Sometimes

Sometimes

Sometimes life is hard

Sometimes there's is no hiding

Sometimes it hurts

Sometimes there's no words

Sometimes there are tears

Sometimes many

Sometimes you feel helpless

Sometimes it's ok

Sometimes you need to be gentle with yourself, and

Sometimes trust

Moon - First Quarter 53%

Yoga - Tadasana, Marjaryasana/Bitilasana, Virabhadrasana Eka & Dvi, Parasita Padottanasana, Utthita Parsvokonasana, Goddess, Vrikshasana, Setu Bandhasana, Halasana, Hanumanasana & Ardha Matsyasana.

Card Message - Two of Wands
The energy and potential of a partnership.  Allowing the relationship between two ideas, projects, or feelings to unfold and open up new areas of possibility.  Although you are satisfied that you have everything you need, you may also long for more.  You may be searching for deeper meaning, or contemplating taking a journey.

31st January - February Eve/Norns/Disir and Valkyries
February Eve, start of the festival of Imbolc or Brigantia.  Also a day sacred to the Valkyries, and the Norns.

Gratitude - Trust

Peace & Satyagraha

Peace

I am sitting watching 'Birdsong', BBC's adaptation of Stephen Faulk's book, based around World War 1, peace seems so far away in this world of trenches and war.  Yet I know that peace is what these men fought for, peace for everyone to enjoy.  Seeing as today is a day sacred to Pax - Roman goddess of peace, as well, I thought I'd explore deeper into the virtues of peace. 

'Peace' comes from the word 'Pax', Latin for 'freedom from civil disorder', a name given to a Roman goddess.  Pax the goddess was recognised in Augustus' reign, she is often depicted with an olive branch, signifying peace, and also a cornucopia signifying prosperity.  With these two symbols together it would make sense that the message is, that with peace comes prosperity.

In many languages the word for peace is also used a greeting or a farewell, for example the Hawaiian word Aloha, the hebrew word Shalom, as well as the Arabic word Salam.

Peace is an important prospect to all that live on earth, side by side, and in harmony.  Many great leaders of  people have shared their thoughts on peace with us, these words are heart felt, meant for the good of all........

Better than a thousand hollow words, is one word that brings peace.
Buddha

If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.
Mother Teresa

Peace is not merely a distant goal that we seek, but a means by which we arrive at that goal.
Martin Luther King Jr.

We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.
Dalai Lama

It's interesting to note that given the choice most people, will opt for peace rather than conflict.  Most of us do not actively seek out conflict and disharmony.  Animals are sensitive creature too like us, and will make their escape, at the first sense of negativity and hostility.

Peace is the banner that many organistions and movements work under, the 1960's peace movement in America, and the United Nations.  One of the most widely recognised sign for peace now is the CND sign - Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament.
Satyagraha is the philosophy and practise of non-violent restistance, it's a sanskrit word meaning, insistance on truth, or truth-force.  It was deployed by Gandhi, in the campaigns for India's Independence, and also influenced Martin Luther King Jr, in his civil rights campaigns across America, and Nelson Mandela, in his struggle with apartheid in South Africa.

So peace is important to us all, whether we are seeking inner peace, or peace worldwide.  So sending you all love and peace X

Moon - First Quarter 46%

Yoga - None today

Card Message - Ace of Swords (aces - gifts, beginnings, potential, promise) & (air, thinking/intellect, mind). 
The opportunity to cut yourself free from outdated or negative  attachments.  The beginning of a phase of productive intellectual work.  Triumph in legal or academic fields, or in literature or science.  A clean break heralds a new beginning.

30th January - Festival of Peace
Festival of Peace, dedicated to the Roman goddess Pax.

Gratitude - Health

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

The astrolgical ME

The astrological ME

I've always had a curious interest in astrology, but never enough to delve into the deeper aspects of the subject.  For a period of time in the past I got quite into Chinese astrology and Feng Shui, rearranging the house and researching the signs of members of family.  I really hadn't given it much thought to be honest in many years, until now.  I was watching a programme on 'Illumination' - the ancient practise of illuminating text with pictures, found in old manuscripts, bibles, and tomes.  It seems that back in Medieval times astrology was a highly regarded science, and the royal court had it's own astrologer.  This was a very important role and awarded the practitioner many rewards, as long 'of course' as you predicted correctly.  King Henry VIII's astrologer predicted he would father many, many healthy strong sons (which of course he did, but they were bastards), but records show that this astrologer disappeared after a few years - after only Edward was born.

The next marker was finding out about the element and animal for the Chinese new year, it was an interesting journey back to what I was once very much into.  Interesting to find out too, that up to this new year there has been a long period of disharmony with the year element and animal element, but the Water Dragon ( this years element and animal) is changing all of that.  I rest my case with that one, because within this first week, we've had two major changes/news that are positive and have seemingly come from nowhere.

The third marker came as I was reviewing my approach to art and crafts, and I realised that I really was displaying quite a few of the characteristic of my western star sign Aries.

So I thought I'd revisit my astrologically assigned self and see if now I'm a little older and wiser, I can see anymore of myself in them.........

Aries

20th March - 19th April

Element - Fire

Quality - Cardinal, associated with spring, strong, creative thrust and powerful expression of energy

Ruling Planet - Mars, the planet of activity and assertiveness, also competitiveness, impulsiveness, and instinct to act spontaneously
The Sun is also strongly associated with this sign, which it governs by exaltation. The solar-
association is seen as adding expression of the ego, and the desire to make a mark as an individual.

General astrological compatibility of Aries with other signs

Sign	Highest compatibility	High compatibility	Low compatibility
Aries	Sagittarius, Leo	Gemini, Libra, Aquarius	Taurus, Scorpio, Pisces, Cancer, Virgo, Capricorn

According to Alan Leo, generally considered to be the founder of modern psychological astrology and sun sign astrology, people born with the sun in Aries are "always looking forward, they are leaders in ideals and pioneers of advanced thought. They have great mental energy but are inclined to be very headstrong and impulsive. They are always prophetic, and love to predict things that will happen. They can look ahead into the future and foresee things with remarkable clearness of vision. When freed from other influences and not slaves to their personality, they become truly clairvoyant, and are remarkably gifted in this direction. This sign gives extreme ideality, and those born under it are more ideal than practical. They are always full of new schemes and plans, ever exploring and originating. They are fond of constant change, loving novelty, romance and speculation and nearly always live in a world of theory. They are very highly strung, sometimes hyper-sensitive and are remarkable for their perception. They seem to live more in the perceptive region of their brain than the reflective, and they are rarely deceived where perception is concerned."
^{(TAKEN FROM WIKIPEDIA)..........}

This is me....no denying it, faults and all.....I think all the time, rarely switch off....and strangely when pulling tarot cards, 'Swords' always come out - thinking, intellect and mind!!!!


So my Chinese Astrological sign......

Metal Boar 1911, 1971

This is a proud, passionate Boar with overpowering sentiments, who values their reputation.  Intense and more dominating than other Boars, often with excessive appetites and may lack refinement or tact.
Will exerts less control over their personal life than the other Boars, and can't help being sociable, extroverted and openly demonstrative with affections.  Not likely to be secretive but will be direct and and trusting, even credulous.  As a result, will underestimate enemies and overestimates his friends.  Ambitious and forceful, but not always objective, the Metal Boar could be a dangerous opponent, as he can be violent in expressing his anger or resentment.
The Boar will not concede defeat graciously.  He will never be a quitter and relied on to have immense powers of endurance.  An active doer blessed with great positive strength, the staunch Metal Boar will have enough vigour for ten.
(from The Handbook of Chinese Horoscopes)


Compatibility - Rabbit, Sheep and Boar
Incompatibility - Snake

Oooo some of these attributes make me wince, thankfully I can say I'm not a violent person, volatile, but not violent!!  Another astrological sign of power...am I doubly blessed or cursed???


Ehwaz

I was born in the half-month of Ehwaz 30th March - 14th April.......

Sound: “e” as in “every”
Stands for: Horse
Colour: Red (White)
Casting meaning: Ehwaz reminds us that in order for success there must be a natural flow in the task at hand. With this rune to give us power as well as it making use of our good intentions we can surely achieve such success. 

So here we have 'me' in a nutshell...a full on person, that flows through thoughts all the time, with the passion and energy to see every event through to end, but also enough energy to fire up ideas and arguments alike!!!

Moon - 32%

Yoga - Surya Namaskara, Gate Sequence, Ardha Matyasana

Card Message - The Hermit (Major Arcana)
Turn away from the distractions of the outer world, and seek guidance.  In silence and solitude discover new depths, and refresh your soul at the source of all life.

28th January - Runic half-month of Elhaz commences
This half-month is a period of optimistic power, protection and sanctuary.

http://www.therunesite.com/runic-half-months/

Gratitude - Faith

A Journey With Music - Music Inspired By The Snow Goose

A Journey With Music - Music Inspired By The Snow Goose

Music Inspired By The Snow Goose - Camel has got to be an old music favourite of mine.  It takes me back to my childhood, and brings back memories of my dad.  It was one of his prog rock records in his collection; one that I don't ever remember him playing, but one that I used to play and play......... especially after he died, all those years ago

When I play this now it brings my dad close, it feels like he is right here with me - music is a powerful tool!

The music was written as a tribute to Paul Gallico's novella The Snow Goose, published 7th April 1941, it was hailed as a timeless legend and the most sentimental of stories.

The Snow Goose is a simple, short written parable on the regenerative power of friendship and love, set against a backdrop of the horror of war. It documents the growth of a friendship between Philip Rhayader, an artist living a solitary life in an abandoned lighthouse in the marshlands of wartime Essex because of his disabilities, and a young local girl, Fritha.

The Snow Goose, symbolic of both Rhayader (Gallico) and the world itself, wounded by gunshot and many miles from home, is found by Fritha and, as the human friendship blossoms, the bird is nursed back to flight, and revisits the lighthouse in its migration for several years, as Fritha grows up. Rhayader and his small sailboat eventually are lost in the British retreat from Dunkirk, having saved several hundred men. The bird, which was with Rhayader, returns briefly to the grown Fritha on the marshes. She interprets this as Rhayader's soul taking farewell of her (and realizes she had come to love him).
Afterwards, a German pilot destroys Rhayader's lighthouse and all of his work, except for one portrait Fritha saves after his death: a painting of her as Rhayader first saw her—a child, with the wounded snow goose in her arms.
The book was a huge success in England where it remains popular with, and recommended for, readers of all ages.

The sentimentality of the story is conveyed so well in the music, and because it was my dad's music this brings in even more sentiment and emotion.  The story too, tells of love and death....which are the feelings that the music invokes in me, because of the connection I have with my dad.  So it's all so perfect, the sweet sadness, and the love.  X


Moon - Waxing Crescent 26%

Yoga - Tadasana, Goddess Sequence

Card Message - Nine of Cups
A time for enjoyment and celebration.  A rewarding emotional life.  Someone maybe missing from your life or you may feel strangely lonely.  Having been through difficulties in the past, now close relationships and warmth abound.  Inspiration and creativity.  Any obstacles will be easily handled.  Make sure you appreciate your blessings.

27th January - 1606 "Gunpowder Plot: The trial of Guy Fawkes and other conspirators begins, and ending in their execution on January 31."
1926 John Logie Baird makes the first television broadcast.

Southampton - with new eyes

Southampton - with new eyes

I love planning mini adventures, spontaneous ones.....just getting a feeling that today/tomorrow you're just going to do something different!!

What was I going to do....well money is tight, time is tight, so go local!  I've lived in the district of Southampton for 5 years now, and have visited it lots; usually for shopping.  I'm aware that it has a past, as all places do,  and I thought it was well over due to find out about Southampton. 

First stop was Southampton's Art Gallery, I've been here before a few years ago, but I love it.  There is a real mixture of classic and modern art on show, and usually an exhibition or two.  I have my favourites here......there is a William Holman Hunt - a founder member of the brotherhood of the Pre-Raphaelites - this painting is called,  'The Afterglow in Egypt'.

This painting is beautiful, it is so real......it's exquisite.  When I stand before this painting, I am mesmerised, as I was when I was a child stood before his other famous painting that hangs in St Paul's Cathedral, 'The Light of the World'. 
The other favourite is a whole room dedicated to Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, with his 'Perseus' series of paintings.  Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones was another Pre-Raphaelite painter, but he came in later, within the movement - it is one of the most amazing times of painting for me.  Taking religious subjects, mythological stories and symbolism, all wrapped up in the minutest of paint brushstrokes and a rainbow of colours.

Atlas turned to Stone

From the Art Gallery I then took a slow walk through Southampton's parks.  They are beautiful places, packed full of amazing peaceful trees, plants and monuments.  At the same time the parks are a buzzing place of human life, thoroughfares of busy people, with places to go.

I then began to follow the City's old walls, which were the city's defence in the medieval ages; protecting Southampton from outsiders.  There are about half of the original walls left, and many of the towers too, it's what is left after the blitz and the modernisation of the city took place.  These walls are interwoven between properties of all ages, Georgian, Victorian and Modern - when you look across Southampton it is like a patchwork quilt of architecture....modern and old, side by side.

The Tudor House Museum was a nice little find too, tracing the city's history with shipping and defence.  All manner of objects to look at, from ones you'd expect to see; such as figureheads from ships, and 16th century shipping graffitti, to a stuffed King Charles Spaniel, and Roman perfume bottles.

16th century shipping graffitti

It was lovely to soak it all up, to feel and touch history, to look at the world through another's eyes and be inspired, to share green spaces, to be apart of it all, and to marvel at the madness of the world and people that pass it all by. X

Moon - Waxing Crescent 26%

Yoga - Tadasana, Surya Namaskara, Earth Gratitude Sequence, Gate Sequence (standing & floor)

Card Message - The Lady (major arcana - soul)
Open yourself to the fertile nuturing power of the Goddess. This power will fill you with passion and the ability to be creative and to enjoy a life of abundance and sensual delight.

26th January - Australia Day
Australia Day - On January 26, 1788, Captain Arthur Phillip guides a fleet of 11 British ships carrying convicts to the colony of New South Wales, effectively founding Australia. After overcoming a period of hardship, the fledgling colony began to celebrate the anniversary of this date with great fanfare.

1950 : India Formally becomes a republic no longer under British rule. The new President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, takes the oath of office. Dr Prasad was a key campaigner in the nationalist movement of Mahatma Gandhi, along with India's interim Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.

Gratitude - Inspiration

                       

Eat Pray Love

Eat Pray Love

What a wonderful film.....and what an amazing story....even more so as it's real!!

I haven't read the book yet, but saw the film last night, and I loved it.  I'll defy anyone who isn't able to identify with Liz (the main character), at some point in the film....as we all go through periods of wonder who we are, what are we doing, and who are we doing it for?

It's easy to understand just where Liz is coming from in the beginning.  The need to do some soul searching...and the amazing pilgramage of finding herself, through the things she likes and wants to do. 
What a fabulous journey......it started through Italy where she fed her senses, and enjoyed pleasure just for the sake of doing so.  Then to India to find Spirituality/God, only to find that it dwells within us all, we just have to stop, be still and listen.  Finally to Bali, where she finds love, or rather where love found her.

Each part of the film was like a film in it's own right, a different location, characters and lessons.  In each part you are with Liz all the way, feeling her emotions, frustrations and teachings.  She meets some amazing characters, all with lessons for her....'Richard from Texas', was probably the most profound one, for me.  The person he seemed to be, was a stark contrast to whom he really was.  There was so much depth and understanding in him, and he recognised her frustrations instantly.

Throughout the journey there are some of the most amazing quotes, that come from all the characters, at various points.  Here are some that particularly resonated with me -

"In the end, I've come to believe in something I call "The Physics of the Quest." A force in nature governed by laws as real as the laws of gravity. The rule of Quest Physics goes something like this: If you're brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting, which can be anything from your house to bitter, old resentments, and set out on a truth-seeking journey, either externally or internally, and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher and if you are prepared, most of all, to face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself, then the truth will not be withheld from you."

“People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that’s what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. “

“You need to learn how to select your thoughts just the same way you select your clothes every day. This is a power you can cultivate. If you want to control things in your life so bad, work on the mind. That’s the only thing you should be trying to control.”

I found myself time and time again, whilst watching the film, reconising similar patterns of behaviour, seeing frustrations I deal with myself, and following the lessons as she deals with them - much the same as the some of the lessons I'm dealing with now, myself.

Elizabeth Gilbert (left), Julia Roberts (right)

http://www.elizabethgilbert.com/eatpraylove.htm

It is the most amazing film about 'self discovery', I have seen to date.  So if you haven't seen it, I urge you to do so, you'll not be disappointed.   X

Moon - Waxing Crescent 12%

Yoga - Tadasana, Parsvottanasana, Virabhadrasana Eka, Dvi & Tri, Charioteer, Trikonasana,
 Prasarita Padottanasana, Marjaryasana/Bitilasana, Hanumanasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana - Urdhva Murkha Svanasana, Setu Bandhasana, Gomukhasana, Baddhakonasana, Spiral Yoga Mudra, Pranayama, & Mantra.

Card Message - Prince of Cups (princes' - action, impulse to serve & journeys) & (cups - water, feeling/emotion & heart)
Someone following their heart must try to avoid the pitfalls of illusion and glamour.  A conflict between the heart and a need to take action.  Inviting others to a social or artistic event.  Offering your help to others.  An impending journey over water.

25th January - Old Disting/Burns' Night/St Paul's Day
Important in old runic calendars, Disting is the feast of Disir, the Norse guardian goddess.  On this day a major festival of the gods was held at the temple in Uppsala, Sweden.  Burns' Night celebrates Robert Burns, the Scots poet.  Burns' Night revels are a modern continuation of Disting.
The day is also a weather marker:

If St Paul's Day be fair and clear,

It do betide a happy year.

But if it chance to snow or rain,

Then will be dear all kinds of grain.

If clouds or mist do dark the sky,

Great store of birds and beasts will die.

And if the winds do fly aloft;

Then wars shall vex the kingdom oft.

Gratitude - Forgiveness

The creator within me

The creator within me

I just love creating....and that is an understatement!!!

I spend so many hours of my life, sewing, knitting, crocheting, drawing, painting, growing, paper crafting, jewellery making, cooking, baking, taking photographs, and writing poetry & blogs......though not all at once, these phases usually cycle round, and some I'm more drawn to than others.

What I have found through all these hobbies is that it's not so much about following patterns, instructions and recipes, it's all about throwing myself in and experimenting. 
And of course with this method there are always going to be plenty of disasters and lots of half made creations that didn't make it......but these only enable me to understand where I went wrong, and usually it all gets recycled or in the case of baking - 'fed to the ducks'!!!!

I'm also aware that it IS the dreaming up, imagining, and designing, that I enjoy.....just as much as the creating itself.  I have tried to make lots of the same things up i.e. cards, earrings etc, for selling, and it doesn't work!  I start getting bored, my thoughts are elsewhere........the next concept!!! So I don't worry about it anymore, I don't get hung up, I just make a few things together and then move on, enjoying the journey, as I go.

I also used to worry that I had to do things by the book all the time.  So if I wanted to paint, I would have to learn or take a course, and then I would have to stick with the rules.  Now I don't care!!! Of course to practise a craft you have to learn the skill - however you choose to do it, but after that.....you can do what you like!  Anything goes!!!!  It doesn't matter what people think, what matters is enjoying the process.....and strangely, when you are happy just creating, it then shows in the finished item.  You imbue your creations with your emotions, for when you feel good so does does everything you touch.

I'm finding more and more crafts and skills that I want to learn everyday....and it keeps me inspired.  So get your imaginations going,  get creating, and enjoy.    X

One of my creations - Lady of the Yew

Moon - Waxing Crescent 5%

Yoga - Tadasana, Trikonasana, Parsvottanasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, Utthita Hasta Pandanguthasana, Vasisthasana, Baddhakonasana, Janu Sirsasana, Halasana, Shalabhasana, Sphinx, Gomukhasana, Paschimottanasana, Adha Matsyasana & Yoga Mudra.

Card Message - The Feferyllt
Allow inner and outer, masculine and feminine, to blend within you to give birth to your Creative Self.

24th January - Sementivae, also known as Feriae Sementivae, is a Roman festival of sowing.
It is held in honour of Ceres (the goddess of agriculture) and Tellus (Mother Earth). The initial half of the event is a festival in honour of Tellus which runs from January 24 through January 26. The festival honouring Ceres occurs one week later, starting February 2.
Cornish Tinners' and Seafarers' Day - it is an old "labour day" celebrating the new season of sailing and mining in Cornwall.  In the old wooden calendars known as clog almanacks, rimstocks, or prim-staves, each eve or aften was marked by a letter "A".

Gratitude - Imagination

Chinese New Year 2012 - Year of the Water Dragon

Chinese New Year 2012 - Year of the Water Dragon

Chinese New Year is observed for two consecutive weeks, and is popularly known as Spring Festival. It usually starts from late January and early February. The variation in the date of festival is due to the changes in the track of the new moon. The Spring Festival ends on the 15th day when the Lantern festival is celebrated - this is the year of the Water Dragon.

The Dragon is the major symbol of good luck and fortune, it brings the 4 blessings of the East - wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity.  It is an auspicious year to be born in, many try for children to be born in a dragon year. 
"Bigger than life" is the way of the dragon, so expect things to happen on a spectacular scale (pardon the pun!).

Dragon years can make dreams a reality; it is associated with the season of spring.  So get any ideas and plans in motion during this time.  Energetic high points are during the Dragon moon - May 20th ~ June 18th, this period will set the energy for the forthcoming year - yin water snake.

The element for this year is water, creating a water dragon.  The water element nourishes the fixed wood element of the dragon, which brings the sense of harmony.  Since 1996 the element of the year has been destructive with the element of the animal sign, this period has been the longest unfavourable one in the last 60 years of the chinese astrology cycle.  2012 breaks this cycle, making this year a harmonius and favourable one.

It is a Yang year, and yang water is flowing water, rather than a stagnant pool; this will keep the prosperity, and creativity flowing.



Moon - New Moon 1%

Yoga - Tadasana, Earth Sequence, Marjaryasana/Bitilasana, Garudasana, Hanumanasana, Sarvangasana, Dhanurasana, Baddhakonasana, Gomukhasana, Ardha Matsyasana

Card Message - Nine of Pentacles (9's - completness, idealism & leadership) & (pentacles - earth, sensation/the senses & body)
Receiving an unearned income.  No longer needing to work to earn a living.  Luxaries, hobbies and pleasures.  You may be keen to succeed - both materially and spiritually.  Affirming your values.  Enjoying the benefits of a successful and full life on your own.  A productive, active and settled life, in which you are self assured and spiritually aware.

23rd January - Goddess month of Bridhe commences

Gratitude - Laughter

The Injustice of it All...Stand Up and be Counted

The Injustice of it All...Stand Up and be Counted

Life is tough, there is no doubt in my mind.  People are struggling to survive in this harsh environment, it's not the planet itself, but the humans in charge!!
There is worldwide unrest everywhere right now, at the injustice of corruption and greed of the power mad few that sit at the top of the worlds resources.  
It is a pattern that has been playing out since humans existed, clan wars, feudal systems, heavy taxes, slavery, class prejudice, racial and religious discrimination, and poverty to name but a few of the injustices' humans have put upon one another.

At the present time we are dealing with the U.S.A trying to gain a control of the Internet (under the guise of anti-piracy),  the great British tax scandal,  pesticides killing bees, chem trails, unemployment at an all time high, no affordable housing, the Japanese using tsunami relief funds for whaling, Syria torturing peaceful protesters, and unfortunately the list goes on and on. 

Oh it all makes me so mad, and there seems no end in sight sometimes.  We are conditioned to think that we must conform and tow the line to those in authority.  It is frowned upon to speak out, you're deemed as an upstart, and a troublemaker.   I apologise for what seems a fairly nonspiritual blog, but it seems so unfair and so nonspiritual of those in power to treat a fellow human being in such a manner. Just recently I attended a school meeting with other parents, it was about changes they are going to make with the GCSE system, for the children's benefit. It was a change bought about because I quote....'the government want a new workforce'. These words made me feel quite ill, the thought of my son joining the rat race, being taxed astronomical amounts, unable to afford housing, and to the benefit of whom??? Not him!!!!!

Thankfully though there is an awful lot of people that are trying to redress the balance, and what they do is amazing, their dedication for justice and their sacrifices for us all.  We have to wake up and listen to them, to stop sticking our heads in the sand..... we need to be be aware, to take note, to stand up and be counted, to lend our voice, to protest and have our voices heard. 

I have put a few links on this blog to notable causes, campaigns and organisations that are trying to make a difference....with our support!!!!

This planet does not belong to the few...it is there to provide for us all, as long as we respect it and share it.  X

http://www.thrivemovement.com/

http://www.greenpeace.org.uk/

http://www.occupytogether.org/

http://www.ufos-aliens.co.uk/cosmicchems.html

http://www.bayer-kills-bees.com/

http://www.avaaz.org/en/

http://www.ciwf.org.uk/



Moon - Waning Crescent 7%

Yoga - none today

Card Message - Two of Pentacles (2's - relationships, choice & experience) & (pentacles - earth, sensation/senses, the body)
A need to seek balance in your life requires trust and playfulness rather than concentration or caution.  Material wealth and practical matters.  Juggling two or more jobs, homes or demanding relationships.  Juggling a number of factors in your life may be a joy for you, rather than a burden.

22nd January - St Vincent/Goddess month of Hestia begins
St Vincent is a christianisation of the sun god Apollo.  A weather marker for St Vincent's Day

"Remember on St Vincent's Day
If that the sun beams his display
Be sure to mark his transient beam
Which through the window sheds a gleam;
For 'tis a token bright and clear,
Of prosperous weather all the year.

Gratitude -

Rowan (Luis) - Lady of the Mountain

Rowan (Luis) - Lady of the Mountain

Rowan (Luis), is the 2nd tree in the Tree Ogham, it's ruling time runs from January 21st - February 17th, during which one of the four great pagan sabbats of the year takes place – Imbolc (Feb 2nd), Luis means flame or bright in Gaelic, this is probably due to the bright red berries that the Rowan tree produces each summer.  The Rowan tree can grow up to 200 years old and is a very hardy tree that will grow in the poorest soil, often growing on the sides of mountains - hence the name 'Lady of the Mountain'.  It is also known as Quickenwood, Quickbane, Sorbapple, Witchenwood, Rune Tree, and Witchbane.

Ruling Planet - The Sun

Deities - Brigid, Lugh the Sun God, Dagda, by the Welsh Ceridwen, as well as by the great Norse God Thor and the Germanic Hecate.

Polarity - Masculine

Elements - Fire

Medicinal Properties - Rowan berries are very high in vitamin C, They contain sorbic acid, making them very astringent and should normally be boiled and then strained before use, as eating the berries raw can easily cause stomach upsets. The berries are best prepared into jellies or syrups, where the pulp and seeds are strained out, as the seeds and possibly the leaves are known to contain some toxic properties.  Often used as a laxative and for sore throats/hoarseness...a decoction of the bark can be used as an astringent.

Magical Properties - Rowan gives protection against enchantment and evil spirits, rowan twigs were used to protect properties against negative forces.  There are hundreds of references telling of the use of crosses made from rowan twigs and bound with red thread, rowan berry necklaces and rowan loops and used as a charm or amulet. Small pieces were sewn into clothes or simply carried in pockets. The wood was considered good only if collected from a living tree, after asking the Rowan’s permission. Some thought fairies lived in its branches, and stealing the wood without consent might focus their anger at you.  Walking sticks made from Rowan protected the owner whilst out walking, against evil spirits.
Dowsing sticks made of Rowan are good for seeking out metal ore.
It is a sacred tree to the Druids, who used it for protection against sorcery, they burnt it on funeral pyres, as it symbolises death and rebirth.  It was also burnt in rites of divination and purification.
The Rowan trees also gave protection to ancient sites, stone circles and ley lines, trees were purposely planted to safeguard these sacred sites. 
They have a very strong connection with serpent's and dragon's....in Irish mythology dragon's would watch over Rowan trees, who in turn would give protection to these earth dragons.  These dragons in the land were the earth energy, often seen as spirals,coils and circles within the landscape; the dragons were believed to coil themselves around hills, creating these shapes.

Moon - Waning Crescent 14 %

Yoga - Tadasana, Surya Namaskara

Card Message - The Moon
Fear is a powerful teacher and ally.  If you can walk through the gates of fear you will arrive at the gates of the Goddess, who will bless you with inner vision.

21st January - St Agnes' Day/Celtic tree month of Luis commences.
Traditionally, St Agnes' Day is a time for divination by fire.

Gratitude - Sleep

A Raw-full diet is Good

A Raw-full Diet is Good

Well I'm back to this point again, having let myself slip into a rut of bad eating habits, and feeling truly awful for it.  I knew it would happen over the Christmas period, but has now crept into most of January too.

Back last October I tried to start eating a predominantly raw diet, and it went well.  It was difficult to know where to start with it, but with the help of friends, I managed to get myself eating raw and creating raw too.  I felt amazing in such a little time, my skin was glowing, weight was dropping, I felt fresh and clean.  I bought several books, and started creating a little,  things were going well, but Christmas was coming and I knew it was going to be tough.  My confidence was lacking with what I could create as alternatives to the festive foods, and so the raw food diet disappeared over Christmas.

This period of bad eating....and when I say bad, I mean quick carb fixes laden with sugar....has got me to point of feeling pretty rough now...so it's time to stop and start eating healthy again.

I've forgotten what it's like to have a decent nights sleep, to not feel dehydrated, to not feel bloated, stodgy, spotty, lethargic, apathetic.
I've forgotten how to look after myself, to feel bright, alert, calm - with no mood swings (sugar highs & lows), relaxed, lighter, thinner, and so the list goes on!!!

I make a point of making sure that my children eat a well balanced diet, avoiding high fats and sugars.   My pets too, are well looked after in the dietary field, with pet food that is clean and free from hidden nasties.  So why am I not looking after myself?  And I know that I can't look after them properly if I'm not looking after myself.

So back to raw it is and I'm looking forward to it....besides which what better way to tastes the freshness of the produce that will be grown on our allotment this year.      X


Moon - Waning Crescent 21%

Yoga - Tadasana, Uttanasana, Parsvottanasana, Utthita Parsvokonasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, Utthita Hasta Pandangusthasana, Marjaryasana/Bitilasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana - Urdhva Mukha Svanasana, Hanumanasana, Baddakonasana, Gomukhasana, Lying Spinal Twist, Yoga Mudra, Pranayama & Mantra.

Card Message - Three of Swords (3's - creativity, expression, synthesis, & fulfilment) & (swords - air - thinking, intellect & mind)
Suffering can lead to greater wisdom.  Heartache, out of which can come healing and emotional maturity.  The potential for true growth and transformation.  We can learn and grow from conflicts and difficulties, rather than feel victimised by them.

20th January - St Agnes' Eve/Celtic tree month of Beth ends.
Traditionally, St Agnes' Day is a time for divination by fire.

Gratitude - Health

Undervaluing versus Love

Undervaluing versus Love

We should never undervalue ourselves, others, the planet etc
It is through love that we grow, self love, love for others, love for the planet and beyond.

To undervalue yourself brings hurt, emotional unhappiness,  it keeps you locked in a cycle of pain and there is then no room for growth. These people that will sabotage their own well being, continually bringing about pain & suffering to themselves.

To undervalue someone else brings hurt too, there are some people that will boost their own feelings of superiority by belittling and undervaluing others - this is an insecurity, to which their ego feeds off.  To inflict any form of pain or suffering on another, is detrimental to your own well being.

To undervalue the earth, is to take for granted the very foundation that supports us. Another way to look at this, is recognising our link/connection with the earth. We are tied to this planet, it enables us to thrive, therefore we are connected, so to undervalue the earth is to undervalue an aspect of ourselves - the same can be said of our relationships with others. "What we do unto others, we do to ourselves".

So if this is Undervaluation - the negative aspect....
then what of the positive.....Love.

The definition of Love is, an emotion of strong affection and personal attachment.   Love is also a virtue representing all of human kindness, compassion, and affection; and "the unselfish loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another.

I know it sounds very 60's hippy to say "love and peace", but it's true!!! Through love we grow, we support one another, we respect each other and all that surrounds us. A loving environment is one that is happy, one that all can prosper in, one in which we can all learn and grow in, and one which we support and respect one another.  Which makes.....a happy you, happy people and a happy planet!!!

We all have choices presented to us in which we can choose the undervaluing, taking for granted, 'every man for himself', unloving, egotistical option. Or we can choose the loving, happy, nurturing, caring, selfless, for 'the greater good' option.
Don't get me wrong, I'm far from perfect and I can hold my hand up to picking the wrong options, many, many times. Knowing and recognising my mistakes has given me the chance to look at myself and the effect I can have on myself, the people I meet and communicate with and this planet.....

this my reflection. X

Moon - Waning Crescent 28%

Yoga - Tadasana, Marjaryasana/Bitilasana, Parsvottanasana, Trikonasana, Prasarita Padottanasana, Utthita Tadasana, Moondance (replacing the 'warrior' with the'goddess, and changing the 'lunge' to anjaneyasana), Sarvangasana, Shalabhasana, Sphinx, trying my best to reach Hanumanasana, Baddhakonasana, Gomukhasana, Ardha Matsyasana, Yoga Mudra & Pranayama with Mantra

Card Message - Justice
It could be time for making a decision, of a choice, but not out of reaction.  Act with the honesty and integrity demanded by Justice.  You maybe called on to be true to yourself - to your own nature.  Being called to account for your actions.  Litigation.  Making decisions which involve weighing up arguments and exercising discrimination.  Is now a time for severity and discipline, or for mercy and acceptance.

19th January - 1903 "New bicycle race ""Tour de France"" announced"
                        1955 """Scrabble"" debuts on board game market"
                        1981 Muhammad Ali talks a despondent 21 year old out of committing suicide

Gratitude - Love

This Girl Just Wants To Have Fun!!

This Girl Just Wants To Have Fun!!

You just gotta have some fun in your life and I'm comprising my very own list of fun things I want to do....some I've tried before and others, completely new experiences.....

I thought may be a few of these......

1) Bhangra night

2) Learn to create living willow garden structures

3) Ice skating/roller disco

4) Learn to ride a horse

5) Be initiated to Kriya Yoga

6) Go to a festival or two

7) Visit Avebury (yep, I haven't been yet)

8)  Go and see a ballet

9)  Go camping
 
10)  Fly a kite

11) Have a breakfast picnic and watch the sun come up

12) Research my family tree

13) Be a keeper for a day - local animal wildlife park

14) Create a travelling friendship basket. Fill an inexpensive basket with baked goodies, crafts, and so forth. Pass it on to a friend. Leave a note in the basket, directing it to be passed on (within the month) to someone else who could use some cheer.

15) Go to a Planetarium

16) Go fossil hunting

17) Learn archery

18) Visit Cheddar Gorge

19) Explore all the local museums and art galleries

20) Visit any local mazes and labyrinths

Well that will do for starters, and I'm sure that this list will be edited and edited as time goes on.

It's nice to have things that you enjoy, to look forward to....to do something that makes you happy is a joyous task, lifts the spirits and teaches you new skills and experiences.  Variety is the spice of life so it's time to try some new adventures....I for one, can't wait!!! X

Moon - Waning Crescent 34%

Yoga - Tadasana,  Surya Namaskara, Goddess Sequence, Ardha Matsyasana, and Mantra.

Card Message - Ace of Pentacles (aces - gifts, beginning and potentials) & (pentacles - earth, the senses/sensation and the body)
Material benefits.  A job offer, promotion or salary increase, or an inheritance or windfall.  A new contract or career could change auger well.  In a relationship, a situation that is well grounded: secure peaceful and enduring.

18th January - 1912 : British explorer Robert Falcon Scott arrives at the South Pole only to find that Roald Amundsen, the Norwegian explorer, had preceded them by just over a month. 

Gratitude -

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

Goddess Concordia

 Goddess Concordia

16th January

Concordia, the Roman goddess of agreement, understanding, and marital harmony...in Greece she was known as Harmonia, she is a goddess that was worshipped very early on in Rome's history. 
She symbolised the peace that was finally was agreed between the plebians (commoners) and the patricians (nobles), after they had overthrown the tyrannical kings, and then formed the Republic.

To commemorate the compromises worked out between patricians and plebeians, a temple to Concordia was built in the northwestern end of the Roman Forum, backed up against the Capitoline Hill, near the Volcanal, a raised area that housed an altar to Vulcan. This temple was originally vowed in 367 BCE by the general Camillus and dedicated on July 22nd (which became Her festival) sometime afterwards. There was a statue of Victoria on its roof that was struck by lightning at one time; and the temple was restored in the 2nd century BCE. It was again restored by the Emperor Tiberius, who reopened it on the 16th of January, 10 CE, dedicating it to Concordia Augusta, the "Harmony of the Imperial Family". This temple was of somewhat unusual proportions due to the constraints of the site, but it was accorded one of the most beautiful in Rome, as it was finely made and entirely faced in marble. In later times it served as a museum of sorts, and many famous works of art were housed there.

She was depicted as a matronly woman, veiled and heavily draped, holding an olive branch, emblematic of peace, and a cornucopia, to symbolise the abundance that can be achieved when people work together in harmony. She sometimes wore a crown and held a sceptre, caduceus, or patera, a small offering bowl from which libations were poured. She is associated with the stork, which symbolised family devotion to the Romans, and the dove, universally a symbol of peace and gentleness; and sometimes a star, as emblem of hope, is shown near Her. Another attribute of Concordia is the image of two clasped hands, both of which are right hands (like in a handshake), symbolising two people agreeing. She is often shown on coins commemorating joint rule of leaders or the marriages of the imperial family.  Sometimes she is seen between two people, thought of as either members of the royal family, or with the female deities Pax and Salus, or Securitas and Fortuna (security and fortune).  As well as her associations with marital harmony - Concordia Conjugalis, her other epithet's were, Concordia Augusta - harmony of the emperor, Concordia Militaris - harmony of the army, and Concordia Provinciarum - harmony of the provinces.



Moon -  Last Quarter 48%

Yoga - Tadasana, Goddess Sequence, Vrishasana, Utthita Parsvakonasana, Stretching as far as I can for Hanumanasana, Uttanasana, Setu Bandhasana, Paschimottanasana, Baddhakonasana, Gomukhasana, Ardha Matsyasana, Seated Mudra, Ujjayi & Mantra.

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.

16th January - Concordia
The goddess Concordia, principle of harmonious relations with all, is honoured.

Gratitude - Learning

Mirrors of oneself

I found this picture and quote on facebook this week, and it rang so true, that I thought I'd blog it too.....so as not to lose it!
Read on......

"The only true relationship there is, is with oneself. All "other" relationships are mere mirrors of this to help us awaken to our true nature as pure Love-presence. And as such, these relationships can be used to discover more about who we truly are, and/or peel more onion layers of who we are not.

There is a programmed compulsion to easily blame the other or even oneself. This blame distracts us from our real awakening work, which is to honestly look at oneself with massive amounts of gentleness and compassion. I find that the most effective way to be around this work is neutral. This allows us to "see" clearest, and find that place of "right action" beyond the personality to serve the bigger picture/ the emergence of Love as a collective experience on this planet.

Love & blessings to all courageous beings who are choosing to be in intimate relationships; they can be so challenging but with the right attitude and understanding, they are a fast track to awakening one's genuine and brilliant nature as unconditional Joy, Love and Freedom! ♥"

- Francois Levannier, www.LoveYourLifeAndBusiness.com


It's been a tough ole week, my closest relationships have been steeped in turbulance and negativity....not of my choosing. So to read that our relationships mirror our relationship with ourselves, was a bit of a shock!!  It's not that I haven't heard of it before it's that, it hadn't ever graced my presence, with such turmoil around me.  "Timing is everything" - goes the quote!!!

So I've really had to look within myself to work out what I'm doing and where, I'm slipping up. 
It IS difficult to picking yourself apart to find the negative aspects, (ego) playing games, conjuring up self doubt, and bad feeling.  Ususally by the time you've got to this point, you are mentally fatigued, and although you are aware that you shouldn't have let that voice in your head, sway your heart to such dark depths....you are now so tired that the climb up and out seems monumental.  It isn't as hard as it seems, as long as your aware that the voice calling you back down is not you....not your true self, but your ego.....then the road back up, back to the positive you, becomes easier and lighter with each footstep. 


I'll leave you with this that came to me after mantra......

Do not worry yourself with the wrong doing of others...

To decide they are wrong, is to pass judgement...

And whatever their actions, karma will redress the balance.  

And one last thing........love yourself, for who you are X

Moon - Waning Gibbous 55%

Yoga - Tadasana, Surya Namaskara, Goddess Sequence, Marjaryasana/Bitilasana, Sarvangasana, Matsyasana, Baddhakonasana, Gomukhasana, Arhda Matsyasana, Bhramari & Mantra

Card Message - Ten of Cups (feeling/emotion & heart)
A promise filled.  Dreams really can come true;you can be blessed with good fortune, success, and a warm, loving family.  Rainbows appear after it has rained - the storm is over and the indicationsare that the positive situationwill endure.  Happiness, spiritual and emotional blessings.

15th January - Carmentalia (second festival)
Carmentalia was the feast day (11 January and 15 January) of the Roman goddess Carmenta, an ancient oracle who later was deified by the Romans. She had her temple atop Capitoline Hill. Carmenta was invoked in it as Postvorta and Antevorta, epithets which had reference to her power of looking back into the past and forward into the future. The festival was chiefly observed by women.        

Gratitude - Love

Addressing the Changes

When changes take place in your life it can be very unsettling, but often these changes are for the best, for it allows us the opportunity to grow spiritually.  Changes come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colours, they can be subtle, or life changing.
You very often find that you have to dig really deep, to find the inner strength to deal with what ever has been thrown at you, at these times.  But you find the strength!! And you deal with the change, and it changes you....you have more wisdom, courage, and strength.

You have a choice about change......it is whether you accept it or fight it (I've spent a lot of this week fighting it, rather than accepting it, so it's made life a lot more difficult than it needed to be).  Also don't let others tell you how you should be handling it, or rather......whatever they have to say....it's your life and you will know instinctively how to handle it, what is right for you....otherwise their well meaning intentions may well add to the chaos.

This all reminds me of a reading that my yoga teacher read us this week....it is about the change that occurs within a caterpillar to result in a butterfly...

"The transformation itself is amazing. Think of it as recycling -- if you drop a plastic bottle off in the recycling bin, it can be melted down into an entirely different shape. This is what happens inside the chrysalis. Much of the body breaks itself down into imaginal cells, which are undifferentiated -- like stem cells, they can become any type of cell. The imaginal cells put themselves back together into a new shape. A few parts of the body, such as the legs, are more or less unchanged during this process."

So embrace the changes, be transformed and bring on the butterflies..... X


Moon - Waning Gibbous 62%

Yoga - Tadasana, Goddess Sequence, Marjaryasana/Bitilasana, Garudasana, Adho Mukha Svanasana - Urdha Mukha Svanasana, Ustrasana, Balasana, Gomukhasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Pranayama & Mantra.

Card Message - The High Priestess and The Lady
(Its twofold today, as two cards came out...and I go with what is being presented.)
The High Priestess - Present yourself before the Mysteries of Life and before the Goddess or Her Priestess, in humility and with reverence.  Open to the stillness and the depths within you to gain strength and wisdom.
The Lady - Open yourself to the fertile nurturing power of the Goddess.  This will fill you with passion and the ability to be creative and to enjoy a life of abundance and sensual delight.


14th January - Makar Sankranti is one of the most important festivals of the Hindu calendar and celebrates the sun's journey into the northern hemisphere, a period which is considered to be highly auspicious.
There is a wide variation in the celebration of Makar Sankranti thoughout India, in particular the name.

Celebrations in different Indian regions

In Gujarat and Maharashtra, Makar Sankranti is a festival of the young and the old. Colourful kites are flown all around.
In Punjab, Makar Sankranti is called Lohri. December and January are the coldest months of the year in Punjab and huge bonfires are lit on the eve of Sankranti. Sweets, sugarcane and rice are thrown on the bonfires and friends and relatives gather together.
In Uttar Pradesh, this period is celebrated as Kicheri. It is considered important to have a bath on this day and masses of people can be seen bathing in the Sangam at Prayagraj where the rivers Ganga, Jamuna and Saraswathi flow together.
In Southern India it's the harvest festival Pongal and lasts for 3 days. On the first day, rice boiled with milk is offered to the Rain God. On the second day, it is offered to the the Sun God and on the third day, the family cattle are given a bath and dressed with flowers, bells and colours, to honour them for their hard work in the fields.

Gratitude - The Power of Prayer