The Tools and Trappings of WITCHCRAFT

The tools and trappings of Witchcraft are many and varied. While many of them, such as the broomstick and the witch's cauldron, are very familiar among most of the population, most magickal tools used by practitioners of Wicca and Witchcraft are either unknown or vastly misunderstood. This article will address the uses of many of the most popular magickal tools out there, and, hopefully, banish some of the misconceptions out there.

The specific tools addressed are:

- The Athame

- The Wand

- The Cauldron

- The Altar

- Book of Shadows

The Athame

The Athame is probably the most misunderstood of all of the magickal tools addressed here. What is an athame, anyways? It is a ritual dagger that utilized by witches during rituals and ceremonies. It is generally a double-edged blade made from steel, iron or, for the wealthier wiccans out there, silver. The hilt of the blade is most often black, and painted or engraved with a variety of occult symbols.

The Athame is a ritual knife used in the witchcraft religion of Wicca.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Stories and movies, which often depict a witch as bad guy, often glamorize the athame as a sinister weapon that is used in sacrifices and other outlandish practices. This could NOT be further from the truth! The true purpose of this tool is as an aid for the practitioner to direct their will in ritual. It is never used to cut anything physically, and if it does, it is considered tainted and cannot be used until some extensive 'psychic cleansing' can be done.

For those who practice Witchcraft, the athame is a representation of the element of air and mental energy. It is one of the most used, and often most cherished, of their ritual tools.

The Wand

The wand is another very common item used in Witchcraft. The image it brings to mind is very accurate. It is a length of wood, about the same length as the individual witch's forearm. It can be constructed from a variety of materials, and the magickal properties of the tree from which it is cut often play a major role in its choosing. The look and style of the wand is as varied as the people who carry them. They are often decorated with crystals, stones, feathers and ribbons.

The uses of the wand are very similar indeed to those of the athame. It is used to direct one's will in ritual or ceremony. However, the biggest difference with the wand is that it is often the preferred means of repelling negativity away from its user. As such, it is often the tool of choice for rituals involving purifying and cleansing.

The Cauldron

Now, this is a misunderstood tool indeed! When one brings to mind the image of a witch's cauldron, the phrase, "bubble, bubble, toil and trouble..." is often right there with it. People seem to think that witches like to brew up some of the strangest things in their cauldrons. Though the cauldron is used as a magickal mixing bowl, the ingredients are often found in the average kitchen pantry. For a witch, the cauldron represents the element of water and the energies of emotions and feeling. In ritual, the cauldron often serves in preparing infusions for a magickal bath, tinctures for a variety of uses, or simply a fireproof container in which to burn a piece of parchment.

The Altar

This is another tool that is often very misunderstood. In the Hollywood version, the altar is the creepy table decorated with skulls and black candles where the victim is tied up helplessly. Try explaining that one to the neighbours!!

In real Witchcraft, there are two main types of altars out there: The functional, ritual altar, and the altar that serves as a shrine to honour a specific deity. The shrine-type altar is pretty self-explanatory. It is a special place to connect with a specific deity, and decorated with items that either represent or are associated with that deity.

A functional altar is one that is used during the majority of Wiccan rituals and is often the centrepiece of the ceremony. It is the place where Wiccans do most of the "dirty work" of burning candles, spilling ink, and burning incense. It is a focal point for their ritual intent and the spot in the ritual circle where they connect and pray to their Deity.

Book of Shadows

This is the quintessential spell book carried by every witch out there. There are so many ways to describe this particular item. To begin, let us just say that the Book of Shadows is a combination of a journal, a how-to manual, song book, and spell book.

One of the most common things found in a book of shadows is the Wiccan Rede. This is basically a code of conduct that witches follow, and an empowering bit of prose. Also commonly found within one of these books is a piece called The Charge of The Goddess, or simply "The Charge". This is a very elegantly written piece of poetry that both empowers practitioners of Witchcraft, and reminds them of their common values and beliefs. Both of these items are often included in Wiccan ceremonies.

Aside from that, the contents of a Book of Shadows can be almost anything. Most witches include their favourite rituals, incense recipes, correspondence charts and other difficult-to-memorize magickal tidbits.

These are some of the most commonly found magickal tools used for Witchcraft. There are much more out there. However, it would take much more than a single article to encompass them all. The most important thing to remember is that these are all just tools. To perform real magick, all a good witch needs is their mind. Any tool you find is more of focus of your intent, and a signal to your subconscious. The will and energy that you put forth are what really counts.

By Joshua Traversie - Article Source: EzineArticles

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The Bo and other Long Wooden Staff MARTIAL ARTS WEAPONS

Besides rocks, one of the most basic of all weapons throughout mankind’s history across most cultures has been the long wooden stick. This makes sense since sticks were always readily available in the forests or could be easily made. The Asian martial arts took the long wooden staff into an art form as many martial art styles include the long staff in their systems. Some styles even have traditional weapons forms or katas featuring the long staff. Some systems of martial arts training with weapons such as the staff through practical techniques only without the use of set forms.

The Bo - Photo  by   scottfeldstein  (CC)

Unlike many martial art weapons such as swords, knives, kamas and says which are short range, staffs are long range weapons with superior reach. This enables the user to attack and defend from a distance which can be frustrating from the point of view of an opponent who has a short range weapon. Long range weapons are also useful in keeping multiple opponents out of reach too. Of course, long weapons such as the staff cannot be easily concealed like short range weapons so they can be cumbersome to carry around.

One of the most popular martial arts weapons from the Japanese karate styles is the bo. Even today, the bo is usually the first weapon taught at karate schools and is the most common weapon seen at tournaments. The bo staff comes in different variations. There are heavy bo staffs which resemble thick poles which are considered more traditional and there are lighter versions which are tapered at both ends. There are also multi-sided bo staffs such as octagonal but these are much less common than the usual round, circular versions.

Although there is one handed swing, most bo techniques involve both hands holding the weapon. Various strikes and blocks can be performed with either end of the bo as well as the sides and middle. Bo users take advantage of the entire weapon as techniques can be executed with any part of the bo. For the majority of techniques involving the bo, the user holds the staff near the middle with both ends protruding out equally. Traditionally, the lead hand (furthest away from the body) has been the right hand.

Contemporary weapons forms competitions have caused the bo to evolve where competitors now use extremely lightweight bo’s and some even have reflective finishes giving a more flashy visual appearance when the user is performing a bo form. Unlike traditional bo forms, contemporary creative open forms with the bo involve more complex spins and even tosses. Some martial artists do not consider some of the modern bo forms observed in the competition circuits to be true weapons forms as some competitors emphasize too much baton-like twirling action rather than actual combative techniques. It could very well be a matter of personal taste. This is why in most of the large open martial arts tournaments, weapons divisions are split into traditional and creative.

Chinese kung fu styles also utilize the long staff although there are some differences in techniques when compared to Japanese karate styles. Instead of holding the weapon in the middle most of the time like a bo is held, Chinese staffs are usually held near one end which has the effect of elongating the weapon even more. Traditionally, the lead hand is the left hand with the right holding the bottom end of the staff. However, there are techniques which involve switching sides as well as using the bottom end to strike too. In addition to strikes executed while holding the weapon with both hands, there are more single handed techniques with Chinese staffs than with Japanese bo staffs. Like their empty hand kung fu forms, Chinese staff forms have more circular, swinging techniques than in Japanese karate styles.

Contemporary wushu forms use a much lighter weapon than in traditional kung fu staff forms. Wushu stylists also use staffs or cudgels that are made of a unique white wax wood from trees that are grown only in China. Staffs made of this type of wood are not made with precision like Japanese bo’s. The wushu staffs are naturally tapered with a thicker bottom and thinner top. The white wax wood is extremely resilient as users of this type of Chinese staff perform techniques which involve smashing the entire weapon on the floor at full force.

Korean kuk sul won also has the long staff in their system and the techniques used are a blend of Chinese and Japanese moves. Although all martial arts styles that utilize weaponry have more complex and possibly more impressive looking weapons, the long staff has remained to be a favourite for many martial artists.

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Experience the Ancient World With a TRIBAL TATTOO

A tribal tattoo design by Skyler Reep.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Though it has become very popular in Western Cultures in the past few years, native people groups around the world have used the tribal tattoo for various purposes for thousands of years.

A brief history of these uses will give people who may want a tribal tattoo a better idea of exactly what they want in a tattoo. More than just designs, these tribal symbols are often fraught with meaning and can signify many different aspects of human life.

While there are many different cultures that provide the basis for tribal tattoos, we will look at just a few of them here in order to develop a basic understanding of the most popular types.

The first style is found in ancient Egypt. Tattoos of hieroglyphics have become increasingly popular as people are choosing to tattoo themselves with symbols that may be very meaningful to them, but that they want to remain rather cryptic to others.

In addition to hieroglyphs, the ancient Egyptians used tattoos to depict religious scenes. Creatures that were half animal and half human represented the Egyptian gods and their beliefs about the afterlife.

Another form of tribal tattooing is found in Asia. A henna tattoo was used in many Hindu cultures to decorate a bride's body for her husband. This practice has become increasingly popular in recent years throughout Western cultures.

While not necessarily used as a wedding adornment, henna tattoos have found a place in gothic subculture as a means of decorating the body.

These tribal patterns are considered works of art by themselves and each one is to be a unique creation of the tattoo artist's abilities and vision.

Native Americans tribal designs have also found popularity in recent years. They are often abstract creations that denote an emotion. Power, peace, wisdom and authority are subtly portrayed in these tattoos.

Men typically get these designs wrapped around their upper arm, or they may have them wrap from their back, over their shoulder and down onto their arm.

Women will typically have these Native American body art designs placed in the small of their back, or on a shoulder.

Regardless, of the location or the origin, the popularity of tribal tattoo designs shows that people are open to listening and learning from the wisdom and traditions of other cultures.

Often, people who choose to get a tribal body art are trying to express an emotion or a message that they are unable to do with words or a common image. The tribal tattoo design sets apart the message as being something special, unique and important.

By Mike Ramidden Visit us for free tips and training to help you make quick easy money and have the financial freedom you deserve. Article Directory: EzineArticles

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HEALING And Healing Systems

There are many forms of healing available to us today and many different ways in which the word “healing” is used. When one looks at healing as a return to wholeness, all uses are correct. A person who is healing from surgery is experiencing their body knitting itself back together physically, just as one who is healing from heartbreak is in some sense knitting back their sense of self and security after an emotional loss. We all have an urge towards healing, even as most all of us have ways in which we act when we are wounded and are not always ready, willing, or able to expose the wound to allow the healing to begin.

Photo by AlicePopkorn (CC)

There are many different kinds of healing systems in the world, from the medical systems of TCM, Ayurveda, and Allopathic (western) medicine. There are spiritual and energetic ways of healing as well, and there are systems that walk between both of those worlds. The healing star system, specifically the Rising Star system of healing is one of many sacred healing systems that has been brought to us here on earth to heal with energy.

It works on physical, emotional, mental and spiritual issues, bringing in the energy necessary to release old dis-ease and help to transform one’s life into a loving, joyful, and energizing experience. The experience that people have tends to exceed their expectations, and often they find themselves eased of hurts so old they had forgotten how life felt without it. The energy of Rising Star healing goes wherever it is needed in much the same way that Reiki energy is drawn to where healing is needed without being physically directed.

Healing one's inner self-has an outward rippling effect to other areas of one's life. Also when you heal yourself, you may also begin to heal others as well. Those around you are affected by this healing state and can themselves begin to heal anew. You also cease to interact with them out of old patterns and so they can meet and interact with your new self, a self that is hopefully committed to continuing on the healing path.

Having a profound healing experience can change your life in ways you never imagined, and this goes for someone who is experiencing any type of healing, not just healing star. There is always room to grow and expand into a more healed state-we never stop having opportunities for healing as long as we are alive.

When you are in need of healing, you should look into all the options available to you. Source: EzineMark.com

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5 Benefits of YOGA Deep Breathing

How often do you think about the way that you breathe? If you’re like most people you probably aren’t aware of how you breathe.  But how you breathe can have a huge impact on your life and your health.  Medical studies have shown that the simple act of deep breathing can have significant health benefits.  Here are the top 5 ways that simply taking a few moments to breathe deeply can really improve your health:

1. Deep breathing reduces stress – When you’re very stressed out stop and take 10 very deep breaths. You will instantly feel more relaxed.  Try it, you’ll see.  Deep breathing supplies the oxygen that your body needs to function well and that extra influx of oxygen can revitalize your body and your mind which will reduce stress and help keep you calm.

2. Deep breathing reduces pain – Have you ever noticed that doctors and medical personnel tell mothers that are giving birth to breathe deeply? Or maybe you’ve noticed that coaches tell athletes that are injured on the field to take deep breaths? That’s because when you take deep breaths your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are your body’s way of fighting pain.

3. Deep breathing helps you relax – Have you ever been told to breathe deeply and count to 10 when you’re angry or upset? Breathing deeply will help your relax and calm down which is why people are encouraged to breathe deeply when they are angry or upset.  Taking deep breaths will increase the oxygen flow to your brain which will help you calm down.

4. Deep breathing can reduce your risk of high blood pressure – There are some medical studies that show a connection between high blood pressure and a shallow, fast breathing rate.  So the faster your breathing rate is the more likely you are to suffer from high blood pressure.  Taking time each day to be more aware of your breath and to breathe slowly and deeply can help you lower your risk of high blood pressure.

5. Deep breathing can increase your energy level – Do you have trouble staying awake after lunch? Do you always feel your energy dip in the mid-afternoon? Millions of people have problems keeping their energy levels up during the day and turn to caffeine or other stimulants when you can get the same energy boost by taking some time to breathe deeply.  The extra oxygen that you get from those deep breaths can give you all the boost that you need to get through your day.

Jay Franco has been a Yoga enthusiast since an early age. He is constantly trying to find practical ways of implementing this ancient knowledge into his Western lifestyle.  Article Directory: Article Dashboard

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ANGER -- Lose Your Cool and Look Like a Fool

I recently witnessed a scene in a mall parking lot that has had a lasting effect on me - it was two middle-aged women arguing over a parking spot. They were both standing beside their cars and screaming at each other while waving their arms in a threatening manner. The argument eventually became a name-calling competition, with each trying to outdo the other. The sad thing was that the store wasn’t busy and there were plenty of empty spaces available. Their arguing became so heated that other shoppers began stopping to watch the spectacle. Meanwhile, the women’s children sat in their cars and witnessed the whole scene. How proud those kids must be!

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The fact is that everybody gets angry. Whether it is at a family member, a co-worker or the stranger who took our parking spot, we all get angry. The problem with getting angry is that there is only a slim chance that it might solve the problem, but a much greater chance it’ll create new ones.

Anger is really us losing control and when we lose control bad things usually happen. At home it can mean a damaged relationship, in public it can mean a confrontation with a stranger, and at work it can mean getting fired or skipped over for promotion. Samaria Maxamus said, “Anger itself does more harm than the condition that caused it.” If you can’t remember that, try: Anger is only 1 letter away from danger!

Let’s be honest here, just like the two women in the parking lot, most of us can look and act pretty foolishly when we’re angry - usually saying and doing things we’ll later regret. Getting angry is a lot like being drunk, the intoxicated person is the only one who doesn’t realize he has a problem.

What makes anger so dangerous is that it can occur so quickly we’ve lost control before we even realize it. The only way to minimize the damage is to gain back control.

Before we can begin to diminish our anger we first have to understand what causes anger. There is really only one reason why we get angry and that is because someone didn’t act the way we wanted them to. Interesting, isn’t it? Anger is not an action, but how we respond to another’s action. Getting angry is letting someone else control you.

When was the last time something good came out of you getting angry? Benjamin Franklin said, “Whatever is begun in anger ends in shame.” The next time you find yourself getting angry, try and take a moment to ask yourself these questions: Is winning this argument really worth ruining the relationship? How important will this be a year from now? A month from now? A day or even an hour from now?

The moment you take back control you’ll lose the anger. Don’t let someone else control how you feel.

Who really suffers when you get anger? The Buddha said, “Holding on to anger is like holding on to a red-hot coal, you’re the only one who’s going to get burned.”

Why is it that when we hurt ourselves physically we learn not to do it again, but when we hurt ourselves emotionally we repeat the same action over and over? No one benefits from anger.

The best way to end an argument is to bite your tongue. That’s not admitting fault, it’s controlling the anger. Take back control. Besides, even if you win the argument, you still can’t enjoy the present if you’re angry about the past.

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Facts about AROMATHERAPY

If you want a therapy that will soothe and relax your whole being, why not try aromatherapy? This is the kind of treatment, which uses essential oils and other plant oils to enhance both the psychological and physical function. Aromatherapy makes use primarily of therapeutic oils.

This kind of oil has been known to have an effect on both the body and mind according to research. Aside from essential oils, other natural ingredients would include cold pressed vegetable oils, jojoba, hydrosols, herbs, milk, powders, sea salts, sugars, clays, and mud.

All of these are used in order to make aromatherapy effective. Aromatherapy can be inhaled and applied. Once the aroma oils are inhaled into the lungs, there is a soothing effect that runs through the body. The natural components also offer some therapeutic effect.

One example is the inhaling of eucalyptus which decongests the nose and the lungs. The physical application benefits of essential oils take effect once it is placed on the skin where the blood streams have the ability to absorb it. This will help in rejuvenating the skin as well as initiate hygiene, health, beauty and well being. Plant oils are not applied undiluted to the skin. Usually, they are diluted in a light carrier oil like sweet almond oil and apricot kernel oil.

Aside from the aromatherapy benefits, essential oils can also be used in laundry, cleaning and some as insect repellants. We have the citronella as an example. This is the type of essential oil that is placed in a scented candle in order to drive away mosquitoes. Aromatherapy oils are the key for a very relaxing aromatherapy. You have to make sure that you were able to choose the right one and use it according to its specification in order to achieve the optimum desired effect.

Sallie Pinkerton is an expert on many subjects and likes to publish articles on different topics, including baqua spa chemicals and pedicure spa equipment.  Article Directory: EzineArticles

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DIVINATION Without Being Psychic

When we think about spiritual inquiring and divination, we often think that one needs to be psychic in order to do so. Well, that is not true.

If one is not psychic, how does one clarify spiritual-based queries about oneself? There are 2 methods that I know of, namely Applied Kinesiology and Pendulum Reading.

Photo by HebiFot (Pixabay)

Using Applied Kinesiology or Muscle testing, it is possible to ask our own body and the soul/mind questions and get  'Yes' or 'No' responses. Applied Kinesiology works by gauging the reaction of certain muscle after asking the intended question. A strong response from the muscle means a 'Yes', while a 'No' will elicit a weak reaction. Uncertainty to a question will also yield a 'No' or weak response.

Applied Kinesiology can be performed alone or with the help of an assistant. One of the easiest ways to muscle test is to use the arms.

For clear and accurate answers, the session needs to start with a space clearing to remove any potential negative influences. Space clearing is the process of purging an area of negative and stagnant energies. It often involves defining boundaries and using smoke or smudging to clear the area. There are books and Internet websites that teach Applied Kinesiology as well as space and entity clearing.

Besides Applied Kinesiology, Pendulum Reading is also a good alternative that does not require psychic ability. When used in conjunction with a YES/NO chart, the pendulum can be used to provide Yes/No response to queries.

In addition, custom-made charts can also be tailored to very specific inquiries. For example, degree or percentage chart can be used to indicate the degree of intensity.

Like Applied Kinesiology, the pendulum reading session needs to start with the clearing of potential negative influences for clear and accurate answers.

Well, these are the tools for divination and spiritual inquiry that doesn't need one to be psychic. In fact, one will be surprised at the ease of performing these divinations.

Happy experimenting...

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Raja YOGA

Raja means kingly or royal. This form of meditation is based on bringing the mind and emotions into balance or harmony so that your attention may be easily directed to the object of your meditation or on the Lord directly.

Nine yoga-meditation points in human body - Photo: Wikimedia

Life force is generally a movement up and down the spine so that it becomes balanced and the emotions, as well as the mind, are serenely content.

Awareness is then directed to move forward to a point that is located in the center of one’s lower

forehead. This meditation point, which is also called the Ajna, or third eye, is located about 1 half inches above where the eyebrows meet.

When the energy becomes balanced throughout your body and brain and moves effortlessly into the area of the ajna, calmness seems to overtake your mind.

Certainly, your mind is not passive but it frees itself from the meaningless worries, thoughts, and clutter of the subconscious mind.

You derive a pleasant sense of well being in this state and your mind seems to be filled with a velvety

darkness.

As your consciousness courses toward your third eye, different pastel colors appear your forehead. There are sumptuous, glorious pinks, whites, indigos, purples, yellows, blues and green that take their turn in your forehead.

As your life force becomes stronger and more concentrated you may think you see lightning, fireflies or moonlight. This whole process is getting you ready to experience your true nature.

The person who practices raja yoga in its purest form lives in bless with the will completely be surrendered to God.

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The Meanings Of FLOWER TATTOOS

These days, more and more women are getting tattoos.  As more women decide to get tattoos, flower designs continue to rise in popularity.  The best thing about flower tattoos is the fact that there are many different colors and types of flowers – providing many different meanings as well.  The flowers can mean a few different things, although specific types of flowers such as the rose and the Lilly may have a more specific meaning.

In general, flower tattoos have a connection with nature, bringing up thoughts and images of life and vitality. Anytime we look at a flower, we see the duration of life, simply flowers connect with us in the sense that we both grow.  Flowers emerge from the earth and continue to grow on a daily basis.  Then, the flowers bloom, knowing that they will later dry up and start to wilt away.

Flower Tattoo - Photo by Shannon Archuleta 

Having a tattoo with a flower brings back the entire process known as life.  Keep in mind however, that different colors and flowers on tattoos will symbolize other things as well.  White flower tattoos symbolize purity, while red flower tattoos can symbolize a burning passion.  There are many colors and designs available, giving plenty of meaning to those desiring flower tattoos.

Roses are the most common flower design for tattoos, symbolizing love.  During the turn of the 16th century, roses were tattooed on those who were sentenced to death.  If they were to escape from the gallows, the rose tattoo would serve as a symbol to easily recognize them.  These days, roses symbolize both love and passion.  Roses have long been known as a romantic flower, popular for special occasions with the ones we love.  

In the western regions, rose tattoos are a symbol of love and purity.  In the Eastern regions however, love and purity are symbolized by a lotus flower.  Tattoos that feature lotus flowers also bring a little more meaning to the table.  Lotus tattoos are also known to symbolize fortune, peace, beauty, and goodness.  Even though roses are the most popular tattoos in North America, Lotus flower tattoos are more common in other regions.

Other examples include the acacia flower tattoo which is the symbol for love and friendship.  There are some people with Irish heritage who choose to get tattoos with the flower known as the Bells of Ireland.  This flower is well known throughout Ireland, with the tattoo symbolizing good luck.  Irish who have this tattoo are known to be lucky, or have an insane trend with luck.

Those who think of themselves as being the perfect lover may want to get a tulip tattooed on their arm.  Tattoos with tulips represent passionate love and fame for being a great lover.  If you happen to be shy and timid, you may want to go with a violet flower tattoo instead.  Violets are common tattoos for those who are shy and timid, and enjoy taking things slow.  Those wanting to symbolize wisdom and virtue on the other hand, would be well to get an Iris.  Magnolias are also common with flower tattoos, as they symbolize an individual’s love for nature.

Flower tattoos are very common and popular designs these days, giving plenty of meaning behind their beauty.  The flowers can be large or small and as bold as you wish them to be.  No matter which flower you have decided to use with your tattoo, you can ensure that the flower says the meaning you are looking for.

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Is SOLAR POWER Really Worth the Cost and Trouble to Save Money on Your Power Bill?

Want to generate your own home electricity? The first solution that comes to mind for many people is solar power. Use the sun to make your own electricity. Sounds easy, right? What some people fail to stop and think about are the actual returns you'll get from setting up your own home solar power solution. 

There are countries around the world that actually encourage home owners to install some kind of solar setup and they do this by offering grants or cash backs. It sounds good so far until you actually take a look at the costs involved and what it means for your house. Is it worth installing and setting up solar power in your own home? This is a tricky question, because there answer is both a yes and a no.

Solar panels are definitely worth installing in your home if doing your little bit to save the planet is high on your list. The reason for this is because the setup costs are high and you will need a lot of disposable cash to setup any kind of solar solution to see a significant drop in your home power bill. Why is this? The high costs come from the photovoltaic cells which are the heart of any solar power setup. This PV cells make it possible to convert the sun's energy into electricity. While prices have come down over the years they are still extremely costly and the majority of home owners just won't be able to justify the high cost considering the small savings you get in return.

While it would be nice to be able to do our little bit to help save the planet, the truth is that everything in life has some cost associated with it. Because of the high price of PV cells, many home owners just can't afford to install solar power. Another problem with solar power is that the amount you spend on it does not necessarily translate into an investment in the value of your house. Spending 10,000 USD on solar power does not mean your house will rise in value by that amount. This can be said for installing a pool, as the high cost of the pool does not equate to an equal rise in value of your home. The amount of money governments give you is very little compared to the cost of solar panels and the small savings you will get in return. Solar power is great in theory, but sadly that is as far as it goes.

Another alternative to solar power are magnetic generators. A magnetic generator is a generator that is able to create clean home electricity but does so using much cheaper parts. They run off magnets alone and this translates into an extremely low cost alternative power solution. Their small size and low price means that almost anyone in the world can install a magnetic generator, make home power and see savings of anywhere from 30 - 50% off their power bill.

Article Directory: EzineArticles

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Storing ENERGY

We have come to rely completely on energy.  We use it in almost everything we do; we live in it, use it for all our modern conveniences and more.  Without energy we wouldn't know what to do.  In the past, before energy, there were lanterns for light and matches and wood for heat.  That was the only options people had.  When power was accessible to everyone by running power lines through cities, towns, residential areas to allow everyone to tap into the new generation, people were skeptical as to how this would affect everyone in the future.

Alternative Energy - Photo by the russians are here 

Over the years, appliances became energy friendly, which made for less manual labor and more free time.  Wash machines, dryers, dishwashers and the latest in cooking stoves that no longer needed wood.  These were all great inventions and although people were skeptical they still took advantage of these appliances.  Today we have the worry of saving the energy that we know and love so well.  Our energy is fueled by non-renewable resources which will allow the depletion of these resources slowly and over time where we won't realize it until it is gone. We need to find an alternative to the way we power our energy but we also need to store the energy that we already have.

Solar energy has been tested and experimented with as we learn more and more about how to conserve and store the natural heat from the sunlight.  We all know how effective it is and why it is something that we should work very hard at conserving.  Storing the solar energy can mean endless usage of water and other necessities by using conservative methods of saving energy.

Thermal mass systems are the process of using natural resources to make material that will store solar energy.  This type of storage uses renewable resources from the earth, such as dirt, water and man made resources such as concrete to help store energy if only for a short period of time.  Thermal mass can help heat water at night or heat your home long after the sun goes down or on cloudy days when the sun doesn't peak through the clouds at all.  These need to be worked on because there is no extensive long storage capability using solar power just yet.

Then you have the thermo-chemically phase which uses types of devices to store heat.  Some examples of this type of storage includes

Paraffin wax inside of a storage tank.  When the paraffin wax is cold it is solid but when it is heated it is a liquid that can help hold heat for a very long time without cooling it down. As the paraffin wax cools it becomes hard which can hold the heat in longer.

Eutectic Salts are inexpensive and can store heat in a heating system which will distribute the heat evenly and lasting hotter longer.

Molten Salts are an effective way to store solar energy because it allows the heat to remain hot without being non-flammable and cost effective.  During the time that the storage tank is heating up, the salt mixture is heated and then used to make steam.

Rechargeable batteries can be a great way to store energy.  This type of storage allows the power source connected to the battery maintain its power.  Lead acid batteries are the more common battery used for this type of storage.

As you see there are several ways that we can store natural energy we just need to learn how to make these methods more practical and efficient.  When we figure it out we will have an unlimited supply of natural heat.

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Is SHAMANIC ENERGY Healing For You?

What is healing energy? First and foremost, energy healing is not new. Nearly every ancient culture had some form of energy healing. A form of energy healing can be found in both Eastern and Western religions. Archeological evidence suggests such healing is at least 40,000 years old.

"Hamatsa emerging from the woods--Koskimo"
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Traditionally, energy healing meant the realignment of the body's physical energy to promote healing. Today, still relying upon the realignment of body energy, energy healing is viewed as an alternative approach to contemporary medical practices and is also viewed by many medical professionals as complementary.

All things are energy. This includes all plant and animal life forms. This energy is generated by the vibration of the molecular structure of these life forms. Quantum physics tells us that all things are in a constant state of movement. A wide number of things can cause a disruption of that movement resulting in illness, physical or mental. The healer's job is to realign the patient's energy so the body can heal itself.

There are several healing approaches currently available. Among these are the following:

• Reiki

• Qigong

• EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques and sometimes called Tapping)

• Biofield Energy

• Therapeutic Touch (TT)

• Spiritual Healing

• Faith Healing (Laying on of hands)

• Yoga

• Meditation

• ARCH (Ancient Rainbow Conscious Healing)

• Visualization

• Chakra Balancing

• Shamanic Healing

Much is being written about shamanism. Many people are taking courses in shamanic healing to become shamanic practitioners. Others are going on vision quests in South America, in Nepal or in Tibet. Please be aware that these people are not shaman. Going through training programs offered by various institutions doesn't make one a shaman; it makes them healers. Such programs train people in energy manipulations. In actuality this is similar to the manipulation carried on by a chiropractor.

The focus here is healing practices carried out by a shaman. Like other healers, the shaman makes a determination about the patient's conditions. He or she may do this by moving his/her hands over the individual's body. The shaman may then use sound to realign the patient's body energy. Drums, flute, rattles and the human voice are the sound producing instruments used by a shaman. Their vibrations aid in the realignment of the patient's energy. A wide variety of herbs may also be used in the form of teas, poultices, salves, ointments, or oils. Unlike many other healers, the shaman can and does travel to other realms to seek the help of the spirit world in healing his/her patient. Whatever the shaman does, it is energy based; either realigning the patient's energy, restoring energy through the use of herbs and herbals, or transferring energy from him or from the spirit world.

Two cautionary notes are appropriate at this point. Whenever you choose an alternative healing approach make sure you consult your medical physician. A second caution is that all of the alternate healing approaches are faith based. You must have faith or believe the healing approach works.

By Norman W. Wilson, Ph.D Dr. Wilson is the author of a dozen or more books, hundreds of articles. He is a Reiki Master and a metaphysical minister. Among his nonfiction books are Shamanism: What It's All About, Activating Your Archetypes, and Shamanic Manifesting. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Narcissistic Personality Disorder - Clinical Features

Clinical Features of the Narcissistic Personality Disorder 

Opinions vary as to whether the narcissistic traits evident in infancy, childhood and early adolescence are pathological. Anecdotal evidence suggests that childhood abuse and trauma inflicted by parents, authority figures, or even peers provoke "secondary narcissism" and, when unresolved, may lead to the full-fledged Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) later in life.

Person washing his hands (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This makes eminent sense as narcissism is a defense mechanism whose role is to deflect hurt and trauma from the victim's "True Self" into a "False Self" which is omnipotent, invulnerable, and omniscient. This False Self is then used by the narcissist to garner narcissistic supply from his human environment. Narcissistic supply is any form of attention, both positive and negative and it is instrumental in the regulation of the narcissist's labile sense of self-worth.

Perhaps the most immediately evident trait of patients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is their vulnerability to criticism and disagreement. Subject to negative input, real or imagined, even to a mild rebuke, a constructive suggestion, or an offer to help, they feel injured, humiliated and empty and they react with disdain (devaluation), rage, and defiance.

From the book "Malignant Self Love - Narcissism Revisited": 

"To avoid such intolerable pain, some patients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) socially withdraw and feign false modesty and humility to mask their underlying grandiosity. Dysthymic and depressive disorders are common reactions to isolation and feelings of shame and inadequacy."

Due to their lack of empathy, disregard for others, exploitativeness, sense of entitlement, and constant need for attention (narcissistic supply), narcissists are rarely able to maintain functional and healthy interpersonal relationships.

Many narcissists are over-achievers and ambitious. Some of them are even talented and skilled. But they are incapable of team work because they cannot tolerate setbacks. They are easily frustrated and demoralized and are unable to cope with disagreement and criticism. Though some narcissists have meteoric and inspiring careers, in the long-run, all of them find it difficult to maintain long-term professional achievements and the respect and appreciation of their peers. The narcissist's fantastic grandiosity, frequently coupled with a hypomanic mood, is typically incommensurate with his or her real accomplishments (the "grandiosity gap").

There are many types of narcissists: the paranoid, the depressive, the phallic, and so on. 

An important distinction is between cerebral and somatic narcissists. The cerebral's derive their Narcissistic Supply from their intelligence or academic achievements and the somatics derive their Narcissistic Supply from their physique, exercise, physical or sexual prowess and romantic or physical "conquests".

Another crucial division within the ranks of patients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is the classic variety (those who meet five of the nine diagnostic criteria included in the DSM), and the compensatory kind (their narcissism compensates for deep-set feelings of inferiority and lack of self-worth).

Some narcissists are covert, or inverted narcissists. As codependents, they derive their narcissistic supply from their relationships with classic narcissists.

Treatment and Prognosis 

Talk therapy (mainly psychodynamic psychotherapy or cognitive-behavioral treatment modalities) is the common treatment for patients with Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). The therapy goals cluster around the need to modify the narcissist's antisocial, interpersonally exploitative, and dysfunctional behaviors. Such re-socialization (behavior modification) is often successful. Medication is prescribed to control and ameliorate attendant conditions such as mood disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorders.

The prognosis for an adult suffering from the Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is poor, though his adaptation to life and to others can improve with treatment.

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The Spiritual Awareness Through SHAMANIC REIKI

Combining the concepts behind shamanism and Reiki into a single healing session increases the benefits of the beliefs and practices of both. Shamanic Reiki draws its foundations from concepts of shamanic journeying and channeling the living energy to create healing techniques that are powerful and effective in alleviating anxiety, depression, stress, fatigue, and even illnesses.

Shaman - Photo by DavidDennisPhotos.com 

This Reiki technique fully encompasses treatments on the spiritual and energetic levels, allowing the practitioner to discover new ways of healing.

Shamanism is a very old system of beliefs whose roots can be found in pagan traditions and practices that uses the products of the Earth to heal. You’ll find different kinds of shamanism but all practices healing techniques that incorporate the use of herbs and communicating with spirits.

Other similarities of the different forms of shamanism include the belief that shamans are able to control or cooperate with spirits for the benefit of others that existing spirits can be good and bad, and that shamans are capable of treating sicknesses and illnesses. In other words, shamans are often seen as not only priests that communicate with the living world and the world of spirits but as healers, magicians, and teachers as well.

When integrated to the Japanese Reiki, shamanism becomes more encompassing and a lot interesting. With shamanic Reiki, the spiritual energy is used to see where exactly in the body do we need to concentrate healing techniques. In shamanism, the healing process revolves around the seven chakras in the human body. Determining which of the seven chakra or life forces are blocked will determine which area to concentrate healing techniques.

Once the area has been determined, shamanic Reiki practitioners combine traditional concepts of chakra healing techniques, the use of stones and crystals, as well as the use of medicinal herbs, all of which draws foundations from ancient shamanic healing. Combining these shamanic elements to channeling energy techniques from Reiki, and the results can be quite effective.

Among the most popular techniques used in shamanic Reiki is the use of crystal during the healing process. More specifically, practitioners of this Reiki technique use quartz, rose quartz, and amethyst as a means to channel the life force energy from the hands of the healer to the person being healed. The shamanic Reiki energy, together with the crystals helps increase the flow of spiritual energy regaining the balance that was lost. Mental, physical, emotional and spiritual imbalances will be regained after sessions of shamanic Reiki procedures.

To increase efficiency, there are combinations of crystals that seem to work well doubling the healing process. Shamanic principles are at play when choosing combinations of crystals, mostly pairing them with the colors that correspond to the chakras of the human body. For example, tailbone chakra would require black, red, or brown stones and the heart chakra would need to be paired with pink or green stones. The crown requires a white stone or crystal while the throat area requires blue stones.

Also, shamanic Reiki incorporates other shamanic healing elements like shape shifting techniques, the use of symbols, the use of spiritual guides and even the shamanic time journeying or astral travel. Shamanic Reiki can be complicated but the idea is rather simple.

The use shamanic traditions and techniques to channel the life force energy in all of us to induce healing. Everything boils down to this.

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