Totems: Fox

One very recognizable animal amongst cultures is the fox and is a totem to many people. The fox teaches of planning ahead, and of magic.

A lesson of the fox is of being adaptive and successful from such adaptation. Being able to adapt to multiple situations is something that may not be needed, yet greatly helps when needed. Success lies in being able to adapt to different situations based on one’s needs.

Magic is connected to the fox and the very creature teaches of the power of magic itself, especially the more feminine of magic. Magic is very much powerful and it may be just that more magic is needed in one’s life.

Camouflage and the awareness of the world around is a couple teachings of the fox. Being able to camouflage oneself is important for not only predators but also those who are hunted, something that allows one to hide more easily, to be less likely seen by prey. It is the awareness of the surrounding world that not only helps with adaptation but being able to camouflage oneself.

Planning ahead is of the fox. Telling of saving for later for just in case what isn’t planned. Planning ahead itself can save much trouble and taking a good look at one’s resources can be of help. The resources already there can be saved for later for one of those ‘just in case’ moments when all goes wrong.

Offerings to the fox can include a variety of meat, carrion and even fruits. It is the fox that is an omnivore and will take many foods as offerings.

Mannaz

From the 14th to the 29th of April, it is the fortnight of the rune Mannaz. The specific hour of this rune is 7:30 to 8:30 and it is the god Heimdall who is in relation with Mannaz.

Mannaz itself actually means ‘mankind’. This rune is very much the rune of men and women as its meaning implies, and is in association with the ash and elm trees due to the mythological story that the first humans were made from the wood of the very trees.

While in the use of divination, Mannaz when upright it tells that it has to do with the person who the divination is for. It may be of one’s status and how others view you, it may be that there is the deluding of oneself. Taking a good look at one’s actions is a good idea if an upright Mannaz appears, as it is tells it is a good thing to look at one’s own behaviour over criticising the behaviour of others.
Taking a look at one’s own motives and aims is also of good idea. Taking one’s time in making decisions is of what Mannaz tells in the upright position.

Inverted, Mannaz tells that a person close bears ill will towards you, an enemy is even suggested but this is not always the case.

Solar Plexus Chakra

The third chakra is known as the Solar Plexus Chakra, also known as Manipura or Manipuri (said to mean “city of jewels”). It is a red downward pointing triangle within a yellow circle and ten dark blue or black petals that represents this chakra. Yellow is the colour that represents this chakra. Braddha Rudra is the deity of the Solar Plexus Chakra, with the ram being the animal of it.

Found at the naval, the Solar Plexus Chakra deals with one’s emotional state. Fire is the element of this chakra and one’s self-esteem will is often associated with the Solar Plexus chakra. The organs being the stomach, liver and intestines.

If this chakra is overbalanced one can turn very much into a judgemental person, a workaholic whose demanding and a perfectionist. Their emotions can go to the extreme more often then the usual.
An under balance of the third chakra creates a depressive person who lacks confidences, a worrier of what other think. Under balance will create confusion and fear of loneliness.

The colour purple helps deal with an overbalance of the Solar Plexus Chakra while yellow helps an under balance.
Doing belly dancing and conscious breathing helps greatly with the balancing this chakra. Going out and getting sunlight also helps.

Fun Times

Looking back, it can be said that I was really out of it last Monday. I’m much better now and the worst of it was simply on a certain previous Monday. It being Easter, and specifically today, Anzac Day, many people get a loving break from work and school.

The Bendigo Easer Festival was on over the Easter holidays and I was lucky enough to personally go to it. While there I checked out the Golden Dragon Museum which told of Chinese culture and I came across an image of a god who has two attendants.

Lightened photo of the god

 No name was given to this god or of the attendants, nor was there much information on this god. One vital piece of information was given under the image of the god, that he is the god of building. He looked familiar and I thought taking a photo would be a good idea, but sadly there is no recognition of the identity of this god.

Sadly, flash photography wasn’t allowed and there was poor lighting, making the photo not the best that could have been taken and having little information on a god or his attendants doesn’t help either.  I’ll get back at this later in this post.

Getting a ticket at the Gold Dragon Museum also serves as a ticket to the Yin Yuan Gardens. Within said gardens there are statues of all of the Eight Immortals, a highly popular group whose faces I got to see in statue form for the first time. This got me thinking, out of the Eight Immortals Lan Caihe is who I’m most interested in and I do not actually know why. Maybe it is the eccentric behaviour, maybe it the fact that Lan Caihe is the patron of gardeners (and hence most appropriate out of the Eight Immortals for me to go to). Whatever it may be, time will tell.

Looking around and being entertained at the Bendigo Easter Festival, for me it proved interesting. Although  Easter is a Christian holiday, I saw little sign of Christianity, there's even a temple to Guanyin to which I got to pay my respects to.

Going back to the image of the god I saw, I tried to find some information on who he is. The best conclusion I can come to is that the type of god is Cheng Huang (or City/Town God), with Cheng Huang being protective town gods and the attendants known as Tu Di (or Earth Gods) who work under the Cheng Huang. I’m not 100% sure on this and if anyone can help, that’ll be great.

Gods And Goddesses: Chuang Kong

Chuang Kong is a bedroom god who rules over the physical activities done within, such as changing the linen and folding sheets.  Worship of this god is often in the bedroom along with the worship of his wife, with the Lantern Festival a popular day of worship of the two.

His wife is the goddess Chuang Mu who is the bedroom goddess who rules over all that happens in the bedroom, with the two said to haunt some hotels and inns causing all sorts of trouble in bedrooms. The two are depicted often in traditional robes which is usually predominately red with Chuang Kong often sitting on the right and with Chuang Mu sitting on the left.

Whatever one’s problems are in the bedroom, love making, sleeping or getting better from an illness. Both Chuang Kong and Chuang Mu are a couple to go to, with tea, wine, rice, fresh flowers, fruit and incense offerings to make to this husband and wife. Remember to keep the bedroom clean and uncluttered to not offend.

Totems: Bilby

As Easter is coming up in the world one would easily expect people to talk about rabbits, chocolate and eggs, however, in Australia the talk of a certain little creature is likely to occur eventually this Easter. It is the bilby, one creature which is made in chocolate form and sold to try to help with the prevention of its very extinction.

As a totem, the bilby is one asking to confront fears, to have a look at one’s fears and question them. Why be afraid? How did this fear begin? Is there a way to deal with these fears?

How to be deeply connected with energies of the earth, of soil and of sand is a teaching of the bilby. It not only ends there, while it is taught to be connected with such energies, appreciation of such  beauty is a very much related lesson.

There is also the lesson of solitude. Being alone isn’t always have to be a negative thing, it can be a time to enjoy quiet and rest from social interaction. What all that goes on in the world, solitude for some time each day can be of benefit.

Ehwaz

Ehwaz is a rune that rules over the hour of 6:30 to 7:30 and the fortnight of 30th of March to the 14th of April. The god of plenty, Frey, and the eight legged horse, Sleipnir, are the divinity of Ehwaz. The meaning of Ehwaz is ‘adventure’.

This rune is represented by a pair of horses and further on relationships of all kinds plus travel. Besides the horse being the animal of Ehwaz, all domesticated animals are of this rune. Three trees are of Ehwaz, the oak, the ash and apple tree. Ragwort is the herb of Ehwaz.

In divination, when Ehwaz is upright it is a sign of things picking up and going for the better. Travel is also of indication, which can also mean a move of home.  Increased personal status and/or of those around is likely.

Inverted, travelling and vehicles problems are indicated along with concerns with the health of pets.

Sacral Chakra

Out of the seven chakras, the second chakra is the Sacral Chakra, which is also known as Swadhistana, Svadisthana or Adhishthana with the meaning being “One’s own abode”. The god of this chakra is Bramha and animal associated being the crocodile. The Sacral Chakra is represented by a white lotus in a crescent moon and six orange petals.

The colour of this chakra is orange, with emotions, creativity and sexuality being what the Sacral Chakra deals with. The Sacral Chakra governs the bladder, part of the lower intestine and the reproductive organs. Not only that, but pleasure is also governed, especially of pleasure from food and sexual desire. The sound also being of “VAM”.

This chakra is right above the Base Chakra (found at the tailbone), only two finger-widths above it at the sacrum.

When this chakra is balanced feelings are freely flowing and expressed without one getting over-emotional. Under balanced, being stiff and unemotional occur, with not being very open to people likely. Over balanced, being emotional at all times is to be expected.

Dancing and tai chi can help balance the Sacral Chakra, with a healthy emotional state helping greatly in balancing. Focusing on the Sacral Chakra during meditation is also of another way to create balance.

Lovely Sickness

I’ve had plenty of fun today. I’ve got myself a good old fashioned flu having the greatest time taking one hell of a go at me. With being sick comes the joys of having a mind go from one place to another.

I wish I could focus on a single topic for five minutes at least, its just my mind is simply all over the place. Scattered like puzzle pieces. There is so much I could address, just the inability to address anything well.

I’ve also noticed my constant use of the word ‘and’, “This and that, and that, and what’s this? Blah, blah and blah.” Honestly makes a certain someone’s head hurt. And there’s also the fact that I’m using “I” a lot, just goes to show how self-centered people can be without realizing it.

Gods And Goddesses: Wen Chang

Wen Chang is he god of literature, books, writing, wisdom, education and learning. Having two attendants known as Kui Xing and Zhu Yi that are often besides him, with one being mute and the other deaf. Kui Xing and Zhu Yi are even said to be have formally part of Wen Chang. Although not associated with each other, Guan Yu is also the god of literature (along with god of war).

Originally starting out as a mortal man known as Zhang Ya Zi during the Zhou dynasty, he was a sage with the ability to predict the future and perform transformations. It was Wen Chang’s knowledge of Dao that caused him to be elevated to Heaven and to be enthroned in the Big Dipper. Wen Chang himself was assigned by the Jade Emperor to keep a log so that he can rightly reward and punish each person according to merit.

Praying to Wen Chang happens all year round (just on an auspicious date), but most often on the eve of Chinese New Year for the hopes of the blessing of their children with stronger willpower and diligence to study. Praying to Wen Chang on the eve of Chinese New Year tends to happen in the morning or a minute before midnight. Spring onions with roots, cloves of garlic with roots, celery with roots and dried yellow beans tend to be offered to Wen Chang.

Totems: Deer

Deer are quite gentle creatures whom seem quite the innocent animal, but have the power to defend itself fiercely. The lessons of the deer are of the more gentle of the deer that is usually seen.

Gentleness itself is obviously a lesson of the deer. Deer teaches to show gentleness and unconditional love towards all, all humans and all of other species. Even the harshest of people and non-human beings deserve to be shown love and gentleness.

Being powerful and peaceful is fine as the deer teaches. To be physically strong is what many wish to be, yet one can also be a peaceful person along with strong. It is the deer that tells that it is okay, as the deer itself is both.

To be aware of the world, watchful of what is around yet also cautious of who or what is watching you. The gentle deer teaches to be aware, watchful and cautious of the world. One can learn much from simply being aware.

Deer can eat much, yet can be picky eaters which can make giving a offering a little tough. Sweet fruits and nuts make a great offering to the deer.

Berkana

Berkana is the rune with the fortnight of March 14 to March 30 which is of the spring equinox for those in the northern hemisphere while the autumn equinox for those down in the southern hemisphere. The hour of Berkana is 5:30 to 6:30 and the goddess associated with Berkana itself is Frigga.

The meaning of Berkana is of “Birth” and “Living Things”, with the meaning of “Living Things” especially so for vegetation and putting a knot for agriculture and this rune in connections.
Berkana is a very feminine rune due to the association with Frigga, giving further associations towards motherhood and the shape of Berkana, looking much like the letter B, actually suggests the shape of breasts.

The animals of Berkana being of the bear and the swan, with the humans being in connection with Berkana being wise women, healers and herbalists.  Berkana is said to mean either ‘birch tree’ or ‘poplar’ creating a tie between such trees and the rune, with the fir tree being another tree of Berkana.

In divination, when you see Berkana upright it indicates new beginnings and of good news, birth, fertility, even the rejoicing of family. Personal growth is likely which is of a most likely spiritual level but can growth of personal material.
Issues for women are also told of the upright Berkana but it relates to the easing of issues, and if a question about health is asked it is very much a good omen for the woman asking.

The inverted meaning of Berkana tells of worrying family news is of indication, the health of a relative may be declining or a celebration for one’s family may be cancelled or the very least postponed. If a health issue is not of the topic of the divination, it is likely that one is on a course to nowhere making it likely needed to go back to what is known as square one.

Root Chakra

The first chakra is the Root, or Base Chakra that is at the bottom of the spine at the tailbone, with its Sanskrit name being Mulhadhara meaning “Root Support”. Its associated with the colour red, the spinal column, legs, hips, kidneys and adrenal gland.

The god of this chakra is Ganesh and is represented by a yellow square with four red petals. The Root Chakra is in relation with survival, security and instinct along with sex organs. The element is of earth and the sense smell, with the sound being ‘LAM’.

The Root Chakra itself is a physical one that deals with survival, grounding and the balancing of physical and spiritual life. A balanced Root Chakra is known if one is grounded and centered. Having an excess of such a chakra creates  a overly sexual, egotistical and greedy person who has biased opinions while lacking of Root Chakra energy shows in a lack of confidence, small interest in sexual activity and depression.
Dancing and being out in nature helps greatly in balancing this chakra.

The Root Chakra is associated with the smells of lemongrass, sandalwood, cedar wood, cinnamon, ginger and patchouli while with stones, red garnet, hematite, obsidian and clear quartz. Such smells and stones can be used to balance this chakra

Australian Plants

Not all that long ago I’ve asked for and got given an Australian herb known as river mint (Mentha australis). The misfortune to getting this plant for free was that it was suspected that herbicide was used on it (despite the plant being wanted) along with being pulled up by who knows who and left on the ground for an unknown amount of time. Absolute fun knowing the low chance of growth.

There was luck with the river mint as it started growing, but so far the growth has been small and currently there are almost no leaf whatsoever except for the few tiny leaves that have recently came to be. And it is this plant that probably sparked an interest in growing native plants, especially a personal favourite known as silver princess (Eucalyptus caesia).

Currently, looking into places where buying seed and seedlings of native plants are of a great idea. There are two places of interest which I shall take a peek at when possible, and while at it, looking into the magical properties of Australian plants would be of idea.

Gods And Goddesses: Chuang Mu

Known as Lady of the Bed Chamber, Chuang Mu is the goddess of beds, the bed chamber and what happens there (sleep, sex, love and birth).  She is the husband to Chuang Kong, who is the god of bedroom and associated physical activities such as changing the linen and folding sheets.

Chuang Mu  is a love and sex goddess, but she is so much more. A goddess that resides over multiple aspects of what goes on in the bedroom that goes beyond sex and love making, it includes sleep, recovering from illness and dying. It is her help along with Chuang Kong’s that is sought after for anything dealing with problems within the bedroom.

Offerings of tea, wine, rice, fresh flowers, fruit and of course incense are what is made to Chuang Mu. While giving offerings to this goddess at an altar, keeping the bedroom clean and uncluttered is best to be done to not offend. Asking for aid from Chuang Mu  is best during the Lantern Festival.

Chuang Mu is often depicted in traditional robes that is often predominantly red and seated to the left of a traditionally dressed man who happens to be her husband.

Although a popular goddess along with her husband, it seems that in modern times there are apparently hotels and inns haunted by Chuang Mu and Chuang Kong where it is said they cause much trouble in bedrooms.

Qilin

The Qilin is a creature of good omen also known as Kirin and even Kyrin, being identified with giraffes after a voyage to East Africa by Zheng He, whom he brought back two giraffes to Beijing that were referred as Qilins. The Qilin is at times referred as having one horn and is even compared to the western unicorn.

The nature of the Qilin is quiet along with a vegetarian diet and it is said that it can walk on grass without disturbing it and on water. The appearance of the Qilin is of antlers like of what one would see on a deer, scales as one would expect on a fish or a dragon, a head like a dragon itself, hooves like of an ox and tail like a lion.

Although it appears as if a fierce creature it only attacks the wicked where they can use fire (which the Qilin is closely associated with), gore with its horns or even trample. The righteous is whom this creature protects and can tell innocents from guilty.
Story goes that Qilins only appear in an area with a leader who is just, wise and benevolent and when there is to be an extraordinary person to be born (with a legend being that a Qilin appeared just before Confucius was born).

In Feng Shui, Qilin statues are often placed at the entrances of houses as guardians and having it in one’s bedroom, kitchen or bathroom is not suggested.  Having a Qilin statue around helps deals with negativity within the household.

Totems: Rabbit

Rabbits are famous for their ability to have so many children in such a small amount of time amongst other things including its relation to Easter, the moon and of gods and goddesses (such as Chang E and Eostre).

Amongst its lessons, one is of vigilance as one doesn’t know what will happen in life. Keeping vigilant is useful, as keeping alert to one’s surrounding helps keep an idea of what’s going on and who’s around which can be of importance.

Fertility is an obvious lesson of the rabbit, it however does not necessarily relate fertility in the sense of creating babies. Fertility can very much relate to all life in general, it can be of a large tree dropping leaves (which fertilizes the ground and said fertilizing of the ground helps keep the tree healthy along with whatever close by plant there is). Such a lesson can make one ask, “Am I bringing fertility to this earth?” and there is always a way to bring fertility such as composting.

The rabbit teaches of fear and how it has to be dealt with. While fears are obviously of what one wouldn’t usually want to face, the need to face fear is always there and will be until the very fear is dealt with.

Agility and quick thinking is of the rabbit. Whomever who has seen a wild rabbit before knows they can move fast and act quickly. Being able to use one’s own agility and to literally think fast is useful even if not used often as the rabbit tells.

Examination of diet is of what the rabbit suggests. One may need to get a better diet and it is always a great thing to do. Taking a vegetarian diet like rabbits do themselves is to be tried, even if it is not for a long period of time.

Many fruits and vegetables can be offered to the rabbit, cilantro, carrots (especially the tops) and parsley would make great offerings. Hay and straw also make good offerings, the choice of hay being slightly green with a pleasantly fresh smell.

Bad Argument

Over time, people do discuss topics of controversy and voice their opinions on it. Gay marriage has happened to come up a couple days ago for me and one person made an argument that gay marriage shouldn’t be allowed on the basis that homosexual men can get AIDS. While this a laughable argument against gay marriage, I had to ask myself, what is the worst argument I have heard?

Two days to think of the worst argument I’ve heard, I honestly couldn’t think of any worse than the very argument against gay marriage so recently told. I’ve heard bad arguments before, some arguments themselves seem to be common, just simply in another situation. “This or that shouldn‘t be allowed as it will cause something unrelated to happen.” comes to mind quickly for me.

Despite the amusing argument that gay marriage shouldn’t be allowed as homosexual men can get AIDS, I find it difficult to not shake my head at such an argument.

Tiwaz

Tiwaz, the rune that takes the shape of an arrow or spear with the meaning of ‘binding agreements‘. The god of war and oaths, Tyr, is the god associated with this rune. Tiwaz has the fortnight stemming from the 27th of February to the 14th of March and the hour of 4:30 to 5:30.

Interestingly, Tiwaz has association with the North Star (the very star that is said to never fail) and because of the fact that the god in connection with Tiwaz itself is the god of oaths, Tiwaz happens to be the rune of unbreakable oaths. Also due to the connection with Tyr, Tiwaz happens to be the rune representing spears. The trees of this rune is the oak and hazel.

In divination, if Tiwaz appears upright it obviously talks of binding oaths wether it be an oath with a friend or marriage to your lover. Tiwaz also indicates lasting love unlikely broken. For women, it indicates a strong and attractive man will love her greatly with the downside of a possible sacrifice to ensure being able to be with this man.

When inverted, Tiwaz suggests that there will be actions of dishonour, treason and general selfishness. Eyes should be kept wide and open to learn of from whom. For women, an inverted Tiwaz suggests a shallow relationship with a man.

Rain

Day in, day out. Winter shall arrive in a few months and I ponder how plenty the rains will be during the upcoming winter.
Rain has been of certain plenty over the summer that seemed more of a winter. Even if a lack of water from the skies occur for a season it likely will not be missed by numerous people, but such cooling droplets surely will be loved by those living regardless.

Gods and Goddesses: Meng Po

Meng Po, also known as Lady Meng, is the goddess of forgetfulness and amnesia. She creates a tea known as Mi-Hun-T’ang or Five Flavoured Tea of Forgetfulness.  The tea she makes is created from herbs from various ponds and streams.

Meng Po works in the realm of the dead where she gives her tea to souls ready to be reborn so they do not remember their previous life or time in the underworld. As soon as the Five Flavoured Tea of Forgetfulness is drunk all memories of the previous life is lost along with knowledge, creating a blank state.

Easter

A celebration many Christian’s and non-Christian’s enjoy, where chocolate eggs are hidden for children to find or simply given out front to eat. A day where rabbits come to mind and people paint eggs.

Many know of the pagan origins of Easter with the name Easter itself being said to come from a mother goddess of the Saxon people known by many names such as Eostre and Eastre.  Eostre is a goddess of the spring where she was honoured with a festival known as Eastre, celebrated on the Spring Equinox. The animal symbolizing Eostre happens to be the rabbit (which is a symbol of fertility), which is where the Easter rabbit came from.

Easter in Australia has a little difference to other countries. While there is the Easter rabbit within Australia, there is also the Easter Bilby. Bilbies have been referred as “Native Rabbits” or “Australian Rabbits” by a few and interestingly bilbies compete for food with the invasive rabbits themselves. Easter chocolates and merchandise are made in the shape of bilbies, sold throughout Australia as both as an alternative to Easter rabbits and as a way to raise awareness and money for conservation of bilbies themselves.

Attis, a vegetation god,  is believed to have died and resurrected every year between March 22nd and March 25th, obviously near the time of Easter. This was much celebrated and when Christian’s came along celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus it is said the worshippers of Attis and Jesus quarrelled.

Many pagans at this day celebrate the Spring Equinox as a Sabbat where rituals related to fertility are done, as the Spring Equinox is a time to sow seeds or even when seeds are already sprouting. There are pagans who have a fire at this time and jump over it when it has died down for good fortune. Non-pagans also have fires at this time of the year which are generally called a “Easter Fire”.

The origins of decorating eggs with colour is not so clear, but it is known that in ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and Persia eggs did get dyed for the festivals in spring. In medieval Europe, decorated eggs were also given as gifts during Easter.

Easter is soon here, for many this is a time to get with family, for children it is time to eat egg shaped chocolates and to look for them. Easter is a great time to rest from going to school or work which people love. Easter happens to be also a great time to enjoy sweets, making this holiday for those with a sweet tooth absolutely fantastic.

Totems: Cow

The cow is one of the more important animals to western society, giving its meat and milk to nourish many people. A powerful creature, but one that is generally seen as harmless.

Amongst its lessons, one is of motherhood. The cow  tells how it is great to be a mother, to raise a child. It is the cow after all that gives birth and nourishes its child carefully with love. Such questions as “Have you been raising your child well?” where a child doesn’t exactly have to mean a kid you are a parent to, it can be a plant precious to you or a pet.

In the past, cows proved useful for fertilizing the ground due to their droppings. The cow asks if we help the land stay fertile as the very land allows us to eat. Keeping land fertile is important, as if there is no fertility, there’s no food.

The cow tells of sacrifice and how the sacrifices of others are to be appreciated. Sacrifices do happen often, the beef we see is of the sacrifice of the cow, the flesh of ducks and chickens of are sacrifice, so is the meat of many other animals such as fish and goats. There is always a sacrifice.

Some people think of moons when they hear of cows or vice versa. It is the cow that teaches of the power of lunar, or moon, magic and how one can benefit from lunar magic in one’s life.

Offerings to the cow can include grass, hay and silage, but water makes a great offering due to how much cows drink a day.