Will James Arthur Ray Get Off on a Technicality?

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Prosecutor Sheila Polk

Yesterday Judge Darrow heard arguments over a motion for a new trial for James Arthur Ray. He has taken the motion under advisement and as of this writing, his decision is still pending. Over the course of the trial, he also heard and denied numerous mistrial motions. Most of the grounds put forward by the defense in this motion are repetitions from those previously rejected mistrial arguments.

Needless to say, CNN was not broadcasting the trial so I'm relying on accounts from reporters who were privy to court proceedings. I expect that the arguments hewed closely to their written motions, thus the defense's argument has been described as brief. (It also appears that Tom Kelly argued for the defense's motion. Had it been Luis Li, it would probably still be going on... and on... and on.) I've posted these previously but here again are pdfs of the relevant motions: the defense's motion for new trial, the State's reponse, and the defense's reply to the State.

The State's response is thorough and lengthy and points to the previously addressed and settled nature of many of the defense's arguments. The defense continues to take the position that prosecutorial misconduct is self-evident and that it's the State's burden to prove that their errors were inadvertent and not prejudicial. I did find the conclusion to the defense's motion a little confusing.

The state's persistent and pronounced misconduct demands a new trial. And the knowing and willful nature of the misconduct warrants sanctions and will bar re-prosecution.

How can there be a new trial if re-prosecution is barred? Well... I'm not a lawyer.

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"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

How Spiritual Emergency Becomes Awakening

"In spiritual emergency, our process of awakening becomes difficult and destabilizing," explains our guest, Kevin Sachs PhD of Safe Journeys Home. "These states can be confusing and frightening and can be misdiagnosed as mental illness, but they are truly healing states of consciousness." Join host and shaman, Christina Pratt, as she explores what Spiritual Emergency is, how to recognize it and how to work with it as a deeply transformational process with Kevin Sachs. Many people are introduced to non-ordinary states of consciousness through practices like shamanic journeying, trance dancing, vision quests, sweat lodges, breathwork, kundalini practices, meditation and yogic breathwork without being taught how to safely and productively use these states. However, if recognized and worked with skillfully and compassionately these challenging alternate states can become a spiritual practice, a personal healing form or an initiation into your true self. Kevin 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:
Kevin Sachs

Kevin Sachs, PhD, is the director of Safe Journeys Home, LLC which specializes in the facilitation of, support for, and education about transformational processes, events and crises. Kevin offers ongoing personal and emotional support to clients on their journeys of awakening. He offers support in preparing for and integrating deep, transformative inner experiences. He offers support during psycho-spiritual crises, kundalini crises, shamanic initiatory illnesses and other spiritual emergencies. He designs and facilitates rites of passage to support people going through difficult transitions. He also offers shamanic healing and workshops.

Kevin is an advanced student in Grof Transpersonal Training and offers Holotropic Breathwork™ with certified facilitators. He is studying to certify as a Focusing Professional with Ann Weiser Cornell and Jane Bell through the Focusing Institute. He also studies shamanism with Jan Edl Stein and Kenn Day. He has previously studied shamanism with Parashakti and Carla Meeske. Kevin also spent many years studying Siddha Yoga Meditation with Swami Muktananda and Gurumayi Chidvilasananda. He has been on a spiritual path for 38 years.

Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

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Horoscope for August 15-21

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Aries (March 21st - April 20th)
You and a partner may share a dream of home, family, and increased financial security this week. If you are single, a dream of finding the perfect partner could drive you to increase your income. The planets are giving you strong creative manifesting power that enables you to imagine what you desire and bring it into reality. For Rams wanting to conceive a child, the first two days of the week are an ideal time to try. An urge for change may be directed toward your career or home, but it may be something new inside you that wants to be expressed. Friends may mean well when giving you advice, but they can also confuse or limit you. Follow your own heart.

Taurus (April 21st - May 20th)
Your world will expand from the comfort of your own home this week, Taurus. Social networking and the Internet could be ways that you meet new people and learn new things. Your personal warmth, charm, and sense of humor are fired up by the glow of the sun, Venus, and Mercury, making you a magnet for attention and increasing your desire to be surrounded by kindred souls. You may also be dreaming of a new home or getting ready to move. Your self-esteem is getting a good boost, as well, because your communication skills are in high demand. A piece of you is happily watching seeds of your future being sown now and, in your quiet moments, you wonder what fruit those seeds will bear. Watch that you don't commit to more work than you can handle at the end of the week.

Gemini (May 21st - June 21st)
"How can I make more money?" may be on your mind this week, Gemini. Creative ideas are going off like fireworks and you are willing to talk and promote yourself now. Trust your own instincts in business rather than the voice of establishment or anyone who tells you something can't be done. You do have a guardian angel, spirit guide, or an inner wisdom that only laughs at "No way" right now. A financial investment in yourself could bring a change in you that shifts your energy and allows you to accept fame, popularity, and greater success. Making money can become a game where you joyfully see your money grow rather than a chore you dread with diminishing returns.

Astrological Trends for August 15-21

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

A polite and sensitive mood sets the tone for the morning of Monday, August 15th, as the moon in the mutable water sign of Pisces forms a quincunx to Saturn in the cardinal air sign of Libra. This combination of mental refinement and spiritual sensitivity enhances social interaction, romance, and all forms of artistic expression. The moon sextile Jupiter in the fixed earth sign of Taurus helps bring plans into being and creative ideas into material form, as well as improves overall optimism and attitude. Mars, the planet of action, in the cardinal water sign of Cancer sextile Jupiter in Taurus gives the power of material manifestation another boost. With Mars and Jupiter supporting each other, you have the energy to act and the stamina to follow through. Mars in Cancer also opposes Pluto in the cardinal earth sign of Capricorn until noon, indicating there may be some resistance to overcome or difficulties to work out as you move through the morning, but a supportive sextile between Pluto in Capricorn and Chiron in Pisces means that where there is a will, there is a gentle or fruitful way to be found. Unfortunately, the long-term square aspect between volatile Pluto in traditional Capricorn and unstable Uranus in the cardinal fire sign of original Aries is still creating strong resistance and reaction whenever something new attempts to replace the old. The effect of this square aspect may be more noticeable on a global level, but if you would like to know how it affects you personally, you must look to see what houses, or areas of life, Pluto and Uranus are transiting in your own natal chart. Neptune has left the water sign of Pisces and re-entered the fixed air sign of Aquarius while it is retrograde. I feel this may bring spiritual or religious issues to the forefront in the news. Mercury retrograde in the fixed fire sign of Leo is joining Venus and the sun, exactly conjunct in Leo. This creative, energetic, passionate fire can make old things new and bring renewed joy into whatever area of your chart Leo resides. Second chances and trying again are especially likely to be happily successful under this influence. The moon/Saturn quincunx is gone by early evening and a peaceful, unaspected Pisces moon continues to shine on your evening. Pisces loves to dream and escape. Everything takes on a rosy glow or is felt more deeply. Spend the evening rekindling romance with a partner or indulge in your own favorite special treat - a glass of wine, a movie, a good book, a massage?

The Stepford President?

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Days after the incarceration of polygamist Warren Jeffs, the Biblical view of marriage is in the news again. Michele Bachmann has put the issue front and center and not even because of her well-known opposition to gay marriage. During last night's debate in Iowa, columnist Byron York attempted to hold her feet to the fire over anti-feminist views that would seem to disqualify her for the presidency. Bachmann is on record as being a "submissive" wife.

At issue is a speech she gave in 2006 when she explained God's handiwork in her life path.

In a speech at a mega-church in the Minneapolis area back in 2006, Michele Bachmann explained her decision to pursue tax law. It wasn't her choice, exactly. God had already told her to go to law school; God had also told her to marry a fellow named Marcus Bachmann. Now Marcus told her "to go and get a post-doctorate degree in tax law." This was not a particular desire of Michele's ("Tax law? I hate taxes!"), but she was certain God was speaking through her husband.

"Why should I go and do something like that?" she recalled thinking. "But the Lord says, 'Be submissive wives; you are to be submissive to your husbands.'"

Religious Abuse

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Warren Jeffs was carted off to prison on Tuesday after being sentenced to life plus 20 years. He will not be eligible for parole until he's 100 years old. While I'm gratified that there is some measure of justice and that he will be precluded from directly harming anyone else, what's left of his life will never balance any great scale. He has stolen the childhoods of what is probably an unknown number of children. And, unfortunately, his incarceration is unlikely to stop the cycle of abuse in the church that still considers him a leader and prophet.

Polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs, to his followers a prophet who speaks directly with God, is likely to continue to lead his church from behind bars after being sentenced to life in prison on child sex assault charges.

"The vast majority are just not going to leave," Atlanta-based polygamy historian and writer Ken Driggs said. "They've got family ties and marriage ties and a culture deeply rooted in their faith."

. . .

There was no mass exodus in 2007 after Jeffs' conviction on Utah sex assault charges. Most members remained loyal. As he spent almost five years in various jails, Jeffs continued to spiritually direct the faith, counsel followers and lead Sunday services by phone.

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"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

The Shamanic Journey and Direct Revelation

The shamanic journey allows the journeyer to receive direct revelation from Spirit. A direct connection with spirit is the birth right of every human and the shamanic journey is one of the most ancient and reliable forms of forging this connection. Once connected with Spirit within the journey state of consciousness the journeyer can find healing, protection, and a continual source of guidance. The shamanic journey is a paradoxical practice, requiring simultaneously a degree of focused discipline and free access to the imagination. At the same time the journey is purely question driven and occurs within the dreamlike landscape of your own symbolic language. There is no ultimate truth there with codified symbols and interpretation. The journeyer must craft the question so that it acts as a key to open the answer. And then the "answer" that may be as inscrutable as last night's dream must be accurately interpreted. Here in lie the greatest challenges in developing a powerful, passionate, and effective journeying practice. Join host and shaman, Christina Pratt, as she explores the common mistakes, misconceptions, and false assumptions made by journeyers and remedies to correct them. Foremost is the reminder that Spirit is a teacher and even our mistakes in journeying and what we learn from them are part of the teaching and the answer.

Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

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Warren Jeffs Convicted

Crossposted from Reflections Journal.

Unrepentant polygamist Warren Jeffs was found guilty of the sexual abuse of two underage girls. Jeffs had been previously convicted in Utah but the verdict was overturned due to improper jury instructions. He was then extradited to Texas where he acted as his own attorney in a trial that quickly descended into absurdity.

Jeffs fired seven attorneys, ultimately opting to defend himself by accusing prosecutors of religious persecution. He also used the trial as an opportunity to preach the gospel of polygamy.

While Jeff's defense was risible, the State's case was stomach-turning. Jeffs assisted in his own prosecution by having recorded much of his life -- ostensibly because everything he did and said was prophetic -- including his molestation of these poor children. The jury heard audio recordings of his instruction of his child brides in the art of pleasing a man... and therefore God.

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"Why Shamanism Now?" with Christina Pratt

How do I find my Soul's Purpose?

Our soul's purpose is the cornerstone of well-being, from a shamanic perspective. But how do we find it? Without it we are lost. With it our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health come together as an integrated whole. The gifts that you will give to the world as an expression of your soul's purpose have never been seen before ...and will never be seen again if you do not bring them. This life is the one moment to live that unique genius. But how do you know you are living your soul's purpose? What are the practical, daily things anyone could do to find and live their soul's purpose? This week, shaman and host, Christina Pratt, explores the things we can do to bring our selves in touch with our passion, because our passion-freed from addiction and obsession-is the mainline connection to our soul's purpose. Our purpose does not live in the ethereal realms of spirit, visions, and dreams. It lives in our body, deep within the root of being where we carry our piece of the original spark of life. To touch that origin spark each day we must release the lies we tell ourselves each day. To touch that spark we must accept the truth: the truth that we are One-with-all-things, innately worthy, and destine through our unique soul's purpose to bring greatness to the world.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011 at 11:00 AM Pacific

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All episodes are now available in the iTunes Podcast Library.

Mercury Retrograde

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

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Mercury, the planet of communication and transportation, which recently entered the mutable earth sign of Virgo, turns retrograde late in the evening of August 2nd and backtracks into the fixed fire sign of Leo by the end of the first week in August. Virgo is an analytical and methodical sign that likes to do things purposefully. Virgo's mutable quality may make it run through several possibilities before deciding which option is the most effective, but the desired result is always function. Leo, on the other hand, is highly creative, playful, and dramatic. Leo can work as hard as Virgo, but the process of creation is half the fun and the bigness of the effect is sometimes more important than function. Why have plain and practical when you can go for fun and extravagant?

As you enter the Mercury retrograde period this week, use the Virgo energy at the start of the retrograde period to analyze, itemize, and prioritize the things that you would like to go back over. Mercury retrograde's finest attribute is the opportunity it affords you to pull out old plans and projects, collect more information, or revisit an issue in order to clear it. Mercury retrograde can bring second chances. When the energy begins to shift on August 7th, you will have a list to burn through with that creative Leo fire.

Just as Mercury turns retrograde, Mars, the planet of action, leaves the air sign of Gemini and enters the emotional water sign of Cancer. Mars happens to aspect Mercury with a supportive sextile and also aspects Neptune in Pisces with a favorable trine until August 7th. I see these aspects as dream incubators. You can use these favorable aspects to help you get in touch with your emotions and identify your desires before you take any action. I do have to add a "however" here, though. Mercury retrograde traditionally causes misunderstanding, delays, and breakdowns with travel- and communication-related things. Mercury happens to oppose Neptune, which increases the possibility of confusion. Mars can enhance the potential for fire, accidents, and arguments. Cancer, Pisces, and Neptune are all water- and ocean-related. Please be cautious when traveling in the rain or on water. Safety first at all times.

Whatever area, or house, in your chart that has Leo energy: get ready to re-create something during the Mercury retrograde period. Based on a solar (sun sign astrology) chart, these are the houses and their concerns. Read for both your sun sign and your rising sign, also known as your ascendant. There are links on this site where you can get both your ascendant and your natal chart for free.

Hiatus

Cross-posted from Aloha Astro

Thank you so much for visiting. Aloha Astro is on a summer break and Mercury retrograde retreat until August 14th. The next full horoscope post will be on August 15th. I will still be writing daily Tweetscopes for all twelve signs, which are posted daily on both Facebook and Twitter.

Due to popular demand, I have created another site that offers a very special report at a very reasonable rate. Please visit What is My Life About? to learn more. I will be accepting orders for delivery after August 8th.

While I am in retreat, I would love to hear from you. Please tell me if you enjoy your Tweetscopes, Horoscopes, and the Astrological Trends. Do you follow them all? Are the Astrological Trends too technical for you? The more honest feedback I receive, the better I can serve you.

Love, Dunnea Rae (Dee)