Changing The Weather.

 

According to the science of Yoga it is said that the weather of an area can be affected by the emotional stability of the people experiencing it.  When the days are warm and sunny, when the breeze is comfortable and pleasant, when the sounds of trickling waters can be heard among the song of singing birds the emotional effect on the people in that area is positive and high.  People tend to shine when the days are bright and warm.  However if the weather is gloomy and dark, when the rains come and the nights are cold, when the winds blow more than a comfortable breath and become intolerable,  the moods of the people are obvious and reflect the weather.  People withdraw, become pensive, and are rather anti social.

In the Meditative practice of Taoist Yoga it is said that those who are able and willing to keep their emotions high and stay alert in a positive frame of mind can effect the physical weather of the area that they dwell.  When the rains come and the winds howl it is said that a group of Yogi can stand atop the highest peak and through their combined joyous natures change the weather.  The practice of the Breath and an open Heart will stave off the storm.  The weather will reflect the joy that they exude from their presences atop the mountain.  

The Three gathered for a Sacred evening.  The weather was beginning with the rain and the cool of a brisk wind.  The Three still gathered, stoked up a fire, and maintained their joyous nature.  The rain stopped, and began again, then stopped.  The Three did not change their thoughts nor the reason for gathering.  The joy was contagious.  The Wakaninyan, "Thunder beings" are said to be super intelligent beings and enjoy the joy of an open heart.  The Three being Heyoka, are the Children of the Thunder Beings, and radiated the joyous message to the sky, Skan Sken,  The rain stopped and the wind became comfortable.  Later in the evening a far off Heat Lightening show could be seen, and the electricity could be felt.  The Three gave thanks.

In the practices of Yoga, Taoist Yoga, and Shamanism, it is said that a joyous man can hold off and change the weather.  When a group gathers for a similar purpose energies of the heavens will wait and celebrate with them.  

Peace and Balance,

John

What Is The Shaman?

 

For thousands of years various cultures and societies world wide have had that one individual who would separate themselves from the majority in order to best serve.  These people are given a title, a name with which the rest can identify the individual as a spiritual leader, healer, or intermediary who can interact with the spirit world either through an altered state of consciousness or direct communication in order to address the needs of the community.  These people are the worlds Shaman. 

Regardless of the culture or linguistic group there are several key elements that are common for Shaman world wide.   First the word shaman itself comes from the indigenous peoples of Siberia it is now associated with different cultures of the world including, South America, Africa, Asia, and North America. Over time these practices have woven themselves into the local customs and beliefs creating a rich tapestry of shamanic traditions.  Some of these elements are:

1. The existence of the Shaman, the central figure in shamanistic practices who is considered the guide, healer, or spiritual leader with the ability to communicate with spirits, ancestors, animals, or other supernatural entities acting as a bridge between the physical and spiritual world. 

2. The ability to enter an altered state of consciousness.  Using various techniques the shaman alters his/her consciousness in order to travel the spirit world to receive guidance, healing, or knowledge.  

3. Shamanism is generally considered a nature based practice.  Believing that all beings are connected through nature.  All beings posses spirit energies that can be connected with and honored as a source of wisdom and power.

4. One of the primary roles of the shaman is as a healer.  To heal individuals and communities of physical, emotional, or spiritual elements by using various techniques such as herbal medicine, energy work, and soul retrieval in order to restore balance and well-being. 

5. Shaman use the assistance of spirit guides and allies in the form of power animals, ancestors, or spiritual beings to assist them on their journeys and provide wisdom and protection. 

6. Most shamanistic practices include ceremonies and rituals that help connect the community with the healing.  Each society and culture will have it's own ceremony or ritualistic practices. 

7. Shamanistic practices are deeply connected in communal and community life and shamans play a crucial role in maintaining social cohesion and resolving conflict by maintaining ancestral connection for seeking wisdom and guidance. 

It is important to note that Shamanism varies greatly across different cultures, regions, and the beliefs practiced in each. While the word shamanism is originally from the indigenous people of Siberia it is now a culturally accepted term used world wide to describe these traditions and beliefs with many of the same goals and practices that bind us all together.

Peace and Balance,

John      

The Three, Gossip, And A Fly Bye.

 

The Three met last night to discuss important things that needed discussing.  Things like the weather, flooding, other people, rumors, gossip, the state of affairs, and why Trump should be incarcerated.  You know important things.  Not to spread further gossip, but to add a sprinkle of healing into the mix so folks can get beyond the rumor mill and look forward.

When the Three get together strange things happen.  Suddenly birds in the area begin to talk back and forth.  They answer questions, and sometimes seem either amused or slightly irritated.  Birds are like that.  They can be fickle creatures.  

The neighborhood dogs would begin barking in unison, and squirrels bounding from tree to tree antagonized the dogs as they chuckled at the Three.  In jest I often refer to squirrels as angry creatures, but the opposite is actually true.  Squirrels are mischievous little buggers with a serious sense of humor.   Two times, at least, in history have squirrels influenced the development of mankind with a practical joke.  The first was the acorn tossed at Gautama as he sat under the Bodhi tree just before attaining his ultimate enlightenment. Being beaned in the head by a well tossed acorn can do wonders.  The second was when Sir Isaac sat under a tree and was bopped on top of the head by a well aimed apple.  No one ever speaks of the squirrel atop the tree, little bugger.  An applied lesson in Gravity. 

Clouds took positions and layers in the sky that can not be replicated by any artistic practice of man.  If tried onlookers will not believe that the painting was a real event.  

Stories shared by the Three, embellishment an art, promoted the spiritual growth of listeners and receivers of mystical things.  Just as the night's end began to take shape and gazing at the evening sky was the thing to do, an object was seen flying high over head reflecting white in the last sun.  The object moving slow and silent, but left no trace nor could it be heard.  So bright was the sky rider that no real shape could be discerned.  It flew into the Northeast to take an abrupt right angle turn to the North and disappeared in the cloud. 

No guiding lights, no running lights, no markers what so ever, just the bright light, then gone.   A sleepless night, a busy night, leaving wonder in it's wake.  

Peace and Balance,

John