Planning a magical garden

Planning a magical garden

With Imbolc fast approaching, and the promise of new growth, my thoughts have turned to to our garden.  It is really overdue a facelift, I did start a few years ago, but then we got a puppy and she ate all the flowers, dug holes everywhere for her bones, and used the lawn as a racetrack!!!  She has grown out of most of these naughty habits now, so the magical garden plans are back on!!!

When I say 'magical' garden I'm talking about creating an outdoor space that is filled with beautiful plants, healing plants, a haven for wildlife, and an environment for nature spirits.  When I was growing up I often played in my grandparent's garden, it was a huge area with lots of borders of cottage garden flowers, large vegetable patches and fruit bushes, and orchard, and lots of pathways criss-crossing all around these areas.  It was a magical garden, my grandparents were very keen gardeners, and their garden was a garden filled with love.

So what do I want to put into my garden?? 
I want an area for 'Sun' plants - sunflowers, marigolds, chrysanthemums, heliotropes. 
An area for 'moon' plants - datura, nicotiana, jasmine, gardenia, camellias, white lilies, pale poppies
Mythical and magical statues
Water feature (I have this covered as we have 2 wildlife ponds)
Fire feature - would like to get a fire pit
Some bells or chimes
A sacred spot, that I can use for meditating in
Stone features - stone planting
More wildlife habitats
Nostalgia plants - ones I love and remember from my grandparents garden, such as lilac and foxgloves
Healing plants and herbs

Sacred Stones - stone planting

According to the ancient Greeks, stones are the very bones of the Earth Mother, Gaia.  In every garden, stones are the key earthing points and elements.  The art of stone planting is a complex and deep practise in Asia, where stones in a garden mark the flow of vital energies and the positioning of them creates special states of mind.  Stones placed in a circle, spiral or other primal pattern, are said to concentrate the natural flow of earth's energy.Stones with natural holes in them grant wishes, and should be hung up in a garden.  Semi precious stones can be used in the garden too, to bring in their beautiful powers.

I am going to try and garden with the phases of the moon too....
So, cutting sod and turf, removing it and pulling up plants - the last quarter of the waning moon.
Turning the soil and adding compost - after the new moon, first quarter of the waxing moon.
Planting seeds - last quarter of the waxing moon

Hopefully by the time that summer is at it's height, I will have a magical garden - I'm so excited about this little project.  And in true tradition, I will take a before and after photos   X

Moon - 39%

Yoga - Surya Namaskara, Gate Sequence, Ardha Matyasana

Card Message - Ace of Pentacles (aces - gifts, beginnings, potential and promise) & (pentacles - earth, sensation/the senses and body.
Material benefits.  A job offer, promotion or salary increase, or an inheritance or windfall.  A new contract or career change could auger well.  In a relationship, a situation that is well grounded: secure peaceful and enduring.
29th January - 1959 England Fog Causes Major Chaos on Roads    Dense fog brings road, rail and air transport in many parts of England and Wales to a virtual standstill.  
Gratitude - Good Fortune

Yoga for Me and Yoga for you!

Yoga for Me and Yoga for you!

I LOVE YOGA!!!!
For me it is a journey, and I'm still right at the beginning...I feel.  I have the yoga adventure of a lifetime laid out in front of me.  I can't wait to explore, to find new asanas, practises, styles, philosophy, culture, meditations and mantras, and much more......every day for years to come. 

Yoga is a way of life (in it's fullest sense), a blended system of education for the mind, body, and spirit.  This way of life was perfected thousands of years ago, but is still as relevant today, as it was back then.  It is a tool, a practical aid, so therefore is not religious and can be practised by all people, regardless of their beliefs.  Yoga is union with all.

I practise Hatha Yoga once a week at class; I am lucky to have an amazing teacher who is very passionate about all things yoga.  From our class teachings, I then practise every day...at first it was just the asanas (poses) and pranayama (breathing techniques), then I started wanting to find out more about the philosophy.  Very soon after that I wanted to start bringing in other aspects too, such as meditation, and more recently, mantra. 

Hatha Yoga is a form of Raja Yoga....this is a system based on concentration and control of the mind. Healthy living, good morals and steady practise of poses and breath regulation are advocated, to achieve the understanding to tap into the latent abilities and energy that we do not use, that lay dormant in every one of us. 
Raja Yoga is known for observing 'The Eight Steps of Yoga', compiled by Patanjali over a thousand years ago.  It is known as the Yoga Sutras, and helps us to gain control of the inner workings of our minds.   These eight steps are -

1) Yamas (abstentions) -  non-violence, truth, non-stealing, chastity/moderation & non-covetousness.

2) Niyamas (observances) - purity, contentment, discipline/self-discipline, study, & devotion to god/source of all creation.

3) Asanas - Steady poses.

4) Pranayama - Control of vital energy.

5) Pratyahara - Withdrawal of senses.

6) Dharana - Concentration of the mind.

7) Dhyana - Meditation.

8) Samadhi - The super-conscious state.

There are different paths through yoga too, not just Raja.   There is also Karma Yoga (selfless service), Jnana Yoga (philosophical path), and Bhakti (devotional path); there are as many different paths of yoga, for as many different people.  Yoga is as diverse as the humans that practise it.

Of course, it's not to everyones liking to get involved at a deep level, and  many practise just the asanas and eat healthy, just for the benefits to the body alone. It's commonly understood that our body's are a vehicle for the mind and soul, so therefore it is important to look after it. 

Since taking up yoga, I've thought a lot about my lifestyle, and my thought processes....it's made me think more about a lot of things!!!!    My diet....I'm still trying to integrate more raw food into it and keep myself hydrated.   My thoughts.....trying to keep them positive, rather than allowing the negative ones to creep in.   Making sure that I get exercise,  practise the asanas, and get enough sleep too.  Relaxation....making sure that I meditate regularly and balance my activities, so I'm not on the go all the time. 
I know that I have a normal life enough western world life i.e.........fast paced, work, bills, etc......and also I'm no super bendy yogini, that lives off juices, and meditates in my very own ashram.  My way is integration of the two,  a blending of both worlds....it is my very own personal path, and it is a path that I am loving........for it's helping me learn about life and also myself. 
Love, life.....live yoga X

Moon - Waxing Crescent 41%

Yoga - Tadasana, Marjaryasana - Bitilasana - Adho Mukha Svanasana - Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, Uttanasana, Virahadrasana Eka, Dvi & Tri, Goddess Sequence, Vasisthasana, trying my best at Hanamanasana, Janu Sirsasana, Baddhakonasana, Gomukhasana, Prayer Twist, Kneeling Mudra, Nadi Shodhana Pranayama & Mantra.

Card Message - Queen of Cups (Queens - creativity, compassion, awareness and nurturing) & (cups - Water, feeling, emotion and heart)
May signify you, your mother, a therapist, or a woman that inspires love in you, stirs the depths of your emotional nature.  The profession of acting or the world of theatre and film.  Work in the field of relationship counselling and healing.

17th January - Felicitas
A day sacred to the Roman goddess Felicitas, goddess of good luck and success.  She was an important figure in Rome's state religion, during the empire.  She became a popular symbol of Rome's wealth and fortune, frequently being depicted on coins.

Gratitude - Generosity

Here be Monsters and Mantras

Here be Monsters and Mantras

What a day, its been full of monsters!  When I say monsters, I mean issues, problems and stress!!

Ah, a poor night's sleep is never good, but nothing I could do about it...so on with the day.  Meditation is the first thing I do of a morning, today it was interrupted which wasn't great, but what was worse, was that the interruption became an argument.  Needless to say, it was not a great start.  The next monster was the issue of a tom cat that has decided to target our house in his scent marking rituals, now I'm a lover of animals, but not their smells....especially as it was managing to waft in through letterbox of our front door.  So very soon after getting up, I'm scrubbing the house walls down, inside and out...so I miss my window to do some 'very much needed' yoga.  I'm really feeling the stress now!!! A dog walk is the next job, during which Evie decides it would be great fun to roll in fox poo......yuk! Another clean up operation is needed!  To top it off, I have to deal with some teenage issues.....which always brings tension, as it often ends up with major arguments.  So that's 5 issues or monsters, before the day has even really begun, and I'm feeling frazzled!!!  I know I blog a lot about what I learn....non attachment, letting go, communication etc. etc.  I really, really try my best, but sometimes it gets at me too.  I didn't lose my temper, though at moments I felt like it was consuming me, and I know that it is better out than in, for suppression can cause all sorts of different nasty monsters to come and visit at a later date - better to deal with it all now and move on.


What I did have to release it and re balance it all, was a date with a Mantra group.  This group has been running for some time now, by my yoga teacher, but until now I've not been able to attend due to work commitments. 
Mantras are a word or group of sacred words that are chanted or sung as an incantation or prayer.
I've wanted to go for a long time now, and today was the day....although at this point, seeing people and singing was not where my head was at.  I went though,  and I'm so glad I did!!  Everyone there including the friend that took me, had been before and knew most of the mantras that were chosen, but the printed words were handed out for those who needed them, by our teacher.  All, except two mantras were sung in Sanskrit....which is tricky for pronunciation, but as they were sung in a 'lead and follow' style it was easy to pick them up.  We had the choice to accompany the mantras with percussion instruments, and once the mantras started rolling it was difficult not to start clapping, tapping, shaking, and beating to the rhythm.  The group were given choices about which mantras to sing, and those that were more experienced had an option to lead them too.  After each mantra, there was a short period of silence, so we could reflect and assimulate any feelings that the mantras had invoked, and a moment to share with each other too. Each mantra was beautiful in it's own way, different sounds, different feeling.  As I was new, it took a minute or so during each mantra, for me to settle into it and feel it flowing, but flow it did, and sing I did! 
One of the mantras that really got me singing was a goddess themed one.....the goddess Kali - the Hindu goddess of death, sexuality, black, mother goddess, time and change....she is also the consort of Shiva.

"Om Kali Om Mata Durga Devi Namo Namah"

It was so beautiful.....they all were! 
To finish...just like we had begun, prayers were said, and finally the peace chant which closes all of our yoga classes.  The air was thick with joy, peace, happiness and love.  It was a beautiful experience and certainly seemed to be so for all of us. 
I'm grateful that my yoga teacher offered me the chance to go and my friend for taking me....I'm so glad I went, it not only put my head straight, but taught me something new, and something that I now wish to do more of.  If anyone now asks about mantra I would encourage them to try it, for they will not look back. X


Moon - Waning Gibbous 89%

Yoga - none yet!

Card Message - Eight of Swords (thinking/intellect and mind)
You may feel that you are the victim of circumstances, or of another person.  Confusion, fear and loneliness.  Potential for completion.  Your sense of being trapped may stem from your beliefs or attitude - just as the mind imprisons, so it can set us free.  The hardest situations in life often offer the greatest spiritual rewards.

10th January - Geraint
A day sacred to ninth century bard Welsh bard Geraint, the blue bard of Wales

Gratitude - Mantras



How Mother Nature Looks After Us

How Mother Nature Looks After Us

Where would we be without Mother Nature and the elements?  Often we take our surroundings for granted, but the natural world and all that fills it is a consistent feature to us all.  In this present age we spend a lot of time in buildings or in cars, shut away from the real world.  Perhaps only noticing the world outside if we have to go out and it's raining.  We forget that we are part of this world, part of this beautifully delicate and detailed system that has been working perfectly since the dawn of time. 

When I consider the man made world we live in, full of electric gadgets, lighting, cars, video games, consumer shopping, it makes me feels tired...it's fast paced and emotionally empty.  Of course we all rely on some or all of these things, but they don't bring me the sense of well being that I get from walking out in the forest.  I love connecting with our natural world, being out in the elements, even when I'm out in horizontal rain and high winds.  In fact the only time I don't like being outside is when I am on a time limit, and I feel the pressure of responsibilities calling.

There is no doubt in my mind that when we shut ourselves off from the world outside we can become low and depressed, but given the chance to be outside on a regular basis, it lifts our spirits and we fell refreshed and rejuvenated.  So here's the science bit.....

Everything has a electro magnetic field, the earth’s natural electromagnetic field has a frequency measured as about 7.8 HZ or Hertz, this is well known and documented Schumann Resonance, that is measured daily.

Also the energy field of the earth interacts with the energy fields of other planets and constellations. Those changes then reflect on the energy fields of living bodies including humans.

So all energy fields are connected to all living matter … humans, plant, animal, and the earth, and what effects one thing will effect the whole. 

 

This is why we should look after our planet, and in doing so we look after ourselves. It is a

diverse and beautiful  place and we are truly blessed to have it as a playground, to share, to explore and to respect.

                                    

Moon - Waxing Gibbous 83%

Yoga - Surya Namaskara, Prasarita Padottanasana, Virabhadrasana Eka & Dvi, Charioteer, Marjaryasana/Bitilasana, Ardha Chandrasana, Sarvangasana, Sphinx, Anjaneyasana - Balasana, Baddhakonasana, Janu Sirsasana, Parsva Pavana Muktasana and Full Yogic Breath

Card Message -

6th January - Twelfth Night/Epiphanyof Kore - Persephone/Christian Epiphany

Twelfth Night, when the debris of the Yule feast is cleared away.  In the Julian (old style) calendar it is the Old Christmas Day.  The nocturnal rite in honour of Kore was held overnight 5-6 January in the Koreion at Alexandria.  It was a mystic drama preparing the way for Kore/Persephone's rise to the world.

Gratitude - I am willing to find new ways to express my creativity

When people meditate and calm their brain chatter, their brains emit alpha frequencies of 7 to 9 Hz. The human brain in a relaxed state then has the same frequency of vibration as the energy field of the earth.
When humans live close to nature, their energy fields are in synchrony with the energy field of the earth, so they experience more balance and better health.
Before the invention of electricity, people lived in harmony with the earth and her daily and seasonal cycles.

Technology advances have added huge levels of electromagnetic energy millions of times higher than before … microwaves, x-rays, mobile phones, television, radio frequencies, high tension wires, etc.

Animal Meditation

Attended a wonderful Animal Healing workshop today, run by Margrit Coates.  It was both insightful and inspiring, though it will take quite a few days to get both my notes together and assimilate all the information.

One of the excercises in the workshop was an animal meditation, in which we would meet and engage with our power animals.  The meditation was set against some beautiful background music and Margrit proceeded with the journey.........

'We were asked to visualise a meadow on a warm summer day, and sense all the sounds, sights, smells, and sensations within this environment.  From there we were guided up a grassy path and through a gate to a terrace, where three chairs sat.  We were asked to sit in the middle chair and take in the atmosphere while surveying the meadow below.  After a while our attention was bought to the chair on the right in which now sat an animal, this animal was one of our power animals.  These power animals would have a message and gift it to us -

Mine was a barn owl - the message and gift to me was....using my intuition as the barn owl does and seeing beyond what can usually be perceived also the gateway to knowledge and wisdom.

Then we were asked to do the same to the animal in the left chair -

This time I saw a donkey (this completely threw me!) the message I received from it was...having the tenacity to stick with my gut feeling, just as donkeys are stubborn. Dedication and also they are very social creatures, and being social would indicate a certain amount of good communication.

After we bonded with our animals we slowly made our way back to the meadow and then back to the room.

So now I have these two creatures to work with......it will be very interesting.

Moon - Waxing Gibbous 67%

Card Message - The Lord
Take control of your life and offer clear and firm boundaries to those who depend on you. Lead your life by being true to your values and you will accomplish great things.
The structure needed for success.

On this day - Pallas Athena/ St Barbara
St Barbara's veneration was suppressed by the Roman Catholic church, along with St George & St Christopher, in 1969. She is patroness of Santa Barbara in California, protects against lightning strikes and has been identified with Pallas Athena, goddess of wisdom and of the useful and elegant arts.
(from 'The Pagan Book of Days')

Gong Bath Meditation - My Journey

Having never been to a Gong Bath meditation I had no preconceived ideas about what I was going to experience or even what it was about. The idea is that the sound from the gongs can aid the meditation, either as you concentrate on the sound or the sound breaks up the line of thoughts that continually flow through your head, which often make it difficult to meditate. The meditation was to last between 1 -1  1/2 hours and would use the sound of various sized singing bowls and gongs that the sound therapist would play.  We all had mats to lie on, cushions and blankets to keep us warm and comfortable for the duration of the session.  A short awareness relaxation was given, to help us settle and then the session commenced. 

My Journey - as the various sounds filtered through the air and me, I became aware that I was stood in snow watching Aurora Borealis, the colours and movement flowed with the sound I was sensing.  As the sound grew louder I realised I was now in an underground cavern looking upwards to a large hole in the roof, through which I could see the night sky, the sound was reverberating around the cavern.  As the vibrations died down I found myself stood by a fire watching the flames dance about as the noise grew again, the flames danced higher and higher.  As the sound intensified I became aware the the flames had now changed into a wall of water rising up and up before crashing down again.  As the sound mellowed I found myself floating then in the cosmos amid stars, colours and energy, I gazed at all that was around me and within me.  Looking back now, I can see that through all these images, I had experienced all the elements, air, earth, fire, water and spirit/ether.

What came next was blast of images containing subjects that I've recently been researching, The Pyramids, Atlanta, River Styx - to The Underworld, Aliens and Channeling.  It was all pretty random, with no real pattern. 

The next image was crows over battlefields - war & bloodshed - to me this makes me think of Morrigan.

After that I seem to remember associating each sound, pitch and tone with the vibrations of various things, so I would perceive a sound and I would see a tree, next sound might be water, then the next a stone and so on and so on.  This carried on until we had reached the end on the meditation and silence enveloped the room.  Of course everybody's experience will be different - this was just mine!

We were given as much time as we needed to come back and ground ourselves.  Drinks and biscuits were available to aid us in this and there was the opportunity to swap and share our experiences and ask any questions.  Talking with people afterwards, I found that some did have intentions that they wanted to focus on whilst meditating, such as journeying and healing.  The sound, the space and the time, give them the opportunity to really focus and intensify their experience.

I found it an absolutely amazing experience and one that I would certainly partake of again and encourage others to try. 
The Gong Bath I went to was organised by a local group in the Southampton area, called Active Arts.  They organise many other activites too, for those interested, here is the link to their web page

http://www.activeartists.org.uk/index.html

Moon - Waxing Crescent 6%

Yoga - Sun Salutation

Card Message - Queen of Cups
May signify you, your mother, a therapist, or a woman that inspires love in you and stirs the depths of your emotional nature.  Loving, maternal and intuitive, possibly working in a field of relationship counselling and healing