Jul 31, 2011

Christian Fundamentalist Caught Telling the Truth

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.


Bradlee Dean


MSNBC's Rachel Maddow is being sued for quoting Christian rocker Bradlee Dean word for word. The excerpt from his radio broadcast was aired during an August 9, 2010 broadcast and reads as follows:

"Muslims are calling for the execution of homosexuals in America. They themselves are upholding the laws that are even in the Bible, the Judeo-Christian God, but they seem to be more moral than the American Christians do. Because these people are livid about enforcing their laws. They know homosexuality is an abomination. If America won't enforce the laws, God will raise up a foreign enemy to do just that."

Dean does not dispute the accuracy of the quote. But despite the fact that Maddow also quoted his disclaimer -- "we have never and will never call for the execution of homosexuals" -- Dean argues that his intent was distorted.

Despite the very clear disclaimer by Bradlee Dean on his ministries website and elsewhere regarding the false accusation that he was calling for the execution of homosexuals, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow and others seized on and accused Dean on her show of supporting the killing of homosexuals, as is the practice in some radical Islamic countries. This seriously has harmed Dean and the ministry, who pride themselves on respect and love for all people.

Jul 30, 2011

Irish Ambassador Headed for Prague

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

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As discussed, the relationship between Irish lawmakers and the Vatican have become so toxic that the Vatican withdrew its ambassador. Now comes news that Archbishop Leanza will be moved to Prague.

The Vatican has made a first move towards restoring relationships with Ireland and transferred Papal Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza to the Czech Republic.

Leanza is seen as damaged after the Cloyne report crisis over sex abuse was allowed to occur on his watch and ineptly handled.

So once again, the Church is trying to defuse a sex abuse scandal with a game of rotating priests. And civil authorities are left staring into the gaping maw of an opaque and inscrutable bureaucracy.

Tragedy in Sedona

Article first published as Book Review: Tragedy in Sedona by Connie Jay on Blogcritics.



On July 25, 2009, Colleen Conaway plummeted to her death in San Diego's Horton Plaza mall; an apparent suicide. She had no history of mental problems. She was by all accounts very happy with her life and her direction. So how did the Minnesota native meet such a sad and inexplicable fate so far from home? She was participating in a James Arthur Ray "Creating Absolute Wealth" seminar for which she had paid thousands of dollars.

The exercise was one in which seminar participants were directed to dress as homeless people and wander around downtown San Diego. They were not allowed to carry money, identification, or cell phones. In what would become a pattern for those who had the misfortune to be severely injured during James Ray seminars, Colleen Conaway spent many hours listed as "Jane Doe."

Connie Joy's daughter Erica participated in that same seminar and both Connie and her husband Richard attended the final dinner. None of them were aware that a participant had died. Only Ray and his closest staffers knew that Conaway was lying on a slab in the San Diego County morgue. And they weren't telling. People who asked about why she hadn't returned were told that she was fine but wasn't coming back to the seminar. It was over two months later, in the wake of yet another horrific tragedy on Ray's watch, that his long-time followers learned that the unnamed woman who had died in the mall that day was the seminar participant who had never returned from her homelessness adventure.

Jul 26, 2011

Cafe



Around the Web, Around the World


"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

Sacred Balinese Healing Practices meet Globilazation with Daniel McGuire

"Balian," a documentary by filmmaker, Dan McGuire, tells the story of the rise and fall of a charismatic Balinese shaman (or "Balian") named Mangku Pogog. In Bali healers enter powerful trance states in which they embody their spirit help, often drawing the patient into trance as well. Mangku Pogog engaged in full embodiment trance states curing conditions like blindness and leprosy by guiding the power of spirit through yoga postures, large stones, heavy sticks, and sucking extractions. Join Dan and host Christina Pratt as they explore the world-view of Balinese healers and their attitudes towards sickness, health, and the healing power of transformative ritual. Through the story of Mangku Pogog we can see the effect of globalization on the belief systems of traditional people. What new challenges are presented to traditional healers as people come for healing with different worldviews and diverse beliefs about healing? Will traditional wisdom survive or be changed by "spiritual tourism." Dan, a journalist with many years experience in Indonesia, immersed himself in the world of the Balian, the Balinese traditional healer/shaman, in 1996 and is currently completing his documentary "Balian."

This week's guest:
Daniel McGuire

Daniel McGuire is a journalist with many years experience in Indonesia. He first went in 1984 to study the Javanese Shadow Puppet theater, and has written a book and Master's thesis on the subject. He speaks Indonesian and Javanese. He's also practiced Ashtanga yoga for 20 years, and studied in India with Sri Pattabhi Jois. Beginning in 1996 he immersed himself in the world of Balian - Balinese traditional healer/shaman, and is completing a documentary on the subject.

He got his start in documentary as an editor on the Academy Award-winning feature documentary "The Panama Deception". He won a Soros-Sundance grant for "Crash Course""a documentary on the 1998 upheaval in Indonesia. He has worked as a Foreign Correspondent for ABC News and as a Producer/Cameraman for New York Times Television, the Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel, PBS, ABC News and as Boston field producer for Al Jazeera and Good Morning America.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

Log on to Listen
Why Shamanism Now? on Co-Creator Network
Questions? Comments? Call: 1-512-772-1938

All episodes are now available in the iTunes Podcast Library.

Jul 25, 2011

Vatican Pulls Ambassador to Ireland

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.


Departing Papal Nuncio Giuseppe Leanza


Things have become so heated between Irish officials and the Vatican that the Holy See has recalled its ambassador. With characteristic tone-deafness, the Vatican cited "excessive reactions" to the priestly abuse scandal. At issue is the reaction of Prime Minister Enda Kenny who publicly rebuked the Vatican for its role in the cover-up as detailed in the recently released Cloyne Report.

During a July 20 parliamentary debate, Kenny said an independent judicial investigation into the handling of clergy sexual abuse in the Diocese of Cloyne "exposes an attempt by the Holy See to frustrate an inquiry in a sovereign, democratic republic as little as three years ago."

"And in doing so, the Cloyne Report excavates the dysfunction, disconnection, elitism and the narcissism that dominate the culture of the Vatican to this day," he said.

. . .

Kenny said that "this calculated, withering position" was "the polar opposite of the radicalism, humility and compassion upon which the Roman church was founded."

He said that "the Irish people, including the very many faithful Catholics who -- like me -- have been shocked and dismayed by the repeated failings of church authorities to face up to what is required, deserve and require confirmation from the Vatican that they do accept, endorse and require compliance by all church authorities here with, the obligations to report all cases of suspected abuse, whether current or historical, to the state's authorities."

Referring to a tendency identified in the Cloyne Report to put the rights of accused clerics ahead of victims, Kenny said "clericalism has rendered some of Ireland's brightest, most privileged and powerful men, either unwilling or unable to address the horrors" of abuse.

Horoscope for July 25-31

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
A creative mental challenge is possible at the start of your week, Aries. You may have a divinely-inspired idea that you are striving to make perfect, but this is earth, not heaven yet! A little persistence, a touch of genius, and a love of what you are doing are enough to help you unravel red tape, argue your case, or find the ways and means to do what you want to do. Some Rams may be surprised by a desire to become a parent or have a pet, despite the restrictions and work being responsible for a child or animal may bring. When you tap into your hidden desires, they can reshape your life and redefine who you are. The new moon in your 5th house of creativity, children, and pets amplifies the creative yearning you already feel and signals a green light - GO! Values and self-definition shift or expand as a result.

Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
Here is a special video for you, Taurus. When I looked at your chart for the week, "Oh What a Beautiful Mornin'!" is what I heard - orchestra and all! If there is one energy you need this week, it is the kind of feeling this song imparts. The moon lines you up with a new personal cycle at the start of the week. Commit to a new and improved attitude and decide that everything really is going your way. You may have to negotiate, sell to, or be firm with faceless organizations that oppose you. Don't waste a moment on negative thoughts of other people or entities over which you have no control. Direct your energy toward loving and feeling wonderful about yourself and all the good you see around you and you will be able to sing, "Everything's going my way!" The new moon in your 4th house of home, family, and psychological foundations begins a new cycle of home improvement or a positive, action-oriented attitude. Put that Leo crown on your head and start ordaining and decreeing good things.

Gemini (May 21st - June 21st)
If someone says you can't do something the way you would like to do it, you will find an alternative, better way, Gemini. Some of your best ideas come to you when conventional doors close. The new moon in your 3rd house of formative ideas, mental creativity, local transportation, and communication stimulates a great deal of errand running, local socializing, and networking. One of your brilliant ideas this week could become a viable product or business that becomes popular and profitable faster than you could have expected. Look at every limitation as an opportunity for experimentation, exploration, and inevitable success. Write, speak, and spark new friendships.

Astrological Trends for July 25-31

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

It may seem as though you just cannot make something happen, no matter how hard you try, the morning of Monday, July 25th, due to a challenging T-square. The moon in the fixed earth sign of stubborn Taurus squares Mercury, planet of communication, in arrogant Leo, and also squares Neptune, planet of ideals, conjunct healing Chiron in Pisces, while Mercury in Leo opposes Neptune/Chiron in Pisces. You may have to stand up for what you believe in now or fight to get what you want or feel you deserve. Persistence is the key to overcoming this temporary challenge. There are other planetary aspects that can support you today. The creative Leo sun gets an inventive boost of genius through a favorable trine between the sun and Uranus in Aries, indicating unusual solutions to problems can be found or there are such things as exceptions to rules. The sun also forms a quincunx to Neptune/Chiron in the mutable water sign of Pisces and still receives some beneficial support from nearby Venus in the late degrees of Cancer. Venus in Cancer conjunct the sun in Leo forms a supportive sextile to the moon in Taurus and a semi-sextile to Mars in the mutable air sign of Gemini. Use courtesy and kindness in your negotiations and appeal to people by presenting the common bond between you. Jupiter in Taurus is still involved in a favorable trine to Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn, helping you to manifest material things when you need them. Pluto gets some supportive energy from a sextile to Neptune/Chiron in Pisces, but the difficult square between Pluto and Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of Aries is still in effect. Yes, there can be changes or breakthroughs that are ultimately healing or for the highest good, but they won't necessarily come easily. Many people have been reporting that material things in their lives are breaking. This is a good example of the Pluto/Uranus square releasing the old (Capricorn) and making way for the new (Aries), whether we like it or not! At midday, the moon enters the mutable air sign of Gemini, enhancing communication and lifting the general tone of the day to a more playful vibration. The T-square begins to fade early this afternoon as the moon/Mercury square dissolves. Your problems may be solved now or negotiations come to a satisfactory conclusion. The Leo sun now forms a quincunx to Pluto in Capricorn, locking a decision into place and activating an action or procedure. At dinnertime, the moon in Gemini also forms a quincunx to Pluto, enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and firm expression of emotions.

Jul 22, 2011

The Look On Her Face

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.



Think of a woman who spent the previous evening contemplating the works of William Blake, Gustave Moreau, and the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, who awakens the next morning to read a news item about how James Franco sold a piece of "non-visible" art for $10,000. This woman learned that the work conceptualized by Franco instructs the observer to imagine "Fresh Air" and was sold by the Museum of Non-Visible Art (MONA) which specializes in purely conceptual art -- pieces of paper that tell people to imagine various things. Now imagine the look on the woman's face.

This original work is offered free for contemplation on this blog. But for $10,000 I will print this out on a piece of paper and send it to you so that you can appreciate it in your home. Makes a wonderful conversation piece!

I'm currently working on my next non-visible piece called "Very Bored Rich People" but it's not quite ready. 

Jul 20, 2011

The Giving Tree is a Sap

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.



As a child, I loved The Giving Tree. I read it over and over. As an adult, a feminist, and a gratefully recovering codependent, I've long since given the book a rethink. So much so that I won't expose my daughter to it. It's not allowed in the house. What I once thought of as a sweet and moving story with a  moral about the beauty of altruism, I realized one day is an appallingly sexist book filled with poisonous ideas about the role of women and of earth itself.

I don't know why the book struck such a cord for me. Perhaps it had something to do with my profound fascination with trees. Perhaps it was something more prosaic like my nascent codependency. The book presents a dangerous message, overall: Imbalanced relationships in which one person sacrifices endlessly for the happiness of another are an ideal state. In fact, happiness can be derived entirely from pleasing someone else. This is the very definition of codependency.

Codependency is not necessarily a gendered phenomenon. There are plenty of male codependents. But girls are actually acculturated to be codependent, even in families where alcoholism and other major dysfunction aren't the issue. If we don't get it from our families -- and my family was probably more progressive than most -- we get it from our communities, from our schools, from movies, from books... books like The Giving Tree.

Jul 19, 2011

Cafe



Around the Web, Around the World


"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

The Wild Heart Hypothesis with Will Taegel

The Wild Heart Hypothesis states: "If we are to survive and thrive as humans on planet Earth, we will need to dive deeply into the roots of the shamanic era and retrieve our soul connections, our intimacy with all forms of the Universe," explains our guest Will Taegel. Will joins host and shaman, Christina Pratt, to share the Wild Heart Hypothesis and what the role of the Wild Heart is in shaping our future. We will explore what it means to develop right relationship with your own Wild Heart, how you can do that, and why it is essential to do so now, so that you can participate in shaping a new direction for humanity on Earth. Will, a renowned author and leading-edge thinker, practiced psychotherapy for decades, which lead to serving as an eco-spiritual mentor, received training in Native American shamanism and co-founded a three decades old eco-spiritual community Earthtribe with his spouse, Judith Yost. He joins us for the next show in the Society of Shamanic Practitioners sponsored interview series where we explore how contemporary shamans are meeting the challenge of their world where the relations of things are profoundly out of balance. It is the ancient role of the shaman cross-culturally to tend the balance of things. How are these shamans meeting this extraordinary need today?

This week's guest:
Will Taegel, D Min, M.Div, LPC, LMFT

Renowned author and leading-edge thinker Dr. Will Taegel grew up on the Llano Estacado in Texas where he began his lifelong and intimate relationship with Nature. Choosing an integrative approach early in his career, Dr. Taegel received his formal education at Emory University gaining a Masters degree; and at the University of California Berkeley where he earned a Doctorate from San Francisco Theological Seminary. Concurrent with his formal education he explored his Native American heritage and received traditional training in the ways of the Shaman.

Always fascinated and happily challenged by human psychology and one's relationship to the self and others, Dr. Taegel conducted a successful psychotherapy practice for 35 years, which evolved into his current role as a sought-after Eco-Spiritual Mentor. He has written eight books weaving together nature, spirituality, psychology, and relationship, and is Vice President of Community Leadership for Wisdom University.

Dr. Taegel and his spouse, Judith Yost founded a three decades old eco-spiritual community in the Texas Hill Country called Earthtribe. His newly published book is entitled The Sacred Council of Your WILD HEART: Nature's Hope in Earth's Crisis, and is currently available in paperback and Kindle at Amazon.com and on Earthtribe.com.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

Log on to Listen
Why Shamanism Now? on Co-Creator Network
Questions? Comments? Call: 1-512-772-1938

All episodes are now available in the iTunes Podcast Library.

Jul 18, 2011

Horoscope for July 18-24

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
Healing on a soul level is possible for you this week, Aries. At the beginning of the week, you may want to retreat so that you can observe the transformation, but even if you have no time to do this, it will happen anyway - most likely during your dream state. A renewed love of your life and yourself is the result of this deep energy shift. When you begin to present the new you, there may be some challenge from people at home, at work, or in your relationships who think you should have checked with them first or who are caught off-guard, but things fall into a new order by the end of the week. The list of things you launch or accomplish bears testimony to the positive new power at work in you.

Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
A powerful week of growth and learning awaits you, Taurus. Friends and organizations are supportive of you and can help you meet your goals. Teaching, learning, writing, and communicating are supported, but there is one small blip on the radar screen. If you enter a conversation already thinking someone will want to oppose you, they probably will. All your lessons this week come down to state of mind and belief. If you think something is too incredible or impossible, it will be and you may not get it, but if you allow for something wonderfully impossible, you could manifest something beyond your imagination. By the weekend, you will be feeling like a Master Mighty Manifestor.

Gemini (May 21st - June 21st)
Your creativity and drive is at an all-time high, Gemini. The desire for more money is the motivating factor. You are razor sharp when it comes to knowing what you must do to increase your business or advance in your chosen field, but there may still be blocks to abundance that are inherited from your family or left over on a deep emotional level from past trauma or failure or a past life of restriction or austerity. A surprising emotional revelation may occur this week that helps you get to the core of your prosperity block. Would being famous or highly successful make you feel trapped or pinned down? Do you fear being stuck doing just one thing forever? Having a flex schedule and doing something that offers you variety may be the solution to your self-created limitations. Give it thought - you'll get it.

Astrological Trends for July 18-24

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Last week, you may have felt like a mouse scurrying through a maze, having to perform certain tasks before you could scurry to the next, never able to see your way through that maze. I am happy to tell you that this week is much easier and has a slower pace. A peaceful start to the week is likely on Monday, July 18th, due to the moon in the mutable water sign of Pisces joining Neptune, the planet of inspiration and spirituality, and Chiron, the planet of healing, also in Pisces. This wonderful combination of energies makes you more aware of your own divinity and finer human qualities, like compassion, forgiveness, and gratitude. It is also a highly creative energy, which gets extra assistance now from the moon/Neptune/Chiron trio forming a supportive sextile to Jupiter, the planet of optimism, abundance, and expansion, in the fixed earth sign of sensual Taurus and a sextile to intensifying Pluto in structured Capricorn, which, in turn, activates the extremely fortunate trine between Jupiter and Pluto! Now is the perfect time to manifest dreams and wishes or begin large creative projects. With faith and other positive emotions, you can make things real and tangible. There is pleasure to be had in creativity and working with material things. Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of Aries is still involved in a problematic square to Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn. I have mentioned this aspect in the last two weekly trends I have posted. After having a bevy of strange, disruptive, unwelcome events and breakages of material objects that I didn't request through deliberate intent - and after hearing other people recount similar stories of their last few weeks - I think it is safe to say that Uranus square Pluto is the culprit. I now think of this square as "The Lemony Snicket Square," with Pluto being the terribly nasty and frightening uncle who continually makes life miserable for his unusually unique and talented young nieces and nephew as they move through one unfortunate event after another. Youth, change, and new endeavors have the edge of resiliency thanks to Jupiter in Taurus semi-sextile to Uranus in Aries. Mars in Gemini semi-sextile Venus in Cancer mixes the fun of flirtation and mental stimulation with the comfort of symbiotic romance. Early this evening, the romantic Pisces moon forms a quincunx to Saturn in Libra. Beauty really is in the eye of the beholder now as whatever or whomever we put on a pedestal becomes the perfect embodiment of what we find most alluring in a partner or material object.

Jul 17, 2011

Harry Potter Is Not a "Jock"

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.



Hat-tip to Andrew Sullivan on the most wrong-headed analysis of Harry Potter I think I've ever seen, which, to my great surprise, comes from Amanda Marcotte at Pandagon. In addition to getting important plot points completely wrong, Marcotte reveals far more about herself than she does the Harry Potter series. Marcotte attempts to address the Harry Potter as "nerd" with "misfit" friends narrative. I don't know whose narrative that is but it isn't Rowling's, which Marcotte tangentially acknowledges before going on to debunk it anyway.

Harry, Marcotte explains, isn't a "geek." He's a "jock." While it's certainly true that Harry distinguishes himself as an athlete in the richly symbolic game of Quidditch, I think to call him a jock is a bit of a reach. Nor are athletes so feted at Hogwarts as to make such "jocks" the in crowd. The social structure is far more complex than that. There is no jock/geek dichotomy in the Harry Potter universe.

As Sullivan points out, Marcotte misidentifies both Harry and Ron as "stereotypically privileged." Ron is best known for coming from a poor family and relying on frequently embarrassing hand-me-downs. The wealthy Malfoys openly mock the Weasleys for their poverty. Harry is an orphan raised by relatives who treat him like Cindarella and his own hand-me-down clothes have the added benefit of being absurdly large because they come from his fat, bully cousin. He spends the first years of life consigned to a cupboard under the stairs. Neither of these boys' lives could be remotely described as privileged.

Jul 15, 2011

Dendrolatry

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.



Monday evening during a rather intense thunderstorm I sat watching an albeit somewhat pixilated Kill Bill Vol. 1, for the umpteenth time, and noodling on the computer. I didn't realize just how a bad a storm it was until an incredibly loud crack of thunder shook the wall next to me and something shiny flew across the living room a couple of feet from my face. What I thought must have been a shard of glass from a broken window turned out be lightning. There was no damage at all to the window or to me. The tree outside the window, however...

Our phone lines also got a good jolt that night and we've been replacing things all week, starting with the router which was magically transformed into a paperweight. So I've been offline for a few days. Turns out that thing about turning off and unplugging all your appliances during thunderstorms might have some merit.

We've been learning a collective lesson about the frailty of our technological society. In our endless to quest to subdue and control nature, nature keeps winning. Just ask the good folks in Japan who thought loading up one of the most seismic areas on the planet with nuclear plants was a good idea. There's power and then there's power.

Jul 12, 2011

Cafe



Around the Web, Around the World


"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

Rebroadcast: Shamanism and the Trickster

This week will be a rebroadcast of a past Why Shamanism Now show. Please visit www.whyshamanismnow.com or iTunes to download all of our past shows. Live shows will return July 19 with guest, Will Taegel.

"The Trickster cannot be trusted," writes author Lewis Hyde, "It is a contact that puts us slightly at risk; we open ourselves to disruption whenever we call on him." But it is that opening that allows miracles, the impossible, surprise and the reversal of fortunes. Work with the Teacher supports us in our mastery along the steady path of our lives. However it is the Trickster who reveals the short cuts that allow us to get there-to the full, loving expression of our soul's true purpose-while we are still young enough to enjoy the fruits of our labors. Join host and shaman, Christina Pratt, this week as we explore the ways that we unwittingly cut off The Teacher in our lives, relying instead on old, soul-killing patterns of judgment, control, and distrust. Yet even when we are at our most wretched, positional and righteous in our suffering the Teacher-usually in the guise of the Trickster-is there to open the way back to balance and wholeness. Author Lewis Hyde explains that the trickster made the world as we actually find it. Other gods set out to create a world more perfect and ideal, but this world--with its complexity and ambiguity, its beauty and its dirt--was trickster's creation, and the work is not yet finished. Join us as we explore the art of the Teacher and within that, the life saving, sacrifice demanding, crazy logic of the Trickster.

Tuesday, July 12, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

Log on to Listen
Why Shamanism Now? on Co-Creator Network
Questions? Comments? Call: 1-512-772-1938

All episodes are now available in the iTunes Podcast Library.

Jul 11, 2011

Horoscope for July 11-17

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
Aries is a pioneering fire sign, but this week, some water and earth will soften and stabilize you, Aries. If you feel like you have been spinning since the new moon of the first of the month, you are right - you have been. Now you are coming to rest on a few clear ideas or goals and you are vocalizing or taking assertive action. You cannot repress your creativity or your dreams. Many Rams will get a financial boost when the full moon in the 10th house of career brings something to a culmination point or makes a career move certain. Home and family bring you pleasure now, but if your work is at home, you may find it difficult to work around a partner or family members. A friend may have some suggestions for a home office or work space to suit your needs.

Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
"Something of value," is what I heard when I looked at your chart this week, Taurus. "Strange, but good," is another possibility. Money could come from surprising sources, possibly a windfall or inheritance, when you least expect it. Nothing can really go wrong for you now while Jupiter visits your sign and the sun and Venus are making you feel sure, secure, loved, and loving. Everyone feels like a brother or sister to you now, which helps you make the most of this week's full moon in your 9th house of higher education, foreign travel, and philosophy. You delight in learning new things, meeting new people, or planning a trip or relocation. Writers, teachers, or salespeople can accomplish a lot now because the planets are blending drive with imagination, speed, and the potent power of desire. You know where you are headed, even if the path isn't entirely laid out before you yet.

Gemini (May 21st - June 21st)
"All you need is love," Gemini. You have an inner confidence in the tendency for things to always work out in the way that is best for you, which will help you in making important decisions. Although work and money may matter this week, love and shared resources are the important things. If it feels like love, or makes your heart or gut feel content and secure, you are willing and ready to commit to your chosen person, investment, or course of action. If it doesn't feel like you think love should, or it upsets or frightens you, then you are just as prepared to sever ties, withdraw your support, or even go to court over an issue. The full moon in your 8th house is not playing around when it comes to intimacy, business partnerships, investments, and the shared assets of marriage/divorce. Love is your compass and self-worth is your true north.

Jul 10, 2011

Astrological Trends for July 11-17

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

An invigorating start to the week is promised on Monday, July 11th, as the moon in the mutable fire sign of Sagittarius forms a favorable trine to electrifying Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of impulsive Aries. However, the moon is also square to Neptune conjunct Chiron in the mutable water sign of Pisces, which indicates that it may rain on your parade today. The weather could be wet, hot, and humid, which could affect work or recreation plans and make people feel uncomfortable physically, no matter how much they want to get a move on. Mercury in the fixed fire sign of dramatic, creative Leo is sextile to both Saturn in Libra and Mars in Gemini, stimulating creativity, physical activity, and competition, and enhancing mental precision and physical performance. Venus in the cardinal water sign of Cancer forms a challenging square to Saturn in Libra, possibly producing some indecision around romantic feelings or clingy, needy behavior in yourself or a partner. Venus is stabilized and supported, however, by Jupiter in the fixed earth sign of Taurus. On the negative side, some people may be attached to the material aspects of love, but most of us are simply appreciating the sensual side of romance now. Jupiter in Taurus also forms a trine to Pluto in Capricorn, which is a powerful force for increasing income or building wealth. The sextile between Jupiter in Taurus and Neptune conjunct Chiron in Pisces can also bring financial gains or create easy access to assistance or opportunities for beneficial growth. A semi-sextile between Jupiter in Taurus and Uranus in Aries hints that some money or an opportunity for growth may come as a surprise or as a unique situation. Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn is still making a square to Uranus in Aries, continuing to make friction between old and new, as it has done for several weeks now. The effect of this square aspect will be felt more on the level of society and political issues, especially between conservatives versus liberals. In your personal life, you may want to avoid locking horns with people over their personal convictions. Pluto in Capricorn sextile Neptune conjunct Chiron in Pisces is helping you adapt to changes or challenges and to stand strong in your faith or positive mindset. At midday, the enthusiastic Sagittarius moon adds on a quincunx to Jupiter in Taurus and a semi-sextile to Pluto in Capricorn. Another quincunx forms in the early evening between the Sagittarius moon and Venus in Cancer. The afternoon can be highly productive on the material level, bringing personal satisfaction over a job well done or a service being performed or delivered properly. Later this evening, the sextile between Mercury in Leo and Saturn in Libra fades and the sextile between Venus in Cancer and Jupiter in Taurus fades, as well. Now, a sextile between the Sagittarius moon and Saturn in Libra is active. Relationships will feel more friendly and equal and less needy, clinging, or dramatic. This expansive, social moon encourages the friendship aspect of all relationships.

Jul 7, 2011

Fighting James Ray with James Ray

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.



As I've mentioned previously, the James Ray letter-writing campaign is underway. As James Ray's supporters and family are requesting letters about what a great guy he is and how many people he's "helped," for the mitigation hearing, the prosecutors are also accepting letters about what a creep he is and how many people he's harmed.

In addition to the aforementioned letter from Karen Oritz, pleas have gone out from Ray's family members and even Ray himself. He has enlisted the help of one Tony Alessandra. Details on this can be found on Connie Joy's Facebook page and in this post from the Salty Droid. Here is Alessandra's appeal for support which includes Ray's assault on grammar and decency.

From: On Behalf Of Dr. Tony Alessandra 858-999-2119
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2011 12:06 PM
Subject: [CSPlink] Re: More on James Arthur Ray

…I just received this email from James Ray. He needs help from all those who really know him. I’ve volunteered to testify as a character witness in Aug.or Sept. prior to sentencing. ALL your letters will help his case.

From: James Ray
Sent: Wednesday, June 29, 2011 8:58 PM
To: Tony Alessandra (TA@Alessandra.com )
Subject: help James Ray

Tony I need as many letters of support as possible talking about the good I’ve done and WHY I SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO CONTINUE DOING MY WORK and get probation versus prison. Can you help me? How do they know me, what have I done for them or what have they observed me do, what do they know about my character, work ethic, contribution, WHY SHOULD I BE ALLOWED TO GET BACK AND CONTRIBUTE TO SOCIETY, ETC.
You mentioned that many speakers have made supportive comments to you, can you get them to write letters-the more the better. My lawyers want to give them to the judge to help sway his sentence. Have them send via email to nk@jamesray.com. Attachment with a signature is best but if not possible can be in the body of the email.

Thanks in advance for your help

James Arthur Ray

Jul 5, 2011

Cafe



Around the Web, Around the World


"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

Rebroadcast: Soul's Purpose: The Core of Being Well

This week will be a rebroadcast of a past Why Shamanism Now show. Please visit www.whyshamanismnow.com or iTunes to download all of our past shows.

One of the highest values held in shamanic cultures is the fact that each individual brings to this world a unique soul's purpose. The gift of that soul's purpose has never been seen before and will never be seen again if you do not live it. This isn't karma and there are no second chances.This is the one moment to live that unique genius. This value was held in various ways by pre-contact shamanic peoples around the world. To live one's purpose was believed to be at the core of one's well-being. "I see this, or more precisely the lack of it, to be true today," says host and shaman, Christina Pratt. "When we are living far from our right work, spending 8-10 hours a day in a job that is not meaningful to us, ignoring the body's cries for balance, and making sure that our sleep is so short or shallow that we never touch into the call of the soul then it's no wonder we are unwell." Join us this week as we explore how to catch the scent of your soul's purpose and bring your life back on track with your passion. By changing this one thing- your relationship with your unique purpose-you can restore well-being in all aspects of your life.

Tuesday, July 5, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

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Why Shamanism Now? on Co-Creator Network
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Jul 4, 2011

Horoscope for July 4-10

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
Strong creativity and self-expression at the start of your week are directed toward work and your career, Aries. You have an intuitive sense of future trends and understand what motivates people now, and you use that knowledge to enhance your business. Shortcomings in your product or service, if you are self-employed, or a dissatisfaction with your work environment or job tasks lead to creative solutions or decisions to change something. You will find ways to improve business or cash flow. As the week progresses, your relationships become the focal point. Family, romantic, and work relationships may all require attention or a renewal of commitment.

Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
Friends, family, and your home life are important to you the first half of the week, Taurus. You love to share with other people and you have a lot to share lately. Your mind and intuition are both amplified by the planets. Your logical mind will see the sense in believing in impossible or improbable things when they quickly become your reality, so keep imagining and dreaming. Mind over matter and persistent insistence can help you with a work or health matter. Whether you are communicating, writing, or traveling for business or pleasure, your situation can change in an instant based on your attitude, so stay positive and don't take no for an answer. Some of you may meet a potential partner at the end of the week. If you are already with a mate, your relationship could deepen significantly.

Gemini (May 21st - June 21st)
Work you have done on your prosperity consciousness may pay off in a big way this week, Gemini. A passion for what you do along with a healthy sense of self-worth and a willingness to take a business risk when an opportunity presents itself can have a significant impact on your career and future earning potential. Time spent in meditation or creative dreaming earlier in the week puts you in touch with your Muse or a benevolent spiritual guide to assist you. So many good things may come your way that choosing which opportunity to take could be difficult. Your phone and e-mail may be hopping and local travel could be busy, too. Enjoy your neighborhood and the great outdoors. Flirt or match your wits with a playful partner.

Astrological Trends for July 4-10

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Happy Independence Day, USA! Celebrations should be fun and lively on Monday, July 4th, with the moon in the fixed fire sign of playful Leo. Mercury, the planet of communication and transportation, is also in Leo and heavily aspected by several planets, making Monday a day of high activity, both physically and verbally. Mercury is quincunx Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn, quincunx to Chiron in the mutable water sign of Pisces, trine to Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of Aries, and square to Jupiter in the fixed earth sign of Taurus. Creativity is strong, along with the urge to bring an idea into being quickly, but there is a nice built-in stop check in the Mercury/Jupiter square that keeps you from going too far too fast. Pluto in Capricorn and Chiron in Pisces form a supportive sextile that completes a yod, or Hand of God, aspect pattern between Mercury/Pluto/Chiron. You may open your mind to something that transforms your life under this potent pattern, which has a bold and highly creative Mercury at the helm. Venus leaves the sign of fickle Gemini now and enters the cardinal water sign of emotional, nurturing Cancer. Love is less playful or uncertain and more comforting and secure now. A beautiful trine between Venus in the imaginative mutable air sign of Gemini and romantic Neptune in the dreamy mutable water sign of Pisces makes this the perfect time to find love, fall in love, or be ridiculously romantic with your partner. Two other fantastic trines are in the heavens now that can help you be Romeo or Juliet. Mars in the mutable air sign of Gemini thrills at the idea of flirting, playing the field, or thinking up novel and fun dating activities. Mars happens to be trine to Saturn in the relationship-minded cardinal air sign of Libra, which will make Mars try harder to attract, entertain, and show off a match. Jovial Jupiter in the fixed earth sign of sensual, pleasure-seeking Taurus forms a trine to intensifying Pluto in the success-oriented cardinal earth sign of Taurus. The physical side of love is deeply satisfying now and "winning" at the game of love can make you feel on top of the world. Excitement, pleasure, romance - how much better can it get? Early this evening, the late Leo moon opposes Neptune in Pisces, but also forms a pleasant sextile to Venus in Gemini. You may be so smitten with someone or caught up in your creativity that you lose touch with reality briefly. Unless you are overindulging in mind-altering substances, I don't see this opposition as being difficult - just a bit reality-distorting. Later tonight, the moon leaves the fire sign of Leo and enters the mutable earth sign of discerning Virgo. A semi-sextile from the sun in Cancer to Mars in Gemini and a square between the sun and Saturn in Libra help you to keep one foot on the ground while you enjoy a delightful, sensual summer evening.

Juror Speaks Out on James Ray Sweat Lodge Trial

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.



The first press interview with one of James Ray's jurors has hit the street. The only big surprise for me in this story is that juror Phillip Lepacek found Luis Li "personable and entertaining." Well... I guess I found him somewhat entertaining but only in the most darkly comic sense. I'm far less surprised to learn that he was "taken aback by defense attorney Tom Kelly, who clearly stated to the jury that he didn't like its verdict."

I hadn't thought that insulting the jury would go over real well -- especially considering that they'd just rearranged four months of their lives to hear this case.

The upshot? Four of the twelve thought it was manslaughter. The other eight won the argument and the four let themselves be talked down to the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide. They also did not buy the organophosphate theory. Shocker!!

Jul 1, 2011

Kissing the Sun

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.



With today's partial solar eclipse, we will complete another of what Lauren Gorgo calls sandwich cycles; two solar eclipses on either side of a lunar eclipse. And I agree with Gorgo that the lunar eclipse was a doozy.

How are you faring?

We did come up for a quick breath of air after integrating that noxious lunar eclipse, but only for a hot second before the solstice energy waves started to pull us under again.

This lunar eclipse was a doozy for many…in some cases it successfully cracked open core blocks and forced us to take a solid look at our foundations before we begin to build upon them. If your foundation was slightly damaged, most likely you spent the last 7 days repairing it. If the damage was severe or irreparable, you may have been suddenly forced to begin again…to dig up the existing foundation and lay an entirely new one. If you are one who is experiencing the latter, no worries...this is not a race. Everything is always exactly as it should be.

For all of us, the lunar eclipse provided a massive opportunity to release some deeeeeeep feelings of lack/unworthiness…we were given the chance to coddle those remaining loveless parts which, unfortunately meant revisiting some dark places in our past so that we could illuminate and reclaim those aspects of ourselves that we unknowingly left behind.

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