From Judy – Respect!

Many of my friends have read the editorial from our November 2009 issue, and they have suggested that I provide it on our blog, so that more people may read it.  Following their guidance, I now share the November editorial.

                               *********************

Picture is from www.freewebs.com

From The Editors – Respect!
As I sat in meditation on Tuesday morning, I asked what topic I should use for this upcoming newsletter (November). For me, meditation is always contemplative, and words flow through my brain, and I get to watch them. The word that kept starting to
repeat itself was “respect”. The most common phrase that a Shaman seems to use is “Well, isn’t that interesting!” And, that is exactly what I said, when I kept seeing this word, “respect”.

What sorts of images does it bring up in your mind? For me, the first thing I saw was Aretha Franklin, on stage, and belting out “R-E-S-PE-C-T”. If you want to hear her, check out the YouTube video of her at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z0XAI-PFQcA. The second flash was of our dogs, Magic and Sage, and how one of them might leave their food in their dish, and the other one respects that space, and leaves the food alone. In fact, I saw all the times
that Magic and Sage showed each other respect, and love. And then my vision shifted to a time in August where a tree removing company, hired to remove our next door neighbour’s tree, set up camp on our RV drive, without permission, in total disrespect
of our yard and privacy. In our world, permission to proceed is a universal law, and a sign of respect for the person or people involved. Then many visions of disrespect rolled up on my screen. People swearing at each other. Bullies – in the workplace and in schools. The way oil companies and construction firms and corporations, in general, treat the Earth with disrespect. I saw how governments disrespect the people they represent by putting laws in place that are restrictive or favor pharmaceutical
companies: by officials taking bribes and even demanding bribes: by controlling the news; and by not restricting over use of resources.

My vision then moved to self respect. All actions stem from one’s view of self. My favourite definition of respect is “to show regard for, or esteem for, and to avoid violation of, or interference with”. I saw how many times in the past I disrespected
myself, based on the definition above, before I learned self respect. And, my screen changed shape to show me so many people who because of the lack of self respect, and the anger around that feeling, tend to disrespect everything and everybody. I was overwhelmed! I came out of the meditation and went to work. I kept thinking about respect. As I was Stumbling through websites (Stumble is a search tool that takes one to random websites based on the person’s interests), articles on respect began to pop up. A line by Dear Abby caught my eye. "We teach people how to treat us." What this means is if we treat ourselves with respect we will be treated with respect. Likewise, if we disrespect ourselves, others will tend to do likewise. I also found this lovely prayer.

Self-respect Prayer
O God, teach me that self-respect cannot be hunted. It cannot be purchased. It is never for sale. It comes to me when I am alone, in quiet moments, in quiet places, when I suddenly realize that, knowing the good, I have done it; knowing the beautiful, I have served it; knowing the truth, I have spoken it.

My wish for each of us is that we do take time to do self care, and that we learn to say no when we are being pressured by others. And, my greatest wish is that each of us walks each day in love and in respect for self and for others.

May you walk softly on this Earth,
Judith and Roger  

Judy@angelsandancestors.com   Join us -

Crystal Skulls Workshop 1 – How To Work With Your Crystal Skull

You saw a crystal skull, and knew without a doubt, that you must purchase it. Now, what do you do with it? Is it like a crystal? Does it really talk? Does it have stories to share?

Topics included in this one day workshop:

• Skulls of light.

• Skulls as transmitters.

• Crystal Skulls and the Stars.

• Learning to “talk” to your crystal skull.

• Decoding the messages from your skull.

• Does the type of crystal make a difference?

• Protecting your skull.

• Gratitude and your skull.

• Q and A

Dates: Sunday, December 13th, from 9:30-5:30pm at The Healing Forest, 5034-49th Street, Olds, AB.  Fee: $142.00 Register by Dec 7th with Rose at 403-556-9411

 

 

Spirit animal – Indian Tiger And Deer

When I saw this picture, I was struck by the story it told. Two of the top specimens of their kind, battled for twenty-four hours to determine life and death.  The tiger needs to hunt and kill to eat and to survive.  The scenario is very much like the motivational story about the lion and the gazelle, which I used to use when I was teaching Organizational Behaviour.

“Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the fastest lion or it will die, so it prays to God in the morning saying “God help my feet to be faster than the lion today, so I don’t become its meal”. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle or it will starve to death, so it also prays to God saying “God help my feet to be faster than the gazelles today, so I can feed”.

Now the God I know answers prayers, so who’s prayer will it answer on this day, the gazelle’s or the lion’s, I’m sure if you were God, you will be confused here, well I can put the question in another form, if Nigeria and Brazil were to play a football match today and both teams pray who’s prayer will God answer? I’m sure the answers will be different in Nigeria and Brazil.

Well the truth is God has answered their prayers by giving both the gazelle and the lion skills to survive, so now on this faithful morning, it will be up to the one who puts to best use the skills and abilities at its disposal.

And the truth is it doesn’t matter whether you are a lion or a gazelle; when the sun comes up, you’d better be running.”

                        ****************************

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/picturegalleries/picturesoftheday/6588319/Pictures-of-the-day-17-November-2009.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A Sambar, an Asian deer, is chased by a tiger at the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger reserve near Nagpur in the Indian State of Maharashtra. The battle went on for 24 hours, with the deer escaping three times before finally falling prey to the tiger.           ******************************

Judy@angelsandancestors.com    See our newest workshop  -

Learn to work with your Crystal Skull Workshop (click on underlined link to jump to workshop page.)
-- Sunday, December 13th, 9:30-5:30pm, The Healing Forest, 5034-49th Street, Olds, AB, 403-556-9411.
-- Sunday, January 31, 2010 from 9:30 – 5:30pm Calgary, Call Judy at 403-271-2269

Spirit Animal – Coelacanth Fish

Young 'living fossil' fish filmed Last Updated: Wednesday, November 18, 2009 | 12:01 PM ET CBC News  

 

Picture from Aquamarine Fukushima

Recently, animals that were extinct are being discovered in obscure places, and often by pure luck.  It was luck that allowed the marine researchers to find this great specimen of a Coelacanth.

Why is Coelacanth now appearing to the world again?  Is she here to remind us that all things move in cycles, and that even fish this old may appear again?  Is she here to remind us to have more reverence for life?  Perhaps she has come to show humans that sometimes you have to retreat and rest before going back out in public.  Or, maybe her goal is to show people what a legend really looks like, because there are legends about her.

Coelacanth does have a message for people.  If you feel drawn to finding out more about Coelacanth, then be sure that she wants to work with you for as your power animal.  Her first message is around truth.  Coelacanth reminds us that many people have discounted the fact that she lived because of the stories and legends.  The unbelievers said that she was a lie created to intimidate and impress the white man.  Scientific organizations discounted her.  And now, here she is again to prove the truth of her existence. 

The parallel story in human life is of course, those people that proclaim that Nazi Germany’s determination to extinguish anyone with a Jewish faith or heritage, and the concentration camps and death chambers, are stories made up to impress people against war.  The unbelievers say that all the pictures taken around the world of the concentration camps are fabricated. The unbelievers say  it could not happen because humans could not do that to each other. Coelacanth warns that as long as people dis-believe, the holocaust and other horrors visited on humans by humans will re-occur.  She points to the annihilation  of different tribes through the continent of Africa. 

Coelacanth urges that you look for truth yourself, that you feel it in your heart.  She asks that you check your sources, and that you do not accept the teachings or interpretations of others.  She says, “If the world is to end, why would I be born now? This is a time of new beginnings.  Enjoy them!”

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Spirit Animals – Miracle Coyote

I may have mentioned that one of the reasons that Roger and I moved into our area in south east Calgary was because a pair of coyotes ran along side the car, the very first time I went to see houses in the area.  They were so happy and carefree, and they looked exactly like a new couple, just like Roger and I, who were about to embark upon a new life together. 

Coyotes generally live for about ten years in the wild, although, if domesticated, they can live the same life span as a dog which is up to about eighteen years.

Naturalists have observed that coyotes learn very well by simple observational learning.  My choice of words – observe and observational – are deliberate because Coyote is said to be the mirror of and for mankind.  Different aboriginal tribes through North America have stories telling of Coyote’s foolish behaviour, and of his canny, unselfish behaviour.  Just like humans may be foolish or wise, so do the actions of Coyote show his playfulness, and his concern, especially for family members.

Coyote has survived as a species for about 1.1 million years.  The following story will help you see why we might want to emulate Coyote.

********************************************************************

Miracle coyote from www.24hourforums.com – thanks for posting this great story….  Note that the pictures are copyright by Rex Features…

                          ****************

Meet the wiliest of all coyotes: Hit by a car at 75mph, embedded in the fender,road for 600 miles - and SURVIVED!
When a brother and sister struck a coyote at 75mph they assumed they had killed the animal and drove on. They didn't realize this was the toughest creature ever to survive a hit-and-run. Eight hours, two fuel stops, and 600 miles later they found the wild animal embedded in their front fender - and very much alive. Daniel and Tevyn East were driving at night along Interstate 80 near the Nevada-Utah border when they noticed a pack of coyotes near the roadside on October 12. When one of the animals ran in front of the car, the impact sounded fatal so the siblings thought there no point in stopping. 'Right off the bat, we knew it was bad,' Daniel explained. 'We thought the story was over.'

After the incident around 1am, they continued their 600 mile drive to North San Juan - even stopping for fuel at least twice. But it was only when they finally reached their destination at 9am did they take time to examine what damage they may have sustained.

At first it looked as though it was going to be quite gruesome. '[Daniel] saw fur and the body inside the grill,' Tevyn East said. 'I was trying to keep some distance. Our assumption was it was part of the coyote - it didn't register it was the whole animal.'

Daniel East got a broom to try and pry the remains out of the bumper and got the shock of his life. 'It flinched,' Tevyn East
said. 'It was a huge surprise - he got a little freaked out.'

'We knew it was bad': Tevyn East, who was in the car when it hit the coyote, bends down to take a look at the fur poking through the fender

Fur Pete's sake: What Mr. East spotted as he bent down to inspect the damage to his car - the body of the coyote poking out through the radiator

Wily coyote: The animal's head can be seen as rescuers took apart the front fender to save it after it was struck by the car at 75mph

Miracle escape: As the animal struggled,
wildlife protection officials put a loop around its neck to prevent it  from further injuring itself  The front of the car is completely taken apart  as the coyote begins to wriggle free

And voila! Tricky the toughest coyote ever  rests in a cage after its ordeal - which it survived with just some scrapes to its paw

                **********************************************

Judy@angelsandancestors.com  Watch for our next newsletter for December 1 at www.angelsandancestors.com   

Crystals Light Workshop on November 28 & 29 2009 at The Healing Forest, 5034-49th Street Olds, AB TIME: Saturday 10am - 6pm; Sunday 9:30 am – 5pm (allow for overtime)  To register call: Rose at The Healing Forest 403-556-9411. Work with Roger Joyeux, Author of “The Story of Light”.  To understand crystals, first understand light. Then, understand how light works with our minds, Chakras, polarity, consciousness, etherics, emotions, awareness, souls, and vibration.

Spirit Animal – Rat

Ukrainian organizations in Canada have today issued an urgent appeal to the Canadian public and government for assistance in combating the serious explosion of severe acute respiratory illness that has struck Ukraine in the past week and now affects over 900,000 people, with some 40,000 people now hospitalized. (http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2009/08/c7130.html)

Picture from Wikipedia, Rats in the Karni Mata Temple, the Temple of Rats

What if the simple answer to how this flu is spreading is that, as with the bubonic plague, Rat is spreading the disease, and man is helping?  What if the Rats were sick, and man, by improper handling of the dead rats, spread the disease by simple contamination? For a different view of the epidemic in the Ukraine, see http://zetatalk.com/index/zeta543.htm. 

We, humans, hold Rat in contempt, and we have many sayings and insults that refer to rat-like behaviour:

• He “ratted” out his cronies in the bank heist.
• Rats leave a sinking ship – is a phrase often used when employees leave a company that appears to be in trouble.
• A movie called “Rat Race” was made, starring Whoopi Goldberg and John Cleese of Fawlty Tours fame.  This depicted the mindless way people will pursue treasure as rats pursue food in a maze.
• When the cat's away the rats will play.

With all this bad press, why does the Asian culture hold Rat in esteem?  Why do people have pet Rats?  Rats have very human like qualities. They are loyal, loving, honest, creative, ambitious, quite intelligent, and if crossed, may be vicious.  And, they love food! If they can get enough, they, like humans, are wasteful.  The link between rats and humans extends into the lab where many of the chemicals that are now used to treat humans, were developed and then tested, on Rats.

Rat is the sacred animal of Lord Ganesh, the deity that removes obstacles.  Over time, Rat has helped man remove many obstacles in understanding the spread of disease, in culture and in the body. Rat is the first animal in the Zodiac because he used his brains to win the race of all animals that wanted to be recognized on the Wheel of the Zodiac. He therefore, became one of the first animals to be a messenger from the Heavens to humans on Earth.

If Rat is now showing up in our lives, what is he trying to say? Some of the messages may include:

1.  Wild Rat lives comfortably with humans because we have so much waste.  If Rat is with you, he may be telling you that you have too much waste, or that you over consume, that is, take out more than is good for you.

2.  Rat will eat and carry off almost anything that they can move.  If you have lots of everything, and Rat shows up, the question becomes about fear and hoarding.  Why do you feel like you will never have enough?  Why do you think you must keep everything for a “rainy” day?  By having so much “stuff”, you weigh yourself down with baggage or attachment to the material.  This is as good as giving yourself an illness.

3.  Rats are predators and survivors.  If Rat is showing up, he may be showing you how greed is affecting your life, or he may be warning you about the greed that others have, and how in their greed, they will use you.  If this feels right for you, then ask Ganesh, the God of Success, and the Destroyer of Obstacles to help you!

May Rat serve you early warnings of obstacles in your life!

Judy@angelsandancestors.com   Roger’s highly popular Crystals’ Light workshop is coming to Olds Alberta

Crystals Light Workshop on November 28 & 29 2009 at The Healing Forest, 5034-49th Street Olds, AB TIME: Saturday 10am - 6pm; Sunday 9:30 am – 5pm (allow for overtime)  To register call: Rose at The Healing Forest 403-556-9411. Work with Roger Joyeux, Author of “The Story of Light”.  To understand crystals, first understand light. Then, understand how light works with our minds, Chakras, polarity, consciousness, etherics, emotions, awareness, souls, and vibration.

Ancestors Speak – How to Heal Cold Sores With Aloe Vera

Whenever I am clearing an emotion or an event that has been blocking my growth, I generally get a cold.  Most often, when I have cleared the cold, I receive the added present of a cold sore after I have finished coughing, sneezing and blowing my nose.  Now, most of the time, I can clear a cold in one day.  The cold sore, however was taking a lot longer to heal.  And, cold sores are annoying!

I think I have tried every product on the market for cold sores, as well as using energy healing techniques like -  throwing cold sores to fire, using Reiki, EFT, BodyTalk, Quantum Touch, Integrative Healing, and prayer.  It seemed that all of these things took at least a week to heal the cold sore.  My goal is to heal a cold sore in one or two days.  Several of my friends get cold sores from too much Sun, or from too much chocolate.  They too would like to have a remedy that works within one day.

Then, mid October, I got a one day cold which I cleared by spending forty minutes on the copper board, eating four Vitamin C 500 mg about every 1.5 hours, and gargling with Listerine.

Copper board used by Roger Joyeux in Crystal and Copper Board Layouts (http://www.angelsandancestors.com/crystallayout.html)  Picture by S. Roger Joyeux © 2009

The cold started about 3:00am and by the time I got up at 7:30am, was in full swing. By the time I went to bed, at 10:30pm, I felt great.  The next morning, when I woke up, I felt that tell tale tingle that a cold sore was starting.  I searched for a solution.  The list of vitamins and minerals that I found included the following:

• Vitamin C Take 200-500 mg. of vitamin C along with 200-500 mg. of citrus bioflavonoids three times a day. This remedy will greatly reduce the duration of the sores.
• Vitamin E, applied topically, will provide pain relief.
• Yogurt Eating plain yogurt (with acidophilus) with live cultures is a good preventive measure. Heat-treated yogurt won't work. People who have added yogurt to their daily diet have discovered that they don't get cold sores, or very few. Yogurt seems to stimulate the immune system.
• Zinc Using zinc has been reported to reduce the duration of cold sores. Applied topically, it speeds healing. Zinc tablets may also help, but don't take more than 15 mg for more than a week or so without medical supervision. Take up to 60 mg a day for the first week.

As I looked at the list, I was puzzled.  I was taking huge amounts of Vitamin C, so that did not seem to work for me – I still got one.  I pulled out some liquid Vitamin E, and the stinging endured.  I wasn’t about to rush out to buy Yogurt or Zinc.  One of my friends suggested using toothpaste, so I tried that for the rest of the day.  My cold sore still hurt and was growing.  I went to bed feeling a bit frustrated that I could not heal it.

As I drifted off to sleep, I heard that phrase “For every illness that man does know, God has caused a plant to grow.”  I got it!  I needed to look for a plant.

The next morning, I started my quest, after I watered my plants and did my house work.  As I did tasks, my gaze kept being drawn to my Aloe Vera plant. So, I looked up Aloe Vera for treating cold sores.  The following advice was on a page about folk remedies. 

When the tingling starts, try rubbing juice from an aloe plant on the affected area. If you are traveling, take a bottle of aloe gel with you just in case a sore begins. This remedy is especially effective if used at the first sign of a cold sore, but will also stop it later on, too, and will begin the healing process immediately and keep the sore from "blossoming."

I rushed back down stairs and asked my largest Aloe Vera plant if I could use pinches of its leaf to heal my cold sore.  It was happy to help.  I started rubbing the Aloe Vera on at about 2:00pm, and by evening, the tingling had decreased significantly. I used it all day, and took a pinch and used it through the night.  I continued  this and all in all, it took three days to heal the cold sore because I started into the second day of the problem.

 

Aloe vera plant in the window

Last week, however, I was able to heal a cold sore in one day.  This was an after effect of a one day cold which I caught going to a public market.

Here’s how I did it. I felt the merest tingle.  I pinched off about a nickel sized piece of the plant and then split open the skin to reveal the gel inside.  I rubbed the gel, directly from the stalk of the plant, on my cold sore.  I also rubbed the gel all around my lips to prevent the cold sore from spreading. I waited for the first application to dry a bit because it dries quite quickly, and then I rubbed the gel on again.  I snipped off several pieces and put them in saran wrap in my pocket so that I could apply the gel anytime, and I did apply it about every half to three-quarters of an hour.  When I ran out of Aloe Vera pieces, I simply went and got some more.  I used it all through the night as well.  By morning, I was clear.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com  If you try this, let me know how it works.   FYI….

Crystals Light Workshop on November 28 & 29 2009 at The Healing Forest, 5034-49th Street Olds, AB TIME: Saturday 10am - 6pm; Sunday 9:30 am – 5pm (allow for overtime)  To register call: Rose at The Healing Forest 403-556-9411. Work with Roger Joyeux, Author of “The Story of Light”.  To understand crystals, first understand light. Then, understand how light works with our minds, Chakras, polarity, consciousness, etherics, emotions, awareness, souls, and vibration.

Angels Speak - Angel Message of the Week 11-15-09

There are many people that channel angel messages.  This week however, when I received the following angel message from a friend, I realized that this was a message that needed to be shared.  I am grateful to Lisa for always finding the messages from the Angels that meet the needs of these times.  If this message resonates for you, please let her and let me know.  Many blessings!

*********************************************************

 

Picture of Archangel Ariel from the website www.ravenmedium.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Choose to believe the worst is behind you so that you do not bring more difficulties into your life.  This past year has been hard for many and now it is almost at an end.  Clear the past from your thoughts and move forward with the belief that the best is yet to come and it will.  Thoughts have great power and the wonderful thing is that you have complete control of yours.” – The Angels

Please share as guided.

Many Blessings
Lisa C. Beachy   
Angel  & Spiritual Intuitive -Reiki & Adv. Theta Healer Connecting you with your Spiritual Team http://www.facebook.com/l/f1929;www.LisaBeachy.com

**********************************************

Judy@angelsandancestors.com     NEW MOON MEDITATION

  Starry Night - No Moon  from culturalcocktailhour.files.wordpress.com

Monday, November 16, 2009 from 7:30-9:00pm   By Donation

It is now winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Join us as we invite Great Spirit and Anu, Irish Celtic Goddess of Manifestation Magick, Moon, Air, Fertility, and Prosperity to join us in meditation, to help us renew our energies in this time of rest in the natural world.  After the meditation, we will have light snacks (provided), ground to the Earth, and meet new friends and greet old friends.  Dress comfortably.  If you like to sit on the floor, bring your favourite meditation pillow.  Call Judy at 403-225-2016 to reserve your place (and for snack preparation).  To see the dates of future New Moon events, check NEW MOON.

Angels Speak – 11:11

Angels are gathering around the world this day to help Great Spirit/The Universe send the vibration of Heart Logic, or Great Love through to planet Earth.

Angels flying over Earth from www.Drakkan.com

 

 

 

 

On this day, 11:11, it is time to amplify the healing of the hearts of the humans.  For so long, they have been controlled, and brain washed into thinking that there is nothing beyond fear – doom and destruction.  For their own purposes, a group of men have taken all of the prophecies and moulded them into one constant message of destruction of the Earth in 2012. This is not the case!

Humans need to find that with Heart Logic, the knowing that comes from that place of love and truth, which cannot be controlled by others as Brain Logic can be controlled, that the Earth is undergoing a transformation of Love.  Love for self, love for others, and love for Mother Earth and for all the Universe.  For, each being is of the greater whole, and although some humans want to cover up that information, now is the time for the meaning of life to come through. 

All light workers from other planets congregate now to help this message reach the most of mankind, and to pierce through the many stories that have been fed to mankind through the last four thousand years.  Some of you are awake.  It is time to awaken everyone.    Heart Logic is about truth, and the need to expand truth.  It is about integrity.  It is about loving without conditions (judgement, boundaries, control). Most of all, it is about expanding the universal consciousness to allow that Earth plays a major role in the next wave of understanding of the duality of separateness versus the community.  With this new understanding, the community of the future may protect itself in the past, since time is without meaning in the present.  The future being may be the present teacher for the human having an Earthly experience. 

The Legions of Michael

Judy@angelsandancestors.com    See www.angelsandancestors.com for updated workshops and gatherings.

From Judy – Iceland without McDonalds

Imagine my surprise when I read the headlines noted below about Iceland no longer having a McDonald’s anywhere on the island.  My first thought was, “Boy! Are they ever lucky!”

My second thought was, “Wow! This is the mirror, showing us what is to come… the fall of corporations.” 

Run on Iceland McDonald's as chain flips last burgers ca.news.yahoo.com/s/afp/091031/oddities/iceland_economy_us_food_company_mcdonalds_offbeat 

Picture from AFP

 

Why do I say “fall of corporations”?  Many prophecies have spoken of the time when greed and power no longer exist.  Corporations, with their profit mandate, represent this old power style.  Too, I see the changes that are coming, and how individuals are opting for healthier life styles, and also opting to avoid supporting large corporations. Instead, people are supporting mom and pop shops, and vegetarian, and hundred mile diets.  All these actions represent a changing consciousness. 

McDonald’s began in 1954 in California by Dick and Mac McDonald when the first franchisee purchased a store from them.  Since then, McDonald’s has gone around the world and there are five generations of people in North America who have lived with McDonald’s in their lives.  McDonald’s, even though it serves hamburgers, organizes along traditional, functional lines of authority including:

• Operations (equipment and franchising)
• Development (property and construction)
• Finance (supply chain and new product development)
• Marketing (sales marketing)
• Human Resources (customer services, personnel, hygiene and safety)

Many people will point to some of the good things that McDonald’s does, such as providing drinks and sometimes food, free of charge for charitable event fund raisers. No one will disagree that the Ronald McDonald Houses have helped a lot of people.  And, by employing teenagers, McDonald’s has been an excellent trainer of youth, both around the concepts of service and the concepts of business.  

McDonald’s also pulls a lot of money out of an economy. Iceland is battling to rebuild to the economy that it once had.  Perhaps, in a way, McDonald’s is supporting the country by pulling out.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com

Ancestors Speak – Perseverance

Canada is a very young country when compared to the vast history that comes from the north of Africa, from China, from Russia and from Europe.  When our forefathers came from Europe, they landed in a country with extremes – cold, hot, insects, and drought.  Through it all, they persevered.  I am grateful for their dedication. 

Picture from www.quill-lakes.com

 

With this belief in mind, I read a meditation today, that focused on perseverance, and how, on one hand, this is a very remarkable trait to have.  To back that thought up, we have read countless stories about different men and women that continued on with some task, regardless of the odds, and then ended up being very successful because they never gave up.  Leadership gurus talk about the fact that the most successful among us are those who keep on going… “the tough keep going when the going gets tough”. 

The compelling thought in this mediation was that when we persevere, we become so focused that many other things in our lives go out of balance.  We may lose sight of love, family, community, and the list goes on.  We may even lose sight of who we are, and why we started the journey in the first place.  For some people, perseverance may be equated with ego, and the need to be right. Working from ego is to be truly out of balance.

So, how do we tell if we are persevering or being stubborn?  The answer is that if we are persevering for the greatest and highest good, then everything flows along smoothly, without hitches, and people, your family  and friends, are cheering you on.  If you are being stubborn/ego bound, then the journey seems difficult and full of obstacles.  And, there will be loss of family and friends.

This brings up the question, “Well, doesn’t the end justify the means?”  I have no answer for that question.  Each person’s circumstances are so very different.  My observation is that when someone is walking their path, even in perseverance, and living spiritually, and in balance, then giving up or losing something is not required. 

What have you been so focused on that you may have lost something?

Judy@angelsandancestors.com    See our November newsletter online at www.angelsandancestors.com.  This month’s theme is on RESPECT.  Our December issue will feature animal stories, and Christmas stories so if you have a story to share, please send it to me.

Spirit Animal – Small Grey Moth

Bent-Line Grey Moth, picture from www.insectsofalberta.com

 

 

 

For the past several weeks, every time I am by myself, I seem to see this small, grey moth.  She sits on the wall, either beside my desk, or beside my bed, or on the wall by the window in the kitchen.  I feel like she is a guardian of sorts.  What makes this very interesting, is that this moth is usually only seen in May to July, in boreal forests.  Now, given that we live close to Fish Creek Park, it seems that this moth could easily have ridden home on my clothes or on one of the dogs, for we often walk in the woods in several different places in the park.

What seems to be most interesting is that my eye is drawn to her when I am thinking about self care – resting, meditating, even simply sitting down for a bit when I was doing six and eight hours of tomato canning for several days. The little moth watched, with wings folded out, in a sign of total relaxation.  In hind sight, Moth was telling me to take time to relax, and put my feet up. 

Moth is nocturnal, and, I was seeing it during the day.  I read that scientists believe that Moth navigates at night by orienting to the moon, and is able to fly in a straight line by keeping itself the same approximate distance from this bright object.  Since Moth was staying close to me, and approximately the same distance at all times, I began to wonder whether she saw me as a bright object.  Or, perhaps she was telling me that if I spent time in mediation, and working with my guides and angels, that I could be a bright light. 

The one thing Moth did accomplish was to get me to be totally in the present moment when I was thinking about her, and puzzling over her appearance.  When one is in the present moment, time goes quickly, and yet seems to be slowed down so that one is conscious of each action.  After a session of being fully present, the clock shows that not much time has passed so it seems that all our activities are compressed into the moment or minutes that we are present.  So, I am very grateful to Moth for keeping me present, and for helping me through my canning. Perhaps that is the reason that she showed up.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com     See more on Moth at  Spirit Animal - How to Understand Moth,  Spirit Animals – St Lawrence Tiger Moth     See our November newsletter online at www.angelsandancestors.com.  This month’s theme is on RESPECT.  Our December issue will feature animal stories, and Christmas stories so if you have a story to share, please send it to me.

Buddha Speaks – A Healing Chant/Prayer

I am a baby boomer, as are many of my friends.  Now, when we meet, one of the first topics of conversation is “how are your parents” (or mother or father).  It seems like many of us are having the experience of loved ones and friends dying.  Often, death may seem like a blessing because the person has had an illness that debilitates and causes the family to feel helpless.

Picture of healing lotus from qimansworld.today.com

 

 

 

Several days ago, one of my clients phoned me and said that she and some friends wanted to get together to do a healing prayer for a good friend that had cancer and was given several months to live.  She asked if I could recommend a good healing prayer.  I recommended the following chant to her. 

Traditional Buddhist Blessing and Healing Chant

Just as the soft rains fill the streams,
pour into the rivers and join together in the oceans,
so may the power of every moment of your goodness
flow forth to awaken and heal all beings,
Those here now, those gone before, those yet to come.

By the power of every moment of your goodness
May your heart's wishes be soon fulfilled
as completely shining as the bright full moon,
as magically as by a wish-fulfilling gem.

By the power of every moment of your goodness
May all dangers be averted and all disease be gone.
May no obstacle come across your way.
May you enjoy fulfillment and long life.

For all in whose heart dwells respect,
who follow the wisdom and compassion of the Way,
May your life prosper in the four blessings
of old age, beauty, happiness and strength.

I love this chant because it is so peaceful and beautiful.  When I read it and say it, it makes me feel connected with the All.  If you decide to use this chant for someone you know, say it out loud,  either one, three, or seven times, each time that you do the chant.  There is power in the sound of the voice and power in the number of repetitions.

Judy@angelsandancestors.com   Events for November – in Calgary – Nov 16th – New Moon Meditation, in Olds – Nov 28 & 29th, Crystals’ Light workshop at The Healing Forest.  See www.angelsandancestors.com

Ancestors Speak – Full Moon for November (November 2, 2009)

 

Image by Khalifa Al-Matawaah ♥ via Flickr

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The full moon aspect of November is called “The Snow Moon”.  As a full moon is always about completion and the sign that something new will start, the name of the moon time is appropriate because northern farmers have completed bringing in their crops (although this year, some are still harvesting corn on the prairies), and the ground has been tilled in preparation for next year.  The snow that comes, blankets the ground and will be the first source of moisture to awaken the Earth in the spring.

The meditation for this full moon is contemplative, and is around “what do I need to work on over the next month” as the end of summer is now here, and my available time is changing.  Some of the topics that are up for grabs include the the time that November 2 represents – All Souls Day.  This is another time to reflect upon one’s ancestors – the ones that have inspired us to move beyond what we believed we were capable of doing.

If you are looking for topics for contemplation, here are a few more.

• who do I need to forgive in my life so I no longer carry baggage around felt past wrongs?
• what activity can I do that makes my soul happy?
• do I have a habit of some sort that blocks my path to happiness?
• what can I do to be less judgemental, or to become non-judgemental?
• do I show the people I love that I love them? Everyday?
• do I need to do more self care? 
• do I need to work on my self esteem?
• do I need to spend more time in nature?

These are some of the thoughts that have been shared with me, and that are worthy of contemplating.  Have a wonderful meditation!

Judy@angelsandancestors.com  See our November newsletter online at www.angelsandancestors.com.  This month’s theme is on RESPECT.  Our December issue will feature animal stories, and Christmas stories so if you have a story to share, please send it to me.

From Judy – November 1, 2009

November waltzes in on the heels of All Hallows‘ Eve or Halloween.  In Celtic and Nordic tradition, this was a time to celebrate the end of the harvest and to put some seeds and grain out at the shrine for those members of the family that have died.

Picture of an ancestors’ shrine from www.pathofeire.org 

 

 

This leads to November 1 which is the traditional time of “Feast of the Dead”.  Although we tend to attribute this festival to the Mexican people, many other countries and belief systems honour their dead at this time. 

I love the tradition of the Huron people, in days gone by.  Whenever a large village shifted location, about every 10-15 years, the Huron celebrated a “Feast of the Dead”.  Since the ancestors could not be moved conveniently with the tribe, a special ceremony was held to offer the ancestors a final resting place and to give the ancestors peace. The bodies were removed from their temporary cave graves and buried in a deep pit lined with furs such as beaver and mink. The ceremony showed the reverence and gratitude that all Huron have for their dead. This grand ceremony was the final release of the souls, and the responsibility that the ancestors had to the tribe.  Those souls now released could walk the path up to the sky, to hunt with the Gods, and live a life of abundance. 

I also love the description that Marcelina at www.mysticalmind.com writes of the preparing of the cemetery for “The Feast Of The Dead”. She writes:

The day before the feast, the younger people would have to tidy up the cemetery. The wooden crosses had to be straightened upright, faded, painted headstones had to be touched up, and the weeds needed to be pulled out. Dried leaves and twigs were placed in a pile to make into a bonfire. The whole surroundings must be swept with a broom to clear the spirits’ path who would be attending the feast. Some of the younger women had to plant flowers and herbs, and others needed to set up the altar on the round, flat rock in the cemetery which had been dedicated for this event. Pictures of the departed, fruits, flowers and candles were carefully placed around the altar while a big cross of Jesus Christ stood at the center.

Westerners, in the past, have a tendency to ignore their ancestors. That behaviour seems to be changing, and more people, even if they do not set up a shrine, are saying prayers for their ancestors.  And that, I think, is a good thing!

Judy@angelsandancestors.com   See our November newsletter online at www.angelsandancestors.com.  This month’s theme is on RESPECT.  Our December issue will feature animal stories, and Christmas stories so if you have a story to share, please send it to me.