DHYANA

Almost everyone has experienced the fact that when one starts concentrating his mind on any immediate object or an idea, the mind starts wandering. It is very difficult to keep the mind busy with a single thought. The ancient sages too encountered the same problems. Arjuna, in Gita had mentioned that controlling the mind is an impossible thing on earth. Hence, he was advised by Krishna that though mind control is difficult, it can be made silent and steady by regular practice of vairagya and abhyasa. However, he has warned that yoga is very difficult for people whose minds are not steady and controlled. Pantanjali, in Yoga Sutra has emphasized these two qualities to achieve mind control. Hence ,these are the very qualities that make the essence of yoga.

Lord Krishna instructing the Bhagavad Gita to Arjuna in Kurukshetra.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Mind is like a disturbed pond with many impurities. First you need to stop the inflow of fresh impurities and then remove the existing impurities to clean the mind. Abhyasa is one of the practices for purifying the mind. Dhyana is one of the sub practices of abhyasa. This is a stage that a person reaches after practicing concentration for some time. At the start of dhyana, the mind is steadier and only a single thought about an object arises in the mind. Now it is safe to say that the state of dhyana is reached. Here, the mind becomes very stable like the flame of a lamp in a calm atmosphere and its contact with the object of experience becomes intense and complete.

There are two varieties of dhyana called sagunadhyana and nirgunadhyana. In the first dhyana, the stillness of mind is associated with an object of experience which can be experienced through the sense organs. The second one is completely mental. It implies complete absorption of mind into itself. Here, the mind is not associated with any external object. It becomes completely still in this state. This mind is supposed to remain still, silent and sensitive such that it can understand any past, present and future event that might have happened anywhere in the universe.

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VOODOO and WITCHCRAFT - Parallel Histories and Modern Spell Casting

Witchcraft and Voodoo are fundamentally very similar. Each is a venue for spirituality. Both reach out to the divine.

The motivation behind both Voodoo and Witchcraft is also similar; not evil or malicious, Voodoo and Witchcraft at their core are made to help real people solve the real problems that occur in their daily lives. These are holistic spiritual practices meant to touch every aspect of a person's life; they promote spiritual development, personal enrichment, and love.

Voodoo Altar, French Quarter, New Orleans
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The history of Voodoo and Witchcraft also has parallels. While Voodoo is an African magical tradition, Witchcraft is primarily a European tradition. However, both Voodoo and Witchcraft have been severely repressed. Many Witches suffered torture and death at the hands of religious authorities throughout Europe and the Americas. Similarly, when Voodoo Priests were stolen from Africa as slaves and brought to the Americas, slave masters feared the power of Voodoo magics and attempted to stamp it out at every turn.

Nonetheless, Voodoo and Witchcraft have survived. This is a testament to the power and love that lives within the hearts of devout practitioners of both traditions. Despite many centuries of severe persecution, both have retained their traditional beliefs, spells, and practices. Each has emerged stronger and more powerful in this modern world. And both are still readily available at the fingertips of those who need help from the modern Witch or Voodoo Priest.

Aside from this parallel history, the thing Voodoo and Witchcraft have most obviously in common is the practice of spell casting. As both have retained ancient magical practices the mainstream world has forgotten, they are able to offer something to us in this modern world that virtually no other venue can. It is these traditions, as well as others - such as Santeria, Candomble, Obeah, Kabbalah,

Ceremonial Magic, and more - that have retained the secrets of the ancient world and the mysteries therein. The most common workings of these - spells - can take many forms.

Voodoo and Witchcraft share many elements when it comes to spell casting. Although the rituals are very different, the purpose of the rituals is what is similar. Voodoo and Witchcraft can certainly be used for high spiritual ends, but they are also very practical. People frequently visit the Witch or Voodoo Priest for love spells, spells to help out with money, and other types of workings that generally make life easier. This is one of the amazing things about both Voodoo and Witchcraft that many mainstream religions miss out on - they understand you. They are very down to earth, understand your specific problems as a human being, and can proscribe spells and rituals that will actually help them.

The choice between Voodoo and Witchcraft is largely a matter of personal taste. When you are seeking someone to help you with spells, spiritual matters, energy work, or anything else it is important to find someone you are comfortable with. Many people have an affinity for Voodoo; if Voodoo calls out to you, by all means you should find a Voodoo Priest to help you. If Witchcraft appeals more to you, you should find a Witch. As spiritual beings first and foremost we know what is best for us; listen to your heart and find the tradition that speaks to you.

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The History Of TATTOOS

Tattoos have a rich history of tradition, dating back thousands and thousands of years.  Throughout the course of time, there has always been an important role of tradition and ritual behind tattoos.  In the past, women in Borneo used tattoos as a way to mark their skills.  Tattoos were also used in the past as a way to ward away illnesses and disease by placing the tattoo around the fingers and on the wrist.  Throughout history, tattoos have also been used to symbolize a clan or society as well.

Tattos of Cross on Croatian women in Bosnia and Herzegovina
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The purpose of tattoos has differed from culture to culture throughout the course of time.  Research has shown that the earliest tattoos come from Egypt during the time of the pyramids, although most believe they started much earlier.  Egyptians at this time were believed to use tattoos as a way to mark the slaves and the peasants.  Around 2,000 BC, tattoos spread to China and then on to Greece, where the Greeks used tattoos as a way to communicate among spies.

Along the way, Japan also incorporated the use of tattoos as well.  The Japanese people used tattoos for religious and ceremonial rites.  During this era, Borneo women were the artists.  They produced the designs that indicated the individuals point in life and the tribe that he was affiliated with.  Tattoos were very popular during these days, although infections were quite common.  Tattoos were a long way from being perfected – which showed in the way they were done.

Tattoos were shown in the western regions as well, although they weren’t well accepted at first. William Dampher, who was once an explorer, was the man who re-introduced tattoos to the western areas.  During the year 1961, he brought a heavily tattooed Prince to the area, showing off his tattoos with exhibitions.  He made quite a bit of money with these attractions, which in turn made tattoos very popular and well desired throughout London and surrounding areas.  Before then, it was nearly 600 years since tattoos had been witnessed in the area.

Chatham Square, which is located in New York City, was the first place to feature American styled tattoos.  During the turn of the century, Chatham Square attracted people from all over the United States, especially those with money.  A man by the name of Samuel O-Reily set up shop in Chatham Square, becoming the first man to use an electric tattoo gun.  In the beginning, the now popular tattoo gun was based on Thomas Edison’s electric pin that used a needle point to puncture paper.

The electric tattoo gun features moving coils, a needle bar and tube, which are common components of today’s guns.  The electric gun was very popular, allowing those who wanted a tattoo to get one at a great price.  These guns helped to revolutionize tattoos and allowed the tattoo artists to give tattoos fairly fast as well.  People took to this new technology in flocks, making it by far the best and most efficient ways to get tattoos.

During the late 1960s, tattoos really began to take off.  They were featured in magazines, television, and talked about everywhere.  These days, tattoos are very common, with nearly ½ of the population in the United States having at least one tattoo.  They are still common with bikers and clans, symbolizing that one is a member.  There are millions of designs out there for tattoos – including different color combinations that have helped to make tattoos the phenomenon they are today.

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10 Important Concepts of TAI CHI

Practicing Tai Chi is not merely a swing of the arm and the movement of the feet. There is a reason behind every movement and style that is made. These concepts paved the way to building every form of Tai Chi. So you have to pay close attention on the things that are not brought up every once in a while because even though if things seem so basic, they are indeed important.

Picture: Wikimedia

Here are 10 of the most important concepts of Tai Chi that you should never take for granted. Remember these and it will make you appreciate more the forms that are performed.

Concept #1

Tai Chi is done with emphasis on every movement and the fashion of every pattern must be in connected with one another. Meaning every motion made must always start from the spine, going down to the waist, then moving lower to the legs and the feet, then it is simultaneously going up to the body then the arms, hands and last, the fingers. 

Concept #2

Maintain your shoulders dropped so that any tension will be eliminated. Shoulders that are always propped are said to have overflowing tension.

Concept #3

Your wrists must always be straight in order to form a lady’s hand if you are performing the Cheng form. All points apply to all forms of Tai Chi but the lady’s hand is basic and a very important trait of the Cheng form in order to cultivate the energy flowing in the body.

Concept #4

Moving slowly should always be done every step of the way. It can never be overemphasized because the slow smoothness of your motions will improve the connection of your body and your environment.

Concept #5

Never let anything disconnect you. You should always stay connected with every instruction. If you have been disconnected, continue to perform the movements and listen carefully to the instructions so that you can overcome any distraction.

Concept #6

Your knees must always be bent during the entire form. Your height must not bob down and up. There are some considerations but all the while, your height must always be maintained at a level that is constant.

Concept #7

The power of Tai Chi travels differently from the movement of Tai Chi. Power of Tai Chi will start from the feet going up to the legs, controlling the shoulders, and will be expressed by the fingers and hands.

Concept #8

Your head must be maintained as if it was suspended on air.

Concept #9

Your chest must be depressed and your back should be raised but this must be done without exerting any force.

Concept #10

Your breath must be focused on your dan-tien but force must not be exerted. As time in the program may pass, there will be accomplishments that will fulfill you like synchronizing your breathing with the movements that you make.

You should always consult your teacher when to exhale or inhale. 

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AURA: Unravel the Mystery

Aura or etheric human bioenergy field 
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Are there times when you feel uncomfortable in crowded places? Are there moments when you  feel as if your space is being invaded?Some people can only come so close to you. This is a reaction triggered by your aura.

It’s possible that someone else’s aura is intruding  upon yours.

At times, you feel uneasy in the presence of a certain person. You enter a room, you have this sense that something is wrong. The human aura  is a strong electro- magnetic field. We give off electrical energy and  absorb magnetic one.

You can feel this energy force in a room full of people, where varying energies, positive and  negative are being intercharged.

The aura is an extension of our energies, be it strong or weak, fair or otherwise, light and bright or dull and dense.

It is a band of energy that surrounds us, a life energy that can be sensed around every living thing, plants, trees, animals, birds and people.

There are seven layers of aura, but the most accessible to the human perception are the first three layers surrounding the human body.

Auras can be seen with the eyes wide open. It can also be seen psychically with the eyes closed. Auras can be best seen under a soft light. You can check your own aura by looking at a mirror against a light color background with dim lighting.

Look beyond the object and do not focus on it.Auras are observed more prominently around the hands, between the shoulders, neck and head area.

Those who can see aura mostly observe the mental and etheric layers or planes. These are the colorful layers of aura.

Physical Aura 

Closest to the body is the physical aura. It represents the body’s physical growth, strengths and weaknesses, physical sensations, pleasant and unpleasant. This band is very strong in athletes and people who are in touch with themselves- enjoy life’s pleasures like food, comfort , sex, etc.

Mental and Emotional Aura 

Moving away from the body is the second layer. This reflects the person’s  emotional moods and mental feelings, about how one feels about oneself. Any block in this area slows down the flow of energy. This part of the aura is changeable and fluctuates through the day,  depending on the mental and emotional stimulations one feels.

Spiritual Aura 

This part of the aura reflects the energy of the spirit  and its development. The color on this level is most distant. Mental sluggishness shows in this area.

Negative thoughts accumulated over time shows in this area. It is believed that yellow is predominant in at this level.

                         

Reading the Aura 

These levels can be read separately or in conjunction with each other.The colors are not physically  separated by a line or space between them. They seem to fuse or change into one another. One color  may be more dominant than others. As one develops the ability to read auras, viable information can be derived from the different levels.

There is no hierarchy of judgement involving the colors and their placement in the aura. The colors are only indicators of the person’s current state, can be read to strengthen the positive and / or help alleviate problems .

Remember, as living things change, so do the energy fields. As we develop, as we solve our problems, as we work through inhibiting blocks, we continue to balance our energies.

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Exercise: 

When reading an aura, do no stop yourself after sensing the colors. Recognizing the colors is the beginning of the aura reading. Verbalize what you see, this not  only defines what you see, it enhances  the flow of your intuition and helps with an insightful reading.

You could see one color, or a combination thereof. The colors may grow  stronger or brighter as the reading progresses. Rely on your ability to interpret responsibly with a clear mind what you see or sense.

When people are comfortable with one another,their aura tend to compliment each other in an attractive manner.

Learning about aura helps you to raise your intuitive faculties.

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Essentials of a SOLAR GREENHOUSE

Plant breeding and plant production is a very productive hobby and livelihood. It is good way to earn some living by producing high-valued crops. It is also a good way of contributing to the environment. The best way to sustain this endeavor is to get a solar greenhouse. Read on to learn the basics of the solar greenhouse.

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What Is a Solar Greenhouse?

The very purpose of any greenhouse is to collect solar energy whenever the sun shining high. However, solar greenhouses serve a more specific purpose. It is able to do more than collect the solar energy. The solar greenhouse is able to store heat that can be used during nighttime, cloudy days or the cold season. It provides adequate heat that the plants will need for their growth even during the night time or the cold seasons.

The good thing about solar greenhouses is that there are choices to choose from and to suit the needs of the owner.

They can stand alone. This is very ideal for big production greenhouses.  The freestanding ones are ideal for commercial production. These are used to produce ornamentals or vegetables. They have two primary designs, the shed type and the Quonset type.

The shed-type has a long axis running from the east to the west. It has a south-facing wall glazed to collect maximum amount of the energy from the sun. The north-facing wall on the other hand is very much insulated to avoid heat loss. These features are what contrast a solar greenhouse from the ordinary ones.

The Quonset type can sometimes look like an underground pit. This is a low-cost greenhouse. It has a Quonset-shaped frame and looks like a tunnel. It has a layer or two of plastic film. This can save as much as 40% of the heating fuel.

They can also be merely attached to the greenhouses, very ideal for backyard use. The attached solar greenhouses are structures that form some sort of a room protruding from a house. This is a good space for transplants or herbs.

Passive or Active

The solar greenhouse is classified into two. It can be the passive solar greenhouse or the active. These two makes use of different resources, but still serve a same purpose.

The Passive Solar Greenhouse

In some places, where colder seasons tend to endure longer, there may be a need to resort to passive solar greenhouse, using gas or electric heating system. This is the only way to protect the plants from getting too much cold.

This is very ideal for growers as it can still give way to so much productivity despite the conditions. The use of heating systems for greenhouses to be cost-effective is best utilized if there are high-value crops to be produced.

The Active Solar Greenhouse

The active solar greenhouse makes use of supplemental energy. It transfers the solar heated air from the storage area to the other parts of the greenhouse.

Designing a Solar Greenhouse

Most would claim that managing and maintaining an ordinary greenhouse does not differ much with the solar greenhouse. However, there are a number of ways that they differ. These are significant distinctions.

Solar greenhouses, unlike the ordinary ones, have oriented glazing to get utmost solar heat, even during winter. Its materials are designed to minimize loss of heat. It uses heat storing materials. It also has insulation especially useful when there is no sunlight. The solar greenhouse also depends heavily on natural ventilation for cooling during summer.

Solar Heat Storage

This is one main feature in designing a solar greenhouse. To remain warm even during cool nights, there must be sufficient amount of solar heat stored. One common method used to store this energy is to put rocks or concrete directly receiving the sunlight to absorb the heat.

Cinder block walls at the north side of a greenhouse are also used as good heat storage. Dark-colored ceramic floorings can also be used to store the heat. Any wall or flooring not used for heat absorption is supposed to be colored light. This should be designed to reflect the heat and light and distribute it to the plants.

The management of a greenhouse can also determine the amount of heat stored. A greenhouse that is full of plants and structures can store heat easier compared to an empty one. Composts can also complement the heat storage goal as they help produce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Furthermore, the microorganisms in the compost also contribute to the increase in plant production.

Some would rely on any structure that would resemble a greenhouse to accommodate the plants. However, to be efficient and cost-effective, aim for the optimum setting in your solar greenhouse.

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SHAMANS And Psychic Powers

Even though you find many people will scoff at the idea that people have psychic powers, there are a lot more believers than non-believers. This is the reason that psychics have always been part of our culture.

Mongol on Jurkie Shaman with drum, Central Asia - Photo:  Wikimedia Commons

There will always be skeptics and those who are simply terrified of the prospects of someone else knowing everything about them or having the ability to do amazing things, but for the most part people are accepting if not appreciative of what a psychic brings to society.

Some psychics have learned to be psychics, while many more were probably already born with this power inherently in them. Psychics themselves don't know where this power comes from, as they will freely state, and they don't understand everything about it. But they do know that the ability to see into the past or the future, or to discern more about the present than most people do, is very real and very established.

In technical terms, it is called ESP, or extra sensory perception. As you might expect, this simply means that a natural psychic, or a person who has undergone psychic training has the ability to see or know more than other can perceive with their five basic sense.

While it's unclear exactly how many individuals possess psychic abilities, it is probably safe to assume that the number is small. This likely has something to do with the fact that the majority of psychics have never undergone any psychic training and aren't really aware that they have a gift. Of course, these people are probably aware that they are different from others and realize that they have some unique insights, but they usually dismiss this as nothing more than intuition. They would never consider calling themselves a psychic.

Of course, there are even people who have absolutely no psychic powers but who put on the act in order to make a living. Some do readings over the phone or Internet while others read tarot cards for a living. Most people who go in for these readings are doing it in good humor, though some may really believe in a particular psychic's abilities.

On the other hand, there are more altruistic psychics who use their very real abilities to help other people. Probably the most respected of these psychics are those who help the police locate violent criminals. In the past, police psychic have given the authorities invaluable clues that have lead to the arrest of countless killers.

Now, about you. Do you think you are psychic? Before you simply say 'no,' let's take a look at one simple fact: many respected psychics do believe that everyone has at least some innate psychic ability. However, it's blocked because most people aren't willing to open themselves up to the possibility that they are psychic. It may also be true that they haven't received any formal training (but need to), such that psychic abilities continue to be dormant, for so many.

We do believe that this is often true, and that with some educational intervention and some effort, you can learn how to tap into your psychic gifts, too. This 'educational intervention' can take the form of psychic training.

For anyone interested in psychic training, the first step is to clear the mind of anything negative. You want to do deep meditation, stretching, and other forms of relaxation and train the mind to focus on positive things, removing the negative thoughts and attitudes prior to beginning psychic training.

Any real psychic will tell you that fear and negativity will cloud both your mind and your senses which make it impossible to tap into your true abilities. Meditation is used in more scenarios than just psychic training. Many people use meditation to get rid of stress and open themselves up to their psychic abilities without even knowing it.

Meditation should be a part of the psychic training, and you should do this for half and hour each session. You should meditate in a quite place where you will not be disturbed. Many of the advanced students also meditate outdoors.

This is going to be the first and most important thing you do with your psychic training, so do some meditation every day. If you happen to dispense with regular sessions, when you go back to meditation, you're probably going to notice that you've lost a lot of ground since your previous training.

During your meditation sessions, be sure you use deep breathing techniques. These special breathing techniques are perfect for releasing negative energy. They are also perfect for helping to reveal you hidden psychic talents.

One important note is that when you train to uncover your psychic abilities, there is no set timetable. Instead, this is a personal journey all your own. When you feel you are ready, then it's time to go onto the next step.

New psychics ultimately develop and strengthen their skills by practicing with tarot cards. These are a main staple in the psychic's arsenal, so it is only fitting that new students pick up their own deck and start practicing at some point.

Most of all, remain patient and have fun. Offer to give free reading to your family and friends. Get lots of practice. If you take these steps you will undoubtedly find that your abilities are rapidly becoming sharper, clearer, and a lot easier to control.

By Derek Jowes To discover more, please visit the popular http://www.psychic-info.com site. Discover for yourself how easy it is to do a psychic test. Visit here and get over thirty free psychic training audios and videos on DVD! Article Source: EzineArticles

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What Can Norse Mythology Teach You About RUNES?

In my eyes, it is not possible to understand the true nature of the runes without studying the Norse mythology. A common mistake made by New Age "runemasters" is that they study the runes from divination point of use, and not from the ancient tradition. But the people of the North were using the runes in many different way, the divination practices were only part of them.

It is important, for every runemaster wannabe to remember, that if you want to master the Norse runes, you must read the Norse mythology, explore Poetic Edda and Northern sagas. What can these teach you? Many things, I might say.

This romantic representation of the norns depicts one of them
(Verdandi according to the runes below) with wings, contrary to folklore.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

For example, I have learned many different runic spells and rituals that have not been described in any book about runes I have ever encountered; therefore, it is my belief that their authors never really studied the mythology behind runes. A lot of interesting uses of runes in spells and high magick can be found within the Poetic Edda itself. More information can be found in classic Sagas. For example, no book about runes I have read ever mentioned that the Thurisaz rune can be used to cause mental illness.

Another interesting thing that you can find with the help of Northern mythology is the correspondence between runes and Northern gods. For example, while most book about runes agrees that Thurisaz is the rune of the god Thor, I haven't found many books that mention that Heimdall was the god of Daguz and few more other runes. Or, that Nauthiz, Isa and Hagalaz are the runes "guarded" by the Nornes - Urd, Werdandi and Skuld. This leads to interesting interpretation that the Hagalaz guarded by Urd is the rune of the past; Nauthiz guarded by Skuld is the rune of the future; and Isa, guarded by Werdandi, is the rune of the present. This can be used in many different divination and magical practices.

Exploring the Norse mythology is not only fun, but also educating for everyone who is interested in the Runes. You can find explanations of each rune, descriptions of spells and rituals, and examples of uses for each rune, scripts and bindrunes. It is important to remember that mastering the subject of the runes require not only learning the runes themselves, but also the culture from which they originate - the culture of the Vikings, and people before them. Without this, no one can become a true runemaster.

By Nathaniel Webb Nathan is a runemaster, grab his ebook and learn everything you need to know about nordic runes for magical purposes and divination. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Reiki Instruction - An Overview

You may really wonder why Reiki is such an in demand topic for many people. All over the world, it is being practiced for healing purposes. There are some concepts that surround it which you are required to understand most especially if you do manifest an interest in the methodology used in the practice of Reiki. Moreover, the latter is the conventional Japanese type of hands-on healing. Through time, the traditional sense of Reiki has been quite forgotten with the many variations that have already evolved. The system that is known to this contemporary world is no longer in its original state. Taking up a Reiki instruction will open your eyes to its many varieties. There are numerous branches that exist nowadays as well as different modes of instructions used. Those who practice Reiki therapy go through a system of instruction as divided into levels and they earn their degree and certification too. 

The Reiki practitioner can come from any part of the world, study at different institutions or Reiki clubs, and be under different Masters too. Generally, the very first form of Reiki was divided into three degrees or levels with an addition, that is the Master Level or Master Degree. After the completion of the latter, a practitioner qualifies to train others. 

Anyhow, there are multiple branches of the instruction. Take a look at their different forms by reading below. 

The Usui Shiki Ryoho. Originally pioneered by Mrs. Takata, several other solitaries like the Reiki Alliance Masters began to form. As a part of the oral tradition, this medium of instruction employs three degrees which are taught to the learners. The first degree covers four attunements including mythos and history, the hand positions, and the channeling of Reiki energy for self-healing and in healing others. The second degree impart more forms of attunements that cover the teaching of three among the four sacred symbols, healing of mental as well as emotional disorders, and the absentee or distance healing. The Master Degree involves only one attunement and that includes the fourth sacred symbol as well as the techniques for the channeling of more energy. 

The Raku Kei Reiki. Someone by the name of Iris Ishikuro who trained under Takata contributed much to this branch of the instructional system. The term Raku Kei Reiki is also called "the way of the Fire Dragon". It is comprised of the directional energy flow wherein Raku signifies the vertical flow while the term Kei means the horizontal energy flow. Both the first and the second degrees are discussed in a class that touches on the positions of the hand, the techniques in healing, the four traditional symbols, the distance healing, and the use of the Master Frequency plates. The third degree on the other hand promotes three attunement levels along with the two other additional symbols, the use of crystals, herbs and white light in healing. 

The Tera Mai or Tera Mei Seichem. A few changes have been made to this type of instruction which covers the energy activation of the Angelic light, Sakara, and Sophi-el. There are also symbols which have been added to the older ones. 

The Usui or Tibetan Reiki. This mode of instruction combines the traditional and the understandings expressed by Rand and Raku Kei. 

A learner has the option to choose which Reiki instruction he feels to study. The Masters are everywhere and one has to simply get in touch with them.

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Cats, Vikings and WITCHCRAFT

The Vikings certainly loved cats. In Norway and Iceland cats were in high demand. Unfortunately for the cats, the people of Norway saw no value in a living cat; it was the fur they absolutely adored. Even the fox could not compete with the cat. The Norwegian king Magnus VI, the law-mender (1238 - 1280) passed a law declaring cat fur as legal currency. One piece of cat fur was equivalent to three pieces of fox fur.

Witch

Cat fur was quite valuable. Only the rich could afford this luxury. Now as it happens, the Volvas were among the upper classes. A Volva was a woman who was a master of prophecy and witchcraft. The Volvas were greatly respected and feared. Their services were in high demand, but extremely

expensive.

In the Saga of Eric the Red, a Volva is described in great detail. She had been summoned to help the settles of Greenland during their hardship. She was called Lisevolve and she was treated like a queen. The clothes she wore are described down to the last detail in the saga. On her head she wore a hat trimmed with cat skin. Her gloves were made of cat skin which had fluffy white cat fur on the inside.

Now as it happens, the goddess of love was also a master of  magic and witchcraft. Her name was Freyja. No other god or goddess mastered witchcraft better than Freyja. She was the most beautiful goddess of the Viking world. The goddess of love and magic had a stunning carriage. Yes, you guessed it. The carriage was pulled by two cats.

Volvas of the human world, loved to dress up with clothes made from cat skin and cat fur. Freyja, the goddess of love and magic was associated with two cats. It seems the tendency to associate cats with witchcraft was well established in the Viking Age. Cats certainly have been unfairly prosecuted throughout the centuries in the Western World. Fortunately major parts of the human race have come

to their senses and are finally treating cats with the respect and love they deserve.

Visit http://www.mysticalnumbers.com and discover how numbers are used in religion, mythology and society. Article Directory:  EzineArticles

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Should We Take End Of The World PREDICTIONS Seriously?

Considering the vast number of previous predictions which have all failed to materialise, surely we shouldn’t be too worried?

The carbon footprint. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Yet for some of us fears seem hard to shake everyday we hear of new disasters, new threats with the world seemingly more and more out of control especially in relation to extreme weather events, global warming and the growing credit crisis.

So what if anything can I do?

Do your bit, no one can save the world single handedly but you can do your bit, here are a few suggestions.

- Cutting down your carbon footprint by using less electricity, gas, car fuel and water not only helps the environment but your pocket too by reducing bills. This doesn’t mean changing your lifestyle just simple measures such as ensuring you turn off items instead of leaving them on standby.

- Working to pay off debts, this benefits you, as you aren’t wasting money on interest payments. Being in control of your finances reduces stress and makes the banks more confident.

- Donate unwanted items or money to charity, simple measures which benefit those in need.

- Being a conscientious shopper by knowing where and how the items you buy are produced. Remember every item you buy has a carbon footprint. Buy local products where possible, make sure the product is produced sustainably, ethically and in an environmentally friendly way.

- Recycling, stops the world resources being unnecessarily used up and isn’t as difficult as it seems look out recycling symbols on packaging and familiarise yourself with your local areas recycling

system and facilities.

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Effects in FOOT MASSAGE to Guided RELAXATION

Has your feet ever been so tried that it hurt your whole body.  Like that, ole saying when your feet hurt your whole body hurts. Well this is mostly true, since the reason sets behind the fact that your entire nerve endings are in your feet. So when you are on your feet all day for whatever reason and they are hurting most of the time your whole body aches. What do most of us do when we get home? We sit down for a while or take a hot bath. One can indulge in foot relaxing baths or resting to take the weight off the feet. In fact, the first thing that hits the ground when you take a step is your heel, which is why many people experience heel pain. 

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How can I relieve my aching feet? 

You have recourses to test when your feet are aching.  Like maybe a hot bath if you have one. Foot soakers are available as well. The foot soakers allow you to soak your feet. Some of the foot soakers have massagers as well so you can get a foot massage while you are soaking your tried feet. You can let your feet rest as long as you want to or until they feel better. Once your feet feel better, you will also feel better.

Where can I get the foot massagers?

You can find food massagers nearly anywhere that sells items to relieve stress. Depending how much money you want to pay, however you can find Bubble Jet Foot Massagers at most department stores for around $20. It depends on the type you choose; yet, some have heating elements that helps massage your feet.

You will find foot massagers with tuning bars built inside of it to rest your feet on while the massagers works them. 

If you are having, problems with deciding what one to get for you so that you can pamper yourself, then check out the resources online. Go on the Internet, check out some web sites, and have them send you some information on these feet massagers.

 Most of the time, you will find CDs as well as videos to help you to decide what kind are the best for you. There are lotions and oils to get if you want to just have some one do it for you or even you do it for yourself. It will feel better if someone else does it for you. Just put a little lotion or oil on the feet and rub it. You will feel so much better.

 In addition, unbelievably once your feet stop hurting you will feel like a new person inside as well as out. Try it and see what you think and make sure you enjoy your foot massager. The massagers are great. It will make a big difference on the way your feet feel and that will make you feel better. 

There are all kinds of oils and lotion that you can get at your local stores like the family dollar or even Wal-Mart if you cant find nothing there you might want to try the bath and body works in the mall in your area. You will need to rub your feet down with lotion or something when you are finished with the foot soak. This will add the finish touch to the whole massage.

Some foot massagers have rub pads, which helps you to remove dead skin after massage. You have many options to choose from, so go online to check out the foot massagers that guide you to relaxation. 

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REIKI FAQ Part Two

A stylized Reiki symbol 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Does Reiki work for everyone?   

Reiki will only work to the degree that the person's higher self will let it work.  

If the person is open and willing, the Reiki will flow an go straight where it is needed.  If the person's higher self doesn't accept it, the Reiki cannot get in.  Sometimes when people are getting ready to die, Reiki can be a wonderful peaceful way to the spirit realm.  Healing doesn't just mean to cure, but the healing of the person's spirit and a return to wholeness.  

Who can give Reiki treatments?   

Any practitioners that are Reiki II and higher.  Reiki III and Reiki Master have more advanced techniques that they learn to help different groups of people.  If your practitioner is Reiki II, they will be able to help as good as a Reiki Master for general treatments.  What is distance treatment?  

These are treatments sent over long distances for healing when the practitioner cannot  travel to where the patient is.  For instance, an American practitioner may send healing to someone in Australia.  Again, all you need is the intent for it to be sent.  Draw your distance symbol and send the loving energy to whoever needs it.  

There are may Reiki groups that sent healing t the earth itself after the tornadoes and tsunamis hit the coast of many countries.  You can even send healing into the future for yourself or others.  There is no limit on the good you can accomplish.  

How do you get a treatment?   

Look in the phone book and locate a practitioner and ask about their credentials.  Treatments usually run between $35 and $60.  Some of the practitioners may do distance sessions if you cannot get to their office.  They will include a note to tell you anything they picked up while sending the treatment.

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REIKI FAQ Part One

Reiki written in Shinjitai Japanese. 

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What is Reiki energy?   Reiki energy is known as the Universal Life Force.  It is also know as Ki, Qi, or Chi in different parts of China.  It is taught to us by the Reki Masters.  We learn how to channel it after being attuned.  Then we go forth and share it with other people.  

What does the Reiki energy feel like?   For different people, it will feel like different things.  

Some have a spinning experience, some see bright colors, some have beautiful visions, and some feel nothing at all.  They may also experience a warmth or a tingle depending on where the practitioner is.  

How does a Reiki treatment work?   The practitioner starts the treatment at the crown chakra and go all the way down to the root chakra, opening any chakras that are blocked.  Then they do each elbow and knee and them you flip over and they work on your back chakras.  

After they have opened all of these, you will flip one more time onto your back while they anchor in your affirmation and give thanks to you for letting them treat you.  

How does Reiki energy know where to go?   If you have a specific pain, the practitioner will still treat the entire body.  

If the Reiki is needed in one certain place, it will flow to that area.  Your higher self knows where it needs healing and will direct the Reiki to go there.  If the higher self decides it doesn't want the Reiki, it will block it from entering the body.  

When is Reiki effective?   Reiki is good for almost any injury.  

While you are waiting for the ambulance, give the person some Reiki.  Before they go into surgery and when they come out, give some.  There are many instances where Reiki from the beginning of an injury or illness can really cut down on how much time it may take to heal.  But, even if start Reiki in the middle, the energy knows where it is needed and goes to work in that area.

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