tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12021333629541115102024-03-13T16:23:32.517-07:00A Bridge Between Two WorldsA Discovery of the Spaces Inbetween Taphophilia Catafalquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475395812088013309noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1202133362954111510.post-70954345603871201502013-04-02T04:33:00.002-07:002014-02-27T03:38:29.131-08:00Energy Vibration Scale Meditation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sit down somewhere comfortable, and close your eyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Take a few slow deep breathes and release the out breath nice and slowly</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">this helps to relax you and enables you allow your mind to slow down.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
Picture or Imagine in your mind's eye a sliding switch ~ like the kind you would find in a recording studio, pictured below ~ that allows you to adjust things like the volume, treble and bass etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjlpMblLqmqwoLQ7FyX-wrW-giuhcouVfN2GY538EQ7ArZXljiaphCl1sinNX1ly7eyzUzdaKXEfHwkZnmYTAC2uH38eZ8UaQMJ3oe_mCox705dFho0WWZcHwrMKB_YaA-jEVH9QsFJBP/s1600/Graphic_Equalizeripiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjlpMblLqmqwoLQ7FyX-wrW-giuhcouVfN2GY538EQ7ArZXljiaphCl1sinNX1ly7eyzUzdaKXEfHwkZnmYTAC2uH38eZ8UaQMJ3oe_mCox705dFho0WWZcHwrMKB_YaA-jEVH9QsFJBP/s400/Graphic_Equalizeripiccy.jpg" height="196" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Keep it simple, because you will only need to focus on just <b>One</b> of these Switches.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2Oi9z9T3emIXxsmJP60B-_f_shSDNhmUvTd-uaElSFfSihVlEoi-cHWCY8ljMRXnwExi0jvIc0cFZ-8Nzlw1o2bVFRi7Iq9fIR3ROI-fhXjRR1LAFYCBsit2s0bdVEJJN9wkAnsklegP/s1600/Sliding_scaleipiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr2Oi9z9T3emIXxsmJP60B-_f_shSDNhmUvTd-uaElSFfSihVlEoi-cHWCY8ljMRXnwExi0jvIc0cFZ-8Nzlw1o2bVFRi7Iq9fIR3ROI-fhXjRR1LAFYCBsit2s0bdVEJJN9wkAnsklegP/s320/Sliding_scaleipiccy.jpg" height="320" width="197" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This one switch will adjust the level of Energy Vibration that you are going to experience.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Start off by placing the sliding switch in the <b>middle.</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This switch is now in a position of balance and this feels like your usual state of being, where you are aware of your physical body and the way that it feels grounded and the balance between this and your mind, which feels buoyant and alert. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You feel fully present in the here and now, in contact with where you are sitting and the space around you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Your mind is calm and relaxed and even if thoughts gently drift past, you merely observe them only, just as though you were watching a beautiful sunset, you do not engage with as they will continue to drift on by. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Allow yourself to become aware of this feeling of balance, both on the physical and emotional~mental levels.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now slowly<b> lower </b>the sliding switch to the very <b>lowest</b> point of the sliding scale and as you do so, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">become aware of how the energy begins to feel heavier and slower as you lower that energy level.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Take your time, there is no reason to rush this process......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You begin to notice how your body appears to have become heavier, as though you were slowly sinking deeper into the chair you are sitting on,</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">similar to the sensation of riding in an elevator that is going down from the top floor into the basement.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Notice how your arms and legs become heavier as though you were wearing very heavy boots and gloves, </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">you may even feel as though your feet are sinking into the floor. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It may even seem as though they have become to heavy to lift or move. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe you feel as though you are a pebble that's been tossed into a pond and is now slowly sinking down into the soft sand below.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJmme9pUTvdy99hf8YBb8zAFQ4N1HOY3iL-93Iv0UNndTdMwZ6bIFm0XqzmvYZip3qc9A7mbrhqL0si76G1qXHiW2dMbZMyu4i1HNUZXD3iPDJ_gTNf6LJJ_Kcv0-Tc2XB3PJmVRNMhsH/s1600/sinking-stone2ipiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJmme9pUTvdy99hf8YBb8zAFQ4N1HOY3iL-93Iv0UNndTdMwZ6bIFm0XqzmvYZip3qc9A7mbrhqL0si76G1qXHiW2dMbZMyu4i1HNUZXD3iPDJ_gTNf6LJJ_Kcv0-Tc2XB3PJmVRNMhsH/s320/sinking-stone2ipiccy.jpg" height="320" width="258" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">However you imagine or picture it in your minds eye, t</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">hings have now become much heavier and slower in this energy vibration and it feels still and stable and safe and comforting. Relax and Enjoy this slow, heavy vibrational energy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">When you have fully experienced this energy, begin to slowly raise the sliding switch back to the<b> middle </b>position and start to feel the energy vibration becoming lighter once again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Feel your body and mind return to it's usual state of being, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">a position of balance, fully present in your physical body with a calm and relaxed mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Take your time, there is no reason to rush this process......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now slowly <b>raise</b> the sliding switch to the very <b>highest</b> point of the sliding scale and as you do so,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">become aware of how the energy begins to feel lighter and finer as you raise that energy level.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Take your time, there is no reason to rush this process.....</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You begin to notice how your body appears to have become lighter, as though you were slowly rising up out of the chair you are sitting on, similar to the sensation of riding in an elevator that is going up from the basement to the top floor.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Notice how your arms and legs become lighter as though you weighed no more than a feather. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">you may even an experience of such lightness, that you no longer have any contact with the chair you have been sitting in, because there is nothing to weigh you down. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It may even seem as though you are gently floating higher and higher. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maybe you feel as though you are like a balloon filled with helium, gently rising and drifting as you become even lighter than air itself.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpNBQkekdTV01yRqRVibo0yhOSmQjK77i6GMaoWQN6aMxhBR3dwsFM_hXilDu3Q8cHskFXqJ_iU1EXUNHC4_XWc9M_gpXQMwqbNapS7SFTZ6QR-NmzpLLtIYXa0GRlqzR9kL3nG0VF69P/s1600/Pascal_balloon_flightipiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpNBQkekdTV01yRqRVibo0yhOSmQjK77i6GMaoWQN6aMxhBR3dwsFM_hXilDu3Q8cHskFXqJ_iU1EXUNHC4_XWc9M_gpXQMwqbNapS7SFTZ6QR-NmzpLLtIYXa0GRlqzR9kL3nG0VF69P/s320/Pascal_balloon_flightipiccy.jpg" height="316" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">However you imagine or picture it in your minds eye, t</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">hings have now become much lighter and finer in this energy vibration and it feels safe and supportive and comforting. Relax and Enjoy this finer and lighter vibrational energy. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you have fully experienced this energy, begin to slowly<b> lower</b> the sliding switch back to the<b> middle </b>position and start to feel the energy vibration becoming heavier once again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Feel your body and mind return to it's usual state of being,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">a position of balance, fully present in your physical body with a calm and relaxed mind.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Take your time, there is no reason to rush this process......</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you have finished this meditation, take the time to bring all your senses back to the present, back into the room, back into the chair you are sitting in. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When you feel fully present, take a deep breath before gently opening your eyes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
Taphophilia Catafalquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475395812088013309noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1202133362954111510.post-65256698431884716122013-03-28T09:45:00.000-07:002014-02-27T03:30:39.630-08:00Smudge Cleansing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Smudging plays a central role in traditional healing ceremonies because it is believed that once unwanted ~ negative ~ energies are cleared out, a sense of balance may be restored and peace and harmony assist in putting difficulties to rest.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8HcOiujFRoSyQHdlD0LHqh-kVrUFx_JI1rF0f6rzXkVMe0J-yCKTTzsHN9brllDeCpSX2YYRzUkVydPmlr6xVTDJCbso54x6JuUMgBfLi6MUjp7Dmgc7Ir2bTOtGe4ydGetSx6sFldYX/s1600/Smudging_ezripiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh8HcOiujFRoSyQHdlD0LHqh-kVrUFx_JI1rF0f6rzXkVMe0J-yCKTTzsHN9brllDeCpSX2YYRzUkVydPmlr6xVTDJCbso54x6JuUMgBfLi6MUjp7Dmgc7Ir2bTOtGe4ydGetSx6sFldYX/s400/Smudging_ezripiccy.jpg" height="400" width="350" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Smudging is an effective ritual that helps to cleanse and purify ourselves and the spaces we live in and use, but it is not a quick fix cure-all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Think of it as spiritual ‘soap’ that helps to cleanse us or an area, but when there is too much ‘dirt’ or you keep doing things that attract the ‘dirt’ it’s effect will be limited.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we create toxicity in our lives, we poison ourselves as well as others and the environment around us. Ultimately it is best to correct the underlying problem.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When we discovered how to make fire, people noticed that different things produced aromatic smoke when burnt. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Woods, herbs, roots, resins and barks are changed from their ~ physical world form ~ by the element of fire into smoke ~ spirit world form. This transformation is seen as evidence of the spirit within substances.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3-o6GWDfZNen9O0IHBgqsGWvsNuLrs7sXHR6f_ME9oa2j7NfX0ePME_1lOBGowQ68hQrLtlmqzprFf2yDmVvxvuwmUguQIKNA5v4OYmkEKTBaBsOIGcuPluGIQv23gcjf2412Vm4xOaF/s1600/incensoipiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3-o6GWDfZNen9O0IHBgqsGWvsNuLrs7sXHR6f_ME9oa2j7NfX0ePME_1lOBGowQ68hQrLtlmqzprFf2yDmVvxvuwmUguQIKNA5v4OYmkEKTBaBsOIGcuPluGIQv23gcjf2412Vm4xOaF/s320/incensoipiccy.jpg" height="320" width="232" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout history aromatic plants have been used in the daily activities of people from every culture. Christians, Hindus and Buddhists all burn incense in churches and temples to assist the act of prayer and meditation. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">And of course, Indigenous cultures have used Sacred smoke to cleanse, purify and in prayer and ritual for millennia.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL0Sh3jqCnYE0Hr9-I9Qa4O-kzarMOSzmVNsf4Ma-QB9hS6oKJJ6jAQH710H37SdEwdHx0LLQfZ5Dcatjkh4QjM8hGx4_JaszrYZrSoXVGNbvsOOOUZEUzaDC0dRGBDCb0ND_b52o9ljS/s1600/incense+templeipiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoL0Sh3jqCnYE0Hr9-I9Qa4O-kzarMOSzmVNsf4Ma-QB9hS6oKJJ6jAQH710H37SdEwdHx0LLQfZ5Dcatjkh4QjM8hGx4_JaszrYZrSoXVGNbvsOOOUZEUzaDC0dRGBDCb0ND_b52o9ljS/s320/incense+templeipiccy.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The connection between people and plants is being forgotten in todays technological, </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Man-made, synthetic world, as we drift further away from the ways that connect us to the plant and animal spirits we share the earth with. We are losing our understanding of the physical things around us that connect us to the spirit of life.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Smudging is a common practice among Native American people for the cleansing of energy through the burning of White Sage, Cedar, Sweet Grass and Tobacco.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>What you will need </b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu47kIZslc7dm3HV7Lr50gQwoQiS7iWjna1ywV6ogf-i-X-MQKmKXKQSxY5ZOggFhtHWqtu2e58yaY7nDaqiwf04A-3-Loq_aKs9eDzCWooda3pVRz_l4gTu-9AKqwtPR2f_BijUwl4sNu/s1600/Smudge+kitipiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu47kIZslc7dm3HV7Lr50gQwoQiS7iWjna1ywV6ogf-i-X-MQKmKXKQSxY5ZOggFhtHWqtu2e58yaY7nDaqiwf04A-3-Loq_aKs9eDzCWooda3pVRz_l4gTu-9AKqwtPR2f_BijUwl4sNu/s400/Smudge+kitipiccy.jpg" height="400" width="326" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDMZFQn5FRoChF5K6GfCX0QHS_6OPCNVejWV0OL8LkzZAhFz2fjlNnAKg2xb9UAxyFW_l5v0B_AtAVyRE4B3m7lOHR0mavxXOJDld1qACoMHlPB78Vpqv09oS2X5akNMdbG7l4MNLFArQ/s1600/Smudge+kit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A Shell</b> ~ abalone ~ or fireproof bowl with a little sand in the bottom, prevents it getting to hot to hold</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>A Feather</b>* ~ a large one ~ or you can use your hand</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>White Sage</b> ~ or a combination of White Sage, Cedar, Sweetgrass and Tobacco ~ a smudge stick or a bundle of herbs tied together may also be used.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Matches</b> or a lighter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">* It is traditional to use a bird’s feather to brush the smoke over the person or object being smudged. Use the underside of the feather to wash the smoke over the person or object, for it is the underside of the bird and its wings that face the Mother Earth as it flies and it is this surface of the feather that offers the blessing medicine of the bird.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>How to Smudge</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNtsIlyh2kO3aPaSdw-TitFnKUk1yMDXKXyNwALalRWaC3w5iSkzx_xsU-1P3OhNr4VBYQR8DlkCtjo88pN_t_Yjnl0fUFiHr32UnA5VBxdp8DxY4rUKKE0z8RExh2ddAkn5czW1Uf_77/s1600/54-1-susan-seddon-indian-shamaniPiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNtsIlyh2kO3aPaSdw-TitFnKUk1yMDXKXyNwALalRWaC3w5iSkzx_xsU-1P3OhNr4VBYQR8DlkCtjo88pN_t_Yjnl0fUFiHr32UnA5VBxdp8DxY4rUKKE0z8RExh2ddAkn5czW1Uf_77/s400/54-1-susan-seddon-indian-shamaniPiccy.jpg" height="400" width="315" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmB5fR_fSmxHtnYOMwNtZQqfCBxT0wHQTaJaXAhE78on2hgiW7kI0Apm2_LMeNHbFl6OtVJKx57jKY8plEom6p6WjoYIHm8-fn7aUGuEyOtsYf1gv1VwSVtbVz_XrnNhIebES_zPCqZuM/s1600/Smudging_ezr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1. State your Intent for the purpose of this ritual and thank the spirit of the plants and the fire for assisting you - you may do this aloud or in your minds eye.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Combine the plants you will be using and place them in a bowl/shell and light them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Use the feather~hand to blow out the flame, but keep fanning to keep it smouldering.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">4. Smudge any other medicine tools that you may be using later ~ drum, rattle etc </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">5. Draw the smoke towards your heart, then over your head.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">6. Sweep the smoke down your right arm and back up to the shoulder, then the right hand side of your body and right leg and foot towards the ground.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">7. Repeat as in step 6. but working the left hand side instead, starting with your arm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">8. Offer smoke to the four directions. Which are north, south, east and west. Below to Grandmother Earth and Above to Grandfather Sky.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">9. After you have smudged yourself thank the Spirits of 'All Our Relations' for assisting in this process.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To do a cleansing on another person, begin by looking into their eyes for a moment to 'greet' them, then repeat the same method that you used to cleanse yourself and move in a clockwise ~ sunwise ~ direction around them to Smudge their back as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To cleanse objects, smudge them moving sun-wise around them whilst sweeping them with smoke.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">To cleanse rooms or spaces, close all the doors and windows before you begin. Follow the step by step instructions above and Smudge yourself first.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Then smudge around the room~space in a clockwise ~ sunwise ~ direction and pay special attention to the corners of the room where energy can stagnate and also doorways and stairs where energy moves from one place to another.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Remember to thank 'All Our Relations' for their assitance with this cleansing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The following day you may need to tidy up and get rid of unwanted items, If this room~area is a cluttered place, then regularly open doors and windows to blow out the 'cobwebs' that catch and hold onto unwanted energies.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Sacred Plants</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1hqj9lBW1vwa0sU5bbXfyUvOLd3nd_BIWxhFd6rsbxoAHDy0tWoargaXAY5hXCMGZvsX0ZII1z8KSlELI497qjKMfGRjBtaqeoasV34de99HuPe2ylxOzebqXrb77VM-CEYhMmYzttp3/s1600/white+sageipiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1hqj9lBW1vwa0sU5bbXfyUvOLd3nd_BIWxhFd6rsbxoAHDy0tWoargaXAY5hXCMGZvsX0ZII1z8KSlELI497qjKMfGRjBtaqeoasV34de99HuPe2ylxOzebqXrb77VM-CEYhMmYzttp3/s1600/white+sageipiccy.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">White Sage is used for healing. The smoke is used to bless, cleanse and heal the person or object being smudged. Sage is used to “wash off” the outside world when one enters ceremony or other sacred space.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9R47-vs-kZnixz9krf6PLDwDAAdHXNa81g-d9imoShZXsyybd_LyQ49D3IVYYosPA7Rn_iWSbMETHZEEYTaWXLY0r9Iva_Hv8lBH6fS_t4J0XLT6EAk8b4LIkO8ZFTWGBqNVMPtjlhfj/s1600/cedar+woodipiccy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-9R47-vs-kZnixz9krf6PLDwDAAdHXNa81g-d9imoShZXsyybd_LyQ49D3IVYYosPA7Rn_iWSbMETHZEEYTaWXLY0r9Iva_Hv8lBH6fS_t4J0XLT6EAk8b4LIkO8ZFTWGBqNVMPtjlhfj/s1600/cedar+woodipiccy1.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="border: medium none; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqrFkka0V3XF3hfzDoEyq-iQbUGWQJKF9kFOmN0zlDKcQHjL2gA8ZCHnkvy5rDMeTFxzjVqTkl-y3fo68KxZCox0gjTrJhQhqOlmnCAk8yAo2LCM3dz9yAhQCd-EELjxwh0akEvM1ED08/s1600/cedar+wood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cedar is a medicine of protection. Cedar trees are very old, wise and powerful spirits. Cedar is often used to cleanse a home or apartment when first moving in, inviting unwanted spirits to leave and protecting a person, place or object from unwanted influences.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6B4wroaKr6kxbbbIZg3FcFVnWZxQWyJFJqjL6oHITM-cp6wq5t7NStdZPIV-0Gb-FIc2zxclG1e6kXFghWUwqyV6DnOJo-Q5jNex5RCxKkWKtP8xjcUhMMgQ1G3e7ctaSjXGlpFMUbgj/s1600/sweetgrassipiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU6B4wroaKr6kxbbbIZg3FcFVnWZxQWyJFJqjL6oHITM-cp6wq5t7NStdZPIV-0Gb-FIc2zxclG1e6kXFghWUwqyV6DnOJo-Q5jNex5RCxKkWKtP8xjcUhMMgQ1G3e7ctaSjXGlpFMUbgj/s1600/sweetgrassipiccy.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sweetgrass is burned to remind us of essence of the feminine, it represents Mother Earth's hair and that the earth provides us with everything we need. The smoke from the sweetgrass promotes positive energy and good and happy thoughts.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Tobacco was the first plant given by the Great Spirit. It is used for Prayers, requests and thanksgiving. It is held in the left hand ~ the hand being closest to the heart ~ and talked to. Thus its smoke becomes the bearer of our Prayers to the Creator.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuA6FnIcOtiz0QIMLGKpCkQHpt-x9BAk9YRIurPmEWvSX0kg9KQ1PMmuDHE4Yj37GirQ9X5McoeT-MIvXccbWzON0ObmaY9qjUSfipWwX3wJHob1AgrlwUS2la-wOkpQh4AvdiQwuy67Y7/s1600/lavender+smudgeipiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuA6FnIcOtiz0QIMLGKpCkQHpt-x9BAk9YRIurPmEWvSX0kg9KQ1PMmuDHE4Yj37GirQ9X5McoeT-MIvXccbWzON0ObmaY9qjUSfipWwX3wJHob1AgrlwUS2la-wOkpQh4AvdiQwuy67Y7/s320/lavender+smudgeipiccy.jpg" height="225" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Lavender is often used for invitation of the spirits. The name may be derived from the Latin 'lavare' ~ to wash or 'livendula' ~ meaning bluish. There is a legend that the clothing of baby Jesus was laid upon a lavender bush and acquired the fragrance. Some Christians still regard the scent of lavender as a safeguard against evil. Burning Lavender is best done on Charcoal Tablets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzhxruBN54JYNtiY_tYDoBME6zGhL_ODtww7zLhG9_03Tn3cyneEGGD8TJOr5bJFIJUej1T2ziaHPlbjTqEF9ea_7ZXj9lDrAolzI5PFMjyu_DFF-NS0a03HALaf8FebhsOT68yzLHkPB/s1600/copalipiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzhxruBN54JYNtiY_tYDoBME6zGhL_ODtww7zLhG9_03Tn3cyneEGGD8TJOr5bJFIJUej1T2ziaHPlbjTqEF9ea_7ZXj9lDrAolzI5PFMjyu_DFF-NS0a03HALaf8FebhsOT68yzLHkPB/s1600/copalipiccy.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Copal is sacred to the native peoples of Mexico, as it is a gift 'pleasing to the gods.' Because copal is the blood of trees, it is offered to honour the enormous gift given to us by all of the tree people of our planet. Burning Copal is best done on Charcoal Tablets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Frankincense and myrrh were considered to be more valuable than gold. Used to embalm the bodies of the Egyptian Pharaohs, this tree resin is considered to cleanse and protect the soul. Frankincense is said to ease depression and promote clairvoyance. Burning Frankincense is best done on Charcoal Tablets.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Myrrh is said to help one maintain a state of enlightenment. It also connects one to the spirit of youth and clears the path of debris that stands in the way of one’s truth. Burning Myrrh is best done on Charcoal Tablets.</span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Taphophilia Catafalquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475395812088013309noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1202133362954111510.post-86483918859528626272013-03-11T08:41:00.000-07:002014-02-27T03:29:22.525-08:00Relaxing The Mind ~ Simple Meditations<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So why would you want to meditate anyway ?......<br />
<br />
Relaxing the mind and releasing stressful thoughts is the best 'medicine' you can give yourself.<br />
It has many <a href="http://www.ineedmotivation.com/blog/2008/05/100-benefits-of-meditation/"><b>positive benefits</b></a> on the physical body, the emotional states and mental thought processes as well as enhancing Spiritual connections.<br />
<br />
People often say that they cannot meditate even though they have tried, they seem unable to make their minds 'Go Blank' and find their mind wandering and so they end up thinking of other things instead, or find that they've ended up falling asleep if they have tried to do it lying down.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4zkdmOgdrXzaFK2Lr7ZRKtkI8u9HMmL05TQNv81YMO-GVBAKZ2nVpnves4Tvh2eR54ozdnzFo8FnDFciMFv-beHGs_5hDGrahOj6h0WYiFKVroMwqsloD5c9kU2qGxif4q3KxsTwBuBu/s1600/buddlhaiPiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis4zkdmOgdrXzaFK2Lr7ZRKtkI8u9HMmL05TQNv81YMO-GVBAKZ2nVpnves4Tvh2eR54ozdnzFo8FnDFciMFv-beHGs_5hDGrahOj6h0WYiFKVroMwqsloD5c9kU2qGxif4q3KxsTwBuBu/s400/buddlhaiPiccy.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Perception of meditation ranged from 'Sitting Cross Legged' in Yoga positions ~ that they found uncomfortable ~ to 'Chanting like a Tibetan Monk' which would make them feel self conscious and they didn't really understand the concept of at all.<br />
<br />
So the idea that meditation is complex and difficult can often be because their first experience wasn't in a style that suited them, and so they gave up trying.<br />
<br />
Discovering that meditation can be done in a variety of different ways and finding a method that suits you, is just like finding your favourite dessert, you simply pick up the spoon and try them all until you find the one or two you like more than the others. You may even find you quite like a few of them.<br />
<br />
Here are a couple of simple and effective ways to relax the mind and meditate that can be done in a few minutes and like most things that we learn, regular practice makes us better at it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8mlaSFeQrOI4784ms8opy_R_dADBhfesAoXht4dE7vhmfDdhm31UhAMPrPfzg1cd9meG-eCD48AqIxsZBEhT2bGcXEJ71dF6Q2jWq6IUBO97SGr-yYtITNQCpRpiwt55Bz8P1oe0o2FM/s1600/square_breathingiPiccy1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8mlaSFeQrOI4784ms8opy_R_dADBhfesAoXht4dE7vhmfDdhm31UhAMPrPfzg1cd9meG-eCD48AqIxsZBEhT2bGcXEJ71dF6Q2jWq6IUBO97SGr-yYtITNQCpRpiwt55Bz8P1oe0o2FM/s320/square_breathingiPiccy1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>Simple Square Breathing Meditation:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Probably the easiest way to get started is to focus on your breathing.....<br />
You can sit, stand or lay down, with your eyes open or closed, which ever you find most comfortable.<br />
<br />
Simply breathe in deeply ~ through your nose if possible ~ at the same time. count slowly in your mind to Four or Three if your breath is not too deep ~ whichever suits your natural breathing pattern best.<br />
<br />
Keep the counting as regular and rhythmic as possible and continue to use the same number you have chosen.<br />
<br />
Now hold the breath in and count to this number again.<br />
<br />
Now release the out breath ~through the mouth ~ for the same count.<br />
<br />
Once again hold the space between breathing out and taking your next breath in whilst still counting.<br />
<br />
Now breathe in again and starting the process from the beginning.<br />
<br />
<b>Benefits:</b><br />
By rhythmically counting, you are keeping the thought processes Focused and the act of Breathing keeps you focused on the physical. <br />
You may feel a little light headed at first if you are not used to breathing this deeply, so take a break and continue in a minute or two.<br />
The instant effects of this meditation are to calm and relax the mind as you focus your attention entirely on what you are doing, exercising the lungs and increasing the bodies oxygen supply to the bloodstream and organs, so it's a win win situation.<br />
<br />
<b>Tips:</b><br />
If you find that your mind wanders, gently guide it back to what you are doing and imagine that each breath and pause are like the four sides of a square. Give your full attention and awareness to focus your mind on the process. Feel the air as it passes through the nostrils, feel your rib cage expand and lift on the in breath and then deflate on the out breath.....<br />
This meditation can be done almost anywhere, even whilst waiting in a supermarket queue.<br />
<br />
And here's another one:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLTBpg4JCo8fs9lsUPdrtLMxQmw1w72NreaqyYtJh8NuWi5QZZ2lLvMSrlzwCYneSnZnFZFgYUqrdNT7eaoDclxKHiCJq-EqK3ZogFGDhqyxCzu-5dnEZ1VYPMXl0q961ftaPR9cD4xgH/s1600/baby-walkingiPiccy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXLTBpg4JCo8fs9lsUPdrtLMxQmw1w72NreaqyYtJh8NuWi5QZZ2lLvMSrlzwCYneSnZnFZFgYUqrdNT7eaoDclxKHiCJq-EqK3ZogFGDhqyxCzu-5dnEZ1VYPMXl0q961ftaPR9cD4xgH/s400/baby-walkingiPiccy.jpg" height="400" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>First Steps Walking Meditation : </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Start by standing with both feet slightly apart.<br />
<br />
As you breathe in, move your foot forward one step at your normal walking pace distance, but keep your body weight back over the leg that hasn't moved.<br />
<br />
Now breathe out as you transfer your weight over onto the leg that you have just moved forward.<br />
<br />
As you breathe in once more, move forward with the other leg this time by just one step, whilst keeping your body weight over the other leg as you did in the beginning.<br />
<br />
Breathe in with each forward step and with each out breath transfer your body weight forward.<br />
<br />
<b>Benefits:</b><br />
By walking very slowly in rhythm with your breathing, you are improving your sense of balance and relaxing the mind as you focus your attention entirely on what you are doing, exercising the lungs and increasing the bodies oxygen supply to the bloodstream and organs, so it's another win win situation.<br />
<br />
<b>Tips:</b><br />
Take this one slowly, quite literally one step at a time like a toddler who is learning to walk for the very first time. The only thing that wants to rush is your mind, so slow it down, there is no race......<br />
As you become more proficient with the walking meditation you may even find yourself becoming aware of things that you had never noticed before.<br />
This is a great one to do outdoors.......... <br />
<br />
<br />
Click on the link 'positive benefits' at the beginning of this post to find out about 100 ways that meditation can help you.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Taphophilia Catafalquehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09475395812088013309noreply@blogger.com0