Finding Your Light!

Enlightenment

Meditation:

Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either to realize some benefit or for the mind to simply acknowledge its content without becoming identified with that content,[1] or as an end in itself.[2]

The term meditation refers to a broad variety of practices that includes techniques designed to promote relaxation, build internal energy or life force (qi, ki, prana, etc.) and develop compassion,[3] love, patience, generosity and forgiveness. A particularly ambitious form of meditation aims at effortlessly sustained single-pointed concentration[4]meant to enable its practitioner to enjoy an indestructible sense of well-being while engaging in any life activity.

The word meditation carries different meanings in different contexts. Meditation has been practiced since antiquity as a component of numerous religious traditions and beliefs.[5] Meditation often involves an internal effort to self-regulate the mind in some way. Meditation is often used to clear the mind and ease many health concerns, such as high blood pressure,[6] depression, and anxiety. It may be done sitting, or in an active way—for instance, Buddhist monks involve awareness in their day-to-day activities as a form of mind-training. Prayer beads or other ritual objects are commonly used during meditation in order to keep track of or remind the practitioner about some aspect of the training.

Meditation may involve generating an emotional state for the purpose of analyzing that state—such as anger, hatred, etc.—or cultivating a particular mental response to various phenomena, such as compassion.[7] The term "meditation" can refer to the state itself, as well as to practices or techniques employed to cultivate the state.[8]Meditation may also involve repeating a mantra and closing the eyes.[9] The mantra is chosen based on its suitability to the individual meditator. Meditation has a calming effect and directs awareness inward until pure awareness is achieved, described as "being awake inside without being aware of anything except awareness itself."[10] In brief, there are dozens of specific styles of meditation practice, and many different types of activity commonly referred to as meditative practices.

3 quotes on what enlightenment is.

The awareness that emerges through paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally to the unfolding of experience moment to moment (Kabat-Zinn, 2003).

The non-judgmental observation of the ongoing stream of internal and external stimuli as they arise (Baer, 2003).

Keeping one’s complete attention to the experience on a moment to moment basis (Martlett & Kristeller, 1999).


THE CHAKRA'S:

1. Root Chakra - Represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded.

  • Location: Base of spine in tailbone area.
  • Emotional issues: Survival issues such as financial independence, money, and food.
  • More on Root Chakra healing


2. Sacral Chakra - Our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences.

  • Location: Lower abdomen, about 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches in.
  • Emotional issues: Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure, sexuality.
  • More on Sacral Chakra healing


3. Solar Plexus Chakra - Our ability to be confident and in-control of our lives.

  • Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area.
  • Emotional issues: Self-worth, self-confidence, self-esteem.
  • More on Solar Plexus Chakra healing


4. Heart Chakra - Our ability to love.

  • Location: Center of chest just above heart.
  • Emotional issues: Love, joy, inner peace.
  • More on Heart Chakra healing


5. Throat Chakra - Our ability to communicate.

  • Location: Throat.
  • Emotional issues: Communication, self-expression of feelings, the truth.
  • More on Throat Chakra healing


6. Third Eye Chakra - Our ability to focus on and see the big picture.

  • Location: Forehead between the eyes. (Also called the Brow Chakra)
  • Emotional issues: Intuition, imagination, wisdom, ability to think and make decisions.
  • More on Third Eye Chakra healing


7. Crown Chakra - The highest Chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually.

  • Location: The very top of the head.
  • Emotional issues: Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality, pure bliss.
  • More on Crown Chakra healing

SPIRITUAL AWAKENING:

Many people have spiritual or religious experiences at some point in their lives. A person may experience anything from a spiritual epiphany, to a sense of the divine, to a communion with God, Brahman, Nirvana, or the Universe. These experiences vary drastically, and are unique to each individual, though many commonalities do exist. Kundalini is the biological mechanism responsible for all forms of spiritual experience, genius, insanity, evolution, and enlightenment. As a universal phenomenon, the implications of Kundalini affect every sphere of human thought and activity.

10 sings of awakening.

1. Asking Questions about the world around you and the stuff that is taking place in your life.

2. Changes in sleeping patterns to suit your needs and requirements as a growing individual.

3. Stimulated sensations like random bursts of emotion that you didn’t usually feel before, such as crying during movies, feeling compassion and empathy towards those around you, changes in body temperatures, or sudden random urges to go and do something like running, swimming, or climbing a mountain ext.

4. Having great ideas and putting them into action, seeing the depth of the truth, willingness to look beyond the tip of the iceberg, compassion on a bigger scale, and thirst for knowledge.

5. Feeling pressure in different parts of the brain, such as the frontal lobes which is the male logical and thinking part, or the back of the brain which is more connected to the female, intuitive and space of connectedness.

6. The recognition of issues that have been denied, repressed, and avoided in the past and present may surface to be processed, in many cases, this may happen in relationship to someone or something, which offers opportunity for growth for everyone involved in the vibration.

7. Changes in the body like looking younger and stronger, which also goes hand-in-hand with changes in the eating habits and life style. Everything revolves around health.

8. Having personal and peak experiences where one feels at one and in peace with her/his surroundings. Having meaningful dreams and in-depth visions are not uncommon.

9. Craving more and more to break free from traditions, outdated institutional thinking, blind conformity, and useless beliefs that do not serve the greatest good of humankind… taking that craving, and turning it into action.

10. Seeing and comprehending the world in a way with deeper meanings. More and more awareness of synchronicities between the physical world and the feelings, thoughts, and energetic representation of the physical world.

Astrology:

Astrology consists of several pseudoscientific systems of divination[1] based on the premise that there is a relationship between astronomical phenomena and events in the human world. Many cultures have attached importance to astronomical events, and the Indians, Chinese, and Mayans developed elaborate systems for predicting terrestrial events from celestial observations. In the West, astrology most often consists of a system of horoscopes purporting to explain aspects of a person'spersonality and predict future events in their life based on the positions of the sun, moon, and other celestial objects at the time of their birth. The majority of professional astrologers rely on such systems.[2]:83

Throughout most of its history, astrology was considered a scholarly tradition. It was accepted in political and academic contexts, and was connected with other studies, such as astronomy, alchemy, meteorology, and medicine.[3] At the end of the 17th century, new scientific concepts in astronomy and physics (such as heliocentrism andNewtonian mechanics) called astrology into question. Astrology thus lost its academic and theoretical standing, and common belief in astrology has largely declined.[4]Astrology has been rejected by the scientific community as a pseudoscience, having no validity or explanatory power for describing the universe. Among other issues, there is no proposed mechanism of action by which the positions and motions of stars and planets could affect people and events on Earth that does not contradict well understood basic aspects of biology and physics.[5]:249[6] Scientific testing of astrology has found no evidence to support any of the premises or purported effects outlined in astrological traditions. In one study, participating astrologers attempting to match natal charts with profiles generated by a psychological inventory produced results not significantly at variance with random chance.[7]:424

Astrology has been dated to at least the 2nd millennium BCE, with roots in calendrical systems used to predict seasonal shifts and to interpret celestial cycles as signs of divine communications.[8] A form of astrology was practised in the first dynasty of Mesopotamia (1950–1651 BCE). Chinese astrology was elaborated in the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 BCE). Hellenistic astrology after 332 BCE mixed Babylonian astrology with Egyptian Decanic astrology in Alexandria, creating horoscopic astrology.Alexander the Great's conquest of Asia allowed astrology to spread to Ancient Greece and Rome. In Rome, astrology was associated with Chaldean wisdom. After the conquest of Alexandria in the 7th century, astrology was taken up by Islamic scholars, and Hellenistic texts were translated into Arabic and Persian. In the 12th century, Arabic texts were imported to Europe and translated into Latin, helping to initiate the European Renaissance, when major astronomers including Tycho Brahe,Johannes Kepler and Galileo practised as court astrologers. Astrological references appear in literature in the works of poets such as Dante Alighieri and Geoffrey Chaucer, and of playwrights such as Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare.

Astrology chart:

http://alabe.com/freechart/

2015's Horoscope:

Aries: Uranus is in the middle of your sign during 2015. This is a strong symbol of the restlessness and yearning to break free that has plagued you over the recent years. If you are using this energy constructively, you will be working toward a greater cause or the good of those who cannot help themselves. The position of Mars as it transits the zodiac represents you and your drive, for good or ill. Between January 12 and February 17, it is best if you take no aggressive measures, lest they become boomerangs. A new relationship or partnership begins in February. It might instead be a recommitment to an ongoing relationship. The middle of March is likely to be a time that you will do battle and take no prisoners. This energy continues through the first week of April. In mid-April you will be challenged by property, family and work situations. Stress and the need for change begins again in mid-July and one more time in December. During August there will be an improvement in the conditions related to work. It is possible that travel or education for the sake of career is in the offing, if not 2015, then in 2016. In July through early fall someone from the past may resurface in your life for a time. You may feel drawn by nostalgia to investigate, but this is unlikely to be long-lasting.

Taurus: This year presents you with an awareness of financial affairs. It is important to focus on your investments and do long-term planning. You may be called upon to handle someone else's money, which leads you to realize a need to prepare a will and arrange for your later years. It is time to eliminate debt. In February, you will need to focus on your inner work and come to peace with yourself about an old resentment. If you do not do this, then in March you may find yourself suddenly ready for war. The end of March brings expansion via travel or education. Legal matters go in your favor. In July through September you may take a romantic step into the past to revisit unresolved matters. At that time your creativity seems to go underground, but it will reappear in latter September. In mid to late September you begin a fresh relationship. It may be romantic, but it also might be a fresh start on a relationship from long ago. October brings surprises, most of which you will consider favorable. That may be a time to travel as well. Take special care of your health in November. The month of December is favorable for relationships.

Gemini: This year it's time to think seriously about your partner(s) and other very close relationships in your life. Those of you in a bad relationship will be verging upon letting that one go. If you want to remain in your partnership it requires finding a new, fresher reason to remain together. Close friends fit into this category as well. So those who are not good for you need to move on. Those who genuinely care about you will become your teachers for the next couple of years. The year begins with your ruling planet Mercury, in retrograde motion. You likely will be rethinking your next moves. That which seemed favorable in December is on pause while you think about the possible fallout if you take this step. You will be less likely to make decisions during this period, yet you are pondering serious matters. In mid-March you will learn the truth about a previously held illusion. In early April you may be provoked to battle the powers that be, but the probability is that they won't budge. During May-June, Mercury is in your sign with another retrograde cycle. The probability is high that you will change directions from that which was on your mind in April. It will be a good time to think about yourself and tend to your health. July brings another time of struggling with the powers in your life. Things around you will lighten up in August. Any time before August 27 would be good for a vacation. During September-October Mercury will be retrograding in the territory related to lovers and children (no matter how old they are). You and/or your children will be rethinking your paths again. Former lovers may return or you may back out of a current lover relationship. November and the Thanksgiving holiday will be quiet and subdued. In December you will want to take control of those around you. That may not be appreciated, but you can try.

Cancer: Much of your focus this year is to continue sorting and organizing your property. Follow the instinct to give away or otherwise dispose of whatever you do not need. You want to eliminate whatever feels like clutter, whether it is stuff or anything outdated, such as clothing. The eclipse seasons tend to create drama. Watch the months of March and April which may bring drama centered around your partner(s), especially near April 4. Then again in September, particularly near the 28th. In July there is likely to be an upset pertaining to your life direction. You and another will have to resolve a dilemma or two. From June 24 through August 8 you will be involved in heavy exercise or in a project that requires the use of your large muscles. Mid-May and early July are favorable times for travel. January through August is overall favorable in the financial department of life. On or near July 25 it is important to give especially good attention to your body and drive like a little old lady. Your reflexes are in a low at that time. In early October you may be choosing to move or make significant changes in your home and property. You may have a challenge with authorities in December. They have the upper hand.

Leo: The first half of 2015 you will probably be thinking seriously about love life, children, and creativity. You don't want to be frivolous in love or art. You want something meaningful to develop. Many will take their creativity seriously for the first time. In the first six months, Jupiter will be continuing to travel in your sign. People often experience positive changes with Jupiter in this position. In July and September, Venus, the goddess of love goes retrograde in your sign. This transit often represents returning to a former relationship to check it out one more time. People from the past may show up from nowhere and want to reconnect. You may be the one who initiates the search for those in your former history. Watch your behavior in the relationship because you will be tempted to live out old patterns that are not good for you. There are certain times during the year in which you will be caught up in the Uranus/Pluto square. Sometimes you are a victim of the powers and other times you over-react as a power. Early January brings a time in which you could be a control freak (unless you watch it). Early April is a time in which you will be on the rebellious side and in support of what seems just to you. During July and October you may perceive yourself as a victim of the powers that be. It is hard to keep one's balance during these Uranus/Pluto squares.

Virgo: Over the next two to three years, you will be pressed to repair and/or replace property. Whatever you own that is aging will begin to show its cracks. You may also need to focus on elderly family members. You are likely to want to downsize and eliminate whatever is excess around your home. As the year begins, your ruling planet, Mercury, will go through a two month retrograde cycle. You will need to realign your health habits. Aside from health, there may be things related to your work that need to be done again. It could seem as though it is hard to get off the ground in the year's beginning, but that will not last forever. The next Mercury retrograde criss-crosses your career house, setting up changes in that area. Ultimately you will probably wind up exactly where you started. The third Mercury retrograde occurs in September-October in the territory of finances and resources. At that time you may discover previously made errors in business or in your checkbook that must be corrected. Avoid making major purchases at that time because you may not have enough information to make good choices. On September 27 through November 12, Mars will also be in your sign to add sparks and energy to everything. Jupiter moves into your sign in August for the next 12 months. Jupiter usually brings a favorable attitude change about almost anything. It often comes with increased travel and more experiences of a ceremonial nature. It definitely favors education and teaching. It may bring a happy surprise in October. This will be a year for the new and different.

Libra: During this year you will be pressed to learn efficiency in your communications. Whether written or oral, the need to be concise and organized with your language is emphasized. It is also time to become aware of opinionated attitudes. Learn to recognize them and put on the brakes. What you think is right may not be so. Circumstances related to roommates or siblings may require attention. In February-March, whatever difficulties are in your relationships will show themselves. Dialogue is necessary. Whatever is not resolved will resurface again in May and again in November. Others may challenge you for reasons of their own. It is easy for others to project their attitudes onto the peaceful Libran and then want to fight you about it. It may seem as though you are going backward, repeating old patterns, or revisiting old relationships between early July through early October. This is particularly noticeable in September. People from the past will resurface during this period. It's possible that people who remind you of old history will provoke you. Observe the similarity and don't react as before. Let it just go by. Mercury will be retrograde in your sign during September and October. This causes you to rethink your plans and perhaps set them aside for a time. You may not have all the information you need, so waiting is favorable. The dramas of those around you take over your time during November. December is far more peaceful and playful.

Scorpio: The long darkness that has cast a background pallor over your life is coming to an end this year. You will feel generally better through June. It is possible the summer will remind you of that pallor, but even that will lift in September. It will be important to focus attention on income now and for the next two years. Eliminate wasteful spending. In mid-February, you may start a new job that requires the use of your muscles. At the same time there are signs of a new relationship or partnership beginning in February. It might instead be a recommitment to an ongoing relationship. Use special caution physically in March because you are subject to accident. In May and mid-July, you may attract one who wants to harm you in some way. Step aside from the darker types in the world. Scorpio can attract them. Leave those people alone. Take care with your mouth during the summer. You may pop off one too many times or in the wrong places. In August you may develop a new circle of friends, who will be a new joy in your life for many months and maybe longer. During the fall you will be experimenting with the development of a new relationship. Watch your temper in the early part of December. Make an effort to deal with relationship situations in a new way.

Sagittarius: For the first six months of 2015 you will have a taste of Saturn as it moves into your sign. In June it will backtrack away and then move back to Sagittarius in September for the next two years. Saturn represents the taskmaster, the teacher, the one that promotes self-discipline and search for status in the world. When it first moves into a sign it sometimes suggests isolation or leaving one's comfortable situation. People who have Saturn in their sign often feel alone, even if that is not exactly true. It is more often a sense of being solitary, although it can manifest in a literal way at times. During this year as Saturn crosses the territory into Sagittarius, Neptune is hanging at the bottom of your chart. This often brings the illusion of being alone, or not belonging anywhere at all. One or more family members may drift off into the ethers, but you are truly grounded with Saturn as your partner, and unlikely to meander into outer space. While Mercury is retrograde in your partner's house during September-October, your partner may be dilly-dallying and unable to make a decision. But you, with Saturn in your sign, will be more stable than you have known for a very long time. Between January and July you likely will be setting up the foundation for a career in the future. Perhaps you are going to school or growing your knowledge in other ways. From August forward through the next year, there is emphasis on your career or life direction. You will want to expand this territory and likely will be given opportunities to try.

Capricorn: Your ruling planet is Saturn which is changing signs this year. You may have noticed that your life tends to make a big shift roughly every two to three years and here we are. Saturn moved into Sagittarius in mid-December and will remain there until June. You are likely fantasizing a sabbatical and you actually need one. You must ease up on your self-expectations or your health may suffer. Make it a point to get extra rest, extra vitamins, and whatever else you know is good for your body. The ongoing Uranus/Pluto squares are taking a toll because Pluto is presently residing in Capricorn. You have challenges from every front and this has gone on since 2010. You have done your best to control the situations around you. There is one more exact square in mid-March. After that the punches are not as hard, but they will keep coming. Prepare your body as best you can. The first half of the year business is slow, particularly so if it depends upon internet resources. There will be challenges in March, mid-July, November, and again in December. From August forward Jupiter favors you with positive aspects related to travel, internet, education, and/or publication.

Aquarius: You will get a preview of the next three years during the first six months of 2015 and again in the last four months and beyond. Your role in life is shifting as Saturn, your ruling planet, moves into Sagittarius. In the big picture you may be asked to lead community projects. You may see yourself taking on the role of teacher, and maybe even as a step-parent. January and February are challenged by a Mercury retrograde in your sign. Don't force yourself to a decision during that period. Avoid contracts, but if you sign, make sure you know exactly what you are promising. Avoid any type of manipulative actions within a relationship. Jupiter, a bountiful planet, remains in your 7th house of marriage and partnerships until August. This began last summer and suggests a year of improvement in these relationships. From August forward, Jupiter will be in the territory that includes other people's resources. That might be partner's income, insurance or debt payoffs, inheritance, gifts, public money (SS or disability). If you need a favor, ask between August 2015 and July 2016. The year comes in like a lion but goes out much more like a kitten.

Pisces: Many Pisceans are experiencing an otherworldly sense in their consciousness. Neptune, your ruling planet who was god of the sea, is in your sign for many years. This year those most affected were born between February 23rd and March 1. The energy is surreal, causing you to feel ungrounded at times. Intuitive impressions may occasionally interrupt your concentration. Exercise is the antidote, though that is probably the last thing you want to do during this period. The end of March into June is a favorable time for travel or a vacation. Another time is during the month of October. Saturn is crossing the top of your chart, suggesting that you will be given more responsibility. Alternately, if you are tired of your life direction, you may decide to chuck the routine in order to take on another project. Authority figures are likely to be challenging in November. Stay under the radar if possible. You will be focused on work through August. After that you may become interested in a potential partner. More people will be in your life between Aug. 2015 and July 2016. Beware of emotional vampires. That is always a problem for Pisces. Your attention is riveted on your work as the year begins.

The four Elements and the Signs

A Brief Introduction to Astrology

The fact that the astrological signs are associated with certain astronomical constellations has led to much confusion amongst astrologers and non-astrologers. Basically, our zodiac and the signs are no more than a circular measure, a 360-degree scale. Each of the twelve sections of this circular measure has certain characteristics, based on qualities associated with the elements. 

Tradition sees the entire universe as consisting of the elements fire, air, water and earth. When we apply this system to personalities, the elements represent certain basic traits and give a certain “temperament”. This varies according to the emphasis of the elements in the horoscope. Any placement of planets or personal points in a sign constitutes an emphasis. (see also “The House System”) 

The four elements can be regarded as four basic principles of life. These can be applied to all sorts of things through the principles of similarity and analogy. C.G. Jung has opened the door to a modern understanding of these categories by developing a system of types, in which the elements correspond to four basic functions of the psyche. The emphasis or non-emphasis of the elements in the individual horoscope reveals fundamental aspects of the personality. 

Fire 

People with a strong emphasis of the fire element are spontaneous and impulsive, they apply their energies wholeheartedly. Their emotional response is quick and they have a lively imagination. 

Fire signs: Aries, Leo and Sagittarius


Air 

Airy people are quick and animated. They apply their energies in very diverse ways. They tend to intellectualize their feelings and expectations. 

Air signs: Libra, Aquarius, Gemini


Water 

People with a strongly emphasized water element are feeling types and are very sensitive. Their imaginative and emotional lives are deep and rich. 

Water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces


Earth 

Earthy people react quietly and slowly. They apply themselves with endurance. Emotionally they are deeply rooted and slow to change. 

Earth signs: Capricorn, Taurus, Virgo 

Western traditional sources also take into account a fifth element, the 'quinta essentia'. This very simply describes the soul or the spiritual being of a person. It stands apart from the other four elements and is not depicted in the horoscope. This is why it is frequently overlooked. It takes us beyond the doctrine of the four elements and their application in the field of astrology. It hints at the freedom of man and reminds us of the great mystery of the eternal.  

Elementary states or Qualities  

Each of the four elements occurs in three states or qualities, respectively named the cardinal, fixed and mutable or common states. We can consider the physical properties of water as an analogy: Here too, chemical elements can occur in various states. Water, for example, is liquid in its usual, real state. Seen astrologically this would be the cardinal state. When frozen it takes on a solid form, astrologically this would correspond with the fixed state. When heated, it becomes vaporous steam - comparable to the mutable state in astrology. In the individual horoscope, the placement of planets in cardinal, fixed or mutable signs also reveals basic traits of the personality. 



Cardinal 

People with an emphasis on cardinal signs have an urge to take the lead and to shape things. They are initiators and act according to their aims and goals. 

Cardinal signs: Aries, Libra, Cancer, Capricorn



Fixed 

People with an emphasis on the fixed signs have a desire to build on what is already there and to organize it more efficiently. They tend to preserve a "status quo" and act in response to given circumstances. 

Fixed signs: Leo, Aquarius, Scorpio, Taurus



Mutable 

People with an emphasis on the mutable or common signs tend to seek change and renewal. They can easily replace one thing with another and align their actions with unfolding processes. 

Mutable signs: Sagitarius, Gemini, Pisces, Virgo