Wicca is a modern pagan, witchcraft religion

Wicca is a diverse religion with no central authority or figure defining it.

Wicca often involves the ritual practice of magic, though it is not always necessary

Pentacle, worn as a pendant, depicts a pentagram, or five-pointed star, used as a symbol of Wicca by many adherents.

Beliefs in Wicca range from hard polytheism to even monotheism.

Wicca is typically duotheistic, worshipping a god and goddess traditionally viewed as a mother goddess and horned god.

The term Wicca first achieved widespread acceptance when referring to the religion in the 1960s and 70s

Application of the word Wicca has given rise to "a great deal of disagreement and infighting".

The Goddess and the God may be regarded as the Divine Feminine and the Divine Masculine

The God and Goddess are generally seen as lovers and equals, the Divine Couple who together co-create the cosmos.

Traditionally the God is viewed as a Horned God, associated with nature, wilderness, sexuality, hunting and the life cycle

The Horned God is given various names according to the tradition, and these include Cernunnos, Pan, Atho and Karnayna.

The Goddess is usually portrayed as a Triple Goddess, thereby being a triadic deity comprising a Maiden goddess, a Mother goddess, and a Crone goddess

Some Wiccans, particularly from the 1970s onwards, have viewed the Goddess as the more important of the two deities, who is pre-eminent in that she contains and conceives all. In this respect, the God is viewed as the spark of life and inspiration within her, simultaneously her lover and her child.

Saturday, March 28, 2015

History Mystery Did A Historical Jesus Exist Part I

History Mystery Did A Historical Jesus Exist Part I
Today all most every one of us in the world believes that Jesus Christ was a real personality. Perhaps he may not be the son of god or perhaps he may not be the real Messiah. The belief, Jesus as a human being came out as Eucharist ritual and theology concept of flesh and blood. Then what is the basis for the claim that "Jesus ever existed"?

There are two views we are going to analyze here. The first one is the Biblical or the religious view that Jesus as a real personality and the other one; The materialistic or the historical view. Here I wish to point out one thing. We have only one source of information about him which is the bible alone; that too more particularly from the Gospels. Everything we know about him is derived from the Gospels alone.

According to the Gospels, Jesus Christ was most popular and well-known personality who done splendid miracles and have the capacity of his own to pull the crowd. He not only done miracles but some revolutionary changes in religious system in the Jewish priesthood hence arrested and put to death before thousands of his followers who stood as eye witness. The historical view removes some exaggerated accounts in the life of Jesus in the Gospels taking into account.

Both of the views purely depend on the Gospels alone but, Are the Gospels give a reliable historical account? When the Gospels were written, where the gospels were written? which is the origin? Nobody knows. Earlier estimates dates the Gospels were written from 50 to 150CE and some ascertain that may be 4th Century. The traditional belief is that the Gospels had been written by the disciples of Jesus or someone who directly connected with them. It is believed that the Gospels are the eyewitness.

Let us gain some knowledge about the Gospels and its writers through the account of early church leader Papias of 130CE. According to him the Gospel Mark was not written by him but it was someone named Mark and the Gospel of Mathew was recorded by someone named Mathew in Hebrew dialect and so on... Since the Gospel of Mathew contains the virgin birth of Jesus and the hereditary lineage with David, the early theologians thought it was the first Gospel. Since the Gospel of Luke was not an eyewitness in nature and it was a self described one. So there is no possibility for it being first one.

The Gospel of Mark is also considered as second hand information since the order of events was different in order. The source of information for Mark is Peter. There is a chance that Mark might come from Rome where Peter preached. Theologian ascertains The Gospel of Mark was the first Gospel. Since Peter was shown as a fool who could not understand the messages of Jesus, Peter could not be the source of information for Gospel of Mark hence Mark is the first gospel. (Cont....)

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

The Festival Of Mater Matuta

The Festival Of Mater Matuta
"COLOR OF THE DAY: Green "

INCENSE OF THE DAY: "Clove "

June 11 is the Festival of Mater Matuta, an old Italian goddess of the dawn whom the Romans eventually made equivalent to the dawn goddess Aurora, and the Greek goddess Eos.

Aurora, known among the Greeks as Eos, is honored on this day. It is she who opens the gates of heaven each day so that Helios may ride his chariot across the skies. Her tears create the morning dew. Try greeting Aurora today as she opens the gates of heaven. Walk barefoot through the grass, feeling her tears upon your skin. Connect with her eternally youthful soul.

Then, as Helios begins his journey across the sky, settle yourself in a quiet place outdoors and let the light bathe your face for a short time as you meditate on the beauty you bring into your world each day. Once you finish your meditations, pay tribute to Aurora for her task of opening the gates for each new day to bring light in the world. Take with you her beauty and grace as you go about your day and tasks.

By Winter Wren



Reference: mysteryvoodoo.blogspot.com

Thursday, February 26, 2015

Saint Andrew Love Divinations

Saint Andrew Love Divinations
The following love divinations for Saint Andrew's Feast are from pages 42 to 43 of Curiosities of Popular Customs and of Rites, Ceremonies, Observances, and Miscellaneous Antiquities by William S. Walsh (1925). Saint Andrew's feast is celebrated on November 30th of each year.

Luther in his "Table Talk" describes how on the evening of the feast of St. Andrew the young maids

in Germany would strip themselves naked and utter the following prayer: "Deus, Deus meus, o Sancte Andrea, efface ut bonum pium acquiram virum; hodie mihi ostende qualis sit cui me in uxorem ducere debet" ("God, my God, O Saint Andrew, bring it about that I may obtain a good affectionate husband; show me today what manner of man it is that shall lead me to the altar"). Probably there is an allusion to this custom in "The Popish Kingdom" of Naogeorgus, thus translated by Barnaby Googe:

"To Andrew all the lovers and the lusty women come,"

"Believing through his aid and certain ceremonies done"

"(While as to him they presents bring, and conjure all the night)"

"To have good luck, and to obtain their chief and sweet delight."

A pretty German superstition that still survives locally on St. Andrew's Day is the following:

To learn which of the persons present love each other, or will one day be united, a vessel with pure water is set on the table, and there are placed, to float upon the water, little cups of silver foil, inscribed with the names of those whose fortune is to be determined. If a youth's cup advances to a maiden's, or a maiden's to a youth's, it is worth while to note which makes the chief advances; and if they eventually cling together, they will be sweethearts. But little cups must also be set floating marked as priests; and it is only when the youth and the maid coming together get a priest between them that they can look forward with any certainty to marriage.

Reference: my-spiritual-path.blogspot.com

Wednesday, February 25, 2015

The Illustrated World Religions A Guide To Our Wisdom Traditions

The Illustrated World Religions A Guide To Our Wisdom Traditions

BOOK: THE ILLUSTRATED WORLD RELIGIONS A GUIDE TO OUR WISDOM TRADITIONS BY HUSTON SMITH

This book has deep respect for the wisdom traditions and Huston Smith has lived this. A practicing Methodist, Smith had discussions with the Vendanta Society, does Hatha Yoga, and prays five times a day like the Muslims. His perspective is not one looking for divisions within a religion, but as an outsider wanting to understand the experiences. For example, in discussing Islam, he talks about the Sufis, but not about the division between Sunnis and Shi'ites.

In lucid and captivating prose, Smith, the dean of world religionists, conducts readers on a whirlwind tour of the beliefs, practices and experiences of the world's religious traditions. Smith explores the major features of these religions by combining his own worlds with passages from the sacred texts of each. In addition, beautifully arresting images of icons, religious Practitioners, sacred texts and sacred art accompany Smith's lyrical writing. The words and images of this book continually remind us that the world's faiths are not stagnant pools of decaying values but dynamic and vibrant waters from which their practitioners daily drink. The book also brings within range of our American hearing the voices of a wide variety of people for whom religion is the central fact of social and cultural life. If one buys only one of the number of recent introductions to World Religions, this should be it.

This book is less about details, facts, and religious holidays, and more about the underlying meaning and unique insight of each religion. E.g., in discussing Hinduism he looks at "What people really want", about a wearing out of the material world. In the chapter of Judaism he discusses meaning in history and justice.

The illustrations complement the text with a symbolic sense of the culture and beliefs. Looking at a sculpture of a very sensual Shiva with consorts helps one realize that the Hindu view of pleasure may be different than your own. The Buddhist and Taoism paintings project a sense of peace. The photographs of the worshippers are very respectful.

Huston has obviously done a great deal of research in the area of World religions. This work is an interesting and informative guide to Understanding why people believe what they believe. In each section he gives a brief discussion of the history of each system of belief (for instance, he talks about Siddhartha's life in the section about Bhuddism). He then continues to discuss the main points, or fundamental beliefs, of each religion. In these discussions, Huston is concise and incredibly informative. Again, it's very obvious that he's done his homework. I found all of these sections very illuminating.

All of the major branches of religion are repressented here (both oriental and occidental thought). That doesn't necesarilly mean that all of the offshoots of any particular religion are repressented --that would probably lead to a much larger, more cumbersome work. With this in mind, Huston's book is an excellent source of information on the various world religions. I would recomend the book to anybody with an interest in religion. It is an excellent tool to help you understand the world, and is well worth the read.

Buy Huston Smith's book: The Illustrated World Religions A Guide To Our Wisdom Traditions

Books in PDF format to read:Right - Travel In Spiritual Worlds A Complete Guide On Astral Travels

Pauline Bradford Mackie Hopkins - Ye Lyttle Salem Maide A Story Of Witchcraft

Pauline Bradford Mackie Hopkins - Ye Lyttle Salem Maide A Story Of Witchcraft Ocr Version

Robert Ellwood - The Encyclopedia Of World Religions

William Lilly - Anima Astrologiae Or A Guide For Astrologers


Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Mantra To Remove Stomach Pain

Mantra To Remove Stomach Pain
This is a Health Mantra which is said to remove stomach pain; even that of the most chronic type. The Siddhi [mastery over the mantra] has to acquired by chanting the mantra 12,500 times.The to use it on a patient or yourself you have to take some water in a small utensil and recite this Mantra 21 times while holding the utensil in your hand. This will bind the water with the mantra. It is said that drinking this water will remove the stomach pain

MantraOm namo itthi mitthi bhasma kuru kuru swaha ll


ll

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Monday, February 16, 2015

The Hillary Raimo Show

The Hillary Raimo Show
"HILLARY RAIMO " renowned expert on Multi-dimensional Healing. An Internationally known Clairvoyant, Hillary specializes in communicating how the healing process frees consciousness from the 3D of physical reality and enables the energy body to transcend dis-ease. Read more about Hillary

'"Hillary Raimo is a unique combination of healer, journalist, and spiritual leader. She has the pitch-perfect combination of left brain intellect and right brain intuition. If she writes it, I read it... so I can know what's really going on in this world." ~" LORRAINE ROE, WINNER OF 4 EMMY AWARDS FOR INVESTIGATIVE TV JOURNALISM AND AUTHOR OF THE PSYCHIC HOUSEWIVES' HANDBOOK ( HAMPTON ROADS PUBLISHING) "Hillary is a profound healer. She has the ability to bring individuals to the center of their Truth. There is magic in the way she provides safety so that anyone can master all that keeps them from being fully connected and expressed." ESATEYS, FORMER BOARD MEMBER OF DEEPAK CHOPRA'S CENTER FOR MIND/BODY CONNECTION, AUTHOR OF "HELP I'M TRAPPED IN A BODY! THE POWER OF THE TOTAL BODY MATRIX "Hillary Raimo is a great source of inspiration for those struggling to discover a deeper spiritual understanding about the mystery of life. She shares examples of awakening though her own life lessons, and encourages others to become curious and expand their own awareness of the essential meaning of existence." - ANNAMARIA HEMMINGWAY, AUTHOR OF "PRACTICING CONSCIOUS LIVING AND DYING "I have published many books on extremely varied subjects such as astrology, past-life regression, geology, biology, sacred geometry, and the Mayan Calendar. My work has been devoted to revealing the ancient Cherokee/Pleiadian records that were given to me by my Cherokee grandfather. Now we are poised to make the critical leap, the next stage of our evolution, and these records are helping us move into heart resonance with Earth. Hillary has a brilliant mind that is focused on healing and consciousness, and she is drawing together some of the most meaningful teachers and thinkers of our time. Since we are poised to discover ourselves within Earth's heart now, Hillary is one of our major guides for navigating a potentially treacherous and exhilarating leap into full consciousness. " ~ "BARBARA HAND CLOW INTERNATIONAL MAYAN ELDER (COMUNIDAD INDIGENA MAYA), CHEROKEE RECORD KEEPER, AND INTERNATIONALLY ACCLAIMED CEREMONIAL TEACHER AND AUTHOR OF THE MAYAN CODE: TIME ACCELERATION AND AWAKENING THE WORLD MIND, ALCHEMY OF NINE DIMENSIONS, THE PLEIADIAN AGENDA (BEAR margin-top: 0pt;">"Hillary's story is breathtaking and her energy infectious. I can't wait to read her book."

VICTORIA MORAN, AUTHOR OF" CREATING A CHARMED LIFE, SHELTER FOR THE SPIRIT"Hillary had a wealth of information on many different healing modalities that helped to contribute to our documentary in countless way. Her presence on camera was remarkable as she was very comfortable in front of the camera. We know that Hillary's contribution to The Path documentary will make it that much more successful!'" -APRIL HANNAH, PRODUCER OF "THE PATH DOCUMENTARY"

"I heard you on Red Ice Creations Radio. You are the first feminine voice I have heard that deals with both Earthly and Metaphysical issues succinctly, intelligently, and with intriguing perspective"." - ANDREA, GEORGIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

THE HILLARY RAIMO SHOW


Matters for Mind, Body "> Listen by phone: 323-474-0045

Call-In Numbers


602-412-4949

917-677-5151


888-235-7374

UK 020-3318-9528


Skype Us FREE! @ ar.call.in

LISTEN NOWNow Syndicated on WPRT Paranormal Radio

www.WPRTradio.com

"The Meeting of Minds and Voices..."


Monday, February 9, 2015

Review Goddess Girls Athena The Brain And Persephone The Phony By Joan Holub And Suzanne Williams

Publisher: Aladdin

Format: Paperback

Released: April 6th, 2010

Grade rating: B

Amazon summary:


Athena has always been above average. She's never quite fit in at Triton Junior High, but who would've guessed that Athena is actually a "goddess?" Principal Zeus's daughter, to be exact. When she's summoned to Mount Olympus Academy, Athena thinks she might actually fit in for the first time in her life. But in some ways, school on Mount Olympus is not that different from down on Earth, and Athena is going to have to deal with the baddest mean girl in history -- Medusa!

Review:


Goddess Girls is a really cute series for younger readers, and I'm guessing it's like Percy Jackson for tween girls. I've never read the Percy Jackson series though, so that's just a generlisation based on my knowledge from watching the movie.

Goddess Girls focuses on one Triton Junior High girl per book, and starts with Athena, daughter of Principal Zeus. Athena's quite quiet and shy, having just come from earth after learning she's the relative of a Greek God. She quickly makes friends with fellow students Persephone, Aphrodite and Artemis, and they form a bond that I think will last for life. I personally didn't love Athena, as I found her slightly irritating. Still, she was a good character to kick off the series with.

Things on Mount Olympus soon start to heat up, as Medusa causes some trouble for the Goddess Girls. They have to put their heads together to solve the problem, and their attempts often have hilarious consequences. The story has some good moral messages throughout, and I bet tweens will love it. It's fun and interesting, and would be a great educational aid for classes on Greek myths. I even learnt something new myself!

Publisher: Aladdin

Format: Paperback

Released: April 6th, 2010

Grade rating: B/B+

Amazon summary:


As Persephone's mother encourages her to do, she often "goes along to get along" instead of doing what she really wants. But when she meets Mount Olympus Academy bad-boy Hades, she finally feels she has found someone with whom she can be herself. He's the first person who actually "listens" to her, and she finds herself liking him, despite the fact that the other goddessgirls think he's bad news. But if he makes her feel so special -- and so comfortable -- can he really be all that bad?

Review:


Persephone the Phony is my favourite of the first two books, as I liked Persephone slightly more than Athena, and this one even had a little sprinkling of romance, with none other than bad boy Hades! Well, he's not bad really, everyone just thinks he is. Instead, he's a sweet, thoughtful guy with an interest in Persephone, and a kick-ass black stallion that he rides around on. Life's great if you're a God of the Underworld, eh?

I really like how these books incorporate Greek mythology into the everyday trials and tribulations of growing up. It's such a cool way to learn about history, and I wish there had been something like this when I had to snooze my way through boring lessons in primary school. Although each story seems quite short to me, I think they're just the right length for tweens, and would be a great pick for reluctant readers.

I'm looking forward to reading the other 2 books in the series later in the year, and then I think I'll move on to Percy Jackson. These Greek types are cool!

Source: theartofastralprojection.blogspot.com

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Magical Moon Foods

Magical Moon Foods
FOR AS LONG AS CAN BE REMEMBERED, THE MOON HAS BEEN BELIEVED TO RULE MAGIC, WATER AND WOMEN. CERTAIN FOODS ARE IDENTIFIED AS LUNAR FOODS; BELIEVING THEY TRANSMIT THE EFFECTS OF THE MOON AND ARE ABLE TO IMPART GREAT PSYCHIC POWER. SINCE WE ARE COMING UPON THE SEASON OF YULE, WHEN THE POWER OF THE "FULL MOON" IS CONSIDERED STRONGEST, IT COULD WELL BE BENEFICIAL TO CONSUME THESE FOODS TO INCREASE ONE'S "MOONS POWER".

THOSE WISHING TO ALIGN THEMSELVES WITH THE MOON ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSUME THESE FOODS.

AMONG THESE LUNAR FOODS ARE THE FOLLOWING:


*CAKE, SPECIFICALLY ROUND CAKES WITH CANDLES. THE TRADITIONAL ROUND BIRTHDAY CAKE DERIVES, FROM THIS ANCIENT RITUAL PRACTICE. AN ALTERNATIVE OPTION IS CRESCENT - OR HORN-SHAPED BREAD OR CAKES, SUCH AS "CROISSANTS".

*CHEESE, NOT THE LEGENDARY "GREEN" CHEESE OF WHICH THE MOON IS SUPPOSEDLY COMPOSED OF, BUT ROUND WHITE CHEESES, SUCH AS GOAT CHEESE, BRIE OR PROVOLONE.

*CRABS AND CRAYFISH; THE CREATURE ASSIGNED TO THE ASTROLOGICAL SIGN CANCER, THE ONLY SIGN BELONGING TO THE MOON, IS THE CRAB. THOSE BORN UNDER THE SIGN OF CANCER ARE BELIEVED TO RESEMBLE CRABS, LEADING TO MANY JOKES ABOUT CRABBY PERSONALITIES. IN MEDITERRANEAN REGIONS, CRABS ARE INTENSELY AFFILIATED WITH THE MOON.

IN CENTRAL AND EASTERN EUROPE, ESPECIALLY IN THOSE AREAS WHOSE MAGICAL TRADITIONS WERE HEAVILY INFLUENCED BY THE ROMANY, THE CRAYFISH IS THE LUNAR ANIMAL PAR EXCELLENCE. CRAYFISH, BEING FRESH-WATER CRUSTACEANS, ARE COOKED IN MANY WAYS. THEIR SHELLS ARE TRADITIONALLY DRIED AND PRESERVED FOR AMULETS, PARTICULARLY FOR "FERTILITY" LONG BELIEVED TO BE THE MOON'S MAGICAL GIFT.

GOOD LUCK, GOOD LOVE AND GOOD MOON MAGIC!

LORY

Amazon.com Widgets


Holysite

Holysite

EARTH IS THE HOLY LAND

by Winged Disk.

Many pagans live in cities, or areas that have been dominated by
governmental/corporate energy. Some of us live near nuclear power
plants, toxic wast sites, or other such sites. We feel a need to
always "go out to a wilderness area" to work our magick because where we live has been "tainted". This belief that our magick is somehow
less effective due to location can diminish our effectiveness.
We need to evolve our belief systems. Earth is a divine being. We
are Her children. Everything, all life on Earth is sacred. By consec- rating any part of Earth as a sacred site. we can help ourselfs know our divine essence functions effectively anywhere. We heal ourselfs, we heal the land when we reclaim/give areas "back" to the Earth.
For example, a toxic waste dump appears to be dead, powerless, or
corrupted. By dedication that land to the Earth and consecrating that land as divine we help Earth disturbed energy. An individual or group can transform an entire city into a Magickal land. Again. In all nows.
On August 17, 1987, our group laid around the city of Birmingham,
Alabama, a medicine wheel made of medicine wheels measuring 8000 feet across. We made Birmingham "a place of compacting power" for healing the Earth and Her peoples. We know we now live in a truly sacred
Magickal land.
We encourage any person or group to bless the Earth. Here is the
ritual we used:
Obtain a map of the area and a highlighter pen
Draw your symbol on the map. We used our home as the
center. Use any symbol which means most to you.
a pentacle, an ankh, the Earth symbol, a medicine wheel,
celtic stome circle, or whatever feels right.
Decide where the "beginning" of the symbol is. For example
since our home was the center of the medicine wheel,
we created our home as a "mother stone" of the medicine
wheel.
List the street locations of where the symbol falls on the
map. Or list where the 4 quarters or 5 points or whatever
and center of your symbol are.
Choose a time to consecrate the area. You may wish to visit the
the sites prior to the actual time of the ceremony. By pre-
viously checking each site we were able to find safe,
legal, public land.
On the day/time you have selected, each person and the group
dedicate themselfs to healing the Earth and Her Peoples.
Meditate, pray, call quarters, invoke dietys or whatever
is your way.
Then consecrate the area by Magickally "drawing" your symbol on
the area. As you go to each site, maintain an awareness that
you are blessing the entire area. Bless, dedicate, protect,
sanctify each site you have selected.
When you have completed the symbol, return to the center and
visualize the symbpl over the area healing the Earth, Raise
a cone of power to energize your creation and manifest
wholeness.
You may be amazed by the sites you find. We had Two country clubs,
hospitals, and several schools among our "stones." If more than one group makes their symbol in an area SO MOTE IT BE! Earth will arrange the energy as She needs. We chose the Medicine Wheel because it is of the Magick of Turtle Island. We are all Earth. Each of our images have power. It is the power of All that is, Earth, AND the people which make the symbol holy.

If you would like more information on this contact can be made by
writing:
Terry McCombs
4321-5th ave.south B
Birmingham, AL 35222.

phone (205) 591-6134.



Source: spells-and-chants.blogspot.com

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Kadal Katti Shark Charmers Of Ancient South India As Observed By Marco Polo

Kadal Katti Shark Charmers Of Ancient South India As Observed By Marco Polo
Image credit:1990 Painting by Kozyndan

SHARK CHARMERS - MAIN FEATURE OF FISHERIES


Till 1885, the main feature of fisheries in Asia was the services of the shark charmers or binders of sharks and their presences were considered essential by the superstition of Indian divers. The fishermen relied on the supernatural powers of these imposters and would refrain from diving without their supervision. It is not known which period influenced this idea but in 1294 when Marco Polo paid a visit, they were in full bloom of their authority and received one twentieth of the total catch of oyster amounting to a very considerable sum of money.

Being a very alert observer, Marco Polo had related some interesting details with regards to Tamil customs of his contemporary times. It seems that he was in South India on two occasions and the second time was during his journey to Persia on the way back to Venice. He mentioned about the charming of sharks by the use of mantras. He states`and they must also pay those men who charm the great fishes, to prevent them from injuring the divers, whilst engaged in seeking pearls under water, one twentieth part all that they take. Their charm hold good for that day only, for at night they dissolve the charm so that the fishes can work mischief at their will'.

SHARKS - DANGERS TO DIVERS


These shark charmers existed till about fifty years ago and were known as `kadal-katti. Sharks were the main occupational dangers to divers and being superstitious the divers would consult the shark charmers before starting their expedition underwater.

The divers would not venture out at sea till they would receive an assurance from the shark charmers that the mouth of the sharks remains close at their command.At every fishery, there were at least two or three shark charmers in attendance where one would go out at sea with the fleet while the other would recite mantras, performing some rituals on the shore.

The shark charmer would lock himself in a closed room and would sit before a brass basin which would be filled with magic water obtained from a secret well in which were silver replicas of male and female sharks. With this the shark charmer would get to know if there would be shark attack on a diver for one shark in the basin would bite the other.

By midday a signal would be made to stop work and the boats would head for the coast lining up close to the shore in front of a huge enclosure which was called as the kottu or oyster store.

THREE EQUAL HEAPS - DIVISION OF ANCIENT ORIGIN


This comprised of nine open huts which were divided into compartments where the divers carried their catch into them depositing them in the compartment in three equal heaps which was a division of ancient origin.

Two heaps were chosen by the British official as the Government's share while the third was left for the diver. While the divers took their oysters to sell or open, the Government's share was counted and auctioned to the merchants.

Thereafter the oysters were placed in small pits along the sea and allowed to decompose where the final remains were rinsed and the pearls were picked out and graded, The haul of the pearls which were of great value for their golden hue made their way to Bombay where they were perforated and tied into ropes and later on sent to dealers and brokers all across the globe.

Monday, February 2, 2015

Jewish Interfaith Marriage

Jewish Interfaith Marriage
StudProfCourse14 November 2007 Judaic Interfaith Marriages and Its Possible Impact on JudaismIn the Judaic conception t here(predicate) is a lot concern and ambivalency over the rear of interfaith marriages - Jews marrying non-Jews. Those who atomic number 18 not familiar with their religion and custom may drive it ticklish to understand why much(prenominal) a dilemma exists in the raw world. A experienceing that is not lost in younger generations of Jews. This has prompted galore(postnominal) to seek answers whether the Jewish race is threatened by this clean trend or volition it result in something elseThis will attempt to shed light on the prevalent misconception that s (a.k.a. intermarriages ) are eliminating Judaism in America. This is because some studies bespeak to the turnabout the high rate of interma rriages rotter even reenforce Jewish identity - ethnic distinctiveness and Jewish subtlety - when the corporation, family and institutions welcome the intermarried couple into their midstMost of the ideas and concepts that will be utilise here are taken from Calvin Goldscheider s twin works an bind entitle Are American Jews Vanishing Again ? And a do empower Studying the Jewish Future. Unless noted other than the proponent will liber entirelyy use Goldsheider s point of attend, which is bankers betrothal of interfaith marriages as a positive force that is plastic modern day JudaismIn ContextOne gener tout ensembley accepted rule is to never marry a non-Jew. And this may perhaps relieve the reason why even in the 21st atomic number 6 Jews can boast of an unbroken descent that stretches even as far back to antiquity. It is this decision to survive against all odds that made them a ridiculous mess groupThere are at least two major(ip) reasons why the Jews fee l this way. First of all it is fibre of th! eir religious feelings that it is much better to marry fellow Jews than to be yoked with an unbeliever.

This is also a practice rooted in practicality because it would be difficult for an outsider to follow all the obscure rules and rituals that a Jewish person should observed to maintain his or her status in the communitySecondly, the Jews are conscious of the fact that their people survived countless trials, tribulations and the strain of time precisely because of their enduring belief that they should stick together. To fully understand their point of view one has to pound deep into their sacred books. The Jewish news, in the book of Yehoshua (Joshua, on the third chapter, one can see a list of ancient peoples that co-existed with the Jews and these are the : 1 ) Canaanites 2 ) Hittites 3 ) Hivites 4 Perizzites, 5 ) Girgashites 6 ) Amorites and 7 ) JebusitesOne may provide to look hard and scour the modern world change of location far and wide and lifelessness could not find both single trace of the same people groups. They are all gone. But the Jews lie. There is no fill to elaborate upon the horrors that this group has encountered in the thousands of years...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: OrderCustomPaper.com

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Sunday, February 1, 2015

Healing Oil

Healing Oil
Psychoanalysis OIL Psychoanalysis Oil, Triple Last1/2 Up in the air Little Pane Be able to ~ 49.95Psychoanalysis Oil brings about gentleness, protection, and healing on all levels. Use for physical maladies, affecting troubles, spiritual crises, financial suspicions, and all other issues you possibly will come into contact with. * Fund gentleness and confusion to yourself, cherished one, and your home * Distinguish a enhance, expand flatten life with tabloid anointing * Stops ills and negative energy from dressed in and bringing you downHOW TO USE Run through OILS!Strap up OILS - Strap up is the act of using an oil on an item to add the be against or power of the oil. Extensive items that are honorable would be candles that are to be burned in a ritual, the tools hand-me-down in spell casting or ritual work such as chalices, athames, and other tools, and even the altar itself. Sundry faithful use of oils in bind up would be certain totems that are carried by a beast such as mojo belongings or hands, amulets, talismans, rings, and charms. Numberless sprint as a consequence dress corners of the home, data and entrance doors, and systematically items that belong to discrete beast, in addition the held of the magick ritual.ANOINTING OILS - Anointing with oils is the act of placing a trifling cutback of the oil on the dead body itself. The practice of anointing is in black and white about in the Bible, and is from one place to another absolutely not getting any younger. Oils call for be ended with ingredients that are not goodbye to put away harm to the bombard, but as somebody is distinct any oil hand-me-down call for be hardened in a very trifling flat to make sure you handhold no allergic reaction to it. Specific live in blend together anointing and bind up by anointing the clothes or shoes of the held or themselves. Anointing with oil is believed to add that power or energy to the wearer and they emboss this with them all day ache.FEEDING OILS - Passing through oils to stuff an understanding or totem is very uncommunicative to bind up, and more exactly systematically totems such as mojo belongings, amulets, and other spell cast charms are modest strong for their be against by adding together tabloid to their power with a bind up of oil. Specific accept a simple cutback or two masses, in addition on cloth belongings, but others having the status of to wipe down an amulet or ring with oil scientifically. Elaborate OILS - Elaborate Oil is discrete stipulation that overlaps in definition but is the outfit of using an oil in the act of casting a spell or performance a ritual. Supreme oils could be carefulness of as would like oils. Specific oils are expand systematically hand-me-down simply to dress a candle with one cutback spell other sprint possibly will surge a ring in an oil. Either way they can be believed to be would like oils hand-me-down in conjuring.Use your ritual oils creatively. Notify that Papa Laugh has worked to pledge these oils handhold the full effect of an inner self of the able-bodied ingredients along with herbs, minerals, extraction, and expand. All oils are seal in pane bottles for a ache life.The prepare line of Papa Laugh Run through Oils can be found fashionable.

Credit: masonsofheaven.blogspot.com


Saturday, January 31, 2015

Being Poor

Being Poor
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There are over 600 stories and commentaries on this blog


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In response to the


New Orleans Hurricane disaster, John Scalzi wrote Being Poor, a list of statements about what being poor is like.Being poor is knowing exactly how much everything costs.

Being poor is having to keep buying 800 cars because they're what you can afford, and then having the cars break down on you, because there's not an 800 car in

America that's worth IT.

Being poor is hoping the toothache goes away.

Being poor is knowing your kid goes to friends' houses but never has friends over to yours.

Being poor is going to the restroom before you get in the school lunch line so your friends will be ahead of you and won't hear you say "I get free lunch" when you get to the cashier.

Being poor is living next to the freeway.

Being poor is coming back to the car with your children in the back seat, clutching that box of Raisin Bran you just bought and trying to think of a way to make the kids understand that the box has to last.

Being poor is a heater in only one room of the house.

Being poor is hoping your kids don't have a growth spurt.

Being poor is stealing meat from the store, frying it up before your mom gets home and then telling her she doesn't have make dinner tonight because you're not hungry anyway.

Being poor is not enough space for everyone who lives with you.

Being poor is feeling the glued soles tear off your supermarket shoes when you run around the playground.

Being poor is thinking 8 an hour is a really good deal.

Being poor is a bathtub you have to empty into the toilet.

Being poor is stopping the car to take a lamp from a stranger's trash.

Being poor is people angry at you just for walking around in the mall.

Being poor is people thinking they know something about you by the way you talk.

Being poor is needing that 35-cent raise.

Being poor is your kid's teacher assuming you don't have any books in your home.

Being poor is six dollars short on the utility bill and no way to close the gap.

Being poor is a six-hour wait in an emergency room with a sick child asleep on your lap.

Being poor is never buying anything someone else hasn't bought first.

Being poor is knowing you're being judged.

Being poor is checking the coin return slot of every soda machine you go by.

Being poor is feeling helpless when your child makes the same mistakes you did, and won't listen to you beg them against doing so.

Being poor is making sure you don't spill on the couch, just in case you have to give it back before the lease is up.

Being poor is people who have never been poor wondering why you choose to be so.

Being poor is knowing how hard it is to stop being poor.

Being poor is seeing how few options you have.

Being poor is running in place.

Being poor is people wondering why you didn't leave. "He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD,

and he will reward him for what he has done."

Proverbs 19:17

"Christianity by Refex"...new series began on "WYRICK'S WRITINGS"..and will continue each week until finished.

"Death by Envy" has begun and will continue each week until finished.

Some recent topic titles on his other blog, Whrick's Writings are:ONE LOG ON A FIRE, TWO JOLLY GREEN GIANTS; LOVE AND FORGIVENESS, WISDOM IS

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. Wyrick's 9TH BOOK "THE SPIRITUAL ABRAHAM LINCOLN" Into this fray, a political Lincoln, a military Lincoln and a spiritual Lincoln moved toward monumental decisions. Struggling for truth, sometimes befuddled by reality, this man who knew his Bible as well as some preachers would often be asked if he thought God was on the side of the North. His reply always remained the same. "My concern is not whether God is on our side. My great concern is to be on God's side."9 It would be difficult to place too much emphasis on the spiritual undergirdings he brought to every decision. This child of the wilderness had had no city lights to mute the stars or compete with moonlight. He had watched his own growing, side by side with all the other growing things in field and forest. It seemed natural to him to ponder that human life must be more of mind, and soul a reality

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Friday, January 30, 2015

Night Of The Sprits Castles And Crusades 99 Cent Sale

Night Of The Sprits Castles And Crusades 99 Cent Sale
I love sales, especially when you can get some real bargains. NIGHT OF THE SPIRITS for C&C is one of those real bargains.

It's newly released and currently priced at 99 cents. At quick glance it looks great for Halloween play or anytime you want to disturb your players. No, i haven't read enough to give a review of it, but in general C&C adventures are good quality and easy to use with anything from the OSR to 3x and probably even Pathfinder, although admittedly the later the ruleset the more work needed to convert

No idea how long the price is good for.

From the blurb:


AT THE END OF EACH YEAR COMES THE MONTH AND HOLIDAY OF SAMONIOS, SAMHAIN OR NOS GALAN GAEAF, OR HALLOWEEN. THIS IS THE TIME WHEN THE WORLDS ARE DRAWN TOGETHER AND MONSTERS, GODS AND THE SPIRITS OF ANCESTORS WANDER BETWEEN THEM. IT IS A DANGEROUS AND DARK TIME IN WHICH THE MOST HOLY AND SACRED OF IDEAS MEAN MORE THAN THEY EVER HAVE BEFORE IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. IT IS A TIME FOR THE DEAD AND TO HONOR THEM. EVENTS IN THE LAST YEAR WERE STEEPED IN BLOODY BATTLES, THE DEATH OF KINGS AND ENCROACHING EVIL FROM THE OTHERWORLD. THE SEERS AND MADMEN FORETELL THAT THE OMENS ARE IN PLACE TO BRING A WRATHFUL INVASION FROM THE LAND OF MAGIC. MOST NOBLES AND LORDS SCOFF AT THESE SUPERSTITIOUS WORDS AND RIDICULE THEM, BUT THE COMMON-FOLK KNOW THAT THERE IS TRUTH IN THOSE PORTENTS AND OMENS. FAMILIES STAY CLOSE, HOLD THEIR FESTIVITIES IN HONOR OF THEIR ANCESTORS AND THE GODS, BUT STAY WARY OF THE DANGERS THAT MIGHT FIND THEIR WAY INTO THEIR DARKENED HOMES AND LIVES. BUT FOR THE YOUNG OR UNWARY.... LITTLE ADDOLGAR AP MAELON GOF HAS WANDERED INTO THE THICK FOLIAGE OF THE COED CELYDDON, LURED BY THE MANY COLORED PLAYFUL LIGHTS THAT HE SAW DANCING AND LAUGHING. NOW THE YOUNG DARK HAIRED CHILD OF TEN WINTERS IS DEEP IN THE MIST-SHROUDED FOREST SOAKED IN OTHERWORLD ENERGIES. A STORM IS BREWING IN THE DARK WOODS, STIRRING THE TREES AND CAUSING THE LIMBS AND BOUGHS TO CRACK AND KNOCK AGAINST EACH OTHER. OWLS HOOT IN THEIR HAUNTING VOICE AND SOMEWHERE DISTANT, WOLVES HOWL. ADDOLGAR CLIMBS OVER FALLEN TREES AND MAKES HIS WAY IN BRAMBLE PATCHES TRYING TO GET CLOSER TO THE MYSTERIOUS LIGHTS IN THE BOUGHS OF THE TREES. NIGHT OF SPIRITS plunges you into the heart of Nos Galan Gaeaf, bringing your characters face to face with the Otherworld and the true horrors of the holiday! NIGHT OF SPIRITS is an adventure for 3-5 characters of around 4th-6th level.

Source: my-spiritual-path.blogspot.com

Prebyteries Dancing Like Puppets

Prebyteries Dancing Like Puppets
Sometimes reading is hazardous to a sense of reality. Trust can be broken in the midst of a hierarchy of words.

Several Pastors, within and without the PCUSA, recently blogged on the Advisory Committee on the Constitution's advise on the Presbytery of Charlotte's questions about the transfer of ministers and Congregations to Transitional Presbyteries.

The two questions were:


Can a presbytery dismiss a congregation to a transitional presbytery in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church?

Can a presbytery dismiss a minister of the Word and Sacrament to a transitional presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church?

One blogger who is an Evangelical Presbyterian Church Pastor is naturally interested. Pastor David Fischler of the The Reformed Pastor wrote Down the Rabbit Hole. And Presbyterian USA Pastor Toby Brown of Classical Presbyterian wrote, Ex Cathedra: The ACC of the PC(USA) takes aim at dismissals to the EPC. The first blog posting I read about the advisory was after returning home from a Presbytery meeting. It was written by Pastor Bob Davis at Presbyblog. He wrote, May 6, 2008: ACC recommends Authoritative Interpretation regarding transitional presbyteries.

Davis points out the advisory's recommendations to Presbyteries. He writes:

"The provisions of G-15.0203 a and b do, however, require that the General Assembly, as the highest governing body of this denomination, advise its presbyteries in this matter. The 218th General Assembly (2008) therefore advises the presbyteries that they must satisfy themselves concerning the conformity with this denomination of a transitional presbytery of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) in matters of doctrines and order. Presbyteries may facilitate the exploration of conformity by means of an administrative commission, although such commissions may not be empowered to approve the dismissal of the congregation. In exploring this matter, presbyteries should consider such questions as whether the receiving EPC presbytery is

*


doctrinally consistent with the essentials of Reformed theology as understood by the presbytery;

*


governed by a polity that is consistent in form and structure with that of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A);

*


of sufficient permanence to offer reasonable assurance that the congregation is not being dismissed to de facto independence.

Failure on the part of the presbytery thoroughly to explore and adequately to document its satisfaction in these matters may thus violate, however unintentionally, the spirit of the polity of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). "

Davis also wrote, "This is a pure regulatory move. It is not missional in design. It would take away authority from the presbyteries and establish greater authority in the higher "governing" bodies. It would have a chilling effect on congregations trying to discern where God is calling -- heightening the sense of distrust."

I was surprised by Pastor Davis's posting. The reason I was surprised: I thought that the advisory must have been posted for several weeks on PC-BiZ and instead it was only posted on May the 6th the day of our Presbytery meeting.

I had already read the Advisory and saw how it had been used since it was a part of the papers posted on our presbytery's web site a week ago. And it was used in the first report written by a mediating team concerning a church in our presbytery seeking dismissal from the PCUSA. The first two meetings with the teams from both the church and the presbytery were held on April the 9th and 11th. So I have two questions concerning these papers.

* I wonder how many other mediating teams in other presbyteries are receiving this advice from Louisville or more succinctly the Office of the General Assembly before it is even voted on by General Assembly?
* I also wonder if other mediating teams are giving out the suggestion this team did in its first report? That is, given the advisory recommendation to the Presbyteries, "We noted that these issues were the subject of a Request for interpretation from the Presbytery of Charlotte that is currently pending before the General Assembly for consideration at the June meeting, and Presbytery [Sacramento] might choose to defer making a determination with respect to those issues until the General Assembly acted on that Request."

In other words, the suggestion was being given that our Presbytery might just want to put this off until after General Assembly. As it happened mediation broke down without this ploy being used. I am not blaming our Presbytery, I am not blaming the mediating team. I am just saying it seems like Presbyteries are becoming puppets on a string being pulled by others in Louisville. That isn't connectionalism, its madness because it will simply further erode any small bit of trust left in the Church.

"(It should be noted that this church asked to be dismissed to the EPC not to a transitional presbytery.)"

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Sacrifice Vs Obedience

Sacrifice Vs Obedience
Throughout the course of this year, I've been reading Psalms each and every morning. If you've spent any time in this longest book of the Bible (if you haven't, shame on you! :) ), you'd know that the writers talk about anything from journeys to Jerusalem to the restoration of the Temple to the Lord's power to prayers to forgiveness, and so on. There are so many good truths to gain from reading this book, but I've found that as I am struggling with something, God's responses to my struggles always stand out as I read His Word. After all, even some of the Biblical greats struggled with things from time to time.

Lately, it's been King David's writing that has spoken to me the most. (I am not talking about the King David from Swaziland, if you read that blog...I am pretty sure he doesn't know how to write). There are a few times in the book of Psalms where David is not doing too well. In Psalm 51 David says to the Lord, "You do not desire a sacrifice, or I would offer one. You do not desire a burnt offering. The sacrifice you desire is a broken spirit." Similarly, in Psalm 40 he says to the Lord "You take no delight in sacrifices or offerings."

I began to wonder what exactly this meant. The Old Testament is chock full of talk on sacrifices. There was a sacrifice for just about everything it seems. David himself lived in the Old Testament days. What sacrifice is it that the Lord doesn't desire? In Psalm 50 God speaks to the wicked people of that day and says that He has "no complaint about your sacrifices or the burnt offerings you constantly offer" but goes on to say that He doesn't need the bulls or the goats or the birds or the cattle.

I thought about all I have sacrificed this year. I've sold most of my belongings and put the others in storage for the year. I thought about all the time I sacrificed before the race to get ready for what was to come, and I thought about all the time I've sacrificed this year on the race. God has given me a servant's heart, so when something needs to get done I am usually the first to volunteer to help out. What I realized though was that in the midst of all this, I was going through the motions instead of turning to God and seeing what He wanted my daily sacrifice to look like. The work will always get done, but when God wants you to spend the day on the mountain with him - well, that's not something you want to miss.

I discovered that God doesn't want me - or anyone, for that matter - to go through these motions. What God wants is not the animal sacrifice, but he wants obedience. He wants us to lay down our lives each and every day and be obedient to Him - to serve and love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. God wants us to have the faith to know that He has everything under control, and we don't have to "sacrifice" our time trying to figure it all out. Truth be told, I can look back and see when I have been obedient and when I have not, based on the fruits of my actions - even when the entire time I thought I was sacrificing for God. Can you imagine what our lives would be like if we were obedient to Him?



Reference: candle-magic.blogspot.com

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Keep Calm And Carry On The Family Business

Keep Calm And Carry On The Family Business
"BY SHANNON LOPEZ"

Not your typical sort of travelling folk, they are Hunters. The bane of every creepy, crawly, glowing-eyed monster that dares go bump in the night. As the name implies, "hunters" are (usually) humans who make it their business to track down and eliminate anything of a mystical persuasion, including, demons, ghosts, witches, vampires, shape-shifters, wendigos, etc.

THE ROAD SO FAR...To be a hunter is a life on the road. For a number of reasons, most hunters cannot or will not put down roots. Mobility is key. Constantly on the move, a hunter could be tracking a corpse munching ghoul in Wichita one day then have to beat feet to clear out a nest of vampires in Denver the next. The ability to put a town in their rear view mirror is also essential as the local law tends to mistake the decapitation of a supernatural man-eater for the cold-blooded homicide. This is often why a hunter tends to avoid visiting the same town twice.

While a hunter dedicates his or her life to protecting mankind, the tables can turn whereby the hunter becomes the prey. In the world of the supernatural, a hunter makes quite a few enemies and sometimes that demon they exorcised back to hell takes it personally. It will makes it its business to crawl their way back up from the fiery abyss to murder a hunter in their bed. This stark reality makes it difficult and unwise to linger too long in one place. No, for the average hunter, a house with a white picket fence is out of the question, its endless hours on the road and cheap sleazy motels with roaches on the walls.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES: If a hunter expects to avoid becoming ghoul scat it's generally a good idea to maintain a strong mind and body. This includes and not limited to:

* A thorough understanding of mythology and lore (both world and local)
* Proficiency in various forms of martial arts (or general hand-to-hand combat).
* Expertise with both firearms and melee weapons
* Ability to read and pronounce Latin verses and incantations (knowledge of other dead languages is strongly encouraged).
* Access to research materials such as newspaper articles, journals, books, and other manuscripts (do not fear to use the local library!)
* Knowledge of federal and local police procedure (a fake FBI badge and a cheap suit can open a lot of doors in a supernatural investigation).
* A hearty dose of common sense! If you think it's a trap then it probably is. If you need back up then pick up the phone. Most hunters will set aside the lone-wolf mentality if it means getting a job done right.

WEAPONRY: (THE SHORT LIST)

"FIREARMS: "

* Shotguns with modified shells packed with rock salt are highly effective when used against creatures such as ghosts and demons. While it won't "kill" a ghost it can disrupt their manifested form granting a hunter valuable time to escape.
* A silver bullet from a handgun or rifle will put down a werewolf with ease when aimed at the head or heart.

BLADED WEAPONS:"

* Knives, axes, machetes, etc., can all be used to various effect, for example: the only way to kill a vampire is by decapitation (a wooden stake through the heart is like bringing a hotdog to a gun fight, useless). Blades made of or coated in silver, however, can harm or kill a wider range of beasts such as werewolves, shape-shifter, skin-walkers, fairies, and djinn.

THE ELEMENTS:


* Salt: Many cultures extol the virtues of salt as a purifying element. It is why every hunter "worth his/her salt" will carry a much of the stuff as possible. Demons and ghosts are incapable of crossing a salt line or circle and can in fact be harmed if they come into contact with it.
* Holy Water: It will burn a demon like acid, enough said.
* Iron: Did you ever wonder why old graveyards have an iron fence? It was believed that a wandering spirit or ghost could not pass through an iron barrier thus preventing them from harassing the world of the living. A hunter can use an iron rod against ghosts, demons, and other monsters.
* Fire: There are a few combinations to which fire can be applied:

- Fire: On its own it can kill creatures such as wendigos and rugarus.

- Fire + holy oil: can be used to trap or injure and angel.

- Fire + salt: when applied to the remains of a vengeful spirit will put it to rest once and for all.

MAGIC, CHARMS, AND THE LIKE:


* Spells to summon or banish spirits, hex bags to curse or protect, and sigils/ wards to keep evil in or out. A hunter that doesn't use magic is fighting with a severe handicap. It's a shameful waste of a powerful resource that can get them and others killed.

It's not an easy life being a hunter. No place to call home and life expectancy is... well it's a special thing when a hunter can die of old age. A thankless job where the risk is high and the rewards are few. However, sometimes "saving people" and "hunting things" can be all the motivation certain people need.

Sunday, January 25, 2015

It Beggining To Look A Lot Like Oak Moon

November is know as the Oak Moon. As the year turns darker, the nights grow longer, the moon is brighter. A time of reflection upon oneself, inner-searching, meditation. Transform yourself by learning what are your truths and lies. Perform insight spells.

Other names: Beaver Moon, Dark Moon, Fog Moon, Frosty Moon, Moon Before Yule, Owl Moon, Snow Moon, Storm Moon

Herbs: Sage and Chervil

Astrology: Sagittarius

THE OAK MOON ESBAT


The significance of each of the Esbats draws its influence from the changes in the earth around us. At this point in the wheel of the year, we have seen and accepted the demise in nature. We are taught as we look around the barren and frozen earth, that nothing dies that is not then reborn. We know implicitly that lying just beneath the surface, life waits to spring up around us anew. However, before this can happen the earth must rejuvenate to resurface refreshed and renewed with new purpose and energy. The Mood Goddess at this time is heavy with child - the Sun God, who shall be born at Yule. But before we celebrate the beginning of the return of the light at Yule, or the Winter Solstice (21st December), we celebrate the Oak Moon Esbat (15th December). It is now that we must take our lessons from the earth, accepting we all must rest before a new cycle begins, preparing to grow anew ourselves.

During the Oak Moon, a transition occurs, we move in this moon from death to birth, life renewed at the time of the Winter Solstice. With this in mind, it is a lovely idea to keep a candle burning from the Esbat to the Solstice, acknowledging the return of the light ahead, as the days begin once again to become longer. It is best, if you DECIDE TO KEEP A CANDLE BURNING, to use a contained candle such as a votive, which is designed for extended (and safe) burn times, always observing safety, which is especially important if you have small children or pets. As you light the first candle, recite something akin to:

"Fire of the Sun, illuminate the Earth"

"Bring back life with your rebirth"

"We await your coming, until your rise"

"To re-awake the Earth and nourish our lives"

THE CANDLE IS THEN EXTINGUISHED AT THE WINTER SOLSTICE, WHEN THE LIGHT RETURNS.

At the Esbat of the Oak Moon, there are many RELEVANT RITUALS. To "give candles as gifts" at this time of year is a WONDERFUL THING to do - symbolising our individual flames re-igniting at this powerful time of year.

SOURCE

http://brighterblessings.co.uk/articles/esbats.htm


Friday, January 23, 2015

Navadha Bhakti And Its Power

Navadha Bhakti And Its Power

Navadha Bhakti

WHAT IS NAVADHA BHAKTI?, IMPORTANCE OF NAVADHA BHAKTI, POWER OF NAVADHA BHAKTI, SOME NAMES OF DEVOTEES, SOME ADORER WHO ATTAINED THE NAVADHA BHAKTI, BEST WAYS TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF NAVADHA BHAKTI.

Bhakti is the easiest way to attain the aim of being human being. It is the smooth way to attain the god, It is the best way to enter in the divine world of subtle energies.

As per Indian mythology there are several names who attained the ultimate goal of life through the way of navadha bhakti.

SOME NAMES OF BHAKT OR DEVOTEES:


Shree Ram Bhakti - Hanumanji

Vishnu Bhakt - Prahlaad


Kaali Mata Bhakt - Shree Ram Krishna Param Hansa

Krishna Bhakt - Sudamaji


Vasudev Bhakt - Vidurji from Mahabharat era.

WHAT IS BHAKTI?Here I want to say that bhakti is the "exclusive devotion" of a person towards the specific god. It is the exclusive love of a devotee towards the god and because of this person continuously remains in the feeling of his beloved god. No effort is needed to remember the god, no specific time is needed, no rituals are needed, no decoration is needed.

Bhakti is above all type of karma-Kanda. It is above all types of rituals. Bhakti is beyond any type of physical process.

Lord Krishna says that "DEVOTEE BECOMES I", It means that there is no difference between god and devotee.

Lord Krishna also says that among all types of yoga like hat yoga, dhyan yoga, lay yoga, raj yoga etc. BHAKTI YOGA IS SUPERIOR.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS TO BECOME A BHAKT:It is also a truth that there is no need of any specific quality to do the bhakti. The only thing which is needed is devotion towards the god, love towards the god, faith towards the god.

Morality and virtue automatically arises within the devotee. Every good things automatically arises in the devotee.

Tulsi Bharose Ram Ke, Nirbhay Hoke Soye Anhoni Honi Nahi aur Honi Ho So Hoye

A devotee doesn't bother about any thing, it doesn't mean that he become careless or non working person. In spite a devotee does the work more finely because he believes that the god is the doer or performer. He is the puppet only and this feeling makes him free from any type of worry.

NAVADHA BHAKTI :In bhakti 'Navadha Bhakti' is the term which is used by scholars. It means in bhakti 9 types of characteristics arises in the devotee automatically. There is no need to make any effort but these 9 types of behavior seen in every bhakt or devotee.

1. Sharavn means Hearing the name of god.2. Kirtan means Chanting the name of god. 3. Smaran means remembering the name of god.4. Paadsevan means remembering and worshiping the feet of god.5. Archan means worshiping the god with physical things like flowers, fruits, cloths etc is archan.6. Vandan means laydown and worshiping the god with love.7. Daasya means to perform action as per the instructions given in our epics. To serve in temple, to serve people with the understanding that god dwells in every one is also the form of daasya.8. Sakhya means feeling of friend with the god and feel happy by seeing the leila of god.9. Aatmanivedan means leaving the conceit and believing that the god is the real doer. With this fact when a person devote to god and say every thing to god fearlessly then it is atmanevedan.

So the above are the 9 points of navadha bhakti. As per bhaagwat BHAKT is superior then all. Bhakti is the boon to the devotee. It is the result of virtue of many births.

A bhakt is beyond fear, a devotee is beyond greed, a devotee is beyond temptation. A devotee can easily attain the samaadhi naturally without any problem.

So devote your self, follow the sacred path of bhakti, enter in the world of divine peace, get the utmost from this life. WATCH ONLINE THE NAVADHA BHAKTI SONG FROM RAMAYAN:

Jay shree Krishna. Om Namah shivay.Om Namo Bhagwate Vasudevay.Shree Krishna Sharnam Mum.

READ MORE ON:Success Through Hanuman Chalisa.108 Names of Goddess Durga.108 Names of Goddess laxmi.108 Names of Lord Ganesha108 Names of Lord ShivaShiv Manas Pooja For Bhakti YogaTulsi Pooja For Success

Gurunanakji Birtday Celebration Importance


Important Words Used In Hindu ReligionWHAT IS NAVADHA BHAKTI?, IMPORTANCE OF NAVADHA BHAKTI, POWER OF NAVADHA BHAKTI, SOME NAMES OF DEVOTEES, SOME ADORER WHO ATTAINED THE NAVADHA BHAKTI, BEST WAYS TO FOLLOW THE RULES OF NAVADHA BHAKTI.

Source: paganism-new-age.blogspot.com

How I Almost Became A Yoga Teacher

How I Almost Became A Yoga Teacher
HOW I ALMOST BECAME A YOGA TEACHER BY RACHEL HOTT, PHD

Teaching movement is not new for me. In 1979 I was an aerobics instructor for Gloria Stevens, located in Northampton, Mass. There wasn't a lot of training to go through, but since I had modern dance and jazz background and had wished that I could be a Broadway dancer (which I was not), this job was the closest to dance that I got. After that job I pursued Dance Movement Therapy, which allowed me to also move with clients, but this time rather than teach it was a creative psychology process. So I guess now, 2013 I can claim to be a movement enthusiast.

My non-movement teaching or more correctly training, developed as I led groups at the American Management Association in communication training based on Neuro-Linguistic Programming, a communication model for inter and intra personal communication. During that time, about 1984 I had completed my NLP trainer's training and was leading NLP practitioner and master practitioner groups.

So leading movement, leading people is something I have done for about 34 years.

Since 2006, I have been practicing Bikram Yoga, a hot yoga style. I remember hearing of it first from a client who would come in to the office from her heated class exhausted and exuberant. Then another time a student claimed that the 103 degree NYC humidity didn't bother him because he was practicing Bikram yoga. A Bikram studio opened in my suburban town in Montclair, N.J. and my husband, Steven, took a few classes. He invited me to try it.

I never completely understood yoga. Since I had danced as a kid, the yoga postures looked like stretches. I never could do a headstand so I was somewhat intimidated. As it turned out there are no inversions with Bikram yoga, so that was a relief. I had so many friends, students and clients who spoke about yoga and now my husband was encouraging me so I decided to go with the flow. Since Steven and I never had a chance to take waltz or swing lessons together, taking Bikram was the closest thing to dancing together that we could get. We became morning regulars.

During the early days I used to practice at least 5x's a week. Wow, I was becoming a yogi, or at least a Bikram yogi, which to some means boot camp yogi. There is no chanting in this hatha style yoga that Bikram Choudry developed. Basically he took 26 hatha yoga postures and put them in a particular order with a specific script. The 90-minute class is done in a hot room, usually above 100 degrees. The teachers are always adjusting the heat. I still don't understand the method to their madness. In our first three years of training in Montclair we were never allowed to enter a class once it had begun. Lateness was not tolerated. If you came late to class that was your loss and no class for you. I often wondered how we could implement that in our NLP classes, but it just didn't seem to work. The yoga student may miss that one class, but there would soon be another. In our NLP classes there aren't multiple classes during the day, so unfortunately latecomers do come in. Of course those people often work on timeliness as a personal issue to improve upon.

Sadly and happily we were moving back to New York City in 2009. I was sad to say goodbye to our yoga studio and happy to start a new urban adventure. We had learned a lot in our first yoga studio, our teacher often shared interesting yoga stories through the rigorous same 26 postures. We would have to find another yoga studio, so we could "dance together," which we did. There is no shortage of Bikram yoga studios in New York City and we found one that worked for us. The same postures, the same rules, although latecomers squeaked in after a breathing exercise or before the first set of postures.

Throughout this time I had taught the 26 postures to my friends and family, while on vacation in Mexico or with out of town family visiting. I, the forever "movement therapist/aerobics teacher," led members through the 26 postures. I thought I would learn the Sanskrit names, but even now I have only about three I can say easily and the rest are written down somewhere still waiting to be learned.

In our new studio, there was one teacher who would come late to class. On occasion he would have one of his office staff, also yogis, some becoming teachers, lead the opening series. I began to fantasize about how I would open a class. Each beginning substitute had their own style, one a modern dancer encouraged the class with wonderful metaphors, another a professional athlete was more technical, and then of course the beginning student who would soon become teacher, was sweet and nervous. I wondered what I would be like. I was supposed to be concentrating and meditating, but I found my mind wandering to the possibility of me being the teacher.

My issue about the class starting on time was mostly about getting back to work on time for my clients. Over the years Steven and I still liked to "dance together," but there were many times that I had to schedule my yoga class time at a different time than his. I was now averaging 2-3x's taking class. I didn't really want to start the class (it was just a fantasy), but when the class wasn't starting on time, I felt myself becoming annoyed because I had timed my schedule and wanted to have enough time to get back to the office. Since other people were starting the class I thought well maybe I could too. This is when the phrase, "Be careful for what you wish for," begins to echo.

One day I noticed that the teacher who was now typically late was scheduled to teach, and the office staff person was not at all experienced in leading. I decided and thought, "this is my turn, today is the day that I would lead the class." I went outside to tell the office staff person my decision and was surprised to discover that he wasn't there. No one was in the office and the outside doors were locked, which bothered me because what if we wanted to leave. Only later did I learn that the lock is on the bottom of the door would have been easily unlocked. At that point I made an executive decision and went into the yoga studio.

"Hello everyone, my name is Rachel, and our teacher is running late. So let's get started." I had heard the same Bikram dialogue for six years, I had practiced the postures on my own, I had taught it to friends and family, so there was something familiar in the beginning. What was not familiar was speaking in a hot room and having 10 or more students following my instructions. I got through about 8 minutes when the teacher arrived and he thanked me and took over the class.

I was excited, charged, my adrenaline had kicked in. I actually hoped he would be late again. After class I spoke with the teacher and we discussed that if he's late in the future that I would begin the class. This happened again. Now I was on a roll, my old dancer/aerobics/new yoga identity was beginning to blend. I found myself using imagery to inspire the postures. The teacher came in and I went to my spot. I did not mind him being late.

This happened several times. Quite honestly I have lost count, maybe five or six times have I now come to the front of the room, introduced myself, acknowledged everyone for being on time, encouraged them to breath, concentrate and meditate and begin. For my help, I have received free coconut water.

My criteria about time changed, when I had the chance to take leadership and have creativity in the moment of teaching. One time after class the teacher thanked me for starting the postures, said, " I would like to meet with you to discuss the dialogue, so you can do it the Bikram way." He might as well have said, "Now I am going to muzzle you and chain you to the fence." My criteria shifted again and I thought I don't want to lose my freedom. So I went back to preferring to be a student because that is what my practice is about.

Until one day again when the teacher was late and I started the class, and I even went around to students and gave them "helpful," corrections. Now I felt the power of being the teacher and it was exciting. Then the teacher came and exclaimed, "thank you Rachel, and you even had a teacher in the class!" I did not know that there was a visiting teacher in the class, and I had actually corrected him in the breathing section. Then my teacher asks the visiting teacher, "How did she do?" To which the visiting teacher replied, "Excellent, she takes leadership and knows her stuff." Then my teacher says, "Do you think she is ready to go to training?" (Bikram teacher's training is a three-month commitment). The visiting teacher says, "Yes." And there was the making of me becoming a yoga teacher.

In the locker room, a student asks me if I am going to go to teacher's training. The perception was crafted, I was now being seen as a yoga teacher in the making.

I told her I have a full time psychotherapy practice, plus what I didn't tell her is that I lead NLP and Ericksonian hypnosis trainings and run a business with my husband and I am lucky enough to take 2-3 classes a week. I don't have time or the real desire to become a yoga teacher. I can't even remember the Sanskrit after 6 years, so really now, I am not becoming a yoga teacher.

Somewhere early in my first year of taking Bikram classes I fantasized about going to teacher's training, maybe even my husband and I would go together. What would it be like to be one of the older students, would I be able to pass the rigorous anatomy and Sanskrit tests, and then of course I would remind myself of my already successful professional life. It was a fantasy. It took me out of concentrating and meditating. Yet now in some peculiar way I have been almost made into a yoga teacher.

Perhaps when Steven and I are in our 80's done with The NLP Center of NY we will consider taking the teacher's training. Until then I will probably be almost a yoga teacher for a long while.

Rachel Hott, PhD

co-director The NLP Center of NY

24 E. 12th Street, NY, NY 10003

rachelhott@nlptraining.com

The NLP Center of New York: Neuro-Linguistic Programming and Hypnosis