; opposites are identical in
nature, but different in degree; extremes meet; all truths are but
half-truths; all paradoxes may be reconciled."-The Kybalion.

This Principle embodies the truth that "everything is dual";
"everything has two poles"; "everything has its pair of opposites,"
all of which were old Hermetic axioms. It explains the old paradoxes,
that have perplexed so many, which have been stated as follows:
"Thesis and antithesis are identical in nature, but different in
degree"; "opposites are the same, differing only in degree"; "the
pairs of opposites may be reconciled"; "extremes meet"; "everything is
and isn't, at the same time"; "all truths are but half truths"; "every
truth is half-false"; "there are two sides to everything," etc., etc.,
etc. It explains that in everything there are two poles, or opposite
aspects, and that "opposites" are really only the two extremes of the
same thing, with many varying degrees between them. To illustrate:
Heat and Cold, although "opposites," are really the same thing, the
differences consisting merely of degrees of the same thing. Look at
your thermometer and see if you can discover where "heat" terminates
and "cold" beginsl There is no such thing as "absolute heat" or
"absolute cold"-the two terms "heat" and "cold" simply indicate
varying degrees of the same thing, and that 'same thing" which
manifests as "heat' and 'cold" is merely a form, variety, and rate of
Vibration. So "heat" and "cold" are simply the "two poles' of that
which we call "Heat"-and the phenomena attendant thereupon are
manifestations of the Principle of Polarity. The same Principle
manifests in the case of "Light and Darkness," which are the same
thing, the difference consisting of varying degrees between the two
poles of the phenomena. Where does "darkness" leave off, and "light"
begin? What is the difference between "Large and Small"? Between "Hard
and Soft"? Between "Black and White"? Between "Sharp and Dull"?
Between "Noise and Quiet"? Between "High and Low"? Between "Positive
and Negative"? The Principle of Polarity explains these paradoxes, and
no other Principle can supersede it. The same Principle operates on
the Mental Plane. Let us take a radical and extreme example-that of
"Love and Hate," two mental states apparently totally different. And
yet there are degrees of Hate and degrees of Love, and a middle point
in which we use the terms "Like or Dislike," which shade into each
other so gradually that sometimes we are at a loss to know whether we
"like" or "dislike" or "neither." And all are simply degrees of the
same thing, as you will see if you will but think a moment. And, more
than this (and considered of more importance by the Hermetists), it is
possible to change the vibrations of Hate to the vibrations of Love,
in one's own mind, and in the minds of others. Many of you, who read
these lines, have had personal experiences of the involuntary rapid
transition from Love to Hate, and the reverse, in your own case and
that of others. And you will therefore realize the possibility of this
being accomplished by the use of the Will, by means of the Hermetic
formulas. "Good and Evil" are but the poles of the same thing, and the
Hermetist understands the art of transmuting Evil into Good, by means
of an application of the Principle of Polarity. In short, the "Art of
Polarization becomes a phase of "Mental Alchemy" known and practiced
by the ancient and modern Hermetic Masters. An understanding of the
Principle will enable one to change his own Polarity, as well as that
of others, if he will devote the time and study necessary to master
the art.

5 The principle of rhythm

"Everything flows, out and in; everything has its tides; all things
rise and fall; the pendulum-swing manifests in everything; the measure
of the swing to the right is the measure of the swing to the left;
rhythm compensates."-The Kybalion

This Principle embodies the truth that in everything there is
manifested a measured motion, to and fro; a flow and inflow; a swing
backward and forward; a pendulum-like movement; a tide-like ebb and
flow; a high-tide and low-tide; between the two poles which exist in
accordance with the Principle of Polarity described a moment ago.
There is always an action and a reaction; an advance and a retreat; a
rising and a sinking. This is in the affairs of the Universe, suns,
worlds, men, animals, mind, energy, and matter. This law is manifest
in the creation and destruction of worlds; in the rise and fall of
nations; in the life of all things; and finally in the mental states
of Man (and it is with this latter that the Hermetists find the
understanding of the Principle most important). The Hermetists have
grasped this Principle, finding its universal application, and have
also discovered certain means to overcome its effects in themselves by
the use of the appropriate formulas and methods. They apply the Mental
Law of Neutralization. They cannot annul the Principle, or cause it to
cease its operation, but they have learned how to escape its effects
upon themselves to a certain degree depending upon the Mastery of the
Principle. They have learned how to USE it, instead of being USED BY
it. In this and similar methods, consist the Art of the Hermetists.
The Master of Hermetics polarizes himself at the point at which he
desires to rest, and then neutralizes the Rhythmic swing of the
pendulum which would tend to carry him to the other pole. All
individuals who have attained any degree of Self-Mastery do this to a
certain degree, more or less unconsciously, but the Master does this
consciously, and by the use of his Will, and attains a degree of Poise
and Mental Firmness almost impossible of belief on the part of the
masses who are swung backward and forward like a pendulum. This
Principle and that of Polarity have been closely studied by the
Hermetists, and the methods of counteracting, neutralizing, and USING
them form an important part of the Hermetic Mental Alchemy

6 The principle of cause and effect

"Every Cause has its Effect; every Effect has its Cause; everything
happens according to Law; Chance is but a name for Law not recognized;
there are many planes of causation, but nothing escapes the Law."-The
Kybalion

This Principle embodies the fact that there is a Cause for every
Effect; an Effect from every Cause. It explains that: "Everything
Happens according to Law"; that nothing ever "merely happens"; that
there is no such thing as Chance; that while there are various planes
of Cause and Effect, the higher dominating- the lower planes, still
nothing ever entirely escapes the Law. The Hermetists understand the
art and methods of rising above the ordinary plane of Cause and
Effect, to a certain degree, and by mentally rising to a higher plane
they become Causers instead of Effects. The masses of people are
carried along, obedient to environment; the wills and desires of
others stronger than themselves; heredity; suggestion; and other
outward causes moving them about like pawns on the Chessboard of Life.
But the Masters, rising to the plane above, dominate their moods,
characters, qualities, and powers, as well as the environment
surrounding them, and become Movers instead of pawns. They help to
play The Game of Life, instead of being played and moved about by
other wills and environment. They use the Principle instead of being
its tools. The Masters obey the Causation of the higher planes, but
they help to rule on their own plane. In this statement there is
condensed a wealth of Hermetic knowledge-let him read who can.

7 The principle of gender

"Gender is in everything; everything has its Masculine and Feminine
Principles; Gender manifests on all planes." -The Kybalion.

This Principle embodies the truth that there is gender manifested in
everything-the Masculine and Feminine Principles ever at work. This is
true not only of the Physical Plane, but of the Mental and even the
Spiritual Planes. On the Physical Plane, the Principle manifests as
sex, on the higher planes it takes higher forms, but the Principle is
ever the same. No creation, physical, mental or spiritual, is possible
without this Principle. An understanding of its laws will throw light
on many a subject that has perplexed the minds of men. The Principle
of Gender works ever in the direction of generation, regeneration, and
creation. Everything, and every person, contains the two Elements or
Principles, or this great Principle, within it, him or her. Every Male
thing has the Female Element also; every Female contains also the Male
Principle. If you would understand the philosophy of Mental and
Spiritual Creation, Generation, and Re-generation, you must understand
and study this Hermetic Principle. It contains the solution of many
mysteries of Life. We caution you that this Principle has no reference
to the many base, pernicious and degrading lustful theories, teachings
and practices, which are taught under fanciful titles, and which are a
prostitution of the great natural principle of Gender. Such base
revivals of the ancient infamous forms of Phallicism tend to ruin
mind, body and soul, and the Hermetic Philosophy has ever sounded the
warning note against these degraded teachings which tend toward lust,
licentiousness, and perversion of Nature's principles. If you seek
such teachings, you must go elsewhere for them-Hermeticism contains
nothing for you along these lines. To the pure, all things are pure;
to the base, all things are base.

interesting post by Bluedigits of Purple forumwise

Synchronicity and the universe

2006-08-25T10:45:00.000-07:00

Carl Jung, my favorite psychologist, once came up with the term synchronicity when one time, while his patient was consulting with him about her dream about scarabs then suddenly he saw a beatle fly through his window. Synchronicity is explained as meaningful coincidence and is often associated with the universe. I often think that some coincidences in life is one way of knowing that we are on the right path of our journey in life. That somehow, the universe is guiding us to be where we ought to be. If we stand back and reassess how we are currently and try to connect the past, we will notice how one thing leads to another and in the end, we are taught lessons in life that makes us stronger. I often see obstacles as lessons to be learned rather than big stroke of jinx.

In Deepak Chopra's book, he said that our body is part of the universe. We are the universe...we are part of the whole. This collective unconscious, as Jung called it, is an access to archetypes that are often present in our lives. Notice how some stories in movies, books from different cultures, lives have a pattern. They are often seen in stories in mythology.

An example of an archetype :

"The Anima Or Animus

The second most prevalent potential patterning is that of the Soul (Anima is the male name for soul; Animus is the female name for soul). Here we meet our inner opposite. Males meet their Anima; females their Animus. The Anima may appear as an exotic dancing girl or a weathered old hag--the form generally reflects either the condition or the needs of our soul presently. Remember the wicked witch encountered by Hanzel and Gretel. The Animus may appear as an exotic, sensual, young man or as an old grouch. Remember the Great Oz who ran the Emerald City? There is always Simon Legree who took in Little Eva. Consider Super Man and Lois Lane. Clark Kent is the inferior, shadow side of Super Man, but he is also closer to ordinary people. Lois Lane has no interest in Clark. She is infatuated with Super Man, her Animus; the masculine completion of her personality. Wonder Woman offers us an example of the Anima in action." source: Jung's archetypes

If you need to assess your life, analyze your journal and take note of prevalent patterns that seems to emerge from your life experience. This way, you are aware of what's happening and take control of your life. Sometimes, we're too keen on the small things that we don't notice the bigger picture ahead.

Karma and astrology

2006-08-22T02:10:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting article about the relationship of astrology and karma:

The reason that each of us inherits a unique natal chart is that the higher self selects a particular Astrological imprint, to experience certain events, and learn specific lessons. From this, an evolution occurs by processing karmic situations for optimum benefit. Situations, people and events in our life catalyze karmic growth, but the Karma lies within oneself, inside the Soul. The Soul is destined to be pulled to a particular birth, time and place.

The body is like billions of tiny solar systems. When you are born, every cell in your body adheres to the frozen picture of the planets at birth. It's like a circuit imprint that's formed at birth to be a reflection of one's Dharma (purpose and destiny) and Karma (debt).

We are all one with the Universe. The Universe beats from our point of view. The moving solar system allows for the Source to design its uniqueness in each one of us, and we absorb this imprint at birth. This solar imprint at birth is actually akin to tiny little solar systems in every one of our bodies.

Physiologically, at the moment of birth, the neurons of the brain form a specific pattern, which has been scientifically documented, and this sets up the personality of the individual.

So when you are born into any particular lifetime, you are born with a particular cosmic charge. This occurs upon inhaling that first breath, and reflects the planetary locations (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Uranus, Saturn, Neptune, Pluto), and the zodiacal sign that is rising in the East from your birthplace. These elements are the things that Astrologers can examine in a your chart and identify what your Karma is. For example, any square aspect you have, when planets are at right angles to each other, indicates your karmic debt.

Planetary placements that involve squares (right angles), oppositions (180 degrees) or inconjunct (150 degrees) and by house position will reveal a lesson area, an area where pain maybe experienced showing a pay back of karmic situations. The Karma that you have with yourself may concern money, love, relationships, career, business, goals, health, home, security of self, independence, enemies and all kinds of things. If you have squares in your life, this implies a debt, so the challenge is to overcome certain lessons we failed to learn in previous lives. Oppositions mean that you are born into a situation where you can create unrealistic goals, or, show catalyzing situations where you would create people in your life that may also manifest pain and karmic growth for you.

Understanding Astrology, by getting your chart produced, and tuning into things such as Karma and learning what the words square and opposition means, will help you understand which area of pain may focus the hardest with you. Your biggest Karma may be childhood, just fighting your way out of it, or trying to get along with brutal parents. This could be a way to understand where the peace needs to be made, and subsequently processed. It could be with your emotions, with your mother, friends, or with all of your relationships. It could also be with goals, career, communication, and finances. Astrology will help to identify your own personal map of Karma and it is a great way to rebirth into the Spirit.

Afflicted planets in a chart are those that form specific aspects, or angles, such as squares. A square depicts two planets, at right angles, with the Earth in the center (as center focus). Oppositions are when two planets are exactly opposite each other, with the Earth in the middle. You could be torn with the Moon in one point of the sky, and if you drew a straight line from the Moon to the Earth, and all the way threw the Earth to the other side, you might find the Sun. This would be a Moon opposition Sun. These might be planetary aspects that you're born with. With squares, or oppositions, these diagrams are Karma, or the debts we owe for a particular lifetime. Everybody has Karma whether your born Karma free or not. Without any squares or oppositions in your chart, the moving planets form squares and other aspects to the fixed position of natal planets during ones' life (which is the basis of forecasting). This daily movement with respect to the natal chart is known as transits.

The signs of the Zodiac are magnificent stellar constellations. When we say that you have Mercury in Cancer or Gemini, that means that Mercury is located in space in the stellar constellation or grouping known as Cancer or Gemini. That's how we identify energies at birth, freezing the planets that are moving in space, through the signs, during your birth. There are all kinds of stellar constellations out there in space; The Sun, Moon and the planets, follow an orbit called the Ecliptic—which is a flat orbit. The Earth also orbits the Sun along the Ecliptic, so the planets including the Sun and Moon, do not wander beyond the twelve Signs of the Zodiac.

One of the main factors in distinguishing a karmic lesson is Saturn, as this planet is the lord of Karma. If Saturn signifies obstacles and limitations in life, it is because either your desired goal was incorrect, or a karmic reaction has been imposed. As such, Saturn's placement in your chart can indicate the areas in life that one needs to work on. Saturn's movement with time, through your natal chart, induces various scenarios to force growth in certain directions. When we ignore our real goals, certain crises' can occur in adulthood as Saturn orbits the Zodiac forming particular stressful aspects to the natal chart. Therefore, if you fail to conform to certain ways in this life, Saturn is always there to induce a karmic lesson, either immediately or in the future.

Saturn remains in one Zodiac sign for an average of two and a half years, so a whole karmic generation of Saturn people enter life during that two and a half year period. For example, people with major karmic lessons concerning Sagittarius energy and forces (meaning freedom happiness, philosophy, travel, sometimes sports, and animals) form a Karma here. It takes Saturn about twenty-nine years to circle the Sun, from our point of view, covering all twelve signs of the Zodiac. The type of Karma that each baby will have during the two and a half years of Saturn in any sign, although similar, will further depend on its aspects to other planets, the location of the house, and whether it's retrograde or not (Saturn retrograde tends to open up the energies of Uranus).

Read more on : Karma and astrology

My personal opinion on this:
Lately, I've been thinking about karma and how it can affect our life. I do believe that somehow, there's a reason we are what we are right now and it's not because of some random pickings from above. Some believe that our soul have chosen this path in this lifetime...others seem to think that our life is like a tabula, that all we have is now, and we should live by the moment. Astrology and karma do seem to be connected. As complicated as it is, I don't usually dwell on it too much nor try to research for the causes of what I am right now...I prefer moving forward. Knowing is already a privilege I appreciate.

I believe that somehow our soul have chosen this lifepath for a purpose...and it is hard to distinguish now...maybe when we become wiser...if we open our minds and see possibilities, lessons rather than obstructions and hardship, we can see the wider view of life. There is also freewill, we are not stuck in this string of complications at all...we always have a choice and the good news is...we control our life. Even if we're slaves or mere workers, we chose to follow...but we can also choose not to. The hardest part is taking the blame for our own actions. I guess it is a natural reaction because it does affect our psychological being. So I worry about people who think that they can't change what they are now and they cannot do anything about it....If we dream and strive hard to achieve them, we can.

What are Chakra's

2006-08-15T00:04:00.000-07:00

Chakra is a Sanskrit word meaning wheel, or vortex, and it refers to each of the seven energy centers of which our consciousness, our energy system, is composed.

These chakras, or energy centers, function as pumps or valves, regulating the flow of energy through our energy system. The functioning of the chakras reflects decisions we make concerning how we choose to respond to conditions in our life. We open and close these valves when we decide what to think, and what to feel, and through which perceptual filter we choose to experience the world around us.

The chakras are not physical. They are aspects of consciousness in the same way that the auras are aspects of consciousness. They interact with the physical body through two major vehicles, the endocrine system and the nervous system. Each of the seven chakras is associated with one of the seven endocrine glands, and also with a group of nerves called a plexus. Thus, each chakra can be associated with particular parts of the body and particular functions within the body controlled by that plexus or that endocrine gland associated with that chakra.

All of your senses, all of your perceptions, all of your possible states of awareness, everything it is possible for you to experience, can be divided into seven categories. Each category can be associated with a particular chakra. Thus, the chakras represent not only particular parts of your physical body, but also particular parts of your consciousness.

When you feel tension in your consciousness, you feel it in the chakra associated with that part of your consciousness experiencing the stress, and in the parts of the physical body associated with that chakra. Where you feel the stress depends upon why you feel the stress. The tension in the chakra is detected by the nerves of the plexus associated with that chakra, and transmitted to the parts of the body controlled by that plexus. When the tension continues over a period of time, or to a particular level of intensity, the person creates a symptom on the physical level.

The symptom speaks a language that reflects the idea that we each create our reality, and the metaphoric significance of the symptom becomes apparent when the symptom is described from that point of view. Thus, rather than saying, "I can't see," the person would describe it as keeping themselves from seeing something. "I can't walk," means the person has been keeping themselves from walking away from a situation in which they are unhappy. And so on.

The symptom served to communicate to the person through their body what they had been doing to themselves in their consciousness. When the person changes something about their way of being, getting the message communicated by the symptom, the symptom has no further reason for being, and it can be released, according to whatever the person allows themselves to believe is possible.

We believe everything is possible. We believe that anything can be healed. It's just a question of how to do it.

Understanding the chakras allows you to understand the relationship between your consciousness and your body, and to thus see your body as a map of your consciousness. It gives you a better understanding of yourself and those around you.

Source: FriendshipsWithSpirits@msn.groups.com

Here's a more precise description of the different chakras:
Chakra Energy (with chakra test)
Crystal Link

Karma and Reincarnation

2006-08-11T00:34:00.000-07:00

Karma and reincarnation are closely related in many belief systems. Karma is the universal discipline or law, of cause and effect. Reincarnation is the rebirth of our souls to learn, grow and release any accumulated negative karma. As the saying goes, 'as you sow, so shall you reap'. This means: if we perform kind and positive acts toward others with no thought of renumeration of any kind, that produces good or positive karma. If we perform cruel or hateful acts or deeds toward another, (with the intent to hurt or cause them harm), that in turn produces bad or negative karma. Intent is the key. If you unintentionally hurt someone/something this will still have karmic effects on your soul, but it will be noted that the act was unintentional. The karmic debt wont be as severe as it would be, when the intent was to purely hurt or harm. Karma applies toward deeds committed against both humans and animals.
Throughout our lifetimes we accumulate karma. It depends upon our actions in that given life whether it is positive or negative karma. In any lifetime, if we have accumulated negative karma, we will have the option to 'work it off' in our next incarnation. This cycle repeats until we have removed the negative karma from our souls.

Once our physical bodies die, our souls are released and return Home to Heaven. We have a 'cooling off' period, where our soul adjusts to the death of the physical body. When we have adjusted, we are taken to a viewing room where we have a review of the life which we have just had. We see our actions both positive and negative here. We also view our life from the perspective of everyone we have interacted with in both positive and negative actions, and, how it effected them. Once this review has ended, we are taken to a counselor who helps us deal with what we have witnessed in the review. We then spend time in spirit, working on our souls and doing things for the Highest and Best good of our own souls, and, for the aid other souls in spirit. We are given jobs which aid in our souls growth. No one is exempt from working, we all have jobs to do.

When we have spent a period of time in spirit, we are given a choice. We can return to earth and work off any karmic debts we have accumulated, or stay in spirit a while longer. The quickest way to work off karmic debts is to reincarnate, although some do decide to stay for longer. There is no pressure on us to reincarnate, however we eventually do return to earth. Although it is good for the soul to release any karma here on earth, as it has the benefit of incurring positive karma, we can work our karma off in spirit too. This takes a longer time than if we reincarnate. The 'down side' to reincarnation is we can also incur more negative karma too.
If we decide to reincarnate we are charged with writing out a life plan. Once again counselors help us in the writing and planning of our life plans. The purpose of the life plan is to have the lessons we need to release our karma, and to allow our souls to grow.

It takes several months to write and organize our life plans as there are many factors to take into account. We need to decide which family we are to be born into, and they need to agree (this is decided between ourselves and members of our soul family, and friends in spirit). We also need to decide which religion and country we are to be born into. The planning is very meticulous, we decide what lessons would be beneficial to us in order to learn our lessons and release karmic debt. We are in control of the planning of our life plans, although if someone disagrees with our choice of partner for example, another has to be sought. It is also overseen by and needs the approval of God before we reincarnate.
When all of the details are in place, our parents have incarnated and we are ready to be born, we review our life plans to make sure that we are still have the same goals and lessons to learn, that we had when it was written. If things have changed in any small way, ie: the spirit who agreed to the partnership changes his/her mind our 'second' choice will be asked if they will incarnate with us. Once everything is in place, we are then reincarnated into the family that we chose, and the karmic and reincarnation cycle begins once more.

Free will plays just as big a role in spirit as it does here on earth. If we live our lives in peace and always try to do our best for both others and ourselves, karma can be released and we can ascend to the beings we are in truth. Once we are those beings, there is no need to reincarnate as we have no karmic debts whatsoever.

Source: talkingToHeaven@groups.msn.com

All about reiki

2006-08-06T07:15:00.000-07:00

What is Reiki?
Reiki is one of the more widely known forms of energy healing. Energy Healing involves direct application of Chi for the purpose of strengthening the clients energy system (aura). Chi is the term used by the Chinese mystics and martial artists for the underlying force the Universe is made of. Mystics in all cultures have talked about the physical universe being made of an underlying form of something, much as modern physics research is now coming to understand the Universe is made of energy which is subject to (or affected by) thought. Just as modern physics says this energy is affected by thought the mystics also say this underlying form is affected by thought, going so far as to claim we create our own reality from our thinking and the thoughts we share between each of us every day.

Stop and reflect for a moment. Imagine the implications of the universe around us made from energy which can be shaped and manipulated by thoughts. This is the implication of both Quantum Physics and ancient Metaphysics. Might this make some diseases easier to explain, especially those which have no apparent physical cause? Might this make miraculous cures easier to explain? For example there was research study done a couple years ago showing that prayer improves the health of those who are prayed for, the focus of intent in prayer sends thoughts out in the form of "I wish such-and-so to happen", so if the world is energy subject to the power of thought then prayers must work (depending on how clearly and carefully you hold and elaborate on the prayers or thoughts). Remember this while reading here about Reiki.

Reiki is very easily learned, very simple to use, and beneficial for all. It is one of many forms of healing through the use of the natural forces which were given the name Chi by ancient chinese mystics. Some forms of healing using Chi energy forces are Chi Gong, Pranic Healing, Chelation (as taught by Brabara Brennan and Rosalyn Bruyere), and Polarity Balancing. All (apparently) use the same energies, with the difference being techniques of application and an energy quality commonly known as vibration. (This term vibration is widely used in the "New Age" community to refer to the range in experience between the dense or low vibration of the physical world to the high vibration of the highest spiritual expression; while the term is inadequate to truly describe the differences, and while Reality is probably not a simple bipolar scale of experience, the term is descriptive of how the energy feels). I'm reluctant to definitively say Reiki uses Chi because I am not an expert on what the Chinese mean by this word. To my eye the force referred to with the name Chi is the same as Prana, Orgone, Odic, they are all names for the same force.

Since the word Reiki means Universal Life Force Energy, it (strictly speaking) refers to the energy and not the specific techniques taught by Reiki Masters. The techniques are more properly called the Usui System of Natural Healing after the founder of the system, Dr. Mikao Usui. However as Reiki is the common name, and a fine name at that, this is the name we will use here.

A Reiki healing is very simply performed. The practitioner places his or her hands upon the person to be healed with the intent for healing to occur, and then the energy begins flowing. The Reiki energy is smart since the Universe is a very smart place indeed. The energy knows where to go, and what to do once it gets there, or else is being directed by a higher intelligence. The energy manages its own flow to and within the recipient. It draws through the healer exactly that amount of energy which the recipient needs. All this happens without direct conscious intervention by the healer. The healers job is to get out of the way, to keep the healing space open, and to watch/listen for signs of what to do next.

Reiki's Capabilities
Reiki is capable of healing anything because it works at very fundamental levels of reality. Even though the capability is there, this is not what always happens. The limits to Reiki seem to be in the recipients willingness to cast off old habits and patters, to accept change and to accept healing. The level of reality where Reiki operates is the underlying energy structure of matter, as the physical matter we see around us is a solidified form of energy (Remember Einsteins famous equation which says that each unit of mass is equivalent to a certain amount of energy). At the level where Reiki functions, anything can be changed because all is fluidlike and is very malleable. Or so is the theory and so is the experience of Reiki practitioners. Emotional difficulties are just as healable as physical ones since emotional issues are even more directly present in the energy structures.

In this context, the word Healing has a somewhat different meaning from the widely accepted meaning. The widely accepted meaning for healing seems to be curing of symptoms, for that seems to be what medical doctors and the like look to do in their practice. The other meaning for healing, used in the practice of Reiki as well as other related areas, is the return to greater wholeness. There is an ideal form each of us has, this ideal form being the highest and clearest expression of who we are. Pain or disease comes from any deviation between the persons current form in the 3D physical world and this ideal form. Healing, then, is to bring this physical form into closer alignment with the ideal form.

The way we aquire deviations from our ideal form is to accept limitations into our life. Most of this comes from early childhood because that is the phase of life where we are the most open and inquisitive about life. A limitation may be a parent yelling "BE QUIET!!" enough times that the child learns to not speak. Another limitation may be a limp that continues longer after the physical injury has healed, maybe with phantom pains. These limitations are behavior patterns, eating patterns, physical limitations, imagined physical limitations, psychological, mental, or emotional ways of being, living, expressing or loving that is not in alignment with our personal highest expression.

In any healing the goal is to find the limitation, recognize the pattern, recognize where it came from, and let it http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifgo. Reiki accomplishes this by providing the recipient enough energy to step above (metaphorically) to see all that and have the courage to let go. This usually does not happen consciously as a result of Reiki, but sometimes it does happen that Reiki gives the recipient the conscious awareness of the pattern and recognizing where it came from. Our lives are a constant flow of patterns of activity (such as the pattern used to accomplish eating breakfast) and it is our choice to have these patterns remain stuck in limited expression, or to release the old patterns and try on new and shinier ones.

Reiki is also a gateway shining pure love into the universe. It is this love which allows us to transcend our wounds and help us remember our true nature.

Source: http://reiki.7gen.com/

Art of meditation

2006-08-03T20:17:00.000-07:00

"Meditation, according to those studying the science of spirituality, is a process by which we withdraw our attention from the world outside and concentrate it at a point between and behind the two eyebrows. By focusing our attention there, we come in contact with currents of Light and Sound which will lead us from our physical consciousness into higher consciousness, into the beyond."

(Excerpt from "The Art of Meditation" by Sant Rajinder Singh.)

Meditation clears the mind off all the fivolties and worries. It's connecting body and soul into a peaceful trance. Doing this once a day can have positive effects in all levels of the body: physical, physiological, emotional, psychological. I usually set a schedule of my daily meditation. I do this mostly at night, when I won't be easily disturbed. It's better if you don't have any musical background while meditating to keep away from any kind of distractions.

"The Latin root of the word meditation is similar to the root for medical or medicate and implies the sense of “attending to” or “paying attention to” something. In meditation, you pay attention to your own deepest, innermost levels—dimensions of yourself which are seldom known. These deeper levels are more profound than the processes of thinking, analyzing, daydreaming, or experiencing emotions or memories. Meditation involves a type of inner attention that is quiet, concentrated, and, at the same time, relaxed. There is nothing difficult or strenuous about creating this inner attention; in fact, you will find that the process of meditation is restful for the mind. In the beginning, however, the greatest difficulty is that the mind has not been trained to create this inner attention." Swami Rama

Simple steps in meditation:
1. Sit down in a quiet place, away from possible distractions like TV, radio, people.
2. You can sit on a chair or on the floor. When sitting down, your spine should be right up, the pressure must be on the lower spine
3. Breathe through your stomach. Imagine breathing while you are lying on the floor, it is the normal way of breathing, not through your chest.
4. Clear your mind off all problems, imagine yourself in a beach or terrace where you feel the air, the breeze, the waves of energy inside and outside yourself.
5. Imagine a bright light surrounding you..focus on your breathing

Starseeds- are you one?

2006-07-31T00:57:00.000-07:00

Here's an interesting concept:
What are Starseeds?

Starseeds are individuals who feel excitement and longing upon learning that they might have originated from another world. They experience the aloneness and separateness that is the human condition, but also have the sense of being foreigners on this planet. They find the behavior and motives of our society lowing starseeds to consciously take up their missions. Their connections to the Higher Self are also strengthened, permitting them to be largely guided by their inner knowing.

Many starseeds are practiced in rapid "spiritual weight loss". Starseeds can throw off in a few years the limiting behavior patterns and fears that Earth humans might take many lifetimes to accomplish. This is because starseeds, having been on similar missions to other planets, are quite familiar with the procedures and techniques for raising consciousness.

The concepts of star ships, intergalactic travel, varied psychic phenomena and sentient life forms in other galaxies, are, of course, natural and logical to them.

For those who know they are starseeds, this is a ONE TIME ONLY activation process. For those who are not sure, this process will allow them to activate themselves. At this time, a lot of starseeds are not activated. Their energies are necessary to help anchor love and light to Mother Earth.

This is a 12-minute process:

1. Sit down, close your eyes, and start a series of three inhalations and exhalations. Inhale Light through the top of your head and down into your body. Exhale all of the stress and worries you have, down through your feet and on down to the earth for about one minute.

2. Place your left hand, palm up, on your left thigh. Your right hand should touch the area one or two inches below your navel. (This is an energy vortex.)

3. Ask the Earth Angels to come to activate this vortex center for you. Stay in this area for about four minutes.

4. Move your right hand up one or two inches above the navel (another energy vortex) and ask the Earth Angels to activate that area for you. Keep your hand there for about five minutes.

5. Now place a hand, palm up, on each thigh and ask the Earth Angels to send a confirmation that you have been activated. Wait about two minutes to receive it.

Now that you have been activated, you are ready to actively participate with the rest of the starseeds in doing rituals and in clearing and balancing your chakra systems. You are asked to stay attuned to learn other ways to help Mother Earth and the population, before the earth changes occur

Source: Starseed

Edgar Cayce on Dreams

2006-07-26T01:08:00.000-07:00

Dreams are a communication of body, mind and spirit in a symbolic communicative environmental state of being.

According to Edgar Cayce, a renowned psychic and dream interpreter, "Dreams, visions, impressions, to the entity in the normal sleeping state are the presentations of the experiences necessary for the development, if the entity would apply them in the physical life. These may be taken as warnings, as advice, as conditions to be met, conditions to be viewed in a way and manner as lessons, as truths, as they are presented in the various ways and manners"

There are different kinds of dreams. Sometimes we have day dreams, lucid dreams, non-lucid dreams, epic dreams etc. Although there are times they are practically useless, some are manifestation of our inner yearnings and feelings. Those that we tend to keep and "forget" are the ones that popping in our dreams. There is a common dictionary available in the Dream moods but it's best if we can interprete our own. It is afterall subjective in nature.

Here are some Dream Analysis Tips from Edgar Cayce :

Keep a notebook beside the bed. Record your dreams as soon as possible after waking.
Suggest to yourself every night as you fall asleep, "I will remember my dreams."
If you wake during the night, write down the main symbols, and the entire dream will usually come back in the morning.
Practice keen observation in your dreams through self-suggestion prior to sleep.
Look for these components in your dreams: the setting, the people, the action, the color, the feeling, and the words.
Work on analyzing your dreams every day, otherwise their progression will be difficult to assess.
If dreams are illogical, three reasons are possible:
(1) Only the fragments of the dream have been recalled.
(2) The dream is reflecting something illogical in the dreamer's life.
(3) Mental blocks have erased your recall.
If you are unable to decipher an important dream, suggest to yourself, before your next sleep, that the dream repeat itself more clearly.
Nightmares, which bring with them an inability to move or cry out, usually indicate the wrong diet. To end the nightmarish dreams change your diet.
Dreams that are unchanged through the years indicate the dreamer's resistance to change.
Dreams of ill health can be either literal or symbolic warnings.
When a problem confronts you, ask by prayer for guidance to be sent to you through your dreams.
Be practical in your interpretations. Always look first for a lesson. What have you refused to face or been ignoring?
Observe carefully recurrent dreams, as well as the serially progressive ones. These often illustrate progress or failure.
Dreams are the reaction of the inner self to daytime activity and often show the way out of the dilemma. So relate them to current activity, because dreams may be retrospective as well as prospective.
Dreams come to guide and help, not to amuse. They direct your attention to errors of omission and commission and offer encouragement for right endeavors. They also give us the opportunity to pray for others and to help them bear their burdens.

If you receive an unusual message, reduce it to common terms. See if the symbolism of the Bible can be of help in interpreting the dream.
Look for past-life experiences in your dreams. These manifest themselves not only in color, but in the proper costume and setting of their period. They come to warn you against repeating the same old mistakes; to explain your relationship and reactions to certain people and places; to reduce your confusions; to enable you to better understand life.
Do not fear conversation with the so-called "dead" in dreams. If the communication is one-sided, it denotes telepathy. If both participate, it may be an actual encounter of bodiless consciousness.
Dreams are primarily about self. Only a few dreams relate to family, friends, and world events.
Watch for mental telepathy in dreams.
Remember, persistence is necessary to learn any new language, and dream symbols are the forgotten language of the subconscious.
Give daily thanks to God for all things and use daily prayer to improve the quality and reception of your dreams.

Resource: Edgar Cayce, Sleep, Dream Moods

Spirit Guides

2006-07-22T09:52:00.000-07:00

According to Crystallinks, "Spirit Guides are entities - physical and non-physical - who have chosen to aid others on the path to spiritual enlightenment as we are about to ascend to higher light - the evolution of consciousness - our natural state of being."
They are said to accompany our souls in our lifetime or lifetimes to come. They help us in fulfilling our soul's destiny. They connect with us in a different wavelength that even our logical self wouldn't understand...being able to realize this "truth", we are easily guided to this journey where we ought to learn.
On a personal level, I believe that when we ask ourself questions...there are times that our spirit guides are the ones who answer them in a subtle way. I tend to "talk" with myself and whenever I try to decide, there's this little voice inside me...leading me to decide what to do in the end. Many times, I thought maybe it's my "intellegent" nature helped me. But I have a feeling that a higher self is guiding me through and through.
Astral Society website has a FAQ guide relating to Spirit guides that is very informative. But always remember, we don't need to have same experience to make sense of what is real or not. There will always be a aha-moment deep inside every one of us. We just need to listen to our core (universal self).

The Seven Stages of Awareness

2006-07-19T00:47:00.000-07:00

by Laurel Chaisson

It is the unconscious aspiration of every human being to eventually reach the highest possible vibration. At the moment, Earth’s peak of energy is the crystalline aura - anything above that would be unable to attach to our minds and therefore would have no connection to our physical bodies. But even crystals have their ups and downs and few of them have fully reached their uppermost energy level.

People are their purest at birth - everything after that is downhill in most cases! All babies are born with a higher-vibrational aura… not all of them start out at the highest level though, because different psychological and physical environmental changes they experience while in the womb affect their energy. Unborn children experience numerous shifts as their own highly sensitive vibration is connected deeply with their mother’s - any changes she feels emotionally, physically, mentally, or spiritually will immediately influence the baby. After a child is born their environment determines their vibrational level. The years between zero and five are the most active for shifts in energy though some kids will jump around even until seven years old. After seven the aura becomes stuck at one level with only up as a possibly direction.

Some children, indigos especially, are strong and do not allow their environment to change them too much during these receptive years. They usually stay about the same colour by using automatic shields to disconnect them from the world. These include not speaking or communicating, going into trances, developing ADD/ADHD, or merely showing signs of psychic gifts that allow them to remember the higher vibrations.

However, this doesn’t entirely work. What we didn’t think of was the need to communicate with our parents, teachers, and other adult guides. They do not have the awareness to understand our telepathy or everseeing (the ability to look into the eyes of another person and see their true meaning) so the only way to interact is to start speaking or paying attention. We forget to look inside and speak with our minds and our real meanings are lost on clumsy verbal languages. Many memories that were clear seconds after birth become dreamlike and impossible to recall. The first to disappear from remembrance is often that of our mission here on Earth, those that follow are usually the ideas connected to it and it’s importance. These indigos will grow up unconsciously seeking their purposes. Generally, we all follow the same pattern:

1. Searching for Truth

After the age of ten (though some begin earlier or later than usual), indigos begin to search for their truths. Through intuition-driven research, we begin to develop what they see as beliefs. Most indigos do not even realise what they are doing - we naturally ask “why” when something puzzles us! This is the time when we use our finely tuned lie-detector to decide what is true, what is half-true (for example; myths, legends, and stereotypes), and what is a deliberate lie. The lies and half-truths are tossed away or filed somewhere for further scrutiny.

2. Gathering Knowledge

When we find something that feels true - a sensation that rises from deep within us - we find out about it. Usually this is through asking questions or, if the resources are available, learning about it through the internet, books, and television. When indigos get to this stage they begin to question themselves and their choices on religion, eating habits, sleep patterns, etc.

3. Shifting

Questioning leads to dramatic changes. Indigos at this point are trying things out and trying to find something manmade that will suit them. This is where the starseed and otherkin theories came from; indigo children, teenagers, and adults looking to explain their presence on Earth. We also change our religious attitudes significantly, jumping from faith to faith is beneficial in forming an opinion about our own tendencies.

4. Awakening

The outcome of all this outside searching is a spontaneous moment of insight. That moment is the exact instant of awakening, when we finally discover that we cannot shape our beliefs to suit the moulds of society - something is always out of place or missing. Usually we stop looking for answers (at least for ourselves) in outside sources and turn inward to find our truth because it was never really lost in the first place - we just buried deep within to keep it safe.

5. Remembering

This step is like the top of the hill; once you reach it the rest of way is much easier to complete. Knowledge begins to come back to us as small bursts of wisdom (indigos usually experience this throughout their lives because they act like magnets, in a way) and slowly we develop an all-inclusive memory again.

6. Becoming

When you begin to remember your mission it is only natural to return to your state of full awareness. Sometimes this can time because emotions like fear, hate, and embarrassment may hinder your progress. As you become your true self you will see that you no longer have need for unhealthy things in life whether they be emotional, physical, mental or spiritual.

7. Being

The final step, the ultimate goal - when you succeed at reaching this point you know that you are capable of anything and everything. Fear no longer takes an effect and embarrassment is replaced by courage and logic. Hate will seem useless because your knowledge will tell you how to fix something unhealthy. Your body will finally be able to request wholesome food intake and sleeping patterns and receive them without emotional or mental issues blocking the way.

By reading this, you can probably categorize yourself somewhere in the seven steps (in between steps is possible and sometimes you go back and forth within them as well). I myself have just recently reached the stage of Becoming (though I am still partially in a state of Remembrance) but don’t compare yourself to me - I started shifting early so that I could be here to write this for you to read!

Whatever state you are in, whichever direction you are going, just remember that the only way to go is up!

Extrasensory Perception Or ESP | What is it

2006-07-17T04:29:00.000-07:00

Countless movies, stories, and tales have spun gold out of the concept of extrasensory perception (often referred to as ESP). Consider popular television shows and films like Medium and The Sixth Sense. People are fascinated with the paranormal - Ouija boards and tarot card readings, once considered taboo and even somewhat dark - are now popular games sold in Toys R Us. But with all this talk and publicity, much of the origin and science of extrasensory perception has been obscured. The actual definition of extrasensory perception is the "ability to acquire information by means other than the five canonical senses (taste, sight, touch, smell, and hearing), or any other sense well-known to science (balance, proprioception, etc)", but there are several different types of ESP, as well as interpretations of it.
Before getting into all the different ideas and challenges associated with extrasensory perception, let's first consider the history of ESP. The concept itself goes way back, far before popular culture turned it into a cultural phenomenon of sorts. In fact, in many past cultures (i.e. ancient China and Egypt), it was simply expected that people could communicate mentally with others, including the dead, gods, and other supernatural spirits. While this possibility has been heavily criticized as, at best, speculation and at worst, pure superstition, plenty of accounts (both ancient and relatively recent) have described incidents of extrasensory perception, as well as everyday use of it for divination.
So, the big question is: Do people actually have ESP and can it be proved? Many paranormal scientists have run experiments to test the veracity of alleged psychic abilities and many have come out shocked and amazed at the results. It seems that ESP may be a little more likely than anyone previously thought. In fact, some paranormal studies have found that alleged psychics seem able to foretell the contents of sealed envelopes and accurately draw images identical to those of people drawing the same image from a remote locale. Parapsychology (especially the area of extrasensory studies) has grown both in venerability and believer population. In fact, many large universities now have Parapsychology programs including Edinburgh University in Scotland.
Most claims of psychic readings and abilities are similar to the three most commonly reported extrasensory happenings which include telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition. Telepathy is defined as mental communication between two or more people. It entails one person sending or receiving thoughts to or from another person via some sort of mental or emotional link.
Clairvoyance is often called a "second sight" or a "sixth sense" -- that is to say, the person perceives events happening in a location other than his or her present one, without having any previous knowledge of the event. For example, a clairvoyant person may sense that something is wrong with a friend or a family member to find that he or she was in trouble. They also may "know" that their house is being robbed as they are out to dinner. Precognition, on the other hand, is also known as "fortune telling" or "foresight" and entails the ability to know or predict what will happen in the future. Many prophets (including very false ones) have risen to fame - and even religious worship -- through their apparent ability to predict the events of the future.

About the author: Malcolm Moorhouse is a professional psychic, tarot and astrology reader with over 16 years experience.

Astrology

2006-07-14T06:08:00.000-07:00

For centuries, humans have looked to the heavens for guidance. Astrology is, put simply, the study of the correlation between the astronomical positions of the planets and events on earth. Astrologers believe that the positions of the Sun, Moon, and planets at the time of a person's birth have a direct influence on that person's character. These positions are thought to affect a person's destiny, although many Astrologers feel that free will plays a large role in any individual's life.

We, at Cafe Astrology, feel that Astrology can be used as a powerful and fun tool for understanding ourselves, others, and the world around us. We use many different tools, or languages, to define and understand our world. For example, we can use psychological tools and terminology to explore human behavior. Similarly, Astrology gives us rich tools for understanding human character, and offers us a language for communicating our observations with others.

While we can use the natal chart (also called a birth chart or horoscope) as a "window" into any individual or event, we should never use it to pass judgment or to label people. Neither should we use it as an excuse for our behavior! We can never purport to know absolutely everything about someone just because we have their natal chart before us. It is a good idea to approach Astrology as an imperfect language. Even if it were perfect, we are not, so our interpretations can never be considered anywhere close to perfect. It follows to be wary of anyone claiming to be an Astrologer who also alleges to "know all", or makes dire predictions. This kind of practice is not only irresponsible and misleading, it can affect the lives of those who believe them in adverse ways.

Fortunately, obtaining your natal chart is now as simple as gathering your birth information and pointing your browser to a site with a good Astrological chart generating software program. If you have not already had your natal chart drawn, turn to our article, How to Obtain Your Natal Chart, for the simple steps to take. Once you have your chart in hand (or onscreen!), you can learn to interpret it by first learning what the symbols mean.

What's Your Sign?

When a person asks your "sign", even if they don't know it, they are referring to your Sun Sign, which is the zodiacal sign position of the Sun at the time of your birth.

Sun Sign Astrology gets a lot of press. However, with a little thought, it is rather intuitive to feel that dividing the entire human population into only 12 categories (the 12 Sun Signs) is far too simplistic. The truth is, every individual on this planet is complex.

While the sign position of the Sun is meaningful, there is much more to Astrology than just the Sun. In fact, Astrology is just as delightfully (and sometimes maddeningly!) complex as people themselves. Besides the sign of the Sun, each person has a Moon sign, Mercury sign, Venus sign, Mars sign, and so forth. Furthermore, each of the planets and luminaries fall in particular houses (there are 12 in all) in their birth charts (also called natal charts). Character is also believed to be influenced by the relationships the planets, luminaries, and points have with each other. Astrologers measure these relationships by the number of degrees between them to determine whether they form an aspect or not. Countless other refinements can be studied, and this is simply natal chart analysis. Astrologers can turn to a variety of other systems, such as predictive Astrology techniques, Synastry (the study of relationships), and more. The study of Astrology is complex, indeed. You can truly spend a lifetime studying the subject!

Fortunately, learning Astrology can be a fun and rewarding endeavor, especially for those with a strong interest in learning more about themselves, others, and their lives. Beginning students of Astrology can take the learning process one step at a time, perhaps starting with the Sun Signs, moving on to a study of the Moon, and so forth. The wonderful reward for this step-by-step approach is the gradual unfolding of your own chart and the charts of those you love!

Note: Near the bottom of this page is a symbol tool bar that shows the glyph (symbol) for each sign of the zodiac. Clicking on any of these symbols brings you to the corresponding page on our web site that interprets the zodiac sign.

Source: Cafe Astrology

~~ Personally, I believe in astrology but in some way, I don't quite understand the deeper meaning that our ancestors have truly found. Because of commercialization, it has become an entertainment choice for people. If only the ancient manuscripts are still existent...

Anyway..

Here's a report I've tried, it's more in depth than the usual free astrological reports from the net:

Free Astrological report (detailed explanation)

If you want to see your birth chart, you can check out this site:

Free Astrological Chart

Soulmates connection

2006-07-13T19:50:00.000-07:00

Soulmates is a term that is easily been overused and not always clearly understood, some believe, there is only one soulmate, who we must search for our whole lives, or believe that it is a connection from a past life that the two share.
Each person must decide these things for themselves and also the power of choices and free will.
From a growth perspective, we may meet many and different types soulmates in our lifetime.
This doesn't mean we are lovers with each one, although that again is a personal choice.
The meeting and continued relationship is all about growth and the synchronicities that enable our growth on deeper & deeper levels, however, remember that there are twinflames, karmic and there are soulmates.
All are meaningful relationships and teach us to grow, but in different ways.

The quest for love and for that perfect mate is really a challenge and we may sometimes want to believe a relationship is the ultimate deep connection, often sometimes analyzing the relationship and wanting it to be something more.
There is different types of romantic relationships: twin flames (twin soul), Companion soulmates, true soulmates and karmic connection. All relate to the same group and category of the word soulmates, they are all spiritually equal, but hold something different for everyone, just because you may have someone you know may be going thru the same relationship experiences as you, doesn't mean it's the same type of spiritual connection. Karma has something different for everyone and a purpose to manifest in perfection.

Twin flames were created together in the beginning and share a unique destiny.
Twin flames are much as twins born of the same egg. This would be from the same soul source. There is not of that kind of twinning going on. This is different than soulmates. Twin flames would be of the same soul energy source and would have been decided at what you would term the creator source level or at the higher-self level, which we see as a level at which a being has the ability to create seed selves in 3rd-dimensional reality.
Similar to when twins are completely separated at birth and they find each other after many years and discover that they have the same food tastes, the same odd way of smiling and the same tastes in clothing (I'm born one a twin). With twin flames' being born of the same spirit, when they unite physically in 3rd Dimension. Your twin flame knows you whatever life you are expressed. But each with the same pattern of divine identity.
Though they spend some lifetimes together and others apart, their tie is eternal, and after they have each united with their Higher Self they will be together forever.
All though it may sound like a beautiful match made in heaven relationship, there is a thin line with this connection and deep intensity, that as beautiful and perfect a relationship can be, this can sometimes be a total opposite, spiritually when you enter in this life time you know if you want to meet with your twinflame or not and you know all your life you must prepare yourself to be able to join with your twin flame, it is not an automatic, it is truly a privilege to know your Twin Flame but you must be ready. You will have to learn to love deeper than you ever thought possible and that usually means meeting, with a twinflame connection you have to be brave and strong enough to be able to risk loving with your heart and soul that there is also a fear that dream may be shattered just as experiencing pain as well as joy.
When Twin Flames come together they become one, they are the mirror image of the other. They think alike, they hold the same values and often their life experiences are very similar.
No matter what, if we are to be with our Twin Flame then it will happen and by experiencing the loves placed before us by Spirit and if it is part of our karma. A book & movie (what dreams may come) was created based upon twinflame/twin soul connections. (this is one of my favorites) the general meaning to twinflames was expressed here.
A soulmate connection is different from the twin flame. We have only one twin flame, we have many soulmates. Soulmates are life partners, close friends, co-workers, a teacher, anyone who influences your life one way or another. They play the game of third dimension with you. Companion Soulmates are trying to develop the same chakra energy, these are the relationships that are certain family members or friends who are there, when you need them most. True soulmates tend to be harmonious and satisfying, but not as intense as a twinflame but can accomplish great things together as well as a life partnership even when there is negativity or a spiritual confliction in between them, nothing can separate this connection they will always be connected and feel the need to be there for one another.

These closely resemble Twin Flame connections a relationship based on romantic love, however there is still karma between two people and the couple can learn to live for many years together as a beautiful relationship and then there are the types of soulmates who come together for a reason, making some type of impact on a person's life. in some cases the relationship ending in a separation, divorce and later to find there was a reason for it all happening the way it did, keeping in mind not all romantic relationships are True soulmates.

Then there is the karmic connection.
The karmic tie may be the tightest of all and begin with the the feeling of unfinished business. This is because the soul has a deep yearning to be free and balancing of mutual karma and a inadequacy of a past life relationship. Yet though they are frequently difficult, these relationships are important in achieving self-mastery with the spiritual path. A Karmic Soul Mate is a soul that we still have karma to deal with between us, now this doesn’t necessarily mean "bad" karma, it can be good karma as well. It's lessons to learn and these relationships have a feeling of unconditional love. Although these people invoke deep feelings (positive or negative) romantic relationship with a Karmic connection hold a feeling of more for lessons and unfinished business, there will always be an area of mystery of why this person entered my life. The couple separates and should share whatever karma is linked to the child. Sometimes the karma is between mother and child, so the child remains exclusively with the mother. Sometimes the karma is with the father and the mother leaves or deceases. Sometimes it is with both parents or with a sibling who has entered the game before or after you.

Frequently asked Questions

What is all this about soulmate love connection or Twin Flames can I actually have one?
Yes there are soulmates, twin flames, whatever you want to call them, but there are also SOULMATE CONNECTIONS. In believing that everything happens for a reason, know that some of the people that come into our Lives are merely there just to teach us a lesson.

What's the difference Twin Flame & Soulmate connection?
A soulmate connection would be the divine connection, both Twinflame and Soulmate both have intense energies, Twinflame is the dynamite energy where Soulmate is the Dynamo that is quite powerful but long lasting, there are several types of Soulmates, friendships, family, children even pets. Twinflame is the explosion of energy where Soulmate is the generator energy, that is the difference.

How do I know He/She is my twin flame?

Your actual Twin flame is the other half of you soul. Most of the time your Twin flame is not incarnate at the same time as you are, but stays in the Ethers as a guide and a kind of caretaker. Some times however, both you and your Twin flame do incarnate at the same time.. As said this is rare. When it does, however, usually that person is NOT your ideal mate, for good reason... they are difficult to live with, you literal" other half" embodies everything you are and usually reflects EVERYTHING you do not like about your self. This is not easy to live with total chaos you have come to where you are very comfortable with your self for it to work. Most people mistake Twin Flame for their Soulmate. Yes we all have a Twin Flame, soulmates you get together and everything is perfect, Twin flame the always is a chaos, one can be attached, age difference, different locations, or the person has some serious issues and is afraid to open up to the energy because the bond is too intense.

What will happen when I do find My Twin Flame?

It will be a Direct bond with this person, so drawn that you can’t let go of the connection even if you never had a relationship or if He/She is not single, that thoughts will be never ending, sometimes for years.

Will it lead my life in destruction what do I do?

The connection is very intense and you can feel what they are feeling even apart. Even when there is positive or negative life styles, you will sense this emotion. Sound a little scary? It can be a beautiful and traumatic experience as it sounds, Sometimes people can’t handle this deep Spiritual Bond with a some one and block it, but the Twin Flame is never one sided, the feeling between the two will always remain and will find themselves some way back to their Twin flame when Karma permits, this depends on every one differently. When will it connect? A Twin Flame usually pops up when you LEAST expect it. You will also find yourself coming down the the same symptoms of a "soulmate connection" it's telepathic, hugging each other is like coming home for nourishment. Twin flames come together when they have service work to do on the planet.

How do I find My Twin Flame or soulmate?

Keep your spiritual senses clear and focused on yourself Don't spend every second of your free time looking for your soulmate or Twin Flame since, like I said above, the chances of finding him/her are slim. Focus on your goals, your lessons and making your life happy. Just know that In more spiritual patterns and most soulmate connections are really just Past Life connections.

What is a past life connection?

There for us for a reason to help us grow spiritually, before we are born in the physical world, our life is with God. and were brought here for a short time to make our choices and destiny for the after life. That after crossing over the first time and many times after we haven't fulfilled what we suppose to do, we have the choice to come back into the physical world to correct our mistakes and grow from them. The whole point to life is learning and experiencing what we want to so when we cross over from the physical world to the Other Side, we won't feel we have to come back. Life on Earth isn't Home, the after life is. If you have ever experienced DejaVu, you know that you've felt like you've been in a certain place, knew someone or had a conversation before that very moment. That is very true. Most likely you knew that person, had that conversation

What if my soul mate isn't destined to come into my life for another ten years?

Spiritually all things are linked I find that if you are drawn towards this site, it is often because the time is getting close to when you will meet your true soul mate. Most people who write do find they are due to meet their soul mate or partner in the fairly near future.

What is Karma connection?

Karma, put simply, is cause and effect, or action and reaction. The influence of past over present and how actions in a past life, predetermined the conditions in your present life and character. Each life we live shapes our character and our future destiny in a way we seem to have little control over but are entangled with inescapably

What is better relationship: soulmate, twin flame or Karma connection?

it doesn't mean that having a relationship with you're twin flame is better than any other spiritual connection, you're spiritual energy knows what is best in a life time, and all are not perfect but in fact equal when it comes to a relationship, with a soulmate it can have their up and downs like non soulmate relationships, but with the soulmate there is a certain bond that can't be broken, with a twin flame, like i said above it is very intense and can make a relationship break and re connect, sometimes years later, with a karma connection, you feel the spiritual energy and want to use it to help the other person with unconditional love and as long as that person is living a happy life and are a part of it what ever way possible that would be the true gift of all.

What if there is a confliction with my soulmate connection?

with spirituality, it's very unpredictable and things always happen for a reason, people are sent everyday as messagers just as you are sent to people for a reason, you can't bring some one close if there is a plan for you above, you have to know how to deal and handle the energy not to over dominate you, that you are in control of your own life not others, always remember things happen for a reason and activity spiritually calms and reverses the energy.

What is the spiritual reverse?

when you're soulmate doesn't feel the energy you giving and feel all alone needs to connect, this will bring the relationship into a spiritual reverse, all soulmate connections are 50/50 and the emotions can sometimes take over, but it can reverse that it's not you any more it can be them working the energy around about the relationship.

from: accuratepyschicreader@groups.msn.com

The Tarot - An Introduction

2006-07-13T01:26:00.000-07:00

by L. A. Knight

What is the Tarot?

The tarot is a deck of 78 cards, and each card features illustrations that are subject to various interpretations. The deck is divided into two sections, called the major arcana and the minor arcana. The major arcana features the 21 trump cards plus the fool card, and the minor arcana is divided into four suits (wands, pentacles, cups and swords) each with cards featuring the numbers 1-10, an ace and four court cards (the Page, Knight, Queen and King).

Origin of the Tarot

The oldest known tarot cards come from 15th century Italy. The tarot appears to have begun as a card game, and was at first used only by the wealthy upper classes, although the cards became more widely available after the invention of the printing press. Some writers have claimed that the imagery of the tarot cards suggests a more ancient origin, and have connected the tarot with such cultures and traditions as the ancient Egyptians and the mystical Hebrew Kabbalah, although there is no hard evidence to support these claims.

Later Developments

The cards are often linked with occult activities today, but they were not used in this way until the 18th century. This usage began in 1781, when the freemason Antoine Court de Gebelin made the claim in his work 'Le Monde Primatif' that tarot cards contained hidden meanings (which he associated with the ancient Egyptians) that could be used for divinatory purposes.

Since then other mystic and magical traditions, such as the Order of the Golden Dawn, have claimed that the tarot has ancient roots, and that it has hidden wisdom to impart to those seeking enlightenment.

The tarot became more widely popular with the publication of the Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot in 1910. Arthur Edwards Waite was a Golden Dawn member, and in this new deck, drawn by the artist Pamela Colman Smith, images with occult symbolism were included on the numeric cards, as well as the trump cards. This deck was very successful, and remains popular today. Since then, hundreds if not thousands of diverse new decks have been published, with many enthusiasts creating their own.

Uses of the Tarot

The tarot has several distinct uses, including:

1. Games
This was its original use, and it is still used for gaming purposes in some European countries.

2. Psychology
Carl jung was the first mainstream psychologist to attach meaning to the tarot cards, when he associated them with the fundamental archetypes that he believed to reside in the collective human unconscious. Several therapeutic techniques involving the tarot have developed from this insight.

3. Inspiration
Many artists and writers have produced works inspired by the tarot.

4. Divination
Fortune telling is perhaps the most common use associated with the tarot. The images on the cards may help the person seeking the reading to tap into their own subconscious knowledge. Others believe that the cards themselves hold some kind of inherent divinatory power, which may be read by a skilled person. For this reason, handling another person's cards is generally frowned upon in occult circles, as their energy could become contaminated.

Doing a Reading

There is no set method for performing a divinatory tarot reading. However there are several popular layouts or 'spreads', with perhaps the most well known being the Celtic Cross. This is usually the first method taught to beginners, although it is by no means the most simple. Experienced tarot readers will often invent their own spreads, with their own means of interpretation.

Once the cards are selected by the person receiving the reading, the reader lays them out in a spread and analyses them, taking into account their positions relative to each other, the symbolism of the individual cards, and their position (upright or reversed).

Meaning of the Cards

There is no generally agreed upon interpretation of the tarot cards. They all have imagery of varying degrees of complexity, and the wide range of decks available makes the situation even more difficult. Nevertheless there is a huge amount of writings available on the symbology of the tarot, and on the most basic level, the 22 major arcana cards are thought to represent the journey of the Fool from ignorance to enlightenment.

In addition, the minor arcana cards have their own symbolism. The numbers are most obviously associated with numerology, and the suits are linked to the four elements (Swords=Air; Cups=Water; Wands=Fire; Pentacles=Earth). The tarot has also been linked with other mystical and occult systems such as the I Ching, astrology, and the Kabbalah.

Choosing a Tarot Deck

There is a huge range of tarot decks to choose from. The symbolism-rich Rider-Waite deck remains extremely popular, as does Crowley's Thoth deck. The early Marseille deck (used by Gebelin to illustrate 'Le Monde Primitif') is another important deck also. There are also many less conventional decks to choose from, and people with just about any special interest can find a deck to match.

Feminists, for example, might like the Motherpeace Tarot with its round cards and exclusively female imagery, whereas some of those interested in Paganism might enjoy the Witches deck or the DruidCraft tarot. Tarot decks can be found representing animals too, as well as various sports, natural imagery and other common activities. In fact, there's a tarot pack available to suit every taste, and most can be found online as well as from bookstores, new age shops etc.

Where to Start?

If you're interested in learning more about the tarot, I recommend checking out some of the numerous excellent tarot-related sites on the net, as well as online and local book stores and new age stores. One thing's for sure - there's no shortage of information available!

About the Author

L. A. Knight is webmaster of QuantumBliss.com, a site that provides a wealth of resources for those looking to maximise their personal power and enjoyment of life.

To find out more about the tarot, check out http://www.quantumbliss.com/php/tarot1.php

Psychic Readings

2006-07-13T01:24:00.000-07:00

by Kristy Annely

Psychics are people who allegedly have extraordinary mental powers or a sixth sense, generally known as ESP (extra sensory perception). Psychics look into the lives of people and predict future events. Derived from the Greek word psychiokos or psyche, which means soul or that which is mental, the word psychic is generally associated with fortunetellers. The word psychic was first used by William Crookes, a chemist for describing Daniel Dunglas Home, a famous magician (1833-1886).

Psychic reading implies the art of reading a person's mind. It involves use of intuition and deep analysis of a particular problem or a query that is posed. Psychics use several techniques like psychometrics, astrology, tarot, palmistry, telepathy, I Ching and so on to connect to a higher consciousness, which they believe will have answers to all questions. Psychic readings can relate to a person's present, past or future; his love life, relationships, ailments, stress and general success (or failure) in life. Psychic readers answer these questions and offer guidance and advice for leading a better life.

Psychic readers are people who have high levels of ESP. They master the art of automatic writing, channeling, clairaudience, the ability to hear or perceive sounds which are not normally audible, clairsentience (knowing about an event- past, present or future, through a feeling) and clairvoyance (extrasensory perception of an event which does not related to the normal five senses).

Divination is the art of offering a prophecy, prediction or foretelling the future via the occult, while hiero is the more down to earth act of automatic writing or drawing. Precognition involves seeing forward in time) and psychometrics derives knowledge about an object or a person connected with it by making contact. Psycho kinesis is the ability to move objects with the mind and remote viewing allows a psychic to describe a person, place or thing without being in their presence. Telepathy is simply mind-to-mind communication.

There are thousands of psychics in the world. Several are willing to offer their services like psychic reading for a fee. A psychic's fee ranges from $1 per minute to $10-$15 per minute. Psychics can be contacted in person, by mail, phone or through e-mail. There are also several websites that offer free psychic consultation online. However, these free services are limited. Psychics are slowly finding acceptance there is a demand, in spite of the skepticism of some critics. However, there are fake psychics also who claim to have great success with their powers, which is in fact obtained by cheating, so buyer beware.

About the Author

Psychics provides detailed information on psychics, psychic readings, psychic medium, psychic healing and more. Psychics is affliated with Clairvoyant Readings.

One enlightening read...

2006-05-28T23:25:00.000-07:00

Not My Assignment ... if you didn't create it, then it's not yours! -By Edward B. Toupin

Life consists of lessons. Living is continual learning. Therefore, if you take on someone else's issues and responsibilities, or lessons, would that not be classified as cheating? Are you not cheating yourself out of your own life? Are you not cheating others out of their own lessons?At one time or another, we all get involved with someone else's issues. These issues can include family issues, life change, minimal conundrums, or anything that can somehow challenge the foundations and beliefs of an individual. However, we must be able to identify when we are providing assistance and when we are accepting responsibility for someone else.---

Helping vs. Hindering ---Of course, there are times when it is essential, for our well-being and for those we love, that we must set aside our own lives to ensure the comfort of a loved one. In this situation, for example, I am speaking of a loved one who is incapable of caring for themselves. In these cases, it is our desire and obligation as human beings to be there and care for them as we are not only helping our loved ones, but we are also growing within ourselves.However, there is a limit that we, as humans, are expected to give up our lives and directions for another. These cases primarily involve the absorption of responsibility for another person who is unwilling to take care of their own issues. It is in such a situation that we must all learn how to back away and allow the others to handle their own problems and learn their own lessons.--- Please … do this for me!!! ---It is a natural human response to lend a hand to someone in need. It is fulfilling to know that you are helping someone, especially if you've been through a similar situation and you know all of the answers.But, do you really know all of the answers?

You may have experienced a similar situation; however, your perspective and, therefore, your lessons were different. By taking on the issue for yourself and solving the problems of others, you are actually robbing them of lessons that they need to learn for themselves and grow in their own way.Also, realize that people live their own karma.

When they are experiencing various issues in their lives, they are more than happy to include others into the drama or give the issue to someone else to handle. This is because they are walking into an area of the unknown outside of their safety zone. By taking responsibility to resolve their issues for them, you are also accepting responsibility for the success or failure of the issue. Over time you will lose yourself in the expectations of others and eventually become the whipping post for everyone that knows that you will do the 'dirty work' for them.

Finally, you're giving up a time of your own life to deal with someone else's issues when, in fact, you could be using that time to move forward in your own life. But, in many cases, people take over other people's issues when they feel the need to become emotionally stimulated and there isn't enough going on in their own life to stimulate themselves. Perhaps you need more involvement in things that make a difference in your own life. Such stimulation can occur through setting a plan and having a vision set for your life. Without one, we seek out other forms of stimulation to fill the voids in our own lives.I'm not saying that you should ignore the needs of others on this planet. Such a view would be arrogant, harsh, and inhumane. You should always be aware of the needs of others.

However, 'being aware of' and 'being responsible for' the needs of others are two completely different things. It is important to respect the needs of others and allow them the opportunity to fulfill their needs. However, you cannot take responsibility for anyone else's needs. If they are capable of handling their own lives, then they should take the reins and do so.--- It's all your fault!!! ---You have to realize that, if someone else makes an error and throws it into your court, they are expecting you to handle it. Many times, people will blame you for their own issues, also known as 'projection', because they don't know how to handle them. But, your best approach is simply to 'throw it back'. It is actually their own responsibility to resolve the issues and your responsibility is merely to watch your own area of influence and ensure that their issue does not affect you.With such situations, don't fall into 'playing games', which can last for weeks, months, and even years. By toying with games, you're literally wasting your time with someone else's issues while you could be focusing on things of importance to your own life. Ignoring their claims will only create more turmoil on their side that they will have to eventually handle. Consider it a form of voodoo. If you don't believe it in, it can't harm you.

If you see this person as a friend, and you lose this person as a friend because of the situation, then so be it. There's more to life than being drug into a hole because of someone else's inability to handle their own issues. Allow them a chance to learn on their own. Not only will they be a better person for it, but you will be a better friend in the long run.--- How do I know the difference? ---If you allow other's issues, whether they affect you or not, to engulf your life, then you are allowing your life to be controlled by other people and situations. Eventually, your life will belong to everyone else and you can no longer move forward to your own vision because your life is cluttered with everyone else's issues. You must learn to evaluate the issues and learn, more importantly, how to be human without providing your soul as a door mat.One of the side effects of taking on the world's issues is that many people can eventually feel as though they are overwhelmed, beaten, or carrying a huge load on their shoulders. Their 'load' comes from taking on too many unnecessary issues that actually belong to someone else just to fill in the voids in their own lives.The best way to determine if you are busily taking on the world's problems and not focusing on your own life is to make a list of the many issues with which you are faced at this moment in time. For each issue note:

1) Where did this issue come from?Was it you or someone else that initiated the issue? You need to figure out whom or what actually started the issue and what made it seem of importance to you in your life. If it was initiated by someone else, why did you seem to find it important?

2) What are the details of the issue?When examining their own issues, most people have no idea why they're even engaged in certain issues. It seems as though they know where it came from and they know where it's going, but they have no idea why they're even doing anything about the issue. If you don't know what the issue is about, then perhaps there is no real reason for the issue in the first place so, why are you dealing with it?

3) How does the issue affect your life?If you can come up with at least five important aspects of your life affected by the issue in a positive way, then indeed, it is an important issue. But, if there are no real affects, then you need to reevaluate the situation. If a given issue does not directly affect your life and the quality thereof, then why are you dealing with the issue?

4) What is the status of resolution for the issue?Does the issue seem to sag and hang without any real forward momentum? If you don't feel as though the issue is moving forward toward a resolution then you need to stop and see if indeed there is a viable resolution. Perhaps you've simply been caught in a vortex where one issue begets another and another and another. This is a situation where you are searching for problems to solve when, indeed, there are no 'real' problems. This is a common pitfall and one that you should simply step out of as, indeed, there is no resolution.

5) Who is involved and how?Who is involved in the situation and why are they involved? Are you in control of the progress or is someone else 'managing' the issue and its progress? If someone else is 'managing' the progress, then shouldn't this other person be completely in control of the situation? Perhaps you should simply give them the issue to deal with on their own.

6) What else could I be doing?If you're working with a situation that seems useless, then why are you doing it? If you're working to resolve a situation from the past so that you can feel better about yourself in the now, why not work on something that can benefit you in the now and make you feel better about yourself in the future? The past is gone, let it go. Shoot for the future!

7) What is my ultimate vision in my life?Everyone must have a vision for their life. What's yours? If you have one, then how does this issue relate to the success of your attainment of this vision? If you don't have one, then you need to find out how this situation relates to your life and devise a vision for your life.--- What's Next? ---Stick to what's important and let the rest fall aside. There is no shame in dropping trivial situations that are of no use and are at a dead-end. Don't feel guilty about pushing other people's issues out of your life. You're not shirking responsibility. You're simply claiming your own life. You have just as much right to live your life as everyone else. You will encounter issues that you must overcome just as everyone else will throughout their lives. But, while you're dealing with other people's problems, what are they doing? They're living their life because you were so kind to alleviate them of their pressures. The point is that, if you're not careful, these issues can block your paths moving forward.

Ultimately, you remain stuck in the past because you're unable to find a solution. Your best solution is to cut it out of your life and continue moving toward your vision. Make your own path, fix your own mistakes, and take responsibility for your own future. Not only will you find that the load slowly lifts from your back, but you'll see a much brighter future in a life that you own and control for yourself.

Power of Intention

2006-05-20T06:48:00.000-07:00

Intention
The dictionary defines intention as an aim that guides action or a course of action that one intends to follow. In medicine the word intention is defined as “the process by which or the manner in which a wound heals.” The word itself comes from the Latin intendere which means to direct attention.In healing, energy follows thought, it is the intention that allows the energy that is healing to follow and take root where it is needed.

Intention is the opening of the cycle of Intention ~ Manifestation ~ Gratitude

EXERCISE On FOCUSING INTENTION from Deepak Chopra's book "The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire"

The best way to focus on intention is to write them down. Although this may sound like an obvious first step, it is the step that many people ignore. As a result, their intention often remain unfocused, and therefore unrealized.

Go to a quiet place where you are not likely to be disturbed. Write down what you want on all different levels of desire. Included material, ego gratification, relationship, self esteem, and spiritual desires. Be as specific as possible.

Ask yourself what you want on the material level, in terms of abundance and affluence. Do you want to own your own house with four bedrooms? Write that down. Do you want to be able to send your children to college? Write that down. Think also of your desires for sensory gratification--sound, touch, sight, smell, and sensuality--anything that gratifies th senses. Write these down.

Ask yourself what you want in terms of relationships. Write down your desires for all your relationships--romantic partners, children, peers, parents, friends, and professional relationships.

Write down what you want in terms of personal accomplishments or recognition. Note what you want on a more universal level---how can you help? What do you want to do with your life in terms of your society, your country, your civilization? What do you want to to contribute? Write down what you want when you think of discovering your highest sense of self. Whom do you want to be? What spiritually do you want to add to your life? Write down everything you desire on a singel sheet of paper. Add or subtract from the list as your desires change or become fulfilled.
Meditate on what life would be like if all these desires were to manifest. See if you can create inner visions of genuine fulfillment on both material and spiritual levels.

Don't be concern about having these visions in any kind of order, or whether they're very realistic or not. Just see them all happening---feel them with all your five senses. The goal is to have congruent attention on all these four levels of aspiration. When that kind of congruency is in play, the internal dialougue is very powerful and clear and will help you gain unity of consciousness.

Intentions do not need constant attention but they do need to remain focused. This is a habit that you need to develop over time. Look at your list once or twice during the day. Read it over again just before meditation. When you go into meditation, you silence the self. The ego disappears. As a result, you detach from the results and outcomes , you don't get involved in the details. and you let the infinite organizing power of the deeper intelligence orchestrate and fulfill all the details in your intentions for you. The key is to move away from the level of ego, away from the level of the self and self esteem, to let the nonloca intelligence orchestrate the fulfillment of your desires through synchronicity.

In the beginning, you can be as selfish as you want. In the beginning your intentions may be all about the "self" and the little details of what you want to happen in your life. But eventually you will realize that the goal is fulfillment at all levels not just personal or ego level. As you start to see the fulfillment of your intentions, your self interest wil diminish because you know you can have it all. When you have enough food to eat, you don't obsess about eating all the time. It's the same with intentions. When you know that fulfillment is possible, you will think less about your personal needs and more about the needs of the rest of the world. This is a process taht works through stages. Be patient, but watch for miracles to begin!

How to Do Automatic Writing / My Experience

2006-05-19T01:25:00.000-07:00

How to Practice Automatic Writing
Source : http://paranormal.about.com by Stephen Wagner

Automatic writing is an old form of divination in which messages seem to come out of nowhere through your hand and onto paper. Whether these messages come from the "spirit world" or the subconscious in unknown. Some who have attempted this form of mediumship have written lengthy messages, songs -- even complete novels.

Difficulty Level: Hard Time Required: 15 minutes to an hour

Here's How:
Find a quiet spot without distractions.
Sit at a table or desk where you'll be comfortable, with paper and pen (or pencil).
Take a few moments to clear your mind.
Touch the pen or pencil to the paper.
Try not to consciously write anything.
While keeping your mind as clear as possible, let your hand write whatever comes across.
Avoid looking at the paper; you might even keep your eyes closed.
Give it time to happen (nothing might happen for quite a while).
When it seems to be done, if and when automatic writing does occur, look over what your hand has produced carefully. The writing may appear to be nonsense or just scribbling, but try to decipher it as best as possible.
In addition to letters and numbers, look for pictures or symbols in the writing as well.
Keep trying. Nothing might happen your first few attempts.
If you start to achieve success, you can try asking questions to see if you can receive responses.

Tips:
There is no guarantee that automatic writing will work for you, but don't give up if it doesn't work the first few times. Give it a chance.
Be aware of psychological dangers. Some messages that come across might be disturbing. If you're at all not able to handle this possibility, don't attempt automatic writing.
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My Thoughts

Some psychics online have claimed that they do their readings via Automatic Writing. I was amazed. I have tried Automatic Writing only once, closely a few months ago. I tried to clear my mind to ward of stuffiness in my system, and tried to relax before undergoing this. I got a clean sheet of bond paper and a pencil, and started with questions that answer with Yes or No, specifically talking about the entity. As I asked each question, I felt my hands forced into scribbling this letter that struggled with a Yes or a No. My handwriting that time was not exactly pretty :P I asked tons of questions, and initially the spirit claimed to be good, but my last question was "are you evil?" and it scribbed YES. I freaked out, thinking that maybe, some spirit had taken over our session with the benign spirit, and stopped.

I think I shall try other methods of meditation and summoning my spirit guides, but I don't know if I will try Automatic Writing again. It is a nice experience, but it is not for the faint-hearted.

Love, Maria

Da Vinci Code Claims - Part 1

2006-05-17T22:05:00.000-07:00

With this highly controversial book, and a widely debated movie, Da Vinci code has several issues that refute the teachings of the Catholic Church, as well as claims some facts :

Source : http://www.rbcdavincicode.org

* Goddess Worship

What Actually Was The "Goddess Worship" That Is Portrayed So Positively By The Da Vinci Code?
Written by: Dan Vander Lugt
Goddess worship was a form of fertility religion practiced widely among ancient people. In the Mediterranean area alone, the "goddess" was represented by Astarte, Isis, Ishtar, Anat, Kybele, Demeter, Aphrodite, and many other local deities. We know more about later forms of goddess worship that existed in places about which there are historical records and where there are significant archeological remains.
Fertility religions were based on the passing of the seasons—alternating times of harvest and plenty, scarcity and hardship. Fertility was personified by a goddess, and her consort—often a young god—went through an annual cycle of death and rebirth. Worshipers of the goddess practiced a kind of "magic" that usually relied on sexual ritual and human sacrifice to ensure the continuing favor and fertility of the goddess and her consort (Leviticus 20:2 ; Deuteronomy 18:10 ; 2 Kings 21:6 ; Psalms 106:38 ; Jeremiah 7:31 ; Ezekiel 23:37 , etc.). The Old Testament and a broad range of other sources make it clear that such worship involved the use of both male and female "sacred prostitutes" ( Deuteronomy 23:18 ) and involved ecstatic frenzy, sometimes including self-laceration and self-emasculation ( 1 Kings 18:28 ).

* Holy Grail
HOLY GRAIL
Are the claims in The Da Vinci Code about the Holy Grail, the Priory of Sion and the Knights Templar historically accurate?

According to The Da Vinci Code, the legendary Holy Grail is not the chalice used at the Last Supper of Christ. Instead, Brown uses his fictional "experts" to suggest that the real Holy Grail is a person, Mary Magdalene, who carried the bloodline of Jesus Christ by having His child.

The book also treats as fact the existence of a secret society called the Priory of Sion, which for centuries has kept the secret of Jesus' relationship to Mary. Mary Magdalene, according to this bestselling novel, represents the feminine aspect of God (the "divine feminine")—loved by Jesus but denied by the church for hundreds of years. The Knights Templar are also included as protectors of the secret but were all but wiped out by the church.

The Holy Grail and the Priory of Sion are only two of the many "facts" that need to be subjected to a historical reality check.

The Holy Grail is a medieval legend about the cup of the Last Supper. The first appearance of the term Holy Grail was in 1170 in Perceval, a romantic writing about the legend of King Arthur and his kingdom of Camelot. When Brown suggests that the Holy Grail is not a cup but actually Mary Magdalene who carried on Jesus' bloodline, he alters an existing legend about the historical "cup of Christ" and uses it to advance fictional claims about Jesus and Mary.

The Priory of Sion also has a basis in fact, but not in the sense that Brown portrays it. The title has been used three different times. It was first a monastic order founded in Jerusalem in 1100 that was absorbed into the Jesuits in 1617.

The second and third versions of the Priory of Sion were each under the leadership of Pierre Plantard (1920-2000), an anti-Semitic Frenchman who went to jail in 1953 for fraud. In 1954, Plantard formed a group called the Priory of Sion to help those in need of low-cost housing. The group dissolved in 1957. Then in the 1960s and 70s, he created a series of forged documents to "prove" the existence of a bloodline descending from Jesus and Mary through the kings of France to himself (claiming to be the rightful heir to the throne). He and his associates called themselves the Priory of Sion and deposited these documents in libraries all over France, including the National Library.

In 1993, however, Plantard admitted under oath to a French judge that he had fabricated all the documents relating to the Priory of Sion. The judge issued him a severe warning and dismissed him as a harmless crank (www.priory-of-sion.com).

The Knights Templar are based in history but, once again, not as portrayed in The Da Vinci Code. They were founded in 1118 as a military religious order, but they did not become wealthy, as alleged in the novel, by discovering the secret of the Holy Grail. And there is no evidence that they were annihilated for having knowledge of it.

The significance of the Priory of Sion is bolstered in the plotline of The Da Vinci Code by claiming a little-known connection with such geniuses as Leonardo Da Vinci and Isaac Newton. Once again, however, Brown bases these assertions on one of Plantard's forged documents called Les Dossiers Secrets d'Henri Lobineau ("The Secret Records Of Henri Lobineau"). Even though a French judge got Plantard to admit his hoax, Dan Brown uses these "secret records" as if they were legitimate.

These facts are important to readers of The Da Vinci Code. If there is no credible evidence that Leonardo Da Vinci and Isaac Newton were secretly involved in the Priory of Sion, and if there is only fraudulent evidence that the Priory of Sion was formed to keep "the secret of Mary Magdalene," other factual claims of The Da Vinci Code also need to be questioned.
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Claim # 1 is actually true. Several historians have noted and have written about goddess worship that came before Christianity. I am reading Merlin Stone's "When God Was a Woman", and the first gods that humans worshipped were actually women, and it was an agricultural society way back then. The book claimed that bloodshed and war came when the northern tribes ( men ) invaded those agricultural societies, and domineered over women, thus, making men gods.

Claim # 2, I think, I have no clear answer to that because up to this age, the Holy Grail is still being searched, and it is almost considered a myth. It was an eye opener to read Da Vinci code that claimed that Mary Magdalene was the Holy Grail.

History, being uncluttered, and being searched through and through is quite difficult since multitudes of human beings live at a certain era, some leave some things behind, some don't. We wouldn't even verify its accuracy. It's mind-boggling, yet the mystery of the past has fascinated many people that they actually choose on what they believe in. The past is a wonderful tale of one's imagination, for people living now.

Love, Maria

MYSTICISM EXPLAINED

2006-05-17T01:26:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS MYSTICISM:

source: Ronaldlarue.com

More and more people have been asking me lately “What do you mean by the word mystic?” There seems to be quite a lot of blurry confused notions and outright misconceptions about the word. And yet, it is perhaps one of the most important words pointing toward a fundamental truth about who we are at the soul of matter . Mysticism is about how we can come to live within the fullness of our True Nature.

In a very real sense - and because mysticism concerns the essence of life -- it is audacious to even try and define it. Words are insufficient, often in the way of understanding. That to which the word "mysticism" refers, is a quality of presence that is quite literally beyond and before any words (more on that later). ... Still, and like others, I feel compelled to try and come as close as I can to pointing toward something that speaks of our original nature. And I beg pardon in advance for the terrible insufficiency of language and the limits of my own mere glimpses into these realms of an endless sacred mystery. ...Still, let me try.

A mystic is one who, above all else in life, desires to know (not in the intellectual sense of knowing) the deepest Truth of existence. A mystic is one who senses more to life than making a living or being of service in the world – although these things are both necessary and good. The mystic, however, is looking beyond an exclusive (or preoccupied) focus on these survival/self-actualization desires to something more: he is looking to discover the deepest truth of our being as incarnate souls; to understand our greatest potential as reflections of God; to realize our wholeness within the Ground of All. The primary interest in life for the mystic is to discover truth, to know God, to see into mans whole nature. …The mystic sees all of life as an abundant opportunity to discover, realize, and express the Divine.

Mysticism springs from an insatiable curiosity for understanding the essential questions of Life: matters of God, Creation, the Infinite --- and the human potential for knowing Truth. The mystic is in reality the ultimate scientist who, looking beyond the apparent or obvious in all matters, asks: “Is this that I am seeing reality or the illusions that stem from fear?” “What existed before this sense of reality?” "What existed before my mental constructs, my beliefs, my self identity?" "Who is this that observes and is self-reflecting?" “What is at life's very source?”....