Guest guest Posted April 2, 1999 Report Share Posted April 2, 1999 Robert Dockstader <vedic vedic <vedic Thursday, April 01, 1999 8:17 PM Ever Changing Universe Issue# 11 Welcome to Ever Changing Universe!!! Editors: Eric Giles vedic Publisher & Subscriptions Manager: Robert Dockstader Jr. vedic Volume 1, Issue #11 April 1, 1999 Published by Robert Dockstader Jr. Copyright © 1998-99. Worldwide ---- Welcome Again this months issue is rather large. We have a lot of new articles. Next month will be E.C.U's 1 year aniversary, so please if you have an article or something you can donate please do so before May 1, 1999.Also the E.C.U. Webpage has been redesigned to work and look a lot better. Please stop by and check it out. http://homepages.together.net/~vedic/newslet.htm Please feel free to send me your comments and suggestions so that this newsletter can be ever-changing and informative. vedic ---- Legal Information: non-commercial reproduction of Ever Changing Universe on the Internet is granted under these terms: It must be reproduced as a whole publication, newsgroups are granted permission to reproduce this publication but must follow terms above. Anyone wishing to be granted permission to reproduce any individual article in Ever Changing Universe must obtain permission from the author and copyright holder of the article in question. The views of the individual authors may not be the views of the publisher. ---- Contents - April 99 Issue 1.) Reincarnation, Karma, and Astrology by Robert Dockstader 2.) Chakravayuha of life by Vijay Kumar 3.) The Hindu Lunar Zodiac (Nakshatras) ( Part VIIII ) 4.) Mind...A Universal phenomenon by Vijay Kumar 5.) The Healing Spiral: A Chironic View of Astrological Counseling by Stephanie Austin M.A. 6.) Life Lessons The lessons of Karma and the responsibility and maturity of the Soul by Stephen Poplin, M.A. 7.) Honoring Springtime by StormWolf 8.) A Call To End Vacillation by Tina La Perle 9.) Recipes from the East 10.) Monthly Insight by Robert Dockstader 11.) Monthly Moon Outlook Please check the webpage for other articles and information that could not be included with the email version of this newsletter. http://homepages.together.net/~vedic/newslet.htm ---- Reincarnation, Karma, and Astrology Author: Robert Dockstader Sr. E-Mail: vedic Homepage: http://homepages.together.net/~vedic Throughout my life I was spiritually brought up one way and really had no idea that there were other ideas out there in which I had a to chose from. First there is Reincarnation, which is the theory that each one of our souls progressively incarnates in succession of different bodies. Belief in reincarnation carries with it other related ideas, such as the idea that we are learning form one lifetime to the next. That our souls will become perfected and then will no longer need to return to corporeal form. I had no idea that this ever existed, until I started High school and then when I was made aware of it, I went home with this new idea and was not allowed to talk like that again. This was not something to talk about in my house of such religious structure. But I kept it there and filed it for the time being, for I had other things to deal with in my life and coming back just didn't seem like one of my top priorities at the time. I had a very challenging young life and many unhappy times were dealt with, maybe that is why I had such a hard time understanding what life was really about. Now I am not sure how you feel about this but that caused me to stop and think. I felt for a good number of years that our creator was causing these unhappy circumstances to happen to test me, to see how strong I was or how loyal I was to him. I tried as hard as I could to do good and not to make mistakes, the only thing was that the harder I tried to do right my taskmaster found something else, as he would say bring down the wrath of God on me. No matter how hard I tried to do that, I thought God was testing me harder and harder. To me it was discipline work all the time. Other topics were hate and anger. Which brings be to the next idea of the word Karma. This notion was brought to use through the Hindu and Buddhist thinkers. Now that I am a grown man and my business deals with karma daily, I really know what it mean "What you sow so shall you reap". Karma is the moral law of cause and effect. Lets say that a man goes out and steals something form someone else, this man will eventually have the same stolen from her or him, either later in her/his life or in a future lifetime. This goes for everything we do. Help someone, and someone will help you. Say a kind word one will be returned, maybe not a that time but it will come. Now this really made an impact on me once I understand and applied this in my everyday life. Once I opened my spiritual eye to the Universe many answers came to me which I now see, just how much truth it is. The idea of reincarnation and karma together explain why some of us are born into lucky circumstances while some of us are born into unfortunate conditions. The one most important thing that I realized is how to forgive, this karma had to be given me by someone or some circumstance. I sure do not want to carry hate with me into the next life. Now that I have found my place in this reincarnation and understand the spiritual reasons why I am here, as a matter of fact why we are all here, it brings me to a higher spiritual level in which I try to conduct my life. As a Vedic Astrologer I am now concerned with this issue daily of why some souls come into this life with hardship written large across their chart and other souls seem to be born I under a lucky star. Reincarnation and Karma provide an important explanatory tool for me to help other souls understand why and how this will play out for them good or challenging. Reincarnation provides a framework for explaining to others why we all have certain personality traits. They are carried over from our past lives. There are different approaches for determining which factors in the natal chart indicates information about the persons karma and past lives. Through the astrologers eye, insights are provided into the souls past lives and what they brought with them to be worked off in the reincarnation. I also see in every chart many wonderful rewards that the soul receives for past good deeds that were performed. It is not all just negative karma, we only tend to realize the bad more that the good seeds in which we have sowed and the harvest that we reap. Namaste Robert © 1999 Robert Dockstader ---- Chakravayuha of life Author: by Vijay Kumar "Atma Jnani" Web : http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/5822/ Email : vijaykum The Eternal Truth The "Eternal Truth" governing the entire system of the Universe is a truth par excellence. No human being ever fully comprehends the system built by the "Creator". Project this truth towards the general masses ... Persons holding high positions in the society get antagonized. They turn the masses against you. Their ego, the "I" within refuses to accept any change in the existing spiritual and moral values of the society. They do not comprehend ... "Eternal Truth" is one. different people interpret it differently. Break the cordon of illusion around you. Never get bogged down by non factual values followed by the society ... Values not based on the doctrine of "Eternal Truth". Do not become a slave within yourself. Live a life of choice. The doctrine of "Eternal Truth" hidden in the sacred scriptures of every religion is the basis of "Mahabharta" ... An epic written by sage Vyasa. What is "Chakravayuha" as described in "Mahabharata" ? Abhimanyu the great son of Arjuna in the battle with Kauravas knew the path of going within the Chakravayuha" but not of coming out. He learnt this while in his mother's womb. You enter "Chakravayuha of life" unconsciously at birth. Resultant karma of your past is responsible for the "Samsaric jivan" you spend on Mother Earth. This compulsory performance of karma based on samskar's of earlier lives manifested by your "Atman" is the "Chakravayuha of life". You have to live ... in or out of it. Your Destiny Based on earlier samskar's, if you are destined to be born in the house of a blacksmith ... It is natural you become a blacksmith. You become a blacksmith not of your Atman's sweet will. You enter the "Chakravayuha of life" bound by the samskar's of your earlier births. You need strong will power to plan and methodically come out of this "Chakravayuha" ... Enter a profession of your choice. You become the master of your destiny based on your will power. You who continue to live in the prison of "Chakravayuha" are wasting valuable time on the alter of ignorance. Life is not a burden unjustly imposed. You have power within you to come out of the "Chakravayuha". Life is a gift, a boon from God, to enjoy the beautiful world created by it. The animal or plant life is never able to get out of the "Chakravayuha of life". They get reprieve after manifesting as a human being. "God" vested power to think and excel only with human beings. Break the bonds of "slavery from within" .... The "Chakravayuha of life". Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King thought par excellence and never let "Chakravayuha of life" bog them down. Rise from slumber "Dharma" ... Your right to do what is just and right and not what was destined. One is destined to be born in a particular family based on Karma of the past lives. You as a child are bound to adopt the family profession or a profession to the liking of the head of the family. No child can choose one's profession ... you do not know what suits best. Decision taken by your parents is binding ... You start on a journey of life framed by them. You start working with little interest, the "Atman" within prompting changeover at the first opportunity. You realize the "Eternal Truth" ... Human form is only a "clothing for the "Atman" within. You take a wise decision and become a leader in a profession of your calling. Live a life of content full of joys and happiness ... Happiness which comes from within. Happiness gained from materialistic achievements is alluring. Keep away from it. Live as a closed knit family. Love all living beings. The subtle truth hidden in the sacred scriptures of every religion is same. All religions are different paths for obtaining a common goal. Understand the "Eternal truth" i.e. "who am I", for "I" is not the manifested form i.e. a "jiva" but is the "Atman" within, the true inner self. Realize the cosmic truth Understand the true purpose of your cosmic journey. Start living a life of content for thou can't harm anyone. Every "jiva" has an "Atman" within. All Atman's generate from the same source ... All are the same. All Atman's are mirror images of the physical self. "Atman" within every "jiva" being same ... Can we harm our brethren "jiva" be it a human, animal or plant. Every human being while plucking a ripe fruit feels happy. Pluck an unripe one ... you feel guilty. Are you not shortening the life of a jiva ... Disturbing the balance of nature. Had it not been so ... You would pluck everything in its early stages. Do you relish eating an unripe fruit. Artificial ripening affect the taste ... causes gastric disorders. Rapid Scientific advancements makes us commit blunders unknowingly. some are inevitable. Most are committed to satisfy financial greed ... the inherent lust of a human being. We incur wrath of the nature for committing such offenses. "None is supposed to meddle with the affairs of his". © 1998-99 Vijay Kumar ------------------------------- The Hindu Lunar Zodiac (Nakshatras) ( Part VIIII) (Product review by Robert Dockstader) Drs. Roeland de Looff Dirah Academy International Astrology, Western and Eastern Brunostraat 64 B NL 5042 JA TILBURG The Netherlands Tel(from Holland):013-4635468. Email: deva Web-site: http://www.dirah.demon.nl (A product Review by Robert Dockstader) I continue to say that I have found this book to be of great help in my work and in my own understanding about myself and my own spiritual walk. I am sure that anyone interested in understanding more about the Vedic works would love this one. It is my hope that the interest will cause you to send for this work it is something that your library should have and you should use. I have now covered 16 of the twenty seven Nakshatra's and they can be read in the past newsletters. This month I will include Nakshatra 17 Anurasha and 18 Jyeshta. For all of you that are just receiving this letter I must say that I find a great amount of joy reading the Nakshatra and the explanations given. Again I thank the author for his work in putting the package together for us all. Anuradha 3 degrees 20 min - 16 degree 40 min Scorpio Symbol: a lotus flower Deity: Mitra, god of frienship, moving from one place to another, courage, inspiring, amicable. Translation: disciple (anu) of the ( divine)nspark (radha). It is the of Mitra, the god of daylight, to reveal everything what has remained in the dark. During the night forms fade away, but the daylight make everything visible again. Mitra turns the unconscious into consiousness. Our true origin can no longer be ignored. Mitra reveals to us that we all carry divine sparks within us which are mutually connected and which form part of the entire cosmos. This is why friendship can develop. You and I form part of the one and the same cosmos, so we can only feel friendship and love for each other. It goes without saying that this consciousness does not just originate by itself. It takes lots of effort before one can actually feel this. Unfortunately, life is not just about friendship and love. The lotus, the symbol of the constellation of Anuradha, is a plant that grows in the swamp. The seed of the lotus is rooted in the mud that forms the bottom of a small lake. The mud represents the unconscious mind. Subsequently the lotus finds its way through the water (water symbolizes the emotional life and the feelings of a person) and finally reaches the surface. Influenced by the sunrays, which represents the True Self, the lotus grows into a magnificent flower. The flower greets the sun and thus the True self. People whose horoscope in dominated by this constellation are courageous people who dare to face things that once were unconscious and bring them into the light of awareness. they live intensively and they often make spiritual and physical travels in order to discover themselves. The spiritual path of Anuradha is practicing dynamic meditations. In the first stage of these meditations, everything that is unconscious is brought to the surface and expressed. The subsequent stages are serene stages in which the unconscious can cherish itself in the light of silence. when the mud has been left behind and the emotions have clamed down, it is possible to reach the True Self. In addition to dynamic meditations, psychotherapy goes well with this constellation. Psychotherapy brings the unconscious to the surface, so it can melt away, cherished by the sun (consciousness). Jyeshta 16 degrees 40 mins - 30 degrees Scorpio Symbol: a circular amulet (charm). Deity: Indra, king of the gods. Keywords: wealth, courage, the eldest or founder. Translation: the eldest. Jyeshta may bring a lot of wealth. The amulet represents the protection the person in whose horoscope Jyeshta plays an important role receives from Indra, king of the gods. Indra is a god who fights demons and represents justice. He fights for the fulfillment of noble goals and has the character of a solar god: extrovert, willing to act and leadership. In ancient Vedic religion, Indra was one of the most important gods. Later on that position was taken over by Shiva and Vishnu in particular. A notable characteristic of this constellation is that a person in whose horoscope Jyeshta is vividly present, often plays the role of "the eldest" (the eldest brother or sister for example). This may also be taken literally. A Jyeshta person may hold an authoritative position in the board of elders for example. The spiritual path belonging to this constellation is that of the warrior and the acceptance of authoritative positions. All pictures and card descriptions are © 1998 Dirah Academy International, email deva and may not be used for any other purposes but viewing on this site. ---- Mind...A Universal phenomenon Author: by Vijay Kumar "Atma Jnani" Web : http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/5822/ Email : vijaykum Mind of all Humans is one Mind of the Universe is one. Every individual only invokes the Mind and uses the thoughts and knowledge contained. No new thoughts are generated by any individual. Likewise, no thought becomes old due to passage of time. Thoughts of a local and temporary nature are not invoked by anyone once that Era passes but the thoughts of universal nature i.e. Knowledge contained in various scared texts of most religions can be invoked by self realized souls at different times. Does it mean that, if all the sacred scriptures get destroyed, the messages contained in them can be invoked by any God realized soul and reproduced anytime ! Yes, it is so. What is a Mind ? Mind is a "Universal Reservoir of knowledge and thoughts" ever present in Ether all over the Universe. Every thought is present in this reservoir since eternity. Universal Mind also has two compartments i.e. Mind plus and Mind minus. Depending upon our attitude we draw thoughts either from Mind plus i.e. positive thoughts or from Mind minus i.e. negative thoughts. The drawing of thoughts from this reservoir is done by our brain. Now, can we still say that a human being has a mind. No human being ever born on this Earth or in future ever shall have an individual mind. Our brain acts as an antennae for drawing thoughts from the Mind as per our will. Our will power is exercised by our "Atman" within and which is further governed by the destiny of our past lives and the Karma of our present life. The resultant Karma of past and present lives will affect our decision whether we invoke positive or negative thoughts. To be successful in life, one must learn to invoke only positive thoughts. Once you learn to dwell in thoughts of positive nature, you are nearer to "God" than anybody else. Life in human form becomes a blessing. We want to live life than ... Merely pass it. Sorrows which disturb us on our Earthly abode can altogether be avoided if we avoid invoking negative thoughts. No sorrows .... No pain. Spiritual gains alone .. carried to next life People come and go, the "Atman" within casts aside old garments and exchanges them for a new ... Whence arises the question for weeping and wailing ! One who weeps is far away from truth. We are merely a manifestation by the "Atman" and shall be cast aside when our use is over. "Atman" is immortal ... It invokes various garments on the basis of resultant Karma of that moment. Our Karma in present life must be such that ... We carry the seeds of our good deeds to the next life. All materialistic achievements in this world carry no weight-age and only spiritual heritage earned by us shall be carried to the next life. "Atman" within wants liberation. Materialistic achievements by the physical body have no value for an "Atman". Spiritual upgrading of our mental capabilities alone is recognized in the realms of the spiritual world of "Atman". Why not all of us all the time strive for spiritualistic achievements. The whole World is crazy for amassing wealth which everyone consciously knows ... Whence comes the time for leaving the Earthly abode everything shall be left behind. Still, the greed persists .. "We feel incapable of controlling ourselves". The control is within ... It is upon us to succumb to the lust or not. As we do not have an independent mind we cannot blame the mind, as is the case with most human beings. Why blame anyone or anything for our follies ! Respect the "Eternal Truth". God's grace shall be bestowed on us. Can we ever hope to liberate our "Atman" from further manifestations without the grace of the Lord ! Remove the veil of short sightedness from your eyes. The truth is within. Perceive it and all will become clear to you. Never again blame your mind for the wrongs committed by you. "Atman" within only supports you if you are willing to listen. Will power can be increased by invoking positive thoughts all the time. As your confidence over your self increases ... So shall your Will power. Human Brain .. an antennae Can thoughts floating in Ether be invoked by anybody ! Yes, you can invoke all thoughts traveling on a particular wave length at a given moment of time. If four persons in different corners of the World invoke same wave length of thought at a given time .. Can they communicate between themselves through telepathy ? Yes, provided their transmission power is developed to that capacity. For telepathic transmission broadcasting and receiving capability of brain must be adequately developed. You must have often observed that when two persons are invoking thoughts on the same wavelength .. they get connected. If they dwell in thoughts of similar nature friendship is imminent. Else, both feel antagonistic towards each other for no reason or rhyme. Some times it also happens when invoking thoughts of similar nature, the stronger of the two probes the mental prowess of the other (i.e. his brain). Result ... The person with the lower intellect can feel that his mind is being probed by an outsider but as he has no remedy he keeps quiet. To avoid probing of our minds by highly developed ones .. We must ourselves rise above slavish animal indulgence and develop our intellect. Remember working of TV or a VCR. Any good program which is being broadcast can be stored in the memory of the VCR. Likewise thoughts we think would be of our future use can be stored in our memory i.e. in the memory cells in our brain. Other thoughts not considered important pass by .. And are forgotten as time passes. To develop our memorizing power, we must develop our brain by use. Invoking positive thoughts all the time results in overall development of our brain system. Everyone Understands that the brain of a human being can never be duplicated by human beings for it is a computer built by "God" and is foolproof. One gift "God" has bestowed on all human beings is his brain. The more efficiently you use it ... Automatically it upgrades. Better the grasp, quick is the unfoldment and higher planes of mind can we probe. We establish contact with "God" on the highest plane of mind. Meditation is nothing but trying to spiritually elevate to higher and higher planes of "Mind" thus leading to establishment of contact with "God", the Creator. Sruti .. a Universal system of communication Can we invoke the words spoken by any human being ... One living in the present or having lived in the past on this Earth ! Yes, all words thought of or spoken by any sage, intellectual or a normal person can be invoked by anyone anytime. Does this confirm the system of Sruti as mentioned in our "Vedas" to be a "Universal principle of communication" established by the Creator. How wonderful it is that anyone can invoke any thought or word spoken 2500 or more years ago ! But, as physical being has no entity in the spiritual World and it is only "Atman" within that works hence, thoughts invoked by man "God's" like Buddha, Mahavira and others are the Eternal thoughts and can be invoked by any developed brain and the message passed onto the general masses. Interpretations of Eternal thoughts by different brains is made in different ways. Reason being ... Eternal thoughts if conveyed to public in the same condensed form as invoked by Sages with high intellect without any changes may not become clear to the public. Hence, further category of Sages with still lower intellect interpreted the true meaning and presented these words in a language understandable to the common masses. Thoughts are present in the Ether in all the languages of the World that have been used since the dawn of Civilization by humans or other living beings. Does this mean we can invoke words in any language of the World ! Does this also mean that no language ever dies ! Yes, It is true. The system of "Sruti" as stated in our scriptures thus is a "Universal system of communication" and with passage of Ages, the sacred messages are still available to all who can invoke these messages contained in Vedas, Upanishads and other sacred texts. Can we invoke the mighty power of man God's such as "Mahavira", "Buddha" etc. ... A cluster of Pure ethereal energy ! Yes, by anyone and any where. You can also talk to these cosmic energies. You can receive their blessings even after a lapse of 2500 years ... Anytime. Maya .. the doer of all evil Never hate a human being. Hate the "Maya" which has cast a veil of Ignorance over the eyes of all human beings. Remove this veil and every human being, more particularly most Indians would be found to be a true replica of "God the Almighty". We Indians are born on a sacred soil .. All the Cosmic giants like Mahavira, Buddha and numerous saints have liberated from this soil. Our soil is inherently rich with the blessings of these liberated souls. We are spiritual masters of the World. We Indians are humble in our spiritual dealings. We have faith in the Lord to the extreme. For us even a lay stone or a tree is sacred. We worship Mother cow ... All rivers and Mountains are sacred to us. The veil of "Maya" has distorted our living. We see what we want to see .. What we see is perceived as truth. Real truth becomes inherent and with passage of time ... Is given a secondary importance. We are an "Atman" is a primary truth. The physical body manifested by the "Atman" is the secondary truth. We may neglect the primary truth but what is primary remains primary. You see the stars in the night. In day time, you do not see them. In fact they are where they are all the time. If the effect of daylight prevails on us all the time, then we shall slowly forget that stars were there. We would perceive the daylight as the only truth. "O" Indians, perceive the truth ... Remove the veil. All the World looks forward to you. Each one of you has to act on his own ... None other can remove the veil than yourself. May be once but see beyond the veil ... You shall remain stupefied for ever. Once the Eternal truth is clear to you ... You will never again let the "veil of Ignorance" capture your senses. The power of "God" cannot be quantified. Once you lift the veil and see "God" for yourself, the powers of "God" in miniature form which are always inherent in you as your "Atman" are now available to you for .. You have realized "self". These powers were always there to be used by you intelligently since the dawn of civilization but you never introspected earlier. Indians .. the Spiritual Masters of the World "O" Indian, Do not sleep further. Awake to the occasion. You are the born leader of the masses ... Do not deprive the masses of their legitimate right to your guiding them. You have been the World leader in the past and shall continue to do so. So is the desire of the "God". After a cycle of 2500 years, the time has now come again for you to show the "spiritual light" to the World. Mankind today is engrossed in trivialities of the lowest order. It is difficult to differentiate between human beings and animals. Unless you act fast, mankind is doomed to be destroyed by the "Creator" for .. We have failed to uphold the order set by the "God". Can we ever imagine "God" creating a human being as his replica only to fight on petty matters and annihilate itself. We have ourselves killed the values of the society. We all are collectively to blame. How can an individual be blamed for the chaos created by the whole humanity ? If anyone is a leader, he represents the masses. We have elected him to the post. If his actions are wrong we are to blame, not he for ... We have elected him to the post. In this justly ordered Universe can we pass on the buck to others. The "Eternal Truth" remains the same since eternity. We may divert from the path but the path is always there. We may blame "God" for deeds committed by us, but the "God" is inherent in every living being. Can its presence ever by nullified ? "God" shall always remain "God". We may superficially show respect but what of within ! Forgive all .. Receive God's grace The stronger are trying to eat away the weaker ones. Might is the order of the day. How can we ever forget the mightiest of all, the doer and caretaker of all, the poor and the unfortunate one. We must learn to live patiently. Whenever we commit a mistake or a blunder, we pray to "God" to forgive us and it forgives. But, what of you ... You are mad to use and show your power. You want to annihilate those who come in your path ! You even disregard the advice of your Elders .. The experienced ones, many times more intelligent than us. You forget, you shall also be old one day and the same fate shall befall all of us. What then ? Do not wait for the last breath ! The wrath of the "God" shall be with vengeance. "God" created us to live as brothers and sisters and we are here, bent upon to outrage the modesty of our sisters. Woe to humans who fail to understand themselves. What a pity. We boast of understanding others but we do not see the divinity inherent in all. Be noble. Understand thyself. Humanity is on the threshold of being annihilated. A few years more and lo .. You would never get a second chance. Rise and perceive the truth .. Before it is too late. God created the veil of Maya ... So that every human being has to struggle to proceed ahead on its Earthly journey. He has to do his Karma and also not to worry of the fruits. Journey to the kingdom of "God" though arduous is full of Bliss. In the present "Kaliyug" of today, none wants to work, unless the reward is committed in advance. So is not the system of "God". Man made systems will crumble in a short time. Those who abide by the system of "God" only shall reap the fruit. Time is ripe for a "New Mahabharat" but this time it will be a battle fought not in the fields but in the air. The air of today smells of the war. You only have to gear up your senses to the correct wave length .. To see the vision from within. You who have eyes are not able to see beyond the veil of Maya. What of your cosmic eyes. Penetrate the veil with your intelligence. Perceive the truth. You as a human being are only carrying out Karma for your "Atman" within. You are only being used as a vehicle for your "Atman". Why act in Ignorance for the loss is yours ... Others have nothing to loose. Give a fillip to your life ... Love all as your own. Become a true soldier of "God". See "God" in others .. You will never hate anyone. Present is the future of the past Never fear for your bread and butter. The Almighty who has made you will take care of that. Never worry for your shelter. Think above the ordinary. Godly thinking comes of God's grace. Earn the grace of "God" by doing good to all. In serving others you serve him. Do not look back. "Present is the future of the past". If your past is good ... present shall be bright and so shall be your future. Confusion is not the order of the day. God illuminates within us. Keep the light of intelligence burning within us ... The veil of ignorance will slowly melt away. However dark the future may seem ... The light of truth will dispel the darkness for ever. Pray to the Almighty to be of help to those who are under privileged. Help these ignorant people for .. They suffer for sins committed in the preceding life. Do we want to laden our future with the sins we may commit today ! Innumerable living beings ! Species unheard of or seen ! Still we alone were given the privilege of being born a human being. Why ? Because we have within us the divinity of the good deeds done by us in the past lives. Why spoil the future then. Our Cosmic goal is to liberate the "Atman" within. The Eternal reservoir of thoughts is available to guide us in this cosmic journey. Must we not behave more intelligently than fighting amongst ourselves. A single attack on our Mother Earth by an alien form will make all the Countries of the World unite together, barring any exception. Why not unite now ! What importance is of our Ego, the "I" within. Perceive the divinity ... You are an "Atman", an immortal being. The "I" as ego is a false notion. The human cast which shall die and wither out in 70 to 80 years cannot have an Ego. This is a trick played by "Maya" upon us. Try and understand .. You are rich with divinity within. You are never late for good deeds You have been tormented for centuries. You have slept for centuries but the time has now come to open your cosmic eyes which only can perceive the truth. You, an individual can create wonders. Abandon the untruthful path of Ego ... It deviates you from your reaching the goal early. Cosmic goal of all beings is fixed since you were first released by "God" i.e. obtain Moksha ! Do you know how many lives you have lived till now ? What various forms you had manifested in various lives ? How much is your spiritual standing compared to your colleagues ? Where do you stand in your cosmic rating as on date ? How many more lives you are going to manifest ? Who you are ? (not as a physical being but as a cosmic jiva) Who is he i.e. "God" ? Until you have answers to the above questions your intelligence is not fully developed. You do not understand from within. He is always with you but still you do not understand him. What a pity ? Do not miss all that is to be enjoyed by you. How many mountains have you climbed ? How many rivers explored ? How many animals and birds have you spotted in the wilderness on a safari ? You have seen till date what you wanted to see and not what you were supposed to see. Open up from within. Embrace him. He shall guide you in your cosmic journey. Do not fear anything. The Goal of all is fixed. Fear is a man made word. The "inherent being" i.e. your "Atman within" has nothing to fear but as your body is the temple of it hence, you have to protect your body. Why leave this body to start journey all over again ! Be rich in understanding Pity the rich ... Rich in wealth but poor in understanding. Embrace the poor ... Poor in wealth but rich in understanding. You will see him in everyone. Have you ever tried to help a poor not out of curiosity or vanity but due to your true love for him. Help one .. Receive one blessing. Help two .. Receive two blessings. What shall be your gain if you inherit the spiritual blessings of the whole mankind. You will truly become a "man God", complete your cosmic journey and ultimately liberate, never to manifest again. Lord Buddha, Mahavira, Jesus Christ, Mohammed inherited the blessings of the masses in return for their selfless service of mankind. For him all are equal ... All are his children but his grace varies. One who loves him and tries to reach him intelligently comes closer to him. Others who on the surface tend to be a devotee and are cunning inside .. incur the wrath of "God" and do not attain self realization in this life. Figure it out for yourself ? Who shall complete the journey first .. A devotee with inherent cunningness or a devotee who partakes his foods with a beggar in the name of the Lord. All sky scrapers, modes of transport have been built by him as a mode of comfortable living. But, a man with a blind vision, blind not physically but spiritually ... Makes it his goal of life. For a common man, the means have become an End. The vast powers of the mind are waiting to be scanned by you. Take the lead. Take your first step forward .. Scan yourself from within. You shall become the master one day. © 1998 -1999 Vijay Kumar ---- The Healing Spiral: A Chironic View of Astrological Counseling Author: Stephanie Austin M.A. Address: 159 Las Vegas Rd. Orinda, CA 94563 Phone: at (415) 254-6972. As astrologers we are privileged to behold some of the many turns of the cosmic kaleidoscope which horoscopes represent. Each chart, each person, is an opportunity to witness another form of Spirit. Each encounter is a mirror reflecting another part of ourselves. Looking deeply into our own charts, and into those of our clients, we gain valuable insight, which enriches both our personal and our professional lives. An astrological session is not a one-way occurrence, but rather a dynamic, mutual exchange. If we ask ourselves, what is the purpose and meaning of this particular client coming to us at this particular time, we open ourselves to more profound level of growth and service. Any astrological counseling session provides an opportunity for integration and healing for both the astrologer and the client. While it seems evident why a client would be contracting for a session, it is less obvious, but equally important, to look at the benefit (apart from financial) for the astrologer. What draws us into this kind of work? What keeps us doing it? And what are we really doing?! We are healing. The word "heal" comes from the same cognate as the word "whole", so etymologically and psychospiritually, to heal is to make whole. In providing a universal language which validates personal and transpersonal experience, we are helping both ourselves and our clients become more whole, more in touch with the essential self and the spiritual dimension of life. In using the archetypal symbols of astrology, we participate in a mutual growth of consciousness. Both people are changed as a result of the interaction. The astrologer benefits just as much as the client in terms of opportunities for consolidating and integrating their own experience and understanding. In order to guide or counsel, one must have achieved a certain level of mastery. The client-counselor relationship allows for the continual testing and refinement of that mastery. That mastery is a lifelong process. Each client provides an opportunity to see how far we have progressed with the issues being presented. Over months or years, we may notice a predominance of certain archetypes or themes in our practice. (For example, with a strong emphasis on Cancer and the Moon in my own chart, I find that many of my clients come with lunar issues.) We may also find certain themes in our clients' charts which coincide with transits we are currently having or have recently gone through. This again allows us to review and share our personal experience as well as our professional knowledge. As astrologers, often the most valuable gift we have to give is not our technical expertise, but the understanding and compassion we have achieved from grappling with our own issues. Like Chiron, the archetype of the Wounded Healer, having made a healing journey ourselves, we can and often become guides for others on the way. We can't help but do our work through the filter of our own perceptions and issues. That is part of being human, and part of the gift we have to give ourselves and our clients. We are all in a continual process of becoming. By deeply studying our horoscopes we can identify our latent potentials, unconscious patterns and lessons for growth. The astrology chart is an extremely powerful tool for this kind of awareness. Each symbol in the astrological language is an infinitely fertile area for self-exploration. Those discussed below symbolize areas of our psyche which are often subconscious or shadow material, and which are very directly engaged in counseling situations. Use this listing as a self-awareness exercise, noting areas which you might like to explore further in your own chart and life. 1) The Ascendant or Rising Sign is how we initially relate to the world and to new experiences. This can be a difficult aspect of ourselves to get in touch with, because the assumptions symbolized by the ascendant sign are imprinted at an early age, and are not often questioned until other people or events draw us into examining our fundamental paradigms of reality. The ascendant can be like glasses on our face, so close and familiar that we forget we are wearing them. The Rising Sign can be an accurate and necessary shorthand of our personality, or a bias indiscriminately projected on all our interactions. The placement of the Ascendant ruler, by its house and aspects, planets in the first house, and planets closely aspecting the Ascendant strongly modify the Ascendant expression, and can also unconsciously color our world view, our self-image, and what we permit others to see of ourselves. We tend to directly evoke and express the archetype symbolized by the planet(s) involved. For example, Uranus aspecting the Ascendant strongly individualizes the expression of that ascendant sign, and draws that person into playing a Promethean role in life. What are the qualities symbolized by your Ascendant and its ruler? What planets aspect your ascendant? How are their energies incorporated into your self-image and world-view? 2) The sign on the seventh house cusp and planets in the seventh house represent qualities we often project onto and/or seek in others in one on one ongoing interactions (counseling relationships as well as romantic or business partnerships). Like the Ascendant, this can be automatic behavior and initially difficult to recognize. The qualities represented by the seventh house cusp and planets tend to be projected first and later reowned, reflected back to us in the mirror of relationship. What is the sign on your seventh house cusp? How do you express (or project) those qualities in your life? What are you most attracted to in a partner? What drives you crazy? Oppositions are very similar to the 1st-7th house axis, symbolizing polarized but complementary energies. They are often played out in relationships, with one end of the opposition projected onto another person or situation. This is even more likely when an outer planet opposes a personal planet. A person with Pluto opposite the Sun may struggle with a domineering parent or partner until they are able to develop their own constructive use of power and will. Someone with Uranus opposite Venus may perceive themselves as loving and receptive, but see their partners as unwilling to compromise or commit, until they recognize and honor their own need for freedom and exploration. What dynamics are indicated by oppositions in your chart? If you don't have any oppositions, review outer planet transits which have opposed your natal Sun, Moon, Venus or Mars for insight as to how this dynamic may function. How have oppositions helped you become more aware and balanced in those areas of life? 3) Stelliums or conjunctions can be blind spots of powerfully projected energies, or areas where we struggle to find constructive expression of a combination of qualities. The ease or difficulty of achieving a positive, unified expression will directly depend on the mixture of energies involved, their aspects, and the age and maturity of the person. The sign and house location would supply clues as to the activities and environment necessary for this integration. For example, a person with a conjunction of the Sun, Mars and Uranus may not be aware of the strength and individuality they project, nor able to productively harness that energy until a certain amount of life experience brings a reorientation from self to collective concerns, such as in participation in new technologies or social reform. If you have a stellium or conjunctions in your chart, explore the individual drives of each planet, looking at how each is similar to and different from the other. What are they trying to achieve as a unit? 4) Hemisphere placement, like the Ascendant, can indicate a general (and often unconscious) response pattern and world view. Many planets above the horizon signal a socially- oriented life path; below the horizon, a more subjective and personally focused life. Planets in the Eastern, or rising, sector tend to operate more independently; planets in the West tend to respond and be more relationship-oriented energies. A predominance in any one hemisphere or quadrant predisposes one to value and view that quality as a primary mode of being. In what hemispheres are your planets located? What assumptions about life might that indicate? 5) Elemental dominance, many planets in one element or the absence of planets in an element, can constellate an marked tendency to value and engage in the activities symbolized by that element. For example, a person with many planets in earth is drawn to pragmatic, tangible endeavors and results in life. Conversely, someone with few or no planets in earth may be aware of the need to be practical and productive, and may seek associations with people who have those attributes. What is the elemental composition of your chart? What element is most comfortable for you? Which is one gives you difficulty? 6) The Nodes of the Moon are the points in space where the Moon crosses the ecliptic. They symbolize the interface between the Sun, Moon and Earth and indicate where we derive nourishment for growth. The South Node, representing what has nourished us in the past, may be an area where we unconsciously replay old patterns or hold attitudes which need to be balanced by the qualities of the North Node. The sign and house placement of the North Node, symbolizing our spiritual frontier, may also be unconscious territory for us, but for the opposite reason, as it indicates the next steps which need to be taken for the evolution of our consciousness. Where is your South Node by sign, house and ruler? Where is your North Node? What qualities or attitudes need to be balanced in this polarity? 7) The sign of and planets in the twelfth house can be parts of ourselves which we hide from others or have hidden from ourselves. As the metaphorical attics of our psyches, these patterns may remain largely unconscious until a major transit or interpersonal dynamic activates them. Planets in the twelfth house or the cusp sign represents qualities which we must experience and express both personally and transpersonally. For example, a person with a Sun in the 12th house might best discover their self identity through experiencing selflessness in meditation, dreamwork, altruistic occupations or other transpersonal activities. What sign do you have on the 12th house cusp? Where is its ruler? How are you expressing those qualities (and any planets in the 12th) in your life? 8) The sign of and planets in the 4th house represent foundational energies connecting us to family roots and experiences of our home environment. These can also symbolize what we feel a family should be, and what may help us achieve a stable emotional base. It is especially important here (and with the symbol of the Moon, which follows) to remember that there are at least twelve ways of perceiving and coping with life. One person's emotional needs may differ vastly from another's; what would nourish one might be frustrating to another. For example, a Piscean need for retreat might at times be at odds with a Gemini need for communication. Understanding and honoring the differences as much as possible and healthful is crucial in any relationship, counseling or otherwise. What is the sign and ruler of your 4th house cusp? What does its sign and placement suggest about your psychological heritage? 9) The sign of and aspects to the Moon suggests what we need to feel safe and supported. It symbolizes our daily habits, emotional patterns and needs, as well as our storehouse of memories and subconscious drives. It is the archetype of the inner child and the mother principle, and provides clues as to experiences of nurturing and our relationship to the feminine. It is also our style of response to stress and how we can best nurture ourselves. What is the sign, house, and aspects to your moon? How do you express these qualities in your everyday life? What activities nurture you and keep you in touch with your feelings, the feminine, your inner child? 10) The placement of Mercury and planets in the 3rd house may show our preferred mode of communication and how we most easily receive and process information. It can also give us valuable clues as to how to best phrase concepts for optimal communication. A Mercury in Pisces might be more "right brain" oriented, and relate best with images and metaphors. A Mercury in Virgo might be more "left brain", focusing on rational detail and getting "to the point". As counselors relying largely on verbal communication, this is an important symbol to keep in mind. Where is your Mercury? What aspects to it modify your communication style? What do you like to think and talk about? What things do you have difficulty discussing? 11) The placement of Jupiter and planets in the 9th house indicates our philosophy of life and the assumptions we make about the meaning of our experience. It also can show how we see opportunity for growth and participation in our social and cultural environment. This, like the Ascendant is an especially important factor to bring to consciousness, because these beliefs color and filter all of our experience. In utilizing a symbolic system like astrology, much of our task is about imparting meaning to experience, so our own philosophy can strongly bias what we see as meaningful and what we promote as growthful. This is not to say that we have to be totally objective; that may not be possible or even desirable, but that we should be as aware as possible of our philosophy and be able when necessary to honor beliefs that differ from our own. What is your philosophy of life? What do you really believe in? What makes life worth living for you? 12) The placement and aspects to Saturn reveals where we have been denied something in the outer world in order to develop it within ourselves. In alchemy it is the base material which is transformed into gold. It can be the place where we feel our "judge" or internal critic most strongly, and can be both a place of avoidance and obsession in our lives. It symbolizes where we have felt deeply scarred by a lack of structure or external support, and where we feel least secure until we have worked to build our own structures and become our own parent or authority. It can be a point of great fear, and when transformed, a place of great strength. Where is your Saturn by sign, house and aspect? What are your attitudes toward discipline, responsibility, self-sufficiency? Where is your psychological Archilles heel? Where have you felt most limited or tested by life? 13) The placement and aspects to Chiron indicates where we encounter a deep wound, and also the qualities which will bring about its healing. Orbiting between Saturn and Uranus, Chiron represents a bridge between physically oriented reality and the collective or spiritual dimensions. It awakens us to an expanded understanding and acceptance of earthly trials, which, from a personal perspective, would seem unremitting and unendurable. Within the question lies the answer; within the wound lies the path of healing. Chiron represents the shamanic journey, and teaches us that ultimately all wounds heal through the integration of the mundane and divine. Where is your Chiron? What type of wound is symbolized by its sign, house and aspects? What do you need to learn and teach for its healing? As astrologers we embody the archetype of the Wounded Healer. We provide guideposts and understanding for the journey of our clients. Like Chiron, we bridge the mundane and the divine worlds and help point the way to healing/wholing the Self. But also like Chiron, we have to make the journey ourselves, deeply exploring our own charts and lives. The more we learn about ourselves, the more we have to teach. The more we teach, the more we learn, and the spiral continues... © 1998 -1999 Stephanie Austin M.A. ---- Life Lessons: The lessons of Karma and the responsibility and maturity of the Soul Author: Stephen Poplin, M.A. Phone: (415) 455-4914 or (510) 254-6972 Each sign needs to express a theme and/or perspective, which is important for the individual within a society to admit or to recognize. If it--this theme--is integrated, it will make an obvious and positive impact. If not, it will be felt as an incomplete aspect of self, an unfulfilled wish or potential for the individual. The mature soul should recognize the cause and effect factor, Karma, and that reaping follows sowing. Effort is needed in order to get the "return." The immature soul will want--and even demand--the effect or reward without considering the cause or effort necessary to create or earn it. This is somewhat like the lottery hopefuls--waiting for their "reward;" or even the religious, waiting to be saved with little or no exertion towards conscious evolution and social service. The plan of this particular astrological analysis unfolds in the following way: each sign is subjectively seeking something. Sometimes this "something" is to be derived from friends, acquaintances and/or family, sometimes from society, mostly from oneself. Obviously, there is a lesson or two involved. Therefore, speaking rhetorically--and philosophically--for each sign, we ask these questions: What do you want? What's the inner issue(s)? What thought or inspiration should you keep in mind (a quote)? Do note that as I describe the temperaments, interests, and probabilities of the various signs, I am not only referring to one's Sun sign, but also to one's Moon or Rising sign, as well as to a predominance of planets within a particular sign. How do you find out about these particulars? Why, consult an astrologer! Aries To seek the freedom to act and to express yourself freely They may talk about "what they would do" or they may tie themselves to a weight or obstruction and thereby wait for freedom or permission to act (and wait a long, long time). Very likely the tie is merely a string! Remember, just because you are busy and active does not mean that you are getting any nearer your goals. Harness your drive to a good plan and you can go far! "Action follows thought." Taurus To enjoy life while utilizing your resources and attaining security Look at the long haul. A sustained, constant effort in the accumulation of capital or assets on one hand can be augmented or fortified by the knowledge and experience to remain self-sufficient and rewarded (materially and otherwise) for one's talents and contributions. Take responsibility for what you have...and what you haven't. Remember, if you keep on doing what you've been doing you will continue to get what you've already got! "There's no such thing as a free lunch." Gemini To be accepted and appreciated as a fine thinker and communicator One can talk a lot and have nothing to say. Are you taking in and passing on information indiscriminately? What's the purpose? Avoid superficialities and delve deeper into the subjects that are meaningful to you. The mind is a muscle. Use it and it will grow strong--cause and effect. Also, how accepting are you of others? Criticism returns to its own roost! "Direct your thoughts and include the heart." Cancer To have a comfortable home and to enjoy "family" bonds These goals require effort, not wishful thinking and certainly not lamenting and complaining. Study the Home--physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It is built upon foundations, a brick at a time. It is in need of maintenance and periodic repair. A Home is more than the sum of its parts. What is a family? Think beyond blood ties. Love and affection, forgiveness and trust, an open door and few expectations. Follow the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." Leo To be recognized as a creative, unique individual Like a diamond in the rough, cut and polish your natural gifts. Remember that while you are fine-tuning your skills that there are many other stars in the sky. Each soul is significant, a bright light in its own right. And how do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice! The curtains rise after many rehearsals. "Head for the lights and never forget the Source of The Light." Virgo To be recognized as a competent specialist and as an aid to others Just as an oyster creates a pearl, those nagging doubts will motivate you to improve. You are already special. There is much to do in your own backyard, however, so don't worry what your neighbor is doing. A constructive mind is a gift; like a sharp blade, it can cut both ways. Take it easy on yourself. Although you will receive your recognition for a job well done, no one will be as pleased as God. That's what "storing your treasures in heaven" means! It's O.K. to be exact, but not exacting! "Minimize the faults, maximize the virtues." Libra To contribute balance, justice, equality and beauty to your world Those abstract and aesthetic ideals need to be integrated and lived. You ask for fairness. Are you always fair and balanced? Justice begins at home. Living in the world, you are balancing harsh reality and injustice on one had and the Ideal on the other. Start with becoming Just yourself. You love music and theater and literature. Beyond amusements, they will nourish your Soul as well. There is an important place in this world for gentle-men and ladies. "By living your high idealism you demonstrate by example." Scorpio To get to the core or source of self, things and others; and to aid others to realize the same Hidden agendas will filter the perspective and mar the results. Analysis must be coupled with inspired Wisdom and objectivity. One must first be invited to work on others, otherwise it is called manipulation and meddling. Very like a democratic society, your mission requires a constant vigilance against insurrection and sabotage--from within and without! An instigator can also be a healer. "Balance knowledge (not opinions) with intuition and a loving objectivity and you will get closer." Sagittarius To be an advocate and promulgator of nobility, righteousness and a higher law and order Doors may fortuitously open for you, but you might not gain by entering! There will be ample opportunities to sell out, to become complacent and to promote some special interest status quo. Practice what you preach. God's Law is also God's yoke (Yoga): are you committed enough to see it through or do you want to take the easy way? The rewards are great and so are the responsibilities. As you are here to convince others, be sure you have learned your subject! Incorporate perspectives from afar! Other places and cultures add spice and objectivity. "The teacher needs a thorough education." Capricorn To take a significant part in running the show; and showing others how it is done There are models, examples, mentors, schemes, plans and organizational charts to study when you want to know the bigger picture. Although your worldly perspective will focus upon temporal success, your mission is to make the Divine Order viable in an imperfect world. You will be tempted along the way; whose model will you choose? Which system will you buy into? Don't forget the human component in the project and the Divine part of The Plan! "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." Aquarius To use the resources of groups and societies to enhance individual expression, opportunities, and happiness You're aiming for win-win solutions. There is the Mind, there is the Group Mind, and there is the Divine Mind; what should be the chain of command? You're attuned to the gift of self- determination; don't forget the First Cause. Remember, a paradigm, like a security fence, can keep away potential vandals but may also bar potential friends. Once you've made up your mind, allow for a later revision...just in case. "As you strive to free others, remember to free yourself periodically." Pisces To find the balance between a complex, interdependent world and a quiet mystical reality Striving to live up to standards, it is important to note where the standards come from. Recognize that there are an endless number of people, well intentioned or not, who are very willing to advise you on how to run your life (me included). You periodically break from that cacophony to seek solace within, to escape. Do you, personally, want to be a cause or an effect? Match your intuitive perceptions with the wisdom of the past and be an example of right living here on earth. A lot of your message will be non-verbal (although you have a gift for words). You know that you are being watched, but are you being judged too? Perhaps not as you suppose. "Love God with all your heart and love one another here on Earth." © 1998 -1999 Stephen Poplin, M.A. ---- Honoring Springtime Author: StormWolf E-mail: stormwolf The Wheel of the Year has turned from the harshness of Winter again, bringing us into the energetic realm of Spring. Traditionally speaking, Spring has been associated with the prospering of life, and with new romances ("Spring Fever"). We also hear something about "Spring Cleaning" which is a time to get rid of the clutter of Winter in order to make room for new life to flourish. Different religious traditions have provided myths and rituals concerning these energetic shifts in order to help us incorporate them into our daily experience. The Christian traditions celebrate Easter at this time, which glorifies the resurrection of Christ and can be seen as a metaphor for the rebirth of nature-new life arising from death. Modern Witches continue to celebrate the ancient festival of Eostre, whose' name is that of the Teutonic Goddess of the Earth, and view the season as a time of fertility and growth. The origins of dyed egg hunts, and even that of the elusive seasonal rabbit, lie in the heart of these ancient traditions when life depended on the fertility of the livestock, and the abundance of the harvest. We know that this is a time when life begins anew, with new wildflowers on the hillside and baby animals scurrying amongst the trees. Now is a time to get in touch with nature, and the natural rhythms of potential and growth, but what does that mean to someone who lives in a city where the greatest dose of nature seems to come from the local park or even one's own backyard? In the modern age our busy lives seem little concerned with agricultural abundance, but fertility as a flow of energy is much more than just a bountiful harvest! To connect with the seasonal tide of this time is to enrich our internal landscape, allowing us greater opportunity to allow our own creative ideals to flourish, connecting us with our own deep self. Just as the ancients used this time to begin planting the years' crops, so can we 'plant the seeds' of self-transformation and then extend this change into the world around us. What follows is a simple ritual that you can use to connect with the energies of the season. Feel free to change it to suit your needs as there is no "one right way" for everyone. The lesson of spring is one of power through the diversity of life. Ritual: For this ritual you will need a candle, a small packet of seeds (flower seeds, vegetable seeds, etc.), a spoon or small shovel, an egg, a felt tip marker, a small pot or an area outdoors suitable for planting, a small token of offering (whatever you feel is appropriate), some water and, a good attitude. I will assume that you will perform this out of doors, but simple adjustments can be made in order to accommodate for an interior working. First, take your candle in your hands and say something to yourself like "I invite the springtime into my life. I am blessed by the Universe." Light the candle and imagine its' light all around you giving you the energy to start a new way of life. Next, take the marker and write the name of something that you would like to accomplish on the egg. It can be something like "New Job", or "Art" if you need to devote more time to your creative endeavors, again whatever is important to you. Place the egg on the ground in front of the lit candle. Meditate on them for a moment. Now, take your spoon or shovel and dig a small hole in the earth. Imagine you are "working the fields of your internal garden", making it ready to receive new ideas and ways of being. Make sure that you feel the earth with your hands as you dig. Take your packet of seeds and plant some in the ground. You may wish to say an affirmation for each one, such as "I have more time to write", or "Job offers are pouring in." Take your time and really feel that each seed is a message to the earth that will be answered in its' own way. When you have finished planting, pick up the egg and hold it in your hands. Let your hands warm it as you visualize your goal as already being completed. For example, see yourself happily working at a new job that is perfect for you, or merrily signing copies of your latest book! When you can see every last detail, break the egg into the hole and bury it along with the seeds. You can either let the candle burn out (if you plan on staying to watch it!) or you can blow it out to send the energy on its' way. (Follow your intuition for this one.) Water the seeds and leave your offering. Now all that's left to do is to allow the universe to provide you with what you've asked for. This is best done by doing something on the physical plane to 'coax' the energy along (such as getting a small notebook to write in, or turning in job resumes.). We have to be willing to meet the universe half-way! Most importantly-don't be discouraged if it doesn't manifest right away. Sometimes we need to work through and discard certain energetic blocks before we can manifest our desires. (Maybe that's where the idea of Spring Cleaning comes in!) Blessed be! Please send inquires and comments to stormwolf © 1998-99 StormWolf ---- A Call To End Vacillation Author Tina La Perle Email: tinal Those of us finding value in astrology have acknowledged the planets exert an influence upon us. The influence is felt in matters such as whom we choose in partners, our careers, our interests, our health, etc... depending on the planet in question, the sign, house placement, and corresponding aspects. While we acknowledge this power of influence upon us, do we also take into consideration our power of influence exerted upon on a planet? Specifically, I am referring to planet Earth- our life sustaining home. As our consciousness shifts from a separatist perspective to a more holistic view of ourselves, we are coming to realize that we are mental, physical, and spiritual beings. I concur with a spiritual approach to life, at the same time there is a need to recognize we are physical beings exerting a daily material influence (X billions) upon the planet in the way of resource consumption and pollution. It is estimated that by 3/31/99 there will be nearly 5.8 billion people on this Earth (Union of Concerned Scientists, 3/99) Indeed, this is a substantial influence upon a planet. Health scientists, environmentalists, and even some psychologists have issued reports and written books regarding the declining health of the environment and the effects it is having on our ecosystem, our health, and even our psyche. Response to these cautionary publications have been varied, ranging from plain disbelief to firm agreement that we, the people of this planet, have a major problem on our hands. Amongst the disbelieves are those that perceive the "supposed" state of the environment is a dramatic exaggeration and would argue the toxicology evidence found in fish, birds, and animals does not effect the human body in the way it effects a smaller organism. Society, as a whole, is not convinced declining environmental conditions are a threat to our health. Has common sense been thrown out the window? These skeptics make a tragic error of application. In their attempts to remain objective, they liken themselves to a deliberating jury examining evidence so scrutinizingly in order to turn in a verdict beyond a shadow of doubt. The "perceived" doubt is that we are not mice, frogs, fish, or animals and have body systems comparatively different. The basic truth is we are an organism heavily dependent on our environment for intake; air, water, and food. We take in large quantities of all three constantly and with a small amount of toxins present in all three, there is a cumulative effect stored in body fat. Unfortunately, one of the few ways toxins are released from the body is through breastfeeding (Our Stolen Future,p.179). Mothers who are potentially contaminated with toxins (at levels they can sustain) pass these toxins on to developing infants having less capacity to deal with them in their developing systems. Some Ecopsychologists believe that we are experiencing a collective despair felt on levels we are not entirely conscious of. From a mental/psychological standpoint, Ecopsychology postulates the world's declining environmental conditions are a result of our having come to view ourselves as separate from nature, and thus we have lost our relationship to nature. Not only are there (physical) health consequences associated with this environmental decline, but from a spiritual perspective, life as a disciple of separateness is devoid of meaning. To change things, we can be cognizant of both our influences and our despair. Lets allow it to transform our attitudes and behaviors instead of becoming paralyzed by doomsday outlooks. In a society given to the precision of science and law, can we move past the "shadow of doubt syndrome or vacillate syndrome"? In a courtroom, the presence of a shadow of doubt will free a man or woman. Ironically, a shadow of doubt could be our demise. You have a right to clean air, water, and safe nutritious food. Demand it. For those of you ready to make those demands of yourselves please refer to the text below. For those of you already doing all or some of these things, our planet thanks you. What You Can Do *Commit to commuting to work at least two days per week. Increase it if possible. Use public transportation. *Reduce the amount of packaging garbage from your house by purchasing provisions in bulk or biodegradable/recyclable material. *Buy organic produce for good health. Pesticides are the worst threat to both food and air quality in that they are designed to be biologically active and are disbursed into the environment in huge quantities intentionally. *Buy second hand or natural fiber clothing. If choosing cotton, opt for organic cotton. Regular cotton is the world's most polluting crop, receiving 26% of the world's pesticides. *Stop or at least reduce the amount of take out fast food you buy. It is packaging heavy. Packaging accounts for 40% of all municipal solid waste by volume and 50% by weight. Not only that, fast food restaurants are not in the business to provide you with wholesome nutritious food1 they are in it for the profit. *When purchasing a new item, try to choose products made with renewable resources and/or recycled content materials. This creates a market for our high recyclable capture rate of nearly 30%. ---- Recipe from the East This section is for those who like to cook, and experiment with foods from different cultures. This section is open for anyone with recipes that they would like to share with other readers. Please feel free to submit your favorite recipes to this address: vedic Poori Take some wheat flour, add salt and knead it well by adding water in steps so that it becomes soft. Make this into smooth round even sized balls. Using a roller flatten the balls one by one to make it round and flat of medium thickness. Deep fry this in oil till the poori pops fully and then remove it from the frying pan. Tandoori Chicken Tandoor is a special clay oven heated with charcoal or wood, I am not going to go through the process of digging a hole in the back yard and making a clay tandoor so we will cook the chicken in a regular gas or electric oven in your kitchen. I am not going to go through peeling and chopping Garlic and onion so I'll keep it simple. Ingredients One and half ponds of Boneless Skinless Chicken Half a cup yogurt Halt to thee/forth spoon of Garlic Salt Half spoon of Onion powder 1 tea spoon grounded and roasted cumin 2 tea spoons of Garam Masala 1/2 teaspoon turmeric ½ teaspoon of Paprika 2 Lemons One or half spoon of red chili powder 5 table spoons of oil (I like olive oil) If you have boneless chicken thigh's you can cut in half or leave them whole, if you have chicken breasts cut them in 3 or 4 pieces, as you like em.. Make one inch cuts on these pieces. Squeeze the lemon juice in a bowl and put the chicken in the bowl and stir it with your hand so that the lemon juice gets on most of the chicken, let it sit for 15 min. Mix the spices and yogurt in a different bowl. Take the chicken and mix it till the chicken pieces are thoroughly covered with the yogurt spice mix. If you in a hurry Pre heat the oven for 10 min at 375°. And let the chicken bake for 30 to 35 minutes. If not then cover the chicken bowl and let in sit in the refrigerator for 12 hours and marinade. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes and you have Tandoori chicken. Note: Garam Masala and Turmeric can be found at east Indian or Asian stores. If you live in the Twin Cities, Minnesota you could find the spices at Cub. --- Monthly Insight By Robert Dockstader With the publication of our last Newsletter I started the topic of the Grahas or (Planets). I began with Ravi the Sun and well try and give you a Basic understanding of each Planet as seen through the Vedic Viewpoint. I have always felt that it is important to try and feel each of the Planets energy in our life, by doing so we have a good understanding how each of the planets effects our daily life here on earth. In the Vedic System we use Nine planets, the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu (North Node of thee Moon) and Ketu (South Node of the Moon). We started with the Sun and have covered the Moon and last month Mars. Now this month we will talk about the Planet (Graha ) Budha Mercury. I hope this series well be informative and as enjoyable as our last concerning the Houses. Budha (Mercury) Mercury is the planet of intellectual and communicative matters. Its natural influence is benefic which energizes its associations and produces positive results. But because it is a neutral, sexless, and adaptable planet, Mercury takes on the nature and quality of planet it is conjunct with or aspected by. It is very important for the astrologer to thoroughly analyze its condition before interpreting it effects in the chart. Also remember that if Mercury is conjunct with a malefic (Mars,, Sun Saturn, Rahu, Ketu,) Mercury himself becomes malefic than any of these malefic planets will receive a very beneficial energy and become powerfully enhanced. The house in which this occurs however, must be delineated as being occupied by 2 malefics. Mercury rules such things as intelligence, speech, education, and all mental pursuits. It is responsible for creating writers and teachers. It also rules trade and commerce and will be prominent in the lives of business people. Other matter concerning Mercury are the nervous system and confidence. Therefore, when badly placed or afflicted he indicates a person who is nervous, overly excitable, conceited and insecure. Mercury may, without malicious intent, cause harm in certain houses due to its superficial nature. The Hindu sages confer him as fickle, two-faced, and often conducive to detachment and an overly independent nature. It is best placed in the first house where it receives dik bala or directional strength. It work best in the first half of virgo, where it is exalted, and worst in pisces, where it is fallen. It owns Gemini and Virgo and produces very good results in either sign. Mercury is a very youthful planet and gives such appearance when it associates with a planet or house connected in some way to the physical body, like the first house or its ruler. The gem to wear to enhance Mercury benefic energy is green emerald or a secondary gem green tourmaline. The friends of Mercury are the Sun and Venus, in whose signs Mercury is welcomed. The Moon is an enemy to Mercury, while, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn are neutral to it. How to read your Horoscope The Basics of Bona Fide Astrology by Tom Hopke (Nalini-Kantha das) Vedic Astrology by: Ronnie Gale Dreyer Ancient Hindu Astrology for the Modern Western Astrologer by: James T. Braha © 1999 Robert Dockstader ---- Monthly Moon Outlook Full Moon: March 31, 1999 22:49 UTC New Moon: April 16, 1999 04:23 UTC ---- Month At A Glance Author: Anjali Fields Email: anjali1 Webpage: http://www.taraproject.com/index.htm ---- Week At A Glance Author: Anjali Fields Email: anjali1 Webpage: http://www.taraproject.com/index.htm ---- This Online Magazine is sent to members who d via the internet at: http://homepages.together.net/~vedic/newslet.htm . If you no longer want to be a r please e-mail me at vedic with "UNSUBSCRIBE" as the "BODY" and "SUBJECT" ------ eGroup home: http://www.eGroups.com/list/sjvc Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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