Category: Guest Authors

Not Tonight Honey

by Administrator, posted in Guest Authors

Kathy Gruver, PhD

Headaches have been plaguing humans, probably since humans have been in existence. And though they do offer a traditional excuse for avoiding intimacy, headaches can also interfere with daily functioning and take the joy out of life. According to the National Headache Association:

• 45% of respondents missed at least 5 family or social events in the last year because of a headache
• Nearly 30% have missed up to 5 days of work each month due to headache
• 25% of respondents reported that their coworkers resent the time they spend away from work due to a headache
• 20% of respondents reported their family and friends tend to resent them for missing events because of headaches
And an average o $1500/year is being spent on prescriptions not to mention over the counter drugs like Advil and Excedrin Migraine.

Here are some causes and solutions for that pain in the head that you might not have thought of.

The first thing I’d ask you to explore are side effects from prescription drugs. Often headaches can be caused by something you are already taking. Even if you’ve been on the drug for a while, side effects can still develop. I was prone to horrible migraines and was tested for every disease under the sun. I was also put on numerous migraine medications including Imitrex. Years later when I decided to be drug-free I got off the birth control pill. Miraculously my headaches completely disappeared. Doing some research, I found that headaches are a common side effect of oral contraceptives. I could have saved myself years of pain and extra medication had someone just read the Prescription Drug Reference Guide. Also, a lot of headache medications can cause what are called “rebound headaches” which means over time you must take more and more of the drug to get it to work. Often if you stop taking it your headaches subside.

Another common culprit for headaches is food sensitivities. With so many additives, flavorings, artificial colors and sweeteners and MSG being added to our food, it’s no wonder that people are having more headaches. You can take a food sensitivity test like the LEAP test (which differs from traditional allergy testing that your MD would do) to see if you are vulnerable to certain foods. You could also try keeping a food diary. Chart your daily intake of all foods and drinks and when your headaches occur. Over time you might be able to see a pattern develop that will lead you to eliminate certain foods. MSG is a repeat offender for headaches and migraines as is artificial sweeteners like aspartame and Sucralose. MSG doesn’t have to be labeled in most food and the website http://www.msgmyth.com/hidden_names.html will help you identify its aliases.

In the food diary, it would also be helpful to note stress level, menstrual phase and level of physical activity. Stress is definitely a contributing factor to headaches. We tend to boost our shoulders up to our ears during stressful times and that muscle tension can lead to headaches. Clenching our jaws also add to the problem. Many people not only grind during the night but also clamp their jaws shut during their workday. My observation is, if you wake up with a headache, nine times out of 10, you were clenching and should work on relaxing your jaw. A mouth guard can help but often people continue to grind and chew right though them. Also avoid gum chewing and eating hard foods like jerky if you are prone to jaw tension.

Hormonal changes can also lead to headaches. Many women experience headaches as part of their premenstrual symptoms or suddenly get them as they experience menopause. Making sure you get plenty of rest during this time is key, as is reducing your stress and eating right. See if your headaches at this time of month might be telling you to slow down and look inward to see if you are taking good enough care of yourself. Usually our bodies are trying to communicate something to us through pain.

Sometimes our bodies get out of alignment, the same way our cars do. If the cervical (neck) vertebrae go “out” we might experience headaches. A chiropractor can offer help in this arena as can an osteopath. Multiple visits might be necessary but relief can usually be found.

We know that drinking too much alcohol can cause that next day symptom of a headache. Even if you think you didn’t drink enough to be hung over, think about the circumstances surrounding your consumption. Did you have enough food in your body? Were you staying hydrated? What was the alcohol content of what you were drinking? Are you developing an allergy to sulfites in wine? Did you set out with the intention of getting sloshed? Sometimes even though you’re used to two glasses, the circumstances might be such that those two glasses cause a headache the next day. Don’t rule out that you overindulged.

Make sure you’re eating right and also that you are moving your bowels. Constipation is an issue that can definitely contribute to headaches. We should be having 1-3 bowel movements every day. If you are having fewer or needing to strain, look into a cleanse, colonic or change in diet. Also if you are constipated AND get headaches, you might be deficient in magnesium. This important nutrient relaxes smooth muscle and may alleviate both problems.

What if your headaches continue or get more frequent or severe? Seek out medical help as the headaches could be caused by something serious like meningitis, vision problems, MS, a tumor or cancer. Usually headaches are innocent, but in some cases they might be a symptom of a more serious problem. Sudden, severe headache or sudden headache associated with a stiff neck; headaches associated with fever, convulsions, or accompanied by confusion or loss of consciousness; headaches following a blow to the head, or associated with pain in the eye or ear; persistent headache in a person who was previously headache free; and recurring headache in children indicate that you should seek medical attention.

Now, what can we do if we find ourselves plagued by the occasion pain in the noggin?

Since stress is a common cause, do what you can to decrease it in your life. Meditation, taking time for you and spending time with friends can lead to less stress and a lessening of headaches. Muscle tension goes hand in hand with stress so try getting a massage to relax those tight neck, shoulder and jaw muscles. Many massage therapists like myself have helped their clients eliminate headaches. And as mentioned above, think about seeing a chiropractor to help with any alignment issues you might be experiencing.

And an acupuncturist can do some needling to relieve stress and balance the subtle energy in the body that might be causing the headaches. Often these types of practitioners can also recommend stretches to help relieve the muscle tension that may be contributing to your headache. And especially if you work at a desk all day, make sure you take time out to stretch and never hold the phone against your ear while you do other things, this is a sure fire way to throw your neck out of place and create extra muscle tension.

Your Chinese medicine practitioner might also recommend some Chinese herbs to help deal with your symptoms. American herbs can help too. Taking feverfew on a daily basis has been shown to decrease headaches. Some people also recommend sniffing fresh lavender at the first hint of a headache. A homeopathic practitioner also might have some options for you or a combination remedy can be purchased in most health food stores that contain the most common headache remedies. If you are going to consult with a homeopath, make sure to keep track of the specifics of your headache, what seems to aggravate it, time of day, what relieves it, do you crave certain foods or situations, and any other details you can note. These will help the practitioner hit on the right remedy for your specific headache.

Whether you decide to keep a food diary or not there are common triggers that could be avoided as an experiment. Many people are sensitive to aged cheeses, chocolate, beer and red wine. Try getting these out of your diet for at least 6 weeks to see if there is improvement in your symptoms. Also, certain food colorings and additives should be eliminated like artificial sweeteners and MSG. These are huge instigators when it comes to headaches and even if you aren’t prone to them, I recommend you take them out of your diet all together.

Look at your prescriptions and check for common side effects to see if they might be to blame. www.webmd.com is a great resource as is the PDR (Prescription Drug Reference). Even headache medications can cause rebound headaches and you might decide to talk to your doctor about trying a different prescription or getting off them all together. Of course, never stop taking a prescription without discussing this with your doctor first as many prescriptions need to be gotten off of slowly.

I hope this helps you deal with your headaches and gives you some ideas and solutions.

Kathy Gruver, PhD is the author of The Alternative Medicine Cabinet and Body/Mind Therapies for the Bodyworker. She can be reached at www.thealternativemedicinecabinet.com

Moonlight Tarot’s Question Corner: Mystical Answers to Mundane Inquiries

by Administrator, posted in Guest Authors, Tarot

By Angela Kaufman, Moonlight Tarot LLC

This column is intended to provide messages from the Tarot to address modern problems experienced by everyday people. Questioners, also known as “Querents” submit requests to have their issue addressed in a complimentary three card Tarot Reading published as part of the Magical Buffet. The reading not only addresses the Querent’s issue but also provides education about the role of Tarot as a tool for exploration and empowerment.

This month’s Querent is a woman we will call Maria. Maria writes that she has recently undergone many significant life changes, sending her on a very different path than she had planned. She states that she is trying to regroup and move forward but faces numerous unknowns related to the future of her career and other personal goals. Having gone through a lot of upheaval, Maria sums up her numerous questions in a general request to try to learn what she needs to understand about the situation she is in, so that she may use these circumstances to the best possible resolution.

Three cards are drawn from the Fairy Tarots, these are the Three of Hearts, Knave of Acorns, and Nine of Bells. First off, it is worth noting that while Maria is overwhelmed by numerous life changes the cards drawn are minor arcana. This suggests that the larger implications of the changes at hand have been understood. Maria is asking what more she needs to understand about this situation and it seems that she has already gained insight into spiritual implications of what transpired around her, yet needs to understand the finer details in a mundane sense in order to make the most of her circumstances.

The Three of Hearts suggests unity, joy, celebration and support among friends. It bodes well for expansion of loving social relationships and shared happiness in a family or group setting. It suggests the opportunity has arisen for Maria to attend gatherings where others are joining together to celebrate and share their joys and sorrows, finding support and becoming uplifted through their emotional bonds to each other. Although life may have been difficult recently it would appear this is changing, and Maria is in an optimal position to appreciate her connection to others on a deeper level. More emphasis on friendships and family support are arising now and this may be a prime opportunity to slow down and focus on cultivating a more loving, nurturing bond with close friends and family. It also seems likely that a celebration or party of some sort is on the horizon and that this will bring emotional happiness and relief. Celebration is a key element here and it seems Maria is going to find opportunities to express gratitude and experience happiness, a “full cup” that necessitates sharing with others. The focus now is on healing through emotional expression and connecting in small group settings. Presence in family activities, social gatherings and support groups may be indicated at this time as well. There is an indication of finding her place among peers as well, neither dominating, nor subservient. Maria will encounter situations that represent a homecoming, finding her place among friends and sharing in emotional ups and downs with more mindfulness and greater empathy for others.

The Knave of Acorns follows. This card is unique to the Fairy Tarot deck as Acorns are not a traditional Tarot suit. It suggests that difficulties have brought a harsh winter from which the character has become sturdy. It is a mix between the energies of traditional swords (hardship/vitality) and pentacles (sturdiness, practicality) from traditional decks. Maria has experienced loss and hardship which have driven her motivation to succeed and provided insight into her greater strengths. Nonetheless she is starting out as a relative novice in new territory, one which requires greater resilience and determination than she has had to exert before. A new practicality and sensibility are emerging and it is likely that while Maria will come to appreciate the role of social supports more now, she will also have a firm ability to remain grounded and not be heavily influenced by raw emotion. Change is on the horizon and through Maria’s diligent efforts and strength of character she will be forging ahead and entering into new business ventures. Her career may be altered slightly, building on past experience and taking on more advocacy and service in a field that draws out the strength she has gained from loss and changes of the recent past. It would appear she will have the opportunity to embark on a crusade in service to others. Incremental progress is also indicated, gradual development and intermediate gains as she grows into this new role.

Growth on a more polished and professional level is ultimately indicated by the Nine of Bells. It seems that while Maria is experiencing the growing pains of exploring change in her career and how she expends the energy of daily life, uncovering potential strengths and skills refined by recent trials, she will have the opportunity to glean profit financially and in terms of status from the change in her outward and career focus. It appears that Maria will be building up an abundance of material wealth compensating for losses that have occurred and giving further material comfort. It seems that a new way of allocating energy and a new purpose with career will help Maria establish a more comfortable living for herself and her family. She may also be “grandmothered” or eased in to a new position or new career path by those with experience, thereby “inheriting” greater status professionally, or new work opportunities altogether. This does not seem to imply an outright new job or career, but a new development based on her existing foundation, one which presents a heightened, more refined status to the public image and also provides more comfort and abundance personally.

In the short term, it seems that Maria is being called upon to increase her awareness of the importance of social and emotional connections, to nurture emotional needs in a mutually beneficial setting and to take advantage of family and social gatherings, parties and positive, joyful events that help redirect her focus away from past stress and losses. In the mean time it seems that opportunities to further advance or develop skills born of conflict and loss will bring an important change in focus that will allow Maria the opportunity to convert painful experience into personal wisdom, assisting others in the process. The ultimate outcome seems to be a gain both in finances, security and status, with a shift in priorities that emphasizes personal joy, relationships, happiness and an ability to thrive even under difficult conditions.

Best of luck to Maria as spring awakens new beginnings and opportunities for greater understanding. Remember, no matter where you are reading this readings are intended for entertainment purposes in accordance with NYS law.

Interested in being the Querent in next month’s column? Contact Angela at Trionfi78@gmail.com.

About Angela Kaufman:
Angela Kaufman has been exploring divination through Tarot cards for over a decade. She is a Certified Professional Tarot Reader and formed Moonlight Tarot in 2009 which would become Moonlight Tarot LLC in 2010. Angela uses the Tarot to assist clients in exploring personal growth and development, and in accordance with New York State Law offers readings for entertainment purposes. Angela began providing readings on a professional, “Moonlighting” basis in order to provide affordable readings to those seeking guidance, inspiration and fun. Angela is also co-author of the new book “Wicca, What’s the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions.” (Schiffer Publishing, 2011). In 2006 she joined ISIS Paranormal Investigations and has accompanied the team on numerous investigations in private residences and businesses throughout the capital region, Adirondacks, Vermont and Massachusetts.

For more information on services offered by Moonlight Tarot LLC, visit http://www.moonlighttarotllc.com

Check out Moonlight Tarot on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MoonlightTarotLlc

For more related to Tarot and Wicca, check out: Wicca, What’s the Real Deal? At www.wwtrd.webs.com

Want a chance to get a live Tarot Reading? Check out www.cafenolany.com for listing of Tarot events at Café Nola in Schenectady NY!

This month’s deck is the Fairy Tarot, created by Lo Scarebo and published by Llewellyn in 2000. For more on this deck, visit http://www.llewellyn.com/product.php?ean=9780738700069.

Geek Month in Review: March 2013

by Administrator, posted in Geek Stuff, Guest Authors, Science

by JB Sanders

Spring?

More 3D-printing a Moon Base
I know, I just linked to a story about this. The difference here is two-fold. The folks here are a rival team with a better plan. First, they’re architects, so they’re taking the idea of 3D-printing buildings and running with it. Second, they have an idea to use microwaves to fuse the moon dust, which would mean the 3D printers sent to the moon wouldn’t even need binding agents. It’s a cheaper and more energy-efficient method. They think they can have the first module complete in two weeks, once their setup reaches the moon.

Video Game Charts Brain
Scientists are trying to map the connections between neurons in the brain, and to do so they’ve made their neural maps into a game. Players help work out the connections between neurons, expanding the map. They’re also helping the artificial intelligence behind the mapping program learn more about mapping.

It’s a 3D-Printed Dress
No, really! And it’s got this very 1940’s glamor vibe mixed with a sort of scifi nod.

Lord British Needs 1 Million Dollars*
Richard Garriott, creator of Ultima Online, is looking to repeat his success with a new massively multi-player online game. One of the reasons he says they’re kick-starting it (rather than just shelling out the moola himself) is so that the public has a say in how the game is built. Or maybe he’s just cheap.

* To get the full effect, you need to use a cheesy voice and a pinky finger.

Non-Newtonian Fluid on a Speaker Cone
This video will either freak you out, or give you great ideas for special effects, depending on your temperament. It’s just cornstarch and water in a 2:1 ratio (forming oobleck), plus a little blue food coloring. But add in a little stirring and an ultrasonic sound source, and boy howdy do you have some creepy action.

3D Printed Jewelry
It’s not “coming soon”, it’s “happening now”. Still a little high-end, but it looks like it could lead to an interesting trend. Personalized unique jewelry indeed!

The Un-Discovered Country
No, not the future. In this case, it’s islands that are supposed to be there – but aren’t. Including one near Australia that was supposed to be larger than Manhattan, but now has been determined to not only not exist, but to have never existed. Really.

Around the World — On Solar Power
The creators of the Solar Impulse plan on flying their entirely-solar-powered airplane around the world by 2015. It’s capable of flying day and night (on stored power). It has the wingspan of a Boeing 747, mostly to accommodate more solar cells.

Settle Mars!
There was a rumor running around that the Mars One Project (those folks planning to build a commercial settlement on Mars) was accepting applications for Mars Settlers — but no. They are going to be soon, and they reveal a few of the qualifications you’ll need to be signed on. Chief among them, of course, is being prepared to move to Mars permanently. It’s a one-way trip.

About John:
John’s a geek from way back. He’s been floating between various computer-related jobs for years, until he settled into doing tech support in higher ed. Now he rules the Macs on campus with an iron hand (really, it’s on his desk).

Geek Credentials:
RPG: Blue box D&D, lead minis, been to GenCon in Milwaukee.
Computer: TRS-80 Color Computer, Amiga 1000, UNIX system w/reel-to-reel backup tape
Card games: bought Magic cards at GenCon in 1993
Science: Met Phil Plait, got time on a mainframe for astronomy project in 1983
His Blog: http://glenandtyler.blogspot.com

Moonlight Tarot’s Question Corner: Mystical Answers to Mundane Inquiries

by Administrator, posted in Guest Authors, Tarot

By Angela Kaufman, Moonlight Tarot LLC

March 2013

This column is intended to provide messages from the Tarot to address modern problems experienced by everyday people. Questioners, also known as “Querents” submit requests to have their issue addressed in a complimentary three card Tarot Reading published as part of the Magical Buffet. The reading not only addresses the Querent’s issue but also provides education about the role of Tarot as a tool for exploration and empowerment.

This month’s reading turns away from the traditional Tarot in favor of a special oracle deck based on Celtic lore. This is the Celtic Messages Oracle deck. This reading addresses a question of general guidance for the present and near future asked by this month’s Significator, who will be referred to as John. John’s inquiry is general which makes for a great Tarot reading but also lends itself well to readings conducted by an oracle deck as well.

When general guidance is sought through an oracle deck it is important to keep an open mind to the messages that come forth as an oracle increases awareness of changing tides or opportunities presenting requiring certain energies in order to manifest the best possible results. The first card drawn for this reading is the Cow/Bull which will be referred to in this column as the Cow. This is a card of resourcefulness and harnessing one’s assets and material wealth. This card suggests that John spend the next few months taking stock of resources on numerous levels. Not only the monetary value of their resources, but also the value inherent in utilizing resources to the full extent. So John, are there tools available to you that you may be overlooking? Are there areas in your life where you are wasting energy, money, time or physical possessions? The Cow suggests that this is a time to start making full use of what you already have. There seem to be several outlets or possible opportunities that need to be sculpted or crafted with a mix of creativity, imagination and frugality. The Cow reminds John that nothing is to be wasted in this endeavor. What John is seeking is not going to originate with the resources or reserves of another but will be built making use of what is already at his disposal. This is a time of abundance and growth especially if John is able to take stock of the wealth he already has at his fingertips and make use of the abundance before him. The Cow is a sacred animal as it is a singular source of both food, clothing, protection, medicine, milk, a living cornucopia able to suit all of John’s needs. In what ways, John, is abundance right at your doorstep, needing only to be recognized for the full utility available to you? John has ample opportunity at this time to experience growth and extend generosity to others and it would be in his best interest to make use of talents and resources for which he does not often credit himself. Leaving no potential link unexplored would benefit John at this time as there is abundance in his life that needs to be reinvested and cultivated to a greater extent. There will be opportunity to network and expand the social circle with benefit to John’s career as a result. This will not be a passive process however, he must make the connections and extend himself openly showing the best of his many talents and making his unique and creative abilities clear to influential people who could help advance his career.

Herne is the next card pulled. This card refers to the Wild God of the forest and brings energy of chaos, virility, change and excitement. From a full assessment and utilization of strengths and assets already at John’s disposal, he will be prepared for a period soon to come in which change, action, and an element of the unexpected and chaotic will begin to surface. This will not be a threatening time, but rather one of high energy, calling John to keep pace with the momentum and summon the energy needed to charge ahead. This will be a very productive time and a very creative time as well. It may feel like John is tending to a large and fertile garden and he will need to keep up with the work before him in order to remain ahead of the game. Herne is seen as an aspect of the God of the Wild Hunt, Vegetation and wildlife. John may feel drawn back to nature or to embark on creative projects that put him in close contact with nature and the elements, especially with Oak and the Stag. Both symbols of strength and virility. Herne also brings lessons of sacrifice and guardianship. He is said to have either been injured in a great hunting expedition and healed but with some residual limitations, or in other stories hung himself from an Oak tree after being outcast from his companions as a result of false accusations of treason against the King. With this in mind, John, be aware of the potential to be scapegoated or challenged by those who may harbor jealousies or have ulterior motives. In the course of this time of increased productivity, creativity and personal questing there may come a feeling of being left out or scapegoated. John will do well to recall the potent abilities, skills, talents and resources already at hand and to make the most of the current hunt without allowing the opinions or insecurities of others to interfere. Also, he will need to contend with feeling ostracized or scapegoated and look instead for the sources of guidance and strength. Just as Herne is associated with sacrifice and the Sacred Hunt, he is also considered a great protector of wildlife and is summoned when others are in need of guardianship and protection. John will face the choice of pursuing his quest in honor of a greater goal, for the benefit of many as opposed to becoming lost in martyrdom and disconnected from his higher integrity. Major change is underway and may be unsettling for John as he may feel as if he is losing that which provided control and security. By being open to the process of change and healing John may be pleasantly surprised to realize the full potential he is now able to live up to.

The last card drawn is the Ford. The Ford is a marker of transition. It seems that John will be approaching a phase requiring him to take action and make a firm commitment and that simply looking to greener pastures with envy will not serve him, but rather he is being called to take action and seek that which he desires. He will need to summon courage and conviction to face obstacles that appear in his path without backing down or trying to find loopholes that will divert his energy away from potential conflict or the confrontation of uncomfortable situations that force him to contend with disruption in his plans. John will need to keep emotional waters calm and adopt the view of the observer, from which angle he will then be able to cross the emotional waters, making the best of what is available at this time and turning roadblocks into advantageous learning experiences. This will require him to reach beyond his comfort zone but will prove rewarding in the end. What may seem like difficulty is in a greater sense an opportunity to rise above a challenge and respond to barriers in a different way, thereby carving out new paths, new attitudes, behaviors, and a different personal energy that will demonstrate to John that not only can he overcome the difficulties at hand, but has also evolved into a whole new playing field. From this vantage point John will be better able to handle difficulties that arise in his life in the future as well. This is a time of demonstrating through action just how reason can overrule emotional reaction and help John ultimately reach his goals. He may feel torn between two courses of action or struggle with self doubt or ambivalence. The challenge ahead will bring a convenient opportunity to back down and repeat outmoded patterns of behavior that allow for self sabotage, or will pave the way for new accomplishments and greater confidence. The choice will be up to John when the time arrives.

Remember, no matter where you are reading this article, all readings are for entertainment purposes in accordance with New York State law. Best of luck to John on his future ventures as he harnesses the friction of change and finds his way through the challenges that once would have deterred him on his journey.

Interested in being the Querent in next month’s column? Contact Angela at Trionfi78@gmail.com.

About Angela Kaufman:
Angela Kaufman has been exploring divination through Tarot cards for over a decade. She is a Certified Professional Tarot Reader and formed Moonlight Tarot in 2009 which would become Moonlight Tarot LLC in 2010. Angela uses the Tarot to assist clients in exploring personal growth and development, and in accordance with New York State Law offers readings for entertainment purposes. Angela began providing readings on a professional, “Moonlighting” basis in order to provide affordable readings to those seeking guidance, inspiration and fun. Angela is also co-author of the new book “Wicca, What’s the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions.” (Schiffer Publishing, 2011). In 2006 she joined ISIS Paranormal Investigations and has accompanied the team on numerous investigations in private residences and businesses throughout the capital region, Adirondacks, Vermont and Massachusetts.

For more information on services offered by Moonlight Tarot LLC, visit http://www.moonlighttarotllc.com

Check out Moonlight Tarot on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MoonlightTarotLlc

For more related to Tarot and Wicca, check out: Wicca, What’s the Real Deal? www.wwtrd.webs.com

Want a chance to get a live Tarot Reading? Check out www.cafenolany.com for listing of Tarot events at Café Nola in Schenectady NY!

This month’s deck is the Celtic Messages Oracle, a deviation from the traditional Tarot decks previously used. This oracle deck is published by Joules Taylor. Published by Cico Books, London/NY in 2008.

Thoughts are Okay

by Administrator, posted in Guest Authors, New Age

by Ajayan Borys

What is the greatest obstacle to meditation? When I ask this question of students in my classes, I usually hear one of two things: “I don’t have the time to meditate” or “My mind is just too active to meditate.” Notice that both of these relate to being too busy: either my life is too busy or my mind is too busy. In any case, let’s consider each of these separately, starting with the time issue.

I empathize with anyone with a busy life. But is a busy schedule really a good reason not to meditate? As Mahatma Gandhi is reported to have said, “I have so much to accomplish today that I must meditate for two hours instead of one.” He makes a good point. Just consider how important your mind is to the quality of your life. Your mind is the filter through which you experience everything. The quality of every experience, of every moment of your life, is colored by the quality of your thinking, of your awareness. If you are well rested, relaxed, clear, creative, happy, peaceful, you’re going to enjoy your life a whole lot more and achieve a whole lot more. If your productivity and the quality of your entire experience of life can be improved by spending a few minutes a day meditating, isn’t that a good investment of time? Meditation pays back that time with megadividends and improves your health and vitality as well. So the fact is, the busier you are, the more important it is to meditate. You just need to put the quality of life, creativity, and productivity at the top of your daily to-do list.

Now, what of the “my mind is too busy to meditate” issue? Everyone’s mind is incredibly busy. We all have lots of thoughts; estimates range from thirty thousand to eighty thousand thoughts each day. Whatever the actual number, it’s a lot. Yet a busy mind is not an obstacle to meditation. As a wonderful teacher of mine, Mata Amritananda Mayi (Amma, “the hugging saint”), once said, “To say that only those with quiet minds can meditate is like saying that only those with perfect health can go to the doctor.” Those with busy minds are the ones who need meditation the most. That’s all of us!

Having lots of thoughts does not pose an obstacle to meditation, but the idea that you shouldn’t have thoughts in meditation does. In fact, this can be a huge obstacle to meditation. This idea will pit you against your own mind, because it will make you try to suppress your thoughts. That is, you’ll break the first essential principle of sublime ease. Besides, the battle against thoughts is a battle you just can’t win. The very nature of your mind is to think; that’s what a mind does. If you pit yourself against the nature of your mind to think, there will be a loser, and it will be you!

Here is an experiment you can try in order to see this for yourself. See if you can control your mind. Pick something — anything at all — to focus on, and try to focus exclusively on that without any thoughts interrupting your focus for a minute, or even for just fifteen seconds. Seriously, give it a try….

How did you do? Interesting how, the moment you try to focus, other thoughts crowd in. It’s almost like magic. The mind’s very nature is opposed to control; just like you, your mind wants to be free. So let it. Don’t oppose your mind; work with it. That’s the Tao of meditation. We don’t control the mind, and yet the mind does quiet down. The mind becomes controlled, but not by you or me; rather — and this is a great secret of meditation — the mind can be effortlessly controlled by its own nature.

How can the unruly mind control itself? Well, actually the mind is not so unruly. There is a method to its madness, and that method is this: the mind is spontaneously drawn to greater pleasure, greater happiness. The freedom your mind wants is precisely the freedom you want: to seek your own happiness.

Aren’t we all naturally drawn to what we feel will make us happy? This is true whether we seek a satisfying career, a wonderful soul mate, a beautiful home, car, boat, the latest smartphone, our favorite dessert, sex, fame, wealth — whatever we feel might bring us happiness. The mind automatically feels attracted to it. We can’t help it. This draw toward greater happiness permeates the mind. In the words of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, “Happiness is a ball after which we run wherever it rolls, and we push it with our feet when it stops.”

I would go so far as to say that this pull toward perceived happiness is to the mind what the law of gravity is to physical objects — it is that powerful a force within us, invisibly driving humanity in all its endeavors. The good news is that when it comes to meditation, this powerful force is not an obstacle. Yes, those who try to control the mind will find its restless search for happiness to be an obstacle. For them the mind will be like a monkey jumping wildly from limb to limb. Yet as my first teacher, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, used to say, the mind is not a wild monkey at all, but a bumblebee going from flower to flower in search of nectar. Once we understand this, we can simply point the mind in the direction of that nectar of greater happiness instead of trying to forcibly control it. The mind’s own nature will begin to work for us instead of against us. This is the great secret of effortless meditation.

So, where is greater happiness for the mind? Simply put, it is in transcending to subtler levels of the mind. Once you approach meditation with ease, you will discover the great charm that lies within, in the inner peace, stillness, expansiveness, intelligence, and creativity at the quieter levels of awareness. Once you stop trying to control it, your mind will discover that the experience of its own depths is true nectar. Meditation is said to bring you to what in Sanskrit is called ananda, a state of bliss. You don’t need to force your mind to go to bliss; you need only point your mind in the right direction and let go, and the law of gravity of the mind — the draw toward greater happiness — will do the rest. This is why the Tao of meditation works best. This is the practical way to control the mind, not by any exertion. You will see just how to do this as we progress through the book. Every technique in this book is based on this principle.

Does this mean you won’t have thoughts while meditating? Not at all. As long as you have a mind, you will have thoughts. But once you allow your mind to transcend toward the charm that lies within, the thoughts become less and less significant. Let them come and go; they are not your concern. In this way, you become released from the grip of thoughts; your mind is freed to follow its natural attraction to peace, stillness, expansion, and inner delight. And at times the thoughts will cease, and at that point you will be in the state of “no mind.” (More on this later.)

To better understand how thoughts can coincide with deep meditation, allow me to offer a final metaphor. Think of your mind as an ocean. Until now you’ve been hanging out on the surface of that ocean — the conscious thinking level — bouncing from one thought wave to the next, buffeted by desires, musings, worries, irritations, ambitions, insights, and so on. Once you start to meditate, you slip beneath the surface and begin to descend into the depths of your mind. As soon as you slip beneath the surface, you experience inner silence; and as you descend, the silence becomes deeper, richer, and filled with the light of being. Yet the waves on the surface will likely continue. The whole ocean does not have to become perfectly still for you to experience the inner silence of meditation. You can abide deep within, drawn by that increasing peace and well-being, while thoughts go by on the surface of your mind. And now and then you will rest on the ocean’s floor, where all is still.

About Ajayan Borys:
Ajayan Borys is the author of “Effortless Mind”. He has traveled the globe exploring human potential practices. The host of Mind Matters Radio on Alternative Talk Radio, he teaches workshops and retreats on meditation and spiritual relationships near Seattle and in the Himalayas. Visit him online at http://http://www.ajayan.com/

Excerpted from the new book “Effortless Mind” ©2013 Ajayan Borys. Published with permission of New World Library http://www.newworldlibrary.com

Natural Solutions for Depression and Anxiety

by Administrator, posted in Guest Authors

by Kathy Gruver, PhD

Many people suffer from depression and anxiety as a part of their daily lives. These are commonly treated with antidepressants and other prescription drugs. In the pharmaceutical world, antidepressants rank number five in numbers of prescriptions written behind high blood pressure, cholesterol, gastrointestinal disorders and antibiotics. My experience is that there are non-drug ways to treat mild depression. I’m not referring to truly debilitating depression where a person is confined to the house or suicidal, but for mild mood problems, there are other options. Its mental sister, anxiety, also has some non-drug solutions. In fact, some new studies indicate that prescription anti-depressants aren’t even effective for mild depression, they are made for more severe cases.

The first thing I look at with my clients is nutrition. Many people suffering from depression and anxiety are low in the B vitamins and I suggest adding those daily. Be aware not to take them too late in the day as they can disrupt sleep. Tryptophan and 5-HTP are precursors to serotonin, which controls mood and are great additions to your daily regime. Tryptophan is metabolized in the liver and helps with conversion of certain B vitamins (another reason to have enough Bs). Tryptophan is also dependent on being hydrated so get enough water. SAM-e, Magnesium, Melatonin, Omega 3 fatty acids and St. Johns Wort are also beneficial supplement suggestions if you are battling mood disorders. But it’s not recommended to take St John’s Wort, Tryptophan or 5-HTP if you are on SSRIs like Prozac. There can be a dangerous interaction. And St. Johns Wort can counteract the effectiveness of the birth control pill so you might be less depressed until the pregnancy test comes back. Magnesium, my favorite mineral, not only helps with mood, but also sleep, constipation, PMS and headaches.

If you are experiencing anxiety, cut back on the caffeine and other stimulants. Even if you’ve been drinking it for years, with the addition of stressful life circumstances, caffeine can increase your feelings of anxiety. Taper off slowly so the withdrawal symptoms don’t send you back to the java. Also avoid self-medicating with alcohol. It, in itself, is a depressant and can just lead down a road to addiction and isolation.

I also suggest eliminating artificial sweeteners and flavorings like MSG. I’ve had clients that have experienced anxiety-like symptoms after consuming artificial sweeteners. The symptoms went away after the usage was stopped. Checking for food sensitivities and keeping a food diary can also be useful to see if you can chart a pattern of eating and mood. You can also be tested for heavy metal contamination which can affect both mood and food allergies. And it never hurts to do a cleanse or short fast. The cleaner the colon, the better off we are.

A lot of people are on multiple prescription drugs and I advise clients to check side effects to make sure they are not experiencing iatrogenic disease. (Loosely meaning treatment induced). Many antidepressants have anxiety as a side effect and vice versa. Also, studies have shown that low cholesterol aggravates depression so make sure your statin drug is not lowering your numbers too much.

SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is common during the winter months. Using a light box or supplementing with Vitamin D can help with this issue. Make sure you get out in the light for the time that we have it. While you’re out there, exercise a bit. Dr. Andrew Weil suggests that 30 minutes a day, five days a week can help with mood issues. Exercise not only gets you outside and around other people, it boosts our self-confidence by releasing those feel good hormones in the brain.

We can’t escape the connection of body and mind and studies have shown that massage and acupuncture can help the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Massage, in general, relaxes the body and also stimulates the feel good hormones in the brain. The relaxation can also alleviate mild anxiety. A study conducted in 2000 by John Allen at the University of Tucson, showed that over 50% of people treated with acupuncture for their depression had lessening of symptoms so that they no longer met the criteria for depression.

Other alternatives to prescription drugs are homeopathics or Bach Flower Essences. Both work on the premise that “like cures like” and work on an energetic level. They balance the body so that healing can take place from within. Flower essences correspond to specific emotional states and restore them to balance. There are millions of combinations that are individualized for every person. More information on Bach Flower Essences can be found at www.bachflower.com or contact me for a consultation for specific remedies.

Just like you can’t have two solid objects occupying space at the same time, you can’t have two thoughts in your mind at one time. If you are having negative thoughts, try to change them to something else. I like affirmations for this. Rather than saying, “Life sucks,” change it to “Life is abundant and easy,” or “I am healthy and well.” When working with affirmations make them short, positive and in the present. And repeat frequently. I have affirmations around the house on my mirrors and on the dashboard of my car. It’s a helpful reminder that we’re in control of the stories we tell.

And, if you are experiencing depression or anxiety, try talking to a professional about it. No matter what treatment you are using, it’s important to cover the cognitive aspect as well. And remember, you don’t have to go through this alone, bonding with people and companion animals are important. And it probably won’t hurt to skip the horror movies and news programs on TV too.

I hope your moods stay high and your outlook bright. But if there are low spots, hopefully these suggestions were able to help!

Kathy Gruver, PhD is the author of The Alternative Medicine Cabinet and Body/Mind Therapies for the Bodyworker. She can be reached at www.thealternativemedicinecabinet.com

Geek Month in Review: February 2013

by Administrator, posted in Geek Stuff, Guest Authors, Science

By JB Sanders

Winter, winter

3D-printed Moon Base
For real! The machines would be shipped by rocket to the moon, and would then use the material of the moon itself to construct buildings.

Future Secret Lair for Sale
The RAF (Royal Air Force) is selling their Neatishead radar base. It’s a nice little 25-acre plot with high-security fence, rail access, underground bunker and tennis court.

Watery Purple Spheres — Origin Unknown
Is it a fungus? Slime mold? Alien monster eggs? No one knows!

Fish Brain on X-Ray
Well, not exactly x-ray, but something to see the fish brain in action while the fish observes prey. Plus how often are you going to see a fish brain in action? You know, unless you actually go fishing.

3D-printed Robohand
Guys in separate parts of the globe design a prosthetic hand for a 5-year-old boy born without fingers on one hand. The crazy part? They do it while in opposite sides of the globe, over the internet, and the robotic hand is then printed on a 3D printer. More than that, they share the design and blueprints for the hand online for free, for anyone to use. So, first instance of cyberware shared over the net and printed out. We’re living the scifi!

Richard the Third’s Skeleton Found — and Verified
A skeleton with deformities and wounds similar to Richard III’s found under a parking lot. In order to really pin that down, they took DNA from the skeleton, and compared it to a direct descendent of Richard’s via Anne of York. It’s a match!

Futurama vs the Transhumanists
I’m not sure I can explain the difference as well as this video can, plus it’s another PBS Idea Channel thing. After having listened to it, I’m also not sure whose future I want more. Maybe neither?

The Universe is a Big Old Bubble Bath
And other mind-blowing analogies from physicist Michio Kaku. Also find out how a universe can be created for free.

Oldest Undeciphered Written Text Close to Being Figured Out
It’s clay tablets and proto-Elamite, a middle-eastern language from the Bronze Age. They’ve cooked up their own crazy setup to take pictures of the tablets with light from multiple angles, so that even shallow marks on the tablets can be seen clearly. And it doesn’t help that apparently the scribe made several mistakes in the text.

How One Historian Uncovered the Story of the First Computer
What computer, you ask? Colossus. The one used at Bletchley Park to decode the Enigma machine.

Virtual Slide Rule
Is it using a new technology to emulate an old and now obsolete one? Yes. But it’s still cool.
(Tip of the hat to Alex for this one.)

Life Found in Antarctica
And no, it’s not penguins. Scientists have discovered organisms in a sub-glacial lake that has been isolated from the rest of Earth’s biosphere for millions of years. A lake trapped under ice since before the continents looked the way they do. And as Fark put it: these folks have obviously never seen a John Carpenter movie.

More Bionics Advances: Rat 6th Sense Through Brain Implant
These wacky scientists in North Carolina fitted rats with infrared sensing devices, and then ran tests. Turns out the rats used it like it was a special vision.

Packaging-Free Goods
So this designer, as a final college project, decides to see what happens when packaged goods have no packaging. See the fascinating results. Be sure to click on each picture to see the resulting prototypes.

How Just a Few Boston Drivers are Messing It Up for Everyone (in Boston)
Ok, realistically, Boston drivers mess it up for everyone on the road near them. But in this case, scientists used anonymous cell phone tracking information to analyze the traffic patterns around the greater Boston area. What they found is kind of interesting. The drivers from just a few areas cause most of the traffic jams, because of their use of a small number of over-capacity feeder roads.

The Next Generation of Batteries Won’t Be Batteries
They’ll be super-capacitors. Just watch the movie.

3D Pen
It’s a pen-like device that let’s you create 3D doodles. Yup — you write on the air. It’s a kickstarted project at the moment. Check out their intro video.

Derelict Cruise Ship: The Stories Just Write Themselves
So an ice-hardened cruise ship, largely used in Arctic and Antarctic adventure packages, is seized for debts in Newfoundland. It remains docked for two years until finally a company purchases it, and has it towed to the Dominican Republic. Only part way there it breaks the tow line in heavy seas. Fast forward a month later, and another ship sights the derelict. They get it under control, tow it to international waters and set it loose again. It’s now floating on the currents of the Atlantic. Destination: no one knows.

Wikipedia entry

The Newest Hari Seldon?
So this historian takes a very wide view of history, the last 15,000 years or so and from the trends he’s seen, has some interesting (and sometimes heart-stopping) predictions for the future of Earth.

And if you aren’t familiar with who Hari Seldon is: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hari_Seldon

3D Printed Car
How could I not link this? It’s “strong as steel, half the weight and nearing production”. Also, it looks totally scifi. The designers plan on driving the prototype (once it’s finished) from San Francisco to New York on 10 gallons of fuel, preferably pure ethanol (the car is a hybrid diesel and electric). Good grief!

Titanic Being Rebuilt
Some billionaire got it in his head to rebuild the Titanic, so he is. It’ll be the “Titanic II” and although it’ll be a faithful remake, it will have a few modern touches (like air conditioning).

Transparent 3D Computer
Which is interesting, particularly the induced 3D view through a transparent screen. However, keep reading the article for what other things the inventor is working on. Sounds like this guy will be running a Fortune 100 company in ten years, or inventing the next generation of computer. Oh, wait.

4D Printed Objects
Not a typo. Apparently some scientists at MIT are developing self-assembling objects — ones that change after being 3D-printed. Just add water!

About John:
John’s a geek from way back. He’s been floating between various computer-related jobs for years, until he settled into doing tech support in higher ed. Now he rules the Macs on campus with an iron hand (really, it’s on his desk).

Geek Credentials:
RPG: Blue box D&D, lead minis, been to GenCon in Milwaukee.
Computer: TRS-80 Color Computer, Amiga 1000, UNIX system w/reel-to-reel backup tape
Card games: bought Magic cards at GenCon in 1993
Science: Met Phil Plait, got time on a mainframe for astronomy project in 1983
His Blog: http://glenandtyler.blogspot.com

Our Uncertain Moral Nature

by Administrator, posted in Books, Guest Authors, Religion

By Peter Georgescu

It should be clear now why “the problem of evil”—the bland phrase applied to it by the philosophers—became one of the central obsessions of my spiritual and intellectual life for nearly fifty years. I kept asking how my faith in God could be squared with the reality of evil and human suffering, and also how manifestly good people not only suffer evil but often either commit it or set it in motion, unwittingly. It’s easy to forget that the man who kicked my grandfather to death may have been a loving father of half a dozen children.

The problem may partly be the word “evil.” It’s been invested with so much significance that merely uttering the word is often a complex kind of behavior in itself. It’s a way of branding an enemy. When evil is out there, in opposition to you, it can be quite vital and energizing. There’s nothing like an honest fight against the bad guys to make you feel good and alive. We’ll probably never quit telling murder mysteries and detective stories and tales of dragon slayers, James Bond villains, and G.I. Joe because all these myths reconfirm a comforting vision of the world: Evil is out there, and it can be defeated. It was my vision of the world, as a child with Jesus Christ as my G.I. Joe. But there’s another reason those stories keep coming back: When we tell them, we’re saying evil is most definitely not inside us.

This was my worldview in Romania. In some ways, with my suffering and deprivation during those years, I was surrounded by more evil intent than at any other time of my life. Yet I retained my most unsullied experience of good. I believed in it, I prayed to it, and it saved me. I was surrounded by evil, but it was all outside me, in other people. The good guys won, and I was one of them. As a result of that victory, both geopolitical and personal, I arrived in America just in time to make a generous living from the greatest period of industrial growth in history. But I hadn’t left evil behind, in Europe. It was waiting patiently for me in America, having assumed a more insidious, problematic form. The ones I had to watch out for here didn’t thump into the conference room in jackboots. They wore double-breasted suits and quiet leather brogues. They worked hard. Half the time they were doing something I admired, setting the right tone for a client call, getting us to work all night on a pitch, or helping me earn a nice year-end bonus. But eventually the moment arrived, under pressure, when nothing much in the way these people looked or sounded had changed, and yet everything was different.

Unlike the perennial myths that urge us to believe in the good and stand up to evil, my encounters with the dark side of American life were often hardly distinguishable from the productive routines that enabled me to buy a home and fly to the Caribbean for a vacation. To just see evil as it happens and know it for what it was: I began to realize this was the greatest challenge. Especially when it was in my own heart.

It was more than just seeing through the camouflage of social conventions. The whole notion of evil became hard for me to pin down and understand. At all stages of my life there were destructive psychological forces all around me, but calling them evil didn’t seem to illuminate them or make them any easier to resist. We think the word evil describes something we instinctively understand—bad, destructive behavior—in an objective, impartial way. It’s just a noun, clear and familiar as daylight, the use of which seems essential to our survival as a civilization. And, up to a point, you can’t argue with that. Evil signifies what we oppose, all the behavior we consider wrong and antisocial and disruptive and unjust. It describes behavior we prohibit, as a society, to ensure order and happiness.

That’s certainly part of it, but in the West, it comes with centuries of religious connotations that make the word more of a weapon than a noun. You aim it at people to shame them and control them. In our Western culture, we use it to stigmatize practices, not just prohibit them with rules and statutes. The word itself carries the weight of divine judgment. With the word evil, we say, “You are wrong, and I am right.” For many people, the banishment of Adam and Eve resonates in that word. And so we see a story about a serial killer or a pedophile on television, and we brand them as evil to reenact, emotionally, that moment in Genesis, when an angry God disowns and exiles his two sinners. For those who use the word this way, evil can become a malignant spirit or force personified by the devil or some other dark spiritual entity. Fundamentalists aren’t the only people who accept this view. C. S. Lewis believed it. Even someone who for most of his life behaved as if he were pals with some kind of mischievous devil—Norman Mailer—seemed to endorse this view, in old age. Evil, or the devil, is simply a way of personifying or objectifying a fundamental force in human action.

There’s little room in this for an understanding of “evil” behavior as simply unproductive, self-defeating, and in some ways, built into our nature as human beings. Socrates believed that evil was the by-product of ignorance. Those who under- stood good would simply shed their wrongful behavior. St. Augustine believed evil was the ontological absence of good, a kind of void within the world and the human heart. Yet in the Hebrew Bible, the word for sin actually means to make a mistake—to miss the mark. You’ve taken aim at happiness and goodness, and your arrow has slightly or completely missed its target. There’s an assumption of forgiveness and hope, and practice, no less, built into that understanding of the word. It’s almost a practical term.

As a child, my perils were only about to begin. I had begun as a witness to evil, a little boy who could only stand aside and watch as other members of my family suffered. Now I was about to be drafted as a player into this contest and struggle and become an active opponent, in my own childishly Christian way, of the people who were destroying my family.

For more information visit: www.theconstantchoice.com

About Peter Georgescu:
Peter A. Georgescu arrived in America in 1954, after years of forced labor as a child in communist Romania. Today, he is chairman emeritus of Young & Rubicam Inc., which has more than 300 offices around the globe, vice chairman of New York Presbyterian Hospital, a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, and a graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy, Princeton University, and Stanford Business School. His life long quest to answer the question “Why does evil exist?” led him to ongoing philosophical and spiritual study and an integrative view of morality, religion, and our power to do good to change the world.

Moonlight Tarot’s Question Corner: Mystical Answers to Mundane Inquiries

by Administrator, posted in Guest Authors, Tarot

By Angela Kaufman, Moonlight Tarot LLC

February 2013

This column is intended to provide messages from the Tarot to address modern problems experienced by everyday people. Questioners, also known as “Querents” submit requests to have their issue addressed in a complimentary three card Tarot Reading published as part of the Magical Buffet. The reading not only addresses the Querent’s issue but also provides education about the role of Tarot as a tool for exploration and empowerment.

As February’s cold dark days bring the desire for warmth and comfort, relationships are in focus. Passion and romance are on our minds, and in case we forgot, there is always Valentine’s Day to remind us of our desire to share our lives with others. This month’s Querent is a woman we will call Elizabeth. Elizabeth has concerns about her budding romance, a long distance relationship with a man who seems to hold some promise of development both in terms of commitment and attraction, but with whom she remains uncertain. Pursuit of this relationship will entail risks and she is proceeding with caution, and looking for guidance for the long term growth of this relationship, any potential obstacles. She would also like to gain a sense of where his intentions lie in this relationship. In honor of Elizabeth and the atmosphere of Valentine’s romance, this month’s deck is The Lover’s Tarot. Her reading reveals the Four of Gems, Queen of Gems and The Death card, reversed.

A quick word about the much feared “Death” card before we proceed.In all realms outside of carnival fortune teller scenes in pop media, the Death card is not literal. It portends significant transformations that may bring great loss or sadness in the course of their progression, but it is not a literal indicator of the end of one’s life.

Public service announcement aside, let’s return to Elizabeth’s relationship question. First, to examine the theme for this relationship in the near future, the Four of Gems. This card’s suit is unique to The Lover’s Tarot and in other traditional decks may be termed “coins” or “pentacles”. The Four of Gems indicates that this relationship grows out of a desire for security. Some of this desire is physical security in all its forms- the comfort of knowing each partner is there, the satisfaction of finding balance and harmony in a partnership and the stability of combining material resources, abilities, and assets. There is a sense of satisfaction and harmony in this relationship especially in tangible ways that each partner seems to provide what the other has been missing. There is a feeling with this card that this relationship is grounded in practical matters and it may seem that mundane issues such as money and property are of great concern. There is an equal stake for both partners but much of this relationship rests on material and physical security. The desire for stability is essential and so both partners may look to each other for such stability. There is a strong attraction but its primary focus is grounding rather than emotional. It seems this relationship will develop in a way that emphasizes problem solving, practicality and sharing resources. A possessive side may be developing in this relationship as well however. Be mindful of red flags that this relationship is becoming more about security than actual emotional attraction. Be mindful of the attraction to what it seems you could have together trumping the attraction of how it feels to be with this person. There is potential for harmony on a material/physical/ and practical level but this stability may also yield dependency, clinging to the status quo and resisting change. There will be a desire to hold on to property, money, physical routines and comforts that potentially interferes with the emotional bond or even emotional growth as a partnership. Be very cautious about the potential for possessiveness on both sides of this relationship. It seems the tendency will be to engage in battles of will and the significant other may come to regard Elizabeth or her belongings/property or money with a sense of entitlement or ownership. Be mindful of how resources and assets are dealt with in this relationship. It seems boundaries will need to be clear to avoid stagnation and prioritizing comfort and security over growth and emotional well being. The number four will also be significant as this relationship proceeds. Be on the look out for four types of material resources that become significant to this relationship.

Although potential obstacles emerge in the prior card, the next card specifically addresses challenges this relationship will face. This card also is from the suit of Gems, and it is the Queen of Gems. This suggests that a woman in the role of material provider, business manager, money manager or property owner may be providing financial security or assistance but in doing so is posing a challenge to this relationship. This is likely to be a woman of either dark hair and features or grey/white hair. This would be a woman who is mature, serious but also generous who has developed comfortable means for herself and often invests in others as a way to promote growth and material security. This person or her relationship to either partner is hindering this relationship. There is also a potential warning here for Elizabeth, that this relationship may be focused more on a desire by her significant other to be taken care of financially and that placing too much emphasis on the material assets or property is taking away from the romance in this relationship.

The final card is the Death card, and it is reversed. Being a Major Arcana card elevates the significance of this card. There is a large transition underway for both partners, although it seems particularly to impact the gentleman. This change is being resisted. It seems circumstances surrounding this man are forcing him to confront a significant loss and undergo a deep transition that will further his own growth and development, but he is resisting this change. With this card following the Queen of Gems, it seems as if a connection to the material support of this authority figure, or perhaps the abundance available through a workplace setting, previous relationship with a heavy emphasis on money, or generous business oriented family member, are keeping him in a situation where he is materially successful but not able to make changes to facilitate deeper personal growth- including full commitment to this relationship. It seems as if currents are pulling him in the direction of making a fresh start, committing to a substantial change primarily impacting his life, identity and values, but he seems to resist this change or to shut down rather than opening up to new possibilities, especially ones that he feels threaten his security. For some reason he perceives this relationship as requiring him to give up some measures of his own security or comfort in order to embrace transition and growth. It also seems that severing ties or commitments which seem largely financial in nature, with the Queen of Gems is perceived by him as a threat or at least as a very overwhelming experience and he is resisting this.

It seems that this relationship has the potential for development and growth but the focus stems from a practical need for security found in this partnership that could easily become dependency/possessiveness if not careful. Business or monetary obligations possibly related to a female authority figure pose an obstacle to the further development of the relationship and a major lifestyle change on the horizon for the gentleman in the picture is being hindered by his own resistance to embrace change that would affect his way of life, especially in terms of creating financial or material risk. It is important to bear in mind that both partners have choices to make. Evaluating this relationship for what is apparent and intuited and then deciding how much energy, time, patience are given to this relationship is a process for Elizabeth. Meanwhile, her significant other also has important choices to consider especially in regards to his ability to be receptive to the changing tides around him which seem to be setting the stage for transformation and initiation in his own life but which he is not currently embracing openly. Knowledge of these patterns can help ease into transition and take healthy risks to allow one’s self to advance personally, spiritually, and in a partnership. It should be noted however that if one person, say Elizabeth, awaits the receptivity and openness of her partner yet over time it appears he still remains unyielding, holding on to a way of life that he has the potential to outgrow both personally and for the sake of this relationship- then she may have to accept that this relationship is not moving in a direction that would allow for optimal growth as a partnership. Based on this information Elizabeth can discuss her feelings about the direction this relationship is taking and attempt to openly engage her significant other in a conversation about his fears, the potential for this transition and what is holding him back. Through this type of communication there is a potential to work through the insecurities that bring such resistance to change but it will require patience as it seems this person views this transition as very overwhelming. When a card like the Death card is reversed it suggests blocked energy and in knowing this, there are actions both the Querent or others involved can attempt in order to resume a flow of energy conducive to progress not stagnation. Communication and faith can be key elements to reversing the Death card which would bring an open acceptance of a new beginning, one paving the way for growth and development on a significant level.

Best of luck to Elizabeth, and thanks for participating in this month’s column! As always, no matter where you are reading this from all readings are for entertainment only in accordance with New York State law.

Interested in being the Querent in next month’s column? Contact Angela at Trionfi78@gmail.com.

About Angela: Angela Kaufman has been exploring divination through Tarot cards over a decade. She is a Certified Professional Tarot Reader and formed Moonlight Tarot in 2009 which would become Moonlight Tarot LLC in 2010. Angela uses the Tarot to assist clients in exploring personal growth and development, and in accordance with New York State Law offers readings for entertainment purposes. Angela began providing readings on a professional, “Moonlighting” basis in order to provide affordable readings to those seeking guidance, inspiration and fun. Angela is also co-author of the new book “Wicca, What’s the Real Deal? Breaking Through the Misconceptions.” (Schiffer Publishing, 2011). In 2006 she joined ISIS Paranormal Investigations and has accompanied the team on numerous investigations in private residences and businesses throughout the capital region, Adirondacks, Vermont and Massachusetts.

For more information on services offered by Moonlight Tarot LLC, visit http://www.moonlighttarotllc.com

Check out Moonlight Tarot on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MoonlightTarotLlc

For more related to Tarot and Wicca, check out: Wicca, What’s the Real Deal? At www.wwtrd.webs.com

This month’s reading was conducted using the True Love Tarot, Secrets of Mating, Dating and Relating by Amy Zerner and Monte Farber available published by St. Martins Press (2006). Copies of this deck are available at http://www.amazon.com/True-Love-Tarot-Monte-Farber/dp/0312337566

Opening to Your Intuition: Building a Strong Foundation for Your Psychic Work

by Administrator, posted in Books, Guest Authors, Psychic

By Karen Harrison

The “trick” to being psychic is very simple: you need to be able to hear and listen to your inner voice clearly in order to receive the information that is being offered to you via your psychic senses. Learning to meditate teaches you how to quiet your thoughts and center your focus and concentration so that your inner voice can speak clearly to you—and so that you are ready to listen. In addition, the practice of meditation teaches you how to enter the alpha brain wave consciousness purposefully. In the alpha brain state, your focus and awareness is on your internal experiences—feelings, intuitions, and creative thought, because your electrical brain wave patterns are moving at a slower frequency or rhythm.

Scientists and physicians who study the human brain have discovered that it generally produces brain waves in four basic classifications: Beta, our normal waking consciousness state when we are focused on tasks and memorization, exhibits brain wave frequencies between 12 to 38 Hz; alpha, the brain wave state humans experience during meditation and times of relaxed creativity with a frequency between 8 to 13 Hz; theta, the brain wave state we experience in between waking and sleep when we are just coming out of our dreams with frequencies between 4 to 8 Hz; and delta, when the brain is in a deep sleep or unconscious mode with frequencies below 4 Hz. Hz is the abbreviation for Hertz, which is a unit of frequency measuring the change in state or cycle of a sound wave, alternating current, or other cyclical waveform, in this case the electromagnetic activity of the brain, of one cycle per second.

Being in the relaxed alpha brain wave mode of consciousness allows you to have a clear bridge of communication between the right hemisphere of the brain—the place of creativity and psychic sensitivity—and the left hemisphere of the brain—the place of logic, linear thinking, and perceptions. Meditation and centering allows for a clear channel of communication between the two halves of the brain, which will bring you clarity, insight, and understanding of the psychic information you receive.

Now, when I speak about your “inner voice,” keep in mind that you may get your psychic information in a different way than “hearing” it inside your head. Sometimes you may just get a flash of information and suddenly simply “know” something. You may have a vision that could be a complete scenario, or it may be simply a symbol or a face that you will need to work with as you interpret its meaning further. You may hear a quiet voice in your mind which gives you information. You may receive psychic information via your dreams. You may use a psychic tool such as the tarot or I Ching and interpret the cards or the throw of the coins. You may use a scrying mirror or crystal ball to psychically “see” scenes, images, symbols, colors, or numbers. You might employ a pendulum and use it to gain answers by the direction that it moves. There are many ways to obtain psychic impressions, intuit answers, and receive specific information that will help yourself or others.

When I use the term “inner voice,” I am talking about accessing that part of yourself that receives, interprets, and recounts information not obtained from your everyday material world or physical senses. It doesn’t matter the method by which you get the information or how it may be presented to you. The important point is that you pay attention and take note of the information that you receive.

Your inner voice is like any other part of you—the more you use it, the stronger and more skilled it gets at giving you information. The less you use it or pay attention to it, the more it atrophies and weakens. Everybody is a born psychic. You, me, everyone. It’s a natural ability and a part of what it means to be human. Some people are born with such a strong inner voice that they can’t help but hear it—these people, if not trained, may not be able to understand what they are getting, but the voice is strong. If they don’t understand why they are having these visions or why they can feel emotions and thoughts so strongly from others, they might work hard to shut it down, but it will always be there, ready to communicate again. Learning to hear your inner voice is like learning to play an instrument, becoming skilled at a sport, or mastering anything. What you have to do is acknowledge the desire and then practice the discipline. And then practice some more. The more you practice anything, the more skilled you become. It’s exactly the same with developing and honing your innate, human psychic skills.

The ability to meditate is essential to clearly hearing your inner voice. If you cannot quiet your mind, relax, center yourself, and focus, you will find that trying to access that inner voice and listen to what it has to tell you will be a frustrating experience. Sure, you’ll still be able to get the occasional psychic “hit,” but it will come sporadically, and I bet it will come when you are daydreaming or in that half-asleep, relaxed alpha brain state before you begin to drift into sleep at night or as you wake up in the morning. You will have a psychic experience at times when you are inadvertently in a slightly altered, quieter state of mind. If you want to use your psychic skills dependably and in a conscious way, you’ll learn the basics of meditation.

Sometimes when people hear the word “meditation,” they have the mistaken notion that they have to commit to a lengthy process in order to achieve a mental state of complete, total sublimation and control of the conscious mind. Not at all. No, you don’t have to chant mantras or be able to keep your mind absolutely blank for ten minutes or more. I’m talking about creating a meditative state of mind wherein you are calm, relaxed, and receptive. A state where you can focus on just one thing for a few minutes at a time, allowing your quiet thoughts to examine that one thing, consider it, and explore it. As you do this, your breathing will naturally slow, your body will relax, and you will feel at great ease. This thing that you are focusing on can be an image, a question, a feeling, a sensation, or a concept.

About Karen Harrison:
Karen Harrison has been involved with magick, the psychic arts, and occultism since early childhood. She earned a Master of Herbology from the Emerson College of Herbology in Montreal, and has worked as a professional psychic since she was seventeen years old. A third generation psychic, she has taught thousands of people how to open their own intuition and use that insight to enrich their lives.

Copyright © 2012 The Everyday Psychic by Karen Harrison Reprinted with permission from Red Wheel/Weiser LLC Available wherever books or ebooks are sold or from www.redwheelweiser.com or 1-800-423-7087.