No truer words come to mind than this message by Dr. Moorehead who penned this eloquent piece in 1990 (and subsequently published in his book ‘Words Aptly Spoken’ in 1995) and I feel it is a most appropriate reminder for this time of year:

The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.

We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We’ve learned how to make a living, but not a life. We’ve added years to life not life to years. We’ve been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We’ve done larger things, but not better things.

We’ve cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We’ve conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We’ve learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete…

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn’t cost a cent.

Remember, to say, ‘I love you’ to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

Interesting reflection, particularly as Christmas Day draws closer with the beginning of a New Year not far behind. Ask yourself this question: What aspect of Christmas will you get caught up in this year? The essence or the excess?

Merry Christmas and may the New Year bring cherished inspiration and appreciation to you and yours.

My closing thought:

“Who does not thank for little, will not thank for much”
~ Estonian Proverb ~

Post from: Madam Zebra's Blog

The Essence of Christmas

~ Caroline Myss ~

Post from: Madam Zebra's Blog

Being true to yourself

You are Strength

Courage, strength, fortitude. Power not arrested in the act of judgement, but passing on to further action, sometimes obstinacy.

This is a card of courage and energy. It represents both the Lion’s hot, roaring energy, and the Maiden’s steadfast will. The innocent Maiden is unafraid, undaunted, and indomitable. In some cards she opens the lion’s mouth, in others she shuts it. Either way, she proves that inner strength is more powerful than raw physical strength. That forces can be controlled and used to score a victory is very close to the message of the Chariot, which might be why, in some decks, it is Justice that is card 8 instead of Strength. With strength you can control not only the situation, but yourself. It is a card about anger and impulse management, about creative answers, leadership and maintaining one’s personal honor. It can also stand for a steadfast friend.

Which Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Does the reading result describe me adequately? On a broad level it does and you need to understand that this test is far more generalised compared with a Tarot card reading done by a Psychic. For starters, this test clearly states that “For the sake of convenience, this quiz uses only the Major Arcana.” Do I hear you ask what does that mean? Let me briefly explain. Tarot cards consist of 78 cards which are split into two parts (or sections). Major Arcana cards (22 in total), typically express universal themes and Minor Arcana cards (56 in total), represent the more practical aspects such as concerns, activities and emotions that make up the dramas of our daily lives. Minor Arcana cards are also divided into four suits (Wands, Cups, Swords and Pentacles) and each of these suits stands for a particular approach to life.

Then there is the actual reading format of Tarot cards and its interpretation. For that, Wikipedia offers this comprehensive, easy to understand explanation:

Tarot reading revolves around the belief that the cards can be used to gain insight into the current and possible future situations of the subject (or querent), i.e. cartomancy. Some believe they are guided by a spiritual force, such as Gaia, while others believe the cards help them tap into a collective unconscious or their own creative, brainstorming subconscious.

Common card interpretations

Each card has a variety of symbolic meanings that have evolved over the years. The many of the interpretations bear striking similarity to philosophy found in the Kabbalah or in Alchemy. Custom or themed tarot decks exist which have even more specific symbolism, although these are more prevalent in the English-speaking world. These are frequently created by amateur philosophers who believe that they have a new insight into the proper analysis of the texts of Kabbalah and Alchemy. The literature specifies elements which must be present in each card for the deck to be proper Tarot. Artists are free to represent these elements in any they choose, and they usually try to draw the picture in such a way as to reveal a new truth. One example of how detailed they can get is the Major Arcana card The Moon. This card has several elements including a crew fish (or lobster), which is usually drawn very small, but is rarely omitted. Each card has several meanings, and the reader determines which meaning to apply based on the card’s location in the spread and which cards are turned up around it. Common sense is also used to discard meanings which have no relevance to the question asked.

Spreads

To perform a Tarot reading, the Tarot deck is typically shuffled by either the subject or a third-party reader, and is laid out in one of a variety of patterns, often called “spreads”. They are then interpreted by the reader or a third-party performing the reading for the subject. These might include the subject’s thoughts and desires (known or unknown) or past, present, and future events. Generally, each position in the spread is assigned a number, and the cards are turned over in that sequence, with each card being contemplated/interpreted before moving to the next. Each position is also associated with an interpretation, which indicates what aspect of the question the card in that position is referring to.

Sometimes, rather than being dealt randomly, the initial card in a spread is intentionally chosen to represent the querent or the question being asked. This card is called the significator.

Some common spreads include:

Celtic Cross: This is probably the most common spread. Ten[11] cards are used, with five arranged in a cross and four placed vertically beside the cross. Another card is placed horizontally across the central cards of the cross to make a total of 10. The first central card of the cross is frequently the significator and the second card which is placed over the first represents the conditions surrounding the question; or the crossing card often represents an obstacle they must face, an aspect of the question they have not yet considered. The third card which is placed above the first represents what the person hopes for in relation to the question being asked. The fourth card which is placed below the first is what the subject has already experienced in relation to the whole spread. The fifth card is placed to the left of the first card and shows what was in the past. The sixth card is placed to the right of the first card and shows the influence that will come in the future. Then on the right of these cards are the remaining 4 cards, which are placed from bottom to top. So the seventh card represents the attitude of the question being asked. The eighth card is how family or friends will influence the question. The ninth card shows the hopes and fears in relation to the question and the final card, the tenth card, is the Culmination Card which shows the end result of all of the previous nine cards.

Horse-shoe: Another very common question asking spread. Seven cards are arranged in a semi-circle or ‘V’ shape. The cards, from left to right, represent the past, present, influences, obstacles, expectations (or hopes/fears), best course of action and likely outcomes. Some variations of this spread swap the expectations and inspiration cards around.

3-card spread: Three cards are used, with the first representing the past, the second the present, the third the future.
Astrological spread: Twelve cards are spread in a circle, to represent the twelve signs of the zodiac. A thirteenth card is placed in the middle; often the significator.

1-card spread: It should be noted that a single card can constitute a spread.

Tetractys: Ten cards arranged in a four-rowed pyramid. Each row represents earth, air, fire or water and each card within the row has a very specific meaning. The single card in the top row is the significator.

Star spread: starts in the lower left part and follows the star pattern. 1) What you see; 2) What you can’t see; 3) What you can change; 4) What you cannot change; 5) What you can expect (this is actually very time effective).

The Mirror Spread: This Spread works primarily on existing relationships, but can assess anything from a budding love affair to an established partnership. It will often reveal inconsistencies between viewpoints – for example, if the cards at 2 and 3 contradict one another, there is need to reassess and readjust points of view, or take into account the input of the other person. Obstacles will sometimes produce very positive cards – look carefully under the surface if you find this, rather than assuming everything is fine!! The Probable result card is drawn with circumstances as they currently are – but if changes recommended by the reading are effected, then this final card can change.

 ***spread*** 1
               2   3
               4   5
               6   7
                 8

Card 1: The querent.
Card 2: The way you see the other person in the relationship.
Card 3: The way they see themselves.
Card 4: What the person represents to you.
Card 5: What you represent to them.
Card 6: Obstacles within the relationship.
Card 7: Strengths within the relationship.
Card 8: Probable result.

There are numerous other spreads – essentially, the reader may use any card arrangement in which they find by experience to be useful.

The Magic Cross Tarot Spread: A Healing nine card Tarot Spread. It looks at your hope and expectations and what opposes you. It can be used with colour therapy and numerology to allow the querant to look at their deeper self.

Reversed cards

Some methods of interpreting the tarot consider cards to have different meanings depending on whether they appear upright or reversed. A reversed card is often interpreted to mean the opposite of its upright meaning. For instance, the Sun card upright may be associated with satisfaction, gratitude, health, happiness, strength, inspiration, and liberation; while in reverse, it may be interpreted to mean a lack of confidence and mild unhappiness. However, not all methods of card reading prescribe an opposite meaning to reversed cards. Some card readers will interpret a reversed card as either a more intense variation of the upright card, an undeveloped trait or an issue that requires greater attention. Other Interpreters point out that card reversal is dependent on the order of the cards before shuffling, so is of little bearing in the scope of a reading.

Post from: Madam Zebra's Blog

Which Tarot card are you?

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next  few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence. Finally the day came when the boy didn’t lose his temper at all.

He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.

The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence. He said, “You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same.  When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out. But it won’t matter how many times you say I’m sorry, the wound will still be there. A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one. Remember that friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.”

Lastly, to my family and friends, please forgive me if I have left a hole in your fence.

Post from: Madam Zebra's Blog

Nails In The Fence

Despite my wish to explore different spiritual avenues and my great desire to visit a psychic, circumstances prevented that from occuring for many years and it was not until the year 2000 that I first had an opportunity to follow this path. I was given the name of  a wonderful psychic in Melbourne by a friend of mine. This psychic is simply delightful and my first visit was an eye-opener. Without having given her any clues whatsoever, she used her tarot cards and what they revealed was quite incredible. It had nothing to do with reading into it what I wanted to see. The meanings of the individual cards does not permit such generalities. I continue to see her as regularly as I can for tarot card readings whenever I travel to Melbourne.

In light of this new experience, the most bizarre coincidence happened 12 months after my first appointment with this psychic. After my initial meeting with her in January 2000, I then moved to Queensland in June 2000 and consequently last communicated with the friend who had put me onto his psychic in the first place, at about the same time. Our lives were moving in different directions and keeping in touch became less of a priority in our busy lives as we were living so far apart. As I was planning to be in Melbourne to visit my family in January 2001, I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to see my psychic which as it turned out, would be 12 months from my very first appointment.

The day of my appointment arrived and I travelled into the city by train and tram. As I walked towards the building where my psychic conducted her readings, I saw my friend walking towards me, the one who had introduced me to this psychic in the first place and whom I had not seen or spoken with for at least 7 months. We were so shocked to see each other that we both asked simultaneously what the other was doing there! It was obvious, we both had appointments to the see our psychic on the same day with the only difference being, that I had the first appointment!!!

You have to remember that we had not communicated for quite some time and I was by then, living in Queensland and my friend remained in Melbourne. I doubt very much we could have arranged such perfect timing had we tried! Most people assumed we had organised this meeting in advance and that couldn’t have been further from the truth. I thought it was extraordinary that the friend who had introduced me to the psychic in the first place, was there for a second appointment, like me, on the very same day, 12 months later and we had independently booked our appointments while thousands of kilometres apart!

After our respective appointments finished, we could not let such an amazing coincidence pass without having lunch together to catch up on current happenings in our lives. His thankfully, was moving in a positive manner as was mine and our sessions with our psychic reflected and confirmed the respective directions our paths had taken.

“The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand,
as in what direction we are moving.”

~ Oliver Wendell Holmes ~

Post from: Madam Zebra's Blog

My first visit to a Psychic

Zebra: Individuality

While a Zebra’s most striking characteristic is its pattern of stripes, the various purpose this pattern serves reveals a deeper meaning.

The stripes serve as a protective camouflage against predators, who, unable to identify the animal they’ve targeted to pursue, hesitate for a vital second that can save a Zebra’s life. For herd members, though, the stripes have an opposite purpose. Each Zebra has a unique pattern which identifies it as an individual.

Zebra therefore teaches us valuable lessons about the individual in a group. All social animals, humans included, benefit from life in a community. None of us, though, care to be anonymous herd animals. Zebras’ distinctive markings teach us that we, too, can develop our individuality within a group setting.

The opposite meanings of a Zebra’s stripes relate to another meaning for Zebra. They teach us that nothing is black and white.

We all face seeming oppositions and contradictions in our lives. When they remain opposite, we experience energy blockages. However, when we can integrate these opposites, we experience the relief of tension, release of energy, and may become open to the realization of greater truths.

The leadership of a herd of Zebras is based on flexibility rather than strength. Flexibility is a key ingredient in being able to integrate opposites and contradictions.

For all its black and white appearance, the Zebra is thus a highly adaptable and subtle animal. Such characteristics help us as humans in our individual and communal journeys.

Source: Rainbow Crystal

Post from: Madam Zebra's Blog

My love of Zebras

Zebra Power Animal: Symbol of Individuality & Balance

By Ina Woolcott

The Zebra’s gifts include seeing in black and white, clarity without filters, balance, agility, uniqueness, power, sureness of path, keeping up individuality within the herd.

The Zebra’s black and white stripes camouflage it against predators, who often can’t identify individuals in the herd. However to the herd members the patterns are unique from Zebra to Zebra, helping to identify one another – they are as unique as our fingerprints. Blending into a crowd without losing your individuality is one powerful aspect of Zebra. Zebras also help us to be supportive members within our communities. These abilities protect them from danger, as well as their agility and speedy.

The stripes also represent the blending and balancing of opposites, yin yang, harmony – enabling us to see a deeper truth.

If this is your power animal, study its ability to survive and flourish in a harsh land. Look at your relationship to the various groups in your life. Compromising in personal relationships can be challenging, but Zebras enjoy challenge as they know that all challenges are a chance for growth. Use your mental ability to work around problems and barriers, rather than confronting them – Zebra will show you how.

Zebras are members of the horse family, living in small family herds made up of a stallion and some mares with their foals. Zebras mix with antelope herds, giving the Antelopes protection from predators because of the Zebras alertness. People with this power animal frequently fit the shoes of a kind-hearted protector of loved ones, whether family or friends. They make great therapists and are genuinely compassionate towards others.

Questioning reality and illusion is common amongst people with Zebra medicine, though an over analytic intellect can be a hindrance for some with this totem. In others the imagination must be awakened.

The Zebras pattern of black on white, or white on black implies that what you see is not always what you get. Occult knowledge seen and unseen, dimensional shifts, new journeys and worldly endeavours are all aspects of this.

Zebras are master magicians, who utilise the energy of light and dark to shift realities and expand our consciousness, helping us see past our preconceived beliefs as they lead us into the mystery and magic of the unseen. Zebras seek balance in what they do, and they are sure of themselves, standing confidently in the middle of opposing forces. Those with this power animal are taught similar skills.

When the Zebra comes into your life, change is signified in one or more areas of your life and hidden knowledge will be uncovered. Stand strong, develop trust and simply flow with the rhythm of a new creation.

Source: Shamanic Journey

The Zebra: Individuality, Health, Harmony

Take a deep breath and let the spirit of the Zebra fill you.

Zebra energy will help you to take the apparently conflicting parts of your personality and weave them into a pattern which is unique, distinctive and beautiful.  As a Zebra, the artist within you can live in harmony with the businessperson, the spiritual explorer with the secular decision-maker, the dreamer with the practical goal-setter, neither overpowering the other, each retaining its place of importance and full expression. The Zebra will teach you to honor the black and white sides of yourself without compromising yourself into a dull gray.

The Zebra will also teach you how to seek out others who are like you, finding comfort and company in groups, while maintaining your own unique identity, your pattern of stripes like a fingerprint, unlike any other. This combination of individuality within community will be a very powerful force in your life.

The Zebra energy is also the energy of physical health, long life and great stamina. Breathe in this vital source of very real physical power. Feel how you are capable of running across the plains for hour after hour, each step filling you with vibrant earth energy, so that the more you exercise, the more energized you become. Then just kick up your heels with joy, for you are the Zebra, vital and alive. How fortunate you are!

Source: Power Animals Unleashed

The Zebra

Zebras are members of the horse family. They live in small family groups consisting of a stallion and several mares with their foals. They are noted for mixing with Antelope herds which offer the Antelopes  protection from predators because of the Zebras alertness. Those with this medicine often take on the role of a kind hearted protector of friends and family. They are excellent therapists and serve others with genuine compassion.

Each Zebra has a unique stripe pattern similar to a persons fingerprint. This gives the Zebra an individual identity. For those with this totem  maintaining ones individuality while harmoniously interacting socially and personally is one of the messages it carries. Compromise in personal relationships can be challenging. Zebras enjoy challenge because they know that all challenges are opportunities for growth.

Questioning reality as well as illusion is common for Zebra medicine people. An over analyzing intellect can be a problem for some with this totem. For others the imagination  needs to be awakened. The Zebras striped patterns of black on white or white on black suggests that what you see is not always what you get. Occult knowledge both seen and unseen, dimensional shifts, new journeys and worldly endeavors are all part of its medicine.

Zebras are master magicians using the energy of light and dark to shift realities and expand a persons consciousness. They help us look beyond our preconceived ideas as they guide us into the mystery and magic of the unseen. Seeking balance in all that they do the Zebra is surefooted as it stands with confidence in the middle of opposing forces and teaches those with this totem similar skills.

When the Zebra appears it indicates a time of change in one or more areas of our life. Hidden knowledge is about to be revealed. It asks us to stand strong, develop trust and flow with the rhythm of a new creation.

Source: Animal Totems

Post from: Madam Zebra's Blog

Zebra Power Animal

I came across this today and for those who have experienced a broken heart at some point, here is a thought provoking sentiment by Paulo Coehlo.

Click on the bottom outer corners of the book to turn the pages.

Post from: Madam Zebra's Blog

Wounded By Love

“Many people treat their bodies as if they were rented from Hertz – something they are using to get around in but nothing they genuinely care about understanding.”

~ Chungliang Al Huang ~

Your body is your temple and unless you are fully tuned into its language, it can be very easy to miss the subtle signs it gives you when something is not quite right. Just as your car’s brakes may squeak when they are wearing thin or the exhaust rattles which tells you it needs fixing, your body gives similar signals when things are amiss: a sore joint, an aching muscle, a stiff neck, a twinge in your lower back, etc. Don’t ignore these signs or use a bandaid solution such as Panadol or Paracetamol which simply masks the symptoms without solving the cause. Your body is complaining for a reason and that reason needs to be addressed correctly so your body does not undergo the suffering again to your detriment.

Invest some time in becoming more aware, nurturing, and listening to your body, and start now before it is too late. You will be thankful in the long run that you made the effort to understand your body and its needs. It is more precious than you may realise – treat your body with the respect it deserves and reap the rewards for doing so.

“Your body is the ground and metaphor of your life, the expression of your existence. It is your Bible, your encyclopedia, your life story. Everything that happens to you is stored and reflected in your body. In the marriage of flesh and spirit divorce is impossible.”

~ Gabrielle Roth ~

Post from: Madam Zebra's Blog

Respect your body