Totems: Horse

The horse are known for their speed and racing capacities. Strength comes along with this large creature, where it is able to send a kick that could easily send a person into unconsciousness or worse.

As a powerful creature, it teaches to go into new directions, to learn what is there; to learn one’s own power within, one’s own freedoms. As one learns one’s own power and freedoms, it is also taught by the horse to ask if one is able or need to move and if one is allowing others to do so.

Horses are social beings, knowing that team work and learning from others whom one works with. The horse totem teaches the power of working together, of how it makes a load easier to deal with. As working with others also allows for learning oppurtunities, the horse tells of how gaining knowledge is a positive outcome from working with others.

Dull Story

Having a day out can be an enjoyable experience, but there are at times frustrating moments. Days out are best when all goes to plan, perhaps an a little moment during the day was an amusing one. And a lovely experience can be told by me. A hooray for random story-telling!

As all good dull stories start, I was in a car at the traffic lights waiting for the red light to turn green. Walking on the sidewalk was a couple holding hands, and me being me took notice (another hooray for me rarely seeing people hold hands). Out of the odds of this happening, I was noticed taking notice. The couple consisting of two males, it is no surprise it was taken the wrong way. One of the two arrogantly spoke in a loud voice, “Yeah, we’re gay guys.” Nothing else was said, the couple continued walking and the traffic lights conveniently turned green.

Thankfully only a snarky comment was made, yet it is such words that will create a fight. They say first impressions are important, and one person gave a ‘fantastic’ one today. Bonus points for giving a ‘good’ example of the gay community.

Certain Time of The Year

It being that time of the year, the usual post is not here. Huzzah! It being Christmas, I was going to take a Christmas related photograph for a certain other blog. Loveliest part, I have yet to mention the fact I have been doing the 365 Project on this blog for the last two months since I have started. This certainly goes to show that I can be lazy.

Problem is, I didn’t take a photo of anything Christmas related for the 365 Project, but rather of a gourd. Why a gourd? I told myself, “I’ll take a photo of this gourd, so at least I have taken a photo for the 365 Project.” Good thing, as I got lazy with taking a Christmas themed photo.

With the gourd I photographed, a day or two ago I decided to shake the gourds I have which are of process of drying. One made a rattling sound; one gourd has finished drying and just before Christmas. It still needs a cleaning, yes. When it will be cleaned, have the top of it cut off and its innards taken out I am not sure. Regardless of what happened to this gourd, I’ll probably simply turn to referring it as “The Christmas Gourd”. Will it serve as a reminder to not be lazy? Possibly, it’s certainly not unlikely.

As for how Christmas has been, it has been a simple day yet nice in its own way, with it coming to a close in Australia I happen to live in the area where it has begun raining within the last hour. The storm shall bring plenty of rain and loud thunder, but it is better to get rain over a overly hot day.

Totems: Possum

The possum is a small creature of Australia, whom often isn’t seen during the day. A generally quiet being that has been introduced to New Zealand and have caused damage compared to the rabbit or cane toad to Australia.

It teaches to keep in persistence in what one tries to achieve. A goal may not be completed soon, and not giving up is needed to achieve in what one wishes to do. Results shall be eventually, it is simply a matter of time.

The power of quietness is taught by the possum totem, where it knows that at times being quiet is best. Quietness is not a bad thing, and can be used to get around certain things rather use something else such as one’s wits.

Japanese Maple

Acer palmatum is the botanical name of what is commonly called Japanese Maple, a popular plant grown ornamentally in gardens. For those who grow bonsai, the Japanese maple is also a popular choice for a plant.

Japanese maples also come in multiple varieties and as such size, leaf colour and shape can vary. Height, depending on varieties can be 0.5m to 25m tall and growing conditions should be learnt of the specific variety of Japanese maple before obtaining it as growing conditions may be different to as expected.

Aphids can be a problem for this tree along with sunlight. Sunlight itself can be tolerated by several varieties of Japanese maple, but many prefer a bit of shade and generally can grow in complete shade. Slightly alkaline to acidic soils are tolerated, along with clay, loam and sand soils.

Mourning Ravens

Ravens aren’t the most uncommon sight as I have learnt. They are able to live well in urban areas and on occasion it is quite possible to get close to one or two. As ravens have taken to the urban environment, so have the risks of being within one.

Sadly, a part of life in an urban environment is being careful with vehicles. It is not even uncommon for birds to accidently not get out of the way of a vehicle in time, and sadly today it seems to have happened to a raven.

Upon a street light a number of ravens were upon a street light cawing, even with one or two with their wings extended. It was as if they were mourning the death of a fellow raven killed by a vehicle on the road, although just safety upon a street light where they would unlikely be disturbed by walking pedestrian or vehicle. The ravens were loud with their cawing and constant, a thing which catches your attention. A sight that may not be rare, but it remains unusual and thought provoking.

Gods And Goddesses: Chalchiuhtlicue

Chalchiuhtlicue is the goddess of love, lakes, rivers, seas, streams, horizontal waters, storms, baptisms, youth and beauty and wife of the rain deity Tlaloc. Her name means “Woman/She of the Jade Skirt”, simply “Jade Skirt” or “Lady of the Precious Green”.

A patroness of women in labour, children and new-borns, protection was also given to fishermen by Chalchiuhtlicue. As an Aztec goddess one could easily assume Chalchiuhtlicue enjoys human sacrifice, but has a preference for flowers.

She came from fruit-laden prickly pear tree that was standing in a river. The previous Fourth Sun, or Fifth World, was what Chalchiuhtlicue ruled over, and was destroyed by flooding by this goddess. Fortune was on the side of some for they were transformed into fish by Chalchiuhtlicue and survived the flooding.

Totems: Dog

Dogs are known for their various breeds and even high amount of loyalty to their owners. Throughout the various breeds of this animal, lessons of this totem are highly similar although breeds may teach lessons specific to its breed.

Being an animal of loyalty, the dog teaches loyalty to those trusted and to do what possible for those loyal towards. Loyalty often comes hand-in-hand with companionship and being a needed companion to those one is loyal to is also taught.

The dog totem asks to look at the qualities of the self. What qualities are needed to be worked on? Is one judgmental or forgiving? What of being faithful and loving? Do such qualities need to be worked upon themselves?

To show kindness and love even in the likes of mistreatment may be difficult, but it is often the best way to respond as the dog tells. Being weary of others taking advantage of one’s kindness and love should still exist, for there is always that one person willing to abuse the kindness and love of others.

Silver Birch

Betula pendula, or as it is more commonly called, Silver Birch, is a plant often used ornamentally in gardens. Its white bark and drooping shoots are often what this plant is grown for. The silver birch is the national tree of Finland.

As a medium sized deciduous tree, its height is typically between 15-25m but can grow up to 40m. The trunk is usually under 40cm in diameter but can be up to 1m. Black diamond shaped marks are usually on this plant with larger black patches typically at its base.

Silver birch is highly susceptible to pests. However, it requires little maintenance and is easy to grow.

A plant to grow in either partial or full sun and in light sand to heavy clay; the pH of the soil it is growing in should be between 5.5 and 8.
Well-drained loam soils, full sun and pH between 5.5 and 6.5 is preferred by this plant. It is a wind tolerant plant that grows fast but is short lived.

God Likes Lambs

When it comes to reading religious texts, certain little things occasionally stand out. It can be interesting to say the least. And congratulations to me for actually opening the Bible for once, it is nice to actually have a look in one after such an extended length of time. But the Bible being the Bible, something within it is surely going to stand out.

To the point, it is Numbers 28. I knew already about the burnt offerings and how God apparently enjoys the aromas of such; but it seems God also enjoys his one year old lambs without defects. In the daily, Sabbath, monthly, Passover and Festival of Weeks offerings, these one year old lambs lacking in defects are enjoyed. Quite a bit of lamb to be offered, especially so if it is on a daily basis.

Gods And Goddesses: Kebechet

Kebechet, or Qebehet, is the daughter of the god Anubis and his wife Anput. A deity whose name means “cooling water”, she is depicted as a snake or with a woman with the head of a snake and on occasion got depicted as a snake with a body of stars. Kebechet is also known to occasionally take form of an ostrich.

Kebechet is a deity that deals with the embalming liquid, helping her father Anubis with the tasks of mummification. She refreshed and purified the hearts of the deceased using pure water contained within four jars.

Totems: Monkey

See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil. That is a saying greatly associated with the monkey, with this creature being viewed differently from culture to culture. India has its own monkey god, Hanuman. China on the other hand, has Sun Wukong. Both are well known to the world.

The monkey as a totem teaches to not spread rumours and to not be quick to judge what is seen. What is seen is not always as it seems, nor are rumours something of certain fact. Rumours and judging isn’t the way to go.

To observe surroundings and allow expression of interest of one’s environment is not a bad thing. The monkey knows it can be useful. Taking interest and observing is a good way to learn, as not all that is told with words are the best way to learn.

Looking at both the lighter and darker sides of life is not of all negativity. Just as there is a kind world, a cruel world is also all around. The monkey knows and teaches to look at both, not just one side or the other.

Cat Grass

Cat Grass is a plant that gives cats essential vitamins and minerals, which can easily be missing from their diets if spent indoors. For cats, it is eaten for its nutritional value and is known to be suitable to be fed to dogs, guinea pigs and rabbits.

The botanical name of cat grass is Dactylis glomerata and is an annual which fruits in late summer. It is also a frost tender plant which can be grown within small containers. At 7-10cm, cat grass is ready to be consumed and be used as a distraction from nibbling on houseplants.

If grown indoors, the seeds can be sown all year round and do not have to worry about frost. However, as a plant growing indoors it needs to be placed by a well lit window and turned daily. Grown outdoors, sowing is to occur within spring, summer or autumn. Cat grass grown outdoors should be kept out of both full sun and shade, where it is best grown in semi-shade.

Hooray For The News

News in Australia has lately been dealing with a single teenager. Constantly hearing about this fourteen year old whenever the news is on gets rather dull to say the least. He went to Bali, got arrested for carrying cannabis, and spent two months in custody before getting to come back to Australia a bit earlier. Sounds lovely.

Anyhow, congratulations to the teenager for his fifteen minutes of fame.

Gods And Goddesses: Loki

Loki is the son of Farbauti and Laufey, having two siblings, Helblindi and Byleistr. Later on in life, Loki gets pregnant himself and gave birth to the eight legged horse Sleipnir. Loki is one whom at times helps the gods, while at other times doesn’t.

A trickster god, Loki has three wives and has the ability to transform into many forms. Although he has three wives, Loki takes whatever opportunity to take advantage of any goddess he could. Loki notably is currently being punished for eternity for causing the death of Baldur, at least until Ragnarok occurs.

The three wives of Loki are Glut (who bore the daughters Einmyria and Eisa), Angrobda (who bore the wolf Fenrir, the serpent Jormungand and the goddess Hel) and Sigyn (who bore the sons Narvi and Vali).

A story of Loki often told is how he caused the death of the peace god Baldur. It was Loki whom upon learning Baldur’s weakness (mistletoe), got the blind god Hod to shoot Baldur with mistletoe, killing the god. If all earthly things mourned the death of Baldur he would be brought back to life, to the misfortune of Baldur an old hag refused to mourn his death. This old hag turned out to be Loki in disguise.

While Loki is in bonds as punishment for what he did to Baldur, his wife Sigyn collects venom that falls from a serpent. When the bowl is full it is emptied, with whatever venom that drips on Loki in the meantime causing Loki to writhe in pain and cause earthquakes. When Ragnarok comes, Loki is to slip free from his bonds and fight against the gods, where he and Heimdallr shall kill each other.

Totems: Penguin

Penguins are the swimming birds with well known black and white feathers. Although a bird, it cannot fly but rather is a great swimmer. Penguins also are able to jump out of water and land onto their feet.

The penguin totem teaches of lucid dreaming and astral projection. To harness the power of either or both may be difficult, but for the penguin it is useful. As a bird, the penguin is known to symbolically go inbetween worlds, from the land to sea and vice versa.

Being a bird of high specialisation, the penguin of course teaches the usefulness of specialisation itself. The most important factor of specialisation deals with career, although over-specialisation and under-specialisation may be issues that need to be raised.

There are times for work and times for play, or at least this is what the penguin tells. One cannot simply play all the time, nor can one simply work 24/7. It is a matter of balancing both out, as both is needed one way or another.

Lilly Pilly

Syzygium smithii is commonly called Lilly Pilly, with its former botanical name being Acmena smithii. A tree which can be used as hedging, it has ability to grow 6-18m tall and 3-10m wide. It grows small white flowers in the summer and bears small pink fruit that is edible.

Lilly pilly can grow in most soils, whether it is loam, sand or clay soil. It is able to grow in either full sun, half-sun or shade, giving allowance to grow in most gardens. Lilly pilly grows well near the sea, yet is not suitable to grow in areas that commonly have heavy frosts.

A naturally hardy plant that grows fast, but doesn’t tolerate drought or poor drying soils well. It fruits in autumn and winter, to which the fruit can be made into jams. Fruiting begins in two or three years, provided it is in full or partial sunlight.

Monday Madness

Weather has been great in the last few days. Lack of sunshine and the skies has been filled with clouds that create wonder of when rain is to come. As fun as it is to look upon the skies and wonder, the world is not to end; at least not until late next year. Just as the world is to not end anytime soon, people are still going on with their daily business.

People do have jobs and have to earn a living. Students still have to learn and go to school. This brings on many joys if you just happen to be at the right place at the right time during the morning or afternoon of a Monday. “Monday Madness”, I think it is called.

To keep the short story short, an ever so lovely stranger was with a woman on the street and was in a lovely mood. The word ‘fuck’ covers his wide vocabulary, coming out in various forms within seconds of each other. What unenlightening words it was. As much happiness that comes from such delightful words, at least it is rarely seen or dealt with.

Gods And Goddesses: Rhiannon

Rhiannon is a Celtic and Welsh goddess, whose name means “Divine Queen” or “Great Queen”. She is a goddess of inspiration, horses and the moon, whom is also considered a mother goddess by some. Rhiannon is known to have married a mortal king or prince of Wales, Pwyll, and is mother of a hero called Pryderi.

Legends state that Pwyll witnessed the arrival of Rhiannon, who was riding a white horse, where the best horsemen are sent after Rhiannon. However, Rhiannon was able to stay ahead of these horsemen and after several days, Rhiannon tells Pwyll she would marry him then her fiancé, Gwawl ap Clud.

Later the two conceive a boy, but on the night of the birth the boy disappears and Rhiannon is accused of infanticide and cannibalism. Rhiannon is thought to have committed the act, but the child is cared for by a couple whom claim the child as their own but is eventually learnt to be the actual child of Pwyll and Rhiannon.

After Pwyll’s death, a man called Manawydan was taken as husband. Rhiannon is also said to possess birds with the ability to raise the dead and to put the living to sleep.

Totems: Eagle

The eagle is a bird found across the globe, with nearing sixty species of this bird to be found. Eagles are known for their physical strength and powerful eyesight and hearing, but its voice is small and weak.

This totem notes the sun and the greatness of it, with the eagle telling to be weary of giving too much focus on the night and moon. The sun is the source of incredible power and the eagle knows it.

Teaching to develop proper times to speak and how much to say. The eagle knows the greatness of the voice despite not having a large one, where this bird teaches that the voice is in itself great, even precious.

To be challenged and to allow to be challenged is of the eagle totem, where it is taught that continually challenging yourself is a positive aspect of life. It is from challenging oneself achievements can be obtained.

Connecting to the spiritual realms and staying connected to those realms is a teaching of the eagle. To the eagle, these realms are to be remembered and be kept in connection with.

Patience is considered a virtue, and as a bird of prey patience is needed by the eagle. Patience through some form of work is taught, whether it be finding or doing a job, doing a project or exercising for better health.

Avocado

Persea americana is the botanical name of the Avocado which is also called the Alligator Pear. The fruit it grows is technically a large berry and the large single seed found within the berry can easily be grown.

The tree itself is a plant which is of need of no frost and little wind. High winds effects this self-pollinating plant. The leaves, bark, skin and pit is of toxicity, being able to kill animals when consumed.

With growing indoors the avocado needs to be next to a well-lit window, with wiping of leaves with a damp cloth needed to be done once a month. Liquid fertiliser will be needed in the spring and summer. Pruning and re-potting will be a constant need for the avocado; it is a plant which grows large. If grown indoors, do not expect this plant to fruit. Grown outdoors however, fruiting can be expected in about six years from a plant grown from seed.

The seed of the avocado can be treated to help propagation, where the avocado has three or four tooth picks stuck into it and is placed into a glass filled with water. The heavy side of the seed should be down and direct sunlight should be avoided.

In two to six weeks splitting should occur where roots and a sprout shall appear, if growth does not occur the seed should be thrown out. Once the stem has started growing, potting can be done. When potting is done, half the seed should be exposed. After being potted, plenty of sunlight is needed along with watering that is light and frequent.

One Of Those Days

Sometimes there are days when you just need to relax and watch some videos.

Gods And Goddesses: Shangdi

Shangdi, or Shang Di, is the deity whose name translates to ‘High Sovereign’ or ‘Lord on High’. Victory in battle, the fate of the kingdom, harvest and weather is determined by this god. Shangdi rules over a hierarchy of gods which control nature and spirits of the deceased. Due to ruling over the spirits of the deceased, Shang Di can be worshiped through the veneration of ancestors as ancestors accompany Shangdi.

Shangdi was thought of as the supreme god and considered too distant for worship. Over time, Heaven (or Tian) was preferred for worship. The Jade Emperor eventually came known as head of the celestial pantheon.

Totems: Sparrow

The sparrow is a small bird that is also one proving to be a common one. A successful bird proving size does not matter, but however is considered a pest today by someone.

The sparrow teaches of self-worth, to ask if one knows about one’s self-worth. Just as self-worth is taught to be known, a healthy self-esteem, dignity and empowerment are taught alongside such. Self-worth has special emphasis to the sparrow.

Being able to communicate, especially though voice, is taught by the sparrow. Even if one is not the loudest, the sparrow knows that one does not have to be the loudest to communicate. To this totem, being able to communicate is of importance.

In survival, the sparrow gives help with one’s survival instincts. This is done through sharpening intuition to allow for better making of proper choices. Assertion is also taught to allow for better survival despite whatever circumstances.

The power of numbers is the lesson of the sparrow. Safety can be gained by numbers, and closeness within the group that is formed. Being within a group and being close to one another can be intimidating, allowing for safety from those unwanted.

To be idle physically and mentally is taught to be avoided. The sparrow teaches to be fastidious and productive, to help assist in obtaining a full and healthy life. Vigilance is what the sparrow lets be known and understands that it can be quite useful.

Creativity is another aspect of the sparrow which is taught by this totem. However, rather teaching to use creativity in artistic means, the sparrow teaches to use creativity to get around in life itself, to solve and avoid problems, to help get ahead in life, to prevention problems from arising.

Common Grape Vine

The Common Grape Vine is a woody deciduous climber with the botanical name of Vitis vineifera. It easily has potential to grow up to 10m high and 9m wide. It branches out, growing upon other plants and structures to support itself, so it is wise to be prepared in what one wishes the grape vine to grow upon.

Majority of grape vines are hermaphroditic and are able to self-pollinate. However, weather can affect the flowering process and thus cause many flowers to not fertilize. Flowering is expected in spring, where it gives off clusters of green flowers.

A sunny position is needed for this species of plant, with fertile and well-drained soil. Alkaline soil is of preference to the grape vine. Frost is also tolerated; with winter is also the time to prune back grape vines. Propagation is best done from cuttings, as growing from seed can bring unexpected and unwanted results along with taking a long period of time.

A variety of pests are a problem, with grape berry moth, grape flea beetle, grapevine beetle, sphinx caterpillar, grape root worm and the Japanese beetle all problems. Disease wise, downy mildew, powdery mildew and black rot are to be most looked out for.

Dealing With Time Restraints

When it comes to time restraints, life can be quite the nuisance; especially if it is a one time event that will put usual rituals done daily out of place. A hard hitter if unprepared or don’t have the time to put the rituals aside whether it be religious, training, study or practice.

On a personal level, I do two daily devotions a day, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. This also can be a challenge if anything needs to be done at the time of when the devotions typically happen, so knowing how to manage time is of importance. When what is normally done at a certain time of the day and something else is to be done at that particular time, it really is working around it one way or another. Events can be unexpected, so being prepared to do the norm at an unusual time, or if it is not vital, not at all, should be expected.

Within life, experience allows for understanding. Experiencing the stress of being restrained by time may be of great annoyance, but as it occurs time and time again stress becomes less of an issue.  Just as practice creates an increase in skill, dealing with the stresses of working around time restraints is turns into ease.

Gods And Goddesses: Tai Yi

Tai Yi is the supreme god whose name means “The Great Unity” or “Primordial Unity of Yin And Yang”, whom is also refered to as Taiyi Zhenren, where Zhenren means “True Person”. His attendants are a total of sixteen dragons, along with the Tai Sui. Also appearing in The Creation of the Gods, he is the teacher of the deity Nezha.

Originally ruling over all, the Jade Emperor took his place eventually. When the ruler of Heaven, he controlled the destiny of the earth; where he would use his attendants to inflict droughts, storms and the like to the mortal realm. The Lantern Festival is thought to originate because of Tai Yi, as it is the day most appropriate to ask for good weather and health from this deity (due to reports on the mortal realm would be given to Tai Yi before the new year).  Just as worship occurred on the Lantern Festival, it also occurred every fifteenth day of the lunar month.

Totems: Peafowl

The peafowl is a bird known for the feathers of the male. Highly beautiful, male feathers can be difficult to obtain. The feathers of such a bird of thought to have protective powers and can be used in healing.

The peafowl itself gives lessons to look at beauty of life, to enjoy it. Beauty can be found in all aspects of life as this totem teaches, from plant life to animal life. Beauty if often somewhere close in one form or another.

Just as there is beauty within life, the peafowl teaches to laugh at life. Laugher is called a medicine by some, a blessing for the sick. Laughter may be much needed in one’s life, or simply understood as a useful tool of life. Regardless, laughing at life is at times of need.

To stand with pride, but not to allow pride to take over one’s ego, is of the peafowl. There is nothing wrong with having pride or confidence, but it is a problem to be overly prideful and overconfident. The peafowl teaches to be prideful and confident without either being too prideful or confident.

Kidney Weed

Kidney Weed, Kidney Grass and Mercury Bay Weed are the common names of Dichondra repens, a plant that can be used as a ground cover. While it can be used as a lawn, it should be noted that it requires full sun. Its common name of kidney weed comes from its kidney shaped leaves, with the width size of 3cm.

Kidney weed is a perennial which grows flowers throughout the year but mainly in spring and summer. The flowers produced are small in size and coloured green. Moist conditions are ideal for this plant, but can grow in dry shaded areas (although areas of full sun and dry soil are disliked).

As a ground cover, it typically only grows up to 10cm tall and 50cm in width.  This allows for a lack of mowing. Tolerance to being walked upon is low to moderate, and as such walking on it should be avoided.

Violence

Recent weather dictates warmer times, with summer to soon arise yet again. To go out more often is certain, with weather itself needed to be more cloudless. However fine the weather proves to be of now, an ad viewed several days ago still stays within my mind.

The topic of violence against women is well known in Australia, with an ad of such a subject being twice seen by me. Curiously, thanks to such ads promoting the prevention of violence against women, people seem to forget violence in general should be prevented. People do agree violence should be prevented, but people seem to agree especially of violence towards women.

Violence itself isn’t a topic that rarely comes up in conversation in my experiences, regardless, the few times it has provided interest. Those of high age tend to view violence as whole to be unacceptable, rather towards a specific person unacceptable (it be of a certain sexuality, gender, age or ethnicity). People younger, of youth, seem to view violence in regard to gender out of anything else. If against a female, regardless of being a kid or adult, it is not acceptable. Against men is of interest. Either violence as a whole is seen unacceptable, or against men specifically fine.  Why a few seem to think violence against men is acceptable has never been explained to me personally. Sadly those I knew who held such a view are no longer within my life.

Gods And Goddesses: Rulers of Hell

Feng Du is also referred to as the Chinese Hell, where there are multiple courts and rulers to each.  And for each ruler, there is also a specific wrong-doing they deal with done by people.

Qin Guang Wang is the ruler of the first court of Feng Du. It is Qin Guang Wang who decides whom gets to go right through Feng Du, or have to suffer through it for one’s wrong doings. Originally, Yen Lo Wang had the position of Qin Guang Wang, but Yen Lo Wang didn’t punish people as harshly and so Qin Guang Wang took over the position.

Qu Jiang Wang is the ruler of the second court of Feng Du. He punishes depravity and perversion by people. Those who have taken liberties with people’s lives (incompetent doctors, kidnappers, etc) are also punished by this god.

Song Di Wang is the ruler of the third court of Feng Du. He is the punisher of people whom have been drug addicts, blasphemers and murderers.

Wu Guan Wang rules over the fourth court. Forgers, counterfeiters, cheats and family matters are dealt with by this god.  He runs what is known as the Black Pool Hell, with the black referring to the deep red of blood.

The god of death and the ruler of the Fifth Court of Feng-Du (realm of the dead with all of the levels of Hells), Yen-Lo-Wang, was the formerly the King of the First Court of Hell but was accused of leniency. The Jade Emperor put another King of Hell in charge of judgement while putting Yen-Lo-Wang to the Fifth Hell. Yen-Lo-Wang is however not just in charge of what goes on in the Fifth Hell (gouging and boiling), but he himself rules over the whole of Feng-Du. Interestingly, the Great Sage Equalling Heaven, Sun Wukong, wiped his name out along with names of all the other monkeys known to him in the Book of Life and Death which granted them immortality much to Yen-Lo-Wang's displeasure.

Bian Cheng Wang takes care of the sixth court of Feng Du. Punishment for sexual sins are punished. Liars, gossipers and slanderers also are punished by Bian Cheng Wang, with bad hygiene also what this god deals with.

Tai Shan Wang takes control of the seventh court of Feng Du, dealing with arsonists, deceivers, terrorists and traitors.

Du Shi Wang rules the eighth court of Feng Du where those who betrayed their religion are punished. Du Shi Wang shows how ones family is doing before sending off to the ninth court.

Ping Deng Wang, ruler of the ninth court, looks at your case before sending you off to the tenth court.

Zhuang Lun Wang rules the tenth and final court of Feng Du. He decides your fate before allowing for rebirth. The goddess Meng Po is also there, ready to give her brew to cause amnesia.

Totems: Meerkat

The meerkat is a small animal known best for its stance it takes when being watchful. A group animal which highly rely upon each other for survive, with living life alone extremely difficult for meerkats.

This totem teaches how to live in the dynamics of a group. Working alone jobs can be done, but as a group multiple jobs can be taken at once allowing for stress to be put upon the shoulders of all rather individually. While the meerkat teaches how to live in group dynamics, it also teaches that it is okay to sacrifice oneself for the better of the very group.

One’s guard can easily be lowered. The meerkat warns against this, teaching to keep watchful of one’s surroundings. Danger, even if only potential, is still there. Keeping one’s guard up need to be kept up rather down

Snapdragon

Antirrhinum majus is the botanical name of Common Snapdragon, which is simply called snapdragon. Its common name comes from the reaction of the throats of the flowers being squeezed where the ‘mouth’, as it is called, snaps open.

It is a perennial plant, often treated as an annual, which grows typically half a metre to a metre but can grow up to two metres tall. Flowers come in a variety of colours, with flowering season often lasting late spring to autumn in most areas, but in warmer areas in spring and later in autumn. The flowers are hermaphrodite, with it being pollinated by bees and even by itself.

Regular watering and full sun is needed by snapdragons, with the pH of the soil best at 6.1 to 6.5 with sand to loam soils best enjoyed. Snapdragons can grow in heavy clay and nutritionally poor soils. It doesn’t mind having a light shade. A generally easy to grow plant.

Taller varieties of snapdragons may need staking, with some varieties also drought tolerant. Removing spent flowers also allows for the extending of flowering season. For propagation, by seed is often but cuttings from non-flowering stems is possible.

Public Holiday

At the end of the month once more, Halloween has gone mostly uncelebrated here in Australia yet again for another year. To think tomorrow is Melbourne Cup Day, being the first day of the month; weeding will probably be the goal of tomorrow rather watching horses race.

A public holiday it shall be; and one that may provide a helpful one. Being interested in my own ancestry, I have been trying to get more information about my family heritage. Tomorrow may prove a good day to see family, in which useful information may be passed down to this youth who knows so little about his ancestors.

Gods And Goddesses: Zhao Gongming

Zhao Gongming , also known as Cai Shen, Zhang Gong Ming and Tsai Sheng Yeh is the deity that brings good fortune and protection from disasters. He is typically depicted riding a black tiger, with a thick beard and dark face. Zhao Gongming holds a gold ingot within his hands.

A benevolent and compassionate god, he will answer all prayers to him. Zhao Gongming’s name is often invoked during the celebrations of the Chinese New Year on the first day.

Originally a hermit who used magic to support the collapsing Shang Dynasty, his enemy, Jiang Ziya, killed him. Jiang Ziya later felt guilt for killing Zhao Gongming, apologizing for his actions in a temple and canonizing Zhao Gongming as a god of wealth.

Zhao Gongming is also said to have originally been a god of the underworld, yet was appointed by the Jade Emperor as a marshal of an altar. The new responsibilities were for trading and wealth within the mortal world.

Totems: Squirrel

Squirrels are little mammals proving to be a common sight to many. Of the land it calls home it is also common for it to be found in one’s own garden, and even taking its time to use houses to their advantage whatever way it may be.

The lesson of balance is of the squirrel. One can easily prepare to little or too much, and as such the squirrel teaches to find a balance in one’s own life. In gathering and giving out, balance must also be learnt as the squirrel tells.

In extension of balance, knowing time to play is what this totem teaches, to be able to lighten up and to not take life so seriously; to know how to have a good time. Just as there is time for work, there is time for fun. Enjoying life is what the squirrel teaches.

Preparedness is of need as the squirrel notes. Change may be soon or of a distance, but is to come regardless. Being prepared is of importance, with properly getting prepared of need. Preparedness may not be needed immediately, but surely will be a need.

Lemon Eucalyptus

Corymbia citriodora is the botanical name of what is known more commonly as lemon-scented gum, blue spotted gum and lemon Eucalyptus. It however may be referred to as Eucalyptus citriodora. Its common name comes from the lemon smelling crown. Its bark is smooth and pale, with uniform or slightly mottled bark that is white to coppery in summer.

Lemon Eucalyptus is known to be drought and frost tolerant, but also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds. If fire damages this plant, it will regenerate its foliage. Growing a lemon Eucalyptus is possible in containers, but being a tree pruning of branches and roots will be a need. Full sun and well-drained soil shall be needed. Fertilizing isn’t a must for this specific plant as it naturally occurs in nutrient poor soils, where it can grow in soils ranging from sand to clay.

Christmas Is Coming

Time flying fast, it already nearing the close to October 2011. Christmas is coming within a few short months and people are already buying candy canes, with people also wondering why Christmas related items are already being sold. Christmas related items have been on sale for what period of time as of now? A week? Two? Maybe even three in some cases? With the weather as it is, it reminds more of the transition between winter and spring rather summer. Although weather is warming in Australia, Christmas certainly isn’t priority.

Gods And Goddesses: Bixia Yuanjin

Bixia Yuanjin is the goddess of dawn, wind, destiny and childbirth, and who has the fertility goddess Songzi Niangniang as an attendant.  Her father is the god Tai Shan Wang, whom is the ruler of the seventh court of Feng Du.  Veneration of Bixia Yuanjin takes place at the Temple of the Purple Dawn on the summit of the mountain Tai Shan.

Also known as “Princess of Clouds”, Bixia Yuanjin sends her followers messages through clouds. She is also called “Princess of the Rosy Clouds”, “Princess of the Azure Clouds”, and “Jade Woman”. As a goddess of childbirth, Bixia Yuanjun attends each person’s birth to bestow good health and fortune to the person.

Eight Trigrams: Lake

Dui is the name of the lake trigram, with a broken upper line, and unbroken middle and lower lines. Youngest daughters, females up to fifteen and female shamans are all people representing the very trigram.

The lake trigram has connections with pleasures and all good that is in life. Gravity and qi are symbols of this trigram. Psychic abilities, feng shui and astrology are also associated with Dui. Creativity is much expressed by Dui where it is a symbol of creative endeavours itself.

Metal is Dui’s element, while spicy its flavour and touch its sense. Monkeys, deer, sheep and mice are the animals of this trigram, with any weed its plant. Autumn is the time of the year for Dui and red its colour. West is its direction in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Totems: Crane

There are a number of species of crane in the world, about fifteen, but as a totem they teach the same lessons. Such a bird is a symbol of longevity and good fortune. To the Greeks, the crane is the sacred creature of the god Apollo and is associated with the Scottish goddess Caileach.

The crane teaches of the celebration of one’s own creative resources, and to keep them ‘alive’ so to speak. The crane teaches doing such can be done by having focus in one’s life.

To focus on the most important project is taught by the crane. While there may be a number of projects to focus on at once, it is taught to focus not on multiple projects but simply one. This bird tells not to divide attention between such.

Remaining in secrecy is needed at times, the crane tells. Just as cranes are highly secretive in rearing their young, one may have to be secretive about something themselves.

Common Correa

Correa reflexa is the botanical name of the plant commonly called Common Correa and Native Fuchsia. It is an Australian plant that originally given the botanical name of Mazeutoxeron reflexum in 1800, but the species was transferred to the genus Correa in 1803.

This plant typically grows in the eastern states of Australia and is known for its variations in colour for its flowers. The flowers may be green, crimson or pink in colour. Flowering is from winter to spring.

The Common Correa tends to be a hairy plant, especially new growth, with its hairs often a rusty colour. Growing typically one to two metres tall, some are known to grow up to three metres tall. Common Correa is not best suited for tropical areas, needing semi shade and well-drained soil to survive.

Gods And Goddesses: Pan Jin Lan

Pan Jin Lian is the goddess of forication and prostitution, whom is also known as P’an Chin Lien. Highly beautiful, Pan Jin Lian married a short man known as Wu Dalang, whom the couple had moved from one residence to another to avoid gossip.

When Pan Jin Lian and Wu Dalang moved to a place called Yanggu, where Wu Dalang met his brother Wu Song (whom became famous for killing a man eating tiger with his bare hands). Wu Dalang introduced his wife to Wu Song. Pan Jin Lian became attracted to her brother in law and attempted to seduce Wu Song, but was rejected.

Wu Song took an assignment to transport gold to another country to avoid the advances of Pan Jin Lan. After the completion of the assignment, Wu Song learns his brother has died from an apparent illness. Suspicious, Wu Song had taken investigations. It was learnt through these investigations that Pan Jin Lan had an affair with a rich and lustful merchant called Ximen Qing.

Wu Song also learnt how Pan Jin Lan murdered Wu Dalang and became the fifth mistress of Ximen Qing. Taking matters into his own hands, Wu Song got a confession out of Pan Jin Lan and murdered her. Ximen Qing was later fought and killed by Wu Song.

It was through these events that Pan Jin Lan became a goddess, with her murderer not being punished due to what Pan Jin Lan had done herself.

Eight Trigrams: Mountain

Gen is the name of the mountain trigram. It has an unbroken upper line, while the middle and lower lines are broken. Being the trigram of the mountain, Gen is of the earth element. Children in general are of Gen, especially males up the age of fifteen. The youngest son is of the mountain trigram alongside bachelors.

The mountain trigram is referred to as “The Stable” and is of a quietly passive nature. Of hidden strength and concealed intellect, Gen is the trigram also called “The Revolutionary”. Gen is the trigram of inner nature, of one’s true self. Gen is the trigram that gives message of allowing oneself to become refreshed.

Symbolically sweetness is the taste of Gen while taste the sense. The stomach, spleen, fingers and hands are represented in health by this very trigram. Oaks and walnut trees are the plants of the mountain trigram, with dogs and birds the animals.

White is Gen’s colour and early morning being time of day. Late winter and early spring are the time of year for the mountain trigram, with the direction of northeast for the Northern Hemisphere and southeast in the Southern Hemisphere.

Totems: Mouse

The mouse is a creature seen as pet and pest. It is a small animal which many loathe, but is also loved through the form of the character Micky Mouse. The mouse is a mammal smaller than the rat and just as recognizable.

The most important lesson which the mouse teaches is to look at the world at great detail without over analysing it. It is taught to look for what is hidden, what is overlooked by others. Many easily do not notice what is near them, even what is in front of them, and as such awareness of one’s surroundings shall be of topic of this totem.

Related to the teaching of how to look at the world in detail, the mouse teaches about slowing down to look at a situation or project and assess it. The most obvious or best situation may not be easily noticed itself, so looking at the situation is of great use.

Being an animal with the ability to get into small areas, the mouse has no shame in teaching of how even the toughest problems can be bypassed by looking at the possibilities. This totem tells that it is possible to get passed a problem providing much trouble, all it takes is a good look at what one can do.

Strawberry

Strawberries are commonly grown within gardens. They are perennials, but do get treated as annuals by some, with its fruit not being an actual berry but rather something known as an accessory fruit. Interestingly, the strawberry is a hybrid species with a botanical name of Fragaria x ananassa.

A sun lover, it is best to grow the strawberry in well drained sandy or loamy soil. Propagation of the strawberry is quite simple; they have runners which over time and under the right conditions can take over a garden. If one does not have a strawberry plant, they are easy to find in nurseries and garden centres. Weeds can prove to be a problematic competitor to strawberries if allowed to grow, so rid of any weed as soon as possible.

Pest wise, any small creature will tend to have a go at strawberries. Birds, mice, and rabbits will all take strawberries, but slugs can be an issue. Mesh can be used to deal with birds and small mammals, while with slugs one can use a repellent or the classic beer in a saucer, although one may be careful using beer as some animals may drink it.

Flowers And Statues

Me being me, I decided to go out and have one of those lovely walks. It rids of time and allows for exercise to say the least. Of course one may be able to expect to see certain things, but some days don’t seem to wish to play in similar fashion. Of all days I ended up finding flowers that has been picked. It wasn’t simply one or two, but several dozen. Unusual to my eyes, but the colours proved to be of attraction.

One could go on about finding many picked flowers found in an area, but something a little nicer has been found. A statue of a Buddhist monk, its robe coloured red with black specs here and there and with skin golden. Misfortune came to the fact that the very statue seemed to have gotten a scrap on the back of its head, taking away some of the golden skin and leaving a pure white dent. Interesting find to say the least; luck had that I had my bag with me. Now the very statue is sitting within a bedroom, although what will happen to it seems uncertain.

Gods And Goddesses: Bishamon

Bishamonten, or simply Bishamon, is the god of treasure, wealth, warriors and war. He is best known as the god of war and is a protector of Dharma. Due to being the god of wealth and treasure it shouldn’t be a surprise that Bishamon is one of Japan’s Seven Lucky Gods. Symbolically, black is the colour of Bishamon and his season is of winter. As such, he is known as the “Black Warrior”.

Bishamon is also the god dealing with defence against foreign invaders and of healing, whom is known to reward followers with riches, good fortune and even children. Bishamon can be identified as wearing armour and often depicted standing atop of a demon or two, although may be shown with a halberd, lance or baton. He often is depicted with a spear in his right hand and a pagoda in his left.

Bishamon is also considered a deva, with it being pronounced “ten” in Japanese and is at times referred to as Bishamon-ten. He is also the chief of a group known as the Four Heavenly Kings, and is Guardian of the North. At times, Bishamon is called Tamonten (meaning “listening to many teachings”) due to being viewed as a guardian of the places of where the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama, preached.

Eight Trigrams: Fire

The trigram of fire, or Li, is represented by unbroken upper and lower lines while the middle line is. Middle daughters and women aged between sixteen and thirty are represented by this trigram. Being the trigram of fire, its element is obviously of fire. Red and purple happens to be the colour of Li.

Known as “The Clinging”, this trigram is of heat and light. It is also of representation of intellect and illumination.  Li tells of awareness and clarity, of how one is subjected to the influences of the earth. The fire trigram is in relation to liberation of the self, of one’s true nature.

Health wise, Li is of the eyes, tongue, heart, small intestines and the circulatory system. Its specific sense is smell while flavour bitter. All birds that fly, along with animals with hard shells and specifically the peacock are animals of the fire trigram.

The maple tree, cherries, roses and hollow trees in general are plants of this trigram. Noon is its time of day, while midsummer the season. Its direction is south in the Northern Hemisphere and north in the Southern Hemisphere.

Totems: Skunk

The skunk is best known for its smell and is recognisable by its colouration and shape of tail. While many people tend to try to keep away from skunks, some keep them as a pet which often means ridding of the gland that allows for this creature to make its well-known smell.

This totem teaches how to not only give respect, but how to expect respect and even demand it. Respect to the skunk is important, both in giving and in receiving. The skunk sees no problem in demanding respecting and doing what is needed to gain it.

The skunk is an animal that keeps to itself, and as such gives teaching in not to boast. It may seem to be a wise idea, it may seem to attract positive attention, but it simply rids of people rather attract. Boasting is not of good use, and will only provide the impression of arrogance.

Learning to gain balance in how to attract and repel people will come from the skunk totem, and how to make good use of such. Reminders of time to be with people and to be in solitude shall come from the skunk. Just as there is use in attracting and repelling people, so is there in knowing the time and place to be around people.

Peaches

Peaches come in an array of varieties and choosing a specific type of peach to raise truly comes down to what one’s availability is. With the botanical name of Prunus persica, it is considered a plant not hard to grow with peach trees being a very rewarding plant to grow due to the fruit it produces. Peaches can be susceptible to disease and pests, with an open eye needed for any that come to be.
　
It should be noted that if one raises peach trees from seed it can be expected that the fruit from such plants to be of a different quality to the parent plant. Raising from seed truly involves luck.
If one does choose to grow peaches from seed, the whole pit can be planted. If the whole pit is planted, it is best to plant it in autumn. However, if one decides to crack open the hard shell the seed can be planted in spring. Planting multiple peach seeds is best to increase the likelihood of a peach tree sprouting.
　
Pruning of peach trees is best done in late winter. It helps keep the tree not only healthy and in a wanted shape, but also productive with its fruit. Any crossing branches should be pruned along with unneeded stems. The shorter new growth is best removed, while longer growth should be trimmed back.

Closed Road

It is some days that leave people rather confused in what to do, with boredom often popping up in the dull day. I had one of these days, with nothing to do and time to waste. The solution? Going to a road possessed with the status of being closed for years. Getting to the road may have proved a slight annoyance, but proved to be of worth with the chance of looking within an abandoned building.
　

Being in an area quiet, filled with plants and fields of grass. The tiny company I had was cattle that were in a small fenced off area, whom best be left to enjoy peace. Walking along the road, alone and not knowing what to expect, a feeling of eeriness came to the light of day. A beautiful day, yet eerie.

　

Traffic was not to be heard, nor people. Only birds and the one or two trains. Fear would have shivered within if any sounds of man was heard nearby. To think vehicles would have been an occasional sight on the very road, now it is only memories of such remaining.

　

Looking into the fields, an old wooden building expected to be seen never showed to the eyes. Scattered wood, close in proximity, laid wet and weak within a field. If any building was to be found, it would have been the wood laying on the ground. Saddening to think a building forgotten by many has fallen.

　

The peaceful nature of the area had to be left eventually. The road may have contained eeriness, an ability to sooth was alongside it. Leaving the road now unseen by those who used to use it, the road itself proved to be a place to go for peace.

Gods And Goddesses: Hel

Hel is the goddess of the underworld, ruling over the Underworld called Helheim. The daughter of the deity Loki and giantess Angrboda, Hel is ugly and half-dead, described as half alive and half dead. Not a pretty face, but is a notable goddess as her name gave the English word of ‘hell’.
　
Originally raised in Asgard with her father Loki, the underworld of Helheim was given to Hel as a domain. With Helheim as Hel’s domain, she decided the fate of the souls who entered her domain whom are all who die unless one died heroically in battle. It was the god Odin whom gave Hel Helheim, so as a gift to Odin, Hel gave him two ravens (Huginn and Muninn).
　
Helheim, being named after Hel herself, is where the dead are judged. The evil are banished to a realm of freezing death. Those who die peacefully of old age or illness, children and women who died in childbirth are watched over by Hel. Those who chose a path not of war and violence are reborn.
　
When the god Baldar died and went to Hel’s domain, a feast was held to welcome Baldar. It was begged of Hel to release Baldar from death, and agreed under the conditions that if every creature on earth mourned for Baldar. All mourned, except for an old giantess called Thokk (who was Loki in disguise).

Eight Trigrams: Water

The water trigram is known as Kan, with its upper and lower lines broken but middle unbroken. Kan is the representation of middle sons, males aged between sixteen and thirty, sailors and fishermen. The element of this trigram is obviously water, with the sense and flavour of the water trigram being hearing and salty respectively.
　
The water trigram Kan is known as “The Dangerous”, “The Abysmal” and “The Depth”. It represents the risks one takes in life, but also times in life where it is felt that one is going into the unknown. If this trigram had to be a person, it would be someone whom is socially and outwardly gentle but within of high strength.
　
Kan has the time of day being night, and as such has the colour of black. Being considered a trigram of things cool, winter is no surprise to be the season of Kan. In the Northern Hemisphere, the direction of this trigram is north, while in the Southern Hemisphere the opposite is true with the direction of Kan being south.

Totems: Dingo

The dog of Australia is the dingo and is the largest carnivore of the country. The dingo is notably the only canine or feline of Australia. Dingos will hunt in packs to capture larger prey such as the kangaroo, but seem to have preference for food they can capture on their own, rabbits and rodents.
　
Different pitches and tones can give messages only subtle, but can give benefit if one responds to such with benefit. The dingo totem teaches to be able to read these subtle messages and reap the benefits of properly responding to them.
　
To be flexible and adaptable can prove to be of great worth, and the dingo knows it. Dingos are able to adapt to the situation at hand, and as such the dingo totem teaches to be able to be alike. Not only is flexibility and adaptability is taught, but to live within balance, within harmony, goes along in the dingos teaching.
　
Understanding the hierarchy and one’s place within it provides a lesson to be learnt from the dingo. To look at the dynamics of the group, to understand where one stands and how to maintain it. Even to improve one’s standing within the group is what the dingo notes.
　
Risks come up, and this totem teaches to take whatever opportunity to take whatever risks there are. Change and adaptation is needed at times, and the dingo teaches that one cannot allow for resistance. Changes are a part of life, just as taking risks are.

Corn/Maize

Corn, or maize, comes in a number of varieties which includes a number of colours. Corn is a grain but in cooking it is used as a vegetable or starch. It can also grow in a number of climates, allowing for it to be grown in many countries. Its botanical name is Zea mays.
　
Typically, the seeds of corn are sown in spring, but the seeds at the latest should be sown in early summer. Compost, liquid fertilisers and mulch is loved by corn. Wind can prove a problem to this specific plant, where wind can knock down corn if strong enough. This problem with wind can be revolved with the use of bamboo sticks and string.
　
Full sun and well drained soil is needed for corn. Corn also is wind pollinated, and can be fertilized by the corn of neighbours posing a possible problem of creating a sterile hybrid. Due to how corn is pollinated, it is suggested to grow the corn closely together in a block formation to help allow higher corn production. Water is a love of corn, and as such soil should be kept moist but avoid waterlogging.

Watching the morning news, a lovely surprise was told. Women are being granted the allowance to vote in Saudi Arabia. Busy with life and what goes on, I am still trying to fathom my thoughts on such a matter.

Gods And Goddesses: Tian Guan

Tian Guan is the god of good fortune and wealth, whom is commonly mistaken for another fortune god, Fu Xing, and vice-versa. The day of the Lantern Festival, the fifteenth day of the first month, is birthday of Tian Guan. All types of entertainment is enjoyed by this god, so on his birthday people entertain themselves as a way to say they wish for good fortune from Tian Guan.
　
Tian Guan is typically depicted standing and holding a scroll which says, “The Ruler of Heaven bestows good fortune”. Tian Guan is also known as the Ruler of Heaven and considered to be the deity of Heaven itself.
Legend states that Tian Guan holds a register of all the deeds, good and bad, which people have done.

Eight Trigrams: Wind

The wind trigram is known as Xun, with being referred to also as ‘The Gentle’. Its upper and middle lines are unbroken while the lower is. Interestingly, Xun is associated with people that have broad foreheads. Other people associated with the wind trigram include eldest daughters and artists.
　
A representation of discipline and dedication to nature, the wind trigram is the one that asks if one is honouring nature. The eight trigrams are said to be able to be in harmony, and when Xun is in such humour and ability to laugh at human predicament is possible. Xun is the reminder to the abundance in life and how a small amount of one thing can turn into abundance.
　
The wind trigram is of the wood element, with its flavour sour and sense being of sight. Health wise, Xun deals with the liver and gallbladder. Dealing with nature, Xun is of interaction, upward movements, transformation and of course gentleness. Hairless animals are of the wind trigram, but so are chickens; for plants it is bamboo.
　
Xun’s colour is dark green while the season is late spring, The time of day is midmorning. Southeast is its direction in the Northern Hemisphere, northeast Xun’s direction in the Southern Hemisphere. Objects of the wind trigram are fans, rope and wind instruments.

Totems: Ox

The ox is an animal that has helped mankind, a working animal and still is in countries. There is still oxen raised for the purpose of pulling wagons and ploughing, with the ox the very beast with its ability to work without tiring.
　
The ox totem teaches the power of the work ethic. Work is a usual part of life and continuously will be such. Good work ethic is what this totem will teach along with the idea that giving service to another is not always bad.
　
To keep ones strength high along with determination is of the ox totem, teaching to stay strong and determined despite the situation. The situation may go foul, yet ones strength and determination shall allow for the ability to get through it.

Carrots

Daucus carota subspecies sativus, or carrots, is the well known root vegetable. It is considered one of the easiest vegetables to grow, although one has to be careful with the soil as if the soil is heavy clay, compacted or stony forking of the carrot will occur. Too much nitrogen in the soil also causes branching and hairy, fibrous roots. Both is something to watch out for.
　
Potassium allows for the carrot to be sweet, so plenty shall allow for sweeter carrots. Growing carrots with tomatoes is said to help tomato production and if left to flower carrots will attract predatory wasps that will attack multiple garden pests.
　
Carrots need full sun and fertile soils that is well drained. Although sun is loved, when carrot plants are younger, shade is enjoyed. If transplanting, be careful as carrots do not deal with transplanting well.
Carrots are a cool season crop and can tolerate a frost, taking four months to mature. Spring and summer are generally the time of year to sow carrots.

Snow Peas

In an earlier post made last month it was mentioned that I planted snow pea seeds that should have been planted before August 2007. To my luck such seeds have sprouted, and it appears I shall enjoy the chance to growing this plant once again. It has been a number of years since I have grown snow peas, so enjoying home grown snow peas will hopefully occur later on in the year.

Gods And Goddesses: Door Gods

Door gods are deities whose images are often placed upon each side of an entry to a temple, home or business to protect it from evil spirits. This custom began during the Tang Dynasty, started by the Emperor whom got his two most loyal generals during a night due to a troublesome ghost, and after resting well hung their images on either side of his bedroom door.
　
There are a number of door gods, but the two most known are Qin Qiong, or Qin Shubao, who is pale skinned and carries swords, and Yuchi Gong, or Yuchi Jingde, has dark skin and typically carrying batons. Another two door gods are immortals ordered by the Jade Emperor to guard peach trees that demons were gnawing at, they are known as Shen Shu (who wields a battle axe) and Yu Lei (who wields a mace).
　
There are two types of door gods, martial and literary. Martial doors gods are usually generals depicted in battle armour and wielding weapons, often their depictions are life sized. Literary door gods are the deities whom are often imaged by the doors facing inwards to the area to help with feeling peace in ones surroundings.

Eight Trigrams: Thunder

The thunder trigram, or Zhen, is represented by having its upper and middle lines broken while the lower is not. Eldest sons, the aggressive and mentors are people of this trigram. The element of Zhen is of foot, where it concerns itself health wise of the feet and liver.
　
Zhen is known as “the Arousing” and “the Awakening”, relating to rapidity and quick movement. As it in connection to rapidity, it further relates to sudden illness. Birth and growth are associated with Zhen. Sudden anger is suggested whenever this trigram appears. With action it is of need, a warning to not sit about.
　
Teachers are indicated, to choose them wisely. Social interaction is important as Zhen tells, advising to avoid negative company. A trigram telling of a wake-up call, of how oneself is a spark to ones manifestation of life.
　
Sight is the sense of Zhen, with the sour flavour by its side. Bright green is its colour, wile young bamboo and reeds plants. Spring is time of year, with early morning time of day. Zhen’s direction is east for both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Totems: Owl

Owls are quite the creatures, called even ‘cats with wings’ by some. It is able to go through even the darkest night and capture prey. Owls help keep rodent and insect populations in check.
　
Being associated with death and rebirth, the owl teaches that when something dies, it be an actual living creature or otherwise, it allows for the creation of something new. Out with the old and in with the new as it is said, and what the owl teaches.
　
To look at what one truly wants and need, along with the clearing with the old, is of what the owl teaches to do. This is for the allowance of what one can call self-liberation, to allow for the clearing of obstacles, limitations, fears and anxieties. Doing such means one shall die in a manner.
　
Balancing and getting what’s needed in proper amount is what the owl totem shall help with. As the owl keeps the populations of rodents and insects down, balance is created. The owl totem will teach to know how to create balance along with how to know what is needed.
　
To look beyond the “masks”, to see the lies, the owl totem gives teaching of looking beyond. The owl has powerful eyes and one will need metaphorical eyes to see beyond the “masks” placed onto the faces of others. Lies are abundant, and this may not be as obvious as one may think. The owl helps learn how to spot when a “mask” is worn and lies are told.

Common Mint

Mentha spicata is the botanical name of common mint. Rhizomes allow it to easily spread, and potentially become a weed in ones garden quite easily, thus making pots often essential.
　
It is a perennial plant that produces flowers in slender spikes with pink or white flowers. The leaves are opposite and up to 7cm long and 3cm wide and this Mentha grows typically up to 75cm tall. It can be used for a number of uses, flavouring teas, scenting candles and adding flavour to food.
　
Moist soil and partial shade is the need for Mentha spicata. In winter it dies down but will easily flourish in the other seasons with easy care. Rich soil and plenty of water is what is loved by this plant. Propagation is easy with cuttings, division and planting rhizomes all choices for getting more Mentha spicata.

Ten Years

It has been already ten years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Its a certain wonder of how time has caught people off guard and the length of time since that fateful day.
　
To think on the morning news in Australia my father watched as the attacks were reported and my mother didn’t believe it at first when told upon awakening. A fear filled day it was for a number of people here in Australia. The atmosphere was filled with a surreal worry that day, most unusual for within a school…

Gods And Goddesses: Dragon Kings

The Dragon Kings are guardians of rain, who under orders of the Jade Emperor send rain. These are the deities to go to if there is a water shortage in an area. Their true forms are of dragons, but take one human form. The four Dragon Kings are brothers.

Ao Kuang is the Dragon King of the East. The god Lu Ban once went to him to get a blueprint of his palace. Sun Wukong also went to him for a weapon, getting a cudgel. Despite Ao Kuang and Sun Wukong not getting along very well at first, their differences were settled later. He had a son called Ao Ping, who sadly was killed in battled with a being called Nezha.

Ao Chin is the Dragon King of the South. He once gave Sun Wukong a cap.

Ao Jun is of the West. He was once visited by Sun Wukong and later complained to the Jade Emperor about it.

Ao Shun is of the North. He once owned a pair of shoes great for stepping on clouds which was given to Sun Wukong. 

Eight Trigrams: Earth

The Earth, or Kun, trigram is a very feminine nature. It represents notably women, wives and mothers, while also herbalists, doctors and farmers. Of the five elements, this trigram is obviously of earth. The Earth trigram is sweet flavour and is of the sense known as taste. This trigram is elegant, soft, loyal and kind in nature.
　
The Earth trigram has three broken lines. Known also as “the Receptive”, symbolizing pure yin energy, of femininity. It is the most feminine of the trigrams. The Earth trigram is the reprehensive of the responsive energy of the universe, responding to the creative energies which the Heaven trigram has. Nurturing and yielding, it suggests to get in touch with ones emotions and to become stable, to be grounded.
　
Yellow is the colour of the Earth trigram, its animals being oxen, cows, sheep and ants, time of year being late summer while for day late afternoon. Religious communities and rural areas are the area/environment of the Earth trigram. Southwest is the direction of this trigram in the Northern Hemisphere while northwest in the Southern Hemisphere.

Totems: Bee

Bees are symbols of fertility and it is no surprise that they are so, for they help with pollination which is needed for many plants to seed and further on continue their species. The honeycomb that bees make is a lovely reminder of the sweetness of life and even said to be the symbol of the heart.
　
The bee totem teaches to be fertile, or rather productive. Work is important, and the bee understands; reminding of its importance. While work is of importance, the bee teaches to not become a workaholic. Examination at ones level of productivity and how busy one is the bee asks of.
　
As stated, the bee teaches to not become a workaholic, yet it is taught that to stay on task is needed. There is time to mess about. When working there likely isn’t and the bee teaches that if work requires no messing about, then there shouldn’t be such.
　
Keeping the house tidy is needed as this totem teaches. The bee tells that having a clean house is important. To keep it tidy will be a chore, but one that allows to have the house itself look a lovely place to live.

Spinach

With a botanical name of Spinacia oleracea, it is an annual that is of risk of a number of fungal diseases due to cool and wet weather it lives in. Aphids are also a problem to this plant. Spinach is a heavy eater of nutrients, which can pose some difficulties when growing.
　
Spinach is the plant to start growing in winter, where it can survive the cold very well. It can be needy in drainage as spinach loves it to be fantastic. Depending on the variety of spinach grown, it is suggested that is grown in either full shade, partial shade or full sun.
　
It is an overall easy to grow plant, especially in the cooler climates. Loving moist soil but disliking acidic soil, a pH to grow spinach in is 6.3 to 6.8. Spinach is ready for harvest roughly after two months, but with some spinach it may be ready as soon as forty days. The whole plant can be harvested if wished, or even before maturity for whatever use it may be.

Politics

Politics tend to be kept away from this blog for the reason that it can be a touchy subject. However, the very topic came up recently for me. To put it blunt, the Australian government isn’t exactly viewed in a positive manner. The discussion wasn’t long but it involved several people, despite it being so short it is clear the image of the Australian government and its politicians is viewed poorly.
　
One noted their distaste for politics in the news, describing it as bombardment of news itself. Politics is annoyingly featured on news time and time again. Although understandable that politics gets features in news, it seems people are tired of it having gain feature. As fun as it is to turn on the television to watch the news and see what tragedy has occurred, politics seems to be another depressing tragedy mentioned amongst others.
　
Nothingness is what of occurrence in government as one claims, another states that actions are taken with a mess the result. It could be even said a mixture of both is done; waffling surely is the politicians way. Much can be done by politicians, yet so little seems to be achieved. Nothing, almost. At certain points it seems to be pure insanity.
　
Saddening to think that the government of a country is not satisfying the people of its land.

Gods And Goddesses: Tlaloc

Tlaloc is the Aztec god of rain and fertility who has the power to send hail thunder and lightning. Tlaloc’s name means He Who Makes Things Sprout.
Specifically, Tlaloc is the lord of the third sun, which was destroyed by fire. Tlaloc was appeased with child sacrifices. The goddess Atlatonan was ritually drowned to this god, whom was known as the “Daughter of Tlaloc”.
　
He is the father of the moon god Tecciztecatl and has an older sister known as Huixtocihuatl who is a fertility goddess ruling over salt and salt water. Tlaloc was originally married to the goddess of flowers, Xochiquetzal, but she was kidnapped and later married another goddess, Chalchiuhtlicue.
　
Tlaloc also rules over the fourth layer of the Upper World, or Heavens, where it is a place of unending spring and of many green plants. Tlalocan is the name of the fourth layer of the Upper World. This Upper World was where people came if they died violently from lightning, drowning, water borne diseases and other water relating ways to die.
　
Tlaloc wears a mask that is goggle eyed and with jaguar fangs, although he has blue skin like his mask. He wears foam sandals and a crown made of the feathers of heron feathers. Rattles are also carried to make thunder. Tlaloc is called by some Nahuatl, yet he is also a feared god for he can cause floods and drought.
　
Tlaloc is believed to live in caves within mountains, where treasures are protected. Four clay jars are also kept by this god, all filled with water. If the first jar is broken, it caused rain. The second, when broken, causes diseases. The third caused frost and the forth caused complete destruction.

Eight Trigrams: Heaven

Heaven is the trigram consisting of three solid lines. The Heaven trigram is much male dominated, representing the father, senior males, emperors, kings, wise men, and certain people that is generally thought of as male such as presidents, commanders, monks, saints, hermits, goldsmiths and police. Health wise Heaven is represented by the head and lungs, of the metal element, autumn the time of year, evening being time of day and described as a pungent flavour. White is the colour of Heaven, with bright colours also holding true.
　
Generally, the Heaven trigram is of good fortune. It is associated with geometric patterns and in Feng Shui with people whom are helpful, to be selfless. Heaven is of gratitude for all, be it positive or negative.
　
Northwest is the direction of the Heaven trigram in the Northern Hemisphere while the direction in the Southern Hemisphere is southwest. This trigram is of a just nature, its forceful and rigid, of power and dignity. Horses, dragons, lions, elephants, bears and cranes are the animals of Heaven, with the plants being chrysanthemums, pines and lotuses.
　
Items made of metal are of Heaven, while parliaments, temples, fortresses, ancestral halls and altars places of the very trigram. It is this trigram that is known as The Creative and of pure Yang energy. Heaven is of the divine, the energies of the cosmos that brings myriad of things into what is called being. Heaven can be seen as morally strong and religious. In politics it is of peace, in agriculture a successful and abundant harvest.

Totems: Wolf

Wolves are the canids so much loved today, although in the past it has been much feared. Many stories surround the wolf, from their relation to the founding of Rome to the dangerous werewolf. The wolf is perhaps one of the more common totems.
　
The wolf teaches of the power of sharing knowledge. It can be of great benefit, or at least a slight help. Sharing knowledge is useful regardless of how helpful the knowledge given is. Knowledge itself is a powerful asset, so why hide it?
　
Lack of success and plenty of disappointment is what is to be expected, and the wolf realises this. It is taught that little success and disappointment is normal, something to expect rather not to. It is those around in ones life that is of more importance, over success.
　
To endure, to continue to have strength and to have perseverance through sadness, loss and whatever that may put one down is the lesson the wolf readily reminds. Life is harsh, and the wolf realises this, teaching to keep on going even of the hardest of times. Nobody can stop all that makes one feel grief, so having strength is of great use.
　
Balance between solitude and socialising is of need as the wolf notes. Too much or little of either and problems can arise. Balance of the two allows balance of what is needed in what one can gain in being of solitude and being social.

Leek

Leek, known by its botanical name Allium ampeloprasum variant porrum and occasionally as Allium porrum is a plant with edible leaf sheaths. These sheaths are sometimes referred to as a stem or stalk. When cooking it can be boiled, fried or simply raw, with the darker part of the leek not used due to bitterness.

Leeks are an easy to grow plant, with pests and disease not much of a worry for leeks. Harvesting can begin as soon as it reaches the size of a finger or at a much larger and more mature size. Leeks, while hardy and generally worry free from pest and disease, is a slow grower, needing a long growing period. It is a biennial but generally grown as an annual.
　
This plant can grow in a variety of soils conditions as long as not waterlogged, although moist soil that is sandy-loam and heavily manured is what it grows best in. Firm soils with a pH between six and seven is very much enjoyed by leek. Full sun and deep soil is needed by leeks.
Compost and well rotted manure should be well prepared before planting as rich soils.

One Year (And A Bit)

When one has been doing a blog for a year, it tends to get mentioned. And I kind of forgot that I have now have been continuously making posts for this blog now for a year (and a bit). Huzzah…?
Heh, maybe I shouldn’t be focused on how I have been creating posts for a blog for a certain period of time.

Gods And Goddesses: Yue Xia Lao Ren

Yue Xia Lao Ren is also called The Old Man Under The Moon. As god of marriage, he decides who marries whom, although only decides marriages between males and females.

He originally was a young man of the Tang Dynasty, his name Wei Gu and to his misfortune he had lost his parents at a young age. He was a nobleman but was bankrupt, so he attempted to better his situation by trying to marry the daughter of an official. This endeavour was however unsuccessful.

It was one year that Yue Xia Lao Ren travelled to a city where it was suggested by a friend to be introduced to the daughter of a deputy major. Anxious, he woke up far before daybreak, so he left for the temple. When arriving at a temple he saw no one but a single man reading a book, looking at the book Yue Xia Lao Ren saw strange characters. Asking the man on this book, the man explained how this book contains all the marriages of the world, current and to be. This man told Yue Xia Lao Ren that he will marry in fourteen years.

The girl Yue Xia Lao Ren was to marry was mentioned and the mysterious man disappeared, leaving Yue Xia Lao Ren in a rage. He found the girl he was to marry and stabbed her, fleeing the scene and joining an army under a false name. He eventually got to marry the daughter of a provincial governor who turned out to be the girl he stabbed so many years ago.

Totems: Butterfly

Butterflies take on many forms, with differing colours that can be of great beauty. This creature starts off as a caterpillar, an eater of plants with possibly acting as an annoying pest to people. People do fear insects and the butterfly, alongside the ladybug, seem to be the exception with such fears.
　
The butterfly teaches that three things do not have to be traumatic to happen; growth, change and transformation. It can be a rather gentle experience to grow, to change, to transform. A tough time, it may be, but it doesn’t always have to be so. It can be a calming time, where both rest and learning occur at the same time.
　
Being reminded of being in a state of transformation constantly shall be what the butterfly does. Teaching that change is good, change should be encouraged and to do what possible to turn dreams into reality. Transformation is highly important to the butterfly, for it once dwelled the land and now is free.

Strelitzia

Strelitzia reginae is the botanical name of the plant commonly referred to as the Crane Flower, Bird of Paradise, Strelitzia or sometimes as Crane Plant. It is a plant growing up to two metres tall and with large leaves 25-70cm long and 10-30cm wide. It is a popular ornamental plant that is easy to raise, but is slow growing.
　　
An evergreen perennial, it is from South Africa. Its flowers are however long lasting, with peak flowering in winter and early spring. Strelitzia is tolerant of soil conditions, but does great in rich loamy soils. Once established it needs little water, but before establishment needs plenty of it. Frosts are not enjoyed by this plant.

Strelitzia is a low maintenance plant that grows well in positions sunny and warm, although will grow in part shade. Strelitzia can be propagated by division and from seeds, although it will take two to five years from germination before flowering. Very young plants need to be kept in shade due to leaves burning in direct sunlight. Regular re-potting of young Strelitzia will be needed to allow for rapid development.

Beauty of Nature

Nature in itself is a wonder filled with beauty, and such is what can be found within gardens. The wonder of botanical gardens, with plants by plants and is an area to be loved by botanists, horticulturists and aspiring gardeners alike. Plants from nation to nation can be found, Mexico’s Pineapple Sage, Banksia of Australia and oaks that would likely enjoy the climates of Europe.

　

Look at life, it is itself of curiosity. The extremes life can live is of utter amazement. Plants provide beauty, their survival can be just of amazement as extremity life lives within. The stress they survive. The odd angles some trees live at the seeming metaphorical laugh at gravity. The strange places they grow. From space on trees to soil at the gutter, as long plants are able to grow, the gist of intention is survival.

　

Winter it still is, with multiple trees having given the earth fallen leaves. A clever trick by the plant itself, letting leaves fall in cool weather to conserve energy for the upcoming growing season. Looking at the ground below one sees leaves, a mess to clean up to many, yet food for the tree that once used them. Slow decomposition by micro-organisms releases nutrients for the tree and nearby plants. Self-fertilisation is the second trick of the deciduous tree so easily forgotten.

　

Spring so near, plants have grown new shoots. While plants already give presentation through flowers, those plants who became lifeless are beginning to show that they aren’t so lifeless after all. Buds ready to let out leaves and stems, with plants already in growth. So young are the new growth, pests surely will eat it when possible.

　

Plants are known to be attacked or infested by pests, a worrisome problem to gardeners who so lovingly tend their gardens. Yet plants have found their ways to defend themselves from certain pests naturally, leaving companion gardening to allow for a natural ridding of those troublesome creatures. People have also used ingenuity to use the pest susceptible plant known as the rose as an early warning for pests. Multiple is the ways of defending against those problematic pests with plants as repellents, hands to rid of with labour and pesticide for those with a good day to use such a thing.

Nature is filled with beauty, with I being able to enjoy its very beauty yesterday at the Melbourne Royal Botanical Gardens. It is a place to bring on thought to the philosopher, to create art in the medium of photography, to inspire gardens with no design. The thick trees give the power to impress. There is a multitude of plants to enjoy the sights of. It is the beauty through the natural world that seems to have great power over people. To protect the plants adored and loved. To grow them ornamentally or for practical use. Imagination is likely the limitation of what one does with plants.