PAGANISM - What is it and How do I become one?

Daychin Tengry - Turkic pagan god
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are as many explanations of Paganism as there are Pagans but one good description I’ve found is from the Ohio Chapter Pagan Unity Campaign.  They say that “Paganism may be loosely defined as any of a group of positive, life-affirming, earth-honoring faiths usually based in ancient beliefs."

To go slightly further into the dangerous territory of describing beliefs, we can include animism -the belief that all life, animate or inanimate, has a spirit or soul.  Pagans have a deep reverence for the earth and every creature that inhabits the earth, believing that the divine resides in all things.  Many believe in multiple gods and goddesses (polytheists) but since Paganism is such an individualistic religion, you’ll find polytheists (many), monotheists (one), and even atheists (none)!

Even if the variety of beliefs within Paganism is manifold, one thing that you can be sure of is that they are NOT devil worshippers.  Abby Willowroot says it beautifully when answering the question of are Pagans devil worshippers?  “Most Devil worshipping groups are not Pagan, because they are centered on a Judeo-Christian supernatural being, namely Satan. These devil worshippers are a sect of Christianity, even though Christianity does not want to claim them.”

The Occult is also different from Paganism, although Pagans and members of any other religion can deal with the Occult.  Wikipedia defines “The word occult comes from the Latin word occultus (clandestine, hidden, secret), referring to "knowledge of the hidden".   But for many people involved with the occult, they are simply studying a deeper spiritual reality than that which we can see with our human powers of reason and the physical sciences with which we measure and quantify things.

How Do I Become A Pagan?

When a person comes to the conclusion that the things they have always believed in now need a name different from that which their family or their community has given, they may want to somehow “become” a Pagan.  Here the dilemma begins.

Paganism is a very individual and personal journey of spiritual discovery and Pagans generally do not seek converts, nor do they feel a duty to share or guide the novice “into the faith” as many conventional religions do.  Finding a path to like-minded people can be difficult and will be different for each locality in which you may live.  The agreed starting point is to first gain knowledge.

Find out if you are truly in sympathy with Pagan beliefs, are you committed to living in harmony with the Earth and caring for and honoring all of her creatures?  Will you strengthen your understanding of your role in the whole scheme of things, no longer taking for granted all that the Earth offers you?  By reading the books and periodicals available and looking at websites that explain Pagan beliefs, you can explore your own beliefs so you really understand what they are and discover why you want to follow the Pagan path.

It is important you clarify things for yourself before trying to join a group.  Once you have answered these questions, you need to explore the various groups within Paganism to determine which group - Wicca, Druidry, Shamanism, Witchcraft, Asatru, Heathenry, Hedgewitchcraft, even Hinduism, among so many others - you wish to attach yourself to.

Once you have looked into your own heart, gained a greater knowledge of yourself, and found your connection with the natural world around you, you can look to join others.  In America, to find a group of like-minded people talk to people in new age or pagan bookstores, check their bulletin boards. Many books and periodicals give information on how you can find contacts in your area. Check out online groups, but be wary - there are many unsavory characters out there.  Alternatively, an updated guide to pagan groups is now available by mail-order from the Circle Network, based in Wisconsin.

If you are in Great Britain, some of these and other ways can be led to you finding like-minded people.  Look for “moots” - these are advertised, regular gatherings usually held in pubs or perhaps the organizers’ homes.  There is usually a contact number, so phone the organizer before the event and get enough information beforehand so you know what to expect.

You can also check out groups on Yahoo, other web-based forums, Pagan conferences or camps, and rituals that is open to the public and of course, contacts obtainable through the Pagan Federation and other reputable Pagan organizations.

However I do suggest a certain modicum of caution - although pubs and the web are public places, you must trust your intuition; don’t share more than you are comfortable revealing.  Please keep in mind not everyone is honest.

Although it may be frustrating, don’t be in too big a hurry to find a group or even a spiritual teacher.  Many Pagans will follow a solitary path to greater enlightenment, perhaps for a lifetime.  It can even be said that a time of studying on your own is far better because you will find what works for you without the potential confusion or pressure others’ beliefs may provide.  Knowing your own beliefs and the basics of rituals will show any group you may wish to join, that you are willing to learn and serious.  It is also a good idea to have explored what you want from the group you join.  Will you be able or willing to meet their expectations, etc.?

You may find that because Pagans are still so much in the minority, your spiritual path will continue to be a solitary one because there aren’t any folk living near you to physically guide or share Pagan rituals with.  In such a case, or as an adjunct to your own growth, joining organizations such as the British Pagan Federation or the Reformed Druids of North America, the Order of Bards or the Rowan Tree Church, among others, could be the best way to enlarge your training or contact opportunities.

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Customize Your FLOWER TATTOO

Photo  by Shannon Archuleta

A flower tattoo is a common theme for women. Such a body art can be unique, colorful and can add an element of beauty to a woman's body.

Each of these factors contributes to the overwhelming majority of women who choose to get a flower for their skin design. There are many different color variations in tattoo ink, so the possibilities are endless.

Women typically prefer the flower tattoo since the flower is a decidedly feminine image. There are several different ways that the flower can be integrated into other tattoos, or it can stand alone as striking and meaningful body art.

The ability to have the skin design colored in exactly the way that you want really gives those who want such a body art the opportunity to express their individuality and personal tastes.

Many people find a great deal of satisfaction in creating their own tattoo design. A flower tattoo is a great centerpiece for a custom-designed body art because it has so many color possibilities and options.

If a new one is designed to be used as a memorial for someone who died, or as a reminder of an event like an anniversary, a specific flower within the context of the body art will serve to evoke the memory or emotion that you wish to recall.

A flower tattoo also provides many opportunities for people to make a statement about who they are. Some may decide that they want to design on their skin the flower of their birth month on themselves, while others may choose to tattoo the flowers that they carried in their wedding bouquet.

Every girl has a favorite flower, and some choose to have those tattooed just to make a statement about who they are and what they like. Since originality is important to many who choose to get tattoos, a flower is a great option since there is such a wide range of possibilities.

Recently, back tattoos have become very popular among women. A flower or a floral design is ideal to put on your lower back. A flower in this location can bring an air of femininity and can make a girl feel like she has something pretty on her back.

Many women state that they have a better self-image of their bodies when they have something pretty like a flower tattooed on it.

Regardless of where you have it, the flower tattoo will remain one of the most common tattoos. It is timeless, socially acceptable, and beautiful. Many women who get flower tattoos get them as their first.

Once they get comfortable with the idea of a skin design and they see the positive reactions that come from their flower tattoo, they become a little bolder with the designs and subject matter of their future tattoos.

Such a body art can be a great introductory skin design and serves as a stepping-stone for many people.

By Mike Ramidden - Article Source: EzineArticles

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PALMISTRY

Some of the lines of the hand in Palmistry
1: Life line - 2: Head line - 3: Heart line - 4: Girdle of Venus -
5: Sun line - 6: Mercury line -
7: Fate line  - (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The American Heritage Dictionary defines Palmistry as the practice of telling fortunes from the lines, marks, and patterns on the palms of the hands. Palmistry is also called as chiromancy, palm-reading, chirology, or hand-analysis. Palmistry originated in ancient India. It was said to be practiced by the Brahmins of Ancient India. Palmistry can be regarded as a part of Astrology. Records of the practice of Palmistry are also available in countries such as China, Tibet, Persia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Ancient Greece.

Cheiro was the most famous practitioner of palmistry in modern times. He was born in Ireland and had predicted many incidents of his time. For example, he correctly foretold the Boer War, death of Queen Victoria, the assassination of King Umberto of Italy, a year or so before each of these incidents occurred. He also had predicted about the infamous “Great Depression” all over the world. He correctly predicted the outbreak and end of World War 1 before it happened. Cheiro wrote a number of valuable books on Palmistry. He had also successfully predicted the downfall of the Czar in Russian and the subsequent massacre of him and all his immediate family members. Palmistry is based on reading the lines on the hand of a person. Palmists say that by reading the lines of a person’s hand, it is quite possible to tell about the person's past, present and future. They say that positioning of the lines in the hand is a key to determining the subject's past, present, and future. 

The basics of Palmistry are said to be quite simple as opposed to the popular belief that it is something mysterious. The fleshy part of the hand and the structure of the fingers reveal a lot about the subject. Palmists claim that predictions through Palmistry have a scientific basis, even though the scientists worldwide have their own opinion regarding this topic. The scientists claim that Palmistry does not have any scientific basis. According to the Palmists, the dominant hand of a person reveals the current and future trends. On the other hand, the passive hand reveals a person’s childhood. Palmists see a definite pattern in the lines on the palm. These lines have been classified into heart line, head line, life line, fate line, etc. Each of these lines will interpret different aspects of one's life.

In this age of cutthroat competition, the people seem to have become more and more dependant on things beyond their normal powers. Palmistry is gaining popularity even among the western public as well. This is because human beings have become more concerned about their future than ever before. Palmistry is quite popular in India. It is a part of everyday life for many Indians. Life is unimaginable for them without Palmistry. They will consult the Palmist for almost every activity of their lives. For special occasions like marriage, setting up a new business, the birth of a child, starting a new profession, etc, a visit to a Palmist has become a must. A palmist will examine the hand carefully and advice the clients about their next activity. The palmists say that there is a relation between the lines in one's palm, the planetary motions, and one's life.

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Is BIOMASS GREEN ENERGY Source

Green power. Footpath near Great Bridgeford. The path follows a green tunnel between the mature hedge and the crop of Miscanthus. Also called Elephant Grass it is grown as a fuel for a mini power station in the area. Eccleshall Biomass Farming for Energy is a 2-megawatt power plant that will generate electricity using energy crops and provides 2,000 homes with electricity.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Is biomass a green energy source? According to experts, yes it is. In fact, it is one of the three main areas of bioenergy.

But what is bioenergy? Well, it is a process by which organic material such as animal waste, plants and wood are used to generate electricity, produce heat and also aid in the production of biofuels.

In the case of biomass, hot air or water is generated to produce electricity. This is done through direct combustion and is considered the simplest and most common method of generating energy from biomass.

Aside from generating electricity, biomass can be used for hot air production so you can keep a place warm. For this to work, biomass has to be combusted in a furnace where it heats either water or air. Speaking of water, this enables you to have warm water so you can take a shower. In short, biomass in itself can also be used on a small scale as a heating system.

Since you can generate electricity and heat, some people have been able to combine the two which is known as combined heat and power or CHP. Something that many consider being good as you use one energy source for two purposes.

If you are able to compare the amount of electricity generated between biomass and let’s say solar energy, you will notice that biomass produces more because the energy in plants is already captured and stored.

You don’t have to collect it first which is what happens with solar or even wind energy since this is manufactured technology. It is readily available unlike the other two which is totally dependent on the weather.

Another is the fact that you can even use organic waste to produce electricity. No other green energy source can do that and by using this extensively, any government can save money because you don’t have to spend money to dispose of the waste and you will no longer depend on foreign oil that much to power your plants.

The downside to biomass is that because you have to burn waste and other organic materials to produce power, you add to the pollution which is already in the atmosphere. But this can be offset of course by planting more crops which we know helps reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

You will also have to shell out a lot of money initially for the costs of labor, the transport of these fuels and how these should be stored.

Biomass uses renewable natural resources which is why it is considered a green energy source. This means that we have an endless supply of it around just like the power of the sun or the wind which flows from the ocean. The challenge is to find suitable land that has a sufficient water supply so these will be able to grow.

This means that in areas where water is not that abundant, you cannot rely on biomass technology to generate power. When that happens, you use other means and one good example given the right geographical location is wave energy which is the process of generating power from the water.

There is a way to generate power without causing harm to the environment. We have the technology and green energy sources. We just need to muster the will to make it happen.

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Pagan Teutonic Magic and Medicine - Odin's 9 RUNE Twig Lay

Upplands Runinskrift 871 - (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Odin's Lay of the Nine Twig Runes 

(Used by the Vikings)

There is a big difference between Native Teutonic Magic and the Magic that came North from the Mediterranean Countries.

The Pagans believed that the four causes of disease are (1) The flying Venoms; (2) The Evil Ones; (3) The Worm as a cause of Disease; and (4) the Power of the Elves and especially "Elf-Shot."

Not only did the Northern peoples know of these causes, but they are also found in the ancient Indian Vedas.

The Lay of the the Nine Twigs,(Runes) of Odin tell us how Odin was at war against the "Worm" serpent. He cut it into nine fragments. From each fragment, a disease arose. These were: Death dealing diseases.

The Norse god Odin on his horse Sleipnir
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There is a native charm for protection against these diseases.

"Balder and Odin

Fared into the wood

There was Balder's Foal

His foot wrenched.

Then charmed Odin

As well he knew how,

As for the bone wrench

So for the blood wrench;

"Bone to bone,

Blood to blood,

Limb to limb,

As if they be glued."

Jacob Grimm demonstrated how this charm showed up in Norwegian, Swedish, Scottish and Danish Folklore.

It has also been rendered in Gaelic and in the Sanskrit Artharua Veda. Symbolically the "Nine Twigs" are Odin's Runes, which he cast for magical charms.

A little bough from a fruit bearing tree was cut into nine slips. Each distinguished with a certain mark (Rune.)

Odin's nine (Runic) twigs of Fate determine the lot of the sick man.

"Augury and Divination by Lot", wrote Tacitus (c55 - c120) of the Germanic tribes. "No people practice more diligently." he wrote.

There is an old saying, "Where there is smoke there is fire."

What happened to this wonderful "Narrative Charm" of Odin? A charm that was known about and written about, not only in Northern Europe and Scandinavia but also in Rome and the Vedic Eastern countries?

Have we buried ourselves so deeply in Materialism and technology, that we have no need for the magic of our ancestor

Ragnar Storyteller (AKA Ellis Peterson)  Directory: EzineArticles

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Ancient GREEK DEITIES

Bust of Zeus, Otricoli (Sala Rotonda, Museo Pio-Clementino, Vatican)
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Although they seem to be things of the past, reminders of ancient Greek deities are all around us. When you read the following names, more than a few will look familiar. 

Ancient Greek Deities

The Greek Pantheon was a polytheistic system of thought and religion that assumed its Greek deities existed independently and individually. Their role was to rule diverse aspects of the mortal's everyday life. Myth and culture are gathered in the Pantheon from where the deities leave toward their corresponding realm.

Due to the Hellenic polytheist beliefs in ancient times, deities formed relationships with each other on a more human scale. Compared to one-deity approaches in many modern religions, Greek deities had a surprising number of human limitations and weaknesses. Contrary to other religions, none of the ancient Greek deities was omniscient or omnipotent, although their power was beyond the mortals' limit.

All Greek deities had the same origin as minor deities ruled by the Titans. They later overthrew the Titans in an epic battle. Some of the most renowned are:

Aphrodite on a swan.  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Aether - God of the upper air

Aphrodite - Goddess of love and beauty

Apollo - God of the light, music, prophecy, poetry, and healing

Ares - God of war, primarily violent war and bloodshed

Artemis - Goddess of the moon and the hunt

Athena - Goddess of war, wisdom, strategy

Chaos - Non-gendered deity of the nothingness

Chronos - God of eternal time

Demeter - Goddess of agriculture

Erebus - God of darkness

Eros - God of love

Gaia - Titan Goddess of the Earth

Hades - God of the underworld, the death and the earth wealth, his realm receives his name.

Hemera - Goddess of daylight

Hephaestus - God of fire and the forge

Hera - Goddess of marriage and the family, sister and wife of Zeus

Hermes - God of commerce, travel, and thieves. Messenger of the gods

Hestia - Goddess of the hearth and domestic life that gave her place in the Mount Olympus to Dionysus

Nyx - Goddess of night

Pontus - Titan God of the sea

Poseidon - God of the sea

Tartarus - Titan God of the depths of the underworld

Uranus - Titan God of the heavens

Zeus - King of the Gods and God of thunder and lightning

As you can see, the long list of Greek deities is rather amazing when compared to one-deity religions such as Christianity and Islam. Regardless of the religious connotations, the names of these figures are often found in modern civilization although Roman translations are often used. For instance, Ares has been translated in Roman to Mars, the God of War and name of the 4th planet from our sun.

Greek deities represent a unique view of religion held by ancient Greeks. If the opportunity presents itself, you should read the Greek classics to gain an understanding of the rather emotional actions of the deities.

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Find Comfort in Guided RELAXATION

We need to find our own way of feeling at peace with our inner emotions toward relaxation. The guided comfort in relaxation is the key to finding ourselves. Once you have found the comfort, it will make you feel healthier and happier.

How to find your guided relaxation: 

Finding guided comfort in relaxation starts with the inner self, which has caused us not to feel the comfort we need. We have many ways to find the comfort in relaxation we just have to look for the right one and stick to it. Once you’ve found what you are looking for and start to feel better if you stop that old feeling will come back and you will have to start again. You want to focus on continuance.

Learning to find your guided comfort takes time. It takes work. Practice with learning to overcome the stress that got you where you are today is the key to guided relaxation. Stress stems from stressors, such as late bills so we have to sort out what is bothering us.

Taking the bull by the horns: 

One must face reality, realizing that stress is a part of life. The world is moving fast it takes us with it and we have to learn to just go with the flow. Riding the tides will help you make what changes you can to expel some of the stress and then learn to guide self-through the rest of it.

Resources to guided relaxation: 

Head off to the library and research the books available to you. You also have the Internet where you can research and find helpful guided relaxation tools. You will find help to assist you with learning how to manage your life to find the guided relaxation you are looking for. Look for books, videos or maybe CD’s that can help you learn the process of guided relaxation. These resources can teach you how to and what you can do to help yours.

You do need to take time-out for you every day if only for 20 minutes. Yoga is a good exercise that everyone needs to help teach us to meditate. Yoga gives you a movement to relax the body. Socializing and meeting new people is a great way to lessen stress. Find a class that teaches you to learn Yoga and you will perhaps meet new friends to build your socializing skills. Taking a class will get you out and away from everyday stress for a while, and it will give you support being with people who are there for the same reason you are. Yoga will teach you how to imagine Self-outside of problems by helping you to meditate. You reach a relaxation zone that guides you to comfort. Once you have found your guided comfort, you’ll look forward to a brighter future.

Learning how to relax your body will help you sleep a more peaceful and restful night.  Without sleep, a person can build stress and sometimes it can lead to depression.  Depression sometimes will take over your mind and body. Medical attention will be necessary to help get you back to your guided comfort zone that you’ve lost.

Listening to CD’s, reading, or watching videos can help from feeling depressed since the tools are designed to relax your mind and body.

Beginning to learn to relax, it is hard because of built-up stress that you have to get rid of. Hang on and your comfort zone will eventually come to you and you’ll look forward to your own time-out. You have alternatives; take advantage of them now to fight stress.

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The Five Tenets of REIKI

Emperor Meiji of Japan (1852-1912) 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The five tenets of Reiki were adapted by Mikao Usui who was a reader of the works of Emperor Meiji. 

These principles came straight out of Meiji's writings. Usui took these principles a step further and incorporated them into his Reiki practice.  The good news is you do not have to be studying Reiki to apply these principles to your life.  

The first principle is "Just for today, I will not worry."  This is probably the toughest principle listed.  It is hard not to worry about things which we have no control over.  But in meditation and prayer, we can learn to hand those worries over to a higher life force and become more open to trust and have faith about the world we live in.  

Mikao Usui (1865–1926) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The second principle is "Just for today, I will not anger."  Sometimes when we get angry, we need to figure out what is causing the real issue.  Is the person who cut in front of you or is it the person in line at the store with ten returns?  Sometimes we can find behavior in other people that mirrors our own self.  That is sometimes hard to accept.  Look at other people as teachers and try to figure out what lesson they are there to teach you.    

The third principle is "I will honor all life."  You should honor all the creations of God.  You can help by planting trees and flowers, appreciating the food you have, the love from your family, the very air you breathe, and all the animals, rocks, and oceans.  

The fourth principle is "I will live my life honestly."  Did you skip the family picnic because you were sick or because you were too afraid to tell Aunt Martha you really didn't want to go?  Ask in prayer for guidance in your dreams.  You must honor the truth of your emotions and not keep it all bottled up inside.  

The fifth principle is "I will give thanks for everything."  Trust that love and happiness are supposed to be in your life and find yourself becoming grateful for the smallest of things and the gift of being here on Earth.

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Are We There Yet? Family Vacations with Autistic Children

Wikipedia

Although planning a family vacation with children may make any parents pull out his or her hair, it can be a rewarding experience for everyone in the end. It is no different if you have an autistic child in the family. The important thing to remember is that you need to be prepared for whatever life throws your way. To an autistic child, vacations can be scary and confusing, or they can be a great learning experience, leaving behind wonderful memories the entire family can enjoy.

First, choose your location based on your autistic child's needs. For example, if he or she is sensitive to sound, an amusement park is probably not the best idea. Quieter vacations are possible at small beaches and going camping. Overall, you should be able to find a location that everyone in the family enjoys. Once there, plan out your days accordingly. For example, you may want to see the attractions very early or late in the day to avoid crowds. You also might want to consider taking your vacation during the off-season, if your children's school work will not be disrupted. These give your autistic child more comfort if he or she is nervous in crowded situations, and provides you with peace of mind. When choosing a location, also note how far it is from your home. How will you get there? If you have to deal with an airport, remember that security may have to touch your child and be prepared for this. 

Choose a location and activities that everyone can enjoy, but also that provide learning and social interaction opportunities for your autistic child. For example, a child that does not like touch sensations may enjoy the soft sands of a beach, and the waves can provide a very different kind of feeling for him or her. Being outside, a beach is also a great place for your child to yell without disrupting others. Children who are normally non-responsive may benefit from a museum, where they can ask questions and you can ask questions of them. 

Remember that most people on vacation at the location you choose will have never dealt with autism before. Try to be understanding of their ignorance-but also stick up for your child if he or she is being treated unfairly. Know your child's constitutional laws, and also be willing to compromise. For example, if a restaurant is reluctant to serve you after your child caused a scene there last night, explain the situation and ask if it would be possible to take your food to go, even if this is normally not done. Try not to be rude to people; staring often happens, but instead of snide comments or mean looks, ignore them as much as possible and focus on having a good time with your family

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NATURAL CURE FOR PANIC ATTACK - You Don't Need To Suffer

Someone can suffer from panic attacks for various reasons. It might be due to a stressful or traumatic childhood. It could happen suddenly when the person feels anxious, or it can be due to other emotional problems, like stress or depression. More often, treatment does not need to involve any drugs or medication, at all. A natural cure for a panic attack is an option. Some people may prefer to use medications, but there are those who prefer a more wholesome solution. The problem with drugs is, they are only covering up the symptom, and not the underlying, real, problem. This can result in drug dependency, where another problem is developed, as the other one is resolved.

As with just about everything in this world, a balance is required to keep things in harmony with each other. That generally means a good diet and exercise for most. When the panic attacks begin to control our lives, there is very little left for anything else. And that's not healthy. People who suffer attacks should avoid stimulants, like caffeine, energy drinks and alcohol. Leaving them out of your diet can be an easy, natural way to reduce the possibility of suffering an attack.

There are Holistic treatments that would benefit, like aromatherapy, it is very important to try and relax. Try Chamomile or Tila infusions and try using supplements, especially those known to calm the body's nervous system, like vitamin B and magnesium. Panic attacks can be cured naturally, by improving a person's general health, physically and mentally.

Passionflower (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Clinical trials (recently published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics) found that Passion Flower extract worked similarly to many of the prescription drugs, currently prescribed for people suffering panic attacks. Natural Healers have used it for centuries, as a cure for anxiety and insomnia. It is even believed Passion Flower extract can be used to relieve anxiety, for people withdrawing from alcohol or drug addiction. Evidence seems to be pointing to the fact, this natural flower extract should be regarded as a powerful (and more importantly), natural cure for a panic attack.

There are several homeopathic remedies and tonics available, that can help panic attack sufferers. They can help the nervous system from becoming run down, due to too much worry and anxiety. Without rest, our mind and body can not stay alert and healthy. Some people need more sleep than others, the average is around eight hours.

Feeling tired certainly won't help, so make sure you are getting the sleep you need. If, despite your best efforts to stay calm, you do find yourself having an attack, try to stay calm and breath deeply. This can prevent hyperventilation and encourage the attack to pass, just that more easily. Learn more tips about a natural cure for a panic attack at http://www.stoppanicattackfast.com

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ANGEL Guide and Healing MEDITATION

Weeping Angels 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Angels are said to be part of every human's life. There have been many encounters with angels told in history, as many people claim. But a lot of individuals find that quite hard to believe especially if they lack spiritual awareness and faith. Did you know that today there are a great number of people who use angels as a guide to their healing meditation?

You've heard it right. There are many individuals who find using angels as an effective guide to meditation. You can find a lot of sites on the net that feature angel guide healing meditation. There are even books published about it. Now the question here is whether you do believe in angels because if you don’t, you will not succeed in achieving peace of mind nor be healed of your condition.

Angels love and protect people. For as long as anyone can remember, angels are widely recognized. Troubled souls can be enlightened and they can still follow the right path that would lead them to life's fullness. There are many individuals who believe that through angels, world peace is still achievable.

If you're experiencing spiritual difficulties, traumas, and stress, then it's probably time that you seek healing meditation through angel guides. Angel guides are also people who were given a special gift to acting as a spiritual channel; they can communicate with angels and they can greatly help people (with faith) to cope up with all their problems.

Most angel guides are willing to help other people regardless of race and religion. They believe that God created all men equal, and through the angels, they can bring people to love one another.

One of the major reasons why many people are now into meditation is because of health problems. More and more individuals are aware of their body and mind connection and that may be the reason why they practice meditation. There are even doctors that recommend meditation for stress-related depression and illnesses. Meditation is now accepted, scientifically speaking. Since there are many types of meditation, you should choose one that you think you can practice easily in your life.

Through an angel guide meditation, you can awaken your spiritual levels through your own experience and not how you've been taught or read. Meditation can help a person discover himself and his potentials. So don’t miss your chance of being healed through an angel guide.

Have you heard about the so-called touched by an angel? There are stories of people who were healed because of an angel. Miracles are indeed hard to believe but for people who are desperate to get answers and to be healed, they would likely believe in any miracle that might come their way. If you want to take your chances, do it with an angel guide. You have nothing to lose, and only everything to gain. Perhaps you will get well after such healing. There's no harm in trying, and just make sure that you trust only the experts.

You can ask your friends and family members if they know an angel guide. Or if you want, you can purchase a book that's all about angel guide healing. Remember, with faith in God you can overcome a lot of problems in your life.

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The Art Of HAPKIDO

Hapkido holds many throwing techniques in common with judo.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The martial art known as Hapkido is an art of complete self-defense.  Those who study it are more than capable of defending themselves in any type of situation, being more than able to apply their confidence and discipline from the art to enhance their lives, protecting themselves and those that they love as well.

Hapkido teaches students to use minimal force with any stronger opponent.  Contrary to other martial arts, it doesn’t involve strength to execute the techniques.  To control the opponent and take him down, Hapkido focuses on pressure points and the impact they have on opponents.  It also involves a very powerful arsenal of thrusts, spin kicks, and sweeps.  If they are executed properly, the moves from this martial art can be very effective against opponents and attackers.

Along with kicks, punches, and pressure point attacks; Hapkido also uses wrist and joint manipulation locks, along with several throwing techniques. Altogether, there are nearly 300 categories of special movements in Hapkido that involve nearly 3,500 techniques.

Hapkido is a very popular martial art, which is mainly due to the fact that just about anyone, regardless of age or weight can practice the techniques.  The martial art also involves systematic training and stamina exercise, which can improve your health.  You don’t need to be in the best shape either, as Hapkido can actually help your body as well as your health.

Studying Hapkido will also help with developing your muscles, along with your posture, controlling your weight, developing confidence, self-control, even fulfilling your spirit.  Although it is mainly based on self-defense techniques, it also teaches you how to become a better person and get yourself back in health and in touch with your spirit.

Throughout the style, the linear techniques work together to form a solid base in which all of the circular techniques can be perfected.  Everything in Hapkido is tried and tested, in order to come up with a balanced blend of techniques and skills that are apt for any situation.  With Hapkido being a martial art of self-defense, there is a lot of practice involved blocking attacks in many different situations.  This way, the stylist can be more prepared for any situation he finds himself in.

Today, Hapkido is practiced by men and women of all ages, even little children.  It is a very beneficial martial art, one that can be utilized from nearly any position or direction, such as lying, sitting, and standing.  It is an art of self-defense, and can even be deadly if the stylist is proficient with the techniques.  What makes it even more deadly though - is the fact that a lot of people aren’t familiar with it.

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Love, Relationships and FENG SHUI

Feng Shui crystal (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you think that Feng Shui is only good for your home or your office, think again. This can also be used for love and relationships. Here are some tips you should know. 

1. If you are married or in a relationship, hang pictures of you together with your mate.

2. For married couples, place a pair of objects in the far right corner of the bedroom otherwise known as the southwest corner. A few good examples are a pair of Mandarin ducks or cranes as these are symbols of marital bliss. Another is a heart-shaped figurine made from pink quartz crystal.

3. You surely have mirrors in the bedroom. If they are facing the bed, relocate them because it reflects the couple on the bed. Some believe that this will cause a failure in the relationship because of the entry of a third party. Believe it or not, televisions are just as negative as mirrors to get rid of it.

4. As for the bed, make sure that this is not in direct line to the door. This is because the dead take your with your feet first. It should also be accessible from three sides as this will allow you to keep your partner.

5. You should always treat yourselves to fresh flowers and once they wilt, replace it. Never put these in the southwest corner of the room as this will clash with the element of romance, namely earth.

6. If there are any abstract, dark or sad artworks in the bedroom, take it out. These things encourage negativity when this room should be peaceful and safe for those who sleep there.  You can replace it with a painting of Peonies, lovebirds or silk flowers as these represent love.

7. You must never work out in the bedroom because this represents hard work that is often a hindrance of romantic space.

8. Should the bedroom doors squeak, fix it because it blocks romantic energy from entering the bedroom.

9. For those who have toilets and unfortunately this is located on the southwest corner of the room, don’t worry because you can fix it by hanging a five-rod wind chime.

10. The bedroom should be well ventilated so old energy moves out of the room.

11. It will also be a good idea to buy yourselves a gift as this symbolizes your relationship. Put this in a prominent place in the room or the home so you are able to remember your partner.

12. But what if you are still single? Well, Feng Shui may also work for you. You do this by making a wish list of what qualities you want in an ideal partner and also the ideal relationship. These are two different things and when you write it, be specific. It may not happen today or tomorrow but one day, your ideal partner will show up and you can have your dream come true.

Feng Shui can help you keep the love alive in your relationship by blocking out negative things and then embracing those that are positive. This may mean relying more on Yin which symbolizes femininity more than Yang which is masculinity but it is all good as this causes a healthy balance with the opposite sex.

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Insulin Pumps - Get Better DIABETES Control, Get Your Life Back!

Photo by aldenchadwick

In recent years an alternative to manual insulin injections has emerged. Enter the Insulin Pump. The first Insulin Pumps were quite bulky, but modern ones are about the size of a small Cellphone or Pager. The pump is worn unobtrusively on a belt or in a pocket and it delivers insulin through a thin plastic tube (or Infusion Set) that is inserted under the skin.

WHY AN INSULIN PUMP IS BETTER

In a healthy person, the pancreas produces insulin constantly at low levels, keeping blood glucose levels stable. When a meal is eaten, the pancreas will send larger amounts of insulin into the bloodstream to handle the food. Using a standard injection regime, slow and fast acting insulin is used to try and mimic the pancreas. An insulin pump much more closely copies the pancreas. The pump delivers a low level of background insulin (called basal) and at meal times can deliver a "bolus" dose at the touch of a button, to cover the food.

Just like a real pancreas, if you are ill, or exercising, the basal insulin rate can be reduced. If you skip a meal, the bolus is not delivered. In this way, the pump fits into your lifestyle, rather than planning your life around your injection schedule!

CHOOSING AN INSULIN PUMP

Most insulin pumps on the market today have all the basic features. Choosing one is much like choosing a Cellphone, it is a mixture of personal taste and what you plan on using it for. If you are a watersports fan, waterproof ones are available!

If you love analyzing data to improve your control, you can get one with PC download capability and analysis software. If you are new to the world of Insulin Pumps, here are some key points to think about:

Choose a pump that allows you to set up different basal levels. For instance at night time, if you are sick or exercising. This is an important feature to help you live a full life.

Pumps that use a standard "Luer Lock" infusion sets are better. This means cheaper consumables.

Alerts to remind you to check your blood glucose level make life easier.

Check what batteries it takes, standard AA or AAAs are cheaper and easier to buy.

More advanced pumps include a carbohydrate calculator to help you figure out what your meal Bolus dose should be.

Coming to the market are integrated Insulin Pump/Glucose meters. The meters readings are automatically transferred to the pump which can use them to recommend an insulin dose.

Other features to look for include, being waterproof, having a carbohydrate food database and alerts to warn you if you have missed a meal, or the infusion set needs changing. In short, Insulin pump manufacturers are making their products even easier to use and automating more and more features. Life is getting better for diabetics!

  FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  Q What if I don't get on with the pump, can I switch back to injections?

  A Yes. It is not a one-way ticket, but most people do notice an improvement in their blood glucose control and find their lives improved.

  Q I have a really hectic lifestyle, is a pump for me?

  A Yes. In fact, people who are extremely busy often see the biggest improvement. If you struggle to remember to test and inject at the right time - perhaps meal times vary from day to day, then a pump could really help you.

  Q I am considering a pump but may get pregnant, is that ok?

A Yes. As pumps usually improve your blood glucose control, using a pump through pregnancy and beyond is generally a good thing. Having as close to normal blood glucose levels reduces the chances of complications during pregnancy.

  Q What are the costs?

  A The initial outlay is in the order of a few thousand dollars, but prices are coming down all the time. Infusion sets need changing regularly too. The latest prices can be found from various diabetes suppliers on the web.

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CHINESE HERBS - An Important Medication For The Cancer Patients

Herb samples from categories of Chinese Herbs Tonifying Herbs: Herbs that Tonify the Yin
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Chinese herbs have been approved as a remedy for almost every sort of ailment and disease. Apart from that, the best remedy with the least side effects is the herbal treatment. It is naturally effective and over the years Chinese herbs have proved to be a great medication.

Cancer has always been regarded as a common problem and as several diseases in the Chinese medical literature. It is one of the most growing diseases among people nowadays. The cure for cancer is carried out in four steps. In the first step, the process of cancer is stagnated. The selection of herbs is also based on the area where a tumour has developed. Antitoxic herbs are given to reduce the toxicity level of the medication and chemotherapy. In the second stage, the immune system is strengthened through herbs. 

Since the body is already weak with cancer-curing medicines so these herbs help in the digestion process of the medication and help strengthen the immune system. The last process involves taking herbs that help in avoiding the reoccurrence of cancer. These herbs affect the root cause and help the patient in leading a healthy tumour free life.

Chinese herbs are so complex and numerous in types that an experienced herbologist should be consulted before use. The ingredients of the herbs of  anti-breast cancer medicine are Oldenlandia (20 %), Taraxacum (20 %), Scutellaria (20 %), Aurantium (20 %), Curcuma (20 %), for stomach cancer the herbs are oldenlandia (40 %) and Imperata (30 %) or use Scutellaria (15%) and Imperata (15%), for liver cancer its oldenlandia (30 %), Scutellaria (30 %), phragmites (10 %), Peonae alba (30 %). Chinese herbs provide a cure for stomach, ovary, lung, liver, and Esophageal and Colon cancer.  In short Chinese herbs provide a great long lasting cure for cancer.

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Studying the INTERNAL STARS: The Use of Energy in Your Body (Qi)

Yin Yang (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

If you have ever heard of ideas from physical fitness or Yoga, then you are familiar with the idea of using the energy in your body properly.  In Chinese Medicine, the energy that you have is something that is much deeper than physical fitness.  The idea if Qi (Chee), is an energy force that is often referred to in order to stay healthy. 

The idea of Qi begins with elements that are in the used universe that make up energy.

  This same Qi that is in the universe is, by Chinese medicine philosophy, also in every living being.  The Qi that is being referred to is something that Chinese philosophy considers to be in every part of everything.  It can’t be destroyed, only changed.  

 One way to explain the way that Qi functions in Chinese philosophy are through the element of water.  Under certain conditions, water will change into ice or evaporate.  Even though it is changing form or place, it still functions as the same type of energy in the other form.  

Through the idea of energy being in everyone’s being, and changing as the person needs, is the relation to how this can be used for medicine.  All of the Qi that is moving through the body has currents that the energy flows through, much like the circulation system.  The Chinese medicine system states that there are fourteen major points where the Qi flows through a person.  All of these points will have Yin and Yang access to them and are used in practices such as acupuncture.  

As the system of Qi flows through someone, it also functions within the body to specific things.  When all of your Qi is flowing properly then you are considered healthy.  Not only does your Qi track your energy, but it also makes sure that the different systems that are functioning transform the different parts of the body so they are balanced.  For example, some types of Qi will take nutrients to the muscles.  It is also known to keep parts of the body protected from the wrong types of food, while other areas of the body contain the elements that are needed. 

The idea of Qi is to keep the energy of the body functioning in the proper way.  When one is in complete health, they are known to have reached Upright Qi.  By keeping everything flowing in the right manner, and paying attention to how the body is changing, there will be the ability to continue to hold the energy of the universe in one’s body.  

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The Power of Music - Musical Therapy to Treat Autism

Piano Man - Photo: Flickr

Musical therapy is a relatively new treatment method for autism patients, but one that should not be overlooked when discussing options. Patients who receive musical therapy often should great improvement in temperament and learning skills. Music connects to the non-verbal part of our brains, making it a perfect therapy for disorders in which the patient has trouble communicating, such as autism. Research this innovative treatment method if you are looking for some help with autism and haven't had much luck in the past.

Musical therapy is effective because it can be used in conjunction with learning social skills. Music is a very non-threatening medium for patients, and many games can be played using music to help improve social and behavioral skills. By encouraging eye contact while singing or using instruments that need to get close to the face, musical therapy can help autistic individuals break social barriers. 

The number one way that musical therapy can help children, as well as older autistic patients, is by helping with the development of speech skills. Music is a way to connect the verbal and non-verbal functions in the brain. Autistic individuals may have various forms of speech problems. Some can only hum, grunt, or make other non-word noises, while others babble nonsensical phrases or cries. Still, others gain the capability to put together phrases and sentences to communicate with the world, although these usually lack emotion. Autistic people are known for monotone voices. However, no matter how skilled the individual is with speech, he or she can participate in musical therapy by clapping rhythms, humming along, or doing simple echoing songs. 

Autistic individuals are commonly found to be particularly good at music. Some, for instance, have perfect pitch. Others can play a particular instrument very well, with little instruction. Even if he or she shows no genius musical ability by normal standards, you may find that a particularly hard to deal with an autistic person has abilities in music that exceed his or her other abilities. A musical therapist can use music as a way to link this kind of learning with other kinds of learning, not only as speech development and social behavioral development as previously discussed but also as a way to communicate emotions and develop memory.

By using all of these techniques in conjunction with one another, musical therapy can work wonders with people who are autistic. Trained professionals can use music to teach children and others how to communicate in nonverbal ways, making it easier for patients to learn. Research the musical therapy option to provide you or your child with another choice when treating autism.

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