Tarot Cards
The idea of wanting or needing to know the future is part of the human
experience. Tarot cards have had a place in human society for a long time,
at least five hundred years and probably a lot longer than that. Their
beginning is obscure and unknown. We all want to know what is coming, how to
prepare or how to prevent the inevitable. The Tarot cards represent the
obstacles and growths that each person must endure along the path of life.
Reaching the end of a cycle is not the end but a return to the beginning,
to be repeated with new obstacles and new challenges.
Tarot decks are normally divided into two sections, the major arcana and the
minor arcana. The major arcana represent stages and major influences on each
stage of your journey. The minor arcana represent the separate facets of
each stage. They are aids to understanding what is occurring or why something
has occurred.
The minor arcana is divided into 4 suits, Cups, Wands, Swords and Pentacles and
each suit is divided again by numbers. In general terms each of the suits brings with it an
underlying meaning. It focuses on the details of the cycle you are traveling.
Cups - corresponds to emotions, feelings. They show the development of feeling and
the impact they have on us and those around us. Cups are associated with the heart
and the heart is the holder of emotions and love. Therefore it will relate to
love, both spiritual and passionate and to the experience of feeling and loving.
Wands - corresponds to mysterious powers. The power of imagination and the
creations that the mind can perceive and create. Wands become the symbols for the
development and challenges of imagination. They can also warn of the folly of not
using common sense to temper your imagination.
Swords - corresponds to the mind and the thought processes within. Swords embodies
the mind in all it's aspects, good and kind deeds and the darker, baser thoughts that
abide within. It is the base of imagination and it is programmed to remember and
learn from the experiences, conflicts and experiences of everyday life. Ultimately
it will bring clarity and understanding to any actions, any thoughts and to the words
you live by.
Pentacles - corresponds to the foundations we lay. It can be the resources that
support our lives. It can be the money, the earth, our shelter and ultimately our
self worth and the value we put on our achievements. The Pentacles suit describes
how we can or should adjust our lives as we pass through the challenges, disappointments,
and rewards that are available to us as we grow and live our lives.
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Crystals
Fossils
Fossils allow us to release old programming and to be open to new ideas. Fossils
are reminders of our past, both near and distant. They hold information about the
stars and where we came from. Fossils can be used to enhance telepathic communication
and can put you in touch with all forms and realms of reality.
Fossil
Shells
Shells are considered a magical gift. Shells help to stimulate both the mind
and the body. Shells can also help to protect you from unco-operative attitudes and
actions. Shells also remind of us of our connection to the environment and the
continuity of our eco-systems.
Shell
Aquamarine
Aquamarine is used for clarifying perception and eyesight. It is useful in
releasing old patterns and conditioning. It can be used for centering oneself,
inspiration, and for peace of mind in stressful situations. Aquamarine is known to
reduce fears and is therefore an excellent stone for sensitive and psychic people.
It is also good for meditation as it allows you to better connect with nature and
is known for being able to quiet the mind and reduce stress. It promotes tolerance
for others and has the ability to create stable, harmonious surroundings.
In olden days Aquamarine was given to sailors as protection from drowning and
for courage in battle.
Aquamarine
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Smudges & Smudging
Smudge
Smudge is a mixture of herbs, oils or incense that are burned to cleanse and guard a sacred
space. Smudge is also used to cleanse and guard your body, psychically and spiritually.
It can be wafted over the body breaking the unhealthy connections that people sometimes
used to "borrow" your body's energies. As you waft the smudge over you, conciously
use the smudge to open your ears to hear the truth, open your eyes to see the truth,
open your throat to speak the truth, open your heart to feel and know your truth and
open your mind to accept the truth.
Smudge bundles are available commercially or you can create your own. The more common
smudge bundles contain Sage, Juniper and Sweetgrass, but other combinations are
available. If you wish to harvest your own herbs, do so as the plant is just
coming into bloom during the waxing moon. Harvest the herbs slowly and gently,
asking the herbs to help create a powerful and personal smudge. Harvest herbs
in 8-10 inch lengths. Bind your herbs together with thread or animal hide,
starting at the bottom, tying tightly until you get about half way up the bundle.
Concentrate on the herbs and the powers that each holds. Hang the fresh smudge
stick to dry.
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Mantra Meditations
Mantras & Their Meanings
"Om Dum Durgayei Namaha" - Rough Translation: 'Om and Salutations to that
feminine energy which protects from all manner of negative influences, and for
which Dum is the seed.'
This is a mantra for the divine spirit Durga. Durga is an aspect of the Divine Protectress.
Typically shown riding a lion or a tiger, Durga has a hundred arms, each with a
different weapon of destruction. Yet she is exquisitely beautiful to behold.
The interpretation is that if you are a pious and sincere seeker of truth, her
sight can produce ecstasy in a variety of beautiful forms. But using the truth for
negative, harmful or demonic purposes, will bring forth a countenance that is as
terrible as Kali, the mother of life and death.
"Om Mani Padme Hum" - Rough Translation: 'Om, salutations to The
Jewel of Consciousness (the mind) which has reached the heart's lotus.'
This mantra is practiced more than any other in the world. It is pre-eminent
in producing a state of dynamic compassion. Dynamic means that this
compassion contains the ability to be able to powerfully manifest in both
subtle and obvious ways. One of the simple yet profound teachings which
accompanies this mantra is the concept that when the mind and heart become
united, anything is possible. The implications of this simple thought are
staggering. If you want to change the world for the better, this mantra should
be in your spiritual toolbox.
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