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September 19 Improve health and strengthen brain functionMeditation Improves Health and Strengthens Brain FunctionsMonks are considered the superstars of meditation, but benefits can come from a variety of repetitive, mind-clearing practices that elicit the so-called relaxation response. Such as swaying in prayer, saying the rosary even knitting. Under that broad definition, about one-half of Americans perform some sort of meditation. Massachusetts General Hospital researchers scanned the brains of 20 people who meditated regularly. These people had four regions of cortex -- the rind of the brain, associated with higher functions like memory and decision making -- that were thicker than in 15 subjects who didn't meditate. In addition, the researchers found signs that one area of the cortex seemed to have aged less quickly than it did in non-meditators. The study did not look at whether those brain differences had a noticeable impact on behavior, but researchers are now doing follow-up work to assess that. The findings ''provide the first evidence that alterations in brain structure are associated with Western-style meditation practice, possibly reflecting increased use of specific brain regions," said Sara Lazar, of Harvard. In other Harvard-affiliated work, researchers reported that by using a device that can analyze every breath a person exhales, they could objectively measure the depth of relaxation a person had achieved. People who reached deeper states of relaxation exhaled more nitric oxide, a gas known to relax the smooth muscles in arteries, and aid blood flow. ''Our results provide initial evidence of how the relaxation response intervention and other mind/body approaches might lower blood pressure," said Jeffery A. Dusek. ''In the near future, it may even be possible to use our new technique to determine an effective 'dose' of meditation for a given person, or to identify characteristics of individuals who best respond to the relaxation response intervention." Another new study, from the University of Kentucky, found that meditation could offset the sluggishness of sleep deprivation better than a nap. Researchers tested volunteers on a button-pressing speed task, and found that even novice meditators improved their performance more after 40 minutes of meditation than after a 40-minute nap. Meditation helped even after a full night of sleep deprivation. Ultimately, scientists aim to understand not only the powers of monks but the everyday experiences of amateur meditators for lowering high blood pressure and increasing energy. There are many ways to meditate. Here’s one that I enjoy. Focus on your breath flowing deep into your abdomen. Contract the abdomen lightly on the exhale. Breath slow and regular, don’t hold or force inhalation or exhale. Count each breath beginning at 1. Count upwards ending at the 5th breath. Then count each breath beginning at 5 and going down to 0. Then mentally, silently say a single syllable word that gives you the desired sensation with each breath. Word examples are Peace, Joy, Love, One, Wealth. This meditation can be done in waking consciousness throughout the day as you need a spot of relaxation (in traffic or meetings) or sitting with eyes closed in a longer session. http://mindcontrolwithhypnosis.blogspot.com/ 
Crystals as Amulets and Talismans
Before continuing, a distinction needs to be made between amulets and talismans. An amulet is used for protection, be it from illness, diseases, specific dangers (such as protection from lightning, while travelling by sea, etc) "evil" (like the evil eye, evil spirits or people) or anything else. A talisman is used to attract desired qualities or situations, such as fertility, wealth, luck, success (in business, litigation, hunting, fishing, etc), strength, etc. A charm is generally an amulet, though the term is often used indiscriminately to describe both amulets and talismans. One of the oldest uses of crystals, exemplified by the Ancient Egyptians, is making amulets and talismans from crystals: carnelian was a particular favourite, being known as the "blood of Isis", and seemed to be viewed in the same way as rowan has been as a particularly potent protection from negative witchcraft and sorceries. This protective talisman theme is also seen in ancient myths, such as Prometheus wearing a sapphire ring when he stole the fire from heaven, and Orpheus carrying a piece of agate as a protective talisman when he descended into the underworld,. Protective talismans were considered necessary for any dealings with spirits from the underworld - one Greek manuscript details a heart- shaped amulet of magnetite with the Underworld Goddess Hecate carved on it; reference is made to the amulet being "sweet smelling", suggesting the use of aromatic oils to anoint the talisman, possibly as part of an offering. Egyptian amulets were usually small carved crystals of deities (who would protect from a particular ailment or condition) or (afflicted) parts of the body (such as hand, eye, foot, etc). This principle of sympathetic magick can be seen in early Europe through Celtic times right up until recently, with votive offerings (though usually wood, stone or metal) of afflicted body parts being thrown into rivers, lakes and holy wells and springs. Other early cultures contemporary with the Egyptians also used amulets and talismans, so fine examples may be found amongst, e.g., the Sumerians, early Chinese culture, etc, and as time went by, the Greeks and Romans and other cultures continued this useage and maintained the tradition of crystal and mineral amulets and talismans. Amulets have a long tradition of useage by sea-faring peoples, to provide protection from the fury that could be faced at sea. Many amulets and stones were used for this purpose (especially aquamarine, beryl and coral), and a Greek lapidary from 3-4th century CE details seven amulets to be made for differing forms of protection. The number seven might suggest the amulets were each used for a specific day of the week, though each amulet did provide a specialised form of protection. The amulets were thus: 1. A carbuncle (garnet) and a chalcedony - to protect sailors from drowning. 2. Quartz or corundum - to protect from extreme weather. 3. Aquamarine - to banish fear. 4. Agate - to protect against the evil eye. 5. Coral, placed in strips of sealskin attached to the prow - to protect the ship from winds and waves. 6. Banded agate - to protect from the surging waves of the ocean. 7. Jet - providing major protection for any travelling by river or sea. The Christian Church decided at an early date to declare its opposition to the use of amulets. At the Council of Laodicea in 355 CE Canon 34 decreed "Priests and clerks must be neither enchanters, mathematicians, nor astrologers, and that they must not make what are called amulets for these are fetters of the soul, and all who wear them shall be cast out of the church". As the centuries passed this canon was used or ignored as was convenient by those in power in the church, as is witnessed by the talismanic use of gems by the rich and powerful, and indeed the use by the church of differing gems to depict rank and station. As man entered the Middle Ages, more and more crystal usage became concerned with protection from ailments, particularly the plague. Many stones were thought to protect from plague, the most striking example being the Abraxas Stone. These stones beautifully illustrate the thinking going into the talisman, being engraved on one side with the image of a deity (who is appealed to for assistance/protection) and on the other side with a magickal formula embodying the protective formula - Abracadabra being derived from the Chaldean phrase meaning "to perish like the word", reduces to an "A" and perishes like the word, so likewise by sympathetic magick any contagion or plague symptoms should also perish. One of the most common themes found in Middle Eastern charms is protection from snake bites and scorpion stings, a fact of daily life in many countries. Thabit Ibn Qurra (836 - 901 CE) recorded details of an interesting charm to rid a dwelling of scorpions. First an image of a scorpion was made out of either copper, tin, lead, silver or gold whilst Scorpio was in the ascendant in the heavens, and the glyph of Scorpio (Z) and appropriate astrological information engraved on the image. The scorpion charm was then buried under the place afflicted by scorpions, whilst reciting "This is the burial of it and its species, that it may not come to that one and to that place." It was considered more effective to make four charms and repeat this ritual, burying them at the four corners of the dwelling. This is a lovely example of sympathetic magick, using the image of the creature to be protected against, and the most propitious astrological times, to ensure success in the desired spell. Protective charms are still in use in some parts of the world today, particularly the Mediterranean and the Middle East. Red coral charms shaped like a crescent moon, representing the protective hand gesture of index and little finger raised are still given to babies and worn through life as a protection against the "evil eye". Agate eye stones have been used in this manner for many centuries and their use continues still. In India crystals were most prized in combination in amulets. The two famous amulets are the five gem Pancharatna, comprsiing amethyst, diamond, emerald, gold and pearl; and the nine gem Navaratna, comprising amethyst, cat's eye, coral, diamond, emerald, pearl, ruby, sapphire and topaz. Crystals can be found to suit any attribution you may require for a talisman, and are easy to charge and carry indeed simply carrying a crystal and playing with it while you are doing things will help it build up charge and also focus your unconscious mind on the energy of the talisman and help move you accordingly. Shapes which work particularly well for protection are the sphere and egg. When casting a magick "circle" you are really casting a sphere, representing the universe, with you as the centre of the sphere (and of course we are all the centre of our own universe, so don't feel this is presumptuous). Having a sphere as your focus can enable you to perceive the balance and uniformity of the sphere and the energies in it, and engender a more protective atmosphere about you. The egg also tends to produce a very protective feeling, corresponding as it also does to the universe (as in many creation myths where the universe is formed from an egg), and to the spirit tatva (tatvas are elemental symbols representing the elements), particularly if the egg is black or purple as the spirit tatva is coloured. Visualising yourself in the centre of the sphere or egg, with the sphere/egg being the centre of the sphere you have created can also produce a "double glazed" effect, increasing the protection around you. Cut crystals were also used in the past as a badge of rank, though this may well have been due to the crystals being thought to be imbued with magickal properties, as with the lapis lazuli feather of Mayat (representing truth) worn by Egyptian judges set in gold and worn on a heavy gold chain. Amber is a very good general storer of charge and jet is hard to beat as a protective absorption talisman (though it needs regular cleaning, of course), which may explain the witches' traditional amber and jet necklace. These were also sometimes interspersed with bones, such as snake spine bones. The reasons for this are not clear, but there are a number of possibilities, such as passing on the enduring qualities of bone, drawing on qualities of the snake such as wisdom, regeneration, etc. As can be seen from all these examples, crystals have a long history of use to attract qualities or to protect from events, so why not spend a bit more time meditating with one of your crystals, and see what comes up? Extract taken from the book CRYSTALS - Healing & Folklore (Capall Bann, 2002) by David Rankine. Available from Capall Bann Publishing
March 08 George
George Jones - He Stopped Loving Her Today
He said "I'll love you till I die."
She told him:"You'll forget in time." As the years went slowly by, She still preyed upon his mind. He kept her picture on his wall, Went half-crazy now and then. He still loved her through it all, Hoping she'd come back again. Kept some letters by his bed, Dated nineteen sixty-two. He had underlined in red, Every single "I love you". I went to see him just today, Oh, but I didn't see no tears. All dressed up to go away, First time I'd seen him smile in years. He stopped loving her today, They placed a wreath upon his door. And soon they'll carry him away, He stopped loving her today. You know, she came to see him one last time. Aww, an' we all wondered if she would. And it kept runnin' through my mind: "This time he's over her for good." He stopped loving her today, They placed a wreath upon his door. And soon they'll carry him away, He stopped loving her today .
 if adventures do not befall a young lady in her own village, she must seek them abroad. (Jane Austen)
 The World In A Bright Light Grateful Everyday is a blessing, and in each moment there are many things that we can be grateful for. The world opens up to us when we live in a space of gratitude. In essence, gratitude has a snowball effect. When we are appreciative and express that gratitude, the universe glows a bit brighter and showers us with even more blessings. Wurm11 Also known as Guivre, Worm, and Wyrm. These dragons are completely limbless, leaving no legs nor wings for them. However, they are usually huge serpentile creatures with thick bodies. Most portrayals of these creatures hold a snake-like head and body type. However, many have begun portraying them with wedge-shaped heads. (This is the same thing as Western Dragons.) They also have hard, protective scales as well as rigid underbellies. Wyrms play a prominent role in English literature. Many famous Wurms are from this area, none more so than the ever known Lambton Worm. Boulevard of broken dreams - Green DayI walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known Don't know where it goes But it's home to me and I walk alone I walk this empty street On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams Where the city sleeps and I'm the only one and I walk alone I walk alone I walk alone I walk aloneI walk a... My shadow's the only one that walks beside me My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me 'Til then I walk alone Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Aaah-ah,Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah I'm walking down the line That divides me somewhere in my mind On the border line Of the edge and where I walk alone Read between the lines What's fucked up and everything's alright Check my vital signs To know I'm still alive and I walk alone I walk alone I walk alone I walk alone I walk a... My shadow's the only one that walks beside me My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me 'Til then I walk alone Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Ah-ah, Aaah-ahAh-ah, Ah-ah I walk alone I walk a... I walk this empty street On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams Where the city sleeps And I'm the only one and I walk a... My shadow's the only one that walks beside me My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me 'Til then I walk alone...  To Make Someone Leave You Alone You Will Need: paper black pen an airtight container water magical herbs - clover, lovage, lilac, garlic, basil or pepper black string or thread This must be performed during a waning moon. On a piece paper write the name and birth date of the person you are wishing "away". Now fill an air-tight container (like a baby food jar or Tupperware container) with water. Add a pinch of one or more of the above magical herbs. Take the paper with the name on it and fold it three times. Tie a black string or thread around it and drop it in the water. Seal the container up and bury it in a safe spot in your garden, yard or flower box. Once the person has left you alone or no longer poses a problem to you, open the container and empty it to the earth. December 07 Odin
DRYING PLANT PARTS
Aromatics: These herbs should be dried according to the part that is to be used, but be very careful that they are not piled (a single layer is best here) and that drying is moderate; always in the shade or indoors. Bark: Most barks are best used fresh, yet they retain their medicinal value well when dry. For easy handling and usage, bark should be cut into moderately small pieces before drying. These may be dried outdoors with moderate sun heat, laying them on sticks, slats, boards, etc. a few inches apart to allow free air circulation, but must be taken indoors at night into a well ventilated room, allowing spaces between pieces for free air circulation. Barks may be tested for dryness by bending slightly, and if no moisture is present, they will snap immediately. Buds: Dry similar to leaves. Bulbs: These can be dried in the shade with good air circulation, or better still, they can be hung from rafters in net bags. Berries: These must be dried in the shade in moderate temperature, and never too quickly. There should only be one layer of berries on the drying rack because they mold very easily. Excrescents: Appendages of plants (such as burrs, briefs, or galls of oaks) require only a few days' exposure to the air on a table before storing. Flowers: Flowers are usually used fresh, but can be preserved in the form of syrup (as cloves or poppy), in conserves (cowslip), or dried, although the drying must be done quickly and carefully. Flowers are dried variously--some use only the petals, some are preserved in the whole head, others retain the leaves about them, while still others remove the flower and use only the hip. Flowers should not be exposed to direct sunlight during drying, and the addition of a slight degree of artificial warmth is best to hasten the process. A good test for flowers is that medicinal value is lost when the color and odor are gone. Fruit: This is dried variously, and in most cases it can be dried in the sun (the fruit should be cut into relatively thin pieces, as chunks that are too large will mold readily), but fan drying and the application of artificial heat is good. There are many dehydrators available, buy one that has a thermostat so you can keep a close watch on the temperature. Gum-Resins: These do not have to be dried when they are kept in closed containers, or they may be dried and crystallized (either way is good). Herbs: Remove dead or decayed matter, spread thinly on a drying rack or tie in very small bunches and hang about one foot apart on lines across a well ventilated room, until completely dry. Leaves: Pluck from the stem (except those with small leaflets such as thyme and wintry savory). Spread loosely upon a drying rack away from direct sunlight (allowing free air circulation over and under), and stir sufficiently to avoid molding. Rhizomes: Dry same as roots. Roots: Most roots may be dried and preserved for a period of time, but certain roots lose their medicinal virtues by drying (such as poke root), and must be used fresh or kept buried in the sand or covered with soil to keep them from deteriorating rapidly. The roots to be dried should be cleaned (a brush is excellent or a little cold water may be used) and the decayed matter, fibers, and little roots removed and, with the exception of certain resinous roots, the worm-eaten roots should be discarded. The thick and strong roots should be split, cut, and sliced immediately into small pieces (while the roots are yet green and fresh), as this will hasten the drying and curing process, and after mold. If the root is covered by a tough bark, peel it off immediately; the longer you wait, the more difficult it will be. Non-aromatic roots (consisting principally of fibers or a small top) may be dried artificially with heat under 100 degrees F.- aromatic roots should be dried in a current of cold air and turned frequently. It is always better to dry roots in a dark room, as sunlight will turn the lighter hue to a darker and more unsightly one. Before storing roots in some appropriate container, always test for dryness, which is--if they snap in two when slightly bent, then they are thoroughly dried. Seeds: Seeds growing in umbels, naked heads or pods should be left on the plant until ripe, then separated (as heretofore described), spread onto drying screens, on heavy cloth, or on canvas laid on the floor of a well-ventilated, warm room, and left five to six days; then the chaff should be removed (as heretofore described) in a gentle breeze; then the seeds are spread out again on the cloth-covered drying screen another seven to ten days, turning them frequently. The seeds of fleshy fruit, after they are separated from the surrounding membranes and wet matter, should be placed on a table or dry place and rubbed occasionally during the drying process, so that they will be clean when dry. Generally, seeds are gathered when fully ripe, however, they need little care, and after three to four days on a clean floor or wire mesh (where there is free passage of air, but not exposure to sun), the seeds are ready for storage. Sprouts: Dry the same as leaves or herbs, indoors, and away from sunlight. Stems: Dry same as leaves and twigs. Stalks: Dry same as bark, because they are a tough type of herb. Tops: Dry carefully, as with leaves and flowers: Tubers: Dry similar to roots. Twigs: Dry same as leaves, but slightly longer. Woods: Dry same as barks, but here, any sunlight will turn the lighter woods dark
Outdoors: Spread a thin layer of the herb on a drying screen (ordinary window screens covered with cheesecloth, fiberglass screening) mounted on saw horses or legs, placed in racks, propped on chairs, etc., to permit free air circulation both over and under, turning the herb occasionally. Drying should be done in the shade, never in direct sunlight, as quickly as possible so that both the volatile principles and leaf color are retained (three to four days are usually sufficient). Herbs that are dried too slowly (not enough warmth, too much moisture in the air) or with too much heat (direct sunlight), will lose active principles or the volatile particles. Indoors: Dry in a dust-free room, at mild temperature, and away from direct sunlight (an attic with cross-ventilation is especially good). The herbs may be spread out on a drying screen, or they may be tied in small bundles and hung with the flower heads downward from a line or cord stretched across the room (this is especially good for leafy foliage and when the whole herb is dried). When a drying rack is used, turning the herb occasionally will prevent molding; and in all instances, the herb must be crackly-dry (snap or crumble at slight bending or pressure) before storing, or else the moisture remaining in the herb will cause molding. Those herbs dried on a line or cord should be removed as soon as fully dried, for they will attract dust and insects. Artificial Heat: Oven drying is generally poor because of the difficulty in accurately regulating the temperature and, if done improperly, the oils evaporate and the herb becomes scorched. But when controlled, artificial drying is possible (under 100 degrees F.), infinitely more value will be retained by this quick drying process. The herbs dried quickly will have little odor when they are perfectly dry, but after a period of time some moisture is absorbed again from the atmosphere and they regain their proper odor. When artificial heat is being used (such as an electric burner or a gas burner), have a fan with an automatic switch, so that whenever the heat is on, the fan is on, and whenever the fan is off, the heat automatically stops. The fan may also be operated by itself. A thermostat would do this automatically. Separate and label: Be sure to keep all herbs separated and labeled during the drying process as the dried herbs look different from the green plant, and in most cases, identification will be most difficult.
Odin was the chief god in the Norse mythology, and the father of Thor, Balder, Hoder, Tyr, Bragi, Heimdall, Ull, Vidar, Hermod and Vali. His wives were Fjorgyn, Frigga and Rind. He had a bad habit to roam around Midgard in human disguise seducing and impregnating women. This is why many mortals were able to trace their ancestry back to him. Thor was the son of Odin and Fjorgyn. He was the god of Loki can be called the 'wizard of lies' and is in many ways the most interesting god in Asgard. Loki was related to Odin, but their relationship was rather strange. He came to Asgard either as of right or because Odin and he entered into a blood-brotherhood. Frey was a fertility god of the the Vanir race. He was the son of Njord and came to Asgard as a hostage along with his father and sister Freya. Freya was the goddess of sex and later also war and death. She married the god Od, who deserted her. After being abandoned she divided her time between mourning his absence and being promiscuous. The goddess of spring and immortal youth was called Idun. She was the daughter of the dwarf Ivald and married to the god Bragi. Sif was the goddess who married Thor and bore his stepson (by Odin), Ull. The vikings (and their gods) admired golden hair, and she was exceptionally proud of hers, so Loki cut it all off while she was asleep. Hel was a goddess (or a monster), a daughter of Loki and Angrboda, who ruled over Niflheim, which was the land of the dead. There were different opinions of whether she was alive or dead. Ull, in his role as god of winter, was supposed to spend a few months each year as Hel's lover. Hel and her ghostly army were going to support the other gods at Ragnarok, after which her domain would go out in flames. http://www.rosala-viking-centre.com/gods.htm
He had a wonderful horse called Sleipnir, which had eight legs, and could travel over land and water. He had two ravens, who brought him news from far away.
BuffaloAbundanceThe buffalo or bison is considered by many tribes to be a symbol of adundance for it was the meat of the buffalo that fed the people, the hides that provided clothing and shelter, the bones and sinew provided tools of survival. The Lakota's trace the origin of the sacred pipe to the appearance of the White Buffalo Calf Woman who promised abundance for the tribe as they honored, by prayer, the Great Spirit and all of their relations, meaning the other creations of nature. "Buffalo Medicine" means to bring a special honor, reverence or appreciation for all of the things that the Earth provides for her children.The Origins of the Buffalo DanceWhen the buffalo first came to be upon the land, they were not friendly to the people. When the hunters tried to coax them over the cliffs for the good of the villages, they were reluctant to offer themselves up. They did not relish being turned into blankets and dried flesh for winter rations. They did not want their hooves and horn to become tools and utinsels nor did they welcome their sinew being used for sewing. "No, no," they said. We won't fall into your traps. And we will not fall for your tricks." So when the hunters guided them towards the abyss, they would always turn aside at the very last moment. With this lack of cooperation, it seemed the villagers would be hungry and cold and ragged all winter long. Now one of the hunters' had a daughter who was very proud of her father's skill with the bow. During the fullness of summer, he always brought her the best of hides to dress, and she in turn would work the deerskins into the softest, whitest of garments for him to wear. Her own dresses were like the down of a snow goose, and the moccasins she made for the children and the grandmothers in the village were the most welcome of gifts. But now with the hint of snow on the wind, and deer becoming more scarce in the willow breaks, she could see this reluctance on the part of the buffalo families could become a real problem. Hunter's Daughter decided she would do something about it. She went to the base of the cliff and looked up. She began to sing in a low, soft voice, "Oh, buffalo family, come down and visit me. If you come down and feed my relatives in a wedding feast, I will join your family as the bride of your strongest warrior." She stopped and listened. She thought she heard the slight rumbling sound of thunder in the distance. Again she sang, "Oh, buffalo family, come down and visit me. Feed my family in a wedding feast so that I may be a bride." The thunder was much louder now. Suddenly the buffalo family began falling from the sky at her feet. One very large bull landed on top of the others, and walked across the backs of his relatives to stand before Hunter's Daughter. "I am here to claim you as my bride," said Large Buffalo. "Oh, but now I am afraid to go with you," said Hunter's Daughter. "Ah, but you must," said Large Buffalo, "For my people have come to provide your people with a wedding feast. As you can see, they have offered themselves up." "Yes, but I must run and tell my relatives the good news," said Hunter's Daughter. "No," said Large Buffalo. No word need be sent. You are not getting away so easily." And with that said, Large Buffalo lifted her between his horns and carried her off to his village in the rolling grass hills. The next morning the whole village was out looking for Hunter's Daughter. When they found the mound of buffalo below the cliff, the father, who was in fact a fine tracker as well as a skilled hunter, looked at his daughter's footprints in the dust. "She's gone off with a buffalo, he said. I shall follow them and bring her back." So Hunter walked out upon the plains, with only his bow and arrows as companions. He walked and walked a great distance until he was so tired that he had to sit down to rest beside a buffalo wallow. Along came Magpie and sat down beside him. Hunter spoke to Magpie in a respectful tone, "O knowledgeable bird, has my daughter been stolen from me by a buffalo? Have you seen them? Can you tell me where they have gone?" Magpie replied with understanding, "Yes, I have seen them pass this way. They are resting just over this hill." "Well," said Hunter, would you kindly take my daughter a message for me? Will you tell her I am here just over the hill?" So Magpie flew to where Large Buffalo lay asleep amidst his relatives in the dry prairie grass. He hopped over to where Hunter's Daughter was quilling moccasins, as she sat dutifully beside her sleeping husband. "Your father is waiting for you on the other side of the hill," whispered Magpie to the maiden. "Oh, this is very dangerous," she told him. These buffalo are not friendly to us and they might try to hurt my father if he should come this way. Please tell him to wait for me and I will try to slip away to see him." Just then her husband, Large Buffalo, awoke and took off his horn. "Go bring me a drink from the wallow just over this hill," said her husband. So she took the horn in her hand and walked very casually over the hill. October 26 Air~Breath
Ajowan (Trachyspermum Ammi; Carum ajowan) General:
Ajowan looks like wild parsley (similar to caraway, celery and cumin seeds) and is a native of India. It is grown throughout the country in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar and West Bengal. It is also grown in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and Egypt. The striped seeds are used as the spice.
Growth:
Ajowan grows on all kinds of soil but does well on loams or clayey loams, both as a dry crop and under irrigation. Seeds are sown from September to November.
Harvest:
The plants flower in about two months and the fruits become ready for harvesting when then flower heads turn brown. They are pulled out, dried on mats and the fruits are separated by rubbing by hands or feet. Seeds may also be distilled for oil.
Medicinal:
Ajowan is much used as a medicinal plant is ayurvedic medicine for its antispasmodic, stimulant, tonic and carminative properties. The seeds are used to ease asthma and indigestion. It is also widely used to treat diarrhoea and flatulence. In the West, thymol is used in medicines against cough and throat irritation. The thymol content makes ajowan a potent fungicide.
Breathe, extend. Let your shoulders surrender toward your hips. Feel your back muscles ripple downward like a curtain falling. From your center extend in all directions. Lift yourself from your root. Be an inch taller. Breathe, extend. Claim all the space of your body, and more. Reach out from your spine to the tips of your fingers. Ground your feet firmly into the floor. Let your awareness fill each cell.
Be your full, beautiful self.
August 03 Pagan Motto ...
A Pagan Motto is - "DARE TO BE DIFFERENT, DARE TO BE SILENT, DARE TO BE FREE!" Being a Pagan means you will be part of a religious minority, but also means you should be able to enjoy this freedom. To be silent is also good advice, because despite the legal right to freedom, some people, including those of the major religions, might not respect a Pagan's freedom to be different. A Pagan will explain quietly about their beliefs if asked, but do not shout them from the rooftops. It is not a good idea for someone of any religion to deliberately antagonise anybody from another religion, since intolerance is unfortunately common and gives rise to aggression. Although the major present-day religions have developed from similar principles to Paganism, and often adopted previously pagan ideas, ceremonies & symbolism; they have developed along more organised and rigid lines, and many people stubbornly tend to think that only their way is right. (!) Following on from state takeovers of religion hundreds of years ago, followers of major world religions are nowadays usually told what to think and what to do, with very little emphasis on individual thought and initiative. Acceptance of rules without questioning is the normal course of events, and in the past people have been content to let the priests of their religion dictate what happens in that religion and tell their congregations what to think & what to do. (Politicians do this too.) Pagans are encouraged to be individuals , to think things through and work out for themselves their own personal version of their faith - preferably under the guidance of "Elders" who have trodden the Pathway before and know the pitfalls. The price to be paid for the individual freedoms within paganism is that of effort - in studying and in learning ceremonies. This is not the easiest way, but it is better for all in the end! A good motto for ALL religions is: Keep FUNdamentalism out of life, but keep the FUN in! Extremeism in any religion is dangerous and taking responsibility for one's own soul is hard work. It is FAR easier to sit back and let someone else be in the religious "driver's seat". Unfortunately, to journey in a vehicle driven by a driver who might have forgotten that they should keep close communication by staying in touch and talking to their passengers, stimulating interest and enthusiasm in order to make the journey both more pleasant and more spiritually useful to the individuals concerned, is not helpful. In our times the growing lack of real involvement with their congregation of the "drivers" or priests of "major" religions is having two different effects - either - the religion is becoming stale and lifeless with falling numbers of participants, - which causes untold damage to peoples' spirituality , mental health and reduces their quality of life, or - the priests dictate more and more the thoughts and actionsof their dwindling congregations in an attempt to "save" the religion from declining further, and can even "inspire" them to harm others spiritually and physically through religious fanaticism - which in the extreme form can lead to terrorism, war and even genocide. Instead of becoming fanatics, we should all try to keep both an open heart and an open mind. The main requirement for any truly religious person of any faith is openness, but a guarded open-ness. Prejudice harms both the originators and the receivers of it. So, to be a true Pagan you will first need an open mind, a healthy curiosity, a thirst for knowledge, the courage to be different, the strength to hold back from over-enthusiasm, the courage to admit your mistakes, and the perseverance to carry on through adversity. Sounds hard? Not really - remember it can be great fun as well! In your enthusiasm for what you discover as you learn, you must remember that your joy in finding something you can believe in does not give you any right to force or persuade others to believe in it as you do. By all means share your joyousness with others, but then stand back and allow them to find their OWN truth in their own time and at their own pace. Everyone sees both colours & truth slightly differently. Remember that others may not be scheduled to find out the things & truths YOU are finding until later in their life or even until they are in another reincarnation! Above all -DON'T BECOME A PAGAN FUNDAMENTALIST ! Fundamentalism is a dangerous thing in any matter, but where religion is concerned, it is deadly. NEVER think that you and your religious beliefs are right and all the other people and other religions are wrong. If you think them through properly, the things you come to know and believe will be right for you - but they will never be exactly the same for someone else. They could be almost the same or almost completely different. The BASIC principles of most World Religions ar very similar and give guidelines for living a good life. They only cause harm when they are taken to extremes,or the hierarchy of those organising the religion get hungry for power or riches. Jesus criticised The Pharisees outside the Temple at Jerusalem for letting their religion degenerate into an outward sham , and urged them to return to its inner basics. He did not try to forcibly convert them to his own beliefs. As a Pagan, you must learn to appreciate the similarities between your religion and others, but accept and tolerate the differences you find. No true Pagan should attempt to force any another person to convert to Pagan beliefs. Healthy religious discussion is acceptable behaviour. Fanatical evangelism is not! A fanatical Wiccan Fundamentalist can cause damage and suffering to the lives of other people which is every bit as harmful as the damage and suffering caused by Christian Fundamentalists or Muslim Fundamentalists to those of religions other than their own. Remember The Wiccan Rede - and make sure that you "Harm None"! Fanatical "Fundamentalists" of ANY religion are a danger to all humanity & life on Earth! Fanatical Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus Christ, a citizen of their own country. Fanatical followers of Mithras in ancient Rome threw live Roman Christians to the lions. Fanatical Nazis caused the agonising death of Jews, Gipsies and other minorities in Europe under the Third Reich. Christian settlers in North |
thunder, the sky, fertility and the law. Armed with his strengthgiving items, a belt and the hammer Mjölnir, he had a simple way of righting wrongs: he more or less killed everything that moved. The other gods -mostly Loki- occasionally took advantage of Thor's simplicity.
Odin was the chief and father of the gods. He had drunk from the 
