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Editor: Judy Harrison
Asst. Editor: Grace Cavanaugh
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| Volume 2: Autumn
Editors Note: In thinking about the yearly seasons, I have come to realize that these rhythmic cycle are the divine breath of God with its inhalation, exhalation and interludes. And so during this time of the fall equinox, we enter into the interlude between the light of summer and the dark of winter, a time of activity and gathering. As workers of light we have been trained to know that it is during the interlude that magic happens. Yet reading the words of Master DK, a new understanding became clear; "Every worker who reaches the goal of light and wisdom has a field of influence which reaches both inward to the source of light and outward into the "field of darkness" (TWM). And so, in the movement between light and dark it is we, as souls in the world, who are the interlude. Make magic happen! Change yourself - change the world.
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Good News
Changes and Growth at Spirit Fire
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At Spirit Fire
"Open your mind to light; allow it to pour in.
Let light flood the mind so fully that there is no edge to the mind.
When mind is held this wide-open with light, we begin to know that light is its nature.
As we expand into light we expand into liberation; we find illumination."
These words, found in the Bodhichitta Meditation by Donna Mitchell-Moniak, can now be listened to, breathed in and become part of our meditative practice. For this and other meditation CD's go to the Spirit Fire web site. Newly available October 15th!
In the World
A historical initiative to found a national peace academy in the United States has become a reality. Its aim is to make a shift to a culture of peace. To find out more about the National Peace Academy go to www.nationalpeaceacademy.us
Are you looking for a pro-active suggestion to counter all the political emails that are expressing fear, anger and viciously attacking the "other"? Join in the effort that is focusing the power of intention with other meditators from across the country. Breathe in and affirm daily until the election the following message, sharing this with a friend:
May the highest good come from this election for the people and all living beings in the United States and across the whole planet.
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Morning Blessings
By Pat Fiero
One Wednesday morning in late August, my husband and I were at work in our garden, weeding, taking out dead plant material, gathering tomatoes and generally tidying up.
The night before I had begun to read Wendy Johnson's lovely book, Gardening at the Dragon's Gate, just published in March. It is a moving account of her years of gardening just north of San Francisco at the Green Gulch Farm Zen Center. As I read, I marveled at the beauty she observed and described; how important her Zen discipline was, bringing depth to her observation and enhancing the joy she experienced as she worked with the land. As I worked in our garden, I was sad that I did not always bring that sensitivity to my garden. Her writing had sharpened my awareness.
I was working near a large cleome with several blooms. I heard a buzz, then another, then a third. I looked up to see honeybees hard at work on the flowers. As they approached the blossoms, they went into a slow holding pattern. The sound their wings generated changed. As I listened carefully, the buzzing sounded like an OM in C. I began to OM with them. Just then I heard a new OM, very slow and deep. It reminded me of the sound made by the gadget that Crocodile Dundee swings to summon his aboriginal brother in the second Dundee movie. Definitely bass register. I looked around for the source of this lovely noise and discovered a hummingbird about two feet from my left shoulder. I began to realize that these small creatures hold our world in manifestation. A blessing for sure.
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Water Wings Words: A Summer Review
Judy Harrison
Labor Day weekend - a good time to reflect on the experiences of summer. It is with a bit of sadness that I look back and know that it is over for another year. Summer!
A time for being outdoors, a time to break with the typical work pace, longer days, a time to relax, to re-create. This summer had an added quality however, one of play. This word, often associated with children, is about being in the moment. It has the ring of new-ness, joy, and entering-in with an open heart. As I review some of the salient features of this summer, the quality of play was its greatest gift.
Water experiences go hand in hand with summer, and since I reside near the shore they are almost synonymous with summer itself. Early evening boat rides, periodically taken after work, offered a time to balance my day. While the experience of movement, the setting sun, and the smell of salt air have always held a special pleasure; I found myself looking into the water with new eyes. As I peered at its blueness and watched how it seemed to race in reverse past the boat which propelled forward, I observed another phenomenon as I extended my vision. Closer to the horizon there is a point in the sea where the illusion of backward motion changes and the water closest to the horizon moves forward in sync with the boat. How interesting that I had never seen this before! The same body of water appeared to move simultaneously in two directions, when in fact, the only one moving was me. Now, no matter when I look into the water, this is something I see. This has left me with a lesson on holding a wider view.
A nighttime boat ride also afforded me magic and a new way of seeing. The open sea has always offered an opportunity to get lost in stargazing. However, looking into the foam of the water being tossed up from the moving boat at night, I beheld a sight that left me breathless. Lights that mimicked shooting stars jumped past the boat as it sped through the liquid darkness. I was mesmerized. This was created by tiny organisms whose phosphorescent light was activated by the water's movement. Stars above and stars below; I was literally surrounded by a sea of light. This was another lesson in a new way to see.
I spent my vacation week this summer exploring small towns in the farm and hill lands of the western part of the state. One fortuitous discovery was a live butterfly museum. As I entered its large enclosed greenhouse, which was full of plants and garden paths, I was overwhelmed by the surroundings. Thousands of multi-colored butterflies were beating their wings and fluttering about. Tears came to my eyes as I stood still while those beautiful tiny beings lightly brushed against my hair. I felt kissed by nature as their touch lighted my soul. Who would have thought that such lightness of being could penetrate so deeply!
My mind, too, was graced this summer with finds from my library's used book sale. This is an event that I look forward to each season, awaiting to discover what treasure will find its way to me for my summer reading. This year there were two: Anatomy of the Spirit: The Seven Stages of Power and Healing by Caroline Myss and 2012 the Return of Quetzalcoatl by David Pinchbeck. While I am always looking for books that extend my consciousness, I felt that both of these books provided me with teachings important to my soul.
In Caroline's book, she skillfully merges "the metaphysical meaning of the Christian sacraments, the Kabbalah (with its seven levels) and the chakras". While the language of the human energy system is not new to me, and I appreciate the fact that spirit is held within, to grasp that the wisdom of these ancient spiritual traditions converge to weave together body and spirit filled me with an understanding that theirs is One message. Until this reading I had not linked the teaching from these three systems together in quite this way.
Reading 2012 gave me a more complete background in the prophecy of the Mayans and their calendar system. 2012, of course, is the end of the present Mayan calendar system and will require a re-organization in consciousness before one moves into the next age. This can also be said of the coming Aquarian Age. While Pitchbeck's material is a bit disjointed as he shares his own unfolding, his insights regarding crop circles, archetypes and time, to name a few, are quite interesting. I was left with a greater appreciation of how archetypes and the recording of time deeply affect our own psyches and color our worldview.
The last "words" of summer came to me through Barack Obama's acceptance speech at the democratic convention. As he spoke, I reflected upon the fact that if he becomes president his term in office will end in 2012. How radically different a candidate he is; how radically different is this time and what it requires. Spiritually reading this, it is clear that there is no coincidence. His acceptance speech was two days before the Virgo new moon, ushering in its five-day cycle of preparation and energy distribution. The Sabien symbol for this new moon reads: "A five year old child takes a first dancing lesson." And so, in newness Obama steps out, with five indicating a connection to the kingdom of souls, just as four is connected with the human kingdom.
See Touch Listen Know - a rule that I have meditated on, reflected in my summer experience. What a summer it has been!
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Learning Compassion - A Personal Perspective
By Sara Traub
I am a child of survivors of the Holocaust. My family was displaced after WWII, and so Israel was one of the few countries available to them. That's where I was born. The foundation of Israel as a country, from a Jewish perspective, seemed like a good thing at the time. After the horrors experienced during the war, having a place where these ravaged people could land and call home was important. That horrific part of our collective history brought about an unprecedented level of loyalty to the tribe. This is how it works. The tribe helps us feel safe. Security is guaranteed, and in return we simply agree to be loyal and support the tribe in any way that we can. Our allegiance to the tribe is palpable and undisputed. Anyone who steps slightly aside and questions the actions of the tribe is reprimanded, even to the point of being ostracized. This seems to be true not only with those members of the tribe living in Israel, but also Jews all around the world. This demonstrates as an ongoing commitment that Jews worldwide have to Israel. As the Palestinian/Israeli conflict has escalated over the years, I have witnessed an even greater level of loyalty. Sixty years have passed since the state of Israel was born, and since that time there have been many outstanding improvements with respect to lifestyle and the standard of living of Israelis. The issue of security, probably the most important component of living well, has never been resolved. In fact, it can be said that it actually has degenerated over the years.
Security is a fundamental and primal need for all people. What does it take for a person to feel secure? What does it take for a nation to feel secure? I have looked inside myself and have found myself having feelings of embarrassment, and even shame, in how the issue of security is being dealt with in Israel. And yet, I understand why the Israelis feel the need to move in the direction that they have. I have some time ago decided that my allegiance lies with the human family, and not necessarily specific parts of the human family, regardless of my background. It is like choosing to be loyal to an arm as opposed to a leg. I choose all of humanity, for we are all one. Moving from this vantage point, I am horrified about the happenings that are transpiring in the Middle East. Yes, this ignorance is playing out all over the world, but right now my focus is the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Yes, it is complicated, and I am certain that I do not have all the facts, but I look at the continual strangulation of a people and I feel a great sense of despair.
I have always believed that the person who has more opportunity, greater consciousness, etc. is in fact, also more responsible and needs to light the way for the less able. Israel finds itself in that position now. It may not have been so during WWII, but things have changed dramatically. Israel has a responsibility to the Palestinians to help and empower them to live a free life. We have learned that we do unto others that which we would like to have done unto us. The Jewish history is not that distant. Only a short sixty-five years ago there were many Jews, my aunt being one of them, who were herded behind a wall and segregated from everyone and everything else. This was the Warsaw ghetto. The Germans were responsible for us. They decided what came in and what went out. In the end, there was an uprising because those corralled in this prison felt it was better to die fighting than live under such dire circumstances. The similarities are frightening. What has changed is that the suppressed have become the oppressors.
The human, very natural, and logical tendency would be to take sides. Yet, I know that would only create greater separation than what already exists, and so I resist that urge. I support the Israelis in the position of the older brother. Their role is to lead by example and demonstrate their generosity. I know that the only place to stand is midway between these two opposing forces with an open and loving heart. May love, light, and the power of the Creator reveal The Way of compassion to us all.
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VIII Strength
by Grace Cavanaugh
How little understood is the quiet power of strength
It is seen in the mighty oak bending gracefully to the
wind
In mothers in all of nature as they patiently defer to
the demands of the newborn
In the actions of a Gandhi or a Dali Lama refusing to
push back against violence and oppression
Strength is the gentle loving of the pure of heart
Strength is an interesting card, and at first glance one has to wonder about the title. It pictures a young maiden fearlessly prying open the jaw of a lion, as if to expect no resistance from him. On the contrary, the lion seems pleased with the attention. She is dressed in a white gown of purity and is bedecked with garlands; an infinity symbol shines over her head. The maiden and the lion are in an open and unprotected field; they appear to be comfortable and familiar with each other, as if they have been together for some time.
This card could be interpreted as a counterpoint to The Chariot. The Chariot represents will and determination, one's outer strength. He is the warrior, armored and ready for battle. On the other hand, Strength represents a quiet inner-strength, gentleness, and compassion, able to overcome obstacles with an inner fortitude, and trust in the power of the universe. We note again the Tarot's tendency to bring together pairs of opposites, in this instance the masculine and feminine principles. There is always the implied assertion that a balance of these forces is needed as we proceed on the Path.
In the instance of the Strength card, the depiction of the masculine and feminine in the maiden and the lion are obvious. The lion, usually considered as a fierce fighter, King of the Jungle, is seen here gentle and subdued by the pure maiden. Her purity is an inner trait manifested in gentleness, serenity, and stability. This familiar story is depicted over and over again in the famous legend of Beauty and the Beast. This oft repeated story was first written in the eighteen century but has been recast with various scenarios in literature, the theater, and in popular cinema. The basic theme of the legend is that Beauty transforms the Beast with her true love and compassion. The first documented use of the Tarot dates back to the fourteenth century, so we see how common the basic theme of the transforming power of love is, in the cultural history of the world.
Yet another way to view Strength is to realize the growth we receive when we patiently overcome obstacles, when we use suffering to our advantage, knowing that suffering is the only door to the path because suffering offers the tests for our transformation. Each obstacle brings new insights so that we can proceed a little wiser and more experienced. Strength also suggests that we believe in our self, be our own person, and stand up for our convictions. It is Strength who offers passive resistance and engages in marching and picketing. It is not a forceful 'going against', as would the lion, but a quiet and persuading perseverance that is needed, if we are to follow our beliefs.
However, the most interesting approach to this card is to view it in terms of Leo and Virgo. In the astrological lineup of the signs, Virgo follows Leo so they are not polar opposites, but rather complement each other in many ways. Leo is the lion, a masculine sign, fierce, proud and needing to be recognized, while Virgo is the virgin, a feminine sign, humble and wanting to serve others. Leo is a fire sign, initiating, impatient, and self-oriented; Virgo is an earth sign, practical, rigid, and resourceful. Humble Virgo, the Moon, reflects the light of proud Leo, the Sun.
There are many lessons to be drawn from this card; one in particular is the challenge we experience as we struggle to balance our inner soul strength (Virgin) with the outer personality strength (Lion); a struggle that will undoubtedly persist for many lifetimes.
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Mongolian Matters
by A Friend in Mongolia
Mongolia, the land of Shamballa, is a nation in transition. The popular term for a country like Mongolia is to label it as "developing". But, developing into what? These days, that is the question that all Mongolians hold in their hearts and minds. The recent riots in the capital city of Ulaanbaatar, in July 2008, are a testament to the heat of this issue. Stuck in the middle of a rapidly transforming nation, the people of this country are struggling to define and shape a land that has, until recently, changed little in thousands of years.
Mongolia has a proud past, and the people of this great country know their history well. Even if western people know nothing of Mongolia, they most likely have heard of Chinggis Khaan. In the 13th century, the great Khaan and his "hordes" rode out from the steppes to conquer and create the largest empire in known history. They had no great previous achievements, no buildings, no irrigation, and no crops. Their opponents were stunned and ultimately defeated by a nomadic horse culture that lived in felt tents and were herders by trade. Their power derived from their unity, singularity of focus, and purpose.
Now, 800 years later, this nation stands at the crossroads of the old and the new. It is commonly said that Mongolia is two countries: the countryside and the capital city. Mongolia is roughly the size of Alaska and has about 2.5 million citizens. Just under half of them live in Ulaanbaatar. Here, in the city, barely a trace of the nomadic horse culture remains, except when used to attract the western tourist. Tibetan Buddhism, the official religion of Mongolia, is practically non-existent. Everywhere, modern steel and glass office buildings are rising at astonishing rates. The traditional "ger" (felt tent) is rarely seen. The countryside is the remaining holdout. There you will find the ancient Mongolian culture still in practice. However, even that life is rapidly giving way to modernization and western ways of living. This is a typical scene: A car rolls by on a dirt road with the driver listening to American hip-hop music, talking on a cell phone, and dressed in modern western clothing. In the background, a man wearing traditional clothing rides by on a beautiful horse, on the way to his ger, after a long day of shepherding. In a growing number of areas in Mongolia, the countryside is an odd mix of ancient culture and modern western gadgets and influence.
The forces of materialism have arrived in force, eating away at their traditional way of life and leaving a trail of cheap, plastic products in its wake. The people are conflicted. Many are holding strong to their traditional way of life and are very proud of their culture and history. Yet, the western influence is undeniable. On one hand, discretionary income is good. It means that you will not starve, you will have a good roof over your head, and life will not be so difficult. But, discretionary income also raises the question of where to spend your extra money. The western media machine's messages are clear: forget about your traditions, your culture, and replace them with liquor, entertainment, and big cars. The Mongolian people are being flooded by the forces of materialism and, sadly, this is a tale as old as time.
Mongolia is, in a sense, a microcosm of the world today. We live in an era of rapid globalization. The people of the world are aware of each other, and how we endeavor to treat one another is at the forefront of how we will live together for hundreds of years to come. As the Mongolians are pondering what kind of country they want to live in, the people of other developing countries are doing the same. How important is the past? What about culture? How do we develop as nations, as people, without losing or selling ourselves out in the process? At what point does development turn into materialism? What future will we choose and how will we go about creating it?
The lesson of the Mongolians is especially important for people of consciousness today. The collective will of Light and workers in Light on this planet can turn the tide of materialism once and for all. We can seal the door. In these unprecedented times, we can think of countries like Mongolia and ponder deeply the world we are creating for future generations. Will we have the foresight to think globally and consider how our actions, votes, and our own culture effect our brothers and sisters around the world? Can we envision a future that restores human dignity with humility and respect for the planet and all peoples? 800 years ago, the Mongolians flashed forward with a singleness of collective will. While the motives can be questioned, the results cannot. The world was changed by nomadic herders. How much more the forces of Light?
When the work is done, and Light prevails, we are brought back to the beginning, to Mongolia, and entrance into the Gates of Shamballa.
The author currently lives and works in Mongolia and will be contributing to Soundings on a regular basis. |
An Enlightened View
By Donna Mitchell-Moniak
This is a call to light.
The conventions of our nation's two major political parties are now over. Everyone can see clearly what we have for choices. May each person review those choices through the lens of good solid information, realizing that being informed is not a political party like being liberal or conservative. Information is the responsibility of each American voter as a citizen of the world. And may each person use an enlightened view, not only in looking at candidates, their proposed policies, their pet projects or pet peeves, but as part of a larger understanding: these are unprecedented times.
What is an enlightened view?
It is wide.
It sees through astrality and personalization and looks for the truth. Truth is fact without spin.
It is the view from the heart-mind not the solar plexus or guts.
It is logical and never contains rationale.
An enlightened view is wise and inclusive. It does not pander.
Width and scope are the mark of wisdom. Width includes; it also takes longer to talk about or explain. Reductive sound-bites or dismissive statements are rarely words of wisdom. Instead, an enlightened view allows the scope of what is related, inter-dependent, and inter-connected to be seen and discussed. The realization is that no piece is a piece unto itself. Any and all actions or lack of action have cascading effects. And in this day and age, we must view complexity as what we have created, take responsibility for it, and strive to correct and rebalance the complex while paving the way toward a simpler and inclusive future of holism.
Astrality is the reactive feeling nature. It is inherent in everything. Our pets respond to love and kindness. Plants respond to music and care. Water can be structured with words of love or hate. And human beings react in kind to all manner of stimuli, information, interaction, or isolation. But that reaction usually becomes personal and generates the vast majority of all forms of personalization. Personalization leads to investment, preference, status quo, inertia, fear, doubt, and blame. As a result truth is one of the first things compromised. An enlightened view acknowledges that truth IS; not my truth or partial truth or your truth but greater, factual undeniable Truth. For example, the needs of a human being must outweigh the desires of greed. Creativity and the arts produce a clearer thinking creative mind than any educational system devoid of both. Scarcity is a lie; simple redistribution will reveal that. Astrality polarizes. Either/or only works on a checker board.
Heart-mind. This phrase is very trendy. But what does it mean?
We could repeat some of what has already been said of wide understandings and non-personal attitudes as part of a response. Heart-mind is a type of thinking that always puts the welfare of Life first. That does not mean putting life in the womb ahead of the life of the mother or leaving them both on their own after birth. It does not mean that the life of a polar bear as more expendable than the family dog. Livingness and well-being are understood as not just the right of all creatures and every human being but that the well-being of each is dependent on the well-being of ALL. Separatism in any way, shape, or form must be replaced with a larger and therefore more correct and enlightened view of One Life, One Whole, One. This is the understanding that heart-mind offers.
Solar plexus is a chakra. It is associated with many psycho-spiritual qualities, tendencies, and abilities. Chief among them is that it is the chakric repository of personal identity, and therefore personal frames of reference, prejudice, bigotry, jealousy, and personal agendas. The solar plexus also is a motivating principle in people helping one another, giving in charitable ways, nurturing, and caring. But because the chakra is anchored in the sense of personal self, the giving, nurturing, and caring is as well. This is not bad, it's just partial. As a result, truth, agendas, or priorities set or fought for from this partial view can not serve the greater whole; and as preferences and political interests change, that which was established will need to be amended or undone.
An enlightened view is always logical. This is one reason why it is hard to refute. Rationale is a personalization as well as usually some form of excuse for acting in a small-minded way or not taking action for reasons of comfort or complacency.
Lastly, an enlightened view does not pander. It does not applaud what is common nor explain away what is to be appreciated or acknowledged. Pandering is catty, disingenuous, and generally shows a lack of intelligence.
An enlightened view does not excuse ignorance nor use it to its advantage. Ignorance is a tool of the dark side, as is innuendo, gossip, and statements taken out of context.
The national election for president this November is very important, but not merely for political or party reasons. It is important because these are unprecedented times and every decision that we make as a people in this country or any other is a decision of the Now. Let us not be fooled to think otherwise.
This new millennium, new century, and new zodiacal age require that we see things with new eyes, hear things with wider ears, and still want to hear more. These times of change ask each person on this planet, "What is important to you?" "What are you willing to do for the sake of everyone and everything?" "Do you even realize these questions are being asked?"
My friends, there is no aspect of our livingness that is not ripe and ready for change. That change is nothing short of enlightenment and nothing other than allowing kindness and generosity to flow, no longer plugged up or measured out according to what one (or one's country) gets back. We--every person--are the "ones we've been waiting for." The collective awakening of humanity does not happen overnight, but it is happening now, in our time, on our watch, through our decisions. May they be made from an enlightened view.
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Upcoming Programs
Colorado
Meditation
Thurs at Noon with Cherie Peterson
For info contact Cherie 303-674-2646
Esoteric Psychology* - 1 year training
Boulder Colorado November '08
With Donna Mitchell-Moniak, Sara Traub, Joy Om
For info contact Joy 303 449-8664
*You are invited to participate in Spirit Fire's Esoteric Psychology program, a psycho-spiritual course about growing into who we actually are as the Psyche or true Soul. As previous students of this course ourselves, we found that our lives were changed, our perceptions of the world were expanded, and our minds and hearts were opened. During this one year course, you will learn about the personality self - its strengths and weaknesses- and how it seeks to maintain control over life situations. Even though it grows to be more independent and self assured, it eventually awakens to the fact that it is incomplete; ultimately, it is not satisfied. We come to realize that there is more to life, to relationships, to profession, to happiness, and this opens us to the Path of Soul. Its components include:
The Science of energy, the science of the Seven Rays leading to understanding, of empowerment, and wisdom.
Meditation and Embodiment leading to living more consciously. Meditation provides something that truly nothing else can: it trains the mind. An active mind cannot be illumined. A scattered mind cannot be made peaceful. Meditation trains the mind and provides the most effective way for the personality to know the soul.
Esoteric Astrology leading to maximized opportunities in the life. This study shows how specific astrological energies in our lives enhance the personality's purpose and challenge it into growth.
Eastern Massachusetts
The Science of Vibration - Discover the Self
The Center @ Westwood, Westwood Ma Oct. 25-26 9am-6pm
With Donna Mitchell-Moniak & Martha Henry MacDonald
For info contact Donna 413-624-3955
Introduction to Esoteric Healing
The Center @ Westwood, Westwood, Ma Nov 1-2, 15-16 9am-5pm
With Martha Henry MacDonald
For info mhenrymac@yahoo.com
Meditation: New Moon & Full Moon
First Parish Brewster, Brewster Ma 10/1, 10/15, 10/29, 11/12, 11/26, 12/10 @ 7pm
With Judy Harrison
For info contact Judy 508 896-6362
Parenting as a Spiritual Practice
First Parish Brewster, Brewster Ma Saturday Oct 18 10am - noon
With Judy Harrison
For info contact Judy 508 896-6362
Western Massachusetts at Spirit Fire Mediative Retreat Center
Enter the New Year Meditatively
January 2-4, 2009
with Donna Mitchell-Moniak
For info contact Donna or Jennifer at Spirit Fire 413-624-3955
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