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.