Astrology - The Planets in the Houses

For the purposes of Astrology, the Sun and the Moon are dealt with as planetary bodies. Each of the Planets has a particular influence of its own which affects human nature differently according to the area of the sky or the House in which it falls in the Chart. These influences have been studied minutely and the main points of importance to the individual are commonly accepted as follows.

SUN IN THE HOUSES 1st positive leadership. 2nd desires wealth, possessions. 3rd Active intellectually. 4th Home life important. 5th creativity is important. 6th health and hard work. 7th relationships important. 8th self development. 9th learning and teaching, travel. 10th work and career. 11th co-operative ventures. 12th seclusion, aloneness, selflessness

MOON IN THE HOUSES 1st restlessness - easy going disposition - love of travel - strong sociability - contact with public. 2nd fluctuating finances but usually satisfactory - love of opulence and extravagance - spasmodic regarding thrift and devotion to simple life. 3rd love of variety and change - travel - publicity - mental activity - education - communication - imagination rather than intellect- intuitive thought. 4th family importance - domestic attachments - frequent moves - gain from real estate - financial inheritances - early upbringing. 5th tends to gambling, risk taking and inconstancy -interest in amusement exaggerated - love of children - possibly large family-creative imagination. 6th service - health - charities - work in a subordinate capacity - material gain from inferiors - best working under direction. 7th popularity brings success - social success - money from marriage and/or partnerships likely - interest in public life and holding official positions - liability to loss through litigation. 8th money by legacy or through relative - several children but possibility of losses of some kind or litigation after marriage - respect likely to be accorded after death. 9th religious and philosophical interest - inclined towards mysticism - strong imagination - mental changeability - dreams vivid - long distance travel by sea - publicity possibly in regard to unconventional opinions which attract censure. 10th popularity in public ventures - accumulation of property and gains from external sources - reversals of fortune - scandal and public censure may result from unfavourable aspects. 11th wide range of friends - popularity in associations and clubs - women play a large part in the life of the individual - danger from self seeking friends who only wish to further their own ambitions. 12th home life favoured or occupation in retirement involving seclusion - charitable work. liable to clandestine love affairs - danger from secret enemies, treachery or deceit.

MERCURY IN THE HOUSES 1st restless, interesting, contrary personality, elusive. 2nd documents and signature involving finances needs care - caution with promises re money and attention to bills etc. 3rd restless disposition of mind full of creative new ideas - needs concentration and self discipline to materialise brilliant potential of thought. 4th lots of intellectual interest in the home and among visitors. 5th scattered talents and energies - study and reading centred mainly on children -teaching. 6th adopting pets and lesser creatures - nursing and healing - medicine. 7th needing a mate who meets with your mind or friend to share thoughts. 8th estate matters, taxation, interest in the occult. 9th expansion of interest in science, art and philosophy, foreign lands, religion etc. 10th activity and disturbances in business and career. 11th many and variable types of friends. 12th desires seclusion and escape - interest in mysteries and obscure influences in life

VENUS IN THE HOUSES 1st loving affectionate nature and harmonious personality. 2nd indicates wealth and beautiful possessions and many admirers. 3rd good for a peaceful mind and attractive, harmonious and constructive thought. 4th harmonious home life - refinement of taste in decoration. 5th very strongly seeks excitement and adventure in love and romantic relationships. 6th peaceful attitude helpful for healing and encouraging good health. 7th good for partnerships - harmonious marriage. 8th affects beneficial fortunes such as legacies, well wishes from others etc. 9th indicates a love of long journeys - for pleasure or work. 10th good for business and luxury goods - success in meaningful life values. 11th success in social activity and entertaining. 12th affections are confined in some way, involving health, institution or commitment in reclusive circumstances. Secret romances and alliances are indicated.

MARS IN THE HOUSES 1st enthusiastic and energetic - an active personality apt to be impatient. 2nd finances are apt to create or to suffer conflict in some way.-.too impulsive in matters of economy and finance. 3rd hectic short travels and erratic habits or changeable communication. 4th activity surrounding the home.- beware of fires and results of carelessness with sharp cutting utensils.- avoid impulsive home purchases. 5th strong, ardent emotional attachments and relationships -.strong feelings and desires.- apt to suffer frustration and irritability. 6th health is tending to suffer in such a way as to require surgery. 7th money problems and conflict with partners and loved ones. 8th often learns of sudden or violent deaths of loved ones. 9th interest in higher education and legal or philosophic debate. 10th good for business and enterprises - but should not neglect family 11th friends can be aggressive - enemies abound - do not force your opinions on others. 12th secret enemies bring conflict and disturbances - energy turns to secretive pursuits, or quiet minded activity and research - sometimes being investigated by others.

JUPITER IN THE HOUSES 1st problem solving temperament-easy success and fortune - a 'lucky' personality. 2nd apt to be too easy going with inherited or easily acquired money and possessions. 3rd short journeys are many.- travel is important.- correspondence will be enjoyed. 4th improvements in home.- advanced social standing - gains from real estate etc. 5th one of the most fortunate placements of this planet bring much goodness and happiness to heart and mind and success in creative enterprises. 6th good for unselfish service in work and good relationship with workmates. 7th good fortune in marriage and professional partnerships - brings changes of life direction. 8th beneficial legacies and successful insurance claims in litigation matters etc. 9th wonderful placement for fortuitous travel overseas - wide contact with other peoples and philosophies, writing and publishing etc. 10th good for success in business. 11th expansive interest in education and learning, overseas contacts, social popularity. 12th less obvious good fortune in life - perhaps known mainly to oneself.

SATURN IN THE HOUSES 1st earnest disposition, serious nature and responsible one, tires easily, not enough lightness and fun in personality, strong sense of responsibility. 2nd security conscious in all matters including money - inclined to save, conserve. 3rd cautious mind - tends sceptical - serious studies - sober outlook leading to maturity of intellect.- determined upon absolute truth.- close relatives give problems. 4th disappointments or restraints re. home, real estate or family relationships. 5th lack of romance and sparkle in love life, limited enjoyment and capacity for light hearted fun - needs develop humour. 6th employment is tedious or monotonous and can be uninspiring - delays bring bad fortune and sometimes health problems - talent for medicine, nursing profession. 7th difficulties in marriage and business partnerships, misunderstandings manifest and cause deep rift - strongly influenced by someone much older than yourself - suffers trials and tribulations in relationship. 8th disappointing investments and delays in settlements.-.problems in marriage and family. 9th deep philosophical inclinations which are firm and conventional - unfavourable for long trips. 10th utmost diligence required in career to avoid problems - must stand on own feet and accept responsibility - must become confident and self reliant. 11th lots of hard work for good causes not always appreciated by others. 12th restraints and problems abound in this life and need resolution for the individual's next life freedom from restrictive limitations.

URANUS IN THE HOUSES 1st some irregularity regarding physique, or unusual features and unconventional ideas and personality. 2nd causes sudden happenings in affections, person and business - many unpredictable happenings in one's life indicating need for feeling more at the helm of circumstances. 3rd sudden changes of mind and mental interests and involvements - particularly unusual nature - inventive mind sometimes amounting to genius - 'lateral' thought processes. 4th apt to be big upheavals and changes in the home and family, residences etc. 5th possesses unusual talents and associates - often creative with flair and originality. 6th work must be totally absorbing with total freedom to fulfil the individual's needs. 7th unusual partnerships and relationships in marriage possibly ending in separation or divorce.- erratic circumstances.- unconventional or rebellious social attitudes. 8th unsettled conditions in finance or those of your partners, impulsive, erratic moves to be avoided. 9th unusual adventures of the mind rather that the body - scientific explorations into wider territories but also physical travel with unusual purpose. 10th often called upon for leadership of some kind. 11th introduces different friends and changes which will affect your thinking and lifestyle - foreigners - unconventional. 12th Inclines one to deep thought and sudden revelations of occult nature or abstract - or danger of involvement in illegal activities.

NEPTUNE IN THE HOUSES 1st vivid imagination, interest in music, idealism, sea travel, can be too vague a personality, weak in self assertion. 2nd unusual source of income - loss of money through errors of judgement and confusion- often suffers theft. 3rd interest in metaphysical and spiritual subjects, intuition is high and psychically sensitive - but confusion of mind and obsessions are the danger if contacting negative people or influences. 4th attracted to a permanent home or holiday cottage near the sea. 5th sensuous nature with fascination for interesting and emotional relationships - love of music and arts.- tends to seek escape from realities through sexual relationships and drugs. 6th poisonings, allergies and inexplicable factors affect and prevent robust health. 7th mistrust of partner or deception will be suffered - inclined to platonic relationships and idealistic ties - emotionally dependent. 8th mystery and psychic phenomena - astral experiences - investments involve deceptions from others. 9th high inspiration and imagination - spiritual interests - strongly idealistic. 10th mysterious and inexplicable fortune - good and bad - nature apt to be gullible. 11th deception from friends who will not be as they seem - suffers disillusionments. 12th psychological and spiritual sensitivity must be employed in practical outlet and life planning to avoid waste of opportunity and talents.

PLUTO Pluto has been relatively recently discovered with insufficient time to indicate many certain details as to how it is differently responded to when it falls in each of the Houses. Research into the influence of Pluto continues and is a point which fascinates astrologers. The general nature of the planet has been observed well enough to allow what must be seen as general reactions to apply and these are as follows:

1st strong personality able to bounce back after disasters - great resilience. 2nd individual usually seeks to possess a reputation of astuteness or business acumen. 3rd seeks wide communication on international or inter-planetary matters. 4th home life is often uncongenial with individual feeling discomfort of some kind. 5th exceedingly interested in all creative matters and seeks excellence in others and in his creations, or his children. 6th unusual health problems. 7th seeks to be the powerful partner in marriage or relationships. 8th logical and intuitive nature but suffering sexual problems or excesses. 9th interested in universal religions, philosophies, ideologies and well being of all. 10th ambitious to the point of ruthlessness in business - mergers and monopolies. 11th inclined to lose the sense of basic human values and overlooks the 'acres of diamonds' nearby. 12th intense investigator who may be himself placed under and suffer wider investigation.

In seeking to understand and interpret the astrological influences and energies and how they affect us, patiently study the many additional factors and planetary aspects which affect the character and the whole psyche of a human nature.

Alternative Healing Schools

Alternative healing schools are one of the most popular of alternative learning centers. Alternative healing schools take a natural approach to medicine, educating potential healers in the use of non-surgical, natural, and drug-free health treatments. They believe in the self-healing mechanisms of the patient's body, and they teach alternative mind body and health care like yoga, massage therapy, aromatherapy, astrology, hypnosis, meditation, Feng Shui, natural and energy healing, new age spiritualism, and more.

Alternative healing schools can take many forms, including academies for healing arts, naturopathic education and alternative studies that cover everything from the martial arts like Tai Chi to Reiki and Zero-balancing. Instruction includes homeopathic ways to cure the body's ills and natural ways of alleviating pain. Some alternative healing schools conduct 600-hour programs for massage therapy. Others offer a four-year degree in meditation, acupuncture, acupressure, TaijiQuan, and herbal prescription.

Alternative healing is one of the fastest growing fields in alternative and holistic medicine and a great way of natural healing. If a career in alternative healing appeals to you, you may wish to register with a school near you. The mutual benefits are infinite!

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com

W.D. Gann Trading Methods - Genius Trader or Overrated Guru?

W.D. Gann is one of the most famous traders of all time, and has a huge devoted following - however the fact is, Gann never made the huge profits many of his disciples claim.

He did not have a success rate of 90%, as is often claimed - the logic his methods are based upon are unsound, and his predictive methods don’t predict - they leave everything to subjective opinion!

Let’s examine his theories of investment in more detail and see.

Let’s look at some common myths about how great a trader Gann actually was:

Many sources quote Gann’s trading profits at $50 million dollars, however this is not true.

An interview that Alexander Elder had with his son tells the truth.

Firstly, his son confirmed that when his father died in the 1950s his estate was valued at just $100,000 - and that included his house.

Secondly, his son confirmed that Gann was unable to make enough money from trading, and therefore supplemented his income by writing and selling courses.

W.D. Gann’s Predictions

Many sources quote he had a success rate in all his trades of over 90% - again not true. We can easily deduce this from the value of his estate.

If he could make money trading and had a 90% success rate, he would have made hundreds of millions in his trading career - and he clearly did not - that’s why he had to sell books and courses.

The only evidence of a 90% success rate came from a small number of trades - and was not representative of them all.

Gann’s Methods are Predictive

Gann came to the conclusion that all natural phenomena are cyclical - including financial markets. This is true, but this is an obvious statement - we all know we’re going to die but when exactly?

A predictive theory is not a predictive theory if it can’t predict.

If Gann’s theory really is predictive, then there would be no market - as we would all know the price in advance!

Gann’s theory is subjective - and he really had no way of predicting the future with accuracy. It’s all subjective analysis and this is NOT a predictive theory.

Gann’s Logic

The basis of Gann’s theory is the principle that price and time must balance.

His methods are based on the squaring of price with time - this occurs when a unit of price equals a unit of time.

Gann for example would take a prominent high in the market, convert that dollar unit into a specified period of time and project it forward. When that time is reached, price and time are squared - and a market turn is due.

What? - How can one unit of price equal one unit of time? If you think about and answer this question for yourself, you will see how absurd the connection is.

This isn’t the only inconsistency used in his analysis - we also have the legendary Fibonacci numbers which are supposed to work with stunning accuracy - but they don’t, and neither do all sorts of astrology and geometry, that appeals to the far out investment crowd.

As we have seen, Gann was a trader who had modest success, and claimed to have discovered a predictive theory - which predicts nothing with accuracy.

Finally, we have so many subjective indicators cobbled together, that the theory can prove anything in hindsight, but if you want a tool to trade the markets look elsewhere.

For those of you still not convinced - I recently saw on the Internet, Gann’s trading methods selling for under $1,000!

Sounds like a bargain to get trades with 90% accuracy - I wonder how many serious money managers have it on their bookshelf.

Tattoo - Type of Tattoos

attoos can be classified on the basis of their origin
- Historical - Based on the Historical development such as Tribal Tattoos.
- Location - Based on the region and culture from which it has developed such as Celtic Tattoos, Cross Tattoos, Dragon Tattoos etc.,
- Designs – Based on the designs of the Tattoos such as Angel Tattoos, Butterfly Tattoos, Fairy Tattoos, and Flower Tattoos.
- Type of Application – Temporary or Permanent such as Henna Tattoos.
- Area of Application on the Body – such as Lower Back tattoo.

All these types are again interrelated. For instance, Tribal tattoos can also contain angels in their design. Celtic Tattoos can also contain Fairies. The Tattoos can be engraved in part of the body, and hence we cannot possibly define any particular design for Lower Back Tattoos. Tattoos which originated from ancient tribes are called Tribal Tattoos. The original tribes, which had enriched the tattooing styles are the Celtic Tribes – who lived in England and Ireland, had a style which was interlacing, spirals, dogs, birds and humans.

Maori Tribes – Originated from New Zealand and have traditional facial tattoos and special leg tattoos. Their style shows a lot of resemblance with wood carving techniques in which skill the Maoris excelled. The designs in their faces were so unique, to the extent that each person had an identity of his facial design. Maori hunted each Other to retain their supremacy among their tribe.

Haida Tribes – The Indian Tribes, which lived in the North West of America. Their tattoos show a lot of resemblance with the woodcarving of the Haida tribes, consists of thunderbirds, beavers, bears and fish.

Marquesan Tribes – who inhabited Marquesan Islands in Polynesia. They used to be completely covered with tattoos. Their bodies showed picture stories, for other tribes to recognize them. Their style was originally based on divinity Tiki, who was always portrayed with his eyes closed because he smells danger before he sees it. Images that are used a lot in this style are Shells [Wealth], Shark Teeth [protection], Lizards, Whales, turtles Fish Hooks and so on.

Borneo – Situated in Indonesia. The head hunters, of this tribe lived on ground and protected the others of their tribe who lived on the trees. Typical of their style are The Scorpions, flowers, dogs, dragons and spirals.

Thus the subject and range of symbols covered by Tribal Tattoos are vast and are classified as Native Indian, North American India, Pacific Northwest American Indian, Indigenous, African, Egyptian, mayan, Aztec, Hawaiian, Samoan, Maori, South Pacific, Micronesian, Polynesian, Melanesian, New Zealand, Eskimo, Inuit, Wiccan, Pagan, Gothic, Tahitian, Borneo, Oceanic, Oriental, Asian, Japanese, Chinese, Buddhist, Tibetan, India, Hindu, Deities, Aboriginal, Fraternal, Military, Heraldic, Ritual, Amulets, Talisman, Sacred, Mythological, Magical, Alchemy, Mythic Folk Art, Astrology, Astronomy, Neo-Tribal, Contemporary Tribal, Abstract Tribal, Geometric tribal, Traditional Tribal etc.,

The Secret Power of Words

Pythagorean theory tells us that the Universe is founded on number and proportion. How though can abstract theories have a physical manifestation? How can number cause form? The answer appears to lie in the resonance that occurs between vibrating matter. The level of vibration is known as resonant frequency, also known as harmonics.

In music each note that is sounded is the result of an harmonic division of a fundamental. If the fundamental is noted as 1 then the division of it by 2 is noted as 1:2.or second harmonic. The 4th harmonic would be 1:4. and so on. As we all know, certain groupings of musical notes cause harmonies whilst others cause a discordant racket.

The professional Astrologer uses harmonic theory to read the planetary glyphs in the birth-chart, much as one reads musical notation. It is as if each of us possesses our own personal musical score which sings a unique tune. In essence, if my personal vibrational energy field or ‘score’ resonates harmoniously with yours then we will understand each other. If we are discordant, conflict will ensue.

An astrologer can therefore help us to understand in what areas of life we repeatedly sound a ‘duff’ note and learn with whom, what and where we can live in the most harmonious accord. Theoretically we can even change the music or energy. If a person consciously chooses to shift into resonance with a more coherent field, their life circumstances may change as a more harmonious pattern emerges.

The idea that the secrets of the Universe are contained in the music of the spheres is an ancient belief. Take a look at what Aristotle had to say about Pythagorean theory:

"..... the whole universe is constructed according to a musical scale. The whole universe is a number, because it is both composed of numbers and organised numerically and musically. For the distances between the bodies revolving around the centre are mathematically proportionate; some move faster and some more slowly; the sound made by the slower bodies in their movement is lower in pitch, and that of the faster is higher; hence these separate notes, corresponding to the ratios of the distances, make the resultant sound concordant.."

This goes someway to explaining planetary influence but it doesn't really explain how number and music can create form - until that is we read about the work of Ernest Florens Friedrich Chladni of Saxony (1756-1827). Respectfully referred to as "the Father of Acoustics", Chladni produced a body of work known as Chladni patterns which showed how sound can affect matter. His work gained further notoriety in the 20th Century due to Dr Hans Jenny (1904-1972) who conducted similar experiments in resonance, known as Cymatics.

The basis of the experiments was to put substances such as sand, fluids, and powders on a metal plate. The plate was then played, in Chladni's case, with a violin bow or, in Dr Jenny's experiment, attached to an oscillator. This was controlled by a frequency generator capable of producing a broad range of vibrations. Turning a dial on the frequency generator would cause the plate to vibrate at different frequencies. The results, in both cases, were a series of discernible, repeatable patterns. The frequency used dictated the shape of the pattern, for example; the musical note A below middle C vibrates at 440 KHz and produces a shape that looks like a rhombus. Different notes could be observed to produce various shapes including flowers, diamonds and hexagons.

Dr. Jenny observed three fundamental principles at work in the vibratory field on the plate. He wrote, "Since the various aspects of these phenomena are due to vibration, we are confronted with a spectrum which reveals a patterned, figurative formation at one pole and kinetic-dynamic processes at the other, the whole being generated and sustained by its essential periodicity."

If we translate this into the language of astrology we can observe that the periodicity of the planets might well set up a figurative formation (birth-chart) that causes dynamic processes within the individual.These would be part of a larger vibrational matrix encompassing everything in heaven and earth.

Perhaps this indicates that the real way that we co-create our lives is through what we allow into our sphere of influence. Even if we were deaf/mute our body is capable of picking up oscillations transferred through sounds outside of our body. The science of Chladni patterns and Cymatics have shown, sound vibrations can organise matter into distinct shapes. This gives credence to the belief that there is a physical power inherent in the recitation of mantras, such as the word AUM or the playing of Mozart to babies still in the womb. It might also explain the power of prayer. Many people gathering in a place of worship, all repeating psalms or singing hymns, may set up a resonant vibrational frequency which has some organising effect on the very fabric of the Universe.

The study of Cymatics has generally been utilised in the healing fields. The belief being that if the practitioner can bring all the cells in the body into a more coherent vibrational pattern, dis-ease (disharmony) can be managed or cured. Certainly the results of the use of vibration in this fashion, whether it be through the use of homeopathy, music, acupuncture or colour, are worthy of much further study.

However, another fascinating use of Cymatics has been through the work of Edinburgh composer Stuart Mitchell and his father, Thomas. After a 20 year study they believe that the 213 decorated cubes which adorn the ornate ceiling of Rosslyn Chapel in Scotland, depict a Chladni pattern, each cube holding a code for a musical score.

Mitchell has translated the findings from each cube and turned it into a musical piece known as The Rosslyn Motet. He believes that if the piece is played in the correct way within the Chapel it will set up a resonant vibrational frequency which will unlock the secret held at Rosslyn. He feels that the power of sound might even cause certain stones to react, or move, due to the vibration. He says "The symbolism in Rosslyn is reaching back to times of a civilisation that is lost to us now. That (civilisation) had sciences that are the roots of all the mechanics of the universe".

If the powers that be at Rosslyn ever permit Mitchell to carry out his experiment then we might discover the Holy Grail does still lie in the Chapel after all - perhaps not the secret of a bloodline, a la 'The Da Vinci Code', but the real secret of the Bible. A secret whose clue perhaps lies in the line – In the beginning was the word.

Is this what Pythagoras meant when he said that 'God geometrises'? Words, like music, are simply an arrangement of sound, which is in itself an arrangement of number in certain proportion. If we become mindful of the vibrations we allow around us we may discover an awesome truth -the power that words can have over our daily lives.

Soul Mate Symbols

Over the centuries, various symbols have been used to represent, express and intensify love. Ancient symbols carved from stones that were thought to contain love energies have been used to unite soul mates lost in many lives.

The most common symbols used to depict love, loyalty, and friendship are a horse, a dolphin, and a dog. These symbols, when carved out of any gemstone, make a powerful love or friendship talisman. Similarly, the butterfly is also a symbol of love, transformation and joy. In fact, crystal is believed to be an amplifier that can attract your lost soul mate to you instantly. Fashioned in the shape of a heart, a pendant can amplify love, removing energy blocks so love can flow freely.

The Tarot revolves around powerful soul mate symbolism. The tarot card of love is devoted to people, love and partnership. Cards such as companionship and entanglement also reflect the focus on relationships. There is also a new soul mates tarot card. The key symbols here are used in picture form to communicate ideas about love. The flowers represent growth and feelings, while cranes stand for the human soul.

Palm lines, symbols and patterns are also considered to be indications of deeper mysteries, and in our palms are the powerful symbols that hold the key to reaching our soul mates. Similarly, Reiki, Astrology, Tarot and many other ancient mystic arts contain symbols and indications about the concept of soul mates.

The Cupid’s arrow, entwined hearts, a red rose, ribbons and lace, doves, love knots, etc., are some of the modern day symbols to represent the same concept.

Somatic Nutrition

We are Physical Matter and have a physical body: What we eat and drink, we become physically.
We are Emotion and have an emotional body:
What we feel and sense, we are emotionally
We are Mind and have a mental body:
What we think and dwell upon, we are mentally.
Dr. Randolph Stone

Nutrition is not often mentioned in the field of somatic’s. The emphasis of somatic work tends to the energetic, psychological or structural aspects of the body. Somatic’s is defined as “the living body in it’s wholeness,” or mind, body, and spirit in unity. A holistic view of the human organism must include diet and it’s effect for maximizing our human potential.

I associate the nutritional aspect of somatic work with the Third chakra. The third chakra relates to the element of Fire and the sense of Vision. The third chakra is found at the solar plexus, just beneath the sternum. Its color is yellow and with the fire element affects metabolism. The solar plexus chakra is sometimes called our seat of personal power. It’s about self-assertion, courage or cowardice (in astrology, Leo, the lion is a fire sign). It relates to the use or abuse of power. I think a constant theme of this century is the balancing of this ferocious power of fire. Thomas Edison’s harnessing electricity for the light bulb and Laser light used for surgery are beneficial examples. The ovens of Auschwitz, the atomic mushroom cloud over Hiroshima, the clouds of smoke over the desert of Kuwait and the burning of the rain-forests are examples of the extreme abuse of power this century has seen.

Our sense of vision is also out of balance with our other senses. Aries, another fire sign, rules the eyes (He is also the Roman god of war). We are a visually stimulated people. Carolyn Myss states that 80 % of our daily decisions are visually motivated. Terence Mckenna, in his lecture series History Ends in Green, suggests an interesting theory for this preference. Prehistoric people were nomads that followed the wild herds of cattle across the savannas. One of the foods found near herds of cattle are the hallucinogenic mushrooms that grow in their feces. Mckenna asserts that prehistoric peoples often ate the mushrooms; which stimulated the visual centers of the cerebral cortex. This expanded visual acuity assisted in hand-eye coordination; which in turn helped the hunters in killing their game. The mushrooms helped the evolution of the species with better nutrition and by strengthening the visual centers. As the human race has become domesticated we have maintained our dependence on visual skills. We, now, rely less on our sense of smell and hearing and more on our visual senses.

As I begin my discussion on nutrition let me remind you of the quote by Carols Chastened:

Look at every path closely and deliberately. Try it as many times as you think necessary. Then ask yourself and yourself alone, one question…. Does this path have a heart? If it does, the path is good. If it doesn’t, it is of no use.

There are many opposing opinions on how, what and why to eat. You need only go to the book or health food store to discern that. When creating an eating program you must rely on your own mind and heart to find the balance that works for you…and you alone. I like the example of Mahatma Gandhi. He experimented with diet until the time he died. He believed that your body, including how you nourish it, should be your laboratory for your experiments in self-realization.

One of the primary ways to maximize the natural vitality, prana or chi of your life is the consumption of “Live Foods.” Eating live foods utilizes the natural energy of enzymes. Ann Wigmore, founder of the Hippocrates Institute says, “ You are alive only because thousands of enzymes make it possible. Every breath you take, thought you think, or sentence you read, is a result of thousands of complex enzyme systems and there functions operating simultaneously…They are the active construction and demolition teams that work 24 hours a day to maintain health and balance in your body.” Under a microscope an enzyme appears to be a protein. In reality protein is not the active agent of enzymes, but merely the material which stores the life energy of enzymes, just as a battery stores energy to light a flashlight.

Technically enzymes are globular proteins that promote specific chemical reactions within the cell. There are three distinct types of enzymes. Metabolic enzymes, which run our bodies; digestive enzymes, which digest our foods; and food enzymes from raw food which begin digestion. No mineral, vitamin, or hormone can do any work without them. Enzymes are found in fresh fruits, vegetables, nut and grains. Sprouted grains are the most potent with enzymatic life force as they contain all the energy a plant will need to thrive. Each raw food has its own hermetic seal, such as a peel, skin or shell, which protects the fragile enzymes. When the seal is broken the enzymes begin to immediately break. All cooked or processed foods are considered de-natured which means that all the enzymes are dead. There may be vitamins or minerals left for absorption, but there is no longer any life force left. The average American diet is deficient in enzymes. A diet of “dead” foods means that our own bodies must operate on an imbalance of declining enzyme levels. Decreased enzyme levels lead to poor digestion, illness and disease. That’s why eating a diet rich in raw foods and high in enzymes is vital. You absorb the life force of the plants you eat to maintain your own vitality.

The third chakra is the energetic correlation to the endocrine system’s production of insulin. Insulin affects metabolism by its conversion of sugars into available energy for the body. The Islet’s of Langerhan, which are found in the pancreas, produce insulin. Much has been made lately about the affects of complex carbohydrates and their effects on diet. The dietetic emphasis over the past decade has been on a low fat, low protein diet with a higher percentage of complex carbohydrates. Recent studies show that complex carbohydrates like pasta, bread, potatoes, peas and bananas create a surplus imbalance of insulin in the blood stream. This insulin imbalance adversely affects the body by im-balancing the rest of the hormonal system. Surplus insulin also distorts energy levels and directs the body to store extra glucose as fat rather than burn it for fuel. Dr. Barry Sears, author of The Zone, has done excellent research on balancing the insulin/hormonal system through food. He says, “Food is far more important than just something you eat for pleasure or to appease your hunger. Rather, it is a potent drug that you’ll take for the rest of your life. Once food is broken down into its basic components (glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids) and sent into the bloodstream, it has a more powerful impact on your body—and your health—than any drug your doctor could ever prescribe.”

Drinking coffee is another food factor that imbalances the hormonal system. Uptown Health & Spirit recently printed a report from a Duke University Medical Center study of 72 habitual coffee drinkers. Participants produced more adrenaline and noradrenalin on days they drank coffee than days when they abstained. The study states, “People who drink four to five cups of coffee throughout the morning have slightly elevated blood pressure and higher levels of stress hormones all day into the evening, creating a scenario in which the body acts like it is continually under stress.” James Lane, associate research professor of psychiatry at Duke says, “If you combine the effects of real stress with the artificial boost in stress from caffeine, then you have compounded the effects considerably. The increase in blood pressure and stress hormones is elevated till bedtime even if coffee consumption stops at 1 p.m..”

Drinking sufficient water is another component of maintaining maximum health. Water is the single most abundant substance in your body: 70 to 90% of each cell’s weight is water. The average adult loses 2500 ml, or 76 ounces, of water each day through urination, feces, sweat and respiration. Your daily intake of water must equal your daily output. You must drink approximately 45 ounces of water. The balance of your daily requirement comes from eating moist foods and the metabolism of various nutrients within the body. It is important to drink pure, filtered water for the body’s use. Most public drinking water carries contaminants, heavy metals, and unhealthy bacteria. It is important to refrain from drinking much liquid during meals. The extra fluid decreases the effect of the digestive enzymes and hydrocloric acid of the stomach. It is also suggested to never take iced drinks during meals as the stomach works at !05 degrees F. The cold liquid lowers the temperature and slows digestion.

Personally, eating is the one area of somatic work that poses the most difficulty for me. Body weight and image is something I’ve struggled with as long as I can remember. I use the metaphor of meditation as my guide for eating. In meditation I know to focus on the breath. As human beings we loose focus and begin to think, and think, and think. The skill of meditation is to come back to the breath. Come back over and over again. Then the skill becomes a pattern and eventually a way of life. There are times when my eating program is better than others. I just regain my focus and come back to the eating principals that I know deliver the most benefit to me.

PRACTICES FOR THE 3RD CHAKRA:

The Hindi Squat—Dr. Stone writes, “This posture is ideal for the release of gases, constipation, excessive abdominal fat, and toning the walls of the abdomen by the muscular exertion and squeezing of the thighs.”

Relax, standing straight with the feet about hip’s width apart (or a little more for comfort). Relax the neck and allow the chin to gently drop to the chest. Slowly let gravity pull your head down towards the floor, one vertebra at a time. When you are bent over at the waist, gently rock front to back and side to side to relax the shoulders and neck. Pause and take a deep breath. Bend the knees and slowly drop into a squat. The feet should remain flat on the floor, pointing forwards for the best results. If this is not possible, you may use a small pillow under the heels until you master this posture. Bring your elbows to the inside of the knees. Bring your hands together in prayer position over the heart. The pressure on the knees will stretch them out. Rock gently from front and back and side to side. Relax and take a deep breath.

To stand back up, place your hands upon your knees. Get a sense of your tailbone pointing backwards. Press the tailbone up first as you come to standing. Pause, take a deep breath and notice the sensations of your body.

The Fire Breath—Sit comfortably cross-legged on the floor. The spine is straight, the body relaxed. This breath is done through both nostrils. One breath, or round, is a relaxed inhalation with a forced exhalation. A slow pace is 60 rounds per minute; a moderate pace is 120 rounds a minute; a rapid pace is 240 rounds a minute. If you are a beginner, stay with a slow breath. This breath over oxygenates the body, reduces carbon dioxide and encourages energy flow through the chakras. This is a very invigorating breath.

Aromatherapy Bath—

1 cup Dead Sea mineral salts
1 cup baking soda
½ cup apple cider vinegar
20 drops total of any of these essential oils: juniper, vetiver, rosemary, sage, lemon, clove, peppermint, spearmints.

All of these oils support self-esteem and self-confidence. They inspire making decisions and taking action. A word of caution: don’t use rosemary, peppermint or spearmint before bed as they are energizing oils.

Psychic Visions

Everybody, whether he is ‘psychic’ or not, sees in his life visions that leave him baffled, for these visions are not dreams but premonitions that in the near future translate into reality. The visions are related to what one desires, loves, or hates. The intensity of our thoughts and desires—whether of love or hatred-defines the strength, quality, clarity and the continuity of the visions before the mind’s eye.

There is, however, a great difference between the visions perceived by a layman and a psychic. In the case of a layman, the vision may not have substance, the energy or the consciousness and despite the intensity of the focus, the vision may only reflect his attitude towards the person or the situation. An attitude of hatred or love may reveal the vision in that light, even though the object may not deserve that attitude. He cannot communicate with that vision. Such visions may make the person irrational, paranoid, and pathological, and a case fit to be brought to the attention of the psychic healer.

A psychic is an elevated soul. He is a divinely endowed person who possesses hyper sensitive awareness, clairvoyance, clairaudience, the third eye, the sixth sense and an intuition, which he may have inherited from his birth or acquired under the tutelage of a master psychic by diligent study and hard work. Above all, a successful psychic is filled with empathy and compassion for the suffering clients and works for their welfare and happiness in accordance with laws of natural justice.

The visions that the psychic sees are fundamentally different from those seen by the layman in that the psychic sees the vision of the astral body of the person and not necessarily his physical body. The astral body, depending upon the stage of its development, is made up of subtle, vibrant, powerful light energy and is capable of communicating and cooperating with the psychic in respect of the problems that are placed before it. The vision of the astral body may also be the guiding spirit of the client. It may even be of an angel.

The psychic, by virtue of his talents and with or without the help of the spirits, may see the visions of the past and also the future through his third eye, studying the aura and interpreting the dreams using various tools like tarot cards, astrology, or crystal balls and so on.

The history of the world abounds with true stories of psychic visions about the impending natural calamities seen by the well-known psychics and how they proved true in the long run. The sad part of the story is that the agnostics refused to heed them and as a result, humanity suffered.

Psychic ability to see the visions can be developed by conscious efforts, though some persons are born with the gift of intuition, just as others are born mathematicians, scientists, athletes and so on. It is quite possible to acquire awareness of the subtle energies and the ability to see psychic visions through hard work, dedication, and concentration.

It has been rightly said that “genius is simply an energy focused intensely and consistently on a certain matter.” The same aptly describes the process for developing psychic powers to see a vision that transcends the normal five senses and in this way provide an insight into situations that otherwise defy all human logic. All you require is practice, perseverance, focus, and intense attention to small stimuli and subtle energy changes. There are three types of psychic visions-- visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. There are some people, who, besides seeing the pictures and visions, can even ‘see’ the sounds and ‘talk to themselves more in their minds’. Similarly, there are also those experience kinesthetic visions involving physical movements and sensations.

The ability for a psychic visual perception can be developed by patient practice of some basic exercises involving first the process of seeing physically your favorite objects and then closing the eyes and re-producing or envisioning them within the mind’s eye. The practice can be continued by envisioning the colors of various objects, separately and collectively. The visionary skills can be advanced by picturing our loved ones, especially those with whom we interact daily. The exercise can be further advanced by trying to recreate visions of those who you had seen quite some time ago, and then someone you had seen just once in your childhood. After a good deal of practice, you will find the images or the visions will become clearer.

Betting

With the increase in the passion of sports it’s betting has also increased simultaneously. Betting is kind of the bet, which a person sets either on the game or even on person. And if that person or team wins then that person makes some windfall profits which can enhance its financial status. Betting is the best way to make profits and that too without much hassle. If it is an easy way to make thousands of dollars then it is also the way when you can loose some too. It is just the game of chance and luck as someday you can be the king and other day you are bankrupt. Ethically speaking betting is not at all a healthy thing and it has been seen that people indulging in these activates always suffer the huge loss some day. So think twice before getting into betting.

With the changing times betting too has become very popular. Now not even sports but elections too have become the hot event for betting. At the moment people love to bet on the candidates contesting the election. It means they put their money on any of the candidate thinking that he or she will win and their winning will reap them huge profits. But still betting is very new to the elections in comparison to the sports. Majority of the people indulge in betting at the time when their favorite or popular sport is on. They put dollars on a particular team and if that team wins they yield the profits. Apart from luck and chance it also requires a constant and extensive market research just to make get the clear picture of the thing on which you are going to bet.

So if you are adventurous and want to reap some quick and windfall profits then this betting is best for you but don’t forget to read your astrology forecast for that day before indulging in betting.