Day: September 27, 2012

Daily OM for September 27 ~ Seasons of Beauty

Seasons of Beauty

Aging Gracefully

by Madisyn Taylor

As we cultivate our life, our beauty becomes as much about what we are creating and doing as it is about our appearance.

We tend to associate youth with beauty, but the truth is that beauty transcends every age. Just as a deciduous tree is stunning in all its stages—from its full leafy green in the summer to its naked skeleton during winter and everything in between—human beings are beautiful throughout their life spans.

The early years of our lives tend to be about learning and experiencing as much as we possibly can. We move through the world like sponges, absorbing the ideas of other people and the world. Like a tree in spring, we are waking up to the world. In this youthful phase of life, our physical strength, youth, and beauty help open doors and attract attention. Gradually, we begin to use the information we have gathered to form ideas and opinions of our own. As we cultivate our philosophy about life, our beauty becomes as much about what we are saying, doing, and creating as it is about our appearance. Like a tree in summer, we become full, expressive, beautiful, and productive.

When the time comes for us to let go of the creations of our middle lives, we are like a tree in autumn dropping leaves, as we release our past attachments and preparing for a new phase of growth. The children move on, and careers shift or end. The lines on our faces, the stretch marks, and the grey hairs are beautiful testaments to the fullness of our experience. In the winter of our lives, we become stripped down to our essence like a tree. We may become more radiant than ever at this stage, because our inner light shines brighter through our eyes as time passes. Beauty at this age comes from the very core of our being—our essence. This essence is a reminder that there is nothing to fear in growing older and that there is a kind of beauty that comes only after one has spent many years on earth.

 

Daily OM

Witch hunt

Witch hunt

Sitting in my family’s cabin,
Stitching away at cloth.
My brother’s play, my mother prays,
My father shines his gun.

Outside the wooden door,
Shouts ring out, the light of torches
Casting shadows like demons on our home.

There will be a hanging,
A witch was found in town.
Rope around her neck,
She was quiet, she was easily found.

Her craft was pure,
She practiced alone.
The towns women blamed her, with untrue curses
And screamed about Satan and hell.

She was my friend,
I, her mentor,
Even though we both practice the craft
I could not save her.

Later in the year,
Snow powdered the ground.
I sat in a clearing of snow,
Grinding herbs for my god.
Not the puritan’s god, never their god.

Hark! A twig snaps under a boot.
Turning my head into the biting wind,
A glove-clad hand grabbed my hair,
And dragged me through the ferns.

Soon a witch would burn.

He dragged me through town,
Tied me to a wooden pole,
And called out “Witch, Witch” for all.

People gathered,
Eyes wide with fear.
The man lit the fire,
My family solemn, never shedding any tears.

The flame reared up like an animal,
Hissed at my feet like a snake. My father, nor mother, ever called out my name.

I called out to the town’s folk.
My voice echoing through the air,
‘I will be born again. Wait.”

The flame licked at my hip, and swallowed me whole.
A birthmark now rests on that hip.
This is my new life.

You see me in your town,
Even in your classroom.

I’m born again, and I’ll burn nevermore.

Reference:

Author ~ Ashley Burnam

http://www.poemhunter.com/

The Witch

The Witch

Women have strange powers men do not: the power to bear children and feed them from their own bodies, to bleed without being hurt or sick, and to provoke erections in heterosexual men. Perhaps these strange beings have even more remarkable powers.

Or perhaps when the image of a Goddess dwindles until all that remains is the memory of Her uncanny powers, She becomes a Witch.

Witches have been credited with such magical feats as blasting crops, cursing
people to sickness, lameness or death and causing men to become impotent or even stealing their penises.

The Renaissance Christian myth of the witch is complex and grotesque. Most
witches were women, the Malleus Maleficarum stated, because “All witchcraft
arises from lust, which in women is insatiable.” Their lust was supposedly for
the Devil, who initiated the witch at the Sabbat and copulated with her often,
according to the accounts of the churchmen.

These witches gathered at mass meetings called Sabbats, to which they flew via brooms or animal companions. There, the Devil appeared, usually in the form of a black goat. They kissed his buttocks in greeting. Then they informed him of all the harmful spells they had done since the last Sabbat. Wild dancing and often sex with gathered demons followed, along with a feast often consisting of the corpses of babies.

There is no evidence that a real conspiracy of witches who worshipped the Devil ever existed. But many European clergymen devoutly believed in it during the great Witch Hunt. Estimates as to how many people, mostly women, were burned or hanged for witchcraft range from a few thousand to nine million.

But the witches of pagan stories had no need for a male Devil. Long before the
great Witch-Hunt, European women were accused of believing that they travelled with the goddess Diana or Sigma Orient or Herodias at night, entering people’s homes and being given food. Roman witches were thought to worship Hecate.

Morgan Le Fay tormented King Arthur and his knights. Circe turned the men who invaded her island into pigs. The volva told Odin how the Aesir gods would fall. The witches in The Golden Ass can command even the Greek gods with their spells.

The myths have led to a real Witchcraft religion springing up — one that
worships Goddesses, not the Christian’s Devil.

Many other cultures have known the fear of the witch, which may date back to the Stone Age. Some Native American tribes feared witches, such as the Iroquois and Navajo (Dina). Certain African tribes believe in female witches who ride trained hyenas to meetings and cast evil spells.

The urban legends of child-molesting Satanist conspiracies that spring up even today show how enduring the myth of the witch is. As in Renaissance times, most of the accused are women.

Above: “The Witches’ Sabbat”, by Francis Goya. Below: From a collage.

Further Reading

* Europe’s Inner Demons: The Making of the Great European Witch Hunt. Norman Cohn.

* Witchcraft and the Gay Counterculture. Arthur Evans. Fag Rag Press, 1971.

Meditation Technique to Clean and Heal the Eyes

Meditation Technique to Clean and Heal the Eyes

By Natalya Podgorny, Yoga+

If you’ve ever been transfixed by a candle flame and felt your mind clear, you may have been tapping into a yogic focusing practice called trataka.    The Hatha Yoga Pradipika defines trataka as “looking intently with an unwavering gaze at a small point until tears are shed.” This simple    technique has a purifying, invigorating effect on the mind and improves concentration, paving the way for a deeper meditation practice. Because it is one    of the shat kriyas, or six cleansing actions, trataka also cleans and heals the eyes.

Though many objects can be used to focus your gaze during trataka, the most common is the flame of a candle. Assume a comfortable meditative posture    with your head, neck, and trunk aligned. Set a candle two feet in front of you, with the flame positioned at eye level. Make sure the room is dark and    draft-free.

STEADY YOUR GAZE

Begin with your eyes closed, surveying the body and watching the breath until it becomes calm, regular, and even. Then open your eyes and rest your gaze    on the middle part of the flame, right above the tip of the wick. Keep your eyelids slightly more open than usual, and maintain your gaze without blinking    or blurring your vision for as long as possible. Observe any thoughts that arise, watching them come and go without becoming engaged.

Close your eyes only when they begin to strain and water, and you can no longer sustain the gaze. (You can cup your palms and place them gently over the    eyes to ease the strain, but do not rub the eyes; because the tears you have shed are carrying away impurities, wipe them gently with a tissue.) Then find    the afterimage of the flame in your mind’s eye, resting your awareness at the ajna chakra, or eyebrow center. If the image moves up and down or side to    side, stabilize it by bringing it back to the center, and continue to fix your gaze until the impression disappears. To delve deeper into the mind, you can    follow this practice with meditation.

HEALTHY GLOW

According to the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Trataka eradicates all eye diseases, fatigue, and sloth, and closes the doorway creating these problems.    In addition to improving concentration and memory, trataka cleanses both the eyes and the cerebral cortex, balances the nervous system, and relieves    depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Another yogic text, the Gheranda Samhita, states that the practice cultivates clairvoyance and inner    vision.

Because sight, mental discrimination, and the fire at the manipura chakra are intricately interwoven, trataka also nourishes the subtle flame at the    navel center, promoting vitality and inner health. In its more advanced form, as the Himalayan master Swami Rama said, “The practice of trataka    eventually merges into surya sadhana, meditation on the solar energy.”

STARING AT THE SUN

Under the guidance of a teacher, you can learn how to use a variety of auspicious objects or symbols as the focus of your gaze during trataka, such as a    yantra (a symbolic geometric representation of aspects of Divinity), the symbol Om, the form of a deity, lightning, the moon, your own shadow, or the    glowing orange orb of the rising or setting sun. So steady your gaze, and follow the light all the way to your inner self.

Natalya Podgorny is the editor of Yoga + Joyful Living

Is Fall Sapping Your Energy? 5 Tips to “Fall” Back On

Is Fall Sapping Your Energy? 5 Tips to “Fall” Back On

By Debbie Mandel, Intent.com

The winds of seasonal change are blowing. There is plenty of orange going around from falling leaves out here in the East to carved pumpkins and mums on  doorsteps. In color therapy, orange is the hue of cheerfulness. Therefore I expect to be greeted with sunny dispositions; instead I hear a few mumbled words  and observe allergic eyes, sluggish gaits and stuffy noses.

Fall compels you to take stock of your home, garden, school curriculum and work. You note what is depleted and what areas require innovation. While change  is stimulating, it can be stressful because for awhile you live in ambiguity to see if things will work out. Instead of rigorously following the tracks you  have carefully mapped out, try not to lose track of living in the moment. Nature is a great teacher. Let nature take you on a walk to be present-alive and  alert-to what is meaningful in life.

To power up:

* Fall back on the things that bring you simple pleasures like laughter, massage, well-prepared hearty food, music, art, good  friends-including people and pets.

* Don’t fall down, fall up! Become a work in progress. And if others ask you questions that make you feel small and unimportant, tell  them that you are still under construction.

* Rake the leaves, fall on the pile and show your true colors. Even if you have been hurt in the past, the more you open your heart  and�reveal your inner child, the lighter and happier you will feel.

* Build an identity totem pole on your desk. What small objects fortify your spirit? On my desk I have a photo of a bee on a rose, a  smooth river rock and an aloe plant- it could be horizontal.

* Find physical exercises which energize your mind. If you have to develop a difficult project at work, walk uphill to mirror your climb  to the summit. If you cannot release a sad situation, then play catch with a friend using a basketball or-for greater intensity-a weighted medicine ball.  Imagine when you throw the ball off your chest, you let go of the negativity. When you catch the ball, you catch the abundance of life.

Regarding those fall allergies, keep yourself in balance to minimize the little stressors that cause that tipping point. If you don’t feel better,  consult your doctor for medication.

A Little Humor – The Pagan and The Wizard

The Pagan and The Wizard

 

A pagan goes to a Wizard to ask him if he can remove a curse he has been living with for the last 40 years.

The Wizard says, “Maybe, but you will have to tell me the exact words that were used to put the curse on you.”

The old man said without hesitation, “I now pronounce you man and wife.”

Quiz of the Day – What’s Your Dog Breed IQ?

What’s Your Dog Breed IQ?

By Katie Waldeck

From the tiniest of Chihuahuas to the biggest of Great Danes, and everything in  between, dogs are an amazingly varied animal. But how well do you know about the  variations between breeds? Take this quiz to test your dog breed knowledge!

Questions Pt. I

1. What is the national dog of France?

A. Bichon Frise.
B. French Bulldog.
C. Poodle.
D. Dogue de Bordeaux.

2. True or false: contrary to popular belief, Greyhounds are not the fastest dog breed.

A. True.
B. False.

3. What makes the Norwegian Lundhund unique?

A. Their 6 toes on each paw.
B. Their stubby tails.
C. They don’t get sick from chocolate.
D. All of the above.

4. The Australian Shepard originated in:

A. Australia.
B. England.
C. United States.
D. None of the above

 

Questions Pt. II

5. Basenjis hold the unique distinction of being:

A. The breed with the longest average lifespan.
B. The breed with the oldest origin.
C. The only breed that doesn’t bark.
D. All of the above.

6. True or false: Great Danes are the tallest dog breed.

A. True.
B. False.

7. The most expensive dog ever sold was a:

A. Shar Pei.
B. Tibetan Mastiff.
C. Chow Chow.
D. Saluki.

8. Pharaoh Hounds are the only dog breed that:

A. Sees in full color.
B. Can’t be trained.
C. Blushes.
D. All of the above.

 

Answers Pt. I

1. What is the national dog of France?

A. Bichon Frise.
B. French Bulldog.
C. Poodle.
D. Dogue de Bordeaux.

Though all these dogs are fabulously French, the poodle holds the distinction of being the nation’s national dog — just don’t mention to the French that they actually originated in Germany!

2. True or false: contrary to popular belief, Greyhounds are not the fastest dog breed.

A. True.
B. False.

This time the popular belief is true – Greyhounds are the fastest dog, with the record held by Brett Lee, who once clocked in at 39.87 mph! In fact, the cheetah is the only animal that can accelerate faster in a short distance than a Greyhound.

3. What makes the Norwegian Lundehund unique?

A. They have 6 toes on each paw.

B. Their stubby tails.
C. They don’t get sick from chocolate.
D. All of the above.

The Norwegian Lundehund developed 6 toes per paw to climb rocky cliffs to hunt for puffins.

4. The Australian Shepard orignated in:

A. Australia.
B. England.
C. United States.
D. None of the above.

The Australian Shepard’s name is quite deceiving — they were actually developed on ranches in the Western United States! Why the name, then? Well, they were bred to herd Australian sheep.

 

Answers Pt. II

5. Basenjis hold the unique distinction of being:

A. The breed with the longest average lifespan.
B. The breed with the oldest origin.
C. The only breed that doesn’t bark.
D. All of the above.

Though they are one of the oldest dog breeds (many dogs vie over that title, with no definitive answer) Basenjis are unique in that they don’t bark. Their voice boxes are narrower and more uniform size-wise than other dog breeds. They’re not totally quiet, though — they do whine, howl and growl.

6. True or false: Great Danes are the tallest dog breed.

A. True.
B. False.

The tallest dog breed title actually belongs to the Irish Wolfhound. Despite their intimidating size, they are a very gentle and loving dog.

7. The most expensive dog ever sold was a:

A. Shar Pei.
B. Tibetan Mastiff.
C. Chow Chow.
D. Saluki.

In 2011, a red Tibetan Mastiff was sold in China for $1.5 million. Yep, you read that right! The exceptionally rare dogs have recently become a status symbol among Chinese elite.

8. Pharaoh Hounds are the only dog breed that:

A. Sees in full color.
B. Can’t be trained.
C. Blushes.
D. All of the above.

When a Pharaoh Hound gets excited, they do like many humans do, and blush!

Daily Feng Shui Tip for Sept. 27 – ‘World Tourism Day’

Today is ‘World Tourism Day,’ a time to learn to travel with ease while also keeping the home fires stoked. Before leaving home be sure to tie nine or 18 inches of red thread, string, yarn or ribbon on the handles of every piece of luggage. This is a kind of cosmic crutch that makes sure that your bags get to your destination. And don’t forget to download an image of the Mystic Knot. This is a mystical travel companion that keeps your energies and your trip running smoothly. If you encounter challenges in your travels, simply take out this symbol, run the hand you write with over it three times in a clockwise direction and then unravel any unexpected issues. Placing a small statue or crystal figurine of a bear in the ‘Helpful People’ area of your home while you’re away will ensure that all flows like honey on the home front while you’re away. In Feng Shui the bear symbolizes masculine energies, so he is tasked with protecting your space with strength and courage. He is also regarded as a potent charm against any break-ins or potential robbery while you’re out of town. As a bonus, keeping an image of a bear in this space is also believed to strengthen good health for the male head of household, especially if he travels a lot. Lastly, don’t forget to put some salt out in the space you will be sleeping in when you are away. Placing some salt in an open container inside your room will absorb negative vibes left behind by the previous tenant. Do any or all of these travel cures the next time you see the world or just spend a weekend away.

By Ellen Whitehurst for Astrology.com