Sunday 28 February 2021

Quote & Poem of the Week – Learning

In Tribute to Teachers

Tuesday 23 February 2021

Learn About Crystals – ‘Power Beings’

Credit: Image by Onboard Experience – Royal Caribbean International

A Guide to Understanding Crystals-Gems

For centuries, dating back to humankind, crystals have attracted us. We have revered them for thousands of years. These gemstones have incredible gifts and wisdom to share with us. Items of beauty, tools for healing, protection, attracting positive energy, and much more, crystals can enhance our lives.

A recap so far: A Backdrop - A Rich History and Interesting Points About Crystals (article one), Crystal Creation; How Do Crystals Work? And Crystal Purpose (article two) and Choosing A Crystal, Crystal Shapes and Crystal Protocol - Cleansing and Programming (article three).

Over the coming months, fortnightly, we will visit forty crystals, starting with Agate
‘checking-out’ their Energy Number, Properties, Purpose - Beneficial Attributes, Chakra Reference, Astrological Synergy and Colour.

Astrology II: The Horoscope Natal Wheel – Birth Chart (Part Three)

Credit: Image by Alex Myers from Pixabay

One of the fundamental components of Astrology is that of planetary aspects

The Planets and their location give profound and insightful information to an individual.

The symbolic relationship between the planets and ourselves is they signify basic drives or urge in the unconscious.

In the Astrology Natal Wheel (Birth Chart), planet significance is dependant on their various positions. They show themselves with different qualities in the twelve signs of the Natal Wheel and the twelve houses - they bind the relationship between planets and astrological signs.

In other words, they dictate how planets and zodiac signs interact and show the forces at work that exist between them. They tell us whether that relationship between the planets (the parts of our lives they symbolise) will be one filled with harmony or disharmony.

Previously, The Planet Aspects, THE MOON: LUNA (the second largest planet and fastest moving celestial body in the sky - ‘A King in Constellations’). The Moon is the mediator between the inner world and the outer world. Luna infuses the past into our lives through feelings, ‘plays out’ what lies beneath the surface (our most private selves) and has power over people’s masses. Responsive and receptive the Moon regulates the rhythmic ebb and flow of activity and energy. The gentle, emotion-driven Moon is the subtle, compassionate, nurturing, and nostalgic mother-figure of the Astrologer’s chart.

Credit: Image by nymix Art from Pixabay

THE PLANET ASPECTS - continuation

Planets show WHAT

MERCURY

The fundamental underlying interpretation

Intuitively rules the Star (Zodiac) Signs GEMINI and VIRGO

Keyword: Communication - Gemini and Virgo represent the different sides of Mercury’s expression: Gemini is output while Virgo is input

Credit: Image by GooKingSword from Pixabay

Introduction

INNER MOST PLANET OF OUR SOLAR SYSTEM

Mercury, the smallest place in the solar system yet the ‘messenger of the gods.’

The messenger in astrology, an opportunistic planet, Mercury, is decidedly unemotional and curious. Mercury is the transmitter of the chart. Anything that must be moved from point to point relies on the energy of Mercury. Also, it can transmit musical inspiration as well as ingenious creativity.

Mercury’s ‘charge’ is to take things apart and put them back together again.

Significant Features (Fundamental Essence)

In the Natal Wheel, Mercury colours the planets' aspects with a desire to communicate and exchange information. Astrologically speaking, it governs transmitting material. This heavenly body is all about transmission, expression, reason (logic-rationality) and intellect.

Ruler of the mental sphere, Mercury characterises our mode of communication. It affects how we communicate and share information. It tells us a lot about how we gather, process and transmits information. What and how we say it. Further, it tells us about how we think, talk, and manage our time and schedule. It represents day-day expression and interaction.

This essential Solar System inhabitant dictates our speech and/or written words, whether we are concise in our choice of words, flowery, and or business-like in our communications.

Mercury personifies our coordination through thought processes, ideas, and sensory information from conscious and unconscious sources. All that needs to be coordinated and understood. Mercury analyses, sorts, groups, and makes sense of things. How we handle nervous energy? How we express and convey our thoughts? How we approach others and information to learn and exchange ideas? Mercury uses its smart intellect and relentless curiosity to analyse, sort, and classify, helping us synthesise and articulate complex ideas.

Further, Mercury reigns over transportation, travel, the five senses, youth, reading and writing.

Mercury - Credit: Image by NeMu from Pixabay

Mercury’s position in our Natal Chart

BY SIGN shows our ability to communicate, explain, and understand, exposing how we listen, read, write, and talk

BY HOUSE shows where we seek to have a voice-influence and which areas of life we tend to intellectualise and give a lot of thought.

To sum up

When we are “enacting out” our Mercury positively, we are inquisitive, curious, communicative, and versatile. Negatively, we can be high-strung or nervous, nit-picky, indecisive, and overly technical. An overactive Mercury can stimulate stress through a tendency to worry incessantly.

Mercury is where we see how we apply ourselves to learning situations and what impressions other people pick up when we open our mouths.

In bringing our quick trip to Mercury to an end, I close with the evocative description below that befits this stimulating celestial body.

Words can bring emotions to the fore in the 'blink of an eye,' “aptly I am Mercury, my energy is quick, witty, full of liveliness, curious, fleeting and often fickle.”

I look forward to our next fortnightly rendezvous. Bye for now.

Note
Mercury is the first planet to have power over intelligence.

Sunday 21 February 2021

Poem of the Week - A Conversation between Ego and Soul

Thursday 18 February 2021

News Review (Editor’s Choice) Climate Change, Atmospheric Science - Science Ecology and Sustainability

PLANET EARTH

Credit: Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

CLIMATE CHANGE

Global Warming, the gradual heating of the planet’s surface, oceans and atmosphere

Global Warming will have far-reaching, long-lasting and, in many cases, devastating consequences for planet Earth in the foreseeable future.

Despite political controversy about climate change, already Global Warming is having a measurable effect on the planet. Profound and widespread, the consequences of Global Warming are real.

The changes wrought by Global Warming

Increase in average temperatures and temperature extremes

Extreme weather events

Ice melts

Sea levels and ocean acidification

Plants - changing dates of activity

Animals - shifting migration patterns

Social effects – agricultural systems

Humankind is responsible for nearly all Global Warming, ‘prevention before cure,’ are we doing enough?

Ignorance is neither an excuse and nor an answer .

Into the future, Global Warming update, what the statistics and trends are saying and the link between human activities and Global Warming.

SciTechDaily – News 2021

“Earth’s Global Warming Trend Continues: 2020 Tied for Warmest Year on Record

Credit: scitechdaily.com

2020

NASA Earth Observatory images by Joshua Stevens, based on data from the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies. Story derived from NASA and NOAA press releases by Michael Carlowicz.

Earth’s global average surface temperature in 2020 tied with 2016 for the warmest year on record, according to an analysis by NASA.

Continuing the planet’s long-term warming trend, the globally averaged temperature in 2020 was 1.02 degrees Celsius (1.84 degrees Fahrenheit) warmer than the baseline 1951–1980 mean, according to scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS). The year was slightly warmer than 2016 but within the margin of error of the analysis, making the years effectively tied.

“The last seven years have been the warmest seven years on record, typifying the ongoing and dramatic warming trend,” said GISS Director Gavin Schmidt. “Whether one year is a record or not is not really that important; the important things are long-term trends. With these trends, and as the human impact on the climate increases, we have to expect that records will continue to be broken.”

The map above depicts global temperature anomalies in 2020.”

"This is a direct citation" By NASA EARTH OBSERVATORY JANUARY 15, 2021. Read the full story, retrieved from https://scitechdaily.com/earths-global-warming-trend-continues-2020-tied-for-warmest-year-on-record/

Atmospheric Science and Science Ecology

SUSTAINABILITY

Earth’s atmospheric guardians, plant life doing their best to shield us. But can plant life sustain the temperature tipping point of human-caused carbon emission? How close are we to ‘breaking point’? The results are alarming.

SciTechDaily – News 2021

“Alarming New Climate Research: Earth to Reach Critical Temperature Tipping Point in 20–30 Years

Graphic depicting the temperature tipping point at which Earth’s plants will start decreasing the amount of human-caused carbon emissions they can absorb. Credit: Victor O. Leshyk/Northern Arizona University

Earth’s ability to absorb nearly a third of human-caused carbon emissions through plants could be halved within the next two decades at the current rate of warming, according to a new study in Science Advances by researchers at Northern Arizona University, the Woodwell Climate Research Center and the University of Waikato, New Zealand. Using more than two decades of data from measurement towers in every major biome across the globe, the team identified a critical temperature tipping point beyond which plants’ ability to capture and store atmospheric carbon - a cumulative effect referred to as the “land carbon sink” - decreases as temperatures continue to rise.

The terrestrial biosphere - the activity of land plants and soil microbes - does much of Earth’s “breathing,” exchanging carbon dioxide and oxygen. Ecosystems across the globe pull in carbon dioxide through photosynthesis and release it back to the atmosphere via the respiration of microbes and plants. Over the past few decades, the biosphere has generally taken in more carbon than it has released, mitigating climate change.”

"This is a direct citation" by NORTHERN ARIZONA UNIVERSITY JANUARY 14, 2021. Read the full story, retrieved from https://scitechdaily.com/alarming-new-climate-research-earth-to-reach-critical-temperature-tipping-point-in-20-30-years/

Conservation Science

MASS DISTINCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION

Without drastic intervention, the promise of a bleak future looks imminent unless humankind quickly commits to specific and long-lasting action (methods that promise results) against environmental pollution.

SciTechDaily – News 2021

“Humans Face a “Ghastly Future” Unless Extraordinary Action Is Taken Soon on Sustainability

Credit: scitechdaily.com

The global population could reach 10 billion by 2050; explosive population growth is contributing to a broad array of other challenges for the planet.

Global team of scientists, including UCLA’s Daniel Blumstein, points to environmental, population and political challenges.

Without immediate and drastic intervention, humans face a “ghastly future” - including declining health, climate devastation, tens of millions of environmental migrants and more pandemics - in the next several decades, according to an international team of 17 prominent scientists.

In a paper published today (January 13, 2021) in the journal Frontiers in Conservation Science, the researchers cite more than 150 scientific studies and conclude, “That we are already on the path of a sixth major extinction is now scientifically undeniable.”

"This is a direct citation" By UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA - LOS ANGELES JANUARY 13, 2021. Read the full story, retrieved from https://scitechdaily.com/humans-face-a-ghastly-future-unless-extraordinary-action-is-taken-soon-on-sustainability/

Tuesday 16 February 2021

Discover - Culture & Travel (Saudi Arabia)

SAUDI ARABIA - WAITING TO BE EXPLORED

Visit Riyadh, Capital Saudi Arabia - Masmak Fortress. Credit: globtreks.com

Virtually unknown, Saudi Arabia launched its tourist visas for the first time in September 2019.

Carve a new experience, travel the places that haven’t seen many visitors. Travel through time, discover otherworldly landscapes and Archaeological Wonders.

Opening up to tourism, touting massive new futuristic hotels and developments (phase one completion 2023), the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a country on the Arabian Peninsula, which hides many secrets, including vast deserts that shroud ancient cities.

Learning the Tarot Cards: XV – The Devil

The Major Arcana Deck: The Devil

Number XV

The system of numerology (inc. Tarot) reduces numbers to a single digit i.e. in this instance 15 = 1 + 5 = 6

Six

Both a fragile and incalculable number

Fragile: Truth, union, lovers, equality, equilibrium, accord, growth, sensitivity, protection
Incalculable: Unfoldment – revelation, Integration, Interfacing, Conjoining, Dependability, Joining opposites, Communication

Arcana

Major deck (signals cycle in life and represents key time)

Element

Earth

Planet

Saturn

Card Meaning

Base nature (primal behaviour): Superficial, materialism (worldly focus and earthly desires) - ego, attachment, impulse, fears, addiction, oppression

Vulnerability, temptation and overindulgence: Desire - passion, manipulation, deception, lust, sexuality
Enslavement: Stuck, held back, trapped, bound
Illusion: Negativity, imbalance, loss and disruption

Unhappiness

Quote of the Week - A New Day

Tuesday 9 February 2021

Learn About Crystals – ‘Power Beings’

Crystal Caves Of Your Margaret River Region

Credit: margaretriver.com

A Guide to Understanding Crystals-Gems

AN INTRODUCTION - continued

To date: A Backdrop - A Rich History and Interesting Points About Crystals (article one), and Crystal Creation; How Do Crystals Work? And Crystal Purpose (article two).

In concluding our ‘Introduction to Crystals’ in this piece, we journey down the path of Choosing A Crystal, Crystal Shapes and Crystal Protocol (Cleansing and Programming).

Astrology II: The Horoscope Natal Wheel – Birth Chart (Part Three)

Credit: Image by Larisa Koshkina from Pixabay

Astrology's strong point is its ability to uncover areas where cosmic energies support a myriad of possibilities.

One of the fundamental components of Astrology is that of planetary aspects

On the most basic level, astrology is about a symbolic relationship between the planets and ourselves.

The planets signify basic drives or urge in the unconscious. They define themselves with different qualities in the twelve signs of an Astrology Natal (Birth) Chart and the twelve houses.

The Significance of planets is their various positions in our horoscope bind the relationship between the planets and astrological signs. They dictate how planets and zodiacal signs interact and show the forces at work that exist between them. They tell us whether that relationship between the planets (the parts of our lives they symbolise) will be in harmony or disharmony.

Through these aspects, the Astrologer slowly develops a story about an Astrology Natal (Birth) Chart , an individual - they give profound and insightful information.

The planetary effects on human behaviour create different temperaments, which manifest in different ways. These planets have a natural force that affects the biological, physical, mental-emotional states of the individual.

Previously, The Planet Aspects, THE SUN: SOL (the most powerful of all the planetary figures at play) – the ‘Boss Planet’ of our chart directs us. Where we must meet and deal with the areas of our life to find ultimate fufillment.

Credit: Image by Daniel Roberts from Pixabay

THE PLANET ASPECTS - continuation

Planets show WHAT

THE MOON (Luna)

The fundamental underlying interpretation

Intuitively rules the Star (Zodiac) Sign CANCER

Cancer – the sensitive, protective water sign that defines nurture, comfort and security

Credit: Image by Lisa Runnels from Pixabay

Introduction

A KING IN CONSTELLATIONS

Luna is in the second largest place in the solar system and the fastest moving celestial body in the sky. This intriguing orb moves the ocean's tides, and its combined shifting new to full phases creates an energy that is fluctuating and often somewhat unstable.

The Moon in the chart represents vital needs, controlling our emotions, feeling, instincts, feminine energy, security, and power over people's masses.

Significant Features (Fundamental Essence)

In astrology, the Moon is the mediator between the inner world and the outer world.

Luna is one of the most significant indicators of personality and emotional response that exists in the chart. It represents our emotional inner world, symbolising everything beneath the surface. This heavenly body represents the spiritual retreat of our most private selves. It is the soul and emotions of us presiding over our spontaneous and instinctual emotional reactions, responses and feelings that often seem beyond our ability to control effectively.

It is responsive, receptive, and reflective. Hence, the Moon regulates the rhythmic ebb and flow of activity and energy.

The Moon also infuses the past into our lives through feelings. This essential Solar System inhabitant rules our habitual behaviours and prejudices.

Belonging to the Moon are our Modes of expression that are truly our deepest selves. Our moon sign, focusing inward, reveals our emotional core and determines how we process our feelings and moods, and understanding. It characterises our deepest personal needs, our essential habits and reactions, and our unconscious.

The Moon sign expresses how we instinctively react or respond to problems. What we feel we need for a sense of security. It shows how we protect ourselves and make ourselves feel secure, comfortable, and safe. When the emotional life is out of control, The Moon transmits a powerful temptation to stay in the comfort zone.

Further, the Moon is that which gives us animation.

Credit: Image by Debasish Sahoo from Pixabay

The gentle, emotion-driven Moon is the subtle, compassionate, nurturing, and nostalgic mother-figure of the Astrologer's chart. ‘She’ represents our inner emotions, the parts within us that we cannot express. In other words, the Moon governs over the shadowy, more vulnerable sides of ourselves. We do not show the intimate parts of us to others unless we feel intimate and safe with them, particularly the things we need to feel protected, comfortable, and emotionally secure.

Also, the Moon personifies the female energy that exists within each of us. So, it is associated with the mother as well as the domestic scene in general. Luna is both our inner child and our inner mother. ‘She’ reigns over our maternal side, our mother (issues), our memories, childhood experiences, upbringing in general and even what foods we enjoy."

The Moons’ position in our natal chart

BY SIGN shows how we portray emotion and respond to our environment and our instinctual habits, especially in our homes and private.

BY HOUSE, the past and areas of life where we function out of intuitive awareness, those areas of life where we sense the most comfortable.

To sum up, the best effect of the Moon is nurturing and sensitive, and the worst effect can denote immaturity and a reluctance to leave the past behind.

When we are “enacting out” our Moon positively, we are inventive, creative, spontaneous, sentimental, flexible, reflective, and caring. Negatively, we can be moody, restless, and irrational.

Whenever insecurities arise, and our feelings become involved, we tend to bring the traits (the sign) of our Moon into play. The Moon is like our security blanket.

Whatever we feel is most deeply our-self, whether or not change is possible in the exterior world, is controlled by our Moon and the sign it occupies at birth.

It is wise to give our Moon neither too much nor too little importance in our life for true happiness in life.

In closing our journey around the Moon, upon departing, below is an evocative description that aptly describes this intriguing planet that commands our souls.

Our thoughts that lie too deep for tears are the thoughts of our Moon’s nature.

Until we take our next journey around the Planets together, cheers for now.

Note
For some of us, our Moon seems to drive our personalities more than the Sun does .

Poem of the Week - Philosophy

Thursday 4 February 2021

News Review (Editor’s Choice) Health, Earth and Ecology

WOMEN’S HEALTH

BREAST CANCER

Risk-reducing Strategy

It’s the most shared cancer Among Australian women, Breast Cancer. The best chance of surviving the disease is finding it early.

Awareness - The importance of Early Detection, what you should know.

Nature's World - The Humble, Bizarre Bat

SPOOKY

Credit: nature.org

Cloaked in Delusion

Bats are secret and unfamiliar to many of us. Perhaps this is why we find them scary, dread them, and many of us find them, repugnant creatures.

Their stark, creepy, and weird looks alongside their unusual habits (i.e., hanging upside down etc.) don’t help their public image.

Unquestionably, they are strange creatures, appearing as half-animal and half-bird - neither one thing nor the other. From this, dualism and strangeness evolved a repute of fallacy and threat.

‘A Bad Wrap’ - Will these tiny living beings ever escape the veil of the fear cast, their persecution throughout history, contributed to by legends and association with legendary ‘human” vampires of Transylvania, graveyards, death, and ghosts?

Do they deserve this sinister reputation, or do they play a more critical role in the world than feeding the dark human fascination for the spooky and the supernatural?

Learning the Tarot Cards: XIV - Temperance

The Major Arcana Deck: Temperance

Number XIV

The system of numerology (inc. Tarot) reduces numbers to a single digit i.e. in this instance 14 = 1 + 4 = 5

Five

The beginning (1) of organisation, logical mental reasoning by the physical human full of spirit (4)

Motion
Self-initiative
Awareness of change
Balance in its own equation (middle)
Wholeness through the interaction of elemental parts
Expansiveness
Proper spiritual understanding