Gemstones of the Zodiac - Part 5 - Diamonds

Welcome to Part 5 of our “Gemstones of the Zodiac” series.

The fifth sign of the Zodiac is Leo (July 22 - Aug 21st).  The Mystical Zodiac stone for Leo is Diamond.

Formation

Diamonds are formed from carbon, which is one of the most abundant elements on Earth.  The carbon molecules undergo tremendous heat and pressure to form a diamond.

It is believed that diamonds are most likely discovered someplace other than their original source.  Volcanic activity would carry the diamond crystals inside it.  As surfaces eroded and stream beds formed, discharged diamond crystals would be moved with it, sometimes carrying them all the way to the sea.  Considering their existence has been known for around 3,000 years, diamonds were most likely found in this manner as opposed to mines being excavated.

 

Ancient Greeks named the diamond “adamas” which means invincible and indestructible.  Due to the way it holds and refracts light, famous Persian poet Hafiz once commented that “the rainbow is confined in it forever.”

History

The earliest recorded mention of diamonds is in India around 3,000 years ago.  Then they were mostly prized for their ability to refract light.  This made the diamond sought after for it's decorative purposes.  Their durability was also a symbol of strength, and diamonds were worn as a talisman for soldiers/warriors going into battle.

No less than Julius Caesar, Napoleon and Louis IV all considered diamonds their personal talisman.

In medieval times, people would have a diamond sewn into their clothes to offer protection from the evil eye or spells.  Mary Stuart always carried one, as she believed it would help her identify poisons.
In the Far East, diamonds were thought to be good for the heart.  They would place a diamond in a glass of water and let it sit overnight.  The next day, they would remove the diamond and drink the water.



Healing Properties - White Diamonds

Because its white form is perfectly clear, diamonds are believed to be about purity and bringing things to a whole.  This is why they are the traditional stone for wedding rings.  They are also a sign of fidelity and commitment.

In addition, diamonds are believed to amplify energy - and as result of this, it is important that you be careful what stones you wear with it.  A diamond will intensify the properties of the other stones around it, as well as the energies of those around you (including yourself!).



From a healing perspective diamonds are believed to bring fearlessness, strength and fortitude.  They are thought to dissipate emotional and mental pain, and bring about new possibilities and beginnings.  Obviously, due to their clarity, they are thought to bring enlightenment allowing your inner soul to shine.


Diamonds are also thought to purify and detox your entire body, balance metabolism, help build stamina and treat dizziness and vertigo.




Healing Properties - Colored Diamonds

In addition to clear/white diamonds, there are also multiple colors of diamonds.  These colors have their own properties associated with them.


Yellow - increases thoughtfulness and consideration.

Blue - good for building our willpower and as an inspiration for taking better care of ourselves.

Pink - great for your creative expression.

Black - perfect for increasing your ability to truly look inside yourself, without any preconceptions or illusions.

Cleansing

Diamonds are the one stone that are always pure, and do not need any cleansing of any kind.  

However, as a reminder for your other stones:

For additional information on how to cleanse your stones, refer to the article "Cleansing Your Healing Stones, Crystals and Gemstones Using Selenite" by Diane Fergurson on the Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.

~ Giani

You can read Giani's Tarot reviews in the Review section of this blog.

This is the fifth article in this wonderful series, and I am definitely looking forward to reading more

 in the upcoming months!  I thank Giani

 for his wonderful continued contributions to Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.

                                                                                  

 ~ diane

 

Series Article Part 1 - Opals 

Series Article Part 2 - Sapphire

Series Article 3 - Amethyst

Series Article 4 - Moonstone

Series Article 6 - Agate

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Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Book Review - Calm Focus Joy: The Power of Breath Awareness

Calm Focus Joy: The Power of Breath Awareness
by Heidi Thompson
Coldstream Books

One of the hardest things for many people to do is to bring themselves to a place of 'calm'.  To be able to focus on what they are doing.  In her new book Calm Focus Joy: The Power of Breath Awareness, author Heidi Thompson outlines a program that she has designed to teach children how to use breath awareness as a technique to help transform themselves into a more calm, focused, happy person.

Thompson's Mind Mastery Program developed out of years of working with children as a public education innovator in Canada, combined her 28 years of experience studying and teaching meditation techniques.  In the book she outlines and explains ten breath awareness lessons that act as a "concentration strengthening exercises" that help develop mental facilities including memory, attention, perception, intuition, and intellect.  As she explains breath awareness  promotes brain development, physical health, and provides immediate and long-term relief from unhappy physiological, emotional, and psychological states.  Thompson also points out that breath awareness is fundamental to just about every stress-reduction therapy and method, and it's value has been proven over and over by scientific research.

I wanted to review this book after I read it because I felt that it is a very important, worthwhile book not only for parents of children who need to learn to focus and de-stress, but also for anyone who teaches or is in the helping professions.  Unlike many books about various programs and methods, Calm Focus Joy was written in such a genuine and positive manner, it was a true pleasure to read.

I found the factual information Thompson presents in Calm Focus Joy to be very interesting and she delivers it in a very non evasive, casual way. There are also several things in this book that sets it apart from other self help books that lay out various programs and methods.  For example, I really liked the Teacher's Tips that Thompson included at the end of every step.  Teacher's tips themselves are nothing new, but I enjoyed and appreciated Thompson's fresh and honest approach.  I also found it wise that she included a short story within each step that could be read to the student to further illustrate the step's core essence.  The approach Thompson used to provide basic information about child development and special needs issues is also woven throughout the book in a very low key, understandable way.

All that said, what really struck me about Calm Focus Joy is that it goes one step further.  As part of it's curricula Thompson's program encourages and teaches children to grow into wholesome human beings.  Teaching kids basic core qualities such as 'I promise to Refrain from Hurtful Speech' and "I Promise to Speak Truthfully and to Act Honestly", build a strong basic foundation within an individual child from which awareness, growth, clarity and calm can then take root and grow.  These basic principals of wholesomeness no doubt stem from Thompson's own years of Buddhist practice. They are very worthwhile principals to live by and are needed by not only children growing up in today's world, but adults too. 

Anyone who works with children in any capacity or has children of their own would benefit from reading this book.  Calm Focus Joy: The Power of Breath Awareness is available through Amazon.


~ diane fergurson

 Make sure to also check out our artist interview with Heidi Thompson.

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Spiritual Warrior - Conversations With Healer Darren Orr

Nature Forest Print by Jude McConkey

"Spirituality not practiced under fire, stress and duress is worthless and pointless.

If you practice in the hopes of attaining everlasting peace--you're deluded and

in stasis. Its easy for anyone to be happy, calm, peaceful when everything seems

perfect. Can you still remain centered, balanced, happy and peaceful when your

life falls apart?? ---that's the true test of a spiritual warrior   ~DO~

MBS:  I was reading a quote you had on your FaceBook page the other day (above)

and it referred to a person being or developing into a "spiritual warrior".

I know that the term "spiritual warrior" gets thrown thrown around pretty loosely sometimes to describe all kinds of situations and issues pertaining to spiritual attainment.

So I my question is, what is it to be a spiritual warrior?

 Darren:  My definition of a spiritual warrior would be: One who can face and embrace the

 fears within their own minds.  Having the discipline to delve deep within ones

 own darkness on a daily basis. As Lao Tzu states in the Dao darkness within

 darkness the gateway to all understanding. It takes courage to be a spiritual

 warrior and look at oneself truthfully openly and fearlessly, accepting oneself

 in its totality, the light and the dark, bringing harmony to your own duality. 

 Many believe a warrior to be one who kills or destroys, especially from

 an external perspective of soldiers, the military and war. This is not what

 I'm talking about. A spiritual warrior does not kill or destroy they transform

 and transmute. This is what the Daoists were really referring to when you read

 about alchemy. It's a transformation process where you transmute the base elements

 of yourself (fear, anger, negativity) and use them as compost to grow new life

--unconditional love, health and healing. This is also what the resurrection means

 in a broader symbolic form. You die or let go of the old and use it so new life can

 be born. This is why to train as a spiritual warrior no matter the system, they use

 the breath. As you inhale you take in new life and as you exhale you release all

 that is unwanted. To become conscious of that exchange and interchange between the 2

 on a moment to moment basis allows you to fully experience the grandeur,

 beauty and majesty of life and fulfill your destiny in this lifetime. 

It's so easy in spiritual circles to literally get caught up in spiritual samsara--

thinking everything is all light. They use the teachings as way to distract themselves

from themselves keeping it superficial so they don't have to face their darkness,

pain, fear and negative habitual patterns. The other common misconception is many

mistakenly think a teacher, guru or sifu is going to save you. No one can save you.

You are the only one that can save you. That realization that this path of the spirit

is in it's essence a solitary journey and you must trek within the uncharted internal

terrain of your deepest darkest fears alone and face them alone is the path of the

spiritual warrior. Each persons life is unique unto themselves, no can live your life

for you or give you some magical pill or key to health, healing, enlightenment or any

other desire. The teacher can only point the way back to your spirit. The warrior must

walk the path and navigate the dangers along the way. The more the teachers words are

aligned with their actions and life experiences, the more powerful and profound the

example will be. 

I have two living examples of a spiritual warrior that I get to witness, learn from and

love. My father Donald Orr and my teacher pointing the way for me by how he has and

continues to live, Ted Cibik.

Both have endured, faced and embraced hardships that would cripple most people yet

they choose to live, thrive and survive daily. The true test of spiritual warrior is

when everything is gone, and your life is on the line, how do you respond?



Darren Orr is a Doctor of Classical Chinese Medicine in Medical QiGong Therapy with a specialization in Dao-yin. He is currently training in ShenGong to be a Formless Daoist Priest. He is a Medical QiGong Master, nationally certified massage, bodywork and somatic therapist, Reiki Master, sound healer, Dao yoga, Dao Yin and meditation teacher. Darren is an A-Z practitioner specializing in life-altering illness, palliative care for the terminally ill, bereavement services for family, cancer, PTSD, fibromyalgia, addiction, mental/emotional imbalances, chronic pain and stress management as well as preventative medicine. CEU courses, lectures, workshops, seminars, classes, qi parties, and corporate wellness programs also available. Serving the tri-state area in a triangle from Philadelphia to NYC to Atlantic City Nj. Long Distance therapy also available.

You can contact Darren at:  d.orr333@gmail.com

You may also be interested in reading our interview with Darren about healing and the practice of Qigong.

Also his article - "Shedding Our Acquired Life Roles and Medical Qigong"

 

Nature Forest Print is courtesy of photographer Jude McConkey.  Prints are available through her

shop on Etsy.

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Mind Body Spirit Odyssey Book Review: Journey Into Oneness

Journey Into Oneness
by Paul Goldman
O Books

I read so many glowing comments about Paul Goldman's Journey Into Oneness, I requested a copy to review for the Mind Body Spirit Odyssey - and I was not disappointed. 

Journey Into Oneness is book of beautiful poetry that takes the reader on a journey of passage.  Finding out who you are, being grateful for all you are, awakening to love, and experiencing the clarity of connecting to the Universal Oneness and divinity that binds us all together.

The world is full of problems.  Everyday we read or see on television the immense pain and suffering around us.  To counterbalance, we need to bring as many positive things into our lives as we can.  You should consider adding this beautiful book of poetry as one of those positive things to your life and bookshelf.  A very uplifting and beautiful read!

From Paul Goldman's Journey Into Oneness:

This Big

Heart wide open,

I soar past moons,

suns, stars, even

galaxies to once again

find you,

right in the midst

of where

you have

always

been.

 Available through Amazon.



~ diane fergurson

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Mind Body Spirit Artist Series: Julia Guthrie

The wind swept sea.  Mermaids, faeries, and Arthurian stories steeped in fantasy and mystery.  The stunning Cornish landscape and the beautifully inspired artwork of UK artist Julia Guthrie has left me completely spellbound.  I'm sure you're going to find Julia's wonderful artwork and words as enchanting as I did!

                                                                                                                        ~ diane fergurson

Freyja

MBS:  Can you tell us a little bit about your background?  How you got started in art?

Julia: Well, I have always been an artist. As a small child I would draw characters on the inside pages of my books...princesses with big dresses and big red lips!   lol

I loved my 'Big Book of Fairytales' the most, because of the stories but also because I loved the stunning illustrations that accompanied them. Girl's comics were another great favourite of mine...I used to colour in the pictures.  This evolved over the years to drawing portraits of my favourite pop stars and copying the posters I had on my wall, or I would copy their album covers with my paints.

I recall telling a teacher at school once, that I was going "paint record covers" when asked what I wanted to do as a job.

After school I did a year foundation course in Art and Design with a view to moving into Graphic Design. I didn't take that further though and in the last 10 years I have developed my painting skills in a more illustrative direction.

MBS:  I've noticed that many of the themes in your paintings center around goddess, mythological, and metaphysical subjects. How did this evolve into focal point for your work?

Julia:  I guess I have always been fascinated by the metaphysical world, and more recently, perhaps the last 15 years or so in particular, I had begun reading a lot more about various religions and their sources. The progression from believing in spirits/ tarot/ psychic abilities, led me to discover a whole new level which really fired up my imagination in a big way, while also becoming a life changing experience.

The Guide

One of my paintings is of a specific spirit guide who has been with me for a number of years. ('The Guide') It is very much how she appears to me.

Other paintings on this subject also have deep meaning for me, such as 'Inner Journey' (below). I wanted to express how it feels to be in a guided meditation, as I am a very visual person and I see rich, vivid landscapes which naturally I always wish I could capture onto paper!

The Goddess paintings, 'Freyja' (above) and 'White Tara' (bottom of page) came at times in my life when I had a very close connection to them in meditation. White Tara in particular had deeply inspired me during a meditation and when I had the idea to paint her it came together so easily that it genuinely felt as though I had channeled the painting straight from Tara herself.

When that happens I am as thrilled as anyone to see the image reveal itself.

Really I just paint the subjects that touch my life strongly...the parts of life that make me who I am, and my spiritual/ metaphysical side is one of the most important sides for me.

Inner Journey

MBS:  Do you work in a series?

Julia:  Some work is part of a series, such as the 'Storybook Cornwall' collection, which are illustrations created to reflect my love of books as a child growing up. And as I paint more Goddesses that will be a series of sorts, but there are just as many which are stand alone paintings.

MBS:  What materials do you use in your
work?

Julia:  My most used materials are Watercolour paints, because I like the versatility of them. They can be used lightly or layered for a more vibrant effect. Also pencils and sepia pencils.

However I also dabble in Oils and acrylics, and some recent paintings have been worked in mixed media such as acrylic, tissue paper, and gold leaf.

MBS:  Do you prefer a particular size when you work?

Julia:   I generally work with A4 and A3 sizes (approx 8x10" - 11x16") as it can take quite a while to complete a watercolour. Larger sizes always sound like fun but by the time I'm halfway through painting I wish I'd done it smaller!

MBS:  I've read that the inspiration from the visual landscape, legends and lore of where you live has played an important part in your work.  Can you explain where you live and how it has influenced you as an artist?

Julia:   I am lucky enough to live close to the sea in the beautiful County of Cornwall (UK). On the South West Peninsula you are never more than 16 miles from the coast...which for me, is absolute heaven!

Eventide

I moved here about 16 years ago and fell in love with the Cornish coastline, as many people do!  Cornwall is a place steeped in myth and legend, from mermaids, faeries and giants, to numerous Arthurian stories. I recall the day I realized that I lived right by the shores of the famous 'lost land of Lyonesse', from the tales of Tristan and Isolde; and I knew then that I had to illustrate these captivating legends.  They constantly tug on my heart strings.

A few of my earlier works are representative of that, but as my style has improved and changed. They are no longer online to view, but I still intend to capture those tales on paper. 

I spent 8 years living in Penzance, in a wonderful Victorian town house with distant views of the magical 'St Michael's Mount'. A stunning medieval castle on a tiny island just off the village of Marazion. Looking at something like that each day from my art studio window seat has carved a place in my heart which now forms the basis of much of my artistic inspiration.

Living in Cornwall has deeply inspired my creative muse in many ways, and I have also created a number of artworks based on my memories of childhood stories from Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five' and Susan Cooper's 'The Dark is Rising' series'.  These illustrations aim to capture the emotion and adventure of secret and magical places, where children can run free with bottles of ginger beer, and solve exciting mysteries!
 
'Storybook Cornwall' is a series based on my own photographs of places with a story to tell.

For much more information on 'my Cornwall', and many of the myths and legends I love, you can visit my blog page.

MBS:  That sounds absolutely magical!  Is there a particular favorite myth or legend from the area that has inspired you?

Julia:  It really is magical...every time I go for a walk I am reminded of the reasons why I love it here. I am constantly drawn back to the Arthurian legends... probably because I can stand on the windswept cliffs and look out towards the Scilly Isles, picturing the stretch of land that supposedly once connected them to Cornish shores. Lyonesse, the home of Tristan, was later apparently wiped out by a huge flood. The Atlantis myth has also been linked to this area because of the similarities.

Many tales tell of Cornish fishermen out in their boats, hearing mysterious ghostly church bells ringing out at sea and they say that they have looked down and seen what appeared to be buildings beneath the waves.

The mermaid of Zennor is another one I already have the muse working on ideas for. An ancient mermaid tale set in the tiny coastal village of Zennor, not more than half an hour or so from here. This too has historical references, with a rather curious mermaid carving on an old church pew found in Zennor Church.  Many of my Cornish illustrations echo the folk tales and stories that inspire me, although with those I prefer the picture to tell it's own tale...

I also enjoy photography, and while I'm not trained or a professional in any capacity I have a real love of beautiful photographs. I do a lot of paintings based on my own photographs because I simply wouldn't have time to sketch or paint the locations while I'm there. My husband and I do a lot of walking on the beaches and around the countryside, so it's nice to be able to capture an image with all the magical, fairytale atmosphere within in, then take it back to the studio to turn into a painting.

Riven Tide

My Flickr account houses a vast number of my favourite photographs...some of which have become paintings.  For example... 'Riven Tide' is inspired by one of my favourite Pre-Raphaelite paintings by J.W.Waterhouse, 'Miranda the Tempest'. It is based on photographs I took of a nearby cove that has always reminded me of the Waterhouse painting. In 1588 the Spanish Armada was first sighted on this stretch of coast, the beacons were lit and the alarm was raised. It is an era that fascinates me, so I simply had to paint a picture that hinted at such a historic event, happening right on my own doorstep!

Of course, it wouldn't be complete without the wind chimes and wall hangings I make from driftwood found on these beaches too.  I don't find a great deal unfortunately, so whatever is in my Etsy shop is pretty much all there is until I find a load more to work with. Drilling and gluing driftwood is quite therapeutic really.  It helps keep me connected to the sea, which is my biggest love :)

MBS:  What is a typical work day for you? Do you keep a regular schedule to work on your artwork, or are you less scheduled about it?


Julia:  I do not have a typical work day at the moment, as I have recently begun working a 'day job' once more. But prior to that I would generally have a list with numerous commissions or business/ art related activities that needed completing, and I'd allow my muse to decide which ones got done first. It has to be fun after all...or what is the point? :)

While it is important to keep paperwork up to date and get orders posted quickly, you really have to be flexible when it comes to creating. If I wake up with my muse leaping about excitedly in my head, then that ought to be the first thing I attend to. Later in the day when I have less creative energy is the time for invoices and packing tape.

MBS:  Do you sell your work online?  What has your online experience been like?

Julia:  I have been selling my work online for a few years now and I have found it to be a lot of fun. Through the usual avenues of Twitter, Facebook and Etsy, where I have made many new friends who are both fellow arts and crafters, and customers alike.  I have also tried a few other shopping sites which have not quite stood the test of time.

White Tara

Overall it's a lot of work and anyone joining a site like Etsy thinking that 'if you build it they will come', may be in for a surprise as it takes a great deal of self promotion and effort to make it financially worthwhile.  Over the years I have gathered a number of loyal customers and 'fans', if I can call them that, while building my online presence the best I can with my website and Facebook page, etc. I am truly grateful to each and every one of them. Nothing makes me happier than when I receive an email from a new person who tells me how much they love a particular painting of mine because it reminds them of a place they used to live...a connection they have to a spiritual deity, or however it resonates with them. That heartwarming connection is what really makes everything worthwhile.

Often when I am commissioned to do a painting I will pick up on an idea for a theme, or a particular aspect such as a feather, animal, or a particular type of flower, etc, only to discover that it already has great meaning or significance to the customer. It makes the painting so much more personal for them, and that is very important to me. All my paintings have a symbolic reference to the subject. Whether it's connected to myself or a customer.  I also love the fact that my spiritual/psychic side comes into play even while creating artwork.

MBS:   What are you currently working on?

Julia:  I currently have a number of projects floating about in my head - as always!

My new work will be based heavily on the Pre-Raphaelite style, as it is what first drew me to art as a child.  While I have always been influenced by it, I have long since wanted to move more in that direction with my own work.

I have a new painting of the Norse Goddess Freyja in the pipeline, quite different to my previous one, which is probably one of my favourite paintings to date. (It is also featured in the 2013 Earth Pathways Desk Diary for those in the UK)

And I am working on some sketches to illustrate 'The Mermaid Of Zennor' tale I mentioned earlier. I would very much like to perhaps turn that into an illustrated book, re-written by myself, but we shall see! :)

Aside from the personal work, I have commission work in various forms...from book illustrations, to website banners.

MBS:  What advice do you have to anyone who wishes to (seriously) pursue an 
artistic path?

Julia:  The best advice I could give in the current economical climate, and indeed beyond that, is to paint because you love it!  Draw...paint...be creative...try whatever your muse inspires you to try. Always enjoy what you do, and if you aren't enjoying it, do something else.

The most successful people I know, whether they are artists, jewellery designers or bakers, are successful because of the love & beautiful energy they infuse into their work. 

Take the time to learn how to meditate...then work when your muse calls.

Although saying that, a few business skills wouldn't go amiss either - for when the customers start banging your door down!  :)

thank you Julia!

Links to Julia's work:

http://www.etsy.com/shop/Madeofearthandsea  Etsy shop

http://juliaguthrie.co.uk/   website

http://juliaguthrie.blogspot.co.uk/  Blog - to keep up with my life & inspirations!

http://www.facebook.com/Juliaguthrieart  Facebook page

http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliaguthrie/ Flickr 

Email : juliaguthrie@hotmail.co.uk

Links to other interviews in the Mind Body Spirit Artist Series.


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Gemstones of the Zodiac - Part 4 - Moonstone

Welcome to Part 4 of our “Gemstones of the Zodiac” series. 

The fourth sign of the Zodiac is Cancer (June 21 - July 21).  The Mystical Zodiac stone for Cancer is Moonstone.

Origins

Although named for the moon, moonstone is actually a feldspar known as “adularia”, because it was found, among other places, in the Adula Group of the European Alps.  The shimmering effect inside the stone is knows as “adularescence”. 

The classic moonstone comes from Sri Lanka.  Other moonstones can be found in the USA, Australia, Brazil, Myanmar and Madagascar.

Historical Beliefs

Ancient civilizations believed you could see it in the moon during a waning phase.  Because of this, some civilizations would use moonstone during the waxing phase for a love charm, and, during a waning phase, to tell a person’s future.
The Ancient Romans believed it was actually formed from moonlight.
The Ancient Greeks called the stone “Aphroselene”, a combination of the love goddess Aphrodite and the moon goddess Selene.
In India, it is a very sacred stone.  The Indians will only permit it to be displayed on a yellow colored cloth.  They believe that having the light of a full moon touch this stone will awaken its magical powers, which will bring good fortune and let people see the future.
A ring with a moonstone is a great talisman for one in love, especially if that loved one is far away.  It symbolizes that you are both “under the same moon”, a wonderful sentiment.

Formation

Moonstone is an opalescent type of Orthoclase, an alkai feldspar.   The sheen inside a moonstone is created when light reflects off the internal layers of albite.  The albite adds that little touch of blue that can be seen inside a moonstone.


Colors of Moonstone

Peach or Apricot Moonstone - it will calm and brighten the emotions and will help with the wearer’s self image.

Rainbow Moonstone - helps to strengthen intuition and perceptions, and will bring balance to the wearer.

Silver Grey Moonstone - eases frustrations and allows you to move more easily, more in harmony with the ebb and flow of life.

Healing and Metaphysical Properties

Because this stone is so closely tied to the moon, this stone is used in many fertility symbols and rituals.  It is also believed to help people get more in touch with the feminine side of their psyche.
It is believed that if you put a moonstone under your pillow, it will help cure your insomnia.  If you pair it under your pillow with amethyst, that will only increase the power.  Additionally, the combination will make for purer dreams that will be easier to remember.  (hyperlink “amethyst” to the amethyst article).
When worn in contact with the skin, it is said to help with epilepsy, depression, hormonal and endocrine system issues. 
Although moonstone shares a similar opalescence to the opal, it works in the exact opposite fashion.  Whereas opals can intensify and exaggerate emotions, moonstone works to calm and soothe them.  It brings the positive qualities of the moon and promotes joy, as well as spiritual growth.

Moonstone vs Selenite

The stone known as Selenite, which is a gypsum, was named for Selene, the moon goddess.  Selenite translates as “the moon stone”.  However, it is not to be confused with actual Moonstone.  Moonstone is a feldspar and selenite is a gypsum.  They are not the same stone.

For information on how to cleanse your stones, you can refer to the recent article by Diane Fergurson, published recently on Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.

~ Giani

 

You can read Giani's Tarot reviews in the Review section of this blog.

This is the fourth article in this wonderful series, and I am definitely looking forward to more of

 in the upcoming months.  I thank Giani

 for his wonderful continued contributions to Mind Body Spirit Odyssey.

                                                                                   ~ diane

 

Series Article Part 1 - Opals 

Series Article Part 2 - Sapphire

Series Article 3 - Amethyst

Series Article 6 - Agate 

 

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Roses - Herb Of The Year, 2012

I was working in the rose garden the other day when I mentioned to my husband that The Herb Quarterly magazine mentioned in their Summer issue that the International Herb Society had named the rose to be "Herb of the Year" for 2012.  He said that he was surprised - he never really thought about roses being consider an herb.

I have to admit I was surprised too when I read the article.  I've been in love with roses since I was a child.  The colors, fragrance and mystical history.  But I never really considered it an herb.  Sure, I would have the occasional salad 'sprinkled' with rose petals.  But to me that always seemed like more of an attention getting gesture by chefs and restaurants rather then more of an actual culinary ingredient.  Even growing up with a mother and grandmother who both very skilled with their use of herbs and very proficient in their herb gardening, they never incorporated roses into their medicinal and culinary repertoire.

According to the Herb Quarterly article - before vanilla was used to enhance the majority of our baked goods and sweets, roses were actually used a the primary flavoring.  The pioneers brought roses with them when they settled in America and in the first cookbook that was published in 1796, rosewater was mentioned more times then any other seasoning- including pepper and nutmeg.  Roses were used by traditional medicine for their astringent quality and many herbal teas contain rose hips, which is a good source of vitamin C and can act as a laxative and diuretic.  Many people use dried rose petals today to fragrance potpourris.  It is also used to smudges and to scent candles.

It's important to mention that although roses have been named Herb of the Year, not all variates belong in the herb garden.  According to The Herb Quarterly:

 "Roses bred before 1867 - before tea roses were introduced into the western world from China and hybridization took off - offer the best flavor, fragrance, and medicine.  If you are looking to add roses to your herb garden, here's a rundown of the major categories to look for:

 White or Alba Roses  (R. alba)
Cabbage or Centifolia Roses  (R, centifolia)
Damask Roses  (R. damascena)
Dog Roses  (R. cania)
Gallica Roses  (R. gallica)
Japanese or Rugosa Roses  (R. rugosa)
Sweetbriar  (R. rubinginosa"

For more a more extensive description of the rose varieties listed above and more information about roses in general, consult the Summer 2012 issue of Herb Quarterly.

The roses pictured in this article are from my garden.  Although I have a pretty extensive rose collection, I don't think I have the varieties listed above.  Since reading this wonderful article though, next season I will definitely be looking for them.


~ diane fergurson

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Yantras (kolam) for the Sun

Kolam (Mandala) the Sun

Navagraha kolams are yantras (tantric drawings) drawn to propitiate the planets and to invoke their blessings. These yantras for the the planets are said to originate from Soundarya Lahiri, a poem composed in praise of Devi by Sankara. Though yantras are typically etched on a copper plate, kolam is drawn in front of the home shrine using rice flour or can be drawn on paper also.

The image above is the kolam for the Sun. The line drawing is the kolam; I have added color and embellishments. Here are some significant astrological details regarding the Sun, the most important of nine grahas (planets):

Name in Sanskrit: Surya

Sign: Simha (Leo)
Day of the week: Ravivar (Sunday)

Direction: East

Season: Grishma (summer)

Nature: mildly malefic

Kaalapurusha rulership: Soul

Gender: Masculine

Father of: Yama (god of death) and Saturn (planet)

Karaka (significator): 1st and the 10th house

Exalted: Aries 10 deg; Moolatrikona sign: Leo 0-20 deg

Directional strength: 10th house

Natural friends: Jupiter, Mars and the Moon

Represents: Father, government, authority, temple

Represents (physical): Bones, heart, eyesight, head

Lordship of nakshatras (lunar mansions): Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashada

Dasa length: 6 years

Favorable in houses: 3, 6, 10 and 11

Aspects: the 7th house from itself

Yogas: budhaaditya , veshi, voshi and ubhayachari 

Represents: devotion to lord Shiva

Navagraha Kirtana: Surya murte namostuthe by Muthuswami Dikshithar

Temples: The Sun Temple at Konarak, Orissa, India

Suriyanar Koil at Thirumangalakkudi, Tamilnadu, India

Mantra to chant: Om suryaya namah

Note: You may copy the kolam for your personal use.




~ I'd like to thank Indira Govindan, DharmaKarmaArts, for sharing this wonderful post with us ~

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Meditating Through Noise

I was beginning my meditation session the other day when the crane that was working down the street started up it's engine.  I chucked to myself and thought - well, that figures.  I didn't dwell on the noise though, and aside from that one quick thought the sound quickly faded away.  I drifted into my meditative state not bothered or interrupted by the crane or anything else around me.

When my meditation ended I found myself once again thinking about the noise from the crane.  It made me reflect back to some of the classes I have taken over the years and the varied approaches different teachers would take whenever some sound, noise or vibration would filter through the walls during our periods of meditation.

I had one teacher who would always hastily apologize to the class at the end of the session for any disturbance.  And there were always several students who would stand in front of her nodding right along, as if they really needed to hear her say those words.

Another teacher I had would not say anything if an unwanted noise made it's way into our class.  But if a student would mention the noise she would just shrug it off and answer - We don't live on top of a mountain in Tibet, do we?  It is what it is.

Then I had another class a few years ago where the students would never, ever mention anything about an unwanted noise...except one time.  I remember it so well.  The student was new and our teacher 'answered' by just standing there - with the sweetest most benevolent smile on his face that I have ever seen.  He didn't say a word.

Why did he do that?  Well, no we don't live on top of a mountain.  Our lives are and never will be completely serene.  Sure, going into meditation, among other things, will help us be able to get into a more calm receptive state - but it, as with everything else in life, is fluid.  Not perfect.  The conditions are not always as we may want it to be.  So you deal with it because meditation time is just another facet of life.  Smiling does help though ~

enjoy your day
:)


 ~ diane fergurson

'Flower Mandala, Lavender Pink Peony - Love is Within' courtesy of Karen Casey-Smith.

Prints are available in her shop on Etsy.

         

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