Wasps are the insect which stings multiple times and has the yellow and black markings. It can be an insect which gives benefits to its ecosystem, or if introduced to an area it may cause problems. It can, alike to bees, cause reactions in people that they sting.
Organization is a reminder the wasp gives, teaching that order is needed. The wasp sees no use in being disorganized or lack of order. Relatedly, the wasp also teaches to protect order when it is attacked.
Team work is one of things that remain a must as the wasp tells. One can work on their own but team work is a need regardless if it is sooner or later. Sometimes work with others is a first priority, and it is to be learnt.
Productivity in the work place is important, and the wasp agrees on the
importance of productivity. It teaches how to look inwards at how productivity can personally be increased.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Victorian Christmas Tree
The Victorian Christmas Bush is a shrub/tree botanically called Prostanthera lasianthos, growing typically up to 4.5m high and between 1.5-3m wide. It naturally grows along water courses in forests of south-eastern Australian.
Its leaves are toothed and lance shaped and its flowers are white to pale mauve marked with orange and purple in its throat. It needs well drained soil and takes preference to some shade and well composted soils. It needs full sun and is frost tolerant.
Its leaves are toothed and lance shaped and its flowers are white to pale mauve marked with orange and purple in its throat. It needs well drained soil and takes preference to some shade and well composted soils. It needs full sun and is frost tolerant.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Gods And Goddesses: Uzume
Uzume, also called Ame-no-Uzume-no-mikoto or simple Ame-no-Uzume, is the goddess of dance, joy, good health and dawn. Her brother is Ninigi and is married to Saruta-Hiko.
It was Uzume who got the sun goddess Amaterasu out of the cave with her dancing, where she exposed her breasts and played with her genitals. It was this dance that caused the other deities to laugh, causing Amaterasu to become curious and to investigate.
Uzume also accompanied Ninigi to earth when Ninigi was to be the first emperor of Japan. It was a monster that appeared when Ninigi was about to descend that caused Uzume to approach this monster bare breasted and with a laugh. Uzume asked who this monster was, the answer was Saruta-Hiko, the god who later became Uzume’s husband.
It was Uzume who got the sun goddess Amaterasu out of the cave with her dancing, where she exposed her breasts and played with her genitals. It was this dance that caused the other deities to laugh, causing Amaterasu to become curious and to investigate.
Uzume also accompanied Ninigi to earth when Ninigi was to be the first emperor of Japan. It was a monster that appeared when Ninigi was about to descend that caused Uzume to approach this monster bare breasted and with a laugh. Uzume asked who this monster was, the answer was Saruta-Hiko, the god who later became Uzume’s husband.
Friday, March 23, 2012
Totem: Worm
Worms are well known for being creatures of under the earth and thought to be able to become two worms when cut in half by some. They are used for the purpose of consuming natural wastes such as leftover food to create a fertilizer.
There is nothing wrong getting dirty and work that gets one dirty is promoted by the worm. The most basic form of this is through one’s job, where it is expected to get dirty, it can be a job involving sewers or cleaning up. Sadly, this cannot always be done and it has to be done in spare time and can be easily done with gardening itself.
The worm also reminds how the past influences the future, a ripple effect. Everything done in the past affects those around, allowing the present to be as it is, and helps shape the future even in the most minor of ways.
To the worm, the earth is given great focus by it as it is its home, a place to live and a place to care for. Helping the earth is a great thing to do and should be done, whether it be environmentalism, minimalizing waste or reducing waste.
There is nothing wrong getting dirty and work that gets one dirty is promoted by the worm. The most basic form of this is through one’s job, where it is expected to get dirty, it can be a job involving sewers or cleaning up. Sadly, this cannot always be done and it has to be done in spare time and can be easily done with gardening itself.
The worm also reminds how the past influences the future, a ripple effect. Everything done in the past affects those around, allowing the present to be as it is, and helps shape the future even in the most minor of ways.
To the worm, the earth is given great focus by it as it is its home, a place to live and a place to care for. Helping the earth is a great thing to do and should be done, whether it be environmentalism, minimalizing waste or reducing waste.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Black Wattle
Black Wattle is a common name of a tree botanically called Acacia mearnsii, a medium sized tree growing up to 10m and is a fast grower. It flowers in spring and summer, giving off ball shaped flowers cream in colour.
A hardy plant, it is tolerant of drought and frost. It can also grow in either clay, loam or sand. Its seeds are harvested by some seeds and can be grown at least fifty years after it is produced by the tree
A hardy plant, it is tolerant of drought and frost. It can also grow in either clay, loam or sand. Its seeds are harvested by some seeds and can be grown at least fifty years after it is produced by the tree
Monday, March 19, 2012
Change
Change is one thing that can be expected in life with absolute certain. It can be alike to death in aspect of being the kindest friend or the cruellest beast, where of which it remains truly in shadows until it happens. With change, it is to be learnt to be accepted (alike with death).
Certain changes become normal early on, aging, the gain or loss of someone or something important, a new leader of the country. Many changes remain uncertain and hence feared. A change may be one that brings blessings, a time of greatness, or go in the completely opposite direction with sadness and despair filling the surrounding air.
Such uncertain changes need to be dealt with, experience being a factor of how to deal with the change that proves to create a tough period. Experience proves impractical when young, with history being a tool to learn from. As time goes on experience gives power as it allows for better understanding, something youth does not have, where learning from the older generations is a tool that is useful.
Change may be positive and easy to deal with, but dealing with negative change can be a very tough time. Knowing how to deal with change is understanding, first-hand experience and learning how it was dealt with from others first-hand experiences being the means to gather the needed understanding.
Change itself is normal, it is a blessing and it is a curse. Ability to deal with changes come along, major and minor, are personal as many changes are.
Certain changes become normal early on, aging, the gain or loss of someone or something important, a new leader of the country. Many changes remain uncertain and hence feared. A change may be one that brings blessings, a time of greatness, or go in the completely opposite direction with sadness and despair filling the surrounding air.
Such uncertain changes need to be dealt with, experience being a factor of how to deal with the change that proves to create a tough period. Experience proves impractical when young, with history being a tool to learn from. As time goes on experience gives power as it allows for better understanding, something youth does not have, where learning from the older generations is a tool that is useful.
Change may be positive and easy to deal with, but dealing with negative change can be a very tough time. Knowing how to deal with change is understanding, first-hand experience and learning how it was dealt with from others first-hand experiences being the means to gather the needed understanding.
Change itself is normal, it is a blessing and it is a curse. Ability to deal with changes come along, major and minor, are personal as many changes are.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Gods And Goddesses: Dian Mu
Dian Mu is the goddess of lightning and wife to the thunder god Lei Gong. Dian Mu can distinguish good from evil with her mirrors and is the goddess of justice for this reason. She creates lightning with two large mirrors and is also known as Tian Mu. Dian Mu personally has a festival held on the sixth day of the tenth month of the lunar year.
Dian Mu was once accidently struck by Lei Gong’s thunder, and due to this strike was killed. She was made the goddess of lightning to help Lei Gong see where to throw his thunder using her two mirrors.
Dian Mu was once accidently struck by Lei Gong’s thunder, and due to this strike was killed. She was made the goddess of lightning to help Lei Gong see where to throw his thunder using her two mirrors.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Totem: Frog
Frogs come in variety and are easily recognized amphibious carnivores. Many species of frog are threatened by pollution and habitat destruction.
The frog teaches to let others know how one is; this can include tiredness, happiness or any other emotions, especially those which are negative. Letting others know, especially those close, can be a benefit in one form or another.
Having a dream journal may be a good idea, as the frog teaches to look at one’s own dreams. Dreams can tell a lot, and keeping track of dreams can tell plenty about one’s past.
Being adaptive is nothing new, yet remains forgotten by many. The frog teaches to be adaptive in situations which are tough and to environments which can be highly unfavourable to stay in.
The frog teaches to let others know how one is; this can include tiredness, happiness or any other emotions, especially those which are negative. Letting others know, especially those close, can be a benefit in one form or another.
Having a dream journal may be a good idea, as the frog teaches to look at one’s own dreams. Dreams can tell a lot, and keeping track of dreams can tell plenty about one’s past.
Being adaptive is nothing new, yet remains forgotten by many. The frog teaches to be adaptive in situations which are tough and to environments which can be highly unfavourable to stay in.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Coast Banksia
Banksia integrifolia, more commonly called Coast Banksia is an Australian tree which can grow 24m in height and 3-8m in width. It is a fast growing tree with rough patterned bark and leaves dull green in colour with a woolly underside with silvery colouring. Its flowers are a yellowy-orange, and grow in both summer and winter.
Coast banksia tolerates heavy clay, sand, acidic and alkaline soils, wind, salts, droughts and frosts. It requires well drained soil and takes preference for full sun. Little care is needed for coast banksia.
Coast banksia tolerates heavy clay, sand, acidic and alkaline soils, wind, salts, droughts and frosts. It requires well drained soil and takes preference for full sun. Little care is needed for coast banksia.
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Gods And Goddesses: Gong Gong
Gong Gong is a water deity who is known as a demon to some. He is best known for fighting the fire god Zhu Rong, apparently to see who stronger of the two, commiting suicide against by banging his head against a pillar which held up the sky, causing great floods and even fires.
Gong Gong wanted to take the throne of Heaven, which is said to be another reason as to why he and Zhu Rong fought. The fight lasted for days in Heaven before the two fell to earth, where Gong Gong lost.
Gong Gong is said to be the descendant of the Yan Emperor and the son of Zhu Rong himself. Gong Gong is said to have caused floods, but also tried to rid them, giving mankind experience in dealing with floods. Farming productivity was heightened by Gong Gong as he invented a method of water storage.
Gong Gong wanted to take the throne of Heaven, which is said to be another reason as to why he and Zhu Rong fought. The fight lasted for days in Heaven before the two fell to earth, where Gong Gong lost.
Gong Gong is said to be the descendant of the Yan Emperor and the son of Zhu Rong himself. Gong Gong is said to have caused floods, but also tried to rid them, giving mankind experience in dealing with floods. Farming productivity was heightened by Gong Gong as he invented a method of water storage.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Totem: Praying Mantis
The praying mantis is an insect that is well respected, with its name being which relates to its front legs that apparently gives it a stance of being in prayer. They are carnivorous, surviving on other insects.
This insect gives lessons on being patient and focused, teaching to look at what prevents from being either patient or focused and how to deal with it.
Praying mantises do not move unless positive it is what should be done, and this totem teaches to look at the situation in front. It helps to look at the situation, to know what feels best to do. Looking at the situation allows for thought that’s required to make a good decision.
Stillness is the nature of the praying mantis, who gives teaching on the benefits of meditation. Even if meditation is short and only for a small amount of time each day, the praying mantis knows the benefits.
This insect gives lessons on being patient and focused, teaching to look at what prevents from being either patient or focused and how to deal with it.
Praying mantises do not move unless positive it is what should be done, and this totem teaches to look at the situation in front. It helps to look at the situation, to know what feels best to do. Looking at the situation allows for thought that’s required to make a good decision.
Stillness is the nature of the praying mantis, who gives teaching on the benefits of meditation. Even if meditation is short and only for a small amount of time each day, the praying mantis knows the benefits.
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Rosemary
Rosemary has the botanical name of Rosmarinus officinalis and is an erect bush with ascending branches typically growing up to 2m high and 1.8m wide. Its leaves are dark green and linear with a silvery colour under it which has an aromatic smell to it. The flowers bloom in spring and early summer, being small and light blue, purple or white.
When growing rosemary full sun and good drainage is required, but semi-shade is possible. It is an easy to grow plant that is hardy, being tolerant of frost and drought, rosemary is also resistant to pests with ability to easily grow rosemary from cuttings and in pots. Rosemary can also grow in poor soils and take preference to soils which are slightly alkaline.
When growing rosemary full sun and good drainage is required, but semi-shade is possible. It is an easy to grow plant that is hardy, being tolerant of frost and drought, rosemary is also resistant to pests with ability to easily grow rosemary from cuttings and in pots. Rosemary can also grow in poor soils and take preference to soils which are slightly alkaline.
Monday, March 5, 2012
Looking Into Paganism
When one looks into paganism it helps to look into what one is most interested in, but also to look into other topics to see if a new interest arises. Personally, I view looking into books are being extremely important when learning about paganism or a specific path, as they tend to be a good place to start. Using the internet to research is another great source seeing as a variety of people are willing to help or have posted useful information.
For many people from what I have seen, when looking into books this means either looking into Western authors and books such as Scott Cunningham, Silver Ravenwolf, Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Not very varied but it can be a very good starting point, possibly even the right place to begin depending on personal interest.
Looking into the Tao Te Ching and I Ching is not uncommon, it however seems to be the two Eastern texts to go over all else. Other Chinese texts are also good to go to, Zhuangzi being a book of the Taoist Canon to go to right after Tao Te Ching, with many other books within the Taoist Canon to look into. For Chinese mythology two books stand out, Journey to the West and Creation of the Gods. Hindu and Buddhist texts are in their own right great to look into.
Books specific on a certain mythology or two, or one or two aspects within paganism, is a great tool as these books tend to specialize on its topic(s), but it may be an idea to look into a more general book if starting to look into paganism. A more general book can give an idea of what mythology or mythologies to look into, a better look at paganism as a whole and even help to look into a specific path to possibly follow.
Plenty of books are accessible to people if they just have the internet, with money typically being the only problem. Book stores help yet can lack much in certain areas, with a multitude of books typically inaccessible leaving the internet a great place to go. I would personally recommend using sites such as Amazon and E-Bay to get books seeing as going to book stores for books from experience tend to be unreliable.
How one goes about learning about paganism is a person choice and truly depends on resources to do so, which is where researching on the internet is great as one doesn’t have to purchase something to gain information but can be just as time consuming if not more. Where to begin in one’s path within paganism just relies on interest and willingness to learn.
For many people from what I have seen, when looking into books this means either looking into Western authors and books such as Scott Cunningham, Silver Ravenwolf, Ovid’s Metamorphoses and Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey. Not very varied but it can be a very good starting point, possibly even the right place to begin depending on personal interest.
Looking into the Tao Te Ching and I Ching is not uncommon, it however seems to be the two Eastern texts to go over all else. Other Chinese texts are also good to go to, Zhuangzi being a book of the Taoist Canon to go to right after Tao Te Ching, with many other books within the Taoist Canon to look into. For Chinese mythology two books stand out, Journey to the West and Creation of the Gods. Hindu and Buddhist texts are in their own right great to look into.
Books specific on a certain mythology or two, or one or two aspects within paganism, is a great tool as these books tend to specialize on its topic(s), but it may be an idea to look into a more general book if starting to look into paganism. A more general book can give an idea of what mythology or mythologies to look into, a better look at paganism as a whole and even help to look into a specific path to possibly follow.
Plenty of books are accessible to people if they just have the internet, with money typically being the only problem. Book stores help yet can lack much in certain areas, with a multitude of books typically inaccessible leaving the internet a great place to go. I would personally recommend using sites such as Amazon and E-Bay to get books seeing as going to book stores for books from experience tend to be unreliable.
How one goes about learning about paganism is a person choice and truly depends on resources to do so, which is where researching on the internet is great as one doesn’t have to purchase something to gain information but can be just as time consuming if not more. Where to begin in one’s path within paganism just relies on interest and willingness to learn.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Gods And Goddesses: Lei Gong
Lei Gong is the god of thunder whose name means “Duke of Thunder” and is also called Lei Kung and Lei Shen (meaning “Thunder God”). His appearance takes on with claws, bat wings and a blue face with a bird’s beak, and typically only wearing a loincloth. He will also not enter a house where sex is taking place; with images of sex having the same effect.
A drum and mallet is carried by Lei Gong for producing thunder and a chisel for the punishment of evildoers (who he punishes under the order of Heaven, typically those guilty of secret crimes and spirits who use knowledge of Taoism to harm humans).
He has assistances helping him, with Dian Mu being his wife that helps by sending bolts of lightning, Yun Tong makes clouds, Yu Zi sends downpours, and Feng Bo sends winds. With the goddess Dian Mu, the two had a son called Lei Zhenzi.
Originally a mortal who came across a peach tree from Heaven, to which when Lei Gong bit one of the peaches he turned into a human with bird wings. Soon after a mace and hammer was given to him so he could create thunder; this is how Lei Gong became a god.
Lei Gong once accidently struck an old woman with lightning, breaking her arm. Apologizing, Lei Gong threw down a bottle to the old woman, telling her to rub the ointment in it on her arm. Doing so healed the arm, with other villagers noticing this decided to keep the ointment for moments it is needed again. Lei Gong made the bottle so heavy no one could lift it before having the bottle fly into the air and disappear.
A drum and mallet is carried by Lei Gong for producing thunder and a chisel for the punishment of evildoers (who he punishes under the order of Heaven, typically those guilty of secret crimes and spirits who use knowledge of Taoism to harm humans).
He has assistances helping him, with Dian Mu being his wife that helps by sending bolts of lightning, Yun Tong makes clouds, Yu Zi sends downpours, and Feng Bo sends winds. With the goddess Dian Mu, the two had a son called Lei Zhenzi.
Originally a mortal who came across a peach tree from Heaven, to which when Lei Gong bit one of the peaches he turned into a human with bird wings. Soon after a mace and hammer was given to him so he could create thunder; this is how Lei Gong became a god.
Lei Gong once accidently struck an old woman with lightning, breaking her arm. Apologizing, Lei Gong threw down a bottle to the old woman, telling her to rub the ointment in it on her arm. Doing so healed the arm, with other villagers noticing this decided to keep the ointment for moments it is needed again. Lei Gong made the bottle so heavy no one could lift it before having the bottle fly into the air and disappear.
Friday, March 2, 2012
Totem: Orca
The orca is the largest member of the dolphin family and is commonly called “killer whale”. They are best known for their hunting techniques and intellect. Depending on where the orca lives, their language changes and even hunting techniques can be unique depending on their pod.
Orca teaches how to ‘swim’ in life with grace and strength, that the two go hand in hand.
It is also taught to look with care at one’s own dreams, they give messages and the orca knows this. Dreams are great things with ability to scare and create laughter, yet they retain the power to give advice, to give help.
Orca teaches how to ‘swim’ in life with grace and strength, that the two go hand in hand.
It is also taught to look with care at one’s own dreams, they give messages and the orca knows this. Dreams are great things with ability to scare and create laughter, yet they retain the power to give advice, to give help.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Screenshot Remembrance
Above is a fairly recent video that I ended up finding within a day or two days after it was posted. I personally was given a surprise when I first noticed this video considering how recently posted it is. Before seeing this video I knew of Jessica Ahlquist, what she is was trying to do and the threats made against her.
Today I remembered a slight detail about the threats made; I saw screenshots of some of the said threats and negative comments. These screenshots are also easy enough to find through a search engine. The importance of this is the fact that these are screenshots posted onto the internet.
Plenty of the threats and negative comments directed at Jessica were on Twitter, with the name, photograph and username of the person being clearly visible by their posts. I cannot help but view this as laughable seeing as screenshots of their threats and related negative comments are tied to their names and usernames, which just also includes photos of their faces. Congratulations to these people, for your faces and names will be associated with such things as stupidity and hatred across the globe.
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