Token Rock Blogs Token Rock Blogs http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ en-us Copyright 2012 Sun, 27 May 2012 02:02:01 GMT http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 60 Offering week 5/24-6/5 2012 Wed, 23 May 2012 13:33:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/Offering-week-5/24-6/5-2012--1311.html Offering, Toj, Muluc. Direction = Red/ East.The day sign of Offering has also been called Incense by some sects of the Maya. It is the incense that is burned by the fire of the East to bring about Offering, Toj, Muluc. Direction = Red/ East.

The day sign of Offering has also been called Incense by some sects of the Maya. It is the incense that is burned by the fire of the East to bring about an offering. This day sign relates to the ceremonial aspect of life. It is only natural that Offering people are inclined to be performers or in some way up in front of the public. Offering people often carry the shame and trauma of the community. They are very charismatic, sexual and have very fiery emotions. Their extreme sensitivity can be a cause of their emotional flair ups. They take everything that happens to or around them very seriously. They possess a very powerful and sometimes hypnotic sex drive. This works well for them when they are up in front of the public. Two very noticeable people born under the day sign of Offering are Bill Clinton and Madonna.

Those born under this day sign are extremists in many ways. They often exhibit an all or nothing perspective for projects they take on. It is their passion for life that can propel them in to prominence, success or scandal. They are willing to take chances and to manifest their creative vision and beliefs. They do enjoy the thrill of taking risks. Their strong emotional energy can lead to compulsive behavior and addictions to sex, drinking, money and drugs if it not channeled positively. They can also create a lot of debt for themselves if their passions are not kept in check. Some people will find the Offering person uncouth and a bit lacking in social decorum. Offering people also possess a very strong and independent mind. They put this to work by combining their mental faculties with intuition to solve many problems with original ideas. They do not seek leadership, but once drawn into that arena of life, they may be powerful and successful.

As the Dog persona has deep connections with their father figure, Offering people usually have a powerful relationship to their mother. Some Offering people can be dominated by their mothers or hang on to then long after the apron strings should have been cut.

If Offering people can control their urges, they can get in touch with a very powerful spiritual nature within themselves. Many are very psychic and are interested in the fields of UFO and paranormal activity such as ghosts. While many feel that these areas of exploration are eccentric, Offering people are fascinated. They can lose themselves in fantasy due to their powerful imaginations.

Those that are involved with Offering people may find it necessary to reign them in from time to time. They do have a bit of an all or nothing mentality. When they get involved in something, they go whole hog. Helping an offering person see the bigger picture is for their own good. When an Offering person is able to keep their emotions under control, as well as their spending, and narrow their focus, they can achieve great things. Offering people like to take risks with their time and money, so they need someone to help them have perspective in these areas. The part of the body that is ruled by Offering is the hair.

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Read more blog entries by: 'Abby Isadora Haydon' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/Offering-week-5/24-6/5-2012--1311.html The Art of Allowing Tue, 22 May 2012 11:37:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/The-Art-of-Allowing-1310.html Sol Luckman In the lonely and starkly beautiful high desert of northern New Mexico, my apprenticeship in the ways of spirit intensified as winter approached. Sol Luckman

In the lonely and starkly beautiful high desert of northern New Mexico, my apprenticeship in the ways of spirit intensified as winter approached.

For the first time, I glimpsed—if briefly and inchoately—a foundational truth that would go on to inform every aspect of my work in DNA activation:

Spirit is not just energy, as it currently is understood by most Westerners, but a form of consciousness that underwrites all being.

True healing, which I have called 'wholing' but which also might be described as transformation, being fundamentally spiritual in nature, cannot be achieved without activation of higher consciousness through energetic means of one kind or another.

Since everything is a form of conscious energy, including our bodies, activating ourselves ener-genetically to raise our consciousness often, if not always, results in physical improvement.

Integrating this higher consciousness requires knowledge and acceptance of the fact that from the limited perspective of our egos, we really do not control much of anything in our lives.

To get at this important truth, I often say that 'life lives us'—by which I mean something rather different from the old hippy adage to just 'go with the flow.'

Going with the flow implies a lack of guiding purpose behind our existence, a disposition to let things happen as they may and accept whatever occurs with a detached expression and shrug of the shoulders.

When we acknowledge that life lives us, on the other hand, we still are riding the currents of our individual destiny.

But if I may reason oxymoronically, by embracing our true purpose and potential as beings embodying particular aspects of Great Spirit, which expresses itself through us, we embrace a decidedly more active role in our personal surrender and service to divine will.

Here, it is important to emphasize that unlike much Eastern spirituality, in no way do I advocate that we suppress, repress or attempt to destroy our egos.

Achieving healing and transformation does not mean that we instantly dissolve back into the primordial soup of Source where we completely lose all sense of individuality.

Rather, genuine wholing involves a willingness to evolve our perception of identity away from a self mired in separation and fragmentation, to an identity rooted in the Self from which all things of a seemingly individual nature flow.

Ken Carey eloquently describes the relationship between spirit and ego: 'For if your ego is a reflection of spirit, then even at its core, your ego is spirit.' In a healthy state, 'both spirit and ego perform their respective roles equally centered in God.'

During the healing process, as consciousness increases, Carey explains that

your sense of self blossoms into an accurate awareness of who you are. This transformed awareness includes your former sense of being one among many, but it also includes an awareness … rooted in the singularity of Eternal Being from which all individuality unfolds.

Lacking such awareness, you remain 'a latent possibility, a programmed product of human culture. You are not truly yourself.'

The awakening process, the Shift in consciousness that is fundamental to genuine healing and transformation, can be envisioned as an evolutionary movement from 'victim consciousness,' in which we see ourselves as separate from the world, to 'unity consciousness,' in which we realize not just that we are part of the world—but that we are the world.

Surrender at the level of our ego to this thoroughgoing personal metamorphosis, which is guided in all instances by our Higher Self, is not optional.

Rather, surrender is the first, all-important step in our ongoing journey toward realization of our inherent potential.

To be absolutely clear, as I am using the term, surrender does not mean that we must maintain a lukewarm attitude relative to the occasionally frustrating and sometimes bewildering unfoldment of our lives.

To the contrary, as we evolve our perspective and raise our consciousness, we begin to appreciate surrender to the spiritual guidance of our Higher Self as a viable means to an end, the only workable strategy for healing, wholing and becoming the complete individuals we were meant to be.

The reason my partner Leigh and I counsel clients to listen to their intuition and engage their imagination when making decisions is that spirit always speaks to us through the heart. Anything coming from the head is likely unchecked ego and usually serves to sidetrack us.

Not that we ever fully surrender the ego. As we move forward on our path of conscious personal mastery, the ego continues to play a valuable role by, most importantly, helping us protect and care for our physical body so that we may fulfill our spiritual purpose.

But having awakened to our true divine nature through stepping into unity consciousness, the ego no longer is leading the way. Instead of being our guide, the ego is now a follower—and this is as it should be.

Qigong, which is associated with Taoism, was a wonderful teacher in what I like to call the Art of Allowing, for which the Taoist term in Chinese, Wu Wei, can be translated as 'doing by not doing.'

As opposed to mentally directed action, considered artificial, the philosophy of Wu Wei, which is at the heart of both Taoism and qigong, encourages intuitive, or natural, action.

As a practical example, the doing nothing of remaining motionless 'hugging the tree' results in doing something obviously life-affirming by pooling huge amounts of bioenergy that can be used for healing, creativity, sex, and many other activities.

http://phoenixregenetics.org/images/stories/standingatstake60.jpg

From a more philosophical perspective, the practice of Wu Wei ...

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Read more blog entries by: 'Sol Luckman' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/The-Art-of-Allowing-1310.html Wisdom week 5/11-5/23 Purification and Rebirth Fri, 11 May 2012 10:35:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/Wisdom-week-5/11-5/23Purification-and-Rebirth-1309.html Wisdom, Ajmak,Cib. Direction = Yellow/SouthThe primary function of this day sign, which is ruled by the southern direction, is to be a cleanser and purifier of itself and of the world. This clean

Wisdom, Ajmak,Cib. Direction = Yellow/South

The primary function of this day sign, which is ruled by the southern direction, is to be a cleanser and purifier of itself and of the world. This cleansing ability that Wisdom has is necessary as part of the cycle of rebirth. Both themes, death and rebirth, are very strong within the Wisdom psyche. Wisdom, or as some Maya call this sign, Vulture, frees the world of decay. This allows new growth to come into the world. Wisdom is concerned with material cleansing and therefore is concerned with cleansing the body physically and emotionally. Many times Wisdom people go into health fields to help others cleanse body and spirit.

Many Wisdom, such as the famous Wisdom Robert Redford, fight to cleanse and purify the environment. He campaigns against all the pollutants and closed mindedness that have brought decay to our blessed Mother Earth. Their connection to this necessary aspect of life on the earth plane causes Wisdom people to be a bit on the serious side.

Another aspect of the focus on purification that is part of the Wisdom persona is that they are able to release the Karma or debts of past actions. Wisdom people often take on the problems of others and help them to solve these problems. This happens because the Wisdom person is very psychic. They feel the problems of others. Their basic nature is to be outspoken, so it is natural for them to want to help others by expressing their intuitive insights. Many times the Wisdom people become victims when they try to be of service. Those born under Wisdom are, deep down, solemn. Even though many have a great sense of humor, their comic relief usually has a touch of sarcasm and cynicism.

They are very pragmatic and usually have to work hard in life to achieve what may come easy to others. They are persistent and even though rising to the top may take a lot of work, Wisdom people are able to achieve a lot of their goals. Wisdom people can be very successful and status conscious. Their high standards and natural skills as managers and administrators enable them to rise to the top of any pecking order. When they get to the top, they may be a bit dominating. This is because they worked hard to get to the top and want to keep their structure in order. They also can be a bit vain and take a lot of pride in their accomplishments. They do have good taste and enjoy the finer things in life when they are able to obtain them. They make good advisors, and they naturally like to help people be successful.

Wisdom people often feel that they are carrying the burdens of the world on their backs. You will feel an underlying sadness about Wisdom people, even when they are having fun. These people have to be careful of not falling into the victim role or allow them to be used. Forgiveness is one of their greater qualities, so even if they are used and abused, they do not hold a grudge for long.

Wisdom people are usually healthy and can enjoy their old age. They can be stern parents, but they will do anything for their family and friends. Wisdom needs to realize that they can be judgmental and critical, so they need to temper this when dealing with family and close friends. The part of the body that is associated with Wisdom is the ear. A Wisdom person is a great friend that will listen to all your problems and even try to help you solve some of them.

inheritance or some unexpected bills. You may suddenly find out about some long held family secrets that may bring a lot of understanding to all concerned.

If you found a hidden mess or predicament during the last Mayan week, you will have the fortitude to clean it up or release it this week. The day sign Wisdom is able to clear or purify any unpleasant or limiting situations in your life. It is also a good time to think about forgiveness and releasing any unnecessary emotions and thoughts from your energy field.

The south day signs will see this week as an opportunity to do some physical cleansing and clearing .Fasting, sound healing or other activities that clear out the energy fields of the body will be helpful for the yellow day signs. The north day signs, which are in the challenge mode this week, may want to purge their system of negative or unproductive thoughts and ideas. It is a challenge week for you, so this may happen whether you are seeking it or not. The unexpected need for purification may come upon the east day signs as well. This is your surprise week. It is a good time to release projects that are not finished and never will be. Handling these situations during this week can free your energy up for more creative and financially lucrative situations for the week to come when new projects will prosper. The west day signs will have an easier time of releasing what no longer serves them. They may even get help from loving friends and family with these issues this week.

MAYAN ASTROLOGY SESSIONS

Mayan Astrology Chart—The Tree of Life reading

This session will help you understand the influence that you came into this life to work on, your main day sign, and your future potentials . It will also disclose your masculine and feminine influences. An understanding of these aspects of your nature will help you be aware of the different energies that are at work within you.

In Mayan astrology, each day sign is ruled by a one of the four directions: North, South, East and West. Along with this reading you will receive guidance on how the direction of your day sign will interact with the energy of days ruled by the other directions.

$130.00

Mayan Astrology Compatibility Chart

You can compare your Tree of Life with that of another person. This session is very helpful in discovering the masculine and feminine influence going on in the relationship and how to deal with them successfully.

$260.00

Mayan Day Keeper Oracle

This method, used by the Maya in their villages today, is performed by the village Day Keeper of the sacred Tzolkin. This same method is used to give you an answer to any question. You will receive an remarkably clear answer about such areas of life such as career, finances, relationships, travel, health and much more. A ceremony is done at a Mayan style altar and then beans are picked, counted and the answer disclosed.

$130.00

contact Abby at abby@spiritualguidance.com or 928-204-5617

A Shift in the Heart, Clarity in the Mind, and Freedom of the Soul.

In less than two weeks, my life will take a 90 degree turn. It is coming... my future that is. My home is within my heart. The world shall become my residence.

2011 played a significant role in the seeming upheaval, reorder, restructure, and the refocus of my life.

For 22 years, I spent my time happily defining myself by the love relationships in my life. But that all changed last year. 2011 was also a very significant year for me because I published my first book, Rediscovering Your Divine Music. With my focus shifted toward a life of loving myself, and the book project now under my belt and off my desk, I feel it is time to begin an exploration of sorts and embark on an epic journey.

PhotoAs 2012 broke ground, I found myself once again questioning the validity and purpose of my societal roles. I revisited the questions about society's standards that have long played their role as devil's advocate, so to speak, in my life.

The questions have sat in the back of my mind over the years, surfacing only when challenges have made their move on the chess board. But, the check mate is mine to be had. You see, I have heard the ancient chime of the gong and its vibration reverberates throughout my soul now like tectonic plates shifting and changing the face of my seeming reality.

I call it Chapter 6. For those of you who have read my book, you will recognize this concept. This is the latest epic chapter of my own life. As the pages turn I shall maneuver ever closer to the climax and allow, yes allow. Allow all that this life has to offer to make its way into my view. I fear not because I welcome the freedom from limitation and structure, from trying so hard to please, to impress, to satisfy, to force, or to expect.

Rather, I intend to see the world through new eyes. I intend to stand on the edge of a great storm on the blowing plains as the ominous dark clouds billow. I intend to dig my hands into the soil of gardens cultivated by friends and share in the experience of the miracle of life. I intend to bring smiles to faces as often as possible. I intend to be alone in wilderness with only my thoughts. I intend to sit fireside with those with great wisdom to share. I intend to see colors burst and fade away as the seasons change. I intend to share the ride with as many of you as I possibly can, listening to the words ro...

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Read more blog entries by: 'Scott Leuthold' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/My-Epic-Journey-Begins-1308.html Night week 4/28-5/10 Home, Security and Creativity Sat, 28 Apr 2012 11:51:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/Night-week-4/28-5/10-Home-Security-and-Creativity-1307.html Night, Aqabal, Akbal direction = Blue/West This day sign represents the time of transition between day and night, dawn and dusk. It is at this time, according to many spiritual traditions, Night, Aq'ab'al, Akbal direction = Blue/West

This day sign represents the time of transition between day and night, dawn and dusk. It is at this time, according to many spiritual traditions, that the earth is most powerful. It is a time for magic. Most Mayan ceremonies, including the ceremony to welcome each new Mayan week, take place at dawn. That is why the day sign of Night is capable of communication with spirits and the underworld. Day sign Night is governed or influenced by the direction of the West. The West is the realm of the sub conscious, or to the Maya, the underworld. Those born under this day sign often have the gift of healing and prophecy. A Night person is good at connecting with the subconscious. A prominent Night person, Joseph Campbell, is famous for his study of mythology. His career is based on discussing what comes from the inner recesses of the psyche. Another master of illusion was Jack Karouak.

Night is one of the day signs that have the body lightening, or energy that comes spontaneously out of them. The parts of the body connected with Night are the eyes. Those born under this day sign are usually very attractive, with striking or mesmerizing eyes. Because the day sign of Night flirts with the darkness and all that is in it, Night people can find themselves lost in illusion, fantasy and addictive behaviors. Gambling can be a big problem for Night people. If Night people put their attention to spiritual matters or a business that has a spiritual focus, they can garner success.

When Night people get in touch with reality, they can become very wealthy through focus and hard work. They don't seek out fame and power, but they can handle it when it comes to them. The Night born is capable of very deep thought. Logic, organization, patience and endurance are some of the beneficial qualities of the Night person. They can become teachers, leaders and sometimes healers. Night likes to be of service.

They are the opposite of the Wind persona in that they like to stay home, create security and structure their life in a practical and orderly way. If they are clear on their goals, Night people will stay focused on a goal until completion, even if it takes many years to do so. These people can do very well in real estate. Night people usually feel the desire to have security, and they have the stamina to carry it through. Night people like to be creative with their homes. Their connection to the sub conscious also gives them a creative flair. Night people are also very private. They are romantic and are usually lucky in love even with their desire for privacy and alone time. Good luck follows them throughout their life.

Like the power that manifests with night and dusk, these people can live happy, prosperous lives if they are willing to harness the power within them.

For those born into the direction of the West, this is a week get in touch with the sub conscious. Night, Deer, Monkey, Eagle and Storm...

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Read more blog entries by: 'Abby Isadora Haydon' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/Night-week-4/28-5/10-Home-Security-and-Creativity-1307.html Starting Over Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:02:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/Starting-Over-1305.html Excerpt from How to touch a Monk - Finding our Sacred Space within By SOPHIA S. PAUL, ND, Cert. Yoga Instructor, Aut Excerpt from 'How to touch a Monk - Finding our Sacred Space within'

By SOPHIA S. PAUL, ND, Cert. Yoga Instructor, Author

How many times have you had to start over and really didn't want to? How many times did you not have another option or choice? How many times, a long time after whatever the event was did you realize that this once so dreaded change was the best thing that could have happened to you?

Having to start over is essentially being in the flow of life and embracing it. Nothing in life is permanent, that much we know. Although we have a false sense of security by believing that we can create stability and permanence, life itself shows us that we are at the mercy of change - always, if we like it or not.

How boring would our existence be if everything stayed the way it is! How could we measure happiness if there was no pain or despair? Yes, balance is what we strive for but not boredom through stagnation....

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Read more blog entries by: 'Sophia Paul' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/Starting-Over-1305.html Deserted Mirage Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:09:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/Deserted-Mirage-1304.html How life maneuvers itself through the sands of time. Each grain left to rub an endless memory through the mind and each drop of water a deeper cavern through the soul. Fantasy flourishes in the hear PhotoHow life maneuvers itself through the sands of time. Each grain left to rub an endless memory through the mind and each drop of water a deeper cavern through the soul. Fantasy flourishes in the hearts of the divine, yet misunderstood, for the deception of the heart is truly that of the mind. A bond made weak by every word only to fall away revealing the truth of its essence. For e...

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Read more blog entries by: 'Carrie-Anne D'Angelo' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/Deserted-Mirage-1304.html Mayan Week 3/7-3/19 MONKEY--The Entertainer and the Artist Wed, 07 Mar 2012 09:01:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/Mayan-Week-3/7-3/19MONKEY--The-Entertainer-and-the-Artist-1294.html Monkey, Batz, Chuen. Direction = Blue/WestAs the opposite of the day sign Dog, that is easy going and calm, the day sign of Monkey is very active, quick witted and lively. Monkey people like to bo Monkey, Batz, Chuen. Direction = Blue/West

As the opposite of the day sign Dog, that is easy going and calm, the day sign of Monkey is very active, quick witted and lively. Monkey people like to bounce from one situation to another, like a monkey that likes to swing from tree to tree. You could say that they are Mercurial in nature. They get bored doing the same thing all the time, so they need a great deal of variety in life to be in balance. They learn new things easily and will become frustrated with people in their lives that do not adapt to their constant flow of new ideas and activities. Monkeys are perfectionists and because they take to new situations and skills easily. They have to work at realizing that others do not take to new skills and situations as easily and quickly.

Even though the Monkey is lucky in the areas of love and money, they are a paradox when it comes to relationship. They have their social face or persona that they show to most people, but they have a very private side where they let it all hang out only to those they trust to honor their down side.

Many Monkeys become distant and hard to pin down for holidays, events and other structured situations that are part of relationship. They can become bored or restless in long relationships. It is good to keep this in mind when you are considering tying the knot with a Monkey. It is important to accept the inconsistency of the Monkey nature if you are going to be involved with one. They are usually more active at night and like the night life. Some Monkeys never commit, because they like playing the field. They have a strong desire for sex and the attention it gives them. One thing is sure: you will always be entertained when a Monkey person is in your life.

They like to be independent and are always seeking a new group to perform in front of. Monkeys are naturally drawn to positions of leadership and politics. Sometimes, the Monkeys that get into leadership positions do not have the consistency to follow through and do justice to the positions that they have achieved. Even so, they get into politics and other areas where a dramatic personality is valuable.They become more involved in community and civic affairs as they get older.

Monkey people also make good actors, artists, musicians, writers and designers. Chuen people are good communicators. They make good teachers, lecturers and salespersons. Being up in front of an audience is the ultimate achievement for a Chuen person. It is in the basic Monkey nature to imitate or reproduce what they see in the world. Many areas of art, where the hands are used, are very appealing careers to the Monkeys. They can be very good with details.

Monkeys have a great sense of humor. Sometimes this can manifest as a Monkey who likes to play a lot of practical jokes. Any area of life, where the Monkey can capture the attention of their audience, is where a Monkey person will naturally go.

These people can often be hyperactive and may have trouble staying with a project. They are very good at starting things. It will not be a surprise to people that are strongly connected to a Monkey person that they will have to help them or even take over a project that a Monkey person has started. The Monkey day sign is ruled by the West, the place of hibernation and rest. That is why it is good for a Monkey person to rest and regroup when they are feeling over stimulated or out of control. If they retreat to the quiet and darkness of the West, they will be able to regenerate and come back to their charismatic and dynamic self. It is their connection to the sub conscious that is represented by the West, which gives them their creative nature.

It is important for the Monke...

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Read more blog entries by: 'Abby Isadora Haydon' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/Mayan-Week-3/7-3/19MONKEY--The-Entertainer-and-the-Artist-1294.html Vision Quest (Crow Medicine) Mon, 05 Mar 2012 13:22:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/Vision-Quest-(Crow-Medicine)-1292.html Sol LuckmanNo sooner had I left graduate school at the end of May, 1998, than I was on my way to a brand-new variety of education that tremendously broadened my horizonsmdash;while also impartin Sol Luckman

No sooner had I left graduate school at the end of May, 1998, than I was on my way to a brand-new variety of education that tremendously broadened my horizons—while also imparting much life energy, or chi (sometimes spelled qi), to my depleted and struggling systems.

Qigong is an ancient technique of energy healing related to tai chi. Through one of my remaining friends, I had been put in contact with a gifted qigong teacher, an American also in his early thirties who, several years previously, had traveled to China to study this venerable art to cure his extreme chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS or CFIDS).

I did not travel to China. But after the yard sale of yard sales, I crammed my scant belongings into my car and spent two days driving nearly twenty-four hours from the East Coast to New Mexico, where my qigong teacher taught a popular class attended by as many as a hundred students three times a week at dawn.

I think of this transitional, challenging and magical period of my life as my own personal 'vision quest' that, for the first time, opened my eyes to the often misunderstood and underestimated worlds of spirit and energy.

In many indigenous cultures, the vision quest is the form initiation takes and constitutes the transition from adolescence to adulthood. When the initiate is old enough for vision questing, he (or she) typically spends several days or weeks alone in the wilderness, often while fasting.

Eventually, a particular animal, sometimes called the 'totem animal' or 'animal medicine,' visits the initiate in a dream, vision, or (more rarely) waking state.

The appearance of the totem animal embodying a specific spiritual power indicates the individual's innate calling—which after returning to the tribe, the newly initiated young person pursues following a time of apprenticeship.

Curiously, I did not realize (at least consciously) that I was on any kind of vision quest. To be honest, I did not even know what a vision quest was.

I simply was living like a hermit in the windy, sage-covered high desert; eating the few foods my ravaged immune and digestive systems could tolerate; and practicing qigong often half the day because I intuitively felt I had to in order to survive.

Certainly, I had no awareness of being a shaman in training!

Now, anyone who has ever regularly spent half an hour 'hugging the tree,' the primary practice in medical qigong, knows two things.

For starters, an enormous amount of bioenergy (chi) is pooled by maintaining this oddly difficult position between standing and squatting, arms loosely draped around an invisible trunk, eyes remaining calmly unfocused on nothing in particular.

The first time I experienced this powerful energy, it literally knocked me on my rear. I lay on the ground outside my rental panting for thirty minutes as waves of electric heat like cosmic hot flashes shook my body again and again.

This was the energy I ultimately used to strengthen myself enough to go on with my life. But I needed an entire summer of practice just to be able to accommodate it gracefully.

The second observation made by serious 'tree huggers' is that in that meditative state where you are supposed to think about nothing, sometimes you successfully empty your head. But more often, you think about anything and everything.

Such was my case at first, but then an odd thing started to happen: every time I hugged the tree and aligned myself with the flow of spiritual energy, I thought of...

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Read more blog entries by: 'Sol Luckman' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/Vision-Quest-(Crow-Medicine)-1292.html Mayan Week 2/23-3/6 Flint--The Crusader and the healer Thu, 23 Feb 2012 12:25:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/Mayan-Week-2/23-3/6-Flint--The-Crusader-and-the-healer-1291.html Flint, Tijax, Etznab. Direction = White/NorthDuring the time of the ancient Maya, the Flint was used for many purposes. It was a finely carved instrume Flint, Tijax, Etznab. Direction = White/North

During the time of the ancient Maya, the Flint was used for many purposes. It was a finely carved instrument that was used to kill sacrificial victims and remove their beating hearts during ceremony. That is why this day sign has been associated with sacrifice. The Flint knife was used by the commoner and the priest alike to perform various types of blood sacrifice rituals. Therefore, sacrifice is associated with this day sign. Those born under this day sign have the tendency to be keepers of spiritual traditions and healers. They also make great teachers and communicators of spiritual knowledge.There are many psychics born to this day sign.

This day sign is a great fighter for a cause that they believe in. An Flint person, though often quiet, polite and self sacrificing, will fight for what they feel is important. They will take their fight as far as they can.

Their desire for knowledge that is correct and useful is why they are associated with the direction of the north that is the domain of the mind. They have a big interest in the mental arena of life. They are voracious readers and love to explore new subjects. They can become well versed and even experts in many arenas of life. They enjoy helping people solve problems. They do have a practical side. They like seeing a practical application to their ideas and interests. They are usually well coordinated, if not mechanically inclined.

Flint people are good writers and counselors. They can also be thought of as physical and emotional healers. Their flair for communication will guide them into the realms of emotional and psychological careers. The Flint was carried by the warrior but was also used by the surgeon to cut out infection or tumors. A Flint person can help you cut out physical and emotional chaos that is causing you pain.

Flint people do have their own personal tribulations. They may often suffer from struggle and hardship when they are young. This tends to give them a well seasoned exterior that many will feel is blunt and aloof. It is good for Flint people to try to soften this exterior for it holds people at a distance.

The Flint person can have an explosive temper. They will often suppress their feelings or make sacrifices to keep the peace. Then, when they can swallow no more, they spew forth a lot of negative words that could have been better expressed when the situation first came up. Addressing issues as they arise is a great challenge yet the pathway to their happiness.

Gossip is the blight upon the life of Flint person. They become involved in it and then they always seem to be blamed when the information gets to the person they are discussing. It is best for Flint people to remember that if they can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. This will keep them in balance and give them the harmony that they so greatly desire. Flint people are very at home with gatherings, alliances and love affairs. They can be the ideal friend and lover. They enjoy cooperation. They love to help others, but must do this without losing their center or sense of self. The part of the body that is connected with Flint is the mouth. That is why Flint<...

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Read more blog entries by: 'Abby Isadora Haydon' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/Mayan-Week-2/23-3/6-Flint--The-Crusader-and-the-healer-1291.html What is Yoga, Anyway? Wed, 22 Feb 2012 18:47:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/What-is-Yoga-Anyway-1290.html Yoga is not just about being able to put your foot behind your ear, although the physical aspect of flexibility is important-just recently I fell off the kitchen counter onto the tile floor, and my

Yoga is not just about being able to put your foot behind your ear, although the physical aspect of flexibility is important-just recently I fell off the kitchen counter onto the tile floor, and my flexibility, strength and quick reaction probably saved me from a broken hip. But there is so much more to yoga than just the poses that we all know and see.

The most important part of yoga is to learn the ability to stay centered and focused-no matter what-to allow our minds to remain calm and at peace in the midst of tumult, chaos and challenges. Being connected to our body and mind through the breath is one of the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves.

Yoga is a lifestyle; not just an exercise. Yoga is to be practiced on and off the mat during our daily lives. Through yoga we can learn to act as the observer, to stay detached from the situation, or challenge such as our negative thoughts or energy, therefore achieving emotional healing, an opening of the heart and calming of the mind.

'Making peace with our bodies through the practice of yoga' is one of the key concepts that Christina Sell conveys to us.... She further states that, '...asana practice could transform our relationship with our bodies, helping us to create peace and assisting our soul in its evolution...to breathe when things get intense, to soften where we are hard and to strengthen where we are weak'. Sell reminds us that hatha yoga, at its roots, is a spiritual practice, not to be confused with a competition, fashion show or a popularity contest. Well said, Christina!

Many of my students confirm that after their yoga class they realize they had not spent a moment thinking about any problems or issues that seemed so important when they first walked into the room. How is this possible? It's actually simple; we give our minds something else to do, such as focusing on breathing and the correct facilitation of the according yoga movements. As much as our minds like to stay busy and jump from subject to subject, when we take control and give it something to do we can rest assured the mind will obey.

There is an ancient saying that 'the mind is like a raging elephant,' and slowly through some helpful tools (such as meditation, mantras, mudras) we can learn how to put reins on what is also called the restless monkey mind.

We will experience a deep sense of peace and relaxation by fusing together three things: staying mentally focused, paying attention to the correct alignment, and being fully present in our body while practicing yoga postures that are initiated by breath. We then can apply those same qualities to everything we do and encounter in our lives. Being fully aware in the present moment is the key. Most of us are so used to constant multi-tasking; we watch TV while we eat dinner, while talking on the phone and reading a book.

As Thich Nhat Hanh says, 'When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with acceptance, joy, peace and love.' Another saying is, 'When you wash the dishes, wash the dishes; when you drink tea, drink tea; when you watch the sun rise, watch the sun rise.' What does that mean? At the tender age of 11 my daughter once said to me, 'Mom, to you everything is a meditation.' It was the best compliment someone could have ever given to me. This is the way I try to live my life: Living in the present moment. It is all that we will ever have. The past is gone and the future has not yet arrived, but this very moment is there for us to make it into anything we want. We have the option to laugh, to appreciate, allow, enjoy or - to ignore it, worry about what may be, being angry over w...

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Read more blog entries by: 'Sophia Paul' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/What-is-Yoga-Anyway-1290.html Sacred Foothill Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:24:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/Sacred-Foothill-1288.html Sol Luckman Sol Luckman

http://www.crowrising.com/images/watermark%20images/sacredfoothillwm.jpg

The Sacred Foothill
Becomes especially important
In wintertime

When the driving snow comes
And you can no longer s...

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Read more blog entries by: 'Sol Luckman' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/Sacred-Foothill-1288.html New Mayan Week-2/22 -SERPENT:Sensuality,Spirituality and Charisma Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:57:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/New-Mayan-Week-2/22--SERPENTSensualitySpirituality-and-Charisma-1283.html Serpent, Kan, Chicchan Direction: Red/EastSerpent is another very sensual, strong and healthy day sign. Like the rhythmic, even hypnotic movements of the snake, you will find many Serpent people in pr Serpent, Kan, Chicchan Direction: Red/East

Serpent is another very sensual, strong and healthy day sign. Like the rhythmic, even hypnotic movements of the snake, you will find many Serpent people in professions where flowing movement is basic to their work. I know a very interesting belly dancer who fits perfectly into her day sign of Serpent. She is charismatic and sexual, whether she is dancing or not .The famous Serpent, Marilyn Monroe, is an example of a Serpent a person that had tremendous sexual appeal that became larger then life. A career in entertainment, dance, music, teaching or politics and sales comes easy to them. The part of the body that governs the energy of the Serpent is the genitals. Serpents can often get into complications due to their sex appeal. Many Serpents do not realize the power that they have and often become the victims of their sexual passions.

The Serpent can project outward their inner thoughts, even when they are not trying to do so. Those around them can feel their inner attitudes .Serpents do have very strong emotions that can bring upheaval to relationships and careers. When a Serpent has been drinking or under great pressure, these feelings will come to the surface. To nurture themselves through unpleasant emotional experiences, the Serpent person may use food, sex, artistic expression, computer games or even work to sooth themselves.

They are fascinated with deathand rebirth and can devote much of their lives to these areas of experience. This manifests with Serpents as a very strong spiritual side that focuses on the essence of regeneration. They are connected with the concept of death and rebirth, primarily because they shed their skin and are in a sense, reborn. They have the ability to become psychics, communicate with the dead, shed light on past lives and interpret dreams.

The instinctual power of the Serpent can become very painful for those around them. Serpent people are influenced by the direction of the East that represents fire. Therefore, they can have fiery tempers. The Serpent is also very strong willed. If these people are not in integrity and do not have a spiritual focus, they can lead others into many agonizing problems. Serpents must nurture themselves in order to stay in harmony with themselves and the world. Many Serpents go into a career that focuses on some aspect of Psychology. The shedding of the old to allow the new to emerge, like the snake shedding it's skin is an aspect of life that the Serpent person understands on a deep level. That is why they can be helpful to those who want to go through the transmutation process. Serpents also have a great desire to obtain many different types of knowledge. Their thirst for knowledge can make them natural educators. Some Serpents can become obsessive in their pursuit of wisdom.

They have great stamina that gives them the ability to keep doing strenuous activities for long periods of time. Serpents do need take time out to rest and regenerate in order to stay balanced .Most Serpents are healthy and this can give them great longevity. Serious illnesses may develop for a Serpent person who remains out of balance.

This captivating nature of the Serpent makes it possible for them to make great leaders. Leadership comes naturally to Serpents. They have great intellectual ability as well as instinctual strength. If a serpent person gets to a position of power, it is important for them to be able to look beyond their own feelings and instincts to the needs of others. The charismatic nature of Serpent imbues them with a larger then life charisma that translate...

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Read more blog entries by: 'Abby Isadora Haydon' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/New-Mayan-Week-2/22--SERPENTSensualitySpirituality-and-Charisma-1283.html Saturn Retrograde: Libras Clarion Call Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:57:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/Saturn-Retrograde-Libras-Clarion-Call-1282.html One of the most important astrological events of 2012 has just begun as Saturns transit through the House of Libra is now retrograde! From February 7th until June 25th a spectacular opportunity has da One of the most important astrological events of 2012 has just begun as Saturn's transit through the House of Libra is now retrograde! From February 7th until June 25th a spectacular opportunity has dawned for each of us to heal ourselves of imbalance, restore past misdeeds, and forge unbreakable bonds with those who choose to belong in our lives. As Saturn exits Libra for Scorpio this October, not to return for another 27 years, this transit will soon culminate a great chapter in our lives and in Earth's history, a chapter that once closed can never be re-written. This is a 'last chance' period of reckoning that will make or break our futures. Beyond the retrograde a cosmic curtain call comes: how will you be judged?


Saturn's Wake


Saturn's transit through Libra began on October 30th of 2009. Since then, and because of Saturn's influence, we have seen or experienced the following: marriages ruined, relationships wrecked, careers shattered, households divided, reputations annihilated, ambitions crippled, finances evaporated, homes destroyed, friendships scorched, and health devastated. Extraordinary responsibilities have been assumed, severe restrictions imposed, and grueling burdens endured. Legal warfare has been waged, venomous attacks have been suffered, and hostilities of all type and degree projected. We have done battle with open enemies, and for the vast majority, the battle has yet to be decided. For any who have walked these paths it is spiritually vital and life critical to navigate this retrograde successfully.


Tormentor or Teacher?


A sane person is well justified in asking: what is the purpose of such arduous experience? The answer is to comprehensively teach, develop, and empower us toward becoming a perfected spiritual being. For those who do not rebel against Saturn's lessons ennobled character, spiritual refinement, and invaluable life wisdom become the most notable rewards. While in Libra Saturn is teaching us to develop exemplary levels self-discipline, diplomatic ability, relationship strength, selflessness, and patience. It is also teaching us profound lessons about the nature of time, peacemaking, and maintaining internal equilibrium. To truly test and develop these qualities we are thrown into the fire so-to-speak, alchemical fire, which manifests through the various life trials we have and will experience. Saturn operates in an environment of extreme discomfort but in this way its lessons are life lasting. In truth, some lessons are only learned, as it were, the hard way. The 'School of Hard Knocks' belongs to Saturn.


Retrograde Focus


To make it perfectly clear this retrograde phase will severely tax those who have willfully sown dysfunction, discord, and division in the lives of others within the context of marriage, romance, partnership, friendship, family, children, domesticity, work, career, business, finance, property, and philosophy. Others who will pay heavy prices include those who have refused to fulfill the duties, responsibilities, and obligations that life has placed upon them, especially those guilty of various forms of child neglect. Those who find themselves in the midst of disharmony and who owe great debts to others have but 140 fleeting days to adapt to new interpersonal circumstances, dynamics, and life directions while redressing, repaying, and re-creating what they have failed to thus far.


Segregation in Scorpio


Saturn's coming transit through the House of Scorpio will oversee a profound transformation of the material world as well as a physical segregation between those who love GOD and those who rebel against Him. Parallel realities will be erected around each camp, one dreamlike and one nightmarish. One of the most important aspects of this retrograde phase is that one's performance in it will be determinant of what one will experience during Saturn's coming transit through Scorpio. Upon retrograde completion Divine decrees will be issued which will guide the affairs of each in proportion to their merit or lack thereof. On the cusp of a new celestial era, and with so many wonderful things promised to the Earth, now is the time to live virtuously with others and to fill our spiritual storehouses by serving others before we serve ourselves. One would be wise to stock thes...

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Read more blog entries by: 'Salvador Russo' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/Saturn-Retrograde-Libras-Clarion-Call-1282.html One Step Closer Wed, 08 Feb 2012 10:40:00 GMT http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/One-Step-Closer-1281.html One step closer we move seemingly forward through time. The clock ticks and clicks pointing to an unknown future. Blank pages of parchment await our own ink. We look down below our feet and see the s Photo

One step closer we move seemingly forward through time. The clock ticks and clicks pointing to an unknown future. Blank pages of parchment await our own ink.

We look down below our feet and see the steps disappear as if the moment we just experienced can not be proven… but alas it can not. We can only hold a memory of what that moment once was.

We are just casualties of a seemingly realistic experience, an epic novel unfolding in every moment… casualties because we believe this life is commanding our every move, our every decision and those moments of time seem to be cast onto a vast ocean with no reprieve as far as the eye can see.

But as the fairy tale falls away, as the blissful colors retreat like butterflies fluttering away from the safety of their cocoons… or as the soft, sweet breeze from a child's mouth blows Photothe dandelion seedlings from the meadow into the shadowed forest—though dotted with beams of golden sunlight, we, at times, lose our way into darkness. Our own glow fades. The warmth of love that we truly are dissipates and the chill of the outside world seeps in. We float along in this life at times in the shadows of the tall trees. And then, with the slightest nudge of loving energy the tree gives way to the warmth of that beam of light just on the edge of the darkness. As if for just a moment in time, we close our eyes and the weight of our trials is lifted and we sense we are floating rather than treading to stay afloat.

Past lives, past loves, past hopes and dreams… they mel...

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Read more blog entries by: 'Scott Leuthold' at: http://www.tokenrock.com/blogs/ ]]> http://www.tokenrock.com//blogs/One-Step-Closer-1281.html